News in Asia

Hello! We’ve got a bunch to catch up on, so let’s get started!

The big news coming out of Southeast Asia is the military takeover of the Thai government. After months of anti-government protests and the resignation of the prime minister, who has been detained by the military, the chief general has set out plans for reforms. There have already been protests by some defying martial law.

The Indian consulate in the Herat province of Afghanistan was attacked by heavily armed gunmen on Friday.

So, China has claimed all of the South China Sea and has basically told Japan to MYOB.

China’s acts of aggression in the South China Sea have drawn protests around the world with Vietnamese abroad holding demonstrations in cities like Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.

Hmmm… Twitter has agreed to block tweets deemed blasphemous by the Pakistani government.

Newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the leaders of Southeast Asian nations to his swearing-in ceremony, drawing praise and backlash. The backlash comes from inviting Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Another day, another time North Korea decides to stir the pot a bit by launching shells near a South Korean warship.

China and Russia sign a 30-year gas deal. Is that like taking out a mortgage?

A major Japanese paper reported that as the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant was unfolding, hundreds of workers fled in panic after they had been told to stay at their posts.

Finally, the Philippine Independence Day parade in New York City is taking place Sunday, June 1st if you’re in the city this weekend!