The Asia-Pacific region should be a highland for peaceful development instead of a battleground for major power rivalry, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry Causes Panic with Mistaken Missile Alert Amid Election Tensions
- Taiwan's Defense Ministry mistakenly warned of a missile launch by China instead of a satellite, causing alarm ahead of the island's elections.
- The alert, issued in English, prompted an apology and clarification from the ministry.
- Chinese state media reported a successful satellite launch, emphasizing it was not a missile.
- Taiwan's Foreign Minister assured journalists, urging responsibility to avoid conflict with China.
- President Tsai Ing-wen advised the public not to worry amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and Beijing.
https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-air-raid-alert-satellite-0657f4c4297d69d86eb1917b0b67bbe4
Hong Kongers in Taiwan Rally Behind Pro-Independence DPP in Election, Fueled by Shared Concerns Over China's Pressure
- Many Hong Kongers in Taiwan, after witnessing freedoms erode at home, are supporting the pro-independence DPP in Saturday's election.
- Taiwan's open society attracts Hong Kongers, but residency hurdles for some create frustration.
- Despite limited voting power, Hong Kongers are influencing Taiwan's political scene, even running for office.
- Shared concerns about China's pressure unite Hong Kongers and Taiwanese, regardless of party preference.
Amid Economic Crisis, Sri Lanka Commits to US-Led Red Sea Operation, Facing Opposition Criticism Over Prioritizing Global Role
- Sri Lanka will join US-led Red Sea operation despite debt crisis and public criticism.
- Opposition leader opposes sending ships to fight Houthi rebels for financial reasons.
- Government defends move as fulfilling global responsibility and fighting terrorism.
- Joining operation incurs no extra costs as ships already patrol Indian Ocean.
- Sri Lanka in worst economic crisis, declared bankruptcy in April 2022.
- IMF bailout agreed in March, public dissatisfaction with tax hikes remains.
- Essential shortages largely abated but discontent over economic recovery efforts.
https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-red-sea-us-houthi-patrol-45017350a24ce5b680419d26e91f8cc9
People's Democratic Party Triumphs in Bhutan's Parliamentary Elections; King Unveils Vision for Sustainable Megacity to Tackle Economic Challenges
- Bhutan held parliamentary elections with new government to form.
- People's Democratic Party won most seats and will lead the country.
- Economy a major concern with slow growth and youth exodus.
- King announced plans for megacity with foreign investment to boost economy.
- City will have zero-carbon industries and blend with Bhutanese culture.
https://apnews.com/article/bhutan-himalayas-election-parliament-1068baf263c938fc5faa641c29886e89
Pakistan's Supreme Court Lifts Lifetime Ban, Clearing Path for Nawaz Sharif's Fourth Term Bid in Upcoming Elections
- Pakistan's Supreme Court overturned a lifetime ban on politicians with convictions from contesting elections.
- This means former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can run for a fourth term in the February 8 elections.
- The court's decision also paves the way for other convicted politicians to run for parliament.
- Sharif's party said he will seek a fourth term after returning from self-exile in London.
- His main rival, Imran Khan, is also planning to run in the elections despite serving a prison term.
Tensions Escalate as China Detains Foreign Consultant, Accusing Them of Espionage for MI6 Amidst Strained UK-China Relations
- China claims to have detained a foreign consultant for spying on behalf of Britain's MI6.
- The individual, surnamed Huang, allegedly collected state secrets for several years.
- Britain declined to comment, citing its policy on intelligence matters.
- This comes amid tensions between China and UK over investments and Hong Kong.
- In September, UK arrested two men suspected of spying for China.
https://apnews.com/article/china-britain-spying-allegations-00c40f78738ca7b13e86273c299595dc
Australia Criminalises Nazi Symbols and Salute in Effort to Combat Hate Crimes Amidst Growing Anti-Semitic Incidents
- Australia made Nazi salute and symbols illegal to fight rising hate crimes.
- New law bans displaying/selling Nazi symbols and glorifying terrorism.
- This follows recent rise in anti-Semitic incidents and pro-Nazi activities.
- Law also bans symbols of designated terrorist groups like Hamas.
- Australia's spy agency warns of rising far-right groups posing security threat
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/8/australia-outlaws-nazi-salute-and-symbols
South Korea holds live-fire drill after North's shelling near islands
- South Korea carried out a live-fire exercise in response to what it called a "provocation" after shelling by the North spurred evacuation of two frontline South Korean islands in the Yellow Sea on Friday.
Almost all Maldives govt websites are down now
- Websites of Maldives President, Foreign ministry & Tourism Ministry are down & unreachable in a suspected cyber attack according to Maldives' media.
https://x.com/sidhant/status/1743705253269446703?s=46&t=LaYkzNLkpZjJ0O4jGK9Jdg
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term
- Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a fifth term in office in a controversial general election on Sunday.
- The voting took place in a tense atmosphere with the military and police heavily guarding each polling station.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240108_14/
Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa pledges $37 mil. aid for Ukraine drone detection
- Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has met her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, pledging a contribution of 37 million dollars for providing the country with a drone detection system.
Hamas using North Korean weapons, S.Korea's intelligence agency says
- South Korea's intelligence agency says it believes the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas is using a type of rocket-propelled grenade launcher made by North Korea.
Tokyo consumer prices hit four-decade high in 2023
- Consumer prices in Tokyo rose at the fastest pace in about four decades last year. Residents of the Japanese capital have been hit especially hard by soaring food costs.
News bits compiled by:
Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Drafted by:
Deepanshi Pathak (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Deepanjali Singh (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)
Published by:
