Asia Daily: April 30, 2024
News
Heat Wave in Southeast Asia Closes Schools, Triggers Health Alerts. A severe heat wave across Southeast Asia has led to school closures and health alerts due to extreme temperatures. In the Philippines, schools were closed as temperatures are expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius, with a heat index that could hit a dangerous 45 degrees Celsius. This has also put significant pressure on the power grid, especially on Luzon Island. Thailand is experiencing similar conditions, with temperatures predicted to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, prompting warnings to limit outdoor activities. Vietnam and Malaysia have issued warnings regarding high temperatures and the associated health risks, such as dehydration and heat stroke. In Singapore, last year was one of the hottest on record, and the trend appears set to continue. Additionally, Indonesia is facing an increase in dengue fever cases due to the prolonged dry season and higher temperatures that favor mosquito breeding. The ongoing El Niño weather pattern is exacerbating these conditions, leading to heightened concerns over public health and safety in the region. Business Times, April 30
Two Major Hospitals in Seoul Set to Suspend Outpatient Clinics, Surgeries. In Seoul, two leading hospitals, Seoul National University Hospital and Severance Hospital, are preparing to suspend outpatient clinics and surgeries as senior doctors start taking weekly days off. This action is part of a broader response to a prolonged strike by junior doctors protesting the government's medical reform plans, which include increasing the number of medical students. The hospitals plan to maintain emergency and inpatient care, anticipating no major disruptions. The Health Ministry is compensating by deploying additional military doctors. Meanwhile, trainee doctors' walkout since February 20 continues to affect medical services, with some emergency rooms limiting care for critically ill patients. The government and medical community remain at odds, with little prospect for immediate resolution. Kang Yoon-seung, Yonhap News Agency, April 30
China Fires Water Cannons at Philippine Ships in South China Sea. Tensions escalated in the South China Sea as China used water cannons against Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal. The incident occurred during a Philippine humanitarian mission, which included delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen. The China Coast Guard's aggressive actions involved multiple firings of water cannons, resulting in damage to the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship, BRP Datu Bankaw. Despite these provocations, the Philippine vessels continued their mission, underscoring the ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries and sovereignty in the region. This confrontation coincides with joint military exercises between the Philippines and the U.S., highlighting the broader geopolitical tensions involving China's maritime claims. Ramon Royandoyan, Nikkei Asia, April 30
China’s Fujian Aircraft Carrier Set for Maiden Sea Trials After Authorities Tell Shipping to Stay Out of Prohibited Area. China is gearing up for the first sea trials of its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, set to commence soon in the East China Sea. Maritime traffic restrictions have been announced around the Yangtze River's mouth, where the Jiangnan shipyard constructed the carrier. This area will see "military activities" from May 1 to May 9, during which non-military ships are barred from entry. The Fujian features groundbreaking electromagnetic catapults, enhancing the frequency of aircraft launches, a capability previously seen only on the USS Gerald R Ford. The sea trials mark a significant step in China's naval development, with the Fujian being the third carrier of the fleet but the first of a new domestically designed class. This development is part of China's broader goal to expand its naval capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly concerning Taiwan. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, April 30
Chinese Scientist Who First Published COVID Sequence Stages Protest After Being Locked Out of Lab. Zhang Yongzhen, the scientist who first published the genetic sequence of COVID-19, protested outside his Shanghai lab after being evicted and locked out by authorities. This action is part of ongoing repercussions Zhang has faced since releasing the sequence in January 2020 without state approval. The Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center claimed the lab was under renovation and cited safety reasons, although Zhang contends the alternative lab provided did not meet safety standards. His actions and the government's responses highlight ongoing efforts to control information about the virus in China. The incident has sparked significant attention and sympathy on social media, underscoring the challenges faced by researchers in environments with strict information controls. Dake Kang, AP News, April 30
Mount Ruang Volcano Erupts Again, Forces Airport Closure. Mount Ruang in Indonesia erupted for the second time in two weeks, sending ash nearly two kilometers into the sky, leading to the closure of a nearby airport, and covering local villages in debris. This volcanic activity, centered on Sulawesi Island, prompted the Indonesian geological service to raise the alert level to the highest, advising residents and climbers to maintain a distance of at least six kilometers from the crater. The eruption affected Manado, a city of over 430,000 people, where visibility was so poor that motorists were forced to use headlights during the day. The eruption also disrupted power and caused minor property damage, though no casualties have been reported. Following an earlier eruption on April 17, over 11,000 people were evacuated due to fears of a potential tsunami, though many have since returned as the alert level was temporarily lowered. Authorities remain vigilant, particularly regarding the risk of a tsunami from further eruptions or a collapse of the volcanic dome. Gracey Wakari, AP News, April 30
