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March 2009

Catholic church in Fiji wants squatters off its land

Updated 31/03/2009 21:45:21

A dispute between a Fiji squatter settlement and the Catholic Church, which owns the land, could head to court. It's thought that Fiji's failing economy, driven in part by four coups in 20 years, has forced at least 10 per cent of its population into a growing number of squatter settlements and shanty towns. Many are on land which has significantly risen in value and that's led to a confrontation between the squatters and their landlords.

Britain considers offering citizenship to HK ethnic minorities

Updated 31/03/2009 21:45:21

Britain is still dealing with its colonial past in Asia. On Wednesday the British House of Lords will decide whether or not the country should offer citizenship to hundreds of stateless members of Hong Kong's ethnic minorities. Many see them as victims of London's irregular immigration policies in the run up to the handover of the territory to China in 1997.

New report to say North Korea has nuclear weapon

Updated 31/03/2009 21:45:22

A new report due out on Wednesday claims that North Korea has at least one nuclear weapon. Tensions have been mounting on the Korean peninsular as Pyongyang says it will launch a satellite between April 4-8. But the launch has been condemned by Japan and South Korea as a cover for a missile test. All this as the North Korean soccer team arrives in the South's capital, Seoul, for a World Cup qualifying match.

China scores major Australian mining deal

Updated 31/03/2009 21:45:22

China has secured the first of several major bids to invest in Australian mining firms. The Australian treasurer has given the go-ahead for Hunan Valin Iron and Steel Group to buy up to 17.5 per cent of the Fortescue Metals Group. The deal comes amid a politically charged atmosphere in Australia with some saying the Rudd government's ties with China are too close.

Psychiatric help on hand for losers in Indonesia elections

Updated 31/03/2009 21:45:21

With just over a week to go before Indonesia votes in parliamentary elections an Indonesian psychiatric clinic is preparing to treat some of those politicians who are unlucky enough to lose at the ballot box. National campaigns cost millions of dollars. The pressure to win is huge. And as some have found in the past the stress can be too much.

Australian treasurer stops in Japan ahead of G20 summit

Updated 30/03/2009 21:47:33

Australia's treasurer, Wayne Swan, has stopped in Japan while on his way to the G20 meeting in London. It's the first time an Australian treasurer has visited Tokyo officially since 1995. Mr Swan says the global crisis marks one of the most important moments in the two countries' bilateral relationship.

Pakistan security again in doubt after police training centre attack

Updated 30/03/2009 21:47:34

Pakistan has again been taken unawares by an apparent terrorist attack. This time on a police training centre in Lahore, with a significant number of deaths and casualties. It comes just a month after the attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team - also in Lahore - and will be another sign that Pakistan could be spiralling out of control.

Thaksin supporters throw Bangkok back into turmoil

Updated 30/03/2009 21:47:33

Tens of thousands of red shirted supporters of the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have set up camp outside the government's main administration building in Bangkok. They're calling for the government of Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign and call fresh elections.

Former Khmer Rouge prison chief goes on trial

Updated 30/03/2009 21:47:32

Thirty years after the fall of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime the first testimony begins this week in Cambodia's controversial genocide tribunal. The former commander of the notorious Tuol Sleng prison, the man known as Brother Duch, takes the stand. It's a milestone for the long delayed UN-Cambodian tribunal. But it also comes as proceedings against the regime's political leaders, Ieng Sary, Noun Chea, and Khieu Samphan, are delayed for yet another year.

Deadline looms over heads of Red Cross hostages in Philippines

Updated 30/03/2009 21:47:33

In the Philippines, a deadline set by the kidnappers of three Red Cross workers draws near. The government has until the early hours of Tuesday to either restrict its troops on Jolo island to just two villages or face the prospect of having one of the hostages beheaded by the militant Abu Sayyaf group.

