Asia Pacific – Page 45 – Prologue Journal

Germany, India and beyond: is the Philippines building a post-US defence network?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. From signing arms deals with India to forging military ties with Germany, Manila is diversifying its security partnerships like never before. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299172/germany-india-and-beyond-philippines-building-post-us-defence-network?utm_source=rss_feed

Chinese smartphone brands see rapid growth in Middle East, Southeast Asia

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Transsion, Xiaomi and Honor topped the Middle East market last year, while Oppo took the No 1 spot in Southeast Asia for the first time. https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3299163/chinese-smartphone-brands-see-rapid-growth-middle-east-southeast-asia?utm_source=rss_feed

Korean Victim of WWII Sex Slavery Who Fought for Japan’s Apology Dies

New York Times She led a tireless campaign for a formal apology and reparations from Japan for what it did to thousands of women like her — mostly Korean — during World War II. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/world/asia/korea-comfort-women-advocate-obituary.html

Malaysia urged to intervene in Pannir Selvam’s execution for drugs in Singapore

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Pannir was sentenced to death in 2017 for importing diamorphine into Singapore, a country known for its tough anti-drug laws. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299177/malaysia-urged-intervene-pannir-selvams-execution-drugs-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed

Indonesia’s Bali fumes at frugal tourists who spend time but less money

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Small business owners take issue with backpackers who they say occupy space in restaurants for long periods but order only a drink. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3299173/indonesias-bali-fumes-frugal-tourists-who-spend-time-less-money?utm_source=rss_feed

India can lessen reliance on Russian oil if US emerges as key supplier

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. President Donald Trump called on India to buy more US oil and gas during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3299142/india-can-lessen-reliance-russian-oil-if-us-emerges-key-supplier?utm_source=rss_feed

Vietnam’s ‘transactional diplomacy’ paves way for Musk’s Starlink amid Trump’s tariff threats

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Vietnam’s sudden policy shift reflects its nervousness about Donald Trump’s tariff threats and aims to reduce Hanoi’s trade surplus with Washington. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3299154/vietnams-transactional-diplomacy-paves-way-musks-starlink-amid-trumps-tariff-threats?utm_source=rss_feed

In India, US$100 million Ponzi scheme linked to Amazon leaves thousands in financial ruin

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The company promised high returns by claiming to connect investors with major brands like Amazon and Britannia, but authorities are now investigating the scheme. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3299144/india-us100-million-ponzi-scheme-linked-amazon-leaves-thousands-financial-ruin?utm_source=rss_feed

Drag at Malaysian awards show riles conservatives over LGBTQ culture

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. An Islamic agency under the Prime Minister’s Office says it will summon those involved and is treating the matter with ‘grave concern’. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3299143/drag-malaysian-awards-show-riles-conservatives-over-lgbtq-culture?utm_source=rss_feed

Singapore budget 2025: citizens get up to S$800 vouchers to mark SG60

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Each household to receive vouchers over two tranches to help ease cost-of-living pressures, while SG60 package aims to recognise Singaporeans’ contributions. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3299132/cash-vouchers-utilities-rebates-singapore-pm-lawrence-wongs-maiden-budget-election-nears?utm_source=rss_feed