EU finds pursuit of unity hampered by war, trade threats, Trump and other uncertainties
By Finbarr Bermingham
A 30-metre purple banner, hanging on the side of the European Commission’s Berlaymont building, is festooned with stars and reads: “United for our Future, 2024-2029”.
Across the road, the leaders of the European Union member states and its institutions huddled in a room for hours on Wednesday to discuss how this unity could be achieved in the face of generational geopolitical upheaval.
But the pursuit of unity has taken on new significance in a moment of extreme turbulence and polarisation. Everywhere its leaders look, they see powers trying to divide it.
In the US, president-elect Donald Trump shows the same disdain for the EU that he does with most other multilateral forums. He has vowed to wage a trade war on the bloc and abandon Kyiv, leaving the funding of Ukraine’s war against Russia to Europe.
China, meanwhile, is often accused of trying to “divide and conquer” Europe by offering economic incentives to members to water down their support for broader EU action against Beijing.
On both fronts, Brussels fears EU members will pursue side deals of their own that would weaken the union.
“Everyone talks about unity, but actually everybody is out to get the best deal for themselves and to avoid the absolute worst,” one EU diplomat said when asked about Trump.
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By Finbarr Bermingham
A 30-metre purple banner, hanging on the side of the European Commission’s Berlaymont building, is festooned with stars and reads: “United for our Future, 2024-2029”.
Across the road, the leaders of the European Union member states and its institutions huddled in a room for hours on Wednesday to discuss how this unity could be achieved in the face of generational geopolitical upheaval.
But the pursuit of unity has taken on new significance in a moment of extreme turbulence and polarisation. Everywhere its leaders look, they see powers trying to divide it.
In the US, president-elect Donald Trump shows the same disdain for the EU that he does with most other multilateral forums. He has vowed to wage a trade war on the bloc and abandon Kyiv, leaving the funding of Ukraine’s war against Russia to Europe.
China, meanwhile, is often accused of trying to “divide and conquer” Europe by offering economic incentives to members to water down their support for broader EU action against Beijing.
On both fronts, Brussels fears EU members will pursue side deals of their own that would weaken the union.
“Everyone talks about unity, but actually everybody is out to get the best deal for themselves and to avoid the absolute worst,” one EU diplomat said when asked about Trump.
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Singapore migrant workers still ferried on lorries despite crashes, deaths; issue at ‘stalemate’
By Jean Iau
On Sunday, as migrant workers were being celebrated across Singapore in line with International Migrants Day, a fatal accident occurred involving labourers travelling on the back of a lorry in the western end of the city state.
A 40-year-old man died at the scene, two passengers were taken to hospital and the driver was arrested, the authorities said.
Images of bloodied workers lying on a grass verge by the road made their rounds online, along with pictures from the back of the lorry where a large metal contraption could be seen, sparking outrage about how migrant workers continue to be transported with heavy equipment in the back of lorries in Singapore.
“These are men’s lives at stake. Not simply dollars and cents. It is time we do something about workers riding in the back of lorries with equipment and without sufficient safety measures,” wrote migrant worker charity ItsRainingRaincoats on its Instagram page.
According to the Manpower ministry, 442,900 work permit holders were in the construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors as of June.
As of last month, there have been four deaths and 407 injuries from lorry accidents this year. There was one death and 449 injuries in 2023, and six deaths and 351 injuries due to such accidents in 2022, according to official statistics.
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By Jean Iau
On Sunday, as migrant workers were being celebrated across Singapore in line with International Migrants Day, a fatal accident occurred involving labourers travelling on the back of a lorry in the western end of the city state.
A 40-year-old man died at the scene, two passengers were taken to hospital and the driver was arrested, the authorities said.
Images of bloodied workers lying on a grass verge by the road made their rounds online, along with pictures from the back of the lorry where a large metal contraption could be seen, sparking outrage about how migrant workers continue to be transported with heavy equipment in the back of lorries in Singapore.
“These are men’s lives at stake. Not simply dollars and cents. It is time we do something about workers riding in the back of lorries with equipment and without sufficient safety measures,” wrote migrant worker charity ItsRainingRaincoats on its Instagram page.
