April 2009
Afghan ambassador condemns people smugglers
Updated 30/04/2009 20:17:30
Two more small wooden boats, carrying eighty mostly Afghan asylum seekers, arrived off Australia's north-west coast in recent days, leading Afghanistan's Ambassador to Australia to condemn people smugglers who prey on those wanting to escape strife.
Chinese company moves fast on Taiwan investment
Updated 30/04/2009 20:17:30
The rapidly improving cross strait relations between China and Taiwan is also having its effects in the business world, with a deal giving a chinese company a significant stake in a Taiwanese telecoms company struck only days after restrictions on cross-strait investment were lifted.
Taiwan allowed observer status in global health body
Updated 30/04/2009 20:17:30
In a further sign of warming relations between Taiwan and China, Taiwan will be granted observer status at the World Health Organisation's supreme governing body - the World Health Assembly.
Swine flu could do more damage in the south
Updated 30/04/2009 20:17:30
The man who documented Asia's response to the SARS epidemic has warned that the current swine flu virus could do the most damage in the southern hemisphere.
Child malnutrition rates high in Indonesian province
Updated 30/04/2009 20:17:30
Indonesia's finance minister Sri Mulyani has said that her government is committed to ensuring children get first call on resources during these times of economic crisis,but the latest figures on child malnutrition show that Jakarta has a steep challenge ahead.
Fiji faces expulsion from Pacific Island Forum
Updated 30/04/2009 20:17:30
Tomorrow night the Pacific Island nation of Fiji looks set to be suspended from the Pacific Island Forum, over its refusal to allow a return to democractic rule.
Moves to reduce criminals running in Indian elections
Updated 29/04/2009 19:42:41
It's election time in India where having done a little jail time is no impediment to running for high office.
Solomon Islands launches Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Updated 29/04/2009 19:42:41
The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been officially launched by South Africa's Nobel laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the capital Honiara. In his address the archbishop urged Solomon Islanders to bury the lingering ethnic tensions between indigenous people of the island of Guadalcanal and their rivals from neighbouring Malaita island.
Australia's Defence Dept and aid agency AUSAID sign agreement
Updated 29/04/2009 19:42:41
The Australian Defence Department announced today that it has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Australian international aid agency AusAid.
Fate of Tamil Tiger leader unknown
Updated 29/04/2009 19:42:41
Two senior Tamil Tiger members who surrendered to the Sri Lankan government troops have made a televised denunciation of the rebels in a major propaganda coup for the island's authorities.
Queries over Pakistan's ability to hold onto terrain
Updated 29/04/2009 19:42:41
Pakistani forces have begun a new offensive against Taliban fighters in Pakistan's northwest.
Australia boosts troop and financial assistance to Afghanistan
Updated 29/04/2009 19:56:32
Australia is to send four-hundred-and-fifty extra soldiers to Afghanistan, along with additional funding and police and civilian assistance. Prime Minster Kevin Rudd made the announcement in response to Washington's call for more forces and President Barack Obama's shift in Afghanistan strategy.
SE Asia warned of cost of not taking action on climate change
Updated 28/04/2009 19:16:53
There's a stark warning for South East Asia today about the high cost of doing nothing about climate change. The Asia Development Bank says the economic impact will far exceed the global financial crisis if carbon emmissions continue at current levels. It names the region's four biggest economies - Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam as bearing the bulk of the cost of a business-as-usual approach.
China & Taiwan sign deal to promote cross-strait investment
Updated 28/04/2009 19:16:53
Taiwan and China have signed a landmark agreement to promote mainland Chinese investment on the island for the first time in six decades. It's the latest sign of warming relations since Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou took office a year ago, promising closer ties with the mainland. Other deals were also signed to expand air links and joint crime fighting efforts. But Taiwan's pro-independence opposition has hit out at the deals, which it sees as part of Beijing's unification strategy. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its rule, by force if necessary. Andrew Yang, the Secretary General of the Chinese Council for Advanced Policy Studies in Taiwan, says the deals are a big step forward in cross-strait relations.
Humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka says UNICEF
Updated 28/04/2009 19:16:53
Aid agencies in Sri Lanka are appealing for urgent assistance as the number of people in refugee camps in the country's north continues to grow. They're fleeing fighting between the government and the last of the rebel Tamil Tigers who are holding onto a small patch of coastal territory which is completely surrpounded. The military says it's trying to capture more territory and free the civilians it says are being held as human shields by the outnumbered and encircled rebels. Meanwhile the civillians who have managed to flee the fighting are being housed in makeshift refugee camps while the government screens them to see if there are any rebel combatants hiding amongst them. A UNICEF aid worker in Sri Lanka, James Elder, has just returned to the capital Colombu, from the refugee camps, and he says it's shaping up to be a genuine humanitarian crisis.
Pakistan President says nukes are secure
Updated 28/04/2009 19:16:53
Pakistan's president, Asif Ali Zardari, has ruled out the possibility his country's nuclear weapons will fall into the hands of the Taliban. As Britain's Gordon Brown toured both Afghanistan and Pakistan, President Zardari also heightened speculation that Osama Bin Laden may be dead.
Chinese fake mobile phone market booms
Updated 28/04/2009 19:16:48
China's black market continues to boom. This time not merely in the time and tested copying of dvds, and luxury goods such as watches and handbags but in the area of cellphones.
