August 2008
Acehnese win right to sue Exxon Mobil
Updated 29/08/2008 18:52:33
In Aceh, eleven villagers have accused the armed forces on the payroll of the Indonesian subsidiary of the American oil giant Exxon Mobil of carrying out killings and torture. A U-S court has found the Exxon Mobil Corporation and its subsidiary in Jakarta, will have to face the villagers in a lawsuit.
Search for bodies of Timor massacre continues
Updated 29/08/2008 18:52:38
For the part six weeks, a group of forensic anthropologists from Australia and Argentina have been in East Timor searching for a mass grave allegedly used to bury hundreds of East Timorese killed by Indonesian troops in 1991. The process has unearthed the pain and frustration for victims' families who are desperate to lay their loved ones to rest once and for all.
New Zealand's Foreign Minister resigns
Updated 29/08/2008 18:52:42
New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has been forced to resign. Prime Minister Helen Clark had been under intense pressure to sack him because he's being investigated over an undeclared 100-thousand dollar political donation.
Burmese singer highlights junta abuse
Updated 29/08/2008 18:52:22
Folk singers like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Billy Bragg are known worldwide. In Burma, there's Moon Aung. His concerts feature on-stage performers acting out scenes of repression and violence in his home country. Moon Aung is currently in Australia with his 'Peace Struggle' tour, raising funds to benefit victims of Cyclone Nargis.
New ASEAN free trade deal could boost Pacific
Updated 29/08/2008 18:52:28
The final details of ASEAN's free trade agreement with Australia and New Zealand will not be known for several months but already some trade experts say the deal could boost economic oportunities for Pacific nations.
Japan suffering food shortages
Updated 29/08/2008 18:52:22
Political wrangling is heating up in Japan over a proposed government aid package to help ordinary people struggling to cope with rising food and petrol prices.
Calls for New Zealand's foreign minister to resign
Updated 28/08/2008 20:32:09
The credibility of New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters is under question. Hee's in hot water over a 100-thousand dollar donation from a billionaire businessman. Prime Minister Helen Clark is coming under increasing pressure to sack him.
ASEAN deals speed up
Updated 28/08/2008 20:32:12
India has finalised its free trade agreement with ASEAN and China is nearing one covering investment. The Singapore meeting has involved senior trade and economic ministers from the region.
Australia and New Zealand sign ASEAN free trade deal
Updated 28/08/2008 20:32:16
Australia and New Zealand have agreed on a free trade pact with ASEAN. The agreement, which is expected to be signed sealed and delivered later this year, was finalised over several days of meetings in Singapore.
Indonesian baby boom
Updated 28/08/2008 20:32:02
After decades of falling fertility rates, Indonesia now faces a baby boom. Observers say more babies are being born now the government's no longer making family planning a budget priority.
Changes to Cambodia's child sex laws
Updated 28/08/2008 20:32:05
Changes to Cambodia's child sexual abuse laws could mean nearly 40 foreign pedophiles currently serving jail terms could have their sentences dramatically reduced. The move has outraged court officials and opponents of child exploitation.
Thai opposition calls for parliamentary solution to protests
Updated 28/08/2008 20:32:20
Thousands of protestors are still holed up in Government House, refusing to budge until Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej resigns. The government has vowed to end the protest without force and the main opposition party says it wants a parliamentary resolution to the crisis.
Anwar Ibrahim makes political comeback
Updated 27/08/2008 20:04:32
Anwar Ibrahim is back in the Malaysian parliament and aiming for even higher goals. Mr Anwar was declared the winner in a by-election in the northern state of Penang.
Afghan crisis emerging over civilian casulties
Updated 27/08/2008 20:04:20
Anger is growing in Afghanistan over the large number of civilian casualties resulting from international military actions in the country. And that anger is spreading to the government. Kabul wants more control over military forces and is demanding the US-led Coalition negotiate an agreement bringing it under international law.
Anwar's win, Badawi's loss
Updated 27/08/2008 20:04:25
Malaysia's Islamist party, a key partner in Anwar Ibrahim's opposition coalition, has already endorsed him, removing a major obstacle in his push to win power. It's a push which the opposition is hoping will get stronger as more Malaysians express their disatisafction with the Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.