According to the Manpower ministry, 442,900 work permit holders were in the construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors as of June.
As of last month, there have been four deaths and 407 injuries from lorry accidents this year. There was one death and 449 injuries in 2023, and six deaths and 351 injuries due to such accidents in 2022, according to official statistics.
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Operation Santa Claus: Furry monster charity drive at Hong Kong shopping centre
By Guy Haydon
A Hong Kong shopping centre has said it hopes visitors will “get wild about Christmas” with the help of a group of furry festive monsters to raise money for a charity drive.
Among the original, larger-than-life characters at Pacific Place in Admiralty are the Grand Weaver, who spreads warmth through knitting, and energetic spirit of sugary delights Sprinkle.
They also include Sparky & Buzz, a dynamic duo who spread joy and togetherness, warm-hearted Master Wrap, who teaches crafting, and Woody the welcoming optimist.
The characters can all be seen at ChristmasVille, a tranquil monster village with assorted cottages, huts and caverns, until January 2, at the shopping centre.
The city’s annual Operation Santa Claus (OSC) fundraising initiative, now in its 37th year, is organised jointly by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK to help local worthy causes.
“As we celebrate this festive season with our ChristmasVille initiative, we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Operation Santa Claus,” Pacific Place general manager Wing Chiu said.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Guy Haydon
A Hong Kong shopping centre has said it hopes visitors will “get wild about Christmas” with the help of a group of furry festive monsters to raise money for a charity drive.
Among the original, larger-than-life characters at Pacific Place in Admiralty are the Grand Weaver, who spreads warmth through knitting, and energetic spirit of sugary delights Sprinkle.
They also include Sparky & Buzz, a dynamic duo who spread joy and togetherness, warm-hearted Master Wrap, who teaches crafting, and Woody the welcoming optimist.
The characters can all be seen at ChristmasVille, a tranquil monster village with assorted cottages, huts and caverns, until January 2, at the shopping centre.
The city’s annual Operation Santa Claus (OSC) fundraising initiative, now in its 37th year, is organised jointly by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK to help local worthy causes.
“As we celebrate this festive season with our ChristmasVille initiative, we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Operation Santa Claus,” Pacific Place general manager Wing Chiu said.
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Australia strikes US$118 million policing deal with China-friendly Solomon Islands
By Agence France-Presse
Australia said on Friday it has agreed to help boost Solomon Islands’ police force with a finance and training package for the Pacific nation, which has fostered close ties with China.
The deal includes A$190 million (US$118 million) in financing over four years, training and infrastructure including a police training centre in the Solomons’ capital Honiara, Canberra said.
It represents a “new foundation for Australia’s security partnership with the Solomon Islands”, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a news conference.
“What we have done is ensure that Australia remains the security partner of choice.”
Albanese said he sealed the agreement in discussions with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Manele’s predecessor switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 2019.
Three years later, the archipelago signed a secretive security deal with Beijing that raised alarm in Western capitals over China’s expanding influence in the Pacific.
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By Agence France-Presse
Australia said on Friday it has agreed to help boost Solomon Islands’ police force with a finance and training package for the Pacific nation, which has fostered close ties with China.
The deal includes A$190 million (US$118 million) in financing over four years, training and infrastructure including a police training centre in the Solomons’ capital Honiara, Canberra said.
It represents a “new foundation for Australia’s security partnership with the Solomon Islands”, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a news conference.
“What we have done is ensure that Australia remains the security partner of choice.”
Albanese said he sealed the agreement in discussions with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Manele’s predecessor switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 2019.
Three years later, the archipelago signed a secretive security deal with Beijing that raised alarm in Western capitals over China’s expanding influence in the Pacific.
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Laopu Gold outshines Chow Tai Fook as China’s top jeweller with 437% stock surge
By Bloomberg
If anything glitters in China’s otherwise dour retail jewellery landscape, chances are it just might be from Laopu Gold.
The Beijing-based jeweller, whose Chinese name translates to “old shop”, is luring shoppers as it outshines market leader Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and other local brands, from sales growth to stock performance. Revenue increased 148 per cent year on year in the first six months of 2024 and is on course for more than doubling this year, while shares have surged 437 per cent since its listing in Hong Kong in June – making it the best performer on the Hang Seng Composite Index this year.