PNG and Australia leaders meet over Fiji's future
Updated 28/04/2009 19:16:48
Australia's Prime Minister says the United Nations has decided not to recruit Fijian soldiers for future U-N operations .. after Australia and New Zealand led a push for the U-N to act over Fiji's suspension of the constitution. Fiji and its fate internationally have featured heavily in official talks in Canberra between Kevin Rudd and his Papua New Guinea counterpart, Sir Michael Somare, though crucial development issues have also loomed large.
Pakistan army goes on anti-Taliban offensive
Updated 27/04/2009 19:48:17
Under pressure from the United States to combat militancy, Pakistan has launched a new offensive against Taliban insurgents in the north-west of the country.
The operation follows the Taliban exit from Buner - just 100 kilometres from Islamabad. But India's border security chief says Islamic extremists are looking at alternative routes through Bangladesh and Nepal to penetrate its borders.
Sri Lanka faces refugee challenge
Updated 27/04/2009 19:48:17
Up to a quarter of a million people displaced by the fighting between the Sri Lankan military and the last of the Tamil Tiger rebels could soon be living in refugee camps in the country's north.
Asia gears up to deal with swine flu
Updated 27/04/2009 19:48:17
While Australia is tightening is border controls at least one expert believes the virus could already be in the country. And with memories of SARS and bird flu, Asia is bracing for this latest threat. Japan says its will fast track efforts to find a new vaccine.
Global science effort against flu
Updated 27/04/2009 19:48:17
Public health officials around the world are strengthening responses to the new strain of swine flu that's emerged in the Americas. Australia, for example, has imposed tougher requirements on aircraft arriving from the affected countries, after advice from the country's Chief Medical Officer. The death toll in Mexico has risen to one hundred and three with 400 more infections reported. Cases have appeared in several other countries, but as yet none have been confirmed in Asia. Meanwhile, a global scientific response continues in a bid to fill in the gaps about the nature of the flu as the world wonders whether this is the pandemic that scientists have been fearing.
Indonesian pilots uneasy over prosecution
Updated 27/04/2009 19:48:11
Pilots and avialtion workers in Indonesia are threatening to strike over the jailing of a Garuda pilot earlier this month for a crash in 2007 that left 21 people dead. They say the sentencing of Captain Marwoto Korma by a criminal court makes them uneasy in their jobs.
Pacific Forum leaders proceed as planed with May deadline
Updated 27/04/2009 19:48:12
The Chair of the Pacific Islands Fourm says they are sticking with the May first deadline to suspend Fiji from the regional body. After the events of the Easter weekend in which the constitution was abrogated and the country's judiciary sacked, the Forum Chair, Niues premier Toke Talagi, polled regional leaders to see if they should suspend Fiji immediately or wait until May.
Fiji church minister's column banned by military censors
Updated 24/04/2009 19:33:12
Fiji's censors have struck again - this time a Methodist Minister has fallen foul of the military regime. A brief mention of the economic slowdown led to his column titled "Prayer is Action" being pulled from publication. Reverend James Bhagwan has now stopped writing his column in the Fiji Times in response to the ban.
China says stimulus has revived its economy
Updated 24/04/2009 19:33:12
The Chinese government says a 585-billion dollar stimulus plan has helped revive growth in the world's third-largest economy. The economy grew 6.1 percent in the first quarter this year and analysts are predicting it will continue upwards throughout the year. Borrowing is also on the increase, but some critics argue too much newly available money is being put into the stock market.
Opposition MPprepares to sue Cambodian PM for defamation
Updated 24/04/2009 19:33:13
In Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen is set to be sued for defamation by one of the Kingdom's leading female opposition politicians. Mu Suchua wants little more than an apology but the move to challenge Cambodia's "Strong Man" in the courts is seen as unprecedented.
Indonesia ruling party in disarray ahead of elections
Updated 24/04/2009 19:33:13
Election negotiations in Indonesia are heating up, as parties try to broker deals ahead of this year's presidential elections. The deadline to nominate candidates is May 9. But this is proving difficult - especially for the country's one-time top party, Golkar.
Malay partners no longer needed for Malaysian service sector investment
Updated 24/04/2009 19:33:11
Malaysia's new Prime Minister has dropped rules requiring foreign investors in Malaysia's service sectors to recruit ethnic-Malay partners. The change comes as officials warn that Malaysia's economy could shrink by as much as one per cent this year. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib has also promised the financial sector will be his next target for similar reforms.
Aormer Australian PM says Aust/NZ not tough enough on Fiji
Updated 24/04/2009 19:33:12
While there's been criticism of Australia and New Zealand over their heavy-handed approach towards Fiji, some believe the approach hasn't been heavy-handed enough. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser was co-chair of the Commonwealth's Eminent Person's group on South Africa, which played a major role in a negotiated settlement allowing for a smooth transition of Government in the republic. Economic sanctions were just one part of action which was taken against the South African government .. these are widely seen as playing a major role in ending the apartheid era. Mr Fraser told Radio Australia's Michael Cavanagh that there is a need for tougher action against Fiji even if there is going to be some fallout for the general community.
US Secretary of State told Australia and NZ misleading over Fiji
Updated 23/04/2009 19:43:28
The subject of democracy in Fiji has come up again in the United States. This time, American Samoan Congressman has come to the defence of its military rulers. He says the country's democratic system has been unfair for years, and Fiji is not yet ready for proper elections. In a question to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, he said regional giants Australia and New Zealand had been painting an inaccurate picture of Fiji's political scene.
