Asia Daily: February 25, 2025
South Korea’s Yoon accused in final impeachment hearing of seeking dictatorship. Parliamentary lawyers argued in their closing statements that President Yoon Suk Yeol sought to privatize the country and rule by decree when he declared martial law on Dec. 3. Yoon defended his decision as a necessary response to opposition obstruction. The Constitutional Court will decide whether to remove him or reinstate him. If ousted, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. Jack Kim, Hyonhee Shin, Cynthia Kim and Josh Smith, Reuters, February 25
South Korea’s Yoon defends his martial law decree as impeachment trial nears end. President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his Dec. 3 martial law decree in his final impeachment trial statement, claiming it was necessary to expose opposition obstruction. He rejected accusations of attempting a coup, instead blaming the Democratic Party for the political crisis. The Constitutional Court is expected to rule by mid-March on whether to remove him. If ousted, a national election must be held within 60 days. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, February 25
Ishiba warns G-7 against sending wrong signal on Ukraine war. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba cautioned G-7 leaders against allowing Russia to believe territorial changes can be achieved by force. Speaking at a Feb. 24 virtual summit, he urged unity in supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions on Moscow. Ishiba also condemned military ties between Russia and North Korea. The U.S. reportedly resisted calling Russia’s actions “aggression” in this year’s G-7 statement. Gakushi Fujiwara and Kei Kobayashi, The Asahi Shimbun, February 25
Party leaders shape future political, economic strategies. The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) convened its 11th Extraordinary Session to discuss governance, economic reforms, and party restructuring. Secretary General Thongloun Sisoulith emphasized deepening political and organizational reforms to modernize governance. Key agenda items included a proposed revision of the 2015 Constitution and amendments to the Law on Local Government. Vientiane Times, February 26
To counter China, U.S. must maintain soft power and alliances, Congress hears. Witnesses at a U.S. House hearing emphasized that alliances and soft power are essential to counter China’s growing influence, but U.S. foreign policy needs to be more focused amid constrained resources. Analysts criticized President Donald Trump’s early moves, including trade war threats and cuts to USAID. Some acknowledged his transactional diplomacy but warned it could isolate the U.S. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, February 26
Kazakh and Kyrgyz prime ministers discuss trade, transport, and water cooperation. Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev met in Astana to strengthen economic ties, aiming to raise bilateral trade from $1.7 billion to $3 billion by 2030. Talks focused on duty-free Kazakh oil exports, a new industrial trade hub, and border checkpoint modernization. Water resource management for the upcoming agricultural season was also discussed, alongside tourism and education cooperation. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, February 25
China says Taiwan 'manipulating' undersea cable cutting before facts clear. China accused Taiwan’s government of politically exaggerating the severing of an undersea cable near the Penghu Islands, calling it a common maritime accident. Taiwan detained a China-linked cargo ship following the incident and has heightened naval efforts to protect critical communication lines. Taipei likened the damage to past disruptions in the Baltic Sea, where suspected Russian activity cut cables. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 25
Russia and Indonesia hold talks to strengthen ties on defense and security. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta to expand defense cooperation. Discussions focused on arms sales, joint military exercises, and regional security. Indonesia, now a BRICS member, has purchased Russian fighter jets and naval equipment. Shoigu will also meet President Prabowo Subianto before heading to Malaysia. Indonesia seeks to modernize its military while maintaining a neutral stance on Ukraine. Niniek Karmini, Andi Jatmiko, and Emma Burrows, AP News, February 25
SC asks Senate, House to comment on Sara petition to nullify impeach complaint. The Philippine Supreme Court ordered the House of Representatives, its secretary general, and the Senate to submit comments on Vice President Sara Duterte’s petition challenging her fourth impeachment complaint. Duterte argues the complaint violates Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution, which bars multiple impeachment proceedings within a year. She claims the House delayed earlier complaints to justify a stronger case. The Supreme Court granted a 10-day deadline for responses. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, February 25
Chinese company to help build Central Asia’s longest bridge in Tajikistan. Tajikistan has signed an agreement with Zhejiang Communications Construction Group Co. Ltd. (CCCC) to construct a 920-meter bridge over the Surkhob River in Nurabad district as part of the Obigarm-Nurabad highway project. The $59.8 million project, supported by South Korean engineering firms, is expected to be completed in four years. Officials say the bridge will enhance regional connectivity and strengthen Tajikistan’s role as a transit hub. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, February 25
Taiwan detains China-linked cargo ship after undersea cable disconnected. Taiwan’s coast guard detained the Hong Tai 58, a China-linked cargo ship registered in Togo, after it dropped anchor near a severed undersea cable off Taiwan’s southwest coast. Authorities suspect the incident could be part of Beijing’s “grey-zone” tactics. All eight crew members are Chinese nationals, and the case is being handled as a national security matter. Communication services were rerouted, preventing disruptions. Yimou Lee, Reuters, February 25
