Asia Pacific – Page 957 – Prologue Journal

Singapore cements its Asian concert hub status with Coldplay, Taylor Swift gigs – if you can find a ticket

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The city state’s stability, location and world-class infrastructure help draw top stars to its shores. But tickets can be hard to find, and overnight stays aren’t cheap. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3226165/singapore-cements-its-asian-concert-hub-status-coldplay-taylor-swift-gigs-if-you-can-find-ticket?utm_source=rss_feed

Suicides in Singapore surge to more than 2-decade high amid ‘unseen mental distress’

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Local NGO Samaritans of Singapore said 476 individuals killed themselves in 2022, ‘the highest recorded suicide deaths since 2000’. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3226211/suicides-singapore-surge-more-2-decade-high-amid-unseen-mental-distress?utm_source=rss_feed

How US deals with ‘natural partner’ India could boost defence, tech cooperation amid China tensions

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The deals could mark a departure from New Delhi’s years of dependency on Russian arms and show how far US-India ties have come, analysts say. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3226171/how-us-deals-natural-partner-india-could-boost-defence-tech-cooperation-amid-china-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed

Blinken’s China trip boosts Asean nations’ efforts to ease Sino-US tensions

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. For the most part, China hawks in the US have been deeply critical of Blinken’s visit to Beijing. Crucially, however, the trip raised hope of restoring bilateral dialogue and was largely welcomed by regional…

Shot to Protect Against Polio and Five Other Diseases Is Approved by Gavi

New York Times The international vaccine aid group agreed to provide developing countries with a new shot to prevent a global resurgence of the paralyzing virus. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/health/polio-vaccine-gavi.html

China to ease economic and trade rules to aid CPTPP pact bid, amid scepticism over reform commitment

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. China will introduce measures on a trial basis to help with its application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3226158/china-ease-economic-and-trade-rules-aid-cptpp-pact-bid-amid-scepticism-over-reform-commitment?utm_source=rss_feed

‘Significant threat to consumers’ health’: Thai, Filipino doctors in global battle against impostors

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Medical professionals are often easy targets for online scammers seeking to profit off disinformation, which leaves their reputations tarnished. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3226141/significant-threat-consumers-health-thai-filipino-doctors-global-battle-against-impostors?utm_source=rss_feed

Hun Sen’s Facebook Page Goes Dark After Spat with Meta

New York Times Prime Minister Hun Sen, an avid user of the platform, had vowed to delete his account after Meta’s oversight board said he had used it to threaten political violence. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/world/asia/cambodia-hun-sen-meta-facebook.html

IMF agrees to long-awaited bailout for Pakistan of US$3 billion, higher than expected

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The country faced catastrophic floods that killed 1,739 people, impacted millions and left US$30 billion damage, and has been hit by price spikes in the wake of war in Ukraine. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3226129/imf-agrees-bailout-pakistan-us3-billion-higher-expected?utm_source=rss_feed

Ancient Art or Fashion Forward? Both, Says a Top Batik Designer

New York Times Josephine Komara has redefined a cultural expression that was intricate and lovely but so locked in tradition it bordered on staid. “Tradition is the way we are,” she says. “Modern is the way we think.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/world/asia/indonesia-batik-fashion-obin.html