News
China launches nationwide survey on data resources, from AI firms to police. China has initiated its first comprehensive national data resources survey, targeting a wide range of entities including AI firms and police departments. The survey, conducted by the newly established National Data Administration, aims to bolster future policymaking and the development of data application zones. This development is part of China's strategic push towards digitalization to fuel economic growth and technological advancement, marking a significant step in data governance and utilization. Jane Cai, South China Morning Post, February 20
N. Korean gov't delegations visiting Russia for cooperation. North Korean delegations are in Russia to enhance bilateral cooperation across technology, fisheries, and sports sectors. Senior officials, including the Information and Trade Minister and Vice Fisheries Minister, are participating in forums and discussions aimed at bolstering partnerships. These visits are part of the expanding collaboration between Pyongyang and Moscow, following a summit between leaders Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 20
PH, US conduct joint patrol. In a significant military collaboration, the Philippines and the United States have conducted a joint patrol featuring Philippine jet fighters and US bomber planes. This exercise, part of the broader Maritime Cooperative Activity, aims to bolster regional security. It demonstrates the enduring partnership between the two nations against the backdrop of evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Francisco Tuyay, The Manila Times, February 20
No-confidence motion against scandal-hit minister voted down in Diet. Japan's House of Representatives has rejected a no-confidence motion against education minister Masahito Moriyama, amidst controversy over his ties to the Unification Church. This decision allows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government to proceed with its legislative agenda, despite opposition criticisms of Moriyama's conduct. The incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny of political affiliations and their impact on governance in Japan. Kyodo News, February 20
Kazakhstan: Population resettlement program declared a failure. Kazakhstan's program designed to rebalance the population by moving residents from the south to the less populated north has failed, as confirmed by Senate speaker Maulen Ashimbayev. Despite efforts and incentives under initiatives like Serpin-2050 and Enbek, the northern regions continue to experience population decline, highlighting the challenges in stimulating internal migration and addressing demographic imbalances. Eurasianet, February 20
2 fishermen return to mainland China after Taiwanese coastguard pursuit turns deadly. A tragic incident involving the Taiwanese coastguard and a mainland Chinese fishing boat has escalated cross-strait tensions. Two fishermen survived a deadly pursuit that resulted in their vessel capsizing and the death of two others, highlighting the grave risks and political sensitivities in the region. A delegation from mainland China visited Taiwan to retrieve the survivors and investigate the incident, amidst calls for a thorough examination of the events leading to the tragedy. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, February 20
EU to seek security accord with Japan amid China's assertiveness. The European Union plans to negotiate a security and defense partnership with Japan, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties in response to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. This cooperation will cover a broad spectrum, including maritime security and intelligence sharing, to address hybrid attacks and other strategic challenges. The initiative reflects the EU's commitment to enhancing its role in regional peace and security, emphasizing the strategic importance of the East and South China Seas. Kyodo News, February 20
South China Sea: PLA sends forces to monitor US-Philippines air patrols over disputed waters. In response to US-Philippine joint air patrols in the South China Sea, China's People's Liberation Army has deployed forces to oversee the operations, highlighting the region's escalating tensions. This development reflects Beijing's stance against foreign military presence in disputed territories, amidst ongoing disputes over maritime sovereignty. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics involving China, the Philippines, and the United States in this strategic waterway. Hayley Wong, South China Morning Post, February 20
Marcos looks forward to deepening ties with Indonesia under Subianto. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has expressed optimism about strengthening relations with Indonesia, highlighting the significance of collaboration under the leadership of Indonesia's newly elected President Prabowo Subianto. Marcos's eagerness reflects a commitment to bolstering diplomatic and economic ties between the two Southeast Asian nations, emphasizing shared goals in regional stability, economic development, and security cooperation. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, February 20
Yoon accepts resignation of gender equality minister. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted the resignation of Gender Equality Minister Kim Hyun-sook, following her initial offer to resign six months ago due to the mishandling of the 25th World Scout Jamboree. The search for Kim's replacement faced setbacks, leading to the decision to have the vice minister assume her duties temporarily. This move aligns with Yoon's campaign pledge to abolish the gender equality ministry. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, February 20
Long Form
A China-Russia Arctic Alliance? Not So Fast. While there's speculation about a China-Russia Arctic pact based on mutual northern interests and shared mistrust of the West, the reality shows significant cracks in this regional relationship. Despite China's neutral stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and collaborative efforts like the Polar Silk Road, there are underlying complexities. The partnership faces challenges, including differing Arctic policies and the broader geopolitical landscape, suggesting that an outright alliance in the Arctic between China and Russia may not be as straightforward or inevitable as it appears. Marc Lanteigne, The Diplomat, February 21
The Bank of Japan’s Year of Living Dangerously. 2024 is poised to be a pivotal year for the Bank of Japan (BOJ) as it contemplates ending negative interest rates for the first time in eight years. This potential shift comes after a prolonged period of ultra-easy monetary policy aimed at combating deflation. With inflation consistently surpassing the BOJ's 2 percent target and signs of wage growth, economists anticipate a move towards positive interest rates. Such a decision, however, carries significant risks and could have profound implications for Japan's economy and global investors. Anthony Fensom, The Diplomat, February 20
K-defense: South Korea's Weapons Industry Goes Global. Amid escalating tensions with North Korea, South Korea is carving out a niche in the global arms market, stepping in to fill shortages exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. President Yoon Suk Yeol's endorsement of "K-Defense" highlights the nation's pivot towards a booming export niche: weapons. This strategic shift, symbolized by Yoon's visit to Hanwha Aerospace, reflects South Korea's broader ambition to leverage its advanced industrial capabilities in addressing global defense needs. As the world grapples with heightened security challenges, South Korea's defense sector is poised to play a pivotal role on the international stage. Stephen Borowiec, Nikkei Asia, February 21
Australia, Japan, and the New Web of Indo-Pacific Minilateralism. The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing a significant shift towards 'minilateral' cooperation, with small groups of countries forming strategic partnerships to address regional security and economic issues. Australia and Japan are at the forefront of this movement, engaging in various minilateral initiatives beyond their traditional bilateral alliances with the United States. Thomas Wilkins, Kyoko Hatakeyama, Mito Hirono, David Envall, East Asia Forum, February 21
Can Marape Fashion Stability in PNG? In Papua New Guinea (PNG), political instability looms as the opposition challenges Prime Minister James Marape with a vote of no confidence, spotlighting the nation's deep-seated issues of unemployment, law enforcement breakdown, and public unrest. Michael Kabuni, East Asia Forum, February 21