Asia Daily: February 20, 2024
News
China’s would-be powerhouse Hunan wants officials to ‘emancipate their minds’. In an effort to revitalize its economy, Hunan province has unveiled a campaign dubbed "large-scale discussions on emancipating the mind," drawing inspiration from historical Communist Party slogans. This strategic move aims to enhance local governance and stimulate economic growth by combating bureaucratic inertia and the aversion to risk among officials. Despite its ambitions, analysts perceive its political impact as minimal, with the primary goal being to ensure adherence to Xi Jinping's broader policies and objectives. Amber Wang and William Zheng, South China Morning Post, February 19
Former Bank of China chairman indicted for bribery in nation’s long-running anticorruption drive. Liu Liange, the former chairman of the Bank of China, faces bribery charges as part of China's extensive anticorruption campaign led by Xi Jinping. Accused of abusing his roles for personal gain, Liu's indictment reflects the ongoing crackdown on corruption within business and government sectors, underscoring the campaign's popularity and its role in political consolidation. The case highlights the broader efforts to combat corruption, which remains a significant issue in China's financial and political landscape. AP News, February 19
Home free, Thai tycoon Thaksin unlikely to retire quietly. Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, after years in self-imposed exile, has returned to his homeland, signaling a notable shift in the country's political landscape. Despite legal challenges and health issues, Thaksin's release and his family's prominent political roles suggest he may continue to influence Thai politics. This development comes amid broader political dynamics, including his party's historical popularity and ongoing tensions with conservative elements in Thailand. Martin Petty, Reuters, February 19
Japan vows to continue supporting war-torn Ukraine's reconstruction. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirms Japan's commitment to Ukraine's postwar rebuilding, emphasizing public-private collaboration and leveraging technological advances. Japan's 15.8 billion yen grant aids demining efforts and energy infrastructure repair. Announced at the Japan-Ukraine Economic Growth and Reconstruction Conference in Tokyo, this pledge highlights Japan's support through financial and business means, navigating its constitutional military aid restrictions. Kyodo News, February 19
China urges US to ‘stop harassing’ its students at the border ‘for no reason’. At a drug control meeting in Vienna, China's Public Security Minister, Wang Xiaohong, called on the U.S. to halt the unwarranted questioning and treatment of Chinese students at borders, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and respect for their dignity. This appeal follows reports of increased scrutiny and instances of deportations of Chinese nationals at U.S. airports, leading to a formal protest by China. Cyril Ip, South China Morning Post, February 19
Tajikistan: Roghun dam budget spiral to make authorities sweat. The escalating costs of constructing the Roghun hydropower dam in Tajikistan are causing financial strain, with expenditures exceeding initial projections significantly. The dam, essential for the nation's power supply, now requires a substantial increase in funding to complete, amidst calls from environmentalists for more thorough assessments before further financial commitments are made. This situation underscores the challenges of balancing development needs with fiscal sustainability and environmental concerns. Eurasianet, February 19
Laos, Thailand to Implement Permanent Border Checkpoint, Boost Trade Cooperation. Laos and Thailand are set to upgrade a temporary border trade checkpoint to a permanent facility, aiming to enhance trade relations. This move, anticipated to facilitate the complete opening of cross-border trade, follows the significant annual trade volume recorded before the pandemic. The upgrade coincides with the construction of the 6th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, expected to further boost trade by shortening the route from Thailand to Vietnam through Laos. Chono Lapuekou, The Laotian Times, February 19
OCTA: 59% of Filipinos back PH rejoining ICC. A recent OCTA Research survey reveals nearly 60% of Filipinos support the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC) and endorse government cooperation with the tribunal's investigation into the controversial anti-drug campaign under former President Rodrigo Duterte. The survey, conducted from December 10 to 14, 2023, reflects a significant public push for reengagement with the ICC amidst ongoing scrutiny of human rights practices in the country. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, February 19
Vietnamese naval ship joins multilateral naval exercise in India. Ship 20 from Naval Region 3’s Brigade 172 arrived in Visakhapatnam on February 18 to participate in the 12th Multilateral Naval Exercise 2024 (MILAN 2024), themed "Camaraderie, Cohesion, Collaboration." The exercise includes harbor and sea phases and features activities like street parades, sports competitions, and cultural exchanges. Colonel Doan Bao Anh highlighted this as an opportunity to improve operational coordination, enhance international camaraderie, and share experiences in maritime security and event organization. Vietnam News, February 19
FM Cho may hold talks with U.S., Japanese counterparts at G20 gathering. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul of South Korea is poised for potentially significant bilateral and trilateral discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Brazil. These talks, aimed at enhancing cooperation and addressing regional challenges, including North Korea's diplomatic overtures, underscore the strategic importance of these engagements for regional peace and stability. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 19
