Asia-Pacfic

By Agencies

A US-South Korean naval exercise aimed at deterring North Korea has been postponed due to an approaching typhoon, according to local media.

Read more: Joint US-South Korea drill delayed

By Agencies

Yu Myung-hwan, South Korea's foreign minister, has offered to resign over allegations of nepotism involving his daughter's employment in his ministry.

Read more: S Korea minister offers to resign

By Agencies

A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake has struck New Zealand's South Island, 30 km west of Christchurch, damaging roads, buildings and severing electricity across the region.

Read more: New Zealand hit by powerful quake

By Agencies

Authorities in the Philippines have begun a three-day inquiry into a botched hostage rescue operation in which eight Hong Kong tourists were killed in the capital, Manila.

Read more: Manila begins hostage crisis probe

By Agencies

Japan's cabinet has approved new sanctions against Iran, including an assets freeze on figures linked to Tehran's disputed nuclear programme and tighter restrictions on financial transactions.

Read more: Japan approves new Iran sanctions