People’s Party to contest Bangkok governor race. The opposition People’s Party (PP) launched its “Hackable Bangkok 2026” campaign, aiming to secure a majority in next year’s gubernatorial election. Bangkok MP Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat said the party would prioritize air pollution solutions, including dust-free zones, to ease financial burdens on the city. PP leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut criticized the government’s inaction and emphasized a policy-driven campaign. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 25
Vietnam, Kazakhstan look to step up anti-corruption cooperation. Vietnamese Minister of Public Security Lương Tam Quang met with Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Agency Chairman Zhumagali Askhat in Hanoi to strengthen bilateral efforts against corruption. Both sides agreed to enhance information sharing, law enforcement collaboration, and extradition agreements. Askhat praised Vietnam’s anti-corruption policies and expressed Kazakhstan’s interest in deepening ties. Vietnam News, February 26
Philippines should withdraw missile system from South China Sea, Chinese state media says. China’s People’s Daily urged the Philippines to remove the U.S.-supplied "Typhon" intermediate-range missile system from the South China Sea, accusing Manila of breaking past commitments. The commentary stated the region needs “peace and prosperity, not confrontation.” The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Joe Cash, Reuters, February 26
Yoon vows to focus on revising Constitution if reinstated. Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to prioritize constitutional reform if reinstated, hinting he may not complete his term. In his final impeachment trial statement, he proposed shifting domestic authority to the prime minister while focusing on foreign relations. Yoon denied insurrection charges related to his martial law declaration but apologized for the disruption. The Constitutional Court’s verdict is expected by mid-March. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, February 25
Police hint at China’s ‘two sessions’ timing with ban on low-flying aircraft. Beijing police announced a ban on drones, gliders, and other low-altitude aircraft from March 1-12 to ensure security during China’s annual legislative meetings. The restriction coincides with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and National People’s Congress, where officials will set economic and diplomatic policies. Authorities also tightened postal regulations, requiring real-name verification for all mail to prevent security threats. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, February 25
ASEAN’s Myanmar peace effort in limbo after envoy’s visit. ASEAN’s special envoy to Myanmar, Othman Hashim, declined to meet junta chief Min Aung Hlaing during a low-profile visit to Naypyitaw, signaling continued diplomatic isolation. The junta-controlled media ignored his visit, contrasting with past envoys who met high-ranking officials. Hashim later met Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government and ethnic resistance groups in Bangkok to discuss ASEAN’s peace plan. His team expressed concern over leaks that could harm trust with revolutionary groups. The Irrawaddy, February 25
Uzbekistan and Taliban agree on Hairatan-Herat railway project. Taliban Deputy Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar announced that construction on the Hairatan-Herat railway will begin within 10 days of a feasibility study, financed by Uzbekistan. The project aims to expand trade routes between Central Asia and the Middle East. Uzbekistan also agreed to reduce the cost of a power transmission line to Afghanistan and increase electricity exports. Talks covered trade, aviation, and banking cooperation. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, February 25
The building blocks for security partnership in the Indo-Pacific. Reciprocal Access Agreements (RAA) and Visiting Forces Agreements (VFA) are being pursued by countries like Japan and the Philippines to improve security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. These agreements serve as foundational elements for military cooperation, that enable joint operations, information sharing, logistical interoperability, security technology exchanges, and military presence in partner territories. Five key requirements underlie successful military-to-military cooperation: a basis for cooperation, mechanisms for information exchange, logistical interoperability, security technology sharing, and legal frameworks for operational presence. Amid regional tensions, including China’s assertiveness and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, nations such as Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom are accelerating these agreements to strengthen security ties and maintain a rules-based international order. Michael MacArthur Bosack, Lowy Institute, February 25
AI: China and the US go head-to-head. China’s launch of DeepSeek’s low-cost, open-source large language model R1, rivaling OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, has intensified the US-China AI competition. This development challenges the effectiveness of US chip export controls and demonstrates China’s ability to innovate despite technological barriers. Meanwhile, the US has responded with the $500 billion Stargate Project to improve its AI infrastructure. This rivalry poses strategic dilemmas for Asian nations reliant on Chinese supply chains yet allied with the US for security, particularly as critical mineral dependencies complicate geopolitical alignments. Additionally, the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure raises environmental concerns, with data centers projected to consume a significant amount of electricity by 2030. However, advancements like DeepSeek’s focus on algorithmic efficiency suggest AI growth and environmental sustainability can coexist. Asian countries must balance geostrategic considerations, energy demands, and evolving partnerships, with regional cooperation. Jean Dong and Christoph Nedopil, Lowy Institute, February 25.
