Asia Daily: April 21, 2025

China

China’s museums get new mission: promote ethnic unity, counter ‘wrong historical views’. China’s top ethnic affairs official, Pan Yue, has directed museums to avoid portraying the Han majority in opposition to ethnic minorities and instead promote narratives emphasizing national unity. Speaking at a national museum directors' training in Beijing, Pan urged institutions to reject divisive interpretations and frame cultural relics within a unified national development context. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, April 19

Chinese ambassador warns U.S. not to repeat tariff mistakes of the Great Depression era. Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng urged the United States to avoid escalating trade tensions by recalling the failures of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which worsened the Great Depression. Speaking in Washington, he warned that tariff wars disrupt global supply chains and economic growth. As U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports reach 245 percent, Xie called for cooperation and dialogue. Zhang Tong, South China Morning Post, April 20

Japan

U.S., Japan need to ‘push back’ against China, U.S. envoy says. Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador George Glass urged closer defense alignment between the U.S. and Japan to counter an assertive China, citing regional threats from Beijing, North Korea, and Russia. Glass emphasized supporting both militaries and warned Japan may be asked to pay more for U.S. defense commitments. He said Trump wants defense cost talks bundled with trade negotiations, though Tokyo prefers to separate the issues. Rocky Swift, Reuters, April 18

Japan PM wants to see specific progress in next U.S. tariff talks. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has instructed negotiators to accelerate preparations for the next round of U.S. tariff talks, calling for “specific progress” following a “frank and constructive” first round. Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa, who led the delegation, met with President Trump and top U.S. trade officials. Japan is urging reconsideration of high U.S. tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum, which Tokyo argues breach WTO rules. Kyodo News, April 19

Criticism from opposition bloc, voters kills cash handout plan. The Japanese government and ruling coalition have scrapped a proposed ¥50,000 per person cash handout aimed at easing the burden of rising prices and steep U.S. tariffs, following strong opposition from voters and rival parties. Opposition lawmakers criticized the plan as fiscally irresponsible, and public opinion polls showed little support. Coalition leaders confirmed no supplementary budget would be submitted this Diet session. The Asahi Shimbun, April 18

South Korea

Ex-DP leader Lee keeps strong lead in presidential election poll. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung leads the June 3 presidential race with 38% support, his highest rating in Gallup Korea polls this year. Trailing at 7% each are former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, ex-Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, and acting President Han Duck-soo, who has yet to confirm his candidacy. The DP holds 42% party support, ahead of the PPP at 34%. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, April 18

Education minister Lee to hold 1st meeting with medical students amid prolonged standoff. Education Minister Lee Ju-ho will meet with medical students next week to urge their return to school and clarify the government’s rollback of the 2026 medical school admission quota. This marks the first direct dialogue since protests began over a plan to increase enrollment by 2,000 students. The revised quota restores admissions to the 2022 level. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, April 18

Lee Jae-myung backs one-shot, package deal with Trump. Lee Jae-myung, leading contender in the Democratic Party’s presidential primary, endorsed a comprehensive negotiation strategy with U.S. President Donald Trump, aligning with Trump’s “one-stop shopping” approach. During a televised debate, Lee argued that addressing defense cost-sharing, 25% tariffs, LNG investment, and shipbuilding cooperation as a package would prevent South Korea from being outmaneuvered. Ji Da-gyum, The Korea Herald, April 18

North Korea

N. Korea criticizes Trump's easing of U.S. weapons exports. North Korea condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's April 9 executive order to relax weapons export controls, accusing Washington of fueling global conflicts for profit and strategic dominance. The Korean Central News Agency claimed U.S. arms sales have surged, arming “war maniacs” in Europe and the Middle East, and contributing to violence in Ukraine and Gaza. It warned that the move signals an intent to escalate warfare under the guise of diplomacy. Lee Minji, Yonhap News, April 20

