Pacific Islands

The new Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends a news conference in Canberra on  August 24.
Politics

Australia's new PM has little time to restore his party's image

Scott Morrison also faces public concern over China's growing sway on the country

24 August 2018
Scott Morrison
Politics

Scott Morrison to become Australia's seventh PM in 11 years

Hard-line former immigration minister tasked with uniting fractured party

24 August 2018
Australia's leadership contenders, from left to right, Treasurer Scott Morrison, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and former Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton
24 August 2018
The path is clear for Peter Dutton, right, to challenge Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for leadership of the Liberal Party.
Politics

Dutton cleared to challenge Turnbull in Australia leadership contest

Petition submitted after solicitor-general confirms eligibility

24 August 2018
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tried to fend off an internal revolt against his leadership after a week of chaos.  (Getty Images)
Politics

Chaos within Australia's ruling party raises prospect of election

Besieged PM fails to avert internal revolt, Liberal party set to choose new chief

23 August 2018
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he is prepared to step down if a second leadership challenge is carried out. 
Politics

Australian PM Turnbull refuses to go quietly despite impending showdown

Embattled leader punches back at dissenters by risking party majority

23 August 2018
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull faces a second challenge for leadership of the Liberal Party in less than a week.
23 August 2018
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks to reporters at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday.
Politics

Turnbull clings on with Australia still mired in a leadership crisis

Prime minister faces fresh challenge as party rebels quick to push for new vote

22 August 2018
This Uniqlo in the Bangkok suburb of Phatthanakan is the Japanese retailer's first roadside store in Southeast Asia. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Companies

Uniqlo to double Southeast Asia footprint by 2022

'Life wear' chain chases growth beyond malls into standalone stores

22 August 2018
Troops of the Royal Australian Navy march in formation in Sydney. (Getty Images)
International relations

Abe plans Australia trip to bolster Indo-Pacific alliance

November visit to coincide with APEC and take leader to Darwin

22 August 2018
BHP Billiton’s fiscal 2018 revenue was lifted by record iron ore output totaling 275 million tons.
Companies

BHP upbeat on iron ore, expecting China stimulus

Top miner reports highest profit in four years despite trade war fears

22 August 2018
A mining reclaimer at work Western Australia. Canberra should restructure to reduce the country's dependence on exports to China.
Opinion

Australia -- the unlucky country?

Growing risk that China exposure will bring collateral damage from Trump's trade war

20 August 2018
One person arrives to live in Australia every minute, according to the country's statistics bureau.
Economy

Australia's population soars to 25m on brisk immigration

Economy grows but strained infrastructure provides fodder for election debate

17 August 2018
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, center, who has announced an upcoming ban on single-use plastic bags, works with schoolchildren on a beach cleanup in Wellington on Aug. 10.
Environment

Asian economies join the anti-plastic crusade

Growing concerns about microparticles in the oceans prompt action

17 August 2018
Home prices have risen sharply in recent years the capital city of Wellington and other parts of New Zealand.
Politics

New Zealand bans foreigners buying homes as prices surge

Prime minister fulfills campaign pledge that held back TPP approval

16 August 2018
Tonga's King Tupou VI, left, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in March.
International relations

Tonga to ask China to write off $100m in debt

Prime minister calls on South Pacific neighbors to sign petition

16 August 2018
Osaka's improvements in transport infrastructure and crime rates helped it climb up the EIU's 2018 liveability rankings. (Photo by Nozomu Ogawa)
Economy

Asia dominates liveable city rankings with Tokyo and Osaka in top 10

Upgraded transport and lower crime boost quality of life in Japanese cities

14 August 2018
A woman at work in a store selling bags and purses. Australian businesses are eager to cash in on the rising number of visitors from China.
Business trends

Australia caters to Chinese with tailored products and services

Despite cool official relations, visitors from the mainland receive warm welcome

14 August 2018
The New Zealand dollar hit its weakest level in more than two years due to a continued expansionary monetary policy.
Economy

New Zealand will keep interest rate at historic low until 2020

Unexpectedly dovish policy, prompted by slackening growth, weakens currency

10 August 2018
The Peace Ark sails southeast of Hawaii in July 2014. On its current cruise, the vessel has been providing medical services to Pacific islanders, but critics worry about Beijing's underlying motives.
International relations

Chinese hospital ship cruises the South Pacific to spread influence

Australia and New Zealand worry about Beijing's growing 'soft power' in the region

9 August 2018
A logo of Dai-ichi Life. Japanese insurers have expanded their presence in Australia in recent years.
9 August 2018
Wesfarmer's coal mine in Bengalla. The Australian company decided to sell the mine as coal falls out of favor due to its high carbon emissions.
Companies

Australia's Wesfarmers quits coal as pollution headwinds mount

Conglomerate to sell off last mining stake for $640m and focus on retail

8 August 2018
Hay prices have skyrocketed in southeastern Australia due to a severe drought.
Commodities

Australian drought doubles hay prices in blow to cattle farmers

International beef prices expected to rise if dry spell continues

7 August 2018
ASEAN economies are increasingly concerned over "collateral damage" from the U.S.-China trade war. (Photo by Mayuko Tani)
Trade war

ASEAN urges partners to speed up RCEP talks amid US-China trade war

Ministers call for 'swift' conclusion, but obstacles remain to deal by year-end

3 August 2018
U.S. beef prices have fallen about 5% in Japan over one month.
Trade war

Aussie beef prices rise as China loses appetite for US meat

As trade war kicks in, Australian products take over hot pot menus

2 August 2018