LinkTV World News Video Feed

Philippines, Taiwan Heat Up over Fisherman's Death

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:10:00 -0700

Taiwan is demanding justice from the Philippines, after the Filipino coast guard shot and killed a Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters that both countries claim. Mainland China is keeping a close eye on the tension, as China has its own territorial disputes in the region. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has more.

Tragedy in Bangladesh: Retailers Seek Amends for 1,100 Dead

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:53:00 -0700

The government of Bangladesh and Western retailers are making steps towards improving work conditions in the country, three weeks after a factory collapse killed over 1,100 in Dhaka. Katie Quan, associate chair at the University of California's Center for Labor Research and Education, discusses the impact these changes could have on Bangladesh's lucrative garment industry.

China Lauds Human Rights, Bloggers Say 'Not So Fast'

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:36:00 -0700

China's State Council of Information has released its 10th annual report on China's progress with human rights. While the report was quick to commend progress in environmental and social policy, many bloggers were quick to point out how much further China still needs to go. State broadcaster CCTV presents how China plans to tackle these major issues moving forward.

Is China's Xi Jinping Shedding his Reformer Ways?

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:23:00 -0700

When China's new president Xi Jinping assumed office, he made waves for leaning towards reformist policies. Observers predicted considerable change as China continues to struggle with political corruption and freedom of opinion. LinkAsia's David Bandurski reports, however, that the president may be moving away from the role of a reformer.

Photo Oops!: Japan's Abe in the Hot Seat Again

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:09:00 -0700

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe keeps driving his neighbors wild. Less than a month after upsetting China and South Korea for reawakening painful memories of World War II, his latest tribute to the military has turned into an international blunder. South Korean broadcaster MBC has more on Abe's ill-advised photo op.

China's Defense Budget Raises Eyebrows in US

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:14:00 -0700

The Pentagon released an estimate that China spends 200 billion dollars a year on defense spending, 80 billion dollars more than China admits. US officials are keeping a wary eye on China's efforts to expand its reach in the Pacific. Chinese state-controlled broadcaster CCTV examines how the accusations are playing out between the two countries.

Pentagon Calls Out Chinese Cyber Espionage Tactics

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:05:00 -0700

Chinese hackers have taken the international spotlight again after the Pentagon directly accused China of state-sponsored cyber espionage. LinkAsia spoke with Jeffrey Carr, CEO of Taia Global, about what the charges could mean to the future of cyber-security between the two countries.

Chinese Bloggers Fish for Clues in Decades-old Poison Case

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:58:00 -0700

Internet users in China are increasingly sidestepping state officials and taking action into their own hands. Bloggers are not only probing the law in mainland China, but governments in other countries as well, such as the US. LinkAsia's Mark Dreyer presents how Chinese netizens are trying to crack a case of poisoning that stretches two decades and across international borders.

No Horsing Around: Rat Meat Scandal Shocks China

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:02:00 -0700

Food safety in China continues to get a bad rap after news broke that meat vendors in Shanghai were passing off rat meat as lamb. While rat is considered a delicacy in certain regions of China, consumers are shocked at the amount of deception involved in the coverup. Chinese broadcaster CCTV has more on reactions to this latest food scandal.

Malaysian Opposition Rallies over 'Rigged Election'

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:34:00 -0700

Malaysia's opposition coalition is calling foul after losing to the ruling party in a general election which saw the highest voter turnout in the nation's history. Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is accusing the National Front of rigging the election. Sudhir Thomas Vadaketh, journalist and author of "Floating on a Malayan Breeze", discusses the charges, and what the results mean for Malaysia's future.

South Korea's Park Talks DPRK in First Visit to US

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:03:00 -0700

US President Barack Obama hosted South Korean President Park Geun-hye in her first visit to the US since becoming South Korea's first woman president. South Korean broadcaster MBC takes a look at what the presidents discussed, including the tricky situation posed by North Korea.

Hazing Stunt Lands Chinese Cosmetics Shop in Hot Water

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:40:00 -0700

Public humiliation is a common hazing tactic, associated with fraternities and military recruits, but now it's being linked to an unexpected group: cosmetic shops in China. South Korean broadcaster MBC has more on the outrageous training methods that have some Chinese employers under fire.

