January 2009
Delays to Australia's Pacific Islands Seasonal Labour Scheme
Updated 30/01/2009 21:41:20
Australia's Pacific Islands Seasonal Labour scheme, which promises to see more than two-thousand guestworkers arriving to work on fruit and vegetable farms has been delayed once again.
China turning to the humble potato
Updated 30/01/2009 21:41:20
The UN's World Food Programme has warned of a growing crisis, to feed the poor.
Australian decision pending on abortion
Updated 30/01/2009 21:41:20
Australia's Foreign minister says the government is close to a decision on whether to scrap a ban on giving aid to groups that provide abortion.
Credit crunch sees countries turning to barter
Updated 30/01/2009 21:41:21
While money may be cheap it is no longer readily available.
China says it can maintain growth
Updated 30/01/2009 21:41:21
Due to domestic economic pressures, both President Obama and his Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner were absent from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
North Korea scraps agreements with South Korea
Updated 30/01/2009 21:41:21
North Korea has announced it's scrapping agreements with South Korea on easing military tensions, accusing Seoul of pushing relations to the brink of war.
Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speaker: Professor John Mckay from Analysis International in Melbourne
Scorching Australia: extended interview
Updated 29/01/2009 21:59:44
Australia's southern states are struggling through what is likely to be a once-in-a-century heat wave. Our Canberra correspondent, Linda Mottram brings us an extended interview.
Malaysia and Indonesia request interviews with Guantanamo Bay inmates
Updated 29/01/2009 21:59:44
As the Guantanamo Bay detention facility looks set for closure within a year, Malaysian and Indonesian authorities have aleady requested to interview their countrymen who're being held there.
Chinese pandas debut in Taipei
Updated 29/01/2009 21:59:44
Two pandas the Chinese government sent to Taiwan as a good-will offering have made their debut in the Taiwanese capital.
Bainimarama set to reject Forum ultimatum
Updated 29/01/2009 21:59:44
Fiji's coup leader and interim Prime Minister has given a clear indication he does not intend meeting an election deadline set by the Pacific Islands' Forum.
Scorching Australia: climate change at work
Updated 29/01/2009 21:59:44
The economy is not the only thing in meltdown in Australia this week. The country's southern states are struggling through what is likely to be a once-in-a-century heat wave.
Wounded civilians evacuated from Sri Lanka's northeast
Updated 29/01/2009 21:59:44
The United Nations has evacuated hundreds of critically wounded people from Sri Lanka's northeast where troops and Tamil rebels are locked in fierce combat.
Pakistan vow to take control of Swat Valley
Updated 29/01/2009 21:59:44
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has vowed to control Taliban militants in the country's north-western Swat valley.
Slumdog Millionaire opens in Mumbai
Updated 28/01/2009 21:42:24
The oscar-nominated film 'Slumdog Millionaire' has finally opened in Mumbai, the city where it's set. But amid all the hype it's also drawn criticism for painting what some people see as an unflattering picture of India.
Civilians 'trapped' in offensive against Tamil Tigers
Updated 28/01/2009 21:42:27
India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has held emergency meetings with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and expressed his concern for civilians caught in the military offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka's north. Sri Lanka says it's doing all it can to spare civilians. But the international Red Cross says a major humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Sri Lanka.
Burmese refugees seek new life in US army
Updated 28/01/2009 21:42:24
There are more than 100,000 refugees from Burma living in camps strung along the Thai border. This year, US officials say they're planning to resettle around 14,000 refugees as they did in 2008. Some say that when the chance comes, they'll be heading straight for the US Army's recruitment office.
A 'more active partnership' between Canberra and Washington
Updated 28/01/2009 21:42:27
Australia and the United States are promising a 'more active partnership' but Australia says that doesn't mean it'll send more troops to Afghanistan for now. But Afghanistan did at least get a mention when US President Obama made his first post-inauguration phone call to Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Japan prepares anti-pirate naval deployment off Somalia
Updated 28/01/2009 21:42:27
Japan is taking steps to join the ranks of a number of naval forces deployed in the Gulf of Aden to protect international trade vessels against pirates. Pirates in the Gulf of Aden made around US$30m in ransom money in 2008 by targeting among others a super oil tanker from Saudi Arabia and a trade vessel from Hong Kong.
