March 2010

UN report says Afghan aid is disappearing due to corruptionAudio

Updated 31/03/2010 20:54:29

Corruption in Afghanistan is makiong the country poorer and contributing to human rights problems. That's according to a report from the United Nationas Human Rights Commissioner. It says the world community which donates the large amounts of aid is focusing too much on short term securtity, and not enough on long term development. Rupert Colville, a UNHCR spokesman, says that it's impossible to put a figure on how much money is being siphoned off, but it's a lot.

Australia said to be ignoring the Indian OceanAudioTranscript

Updated 31/03/2010 20:54:28

A new report says Australia has been ignoring the Indian Ocean .. despite extensive and varied threats in a region with few mature institutions of co-operation to mediate them.

Pakistan government in battle with judiciary over corruptionAudioTranscript

Updated 31/03/2010 21:00:45

Pakistan's government is locked in a fresh battle with the judiciary over the chief justice's threat to jail the country's top anti-corruption official. The court is demanding that the head of the National Accountability Bureau re-open hundreds of corruption cases - several of which involve President Asif Ali Zardari - or face being arrested. The demand comes following the arrest of the director general of the country's top police investigation agency following a Supreme Court order.

Law expert says Hu case has puzzling aspectsAudio

Updated 31/03/2010 20:54:29

A Chinese law expert says many concerning and puzzling aspects remain about the case of convicted Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu. The ten year prison sentence for bribery handed down to Mr Hu and the whole trial process itself has been criticised in varying degrees by Australian politicians and others who've questioned China's adherence to rule of the law concept. Professor Nicholas Howson from the University of Michigan Law School is a former managing partner of a major international law firm in Beijing, and has worked as an advisor to the Chinese government. In order for there to be some balance in the Rio case, he says, prosecutors need to bring those who offered bribes to Stern Hu and his Chinese colleagues, before the courts.

Kashmir orphans being cared for in New DelhiAudio

Updated 31/03/2010 20:54:28

The UN's children's agency - UNICEF - says over the past two decades, about 100-thousand children have been orphaned in India's troubled region of Jammu and Kashmir. UNICEF says the orphans' parents died through conflict, poverty or ill health. And it's when children have no parents to protect them, that they're at their most vulnerable to physical abuse, exploitation, violence and even death. Non-government agencies do what they can, to look after the orphans. One organisation in New Delhi is protecting orphans specifically from the Jammu and Kashmir region - it looks after BOTH Hindu and Muslim children.

Australia and the US on a collision course over internet freedom policAudioTranscript

Updated 30/03/2010 21:44:50

Australian plans for mandatory internet blocks on illegal material are putting Canberra on a collision course with Washington and its international internet freedom push. The U-S State Department has confirmed its expressed concern to Australia about the planned measures. The international press freedom group, Reporters Without Borders, has also sounded an alarm. And Australian media researchers say the government may be well-intentioned but is casting its net too wide.

Tongan police defend charges over ferry disasterAudio

Updated 30/03/2010 21:44:50

Tongan police have defended the arrests and charges they have made in relation to the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika. The ferry sank last August taking over 70 lives, and last month a Royal Commission of Inquiry into what happened wrapped up its public hearings. Before the end of the hearings police made at least three arrests, leading to allegations their investigation was only based on evidence from the Commission - something which is not allowed in its terms of reference. Now more charges have been made, including manslaughter, and the Police Chief is defending the investigation.

The World Bank calls on China to allow the yuan to appreciateAudioTranscript

Updated 30/03/2010 21:44:49

The head of the World Bank Robert Zoellick, has joined the international chorus calling on Beijing to allow China's currency to rise against those of its major trading partners. He says a move to appreciate the yuan would send a signal to Chinese firms to focus more on producing for domestic demand rather than export markets.

Corruption allegations emerge against Indonesia's tax officeAudio

Updated 30/03/2010 21:44:49

Corrupt public servants, top police, and the judiciary in Indonesia, we've heard it many times before. Indonesia's Finance Minister has made anti-corruption reforms a key goal. But the latest scandal to grab the limelight is right in the tax office, under her authority - and could damage anti-corruption efforts.

Burma's opposition to boycott electionsAudio

Updated 30/03/2010 21:44:50

The Burmese opposition National League for Democracy has announced it will boycott upcoming elections. Under new election laws pushed through by the military government, the NLD had to expel its leader, detained Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, because of what the junta calls her "criminal record." In refusing to take part, the NLD has thrown its support behind Ms Suu Kyi, who was not in favour of participation. The Opposition's decision has raised concerns from the international community about the elections legitimacy.

