Trump delivers fresh tariff threats against EU and China. U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and pledged tariffs on the EU, Canada, and Mexico, citing fentanyl trafficking and trade imbalances. His administration set a Feb. 1 deadline for potential 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Trump emphasized leveraging tariffs to pressure nations to address illegal migration and drug flows. China expressed interest in stable ties while opposing a trade war. Farmers and trade groups worry about potential disruptions. David Lawder and Andrea Shalal, Reuters, January 22
Gama Cedain elected chairman of China’s Xizang. Gama Cedain was officially elected chairman of the people’s government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, commonly known as Tibet, during the third session of the 12th regional people’s congress on Wednesday. This formalizes his leadership after serving as acting chairman since Nov. 2024. A member of the Tibetan ethnic group, Gama Cedain was appointed deputy secretary of the Xizang regional CPC committee in Oct. 2024. The role is equivalent to a provincial governor, overseeing the governance of the autonomous region. Author, Xinhua, January 22
Russian Foreign Ministry responds to Turkmen displeasure over 'second Turkmenbashi' article. The Russian Foreign Ministry addressed Turkmenistan's concerns following a Nezavisimaya Gazeta article titled "Neutrality Turned Out to Be an Excuse for Strengthening the Personality Cult of the 'Second Turkmenbashi.'" The piece compared former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to his predecessor, Saparmurat Niyazov, known as "Turkmenbashi." In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry clarified that the article's views do not represent Russia's official stance and reaffirmed the strong relations between Russia and Turkmenistan. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, January 22
China’s navy commissions new-generation frigate as competition rises with US and others. China has commissioned the Luohe, its first Type 054B frigate, boasting stealth technology, advanced combat systems, and diverse military capabilities. The 5,000-ton warship aims to strengthen the combat effectiveness of China’s navy, which is the world’s largest by hull count. With 234 warships compared to the U.S. Navy’s 219, China focuses on regional waters and Taiwan but extends operations globally. The U.S. and allies counter China’s territorial claims through naval challenges. Christopher Bodeen, AP News, January 22
Singapore forms committee on election, signalling polls ahead. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has established a committee to review electoral boundaries, a step that typically precedes a general election. The review assesses changes in population and determines the number of candidates and parliamentarians per constituency. Elections are usually held within two months of the committee's report. While the People's Action Party is expected to dominate, the vote will reflect public support for Wong, who became prime minister in May 2024. Xinghui Kok, Reuters, January 22
Trump’s U.N. envoy pick pledges to advocate for Taiwan’s int’l participation. Elise Stefanik, U.S. nominee for ambassador to the United Nations, committed to supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations during her Senate confirmation hearing. Stefanik highlighted countering China's influence within the U.N., advocating for allies to secure key leadership posts and monitoring Chinese-language U.N. documents for Beijing's influence. A Trump ally, she emphasized strengthening Taiwan’s defense and deterrence capabilities, citing her voting record in Congress. Taipei Times, January 23
China and India compete over Myanmar access, despite fighting. China and India are competing for influence in Myanmar's Rakhine State as the Arakan Army controls key coastal areas. China is focusing on the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone, a key part of its Belt and Road Initiative, while India advances the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Corridor under its Act East Policy to strengthen regional ties. Despite nearby conflicts, both nations prioritize these projects for strategic regional goals. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, January 22
Tokayev's approval rating soars amid economic gains, but leadership challenges persist. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's approval rating reached 80.4% in Dec. 2024, up from 76.4% the previous year, according to the state-run Social and Political Research Foundation "Strategy." This increase is attributed to economic improvements, including a near 5% growth rate and securing $13.3 billion in foreign investments in the first half of 2023. Despite these gains, challenges remain, such as a depreciating currency and the need for continued political and economic reforms to address issues like corruption and social inequality. Aliya Haidar, The Times of Central Asia, January 22
Big drop in internal investigations into China’s corruption busters in 2024. Internal investigations by China’s top anti-corruption body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), fell to 3,900 cases in 2024 from 7,817 in 2023. Despite this, 58 senior officials, including Li Gang, a CCDI inspector, were investigated, a record under the anti-corruption campaign. Experts attribute the drop in internal probes to resolving backlogs after Covid-19 but note continued scrutiny within the CCDI. President Xi Jinping maintains focus on keeping the party’s disciplinary force clean. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, January 22
China unveils plan to encourage insurance funds into stock markets. China announced a plan to guide state-owned insurers and commercial insurance funds to boost investments in A-shares and equity funds, aiming to revitalize its struggling stock market. Regulators will implement long-term performance evaluations, emphasizing three-to-five-year returns. The initiative also seeks to increase stock market investments by pension funds and the National Social Security Fund. The move follows recent measures, including an 800 billion yuan swap and relending scheme, amid economic challenges and market concerns. Ziyi Tang, Yukun Zhang and Ryan Woo, Reuters, January 22