Secularists challenge religious power in Indonesia
Updated 27/01/2009 21:54:43
The Indonesian Council of Ulamas has issued a fatwa or religious ban on yoga, smoking and abstaining from electoral voting.
Chinese graduates face grim job prospects
Updated 27/01/2009 21:54:43
The Chinese government has announced a series of measures aimed at training around one million jobless university graduates. The announcement comes as Beijing warns of a grim job market.
South Korea to deploy remote-controlled mines along border
Updated 27/01/2009 21:54:43
South Korea says it will deploy remote-controlled mines along its heavily fortified border with North Korea by 2013. A defence ministry spokesman says bids have been invited for the development of the new mines called "spider bombs".
Pacific Islands Forum leaders meet
Updated 27/01/2009 21:54:43
The Special meeting of Pacific Islands Forum leaders has wrapped up in Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea. The leaders heard reports from Fiji's special envoy interim attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum on the progress being made on returning the country to democracy.
Australian newspaper publisher deported from Fiji
Updated 27/01/2009 21:54:43
Another Australian newspaper publisher has been deported from Fiji. Rex Gardiner, who's been acting as Publisher of the Fiji Times since July last year, was issued with a removal order by Fiji's military regime, and told he had a day to leave the country.
Fighting continues in Sri Lanka
Updated 27/01/2009 21:54:43
Sri Lankan troops say they're making rapid progress against Tamil Tiger fighters and are close to recapturing the only stretch of coastline still held by the rebels.
Saga continues over who will follow 'Dear Leader'
Updated 26/01/2009 21:59:19
The North Korean leadership saga continues - with Kim Jong Il's eldest son ruling himself out of the top job. Kim Jong Nam says he's not interest in taking the helm in Pyongyang, leaving the door wide open for other contenders including two of his half brothers.
Parties accused of breaching child protection rules
Updated 26/01/2009 21:59:19
With Indonesian legislative elections starting in April, three political parties have allegedly breached election and child protection laws in their campaigns. Child protection advocates are trying to raise awareness of child safety early in the campaign season because five children died in campaign-related activities in the last general elections.
Indians celebrate Republic Day without 'berserk' elephants
Updated 26/01/2009 21:54:06
India has been celebrating it's Republic Day. But this year there's a difference. The decorated elephants that have delighted crowds at every Indian Republic Day since 1950 have been banned from a parade through New Delhi because of their sometimes 'berserk' behaviour.
With new lunar year comes a new Ox
Updated 26/01/2009 21:54:06
Millions of people around the world have been celebrating the start of the lunar new year. It's also the beginning of the year of the ox.
Demarcation talks to start in February
Updated 26/01/2009 21:59:19
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to begin demarcating their disputed border in early February after talks between the Thai foreign minister and his Cambodian counterpart.
Mick Dodson named Australian of the Year
Updated 26/01/2009 21:59:19
Aboriginal lawyer, academic and activist, Mick Dodson, has been named Australian of the Year for 2009. It's recognition for an indigenous Australian, who has a long list of achievements, that include his having been appointed Australia's first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in the 1990s.
Sri Lankan troops intensify pressure on rebels
Updated 23/01/2009 21:40:29
Sri Lanka's military says it's boxed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam into an area of less than 500 square kilometres.
Malaysia puts freeze on foreign workers
Updated 23/01/2009 21:40:29
As the global financial crisis bites .. Malaysia has responded by putting a freeze on foreign workers. Neighbouring countries, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, are readying themselves for an influx of depressed returning migrants.
Thailand investigates asylum seeker deaths
Updated 23/01/2009 21:40:29
Thailand's government is fighting off accusations that its military might have caused the deaths of hundreds of boat people from Burma and Bangladesh. In the past month, about a thousand people are believed to have passed through Thai waters and possibly mistreated by the Thai military. Thailand's new government is investigating but it's also vowing to get tough with human smugglers.
New discovery for Australian scientists
Updated 23/01/2009 21:40:28
An Australian Nobel Laureate, Professor Barry Marshall is tracing the migration patterns of prehistoric humankind by tracking the evolution of stomach bacteria across the world.