Amnesty International figures show global decline in the use of capitaAudio

Updated 30/03/2010 21:44:50

An Amnesty International report has found the number of death penalty sentences carried out worldwide is declining. The group says only a number of "hard core" nations - namely Iran, Iraq and China - are still frequently using capital punishment. As in previous years the report shows more people were executed in Asia in 2009 than in the rest of the world combined, most of which were carried out in China.

Indonesian rights groups want action over Islamic anti-gay raidAudioTranscript

Updated 29/03/2010 21:50:01

Rights groups in Indonesia are calling on police to arrest members of several Islamic groups who raided a hotel occupied by a number of Gay and Lesbian advocates in Surabaya over the weekend. The advocates were in East Java to attend an international conference on homosexual issues. Some observers say the Islamic groups actions are a sign religious conservatism is on the rise in Indonesia.

Australian government says Stern Hu sentence is very harshAudio

Updated 29/03/2010 21:50:02

Just over an hour after word of the sentences imposed on Austraoian mining company executive Stern Hu and three of his local Chinese colleages by a Chinese court on charges of bribery and steakling state secrets was aired in Australia, the country's Foreign minister Stephen Smith announced he was ready to give his assessment to journalists gathered in Canberra. Linda Mottram reports from Canberra that Mr Smith descrived the sentence as very tough and very harsh.

Fiji Methodist leaders refuse to quitAudio

Updated 29/03/2010 21:50:01

The top leadership of the Fiji Methodist Church are standing firm in their refusal to step down. Church President Reverend Ame Tugaue
Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Fiji Methodist Church General Secretary, Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu

China set to be world's biggest car-makerAudioTranscript

Updated 29/03/2010 21:50:02

China is set to become the world's biggest car-maker, with the country largest private auto manufacturer buying the Volvo brand from Ford. Geely is cashed-up thanks to the aspirations of China's middle classes to own that most visible symbol of rising prosperity.

Stern Hu sentenced to 10 years jail in ChinaAudio

Updated 29/03/2010 21:50:02

The Australian Rio Tinto mining company executive Stern Hu and three of his colleagues have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms of between seven to ten years in jail.
Accused of bribery and stealing state secrets, the four were alleged to have made various confessions after several months in custody but the men appeared shocked by the lengthy terms. The ABC's China correspondent, Stephen McDonell, was in the courtroom as the sentences were read out.

Burmese wildlife products being sold illegally to ChinaAudio

Updated 29/03/2010 21:50:00

The International Wildlife Monitoring group TRAFFIC says vendors in Burma are openly selling illegal wildlife products to buyers in China. The products for sale include tiger bone wine, leopard skins and bear bile.

Malaysia's sex industry under the spotlightAudio

Updated 26/03/2010 20:42:37

The head of Malaysia's Immigration Department has warned that many foreign sex workers are marrying local men, to obtain a visa and then paying their new husbands a monthly rate as part of the deal. The statement also points to a lack of clear information on foreign workers and the sex industry in Malaysia.

Premiers of Guadalcanal and Malaita in the Solomons hold talksAudio

Updated 26/03/2010 20:42:38

In Solomon Islands the differences between Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces which gave rise to ethnic tension have been discussed in Honiara.

US skirts Pakistan's push for civilian nuclear dealAudioTranscript

Updated 26/03/2010 20:42:38

Pakistan and the US have discussed Islamabad's push for a civilian nuclear deal, but Washington has given no apparent undertakings, during talks this week in Washington aimed at putting ties on a better footing.

Pacific Rugby teams prepare for Hong Kong Sevens tournamentAudio

Updated 26/03/2010 20:42:37

This weekend two Pacific island nations will be competing for Rugby Sevens supremacy in Hong Kong. For over 30 years the Hong Kong Sevens tournament has attracted the best teams from around the world and is considered the showpiece of the seven a side game. This year, Fiji will be competing as defending champions, but Samoa is an early favourite, after winning the Australian Sevens in Adelaide last weekend and before that, the US Sevens in Las Vegas.

ICG warns Indonesian prisons breeding ground for terrorismAudioTranscript

Updated 26/03/2010 20:42:38

A leading independent global analysis group is warning that Indonesian terrorists are using their time in jail to recruit and plan new attacks.

Militant group wants to broker peace talks in AfghanistanAudio

Updated 26/03/2010 20:42:38

Afghanistan's second biggest militant group says it is keen to broker a peace deal between the Taliban and the Afghanistan government.

