March 2008
Skating up a storm in Afghanistan
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
Three skateboarders from the Australian city of Melbourne have big plans for a new skatepark. This isn't particularly new, except this skatepark is to be built in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and the locals don't even have a word for "skateboard" in the most common language of the area, Dari.
Tibetan Australians speak out over current unrest
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
Foreign diplomats have begun reporting back about their two day tour of the Tibetan capital Lhasa - scene of some of the bloody pro independence riots earlier this month. A senior diplomat from Australia's Beijing embassy, was among those allowed into the region on a visit organised by the Chinese government.
Relations slide between North, South Korea
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
North Korea has stepped up its rhetoric against South Korea, repeating a threat to suspend all inter-Korean dialogue in protest over remarks by the south's top general. North Korea's official news agency reacted angrily to the general's suggestion of a possible preemptive strike against Pyongyang's nuclear facilities, arguing it represents a policy switch by South Korea's new conservative president.
Indonesia, Australia talk defence cooperation
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
Indonesia and Australia are to define a set of understandings for future defence cooperation. The joint understandings will set out priorities for defence engagement, including military training, combined exercises and maritime surveillance and patrols. The announcement follows talks in Canberra between the Defence Ministers of Indonesia and Australia.
Australian Opposition attacks PM for leaving Japan off global tour
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
The first weekend of the Australian prime minister's world tour has been overshadowed by his decision not to travel to Japan on his 17 day trip. Australia's Opposition coalition says the diplomatic damage has already been done and the prime minister's decision is "unforgivable."
Australia pushes for Security Council seat
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
Australia is about to start a new drive for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. It's part of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's push to make Australia a bigger player on the world stage. Mr Rudd has been in New York speaking to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon. However, the Australian leader is still facing questions over who he is, and is not, seeing.
Presenter: Louise Yaxley
Speakers: Kevin Rudd, Australian prime minister; Jim McNerney, president of Boeing
Coup rumours a distraction, says Opposition Thai MP
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
Coup rumours have again swept Bangkok, as prime minister Samak Sundaravej announced that he'd received a mysterious written warning of a possible military putsch. But the head of the army has played down the reports, saying the military serves the king, the nation and the people�and won't be getting involved in politics.
Australia attracts greater numbers of skilled migrants
Updated 31/03/2008 12:22:52
Australia's population is growing at its fastest rate in almost 20 years, hitting 21 million last year. New figures show more than half the current population growth is accounted for by migrants - many of them skilled people from traditional sources such as Britain and New Zealand, but increasingly now from countries such as India and China.
Philippine Islamic militants moving into drug trade, says govt agency
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:41
The Philippines' anti drug agency says it has received intelligence the Islamic militant group, the Abu Sayyaf, could be involved in the production of marijuana to raise funds.To date, the Abu Sayyaf has relied on kidnap for ransom to fund its operations.
Major powers in race to supply arms to Asia
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:41
The United States is bracing itself for tough competition from Russia and possibly, China, in supplying new fighter jets to Asian countries.
Asia facing tough economic times, says new UN report
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:42
The annual United Nations report on Asia's economy says a United States recession will have a harsh impact on the region.
The ESCAP survey says the worst case scenario would cut China's growth by more than three percent and cause even worse drops in Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea.
Islamic romance storms Indonesian box office
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:42
Indonesia is currently experiencing a movie phenomenon not seen since the theatre-filled days of Titanic, with locally-written and produced "Ayat-Ayat Cinta" set to eclipse the box office any day now, and in under a month.
Rice shortage threatens Asia Pacific
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:42
Asian governments are becoming concerned about food security with the supply and price of rice becoming critical.
East Timor's president details assassination bid
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:42
East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta has criticised the Australian-led forces in East Timor for not acting immediately to catch the rebels who tried to kill him. However, he's also praised the Australian soldiers and medics who helped saved his life last month
Fate of protesting Tibetan monks remains unsure
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:42
Tibetan rights activist say they fear for the safety of those monks who protested in front of visiting foreign journalists in Lhasa.
Red faces in Beijing after Tibetan PR disaster
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:42
Dozens of monks in Tibet have defied China's crackdown, to protest in front of visiting foreign correspondents in the capital, Lhasa.
The Tibetan monks disrupted a tour by journalists who were the first to be allowed back in Lhasa, after other colleagues were expelled following a Chinese media blackout in the Himalayan region.
New taxi rules anger Singapore commuters, drivers alike
Updated 28/03/2008 12:06:41
Singapore's transport authorities have back-pedalled on new traffic rules in the Central Business District .. for the time being anyway.
The new rules confining taxi-drivers to designated stops in the CBD caused a public outcry by both commuters and taxi-drivers.
Rio Tinto heralds greater China role
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:12
The mining giant Rio Tinto wants to change the way it does business with China by developing partnership deals with China's steel and investment companies.
Australia urged to reconsider Indian uranium ban
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:13
One of India's most experienced diplomats says his country is puzzled by Australia's attitude to its nuclear status; he says the government is out of step with the rest of the world in not recognising India's right to nuclear energy and weapons.
South Korea signals tougher stance against North
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:15
South Korea's new president has signalled he'll be taking a much tougher line against North Korea than his liberal predecessors.
Lack of aid fuels Afghan violence, says NGO coalition
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:20
Aid groups say more than a third of the money pledged to Afghanistan has not been delivered... and that much of the aid money is wasted and that 40 per cent of the money simply ends up as corporate profit back in the West.
Australian defence minister heads to NATO Afghan summit
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:25
Australia's Defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon joins Prime Minister Rudd in Romania next week, when the heads of government from 26 NATO countries meet to discuss the war in Afghanistan.
Australia's PM sets out foreign policy agenda
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:30
Australia's new Prime Minister sets out on his first overseas tour on Thursday, pledging a stronger international role for Australia as a creative middle power. Ahead of his visit to the United States, Europe and China, Kevin Rudd outlined his approach to Australia's regional and global interests in his first foreign policy speech since being elected in November.
