Asia Daily: August 23, 2024
News
China donates military equipment to Benin in latest bid to build ties in Africa. China has donated howitzers and related equipment to Benin's Armed Forces to help combat terrorism, especially in the north near Burkina Faso and Niger. The donation, received by Brigadier General Fructueux Gbaguidi, underscores deepening military cooperation between China and African nations. Analysts suggest Beijing uses such donations to foster economic and political relations. China has also provided military aid to other African countries in a bid to reinforce its strategic influence on the continent. Jevans Nyabiage, South China Morning Post, August 23
S. Korea, U.S., Japan plan meeting on N. Korean human rights in Washington, D.C., in October. South Korea, the U.S., and Japan will hold a meeting in Washington, D.C., in October to discuss North Korean human rights issues. The meeting, hosted by the U.S. State Department, follows the trilateral summit at Camp David in August. South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho is expected to attend, and the discussions will include accountability for North Korea's human rights abuses. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, August 23
BOJ chief says financial markets remain "unstable," watching closely. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda stated on August 25 that financial markets remain "unstable" following the BOJ's interest rate hike in July, prompting cautious monitoring. Ueda emphasized that any further rate adjustments will depend on the impact of the previous hike and the economy's performance. The yen strengthened slightly in response to his comments. Ueda also noted that recent stock market volatility was driven by fears of a U.S. recession, and Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki warned of potential deflation risks. Kyodo News, August 23
Myanmar junta-backed Pa-O group forcibly recruits fighters to defend Naypyitaw. The Pa-O National Organization (PNO), a junta-backed ethnic armed group, has forcibly recruited 10,000 militia members from Naungtaya town in Pinlaung Township, southern Shan State. These fighters, trained by the Pa-O National Army, are tasked with defending Pinlaung, a strategic area 137 km from Naypyitaw. Locals, aged 18 to 50, face military training and taxation under PNO control, with many compelled to serve or pay fines if unable to participate. Saw Lwin, The Irrawaddy, August 23
Kazakhstan to Lukashenko: Mind your own business. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry rebuked Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko after he criticized Kazakhstan's stance on Russia. In a statement, Kazakhstan asserted that its foreign policy is a sovereign matter and urged Lukashenko to refrain from interfering. Lukashenko's remarks had suggested that Kazakhstan was not adequately supporting Russia, prompting this sharp response. The exchange has strained relations between the two countries, both members of the Eurasian Economic Union. Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet, August 23
Viet Nam attends meetings in preparation for 44th, 45th ASEAN summits. Deputy Foreign Minister Đỗ Hùng Việt led Vietnam's delegation at ASEAN-related meetings in Luang Prabang, Laos, on August 21-22. The meetings, including the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) and East Asia Summit Preparatory Meeting, focused on finalizing preparations for the upcoming 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits scheduled for October in Vientiane. Việt reaffirmed Vietnam's support for Laos in hosting these summits and emphasized cooperation in regional connectivity, resilience, and Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN. Vietnam News, August 23
US national security adviser to meet Wang Yi in China in first for Biden administration. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit Beijing next week to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, marking the first such visit during President Joe Biden’s administration. The visit, from Tuesday to Thursday, will address key issues including counternarcotics cooperation, military communication, AI safety, and concerns about China's support for Russia. The meeting may also set the stage for a potential summit between Biden and Xi Jinping later this year. Holly Chik, South China Morning Post, August 23
N. Korea slams U.S. approval of sale of Apache attack helicopters to S. Korea. North Korea criticized the U.S. on August 25 for approving the sale of 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to South Korea for $3.5 billion, calling it a "reckless provocative act" that escalates regional instability. The criticism comes amid joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, which North Korea views as preparation for invasion. Pyongyang warned it will strengthen its military deterrence in response. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, August 23
