Megaquake scare in Japan, Philippines boosts air power: 7 Asia highlights
From fears of a megaquake in Japan to South Korea’s new president, 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. Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears
A string of moderate earthquakes off the coast of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido has reignited concerns among experts and residents about the risk of a catastrophic seismic event – though scientists stress the tremors do not necessarily signal an impending disaster.
2. Malaysia’s Anwar faces more woes as sexual harassment case against him proceeds
A crisis of credibility hangs over Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as he prepares to face a sexual harassment suit later this month, the latest in a series of controversies that has rocked his administration and cast doubts over his reformist agenda.
3. ‘Can’t allow this to continue’: Japan’s tax-free tourist shopping under fire
A group of lawmakers has proposed scrapping Japan’s decades-long tax-free shopping system designed to lure foreign tourists to the country, arguing the benefit has been plagued by fraud and has deprived the government of a significant source of revenue.
4. Former Singapore minister freed after serving time for graft-related offences
Singapore’s former transport minister S. Iswaran has been released from custody for accepting gifts as a public servant and obstructing justice. The Singapore Prison Service confirmed on Friday that the 63-year-old, who had been on home detention, is no longer in its custody after completing his term.
5. South Korea’s Lee pledges warmer ties, but past tensions leave Japan ‘worried’
South Korea’s new President Lee Jae-myung vowed on Wednesday to restart dormant talks with North Korea and bolster a trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan, as he laid out key policy goals for his single, five-year term.
6. Philippines boosts air power with 12 FA-50 jets amid South China Sea tensions
Manila’s deal to acquire 12 upgraded FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea could significantly strengthen the Philippines’ air defence and power projection in the contested South China Sea – but analysts say the light combat aircraft still fall short of the multirole fighters the country ultimately seeks.
7. Ex-girlfriend who blackmailed K-pop idol with sex video gets suspended sentence
The former girlfriend of a 26-year-old South Korean pop star has been given a one-year suspended sentence for threatening to release a sex video of them together in a bid to end his career. The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced the woman to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for her threats to the K-pop singer, who is still active in the scene.
