Asia Daily: April 5, 2024
News
Young Taiwanese urged to ‘remember the roots of the Chinese nation’ by island’s former leader Ma Ying-jeou. Former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou has called on Taiwan's youth to acknowledge their Chinese heritage during a ceremony in Shaanxi, China, emphasizing the significance of the Yellow Emperor in Chinese culture. This gesture comes amidst increased cross-strait tensions, with Ma describing his visit as a "journey of peace." His trip includes engagements meant to foster understanding and remember shared history, even as political and territorial disagreements persist. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, April 4
PH to hold joint naval drills with US, Japan, Australia. The Philippines is set to conduct joint naval exercises with the United States, Japan, and Australia in the South China Sea, aiming to strengthen military ties amid concerns over China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The drills are planned just before a pivotal trilateral summit involving US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the Philippines and Japan, highlighting the strategic significance of these maneuvers in a contested maritime area. The Manila Times, April 5
S. Korean FM discusses Ukraine support, N.K.-Russia cooperation at NATO meeting. South Korea's Foreign Minister, Cho Tae-yul, discussed South Korea's ongoing support for Ukraine and the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia at a NATO meeting. He outlined a US$2.3 billion aid package for Ukraine and a $12 million contribution to a NATO trust fund for Ukrainian soldier rehabilitation. Cho highlighted the security threat posed by North Korea's weapons support to Russia and criticized Russia's U.N. veto on extending North Korea sanctions monitoring. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, April 5
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan enhance strategic partnership. Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met in Khiva to discuss strengthening their strategic partnership. They focused on increasing mutual trade, energy, transport, water management, and IT cooperation. Last year's bilateral trade turnover reached $4.4 billion, with 60 collaborative projects worth over $2.5 billion underway. This meeting underscores the commitment to sustainable development and regional connectivity between the two nations. The Times of Central Asia, April 5
‘Crucial’ for US, China to work together, Treasury chief Yellen tells Vice-Premier He Lifeng. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng emphasized the importance of cooperation between the US and China during talks in Guangzhou, focusing on global challenges and bilateral economic relations. Yellen highlighted the need for communication on issues like climate change and debt distress, while also addressing concerns such as overcapacity and national security-related economic actions. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, April 5
Myanmar’s economy declines despite junta claims of progress. Despite the Myanmar junta leader's claims of economic growth, the nation faces a significant economic downturn, with the kyat's value hitting a record low. This decline reflects broader economic challenges, contradicting the junta's optimistic statements. The situation has worsened since the military takeover. Aung Kham, Myanmar Now, April 5
More than a dozen Pakistani judges receive letters with ‘toxic’ powder. More than a dozen senior judges in Pakistan received letters containing a suspicious white powder, prompting an investigation. The letters, sent to judges across various courts, criticized Pakistan's justice system and mentioned bacillus anthracis, which can cause anthrax. A group called Tehreek-e-Namoos Pakistan claimed responsibility. This incident occurs amid claims of intimidation by Pakistan's intelligence agency towards the judiciary. The contents of the letters are under forensic analysis to determine their nature. Abid Hussain, Al Jazeera, April 4
China, Thailand sign pacts on outer space, lunar outposts. China and Thailand have entered into agreements to collaborate on the peaceful use of outer space and the development of international lunar research stations. These pacts include forming a joint working group focused on space exploration, sharing data, and training personnel. They aim to cooperate on evaluating, engineering, and managing lunar research stations, which ties into China's ambitious plans to facilitate long-term human habitation on the moon by exploring resources at the moon's south pole. Chen Aizhu, Reuters, April 5
LDP to punish 39 members over funds scandal, urge 2 to leave party. Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is set to discipline 39 members involved in a political funds scandal, specifically urging two prominent figures to resign. This move highlights the party's effort to address issues related to unreported fundraising revenues, marking a significant attempt to uphold integrity within its ranks. Kyodo News, April 4
Labor Ministry Calls for Lao Nationals to Apply for Jobs in Laos. Facing a severe labor shortage, Laos urges nationals, including those abroad, to explore job opportunities within the country. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare emphasizes the need to address the gap between minimum wages and living costs, and to collect accurate employment data to tackle unemployment effectively. Despite efforts to increase minimum wages and collaborations with organizations, Laos continues to confront challenges in retaining its workforce domestically. Namfon Chanthavong, The Laotian Times, April 4
Foreign ministers affirm leading importance of Việt Nam-China relations. Vietnamese and Chinese foreign ministers, during discussions in Guangxi province, underscored the significance of their nations' relations, emphasizing mutual support for sustainable development. They agreed on maintaining high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation across various sectors, including technology and trade, while also addressing regional security challenges. Vietnam News, April 4
FSM's hedging strategy aims at keeping peace in Pacific region. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) implements a diplomatic hedging strategy amidst superpower tensions, balancing relationships with both the United States and China. By renewing the Compact of Free Association, FSM enhances its partnership with the U.S., which includes exclusive defense rights, while also maintaining economic and technical cooperation with China. This strategy not only aims to keep peace in the Pacific but also secures significant economic assistance for the FSM through 2043. PINA, April 5
South Korea plans 3-way summit with Japan, China in May. South Korea is organizing a trilateral summit with Japan and China for May, resuming discussions paused since 2019 due to tensions and the pandemic. The summit aims to address economic cooperation and regional issues, including North Korea's nuclear threats. This meeting in Washington marks continued efforts to enhance dialogue among these key Asian nations. Kyodo News, April 4
Move Forward takes govt to task in debate. Thailand’s main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) criticized the government over the unclear funding of the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout scheme, which has seen multiple changes. The debate highlighted concerns about the scheme's financing sources, its postponed rollouts, and the government's lack of preparedness, raising questions about the sustainability of the government's cost of living alleviation measures. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, April 4