Amnesty urges Malaysia to crackdown on abuse against migrant workersAudio

Updated 25/03/2010 20:43:22

There're fresh calls for the Malaysian government to crack down on employers who abuse migrant workers.

Economic growth expected for MalaysiaAudioTranscript

Updated 25/03/2010 20:43:22

Malaysia's economy should grow this year at a rate which will be the envy of many developed countries.

Indonesian miltary wants thousands more troops in PapuaAudio

Updated 25/03/2010 20:43:11

The Indonesian military says it's considering sending thousands more soldiers to Papua province.

United States to increase military supplies to PakistanAudioTranscript

Updated 25/03/2010 20:43:11

The United States and Pakistan say they have agreed on an increased US commitment to provide Pakistan with military supplies to fight Muslim extremists.

Australia admits humanitarian program under pressureAudioTranscript

Updated 25/03/2010 20:43:22

The 97th boat in 18 months carrying asylum seekers to Australia has been intercepted in the country's north western waters and Australia's immigration minister has admitted the country's humanitarian program is under pressure because of the surge.

Taiwan to reform aid delivery to PacificAudio

Updated 25/03/2010 20:43:22

Taiwan's president, Ma Ying-jeoh, has told the Solomon Islands parliament that now Taiwan and China have stopped trying to win over each other's diplomatic allies, there are changes taking place in the way Taiwan delivers aid to the region. President Ma is in the middle of a two day visit to Solomon Islands as part of a six nation Pacific tour. One of the highlights of his visit was an address to the Solomons' parliament.

Indonesian people smuggler escapes prison sentenceAudioTranscript

Updated 24/03/2010 21:42:38

Australia's Asylum Seeker Resource Centre says an Indonesian judge's decision to give a people smuggler a suspended one year sentence and a fine indicates Indonesia sees itself as a transit destination for asylum seekers.

Trial of Rio Tinto executives endsAudioTranscript

Updated 24/03/2010 21:42:38

The trial of Australian Rio Tinto Executive Stern Hu and his three colleagues has ended in China, but it may be days or even weeks until a verdict is announced.

China bars Australian diplomats from final day of trialAudioTranscript

Updated 24/03/2010 21:42:38

Australia has again chastised China for refusing to allow diplomats and media into the third and final day of the bribery and commercial espionage trial of Australian Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu and his three Chinese co-accused colleagues.

Claims Taiwanese aid was misused mar President's visit to SolomonsAudio

Updated 24/03/2010 21:42:38

Taiwan's president Ma Ying-jeoh has arrived in Solomon Islands to claims that his aid money is being abused by politicians. President Ma, five of his government ministers and the Secretary General of Taiwan's National Security Council recevied a huge welcome when they arrived in the Solomons' capital Honiara on the 3rd leg of their six-nation Pacific tour.

China's media criticises Google's local search engine closureAudioTranscript

Updated 24/03/2010 21:42:37

It might be one of the world's most recognisable brands but that hasn't stopped the more traditional outlets of the Chinese media attacking Google for shutting down its local search engine.

Aung San Suu Kyi against opposition registering for Burma pollAudioTranscript

Updated 24/03/2010 21:42:37

Burma's Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has opposed her party registering for forthcoming elections, saying the junta's new election laws are "unjust".

China law expert baffled by Australian stance on Stern Hu caseAudioTranscript

Updated 23/03/2010 21:18:11


One China law expert says he's baffled why the Australian government is not being more forceful in getting Australian diplomats admission to the hearings, especially the part dealing with commercial secrets.

Coca Cola fined $US50 million over environmental damageAudio

Updated 23/03/2010 21:18:11

A State panel in southern India has asked multi-national company Coca-Cola to pay 50 million US dollars in compensation for alleged environmental damage.

Federated States of Micronesia unhappy Czech Power station survivesAudioTranscript

Updated 23/03/2010 21:18:11

The Minister for the Environment in the Czech Republic resigned last week. Jan Dusik quit over plans to extend the life of a coal fired power station, which had been objected to by the Federated States of Micronesia.

Secret phase of Rio Tinto trial in China beginsAudio

Updated 23/03/2010 21:18:11


The trial of Australian Rio Tinto Executive Stern Hu and his three Chinese colleagues has entered its second day.

Senior politician's death creates uncertainty in NepalAudio

Updated 23/03/2010 21:18:10

Nepal is edging towards a May deadline for a new constitution, the cornerstone of a long peace process, which ended the civil war with the Maoists.

