EDITORIALS ASIA
FBI director: China is 'greatest threat' to US
The director of the FBI has said that acts of espionage and theft by China's government pose the "greatest long-term threat" to the future of the US.
"China is engaged in a whole-of-state effort to become the world's only superpower by any means necessary," he added.
In a nearly hour-long speech on Tuesday, the FBI director outlined a stark picture of Chinese interference, a far-reaching campaign of economic espionage, data and monetary theft and illegal political activities, using bribery and blackmail to influence US policy.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53329755
North Korea tells 'mongrel dog' South why it bombed office
A state media article accused the South of breaking 2018 agreements and behaving like a "mongrel dog".
Meanwhile Kim Jong-un's sister attacked the South Korean president for "putting his neck into the noose of pro-US flunkeyism".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53074095
Hong Kong security law 'needed to tackle terrorism'
Hong Kong needs a controversial new security law to tackle "growing terrorism", the territory's security chief has said.
John Lee said the city had become "shrouded in the shadow of violence".
After months of quiet, this weekend saw a fresh surge of protest after the government in Beijing proposed a security law that would radically change Hong Kong's unique status.
Opponents say it is a direct attempt to limit freedoms and silence critics.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-52794433
North Korea snubs peace talks with South Korea over war drills
What has the North Korea reaction been?
In a statement, the North questioned the meaning of dialogue when "even at this moment, South Korea continues its joint military exercise and to speak of a peaceful economy or a peaceful regime. It has no right to do so."
In an extended attack on President Moon, the statement continued: "We even question if his thought process is sound when he mentions 'talks' between North and South while playing out war scenarios that plan to destroy most of our armies in 90 days.
"He truly is a shameless man."
North Korea has expressed anger over the US-South Korean military drills currently taking place, stating that they violate agreements reached with US President Donald Trump and President Moon.
It has previously described them as a "rehearsal for war".
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49365771?ocid=global_bbccom_email_15082019_top+news+stories
India PM Narendra Modi vows to 'restore' Kashmir's 'past glory'
Indian PM Narendra Modi has said his decision to strip Indian-administered Kashmir of its special status will restore the region to its "past glory".
Pakistan's PM Imran Khan earlier criticised India's move, warning "the world's eye is on Kashmir".
Both leaders covered the tense situation in Kashmir in their independence day speeches, a day apart.
The disputed territory has been the site of decades of sporadic conflict and is now in lockdown.
South Korea says North Korea “must disappear soon”
A rhetorical battle between the rival Koreas intensified Monday with a South Korean official saying North Korea “must disappear soon.”
The comments, which will likely draw a furious response from Pyongyang, followed a series of sexist and racist slurs by North Korea against the leaders of South Korea and the United States. Pyongyang’s state media likened South Korean President Park Geun-hye to an “old prostitute” and U.S. President Barack Obama to a “monkey” in recent dispatches.
South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told reporters at a briefing in Seoul that North Korea isn’t a real country and exists for the benefit of only one person, a reference to dictator Kim Jong Un. He said the North has no human rights or public freedoms.
Huawei wireless deal with South Korea prompts US concerns
A reported deal between Chinese firm Huawei and South Korea to develop the country's broadband network, has prompted concerns in the US.
Two US senators have written to the Obama administration saying any such deal raised "potential security concerns" for the US.
There have been concerns in Washington over Huawei's association with the Chinese government and military.
But the Chinese firm has repeatedly denied those allegations.
The worries over its association with the Chinese authorities have been driven, in part, by the fact that the company's founder, Ren Zhengfei, was a former member of the People's Liberation Army.
However, Huawei has stressed that it is 98.6% owned by its employees.
Security issues
The latest concerns come after reports indicated that Huawei, which is one of the world's biggest telecom network equipment makers, had been chosen to help develop South Korea's wireless broadband network.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25210890
With Obama's visit, India displays new power For much of the last decade, New...
With Obama's visit, India displays new power
For much of the last decade, New Delhi sold itself as "India Rising." Barack Obama's trip here delivered a new message: India has risen.
During his three day visit that ended Tuesday, the U.S. president delivered nearly everything on India's wish list, affirming the country's growing importance.
Most importantly for India, he backed its bid for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, a mostly symbolic move that affirmed its place as a new global power.
"In Asia and around the world, India is not simply emerging; India has already emerged," Obama told the Indian parliament Monday night.
Indian commentators saw the statement as a milestone in the nation's global image; No longer was it seen as an economic basket case, a potential dictatorship or an unstable collection of warring ethnic groups.
Tamil star's blockbuster set to break box office record The most expensive ...
Tamil star's blockbuster set to break box office record
The most expensive film ever made in India has been released.
Tamil star Rajinikanth's latest film Endhiran (The Robot) has been made with a budget of 1.6bn rupees ($35m; £23m), according to the film's makers.
Fans queued for tickets overnight in the southern city of Madras (Chennai) ahead of Friday's release. Analysts expect box-office records to be broken.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11454565
Afghans 'blame poverty for war' Poverty and unemployment are overwhelm...
Afghans 'blame poverty for war'
Poverty and unemployment are overwhelmingly seen as the main reasons behind conflict in Afghanistan, according to a survey in that country.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8363151.stm
UK: Taliban must be in government
Britain's foreign secretary has suggested that senior Taliban figures be given positions in the Afghan government to bring an end to the violence in the country.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/11/2009111712445707780.html
End of Israeli-Palestinian conflict critical for regional peace: Turkish PM U...
End of Israeli-Palestinian conflict critical for regional peace: Turkish PM
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on two states existing in peace and security was indispensable to both regional and global peace, Turkey's prime minister said here Thursday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/25/content_12109690.htm
US accused on Middle East peace
The Palestinians have accused the US of destroying any chance of peace talks after backing Israel over the building of illegal settlements on occupied land.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/11/2009111194139773721.html
Settlements 'end two-state hopes'
Palestinians may have to abandon the goal of an independent state if Israel continues to expand Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, the chief Palestinian negotiator has said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/11/200911421151530735.html
Carter: Palestinians mull one state Palestinian leaders are "seriously consid...
Carter: Palestinians mull one state
Palestinian leaders are "seriously considering" a one-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, former US president Jimmy Carter has said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/09/200997151022233148.html
The rise of Israel's military rabbis
Israel's army is changing. Once proudly secular, its combat units are now filling with those who believe Israel's wars are "God's wars".
Military rabbis are becoming more powerful. Trained in warfare as well as religion, new army regulations mean they are now part of a military elite.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8232340.stm
High stakes for Obama-Abbas talks But Washington does not talk to Ham...
High stakes for Obama-Abbas talks
But Washington does not talk to Hamas (which it lists as a terrorist organisation) and if the Obama administration wants to start any process, Mr Abbas is the only Palestinian interlocutor available.