The 14-day relative strength index on the stock has breached 80 at least five times since its market debut, a rare level that is considered indicative of an outperformer. An RSI value of 70 and above typically denotes the stock is overbought, but analysts are still bullish, with all 14 covering the company recommending buying the stock, data compiled by Bloomberg shows.
Founded 15 years ago, the company has opted to stay small – at just 33 stores – and offers mostly Buddhism-inspired heritage gold jewellery that carry fixed prices, as opposed to local brands that usually price items based on weight. That is an important distinction for Laopu, one that has helped burnish its luxury quotient and draw comparisons with global labels such as Cie Financiere Richemont’s Cartier and LVMH’s Tiffany – a rare feat for a Chinese label.
Laopu’s “relatively small size” is an advantage that is allowing it to focus on quality over quantity, said Mark Tanner, managing director of consultancy China Skinny in Shanghai. The brand “fills a space” in the untapped China-made luxury market, he said.
A 7.2 gram Laopu gold necklace with diamond studded gold pendant retails for anything from 11,230 yuan (US$1,540), much higher than if it were to be sold just based on the gold’s weight. The brand also draws those seeking exquisite decorative ornaments that touch on classic Chinese elements. Price tags for those can read hundreds of thousands of yuan.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Bloomberg
If anything glitters in China’s otherwise dour retail jewellery landscape, chances are it just might be from Laopu Gold.
The Beijing-based jeweller, whose Chinese name translates to “old shop”, is luring shoppers as it outshines market leader Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and other local brands, from sales growth to stock performance. Revenue increased 148 per cent year on year in the first six months of 2024 and is on course for more than doubling this year, while shares have surged 437 per cent since its listing in Hong Kong in June – making it the best performer on the Hang Seng Composite Index this year.
The 14-day relative strength index on the stock has breached 80 at least five times since its market debut, a rare level that is considered indicative of an outperformer. An RSI value of 70 and above typically denotes the stock is overbought, but analysts are still bullish, with all 14 covering the company recommending buying the stock, data compiled by Bloomberg shows.
Founded 15 years ago, the company has opted to stay small – at just 33 stores – and offers mostly Buddhism-inspired heritage gold jewellery that carry fixed prices, as opposed to local brands that usually price items based on weight. That is an important distinction for Laopu, one that has helped burnish its luxury quotient and draw comparisons with global labels such as Cie Financiere Richemont’s Cartier and LVMH’s Tiffany – a rare feat for a Chinese label.
Laopu’s “relatively small size” is an advantage that is allowing it to focus on quality over quantity, said Mark Tanner, managing director of consultancy China Skinny in Shanghai. The brand “fills a space” in the untapped China-made luxury market, he said.
A 7.2 gram Laopu gold necklace with diamond studded gold pendant retails for anything from 11,230 yuan (US$1,540), much higher than if it were to be sold just based on the gold’s weight. The brand also draws those seeking exquisite decorative ornaments that touch on classic Chinese elements. Price tags for those can read hundreds of thousands of yuan.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Panda Watch: twin cubs start crawling ahead of first Christmas at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park
By Lo Hoi-ying
Panda Watch is a blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here.
Hong Kong’s giant panda twin cubs are more than four months old, and have started crawling around their dens, as they are set to spend their first Christmas at Ocean Park.
In a video celebrating the fourth month of their birth, Ocean Park showed both “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother” gaining strength in their limbs and learning to crawl on all fours.
The endearing twins also had a “showdown” in a “wrestling” match in their cot, where they pushed each other playfully as they spent more time together.
The cubs will be spending their first Christmas together at the park, which has rolled out a series of festivities centred around the six giant pandas to draw visitors. In addition to the two cubs, the park is home to their father, Le Le, mother Ying Ying and a pair of five-year-old bears gifted by Beijing, male An An and female Ke Ke.
The park is decked out with festive decorations, including a panda-themed Christmas tree and a new installation that features two inflated balloon pandas modelled after An An and Ke Ke.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Lo Hoi-ying
Panda Watch is a blog by the Post that tracks the latest on the baby panda twins – the first to be born in Hong Kong – until they are ready to meet the public. To read our previous blog entries, click here.
