Asia Pacific – Page 43 – Prologue Journal

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

Australia says watching ‘every move’ of Chinese warships off Sydney’s coast

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the vessels did not pose any threats but their presence was an ‘unusual event’. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3299371/australia-says-watching-every-move-chinese-warships-sydneys-coast?utm_source=rss_feed

‘Beyond maliciousness’: Japanese man who raped 10 girls given life sentence

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The presiding judge said Tomoya Yanagimoto, 28, meticulously planned his ‘despicable’ crimes, waiting until his victims were home alone. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3299354/beyond-maliciousness-japanese-man-who-raped-10-girls-given-life-sentence?utm_source=rss_feed

North Korean POW captured in Ukraine seeks asylum in South, sparking potential ‘domino effect’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A North Korean soldier’s plea for asylum in South Korea could force Pyongyang to reconsider its involvement in the Ukraine war and complicate Seoul-Moscow ties. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299334/north-korean-pow-captured-ukraine-seeks-asylum-south-sparking-potential-domino-effect?utm_source=rss_feed

Thursday Briefing: Trump and Zelensky Feud Over Peace Talks

New York Times Plus, Cambodia’s returned treasures. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/briefing/trump-zelensky-gaza-plan-trump-bolsonaro.html

‘Most deadly 100 days’: Indonesia’s Prabowo faces major student protests against costly policies

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Student protests across the country underline Prabowo’s ‘blunder and mediocre cabinet’ but are unlikely to ‘rock’ national politics, analysts note. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299353/most-deadly-100-days-indonesias-prabowo-faces-major-student-protests-against-costly-policies?utm_source=rss_feed

South Korean Officials Convicted Over Forcibly Sending North Koreans Home

New York Times The case of two North Korean fishermen, who murdered 16 compatriots before they sought asylum, has become a political minefield in the South. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/world/asia/north-korea-fishermen-court.html

Malaysia’s Johor-Singapore SEZ gets US$150 million boost from Hong Kong battery maker

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Gold Peak Technology Group will be the first to use a new initiative aimed at fast-tracking investors’ entry into the special economic zone. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3299328/malaysias-johor-singapore-sez-gets-us150-million-boost-hong-kong-battery-maker?utm_source=rss_feed