Asia – Page 3 – The Singapore Post

<strong>Korean students and companies stay away from China as sentiments continues to remain negative</strong>

19Feb

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

Korean students and companies stay away from China as sentiments continues to remain negative

The adverse sentiments about China in South Korea have shown no signs of improvement as the overall attitude toward the Chinese is becoming more and more negative every passing day. The effects can be gauged from the reports of the dwindling number of Korean students and Korean companies in China. The number of Korean students studying in China has declined by a significant 78 percent in the past six years.[1] According to the Korean Education Ministry, the fall in 2023 was 6.5 percent. Now Korean students prefer Japan over China for higher studies while the US remains the top destination.[2] The controversial 'Zero Covid' policy of the Xi Jinping government, the economic slowdown, not-up-to-par education facilities and bullying by Chinese are to be blamed for it.[3] Soong-Chan Park...

17Feb

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia

The Perils of endorsing religious extremism in Muizzu’s Maldives

Beyond the glittery beaches and resorts in Maldives, lies the island nation facing a detrimental challenge of dwindling down into religious extremism. The archipelago nation of Maldives has for years been encountering a significant surge of Islamic radicalism in the past decade. With an openly Islamic party, endorsing hardcore radical views in power post the elections a few months ago, many analysts have come to belive this to be the beginning of a far more violent growth of radical sentiments within the country. The current President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, and his political aides have on most occasions endorsed such groups casting serious concerns over the future of counter-terrorism in Maldives as well as worry among the more moderate political figures regarding the future of the ...

Maldives In Murky Waters: Chinese Debt Challenges For Economic Stability

15Feb

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Asia

Maldives In Murky Waters: Chinese Debt Challenges For Economic Stability

The Maldives is a strategically important nation in the Indian Ocean, now facing a high risk of debt distress due to its increasing proximity to China. The IMF has warned the Maldives that it needs to make urgent policy changes to avoid falling into debt. The Maldivian economy, which is heavily reliant on tourism, suffered greatly during the Covid pandemic but has since started to recover. The island nation is taking steps to boost tourism, such as expanding its airport and increasing the number of hotels. However, the IMF has warned that there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the outlook for the Maldivian economy. Under the leadership of former president Abdulla Yameen, the Maldives pursued extensive construction projects funded by loans from China. This reliance on Chinese f...

Maldives’ Turmoil: Muizzu’s Leadership Challenges

13Feb

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

Asia

Maldives’ Turmoil: Muizzu’s Leadership Challenges

Maldives' parliament saw a low turnout for President Mohamed Muizzu's inaugural address, with only 24 members out of 81 attending, according to local news outlet Adhadhu. The main opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, boycotted the session entirely, citing concerns about the government's democratic practices. This resulted in an absence of 56 MPs, with 44 belonging to the MDP and 13 from the Democrats. Only 24 MPs were in attendance when the session commenced. Earlier, on 23, December 2023, the two main opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, in a joint press statement strongly condemned the government's recent shift towards an "anti-India" foreign policy. They issued a joint statement labelling this move as "ext...

<strong>China on the defensive in Taiwan after poll victory of William Lai</strong>

13Feb

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Asia, China

China on the defensive in Taiwan after poll victory of William Lai

The election of Lai Ching-te as the President of Taiwan has put China on the defensive in its policies vis-a-vis the island territory. Earlier when the elections were approaching, Beijing had gone on the aggressive mode to intimidate the people of Taiwan not to vote in favour of William Lai, as he is popularly called. China had sent warships to the coasts of Taiwan; had sent numerous warplanes to the skies of the island and in the last leg of campaigning had even dispatched spy balloons to Taiwan. Beijing had openly asked the people of Taiwan not to vote for William Lai if they wanted to have peace in future. Nothing of these seems to have had an effect on the common Taiwanese people who voted for William Lai to elect him to power; the underlying message being that the people of Taiwan wa...

