Asia Daily: April 16, 2025
China
China says it is ‘tearing down walls’ to expand trade alliances amid US standoff. Amid escalating trade tensions with the United States, China’s foreign ministry stated it is “tearing down walls” and diversifying trade partnerships, promoting connectivity over confrontation. With U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods reaching 145% and reciprocal Chinese levies at 125%, Beijing criticized Washington’s approach and urged high-level talks. President Xi Jinping, currently on a Southeast Asia tour, has called for resistance to “unilateral bullying.” Colleen Howe, Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo, Reuters, April 15
China appoints new trade representative as US tariff war heats up. China has appointed Li Chenggang as the Ministry of Commerce’s new international trade representative amid escalating tariffs with the United States. Li, who succeeds Wang Shouwen, previously served as China’s WTO ambassador and has extensive experience in international trade negotiations. The move comes as President Trump raises tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, prompting retaliatory duties from Beijing. Frank Tang, South China Morning Post, April 16
Chinese ministry staff member arrested for selling state secrets, stealing 300,000 internal documents: MSS. China’s Ministry of State Security revealed that a government staff member surnamed Zhang was arrested for offering classified information to foreign intelligence agencies and stealing nearly 300,000 internal documents. Zhang infiltrated sensitive meetings, planted recording devices, and illegally accessed files over an extended period. Her espionage was uncovered after one of her devices fell during a meeting, prompting an investigation. Twelve officials were penalized for oversight failures. Global Times, April 15
Japan
Japan tariff negotiator to visit U.S. for talks from Wed. Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa will travel to Washington for three days beginning Wednesday to lead bilateral talks on U.S. tariffs. Akazawa, a close aide to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is scheduled to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Japan has rejected rushed concessions and remains cautious about retaliatory tariffs. Kyodo News, April 15
South Korea
U.S. Treasury Sec Bessent invites South Korea finance minister for trade talks next week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has invited South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok for trade talks in Washington next week, coinciding with G20 finance meetings at the IMF and World Bank. Bessent emphasized a “first mover advantage” for allies in reaching early agreements on President Trump’s paused 25% reciprocal tariffs. Cynthia Kim and Jack Kim, Reuters, April 16
Ex-President Yoon appears in court for trial. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in Seoul Central District Court on April 14 for the opening of his trial on charges of leading an insurrection. Wearing the same suit and tie from his impeachment trial, Yoon maintained a composed demeanor and declined a jury trial. He defended himself for 40 minutes, asserting the legitimacy of declaring martial law and accusing prosecutors of distorting facts. Son Jun-young, The Dong-A Ilbo, April 15
S. Korean delegation to visit UAE for high-speed rail, infrastructure bids. A South Korean delegation led by Land Minister Park Sang-woo will travel to the United Arab Emirates this week to advance bids for high-speed rail and infrastructure projects. The visit will also explore joint third-country ventures under a 2023 bilateral agreement, leveraging South Korea’s engineering capacity and UAE’s financial resources. Chang Dong-woo, Yonhap News Agency, April 16
North Korea
N. Korea’s Kim skips family mausoleum visit on founder’s birthday for 3rd year in row. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un did not visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the April 15 anniversary of his grandfather Kim Il-sung’s birth, marking the third consecutive year he has skipped the event. State media only reported a visit by top officials including Premier Park Thae-song and parliamentary chief Choe Ryong-hae. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, April 16
Vietnam
South Korea, Vietnam pledge cooperation as U.S. tariffs loom. South Korea and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen economic ties and coordinate closely in response to looming U.S. tariffs, with a goal to raise bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030. Foreign ministers Cho Tae-yul and Bui Thanh Son met in Hanoi as both countries face steep tariffs under President Trump’s trade policy—46% on Vietnamese goods and 25% on South Korean exports, currently under a 90-day moratorium. Jack Kim and Khanh Vu, Reuters, April 16
Party chief hosts Ethiopian Prime Minister. Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in Hanoi during the latter’s official visit and participation in the P4G Summit. The leaders highlighted the visit’s significance ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026 and agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, science, and people-to-people exchanges. Ethiopia plans to launch a direct Addis Ababa–Hanoi flight in July. Vietnam News, April 16
Vietnam, China issue joint statement following Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit. Vietnam and China pledged to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and build a community with a shared future following Xi Jinping’s state visit from April 14–15. The joint statement reaffirmed mutual support for socialism, party-to-party ties, strategic economic cooperation, and expanded infrastructure, defense, and multilateral coordination. Vietnam News, April 15
Philippines
Philippines, China accuse each other of dangerous moves in disputed South China Sea shoal. The Philippines and China have accused each other of aggressive maritime maneuvers near the Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea. Manila said a Chinese coast guard vessel intentionally blocked its patrol route 36 nautical miles off the shoal, violating international maritime regulations. In contrast, Beijing claimed the Philippine vessel approached dangerously and attempted to fabricate a collision. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, April 15
Philippines calls joint U.S. drills ‘defense rehearsal’ as China tensions simmer. The Philippines and the United States will conduct joint military drills from April 21 to May 9, involving 9,000 U.S. troops and 5,000 Filipino personnel, in what Manila is calling a “rehearsal for national defense” amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea and Taiwan. The exercises will include the deployment of advanced U.S. weapons and will be staged in strategic areas near contested waters. Karen Lema, Reuters, April 15
Indonesia
Indonesia dismisses reports on planned Russian air base in Papua as false. The Indonesian Defense Ministry has denied claims that Russia plans to establish a military presence at Manuhua Air Force Base in Biak, Papua, calling the reports categorically false. Spokesperson Frega Wenas Inkiriwang rejected the assertions, which originated from a defense publication, amid concerns raised by Australia. Indonesian lawmakers also criticized the idea, citing constitutional prohibitions on foreign military bases and warning such moves would endanger regional stability and ASEAN principles. Yustinus Paat, Jakarta Globe, April 16
Indonesia’s Prabowo orders tariff talks with US to safeguard interests. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Indonesia’s negotiation team to pursue a tariff agreement with the United States that prioritizes national interests. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, leading the delegation, said the team—also including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Foreign Minister Sugiono—will hold negotiations in Washington from April 16 to 23. ANTARA News, April 15
Malaysia
China’s President Xi Jinping’s first Malaysia visit in 12 years begins with full honours at Istana Negara. Chinese President Xi Jinping was formally welcomed by Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim at Istana Negara on April 16 during a three-day state visit. The ceremony featured a 21-gun salute, a guard of honour inspection, and a cultural performance. Xi held talks with Sultan Ibrahim and was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Malay Mail, April 16
Singapore
Singapore to hold election on May 3 amid cost of living and trade concerns. Singapore will hold a general election on May 3, its first under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in 2024. The vote comes amid economic uncertainty caused by rising living costs and U.S. tariffs, with growth forecasts for 2025 downgraded to 0–2%. The ruling People’s Action Party is expected to retain dominance, though its popular vote share will be closely scrutinized. Xinghui Kok, Jun Yuan Yong and Bing Hong Lok, Reuters, April 15
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, Chevron seek energy expansion, oil route diversification, and industrial growth. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Chevron CEO Michael Wirth on April 14 to mark the completion of the Tengiz field expansion and discuss long-term cooperation. Talks included domestic participation in the energy sector, gas and petrochemical production, and major projects like a 1.25 million-ton polyethylene complex and a new gas plant at the Karachaganak field. Dana Omirgazy, The Astana Times, April 15
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and India hold sixth round of Dostlik exercises. Uzbekistan and India launched the sixth round of their annual joint military exercise “Dostlik” on April 15 at the Aundh international training base in Pune, India. The drills aim to strengthen bilateral military cooperation and will run until April 28. A delegation from the Uzbek Armed Forces traveled to India for the exercises, which have alternated between the two countries since their start in 2019, focusing on experience sharing and coordinated operations. Uzbekistan Daily, April 15
Tajikistan
Tajik opposition files international lawsuit accusing government of crimes against humanity. Tajikistan’s banned opposition party, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT), and two NGOs have filed a case with the International Criminal Court accusing President Emomali Rahmon’s administration of crimes against humanity. The suit, based on 15 years of evidence across 60 cases, alleges a coordinated policy targeting IRPT members and sympathizers through arbitrary detention, torture, murder, and forced exile. The plaintiffs argue the international route is their only recourse due to a lack of domestic remedies. Eurasianet, April 15
Turkmenistan
Ishiba’s expo diplomacy begins with hosting of Turkmen president. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba launched his diplomatic efforts for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka by meeting Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Tokyo. The two leaders reaffirmed bilateral trust and released a joint statement supporting a free and open international order based on rule of law, while pledging stronger economic and energy ties. Japan is looking to broadly deepen engagement with Central Asian nations. The Japan Times, April 16
Kyrgyzstan
Next presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan to be held on January 24, 2027. Kyrgyzstan will hold its next presidential election on January 24, 2027, following amendments approved by the parliamentary committee on constitutional legislation. The changes align the election law with the Constitution by stipulating that elections take place on the fourth Sunday of January in the year the presidential term expires. President Sadyr Japarov, elected on January 28, 2021, is serving a six-year term. The Zhogorku Kenesh must officially schedule the election no later than four months prior. Gulmira Makanbai Kyzy, 24KG, April 15
Northeast Asia
China’s DeepSeek is not the end of Silicon Valley. DeepSeek’s emergence shows China’s rapid AI progress but does not signal the downfall of Silicon Valley. Despite limited access to advanced chips, DeepSeek leveraged Nvidia H800s and innovative architectures to achieve strong results, though constrained future chip access will likely limit further gains. Misconceptions persist about the effectiveness of export controls and the feasibility of restricting open-source model flows. Broad restrictions risk harming US innovation more than curbing Chinese capabilities. DeepSeek’s development relied heavily on US-origin innovations, and its success reflects global knowledge diffusion rather than isolated advancement. The United States retains significant advantages in compute resources and infrastructure, and its firms are expected to quickly integrate DeepSeek’s advancements. However, China’s growing domestic talent pool and strategic investments are reshaping the competitive landscape. Implementation challenges remain within China due to market pressures and bureaucratic incentives. Still, open-source ecosystems remain interconnected, and mutual inspiration continues. The global AI race is intensifying, but Silicon Valley’s adaptability and resource depth remain central to maintaining leadership. Emmie Hine, East Asia Forum, April 16
Democratic Party’s dissolution marks Hong Kong’s political decline. The Democratic Party’s move toward dissolution in February 2025 marks the symbolic end of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. Once the city’s largest and oldest democratic party, it engaged in direct negotiations with Beijing and played a central role in electoral reform efforts. Increasingly sidelined following the 2020 National Security Law and successive electoral changes, the party was excluded from the 2023 “patriots only” elections and warned by authorities in 2025 to disband or face arrest. Many senior figures, including founding chairman Martin Lee, have been imprisoned. Other key members face long sentences for their roles in the 2020 unofficial Democratic primary. Operational challenges, such as event cancellations and venue refusals, further crippled the party’s functions. As political space narrows, some activists remain cautiously vocal, while others continue their efforts from abroad. Beijing has responded with legal measures, targeting activists and their families. The Democratic Party’s dissolution reflects not only the repression of a single organization but the broader collapse of liberal democratic engagement in Hong Kong, raising serious concerns about the region’s future under China’s tightening control. Stephan Ortmann, East Asia Forum, April 15
Why Shipbuilding is a Silver Lining amid the U.S. Tariff Turmoil. Amid escalating U.S. tariffs, shipbuilding has emerged as a strategic avenue for U.S.–South Korea cooperation. South Korea’s shipyards, renowned for their advanced technology and production efficiency, offer capabilities that the U.S. currently lacks. This collaboration could accelerate U.S. naval modernization, addressing concerns over declining maritime capacity. However, legal and political hurdles, such as the Jones Act and national security considerations, have historically impeded such partnerships. Recent developments, including President Trump's executive order establishing the Maritime and Industrial Capacity Directorate, signal a move towards embracing international cooperation to bolster domestic shipbuilding. For South Korea, this partnership not only sustains its shipbuilding industry but also reduces reliance on China. Thus, shipbuilding stands out as a mutually beneficial solution amidst trade tensions.
Je Heon (James) Kim, KEI, April 15
Southeast Asia
Vietnam’s 46 Per Cent Tariff Shock: A Catalyst for Economic Reform? The potential imposition of a 46 per cent US tariff on Vietnamese exports has spotlighted the need for Vietnam to address its complex system of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), which affect nearly half of its import categories. Though Vietnam has a history of embracing reform under external pressure, this latest challenge—framed by the US as a call for reciprocal market access—requires immediate structural changes. NTBs, such as licensing rules and technical standards, often serve as hidden barriers that obstruct trade and investment. Proposed reforms include aligning standards with international norms, streamlining customs, and revising SPS and TBT regulations. These steps would not only ease trade tensions with the US but also improve Vietnam’s global competitiveness and investment appeal. Successfully reducing NTBs could position Vietnam as a transparent and open economy, echoing its 1986 Doi Moi reforms that dismantled internal trade barriers. With high-level support, including from General Secretary To Lam, the removal of NTBs may become a pivotal move toward sustainable economic modernization. Nguyen Hong Thach, Fulcrum, April 15
Javanese Dakwah Preacher Capitalises on Charisma, Human Touch to Pull in Crowds. Muhammad Iqdam Kholid, or Gus Iqdam, has risen rapidly in Indonesia’s dakwah scene through his charisma, lineage, and personalized preaching style. Attracting predominantly Javanese-speaking audiences—particularly middle-aged and elderly women—his sessions blend humor, empathy, and relatable engagement, diverging from the more formal approaches of peers like Somad and Basalamah. Iqdam’s NU heritage and marriage into another prominent clerical family increase his credibility, while his good looks and approachable demeanor boost his appeal. Despite controversies, including associations with luxury cars and pre-session nightclub music, he retains strong public support and over 1.49 million YouTube subscribers. His innovative outreach and emotional resonance distinguish him in a field where content is often homogeneous. However, his reliance on Javanese limits national reach, and his future hinges on avoiding image-damaging missteps. Iqdam’s popularity shows a broader trend in Indonesia’s Islamic landscape, where preacher charisma and style increasingly influence public engagement over doctrinal depth. A'an Suryana, Fulcrum, April 15