No Thaw in Sight: U.S.-China Trade War Likely to Persist beyond 2025. The U.S.-China trade war is expected to continue beyond 2025 as structural differences between the two economies hinder meaningful negotiations. The Trump administration's intensified trade agenda, focusing on tariffs, IP theft, currency manipulation, and export controls, has led to heightened tensions. China remains resistant to U.S. pressure tactics, maintaining a firm stance against compromise. This ongoing conflict suggests prolonged economic tensions with no resolution in sight. Yilun Zhang, ICAS, February 24
Trump 2.0 puts India’s trade policy to the test. President Trump’s protectionist policies and targeted tariffs present challenges and opportunities for India as a major US trading partner. India must navigate higher tariffs on core exports while leveraging the Modi-Trump relationship for reciprocal tariff reductions. To ensure long-term stability, India must diversify export markets and increase domestic manufacturing through Production Linked Incentive schemes. Additionally, India should engage with the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity to strengthen regional trade ties amidst evolving global trade dynamics. Nikhila Menon and Somesh Mathur, East Asia Forum, February 26
Duterte’s impeachment and the spectacle of Philippine politics. On February 5, 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte became the first Philippine vice president to be impeached, revealing deep political divides. Accusations include misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and betrayal of public trust. The Senate trial is set for July 2025, following the midterm elections that could influence the outcome. A conviction would remove Duterte from office and bar her from future public positions, impacting her political ambitions. The impeachment also inflames tensions between the Duterte and Marcos families. Josiah Bagayas, East Asia Forum, February 25
Why Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad Is Going Private. Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) was delisted from the stock exchange after a consortium takeover, raising questions about the nature of its privatization. The consortium includes state-owned investment funds Khazanah Nasional and the Employee Provident Fund, which now control 70% of MAHB, indicating a move towards greater state control rather than full privatization. This reflects a broader trend in Malaysia of leveraging state investment funds for economic development. James Guild, The Diplomat, February 25
Polar Partners: What Sino-Russian Arctic Cooperation Means for Europe. Sino-Russian collaboration in the Arctic is growing despite geopolitical tensions, focusing on energy, critical raw materials, shipping, and security. While benefiting from discounted Russian energy, China balances support to avoid Western sanctions. Cooperation in critical raw materials is limited by China’s export restrictions on processing technologies. Military and shipping ties face challenges due to differing strategic priorities. For Europe, this partnership raises concerns about security, energy dependence, and environmental risks. Patrik Andersson, China Observers, February 25
Interfaith Dialogues in Malaysia Declining at a Time When They Are Needed Most. Interfaith dialogues in Malaysia are decreasing due to past controversies and rising religious polarization. Incidents like the "Jom Ziarah Gereja" controversy and state prohibitions on visiting places of worship have heightened sensitivities. Historical tensions, institutional challenges, and doctrinal differences also contribute to the decline. Although limited efforts continue, broader engagement is needed to address growing distrust between religious groups. James Chai, Fulcrum, February 26
Artificial Intelligence is Intensifying South China Sea Disputes in the Philippines. AI-generated disinformation is escalating tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea by distorting public perception and fueling political propaganda. Deepfakes and manipulated videos have sparked false narratives, impacting public opinion and diplomatic relations. The spread of misinformation is facilitated by social media, complicating conflict resolution efforts. To counter this, the Philippines is considering regulatory measures, while regional cooperation is essential to combat AI-driven propaganda. Nuurrianti Jalli and Angel Martinez, Fulcrum, February 25