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Philippines Hopes Better Credit Rating Will Draw Investors
The Philippines has shrugged off decades of financial woes to earn its first investment-grade credit rating from one of the world's leading ratings agencies. Economists say it was only a matter of time before the Philippines would be given an investment-grade rating
North Korea May Have Finally Gone Too Far
It seems North Korea has finally gone too far -- even for China, its patron state and only true friend. For the first time, Chinese leaders seem to be taking modest steps intended to punish their southern neighbor for threatening to conduct a third nuclear-weapons test
New Faces, Old Tensions in East Asia
It is a time of tension in East Asia with growing nationalism, territorial claims between Japan and its neighbours and the persistent challenge of a nuclear North Korea
Why Civil Registration Matters in Asia
Stronger civil registration systems are needed in Asia, home to 60 percent of the world's population, to ensure the legal and human rights of all, and facilitate health planning
With its soft-power overtures, China has tried to expand its influence without disquieting its neighbors and trade partners. But through its hard-power posturing, China has achieved the exact opposite
Despite Increasing Prosperity, Vietnam's Appetites Remain Unique
You don't have to spend much time in Vietnam before you notice something unusual. You hear no birds, see no squirrels or rats scurrying. No dogs out for a walk. In fact, you see almost no wild or domesticated animals at all. Where'd they all go?
Food Security Still Major Issue in Southeast Asia
Buddhists, like everyone, must eat. And in this part of the world, that's a constant challenge for most people. So the fat Buddha is smiling because he has reached the state where he no longer has to worry about getting enough to eat
Thousands of angry citizens have stood up to challenge their governments. But in Asia, home to some of the world's most authoritarian nations, we've seen none of that. Vietnam, however, may be setting a path for other Asian states
It has been 50 years since JFK ordered U.S. 'advisers' to South Vietnam to help battle the communist North and 37 years since the end of that divisive war. Today, Vietnam is fighting a war with itself
Next year is the 60th anniversary of the armistice that ended the hot war but left the Korean peninsula technically and legally still at war. A former missionary reflects on the possibility for peace on the Korean peninsula
Thailand Loses Top Rice Exporter Title in 2012
Thailand lost its position as the world's largest exporter of rice in 2012 and was overtaken by India and Vietnam, as an industry group blamed the government's controversial policy aimed to boost farmer incomes
Thailand Defies U.N. Calls; Deports 73 Rohingyas to Myanmar
Defying United Nations calls to accept Myanmar's Rohingyas as Muslim minority amid sectarian bloodshed in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, Thailand sent dozens of Rohingyas back to their homeland
Sex Trafficking: One Night in Bangkok
Most of us can read about sex trafficking with a sense of detachment. It is only when we see its results up close that we are forced to confront the full extent of its horror
Deja Vu on the Korean Peninsula
North Korea will not consider relinquishing its nuclear program without fundamental changes to the security dynamic in the region
The Wahhabi War on Indonesia's Shiites
Indonesia's Shi'a minority is under heavy attack. It is becoming increasingly clear that Saudi Arabia's intolerant brand of Wahhabi Sunni Islam is behind most of the assaults
Myanmar's Junta Newspapers Set for Historic Makeover
Amid a series of reforms, Myanmar's official newspapers, which have long been the mouthpieces of former military junta, are all set for a historic revamp
Southeast Asia Between the Giants
China's growing regional presence – not to mention its territorial claims – is prompting many Southeast Asian states to reinvigorate their ties with the United States
Despite the unifying power of the monarchy, Thailand remains bedeviled by political tensions and ethnic unrest. These may eventually determine the country's relations with the United States and China
Future Challenges in the United States - Philippines Alliance
As part of its efforts to boost its presence within Southeast Asia, the United States has decided to reaffirm its military support for the Philippines. Yet this will not come at the price of heightening tensions with China
Taiwan, according to Shelley Rigger, is a small and beautiful island, but also a global powerhouse
Young South Koreans Unfazed By North Korean Threat
You might think South Korea is keeping carefully preserved attack sites to help convince visiting world leaders of North Korea's perfidy. But no, the primary audience is actually South Koreans
Tall Tale about Special Forces in North Korea?
The U.S. Army denies a story about the use of Special Forces in North Korea. But a great deal lies behind this slip of the lip
The United States in Korea: A Strategy of Inertia
This is an opportunity to review Washington's strategy is in Korea and how the countries around North Korea (China, Russia, South Korea and Japan) view the region
China's Social 'Harmony' More Fragile Than It Appears
Want to know what it's like to be a Chinese leader today? They spend their days arrayed before a dyke, desperately sticking fingers in leaks that keep springing
Myanmar's ongoing liberalization and its normalization of relations with the outside world have the possibility of profoundly affecting geopolitics in Asia -- and all for the better
Kim Jong-il and the Normalization of Japan-North Korea Relations
Despite the recent change in North Korea's leadership, it is important that talks resume between North Korea and Japan
North Korea's stability is in question as the country tries to smoothly transition from the leadership of the late Kim Jong Il to that of his youngest son and chosen successor, Kim Jong Un
South Korean parliamentarian Kim Geun-Tae was a soft-spoken man dedicated to reunification of the Koreas
Natural Disasters Becoming Costlier Than Ever
Natural disasters in Asia in 2011 could well prove to be the costliest ever, experts say.