India's projects in Maldives gain pace, despite strained security ties. Despite tensions over the presence of Indian troops in the Maldives, India has intensified its development assistance, allocating nearly twice its budgeted amount for projects in the fiscal year. This increase in support occurs amidst the Maldives' diplomatic pivot from an "India First" policy towards engaging more closely with China. The accelerated project pace highlights India's strategic interest in maintaining influence in the Indo-Pacific, despite the geopolitical complexities introduced by the new Maldivian administration. Krishn Kaushik, Reuters, February 19
Long Form
Taiwan: The Future of the ‘Republic of China’. The election of William Lai as Taiwan's next president has intensified discussions on Taiwan's relationship with China and the framing of the 1992 Consensus. With 60% of Taiwanese preferring to maintain the status quo and less than 10% supporting reunification with China, the focus is on how to preserve the current state rather than choosing between unification or independence. This election marks the first time the same party will serve three terms since Taiwan's democratization, highlighting the challenge of defining the "Republic of China" (ROC). The term "Republic of China in Taiwan" reflects the shift from aspirations of Chinese unification to a focus on Taiwan's distinct identity within the ROC framework. Kawashima Shin, The Diplomat, February 20
ASEAN Members Are Finding Ways Around Bloc Paralysis. Amid ASEAN's consensus-driven decision-making leading to paralysis on critical issues, notably the South China Sea disputes, Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia are pioneering "minilateral" cooperation. This strategic alignment, aimed at countering Chinese maritime aggression without directly challenging ASEAN's non-confrontational stance, represents a pragmatic approach to regional security. By enhancing maritime security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic coordination, these nations are setting a precedent for effective regional collaboration in the face of shared challenges. Richard Heydarian, Nikkei Asia, February 20
Navigating Urban Expansion and Transportation in China's Small Cities. China's transformation into a car-centric nation has extended beyond its megacities, affecting smaller urban areas and rural regions that house nearly half of the population. The expansion of these areas, driven by a real-estate boom and urbanization efforts, has reshaped residents' lives and commutes, challenging the sustainability and inclusivity of development. In smaller cities, where electric scooters once dominated, the shift towards car ownership is influenced by longer commutes due to urban sprawl. This trend raises concerns about creating car-dependent communities and the associated challenges, such as congestion and pollution. Research suggests a need for compact development and "15-minute living circles" to ensure equitable access to transportation and urban benefits, emphasizing sustainability over car proliferation. Hu Yang, Sixth Tone, February 20
The Next Tripartite Pact: North Korea's Alignment with Russia and China's Role. North Korea's burgeoning military cooperation with Russia, marked by high-level meetings and mutual support against the United States, signals a deepening geopolitical concern. This alliance, reinforced by North Korea's provision of military aid to Russia for the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's support for North Korea's technological advancements, threatens to destabilize the Korean Peninsula further and challenge U.S. and allied efforts in the region. China's deepening security relationship with Russia and its support for North Korea complicate the situation, echoing Cold War-era alliances. However, historical precedents suggest potential rifts within this tripartite alignment, offering the United States and its allies opportunities to exploit these fissures and reinforce their strategic positions. Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, February 19
Japan Takes Action on Overtourism. Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has implemented a comprehensive strategy to position the country as a global tourism hub while addressing the challenges of overtourism. The 2018 policy document "Towards a Sustainable Tourism Developed Country" outlines measures for sustainable tourism development, emphasizing local stakeholder engagement, accurate information-based management, and effective communication with residents and visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global tourism industry, affecting the strategy's implementation. However, Japan's "Comprehensive Measures for the Prevention and Mitigation of Overtourism" initiative aims to alleviate congestion, promote regional tourism, and ensure a balance between economic benefits and community wellbeing. Innovative solutions like "Hands-Free Tourism" and support for cashless transactions are part of Japan's efforts to enhance the tourism experience while addressing overtourism's challenges. The success of these measures hinges on sustainable economic growth for local communities and the preservation of Japan's cultural and natural assets. Olesia Silanteva, East Asia Forum, February 20
Tackling Technology Abuse and Human Trafficking in ASEAN. Human trafficking, affecting nearly 50 million individuals globally in 2021, poses a significant non-traditional security threat, with ASEAN countries being both sources and targets of trafficking operations. Despite efforts to combat this issue through regional commitments and international partnerships, the rise of online activities and digital fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges. ASEAN's digital market growth, coupled with low digital literacy and data safety standards, has increased vulnerability to online scams, altering the profiles of trafficking victims. Indonesia, as the 2023 ASEAN Chair, has spearheaded initiatives to address technology's role in trafficking, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation and private sector partnerships to enhance cybersecurity measures and protect victims. This approach underscores the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of human trafficking by leveraging technology for prevention and emphasizing a human rights-based response. Melinda Martinus and Indira Zahra-Aridati, East Asia Forum, February 20