With some effort, it might start a dynamic that could have an impact on internal Palestinian politics.
- Settlement freeze
- '57-state solution'
Organisation of the Islamic Conference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organisation_of_the_Islamic_Conference
Iran: Foreign forces 'no help' "Although the presence of fo...
Iran: Foreign forces 'no help'
"Although the presence of foreign forces in our region was under the pretext of establishing security ... it has not been much of a help to the establishment of permanent security and political and economic growth," Ahmadinejad said.
"The problems come from amongst ourselves," he said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/05/2009524151534238732.html
US: Top Afghan aim to stop al-Qaeda "making sure al-Qaeda cannot attack the U...
US: Top Afghan aim to stop al-Qaeda
"making sure al-Qaeda cannot attack the US homeland and US interests and our allies, that's the number one priority".
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/03/200932314816402882.html
Burmese Activists Fear Extension of Army's Power Burmese women activists fea...
Burmese Activists Fear Extension of Army's Power
Burmese women activists fear Burma's military will be entrenched in power after elections later this year and are calling on the international community to reject the outcome. The activists made the calls as they marked Women of Burma Day and the birthday of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi.
Burma warns against poll boycott
State media in Burma has urged people to cast their ballots "without fail" in Sunday's polls, warning against a boycott.
Voting was a "national duty", the reports said, and calls for people to refrain from voting should be ignored.
One commentary went further, suggesting the military could remain in power if voter turn-out was not deemed adequate.
The elections will be the first to be held in the military-ruled nation for two decades.
The junta says the polls will mark a democratic transition from military to civilian rule - and wants a strong turn-out.
But critics say the elections are a sham aimed at further entrenching military rule albeit in a civilian mask.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11668310
Kyrgyzstan opposition sets up 'people's government' The oppositio...
Kyrgyzstan opposition sets up 'people's government'
The opposition in Kyrgyzstan says it is setting up a "people's government" after deadly clashes left dozens dead.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8608440.stm
Suu Kyi slams 'unjust' Myanmar vote Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's detained oppo...
Suu Kyi slams 'unjust' Myanmar vote
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's detained opposition leader, has said she is against registering her party for national elections expected later this year because of the "unjust" laws enacted by the military governing the vote.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/03/20103245439982952.html
UN calls for Burma elections to be credible
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the government of Burma to create the conditions for credible elections.
He was speaking after a meeting of a group of nations established to back the UN's efforts to promote democracy in Burma.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8588395.stm
Main Opposition to Boycott Myanmar Election
After months of internal debate, members of the party of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the long-detained pro-democracy leader, defied Myanmar’s junta by announcing Monday that they would boycott the country’s first elections in two decades.
The move raises questions about both the future of the Burmese opposition and the credibility of the vote.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/world/asia/30myanmar.html
China warns US over proposed arms sales to Taiwan China has expressed its o...
China warns US over proposed arms sales to Taiwan
China has expressed its outrage over a proposed US weapons sale to Taiwan, worth $6.4bn (£4bn), including helicopters and missiles.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei said the move would have a "serious negative impact" on co-operation between the US and China.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8488765.stm
Ex-Nepal PM urges anti-US unity Former Nepalese Prime Minister Prachand...
Ex-Nepal PM urges anti-US unity
Former Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda says Asian countries should develop a unified security strategy to combat US influence in South Asia.
Speaking at the Nepalese embassy in London, Prachanda said the emerging Asian economies should rely less on the West, especially the United States.
He said being the sole super power, the US was trying to have a greater influence in Asia, but India and China should come together to provide security and prosperity to their people.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8196476.stm
Zhao's Chinese memoirs go on sale in Hong Kong The memoirs, which detail Zh...
Zhao's Chinese memoirs go on sale in Hong Kong
The memoirs, which detail Zhao's years in power and his ousting by Party hardliners after the bloody 1989 crackdown when tanks and troops crushed the pro-democracy demonstration killing hundreds, have proven to be of great public interest in the city which holds a large candlelight vigil to mark June 4 each year.
Zhao, who secretly recorded his memories on audio tapes, denounced the killings as a tragedy and rejected the government claim that the protests were an anti-Communist conspiracy.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE54S0KF20090529
US 'opposes' nuclear North Korea The US "will not accept" a nuclear-ar...
US 'opposes' nuclear North Korea
The US "will not accept" a nuclear-armed North Korea, the country's defence secretary has told a meeting of his Asian counterparts.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8074937.stm
American leverage in South Asia In recent days three top American gener...
American leverage in South Asia
In recent days three top American generals have turned their guns on Pakistan, accusing elements of its main intelligence agency, the ISI, of supporting Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7971128.stm
ANALYST VIEW-North Korea says to re-start nuclear arms plant SEOUL, April 14...
ANALYST VIEW-North Korea says to re-start nuclear arms plant
SEOUL, April 14 (Reuters) - North Korea said on Tuesday it was no longer bound by an international nuclear disarmament deal and would re-start its plant that makes arms-grade plutonium after the U.N. chastised it for launching a long-range rocket.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSSP172512
N Korea hints at 'specific' talks
North Korea has again insisted it would not return to six-party talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear weapons programmes.
But it has hinted it was still open to some form of dialogue.
"There is a specific and reserved form of dialogue that can address the current situation," state media quoted a foreign ministry statement.
Some analysts saw the statement as a sign that after a series of provocations to the international community, North Korea may now be ready to find a way to ease tension.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8169863.stm
Obama: Al Qaeda not motivated by Israeli-Palestinian conflict "It is -- don'...
Obama: Al Qaeda not motivated by Israeli-Palestinian conflict
"It is -- don't fool yourselves -- because some people say, well, you know, if we changed our policies with respect to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or if we were more respectful towards the Muslim world, suddenly these organizations would stop threatening us. That's just not the case."
Bin Laden: Topple Somalia's leader
He described Sheikh Ahmed as a person who disowns Islam.
Bin Laden compared Sheikh Ahmed to Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, Burhanuddin Rabbani, a former Afghan president, and Ahmed Shah Massoud, a prominent commander who fought during a 10-year war against Soviet occupation in Afghanistan.
"These sorts of presidents are the surrogates of our enemies and their authority is null and void," the Bin Laden said
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/03/2009319114043314206.html
Has Obama taken his eye off Iraq? But in the run-up to the withdrawal o...
Has Obama taken his eye off Iraq?
But in the run-up to the withdrawal of US troops from Iraqi cities, Iraqi politicians and observers in Washington were worried that it was the new US administration that was taking its eyes off the ball.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8134058.stm
The President Takes a Hard Line on Israel
Yet he doesn’t want to be seen as ‘meddling’ in Iran.