Japan and Laos agree to arrange vice ministerial security talks. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone agreed to initiate vice ministerial talks on security to enhance bilateral cooperation. Marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, they announced plans to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Laos plans to extend visa exemptions for Japanese visitors from 15 to 30 days. The Japan Times, January 22
PH continues close monitoring of Chinese vessels in economic zone. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed the BRP Suluan to monitor Chinese Coast Guard vessels operating illegally in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) near Zambales. Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that CCG-3304, replaced by CCG-3103, remains active near Bajo de Masinloc. Despite rough seas, PCG personnel have challenged the vessels, citing violations of international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Manila Times, January 22
Vietnamese, Dutch PMs highlight growing bilateral ties. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof met in Davos during the World Economic Forum, celebrating the robust Vietnam-Netherlands partnership, especially in climate change and sustainable agriculture. The Netherlands, Vietnam's second-largest European trading partner, saw bilateral trade rise to $13.77 billion in 2024, a 26% increase. PM Chinh proposed enhancing ties through strategic partnerships and cooperation in high-tech sectors, including semiconductors. Vietnam Plus, January 22
Protectionism With Opportunities for US-South Korea Trade Under Trump 2.0. The economic relationship between the United States and South Korea has strengthened, with 2023 trade in goods and services valued at $256 billion, and South Korea emerging as a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S. Despite this, President Donald Trump's proposed increase in U.S. tariffs presents potential challenges. South Korea's export-driven economy, particularly its automotive and electronics sectors, may face adverse effects from heightened U.S. protectionism. However, opportunities exist for collaboration in areas such as defense and energy, where mutual interests align. To deal with these these challenges and leverage potential opportunities, both nations must engage in strategic dialogue and policy adjustments. Nils Wollesen Osterberg, Korea Economic Institute of America, January 22
Power Shifts and Progress in Central Asia. In 2024, Central Asia experienced robust economic growth and political cooperation, marked by the now-established C5 format of regional diplomacy and key summits with global leaders. The Asian Development Bank projected GDP growth ranging from 3.6% in Kazakhstan to over 6% in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, alongside inflation rates between 5% and 10%. Infrastructure development, particularly for the Middle Corridor connecting Europe and China, gained momentum with financial commitments from the EU, multilateral banks, and China, which became more proactive in its investments, including the Kashi–Andijan railway and Georgian port projects. Regional collaboration extended to energy projects like the Kambarata dam, jointly financed by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, China and Russia maintained influence, though Central Asia's confidence as a middle-power region grew. Challenges included political instability in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and concerns about debt dependence on China, but Central Asian leaders demonstrated effective management of regional stability and external relationships. Richard Pomfret, East Asia Forum, January 22
Reconciling Economic and National Security in US–Australia Relations.
The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency intensifies the challenge for Australia to balance economic and national security priorities amid global instability. As Washington leans further into protectionism and aligns economic policy with national security, Australia's trade-dependent economy, particularly its reliance on China, faces potential disruption. Despite China's military growth and market dominance in rare earths, Australia remains committed to maintaining trade ties where national security allows. The AUKUS partnership highlights Australia's strategic reliance on the United States, contributing to military deterrence and regional stability. As critical minerals become increasingly vital for US defense and energy, Australia is expected to deepen its collaboration with the US while navigating tensions with China. John Blaxland, East Asia Forum, January 23
Vietnam's Reborn Nuclear Energy Ambitions: Challenges and Prospects. Vietnam is considering reviving its nuclear energy program to meet rising electricity demand and achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The government previously shelved plans for nuclear power plants in 2016 due to cost and safety concerns. Recent developments include signing a nuclear cooperation agreement with Russia's Rosatom and plans to amend the national power development plan to incorporate nuclear energy. Challenges remain, such as infrastructure bottlenecks and the need for transparent governance to ensure the program's success. Huynh Tam Sang and Nguyen Quoc Anh, The Diplomat, January 22
Najib Dilemma Sows Discord in Malaysia’s Unity Government. Former Prime Minister Najib Razak's attempt to serve his remaining prison sentence under house arrest has strained Malaysia's Unity Government. A rally supporting Najib, organized by opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN), saw participation from United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) members, despite UMNO being part of the ruling coalition. The controversy centers on a decree by the previous King, the Sultan of Pahang, allegedly allowing Najib's house arrest, which government agencies claim to be unaware of, while the Pahang palace confirms its existence. This situation has led to legal ambiguities and political tensions within the government, as opposition parties leverage the discord to their advantage. Adib Zalkapli, Fulcrum, January 23