October 2008

Gem Traders to Fight US Ban on Burmese StonesAudio

Updated 31/10/2008 20:35:18

The world's gemstone traders have decided to fight back against a new US law banning the sale of Burmese rubies and sapphires.

Indonesia passes anti-porn billAudio

Updated 31/10/2008 20:35:18

To other news now and a hotly debated anti-pornography law finally passed in Indonesia even though the government remains divided.

NKOREA: Continuing absence of Kim Jong-il seen as significant developmAudio

Updated 31/10/2008 20:35:18

There's further speculation about the health of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il after he failed to attend a funeral of a senior member of the Communist state. The 66-year old Kim is thought to have suffered a stroke in August.

Falling metal prices hurt scavengersAudio

Updated 31/10/2008 20:35:18

To commodities, and scrap metal dealers across Asia are feeling the pain of the plummeting price of metals. Scrap metal is often collected by some of the region's poorest people, though rising prices over the last few years had brought prosperity to some of them. Those economic gains are now being wiped out - although some are still benefitting.

Japan unveils huge stimulus packageAudio

Updated 31/10/2008 20:35:18

Japan's share market fell five per cent today...despite the first interest rate cut by the Bank of Japan in seven years. Many investors had been hoping for a bigger cut ...and analysts say the move is likely to have a limited impact on Asia's largest economy, which already has very low borrowing costs.

Pacific culture on show at Australian National UniversityAudio

Updated 31/10/2008 20:35:18

Pacific islands culture has been on show at Australia's premier university, as members of the country's Polynesian community embarks on new efforts to counter racism, growing crime rates and a general lack of understanding and engagement.

Traffickers preying on children in Southern PhilippinesAudio

Updated 30/10/2008 20:55:04

To the Philippines, where human traffickers are reportedly targetting children displaced by a separatist insurgency on the southern island of Mindanao.

33 dead in Indian bomb blastsAudio

Updated 30/10/2008 20:55:04

Eleven or twelve bomb blasts in quick succession shook the main city of India's northeastern Assam state and three other towns.

Aid to Pakistan quake victimsAudio

Updated 30/10/2008 20:55:05

Thousands of villagers in southwest Pakistan are waiting for aid in freezing conditions after a powerful earthquake that destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 215 people. Wednesday's 6.4-magnitude pre-dawn quake flattened mud-brick houses and triggered landslides in the province of Baluchistan, which borders Afghanistan.

China's ambassador to Australia talks climate changeAudio

Updated 30/10/2008 20:55:04

China's ambassador to Australia says action on climate change should not be derailed by the global financial crisis. It was an echo of the view of his host country, as Australia's government released optimistic new financial modelling to back its plan for an emissions trading scheme.

ASIA: US sends moneyAudio

Updated 30/10/2008 20:55:04

The US Federal Reserve has issued 120-billion dollars in credit lines to emerging markets for the first time. The US central bank is making the funds available to what it calls four systemically important countries - Brazil, Mexico, Singapore and South Korea.

Asian voters figure in the US electionAudio

Updated 30/10/2008 20:55:04

In US presidential campaigns, where a relatively small number of votes in a handful of battleground states can be enough to swing an election, there's always a lot of talk about the importance of the African American vote, the Hispanic vote and the Jewish vote. But what about the Asian vote?

Burma boycott hurting most vulnerable: MSFAudio

Updated 29/10/2008 21:58:52

The non-government aid agency Medicins sans Frontiers says global humanitarian attention is urgently required in Burma to address serious health problems such as malaria, AIDS and malnutrition.

A powerful earthquake strikes southwest PakistanAudio

Updated 29/10/2008 21:58:52

At least 160 people have been killed when a powerful earthquake struck southwest Pakistan early Wednesday. At least eight villages have been badly hit by the 6.5-magnitude quake and there are warnings the death toll could rise as rescue workers reach villages in remote mountainous regions.

Australia pledges to maintain Pacific aidAudio

Updated 29/10/2008 21:58:52

Australia says global financial turmoil will hit the nation's budget, but it's also pledged to maintain its aid commitment to the Pacific. That assistance will become more important as the effects of the financial crisis start to effect the normally insulated Pacific.

CHINA: Coal, climate and hidden costs.Audio

Updated 29/10/2008 21:58:52

China wants rich countries like Australia to contribute one per cent of their economic worth to fight global warming. The head of China's Climate Change Office says wealthy nations should hand over one per cent of their G-N-P to poorer countries.

Former governor of Indonesia's central bank sentenced for corruptionAudio

Updated 29/10/2008 21:58:52

A former governor of Indonesia's central bank has been sentenced to five years' jail for corruption.

Nearly two million at risk of arsenic poisoningAudio

Updated 29/10/2008 21:58:51

The UN says 1.7 million people living along the Mekong River are at risk of arsenic poisoning from their drinking water supplies. The risk assessment is part of ongoing efforts to survey wells and other water sources in Southeast Asia.

Burma's authorities reduce security around Democracy Leader's homeAudio

Updated 28/10/2008 21:54:15

Burma's military authorities are reported to have removed barbed wire barriers and reduced security around the home of the detained Democracy Leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

China's Premier visiting RussiaAudio

Updated 28/10/2008 21:54:16

China's Premier Wen Jiabao is in Moscow, for an official visit aimed at strengthening China's strategic partnership with Russia.