In foreign policy, President Barack Obama has demonstrated a disturbing propensity to curry favor with our adversaries at the expense of our friends.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204886304574308172135404080.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
European Union Treaty to Make EU More Powerful The European Union's Li...
European Union Treaty to Make EU More Powerful
The European Union's Lisbon Treaty has come into force with the aim of streamlining EU decision-making. The first EU president also took office along with the bloc's new foreign policy chief.
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/europe/EU-Constitution-78224062-01DEC09-.html
Spain to probe Guantanamo 'abuses' Spanish law gives its cou...
Spain to probe Guantanamo 'abuses'
Spanish law gives its courts jurisdiction beyond national borders in cases of torture, war crimes and other heinous offences, based on the doctrine of universal justice.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/04/2009429193945860316.html
Universal jurisdiction
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_jurisdiction
Foreign detainees 'have US right'
A US judge has ruled that foreign suspects held by the US in Afghanistan have the right to challenge their detention in US civilian courts.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7979885.stm
France's rendezvous with history Here, the BBC's Allan Little reflects on Fr...
France's rendezvous with history
Here, the BBC's Allan Little reflects on France's long journey to reconcile itself with one of the darkest chapters in its history and its difficult relationship with the US and the UK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7942086.stm
Pakistan's Existential Challenge http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124208442...
Pakistan's Existential Challenge
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124208442748008601.html
About Iran, Henry Kissinger once asked whether the Islamic Republic was a country or a cause. About Pakistan, the question is whether it's a country or merely a space.
UN condemns North Korean missiles The UN Security Council has condemned...
UN condemns North Korean missiles
The UN Security Council has condemned recent missile tests by North Korea, calling them a threat to regional and international security.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8136866.stm
Iran urges UN inquiry into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Iran's pr...
Iran urges UN inquiry into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Iran's president has urged the UN to launch an investigation into the aims of Western military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The fact-finding team requested by Iran's president would investigate the intentions and results of Western military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He said that, so far, the invasions had only victimised people in the region, and he declared that US and Nato methods of fighting terrorism had failed.
It was not immediately clear what had prompted the letter but it comes amidst rising tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, which the West fears has military aims.
That is something Tehran denies and it is pushing back as the US tries to build momentum for tightening UN sanctions.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8616850.stm
Iran demands US troop withdrawal
"The region has no need for alien troops and they should return home and let the regional states take care of their own affairs," Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a speech marking the country's annual Army Day on Sunday.
He said the deployment of US and Nato troops in Iraq and Afghanistan under the pretext of fighting terrorism had not only failed, but also increased insecurity in both countries.
The president also said that Israel, the "main instigator of conflict" in the Middle East, was on its way to collapse and that regional powers wanted it uprooted.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/04/201041854124873989.html
"This is the will of the regional nations that after 60 odd years, the root of this corrupt microbe and the main reason for insecurity in the region be pulled out," Ahmadinejad said.
UK lawyer: Iraq war was illegal ...
UK lawyer: Iraq war was illegal
The 2003 invasion of Iraq was illegal, a former senior legal adviser to Britain's foreign ministry at the time of the conflict has told a public inquiry.
Michael Wood said on Tuesday that the use of force against Iraq was "contrary to international law" because it had not been authorised by the UN Security Council.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/01/201012615035356641.html
Blair Called a Liar in Iraq Inquiry On that issue, and on her written warni...
Blair Called a Liar in Iraq Inquiry
On that issue, and on her written warnings of a “humanitarian catastrophe” in the invasion’s wake, she said that Mr. Blair had effectively circumvented cabinet debate. Instead, she said, he had relied on an inner circle of “his mates” in government, having “little chats” with outsiders like herself and plying what she called a “poodle-like” relationship with the United States.
“That was, in my view, a deliberate lie,” Ms. Short said. “It was one of the big deceits.” She said the truth was that that the French president at the time, Jacques Chirac, could have been persuaded to back military action if London and Washington had been prepared to giveUnited Nations weapons inspectors in Iraq more time. “There was no emergency; no one had attacked anyone,” she said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/03/world/europe/03britain.html
U.S. rejects Ahmadinejad call to choose between Israel and Iran The United St...
U.S. rejects Ahmadinejad call to choose between Israel and Iran
The United States on Friday rejected a call by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for it to choose between supporting Israel or Iran.
"Israel is a very, very close friend of the U.S., and we don't think we have to choose between Israel or any other country," State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.
Ahmadinejad told a conference in Turkey on Wednesday that that U.S. President Barack Obama should make a choice in order to fulfill his campaign promise of change.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1128031.html
Iran: US missile system to sow Gulf division Iran on Tuesday warned its Arab...
Iran: US missile system to sow Gulf division
Iran on Tuesday warned its Arab neighbors in the Persian Gulf that the U.S. is trying to drive a wedge between them by ramping up its missile defense systems in the region.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020200274.html
Miliband speech highlights Britain's Afghan anxieties A speech on Afgha...
Miliband speech highlights Britain's Afghan anxieties
A speech on Afghanistan by British Foreign Secretary David Miliband highlights the growing concern that the military surge led by the United States is not being matched by a political surge by the Afghan government.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8560826.stm
'A prescription for civil war' The arrests are part of a wider plan being exe...
'A prescription for civil war'
The arrests are part of a wider plan being executed by Palestinian security forces - trained and funded by American and European backers - to crush opposition and consolidate the Fatah-led government's grip on power in the West Bank.
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2009/12/2009121311331278355.html
'Bin Laden tape' warns Obama of more attacks A tape said to be from al...
'Bin Laden tape' warns Obama of more attacks
A tape said to be from al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has warned US President Barack Obama there will be more attacks if the US continues to support Israel.
In the newly released audio tape aired on al-Jazeera, Bin Laden says the US will never live in peace until there is "peace in Palestine".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8477413.stm
Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel will never quit settlements
The Israeli prime minister has taken part in tree-planting ceremonies in the West Bank while declaring Israel will never leave those areas.
Benjamin Netanyahu said the Jewish settlements blocs would always remain part of the state of Israel.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8478022.stm
HRW: Israel more hostile than ever Hostility toward local and international ...
HRW: Israel more hostile than ever
Hostility toward local and international human rights groups operating in Israel mounted in 2009 because of their reports on Operation Cast Lead, Human Rights Watch charged in its annual world report, released Thursday.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1263147951635&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
'Saudi claims against Iran part of US plot' A Saudi scholar says Riyadh's all...
'Saudi claims against Iran part of US plot'
A Saudi scholar says Riyadh's allegation that 'Iran is meddling in Yemen's domestic affairs' is part of a US conspiracy against the Islamic Republic.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=116104§ionid=351020206
Israel not interested in peace: Syria's Assad Syrian President Bashar al-Ass...
