Asia Daily: June 14, 2024
News
Chinese seeking visas need extra documents. Chinese applicants for tourist visas to the Philippines must now submit social insurance record certificates (SIRCs) for verification, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced. This new requirement aims to enhance visa policies for safe and efficient entry, addressing concerns over undocumented workers. The DFA emphasized that the additional documentation will help verify the financial stability and genuine intent of visitors. This move is part of the DFA’s ongoing efforts to improve its visa regulations and ensure the safety and security of the country. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, June 14
EC defends court request to dissolve MFP. The Election Commission (EC) defended its decision to request the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) over its support for amending the lese majeste law. EC member Pakorn Mahannop explained that the request followed proper legal procedures under Section 92 of the Political Parties Act, which allows the EC to propose dissolution without inquiry if credible evidence of hostility to the constitutional monarchy exists. The Constitutional Court asked the EC for additional evidence in this case. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, June 14
Chinese journalist who promoted #MeToo movement sentenced to 5 years in prison. Chinese journalist Huang Xueqin has been sentenced to five years for incitement to subvert state authority. She was fined 100,000 yuan and her release date is set for September 18, 2026. Co-defendant Wang Jianbing received a three and a half-year sentence. They were detained in September 2021 and tried in September 2023. Huang publicized China's first #MeToo case in 2018. Amnesty International condemned the sentences, calling them an attack on women's advocacy. AP News, June 14
China and Argentina in early talks over Javier Milei’s possible visit to Beijing: sources. Argentina and China are discussing a potential visit by President Javier Milei to Beijing, with no date or agenda confirmed. Reports of a July 4 visit were denied by Milei’s spokesman. Discussions followed a meeting between China’s ambassador to Buenos Aires and Argentina’s chief cabinet minister, leading to the renewal of a currency-swap agreement. This visit could involve discussions on trade, the Belt and Road Initiative, and potentially revitalizing bilateral relations. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, June 14
Kyrgyz banks restrict money transfers to Russia. Several Kyrgyz banks, including RSK, Kompanion, and Mbank, have halted money transfers to Russia citing technical problems, exchange rate volatility, and expanded U.S. sanctions on Russian financial institutions. The restrictions affect both ruble and dollar transactions through systems like Astrasend and Unistream. This follows recent U.S. sanctions on the Moscow Exchange, adding pressure on the financial relationship between Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Customers are advised to seek alternative methods for financial transfers. The Times of Central Asia, June 14
Myanmar’s embattled military government cracks down on free flow of news by blocking VPNs. Myanmar's military government has intensified its efforts to block free communication by restricting access to VPNs, used to bypass internet blockages. This move began in late May, causing widespread disruptions for internet users, including arrests for possessing VPN apps. The crackdown, part of broader censorship efforts since the 2021 coup, has led to frequent communication blackouts in conflict zones. The National Unity Government condemned these actions as violations of basic human rights. Grant Peck, AP News, June 14
BOJ decides to reduce govt bond buying at policy meeting. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) has decided to reduce its government bond purchases, signaling a shift away from its extensive monetary stimulus policies. Governor Kazuo Ueda emphasized that this reduction is part of a broader strategy to scale back the BOJ's nearly $5-trillion balance sheet. The decision follows the BOJ's March move to end eight years of negative interest rates and yield curve control. The central bank continues to monitor market developments and may implement a full-fledged tapering of bond buying as early as the next policy meeting. Noriyuki Suzuki, Kyodo News, June 14
First scientific conference on Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia solidarity held in Hà Nội. The Ministry of National Defence hosted a conference in Hà Nội on June 14, focusing on the solidarity among Việt Nam, Laos, and Cambodia. Led by Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Văn Giang, the event featured over 30 presentations analyzing the historical and theoretical foundations of trilateral solidarity. Delegates proposed solutions to enhance ties, ensuring peace and sustainable development. Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyễn Tân Cương emphasized the importance of these contributions and called for further comprehensive analysis and cooperation. Vietnam News, June 14
Ireland boosts support for Cambodia’s mine clearance efforts. Irish Ambassador Deirdre Ni Fhalluin and Niall Tierney, director of Global Programmes at Irish Aid, visited HALO Cambodia in Siem Reap, presenting new equipment and evaluating Ireland's contributions. Ireland allocated €800,000 to HALO's efforts this year, adding to €4.7 million provided over the past eight years. The funds will support mine clearance teams, survey/EOD units, and EORE teams, enhancing Cambodia's mine-free strategy. Shaun Duff, The Phnom Penh Post, June 14
Philippine military chief urges fishermen to ignore China's new coastguard rules. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romeo Brawner urged Filipino fishermen to continue fishing in the South China Sea's exclusive economic zone despite China's new coastguard rules. These rules, effective June 15, allow China to detain suspected trespassers without trial for 60 days and use lethal force against foreign ships. The Philippines, Taiwan, and the United States have expressed concerns, calling the rules a threat to regional peace and security. Karen Lema, Reuters, June 14
Myanmar junta administrators preparing lists of women for conscription. The military council’s administrators in Tanintharyi and Bago regions have begun collecting information on women eligible for compulsory military service, according to local civilians. Residents in Myeik, Tanintharyi Region, reported that administrators were listing local women during nightly checks, causing many young people to flee their villages. Officials in Yedashe Township, Bago Region, were also ordered to list eligible women after men were already conscripted. Aung Zay, Myanmar Now, June 14
Lao Government discusses tourist visa exemptions to attract more visitors. During the 7th Ordinary Session on June 10, Lao National Assembly members proposed visa waivers for more countries to boost tourism. Saithong Xaiyaong from Champasack Province urged the government to evaluate and streamline visa processes and improve tourism infrastructure. Laos currently grants visa exemptions to citizens of 36 countries, and expanding these could increase tourist arrivals, which already rose by 36 percent in early 2024. Chono Lapuekou, The Laotian Times, June 14
S. Korea, Uzbekistan sign critical mineral supply chain agreement. Presidents Yoon Suk Yeol and Shavkat Mirziyoyev agreed to collaborate on critical mineral supply chains, covering exploration, development, refining, and commercialization. The agreement, signed during talks in Tashkent, aims to leverage Uzbekistan's mineral resources and South Korea's technology. Additionally, South Korea increased the Economic Development Cooperation Fund to $2 billion for 2024-2027 and secured a $200 million deal for Hyundai Rotem to supply high-speed trains. The leaders also discussed cooperation in transport, infrastructure, and North Korea's denuclearization. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, June 14
Malaysia handed back $156m in stolen 1MDB funds, US embassy says. The US Department of Justice has repatriated an additional $156 million in misappropriated 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds to Malaysia. This brings the total recovered funds to over $1.2 billion. The funds, stolen by high-level 1MDB officials and their associates, including financier Low Taek Jho (Jho Low), were laundered through various global financial institutions. The 1MDB fund was initially established to drive economic development in Malaysia, but funds were diverted for personal luxuries and bribes. The DOJ’s efforts to recover these assets highlight continued international cooperation against corruption. Al Jazeera, June 14
PM Anwar says Malaysia not hiring Singaporeans to teach English, slams ‘3-minute experts’ for wrong facts. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clarified that the country is not hiring Singaporean teachers to teach English but proposed a volunteer scheme funded by Singapore. The initiative aims to place volunteers in urban poor areas and remote regions in Sabah and Sarawak. Anwar criticized netizens for spreading misinformation and emphasized building strong bilateral ties. This proposal followed his discussions with Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong, addressing various bilateral issues and cooperation opportunities. Aqil Haziq Mahmud, Channel News Asia, June 14
Unification minister says N. Korea's socialist rationing system has collapsed. Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho stated that North Korea's socialist rationing system has failed, forcing people to rely on local markets. This assessment, based on interviews with 6,351 defectors, revealed a significant increase in marketization and cell phone use, as well as widespread corruption. The regime's recent policy shift away from reunification with South Korea is seen as an attempt to prevent its citizens from aspiring to South Korean society. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, June 14
Long Form
BYD's Boss on Geopolitics, Market Competition, Talents, and BYD's Secret Sauce for Success. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD, discussed the company's success factors during the 2024 China Automotive Chongqing Forum and the annual shareholder meeting. He emphasized the importance of high-quality engineering talent, a vertically integrated innovation system, and national strategic support. Wang also addressed market competition, labeling it as a driver of prosperity, and criticized restrictive US and EU policies. He focused on the role of innovation and talent in the automotive industry’s growth.
, June 14China's Labor Market: Silver Linings in the Fog. China's labor market shows optimism due to a noticeable decrease in voluntary turnover rates, indicating job stability, and an increase in working hours, reflecting higher labor demand. Additionally, the recovery of blue-collar jobs post-COVID-19 contrasts with a slower recovery for white-collar jobs, show the disparities in employment improvement. Recruitment pressures persist, yet wage trends over the past few years point to potential growth engines for the economy. These factors suggest underlying strengths in China's economic and employment landscape.