Hong Kong’s giant panda twin cubs are more than four months old, and have started crawling around their dens, as they are set to spend their first Christmas at Ocean Park.
In a video celebrating the fourth month of their birth, Ocean Park showed both “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother” gaining strength in their limbs and learning to crawl on all fours.
The endearing twins also had a “showdown” in a “wrestling” match in their cot, where they pushed each other playfully as they spent more time together.
The cubs will be spending their first Christmas together at the park, which has rolled out a series of festivities centred around the six giant pandas to draw visitors. In addition to the two cubs, the park is home to their father, Le Le, mother Ying Ying and a pair of five-year-old bears gifted by Beijing, male An An and female Ke Ke.
The park is decked out with festive decorations, including a panda-themed Christmas tree and a new installation that features two inflated balloon pandas modelled after An An and Ke Ke.
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Small Japanese firms are going broke at rapid pace as labour shortage turns dire
By Reuters
Over the last decade, Masato Shiota brought his papermaking business back from the brink, paying down debt and buying machinery to automate some production. But he struggles to find workers to keep output at full capacity.
“We have three machines but only have two running on any day,” said Shiota, president of Wako Seishi, which produces tissues, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper in Ino, a town on the smallest of Japan’s four main islands known for its paper industry.
“If we don’t have the people we can’t make products and we can’t turn a profit. We’ll go under. This is the biggest problem for small and medium-sized companies.”
Shiota’s experiences and those of several other Ino business owners show how a labour shortage is a growing threat to smaller companies that provide seven out of every 10 jobs in Japan.
The country faces a deficit of 3.4 million workers by the end of this decade and 11 million by 2040, according to a 2023 study by Recruit Works Institute.
In the first half of this year, a record 182 companies went under because of worker shortages, according to research firm Teikoku Databank, up 66 per cent on a year earlier. Overall bankruptcies look set to surpass 10,000 this year, the highest since 2013, data from Tokyo Shoko Research showed this month.
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By Reuters
Over the last decade, Masato Shiota brought his papermaking business back from the brink, paying down debt and buying machinery to automate some production. But he struggles to find workers to keep output at full capacity.
“We have three machines but only have two running on any day,” said Shiota, president of Wako Seishi, which produces tissues, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper in Ino, a town on the smallest of Japan’s four main islands known for its paper industry.
“If we don’t have the people we can’t make products and we can’t turn a profit. We’ll go under. This is the biggest problem for small and medium-sized companies.”
Shiota’s experiences and those of several other Ino business owners show how a labour shortage is a growing threat to smaller companies that provide seven out of every 10 jobs in Japan.
The country faces a deficit of 3.4 million workers by the end of this decade and 11 million by 2040, according to a 2023 study by Recruit Works Institute.
In the first half of this year, a record 182 companies went under because of worker shortages, according to research firm Teikoku Databank, up 66 per cent on a year earlier. Overall bankruptcies look set to surpass 10,000 this year, the highest since 2013, data from Tokyo Shoko Research showed this month.
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Hongkongers feel the chill as city logs lowest temperature so far this winter
By Lo Hoi-ying
Hongkongers woke up to the coldest day so far this winter on Friday, with temperatures in urban areas going below 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 Fahrenheit).
The Hong Kong Observatory said the minimum temperature recorded at its headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui was 11.9 degrees at 7.30am, the lowest this season.
The mercury at the weather station on Hong Kong’s highest peak Tai Mo Shan, situated 955 metres (3,133ft) above sea levels, plunged to as low as four degrees in the morning.
This season’s first cold weather warning, which was issued on Thursday afternoon, remained in force.
The weather forecaster said temperatures on Friday would reach a maximum of around 19 degrees, adding it would be very dry during the day with moderate north to northeasterly winds.
It added that an area of low pressure over the southern part of the Philippines was bringing unsettled weather to the region, with weekend temperatures hovering between 13 and 21 degrees.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Lo Hoi-ying
Hongkongers woke up to the coldest day so far this winter on Friday, with temperatures in urban areas going below 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 Fahrenheit).
