Israeli strikes on Iran sparks debate on U.S. role

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - Israeli military strikes are targeting Iran's allies across the Middle East, potentially challenging Iran's influence, which grew after the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. In both the U.S. and the Middle East, debates have surfaced about how Washington should respond as Israel targets Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza. Some, like Richard Goldberg from the Foundation for the Defense of Democraci

October 11, 2024

Thousands dead, millions displaced as conflict rages in Gaza and Lebanon

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - Palestinian and Lebanese authorities have reported multiple strikes. A strike on a Gaza school sheltering displaced people killed at least 27, including a child and seven women, according to Palestinian officials. Israel continues to target what it says are militant sites in Gaza. Later on Thursday, Israeli airstrikes in central Beirut killed at least 22 and injured 117, according to Lebanon's health ministry. In southern Lebanon, an Israeli tank fired

October 11, 2024

Protesters gather for legalization of same-sex marriages in Seoul

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - People gathered to protest South Korea's current law prohibiting same-sex marriages at a press conference held in Seoul on Thursday. Their protest came just a day before they filed a lawsuit seeking to legalize LGBT marriages. About two dozen protesters from 11 same-sex couples argued for their rights to marry and pursue happiness regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They argued same-sex couples should have the same l

October 11, 2024

Japan court upholds ban on dual citizenship

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - A Japanese high court ruled that the country's law prohibiting dual nationality is constitutional, dismissing a challenge by a Japanese-born U.S. citizen. The Fukuoka High Court upheld a lower court's decision on Thursday, stating there was "little necessity" to permit dual citizenship. The case was brought by Yuri Kondo, 77, who argued the law infringed on her right to self-determination. Kondo, born in Japan and naturalized as a U.S.

October 11, 2024

India conducts naval exercise with US, Australia, Japan

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - The Indian Navy is conducting an annual joint exercise with the United States, Australia and Japan. The Malabar 2024 exercise, which began on Wednesday and is led by the Indian military in the Bay of Bengal, will involve complex training in maritime, underwater, aerial and information domains. A total of eight ships and about 10 aircraft are participating, including USS Dewey (DDG 105), a guided-missile destroyer of the U.S. Navy. "I'm fired up

October 11, 2024

LG Chem halts construction of carbon nanotube plant amid EV market slowdown

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) – South Korean petrochemical giant LG Chem has temporarily suspended construction of its fourth carbon nanotube plant, industry sources said, amid a slowdown in the electric vehicle (EV) battery market. The facility in Daesan, South Chungcheong Province, was initially scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2025 to supply carbon nanotubes to battery manufacturers, including LG Energy Solution. The plant would be the largest in South K

October 11, 2024

Korea, Laos sign $500 million development cooperation fund agreement

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - South Korea and Laos signed a framework agreement on Thursday for a $500 million economic cooperation fund, set to run from 2024 to 2027. The deal, part of South Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) program, was announced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance during the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos. The agreement maintains the same funding level as the previous 2020 to 2023 period. It aims to support high-value infrastructure proj

October 11, 2024

Japan's Ishiba seeks stronger ASEAN ties, expresses China concerns

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized strengthening relations with ASEAN nations while voicing apprehension over China's maritime activities during his inaugural diplomatic meetings in Laos. At the ASEAN Plus Three summit on Thursday, Ishiba expressed opposition to forceful attempts to alter the status quo, referencing the region's tense security situation. He also urged a firm international response to North Korea's ongoing nucle

October 11, 2024

Korea cuts key rate for first time in three years

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) – The Bank of Korea (BOK) cut its key interest rate on Friday for the first time in over three years, marking a shift in monetary policy aimed at boosting the sluggish economy amid easing inflation concerns. The central bank lowered its benchmark seven-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent, the first reduction since August 2021. This move ends a prolonged tightening cycle and signals a pivot toward supporting economic growth. The dec

October 11, 2024

Indonesia's next government plans massive free meal program for 83 million citizens

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - Indonesia's incoming administration, set to take office on Oct. 20, announced plans Thursday to implement a free meal program that will eventually cover 83 million people, or about 30 percent of the country's population. President-elect Prabowo Subianto's government aims to initially provide free meals to 20 million students starting January 2025, at an estimated cost of 71 trillion rupiah (approximately $4.5 billion). The National Nutrition

October 11, 2024