Israel not interested in peace: Syria's Assad
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Wednesday that peace talks with Israel had been stalled because Israel was not interested in achieving peace.
Israel's demand for negotiations without conditions meant that it wanted to bring down the peace process, Assad said after talks with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan in Damascus.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BM4FJ20091223
Gen McChrystal: Bin Laden capture vital for Afghanistan The top US comm...
Gen McChrystal: Bin Laden capture vital for Afghanistan
The top US commander in Afghanistan has said al-Qaeda will not be defeated unless its leader, Osama Bin Laden, is captured or killed.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8402138.stm
UN human rights chief notes changes under way in Gulf region, highlights key ...
UN human rights chief notes changes under way in Gulf region, highlights key concerns
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Monday she believes there is an “encouraging level of governmental activity to improve human rights” in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, especially in the area of economic and social rights, children’s rights and human trafficking, while also noting an array of continuing concerns about women’s rights, migration, statelessness, and freedom of expression, association and assembly.
The High Commissioner’s wide-ranging commentary on the state of human rights in the region, was delivered in the form of a keynote speech* at the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, at the start of a ten-day six-country mission which is intended to improve cooperation between the UN human rights system and the GCC states.
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true
Saudis reject call for Israel ties Saudi Arabia has dismissed calls by the ...
Saudis reject call for Israel ties
Saudi Arabia has dismissed calls by the US government to mend relations with Israel to help restart peace talks between the Israel and the Palestinians.
Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Saudi foreign minister, said on Friday that Riyadh would not consider forging links with Israel until it agrees to withdraw from all occupied Palestinian territories.
Al-Faisal said that Israel must adhere to what is stipulated in the Arab Peace Initiative, which has been endorsed by the 22-member Arb League, in order for it to have a constructive relationship with Saudi Arabia.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/07/2009731204851470666.html
Hamas leader: We will accept a Palestinian state within 1967 lines
Hamas leader-in-exile Khaled Meshal says the Islamic militant group is ready to accept a Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines, according to an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Friday.
"We along with other Palestinian factions in consensus agreed upon accepting a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines," Meshal told the Wall Street Journal, adding "this is the national program. This is our program. This is a position we stand by and respect."
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1104397.html
Mitchell Cites '02 Arab Plan For Peace U.S. Seeks Pact Between Israel, Res...
Mitchell Cites '02 Arab Plan For Peace
U.S. Seeks Pact Between Israel, Rest of Region
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/17/AR2009041703468.html
Pakistan’s ‘Daily Show’ Diplomacy Last week on “The Daily Show,” Jon Stewart...
Pakistan’s ‘Daily Show’ Diplomacy
Last week on “The Daily Show,” Jon Stewart showed part of a CNN interview (embedded above) in which Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, responded to questions about why his government has been unable to defeat the Taliban insurgency by asking a question of his own: “Why hasn’t the United States, with all the might at its disposal, been able to put down the Taliban in Afghanistan since 9/11?”
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/pakistans-daily-show-diplomacy/?hp
US army 'does not promote religion' The US's highest ra...
US army 'does not promote religion'
The US's highest ranking military officer has said it is not the US military's position to promote any specific religion, after Al Jazeera revealed footage of troops apparently preparing to convert Afghans to their Christian faith.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/05/2009542250178146.html
Afghan envoy defends US raids The Afghan ambassador to t...
Afghan envoy defends US raids
The Afghan ambassador to the United States has told Al Jazeera that civilian casualties during US military operations are "a price that we have to pay" if the Taliban and al-Qaeda are to be defeated.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/04/2009410225414127835.html
Japan PM Naoto Kan admits foreign donations Japanese Prime Minister Naoto ...
Japan PM Naoto Kan admits foreign donations
Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has admitted that his political campaign fund received donations from a foreigner, in breach of Japanese law.
Mr Kan told a parliamentary committee that at the time he had been unaware that the donor was a South Korean citizen, resident in Japan.
He told cabinet colleagues he would not be resigning.
Japanese law bans political donations from foreigners to prevent politicians being influenced from abroad.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12709242
Japanese cabinet shun controversial Yasukuni shrine Ministers in Japan's ne...
Japanese cabinet shun controversial Yasukuni shrine
Ministers in Japan's new centre-left government have stayed away from a controversial shrine on the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
It is the first time in 25 years that the entire cabinet has stayed away from ceremonies at the Yasukuni shrine.
Government ministers paying respects at the Tokyo shrine, which honours Japan's war dead, including war criminals, have in the past angered Japan's neighbours.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-10978571
U.S. "respects" Japan's request on airbase: Pentagon The Pentagon said on Mo...
U.S. "respects" Japan's request on airbase: Pentagon
The Pentagon said on Monday it respected Japan's request to consider alternatives to the relocation of a U.S. air base on Okinawa island but stopped short of pledging to explore new options to soothe strained ties between the allies.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62S4GB20100330
Japan PM scraps plan to move US base from Okinawa Japan's Pr...
Japan PM scraps plan to move US base from Okinawa
Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has said it will not be feasible to entirely remove a controversial US base from the island of Okinawa.
The US Marines' Futenma base is deeply unpopular with many residents and removing it had been a key election pledge of the prime minister.
But on a visit to the island, Mr Hatoyama said "realistically speaking, it is impossible" to fully relocate it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8658901.stm
Japan prices fall at record rate Consumer prices in Japan tumbled at a record...
Japan prices fall at record rate
Consumer prices in Japan tumbled at a record pace in August according to fresh government data, raising fears that a prolonged downward spiral of deflation could undermine the country's fragile economic recovery.
http://english.aljazeera.net/business/2009/09/200992942948648211.html
Japan's New Leader Seeks Revision of Relations With U.S. But Major Shift i...
Japan's New Leader Seeks Revision of Relations With U.S.
But Major Shift in Alliance Is Unlikely
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/16/AR2009091600265.html?hpid=sec-world
Japan PM says nuclear arms ban to remain HIROSHIMA, Japan (Reuters) - Japan...
Japan PM says nuclear arms ban to remain
HIROSHIMA, Japan (Reuters) - Japan said it would stand by a self-imposed ban on nuclear weapons as it commemorated the anniversary on Thursday of the world's first atomic attack on the western city of Hiroshima.
The vow by Prime Minister Taro Aso to maintain the ban on the possession, production or import of nuclear arms comes after North Korea raised regional tensions with a nuclear test earlier this year.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5750LU20090806
North Korea: Why did it launch a rocket?
With North Korea's launch of a rocket that most see as cover for a ballistic missile test, a deal to resume food aid from the United States is now dead, and the loud chorus from the international community that was already condemning the act as an unnecessary provocation is only likely to grow louder in the coming days.