Pakistan and Afghanistan in need of combined strategy

Updated 30/03/2009 21:47:33

The most recent militant attack in Pakistan has served to underscore the urgency of the Obama administration's new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan's outlaw border areas. The fates of the two countries are now seen as being in need of a combined strategy. Foreign policy leaders will discuss the very issue at a meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan in the the Hague this week.

Taiwan's former president faces court

Updated 27/03/2009 21:13:32

Taiwan has put former president Chen Shui-bian on trial for corruption. It's a court battle that could see him jailed for life. Chen Shui-bian led the Democratic Progressive Party to victory in the 2000 presidential election, breaking half a century of conservative nationalist rule. The trial has been described as a "witch-hunt" and some say, payback for the DPP's tough stance on China.

Fears of low voter turnout at Indonesian polls

Updated 27/03/2009 21:13:32

In Indonesia, there are fears that the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections could suffer from low voter turnout. It's just ten years since the first democratic elections were held in Indonesia. Since then more and more voters have been staying away from the polls, with young people in particular saying they're disillusioned with politics as usual.

Deadly flood waters hit Indonesian capital

Updated 27/03/2009 21:23:58

In Indonesia, at least 50 people have drowned after a dam burst its banks in a south-west suburb of Jakarta. Dozens of others are missing and hundreds of homes have been flooded. The dam burst overnight while residents were sleeping, giving them little chance to flee as the water came crashing through their homes. Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Welfare Minister Aburizal Bakrie have visited the disaster area and pledged emergency help.

Landmine clearance funding in decline

Updated 27/03/2009 21:13:29

Ten years ago this month the OttawaTreaty Banning landmines came into effect but despite the ban, countries like Cambodia are still grappling with the landmine legacy left by decades of conflict.

NZ targets wealthy business migrants

Updated 27/03/2009 21:13:29

In tough economic times, governments are under pressure to reduce the intake of migrants - but at least one is bucking the trend. New Zealand hopes an open door policy for business migrants will pay off. It's targetting cashed up business people in the same markets Australia sources many of its investment migrants from.

China calls for a new global reserve currency

Updated 26/03/2009 15:19:49

Calls by China for the US dollar to be replaced as the world's major reserve currency have been largely dismissed. But the governor of China's central bank says weaknesses in the international financial system are making the global recession worse.

New Thai govt 'too dependent on military' for rights reform

Updated 26/03/2009 15:19:48

The end of the military installed administration in Thailand was supposed to lead to the restoration of rights and democracy. But Human Rights Watch says that's not the case. In a speech in Bangkok, Brad Adams, Asia Director for the rights organisation, said political polarisation was widening. He says the new government is heavily dependent on the support of the military and conservative political forces.

China's soft power advance in Australia

Updated 26/03/2009 15:19:49

Simmering public sensitivities in Australia over how to view China have been piqued by claims that defence department officials spied on their own government minister over his links to a wealthy Chinese born Australian business woman. This comes amid criticism of the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd - over his barely disclosed recent meeting with a high level Chinese delegation.

Australia to stand by US in Afghanistan

Updated 26/03/2009 15:19:49

Australia has given the United Sates the assurance that it will stand by America in Afghanistan even though the war there is unpopular. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made the commitment in talks with President Barack Obama in Washington. The assurance comes as the US president outlined his own new Afghan strategy.

Reformed terrorists turn trainers in India

Updated 26/03/2009 15:19:48

For a country that's been witness to dozens of horrific terrorist attacks over the years, it was the terrorist incident last November that has proved to be the biggest wake up call for India. In response, one university has begun a counter terrorism course. And some of the teachers will know all too well what they are talking about, having once been active terrorists themselves.

Pacific does not need Pacer-plus trade deal says key NGO

Updated 25/03/2009 20:38:11

A Fiji based anti-Globalisation group says the Pacific doesn't need a free trade deal with Australia and New Zealand to gain benefits from the global economy. The Pacific Network on Globalisation says Australia is still pursuing heavy-handed tactics in trade negotiations. It wants Pacific Island countries to reject the proposed PACER-plus agreement.

