Asia Daily: February 17, 2025
Senior Taliban officials make 1st known visit to Japan since takeover. A delegation of senior Taliban officials arrived in Japan for discussions hosted by the Nippon Foundation, marking their first known visit since retaking control of Afghanistan in 2021. The group aims to gain insights into nation-building, while Japan’s Foreign Ministry, led by special representative Toshihide Ando, will engage them on humanitarian aid and human rights issues. Kyodo News, February 17
Police raid home, offices of ex-interior minister in martial law probe. South Korean police raided the home and offices of former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min over allegations he attempted to cut off power and water to media outlets critical of President Yoon Suk Yeol following Yoon’s brief martial law declaration. Lee denied receiving or executing such orders during his impeachment trial testimony. Authorities also searched the offices of National Fire Agency chief Heo Suk-gon and his deputy. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, February 18
China’s Xi promises policy stability at meeting with business leaders, including Alibaba’s Jack Ma. Chinese President Xi Jinping assured private sector leaders, including Alibaba founder Jack Ma, that government policies toward businesses “cannot and will not change.” The meeting follows years of regulatory crackdowns that unsettled investors. Xi pledged to protect entrepreneurs' rights while emphasizing legal compliance. Other attendees included executives from Tencent, BYD, and CATL. Huizhong Wu, AP News, February 17
Chinese, Australian military officials had 'in-depth' exchange of views, China's defence ministry says. Chinese and Australian military officials met in Beijing for a defense strategic dialogue, discussing bilateral relations, regional security, and military cooperation. Both sides agreed to strengthen strategic communication and manage conflicts. The meeting followed China’s recent accusation that Australia provoked tensions in the South China Sea with a maritime patrol, a claim Canberra rejected. Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo, Reuters, February 17
Govt shrugs off calls for dissolution. Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party rejected opposition calls to dissolve the House of Representatives, dismissing claims of coalition instability over charter amendment disputes. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut cited repeated parliamentary collapses as evidence of dysfunction. Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang insisted differences are normal and pledged to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on whether a referendum is required before rewriting the 2017 charter. Bangkok Post, February 17
Deputy PM holds phone talks with Ukrainian foreign minister. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to reaffirm Vietnam’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Son emphasized that Vietnam supports peaceful resolutions in line with international law and is willing to engage in mediation efforts. Sybiha welcomed Vietnam’s position and expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations. Vietnam News, February 17
Philippine ex-President Duterte faces criminal complaint over ‘kill senators’ comment at rally. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte faces a criminal complaint for allegedly inciting violence after stating that 15 senators should be killed to make way for his party’s candidates. Filed by police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, the case adds to Duterte’s legal troubles under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His camp claims the remarks were a joke, but officials warn they could inspire real violence. AP News, February 17
Taiwan considering multi-billion dollar arms purchase from US, sources say. Taiwan is in talks with Washington to purchase up to $10 billion in weapons, including coastal defense missiles and HIMARS rocket systems, to bolster its defenses against China. The deal aims to demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on semiconductor imports. Taipei also plans a special defense budget prioritizing precision ammunition and air-defense upgrades. Michael Martina, Yimou Lee, and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 17
China says U.S. has ‘gravely backpedaled’ on Taiwan. China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the U.S. for removing language opposing Taiwan’s independence from a State Department fact sheet, accusing Washington of emboldening separatists. The revision follows a similar change in 2022, which was later reversed after Beijing’s protests. Taiwan welcomed the update, calling it a reflection of strong U.S.-Taiwan ties. The move comes amid concerns about President Donald Trump’s stance on Taiwan’s security. AP News, February 17
Ta’ang rebels start talks with Myanmar junta in China. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) began negotiations with Myanmar’s military junta in Kunming, China, under Beijing’s mediation. The TNLA, part of the Brotherhood Alliance, controls multiple towns in northern Shan State but faced recent air and artillery strikes. Junta negotiator Lt. Gen. Ko Ko Oo previously led talks with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which resulted in a ceasefire that failed to hold. Hein Htoo Zan, The Irrawaddy, February 17
