60 countries expected at Tokyo Syria meet
Japan said Friday around 150 delegates from some 60 countries are expected to attend an international conference in Tokyo this month aimed at pressuring the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Storm Sandy delays global launch of Titanic II
The flamboyant Australian mining magnate behind the building of the Titanic II said Friday a New York gala to unveil plans for the vessel would be delayed out of respect for the victims of super storm Sandy.
Australia to sign up for Kyoto 2
Key greenhouse gas emitter Australia on Friday said it will sign up for a second round of the Kyoto Protocol environmental protection treaty, but New Zealand opted out.
Petronas yanks Diwali video over funeral dance blunder
Malaysian state energy firm Petronas has pulled a YouTube music video it posted to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali after angry viewers pointed out that it depicted an inappropriate funeral dance.
Japan must decide on trade pact before polls: minister
A government minister on Friday said Japan had to decide on its participation in a huge Pacific-wide free trade deal before national polls, in what could be an early salvo in the election campaign.
11 dead, seven missing in Indonesia flash flood
At least 11 people were killed and seven missing after a flash flood triggered by heavy rains hit a village on Indonesia's Sulawesi island.
Security increase reported after Tibet protests
China is ramping up security in Tibetan areas after a spate of self-immolation protests just as Beijing holds a key political gathering.
Australia scraps plan to filter Internet
Australia on Friday scrapped a controversial plan to filter the Internet, saying it will instead block hundreds of websites identified by Interpol as among the worst child abuse sites.
Abramovich eyes Australian gas investment - report
Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich jetted into Australia for talks with resource company Linc Energy, renowned for its underground coal gasification (UCG) technology.
Kazakhstan student serving life sentence in China
A Kazakhstan student who used to study in one of Guangzhou universities is currently serving a life sentence for possession and distribution of hard drugs.
China leader warns of 'collapse' at start of congress
China's president Thursday warned the Communist Party faces "collapse" if it fails to clean up corruption and called for an economic revamp as he opened a congress to inaugurate a new slate of leaders.
Naomi Campbell hosts huge party for boyfriend in India
A star-studded guestlist including Kate Moss and Bob Geldof gathered in India Wednesday for a lavish 50th birthday party arranged by supermodel Naomi Campbell for her Russian billionaire boyfriend.
Central Asian Foreign Ministers to meet in Japan
Kazakhstan Foreign Minister will go to Japan to meet with his colleagues from Central Asia.
Eight in 10 Chinese want political reform: survey
Eight out of 10 people in China's major cities support political reform, according to a survey reported Wednesday, on the eve of a once-in-a-decade leadership transition.
Cosmetics giant L'Oreal opens huge Indonesia plant
Cosmetics giant L'Oreal on Wednesday opened its biggest factory in the world in Indonesia, as it seeks to profit from strong demand for beauty products in fast-growing Asia.
Man dies of thirst in Australian Outback
A 25-year-old man died and another was recovering in hospital Wednesday after they became stranded in the harsh Australian Outback, prompting warnings about the risks of the desert.
TEPCO says Fukushima clean up, compensation may hit $125 bn
The cost of cleaning up the mess left by meltdowns at Fukushima nuclear power station and compensating those affected may double to $125 billion.
Camilla highlights cause close to her heart
Prince Charles's wife Camilla spoke Wednesday of her mother's death from osteoporosis as she used the royal couple's Australian tour to highlight a cause close to her heart.
Kazakhstan-China oil pipeline will operate at full stream by 2014
Commercial talks are underway between China and Kazakhstan: KazTransOil head.
Gandalf actor chides New Zealand PM over gay 'joke'
British actor Ian McKellan has criticised New Zealand Prime Minister John Key for using the word "gay" to mock a radio host's attire, saying the term should not be casually used as an insult.