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James Oaten

@jamesoaten.bsky.social
1.4K followers 156 following 74 posts

North Asia correspondent for Australian Broadcasting Corporation, based in Tokyo, covering Japan 🇯🇵+ Koreas 🇰🇷🇰🇵. Previously India 🇮🇳 for Sth Asia. Opinions = my own, not ABC, retweets ≠ endorsements.

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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
In 1945, Japan could not win the war. But it fought on hoping to exhaust the Americans and secure a more favourable peace. In only led to more carnage. My latest documentary is through the eyes of Japanese civilian survivors, who want Japan to recognise and apologise for their suffering. 👇
youtu.be
The Last Witnesses of Hiroshima and Japan's Destruction tell their Story | Foreign Correspondent
YouTube video by ABC News In-depth
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has had his impeachment overturned, meaning he'll get his job and powers back. Of course the main event is whether the Constitutional Court does the same for President Yoon Suk Yeol -- verdict expected to be any day now. en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...
en.yna.co.kr
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
If you’re more of a visual person - here’s the television version, which includes an AI model of me. (Visuals have that deepfake sheen, but the audio is scarily spot on.) How those suffering grief are turnjng to AI 👇 youtu.be/HnKw9WYTpkc?...
youtu.be
In South Korea, people use AI bots to 'chat' with dead loved ones | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
“An unexpected healing of wounds.” Using VR or AI to reanimate the dead may sound like a Black Mirror episode, but it is becoming increasingly real and convincing. Can the tech help or hinder the grieving process? My latest on “grief bots” in South Korea 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
abc.net.au
'My heart became lighter': AI gave this grieving mum a final farewell
As AI technology rapidly improves, some people in South Korea talk with computer-generated models of their dead loved ones to process grief and say goodbye.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
With South Korea’s Constitutional Court soon to deliver impeachment verdict of President Yoon Suk Yeol, there are increasing concerns about possible unrest and violence. Here’s my latest on the MAGA tactics deployed by his most hardened followers 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03...
abc.net.au
Young men are fuelling the rise of the 'White Skull Squad' in Korea
Wearing symbolic white helmets and waving "Stop the Steal" flags, the young men of the "white skull squad" are back on the streets of South Korea and wanting the US to intervene in their country's dem...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Amid this rather chaotic news cycle - here’s a nice little television yarn from me, showcasing Japan’s famous synchronised walking. Enjoy! youtu.be/lLtR03xjsko?...
youtu.be
How synchronised walking became a smash hit in Japan | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
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Karl Friedhoff @kfriedhoff.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
New Gallup Korea numbers are out, with a few interesting pieces of data. Mini-thread incoming.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
Australian satire takes on Korean politics
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
There’s a feeling among pro-Yoon supporters a communist sympathising deep state is out to get their leader. It’s a calling card that would typically unite his older supporters, but there was a notable presence of 20 and 30 somethings at the protest too. My latest 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01...
abc.net.au
After a game of hide and seek, South Korea's president emerges defiant
After a weeks-long game of hide and seek, South Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol has finally emerged from the shadows. The saga has exposed the nation's political division.
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Raphael Rashid @koryodynasty.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
Just in: Yoon Suk Yeol's lawyer says he will be absent from the first hearing of his impeachment trial on Jan 14 out of "concerns about his personal safety".
v.daum.net
[속보] 尹, 14일 헌재 정식변론 불출석…“신변안전 등 우려”
윤석열 대통령이 오는 14일 헌법재판소의 탄핵 심판 첫 변론기일에 출석하지 않을 것이라고 윤 대통령 측 변호인단이 12일 밝혔다. 변호인단은 “신변 문제 우려”를 거론하며 “경호 문제가 해결돼야 출석할 수 있다”는 입장을 재차 전했다. 앞서 윤 대통령 입장을 대신 전하고 있는 윤갑근 변호사는 8일 오후 기자들을 만나 “헌재 재판에 출석한다는 의사는 변함이
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Raphael Rashid @koryodynasty.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Update: S. Korea's transport ministry has revealed that both black boxes from the Jeju Air plane crash stopped recording approximately 4 minutes before the aircraft collided with a concrete structure, potentially complicating efforts to determine exact cause of crash. Reason remains unknown.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Shamans, conspiracies, 'stop the steal'. No, this isn't the MAGA movement. These are the tactics of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. It may be at odds with the mainstream public, but it seems to be helping Yoon... at least a bit. My latest 👇 www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01...
