Casino companies in Macau are diversifying their businesses into music and martial arts to reduce the territory’s reliance on gambling
http://feedly.com/e/86F7sPIE
Friday, February 28, 2014
Friday Asia Update: Top Five Stories for the Week of February 28, 2014
1. Hong Kong editor attacked. Kevin Lau, former chief editor of Ming Pao Daily News, was slashed three times in his back and legs by an attacker and accomplice on a motorbike. The attack on Mr. Lau sparked protests and an offer of a one million Hong Kong dollar reward from Ming Pao for any information leading to the arrest of the attacker. Mr. Lau was the center of controversy last month when removed from his editorial role. Hong Kong journalist associations are concerned that Mr. Lau’s removal, alongside the firing of a radio talk show host, are encroachments upon press freedom. While threats and attacks against outspoken Hong Kong journalists are hardly new, the attack on Mr. Lau comes amid increasing fears of mainland China’s widening political and cultural influence over Hong Kong.
2. North Korea test-fires short-range missiles. On February 27, North Korea fired missiles with a range of less than 200 meters off the east coast of North Korea. North Korea has provided no information on the test’s purpose, but such tests are not unusual for North Korea, especially following joint U.S.-South Korea exercises. The U.S.-Republica of Korea Key Resolve and Foal Eagle drills began February 24 and will continue until April 18. One South Korean analyst believes the missile tests are mainly to send a message about the U.S.-South Korea drills as well as being an angered over recent UN Commission of Inquiry report on North Korean human rights abuses. A U.S. State Department spokesperson has urged Pyongyang to “exercise restraint and take steps to improve its relations with its neighbors.” Observers do not believe these tests will trigger a rise in tensions.
3. Thai prime minister faces corruption charges related to rice subsidy; strife continues. Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is facing charges of negligence over an allegedly corrupt rice subsidy scheme; if convicted, she could be removed from office and face a five-year ban from politics. Under the rice subsidies, instated by the prime minister when she came to power in 2011, the government pledged to buy rice from Thai farmers at 40 to 50 percent above market value. This has pushed Thai rice prices to uncompetitive levels and cost the government $4 billion per year; the government has also been unable to pay farmers back, causing mass protests. Pro-government supporters surrounded the office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, forcing the hearing to move elsewhere. At the same time, clashes have continued between pro- and anti-government protesters; at least twenty people have died since the protests began in November 2013.
4. Japan announces draft of Basic Energy Plan, includes push to restart reactors. On February 25, the Abe administration unveiled a draft of the Basic Energy Plan, the first national energy policy since the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. While the plan calls for reducing Japan’s dependence on nuclear energy, it does not specify what mix of nuclear/renewables/fossil fuels Japan should rely on for its future energy needs. The plan also urges Japan’s government to push to restart reactors that meet new safety standards. All fifty of Japan’s operable reactors are currently idle, and only two reactors have been restarted since March 2011, though they were shut down again in September 2013 for routine maintenance. Cabinet approval of the draft Basic Energy Plan is expected in March.
Bonus: Yorkies are the newest attraction at Pyongyang’s zoo. A pack of miniature Yorkshire terrier dogs are the newest addition to the Capital Zoo in North Korea. The country’s official media agency has already announced that the pups have been taught “several feats.” Lonely Planet published an damning account of the zoo last year, saying the animals “look pretty forlorn.”
JAPAN: J. Crew in Talks to Sell to Japan's Fast Retailing
J. Crew Group is in talks to sell the clothing retailer to Japan’s Fast Retailing for as much as $5 billion.
Fast Retailing, which owns the Uniqlo apparel chain, this week approached J. Crew’s management about potentially buying the private-equity-owned business. J. Crew is seeking upward of $5 billion for the business. It remained unclear whether Fast Retailing would pay that much and whether the two sides have yet discussed a price.
Fast Retailing, which owns the Uniqlo apparel chain, this week approached J. Crew’s management about potentially buying the private-equity-owned business. J. Crew is seeking upward of $5 billion for the business. It remained unclear whether Fast Retailing would pay that much and whether the two sides have yet discussed a price.