Tourist murders prompt extra security at Thai resorts
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:10
There is concern in Thailand over the impact on the country's tourism industry of the brutal murder of three foreigners in the past month.
Up to 18 million tourists visit Thailand each year.
New Thai film highlights bloody southern conflict
Updated 27/03/2008 13:04:11
Thailand's troubled southern province are a hotbed of Muslim militant insurgency. Now, a provocative new film, Citizen Juling, has set out to shed new light on the issue.
Defence force needed to fight climate change
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
Australia's Defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon says the nation's defence forces could play in dealing with the effects of climate change and one defence analyst argues dealing with the effects of climate change could become part of the military's core business, as well as peacekeeping and fighting wars.
Australia urged to engage with Central Asian power bloc
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
China's crackdown in Tibet is confronting Australia's new Government with its first diplomatic test in relations with Beijing; and a government-funded think tank has published a study suggesting Australia should seek functional engagement with the first multilateral body created by China - the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
China state media slams foreign reporting on Tibet
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
While the protest at the lighting of the Olympic torch in Greece was big news throughout the world, state media in China virtually ignored the incident; but it has run stories this week criticising foreign media reports on the unrest in Tibet, calling Western coverage biased.
Bhutan becomes world's newest democracy
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
Voters in Bhutan's first democratic elections have delivered what could best be described as a ringing endorsement of the status quo.
Malaysia's opposition unveils economic agenda
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
Malaysia's first female parliamentary opposition leader, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, has unveiled an ambitious agenda to boost economic growth and fight corruption.
US accidentally sends Taiwan missile parts
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
The United States has been embarrassed by revelations it accidentally sent Taiwan some highly classified parts for an intercontintental ballistic missile.
Tibet movement mulls boycott call
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:08
The Free Tibet Campaign is considering calling for an Olypic boycott.
France considers boycotting Olympic ceremony
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:08
France is not ruling out the possibility that it may boycott the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics if China continues its crackdown in Tibet.
Schoolyard drug tests rejected
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
The Australian Government is vowing to take action against binge drinking amongst young people, but it's being advised not to go too far when it comes to tackling the problem of illicit drugs in schools.
Black carbon fast fix for climate change
Updated 26/03/2008 12:20:07
While the world's battle against global warming has focussed on the need to cut carbon dioxide emissions, a simple and quick way to slow its progress has been largely ignored.
Skilled foreign workers earning high wages in Australia
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:39
New figures show temporary skilled workers being brought into Australia are earning above average wages, but Australian unions say many workers being brought in to Australia, mainly from Asia, are still being underpaid and exploited.
Water crisis looming in Indonesia
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:40
There is concern in Indonesia about a looming water crisis and conservationists are concerned a reliance on underground water will ruin the quality of these supplies and the fertility of land.
Taiwan market applauds Ma election win
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:40
Investors have welcomed Taiwan's election outcome; the share market jumped more than five per cent in early trade, to close on 8,865 points or almost four per cent stronger.
Internal refugees start heading home
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:40
Since the death of East Timorese rebel leader Alfredo Reinado last month, some of the 100,000 internally displaced people are sensing an improvement in the security situation, and have opted to return, to rebuild their homes and their lives.
Tensions expected in Pakistan coalition
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:40
Mr Gillani's Pakistan People's Party heads a government for the first time in 12 years, after last month's election... and while it may be a government of concensus, how long the coalition will last is anyone's guess.
Pakistan elects new prime minister
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:40
Pakistan's parliament has elected Yousuf Raza Gilani as the country's new prime minister.
Nepali police break up Tibetan protests
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:40
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the arrest of almost 500 Tibetan protesters in the Nepali capital, Kathmandu.
Olympic torch lighting disrupted by protest
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:40
Human rights activists last night disrupted the lighting of the Olympic torch, shouting slogans and calling for a boycott of the Beijing Games.
Services struggle to cope with Australia's baby boom
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:39
Australia is in the grips of a new baby boom and the jump in fertility has caught many by surprise with governments now frantically trying to meet the increased demand for maternity and early childhood services.
US Supreme court to rule on executions
Updated 25/03/2008 11:48:39
In the United States capital punishment is back in the headlines as the Supreme Court prepares to hand down a crucial ruling on the legality of lethal injections.
Malaysian 'zero energy' building sets new benchmarks
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
The world plans to turn out the lights at the end of this month, but what about a building that never needed to turn on the lights at all?
Thai ruling party seeks to change constitution
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
Thailand's ruling party says it wants the nation's military backed constitution changed to avoid the government being thrown into a political deadlock; Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej says he wants the election commission to lose its power of being able to dissolve political parties.
Thai opposition leader slams bombing probe
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
Thailand's opposition leader has criticised Thai authorities for giving up their investigations into deadly bombings across Bangkok on New Year's Eve in 2006.
Pakistan to swear in new PM
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
After a year of political upheaval, Pakistan's first legitimately elected civilian government in more than eight years will finally get down to business today, a new prime minister will be sworn in by the dictator-turned-civilian President Pervez Musharraf.
Elections bring China relations to the fore
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
Taiwan's President elect, Ma Ying-jeou, stood on a platform of economic reform and improving relations with China, but he's repeated his controversial promise to consider boycotting the Beijing Olympics if China's crackdown worsens in Tibet.
New Taiwan president to walk fine line on China
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
Taiwan's President elect, Ma Ying-jeou, looks and sounds every bit the western style politician but he has a very eastern problem on his hands, walking the fine line of encouraging Taiwan's economic and spiritual growth without upsetting China.
Presenter: Shane McLeod
Speakers: Chen-Lung Kuo, Deputy Editor in Chief of the China Times Newspaper; Ma Ying-Jeou, Taiwan's President Elect
Strategic shifts in Australian foreign policy
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is about to head off flies out on his first international tour as leading, visiting, the United States, Europe and China and discussing Australia's troop withdrawal from Iraq, but its lengthening commitment in Afghanistan.
China on the agenda of US talks
Updated 24/03/2008 11:25:31
A former top foreign policy advisor to US President George W Bush says Kevin Rudd will need to explain Australia's relationship with China when he visits Washington later this week.