Thailand

Anusorn dismisses Cabinet reshuffle rumours. Pheu Thai party-list MP Anusorn Iamsa-ard denied reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle, asserting that no internal pressure exists and the authority rests solely with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He dismissed speculation fueled by a public opinion poll and clarified that discussions within the party had not addressed ministerial changes. Anusorn also refuted claims about targeting the Commerce or Interior ministries, affirming continued confidence in the current Cabinet. The Nation, April 20

Budget debate slated for late May. Thailand’s House of Representatives is scheduled to begin debating the 2026 Budget Bill in an extraordinary session next week, with Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang expressing confidence in its passage despite tensions over a proposed casino bill. Sutin emphasized the bill’s national importance and urged coalition members not to let disagreements derail cooperation. UTN Party leaders also pledged full support. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, April 20

Vietnam

China’s PLA invited to Vietnam military parade as both sides pledge closer defence ties. China and Vietnam have agreed to deepen military cooperation, with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun invited to attend a military parade in Ho Chi Minh City marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification. The PLA was also invited to participate. Talks also addressed South China Sea tensions, with Vietnam urging peaceful resolution and progress on a regional code of conduct. Enoch Wong, South China Morning Post, April 18

Vietnam boosts cultural, educational ties with Brunei. Vietnam and Brunei celebrated their growing partnership with a friendship concert in Bandar Seri Begawan, marking Vietnam’s reunification anniversary and showcasing bilateral cultural exchange. Ambassador Trần Anh Vũ praised expanding trade — over $650 million in 2024 — and the Vietnamese language program at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, which has drawn hundreds of students. The university reaffirmed its commitment to the program. Vietnam’s HADUCO also pledged student exchanges and donations to local charities during the event. Vietnam News, April 18

Vietnam boosts cultural, educational ties with Brunei. A Vietnam–Brunei friendship concert held in Bandar Seri Begawan marked the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification and promoted bilateral ties through culture and education. The Vietnamese ambassador emphasized the country’s development and international integration, noting that trade between the two nations surpassed $650 million in 2024. Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Vietnamese language program has enrolled hundreds of students. Vietnam News, April 18

Myanmar

ASEAN chair urges Myanmar junta to honour quake truce. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, current ASEAN chair, urged Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing during informal talks in Bangkok to uphold a ceasefire declared after a deadly earthquake in March. Despite the junta’s truce announcement, conflict monitors report continued airstrikes. Anwar emphasized the need for full humanitarian access and later met with opposition NUG leader Mahn Winn Khaing Thann. The NUG continues to reject the junta’s planned election. Myanmar Now, April 18

Junta-appointed officials move into Lashio after MNDAA withdrawal. Administrators appointed by Myanmar’s junta began arriving in Lashio, northern Shan State, to reestablish government functions following the exit of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The ethnic Kokang-led force, under pressure from China, agreed to leave the town by the end of April. While military forces have not yet entered, police and civil servants are expected to restore junta control starting April 21. Myanmar Now, April 18

Malaysian PM holds talks with Myanmar NUG prime minister. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a virtual meeting with Myanmar’s shadow government leader Mahn Winn Khaing Thann to discuss strengthening ties with ASEAN and improving humanitarian aid delivery. The meeting marked the first publicly acknowledged engagement between ASEAN and the National Unity Government. The Irrawaddy, April 18

Laos

Laos-China Railway celebrates two-year anniversary of cross-border service with 480,000 passengers. The Laos-China Railway has transported 480,000 international passengers from 112 countries since launching cross-border operations in April 2023. In 2025 alone, the line handled 4.1 million passenger trips and moved 4 million tons of cargo, marking its busiest period. The 409-kilometer route links key destinations like Vientiane and Kunming, enhancing trade, tourism, and regional connectivity. Oulayvanh Sisounonth, The Laotian Times, April 18

Thai princess to visit Laos next week. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will visit Laos from April 21 to 24 at the invitation of President Thongloun Sisoulith. During her visit, she will officiate the opening of a medical and public health academic conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a training initiative for Lao medical professionals. Vientiane Times, April 18

Cambodia

China and Cambodia ink deal for massive canal project that has raised environmental concerns. China and Cambodia have signed a $1.2 billion agreement to fund the Funan Techo Canal, which will link the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand. The 151.6-kilometer project, backed by a 51–49% Cambodian-Chinese investment split, aims to handle ships up to 3,000 tons and lower logistics costs. Critics warn of ecological threats to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, though an environmental review claims minimal impact. Sopheng Cheang, Associated Press, April 18

Private sector believe Xi’s visit will boost Chinese arrivals. Cambodian tourism operators anticipate a rise in Chinese tourist numbers and investment following President Xi Jinping’s state visit from April 17 to 18. During the visit, 37 agreements were signed covering sectors such as tourism, finance, healthcare, and education. Both countries designated 2025 as the “Cambodia-China Tourism Year” and pledged to enhance tourism marketing and safety. Hin Pisei, The Phnom Penh Post, April 18.

Philippines

China navy says Philippine frigate illegally entered Scarborough Shoal waters. China’s Southern Theatre navy claimed on Sunday that a Philippine naval frigate entered the waters of Scarborough Shoal without authorization, calling it a violation of Chinese sovereignty. The Chinese navy said it monitored and expelled the vessel and demanded that the Philippines cease such actions. The Philippine embassy in China has not responded to the allegations. Liz Lee, Reuters, April 20

Indonesia

China to host Indonesia for top-level diplomacy, defence talks in pivot to Southeast Asia. China and Indonesia will hold their first ministerial-level “2+2” dialogue in Beijing, bringing together foreign and defense ministers to deepen political and security cooperation. The talks reflect Beijing’s shift toward strengthening ties with Southeast Asian neighbors amid rising tensions with the U.S. The dialogue mechanism mirrors similar U.S. platforms in the region. China previously agreed to this format during President Prabowo’s visit in November. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, April 18

Taiwan

U.S. will keep helping Taiwan in its self-defence, senator says in Taipei. U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to assisting Taiwan with its self-defence during a visit to Taipei, stating that any cross-strait differences must be resolved peacefully and without coercion. He stressed bipartisan congressional support for Taiwan and emphasized the U.S. aim of preserving Indo-Pacific stability. President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan remains committed to increasing defence spending. Angie Teo and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 18

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan plans to send delegation to United States for trade talks. Kazakhstan will send a delegation to Washington for trade consultations amid ongoing U.S. tariff tensions. Deputy Trade Minister Zhanel Kushukova said the country seeks dialogue rather than retaliation, citing EAEU constraints on reciprocal tariffs. While U.S. tariffs on Kazakh goods initially hit 27 percent, they were reduced to 10 percent with a temporary pause in place. Talks are expected to also cover rare earth exports, as U.S. interest grows following China’s export ban. Eurasianet, April 18

Kazakhstan names new ambassadors to Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Denmark. Kazakhstan’s president has appointed new ambassadors as part of a diplomatic reshuffle. Gabit Koishibayev was relieved of his post as ambassador to Mongolia. Sergey Viktorov was named ambassador to Sri Lanka, while Olzhas Suleimenov, Kazakhstan’s envoy to Sweden, will concurrently serve as ambassador to Denmark. The changes follow the recent appointment of Tolezhan Barlybayev as ambassador to Ukraine. Zhanna Nurmaganbetova, Kazinform, April 21

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan introduces a five-year residence permit for foreigners for $200,000. Uzbekistan will launch a simplified five-year residence permit program for foreign nationals and stateless persons starting June 1. Under a presidential decree signed on April 18, applicants must pay $200,000, with an added $100,000 fee per family member. The permit confirms permanent residency and identity status. Eligibility extends to certain categories including property investors and former Uzbek citizens. Property thresholds vary by region, starting from $100,000. Uzbekistan Daily, April 20