NORTH KOREA responds to U.S. drills with Scud tests
North Korea fired short-range scud missiles into the sea on Thursday. It was the first time the isolated communist regime had fired that kind of weapon since 2009. Security experts interpreted the move as a protest against annual joint military exercises the U.S. and South Korea began on Monday. North Korea called the drills a rehearsal for an invasion, but South Korea didn't expect tensions to escalate over the exercises.
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/27/world/asia/north-korea-missiles/
Why THAILAND's political instability will become more violent
Clashes in Thailand between anti-government protestors and security forces have intensified. Over the past weekend, unidentified gunmen sprayed bullets at anti-government protestors in eastern Thailand, killing a five-year-old girl, and someone apparently launched two grenade attacks in Bangkok. Since the current round of demonstrations started last November, 21 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Thailand. The country has basically functioned without an effective government for months, the once-teflon economy is sputtering, and Thais are preparing for the violence to get worse. The leader of the demonstrations has vowed to hunt down Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the protestors have been electrified by the turn of events in Ukraine, and all sides appear to be taking more confrontational positions.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-26/get-ready-for-a-bloody-end-game-in-thailand
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-26/get-ready-for-a-bloody-end-game-in-thailand
THAILAND: Government Rejects Debate With Opposition Leader
Thailand's labor minister, who oversees a state of emergency imposed last month, rejected a proposal for televised debate between the opposition leader and the prime minister, as protestors rallied in Bangkok to call on the prime minister to step down.
CHINA: Preferences shift to virtual forms of payment
CHINA: A centuries-old habit of paying bills with cash is being broken in China as preferences shift to virtual forms of payment faster than any other country.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
SOUTH KOREAN politics: Spying trouble
AS PARK GEUN-HYE marked her first year in office on February 25th, her approval rating, at around 56%, was higher than when she came to power: a first for a South Korean president. Polls show that the public is chiefly impressed with her policy towards North Korea. She ended her first year on a high with reunions of families separated for decades. She was also boosted by the reopening last September of the Kaesong industrial complex, where South Korean companies employ North Koreans. For Ms Park and her supporters this is all vindication of her signature approach towards the North: “trustpolitik”, a fuzzy term that doles out carrots and wields sticks according to behaviour. Ms Park has enjoyed other foreign-policy kudos. She held successful summits in America in May and China in June. And talking tough at Japan, as ...
CHINA'A Role in HONG KONG Under Spotlight
A senior Chinese official on Thursday condemned the daylight stabbing of an influential newspaper editor that has exposed deep-rooted anxieties about possible interference by Beijing in the financial hub's affairs. Police have made no arrests nor established any motive for the stabbing of Kevin Lau, a former chief editor of the Ming Pao newspaper, by two men, that left him fighting for his life. Suspicions have spread, however, that powerful individuals from mainland...
BRUNEI Sultan Issues Warning to Sharia Critics
The ruling sultan of oil-rich Brunei has issued a stern warning to citizens who’ve expressed criticism of a plan to introduce harsh Islamic criminal laws – stop the insults.
CHINA, JAPAN Must Ease Tensions in Disputed Sea
Just days before stepping down as U.S. ambassador to China, Gary Locke urged China and Japan to ease tensions in the disputed East China Sea to avoid severe "unintended consequences”.
SOUTH KOREAN Missionary 'Confesses' to Spying in Pyongyang
A South Korean Christian missionary confessed Thursday to trying to overthrow the North Korean government at the behest of Seoul. Kim Jung Wook is at least the third Christian evangelist being detained by North Korea, which views unauthorized religious workers as spies. His comments came during a news conference in Pyongyang, where he said he was arrested in October with Bibles and other religious material. "I was thinking of turning North Korea into a religious country, and...
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
SOUTH KOREA: First Korean Restaurant Joins Prestigious 'Best in Asia' List
Jungsik in Sinsa-dong, Seoul ranked 20th in S. Pellegrino Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, which was announced on Monday in Singapore.
