1 China’s Hu Attends the G-20, APEC, and Conducts Four State Visits Last Updated: Dec 2 2008 2:50PM Download here (.doc)   China To Build New Oil, Gas Pipeline Across Myanmar Last Updated: Nov 19 2008 8:41AM China has revived a plan to build an oil and gas line across Myanmar in a bid to reduce its dependence on energy supplies transported through the Strait of Malacca, state media reported Wednesday. Work is expected to kick off in the first half of 2009, the China Daily newspaper reported of the project, which could trigger new worries about Beijing's ties with Myanmar's military government, an international pariah. It is one of a series of large energy and infrastructure projects to be undertaken in southwest China's Yunnan province, the paper said, citing Mi Dongsheng, head of the provincial economic planning agency. The China-Myanmar pipeline had already been announced by Yunnan officials. Once completed it is expected to provide an alternative route for China's crude imports from the Middle East and Africa, easing worries about over-dependence on the Strait of Malacca.   Russia To Help In Vietnam Civil Nuclear Program Last Updated: Nov 7 2008 8:36AM Russia wants to take part in Vietnam's planned nuclear energy program, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said Thursday following talks with Vietnam's Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem in Hanoi. "We know that such plans were made in Vietnam, very daring and far-reaching plans. We hope that Russia will be among those who will work with Vietnam in this hi-tech area and continue the traditions of our cooperation," Denisov said in an interview to the ITAR-TASS news agency.   Australia Boosts Bio-Security Defenses Last Updated: Sep 16 2008 7:31AM Australia has opened a new National Center for Bio-Security to build its defenses against infectious diseases and biological weapons. Medical experts say it will help protect the country from threats such as SARS and bird flu as well as attacks by terrorists or rogue scientists. From Sydney, Phil Mercer reports. The new bio-security center adds another layer to Australia's counterterrorism defenses. Its researchers will look at ways to combat biological warfare, naturally occurring diseases and the theft or misuse of sensitive research on micro-organisms. In addition, they will study the dangers posed by synthetic biology, where a virus or bacteria can be created from scratch. The center's work will concentrate on 22 bacteria, viruses and poisons that the Australian government considers "agents of concern".   Vietnam Approves Use Of Civilian Nuclear Power Last Updated: Jun 4 2008 8:23AM Lawmakers in Vietnam on Tuesday approved the use of atomic energy for civilian purposes, paving the way for the construction of its first nuclear power plant to feed the booming economy. A parliamentary official said the Bill was passed by an "overwhelming majority," putting a legal rubber stamp on a decision already taken at the top levels of the country's Communist Party. Vietnam is heavily reliant on hydro-electric plants and is struggling to meet the growing energy requirements of consumers and an economy that expanded by 8.5 percent last year.   NKorea's Kim Inspects Power Plant Last Updated: Jan 7 2008 8:46AM North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il inspected construction work on a hydro-electric power plant in his first public event of the new year, according to state media monitored Monday.  The Korean Central News Agency said Kim inspected the plant at Ryesonggang, near the border city of Kaesong, "to encourage the builders there in the New Year's drive."    Nepal Police Say 16 Dead, 25 Missing From Bridge Collapse Last Updated: Dec 27 2007 8:41AM Sixteen people were killed and 25 still missing from the collapse of a bridge in west Nepal, police said Thursday, calling it a "miracle" the toll was not higher. "There was panic at the scene when the bridge fell (on Tuesday) so initial estimates were too high. It's a miracle not a larger number of people died," district officer Anik Kumar Pandey said by telephone from the remote area.   Malaysia, Thailand Open Bridge On Restive Border Last Updated: Dec 21 2007 8:04AM Thailand and Malaysia opened a bridge over their restive border on Friday, a new artery for commerce between relatively prosperous Malaysia and poor Muslim communities on the other side. Muslims have been waging an insurgency against security forces on the Thai side of the border since January 2004, a conflict that has killed more than 2,600 people.   Russia Delivers First Nuclear Fuel To Iran Last Updated: Dec 17 2007 10:01AM Russia has delivered the first shipment of nuclear fuel to Iran's Bushehr atomic power station, a step both Moscow and Washington said should convince Tehran to shut down its disputed uranium enrichment program. But a senior Iranian official said his country would under no circumstances halt its efforts to enrich uranium -- fuel it says it needs for other power plants but which foreign powers fear could be used in a nuclear bomb. Western nations led by the United States had urged Russia not to deliver fuel to Bushehr, a plant in southern Iran that Russian engineers are building under a $1 billion contract.   