China to overhaul health care system
Updated 23/01/2009 21:40:28
China has unveiled a plan to overhaul its health care system earmarking 120 billion dollars to make improvements, over the next three years. Premier Wen Jiabao made the announcement at a meeting of the cabinet-level State Council.
Talks held between Australia and South Korea
Updated 23/01/2009 21:40:29
Australia and South Korea enjoy a strong relationship particularly when it comes to trade. South Korea is Australia's fourth largest export market and its sixth largest overall trading partner.
Fiji's Attorney General to attend Pacific Islands Forum Meeting
Updated 22/01/2009 20:46:28
Fiji's interim attorney general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says he will be attending the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby, in place of the interim prime minister. The meeting is expected to discuss whether Fiji will be suspended from the group.
Court win for Bangladesh Islamic students
Updated 22/01/2009 20:46:29
Bangladesh's High Court has ordered the country's top university to admit students from Islamic seminaries, saying restrictions barring them were illegal.
Talks between South Korea and Australia
Updated 22/01/2009 20:46:29
South Korea and Australia will continue efforts to expand their co-operation as Asia-Pacific middle powers, when the two countries foreign ministers hold talks in the West Australian city of Perth on Friday.
China's economic growth slumps to 6.8 percent
Updated 22/01/2009 20:46:29
China's economic growth slumped to 6.8 percent last quarter, dragging down the pace of expansion for all of 2008 to a seven-year low of 9 percent.
50 million Chinese workers tipped to lose their jobs
Updated 22/01/2009 20:46:29
The global economic downturn is being felt in China where a leading leading academic has warned that 50 million workers might lose their jobs this year. Experts say China's massive stimulus package is unable to address the mass unemployment issue, which could lead to dire social and political consequences. The Chinese government is planning some short term measures to tackle the unemployment problems but experts say China needs to spend its way out of the economic downturn.
Tonga given opportunity to compete in 2010 Winter Olympics
Updated 22/01/2009 20:46:28
Tonga has been given a unique opportunity to compete in the Winter Olympics for the first time.
Philippines blames extremists for aid worker kidnappings
Updated 22/01/2009 20:46:29
The United States has offered to help Philippine authorities look for three aid workers kidnapped in the country's south. The Red Cross (ICRC) workers were abducted during an assignment on the island of Jolo last week. Local authorities say Islamic separatist group, Abu Sayyaf, is behind the kidnapping.
Khmer Rouge tribunal criticised for trying only five former leaders
Updated 21/01/2009 22:11:28
There are renewed calls in Cambodia for more former Khmer Rouge leaders to be prosecuted by the UN-backed Khmer Rouge Tribunal. The special court will hear its first case on 17 February. But it'll start with the cases of just five indicted former leaders.
Things President Obama could offer Asia
Updated 21/01/2009 22:11:28
Iraq and Afghanistan are no doubt among the most important foreign policy issues on the Obama administration's agenda, with North Korean and Iranian nuclear programmes also vying for his attention. And let's not forget the Israel-Palestinian question. But where does Asia sit in the new US leadership's list of priorities?
Indonesians celebrate inauguration of Barack Obama
Updated 21/01/2009 22:11:28
In Indonesia, the new American President Barrack Obama has become a favourite son because of the years he spent in the country as a child. And former schoolmates have been celebrating the president's inauguration with a hope that Indonesia will now have a friend in the Whitehouse.
Tibetans in exile slam new Serf's Emancipation Day holiday
Updated 21/01/2009 22:11:26
China has announced a new annual holiday in Tibet called Serf's Emancipation Day, which commemorates the end of what Beijing says was a system of feudal oppression. But Tibetan groups in exile see things differently. They say that when China assumed control of Tibet it was the start of a brutal occupation.
Sir Michael Somare appeals to Fiji over Pacific Forum
Updated 21/01/2009 22:11:27
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has asked Fiji's interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama to reconsider his decision not to attend a special Pacific leaders meeting in Port Moresby next week.
A cyber court to tackle cyber crimes
Updated 21/01/2009 22:11:26
International computer experts are in Australia this week to discuss ways of catching internet criminals. A three-day conference in Adelaide has been looking at legal issues and the problems that investigators face in gathering electronic evidence.
