Asia Daily: August 12, 2024
News
Taiwan to mount missile drills off east coast as PLA flexes more military muscle nearby. Taiwan's air force will conduct a series of missile drills off its east coast from August 27-29, followed by additional exercises in early September, to test its defensive capabilities. These drills, involving Taiwan's main combat aircraft, come as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of mainland China increases its military presence near the island. The Taiwanese navy will also conduct sea-launched missile drills in multiple restricted zones from August 20-30. The drills will feature advanced weaponry, including the AIM-120 and Tien Chien-2 missiles. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, August 12
Hong Kong’s top court upholds convictions of 7 prominent pro-democracy activists over 2019 protest. Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal upheld the convictions of seven key pro-democracy figures, including Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee, for participating in a major anti-government protest in 2019. The activists, originally convicted in 2021 for organizing and participating in an unauthorized assembly, had their convictions for organizing quashed on appeal last year but continued to challenge the remaining charges. The court unanimously rejected their appeal, ruling that the British human rights cases cited by the defense were not applicable in Hong Kong. Kanis Leung, AP News, August 12
N. Korean leader rejects international aid for flood damage. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has refused international aid for victims of recent floods, opting instead to bring affected individuals to Pyongyang for state care. During a two-day visit to Uiju County in North Pyongan Province, Kim announced an "emergency system" to relocate vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, to the capital for the next two to three months while their homes are repaired. Despite offers of humanitarian support from countries and organizations, Kim emphasized self-reliance and dismissed South Korean media reports on flood damage as false propaganda. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, August 10
Vietnam's newly appointed party chief set to visit China next week. Vietnam's General Secretary of the Communist Party, To Lam, will make his first foreign trip since his appointment earlier in August by visiting China next week, according to three officials familiar with the matter. The visit, scheduled for August 18-20, will include meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials, underscoring the strong ties between the two communist nations. Lam, who also serves as state president, has previously visited Laos and Cambodia and recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reuters, August 12
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to test facilities prior to launch of CASA-1000. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are set to begin testing transmission facilities in preparation for the launch of the CASA-1000 project. The project aims to export surplus hydroelectric power from Central Asia to South Asia, specifically to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Testing will include high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations and related infrastructure. The CASA-1000 project is a significant regional initiative that seeks to enhance energy cooperation and integration between Central and South Asia. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, August 12
Bangladesh’s chief justice resigns under pressure as Yunus-led interim government starts working. Bangladesh's Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan resigned on Saturday after new protests by students and demonstrators, as Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus began leading an interim government. The resignation came after the chief justice attempted to convene a meeting of top judges to discuss the judiciary's role under the new government, sparking demands for his and other judges' resignations. Five other Supreme Court judges also resigned. Julhas Alam, AP News, August 11
PH, US air forces hold 'Iron Blade' exercise. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the United States Pacific Air Forces conducted a joint exercise named "Iron Blade" over the weekend in Pampanga and Cebu. The exercise involved fighter and airlift assets and was aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability of both air forces. Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF public affairs office chief, highlighted the exercise as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the U.S. Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times, August 12
U.S. envoy to Japan "not decided" on when to leave post: embassy. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has not made a decision on his departure date, according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. This follows a media report suggesting he might leave his post in November. The embassy emphasized that Emanuel, who arrived in Japan in January 2022, intends to serve his full three-year term. Sources indicated that Emanuel, known for his firm stance on China, might be considering a new role if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election, potentially as her national security adviser. Kyodo News, August 12
Defence Minister starts working trip to Russia. Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang began his official visit to Russia on August 11, focusing on strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries. The visit includes meetings with Russian officials to discuss military ties and regional security issues, along with exploring opportunities for future collaboration. The trip is part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations between Vietnam and Russia, particularly in the defense sector. Vietnam News, August 12
Move Forward Party’s reincarnation challenge dismissed. Thailand's Election Commission (EC) rejected a challenge regarding the legitimacy of the newly formed People's Party, which is viewed as the successor to the dissolved Move Forward Party. The EC secretary-general stated that the People's Party had met the legal requirement of establishing branches in all regions of the country, countering allegations from the conservative Thai Pakdee Party that questioned its legitimacy. Bangkok Post, August 12
Central Asian countries and Japan hold business forum. Senior officials and business leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Japan convened in a business forum to enhance economic cooperation. The discussions focused on partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and digital technology, emphasizing the importance of investment and trade relations. Japan reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with Central Asia, with both sides exploring opportunities for future collaboration to drive mutual growth and development. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, August 12
Palace condemns China air harassment. The Philippine government condemned China's military for harassing a Philippine Air Force plane near Bajo de Masinloc Shoal. According to Malacañang, Chinese fighter jets performed aggressive maneuvers, coming dangerously close to the Philippine aircraft, in a move deemed "unjustified and illegal." The palace warned that these actions violated international law and threatened the safety of military personnel and the region's stability. Kristina Maralit, Francisco Tuyay and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, August 12
Myanmar junta troops cornered in two northern Shan townships. Myanmar junta troops have been surrounded by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and allies in Nawnghkio and Hsipaw townships in northern Shan State. Heavy clashes continue, with the TNLA reporting the capture of key positions, including a prison where 109 inmates were released. The offensive, part of Operation 1027, has seen the TNLA and its allies seize significant territory since late June after a China-brokered ceasefire collapsed. Hein Htoo Zan, The Irrawaddy, August 12
Japan to open U.S.-inspired defense tech research center in October. Japan's Defense Ministry will open a research institute in Tokyo this October to develop advanced defense technologies, modeled after the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Defense Innovation Technology Institute will launch with around 100 personnel at Ebisu Garden Place, half from outside the ministry, including companies and universities. The institute aims to produce "breakthrough research" in areas such as AI, robotics, and submarine detection, with a focus on deploying new equipment within three years. The initiative is part of Japan's broader National Defense Strategy, which supports the country's largest defense buildup since World War II. Kyodo News, August 12
Yoon names new defense minister, national security adviser. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appointed Kim Yong-hyun, the Presidential Security Service chief, as the new defense minister. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik was named the new national security adviser. Additionally, National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin will assume the newly created role of special adviser for foreign affairs and security. Kim, a former three-star Army general, has been PSS chief since Yoon's inauguration in May 2022. His nomination as defense minister is subject to a parliamentary confirmation hearing, though the president can proceed with the appointment regardless of the hearing's outcome. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, August 12
South Korea, US to stage annual drills over North's missile, cyber threats. South Korea and the United States will conduct their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises from August 19 to 29 to enhance their defense capabilities against North Korea's missile and cyber threats. The drills will address "realistic threats" across various domains, including GPS jamming and cyberattacks, while also supporting government-led civil defense exercises simulating a nuclear attack. About 19,000 South Korean troops will participate, along with U.S. forces and members of the United Nations Command. Hyonhee Shin, Reuters, August 12
S. Korea, Colombia discuss bilateral ties, cooperation in high-level policy talks. Senior diplomats from South Korea and Colombia met on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in areas such as economy and development aid. The high-level policy dialogue, the first in-person talks since 2020, was led by South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Colombia’s Vice Foreign Minister Jorge Rojas Rodriguez. The discussions focused on enhancing the partnership between the two nations, building on their historical ties from the Korean War. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, August 12
Chinese officials head to Indonesia for ‘2+2’ military and diplomacy talks. Senior Chinese diplomats and military officials are set to hold their first "2+2" talks with Indonesian counterparts this week, aiming to strengthen ties with the Southeast Asian nation. The discussions will cover China-Indonesia relations and key regional and international issues. Leading the Chinese delegation are Foreign Vice-Minister Sun Weidong and Zhang Baoqun, a senior military official. These talks, initiated last year after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, are intended to build strategic mutual trust. Dannie Peng, South China Morning Post, August 12
