Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/sri-lanka-bondholders-sent-12-bln-debt-rework-proposal-government-sources-2023-10-12/ Sri Lanka’s private creditors have submitted a debt restructuring proposal for the country’s $12 billion overseas debt, which it defaulted on in May 2022 due to a severe shortage of dollars. The proposal includes a write-down on both capital and interest. It introduces a new type of bond, Macro Linked Bonds (MLBs), which would automatically lower coupon payments… Read more »
Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231010_22/ Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Matsuno Hirokazu, strongly condemns the attacks by Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group, on civilians in Israel. Japan is closely monitoring the situation with serious concern and believes that such attacks and the abduction of innocent civilians can never be justified. He acknowledges the support for Israel from countries like the United States and Britain… Read more »
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/many-killed-artillery-strike-northern-myanmar-media-local-sources-2023-10-10/ On October 10, 2023, a devastating artillery strike on a refugee camp near the China-Myanmar border resulted in the deaths of at least 29 people, including women and children. Sources indicated that the attack was carried out by Myanmar’s ruling military, marking one of the deadliest incidents targeting civilians since the military’s 2021 coup. The shelling occurred in… Read more »
Link to Article: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230919_02/ Japanese car manufacturer Toyota is creating a new method for manufacturing its next-generation electric vehicles (EVs), which are set to hit the market in 2026. This new system will affect the conveyor belts, as they will no longer be necessary for moving large parts around. Instead, these EVs will autonomously navigate their creation by “driving through”… Read more »
Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-should-use-diplomacy-avert-any-conflict-taiwan-strait-pm-2023-09-19/ During a debate ahead of New Zealand’s general election, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins emphasized the importance of using diplomatic methods to prevent armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait if China were to invade Taiwan. Taiwan has become an important figure in IR due to one question; is it a sovereign nation, or is it a part… Read more »
Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/asean-kicks-off-its-first-ever-joint-military-drills-indonesia-2023-09-19/ ASEAN countries have initiated their first-ever joint military drills in Indonesia’s South Natuna Sea amidst increasing geopolitical tensions and protests against China’s actions in the South China Sea. This five-day operation aims to enhance military skills, including maritime security, patrols, and humanitarian assistance. All 10 ASEAN members, including East Timor, a prospective member, are participating. “This… Read more »
