Link: https://www.the-independent.com/news/ap-south-korean-washington-cia-antony-blinken-b2581474.html In July 2024, the U.S. Justice Department charged former CIA employee and National Security Council official Sue Mi Terry with acting as an unregistered agent for South Korea’s intelligence service. The indictment alleges that Terry received luxury goods and expensive dinners in exchange for promoting South Korean government positions during media appearances, sharing nonpublic information with South Korean… Read more »
Link: https://www.the-independent.com/news/japan-ap-josep-borrell-north-korea-china-b2639688.html Japan and the European Union have announced a security and defense partnership, marking the EU’s first agreement with an Indo-Pacific nation. This partnership includes joint military exercises, defense industry exchanges, and potential intelligence-sharing, reflecting growing security concerns over China, North Korea, and Russia. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the need… Read more »
Link: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3298950/south-koreas-first-lady-kim-keon-hee-back-under-fire-over-martial-law-debacle?module=top_story&pgtype=subsection South Korea’s First Lady, Kim Keon-hee, is under scrutiny for her alleged involvement in the country’s recent martial law decree and election meddling. The opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) claims that pressure to prevent the revelation of her interference in a 2022 by-election influenced President Yoon Suk-yeol’s decision to implement martial law. National Intelligence Service chief Cho… Read more »
Link: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15578560 The article discusses the importance of continued U.S. cooperation with Japan and South Korea to address growing security challenges, particularly from North Korea and Russia. Mira Rapp-Hooper, a senior Biden administration official, emphasized that the trilateral partnership must remain strong regardless of U.S. leadership changes, particularly with concerns over North Korea’s growing ties with Russia. The U.S. has… Read more »
Link: https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Major-earthquake-hits-Tibet,-at-least-95-dead-62232.html The article highlights global events, including a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Shigatse, Tibet, killing at least 95 and injuring over 100, with tremors felt in Nepal and India. Malaysia and Singapore announced a Johor Special Economic Zone to create 20,000 jobs in five years. In Lebanon, the army deployed to Naqoura as Israel withdrew under a ceasefire agreement. Indonesia… Read more »
Link: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/261275/pope-francis-s-2024-travels-historic-visits-to-southeast-asia-oceania-belgium-luxembourg-and-corsica The article highlights Pope Francis’ ambitious travel schedule in 2024 despite health challenges. His 12-day Southeast Asia and Oceania tour drew historic crowds, including 750,000 attendees at a Mass in Timor-Leste. Key moments included signing the Istiqlal Joint Declaration in Indonesia to condemn religious-based violence and focusing on Indigenous communities in Papua New Guinea. The pope’s European visits… Read more »
