Egg on Washington’s face in bank farce

Even as Washington is busy denouncing Britain for becoming a founding member of a new China-led development bank, key allies are ready to jump ship.

New Zealand spies on China, other Asian nations: Snowden papers

Electronic surveillance by New Zealand’s government extends from China, its biggest trading partner, to Antarctica and is shared with the United States and other international allies, according to documents released on Wednesday.

Hu Jintao’s weak grip on China’s army inspired President Xi Jinping’s military shake-up

President’s predecessor ‘isolated’ by deputies who acted as proxies for Jiang Zemin

German graffiti vandals ordered jailed, caned in Singapore

A Singapore court on Thursday sentenced two young German men to nine months in prison and three strokes of the cane for spray-painting a metro train in the city-state, which enforces hardline rules on vandalism.

AFP

New Zealand spying on Pacific allies for 'Five Eyes' and NSA

New Zealand is spying indiscriminately on its allies in the Pacific region and sharing the information with the US and the other “Five Eyes” alliance states, according to documents from the whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

Singapore Porsche Club, former member in legal spat

An executive, whose company is suing the Porsche Club for copyright infringement, is now taking the same exclusive car club to court for terminating his membership.

Public corruption in China: Then and now

China has waged a campaign against public corruption for the past two years and there is no sign of abatement. At first, there was speculation it was a cover for a power struggle and therefore would be short-lived. Increasingly, it appears to be a means of forging a new social contract for the post-Deng era.

Film-maker files police report against MP Lam Pin Min

He accuses Lam Pin Min of making racially seditious comments online

Japan Crown Prince urges WW2 past not be forgotten as memories fade

Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito has made a call to remember Japan's wartime past and the horrors of World War Two - remarks that come as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks to recast his country's wartime history in a less apologetic tone.

Reuters

Paris Metro CCTV shows Chelsea fans sought by police

Images of three men being sought by police in connection with an incident of alleged racism by Chelsea fans on the Paris Metro on Tuesday evening have been released.

BBC

NSA helped British steal cell phone codes

Britain’s electronic spying agency, in cooperation with the U.S. National Security Agency, hacked into the networks of a Dutch company to steal codes that allow both governments to seamlessly eavesdrop on mobile phones worldwide, according to the documents given to journalists by Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

Chelsea racist fans in Paris

In the video, a member of the French public is repeatedly seen to be pushed off a Metro train by fans while trying to board because he’s black, with the fans responsible chanting: “We’re racist, we’re racist, and that’s the way we like it, we like it, we like it.”

British white trash Benjamin Maybury charged with punching and abusing teen driver

Briton Alan Benjamin Maybury, 33, allegedly punched polytechnic student Lum Kwok Weng, 19, in his face causing mild swelling and a small superficial cut. He is also accused of using abusive words by shouting expletives at the teen.

Russian researchers expose breakthrough U.S. spying program

The U.S. National Security Agency has figured out how to hide spying software deep within hard drives made by Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba and other top manufacturers, giving the agency the means to eavesdrop on the majority of the world's computers, according to cyber researchers and former operatives.

Reuters

A taste of Yunnan in Thailand

The tiny northern town of Mae Salong bears a distinctive Chinese past - and present

The numbers game: mathematicians and NSA

Snowden’s revelations unsettled many mathematicians - but not enough to sever ties with NSA

China ‘not ready to win wars’, says US report

Corruption, poor-quality personnel and outdated command structure among problems faced by the PLA, according to a study commissioned by a US congressional committee

Beijing and US poised to join forces in hunt for rich Chinese fugitives

Senior US officials will meet in August with their Chinese counterparts to discuss the possibility of repatriating Chinese officials who have fled to America with billions of dollars of allegedly stolen government assets, according to a State Department official.

US historians protest against Japan’s attempt to censor US publisher’s textbook over sex slaves

A group of American history scholars have protested against Japan’s attempts to pressure US publisher McGraw-Hill that references World War II sex slaves, saying no government should have the right to “censor history”.

