Japan boosts food aid ahead of G-8 meeting

21:16:16, 4 July 2008

Japan says it will give an extra $US50 million in aid to developing countries over the next three months, to help them cope with soaring global food prices.

Passenger boat sinks in cyclone-hit Burma region

21:16:16, 4 July 2008

A passenger boat has sank in Burma's southwest delta region, killing dozens of people.

SKorean activists barred from Japan, G-8 summit

21:16:14, 4 July 2008

More than two dozen South Korean activists have been barred from entering Japan to hold demonstrations against the Group of Eight summit.

SKorea police target drug-trafficking ring

21:16:15, 4 July 2008

South Korean police say they've arrested members of a drug-trafficking ring with suspected links to Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents.

Historic Chinese flight heads to Taiwan

13:37:33, 4 July 2008

The first direct flight between Taiwan and mainland China since 1949 has landed.

Economic emergency in Marshall Islands

17:16:36, 4 July 2008

The Marshall Islands government has declared a state of economic emergency.

Australia approves Fiji acting high commissioner

14:52:53, 4 July 2008

Fiji's interim prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, has welcomed Australia's decision to approve the appointment of an acting high commissioner to Canberra.

Delay in Cook Islands sporting complex loan

14:52:53, 4 July 2008

The Cook Islands government says there has been a delay in the signing of a $US9.88 million Chinese loan.

Three Pacific sites nominated for World Heritage listing

14:52:53, 4 July 2008

The United Nations is considering three sites in the Pacific for World Heritage listing.

New mobile police station for Samoa

14:52:52, 4 July 2008

Samoa has a new mobile police station, thanks to a grant from the Australian government.

Economics professor Ross Garnaut says there should be no hesitation in starting an emissions trading scheme. [ABC]

Climate report recommends Australian emissions trading scheme

21:16:16, 4 July 2008

A long awaited climate change report has been handed down in Australia, calling for the establishment of an emissions trading scheme to cut greenhouse gases.

Australian treasurer clarifies foreign investment rules

21:16:16, 4 July 2008

Australia's federal treasurer has delivered what he has described as a major speech on foreign investment, in which he has sought to clarify Australia's investment regime.

US president confirms Olympic attendance

12:14:13, 4 July 2008

The White House has confirmed that US President George W Bush will attend the opening ceremonies of next month's Olympic Games in China.

Australia concerned over Joint Strike Fighter delays

12:14:13, 4 July 2008

Australia's defence minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, will travel to the United States next week to discuss the latest delay in the delivery of Australia's new Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

Kewell missing in Olyroos line-up

10:41:48, 4 July 2008

Australia's Olympic soccer coach Graham Arnold has named his 18 man squad that will take on the Ivory Coast, Argentina and Serbia in Beijing.

NZ throws a ball for World Cup draw

10:41:48, 4 July 2008

The Rugby World Cup 2011 pool draw will be inside Tourism New Zealand's giant rugby ball venue in London, on December 1 .

ICC tightens substitution rules for fielders

10:41:48, 4 July 2008

The International Cricket Council has tightened up its rules relating to the use of substitute fielders.

Hot dog, who's Yankee Doodle

10:41:46, 4 July 2008

With national pride at stake this Fourth of July, America's champion Joey 'Jaws' Chestnut is set to defend his hot dog speed eating record against a Japanese threat.

Giteau eyes Tri-Nations challenge

10:41:47, 4 July 2008

Australian rugby union Wallabies back, Matt Giteau, says the team must keep improving, if it is to be successful in this year's Tri-Nations tournament.