By Paul Wiseman HONG KONG -- China and Taiwan sit down this week for their first talks in nearly a decade, raising hopes for a lasting peace in one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints. China's government regards Taiwan, an island of 23 million, as a renegade province.

By STELLA KIM By Stella Kim and Blaine Harden The Washington Post SEOUL, South Korea It's not just about beef anymore. As tens of thousands of people waved candles in central Seoul and other South Korean cities, a month of street demonstrations against the purported danger of U.S.

By Annie Huang TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Ma Ying-jeou isn't a charismatic figure. He calms rather than inspires. He's a soft spoken administrator who promises to govern by consultation.

Text of report in English by Taiwanese Central News Agency website Taipei, March 22 (CNA) - Following is the biography of Ma Ying- jeou, from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), who won Saturday's presidential election in Taiwan, defeating the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate Frank Hsieh.

Text of report in English by Taiwanese Central News Agency website [By Mike Chang and Y.F.