Philippines: More Evacuations in Flood-Hit Mindanao
Weeks after tropical storm Washi caused severe flooding on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, leaving over 1,200 dead and thousands homeless, thousands more people have been evacuated from their homes following fresh flooding
Renewed Focus on Pacific Region Intended to Distract from Unrest at Home?
What is at stake between China and the United States? We are on the opposite sides of the world with next to nothing to fight about. Industrial domination of the world? What does that actually mean, and what is it worth? Bragging rights about who is top nation? That's what Washington seems to care about
Burma Requires Alliance Between Armed and Nonviolent Resistance
To throw off the repression of its military regime, the people of Burma need a two-pronged approach
South China Sea Disputes: Why conflict is Not Inevitable
The South China Sea issue and China's position on it have become subjects of much deliberation, especially since the ASEAN Regional Forum Meeting at Hanoi last July. It is generally believed that the South China Sea will emerge as the hot-spot of conflict in the coming years. Here's why
How Space Technology Aids Flood Response
As residents across flood-ravaged Southeast Asia look up to the skies and brace for more rain, satellites 35,800 kilometers away are looking down on them
Second Lovers' Shooting Hits Largest Philippine Mall Operator
Two Filipinos are in critical condition following an apparent lovers' shooting incident. It was the second such incident to hit the largest mall operator in the Philippines within one week
Indonesia's Global Significance
Indonesia has become a geopolitical focus of three forces -- China, Islamists and the United States.
'Moneyball-ing' the Philippines Defense Architecture
Both countries are determined to keep the Scarborough Shoals within their territorial waters. But if China deployed force to stake its claim, the Philippines' armed forces would, in their current state, offer little resistance
The Limits of Information in North Korea
North Koreans now know more about the outside world than ever before. So, why haven't they changed their regime?
China is making the ridiculous assertion that it controls virtually all of the seas from Korea all the way down to Malaysia and Brunei
Because of outsourcing, inequality is ballooning in China
Asia is currently in the middle of an unprecedented arms race that is sharpening tensions in the region and competing with efforts to address poverty and growing inequality
The only safe prediction about Burma's future is that any prediction will probably be incorrect
China's Looming Economic Crisis
The Chinese economy continues to grow at a fast pace. But signs of distress lurk just below the surface
Should United States Engage North Korea?
The United States has failed in its policies to punish, isolate, and otherwise push North Korea toward collapse. Perhaps it should try engagement instead
Cambodia: Schools and Students Struggle Post-Monsoon Floods
Schools damaged in Cambodia's worst monsoons in more than a decade may take up to a year to recover after flooding delayed the start of school for thousands of students nationwide
Aquino Off to U.S. for Open Government Partnership Launch
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III left for the U.S. to join the launching of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in New York City. The OGP is a global effort to make governments efficient and responsive to citizens by fighting corruption and promoting transparency
Aquino Orders Imprisonment of Former Philippine Military Comptroller
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines comptroller Gen. Carlos Garcia made Philippines history twice recently. He is the first two-star general to be sent to the national penitentiary. However, he is serving merely two years although he stole $7 million (PHP 303 million) from military coffers
Islamist Rampage Blamed in Bangladesh Riots
Islamists ran amok in the Bangladesh capital demanding release of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders detained to stand trial for war crimes
United States to Help Bangladesh Combat Bird Flu
Bangladesh has accepted an offer from the United States to combat the bird flu virus by developing 'seed virus,' a key ingredient to make a vaccine in an emergency
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's resignation after just eight months in office has triggered shock across Japan and raised new doubts about the country's political stability. The fact that a U.S. military base figured centrally in his decision has also generated concerns about the damage to the crucial relationship with Washington under his government.
Laos: Communal Land Titles Could Save More Than Forests
With pressure on natural resources increasing in Laos, the first community land titles granted to five villages in Vientiane Province could provide a national model for environmental protection while safeguarding the livelihoods of villagers
Asia is spending more on the military and selling more weapons to the world
After three years of frozen relations between North Korea and the United States, the two longstanding adversaries are on the verge of a thaw
Chinese Benefits from Investing in Rason
While the details are unclear, China has reason to invest in Rason. North Korea is eager to accept the investment because economic uncertainty during a time of transition could be catastrophic for the new regime
China has announced an ambitious five-year plan that includes the launch of space laboratories, a manned spaceship to the moon and the creation of its own global satellite navigation system that will almost certainly be used for military purposes
Reassessing International Access in Myanmar
Access for international aid workers in Myanmar shows signs of improving, but aid workers say huge challenges remain
The Kachin's Role in Myanmar - Chinese Relations
The Kachin could shape Myanmar's ability to secure international investment and its relationship with China
Isolation and Poverty Loom for Asia's Aging Population
Asia has one of the largest concentrations globally of aging persons, creating a host of potential challenges
Is There Hope for a North Korean Thaw?