Smoking rates increase in Indonesia
Updated 27/08/2008 20:04:06
The proportion of Indonesians who smoke has gone up significantly in recent years, putting the nation on par with India and China as the countries with the world's biggest smoking problems. The government claims it needs the tobacco industry to stimulate economic growth but health researchers have other ideas.
East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao
Updated 27/08/2008 20:04:12
East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusamo says East Timor has turned a corner since February the eleventh, when the leadership cane under attack. He's currently in Australia to talk up his country's prosperity and its security.
Aung San Suu Kyi refuses food in protest at UN visit
Updated 26/08/2008 20:24:53
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is reportedly refusing to accept food deliveries to her home in protest against the recent visit by U-N envoy Ibrahim Gambari.
Pakistan's ruling coalition split
Updated 26/08/2008 20:25:00
Pakistan's ruling coalition government is trying to desperately shore up support after former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif withdrew his support 24-hours ago. Sharif cited the failure of his coalition patner, Asif Ali Zadari to honour a promise to reinsatate judges sacked by former President Pervez Musharraf as his reason for quitting
Anti-government protests intensify in Thailand
Updated 26/08/2008 20:27:19
Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have taken to the streets demanding the resignation of the Thai prime minister Samak Sundaravej.
North Korea stops disabling nuclear facilities
Updated 26/08/2008 20:27:13
North Korea has announced it will stop the disabling of its nuclear facilties, accusing the United States of reneging on a six-party disarmanent deal.
Curfew continues in India-controlled Kashmir
Updated 26/08/2008 20:25:11
Many parts of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir are under curfew for a third straight day as police try to stop protests by both Muslim and Hindu separatists. The restive Himalayan state is seeing some of the biggest protests against Indian rule in at least 20 years.
Anwar's wife Wan Azizah bows out of politics
Updated 25/08/2008 20:10:06
Campaigning has wrapped up in the Malaysian state of Penang, where former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, is hoping to re-enter parliament. It's widely expected that he will win the seat of Permatang Pauh. Mr Anwar's return to power is in so many ways only possible because of the role his wife Wan Azizah Ismail has played over the past decade.
Australia approves China's bigger slice of mining giant
Updated 25/08/2008 20:10:12
The Australian Government has given approval for a Chinese Government owned company to buy a bigger slice of mining giant Rio Tinto. It's the first major test of Canberra's new tougher rules governing foreign acquistions.
Australia rejects East Timor as guest workers scheme
Updated 25/08/2008 20:10:17
East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao was in Canberra today hoping to win support for a proposal to allow East Timorese workers to be included in Australia's seasonal worker's program. The answer from Australia was not now. But Xanana Gusmao didn't come away empty-handed.
Forbes lists the world's richest royals
Updated 25/08/2008 20:09:58
As well as being one of the world's most revered monarchs, Forbes Magazine says the Kind of Thailand is also the world's richest. But is he really the world's wealthiest monarch or one of the world's most transparent.
Obama picks India friend as running mate
Updated 25/08/2008 20:09:58
Barack Obama has chosen Joe Biden as his running mate, in a decision intended to balance his perceived lack of foreign policy experience. Senator Biden is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with a strong background and friendship with India.
Australia and Indonesia agree to stop illegal fishing
Updated 22/08/2008 19:29:05
Illegal logging and how to stop illegal fishing has been the subject of several days talks in Jakarta between Australia's Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke and his Indonesian counterpart MS Kaban.
Report card on China as Olympics close
Updated 22/08/2008 19:29:09
As the Olympic Games draw to a close, assesments are being made about just how successful they've been for the Chinese.
Pacific Forum commuique issues ultimatum to Fiji
Updated 22/08/2008 19:29:14
The Pacific Islands Forum has wrapped up in Niue with its usual comprehensive communique covering a host of issues from climate change to a unanimous vote for push to have rugby included in the Olympics! But it's been dominated by Fiji and the threat of suspension from the forum, if there are no elections by March next year.