Taiwan, US to discuss arms production. Taiwan and the U.S. plan to discuss the potential for producing U.S. arms in Taiwan during the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in September. The discussions may involve Taiwanese companies manufacturing or repairing U.S. military equipment, but this would require U.S. authorization to handle intellectual property rights. This move is part of broader efforts to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities as tensions in the region rise, particularly concerning China's military activities. Wu Che-yu and William Hetherington, Taipei Times, August 12
Iswaran's trial to begin on Sep 10. The corruption trial of former Singapore minister S. Iswaran is scheduled for September 10, with Davinder Singh serving as his lawyer. Iswaran, arrested in July, is accused of accepting favors from businessman Ong Beng Seng. The trial, set in the High Court, has been expedited by the Attorney-General’s Chambers due to significant public interest. This marks one of the highest-profile corruption cases in Singapore's recent history, with Iswaran facing serious charges related to his role in public office. Lydia Lam, Channel News Asia, August 12
Long Form
Southeast Asia and three invisible preconditions in the new era of industrial policies. Southeast Asia's industrial policy success depends on three key preconditions: political stability, robust economic institutions, and the development of human capital. Political stability is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring long-term policy implementation. Strong economic institutions provide the framework for effective governance and resource allocation. Meanwhile, human capital development is essential for fostering innovation and sustaining growth. Addressing these factors is critical for the region's ability to compete globally and achieve sustainable economic progress. Marco Kamiya, Carlos López-Gómez and Mateus Labrunie, Fulcrum, August 12
Chinese survey reveals stark divides in elderly labor force. A study by Huazhong University of Science and Technology reveals significant gender and urban-rural divides in China's elderly labor force. Men and rural residents are more likely to work while suffering from chronic health issues, with rural workers often continuing until age 70 due to lower pensions. The findings suggest the need for reforms addressing these disparities, especially as China considers raising the retirement age to alleviate pension fund pressures. He Qitong, Sixth Tone, August 12
View from Manila: Tensions again, this time over Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines has formally protested China's recent actions near Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese vessels performed aggressive and dangerous maneuvers close to a Philippine Coast Guard ship. The Department of Foreign Affairs condemned these actions as violations of international law and expressed concerns over the potential escalation of tensions in the disputed South China Sea. The incident has raised alarms in Manila, which views these actions as a direct threat to its territorial sovereignty and regional stability. Bea Cupin, Rappler, August 12
Assessing North Korea-Russia relations. The relationship between North Korea and Russia has evolved significantly, driven by both nations’ isolation and shared geopolitical interests. Historically allies during the Cold War, their ties have deepened recently through military cooperation, including the exchange of technology and potential arms deals, as well as economic support such as North Korean labor in Russia. This partnership, largely transactional, has grown stronger as both countries face increasing sanctions and international pressure. The strengthening of these ties raises concerns about regional stability and the implications for global security. Mercy A. Kuo, The Diplomat, August 12
Democratic deficits: Is there hope for free speech in ASEAN? Southeast Asia continues to face significant challenges regarding free speech, with authoritarian governments and restrictive laws suppressing democratic voices. Despite the region's economic growth, many ASEAN countries struggle with protecting civil liberties. There is some potential for progress through the efforts of civil society, international advocacy, and legal reforms. However, deeply entrenched political power structures and ongoing government crackdowns make the path forward uncertain. Amelie De Leon, CSIS, August 12
ASEAN centrality: use it or lose it. ASEAN’s centrality in regional affairs is increasingly under threat due to intensifying U.S.-China rivalry and internal divisions. The bloc’s influence is diminishing as member states pursue their own bilateral interests with global powers, undermining collective unity. This fragmentation risks marginalizing ASEAN in broader regional dialogues, particularly as external powers bypass the organization in favor of more flexible, issue-specific coalitions. ASEAN must adapt and assert its centrality more proactively to remain relevant in the evolving geopolitical landscape. East Asia Forum, August 12
Family ties: how Kim Jong Un is going his own way. Kim Jong Un is significantly diverging from the paths of his father and grandfather by abandoning long-held goals like Korean unification. He is focusing on asserting his own legacy through policies such as enhancing economic self-sufficiency, modernizing North Korea’s military, and strengthening ties with powerful nations like Russia. These moves mark a clear break from the approaches of his predecessors and reflect Kim's intent to redefine North Korea’s position and his leadership. Khang Vu, The Interpreter, August 12