Asia Daily: January 10, 2025
Top Chinese general pledges strict crackdown on military corruption for 2025. General He Weidong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has vowed to intensify anti-corruption efforts in China’s military. Speaking at a CMC discipline inspection meeting, He called for strengthened political training, tighter governance, and the continued rectification of defence-related industries. The comments align with President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted senior officials, including former defence ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, January 10
South Korea’s acting leader accepts resignation of presidential security chief. Acting South Korean leader Choi Sang-mok has accepted the resignation of Park Jong-joon, head of the presidential security service, amid allegations of obstructing police efforts to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The security service blocked investigators at Yoon's residence, where he has remained since his impeachment over a brief martial law declaration. Choi called for bipartisan support to establish an independent investigation while opposition lawmakers criticized his neutrality. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, January 10
Japan foreign minister to visit South Korea to shore up security cooperation. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will visit South Korea on Monday, marking the first such trip in seven years, to strengthen security ties with South Korea and the U.S. against China's regional influence. Iwaya will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Acting President Choi Sang-mok to reaffirm coordination on North Korea and other issues amid South Korea's political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Tim Kelly, Reuters, January 10
Ko appeals latest detention decision to High Court. Former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je, detained on charges of bribery and corruption related to the Core Pacific City redevelopment project, has appealed his detention. His lawyers argue that, with the investigation concluded, continued detention is unnecessary. The High Court is set to review the appeal and decide on bail. Appeals have also been filed by Core Pacific Group founder Sheen Ching-jing, Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying, and Lee Wen-tsung, finance chief of Ko's recent presidential campaign. Yang Kuo-wen and Jason Pan, Taipei Times, January 11
Uzbekistan plans to strengthen strategic partnership with the US. Uzbekistan is actively seeking to deepen its strategic partnership with the United States. The draft state program for 2025 outlines measures such as a high-level visit to the US, initiating the Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Tashkent, and increasing collaboration within the "C5+1" format. The program also emphasizes boosting inter-parliamentary cooperation, attracting American investors, and enhancing security collaboration. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, January 10
Kingdom’s international trade volume sees 20% year-on-year increase. Cambodia's international trade volume reached nearly $55 billion in 2024, marking a 16.9% increase from 2023. Exports totaled $26.2 billion, with garments, footwear, and agricultural products among the top items, while imports rose to $28.54 billion, driven by machinery and vehicles. The trade deficit stood at $2.4 billion. Key partners included China, the U.S., and Vietnam. The growth was attributed to trade agreements like the RCEP and investment law reforms. Hin Pisei, The Phnom Penh Post, January 10
Myanmar junta turns sights on students. The military regime is causing alarm among parents by requesting universities and private high schools to submit detailed lists of students over 15, including information on physical disabilities and medical conditions. This move follows the junta's enforcement of a conscription law requiring men aged 18 to 35 to serve at least two years in the military, with temporary deferments granted to students. Despite these deferments, reports indicate that some students have been forcibly conscripted, leading many to go into hiding to avoid recruitment. The Irrawaddy, January 10
State Dept. officially announces Amb. Yun as charge d'affaires ad interim in Seoul. The U.S. State Department has named Joseph Yun, former special representative for North Korea, as charge d'affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul following the retirement of Ambassador Philip Goldberg. Yun, who served as U.S. ambassador to Malaysia and in senior East Asia roles, is tasked with maintaining the "ironclad" U.S.-South Korea alliance amid political instability in South Korea. Yun is set to arrive in Seoul on Saturday as the two nations work to reinforce mutual interests and shared values. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, January 10
'Monster ship' leaves, another Chinese vessel takes its place. After nearly a week in Philippine waters, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, dubbed the "Monster," departed the area off Zambales but was replaced by another Chinese ship. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel Teresa Magbanua had been monitoring the CCG 5901, issuing warnings about its illegal presence in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite China’s actions to assert its disputed South China Sea claims, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan emphasized safeguarding maritime sovereignty through restraint and adherence to international law. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, January 11
Japan, Malaysia deepen ties over security, energy amid China concern. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to strengthen regional security and build robust supply chains during a summit in Malaysia. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace in the East and South China seas and expanded security cooperation, including in cybersecurity. As Malaysia chairs ASEAN this year, the nations emphasized their shared values of democracy and rule of law, upgrading their ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." Kyodo News, January 10
Head of abolished N.K. party organ on inter-Korean affairs appears to retain political status. Ri Son-gwon, former director of North Korea's United Front Department (UFD), has retained his political status despite the department's reported dissolution. State media referred to Ri's role as a department director in the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) during a banquet for a visiting art troupe. Ri may now lead a restructured department following leader Kim Jong-un's directive to codify South Korea as a primary foe. South Korea’s unification ministry noted the renamed entity, "Bureau 10," retains department-level status within the WPK. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, January 10
Record low yields prompt suspension of government bond purchases by China’s central bank. China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has temporarily halted open market purchases of government bonds to address record-low yields and stabilize the yuan’s exchange rate. The PBOC attributed the suspension, effective Friday, to excessive demand surpassing supply and signaled a resumption at an appropriate time. The suspension follows a crackdown on bond-trading irregularities, with heavy fines imposed on financial institutions. The 10-year treasury bond yield recently hit a record low of 1.6%. Alice Li, South China Morning Post, January 10
Laos, Vietnam review bilateral cooperation, discuss plans for 2025. Laos and Vietnam reaffirmed their close ties during the 47th meeting of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee, co-chaired by Prime Ministers Sonexay Siphandone and Pham Minh Chinh in Vientiane. The meeting reviewed achievements from 2024, including over $2 billion in trade and a significant rise in Vietnamese investment in Laos, particularly in energy projects. The two nations pledged to deepen collaboration in politics, defence and cultural exchanges as well as infrastructure projects like the Vung Ang Port and a railway linking Laos to Vietnam. Vietnam also committed 1,160 scholarships for Lao students in 2025. Vientiane Times, January 10
Taiwan expects small impact from Trump tariffs on chip exports. Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei stated that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs are expected to have minimal impact on Taiwan's semiconductor exports due to their technological edge. While Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) plays a critical role in the global tech supply chain, new tariffs could slow economic growth in Taiwan's export-reliant economy. Kuo noted Taiwan's readiness to support supply chain relocation to the U.S. and plans to expand collaboration with the U.S. and Japan on aerospace, AI, and drones. Wen-yee Lee, Reuters, January 10re
Uzbekistan to launch bus routes to Central Asian countries, Russia, and China. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport has announced plans to establish new international passenger bus routes connecting various regions of Uzbekistan to cities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Russia, and China. The initiative aims to increase the share of bus transportation in Uzbekistan's international passenger traffic, which is currently dominated by air travel. Planned routes include Bukhara–Turkestan, Urgench–Aktau, Fergana–Almaty, Andijan–Osh, Samarkand–Dushanbe, and Nukus–Urumqi, among others. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, January 10
PM pushes more dynamic Vietnam-Laos cultural exchanges. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for enhanced cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Laos. Meeting with Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association Boviengkham Vongdara and Vice President of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee Inlavanh Keobounphanh in Vientiane, he emphasized the importance of these activities in strengthening bilateral ties. Vietnam News, January 10
UK Treasury chief heading to China to revive suspended economic and financial talks. UK Treasury chief Rachel Reeves will travel to China to restart the China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, which has been on hold since 2019 due to the pandemic and strained relations. Reeves will meet Vice Premier He Lifeng in Beijing and Shanghai, accompanied by Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, Financial Conduct Authority chief Nikhil Rathi, and top executives from HSBC and Standard Chartered. The visit is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's push for pragmatic ties with China. Sylvia Hui and Jill Lawless, AP News, January 10
Prabowo to meet Japan PM Ishiba in Bogor tomorrow. President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to receive Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Bogor Presidential Palace on January 11. Ishiba and his wife arrived in Indonesia on January 10 for a two-day official visit. Their agenda includes a visit to the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery to pay respects, followed by a bilateral meeting with President Prabowo to discuss strengthening relations between Indonesia and Japan. Prior to Indonesia, Ishiba visited Malaysia to meet with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. ANTARA News, January 10
Central Asian leaders look to expand mutual trade. The prime ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan met on January 8 in the Ferghana Valley to address long-standing border disputes. This meeting follows a December agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, aiming to resolve conflicts that led to clashes in 2021 and 2022. With borders being settled, the leaders are focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, logistics, water-energy management, and cultural-humanitarian ties. They are also participating in the U.S.-sponsored B5+1 initiative to promote regional trade connectivity. Eurasianet, January 10