China's military capacity aims to confront the US in Asia

Updated 25/03/2009 20:38:11

An Australian analysis of China's latest defence white paper says China believes it should have the military capability to confront the United States in the Asian region if necessary. And that could see Australia caught in a military squeeze between its largest trading partner China and its long-term security guarantor the United States. While Beijing has stressed its peaceful intent in the paper, it also describes its widening military horizons, its view of the U-S as an "uncertainty" and its concern about U-S alliances.

China and US manoeuvre ahead of climate talks

Updated 25/03/2009 20:38:05

China's top climate change officials have attacked a US proposal to place tariffs on imports from those countries that do not place a price on carbon.

Japan's economy takes another blow

Updated 25/03/2009 20:38:11

Japan has been hit with more bad news. Exports from the second biggest economy halved in February compared to a year ago. And in bad news for Australia and others in Asia, Japan is buying less of what they sell too.

Sri Lankan refugee plight worsens

Updated 25/03/2009 20:38:11

Sri Lanka's defence ministry has accused human rights and aid groups of supporting the rebel Tamil Tigers and trying to prolong the island's civil war.
It says these groups have made the continued bloodshed on Sri Lankan soil a lucrative business. The statement coincided with a fresh report from the New York-based Human Rights Watch that said indiscriminate army shelling was killing dozens of civilians every day in a supposed no-fire zone.

Presenter: Kanaha Sabapathy
Speaker: Sophie Romanens, Spokesperson ICRC Colombo

India's Congress Party pledges food for poor

Updated 25/03/2009 20:38:05

India's ruling Congress party has released its manifesto for elections set to start from April for a month. The Congress party, which has ruled with the support of smaller parties, is promising the people continued economic growth. A key plank of its manifesto is a hugely-subsidised food scheme ... including guarantees that every poor family would get 25-kilograms of cheap rice each month.

Shift towards regional trade deals as WTO predicts big slump

Updated 24/03/2009 20:40:27

The World Trade Organisation now expects a massive nine per cent slump in global trade this year, which is a much bigger slump than earlier predictions. But it's not enough to revive the defunct Doha Round aimed at a new global free trade deal, which Australia says is vital to help drag the world out of its financial and economic malaise. Many believe the WTO is impotent and more and more countries are turning to regional trade deals.

Blair offers to help Philippines in southern peace talks

Updated 24/03/2009 20:40:27

The former British prime minister Tony Blair, who is in the Philippines, has told the government there that he is willing to help the country find a solution to the Muslim insurgency in the south if he's asked.

'Doomsday pin pulled' on Malaysian politics over Najib Razak

Updated 24/03/2009 20:40:28

In Malaysia, an explosive speech by a former UMNO minister has cast a shadow over the imminent prime ministership of Najib Razak. Prominent Malaysian lawyer Zaid Ibrahim says long-standing scandals and sensational charges, including alleged links to a murder case, against Datuk Najib make him unfit for leadership.

Three quarters of executions in 2008 took place in Asia

Updated 24/03/2009 20:40:23

In its latest survey of the use of the death penalty around the world, the international rights group, Amnesty International, says that almost 2400 people were executed in 25 countries in 2008. Perhaps most notable was the execution of 15 people in Japan. It's not widely known that Japan still uses the death penalty, and this is the country's highest rate of executions since 1975. Over all, three quarters of all executions in 2008 took place in Asia.

New Zealand miner defends Solomons' gold proposal

Updated 24/03/2009 20:40:23

A New Zealand businessman, whose company has been awarded a licence to mine for gold in Central Guadalcanal, has defended his position against criticism from unions in Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands' National Union of Workers has a number of concerns about the plan to mine for gold in Central Guadalcanal, and about the man behind the plan.