MALAYSIA Goes Thirsty as Dry Spell Drags On
A prolonged dry spell in Malaysia has depleted water reserves in several states, forcing authorities to ration water to thousands of households.
VIETNAM dissident and wife beaten ahead of diplomat meeting
A Vietnamese dissident said on Wednesday that suspected government agents assaulted him and his wife this week as they were heading to a meeting with an Australian diplomat to talk about the human rights situation in the country.
SINGAPORE Aims to Become Silicon Valley East
Singapore is pulling out all the stops to build its own version of Silicon Valley as it attempts to create a startup hub for Southeast Asia.
http://feedly.com/e/wZnDopKr
CHINA: In Final Speech, US Ambassador Slams China on Rights
Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke used his final speech in office Wednesday to urge Beijing to strengthen its rule of law and provide greater freedom of expression.Speaking to a group of Chinese university students in Beijing, Locke said in many cases China would need only to adhere to its existing laws in order to protect fundamental human rights."China has a great future ahead of it. But reaching its full potential will depend on a neutral and respected judiciary, an active...
SOUTH KOREA: Asiana is fined for failing crash victims' families
The Department of Transportation on Tuesday fined Asiana Airlines $500,000 for failing to give adequate support to the families of passengers who were on Asiana flight 214 when it crashed in San Francisco in July. It was the first fine ever under a 1997 law requiring airlines to follow a "family assistance plan" after crashes. The South Korean carrier said some of the shortcomings weren't its fault.
RUSSIA: Navalny Gets 7 Days in Jail for Unsanctioned Manezh Rally
RUSSIA: A Moscow court sentenced three opposition leaders, including Alexei Navalny, to jail for up to ten days for participating in an unauthorized protest near the Kremlin on Monday.
JAPAN: MtGox, once the largest bitcoin exchange, has disappeared from the Internet
JAPAN: MtGox, once the largest bitcoin exchange, has disappeared from the Internet after it revealed a theft of almost 750,000 bitcoins that went unnoticed for years.
CHINA Plans New Holidays that May Rankle JAPAN
China is considering two new national days to mark the Nanjing Massacre and Japan's defeat in World War II, a move that may further escalate tensions after Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's December visit to a controversial shrine honoring Japan's dead.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-25/china-mulls-holidays-for-nanjing-massacre-japan-defeat.html
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
HONG KONG Editor Whose Ouster Stirred Protests Is Reported Stabbed
Kevin Lau, the former editor of Ming Pao newspaper whose departure stirred new concerns about press freedom in Hong Kong, was stabbed Wednesday morning as he was going to his car, according to local media reports.
JAPAN: Watch a Clip From Hayao Miyazaki's 'The Wind Rises' (English Version)
The English-language version of Japanese animator-director Hayao Miyazaki's "The Wind Rises" will be released nationwide on Friday, and Speakeasy has an exclusive clip.
NORTH KOREA Cloaked in Darkness
A new nighttime photo released by NASA shows the stark contrast between North Korea's darkness and the bright lights across South Korea and China.
The State of the International Order
In our State of the International Order report, we examine a number of common assumptions in recent years about the state of the world perpetuated by analysts, politicians, and talking heads: the emerging markets are overtaking the West; trade is making the world more pacific; the United States and Europe have begun their inevitable decline.
We ask you to use the interactive tool below to take a look at a snapshot of the international order, six ‘Rorschach tests’ that show that the assumptions we hold about the current state of the international order are not as clear cut as we might think. The state of the world can look very different depending on which set of data you use to interpret it.
Monday, February 24, 2014
ASIA'S best restaurant 2014 is ...
Bangkok takes two of the top three spots in the 2014 Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Awards, and Japan takes 10 of the 50. Is your favorite on the list?
