Asia Daily: April 11, 2025

China

China's Xi to visit Southeast Asia as trade conflict with U.S. widens. Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia from April 14 to 18 in his first overseas trip of the year, aiming to strengthen regional ties amid escalating trade tensions with the U.S. The visit comes as China faces 145% U.S. tariffs, while Southeast Asian nations also hit by recent levies seek reprieves. Xi’s outreach contrasts with Beijing’s efforts to rally global opposition to U.S. measures. Ryan Woo and Liz Lee, Reuters, April 10

China's Xi to visit Southeast Asia as trade conflict with U.S. widens. President Xi Jinping will travel to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia from April 14 to 18 in his first overseas tour of 2025, aiming to strengthen regional alliances amid growing tensions with the United States. China, facing a 145% U.S. tariff, is seeking solidarity with Southeast Asian nations also hit by reciprocal levies. Ryan Woo and Liz Lee, Reuters, April 10

U.S. markets slide as tariffs on imports from China now hit 145%. U.S. markets fell sharply after the White House confirmed tariffs on Chinese goods have risen to 145%, including prior fentanyl-related duties. The Dow dropped over 1,000 points, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also posting major losses. Beijing responded with tariffs and restrictions on U.S. firms and Hollywood films. Analysts warn of escalating risks to trade and global supply chains, while both sides remain entrenched. Robert Delaney, Bochen Han and Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, April 11

Japan

Japan wants win-win outcome from tariff talks with U.S., PM Ishiba. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has tasked Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa with leading negotiations on U.S. tariffs, aiming for a mutually beneficial outcome. Ishiba urged a coordinated national approach to mitigate the impact of the 24% tariffs imposed by President Trump, despite a 90-day reprieve. He warned of economic harm to key sectors and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to fair trade. Kyodo News, April 11

Government considers fresh economic package to tackle impact of U.S. tariffs. Japan’s ruling coalition is weighing a new economic package to address the fallout from U.S. tariffs and rising consumer prices. As economic uncertainty and upcoming elections loom, Komeito is advocating for an initial round of cash handouts followed by tax relief, while the Liberal Democratic Party has yet to commit to specifics. The plan would extend existing emergency measures, but internal debate continues over the scope and implementation timeline. Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times, April 10

Trump calls U.S.-Japan alliance ‘one-sided’ as nations prepare for tariff talks. As the U.S. and Japan ready for key tariff negotiations, President Donald Trump criticized the bilateral security treaty, claiming Japan contributes little to mutual defense. Trump asserted that Japan bears minimal financial responsibility for hosting U.S. troops and does not have obligations to defend the U.S. if attacked. His remarks have raised concerns in Tokyo that Washington could link defense cost-sharing and weapons purchases to ongoing trade discussions. Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times, April 11

South Korea

Ousted South Korean president Yoon set to leave official residence. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to depart the official residence for his private Seoul apartment on April 11, one week after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment. His removal followed a failed attempt to impose martial law, triggering constitutional upheaval. Yoon still faces insurrection charges. As the June 3 snap election nears, conservative support remains fractured, while liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung leads in polls despite ongoing legal cases. Jack Kim, Reuters, April 10

South Korea establishes diplomatic ties with Syria, a North Korea ally. South Korea has formally established diplomatic relations with Syria, completing its diplomatic outreach to all 191 UN member states. The agreement, signed in Damascus by Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, opens a new chapter in bilateral cooperation despite Syria’s historical ties with North Korea. Cho also met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and offered to share South Korea’s development experience to aid Syria’s reconstruction. Jack Kim, Reuters, April 10

Xi 'seriously' considering visit to S. Korea for APEC summit, Chinese official. Chinese President Xi Jinping is weighing a potential visit to South Korea tied to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, according to Losang Jamcan, vice chairman of China’s National People’s Congress. During a meeting in Seoul, South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik urged China’s continued support and emphasized stronger business ties and progress on the bilateral FTA. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, April 10

North Korea

China, North Korea and Russia military cooperation raises threats in the Pacific, US official warns. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Samuel Paparo warned that military cooperation among China, North Korea, and Russia is heightening regional threats. Paparo told senators that China supplies key technology to Russia, while North Korea sends arms in exchange for air defense systems. U.S. commanders emphasized the importance of maintaining troop levels in the Pacific, citing North Korea’s growing capabilities and China’s regional assertiveness. Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press, April 10

N. Korean regime makes families write ‘encouraging’ letters to troops. North Korean authorities have ordered families of military personnel to write prescribed letters of encouragement, aiming to calm fears over rumored troop deployments to Russia and mounting casualties. The directive from Kimchaek’s party committee follows growing anxiety among families who report receiving no replies or unfamiliar voices in phone calls. Some letters appear to be written by commanding officers. Jeong Seo-yeong, Daily NK, April 10

