Last week the US Senate passed the largest investment for climate change ever, putting $369B into clean energy initiatives. It’s not as nearly as much as China has already spent, and doesn’t include helping poor countries cope with global warming, an act of reparations some say the US owes as the world’s largest consumer and polluter. The Inflation Reduction Act promises to private from fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by up to 40 % by 2030. This is good for every single person, especially front-line communities in Asia who bear the brunt of the climate crisis like extreme heat and severe flooding. Is Biden’s latest climate bill going to be enough to reverse the effects of climate change globally?
If Cambodia does not recognize Taiwan as an independent country, how successful will Cambodian authorities be in identifying over 300 Taiwanese victims trafficked, subjected to illegal labor, torture, and sexual assault? Taiwanese police have arrested 16 suspects who are believed to be involved in international crime rings trafficking Taiwanese people to Cambodia. The government says the victims are trapped in Cambodia, after being lured by scams promising high-paying jobs. Victims also reported being resold to other countries in the region. Last week, 9 victims returned home to Taiwan after being rescued during a layover in Thailand. Cambodian authorities said they’re launching a nationwide campaign to identify victims. But rescue attempts have been difficult since Cambodia does not recognize Taiwan as an independent country and the two governments don’t have diplomatic ties.
Salman Rushdie, author of ‘The Satanic Verses and ‘Midnight’s Children’’, is fighting life-changing injuries to his heart, liver, and eyes after being repeatedly stabbed on-stage while giving a lecture. While the suspect, 24-year-old Hadi Matar, was just indicted by a grand jury on Thursday August 18, he told the New York Post that his motivation came from Rushdie’sattacks on Islam and its beliefs. Rushdie’s controversial 1988 novel left Muslims feeling outraged and that the book’s author was claiming verses of the Qur’an were “the work of the Devil”. ‘Satanic Verses’ is a phrase unknown to Muslims, and coined by Orientalist Western academics who were specializing in the study of cultures considered Eastern. Rushdie’s title immediately sparked protest because it refers to a legend about Prophet Muhammad that both Sunni and Shiite Muslims believe are fabricated by idolators. Rushdie’s book was also considered offensive because it portrayed weakness in the Prophet Muhammad, and Muslims felt that Rushdie was questioning Muhammad’s credibility as the messenger of God. The book was banned in many parts of the world, including Iran, India and Pakistan, and former Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini even issued a fatwa - or decree - calling for his death. Though the Iranian government has since separated itself from the fatwa, the price on Rushdie’s head recently increased to over $3M. For nearly a decade, the award-winning author went into hiding and lived under police protection, though in recent years became more lax about this, even venturing outside without bodyguard protection at times. Now, the outspoken defender of writers’ freedom of expression is living openly in New York, and once again at the center of free speech debate in literature.
Devastating floods in South Korea have left 2,000 people displaced and at least 14 people dead. Tragically included are a family of three with a 13-year-old girl, who drowned after being trapped in a ‘banjiha’ or semi-underground apartment, the kind of unit prone to flooding, as highlighted in films like Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite. Last week, the Seoul government announced that banjiha units for residential uses will be banned in the future. Critics say it’s too little too late, and ignores the larger issues of inequality and the housing crisis that disproportionately affects low-income families. The torrential rain in Seoul was the heaviest in 115 years. At least 6 people are missing, and thousands are struggling to find shelter. Even more heavy rain is expected this week, with flood and landslide warnings across South Korea.
Issey Miyake, Hiroshima-born fashion designer, dies in Tokyo. Lover of art, design, and technology, Steve Jobs wore Miyake’s black turtleneck almost exclusively since the 80s. His signature pleated designs were famous for never losing shape and being comfortably stylish. Miyake’s work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Anything else we can add about his legacy in terms of paving the way for other Asian designers to follow in his steps? The Japanese legend had been fighting liver cancer before passing away at 84 years old.
The Chinese government has announced extending military exercises around Taiwan, seeing U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island as a direct assault on China's claims of Taiwan as part of its territory. The Taiwanese government says it will be firm in defending itself as a self-governing democracy. Brands have started distancing themselves from Taiwan, including Apple who has reportedly asked its Taiwan-based suppliers to label their products “Made in China”, anticipating stricter Chinese custom inspections. On social media, you will find both voices for peace and aggression. China’s fresh military drills in the seas and airspace around Taiwan include ballistic missile tests, over 60 aircraft, and 14 warships. How will these exercises impact global trade? Substantial concern is being raised at the potential for conflict in this region, which would disrupt both shipping and air traffic.