Asia News latest RSS headlines - South East Asia Post.com

Iran allows eight candidates for presidential race

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:00:52 -0400

TEHRAN - Iran has approved eight candidates for the presidential election due next month, rejecting President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's top aide in a major setback to the hawkish leader of the Islamic republic. Ahmadinejad criticised the decision to remove Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei from the final candidate list and said it was an act of "oppression". He announced plans to take up the case with ...

North Korean special envoy visits China to win confidence

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:56:15 -0400

PYONGYANG, North Korea - In an indication that North Korea may give diplomacy a chance to end regional tension, its leader Kim Jong Un Wednesday sent a special envoy to China to win the confidence of its most important ally. The trip by Vice Marshal Choe Ryong Hae, a senior Workers' Party official and the military's top political officer, comes after months of ignoring Chinese warnings to give ...

Breakthrough research shows Vit C kills drug resistant TB

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:56:35 -0400

WASHINGTON - Adding vitamin C to existing tuberculosis drugs regime could shorten the therapy for drug resistant TB, claims new research findings published in the online scientific journal Nature Communications. The striking discovery, by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, has determined that vitamin C kills drug-resistant TB bacteria in laboratory ...

No bank deposits will be spared from confiscation

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:18:16 -0400

] Bank depositors in the UK and USA may think that their bank deposits would not be confiscated as they are insured and no government would dare embark on such a drastic action to bail out insolvent banks. [But] I challenge anyone to prove me wrong that confiscation of bank deposits is legalized daylight robbery Before I explain why confiscation of bank deposits in the UK and US is a certainty ...

Asia Roundup Mixed despite strong Wall Street lead

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:18:14 -0400

Asian shares were mixed yesterday, Wednesday May 22 2013 despite a strong lead from Wall Street as markets awaited testimony from the US Federal Reserve chief, but Tokyo stocks finished at their highest level in five years. Seoul climbed 0.64 per cent, or 12.74 points, to finish at 1,993.83, while Sydney ended down 0.28 percent, or 14.7 points, at 5,165.4. Shanghai closed down 0.12 per cent, or ...

Japan is integral to the future of Asia PM Lee Hsien Loong

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:12:44 -0400

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Japan is integral to the future of Asia and called on Japan to deepen its strategic engagement with Southeast Asia and the wider ...

The Asian Century Is Built On Broadband

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:03:29 -0400

Ben Pobjie Say what you like about Canberra, the city has got guts. And even after a century, the city still comes alive during a good bout of leadership speculation. Ben Pobjie hoists a glass of average chardy to our nation's ...

Asia Markets Tokyo stocks soar as Sydney Seoul retreat

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:57:49 -0400

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Australian and South Korean stocks dropped Thursday on worries the Federal Reserve could downscale its bond purchases, while Japanese shares marched to fresh multiyear highs as several exporters got a lift from the weakened ...

Top Concerns in Asias Unfinished Development Agenda for the Post-MDG Era

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:54:43 -0400

More MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Asia and the Pacific face a daunting unfinished development agenda when the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) expire in 2015. The focus in this fast growing region should be on the glaring gaps in its MDG achievements: eradicating extreme poverty and making better progress on human development, especially reducing infant deaths and improving maternal health. ...

Asian expat workers end rare UAE strike—company

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:08:07 -0400

DUBAI--Thousands of mainly Asian expatriate workers in the United Arab Emirates have ended a strike they began at the weekend in a rare stoppage aimed at improving their conditions, their employer said Wednesday. ';Arabtec confirms that all workers returned to work with no impact on any of its projects,'; the Dubai-based company, which is constructing the Louvre Abu Dhabi, said in a ...

Asean Defence Officials Share Knowledge At Dialogue

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:03:01 -0400

View Comments Bandar Seri Begawan - The Asean Regional Forum Defence Officials' Dialogue (ARF DOD) played out at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday. Themed The Impact of Social Media on Defence and Security, the forum was chaired by Acting Director of Defence Policy at the Ministry of Defence Haji Adi Ihram bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud and attended by senior ARF members. The ...

Asia Called Mixed on Fed Minutes

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:55:08 -0400

Minutes from the last Fed policy meeting released on Wednesday noted that "a number of participants expressed willingness" to reduce quantitative easing as early as the June meeting if economic data shows evidence of strong and sustained growth. ...

China Submission by Human Rights Watch to the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:37:06 -0400

Submission by Human Rights Watch to the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council on the proposed amendments to the Regulations of Education of Persons with Disabilities in ...

Asia-Pacific film festival cultural base to be built in Sanya

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:09:09 -0400

Hongkong’s ITC Properties Group Limited will invest RMB 6 billion in the construction of an Asia-Pacific film festival cultural base in Sanya, Hainan. After the base is completed, an Asia-Pacific film festival and TV festival will be held in Sanya every year, and the base will be the permanent and high-end site of film conventions and exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific area. The ITC ...

HK hails the return of the duck

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:29 -0400

Hong Kong on Tuesday joyfully welcomed the return of a giant inflatable rubber duck, which drew tens of thousands of visitors before it was abruptly deflated for maintenance for almost a week. The southern Chinese city has taken the 16.5-metre-tall (54-feet) yellow inflatable duck, conceived by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, to its heart since it was towed into the harbour on May 2 to cheering ...

China Galaxy soars 11 pct in debut after $1.1 billion HK IPO

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:26 -0400

China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd rose as much as 11.3 percent in its trading debut on Wednesday after raising $1.1 billion in a Hong Kong IPO, underscoring a surge in retail investors’ demand for new listings in the city. The debut of China’s seventh-biggest brokerage, and that of Sinopec Engineering (Group) Co Ltd on Thursday, will be bellwethers for a slew of Hong Kong offerings in ...

Why Taiwan Won’t Let The Philippines Off Easy

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:25 -0400

Veteran Taiwanese political scientist George Tsai cringes at the anti-Philippine hysteria that swept his homeland like a typhoon after May 9. That day Taiwan began its campaign for an apology from Manila over the shooting of a local fisherman. What got into us, asked George Tsai, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy vice president and professor at Chinese Cultural University in Taipei. ...

Taiwan fares well in US’ religious freedom report

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:24 -0400

Religious freedom is ';generally respected'; in Taiwan with no major problems last year, according to an annual US Department of State report issued on Monday. Taiwan’s record was in stark contrast to that of China where – according to the report – Beijing routinely enforces laws that restrict religious freedom. Findings for last year of the International Religious ...

Taiwan Dollar Forwards Gain a Third Day Before Bernanke Speech

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:23 -0400

Taiwan dollar forwards rose for a third day on speculation Federal Reserve Chair Ben S. Bernanke will signal today the need to sustain stimulus policies that have spurred fund flows into emerging markets. Bernanke is due to address Congress today and the Federal Open Market Committee is scheduled to release minutes of its last meeting. Fed Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard said ...

Kenneth Bae American Jailed In N Korea Spoke Of ‘Collapsing’ Country’s ‘Walls’ In 2009 Sermon

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:19 -0400

A 44-year-old American citizen, jailed last year in North Korea accused of seeking to topple the government, said in 2009 that he wished to ';collapse'; the ';walls'; separating North Korea from the rest of the world and that he had asked US churches to send members to worship in the hermetic communist nation. According to a recently unearthed video, Kenneth Bae, who was ...

