Prologue Journal – Page 38564 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

China says Japan’s military pivot will have ‘serious impact’ on regional stability

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Influential military magazine says Japan’s defence budget shows how its forces could launch long-range strikes against enemies. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3218766/china-says-japans-military-pivot-will-have-serious-impact-regional-stability?utm_source=rss_feed

Victory Elusive for Russians in Grinding Battle in Ukraine’s East

Wall Street Journal Months after Russia dialed up its offensive in the eastern Donetsk region, the Kremlin is still searching for something to call a victory. https://www.wsj.com/articles/victory-elusive-for-russians-in-grinding-battle-in-ukraines-east-ea2e6246

With debt bill adopted, far-right House Republicans ready for fiscal war

Washington Post The House Freedom Caucus pushed Speaker Kevin McCarthy for sharp spending cuts — and some members still want more. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/30/gop-debt-limit-fiscal-cuts/

Taiwan revs up traffic enforcement to improve pedestrian safety

Taipei, April 30 (CNA) A nationwide traffic enforcement campaign to raise motorists’ awareness of pedestrians’ right of way is to be launched Monday, with a focus on handing out tougher fines to drivers who do not yield at crosswalks, according to the National Police Agency (NPA). https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202304300009

‘Happy Hong Kong’ campaign, spending vouchers set to reinforce city’s economic recovery, finance chief Paul Chan says

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Financial Secretary Paul Chan says two programmes can help consolidate economic recovery of the second quarter and positive expectations of the market. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218916/happy-hong-kong-campaign-spending-vouchers-set-reinforce-citys-economic-recovery-finance-chief-paul?utm_source=rss_feed

High cost of living by far most important issue for gov’t to treat – poll

Jerusalem Post Numbers break down differently for people who would vote opposition and people who would vote coalition. https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-741658

Without modern fighters, it is impossible to successfully attack or defend

Pravda Ukraine Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, explained that without air cover by aircraft, it is impossible to succeed in both offensive and defensive actions. Source: Ihnat on the air of the 24-hour live national television channel Quote from Ihnat: “We will wait for the planes in any case. https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/04/30/7400056/

Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Justice After Deadly Russian Missile Strikes

Wall Street Journal Ukraine’s president vowed to hold Russia accountable after a barrage of cruise missiles killed more than two dozen people last week, as battles rage in the east of the country ahead of an anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraines-zelensky-calls-for-justice-after-deadly-russian-missile-strikes-608257f2

Mystery Gas Leak in Punjab, India, Leaves at Least 11 Dead

New York Times Officials had not yet been able to identify the gas or the source of the leak in the city of Ludhiana, in Punjab State. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/30/world/asia/gas-leak-punjab-india-dead.html

Russia ensures efficient work of UN Security Council despite West’s efforts — MFA

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. During Russia’s presidency “all events implied by the Council’s mandate and reporting and cycle in April were held,” the Russian Foreign Ministry noted https://tass.com/russias-foreign-policy/1611659