Cambodian Embassy in South Korea to resume passport services. The Cambodian Embassy in South Korea announced the resumption of passport issuance services for Cambodian citizens after an earlier notice about its permanent closure on August 26. This decision follows requests from the Cambodian community and is part of a program initiated by Prime Minister Hun Manet. The third phase of passport applications will run from September 4 to November 2. The embassy aims to meet the high demand, having processed 4,365 applications since January. Hong Raksmey, The Phnom Penh Post, August 23
A 'balancing act' to respect the past but not allow it to constrain Singapore's future: PM Wong. On his 100th day in office, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the importance of respecting Singapore's foundational values, such as multiculturalism and self-reliance, while adapting to future challenges. He introduced measures like the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme to aid unemployed workers. Wong also addressed concerns about the rising cost of living, particularly for families with young children, and the need for sustainable fiscal policies to support new social initiatives. Vanessa Lim and Fabian Koh, Channel News Asia, August 23
China’s military focuses on beating ‘strong enemies’ in Deng Xiaoping commemorations. During events marking Deng Xiaoping’s 120th anniversary, China's military pledged to prepare for potential conflicts with "strong enemies." President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to enhance the military's strategic abilities to defend China's interests. The commemorations highlighted the evolution of China's military strategy since Deng's reforms in the 1980s, which prioritized economic growth over military spending. Today, China focuses on strengthening both its military and economy amidst growing global tensions, particularly with the United States. Amber Wang, South China Morning Post, August 23
People's Party under fire over Aug 9 appointments. Thailand’s People's Party (PP), the successor to the disbanded Move Forward Party, is facing scrutiny after political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate whether the appointments of party executives on August 9 violated party regulations. The controversy centers on whether the meeting, held shortly after the party’s reformation, was properly announced as required by party rules. If found unlawful, the appointments could be invalidated. Bangkok Post, August 23
India’s Modi meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyiv on August 23 for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking the first visit by an Indian leader since Ukraine's independence. They discussed economic ties, defense cooperation, and the ongoing war with Russia. Modi emphasized India's commitment to peace and humanitarian support while maintaining neutrality. Zelenskyy criticized Modi's recent visit to Moscow but acknowledged India's potential influence over Russia. Al Jazeera, August 23
Indonesia-China relations mutually beneficial: FM. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between Indonesia and China during the 5th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in Beijing on August 23. Marsudi noted that China's investment in Indonesia has exceeded $37 billion over the past decade. She assured that the incoming Indonesian government under President-elect Prabowo Subianto would continue strengthening ties with China. The meeting also discussed priority areas for future cooperation, including tackling trade barriers and expanding collaboration in various sectors. Antara News, August 23
UN rights chief raises alarm about Myanmar’s Rohingya civilians trapped by fighting. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State, where hundreds of Rohingya civilians have been killed while fleeing fighting between the military and the Arakan Army. Türk's office documented serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and forced recruitment. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have similarly condemned the violence, warning of a return to 2017's atrocities. Grant Peck, AP News, August 23
Kiribati’s pro-China government bars foreign officials from visiting until 2025, citing elections. Kiribati's government has suspended all diplomatic visits until next year due to an ongoing election process that could last several months. The decision, announced by Kiribati’s foreign ministry, comes amid increasing tension with Western nations, particularly Australia, over the island's growing ties with China. The pause in visits may also reflect a desire to avoid foreign scrutiny during government formation. Kiribati switched recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019, leading to increased Chinese aid. Charlotte Graham-McLay and Yuri Kageyama, AP News, August 22
Protesters rally again in Indonesia as tempers flare over political manoeuvres. Thousands protested across Indonesia on August 23, demanding the election commission issue rules for regional elections amidst backlash against parliamentary allies of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for attempting to amend candidate eligibility. The protests, spurred by concerns of nepotism favoring Jokowi's son, erupted after lawmakers postponed the controversial changes. Demonstrations spread to multiple cities, with participants accusing the government of trying to consolidate power as Jokowi prepares to hand over leadership to Prabowo Subianto. Ananda Teresia and Johan Purnomo, Reuters, August 23