Fishermen free but China angry at N Korea

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:17 -0400

The North Koreans have released 16 Chinese fishermen who were captured and held for ransom for a fortnight, but the ordeal has angered its sole ally and trading partner. The owner of the fishing vessel, Yu Xuejun, confirmed the men had been set free yesterday after their boat was seized in waters between China and the rogue ...

N Korea’s hidden labour camps exposed

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:13 -0400

Even with new leader Kim Jong-un at the helm, North Korea remains the most reclusive and closed country in the world: It is a police state inside a totalitarian system ruled by a family dynasty that encourages a cultish ideology and following. The regime controls everything. There is no free speech, free trade, fair court, no Fox News or MSNBC equivalent. Outsiders are not allowed to freely ...

Korea’s Iran crude imports for April down 44.4 pct yy

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:13 -0400

South Korea’s imports of Iranian crude in April fell nearly 45 percent from a year ago to 4.18 million barrels, official data showed on Wednesday, below expectations just ahead of talks with Washington to extend a waiver for US sanctions on Tehran. The world’s No.5 crude buyer and one of Iran’s top four customers bought 139,400 barrels per day (bpd) from Iran in April, up 7.5 ...

S. Korea advised to focus on expanding nuclear exports

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:12 -0400

South Korea’s new administration needs to focus on finding ways to expand its nuclear exports, especially to the Middle East, as it plans to resume talks with the United States on their civilian nuclear cooperation, experts here said Tuesday. Seoul and Washington are moving to hold talks on the issue in Seoul in the first week of June, which would be the first round since they agreed to ...

Greek PM invites China to ‘join Greece’s success story’

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:10 -0400

Officials in Brussels and Washington may view China’s global shopping spree with alarm, as the Asian power house continues to buy up companies, sovereign debt, ports, and bridges around the world. But the Greeks are already dusting off the red carpet. On a five-day visit to Beijing that ended Monday, Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras eagerly invited the Chinese to ';join ...

Yet Another China Growth Downgrade

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:08 -0400

Another week, another downgrade as pessimism spreads about China’s economic prospects. This time it’s UBS Securities (UBS), which cut its 2013 forecast for gross domestic product expansion from 8 percent to 7.7 percent. ';Increasingly evidence suggests that growth will be weaker than we previously envisaged,'; writes Tao Wang, UBS’s chief China economist, in a May 21 ...

China factory blast leaves 13 dead 20 missing

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:06 -0400

A blast which ripped through an explosives plant in China has left 13 people dead and another 20 missing, an official said Tuesday, compounding the country’s poor industrial safety record. Another 19 people were injured in the explosion on Monday at a three-storey workshop owned by Poly Explosives (Jinan), a state-owned company in the eastern province of Shandong, the Xinhua news agency ...

China’s Li offers to help end Pakistan’s energy crisis

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:06 -0400

China and Pakistan should make cooperation on power generation a priority, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said, as Islamabad seeks to end an energy crisis that triggers power cuts of up to 20 hours a day, bringing the economy to a near standstill. Li arrived in the Pakistan capital on Wednesday on the second leg of his first official trip since taking office in March after a visit to ...

Chinese PM on Pakistan visit

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:05 -0400

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in Pakistan Wednesday for a two-day visit where he will meet prime minister-elect Nawaz Sharif as the long-time allies look to boost trade ties. Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) party swept to victory in the May 11 general election on a promise to revitalise Pakistan’s struggling economy and help from its giant neighbour to the north will ...

In film market China allures but also deters

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:04 -0400

In just a few years, China has become the world’s most enticing movie market, but the pitfalls there for foreign filmmakers are many, experts say. Censorship, bureaucracy and piracy head the roster of concerns, according to specialists interviewed in China, Hong Kong and at the Cannes Film Festival. ';China is extremely complicated when it comes to the cinema,'; said Jerome ...

PM Li Keqiang faces litmus test in Pakistan China’s ‘iron brother’

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:03 -0400

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang faces the challenge of meeting conflicting demands for his attention and Beijing’s purse when he lands in Pakistan on Wednesday at the end of his India visit, his first foreign tour after assuming office. Li needs to pay equal attention to the aspirations of newly elected prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the armed forces led by Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, sources ...

China Space Programme Ramping Up Capabilities Pentagon Says

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:01 -0400

China’s growing space prowess shows no signs of slowing, the US Department of Defense said in its annual report to Congress on military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China. The Pentagon has been carefully monitoring China’s space activities, and pointed out that last year, the country conducted a total of 18 space launches and expanded its ...

China arrests 13 over protest ‘rumours’

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:59:00 -0400

Chinese authorities have arrested 13 people for Internet posts that sparked a rare protest in Beijing, highlighting tensions between officials and migrant workers, police said. The 13 held include the boyfriend of Yuan Liya, a 22-year-old woman who fell to her death from a shopping mall, igniting the hours-long protest by hundreds of people earlier this month, Beijing police said late Tuesday. ...

Japan to Follow Own Path on Abductee Issue With N Korea

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:59 -0400

A senior Japanese official said on Tuesday that Tokyo will stick with its policy of making its own overtures to North Korea on what it believes are abductions of its citizens, dismissing US and South Korean concerns that the North may try to drive a wedge between the three nations. A surprise trip to Pyongyang last week by a top aide to prime minister Shinzo Abe irked Japan’s allies, who ...

Fed’s Bullard Says ECB Needs ‘Aggressive’ QE to Avoid Japan Fate

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:58 -0400

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard said Europe risks an extended period of low growth and deflation like Japan’s unless the European Central Bank acts with an aggressive quantitative easing programme. ';You should worry about it, and then take policy action to avoid it,'; Bullard said in Frankfurt today in response to an audience question after a speech. ...

Japan April exports rise 3.8 pct yearyear – MOF

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:55 -0400

Japanese exports rose 3.8 percent in April from a year earlier, marking a second straight month of gains, Ministry of Finance data showed on Wednesday, in a sign that a weaker yen and a pickup in global demand are helping the export-reliant economy. The MOF data also showed that Japan logged a trade deficit in April for a 10th straight month, with higher import costs offsetting export gains due ...

S’pore Japan prime ministers express wish for enhanced bilateral ties

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:53 -0400

The prime ministers of Singapore and Japan have expressed the desire to enhance bilateral ties. Singapore’s prime minister Lee Hsien Loong met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday. In his opening remarks, Abe said both countries share the same values of freedom and democracy. He added Singapore and Japan can work together for peace and stability in the ...

Japan Confronts Pyongyang Abductions

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:52 -0400

A senior Japanese official said Tokyo will make its own overtures to North Korea on what it claims are abductions of Japanese citizens, dismissing US and South Korean concern that the North may try to drive a wedge between the three allies. A surprise trip to Pyongyang last week by Isao Iijima, a senior aide to prime minister Shinzo Abe, irked Japan’s allies, who fear such moves could ...

Japan Keeps Monetary Policy Steady Amid Deflation Fight

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:51 -0400

The Bank of Japan stood pat on monetary policy Wednesday amid market jitters over volatility in bond markets, which has threatened to undermine the country’s battle to end deflation and stimulate growth in the giant economy. In a unanimous vote, the bank’s board stuck to its strategy of expanding the monetary base at an annual pace of 60 trillion yen to 70 trillion yen, or $585 ...