abc.net.au
The fortune teller who may be pulling the strings on Korea's wild political crisis
South Koreans fearing the communist "wind from the north" back impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol, but he looks to shamans and mysticism to guide him into and through office.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
"If they were going to make an emergency landing with the undercarriage up, why didn't the fire tenders lay foam on the runway?” “Why weren't they in attendance when the plane touched down?” Many questions from yesterday’s fatal Jeju plane crash in South Korea 1/2 www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
abc.net.au
Aviation expert says questions need answering after South Korea plane crash
The Jeju Air crash on Sunday afternoon is South Korea's worst airline disaster in more than 30 years, with 179 of the 181 people on board dying.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Firefighters EXPECT** all on board have died, except two rescued.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Firefighters except all on board Jeju aircraft, except two rescued, have died. The aircraft was landing at Muan International Airport. Live blog here: www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
abc.net.au
Live: Plane carrying 181 crashes in South Korea, at least 85 dead
Authorities say the plane was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, when it veered off the runway and collided with a fence at Muan Airport. Follow live.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Death toll now at 62. ABC running a live blog with all the latest: www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
abc.net.au
Live: Plane carrying 181 crashes during landing in South Korea, at least 62 dead
Authorities say the plane was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, when it veered off the runway and collided with a fence at Muan Airport. Follow live.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
Horrible news -- death toll from Muan International Airport plane crash now at 47, according to Yonhap. The Jeju aircraft, returning from Bangkok, was attempting a crash landing due to a malfunctioning landing gear, authorities say.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
Bit of extra detail.... There are six judges on Constitutional Court, which is hearing the matter of Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. There are meant to be nine. SO, the court would need a unanimous decision to uphold impeachment, instead of majority.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 27/12/2024
South Korea has now impeached the acting President Han Duck-soo less than two weeks after he took over for President Yoon Suk Yeol. en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2024...
en.yna.co.kr
(2nd LD) Nat'l Assembly votes to impeach acting President Han | Yonhap News Agency
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with impeachment vote; CHANGES headline, photos)By Lee Haye-ah a...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Extraordinary case from Taiwan: Woman allegedly gave rat poison to her Australian friend because he was leaving the country early. While in hospital, she allegedly continued to lace his food and drink with rat poison. Now charges laid. My latest. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
abc.net.au
Woman charged with attempted murder over Australian student's 2023 poisoning in Taiwan
A woman in Taiwan is facing eight years jail after being charged with attempted murder for allegedly poisoning Brisbane university student, Alex Shorey, with rat poison
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
The elation in Seoul last night when President Yoon was impeached was comparable to a victorious penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup. A dramatic rise and fall for Yoon, from anti corruption crusader to… this mess. My feature - feat. @joelatkinson.bsky.social www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
abc.net.au
The rise and fall of Yoon Suk Yeol — South Korea's impeached president
South Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached in a historic vote, marking the end of a tremulous week since his desperate attempt to impose martial law spectacularly failed.
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Michelle Ye Hee Lee @myhlee.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
Yoon's impeachment proceeding to begin at 4pm local today. If it passes, it goes to the Constitutional Court, which must decide within 180 days whether to support or reject it. (The court plays the role of the U.S. Senate in the American presidential impeachment process.)
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William Gallo @williamgallo.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Yoon's approval rating has sunk to an all-time low of 11%, according to Gallup Korea.
en.yna.co.kr
Yoon's approval rating sinks to all-time low of 11 pct: poll | Yonhap News Agency
SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating fell to a record...