Vietnam lets China build bauxite mine
Updated 23/04/2009 19:43:28
The Vietnamese government recently approved a plan to let a Chinese company build a bauxite mine in the country. The move triggered rare public outcry from scientists, intellectuals and even war heroes who say the environmental and social damage will far outweigh any economic benefits. But analysts say while environmental concerns might be legitimate, fears for national security or even a so called "Chinese invasion" are totally unfounded.
Australia sells more uranium to China
Updated 23/04/2009 19:43:28
Australia is set to ramp up its uranium sales to China which is embarking on a dramatic program of building nuclear power stations. Australia's first shipment of uranium to the Middle Kingdom occurred last November and it is determined that it won't be the last..
Sri Lankan military closing in on last Tamil Tiger rebels
Updated 23/04/2009 19:43:28
The Sri Lankan military says two senior leaders of the rebel group, the Tamil Tigers, have surrendered. As the mass exodus of people continues from the country's north-east, the Red Cross has described it as a major humanitarian crisis. The number of people fleeing has now reached more than 80-thousand.
Korean War vets to mark ANZAC Day
Updated 23/04/2009 19:43:28
This Saturday is ANZAC Day - the day on which Australia and New Zealand honour all those who have died in war. A group of Australian veterans of the Korean War have been visiting their old battlefields and a cemetery where their comrades are buried.
Chinese navy stages parade to mark 60th anniversary
Updated 23/04/2009 19:43:28
China has put its fleet of warships - and for the first time - its nuclear submarines on display in a parade to mark the 60th anniversary of its navy. It's another sign of China's growing assertiveness and its desire to become a blue-water power. Beijing says it wants to extend its naval capabilities so it can protect its trade routes in distant waters. But other governments remain concerned about what it could mean for sea boundary disputes, rivalry for resources and China's claims to Taiwan. June Tuefel Dryer has served as the Asia Advisor to the US Chief of Naval Operations, and is now a professor of political science at the University of Miami. She was asked if the world sees this event as Beijing described it - showing China as a force for "peace, harmony and cooperation" at sea.
No aid talks with Burma
Updated 22/04/2009 21:10:23
A European Union Chief says he sees no chance of formal talks with Burma on aid for development projects until the junta brings about democratic reforms.
Deadline for Fiji's suspension from Pacific Islands Forum approaching
Updated 22/04/2009 21:10:23
The Pacific Islands Forum's deadline for Fiji's suspension is fast approaching, with Forum Chair and Premier of Niue Toke Talagi saying the currrent round of negotiations with Pacific leaders needs to be completed before deciding whether to proceed. At a special meeting in Papua New Guinea in January the leaders decided that unless Fiji took steps to return the country to parliamentary democracy it would be suspended on May the 1st.
Filipinos banned from Somali waters
Updated 22/04/2009 21:10:23
The Philippines president, Gloria Arroyo, has ordered a ban on the deployment of Filipino seafarers on the ships that pass through the Gulf of Aden due to the increased attacks in the region off Somalia.
Sri Lankan conflict escalates
Updated 22/04/2009 21:10:23
The US described it as the "decisive point" -- it's the Sri Lankan army's push against the rebel Tamil Tigers who are trapped in a government declared "no-fire" zone -- an area approximately of between ten and fifteen square kilometres.
Second cane toad found in New Caledonia
Updated 22/04/2009 21:10:23
Environmental services in New Caledonia are dealing with the discovery of a second cane toad, just weeks after the first was discovered in a container shipped from Australia. The cane toad is one of the world's most invasive species and has the potential to destroy ecosystems by killing off native species that come into contact with its toxic skin. While the first was captured before making it to land, the second discovery was made in an industrial area in the South Province, prompting fears other toads may have already made it inland.
Tobacco firms target China, Indonesia youth
Updated 22/04/2009 21:10:23
It's a grim fact that nearly half the world's smokers live in just three countries: China, India and Indonesia, and many are taking up the habit at a very young age.
UN Security Council condemns Fiji's scrapping of constitution
Updated 21/04/2009 21:18:35
The United Nations Security Council is joining the condemnation of recent events in Fiji, releasing a strongly worded criticism of the military backed regime after being briefed on the situation since the constitution was scrapped on Good Friday. It's re-considering its involvement in the country's political dialogue after the exclusion of the country's four biggest parties from the last meeting, but is showing no signs of ending its use of Fijian soldiers in peacekeeping activities, as suggested by some groups calling for tougher measures.
China increases peacekeeping role
Updated 21/04/2009 21:18:35
From North Korea to Zimbabwe to Burma, China has long been criticised for shielding rogue regimes from tough international action.
Australia recognises recession
Updated 21/04/2009 21:21:34
As the world's economy spirals downward the word "recession" has been bandied about quite freely, except in Australia. For months the word has not slipped past the lips of Australia's leaders and senior finance officials. That is up until now, when this week it seems that the word "recession" has once again been discovered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the head of the Central Bank, but in some cases it's being linked to China.
Sri Lanka's conflict zone labelled catastrophic
Updated 21/04/2009 21:18:35
The situation on the ground in Sri Lanka's confict zone has been described as catastrophic by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It's called for immediate action to rescue tens of thousands of civilians still trapped.
The Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies in Sri Lanka is actively monitoring the situation on the ground.
Sri Lankan rebels ignore surrender deadline
Updated 21/04/2009 21:26:22
The Sri Lankan army says it's captured more territory from the Tamil Tigers. The Ministry says advancing government troops have effectively cut the last remaining strip of Tiger territory in the northeast of the island in half. Sri Lankan authorities had set a 24 hour deadline for the Tigers to surrender but the rebels ignored the ultimatum.