Singapore-KL high-speed rail link looking ‘very attractive’

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:58:49 -0400

The proposed high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur is looking ';very, very attractive';, though further discussions on the finer details are needed, Malaysian Foreign minister Anifah Aman said yesterday. In his first major press conference since the elections to outline the ministry’s priorities, Datuk Seri Anifah said preliminary studies for the rail link are ...

Tennis Iron woman Zheng stuns Wozniacki in Brussels

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:45:42 -0400

China's Zheng Jie knocked top seed Caroline Wozniacki out of the Brussels Open on Wednesday, just hours after prevailing in a three-set opener held over because of Tuesday's heavy ...

France seeks to brand Hezbollah as terrorist group

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:42:56 -0400

Laurent Fabius said on Wednesday. "Because of the decisions that have been taken by Hezbollah and the fact that they are fighting very harshly the Syrian population, we have decided to ask that the military branch of the Hezbollah would be considered as a terrorist organisation," Fabius told reporters in English. The United States has long designated the Lebanon-based militant group, ...

Central Coast Mariners Asian Champions League campaign over after Guangzhou loss

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:34:28 -0400

China Central Coast had no answer to the talent assembled so expensively by Guangzhou Evergrande as the A-League champions tumbling out the Asian Champions League on Wednesday with a 3-0 defeat in China.Manager Graham Arnold had stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet if his side was to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit in the round of 16, but Brazilian midfielder Muriqui put Guangzhou ...

Richmonds PriceSmart finds right mix in catering to both Asian and English-speaking shoppers

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:18 -0400

METRO VANCOUVER -- While debate continues to burn over a campaign for English sign bylaws to rule over pockets of Chinese business resistance, a supermarket chain has pulled off a cross-cultural culinary coup.Many businesses across the city display dual language signage -- usually English and Chinese, in varying proportions depending on what community you're in.Few, if any, however, can ...

Am. Samoa to keep flier miles for govt travelers

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:24:31 -0400

By FILI SAGAPOLUTELEAssociated Press PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (AP) - American Samoa plans to take away frequent flier miles from government workers who travel on behalf of the U.S. territory. Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga says the territory will use the miles to help medical patients travel off-island when needed, or help students travel for educational programs. Moliga says Hawaiian Airlines ...

Bangladeshi collapse volunteers haunted by bloody rescue trauma

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:14:50 -0400

SAVAR, Bangladesh -- Mamun was hailed a hero for pulling survivors from the ruins of Bangladesh's Rana Plaza factory complex but now he struggles to sleep, haunted by the memory of sawing off a young woman's ...

French-Asian consortium announces winning of Canada natural gas project

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:14:48 -0400

PARIS--A consortium comprising French, South Korean and Chinese companies has won a contract for a liquefied natural gas project in Canada, the French partner Technip said on ...

Pakistans Imran Khan leaves hospital for homePakistani politician Imran Khan left hospital Wednesday two weeks after breaking bones in his back in a fall at an election rally a hospital spokesman said.

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:45:31 -0400

Imran Khan left hospital on Wednesday, two weeks after breaking bones in his back in a fall at an election rally, a hospital spokesman said. The 60-year-old was ordered to remain immobile in bed after he fractured vertebrae and a rib in a dramatic tumble just days before the May 11 general election, where his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party made a major breakthrough. Khwaja Nazir, a ...

Soldier beheaded in suspected terror attack in London

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:45:26 -0400

LONDON: In a shocking incident, a soldier aged around 20 years and wearing a T-shirt that read "Help for Heroes" was beheaded in the middle of a road in ...

Thai Same-Sex Marriage Bill Not Without Controversy

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:17:33 -0400

BANGKOK, THAILAND -- As the debate on same-sex marriage continues in Western nations, including the United States, Thailand could become the first country in Asia to legalize gay marriage. Thailand is known for its liberal acceptance of sexuality, but the draft same-sex marriage law is not without controversy. This is a traditional Thai wedding, except there is no groom. There are two ...

Asian Water Summit Focuses on Security Disaster

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:17:32 -0400

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND -- Resource experts say many Asian countries face a potential water crisis unless they address mismanagement that could lead to severe shortages of clean water. Other states struggle to contain massive floods. The site of a just-concluded regional summit on the managing water supplies and disasters. There was no sign of a water shortage here in northern Thailand as ...

Guangzhou sink Mariners to reach Asias last eight

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:15:49 -0400

SINGAPORE (AFP) - Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande marched into the AFC Champions League quarter-finals and underlined their strong title credentials with a convincing 3-0 win over Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday.Goals from Muriqui, Dario Conca and Gao Lin took Marcello Lippi's team through with room to spare, as Japan's Kashiwa Reysol also swept into the last eight with a 5-2 ...

MSC to Raise Asia-Europe Rates

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:07:03 -0400

will also increase rates for all dry and refrigerated cargo on its trade from Limassol, Cyprus, to any destination in the Far East, beginning June 1.The hike will be $100 per ...

Iran expanding nuclear activities International Atomic Energy Agency

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:58:57 -0400

Iran is making significant progress in expanding its nuclear programme, including in opening up a potential second route to developing the bomb, a new ...

Britain calls emergency meeting after man killed in London

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:45:59 -0400

1 of 2. Police officers guard a cordon set up around a crime scene where one man was killed was killed in Woolwich, southeast London May 22, ...

Afghanistan Suicide bomber kills anti-Taliban village elder 3 others in busy market

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:44:07 -0400

KABUL - A suicide bomber on foot killed an anti-Taliban village elder and at least three other people in a busy marketplace Wednesday in central Afghanistan, the latest in a wave of assassinations and bombings. Habibullah Khan was killed along with two bodyguards and a civilian bystander in the afternoon attack in Ghazni province's Moqur district, police said. At least 14 civilians were ...

World Briefing | Asia Gold Mine Discovered in Northwest China

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:20:10 -0400

BEIJING ...

Asian elephant calf to meet the public today

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:00:16 -0400

St. Louis Zoo , makes her public debut today. She will be on view until noon today and again between 2 to 4 p.m. along with her mother Ellie and other members of her extended family. Keepers say the calf is doing well.After today, Priya will be on view, weather permitting, but not at scheduled times. The calf and mother will probably not be on view all ...

Stocks surge as Bernanke retains dovish tone

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:23 -0400

LONDON - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's signal that monetary policy will remain loose gave stocks another lift Wednesday, paving the way for many indexes to advance to new record highs.Following a run of upbeat U.S. economic news, largely related to housing and jobs, there had been talk in the markets that the Fed may soon put a brake on its super-easy monetary policy, which has ...

India will do all in its power to promote Afghan stability

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:47:34 -0400

India said on Wednesday it will do all within its means to promote stability inAfghanistan after visiting President Hamid Karzai said he had given a military "wishlist" to the Indian ...

Top Asia B-Schools Hosts “Seizing Business and Career Opportunities in the Asian Century”

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:38:33 -0400

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Top Asia B-Schools (TABS), a collaboration of four of the world's highest ranked business schools, will host a free forum exploring Asian business trends and career opportunities on June ...

Morrison Foerster Enhances Asia Pacific Compliance Investigation and Disputes Capabilities by Expanding Singapore ...

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:38:31 -0400

Daniel P. Levison , a member of the firm's FCPA + Anti-Corruption Task Force, has relocated to the firm's Singapore office after more than 12 years in the Tokyo office. Mr. Levison has extensive experience representing clients in cross-border disputes, counseling clients on a wide range of compliance matters and conducting internal investigations across the Asia-Pacific region. His ...

