Asia Daily: February 5, 2025
Sara Duterte impeached; House gets 215 to sign. The Philippine House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of violating the Constitution, bribery, corruption, and betrayal of public trust. The 215 lawmakers supporting impeachment cited misuse of confidential funds and destabilization efforts against President Marcos. Duterte’s brother, Rep. Paolo Duterte, condemned the move as political persecution. The impeachment complaint will now be sent to the Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required for conviction. Krixia Subingsubing, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 5
Court to hold 1st formal hearing of PM's impeachment trial Feb. 19. South Korea’s Constitutional Court will begin Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment trial on Feb. 19, following his Dec. 27 impeachment by the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Han was accused of abetting insurrection by supporting President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law declaration. The court will focus on constitutional violations rather than potential criminal charges. Han urged a swift resolution, stressing the importance of stability. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 5
Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra in China, with trade, railway, scam farms on the table. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in China for a four-day visit focused on economic cooperation, high-speed rail projects, and cracking down on scam networks linked to Myanmar. Talks with Chinese leaders will cover investment, artificial intelligence, and green energy, with 15 agreements expected. Thailand recently approved the second phase of its China-backed rail link, aiming to strengthen ties amid U.S.-China tensions. Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, February 5
Fiji leader raises concern in Washington over deportation of Pacific Islanders. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warned that the mass deportation of Pacific Islanders convicted of crimes in the U.S. poses security risks for small island nations. He raised the issue with U.S. lawmakers, urging a more coordinated approach to reintegration. Rabuka also called on President Donald Trump to reconsider withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, citing climate threats to Pacific nations. Kirsty Needham, Reuters, February 5
Assembly Speaker Woo reassures China on S. Korea's political stability, invites Xi to APEC Summit. South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik told Chinese officials that South Korea remains politically stable following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law declaration. In a meeting with China’s Zhao Leji, Woo invited President Xi Jinping to the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju. He also expressed appreciation for China’s continued trust. Woo is in Beijing for a five-day visit and will attend the Asian Winter Games opening ceremony. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 5
Japan PM to pledge more LNG imports from U.S. in talks with Trump. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to propose increasing liquefied natural gas imports from the U.S. during his first meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington. The move aims to strengthen energy security and align with Trump’s push for fossil fuel production. Japan, largely dependent on Australian LNG, sees U.S. imports as a cheaper alternative. Officials say details will depend on private-sector negotiations. Kyodo News, February 5
Decision on Move Forward ethics case possible in two months. Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is expected to decide within two months whether to charge 44 former Move Forward Party MPs for advocating changes to the royal defamation law. If found guilty, they could face a lifetime political ban. The case stems from a Constitutional Court ruling that dissolving the party was justified due to its stance on Section 112. The MPs, now with the People’s Party, deny wrongdoing. Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, February 5
Concerns grow over press freedoms in Cambodia after British journalist blacklisted from the country. Cambodia’s Interior Ministry confirmed it blacklisted British journalist Gerald Flynn, a reporter for Mongabay, over alleged visa violations. Flynn, who has covered human rights and environmental issues, was denied reentry after a brief trip to Thailand. He called the decision retaliation for his investigative reporting. Press freedom advocates condemned the move, citing a broader crackdown on journalists under Prime Minister Hun Manet. AP News, February 5
RI urges export diversification as U.S. tariff threat looms. Indonesia’s government is pushing for product diversification to counter potential U.S. tariff hikes under President Donald Trump. Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasized the need to focus on goods not produced in the U.S., as the country remains Indonesia’s top trade surplus contributor at $16.84 billion. Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on BRICS imports and 60% on Chinese goods could further disrupt global trade. Antara News, February 5.
China challenges Trump tariffs at WTO, package shippers warn of chaos. China filed a WTO complaint against U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 10% tariff on Chinese goods and the removal of a duty-free exemption for low-value packages. Beijing called the measures discriminatory and a violation of trade rules. The changes disrupted e-commerce, with shipping firms struggling to comply. Meanwhile, China imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. coal and gas. David Lawder, Reuters, February 5
Japarov highlights China as key trade and investment partner for Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, ahead of his state visit to China, emphasized Beijing’s role as one of Kyrgyzstan’s top trade and investment partners. He praised the newly launched China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, calling it a vital link for regional trade. Bilateral trade reached $22.71 billion in 2024, with plans to boost cooperation in agriculture, energy, and digital trade. Kyrgyzstan also seeks to expand border connectivity and open a third crossing at Bedel. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, February 5.
