Asia Pacific – Page 861 – Prologue Journal

Factories May Be Leaving China, but Trade Ties Are Stronger Than They Seem

New York Times The United States is trying to lessen its dependence on Chinese goods, but research is showing how tough it is to truly alter global supply chains. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/business/economy/china-us-trade-supply-chain.html

U.S. Does Not Want to ‘Decouple’ From China, Raimondo Says

New York Times Gina Raimondo, the commerce secretary, also emphasized U.S. concerns over harsh treatment of foreign companies and national security issues in a meeting with top officials in Beijing. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/business/us-china-raimondo-decouple-he-lifeng.html

Indonesia pushes remote work, LRT travel in ‘persistently congested’ Jakarta before Asean summit

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. President Jokowi has urged Jakarta residents to ease pollution in the city by taking to the city’s newest light rail service ‘in droves’. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3232724/indonesia-pushes-remote-work-lrt-travel-persistently-congested-jakarta-asean-summit?utm_source=rss_feed

Meta’s ‘Biggest Single Takedown’ Removes Chinese Influence Campaign

New York Times The campaign began at least four years ago and spanned thousands of accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Substack and Chinese websites, Meta said. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/technology/meta-china-influence-campaign.html

Daughter of ex-Thai leader Thaksin says he is fatigued, as criticism grows of his hospitalisation

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand last week after 15 years of self-imposed exile and was immediately sent to prison, but was transferred to a hospital just hours after he began serving an eight-year sentence.…

Malaysia to power green energy projects with US$430 million fund in ‘decade of action’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. But the amount is a blip compared to the US$260 billion that PM Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia needs to invest by 2050 for its energy transition master plan. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3232707/malaysia-power-green-energy-projects-us430-million-fund-decade-action?utm_source=rss_feed

Malaysians moved by TikTok video of disabled boy who finished race alongside teacher: ‘I’m teary-eyed’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Muhammad Aqil Naufal Zahiran, 11, said he had been shy about running in front of an audience but was determined to get to the finish line. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3232687/malaysians-moved-tiktok-video-disabled-boy-who-finished-race-alongside-teacher-im-teary-eyed?utm_source=rss_feed

Imran Khan Is Ordered Released From Jail by Pakistan Appeals Court

New York Times Mr. Khan, who was ousted as prime minister last year, still faces the possibility of rearrest in other cases. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/world/asia/pakistan-imran-khan-appeal.html

Price of Japan Rail Pass to Increase

New York Times After decades without a significant increase, the price of the passes is jumping by as much as 76 percent. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still a good value, if you know how to use them. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/travel/japan-rail-pass-price-increase.html

China’s Economic Outlook: Pep Talks Up Top, Gloom on the Ground

New York Times Beijing has characterized concerns about the economic slowdown as being inflated by Western critics. Widespread anxiety and pessimism paint a different picture. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/29/world/asia/china-economic-gloom.html