New Caledonia ships materials to Australia for recycling
Updated 21/04/2009 21:18:33
New Caledonia's second largest city is sending its recyclable waste to Australia to be processed, as setting up a recycling plant for paper and cardboard in the French territory isn't financially viable. Even though its costing tens of thousands of dollars to send the material to Australia, the group behind the arrangement insists its neccessary for the environment.
China's car market continues to grow
Updated 21/04/2009 21:28:37
China's longest-running international auto show is happening in Shanghai this week with renewed optimism about the local car industry. The most recent automotive data in China shows record high vehicle sales and analysts are predicting the market will continue to improve throughout the year.
World's first cheap cholera vaccine
Updated 20/04/2009 20:59:23
An international health organisation says it's developed the world's first cheap cholera vaccine which has been licensed in India, paving the way for its global use.
The Seoul-based International Vaccine Institute or IVI says the vaccine's been tested in India and initial results show it's offered significant protection.
Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speakers: Dr John Clemens, the IVI's Director General in Seoul
China takes lead in battle against TB
Updated 20/04/2009 20:59:23
Once thought to be a beaten disease, tuberculosis is making a dangerous comeback, with most cases worldwide found in Asia.
UN drug policy 'out of touch' says expert
Updated 20/04/2009 20:59:23
The 20th International Harm Reduction Association's annual conference is underway in the Thai capital Bangkok.
Call for tougher sanctions on Fiji by Pacific Is nations
Updated 20/04/2009 20:59:23
The newly formed Overseas Movement for Democracy in Fiji is calling on Pacific Island countries to impose travel bans on Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, members of his Government and its supporters and impose full trade and sporting sanctions on the country. The movement had its fiery first meeting in Sydney over the weekend. It also wants to lobby the United Nations to stop Fiji soldiers joining peacekeeping missions.
Civilians flee Sri Lanka's conflict zone
Updated 20/04/2009 20:59:23
Sri lanka's Tamil Tiger's have been given 24 hours to surrender by the Sri Lankan government.
One child policy leads to huge gender imbalance
Updated 20/04/2009 20:59:22
Latest research shows that selective abortion in favour of males has left China with 32 million more boys than girls, creating an imbalance that will endure for decades.
Fiji's PM unconcerned about possible expulsion from Pacific Forum
Updated 17/04/2009 19:31:46
It now seems almost certain Fiji will be suspended by the Pacific Islands Forum on May the 1st .. that's the Forum's deadline for Fiji to provide a path towards democratic elections. But interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama is philosophical about the prospect of suspension, simply saying there's nothing they can do about it now.
Sri Lanka's continuing humanitarian crisis
Updated 17/04/2009 19:31:46
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has sent his top aide to Sri Lanka to urge the government to declare a new ceasfire. A two day unilateral government ceasefire at the begining of the week did not provide sufficient time for badly needed aid to get into the safe zone. Neither did many civilians trapped in there get a chance to escape, with reports of them being held as human shields by the rebels. Over 100 thousand civilians are now trapped in the narrow strip of land on the northeastern coast ... a third of whom are children.
Focus on Thailand's finances takle centre stage
Updated 17/04/2009 19:31:46
Thailand's troubled political landscape has affected the economy, with delays to public projects, skittish investors and tourists who decide not to visit because of the demonstrations.
Cabinet, parliament seek solutions to Thai issues
Updated 17/04/2009 19:31:46
Thailand's parliament will convene a joint session next week to find a solution to the political stalemate that has put Bangkok under a state of emergency for a fifth day.
Thai yellow shirt protestors' chief shot and wounded
Updated 17/04/2009 19:31:46
The Thai government has moved to tighten security around prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva after an unsuccessful assasination attempt on the founder of the yellow shirt protest movement. Media Mogul Sondhi Limthongkul founded the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD and was responsible for organising the protests that led to the removal of two previous governments. Unknown assailants attacked Mr Sondhi in his car as he was on his way to work at his Asia Satellite television station ASTV.
India's polyandry on the wane
Updated 17/04/2009 19:31:41
For centuries it was common practice in the Himalayas for brothers to share one wife between them, but the practice - known as fraternal polyandry - is rapidly dying out.
Filipino sailors victims of Somali pirates
Updated 17/04/2009 19:31:41
As maritime security worsens in the waters off the African Somali coast, the Philippines has paid a particularly high price.
Australia needs to review defence capability in the light of China's r
Updated 16/04/2009 19:21:42
China will accelerate development of warships, stealth submarines and long-range missiles as the country makes a stronger navy a priority in military modernisation. The Communist Party leadership has ordered the navy to upgrade preparedness to defend the nation's expanding interests.
But a US Defence report last month warns that China's modernisation aims to disrupt the traditional advantages of American forces. Now, a new paper released by the Australian think-tank, the Lowy Institute, says Australia's defence needs must be assessed in the light of China's rise and what it calls 'The Asian Century'.
Economist fear devaluation of Fiji dollar will affect country's poor
Updated 16/04/2009 19:21:42
Fiji's Council of Social Services says it expects the poorest in the country will soon start feeling the affect of the devaluation of the country's dollar.
On wednesday Fiji's Reserve Bank ordered the reduction in the dollar value by 20 percent, hoping this would attract tourist and investors. But the move comes at the same time as the interim government enforced a retirement age of 55, something it had been blocked from doing before the President scrapped the constitution.
