News
Vietnam Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, the country’s most powerful leader, dies at age 80. Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party, passed away at 80 following months of illness. Trong had been a dominant force in Vietnamese politics since 2011, known for his anti-corruption campaign that led to significant political upheaval. He was a Marxist-Leninist ideologue who aimed to maintain the party's legitimacy by combating corruption. President To Lam has been appointed as the Party’s highest leader. Trong's death leaves a significant political vacuum in Vietnam. AP News, July 19
US opens embassy in Vanuatu, latest step in China competition. The United States opened an embassy in Vanuatu on Thursday, enhancing its diplomatic presence in the Pacific to counter China's growing influence. This follows recent embassy openings in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, with plans for another in Kiribati. The U.S. aims to address concerns over Chinese activities in the region, including Chinese police deployments in the Solomon Islands and workers in military uniforms in Vanuatu. David Brunnstrom, Reuters, July 19
Japan’s top admiral steps down as SDF hit by scandals. Admiral Ryo Sakai, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, has resigned following a series of scandals involving the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Sakai's resignation, confirmed by Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada, comes amid ongoing investigations into multiple misconduct cases within the SDF. The scandals have prompted widespread criticism and calls for stricter oversight and reform within Japan's defense establishment. Kyodo News, July 19
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan launch joint projects, seek to increase trade. Presidents Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan discussed boosting bilateral trade and industrial cooperation during Japarov's state visit to Uzbekistan. They agreed to establish trading houses, launch a "green-light corridor" for agricultural goods, and increase the authorized capital of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Fund to $200 million. Key projects include the Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower plant, a joint automobile plant, and photovoltaic power plants. Sergey Kwan, Times of Central Asia, July 19
Budget increase bill passes 1st hearing. A supplementary bill to increase Thailand's fiscal year budget by 122 billion baht passed its first reading in the House of Representatives. The funds aim to support the government's digital wallet handout scheme. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasized the importance of the budget increase to stimulate the economy and create new business opportunities. Opposition parties plan to vote against the bill, citing concerns over fiscal discipline. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, July 19.
After spurning China for years, Brazil reveals plan to join Belt and Road Initiative. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced plans to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative, marking a shift in the country's stance. Lula highlighted the potential benefits of the initiative in addressing Brazil’s infrastructure needs. Brazil, historically a significant recipient of Chinese investment, had previously been reluctant to join due to concerns about alienating Western partners. This move comes as Brazil and China celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, July 19
South Korea restarts blaring propaganda broadcasts to retaliate against North’s trash balloon flying. South Korea has resumed loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea in response to the North's balloon launches carrying trash. The broadcasts began Thursday evening and continued into Friday, with contents likely including K-pop songs and criticisms of North Korea's missile program. North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong threatened further countermeasures, raising concerns about potential provocations. South Korea's military has increased readiness for any further actions by the North. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, July 19
Group warns against 'proxy war' with China. The Anti-Imperialist Movement (AI Movement) has urged the Philippine government to avoid being drawn into a proxy war with China, emphasizing peaceful dialogue to resolve South China Sea disputes. The group highlighted concerns over escalating US-China tensions and their potential impact on regional stability. They cautioned that aligning too closely with the US could lead to the Philippines becoming a battleground in broader geopolitical conflicts. The AI Movement calls for diplomatic measures to ensure national sovereignty and peace. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, July 19
PM hosts Qatari minister of state for foreign affairs. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính met with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Soltan Bin Saad Al-Muraikhi in Hanoi on Friday. They discussed enhancing bilateral ties, focusing on economic collaboration in sectors like oil, gas, infrastructure, and agriculture. They also emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and supporting each other at multilateral forums. Both parties agreed on the need for a Joint Committee meeting to review and plan future cooperation. Vietnam News, July 19
US to support Philippines' efforts to resupply ship on atoll, Sullivan says. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the U.S. will ensure the Philippines can resupply the Sierra Madre warship on the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines uses the beached ship to assert its South China Sea claims, contested by China. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, Sullivan emphasized the U.S. commitment to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, highlighting the need for de-escalation and successful resupply missions. Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters, July 19
China’s third plenum vows support for private sector, ‘stable’ climate for foreign firms. China’s Communist Party concluded its third plenum, outlining reforms to boost the private sector and create a transparent environment for foreign businesses. The party pledged to improve mechanisms for private companies to engage in national projects, protect intellectual property, and ensure fair treatment in business disputes. There was also a commitment to allow migrant workers to register residency in urban areas. Despite optimism, concerns remain over local-level implementation. Vanessa Cai, William Zheng, and Mandy Zuo, South China Morning Post, July 19
