Asia (6do encyclopedia)230515



Asia is not only the largest continent in the world but also the most populous, and it covers about 44,579,000 square kilometers. It stretches from Europe in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, and from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south. The continent includes 48 countries and is home to more than 4.5 billion people.

Geography

Asia is incredibly diverse, both in terms of geography and climate. The continent has the highest point on earth, Mount Everest, as well as the world’s lowest point, the Dead Sea. It also has the world’s largest desert, the Arabian Desert, and the world’s largest river, the Yangtze River in China.

To the north, Asia is bordered by the Arctic Ocean, and the continent is surrounded by three major seas - the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Indian Ocean to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The landscape varies from deserts, forests, mountains, and grasslands, and the climate ranges from the extreme heat of the Middle East to the snowy tundras of Siberia.

Countries

Asia has a fascinating mix of cultures, religions, and languages. The continent is home to over 2,000 languages, with China alone having over 292 dialects. The most populous countries in Asia are China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Religion

The majority of the world’s major religions have their origins in Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Judaism. Hinduism has the largest following in the continent, with over one billion followers. Buddhism, which originated in India, is also a significant religion in Asia, with an estimated 500 million followers.

Economy

Asia is the world’s fastest-growing economy, due in part to the rise of China and India as economic superpowers. The continent is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas, minerals, and timber. It is also the largest trading partner with the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Tourism

Asia is also a popular tourist destination, with countries such as Thailand, Japan, China, and India attracting millions of visitors each year. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, unique cultures, and rich history.

Culture

Asia has a rich cultural heritage, with a long and fascinating history. Ancient civilizations such as those in China, India, and Mesopotamia laid the foundations for modern culture, art, and architecture. Many Asian countries have their unique traditions and customs, ranging from the tea ceremony in Japan to the Islamic call to prayer in the Middle East.

In Conclusion

Asia is a vast and diverse continent, filled with a rich cultural heritage, ancient traditions, and a fast-growing economy. Its abundance of natural resources and beautiful landscapes have attracted tourists from all around the world. The region’s varied climates have enabled a wide range of flora and fauna to thrive, from the Siberian Tiger in Russia to the giant pandas in China. Asia’s influence on world history, religion, and art is undeniable, and the region continues to be a significant player on the world stage today.


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Biden to hold talks with Kishida ahead of Hiroshima G7 summit

Japan Times

23-05-15 04:08


Joe Biden will visit Japan for talks with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ahead of the annual G7 summit, which will be hosted from Friday to Sunday in Hiroshima. The agenda will address whether or not US and Japanese allies' security cooperation is ready to face shared challenges including nuclear threats made by North Korea, supply chain challenges, and energy security. The meeting will also see leaders discuss strategic coordination measures. It is expected to attract attention due to the US's decision to oppose a Chinese invasion into Taiwan. President Biden will become the second sitting US president to visit the atomic-bombed city of Hiroshima.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/15/national/politics-diplomacy/biden-kishida-talks-g7/
What’s Joe Biden up to on his 8-day trip to the Asia-Pacific?

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 03:43


US President Joe Biden will begin an eight-day trip to the Indo-Pacific region this week, with visits planned to Singapore, Japan and Papua New Guinea. The US wants to show commitment to the Pacific region which has seen increased aid, development and security from China, as well as to strengthen bonds with long-standing allies. His administration has also recently opened embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga and plans to open one in Kiribati. Biden will also attend a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. US allies will be watching to see whether Biden can reassert US leadership in Asia and shore up comparisons with former President Donald Trump's isolationist policy to the region.