Militants from Indonesia and Malaysia find sanctuary in PhilippinesAudio

Updated 28/10/2008 21:54:16

Militants and extremists who have fled Indonesia and Malaysia are continuing to find sanctuary in the southern Philippines, according to the country's counter terrorism chief.

Wage controls in Indonesia raise concernsAudio

Updated 28/10/2008 21:54:16

As the fear of a global slowdown worsens the Indonesian Government has moved to cap wage rises.

Daily flights launched between Hong Kong and VietnamAudio

Updated 28/10/2008 21:54:15

The Hong Kong based Dragonair, a sister airline of Cathay Pacific, has launched daily return flights to Hanoi.

EU defends its push for Economic AgreementsAudio

Updated 28/10/2008 21:54:15

The European Union has publicy defended its push to sign economic partnerships with Pacific nations.

Philippines hosts global migration forumAudio

Updated 27/10/2008 22:14:43

In the Philippines, the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development has opened. It's aim is to discuss policies and their impact on people movement and human rights.

East Timor authorities drop charges against Tamil asylum seekersAudio

Updated 27/10/2008 22:14:43

East Timorese authorities has dropped criminal charges against 16 Tamil and four Indonesian men who were trying to sail illegally to Australia.

Asian and European leaders call for world economic reformAudio

Updated 27/10/2008 22:14:43

A meeting of Asian and European leaders have called for comprehensive reform to the world's economy, in responce to the global financial meltdown.

Indonesia's ministers at odds over company bailoutAudio

Updated 27/10/2008 22:14:43

Indonesia's government has denied reports that its under pressure to sack Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

Fiji's interim PM meets with nation's political leadersAudio

Updated 27/10/2008 22:14:43

For the first time since Fiji's 2006 coup, the man who staged the military takeover, interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has met the country's political leaders.

China's government to reduce taxes for home buyersAudio

Updated 27/10/2008 22:14:42

As the global financial crisis starts to take its toll in China, the communist government has moved to reduce taxes on the cost of buying a house.

Australian think tank tackles security issuesAudio

Updated 24/10/2008 21:41:15

An Australian think tank is calling on Canberra to focus on helping shape a new security structure that gives dominant Asian players a bigger say. It also suggests Australia has focussed too much on the South Pacific and says Canberra should form partnerships with other big players in the region, rather than seeking to exclude them.

Europe calls for release of Chinese dissidentAudio

Updated 24/10/2008 21:41:15

The United States and European nations have called for China to free Chinese dissident Hu Jia from prison, after the European parliament awarded him a human rights prize. The Sakharov prize for human rights was awarded on the eve of a major Europe-Asia summit in Beijing. Past winners of the Sakharov prize include Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi.

AUSTRALIA: More funds freeze investmentsAudio

Updated 24/10/2008 21:41:15

A loss of confidence is spreading around the world's economies, affecting the good as well as the bad and the ugly. In Australia twenty investment funds have frozen an estimated 8-Billion US dollars worth of consumer savings and investments.

China comes 13th in its own health rankingsAudio

Updated 24/10/2008 21:41:15

Beijing's Academy of Sciences has ranked China in the top 13 countries in the world, in terms of "health". The ranking puts China ahead of countries like France, Germany and Japan. While experts recognise China's achievements in healthcare over the past 30 years, they have raised questions about the validity of the study.

East Timorese draft land lawAudio

Updated 24/10/2008 21:41:15

In East Timor the government's finalizing a draft land law that could resolve century-old territorial disputes within the half island nation. Authorities hope the legislation will formally recognize custom land claims and sort out confusion resulting from various titling systems.

Mass rally planned in TaiwanAudio

Updated 23/10/2008 20:50:13

Taiwanese pro-independence activists plan to stage a massive weekend rally - the biggest since President Ma Ying-jeou took office. Organisers say they expect half a million people to take to the streets of the capital Taipei to protest against China's continued claim of sovereignty over the self-ruled island.

UN report warns of bird flu threatAudio

Updated 23/10/2008 20:50:13

It's five years since a major bird flu outbreak emerged in Hong Kong but a UN report warns that despite increased awareness of the disease the world is still vulnerable to a major outbreak.

Shared costs for NKorea's oil deliveriesAudio

Updated 23/10/2008 20:50:13

Australia may help pay for Japan's allocation of heavy fuel deliveries to Pyongyang as part of the six-party arrangements on North Korean nuclear disarmament.

CHINA: unit of major state owned company under investigationAudio

Updated 23/10/2008 20:50:13

China's largest state-owned investment company, Citic, has suffered multi-billion dollar losses from betting on the Australian dollar.

Women across Asia encouraged to join workforceAudio

Updated 23/10/2008 20:50:12

During times of economic crisis, women have historically often seen themselves pushed out of the workforce. However across Asia, governments and academics are now encouraging more women to upgrade their skills or to start working.

Overfishing threatens tuna industryAudio

Updated 23/10/2008 20:50:13

Conservationists say Asia's high end tuna stocks could be threatened by overfishing, as declining catches elsewhere shift the industry to the Western Pacific.

Indian economy the only dark spotAudio

Updated 22/10/2008 21:22:06

Indians are over the moon - in more ways than one. They've thrashed Australia at cricket and sent their first unmanned spacecraft into orbit. And the economy seems to be doing reasonably well, too.

A solution to food shortages in East TimorAudio

Updated 22/10/2008 21:22:06

A report by Oxfam International last week revealed people in parts of East Timor now go hungry for up to five months a year. But one Australian expert has a simple solution - old 44-gallon drums.

ANZ plans new Pacific jobsAudio

Updated 22/10/2008 21:22:06

The ANZ Bank is defying turmoil in global financial markets with the announcement of a new growth strategy for the Pacific through to 2012. ANZ Chief Executive Officer Pacific, Craig Sims, says the bank will create more jobs in the region and it will move some roles currently located at the Melbourne head office, to the Pacific Islands.

Fiji government critics silenced, says lawyerAudio

Updated 22/10/2008 21:22:06

Prominent Fiji lawyer, Graham Leung, has spoken out about what he says is a climate of apprehension and revenge in his country, designed to silence critics of the interim government. Mr Leung says it's the only explanation for a lack of legal analysis from within Fiji of the recent High Court decision legitimising the interim government, a decision which Mr Leung and a group of Australian legal and academic figures have strongly condemned.

Fears remain of a major bird flu outbreakAudio

Updated 22/10/2008 21:22:05

It's five years since a major bird flu outbreak emerged in Hong Kong but today a UN report has warned that, despite increased awareness, the world is still vulnerable to a major outbreak. Many countries have plans in place to deal with a possible bird flu pandemic but those plans remain untested and may do little to stop the disease spreading.

Thailand dengue vaccine trials startAudio

Updated 22/10/2008 21:22:05

Up to half the world's population is at risk from mosquito-borne dengue, but the search for a vaccine remains elusive. Now, researchers in Thailand are starting trials that could lead to the production of a vaccine within the decade.

Fears for 10 thousand child soldiers in NepalAudio

Updated 21/10/2008 21:37:14

Rights groups say more than 10-thousand Maoist child soldiers in Nepal need help integrating back into their communtiies .. after failing to be registered at UN monitored camps.

Australia holds nuclear talksAudio

Updated 21/10/2008 21:37:14

A group of eminent international figures have gathered in the Australian city of Sydney to look at ways to curb the spread of nuclear weapons. The first meeting of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament is pulling together fresh ideas ahead of the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference.

PAKISTAN: IMF HELP SOUGHT TO AVOID ECONOMIC CRISISAudio

Updated 21/10/2008 21:37:14

Pakistan will need international aid worth ten billion dollars if it's to avoid an economic meltdown according to the International Monetary Fund.

Thaksin Shinawatra guilty of conflict of interestAudio

Updated 21/10/2008 21:37:15

Thailand's Supreme Court has found ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra guilty of conflict of interest in connection with a land deal for his wife.

Atoll-dwellers to be prepared for day they have to leaveAudio

Updated 21/10/2008 21:37:14

The effects of climate change in the Pacific is hitting home for a number of small atolls in Solomon Islands. The government of Solomon Islands is preparing the people of Ontong Java for the day they may have to leave their homes. The low lying atolls of Ontong Java in Malaita Province are being devastated by the ill effects of climate change.

Sri Lankan soldiers make ground against rebelsAudio

Updated 21/10/2008 21:37:14

The Sri Lankan government has admitted scores of its troops have been killed or injured in fierce fighting with the Tamil Tigers. The government says it's making ground against the rebels.

Asian miners meet amid dire export sceneAudio

Updated 20/10/2008 21:44:41

Asia's mining companies have been gathering in Manila for an annual conference and amid the dire predictions and crashing stocks have managed to remain remarkably optimistic.

China's relaxed media laws remain for foreign scribesAudio

Updated 20/10/2008 21:44:41

During the Beijing Olympics, China relaxed its strict rules for international journalists in an effort to improve their reputation on media freedom. There were a few ugly incidents, but life was - relatively speaking - a lot easier for foreign reporters and photographers. Now, Beijing has decided to make the more relaxed rules permanent for the foreign press, but censorship remains for Chinese media and the internet.

Govt acknowledges slower growth from global crisisAudio

Updated 20/10/2008 21:44:42

China's growth rate has fallen to its lowest level in five years. The economy grew by nine per cent between July and September, compared to the same time a year ago. For the year so far that translates to an overall growth rate of 9.9 per cent - down from 12 per cent in 2007. In releasing the data, the Chinese government has for the first time acknowledged the economy will be affected by the global financial crisis. It comes as more signs emerge of the impact spreading throughout Asia.

Talks begin on nuclear non-proliferationAudio

Updated 20/10/2008 21:44:42

The Australian government says it'll give $US2.6 million to a new body, to reinvigorate the debate on nuclear weapons. Members of the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament are in Australia's largest city, Sydney, for two days of talks. The commission was first proposed by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in June, following his visit to the site of the world's first atomic attack in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. It's chaired by former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans and Japan's former top diplomat Yoriko Kawaguchi. Another member of the commission is former Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas, who now chairs the advisory council to Indonesia's president.

Coffee on the curriculum for PNG studentsAudio

Updated 20/10/2008 21:44:41

Students in Papua New Guinea will be taught how to produce coffee, under a program launched in Goroka
Presenter: Nasya Bahfen
Speaker: James Koimo from the PNG Coffee Industry Corporation

Australian mining downturn temporary: expertAudio

Updated 20/10/2008 21:44:41

Australia's mining sector had been expecting the announcement that China's economic growth rate has slowed. An economic slowdown in China means Australia's mining indusry is likely to suffer. But experts say they expect the downturn will be temporary, and the resources sector will be able to withstand it.

