BEIJING — As measured by China’s state-run media, the country’s leadership transition is already well underway. Vice President Xi Jinping , who will move up to Communist Party general secretary later this year and president of China in 2013, has appeared prominently on the front page of China Daily in recent weeks, signing ping pong paddles with former president Jimmy Carter, toasting the 40th anniversary of President Nixon’s visit to China, and being welcomed with honors in Thailand and Vietnam. Read full article > >

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In China, will transition bring real change?

BEIJING — As China moves to invest billions in businesses around the world, one major industrial nation has so far soaked up very little of the cash: the United States. The issue will be on the agenda next week during Vice President Xi Jinping ’s official visit to the United States. The Obama administration has made seeking Chinese investment a priority, with an eye toward creating more American jobs. But the flow of funds dropped sharply last year, and experts say the task is complicated by a perception that the United States is an unfriendly place for Chinese investors. Read full article > >

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U.S. says it wants investment, but China remains wary

SEOUL — North Korea’s Ryugyong Hotel ranks among the world’s most remarkable — and mockable — buildings. It’s taller than New York’s Chrysler Building and wider at its base than an average city block. Constructed almost entirely of concrete, it looks like a rocket ship, casting a jagged shadow over Pyongyang’s gray vistas. Read full article > >

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North Korea’s super-sized hotel is set to open — 23 years behind schedule

BEIJING — On the eve of Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Washington, the country’s vice foreign minister in charge of U.S. affairs said the two countries now suffered from a “trust deficit” that the trip might help resolve. Read full article > >

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China, U.S. clash on Syria, other global issues ahead of Xi Jinping visit

TOKYO — The U.S. military will probably scale back plans to build key bases in Japan and Guam because of political obstacles and budget pressures, according to U.S. and Japanese officials, complicating the Obama administration’s efforts to strengthen its troop presence in Asia. Read full article > >

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U.S. likely to scale down plans for bases in Japan and Guam

Jeremy Lin, an Asian-American Harvard graduate, couldn’t find a role in the league. Then he scored 53 points in two games for the Knicks.

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Jeremy Lin Has Burst From N.B.A. Novelty Act to Knicks Star

Australia’s Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd warns Europe faces an “early grave” if it continues to ignore Asia’s rise.

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Europe ‘at risk of early grave’

NEW DELHI — The Indian government’s recent announcement that it taps nearly 300 new phones every day has sparked a debate about privacy in a country that traditionally views such concerns as an ugly offshoot of Western individualism. Read full article > >

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Privacy concerns grow in India

Founded to teach Americans about Asia, an organization is trying to strengthen ties among Asians too.

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Asia Society Expands, in Houston and Hong Kong

Among the throngs of inmates in downtown Kabul’s prison trying to prove they are not thieves or insurgents is a soft-spoken Sikh man with piercing black eyes. He is being held on a highly unusual charge: falsely claiming Afghan citizenship. Read full article > >

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Sikh’s detention reveals flaws in Afghan justice, nation’s religious intolerance

KABUL — A Toyota Corolla full of former Taliban officials and armed guards stopped in front of Abdul Salam Zaeef’s home in western Kabul this month, awaiting the man who helped direct the Taliban from Pakistan before his capture and detention at Guantanamo Bay. Read full article > >

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Former Taliban officials find new role

HONG KONG — A Chinese professor who traces his lineage to Confucius — China’s ancient champion of harmony and courtesy — has stirred an angry bout of disharmony with a tirade against Hong Kong as a land of “dogs” and “thieves” in thrall to British colonialism. Read full article > >

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Beijing professor and descendant of Confucius provokes anger by insulting Hong Kongers

KABUL — After years of advocating peace talks as the only way out of the Afghan war, President Hamid Karzai will soon need to decide whether he is willing to participate in an emerging diplomatic process that his top advisers claim has left him marginalized by both the United States and the Taliban. Read full article > >

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Afghan government feels out of the loop on talks

KABUL — After years of advocating peace talks as the only way out of the Afghan war, President Hamid Karzai will soon need to decide whether he is willing to participate in an emerging diplomatic process that his top advisers claim has left him marginalized by both the United States and the Taliban. Read full article > >

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Afghan government feels out of the loop on talks

BEIJING – Chinese writer and activist Li Tie was sentenced to 10 years in prison for “inciting subversion,” his family members said Thursday. Li is the third high-profile dissident handed a lengthy term in the last few weeks, part of a Communist Party crackdown ahead of a planned leadership change later this year. Read full article > >

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Another writer sentenced as China’s crackdown continues