Asia Pacific – Page 1252 – Prologue Journal

Singapore-China ties based on independent foreign policy, not ‘skewed view’ of cultural interests: official

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. An official says ties with Beijing are driven by the country’s own interests, and interpreting Singapore-China relations from the perspective of a shared culture may lead to a ‘skewed view or misunderstandings’. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3217728/singapore-china-ties-based-independent-foreign-policy-not-skewed-view-cultural-interests-official?utm_source=rss_feed

As Xi Befriends World Leaders, He Hardens His Stance on the U.S.

New York Times China has rebuffed calls to restart high-level talks with the United States, raising the risk of confrontation in contested areas like the Taiwan Strait. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/world/asia/xi-china-us.html

Yellen to Call for ‘Constructive’ China Relationship

New York Times The Treasury secretary will strike a more conciliatory note in a speech Thursday, following months of escalated tensions between the world’s two largest economies. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/business/economy/yellen-us-china-relationship.html

South Korea goes after ‘villa kings’ amid rental housing scam deaths

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Three people have died by apparent suicide in connection to one of several such alleged scams that left more than 1,000 tenants penniless. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3217718/south-korea-goes-after-villa-kings-amid-rental-housing-scam-deaths?utm_source=rss_feed

India sees Apple nearly tripling investment after Cook-Modi meeting ended with commitment to expansion

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. India’s deputy head of technology said he sees investment and growth from Apple ‘doubling or tripling’ after CEO Tim Cook met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3217710/india-sees-apple-nearly-tripling-investment-after-cook-modi-meeting-ended-commitment-expansion?utm_source=rss_feed

Malaysian cat owner decks up pets in Eid costumes as rising fashion trend charms netizens

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Mahizan Kasim is among a growing number of cat owners who enjoys dressing up feline companions in traditional wear for the festive season. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3217694/malaysian-cat-owner-decks-pets-eid-costumes-rising-fashion-trend-charms-netizens?utm_source=rss_feed

Political squabbling prolongs air ticket price pain for Malaysian Borneo students coming home for Eid

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Bickering between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s allies about expensive airfares has done little to help Sabah and Sarawak’s undergraduates who have long faced peak season price gouging. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3217677/political-squabbling-prolongs-air-ticket-price-pain-malaysian-borneo-students-coming-home-eid?utm_source=rss_feed

‘Hotter and hotter’: prayers for rain as scorching heatwave bakes Asia

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Residents across South and Southeast Asia suffer under soaring temperatures fuelled by climate change. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3217684/hotter-and-hotter-prayers-rain-scorching-heatwave-bakes-asia?utm_source=rss_feed

Japan sees few recruits as low pay, bullying, sex abuse claims give military ‘negative image’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Japan’s Self-Defence Forces had its fewest conscripts in more than a decade, as only 4,300 people enlisted – less than half of the military’s target of 9,200 personnel. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3217657/japan-sees-few-recruits-low-pay-bullying-sex-abuse-claims-give-military-negative-image?utm_source=rss_feed

Taiwan wants to be bilingual by 2030, lifting English proficiency to take ‘another step’ to aid economy

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Taiwan has rolled out a plan for NT$30 billion (US$982 million) of spending over the next five years to help meet its goal of increasing English proficiency by 2030 as it aims to compete…