Cambodia accused of laying fresh landminesAudio

Updated 17/10/2008 22:09:09

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has rejected the help of mediators or international organisations to resolve the dispute with Thailand which erupted in deadly clashes this week. Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had said his country was ready to act as mediator. But the Cambodian Prime Minister pointing to the agreed joint border patrols says a mechanism is now in place for negotiations between the two neighbouring countries. But Thai foreign ministry officials in a detailed briefing to foreign diplomats have accused Cambodia of laying new landmines on the Thai side of the disputed border near the Preah Vihear temple. Cambodia, says the mines which injured 2 Thai soldiers earlier this month, are remnants of their three-decade long civil war.

Sri Lanka defends Tamil registrationsAudioTranscript

Updated 17/10/2008 20:08:18

Security forces in Sri Lanka have defended a controversial registration system in Colombo that critics say is being used to arrest people of Tamil ethnicity.

World diplomats inject vigour into anti-nuclear debateAudio

Updated 17/10/2008 20:08:18

Some of the world's most experienced diplomats will be trying to inject "vigour' into the anti-nuclear debate when they gather in Sydney next week. The International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament is a Japan Australia initiative -- and includes luminaries such as former U-S Defence Secretary William Perry, Pakistan's former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Jehangir Karamat and Ali Alatas, who was Indonesia's Foreign Minister from 1988 till 1999.

Economic crime hits 40% of Asia Pacific companiesAudioTranscript

Updated 17/10/2008 20:12:54

Almost 40 percent of companies working in the Asia Pacific have been a victim of some kind of economic crime, costing each company more than one million dollars. What's troubling for the region is that despite increasing government rhetoric and policy measures, the number of companies affected hasn't changed since 2003.

US study shows using disco rhythms save lives..AudioTranscript

Updated 17/10/2008 20:16:03

More than thirty thousand people suffer a cardiac arrest in Australia each year but less than half of them will get life saving CPR before an ambulance arrives.
Stress, a lack of confidence and a lack of training in CPR will stop many people from trying to save another's life. But a new study from the United States has found those problems can be eliminated with the help of a very catchy Bee Gees tune.

Indonesia: State corporations to help cabinet minister's companyAudio

Updated 16/10/2008 11:11:21

Economic growth forecasts for Indonesia are being revised down as the global financial crisis bites in Asia. South East Asia's largest economy was one of the hardest hit during the crash of 1997 when poverty soared and foreign investors fled. With lessons learnt from that experience the country is expected to fare much better this time around. Not so one of Indonesia's major conglomerates, the corporate empire of a senior cabinet minister, Aburizal Bakrie. The Bakrie and Brothers group of family companies are credited with sending the Jakarta stock market into free fall a week ago when they lost more than 40 per cent of their value in a few days. Now state owned companies are in talks to buy Bakrie shares to ward off a foreign takeover.

Greenpeace database blacklists pirate fishersAudio

Updated 16/10/2008 11:11:21

The international environmental organisation, Greenpeace wants Pacific Governments to use a new website it's set up which blacklists companies involved in illegal fishing. The Pacific loses up to four hundred million US dollars each year to pirate fishing vessels. Greenpeace identifies Taiwan, Japan and China as the region's biggest perpetrators but it's concerned vessels are rarely 'dobbed' in by government fishing bodies.

East Timor looks to new agreement with VaticanAudioTranscript

Updated 16/10/2008 11:11:10

East Timor's President is calling for the state to sign an agreement, known as a 'concordata' with the Vatican, following his recent visit to the Holy See. The nation is 97 percent Catholic, and Jose Ramos-Horta strongly believes there will be no opposition to the proposal.

Renewed calls for Australia to sell uranium to IndiaAudio

Updated 16/10/2008 11:11:10

To some members of the ruling Australian Labor Party one of the sacred cows is opposition to nuclear power. While the Labor Party may have gone down the road of market forces and privatisation it is yet to fully embrace the possibility of energy through nuclear, although it does allow sales of uranium to some overseas markets, that are signatories to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. One nation trying to get it's hands on Australia's uranium is India, and Australia continues to resist it because of the treaty question, now one of the most successful and senior members of Labor is again pushing India's cause.

Thailand, Cambodia to conduct joint border patrolsAudio

Updated 16/10/2008 11:11:21

A day after two Cambodian soldiers were killed in a shootout with Thai forces on their disputed border, troops on both sides are apparently now smiling at each other, awaiting the outcome of fresh talks.

Millions of Pakistanis sign petition against terrorAudioTranscript

Updated 15/10/2008 20:56:12

More than 60-million Pakistanis have signed a petition condemning terrorism, as part of a multimedia campaign by Muslim businessmen. But the popular cry for peace is not reflecting the reality in Pakistan, with fierce fighting in the tribal areas of the country's north west and claims of growing Taliban influence in Pakistan's urban centres. Amidst the violence, the issue of terrorism remains controversial, with some saying the American military deserves the label as much as the Taliban.

World worries as China growth slowsAudioTranscript

Updated 15/10/2008 20:50:38

As the credit crisis has spread over the past year, China has been viewed as an island of calm in the sea of financial turmoil. Its economy was seen as providing an export safety net for commodity suppliers like Australia. Now with its turbo charged growth slowing, how long can China hold out against the rapidly turning economic tide?

