In The News

Asia Sentinel: Japan’s Small, Beautiful Spacecraft

Todd Crowell October 5, 2018
Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe took a 3½-year voyage, landing on the asteroid Ryugu, believed to be 6 billion years old. The space probe – about 1 x 1.6 meters in size – dropped two robotic rovers on the asteroid to collect and return samples to Earth. “Japan … is developing its own niche in exploring the smaller objects in the solar system,” reports Todd Crowell for the Asia Sentinel. “While others...

USA Today: Tsunami in Indonesia

Susan Miller October 2, 2018
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia followed by a tsunami that struck Palu, a city of more than 300,000. The disaster killed more than 1300 and displaced tens of thousands more with survivors desperate for food, water and supplies. The numbers are expected to rise. “Relief workers are mobilizing to help devastated areas and rescue teams are desperately hunting for survivors in the aftermath...

South Asia Journal: India-China Water Sharing Data

Chandan Kumar Duarah September 29, 2018
Dams, volatile weather patterns, pollution complicate the water supply from cross-border rivers, increase environmental hazards and even brings ruin to some communities in China and India. The two countries have shared hydrological data since 2006 with some disruptions, such as damaged equipment due to flooding. But improved technologies, including satellite imagery, and increased cooperation...

DW: Chinese Propaganda Infiltrating German Media?

Deutsche Welle September 28, 2018
Donald Trump has warned that China may meddle in the US midterm congressional elections, including propaganda presented as news. Similar concerns have been raised about German media. China rejects the allegation. A German newsletter agreed to carry content from China's state news service, Xinhua. “The aim, according to the newsletter, was to keep DPA customers informed about the Belt and...

Sydney Morning Herald: China Seeks to Mend Australian Ties

Kirsty Needham September 27, 2018
The United States has issued tariffs targeting Chinese imports, and China has responded in kind. China, in search of substitute markets, is also moving to improve ties and trade with Australia, which has a new government since August 24 led by Scott Morrison, as well as Japan and South Korea. China is both lead exporter and importer for Australia by comfortable margins. Other export destinations...

The Diplomat: China’s Great Property Wall

Bonnie Girard September 19, 2018
China restricts foreign purchases of homes and other property. “The contrast between what Chinese real estate investors can access in the United States, and what American and other foreign buyers can access in China, is stark,” explains Bonnie Girard for the Diplomat. “Non-Chinese nationals cannot buy property in China unless they live in China under resident visas. Even then, a foreigner in most...

Caixin: China Trade Surplus With US Grows Despite Tariffs

Wu Gang September 11, 2018
Despite tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, China’s trade surplus with the United States continue to swell. “Exports to the U.S. grew 13.2% in August from a year earlier to $44.39 billion, with the growth rate accelerating from 11.2% in July,” reports Wu Gang for Caixin, adding that China’s growth worldwide slowed for the month. “The Trump administration began levying a 25% tariff on $34...