News
Gov't weighing measures to deal with trainee doctors who refuse to return to hospitals. The South Korean government is considering actions against trainee doctors who continue to strike in protest of medical reform, despite efforts to bring them back. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong plans to introduce measures as hospitals prepare for new recruits in September. The strike, ongoing since February, protests the increase in medical student admissions. Major hospitals in Seoul have begun reducing patient care, and more medical professors plan to join the walkouts. Kang Yoon-seung, Yonhap News Agency, July 5
Former Philippine leader Duterte and aide accused of steering government contracts to cronies. Former Philippine opposition senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed a criminal complaint against ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, alleging he and Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go awarded over 100 government contracts worth $114 million to companies owned by Go's relatives from 2007 to 2018. Trillanes claims the contracts were given while Duterte was mayor and president. Go denies benefiting from government projects. The complaint adds to Duterte’s legal issues, including an ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity. Jim Gomez, AP News, July 5
Fierce fighting breaks out as militias launch new attacks against regime in Myanmar’s civil war. Renewed fighting in northeastern Myanmar has ended a Chinese-brokered ceasefire, with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army attacking regime positions. The TNLA aims to eradicate the military dictatorship and protect locals. The military, accusing militias of endangering civilians, faces intensified resistance, especially in Shan state. The renewed violence complicates China's efforts to mediate peace and stabilize the region. David Rising, AP News, July 5
Japan pledges to strengthen ties with Britain under its new govt. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has vowed to enhance bilateral relations with the United Kingdom, following the UK's recent governmental changes. During a meeting with UK officials, both nations emphasized cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. This includes advancing the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a joint project with Italy to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. The leaders also discussed bolstering economic partnerships and addressing shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Kyodo News, July 5
Tajikistan and Switzerland strengthen cooperation in banking. At a recent IMF and World Bank conference, Tajikistan and Switzerland reaffirmed their long-term cooperation in banking. First Deputy Prime Minister Hokim Holikzoda and Swiss officials, including Federal Minister of Finance Karin Keller-Sutter, discussed enhancing Tajikistan's banking system with Swiss financial support and modern technology. The Swiss National Bank has significantly contributed to Tajikistan's banking development over the past 25 years. The agenda focused on attracting Swiss finance to bolster Tajikistan's economy. The Times of Central Asia, July 5
Yoon to travel to U.S. next week for NATO summit, Indo-Pacific Command visit. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the U.S. next week for the NATO summit in Washington and a visit to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. Discussions at the summit will focus on the Ukraine war and enhancing cooperation between NATO and the Indo-Pacific region. Yoon will also meet with leaders from several countries and participate in a four-way meeting with Indo-Pacific partner nations to address military ties between Russia and North Korea. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, July 5
Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong asks for a lesser sentence in landmark security case. Prominent activist Joshua Wong requested a reduced sentence in court after pleading guilty in Hong Kong’s largest national security case. Wong, among 47 activists charged under a Beijing-imposed national security law, was accused of conspiracy to commit subversion. His lawyer argued that Wong should be considered an "active participant" rather than an organizer, suggesting a reduced sentence due to his guilty plea. Sentencing for the 45 convicted defendants will follow mitigation hearings continuing until August. Kanis Leung, AP News, July 5
Philippines turned down US help amid South China Sea tensions - military chief. The Philippines declined U.S. assistance in operations in the South China Sea despite rising tensions with China, following a clash that injured a Filipino sailor. Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner said Manila wants to handle the situation independently, even as U.S. support is available under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano emphasized the importance of maintaining a purely Philippine operation. Karen Lema, Reuters, July 5
China treads complex path between North and South Korea as nuclear risk rises. As tensions rise on the Korean peninsula, Beijing faces a dilemma in balancing relations with Pyongyang and Seoul. North Korea’s military pact with Russia and potential provocations ahead of the US election increase complexities. China is urged to contain Pyongyang's aggression while managing its alliance with North Korea and strained ties with South Korea. Despite Beijing's efforts to ease tensions, the risk of escalation remains high. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, July 5
