Asia Daily: February 18, 2025
South Korea’s parliament presses for Yoon’s removal as impeachment trial winds down. Lawmakers warned that President Yoon Suk Yeol could impose martial law again if reinstated, arguing his impeachment is necessary to protect democratic institutions. The Constitutional Court is reviewing whether to remove Yoon permanently or reinstate him. He also faces criminal charges for insurrection, a rare offense without presidential immunity, carrying a life sentence or death penalty. A ruling is expected in March. Ju-Min Park, Reuters, February 18
Chinese navy helicopter flies within 10 feet of Philippine patrol plane over disputed shoal. A Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine surveillance aircraft over Scarborough Shoal, prompting warnings from the Filipino pilot. The tense 30-minute encounter, witnessed by foreign journalists, is part of escalating maritime confrontations between the two nations. The Philippine Coast Guard vowed to continue asserting sovereignty, while China accused Manila of violating its airspace. Jim Gomez and Ken Moritsugu, AP News, February 18
Duterte allies ask SC: Stop VP impeachment trial. A group of lawyers and Davao City officials petitioned the Supreme Court to halt Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, arguing it is based on a “defective” complaint. They claim the House improperly verified impeachment articles and circumvented procedural rules. Lawmakers dismissed the move as a delay tactic, insisting the trial must proceed. The Supreme Court directed the Senate to respond within 10 days. Jane Bautista, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 19
Beijing resources ministry gauges depth of new Vietnamese port on reef. Vietnam has expanded its presence on Barque Canada Reef through a three-year land reclamation project, enabling large warships to enter the harbor, according to a study by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources. Researchers used NASA’s ICESat-2 and the EU’s Sentinel-2 satellites to measure underwater changes. The study found that Vietnam dredged a 299-meter-wide channel, reaching an average depth of 11.37 meters, reshaping the reef’s topography. Stephen Chen, South China Morning Post, February 19
Vietnam, Armenia hold huge potential to boost collaboration: official. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized the need to expand Vietnam-Armenia relations, particularly in trade and investment. During talks with Armenian Ambassador Suren Baghdasaryan, she highlighted a 40% increase in bilateral trade, reaching nearly $500 million in 2024. Both sides agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges, negotiate cooperation agreements, and maximize benefits from the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. Vietnam News, February 19
Vietnam to approve key infrastructure projects, revised GDP target. Vietnam’s National Assembly is set to approve an 8% GDP growth target for 2025, up from the previous 6.5%-7%. Lawmakers will also vote on an $8.3 billion railway project linking northern Vietnam with China, partially funded by Chinese loans. Other measures include nuclear power plant development and granting Starlink permission to operate in the country. Parliament recently approved a plan to reduce government agencies by 20% to cut costs. Khanh Vu, Reuters, February 18
Pheu Thai pushes court on referendum. Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party has submitted a motion seeking a Constitutional Court ruling on whether parliament can amend the charter without holding a referendum. The move follows concerns that lawmakers could face legal consequences if they proceed without judicial clarity. A previous court request was rejected for lack of grounds, but Pheu Thai argues the issue is now active. The ruling could delay efforts to establish a charter drafting assembly. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 18
RI, Czech discuss defense cooperation strengthening. Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová agreed to renew the 2023 defense cooperation agreement (DCA) and expand military collaboration. Talks covered defense equipment procurement, technology transfer, and potential cooperation in education and military training. The Czech Republic also proposed collaboration with Indonesia’s Defense University. Antara News, February 18
Chinese travel agency to bring 10 tourists to N. Korea's Rason next week. Beijing-based Zhixing Heyi travel agency is organizing the first private Chinese tour to North Korea’s Rason in five years, signaling Pyongyang’s gradual reopening to foreign visitors. The four-day trip, starting Monday, offers two packages priced at 3,599 and 4,599 yuan ($494–$632). North Korea recently lifted its COVID-19 border restrictions, and foreign travel agencies have begun inspecting potential tourism sites. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 18
