VOA Asia Weekly: Human Trafficking and Online Scams Surge in Malaysia

Описание: Philippine authorities evacuate people as Mount Kanlaon erupts. Tensions rise in South Korea as protests against President Yoon escalate. Taiwan responds to China's military drills near its shores. Asia embraces the Christmas season with festive cheer.

What is the top news of the week from Asia, the U.S., and around the world? VOA Asia Weekly rounds up the week’s major headlines, along with expert analysis, all in five minutes, produced from Washington, DC.

An exclusive look at the booming business of human trafficking in Malaysia.

Welcome to VOA Asia Weekly. I'm Jessica Stone in Washington. That story is coming up, but first, making headlines:

About 87,000 people are evacuating after Mount Kanlaon erupted Tuesday in the central Philippines. The explosion shot ash more than 200 kilometers away. There are no reports of casualties, but officials are monitoring for additional explosions.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin – made his last trip to the region this week before the Trump administration takes office. In Tokyo, Austin said the US commitment to protect Japan and South Korea from Chinese aggression is solid. Austin cancelled a scheduled stop in Seoul, after Korean president, Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law without warning Washington.

Taiwan has closed its emergency response center opened earlier this week to respond to Beijing’s ongoing military drills near the island. Taiwan says China’s drills increased significantly after Taiwan president Lai Ching-te visited Hawaii and Guam last week. Taiwanese media reported that 90 Chinese ships are operating off Taiwan’s coast.

“China’s behavior is a disruption of the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, creating uncertainties among the international community.”

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and says it’s defending the country’s sovereignty and will not tolerate Taiwan’s separatist activities.

Tonga's parliament is calling for nominations to replace Prime Minister, Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned Monday shortly before a scheduled no confidence vote. Sovaleni said voluntarily decision to step down was for the good of the country. Parliamentarians will gather December 24th to choose the country's new leader.

Experts say Southeast Asia’s online scamming and human trafficking industry is growing. Dave Grunebaum reports. A warning -- this video contains graphic content that may be disturbing.

Full script here: https://www.voanews.com/a/7899516.html

Visit voanews.com for the most up-to-date stories.

I’m Jessica Stone

Finally, the holiday spirit is in the air.

Across Asia, countries are embracing the Christmas season.

In Manila, people are lighting up the streets with Christmas displays.

In Taipei, locals are dressing their dogs in strollers.

And in Shanghai, crowds are enjoying delicious food stalls and soaking up the holiday cheer.

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