Asia

Takata Agrees To Declare Air Bags Defective In Nearly 34M Vehicles

4:05pm May 19, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

The problem lies with Takata air bags that can potentially explode, sending metal shards flying into the compartment. The recall is believed to be the largest in NHTSA's history.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in Skyfall. Chinese censors cut a scene from the movie that they thought made China look weak. Because China is such a huge market, some U.S. moviemakers may choose to avoid portraying China in negative terms.

How China's Censors Influence Hollywood

7:58pm May 18, 2015

by Frank Langfitt

Huge box office numbers underscore how essential the Chinese market has become to Hollywood's bottom line. Money is power — meaning the Communist Party has increasing influence over big U.S. movies.

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Migrants as their boat is towed away by a Thai navy vessel, in waters near Koh Lipe island, on Saturday. Thousands of Rohingya and Bangladeshis have been turned away by Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Asia's Governments Talk As Desperate Rohingyas Wait At Sea

3:34pm May 18, 2015

by Scott Neuman

At least 1,000 are still stranded offshore in rickety boats with little food or water. But so far, the governments of Southeast Asia have shown no willingness to let them come ashore.

All 8 Bodies Recovered From U.S. Helicopter Crash In Nepal

2:02pm May 18, 2015

by L. Carol Ritchie

The bodies of six U.S. Marines and two Nepali soldiers were recovered near the crash site in remote mountains northeast of Kathmandu where the helicopter was delivering earthquake relief aid.

South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry hold a joint news conference following meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul.

World News

In Seoul, Kerry Calls N. Korea Provocations 'Egregious,' 'Reckless'

10:52am May 18, 2015

by Elise Hu

America's top diplomat says North Korea's muscle flexing on the Korean peninsula may lead to further international sanctions — and possibly a referral to the International Criminal Court.

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Female soldiers perform martial arts at a ceremony in Jakarta. Women in Indonesia must undergo an invasive "virginity test" to join the military.

World News

Indonesian Military Chief Defends 'Virginity Tests' For Female Recruits

10:26am May 18, 2015

by Scott Neuman

Following a letter from Human Rights Watch decrying the invasive and scientifically invalid procedure, Gen. Moeldoko said it is necessary to ensure that women are morally suited to join the military.

Yae and Ren were married during Tokyo's Rainbow Pride Weekend in April. One Tokyo ward, or neighborhood, has recognized same-sex marriages, becoming the first place in Japan — or anywhere in East Asia — to do so.

World News

The First Place In East Asia To Welcome Same-Sex Marriage

8:10pm May 17, 2015

by Elise Hu

Tokyo's trendy Shibuya district has become the first place in Japan – and all of East Asia — to recognize same-sex partnerships. It raises the possibility other parts of Japan will follow.

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World News

Thousands Of Rohingya Migrants Stranded At Sea After Fleeing Myanmar

7:41pm May 17, 2015

NPR's Audie Cornish speaks to Thomas Fuller of The New York Times about the several thousand Rohingya migrants who fled Myanmar. No country will take them in, and they are adrift at sea.

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Tensions In South China Sea Loom Over Kerry Visit

4:03pm May 17, 2015

by Anthony Kuhn

Secretary of State John Kerry underscored U.S. concerns over China's claim to ownership of disputed islands in the South China Sea, an issue that has strained relations in the region.

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Members of Exile Tibetan Women Association protest to demand the immediate release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, during a gathering to mark the 20th anniversary of his disappearance, in New Delhi, India, on Sunday.

20 Years After China Seized Boy Monk, Tibetans Call For His Release

3:01pm May 17, 2015

by Scott Neuman

In 1995, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was designated as the 11th Panchen Lama, Tibetan Buddhism's second-highest spiritual leader. He was promptly detained by Chinese authorities and never heard from again.