Jailing of Viet journalist a blow for press freedomAudioTranscript

Updated 15/10/2008 20:50:38

The international press freedom advocacy group Reporters without Borders has condemned the jailing of a Vietnamese journalist for his coverage of a state corruption scandal. The People's Court of Hanoi sentenced the journalist to two years imprisonment and also jailed his police source for a year, saying they were both guilty of abusing democratic freedoms that infringed on the interests of the state. The journalist and another colleage had exposed the fact that foreign aid money destined for road building was being used by senior and middle ranking transport officials for gambling on english soccer matches. Reporters without Borders spokesman Vincent Brossel says the jailing of Nguyen Viet Chien of the Thanh Nien or Young People newspaper, is a blow to press freedom and a huge setback to the fight against corruption in Vietnam.

Southeast Asia commodities affected by global financial crisisAudio

Updated 15/10/2008 21:16:51

The US economic uncertainty is driving down the price of agricultural commodities and having an impact on the rural poor across Southeast Asia, from Burmese migrant workers working in Thai rubber plantations to the coffee-growers of the Vietnamese highlands.

French Polynesian Chinese divided over name changeAudio

Updated 15/10/2008 21:16:51

The Chinese community of French Polynesia is divided over the issue of reverting to their original Chinese names. In the 1960s Chinese immigrants were asked to change to more easily pronounceable versions in exchange for French citizenship. Now some say they want to go back to their original Chinese names.

Thai PM seeks audience with KingAudioTranscript

Updated 14/10/2008 20:34:38

There's speculation Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat may resign or seek to dissolve parliament. It follows his request to have an audience with Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Prime Minister needs the King's approval before proceeding with either of the two options.

Irawaddy dolphins discovered in BangladeshAudioTranscript

Updated 14/10/2008 20:38:40

Researchers have found the world's largest population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the rivers and coastal mangroves of Bangladesh.

Pop stars deliver health message in TimorAudio

Updated 14/10/2008 20:39:10

Every year during the wet season East Timor is prone to strong winds, flooding and landslides and NGO's and the government are trying to raise awareness of ways to prevent the disastrous health problems that can come with natural disasters.

PNG Stock Market down but still outperforming AustraliaAudio

Updated 14/10/2008 21:18:48

In Papua New Guinea, the Port Moresby Stock Exchange has started to feel the ill winds of market turmoil. On Monday, the exchange lost a further 51 point 5 points to close at 5265 points, more than 2000 points down on the market peak in June this year. With trading flat today, the market is now riding at about the same level it was this time last year. Syd Yates says despite the losses, the Port Moresby Stock exchange is still outperforming markets in Australia, the US and Europe.

Aust PM address to the nation over global financial crisisAudioTranscript

Updated 14/10/2008 20:45:53

The Australian Government is to hand out bililons of dollars across the community in a hope that spending will help provide a buffer against the current global financial crisis. The move comes as world markets continue to gyrate, and governments work furiously to end the uncertainty. The Prime Minister has addressed the nation describing the financial crisis as the worst Australians will see in their lifetime.

Thai Cambodia border tensions escalateAudioTranscript

Updated 14/10/2008 21:18:48

Thailand's Foreign Ministry has urged its citizens to avoid visiting Cambodia as a dispute over a stretch of border near the Preah Vihear temple, threatens to escalate into military conflict. Cambodia's Prime Minister, Hun Sen, has ordered Thai troops out of a disputed border area or he says there'll be a "death zone".

China to face its own subprime crisisAudio

Updated 13/10/2008 20:34:44

After a week investors would rather forget, most Asian stock markets rallied today, followed by gains in Europe. The turn-around represents guarded optimism that international efforts will bring the global financial crisis under control . The Australian government guarantee of all financial deposits for three years saw the main index, the All Ordinaries rebound by five-point-six per cent. Chinese shares opened lower but rebounded to close more than three per cent higher. It might however be a shortlived reprieve. A keen China watcher believes rather than being a safety net for exporting economies like Australia, China is about to face its own sub-prime crisis.

Australia to consider listing Tamil Tigers as terror groupAudioTranscript

Updated 13/10/2008 20:34:44

Australia says it will consider a request from Sri Lanka that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam be listed as a terror organisation. But it's told Sri Lanka's visiting Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama that peace in his country cannot be achieved by military force alone.

Six nations talks 'back on track'Audio

Updated 13/10/2008 20:43:21

Just when it looked like the six-nation talks over North Korea's nuclear program were faltering, the United States has announced the process is back on track.

Concern at radical influence on Indonesian Muslim scholarsAudio

Updated 13/10/2008 20:43:29

Indonesia's Council of Muslim Scholars, or Ulema, is a prominent player on the Indonesian political scene.

Viet govt targets ethnic minorities for overseas workAudioTranscript

Updated 13/10/2008 20:45:19

There's growing concern over a Vietnamese government move to send abroad some 20-thousand workers from ethnic minorities. The government says it's part of a plan to reduce poverty in 61 districts where ethnic minorities make up more than 90 per cent of the population. The Ministry of Labour says workers will be given financial assistance and training to prepare them for working overseas in countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan and the U.A.E., where there's high demand for manual laborers, agricultural and factory workers and domestic helpers.

