Asia Daily: January 3, 2024
News
South Korea opposition chief stabbed in neck, recovering after surgery. South Korean Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck in Busan by a man requesting his autograph. Lee underwent successful surgery and is now conscious. The incident, occurring weeks before the parliamentary election, has been condemned as "political terror." The suspect, whose motive is under investigation, used a knife bought online. This attack raises concerns about political violence in South Korea, where gun possession is heavily restricted. Ju-min Park and Hyonhee Shin, Reuters, January 2
Beijing urges Taiwanese to ‘stand on right side of history’ ahead of presidential election. Ahead of Taiwan's presidential election, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office head Song Tao has urged Taiwanese to oppose independence. Song's message encourages a return to peaceful cross-strait relations and warns against external interference. This stance comes as Taiwan prepares for a crucial election, with Beijing increasing military pressure on the island. Sylvie Zhuang, South China Morning Post, January 2
PH aims to exit money laundering list in 2024. The Philippines is actively working to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) "gray list" in 2024. This effort is spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) leading regulatory improvements to combat money laundering. The country's removal from the list would signify significant progress in its financial oversight and anti-money laundering efforts. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, January 3
Thailand, China to waive visas for each other's citizens from March. Thailand and China will mutually waive visa requirements from March, a move aimed at bolstering tourism and enhancing bilateral relations. This decision, announced by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, follows Thailand's temporary visa waiver for Chinese tourists until February. China's foreign ministry confirmed the commitment to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. Thailand's tourism sector, a key economic driver, saw significant revenue from 28 million tourists in 2023. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, January 2
Cuban Ambassador highly values Việt Nam’s economic development results. Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, Orlando Nicolás Hernández Guillén, praised Vietnam's economic achievements, especially amidst global challenges such as armed conflicts and economic recessions. He commended Vietnam's strong leadership, which led to significant economic growth in 2022 and 2023. Hernández also emphasized the deepening ties between Cuba and Vietnam, with Vietnam being a major rice supplier to Cuba and the largest Asian investor in the country. Vietnam News, Vietnam News, January 2
Rohingya refugees in Sri Lanka protest planned closure of U.N. office, fearing abandonment. Rohingya refugees in Sri Lanka, fearing the loss of support, protested the impending closure of the U.N. refugee agency's office. The closure threatens their living allowance, and they seek resettlement as Sri Lanka does not permit permanent residency. These refugees, primarily rescued at sea, face limited healthcare and no education or work rights in Sri Lanka. They've appealed to the U.N. for a lasting solution. Krishan Francis, AP News, January 2
Hong Kong activist publisher Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty to sedition and collusion charges. Jimmy Lai, a key figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, denied sedition and collusion charges in a high-profile trial. His arrest and subsequent trial under the national security law imposed by Beijing highlight the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong. Lai's case has drawn global attention and is seen as a significant test of the city's judicial independence and civil liberties. Zen Soo, AP News, January 2
Pleas in the Supreme Court challenge new law on appointment process for Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioners. A petition in India's Supreme Court challenges the recent law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The plea seeks a transparent and independent selection process, emphasizing the importance of the Election Commission's autonomy and integrity. This move underscores concerns about ensuring impartiality in India's electoral oversight mechanism. Krishnadas Rajagopal, The Hindu, January 2
Air force staff suspected of spying to pay off debts. Two Taiwanese air force non-commissioned officers and two civilians are under investigation for alleged espionage to pay off gambling debts. Suspected of selling military secrets to China, their actions have prompted a rigorous investigation. The case, revealing vulnerabilities in Taiwan's military security, has led to tightened scrutiny of personnel. The Ministry of National Defense is actively addressing the issue to prevent future breaches. Jonathan Chin, Taipei Times, January 3
Amid cybersecurity concerns, Malaysia launches central database aimed at refining targeted subsidy handouts. Malaysia introduced the PADU database to improve its subsidy distribution system, amidst growing concerns about cybersecurity. This centralized database collects information on citizens and permanent residents, aiming to ensure efficient and targeted subsidy allocation. Authorities have implemented stringent security measures to protect data, addressing privacy and safety issues. PADU's launch represents a significant step in Malaysia's efforts to enhance subsidy management. Rhea Yasmine Alis Haizan, Channel News Asia, January 2
Long Form
Taiwan’s Slowing Growth and National Security. Taiwan's GDP growth declined to 1.4 percent in 2023, highlighting concerns about its future prosperity and national defense capabilities. The economic slowdown is attributed to soft global demand and weak domestic capital investment, despite a post-COVID-19 surge in private consumption. The increasing income inequality and higher inflation rates, particularly for food, are affecting low-income individuals. The government's focus on social welfare, at the expense of national defense spending, raises questions about Taiwan's ability to fund a strong military amidst an aging population. The United Nations estimates that the share of the population aged 65 and above in Taiwan will increase significantly by 2050, adding further strain on public finances. Taiwan's changing economic relationship with China, including a decline in investment and exports, underscores the need for a new growth model and economic diversification to secure modest growth and military expenses. By Min-Hua Chiang, East Asia Forum, January 3
The Problem With De-Risking. The United States and other Western nations are shifting their approach from complete decoupling from China to "de-risking" global supply chains linked to China, especially in critical industries like clean energy technologies. However, the challenge of de-risking in relation to China, particularly in the clean energy sector, is not fully understood by Western leaders. Substantial subsidies and financial support are being offered to stimulate domestic manufacturing, but this strategy may not be sustainable. The West needs a more refined approach to compete with China, focusing on priority areas for national security and sectors where it can realistically compete. The article discusses the implications of this strategy and the need for Western governments to carefully consider how to compete with Beijing in the long term. By Henry Sanderson, Foreign Affairs, January 2
In Northeast China, Tourists From the South Spark a Winter Boom. Harbin, a city in Northeast China, experienced a significant tourism boom during the New Year holiday, driven by a surge in visitors from the country's warmer southern regions. The city attracted an estimated 3 million tourists, marking a notable increase from previous years. Online booking platforms reported a substantial rise in reservations, with Harbin becoming the most sought-after destination, surpassing cities like Chengdu and Chongqing. The influx of tourists, primarily from cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen, contributed to a 158% year-on-year increase in travel bookings. This trend was amplified by social media influencers highlighting the presence of 'southerners' in the city's ski resorts and bathhouses. Harbin's popularity was further boosted by viral memes and slang, with the local government and businesses introducing new attractions like hot balloon rides and bonfire parties to capitalize on the increased attention. The city's success in attracting tourists reflects the growing appeal of winter tourism in China and the impact of social media on travel trends. By Ye Zhanhang, Sixth Tone, January 3
A Litmus Test for Indonesian Democracy. Indonesia's upcoming presidential election, set for February 14, is shaping up as a critical test for the country's democracy. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, former son-in-law of dictator Suharto, is the frontrunner, with President Joko Widodo's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his running mate. This pairing has raised concerns about the neutrality of state institutions, as evidenced by a Constitutional Court ruling that allowed 36-year-old Gibran to run, despite the minimum age requirement being 40. The court's decision, influenced by familial ties to the president, has cast a shadow over the election's integrity. The election is being closely watched as a barometer of Indonesia's democratic health, particularly in light of Prabowo's controversial past and the government's apparent support for his candidacy. By Joseph Rachman, The Diplomat, January 3
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