India begins its month long general elections
Updated 16/04/2009 19:21:42
700 million eligible Indian voters will today begin a month long general election that is expected to throw up a hung parliament. For once, no political party is claiming with an air of confidence that it can bag a majority on its own in the 545-seat Lok Sabha. With the rise of a group of smaller parties known as the "Third Front", forming a stable coalition with one of the two main parties the Congress or the BJP, as the anchor, could be a struggle.
Australia investigates explosion aboard a ship with asylum seekers
Updated 16/04/2009 19:21:42
Australian authorities are investigating an explosion which has left at least three asylum seekers dead on a boat which had been intercepted by the navy off the North West coast of Australia. The incident comes just a day after Australian government ministers were in Bali at a conference aimed at combatting human trafficking.
Claims millions missed Indonesia vote
Updated 16/04/2009 19:21:37
A group of senior Indonesian political leaders say last week's general election was marred by widespread fraud and administrative errors.
China's ASEAN fund boost to challenge Japan
Updated 16/04/2009 19:21:37
China is not only strengthening its military but is also seeking to firmly establish its economic presence in South-East Asia. Beijing had hoped to sign a free trade agreement with the Associaiton of South East Asian Nations at the weekend Summit that was cancelled in Thailand. But that has not deterred the government from announcing plans to allocate 10 billion US dollars to an ASEAN infrastructure investment fund . . . and make 15 billion US dollars available for loans.
China announces human rights action plan
Updated 15/04/2009 21:05:32
China has published its first human rights action plan. The plan spans the next two years, with pledges to curb the torture of prisoners and boost job opportunities. International human rights organisations have welcomed the plan but are urging the Chinese government to do more.
Int'l summit acknowledges people smuggling as joint problem
Updated 15/04/2009 21:05:32
An international summit in Bali has acknowledged the need for greater cooperation in the fight against people smuggling. And there was a particular focus on the Rohingya people from Burma - and people from war torn countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. It's thought that these people are especially vulnerable to human traffickers.
Former South Korean president admits to graft
Updated 15/04/2009 21:05:32
The former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun has joined a line of former leaders hit by scandal. Mr Roh has admitted to receiving money from a man linked to a large bribery network. The revelations have engulfed not only the former president's family, but also South Korea's main opposition party, the Democrats.
Fiji reserve bank devalues currency
Updated 15/04/2009 21:05:33
Fiji's Reserve Bank has ordered the immediate devaluation of the country's currency by 20 per cent. The bank says the move is necessary to protect Fiji's economy from the global financial crisis, and to bring the Fiji dollar in line with trading partners, like Australia and New Zealand. But its statement on the move was highly censored - just as censored as Fiji's media has been since the country's constitution was scrapped last week.
Japan hopes for a Manga led economic recovery
Updated 15/04/2009 21:05:31
Hard times are often creative times. And so it is that Japan has had a creative idea to pull itself out of recession. It hopes to turn the world on to its own love of comic books and animation to increase exports. The Japanese prime minister, Taro Aso, has promised to put cash from last week's stimulus package, of around US$150 billion, into boosting Japan's biggest cultural exports. And he could be onto something. Comic books, in the distinct Japanese manga format, have been growing in popularity for years, along with animated, or anime, films, pop music, and more.
Vanuatu could lose status as 'least developed country'
Updated 15/04/2009 21:05:31
In these times of global economic crisis, it seems difficult to believe any country could be put in a bind for doing too well. But that's exactly the situation confronting the pacific nation of Vanuatu. Until now, it has existed in relatively comfortable isolation from the rest of the international economic community. But even the region's most remote societies are being drawn into globalisation.
Int'l summit to discuss coordinated approach to people smuggling
Updated 14/04/2009 20:41:10
The issue of people smuggling and how to combat it, as it becomes more and more a part of organised crime, will be the subject of a gathering of representatives from around 40 countries in Bali over the next few days. Authorities across the borders are having to continually review the way they deal with people smuggling. And this week's meeting is the latest in international attempts to develop a more coordinated approach to fighting the crime.
Fiji media warned against drastic response to censorship
Updated 14/04/2009 20:41:10
Fiji's media have been warned not to make any drastic moves in response to the new censorship regulations, which they are being forced to work under. News outlets in Fiji have been barred from running any stories that are negative about last week's decision to scrap of the country's constitution, or about any of the actions of the new interim government.
Red shirt protesters end siege at Thai government house
Updated 14/04/2009 20:41:10
After the dramatic and sometimes violent events of the last few days in the Thai capital Bangkok the red shirted supporters of the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have made a sudden retreat from government house. They had besieged government house for almost three weeks and said they would stay for as long as it took to get the current prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down. But, now, they have stepped down - they say, to avoid further loss of life. Mr Abhisit will no doubt see this as a victory for his relatively young government. He's extended the Songkran holiday, and the Bangkok Stock Exchange is also expected to reopen for business as usual by Thursday. But is this really business as usual?
UNESCO warns Malaysia over Penang heritage listing
Updated 14/04/2009 20:41:06
A UNESCO World Heritage site on Malaysia's Penang island seems to be struggling to balance construction with care. In Georgetown, a small area featuring unique buildings, marking Chinese, Indian and British culture, was last year listed as a world heritage site by the United Nations cultural body, UNESCO. But now, construction projects, worth hundreds of millions of dollars are in limbo, as buildings there fall apart. And UNESCO has threatened to withdraw Georgetown's heritage status unless action is taken to protect Penang's historical sites.
India elections to hang on small, regional parties
Updated 14/04/2009 20:41:06
India embarks on the world's largest ever democratic voting exercise on Thursday, with the first of five polls to choose the country's new parliament. Analysts predict another hung parliament. And with both major parties having lost key coalition allies in the last year, the big question is how the smaller and regional parties will align themselves.