RUSSIA, CHINA, AUSTRALIA & JAPAN: Cold medallists
Some countries excel at summer sports while slipping up on snow
THE Russian home team won the most medals at the Sochi winter Olympics, which closed on February 23rd. America was the runner-up in terms of its total medal haul (it came fourth if one counts only the golds, as the official ranking does). Both countries also did well at the latest summer games, in 2012. But as our chart shows, some countries excel at summer sports while slipping up on snow, and vice-versa. China, always near the top of the summer rankings, won only 3% of the medals at Sochi. Norway, a country of 5m people, managed to come third in the Sochi medal table (or second if one counts only golds), but won only a handful of medals in the latest summer games. Not surprisingly, the countries that did well at Sochi tended to be those that have a decent supply of snow at home. But some countries buck the trend: the Netherlands, distinctly short on ski resorts, did well because of a national passion for ice skating. And although Australia and Japan both have some decent slopes, they are weak on winter sports.
JAPAN's Crown Prince Naruhito defends anti-war constitution
Crown Prince Naruhito, first in line to Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne, has used a press conference to send a thinly disguised message to the government about the importance of the nation's pacifist constitution.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
JAPAN & Sochi Winter Olympics: How Did Japan Do?
A look at Japan's performance at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
The San Francisco System: Past, Present, Future in U.S.-JAPAN-CHINA Relations
Legacies of the past are never far from the surface when it comes to present-day controversies and tensions involving Japan, China, and the United States.
US, SOUTH KOREA Begin Joint Military Drills
South Korea and the United States have begun annual military exercises over the objection of North Korea, which says they are rehearsals for an invasion.The drills - called Key Resolve and Foal Eagle - kicked off Monday, despite Pyongyang's repeated calls for their cancelation at the threat of scrapping family reunions the North later agreed to carry out.Key Resolve lasts just over a week and is largely computer-simulated, while the eight-week Foal Eagle drill involves air, ground and...
SOUTH KOREA & Olympics 2014: South Korea Had the Most Last-Place Finishes in Sochi
After a respectable 14 podium appearances in Vancouver's 2010 Winter Olympics, South Korea's outlook was bright coming into the 2014 Games. The Koreans weren't able to live up to expectations, earning only eight medals in Sochi, but they were the best in the world in one unfortunate category: finishing last.
RUSSIA: Sochi 2014 - Closing Ceremony
Dancers perform a celebration of Russian literature during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony at Fisht Olympic Stadium
RUSSIA: Sochi Winter Olympics End with Pageantry
The Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia closed Sunday with a burst of pageantry celebrating the host country's moment on the global athletic stage.The $51 billion 2014 games, the most expensive ever, headed to a safe conclusion despite the strong threat of terrorist attacks before the 17 days of skiing, sledding and skating events that were televised around the world.Fireworks lit the night-time sky outside Fisht Olympic Stadium. Inside, a giant bear character blew his frosty breath on a...
RUSSIA: Closing Time at the Olympics
The 2014 Winter Olympics ended Sunday with a sparkling closing ceremony infused with Russian pride.
RUSSIA: The Sochi Olympics come to a close
Today, the last day of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, host country Russia leads the medal count with 33. The four-man bobsled, men's cross-country race, and gold medal hockey game between Sweden and Canada will all conclude today before tonight's closing ceremonies.
THAILAND: Explosion At Anti-Government Rally Kills 2
The explosion resulting from an M79 grenade attack killed two people and injured 22 others at an anti-government rally near a shopping center in Bangkok on Feb. 23, Bangkok Post reported. Thailand's ruling Pheu Thai party faces a rising number of challenges as the country's political situation continues to deteriorate.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Thailand: At Least 35 Injured In Attack On Trat Anti-Government Rally
At least 35 people were injured when armed men attacked an anti-government rally in the eastern Thailand province of Trat, police and doctors said, Thailand's The Nation and AP reported. The attackers reportedly shot into the crowd from a truck and detonated at least two explosive devices, possibly grenades. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. in Trat's Khao Saming district. The government's hold on office is increasingly tenuous.
