Asia Daily: February 13, 2025
North Korea dismantling facility near border for separated families, Seoul says. North Korea is tearing down a South Korean-funded building at Mount Kumgang that once hosted reunions for families separated by the Korean War. The facility, built in 2008, has been unused since 2018. Seoul condemned the move as "anti-humanitarian" and is considering legal measures. Tensions have worsened, with Pyongyang cutting off inter-Korean infrastructure and scrapping military agreements. Hyunsu Yim, Reuters, February 13
Top diplomats of Britain and China hold talks as part of efforts to rebuild ties. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in London for the first U.K.-China Strategic Dialogue since 2018. Discussions covered economic cooperation, Ukraine, and human rights concerns. Prime Minister Keir Starmer briefly joined, signaling the meeting’s significance. The talks mark the latest step in Britain’s cautious effort to reset relations with Beijing after years of diplomatic tensions. AP News, February 13
More than 40% of Indians feel Trump will be favourable to India, survey shows. An India Today survey found that over 40% of Indians believe U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term will benefit India, while 16% think it will be harmful. The poll also revealed strong support for Trump among Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s base. The findings come ahead of Modi’s White House meeting with Trump, where trade, tariffs, and economic ties are expected to be central issues. Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters, February 13
Myanmar junta gives new ASEAN envoy frosty reception. ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar, Othman Hashim, visited Naypyitaw but received little acknowledgment from the junta, which imposed a media blackout on his trip. Unlike past envoys, Hashim was reportedly denied meetings with top officials, reflecting Myanmar’s deteriorating ties with ASEAN. Following his visit, he met with opposition groups in Bangkok. Observers suggest Malaysia’s tough stance on the junta contributed to the cold reception. The Irrawaddy, February 13
Further study needed on proposal to build wall along Thai-Cambodian border. Thailand’s Defence Ministry stated that more research is required before proceeding with a proposed 55-kilometer wall along the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo’s Aranyaprathet district. The project, backed by police and military officials, aims to curb human and drug trafficking. Authorities stress the need for a full assessment of community impact and border disputes before construction. The Phnom Penh Post, February 14
Ex-Pres. Duterte: Filipinos irked by current admin. Former President Rodrigo Duterte said Filipinos are growing frustrated with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration due to unfulfilled promises and economic struggles. Speaking at a Partido Demokratiko Pilipino rally, he noted rising rice prices as a major concern, stating Marcos has failed to control costs. Duterte stressed he did not want to escalate concerns to “anger” but warned dissatisfaction is rising, particularly as economic hardships persist. Charie Abarca, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 14
Overseas tour agents enter N. Korea for 1st time in 5 yrs amid resumption of foreign tourism. Foreign tour operators have entered North Korea for the first time since its 2020 border closure, inspecting sites in Rason as Pyongyang signals a broader reopening. Beijing-based Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours confirmed the visit but noted tourism remains restricted. North Korea plans to open its Kalma tourist zone in June, seeking foreign currency amid ongoing sanctions. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 14
Australia accuses Chinese fighter of endangering Australian surveillance plane over South China Sea. Australia has protested a Chinese J-16 fighter’s release of flares near an Australian P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane in international airspace. Defense Minister Richard Marles called the maneuver “unsafe and unprofessional,” warning it could have caused serious damage. China defended its actions, claiming the Australian aircraft intruded near the Paracel Islands. AP News, February 13
Restructuring political system awaited by public: Party leader. Vietnam’s Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized the urgency of streamlining the political system to improve efficiency and public trust. Speaking at the National Assembly’s 9th extraordinary session, he stressed that administrative reform is essential for economic growth and governance. Proposed changes include optimizing the civil service, refining legal frameworks, and enhancing policy coordination. Vietnam News, February 13
Taiwan president to meet senior officials on US tariffs, sources say. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will convene a National Security Council meeting to discuss potential U.S. tariffs and their economic impact. Concerns have risen after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed reciprocal tariffs, targeting semiconductor imports. Trump criticized Taiwan for taking U.S. chip production, vowing to restore domestic manufacturing. Taiwan, home to TSMC, exports record amounts of semiconductors to the U.S., making trade relations crucial. Yimou Lee, Andrea Shalal and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 14
