- China dissident arrives in New York
Chen Guangcheng pledges to continue working for "justice and fairness" in China after Beijing allows him to go to US.
- Tunnel blast kills China construction workers
At least 20 people killed as vehicle transporting explosives blows up on road construction site in Hunan province.
- Eggs thrown as Taiwanese president sworn in
Ma Ying-jeou begins second term amid protests over living costs and policies seen by critics as too China-friendly.
- S Korean monks face backlash over antics
Government could introduce taxes on religious orders after Buddhist monks caught drinking and gambling.
- China jails fugitive smuggler for life
Lai Changxing, who was extradited from Canada after 12 years, has been accused of running huge smuggling ring.
- Australia releases young people-smugglers
Move comes after inquiry finds three Indonesians convicted of trafficking may have legally been children at the time.
- Vietnam bus crash leaves 34 people dead
Twenty-one people also injured, 16 seriously, after vehicle plunged into the banks of the Serepok River.
- UN probes 'arms sales from N Korea to Syria'
Panel's report says N Korea "continues to defy" UN sanctions on selling of arms and related technology to other nations.
- Obama unveils 'new chapter' in Myanmar ties
Rewards for reforms include first US ambassador to South Asian nation in 22 years and easing of investment sanctions.
- Chinese in bold call for official's removal
Communist Party veterans write open letter requesting the sacking of security chief Zhou Yongkang.
- North Korea 'resumes work on nuclear reactor'
Satellite images show renewed activity around the Yongbyon nuclear facility, site of previous tests, US institute says.
- Thai royal family law under scrutiny
Death in detention of Amphon Tangnoppakul, or "Uncle SMS", spurs criticism of kingdom's strict lese majeste laws.
- 'Black box' found of Russian jet in Indonesia
Sukhoi Superjet's voice-and-data recorder is recovered after crash which killed all 45 people on board.
- TEPCO posts $10bn loss on Fukushima claims
Results take Japanese utility giant's losses to more than $25bn since tsunami and earthquake-triggered nuclear crisis.
- Dalai Lama reveals China 'poison plot'
Tibet's Buddhist leader says Beijing may have plotted to kill him through female agents with poison in hair and clothes.
- Protests in Philippines over China dispute
Hundreds take to streets in Manila to protest against Beijing's claim to South China Sea islands.
- Making new connections over lunch in Japan
A new way of networking is catching on with nation's tech-minded young professionals.
- Protests in Malaysia over indigenous lands
Activists say proposed law will limit Orang Asli people's rights to their ancestral lands.
- Fourth-quarter profits drive Toyota recovery
Japanese car giant reports $2.5bn annual profit as production bounces back after disruption caused by quake and tsunami.
- Deadly blaze at Philippine department store
Seventeen people killed as overnight fire sweeps through sleeping quarters for some of store's female employees.
- S Korea cracks down on 'human flesh capsules'
Officials seize thousands of smuggled capsules containing powdered flesh of fetuses from China thought to cure disease.
- South Korean bar blaze kills nine
Fire that swept through karaoke lounge in port city of Busan also left 25 injured.
- Study: Most myopic school-leavers in Asia
Study says long hours spent studying and lack of outdoor light to blame for 90 per cent short-sightedness rate.
- Workers around the world mark May Day
Tens of thousands of people take to the streets across the globe, protesting against job cuts and austerity measures.
- UN chief holds talks with Suu Kyi in Myanmar
Ban Ki-moon praises pro-democracy leader's decision to join country's parliament after agreeing to swear oath of office.
- Australian billionaire to build Titanic II
Mining magnate promises full-scale "unsinkable" sequel to world-famous ocean liner.
- Police violence marks Malaysia reform rally
Thousands of demonstrators demanding free and fair elections met with tear gas and water cannon in capital Kuala Lumpur.
- Loneliness becoming 'norm' in Japan
Studies show that the average number of people in a Tokyo home has dropped below two for the first time.
- US and Japan reach Okinawa troop deal
Under security agreement, US to move 9,000 troops from southern Japanese island of Okinawa to other Pacific locations.
- Cambodian police shoot anti-logging activist
Chut Wutty, country's most outspoken environmental activist, shot dead by military police in remote forest region.
- Indonesian teens defy re-education attempt
Punks who had their heads forcibly shaved, return to Aceh's streets in protest against "injustice".
- Japan's 'Shadow Shogun' acquitted in scandal
Ruling party heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa found not guilty of a major political funding scandal.
- Australian parliament speaker steps aside
Peter Slipper temporarily replaced amid harassment and fraud allegations, weakening Labor Party's hold on power.
- Olympus shareholders choose new board
Japanese firm rejects former chief executive Michael Woodford's bid to be reinstated after whistleblowing scandal.