Asian American leaders celebrate ahead of inauguration
Updated 20/01/2009 22:11:38
Asian American leaders and activists are in Washington this week to toast their own successes in last November's election. A nationwide grassroots coalition helped turn out thousands of Asian American voters in 14 battleground states and they showed that the Asian vote has political clout. They're now pushing for issues affecting Asian Americans, including immigration and health care, onto the policy agenda.
Fiji wants pacific forum meeting deferred
Updated 20/01/2009 22:11:38
Australia's foreign minister Stephen Smith says the government is disappointed that Fiji's interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has decided not to attend next week's meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum in Papua New Guinea. Commodore Frank Bainimarama says he cannot leave Fiji while the country is still dealing recent floods that have caused many millions of dollars worth of damage.
Beijing urges new US administration to strengthen military ties
Updated 20/01/2009 22:11:38
With a new administration taking office in the United States under Barack Obama, China is urging America to work closer with it on military affairs. This comes just months after China demanded the US cancel a multi billion dollar arms deal with Taiwan.
Solomon Islands sends recovery team to outer islands
Updated 20/01/2009 22:11:35
While most of the Pacific's attention over the past week has been on the floods in Fiji, a group of Solomon Islanders, who suffered a similar disaster last month, have had to wait until this morning for relief. In early December Sikaiana Island was hit by tidal surges, which destroyed the gardens and water reservoirs used by its 200 residents.
ASEAN Basketball League to be launched in September
Updated 20/01/2009 22:11:35
Southeast Asia is set for it own regional basketball league. The ASEAN Basketball League will be launched in September this year and is being backed by AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes and Indonesian media mogul Erick Thohir, who're pumping millions into the venture.
Ruling Malaysian coalition in by-election setback
Updated 19/01/2009 22:05:38
Malaysia's ruling coalition suffered a setback on the weekend when the opposition snatched a parliamentary seat in the eastern peninsular state of Trengganu. The by-election win by Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) dealt a severe psychological blow to the Barisan Nasional government. Many see it as a test of the nation's political mood. PAS is part of the three-party opposition led by former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The Dutch and Australian foreign ministers discuss Afghanistan
Updated 19/01/2009 22:05:38
Australia and the Netherlands, a key NATO contributor, are discussing the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and progress with reconstruction of the country. The Dutch foreign minister is on an official visit to Australia and has again left the door open for an extended role for his country's troops in Afghanistan.
Australian writer gets three years in Thai jail for lese majeste
Updated 19/01/2009 22:05:38
A court in the Thai capital Bangkok has found an Australian writer guilty of insulting Thailand's revered royal family in a novel and has sentenced the writer to three years in jail. Harry Nicolaides pleaded guilty to the charge lese majeste and had spent months in custody.
ASEAN says Burma needs US$700m after Cyclone Nargis
Updated 19/01/2009 22:05:34
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, says nearly US$700 million may be needed over three years to help Burma recover following Cyclone Nargis. Cyclone Nargis hit Burma's coastal region last May, claiming 140,000 lives and severely affecting another 2.4 million people.
Vanuatu publisher alleges bashing over coverage of prison issues
Updated 19/01/2009 22:05:34
Police in Vanuatu are investigating the alleged bashing of the publisher of the country's only daily newspaper by prison officers. Over the past few months the Vanuatu Daily Post has reported in detail on problems at Vanuatu's prisons, including the escape of inmates, the burning down of the country's main jail, and reports of the abuse of human rights.
Taliban destroys four schools in Pakistan's Swat region
Updated 19/01/2009 22:05:38
Taliban insurgents in Pakistan have destroyed four schools in the northwestern Swat region just hours after the government vowed to reopen schools in the area despite threats from the local Taliban. Last month a Taliban commander had threatened to kill any girls attending classes after 15 January and said the Taliban would destroy schools where girls are enrolled.
Presenter: Girish Sawlani
Speaker: Maryam Bibi, founder, chief executive, Khwendor Kor; Talat Masood, security analyst and former army lieutenant general
Govt says foreigners must respect Thai law
Updated 19/01/2009 22:05:38
The Thai government has so far declined to speak in detail on the sentencing of Harry Nicolaides in three years in prison for insulting the country's monarchy. But the deputy foreign ministry spokesman, Thani Thongpakdi, has reiterated comments made by the Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier this week.