Japan, China and South Korea planning foreign ministers' meeting on March 22. Japan, China, and South Korea are finalizing plans for a trilateral foreign ministers' meeting in Tokyo on March 22, where they will discuss economic cooperation, regional stability, and a potential trilateral summit later this year. Foreign Ministers Takeshi Iwaya, Cho Tae-yul, and Wang Yi are also expected to address trade, technology, and diplomatic ties. Japan and China may revive a ministerial economic dialogue, focusing on agriculture and seafood exports. The Japan Times, February 14
Tajikistan nears full transition to ruble in trade with Russia, as bilateral trade surges. Tajikistan now conducts over 90% of its trade with Russia in rubles, up from a 50-50 split with the U.S. dollar in 2021, according to the National Bank of Tajikistan. This shift follows Western sanctions on Moscow. Bilateral trade is expected to hit $1.98 billion in 2024, though Russia accounts for 95% of imports. Meanwhile, trade with China is growing rapidly, signaling changing economic ties. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, February 13
Senator wants court referendum ruling. Thai Senator Premsak Piayura plans to submit a motion seeking a Constitutional Court ruling on whether parliament can amend Section 256 to establish a charter-drafting assembly without a referendum. The motion has the support of 40 senators and could impact ongoing constitutional amendment debates. Opposition lawmakers fear delays, warning a court ruling might stall deliberations. The Senate has been allocated six hours for discussion. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 13
Trump says he wants to work with Russia, China on limiting nuclear weapons. U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in discussions to limit nuclear arsenals. He claimed prior negotiations collapsed due to COVID-19 but insists both nations are receptive. With the New START treaty set to expire in 2026, Trump suggested trilateral talks could begin soon, arguing excessive military spending is unnecessary. Andrea Shalal and Steve Holland, Reuters, February 13
Court schedules additional hearing for Yoon's impeachment trial. South Korea’s Constitutional Court will hold a ninth hearing in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial next Tuesday, allowing both sides two hours each to present arguments. The court will also review previously adopted evidence. Yoon’s legal team has requested six more witnesses, including Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. If approved, more hearings may follow, delaying a verdict until mid-March. Otherwise, a ruling could come in early March. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, February 13
PM holds talks on ties with UAE, Kuwait counterparts and Vietnam DPM in Dubai. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with leaders from the UAE, Kuwait, and Vietnam on the sidelines of the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai. Discussions focused on boosting investment in clean energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Sonexay invited Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Laos for the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Talks with Vietnam’s deputy PM emphasized economic cooperation. Vientiane Times, February 14
Breaking the Cycle of Old Politics in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s 2024 elections marked a political transformation, with Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) becoming president and the JVP-led National People’s Power (NPP) alliance securing a parliamentary supermajority. Once tainted by its violent past, the JVP rebranded itself into a mainstream left-leaning party, capitalizing on public frustration over economic collapse, corruption, and nepotism. The NPP’s success also stemmed from its ability to transcend ethnic and religious divisions, winning support in Tamil and Muslim districts. Post-election, the government launched a three-pronged development strategy focusing on poverty reduction, digital transformation, and anti-corruption initiatives. It committed to IMF agreements, finalized debt restructuring, and saw tourism and markets surge. However, economic hardship persists, with protests over high living costs and bureaucratic inefficiencies. On the foreign front, the administration balances relations with India and China, securing investment while maintaining neutrality. Despite initial optimism, the NPP now faces the challenge of governing effectively without succumbing to past political pitfalls. Neil DeVotta, East Asia Forum, February 13
Food Security Is the Next Step in US–Indonesia Relations. The United States and Indonesia marked 75 years of diplomatic ties with a renewed focus on cooperation, particularly in food security—a key priority for newly elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. While US–Indonesia relations have traditionally centered on defense, economic engagement has lagged behind China’s investments. Indonesia faces persistent food security challenges, with malnutrition affecting over 21% of children under five. Prabowo has launched initiatives like a nationwide meal program and agricultural expansion projects to address this crisis. The US can support these efforts through programs like Food for Progress, which modernizes farming practices and supply chains, and the Farmer-to-Farmer initiative, which connects American agricultural experts with Indonesian farmers. Despite potential political hurdles in expanding aid, alternative strategies such as private sector investment and agribusiness partnerships can improve bilateral ties. Strengthening food security cooperation would also help improve US standing in Indonesia, where public sentiment favors Russia and China due to perceptions of US policies on Gaza and Ukraine. By prioritizing sustainable agricultural development, the US can deepen its relationship with Indonesia beyond military cooperation while addressing critical development needs. Awais Hanif, East Asia Forum, February 14
