Asia Pacific – Page 9 – Prologue Journal

Vietnam’s ‘transactional diplomacy’ paves way for Musk’s Starlink amid Trump’s tariff threats

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Vietnam’s sudden policy shift reflects its nervousness about Donald Trump’s tariff threats and aims to reduce Hanoi’s trade surplus with Washington. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3299154/vietnams-transactional-diplomacy-paves-way-musks-starlink-amid-trumps-tariff-threats?utm_source=rss_feed

In India, US$100 million Ponzi scheme linked to Amazon leaves thousands in financial ruin

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The company promised high returns by claiming to connect investors with major brands like Amazon and Britannia, but authorities are now investigating the scheme. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3299144/india-us100-million-ponzi-scheme-linked-amazon-leaves-thousands-financial-ruin?utm_source=rss_feed

Drag at Malaysian awards show riles conservatives over LGBTQ culture

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. An Islamic agency under the Prime Minister’s Office says it will summon those involved and is treating the matter with ‘grave concern’. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3299143/drag-malaysian-awards-show-riles-conservatives-over-lgbtq-culture?utm_source=rss_feed

Singapore budget 2025: citizens get up to S$800 vouchers to mark SG60

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Each household to receive vouchers over two tranches to help ease cost-of-living pressures, while SG60 package aims to recognise Singaporeans’ contributions. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3299132/cash-vouchers-utilities-rebates-singapore-pm-lawrence-wongs-maiden-budget-election-nears?utm_source=rss_feed

Malaysian mall gunman killed in shoot-out after Grand Theft Auto-style crime spree

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. ‘Ah Boy’, who shot a cleaner at a mall in Setia Alam last week, was responsible for at least 15 robberies since last year, police said. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3299119/malaysian-mall-gunman-killed-shoot-out-after-grand-theft-auto-style-crime-spree?utm_source=rss_feed

After China deal, Cook Islands looks beyond ‘big brother’ New Zealand, US

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The islands’ PM said Pacific nations were looking for other countries to ‘fill the gap’ in the wake of Trump’s return as US president. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3299108/after-china-deal-cook-islands-looks-beyond-big-brother-new-zealand-us?utm_source=rss_feed

Okinawa Is a Japanese Island Caught Between the U.S. and China

New York Times Residents of the Japanese island see U.S. bases as a legacy of war and colonialism, but younger generations also worry about a threat from China. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/world/asia/okinawa-japan-us-military-china.html

U.S. Marines Start to Leave Japan, Decades Behind Schedule

New York Times The American base on Okinawa has relocated 105 Marines. But an agreement to move 9,000 in total is colliding with the perceived threat from a rising China. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/18/world/asia/us-marines-japan-okinawa.html

New Zealand’s new tourism slogan invites toilet comparisons

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The timing of the campaign has many complaining that the slogan is tone deaf – and referential to bathroom activities. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3299083/new-zealands-new-tourism-slogan-invites-toilet-comparisons?utm_source=rss_feed

Philippines doubles down on US-made Typhon missile system despite China’s warnings

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Future drills featuring the Typhon are designed to test the military’s ability to respond to an ‘external threat’, Manila’s army chief said. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299040/philippines-doubles-down-us-made-typhon-missile-system-despite-chinas-warnings?utm_source=rss_feed