Asia Minute

It’s been a little more than two weeks since Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed violently near a disputed border in the Himalaya Mountains. Military officials have had three rounds of talks since then, but there are other signs of a declining relationship between these two regional giants.

As cases of coronavirus continue to climb in many parts of the United States and elsewhere, public health care professionals are looking closely at “hot spots.” These are areas that can spark a high number of cases — including houses of worship.

Testing for the COVID-19 virus will soon become a big focus for Hawai’i’s hospitality industry. The most common test still involves some momentary discomfort, but scientists in Asia are working on an easier approach.

The number of new cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in the United States. This week has also seen increases in cases in one location that still has relatively low numbers overall: Australia.

The gradual loosening of some travel restrictions in different parts of the world will have an impact on airlines. But in the Asia Pacific, shifting conditions are already forcing changes in the business.

Governor David Ige says he’s close to announcing details of a plan to re-open trans-Pacific travel to Hawaii. Other locations in the region are taking a cautious approach, but moving to a new phase this week.

The number of coronavirus cases in Hawaii saw some sharp daily increases at the end of last week. Cases are growing steadily in several other parts of the United States. One overseas country that had early success with the virus is now facing a new challenge.

One of many questions about the phased re-openings of communities around the world concerns education. It’s not just about the plans for local schools, there are still a lot of issues concerning international students. And that includes in the Asia Pacific.

This weekend, President Trump plans to address a political rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Organizers say face masks will be optional. Elsewhere, rules are very different when it comes to political gatherings — including one of the economic centers of Southeast Asia.

This week the state lifted quarantine restrictions on inter-island travel. Government officials are still looking at what will be needed to resume limited trans-Pacific travel. But the timing of travel from at least one Asia Pacific destination may be delayed.

Interisland travel without quarantine is now underway. And on Friday, bars will be allowed to re-open on Oahu. Friday also marks a new phase for looser restrictions for two important economies in Asia.

Statues have become part of the story of protests against racial injustice in this country, and in many other parts of the world. That includes Australia.

One of the latest locations to ease public restrictions imposed after the coronavirus pandemic is Thailand.

The most heavily populated urban area in the world is lifting restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Today is the first day that Tokyo will move to a new phase of reopening.

Lab work is continuing in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic – from expanded testing to the pursuit of a vaccine. But there are political aspects to this story as well, and that includes growing tension between two important trading partners in the Asia Pacific.

While many businesses are slowly re-opening, questions linger about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on other activities. That includes voting. And in one democracy in Asia, despite uncertainty, planning is underway.

Government officials in Hawaii and many other travel destinations are trying to figure out how to safely encourage tourism. In southeast Asia, the short-term answer is closer to home.

Developments related to the coronavirus and to protests after the death of George Floyd have dominated recent news. But there have been other developments this week—including an organizational idea from President Trump: expanding the Group of Seven nations to include a broader piece of the Asia Pacific.

Many businesses are re-opening in the state and across the country, and they are all adjusting to change. That includes the auto industry in the Asia Pacific.

From restaurants to beauty salons, this week brings a loosening of some restrictions here in Hawaii and elsewhere. In parts of the Asia Pacific, that includes going back to school – on different timetables.

Governor David Ige says he’s “having discussions” about international air travel to Hawaii — including what he calls “safe travel corridors.” Those are also called “travel bubbles” which has become a buzz phrase for a growing number of locations in the Asia Pacific.

Hawaii is far from the only place in the world that’s debating what to do about tourism. There’s another oceanfront destination that’s making some small moves this week, and still considering possibilities over the longer term.

Communities around the state and the country are slowly re-opening after an extended shutdown. That includes one part of the Asia Pacific that has been under one of the longest lockdowns in the world.

The gradual process of re-opening is continuing across the state and in differing degrees around the world. Some countries are starting to look at possible ways to allow certain visitors, with careful controls — and that includes China.

Japan has moved into a new phase of re-opening this week – including its largest city.

States are taking different approaches on slowly re-opening businesses. That’s also true for countries, where two key economies in Southeast Asia are moving into a new phase.

Any talk about lifting travel quarantines in Hawaii starts with neighbor island travel. But more work is planned before opening the gates to immediate entry to out of state visitors. Elsewhere in the Asia Pacific, a similar way of thinking is leading to consideration of what some are calling “travel bubbles.”

Travel quarantines are getting more attention around the world. The two-week isolations help block the spread of the coronavirus, but they also bring their own challenges. Some of those have popped up this week in the Asia Pacific.

The number of visitors to Hawaii has been creeping higher in recent weeks, and there’s a growing focus on how to enforce the 14-day quarantine. South Korea has been using a method for months that’s now moving to a new level.