Asia Daily: August 16, 2024
News
Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra is elected Thailand’s prime minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected as Thailand's prime minister by Parliament on Friday. She is the third member of her family to hold the position and Thailand’s youngest leader at 37. Paetongtarn’s election follows a deal that allowed her Pheu Thai party to take power while sidelining the more progressive Move Forward party. Despite her victory, she faces challenges due to her father's continued influence in Thai politics. Jintamas Saksornchai, AP News, August 16
US meets Myanmar opposition, pledges expanded support. U.S. officials held a virtual meeting with Myanmar's opposition groups, including the National Unity Government and key resistance organizations, pledging to increase direct support and maintain pressure on the military junta. The meeting, involving senior State Department and USAID officials, aimed to strengthen efforts toward a transition to civilian government. This comes as China, during a recent meeting with Myanmar’s neighbors, urged regional support for Myanmar's peace process, highlighting the international divide on addressing the crisis. David Brunnstrom, Reuters, August 16
Japan ruling party looks to elect Kishida's successor on Sept. 27. Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is planning to hold its presidential election on September 27 to select a successor to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who will not seek reelection. The election schedule would allow Kishida to attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York before stepping down. The official campaign is expected to begin on September 12, with a longer period than the previous election. The final plan will be decided by the party's presidential election committee next Tuesday. Kyodo News, August 16
4 House committees bring hearing on drugs, POGOs to Pampanga. The House of Representatives of the Philippines held a joint committee hearing in Pampanga to address concerns about illegal drugs and the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). The hearing, led by four committees, sought to examine the impact of these activities on the region, particularly focusing on the involvement of foreign nationals in drug-related crimes and the economic consequences of POGO operations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the social issues linked to these activities. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, August 16
Cambodia-China relations stable even as Beijing wary of kingdom’s possible future foreign policy direction. Relations between Cambodia and China remain stable, with both nations maintaining strong economic and political ties. However, Beijing is cautious about Cambodia's future foreign policy, especially as Cambodia undergoes leadership transitions and possibly shifts its geopolitical stance. While China continues to support Cambodia's development, there is concern about how new leadership might affect the Kingdom's alignment with Beijing’s strategic interests. The Phnom Penh Post, August 16
Indonesia’s leader highlights economic and infrastructure developments in his final state of nation. In his final State of the Nation address, Indonesian President Joko Widodo highlighted achievements over his decade-long tenure, including controlling inflation, reducing unemployment and poverty, and advancing infrastructure in remote areas. He emphasized Indonesia's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing green energy transformation. Widodo urged his successor to continue striving toward the 2045 Golden Indonesia vision as he prepares to leave office in October. Edna Tarigan, AP News, August 16
Tajikistan intends to expand production of armored vehicles and special equipment. Tajikistan’s Sipar Group is planning a significant expansion of its armored vehicle and special equipment production in Tursunzade, backed by a $15 million foreign investment. The plant, which currently assembles military and civilian vehicles using Canadian technology, aims to increase production capacity to meet rising demand. The expansion will also create over 100 new jobs and enhance Tajikistan's position in the Central Asian defense industry, with potential exports to neighboring countries. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, August 16
Philippines says US missile system poses no threat to China. The Philippines reassured China that the U.S. missile system temporarily deployed during joint military drills does not pose a threat to regional stability. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasized that the missiles are not destabilizing, addressing concerns raised by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Manalo clarified that the missile system's presence is temporary and highlighted the strengthened security ties between the Philippines and the U.S., amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, August 16
Implementation of Vietnam-Laos cooperation plan reviewed. Vietnamese and Lao officials conducted a mid-term review of the 2024 Vietnam-Laos cooperation plan in Nghệ An province. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Trần Quốc Phương highlighted that the two countries achieved their six-month targets, contributing to political stability, socio-economic development, and security. Key achievements include strong political ties, successful defense cooperation, and significant progress in investment and trade. Vietnam News, August 16
China-ties probe of Tim Walz, Democratic VP candidate, formally launched by US House panel. U.S. Republicans have initiated a formal investigation into Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz, focusing on his connections with China. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer requested FBI records related to Walz's interactions with Chinese entities, citing concerns over his "cozy relationship" with China. Walz's history includes teaching in China and frequent visits since 1989, which Republicans see as a potential political vulnerability in the 2024 race. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, August 16
New Swedish ambassador to Taiwan takes up office. Helena Reitberger has officially begun her role as Sweden’s new representative to Taiwan, succeeding Anders Wollter. Reitberger expressed excitement about returning to Taiwan, where she previously worked 20 years ago, and looks forward to strengthening collaborations in areas such as green transition, digital technology, AI, and healthcare. She highlighted the evolving relations between Sweden and Taiwan and her commitment to furthering dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. Esme Yeh, Taipei Times, August 16
Palau’s president says China is weaponizing lucrative tourism over his refusal to break Taiwan ties. Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. accused China of using tourism as a weapon in retaliation for his country's continued diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Despite pressure from Beijing, including reduced Chinese tourist numbers and cyberattacks, Whipps has maintained Palau’s stance. He emphasized the importance of Palau’s alliances with the U.S., Taiwan, and other nations, while highlighting China’s growing influence in the Pacific. Charlotte Graham-McLay, AP News, August 16
Nikkei surges 3%, back to 38,000 as U.S. economy fears ease. The Nikkei index soared by 3.64% on Friday, closing at 38,062.67, its highest since August 1, driven by easing U.S. recession fears and a weakening yen, which benefited exporters. This marks the fifth consecutive day of gains for the Nikkei, boosted by stronger-than-expected U.S. retail sales and expectations of gradual Federal Reserve rate cuts. All sectors on the Prime Market advanced, with semiconductor and exporter stocks particularly strong, as the yen’s depreciation against the dollar enhanced overseas profits. Kyodo News, August 16
Myanmar junta loses grip on major Mandalay region town: resistance. Resistance groups in Myanmar have taken control of key towns in Mandalay Region, including Myingyan and Natogyi, as part of the “Myingyan District Special Operation.” The junta has halted its administration in Myingyan, fortified the town, and carried out airstrikes and shelling in surrounding areas. Resistance forces have inflicted heavy casualties on regime troops and disrupted their operations, including seizing a pipeline supply station. The situation remains volatile as fighting continues. The Irrawaddy, August 16
Vietnamese top leader’s visit to lift ties with China to new height: scholar. Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm's upcoming visit to China is expected to strengthen relations between the two nations. According to Ling Dequan, a researcher at China’s Centre for World Affairs Studies, this visit underscores Vietnam's commitment to deepening its political and economic ties with China. The visit aims to enhance mutual political trust and expand comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, reinforcing their shared socialist modernization goals. Vietnam News, August 16
Kyrgyz farmers unite into cooperatives to maximize export potential. In Kyrgyzstan, 47 new agricultural cooperatives were established this year, bringing the total to 741. These cooperatives are seen as crucial for increasing agricultural yields and expanding export potential. Experts emphasize that the move away from small-scale production is necessary to enhance the volume and quality of exports, especially to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The formation of cooperatives is particularly strong in the southern regions, focusing on crops like white rice and bell peppers. Anton Chipegin, The Times of Central Asia, August 16
India to hold first assembly elections in disputed Kashmir in 10 years. India announced that it will hold three-phased assembly elections in Kashmir for the first time in a decade, beginning on September 18 and concluding on October 1. The elections follow the 2019 revocation of the region's semi-autonomy and its reclassification as a federally controlled territory. The new local assembly, however, will have limited powers, with key legislative authority retained by India's parliament. Public response to the election announcement has been mixed. Aijaz Hussain, AP News, August 16