N. Korea expands foreign currency payments through smartphone apps. North Korea is broadening the use of smartphone-based foreign currency payments as local governments now require new businesses to support electronic transactions. Apps like Jonsong allow purchases in both domestic and foreign currencies via QR codes and barcodes. Users can add foreign currency credit at banks or service centers, with exchange rates reflecting unofficial market values. Mun Dong Hui, Daily NK, April 11

Thailand

Delay in Trump tariffs gives Thailand time to secure a better deal: PM. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the 90-day suspension of U.S. tariff increases gives Thailand a critical window to strengthen its negotiation strategy. She noted the importance of preparing from all angles and considering both national and ASEAN-led efforts. The Prime Minister confirmed ongoing planning for a visit by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira to Washington, although no date has been finalized. The Nation, April 10

EC galvanises public ahead of May 11 poll. Thailand’s Election Commission has launched a campaign to boost voter turnout in the upcoming May 11 municipal elections, aiming for a 70% participation rate. The campaign, coordinated with provincial and public relations departments, includes a voter handbook and digital resources via the EC website and Smart Vote app. Over 65,000 candidates have registered for mayoral and council seats across 2,121 municipalities. Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, April 11

Vietnam

Ministry proposes looser rules on Vietnamese citizenship. Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice has proposed amendments to the Law on Vietnamese Nationality that would ease citizenship acquisition for people with Vietnamese heritage, investors, scientists, and experts. Key changes include allowing dual nationality under certain conditions, removing residency and civil capacity requirements for some applicants, and simplifying restoration for those who previously renounced citizenship. Vietnam News, April 10

First working day of 13th Party Central Committee’s 11th meeting. The 11th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee began in Hanoi, with General Secretary To Lam delivering the opening speech and State President Luong Cuong chairing. The committee removed Nguyen Van Hieu and Truong Hoa Binh from their Party positions due to violations of Party regulations and state law, particularly in anti-corruption efforts. Members then held group discussions on restructuring the political system and administrative units. Vietnam News, April 11

Myanmar

Myanmar junta sends more workers to Russia amid growing domestic instability. Myanmar’s military regime has intensified labor cooperation with Russia by dispatching a second group of workers under a pilot migration program, despite ongoing armed conflict and a recent earthquake. The April 8 deployment follows earlier transfers in March. Officials claim the initiative aims to create overseas employment and deepen bilateral ties, though it comes amid severe domestic upheaval and criticism of the regime's priorities. Myanmar Now, April 10

Junta chief expresses thanks to US government, praises aid group led by controversial Trump ally. Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing publicly thanked the U.S. for humanitarian aid delivered via Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief group led by Trump ally Franklin Graham, during a visit to a mobile field hospital in Naypyitaw. The facility, supported logistically by the junta, began operating April 7. While Min Aung Hlaing credited U.S. support, the State Department clarified it is not funding the group’s activities in Myanmar. Myanmar Now, April 10

Myanmar junta orders ministries to reopen in quake-smashed Naypyitaw. The military regime has directed all ministries in Naypyitaw to resume full operations by the end of April, despite severe earthquake damage on March 28 that killed nearly 600 and destroyed hundreds of government buildings and homes. Home Affairs Minister Tun Tun Naung announced the move as officials work from temporary outdoor offices. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, April 10

Philippines

U.S. tariffs on Philippines could affect weapons deal, ambassador says. Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez warned that recent U.S. tariffs may hinder Manila’s ability to purchase American defense systems, including a $5.58 billion F-16 fighter jet deal. The Philippines faces a 10% tariff for 90 days under President Trump’s trade policy, following an initial 17% levy. Romualdez stressed the economic impact on the arms deal and urged bilateral talks. David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina, Reuters, April 10

Surrender Duterte to ICC was only option, DOJ chief. Philippine Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla told the Senate that surrendering former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court was the only available option, since extradition did not apply. He maintained that Duterte was not extradited but voluntarily turned over, and that the ICC had observed due process during its 7-year investigation. Lawmakers questioned the move’s constitutionality and fairness, while Remulla cited the ICC’s continuing jurisdiction despite the Philippines’ 2019 withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Maila Ager, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 10

Indonesia

Indonesia seeks to join Turkiye’s Kaan fighter jet project. President Prabowo Subianto has expressed Indonesia’s intent to co-develop Turkiye’s fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet during his visit to Ankara, part of a broader Middle East tour. The Kaan program, led by Turkish Aerospace Industries with BAE Systems as a subcontractor, aims to replace Turkiye’s aging F-16 fleet. Prabowo also proposed joint submarine development. This follows a previous drone manufacturing deal between Turkish firm Baykar and Indonesian partner Republikorp. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, April 11

