Asia Pacific

Vocal pro-democracy supporter will be in jail until April, in a move condemned as an attempt to silence critics.

The Hong Kong activist rose to prominence as a teenager and is facing 3 years in jail when he’s sentenced on Wednesday.

Rights group, legislators say military committed ‘war crimes’ for ‘desecrating’ the body of politician’s daughter.

US blocks cotton made by firm in China’s Xinjiang province, saying it uses forced labour of Uighur Muslims.

Federal government secures new powers over agreements amid deepening spat with China.

Government looking into unreported political funds managed by the secretary of Abe, who resigned in September.

Rights groups decry ‘heartbreaking and outrageous’ sentence as Joshua Wong gets 13 and a half months in prison.

Nearly 500,000 high school students are sitting the test with stringent measures imposed to curb the virus.

Sharp online response after commercial shows several teenage girls bullied in school over race or other differences.

Top Thai court rules in favour of Prayuth Chan-ocha in conflict-of-interest case over living arrangement.

New Zealand pledges carbon neutral government by 2025, announces $141m fund to finance electric or hybrid vehicles.

US-based Eat Just’s meat is created from animal cells, not plant-based substitutes. After chicken, beef may be next.

The story of unrequited love set in 1960s Hong Kong, romanticised the image of a city in constant flux.

Amendment to military service law provides exceptions for K-pop singers who improve country’s profile and economy.

If the Chang’e-5 mission is successful, China will become third country after US and Russia to collect lunar material.

‘Game-changer’ telescope takes panoramic images of deep space at record speed and opens the way to new discoveries.

Series of defence, trade and foreign policy disputes have led to the lowest point in two countries’ ties in decades.

The US alleges China is ‘seeking to undo’ United Nations sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea’s nuclear programme.

Falling ash and sulphur blanket several villages on the slopes of Mount Semeru in Java island’s Lumajang district.

Beijing says China advocates for global peace and security, not intimidation or coercion.

Australia’s defence minister says ‘game-changing’ project with US will help deter aggression against its interests.

Amnesty says 69 of the 170 “prisoners of conscience” in Vietnam are in jail because of their online activism.

Officials double down on Australia, saying country should be ashamed of alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan.

The 51-year-old Indonesian politician says he does not have symptoms and will self-isolate for the next two weeks.

A global effort helped bring the ‘world’s loneliest elephant’ to a new home with 600 other pachyderms.

New curbs come after Hong Kong records biggest jump in daily cases since August, most linked to ballroom-dancing venues.

Australia demands removal of fake photo of soldier posted by official government spokesman, as ties deteriorate.

Watchdog files charges over volcanic eruption that left 22 tourists and guides dead and dozens more injured.

Account thought to be part of effort to boost royalist messages after months of anti-establishment protests.

Another landslide victory for Aung San Suu Kyi’s party means it has a chance to push through reforms – if it wants.

Rural Fire Service forecasts ‘very high to severe fire danger’ in parts of New South Wales, issues total fire ban.

A woman who was pregnant when infected with COVID has reportedly given her child antibodies against the virus.

Local airport closed as Mount Ili Lewotolok erupts in a remote part of the Southeast Asian archipelago.

A four-year inquiry released last week found evidence Australian soldiers may have committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

Attackers also torched homes in Lembantongoa village in Central Sulawesi, including one used for regular prayers.

Thailand PM and army chief have dismissed the possibility of another coup, but this has only increased speculation.

State media says Pyongyang is acting against ‘uncivilised and unhygienic elements’ that could help spread an epidemic.

Sydney Morning Herald says British-Australian academic was arrested after Iran found out her partner was Israeli.

Analysts say strategic differences between US, India, Japan and Australia may hinder their bid to deter China.

State broadcaster shows images of Australian entering a van and of three released Iranians being welcomed home.

The discovery in March of the Nth Room, which operated on the encrypted Telegram platform, shocked the country.

Only 34 defendants showed up, with many in exile, convinced they would not get a fair hearing.

Protesters want king to relinquish control of assets valued at at least $30bn.

Defence ministry announces temporary ban on holidays and off-installation trips after outbreak at an army boot camp.

Chinese leader says ‘healthy and stable’ relations are ‘the common expectation of the international community’.

The move may see Beijing try to take legal steps against Taiwan’s democratically elected president, Tsai Ing-wen.

Summons issued for at least seven leaders under royal insult law, mark its first use since early 2018.

Embattled leader of semi-autonomous Chinese city says priority is to restore ‘constitutional order’ after protests.

