News
Japan to pledge 15.8 bil. yen for Ukraine's reconstruction. In a significant move, Japan has announced its commitment to providing 15.8 billion yen in aid for Ukraine's rebuilding efforts, highlighting infrastructure restoration and demining activities as key focus areas. This announcement comes as the global community prepares to mark the second anniversary of the conflict's escalation. The aid package aims to bolster Ukraine's recovery, with a special emphasis on fostering Japanese business involvement across various sectors, demonstrating Japan's support for Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges. Kyodo News, February 11
Unification minister vows to push for reunion of separated families despite N. Korean provocations. South Korea's Unification Minister emphasized the commitment to reunite families separated by the Korean War, despite North Korea's provocations. Highlighting the emotional Lunar New Year gatherings in Paju, the minister advocated for humanitarian dialogue with North Korea, stressing the importance of reopening communication channels for addressing the plight of separated families and abductees. Yoo Jee-ho, Yonhap News Agency, February 10
Kyrgyzstan shuts down prominent news outlet. A Kyrgyz court ordered the closure of Kloop.kg, a news website critical of the government, marking a significant blow to media freedom in Kyrgyzstan. The decision follows a crackdown involving raids and arrests criticized by Western governments. The move against Kloop Media, initiated for not registering as a media entity and its critical coverage, signals tightening controls under President Sadyr Japarov's administration, which has introduced laws restricting media criticism of authorities. Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Olzhas Auyezov, Reuters, February 10
Indonesia scraps plan to buy Mirage fighter jets from Qatar. Indonesia has cancelled its plan to purchase Mirage 2000-5 jets from Qatar, a deal initially valued at 733 million euros ($790 million). The decision was announced by the defense ministry, highlighting no active contract for the jets, which had faced delays and controversy over their age and fiscal concerns. This move reflects Indonesia's broader strategy to modernize its military fleet, including retrofitting current aircraft and acquiring new ones. Ananda Teresia and Gayatri Suroyo, Reuters, February 11
Move Forward urged to tell demonstrators to stop offending royalty. The Move Forward Party is called to advise its demonstrators against offending the royal institution, highlighting the importance of expressing political standpoints constructively. This request comes amid tensions and incidents that underline the sensitivity surrounding the royal institution in Thailand, reflecting the complex interplay between political expression and respect for traditional structures. Bangkok Post, February 11
Indonesia presidential frontrunner skips press freedom event. In the lead-up to Indonesia's election, two presidential candidates committed to press freedom, while frontrunner Prabowo Subianto was notably absent. This absence raises questions amidst concerns over democratic freedoms in Indonesia. Prabowo, facing his third presidential bid amid scrutiny over his human rights record, did not sign the National Press Council's press freedom declaration, unlike his competitors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. Bernadette Christina Munthe, Ananda Teresia, and Kanupriya Kapoor, Reuters, February 11
'Mindanao secession no constitutional travesty'. Salvador Panelo, former legal counsel to ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, defended the idea of an independent Mindanao, stating it falls under freedom of speech. This comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed secession calls as based on a false premise. Panelo's remarks highlight ongoing debates about autonomy and constitutional rights within the Philippines. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, February 11
Taiwan reports more Chinese balloons over Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's defense ministry observed eight Chinese balloons crossing the Taiwan Strait, marking a repeat occurrence aimed at psychological impact and aviation safety concerns. Despite China's claim of meteorological purposes for the balloons, the frequency of these sightings amidst the Lunar New Year celebrations and ongoing military activities raises tensions. The incident underscores the delicate balance in cross-strait relations, especially with Taiwan's recent election of a new president viewed by China as a separatist. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 11