Concern over alleged ill treatment of asylum seekers
Updated 16/01/2009 23:08:29
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says it's concerned at media reports of Thai soldiers detaining illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Burma and forcing them out to sea.
Australia to increase flood aid to Fiji
Updated 16/01/2009 23:08:29
Australia has rejected claims its Fiji flood aid has been too little, announcing a significant increase in its contribution and signalling there may be more to come.
Australian author wins Chinese award
Updated 16/01/2009 23:08:29
An Australian author has won China's prestigious Annual Foreign Novels 21st Century literary award.
China to give state media a financial boost
Updated 16/01/2009 23:08:29
Large western media organisations could do nothing but shake their heads this week. as reports came out of China that seven-billion US dollars was to flow into state media.
Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers losing ground
Updated 16/01/2009 23:08:29
Sri Lanka's 25 year conflict may be nearing an end with the Sri Lankan military saying it's taken total control of the northern Jaffna peninsula, one of the last remaining strongholds of power for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Australian solider awarded Victoria Cross
Updated 16/01/2009 23:08:29
For the first time in 40 years, an Australian soldier has been awarded the nation's highest military honour, the Victoria Cross.
Australia "implicated" in Guantanamo torture
Updated 15/01/2009 05:52:00
Pressure on Australia to take Guantanamo Bay inmates continues to mount, after an unexpected admission by the woman in charge of the Guantanamo Bay military commissions that the US did carry out torture there.
Repairs to Fiji electricity, water and roads priority
Updated 15/01/2009 05:52:00
Fiji's interim government says it will be some time before it can assess the full extent of the damage caused by the floods.
Women in poor nations more likely to die in child birth
Updated 15/01/2009 05:52:01
A report by the United Nation's Children's Fund says women in the world's poorest countries are 300 times more likely to die during childbirth than women in developed countries.
Debate over wearing Islamic headdress
Updated 15/01/2009 05:52:00
Retailers in Australia are lending their support to calls to outlaw the wearing of Islamic headdress in some public places.
Calls to prevent security forces from using torture
Updated 15/01/2009 05:52:00
Human Rights Group Amnesty International is calling on Thailand's new government to halt the use of torture by security forces in the country's south.
Self defence craze takes India's youth
Updated 14/01/2009 21:49:37
With the threat of terrorism and urban street crime apparently on the rise in India, the youth of India are lining up to learn a relatively new form of self defence and combat tactics called Krav Maga. It's all about mastering your natural reflexes, and its practitioners say it's a bit quicker to learn than the martial arts of China and Japan.
Threat of more flooding in Fiji over coming weekend
Updated 14/01/2009 21:49:39
Fiji has been desperate for some respite from the last two weeks of bad weather, but it's now having to brace itself for more bad weather over the coming weekend. The Pacific island nation has been hit by heavy rain and high tides, which have caused damage now estimated to be about US$20 million.
Asian ball kids gear up for Australian Open
Updated 14/01/2009 21:49:37
International tennis stars have begun streaming into Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open, which starts on Monday. A group of youngsters has also travelled a long way to be here. But they're not star struck fans. They have been selected from thousands to participate courtside at the grand slam tournament and many of them are from Asia.
Tourism slump after political upheaval
Updated 14/01/2009 21:49:38
The international tourism market is facing its worst downturn in decades and it's partly due to the global financial crisis. For Thailand and India, though, the outlook is particularly grim. Both countries have recently experienced serious upheavals that are now keeping the tourists away. The question is how quickly if at all will they recover?
Prominent Thai academic charged with lese majeste
Updated 14/01/2009 21:49:39
While there are many stated differences between Thailand's competing political parties, their one constant is a reverence for the Thai royal family. But with new charges facing academics, and censorship being suggested for community radio stations and internet conversations on the king and monarchy, the reasons behind legally imposing this reverence are being questioned.
Child trafficking on the rise in Vietnam
Updated 14/01/2009 21:49:39
People trafficking continues to blight Asia. While figures are unreliable, non-government groups have expressed concern to Australia that child trafficking, especially in Vietnam, is on the rise. Many countries have been working to assist Vietnam in fighting people smuggling, with mixed success. Australia is among them, with Immigration minister Chris Evans in Vietnam this week to help build broader co-operation and better technical capabilities.