<strong>India-Bangladesh Friendship: A Beacon of Solidarity and Cooperation</strong>

12Feb

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

Asia

India-Bangladesh Friendship: A Beacon of Solidarity and Cooperation

The bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh has witnessed a reaffirmation of warmth and mutual cooperation, as emphasized by Dr. Hasan Mahmud, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, during his inaugural visit to India in January 2024. Expressing gratitude towards the people and government of India, Dr. Mahmud highlighted India's steadfast support for ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process in Bangladesh, thereby safeguarding democracy.[1] The relationship between India and Bangladesh stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and collaboration between two neighboring nations. Established immediately after Bangladesh's independence in December 1971, India was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent state, setting the s...

<strong>From Liberation to Limitation: Deprivation of Women’s Rights in Maldives</strong>

10Feb

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia

From Liberation to Limitation: Deprivation of Women’s Rights in Maldives

Dreaming of a holiday in the picturesque Maldives, with its sandy beaches and the carefree ambiance symbolized by "Hakuna Matata," one might envision a paradise where troubles cease to exist. Indeed, there are no troubles if you give up your basic rights and are ready to live your life as a second-grade citizen. Beneath this idyllic facade lies a stark reality for nearly half the population of the Maldives—the women. While much attention has been rightfully directed towards the environmental challenges facing the Maldives, nearly nothing could be found on women’s conditions in the increasingly intolerant Maldivian society. Operating under Sharia law as mandated by the country's constitution, it’s hardly surprising that Maldivian women are victims of the rampant gender discriminat

<strong>Maldives’ Economic Downfall Under President Muizzu’s Choices.</strong>

5Feb

By Nectar GanNo Comments

Asia

Maldives’ Economic Downfall Under President Muizzu’s Choices.

As the Maldives approaches a critical juncture in its economic trajectory, the decisions made by President Mohamed Muizzu are coming under intense scrutiny. The nation, composed of around 550,000 people stands at a crossroads, grappling with economic challenges exacerbated by a series of decisions that have raised eyebrows and sparked concerns. The recent reports indicating that the Maldivian government under President Muizzu is living beyond its means send a clear signal that the economic health of the country is in jeopardy. The recurring expenditure is on the rise, and capital expenditure is being funded through external debt, notably from India and China, or by resorting to deficit-financing closer to home. This financial tightrope walk raises questions about the sustainability ...

India Emerging As A Major Player Responding To Red Sea Turmoil

3Feb

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Asia

India Emerging As A Major Player Responding To Red Sea Turmoil

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has triggered wider tensions in the Red Sea, impacting India despite its apparent distance. Houthi rebels have directly targeted commercial ships bound for Indian ports, including the December 23rd attack on the M V Chem Pluto docked in Mangalore. This follows another drone attack on the M V Sai Baba en-route to India on the same day. In response, the Indian Navy has significantly increased its presence and surveillance in the region to safeguard its shipping interests and crew safety. Four Project 15A and 15B class destroyers have been deployed to counter drone and missile threats, while long-range P8I anti-submarine aircraft, Dornier planes, and helicopters provide crucial reconnaissance capabilities. This deployment aims to monitor the situation and safe...

<strong>Maldives: Paradise of Violence</strong>

2Feb

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia

Maldives: Paradise of Violence

Maldives has become synonymous with sandy beaches, azure waters and luxurious resorts in the past few years. The hedonistic tropical island welcomes millions of tourists from across the globe every year, relaxing their eyes and warming their hearts with great hospitality. But on the other side the rosy picture lie a dark and grim reality full of criminal gang violence and murders fueled by political interests. Between 2013 and 2018, the years of PPM government and Gayoom’s presidency, have been marked by a surge in violence, religious extremism and migration of over 250 Maldivians to join ISIS. It should come as no surprise that ex-President Gayoom’s protégé, Mr. Muizzu, would tread the same path. Since the change of government in late 2023 there has been a disturbing uptick in the

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