Asia corruption index compares well to West
Updated 13/04/2009 21:15:10
Corruption is a burning issue throughout much of Asia and notoriously difficult to change. But a recent survey has shown that things may not be as bad as they are in western economies. Singapore has the cleanest corruption record in Asia, and Indonesia is ranked most corrupt. But the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, which produced the survey, says the global financial crisis has demonstrated that corruption in developed countries can make Asian indexes look flattering.
Sri Lanka observes two day humanitarian ceasefire
Updated 13/04/2009 21:15:10
Sri Lanka is observing a two day cease fire to allow what's thought to be tens of thousands of civilians to escape the fighting between government forces and the Tamil Tiger insurgents in the north of the island. There have been calls from the international community for Sri Lanka to protect civilians as its military tries to end a decades old conflict with what it says will be a final push against the Tamil Tigers. But both sides have been accused of launching attacks within a designated 'no fire zone' where the civilians are thought to be trapped.
Fiji media under new regime of censorship
Updated 13/04/2009 21:15:10
With Fiji under emergency law for the next month, new regulations have basically put censors in every newsroom in the country, who have the power to veto any story. But two foreign reporters, including the ABC correspondent Sean Dorney, are also being deported.
Thai govt weighs up 'soft' and 'hard' options against protesters
Updated 13/04/2009 21:15:10
The political unrest in the Thai capital Bangkok has put the country's relatively young government of prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in a very difficult position. For now, it says it's taking the soft option. That is - the soft option - after government buildings, and the prime minister himself, have been the focus of violent attacks by the red shirted protesters, who support of the exiled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. But if the unrest continues, Thailand's supreme commander has said the government could be forced to take a harder line.
Indigenous Australian communities oppose govt housing deal
Updated 13/04/2009 21:15:10
The Australian government has run up against scepticism from indigenous communities over an offer to improve housing in remote towns. The plan includes a provision by which the government can take long leases over the land. Some community members say the promise of improvements is a bribe to sweeten a land grab. The government says that's not the case, and a number of communities have already struck deals with Canberra. But one town, Yuendumu, in Central Australia, is far from enthusiastic.
Australia urges restraint in Thailand
Updated 13/04/2009 21:15:10
As the situation in Thailand deteriorates, Australia is again urging all parties to resolve the situation peacefully. The foreign minister Stephen Smith says the country must use legal means to find a solution to the political stand off. But Mr Smith says he doubts the United Nations will act because he says it's currently focussed on ending North Korea's nuclear programme.
Democratic Party leads early Indonesian poll counts
Updated 10/04/2009 19:32:42
Indonesia is now in the midst of counting the votes after parliamentary elections on thursday. Early polls indicate that president Susilo Bambang Yudohoyono's Democratic Party is in the lead.
Frank Banimarama happy to lead Fiji government if asked
Updated 10/04/2009 19:32:42
Before President Ratu Josefa Iloilo took the decision to ditch the constitution , interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was already back in the barracks. But he is happy to lead the new interim government if asked.
Fiji's president abrogates the constitution
Updated 10/04/2009 19:32:42
Fiji's political system, and path back to democratic rule, has been thrown into turmoil with the country's Head of State, announcing the constitution has been ditched.
Thai protestors get into summit venue
Updated 10/04/2009 19:32:42
Thailand's redshirted anti-government protesters are doing their best to spoil the East Asia Summit which is due to get underway tonight in the town of Pattaya, south of Bangkok. Several hundred have got into the venue site. It's part of their "last push" to get rid of the government which has been in office for just 4 months.
US calls for coordinated action against lawless Somalia
Updated 10/04/2009 19:32:37
One of Washington's most perplexing foreign policy dilemmas, the failed, lawless state of Somalia, has quickly moved up the Obama administration' long agenda. Japan, China and Korea are among the nations now patrolling a vast area of ocean to try to prevent the almost daily attacks by pirates.
Malaysia has a new government
Updated 10/04/2009 19:32:37
Malaysia's King has sworn in the new cabinet of prime minister Najib Abdul Razak. In naming his cabinet line up the prime minister said the era of excessive government control and one that carries the attitude of "government knows best" is over.
Tension mounts in Papua province
Updated 09/04/2009 20:41:26
But voting in Indonesia wasn't all tranquil.
Indonesians go to the polls
Updated 09/04/2009 20:41:26
Indonesians went to the polls today to vote in their third democratically elected government since the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998.
Thai protesters threaten to stop Asian summit
Updated 09/04/2009 20:41:26
Thai protesters have threatened to stop a summit of Asian leaders going ahead this weekend, as mass street rallies continue against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Tens of thousands of protesters have rallied in Bangkok, but demonstrators have now vowed to target the coastal resort town of Pattaya, where leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and partners, including China and Japan, are due to meet.
ANU analyst says decision on Govt illegality is positive for Fiji
Updated 09/04/2009 20:41:26
Doctor Jon Fraenkel of the Australian National University's State, Society and Governance Program says Fiji's Court of Appeal decision declaring the interim Government illegal is enormously positive for the country, but that everything now turns on the President's actions.
Fiji Appeals Court upholds Qarase. Interim Government is illegal.
Updated 09/04/2009 20:41:26
Fiji's Court Of Appeal has found the appointment of Fiji's interim government, after the 2006 coup was illegal. The Court's finding was handed down late today, and it has called on the country's coup leader, and interim Prime Minister to stand down, allow for the appointment of a caretaker Prime Minister, and allow elections to be held as soon as possible.