Australia's continued ban on uranium sales to India causes concernAudioTranscript

Updated 23/03/2010 21:18:10

Australia has created more dismay over it's attitude to India, after approving uranium sales to Russia but leaving India subject to a ban.

Thailand's military arms guards at key sitesAudio

Updated 22/03/2010 21:11:27

Thailand's military says those guarding key sites in Bangkok from tens of thousands of red shirt protesters are now armed.

Cambodia threatens to expel top UN officialAudio

Updated 22/03/2010 21:11:27

The Cambodian government has threatened to expel the top United Nations official there for comments on legislation that targets corruption.

Australian Rio Tinto executive reportedly pleads guilty to briberyAudio

Updated 22/03/2010 21:11:27

Australian Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu has reportedly pleaded guilty to bribery charges in a Shanghai court.

Trans Pacific Partnership advocates optimisticAudioTranscript

Updated 22/03/2010 21:11:27


Advocates of a Pacific rim free trade area, the Trans Pacific Partnership are optimistic that a strong commitment from the US has given the pact a big push forward.

Potent homebrew blamed for the Solomons rising crimeAudio

Updated 22/03/2010 21:11:26

Home brew, known as Kwaso, is rapidly becoming Solomon Islands biggest law and order problem.

Concerns over land reform policies in MelanesiaAudioTranscript

Updated 19/03/2010 21:09:25

Ineffective land reform policies continue to cause problems for tradition land owners in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.

Burma junta frees and deports activistAudioTranscript

Updated 19/03/2010 21:09:25

Burma's military authorities have freed and deported a Burmese-American activist, who was sentenced last month to three years' jail.

Australia appoints new senior position to NATOAudioTranscript

Updated 19/03/2010 21:09:25

Australia has appointed a new senior military position to NATO and will send an adviser to the Afghan Defence minister, as the Rudd government defends it contribution to the war in Afghanistan.

Rio Tinto and Chinalco sign Africa mining dealAudio

Updated 19/03/2010 21:09:26

Mining giant Rio Tinto and China's state run Chinalco have signed a deal to develop what's described as the world's best undeveloped source of iron ore in Africa.

More Japanese women call Australia homeAudio

Updated 19/03/2010 21:09:25

A growing number of Japanese working holiday makers in Australia are staying on permanently and they are overwhelmingly women. In the rapidly growing Japanese community in Australia, women outnumber men almost two to one. New research on this striking gender imbalance is showing that some young Japanese women find that travel, followed by immigration and sometimes marriage in Australia, is an attractive alternative to a demanding work culture and limited opportunities at home.

Sri Lanka's former army chief faces court martialAudioTranscript

Updated 18/03/2010 21:37:08

The court martial of Sri Lanka's former army chief Sarath Fonseka has been adjourned until next month. General Fonseka, who ran against President Mahinda Rajapakse in January's poll, faces one set of charges that he interfered in politics, while still military chief, and also charges that he was allegedly involved in corrupt arms deals. The court martial has been denounced in some quarters as a political trial, given that General Fonseka and Mr Rajapakse had a spectacular falling out, after the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels last year.

Fiji Cyclone recovery continuesAudio

Updated 18/03/2010 21:37:08

In Fiji the first aerial flyovers of the areas hit by Cyclone Tomas have been completed. There are scenes of extensive damage in eastern Vanua Levu and Taveuni, with houses destroyed and trees down. Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is appealing to Fijians to show resilience, and bounce back from the disaster.

World Bank says China needs interest rate riseAudioTranscript

Updated 18/03/2010 21:37:08


The World Bank has indicated an interest rate rise is needed to keep the lid on the rapidly growing Chinese economy.

Australia wants its officials allowed into Stern Hu trialAudioTranscript

Updated 18/03/2010 21:37:08

Australia is pressing for its officials to be allowed into the full trial of Australian Rio Tinto executive Stern Hu after the Shanghai court ordered part of the hearing will be closed.

Indonesia's fatwa against smokingAudioTranscript

Updated 18/03/2010 21:37:07

Indonesia suffers some of the heaviest health impacts from smoking in Asia - and now it's become a religious target. The country's second-largest Muslim organisation, Muhammadiyah, has issued a fatwa or ruling, saying that smoking is prohibited under Islamic law. But other religious groups say Muhammadiyah has gone too far.