http://www.stratfor.com/situation-report/thailand-least-35-injured-attack-trat-anti-government-rally
AUSTRALIA: Sochi 2014 Best of Day 11
(Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image.) David Morris of Australia practices ahead of the Freestyle Skiing Men's Aerials Finals
AUSTRALIA: Sochi 2014 Best of Day 11
Silver medalist David Morris of Australia celebrates during the flower ceremony for the Freestyle Skiing Men's Aerials Finals
CHINA: Sochi 2014 Day 12 - Short Track Heats
Jianrou Li of China leads the pack in the Short Track Ladies' 1000m Heat
RUSSIA: Sochi 2014 Day 16 - Snowboard Men's Parallel Slalom Finals
Gold medalist Vic Wild of Russia celebrates during the flower ceremony in the Snowboard Men's Parallel Slalom Big Final
RUSSIA: Sochi 2014 Day 16 - Snowboard Men's Parallel Slalom Finals
Gold medalist Vic Wild (C) of Russia celebrates with silver medalist Zan Kosir (L) of Slovenia and bronze medalist Benjamin Karl of Austria during the flower ceremony in the Snowboard Men's Parallel Slalom Big Final
RUSSIA: Sochi 2014 Day 16 - Speed Skating Ladies' Team Pursuit
Yuliya Skokova, Olga Graf and Yekaterina Shikhova of Russia compete during the Women's Team Pursuit Semifinals Speed Skating
JAPAN: Sochi 2014 Day 16 - Speed Skating Ladies' Team Pursuit
Misaki Oshigiri, Ayaka Kikuchi and Nana Takagi of Japan compete during the Women's Team Pursuit Semifinals Speed Skating
CHINA: Beijing issues rare smog alert
Raising the city's air pollution alert to orange, Beijing officials advised the elderly and young to remain inside this weekend. Smog was topping out at more than nine times the recommended levels set by the World Health Organization. The second-highest level alert bans barbecues, fireworks, and demolition works.
Friday, February 21, 2014
JAPAN: Sochi 2014 Day 15 - Medals Ceremony
Gold medalist Maddie Bowman of the United States and bronze medalist Ayana Onozuka of Japan celebrate during the medal ceremony for the Women's Ski Halfpipe on day 15 of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Medals Plaza
RUSSIA: Sochi 2014 Day 15 - Medals Ceremony
Gold medalist Adelina Sotnikova of Russia celebrates during the medal ceremony for the Women's Free Figure Skating on day 15 of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Medals Plaza
RUSSIA & SOUTH KOREA: Sochi 2014 Day 15 - Medals Ceremony
Bronze medalist Carolina Kostner of Italy, Gold medalist Adelina Sotnikova of Russia and Silver medalist Yuna Kim of South Korea celebrate during the medal ceremony for the Women's Free Figure Skating on day 15 of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Medals Plaza
Friday Asia Update: Top Five Stories for the Week of February 21, 2014
Michael Kirby, Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea holds a copy of his report during a news conference at the United Nations in Geneva February 17, 2014
Lauren Dickey, Darcie Draudt, Charles McClean, Will Piekos, and Sharone Tobias look at the top stories in Asia today.
1. UN releases report on North Korean human rights violations. The United Nations Commission of Inquiry (COI) on human rights in North Korea, established in March 2013, released its findings on February 17, 2014. Led by former Australian high court justice Michael Kirby, the commission was tasked with investigating “systematic, widespread and grave violations of human rights…with a mind in view to ensuring full accountability, in particular for violations which may constitute crimes against humanity.” The thirty-six-page report (and accompanying 372 pages of detailed findings) says it wants the international community to take responsibility for protecting the people of North Korea and argues that the commission does not support UN Security Council sanctions against the North due to the dire circumstances of the people. On February 18, the UN high commissioner for human rights suggested that world powers refer North Korea to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. While defectors have cast doubt the report will lead to prosecution for crimes against humanity, some analysts believe this will function a reference for future interaction with Pyongyang.
2. U.S. actions add friction to U.S.-China relations. Captain James Fannell, the head of U.S. naval intelligence in the Pacific, stated that China is preparing for a “short, sharp war” to take the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands from Japan. Speaking at the West 2014 conference in San Diego, he added that for Beijing, “’protection of maritime rights’ is a Chinese euphemism for coerced seizure of coastal rights of China’s neighbors” and predicted that China will declare an air defense identification zone in the South China Sea by the end of 2015. The Pentagon was quick to distance itself from the comments, though as of FAU’s posting, Beijing has not yet responded. Meanwhile, U.S. president Barack Obama is hosting the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, in the White House on Friday. As always, the Chinese government denounced the visit as a “gross interference” in China’s internal affairs that will “seriously damage” U.S.-China relations.
