Marcos’ ‘inexcusable’ snub, Japan’s passport puzzle: 7 Asia highlights
From Marcos’ snub of Filipino-Americans to why Japanese are shunning passports, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting
We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Malaysians demand ‘liar’ PM Anwar step down in mass protest
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday faced calls to step down as thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Kuala Lumpur to demand that he live up to his promise to lower living costs and restore subsidies that were slashed under his watch
2. Marcos’ ‘inexcusable’ snub of Filipino-American community widens disconnect
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is facing a wave of criticism from migrant advocates and Filipino-Americans over what they see as his failure to defend overseas workers caught in the widening immigration crackdown by US President Donald Trump’s administration.
3. Why China-Russia ‘troika’ talks are back on India’s table
As friction with the West builds over energy imports and trade, India is weighing a delicate recalibration: reviving its long-dormant trilateral dialogue with Russia and China, even as it insists it remains committed to its partnerships with the US and its allies.
4. Passport puzzle: what is keeping Japanese from overseas travel?
Just 17.5 per cent of Japanese currently hold a passport, according to a recent study, a figure that industry experts say reflects the growing preference for domestic travel amid a weak yen, rising flight costs and heightened concerns about safety in many parts of the world.
5. Mother’s murder of daughter lays bare South Korea’s deepening debt crisis
A woman in South Korea who killed her adult daughter after believing their family would never be able to pay off debts has been sentenced to 15 years in jail by the appellate court – up from an original 12 years behind bars.
6. How China’s ‘big winner’ BYD conquered Sri Lanka’s car market
Aggressive pricing, shrewd tax engineering and a trusted local partner have propelled China’s BYD to a commanding position in Sri Lanka’s electric vehicle and hybrid market, disrupting a sector long constrained by import restrictions and setting the stage for dramatic expansion
7. Brave migrant workers rescue woman from Singapore sinkhole
Migrant workers in Singapore have been praised for their quick action in saving a woman after her car was swallowed by a sinkhole.