Beijing cracks down at home to slow visits to overseas casinos

Crackdown on junket organisers in China is aimed at slowing trips by VIP players to Asian casinos beyond already embattled Macau

Chinese scars endure 70 years after Unit 731 liberation

AFP

‘Soft’ Repression: The Struggle for Democracy in Singapore

Opposition politicians face some daunting obstacles in Singaporean politics.

The palace of shame that makes China angry

There is a deep, unhealed historical wound in the UK's relations with China - a wound that most British people know nothing about, but which causes China great pain. It stems from the destruction in 1860 of the country's most beautiful palace.

BBC

Investors in gold buyback scheme alarmed by firm’s silence

More than 20 investors who put around $7 million into a gold buyback scheme run by local firm Suisse International are now worried that they cannot get their money back.

America: Australia's Dangerous Ally

Australia should not embrace America, writes its former prime minister, but preserve itself from Washington’s reckless overreach.

The National Interest

UK spy agency GCHQ intercepted emails of journalists from top international media

The British surveillance agency GCHQ’s bulk surveillance of electronic communications has scooped up emails to and from journalists working for some of the US and UK’s largest media organisations, analysis of documents released by whistleblower Edward Snowden reveals.

Singapore empty homes may climb to highest since 1998 on curbs

Shameless Japan wants to rewrite history

McGraw-Hill Education rejected a request by the Japanese government to change passages in a history textbook about women who were forced to serve in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

“Scholars are aligned behind the historical fact of ‘comfort women,’ and we unequivocally stand behind the writing, research and presentation of our authors,” it said.

WSJ

Guardian

Pope Francis says freedom of speech has limits

The pontiff said religions had to be treated with respect, so that people's faiths were not insulted or ridiculed.

To illustrate his point, he told journalists that his assistant could expect a punch if he cursed his mother.

BBC

Red House Seafood at East Coast to go

White trash cyclist Jason Blair Unger charged with throwing bike at car after honking incident

British Chinese people say racism against them is 'ignored'

BBC

US base remains sore point for Cubans

Guantanamo Bay military base seen as symbol of US imperialism

Jack Ma appreciates Tai Chi

Jack Ma is a big fan of Tai Chi, and has previously applied it to his business approach. He said he appreciated the essence of Tai Chi culture, which can be summarized in three words. The first is "calm": no matter what happens, remain calm; "follow", as in follow the flow after knowing one's own strength; and "abandon", to abandon your burden in life.

MH370 hacked and shot down by US Military according to former airline CEO

It was shot down by the US Air Force. This is the conclusion from another former airline boss who has alleged of conspiracy in the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370.
He said MH370 was hacked and shot down by US Military by mistake.

Link

Insider's guide to Singapore: Where to eat and drink

From bustling food markets to a secluded tropical hideaway, restaurateur Loh Lik Peng takes us on a weekend of epicurean delights

Link

Chinese military conducts full test of long-range missile ‘which can hit any part of US’

China last week launched its most comprehensive test of its latest-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, the DF-41, which can hit anywhere in the US, according to an American media website.

Homing in on an age-old tradition, rich Chinese send pigeon prices soaring

As the price flew skywards, an audience of middle-aged Chinese men erupted into cheers before the auctioneer slammed his hammer down at a record-breaking 2 million yuan – US$320,000.

Governments red-faced over ‘black site’ expose

US Senate report on CIA torture scheme sparks denials

Americans Involved in Torture Can Be Prosecuted Abroad

The United States is obliged by international law to investigate its citizens suspected of engaging in torture, but even if it does not, Americans who ordered or carried out torture can be prosecuted abroad, by legal bodies including the International Criminal Court, legal experts say.

New York Times

CIA tortured, misled, U.S. report finds, drawing calls for action

Reuters

Three foreign white trash in trouble for attacking cabbies

Myanmar mine workers search for jade, find misery

Drugs, violence & graft mar jade industry amid insatiable China demand for the gem.

Eyeing a taxi licence?

Only Singaporeans aged 30 and above can drive taxis here.