Over 200 still missing after Indonesia ferry disaster
Updated 13/01/2009 21:28:12
The search for survivors from Sunday's ferry disaster in Indonesia continues, with around 200 passengers still missing. The ferry capsized in the east of the country, between Sulawesi and East Kalimantan, when it was hit by a wave in severe weather. The bad weather has gone on for days now and is making the rescue operation almost impossible.
Detention extended for founder of militant group over Mumbai
Updated 13/01/2009 21:28:12
Pakistani authorities have extended the detention of the founder of the Islamist militant group that India blames for November's attacks in Mumbai that killed 179 people. Hafiz Saeed was put under house arrest in early December after a UN Security Council committee added him and a charity which he heads to a list of people and organisations linked to al Qaeda or the Taliban.
Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speaker: Abdullah Muntazir, spokesman, Jamaat ud Dawa; Talat Masood, former Pakistan Army Lieutenant General
Heavy rains in Fiji force thousands into emergency housing
Updated 13/01/2009 21:28:12
In Fiji constant severe weather during the last two weeks continues to take its toll. Flooding has forced around nine thousand people to move into emergency accommodation. It's left tourist stranded, and communities cut off from the rest of the country. The damage bill is estimated to be well into the millions.
Camels in decline in India's north
Updated 13/01/2009 21:27:54
India's famed camel population, which is largely found in northern states such Rajasthan, is in decline. It's partly due to increased development, with vehicles taking up the role once occupied by these ships of the desert.
Pressure grows on Australia to take Uighers from Guantanamo
Updated 13/01/2009 21:27:54
After rejecting two requests from the United States to accept detainees from Guantanamo Bay there is continuing pressure on the Australian government, now especially over a group of 17 ethnic Uighurs who've been held at the facility. Australia is home to several thousand Uighurs and the country's Federation of Islamic Councils says Australia should accept the group of Uighurs at Guantanamo Bay.
Steep rise in applicants for Australian Defence Force
Updated 12/01/2009 23:48:45
A rise in unemployment during this current economic uncertainty is thought to be contributing to a 20 per cent increase in the number of applications to join the Australian Defence Force. But the Australia Defence Association says not every applicant is right for the job.
Women taxi drivers fighting traffic and descrimination in New Delhi
Updated 12/01/2009 23:48:42
For decades, taxi driving in India has been a man's work. But now women are getting behind the wheel in New Delhi. The taxi driver trainees are battling the Delhi traffic and discrimination.
Army ready for 'decisive blow' against Tamil Tiger rebels
Updated 12/01/2009 23:48:45
Sri Lanka's military says it's now ready to deliver a 'decisive blow' to the Tamil Tiger rebels. The army launched air attacks against the last remaining jungle hideouts of Tamil Tigers after driving them out of their main strongholds, and helicopter gunships have supported ground troops which are advancing deeper into the Mullaittivu region, where the retreating Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam forces are holed up.
Pledge to boost cooperation from Japan and South Korea
Updated 12/01/2009 23:48:46
With the global financial crisis taking more of a hold the leaders of Japan and South Korea have agreed to boost economic cooperation. They've also agreed to work closely with incoming US President Barack Obama in a further effort to get North Korea to stop its nuclear programme. But they avoided the thorny subject of the two countries' history.
New coalition wins majority in Thai bi-election
Updated 12/01/2009 23:48:46
Thailand's coalition government, under new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has won most of 29 parliamentary seats that were contested in a bi-election on Sunday. The bi-election was a direct result of the pro-democracy rallies at the end of last year. But Mr Abhisit still faces questions over his own legitimacy because he became prime minister without a public election. So, has the bi-election win given him the public vote of confidence that he needs?
Opposition says Aust. govt. slow to start Pacific labour scheme
Updated 12/01/2009 23:48:42
Australia's federal opposition has accused the government of administrative failure for not yet implementing the Pacific seasonal labour pilot scheme. Under the initiative, workers from any of four Pacific island nations will be granted special visas to come to Australia to harvest fruit and vegetables in regions with acute labour shortages.
