Asia Daily: January 12, 2024
News
Taiwan election 2024: KMT presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih’s bid as future leader weighed down by party’s past. As Taiwan prepares for its 2024 presidential election, KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih grapples with his party's historical legacy and his controversial law enforcement past. Despite his popularity as New Taipei mayor and a moderate stance, Hou's image and limited global exposure raise questions about his leadership potential in Taiwan's complex political and cross-strait context. Kinling Lo, South China Morning Post, January 11
Vietnam's top leader misses meetings amid health concerns. Nguyen Phu Trong, head of Vietnam's Communist Party, is expected to miss an upcoming state visit by Indonesia's President Joko Widodo in Hanoi, signaling concerns about his health. Trong, 79, who has led the party since 2011, is a key figure in Vietnam's one-party system and is known for receiving foreign leaders. However, his absence in recent high-profile meetings, including one with Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and his last public appearance on December 26, raises questions about his health status. Reuters, January 11
Kyrgyzstan: Security services claim to have quashed another planned coup. Kyrgyzstan's security services have reportedly thwarted a coup attempt involving construction entrepreneur Imamidin Tashov and activist Tilekmat Kurenov. The State Committee for National Security detained numerous associates of Tashov and Kurenov, who are both at large. This follows Tashov's claims of being kidnapped by security personnel and forced to relinquish assets. The allegations and counterclaims highlight ongoing political tensions and the unique practice of asset transfer for provisional release, a hallmark of President Sadyr Japarov's administration. Eurasianet, January 11
UN ‘concerned’ Taliban detaining Afghan women for dress code violations. The UN expresses deep concern over the Taliban's arbitrary arrests and detentions of Afghan women and girls for alleged dress code violations. This enforcement, particularly regarding the Islamic headscarf or hijab, has been ongoing since January 1 in Kabul and Daykundi provinces. The Taliban's measures, including the need for a male guardian's guarantee for a woman's release, have been criticized for further isolating and stigmatizing Afghan women, heightening risks and eroding public trust. Al Jazeera, January 11
South Korea top court upholds wartime labor ruling against Japan firm. South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld a ruling ordering Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp. to compensate South Koreans for wartime labor. This decision follows similar judgments against other Japanese firms for forced labor during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Despite improvements in Japan-South Korea relations, these rulings have stirred diplomatic tensions. Kyodo News, January 11
North Korea poised to admit first known tourists since 2020. North Korea is set to welcome its first known group of tourists since early 2020, a Russian contingent, according to announcements by Russian provincial authorities and a Western tour guide. The country, known for its strict COVID-19 border controls, has yet to fully reopen to foreigners. Arranged during a December visit to Pyongyang by the governor of Russia's Primorsky Krai, the tour will include stops in Pyongyang and at a ski resort. While the trip marks a positive step, broader tourism reopening remains uncertain due to the specific circumstances of this tour. Josh Smith, Reuters, January 12
Việt Nam attaches importance to ties with China: Party official. Vietnam continues to emphasize the importance of its relationship with China, as stated by a top Vietnamese party official. The ongoing diplomatic efforts aim to strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations. These ties are pivotal for regional stability and development, reflecting the strategic orientation and mutual interests of both Vietnam and China. Vietnam News, January 11
Marcos questions storage of US Navy fuel in Subic. Philippine Senator Maria Josefa "Imelda" Imee Marcos has raised concerns about the reported storage of 39 million gallons of U.S. Navy fuel in Subic, Zambales. Seeking explanations from the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Marcos questioned the transfer of the fuel from Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Subic, noting that Subic is not a designated site under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This development has sparked a debate on the Philippines' strategic resources and its alignment with US military interests. Bernadette E. Tamayo and Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, January 11
Germany ready to help de-escalate tensions in disputed South China Sea, its foreign minister says. Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, speaking in Manila, criticized China's actions in the South China Sea as violating the rights of coastal states and threatening navigation freedom. She emphasized the need for peaceful dispute resolution, offering Germany's assistance in de-escalation efforts. Baerbock's visit, marked by support for the Philippines including drone donations, comes amid heightened tensions and Beijing-Manila disputes over maritime rights. Jim Gomez, AP News, January 11
Kazakhstan sets record for grain deliveries to China. Kazakhstan achieved a record in grain exports to China in 2023, sending 2.2 million tons of agricultural goods like wheat, barley, soybeans, flax, and sunflower seeds. This marks a significant increase from the 615,000 tons in 2022 and surpasses the previous record of 1.2 million tons in 2019. The easing of COVID-related restrictions at Chinese customs contributed to this surge. China's demand even extended to grain spoiled by adverse weather, showcasing its role as a reliable and solvent market for Kazakhstani produce. Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet, January 11
Long Form
North Korea’s message should spark a rethink of the South’s peace strategy. A recent statement from Kim Yo-jong, North Korea's vice-director of the central committee of the Workers’ Party, critiquing South Korea's diplomatic and defense strategies, highlights the need for a reassessment of the South's approach to peace. Kim’s criticism, especially of progressive politicians like former President Moon Jae-in, underscores the ineffectiveness of appeasement tactics with North Korea. The South's strategy, often seen as placatory, is now questioned for its sincerity in improving inter-Korea relations and national security. This calls for a more realistic approach by South Korea, moving away from appeasement to address the challenges of dealing with the Kim dynasty. South China Morning Post, January 11
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan Again Designated as Religious Freedom Violators, Granted Waivers. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have once again been designated by the U.S. State Department as "Countries of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations but were granted waivers from potential sanctions. This decision, alongside similar waivers for Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, sparks criticism for potentially undermining the effectiveness of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for a Congressional hearing and a detailed justification from the State Department for not fully implementing policy recommendations, including lifting the waivers. Catherine Putz, The Diplomat, January 11
Will 2024’s regional head elections strengthen or undermine Indonesian democracy? Indonesia's 2024 elections, featuring a new president, national and regional legislators, and regional heads, pose a pivotal moment for its democracy. For the first time, all regional head elections will occur simultaneously, aiming to align development cycles and streamline administration. However, concerns arise over acting regional heads, appointed after terms expired in 2022 and 2023, possibly running for election after bolstering their political base in office. The government's push to advance the regional head elections from November to September 2024 raises questions about its motives and presents logistical challenges. Chris Morris, East Asia Forum, January 11
Nothing to see in Malaysia's alleged 'Dubai Move' to topple Anwar government - for now. Speculations about Malaysia's 'Dubai Move,' an alleged plot to unseat Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, highlight ongoing political tensions but lack substantial evidence. Rumors suggest MPs met in the UAE to plan the government's overthrow, with key figures either confirming or denying involvement. The speculation underscores the fragility of Malaysia's political landscape, where past instances of MPs switching allegiances led to government changes. This situation reflects broader issues within Malaysian politics, including the unity government's handling of economic and social challenges. Norshahril Saat, Channel News Asia, January 12
China Evaluates Russia’s Use of Hypersonic ‘Daggers’ in the Ukraine War. Chinese military analysts are closely examining Russia's use of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile, or "Dagger," in the Ukraine conflict. The analysis, which includes assessing the deployment of the Su-34 "Platypus" to launch Kinzhals, questions the missile's effectiveness and technological sophistication. Chinese critiques cite the Kinzhal as outdated and vulnerable to interception, with limited maneuverability and reliance on insufficient satellite guidance. These insights could influence China's strategy regarding its own hypersonic arsenal and its assessment of U.S. air defense capabilities. This analysis contributes to a broader understanding of the evolving nature of modern warfare and hypersonic weaponry. Lyle Goldstein and Nathan Waechter, The Diplomat, January 11