Press freedom under threat in Malaysia
Updated 22/08/2008 19:29:00
As the rivalry between Malaysia's political parties heats up, civil and legal groups say their already limited freedoms have been further whittled down, and accuse Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi of seeking to curb dissent.
Anwar Ibrahim tipped to win by-election
Updated 22/08/2008 19:29:00
As Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim prepares to contest next week's parliamentary by-election, three members of his party have been arrested for graft. Mr Ibrahim says these latest arrests are more evidence of the ruling coalition trying to undermine his chances of returning to parliament in Tuesday's vote for the seat of Permatang Pauh.
Qantas reports record profit while reputation slips
Updated 21/08/2008 20:08:02
Australian airline Qantas has announced a record net profit despite unprecedented oil prices. At 844 million US dollars, the bottom line for the year to the end of June is 44 per cent more than the previous year. It comes as the carrier faces a chorus of criticism over safety concerns as well as staff pay and conditions.
UN report says Timor at human rights crossroads
Updated 21/08/2008 20:08:07
East Timor is at a human rights crossroads, says a new report by the United Nations. The U-N says in the last six months there's been a notable increase in complaints of human rights abuses against East Timor's national police.
Fiji faces suspension from Pacific Islands Forum
Updated 21/08/2008 20:08:12
Fiji is facing suspension from the Pacific Islands forum if it doesn't move towards holding promised elections next year. Fifteen South Pacific leaders have condemned Fiji's military chief Frank Bainimarama for breaking his election commitment and for boycotting the annual Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Niue.
Philippines peace deal cancelled
Updated 21/08/2008 20:08:15
The Philippines Government has scrapped a peace deal with the country's biggest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Australia's Asia Pacific community idea under a cloud
Updated 21/08/2008 20:07:49
Ever since Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd floated the idea of an Asia-Pacific community two months ago the concept has been largely derided. Some critics are now predicting that Kevin Rudd will quietly drop the idea there is still backing for it within government.
India's nuclear deal with US faces crucial test
Updated 21/08/2008 20:07:55
India's controversial nuclear deal with the United States is facing a crucial test in Vienna this week. The all important 45 nation Nuclear Suppliers Group is meeting to discuss whether to give the deal the green light. New Delhi needs the N-S-G to rubber stamp it before it can go to the US Congress for final ratification.
Questions over Chinese press freedom
Updated 20/08/2008 20:45:17
Foreign journalists covering the Olympics in Beijing have been giving the organisers almost daily grillings on their freedom to report the Games. There were angry exchanges over the beatings of at least three international reporters trying to cover protests in the capital and elsewhere in China. But analysts say the 16-thousand foreign reporters in China at the moment are wrong if they believe their presence will make a lasting difference to media freedom.
Pacific Forum opens under Fiji boycott cloud
Updated 20/08/2008 20:45:18
Now to the Pacific Island Forum Summit in Niue
Presenter: Kerri Ritchie
Speaker: New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark
UN acts on maritime piracy
Updated 20/08/2008 20:45:18
There's been ongoing concern surrounding security of the waters in the Gulf of Aden. Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law at the Australian National University says the situation is now a key issue for the United Nations.
Malaysian tanker hijacked in Gulf of Aden
Updated 20/08/2008 20:45:18
A Malaysian tanker has been hijacked in the Gulf of Aden near Somalian waters, the latest in a wave of attacks in the region. The tanker, laden with palm oil, was heading towards Rotterdam from the Indonesian island of Sumatra with a crew including 29 Malaysians and 10 Filipinos.
Death penalty in Asia in question
Updated 20/08/2008 20:44:39
Is it now time to give the last rites for the death penalty in Asia? While many nations in the region still have the ultimate penalty on their laws one person who has researched the subject extensively believes that executioners throughout the region may have to start looking for other work.
Aid push for North Korea
Updated 20/08/2008 20:44:39
South Korean private groups have sent over 30 million US dollars in aid to North Korea this year, despite unsettled relations between the two governments. North Korea is again facing an acute food shortage, with women, children and the elderly most keenly affected. With millions of people on the brink of crisis, the United Nation's World Food Programme plans to dramatically expand aid to the North.
