Asia Daily: December 8, 2023
News
Japan PM Kishida resigns as ruling party faction head amid funds scandal. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has resigned as the leader of his faction within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) amid a political funds scandal. This decision comes as the LDP faces allegations of underreporting revenue from fundraising parties, with suspicions of kickbacks to lawmakers. Unlike his predecessors, Kishida had retained his faction leadership since October 2021. His resignation aims to restore public trust, following declining Cabinet approval ratings and amidst controversies, including alleged connections to the Unification Church. This move marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, emphasizing the urgency to address political integrity. Kyodo News, December 7
Up to 600 North Korean defectors deported by China 'vanish' - rights group. According to the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), up to 600 North Korean defectors have disappeared following their forced deportation by China in October. These deportations, described as the largest mass repatriation in recent years, raise serious concerns about the fate of the defectors who may face severe human rights violations upon return to North Korea, including torture, sexual violence, and execution. The Chinese foreign ministry, however, has denied the presence of defectors, attributing the North Koreans' presence in China to economic reasons and asserting lawful handling of the issue. The pandemic saw a significant drop in North Korean defectors reaching South Korea, but recent months have witnessed increased trade and exchanges between North Korea and China. Hyonyee Shin, Reuters, December 7
Top US trade envoy says Taiwan won’t get a free trade deal with new market access or reduced tariffs. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai has made it clear that Taiwan will not receive a free trade deal offering new market access or reduced tariffs. This statement comes amid Taiwan's aspirations to expand the scope of a trade agreement reached with the U.S. in June, with hopes of broader coverage and tariff reductions. However, Tai emphasized the need for innovative trade policies in the current geopolitical climate, stating that traditional free trade agreements are not being pursued with any country. This position reflects the complex relationship between Taiwan, the U.S., and China, with Taiwan being a significant point of contention due to increased American arms sales and political engagement, despite not being recognized as an independent country by Washington. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, December 8
Chinese ship rams PH boat off Mindoro. A Philippine fishing boat, the FBCA Ruel J, was rammed by a Chinese-flagged bulk carrier, MV Tai Hang 8, off Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, leaving five fishermen adrift in the water. The incident, which occurred in the West Philippine Sea on December 5, involved the fishing boat being moored to a fishing device when it was struck. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that they received information about the incident on December 6 and immediately located the boat owner in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Rescued by three other fishing boats and brought to Pandan Island, the five crew members were found in good physical condition and received medical checkups. The PCG has advised the captain and owner of the Ruel J to file a marine protest and assured that the incident will be reported to the Chinese Port State Control office. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, December 8
Cambodian PM to pay official visit to Việt Nam. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Bovor Thipadei Hun Manet is set to make an official visit to Việt Nam from December 11 to 12. The visit is scheduled upon the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam. This visit signifies the continued diplomatic relations and collaboration between Cambodia and Việt Nam. Vietnam News, December 7
Xi to visit Vietnam for first time in 6 years as China, US compete for influence in Southeast Asian nation. Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Vietnam next week, marking his first visit to the Southeast Asian nation in six years. The visit is set amidst intensifying competition between China and the United States for influence in the region. Xi's agenda includes discussions on upgrading bilateral relations with a focus on maritime issues, political cooperation, security, and public opinion. The visit follows recent diplomatic groundwork laid by Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, aimed at enhancing trade and economic relations. China is Vietnam's largest trading partner, and the relationship is key to regional dynamics, especially considering Vietnam's role in the US Indo-Pacific strategy and the existing tensions in the South China Sea. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, December 7
China and EU leaders agree on need of 'balanced' trade ties. During the first in-person EU-China summit in four years, leaders from both sides agreed on the necessity of a more balanced trade relationship. However, significant differences remain unresolved, including the EU's substantial trade deficit with China and issues related to the Ukraine war. Discussions emphasized respect for international rules and the need for reciprocal and balanced trade, particularly addressing the causes of trade imbalances. Italy's recent exit from China's Belt and Road Initiative also marked a significant development. The summit highlighted efforts to manage differences and avoid confrontation, with the EU conveying concerns about trade imbalances and China's support for Russia, but no fundamental changes are expected from China in response to EU demands. Laurie Chen, Reuters, December 7
U.S., Japan agree on need to bolster deterrence over N.K. missile threats in security talks. The United States and Japan have reached a consensus on the necessity to enhance deterrence capabilities in response to the escalating security challenges in the region, particularly due to North Korea's frequent missile launches and its military collaboration with Russia. This agreement was reached during the Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) held in Japan, which focuses on the U.S.' commitment to defend its ally using its full military capabilities. The dialogue also addressed the need for arms control and risk reduction strategies in response to the growing complexity of nuclear risks, as well as the diversification and expansion of regional actors' nuclear arsenals. Both nations agreed to deepen their cooperation in political, diplomatic, and defense realms through information sharing, training, and exercises to better prepare for potential attacks and deter nuclear use. The EDD, established in 2010, serves as a platform for the U.S. and Japan to discuss and strengthen extended deterrence strategies. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, December 7
Singapore, China to set up mutual 30-day visa-free travel, enhancing 'people-to-people exchanges'. Singapore and China have agreed to establish a 30-day mutual visa exemption to enhance travel and people-to-people exchanges. This decision was announced at the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation, co-chaired by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. The arrangement aims to surpass pre-pandemic levels of flight connectivity and is set to be implemented in early 2024. Currently, Chinese citizens need a visa for Singapore, while Singaporeans can enter China visa-free for 15 days under specific conditions. This move follows the recent elevation of Singapore-China relations to a comprehensive, high-quality partnership. Louisa Tang, Channel News Asia, December 7
No rush to make Paetongtarn PM, says party. The Pheu Thai Party in Thailand has indicated there's no immediate plan to promote Paetongtarn Shinawatra to the position of Prime Minister in the next year, despite her readiness for the role. This statement came during a party seminar, noting the current PM, Srettha Thavisin, is performing effectively. The party is focusing on strengthening its internal communication and expanding its online presence, rather than pushing for a change in leadership at this moment. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, December 7