Việt Nam works to cement ties with Peru. Vietnamese Ambassador Bùi Văn Nghị, also accredited to Peru, underscores efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, marking 30 years of diplomatic ties. Through his engagement with Bitel, a Viettel subsidiary, he highlighted its role in enhancing connectivity in remote areas and supporting education with free internet access for schools. This initiative reflects Việt Nam's commitment to deepening its relationship with Peru, showcasing the significance of telecommunications in fostering international cooperation. Vietnam News, February 10
US special envoy on North Korea to visit Tokyo, Seoul. Julie Turner, the U.S. special envoy on North Korean human rights issues, will travel to Tokyo and Seoul to engage with government officials, activists, and North Korean defectors, emphasizing a commitment to human rights in North Korea. This visit, running through February 22, aims to increase access to uncensored information within North Korea and empower voices advocating for change. Kevin Buckland, Reuters, February 10
Long Form
Navigating the Political Economy of Cold War 2.0. The U.S. National Security Strategy of December 2017 marked the beginning of a new era of strategic competition, framing China not as a partner but as an adversary and strategic competitor. This shift has led analysts to speak of a new cold war, potentially heralding a period of economic disintegration and the emergence of regional blocs centered around trade, investment, and security. Learning from the first Cold War while acknowledging the unique aspects of this modern rivalry is essential for countries aiming to secure both their economic development and national security in this complex geopolitical landscape. Ronald U. Mendoza, The Diplomat, February 12
What Does China Think About India’s Increased Anti-Piracy Patrols Amid the Red Sea Crisis? In response to heightened piracy threats in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly from Houthi attacks on civilian vessels, India has significantly increased its naval presence, deploying a force on par with the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian. This move involves over ten Indian Navy ships and reconnaissance aircraft patrolling the western Indian Ocean to conduct counter-piracy operations and maintain a deterrent presence against threats to shipping. Despite the Indian Navy's success in thwarting pirate attacks and assisting seafarers, China has expressed displeasure with India's expanded naval role in the region. Andrew Orchard, The Diplomat, February 10
Japan's Hollowing Out of Regional Legislatures Deepens. In Japan, the practice of local self-governance is under threat as the interest in joining regional assemblies wanes and municipal leaders increasingly assert unilateral control over legislative matters. The trend of uncontested elections for local assembly members is rising, with 2,080 seats, or 14% of the total, facing no competition in 2023. This situation, exacerbated by financial difficulties and demographic decline, poses a significant challenge to the foundation of local autonomy in Japan. Masahiro Masuda, Nikkei Asia, February 10
Japan is Breaking New Ground with Its Climate Transition Bonds. Japan is set to issue 20 trillion yen ($135 billion) in climate transition bonds over the next decade, marking a significant step towards supporting the green transition of its power and industrial sectors. This initiative, starting with a debut sale of 1.6 trillion yen, introduces the world's first sovereign climate transition bonds, backed by revenues from the country's emissions trading system (ETS). Launched last April, Japan's national ETS now includes over 670 companies, accounting for 40% of national emissions. The innovative financing approach, leveraging future ETS revenue and a fossil fuel levy, aims to bridge the climate funding gap and inspire other countries with emerging ETS, including China, Indonesia, and India. Japan's strategy emphasizes the need for an effective ETS and interaction between the ETS and the power market to ensure the success of these bonds and the broader goal of decarbonization. Yi Chen and Alistair Ritchie, Nikkei Asia, February 12
Vietnam Headed to the Future with a Defective Compass. Vietnam's new strategy for safeguarding the nation reflects an outdated view of global trends, failing to adapt to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape marked by the end of the post-Cold War era and shifts unseen in a century. Despite forming comprehensive strategic partnerships with major powers and joining China's "community with a shared future," Vietnam's approach risks undermining its sovereignty in the South China Sea and its dynamic domestic politics. The government's crackdown on corruption and civil society, while aiming to preserve Communist Party rule, may paradoxically weaken governance and stifle the country's resilience and dynamism. As Vietnam navigates between major global powers and tightens domestic control, it faces the challenge of preparing for a future that demands more nuanced and adaptive strategies. Alexander L Vuving, East Asia Forum, February 12