Deleted Xinhua report gives rare insight into China corruption

By stating corruption is a systemic problem, article contradicted party line that it is all down to individual moral weaknesses

America’s shameful Chinese Exclusion Act now largely forgotten

Chinese Exclusion Act passed by US Congress in 1882 stayed on the books until 1943, while Australia and Canada had similar laws

Hong Kong occupiers are losing the high ground

Michael Chugani says the conduct of some Occupy protesters in Mong Kok is a good indication of why support for the movement is waning

Scientists in Yunnan unlock secrets of ‘magical’ microbe-killing plant

Pleasant-tasting relative of Sichuan pepper, long known to tribal doctors, shows promise as a safe, effective killer of dangerous microbes

Australia MPs Want Fines for Illegal Home Buying as Prices Soar

Bloomberg

Is Harvard unfair to Asian-Americans?

For reasons both legal and moral, the onus is on the schools to make their admission criteria more transparent - not to use them as fig leaves for excluding some students simply because they happen to be Asian.

How China's shadowy agency is working to absorb Taiwan

Reuters

China, Russia and the Sinatra doctrine

For centuries, European navies roamed the world’s seas - to explore, to trade, to establish empires and to wage war.

Police probe political funding of mining magnate Clive Palmer

Australian police are investigating allegations about the misuse of A$12 million ($10.5 million) in Chinese funds during the 2013 political campaign of mining magnate Clive Palmer, The Australian newspaper reported on Monday.
Reuters

Market players welcome LTA regulation of third-party taxi apps

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Friday introduced a basic regulatory framework for third-party taxi-booking apps, in the latest move by a government to regulate such services that observers said have disrupted the taxi industry globally.

Philippines banning Hong Kong journalists is petty and vindictive

The Philippines has tried hard to end its diplomatic row with Hong Kong after the 2010 hostage killings in Manila. But by banning nine Hong Kong journalists from entering the country to cover next year’s Apec summit, it will only rekindle resentment and likely retaliation from Hong Kong. It is an appalling and unwise move.

Top 5 hotel buffets in Singapore

SoShiok

WWII Celebration Plans by Putin and Xi to Score Points

Russia-China agreement to jointly observe war's 70th anniversary in 2015 aims to warn Japan against historical revision and could create difficulties for US-Japan alliance.

Don’t give Japan a free pass on its shameful past

Like “Holocaust fatigue”, many people thought the “comfort women” issue was ancient history, cynically dug up by Beijing to beat Japan whenever it wanted. That may be so. But just because you distrust China doesn’t mean Japan should get a free pass on rewriting its shameful past.

Rule of law in China? Still a long way to go

President Xi Jinping has announced a far- reaching plan to bolster the rule of law in China, but his efforts could be compromised by the tacit proclamation that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) remains above the law.

White trash James George Palin road rage won't be tolerated

A district judge made it clear that road hooliganism must never be tolerated, in condemning the conduct of a motorcyclist, James George Palin who traumatised a couple in a road rage case.

Top 10 beach destinations for your year-end holiday

Link

The sweet life of expats in China won’t last

And we would long for bygone days when there was an A-yi who arranged your underwear drawer and a man who came in twice a week to water your plants.

US using fake mobile phone towers on planes to gather data

Devices nicknamed ‘dirtboxes’ can collect information from tens of thousands of mobile phones in a single flight

Specialty coffee for the corporate crowd

Coffee purveyor The New Black aims to change high-quality coffee-drinking habits in the CBD in a spectacular way.

‘Haunted’ flats a tough sell in Asia’s priciest real estate market

Unnatural deaths in Hong Kong can result in rental discounts of 10-20% and can be more than double that for sinister killings

US Is Fighting the Wrong Cyberwar Against China

The Diplomat

Paying in coins? There are legal limits

Link

A little old lady who quilts: Lee Suet-Fern

LInk

Grisly murders of 2 women spark backlash against wealthy expat bankers in Hong Kong

The murder of two young Indonesian women in Hong Kong, allegedly by a British expatriate, has sparked a backlash against wealthy Western bankers accused of treating the financial hub as their own personal playground.

Singapore students pay for help to apply to top universities

Consultants prepare them to gain an edge in tough admissions process

10 Hidden Bars in Singapore So Secret You Won't Believe They Exist

Link

Power-less SGX halts markets for hours

Frustrated traders stared at blank screens for at least three hours on Wednesday afternoon as a power outage shut down the Singapore Exchange’s (SGX) securities and derivatives trading systems, one of the biggest market disruptions in recent years.

