Asia Daily: February 1, 2024
News
Myanmar's embattled junta extends emergency rule on eve of coup anniversary. Myanmar's military has extended the state of emergency, initially imposed after the 2021 coup, for another six months. This decision comes as the junta faces a pro-democracy rebellion and international condemnation for its handling of the crisis. The U.N. Secretary-General has called for an end to the military's violence and repression, emphasizing the need for a democratic transition. Amidst this turmoil, the junta's hold on power appears increasingly uncertain. Reuters, January 31
Defense research lab illegally helped DP leader in 2022 presidential election: auditor. The Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) in South Korea found that the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA) unlawfully assisted Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung in developing election pledges for the 2022 presidential election. This violation of election laws involved a former defense ministry official and KIDA's chief, Kim Yun-tae. The BAI has recommended the dismissal of Kim and further legal examination of the case. Kim Na-young, Yonhap News Agency, January 31
Beijing’s changes to civil flight path near Taiwan Strait median line likely to ‘squeeze’ island’s air defence capacity. China's modification of civil flight paths near the Taiwan Strait's median line is poised to challenge Taiwan's air defense operations. This unilateral decision by Beijing, made without Taiwan's input, underscores the strategic pressure on Taiwan's military response mechanisms amid escalating cross-strait tensions. The move comes at a time of heightened scrutiny following Taiwan's presidential election, signaling a potentially complex airspace environment. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, January 31
Kyrgyzstan, China to be joined by third border crossing. Kyrgyzstan and China are set to open a third border crossing at the Bedel Pass, aiming to boost Sino-Kyrgyz trade and alleviate congestion at existing checkpoints. This new crossing, historically part of the Silk Road, is expected to enhance connectivity and economic interactions between the two nations. The announcement underlines efforts to improve infrastructure and streamline cargo passage, reflecting the strategic importance of Kyrgyz-China relations. Eurasianet, January 31
2 vice ministers from LDP's biggest group quit in escalating scandal. In Japan, two vice ministers from the Liberal Democratic Party's largest faction resigned over a political fundraising scandal. This incident is linked to the faction formerly led by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and adds to the challenges faced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who emphasizes the need for the party to "start from scratch" to regain public trust. The scandal involves unreported income and has led to intensified scrutiny of the party's financial practices. Kyodo News, January 31
Deputy PM Khái receives US Ambassador. Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái of Vietnam met with US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper in Hà Nội, discussing the implementation of agreements to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the US. The discussions included enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors and reaffirming the importance of this relationship. The meeting underscores both countries' commitment to deepening ties and addressing shared challenges. Vietnam News, January 31
Kazakhstan shows improvement on graft, but still struggling. Kazakhstan has seen a slight improvement in its Corruption Perceptions Index score, according to Transparency International. The country's score rose to 39 out of 100, marking its highest ever but still classifying it as "highly corrupt." This improvement is attributed in part to increased civic activism following political unrest in January 2022. Despite this progress, Kazakhstan continues to face challenges with judicial independence and political elite influence. Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet, January 31
IAEA reaffirms Japan's treated water release in line with standards. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Japan's discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant aligns with global safety standards. This announcement follows a thorough review and is a crucial step in managing the aftermath of the 2011 disaster. Japan's efforts to safely handle and dispose of the treated water are part of the broader decommissioning process of the damaged plant. Kyodo News, January 31
Thai court orders election winners to abandon plan to change royal insults law. Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled against the Move Forward Party's campaign to amend the lese majeste law, deeming it unconstitutional and a threat to the monarchy. The court ordered the party, which won the most votes in the last election, to halt its efforts to change the law that protects the royal family from insults. This ruling could lead to legal actions against the party and its leaders, reflecting the tension between progressive politics and traditional royalist views in Thailand. Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, January 31
Multifaceted cooperation heightened with Germany. Cambodia and Germany have strengthened their multifaceted cooperation, covering areas such as politics, economy, trade, education, and environmental protection. This commitment was emphasized in the second round of bilateral consultations between the two nations' foreign ministries. The discussions, highlighting historical ties and recent high-level visits, are aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship and addressing key regional and global issues. Samban Chandara, Phnom Penh Post, January 31