"They have nothing to gain and only further isolation to anticipate should they go ahead with this," Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on CNN's "John King, USA" earlier this week.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/12/world/asia/north-korea-launch-why/?hpt=ias_mid
N Korea prepared for 'holy war' ...
N Korea prepared for 'holy war'
North Korea says it is ready for 'holy war' using its nuclear deterrent following major live fire drills by the South.
North Korea's minister of armed forces has said its military is prepared to wage a "holy war" against South Korea using its nuclear deterrent after what he called Seoul's attempt to initiate conflict.
Minister Kim Yong-chun repeated Pyongyang's charge on Thursday that the South is preparing to start a war by conducting the live fire drills close to the border of the North.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/12/201012233479157770.html
North Korea troops 'fire into South Korea' North and South Korean troops ha...
North Korea troops 'fire into South Korea'
North and South Korean troops have exchanged fire across the border, South Korean officials say.
North Korea fired two rounds towards a frontline unit and South Korean soldiers returned fire three times.
The shooting occurred in Hwacheon, some 90km (56 miles) north-east of the South's capital, Seoul, according to reports from South Korea's YTN TV.
Officials say it was not clear if North Korea's initial shots were a deliberate provocation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11650810
NKorea threatens '1,000-fold' increase in weapons North Korean media on Satu...
NKorea threatens '1,000-fold' increase in weapons
North Korean media on Saturday threatened a "1,000-fold" military buildup as the United States ruled out lifting sanctions to try to coax the North into resuming talks aimed at its nuclear weapons programs.
But North Korea said Saturday it is willing to rejoin the negotiations and remains committed to implementing a September 2005 accord on abandoning its nuclear program in exchange for aid and security guarantees. Instead, it accused the United States and other participants of holding back the six-nation talks.
N Korea ruler's son opposes dynasty...
N Korea ruler's son opposes dynasty
The eldest son of Kim Jong-il says he is opposed to hereditary transfer of power after youngest brother chosen as heir.
The eldest son of Kim Jong-il, North Korea's reclusive leader, has expressed opposition to hereditary transfer of power to a third generation of his family, just days after his brother has been chosen by their father as heir. But he wished his brother the best in his new career.
Kim Jong-nam's remarks come days after North Korea unveiled Kim Jong-un as successor to his father at a large military parade in Pyongyang, the country's capital.
"Personally, I am against third-generation dynastic succession," Kim Jong-nam said in an interview with Japan's TV Asahi on Sunday, the day before the parade where his brother took centre-stage and made his national and international debut.
"But I think there were internal factors. I think we should adhere to it if there were internal factors involved."
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/10/2010101275017961901.html
US announces new sanctions against North Korea The US will impose new sanct...
US announces new sanctions against North Korea
The US will impose new sanctions on North Korea, following the crisis over the sinking of a South Korean warship.
She said the measures would target Pyongyang's sale and purchase of arms and import of luxury goods, and would help prevent nuclear proliferation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-10710296
US carrier deployed to South Korea The US military has announced it is sendin...
US carrier deployed to South Korea
The US military has announced it is sending one of its biggest aircraft carriers to South Korea to take part in military exercises that officials say will send "a strong signal" of deterrence to North Korea.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/07/20107203364927786.html
North Korea welcomes UN statement on Cheonan sinking North Korea has hailed...
North Korea welcomes UN statement on Cheonan sinking
North Korea has hailed as a "victory" a UN Security Council statement that condemns the sinking of a South Korean warship but avoids blaming Pyongyang.
The statement expresses "deep concern" over the finding by a South Korean-led inquiry that a North Korean torpedo had struck the Cheonan, killing 46 sailors.
But it also "takes note" of Pyongyang's insistence that "it had nothing to do with the incident" in the Yellow Sea.
Correspondents say the omission of blame helped ensure China's support.
North Korea's permanent representative to the UN told reporters in New York afterwards that the text was a "great diplomatic victory".
But a spokesman for South Korea's foreign ministry, Kim Young-sun, said the statement carried "significant meaning in that the international community condemned North Korea's attack on the Cheonan with a united voice and emphasised the importance of preventing additional provocations".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10565560.stm
US Satisfied With UN Statement on S. Korea Ship Sinking
The State Department Friday expressed satisfaction with a U.N. Security Council statement condemning the sinking of a South Korean warship in March, though it stops short of directly blaming North Korea for the attack. A spokesman called North Korean claims of victory on the issue overblown rhetoric.
Officials here say the statement achieved the aims of the United States and its ally South Korea, and they are dismissing a claim by North Korea's U.N. ambassador that the outcome was a diplomatic victory for Pyongyang.
North Korea rejects U.N. truce talks over ship sinking North Korea said on ...
North Korea rejects U.N. truce talks over ship sinking
North Korea said on Sunday it was ready for direct military talk with South Korea to discuss the sinking of one of Seoul's warships, but only if the armistice commission overseeing the Korean War truce does not get involved.
North Korea has denied involvement, saying the investigation was a fabrication. It has also threatened military action if it is punished by the United Nations for the incident.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65Q13L20100628
NKorea wants both Koreas to probe ship sinking
North Korea, which has vehemently denied accusations that it sank a South Korean warship, is calling for a new joint investigation by both Koreas "to verify objectively the truth of the incident."
In a letter to the Security Council dated Tuesday and obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, North Korea's U.N. Ambassador Sin Son Ho called for "high-level military talks" between the two Koreas. He also reiterated the North's call for its own inspection team to be sent to the site of the sinking near the tense Korean sea border.
Sin urged the council to "take measures" to help realize these talks before it deals with the results of the international investigation led by South Korea which concluded that North Korea torpedoed the 1,200-ton Cheonan in March, killing 46 South Korean sailors.
South Korea sent a letter to the Security Council on June 4 asking the U.N.'s most powerful body to respond to the sinking "in a manner appropriate to the gravity of North Korea's military provocation."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/30/AR2010063004840.html
US, Seoul Cooperating on Warship Sinking Response As South Korea pushes the ...
US, Seoul Cooperating on Warship Sinking Response
As South Korea pushes the United Nations Security Council to censure North Korea, a senior American diplomat is reiterating Washington's full cooperation with Seoul.
The United States and South Korea are calling their mutual response to the sinking of theCheonan warship a "defining moment" for their alliance.
Ship Sinking Aids Ruling Party in S. Korean Vote The sinking of the South K...
Ship Sinking Aids Ruling Party in S. Korean Vote
The sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan, apparently by a North Korean torpedo, has provoked an international crisis that has embroiled big powers like the United States and China. But here in South Korea, it has had another effect: buoying the country’s once embattled conservative, pro-American president, Lee Myung-bak.
