Asia

When President Barack Obama disembarked from Air Force One at Hangzhou Xioshan International Airport in China Saturday, he did so without using Chinese stairs — because none were provided.

On Kerfuffle With Chinese Officials, Obama Says: Don't 'Over-Crank' It

4:15pm September 04, 2016

by Bill Chappell

"The seams are showing a little more than usual," President Obama says, describing the tense chaos that marked his arrival in China. From a lack of stairs to heated arguments, friction was obvious.

U.S. President Barack Obama waves from Air Force One prior to departing for a nine-day trip that will end in Laos, a relatively poor Southeast Asian nation run by communist government.

Tiny Laos Readies For A Visit From Obama — And A Turn Under The Global Spotlight

8:49am September 04, 2016

by Elise Hu

In a historic step towards rebuilding relations with the poor, heavily-bombed nation, the president will join other world leaders there, after wrapping another big global meeting in Hangzhou, China.

U.S. President Barack Obama disembarks from Air Force One upon his arrival at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China.

G-20 Confrontation: U.S., China Have Tense Exchange On The Tarmac Ahead Of Summit

8:09pm September 03, 2016

by Brakkton Booker

Chinese and U.S. officials get into a shouting match on the tarmac, seemingly over where reporters traveling with President Obama could stand as he was exiting Air Force One.

National

Charged With Spying On China, American Woman's Husband Insists She's Innocent

9:03am September 03, 2016

Sandy Phan-Gillis, was detained for spying for the U.S. some 20 years ago. Her husband, Jeff Gillis, tells NPR's Scott Simon she is innocent and has been fighting for her release.

G-20 Summit: A First For Host China, A Last For President Obama

9:03am September 03, 2016

The meeting kicks off tomorrow in Hangzhou, China, after this year's host country formally agreed with the U.S. to cut its greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris agreement reached last year.

Health & Safety

Why Is Calcutta Now Kolkata? What Other Names In India Are Changing?

6:29pm September 02, 2016

by Sandip Roy

With Mother Teresa in the headlines, so is the name of the city where she lived for decades. But is it ... Calcutta? Or Kolkata? And what's the difference?

World News

Deadly Explosion Hits Philippine President's Hometown

5:02pm September 02, 2016

by Bill Chappell

The blast hit Davao City as President Rodrigo Duterte was visiting. His son, the city's vice mayor, says at least 10 people were killed.

World News

More Than 150 People Contract Zika In Singapore

4:29pm September 02, 2016

by Monica Miller

The Zika outbreak is spreading to Southeast Asia. More than 150 people have contracted the virus in Singapore.

Obama To Reassure Asian Allies Of U.S. Commitments To The Region

9:31am September 02, 2016

by Jackie Northam

The G-20 Summit kicks off in China over the weekend. The summit brings together leaders of the world's major economies, and it is the first time China is hosting the meeting.

Queue Listen Now

U.S. Presidential Election Interferes With Ratification Of TPP

7:14am September 02, 2016

Steve Inskeep talks to Miriam Sapiro, who helped negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, about why U.S. pacts with Europe and the Pacific Rim are faltering, and why that's a big deal for the U.S.

Queue Listen Now