America.gov-World Regions: East Asia and the Pacific

United States Offers Initial Earthquake Aid to China

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 13 May 2008 16:12:03 GMT

The United States is sending China an initial $500,000 toward disaster relief efforts after a massive earthquake that struck Sichuan province May 12. The United States also stands ready to send more aid as needed. Such aid could include specially trained disaster assistance response teams or search-and-rescue units.

North Korea Discloses New Nuclear Details

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:16:17 GMT

North Korea has provided a top U.S. official with new details on its nuclear activities that may be an important first step in getting international efforts to stabilize the Korean Peninsula back on track. The newly released documents date back to 1986 and outline operations at the Yongbyon complex.

Press Freedom in Mongolia Gaining, but Needs Strengthening

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:23:16 GMT

Mongolia is making advances in press freedom, but experts say that more improvements are needed to make the press truly free and independent of government censorship and intimidation. Experts from nongovernmental organizations share their views on the current situation and necessary next steps with America.gov.

First U.S. Disaster Aid Shipment Arrives in Burma

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:35:58 GMT

Help is on the way for the people of Burma as authorities finally allow the first American C-130 cargo plane to land. The plane has humanitarian aid supplies for Irrawaddy Delta communities ravaged by Cyclone Nargis. And the United States is providing an additional $13 million in food aid and assistance.

Burma Agrees to Allow U.S. Cargo Plane with Relief Supplies

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:28:11 GMT

Seven days after Cyclone Nargis slammed into Burma's densely populated Irrawaddy Delta killing thousands and displacing thousands more, the ruling military junta has given permission for the United States to send in a military C-130 cargo plane with emergency relief supplies on May 12, a White House spokesman says.

Discovery to Deliver Heart of Japanese Lab to Space Station

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:10:55 GMT

When Discovery launches May 31, the STS-124 mission to the space station will carry the centerpiece of Japan’s laboratory complex and reach a milestone in NASA’s restructuring of its space shuttle program after the 2003 loss of Columbia. Ten flights remain until the shuttle is retired in the summer of 2010.

U.N. Food Aid Agency Urges Countries to Lift Food Export Bans

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:51:48 GMT

The head of the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) has called on countries that ban exports of food commodities to lift those restrictions so more food can be available for humanitarian aid. Approximately 40 countries have imposed bans as commodity prices have soared in the past year, WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran says.

Burma Aid Is About Saving Lives, Not About Politics, Rice Says

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:11:13 GMT

The United States and other nations, the United Nations, international relief agencies and nongovernmental organizations are prepared to bring considerable resources to Burma in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, Henrietta Fore, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said May 8.

Reintegration Often Tougher for Girl Child Soldiers

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:27:20 GMT

Former girl soldiers often have a tougher time than boys reintegrating into society after conflicts end, and the sigma of military activities makes girls fear they cannot establish normal family lives. Michael Wessells, a child-protection practitioner, talks with America.gov about these problems.

Oregon Congressional Incumbent Faces Challenge Within His Party

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:05:18 GMT

Something odd is happening in Oregon’s 1st Congressional District, where an underfinanced candidate with little political experience or name recognition is gaining support for his challenge to an incumbent serving his 10th year in Congress. America.gov offers a snapshot of how the race is shaping up ahead of the May primary.

U.S. Seeks Neighbors' Help on Sending Disaster Aid Teams to Burma

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:51:33 GMT

The United States is asking Burma's neighbors to convince the ruling junta to permit disaster assessment teams into the country so that humanitarian relief efforts can begin the recovery from "a humanitarian disaster of immense scope." The U.S. Embassy says the death toll may have reached 100,000 people.

North Korea Freedom Week Focuses Washington's Attention

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:23:05 GMT

North Korea Freedom Week, an event organized annually since 2004, aims to focus attention on conditions in the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea. Activities included a march to welcome South Korea’s new president, a rally on Capitol Hill, screenings of a new human rights movie and a discussion with several North Korean defectors.

United States Continues to Focus on Human Rights in North Korea

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 06 May 2008 15:52:32 GMT

U.S. Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea Jay Lefkowitz authors an op-ed in the New York Sun May 5 on why the United States continues to make human rights in North Korea a priority.

U.S. Provides $3.25 Million to Aid Burma Cyclone Victims

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:37:26 GMT

The United States is providing $3.25 million in humanitarian aid to Burma and is prepared to do considerably more if the ruling military junta would permit, the White House says. Such additional assistance could include providing military medical teams and transport for large quantities of emergency supplies, President Bush says.