Don't give up on Kim Jong-un, the cherubic naif who is North Korea's new supreme leader
Thailand: Authorities Boost Flood-Control Measures
The Thai government is pressing ahead with efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding during the upcoming rainy season, but greater coordination is still needed, flood experts say
Philippines: Geo-hazard Maps Go Public
The Philippine government has made geo-hazard maps, which outline areas prone to natural disasters, publicly available in a bid to reduce vulnerability at community level
Why Does America Defend the Weak and Small?
Only the United States seems to have an affinity for protecting tiny, vulnerable countries. Israelis, anti-communist Chinese, Kurds, Greeks and Armenians have a few things in common. They have relatively small populations, aggressive neighbors, few strong allies, many expatriates and refugees in the United States, and a tragic history of persecution and genocide
In seemingly yet another attempt to emphasise the benign nature of China's rise, the Information Office of the State Council released a white paper entitled 'China's Peaceful Development'
Thailand: Undocumented Workers Exploited Post Thai Floods
While the Burmese government has re-opened a key border checkpoint between Thailand and Myanmar to accommodate thousands of migrants fleeing Thailand's flooded factories, undocumented -- and now unemployed -- migrants face extortion and abuse as they try to return home
'Dramatic Developments' But Challenges Ahead for Myanmar
One year after Myanmar held its first election in 20 years, domestic and international opinion is still cautious about the prospects for meaningful change in this nation of more than 55 million people
China Forced to Temper Mercenary Approach to International Trade
China has been taking the code of Western corporations -- 'ye who enter the marketplace, abandon all ethics' -- to the next level
Latin America's Blind Love With China May Be Over
After a decade of record Latin American exports to China, which helped the region grow significantly despite the recent global recession, there are signs that the honeymoon may be coming to an end
China's Wealthiest Unfazed by Global Turmoil
The financial breakdown gripping most global economies today might have little effect or perhaps none at all to China's wealthiest
Recent months have witnessed renewed tensions over disputed territories in the South China Sea. In response to China's encroaching military maneuvers and the country's designation of the whole area as part of its indisputable sovereignty, several South East Asian countries have found themselves dangerously vulnerable
The people accept the autocratic Communist Party of China (CPC) regime with its corruption and minimal public participation, and the CPC regime delivers a continuous and rapid improvement in the economic standard of living. But that social contract is now at risk, as China is on an unsustainable path that will result in economic stagnation or decline in the coming decades
The Hype and the Reality of China's Economic Rise
The global economic crisis has turned out to be little more than a pothole on the road of China's economic growth. Most economists continue to predict rapid growth for the country well into the future. However, these predictions are at once cautious about the near future and optimistic about the distant future. By coincidence or design, they are moderated extrapolations of current trends
Stiglitz Upbeat About China and Latin America
Joseph Stiglitz is quite upbeat about Latin America, Asia and other emerging economies when I interviewed him extensively about the possibility of a new world recession
In the first quarter of 2011, the Japanese economy shrunk by 3.5 percent. Projections for the second quarter also call for further contraction, but experts are expecting a sharp pickup in growth in the second half of the year and in 2012 as the country rebuilds
Seoul Blasts Pyongyang For Fabricating Shelling Incident
Just a day after South Korea fired warning shots on North Korea in response to its shell firing near the disputed border, Seoul blasted Pyongyang for faking up the incident
North Korea Planned Assassination of South Korean Defense Minister
If media reports are to be believed, North Korea has plotted to kill South Korean defense minister Kim Kwan-Jin, who pledged to strongly respond to attacks from the communist state
Calls For End To Torture and Extrajudicial Killings By Bangladeshi Police
Continuing police torture and extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh need to be stamped out, say rights activists, officials and citizens
Muslim Rebels Seek Substate In Philippines
The presidential palace confirmed that Muslim rebel leaders proposed to President Benigno Aquino III the creation of a Muslim substate in the Philippines during their unannounced meeting in Tokyo, Japan
DOJ Places Former Philippine President On Immigration Watchlist
On the order of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, the Bureau of Immigration placed on its watchlist former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Korean Tensions: Waiting for China
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, after a measured response to the sinking of a South Korean naval vessel two months ago, announced Seoul's own actions, including a freeze in trade with the North. Lee also said that should another such incident occur, South Korea would take all steps necessary for self defense
Asia Economy: Tamed Asian Tigers, Distressed Chinese Dragon
Since the 1960s, Asian economies have focused primarily on exports. It was the key to success in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. Much of Southeast Asia and China soon followed suit. Over the past decade, the region's exports have increased from 37 percent to 47 percent of GDP. By hitching their wagons to exports, however, Asian countries left themselves vulnerable to a drop-off in Western consumption
A New Kind of Korea: Building Trust Between Seoul and Pyongyang
Kim Jong Il's Visit to Russia: Just More Mixed Messages?
North Korea Accuses South Korea of Plotting to Destroy Its Socialist System