Claims of inducements in regional voting for WHO chiefAudio

Updated 13/10/2008 20:58:43

The Pacific island nation of Tonga claims several of its neighbouring islands nations were offered inducements by South Korea to change their votes at a regional meeting of a United Nations body. Tonga's candidate to be regional head of the World Health Organisation, Dr Villiame Tangi, who is also the country's deputy prime minister and health minister, lost to a South Korean candidate at a meeting in Manila. Pacific nations had all agreed at a recent Forum summit in Niue to vote for Dr Tangi. He was also supported by Australia, New Zealand, Japan and China. Samoa's acting prime minister, Misa Telefoni says it's obvious that Dr Tangi lost because at least six Pacific Island countries voted against him.

Former Thai deputy premier sees military coup as only solutionAudioTranscript

Updated 10/10/2008 20:28:27

Thailand's former deputy premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has told local media a military coup is the only solution to the current political crisis that's gripping the country. Mr Chavalit , himself a former army chief, resigned earlier this week , taking responsibility for the violent clashes between police and anti-government demonstrators. Meanwhile the 7 leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy group which is behind the demonstrations, have been bailed after surrendering to police on charges of inciting unrest, two other PAD leaders already in custody were also released leaving them free to continue their five month campaign to unseat the government.

Vietnam to boost language learning with billion dollar fundingTranscript

Updated 10/10/2008 20:35:00

Vietnam is embarking on an ambitious plan to boost the learning of foreign languages. The country's prime minister has approved a billion US dollar program in a bid to enhance graduate job skills. The program will place special emphasis on English.

Fiji President urges church to get behind interim governmentAudioTranscript

Updated 10/10/2008 20:34:28

Fiji's President has called on the powerful Methodist church and the political leaders of the indigenous people of Fiji to drop their opposition to the military led interim government. Ratu Josefa Iloilo, used his independence day address to endorse Commodore Frank Bainimarama's administration, in the wake of yesterday's court ruling declaring the government legal.

Australian wine makers buoyed by lower dollarAudioTranscript

Updated 10/10/2008 20:34:47

The plunging stock market and falling currency in Australia is not all doom and gloom -- there's a bright side for Australia's beleagured wine industry.
The past year has seen declining wine exports, but the weakening Australian dollar and increasing demand from Hong Kong and China is turning the outlook around for wine-makers.

East Timor prosecutor blames president over trial delayAudioTranscript

Updated 10/10/2008 20:35:24

East Timor's President and chief prosecutor are at odds over the prosecution of senior military figures for their role in illegally arming civilians during the 2006 crisis. Last week, the prosecutor general said it was the president's fault he'd not yet been able launch the action, while Jose Ramos Horta says there are other priorities.

Communal violence flares in northeast IndiaAudioTranscript

Updated 10/10/2008 20:35:52

Ethnic clashes have killed dozens of people, and displaced 100-thousand more in the northeast Indian state of Assam. The violence between an indigenous tribe and Muslim settlers started several days ago and quickly spread to at least 30 villages. Hundreds of houses have been burned down.

Questions over Australasia's resistance to global financial crisisAudio

Updated 09/10/2008 01:47:00

Australia's Prime Minister says China will help insulate Australia's economy against the the worsening global slowdown. His comment appears at odds with the country's central bank analysis. The Reseve Bank yesterday made a suprise 1 percentage point cut in official interest rates, claiming it was due in part to evidence that economic growth in Asia was easing which it said could have a worse than expected effect on Australia's economy. Today stock markets across Asia were hit hard by the current financial turmoil.

Indonesia investigates pledge selling of stocksAudioTranscript

Updated 09/10/2008 20:03:11

In Indonesia trading on the Jakarta stock exchange was cancelled for a second day and there's speculation the trading halt could extend to Friday. Officials are trying to quell a stampede of selling, mainly by foreign investors, that's seen the country's main stock index plummet more than 20 per cent this week. Some say the decline has been exacerbated by so called "pledge selling" .

Two short-range missiles reportedly fired by NKoreaAudioTranscript

Updated 09/10/2008 20:09:34

North Korea watchers are scrambling to interpret the motives of the secretive regime, after it reportedly test-fired two short-range missiles off its western coast. The launches were reported amid continued talks on North Korea's nuclear program, and speculation over the health of the nation's leader. All eyes will be watching to see whether Kim Jong-Il appears later this week to mark the anniversary of the ruling Korean Workers' Party, after reportedly suffering a stroke in August.

US to appeal Guantanamo decision on UighursAudio

Updated 09/10/2008 20:09:55

The US administration says it plans to appeal against a court order to free 17 Muslim Uighurs onto American soil from detention at Guantanamo Bay. The Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking minority from western China, have been held at the American military prison camp in Cuba for seven years. The group had been living in Afghanistan shortly before their arrest by Pakistani authorities.

Australia dismisses Fiji High Court coup rulingAudio

Updated 09/10/2008 20:14:56

Fiji's highest court has given legal backing to the 2006 military coup, ruling Fiji's president acted lawfully in supporting the replacement of the elected government.
The Australian government says that does not mean it regards the country's military backed government as legitimate.

Aust calls on Thailand to continue towards democracyAudioTranscript

Updated 09/10/2008 20:37:12

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith is encouraging the Thai military to respect the wishes of the people and continue down the path to democracy. Tuesday's bloody clashes between anti-government protesters and police have heightened concerns of a possible coup. The four-month long street campaign by the People's Alliance for Democracy has raised tensions, with government's around the world urging restraint.

