News
China’s Communist Party sticks to painful reform playbook to target risks and growth. The Chinese Communist Party concluded its policy meeting, emphasizing a balance between growth and security amid economic and geopolitical challenges. The communique highlighted the need for economic restructuring, maintaining market order, supporting the non-state sector, and controlling risks in critical areas like the property sector and local debt. It also stressed the importance of science and technology development, talent enhancement, and combating corruption, particularly in the military. South China Morning Post, July 18
Four new gas processing plants to be commissioned in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan plans to operate four new gas processing plants by 2030. The Ministry of Energy forecasts an increase in marketable gas production from 22.5 billion cubic meters in 2023 to 36.6 billion cubic meters by 2030. Agreements with QazaqGaz and Chevron aim to boost gas exploration. The plants, located in Kashagan, Karachaganak, and Zhanaozen, will have significant capacities, contributing to the country's energy sector. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, July 18
Taiwan, Japan coast guards conduct joint rescue drill. The coast guards of Taiwan and Japan conducted a joint rescue drill simulating a maritime accident to improve their response capabilities. The exercise involved rescuing people from the sea, providing medical aid, and extinguishing fires on vessels. The drill aimed to enhance coordination and cooperation between the two coast guards. This is the first joint drill since Taiwan's Coast Guard was elevated to a ministry-level agency. The exercise underscores the operational readiness and commitment of both coast guards to ensure maritime safety. Kyodo News, July 18
Parliamentary committee to hold hearing on Yoon's impeachment petition on Marine's death anniv. A parliamentary committee will hold a hearing to address a petition demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over alleged interference in a probe into Marine Cpl. Chae Su-geun's death during a search mission. The Democratic Party has called for 22 witnesses, while the ruling People Power Party seeks to block the hearing, calling it unconstitutional. If the impeachment motion passes a two-thirds vote in parliament, the Constitutional Court will decide the case. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, July 18
19 more die in Bangladesh clashes as student protesters try to impose a ‘complete shutdown’. Clashes between police, government supporters, and student activists demanding the end of a government job quota system led to 19 deaths Thursday, bringing the toll to 25 since Monday. Protests erupted at Dhaka University over a system favoring relatives of independence war veterans. Violence spread nationwide, with protesters attacking government buildings and blocking transportation. The government urged patience for a court ruling on the quotas while accusing opposition parties of inciting violence. Julhas Alam, AP News, July 18
Japan, US, South Korea top uniformed officers vow to boost cooperation. Senior military officials from Japan, the United States, and South Korea met in Tokyo to enhance trilateral cooperation in response to North Korea's missile and nuclear threats. They agreed to share real-time missile warning data, strengthen joint missile defense, and coordinate responses to cyber activities. The officials also emphasized enforcing UN sanctions on North Korea and increasing defense collaboration through joint exercises. Kyodo News, July 18
Hun Sen renews request to China to continue supporting Kingdom. Senate President Hun Sen has reiterated his request for China to continue supporting Cambodia in development, reaffirming the country's adherence to the one-China policy. During a meeting with new Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin, Hun Sen emphasized the strong Cambodia-China relationship and their mutual commitment to development and stability. Wang praised Hun Sen's longstanding friendship with China and pledged to strengthen bilateral ties during his tenure. Ry Sochan, The Phnom Penh Post, July 18
China’s Communist Party targets another PLA Rocket Force chief in corruption investigation. China’s Communist Party expelled Sun Jinming, chief of staff of the PLA Rocket Force, due to corruption. This follows probes into at least seven senior Rocket Force officials, including former commanders Li Yuchao, Zhou Yaning, and Wei Fenghe. The plenum also endorsed expulsions of former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Li Yuchao. Xi Jinping emphasized zero tolerance for military corruption, highlighting ongoing reforms and high-quality leadership. Amber Wang and Hayley Wong, South China Morning Post, July 18
North Korea launches balloons likely carrying trash toward South Korea. North Korea resumed flying balloons likely containing trash toward South Korea, days after threatening retaliation for South Korean leafleting activities. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff warned the public to be cautious of falling objects. This follows North Korea's previous actions of sending over 2,000 balloons with waste materials in response to South Korean activists' anti-North Korean leaflets. South Korea has increased military readiness, anticipating potential provocations from North Korea. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, July 18
Vietnam President To Lam becomes caretaker of Communist Party while chief Trong focuses on health. Vietnamese President To Lam has assumed the role of caretaker of the Communist Party due to party chief Nguyen Phu Trong's health issues. Trong, who has led the party since 2011, is known for his strong stance against corruption. Lam, formerly Vietnam’s top security official and a key figure in Trong's anti-graft campaign, is considered the top candidate to succeed Trong when his term ends in 2026. Aniruddha Ghosal, AP News, July 18
Ex-Chinese FM Qin Gang loses seat at party top table but may escape punishment. Qin Gang, former Chinese foreign minister, has been removed from the Central Committee of the Communist Party following his mysterious disappearance over a year ago. The decision was made during the third plenary session, and the use of "comrade" in the statement suggests he is not under criminal investigation. Former defense minister Li Shangfu and other senior commanders, facing corruption charges, were expelled from the party. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, July 18
Prime minister: Kyrgyzstan’s economy needs to make a 'leopard’s leap'. Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov highlighted Kyrgyzstan's 8.1% GDP growth in the first half of 2024, aiming for a GDP of $30 billion by 2030 and $200 billion by 2050. He proposed supporting entrepreneurs, SMEs, and reducing Social Fund payments to boost the economy. Japarov also emphasized the development of commodity exchanges, export programs, and improving the country's credit ratings with Moody’s and Fitch. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, July 18