Bush Freezes Burma’s State-Owned U.S. Assets

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:17:32 GMT

President Bush expands U.S. economic sanctions on Burma ahead of its May 10 referendum on what Bush calls “a dangerously flawed constitution.” The sanctions add all Burmese state-owned corporations to the existing list of individuals and entities whose assets have been frozen by U.S. Treasury officials.

New Intercountry Adoption Standards Implemented in United States

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:34:31 GMT

Following the entry in force in the United States of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security implement new procedures to help ensure that foreign children being adopted into the United States receive the highest level of protection.

Long-term Approach to Food Aid Problems Necessary, Rice Says

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:11:02 GMT

An integrated approach to dealing with food aid problems can help avert future food crises, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says. America needs to be able to purchase food in regions where it is most likely to be needed. Local purchasing would drive down transportation costs and be good for markets seeking local goods, she says.

Talks to Continue Despite North Korean Proliferation Activities

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:34:53 GMT

The United States remains committed to the Six-Party Talks process despite revelations by U.S. intelligence officials that North Korea was helping Syria build a nuclear reactor. The multilateral process is “the appropriate and best way forward” on ending the threat of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula, the State Department says.

Syria Did Not Disclose Building Nuclear Reactor

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:48:33 GMT

Syria did not tell the International Atomic Energy Agency it was building a nuclear reactor in a remote area of eastern Syria with help from North Korean nuclear scientists and engineers, and after the reactor was destroyed in September 2007, made every effort to bury the evidence, White House press secretary Dana Perino says.

Sham Referendum Offers Little Hope to Burma’s Economy

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:08:10 GMT

Prominent academics agree it will be impossible for Burma to make the fundamental economic policy shifts necessary to improve the lives of its people without profound political transformation. There is also broad consensus that the constitutional referendum scheduled for May is unlikely to lead to the type of change needed.

Public-Private Partnerships Foster Innovative Solutions

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:41:01 GMT

What would you do if you were offered $1 million to build a robot vehicle that could drive at speed, park, avoid pedestrians and cars driven by professional racers, and obey traffic laws? A Virginia Tech student jumped at the chance to team with professional engineers outfitting a car with electronics and computers to do just that.

States’ Negroponte Urges China to Begin Dialogue with Dalai Lama

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:31:41 GMT

The United States is deeply concerned about reports of violence and arrests in Tibet, where stability will not be possible unless China takes action to address long-standing grievances among the Tibetan people, say top U.S. diplomats, including Special Envoy Paula Dobriansky.

U.S. Adopters of Foreign Orphans Undergo Tough Scrutiny

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:53:56 GMT

The United States adopts more children from abroad than all other countries combined. This is because of a culture of adoption in America, where a child does not have to be genetically linked to its parents to be loved, experts say. Strong institutional safeguards protecting children’s rights and well-being also play a role.

Direct Dialogue Is Way Forward in Tibet, Says United States

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:35:46 GMT

Paula J. Dobriansky, U.S. special coordinator for Tibetan issues and under secretary of state for democracy and global affairs, authors an op-ed for the Washington Post April 22, 2008, on U.S. efforts to promote dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Chinese leaders.

U.S., South Korea Want North to Declare Nature of Weapons Program

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:37:24 GMT

Once North Korea declares the details of its nuclear weapons development program in a verifiable way, then the next steps in the process can be determined, say Presidents Bush and Lee Myung-bak of South Korea. The six-nation talks have made considerable progress in getting North Korea to dismantle its Yongbyon facility.

Food Crisis Has Long-Term Global Challenges, Rice Says

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:03 GMT

President Bush is seeking an additional $350 million from Congress to provide immediate emergency food assistance, but the current food crisis has long-term global challenges, says Secretary Condoleezza Rice. "We need to encourage farmers and transporters, markets and governments to meet this urgent worldwide challenge," she says.

U.S. Wants Full Accounting of North Korea's Nuclear Programs

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:38:21 GMT

The Six-Party Talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program have shown progress, but there is still reason for caution and skepticism. The United States and its partners require "a full account from North Korea of all its nuclear programs, including uranium and nuclear proliferation activities," Secretary Condoleezza Rice says.

Bush Orders $200 Million for Emergency Food Relief

David I. McKeeby — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:43:45 GMT

Responding aggressively to a worsening global food crisis, President Bush orders some $200 million in emergency U.S. food assistance to address the impact of rising commodity prices on U.S. emergency food aid programs, meet unanticipated food aid needs in Africa and elsewhere, and help relieve political instability in some regions.

