Heda Bayron

Bordering countries in area have long disagreed over control of sea, but new oil and gas exploration efforts are worsening tensions

Exporters trying to cope with cost challenges by moving either inland away from China’s coastal provinces, or overseas

Asian Development Bank applauds China's recent interest hike as effective way to tackle inflation

But some analysts criticize measure is only short- term solution

Government appears nervous about spread of protests that have toppled, threatened Middle Eastern and North African rulers

Central bank says devaluation aimed at increasing liquidity in foreign exchange market, curbing deficit

Many Asians mark start of a new Lunar New Year on February 3

Some say Beijing must carry out more reforms for that to happen

Chinese economic authorities signal fighting rising prices will be their top priority next year

Last year, Chinese companies invested about $43 billion in overseas mergers and acquisitions