Malaysia

Government to review Judicial Appointment Commission framework, says Anwar. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a comprehensive review of Malaysia’s Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) framework to enhance transparency and judicial independence. The review will involve consultation with the judiciary, Bar Council, Conference of Rulers, and civil society. While defending the JAC Act’s constitutionality in court, Anwar acknowledged concerns over its structure and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to institutional reform, rule of law, and separation of powers. Benjamin Lee, The Star, April 9

Singapore

AmChamSG affirms US trade surplus with Singapore in call for dialogue on tariffs. The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore urged U.S. and Singaporean authorities to hold constructive talks following Washington’s imposition of a 10% tariff, citing a mischaracterized trade deficit. Chairwoman Elisa Mallis emphasized that the U.S. maintains a trade surplus with Singapore, especially when services are included, and noted that nearly 6,000 American firms operate in the city-state. Tay Hong Yi, The Straits Times, April 10

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan prepares for oil price decline with three scenarios amid US tariff pause. Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin outlined Kazakhstan’s three-tier strategy to manage falling oil prices, anticipating Brent crude potentially dropping to $60, $55, or even $50 per barrel. Despite new U.S. tariffs reaching up to 54%, Zhumangarin said they affect only 4.8% of Kazakhstan’s U.S. exports and will have minimal economic impact. He added that initial consultations with the U.S. are underway, with dialogue continuing via the embassy and WTO mechanisms. Saniya Sakenova, The Astana Times, April 10

Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Agency prevents misuse of 21.2 billion tenge. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was briefed on Q1 2025 anti-corruption efforts, with the agency reporting the prevention of 21.2 billion tenge in fund misallocation and the recovery of 1.13 trillion tenge in assets since 2022. In 2024 alone, 521 corruption crimes were recorded, implicating 257 officials, including 141 senior managers. Kazakhstan now ranks 88th in Transparency International’s global index. Adlet Seilkhanov, Kazinform, April 10

Uzbekistan

Visa-free regime with China to take effect soon. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the visa-free travel agreement with China will soon enter into force, allowing citizens of both countries to stay up to 30 days without a visa. Spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov dismissed social media rumors to the contrary, stating that both governments have completed all internal procedures. The agreement was originally signed in December 2024 by the nations’ foreign ministers. Uzbekistan Daily, April 10

Uzbekistan officially joins Eurasian Development Bank. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed the agreement formalizing Uzbekistan’s membership in the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), following legislative approval earlier this year. The EDB, with an authorized capital of $7 billion, finances regional investment projects in sectors such as green economy, transport, logistics, and alternative energy. Uzbekistan’s accession is intended to enhance regional integration and development cooperation among member states.Kun Uz, April 10

Northeast Asia

Television in Crisis. China’s television industry is facing a deep financial and institutional crisis, marked by collapsing local stations, declining viewership, and the commercialization of journalism under political constraints. Ratings-driven anxiety, budget cuts, and layoffs have become common, pushing reporters to act as advertisers and influencers to meet performance quotas. Even China Central Television (CCTV) has turned to live-streaming sales and paid endorsements. Many journalists remain due to job security, institutional status, or access to side income and privileges tied to their media roles. Integrated media centers, formed under government reforms, blur the lines between journalism and propaganda, requiring staff to prioritize political messaging over authentic reporting. Constraints on creative freedom and censorship have driven audiences away, with China’s TV turn-on rate plummeting to below 30%. Despite individual efforts to produce meaningful content, institutional pressures, performance penalties, and excessive control have hollowed out the industry’s public service mission. Xiaobai Yu, China Media Project, April 10

Worrying Trends for the South Korean Won. The South Korean won has depreciated to unprecedented lows against the U.S. dollar, coinciding with the imposition of substantial U.S. tariffs targeting South Korea's trade surplus. This decline is not solely attributable to recent political instability, such as President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, but reflects a prolonged downward trend spanning over a decade. The weakened won renders South Korean exports more competitively priced internationally; however, it escalates the cost of imports, notably in essential sectors like energy and food, thereby exacerbating inflationary pressures. This situation poses diplomatic challenges, as it may be perceived as currency manipulation aimed at bolstering export-led growth at the expense of U.S. industries. Consequently, South Korean monetary authorities face a dilemma: reducing interest rates to stimulate domestic investment and GDP growth versus increasing rates to stabilize the currency. William Brown, Korea Economic Institute of America, April 10

Seek Deeper: Signs of China's Changing Strategy Towards European Societies. China is transitioning from an elite-focused strategy to a broader societal engagement approach in Europe, exemplified by Huawei's extensive activities in Bulgaria. These include scholarship programs involving nearly 500 students, partnerships with universities, and the provision of digital classrooms in schools. Huawei's infrastructure now supports various national systems such as city surveillance, transport, energy, and waste management. Additionally, the company is initiating digital skills programs and leadership support for women. Beyond technological initiatives, China is improving cultural influence through language courses in kindergartens and establishing cultural centers, while also strengthening political ties with key Bulgarian parties. This multifaceted engagement indicates a change towards a society-based strategy, complementing China's traditional state-centric approach. However, concerns arise due to Bulgaria's lag in meeting EU 5G security commitments and limited transparency regarding Chinese vendor involvement in telecom networks. Vladimir Shopov, China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe, April 10