Drought brings misery to Australia's citrus industry
Updated 21/03/2008 10:56:06
Australia's Riverland oranges have been enjoyed by people in Southeast Asia for years. Now, the Riverland in South Australia, is struggling to maintain an industry that was once the backbone of the community. The drought has decimated crop yields, leaving locals and visting labourers out of work.
Taiwan poised for elections
Updated 21/03/2008 10:56:06
The people of Taiwan are deciding who will lead the island for the next four years. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party is hoping for another term through its candidate Frank Hsieh, while the opposition nationalist Kuomintang or KMT is pinning its hopes on the popular former mayor of Taipei, Ma Ying-jeou.
Japan's growth at risk with stalemate over bank governor
Updated 21/03/2008 10:56:06
Japan's Opposition-controlled Upper house has rejected two nominations by the Government in the past week to replace the head of the Bank of Japan who retires Thursday.
China ramps up security to quell Tibet unrest
Updated 21/03/2008 10:56:06
China has ramped up security as it tries to quell the Tibetan uprising, with hundreds of military convoys seen pouring into the remote region.
Facial expressions determined by culture; study
Updated 21/03/2008 10:56:02
Researchers in Canada and the US say they have proof that culture heavily influences the way in which a person will recognise emotion in another.
Australian PM defends overseas trips while in opposition
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:44
The Australian Prime Minister has again been learning that his job means his every move, past and present, is open to scrutiny. As he wrestles with the problems of steering Australia through the economic troubles befalling the American economy and as he prepares to set out on a world trip, taking in Washington, London, Bucharest and Beijing, the Opposition is digging up details of old trips he went on - but which were paid for by a Chinese company.
Australian PM judgement questioned over foreign trips
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:44
The Australian Opposition has questioned the Prime Minister's judgement for accepting paid trips overseas when he was in Opposition. The foreign company, Beijing AustChina Technologies paid for sixteen overseas trips for Kevin Rudd and several ministers when they were in Opposition.
Milestone for Australian street magazine
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:44
The fortnightly street magazine The Big Issue is celebrating its 300th Australian edition, since it was launched in Melbourne in 1996. Following the lead of its British namesake, it allows its homeless and unemployed vendors to keep half of the five dollar cover price.
Thailand's PM rules out peace talks with separatists
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:45
Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has ruled out holding future peace talks with separatist militants in the country's Muslim-dominated south.The announcement comes as three people were killed - allegedly by Islamic militants in the southern city of Yala on Wednesday. The death toll stands at more than 3,000.
East Timor's president shares memories of attack
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:45
East Timor's President Jose Ramos Horta has shared memories of the failed assassination attempt against him five weeks ago.
Impact of US recession in Asia
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:45
The jitters have returned to Wall Street, just a day after America's central bank cut interest rates in a bid to stave off recession. The Dow Jones and some European markets have surrendered some of the big gains made in response to the Federal Reserve's move. It's a sign that volatility will be a feature of financial markets for some time yet, even if Asian economies show fewer effects of the US fallout.
Finding a solution to the Tibetan crisis
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:45
Keeping international focus on Tibet may encourage the Chinese military to be more accountable, but is there a solution, to what's shaping up to be a conflict of wills between Beijing and the Tibetan people?
New fears over China's crackdown on Tibet
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:45
Human rights groups fear China is preparing to launch a massive military offensive against Tibetan protesters. This comes as pictures have emerged showing the extent of the protests and the crackdown in the capital Lhasa and in Tibet's neighbouring provinces. In a letter issued from his base in the northern Indian town of Darhamsala, the Dalai Lama has appealed to world leaders for help to resolve this dispute with Tibet.
Philippines facing severe rice shortage
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:40
The Philippines is facing a major rice shortage. To alleviate the situation it has managed to import about 335-thousand tonnes of rice, from countries such as Vietnam, Thailand and Pakistan.
Laos forests stripped for Vietnam furniture industry; report
Updated 20/03/2008 12:19:41
There are claims that the forests of Laos are being illegally stripped for timber, to feed the rapidly expanding furniture industry in neighbouring Vietnam. A British-based NGO, the Environmental Investigation Agency and its Indonesian counterpart, Telapak have released a new report which they say exposes the widespread use of illicit timber from Laos in Vietnamese-produced furniture.
Tibet crackdown shouldn't threaten Olympics: Australia
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
There has been a muted response from the international community to the latest events in Tibet. The Australian Government says China's crackdown in Tibet should not threaten the Beijing Olympics.
Budget carrier Adam Air faces possible closure.
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
Indonesia's low cost airline Adam Air is facing closure, just a year after announcing major expansion plans and Transport Minister Jusman Djamal has demanded the airline prove its financial viability after two of its largest shareholders said they are pulling out of the company.
Likely future Chinese leader unveiled
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
Li Keqiang, a man who's been described as a rising star and President Hu Jintao's prot�g�, was among four vice-premiers approved by China's National People's Congress this week.
Malaysia's PM unveils new-look cabinet
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has unveiled a new-look cabinet that analysts say is a way of responding to the electorate's clear demands for change following the disappointing election results.
Tibetan protesters target Han Chinese
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
When Tibetans rioted on the streets of Lhasa late last week, some of their anger was directed at the Han Chinese who migrated there, but rather than leaving Tibet, many Han Chinese seem determined to stay.
Dalai Lama threatens resignation if violence continues
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has hit back strongly at China's claims that he's behind last week's demonstrations in Tibet and challenged Beijing's leaders to produce evidence of his alleged involvement.
Indonesia seeks help on power generation
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has been visiting South Africa and has met with its President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria, where they have agreed to jointly explore new avenues for electricity generation.
Tourists recount Tibet unrest
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:01
Tourists who arrived in Kathmandu from Lhasa have told of their experiences of the rioting and crackdown which followed, they told consistent stories of Chinese and Muslim shops being ransacked, and some witnessed Chinese civilians being attacked by mobs.