The Global AI Race: The Geopolitics of DeepSeek. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping global power dynamics, igniting a digital arms race among leading nations. The United States, European Union, and China each adopt distinct regulatory approaches. China's DeepSeek demonstrates this change by challenging Western AI dominance with its affordable, open-source models. This development has heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly between Washington and Beijing, resulting in stricter AI export controls and trade restrictions. The emergence of generative AI, capable of creating new content across various mediums, has intensified competition, compelling governments, businesses, and security experts to reassess international relations and strategic decisions. Paulo Aguiar, Geopolitical Monitor, February 12
Does Globalization Have a Future? Globalization, defined as intercontinental interdependence, faces challenges from populist movements and geopolitical tensions. While trade and migration surged post-Cold War due to political changes and technological advancements, recent populist backlashes have led to increased tariffs and border controls, particularly between the U.S. and China. Historically, globalization has experienced reversals, such as the decline in trade following World War I, which took decades to recover. Despite current challenges, the persistence of technologies that facilitate global interdependence suggests that globalization will continue, though it may evolve into forms that are less beneficial than in the past. Joseph S. Nye, China-US Focus, February 13
The Financial Scandal at Indonesian Tech Unicorn eFishery, Explained. Indonesian agritech startup eFishery, once valued at $1.4 billion, is under investigation for financial misconduct. Co-founders Gibran Huzaifah and Chrisna Aditya have been removed by the board following revelations of falsified financial statements. The company reported a $16 million profit in the first nine months of 2024, while actual figures indicate a loss of $35.4 million. Additionally, eFishery claimed revenues of $750 million, overstating the actual $150 million by $600 million. These discrepancies have been attributed to weak regulatory oversight in Indonesia's tech sector, as eFishery, not being publicly listed, was under less scrutiny. The scandal shows broader challenges within Indonesia's emerging tech industry. James Guild, The Diplomat, February 14
How Trump's Pursuit of Cheap Oil Will Impact India's Energy Security. U.S. President Donald Trump's initiative to boost domestic oil production aims to lower global crude prices, which could benefit India's economy by reducing its substantial oil import expenses. As the world's third-largest oil importer, with an 88% dependency on foreign oil, India has recently increased imports from Russia due to discounted rates amid geopolitical tensions. While lower oil prices may ease fiscal pressures for India, Trump's emphasis on fossil fuel-driven growth and potential withdrawal from international climate agreements pose environmental challenges. India, already vulnerable to climate change impacts, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and is advancing efforts to decarbonize its energy sector. Therefore, while cheaper oil could offer short-term economic relief, it may conflict with India's long-term sustainability goals. Saswata Chaudhury, The Diplomat, February 14
How a Ceasefire in Ukraine Could Affect Asian Security. A potential ceasefire in Ukraine may allow the United States to improve its deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Both Russia and Ukraine are experiencing war fatigue, with Ukraine facing manpower shortages and Russia grappling with severe military casualties and economic challenges. Under President Donald Trump's administration, Ukraine might receive reduced military and economic support from the West, potentially incentivizing both nations toward a ceasefire. Such a development could free the U.S. from the substantial burden of supplying military aid to Ukraine, allowing a focus on strengthening its integrated deterrence network along the first island chain in the Western Pacific. This strategy includes deploying intermediate-range ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and upgrading airfields on the second and third island chains. However, this optimistic outlook assumes that President Trump will adhere to traditional U.S. alliance structures and maintain a comprehensive strategy to address challenges posed by China. Concerns persist regarding his unpredictable approach to security commitments, particularly in defending Taiwan, and potential pressures on allies like Japan and South Korea to increase their contributions to mutual defense arrangements. Daljit Singh, Fulcrum, February 14
Indonesia's Social Media Usage Law Might Not Protect Children. The Indonesian government's plan to draft a law limiting children's social media usage aims to safeguard them from online harm. However, experts argue that focusing solely on legal restrictions may overlook the importance of children's mental and physical well-being and their need for digital literacy. Similar initiatives in countries like Australia have faced criticism for not addressing core issues, such as educating parents and caregivers on engaging with children about their online activities. In Indonesia, challenges include a lack of clarity on which specific online harms the proposed law targets and the prevalence of mental health disorders among children. Critics caution that without comprehensive strategies focusing on prevention and education, the law may fall short in effectively protecting children in the digital age. Eka Nugraha Putra, Fulcrum, February 13