Louisa Lim

Jiang Zemin rose to power in the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests and leaves a legacy of economic reforms — but also tight political control.

The international community is bracing for further provocative actions in North Korea's campaign of bluster and escalation. But visitors to the reclusive country say the capital Pyongyang does not appear to be on war footing.

North Korea appears to have taken a step forward in its long-range missile program. The country has fired a long-range rocket in spite of warnings from the U.S. and the United Nations.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets to denounce Japan's purchase of a disputed chain of uninhabited islands in the South China Sea. This rising tide of anti-Japanese nationalism is now escalating into violence, with some Japanese businesses reporting attacks.

As North Korea prepares for a new leader, China, South Korea and the other nations are recalibrating their policies and weighing new security concerns. The job is difficult because so little is known about Kim Jong Un, the son and presumed successor to Kim Jong Il.

For more than half of the past 60 days, the air pollution in the Chinese capital has hit levels hazardous to human health. Experts estimate long-term exposure to such pollution could reduce life expectancy by as much as five years. NPR's Louisa Lim describes what it's like living in the city.

In an exclusive interview with NPR, South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak speaks about opposition to a free trade agreement with the United States. Facing declining popularity, he also addresses criticism that his policy on North Korea is too hardline.

Last year, China overtook the U.S. as home of the world's fastest supercomputer. That lasted only six months, but generated intense national pride. Will the much-vaunted program able to live up to Beijing's high expectations?

Last year, China overtook the U.S. as home of the world's fastest supercomputer. That lasted only six months, but generated intense national pride. Will the much-vaunted program able to live up to Beijing's high expectations?

Chinese leaders are pouring money into research and development in a bid to rejoin the ranks of the world's top technological innovators. Beijing is also luring back Chinese scientists from overseas. But money and manpower may not be enough.