Asia Daily: January 17, 2024
News
China holds moral high ground as global leader, top diplomat says in push for alternative world order. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has asserted that China holds the moral high ground in global leadership, advocating for an alternative to the US-led world order. In an article in the Communist Party’s magazine Qiushi, Wang highlighted China's effective global role under President Xi Jinping and its commitment to an equal and inclusive multilateralism. Despite challenges, China aims to promote a new path of international relations, opposing hegemony and power politics. This stance represents a shift from traditional narratives, emphasizing China's self-confidence and self-reliance in its development path and culture. Wang's comments reflect China's ambition to reshape global dynamics, despite concerns about the centralization of power in foreign relations. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, January 16
Putin meets Russian, N Korean foreign ministers in Moscow - RIA. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui in Moscow, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as reported by RIA. This meeting follows Choe Son Hui's visit to Russia, signifying closer ties between Russia and North Korea amid Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. The gathering highlights the strengthening relationship between the two countries in the current geopolitical context. Felix Light, Reuters, January 16
Kazakhstan: Ex-president’s nephew, former top security official, to go on trial. Samat Abish, nephew of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev and ex-deputy head of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, faces trial for abuse of office. This case, related to the 2022 unrest known as Bloody January, reflects the declining fortunes of Nazarbayev's close relatives and associates. Abish's role during the turmoil has been a subject of speculation, with some analysts suggesting his involvement was significant. The Prosecutor General’s office has classified details of the investigation, and if convicted, Abish could face up to 10 years in prison. This development follows the sentencing of several high-ranking security officials, including Abish's former boss, on charges related to the unrest. Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet, January 16
Iran says attack in Pakistan targeted ‘Iranian terrorist group’. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that the air attacks in Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths of two children, targeted an "Iranian terrorist group" known as Jaish al-Adl. The strikes were a response to the group's recent attacks in the Iranian city of Rask. Iran emphasized respect for Pakistan's sovereignty but affirmed its stance on protecting national security. These developments follow heightened tensions in the region, with Pakistan recalling its ambassador to Iran and barring the Iranian ambassador's return to Islamabad. Al Jazeera, January 17
Tajikistan: As expat worker life gets harder, Russian citizenship tempts. Tajik expatriate workers in Russia are facing increasing challenges in securing work permits and residency rights, prompting a growing number to seek Russian citizenship. In the first half of 2023, around 87,000 Tajik nationals obtained Russian citizenship, a record matched from the previous year. Russia's dual citizenship agreement with Tajikistan and the recent introduction of expedited citizenship for foreign military recruits add further complexity to this trend. Many Tajiks, struggling to find well-paying jobs at home, are drawn to these options despite the risks involved, including potential involvement in conflicts like the war in Ukraine. Eurasianet, January 16
U.S. forces to join relief efforts for central Japan quake from Jan. 17. The U.S. military is set to assist Japan's relief efforts for the earthquake-affected areas in Ishikawa Prefecture, starting January 17. Announced by Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, this initiative marks an "exceptional" cooperation between the two countries. Two U.S. Army UH-60 helicopters will be involved in delivering relief supplies from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's Komatsu Air Base to the city of Wajima. This collaboration follows the magnitude-7.6 earthquake that hit the region on New Year's Day, leading to over 220 deaths and thousands seeking shelter. Kyodo News, January 16
Việt Nam seeks stronger cooperation with EU: legislator. Vice Chairman of Vietnam's National Assembly, Nguyễn Đức Hải, met with Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, to discuss enhancing Vietnam-EU relations. The meeting focused on fostering cooperation in various sectors, including green transition, digital transformation, and climate change response. Hải also sought support for removing the "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood and backing Vietnam's stance on East Sea disputes. Vietnam News, January 17