Thailand's ruling party hangs by a thread
Updated 19/08/2008 20:23:12
Thailand's election commission has deferred a decision on whether to recommend that the ruling party the People Power Party be disbanded for electoral fraud. The commission says it wants to investigate further before handing down its decision on September the second.
Fiji Pacific forum boycott talk of Niue
Updated 19/08/2008 20:23:16
Niue is buzzing with the news that Fiji is refusing to attend this week's Pacific Islands Forum meeting. The leaders of the 15 member countries have now arrived in Niue, expressing shock and disappointment with the decision by Fiji's interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama to boycott the meeting.
International reaction to Musharraf's resignation
Updated 19/08/2008 20:23:21
There's been public celebration in Pakistan over the resignation of Pervez Musharraf but internationally the response has been muted.
Pakistan's ruling coalition discusses Musharraf successor
Updated 19/08/2008 20:23:25
The leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition are meeting in Islamabad to discuss who will succeed Pervez Musharraf. The former president stepped down after nine years in power to avoid a move by the government to impeach him.
Australia and South Korea push for closer ties
Updated 19/08/2008 20:23:03
It may be Australia's sixth largest partner when it comes to two-way trade but the relationship between Australia and South Korea doesn't enjoy the sameprofile as its Northern Asian neighbours. But now Korea's most senior representative in Australia is hoping this will change.
Child sex offender Gary Glitter released from Vietnam prison
Updated 19/08/2008 20:23:07
Former glam rock singer Gary Glitter has been released from prison in Vietnam, after serving most of his three-year sentence for child sex offences. But regional child protection groups say the attention paid to Gary Glitter hides the seriousness of the problem of child sexual exploitation in southeast Asia.
Tuvalu misses out on Pacific guest worker scheme
Updated 18/08/2008 19:46:13
One Pacific country which has missed out on Australia's guest worker scheme is Tuvalu. The government says it's extremely disappointed.
Pacific welcomes Australian guest worker scheme
Updated 18/08/2008 19:46:18
There's been a mixed reaction in the South Pacific to the Australian Government's announcement that it will begin its
Pacific guest worker pilot scheme later this year. Up to two and a half thousand visas will be made available for workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea to temporarily work in Australia's horticulture industry.
Fiji boycotts Pacific meeting in Niue
Updated 18/08/2008 19:46:22
Fiji's military leader Frank Bainimarama has announced he'll boycott this week's Pacific summit, avoiding an embarrassing confrontation over his broken promise to hold elections by March next year. Commodore Bainimarama says he won't be attending the meeting of the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum which begins in Niue on Tueday.
Pervez Musharraf quits as Pakistan's President
Updated 18/08/2008 19:46:27
Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf has announced his resignation as president, after nine years in power. The announcement comes as the coalition government was preparing to impeach him. In a nationally televised address, Pervez Musharraf said he was stepping down to spare his country further political turmoil.
Indonesian military accused of American deaths in Papua
Updated 18/08/2008 19:46:10
A new report accuses the Indonesian military of being behind the murder of two American schoolteachers and an Indonesian colleague in Papua in 2002. Seven pro-independence Papuans were jailed for the attack, but human rights groups have long accused the military of involvement.
UN envoy makes another visit to Burma
Updated 18/08/2008 19:46:10
United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari has arrived in Burma for a five-day mission to try and kick-start negotiations between the military junta and detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It's his fourth visit to Burma since pro-democracy protests were crushed by the military last September.
ASIAPACIFIC BUSINESS 15/08/2008
Updated 15/08/2008 17:39:00
Japan hurtles towards recession after recording more negative growth; Pardons for South Korea's corporate criminals; A plea for tax cuts in Fiji; The high cost of the Olympics.
Pro-Tibet demonstrators continue protest in Beijing
Updated 15/08/2008 18:50:41
Pro-Tibet demonstrators use China's gleaming new Central Television Tower as a backdrop for a huge banner calling for Tibetan independence.
Three years of peace in Aceh
Updated 15/08/2008 18:50:46
It's the third anniversary of the peace accord in the Indonesian province of Aceh. But while the war may be over, there are other challenges facing Aceh, including tensions within the former independence movement.
