It’s been another week of black skies and dangerously thick air pollution in China’s capital city. Residents of Beijing have been warned for several days to stay indoors as much as possible—and the problems are stretching far beyond the city. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The United States and the rest of the world are watching to see whether North Korea goes ahead with its threat to carry out a nuclear test. Meanwhile, South Korea has just successfully launched its first rocket carrying a satellite into space. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Hawaii is not the only location to see a record number of tourists in 2012. Hong Kong set a new mark for travelers—with more than 70% of them coming from mainland China. But not everyone is happy about that. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.

Myanmar’s opposition leader spent much of this past weekend speaking at several events around O’ahu.  Aung San Suu Kyi told audiences in Hawaii that she will continue to press for further democratic reforms in her country. New developments this week are likely to help those reforms. HPR’s Bill Dorman has details in today’s Asia Minute.

Japanese products have a long history of popularity in Hawaii. Toyotas always top the list of best-selling cars here, you can easily find Japanese sweets and soft drinks at neighborhood stores, and of course there’s Japanese food. And a special kind of mayonnaise that’s now at the center of an international dispute. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.