Asia Daily: December 19, 2024
Xi Jinping lays out 3 expectations for Macau as new leader set to take reins. Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined his vision for Macau during a visit marking the city’s 25th anniversary under Chinese rule and the inauguration of its new chief executive, Sam Hou-fai. Xi called on Macau to adopt a broader vision aligned with national strategies like the Greater Bay Area, embrace diversity to attract talent, and implement reforms with determination. He praised the city’s gaming industry and efforts to diversify its economy while urging vigilance against complacency. Kahon Chan and Willa Wu, South China Morning Post, December 19
South Korea’s acting leader vetoes opposition-sponsored bills, deepening political strife. Acting leader Han Duck-soo vetoed six bills sponsored by the opposition, including measures to protect rice prices and expand lawmakers’ investigative powers. Han argued that the proposals would burden the government and infringe on privacy. The Democratic Party criticized Han’s actions and warned of potential impeachment. Meanwhile, debates persist over Han’s authority to fill Constitutional Court vacancies, which could influence Yoon’s impeachment trial. Hyung-jin Kim and Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, December 19
Prosecutors investigate police officials over alleged role in martial law case. Prosecutors are investigating around 10 police and military officials, including National Office of Investigation (NOI) chief Woo Jong-soo, over their involvement in President Yoon Suk Yeol's December 3 martial law declaration. Authorities seized mobile phones and questioned key NOI officials as part of the probe. The NOI is suspected of deploying homicide detectives to an “arrest team” targeting political figures, though their actions at the National Assembly remain unconfirmed. The Defense Ministry’s investigative unit is also under scrutiny for dispatching military police. Shim Sun-ah, Yonhap News Agency, December 19
Myanmar junta's top diplomat briefs regional meeting on election progress, Thailand says. Myanmar’s foreign minister briefed regional counterparts on plans for elections in 2024 during a meeting in Bangkok. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said open discussions on Myanmar’s crisis emphasized the importance of regional dialogue, with neighbors offering insights into the situation. The Myanmar junta expressed willingness to engage in peaceful talks with all sides to address the ongoing conflict. Panu Wongcha-um and Martin Petty, Reuters, December 19
Chinese ships spotted outside Scarborough Shoal as PH Coast Guard holds patrols. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), conducted routine patrols in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. During aerial surveillance, a BFAR patrol aircraft observed two China Coast Guard vessels (3106 and 3104) positioned outside the shoal, along with seven Chinese maritime militia vessels. The PCG continues to monitor the area to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen operating in these waters. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, December 19
Trump open to meeting with Japan PM Ishiba in mid-January. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed willingness to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in mid-January before assuming office, according to a Japanese government source. If confirmed, this would be their first in-person meeting since Trump’s November election win. Japan views strong ties with the U.S. president as vital, with both nations focused on bolstering security alliances amid regional threats. Talks are being coordinated following Trump’s comments that he would welcome such a meeting. Kyodo News, December 19
Thaksin case gets dismissed. The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition alleging that state officials improperly allowed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to serve his prison sentence in a hospital instead of a prison. The petition accused the justice minister, the Department of Corrections director-general, and the Bangkok Remand Prison chief of failing to enforce regulations, enabling Thaksin to be hospitalized without clear evidence of a critical health condition. The court found insufficient evidence to support claims of negligence or malfeasance and unanimously dismissed the petition. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, December 19
U.S. assesses Russia may be close to accepting N. Korea's nuclear weapons program: Washington envoy. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield expressed concerns that Russia may soon endorse North Korea's nuclear weapons program, marking a reversal of its long-standing support for denuclearization. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, she detailed North Korea’s shipment of over 20,000 munitions containers, including heavy artillery and ballistic missiles, to Russia. Moscow has reportedly supplied Pyongyang with air defense systems, petroleum, and dual-use technologies. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, December 19
Former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou visits Harbin aiming to ‘build bridge of peace’. Former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou began a nine-day trip to mainland China, his third in two years, promoting youth exchanges amid criticism from pro-independence voices. Ma, accompanied by a delegation including Taiwanese university students, was welcomed in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, and plans to attend a cross-strait youth ice and snow festival. Before departing, Ma emphasized the importance of fostering youth understanding to reduce cross-strait tensions and prevent conflicts. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, December 18
