Asia Daily: December 4, 2024
Hun Sen, Xi meet, call for increased security co-op, party relations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks emphasizing security cooperation and stronger ties between their ruling parties. The leaders discussed deepening collaboration in law enforcement, anti-terrorism, and cross-border crime prevention. They also reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering economic and infrastructure partnerships, highlighting Cambodia's role in China's Belt and Road Initiative. The meeting underscored the importance of mutual support in regional stability and development. Niem Chheng, Phnom Penh Post, December 4
Indonesia solidifies cultural diplomacy with Cambodia Indonesia is increasing its cultural diplomacy with Cambodia through initiatives like scholarship programs, gastronomy, and film festivals. Speaking in Phnom Penh, Ani Nigeriawati of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship (BSBI), which has over 1,000 global alumni, including 24 from Cambodia. Cambodia will host the 2024 BSBI program and an alumni meeting. Efforts also include promoting Indonesian films, particularly horror, which are popular in Cambodia. These programs align with the 65th anniversary of Indonesia-Cambodia diplomatic ties, emphasizing education, arts, and culture. Antara News, December 4.
Kyrgyz, Tajik delegations finalize border deal after long dispute. Delegations from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have finalized an agreement to resolve their long-standing border dispute following decades of tension and occasional violent clashes. The deal, reached after extensive negotiations, aims to clearly demarcate the contentious border areas and establish measures to prevent future conflicts. Both sides expressed optimism about the agreement fostering stability and enhancing bilateral relations. This development marks a significant step toward regional peace and cooperation in Central Asia. The Times of Central Asia, December 4
Senior Party officials of Việt Nam, Laos hold talks. Senior officials from the Communist Parties of Việt Nam and Laos held discussions to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation. The talks focused on the long-standing solidarity and partnership between the two nations, with a focus on political collaboration, economic development, and cultural exchange. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other's national development goals and fostering regional stability. Vietnam News, December 4
Laos-China Railway Celebrates 3 Years, Over 4.3 Million Passengers. The Laos-China Railway marked its third anniversary, having transported over 4.3 million passengers since its launch. The railway, a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has improved regional connectivity and economic development. It has also facilitated cross-border trade, enabling the transport of goods between Laos and China with greater efficiency. Officials praised the railway’s role in increasing tourism and boosting local industries, highlighting its continued importance to Laos' economic growth. Souliyasone Ngotsyoudom, Laotian Times, December 4
U.S. Space Force launches Tokyo unit to bolster integrated deterrence. The U.S. Space Force inaugurated a new unit at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo for space defense and to strengthen bilateral deterrence with Japan. Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir highlighted the importance of U.S.-Japan collaboration amid threats from North Korea, Russia, and China. The unit will provide expertise to improve Japan's space surveillance and missile warning capabilities while ensuring coordination with Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force. Additionally, Japan's satellite constellation will host U.S. sensors for intelligence gathering. Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the initiative last month, complementing a similar U.S. unit established in South Korea in 2022. Kyodo News, December 4
ASEAN transport ministers give boost to regional air connectivity. ASEAN transport ministers have signed the 5th Commitment on Own Stopover Rights under the Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalisation of Air Passenger Services, a milestone in improving regional air connectivity. The agreement was finalized during the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, which also reviewed developments in the transport sector and endorsed key documents, including guidelines on light electric vehicles and urban freight transport. The meeting featured discussions with development partners such as ADB, AIIB, and the World Bank to strategize on ASEAN’s infrastructure and connectivity initiatives. Vientiane Times, December 4
Activists file second impeachment complaint against embattled Philippine Vice President Duterte. A second impeachment complaint has been filed against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of misusing ₱612.5 million ($10.3 million) in confidential funds and obstructing investigations through fabricated reports. The complaint, led by 74 activists, alleges Duterte spent ₱125 million ($2 million) in 11 days during December 2022 on questionable expenditures like "safe houses" and unspecified rewards. This follows an earlier impeachment filing citing threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., alleged involvement in extra-judicial killings, and failure to address Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces growing political hostility as the House of Representatives—dominated by Marcos allies—prepares to evaluate the charges. Jim Gomez, AP News, December 4
Armed ethnic rebels in northeast Myanmar declare ceasefire and seek talks with military government. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has declared a unilateral ceasefire and called for dialogue with the military government, seeking Chinese mediation to restore peace in the country’s northeast. This announcement follows a similar call by its ally, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and comes amid decades-long fighting for autonomy by ethnic rebel groups. China, a key ally of Myanmar’s military, welcomed the initiative, urging peace to protect its border security and economic interests. The MNDAA, representing the Kokang ethnic Chinese minority, emphasized peaceful resolution through talks and plans to send a delegation for negotiations. AP News, December 4
Philippines, China trade accusations on new South China Sea confrontation. A maritime confrontation between the Philippines and China near the contested Scarborough Shoal escalated as Chinese coast guard vessels fired water cannons and collided with a Philippine fisheries bureau boat delivering supplies. The Philippines condemned the actions as provocative and dangerous, drawing support from the United States, while China accused Philippine ships of intruding into its claimed waters, prompting "normal law enforcement." The incident follows China's submission of nautical charts to the UN outlining its claims to the area, which the Philippines called baseless and illegal. Philippine officials urged China to exercise restraint, accusing it of aggression and intimidation within their exclusive economic zone. Beijing, which rejects a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its expansive South China Sea claims, insists its actions defend territorial sovereignty under international law. Neil Jerome Morales, Joe Cash, and Liz Lee, Reuters, December 4
