Japanese defence minister visits Yasukuni war shrine after returning from Pearl Harbor
China and South Korea have always criticised the shrine as it symbolises Japan's colonialism.
Russia admits to 2014 Sochi Olympics doping scandal: 'It was an institutional conspiracy'
Key figures confessed to the conspiracy over several days of interviews with The New York Times.
Fur seal that made headlines after getting photographed on top of a car returns to wild in Australia
Wildlife biologist Rachael Alderman said the relocation happened without any confrontation.
US professor in 'white genocide' tweet scandal says he has university support
George Ciccariello-Maher sparked criticism after tweeting 'All I Want for Christmas is White Genocide'.
South Korean special prosecution team detains National Pension Service's head
This comes after the team raided NPS Chairman Moon Hyung-pyo's home on suspicion of abuse of power.
Cambodia's exiled opposition leader gets five years of imprisonment over fake Facebook post
Sam Rainsy and two members of his social media team were guilty of citing the false 1979 border treaty.
Taiwan warns of growing Chinese threat as Beijing's warships head towards Hainan
This comes after the US President-elect Donald Trump's telephone call with the island's president upset Beijing.
South Korea: 29 lawmakers leave ruling Saenuri Party over President Park's impeachment
The 29 lawmakers have decided to create a new conservative party.
Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami hits back at social media trolls after facing outrage over wife's attire
Some Muslim fanatics had told Shami to follow Islam and ensure his wife wears the hijab and modest clothes.
Obama addresses US troops at Hawaii marine base, says serving as commander-in-chief a privilege
Obama was on his last visit as US president to Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Japan says China expanding military capability as Beijing aircraft carrier spotted in Western Pacific
Taiwan has also said that Chinese warships have passed through south of Taiwan and are heading southwest.
Taiwan content in US defence bill upsets China
Beijing urges Washington to stop US-Taiwan military contacts and arms sales to Taipei.
British astronaut Piers Sellers dies of pancreatic cancer at 61
The spacewalk veteran said he was living life at "20 times normal speed" after finding out he had terminal illness.
North Korea reportedly set to hold nuclear test during South Korea's presidential election
Pyongyang has conducted two nuclear tests in 2016 alone following those in 2006, 2009 and 2013.
President Barack Obama signs annual defence bill, but criticises Guantanamo Bay facility policy
Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign had promised to close the detention centre.
Thai army starts military programme for kindergarten children, aims to instil patriotism
A group of 180 children participated in the 'land defender battalion' programme on Wednesday.
Australian police charge man in country's longest running murder case
Bradley Edwards was charged with killing Perth women Jane Rimmer and Ciara Glennon in 1996 and 1997.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto commits to rebuild devastated fireworks market
35 people were killed and 70 others injured after a fire broke out at a fireworks market in Tultepec city.
Euthanasia advocate wins plea against ban on giving advice to terminally ill patients in Australia
Rodney Syme was banned as he was planning to administer a lethal drug on a terminally ill patient.
South Australian man lands in hospital after falling 5 metres from Christmas tree
According to an investigating officer, it is unclear whether the man had consumed alcohol or not.
5 killed in Taliban suicide attack on Afghanistan MP's house
One of the attackers blew himself up at the house of Helmand MP, Mir Wali, helping two gunmen enter the compound.
Thailand in talks with China to build military production facilities
The development shows the growing closeness between China and Thailand, the oldest ally of the US in Asia.
South Korean court issues arrest warrant for daughter of President Park's friend
Choi Soon-sil, Park's long-time friend, is in custody and on trial for fraud and abuse of power.
Taiwan accuses Beijing of using Sao Tome's economic crisis to push its 'one China' policy
The West African nation's decision to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan would damage cross-Strait stability, Taipei said.
South Korea court to hold first impeachment trial of Park Geun-hye on 22 December
The scandal-hit president was impeached on 9 December after 234 lawmakers voted against her.
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aims to visit Russia in early 2017 to resolve territorial row
Russia and Japan have signed economic cooperation deals in areas including medical technology and energy.
Genocide is about to begin in South Sudan unless immediate action is taken, UN head warns
Ban Ki-moon urged the Security Council to impose an arms embargo in the country amid fears of rising violence.
19 'red shirt' activists charged for violating junta rule in Thailand
Since taking power in the May 2014 coup, the junta has banned political gatherings of more than five people.
Beijing says 'one China' principle is the prerequisite and basis for developing ties with it
China's comment comes after US President-elect Trump spoke to the Taiwan's president upsetting Beijing.
Venezuela extends closure of its borders with Colombia and Brazil for 72 hours amid cash crunch
The development follows President Maduro's drive to fight what he calls criminals hoarding 100-bolivar banknotes.
