Asia Pacific – Page 79 – Prologue Journal

Up in smoke? Ukraine’s bid to shame Japan Tobacco for Russia tax fails to ignite

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Japan Tobacco’s decision to stay in Russia highlights a stark contrast in Japanese public opinion compared to other nations. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3296956/smoke-ukraines-bid-shame-japan-tobacco-russia-tax-fails-ignite?utm_source=rss_feed

Singapore’s president cites global ‘mistakes’ as inflation worries World Economic Forum

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a veteran economist and ex-finance minister, said that inflation would be lower if not for 15 years of mistakes. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3297047/singapores-president-cites-global-mistakes-inflation-worries-world-economic-forum?utm_source=rss_feed

India-US ties likely to get a boost as Trump announces Modi’s imminent US visit

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Trump’s invitation for Modi’s US visit signals a strengthening of ties, but India must address tariffs and immigration issues to ensure productive negotiations. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3296959/india-us-ties-likely-get-boost-trump-announces-modis-imminent-us-visit?utm_source=rss_feed

Health Programs Shutter Around the World After Trump Pauses Foreign Aid

New York Times Lifesaving treatment and prevention programs for tuberculosis, malaria, H.I.V. and other diseases cannot access funds to continue work. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/health/trump-aid-malaria-tuberculosis-hiv.html

Health Programs Shutter Around the World After Trump Pauses Foreign Aid

18 killed in Balochistan attack on Pakistan paramilitary

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A vehicle carrying unarmed Frontier Corps paramilitaries ‘came under gunfire from 70 to 80 armed assailants who had blocked the road’. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3297030/18-killed-balochistan-attack-pakistan-paramilitary?utm_source=rss_feed

Myanmar military junta extends mandate to rule by 6 months

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Myanmar’s government announced another extension of its mandate to rule in preparation for elections it has said will be held this year. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3297024/myanmar-military-junta-extends-mandate-rule-6-months?utm_source=rss_feed

Philippines urged to avoid ‘sensationalising’ arrests of Chinese nationals amid Sinophobia fears

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Chinese-Filipino civic leader calls for fair probe into arrest of Chinese national Deng Yuanqing for allegedly spying on military and police facilities. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3296971/philippines-urged-avoid-sensationalising-arrests-chinese-nationals-amid-sinophobia-fears?utm_source=rss_feed

Bali bomber’s pardon plea: after Bali Nine releases, will Prabowo follow suit?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Ali Imron cites years of counterterrorism work and the Bali Nine precedent in his bid for freedom, but observers say his release is unlikely. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3296960/bali-bombers-pardon-plea-after-bali-nine-releases-will-prabowo-follow-suit?utm_source=rss_feed

Moo Deng, the Toddler Hippopotamus, Still Has Star Power

New York Times The pygmy hippopotamus, now 6 months old, is Thailand’s biggest celebrity, and the crowds keep flocking. What explains her charm? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/world/asia/moo-deng-thailand-zoo.html