Pakistan's Musharraf in resignation talks
Updated 15/08/2008 18:50:54
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf reportedly plans to resign rather than face impeachment by parliament.
Fiji threatens to pull out of Niue meeting
Updated 15/08/2008 18:51:22
Fiji is threatening to pull out of next week's Pacific Forum Leader's meeting in Niue. The interim government is angry because it's been refused entry to New Zealand for the post-dialogue talks.
Malaysia launches biobank
Updated 15/08/2008 18:50:26
Carbon emissions trading is already creating new markets internationally. But now another market has been created in biodiversity. Malaysia's eastern state of Sabah has launched a 'biobank' and its founders say it's a way of making a profit from environmental conservation.
Thousands displaced by Cambodian lake development
Updated 15/08/2008 18:50:36
There are concerns about the human cost of a new development plan in Cambodia. Next month construction will get underway on the area around the Boeung Kak Lake. But in the process the thousands of people who live around the lake will lose their homes.
New technology to circumvent Burma's media control
Updated 14/08/2008 19:17:43
While the world peers through the Internet's Great Firewall of China, the miniature version in Burma seems as solid as ever. But activists and human rights campaigners are finding ways around the tight security, using a mix of old and new technology.
Chinese and Indian tourist numbers set to rise
Updated 14/08/2008 19:17:47
It's predicted that over the next 12 months tourists from China to Australia will increase by eleven percent, while visitors from India should be double that. At the same time one of Australia's traditional markets, Japan is tipped to drop 20 per cent over the same period.
New Marxist book tops Japan's best seller list
Updated 14/08/2008 19:17:51
A Marxist novel written in 1929 has spent the last few months on top of the best seller list in Japan. It tells the story of a crew on a crab boat working in harsh conditions under a sadistic captain. The book was re-released this year with a marketing campaign linking it to the plight of the working poor.
Japan flirting with recession
Updated 14/08/2008 19:17:54
Japan is hurtling towards its first recession in six years. Negative growth in the second quarter of this year, coupled with falling exports and weak consumer spending means the world's second biggest economy is shrinking.
Pacific hip hop team wins dance competition
Updated 14/08/2008 19:17:39
A New Zealand team has just won gold at the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas. The Sweet and Sour dance crew beat 75 groups from 33 countries after winning the Under 18 World Champion title.
Challenge to make India smoke free
Updated 14/08/2008 19:17:39
It's a big challenge, but India says it's up for it, declaring some of its major cities smoke free. The government wants to make it illegal to light up at all places of work before the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
South Korean President pardons major corporate criminals
Updated 13/08/2008 19:39:21
South Koreans are reeling from the President's announcement that some of the biggest corporate criminals in the country are to be pardoned because he needs them to help revitalise the economy.
New questions over East Timor's leadership assasination attempt
Updated 13/08/2008 19:39:25
New questions have been raised about the day of the assasination attempt on the country's leadership. Autopsy reports of both rebel leader Alfredo Reinado and one his followers reveal that both men were shot in the head at close range, suggesting they were executed. East Timor's main opposition party Fretilin is now reiterating its call for an independent international investigation into the events of February 11.
Thai plan threatens Mekong
Updated 13/08/2008 19:39:13
The Thai government has revived controversial plans to divert water from tributaries of the Mekong river to help agricultural production in the drought affected north east. But conservationists warn the projects threaten the health of the river system.
Australia cracks down on people smuggling
Updated 13/08/2008 19:39:16
Australia's Immigration Minister Chris Evans has called for a need to "reinvigorate" efforts to stop people smuggling and trafficking across the region.
Formner Khmer Rouge torturer indicted
Updated 13/08/2008 19:39:13
The man who ran the torture chamber that was Phnom Penh prison during the brutal regime of the Khmer Rouge has been ordered to stand trial.
Australia helps India plug brain drain
Updated 12/08/2008 20:02:30
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he wants to boost the number of Asian students coming to Australia by reinventing tertiary education exchange throughout Asia. Victoria's Deakin University is leading the pack in attracting some of the best and brightest students from India, especially in science and engineering.