South Korean PM says Seoul open to dialogue with North

Updated 23/03/2009 21:38:59

There are again concerns over what North Korea might do next. It confirmed over the weekend that it had detained two American journalists for allegedly entering the country illegally via China. And there's talk about its planning to either launch a satellite or test first a missile at the start of April. But Pyongyang has also just restored military communication lines with the South and reopened their shared border. And South Korea's Prime Minister Han Seung-soo says Seoul would be open to dialogue.

Indigenous football team tours Thailand and China

Updated 23/03/2009 21:38:55

A team of young indigenous rugby players from the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales is currently on tour in Asia, where the players are acting as Australian cultural ambassadors during a series rugby union games in Thailand and China. Outside the game, the goal is to build leadership qualities among the young Indigenous men for when they leave school and move into employment.

Anger over jailing of Cambodian opposition member

Updated 23/03/2009 21:38:55

In Cambodia, human rights groups are concerned about an opposition commune chief, who's been convicted of kidnapping charges. The Cambodian human rights group LICADHO says the conviction is politically-motivated against the opposition Sam Rainsy Party and that it could have long lasting consequences for democracy in Cambodia.

Conflicting reports over 100 Tibetan monks arrested for 'rioting'

Updated 23/03/2009 21:39:00

Information is trickling out of China about almost 100 Tibetan monks who have apparently been detained for rioting. China's Xinhua news agency reports that hundreds of people attacked a police station, injuring several officers. But exiled Tibetans say it was supposed to be a peaceful gathering to mark the suicide of a monk who had earlier jumped into the Yellow River after escaping from police.

Reinstatement of Pakistan's chief jusitce hailed as victory

Updated 23/03/2009 21:39:00

Pakistan's twice sacked chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhury is returning to his old post after the government reinstated him to stave off a huge rally planned by lawyers and the opposition. His return is being hailed as a victory for an independent judiciary. But just how independent is Pakistan's judiciary?

Union raise questions over Solomon Islands gold mining licence

Updated 23/03/2009 21:38:59

There are calls in Solomon Islands for a review of a decision to issue a gold mining licence to a New Zealand businessman, whom local unions say they've never heard of. The Solomons government has issued 'Phoenix International' a licence to mine for gold in Central Guadacanal. But the unions want to know why the company will be successful where others have failed.

Indonesia's Democratic Party holds rally

Updated 20/03/2009 20:43:48

Indonesia's election season is well underway.

Australian Tamils respond to Sri Lankan government plan

Updated 20/03/2009 20:43:48

Australia has a large Sri Lankan community, including ethnic Tamils.

Doctor Victor Raja Kulendran, Secretary of the Australasian Federation of Tamil Associations based in Australia, says his organisation is putting a positive spin on the Sri Lankan government's international focus.

Sri Lanka to lodge international protests

Updated 20/03/2009 20:43:48

Sri Lanka will lodge strong protests with countries where there have been demonstrations in favour of the island's separatist Tamil Tiger rebels.

Coca Cola shut out of China

Updated 20/03/2009 20:43:48

The giant US based multi-national - Coca Cola has been stopped from taking over a fruit juice company in China in the first major test of the country's new anti-monopoly law.

Eruptions continue in Tonga but not linked to earthquake

Updated 20/03/2009 20:43:48

Vulcanologists are dismissing any connection between an undersea earthquake near Tonga and the volcanic eruptions off the coast of the island nation's capital Nuku'alofa. On Friday morning an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 on the Richter scale triggered a tsunami warning for all nations in the region. The warning was later lifted, but schools and Government offices in Fiji have remained closed for most of the day. While eruptions and earthquakes are both the result of siesmic activity, scientist are not making any link between these two events.

Entrepreneurs share China success stories

Updated 20/03/2009 20:43:47

For Australians looking to get into business, the growing market of China is an attractive prospect.

US to finalise new Afghanistan strategy

Updated 20/03/2009 20:43:48

Within days, U-S President Barack Obama is expected to finalise details of a new strategy in Afghanistan, where the war has been going particularly badly.

