Indonesia's Widodo takes office, reaches out to foes
Joko Widod was sworn in as president and immediately reached out to his political foes to seek support for his ambitious reform agenda.
Japan PM Abe loses two female ministers over cash scandals
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe suffered a double setback with the resignations of two female cabinet ministers over claims they misused political funds.
'Foreign forces' at work in Hong Kong protests, says leader
Hong Kong's embattled leader said "foreign forces" were at work in the pro-democracy movement that has paralysed parts of the city.
Hours of prep make perfect for Japan model
Plumes of hairspray create a suffocating fug over a group of fashion models waiting to be beautified in a room overlooking Tokyo's trendy Shibuya district.
Japan industry minister may resign over make-up scandal: report
Japan's industry minister could resign over claims she spent political donations on make-up.
Russia under fire over MH17 crash probe
Australian Foreign Minister delivered a diplomatic version of the "shirt front" promised by Prime Minister as Russia came under fire over the fate of flight MH17.
New Zealand PM says UN seat a win for small states
New Zealand's election to the UN Security Council is a victory for small states that shows chequebook diplomacy is not needed to win a spot at the top table.
Natural disasters killed over 22,000 in 2013: Red Cross
Natural disasters claimed over 22,000 lives last year, with Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines the deadliest of all, the Red Cross said.
HK legal chief says govt 'impartial' on police brutality
Hong Kong's justice chief insisted that any prosecution of plainclothes officers who were filmed beating a handcuffed protester would be handled impartially.
Australian author Richard Flanagan wins Man Booker Prize
Novelist Richard Flanagan said he was ashamed to be Australian after winning the Man Booker Prize for his book "The Narrow Road to the Deep North".
More than 82 million in poverty in China: official
More than 82 million people in China still live on less than about $1 a day, despite a decades-long boom that made it the world's second-largest economy.
Hong Kong police 'removed' over protest brutality video: govt
Hong Kong police officers involved in an apparent assault on a protester have been "removed" from their positions, the city's security chief said..
Doyenne of French cinema Deneuve 'touched' by Bollywood award
French cinema queen Catherine Deneuve said she was "pleased and touched" to accept a lifetime achievement award at the Mumbai Film Festival.
Fashion Week Tokyo opens with burst of butterflies, kisses
Fashion Week Tokyo was in full swing after it opened in a burst of colour and bold prints, with butterflies and kisses.
Workers clean up as deadly Indian cyclone toll hits 17
Workers rushed to restore communication and power links and clear roads after a cyclone battered India's east coast.
Relief effort begins after deadly cyclone hits India
A major relief operation was under way after a cyclone pounded India's eastern coast, killing at least six people and leaving a trail of destruction.
Typhoon Vongfong slams into Japan
Powerful typhoon Vongfong barrelled into Japan's main islands, with at least one person missing and dozens injured while more than 500 flights were grounded.
Australia PM vows to 'shirtfront' Putin at G20 over MH17
Prime Minister vowed to "shirtfront", or confront, Russian President at the G20 summit next month over the loss of Australian lives in the MH17 crash.
Uber-heated battle as mobile apps rattle Asia's taxis
Southeast Asia's notorious taxi market is undergoing a shakeout as Uber and homegrown mobile booking applications gain popularity in a region.
Mickey Mouse currency a money spinner for tiny Niue
The Pacific nation of Niue has released new coins with images of Disney characters on one side and Queen Elizabeth II on the other.