Wagner Kudo propel Kashiwa into Asian Champions League quarterfinals

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:30:33 -0400

Closer to the goal: Jorge Wagner celebrates after Kashiwa's second goal on Wednesday. Reysol defeated Jeonbuk Motors 3-2 to reach the Asian Champions League quarters. | ...

Man shot dead while being questioned about Boston bombings FBI says

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:17:59 -0400

Ibragim Todashev of Orlando, a Chechen who had previously lived in Boston. Two brothers identified by the FBI as suspects in the April 15 bombings were also ethnic Chechens with roots in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region. The FBI said in a statement that a special agent, "acting on the imminent threat posed by the individual, responded with deadly force. The individual was killed ...

Pervert who put chastity lock on wife gets 10 years in jail

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:17:39 -0400

INDORE: A man, who put a "chastity lock" on his wife in a cruel, self-devised way, was awarded 10 years' rigorous sentence by the court here on Friday though the victim had retracted her statement during the trial. additional sessions judge Avnindra Kumar Singh also imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on the accused Sohanlal (38), a mechanic by profession, under sections 326 (causing ...

Asia Crude-MRPL bought Oman oil to replace Iran oil

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:01:29 -0400

NEW DELHI | Wed May 22, 2013 12:01pm EDT NEW DELHI May 22 (Reuters) - India's MRPL has bought 600,000 barrels of Omani crude oil from trader Vitol for lifting in the first half of July, two sources with knowledge of the deal said, as the refiner avoids Iranian oil due to western sanctions. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has also bought about 600,000 barrels of ...

Asian shares mixed Tokyo ends at 5-year high

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:40:10 -0400

A visitor takes a picture of an electronic stock board on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Tokyo, Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Asian shares were mixed on Wednesday despite a strong lead from Wall Street as markets awaited testimony from the US Federal Reserve chief, but Tokyo stocks finished at their highest level in five years. AP PHOTO/ITSUO INOUYE HONG KONG--Asian shares were mixed on Wednesday ...

China Pakistan plan economic corridor Li

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:35:52 -0400

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Wednesday linked growth in his country's restive west with that in sluggish Pakistan, saying the two sides wanted to create an "economic corridor" to boost ...

Big Asian AFC start by Malditas

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:31:58 -0400

The Philippine Malditas, as promised by their coach, are creating a stir in the Asian AFC Women's Qualifying. The Malditas crushed higher-ranked Iran, 6-0, Tuesday at the start of Group B play at the Bangabandu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Beefed up by several United States-based standouts who have NCAA Division 1 experience, the Malditas dominated the match right from the ...

For Westerners in Asia the Job Market Grows Tougher

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:31:07 -0400

Unfortunately, her Mandarin is limited -- and because of that, she has struggled to find a new job in Hong Kong, a city that once welcomed her with open ...

FBI shoots kills man linked to Boston bomb suspect report

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:22:49 -0400

MIAMI: An FBI agent Wednesday fatally shot a Florida man who allegedly had ties to one of the Boston bombings suspects, US media reported.Ibragim Todashev, 27, was shot in the city of Orlando, Florida, according to the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.Todashev became violent while being interviewed by the FBI, NBC News reported.Todashev was reported to be a friend of deceased Boston bombing suspect ...

Indian medics reconstruct babys swollen head

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:22:48 -0400

Indian doctors said Wednesday they have successfully carried out a first round of reconstructive surgery on the skull of a baby suffering from a rare disorder that caused her head to nearly double in ...

Bangladesh panel blames building owner for disaster

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:22:47 -0400

The head of an official inquiry into the collapse of a Bangladesh factory complex said Wednesday the building's owner was the "main culprit" in the disaster because he violated building ...

Retarus Boosts Presence in Asia

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:13:05 -0400

SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Retarus is continuing to expand its position as a leading global provider of professional messaging services. As part of its international expansion plans, Retarus has established retarus (Asia) Pte. Ltd. in Singapore to strengthen its presence in Asia. Retarus has had a representative office in Singapore for a number of years now. The formation of ...

Asia GasolineNaphtha-Gasoline up on Indian demand

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:13:04 -0400

SINGAPORE, May 22 (Reuters) - The Asian gasoline margin reached a 1-1/2 week high of $8.71 a tonne on Wednesday, supported by tighter supplies in India due to summer holiday demand coinciding with a refinery outage and maintenance. India's BPCL is seeking 25,000 tonnes of 91-octane gasoline for delivery into Kochi, located in the west coast, over first-half of June, making this ...

Asian Gold Premiums Hit New Highs as Europe Urged to Start Agressive QE

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:06:32 -0400

London Gold Market ReportBULLION prices rose throughout Asian and early London trade on Wednesday morning, touching $1398 per ounce for the third time this week and recovering 4.4% from Monday's one-month low.Silver rose more steadily, and was capped below $22.80 as energy prices slipped and agricultural commodities held flat.Tuesday's retreat in the gold price today ...

Hamid Karzai in Delhi gives India military equipment wish list

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:51:22 -0400

Hamid Karzai said on Wednesday he had given a "wish list" of military equipment to India during his visit this week, presenting a conundrum for New Delhi as it weighs whether arming the Afghan army is in its interests. India wants to stabilize Afghanistan and is concerned about the resurgence of militant groups after foreign combat troops leave in 2014. However, arming Afghanistan would ...

Gunmen kill 12 at Baghdad brothel Officials

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:51:18 -0400

gunmen shot dead at least seven women and five men at a brothel in Baghdad on Wednesday, security and medical officials said. The attack took place in the capital's eastern area of Zayouna, where a number ...

Montana parents quit Singapore inquest into sons death

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:03:59 -0400

HELENA --The Veterans Affairs Montana Health Care System is preparing for a major renovation of its hospital at Fort Harrison, creating ...

AirAsia profit falls nearly 40 in 1st quarter

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:01:53 -0400

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia, Asia's largest low-cost carrier by fleet size, said Wednesday that first-quarter net profit fell 39 per cent year-on-year due to ...

Nestle expands Singapore RD amid Asia market growth

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:41:43 -0400

Photo from http://www.nestle.com.sg/ GENEVA -- Swiss-based global food giant Nestle said Wednesday that it had expanded its research and development operations in Singapore, amid robust Asian market growth. Nestle said that it invested almost 4.0 million Swiss francs (3.2 million euros, $4.1 million) to extend its research facility, and would this year add 20 jobs to the current team of 100. ...

Swedens capital Stockholm hit by worst riots in years

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:34:36 -0400

The riots in one of Europe's richest capitals have shocked a country that prides itself on a reputation for social justice, and fuelled a debate about how Sweden is coping with both youth unemployment and an influx of ...

Oil stays near $96 before crude stocks report Fed

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:32:58 -0400

The price of oil was little changed above $96 a barrel Wednesday as investors waited confirmation of a rise in U.S. crude stocks and the Federal Reserve's latest views on the U.S. ...

UPDATE 1-Nomura eyes Asia alliances boosts Japan asset target

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:21:11 -0400

Wed May 22, 2013 8:21am EDT (Recasts, adds COO comments and details) By Nathan Layne TOKYO May 22 (Reuters) - Japan's largest brokerage firm Nomura Holdings Inc said on Wednesday it was seeking partners to expand its retail and asset management operations in Southeast Asia and was in talks with several financial institutions in the region. Chief Operating Officer Atsushi Yoshikawa did not ...