PKS possible 'kingmaker' in Indonesia's parliament
Updated 09/04/2009 20:41:20
One party suggested as having a possible role as 'kingmaker' in Indonesia's parliament is the Islamic Partai Keadilan Sejahtera - Prosperous Justice Party - or PKS.
Ten day wait for Indonesian poll results
Updated 09/04/2009 20:41:21
Final results of the Indonesian elections would not be in for at least another ten days... but early indications show that president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democrat Party is running just ahead of the Golkar party in an early quick count of voting
Sri Lankan Tamil's Melbourne protest
Updated 08/04/2009 21:09:23
Sri Lankan Tamils in Australia have held large demonstrations against the Sri Lankan government offensive against the Tamil Tiger rebels and has accused Colombo of killing innocent civilians caught in the cross-fire.
Argument over illegal boat arrivals in Australia
Updated 08/04/2009 21:09:23
It was a familiar refrain for many years in Australia, that too many illegal boat arrivals were pressing in on the country and that border security must be tightened. Now, with a small increase over time in boat arrivals, Australia's conservative opposition is claiming the government's more relaxed policies are to blame.
Eve of Indonesian polls
Updated 08/04/2009 21:09:23
On the eve of polling day, Indonesia's major parties are warning of election fraud with concerns over the counting of ballots and fraudulent voter lists.
Opposition claims crucial Malaysian seats
Updated 08/04/2009 21:09:23
Malaysia's opposition has claimed two of the three seats contested in Tuesday's crucial by-elections.
China concerned over Thai protest action
Updated 08/04/2009 21:09:23
China has expressed concern over large political protests in Thailand but says it's confident an upcoming summit of Asian leaders would proceed there as planned.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says the summit would definitely go ahead despite the protests in Bangkok.
Clinton calls for Fiji to stick to democracy deadlines
Updated 08/04/2009 21:09:22
The United States has removed any doubts there may have been regarding its stance on Fiji's political situation, making it clear the U-S supports the Pacific Islands Forum's demands that Fiji stick to its timelines to restore democracy. Secretary Clinton made the comments after a meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully in Washington DC.
Sri Lanka denies use of chemical weapons
Updated 08/04/2009 21:09:22
The Sri Lankan government has reacted swiftly to news of the Melbourne rally and allegations that its military has used chemical weapons.
Greater freedoms make Indonesian media key to elections
Updated 07/04/2009 20:54:11
As Indonesians head for the polling booths on Thursday, many will be asking what has changed in the decade since the fall of the Suharto regime. The media, for one, has found greater freedoms. It has played a key role in keeping election issues at the forefront of campaigning. One of the biggest names on the Indonesian scene is the respected Tempo media group. Radio Australia's Sen Lam, who is in Jakarta for the elections, speaks to Tempo's executive editor, Yuli Ismartono.
World Bank cites China slowdown as good for global business
Updated 07/04/2009 20:54:11
The World Bank says there are signs that China's economy will start to bottom out in a matter of months and that is providing a glimmer of hope on an otherwise gloomy international economic horizon. But the World Bank's latest East Asia and Pacific Update shows China's multi billion dollar stimulus efforts will see the region remain the worlds fastest growing.
Opposition attacks Australia's new public-private broadband plan
Updated 07/04/2009 20:54:11
An expensive folly or a visionary act of infrastructure investment? That's the big question after the Australian government's surprise decision to abandon its tender process for a national broadband network and announce instead a grander, longer-term public-private partnership scheme. If it happens, it'll be the largest ever infrastructure project Australia's ever seen. And its already put in train the biggest overhaul ever of a sector that has suffered from years of minimal infrastructure investment.
Solomons PM says no guarantee he will heed 2006 riot report
Updated 07/04/2009 20:54:10
Three years after the Solomon Islands capital Honiara was hit with riots that destroyed the Chinatown district, the government is looking at recommendations in a special report. The report has just been tabled in parliament. But prime minister Dr Derek Sikua says there's no guarantee the recommendations will be carried out.
Malaysia releases 13 detainees under Internal Security Act
Updated 07/04/2009 20:54:10
The Malaysian government has released 13 people detained under the country's controversial Internal Security Act. While human rights organisations have welcomed their release, they are suspicious about it timing. Given Tuesday's vital bi-elections, some say the move could have a positive influence on the new prime minister's fortunes.
Extended interview: Author of 'Black Politics' on Indigenous declaration
Updated 06/04/2009 16:11:26
Linda Mottram interviews Sarah Maddison, author of 'Black Politics: Inside the Complexity of Aboriginal Political Culture.'
Election fever in Jakarta leaves some Indonesians cold
Updated 06/04/2009 21:05:59
As important as this week's parliamentary elections may be for Indonesia, they haven't grabbed everyone's attention. On the streets of the capital Jakarta, some people are saying they will either vote for the status quo or simply abstain.
Democratic party leads as Indonesia heads for parliamentary polls
Updated 06/04/2009 21:05:59
Indonesia holds landmark parliamentary elections this week. Over 170 million Indonesians are expected to vote, with more than 11,000 candidates going for just 560 seats in the lower house. Campaigning officially ended on Sunday and opinion polls have put president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party in the lead. Hot on his heals is former president Megawati Sukarnoputri's PDI-P. Sen Lam of Radio Australia's Connect Asia programme is in Jakarta for the polls.