Urgent mission to study Philippine ebola outbreak
Updated 09/01/2009 07:21:22
An urgent investigation's underway in the Philippines by UN and World Health Organisation experts after ebola virus was discovered at pig farms in two provinces.
Farming land cleared in Vietnam for Eco Park
Updated 09/01/2009 07:21:22
The clearing of land has begun for a new township and golf course south east of Vietnam's capital Hanoi despite protests from hundreds of farmers.
Military attacks in Sri Lanka generate need for more aid
Updated 09/01/2009 07:21:23
In Sri Lanka, a renewed military offensive in the island's northern tip has also increased the number of people who require humanitarian assistance.
Obama inspires young Aborigines
Updated 09/01/2009 07:21:22
From Australia's remote western desert to the heart of American power, an Aboriginal law student is heading to Washington to join the millions who'll crowd the Mall for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th, and first black, U-S President on January 20th.
Weekend of rough weather expected in Pacific
Updated 09/01/2009 07:21:22
The respective weather bureaus across the South Pacific are expecting a rough weekend with at least two weather systems which have the potential of developing into a cyclone.
Draft bill to operate Philippines nuclear power plant
Updated 08/01/2009 02:36:07
A Philippines Congressman wants to see a nuclear power plant created in the 1980's put to use.
Friends of Indonesian refugees concerned about their welfare
Updated 08/01/2009 02:36:07
It's emerged that Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister intervened late last year when a political refugee from Indonesia's Papua Province asked to return home with his daughter.
Fears 10 million jobs could be lost in India's export sector
Updated 08/01/2009 02:36:07
In India, it's been predicted that 10 million people currently working in the export sector will lose their jobs this year, as a consequence of the global financial crisis.
Australia's wealthiest state mired in scandal
Updated 08/01/2009 02:36:07
The famous sails of the Sydney Opera House and the graceful arch of the city's Harbour Bridge are iconic images around the world.
Australian soliders being investigated over Afghanistan incidents
Updated 08/01/2009 02:36:07
Australian soldiers are being investigated over claims they wounded or killed up to nine Afghan civilians while fighting Taliban insurgents in Uruzgan Province.
PNG sorcery related killings on the rise
Updated 08/01/2009 02:36:07
Police say the number of people killed or murdered over allegations of practising sorcery is on the rise in the Papua New Guinea highlands.
Cambodia's finance sector urged to act to prevent money laundering
Updated 07/01/2009 21:52:04
The London based International Bar Association says Cambodia's banks need to take a tougher stance against money laundering.
Japan PM admits his family's company used POW's
Updated 07/01/2009 21:52:05
The Prime Minister of Japan, Taro Aso has admitted that Allied prisoners of war were used as forced labourers in his family's mining company during World War Two.
Changes to APEC could be part of proposed community
Updated 07/01/2009 21:52:05
Modifying APEC or the East Asia Summit have emerged as possible mechanisms for Australia's proposal for an Asia Pacific community by the year 20-20.
Concern financial crisis could cause poor children to suffer
Updated 07/01/2009 21:52:05
A conference in Singapore warns that children from poor families in the Asia Pacific region, could become the unintended victims of the global financial crisis.
US to create three marine reserves in Pacific
Updated 07/01/2009 21:52:05
The President of the United States, George W Bush, has signed off on the creation of three new marine reserves in the Pacific.
Outdoor play good for kids eyes
Updated 06/01/2009 20:59:17
A study of ethnic Chinese Australian children and children in Singapore has found that playing outdoors can help protect children from becoming short-sighted. Nearly a third of Singaporean six-year-olds need glasses, but they're worn by just three per cent of ethnic Chinese children living in Australia.
Domestic concerns temper Aust Mideast response
Updated 06/01/2009 20:59:17
The situation in Gaza has fuelled a vigorous debate in Australia. And the ruling Labor government - as with previous Australian governments - is finding itself carefully balancing its response to avoid igniting deep passions. Where it has sought to define its stance is by boosting aid to the Palestinians and observers say that's because the Rudd government is pushing for a UN Security Council seat.