Japan watchdog Nuclear plant sits on active fault

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:04:51 -0400

TOKYO -; Japan's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday endorsed a panel's conclusion that a seismic fault running underneath one of two reactors at an atomic plant in western Japan is active, making the reactor's restart virtually ...

Death toll rises to 23 in China factory blast

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:04:47 -0400

The blast was so strong that 10 of those killed could only be identified by their DNA. Experts from the State Administration of Work Safety have been sent to the factory and are investigating the cause of the ...

Investors edgy ahead of Bernanke testimony

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:04:46 -0400

LONDON -; Investors were edgy Wednesday ahead of the appearance of U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke before lawmakers in ...

Pakistan court rejects Musharraf bail in judges case

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:51:09 -0400

Pervez Musharraf over the detention of judges during his 1999-2008 rule, the state prosecutor said. The ruling came two days after a court granted bail to Musharraf over the murder of former prime ...

Asia Fuel Oil-Cash market sluggish eye on July supply flows

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:44:20 -0400

SINGAPORE, May 22 (Reuters) - Asia fuel oil cash premiums remained sluggish on Wednesday on oversupply, but there was growing consensus among traders that arbitrage flows in the backend of June would be thin, providing a floor for prices. Asia cash premiums for the 380-centistoke (cst) benchmark for the marine fuels market were pegged at 25 cents a tonne, steady to levels seen in ...

Hershey Opens Asia Innovation Center in Shanghai

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:44:19 -0400

Innovation a key driver for Hershey's Asia growth As part of the company's strategy to drive global growth and innovation, The Hershey Company ( ) today announced the opening of its new Asia Innovation Center located in Shanghai, China. Hershey's new Asia Innovation Center, located at the Jinqiao Golden Bridge Research Park in the Pudong District of Shanghai, is a ...

Asia Distillates-Ultra low sulphur diesel premium falls

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:44:17 -0400

SINGAPORE, May 22 (Reuters) - The Asian ultra low sulphur diesel premium fell to a more than six-week low on Wednesday as arbitrage economics to send the cargoes to Europe remained firmly shut on weak European demand, industry sources said. The cash premium for the 10 ppm sulphur diesel premium fell 12 cents to $1.66 a barrel above Singapore quotes, lowest since April 8 when it ...

Gupta family wedding scandal India says plane landed after proper authorization

Wed, 22 May 2013 07:24:23 -0400

This picture courtesy of the Gupta family shows Vela Gupta and her husband Indian-born Aaskash Jahajgarhia posing with relatives and guests during ceremonies for their wedding in Sun City, South Africa, on May 1, 2013. (AFP ...

Chinese premier visits Pakistan praises ties

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:55:39 -0400

A man walks next to huge portraits of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, right, and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, left, displayed near the presidency in Islamabad, Pakistan. Keqiang will arrive in Islamabad on May 22 on a two day official visit to hold talks with Pakistani leadership to discuss international, regional issues and enhance co-operation in bilateral ties. (AP Photo/Anjum ...

China demand drives Asian gold bar premiums to record highs

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:51:59 -0400

- Premiums for gold bars hit a record high in Asia on Wednesday as lower spot prices lured more buyers, mainly in China, the world's second biggest consumer of the precious metal, amid tight physical ...

SE Asia Stocks-Singapore up on earnings hopes Thai shares fall

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:35:54 -0400

BANGKOK, May 22 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose to new highs on Wednesday on light to moderate volume and ahead of U.S. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's testimony in Congress, with expectations of improved earnings forecasts supporting Singapore shares. Singapore's Straits Times Index was up 0.3 percent at 3,454.37, reversing Tuesday's fall, led by ...

Dark future for womens rights in Afghanistan

Wed, 22 May 2013 06:19:26 -0400

determined that some 400 women and girls were locked away in Afghan prisons and juvenile detention facilities for the 'moral crime' of running away from home or having sex outside of marriage. My organisation, Human Rights Watch, reported those findings. Some 18 months later, things have really changed. For the ...

Power of Moore OK tornado dwarfs Hiroshima bomb

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:52:36 -0400

Everything had to come together just perfectly to create the killer tornado in Moore, Okla.: wind speed, moisture in the air, temperature and timing. And when they did, the awesome energy released over that city dwarfed the power of the atomic bomb that leveled ...

World stocks mixed ahead of Fed chief testimony

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:48:28 -0400

BANGKOK -; World stock markets were mixed Wednesday, hours before Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke is to deliver remarks before Congress on the state of the U.S. ...

Asian Stocks Rise On Fed Speculation

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:47:42 -0400

Asian stocks rose broadly on Wednesday, encouraged by a positive lead from Wall Street, after comments from two Federal Reserve officials suggested the Federal Reserve is unlikely to taper its $85 billion-per-month bond-buying program anytime soon. Investors look forward to a speech from the Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and the release of FOMC May minutes due out later in the day for clues on the ...

Japan nuclear reactor atop active fault regulator

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:37:34 -0400

Japan's nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday that one reactor was sitting directly above an active tectonic fault, effectively ruling out a restart ...

India slum thrives as tourist attraction

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:37:33 -0400

The word slum conjures up images and deprivation and poverty. But Mumbai's Dharavi slum in India is estimated to generate an annual business turnover of $650 million as a tourist ...

Abes view of history upsets many in Asia the US

Wed, 22 May 2013 05:34:58 -0400

Back in February, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave a speech at a Washington think tank on the theme "Japan Is Back" that was widely interpreted as a bid to revive his country's long-stagnant economy through drastic policy changes. "Abenomics", as these proposals have been dubbed, is a kind of shock therapy that includes stimulus spending, a loose-money policy and a weaker ...

Chinese PM pledges stronger partnership with Pakistan

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:43:16 -0400

ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang vowed to strengthen his country's partnership with Pakistan as he arrived Wednesday for a visit less than two weeks after the country's general election.The long-time allies will look to use the two-day trip to boost trade ties, and Li will meet prime minister-elect Nawaz Sharif -- who has not yet been sworn in -- as well as holding talks ...

Chinese premier begins 2-day visit to Pakistan

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:40:44 -0400

Octogenarians race to be oldest Everest climber

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:40:43 -0400

In this Friday, May 17, 2013 photo distributed by Miura Dolphins, 80-year-old Japanese adventurer Yuichiro Miura, right, and his son, Gota, rest on their way to a camp at 6,500 meters (21,325 feet) from a camp at 6,050 meters (19,849 feet) during their attempt to scale the summit of Mount Everest. According to his management office, Miura plans to reach the 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) peak on ...

Japan approves joining intl child abduction pact

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:40:40 -0400

TOKYO -; Japan's parliament has approved joining an international child custody treaty amid foreign concerns that Japanese mothers can take children away from foreign fathers without ...

Sunbathing crocodile shocks Indonesian beachgoers

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:34:43 -0400

JAKARTA--Hundreds of sunbathers fled a popular Indonesian beach in panic when a four-meter (13-foot) crocodile laid down next to them to soak up some rays, an official said Wednesday. Crowds were thronging the beach at Balikpapan on Borneo island at the weekend when the 500 kilogram (1,100 pound) reptile crawled ashore. ';The crocodile was spotted sunbathing near the lifeguard post on ...

China to host conference of Asian parties

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:33:51 -0400

China will host a special conference of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), according to the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).The conference will run under the theme, "Promote green development and build a beautiful Asia together," and be held in Xi'an, capital city of northwestern China's ...

Japanese PM to visit Myanmar for first time in 36 years

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:33:27 -0400

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Myanmar from May 24 to 26 to boost bilateral economic ties, becoming the first prime minister to visit the Southeast Asian country in 36 years, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday.During his visit, Abe, who will be accompanied by a group of Japanese business leaders, is expected to hold talks with Myanmar's leaders and ...

Asia-Pacific real estate investment trusts gain 18 in first four months of year

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:29:26 -0400

Property trusts across the Asia-Pacific have performed impressively in recent months, led by a surge in the value of Japanese real estate investment trusts (Reits). Reits in Japan gained 29.8 per cent in the first four months of this year, pulling up the region to an overall gain of 18.1 per cent in the same period. Singapore Reits were the next best performers, with a 14.7 per cent gain in the ...

Riding out Oklahoma tornado in a walk-in freezer A survivors tale

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:27:44 -0400

tornado ever bore down on her Chinese restaurant, folks could take refuge in its roomy walk-in freezer. On Monday, Zhang got the chance to test their idea -- and to live to tell the tale -- when one of the most powerful and destructive twisters to hit the United States in recent years ripped through this Oklahoma City suburb. "I'm so lucky," she said, over and over, as she told her ...

Chinese Premier arrives in Pak on two-day visit

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:27:38 -0400

Li Keqiang was accorded a red carpet welcome as he arrived here today on a two-day maiden visit to "iron brother" Pakistan for talks on bilateral and regional issues focusing economic cooperation. ...

Fishermen pay price in Asia’s volatile sea rifts

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:19:50 -0400

MASINLOC, Philippines--Along the northwestern Philippine coast, poor children with claw hammers clamber aboard an abandoned fishing vessel to pry loose and steal rusty nails from its deck. It’s become a familiar sight in villages where some fishermen have been forced to give up their livelihoods since China took control of their fishing haven last year. Fishermen say Chinese maritime ...

Asian equities are supported by the soft Fed comments yesterday

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:15:52 -0400

EUR/USD initially failed to extend the tentative short-term uptrend that started on Monday. EUR/USD tried to regain the 1.29 mark at the onset of trading in Europe. However, as was the case on Friday evening and earlier yesterday in Asia, this was a too high hurdle. EUR/USD gradually drifted south and reversed a big part of Monday's rebound. There was hardly any news. European equities ...

The dollar edged down against the yen in early Asian trade on Wednesday

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:15:51 -0400

Good Morning, - EUR/USD trade to one week high above 1.29...market awaits Bernanke testimony. - Asian shares: Japan's Nikkei +1.60%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng close, Korea's Kospi +0.64%, Australia's ASX 200 -0.17% and China's Shanghai -0.12%. - ECB's Liikanen urges open mind on asset-backed securities. - St. Louis Fed President James Bullard and New York Fed President ...

6 kids among 7 injured in south China knife attack

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:59:57 -0400

BEIJING (AP) -- Authorities in southern China say a mentally ill man stabbed six primary school students and an adult in the latest of several attacks on Chinese ...

Afghan students protest womens rights decree

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:59:57 -0400

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Hard-line Islamist students are protesting in the Afghan capital demanding the repeal of a presidential decree for women's rights that they say is ...

Australia set to cull 10000 wild horses

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:36:48 -0400

SYDNEY (AFP) - A controversial cull of up to 10,000 wild horses in Australia's harsh Outback reportedly began Wednesday in a bid to control the feral animals which officials say are destroying the land.The Central Land Council said animals -- including horses, donkeys and camels -- were dying in their thousands due to a lack of food and water and a cull was necessary on humanitarian and ...

Weak yen a help for Japan but headache elsewhere

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:34:27 -0400

TOKYO -; A steady decline in the yen is proving a godsend for exporters such as Toyota and has won solid support from Japan's main trading partners, who are betting the impact on their own currencies will be offset by gains from a recovery in the world's third-largest economy. It's not such good news for entrepreneurs like Thamonwan Thawornthaweewong, whose Angry Bird fish balls, ...

Business Briefs May 22

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:28:22 -0400

* May 30 is the ex-dividend date of Cotec Construction JSC (CTD) to receive dividend of the second round 2012 in cash at a rate of 10 percent. The final registration day is June 3. The payment date is June 17. * May 30 is the ex-dividend date of CNG Vietnam JSC (CNG) to receive dividend of the third round 2012 in cash at a rate of 15 percent. The final registration day is June 3. The payment ...

North Korea names hawkish general new military chief

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:27:58 -0400

AP FILE PHOTO SEOUL – North Korea has appointed as its new military chief a hawkish general, widely believed to have directed the 2010 shelling of a South Korean border island, state media confirmed Wednesday. In a brief dispatch, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) referred to Kim Kyok-Sik as chief of the Korean People’s Army general staff, a notch higher in the military hierarchy ...

US summit will help reduce suspicion China media

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:23:17 -0400

Chinese state media on Wednesday welcomed news of the firstsummit between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Barack Obama, saying the meeting will help "reduce suspicions" in the ...

Japan mulls resuming talks with N Korea

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:23:16 -0400

Japan is considering direct talks with North Korea, the government said Wednesday, adding momentum to the cause after a top level aide to the prime minister made a surprise trip to ...

Mobile services shut in Pakistan ahead of Chinese PMs visit

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:20:17 -0400

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities on Wednesday shut mobile services in Islamabad and the nearby garrison city of Rawalpindi over security concerns on the arrival ...

China charges six in sex video extortion case

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:20:09 -0400

BEIJING: A court in the city of Chongqing has charged six people with working together to blackmail government officials by recording videos of them having sex, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday. The six were charged with extortion on Monday, Xinhua said, citing a statement from judicial authorities in Chongqing, where they are slated to be tried. Investigators said the group ...

GSMA Puts The Connected City At The Heart Of Mobile Asia Expo 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:14:36 -0400

LONDON, May 22,2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At Mobile Asia Expo 2013 in Shanghai, the GSMA will unveil a new Connected City experience, building on the success of the Connected City at this year's Mobile World Congress. Opening on the ...

Irans Ahmadinejad says will challenge allys ban from election

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:06:58 -0400

Iran's electoral watchdog on Tuesday disqualified Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie, Ahmadinejad's former chief of staff, from running in the June 14 presidential vote. "In my opinion there will be no problem with the Leader and I will take up this issue until the last moment with him," Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday, according to the ISNA news agency. "I am hopeful the problem ...

Asia stares at another year of record bond issuance

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:52:35 -0400

Wed May 22, 2013 2:52am EDT * Region on track for US$85bn in dollar bonds by end-May * Total 2013 volume may reach US$155bn * S&P sees Asian bond market outgrowing US by 2017 By Christopher Langner May 22 (IFR) - Dollar bond issuance from Asia, excluding Australia and Japan, is on track to end May over US$85bn, a record, after two weeks of US$6bn-plus in fixed income supply and amid forecasts of ...

China Times Taiwan China need to discuss regional cooperation

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:28:43 -0400

China Sea Peace Initiative" put forth by Taiwan that calls for joint development of maritime resources despite differences over territorial issues. The recent diplomatic row between Taiwan and ...

Asian stocks buoyed by Wall Street

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:21:38 -0400

Sydney - Asian stocks rose on Wednesday following a positive lead from Wall Street with Japan's Nikkei reaching a five-and-a-half-year high, while the yen took a defensive stance ahead of the outcome of the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) policy ...

GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian stocks supported by Fed reassurance BOJ stands pat

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:20:55 -0400

Wed May 22, 2013 2:20am EDT * Some Asian stock markets buoyed by record highs on Wall St * Fed officials play down speculation of ending stimulus anytime soon * BOJ keeps policy unchanged as expected * JGB futures dip after BOJ, Nikkei stays firm By Masayuki Kitano and Vidya Ranganathan SINGAPORE, May 22 (Reuters) - Some Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday following a positive lead from Wall ...

IHT Rendezvous Tensions Flare in Asian Seas Now Involving Taiwan

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:03:36 -0400

Residents of Taichung in Taiwan, led by a Taiwanese lawmaker, Lu Shou-yen (center, in purple shirt,) chant slogans demanding an apology from the Philippine government for the death of a Taiwanese ...

Japan mulls talks with NKorea surprising allies

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:18:51 -0400

TOKYO -; Japan's government is looking into re-opening official talks with North Korea to resolve questions over the abductions of Japanese citizens decades ago, raising concerns among allies who fear Tokyo's focus on that issue might weaken efforts to reign in Pyongyang's nuclear weapons ...

Indian Shares Rise On Asian Cues

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:18:06 -0400

Indian shares edged higher on Wednesday, tracking firm Asian cues amid expectations that the Fed would stick to its $85 billion monthly bond-buying program until next year to bolster the economic recovery.Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan concluded its two-day policy meet with Governor Haruhiko Kuroda pledging to conduct money market operations so that the monetary base will increase at an annual pace ...

The June 7-8 Obama-Xi Summit Likely Start Of A New Asian Order

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:11:14 -0400

US President Barack Obama (2nd R) and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (2nd L) speak alongside translators during meetings in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 14, 2012. The White House on Tuesday welcomed China's likely next leader Xi Jinping, with President Barack Obama looking to push Beijing on a range of concerns yet also work for smoother future relations. ...

State media shows NKorea has new military chief

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:56:55 -0400

PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) -- A North Korean state media dispatch shows that leader Kim Jong Un has named a hardline general as his new military ...

Asia Markets Japan stocks hold gains after central-bank meet

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:53:18 -0400

HONG KONG (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks stayed on course for a fresh multiyear high Wednesday after the country's central bank raised its economic outlook, even as it left other elements of its monetary policy ...

Cannes Apsara Distribution Gets Asia Rights to Harrison Fords Paranoia

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:51:59 -0400

Cannes: While Theft Continues to Plague Fest, Charity Event Hits the Carlton (Column) The company has a deal with Buena Vista International in selected territories Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam and Cambodia. Titles secured by Apsara ...

All 28 bodies recovered from Indonesian mine room

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:10:01 -0400

JAKARTA, Indonesia -; Rescuers have recovered all 28 bodies from a collapsed underground room inside the giant U.S.-owned gold and copper mine in Indonesia's province of ...

Japans central bank says economy picking up

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:09:58 -0400

TOKYO -; Japan's central bank says the world's third-biggest economy is "picking up" as demand recovers in other countries and remains resilient at ...

Vietnam to co-operate with Asia-Pacific countries in managing scarce water

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:57:29 -0400

Vietnam is willing to co-operate with countries and exchange experiences in managing water resources and coping with natural disasters.Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan said this at the plenary session of the second Asia-Pacific Water Summit (APWS) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, yesterday.Nhan said Viet Nam, like other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, was facing great challenges in water ...

Oil down in Asian trade

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:36:43 -0400

AP PHOTO SINGAPORE – Oil was down in Asia on Wednesday as traders waited for the release of the latest energy inventory report from the United States, analysts said. Weak demand and surging crude stockpiles in the world’s biggest economy have put downward pressure on prices and limited gains. New York’s main contract, West Texas Intermediate light sweet crude for delivery in ...

Asia stocks rise as Fed official backs easy policy

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:26:21 -0400

Regional Fed chief James Bullard said in a speech Tuesday that the Fed should continue its monthly $85 billion in bond purchases, which drives down interest rates and thus encourages lending and spending, to help spur the U.S. economic ...

EM ASIA FX-Taiwan dollar firm most others stable

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:39:59 -0400

May 22 (Reuters) - The following table shows the position of Asian currencies against the dollar at 0135 GMT. CURRENCIES VS U.S. DOLLAR Change on the day at 0135 GMT Currency Latest bid Previous day Pct Move Japan yen 102.55 102.48 -0.07 Sing dlr 1.2587 1.2597 +0.08 Taiwan dlr 29.794 29.942 +0.50 Korean won 1111.10 1110.60 -0.05 Baht 29.78 29.79 +0.03 Peso ...

RPT-India leads Asian cuts in Iran oil imports ahead of waiver review

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:55:42 -0400

Tue May 21, 2013 9:55pm EDT (Repeats earlier story with no change in text) * India cuts Iranian crude imports 17 pct Dec-April vs previous 6 months * China may reduce Iranian imports 5-10 percent in 2013 * U.S. due to review Asia's waiver extensions on Iran sanctions 3rd time By Nidhi Verma and Meeyoung Cho NEW DELHI/SEOUL, May 21 (Reuters) - India has slashed Iranian oil imports by almost a ...

Afghan interpreters to get British visas

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:49:52 -0400

About 600 Afghan interpreters who served with British forces fighting the Taliban in southern Afghanistan will be allowed to stay in Britain, the government has revealed.Prime Minister David Cameron initially opposed calls to allow interpreters and their families to settle in Britain but backed down following a campaign.He is now preparing to offer five-year visas to those who served on the front ...

Asia Roundup Mixed ahead of Fed chief’s testimony

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:43:57 -0400

Asian shares were mixed yesterday, Tuesday May 21 2013 after a dip on Wall Street, ahead of a testimony from the US Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke and a policy meeting of the Japanese central bank. Tokyo stocks rose 0.13 per cent or 20.21 points to 15,381.02, Sydney fell 0.56 per cent or 28.9 points to 5,180.1 and Seoul slipped 0.07 per cent or 1.34 points to 1,981.09. In Shanghai shares ...

Twisters keep returning but Oklahoma still short on shelters

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:32:03 -0400

By Mary Wisniewski and David Bailey Tue May 21, 2013 9:32pm EDT May 21 (Reuters) - The people of central Oklahoma know all too well the destructive power of a tornado, but when a big one rolled toward the town of Moore again on Monday, residents had few basements and storm shelters to run to when the alarm sounded, officials said. Two elementary schools that were hit by the EF-5 tornado - the ...

Asia-Pacific Warehouse Rents Among World’s Highest CBRE Says

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:30:22 -0400

Six Asia-Pacific cities were among the 10 most expensive for warehouse rents, driven by demand from logistics companies and retailers amid limited space availability, according to CBRE Group Inc. The greater Tokyo area had the highest average rent in the first quarter of 2013, at $20.70 per square foot per year, and the strongest quarterly growth at 5.7 percent, ...

US approves immigration bill raises H-1B visa cap to 110k

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:09:15 -0400

Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote Tuesday night after supporters somberly sidestepped a controversy over the rights of gay spouses. The 13-5 vote cleared the way for an epic showdown on the Senate floor on the measure, which is one of President Barack Obama's top domestic priorities yet also gives the Republican Party a chance to recast itself as more appealing to ...

