Asia Daily: January 31, 2024
News
Malaysia welcomes new king in unique rotating monarchy. Sultan Ibrahim of Johor state has been inaugurated as Malaysia's new king, continuing the nation's unique rotational monarchy system. In this system, rulers from nine royal families take turns as monarch every five years. Sultan Ibrahim, known for his outspoken views and business interests, assumes a role that has grown in influence due to recent political instability in Malaysia. The monarchy, while largely ceremonial, has wielded significant power in government formation and national governance. Rozanna Latiff and Danial Azhar, Reuters, January 30
Pakistan’s former leader Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in prison, a day after being jailed for 10 years. Imran Khan, Pakistan's former Prime Minister, has been sentenced to 14 years for corruption, with the sentencing coinciding with the upcoming general elections. This verdict follows an earlier 10-year sentence for leaking state secrets. Khan, who remains popular among young voters, has been a vocal critic of the military's influence in politics. The PTI party deems the sentencing politically motivated, a claim authorities refute. Sophia Saifi, Rhea Mogul and Azaz Syed, CNN, January 31
China has indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal in South China Sea - Coast Guard. The China Coast Guard has reiterated China's claims of indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and adjacent waters, responding to recent incidents involving the Philippines. This statement follows an encounter where Philippine personnel were warned to leave an area claimed by China. These developments are part of ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a region where China's extensive sovereignty claims have created tensions with neighboring countries, including the Philippines. Bernard Orr, Reuters, January 31
Taiwan launches spring military drills following presidential election amid China threats. Taiwan is conducting military drills in response to ongoing threats from China, following the re-election of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party. The drills, showcasing Taiwan's defense capabilities, include a variety of aircraft and ordnance, emphasizing the island's readiness against potential Chinese military actions. These exercises are crucial for maintaining Taiwan's security and public confidence, especially in light of China's increased military activities in the region. Christopher Bodeen, AP News, January 30
Ukraine envoy offers support for one-China principle in Beijing talks. Ukrainian Ambassador to China, Pavlo Riabikin, has affirmed Ukraine's support for the one-China principle during discussions in Beijing. This diplomatic move aligns with Ukraine's efforts to strengthen cooperation with China amid ongoing global tensions. The meeting also coincides with renewed Chinese-Russian strategic talks, highlighting shifting international relationships and the complexity of current geopolitical dynamics. Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, January 30
Japan PM vows to restore public trust in politics amid money scandal. Amid a financial scandal, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has committed to rebuilding public trust in politics. Addressing the Diet, he emphasized tackling pressing issues like economic recovery and disaster response. The scandal, involving the Liberal Democratic Party's alleged financial misconduct, has impacted the government's approval ratings. Kishida's approach underlines his effort to address the scandal's fallout and steer focus towards national recovery and governance reforms. Kyodo News, January 30
China's anti-corruption watchdog says 110,000 Communist Party officials faced disciplinary action last year. In 2023, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection in China disciplined over 110,000 Communist Party officials as part of an extensive anti-corruption drive. This significant increase in cases reflects President Xi Jinping's continued efforts to combat graft and improve governance within the party. The crackdown covered various violations, including failures in duty and receiving improper benefits, emphasizing the Chinese government's commitment to maintaining party integrity and addressing corruption at all levels. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, January 30
Kyrgyzstan: Japarov being primed for second term. In Kyrgyzstan, President Sadyr Japarov is likely to seek a second term, a possibility enabled by recent constitutional amendments. These changes, occurring after his election, shifted the presidential term limits, sparking political discussions. Japarov's leadership, notable for its focus on economic challenges and managing national debt, has been pivotal in the country's current political climate. His re-election bid, largely unopposed and supported by key political figures, underscores his influence in Kyrgyzstan's political landscape. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Eurasianet, January 30
'Bigger' Balikatan to happen in April, says PH military official. The Philippine and US military forces are set to conduct larger-scale Balikatan exercises in April, according to an official from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This year's military drills will surpass the scope of last year's exercises, highlighting the deepening defense cooperation between the two countries. Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized the increased scale and strategic importance of these upcoming joint exercises. Francisco Tuyay, The Manila Times, January 30
