Asia Pacific – Page 54 – Prologue Journal

‘It is extremely uncomfortable’: Hanoi becomes world’s most polluted city

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Amid persisting smog, residents and tourists voice concern about their health. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3298487/it-extremely-uncomfortable-hanoi-becomes-worlds-most-polluted-city?utm_source=rss_feed

Miss Pacific Islands hit by fraud row after Samoa beauty queen wins title

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Pageant judges stopped from leaving the host nation, Solomon Islands, as police investigate fraudulent activities at the event. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3298462/miss-pacific-islands-hit-fraud-row-after-samoa-beauty-queen-wins-title?utm_source=rss_feed

Seoul angered over North Korea’s demolition of venue for separated families

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The unification ministry urged Pyongyang to immediately stop the action at the Mount Kumgang resort. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3298456/seoul-angered-over-north-koreas-demolition-venue-separated-families?utm_source=rss_feed

South China Sea: US urged to avoid frontal role, enable Philippines to lead

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. US think tank report says Washington can initiate ‘virtuous cycle of de-escalatory steps’ to reduce risk and help Manila bolster its lawful claims. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298441/south-china-sea-how-us-can-enable-philippines-counter-beijing-and-help-ease-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed

Did Japan’s Ishiba cozy up to Trump or was he an effective negotiator at the summit?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. While some critics said Ishiba’s praise of Trump was excessive, others declared the Washington summit between the two leaders “a success”. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298428/did-japans-ishiba-cozy-trump-or-was-he-effective-negotiator-summit?utm_source=rss_feed

Thursday Briefing: Trump and Putin Discuss an End to Ukraine War

New York Times Plus, Thailand braces for the “White Lotus” effect. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/briefing/trump-putin-ukraine-india-modi-venezuela-colombia-rebels.html

U.N. Calls Bangladesh Protest Crackdown a Possible Crime Against Humanity

New York Times As many as 1,400 people were killed in former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s violent response to a student-led revolt, according to a U.N. inquiry. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/asia/bangladesh-hasina-un-report.html

After power cuts to scam factories, Malaysians ask for more to be done to get family home

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Sister of a scam victim – who was lured to Myanmar under the pretence of a job – says she hopes he can be home for Ramadan at the end of the month. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298432/after-power-cuts-scam-factories-malaysians-ask-more-be-done-get-family-home?utm_source=rss_feed

North Korea Is Caring for Russia’s Wounded Soldiers, Envoy Says

New York Times Russia’s ambassador to North Korea said that its Asian ally is also hosting Russian children orphaned by its war against Ukraine, as the two nations deepen ties. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/asia/north-korea-russia-soldiers-orphans.html

In the US-China battle for critical minerals, where will Australia stand?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Canberra is stuck in the middle of Beijing and Washington’s tussle over resources, which has intensified in recent days. https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3298383/us-china-battle-critical-minerals-where-will-australia-stand?utm_source=rss_feed