The Hong Kong Observatory said the minimum temperature recorded at its headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui was 11.9 degrees at 7.30am, the lowest this season.
The mercury at the weather station on Hong Kong’s highest peak Tai Mo Shan, situated 955 metres (3,133ft) above sea levels, plunged to as low as four degrees in the morning.
This season’s first cold weather warning, which was issued on Thursday afternoon, remained in force.
The weather forecaster said temperatures on Friday would reach a maximum of around 19 degrees, adding it would be very dry during the day with moderate north to northeasterly winds.
It added that an area of low pressure over the southern part of the Philippines was bringing unsettled weather to the region, with weekend temperatures hovering between 13 and 21 degrees.
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How China can hasten the break-up of the US-Japan-South Korea partnership
By Cao XinCao Zhong
The US-Japan-South Korea partnership could face the threat of dissolution after major political changes in all three countries. Initiated by the late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, promoted by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and effectively led by the Biden administration, the partnership aims to counter China and North Korea.
In the United States, Donald Trump, who disagrees with many of the Biden administration’s plans, is set to return as president. In South Korea, Yoon, a staunch supporter of the partnership, and his administration are looking at a near-certain collapse. And Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government wants to transform Japan into a “normal country”.
The trilateral partnership’s core difficulties stem from the three countries’ diverging foreign policy paths, which are related to strategic adjustments in their domestic development priorities. The differences arising will make sustained collaboration increasingly unlikely.
The US president-elect’s campaign promises and avowed policies, which have been described as Trump 2.0, signal a continuation of his “America first” approach. This includes a focus on domestic issues, especially the manufacturing and energy industries, and a scaling back of international involvement and commitments.
A cornerstone of Trump’s expected foreign policy involves shifting from providing free security for US allies to requiring payment for protection. This would be a significant departure from previous administrations and undoubtedly weakens the foundation of US strategic cooperation with Japan and South Korea.
South Korea’s domestic political upheaval is also poised to bring changes. Yoon’s botched attempt at imposing martial law severely damaged the ruling conservative party politically and resulted in his impeachment. The progressive main opposition Democratic Party, which has a markedly different foreign policy stance, is likely to take power.
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By Cao XinCao Zhong
The US-Japan-South Korea partnership could face the threat of dissolution after major political changes in all three countries. Initiated by the late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, promoted by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and effectively led by the Biden administration, the partnership aims to counter China and North Korea.
In the United States, Donald Trump, who disagrees with many of the Biden administration’s plans, is set to return as president. In South Korea, Yoon, a staunch supporter of the partnership, and his administration are looking at a near-certain collapse. And Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government wants to transform Japan into a “normal country”.
The trilateral partnership’s core difficulties stem from the three countries’ diverging foreign policy paths, which are related to strategic adjustments in their domestic development priorities. The differences arising will make sustained collaboration increasingly unlikely.
The US president-elect’s campaign promises and avowed policies, which have been described as Trump 2.0, signal a continuation of his “America first” approach. This includes a focus on domestic issues, especially the manufacturing and energy industries, and a scaling back of international involvement and commitments.
A cornerstone of Trump’s expected foreign policy involves shifting from providing free security for US allies to requiring payment for protection. This would be a significant departure from previous administrations and undoubtedly weakens the foundation of US strategic cooperation with Japan and South Korea.
South Korea’s domestic political upheaval is also poised to bring changes. Yoon’s botched attempt at imposing martial law severely damaged the ruling conservative party politically and resulted in his impeachment. The progressive main opposition Democratic Party, which has a markedly different foreign policy stance, is likely to take power.
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Macau returns to China in 1999 after 442 years of Portuguese rule – from the SCMP archive
By SCMP
This article was first published on December 20, 1999.
By Niall Fraser and Stella Lee in Macau
China reclaimed Macau after four centuries of Portuguese rule last night, with President Jiang Zemin saying the return was a significant step towards the early completion of reunification.
In an emotion-charged midnight ceremony, some 2,300 guests heard Mr Jiang say Macau’s return, following that of Hong Kong, was crucial to the settlement of the Taiwan issue.
