Asia Daily: December 5, 2024
Protests Sweep South Korea as Calls for Yoon Suk Yeol's Resignation Intensify Mass protests have erupted across South Korea, with citizens from various sectors—including education, religion, NGOs, and the arts—holding candlelight vigils and rallies to denounce President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent declaration of martial law. University students and faculty have been particularly vocal, with Seoul National University condemning the martial law declaration as an act that undermines the liberal democratic constitutional order of Korea. The university's association has planned a general assembly to gather broader opinions on the situation. Faculty members have expressed deep concern, describing the declaration as a "self-coup" and a "serious threat to democracy." Religious leaders have also joined the protests, with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea and the National Council of Churches in Korea criticizing the martial law declaration and calling for Yoon's resignation. Choi Jeong-yoon, The Korea Herald, December 5.
Ruling Party Leader Urges Halt to President Yoon's Exercise of Power. Han Dong-hoon, head of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, has called for President Yoon Suk Yeol to be prevented from exercising presidential powers. Han revealed evidence that Yoon ordered the defense counterintelligence commander, Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung, to arrest major political leaders during the brief period martial law was in effect, labeling them as anti-state forces. Han emphasized the necessity of stopping Yoon to protect South Korea and its people. Kim Arin, The Korea Herald, December 6.
Tribal Forum Reiterates Demand for Separate Administration in Manipur. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has renewed its call for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur, citing ongoing ethnic violence and alleged marginalization by the state government. The ITLF argues that a distinct administrative setup is essential to ensure the safety, development, and political representation of these communities. This demand has intensified following recent clashes between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the majority Meitei community, which have led to displacement and loss of life. The state government has yet to respond to this renewed appeal. The Hindu, December 6
Manila to Get More Radars and Boats from Tokyo Under New Military Aid Tranche. Japan is providing the Philippines with a ¥1.6 billion ($10.7 million) grant under its Official Security Assistance framework to improve the Philippine Navy's maritime security capabilities and the Air Force's surveillance and monitoring systems. The aid includes coastal surveillance radar systems, rigid inflatable boats, and support equipment for air surveillance radar systems previously procured from Japan. This initiative aims to bolster the Philippines' defense infrastructure amid escalating territorial disputes with China. Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times, December 5
Japan to ease visa requirements for Chinese visitors. Japan plans to simplify visa application procedures and expand eligibility for multiple short-term visas for Chinese visitors to promote bilateral exchanges, officials announced Wednesday. The relaxation follows China’s recent reinstatement of short-term visa waivers for Japanese visitors. While details are pending, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is expected to discuss the initiative during an upcoming visit to China. Despite Beijing's request for reciprocal visa waivers, Japan cites population differences as a reason such measures are unlikely. Jiji, The Japan Times, December 5.
Indonesia arrests a Chinese man wanted by Beijing over money laundering charges. Indonesian authorities have detained Yan Zhenxing, a Chinese national sought by Beijing for allegedly laundering nearly $18 million from an online gambling group in China. Yan, a permanent Singapore resident, was arrested Monday at a Batam island ferry terminal under an Interpol red notice while traveling with his family. Officials in China’s Inner Mongolia region claim Yan facilitated the transfer and laundering of over 130 million Chinese Yuan from criminal activities. Yan is currently in Jakarta, pending a decision on deportation or extradition. Indonesia, a major crossroads for global organized crime, has recently apprehended multiple fugitives, including suspects linked to scams and drug trafficking from China, the Philippines, and Thailand. Andi Jatmiko, AP News, December 5.
Paraguay kicks out a visiting Chinese envoy for urging its lawmakers to turn their backs on Taiwan. Paraguay expelled Chinese envoy Xu Wei on Thursday, declaring him persona non grata for interfering in domestic affairs by urging lawmakers to sever ties with Taiwan. Xu, in Asunción for a UNESCO meeting, skipped the session to address Congress, where he advocated for breaking ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing, promising expanded trade and other benefits. Paraguay, Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in South America, has resisted Beijing’s pressure despite four Latin American countries switching allegiance in recent years. The Taiwanese Embassy condemned Xu's actions, citing the long-standing friendship between Paraguay and Taiwan since 1957. AP News, December 5.
