Asia Pacific – Page 889 – Prologue Journal

China’s July automobile exports jump 63 per cent, helping extend the lead over Japan as the world’s biggest vehicle-exporting economy

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The latest data widened China’s lead over Japan. China exported 2.34 million vehicles in the first half, more than Japan’s 2.02 million units, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3230935/chinas-july-automobile-exports-jump-63-cent-helping-extend-lead-over-japan-worlds-biggest-vehicle?utm_source=rss_feed

In Australia, a Sri Lankan refugee’s long ‘Walk for Freedom’ spotlights plight of persecuted asylum seekers

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Neil Para’s family fled civil war in Sri Lanka and have been trapped in Australia for nearly a decade after their visas were revoked without explanation. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3230800/australia-sri-lankan-refugees-long-walk-freedom-spotlights-plight-persecuted-asylum-seekers?utm_source=rss_feed

Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia organiser accused of sexual harassment

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The US-based organisation has decided to sever its contract with PT Capella Swastika Karya and its national director Poppy Capella, who also holds the licence for Miss Universe Malaysia. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3230927/miss-universe-cuts-ties-indonesia-organiser-accused-sexual-harassment?utm_source=rss_feed

SoftBank in talks to buy Vision Fund’s 25% stake in Arm 

Reuters Reuters exclusively reported that SoftBank Group Corp (9984.T) is in talks to acquire the 25% stake in Arm Ltd it does not directly own from Vision Fund 1 (VF1), a $100 billion investment fund it raised in 2017, potentially delivering a win for investors who have waited years for strong returns.  The post SoftBank…

Asia’s grain supply in flux as Russia-Ukraine Black Sea deal lapses: ‘very complicated, expensive’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Closure of the Black Sea route means Ukraine has to export supplies by ‘very expensive’ rail and the Danube River that cannot accommodate large vessels. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3230841/asias-grain-supply-flux-russia-ukraine-black-sea-deal-lapses-very-complicated-expensive?utm_source=rss_feed

Renewed interest in sumo, Japan’s national sport, proves big pull for tourists

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Covid-19 lockdowns and the release of Netflix drama Sanctuary have helped renew interest in the insular world of sumo, with tours to watch training and ‘performances’ being snapped up. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3230920/renewed-interest-sumo-japans-national-sport-proves-big-pull-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed

Philippines’ women cyclists pedal past ‘unladylike’ stigma, traffic to reclaim Manila’s roads

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Many women who began pedalling in the Philippines during the pandemic want to continue – but prejudice is still a bump in the road. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3230771/philippines-women-cyclists-pedal-past-unladylike-stigma-traffic-reclaim-manilas-roads?utm_source=rss_feed

Climber Defends Finishing K2 Climb After Finding Dying Sherpa

New York Times One of the climbers, Kristin Harila, said she continued her summit of the mountain after finding a porter who fell from a cliff and later died. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/12/world/asia/kristin-harila-himalayas-dying-climber.html

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Appointed Interim Prime Minister of Pakistan

New York Times The announcement comes amid growing speculation that elections — once expected to happen this fall — will be delayed until 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/12/world/asia/pakistan-prime-minister-elections.html

Little-known senator to be Pakistan caretaker PM until election

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar will lead Pakistan through to the next elections due by November, but which some officials say will be delayed until next year. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3230899/little-known-senator-be-pakistan-caretaker-pm-until-election?utm_source=rss_feed