Why Did China Amend Its Law Governing Delegates to People's Congresses? On March 11, 2025, China's National People's Congress (NPC) enacted amendments to the Law on the Delegates to the NPC and Local People's Congresses. The revisions mandate delegates to uphold the Chinese Communist Party's leadership and promote "whole-process people's democracy." Additionally, the amendments formalize the "Two Contacts" policy, requiring state institutions to maintain close communication with delegates, who, in turn, must engage actively with the public to represent constituents' interests accurately. To increase accountability, the law now obligates supervisory bodies to document and publicly disclose delegates' performance, including attendance and participation in legislative activities. These changes reflect an effort to institutionalize recent practices and reinforce delegates' adherence to party directives while ensuring they effectively convey public concerns within the legislative framework. Changhao Wei and Ying Sun, The Diplomat, April 10

China-US Trade War About Whose Economy More Resilient: Leading Chinese Scholar. Zheng Yongnian, a prominent Chinese political scientist and government adviser, asserts that China must increase its domestic industrial capacity to improve economic resilience amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. He criticizes the U.S. for externalizing its internal issues, such as inequality and polarization, attributing them to governance failures rather than external factors. Zheng emphasizes that strengthening manufacturing and the real economy is essential for China to remain competitive in the long term. His views have gained significant attention on Chinese social media platforms, resonating with nationalistic sentiments. Following President Trump's announcement on April 9, U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports have risen to 125%, while China has imposed 84% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has condemned the U.S. approach, stating that the use of tariffs as a "weapon" undermines the global economic order. Vincent Chow, The Diplomat, April 11

North Korea’s Nuclear-Cognitive Warfare Strategy. North Korea is advancing a strategy that merges nuclear coercion with psychological, informational, and cyber tactics to manipulate the decision-making processes of South Korean and U.S. leaders. This aims to exploit the nuclear imbalance on the Korean Peninsula, seeking to induce errors and distortions in the cognitive functions of key decision-makers. By targeting the general public, the ROK-U.S. alliance, and nuclear policymakers, Pyongyang endeavors to create fear, disrupt alliances, and paralyze nuclear decision-making processes. This strategy involves spreading disinformation, creating divergent threat perceptions, and exploiting differences in response strategies to foster distrust and discord within the alliance. North Korea's integration of cognitive warfare into its nuclear strategy presents challenges to the efforts of Seoul and Washington to deter and respond to its nuclear threats. The alliance must now prepare for this evolved form of nuclear coercion, which goes beyond traditional deterrence and countermeasures. Hanbyeol Sohn and Changwoo Kang, 38 North, April 10

Southeast Asia

Indonesia’s carbon credits must not come at the cost of customary forests. Indonesia’s expanding forestry-based carbon trading market aims to raise up to US$65 billion by 2028, bolstered by regulatory frameworks and the recent launch of the IDXCarbon platform. However, these developments risk marginalizing Indigenous communities due to restrictive land ownership policies that classify most forest areas as state-owned, limiting Indigenous participation. Despite a 2012 Constitutional Court ruling recognizing Indigenous forests as non-state lands, implementation remains hindered by the absence of a national law and political reluctance at regional levels. The proposed Indigenous Peoples Bill, prioritized for 2025, seeks to formalize Indigenous land tenure and ensure their inclusion in carbon initiatives, mitigating exploitation and green grabbing. Without legal recognition, carbon projects face significant risks, including land disputes and reduced investor confidence. Muhammad Arief Virgy, East Asia Forum, April 10

Central Asia

South Asia

India Sees Opportunity in Trump’s Global Turbulence. That Could Backfire. President Donald Trump's return has disrupted U.S.-India relations, changing focus from strategic collaboration against China to addressing trade imbalances. India faces a 26% U.S. tariff, prompting efforts to negotiate an interim trade agreement and amend nuclear liability laws to facilitate U.S. reactor exports. These measures aim to preserve economic ties and access to the U.S. market, crucial for India's growth and geopolitical positioning. Concurrently, India is diversifying its international partnerships, engaging with the European Union, China, Russia, Australia, Israel, Japan, and the Global South to mitigate reliance on the U.S. While India's leadership publicly embraces the opportunities arising from U.S. policy shifts, there is an underlying recognition of potential long-term strategic costs. The Trump administration's disregard for the liberal international order and emphasis on transactional relationships challenge India's traditional foreign policy approach, necessitating a recalibration of its global strategy. Ashley J. Tellis, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 9

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