Analysis & Opinion
Key Questions for Reform of the New Colombo Plan. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced reforms to the New Colombo Plan (NCP), emphasizing the need for Australian students to gain deeper engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. The plan has increased student mobility to the region, but challenges remain, particularly in language and cultural adaptation. The reforms aim to improve language capabilities and broaden participation. Critical questions include how to attract students to language programs and sustain interest throughout their NCP journey. Ly Tran, Lowy Institute, August 23
Chinese Youth Unemployment and ‘First Degree Discrimination’. China's youth face rising unemployment and intense competition for jobs, with bias favoring graduates from prestigious universities despite government efforts to curb such discrimination. The Chinese Communist Party promotes vocational education and entrepreneurship as alternatives, but underlying economic and social insecurities remain unaddressed. The focus on "thought reform" over substantial welfare measures exacerbates the struggle, highlighting the deep flaws in China's education and labor markets. Edward Vickers, East Asia Forum, August 23
Mongolia’s Coalition Dominance May Undermine Democracy. Mongolia's 2024 parliamentary elections, which followed major reforms, led to a coalition government dominated by the Mongolian People's Party. Despite an increase in political pluralism with five parties represented in parliament, the overwhelming majority held by the coalition raises concerns about weakening democratic checks and balances. The lack of a strong opposition could jeopardize the effectiveness of Mongolia's democracy, despite progress in political inclusivity. Orgil Dugersuren, East Asia Forum, August 23
Urea Crisis Sparks South Korean Supply Chain Revamp. Following urea shortages in 2021 and 2023 due to China's export restrictions, South Korea is revamping its supply chains to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. New legislation has established a Supply Chain Stabilization Committee and a significant fund to support diversification and domestic production of critical industrial inputs. Despite high costs, these measures aim to enhance resilience through both national efforts and international cooperation, particularly within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Yukyung Yeo, East Asia Forum, August 23
Nowhere to Go: Myanmar’s Exiled Journalists in Thailand. Thousands of Myanmar journalists fled to Thailand after the 2021 military coup, facing life in legal limbo. Despite escaping direct threats, they encounter financial exploitation, lack of access to essential services, and constant fear of arrest or deportation. Many remain committed to documenting Myanmar's struggles, despite the harsh conditions and limited options for resettlement or asylum. Hailun Li, The Diplomat, August 23
Charged Diplomacy: How Australia Can Navigate the Geopolitical EV Tightrope Between China and the West. As China dominates the global electric vehicle (EV) industry, Australia faces a complex diplomatic challenge in balancing its economic ties with China and aligning with Western allies. This situation demands a nuanced approach, focusing on national security, economic opportunities, and the green transition, while managing geopolitical pressures and maintaining diplomatic relations with both China and the West. Marina Yue Zhang, The Diplomat, August 23
Japan Should Go Big or Go Home on Startups. Japan is at a critical juncture to rejuvenate its economy through tech innovation and entrepreneurship. With a tight labor market encouraging risk-taking and geopolitical factors drawing investment, conditions are favorable for significant change. However, for Japan to truly succeed, policymakers must be bolder, and companies more ambitious, in crafting a unique path to global impact rather than mimicking other nations' strategies. Catherine Thorbecke, The Japan Times, August 23
Russian President Putin’s Visit to Hanoi: Vietnam’s Bamboo Diplomacy in Action. Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to Hanoi exemplifies Vietnam's "bamboo diplomacy," which aims to balance relationships with major powers. Vietnam seeks to maintain strong ties with Russia while managing its complex relationship with China and the West. This diplomatic strategy shows Vietnam's efforts to navigate global geopolitical tensions while safeguarding its national interests. Phuong Pham, Fulcrum, August 23.
Appetite for Expansion: Mainland Chinese F&B Chains in Singapore. Mainland Chinese food and beverage (F&B) chains are rapidly expanding in Singapore, catering to the growing Chinese expatriate community and appealing to local tastes. These businesses leverage their strong brand presence from China, offering authentic flavors and experiences that resonate with both Chinese nationals and Singaporeans. This trend reflects broader economic ties between China and Singapore, with the F&B industry as a significant growth area. Shawn Ho, Fulcrum, August 23