China and Russia prepare for Pacific Rim navy drill in US, Japan and South Korea’s wake. The Chinese and Russian navies are set to conduct a joint patrol in the Pacific Rim, shortly after the US, Japan, and South Korea completed their own trilateral drill. The Russian Ministry of Defence announced the corvette Sovershenny will meet Chinese warships near South Korea's Jeju Island. The joint exercise will include anti-submarine, anti-aircraft defense, and search and rescue operations, marking the fourth such collaboration between China and Russia in the region. Sylvie Zhuang, South China Morning Post, July 5
Civilians flee as noose tightens on Myanmar junta’s NE command headquarters. Thousands of civilians have fled Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State, as ethnic armies continue their offensive against the junta’s Northeastern Military Command headquarters. The bombardment has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 residents, including children. The fighting, involving the Brotherhood Alliance and local resistance forces, has intensified, leading to significant casualties and destruction. The alliance aims to eradicate the military dictatorship and protect local populations. The Irrawaddy, July 5
PM Pham Minh Chinh welcomes Lao Deputy PM and foreign minister. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. They focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, education, and defense. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and agreed to support each other in multilateral forums. They also discussed measures to overcome challenges and promote socio-economic development in both countries. Vietnam News, July 5
President Adeang backs Nauru’s switch to China. Nauru President David Adeang supports the country's diplomatic switch from Taiwan to China, aiming to attract Chinese investment and development. This decision follows similar moves by the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Honduras, which switched recognition from Taiwan to China in recent years. The change aligns with the One-China Principle, recognizing Beijing as the sole legal government of China. This diplomatic shift is part of a broader trend of nations opting for ties with China over Taiwan due to China's economic and political influence. PINA, July 5
Japan confirms China set up buoy over its southern continental shelf. Japan has confirmed that China has placed a buoy within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near the disputed Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkakus in Japan. The buoy was discovered by Japan's coastguard in July, leading to formal protests lodged in both Tokyo and Beijing. Japan has demanded the immediate removal of the buoy, citing violations of international law for constructing structures in its EEZ without consent. Kyodo News, July 5
Long Form
Putin’s Diplomacy Roadshow in North Korea and Vietnam. Despite Moscow's efforts to strengthen ties, regional states like North Korea and Vietnam are maintaining diverse diplomatic options, with China as their primary partner. North Korea renewed a 1961 alliance treaty with Russia, marking a new chapter for their military partnership. Conversely, Vietnam focused on commemorating the 1994 non-aggression treaty with Russia, reflecting its strategy to avoid regional polarization. These divergent approaches highlight the countries' differing foreign policy priorities. Khang Vu, Lowy Institute, July 5
Recasting Malaysia–US Relations in the Shadow of the War in Gaza. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim can leverage American reactions to the Gaza conflict to strengthen Malaysia-US relations. The Malaysian public's strong stance against Israeli actions, mirrored by significant boycotts and protests, contrasts with shifts in US public opinion. This offers an opportunity for nuanced diplomatic engagement. Anwar aims to balance maintaining economic ties with the US and demonstrating commitment to the Palestinian cause. Meredith Weiss, FULCRUM, July 5
The Malaysian Government’s Silence on Covert Conversion: A Poor Start to Madani Harmony? Malaysia's government remains silent as a preacher advocates for the secret conversion of non-Muslim minors to Islam, contravening national laws. This silence contradicts the goals of the Madani Harmony initiative aimed at promoting unity and respect among Malaysia's diverse communities. Civil society organizations have expressed outrage, demanding action against the preacher's illegal and unethical practices. The government's inaction casts doubt on its commitment to the initiative's principles. Afra Alatas, FULCRUM, July 5
Why a Viral Petition to Impeach South Korea’s President is Unlikely to Succeed. A petition for President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment, with over 1.17 million signatures, faces substantial obstacles. Legal precedents and the National Assembly Act suggest that the impeachment is improbable in the near future. Despite the Democratic Party's support and goal of reaching 10 million signatures, the legal framework and political dynamics do not favor a successful impeachment. Jeongmin Kim, Korea Pro, July 5
South Korea’s Economic Optimism Masks Growing Risks and Vulnerabilities. Despite the optimistic outlook presented by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, economic indicators reveal underlying risks. Manufacturing struggles and concerns about financial stability contrast with the government's positive projections of strong growth rates and decreasing interest rates. This disparity highlights the fragile aspects of South Korea's economy despite official reassurances. John Lee, Korea Pro, July 4