US North Korea policy "a disaster"
Updated 12/08/2008 20:02:41
The US has confirmed North Korea will stay on its terrorism blacklist until both sides agree on a nuclear verification regime. It's the latest stumbling block to American efforts to end North Korea's nuclear drive before George W Bush leaves the White House. A new book by CNN's former Asia correspondent argues that the Bush administration's hardline stance on Pyongyang is a foreign policy disaster,
Humanitarian crisis looming in Philippines
Updated 12/08/2008 20:04:44
Aid agencies are working furiously to avert a humanitarian crisis in the souther Philippines. An estimated 160-thousand people have fled their homes following renewed fighting between the army and Muslim rebels.
Pacific guest worker scheme stirs unusual alliances
Updated 12/08/2008 20:02:19
The question of guest workers from Pacific nations coming to Australia is throwing up some unusual alliances. The Labor Government is yet to anounce the details of the proposed scheme which is aimed at allowing people from several neighbouring countries to work for a specified period in the agricultural and horticultural sectors.
Indonesian universities under threat
Updated 12/08/2008 20:02:24
The academic future is not bright for some of Indonesia's universities. There are warning bells that at least half of the country's schools provide poor quality education. And without government help, a third of Indonesia's universities will have to shut their doors.
First Australian Pacific Forum Secretary General dies
Updated 11/08/2008 20:21:03
The first Australian Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum has died. Greg Urwin headed the Forum Secretariat from 2004, resigning in May this year, halfway through his second three year term.
Australia to ask Indonesia for clemency for drug smugglers
Updated 11/08/2008 20:21:25
Australia may oppose the death penalty but Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says the government will not be intervening in the case of the three Bali bombers awaiting execution. However Australia will be appealing to the Indonesian President for clemency for three Australians on death row for drug smuggling.
Days are numbered for Pakistani President
Updated 11/08/2008 20:21:32
Embattled Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is losing support by the hour. Key elements of his military and political powerbase have abandoned him, joining forces with the ruling coalition to begin impeachment proceedings. A parliamentary committee has now drawn up a charge sheet to effectively begin impeachment proceedings.
Arrest warrant issued for Thaksin Shinwatra
Updated 11/08/2008 20:21:37
Thailand's Supreme Court has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife after the couple skipped bail and went into exile in London.
No gold medal for Chinese economy
Updated 11/08/2008 20:21:09
The Olympic host China is currently leading the gold medal count in the Beijing Games. But it appears any gold win for the economy is far from certain. Despite the spending of a record 43-billion dollars, most economists forecast at best a neutral effect on economic output.
Burmese live in fear of another cyclone
Updated 11/08/2008 20:21:15
It's been three months since Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, leaving about 138-thousand people dead or missing. The humanitarian organisation Medecins Sans Frontiers is now offering mental health counselling is also underway to help people fearful of another cyclone.
Report highlights problems with Timor police
Updated 08/08/2008 18:02:18
It's been six months since East Timor's leadership came under attack by armed rebels and since then, the credibility of the country's security, especially the local police force, has been under question. The UN has a 1,500-strong police presence in East Timor responsible for maintaining security and reforming the national police. Now UN chief Ban Ki Moon has released a report card on the UN Mission's last six months.
ASIAPACIFIC BUSINESS 8/08/2008
Updated 08/08/2008 18:04:06
Indonesia's Finance Minister on her economic challenges; a regional oil hub for North East Asia; Australia's pursuit of tax cheats.
Australia's PM prepares for first trip to South Korea
Updated 08/08/2008 18:02:18
Like most world leaders, Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has travelled to Beijing for the opening of the Olympic Games. However, he won't be spending too much time cheering on his compatriots. On Sunday, he departs the Olympic city and heads to South Korea where he'll spend 24 hours.
Burmese recall democracy uprising
Updated 08/08/2008 18:02:19
The Chinese may be celebrating as the Olympic Games get underway in Beijing, but for Burmese activists August 8th is being be marked as a solemn occasion.
China moves to boost rural children's education
Updated 08/08/2008 18:02:19
Educators have welcomed a move by authorities in China to waive school fees for the children of rural workers living in cities. The move comes amid growing concerns that rural children, especially young girls, are missing out on quality education despite the mandatory nine-year schooling system.
