Asia Daily: January 30, 2024
News
China Evergrande has been ordered to liquidate. The real estate giant owes over $300 billion. A Hong Kong court has ordered the liquidation of China Evergrande, the heavily indebted real estate developer, following its failure to restructure $300 billion in debt. The company, part of China's debt-ridden property sector, is insolvent with liabilities surpassing assets. This liquidation, affecting foreign creditors and the company's chairman, raises questions about its impact on China's financial system and the delivery of housing projects. Kanis Leung and Zen Soo, AP News, January 29
China's US embassy cautions students after 'interrogating, harassing' treatment at Washington airport. The Chinese Embassy in the United States has issued a warning to Chinese students and nationals after several reported instances of interrogation and harassment at Washington's Dulles International Airport. This advisory follows allegations of unfair treatment by US customs officers, including visa cancellations and deportations, which Beijing says contradicts recent Sino-American efforts to improve people-to-people exchanges. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, January 29
S. Korea, U.S. discuss space cooperation. South Korea and the United States have engaged in talks to enhance cooperation in space exploration. The discussion, a part of South Korea's efforts to establish its independent space agency, involved senior officials from both nations, focusing on various technological applications in space projects. This cooperation aligns with South Korea's participation in the U.S.' Artemis moon exploration program and the upcoming launch of its Korea AeroSpace Administration in May. Kim Na-young, Yonhap News Agency, January 29
LDP to negotiate political funds law revisions with other parties: Japan PM. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced the Liberal Democratic Party's readiness to negotiate revisions to the political funds control law. This initiative comes amid a slush fund scandal involving the LDP, which has affected the Cabinet's popularity. The proposed amendments focus on establishing stricter management systems for political funds, reflecting Kishida's commitment to addressing issues of compliance and transparency in political financing. Kyodo News, January 29
Cracks in Indian opposition alliance against PM Modi ahead of elections. The Indian opposition's unity against Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showing signs of strain. Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee, key opposition leaders, have exited the Congress-led alliance. This fragmentation occurs just months before the national elections, potentially benefiting Modi's bid for a third term. The departure of these leaders, driven by disagreements over seat-sharing and political strategies, highlights the challenges of maintaining a cohesive opposition front in India's diverse political landscape. Ishadrita Lahiri, Al Jazeera, January 29
ASEAN supports initiative on humanitarian corridor in Myanmar. ASEAN Foreign Ministers have agreed on Thailand's initiative to establish a humanitarian corridor in Myanmar. This agreement, reached at a retreat in Laos, aims to aid people displaced by conflict in Myanmar. The plan involves setting up a corridor to ensure assistance delivery and will be overseen by the ASEAN Coordination Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management. This development marks a significant regional effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Vietnam News, January 29
'Disaster on top of a disaster': Weakening Myanmar junta using weapons on innocent civilians, says UN envoy. As Myanmar's military junta loses control and soldiers, their response towards civilians is becoming increasingly violent, according to UN envoy Tom Andrews. The situation in Myanmar, described as a "disaster on top of a disaster," has led to over two million displaced people and severe malnutrition among children. This raises serious concerns about the feasibility of free and fair elections and Myanmar's future. Jalelah Abu Baker, Channel News Asia, January 29
Vietnam steps up island-building in SCS. Vietnam has been actively expanding its island-building projects in the South China Sea, particularly in areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Vietnam reclaimed an additional 133 hectares from 2022 to 2023 to develop disputed reefs and atolls. This development reflects Vietnam's strategic efforts to assert its presence in the contested waters of the South China Sea. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, January 29
Senate preparing list to grill govt in debate. The Thai Senate is gearing up for a general debate to scrutinize the government on issues like corruption and pork smuggling. With a focus on key problems and the government's efforts to address them, the debate is scheduled before the parliamentary session ends on April 9. The senators are compiling a list of topics, indicating a comprehensive approach to government accountability. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, January 29
Foreign-born residents file suit in Japan over alleged racial profiling. In Japan, three foreign-born residents have filed a lawsuit against national and local governments, alleging illegal police questioning based on racial profiling. This landmark case, the first of its kind in Japan, reflects the country's evolving demographic landscape and raises questions about racial and ethnic treatment within its society. The plaintiffs seek recognition of the illegality of such profiling and damages for the distress caused. Chris Gallagher, Reuters, January 29
Long Form
The Centrality of Security in the Pakistan-US Relationship. The relationship between Pakistan and the United States continues to be heavily influenced by security concerns, particularly in light of threats from groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The recent visit of Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, to the U.S. in December 2023, highlighted this focus. High-level meetings with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, underscored Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally and indicated a positive reset in bilateral ties. In 2024, Pakistan's interim foreign minister emphasized the importance of building on this momentum, suggesting a continued emphasis on security cooperation. This ongoing focus on security issues reflects the complex geopolitical challenges in South Asia and the importance of the Pakistan-U.S. partnership in addressing regional stability and counterterrorism efforts. Bantirani Patro, The Diplomat, January 29
China in the Red Sea: Beijing’s Houthi Connection. China's approach to the crisis in the Red Sea, particularly in relation to the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, reflects a nuanced balance of non-intervention and strategic relationships. Since the Houthis began their attacks, China has managed to maintain a degree of freedom and security for its ships passing through the area, a contrast to the disruptions faced by vessels from other countries. This relative immunity for Chinese ships is attributed to China's relationship with the Houthis, established since 2016. Despite this advantage, the limitations of China's approach are becoming increasingly evident as the conflict progresses. Around 20% of global cargo has been rerouted due to the attacks, affecting major shipping firms including Chinese giant COSCO. However, recent reports indicate that Chinese vessels, including those of COSCO, have made several safe passages in the area, following a Houthi official's statement granting safe passage to Russian and Chinese vessels. This situation highlights the complex dynamics of China's foreign policy and its impact on international maritime security. Barbara Kelemen, The Diplomat, January 30
Myanmar, 3 Years On: Resistance Gains Raise Specter of Splintered Nation. Three years after the military takeover in Myanmar, the country presents a stark contrast between the relative normalcy in Yangon and the intensifying conflict in other regions. While Yangon appears bustling with new bars, restaurants, and a sense of calm, the rest of the nation is engulfed in war, particularly along the China border. The resistance, comprising ethnic groups and aligned forces, has made significant gains, capturing numerous towns and challenging the military regime's control. The United Nations estimates that two-thirds of Myanmar is mired in conflict, with over 2.6 million people displaced. The economy is struggling, with high inflation and minimal growth. The resistance's success has raised concerns about the potential fragmentation of Myanmar, with well-armed ethnic organizations gaining more territory and influence. The situation poses a complex challenge for the central government, ethnic groups, and the international community, as Myanmar navigates a path fraught with conflict and uncertainty. Gwen Robinson, Yuichi Nitta, Nikkei Asia, January 30
Twilight on the Mekong. The Mekong River, once bustling with Chinese cargo ships, is witnessing a significant decline in its shipping industry. Zhang Desheng, a veteran ship owner, has experienced a sharp drop in demand for cargo shipping along the Mekong, connecting China's Yunnan province to Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. This decline is attributed to the construction of new cross-border road and rail networks, which offer faster and more efficient transportation alternatives. The once-thriving industry, which attracted many to lucrative careers on the river, is now struggling to survive. The shift to overland routes has led to a decrease in cargo traffic, leaving shipowners like Zhang with fewer orders and prolonged idle periods. The decline of the Mekong shipping industry reflects broader changes in regional trade dynamics and poses a challenge to those who have long relied on river transport for their livelihoods. Chen Xiaoxu, Sixth Tone, January 29