Major manhunt for rape suspect in Japan's Kawasaki city

Japanese police have launched a nationwide manhunt for a rape suspect who escaped south of Tokyo.

China plans new privately financed banks

Up to five private banks will be created in China this year as it looks to open up the financial sector and raise competition in the industry.

Hundreds report symptoms amid Japan food pesticide scare

Hundreds of people in Japan say they have fallen ill after eating frozen food that may have been contaminated with pesticide. Maruha Nichiro Holdings announced last week that it was recalling products after some were found to contain high levels of malathion. The Health Ministry said at least 556 people had reported symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain. The pesticide is used in farming, gardening and for killing fleas. It was not immediately clear exactly how many people were affected. Public broadcaster NHK World on Wednesday said almost 900 people had reported symptoms after eating the products, which included pizza and chicken nuggets. Maruha, which has received hundreds of thousands of phone complaints, issued a public apology in newspapers on Wednesday. It is recalling at least 6.4 million food packages manufactured at a factory in Gunma prefecture, north of Tokyo. It started the food recall last week, recovering more than one million packages so far. "The products will have a strong smell and eating them may cause vomiting and stomach pain," Maruha said in a notice to consumers. The cause of the contamination has not yet been determined.

Taiwan man survives 60 hours in sea

A Taiwanese man has survived 60 hours in rough seas even though he did not know how to swim, local media report.

North Korean leader's uncle 'executed over corruption'

the once-powerful uncle of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been executed after being purged for corruption, state news agency KCNA reports.

Thai opposition to quit government

Thailand’s main opposition party said Sunday its members were resigning en masse from parliament to protest against a government they claim is "no longer accepted by the people", a move certain to exacerbate the country’s latest political crisis

Philippines reaches power-sharing deal with rebel group

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Thai prime minister rejects opposition calls to resign

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday refused opposition calls to resign before snap elections in February as protest leaders announced the creation of a parallel government and said the premier should be charged with "insurrection".

Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines declares state of calamity

The Philippine President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity to speed relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Haiyan hits Vietnam as Philippines death toll mounts

Typhoon Haiyan slammed into Vietnam on Monday, after killing thousands of people in the Philippines where rescue workers are still struggling to reach the most devastated areas.

UN court rules for Cambodia in Thai territory dispute

The UN's highest court has awarded Cambodia the disputed territory surrounding the Preah Vihear temple which lies on the border to Thailand. The court has also told Thailand to withdraw its troops from the area.

Rescue efforts hampered by devastation in Philippines

Monday to reach areas of the Philippines devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, which killed an estimated 10,000 people in the city of Tacloban alone.

China's manufacturing activity at 18-month high

China's manufacturing activity grew at its fastest pace in 18 months in October, adding to signs of a recovery in the world's second-largest economy.

Land deal stand-off continues in China village

A stand-off is continuing a tiny hamlet in China's southern Yunnan province following a violent confrontation between villagers and police last week.

Japan minister: China threatens peace in islands row

Japan's defence minister says China's behaviour over disputed East China Sea islands is jeopardising peace.

Itsunori Onodera's comments came amid heightened tensions between the two countries over islands known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

China fireworks factory blast kills 11 in Guangxi

An explosion at a fireworks factory in the southern Chinese region of Guangxi has killed 11 people and injured 17, state media say.