Beijing cleans up for Olympic games
Updated 08/08/2008 18:02:19
The Beijing Olympic Games the most expensive in history have arrived and billions of people will watch the spectacle as China opens its doors to the world.
Confience motion in Solomons Parliament defeated
Updated 08/08/2008 18:02:18
An Opposition motion of no confidence against Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Derek Sikua, has been defeated on the floor of parliament in Honiara. The Opposition tabled the motion arguing Dr Sikua's administration had failed to fulfil its promises since taking office in December.
Thousands of migrants to be deported from Malaysia's Sabah
Updated 07/08/2008 21:09:12
The Malaysian Government has announced it plans to deport tens of thousands of migrants from the state of Sabah. But the number includes more than 55-thousand people born in the state.
Bali Bombers last legal challenge
Updated 07/08/2008 21:09:13
The Bali bombers are due to face the firing squad within weeks. But now their lawyers have filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court arguing that death by firing squad amounts to torture.
Anwar Ibrahim charged with sodomy
Updated 07/08/2008 21:09:13
Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been charged with sodomy. He's pleaded not guilty to the offence which carries a penalty of 20 years jail. Mr Ibrahim is now out on bail and he's sure to waste no time in pushing ahead with his intention to return to frontline politics.
Kevin Rudd to raise human rights in China
Updated 07/08/2008 21:09:13
The Australian Prime Minister is on his way to China for the opening of the Olympic Games. He says he'll again raise human rights concerns in private meetings with China's top two leaders.
Chinese couples prepare for lucky Olympic wedding
Updated 07/08/2008 21:09:12
Preparations are well underway for the pomp and pagentry of the opening of the Olympc Games. The date, the eighth of the eighth, 2008 is considered lucky in China. And that's why thousands of couples in Beijing are planning to get married.
South Korea's oil security ambitions
Updated 07/08/2008 21:09:12
South Korea imports 100 per cent of its crude oil needs and has a plan to reduce its vulnerability to oil shocks. The government is spending money, increasing energy diplomacy and looking for foreign partners in production and refining. South Korea's ambitions extend to the creation of a North Asian oil hub to rival Singapore's.
East Timor faces climate change challenge
Updated 06/08/2008 20:01:42
Meeting the challenges of climate change is a global problem, but moreso for the young nation of East Timor. New research shows Timor is ill-equipped to monitor changes in the environment.
China braces for clashes of culture
Updated 06/08/2008 20:01:35
As China prepares for a friendly invasion of Olympic spectators, participants and visitors, part of that preparation was instructing local Chinese, especially those in Beijing, how to behave in public. But what about cultural pitfalls for both locals and foreigners, and do the Chinese spit as much as western media allege?
Thailand takes video game off the shelves
Updated 06/08/2008 20:01:39
Thai authorities have pulled the popular video game, Grand Theft Auto off the shelves. It comes after a teenager killed a taxi driver in Bangkok while trying to recreate a scene from GTA. Family groups are now calling for the game to be banned, but freedom of expression advocates warn about the slippery slope of censorship.
Spanish court to hear Chinese genocide claims
Updated 06/08/2008 20:02:36
The Spanish High Court has announced that it will hear a lawsuit from three Tibetan rights groups accusing Chinese leaders of genocide. Seven high-ranking Chinese officials will be investigated for their role in the unrest that erupted in Tibet in March. The lawsuit accuses Chinese leaders of overseeing widespread killing and torture to supress the pro-Tibetan protests.
Australia urged to help rice crisis
Updated 06/08/2008 20:02:06
Australia is being asked to provide further assistance to avert a crisis in rice supplies as the price for the grain hits record highs. The head of the International Rice Research Institute is in the nation's capital lobbying government and non-government organisations to try and get authorities to help in putting together a credible response to the problem
Bush and Lee discuss security, trade and North Korea in Seoul
Updated 06/08/2008 20:02:12
U-S president George W.Bush has opened his three country Asia trip with a lightening visit to South Korea. The trip may have been short in time but discussions with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak centred on some weighty topics, including North Korea, security and trade.