The Future of South Korea's Nuclear Diplomacy and Energy Policy. South Korea’s selection as the preferred bidder for nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic marks its expansion into the European nuclear energy market, supported by advanced APR1000 reactors meeting stringent European standards. Nuclear power is becoming essential for carbon neutrality due to its low emissions and cost-efficiency compared to renewable energy. Global initiatives like CF100 (Carbon-Free 100%) highlight the shift from renewable-only strategies, addressing challenges such as energy storage costs and intermittency. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining prominence as safer, versatile alternatives to traditional reactors, suitable for weak grid areas and diverse applications like hydrogen production, with private sector investment driving innovation in SMR technology. Hongjoon Park, Korea on Point, January 11
China's Growing Influence in Latin America. Over the past two decades, China has greatly expanded its economic and security presence in Latin America, establishing itself as a major trading partner and investor in the region. This includes substantial investments in energy and infrastructure projects, as well as increased military cooperation with countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has further deepened these ties, with several Latin American nations joining the initiative to improve connectivity and economic integration. While these developments have provided economic opportunities for Latin American countries, they have also raised concerns in the United States regarding Beijing's growing influence in a region traditionally within the U.S. sphere of influence. Policymakers in Washington are debating strategies to counterbalance China's presence, including exploring new trade and investment avenues to strengthen U.S. ties with Latin American nations. Diana Roy, Council on Foreign Relations, January 9
The European Union should prepare to fill Myanmar’s Trump vacuum. As concerns grow over the potential scaling back of U.S. engagement with Myanmar under the Trump administration, the European Union (EU) is positioned to fill the resulting gap by intensifying its humanitarian aid and sanctions efforts. The EU has already implemented sanctions against Myanmar’s junta, targeting over 200 individuals and 20 entities, and allocated €40 million to address humanitarian needs, but these efforts fall short of U.S. contributions. The EU could bolster regional cooperation to establish safe zones for refugees along the Thailand–Myanmar and Bangladesh–Myanmar borders and collaborate with India to improve conditions for Myanmar refugees. By assuming a proactive role, the EU could sustain Myanmar's resistance against authoritarianism, provide vital aid, and advocate for political change in a way that offsets a potential U.S. withdrawal. Htet Hlaing Win, East Asia Forum, January 11
How NATO can strengthen its ties with the Indo–Pacific. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the interconnectedness of modern conflict, prompting NATO and its Indo–Pacific Four (IP4) allies — Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea — to re-evaluate their collective defense strategies and military readiness. Key challenges include insufficient munitions and defense equipment for multiple contingencies, such as a Taiwan conflict or a crisis on the Korean Peninsula. Proposed solutions involve inclusive partnerships for munitions production, leveraging the manufacturing expertise of regional allies like Japan and South Korea, and involving partners such as India to address resource gaps. NATO–IP4 members must also establish burden-sharing frameworks to coordinate responses to simultaneous crises and implement preventative measures, including maritime domain awareness, economic sanctions, and counter-coercion protocols. Such initiatives aim to strengthen deterrence and improve collective security in the Indo–Pacific. Stephen Nagy, East Asia Forum, January 10
How to Slay a Giant: Reviving the South China Sea Arbitration. The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, yet Beijing continues to assert dominance in the region, disregarding international law. To counter this, the Philippines is considering initiating a new arbitration case to address China's ongoing violations, including harassment of Filipino fishermen and environmental degradation. Such a move could reaffirm the 2016 decision and pressure China to comply with international norms. Additionally, the United States and its allies can support Southeast Asian nations by improving maritime domain awareness, conducting freedom of navigation operations, and providing diplomatic backing for arbitration efforts. These combined actions aim to uphold the rules-based order in the South China Sea and deter further Chinese encroachments. Gregory B. Poling, CSIS, January 10
Kim Jong Un Welcomes Donald J. Trump to Second Term. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed readiness to re-engage with U.S. President Donald Trump as he begins his second term. Analysts caution that the dynamics have changed since their previous interactions, with Kim's objectives and perceptions of North Korea's global standing evolving. While Kim may seek renewed dialogue, there are concerns that this could serve as a tactic to further his military preparations. Recent developments include North Korea's emphasis on defense industries, declarations of state sovereignty, and the deployment of troops to Ukraine, all indicating a strategic approach to increase military capabilities and nationalistic fervor. Observers urge the U.S. and South Korea to reassess their strategies, focusing on the fact that deterrence may no longer suffice to address the complexities of the current situation. Robert L. Carlin and Siegfried S. Hecker, 38 North, January 10