Across Asia, Football Fans Bid Farewell to Sir Alex

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:18:00 -0700

Football fans across Asia offered a flood of praise and fond farewells to Sir Alex Ferguson, after the 71-year-old manager announced he was stepping down after 26 years at the helm of the world-famous English club Manchester United. Ferguson's constant triumphs in the sport won the adoration of millions of football fans across the world, particularly in Asia, where a combination of prominent Asian stars and tours saw a massive boom in the club's popularity.

Can Bangladesh Find Justice after Factory Tragedy?

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:44:00 -0700

Citizens in Bangladesh are furious after the deadly collapse of a factory in Dhaka that left over 300 people dead, and many still missing. Workers and grieving family members took to the streets, demanding justice from local officials and from Western companies who allow such poor working conditions to proliferate. Sanchita Saxena, Associate Director at the Center for South Asian studies at UC Berkeley, discusses the complex relationship between the global textile industry and labor rights in Bangladesh.

Pakistan Lines Up for Landmark Transfer of Power

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:34:00 -0700

After decades of coups and political instability, Pakistan is set for its first democratic transfer of power since achieving independence. LinkAsia's Wajahat Khan presents the latest on the general election, and what the landmark event means for the future of Pakistan.

Got Milk?: Chinese Dairy Caught in Import Deception

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:25:00 -0700

Business is booming for importers of powdered milk in mainland China, ever since a 2008 scandal over tainted baby formula shocked families across the nation. However, recent investigations have revealed that not every milk product has been true to their label. Chinese broadcaster CCTV takes a look at the deceptive practices of certain dairy companies, and its impact on Chinese consumers.

China Quietly Puts Economic Pinch on North Korea

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:03:00 -0700

Following weeks of war rhetoric, moves made by China in the border city of Dandong are quietly increasing economic pressure on North Korea. South Korean broadcaster MBC examines how these actions may impact the elevated tension across the Korean peninsula.

Left in the Dust: Burma's Growth Leaves Farmers Behind

Fri, 03 May 2013 16:04:00 -0700

Burma is poised to undergo rapid expansion, economically and internationally, embracing democracy after years of military rule. As Burma strengthens international ties, however, farmers in the heartland are fighting to keep control of their property. LinkAsia's San Thar Aung tells more on the growing struggle for farmers' rights.

Japan's Push for Constitutional Change Irks Neighbors

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:46:00 -0700

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is showing no signs of regret as he continues to push divisive sentiments. Moves to change Japan's constitution and invoke nationalist pride have observers in China and South Korea concerned. South Korean broadcaster MBC presents the latest moves by Abe's government that are complicating relations in the Pacific.

Abe's Flagrant Nationalism Befuddles Japanese, Koreans

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:25:00 -0700

Social media in Japan and South Korea has been abuzz after recent nationalist moves by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. While some stand by Abe's actions, others expressed confusion and disappointment with Japan's swing to the extreme right.

Japan's Abe Enrages South Korea with Tribute to War Dead

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:11:00 -0700

Memories of Japan's military aggression in World War II erupted in the Pacific after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a delegation of parliament members paid tribute to the controversial Yasukuni shrine, honoring Japan's war dead. South Korean broadcaster MBC reports on how the officials' take on the war memorial has South Korea fuming.

Malaysians Eye Major Shake-up in Upcoming Election

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:01:00 -0700

Malaysia is on the brink of a historic political change, as the ruling party is in danger of losing the country's upcoming election after 56 years in control. Sudhir Thomas Vadaketh, consultant for The Economist Group and author, discusses how the political and cultural landscape of Malaysia is shifting.

China Earthquake: Netizens Bypass State to Aid Recovery

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 -0700

Chinese citizens have been intensely following rescue and recovery efforts in China's Sichuan Province, after the region suffered its second major earthquake since 2008. China's CCTV presents the latest updates on the damage, while LinkAsia's Jing Gao discusses the dramatic impact netizens have made using social media to aid in rescue operations.

Buying a New You: South Koreans Escape in Fashion Trends

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:53:00 -0700

South Korea is teeming with fashion trends, with appearance becoming a cultural obsession among men and women of all ages. South Korean broadcaster MBC presents how an increasing number of men are discovering makeup, while more and more older women are looking towards youth fashion styles to feel younger.

North Korea Decries 'Hostile Acts' After South Protest

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:49:00 -0700

North Korea has demanded an apology from the South after anti-North Korean protesters took to the streets of Seoul to deface the DPRK flag and burn effigies of the country's leaders. South Korean broadcaster MBC reports that the North has kept up its harsh rhetoric in the face of international condemnation.