Blow for Singapore opposition as court finds leader Pritam Singh lied to parliament. A Singapore court found Workers’ Party leader Pritam Singh guilty of lying to parliament in 2021 about a fellow party member’s false statement. He was fined S$7,000 ($5,231) on two counts, avoiding disqualification from elections. Singh, who plans to appeal, said the ruling would not weaken his party’s morale ahead of the upcoming general election. The case follows recent resignations that have shaken the opposition. Bing Hong Lok, Reuters, February 17
Survey: Ishiba Cabinet approval rating rises after Trump summit. The approval rating for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet increased to 40% from 33% after his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, an Asahi Shimbun poll found. The meeting, which avoided major concerns for Japan, received a 50% positive rating. However, Ishiba’s disapproval remains higher at 44%. Meanwhile, 82% of respondents expressed concern over Trump’s tariff policies, and 66% doubted Ishiba could negotiate with him on equal terms. Hiroyoshi Osaki, The Asahi Shimbun, February 17
Cook Islands PM pledges to release details of China deal. Prime Minister Mark Brown said he will publish the full details of a strategic partnership with China after New Zealand expressed concerns over transparency. The deal includes a $4 million grant and cooperation on trade, environment, and culture. Opposition leaders warn it could threaten Cook Islands' sovereignty and ties with Wellington. Over 400 protesters gathered in Avarua, urging stronger alignment with New Zealand. Renju Jose, Reuters, February 17
N. Korea's Kim unveils construction plan to expand capital Pyongyang eastward. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced plans to expand Pyongyang eastward, refurbishing suburban areas and adding modern housing, research centers, and schools. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for 10,000 new flats in Hwasong, he emphasized the city’s transformation under his five-year development plan. The expansion toward Kangdong County will be discussed at a 2026 Workers' Party meeting as a key policy initiative. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 17
Chinese company to invest over $12 billion in Kazakhstan’s non-ferrous metals sector. China’s East Hope Group plans to invest more than $12 billion in a large-scale non-ferrous metals production and processing project in Kazakhstan. The industrial park will focus on deep metal processing and exports to the EU, Central Asia, and China. The project, expected to create 10,000 jobs, has received government backing. East Hope Group has registered a subsidiary in Kazakhstan and completed preliminary site studies. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, February 17
How the CCP co-opted an ancient Buddhist monk. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has rebranded fourth-century Buddhist scholar Kumarajiva as a symbol of its Sinicization efforts. By emphasizing his role in translating Buddhist scriptures, the CCP frames China as the true center of Buddhism, reinforcing its Belt and Road Initiative narrative and territorial claims. State media highlight his Xinjiang origins to promote “ethnic harmony.” The CCP also links his legacy to frontier archaeology to justify historical claims. Victoria Jones, The Diplomat, February 17
Indonesia must abandon protectionism to achieve industrial growth. President Prabowo Subianto aims to boost industrialization and achieve 8% economic growth but remains tied to outdated protectionist policies. The recent iPhone 16 sales ban over local content rules highlights tensions between investment goals and restrictive trade measures. Studies show Indonesia has introduced far more trade barriers than regional peers, limiting global value chain participation. Experts argue Prabowo must embrace foreign investment and trade liberalization to sustain industrial competitiveness. Muhammad Faisal Javier Anwar, East Asia Forum, February 18
Socialism with Sri Lankan characteristics. Sri Lanka’s leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) secured a historic victory in 2024, electing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and forming a coalition government. While traditionally Marxist, the party has shifted toward pro-business policies, balancing foreign relations between India, China, and the West. The administration faces challenges, including economic recovery, debt repayment in 2027, and a skilled labor exodus. Observers remain cautious about its ability to implement lasting reforms. East Asia Forum, February 17
From trade to defence: Indo-U.S. MEGA partnership. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington marked a major step in U.S.-India relations, resulting in defense, trade, and technology agreements. The two countries announced a 10-year defense framework and the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance to boost military cooperation. India also pledged to increase U.S. imports to address trade imbalances. The partnership aims with Trump’s "America First" agenda while advancing India's economic and strategic interests. Apurba Sen, The Geopolitics, February 17
To Lam’s pragmatic pitch to Vietnam’s youth: economic prosperity, political control. Communist Party chief To Lam is reshaping Vietnam’s engagement with young people, emphasizing economic opportunity over ideological purity. In a shift from his predecessor, he urged overseas Vietnamese students to contribute from abroad, reflecting a more pragmatic leadership approach. A recent survey shows 90.1% of Vietnamese youths are confident in the country’s economic future, though political activism remains constrained. Lam’s strategy balances controlled participation with regime stability. Fulcrum, February 17