South Korea's Yoon names new defence minister after botched martial law. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has nominated Choi Byung-hyuk, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as the new defence minister following the resignation of Kim Yong-hyun. Kim stepped down after being implicated in Yoon's controversial martial law declaration, which was later withdrawn amid political and diplomatic backlash. The move prompted parliament to introduce a motion to impeach Yoon, though his party has vowed to block it. Opposition lawmakers accused Yoon of treason over the failed martial law attempt, with a vote on the motion expected soon. U.S. officials expressed surprise at the declaration, with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell calling it "badly misjudged." Choi's appointment was praised by Yoon’s chief of staff, who described him as principled and dedicated. Reuters, December 4
Martial Law in South Korea. President Yoon Suk-yeol's unexpected declaration of emergency martial law represented a direct challenge to South Korea's democratic institutions. The late-night announcement aimed to suppress political activities and empower the military, bypassing civilian governance. However, swift action by lawmakers and civilians, who convened at the National Assembly and formed protective barriers, led to the revocation of the decree within hours. This incident demonstrates the resilience of South Korea's democracy and the vigilance of its civil society in upholding democratic norms. John Delury, Council on Foreign Relations, December 4
The Global Consequences of Yoon’s Martial Law Gambit. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's brief declaration of martial law, motivated by frustration over policy gridlock, has raised concerns about the resilience of South Korea's democracy and its alliance with the United States. The swift reversal of the decree, following widespread political and public backlash, shows the strength of South Korean civil society. However, the incident may have lasting implications for the U.S.-South Korea alliance, particularly given Yoon's emphasis on democratic values in foreign policy. Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, December 4
Central Asia is partnering with the world on its own terms. Central Asia has emerged as a dynamic middle power, prioritizing economic diversification, sustainable partnerships, and national autonomy. In 2024, the region played a key role in energy, transportation, and critical minerals, while strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties. Russia and China increased engagement, with leaders advocating for stronger alliances amid geopolitical tensions. Western nations, including the UK, Germany, and the U.S., focused on countering Chinese and Russian influence through initiatives like the EU's Global Gateway and South Korea’s K-Silk Road Initiative. Turkiye advanced cultural and linguistic unity through the adoption of the Common Turkic Alphabet. Central Asia’s multilateral approach emphasizes equal partnerships, rejecting external paternalism, and seeking consistent, trust-based global cooperation. Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu, East Asia Forum, December 5
Myanmar’s elections will be a China-sponsored fraud. Myanmar’s military junta, the State Administration Council (SAC), plans to conduct elections in 2025 with support from China, including financial and technological assistance. These elections are designed to secure the SAC's grip on power by dissolving opposition parties, such as the National League for Democracy, and preventing others from participating. China, with critical economic interests in Myanmar, seeks to stabilize the region to protect its investments, including pipelines and rare earth mineral projects, while projecting itself as a promoter of peace. However, these elections are unlikely to reflect the will of Myanmar’s people or resolve the ongoing civil war, as rebel forces continue to gain ground. Observers argue that democracies, including the U.S., must delegitimize these elections and support a peaceful transition led by opposition groups. Alexis Turek, East Asia Forum, December 4
Yoon Suk Yeol’s Presidency in Jeopardy. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a potential impeachment following his controversial declaration of martial law, which he revoked just six hours after implementation amid intense backlash. Six opposition parties submitted an impeachment motion requiring a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, which could lead to a Constitutional Court review. Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) must decide whether to defend his presidency despite questions about the legality of invoking martial law for legislative disputes. The crisis has reignited fears of authoritarianism and undermined Yoon’s efforts to position South Korea as a democratic leader, jeopardizing trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. South Korea’s democratic resilience has been demonstrated, but the political polarization and instability highlight serious challenges to governance and stability. Ellen Kim, CSIS, December 4
India-Bangladesh trade war brews, Hasina accuses government of genocide. Rising tensions over anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh have led India’s ruling BJP to threaten a trade embargo against its neighbor unless the attacks stop. This follows the arrest of Hindu monk Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh, which sparked violent protests, including the storming of the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala and the killing of a Muslim lawyer in Chattogram. The situation is further complicated by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s accusations of genocide against interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Now in exile in India, Hasina’s presence strains Delhi’s ties with Bangladesh’s new administration. Bangladesh remains critical to India’s northeastern border security, but escalating trade tensions and political unrest risk destabilizing the relationship. Tasha Kheiriddin, GZERO Media, December 4
Is Gwadar a ‘White Elephant’ Project? Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), faces mounting criticism for failing to deliver promised economic benefits. Despite significant investments, the port struggles with inadequate infrastructure, lack of industrial activity, and local resistance fueled by unmet development promises. Critics argue that Gwadar exemplifies the challenges of BRI projects, including unsustainable debt and insufficient integration with local economies. Supporters contend that Gwadar remains a strategic asset, but its potential hinges on addressing governance issues and increasing regional cooperation. Eve Register, The Diplomat, December 4