Chinese Social Media Overrun with Shock, Grief for Boston

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:41:00 -0700

Chinese bloggers flooded Sina Weibo with expressions of sympathy and grief after news broke about the Boston bombing, and that one of the casualties was a Chinese grad student. Many took the opportunity to mourn, while other bloggers couldn't help but admire and critique how the US handled the situation.

Scandalous Spending Habits of China's Rich Spark Ire

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:34:00 -0700

Chinese citizens were outraged when rich customers went shopping for something a little more scandalous than yachts at a recent trade show on the island of Hainan. LinkAsia's Mark Dreyer discusses how the increasing wealth gap in China is becoming a tough cultural headache to manage.

Historic Sex Bill Splits Largely Catholic Philippines

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:37:00 -0700

A health bill that would provide free contraception to the poor and mandate sex education in schools is hanging in legislative limbo in the Philippines, after objections by a religious couple. LinkAsia's Noel Tarrazona presents the legal battle lines that are being drawn in the predominantly Catholic Philippines.

Small Olive Branch from US Falls Flat in North Korea

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:09:00 -0700

North Korea rejected an offer from US Secretary of State John Kerry to begin dialogue, claiming they would not talk as long as the US is "swinging the nuclear club". Dr. Robert Gallucci, president of the MacArthur Foundation in Chicago, looks back on the US' past diplomatic successes and failures with North Korea, and how the US can move forward.

Japan Seeks Rearmament to Counter DPRK Threats

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:03:00 -0700

It is impossible for Japan to rearm under its current constitution. But as North Korea has continued to raise tensions in northeast Asia, public opinion has shifted towards favoring a constitutional amendment that would allow Japan to push ahead with a major military buildup. South Korean broadcaster MBC reports on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's attempts at rebuilding Japan's defense.

Nip, Tuck: Tourists Flock to Seoul for Plastic Surgery

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:14:00 -0700

South Korea's hottest new tourist attraction seems to be health care. People from all over the world are flocking to Seoul for a "world-class medical experience" at bargain prices. South Korean broadcaster MBC reports that plastic surgery is in particular demand.

China's Residents Flee KFC as Bird Flu Strikes Again

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:55:00 -0700

A new strain of avian influenza, H7N9, has killed nine people and infected more than 30 others in eastern China. Authorities say that they found bird flu at five live poultry markets, and are closing them. State-run CCTV News reports that the outbreak is having an impact on sales of chicken and duck at popular restaurants.

The Death of a Censor: China's Journalists Mourn a Foe

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:44:00 -0700

China's journalists are mourning the man who censored one of China's most outspoken newspapers. Zeng Li, the government censor for Guangzhou's Southern Weekly paper, became an advocate for freedom of the press this past year as he witnessed censorship worsening. Contributor David Bandurski reports on the reactions by China's independent press.

China Takes 'Get More Bees with Honey' Approach to DPRK Crisis

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:34:00 -0700

The optimistic interpretation by Western media about China's harder line toward North Korea is based on Xi Jinping's comments at Boao as well as China's recent support for UN sanctions. But Gregory Kulacki of the Union of Concerned Scientists thinks there's a lot of wishful thinking going on about whether China can actually bring North Korea into line.

China's President: No State Should Throw the World into Chaos

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:22:00 -0700

Chinese president Xi Jinping made headlines this past week at the China-sponsored Boao forum when he made comments that many interpreted as being an indirect dig at North Korea. But is China really turning its back on its neighbor and ally? State-run CCTV News doesn't seem to think so.

Rockets' Red Glare: North Korea to Launch Yet Again

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:13:00 -0700

North Korea appears to be preparing to launch at least one medium-range rocket to celebrate the anniversary of founding father Kim Il-sung's birth. South Korea and the US have anti-missile batteries ready to shoot down the rocket if it poses a threat. South Korean broadcaster MBC reports on the latest from the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea Shutters 'Last Point of Contact' with South

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:43:00 -0700

North Korea raised tensions further this week by announcing that it is going to close the Kaesong industrial park. This joint venture between North and South employs 50,000 North Korean workers. South Korean broadcaster MBC reports that the industrial zone was the last official point of contact between the two countries.