U.S. ambassador to Vietnam says US arms manufacturers could help boost Vietnam’s military capabilities. U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper stated that U.S. weapons manufacturers could collaborate with Vietnam to strengthen its defense capabilities across land, sea, air, and cyberspace. Speaking at an international arms expo in Hanoi featuring exhibitors from nations including the U.S., China, and Russia, Knapper highlighted Vietnam's efforts to diversify arms imports and reduce reliance on Russia, which accounted for 60% of its purchases in 2022. Aniruddha Ghosal, AP News, December 19
Party chief receives visiting Chinese minister of defense. Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam met with Chinese Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun in Hanoi on December 19. Lam emphasized the importance of defense and security cooperation as a key pillar in Vietnam-China relations and called for increased exchanges and collaboration between their militaries. Dong conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's regards and expressed China's readiness to enhance comprehensive cooperation, contributing to building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future. Vietnam News, December 19
China’s nuclear warheads total 600 and raise ‘strategic stability’ concerns: Pentagon. The Pentagon reported that China has expanded its nuclear arsenal to 600 operational warheads, a 20% increase since 2023, and diversified its capabilities with precision-strike missiles and a nuclear triad. While Beijing rejects arms control agreements, citing US and Russian stockpiles, American officials expressed concerns over transparency and strategic stability. The report also highlighted corruption issues within the People’s Liberation Army and deficiencies in personnel quality. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, December 20
Myanmar junta boss promotes loyalist in regime reshuffle. Amid significant military setbacks in Rakhine State, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has appointed his trusted aide, Lieutenant General Kyaw Swar Lin, as Chief of the General Staff, elevating him to the regime's third-highest position. General Maung Maung Aye, previously in that role, has been named defense minister, succeeding General Tin Aung San. This reshuffle follows the regime's loss of control over 12 of 17 townships in Rakhine over the past 13 months, with the Western Command headquarters in Ann town nearing collapse. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, December 19
Coalition settles on modest tax reform hike amid stalled talks. Japan’s ruling coalition agreed to raise the minimum income tax threshold from 1.03 million yen ($6,600) to 1.23 million yen for the next fiscal year, falling short of the 1.78 million yen proposed by the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPP). The decision, included in the tax reform framework, aims to address the fiscal 2025 budget amid a hung parliament. The DPP criticized the move, warning it cannot support the budget without a broader tax cut. The Asahi Shimbun, December 19
South Korea's Yoon willing to represent himself in legal proceedings, lawyer says. Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is prepared to present his views during legal proceedings over his martial law declaration, his lawyer Seok Dong-hyeon said. Yoon, who declared and retracted martial law on December 3 amid political tensions, faces investigations into potential insurrection and a Constitutional Court trial to determine his future. Seok defended Yoon’s actions as a response to an “emergency state” caused by opposition control but acknowledged public outrage. Ju-min Park and Joyce Lee, Reuters, December 19
Internal rebellion investigation transferred to Public Prosecutor's Office. The investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol’s alleged role in the December 3 martial law declaration has been transferred to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (Public Prosecutor’s Office). This reorganization consolidates efforts, with the Public Prosecutor’s Office handling the presidential case, the prosecution overseeing military-related matters, and the police managing internal police investigations. The decision aims to streamline proceedings and prevent disputes over evidentiary validity. The Dong-A Ilbo, December 19
Cambodia targets $7.26 billion in revenue for 2025 amid tax relief measures. The Cambodian government has set a national revenue target of 29.05 trillion riel (approximately $7.26 billion) for 2025, marking a 2.84% decrease from the 2024 Budget Law. This adjustment accounts for tax relief measures aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and property tax exemptions for certain businesses. Despite the reduced target, economists believe it won’t hinder government operations or development projects, citing expected boosts from increased exports and foreign tourism. Hin Pisei, The Phnom Penh Post, December 19
China to build wheat processing plant in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region. Dalian Hesheng Holdings Group Co., Ltd., a Chinese company, plans to invest $500–$800 million in the first phase of constructing a vertically integrated industrial park for deep wheat processing in Kazakhstan's Akmola region. The facility will process 1 million tons of wheat annually, with future expansions increasing capacity to 3 million tons per year. The project includes building a coal-fired thermal power plant and a coal chemical complex producing up to 400,000 tons of liquid ammonia annually. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025, creating approximately 2,000 jobs. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, December 19