Shock death of filmmaker Minghella
Updated 19/03/2008 11:54:00
The film world is mourning the sudden death of one of its leading directors Anthony Minghella, whose sweeping wartime movie The English Patient marked a turning point for British films after it received nine Academy Awards.
Asia and West to clash on running international order
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
An Australian Opposition Senator has published a new paper saying the Asia Pacific will face a clash of interests over globalisation, American dominance and Western ideas about running the international order.
Elections planned for Tamil Tiger country
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
Sri Lanka's government has announced that the country's troubled Eastern Province will hold provincial council elections for the first time in two decades. The elections, to be held in the Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts, could begin as early as March 27.
Asia markets hit by US financial uncertainty
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
Share prices have fallen dramatically across Asia as the global credit crisis worsens.
Global markets tumble overnight
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
Global stockmarkets have taken a tumble overnight as concerns spread about the stability of the US financial system as they continue to grapple with the near collapse of the Bear Stearns investment bank and are questioning whether the US Federal Reserve's aggressive attempts to pump more money into the system will be enough to prevent a financial crisis.
UN 'a white elephant': Tibet govt in exile
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
Tibet's exiled Prime Minister, Sampdong Rimpoche fears many more people will die if clashes between protestors and police and troops continue, he's also criticised the international community for its weak stance against China.
Tear gas, beatings for Tibetan protesters in Nepal
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
And outside the UN headquarters in Kathmandu, a pro-Tibet rally was violently dispersed by the Nepalese authorities.
Tibetan students hold vigil in Beijing
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
In the heart of Beijing, some eighty Tibetan University students held a candlelight vigil as the midnight deadline in Lhasa approached for protestors to give themselves up.
Authorities search for protestors in Tibet: reports
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
China had given demonstrators in Lhasa until midnight local time, to surrender to authorities, or face harsh consequences, the ultimatum was given following protests and rioting in Lhasa, with at least eighty people reported killed.
Wartime POWs still wait acknowledgement
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
Wartime atrocities committed by Japanese imperial forces during World War Two have for a long time, coloured the way Japan is perceived in Asia and a new book says survivors from the 140,000 prisoners of war in the Pacific are still waiting for proper acknowledgement not just by the Japanese but also their own governments of their suffering at the hands of Japanese forces.
Tibet issue enters Taiwan election
Updated 18/03/2008 12:03:22
Up until early last week, the two major parties contesting Taiwan's presidential election were singing a very similar tune when it came to closer economic ties to mainland China. But in election rallies over the weekend, it became clear that the impact of China's crackdown in Tibet is reverberating across the Taiwan Strait, possibly destablising the China-friendly opposition frontrunner.
Cambodia's Khmer Rouge tribunal at risk
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:42
Cambodia's top administrator to the Khmer Rouge tribunal has told his staff of around 200 that after April they risk not being paid.
Hanoi headed towards mega-city status
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:42
Vietnam's capital Hanoi is looking to become the world's next metropolis after the country's ministry of construction submitted a plan to the Prime Minister to merge some seven surrounding provinces. The city's expansion is designed to relieve pressure on its infrastracutre system that is stuggling to cope with rapid rural to urban migration.
Timor police need cultural change: expert
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:42
Dr Damian Kingsbury is an expert in East Timor politics and society from Deakin University. He says claims by Sebastiao Dias Ximenes, East Timor's human rights monitor, that Timor's police are worse than the Indonesians during occupation are 'drawing a long bow'.
Timor police need more training: rights official
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:42
The man appointed by East Timor's parliament to promote and protect human rights has called for much better training for the country's police, accusing some members of the force of behaving worse than their counterparts during the Indonesian occupation. In a recent report to parliament, East Timor's Provedor for Human Rights, Sebastiao Dias Ximenes, detailed a number of cases of beatings and torture committed by the security forces during the current state of siege.
High level business delegation from Vietnam in Sydney
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:42
Australia has been host to a high level diplomatic and business delegation from Vietnam the second in a month.
Malaysian government accused of stoking racial tensions
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:42
Malaysia's opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim has accused the government of stoking racial tensions. Mr Anwar's Keadilan party is a member of a three-party opposition alliance which made major gains in the March 8th elections. The alliance seized control of four states and more than a third of parliamentary seats. Now, it plans to transform the New Economic Policy or N-E-P, introduced in 1971 to boost the Malays' economic status.
Tibetans gather in northern India to protest
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:43
As the international community criticises China's crackdown, protests continued among Tibetan exiles and their supporters around the world. On Sunday at least a thousand Tibetans gathered in northern India, in the Dalai Lama's hometown of Dharamsala.
Beijing trying to control information out of Tibet
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:43
Beijing is trying to control all information and pictures out of Tibet. The Tibetan-government-in-exile is reporting the death toll to be eighty or higher and the Dalai Lama has described China's crackdown as "cultural genocide". The Free Tibet Campaign, however, has been in contact with sources inside Tibet.
Dalai Lama accuses China of 'cultural genocide'
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:43
China is facing a full-scale crisis in the run up to the Olympic Games as rioting in the Himalayan territory, Tibet continues. While Tibetans and monks take their protest to the streets, other demonstrations have broken out in the neighbouring Chinese province of Sichuan. Chinese authorities have responded with lethal force; three people are reported to have been killed in the city of Ngawa in Sichuan province.
Worries Thai insurgency to intensify
Updated 17/03/2008 11:47:43
Authorities in Thailand worry that a daring attack on a major hotel in the country's south at the weekend .. could signal yet more lethal attacks to come. Two people are confirmed dead, while two others remain in serious condition after a car bomb exploded near the entrance to the CS Pattani Hotel Pattani. Until now it's been seen as one of the safest properties in the southern provinces -- used by politicians, local military officers and the media.
Survey reveals scale of child drownings in Asia
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
A new survey has found that drowning is the major cause of children's deaths in Asia. The research was carried out in Bangladesh, China, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam by UNICEF, and the Alliance for Safe Children.
ILO renews anti-forced labour pact with Burma
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
The International Labour Organisation is extending for another year a deal with Burma's military government aimed at tackling the issue of forced labour.
