Asia News Weekly: The week in brief

Everyone else wants to follow the rule of law in the South China Sea, but does China? Has Abe's forward looking statement wooed the world and left South Korea out in the cold? And what is the political state in South Korea? These stories and more are on the May 1st edition of Asia News Weekly.

Pray for Nepal (0:00)

Scenes of devastation continue to emerge from Kathmandu after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake leveled much of Nepal, killing and injuring thousands and affecting over 8 million people in the surrounding area. Host Steve Miller provides a quick overview of the science behind the earthquake and how you can contribute aid.

The Rule of Law and The South China Sea (2:29)

Last week a Chinese Coast Guard vessel shooed away a Filipino fishing boat from waters it had traditionally used. Then not only the United States, but those attending the recent ASEAN meeting said that restraint should be use in the region and adherence to the rule of law. Saying one supports the rule of law and should restrain one's actions is great, but if China is playing by it's own rules, how long can ASEAN members keep on that path? Scott Harold, Political Scientist and Deputy Director for the Center for Asia-Pacific Policy at the RAND Corporation returns with his analysis.

Does a forward-looking view negate addressing the past? (11:39)

Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addressed a joint session of the United States Congress. There was much speculation on how he would address history. Joining the podcast once again is Jonathan Miller, Fellow on East Asia with the EastWest Institute. What did Abe say and how will it play out at home and in East Asia? That’s discussed and more.

The State of South Korean Politics (21:04)

South Korean President Park Geun-hye just returned from her South American tour. She left amidst growing controversy over her administration’s handling of the Sewol Ferry rescue and a growing bribery scandal. With by-elections taking place this week in Seoul, will she be branded a lame duck as some suggest? Lee Tae-hoon, Publisher and Managing Editor of the Korea Observer discusses.

The Weekly Brief (25:46)

Rounding out the podcast in the Weekly Brief are a collection of additional stories from the region. After a long delay, Indonesia executed eight convicted drug smugglers, but what’s been the international fall-out? A Chinese activist remains in prison for “creating a disturbance.” Part of the evidence cited against Yu Shiwen is an interview with the Voice of America. Lawmakers in Thailand continue to peruse their new draft constitution, but the junta is placing some limits on how they talk about it. Plus alarming statistics from South Korea about teen suicide rates and how a Filipino Marine wants to sail into the South China Sea to protest China’s activities.

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