3. Are nationalist remarks harming the U.S.-Japan relationship? On Tuesday, Seiichi Eto, a special adviser to Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, posted a video on YouTube in which he criticized the Obama administration for expressing “disappointment” at Abe’s visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, saying Washington “doesn’t make much of Japan.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was quick to emphasize that the comments are not those of the Japanese government, and the video was quickly removed. Nevertheless, the remarks came on the heels of other inflammatory comments from Abe appointments on the board of Japan’s national broadcasting corporation, NHK.
4. Indonesia upset at Australian spying. According to a New York Times report, a top secret document obtained by Edward Snowden shows that an American law firm was monitored while representing the Indonesian government on trade issues. The report revealed that the Australian Signals Directorate notified the NSA that it was conducting surveillance of the talks, even offering to share information. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that both countries should be “looking out for each other, not turning against one another.” Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott deflected criticism in a radio interview, urging both sides to focus instead upon Australia’s “strong intelligence cooperation with Indonesia.” Bilateral relations have been further strained this week after the Australian Defense Force released a review of six “inadvertent” incursions into Indonesian waters.
5. Airstrikes against Taliban resume after peace talks falter. Pakistan launched overnight airstrikes in North Waziristan and the Khyber tribal region late Wednesday, killing as many as thirty and destroying a trove of weapons and ammunition. The strike came after Pakistan called off peace talks with the Taliban after a faction claimed it captured twenty-three paramilitary soldiers and executed them in Afghanistan. The faction, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, also claimed responsibility last week for a bomb in Karachi that killed twelve police officers. The Taliban has said that it does not accept the constitution of Pakistan and wants to replace it with Islamic law. The airstrikes could be a prelude to a larger offensive into Pakistan’s tribal regions.
Bonus: China loves House of Cards. Netflix’s House of Cards, which documents the political rise of Frank Underwood, is proving to be quite popular in China. According to Sohu, the Chinese version of Netflix and owner of the streaming rights, over 24.5 million viewers tuned in for the first season, and the show is especially popular with former government employees and Beijing residents. Wang Qishan, head of the Chinese Communist Party’s anti-corruption body, has praised the show and highlighted the role of Underwood in ensuring party discipline, a job not unlike his own. Some have guessed that the show is popular among Chinese leaders because of its focus on political intrigue and inter-party struggles, whereas others think it is because the show suggests a high level of corruption in Washington. Whatever the reason, this attention is likely to only increase as China plays a big role in the new season’s plot, though for the sake of Asia Unbound’s readers we’ll keep this post spoiler free.
RUSSIA: How Adelina Sotnikova Won
There was at least one travesty of judgment in women’s figure skating in Sochi. Was it by the judges or NBC?
THAILAND: Northern Thais Disenchanted
Northern Thais, who make up the support base for embattled prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, are becoming disenchanted with her government over corruption and a troubled rice subsidy program.
CHINA demands Obama cancel Dalai Lama meeting
China has demanded the White House cancel a meeting between President Obama and the Dalai Lama scheduled for Friday, warning it would severely harm U.S.-China relations.
It will be Obama’s third such meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader since becoming president. Each has drawn severe criticism from China, which considers the Dalai Lama an anti-China separatist.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Obama to Meet Dalai Lama at White House
The meeting is likely to anger the Chinese government, which has tried to diminish the influence of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader and his efforts to promote the autonomy of Tibet.
ASIA: After Sochi, Olympic Flame Heads to Brazil, South Korea, Japan
As the 2014 Winter Olympics wrap up in Russia, the next three Olympic destinations already are known. Where the Summer and Winter Games will be held after 2020, though, is still to be determined. From Sochi, Russia, the Olympic flame will travel to Rio de Janiero, Brazil, which was announced as the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics in 2009. The Rio games plan on using some of the same facilities that Brazil is building and upgrading for the FIFA World Cup, which the country will host later...