5 suspected militants killed in Kashmir fighting, Indian military says. Five suspected militants were killed in a gunbattle with Indian forces in Kulgam district, Indian-controlled Kashmir. Acting on a tip-off, soldiers and police launched an operation, encountering heavy gunfire from the militants. Two soldiers were injured, and troops continued to search the area. Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has seen ongoing conflict since 1989, with militants fighting against Indian rule. India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism, a claim Pakistan denies, while many Kashmiris view the fight as a legitimate struggle for independence. Author, AP News, December 19
Taiwan is everyone’s concern: Blinken. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Taiwan's security is a global issue, noting that a crisis involving Taiwan would have worldwide implications. He highlighted the Biden administration's efforts to strengthen Taiwan's deterrence by aligning US allies in Europe and Asia. Blinken pointed out that nearly 50% of global shipping passes near Taiwan, which also supplies 70% of the world's semiconductors, underscoring the island's critical role in the global economy. He also noted that more nations are urging China to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Jonathan Chin, Taipei Times, December 20
Japan eyes Diet session from Jan. 24, upper house race on July 20. Japan’s regular Diet session is expected to begin on January 24, delaying the House of Councillors election to July 20, administration officials said. The revised schedule, prompted by the Komeito party, aims to reduce voter fatigue from consecutive elections. The Tokyo metropolitan assembly election, seen as a precursor to the national race, is slated for late June. Campaigning for the upper house race would begin on July 3, with voting aligned with a three-day weekend. Kyodo News, December 19
Mongolia marks centennial with a new course for change. Mongolia celebrated the centenary of its first constitution on November 26, 2024, reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance amidst East Asia's geopolitical challenges. The 1924 constitution transformed Mongolia into a sovereign republic, advancing progressive ideals like gender equality, free education, and separation of church and state. Over the century, constitutional amendments have adapted to societal and political shifts, with the 1992 transition aligning with global human rights standards. Recent reforms include expanding the State Great Khural to 126 members and launching the ‘Parliament 2.0’ agenda, focused on integrating human rights, modern technologies, and transparent legal language into governance. Despite corruption challenges and economic reliance on neighboring countries, Mongolia remains dedicated to democratic principles and global integration, exemplified by new press freedom initiatives. Jack Weatherford, East Asia Forum, December 20
Leveraging ASEAN’s collective climate change influence. At COP29 in November 2024, ASEAN vocalized its collective climate priorities, discussing regional vulnerabilities to extreme weather and rising sea levels, which threaten food security and economic stability. While ASEAN nations have made ambitious commitments to reduce emissions, more proactive engagement in international climate summits is necessary. Proposals for an ASEAN Pavilion at future COPs aim to provide a unified platform for member countries to advocate for climate finance, technology transfers, and capacity building, while showcasing progress and fostering partnerships like the ASEAN–UK Green Transition Fund. By leveraging its role as an accredited IGO, ASEAN can amplify regional concerns, mobilize resources, and drive effective climate policies. Zahra Mutiara, Justine Nicole Torres, and Cecila Therese (Niner) Guiao, East Asia Forum, December 19
India's budding chip industry: A cause for cautious optimism. India is striving to become a global hub in the semiconductor industry, aiming to leverage current geopolitical and economic dynamics to boost domestic growth and industrial development. Despite its limited expertise and production capacity in semiconductors, and a generally weak manufacturing ecosystem, India is attracting foreign investments and forming joint ventures to build its chip industry from the ground up. This ambitious endeavor shows India's strategic interest in participating in the global technological competition over semiconductors. Eri Ikeda, The Japan Times, December 19
The Political Economy of Vietnam’s North-South High-Speed Rail Project. Vietnam’s proposed North-South High-Speed Rail (HSR) aims to connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, reducing travel time to under six hours. With an estimated cost of $70 billion, the project reflects Vietnam’s ambition to modernize its outdated railway system, which has seen minimal upgrades since the colonial era. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has championed the initiative, gaining backing from the Politburo and National Assembly, despite ongoing concerns about financial feasibility, potential debt, and competition between China and Japan as infrastructure partners. Nguyen Khac Giang, Fulcrum, December 19