Positive outlook for Vietnam's economy

Updated 18/03/2009 22:04:05

The government of Vietnam says the once-soaring Vietnamese economy should start to bounce back by the end of this year. Vietnam recorded 6.2 percent expansion in 2008, the lowest level in almost a decade and a sharp drop from 8.5 percent in 2007.

Australia urged to better manage maritime domain

Updated 18/03/2009 22:04:05

Australia's being urged to do much more in managing its huge maritime domain as a way of building a more stable Indo-Pacific region.

World Bank says China's economy is slowing rapidly

Updated 18/03/2009 22:04:05

The World Bank says China's economy is slowing rapidly and will not meet the Government's target for growth this year. Just last week Premier Wen Jiabao was optimistic that the Government's goal of 8 per cent was still possible.

UN calls for humanitarian agencies to access Sri Lanka

Updated 18/03/2009 22:04:05

The United Nations Children's Agency says regular, safe access for humanitarian agencies is needed to provide lifesaving supplies to the children caught in Sri Lanka's conflict.

Underwater volcano erupts in sight of Tongan capital

Updated 18/03/2009 22:04:04

An underwater volcanic eruption has sent up spectacular clouds of smoke, steam and ash within sight of the Tonga capital, Nukualofa, and a team from the Tongan Ministry of Lands is heading to the area west of the main island of Tongatapu by boat on Thursday to investigate the phenomenon, which began with an earthquake on Monday. A similar undersea eruption occurred in the same area in 2002, but eventually subsided.

India's communists want foreign investment restrictions

Updated 18/03/2009 22:04:04

India's most influential hard-left political party released its election manifesto this week, - India's massive five-phase general election takes place from April 16 to May 13 - proposing the country should ban foreign investment in the retail sector and restrict foreign firms entering other domestic sectors.

Australian air show displays defence technology

Updated 17/03/2009 21:35:51

The biggest air show in Australia finished in the state of Victoria on the weekend, and arms sales to Asia were a significant part of it.

Minerals sector wins concessions in carbon plan

Updated 17/03/2009 21:35:51

The Australian government's climate change legislation is now so politically mired, its unlikely to become law in its current form.

Malaysian court accepts woman's decision to convert from Islam

Updated 17/03/2009 21:35:51

On the Malaysian island state of Penang, an Islamic court has upheld a controversial decision - allowing a woman to revert from Islam to Buddhism.

Malaysian Opposition politician charged with sedition

Updated 17/03/2009 21:35:52

A veteran Malaysian opposition politician and lawyer has been charged with sedition after criticising a royal ruler's handling of a political power struggle in a northern state.
Karpal Singh from the Democratic Action Party faces up to three years in prison if found guilty.

Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speakers: Karpal Singh from Malaysia's Democratic Action Party

Incest and teenage suicide high on Ebeye Marshall Islands

Updated 17/03/2009 21:35:51

Alarming statistics uncovered in a survey of high school students in Marshall Islands revealed that one in five students has been raped by a relative. The Ministry of Health on Ebeye conducted the survey of about three hundred high school students for the U-S Compact of Free Association quarterly report.

Pakistan to reinstate Chief Justice

Updated 16/03/2009 20:19:56

Pakistan's government has agreed to reinstate Iftikhar Chaudhry as chief justice to defuse a political crisis and end a street protest threatening to turn into violent confrontation.

Teachers bridge Australian-Indonesian relations

Updated 16/03/2009 20:19:56

A group of 60 teachers from two very different worlds will this week embark on a landmark intercultural understanding project.

Fiji unionist claims vandalism attack was political

Updated 16/03/2009 20:19:56

Large stones have been thrown through the windows of the home of Attar Singh, chairman of the Movement for Democracy, in what he believes was a politically motivated attack. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on high profile activists, politicians and journalists. He's filed a complaint with the police, but doesn't believe they will be able to find out who caused the damage.

