Asia Pacific – Page 37 – Prologue Journal

Biden rejects proposed Japanese deal to acquire US Steel

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The decision to block Nippon Steel could potentially damage relations between the US and Japan, America’s biggest ally in Asia. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3293372/biden-rejects-proposed-japanese-deal-acquire-us-steel?utm_source=rss_feed

South Korea’s Dueling Protests

New York Times A standoff between the impeached president’s security team and officials seeking to detain him was echoed on the streets outside the presidential residence. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/world/asia/south-korea-protest-scene.html

Impeached President Faces Down Detention Bid, Stoking South Korea’s Crisis

New York Times Blocked by bodyguards in an hourslong standoff, officials retreated without serving a court warrant to hold President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning on insurrection charges. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/world/asia/south-korea-president-yoon-arrest-fail.html

As pro-Najib rally reignites tensions in Malaysia, PM Anwar urges respect for royal order

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Anwar reminds the public to head palace’s statement that says the king holds the power to pardon, postpone, or reduce sentences. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3293356/pro-najib-rally-reignites-tensions-malaysia-pm-anwar-urges-respect-royal-order?utm_source=rss_feed

More Than 300 People Flee Building Fire in South Korea

New York Times An eight-story commercial complex caught fire south of the nation’s capital, fire officials said. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/world/asia/south-korea-fire-seongnam.html

Will Japan’s hot spring culture make Unesco heritage list in 2028? One group hopes so

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A group of governors is lobbying to get the centuries-old Japanese onsen practice included on Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3293307/will-japans-hot-spring-culture-make-unesco-heritage-list-2028-one-group-hopes-so?utm_source=rss_feed

A Long Fight to Keep a Closer Eye on Madrasas Unravels in Pakistan

New York Times In a deal with Islamist parties, Pakistan is abandoning a requirement that religious seminaries, long seen by Western officials as a potential threat, register with the government. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/world/asia/pakistan-madrasas.html

Why India is unlikely to extradite ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. New Delhi’s muted response to a formal extradition request has sparked tensions as India weighs legal and diplomatic risks. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3293296/why-india-unlikely-extradite-ousted-bangladesh-leader-sheikh-hasina?utm_source=rss_feed

Dozens rescued in South Korea building fire

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The multi-storey building affected, which also has basement floors, houses shops, medical and sports facilities, restaurants and car parks. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3293327/south-korea-blaze-sees-multiple-people-trapped?utm_source=rss_feed

Thai PM declares millions in watches and bags, among assets worth US$400 million

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of billionaire ex-PM, had to identify her assets and liabilities to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3293304/thai-pm-declares-millions-watches-and-bags-among-assets-worth-us400-million?utm_source=rss_feed