Lao, Japanese public, private sectors bolstering trade, investments. Authorities in Champassak province hosted the 4th Lao-Japanese Joint Public and Private Consultation Meeting on February 17 to enhance trade and investment ties. Discussions focused on improving infrastructure, reducing bureaucracy, and attracting Japanese investments. Officials also addressed road upgrades, electricity supply, and tax systems. Japan ranks among Laos’ top five trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion since 2018. Vientiane Times, February 19
Cook Islands gives some detail of its China deal that has upset close partner New Zealand. The Cook Islands unveiled details of a partnership with China focused on infrastructure and education, after facing criticism from New Zealand and protests at home. The deal does not include security agreements but promises Chinese funding and diplomatic support. New Zealand, which provides key aid, was not consulted before the signing, straining ties. Analysts view the pact as a geopolitical win for Beijing. Charlotte Graham-McLay, AP News, February 18
Uzbekistan and Kuwait strengthen ties with landmark agreements during President Mirziyoyev’s visit. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Sabah in Kuwait City to expand bilateral cooperation. The leaders signed agreements on industry, labor, air services, smart cities, healthcare, and tourism. A cooperation deal with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development was also reached. Mirziyoyev praised Kuwait’s Vision 2035, emphasizing alignment with Uzbekistan’s long-term goals. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, February 18
China’s Xinhua seeks cooperation with Japan’s Kyodo News amid push to boost views on ties. Chinese state news agency Xinhua announced plans to deepen collaboration with Japan’s Kyodo News to foster a “favorable public opinion environment” for bilateral relations. Xinhua President Fu Hua met Kyodo’s Toru Mizutani in Tokyo, emphasizing stronger cooperation in new media and technology. The move follows recent high-level talks between Chinese and Japanese officials aimed at easing tensions over territorial disputes and trade issues. Jane Cai, South China Morning Post, February 18
Taiwan electronics firms plan more Texas investments, industry body says. Taiwanese electronics manufacturers are preparing new investments in Texas, with major announcements expected in May to align with U.S. President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. Companies like Foxconn, Compal, and Inventec are considering expansion, particularly in AI server production. Texas officials have actively courted investment, seeking to capitalize on strained U.S.-Taiwan trade relations. Wen-Yee Lee, Reuters, February 18
Ishiba conceding to Nippon Ishin to secure passage of budget bill. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced plans to revise the fiscal 2025 budget proposal to gain support from opposition party Nippon Ishin. The amendments include lifting income restrictions on high school financial aid and increasing subsidies for private school students. Ishiba also expressed willingness to introduce free elementary school lunches by 2026. The ruling coalition, lacking a Lower House majority, seeks an agreement by Feb. 21 to ensure budget approval. The Asahi Shimbun, February 18
Vietnam’s strict new social media regulations strangle free speech, report says. A report by The 88 Project warns that Vietnam’s new “Decree 147” grants authorities sweeping powers to censor content, track users, and suppress dissent. The decree mandates that social media firms like Facebook, X, and TikTok store data in Vietnam and provide user information upon request. Researchers note a chilling effect on political discourse, with increased self-censorship. Rights groups urge global pressure to repeal the law. David Rising, AP News, February 18
Kazakhstan and Hungary reach preliminary deal on oil supply via Druzhba pipeline. Kazakhstan and Hungary have agreed to begin test shipments of Kazakh crude oil to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline in 2025. The deal was reached in Astana between Kazakh Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. Talks also covered MOL Group’s $200 million investment in Kazakhstan’s Rozhkovskoye gas field and plans for a direct Shymkent-Budapest flight. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, February 18
Vietnam parliament approves plan for leaner government. Vietnam’s National Assembly passed a reform plan to cut up to 20% of government bodies, reducing ministries from 18 to 14 by March 1. The overhaul merges key ministries, including transport with construction and finance with investment, aiming to boost efficiency and cut costs. Over 97% of lawmakers supported the move, which could affect 100,000 state officials. Investors welcome the plan but anticipate short-term administrative delays. Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, February 18