Pre-election tension mounts in Aceh

Updated 16/03/2009 20:19:56

Tension continues to mount in the Indonesian province of Aceh in the lead up to next month's parliamentary elections.

Amnesty raps Australia over indigenous rights

Updated 16/03/2009 20:19:56

Amnesty International says Australia flagrantly breaches its human rights obligations by continuing to suspend race discrimination laws in some indigenous communities.

Recession could create unrest in Asia: UN

Updated 16/03/2009 20:19:56

The United Nations is warning the global recession has heightened the risk of social and political unrest in Asia.

China and India vie for influence in Tibet

Updated 13/03/2009 20:30:21

While continuing to stem dissent within Tibet, China is also taking steps to make sure its sensitivities to the Tibetan issue is respected by its near neighbours.

Anti-racism conference overshadowed by controversy

Updated 13/03/2009 20:30:21

The tag "hatefest" continues to haunt a planned U-N anti-racism conference, with fears of a sizeable boycott amid claims of anti-Semitism.

Protesting lawyers destabilising for government

Updated 13/03/2009 20:30:21

Police in Pakistan have clashed with lawyers and their supporters who tried to march on the capital.

China considers further economic stimulus measures

Updated 13/03/2009 20:30:22

China's Premier Wen Jiabao says plans have been made to inject more money into the economy if needed, admitting the global economic crisis is making this year's growth target hard to achieve.

Dog sniffs out Cambodian tigers

Updated 13/03/2009 20:30:21

A dog trained in Russia to sniff for tiger droppings has begun searching for the big cats in a protected area in Cambodia.

Thailand seeks regional help to fight wildlife trade

Updated 13/03/2009 20:30:21

Thailand is looking for broader regional support in the fight against the multi-million dollar illegal trade in wildlife.

Malaysian excavation finds ancient iron ore facility

Updated 12/03/2009 20:57:51

A team of archeologists have made a discovery in Northern Malaysia that'll shed more light on ancient South East Asia.The team from the Universiti Sains Malaysia excavated remains of an ancient iron ore smelting facility and believe evidence uncovered could prove that ancient civilisations in South East Asia were more advanced than previously thought.

Recession will change the US forever

Updated 12/03/2009 20:57:57

This week the Governor of the US Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke said the US recession could end this year if the Government gets its policies right.
That's a big IF. It means stabilising a financial system in ruins and saving or creating millions of jobs. And the economy, when it recovers, will never be the same.

Australia: Greens and industry square off on climate change

Updated 12/03/2009 20:57:57

Climate scientists meeting in Copenhagen this week, say sea-level rise may well exceed one metre this century, well over the prediction of between 18 and 59 centimetres made by the U-N's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change last year. If true, there'll be catastophic implications and the scientists have urged swift cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The news came as Australia's government released draft legislation on its plans for cutting emissions and shaping a low carbon economy. But industry is screaming it'll take the country back to candles and horses, while green groups say its a sorry tradeoff to big polluters who jeopardise the planet's future.

Economic ties the basis of China Taiwan relations

Updated 12/03/2009 20:57:57

The annual meeting of China's National Peoples' Congress winds up tomorrow. The state of the economy has dominated the meeting but improving relations with Taiwan came a close second. In his address to the Congress prime minister Wen Jiabao talked about Beijing's readiness to reach a peace agreement with Taiwan and of the possibility of political and military talks. But the director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office says for the present cross straits relations should only focus on economic ties.

Malaysia awaits handover to new PM

Updated 12/03/2009 20:57:57

Malaysia's next prime minister says he will not embrace radical reforms to the country's race-based economic system that critics charge has stunted development and fostered corruption.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak who is slated to become premier on March 31 says no drastic changes can be brought in until the people are ready for it. But Malaysians, from all reports, want real change and reform from their leaders.

