Yoon Suk Yeol detained, taken for questioning on martial law declaration. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained Wednesday and will face questioning over his December 3 martial law declaration. Over 1,000 personnel conducted the operation which led Yoon to agree to cooperate with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. Defense Ministry troops ceased obstructing investigators after a previous attempt on Jan. 3 resulted in a six-hour standoff. Despite the presence of large crowds showing both support and opposition to Yoon, his detention was peaceful. Alex Gintz, The Asia Cable, January 14
Vietnam and Russia sign an agreement to expand cooperation on nuclear energy. Vietnam and Russia signed an agreement Tuesday to deepen nuclear energy collaboration during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to Hanoi. The deal, signed between Russia’s Rosatom and Vietnam’s EVN, aligns with Vietnam’s goal of reviving its nuclear energy ambitions to ensure energy sufficiency and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The agreement includes technology transfer and the construction of nuclear power and research facilities. Aniruddha Ghosal, AP News, January 14
PM denies using debt to hide wealth. Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra has refuted allegations that she listed a four-billion-baht debt in her asset declaration to conceal personal wealth. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) disclosed that Ms. Paetongtarn and her husband, Pitaka Suksawat, possess combined assets of 13.99 billion baht, with debts totaling 4.44 billion baht. Notably, over half of Ms. Paetongtarn's debt is owed to her elder sister, Pintongtha Kunakornwong. Addressing concerns, Paetongtarn asserted that these family loans are legitimate and comply with legal requirements. Bangkok Post, January 14
Philippines alarmed after China sends 'monster ship' to disputed shoal. The Philippines condemned China on Tuesday for deploying its largest coast guard vessel, the 165-meter-long Ship 5901, to Scarborough Shoal, accusing Beijing of escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Scarborough Shoal has been under Chinese control since 2012, but its coast guard ships have recently moved closer to Philippine waters. The Philippine coast guard has deployed two large ships to counter China's actions. Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema, Reuters, January 14
Top legislator meets with Russian prime minister. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Hanoi on Jan. 14, 2025. Both leaders emphasized the importance of the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia. They discussed enhancing cooperation in various fields, including defense, security, energy, and trade. Man highlighted the significance of upcoming activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Vietnam News, January 14
Myanmar junta airstrikes kill 60 civilians in a week. Since January 8, Myanmar's military has conducted airstrikes across six regions and states, resulting in over 60 civilian deaths. The attacks targeted areas controlled by resistance groups, including the Kachin Independence Army and Arakan Army. Significant casualties occurred in Kyauk Ni Maw village on Ramree Island, with approximately 40 fatalities, and in Tanai, where an airstrike on a gold mine killed at least 15 people. Observers suggest these strikes deliberately targeted civilians rather than resistance forces. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, January 14
Xi Jinping, in first talk with new European Council president, seeks more EU-China cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for deeper cooperation with Europe during his first conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa. The leaders discussed the Ukraine conflict, EU concerns over Chinese dual-use goods reaching Russia, and trade disputes such as EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Xi emphasized China's support for European integration and strategic autonomy, while Costa stressed rebalancing trade relations and ensuring fair competition. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, January 14
Kyrgyzstan simplifies entry rules for foreign citizens. Effective January 22, 2025, Kyrgyzstan will implement significant changes to its visa policy by introducing the "Sapar visa," which replaces multiple existing categories, including business, tourist, and mountain tourism visas. This new visa allows foreign travelers to stay in the country for up to 90 days and offers both single-entry and multiple-entry options. Applications can be processed within 24 hours through the government's Electronic Visa portal, streamlining the process for business, tourism, and private visits. Anton Chipegin, The Times of Central Asia, January 14
North Korea launches missiles toward eastern waters in 2nd launch of year, South says. North Korea test-fired short-range ballistic missiles on Tuesday, sending them 250 kilometers (155 miles) into waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The launches, North Korea's second in 2025, follow a hypersonic missile test earlier this month and continue the regime's aggressive weapons demonstrations. South Korea, condemning the tests as provocations, has strengthened surveillance and coordinated with U.S. and Japanese forces. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, January 14
BOJ deputy governor flags chance of rate hike next week. Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino indicated Tuesday that the central bank might raise interest rates during its Jan. 23-24 policy meeting, citing expectations of sustained wage growth and clarity on U.S. policy after President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural address. Himino noted that keeping real interest rates negative would be "abnormal" after overcoming deflation. Rising inflationary pressures, fueled by strong wage growth and higher import costs from a weak yen, have increased the likelihood of an upgrade to the BOJ's price forecast. Leika Kihara, Reuters, January 14
Huang announces candidacy for TPP party chair. Acting Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang has declared his intention to run for the party's chairmanship, with the election scheduled for February 15. This follows the resignation of former chairman Ko Wen-je, who is currently detained amid a corruption investigation. Huang emphasized the importance of strengthening Taiwan's "third force" in politics, outlining goals such as identifying new leaders for upcoming local elections, holding the government accountable, and continuing the reforms initiated by Ko. Lin Che-yuan, Ou Su-mei, and Sam Garcia, Taipei Times, January 14
Cambodia, China bilateral trade hit record high in 2024. In 2024, trade between Cambodia and China reached over $15 billion, accounting for nearly 30% of Cambodia's total trade volume of approximately $54.74 billion. This marks a 23.8% increase from 2023's $12.26 billion. Imports from China were valued at $13.44 billion, a 24.6% rise, while Cambodian exports to China totaled $1.75 billion, up 18.4%. The trade deficit expanded to $11.69 billion from $9.31 billion in 2023. Chinese investments also dominated foreign direct investment in Cambodia, comprising about 49.82% of the total $6.9 billion approved by the Council for the Development of Cambodia in 2024. Hin Pisei, The Phnom Penh Post, January 14
How to Protect US–Japan Economic Cooperation Under Trump 2.0.
