News
Chinese vice foreign minister visits North Korea in latest diplomacy between countries. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong led a delegation to Pyongyang, aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties amid increasing confrontations with Washington. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, intent on breaking out of diplomatic isolation, has been reinforcing partnerships with China and Russia. This visit underscores North Korea's strategic effort to solidify alliances against U.S. influence. The trip follows Kim's meetings with Russian and Chinese officials in previous months, part of his broader regional strategy. Jiwon Song, AP News, January 25
China slams US 'provocation' in Taiwan Strait, pledges further drills. China has denounced the United States for its recent naval operation in the Taiwan Strait, terming it a "provocation." The U.S. Navy's transit of the USS John Finn through the strait, the first since Taiwan's recent elections, has been criticized by China's Defense Ministry. China, asserting its claim over Taiwan, views such U.S. military actions as destabilizing. The ministry spokesperson, Colonel Wu Qian, stated that China's response to the transit was justified and restrained. Additionally, China plans to organize regular military operations near Taiwan, as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate over the status of Taiwan. This development further complicates the intricate dynamics of the region. Liz Lee and Laurie Chen, Reuters, January 25
South Korea's top court upholds wartime labor rulings against Japan firm. South Korea's Supreme Court upheld lower court decisions ordering Japanese machinery maker Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp. to compensate South Koreans for wartime labor. The rulings follow similar decisions against other Japanese firms for forced labor during Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. Despite claims by Nachi-Fujikoshi that the statute of limitations for compensation had expired, the court ordered the firm to pay damages to 23 victims. The decisions come amid improving South Korea-Japan relations and Seoul's plan to resolve wartime labor issues. However, Japan's stance is that all issues from the colonial era were settled under a 1965 bilateral agreement. The rulings have led to a protest by Japan's Foreign Ministry, emphasizing ongoing tensions between the two nations over wartime grievances. Kyodo News, January 25
Philippines, Vietnam to sign coastguard deal risking China's ire. The Philippines and Vietnam are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding for increased coastguard cooperation during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit to Hanoi. This collaboration, aimed at addressing the risk of clashes in disputed South China Sea waters, might provoke China, which claims most of the region. The agreement, crucial for mitigating territorial disputes, follows Vietnam and Indonesia's recent EEZ boundary recognition, which had already drawn Beijing's attention. This strategic move by the Philippines and Vietnam highlights the ongoing complexities in South China Sea geopolitics. Karen Lema and Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, January 25
China welcomes Marcos' affirmation of 'One China' policy, says reunification with Taiwan 'unstoppable'. Beijing has responded positively to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent reiteration of the One China policy. Marcos confirmed the Philippines' commitment to this policy, asserting that it remains unchanged. China interprets this affirmation as support for its stance on Taiwan, viewing reunification with the island as an inevitable outcome. The Philippines' stance is significant in the context of the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Taiwan, especially considering Beijing's assertive claims over the island. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, January 25
Japan business group seeks end of China seafood ban in talks with Li. A Japanese business delegation met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, requesting an end to China's ban on seafood imports from Japan. Although Li did not provide a clear response, he encouraged deeper cooperation between Japan and China. The ban, implemented due to concerns over treated radioactive water from Fukushima, has impacted bilateral trade. The delegation, including Keidanren representatives, also discussed transparent implementation of China's counterespionage law and improving Sino-US relations. Kyodo News, January 25
China, Singapore agree visa-free deal for travel stays of up to 30 days. China and Singapore have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement effective from February 9, allowing for 30-day visa-free travel between the two countries. This arrangement, announced on the eve of the Lunar New Year, is seen as a move to enhance people-to-people exchanges and strengthen bilateral relations. Previously, Singaporeans could visit China for up to 15 days for non-work purposes, while mainland Chinese needed a visa for Singapore. The announcement follows Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to China, where multiple agreements were signed to deepen cooperation. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, January 25
Kazakhstan: Electricity deficits set to deepen. Kazakhstan is facing an intensifying electricity shortage, with forecasts predicting deeper deficits in the next two years. The country's energy officials anticipate a growing gap between power consumption and production, increasing the need for imports and the risk of blackouts. The electricity grid, divided into north, south, and west zones, exacerbates the issue, as the western zone, which is expected to produce excess power, is not connected to the north-south grid. Efforts to link the western zone to the national grid are underway, with completion expected by 2028. Amid these challenges, Kazakhstan is considering building a nuclear power plant, a proposal that has sparked contentious debates and plans for a referendum. Eurasianet, January 25
US House panel renews push to punish trade fraud by Chinese companies, warning of ‘catastrophic impact’ on manufacturing. The US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is intensifying efforts to combat alleged trade fraud by Chinese companies. This move comes after a recent raid on a US subsidiary of a Chinese automotive industry supplier, Qingdao Sunsong. The committee warns that tariff evasion by Chinese firms is detrimentally impacting American manufacturers. The case of Qingdao Sunsong, accused of evading US tariffs by transshipping products through Thailand, highlights broader concerns about Chinese companies manipulating international trade regulations. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, January 25
Latvia expects to fortify all-encompassing ties with Việt Nam. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has expressed a strong desire to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in various domains, aiming to deepen bilateral relations and deliver mutual benefits. During a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Van Tuan, Rinkevics lauded the positive trajectory of relations between Latvia and the European Union, and Vietnam in particular, especially in economy and trade. Ambassador Tuan conveyed regards from Vietnamese leaders and emphasized Vietnam's eagerness to develop friendly relations with Latvia. The meeting discussed increasing the presence of Vietnamese students in Latvia and organizing a Latvian business delegation's visit to Vietnam in early 2025. Vietnam News, January 25
Five foreigners arrested in Cambodia during drug raids; over 1.5 tonnes of drugs seized. Cambodian authorities have arrested five foreigners in a significant drug raid, seizing over 1.5 tonnes of narcotics. The operation targeted three locations: a port in Stueng Hav District, a rented house in Sihanoukville, and a residence in Phnom Penh. The drugs, including ketamine and methamphetamine, originated from Laos and were destined for Taiwan. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified Cambodia as a major transit country for drug trafficking, witnessing a surge in illicit drug use, particularly amphetamines. Lee Chong Ming, Channel News Asia, January 25
Cambodia, Vietnam collaborate against transnational crime. Cambodia and Vietnam have pledged robust cooperation to combat drugs and transnational crime. This commitment was solidified during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Vietnam's Minister of Public Security To Lam in Phnom Penh. The two nations agreed to focus on human resource development and exchange trainees in national security. The agreement aims to address various criminal activities and enhance digital cooperation, reflecting a comprehensive collaboration in addressing cross-border crime and other offenses. Sok Raksa, Phnom Penh Post, January 25
Long Form
A North Korean Overseas Chinese Man’s Tangled Identities in South Korea. Yu Woo-sung's story, a North Korean defector of Chinese ethnicity living in South Korea, encapsulates the complex interplay of national identities and the challenges faced by the hwagyo community. His high-profile espionage case and subsequent legal proceedings have brought to light the intricate issues surrounding immigration, refugees, and citizenship in South Korea. Yu's unique background and the landmark legal implications of his case highlight the nuanced realities of identity and belonging in a world often seeking simplicity. Eom Tae Yeon, The Diplomat, January 25
Taiwan’s New President-Elect Should Prioritize the Economy. In Taiwan, the recent presidential election victory of Vice President Lai Ching-te, leading the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to a third consecutive term, has shifted focus to the island's economic challenges. While international attention often centers on cross-strait relations and the threat from China, the primary concern within Taiwan, especially among young people, is the economy. The rise of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), a new opposition party, and the DPP's loss of control in the Legislative Yuan indicate a politically complex landscape for Lai. Addressing economic issues, such as those affecting the younger demographic, is crucial to prevent public discontent and ensure stability during his tenure. Huynh Tam Sang, The Diplomat, January 25
China’s Top Court Continues Campaign Against ‘WeChat Overtime’. China's Supreme People’s Court has reaffirmed that work messages sent after working hours constitute overtime work and should be compensated accordingly. This decision was highlighted through the release of 13 "model cases" involving wage arrears disputes. In a notable case, a former media company employee successfully sued for compensation over being required to respond to work messages during non-work hours. The court's analysis emphasized the challenges of proving overtime in the digital age and endorsed the approach of assessing overtime based on the infringement of the plaintiff’s rest time. This ruling is part of a broader effort to address the issue of "invisible overtime" in China, where a significant percentage of workers report checking work-related messages after hours. The decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect workers' rights to offline rest and is seen as a step towards reining in the pervasive 996 working culture in China. Yang Caini, Sixth Tone, January 26
Japan-India Engagement is Expanding Amid Strategic Challenges. The relationship between Japan and India has grown significantly, marking the 10th anniversary of their "special strategic and global partnership." This expansion is evident in the frequent high-level engagements, including meetings between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Fumio Kishida, and the visit of former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to India. The partnership's focus has shifted to addressing strategic challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Key areas of collaboration include defense cooperation, economic security, and infrastructure development. Both countries envision a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and are members of the Quad, alongside the U.S. and Australia, committed to the rule of law and regional stability. The partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to mutual economic growth, with significant potential for collaboration in various sectors, including clean energy and semiconductor supply chains. Nikkei Asia, January 26
China's Slump Pushes Its Smaller Companies Overseas for Growth. Facing domestic economic challenges, small and midsize Chinese companies are increasingly looking overseas for growth opportunities. Despite the ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing, many of these companies are targeting the U.S. market for its size and higher profit margins. This trend was evident at the CES tech trade show in Las Vegas, where several Chinese companies showcased their products and sought partnerships. The shift to global markets is driven by a combination of domestic competition, sales slump, and the desire to sustain international operations after years of pandemic restrictions. This "going global" strategy is supported by local governments and is seen in various sectors, from consumer tech to new energy and biotechnology. However, these companies face challenges such as adapting to foreign markets, geopolitical tensions, and navigating different business environments. Cissy Zhou, Nikkei Asia, January 26