标签： Asia

Tomiichi Murayama, the former Prime Minister of Japan renowned for his landmark 1995 apology addressing Japan’s wartime atrocities during World War II, has passed away at the age of 101, according to media reports. Murayama, who served as Japan’s leader from 1994 to 1996, delivered the historic statement on the 50th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in WWII, expressing “deep remorse” for the nation’s actions in Asia. His apology, often referred to as the Murayama Statement, marked a significant moment in Japan’s post-war reconciliation efforts and was widely regarded as a pivotal step in addressing historical grievances with neighboring countries. Murayama’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with his commitment to peace and his efforts to foster better relations with Asian nations affected by Japan’s wartime aggression. His passing has reignited discussions about the importance of acknowledging historical truths and the ongoing need for reconciliation in the region.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, a pivotal figure in Japan’s political landscape, has died at the age of 101, as reported by Kyodo News. Murayama, who served as the nation’s leader from 1994 to 1996, was renowned for his historic 1995 apology for Japan’s wartime actions, a statement that significantly shaped Japan’s post-war diplomatic relations. His tenure marked a period of political reform and reconciliation, particularly in addressing Japan’s wartime legacy. Murayama’s passing has prompted reflections on his contributions to fostering peace and stability in the region. His legacy continues to resonate, particularly in his efforts to mend ties with neighboring countries affected by Japan’s wartime aggression.

In a significant development, dozens of South Korean nationals allegedly linked to online scam operations in Cambodia are set to be repatriated to their home country. A charter flight is scheduled to depart Phnom Penh on Saturday, marking a collaborative effort between South Korea and Cambodia to address the growing issue of fraudulent activities in the region. This move comes in the wake of the tragic death of a South Korean student, who was reportedly coerced into working at a scam center in Cambodia, sparking widespread public outrage in South Korea. The incident prompted the South Korean government to dispatch a high-level delegation to Phnom Penh for discussions on joint measures to combat such crimes. Approximately 60 South Koreans, previously detained during crackdowns on scam centers, are expected to be on the flight. Upon their return, they will undergo investigations to determine whether they were willing participants or victims of deceptive job advertisements. South Korean officials estimate that around 1,000 of their citizens are among the 200,000 workers employed in Cambodian scam centers. The rise in online scams, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created a dual victim pool: individuals forced into fraudulent activities under duress and those targeted by scams. The South Korean government has also implemented a travel ban to certain parts of Cambodia, including Bokor Mountain in Kampot province, where the deceased student was found. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged Seoul to reconsider these restrictions. Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for immediate action to curb illegal job advertisements not only in Cambodia but across Southeast Asia. The global reach of these scam centers has expanded, with reports of victims being trafficked from regions as far as South America, Western Europe, and Eastern Africa, according to an Interpol report released in June.

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake rattled the southern Philippines on Friday, October 17, 2025, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor originated near Dapa municipality in Surigao del Norte province, at a depth of approximately 69 kilometers (43 miles). Provincial rescuer Ralph Cadalena confirmed to AFP that there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, describing the event as a “sudden strong shake” that lasted only briefly. This seismic activity follows a series of powerful quakes that have recently struck the region, including a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu province, which claimed 76 lives and damaged 72,000 homes, and two subsequent quakes of magnitudes 7.4 and 6.7 in eastern Mindanao, resulting in at least eight fatalities. The Philippines, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent earthquakes due to its position along this seismically active arc. The nation’s deadliest natural disaster occurred in 1976 when an 8.0-magnitude quake off Mindanao’s southwest coast triggered a tsunami, leaving 8,000 people dead or missing. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the region remains vulnerable to further seismic events.