News
Japan, U.S. to boost security ties with U.K., Australia, Philippines. Japan and the United States are set to enhance security collaborations with the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Philippines to counter China's military assertiveness. This strategic move, aiming to solidify alliances and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific, will be highlighted during the upcoming summit between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Joe Biden. The focus will be on joint military exercises and defense technology development. Kyodo News, March 28
U.S. seeking trilateral summit with S. Korea, Japan in July: report. The United States is coordinating with South Korea and Japan to organize a trilateral summit during the NATO summit in Washington this July. This initiative, part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, aims to bolster discussions on key regional issues, building on the foundation of previous trilateral meetings. The leaders have previously convened at significant forums, against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region. Lee Haye-ah Yonhap News Agency, March 31
Taiwan races to catch up with mainland China’s military drone capabilities. Amid escalating tensions, Taiwan is accelerating its military drone development to match China's advancements. This strategic shift towards drones and unmanned surface vessels aims to bolster Taiwan's asymmetric warfare capabilities, drawing insights from recent global conflicts. The effort signifies Taiwan's urgency to narrow the technological divide in military preparedness against China. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, March 30
Key India opposition leader sent to jail until April 15 in corruption case. In a significant development, Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent opposition figure, has been remanded to judicial custody until April 15 over corruption allegations. This event unfolds as India gears up for its national elections, sparking widespread debate over the timing and political implications. Kejriwal's party contends the charges are politically motivated, a notion that has ignited protests and drawn international calls for fairness. Al Jazeera, April 1
PH eyes Australia to boost fleet vs threats in WPS. The Philippines is looking to strengthen its maritime defense against incursions in the West Philippine Sea by procuring two offshore patrol vessels from Australia, a move prompted by escalating tensions with China in the contested waters. This acquisition is part of the Philippine Coast Guard's broader strategy to enhance its presence and capabilities in its exclusive economic zone. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, March 31
Record 63% of Japanese in financial stress, poll shows. A government survey reveals a record 63.2% of Japanese citizens do not feel financially secure, the highest dissatisfaction since 2008. This increase in financial stress is attributed to soaring prices, with a significant portion of respondents citing challenges in child-rearing and independence for young people. The survey also highlights concerns about women's roles in society and workplace dissatisfaction. Amidst rising consumer prices and falling real wages, Japan faces pressing economic challenges. Kyodo News, March 31
China asserts claim to Indian-held Arunachal Pradesh in latest list of place names. China has renamed 30 places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Zangnan, asserting its territorial claims. This action follows a series of renaming efforts over the past seven years, involving residential areas, mountains, rivers, and more. The move comes amid longstanding border disputes with India, which controls the region. China's claim was recently reiterated in response to a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the territory. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, March 31
Defense Minister Prabowo to meet Xi Jinping, Li Qiang in China. Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in China to discuss defense cooperation. The meeting, initiated by Xi's invitation, aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Indonesia and China. This engagement is part of ongoing strategic dialogues between the two countries, focusing on regional security and stability. ANTARA News, March 31
N. Korean delegation visits Laos: KCNA. A North Korean delegation, led by senior official Kim Song-nam, recently concluded a visit to Laos, emphasizing North Korea's intention to enhance its defense capabilities. The visit, which also included China and Vietnam, aimed at strengthening socialist ties, particularly highlighted by a "verbal letter" conveyed from Kim Jong-un to Laotian officials. This diplomatic endeavor comes as North Korea seeks to fortify alliances following new diplomatic developments in the region. Yonhap News Agency, March 31
Việt Nam-Poland relations developing well: NA Vice Chairman. NA Vice Chairman Trần Quang Phương visited Poland to discuss enhancing economic, trade cooperation, and political, diplomatic relations. The discussions included Poland's ratification of the EVIPA and addressing the "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood. The visit aimed at bolstering parliamentary cooperation and digital transformation between the two countries. Vietnam News, March 30
PM seeks more ADB support. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested additional support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to accelerate Bangladesh's socioeconomic development. In a meeting with ADB Vice President Fatima Yasmin, the focus was on sectors such as climate change adaptation, agriculture, and river restoration. ADB's increased involvement, from $3.4 billion over 2009-2023, highlights the country as an important field in terms of the bank’s development goals. The Daily Star, April 1
Long Form
What the Return of Trump Would Mean for South Korea. The prospect of Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency stirs significant concern in South Korea, touching on issues from trade policies to the foundational aspect of the U.S.-South Korea alliance: the presence of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula. Trump's previous administration challenged many aspects of this longstanding alliance, including military cost-sharing and force deployment, raising questions about the alliance's future stability. The possibility of a second Trump term brings these concerns to the forefront, emphasizing the need for Seoul to consider the broader implications for its security and economic relationships with the United States. The U.S. force presence, as the cornerstone of the alliance, represents a critical point of focus in discussions about the alliance's resilience and adaptability in the face of changing U.S. political dynamics. Clint Work, The Diplomat, March 30
How Will the Next US President Tackle the China Economic Challenge? The economic and trade policies towards China under Presidents Biden and Trump, despite sharing common threads, reveal stark differences in approach and implementation. Both administrations have recognized China as a formidable economic competitor, engaging in unfair trade practices and state-supported industrial strategies that challenge U.S. economic interests and global positioning. While maintaining Trump's tariffs and emphasizing national security over economic interests, the Biden administration has not entirely diverged from the path set by its predecessor. However, as the 2024 presidential election campaign heats up, the distinctions between Biden's and Trump's strategies toward China are expected to become more pronounced, potentially shaping future U.S. policy in significant ways. The upcoming election and the policies of the victor will undoubtedly have critical implications for the U.S.-China economic rivalry and for global economic dynamics at large. Wendy Cutler, The Diplomat, April 1
