Asia Daily: December 18, 2023
News
China and North Korea pledge stronger cooperation in rare talks as Beijing shores up ties with neighbours. China and North Korea have agreed to enhance their strategic cooperation and communication. This commitment was made during a rare meeting in Beijing, involving senior officials from both countries. The talks signify an effort by Beijing to strengthen its relationships with neighboring countries amid a complex global political landscape. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, December 17
China tests diplomatic prowess in Ethiopia as it rebuilds after Tigray war. China's diplomatic efforts in Ethiopia, led by special envoy Xue Bing, are focused on supporting the country's post-Tigray war reconstruction. Xue's meetings with Ethiopian leaders and regional officials indicate Beijing's strategic interest in maintaining stability and deepening its influence in the Horn of Africa. China's involvement underscores its growing role in African geopolitics and crisis diplomacy. Jevans Nyabiage, South China Morning Post, December 17
Philippines wants to start new energy exploration projects in South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to initiate new energy exploration projects in the South China Sea, addressing the region's escalating tensions and China's assertiveness. Despite ongoing sovereignty disputes and talks with China about joint exploration, little progress has been made. Marcos emphasizes the Philippines' rights to exploit these resources while transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Recent maritime incidents highlight the increasing challenges in this strategic area. Karen Lema, Reuters, December 17
Beijing making soft power push in Central Asia with vocational training initiative. China is enhancing its soft power in Central Asia through educational initiatives, including the opening of a Chinese-funded vocational school in Kazakhstan. These "Luban workshops" focus on advanced technologies and signify Beijing's expanding influence in the region. Discussions during the opening ceremony also covered agricultural and storage issues, reflecting broader strategic interests. Eurasianet, December 15
North Korea fires ballistic missile, falls outside Japan's EEZ. North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, which fell outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The missile flew approximately 570 km, sparking concerns in the region. This launch follows a South Korean official's warning about a potential North Korean ICBM test. Japan condemned the launch, citing it as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Kyodo News, December 17
Marcos: New solutions, more alliances needed amid rising South China Sea tensions. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasizes the need for new solutions and stronger alliances amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. He acknowledges the challenges posed by a more assertive China and stresses the importance of maintaining peace and communication among involved countries. Marcos also highlights the growing Philippines-Japan collaboration as a model for regional cooperation. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, December 17
Japan, ASEAN agree to boost maritime security cooperation. Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to enhance maritime security collaboration. This agreement, aimed at addressing China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, includes cooperation among coastguards and strengthening maritime domain awareness. The joint efforts emphasize peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international law principles. Channel News Asia, December 17
Việt Nam, Laos, Cambodia pledge to boost solidarity in ensuring security. The leaders of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have agreed to enhance solidarity and cooperation in ensuring national security and development. They discussed creating a mechanism for tripartite meetings and emphasized the need for regular high-level interactions and effective implementation of cooperation agreements. The focus was also on strengthening security and defense cooperation, border protection, and fighting cross-border crimes. Vietnam News, December 17
U.S. nuclear-powered sub arrives in S. Korea amid possibility of N.K. ICBM launch. The USS Missouri, a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine, arrived in South Korea, as concerns grow over a potential North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile launch. Stationed at Busan Naval Base, the submarine's deployment aims to strengthen naval cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. and enhance defense capabilities. This follows a recent deployment of another U.S. submarine to the region, amid heightened security discussions. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, December 17
Tens of thousands attend Bangladesh opposition rally calling for government to resign. Bangladesh's main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), mobilized tens of thousands in Dhaka to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation ahead of next year's election. The BNP, facing leadership challenges and legal issues, advocates for a neutral government to oversee the January 7 poll. The rally, amid recent violence and arrests, reflects escalating political tensions in the country. Ruma Paul, Reuters, December 16