Asia Pacific – Page 119 – Prologue Journal

South Korea vows military response to North’s balloons, stoking escalation fears

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. With public safety at stake, the South’s response could include targeted actions against the balloons themselves, observers say. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3279661/south-korea-vows-military-response-norths-balloons-stoking-escalation-fears?utm_source=rss_feed

India detects first case of fast-spreading mpox strain

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Public health officials are on high alert, implementing enhanced screening measures at international airports. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3279717/india-detects-first-case-fast-spreading-mpox-strain?utm_source=rss_feed

China Cuts Interest Rates and Mortgage Down Payments

New York Times The country’s central bank also freed commercial banks to lend more money in a package of moves aimed at rekindling growth in a stagnant economy. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/24/business/china-cuts-mortgage-rates.html

China Is Striking Deals to Cement Its Role as Asia’s Trade Hub

New York Times Beijing’s leaders are working with regional neighbors on the country’s western, northern and southern borders to develop new rail and sea links. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/24/business/china-trade-russia-north-korea.html

Singapore ex-minister Iswaran pleads guilty to obtaining gifts in corruption case

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Iswaran, 62, arrived at the courthouse dressed in a suit, facing a reduced slate of charges that now excludes two serious corruption counts. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3279690/singapore-transport-minister-pleads-guilty-obtaining-gifts-corruption-case?utm_source=rss_feed

In Malaysia, viral video linked to Borneo secessionists sparks police investigation

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The video – filmed during a protest in Melbourne, Australia – shows the Malaysian flag being replaced by the flags of Sabah and Sarawak. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3279688/malaysia-viral-video-linked-borneo-secessionists-sparks-police-investigation?utm_source=rss_feed

5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Off Japan Coast Triggers Tsunami Advisory

New York Times The earthquake occurred off the coast of Torishima Island, which is uninhabited, at 8:14 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/world/asia/japan-earthquake-tsunami.html

What’s the beef? Political row erupts in India over claims of animal fat in temple sweets

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Calls grow for an independent investigation as allegations of beef and pork fat in sacred confectionery spark a ‘political slugfest’. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3279664/whats-beef-political-row-erupts-india-over-claims-animal-fat-temple-sweets?utm_source=rss_feed

Tuesday Briefing: Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Kill Hundreds

New York Times Plus, vintage soccer jerseys and the memories they preserve. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/briefing/israel-lebanon-election-unga.html

Russian Military Plane Breaches Japan’s Airspace

New York Times The infringements were the first by Russia in five years, according to the Japanese defense ministry. A fighter fired a warning flare in response. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/world/asia/japan-russia-plane.html