News
China to cut back access to court rulings, sparking concerns about judicial transparency. China is scaling back public access to court judgments, introducing new restrictions that limit access to a national court database and an archive of legal precedents. This change has led to a significant reduction in the number of judgments uploaded to the public China Judgments Online, prompting worries about decreased judicial transparency. There's concern that this move, alongside the removal of certain sensitive judgments from the public archive, could undermine the credibility of China's judiciary system. Josephine Ma, South China Morning Post, December 22
Four Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir amid uptick in attacks on troops. In Indian-administered Kashmir, four soldiers were killed in an ambush in Rajouri district, marking an increase in rebel attacks. The incident, which injured three others, involved suspected rebels targeting army vehicles. This upsurge in violence challenges the Indian government's claims of improved security in the region following policy changes, including the abrogation of Article 370. The region has seen significant military casualties since 2021. Al Jazeera, December 22
N. Korea to hold key parliamentary meeting on Jan. 15 to discuss budget. North Korea is set to convene a key parliamentary meeting on January 15 to discuss the state budget for 2024. The decision, announced by the standing committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), will focus on the settlement of the 2023 state budget and plans for the next year's budget. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following North Korea's recent launch of a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, its fifth ICBM launch this year. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, December 22
Japan ruling party LDP replaces 2 execs amid political fundraising scandal. In response to a fundraising scandal, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has replaced two key executives. Kisaburo Tokai, a former education minister, has been appointed as the new policy chief, succeeding Koichi Hagiuda. Yasukazu Hamada, former Defense Minister, has taken over as Diet affairs chief. These changes follow Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's decision to replace four Cabinet members from the LDP's largest faction, formerly led by slain Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The scandal involves allegations that the Abe faction failed to declare hundreds of millions of yen from fundraising parties. Kyodo News, December 22
Deputy PM calls for building comprehensive, modern and strong diplomatic sector. Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang advocated for a "comprehensive, modern and strong" diplomatic sector at the 32nd Diplomatic Conference in Hà Nội. He stressed the need for transformation to keep up with global trends like climate change and artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on a strategic project for sector development up to 2045, focusing on improving facilities, working conditions, and wages. Vietnam News, December 22
Hong Kong Stands Ready to Cooperate With Laos on Yuan Trading, Green Financing. Hong Kong has expressed readiness to cooperate with Laos and Vietnam in three key areas: yuan trading, talent exchange, and green finance. This commitment was emphasized during a visit to the ASEAN members by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui. Hong Kong, handling about 75% of global offshore yuan transactions, encourages Laos and Vietnam to consider issuing yuan bonds in Hong Kong. This cooperation supports Laos' ASEAN Chairmanship and aims to attract international capital to support regional projects and development. Jonathan Meadley, The Laotian Times, December 22
Kazakhstan reluctant to approve Chinese nuclear plant proposal - report. Kazakhstan is reportedly hesitant to approve a proposal by China to build the country's first nuclear power plant. The project's cost, said to be half that of proposals from French, Russian, and South Korean entities, is a factor. However, concerns about the Chinese nuclear industry using outdated technology have been raised. Beijing's proposal offers compatibility with Kazakh-produced fuel assemblies, unlike other designs. The proposed two-unit plant, estimated to cost over $12 billion, would generate 2.4 GW of power. Meanwhile, China is actively pursuing solar energy development in Uzbekistan, including a training program for Uzbek workers in collaboration with Laplace Energy Solutions. Eurasianet, December 22
Japan-US ties stronger than ever, minister says amid US Steel scrutiny. Japanese Industry Minister Ken Saito stated that U.S.-Japanese relations are "stronger than ever," despite not commenting directly on the growing U.S. scrutiny of Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. The White House has called for careful scrutiny of the deal, citing national security concerns, a sentiment echoed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers and the United Steelworkers union. Nippon Steel believes the acquisition will be beneficial for all stakeholders, with government support indicated if requested. The backlash against the deal reflects broader U.S. efforts to deepen supply chain cooperation and counter China's technological advancement. Makiko Yamazaki, Ritsuko Shimizu, Yuka Obayashi, Chang-Ran Kim, Yukiko Toyoda, Maki Shiraki, Leika Kihara and Kentaro Sugiyama, Reuters, December 22
Army chief visits UAE, Qatar to deepen military, defense industry ties. South Korea's Army chief, Gen. Park An-su, embarked on a weeklong trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar to enhance military and defense industry cooperation. During his stay in the UAE, Park met with the Akh unit, a South Korean contingent, and discussed joint drills and personnel exchanges with UAE Land Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Saeed Rashid Al Shehhi. In Qatar, Park held talks with Qatar Emiri Land Force Commander Maj. Gen. Saeed Hussain Al Khayarin, focusing on bolstering bilateral military ties and defense industry cooperation. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, December 22