Asia Pacific – Page 874 – Prologue Journal

Why fears of a Chinese naval base at Pakistan’s Gwadar port are overblown

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Despite its strategic location, the Gwadar port is not as attractive as the ones in Karachi and Ormara, nor does Islamabad seem interested in a permanent Chinese naval presence. https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3231705/why-fears-chinese-naval-base-pakistans-gwadar-port-are-overblown?utm_source=rss_feed

‘Traumatised’: Pakistan gives cash to Christians who lost homes in riots over alleged desecration of Koran

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Pakistani police have arrested a total of 160 people over the attacks in the city of Jaranwala, but a top provincial official says local Christians remain worried for their safety. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3231838/traumatised-pakistan-gives-cash-christians-who-lost-homes-riots-over-alleged-desecration-koran?utm_source=rss_feed

Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra poised to return as Pheu Thai seals pact with ex-political foes

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A possible ‘super-deal’ with former political foes may allow Thaksin to be held in special detention and swiftly seek a royal pardon from the Thai king. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3231833/thailands-thaksin-shinawatra-poised-return-pheu-thai-seals-pact-ex-political-foes?utm_source=rss_feed

Japanese assemblyman and Taiwan spouse urge Tokyo to legalise same-sex marriage

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Masahiro Shibaguchi of the Communist Party, and his spouse Ariel Ling-chun Liu travelled to Taiwan to register their marriage because Japan remains the only G7 nation that does not recognise same-sex marriage. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3231823/japanese-assemblyman-and-taiwan-spouse-urge-tokyo-legalise-same-sex-marriage?utm_source=rss_feed

India cenbank nudges banks to settle UAE trades in rupee, dirham -sources

Reuters Reuters exclusively reported that India’s central bank is nudging local banks to ask their clients to settle trade between the United Arab Emirates and India using the dirham (AED) or Indian rupee (INR) to reduce U.S.-dollar-based transactions. The move is part of the Reserve Bank of India’s broader aim of promoting settlement in local…

Radioactive Water Is Complicating Japan and Korea’s New Friendship

New York Times Japan’s plan to discharge treated water from its destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant has triggered a backlash in the region, especially in highly polarized South Korea. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/world/asia/korea-japan-fukushima.html

Australia buys US$1.1 billion of US missiles amid Aukus and ‘arms race’ concerns

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Australia’s purchase of 200 Tomahawks means it will be one of only three nations to own the missiles, which have a range of 1,500km. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3231807/australia-buys-us11-billion-us-missiles-amid-aukus-and-arms-race-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed

Mainland China bans Taiwanese mangoes in latest trade barb, Taipei hits out at ‘one-sided’ act

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office said ‘pests’ detected on imports of mangoes from Taiwan could hurt Chinese farm production and its ‘ecological safety’ when confirming the ban on Monday. https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3231806/mainland-china-bans-taiwanese-mangoes-latest-trade-barb-taipei-hits-out-one-sided-act?utm_source=rss_feed

Exploring Fukuoka, Japan’s ‘Gateway to Asia’

New York Times Fukuoka, known for its outdoor food stalls, is a popular destination for Japanese tourists. Now it’s starting to draw more international travelers, too. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/travel/fukuoka-japan-a-guide-to-food-and-culture.html

Chinese Confidence Hits Low Point Because of Nation’s Economic Troubles

New York Times Consumers and business owners say they feel paralyzed by despair, and their reluctance to spend and borrow is feeding what could become a dangerous cycle. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/21/business/china-deflation.html