Korea, Russia Agree on Gas Pipeline Study Last Updated: Dec 13 2007 8:20AM Korea may someday be supplied with tens of thousands of tons of natural gas directly from Russia. Seoul and Moscow agreed to launch a joint feasibility study on building a pipeline that will transport natural gas all the way from Siberia to Korea and other countries in the region. But first energy officials from the two sides need to find out whether it is technically and economically feasible to pipe the gas overland -- most likely through North Korea -- the Commerce, Industry and Energy Ministry said on Wednesday.   Govt To Boost Coast Guard To Counter WMD Smuggling Last Updated: Nov 29 2007 7:40AM In an effort to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, the government will pass a bill to crack down on shipments of nuclear weapons-related materials by bolstering the Japan Coast Guard, sources said Tuesday. Currently, there are no laws in place to punish the maritime transportation of weapons of mass destruction. As such, the government plans to pass a comprehensive new law to increase the power of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a nonproliferation framework promoted by the United States and other countries.   Cyclone Sidr Strikes Bangladesh (Update 2) Last Updated: Nov 20 2007 4:53PM Download here (.doc)   Russia Readies Nuclear Fuel Bound For Iran Last Updated: Nov 16 2007 9:59AM Russia on Friday gave the clearest indication yet that it was ready to send uranium to fuel Iran's first atomic power station, upping the stakes in a diplomatic crisis surrounding Tehran's nuclear program. Russia's state-run nuclear fuel producer said inspectors from the United Nations' nuclear watchdog would later this month start sealing nuclear fuel bound for the Bushehr plant, a major step to shipping the fuel to the Bushehr plant in Iran.   Hope Fades For Survival Of 181 Trapped Miners Last Updated: Aug 20 2007 8:39AM XINTAI, Shandong -- Hopes for the survival of 181 miners trapped in two separate flooded coal mines in east China faded on Monday, but the search operation continued. Five pumps were used to expel water from the Huayuan Coal Mine, about 150 km south of Jinan, the provincial capital of Shandong, and Minggong Coal Mine, 10 km from the Huayuan Mine.   Indonesia May Put On Hold Plans To Build First Nuclear Power Plant Last Updated: Jul 20 2007 8:07AM There are signs that Indonesia may put on hold plans to build its first nuclear power plant until it is certain that it will be safe. Vice President Jusuf Kalla says, for now, Indonesia will rely on its vast reserves of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal and hydro-power to meet the country's energy needs. Last year Indonesia announced plans to operate its first nuclear power plant by 2016 under country's National Energy Policy.   Thousands Flee Solomons Floods Last Updated: Jun 28 2007 7:53AM Thousands of people have moved to higher ground in Solomon Islands to escape the aftermath of some of the worst floods in 20 years. The National Disaster Management Office says it is assessing the damage in northeast Guadalcanal island, where more than 80 villages were damaged in weekend floods.   China Completes World's Longest Trans-Oceanic Bridge Last Updated: Jun 26 2007 7:58AM The world's longest trans-oceanic bridge, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, is all ready to welcome traffic next year - well ahead of schedule. As one of China's most demanding infrastructure projects, the 36-kilometre bridge in Zhejiang province has gone through numerous physical and economic challenges during its four-year construction.   Pakistan Reportedly Building Third Reactor Last Updated: Jun 22 2007 7:52AM Researchers say Pakistan appears to be building a third plutonium production reactor at its Khushab nuclear site in Punjab in order to build more powerful atomic bombs. The Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) say the construction has been seen on commercial satellite imagery.   Thailand To Build First Nuclear Plant Last Updated: Jun 13 2007 8:00AM Thailand's largest energy utility said on Tuesday it will invest US$6 billion to build the country's first nuclear power plant, expected to start operations in 2020. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) said it planned to build the nuclear plant to produce 4,000 Megawatts of electricity as part of the nation's long-term energy planning to cope with a looming power shortage. "Building a nuclear power plant is unavoidable for Thailand given the current pace of rising electricity demand," EGAT governor Kraisi Kanasuta told AFP.   Sand Ban Not Tied To Extradition, Defense Pacts: Zainul Abidin Last Updated: May 21 2007 6:44AM The Extradition Treaty and Defense Cooperation Agreement signed between Indonesia and Singapore last month contain a "carefully negotiated balance of benefits". These pacts are totally separate from the sand ban or the sale of granite between the two countries. This was stressed by Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zainul Abidin Rasheed, in Parliament on Monday. He said the issues were not linked as the decision to negotiate and conclude the two documents as a package was decided much earlier, in October 2005.   Russia To Build Reactor In Burma Last Updated: May 15 2007 7:35AM Russia's atomic energy agency says it has signed a deal to build a nuclear research reactor in Burma. The atomic energy agency says in a statement quoted by Reuters news agency that the agreement provides for cooperation in the design and construction in Burma of a centre for nuclear research.   