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Top Asian News at 7:00 p.m. GMT(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) North Korea powerful temptation for some AmericansSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — One shouted about God's love as he crossed a frozen river, clutching a Bible. Another swam, drunk and naked. Several U.S. soldiers dashed around land mines. Time and again, Americans over the years have slipped illegally into poor, deeply suspicious, fervently anti-American North Korea, even as it has become increasingly easy to enter legally as a tourist. It's incomprehensible to many, especially since tens of thousands of desperate North Koreans have crossed in the opposite direction, at great risk. Senate: China hacked military contractor networksWASHINGTON (AP) — China's military hacked into computer networks of civilian transportation companies hired by the Pentagon at least nine times, breaking into computers aboard a commercial ship, targeting logistics companies and uploading malicious software onto an airline's computers, Senate investigators said Wednesday. A yearlong investigation announced by the Senate Armed Services Committee identified at least 20 break-ins or other unspecified cyber events targeting companies, including nine successful break-ins of contractor networks. It blamed China's government for all the most sophisticated intrusions, although it did not provide any detailed evidence. The Senate report did not identify which transportation companies were victimized. Excitement and relief in landmark Fiji electionSUVA, Fiji (AP) — There was excitement among thousands of voters and relief from the international community Wednesday as Fijians cast ballots in a landmark election they hope will end more than a quarter-century of political turmoil and eight years of autocratic rule. But democracy may not have much of a new look to it. Military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama, who has ruled this sunny South Pacific nation since he seized control in a 2006 coup, is the front-runner. He's popular in Fiji thanks in part to his focus on social programs, increased infrastructure spending and a crackdown on the media. Thailand says no DNA match yet for slain BritonsBANGKOK (AP) — Police in Thailand said Wednesday that DNA samples from the bodies of two British tourists found bludgeoned on a resort island did not match any collected from 12 people who were among those in the area. Police also conducted autopsies which showed that 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge died from head wounds while 24-year-old David Miller suffered severe blows to the head and drowned in the surf, said Maj. Gen. Pornchai Suteerakune, the country's forensics police chief. US man held for alleged attempt to swim to N KoreaSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean border guards arrested an American man who they believe was attempting to swim across a river to rival North Korea, a South Korean defense official said Wednesday. The man was apprehended Tuesday night while lying on a bank of the Han River in a restricted military area near the border, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to office policy. Bangladesh court reduces sentence of IslamistDHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh's Supreme Court commuted on Wednesday the death sentence of an Islamist political leader whose conviction last year for war crimes during the nation's 1971 war for independence sparked deadly protests. Delwar Hossain Sayedee, one of the top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, must remain in prison "for the rest of his natural life," Chief Justice Muzammel Hossain said. Pakistan airstrikes kill 40 militants, army saysISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's military launched airstrikes on five militant hideouts in a troubled tribal region near the border with Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing 40 suspected fighters as part of a massive operation that began this summer. In a statement, the military said "precise" air strikes were carried out in Datta Khel, a Taliban stronghold in North Waziristan, where Pakistan launched a long-awaited offensive on June 15. The region has long been home to local and foreign militants who carry out attacks in Pakistan and against NATO forces in Afghanistan. Sony forecasts $2B loss as smartphones lagTOKYO (AP) — Sony expects its annual loss to swell to $2 billion and has canceled dividends for the first time in more than half a century after writing down the value of its troubled smartphone business. Citing intense competition, especially from Chinese rivals, Sony said Wednesday it anticipates a net loss of 230 billion yen ($2.15 billion) for the fiscal year that ends March 31, 2015. Its previous forecast was for a 50 billion yen ($466 million) net loss. Minority scholar denies separatism at China trialURUMQI, China (AP) — A high-profile Muslim Uighur scholar and government critic denied that he had encouraged separatism as he stood trial Wednesday in China's far western region of Xinjiang, where authorities say terrorists are seeking an independent state. Ilham Tohti, a former economics professor in Beijing, is accused of fanning ethnic hatred and advocating the overthrow of Chinese rule in Xinjiang. Ilham Tohti's supporters say he is a moderate who has sought a middle road in resolving the region's ethnic tensions and that his critiques of Chinese policy have always stayed within the law. Japan seeks backing for whaling despite UN rulingPORTOROZ, Slovenia (AP) — Japan sought international backing Wednesday for its highly criticized plan to resume whale hunting in the Antarctic next year, despite a ruling against it by the top U.N. court. Japan negotiated at the International Whaling Commission conference in Portoroz, Slovenia, to amend a resolution about global whaling criteria so that it would allow Japan to engage in "scientific whaling." Image of Asia: Lighting up the track in SingaporeIn this photo by Wong Maye-E, lights illuminate the Singapore Grand Prix race track at dusk as seen from the 65th floor of Swissotel The Stamford. The financial district skyline is seen on the right, while in the distance, laser lights operate on the Marina Bay Sands roof. The Singapore race is the only one on the Formula One calendar held at night. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are locked in a tense duel for the season championship and are among the top contenders in Sunday's race. Japan wants North Korea abductions report soonTOKYO (AP) — A Japanese Cabinet minister on Wednesday urged North Korea to quickly release the results of a new investigation into the fate of dozens, possibly hundreds, of Japanese believed to have been abducted by the North's agents in the 1970s and '80s. Minister in charge of abductions Eriko Yamatani said it is extremely regrettable that North Korea hasn't informed Japan of the timing or other details of its expected announcement. Indonesia adds more copters to fight forest firesJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia on Wednesday added more water-dropping helicopters to fight forest and plantation wildfires that are spreading haze across the region, limiting visibility and increasing air pollution. A Russian-made Mi-8 helicopter joined three other planes that have been combatting fires in South Sumatra province in the past two weeks. Trade, investment hopes as China's Xi visits IndiaAHMEDABAD, India (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in the Indian prime minister's home state of Gujarat on Wednesday for a three-day visit expected to focus on India's need to improve worn out infrastructure and reduce its trade deficit. Xi was greeted on the tarmac by state officials carrying fringed umbrellas to guard him from the sun in Gujarat's main financial city of Ahmedabad. China police formally arrest Chan son in drug caseBEIJING (AP) — Police in Beijing have formally arrested the son of Hong Kong martial arts film star Jackie Chan on suspicion of allowing other people to consume drugs, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment, prosecutors said Wednesday. The Dongcheng District prosecutor's office said it had given approval for the formal arrest of actor Jaycee Chan following a request from police a week earlier. It made the announcement on its official Sina Weibo microblog. Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |