Asia Daily: April 29, 2025
China
China's foreign ministry says Xi and Trump did not have a call recently. China’s Foreign Ministry denied claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that he and President Xi Jinping recently spoke about resolving the tariff dispute. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated there have been no consultations or negotiations and criticized the U.S. for “threatening and blackmailing” China. The remarks came after Trump asserted talks were underway despite both sides having sharply escalated tariffs. Ethan Wang, Colleen Howe, Yukun Zhang and Joe Cash, Reuters, April 28
Xi stresses pooling strength of working class for rejuvenation of Chinese nation. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for mobilizing the country's working class to help realize national rejuvenation during a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. He emphasized the enduring importance of workers across evolving social conditions and praised role models from diverse sectors. Xi highlighted programs like deploying scientific experts to rural areas as examples of grassroots-driven development success. Global Times, April 29
PLA Navy’s Type 22 missile boat joins foreign warship interception, rights protection missions in South China Sea. China’s PLA Navy has deployed its fast and stealthy Type 22 missile boats for foreign warship interception and maritime rights protection missions in the South China Sea, according to state media. Despite their small size, the boats' high speed, agility, and anti-ship firepower allow them to challenge much larger vessels. Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui, Global Times, April 28
Japan
Japan mulls simplified checks for more car imports in talks with U.S. Japan is considering expanding eligibility for its simplified vehicle inspection system to boost U.S. car imports, aiming to ease tensions in ongoing tariff negotiations. The Preferential Handling Procedure currently applies to limited numbers of imports but may be broadened. Japan seeks to persuade Washington to scale back tariffs affecting cars, steel, and aluminum. Kyodo News, April 28
77% doubt U.S. will protect Japan in military crisis. A nationwide survey found that only 15 percent of Japanese believe the United States would defend Japan in a military emergency, while 77 percent expressed skepticism, reflecting eroding confidence despite the longstanding security alliance. Conducted after Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the poll also showed 68 percent favor Japan pursuing a more independent diplomatic path. Kazuaki Isoda, The Asahi Shimbun, April 28
U.S. secretary of the navy weighs ‘dual-use’ shipbuilding with Japan. U.S. Navy Secretary John C. Phelan is considering a proposal to build commercial ships in partnership with Japan that could be adapted for military use during emergencies, aiming to counter China’s growing maritime dominance. Phelan planned to discuss the initiative with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani during a visit to Tokyo and tour Japan Marine United’s Isogo Works shipyard. Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times, April 28
South Korea
Acting president vetoes bill limiting his powers to appoint Constitutional Court justices. Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo vetoed a bill that would have restricted his authority to appoint Constitutional Court justices, citing constitutional conflicts and the need to uphold the separation of powers. The bill, introduced by the Democratic Party to block two Han-nominated candidates, will now return to the National Assembly for a revote. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, April 29
Democratic Party seeks split of key agencies. South Korea’s Democratic Party plans a major government restructuring if it wins power, proposing to divide ministries such as Trade, Industry and Energy, and to split the Ministry of Economy and Finance to improve checks and balances. Presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung also vowed to separate investigative and indictment powers within the prosecution and strengthen the Corruption Investigation Office. Yoon Da-bin, The Dong-A Ilbo, April 28
PPP set to shortlist two contenders for presidential primary. South Korea’s People Power Party is set to narrow its presidential field to two candidates ahead of the June 3 election, which will select a successor to ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol. The contenders are Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Joon-pyo. A runoff will occur if no candidate wins a majority in the second-round vote. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, April 29
North Korea
N. Korea's military delegation heads to Russia after confirmation of troop dispatch to fight Ukraine. A North Korean military delegation led by Pak Young-il, deputy director of the General Political Bureau, departed for Russia to attend an international anti-fascism event, state media reported. The trip follows Pyongyang’s confirmation that it has deployed troops to assist Russia in Ukraine’s Kursk region. Speculation remains over whether Kim will visit Russia. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, April 29
China escalates surveillance of N. Korean defectors with city-level police monitoring. Chinese authorities have intensified surveillance of North Korean defectors, transferring oversight from local police to city-level foreign affairs departments in places like Shenyang. Defectors report heightened fear as officers now inspect mobile phone records, WeChat messages, and contact networks. The shift signals China’s view of defectors as potential “dangerous elements.” Lee Chae Eun, Daily NK, April 29