Millions face school violence across AsiaAudioTranscript

Updated 08/10/2008 21:56:09

School can be a tough place for children at the best of times, but a new report says 350 million students around the world face violence in their schools each year, with lasting impacts on their well being. The international children's organisation Plan says physical and sexual abuse of school children are prevalent in many Asian schools, and it is launching a 3-year campaign worldwide to change laws and update teaching methods.

China engages thousands of milk inspectorsAudio

Updated 08/10/2008 21:56:26

China has dispatched more than 5,000 inspectors to dairy farms across the country in a bid to contain the contaminated milk scandal. China is struggling to deal with public dismay over the crisis, which has seen a growing number of countries banning Chinese food imports.

Fiji's Supreme Court to rule on coup legality tomorrowAudioTranscript

Updated 08/10/2008 21:57:14

Fiji's solicitor-general has announced the judgment in the court case challenging the legality of the 2006 coup will be handed down tomorrow morning. The case which wound up more than three months ago, was launched by the deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase. Justices Anthony Gates, John Byrne and Divendra Pathik will deliver their findings tomorrow morning.

Taiwanese government guarantees bank depositsAudio

Updated 08/10/2008 21:55:18

In its bid to restore confidence in the banking sector Taiwan has announced it will now fully guarantee all deposits in its local banks. Taiwan's Prime Minisiter made the announcment in the wake of domestic banks writing off more than 46 billion-US dollars in bad debts.

Presidential elections in Maldives todayAudioTranscript

Updated 08/10/2008 21:55:42

Asia's longest serving political leader is facing the prospect of losing his job as the President of the Maldives. The Indian Ocean tourist paradise is having its first taste of democracy with multi-party elections being held to choose a president for the next five years. The 71 year old incumbent, President Maumon Abdul Gayoom, has ruled the Maldives for three decades, but says he needs another five years to continue his reforms.

Anger in China over US arms plan for TaiwanAudioTranscript

Updated 07/10/2008 20:34:46

China has responded angrily to an American proposal to sell $US6.5 billion worth of weapons to Taiwan. China's defence minister says the planned arms deal violates US government policy on Taiwan, and warns Beijing may take "further measures" in protest. But defence analysts believe the spat won't harm Beijing-Washington relations in the long term.

India's Tata pulls Nano out of West BengalAudio

Updated 07/10/2008 20:38:31

After a month of violent demonstrations against the Indian motoring giant Tata, the firm's pulling its widely-anticipated Nano construction plant out of West Bengal state. Tata had nearly finished building the plant near the state capital Kolkota, but now says it'll build the Nano, billed as the world's cheapest car, elsewhere. The Nano was dubbed "the people's car" when it was announced back in January, but some people - notably the farmers moved off their land to make way for Tata's plant - haven't been impressed. They have held up work on the plant for more than a month, raising some difficult questions for manufacturing investors.

UNESCO takes Burmese-Thai border park under wingAudio

Updated 07/10/2008 20:38:47

Nearly eighty-percent of the world's mammal species can be found in the Thungyai -Huay Kha Khaeng parks. The UNESCO-world heritage site spans the Burmese-Thai border, and is home to tigers and tapirs, rats and bats. The World Heritage Committee is now confident these unique animals will have a home in years to come.

Asian economy worries prompt rate cut in AustraliaAudioTranscript

Updated 07/10/2008 22:36:25

The global financial crisis has prompted Australia's central bank to deliver a one percentage point cut to official interest rates, for the first time in 16 years. The Resere Bank says the big rate cut was prompted in part by evidence that economic grow in Asia was easing which it says could have a worse than expected effect on Australia's economy. The Reserve Bank's surprise move sparked a dramatic recovery on the Australian sharemarket.

PNG hill tribes negotiate peace dealAudioTranscript

Updated 07/10/2008 22:36:24

In Papua New Guinea, at least 30 warring hill tribes from the Southern Highlands have agreed to lay down their arms and cease generations of fighting in what's being described as the regions first peace agreement. The so-called Tari District peace deal has taken 5 years to negotiate through a series of peace building activities organised by a team of local and international volunteers lead by a former Philippines born nun now living in Australia.

Thailand's deputy PM resigns over protestsAudioTranscript

Updated 07/10/2008 22:36:24

Thailand's recently appointed deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has resigned, in the wake of violent clashes this morning between pro democracy protests and riot police. The deputy PM who was charged with negotiating a peace deal with the demonstrators has accepted responsibility for the clashes which left more than 80 people injured, saying it wasn't what he intended. Tear gas and smoke bombs were used to try to disperse the crowd who tried to take over the national parliament building ahead of a key government address.

Australia says no to negotiating with the TalibanAudio

Updated 06/10/2008 20:18:01

Australia's Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon agrees with the UK's top military commander in Afghanistan saying the war against the Taliban can't be won but he refuses to negotiate with the group

Second protest leader arrested in ThailandAudio

Updated 06/10/2008 20:18:15

Thai Police have arrested a second key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, the protest group that's occupied government house in Bangkok since late August.

Cambodian government ministers lose their parliamentary seatsAudioTranscript

Updated 06/10/2008 20:18:30

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced that lawmakers of the ruling Cambodian People's Party who hold both government posts and seats in the National Assembly must now resign their parliamentary seats to concentrate on their ministerial responsiblities.