Uzbekistan to tighten duty-free import rules from May 1, 2025. Uzbekistan will implement stricter duty-free import regulations for individuals beginning May 1. New value thresholds include $1,000 for air travelers, $500 for rail or river, and $300 for road or foot entry. Courier shipment allowances will drop to $200 per quarter, while the $100 postal limit remains unchanged. Time spent abroad and quantity caps on items like alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes are also newly regulated. Uzbekistan Daily, April 20

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan adopts law to allow electronic visas and make it easier for foreigners to enter. Turkmenistan has passed a law introducing electronic visas and streamlining entry procedures for foreign visitors, ending the requirement for formal letters of invitation. The new system will allow travelers to apply via a simplified online form, with specific visa types and validity to be determined by President Serdar Berdymukhamedov. The move aims to boost tourism and business ties amid broader regional trade integration. Associated Press, April 19

Northeast Asia

Nvidia grasping to hold onto China’s AI chip market. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang traveled to Beijing shortly after new U.S. export restrictions to preserve access to China’s critical AI chip market, holding high-profile meetings with top Chinese officials and business leaders. The restrictions, issued April 15, block exports of Nvidia’s H20 chips, triggering a projected $5.5 billion charge and a 6.3% drop in share value. With no licenses expected, Nvidia faces a potential $15 billion annual revenue loss. Despite U.S. pressure, Huang pledged continued support for China’s tech ecosystem. Meanwhile, DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm using Nvidia’s older H800 chips, has drawn national security scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers. Yet China is advancing alternatives, with Huawei’s Ascend 910C and CloudMatrix 394 AI accelerators emerging as strong competitors. These systems, though power-intensive, reportedly surpass Nvidia’s current offerings at the system level. As Nvidia plans $500 billion in U.S. AI infrastructure with Foxconn and TSMC, its prospects in China remain clouded. The tightening export rules appear to have bolstered Chinese innovation rather than curbed it, potentially sidelining American firms in one of the world’s fastest-growing AI markets. Scott Foster, Asia Times, April 17

Japan Is Trying to Be a Model Partner. Trump Is Pushing It Away. Japan's longstanding reliance on the U.S. security alliance is facing growing uncertainty under the Trump administration, which views the relationship as imbalanced. Despite assurances from U.S. defense officials, conflicting messages—such as pausing military integration efforts and criticizing the alliance—signal that security guarantees are now seen as negotiable. Trump has blurred the lines between security and trade, imposing steep tariffs on key Japanese exports, including automobiles, steel, and semiconductors, damaging Japanese industries across extended supply chains. Japan, heavily economically intertwined with both the U.S. and China, has responded by increasing efforts to diversify trade relations and embed itself in multilateral frameworks, including potential free trade deals with China and South Korea and closer security cooperation with NATO. Despite facing punitive measures, Japan continues to meet U.S. expectations with increased defense spending, new investments, and swift tariff negotiations. Yet, Tokyo remains at risk of being sidelined and is striving to secure its position amid a changing global order it cannot afford to detach from. Kenji Kushida, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 18

Canada’s Asian Dream after America First. Canada faces a seismic change in its foreign policy and national identity amid President Trump’s second-term “America First” doctrine, which has included punitive tariffs and even threats of annexation. Ottawa has responded with countermeasures and intensified trade diversification, as public sentiment toward the U.S. soured and nationalism surged. The political fallout has reshaped the election landscape, with Liberal leader Mark Carney overtaking Conservative rival Pierre Poilievre by presenting a vision of reduced U.S. dependence through decoupling and strategic diversification. Poilievre advocates a restorationist stance, banking on eventual normalization with the U.S. Carney’s approach accepts that Trump’s policies signal lasting changes in American global behavior. Under this framework, Canada seeks deeper trade ties with Europe and Asia, reinforcing regional pacts like the CPTPP while downplaying relations with China—at least publicly, until after the election. Canada must now confront the challenge of redefining its role in a fragmented global order, potentially without its traditional anchor. The path forward may entail severing or restructuring economic and defense linkages with the U.S., as Canadians grapple with the reality of facing an increasingly hostile neighbor once considered a trusted ally. Paul Evans, East Asia Forum, April 20

