Asia Pacific – Page 49 – Prologue Journal

Role of Concrete Wall Near Runway Questioned in South Korea Plane Crash

New York Times Aviation safety analysts said they expect officials investigating the crash, which killed 179 people, to look into the location and composition of a structure housing an antenna. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/business/plane-crash-korea-wall-investigation.html

Trump’s threats won’t hold back Brics push to de-dollarise

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. US dominance is pervasive but not infallible, and a divided Brics can still find common ground in the pursuit of a multipolar global order. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3292754/trumps-threats-wont-hold-back-brics-push-de-dollarise?utm_source=rss_feed

For South Korean Families, a Grim Wait for Bodies After Plane Crash

New York Times Officials said it could take up to 10 days to prepare the dead for transport, with the uncertainty adding to the shock and grief of relatives packed into an airport hall. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/world/asia/south-korea-plane-crash-victims.html

India’s BJP accuses the US ‘deep state’ of meddling – is it a ploy to cover its flaws?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Strongmen around the world have blamed foreign entities for domestic ills to woo their supporters, analysts say. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3292787/indias-bjp-accuses-us-deep-state-meddling-it-ploy-cover-its-flaws?utm_source=rss_feed

Boeing Shares Drop After South Korea Plane Crash

New York Times A widely used Boeing aircraft, the 737-800, was involved in Sunday’s crash-landing of a Jeju Air flight that killed 179 people. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/business/boeing-stock-south-korea-plane-crash.html

Oral History Project Considers Impact of Bringing Modern Dance to China

New York Times An oral history project, “Planting Seeds,” considers the history and impact of an American Dance Festival program to train dancers in China. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/30/arts/dance/planting-seeds-oral-history-modern-dance-china.html

Vietnam’s birth rate slumps to record low despite propaganda push

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Like many Asian countries with falling fertility rates, Vietnam is increasingly concerned about the long-term impact of an ageing society. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3292763/vietnams-birth-rate-slumps-record-low-despite-propaganda-push?utm_source=rss_feed

Is Australia taking myopic approach in wooing Pacific nations to counter China?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Australia has signed deals with the Solomon Islands, Nauru and Papua New Guinea in moves seen as securing its clout as the Pacific leader. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3292755/australia-taking-myopic-approach-wooing-pacific-nations-counter-china?utm_source=rss_feed

Bangkok hotel fire kills 3 tourists ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A fire erupted on the 5th floor of the six-storey Ember Hotel, and the cause is under investigation. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3292725/bangkok-hotel-fire-kills-3-tourists-ahead-new-years-eve-celebrations?utm_source=rss_feed

Malaysia’s Pas and Umno to press for Najib’s release into house arrest

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Pas and its former ally Umno are set to hold a rally in support of ex-prime minister Najib Razak, who is in jail over the 1MDB scandal. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3292728/malaysias-pas-and-umno-press-najibs-release-house-arrest?utm_source=rss_feed