Indigenous Cambodians call for land protectionAudioTranscript

Updated 18/03/2010 21:37:07

Cambodia's indigenous community has called on the government to live up to its obligations under local and international law and protect their interests. Representatives of Cambodia's 17 ethnic groups are urging the government to suspend hundreds of concessions awarded to foreign and local companies they say are operating on their land. The call comes after a recent United Nations committee hearing submitted evidence about serious shortfalls in Phnom Penh's commitment to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Fiji cyclone recovery teams start heading into disaster areaAudio

Updated 17/03/2010 21:42:54

In Fiji disaster management teams are on their way to the northern and eastern islands, as Cyclone Tomas moves out of the area. It's suspected the Lau group of islands is worst hit, but the massive category four storm has completely severed communications. Eye witness reports from the north east of Vanua Levu described huge waves of up to eight metres breaking through sea walls and winds gusting to more than two-hundred kilometres per hour.

Australia wins praise from Burma campaignersAudioTranscript

Updated 17/03/2010 21:42:55

Australia has won rare praise from Burma campaigners for a move in Geneva that could lead to an international legal case against Burma's military junta for crimes against its people.

Can Thailand's Red Shirts topple the governmentAudioTranscript

Updated 17/03/2010 21:42:55

Thailand's Red Shirts or the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship may have received wide international media coverage of yesterday's dramatic gesture at government house. But though it might have been good political theatre, but the numbers at the protests have fallen considerably since the weekend. They may be no closer to toppling the government of Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Thai protesters pour blood on PM's homeAudio

Updated 17/03/2010 21:42:55

Tens of thousands of Red-shirted protesters have thrown plastic bags filled with litres of their own blood into the residence of the Thai Prime Minister in Bangkok.

China accused of manipulating yuan and adding to economic woesAudioTranscript

Updated 17/03/2010 21:42:53

The White House is being urged to act as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao refuses to revalue China's currency, the yuan. A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S Senate is threatening Beijing with duties on some of its exports, if it fails to revalue its currency. It's pressing China to change policies that critics say keep its yuan currency cheap and effectively subsidise Chinese exports and tax competing imports. Now Nobel prize winning economist Dr Paul Krugman is certain to fuel the debate between the US and China over the exchange rate of the yuan. He advocates playing policy hardball with the Chinese, whom he accuses of adding to the world's economic problems.

New reports warn of arms sale increaseAudio

Updated 17/03/2010 21:42:54

A new Swedish report says arms sales have increased around the world. Swedish think thank, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, says arms sales worldwide have increased by 22 percent. It says arms expenditure has risen dramatically, especially in South East Asia. Countries like Malaysia and Singapore, which have just bought submarines, are some of the countries that get a special mention.

Sri Lanka's Tamils drops demand for separate stateAudio

Updated 16/03/2010 21:35:14

In Sri Lanka, the political party closest to the defeated Tamil Tiger rebels has dropped its demand for a separate state. The Tamil National Alliance or TNA was generally seen as a proxy for the now-defeated Tamil Tiger separatists. But 10 months after the rebels' defeat, the TNA is changing its outlook saying it wants power-sharing with a federal structure. The TNA's also called for two Tamil majority provinces to be merged back into one with significant devolution of powers on issues like land and taxes.

Trade talks could lead to Asia Pacific free trade zoneAudioTranscript

Updated 16/03/2010 21:35:13

Australia has told China's government not to get involved in iron ore price negotiations, as demand drives prices up and Chinese steel mills face increases of as much as 90 per cent this year.

Report says North Korea regime is under pressureAudioTranscript

Updated 16/03/2010 21:35:13

The International Crisis Group says international sanctions combined with economic problems and a growing food shortage could lead to an eventual regime collapse in North Korea.

Fiji emergency officials to assess cyclone damageAudio

Updated 16/03/2010 21:35:14

Fiji's emergency officials will conduct an aerial recce of the Northern Province tomorrow, to assess the damage from Sever Cyclone Tomas. Initial reports says the cyclone has caused extensive damage and left around 17 thousand Fijians living in emergency shelters.

Protesters in Thailand to pour blood on parliamentAudioTranscript

Updated 16/03/2010 21:35:14

The supporters of the ousted Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra have continued their protest in Bangkok and are planning to pour blood on the steps of parliament.

Philippines military and police accused of human rights abusesAudioTranscript

Updated 16/03/2010 21:35:14

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has ordered the military and national police to respond to a US State Department report alleging that they committed human rights abuses.

Thailand's Prime Minister rejects calls to resignAudio

Updated 15/03/2010 21:56:57

Thailand's Prime Minister has rejected an ultimatum by tens of thousands of protesters to resign.

Thailand's economy could suffer due to protestsAudio

Updated 15/03/2010 21:56:57

If violence escalates between the Thai government and supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra then there's likely to be an impact on Thailand's economy, which has been gradually recovering from recession.

