Aung San Suu Kyi Determined to Lead Party Despite Constitutional Hurdles
Suu Kyi made it clear in an interview with Radio Free Asia that anyone elected to the office will be a figurehead, and that she would lead her party.
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APEC Summit Marked By Protests, Addresses Terrorism and Climate Change
The 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held in Manila on November 18-19, culminating the Philippines’ year-long hosting of 21 member states in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
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Maldives VP Impeached for Assassination Attempt
Vice President Adeeb was arrested pending the conclusion of the investigation into the cause of the explosion, only six months after the last vice president was impeached.
Read MoreChina Invests in Coal on the Eve of Paris Climate Summit
This “coal boom” shows that China is holding on to a centralized investment-driven growth system, disregarding the promises of government leaders to move towards an economic model based on consumer spending, as reported by the New York Times.
Read MoreAbe Pushes Security Bill Despite Public Opinion, Regional Response
The Abe government’s moves were not well-received domestically. The passing of the security bill incited not only protests outside parliament, but also a physical scuffle involving the LDP and opposition leaders within the Diet.
Read MoreTPP Finalized But Faces Congressional Hurdles
U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman described the deal to the New York Times as only “an important first step,” as the TPP must still be ratified by the government of each state party. Having already been denied fast-track authority on the deal by the House of Representatives earlier in the summer, President Obama still faces bipartisan opposition to the TPP.
Read MoreChinese Artist, Lego Battle Over Bricks
Posting on his Instagram account, Weiwei said “In September Lego refused Ai Weiwei studio’s request for a bulk order of Legos to create artwork to be shown at the National Gallery of Victoria as ‘they cannot approve the use of Legos for political works.’”
Read MoreISIS, Rivals Recruit Fighters on Social Media
According to the British Home Office, charges could be brought forward “that will depend on the nature of the conflict and the individual’s own activities.” Another determinant of charges is the YPG’s connection to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is deemed a terrorist organization by the United States.
Read MoreKoreas Resume Family Reunion Talks
The New York Times reports that these reunions will take place between October 20 and 26, assuming nothing changes. As the Korean Herald reports, however, the North Korean government has warned that this next round of reunions are on “thin ice” and may be canceled if South Korea continues to oppose the North’s plans of a satellite launch and nuclear tests.
Read MoreShadow of Protests Continues to Haunt Hong Kong
When Hong Kong was surrendered to China by Great Britain in 1997, Beijing promised autonomy and little interference for 50 years. This meant that Hong Kong would adopt a communist system like mainland China by 2045, guaranteeing that the “one country, two systems” policy would not last.
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