North Korea rocket launch heightens int'l strategic concerns
Updated 06/04/2009 21:05:59
North Korea watchers have been piecing together the facts about the Pyongyang's weekend rocket launch. They say it was a milestone for the reclusive state. But observers say Pyongyang's real aim was probably to test the first two stages of the rocket - a Taepodong-2 - which is capable of carrying a warhead. And it was an apparent success. There is a way to go before North Korea can launch a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile. But the test has heightened strategic concerns and difficulties for the international diplomatic community.
Malaysian by-elections first challenge for new prime minister
Updated 06/04/2009 21:05:58
Southeast Asia's newest Prime Minister, Najib Razak, and Malaysia's strongest opposition since independence will be put to the test when polls for three by-elections open across the country on Tuesday. For Prime Minister Najib Razak the polls represent his first political challenge. That aside from his more personal challenges - Najib Razak still carries the baggage of certain criminal allegations against him. But the polls will also be a challenge for the opposition coalition of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Tonga begins cleanup after Cyclone Lin
Updated 06/04/2009 21:05:58
The people of Tonga are adding up the damage bill from Tropical Cyclone Lin after hit the island nation on Sunday. So far there have been no reports of loss of life or major destruction of property. But the country's food gardens have been damaged. And there is also a chance that the country has lost its latest tourist attraction.
Australia supports UN Indigenous Rights declaration
Updated 03/04/2009 10:57:52
Australia's government has taken another symbolic step aimed at trying to do more about Aboriginal inequality and disadvantage.
US to review Burma policy
Updated 03/04/2009 10:57:52
The United States says it wants to forge a common strategy with Asia to coax Burma out of isolation and one way it hopes to do this is through multi party talks.
Malaysian PM Najib Razak takes office
Updated 03/04/2009 10:57:52
Malaysian political activists are nervously eyeing the country's new Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who was sworn-in today.
Former Thai minister endorses G20 reforms
Updated 03/04/2009 10:57:52
The finance minister who oversaw Thailand's recovery after the 1997 Asian financial crisis believes the G20 reforms are a step in the right direction.
Mixed response to G20 reforms
Updated 03/04/2009 10:57:53
After all the fanfare, tantrums and pats on the back, the G20 leaders summit has thoroughly managed to divide opinion.
Extended interview: Author of 'Black Politics' on Indigenous rights
Updated 03/04/2009 10:57:49
Linda Mottram interviews Sarah Maddison, author of 'Black Politics: Inside the Complexity of Aboriginal Political Culture.'
Caution over Australian aid for tourism venture
Updated 02/04/2009 21:44:05
In remote parts of Laos, some small hotels and guesthouses are about to get what could be a significant boost to their profile with international travellers.
Solomons' riot report released in edited form
Updated 02/04/2009 21:44:05
The Solomon Islands Government has released an edited version of the final report from the Commission of Inquiry into the 2006 Riots in its capital Honiara.
Mass grave could resolve Santa Cruz mystery
Updated 02/04/2009 21:44:05
A group of Australian forensic scientists may have solved one of East Timor's greatest mysteries.
Malaysian PM stands down
Updated 02/04/2009 21:44:05
After more than five years in office, Malaysia's prime minister Abdullah Badawi has formally resigned.
China, US to co-operate on financial stability
Updated 02/04/2009 21:44:05
The G-20 summit is underway and while the media has been focusing on the apparent rifts between the US and Europe, China's large delegation led by President Hu Jintao has been busy.
North, South Korea face off on soccer field
Updated 02/04/2009 21:44:04
Tensions on the Korean peninsula show no sign of easing ahead of Pyongyang's planned rocket launch.
Dalai Lama marks 50th anniversary of his exile from Tibet
Updated 01/04/2009 22:20:05
Despite five decades of exile Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, seems to remain gracious to both his friends and foes. Marking his safe entry into India, he gave prayers for the country that has given him and his people a safe haven.
Australia changes skilled workers visa to restore its 'integrity'
Updated 01/04/2009 22:20:05
Australia's making more changes to its temporary work visa programme, known as 457 visas, in a bid to close loopholes that have led to the exploitation of some low skilled workers. Pay arrangements are being improved, and there will be new language requirements and formal skills assessments. Australian trade unions say thousands have been exploited under a scheme that began as an answer to a professional skills shortage in Australia. They've welcomed the changes and say their implementation will be the key to restoring the programme's integrity.
More bad business news as leaders gather for G20 meeting
Updated 01/04/2009 22:20:05
Leaders gathering in London for the G20 meeting have been confronted by more bad news from the world's biggest economies. Business confidence in Japan has hit an all time low. And in the United States, a survey on bank bailouts has found more than half of the country want the government to pull the plug on the money lifeline which is keeping some banks afloat. The poll comes a day after US President Barack Obama gave two American car giants, General Motors and Chrysler, two months to revive their businesses. If they fail, he has threatened to cut their taxpayer support.
New whale watching regulations for Pacific Island nations
Updated 01/04/2009 22:20:04
An international animal welfare group has released a new set of guidelines to assist Pacific Island nations in managing a growing whale watching industry. The International Fund for Animal Welfare put the guidelines together with input from countries which have experience in whale watching tourism. But tourist operators will be expected to enforce the rules themselves.
Indonesian island of Bali battles outbreak of rabies
Updated 01/04/2009 22:20:04
Authorities on the Indonesian island of Bali are battling an outbreak of rabies, which has killed at least nine people. The authorities are racing to educate, vaccinate and control the spread of the disease. But the issue of culling dogs, which carry rabies, has raised concerns with animal welfare groups.
