Asia Pacific – Prologue Journal

How Japan plans to stop China from ‘stealing the limelight’ at Trump’s inauguration

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. By dispatching its foreign minister to the event, Tokyo seems intent on asserting its influence – and avoiding being upstaged by Beijing. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3295255/how-japan-plans-stop-china-stealing-limelight-trumps-inauguration?utm_source=rss_feed

Trump’s tariffs look set to backfire but that won’t stop him

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. While it’s hard to predict the precise outcome of Trump’s extremely nationalist economic strategy, all signs point to self-inflicted damage. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3295018/trumps-tariffs-look-set-backfire-wont-stop-him?utm_source=rss_feed

U.S. Ban of TikTok Is Set to Deal a Major Blow to ByteDance, Its Chinese Owner

New York Times While TikTok remains hugely popular in Brazil, Indonesia and other markets, its 170 million users in the United States are its most valuable. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/technology/tiktok-ban-bytedance.html

Will Indonesia’s plan to restrict children’s access to social media succeed?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. While many support the policy and say it should also limit screen time, others are concerned about implementation and data privacy. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3295254/will-indonesias-plan-restrict-childrens-access-social-media-succeed?utm_source=rss_feed

Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn reveals scam attempt asking her for ‘a donation’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Paetongtarn Shinawatra also spoke at a meeting of Asean digital ministers where she called for region-wide efforts to fight online scams. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3295249/thailands-pm-paetongtarn-reveals-scam-attempt-asking-her-donation?utm_source=rss_feed

Facing a Flurry of U.S. Sanctions, China Prepares to Hit Back

New York Times With days until Donald Trump is sworn in, China is bracing for a trade war, aiming at industries as diverse as semiconductors, apparel and industrial plastic. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/business/china-us-trade-sanctions.html

What to Know About Plane Maintenance After the South Korean Crash

New York Times Airlines have been increasingly outsourcing repair and upkeep work to other countries, but experts and consumer groups disagree about its impact on safety. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/business/plane-maintenance-south-korean-crash.html

In Pakistan, Imran Khan’s Followers Are Counting on Trump to Free Him

New York Times A Trump ally has called on Pakistan to release the former prime minister from prison, inspiring fervent hope among his supporters. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/world/asia/pakistan-grenell-imran-khan.html

How a local police programme is helping to empower women in Pakistan

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The ‘Women on Wheels’ programme teaches women how to ride motorcycles, a female taboo in Pakistan. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3295143/how-local-police-programme-helping-empower-women-pakistan?utm_source=rss_feed

Pakistan jails ex-PM Imran Khan for 14 years over land corruption case

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The verdict is the biggest setback for Khan and his party since a surprisingly good showing in the 2024 general election. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3295207/pakistan-jails-ex-pm-imran-khan-14-years-land-corruption-case?utm_source=rss_feed