Asia Daily: February 20, 2025
South Korea’s Yoon attends first trial hearing for insurrection. Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul court for his first criminal trial hearing on insurrection charges linked to his Dec. 3 martial law declaration. Prosecutors allege Yoon sought to suppress parliament and media, while his defense argues it was only a warning. The court will decide on his detention in the coming weeks. If convicted, Yoon faces life imprisonment or the death penalty. The next hearing is scheduled for March 24. Ju-Min Park, Joyce Lee and Hyunsu Yim, Reuters, February 20
South Korea police say they are building a case against Yoon for obstructing arrest. South Korean police are investigating impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for allegedly blocking the execution of an arrest warrant issued on Dec. 31. Authorities claim Yoon refused to comply, and his security team delayed enforcement for over two weeks. The charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is preparing to issue a final ruling on his impeachment. Joyce Lee, Reuters, February 21
Vietnam, Singapore to enhance capacity training for potential leaders. Vietnam and Singapore will expand cooperation on leadership training through the Potential Leaders’ Programme and policy consultations. Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics President Nguyễn Xuân Thắng met Singaporean Ambassador Jaya Ratnam in Hanoi, calling for deeper collaboration in governance, education, and digital transformation. Singapore pledged to enhance management courses for Vietnamese officials. Vietnam News, February 20
Local officials in China told to use DeepSeek AI to help them make decisions. Chinese local governments are directing officials to integrate DeepSeek’s AI model into governance, with city leaders in Zhengzhou, Laibin, and Foshan mandating its use for decision-making. The AI is being incorporated into municipal services and political research departments, marking the first time a specific model has been officially promoted. While Beijing touts AI adoption as part of its smart city initiative, foreign governments have restricted DeepSeek’s use over censorship concerns. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, February 20
Japan trade minister eyes U.S. visit to push for tariff exemptions. Japanese Economy Minister Yoji Muto is planning a trip to Washington to seek exemptions from President Donald Trump’s new 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. Muto will argue that Japan’s high-quality steel benefits U.S. industries and highlight Japanese automakers’ job creation in America. He is expected to meet Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before the tariffs take effect on March 12. Kyodo News, February 20
Students lead ‘Dark Indonesia’ protests against budget cuts. Thousands of students marched in cities across Indonesia, opposing budget cuts ordered by President Prabowo Subianto to fund his free school meal program. Protesters fear reduced education spending will harm their future and accuse the government of prioritizing military expansion over social welfare. The demonstrations, Indonesia’s largest since last August, have fueled the viral slogan “Just Escape First,” encouraging migration. Prabowo’s office insists education funding remains intact. Budi Satriawan, Yuddy Budiman, Ananda Teresia and Stanley Widianto, Reuters, February 20
PM says Trump vowed to raise Japan abduction issue with North Korea. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told families of Japanese abductees that U.S. President Donald Trump promised to address the issue if talks with North Korea resume. Ishiba secured Trump’s support during their February meeting in Washington. He pledged to use “all available means” to resolve the decades-old case, calling it a violation of Japan’s sovereignty. The meeting followed the death of an abductee’s father, highlighting families’ urgency for action. Kyodo News, February 20
N. Korean defense chief reaffirms friendship with Russia during banquet for Russian holiday. North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol reaffirmed Pyongyang’s “invincible” ties with Moscow at a banquet celebrating Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day. The event, hosted by the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang, highlighted deepening military and diplomatic relations. Russian Defense Attache Alexei Bartusov praised the 2024 mutual defense treaty between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, calling it a decisive moment in bilateral ties. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 21
Senators’ caucus on VP trial pushed. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III called for a caucus to clarify senators' positions on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, arguing the Senate must act "forthwith" per the Constitution. Senate President Francis Escudero maintains that trial proceedings will wait until after the May elections. Critics accuse Escudero of delaying the process by adjourning early, while the House prosecution panel insists the complaint followed constitutional procedures. Bernadette E. Tamayo, Franco Jose C. Baroña and Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, February 21
Laos, Thailand strengthen security cooperation following major drug bust. Lao and Thai authorities arrested three drug traffickers on Feb. 17 at the Nam Hue border, seizing 44 kilograms of heroin. In response, Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Lao counterpart Khamliang Outhakaysone met on Feb. 19 to enhance joint efforts against drug smuggling and call center scam networks. Both sides agreed to strengthen border security and technological crime prevention. Souliyasone Ngotsyoudom, The Laotian Times, February 21
Wa State aims to boost economy through Chinese projects. The United Wa State Army (UWSA), Myanmar’s most powerful ethnic armed group, has adopted a nine-point plan to expand economic ties with China, including reopening the Mansai tin mine and supporting Beijing’s Myanmar-China Economic Corridor. The UWSA’s annual meeting also addressed political reforms, infrastructure, and electricity production. While maintaining neutrality in Myanmar’s conflict, the UWSA seeks greater autonomy and development in Wa State. The Irrawaddy, February 20
Taiwan bans academic exchanges with 3 mainland Chinese universities. Taiwan has barred its universities from cooperating with Jinan University, Huaqiao University, and Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College, citing their ties to China’s United Front Work Department. The education ministry will no longer recognize degrees from these institutions. Critics, including the Kuomintang, argue the ban isolates Taiwan academically, while officials defend it as a necessary step against Beijing’s influence operations. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, February 20
