Asia

World News

Nepal Diverts Climbing Fees To Sherpa Welfare Fund

11:00am April 19, 2015

by Rachel Martin

One year ago, 16 Nepalis guiding climbers up Mount Everest were swept away by a hanging glacier that had peeled off the mountain. It was the worst single accident in the history of Everest.

Queue Listen Now

Riot police at the entrance to a subway station in central Seoul.

World News

Heavy Police Presence At Ferry Demonstrations Bring Seoul To A Halt

1:08pm April 18, 2015

by Elise Hu

Thousands of police formed a perimeter around the heart of South Korea's capital Saturday, in an effort to dampen a third day of protests over the government handling of a ferry disaster one year ago.

World News

South Koreans Mark Ferry Disaster Anniversary

12:17pm April 18, 2015

by Elise Hu

It's been 1 year since a ferry accident in South Korea killed more than 300 people. Most of the victims were high school students on a field trip. The remembrances are going on amid political fallout.

Queue Listen Now

Lawmakers Approve Bill To Help Finalize Asia-Pacific Trade Deal

10:05pm April 17, 2015

by Scott Horsley

Senate negotiators move forward on legislation that would give President Obama the authority to negotiate a sweeping trade accord. That deal, however, will align Obama with Republicans and pit him against Democrats.

Queue Listen Now

Freighters wait to unload cargo at the Tanjung Pagar container port in Singapore.

Why A Blockbuster Of A Trade Deal With Asia Matters

5:51pm April 17, 2015

by Jackie Northam

Congress is giving President Obama new powers to help seal the deal on an ambitious Asia-Pacific free trade agreement, a move that angers many Democrats and unions.

India, China Seek To Capitalize On Nepal's Water Wealth

7:35am April 17, 2015

China and India are each spending billions of dollars on infrastructure, especially hydroelectric dams, in Nepal. Steve Inskeep talks to journalist Donatella Lorch about what China and India want.

Queue Listen Now

In The Shame In Venice 2, Kenyan artist Michael Soi protests the makeup of his country's pavilion at the Biennale.

Why Are Chinese Artists Representing Kenya At The Venice Biennale?

12:57am April 17, 2015

by Gregory Warner

Kenya will participate in the Venice Biennale, the prestigious art show that opens on May 9. But only two of the artists representing Kenya will be Kenyan. Most aren't even African — they're Chinese.

Queue Listen Now

Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei (left) speaks during the signing ceremony of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Oct. 24, in Beijing.

New Asian Development Bank Seen As Sign Of China's Growing Influence

12:54am April 17, 2015

by Jim Zarroli

China says 57 countries have signed on as members of the new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, but the U.S. is not among them. Some analysts say the bank is a sign of diminished U.S. power.

Queue Listen Now

The team with SAR Dogs Nepal performs many search operations in the Himalayas. Last year they rescued five foreign trekkers and about 200 Nepalis.

World News

Dog Team Races To Rescue Lost Hiker In The Himalayas

2:17pm April 16, 2015

by Donatella Lorch

A 47-year-old man disappeared 11 days ago on a popular trail. The weather is so bad that helicopters can't help. His only chance of survival is via a small search team with four dogs.

People pay tribute at a group memorial altar for victims of the sunken South Korean ferry Sewol at a remembrance hall in Ansan on Thursday.

World News

South Korean President Promises To Raise Sewol Ferry, One Year After Tragedy

10:21am April 16, 2015

by Bill Chappell

President Park Geun-hye has pledged to salvage the ferry, which capsized and sank, killing 304 people — most of them students. The rescue effort was widely viewed as bungled.

Queue Listen Now