Emergency response drill for Asia-PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 06/10/2008 20:17:53

Across the Asia Pacific, internal conflicts and natural disasters continue to exact a heavy toll. Responding to such emergencies is unpredictable work, filled with moral and practical hazards. In Thailand, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees has been running a major training drill on effective response. Emergency officials from nearly 20 Asia-Pacific countries took part.

Australian nuclear test veterans seek compensationAudio

Updated 06/10/2008 20:17:53

It's 52 years this week since Britain carried out a series of secret nuclear tests at Maralinga in southern outback Australia, and veterans involved in those tests say they're still fighting for recognition and compensation.

Bangkok voters prepare to elect new governorAudio

Updated 03/10/2008 19:14:23

This weekend, Thais in Bangkok will elect a new governor for the city.

Millions still displaced after Indian floodsAudioTranscript

Updated 03/10/2008 19:14:23

Close to three and a half million people remain stranded and in make-shift camps after severe flooding in northern India. Aid agencies are working frantically in the Bihar and neighbouring Assam regions to get supplies to those displaced.

Pakistan demands nuclear deal with USAudio

Updated 03/10/2008 19:14:23

Pakistan's prime minister is demanding a similar nuclear deal as its neighbour, following India's landmark agreement with the United States and France.

Australia dismisses claims its illegal arrivals policy is being testedAudio

Updated 03/10/2008 19:14:23

Australia's Immigration Minister Chris Evans has dismissed media claims the Government's revamped policy on illegal arrivals is being tested by people smugglers. A boat carrying 12 illegal migrants was intercepted last Monday near Ashmore Reef, 320 kilometres off Australia's far north coast.

US 'cannot win' in AfghanistanAudio

Updated 03/10/2008 19:14:22

It's been confirmed that the Afghan president Hamid Karzai has repeatedly sought help from Saudi Arabia to arrange talks with the Taliban. So far, it appears those efforts have failed, and the initiative has only received luke warm support from the top US general in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's economic dark cloudsAudio

Updated 02/10/2008 19:17:32

The U-S rescue package is now a step closer to final approval. Many are hoping it will be the cure all to stop America and the world sliding into recession. But some of South Asia's emerging economies like India and Pakistan are expected to weather this storm. Although for Islamabad, there are darker clouds ahead. Pakistan's economically disenfranchised youth is a greater threat to Paksistan than the current economic crisis.

Skydivers prepare to jump off Mount EverestAudioTranscript

Updated 02/10/2008 19:17:23

A group of daredevils is hoping to make history by jumping out of planes near the summit of Mount Everest, making it the highest ever commercial skydive. If successful, the jumps could help carve out a new adventure sport for Nepal's tourism industry.

Indonesians celebrate end of RamadanAudio

Updated 02/10/2008 19:17:23

Muslims across the world have begun celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and in Indonesia, the holiday which is known as Lebaran lasts three days. It's a time in which Muslims gather to pray, beg forgiveness and feast with friends and family.

Afghanistan's looming food crisisAudio

Updated 02/10/2008 19:17:28

As Afghanistan buckles down for the harsh winter, international aid agencies are warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

US approves Indian nuclear dealAudio

Updated 02/10/2008 19:17:37

After a 30 year ban, the U-S congress has approved a watershed nuclear trade deal with India. Under the deal, the US will provide energy to fuel India's booming economy. In return India will allow inspection of its civilian, but not its military, nuclear facilities.

Cambodia vulnerable to internet scamsAudioTranscript

Updated 01/10/2008 20:14:12

Internet scams are nothing new, but developing countries with new internet users are offering scammers a whole new pool of fresh victims. And Cambodia with about 44-thousand people connected to the web is a prime target.

UN to investigate Bhutto deathAudio

Updated 01/10/2008 20:14:31

The United Nations has confirmed it will formally investigate the assasination of Pakistan's slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
The U-N says it will begin its probe within weeks at a cost of about 40-million U-S dollars.

Arrests in China milk scandalAudioTranscript

Updated 01/10/2008 20:14:44

Beijing has confirmed that 22 people have been arrested suspected of producing the milk tainted with the chemical melamine. With more Chinese milk products recalled worldwide, Australian consumers are demanding tighter government control on imported products.

US nuclear envoy makes diplomatic dash to PyongyangAudio

Updated 01/10/2008 20:14:48

The United States has sent its top nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill to North Korea to salvage the crumbling disarmament-for-aid deal. The diplomatic dash to the capital Pyongyang comes less than a week after North Korea expelled international monitors and stripped surveillance cameras and seals from its Yongbyon nuclear plant.

ASEAN seeks to cut road tollAudio

Updated 01/10/2008 20:14:20

Poor infrastructure, poor practice and poor people make Cambodia's roads the most dangerous of all the ASEAN member countries. That's the assessment of the Asian Development Bank in its first report on road safety in member countries.

Escalating tensions among East Timor policeAudioTranscript

Updated 01/10/2008 20:14:26

Tensions are brewing in East Timor's national police force as the government works to weed out corruption and rehabilitate the force. The administration in Dili hopes it can eventually farewell the 15-hundred UN police, who've taken responsibility for internal security for the past two years. But police reform may not be going as smoothly as the government would want.