Doubts in Fiji over political forum effectiveness

Updated 12/03/2009 20:57:57

Fiji's politicians are questioning how serious the country's military backed interim Government is about listening to anyone else's opinions about the best path back to democracy. It is still unclear if all the country's major political parties will be invited to attend a political forum in Suva on Friday, which aims to set the agenda for a United Nations Commonwealth facilitated forum later this year.

Asia's unemployed flood rural areas.

Updated 11/03/2009 20:55:51

With consumer demand falling sharply in Europe and the United States in the wake of the economic downturn, Asian economies have recorded sharp falls in exports.

Philippines reduces sentences of those convicted for Aquino murder

Updated 11/03/2009 20:55:51

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has reduced the sentences of ten men convicted of assassinating former opposition leader Benigno Aquino, more than twenty-five years ago. The decision has highlighted many unanswered questions about the murder.

Sri Lanka appoints ex rebel leader to cabinet

Updated 11/03/2009 20:55:51

In Sri Lanka, the man who was once second in command in what was listed by the US as a terrorist organisation, has been appointed a minister in Colombo. Karuna the former deputy leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam has come a long way since breaking away from the group in 2004. He went underground, formed a party the TMVP, entered England on a false Sri Lankan diplomatic passport, where he was arrested and deported back in January last year.

China major stabilising force for global growth

Updated 11/03/2009 20:55:51

Some say the world recession has accelerated China's rise in the global economic system. They say China, the only major stabilizing force for global growth, is playing a key role in supporting US policy to arrest the downward spiral.

World faces the risk of deflation

Updated 11/03/2009 20:55:52

Less than a year ago inflation was a major concern for many of Asia's economies. Now its opposite, deflation is emerging as the latest threat which could make the global recession worse if it takes hold. Japan with rapidly falling prices and rising consumer fear, is bracing for years of economic turmoil. The global recession means others could get caught in the deflation spiral as Karon Snowdon reports.

Tonga signs deat to explore undersea resources

Updated 11/03/2009 20:55:51

Tonga is preparing to exploit its undersea resources. Australian firm Blue Water Metals South Pacific has signed an agreement with Tonga, in the hope of striking gold, silver, copper and zinc under the sea bed in Tongan waters.

Australia 'concerned' about human rights in Tibet

Updated 10/03/2009 21:58:30

About 150 pro-Tibet protestors converged on Parliament House in the Australian capital of Canberra.

Vietnam suffering 'brain drain'

Updated 10/03/2009 21:58:30

There's growing concern of a brain drain in Vietnam, with statistics showing as many as 70 per cent of students who study overseas, don't return home after graduating.

Australia resumes aid funding for abortion

Updated 10/03/2009 21:58:30

After a sensitive, six-month long internal debate, Australia's government is to resume the use of aid funding for abortion services.

Dalai Lama calls for Tibetan autonomy

Updated 10/03/2009 21:58:30

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has called for co-existence with China and meaningful autonomy for Tibet as he marked the 50th anniversary of his exile.

Economic crisis disastrous for world's poor

Updated 10/03/2009 16:56:42

The global financial crisis is fast becoming a disaster for the world's poor.

Australia's pop princess goes to Bollywood

Updated 10/03/2009 16:56:42

Australia's very own pop princess, Kylie Minogue has added a new role to her long list of credentials - Bollywood star.

Australia's trade negotiations with Pacific under attack

Updated 10/03/2009 16:56:42

There are claims that Australia's allegedly "heavy handed" approach to trade negotiations with Pacific Island countries is damaging Australia's standing in the Pacific.

Naval spat between China, United States

Updated 10/03/2009 21:58:30

While Beijing has been enjoying a warmer relationship with the US in recent months, a military spat has shown that old habits die hard.

Gambling goes underground in Cambodia

Updated 10/03/2009 21:58:29

A few weeks ago, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen outlawed all forms of gambling involving slot machines and betting on football games, ostensibly in the name of improving the country's morality.

Thai women push for equal pay

Updated 10/03/2009 16:56:42

Thai women activists met on the weekend calling on the Thai Government to strengthen welfare state initiatives in the face of the the global recession.