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3220558/whats-joe-biden-his-eight-day-trip-asia-pacific
Biden says he’s optimistic as ‘catastrophic’ US default looms

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 03:11


US President Joe Biden is "optimistic" about reaching an agreement with his Republican opponents to raise the US debt limit and avoid a default. Congressional Republicans are demanding budget cuts in exchange for lifting the US borrowing limit, however the White House has insisted for months that the nation’s credit should not be up for negotiation. Republicans have threatened to hold out for a default if Biden does not agree to “massive cuts”. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned a default could occur by June 1 as uncertainty over the actual date the government would stop being able to pay its bills intensifies.

https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3220554/us-debt-ceiling-stand-biden-says-hes-optimistic-catastrophic-default-looms
Thai pro-democracy groups dominate vote in rebuke of military

Japan Times

23-05-15 02:44


Pro-democracy parties in Thailand are likely to form a coalition after gaining a majority of seats in parliamentary elections, marking the first real challenge to the monarchy since the military took power in 2014. With most of the votes counted, the Move Forward party, which seeks to change the laws that ban criticism of the king, led the national vote. The results also suggested a high turnout despite pre-election threats and intimidation from authorities. The ruling junta may try to subvert the result, but protesters have already taken to the streets to celebrate.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/05/15/asia-pacific/thai-vote-prodemocracy-military-rebuke/
Thai Q1 GDP grows 2.7% y/y, beats expectations

Reuters

23-05-15 02:41


Thailand's economy grew by 2.7% year-on-year in Q1 2021, beating expectations as private consumption and tourism rebounded. Southeast Asia's second-largest economy also expanded a seasonally adjusted 1.9% in the March quarter. Analysts had expected GDP to grow 2.3% YoY and 1.7% QoQ.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/thai-q1-gdp-grows-27-yy-beats-expectations-2023-05-15/
G7 host Japan seeks unity on threat from China

Financial Times

23-05-16 01:23


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s key aim during the annual G7 summit this weekend is to establish a united G7 response to China's military ambitions and "economic coercion," as the country continues to seek closer ties with NATO and imposes sanctions against Moscow as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. China’s interventionism has driven Japan to adopt a very cautious approach, revamping its military organisation and increasing security cooperation with nations in Southeast Asia and Europe. However, it is anticipated that the G7 will not agree on any specific new economic tools of security, and crucially, China will not be named in the statement. This widespread caucus approach aims to support countries being bullied by China rather than being completely focused on an offensive strategy. The EU, as well as other G7 members, remain very reluctant to adopt a more antagonistic stance, preferring to improve relations with emerging economies, particularly from Asia, Africa and South America.

https://www.ft.com/content/0998ac9a-58eb-44e2-b362-42cf5a0d468b
Death penalty: Amnesty reports major increase in executions

Deutsche Welle

23-05-16 00:01


Iran and Saudi Arabia recorded a combined 80% of registered executions worldwide last year, according to Amnesty International. Iran killed 576 people, almost double the previous year’s figure, and six people were executed per day in Saudi Arabia, which saw 196 killed. At least 883 people were executed in total in 2022, an increase of over 50% on the previous year, and the highest number in five years. Amnesty did not include the estimated thousands of executions carried out in China or, among others, North Korea and Vietnam. At the end of the year, 112 countries had abolished the death penalty, with 125 countries voting for a moratorium on its use.

https://www.dw.com/en/death-penalty-amnesty-reports-major-increase-in-executions/a-65630256
Sunak pledges to put farmers ‘let down by Truss’ first in trade deals

Telegraph

23-05-15 22:30


UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has given an assurance that any trade deals he signs will consider the impact upon the UK's domestic agricultural sector, while maintaining animal welfare standards. Stressing the importance of British farming and produce in his six principles to "ensure British farming is at the heart of British trade," he also promised no future deals would allow chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-treated beef. The commitments are in direct contrast to those made by former International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, whose signing of trade deals with Australia and New Zealand was accused of endangering the UK's farming and food sectors.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/05/15/rishi-sunak-british-farmers-trade-deals-agriculture/
Russian oil exports hit post-invasion high

