Topic: Asia-Pacific Politics
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
-
3 priorities for Pakistan's new government
After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
-
China's growing military might: top 4 concerns for the Pentagon
In a report issued this week, the Department of Defense for the first time directly accused China’s military of using cyberattacks to spy on US networks. In this arena and others, “China’s military buildup shows no signs of slowing,” said David Helvey, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for East Asia, who presented the report.Here are Pentagon officials’ top four concerns as they carefully monitor the growth of China’s military.
-
Top 5 bull markets since 1929
The bull market that started in 2009 is currently the fifth most spectacular rise in stock prices since at least 1929. Can you guess which bull markets have been even more impressive?
-
Pakistan elections: Who's running?
This election will mark the first transfer of power from one government to another without any military interference. Here is a look at the main candidates for prime minister.
-
2013 Pulitzer Prize winners: 4 excellent books
Months before the Pulitzer Prize committee got there, the Monitor's book critics had already let readers know that these four books were something special. Here's why.
All Content
-
Decoder Wire Jon Stewart channels Dr. Seuss to mock Obama's 'red line' on Syria
Jon Stewart joins a chorus of critics poking fun at President Obama's shifting red line on Syria. But polls signal that most Americans oppose US involvement in Syria – or aren't following the issue.
-
All eyes on Kim Jong-un after North Korea gives 15 years' hard labor to US citizen
North Korea says US citizen Kenneth Bae was conspiring to overthrow the regime. But analysts say the North is likely to use him as a new bargaining chip.
-
Decoder Wire North Korea almost done building new reactor. Is that a big deal? (+video)
While all things in North Korea are cloaked in secrecy, it appears that this new reactor could produce material for nuclear weapons – potentially expanding North Korea's small stockpile.
-
Family of blind activist Chen Guangcheng 'tormented' in China
Prison authorities have refused a medical request for the jailed nephew of the prominent human rights activist, highlighting a pattern of persecution of activists' relatives.
-
North Korea: American sentenced to hard labor
After being detained for six months, American Kenneth Bae (also known as Pae Jun Ho), a tour operator, was sentenced for plotting to overthrow the North Korean government. Details of his crimes have not been released.
-
As world dials back death penalty, Japan heads in opposite direction
Two gangsters were hanged in Japan last week. More executions are likely under new Prime Minister Abe, who has expressed strong support for the death penalty – and says the public backs him.
-
Rock the vote? Pakistan's politicians court a younger crowd.
As a crucial vote for Pakistan's new civilian government looms, candidates are trying to sway a sizable and politically active generation – but one whose sentiments are unclear.
-
Global News Blog As South Korea and US end military drills, how will North Korea react?
Many Korea watchers speculated that once joint military drills ended, so would increased tensions with North Korea. But at least one analyst says this might be the moment the North lashes out again.
-
Reader recommendation: Escape from Camp 14
Monitor readers share their favorite book picks.
-
Japan and Russia want to finally end World War II, agree it is 'abnormal' not to
Today's summit between Shinzo Abe and Vladimir Putin comes at an opportune moment but may founder on the old problem of the Kuril Islands, which Japan still wants back.
-
Terrorism & Security Will pre-election violence impact Pakistan's elections?
At least eight people were killed and 40 more injured in a suicide bombing this morning in northwest Pakistan. The country has seen scores killed in pre-election violence.
-
Bangladesh united in grief over a failed rescue from collapsed factory
Many hundreds have been rescued so far. But a fire broke out today amid the rubble of the collapsed building, ending hopes of saving a known survivor named Shahina Akhter.
-
Militants try to shape Pakistani election with bombs
The wave of political violence has killed at least 60 people in recent weeks, and many of the attacks have been directed at candidates from secular parties opposed to the Taliban.
-
Caught at border: Bangladesh factory owner arrested
Mohammed Sohel Rana was arrested just as he was about to flee into India. So far, 377 people are confirmed to have died in the collapse of his illegally-constructed building.
-
Backchannels As Indonesia gears up for election, fears of corruption soar
Indonesia has set itself up nicely for fair presidential elections next year, but corruption and party oligarchs threaten the its future.
-
Is Japan's Shinzo Abe finally acting on his true nationalist colors?
Japan's prime minister appears to be stepping up his campaign to reinterpret Japan's wartime history, aggravating China and South Korea at a time when the region should be uniting to deal with North Korea.
-
Top US general foresees 'prolonged provocation' by North Korea
Belligerence by North Korea, coinciding with Kim Jong-un's ascent as leader, is likely to continue for a 'prolonged' period, Gen. Martin Dempsey said Wednesday after a trip to China. He believes China's military to be as 'concerned' as the US about North Korea's actions.
-
Global News Blog Mystery clouds deadly clash in western China with 'suspected terrorists'
Some say that Beijing deliberately exaggerates the terrorist threat in order to justify the iron grip it keeps on the Muslim majority province of Xinjiang in western China.
-
Global News Blog Bill Gates sets South Korea abuzz with 'rude' one-handed shake
Bill Gates triggered a media uproar with a 'disrespectful' one-handed shake upon meeting the new South Korean president. What should Bill Gates have done?
-
China tests its borders again, this time in the mountains
India is alleging a Chinese border incursion in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, putting diplomatic pressure on an otherwise warming relationship between the two Asian giants.
-
US general aims to ease China's concerns over Obama 'pivot' to Asia
China is deeply suspicious of US intent in its 'pivot' to Asia, and US Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Beijing this week to try to reassure China's military – and its people.
-
Global News Blog China sends largest fleet yet to disputed islands
China sent a fleet of patrol ships today to the sea area it disputes with Japan, following a controversial visit by Japanese officials to a war shrine. The latest moves are seen as a setback for a diplomatic resolution.
-
China harasses family of Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo
Chinese officials routinely pressure family members of political activists and government critics to get them to fall in line.
-
Pakistan's Musharraf slips treason charges, but is held incommunicado
Pakistan's caretaker government has refused to bring treason charges against the detained former military leader, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, saying it was beyond its mandate.
-
In US-China talks on cyber conflict, a top Chinese general owns to dangers
At a press briefing in Beijing with Martin Dempsey, chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Fang Fenghui offered some agreement on the damage of cyberattacks, a 'friction point' in US-China relations.
Previous
Become part of the Monitor community