US marks anniversary of Myanmar coup with further sanctions. To mark the three-year anniversary of Myanmar's military coup, the United States has imposed new sanctions targeting entities and individuals linked to the junta. These sanctions focus on disrupting the military's access to resources used in its conflict with anti-coup forces, particularly targeting aerial bombing operations and domestic weapons production. The U.S. Treasury Department identified specific companies and individuals in its effort to curtail the junta's financial and material capabilities. Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis, Reuters, January 31
N. Korea says it conducted launch of 'Hwasal-2' strategic cruise missile. North Korea has announced the testing of its Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missile, conducted to evaluate rapid counterattack capabilities and enhance strategic striking ability. The launch in the Yellow Sea reportedly had no adverse effects on neighboring countries. This test follows North Korea's recent increase in missile launches, as it continues to develop its weapons capabilities amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, January 31
Long Form
After the Election: Where Will Lai Lead Taiwan? Taiwanese voters have chosen their path forward with President-elect Lai Ching-te at the helm, facing the future shaped by reactions from both Washington and Beijing. In a surprising turn of events, the 2024 presidential election, initially deemed dull, became a battleground with Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, emerging victorious amidst a divided opposition. The election highlighted the central issue of China and cross-strait relations, with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) framing it as a choice between democracy and autocracy, and war versus peace, respectively. Meanwhile, Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) focused on domestic issues and an anti-establishment message, appealing particularly to younger voters. This election underscores the enduring significance of China in Taiwanese politics and the evolving dynamics of voter priorities. Lev Nachman, Brian Hioe, The Diplomat, February 1
Kishida’s Unfinished Business: Political Economy of Wage Increases in Japan. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's administration, grappling with low approval ratings amidst political scandals, identifies the battle against wage stagnation as a pivotal challenge. The strategy to overcome this issue hinges on empowering labor unions and promoting unionization, especially among non-regular workers and employees of small and medium enterprises. This approach underscores the necessity of strengthening labor's bargaining power as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable wage growth in Japan's economy. Hironori Sasada, Tadashi Iwami, The Diplomat, February 1
China's Rising Star Visits U.S. Over Warming Putin-Kim Ties In a strategic move reflecting the complex interplay of global diplomacy, Liu Jianchao, head of the Chinese Communist Party's International Liaison Department, undertook a significant visit to the U.S. early this year. This visit, marked by meetings with high-level officials including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, underscores China's diplomatic agility amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics, particularly the closer ties between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Liu's engagements aimed to navigate the delicate balance of power, signaling China's intent to maintain stability in its sphere of influence against the backdrop of North Korea's deepening cooperation with Russia. This cooperation, notably in military technology, poses a strategic dilemma, not just for regional security but also for Sino-U.S. relations. The nuanced diplomacy reflects an attempt to mitigate tensions and foster a pragmatic dialogue between the U.S. and China, amidst broader concerns over security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Katsuji Nakazawa, Nikkei Asia, February 1
In a Home For the Young and Sick, Despair, Resilience, and Hope. In the heart of Shanghai, Xiaobu Home emerges as a beacon of hope for families grappling with their children's severe illnesses. Launched by Fudan Children’s Hospital and One Heart Sphere, this charity initiative offers free, short-term housing to alleviate the financial and emotional burdens these families face. The story of Lu Qingfan, whose daughter Hailin suffers from a rare biliary obstruction, exemplifies the profound impact of Xiaobu Home. Despite the daunting challenges, including significant debt and the emotional toll of her daughter's condition, Lu finds solace within the walls of Xiaobu Home. Here, families like hers find not just a place to stay but a community that understands their journey. The initiative underscores the critical need for comprehensive support, including mental health resources, for families navigating the complexities of pediatric healthcare far from home. Wu Huiyuan, Sixth Tone, February 1
Party splits shift South Korea’s political landscape. South Korea is witnessing a significant shift in its political landscape as key figures from the major parties, the People Power Party and the Democratic Party of Korea, are forming new parties. This development underscores the volatile nature of party politics in the country and raises questions about the stability and effectiveness of its democratic system. The splits, stemming from internal conflicts and scandals, could substantially reshape the political scene ahead of the 2024 general elections. Soyoung Kim, East Asia Forum, February 1
Jokowi is now Indonesia’s kingmaker. President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, has emerged as a central figure in Indonesian politics, influencing the course of the 2024 presidential and legislative elections. His transition from a party official to a kingmaker underscores the elite-driven nature of Indonesian politics. Jokowi's maneuvers include reshaping coalitions and backing new presidential candidates, which reflect the shifting power dynamics and minimal public participation in political processes. Yoes C Kenawas, East Asia Forum, February 1