“The implementation of the concept of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong and Macau has played and will continue to play an important exemplary role for our eventual settlement of the Taiwan question.
“The Chinese Government and people are confident and capable of an early settlement of the Taiwan question and the complete national reunification,” Mr Jiang said.
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By SCMP
This article was first published on December 20, 1999.
By Niall Fraser and Stella Lee in Macau
China reclaimed Macau after four centuries of Portuguese rule last night, with President Jiang Zemin saying the return was a significant step towards the early completion of reunification.
In an emotion-charged midnight ceremony, some 2,300 guests heard Mr Jiang say Macau’s return, following that of Hong Kong, was crucial to the settlement of the Taiwan issue.
“The implementation of the concept of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong and Macau has played and will continue to play an important exemplary role for our eventual settlement of the Taiwan question.
“The Chinese Government and people are confident and capable of an early settlement of the Taiwan question and the complete national reunification,” Mr Jiang said.
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Pakistan developing long-range ballistic missiles that could hit US: official
By Reuters
A senior White House official on Thursday said nuclear-armed Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets well beyond South Asia, making it an “emerging threat” to the United States.
Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer’s surprise revelation underscored how far the once-close ties between Washington and Islamabad have deteriorated since the 2021 US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
It also raised questions about whether Pakistan has shifted the objectives of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes long intended to counter those of India, the victor in three major wars they have fought since 1947.
Speaking to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Finer said Pakistan has pursued “increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment, that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors”.
If those trends continue, Finer said, “Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States.”
The number of nuclear-armed states with missiles that can reach the US homeland “is very small and they tend to be adversarial,” he continued, naming Russia, North Korea and China.
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By Reuters
A senior White House official on Thursday said nuclear-armed Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets well beyond South Asia, making it an “emerging threat” to the United States.
Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer’s surprise revelation underscored how far the once-close ties between Washington and Islamabad have deteriorated since the 2021 US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
It also raised questions about whether Pakistan has shifted the objectives of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes long intended to counter those of India, the victor in three major wars they have fought since 1947.
Speaking to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Finer said Pakistan has pursued “increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment, that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors”.
If those trends continue, Finer said, “Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States.”
The number of nuclear-armed states with missiles that can reach the US homeland “is very small and they tend to be adversarial,” he continued, naming Russia, North Korea and China.
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Japan PM Ishiba’s sympathetic comments on same-sex marriage spark hope among activists
By Julian Ryall
While Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says he has no plans to legalise same-sex marriage through the legislature, his sympathetic comments about the issue are being hailed by activists as a promising signal of changing attitudes within Japan’s leadership.
Ishiba, speaking before the Diet on Tuesday, said that while he personally believes same-sex unions would “make the nation happier”, he does not plan to introduce legislation granting equal marriage rights.
The prime minister was speaking just days after a third high court ruled that Japan’s failure to legally recognise same-sex marriages breached the constitution and, in a legal first, declared those provisions in the civil code contravened Article 13, which guarantees “the pursuit of happiness”.
To campaigners like Alexander Dmitrenko, a partner in the Tokyo office of the Ashurst multinational law firm and co-chair of the Lawyers for LGBT & Allies Network NPO, Ishiba’s comments are a sign that the resistance to marriage equality in Japan is crumbling and the right will be enshrined in law sooner rather than later.
“Compared to other prime ministers, there is a big difference in Ishiba’s tone, his direction and his outlook and we are clearly getting to the stage for Japan to take the next step in the right direction on marriage equality,” Dmitrenko told This Week in Asia.
“I interpret Ishiba’s comments this week very positively.”
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By Julian Ryall
While Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says he has no plans to legalise same-sex marriage through the legislature, his sympathetic comments about the issue are being hailed by activists as a promising signal of changing attitudes within Japan’s leadership.
Ishiba, speaking before the Diet on Tuesday, said that while he personally believes same-sex unions would “make the nation happier”, he does not plan to introduce legislation granting equal marriage rights.
The prime minister was speaking just days after a third high court ruled that Japan’s failure to legally recognise same-sex marriages breached the constitution and, in a legal first, declared those provisions in the civil code contravened Article 13, which guarantees “the pursuit of happiness”.