Malaysia's opposition comes to grips with new reality
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
After their election success last weekend, Malaysia's opposition Barisan Alternatif parties are now coming to grips with the responsibilities of power... at the state level at least.
Report highlights fate of Cambodia's child inmates
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
A recent report reveals the plight of mothers and children in jail in Cambodia. It says standard food, medical and space allowances are not increased, for pregnant prisoners, or mothers in jail with their children.
East Timor rebel leader delays surrender
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
East Timor's prosecutor general has revealed that rebel leader Gastao Salsinha was ready to surrender to authorities last Monday, but now wants to wait until President Jose Ramos-Horta returns from Darwin where he is recovering from gunshot wounds.
Cambodia court upholds life sentences
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
The Cambodian Supreme Court has upheld the life sentences of three men convicted of plotting terror attacks on diplomatic and other targets in the capital, Phnom Penh.
Flu outbreak closes Hong Kong schools
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
Two weeks off school would normally be a welcome holiday for most children in Hong Kong, but the next two weeks at home could save their lives because of a flu outbreak.
Japan's Obama backs US namesake
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
The United States Democrats may be no closer to deciding on their candidate to challenge Republican John McCain in the presidential race...but in Japan, one township is not concerned by the delay.
Singapore voices concern over plastic surgeons who don't make cut
Updated 14/03/2008 13:15:26
Singapore's health authorities have voiced concern about inadequately-trained doctors performing plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures. The alarm was raised after several patients complained of unsatisfactory and sometimes horrific outcomes such surgery.
Sri Lanka Tamil party wins local elections
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
A pro government militia of Tamil Tiger defectors has won the first local elections in Sri Lanka's restive east in 14 years.
Australian students increasingly avoid Indonesia
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
Australian students it seems are turning their backs on Indonesia, with a significant decline in the number of tertiary students involved with exchange programmes with Indonesian Universities.
Malaysia's main Islamic party forges ahead
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
Malaysia's Islamic PAS made huge gains during last weekend's general elections, taking over several state governments and for the first time pushing into urban middle class areas.
Fears Thailand the latest hideout for notorious criminals
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
The recent arrest of high profile Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, in Bangkok has raised concerns that Thailand is fast becoming a haven for some of the world's most notorious criminals.
Thailand's deposed PM makes first court appearance
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
Thailand's deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made his first court appearance on corruption charges.
China's growing inflation for neighbours.
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
Inflation in China has hit a 12-year high. Food prices have been the main culprit in boosting the latest figures and the central bank is considering higher interest rates.
China moves to set up 'super ministries '
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
China's annual parliament has announced the setting up of five 'Super Ministries' as part of government reforms, and to address pressing issues such as the environment.
Australians cosmetics boom surges ahead of US
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:52
Cosmetic physicians say Australians now spend more per capita on cosmetic procedures than north Americans. The Australian Psychological Society says the figure is alarming and many of the people seeking expensive beauty treatment may be better advised to seek psychological help.
New wheat disease threatens Asia
Updated 13/03/2008 12:37:53
A wheat disease that's made its way from Africa to Iran is presenting a major threat to the vast wheat fields of South Asia. The destructive fungus, called Ug99, is a potential threat to 80 percent of all the wheat varieties grown in Asian and African countries.
Australia's opposition supports Iraq withdrawal
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:08
One of the great recent controversies of Australia politics - the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq - has been defused as an issue in Canberra, with the opposition Coalition now supporting the Labor government's plan to pull-out combat troops from Southern Iraq in June.
Leading Burmese monk urges tougher anti-regime line
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:08
The head of Burma's Buddhist community, the Venerable Sayadaw U Pannyavamsa is in Australia on a speaking tour. He's urging the Australian government to take a tougher line towards Burma's military government.
Australia urged to talk tough with China on human rights
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:08
Australia is being urged to assume a more forceful role to encourage improved human rights in its backyard.
The New York based organisation, Human Rights Watch, says the new Australian government has a good opportunity to impress change on China and other Asian countries.
Bloggers big winners in Malaysia poll
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:09
The mainstream media was marginalised in Malaysia this weekend, when even the Election Commission turned off their television sets and logged on to local website Malaysiakini.com to watch the results come in.
New South Korean president moulds Pyongyang policy
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:09
South Korea's new conservative President Lee Myung-Bak says he supports ongoing shuttle diplomacy with North Korea. In the past, he has also indicated that South Korea should get more out of its "Sunshine Policy" with the North.
Tibetan monks stage rare protest in Lhasa
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:09
Monks in Tibet have again taken to the streets of the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, despite earlier arrests by Chinese authorities.
Cricket Australia cancels Pakistan tour
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:09
Australia's first cricket tour of Pakistan in a decade has been put off in the aftermath of the twin Lahore bombings. The city would have been on the cricketers' itinerary.
Pakistan blasts pose challenge to new government
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:09
Two suicide car bombings in Pakistan have killed at least 25 people in the city of Lahore, posing a fresh challenge to the incoming coalition government.
Heat wave grips southeastern Australia
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:08
Much of southeastern Australia has had recent relief from the long drought, but in Adelaide they are still sweltering. Adelaide is now in the grip of its longest heat wave on record - after nine consecutive days above 35 degrees celsius.
WWF points to Australia's growing number of extinctions
Updated 12/03/2008 12:49:08
A new report from the Worldwide Fund for Nature has warned that native animals are protected in just 10 per cent of Australia's land area . The problem areas are in the outback with more mammals dying than anywhere else, and a rising number of extinctions.
Thai casino plan provoke
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:57
Thailand's new prime minister Samak Sundaravej's proposal to introduce casinos to the Kingdom has received a mixed response.
The true dollar cost of the Iraq, Afghan wars
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:57
Three trilliion US dollars - that's the estimate of what the Iraq and Afghanistan operations will cost the American economy. According to two prominent economists, including Nobel Prize laureate and former World Bank Chief Economist, Joseph Stiglitz, the cash cost if the Iraq war is 12-billion dollars a month.
