Vietnam, Asia's biggest exporter of timber furniture (Monday, 21 July 2008) Posted by: Caroline (Hits: 18) The export turnover of locally made wood products reached US$2.5 billion in 2007 and may reach $3 billion in 2008, the Ministry said. Vietnamese as well as Chinese products are seen as having high quality and good design.
Myanmar hints at Suu Kyi release (Tuesday, 22 July 2008) Posted by: Jacques (Hits: 10)
Myanmar's military government has hinted that it could free Aung San Suu Kyi, the country's detained opposition leader, within six months.
Beijingers told to mind their manners (Monday, 21 July 2008) Posted by: Gaofei (Hits: 12) Beijing citizens have been told not to pick their noses, yawn or scratch their heads when talking to foreigners during the Olympics.
They have also been given a list of things not to ask overseas visitors - a list so exhaustive it could make conversation difficult.
China stirs over offshore oil pact (Thursday, 24 July 2008) Posted by: Jacques (Hits: 2) In yet another skirmish over oil rights in the South China Sea, China has fired a stern warning shot across the bow of ExxonMobil Corporation. China is miffed that Exxon is seeking to enter into a deal with PetroVietnam to explore for oil in waters surrounding the disputed Spratly and Paracel island chains.
Kumari Mayawati, a daughter of so-called untouchables and India's most maverick politician, heads the country's largest state, Uttar Pradesh, through a bold and inventive political coalition.
Two dead in Chinese blasts (Tuesday, 22 July 2008) Posted by: Gaofei (Hits: 8) Two explosions on buses in the south-western Chinese city of Kunming have left at least two people dead and 14 injured, according to reports (see the video).
Talks begin between Thailand and and Cambodia over temple standoff (Tuesday, 22 July 2008) Posted by: Jacques (Hits: 19)
Senior Thai and Cambodian defence officials have begun talks to find a solution to the week-long standoff over disputed land near the ancient hindu Preah Vihear temple along their border.
Indian government survives vote (Wednesday, 23 July 2008) Posted by: Jacques (Hits: 5) India's Congress party-led government has survived a vote of confidence over a civilian nuclear deal with the US.
The government motion received 275 votes with 256 against, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said, hours after adjourning the debate amid claims of vote buying.
Japan ranked 5th most peaceful country in world (Monday, 21 July 2008) Posted by: linsi (Hits: 22) ...Why isn’t Japan No. 1 in the ranking? The survey explains it is because Japan does not yet have good relationships with China and North Korea. If these relationships go well, Japan might get the No. 1 spot
Myanmar denies Suu Kyi release (Wednesday, 23 July 2008) Posted by: Jacques (Hits: 5) Myanmar's military government has denied that the country's opposition leader will be freed by the end of the year, saying that reports of her early release from house arrest were incorrect.
Nyan Win, Myanmar's foreign minister, said his statement about Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom had been misunderstood by his counterparts at the Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) meeting, according to Singapore officials.
United Nations to end Myanmar aid flights (Sunday, 20 July 2008) Posted by: Jacques (Hits: 10) The United Nations is to end aid flights to Myanmar at the beginning of August while the official ceremony marking the assassination of General Aung San has been a low-key one whith no foreign diplomats for the first time
Vote setback for Nepalese Maoists (Tuesday, 22 July 2008) Posted by: Jacques (Hits: 4) Former Maoist rebels in Nepal have failed to have the candidate they were supporting elected as first president of the new republic.
Ramraja Prasad Singh lost a run-off in the constituent assembly to Nepali Congress party candidate Ram Baran Yadav by 282 votes to 308.