Rising Global Food Prices Likely to Continue, Say Experts

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:10:15 GMT

Sharply rising costs for food staples and fuel are leading to deadly clashes in impoverished countries and likely will continue for some time, international experts say. Rising prices are attributed to a combination of factors, including reduced production, low food stocks, drought and higher energy and transportation costs.

Asian Partners Should Help and Lead, Negroponte Says

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:36:23 GMT

“America is a Pacific nation, and our prosperity and global stability are increasingly tied to that of Asia. The goal we seek … is an Asia that is growing in peace, prosperity, and freedom -- and we will continue our work with Asia’s leaders and its people to achieve that goal together,” says Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.

Bush Administration Seeks $37 Billion To Bolster Diplomacy

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:11:52 GMT

President Bush is seeking more than $37 billion from Congress in fiscal year 2009 spending to strengthen U.S. diplomacy by helping countries build democracy, recover from conflicts and improve lives and livelihoods by confronting disease and poverty. Speaking before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Secretary Rice outlines key priorities.

Olympic Torch Protests Illuminate U.S. Right to Peaceful Dissent

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:39:24 GMT

Protests about the display of the Olympic torch in the United State s are consistent with the American tradition of peaceful dissent. Representatives of human rights group and the media discuss whether these protests and others like them in advance of the 2008 Olympic Games are likely to influence China’s policies.

U.S. Condemns Prison Sentence for Chinese Human Rights Activist

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:41:59 GMT

The United States condemns the prison sentence of Chinese human rights activist Hu Jia, but the president still plans to attend the Beijing Olympics to show support for the Chinese people’s “emergence on the world stage,” says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

U.N. Peacekeeping Vital to International Security

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:29:06 GMT

U.N. peacekeeping operations serve as crucial tools in addressing a wide array of threats to international peace and security, especially where direct military involvement by the United States is not necessary or appropriate, a senior U.S. diplomat says at a congressional hearing on U.S. support and funding for such operations.

Baseball, Once Just an American Game, Extends Reach Worldwide

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:53:45 GMT

When major league baseball introduced the “World Series” in 1903, the name was an exercise in hyperbole. The sport was strictly American in nature, and the bulk of players and managers were U.S. natives. But as the game has grown in popularity around the world and international superstars develop, the “World” aspect has become a reality.

Asian-American Women Dip Their Toes into U.S. Politics

David I. McKeeby — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:00:05 GMT

Although people of Asian descent have been part of the American society for generations, Asian-American women only recently have taken any broad interest in participating in U.S. politics, experts say. “Asian-American women are just sort of ‘sticking their toe into the waters,’” says Debbie Walsh, director of a policy research center.

1988 Olympics Was Watershed for U.S. Mens Soccer

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:14:54 GMT

A former U.S. Olympic soccer (football) player recalls the 1988 games in Seoul when U.S. soccer made a breakthrough in international rankings. The U.S. men lost, but competed well against strong rivals, Tab Ramos remembers. “As long as you’re doing what you can to help your team, then you should be proud of that,” he writes.

Olympic Athlete Shares Her “Sense of the Water”

David I. McKeeby — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:11:57 GMT

U.S. swimmer Janet Evans competed in the Olympics for the first time at age 17, winning three gold medals. She was a more mature person at her last Olympics in 1996 and realized that the true honor of the experience was representing her country, and sharing the events with dedicated athletes from scores of nations.

Six-Party Talks Await Complete, Correct Data from North Korea

David I. McKeeby — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:06:34 GMT

The stalemate in the second phase of the Six-Party Talks on eliminating nuclear weapons from the Korean Peninsula results from not getting North Korea to agree to a "complete and correct" declaration of all its nuclear materials, capacity, and knowledge -- without exceptions -- says Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill.

Rice Asks Chinese Authorities to Show Restraint in Tibet

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:23:49 GMT

The United States is urging all sides in recent civil strife between protesters and Chinese authorities in Tibet to refrain from further violence. "We call on the Chinese government to exercise restraint in dealing with these protests, and we strongly urge all sides to refrain from violence," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says.

For Vietnamese Immigrant, Fashion Design Is American Dream

David I. McKeeby — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 14:37:40 GMT

U.S. Teams Up with French Institute in Pandemic Preparedness

David I. McKeeby — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 12:55:50 GMT