Fighting continues in Gaza
Updated 06/01/2009 20:59:17
The diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza are intensifying, but so far without success. Israel has continued its assault on the Palestinian territory and militants within Gaza continue to fire rockets into Israel. Both sides say they won't stop their attacks until they are no longer under attack.
Massive clean-up on the way for India's Ganges River
Updated 06/01/2009 20:59:12
Rising pollution into India's mighty Ganges River - sacred to the country's 930 million Hindus - has prompted the Indian government to declare the Ganges a national watercourse, a move that opens the way for new investment to fund a massive clean-up.
Asian Muslims see Gaza conflict as attack on Islam
Updated 06/01/2009 20:59:17
Across Asia the fighting between Israel and the Palestinian territories has forced people onto the streets. There have been demonstrations in the Thai capital Bangkok, where protesters staged a rally outside the Israeli embassy. And thousands have also gathered outside the US embassy in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Many of the protesters are Muslims who see the middle east conflict as an attack on Islamic society.
Interim PM takes ministerial duties for Fiji's sugar industry
Updated 05/01/2009 21:57:08
Fiji's sugar industry has voiced its support for Interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama's unexpected decision to take on ministerial duties for the industry. The sugar industry in Fiji has shrunk significantly in recent years. And canegrowers are hoping the prime minister will drive some positive changes.
Capture of rebel town may not end Sri Lanka's civil war
Updated 05/01/2009 21:57:08
Sri Lankans have been celebrating the capture of the Tamil Tigers' de facto capital Kilinochchi last Friday. But military observers say there may be bloodier battles still ahead, with the rebels taking refuge in the jungles.
Assessing the damage after four die in Papua region quake
Updated 05/01/2009 21:57:08
Emergency teams are assessing the damage after Indonesia's Papua region was hit by a series of earthquakes and after shocks on Sunday.
New Delhi hands Mumbai attacks evidence to Pakistan
Updated 05/01/2009 21:57:09
India has handed to Pakistan what it says is evidence linking the country to the terrorists who attacked Mumbai in November. Pakistan is reviewing the evidence. India's foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee says India will also be launching a major diplomatic offensive to maintain international pressure on Islamabad.
Thai puppetry revival underway in Bangkok
Updated 05/01/2009 21:57:07
Its political system remains under pressure and its economy was brought to a halt with protests at its airports last year. But Thailand is pressing ahead efforts to revive lost aspects of the kingdom's rich culture. One such endeavour is being showcased at the award-winning Joe Louis.
Bougainville President elect prepares to be sworn in
Updated 02/01/2009 08:47:46
Early next week James Tanis will be sworn in as the President of Bougainville.
Bomb blasts hits Assam ahead of visit by India's Prime Minister
Updated 02/01/2009 08:47:46
Little over a month after the terrorist attacks in India's financial capital of Mumbai the country has again been rocked by violence. A series of bombs, packed with ball bearings, have killed six people and left 50 others injured in the restive northern state of Assam. Local authorities are blaming a separatist group, the United Liberation Front of Asom.
Plans to turn Jewish apartments targeted by terrorists in India into M
Updated 02/01/2009 08:47:46
A museum is being proposed at Mumbai's Jewish Nariman House apartments to remember those killed by terrorists.
Secret cabinet documents released on Australia's relationship with Asi
Updated 02/01/2009 08:47:46
Thirty year old Australian Government documents show how concerned Canberra was at the fall of Australia's standing in Southeast Asia.
Burma to sell natural gas to China
Updated 02/01/2009 08:47:46
Burma has signed an agreement to sell natural gas from its western offshore fields to China.
2009 proclaimed the International Year of Astronomy
Updated 01/01/2009 12:00:21
The United Nations has proclaimed 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy, to celebrate and encourage the celestial science. Thousands of years of observing the skies have contributed to a better understanding of life on Earth, while evidence is rapidly growing of worlds beyond our planet.
2008 - China's 'annus horribilis'?
Updated 01/01/2009 12:00:18
It's been a big year for China. The 2008 Beijing olympics has been and gone. China was criticised for its heavy handed response to an uprising in Tibet. There was the food poisoning scandal which resulted in the deaths of several babies, and the devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province. Our China Correspondent Stephen McDonell ponders whether 2008 was China's "annus horribilis".