Malaysia to review migrant labour deals to stamp out exploitation. Malaysia is set to review its bilateral labor agreements with 15 countries to address exploitation and job imbalances affecting thousands of migrant workers. Labor and Home Affairs Ministers revealed that migrants, primarily from Bangladesh and Nepal, have been left jobless despite paying high recruitment fees. The Human Resources Ministry is addressing cases of unpaid wages, with 751 Bangladeshi workers claiming unpaid dues totaling 2.2 million ringgit. Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, January 16
Yoon presents letters of appointment to FM, spy chief. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has officially appointed Cho Tae-yul as Foreign Minister and Cho Tae-yong as the new head of the National Intelligence Service. In addition, Yoon awarded certificates of appointment to Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun, Ryu Chul-whan as chief of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, and Wang Yun-jong as the third deputy national security adviser for economic security issues. Cho Tae-yul, a former ambassador to the United Nations, takes over from Park Jin, while Cho Tae-yong transitions from his role as national security adviser. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, January 16
Thai officials, accused of coddling jailed ex-PM, say not calling him ‘inmate’ is standard practice. Thailand's Correction Department defends its practice of not referring to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an "inmate" in public, a measure to avoid stigmatization. This stance comes amid criticisms of preferential treatment for Thaksin, who is serving his sentence in a hospital instead of a prison. AP News, January 16
Long Form
Ram Temple Stirs Religious Fervor as India Readies for Election Fever. In Ayodhya, a significant transformation is underway as the town prepares for the inauguration of the Ram Temple, a site of immense religious importance for many Hindus. This event marks the fulfillment of a long-standing desire within the Hindu community, dating back to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. The temple's construction has not only revived religious fervor but also holds substantial political implications as India approaches its elections. The temple, symbolizing a major victory for Hindu nationalists, could significantly influence the electoral landscape, reflecting the deep interconnection between religion and politics in the country. Junaid Kathju, Luqmaan Zeerak, The Diplomat, January 16
Japan’s Crisis of Confidence. Japan is currently grappling with a significant crisis of confidence, marked by a series of scandals that have eroded public trust in government and institutions. This crisis, which began in the late Abe era, has seen a succession of corruption incidents and fraud at the highest levels of government and industry. The most recent and severe of these scandals led to the resignation of four cabinet ministers. This pattern of corruption is not new in Japan's political history, with past examples like the Recruit Scandal under the Takeshita administration, which involved insider trading and corruption at the highest levels. These scandals have not only damaged the reputation of individual politicians but have also contributed to a broader erosion of public trust in the government, posing a significant challenge to Japan's political stability and public faith in its institutions. Yann Messager, The Diplomat, January 16
Panasonic Leads Japan's EV Battery Comeback Plan with U.S. Push. Panasonic is revitalizing Japan's role in the EV battery sector, investing $4 billion in a new U.S. factory. This strategic move in De Soto, Kansas, aims to boost Panasonic's global standing in the EV market, countering competition from China and South Korea. The plant, part of a plan to quadruple EV battery capacity by 2031, leverages U.S. tax incentives under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. This shift marks a significant effort by Panasonic to reclaim its leadership in the EV battery industry. Ryohtaroh Satoh, Nikkei Asia, January 17
America Can’t Surpass China’s Power in Asia. The United States, recognizing the growing military role of China in Asia, faces the challenge of balancing rather than surpassing Chinese power in the region. The Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations have all aimed to maintain U.S. military primacy, with Biden focusing on building coalitions to share the defense burden. However, progress has been slow, with limited access to critical Asian regions and a lack of a strong U.S.-led security architecture. Kelly A. Grieco and Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, January 16
AI Is Taking Off in China. So Have Worries About Its Future. In China, rapid advancements in AI technology are accompanied by increasing concerns about its safety and ethical implications. Chinese experts are actively engaged in promoting AI safety, with initiatives in cities like Beijing and Shanghai focusing on aligning AI with human intentions. Industry leaders are advocating for more resources to be dedicated to AI safety research. However, challenges such as limited state funding for safety research and a primary focus on current AI models persist. The need for international cooperation, especially between China and the U.S., is emphasized as crucial in addressing these risks. Vincent Chow, Sixth Tone, January 16