Asia Pacific – Page 837 – Prologue Journal

Philippines journalist Maria Ressa acquitted of tax evasion

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A vocal critic of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly drug war, Ressa has long maintained that the charges against her and her news website Rappler were politically motivated. She still faces two cases.…

India’s Modi hails ‘historic’ alternative to belt and road economic corridor as he cements Saudi ties

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Signatories hope ambitious plans to create a modern-day Spice Route with the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor can offer a counterbalance to lavish Chinese infrastructure spending. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3234205/indias-modi-hails-historic-alternative-belt-and-road-economic-corridor-he-cements-saudi-ties?utm_source=rss_feed

Japan sex predator Johnny Kitagawa’s talent agency faces spiralling crisis amid growing anger, advertiser boycott

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Johnny & Associates has failed in another attempt to recover from its late founder’s sexual abuse scandal, as the talent agency loses more advertising contracts and faces public demands for legal sanctions. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3234162/japan-sex-predator-johnny-kitagawas-talent-agency-faces-spiralling-crisis-amid-growing-anger?utm_source=rss_feed

What We Know About Kim Jong-un’s Bulletproof Train

New York Times As he heads to Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin, the North Korean leader continues his family’s history of traveling solely by rail. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/world/asia/kim-jong-un-armored-train-north-korea.html

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un begins journey to Russia for Putin talks

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Experts suggest Putin is seeking weapons from North Korea while Kim is reportedly in search of advanced satellite technology, nuclear-powered submarines and food aid. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3234200/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-begins-journey-russia-putin-talks?utm_source=rss_feed

Asean takes small steps towards solidarity, even if they may not come to much

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Attempts to overcome the grouping’s internal divisions to move on two critical issues – the South China Sea disputes and engagement with Myanmar – are a positive development. https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3234099/asean-takes-small-steps-towards-solidarity-even-if-they-may-not-come-much?utm_source=rss_feed

Vietnam ups durian trade to China, land border offers cost advantage to challenge Thai dominance

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Vietnam exported over 95 per cent of its US$876 million of durian to China in the first half of 2023, helped by lower taxes and streamlined customs under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free-trade…

Tuesday Briefing: Aid Trickles In to Morocco

New York Times Also, a Q&A with Elon Musk’s biographer. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/briefing/morocco-earthquake-kim-jong-un-russia-china-iphone.html

Nelia Sancho, Beauty Queen Turned Political Activist, Dies at 71

New York Times She had been competing in pageants in the Philippines, but she found her calling when she observed the offenses of the Marcos regime firsthand. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/world/asia/nelia-sancho-dead.html

Kim Jong-un Has Something Putin Needs, and That’s a New Wrinkle

New York Times Kim Jong-un has ammunition stocks that Russia covets as it continues its war in Ukraine, and North Korea may get advanced technology and badly needed food aid in return. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/11/world/asia/putin-kim-russia-north-korea.html