Soon after taking office two years ago, Mr. Lee appeared at risk of losing public support, as he faced mass demonstrations on the streets of Seoul against the import of United States beef. Now, political experts are talking about the “Cheonan effect,” as polls show that more than half of expected voters approve of the president and his tougher line toward the North.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/world/asia/02seoul.html
N Korea 'severs all ties' with Seoul North Korea is to cut all relations wi...
N Korea 'severs all ties' with Seoul
North Korea is to cut all relations with South Korea, Pyongyang's official news agency reports.
KCNA said the North was also expelling all South Korean workers from a jointly-run factory north of the border.
The move comes after an international report blamed North Korea for sinking a South Korean warship.
Pyongyang denies it torpedoed the Cheonan near the inter-Korean maritime border on 26 March, killing 46 sailors.
Seoul announced on Sunday it was ending trade relations with the North in response to the sinking.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10156834.stm
S Korea resumes border broadcasts
South Korea has reportedly resumed propaganda broadcasts into North Korea amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula over the sinking of a South Korean patrol boat on March 26 that left 46 sailors dead.
The resumption of cross-border broadcasts after a break of six years came as Seoul warned it would no longer tolerate provocations from the North after blaming the sinking on a North Korean torpedo attack.
On Tuesday army engineers began installing loudspeakers along the tense border with the North, with plans to also construct 11 giant electronic signboards facing across the
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/05/201052534421773321.html
US official: NKorea must return to nuke talks North Korea's return to the n...
US official: NKorea must return to nuke talks
North Korea's return to the nuclear disarmament process is an essential next step before any discussions about political and economic concessions can begin, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday.
The American's remarks were a response to nuclear-armed North Korea's repeated call for a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War as well as diplomatic relations with the U.S. before it agrees to return to the disarmament negotiations it walked away from the last year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020300317.html
China inequality causes unease - Pew survey
Despite more than 90% of Chinese feeling that they enjoy a higher standard of living than their parents, concerns over corruption, social inequality and food safety are growing, according to a Pew Global Attitudes Survey.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19953634
Viewpoint: Fear and loneliness in China
What kind of society will China's new leaders inherit? China has developed at unimaginable pace, lifting millions out of poverty. But as part of a series of viewpoints on challenges for China's new leadership, Gerard Lemos, who conducted research in the mega-city of Chongqing, says it is easy to overlook its lonely underbelly.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-19827537
China Detains Worshipers Over Praying in Public The police detained more th...
China Detains Worshipers Over Praying in Public
The police detained more than 100 members of an underground Protestant church on Sunday after the congregation tried to pray in a public plaza in the north of the capital.
The raid on the church, which sought to pray outside after it was evicted from its building under government pressure, was part of a broad crackdown on dissent over the last seven weeks. The campaign has led to the jailing of scores of rights lawyers, writers and activists, as well as the repression of unauthorized worship.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/world/asia/11china.html
China tells US: Stop preaching on human rights
Mr Hong said China was happy to talk about rights "on the basis of equality and mutual respect", but added that Beijing "resolutely opposes" meddling in other country's affairs.
"We advise the US side to reflect on its own human rights issues and not to position itself as a preacher of human rights," he said.
"[The US should] stop using the issue of human rights reports to interfere in other countries' internal affairs."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13027427
...
West unprepared to integrate China into global governance structures: analyst
Despite China's fast economic growth, western countries are not prepared to change the mechanisms of global governance to accommodate the emerging nation, an analyst said at the Shanghai Expo on Monday.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-05/10/c_13286217.htm
China warns states not to support Nobel dissident China has warned that t...
China warns states not to support Nobel dissident
China has warned that there will be "consequences" if governments show support for jailed Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo at the award ceremony.
Vice-Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said the prize was highly politicised and "a challenge to China's judicial system".
Diplomats in Oslo said China's embassy had sent letters implicitly warning them not to attend the prize-giving.
Liu was jailed in December for subversion after calling for sweeping political reform in China.
China angrily condemned the decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the dissident. It has said the award was tantamount to "encouraging crime".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11701725
China allows rowdy anti-Japanese protests Chinese authorities have allowed ro...
China allows rowdy anti-Japanese protests
Chinese authorities have allowed rowdy anti-Japanese demonstrations in several cities to defuse simmering public anger over a territorial dispute with Japan and to prevent the frustrations from being turned against the Chinese regime itself, analysts said Monday.
Chinese elders call for free press ...
Chinese elders call for free press
Twenty-three veterans of the Communist Party write open letter, calling for scrapping of censorship rules.
Twenty-three senior members of the Chinese Communist Party have called on the government to lift the restrictions on freedom of speech in China.
In an open letter dated October 1, the members who earlier held senior positions either in the party or in government apparatus, pointed out that though the country's constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it is not allowed to be exercised.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/10/20101013125048141291.html
Dalai Lama criticises China over its Nobel opposition The Dalai Lama has cr...
Dalai Lama criticises China over its Nobel opposition
The Dalai Lama has criticised China's opposition to the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to jailed dissident Liu Xiaobo.
The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said the Chinese government did "not appreciate different opinions".
Building an open society was "the only way to save all people of China", he told Japanese media.
Meanwhile, Mr Liu's wife has apparently been placed under house arrest after he dedicated the award to the "martyrs" of Tiananmen Square in 1989.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11512775
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to China dissident Liu Xiaobo Jailed Chinese diss...
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to China dissident Liu Xiaobo
Jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo has been named the winner of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize.
Making the announcement in Oslo, Nobel Committee president Thorbjoern Jagland said Mr Liu was "the foremost symbol of the wide-ranging struggle for human rights in China".
Mr Liu's wife and some Western nations have called for his immediate release.
China said the award was a violation of Nobel principles and could damage relations with Norway.
Mr Jagland admitted he knew the choice would be controversial. He told local television before the announcement: "You'll understand when you hear the name."
'Curtailed freedom'
Mr Jagland, reading the citation, said China's new status in the world "must entail increased responsibility".
"China is in breach of several international agreements to which it is a signatory, as well as of its own provisions concerning political rights."
Mr Jagland said that, in practice, freedoms enshrined in China's constitution had "proved to be distinctly curtailed for China's citizens".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11499098
Nobel euphoria fails to mask tough reality in China
The euphoria overseas and in some domestic circles at dissident Liu Xiaobo's winning of the Nobel Peace Prize has failed to mask deeper unease that his victory will likely bring little change in Communist Party-ruled China.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6971XY20101009
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to China dissident Liu Xiaobo Jailed Chinese diss...
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to China dissident Liu Xiaobo
Jailed Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo has been named the winner of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize.
Making the announcement in Oslo, Nobel Committee president Thorbjoern Jagland said Mr Liu was "the foremost symbol of the wide-ranging struggle for human rights in China".