N. Korean leader discusses military ties with visiting Russian vice defense minister. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with Russian Vice Defense Minister Aleksey Krivoruchko in Pyongyang to discuss the importance of military cooperation between their nations. This visit follows last month's summit between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they signed a mutual defense pact. The talks highlighted the need for the two militaries to unite and defend mutual security interests. North Korea has faced accusations of supplying artillery to Russia for the Ukraine war, but both nations deny such deals. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, July 19
Bangladesh imposes curfew, deploys army as job quota protests continue. Bangladesh has imposed a curfew and deployed the army in response to ongoing protests over government job quotas. The protests, demanding the abolition of a quota system favoring families of war veterans, have led to widespread unrest and clashes between protesters and security forces. The government aims to restore order and ensure public safety amid the escalating tensions. The curfew is intended to prevent further violence and disruptions. Al Jazeera, July 19
More senators back POGO ban. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has joined five other senators in supporting a total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), citing insufficient tax revenue and their links to crimes like human trafficking and kidnapping. The stance aligns with recommendations from Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and influential business groups advocating for the ban due to the criminal and immoral activities associated with POGOs. Bernadette E. Tamayo and Janine Alexis Miguel, The Manila Times, July 19
Japan government cuts GDP growth outlook to 0.9% from 1.3% in FY 2024. The Japanese government has lowered its GDP growth forecast for fiscal year 2024 to 0.9%, down from the previous estimate of 1.3%. This revision reflects concerns over a slowing global economy and weaker domestic demand. The Cabinet Office highlighted risks including a potential economic downturn in the U.S. and Europe, which could negatively impact Japan's export-driven economy. Despite the downgrade, the government expects a moderate recovery supported by wage growth and increased capital expenditure. Kyodo News, July 19
Taiwan's unemployment rate falls to 3.42% in June. Taiwan's unemployment rate dropped to 3.42% in June, the lowest in 24 years, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics. The decline is attributed to the gradual recovery of the labor market and the economy's steady growth. The number of unemployed people decreased by 10,000 from May to June, with significant improvements seen in the services and manufacturing sectors. The report also highlighted a slight increase in employment in the construction sector. Jake Chung, Taipei Times, July 19
Long Form
The Promise of U.S.-Japan Start-up Collaboration. The U.S. and Japan are enhancing their collaboration in the start-up sector, driven by Japan's need to boost economic growth and innovation. Japanese policies aim to increase start-up investment and foster human exchanges between the two nations. U.S. start-up ecosystems serve as a model, and various programs are in place to support this bilateral cooperation. These initiatives are crucial for strengthening economic ties, addressing social issues, and maintaining technological competitiveness. Makoto Tsujiguchi, CSIS, July 19
Indonesia's critical minerals strategy needs critical ambition. Indonesia's critical minerals strategy, especially focusing on nickel, needs more ambitious policies to ensure sustainable growth. The current approach has attracted investments but requires better coordination between the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Industry. Recommendations include enforcing stricter environmental and labor regulations, introducing fiscal incentives for sustainable practices, and shifting from a rigid export ban to a flexible Domestic Market Obligation scheme. Pandu Utama Manggala, East Asia Forum, July 19
Taiwan’s Trump Conundrum Taiwan faces uncertainty with the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy and recent comments criticizing Taiwan for taking U.S. semiconductor business and suggesting tariffs have raised concerns. While Biden has committed to Taiwan's defense against Chinese aggression, Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance have not. This inconsistency in U.S. support is troubling for Taiwan, which relies heavily on American security assurances. David Sacks, Council on Foreign Relations, July 19
A self-reliant India still needs the outside world. Despite India's push for self-reliance, the country continues to require international collaboration to achieve its economic and technological goals. The drive for self-reliance, or "Atmanirbhar Bharat," aims to reduce dependency on foreign goods and bolster domestic industries. However, experts argue that global engagement remains crucial for accessing advanced technologies, enhancing productivity, and maintaining growth. India needs to balance its domestic ambitions with strategic international partnerships to sustain long-term economic development and resilience. Ashima Goyal, East Asia Forum, July 19
The 2 Koreas’ Cold War Measures Destabilize the Korean Peninsula. Recent actions by both North and South Korea, including balloon launches and military drills, have heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea's provocative actions, such as sending balloons carrying garbage, and South Korea's response, reflect ongoing hostilities. The geopolitical landscape complicates these tensions, with international crises diverting attention from nuclear negotiations. The potential return of Trump to the U.S. presidency adds further uncertainty to the situation. Mitch Shin, The Diplomat, July 19
Philippines-Japan security pact puts China on notice. The Philippines and Japan have finalized the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), allowing for expanded joint military activities and legal status for visiting forces. This pact enables the transfer of advanced weapons systems and supports the Philippines' maritime modernization amid South China Sea disputes. It also aligns with the U.S. "integrated deterrence" strategy against China. The agreement, backed by bipartisan support in both countries, reflects a growing trend of regional defense partnerships amid uncertainties over U.S. foreign policy. Richard Javad Heydarian, Lowy Institute, July 18