Chinese firm proposes joint stone processing venture in N. Korea’s mining regions. A Chinese company from Jilin province has proposed establishing joint stone processing facilities in North Korea’s Dancheon and Musan regions, targeting granite and gray marble resources. The plan includes supplying Chinese equipment and technical staff, with profits shared between both parties. North Korean authorities are reviewing the proposal as part of broader efforts to revitalize local economies and allow limited foreign investment. Jeong Tae Joo, Daily NK, April 28
Thailand
Panel gives nod to 30 Northeast projects. A joint public-private committee approved 30 development projects worth over 16.4 billion baht for Thailand’s upper Northeast, with nine projects set to begin immediately pending cabinet approval. These include landscape improvements along the Mekong River and creative economy initiatives in Sakon Nakhon. The government also endorsed the R12 land route project connecting Thailand to China via Laos and Vietnam. Phusadee Arunmas, Bangkok Post, April 29
Vietnam
Party leader receives visiting party general secretary of Mozambique. Vietnamese Party chief To Lam met with FRELIMO Party General Secretary Chakil Aboobacar in Hanoi to reaffirm the strong traditional ties between Vietnam and Mozambique, coinciding with the 50th anniversaries of both Vietnam’s reunification and bilateral diplomatic relations. Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation across sectors including oil, gas, mining, food production, and digital transformation. Vietnam News, April 29
Japan, Vietnam pledge to support free trade as PM Ishiba visits Hanoi. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed to boost trade ties and uphold global free trade principles during Ishiba’s visit to Hanoi amid escalating U.S. tariff pressures. Both countries signed four cooperation agreements, including on semiconductor research and energy transition products, although details were not disclosed. Phuong Nguyen and Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, April 28
Cambodia
NPP sets sights on 2027, 2028 elections. Cambodia’s Nation Power Party, formed in 2023 after splitting from the Candlelight Party, announced plans to complete its organizational network nationwide by year-end to contest the 2027 commune and 2028 national elections. Vice-Chairman Sok Kimseng said structures are in place across all provinces, and international branches have launched in several countries. Senior adviser Rong Chhun urged opposition forces to unite under the NPP. Hang Punreay, Khmer Times, April 29
Cambodia, Russia agree to advance cooperation in key areas. Cambodia and Russia agreed to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors during the 11th Session of the Cambodia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Key areas identified for expanded cooperation include the economy, trade, energy, transport, finance, education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Khmer Times, April 29
Philippines
Marcos trust, performance ratings drop in April — survey. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trust rating fell five points to 60% in April, according to Octa Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey. His performance satisfaction rating also declined from 64% to 59% . In contrast, Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust rating rose nine points to 58%, with her satisfaction rating climbing to 56%. Zacarian Sarao, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 29
Philippines says China has not seized disputed South China Sea reef. The Philippines refuted claims that China seized Sandy Cay near Thitu Island, stating that a Philippine inspection team found no Chinese presence there. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV showed coast guard personnel landing on the reef but did not claim occupation. Philippine officials labeled reports of a takeover as “irresponsible.” Karen Lema, Ethan Wang, Reuters, April 28
Indonesia
Indonesia opens trade office in southern India to boost exports. Indonesia’s Trade Ministry inaugurated a new Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Chennai on April 26 to strengthen exports to southern India, particularly boosting micro, small, and medium enterprises. Trade Minister Budi Santoso said the relocation to Express Avenue Estate positions the office strategically among shopping centers, offices, and hotels. India is Indonesia’s third-largest trade surplus contributor, with non-oil and gas exports to India reaching $2.87 billion in early 2025. ANTARA News, April 28
Singapore
Singapore negotiating for U.S. concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips. Singapore is seeking concessions from the U.S. on pharmaceutical exports while ensuring continued access to high-end AI chips amid tightening export controls. Pharmaceuticals account for over 10% of Singapore’s exports to the U.S., a sector threatened by new tariffs. Gan emphasized the progress made but noted discussions are ongoing. Bing Hong Lok and Xinghui Kok, Reuters, April 28
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, Mongolia committed to expand investment cooperation. Kazakhstan and Mongolia pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, cultural, and humanitarian sectors during high-level talks. Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu highlighted Mongolia as a key Asian partner, emphasizing friendship-driven ties. Discussions focused on advancing joint projects in agriculture, logistics, energy, and education. Arailym Temirgaliyeva, Kazinform, April 28
Uzbekistan