War Threat: What is North Korea Trying to Prove?

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:29:00 -0700

It's becoming more difficult to discern the North Korean regime's intentions solely through its words and actions, party due to the fact that we can only try to parse the rhetoric emanating from the official news agency. LinkAsia speaks with Stanford University's Dan Sneider to try and get a clearer picture of North Korea's end game.

China on 'High Alert' Over New Bird Flu Strain

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:30:00 -0700

There's been an outbreak of bird flu in eastern China. Although the number of infections is still small, public health officials in China are on high alert. State-run CCTV News reports on the health of the most recent people to become infected.

Chinese Scientists Develop 'Lighter than Air' Material

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:51:00 -0700

The revolutionary new material, carbon aerogel, is derived from a gel that has its liquid components replaced with gas. It appears solid, but weights hardly anything and is extremely absorbent. Dr. Geo Chao of Zhejiang University says that one of its major applications could be soaking up oil spills and other pollutants. Footage from Reuters.

Bursting the Bubble: China Curbs Real Estate Boom

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:27:00 -0700

China is worried about a real estate bubble. Housing prices have been rising by double digits in almost every Chinese city, and in Beijing alone have skyrocketed 22 percent in the past year. State-run CCTV News reports that the government is trying to cool things down by raising taxes and transaction fees to lessen demand.

South Korea Moves to Boost Sagging Home Sales

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:07:00 -0700

Faced with a slumping real estate market, the South Korean government has announced a plan to cut borrowing costs and provide tax breaks in order to get people to buy homes. South Korean broadcaster MBC reports on reactions to this plan and its efficacy.

No Homework! New Regulations for Beijing Schools

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:46:00 -0700

The life of a Beijing school child just got a little easier. The city's government has issued eight new measures, including no homework for the lowest grades. State-run CCTV News reports on why the government is trying to ease young students' burden.

Cliffhanger: Hunan Kids Risk Lives Daily on Ladders

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:22:00 -0700

Next time your grandfather says that he had to walk ten miles in the snow to get to school everyday, just tell him about these schoolchildren in a small village in Hunan province. CCTV News reports that the kids have to climb rickety ladders perched on a shear cliff just to get to and from school each day.

Apple Grovels, China Gloats: CCTV on Tim Cook's Apology

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:37:00 -0700

Apple CEO Tim Cook released an official statement on Monday apologizing for Apple's double standard in after-sales services in China. CCTV broke the story last month that Apple's warranties in China were different than those in other countries, and had undertaken a media campaign to push the company to apologize. Here's CCTV's reaction to the apology.

'China's Michelle Obama' Steals Spotlight from President

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:43:00 -0700

China's new president Xi Jinping is on his first overseas trip, stopping in Africa this week for an economic summit. But all eyes are on his fashionista wife, the popular singer Peng Liyuan. LinkAsia's Mark Dreyer reports on the buzz that her entrance onto the political stage has generated online.

#ShiaGenocide: Pakistanis Take to Twitter to Protest Killings

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:32:00 -0700

Since the beginning of the year, more than 350 Shia muslims have been killed and hundreds more injured in bombings and targeted killings in Pakistan. Islamabad-based journalist Michelle Stockman reports on who's behind the violence, and how Pakistanis protesting the violence are using social media to get their message out.

Burma's Anti-Muslim Riots: Buddhists Disturb the Peace

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:20:00 -0700

Last week in Burma, an argument between a Muslim merchant and his Buddhist customers spun out of control, sparking a deadly riot. The two groups are often at odds, and some Buddhist monks want to the Muslim population expelled completely. LinkAsia's Kenneth Wong reports on the growing divide amongst Buddhist monks about how to deal with this issue.

Is Southeast Asian Democracy Dying as the Middle Class Grows?

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:59:00 -0700

While Myanmar continues to reform, Thailand, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian democracies are struggling politically. Josh Kurlantzick of the Council on Foreign Relations believes that the cherished idea that as countries develop a middle class they inevitably turn towards democracy is wrong.

North Korea's Threats of War 'Forge Internal Unity'

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:48:00 -0700

South Korean and US government officials are taking North Korea's threats seriously, and despite the North's brinkmanship, it's still possible that a crisis will be averted. But how did the conflict escalate to this point? LinkAsia speaks with Scott Snyder of the Council on Foreign Relations about what is going through the minds of North Korea's leaders.