How to Rejuvenate the Indian National Congress. The rejuvenation of the Indian National Congress (INC) is deemed critical for mounting a credible pan-India challenge to the BJP's political hegemony in national elections. The precipitous decline of the INC in the past decade, highlighted by its poor electoral performances in 2014 and 2019, has sparked extensive discussion on the party's future and strategies for revival. The announcement of the 2024 election dates and the completion of Rahul Gandhi's Bharatiya Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY) — "Unite India Justice March" — have intensified debates over the INC's electoral prospects. As India's "grand old party" looks to recover its standing, the focus is on understanding the reasons behind its decline and exploring viable paths for its resurgence in the Indian political landscape. Ambar Kumar Ghosh, The Diplomat, April 1
Yen falls on Japan Inc.'s reluctance to repatriate profits. Japanese corporations are increasingly opting to retain their earnings in foreign currencies, contributing to a persistent decline in the yen's value. Despite the Bank of Japan's decision to conclude its negative interest rate policy, expected to bolster the yen, the currency continues to weaken. This trend reflects a broader corporate strategy emphasizing overseas expansion and reducing the frequency of converting foreign earnings into yen. The ongoing yen depreciation raises questions about the long-term impact on Japan's economy and the potential need for policy adjustments to encourage the repatriation of overseas profits. Akira Inujima, Nikkei Asia, March 30
Educational rebalance could get more South Korean women working. Despite significant achievements in various fields, South Korean women continue to face gender inequality in the labor market, exacerbated by educational choices and a rigid educational system. While girls outperform boys in educational metrics, their representation in STEM fields remains low, partly due to gender stereotypes and a lack of information about job prospects. Soohyung Lee suggests that improving gender equality policies for younger students, providing families with detailed labor market outcomes for different majors, and increasing university flexibility in major selection could mitigate these issues. Additionally, thoughtful policy interventions are needed to address the growing political divide over gender equality. Soohyung Lee, Nikkei Asia, March 31
South China Sea cooperation better for China than conflict. Amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, the proposition for joint development of oil and gas fields offers a pragmatic solution over conflict, especially between China and the Philippines. The vast, yet largely untapped hydrocarbon resources in the region present a significant opportunity for cooperative development, potentially easing territorial disputes while harnessing economic benefits. This approach not only promises to reduce tensions but also promotes a collaborative framework for exploiting these valuable energy reserves, showing the advantages of diplomacy and shared development over confrontation. Vandana Hari, Nikkei Asia, April 1
Avoiding the awful consequences of breakdown in the US-China relationship. The US-China relationship, crucial for global stability, faces significant challenges, with tensions rising due to territorial claims, military confrontations, and political rhetoric. This dynamic, characterized by mutual demonization and strategic containment, threatens not only bilateral relations but also global economic and security structures. David Lampton and Thomas Fingar emphasize the importance of understanding Beijing's perceptions and priorities to foster engagement without provoking adverse reactions. They advocate for a balanced approach that deters harmful actions while promoting cooperative engagement, highlighting the necessity of maintaining open communication and mutual respect despite political differences. This strategy, crucial for averting conflict, requires a concerted effort from both nations and the international community to sustain a stable, productive US-China relationship amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes. East Asia Forum, April 1
South Korea contends with AI and electoral integrity. As South Korea approaches its general elections, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the electoral process presents both opportunities and challenges. AI's capacity to customize campaign material can enhance voter engagement but also raises concerns about misinformation and electoral fairness. The country has implemented laws against AI-generated deepfake content in political campaigning to safeguard democratic integrity. Despite these efforts, skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures persists, highlighting the global challenge of balancing AI's benefits with its potential risks. This situation underscores the need for a nuanced approach that ensures technological advancements serve to support, rather than undermine, democratic principles. Tae Yeon Eom, East Asia Forum, April 1
Farmers’ agitations and the Indian agricultural system. In India, farmers' unions are challenging the government over demands for price guarantees and higher wages, with debates that could potentially favor corporate agriculture over small farms. As agricultural practices become unsustainable due to declining water tables, there's a push for diversification into high-value crops. However, the sector, supporting 70% of the population, is at risk. The guaranteed minimum support price (MSP), while beneficial for some, is unfeasible as a legal provision for all crops due to budget constraints. State initiatives aim to support small farmers, yet challenges persist with limited market access and reliance on local aggregators. Furthermore, farm loan waivers, intended to aid marginal farmers, often benefit those with formal loans, exacerbating inequalities. The demand for significantly higher daily wages could lead to labor shortages, impacting agricultural productivity. Discussions also revolve around the potential corporatization of agriculture, with concerns about market failures and the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure fair competition. Nilanjan Banik, East Asia Forum, March 30
EU-China Trade: China Buys Time with Some Despair Until it Grows Enough in Other Markets. Amidst discussions on EU-China decoupling, the essence is China's strategic patience, aiming to sustain and eventually diversify its export markets. While the EU remains vital for Chinese exports, the trend shows a decreasing reliance on the EU by China and vice versa. This shift is coupled with the EU's exploration of new suppliers and China's minimal interest in EU's offerings beyond commodities and critical technology. The changing dynamics highlight the complexities of the trade relationship, with both regions adjusting to new economic realities and seeking stability amidst global market shifts.
, April 1