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Sangsin Lee @sslee.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
I wrote a thread about the insurrection in South Korea, which received significant attention. However, with so much news pouring in and the situation changing by the minute, I decided to stop updating that thread. Instead, I am starting new threads on a few specific topics.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
This space is quickly evolving. Great wrap below 👇
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Tobias Harris @tobiasharris.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Ishiba has shelved a January trip to South Korea in light of, well, ::waves hands:: www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZ...
nikkei.com
石破茂首相、韓国訪問を断念へ 「非常戒厳」後の混乱受け - 日本経済新聞
石破茂首相は2025年1月に予定していた韓国訪問を断念する方針だ。尹錫悦(ユン・ソンニョル)大統領の「非常戒厳」に端を発する韓国の混乱が当面続くと判断した。代わりに東南アジア訪問の検討に入った。通常国会召集前の1月前半に訪韓し、尹氏と会談する調整を進めていた
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Well, that’s quite embarrassing: a nation’s President banned from international travel. www.reuters.com/world/asia-p...
reuters.com
South Korea's President Yoon banned from foreign travel, official says
South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from foreign travel, a justice ministry official told a parliament committee hearing on Monday.
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William Gallo @williamgallo.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
The head of South Korea's ruling conservative party appears to have just abandoned Yoon Suk Yeol. He now seemingly will support Yoon's impeachment.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Japanese court admitted Australian grandmother cought with 2kg of meth in suitcase was the victim of a love scam. But - it concluded - she ignored the red flags that what she was getting cought up in was possibly illegal. Therefore, six years prison. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
abc.net.au
Australian who said she was tricked into smuggling drugs into Japan jailed for six years
A court in Japan finds Australian grandmother Donna Nelson guilty of importing two kilograms of methamphetamine into the country.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
What on earth was South Korea’s President thinking in imposing martial law?! Well, no one can be completely sure except the President himself - BUT here’s my wrap of how Yoon Suk Yeol was backed into a corner, thanks to a luxury handbag and a spring onion. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12...
abc.net.au
The Dior handbag, tax scandal, and furore over the price of spring onions that triggered Yoon’s downfall
South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol opted for the nuclear option when he declared martial law. But it followed months of scandals, low approval ratings, and a stand-off with a hostile parliament.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Aussie grandmother blaming love scammer for her being caught in Japan with 2kg meth: Final day of evidence heard she shared an article warning of romance scammers, and the parallels between those examples and her own online BF. Her response: he didn’t ask for money. www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11...
abc.net.au
Perth grandmother tells trial she was tricked into carrying suitcase of drugs into Japan
A Perth grandmother alleging a romance scammer tricked her into trafficking drugs to Japan tells her criminal trial she did not suspect she was being tricked because she was never asked for money.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
If you’re interested in Australian foreign policy, particularly regarding the Indo Pacific, this is the journo to follow 👇
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
There’s no question Australian grandmother Donna Nelson had almost 2kg of meth hidden in her suitcase, after arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport. The question is whether she knew it was there. Her defence says she’s the innocent victim of a love scam. My latest: www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11...
abc.net.au
'I am innocent': Perth grandmother fights back tears as drug smuggling trial begins in Japan
A Perth grandmother and Indigenous community leader tells a Japanese court she was "deceived" after she was found with almost 2 kilograms of methamphetamine in her luggage at Narita airport, near Toky...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Drug mule or innocent victim of a love scam? Latest from me ahead of court case in Tokyo, involving Australian Donna Nelson www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11...
abc.net.au
Daughters cling to hope Japan will acquit Perth mum who they say was victim of romance scam
Her daughters say she was lonely and vulnerable. Now Perth grandmother Donna Nelson is about to stand trial in Japan on drug smuggling charges her children believe arose out of a romance scam.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
The fact Meta actively discouraged news was what stopped it for me. While this platform was just too small. Hopefully this next wave of enthusiasm is more than a flash in pan.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
I see people are having another crack at this platform. Threads was an odd place.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 09/01/2024
It’s existed in a legal grey zone for decades, but now dog meat will be officially off the table in South Korea from 2027.
koreatimes.co.kr
Korea ends age-old tradition of dog meat consumption
Korea put an end to the contentious tradition of consuming dogs as the National Assembly passed a special bill, marking a rare moment of political unity to ban the trade and consumption of dog meat.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 18/12/2023
Concern over school bullying in South Korea has become so severe, parents are hiring private investigators. “Since the number of phone calls has increased so much, I see that school violence is much more deeply rooted than we think,” said one investigator, who gets 2-3 calls a day. My latest 👇
abc.net.au
For $5,000 a week, this investigator follows school children around to identify their bullies
After a controversial Netflix drama triggered a debate about schoolyard bullies in South Korea, this private detective has been inundated with queries from concerned parents asking him to tail their c...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 03/12/2023
Combini culture going Down Under? Australia’s 711 sold to Japan owner.