Pacific Rim nations consider trade dealAudio

Updated 15/03/2010 21:56:56

Officials from eight Pacific Rim countries meet in Australia this week for negotiations which could potentially reshape regional trade relationships.

The 5-day talks, which begin in Melbourne today, bring together senior diplomatic officials from Australia, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States. The discussions are expected to set the framework for negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership or TPP which could in the future include the major economies of China, Japan and South Korea and key South East Asian nations.

Burma's military government pushing to privatise state companiesAudio

Updated 15/03/2010 21:56:57

An expert on Burma's economy says the military government's push to privatise state owned companies could be a sign of some uncertainty among the regime ahead of the elections later this year.

Obama's visit to Indonesia and Australia uncertainAudioTranscript

Updated 15/03/2010 21:56:57

US President Barack Obama is due to visit Indonesia and Australia beginning later this week but difficult politics in Washington over the President's health care bill are proving an obstacle to his travel.

Cyclone Thomas to hit Vanua LevuAudio

Updated 15/03/2010 21:56:57

Tropical Cyclone Tomas is bearing down on Fiji's second main island of Vanua Levu.

Cambodian lashes out at UN over anti-graft lawAudioTranscript

Updated 12/03/2010 20:45:55

Cambodia has accused the United Nations of "flagrantly interferring" in its affairs and acting as a spokesperson of the opposition, after the UN country team publicly encouraged debate over a new corruption law.

Red Shirts begin to gather in BangkokAudioTranscript

Updated 12/03/2010 20:45:55

Tens of thousands of supporters of deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra began to gather Friday in their trademark red shirts, as the capital braces for weekend protests aimed at toppling the government.

Protestors were seen chanting incantations for good luck in Bangkok, while at least 30,000 others gathered in the rural north before starting their journey to Bangkok for the main rally on Sunday. It's feared that even if the protest is largely peaceful, large sections of Bangkok will be paralysed by the march.

Sea Sherpherd activist arrested in TokyoAudioTranscript

Updated 12/03/2010 20:45:55

A New Zealand Sea Shepherd activist, Pete Bethune, was arrested when his Japanese captors delivered him to customs officials in Tokyo Harbour this afternoon.

China careful to control inflationAudio

Updated 12/03/2010 20:45:51

China's interest rates could be hiked as soon as this weekend as Beijing seeks to avoid overheating in the world's engine of growth.

From Canberra with love: a new spy websiteAudio

Updated 12/03/2010 20:45:51

The Australian government says it wants to break down the mystique and suspicion that surrounds the work of it's main domestic spy agency, ASIO.

China urged to change HIV visa lawAudio

Updated 12/03/2010 20:45:55

China's refusal to allow an HIV-positive Australian author to enter the country has led to calls for the Government in Beijing to change the law.

Pakistan's Taliban pushed on the back foot by military campaignAudio

Updated 11/03/2010 21:13:20

Civilians are still paying the price in Pakistan's conflict - with the murder of six World Vision aid workers by militants this week a stark demonstration.

UN envoy to Burma suggests war crime investigationsAudio

Updated 11/03/2010 21:13:24

The UN's Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma has recommended a Commission of Inquiry be set up to see if a war crimes case should be sent to the International Criminal Court.

SBY spruiks business opportunities for Australia and IndonesiaAudio

Updated 11/03/2010 21:13:24

Indonesia's president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono leaves Australia after a three-day visit that has been hailed a big success in re-building the recently-troubled relationship between the two countries.

Female foreign students suffer 'hidden' abuses in MelbourneAudio

Updated 11/03/2010 21:13:23

Exploitation and violence towards international students in Australia has received headlines worldwide.

Australia stands by Cambodian defence cooperationAudio

Updated 11/03/2010 21:13:20

Australia will continue its defence cooperation program with Cambodia, despite a controversial new policy which formally links business to Cambodian military units.

Indonesia confirms death of Bali BomberAudio

Updated 10/03/2010 20:34:04

Earlier in the day President Yudohoyono spoke at a official lunch at Parliament House and part way through was handed a piece of paper by one of his aides.

New laws rule Aung San Suu Kyi ineligible for Burma's electionsAudio

Updated 10/03/2010 20:34:04

Burma has released details of some of the laws that will cover an election planned for sometime this year, with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi ruled out of taking part due to her criminal conviction.

SBY addresses Australian ParliamentAudio

Updated 10/03/2010 20:34:04

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has become one of just a handful of foreign leaders to address Australia's Parliament in it's 110 year history.