Malaysia Optimistic Over New Bridge To Singapore Last Updated: May 11 2007 7:47AM KUALA LUMPUR : Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Friday said he was optimistic that Malaysia and Singapore would revisit plans to build a controversial bridge linking the two countries. Malaysia last year ditched long-fought-over plans to build the bridge to replace an ageing causeway, saying Singapore's demands for airspace access and sand for reclamation projects in return for its agreement was unacceptable.   Japan, U.S. Formally Agree On Return Of U.S. Military Land In Tokyo Last Updated: Apr 24 2007 12:27PM The Japanese and U.S. governments formally agreed Monday that the U.S. Army will return part of the land of a base called the Akasaka Press Center in Tokyo's Roppongi district to the metropolitan government, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said.   Russia Building Nuclear Power Plant On Water Last Updated: Apr 18 2007 7:36AM Work has begun at a dockyard in Russia to build the world's first floating nuclear power plant, a mobile platform that will provide electricity to the far north and east of the country. Russia's Federal Nuclear Power Agency says that work is underway at a dockyard in the Arctic town of Severodvinsk to install two nuclear reactors and turbines atop a platform vessel.   Mr. Hu Goes To Moscow, Again Last Updated: Apr 8 2007 9:15AM Download here (.doc)   Electricity-Starved Vietnam Declares Blackouts Until Mid-May Last Updated: Apr 3 2007 7:34AM Vietnam has begun nationwide power cuts that will continue until mid-May. The move is aimed at saving electricity in the face of a drought that has reduced water levels in hydro-electric dams.   Powerful Indonesia quake kills at least 82 Last Updated: Mar 6 2007 9:10AM At least 82 people were killed Tuesday and hundreds injured in a 6.3-magnitude earthquake that rocked Indonesia's Sumatra island, officials said. "The toll won't stop rising because the quake happened in a relatively populated region," said Damien Personnaz, a spokesman for children's agency UNICEF, who gave the figure of 82 dead.   Burma Releases 9 Protestors In Rangoon Last Updated: Feb 27 2007 11:09AM Burma's military government has released nine people who'd been held for five days after holding a rare protest over living conditions in the capital, Rangoon. Around two dozen people took part in last Thursday's demonstration outside a bus station, waving placards and shouting slogans.   Thailand Moves To Control Private Television Station Last Updated: Mar 8 2007 11:06PM Thailand says it will take control of the nation's only private television broadcaster if it fails to meet a deadline next week to pay $US2.8 billion in fines and overdue fees. The battle over iTV marks the latest move by the military-backed government against companies controlled by Shin Corp, a telecom giant founded by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.   Japan Launches Disaster Alert System Last Updated: Feb 9 2007 8:08AM Japan has launched a satellite-based alert system to speed up evacuations if the country is hit by earthquakes, tsunamis or missiles. Authorities previously relied on low-tech ways to spread alerts. They will now be able to send instant warnings via sirens of imminent tsunamis, volcano eruptions or other disasters.   ASEAN Nations Rev Up Transport Integration To Meet Single Market Deadline Last Updated: Feb 8 2007 4:24PM BANGKOK : The 10 members of the ASEAN group of nations are all set for transport integration in conjunction with plans for a single market by 2015. With the deadline less than eight years away, ASEAN transport ministers are revving up the integration of transport and logistics systems - a key engine of the grouping's social and economic integration. The ministers are taking stock of the progress of various transport initiatives to narrow the development gap among member countries and iron out details to enhance connectivity via air, land and sea.   Repairs To Quake-Hit Asia Internet Cables Delayed Again Last Updated: Jan 29 2007 1:57PM HONG KONG: Hong Kong's telecom regulator said on Monday bad weather had again delayed full repairs to undersea cables damaged last year by an earthquake, which badly disrupted Internet access in parts of Asia. The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) said most of the seven submarine cables, damaged by a powerful 7.1-magnitude temblor off Taiwan on December 26, have now been fixed but that one will take longer than estimated.   NZ Companies Discuss Tonga Reconstruction Efforts Last Updated: Jan 23 2007 12:37PM The New Zealand Pacific Business Council says it is important for New Zealand to be involved in the reconstruction of Tonga's business district in the capital, Nuku'alofa. Six people died in riots last November and many businesses were destroyed by fire. Matangi Tonga reports that representatives from 12 New Zealand companies have met in Auckland to learn first-hand the extent of the riot damage, and the opportunities for reconstruction work.   Brunei Darussalam Help Rehabilitation, Reconstruction Of Aceh Province Last Updated: Jan 9 2007 3:35PM BRUNEI: The Chairman of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation's Board of Directors, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin says two funds from Brunei Darussalam's citizens and residents totaling nearly 2 million Brunei dollars have helped in rebuilding Aceh that was devastated by the tsunami two years ago. The funds are the Foundation Initiative Fund and the National Tsunami Disaster Victims Aid Fund under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.   1