9news.com.au
Australian 7-Eleven stores sold in $1.7 billion deal
The chain of 7-Eleven convenience stores in Australia are being sold to the Japanese parent company in a d...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 02/12/2023
Noisy kids ruining your dining experience? (Maybe they’re your own kids 😬) Well, South Korea has seen a proliferation of kids-free zones. But some parents say it’s discriminatory and sends the wrong message: have kids, just keep them at home. My latest:
abc.net.au
'They just want children who are like dolls': How South Korea's no-kids zones are shifting the cultu...
The number of no-kids zones in South Korea has exploded in the past decade, but some parents say it's creating a culture where children are unwelcome and restricted from learning how to behave in publ...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 19/11/2023
If you prefer to WATCH this story, visiting the wonderful (albeit eery) Scarcrow City AKA Nagoro, alongside the ambitious Kamiichi, you can on YouTube:
youtu.be
Sewing dolls and giving away homes to stop becoming ghost towns | ABC News
Japan's population has been declining for 14 years straight, with its most recent year the steepest drop yet. While there's efforts to try and boost the birt...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 19/11/2023
Remember Italy’s 1 euro homes? Well, one Japanese town has gone further - offering FREE homes. With Japan getting old and lonely, the country is desperately trying to address its ageing and shrinking population. Kamiichi has a novel solution, for others, it’s just too late. My story 👇
abc.net.au
Would you move to a remote village for a 0 yen house? Here's what happened when Yasuyuki Fuke did
As the population of the Japanese village of Nagoro shrank, many buildings in the town were left abandoned. Tsukimi Ayano is one of the few residents left and has come up with a novel way to populate...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 17/11/2023
Breaking news from ABC - Australian naval divers suffer minor injuries after “unsafe and unprofessional” behaviour from Chinese warship
abc.net.au
Australian naval personnel injured by sonar pulses from Chinese warship
Australian naval divers from HMAS Toowoomba were forced to exit the water because of the incident.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 24/10/2023
"Last year, Japan awarded a record 202 people refugee status and had a 2% refugee application approval rate." Australia's refugee intake for the year is expected to around 20,000.
japantimes.co.jp
Refugee applicants to Japan may reach record high this year
The country's complete lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the occurrence of numerous conflicts across the world may be behind this year's upswing.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 23/10/2023
“This tragedy cannot go on.” Compelling read - one of the best I’ve read - about current Israel Gaza conflict, by our global affairs editor John Lyons.
abc.net.au
Gaza is the most miserable place on Earth and in Israel, fear is everywhere. This tragedy cannot go ...
If we do not understand the pain and misery on both sides of this war, then we cannot begin to think of how to help stop the never-ending cycle of pain and misery in Gaza, writes John Lyons.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 13/10/2023
If Japan successfully strips Unification Church of religious entity status, property tax exemption is gone, and it'll have to dispose of its assets. It could still conduct religious activities. This comes after it allegedly bankrupted mother of gunman, who assassinated former PM Shinzo Abe.
japantimes.co.jp
Government to seek court order revoking Unification Church’s status
If the request is approved, the group would forfeit its religious corporation status along with the associated tax benefits.
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Blake Herzinger @bdherzinger.bsky.social · 12/10/2023
Also an exact overlay of tankie maps showing US military bases in Asia.
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 12/10/2023
Some Australian media (The Aus, Sky, Fox, DailyMail) is reporting that Japanese media is reporting Wallabies coach Eddie Jones "set to return to Japan" to coach their team. Problem is, I cannot find such reports. And no Australian media is actually attributing or quoting. So... what reports? 🤷‍♂️
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/10/2023
Here’s the actual article on news.. not much there now but it’ll be updated with all the latest: www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10...
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James Oaten @jamesoaten.bsky.social · 11/10/2023
Some #BREAKING news Australian journalist Cheng Lei has been freed from China, and is back in Melbourne, Australian Prime Minister says. She was detained on "security" grounds in Aug 2020. Here's some background: www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08...
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