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East Asia

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US President Joe Biden speaks about his proposed Federal budget for the fiscal year 2024 at the Finishing Trades Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 9, 2023. Photo: AFP
United States

United States & Canada

Fate of Nippon Steel’s ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ bid for US Steel in Biden’s hands

Joe Biden has 15 days to decide on the US$15 billion sale, amid opposition from key stakeholders, and president-elect Trump, who says it is a national security risk.

South Korea

‘Super-aged’ South Korea faces demographic challenges as 20% of population over 65

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South Korea martial law 2024

Yoon’s lawyer denies first lady visited cosmetic clinic before martial law bid

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East Asia

SCMP Highlights

US Marines in Japan, Malaysia’s first home-grown EV: 7 Asia highlights

From relocating US Marines in Okinawa to Mary Jane Veloso’s return to the Philippines, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Japan-based US Marine Corps soldiers embark an aircraft in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, in November 2013. Photo: EPA
Japan-based US Marine Corps soldiers embark an aircraft in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, in November 2013. Photo: EPA

Politics

North Korea

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

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Politics

South Korea martial law 2024

Did South Korea’s Yoon use fortune-telling to plan his failed martial law bid?

Noh Sang-won, an ex-intelligence chief, has allegedly advised Yoon Suk-yeol on his martial law decree’s timing based on fortune-telling.

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East Asia

Japan

Japan’s Honda and Nissan join forces to create world’s third-largest carmaker

This move comes as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels and towards electric vehicles, where Japanese companies have lagged behind their rivals.

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Logos of Nissan Motor Corporation and Honda are seen at a joint press conference on their merger talks, in Tokyo, Japan on December 23. Photo: Reuters
Logos of Nissan Motor Corporation and Honda are seen at a joint press conference on their merger talks, in Tokyo, Japan on December 23. Photo: Reuters

East Asia

Ukraine war

North Korea suffers more than 3,000 casualties fighting for Russia: Zelensky

South Korea said earlier on Monday that around 1,100 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since entering combat this month.

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East Asia

Japan

Japan’s picturesque Ginzan Onsen starts limiting day trippers during winter

New rules aim to ease crowding, traffic congestion, improve safety, and preserve the charm of a town known for its snowy scenes.

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Family & Relationships

South Korea

Nearly two-thirds of Korean women OK with being childless, survey finds

South Korea has world’s lowest fertility rate, and 65 per cent of women and 41 per cent of men say they could accept a life without children.

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Commuters in South Korea, where more than 40 per cent of men and more than 65 per cent of women surveyed would be OK with not having children. The country has the world’s lowest fertility rate. Photo: Yonhap/dpa

East Asia

Japan

Japan brewery aims to make world’s first space sake, sell it for US$640,000

Asahi Shuzo said the ingredients would be sent to the International Space Station in late 2025.

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Bottles of Japanese sake brands on display at a store in Okaya, Nagano prefecture. Photo: AP
Bottles of Japanese sake brands on display at a store in Okaya, Nagano prefecture. Photo: AP

Lifestyle & Culture

Japan

Name and shame rule: Fukushima raises a stink over improper waste disposal

Errant individuals will be given a verbal warning but repeat offenders may see their names appearing on Fukishima’s official website.

Politics

India

India reopens North Korea embassy in ‘strategic’ move in volatile region: experts

Experts believe the embassy’s resumption of operations will allow India to engage in diplomatic discussions on critical issues in Northeast Asia.

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East Asia

South Korea martial law 2024

Ex-South Korean spy chief linked to martial law plot doubled as fortune-teller

Noh Sang-won, who practices astrology, is well-known in rural areas for his ‘spiritual energy and philosophical expertise’.

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Police stand guard at the entrance of the presidential office in Seoul as people take part in a protest calling for the ouster of South Korean leader Yoon Suk-yeol on December 12. Photo: Yonhap/AFP

Southeast Asia

Malaysia

Malaysian influencer behind South Korea tour mess denies fleeing to Japan

The travel operator said she is willing to cooperate with the authorities as losses linked to the alleged scam hit US$100,000.

Kim Seri is a Seoul-based Malaysian social media influencer. Photo: Instagram/kimseri_eina
Kim Seri is a Seoul-based Malaysian social media influencer. Photo: Instagram/kimseri_eina

East Asia

Japan

Small Japanese firms are going broke at rapid pace amid dire worker shortage

In the first half of this year, 182 companies went under in the country which faces a deficit of 3.4 million workers by decade’s end.

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Politics

Japan

Japanese ‘trainspotters’ detained in Belarus for spying spark tensions

One expert believes the arrests highlight Belarus’s paranoia near its border with Ukraine.

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Politics

Japan

‘Make the nation happier’: Japan PM’s same-sex marriage comment spurs hope

His remarks come after a series of court rulings saying the country’s current prohibitions on marriage equality were unconstitutional.

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Plaintiffs and their supporters celebrate after a Japanese high court ruled that the country’s refusal to recognise same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, outside the Fukuoka High Court in southern Japan, on December 13. Photo: AP
Plaintiffs and their supporters celebrate after a Japanese high court ruled that the country’s refusal to recognise same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, outside the Fukuoka High Court in southern Japan, on December 13. Photo: AP

East Asia

North Korea

Video | North Korea’s Kim Jong-un marks 13 years since father’s death

The North Korean leader was at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where his father and grandfather lie in state.

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Politics

South Korea martial law 2024

Arrest of South Korea’s former spy chief sheds light on martial law conspiracy

Noh Sang-won, former head of the Defence Intelligence Command, allegedly planned the coercive measures meant to enforce the decree.

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East Asia

Japan

Japanese police arrest man who stabbed schoolgirl to death at McDonald’s

Saaya Nakashima and another student were attacked inside the restaurant in Kitakyushu last week.

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A McDonald’s restaurant in Japan’s Kitakyushu, where two school students were stabbed by a man on December 14. Photo: Kyodo
Open Questions series

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

China’s evolving role in Middle East conflicts, according to an academic

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

This economist says China’s property oversupply is far from over. Here’s why

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Ex-World Bank economist on why ‘China will not be misled’, dodging Japan’s fate

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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4
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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32
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

China’s evolving role in Middle East conflicts, according to an academic

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13
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

This economist says China’s property oversupply is far from over. Here’s why

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46
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia

Ex-World Bank economist on why ‘China will not be misled’, dodging Japan’s fate

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez Garcia
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