At least 48 dead in Japan Earthquake on New Year’s Day, ‘Battle Against Time’ to Rescue Survivors.
- At least 48 people were killed after a powerful earthquake hit Japan on New Year’s Day, with rescue teams struggling on Tuesday to reach isolated areas where buildings had been toppled, roads wrecked and power cut to tens of thousands of homes.
- The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck in the middle of the afternoon on Monday
Read ahead at: https://sc.mp/8lqn
US Watching Taiwan Elections Closely as China Reiterates Claim to Island
- Last month, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping strolled through the lush gardens of a grand California mansion engaged in a candid, intimate conversation.
- It was their first face-to-face summit in a year and the Chinese president was blunt – Taiwan, Xi told his US counterpart, was the most important and dangerous issue in the two countries’ fractious relationship
Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/2/us-watching-taiwan-elections-closely-as-beijing-reiterates-claim-to-island
Jimmy Lai Pleads Not Guilty to National Security, Sedition Charges
- Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges in his closely-watched trial under the territory’s national security law that could see him jailed for life.
Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/2/jimmy-lai-pleads-not-guilty-to-national-security-sedition-charges
How an Impasse in the South China Sea Drove the Philippines, US Closer
- American troops are returning to the Philippines, in a move that some fear may invite conflict with China.
Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/30/how-an-impasse-in-the-south-china-sea-drove-the-philippines-us-closer
Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen says Island’s Future Must be Decided by its People
- Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has stressed that the self-ruled island’s future and its relations with Beijing must be decided by its people after China’s leader Xi Jinping said “reunification” was inevitable.
- Beijing claims Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve its goal.
Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/1/taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-says-islands-future-must-be-decided-by-its-people
Malaysia Anticorruption Body Probes Ex-Finance Minister for Abuse of Power
- Malaysia’s anticorruption agency has said it was investigating Daim Zainuddin, a former finance minister and key ally of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, under the country’s abuse of power and money laundering laws.
Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/30/malaysia-anticorruption-body-probes-ex-finance-minister-for-abuse-of-power
China Appoints Former Navy Chief Dong Jun as New Defence Minister
- China has named former navy chief Dong Jun as defense minister, taking over from Li Shangfu, whose removal reasons are undisclosed.
- Dong, 62, steps into a symbolic role amid US-China tensions, focusing on engaging the US military to ease conflicts in Taiwan and the South China Sea.
- Speculation swirls around Li's and other officials' removals, possibly tied to corruption.
- The recent Rocket Force leadership overhaul comes amid reports of a corruption probe involving its former chief.
Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/29/china-appoints-former-navy-chief-dong-jun-as-new-defence-minister
Thailand, China to Waive Visas for Each Other's Citizens from March
- Thailand and China will permanently waive visa requirements for citizens starting March, enhancing bilateral relations.
- Thailand, heavily reliant on tourism, previously waived entry rules for Chinese tourists until February 2024.
- In 2023, the country welcomed 28 million foreign tourists, exceeding its target, with China as the second-largest source market.
Read ahead at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-china-permanently-waive-visas-each-others-citizens-march-thai-pm-2024-01-02/
Opposition Leader Abdul Moyeen Khan Reveals Harrowing Ordeal in Hiding Amidst Government Crackdown as Bangladesh Nears General Elections.
- As Bangladesh braces for general elections, Abdul Moyeen Khan, an opposition leader, shares his ordeal of hiding from a government crackdown.
- His Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the vote, citing nearly 25,000 arrests after anti-government protests.
- Allegations of oppression and electoral interference abound, though the ruling Awami League dismisses them. The political landscape is marked by tension and concerns over democratic processes.
UN's World Food Programme Raises Monthly Food Allowance for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh to $10, Striving to Alleviate Malnutrition Amid Funding Challenges.
- In a positive move, the United Nations, via the World Food Programme, is boosting the monthly food allowance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh by $2, bringing it to $10 per person starting January 1.
- This decision aims to address a funding shortage and tackle increasing malnutrition rates among the refugees in Cox's Bazar.
- However, the WFP still needs $61 million to meet the goal of providing a $12.5 monthly ration, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in supporting this vulnerable community.
Read ahead at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-boost-food-ration-rohingya-refugees-bangladesh-2024-01-02/
Japanese UN Representative Rejects Russian Blame Shifting on Ukraine, Emphasizes Accountability and Global Order Commitment
- Mr. Nagano, representing Japan at the UN, dismisses Russia's effort to deflect blame for the Ukrainian crisis.
- He underscores Russia's clear aggression and calls on them to rectify violations, expressing a strong commitment to maintaining the international order and supporting Ukraine.
Read ahead at: https://www.un.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/nagano122723.html
Concerns Rise Over Alleged China-Houthi Collaboration in Red Sea Attacks.
- Chinese military professor implies collaboration between Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and China.
- Retired Army Col. John Mills rejects coincidence, stating Houthi actions intentionally serve as a proxy for China.
- Mills emphasises the urgency for heightened awareness and a robust response.
Read ahead at: https://www.ntd.com/iran-backed-houthi-attackers-acting-as-a-proxy-of-china-says-analyst_963789.html