Taiwan’s new programme will see the island build eight new diesel-powered attack submarines.

Japan and China have agreed to cooperate on trade and the pandemic while skirting territorial disputes.

New measures to come into force on Nov 26 because of the ‘serious epidemic situation’ in the territory.

Exhibition, one of few to go ahead thanks to COVID-19, explores idea of ‘escape’ in a world riven by trouble.

A passage in pontiff’s new book referring to the Uighur suffering has ‘no factual basis’, Chinese foreign ministry says.

Beijing pours billions of dollars into its space programme with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022.

Embassy in Manila condemns US after visiting White House envoy pledges support to the Philippines over maritime claims.

Wang Yi’s visit comes amid US presidential transition, concerns about China’s regional assertiveness.

Malaysian government has ordered staggered closures after surge in COVID-19 cases at world’s biggest glove maker.

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab says discussions on whether it is ‘appropriate’ for them to sit are ongoing.

Beijing is pouring billions into its military-run space programme, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022.

Activist faces a jail term of up to five years for organising protest outside Hong Kong’s police headquarters last year.

Reuters news agency says Rear Admiral Michael Studeman who oversees regional military intelligence arrived on Sunday.

Jolovan Wham is facing charges under Public Order Act after posing for a photo with his placard in March.

Movement between New South Wales and Victoria resumes after Victoria stamped out second wave of COVID-19.

State media says China will offer extensive financial and policy support to encourage couples to have more children.

Japan mulls imposing limits on large gatherings a day after dialling back key domestic travel campaign.

Air travel bubble postponed for at least two weeks after Hong Kong reports 43 new coronavirus cases on Saturday.

Labour minister says Philippines will initially allow 5,000 health workers to leave the country every year.

Two student leaders say they have been summoned for violating an emergency decree by joining the protest on October 15.

In-person classes in lower primary schools halted after the city’s top health official says the situation is ‘severe’.

Man linked to pizza bar outbreak told contact tracers he had only been there for takeaway when he worked at the outlet.

Four-year inquiry finds special forces soldiers allegedly responsible for 39 unlawful killings, refers cases to police.

Visit by EPA head will be third by a senior US official since August, with China deploying fighter jets in response.

Treasury Department says it blacklisted a Russian construction company and a North Korean company operating in Russia.

A record 2,201 cases were reported on Wednesday, prompting Tokyo authorities to move city to highest alert level.

In a series of conversations, the so-called mastermind behind the Malaysian financial scandal tries to avoid justice.

Island nation says a sailor tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Europe via New Zealand.

Rallies calling for Prayuth’s resignation and reform of once untouchable monarchy began in July.

Joint statement from foreign ministers follows move to disqualify popularly elected pro-democracy legislators.

Chinese president tells APEC CEOs Beijing will continue to cut its tariffs and expand imports of high-quality goods.

Protesters were in high spirits as they marched in Bangkok to show their anger at police use of water cannon, tear gas.

Police arrest three ex-legislators for disruptions to debate on law punishing disrespect for China’s national anthem.

AP investigation on treatment of women workers in palm oil plantations in Indonesia and Malaysia finds widespread abuse.

The move involves about 150 aircraft and follows the disappearance of a jet minutes after takeoff on Tuesday.

State government says strict measures necessary to get on top of contact tracing and testing.

Demonstrators are demanding changes to the constitution drawn up by Thailand’s then-military rulers.

Canada calls China’s rejection of food products that had positive tests for COVID-19 ‘unjustified trade restrictions’.

Stubborn cluster outbreaks prompt concern that country is on brink of another wave of the coronavirus.

Findings another boost to hope that vaccines can bring an end to accelerating coronavirus pandemic.

Two week containment measures affect more than 13,000 workers to the west of Kuala Lumpur.

Authorities say tougher distancing measures necessary to limit spread following recent triple-digit jumps in cases.

The Asian powerhouse is forecast to have per capita GDP, adjusted for purchasing power, equal to $25,307 in 2025.

US President-elect says US, allies need to be able to set global trading rules, after China-backed regional trade deal.

Premier of South Australia says the state is in a ‘dangerous situation’ amid an outbreak linked to a quarantine hotel.

As deaths mount, aid agency says it fears for safety of thousands of people trapped by floodwaters in Cagayan Valley.

The China-backed RCEP deal excludes the US and will account for 30 percent of the world’s economy and population.

Vietnam braces for Typhoon Vamco to make landfall on its central coast as the death toll in the Philippines rises to 53.

Towns and villages in Cagayan Valley in the country’s northeast are submerged following Typhoon Vamco.