Indonesian group rallies in support of Time Magazine
Updated 05/08/2008 20:02:56
Indonesia's Supreme Court is being petitioned by a large group of media and civil rights groups to reverse a defamation ruling against Time Magazine. The famous case dates back to a 1999 article alleging the Suharto family had stashed billions of dollars in offshore bank accounts.
Bush begins last Asian tour
Updated 05/08/2008 20:02:35
U-S President George W Bush is on his way to Asia for what's expected to be his last trip to the region before he leaves office. He'll be in Beijing for the Olympic Games and is also planning to visit Thailand and South Korea, where he will discuss the North Korea nuclear issue.
Indonesia to charge former top spy with murder
Updated 05/08/2008 20:02:42
Prosecutors in Indonesia are preparing to charge a former top intelligence official Major General Muchdi Purwopranjono with the murder of the country's leading human rights activist, Munir Said Thalib who died of arsenic poisoning during a flight from Singapore to the Netherlands in 2004.
East Timor inaugurates its first ever national park
Updated 05/08/2008 20:03:11
East Timor has inaugurated its first ever national park. The move will protect and preserve about 123-thousand hectares of land and sea at eastern tip of the island
New Australian regional co-operation centre
Updated 05/08/2008 20:03:01
The Australian Government is setting up a civil military co-operation centre costing just under five million U-S dollars. It's aim is to work even more closely with similar bodies throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Bangladesh goes to the polls
Updated 04/08/2008 20:14:43
Bangladesh went to the polls today in the first election since the military-backed caretaker government declared a state of emergency 18-months ago.
Indonesia faces rising inflation rate
Updated 04/08/2008 20:14:47
Soaring food and fuel prices have sparked widespread protests and trimmed growth forecasts in Indonesia. Last month the annual inflation rate jumped to a higher than expected 11-point-nine percent.
APEC ministers talk economic reform
Updated 04/08/2008 20:14:50
A meeting of APEC ministers and senior officials has begun in Melbourne and it couldn't come at a better time. A few months ago, there was bouyancy in the region despite worries over the U-S sub prime mortgage crisis. But now with the U-S financial problems worse than orginally thought and record high oil prices, the picture is even gloomier.
Truck attack kills 16 in west China ahead of Games
Updated 04/08/2008 20:14:54
Just four days before the Olympic Games and the Chinese government's worst fears about Muslim separatist attacks appear to have come to fruition. Sixteen policemen in China's Muslim-majority northwest have been killed in what is a suspected terror truck bombing. At least 16 others have been injured.
Vanuatu finance industry questions Australian tax inquiries
Updated 04/08/2008 20:14:40
Vanuatu questions Australia's motives in using the Pacific island's status as a tax haven to prove it's serious about fighting tax evasion.
Thailand's cabinet reshuffle
Updated 04/08/2008 20:14:40
After facing two months of anti-government protests, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has unveiled a new cabinet line-up.
It includes six new ministers and five economic advisors. Five government ministers are gone, including the deputy prime minister.
Ambitous plans for Cambodian stock exchange
Updated 02/08/2008 09:19:05
Cambodia is moving ahead to establish a stock exchange by the end of next year.
Anwar vows to contest by-election despite allegations
Updated 02/08/2008 09:19:05
Malaysia's opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim is vowing to contest a by-election for the parliamentary seat vacated by his wife, despite an ongoing police investigation against him for alleged sodomy.
Thailand's tax fraud verdict marks 'new trend'
Updated 02/08/2008 09:19:05
The recent verdict against the wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for tax evasion, as well as other cases against Mr Thaksin and his associates, marks a major new trend in Thailand in dealing with charges of high level corruption.
Tonga's King George Tupou V crowned
Updated 02/08/2008 09:19:06
King George Tupou the fifth has been crowned the 23rd King of Tonga.
Chinese president gives rare foreign briefing
Updated 02/08/2008 09:19:06
Chinese President Hu Jintao has given a rare interview to a group of foreign journalists, one week ahead of the Olympic Games.
Trek honours East Timor's WWII role
Updated 02/08/2008 09:19:05
In East Timor, a trek to commemorate the experiences of Australia's World War Two Commando Forces and the role locals played has just been completed.