After a Lull, South Korea is Suddenly Talking About Going Nuclear Again. Leading conservative figures in South Korea are reigniting the debate about developing nuclear weapons to defend against North Korea. This movement, led by prominent politicians such as Na Kyung-won, highlights a growing sentiment within the People Power Party that South Korea should arm itself with nuclear capabilities. This comes amid increasing security concerns and perceived threats from the North. Jeongmin Kim, NK News, July 5
Love Lost? How Putin Could Spoil a Trump Push to Rekindle Ties with Kim Jong Un. The potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency could complicate relations with North Korea, especially with Vladimir Putin's increasing influence. While Trump and Kim Jong Un had previously developed a rapport, Putin's involvement may force North Korea to choose between engaging with the U.S. and aligning with Russia, creating a complex diplomatic scenario. Gabriela Bernal, NK News, July 5
At Plenum, Kim Jong Un Forces Out Elderly Officials to Make Way for New Blood. During a recent four-day meeting, Kim Jong Un retired several elderly officials, notably Ri Pyong Chol from the Politburo Presidium, indicating a shift toward younger leadership. This signals Kim’s intent to rely on a new generation of cadres for future governance and policy enforcement, aiming to strengthen social control and political stability in North Korea. Martin Weiser, NK Pro, July 5
U.K.’s Labour is Likely to Champion China Trade Over Human Rights. The Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, is expected to prioritize economic ties with China, potentially sidelining human rights concerns. Starmer's approach reflects a pragmatic stance, balancing economic interests with limited actions on human rights issues. This strategy contrasts with the U.S.'s more confrontational approach toward China. This could undermine efforts to hold China accountable for human rights abuses, such as those in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. David Lawrence, Nikkei Asia, July 5
India's Fast Delivery Apps Take Bite Out of Mom-and-Pop Stores. The rapid rise of fast delivery apps in India is impacting traditional mom-and-pop stores. These apps offer consumers the convenience of quick deliveries for groceries and essentials, challenging the long-standing dominance of local small retailers. Despite the growth of digital platforms, these small stores struggle to compete due to their limited technological integration and resources. The shift highlights a broader trend towards digitization in India's retail sector. Author, Nikkei Asia, July 5
Engagement with China Has Had a Multifaceted Impact on Latin American Democracy. China's interactions with Latin America have influenced democratic dynamics through commercial partnerships, training programs with authoritarian content, and technology exports that enhance state control. While Beijing does not explicitly promote authoritarianism, its practices and resources support regimes moving in that direction. This engagement challenges democratic institutions and highlights the need for transparency and strong legal frameworks in Latin American countries. R. Evan Ellis, The Diplomat, July 5
Thailand’s Strange and Undemocratic Democracy. Thailand’s senatorial selection process, a holdover from the 2014 military coup, remains undemocratic. Candidates, who should be independent, often reveal political affiliations, resulting in conservative influence in the Senate. The current selection process aims to maintain Senate independence from political parties but has failed, with allegations of vote-buying and fraud. This setup allows conservatives to control key judicial and anti-corruption appointments, impacting Thailand's politics. Voranai Vanijaka, The Diplomat, July 5
Navigating Cross-Strait Relations After President Lai’s Inauguration. President Lai Ching-te's pro-independence stance is intensifying Taiwan-China relations. Beijing's strategy remains consistent, mixing economic incentives and military threats. The U.S.-Taiwan relationship, characterized by high communication and trust, acts as a deterrent against Beijing's forceful unification ambitions. Despite challenges, maintaining open communication channels can help manage risks and prevent conflict. Jade Guan, East Asia Forum, July 5
The Risks of De-Banking in the Pacific. The Pacific region faces challenges due to the withdrawal of major banks, impacting remittance flows, trade, and financial stability. De-banking leads to increased reliance on less regulated financial services, raising concerns about financial inclusion and money laundering risks. The situation requires urgent policy responses to ensure sustainable banking services and economic resilience in the region. Louis de Koker, East Asia Forum, July 5
10 Years On, US-Malaysia Relations Need to Adjust to a Changed World. As the US and Malaysia celebrate a decade of their comprehensive partnership, they face a transformed global landscape. Challenges include domestic political changes, economic recovery post-pandemic, and intensifying US-China competition. Despite efforts to revive ties, significant gaps in expectations and priorities persist, necessitating a realistic reassessment of their bilateral relationship to address these evolving dynamics. Elina Noor, South China Morning Post, July 5
As Nuclear Tensions Rise, Are US Defence Plans for South Korea Workable? Despite US efforts to provide extended deterrence against North Korea, South Korea's desire for greater autonomy in defense remains unmet. The US prefers integrating conventional and nuclear capabilities under a consultative group, but South Korea seeks options like indigenous nuclear development or reintroducing US tactical nukes. The coordination challenges and strategic command disparities complicate the effectiveness of these defense plans. Sukjoon Yoon and Yongweon Yu, South China Morning Post, July 5