RUSSIA's Adelina Sotnikova Wins Olympic Gold Medal in Women's Figure Skating
Russia's Adelina Sotnikova won the gold medal in women's figure skating at the Sochi Winter Games, edging out South Korea's Yuna Kim. Carolina Kostner, from Italy, takes the bronze.
JAPAN: Sochi 2014 Day 14 - Freestyle Skiing Ladies' Ski Halfpipe Qualification
Ayana Onozuka of Japan competes in the Freestyle Skiing Ladies' Ski Halfpipe Qualification on day 14 of the 2014 Winter Olympics at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park
KOREAN families reunited after six decades of separation
Hundreds of South and North Korean families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War met each other for the first time in emotional reunions at a North Korean mountain resort on Thursday.
ASIA Gambling Expansion not likely to Offset MACAU
A number of countries in Asia are considering relaxing their gambling legislation to cash in on an expanding pool of wealthy gamers from the world's most populous and fastest growing nations. This may pose a possible threat to the world's biggest gambling center, Macau. According to some, 2014 could be the year Japan legalizes gambling. The country's ruling party has submitted a bill to the parliament. If it goes through, which many expect to happen, it could turn Japan...
RUSSIA: Sochi 2014 Day 12 - Medal Ceremony
Silver medalist Nikolay Olyunin of Russia celebrates during the medal ceremony for the Men's Snowboard Cross on day 12 of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Medals Plaza
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
JAPAN: New Major Leak at Fukushima Nuclear Plant
A tank at Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear plant has leaked another 100 metric tons of highly contaminated water, the worst incident since August. Operator Tokyo Electric Power Co (Tepco) said Thursday that the water had overflowed late the previous day after a valve had mistakenly been left open. “We are taking various measures, but we apologize for worrying the public with such a leak,” said Masayuki Ono, a spokesman for the utility. “Water is unlikely to have reached the ocean as there is no drainage in that tank area.” The leak, considered a level three, or “serious incident,” on the seven-point international scale for radiological releases, adds to criticism of the utility’s response to the three nuclear meltdowns that followed the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Last week, a nuclear regulatory official said Tepco had postponed the release of record-high measurements of highly radioactive strontium-90 in the groundwater, despite repeated requests.
JAPAN: Aides give Japan's Abe a headache on history, U.S. alliance
Remarks by aides to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about U.S.-Japan ties and the wartime past are giving the Japanese leader a political headache as he seeks to soothe strains with key ally Washington amid rising regional tensions.
SINGAPORE'S hidden poverty problem
Singapore has become on the wealthiest countries in the world, but poverty remains a problem.
CHINA'S Neighbors Split Over Naval Power Play
Flotilla's unusually wide geographic embrace highlights the growing reach of the People's Liberation Army Navy.
THAILAND: Thai Court Backs Protesters
A Thai court ruled that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra can't use force to disperse protesters, putting the government at a disadvantage to handle monthslong street protests.
NORTH KOREA: Kerry and the Diplomatic Dead End With North Korea
Secretary of State John Kerry’s first visit to Northeast Asia last April was consumed with near-term crisis management since it coincided with the peak of regional tensions driven by North Korea’s provocative rhetoric. In contrast, his second visit to the region last week occurred against the backdrop of apparent easing of inter-Korean tensions and afforded a better environment for long-term coordination toward North Korea. Unfortunately, the visit appears to have illuminated the dead ends the administration faces on denuclearization of North Korea rather than showing a way forward. Washington has placed its bet on pressure from Beijing as the best hope for turning Pyongyang back to denuclearization, but Kerry’s conversations in Bejing raise questions about whether this route can really succeed.
CHINA soldiers too big for outdated tanks
Soldiers in China have become fatter and taller in recent years, and are finding themselves cramped in tanks designed decades ago, a development that adds urgency to upgrade military equipment.
