The latest stories from the Asia-Pacific section of the BBC News web site.
One of four key independent lawmakers endorses Australian PM Julia Gillard, leaving her two seats short of the majority needed to form a government.
Three people die as Seoul is hit by its strongest typhoon in 15 years, while storms continue to cause heavy rain and landslides in China.
More than 10,000 vehicles are stuck in a 120km (75-mile) traffic jam on China's Beijing to Tibet motorway.
The Philippines vows to probe claims that coffins of three of Hong Kong's eight victims of last week's hijacking in Manila were wrongly labelled.
Tajikistan's security chief is replaced following the escape of 25 prisoners, including several Islamic militants, from a Dushanbe jail.
US authorities indict 11 German and Chinese executives for conspiring to illegally import $40m worth of honey from China.
The EU urges China to curb smuggling to Europe, saying counterfeit cigarettes alone deprive the EU of 10bn euros (£8bn) in tax revenue annually.
An ancient reef may provide scientists with clues about what will happen to coral when sea temperatures rise.
The Chinese navy begins artillery exercises in the Yellow Sea, days before the US and South Korea hold similar manoeuvres there.
A Tasmanian Devil who experts hoped was immune to a facial cancer that threatens the marsupial species is euthanised after developing tumours.
A man pays for a van in China with 100,000 yuan ($14,700; £9,500) in pocket change he gathered over years, state television reports.
Positive data eases concerns over the strength of the global economic recovery.
The US drops a probe of China's currency policy, averting a trade row.
Japan stocks fall after BOJ's attempts to curb the rising yen.
Australia lose thrilling Tri-Nations match in Pretoria
Championship leader Mark Webber starts the Belgian Grand Prix from pole position after a rain-affected qualifying session in Spa.
23 Aug
Key facts, figures and dates
22 Jan
Key facts. figures and dates
3 Aug
Key facts, figures and dates
27 May
Key facts, figures and dates
15 Jun
Key facts, figures and dates
17 Mar
Key facts, figures and dates
12 Mar
Key facts, figures and dates
11 Mar
Key facts, figures and dates
14 Jul
Key facts, figures and dates