Latest update: 08/04/2011 

- Beijing - China - Kim Jong-Il - North Korea


How does China really view North Korea?

North Korea's Parliament is set to convene on April 7th, and experts believe it will nominate Kim Jong-il's son, Kim Jong-un, as Vice-president of the Nation Defence Commission, the country's top political body. China is following proceedings closely, and is hoping for a seamless transition; any problems with its northern neighbour could have major economic and humanitarian consequences for Beijing.

By Henry MORTON / Joris ZYLBERMAN
Germany's 'trial of the year' begins as alleged neo-Nazi appears in court
06/05/2013 - GERMANY

Germany's 'trial of the year' begins as alleged neo-Nazi appears in court

Germany's trial of the year, that of Beate Zschäpe, is opening in Munich. She's the sole survivor of the NSU terror cell and alleged accomplice in 9 racially motivated murders. The case will revisit a scandal that shook the Turkish community: for years, police ignored clues that suggested racist attacks and instead blamed the mafia. Victims’ relatives were even suspects. Turks in Germany began to believe that authorities were blind to detecting racist crimes. Will the trial change that?
North Korea, Russia, Syria and Iran named worst countries for press freedom
03/05/2013 - MEDIA

North Korea, Russia, Syria and Iran named worst countries for press freedom

Reporters Without Borders has published its press freedom index, ranking 179 countries. The NGO singled out Kim Jong-Un, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad as the world's worst press freedom predators. Ninety professional journalists were killed in 2012, a record since the press freedom group started its reports. Syria was the world's most dangerous country, with 18 professional reporters killed.
Malaysian opposition optimistic ahead of general election
03/05/2013 - MALAYSIA

Malaysian opposition optimistic ahead of general election

Malaysians head to the polls this Sunday, and for the first time since independence in 1957, an opposition party could clinch victory. The ruling party, Barisan Nasional, is the world's longest continually elected governing coalition. Yet it has become increasingly unpopular over the past five years. Malaysians are now voicing disapproval at widespread allegations of corruption.
Refugees seek a better life in France
02/05/2013 - SYRIA

Refugees seek a better life in France

More than 1.4 million Syrians have now fled the war-torn country as fighting continues to rage. Most refugees have settled in neighbouring Middle Eastern states where many cram into overcrowded camps, but a number have made their way to European countries like France. Our reporters caught up with some Syrian refugees who are now living in Paris.
Quelling the insurgency in Dagestan
02/05/2013 - DAGESTAN

Quelling the insurgency in Dagestan

The Russian republic of Dagestan, in the North Caucasus, has hit the headlines recently because of its connections with Boston marathon bombing suspects Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Their parents live there and both brothers spent time there. The region has seen increasing Islamic radicalisation and a fierce struggle by the authorities to quell the insurgency.

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China and North Korea

This was a very good story. I hope the Northern part of the Earth can stay at peace. If you want a war try the Southern Part of the Earth. It took 8E6 years for the North to get to where they are now, maybe we could make some money for the next 8E6 years waring in the South.
John G Wotzka, San Diego

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