Three former Ford executives charged in Argentine torture cases

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:27:03 -0400

Argentine union workers for kidnapping and torture after the country's 1976 military coup. All three men are now in their 80s. Their case is part of a new wave of prosecutions focusing on corporate support for the dictators who ran Argentina in 1976-1983, and the 150-page indictment written by Judge Alicia Vence reads like a history lesson, going to considerable lengths to explain why their ...

China is not a threat to India Li Keqiang says

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:26:51 -0400

Li Keqiang on Tuesday while delivering a speech on his vision for India, China ties to a packed audience after his official visit here. Beginning with a traditional "namaste", Li's address at an event -- jointly organized by ICWA and FICCI -- stuck to predictable themes, touching the areas of New Delhi's concerns. "India and China have not shied away from addressing ...

Asia Set to Resume Risk-On Mode

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:21:26 -0400

Confidence is set to return to Asia's stock markets on Thursday, bolstered by gains on Wall Street as fears ease over the prospect of the Federal Reserve paring down its economic stimulus program. Japan's benchmark index may approach its next barrier at 15,500 ...

FBI names Benghazi suspects but no arrests yet

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:41 -0400

diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, last year, and has enough evidence to justify seizing them by military force as suspected terrorists, officials say. But there isn't enough proof to try them in a US civilian court as the Obama administration prefers. The men remain at large while the FBI gathers evidence. But the investigation has been slowed by the reduced US intelligence presence in ...

Anti-Muslim sentiments on rise in UK British minister

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:29 -0400

Sayeeda Warsi told TOI in an exclusive interview that "UK is witnessing a rising level of anti-Muslim sentiments" with hate crimes increasing by the ...

Los Angeles ranked worst US city for dog attacks on mail carriers

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:01:11 -0400

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles has earned the dubious distinction for the second year in a row as the US city with the most dog attacks on mail carriers, the US Postal Service said. California's biggest city accounted for 69 such attacks in fiscal 2012, which ended in September, compared with 42 attacks each in Seattle, Washington, and San Antonio, Texas, which tied for second place. Chicago ...

Delicate diplomacy Deadly spat between the Philippines and

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:16 -0400

A contentious territorial dispute between Taiwan and the Philippines is having nasty repercussions – and the US is caught in the middle. The trouble started earlier this month during a confrontation between the Philippine coast guard and a Taiwanese fishing boat in disputed waters. Although the circumstances are disputed, the incident culminated in the Philippines vessel opening fire, ...

Taiwan sees second jet crash within a week

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:13 -0400

A Mirage 2000 jet fighter crashed into the sea yesterday morning, but its two crewmembers managed to eject to safety and were rescued. It was the second air force jet fighter to be lost in less than a week after an F-16 crashed into the sea on Wednesday. Its pilot was also rescued. All of the air force’s F-16s were grounded after the incident. The air force said contact with the ...

Tensions rise between China N Korea over boat held hostage

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:10 -0400

A Chinese fishing boat was seized by armed North Koreans who are demanding a ransom of nearly $100,000 for the release of the ship and 16 Chinese crew members. The Chinese Communist Party’s Global Times newspaper suggested in Monday’s editions that the capture of the boat might have been in retaliation for Chinese support of UN sanctions on North Korea. The ship, known as Liaoning ...

A rare peek into a Justice Department leak probe

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:06 -0400

When the Justice Department began investigating possible leaks of classified information about North Korea in 2009, investigators did more than obtain telephone records of a working journalist suspected of receiving the secret material. They used security badge access records to track the reporter’s comings and goings from the State Department, according to a newly obtained court ...

Korea’s GS EC wins $1 billion refinery deal from Turkey

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:05 -0400

South Korea’s GS Engineering & Construction said on Tuesday it had received an order worth 1.16 trillion won ($1.04 billion) from Turkey to build a refinery plant. It said in a regulatory filing that Italian firm Saipem, Spanish oil engineering firm Tecnicas Reunidas and Japanese company Itochu were also part of the joint construction ...

Mother of China rape victim turns rights crusader

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:02 -0400

The kidnap, rape and forced prostitution of her daughter set Tang Hui on a mission to seek justice. But it was Chinese authorities’ repeated obstructions, even detaining her, that made her a die-hard activist. For seven years she has fought against the men who violated her child, and the system that blocked her, becoming a cause celebre in 2012 after her efforts landed her in a labour ...

China’s Li to pay tribute to heroic Indian doctor

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:59 -0400

China’s premier will pay his respects Tuesday to the family of an Indian doctor who died treating Chinese troops more than 70 years ago, becoming a rare symbol of friendship between the two nations. Li Keqiang, like Chinese leaders before him, will take time out of his busy India visit to meet relatives of Dwarkanath Kotnis, who provided emergency medical aid for four years during the ...

China Trade Surplus Seen by BofA at One-Tenth Customs Figure

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:55 -0400

China’s trade surplus is one-tenth the official $61 billion reported so far this year after accounting for fake transactions used to disguise hot-money inflows, Bank of America Corp. says. The true surplus is about $6 billion, according to Lu Ting, Bank of America’s head of Greater China economics in Hong Kong. That would be the smallest for January-April since the nation posted a ...

China insurer PICC PC plans $938 million rights offer

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:53 -0400

Chinese state-controlled insurer PICC Property and Casualty Co Ltd (PICC P&C) is raising 5.76 billion yuan ($938 million) to bolster capital, expecting strong growth and amid signs that profitability of Chinese insurers are coming under pressure. China’s property and casualty insurance market is expanding between 10-15 percent annually, making it the fastest growing in the world. That ...

In China Weighing Economic and Political Freedoms

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:50 -0400

As discussed in last week’s column, China’s leadership is said to be making plans to unveil reforms at the next meeting of all members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, likely to be held in October. Yet any policy changes may satisfy calls for deeper economic reforms but disappoint hopes for broader political reforms. Last week Reuters reported that President ...

China ‘cannot be free rider on trade’

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:47 -0400

China cannot be a ';free rider'; in global trade, the EU’s trade commissioner has warned. Karel De Gucht said that China had to take responsibility for the global trading system, just as the EU did. De Gucht’s comments come just days after the EU said it may investigate claims that Chinese telecom firms have been paid subsidies, allowing them to flood markets with cheap ...

Goldman sells final stake in China’s ICBC

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:45 -0400

Goldman Sachs is selling the rest of its Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) stake, worth around $1.1 billion, in a move to exit an investment it made into the bank seven years ago. Goldman is selling the shares of China’s largest commercial banking group in the range of HK$5.47 to HK$5.50 each ($0.70 to $0.71), a discount of 2.5 percent to 3.0 percent compared to ...

3 NYU Scientists Accepted Bribes From China US Says

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:44 -0400

It was, the chief federal prosecutor in Manhattan said on Monday, ';a case of inviting and paying for foxes in the henhouse.'; Three researchers at the New York University School of Medicine who specialised in magnetic resonance imaging technology had been working on research sponsored by a grant from the National Institutes of Health. But, prosecutors charged on Monday, the three ...

Japan Plans Low-Interest Loans for Rooftop Solar Nikkei Says

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:26:41 -0400

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to provide low-interest loans to companies that borrow residential rooftop space for solar power generation, the Nikkei newspaper reported today. The ministry plans to make loans available through government financial institutions such as Development Bank of Japan Inc., the newspaper cited Trade minister Toshimitsu Motegi as saying. ...