Asia Pacific – Page 53 – Prologue Journal

Philippines to bolster defence with subs and BrahMos missiles. Can it sustain this arsenal?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Manila’s plan to acquire submarines and BrahMos missiles aims to counter Beijing’s South China Sea activities, but faces challenges in funding and readiness. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298573/philippines-bolster-defence-subs-and-brahmos-missiles-can-it-sustain-arsenal?utm_source=rss_feed

Modi to Meet Trump With Eyes on Trade and Immigration

New York Times Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, who has a warm relationship with President Trump, may try to ease friction over migrants and trade. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/us/modi-trump-trade-immigration.html

‘Distressing’ job cuts to hit 30,000 Malaysian state contractors who did not finish school

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The move to terminate 30,000 contract staff as part of a drive to improve efficiency and integrate AI has been criticised as unfair and lacking compassion. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3298553/distressing-job-cuts-hit-30000-malaysian-state-contractors-who-did-not-finish-school?utm_source=rss_feed

Trump supports Aukus submarines for Australia – will he stay the course?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Doubts remain about the delivery timeline for the Australia-bound nuclear submarines and Donald Trump’s commitment to the deal, analysts say. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298549/trump-supports-aukus-submarines-australia-will-he-stay-course?utm_source=rss_feed

Japan’s NHK AI gaffe reignites Diaoyu Islands dispute amid Chinese coastguard intrusion

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The Japanese broadcaster was criticised for using AI-generated subtitles that referred to disputed islands as Diaoyu Islands – Beijing’s name for the Tokyo-controlled islets. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298517/japans-nhk-ai-gaffe-reignites-diaoyu-islands-dispute-amid-chinese-coastguard-intrusion?utm_source=rss_feed

Taiwan Prepares for Trump’s Tariffs, and a Changed Washington

New York Times Taiwanese officials, facing a more transactional U.S. relationship, have traveled to Washington to float energy deals and defend the island’s semiconductors. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/asia/taiwan-tariffs-trump.html

South Korea to ban in-flight power bank charging after plane fire

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Transport ministry also prohibits passengers from storing portable batteries and e-cigarettes in overhead cabin bins. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3298503/south-korea-ban-flight-power-bank-charging-after-plane-fire?utm_source=rss_feed

Chinese jet accused of dropping flares near Australian plane patrolling South China Sea

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Canberra criticised the ‘unsafe and unprofessional’ manoeuvre that posed a risk to the aircraft and personnel. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3298498/chinese-jet-accused-dropping-flares-near-australian-plane-patrolling-south-china-sea?utm_source=rss_feed

Honda and Nissan Scrap $50 Billion Merger Plan

New York Times The Japanese companies’ decision to call off negotiations highlights the challenges legacy automakers face in partnering to tackle new technologies. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/business/honda-nissan-merger.html

Malaysia’s Anwar backs down on protest rules, activists hail move as ‘a victory’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Anwar Ibrahim’s U-turn also puts a spotlight on his past as a firebrand who held street protests for many years while he was in opposition. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298492/malaysias-anwar-backs-down-protest-rules-activists-hail-move-victory?utm_source=rss_feed