Asia Pacific – Page 4 – Prologue Journal

China and Thailand join forces to tackle multibillion-dollar scam crisis in Myanmar

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A crackdown on Myanmar’s scam hubs has freed 10,000 workers, but concerns remain over the sustainability of the efforts against powerful crime syndicates. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299483/china-and-thailand-join-forces-tackle-multibillion-dollar-scam-crisis-myanmar?utm_source=rss_feed

Australia, New Zealand Alarmed by Chinese Warships in Tasman Sea

New York Times Sailing in Australia’s exclusive economic zone, the three vessels were not breaking international law, but they were unusually far south on an undeclared mission. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/world/australia/chinese-ships-tasman-nz.html

Bali club brawl with Australians leads to 12 security guards charged with assault

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Police say the security staff acted beyond their duties by continuing to fight the patrons outside the club’s premises. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3299438/bali-club-brawl-australians-leads-12-security-guards-charged-assault?utm_source=rss_feed

Why Asian central banks are starting to decouple from the Fed

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Eager to boost domestic demand and more able to preserve financial stability, the region’s policymakers are embracing greater monetary independence. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3299401/why-asian-central-banks-are-starting-decouple-fed?utm_source=rss_feed

6 elephants killed after Sri Lanka passenger train collides with herd

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The train was travelling near a wildlife reserve at Habarana when it hit a family of elephants crossing the line. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3299430/6-elephants-killed-after-sri-lanka-passenger-train-collides-herd?utm_source=rss_feed

Japan arrests 3 for illegally exporting US$1.6 million worth of Wagyu beef to Hong Kong

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The suspects falsely claimed the cargo was destined for Cambodia, potentially to reduce export costs amid rising overseas demand. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3299421/japan-arrests-3-illegally-exporting-us16-million-worth-wagyu-beef-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed

Anwar’s Asean summit risks Trump’s ire as Malaysia courts China, Gulf bloc

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. While Anwar Ibrahim insists on neutrality, analysts warn the move to diversify trade ties could anger Trump and strain US-Asean relations. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299402/anwars-asean-summit-risks-trumps-ire-malaysia-courts-china-gulf-bloc?utm_source=rss_feed

China Uses Public Shaming to Motivate State Workers

New York Times Local governments are handing out “snail awards” to underperforming employees. But, for many, doing as little as possible seems like the safest bet. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/world/asia/china-officials-slacking-economy.html

In South Korea, Kim Sae-ron’s death exposes depth of gender bias faced by female stars

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Female celebrities face severe scrutiny and ostracism over DUI incidents, while their male counterparts often get second chances. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3299392/south-korea-kim-sae-rons-death-exposes-depth-gender-bias-faced-female-stars?utm_source=rss_feed

Can US ally Japan set ‘important precedent’ on how to avoid Trump’s tariffs?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Japan could buy more US products such as LNG to offset possible tariffs, but analysts say the chances of a full exemption seem unlikely. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299339/can-us-ally-japan-set-important-precedent-how-avoid-trumps-tariffs?utm_source=rss_feed