East Asia

They must answer charges of "illegal fishing" and face up to 12 years in prison and a fine of 300 thousand dollars. The reef is considered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Charges include attempted bribery, for offering money in exchange for release.

Source tells AsiaNews about an undercover meeting with a Christian who told "me that we heard about" Francis's appeal it. "We do not want to be isolated from the rest of the world," he added. But tensions on the peninsula are rising as Pyongyang gets rocket ready for launch.

"Whilst everyone was looking at the movements of the military, various players have changed inside the regime. The dictator's uncle no longer appears to be in the picture; he was the regime's eminence grise and main contact with the military." Official tells Chinese, "There'll be no war on the Korean Peninsula, so send as many tourists as possible".

The United States and South Korea put their troops on maximum alert. The Kim regime’s deadline for foreigners to leave expires today. Intelligence sources: "A new missile with ranges of 3 thousand kilometers, never before tested, is in launch mode."

Known for his battles against abortion and forced sterilisation in China, the blind dissident after a daring escape managed to leave China with Washington's diplomatic assistance. Despite their pledge, Chinese authorities are persecuting his family. He thanks Christian Bale, says, "He is Batman in reality."

In its 2013 report, the Asian Development Bank expects higher consumption in China and robust expansion in South-East Asia to boost growth elsewhere. Experts warn though against inflation and possible asset bubbles. China is expected to grow by 8.2 per cent against 7.8 in 2012. Myanmar confirmed good development prospects.

The President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea told AsiaNews that "tensions are designed to save face and get financial assistance. I appeal to all Koreans to pray especially for those people who cause pain and death by their actions."

The first and only woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom died yesterday aged 87. Conservative Party leader, she is remembered for her sweeping liberalization in domestic politics and heavy hand in foreign policy. The Falklands War in 1982. The handover of Hong Kong to Beijing, signed in 1984. The telegram of Pope Francis.

During a solemn Mass of thanksgiving for the election of a new pope, Cardinal Tong describes the highlights of his meeting with Francis: "He kissed my hand to show his love for and devotion to our Church, a gesture that moved me deeply. I gave him a statue of Our Lady of Sheshan which is now in his room. "Thanks to Benedict XVI: "He paved the way for reconciliation."

The North Korean regime warns it cannot guarantee the safety of people in the South, urges them to leave. Meanwhile, Japanese authorities deploy the anti-missile batteries in the city centre. The archbishop of Nagasaki tells AsiaNews that the situation is "very tense," that a small provocation "could trigger a major war," calls on the parties "to seek dialogue".

China reports its eighth bird flu death as well as the 24th case of H7N9human infection, bringing the local poultry industry to its knees. In Vietnam, the original strain of the virus makes a comeback with the death of a 4-yar-old child. In Cambodia, the authorities are unable to cope with eight deaths in month. "There are some missing pieces in the puzzle," FAO official says.

UN Secretary-General on a visit to Pope Francis: "the United Nations and the Holy See share ideas and goals." Also examined: issues concerning Africa, trafficking in persons, especially women, refugees and migrants.