China and the United States’ order-building race in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific is witnessing a strategic contest between China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the U.S.-led Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), each promoting divergent regional orders. While China fosters authoritarian collaboration and expands its influence through projects and partnerships, the United States emphasizes minilateral alliances like the Quad and AUKUS to contain China’s reach. Under President Trump’s second term, uncertainty looms over U.S. commitment, as isolationist tendencies and transactional diplomacy—such as a potential “reverse Nixon” approach—raise doubts about sustained Indo-Pacific engagement. China has intensified its regional presence with military exercises and strategic agreements, including partnerships with the Cook Islands and Nauru. Meanwhile, U.S. allies like Japan and South Korea face steep tariffs, prompting middle powers to hedge, diversify ties, and pursue trilateral trade cooperation. Trump’s dismissive stance on security pacts and changing focus to the Western Hemisphere risks enabling China’s expansion. In this climate, middle powers—rather than being sidelined—emerge as key players shaping regional order, leveraging flexibility amid great power rivalry to safeguard their interests. Lai-Ha Chan and Pak K Lee, East Asia Forum, April 19

AI Moves to Page One. China’s Southern Metropolis Daily has emerged as a prominent example of how artificial intelligence is transforming the country’s media landscape, with over one-third of its 2025 front pages designed using tools like Jimeng AI and YuanBao AI. This reflects both technological innovation and economic necessity amid falling print circulation and widespread newsroom closures. While AI enables cost savings and creative experimentation, it also raises questions about the future of journalists, designers, and editorial autonomy under a party-state system. Official research promotes AI integration to improve state messaging and public opinion control, signaling that the technology is as much about governance as efficiency. Still, traditional imagery dominates coverage of politically sensitive events, showing clear limits to AI’s editorial reach. As visual automation becomes the norm, creative roles face disruption, though certain aesthetic boundaries—especially concerning leadership representation—remain untouched. The media’s embrace of AI suggests a dual trajectory of modernization and reinforced ideological oversight, with ByteDance and Tencent playing central roles through their AI platforms. The fusion of state-driven narrative control with advanced technology is redefining the role and function of journalism in China. David Bandurski, China Media Project, April 18

Southeast Asia

The Geopolitical Risks of Malaysia’s Oil and Gas Fracas. Sarawak’s assertive push to reclaim full control over its oil and gas sector from Malaysia’s federal government marks a major change in federal-state dynamics, raising legal and geopolitical stakes. The state’s bid for regulatory authority and ownership—extending even to the continental shelf—draws on colonial-era legislation and longstanding grievances but faces challenges under international law, particularly UNCLOS, which recognizes only sovereign states. While Putrajaya recently ceded gas aggregator rights to Sarawak’s Petros, the broader claims, including the 200-nautical mile continental shelf, lack solid legal standing and pose diplomatic risks. Malaysia’s dispute with China over the Luconia Shoals shows the sensitivity of such claims. Full decentralization could weaken Malaysia’s international posture and complicate regional diplomacy, particularly with neighbors wary of separatist precedents. Despite these risks, Sarawak’s maximalist narrative continues to garner political mileage, with federal acquiescence shaped more by political mediation and alliance preservation than legal resolution. The ongoing Petronas–Petros settlement shows a preference for negotiated compromise over court adjudication, a pattern likely to persist in future continental shelf discussions as decentralization efforts proceed cautiously within Malaysia’s volatile political framework. Amalina Anuar, Fulcrum, April 18

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