Taiwan shows force in biggest live-fire drill since 2008 Taiwan staged its biggest live-fire drill since 2008 Wednesday, in an operation involving more than 7000 troops that simulated a Chinese attack as its leader warned of Beijing's arms build-up.
Sharks dive by the moon: study The moon and water temperature affect the diving behaviour of sharks, researchers reported Tuesday, in a discovery that could help prevent fishermen from catching the marine predators inadvertently.
17 April 2013
Gold claws back losses after biggest fall in 30 years Gold prices recovered slightly Tuesday after suffering their heaviest slump in 30 years triggered by weak Chinese growth data and reports Cyprus was planning to sell part of its reserves.
17 April 2013
Psy's 'Gentleman' hits 100 mn YouTube views "Gangnam Style" star Psy's new music video crossed the 100 million views mark on YouTube Wednesday, shattering another record on the video-sharing site since its much-anticipated weekend debut.
17 April 2013
Online pictures of dead birds spur China flu openness Photos of 10 dead sparrows on a Chinese pavement which went viral on social media and drew a swift official response show how hard covering up a bird flu outbreak would be in the Internet age.
17 April 2013
Salt-tolerant rice bred at Philippines institute Scientists have successfully bred a rice variety that is salt-tolerant, which could enable farmers to reclaim coastal areas rendered useless by sea water.
17 April 2013
Sprint counteroffer to make no difference: SoftBank Japan's SoftBank said Tuesday it still expects its bid to acquire Sprint Nextel will succeed on schedule in July, despite a higher counter-offer from a US firm.
N. Korea threatens South over 'monstrous' act North Korea's military on Tuesday threatened the South with imminent "sledge-hammer" retaliation unless Seoul apologised for anti-Pyongyang protestors burning effigies of its revered leaders.
16 April 2013
Organised crime worth $90 bn a year in East Asia Organised crime groups dealing in fake goods, drugs, human trafficking and illicit wildlife trade earn nearly $90 billion annually in East Asia and the Pacific.
16 April 2013
S. Korea proposes $17.3 bn extra budget for 2013 South Korea proposed Tuesday a 17.3 trillion won ($15.4 billion) supplementary budget to help boost the economy, including further spending on defence at a time of heightened tensions with the North.
16 April 2013
New Zealand set to legalise gay marriage New Zealand is poised to become the first Asia-Pacific nation to legalise same-sex marriage in a parliamentary vote that gay rights advocates on Tuesday hailed as a milestone for equality.
Oil tumbles for second day on slower Chinese growth Oil prices tumbled further in Asia on Tuesday, dragged by prospects of weaker crude demand from China after data showed the world's second largest economy was not growing as fast as expected.
Swedish Holocaust hero made honorary Australian Australia paid tribute on Monday to Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who saved thousands of Jews during World War II, by making him the country's first honorary citizen.