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.