Bangladesh court bans publication of speeches by ousted Prime Minister Hasina. A Bangladeshi tribunal has prohibited the publication and broadcast of speeches by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after her ouster in August following mass protests. The decision follows Hasina's virtual address from New York, where she accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of genocide and neglecting minorities. Prosecutors argued her speeches could intimidate witnesses in ongoing cases against her, which include charges of crimes against humanity. Hasina faces arrest warrants and Interpol assistance has been requested. The tribunal also ordered the removal of leaked speeches from media platforms. Julhas Alam, AP News, December 5
Pakistani court indicts former Premier Imran Khan over May 2023 attacks on military posts. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been indicted along with dozens of associates for inciting violence during May 2023 protests, which targeted military and government facilities. Khan, imprisoned since his arrest on corruption charges, pleaded not guilty in the Rawalpindi court. The charges, tied to anti-terrorism laws, could result in life imprisonment. PTI, Khan's party, claims the cases are politically motivated, while authorities link the violence to Khan’s allegations that his 2022 ouster was orchestrated by the U.S. and Pakistan’s military. Concurrently, PTI announced upcoming protests and civil disobedience campaigns if demands for talks with military leaders and a judicial inquiry into protest violence are not met. Munir Ahmed, AP News, December 5
Taiwanese President Lai reportedly has phone talks from Guam with US Congress leaders. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, during his visit to Guam, reportedly held phone conversations with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senator Roger Wicker. The discussions focused on bipartisan U.S. support for Taiwan, which faces ongoing pressure from China. Lai also met with Guam officials, discussing the strategic partnership between Taiwan and Guam in defending democracy in the Indo-Pacific. China, opposing official U.S.-Taiwan interactions, responded with sanctions on U.S. companies linked to arms sales to Taiwan. Lai’s Pacific tour included visits to Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, which maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan. AP News, December 5
Rescuers search for 13 workers missing after a railroad construction site collapses in south China. Authorities in Shenzhen are searching for 13 workers who went missing after a collapse late Wednesday at a construction site on the Shenzhen-Jiangmen Railway in Bao’an district. Nearby residents have been evacuated, and roads in the area are closed as rescue efforts continue. The line will connect Shenzhen and Jiangmen in Guangdong province, near Hong Kong. An investigation into the collapse is ongoing, amid broader concerns over the safety of China’s rapidly built infrastructure following earlier deadly highway and bridge failures. AP News, December 5
Yoon’s Failed Political Coup and South Korea’s Mounting Crisis. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024, in an attempt to counter opposition he claimed threatened constitutional order. The National Assembly swiftly annulled the move, with 190 out of 300 members voting against it. Yoon’s declaration, made without cabinet consensus, led to mass resignations among senior officials, including his cabinet and key aides. The crisis has eroded Yoon’s authority at the midpoint of his presidency, with growing calls for his resignation or impeachment. This turmoil occurs as South Korea faces external challenges, including North Korea's deepening ties with Russia, worsening U.S.-China trade tensions, and regional security threats. Despite the political upheaval, South Korea's democratic institutions remain resilient. Chung Min Lee, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, December 5.
How could US-Taiwan security ties change under Trump 2.0? A second Trump administration could bring changes to US-Taiwan security ties, particularly in areas like military aid and the strategic ambiguity policy. Congressional mandates such as the Taiwan Relations Act will likely preserve arms sales, but Trump’s approach to discretionary measures, including the Presidential Drawdown Authority for immediate defense aid, remains uncertain due to his transactional view on Taiwan's defense. Strategic ambiguity, which deters both Chinese invasion and unilateral Taiwanese independence, might shift back under Trump, altering regional perceptions. The administration’s handling of China’s gray zone tactics, such as cyber intrusions and military provocations, will be key to maintaining US credibility and Taiwan’s security. Kitsch Liao, Atlantic Council, December 5
Approaches and Measures to Respond to the North Korean Nuclear Issue. North Korea's nuclear arsenal, estimated at 50 warheads with material for expansion, shows its strategic reliance on nuclear weapons for regime survival and leverage in international negotiations. South Korea's Yoon Suk-yeol administration has proposed the "Audacious Initiative," a phased strategy integrating deterrence, sanctions, and diplomacy to achieve denuclearization. This approach includes military readiness with U.S. support, economic incentives for compliance, and dialogue to sustain engagement. While international cooperation, including from the U.S., Japan, and China, supports this framework, North Korea's continued provocations and isolation pose challenges. Addressing the regime's security concerns and fostering internal societal engagement are seen as long-term strategies for progress. Jiyoung Park, Korea on Point, December 5.
The End of Japan’s Hydrogen Rush in Australia? Japan's enactment of the Hydrogen Society Promotion Act in October 2024 aims to subsidize hydrogen business operators to establish hydrogen energy supply chains and infrastructure. Despite this legislative support, Japanese companies are reassessing their hydrogen investments in Australia. The Australian government's revised National Hydrogen Strategy, released in September 2024, shifts focus from "clean hydrogen," including blue hydrogen produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS), to prioritizing "green hydrogen" derived from renewable energy sources. This policy change has led to bureaucratic challenges and concerns about profitability, prompting some Japanese firms to withdraw from Australian hydrogen partnerships. The evolving energy policies in both countries are influencing the future of their hydrogen collaborations. Daisuke Akimoto, The Diplomat, December 6.
Mongolia Eyes India as Third Destination for Coal Exports. Mongolia and India are advancing economic relations by negotiating the export of Mongolian coking coal to India, aiming to diversify Mongolia's export markets and provide India with an alternative coal source amid disruptions in Australian supplies. In late November, discussions involved Mongolian authorities and Indian companies JSW Steel and the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) regarding potential coal shipments. Given Mongolia's landlocked geography, exports would transit through Russia or China, with current considerations favoring the Russian route due to India's strategic concerns with China. This initiative aligns with India's efforts to secure diverse coal sources to support its growing steel industry and reduce reliance on Australian imports. Bolor Lkhaajav, The Diplomat, December 5
Where does South Korea's democracy go from here? In early December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a state of emergency and imposed martial law, citing unspecified threats from North Korea and internal subversive elements. This action led to military attempts to control the National Assembly, prompting approximately 190 lawmakers to pass a resolution demanding the immediate lifting of martial law. Facing political backlash and public protests, President Yoon rescinded the martial law declaration within hours. This incident has raised concerns about the stability of South Korea's democracy and the potential for future political unrest. Kuni Miyake, The Japan Times, December 5.
ASEAN Should Drive Action for Agri-Food Sector after COP29. ASEAN must take leadership in addressing climate challenges in the agri-food sector, which accounts for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions and faces increasing risks due to climate change. With limited progress on climate finance at COP29, ASEAN can spearhead regional initiatives to secure funding, implement sustainable practices, and reduce emissions from key sources like rice production. Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship offers an opportunity to align agricultural policy with climate goals, prioritizing high-impact projects and leveraging international funds like the Green Climate Fund. ASEAN’s efforts could address financing gaps, support smallholder farmers, and promote resilience ahead of COP30. Elyssa Kaur Ludher and Paul Teng, Fulcrum, December 5.