Burma's protests on display in Bangkok
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:57
An exhibition of photographs taken by Burmese citizens during last year's anti-government demonstrations has opened in Bangkok. The exhibition features photos of the hundreds of monks who led the largest protests in Burma in ten years.
Indian economy slowing, some job losses possible
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:58
The outlook for the world's second fastest growing economy, India, is not as rosy as it was, but the reviews are mixed on how quickly it might slow down.
Oil price hits new record high
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:58
Crude oil prices have hit another record high and the United States has announced it is sending Vice President Dick Cheney to Saudi Arabia next week to ask for production to be increased.
Human rights pressure mounts on China
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:58
China is facing increasing pressure over its human rights record, as the Beijing Olympics approaches.
Dozens of bereaved parents are again appealing for an open investigation into the violent suppression of the Tiananmen pro-democracy movement in 1989.
UN envoy leaves Burma empty handed
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:58
The United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari has ended a five-day mission to Burma, without any tangible concessions from the military government. The military regime rejected a UN proposal to send independent observers to May's referendum on a new constitution.
Indian community celebrates Malaysia poll success
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:58
Malaysia's Parliament is set to ring with the voices of activists from the minority Indian community following Saturday's election. Indian voters deserted the Malaysian Indian Congress, forcing MIC president Samy Vellu and much of their senior leadership out of office.
Jackie Chan opens new Australian science centre
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:57
The Australian National University has named a new science centre after a man not normally associated with science - or any other branch of academia. Martial arts film star, and former Canberra resident, Jackie Chan opened the new science centre named in his honour.
New hope for Tasmanian devils
Updated 11/03/2008 12:17:57
Australian scientists think they may have found at least one Tasmanian devil which is naturally resistant to the contagious facial tumours which have already killed half the population of the animals.
Illicit drug use among Indonesian students on rise
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:14
Indonesia's national anti-narcotics agency estimates that half the country's more than three million drug users are high school or college students.
Afghanistan opium crop hits new record high
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:14
Afghanistan last year recorded its highest level of opium cultivation. It's the equivalent of about eight thousand tonnes - twice as much opium produced in one year as the world consumed in the last four years.
Rights concern during East Timor state of siege
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:14
Allegations are emerging in East Timor that the police and military are using the current state of siege as an excuse to perpetrate human rights abuses and settle old scores.
China uncovers 'terrorist plots'
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:15
Chinese officials claim to have foiled "terrorist attacks" coming from the country's far Western Muslim region of Xinjiang.
Pakistan's main opposition parties seal coalition pact
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:15
The leaders of Pakistan's two main opposition parties have agreed to form a coalition government.
The path to the deal was cleared after both sides agreed to the reinstatement of judges sacked by President Pervez Musharraf, during emergency rule last November.
Presenter:Sen lam
Speaker: MJ Gohel is chief executive officer of the Asia Pacific Foundation, in London
Regional factors play major role in Malaysian poll
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:15
Malaysia's election result shows a real east-west divide among the electorate. Eastern Malaysia still remains a support base for the ruling coalition, compared with the urbanised west.
Malaysia's PM under pressure to quit
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:15
Tensions within Malaysian society and within the ruling coalition, may well see the end of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's political career.
Malaysia's ruling coalition suffers major setbck
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:15
Malaysians are facing a new political reality after weekend national elections. It's the biggest sea change in Malaysian politics since independence, with the opposition Parti Islam SeMalaysia and other reformist parties winning control of five states.
Afghan president stands up women's rights
Updated 10/03/2008 12:59:14
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has called on his people to stop forcing under-aged daughters to marry and to allow them to be educated. Speaking on International Women's Day, President Karzai also said threats from a Taliban-led insurgency are keeping girls out of school.
China moves to boost social spending
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:29
China's Premier Wen Jiabo has promised a big increase in social spending, funded by the nation's economic boom and a one third increase in tax revenue.
China apologises over hostage taking
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:29
The Chinese Government went into damage-control mode on Thursday after 10 Australians were taken hostage by a local man who was eventually shot dead by police. Worried that foreigners might perceive China to be an unsafe place to travel in the year of the Olympics, a Government spokesman offered a personal apology.
Malaysia's poll to highlight electoral divisions
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:29
Malaysia's weekend elections is expected to see a heightening of the rural-urban divide among voters, and a weakening of support for the ruling coalition from racial minorities.
Malaysians prepare to vote in national elections
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:29
Malaysians go to the polls on Saturday, with voters concerned about rising prices, corruption and race issues.
Australian women skating up a national storm
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:28
Roller Derby is enjoying a revival in Australia that is now seeing it on the fringe of becoming a national league.
Taiwan prepares for presidential poll
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:28
Taiwan is going to the polls this month not only choose a president, but also take part in a highly controversial referendum on the island's repeated attempts at joining the United Nations.
Malaysian opposition hopeful takes on minister
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:28
One of those opposition candidates by undeterred by claims of electoral manipulation is the daughter of banned former deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim. Nurul Izza Anwar is running against the country's women's affairs minister.
Australian former PM warns against Sharia
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:28
In his first major speech since losing government, Australia's former prime minister John Howard has attacked the idea of introducing Islamic Sharia law into Western societies.
Burmese farmers facing land seizures
Updated 07/03/2008 11:28:29
A new report has found farmers in Burma are struggling to survive because of large scale and arbitrary land confiscation by the ruling military.
International child porn ring smashed
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:45
Police across the world are searching for more victims of a major international child pornography ring that was cracked by police in the Australian state of Queensland. Detectives have revealed details of the sophisticated paedophile network - that traded in violence and streamed live abuse images on demand.
Cambodia grapples with implications oil discovery
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:45
When US energy giant Chevron announced it had discovered oil in the waters off Cambodia's western coast, hopes were high that petroleum-generated revenue could help one of the world's poorest countries. But will the oil be a benefit or a burden for Cambodia?