EU discusses trade pacts with AsiaAudio

Updated 10/03/2010 20:33:59

The European Union has kicked-off a fresh round of negotiations with Asian countries, not wanting to be left out of rapidly evolving regional trade bloc. The US too is fearful of being sidelined, as China and other economies speed-up their integration.

India passes law on women quota in parliamentAudio

Updated 10/03/2010 20:34:00

Women's rights campaigners in India are claiming a major victory after the country's upper house passed legislation guaranteeing that at least one-third of future members of parliament will be women.

Indonesian delegation holds Australian talksAudio

Updated 09/03/2010 21:14:57


Indonesian Trade Minister, Doctor Mari Pangestu is part of the Indonesian delegation to Australia comprising some 120 representatives.

Solomon Islands opens Truth and Reconciliation CommissionAudio

Updated 09/03/2010 21:14:57

Solomon Islands has opened its Truth and Reconciliation Commission, with moving testimony on the first day.

Human rights raised during Indonesian President's Australian visitAudio

Updated 09/03/2010 21:14:57

Human rights issues have crept into the visit to Australia by Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono with issues including the push for justice in the case of the Balibo Five, conditions in West Papua and the continuing application of the death penalty in Indonesia.

New book highlights life in North KoreaAudio

Updated 09/03/2010 21:14:56


In a new book called "Nothing To Envy" reporter Barbara Demick has pieced together a picture of how people live in North Korea, mostly by talking to people who've escaped from the secretive totalitarian nation.

Australian author refused Chinese visaAudio

Updated 09/03/2010 21:14:56


China's 8th annual Shanghai Literary Festival is underway with a delegation of Australian authors taking part - with the exception of one prominent novelist.

Thailand imposes a tough security lawAudio

Updated 09/03/2010 21:14:56

Thailand's government has decided to impose a tough security law ahead of protests planned for this weekend, saying troops will use "all means" to stop violence by supporters of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Internal Security Act will be in force from March the 11th to the 23rd and will see the military deployed on the streets of Bangkok.

Diplomatic challenges linger on eve of SBY's visit to AustraliaAudio

Updated 08/03/2010 20:47:12

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will make a 48-hour visit to Australia beginning 9 March.

Amnesty urges women to take part in Solomon Islands hearingsAudio

Updated 08/03/2010 20:47:12

The first public hearing by Solomon Islands' Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation hearings set to beginAudio

Updated 08/03/2010 20:47:12

The first public hearing by Solomon Islands' Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

UN findings on world's missing womenAudio

Updated 08/03/2010 20:47:12


China and India account for 85 million of the world's 100 million so-called "missing women" - that's girls and women who
That's the startling claim included in a new report from the United Nations Development Programme on gender in Asia and the Pacific.

Sri Lanka to charge Fonseka within 48 hoursAudio

Updated 08/03/2010 20:47:12

Sri Lanka's former army chief and defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka will have to wait just a couple more days to find out exactly what charges he faces.

Australia hosts controversial Palestinian artistAudio

Updated 08/03/2010 20:47:11


Award-winning writer, broadcaster and political activist, Amal Murkus, has brought her distinctive mix of pop music, traditional Palestinian folklore and Arabic heritage to Adelaide's international world music festival.

Wen Jiabao upbeat on China's economic recoveryAudio

Updated 05/03/2010 19:52:58

China's Premier Wen Jiabao has used the opening session of the National People's Congress to warn that the global economy is not out of the woods yet.

Fiji court sentences eight men over Commodore kill conspiracyAudio

Updated 05/03/2010 19:52:58

Fiji's High Court has sentenced eight men to between seven and three years in jail, for plotting to murder the country's coup leader, and currently-interim-Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

US backs tuna trade banAudio

Updated 05/03/2010 19:52:55

Sushi-lovers in Japan could be in for shock if a proposed international trade ban on Northern - or Atlantic - bluefin tuna goes ahead.

Bangladeshi monks ask UN to investigate alleged massacreAudio

Updated 05/03/2010 19:52:58

In the Thai capital, Bangkok, a group of Bangladeshi Buddhist monks have gathered to protest outside the United Nations.

Indian police urged to work harder to find missing childrenAudio

Updated 05/03/2010 19:52:58

Last year in India's capital, New Delhi, an average of 17 children went missing every day.

Charity cares for Cambodia's acid attack survivorsAudio

Updated 04/03/2010 21:40:20

Cambodia's government is drafting new laws to punish those who carry out devastating acid attacks.

