Asia Pacific

All Asia Pacific

China stays cool as new US defense strategy targets Asia

Some Chinese scholars worry that the new US defense strategy could promote strategic competition in the long term. The most likely theater for crisis? The South China Sea.
Conflicting signals on reform in Burma (Myanmar)

Aung San Suu Kyi is cautiously optimistic about the future of Burma (Myanmar) as the government approved her party to run in upcoming by-elections.
EU's Iran oil ban: Will China help Tehran?

While China may not like the EU move toward an Iran oil ban, it may not rush to help Iran by buying more of its oil, say analysts.
New Zealand's violent gangs try to clean up their act

Home to some breathtaking landscape, New Zealand is also host to violent gangs. But some groups are now trying to re-brand themselves and set a possible example worldwide.
North Korea drama: Where are Kim Jong-un's brothers?

Conspicuously absent from all images coming out of North Korea are Kim Jong-il's two other sons.
After Kim Jong-il funeral: collapse or continuity for North Korea?

As North Korea mourns during Kim Jong-il's funeral, South Koreans are reminded of the dangers of their unstable and poor sibling nation.
Just how isolated is North Korea? 6 facts to consider

North Korea's outlook has earned it the title of the 'hermit kingdom.' The country is both cut off from the wider world and intensely focused on its neighbors.
On North Korea's border: foreboding about what's next

South Koreans wonder if North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong-un, might cause more trouble abroad to divert attention from political instability at home.
South Korea peace seekers meet new leader of the North

A delegation led by two South Korean widows, both linked to the failed Sunshine policy of North-South reconciliation, met with North Korea's Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang Monday.
China makes record purchase as eurozone puts assets up for sale

China's $3.5 billion investment in Portugal power producer is its largest yet in Europe, and signals willingness to buy assets even as it balks at purchasing bonds from indebted eurozone countries.
North Korea uses Kim Jong-il funeral to send olive branch and warning to South

North Korea welcomed plans for two private 'condolence delegations' from South Korea to Kim Jong-il's funeral, but condemned the South's refusal to send official delegation and warned darkly of consequences.
Kim Jong-un's ascension offers window to ease North-South tensions

Kim Jong-un is preparing to take charge in North Korea, giving the Koreas a moment to ratchet down tensions. For South Korea, interest in stability runs high.
Christmas craze fills Chinese malls, if not its churches

Christmas commerce – and karaoke – are proving highly popular in China.
South Korea in furor over intelligence vacuum on Kim Jong-il's death

Getting information out of North Korea is notoriously difficult, but many say South Korea's intelligence service has been embarrassed by playing catch-up on Kim Jong-il's death.
Sympathy? Condolences? South Korea weighs response to Kim Jong-il's death.

Kim Jong-il vowed to turn Seoul into a 'sea of flames.' Not surprisingly, expressions of condolences on his death have been a subject of debate in South Korea.
Kim Jong-il's death brings end to era of cruelty, mystery

'Dear Leader' Kim Jong-il's death ends 17 years of leadership defined by oppression, bizarre stories of grandeur, and tensions with the West over its nuclear program.
Kim Jong-il's death: 4 questions about 'dear successor' Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong-un, the third son of North Korea’s 'Dear Leader' Kim Jong-il, appears well on his way to succeeding his father, but he remains an 'untested quantity.' What do we know about him?
North Korea quickly names 'great successor' after Kim Jong-il's death

North Korea is unlikely to act erratically following the death of Kim Jong-il. All eyes are on heir Kim Jong-un, whose youth and inexperience mean elder statesmen are likely to guide the transition.
Kim Jong-il dies: Will his son replace him as leader of North Korea?

Kim Jong-il, the enigmatic leader of North Korea, died Saturday, state media reproterd. Kim Jong-il ruled North Korea for 17 years, and is expected to be replaced by his son, Kim Jong-un
Indonesia targets crumbling roads to boost economy

Collapse of Indonesia's 'Golden Gate' bridge highlights inadequate roads that hold back the Indonesian economy, at a time when other Asian economies are prospering.