Four ministers reach MK to testify on general election dispute case. In Jakarta, four ministers from the Indonesia Onward Cabinet arrived at the Constitutional Court to testify in the General Election Results Dispute case. The summoned ministers include Muhadjir Effendy (Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture), Airlangga Hartarto (Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs), Sri Mulyani Indrawati (Minister of Finance), and Tri Rismaharini (Minister of Social Affairs). Their testimonies are part of the court's proceedings to examine the dispute further. ANTARA News, April 5
Kyrgyzstan: China solidifying economic hold on Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan is increasingly leaning towards China for trade and investment, diversifying from its traditional political alignment with Russia. This shift, highlighted by significant Chinese foreign direct investment and becoming Kyrgyzstan's top trading partner, suggests a complex geostrategic balancing act by Bishkek amidst the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. The move includes significant Chinese interests in Kyrgyz manufacturing and mining sectors, reflecting a strategic pivot that may have broader implications for the region's economic and political landscape. Eurasianet, April 5
Long Form
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping’s Unstable Rapprochement. The recent communications between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including a recent phone call, suggest an effort toward stabilizing U.S.-China relations. However, this apparent stability masks a deeper, growing precariousness within the bilateral relationship, characterized by an accumulation of longstanding tensions and emerging challenges. Despite a shared recognition of the need for diplomatic communication amidst competition, the deepening array of disputes signals a relationship that is becoming more, not less, unstable. This scenario raises questions about the future trajectory of U.S.-China interactions and the potential for diplomacy to navigate through an expanding minefield of disagreements. By Nathaniel Sher in The Diplomat, April 5
What’s Missing From Japan’s Defense Buildup? Japan's strategic shift towards enhancing its defense capabilities, with a focus on acquiring long-range strike assets, shows a critical need for a comprehensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) architecture. This development is a response to the growing conventional and amphibious assault forces of regional actors, notably China. The emphasis on long-range munitions and launchers aims not just at deterring potential attacks but also ensuring Japan's ability to swiftly neutralize threats if deterrence fails. However, the effectiveness of these long-range assets hinges on the robustness of Japan's ISR systems, which are crucial for accurately identifying and engaging targets over vast distances. This gap highlights the broader challenges Japan faces in ensuring its defense forces are equipped not only with advanced weaponry but also with the essential support systems that underpin operational effectiveness. By Joseph Ross in The Diplomat, April 4
Japan's auto industry opens door to foreign car mechanics. Japan's auto industry is adapting to its labor shortage by welcoming young people from across Asia, from Vietnam to Nepal, into technical colleges for auto mechanics. Operated by major automakers and independent organizations alike, these schools are responding to a post-COVID surge in enrollment, aiming to meet domestic demand for mechanics skilled in repairing high-tech and battery-operated vehicles. This shift raises questions about the future of Japan's manufacturing culture and its global dominance in the auto sector, as the interest among Japanese youth in this field wanes. The number of foreign workers in Japan, many in manufacturing, has reached 2 million, with Vietnamese making up the largest portion. The government has been encouraging this trend since 2019, offering residency for "specified skilled workers" in auto repair. Technical colleges have seen a special demand from international students, reflecting a broader need to address the labor shortage while preserving Japan's position in the global auto industry. By Sayumi Take in Nikkei Asia, April 5
Putin's embrace of Kim Jong Un has its limits. Despite the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea, exemplified by Putin's planned visit to Pyongyang and mutual exchanges suggesting a deepening partnership, there are inherent limitations to this relationship. Russia's cautious approach, even as it seeks North Korea's munitions for the conflict in Ukraine and offers food and energy support in return, reflects a complex balancing act. This partnership, aiming to counterbalance Western influence, is constrained by economic realities and international sanctions. Both nations, heavily sanctioned and seeking to challenge the Western-led order, find themselves navigating a delicate path of cooperation that serves their interests without crossing critical thresholds that could exacerbate tensions with global powers, particularly China. This relationship, while deepening, remains strategically calculated, with each side mindful of the broader geopolitical landscape and its potential repercussions. By Derek Grossman in Nikkei Asia, April 4
Understanding China’s changing climate change rhetoric. China, under President Xi Jinping, has shifted its climate change rhetoric from emphasizing climate equity to positioning itself as a global climate leader. Despite its ambition and the projection of a proactive stance in international forums, there remains a gap between China's rhetoric and its actions, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and phasing out fossil fuels. This inconsistency reflects the country's struggle to balance its environmental commitments with energy security concerns, highlighted by recent energy shortages and the continued reliance on coal and oil. Xi's climate commitments, including peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, have elevated international expectations but also spotlighted the challenges in fulfilling these pledges. Domestically, this rhetoric serves as propaganda, reinforcing the Communist Party's legitimacy by promoting an image of responsible action on climate change. The evolving narrative resonates with national pride, positioning China as a significant player in global governance, yet the effectiveness of this identity construction is under scrutiny, both internationally and within China. By Gu Bin Joyce in East Asia Forum, April 5
China–Australia relations on cloud wine. Recent developments signal a tentative improvement in China-Australia relations, marked by China's top diplomat Wang Yi's visit to Australia and discussions on removing punitive tariffs on Australian wine. This warming of ties comes after years of tension and trade restrictions. High-level meetings, including with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, focused on economic and business ties, suggesting both nations are exploring a cautious rapprochement. Despite a more positive atmosphere and mutual economic interests, significant challenges persist, reflecting deep-seated strategic mistrust. Australia's stance remains one of cautious engagement, seeking a stable but realistic relationship that acknowledges enduring differences. The outcome of these interactions and the long-term trajectory of China-Australia relations remain to be seen, as geopolitical dynamics and domestic policies continue to evolve. By Elena Collinson in East Asia Forum, April 5