North Korea holds rubber stamp elections

Updated 10/03/2009 16:56:42

There are rising tensions on the Korean peninsula, after North Korea put its military on combat alert in response to a war games exercise involving US and South Korean troops.

Australian PM stirs up debate on neoliberal economics

Updated 10/03/2009 16:56:42

As world leaders continue to struggle with the spiralling economic disaster, part of Australia's debate is being shaped by seven-thousand Prime Ministerial words.

Australian producers urge speedy deal with South Korea

Updated 09/03/2009 16:00:22

With Australia and South Korea announcing the start of free trade talks in May, Australian red meat producers are urging a quick deal to beat a likely US re-entry into the South Korean market.

US overture to Iran on Afghanistan strategy

Updated 09/03/2009 16:00:22

The United States has called for a high level international conference to map out a new strategy on Afghanistan.

It would include Afghan and Pakistan officials, as well as NATO allies, major donors and international organisations.

Fears US spending will not shorten recession

Updated 06/03/2009 19:58:39

There are signs in the United States that the massive spending by the Obama administration might not be working to shorten the recession.

Australia, South Korea sign security pact

Updated 06/03/2009 19:58:39

A tighter security relationship between two US alliance partners has emerged in East Asia, coinciding with China's announcement this week of a 15 per cent rise in military spending this year.

Chinese premier forecasts steady growth

Updated 06/03/2009 19:58:39

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has addressed the annual session of the National People's Congress - China's parliament.

Philippine proposal to rehabilitate mothballed nuke plant

Updated 06/03/2009 19:50:36

In the Philippines groups from environmentalists to the Catholic church are protesting against a proposal to rehabilitate a mothballed nuclear power plant.

East Timor's justice system tested by assassination trials

Updated 06/03/2009 19:50:36

The case against those charged over the assassination attempts on East Timor's two top leaders a year ago will test the country's young justice system.

US overture to Iran on Afghanistan strategy

Updated 06/03/2009 19:50:36

Fears Macau security law will be abused

Updated 06/03/2009 19:50:35

The special administrative region of Macau has put to effect a new security law that will punish crimes of political nature against the Chinese government.

Australian producers urge speedy deal with South Korea

Updated 06/03/2009 19:50:36

With Australia and South Korea announcing the start of free trade talks in May, Australian red meat producers are urging a quick deal to beat a likely US re-entry into the South Korean market.

Thailand, Laos officially open rail link

Updated 06/03/2009 19:50:35

Thailand and Laos have officially opened the first rail link connecting the two countries over a bridge spanning the Mekong River.

Fiji rejects Commonwealth deadline

Updated 05/03/2009 21:34:09

Fiji's military backed interim government has indicated it has no intention of meeting an election ultimatum from the Commonwealth.

Australian specialist training for East Timor troops

Updated 05/03/2009 21:34:11

Australia's defence minister has formally opened a specialist training wing for the East Timor defence forces.

Record numbers of ethnic Chinese contest Indonesia polls

Updated 05/03/2009 16:37:53

More than 12,000 people are contesting Indonesias parliamentary elections, now less than six weeks away.

Australia's economy slips backwards

Updated 05/03/2009 16:37:53

Australia has been delivered a wake-up call - the economy has slipped backwards for the first time in eight years.

India sets dates for general election

Updated 05/03/2009 16:37:53

India is to hold general elections over a month from April 16th to May 13th.

World must help Pakistan against terrorism: Canberra

Updated 05/03/2009 16:37:53

Australia is warning again that Pakistan faces an existential threat from terrorism, as governments and terrorism experts weigh the implications of the deadly attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore.

Corruption and abuse mark Burma's cyclone recovery

Updated 05/03/2009 16:37:52

A report by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has called for a United Nations-led investigation into Burma's handling of aid and assistance since last year's devastating cyclone Nargis, accusing the military government of crimes against humanity.

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March 2009

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