The strategic economic partnership between the United States and Japan, celebrated under President Joe Biden, faces increased challenges under a potential second Trump administration. Key issues include diverging objectives, with the U.S. prioritizing restrictive policies for cost imposition while Japan focuses on protecting technology development. Increased unilateralism and the potential expansion of U.S. export controls to less advanced products risk undermining Japan's strategic autonomy. Japan, deeply economically tied to China, faces heightened risks of Chinese retaliation, making collaboration with the U.S. on punitive measures more complex. To mitigate these challenges, the Trump administration would need to prioritize policy transparency, provide assurances against retaliation, and emphasize mutual benefits to sustain and strengthen economic security collaboration. Kazuo Waki, East Asia Forum, January 14
Trust Wavers as Indonesia Reverses VAT Hike. Indonesia’s eleventh-hour decision to limit a planned VAT hike to luxury goods, reversing its initial proposal of raising the rate from 11 to 12 percent, has created uncertainty for businesses and investors while undermining confidence in government policy. The reversal disrupts operational planning, weakens revenue targets aimed at addressing the low tax-to-GDP ratio, and fails to adequately address broader economic inequities. Indonesia’s shrinking middle class, stagnant wages, and rising living costs further strain economic growth, which slowed to 4.95 percent in the third quarter of 2024. Comprehensive tax reform, including targeted subsidies, expanded tax bases, and better administration, is essential to improve fiscal sustainability. Transparent, consistent policies that align tax reforms with broader economic goals, such as job creation and infrastructure investments, are critical to rebuilding trust and ensuring long-term growth. Rania Teguh, East Asia Forum, January 15
Pacific Island Affairs and US Diplomatic Relations. The Biden administration has impacted U.S. diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Niue, notably through the Pacific Partnership Strategy and the establishment of diplomatic ties with the Cook Islands and Niue. Despite these developments, the Integrated Country Strategy for New Zealand has not been updated to reflect the changing responsibilities of the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in these regions. This oversight raises concerns about the effectiveness of the country team and suggests that the administration may not have fully delivered on its commitment to reform and modernize the Department of State and USAID. As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, it is crucial for Congress to address these issues to ensure that U.S. diplomatic strategies align with current geopolitical realities in the Pacific. Michael Walsh, Foreign Policy Research Institute, January 13
Mt. Kumgang Tourist Area: A Slow Shedding of South Korean Influence. The Mt. Kumgang Tourist Region, once a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation developed by South Korea's Hyundai Asan, has seen a gradual removal of South Korean influence since its closure in 2008 following a security incident. In 2019, Kim Jong Un criticized the existing facilities as lacking national character and ordered their demolition. By 2022, demolition of South Korean-built structures was observed, with further activity continuing into 2023. The future development plans for the area remain uncertain, particularly regarding the intended target audience for the renovated resort, as North Korea has distanced itself from South Korean collaboration. Iliana Ragnone and Martyn Williams, 38 North, January 14
What Does the Chinese Public Think of the Belt and Road? The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, is perceived by Chinese citizens as a transformative national project with global implications. Interviews with a diverse group of Chinese nationals reveal that many view the BRI as a strategic effort to integrate China into the global economy, secure its geopolitical standing, and promote international cooperation. However, there are concerns about balancing the initiative's international ambitions with domestic priorities, particularly regarding resource allocation and potential economic disparities within China. Additionally, some citizens express apprehension about the geopolitical tensions arising from the BRI, fearing that it may lead to increased scrutiny and competition from other major powers. Overall, while the BRI is seen as a vehicle for economic growth and global influence, it also prompts discussions about its domestic impact and the complexities of China's expanding international role. Syed Inam Ali Naqvi, The Diplomat, January 14
Thai Cabinet Approves Draft Law Legalizing Gambling. Thailand's cabinet has approved a draft law to legalize casinos and gambling, aiming to boost tourism, create jobs, and attract investment. The proposed legislation would permit gambling within large-scale entertainment complexes, including hotels, convention centers, malls, or theme parks. Currently, most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand, except for state-controlled horse races and lotteries, despite widespread underground gaming. Neighboring countries like Cambodia and Singapore benefit from large casino complexes, and Thailand fears missing out on potential revenue and tourism growth. Legalization is expected to increase foreign visitor numbers by 5-10% and tourism revenue by up to 220 billion baht ($6.32 billion), while creating up to 15,000 new jobs. The bill will be reviewed by the Office of the Council State before being submitted to Parliament for discussion and voting. The government believes that legalizing casinos will attract more investment, address illegal gambling, and generate revenue for the tourism sector, which is crucial for Thailand's economy. Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat, January 14
After Langkasuka Project Failure, Sanusi Takes Another Punt at Penang. Kedah's Chief Minister, Sanusi Nor, has reiterated claims that Penang should be re-incorporated into Kedah, citing historical grievances dating back to 1786 when Penang became a British base. This assertion follows the withdrawal of Dubai's Bin Zayed International from the RM40 billion Widad Langkasuka development project in Langkawi, a venture aligned with Kedah's Development Plan 2035 aimed at boosting the state's economy. Sanusi attributes Kedah's financial challenges to limited revenue access, alleging federal government pressures on potential investors to withdraw from state projects. He also criticizes federal mandates preserving vast paddy lands for national food security, which he argues constrain Kedah's economic development, and seeks compensation for these limitations. These positions have sparked debate, given Penang's status as a vital national economic hub and its governance by the federal ruling coalition, Pakatan Harapan. Amrita Malhi, Fulcrum, January 14