Australia set to benefit from Indonesian labour
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:45
Indonesian Labor authorities hope to send up to 500 skilled and semi skilled workers to Australia this year. A delegation from the Indonesian Workers Placement and Protection Agency has just completed a visit to Melbourne. The Indonesian government says it is exploring the possibility of sending skilled and semi skilled workers to south eastern Australia to work in areas such as nursing, construction, education and mining.
Doha trade round not dead yet
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:46
Australia and the United States say the terms of a multilateral trade deal amongst 151 countries could be agreed in the next two months. Canberra and Washington are again talking of the chance to revive the Doha Round, the stalled negotiations in the World Trade Organisation.
US sending military advisors to Pakistan
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:46
American military advisors are preparing to leave for Pakistan to train troops in counter insurgency, despite President Pervez Musharraf earlier making clear US forces were not welcome on Pakistani soil.
Indonesian arms deal with Russia on hold
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:46
A one billion dollar arms deal between Indonesia and Russia has been put on hold. Jakarta has tightened its belt as rising oil prices put pressure on the national budget. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ruled out cutting the level of fuel subsidies aimed at keeping household energy costs down. It means the military must make do with its old and increasingly obsolete equipment.
UN envoy heads back to Burma
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:46
The United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari returns to Burma on Thursday, to press the military government to allow opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to participate in upcoming elections. It will be Mr Gambari's third trip to Burma since police and soldiers launched a violent crackdown on anti-government protests led by Buddhist monks last September.
Malaysia defends electoral standards
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:46
A Malaysian government minister has strongly denied claims by Human Rights Watch that Saturday's general elections will not be free or fair.
The polls were called a year early, with critics accusing the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition of preventing former deputy prime minister turned dissident, Anwar Ibrahim, from running.
Australian hostages freed unharmed in Xian
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:46
In China, 10 Australian Tourists taken hostage by a man who apparently had explosives strapped to his body are being cared for by Australian Consular Officials in Shanghai, after police shot the man dead. The incident took place on a bus in the city of Xian in northwest China.
New study shows futility of drinking to forget
Updated 06/03/2008 12:49:45
Japanese researchers have found alcohol makes bad memories linger. The study concluded that ethanol does not cause memory to decrease, but instead locks it in place.
Focus of Australia PM's visit on Kokoda Track
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:52
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's first visit to Papua New Guinea on Thursday is likely to be dominated by the future of the Kokoda Track. Canberra wants the historic World War Two path heritage-listed, to protect it against a proposed copper mine at the southern end of the trail. But it's now emerged that the very stretch of path under threat from the mine might not part of the original Kokoda Track after all.
Women's role in East Timor political life
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:52
East Timor's government and security forces are trying to ensure a peaceful resolution with the East Timorese rebels who attacked the President and Prime Minister three weeks ago. Some have surrendered to police, and talks are underway. Milena Pires is a women's rights campaigner from East Timor, who's worked for the inclusion of women in peace-making.
Asian commodity boom powers on
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:52
Despite an economic crunch in the United States and the global credit crunch, Asian demand will again push up Australia's mineral earnings by one third in the coming financial year. The forecast of a continuing Asian boom has been given at the key commodity conference in Australia.
Dust storms sweep North Asia region
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:52
A blanket of yellow dust has descended on North Asia, again - an annual choking haze that sweeps in from the Gobi Desert and the semi-arid areas of northern China. Every year, for at least one month, people in Taiwan, China, the Korean peninsula and Japan don their face masks and heed respiratory warnings.
Weather blamed for fatal chopper crash in Nepal
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:53
A sudden electrical storm is being blamed for the crash of a UN helicopter in Nepal, which killed 10 people. The remains of those who died were brought back to Kathmandu yesterday, as UN staff paid tribute to their colleagues.
Newmont in another stoush with Jakarta
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:53
The Indonesian Government and the world's biggest gold miner, Newmont are heading for the courts, and it's not the first time. Both have agreed to international arbitration to resolve a dispute over the partial sale of one of the company's mines in the country.
Chinese parliament opens with promise of real change
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:53
China's parliament the National People's Congress opens on Wednesday, with three-thousand selected candidates rubber-stamping policy decisions by the leaders in Beijing. However, this year's NPC is also promising real change, as new positions for the next generation of officials are endorsed, to be groomed for leadership in five years.
Concern over rebel surrender process in East Timor
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:53
It's been three weeks since a group of rebels attacked East Timor's president and prime minister. Some of the rebels, including the country's second most wanted man, have surrendered to the police. Military sources say they are negotiating with rebel leader Gastao Salsinha and believe he will surrender to authorities soon.
Streaker incident steals cricket show
Updated 05/03/2008 14:10:52
There seems to be no end to the controversy surrounding the Australian cricket team this summer. In Tuesday's match against India at the Gabba in Brisbane, a streaker invaded the pitch only to be shoulder charged by Andrew Symonds who was at the crease. The streaker has been charged over the incident, and there are calls for action to be taken against Symonds as well.
Presenter: Ashley Hall
Speaker: Neil Lawler, criminal defence lawyer; Terry O'Gorman, president of the Council for Civil Liberties
AUSTRALIA: Drugs replace alchohol in remote communities
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:37
A new medical report raises serious questions about the Commonwealth's intervention to curb violence and alcohol abuse in the Northern Territory. A study published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health suggests new alcohol restrictions are fuelling the use of harder, illicit drugs. Researchers say marijuana use in one community has jumped since the intervention began and alcohol supplies dried up.
INDIA: Scholars denounce terror as 'un-Islamic'
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:37
Islamic scholars and leaders across India have hailed an edict by the country's oldest seminary denouncing all forms of terrorism as un-Islamic.
NEPAL: Bhutan refugee resettlement could be setback by camp fire
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:37
Emergency relief is pouring into a refugee camp in Nepal destroyed by fire on Sunday, leaving 12,000 homeless. The refugees are ethnic Nepalese who were forced from Bhutan by Government policies in the 1990's.
JAPAN: Political deadlock over central bank chief
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:37
Japan's prime minister is calling for talks with the opposition in an effort to resolve a political deadlock over the country's next central bank chief. The Democratic Party of Japan is furious after the LDP government rammed a budget bill through the lower house despite their objections.