Mr Liu's wife and some Western nations have called for his immediate release.
China said the award was a violation of Nobel principles and could damage relations with Norway.
Mr Jagland admitted he knew the choice would be controversial. He told local television before the announcement: "You'll understand when you hear the name."
'Curtailed freedom'
Mr Jagland, reading the citation, said China's new status in the world "must entail increased responsibility".
"China is in breach of several international agreements to which it is a signatory, as well as of its own provisions concerning political rights."
Mr Jagland said that, in practice, freedoms enshrined in China's constitution had "proved to be distinctly curtailed for China's citizens".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11499098
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6971XY20101009
...
China sets example for global anti-poverty efforts, ECOSOC president says
China's great success in reducing poverty made it a good example for global anti-poverty efforts, president of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) said in a recent interview prior to the upcoming summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
"China is a model that countries should simulate to develop economy," Hamidon Ali, who is also Malaysian Ambassador to the UN, said.
Ali said China has its own development path, which helps it remain on track in attaining most of its MDGs, the eight globally-agreed anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2010-09/17/c_13516855.htm
China pursuing military modernisation programme China is secret...
China pursuing military modernisation programme
China is secretly pursuing military power and missile programs in a move which could lead to conflicts with other nations, according to a Pentagon report.
The annual report said that the country’s military modernisation and its culture of military secrecy is raising the risk of “misunderstanding and miscalculation”.
China-Taiwan trade pact sparks street protest in Taipei Tens of thousands of...
China-Taiwan trade pact sparks street protest in Taipei
Tens of thousands of demonstrators in Taiwan have been venting their anger at a trade deal with China, to be signed on Tuesday.
The agreement will cut tariffs on exports and loosen curbs on investment.
Supporters say it will boost Taiwan's economy but critics fear it could pave the way for a Chinese takeover.
China and Taiwan have been separately governed since the end of a civil war in 1949, though China still sees the island as its territory.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10423409.stm
China moves to meet currency flexibility vow China has taken its first step...
China moves to meet currency flexibility vow
China has taken its first step towards honouring a pledge to let the exchange rate of its currency float more freely.
Beijing announced plans on Saturday to make the yuan more flexible, breaking its strict peg to the US dollar.
And on Tuesday, for the first time since the pledge, its central bank raised the centre point of the currency's official trading band.
But analysts said China would still limit the appreciation so as not to damage its export-led economy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10372955.stm
China currency stance 'impeding reforms', says Geithner US politicians have ...
China currency stance 'impeding reforms', says Geithner
US politicians have repeated threats to impose trade sanctions on China if it continues to refuse to revalue its currency, the yuan.
The US has long complained that Beijing keeps the yuan undervalued against the US dollar to gain a trade advantage.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10286485.stm
China indicates it will allow yuan to strengthen
China has indicated it will allow the yuan to rise against the dollar and other Western currencies.
The Chinese central bank announced it would make its exchange rate mechanism "more flexible", saying this had been made possible by the global recovery.
The yuan has been effectively pegged to the dollar, drawing criticism that China was protecting its exporters.
The head of the International Monetary Fund and the US treasury secretary have welcomed China's announcement.
The US had been particularly critical of Beijing, accusing it of keeping its currency artificially weak.
The yuan has been held at about 6.83 to the dollar since July 2008.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/10358146.stm
China defends internet censorship China has defended its right to cens...
China defends internet censorship
China has defended its right to censor the internet in a document laying out the government's attitude towards the web.
It says the country has the right to govern the internet according to its own rules inside its borders.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8727647.stm
China defends web censorship laws
China has defended its tight controls on the internet, saying it has no intention of relaxing its censorship of websites it deems subversive or a threat to national unity.
In a white paper published on Tuesday, the government also said it would not accept outside criticism of its internet controls and warned foreign governments and companies to respect its rules.
"Within Chinese territory, the internet is under the jurisdiction of Chinese sovereignty. The internet sovereignty of China should be respected and protected," the paper said.
It added that China "advocates the exertion of technical means" in line with existing laws and international norms "to prevent and curb the harmful effects of illegal information on state security, the public interest and minors".
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/06/20106852938900625.html
Thousands Attend Tiananmen Vigil in Hong Kong http://online.wsj.com/article/...
Thousands Attend Tiananmen Vigil in Hong Kong
Tiananmen Square memoir claims China decided to 'spill some blood'
China decided that it had no choice but to "spill some blood" during the Tiananmen Square massacre in order to preserve stability, a new memoir by a top leader of the time has claimed.
Geithner set for talks on yuan during visit to China The last-mi...
Geithner set for talks on yuan during visit to China
The last-minute visit comes as the US tries to persuade China to allow its currency to trade more freely on foreign exchange markets.
The US has accused China of keeping the yuan artificially low, making it hard for US exporters to be competitive.
There are signs that China may be softening its stance on its currency.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8608564.stm
China seeks Russia alliance to counter US dominance Looking to form a count...
China seeks Russia alliance to counter US dominance
Looking to form a counterbalance to the power of the US, Beijing called on Moscow, as one of the emerging market economies, to enter into an alliance with China seeking to increase their leverage in global affairs.
Speaking after talks with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping hailed the strength of bilateral ties with Russia as a success and went on to express the Beijing government's support for Russia's growing power on the global stage.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=121532§ionid=351020404
China 'will not bow on currency'
US threats to hit China with trade sanctions unless it revalues its currency are unacceptable and Beijing will not bend to outside pressure, a senior Chinese envoy has said.
http://english.aljazeera.net/business/2010/03/201032575535514472.html
China backlash at US rights report China has hit back at the US over human ri...
China backlash at US rights report
China has hit back at the US over human rights, telling Washington to get its own house in order before criticising others and blaming US policy for the global financial crisis.
In what has become an annual tit-for-tat exchange, China published its own report on Friday accusing the US of using human rights as a political tool to interfere in other countries' political affairs.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/03/201031284338356849.html
Musharraf admits Kashmir militants trained in Pakistan Former Pakistani mil...
Musharraf admits Kashmir militants trained in Pakistan
Former Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf has told a magazine that his forces trained militant groups to fight in Indian-administered Kashmir.
He told the German magazine, Der Spiegel, that the government turned a blind eye because it wanted to put pressure on India to enter talks.
India has always alleged that Pakistan trained militants in the 1990s.
But this is thought to be the first time such a senior figure in Pakistan has admitted it.
Mr Musharraf said in the interview that militant groups "were indeed formed" in part because of the international community's "apathy" over the Kashmir dispute.
Apology
"It is the right of any country to promote its own interests when India is not prepared to discuss Kashmir at the United Nations and resolve the dispute in a peaceful manner," Mr Musharraf said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11474618
'Kashmir doesn't belong to India or Pak' The stone-pelters movement, or th...
