Asia Pacific – Page 10 – Prologue Journal

After China deal, Cook Islands looks beyond ‘big brother’ New Zealand, US

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The islands’ PM said Pacific nations were looking for other countries to ‘fill the gap’ in the wake of Trump’s return as US president. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3299108/after-china-deal-cook-islands-looks-beyond-big-brother-new-zealand-us?utm_source=rss_feed

Okinawa Is a Japanese Island Caught Between the U.S. and China

New York Times Residents of the Japanese island see U.S. bases as a legacy of war and colonialism, but younger generations also worry about a threat from China. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/world/asia/okinawa-japan-us-military-china.html

U.S. Marines Start to Leave Japan, Decades Behind Schedule

New York Times The American base on Okinawa has relocated 105 Marines. But an agreement to move 9,000 in total is colliding with the perceived threat from a rising China. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/world/asia/us-marines-japan-okinawa.html

New Zealand’s new tourism slogan invites toilet comparisons

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The timing of the campaign has many complaining that the slogan is tone deaf – and referential to bathroom activities. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3299083/new-zealands-new-tourism-slogan-invites-toilet-comparisons?utm_source=rss_feed

Philippines doubles down on US-made Typhon missile system despite China’s warnings

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Future drills featuring the Typhon are designed to test the military’s ability to respond to an ‘external threat’, Manila’s army chief said. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299040/philippines-doubles-down-us-made-typhon-missile-system-despite-chinas-warnings?utm_source=rss_feed

India’s challenge amid USAID freeze, young women swipe left on romance: 7 Asia highlights

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. From an opportunity for New Delhi to step up to Indonesians seeking jobs overseas, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3299084/indias-challenge-amid-usaid-freeze-young-women-swipe-left-romance-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed

Sri Lanka scraps pandemic-era ban on vehicle imports to reap tax rewards

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Vehicle imports were banned in 2020 to save foreign exchange reserves, but the move deprived authorities of a lucrative revenue stream. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3299076/sri-lanka-scraps-pandemic-era-ban-vehicle-imports-reap-tax-rewards?utm_source=rss_feed

India’s Kashmir winter games a no-go amid snowless ski slopes

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Despite being located at 2,650 metres above sea level, there was insufficient snowfall for this year’s Khelo Winter Games to get under way. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3299068/indias-kashmir-winter-games-no-go-amid-snowless-ski-slopes?utm_source=rss_feed

‘No better than Korea’: Thailand eyes US$1.5 million minimum for local casino gamblers

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The requirement would effectively block large swathes of the population – creating what one gaming analyst called a ‘foreigner-only regime’. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3299065/no-better-korea-thailand-eyes-us15-million-minimum-local-casino-gamblers?utm_source=rss_feed

North Korea’s Kim reclaims ancestors’ legacy with rare mausoleum visit

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Observers note a potential shift in Kim’s approach – reviving the personality cult of his ancestors to strengthen his own authority. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299035/north-koreas-kim-reclaims-ancestors-legacy-rare-mausoleum-visit?utm_source=rss_feed