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Three Australians and a New Zealander die in a plane crash in Papua New Guinea, the country's third in just over a year.

The US drops a probe of China's currency policy, averting a trade row.

The US government prepares to decide on Tuesday whether to escalate a dispute with China over its currency policy.

A Chinese court for the first time accepts a case from a man alleging employment discrimination because he has HIV, state media says.

Ichiro Ozawa confirms he will challenge PM Naoto Kan for the ruling party leadership, despite talks aimed at avoiding a potentially damaging split.

Japan Airlines, which entered bankruptcy protection this year, announces plans to cut 16,000 staff and 40% of its aircraft.

An announcement in Burma's state-run media from leader Than Shwe dispels rumours he had stepped down ahead of November polls.

South Korea makes its first offer of aid to flood-hit North Korea since it accused Pyongyang of sinking a South Korean warship in March.

Japan stocks fall after BOJ's attempts to curb the rising yen.

Shares in the iPhone manufacturer Foxconn International fall almost 8%, a day after the company reported heavy losses.

There are some cities in Europe which feel as though they have a sushi restaurant on almost every corner.

As vote-counting continues, Australia's PM Julia Gillard rejects idea of a new vote and promises stable government.

The US imposes new financial sanctions on North Korea after the sinking of a South Korean warship in March.

Weddings, yurts and felt hats - life in remote Tajikistan

A special protection zone straddling the Chinese and Russian border is to be created to help the countries fight tiger poaching.

Sumo officials in Japan announce new measures aimed at severing links between the ancient sport and organised crime.

Beijing confirms North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visited China last week and said he hoped for an early resumption of six-party nuclear talks.

A French climber, known as 'Spiderman', is facing charges after scaling a 57-storey building in Australia.

BOJ makes money available to banks to cope with stronger yen.

Mount Sinabung, a volcano on Sumatra, Indonesia, erupts for the second time after a 400-year silence.