China’s antitrust probe into Google seen as warning shot to the U.S., with Android as target. China launched an antitrust investigation into Google, focusing on its Android operating system, in what analysts see as retaliation for U.S. tariffs and tech restrictions. Chinese regulators accuse Google of imposing unfair conditions on domestic smartphone makers. The probe follows a similar investigation into Nvidia and comes amid rising competition from Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Google declined to comment, while Beijing signaled possible further action. South China Morning Post, February 5
Vietnam's trade surplus with U.S. hits record high in 2024. Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. surged nearly 20% to $123 billion in 2024, making it the fourth-largest exporter to Washington after China, the EU, and Mexico. Analysts warn the growing imbalance could make Vietnam a target for U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump. Vietnamese officials plan to boost imports from the U.S., including LNG and agricultural goods, to ease tensions. Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, February 5
Hundreds kidnapped into conscription in Myanmar’s temple hubs. Myanmar’s military has forcibly abducted hundreds of young men and women in Mandalay and Bagan as part of an intensified conscription drive. Monitoring groups reported 237 kidnappings in Mandalay in January, with victims including teenagers and transgender individuals. Junta forces have targeted people without proper documents and those using VPNs, sometimes releasing detainees for bribes. Nighttime arrests in Bagan have also increased, with plainclothes soldiers patrolling streets. The Irrawaddy, February 5
Australia, Japan, Philippines, U.S. to conduct maritime cooperative activity. The U.S. Navy announced that Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. will conduct joint maritime exercises within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone on Feb. 5 to strengthen regional security and interoperability. In response, China’s People’s Liberation Army Southern Theatre Command said it conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea, vowing to defend its territorial claims. Farah Master, Reuters, February 5
Pakistan’s president says extremist attacks won’t end friendship with China. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari reassured Chinese leader Xi Jinping that terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan would not weaken their alliance. During talks in Beijing, Zardari condemned efforts to undermine China-Pakistan ties and praised Belt and Road investments, including the newly opened $230 million Gwadar airport. Xi affirmed China’s commitment to deepening economic and security cooperation. AP News, February 5
Lu Shaye, China’s controversial ex-envoy to France, handed new role for Europe. China appointed Lu Shaye as its special representative for European affairs, despite his history of provocative diplomacy as ambassador to France. Lu previously sparked outrage by questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet states and clashing with French officials. His appointment comes as Beijing seeks to repair ties with the EU amid trade and geopolitical tensions. European diplomats expressed surprise, viewing Lu as a combative figure. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, February 6
Indonesia’s energy transition needs a decentralized approach. Indonesia’s renewable energy transition is hindered by policy inconsistencies and fossil fuel interests. Despite a 30% coal cap by 2025, the state electricity company PLN set a 62% target, while renewables reached only 13.9% by December 2024. Policies like electric vehicle incentives and biomass cofiring have proven ineffective. Indonesia’s centralized electricity system, shaped by historical monopolies and partial liberalization, continues to favor coal. Decentralizing energy through local solar and biogas projects, as seen in Yogyakarta and East Nusa Tenggara, could accelerate the transition. Transparent funding and village-owned enterprises are crucial to overcoming barriers. Bangkit Adhi Wiguna, East Asia Forum, February 5
The Arakan Army battles for legitimacy. The Arakan Army (AA) has seized control of much of Rakhine State, capturing the Myanmar junta’s Western Command in December 2024 and declaring its goal of a junta-free zone. It has begun governing by providing public services, yet struggles for international legitimacy. Bangladesh maintains unofficial ties with the AA but has halted trade, while India has engaged in limited discussions. The AA’s stance on Rohingya refugees is a key issue, with activists accusing it of abuses, and human rights groups calling for investigations. Rakhine faces severe humanitarian crises, with starvation and displacement widespread. Htet Hlaing Win, East Asia Forum, February 6
Lost Votes, Broken Trust: Understanding Gen Z's Disenchantment with Elections in Bangladesh. A recent survey reveals that 75% of Bangladeshi youth have never participated in a national election. Despite the nation's complex political history, including moving from military rule to parliamentary systems, young citizens remain disengaged. Factors contributing to this include perceptions of political instability, lack of trust in the electoral process, and feelings of disenfranchisement. The findings show a challenge for Bangladesh's democratic future, demonstrating the need to rebuild trust and encourage youth participation in politics. Shahadat Swadhin, The Diplomat, February 5
Mongolia Signs Uranium Deal With French Nuclear Giant. In January 2025, Mongolia and France finalized a $1.6 billion investment agreement to jointly develop the Zuuvch-Ovoo uranium mine through a partnership between France's Orano Group and Mongolia's state-owned MonAtom Group. Located in Dornogovi province, the Zuuvch-Ovoo and Dulaan-Uul deposits contain approximately 90,000 tons of uranium, with plans to extract 2,500 tons annually. Mongolia's Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai hailed the agreement as a "historic day in Mongolia-France relations." The project aims to increase Mongolia's role in global energy and mineral supply chains while supporting France's nuclear energy sector. Development is slated to take four years, with the mine expected to operate for 30 years, creating 1,600 direct and indirect jobs. Orano has been active in Mongolia for 27 years, seeking reliable partners to secure energy needs. The agreement includes commitments to local community investment and workforce development. Bolor Lkhaajav, The Diplomat, February 6
Indonesia’s Free School Lunches: Not So Free. President Prabowo Subianto's universal free school lunch program intends to improve child nutrition by targeting 83 million children, with an initial goal of reaching 17 million by the end of 2025. However, concerns have been raised regarding the program's effectiveness and sustainability. Issues include the nutritional content of the meals, the appropriateness of a universal approach given varying nutritional needs among children, and the program's fiscal sustainability. Critics suggest that without proper standardization and targeting, the initiative may inadvertently contribute to problems like obesity and may not be financially viable in the long term. Maria Monica Wihardja and Arianto Patunru, Fulcrum, February 6
Rethinking Economic Planning in the Philippines. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), established in 1972, serves as the Philippines' primary socioeconomic planning body. Recent legislative proposals aim to elevate NEDA to a Cabinet-level department, rebranding it as the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). However, these proposals have been criticized for being superficial, merely changing nomenclature without addressing core issues. Historically, NEDA played a pivotal role in coordinating economic policies, especially during its early years under President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Over time, its influence has waned, overshadowed by agencies like the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management. Critics argue that without substantial reforms to improve its authority and implementation capabilities, merely renaming NEDA will not resolve its declining relevance in national economic planning. JC Punongbayan, Fulcrum, February 5