ISRS and Saudi Gulf Research Center sign a Memorandum of Understanding. Uzbekistan’s Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies (ISRS), a government think tank advising the President on foreign and regional policy, signed a memorandum with Saudi Arabia’s Gulf Research Center during the First Central Asia–GCC Think Tank Forum in Tashkent. The agreement establishes cooperation on joint research, forums, and seminars covering foreign policy, security, sustainable development, and economic relations. Uzbekistan Daily, April 28
Uzbekistan and Rosatom deepen nuclear ties, first small plant construction set to begin. Uzbekistan and Russia’s Rosatom have finalized legal preparations to launch the construction of a small modular nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, with the first concrete scheduled to be poured within a year. Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev confirmed that design, licensing, and project detailing are underway. Kun Uz, April 28
Northeast Asia
Why Young South Koreans Are Cooling on the Bomb. A growing generational divide in South Korea reveals younger citizens are less supportive of nuclear armament compared to older generations, who view nuclear weapons as essential for national security due to memories of war and vulnerability. Younger South Koreans, shaped by prosperity, democracy, and global integration, see nuclear weapons as unnecessary and damaging to South Korea’s international reputation. Current debates are disproportionately influenced by older, conservative elites, potentially overstating national pronuclear sentiment. As political influence gradually moves toward younger generations, skepticism about nuclearization is expected to grow. However, changing global dynamics could alter these preferences over time, depending on the stability of the nonproliferation regime and actions by other democracies. James D. Kim, Center for Strategic and International Studies, April 28
EU’s War on US Big Tech is Handing China the Future. The European Union’s aggressive regulation of American tech giants, through initiatives like the Digital Markets Act and AI Act, is inadvertently empowering China’s technological ascendancy. While Brussels frames its regulatory push as a victory for competition and consumer rights, it risks crippling Western innovation at a time when China is rapidly advancing in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Chinese firms like Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance are making unprecedented investments, while EU policies drain American companies’ resources and stifle their competitiveness. Strengthening collaboration between the US and EU, rather than escalating regulatory battles, is crucial to maintaining Western technological leadership and countering Beijing’s strategic ambitions. Irakli Machaidze, China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe, April 29
Southeast Asia
Seismic opportunity for Myanmar as earthquake exposes deeper wounds. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay on March 28, 2025, causing over 3500 deaths and the collapse of around 50,000 buildings, exacerbating Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis, already intensified by ongoing conflict since the 2021 military coup. Despite urgent needs, the military regime's limited capacity and restrictive control have hampered rescue efforts, leaving grassroots volunteers to lead responses. International donors, including India, China, ASEAN countries, Australia, Japan, the US, UK, and the EU, have pledged aid. A temporary ceasefire was declared by both resistance forces and the junta, but ongoing airstrikes question the regime’s sincerity. The earthquake has created a rare opening for international and local civil society collaborations to deliver aid directly to affected populations, bypassing the corrupt military apparatus. To build sustainable humanitarian infrastructure, efforts must prioritize engagement with local organizations rather than channeling assistance through junta-controlled routes. Win Maw, East Asia Forum, April 29
How To Lam Can Unleash Vietnam’s Private Sector. Vietnam’s General Secretary, To Lam, has initiated a major policy change by declaring private enterprise the economy’s “most important force,” moving away from the historical dominance of state-owned enterprises. To foster growth, his strategy includes administrative reforms, promoting national champions, and reallocating major projects to private firms. Despite the private sector’s large contributions to GDP and employment, it faces systemic disadvantages compared to SOEs and foreign investors. With external threats like new US tariffs exposing Vietnam’s economic vulnerabilities, To Lam’s pivot aims to build a more resilient, domestically driven economy. However, entrenched interests, conservative ideological resistance, and institutional inertia pose substantial obstacles to implementing meaningful reforms. Nguyen Khac Giang, Fulcrum, April 29
With Trump’s Coercive Tariffs Paused, Will ASEAN Collective Action Work? Following steep US tariffs announced by President Trump against Southeast Asian nations, ASEAN faces an urgent opportunity to strategize collectively. Although individual countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have sought bilateral concessions, ASEAN’s 2025 chair Malaysia advocates for a coordinated regional response. The temporary 90-day tariff pause offers a narrow window for ASEAN to build solidarity, share negotiation strategies, and possibly align sectoral concessions. While ASEAN’s structural limitations and national urgencies constrain collective action, strengthening its internal coordination could increase its leverage with Washington and secure better terms for the region’s weakest economies. Lee Hwok-Aun, Fulcrum, April 28