Museum even more disturbing than Yasukuni Shrine

While international attention has been focused on visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese leaders, the museum is really more worrying. It draws attention to the lack of recognition in Japan of the Japanese role in World War II.

Black Listed Shops at Sim Lim Square

1. Mobile Air at 01-41
2. Mobile22 at 01-42
3. Mobile Apps at 01-50
4. Cyber Maestro at 02-77
5. Gadget Terminal at 02-80
6. Camera Talk at 02-91
7. Mobile Planet at 01-41

Haruki Murakami says Japan ignoring WWII, Fukushima role

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami has chided his country for shirking responsibility for its World War II aggression and the Fukushima nuclear disaster in an interview published Monday.
Link

US defender of Japan’s past makes dubious claims about bullying

Ikuyo Toyota says Japanese kids in California are being bullied because of history, but neither she nor any of the alleged victims can be found

Time for South Korea to face up to ugly obsession with plastic surgery

Backlash hits booming market as complaints of dodgy doctors and botched procedures double

Abu Dhabi changing its oil concession strategy

Western firms risk being left out as emirate looks to Asia for new industry partners

Analysts abandon China’s Renren on failed growth

Renren Inc was touted the Facebook Inc of China when it debuted in New York in 2011. Today, it’s looking more like online flameout Myspace.

New taxi app takes disruption up a level

Singapore on Wednesday said hello to Hailo, a London-based taxi-booking app, and at least the fifth such third-party platform (after GrabTaxi, Easy Taxi, MoobiTaxi and UberTAXI) to hit the roads here in the last two years - a move observers say should further unnerve “traditional” taxi companies that continue to dismiss disruptive technologies.

UN rebukes Israel over Jerusalem settlements

BBC

Bar Association slams Occupy Central for flouting injunctions to clear streets

Protesters criticised by Bar for flouting court orders, as doctors sign petition to end sit-ins

Occupy leaders refuse to reveal who donated HK$1.3m that co-founder passed to HKU

Occupy Central last night declined to reveal the source of HK$1.3 million in donations that movement co-founder Reverend Chu Yiu-ming passed on to fellow organiser Benny Tai Yiu-ting.

AIIB: Yet another symbol of the changing balance of global power

The birth of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People last Friday is yet another reminder that the global balance of economic and political power is shifting. The United States is still a superpower but US-inspired regional institutions can no longer expect to have the field to themselves.

US used Nazis as Cold War spies

BBC Link

Woman Destroys Taoist Prayer Items At HDB Void Deck

Singapore inks deal to establish regional bank for infrastructure development

Link

China, 21 other countries initiate new Asian bank

Link

US pressured on 3 Nations to stay out of AIIB

Link

Taxis vs Uber saga

This is one perfect example of people’s resistance to change.

How the elite ‘fox hunt’ police taskforce scours the world for fugitives who have fled overseas

Mainland media reveal details of how a clutch of suspects, including allegedly corrupt officials and businessmen, fled before being brought to justice.

Ex-justice secretary Wong part of expert team who trained students for crunch talks

Australia poised to seize assets of corrupt Chinese

Link

Occupy protests leave Hong Kong directionless, divided and further from its democracy goal than ever

Michael Chugani says the Occupy protests have changed Hong Kong forever, but greater democracy is further away than ever

'External forces' involved in Hong Kong protests

Link

China set to introduce major legal reforms

China is set to unveil key legal reforms this week that will try to limit the influence local officials have on court cases, a move being closely watched by company executives who hope it will make the legal system more impartial.

Australia set to help China seize assets of corrupt Chinese officials

Australian police have agreed to assist China in the extradition and seizure of assets of corrupt Chinese officials who have fled with hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit funds, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Monday.

Presumed Guilty in China’s War on Corruption, Targets Suffer Abuses

Catherine Lim launch of latest book

Link

Shake-up ahead for car loans?

CITIBANK is upending the traditional vehicle financing model here by pre-qualifying customers for car loans - thus bypassing the motor industry, which could lose millions of dollars in finance commissions if this practice is eventually adopted by other banks.