Support for ruling party falls to 34% amid Yoon's impeachment trial: poll. The approval rating for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) dropped to 34%, down five percentage points from the previous week, as President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial nears its conclusion. The opposition Democratic Party’s support rose to 40%. The decline follows prosecution-released documents contradicting Yoon’s claims. The poll, conducted by Gallup among 1,002 adults, has a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points. Yonhap News Agency, February 21
Opposition questions charter rewrite delays. Thai opposition lawmakers raised concerns that delays in amending the constitution may be linked to political trade-offs within the ruling coalition. MP Parit Wacharasindhu accused Bhumjaithai of blocking the rewrite due to legal concerns and suggested it could be bargaining for support on a controversial entertainment complex bill. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong denied the claims, saying the government is waiting for a Constitutional Court ruling on the amendment process. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 21
Central Asia receives half of Eurasian investments from China, Turkey, Iran, and Gulf states. A Eurasian Development Bank report shows Central Asia secured 51% of foreign investments from China, Turkey, Iran, and Gulf states, totaling $46.2 billion, a 25% rise since 2022. China remains the region’s top investor at $58.6 billion, focusing on energy and manufacturing. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have emerged as new investors, mainly in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Greenfield projects now represent 63% of total investments. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, February 20
Japan, Britain to hold economic talks in Tokyo in March. Japan and Britain are set to hold their first ministerial economic dialogue in Tokyo on March 7, focusing on trade and economic security. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Economy Minister Yoji Muto will meet their British counterparts to discuss supply chain stability and free trade amid U.S. protectionist policies. The framework follows a November 2024 agreement between Prime Ministers Shigeru Ishiba and Keir Starmer to enhance economic cooperation. Kyodo News, February 20
China’s military says it drove away Philippine aircraft near Spratly Islands. China’s Southern Theatre Command claimed it warned and expelled three Philippine aircraft that “illegally intruded” into airspace near the Spratly Islands. The Philippines, which conducted a maritime surveillance flight in the area, said the mission aimed to assert sovereignty over the Kalayaan Islands. More than 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels and a coast guard ship were spotted during the operation. Liz Lee and Mikhail Flores, Reuters, February 21
Facilitating Confidence-Driven Trade in South Asia. Confidence-building measures (CBMs) are essential for improving economic stability and cooperation between India and Pakistan. Despite suspended trade since 2019, innovative approaches like “trusted trader” programs and technological integration in customs can help rebuild trust and efficiency. Historical initiatives, such as cross-Line of Control trade and maritime agreements, show the potential of economic engagement to foster regional stability. Nikita Singla, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, February 20
Burning questions over Indonesia’s cooking transition. Indonesia's move from kerosene to Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) significantly reduced domestic kerosene use and improved indoor air quality. However, heavy reliance on LPG imports and high subsidy costs pose challenges. To achieve energy self-sufficiency, the government is promoting electric induction stoves, but adoption is hindered by low household electrical capacities and dependency on fossil fuels for electricity. Expanding renewable energy and strategic subsidies are key to sustainable and efficient energy transition. Data Avicenna and Intan Permata Sari, East Asia Forum, February 20
South Korea’s economy in tatters amid political turmoil. South Korea faces economic instability following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law and his subsequent impeachment. Consumer spending has declined, foreign investors are withdrawing, and the Korean won has weakened significantly. Political uncertainty and leadership gaps hinder economic recovery, while the resurgence of U.S. protectionism and competition from China further challenge South Korea’s export-dependent economy. Strategic international cooperation and domestic economic reforms are crucial for stability. Hannah Heewon Seo, East Asia Forum, February 21
Arakan Army Posed to “Liberate” Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The Arakan Army (AA) controls most of Rakhine State, excluding Sittwe and Kyaukpyu, challenging the Myanmar military junta. It is establishing local governments and considering either joining a democratic republic or pursuing independence. Concerns remain over human rights abuses against the Rohingya and the future of refugee repatriation. U.S. policy changes under the new administration impact humanitarian aid and political stability in the region. Michael Martin, CSIS, February 20
Trump’s Russia Strategy: Breaking the Sino-Russian Alliance or Strengthening It? The Trump administration aims to weaken the Sino-Russian alliance by easing tensions with Moscow, viewing China as the primary geopolitical threat. This strategy risks undermining NATO cohesion and emboldening Russia, potentially destabilizing European security. A more balanced approach of selective engagement and deterrence is suggested to counter the Sino-Russian partnership without compromising Western alliances. Dr. Hasim Turker, Geopolitical Monitor, February 20
China’s Space Dream: No Limits, No End. China’s space strategy is driven by military ambitions, technological leadership, and commercial interests, aiming to rival U.S. dominance. It integrates state control with private sector innovation, focusing on satellite communication and strategic resource acquisition. Space exploration is linked to national pride and political legitimacy, reflecting China’s broader geopolitical aspirations. Mathieu Duchâtel, The Diplomat, February 20
Trump’s Aid Freeze Could Disrupt Progress in US-Vietnam Reconciliation. The suspension of USAID programs by the Trump administration threatens to reverse decades of trust-building between the U.S. and Vietnam, particularly in addressing war legacies such as unexploded ordnance and Agent Orange contamination. This risks undermining strategic relations and humanitarian progress while impacting thousands of affected Vietnamese families. Phan Xuan Dung, FULCRUM, February 21
Thai Undergraduates’ Voting Behaviour in Provincial and National Elections. Thai undergraduates show high political engagement, with about two-thirds consistently voting in both provincial and national elections. Voting patterns vary regionally, with students from Bangkok and northern regions favoring national elections, while those from the northeast and south prioritize local elections. Their motivations are both practical and ideological, influenced by local economic issues and community ties rather than national political ideologies. Panarat Anamwathana, FULCRUM, February 20