'Kashmir doesn't belong to India or Pak'
The stone-pelters movement, or the Sangbaaz Tehreek as it is popularly called, is altering equations in Kashmir and forcing separatist leaders to abandon their pro- Pakistan tilt. In a decisive rejection of the UN resolution that offered Kashmiris only two options — to stay withIndia or go with Pakistan — present-day protesters have made it clear to the separatists that nothing less than "azadi", or an independent state of Kashmir, will do.
"We don't want accession to Pakistan,'' declared Tehreek supporter Syed Ali Aga (name changed on request). "Let me tell you, the Pakistan element is out. And we don't want to remain with India either."
Indo-Pak pair in tennis diplomacy ...
Indo-Pak pair in tennis diplomacy
India's Rohan Bopanna and Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi team up and reach the US Open Men’s doubles final.
The idea of a partnership between Pakistan and India has long been considered almost impossible.
But the success that India's Rohan Bopanna and Pakistan's Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi have achieved so far at the men's doubles event at the US Open, has given the issue a new spin.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/09/20109920244518342.html
Google rectifies mistake, shows entire J&K as part of India The search en...
Google rectifies mistake, shows entire J&K as part of India
The search engine Google has amended its maps to show the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India.
The correction came in response to the notice issued by minister of state for communications and IT Sachin Pilot to Google Inc for showing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of the neighbouring country.
Read more: Google rectifies mistake, shows entire J&K as part of India - India - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Google-rectifies-mistake-shows-entire-JK-as-part-of-India-/articleshow/6393814.cms#ixzz3BTdIjqcl
India a victim of terror emanating from Pakistan: Krishna India told Pakis...
India a victim of terror emanating from Pakistan: Krishna
India told Pakistan on Wednesday that “selective efforts” should not be used to deal with terrorism and termed as “untenable” any attempt to make a distinction between state and non-state actors involved in terror.
He told PTI in an interview that Pakistan’s contention of making a distinction between state and non-state actors regarding terrorism was “untenable” as “it is common knowledge that terrorist groups and individuals have been provided sanctuaries and safe havens” in this country.
“Pakistan must realise that India harbours no ill-will against it and the cancer of terrorism needs to be rooted out completely,” Mr. Krishna said.
“There can be no selective efforts against this scourge. There is a clear and present danger from terrorist groups that needs to be appreciated and acted upon decisively,” he underlined.
“India has long been a victim of terrorism emanating from Pakistan,” he said.
He said there was a growing realisation not only in Pakistan but within the international community as well that terrorism needs to be combated effectively and comprehensively.
Referring to Mumbai attacks, Mr. Krishna said Pakistan has taken some steps for prosecuting some of those responsible for it. “However, more needs to be done.”
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article515481.ece?homepage=true
ANALYSIS - In Afghan end-game, India gets that sinking feeling Disquiet is g...
ANALYSIS - In Afghan end-game, India gets that sinking feeling
Disquiet is growing in India that Pakistan is gaining the upper hand in a "proxy war" in Afghanistan as the two juggle for influence in an end-game that risks a political vacuum if the U.S.-led war winds down.
Escalating distrust over Afghanistan may threaten tentative India-Pakistan peace talks and herald more militant attacks on Indian soil, experts say. There are also signs it is all gnawing at New Delhi's once strengthening ties with the United States.
http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-47288720100329
Suu Kyi: Burma Must Develop Its Own Democracy
http://www.voanews.com/content/suu-kyi-burma-must-develop-its-own-democracy/1519319.html
Suu Kyi says free judiciary key to democracy
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi says her country cannot be called a genuine democracy until it has an independent judiciary, even though it is undergoing a stream of breathtaking political and economic reforms.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hLWBri6GrScye6OA5oFtsRNV-JfQ?docId=7833849e76104720ab1037d0098948e1
Myanmar's junta is 'dissolved' as govt sworn in Myanmar's junta was officiall...
Myanmar's junta is 'dissolved' as govt sworn in
Myanmar's junta was officially disbanded Wednesday after handing over power to a new so-called civilian government, the latest phase of a transition to democracy that has been widely criticized as a sham.
The closed-door inauguration of the new government was announced only after it took place, in keeping with the secretive style of Myanmar's military regimes of the past 50 years. Despite the handover, key figures in the former junta including leader Senior Gen. Than Shwe are expected to retain substantial hold over power.
Burma media warns of 'tragic end' for Aung San Suu Kyi Burma's state media...
Burma media warns of 'tragic end' for Aung San Suu Kyi
Burma's state media have published their first direct criticism of the democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi since her release from house arrest.
The commentary said she and her party would "meet their tragic end" if they continued to endorse Western sanctions.
Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest last November, after she and the NLD were excluded from the country's first elections in 20 years.
Burma now has a civilian government but the army still dominates parliament.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12444777
US: Burma Election Law 'Mockery' of Democratic Process The State Department...
US: Burma Election Law 'Mockery' of Democratic Process
The State Department is criticizing the Burmese electoral laws in strong terms, but it says the Obama administration is not ready to abandon its efforts at dialogue with the country's military leadership.
Suu Kyi condemns Myanmar poll law
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's opposition leader, has denounced the military government's new laws passed earlier this week that bar her from running for office as "unjust" and "repressive".
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/03/20103129717372973.html
Aung San Suu Kyi aims for peaceful revolution Two days after being freed f...
Aung San Suu Kyi aims for peaceful revolution
Two days after being freed from house arrest, pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said that her aim is for a peaceful revolution in Burma.
Speaking to the BBC at the headquarters of her National League for Democracy, she said she was sure democracy would come to Burma eventually, although she did not know how long it would take.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11755169
Fraud charges cloud Myanmar vote ...
Fraud charges cloud Myanmar vote
Opposition accuses military-backed party of "cheating" and "threatening" voters ahead of Sunday's vote.
Myanmar is set for its first general elections in 20 years, but opposition parties still in the fray are already questioning the fairness of the vote.
Ahead of Sunday's vote, the All Mon Region Democracy Party and the Rakhine National Development Party (RNDP) have accused the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) of "cheating" and "threatening" voters.
They have threatened to contest the result of the elections unless their complaints are dealt with.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/11/20101169237967672.html
Factbox: Facts about Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi Aung San Suu Kyi, the figu...
Factbox: Facts about Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi, the figurehead of Myanmar's fight against military dictatorship, is scheduled to be released from house arrest on November 13, six days after the country's first election in two decades.
Here are some facts about Suu Kyi, who went from being an English country housewife to an Nobel peace laureate incarcerated for 15 of the last 21 years because of her fight for democracy in the former Burma.