Asia Daily: August 8, 2024
News
Thailand's disbanded Move Forward rallies support for new party. The recently dissolved Move Forward Party is mobilizing supporters ahead of launching a new party name and leadership, urging them to express their support at the ballot box. The Constitutional Court dissolved Move Forward for its campaign to amend the royal insult law. All 143 of its parliamentarians will join the new party, the third iteration of the progressive Future Forward. Move Forward's policies had clashed with Thailand's conservative establishment and military. Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, August 8
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus takes the helm in Bangladesh, to seek peace and prepare elections. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid violent protests. Yunus’s main tasks are to restore peace and prepare for new elections. The interim cabinet, comprising members from civil society and student leaders, aims to stabilize the nation. The protests, initially over a job quota system, escalated into a broader challenge to Hasina’s rule, leading to significant casualties and police strikes. Julhas Alam, AP News, August 8
Chinese special envoy in Myanmar for junta talks. Chinese special envoy Deng Xijun arrived in Naypyitaw to meet junta leaders following recent conflicts in Myanmar. Beijing is urging the junta to hold dialogue with ethnic leaders and detained State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. Deng's visit comes amid renewed fighting in Shan State, where the Brotherhood Alliance and resistance groups have seized significant territories. The alliance has called on China to pressure the junta to stop bombing civilian areas. The Irrawaddy, August 8
US bans imports from five more Chinese companies over Uyghur forced labor. The United States has banned imports from five additional Chinese companies, citing human rights abuses involving Uyghurs. The companies include Rare Earth Magnesium Technology Group Holdings and Century Sunshine Group Holdings, which manufacture magnesium products, and Zijin Mining Group Co subsidiary Xinjiang Habahe Ashele Copper Co. These companies were added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, now comprising over 70 entities tied to forced labor in Xinjiang. Beijing denies the allegations, calling them an "egregious lie." Karen Freifeld, Reuters, August 8
South China Sea: Vietnamese navy frigate visits China amid flurry of drills in waterway. A Vietnamese guided-missile frigate, 015 Tran Hung Dao, arrived in Zhanjiang, China, for a five-day visit aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and trust between the Chinese and Vietnamese navies. The visit includes ship tours, joint exercises, and cultural exchanges. This comes amid increased military activities in the South China Sea, including joint drills by the Philippines, US, Canada, and Australia, and China's patrols around Scarborough Shoal. Vietnam’s Coast Guard recently conducted joint drills with the Philippines, which also has overlapping claims with China in the region. Alyssa Chen, South China Morning Post, August 8
'Colombia's drug war worth emulating'. Sen. Ronald dela Rosa asked Philippine Ambassador to Colombia Adrian Bernie Candolada to study Colombia's drug war for potential strategies the Philippines could adopt. Candolada, newly confirmed by the Commission on Appointments, plans to travel to Bogotá soon. Dela Rosa emphasized learning from Colombia’s results despite high casualties. Candolada agreed and noted the importance of opening an embassy in Colombia to strengthen bilateral ties and explore cooperation opportunities. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, August 8
South Korean nuclear weapons would fracture US ties, defence chief says. South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik warned that developing nuclear weapons could rupture the US-South Korea alliance and destabilize financial markets. Amid North Korea's expanding nuclear capabilities, some South Korean officials and members of the ruling party have called for a domestic nuclear arsenal. Shin emphasized that maintaining US extended deterrence is the most effective way to counter North Korean threats. He highlighted the strategic complexities posed by the US-China rivalry and the Ukraine war, affecting South Korea's security calculations. Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith, Reuters, August 8
Vietnam, Cambodia fortify defence ties. Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Hoà ng Xuân Chiến and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha met to enhance defence cooperation. They discussed ongoing efforts and new initiatives, including support for the repatriation of Vietnamese soldiers' remains and joint events like the Vietnam International Defence Expo. Seiha praised Vietnam’s support during wartime and current development, expressing hope for continued collaboration. Vietnam News, August 8
Russian envoy praises Cambodia’s Russia-ASEAN Dialogue coordination. Russian Press Attaché Rafael Iangareev commended Cambodia's role in coordinating the Russia-ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, highlighting Cambodia’s facilitation of several significant ASEAN events and meetings. Despite challenges posed by global perceptions and the Ukraine conflict, Russia values ASEAN cooperation, emphasizing efforts to maintain regional security and cooperation. Researchers note Russia's pivot to Asia and continued engagement with Southeast Asian countries as crucial amid its geopolitical challenges. Ry Sochan, The Phnom Penh Post, August 8
Uranium lawsuit against Kyrgyz government to be considered in Washington, D.C. A case against the Kyrgyz government will be heard in Washington, D.C. in November 2024. The lawsuit, filed by International Mining Company Invest Inc., alleges illegal expropriation of investments due to a 2019 moratorium on uranium and thorium exploration. The company, which lost its license, claims $63 million in damages. Kyrgyz authorities imposed the moratorium, which has since been lifted for local development. Anton Chipegin, The Times of Central Asia, August 8
