Asia-Pacific

Frozen fish imported from Japan are seen at a storage facility at Ladkrabang customs in Bangkok, Thailand.

Why the West should care about Thailand’s new fight against fishing slavery

It’s been very difficult to determine whether the fish on your plate, or in your pet’s dish, was caught by an enslaved person. Thailand is tightening up its monitoring system.

Why the West should care about Thailand’s new fight against fishing slavery
US F-22 stealth fighter jets fly over Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2016.

The US has a massive military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Here's what you need to know about it.

The US has a massive military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Here's what you need to know about it.
South Korea's Defense Minister Han Min-koo shows US Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Japan's Defense Minister Tomomi Inada how to do a handshake

North Korea, South China Sea and more: What the Pentagon chief is up to in Asia

North Korea, South China Sea and more: What the Pentagon chief is up to in Asia
Sudanese asylum seeker Abdul Aziz Muhammed, who has been stuck in a Australian-funded immigration detention camp on a remote island in Papua New Guinea for nearly four years. His only hope is that the Obama-era agreement to resettle refugees like him to t

New hope for a Sudanese asylum-seeker stuck in an Australian offshore detention camp

New hope for a Sudanese asylum-seeker stuck in an Australian offshore detention camp
China missiles

A guide to the 'horrific' consequences of a US-China naval war

A guide to the 'horrific' consequences of a US-China naval war
Obama-China

President Obama's final China trip highlights "pivot to Asia"

President Barack Obama begins his 11th and final presidential trip to the Asia-Pacific in earnest on Friday, visiting China to nurture what has become arguably the world's most important relationship and cementing an eight-year "pivot to Asia."

President Obama's final China trip highlights "pivot to Asia"
President Xi Jinping of China (on right) shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Beijing on Novemeber 10, 2014.

Even a chilly handshake is a step forward for China and Japan

There were no smiles or warmth and no lingering chit-chat, but the leaders of China and Japan actually shook hands in front of the cameras. And even that small step is a good sign for a troubled relationship.

Even a chilly handshake is a step forward for China and Japan
A group of journalists supports the pro-democracy protest in Tiananmen Square, Beijing May 17, 1989.

The Tiananmen Square story was historic for the international news business — but it was also a fluke

The protests at Tiananmen Square in 1989 were a huge news story around the world. But part of the reason for that was a fluke of history. The foreign media was already in Beijing — at the invitation of the Chinese government.

The Tiananmen Square story was historic for the international news business — but it was also a fluke
The Yasukuni Shrine

Why is the Yasukuni Shrine so controversial?

China and South Korea have protested strongly to Japan, after the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, visited the Yasukuni shrine to Japan's war dead. But why is the Shrine so controversial?

Why is the Yasukuni Shrine so controversial?
US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid gathers with other Democratic Party senate members and Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray (L) on the steps of the US Capitol.

The political chaos in Washington is creating jitters overseas

Washington's latest round of political implosion could have negative impact on the global economy and US credibility abroad.

The political chaos in Washington is creating jitters overseas

Election, either way, will influence America's 'pivot' to Asia on foreign policy

President Barack Obama has announced his intention to shift America's foreign policy away from Iraq and Afghanistan and toward China and Asia in general. That could be easier, some experts say, in a second term. But he may be boxed in by budget cuts. And what if Mitt Romney wins? What will he do?

Election, either way, will influence America's 'pivot' to Asia on foreign policy

China's army newspaper warns troops to ignore rumors as controversy swirls before power transfer

China will undergo its once-in-a-decade leadership transition this year -- and the stakes are always high. This year, though, rumors of military coups and political intrigue among top leaders is complicating matters and has political leaders doing their best to retain control.

China's army newspaper warns troops to ignore rumors as controversy swirls before power transfer

VIDEO: Obama visits Australia, announces new military base there

As China seeks to assert itself in Asia, President Barack Obama visited Australia to announce deeper ties between the nations' militaries, including a new Marine base for the United States. The move was seen as a counter-balance against China's growing presence.

VIDEO: Obama visits Australia, announces new military base there

Ai Weiwei out of prison, stuck in Beijing

After being detained for 80 days by the Chinese Government, artist Ai Weiwei was released on bail. The government cites economic crimes for his detention, such as evading taxes and destroying documents.

Ai Weiwei out of prison, stuck in Beijing