Malaysian beer caning case an example of rising fundamentalismAudio

Updated 04/03/2010 21:40:20

The director of a women's rights group in Malaysia warns that religious fundamentalism is on the rise.

Taiwan President's visit shows new approach to regionAudio

Updated 04/03/2010 21:40:24

Taiwan's President, Ma Ying-jeou, will make his first tour of the Pacific, later this month.

Whaling commission debates 'dead rat' compromiseAudio

Updated 04/03/2010 21:40:24

A former Prime Minister of New Zealand has urged both sides of the deadlocked International Whaling Commission to accept a compromise proposal.

China announces military spending for 2010Audio

Updated 04/03/2010 21:40:24

China has announced its planned military funding for the year and while it amounts to billions of US dollars worth.

SBY faces crisis over PT Century Bank bailoutAudio

Updated 04/03/2010 21:40:24

Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is facing a tough political choice as he deals with a crisis involving two of the most respected and influential members of his cabinet.

Millions at risk as Mekong hits record lowsAudio

Updated 03/03/2010 21:52:57

There are warnings that millions of people living along the Mekong River could face even more hardship this year, due to low water levels.

Rights group concerned by Cambodian army partnershipsAudio

Updated 03/03/2010 21:52:58

Banking group ANZ Royal has denied it's involved in a scheme to partner up private businesses with Cambodian army units.

Fijian dancer denied visa for New Zealand showAudio

Updated 03/03/2010 21:52:57

The lead dancer for a Fijian dance group has been denied a visa to perform in New Zealand.

Indonesian Ambassador in Australia assesses the relationshipAudio

Updated 03/03/2010 21:52:57

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will make his second state visit to Australia next week, meeting Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and addressing the Parliament in Canberra.

Angelita Pires not guilty, 23 other convicted in East TimorAudio

Updated 03/03/2010 21:52:58

A court in East Timor has found the Timorese-born Australian woman, Angelita Pires, not guilty of attempting to assassinate the country's president two years ago.

Rights groups reject new race laws in AustraliaAudioTranscript

Updated 02/03/2010 22:08:15

Human rights, social welfare and legal bodies have overwhelmingly rejected the Australian government claims that planned new laws will fully restore race discrimination protection for indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.

Fiji regime to ban established politicians from 2014 electionAudio

Updated 02/03/2010 22:08:15

Fiji's military backed regime has announced that any politician who has played a role in the country's politics, since 1987, will be banned from contesting the promised elections in 2014.

Sri Lankan' north the latest landmine priorityAudio

Updated 02/03/2010 22:08:14

The clearing of landmines in Sri Lanka looks set to be an increasing challenge, as parts of the island's north are cleared for resettlement by those displaced by the fighting.

US envoy in China to smooth troubled watersAudio

Updated 02/03/2010 22:08:15

A senior US diplomat has arrived in China, hoping to ease tensions between the two nations before Chinese President Hu Jintao visits America in April.

Cambodia says missile tests are not saber rattlingAudioTranscript

Updated 02/03/2010 22:08:14

Cambodia is set to conduct a multiple missile test on March 4.

India appeals for Saudi help against Pakistani terroristsAudio

Updated 02/03/2010 22:08:15

Pakistan has reacted cautiously to Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh's first trip to Saudi Arabia.

Tongan ferry inquiry ends with arrestAudio

Updated 01/03/2010 22:02:41

The Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika ferry in Tonga wrapped up over the weekend.

Grenade attack increases tensions in ThailandAudio

Updated 01/03/2010 22:02:41

Thai police are investigating a weekend attack outside the country's biggest bank.

Alleged passport misuse tests Australia-Israel tiesAudioTranscript

Updated 01/03/2010 22:02:41

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has again told Israel he's not happy with it's response on the use of forged Australian passports by alleged Israeli agents, accused of a recent assassination in Dubai.

Japan's tsunami expert says sorry for 'crying wolf'Audio

Updated 01/03/2010 22:02:41

Japan's weather agency has apologised for over-reacting to tsunami warnings, after the government evacuated half a million people - only to find the waves that eventually hit were much smaller than expected.

Underage Chinese gymnast may cost team Olympics medalAudioTranscript

Updated 01/03/2010 22:02:40

China may lose one of its medals from the Sydney 2000 Olympics after embarrassing revelations about its women's gymnastics team.

Australian programs reducing HIV among drug usersAudio

Updated 01/03/2010 22:02:41

A new study shows Australia is ahead of the rest of the world in providing programs for reducing HIV infections among injecting drug users.