Police chief indicates intention to testify at Yoon's impeachment trial: court. National Police Agency Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho has signaled willingness to testify at President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial, after previously rejecting two summons due to health issues. The Constitutional Court, which had considered compelling his appearance, is now in discussions with his legal team. Cho faces insurrection charges related to Yoon’s brief martial law declaration. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, February 19
Uzbekistan: Shadow economy responsible for generating over one-third of GDP. Uzbekistan’s GDP grew by an estimated 6.5% in 2024, reaching $115 billion, with shadow and informal economic activities accounting for 34% of total output, or $39 billion. The unregistered economy was most prevalent in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, where nearly two-thirds of GDP came from unobserved activity. The construction and service sectors also saw about 40% of transactions occur informally, primarily to evade taxes. Eurasianet, February 18
Ominous political storm gathers over Thai-Cambodian dispute in Gulf of Thailand. The Thai government’s decision to resume negotiations with Cambodia over maritime claims in the Gulf of Thailand has sparked controversy. The talks, based on the 2001 “MOU-44” framework, have been criticized for potentially legitimizing Cambodia’s claim over Koh Kood. Opposition figures accuse Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of following her father Thaksin’s agenda, risking mass protests. Legal experts warn that proceeding without constitutional approval could trigger a political crisis. Termsak Chalermpalanupap, Fulcrum, February 18
‘Airpocalypse’ now: Vietnam at crossroads of progress and pollution. Hanoi was ranked the world’s most polluted city on January 3, 2025, highlighting Vietnam’s worsening air quality crisis. Pollution kills at least 70,000 people annually and could cost the economy up to $14 billion. Government efforts to curb emissions face resistance due to industrial reliance on coal. Agricultural burning and rising vehicle numbers exacerbate the issue. Experts urge policy reforms and regional cooperation to address environmental and public health risks. Nguyen Khac Giang, Fulcrum, February 18
Chinese sabotage or NATO paranoia? Cutting through the undersea cable conspiracies. Recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea triggered allegations of Chinese sabotage, despite a lack of clear evidence. The Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3 was investigated but later deemed likely uninvolved. European and U.S. intelligence agencies now believe the incidents were accidents caused by poorly maintained ships. Despite this, NATO has escalated surveillance, citing potential hybrid threats from China and Russia. Alex Lo, South China Morning Post, February 19
China exploiting Russian weakness in Arctic—and Moscow has reason to worry. China has expanded its Arctic activities since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, taking advantage of Moscow’s dependence on Beijing due to Western sanctions. While Russia welcomes Chinese investment in the Northern Sea Route, officials fear Beijing could dominate the region. Recent joint ventures on icebreaker construction and Arctic transit infrastructure have deepened ties, but analysts warn China’s long-term strategic ambitions may sideline Russia. Paul Goble, The Jamestown Foundation, February 18
How China is weaponising its dominance in critical minerals trade. China’s export curbs on gallium, germanium, and antimony have intensified its trade war with the U.S., affecting semiconductor and defense industries. Beijing’s latest restrictions target materials critical for AI, military tech, and clean energy, responding to U.S. tariffs and tech bans. Western nations are scrambling to secure alternative supplies as China retains dominance over global rare earth production. The conflict is expected to escalate under Trump’s presidency. Keith M. Rockwell, East Asia Forum, February 19
Trump’s playing right into China’s hands. U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term has strained relations with key allies, creating opportunities for China to expand its global influence. His aggressive trade policies, rejection of international AI agreements, and rollback of green energy initiatives contrast with China’s push for open-source technology and sustainable energy leadership. Beijing is capitalizing on Trump’s isolationist stance to strengthen ties with Canada, Mexico, and the Global South. Stanley Chao, Asia Times, February 19