Financial Times

23-05-16 09:19


According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in April, Russia exported more oil than it had at any point since its full invasion of Ukraine last year. Almost 80% of the crude shipments reportedly flowed to China and India, reflecting Moscow’s success in finding new buyers, particularly since Europe blocked imports and new vessels to transport the oil cargoes. Moving to new, little-known trading companies and tanker-owners, Russia has achieved one of the largest commodity flow shifts, directing millions of barrels of oil per day from Europe to Asia over the last 12 months. In total, Russia shipped 5.2 million barrels a day of crude in April and 3 million barrels a day of refined petroleum products.

https://www.ft.com/content/525f042c-d35d-4dac-aaed-c5fbf0d6bbd2
Getting to the Heart of Mexico, One Chile at a Time

NY Times

23-05-16 09:00


A writer for The New York Times documented his recent journey through Mexico in search of the country's best chiles. The trip took him across several states including Puebla, Veracruz, and Oaxaca, where he met growers and farmers. At one point, he also enrolled in a intensive culinary course at La Escuela de Gastronomía Mexicana in Mexico City to pick up some Spanish and find experts to help him map out his tour. Throughout his journey, the writer learned about different types of chiles, including the poblano pepper that's usually grown only for a two month window, and the deep emerald chiltepin chiles which turn red when mature. High-level chile production, especially of poblanos, is often targeted by thieves armed with guns. The writer visited restaurants and eateries during his travels, including a small hut where Martha Soledad, a renowned cook of Mexican traditional cuisine, served him tortillas topped in pumpkin seeds, powdered chiltepins and melt-in-your-mouth manteca, or lard.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/16/travel/mexico-chile-pepper-spice.html?searchResultPosition=1
Advocacy or practical? Taiwan evaluating plan for Asia’s first 4-day work week

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 09:00


The Taiwanese government is considering implementing a three-day weekend following a proposal signed by over 5,000 citizens. Four government ministries are assessing the idea and will generate an assessment report by the end of June. Although it would be a first in Asia, Taiwan's export-driven economy, largely made up of producer firms, is expected to oppose the motion to pay workers for an extra day of the week. To produce the goods that drive Taiwan's technology industry around 30% of its US$800bn economy, producers typically operate seven days a week.

https://www.scmp.com/economy/article/3220713/taiwan-evaluating-proposal-asias-first-3-day-weekend-manufacturers-wont-approve
Singapore to host 7-day festival of football as world’s best teams head to Asia

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 08:46


Asia is set to receive a host of pre-season football friendlies this summer, although premier side matches will bypass Hong Kong. Leading teams such as Liverpool, Roma, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and others will play in matches across Singapore, Tokyo and Bangkok instead. Standard Chartered Bank will host a week-long festival of games, featuring Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool and Leicester City at the National Stadium in Singapore. British and European-based sides Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic and Barcelona will also play in Asia as part of the festival.

https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3220731/manchester-city-liverpool-barcelona-heading-asia-summer-singapore-bangkok-thailand-host-top-sides
Michael Burry, Temasek add JD.com, Alibaba holdings as Dalio offloads China stocks

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 08:36


Ray Dalio's hedge fund Bridgewater Associates has reduced its stakes in Chinese firms as geopolitical tensions continue to rise, with the fund selling all of its 702,473 shares in Baidu and slashing its stakes in Weibo, Nio and PDD. Meanwhile, "The Big Short" money manager Michael Burry and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek used China's tumultuous market as a buying opportunity. Burry added 233% to his stake in JD.com at a cost of 250,000 shares and doubled his bet on Alibaba holding, with the two companies accounting for 20% of his $107m stock portfolio.

https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3220716/michael-burry-big-short-fame-temasek-bulked-jdcom-alibaba-first-quarter-even-china-bull-ray-dalio
Amnesty: Executions worldwide increased by 53% in 2022, rose in Iran, Saudi Arabia