Top legislator meets with President of Philippines in Hà Nội. Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Vương Đình Huệ, met with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. in Hà Nội, signaling a strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries. This visit marks a significant step in bilateral relations, aligning with mutual interests in regional and international issues, including the South China Sea. Vietnam News, January 30
Laos Receives Accolades at ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards Ceremony. Laos achieved significant recognition at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, held in Vientiane Capital. The country garnered 20 awards across various categories, showcasing excellence in tourism standards. The accolades spanned diverse areas, including hotel sustainability, clean city tourism, and event venues, contributing to Laos' growing reputation as a leading sustainable tourism destination. Jonathan Meadley, Laotian Times, January 30
Long Form
How Aceh’s About-face on Rohingya Refugees Echoes in India. In Aceh, Indonesia, a recent incident involving Rohingya refugees has had repercussions in India, particularly among right-wing disinformation networks. On December 27, 2023, a group of students in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, forcibly relocated 137 Rohingya refugees from a temporary shelter to another location. This event has been seized upon by right-wing groups in India to fuel fake news and hate speech campaigns against the Muslim minority group. The Rohingya, who have faced severe persecution in Myanmar, often seek refuge in neighboring countries, including Indonesia and Bangladesh. The situation in Aceh reflects broader regional dynamics concerning the treatment of Rohingya refugees and has implications for how these vulnerable populations are perceived and treated in other countries, including India. Angshuman Choudhury, The Diplomat, January 31
Indonesia's New Capital Hinges on Election as Jokowi Set to Exit. Indonesia's ambitious project to build a new capital, Nusantara, on Borneo island, faces uncertainty as President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) prepares to leave office. The $29 billion project, initiated at the start of Jokowi's second term in 2019, aims to relocate the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara. However, with Jokowi's term ending in October and presidential elections set for February 14, the future of Nusantara is in question. The project relies heavily on private sector funding, with the government covering only 20% of the total cost. So far, only a fraction of the necessary funds has been secured. The upcoming election results will be crucial in determining whether Jokowi's vision for Nusantara, envisioned as a "green and smart global city," will be realized or face potential setbacks. The project's completion is scheduled through 2045, but its success hinges on the commitment of the next administration and the ability to attract sufficient investment. Nana Shibata, Ismi Damayanti and Erwida Maulia, Nikkei Asia, January 31
Cooling Inflation is Brightening Asia's Economic Outlook. Asia's economic outlook is showing signs of improvement as inflation rates begin to cool down. This trend is evident in several Asian countries, including China, where inflation was only 0.3% in 2023, largely due to lower food and energy prices and subdued core inflation. The decline in inflation across the region presents an opportunity for policymakers to focus on fiscal consolidation. This positive shift in the economic landscape suggests that growth in Asia has been more resilient than expected, offering a more optimistic view for the future. The decrease in inflation rates is a key factor contributing to this brighter economic outlook, providing a more stable environment for continued growth and development in the region. Krishna Srinivasan, Nikkei Asia, January 31
Solid Processes Yield Mixed Outcomes in US–East Asia Relations. US-East Asia relations in 2023 were marked by both tensions and cooperation. The year began with a suspected Chinese spy balloon incident, straining US-China relations, but was followed by high-level diplomatic visits to Beijing. Positive developments included strengthened military and technological ties with Japan and South Korea. However, the US's inconsistent focus on Asia and lack of a comprehensive strategy, particularly regarding China, led to mixed outcomes in the region. Glen S. Fukushima, East Asia Forum, January 31
Satellites, Summits, and Succession in North Korea. In 2023, North Korea, under Kim Jong-un, made significant strides, including a successful satellite launch and strengthening ties with Russia. The satellite launch, despite UN prohibitions, intensified regional tensions and signaled a space race with South Korea. Kim Jong-un's foreign policy shifted towards closer alignment with Russia, marking a strategic partnership revival. Additionally, succession planning became evident with the public emergence of Kim's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and sister, Kim Yo-jong, indicating plans for a fourth-generation dynastic succession. Scott Snyder, East Asia Forum, January 31
Beijing Hedges Its Bets in Myanmar. China's strategy in Myanmar involves hedging its bets by engaging with various political forces, including the State Administration Council (SAC) military junta and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). This approach stems from past experiences of over-dependence on the Myanmar military and aims to maximize China's interests amid Myanmar's power struggles. Beijing's engagement includes supporting EAOs against the SAC in northern Shan State and working with the junta in areas like the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone. China's all-around hedging amid Myanmar's political chaos reflects its desire for stability and safeguarding its economic and strategic interests. Enze Han, East Asia Forum, January 31