India says up to Hasina regarding her future plans. India's foreign ministry stated on Thursday that it is up to Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to decide her future plans, adding that there are no updates on the matter. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that it is not appropriate to speculate on her plans. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar mentioned on social media that he had discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia with Britain’s foreign secretary. Hasina fled to India after stepping down on Monday amid violent protests demanding her resignation and is currently sheltering at an air base near New Delhi. Sakshi Dayal, Reuters, August 8
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan sign $5 billion in agreements at business forum. During a joint business forum in Astana, representatives from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan signed agreements worth $5 billion. The deals cover sectors such as automotive engineering, electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan attended the forum, highlighting the creation of a free economic zone in the Syr Darya region aimed at boosting industrial cooperation and production of import-substituting products. This initiative allows visa-free entry for up to 15 days for Kazakhstani and foreign citizens. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, August 8
China confirms the discovery of a major natural gas field in the South China Sea. China has discovered a major gas field, Lingshui 36-1, estimated to contain over 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the South China Sea. This ultra-shallow field in ultra-deep waters is a significant breakthrough for the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). The field is located southeast of Hainan Island and adds to China's extensive reserves in the contested waters. The discovery boosts China's energy security but may face diplomatic challenges from rival claimants in the region. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, August 8
Ex-soldier held in China for five months returns. A former Taiwanese military officer, surnamed Hu, returned home after being held in China for nearly five months. Hu was detained by Chinese authorities during a fishing trip after his boat’s engine failed. His friend was released earlier, but Hu was held for concealing his military identity. He was welcomed back by his family and KMT legislator Jessica Chen, who livestreamed their return. Hu’s case follows tensions between Taipei and Beijing over a recent boat incident near Kinmen. Taipei Times, August 8
Indonesia pushes for bilateral trade boost with global partners. The Indonesian government aims to enhance bilateral cooperation with countries including Russia and the US, said Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi. After President Joko Widodo received credentials from ambassadors of ten nations, Marsudi emphasized ongoing negotiations on nickel with the US and a preferential trade agreement with Tunisia. Indonesia is also pursuing an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union and expanding partnerships with Latin America and Europe, including upcoming business forums in Peru and Jakarta. Antara News, August 8
Long Form
Thailand's Schengen-Style Visa Proposal is a Saviour That Could Sour. Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has proposed a Schengen-style visa system to boost tourism across Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to increase tourist numbers by allowing travel to multiple countries with a single visa. While the proposal promises economic benefits and job creation, concerns about feasibility, overtourism, and potential inflationary pressures remain. The success of the scheme will depend on sustainable tourism practices and effective regional cooperation. Fangli Hu and Jun Wen, East Asia Forum, August 8
Central Asian Energy Ministers Hold 'First' Meeting. The energy ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan held their first-ever meeting in Astana on August 6, 2024. They signed a joint communique to enhance regional energy cooperation, focusing on energy trade and infrastructure development. Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev, emphasized the need for mechanisms to manage energy supply uncertainties and strengthen regional cooperation. Discussions included joint projects like the Kambar-Ata-1 hydroelectric power plant and Tajikistan's reconnection to the Central Asian Integrated Power System. Catherine Putz, The Diplomat, August 8
China is Betting Big on Its 'Little Giants'. China is heavily investing in its "little giants," small and medium enterprises (SMEs) specialized in key industries, to achieve self-reliance. These companies, defined by innovation and growth metrics, play a crucial role in supply chains and have helped reduce reliance on imports. The government's support includes financial incentives and policy backing. Amid global trade tensions, these SMEs are pivotal in China's strategy to enhance domestic capabilities and mitigate external risks. Sarah Mujeeb, The Diplomat, August 8
Japan Takes a Soft Diplomatic Approach to ASEAN Ties. Japan is adjusting its diplomatic strategy with ASEAN, balancing its relationship amid U.S.-China tensions. Tokyo emphasizes consensus-based decision-making, promoting regional economic integration through informal agreements with ASEAN, South Korea, and China. This approach is complicated by new alliances like the Quad and AUKUS, which shift regional dynamics. Japan seeks to navigate these changes while maintaining strong ASEAN ties and addressing regional challenges through coordinated efforts. Stephen R. Nagy, The Japan Times, August 8
South Korea Grapples with How to Update Cold War Spy Laws as Espionage Evolves. South Korea's lawmakers have introduced nine bills to modernize espionage laws, addressing new threats while avoiding negative impacts on legitimate business activities and individual freedoms. These changes come after several high-profile espionage cases revealed legal gaps. The challenge lies in balancing national security with democratic values. Jeongmin Kim, Korea Pro, August 8
Japan, the Courteous Power, Bares Some Teeth for Regional Stability. Japan is leveraging its long-standing trust and influence in Southeast Asia to play a more significant security role. The country aims to balance regional stability amidst China's assertiveness through initiatives like the Official Security Assistance program, which supports regional defense capabilities. Japan's strategic partnerships with ASEAN and minilateral arrangements involving Quad members exemplify its commitment to a rules-based international order. William Choong and Joanne Lin, Fulcrum, August 8