Asia

Pritzker Travels Europe And Asia On Commercial Diplomacy Tour

3:46pm October 18, 2014

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker recently returned from Ukraine and Turkey, and she heads next to Japan and South Korea. NPR's Scott Simon talks to her about practicing commercial diplomacy.

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Pro-democracy protesters set up new barricades after riot police retreated from a main road at Mong Kok shopping district in Hong Kong early Saturday.

World News

Hong Kong Activists Clash With Police, Retake Protest Site

1:26pm October 18, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Pro-democracy protesters have replaced barricades in the congested Mong Kong district of the city hours after authorities dismantled the obstacles.

Police officers stand guard at a main street in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong on Friday, where they raided a student protest site.

World News

Hong Kong Police Launch Dawn Raid To Dismantle Protest Site

9:18am October 17, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Officers moved into the camp in the city's congested Mong Kok district, rousing sleeping protesters and clearing the road of metal and bamboo barricades set up by pro-democracy demonstrators.

Soldiers prepare to airlift an avalanche victim Wednesday in the area of Thorong La pass in Nepal. Authorities now say the death toll from a freak blizzard and avalanches in the Himalayas has reached 27.

World News

Death Toll In Himalayan Avalanches Reaches 29

1:56am October 17, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The highest number of dead, many of them foreigners, are on the trail of Mount Annapurna, the world's 10th-highest peak.

World News

Blizzard, Avalanches Kill More Than 27 Trekkers In Nepal

6:35pm October 16, 2014

Melissa Block talks to BBC correspondent Andrew North about the blizzard and avalanches in Nepal that have killed at least 27 trekkers. The dead include hikers as well as Nepali herders and guides.

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Tourists take pictures inside Wat Pho temple in Bangkok in August. Tourism, a key part of Thailand's economy, is down 20 percent this year following political violence and a military coup.

World News

Thailand Official: Martial Law Is Good For Tourists

5:58pm October 16, 2014

by Michael Sullivan

With tourism down 20 percent, Thailand is looking for novel ways to lure visitors. According to the head of the tourist authority, military rule means it's extremely safe to visit.

An umbrellas is placed near tents set up by pro-democracy protesters in an occupied area near government headquarters in Hong Kong on Thursday. Hong Kong officials have revived an offer for talks with the activists, but also emphasized that Beijing will n

World News

Hong Kong's Renewed Offer Of Talks With Protesters Meets Skepticism

8:33am October 16, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The government says it's willing to talk with student pro-democracy activists, but that their demand for open elections will never meet with approval from Beijing.

A view of Machhapuchhre (center) and the Annapurna Himalaya from Gulmi, Nepal.

World News

At Least 20 Trekkers Die In Blizzard, Avalanche In Nepal's Himalayas

12:47am October 16, 2014

by Scott Neuman

The dead include four Canadians, two Poles and an Israeli. The trekkers were caught out in unseasonable conditions around Mount Annapurna, the world's 10th-highest peak.

World News

Thailand's Leader Hints At Putting Off Return To Democracy

2:57pm October 15, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in a May coup, had originally said that elections would be held by late 2015. Now he suggests the date could be pushed back.

Hong Kong police dismantle barricades previously set up by pro-democracy protesters from the Occupy Central movement in Admiralty District of Hong Kong on Wednesday.

World News

More Clashes In Hong Kong Between Police, Pro-Democracy Protesters

11:11am October 15, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Authorities say they are investigating reports of excessive force after tear gas and riot batons were used to subdue demonstrators.