Asia Pacific – Page 62 – Prologue Journal

‘One wrong step’: Malaysia’s careful comedians lament narrowing space for laughter

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Malaysian stand-up comedy is being muzzled by an increasingly censorious social media amid heightened sensitivities over race and religion. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3297841/one-wrong-step-malaysias-careful-comedians-lament-narrowing-space-laughter?utm_source=rss_feed

Modi’s BJP Leads in Elections in Delhi Region

New York Times Control of the assembly in New Delhi seems likely to change hands, in an election that has showcased the cutthroat nature of Indian politics. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/08/world/asia/india-delhi-election-results.html

Singapore-based tycoon Ong Beng Seng battling bone marrow cancer

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Ong, facing charges related to former transport minister S Iswaran’s case, is undergoing chemotherapy. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3297892/singapore-based-tycoon-ong-beng-seng-battling-bone-marrow-cancer?utm_source=rss_feed

Sri Lanka investigates tourist deaths from suspected pesticide poisoning

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A Briton and a German died after their hostel rooms in Colombo were fumigated for bedbugs and other pests. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3297889/sri-lanka-investigates-tourist-deaths-suspected-pesticide-poisoning?utm_source=rss_feed

Has Philippine President Marcos ‘outmanoeuvred’ the Dutertes in the impeachment battle?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Observers say impeachment support from lawmakers in the Dutertes’ stronghold suggests the president has gained the upper hand. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3297871/has-philippine-president-marcos-outmanoeuvred-dutertes-impeachment-battle?utm_source=rss_feed

In Japan, fears of ‘hellish pandemic’ mount over virus lab in Nagasaki

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The laboratory, which will study some of the deadliest viruses, has prompted concerns over a repeat of the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3297803/japan-fears-hellish-pandemic-mount-over-virus-lab-nagasaki?utm_source=rss_feed

North Korean soldiers: the future protectors of China’s belt and road?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Forget tired caricatures of malnourished North Koreans distracted by online porn. In Kursk, they’ve proved to be deadly and disturbingly effective. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3297835/north-korean-soldiers-future-protectors-chinas-belt-and-road?utm_source=rss_feed

‘Chindia’ returns as India and China prepare for a Trump earthquake

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. With Donald Trump back in the White House, India and China are forging a quiet detente that could have seismic implications. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3297836/chindia-returns-india-and-china-prepare-trump-earthquake?utm_source=rss_feed

How Modi’s US visit could add to China’s growing list of worries

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A Modi-Trump summit could weave greater security ties into the India-US relationship and give the Quad a more militaristic aspect. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3297407/how-modis-us-visit-could-add-chinas-growing-list-worries?utm_source=rss_feed

Trump Says Nippon Steel Will Make Major Investment in U.S. Steel

New York Times President Trump supports the Japanese company’s taking a stake in the American steel maker after the U.S. blocked a $14 billion takeover bid. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/us/politics/trump-nippon-steel-us.html