Latest fromAsia

NZ named third-best place to die
NZ is one of the best places to shuffle off the mortal coil, according to a new index.

Beijing: Conquering the great wall
It takes more than a T-shirt to appreciate this ancient wonder, writes Jim Eagles.

IMF head says Asia will help prevent global double-dip
Economic growth in Asia and Latin America will help the rest of the world avoid a double dip recession, says the head of the IMF.

<i>Fran O'Sullivan</i>: NZ behind eight ball on China's pool table
New Zealand may find itself economic toast if it doesn't get a comprehensive China strategy together - and fast.

Bethune backs Sea Shepherd explanation for ban
Pete Bethune says he fully supports Sea Shepherd, despite the organisation "booting him out" during his trial in Japan.

Peter Bethune returns home
Anti-whaling activist Peter Bethune has arrived back in New Zealand, ending his five month-long nightmare.

A meeting with Mongolian nomads
As the 51st Traverse team continue on across the Mongolian steppes, they encounter some local hospitality.

India: Finding romance in Rajasthan
The medieval Samode Palace is a magical introduction to rural Rajasthan in India.

Govt uses rugby diplomacy to boost China ties
The Government is using "rugby diplomacy" - sending former All Blacks to China - to strengthen trade links.

No hard feelings over Norman protest - Chinese VP
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping says he has put Russel Norman's protest behind him.

Profile: Phil Davenport
Kiwi Phil Davenport keeps the cogs running at exclusive bar and restaurant KuDeTa in beautiful Bali.

Key announces new trade agreements with China
Food safety, science and film production are the latest areas to benefit from New Zealand's free trade agreement with China.

Key aims to double trade with China
Prime Minister John Key wants to get an agreement to double New Zealand's trade with China within five years.

Macau: Worlds collide in casino capital
Anything is possible in this dazzling gamblers' paradise, writes Jim Eagles.

NZ dollar gains on weakening US dollar
The New Zealand dollar gained on a weakening greenback after comments from the Reserve Bank of Australia yesterday spurred traders' appetite for high-yielding currencies.

Key: NZ not immune to people-smuggling
NZ won't extend the number of refugees it accepts and needs to address the increasing risk of people-smuggling boats hitting our shores, says the PM.

Pete Bethune to be sentenced tomorrow
Reports say Pete Bethune's prosecution in Tokyo has demanded a two-year prison term.

Web prank puts Justin Bieber on Korean trajectory
Bieber was targeted by an internet prank which leaves him struggling to find a way out of exporting his teeny-pop to North Korea.

Key and South Korean leader agree they want FTA progress
Prime Minister John Key and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak today agreed they wanted progress on free trade negotiations but little has been done to ease Korean fears over New Zealand's agriculture sector.

China Chinese court sentences US geologist to 8 years
An American geologist detained and tortured by China's state security agents was jailed for eight years today.