, June 14Re-Thinking New Zealand’s Independent Foreign Policy. Many analysts argue that New Zealand's move towards closer security ties with Australia and NATO, and potential involvement in AUKUS, undermines its independent foreign policy. Critics, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, believe these actions align New Zealand too closely with America's containment of China. Proponents of an independent foreign policy advocate for balanced relations with both China and the US, avoiding polarization and maintaining New Zealand's longstanding anti-nuclear stance and commitment to non-discriminatory trade. Guy C. Charlton and Xiang Gao, The Diplomat, June 14
What Is Happening at Indonesian State-Owned Pharmaceutical Company Indofarma? Indofarma is under investigation for various fraudulent activities, including inaccurate financial reporting and fictitious sales. The company's financial troubles, worsened by mismanagement during the pandemic, include losses from overproduction and unpaid receivables. Indofarma's problems are part of a broader issue within Indonesia's state-owned enterprises, prompting increased government scrutiny and consolidation under Bio Farma to improve industry transparency and attract foreign investment. James Guild, The Diplomat, June 14
From Tsai to Lai: Taiwan’s Economic Security Reforms Amid the AI Chip Surge. Taiwan's economic security reforms under President Tsai Ing-wen, particularly in the semiconductor industry, have bolstered its global standing despite geopolitical tensions with China. Tsai's policies decoupled Taiwan's economy from China, emphasizing resilience and diversifying trade relationships. Her successor, President Lai Ching-te, aims to further these efforts by mitigating China's economic coercion, securing international support, and enhancing legal frameworks for economic security. These strategies are critical as global semiconductor supply chains undergo transformations. Jeremy Chih-Cheng Chang and Chiang Min-yen, The Diplomat, June 14
China Isn’t Giving Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te Any Honeymoon. Chinese authorities are maintaining a stringent stance towards Taiwan's newly elected President Lai Ching-te, continuing military exercises and economic pressure. Lai, who has been labeled a "troublemaker" by Beijing, faces the challenge of navigating Taiwan's relationship with China amid heightened tensions. Despite Lai’s electoral success, his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost its legislative majority, complicating efforts to implement policies. Critics argue that China may exploit domestic issues to escalate actions against Taiwan, further testing Lai’s administration. Derek Grossman, Nikkei Asia, June 14
International Social Infrastructure Key to Japan’s High-Tech Future. Hokkaido and Kyushu are poised to lead Japan's high-tech revolution, attracting investments in semiconductor facilities. However, labor shortages and insufficient international social infrastructure may hinder progress. Improving these conditions is crucial to attract and retain skilled foreign workers, ensuring long-term economic revitalization in these regions. Japan’s renowned soft power can aid this transformation, but requires strategic investments to convert short-term visits into long-term relocations. Mark Wuebbels and Chuka Asike, The Japan Times, June 14
How Southeast Asia’s Solar Industry Can Shine in the Face of US Tariff Threat. Southeast Asia’s solar industry can thrive despite US tariffs by leveraging cost-competitive Chinese solar equipment, strong regional demand, and favorable policies. Chinese companies are increasing investments in the region's renewable energy projects due to falling costs and supportive local policies. Countries like Vietnam and Malaysia are particularly attractive to these investors. This growth potential offers a substantial market for renewable energy projects, potentially worth billions over the next decade. Muyi Yang and Xuyang Dong, South China Morning Post, June 14
Why Kenya is South Korea’s Springboard to the African Continent. Kenya's strategic location and growing semiconductor industry make it a valuable partner for South Korea. The Korea-Africa Summit highlighted opportunities for technological cooperation, educational exchanges, and infrastructure development. South Korea aims to leverage Kenya's semiconductor ambitions to strengthen ties and expand its influence in Africa. This partnership can facilitate access to critical minerals and support Kenya's workforce development. Anthony V Rinna, East Asia Forum, June 14
Scrutinising South Korea’s Gender Divide Narrative. South Korea's gender divide is often cited as a major social issue, but research shows minimal ideological differences between men and women. The politicization of gender conflict overlooks more significant issues like economic dissatisfaction and class conflict. This framing exacerbates perceived gender differences and distracts from deeper systemic problems. The media’s portrayal of gender-oriented conflicts misrepresents the actual evidence, skewing policy perspectives and ignoring the core political interests tied to economic inequality and redistribution. Soyoung Kim, East Asia Forum, June 14