India strives to compete with China for Myanmar junta’s affections. India is intensifying its efforts to counter China's influence in Myanmar by enhancing economic and strategic ties with the Myanmar junta. This includes projects like the Kaladan multimodal transport project and energy cooperation. India's strategy aims to balance China's dominance and foster goodwill with Myanmar's military regime. This competition is part of a broader regional struggle for influence between India and China. The Irrawaddy, July 18
In Kyrgyzstan, an unprecedented crackdown on free press raises alarm. The Kyrgyz government has intensified its actions against independent media, raising concerns about press freedom in the country. Recent measures include shutting down Radio Azattyk, blocking news websites, and arresting journalists under controversial laws. This crackdown marks a significant shift for Kyrgyzstan, which was once considered a beacon of press freedom in Central Asia. Critics argue that the government is using national security and anti-extremism laws to suppress dissent and control the media narrative. Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska, Al Jazeera, July 18
EU urges Tajikistan to investigate human rights violations. The European Union has called on Tajikistan to thoroughly investigate human rights violations, expressing concern over imprisoned human rights defenders, journalists, and bloggers. This request was made during the EU-Tajikistan Cooperation Committee meeting in Dushanbe. The EU emphasized the importance of an independent civil society and free media for democracy. The report highlighted the imprisonment of eight journalists and the events in Gorno-Badakhshan, where 34 people were killed, as key human rights issues. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, July 18
Pacific leaders and Japan reach consensus on controversial nuclear wastewater discharge. At the PALM10 Summit in Tokyo, Pacific leaders and Japan agreed on the discharge of treated nuclear wastewater from Japan's Fukushima plant. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida assured compliance with international safety standards, emphasizing collaboration with the IAEA for transparency. Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders called for ongoing scientific evidence and transparent processes to safeguard health and marine environments. They also highlighted the need for enhanced regional scientific capabilities through IAEA support. Pita Ligaiula, PINA, July 18
Long Form
Corruption control needs a clean-up in Asia. The fight against corruption in Asia is facing significant challenges due to inconsistent enforcement and political interference. Anti-corruption agencies often lack independence and are subject to influence by powerful political figures. The article suggests that for effective corruption control, these agencies need greater autonomy, better resources, and more robust legal frameworks. Key areas for improvement include enhancing transparency, strengthening judicial independence, and fostering a culture of accountability. The authors argue that without these changes, efforts to combat corruption will remain superficial and ineffective. Luke Nottage and Nobumichi Teramura, East Asia Forum, July 18
Surfing the web for effective content regulation in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian countries are grappling with how to regulate digital platforms effectively. Unlike the EU’s stringent regulations, many Southeast Asian nations favor a balanced approach, aiming to foster growth while protecting consumers. Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have conducted market studies to tailor regulations to local economies, avoiding the pitfalls of overly restrictive measures. A collaborative regulatory strategy, involving antitrust, consumer protection, and data privacy, is suggested to manage the dynamic digital landscape in the region. Albert Jehoshua Rapha, East Asia Forum, July 18
As protests erupt, a rocky start to Sheikh Hasina’s fourth consecutive term. Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces widespread student protests over government job quotas just six months into her fourth term. The demonstrations escalated following a court ruling to maintain the quota system, leading to clashes with pro-Awami League activists and police, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Economic challenges, corruption, and rising public discontent have intensified the situation. Hasina's previous promises to abolish the quotas have turned to dismissive remarks, further fueling the unrest. Saqlain Rizve, The Diplomat, July 18
China’s third plenum embraces a ‘new development philosophy’. The Chinese Communist Party’s third plenum concluded with a focus on "high-quality economic development" driven by innovation and technology. The communique emphasized the importance of education, science, and talent for modernization. The meeting underscored the need for balanced growth, addressing issues like local government debt and real estate risks, while maintaining stability and CCP control. The plenum reaffirmed China's commitment to reform, aiming to enhance governance and sustain the country's current system. Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat, July 18
The global economy needs China to be straightforward. China must provide clear and reliable economic data to aid global economic stability. The lack of transparency in China's economic reporting creates uncertainty in global markets, making it difficult for international businesses and governments to make informed decisions. Improved data transparency is crucial for maintaining confidence in the global economy. Accurate and straightforward communication from China would help address these issues and foster a more stable economic environment worldwide. Such transparency would also enhance trust and collaboration between China and other nations, ultimately benefiting global economic growth and stability. Katsuji Nakazawa, Nikkei Asia, July 18
Malay youths’ evolving yet steadfast support for Malay royalty. Despite political changes and controversies, Malay youths continue to support the royal institution in Malaysia. Recent incidents involving royalty, such as accusations against Johor’s Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, have sparked debate but not diminished support. Surveys show strong belief in the monarchy’s importance, with many youths viewing it as integral to Malay identity and culture. This support is intertwined with Malay political conservatism and traditional values, suggesting that the monarchy will remain significant in Malaysia’s future. Syaza Shukri, Fulcrum, July 18
The impact of China’s Digital Silk Road on the digital domain of the Philippines. China's Digital Silk Road (DSR) is significantly influencing the Philippines' digital infrastructure, including telecommunications and smart city projects. While bringing innovation and competition, it raises concerns over data security and economic dependence. The Philippines faces challenges in negotiating complex agreements and managing cybersecurity risks. To balance technological advancement and national security, the country needs a robust legal framework and strategic planning. Julio S. Amador III and Deryk Baladjay, Fulcrum, July 17