THAILAND: Government signals revival of 'war on drugs'
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:38
In Thailand, the new prime minister has flagged the possibility of tackling the country's drug problem through a police and military crackdown. It's not the first time such a program has been initiated - but the last time, under former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, more than 2,500 people died.
ASIA: US voices concern over Chinese military
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:38
A new United States defence report has voiced concern over China's military power. The Pentagon report says much uncertainty surrounds China's future course, as it develops missiles and anti-satellite weapons. It says the lack of transparency increases the potential for misunderstanding and miscalculation. The report follows recent high-level US visits to China and its rival India.
US: 'Sage of Omaha' warns on recession
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:38
US billionaire investor Warren Buffett believes the American economy is already in recession and fears the situation may get worse. Mr Buffett, who built his fortune on predicting market and economic trends, says falling house values and rising unemployment are making Americans increasingly nervous.
AUSTRALIA: Calls for guest workers to ease skills shortage
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:38
If the cost of money were not a big enough problem for aspiring home owners and tenants, a severe shortage of affordable housing is adding to their misery. And even the building of more houses is proving difficult because of a big shortage of skilled workers. The Housing Industry Association wants a special visa scheme introduced to recruit 15-thousand housing workers from overseas over the next three years. But the Construction Union says that won't solve the problem long-term.
AUSTRALIA: Investment incentives needed to tackle housing shortages
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:38
Some commentators are saying even more may be necessary, to dampen domestic demand and keep price inflation under control. But how much does is consumer spending driving inflation in Australia, and are Australians rethinking spending and credit debt?
AUSTRALIA: Interest rate rise on the cards
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:39
Australian homeowners look likely to be hit with another interest rate rise this afternoon. The widely predicted increase would be the third since November and many commentators expect the trend to continue.
CHINA: Calls for Western museums to return artefacts
Updated 04/03/2008 11:54:37
China has repeatedly called on museums in Western countries to return ancient artefacts that were taken by foreign archaeologists and adventurers. Efforts to prevent ancient relics from being removed from China - and to have those already taken from the country returned home have been slow - as there is no universal agreements amongst countries to try to stop traffickers.
FIJI: Ambassador brings Chinese ethanol investors
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:54
A group of Chinese entrepreneurs is currently in Fiji, exploring a plan to make ethanol. The investors are considering setting up a 27 million US dollar plant to produce ethanol from cassava.
INDONESIA: Ambivalence in relationship with Indonesia
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:53
One of Australia's longest-serving Indonesia-watchers says Australia has a love-hate relationship with Indonesia. Dr Peter McCawley began studying the Indonesian economy 40 years ago and has served as Australia's director on the Asian Development Bank and Dean of the Bank's Institute.
CHINA: Plans to create Confucian city
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:53
China plans to create a multi-billion dollar city to revive the values of the ancient philosopher, Confucius. The "cultural symbolic city"as it's being billed, will reflect the traditional Confucian values of peace, harmony and ingenuity. The city to be built in the eastern province of Shandong, will incorporate the existing settlement of Qu Fu, the ancestral home of Confucius as well as other historic sites in the area.
CAMBODIA: Garment industry follows US economy down
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:54
Cambodia's garment industry is showing signs of slowing down, following a dip in the US economy. Cambodia has typically registered strong economic growth in the past few years, with tourism, agriculture, construction and garment industries performing well. Cambodia's total garment export last year were worth about 2.8 billion US dollars. The question now is whether a weaker garment industry may affect the overall Cambodian economy.
INDONESIA: Youth losing interest in taditional music
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:54
In Indonesia concerns are being raised about the popularity of one of its traditional musical instruments - the Gamelan. There are reports that workshops across Java - where the bulk Gamelan instruments are produced, are being forced to shut down in the wake of dwindling interest among Indonesia's younger generation.
INDONESIA: Prisoner transfer deal may be close to completion
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:54
Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby and three of the Bali nine prisoners could serve the rest of their sentences in Australia, if a new prisoner transfer treaty is finalised with Indonesia. The Federal Minister for Home Affairs Bob Debus has reportedly held confidential negotiations with Indonesia's Foreign Minister and Attorney General to thrash out the details of a new deal. Bob Debus says there's been significant progress, sparking speculation the Australians could be transferred by the end of the year.
AUSTRALIA: Interest rates tipped to rise
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:54
More than a million Australian households are struggling to pay their mortgages and things are about to get worse with the Australian Reserve Bank widely tipped to lift housing interest rates again. If that happens, the Treasurer warns, economic growth could slow significantly.
AUSTRALIA: Government to unveil rental affordability package
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:54
Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd officially celebrates 100 days in office today. And Mr Rudd is expected to unveil today, a 600 million dollar package to encourage investors to develop affordable rental properties. The package coincides with the release of a study on housing stress, showing more than one million low to middle income households are now spending at least 30 percent of their income on keeping a roof over their heads.
INDONESIA: Jemaah Islamiyah publishing thriving
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:55
Just as the Taliban depends on the drug trade to fund its activities, a new report says the radical Jemaah Islamiyah network has developed a thriving publishing business in Indonesia, to spreads radical ideology. The J-I linked publishers are also based around the controversial school of J-I's spiritual head, Abu Bakar Bashir in Solo, in Central Java.
AFGHANISTAN: Drug production hits historic high
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:55
A US government report says despite seven years of efforts to stamp out opium crops funding Taliban militants through a flood of heroin, more Afghans than ever are growing the poppies. The US State department says narcotics production in Afghanistan hit historic highs in 2007 for the second straight year.
AUSTRALIA: Warnings HIV rates to rise
Updated 03/03/2008 11:27:53
There are concerns the rate of HIV infection among homosexual men could rise by as much as 75 percent in parts of Australia in the next seven years. A new study from the University of New South Wales has found that while HIV infection rates have dropped in that state, they're rising elsewhere. Researchers fear it's being caused by decreased condom use combined and higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases among gay men.
