Asia Pacific – Page 41 – Prologue Journal

Virgin Australia flight crew members allegedly raped, robbed in Fiji

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Fiji police were investigating the incident that happened outside a nightclub in Nadi. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3293084/virgin-australia-flight-crew-members-allegedly-raped-robbed-fiji?utm_source=rss_feed

Why would China want a blockade on Japanese islands? Recent drill raises Taiwan spectre

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Analysts say the move could be part of China’s strategy ‘to take Taiwan without a fight’ and a Miyako Strait blockade would complicate Japan’s response. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3293056/why-would-china-want-blockade-japanese-islands-recent-drill-raises-taiwan-spectre?utm_source=rss_feed

Dialogue can help China, India sidestep disputes over mega dam

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. To alleviate concerns and reduce tensions, greater transparency, consistent data sharing and diplomacy are essential. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3292784/dialogue-can-help-china-india-sidestep-disputes-over-mega-dam?utm_source=rss_feed

Thursday Briefing: An Attack in New Orleans

New York Times Plus, fitness goals beyond weight loss. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/briefing/new-orleans-russia-ukraine-pakistan-afghanistan.html

Indian Americans slam ‘racist’ comments by Trump supporters over visa scheme

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The furore was sparked by a call from Donald Trump’s handpicked AI adviser Sriram Krishnan to remove country caps on green cards. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3293067/indian-americans-slam-racist-comments-trump-supporters-over-visa-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed

Big Rockets, a Big Telescope and Big Changes in Space Await in 2025

New York Times Here are some key events to look forward to in space and astronomy in the year ahead. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/science/space-astronomy-nasa.html

US sanctions on Pakistan will only push it closer to China

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The latest round of sanctions will strain ties between Washington and Islamabad and increase instability in South Asia. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3292891/us-sanctions-pakistan-will-only-push-it-closer-china?utm_source=rss_feed

Tensions Escalate After Pakistan Pounds Afghanistan With Airstrikes

New York Times Pakistani leaders were once friends of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Now, cross-border violence has become alarmingly frequent. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/world/asia/pakistan-afghanistan-taliban.html

Is This the Year Laos Breaks Through?

New York Times The Southeast Asian country has lagged behind Vietnam and Thailand when it comes to tourism. The government hopes new hotels, roads and a train system will put Laos on visitors’ lists. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/travel/laos-vientiane-luang-prabang-train.html

Google, Musk’s X miss Malaysia’s social media licence deadline; China’s WeChat, TikTok comply

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The Malaysian government implemented the licensing requirement to combat cybercrime, but Google and X have raised concerns about the regulations. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3293048/google-musks-x-miss-malaysias-social-media-licence-deadline-chinas-wechat-tiktok-comply?utm_source=rss_feed