Asia Daily: April 1, 2025

China

China, Japan, South Korea will jointly respond to US tariffs, Chinese state media says. China, Japan, and South Korea agreed to deepen supply chain cooperation and hold further talks on export controls during their first economic dialogue in five years. A post by Chinese state-affiliated outlet Yuyuan Tantian claimed a joint response to U.S. tariffs was agreed, though South Korea later called this “somewhat exaggerated.” The countries also pledged to accelerate free trade talks amid mounting pressure from U.S. tariff plans. Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo, Reuters, April 1

China unveils guideline to improve social credit system. China released a new guideline with 23 measures to strengthen its social credit system, aiming to support high-quality development and unify market regulations. Issued by the Communist Party’s Central Committee and the State Council, the plan promotes integration of the credit system across all economic and social sectors. The National Development and Reform Commission emphasized protecting information security and individual rights while addressing regulatory inconsistencies and limited data sharing. Xinhua, March 31

Chinese ambassador says China-India ties at crucial stage, urges India to create fair, transparent business climate for Chinese companies. Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said China-India relations are at a critical moment, calling for proactive cooperation and fewer disruptions. Xu urged India to foster a fair business climate for Chinese firms and highlighted recent high-level diplomatic engagements and shared modernization goals. Liu Xin and Xing Xiaojing, Global Times, March 31

Japan

Japan parliament enacts FY 2025 budget to pass after rare revision. Japan's parliament enacted a record ¥115.2 trillion ($770 billion) budget for fiscal 2025 after a rare upper house revision, prompted by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s reversal of a planned medical cost hike. The budget passed with support from the Japan Innovation Party despite the ruling coalition’s minority status. It allocates significant funds to social security and defense, includes education and tax relief measures, and follows criticism over Ishiba’s gift voucher scandal. Kyodo News, March 31

Japan to make strong push for exemption from US auto tariffs. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Japan will intensify efforts to secure an exemption from the United States' planned 25% auto import tariffs and pledged support measures for affected firms. He warned of a severe economic impact and noted ongoing talks with U.S. counterparts. The government aims to finalize aid for smaller firms by May and a broader package by June to help offset rising costs and support wage growth. Leika Kihara, Reuters, April 1

South Korea

Constitutional Court to rule on Yoon’s impeachment Friday. South Korea’s Constitutional Court will announce its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment at 11 a.m. Friday. Yoon was impeached for allegedly violating the Constitution by briefly imposing martial law on Dec. 3, including deploying troops to the National Assembly and ordering arrests of lawmakers. He denies wrongdoing. Six of eight justices must uphold the motion to remove him from office; otherwise, he will resume his term through May 2027. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, April 1

Main opposition urges acting president to appoint Constitutional Court justice by Tuesday. South Korea’s Democratic Party demanded acting President Han Duck-soo appoint opposition-backed nominee Ma Eun-hyuk to the Constitutional Court by the end of Tuesday. Floor leader Park Chan-dae warned failure to do so would lead to parliamentary action, including possible impeachment motions against Han and Cabinet members. The court, currently with eight justices, requires six votes to uphold President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, April 1

North Korea

Trump says there's 'communication' with N.K. leader Kim. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed ongoing communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and suggested he may resume direct engagement. Speaking to reporters, Trump described Kim as “smart” and recalled their previous meetings, including his 2019 walk across the DMZ. He emphasized the importance of the relationship and hinted at future diplomatic actions, stating, “I will probably do something at some point.” Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, April 1

Youth squads in N. Korea target ‘inappropriate’ clothing, even children’s attire. In Chongjin, North Korea, youth enforcement squads are cracking down on clothing deemed “capitalist delinquent,” targeting even children for wearing English text or jeans. High school and university students patrol daily and face pressure to meet quotas, leading to aggressive enforcement. Public outrage grew after a 7-year-old and his father were detained for five hours. Punishments include self-criticism letters, public shaming, and forced labor. Lee Chae Eun, Daily NK, March 31

Vietnam

Vietnam, U.S. eye deeper bilateral relations. Party General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s view of the U.S. as a top strategic partner during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper in Hanoi, emphasizing the need for substantive cooperation. He praised ongoing progress in economic and political ties and reaffirmed Vietnam’s efforts to address U.S. concerns and promote imports of U.S. products. Knapper affirmed American support for Vietnam’s regional role and highlighted plans to expand cooperation across trade, security, education, and law enforcement. Vietnam News, March 31

Myanmar

International aid flows to Myanmar after devastating quake. Following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, killing at least 1,700, international aid is pouring in despite major logistical and political hurdles. The UN and WHO have deployed emergency teams and supplies, while countries including China, India, and the U.S. have pledged millions in relief. Concerns persist about the junta diverting aid, especially from Western donors. Infrastructure damage and blocked foreign press access have further complicated rescue efforts. Caleb Quinley, Myanmar Now, April 1

Myanmar civil society groups warn of weaponisation of aid as earthquake response intensifies. In the wake of Myanmar’s March 28 earthquake, 265 civil society groups issued a statement urging aid to be directed through non-junta channels, citing the military’s history of manipulating disaster relief. The statement criticized the junta’s continued airstrikes amid the humanitarian crisis and called on the U.N. to act decisively. ASEAN held an emergency meeting pledging support, while China, India, and Malaysia dispatched aid in coordination with the junta. Myanmar Now, March 31

Laos

France funds 11 Lao civil society projects for gender equality. The French Embassy in Laos awarded grants to 11 local organizations under the 2025 phase of its Equipe France Fund – Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC), supporting gender equality initiatives. The projects span eight provinces and focus on women’s rights, economic empowerment, legal protection, and anti-violence programs. Over $500,000 was allocated across 19 projects during the 2024–2025 cycle. Kheuakham Chanlivong, The Laotian Times, March 31

Four senior state inspectors, three others held over alleged corruption. Four senior officials from Laos’ State Inspection Authority and three other individuals have been detained in connection with a corruption investigation. The suspects include a director general, deputy director general, and two deputy division heads. Authorities are also prosecuting 11 banking officials for corruption and have confiscated assets from 21 individuals in Attapeu province tied to road project fraud involving over $2.5 million. Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, April 1

Philippines

Duterte counsel’s arguments have ‘little weight’ – ICC lawyer. ICC-accredited lawyer Joel Butuyan said former president Rodrigo Duterte’s counsel Nicholas Kaufman is recycling weak legal arguments, particularly the claim that Duterte’s arrest was a “kidnapping.” Butuyan noted a legally issued warrant followed a years-long investigation, and due process was observed. He added the ICC’s jurisdiction has already been affirmed by both the court and the Philippine Supreme Court, despite Duterte’s 2019 Rome Statute withdrawal. John Eric Mendoza, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 1

Duterte lawyer sees case being thrown out. Former president Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, said the International Criminal Court lacks jurisdiction and should dismiss the case before trial. Kaufman argued the Philippines’ 2019 ICC withdrawal precludes prosecution and called Duterte’s March 11 arrest a “kidnapping,” alleging due process violations. The ICC maintains jurisdiction because the alleged crimes occurred while the Philippines was still a member. A confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23. The Manila Times, April 1

Taiwan

China launches military drills around Taiwan, calls its president a 'parasite'. China initiated joint military exercises involving its army, navy, and rocket forces around Taiwan, calling the drills a warning against separatism and branding President Lai Ching-te a “parasite.” The Eastern Theatre Command outlined operations including blockades, maritime strikes, and seizure of control over strategic routes. Taiwan responded with warships and activated missile systems but reported no live fire. Joe Cash, Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 1

U.S. lawmakers reintroduce Taiwan Solidarity Act. A bipartisan group in the U.S. House of Representatives reintroduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act to counter China’s diplomatic pressure on Taiwan. The bill asserts that UN Resolution 2758 does not prevent the U.S. from supporting Taiwan’s global participation and mandates the use of U.S. influence in international organizations to resist Beijing’s efforts to isolate Taiwan. It builds on prior legislation and includes support from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Taipei Times, April 1

Kazakhstan

Digital tenge is no panacea, says Kazakhstan’s top fintech official. Binur Zhalenov, chief digital officer at Kazakhstan’s central bank, said the digital tenge blends the benefits of government-backed cash and private money, enabling secure, programmable payments. Use cases include public procurement, cross-border transfers, and crypto access via banking apps. Zhalenov emphasized its role in bridging traditional finance and decentralized assets, but cautioned it’s not a cure-all without supporting systems. Assel Satubaldina, The Astana Times, April 1

Kazakhstan, Slovenia set priorities for bilateral business forum. Kazakhstan and Slovenia will focus on transportation, logistics, green energy, pharmaceuticals, water management, and telecommunications at an upcoming business forum during Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar’s visit to Kazakhstan. In a meeting on March 31, Deputy Prime Ministers Murat Nurtleu and Tanja Fajon emphasized deepening trade ties and enhancing business conditions. Saniya Sakenova, The Astana Times, March 31

Uzbekistan

Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis holds talks with delegation of China. Chairperson Tanzila Narbayeva met with Liu Jianchao, head of the Chinese Communist Party’s International Department, to strengthen the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and China. The talks highlighted joint initiatives in investment, trade, education, and culture, while emphasizing interparliamentary cooperation as a key diplomatic tool. Both sides supported expanding regional ties and preparing for the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Tashkent. Uzbekistan Daily, March 31

Tajikistan

Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan sign trilateral treaty on junction point of their state borders. The presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan signed a treaty in Khujand defining the exact junction of their borders and adopted the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship. The agreement was marked by the symbolic unveiling of a stele at the tripoint. This follows decades of post-Soviet border disputes in the Fergana Valley and builds on January talks among the countries' prime ministers focused on trade, water, energy, and cultural cooperation. Asia-Plus, March 31