JAPAN: Sochi 2014 Day 13 - Speed Skating Ladies' 5000m
Masako Hozumi of Japan competes during the Women's 5000m Speed Skating event on day 13 of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Adler Arena Skating Center
JAPAN: Prices Rise in Japan for First Time in Five Years
Japan's government said prices are "rising moderately" even though growth has slowed to an annualized 1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013. Core consumer prices rose 1.3 percent in December from a year earlier, a sign that the economy may reverse fifteen years of deflation.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
In SINGAPORE, a Ship By Any Other Name Would be Welcome
Amid an escalating row with Jakarta, Singapore says it will ban from its ports and naval bases an Indonesian warship named after two men who bombed a bank building in the city-state during the 1960s.
CHINA Official Under Investigation
Ji Wenlin, a former aide to retired Chinese security czar Zhou Yongkang, was placed under investigation for alleged "severe discipline violations," a term used for cases of alleged corruption
CHINA's Role in Fight Against Human Rights Abuses in NORTH KOREA
A U.N. panel has released a 400-page report alleging widespread crimes against humanity in North Korea. The WSJ’s Ramy Inocencio speaks with John Delury at Yonsei University in Seoul to discuss how any action taken may hinge on China’s position.
CHINA's soldiers too big for tanks
Significant growth in the height and weight of Chinese soldiers leave them in danger of outgrowing their tanks and rifles
RUSSIA: Sochi 2014 Day 12 - Men's Play-offs Qualifications - Russia v Norway
Alexander Radulov #47 of Russia scores an open net goal in the third period against Norway during the Men's Ice Hockey Qualification Playoff game on day 12 of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at Bolshoy Ice Dome
JAPAN: Essential Reading for Japanophiles
The Japan Times has started a regular book review column on "Essential Reading for Japanophiles". Below are links to the book reviews so far:
"The Pornographers" by Akiyuki Nozaka
"Snow Country" by Yasunari Kawabata
"The Tattoo Murder Case" by Akimitsu Takagi
"The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu
"The Setting Sun" by Osamu Dazai
"Naomi" by Junichiro Tanizaki
"Coin Locker Babies" by Ryu Murakami
"Snakes and Earrings" by Hitomi Kanehara
"Botchan" by Natsume Soseki
"Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto
Stay tuned for future updates . . .
"The Pornographers" by Akiyuki Nozaka
"Snow Country" by Yasunari Kawabata
"The Tattoo Murder Case" by Akimitsu Takagi
"The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu
"The Setting Sun" by Osamu Dazai
"Naomi" by Junichiro Tanizaki
"Coin Locker Babies" by Ryu Murakami
"Snakes and Earrings" by Hitomi Kanehara
"Botchan" by Natsume Soseki
"Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto
Stay tuned for future updates . . .
NORTH KOREA: U.N. panel says Kim Jong Un could be prosecuted
A United Nations panel on Monday sent a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warning that he could face prosecution for crimes against humanity. The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea said Kim presides over a brutal state "that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world," using everything from murder to sexual violence to mass starvation to terrorize "the population into submission.”
CHINA Rejects UN Criticism in NORTH KOREA Report
China said it rejected "unreasonable criticism" from a UN report on human rights abuses in North Korea that said Beijing may be "aiding and abetting crimes against humanity" by sending defectors back to North Korea to face torture or executions.
Monday, February 17, 2014
CHINA: A Clampdown on Prostitution and Gambling Spreads in China
The operation appears intended to send a propaganda message similar to the so-called anticorruption campaign promoted by President Xi Jinping.
CHINA Dissident Faces Trial
President Xi Jinping's multipronged crackdown on dissent demonstrates the new leadership's determination to maintain political control as it confronts a slowing economy.
INDONESIA: Kerry urges Indonesia to do more to combat climate change
Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday called for the world to do more to fight climate change before Earth reaches "a tipping point of no return." Kerry made the plea in a speech in Indonesia, which he noted was among low-lying Asian nations particularly threatened by rising sea levels. "This country, this region is really on the front lines of climate change," Kerry said. "It's not an exaggeration to say to you that your entire way of life that you live and love is at risk.”
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