Topic: East Asia

In Philippines election, a tale of courage behind the Aquino success

Nations export people. Here's why they shouldn't.

The US and other rich countries fund "death control" in many developing nations - efforts to reduce mortality from disease. It's time for them to fund birth control.

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles: Getting the flavor of the place

Feast your way to a new understanding of Los Angeles' Little Tokyo.

Tibet tour: Go to the heart of its Buddhist sacred art in a new Washington exhibition

'In the Realm of the Buddha' offers a rare glimpse into Tibet's sacred art and reveals a history largely lost.

Native plants give way to European and Asian 'invaders'

The American landscape is becoming less American as plants from Europe and Asia invade open spaces, crowding out native species and lessening the nation's biological diversity.

Russia Furious Over Adopted Boy Sent Back From US

The country threatened to suspend adoptions by U.S. families after the seven-year-old was sent back to Moscow on a one-way flight.

India, China set up hotline to ease border dispute

India, China ended four days of high-level talks in Beijing on Thursday with an agreement to set up a hotline between prime ministers, to better avoid flare-ups over a longstanding border dispute.

How 'the Orient' moved eastward

A performance of 'Scheherazade' reminds the Monitor's language columnist just how fluid Western concepts of 'the exotic East' really are.

Beirut, Lebanon, where former NBA basketball players fulfill hoop dreams

Former NBA basketball players are finding new fame in Beirut, Lebanon, where a ban on attending soccer matches, for fear of clashes, has boosted the American sport's popularity.

India adds world's hottest chili pepper to its anti-terrorism arsenal

India's newest biological weapon, the world's hottest chili pepper, or bhut jolokia, is 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce, and just a touch on the tongue burns, as our correspondent found. India’s Army plans to use the chili in tear gas.

As Rio Tinto trial ends, Australian firms eye China with caution

The Rio Tinto trial of four executives from the Australian mining giant on charges of bribery and espionage will have a 'lingering effect on the quality' of relations between Australia and China, analysts say.

Scientists say dogs were domesticated in Middle East, not Asia

New study shows domesticated dogs trace ancestry to Middle East.

North Korea to release 'thankful' US missionary

North Korea has said it will release US missionary Robert Park, who crossed into North Korea on Christmas Eve bearing a message of 'peace and goodwill' for Kim Jong-il. North Korean officials said the young American had retracted his views of the North as a repressive place.

US economy needs a second stimulus

The last stimulus package didn’t take into account the fiscal problems the recession would create for state and local governments.

Obama's foreign policy: what era is it anyway?

From the "global war on terror" to the "long war" to the "overseas contingency operation," no one can decide what to call the current approach to US foreign policy.

Taiwan curbs US beef imports in latest Asia trade frictions

Health concerns and angry protests have prompted partial bans on US beef imports in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea – most recently by Taipei on Tuesday. The recurring dispute has strained relations.

Opinion: US-Pakistan partnership: Make it work for both sides

US relations with Pakistan are key to success in Afghanistan. Here’s how to bolster them.

Text of Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech

Written speech delivered by President Barack Obama when accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Thursday.

Is Hiroshima memorial a fair legacy for Harry Truman?

In Potsdam, Germany, debate rises over a memorial that marks President Harry Truman's 1945 decision to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.

Climate change: Are women the solution?

A new UN report says that women are the key to helping countries prepare for climate change and mitigating the damage.

Obama in Korea: warmer welcome than in China, Japan?

Obama is expected to receive a warm welcome in South Korea, where top issues on agenda are North Korea talks and a free trade agreement.

The Monitor's View: On his trip, will Obama reset the Asian order?

Bids by Japan and China for regional influence are reminders of the reason for US preeminence.

China leading world in economic recovery

Buoyed by last year’s massive stimulus package, China’s economy will grow enough this year to offset three-quarters of the decline in the US, Eurozone, and Japan, a new World Bank report predicts.

The Monitor's View: Is this Japan's turn for revolution?

Sunday's election may directly turn out the ruling party for the first time and bring in a party less servile to the US. Both events should be welcomed.