Northeast Asia

The silent struggle of Japan’s ‘young carers.’ A growing number of children in Japan are taking on caregiving roles due to demographics, weakened family structures, and limited public support. These “young carers,” often under 18, manage responsibilities such as emotional care, nursing, and household tasks. While government initiatives have increased awareness and amended legislation to mandate support, concrete actions remain insufficient. Cultural expectations and a lack of awareness among both caregivers and the public hinder progress. Surveys show many young carers do not perceive their roles as burdensome, complicating identification and intervention efforts. Despite national campaigns, only 30 percent of the public is familiar with the term, and municipal support systems are sparse and uneven. The issue raises serious concerns about children’s development, education, and rights. Strengthening local surveys, education, and accessible support systems is essential to address the growing caregiving burden on Japan’s youth. Yasuo Takao, East Asia Forum, April 1

Ishiba stokes up diplomacy alongside deterrence in Japan’s relations with China. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has made revitalizing Japan–China relations a key foreign policy priority for 2025, balancing renewed diplomatic engagement with sustained deterrence. With China seeking economic stability amid domestic challenges, both nations have pursued constructive dialogue through resumed high-level exchanges, trade discussions, and cultural cooperation. Notable developments include China’s removal of maritime equipment near disputed waters, the lifting of seafood import bans, and the restoration of mutual visa privileges. Military exchanges have also resumed after years of suspension. However, underlying tensions remain due to mutual mistrust, cooling trade, and public hostility—highlighted by a 10.4 percent drop in bilateral trade and declining Japanese residency in China. Domestically, Ishiba’s approach has drawn criticism for allegedly compromising Japan-US ties and prioritizing diplomacy without full political backing. Structural challenges—such as economic asymmetries, enduring security concerns, and growing skepticism toward people-to-people exchanges—threaten to stall progress. While Japan’s foreign policy under Ishiba aims to maintain alliance autonomy while rebalancing ties with Beijing, sustaining momentum will require careful navigation of domestic opposition and regional dynamics. Rumi Aoyama, East Asia Forum, March 30

Xi Jinping’s Grand Bargain: Taming and Empowering China’s Private Enterprises. Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently advocated for the integration of private enterprises into China's national development strategy. His approach views the private and public sectors as complementary forces serving national interests. Xi's vision emphasizes that private companies can thrive when aligned with China's goals of technological advancement and self-reliance. This perspective has led to policies that both regulate and support private businesses, ensuring they contribute effectively to the nation's development objectives. Alistair Burlinson, China Observers, April 1

Southeast Asia

Malaysia must walk the talk on international justice. Malaysia’s commitment to international justice is undermined by its continued refusal to accede to the Rome Statute, despite vocal support for accountability in global conflicts such as Palestine and Myanmar. As a founding member of the Hague Group—an alliance of Global South nations formed to uphold international law—Malaysia advocates for action against atrocity crimes but lacks formal standing within the International Criminal Court (ICC) framework. Historical opposition from ethnonationalist groups, based on misinterpretations of the statute's implications for Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy, derailed past efforts to join. Legal experts clarified that Article 28 targets government officials, not ceremonial monarchs. As ASEAN chair and a self-proclaimed defender of Palestinian and Rohingya rights, Malaysia’s credibility depends on aligning its international rhetoric with legal commitments. Membership in the ICC would enable Malaysia to submit referrals, participate in proceedings, and play a proactive role in global justice mechanisms. Rejoining efforts to ratify the Rome Statute would affirm Malaysia’s role as a principled middle power capable of influencing multilateral legal processes. Yap Lay Sheng, East Asia Forum, March 31

The Ripple Effects of Vietnam's Island-Building in the South China Sea. Since 2021, Vietnam has expanded its outposts in the Spratly Islands, creating over 2,200 acres of new land across ten features, including eight harbors and an airstrip. This development improves Vietnam's logistical capabilities, allowing for prolonged naval deployments and improved defense against potential threats. Despite these advancements, Vietnam's naval forces remain significantly smaller than China's, suggesting a continued reliance on maritime militia to maintain presence. Notably, other claimant nations and China have shown limited public response to Vietnam's activities. While the expansion does not alter Vietnam's territorial claims or the legal status of the features, it may influence regional dynamics, potentially prompting other nations to consider similar actions to safeguard their interests. Harrison Prétat, CSIS, March 31

Central Asia

China’s Expanding Footprint in Uzbekistan. China's growing economic presence in Uzbekistan, marked by investments and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, has sparked a national debate. While some Uzbeks view these developments as essential for economic modernization, others express concerns over economic sovereignty and cultural identity. The Uzbek government emphasizes the importance of Chinese investment for national development, but public apprehension persists. This situation shows the challenge Uzbekistan faces in balancing foreign investment with domestic sentiments and the preservation of its cultural heritage. Bekzod Zakirov, The Diplomat, April 1

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