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 13:13


Executions worldwide rose by 53% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a sharp increase in Iran and Saudi Arabia, according to a report from Amnesty International. The number of executions in Iran rose by 83% to 576, while in Saudi Arabia, the number tripled to 196. The report, which records executions in 20 countries, also criticised Indonesia, which has “one of the highest numbers of new death sentences in Asia”, for sentencing an unsustainable 112 new people to death, 94% of which were related to drug offences. China, North Korea and Vietnam all failed to reveal data on the death penalty.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/2023/05/16/amnesty-executions-worldwide-increased-by-53-in-2022-rose-in-iran-saudi-arabia.html
UN accused of ‘rewarding’ Iran as it gives ambassador leading human rights role

Telegraph

23-05-16 12:33


Iran has been accused of human rights abuses following a decision by the United Nations to appoint Iranian ambassador Ali Bahreini as chairman of the UN Human Rights Council Social Forum 2023. Critics noted that the announcement followed Iran’s execution of two men on blasphemy charges and its continuing crackdown on anti-regime protesters. The appointment was “shocking” and showed “ethical blindness”, a spokesman for the US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran said. A spokesman explained that the Social Forum 2023 was merely a two-day event.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/05/16/un-accused-rewarding-iran-hangings-ambassador-human-rights/
Singapore Airlines posts record profit as bookings to China, Japan soar

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 12:32


Singapore Airlines has recorded its first annual profit in four years, thanks to demand for air travel and a rise in bookings to China, Japan and South Korea. The city-state's flag carrier said the turnaround was in line with other airlines, which are beginning to rebound now the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions around the world are being lifted. However, operators are warning of inflation pressures and stronger competition now that many airlines are regaining ground, and also anticipate that near-term cargo demand could shrink as the supply chain bottlenecks learn and weaker economic conditions hit demand and trade.

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3220780/singapore-airlines-posts-record-profit-amid-strong-demand-flights-china-japan-and-south-korea
Cyclone Mocha kills at least 32 in Myanmar

BBC

23-05-16 12:28


Cyclone Mocha, one of the strongest storms to hit Myanmar this century, has killed at least 32 people in Rakhine state and Magway division, according to the BBC. Unconfirmed reports suggest the death toll is much higher, given the military junta which seized power in 2021 isn't counting casualties from the internally displaced Rohingya minority. While there were no initial reports of casualties in Bangladesh, the category five cyclone devastated thousands of shelters in the world's largest refugee camp at Cox's Bazar where one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar reside. Communities in the northwestern Sagaing region, which hosts a large number of anti-coup militias, have faced military attacks in the past days.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65607625
How is India looking at Pakistan's political crisis?

Deutsche Welle

23-05-16 12:24


Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, recent visit to India to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference, which yielded no talks with his Indian counterpart, has been described as a missed opportunity to improve the countries’ relations. Experts suggest due to ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan, the minister would have found it difficult to make significant progress in bilateral discussions and the lack of progress is less surprising than it first appears. The relationship between the two countries has been declining gradually over the past few years with few opportunities for dialogue.

https://www.dw.com/en/how-is-india-looking-at-pakistans-political-crisis/a-65638460
How US tax breaks would lift Taiwanese investors and invoke China’s ire

South China Morning Post

23-05-16 18:00


A group of US senators has proposed the Taiwan Tax Agreement Act of 2023 that would permit tax breaks for Taiwanese investors. The senators said that this will help to increase investment between the US and Taiwan by removing the double-taxation currently in place in relations between the countries. Offering tax relief could inspire further Taiwanese tech firms to move to the US to set up shop, including the construction of a TSMC $40bn plant in the state of Arizona. According to data from the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taipei, Taiwan invested $23.73bn in the US between 1952 and 2022, the second highest amount after mainland China. Analysis from experts suggested that this move would increase economic, capital, and personnel mobility between the two countries, disrupting China's chip-making lithography machines and shifting the focus into tech collaboration and development based around US-led tax-friendly policies.

https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3220735/how-us-tax-breaks-would-lift-taiwanese-investors-and-invoke-ire-china