To campaigners like Alexander Dmitrenko, a partner in the Tokyo office of the Ashurst multinational law firm and co-chair of the Lawyers for LGBT & Allies Network NPO, Ishiba’s comments are a sign that the resistance to marriage equality in Japan is crumbling and the right will be enshrined in law sooner rather than later.
“Compared to other prime ministers, there is a big difference in Ishiba’s tone, his direction and his outlook and we are clearly getting to the stage for Japan to take the next step in the right direction on marriage equality,” Dmitrenko told This Week in Asia.
“I interpret Ishiba’s comments this week very positively.”
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Chinese national charged with acting as Beijing’s agent in local California election
By Associated Press
A Chinese national was arrested Thursday on charges of acting as an illegal agent for Beijing when serving as the campaign manager for an unnamed politician elected to a city council in Southern California two years ago.
The arrest of Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 64, came at a time of rising concerns that the Chinese government has cultivated a network of operatives to influence local elections in the US to install politicians who are friendly to Beijing and can help promote Chinese interests.
According to a complaint filed Tuesday in the US District Court for the Central District of California, Sun is accused of conspiring with Chen Jun, who was sentenced to 20 months last month for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.
Chen, 71, also a Chinese national, pleaded guilty in July to using Chinese money to bribe federal agents to undermine the anti-Beijing spiritual group Falun Gong. The charge against Sun shows that Chen also conspired to interfere with local elections.
It was not immediately clear if Sun had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.
Sun was instructed by Chen to write up a report in 2023 to recount to Chinese officials how they helped the local politician get elected, according to the affidavit.
Subsequent writings between the two men described the city councilperson as a “new political star” and included a request for US$80,000 to fund more pro-Beijing activities in the United States, according to the court documents.
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By Associated Press
A Chinese national was arrested Thursday on charges of acting as an illegal agent for Beijing when serving as the campaign manager for an unnamed politician elected to a city council in Southern California two years ago.
The arrest of Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 64, came at a time of rising concerns that the Chinese government has cultivated a network of operatives to influence local elections in the US to install politicians who are friendly to Beijing and can help promote Chinese interests.
According to a complaint filed Tuesday in the US District Court for the Central District of California, Sun is accused of conspiring with Chen Jun, who was sentenced to 20 months last month for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.
Chen, 71, also a Chinese national, pleaded guilty in July to using Chinese money to bribe federal agents to undermine the anti-Beijing spiritual group Falun Gong. The charge against Sun shows that Chen also conspired to interfere with local elections.
It was not immediately clear if Sun had a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.
Sun was instructed by Chen to write up a report in 2023 to recount to Chinese officials how they helped the local politician get elected, according to the affidavit.
Subsequent writings between the two men described the city councilperson as a “new political star” and included a request for US$80,000 to fund more pro-Beijing activities in the United States, according to the court documents.
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TikTok ban: US senators urge Biden to extend ByteDance deadline by 90 days
By Reuters
Democratic Senator Ed Markey and Republican Senator Rand Paul on Thursday urged US President Joe Biden to extend by 90 days a January 19 deadline for China-based ByteDance to sell the US assets of its short-video app TikTok or face a ban.
The US Supreme Court said on Wednesday it will consider the legal challenge of TikTok and ByteDance, seeking an injunction to halt the looming ban or sale and will hold arguments on the matter on January 10.
“Given the law’s uncertain future and its consequences for free expression, we urge you to trigger the 90-day extension before January 19,” the senators wrote to Biden.
More to follow …
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By Reuters
Democratic Senator Ed Markey and Republican Senator Rand Paul on Thursday urged US President Joe Biden to extend by 90 days a January 19 deadline for China-based ByteDance to sell the US assets of its short-video app TikTok or face a ban.
The US Supreme Court said on Wednesday it will consider the legal challenge of TikTok and ByteDance, seeking an injunction to halt the looming ban or sale and will hold arguments on the matter on January 10.
“Given the law’s uncertain future and its consequences for free expression, we urge you to trigger the 90-day extension before January 19,” the senators wrote to Biden.
More to follow …
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