Chinese Astronauts Return to Earth After Six Months in Space. The Shenzhou-17 spacecraft has safely returned to Earth, bringing three astronauts back from a six-month stint on China's orbiting space station. The astronauts, Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie, and Jiang Xinlin, landed at the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia. This mission follows closely after the arrival of their replacements aboard Shenzhou-18. China's independent space endeavors, including its space station, stem from being excluded from the International Space Station, mainly due to U.S. concerns over the Chinese military's involvement in the space program. China's ambitious space goals include manned lunar missions by 2030 and other significant exploratory missions to Mars and the moon. The current crew at the station will conduct scientific experiments and educational outreach during their six-month mission. China also plans to open its station to international astronauts and space tourists in the future. AP News, April 30
Long Form
The Double Standard of Japan’s Energy Companies Abroad. While Japan's largest energy companies, like Tokyo Gas, commit to carbon neutrality by 2050 in their domestic operations, their actions abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia, tell a different story. Despite plans to replace LNG with cleaner energy at home, Tokyo Gas is expanding LNG infrastructure overseas, promoting fossil fuel dependency. This paradox highlights a conflict between domestic environmental goals and global business strategies. Japan's government policies support these actions, aiming to maintain Japan’s influence in the global LNG market, potentially compromising broader decarbonization efforts across Asia. Christopher Doleman, Sam Reynolds, The Japan Times, April 29
Did Japan Intervene to Prop Up the Yen? Analysts Think It Did. Recent unusual movements in the yen’s value suggest that Japan's finance authorities might have intervened in the currency market to stabilize the yen against the U.S. dollar. After a significant drop to a 34-year low beyond ¥160, the yen recovered sharply to ¥154, indicating potential government action. Japan's top currency diplomat, Masato Kanda, has remained non-committal about whether intervention occurred, despite being prepared "24 hours" to act. Kazuaki Nagata, The Japan Times, April 30
Blinken’s China Visit: Has Rapprochement Run Its Course? During U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to China, discussions with Chinese leaders highlighted deep-seated tensions and persistent mistrust between the two nations, raising questions about the viability of true rapprochement. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including multiple high-level meetings aimed at reducing tensions, fundamental disputes continue to obstruct meaningful bilateral cooperation. Events like Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 Taipei visit and the 2023 "spy balloon incident" have further strained relations. This visit, which included talks with President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, did little to bridge the gap, suggesting that deeper geopolitical and strategic differences remain unresolved. Anushka Saxena, The Diplomat, April 30
Sino-Kyrgyz Relations: A (Very) One-sided Relationship. The relationship between China and Kyrgyzstan, heavily influenced by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), demonstrates a significant imbalance. While China's investments have aided Kyrgyzstan's integration into global trade, they have also led to concerning levels of debt and dependency. As of early 2024, Kyrgyzstan owes about $1.7 billion to China's Export and Import Bank, which is part of a larger $6.2 billion national debt. This financial obligation covers various infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing and developing Kyrgyzstan’s economy. However, the debt burden poses a continuous risk, potentially compromising Kyrgyzstan's economic autonomy and shaping its foreign policy towards Beijing. Wilder Alejandro, Marin Ekstrom, The Diplomat, April 29
Taiwan's Sunflower Protest Legacy Looms Large for Incoming President Lai. A decade after the Sunflower Movement, its impact still significantly influences Taiwan's political landscape as President-elect Lai Ching-te prepares for office. The movement, which protested a proposed trade deal with China, marked a pivotal moment for Taiwan's younger generations, intensifying the island's political autonomy and skepticism towards closer ties with China. This legacy continues to shape Taiwan's internal and external policies, notably in its trade diversifications away from China towards Southeast Asia, the U.S., and other regions. As Taiwan transitions under new leadership, the challenge remains in managing relations with China while nurturing an independent economic and political identity. Thompson Chau, Nikkei Asia, April 30
New European Trade Pact Marks a Milestone for India. The recent free trade agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association, which includes four central and northern European countries, represents a significant advancement for India's international trade relations. This agreement is important not just for the potential increase in trade but also for the strategic alignment with foreign direct investments between the parties involved. Though it may not seem groundbreaking at first glance, the pact serves as a model for future trade agreements that could benefit India by diversifying its economic ties and enhancing its global trade footprint. This move shows India's efforts to strengthen its economic position in Europe while reducing its dependency on traditional trade partners. Puneet Kumar Arora and Jaydeep Mukherjee, Nikkei Asia, April 30
Visa-free Policies Alone Will Not Revive China’s Inbound Tourism. Despite recent visa-free policies aimed at reviving China's tourism industry, which saw a dramatic drop in foreign visitors from 97.7 million in 2019 to 35.5 million in 2023, these measures alone may not be sufficient to boost inbound tourism. The Chinese government has extended 15-day visa-free access to several European countries, showing an effort to enhance economic growth through tourism. However, practical challenges persist, especially in accommodating foreign tourists within China. Issues such as the necessity of using local apps like WeChat for basic transactions and limitations on foreign credit card acceptance can deter potential visitors. Moreover, the broader geopolitical environment and China’s stringent societal regulations add layers of complexity for foreign travelers. To truly rejuvenate its tourism sector, China needs to improve overall travel convenience and adapt its infrastructure and services to be more inclusive of international visitor needs. Songshan Huang, East Asia Forum, April 30