Australian, Indian leaders target free trade pact, economic boost

(Reuters) - Australia and India will push for a free trade pact, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday during a rare state visit to Canberra by an Indian leader.

Indonesia Risks Suharto Dynasty Rerun as Son-in-Law Also Rises

Sixteen years after the overthrow of the dictator Suharto, Indonesia is turning back toward that regime as his former son-in-law pulls level in the race to run the world’s third-largest democracy.

Vietnam Offers Help To Companies Hit By Riots

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) -- Vietnam on Thursday pledged to help companies whose factories were targeted during anti-Chinese riots last week, offering tax breaks and other incentives to try and undo some of the damage to its reputation as a low-risk country for foreign manufacturers.

Hague says Britain eyeing increased role in Asia

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Britain is looking at increasing its involvement in Asia's economy and security but will not take sides in territorial disputes in the South China Sea involving China and its smaller neighbors, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Thursday.

Southeast Asian nations plan trade bloc to rival US

PHNOM PENH: Ten Southeast Asian nations said on Tuesday that they would begin negotiating a sweeping trade pact that would include China and five of the region's other major trading partners, but not the United States.