Asia Daily: June 18, 2024
News
South Korean soldiers fire warning shots after North Korean troops cross border, apparently in error. South Korean troops fired warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) border for the second time this month. About 20-30 North Korean soldiers, possibly unaware of the border due to dense vegetation, retreated after South Korea's warnings. The incident, amid rising tensions and recent psychological warfare, follows a similar incursion on June 11. The DMZ, a heavily fortified area, remains a site of occasional confrontations. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, June 18
China warns US over lawmakers’ India trip to meet Dalai Lama, including Nancy Pelosi. After a US congressional delegation arrived in Dharamshala, India, to meet the Dalai Lama, China issued a stern warning, vowing “resolute measures” if Washington fails to recognize Tibet as part of China. Beijing urged the US to avoid contact with the Dalai group and criticized recent US legislation challenging China's control over Tibet. The delegation, including Nancy Pelosi, plans to discuss the legislation with the Dalai Lama, further straining US-China relations. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, June 18
Putin vows to develop settlement system with N. Korea not controlled by West. Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed Tuesday to build an alternative settlement system with North Korea that will not be controlled by Western countries. This remark, made in an article for North Korea's Rodong Sinmun, comes as Putin visits North Korea for the first time in 24 years for talks with Kim Jong-un. Putin emphasized enhancing bilateral ties, opposing Western sanctions, and planning to boost cooperation in education, tourism, and culture. He also praised North Korea's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, June 18
Rakhine fighting endangers Bangladeshi islanders. Fighting between Myanmar's junta and the Arakan Army (AA) near St Martin's Island has led to the deployment of Bangladeshi warships. The conflict has disrupted local communications and sparked fears over island security. Bangladesh has protested to Myanmar about the situation, which has involved shooting at Bangladeshi boats. The AA's political wing urged residents near the border to evacuate, as the group aims to capture remaining junta strongholds. Muktadir Rashid, The Irrawaddy, June 18
Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin is in trouble again as he’s indicted for royal defamation. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was indicted on Tuesday for defaming the monarchy, marking another legal challenge in Thai politics. Thaksin, who returned from exile last year, was granted bail with travel restrictions. This indictment is part of broader political tensions, including cases against the Move Forward Party and current Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Thaksin maintains his innocence, asserting confidence in the judicial process. Jintamas Saksornchai, AP News, June 18
S. Korea, China hold 2+2 diplomatic security talks amid Putin's visit to N. Korea. South Korea and China held "two plus two" talks with senior foreign and defense officials, including First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. The discussions coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea, raising concerns about Pyongyang-Moscow military cooperation. The dialogue focused on managing bilateral relations and regional stability, emphasizing China's role in addressing North Korean issues. This high-level engagement signifies China's diplomatic focus on South Korea. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, June 18
President Tô Lâm welcomes newly accredited ambassadors. President Tô Lâm of Vietnam received the ambassadors of Pakistan, Mozambique, and Timor-Leste in Hà Nội. He discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields, including culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. President Lâm emphasized Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with these countries and supporting their integration with ASEAN. The ambassadors expressed their intentions to deepen relationships and promote mutual interests during their terms. Vietnam News, June 18
Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriages. Thailand’s Senate approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, making it the first Southeast Asian country to do so. The bill, which passed with 130 out of 152 votes, grants full legal, financial, and medical rights to same-sex couples. It now awaits the formal endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and will become effective within 120 days of publication. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and LGBTQ+ activists celebrated this significant step towards equality. Jintamas Saksornchai, AP News, June 18
PH, Japan House chiefs to intensify defense ties. Philippine House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Japan's Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga agreed to enhance defense and security cooperation between their countries and expand trilateral cooperation with the United States. This commitment was made during their meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday. Romualdez emphasized that the relationship is at an all-time high, reinforced by recent strategic partnerships and trilateral agreements. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to regional stability and mutual security interests. Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 18
Court to consider PM Srettha’s ethics case next month. The Constitutional Court of Thailand will deliberate on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s ethics case on July 10. The case concerns the controversial appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister, who resigned last month. Pichit was previously convicted in a bribery case linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The petition, filed by caretaker senators, questions whether Srettha and Pichit should be removed from office under constitutional ethics rules. The court has requested comments from relevant parties to aid its decision. Bangkok Post, June 18
Philippine officials say Chinese forces seized 2 navy boats in disputed shoal, injuring sailors. Chinese forces seized two Philippine boats delivering supplies to a military outpost in the South China Sea's Second Thomas Shoal, injuring several Filipino sailors. The U.S. reiterated its defense commitment to the Philippines after the incident. Both sides blamed each other, with China describing its actions as lawful and the Philippines condemning China's maneuvers. The confrontation escalates existing tensions over territorial disputes in the region. Jim Gomez, AP News, June 18
South Korea orders doctors to return to work amid prolonged strike. The South Korean government mandated private practitioners to return to work as more doctors, including medical professors, joined the strike against increased medical school admissions. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong stated that around 14.9% of medical institutions were closed in protest. President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed disappointment, warning of legal repercussions for non-compliance. The Korea Medical Association led the strike, with protesters advocating against the government's reforms. Public opposition to the strike is high, with nearly 80% disapproving. Hyunsu Kim, Reuters, June 18
Court to consider Move Forward's dissolution next month. The Constitutional Court will hear the case against the Move Forward Party (MFP) on July 3, following the Election Commission's petition for its dissolution. The MFP is accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy by seeking to amend the lese-majeste law. If found guilty, the party faces severe penalties, including disbandment and a 10-year political ban for its executives. This development follows rising political tensions in Thailand, with significant implications for the country's political landscape. Bangkok Post, June 18
High Commissioner Tuivakano signs Samoa agreement, prepares for Pacific protocol launch in Tonga. Tonga’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Titilupe Fanetupouvava’u Tuivakano, has signed the Samoa Agreement at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) headquarters. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation among member states. Tuivakano is also preparing for the launch of the Pacific Protocol in Tonga, which will address regional specificities and promote joint initiatives. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen regional integration and cooperation. Pita Ligaiula, PINA, June 18
Singapore, Cambodia ink agreement on digital government cooperation. Singapore and Cambodia signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in digital government. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Cambodia's Minister of Post and Telecommunications Chea Vandeth and Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary. The ceremony, witnessed by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, emphasized strengthening bilateral ties, with discussions on trade, investment, and regional economic integration. The leaders also launched the Financial Transparency Corridor initiative to support SME financial services. Channel News Asia, June 18
Long Form
Myanmar's Conflict Reaches the Doorstep of Bangladesh's Saint Martin's Island. The conflict between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army has escalated, affecting Bangladesh's Saint Martin's Island. Recent incidents of gunfire from Myanmar have led to the suspension of boat transportation to the island, causing shortages of food and essentials for over 10,000 residents. The island, a popular tourist destination, now faces isolation and potential humanitarian issues. Saqlain Rizve, The Diplomat, June 18
Southeast Asia's Digital Banking Race Has Gotten Off to a Slow Start. Digital banking in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, has not progressed as rapidly as anticipated. Regulatory caution, competition from established banks, and slower-than-expected growth have limited the impact of digital banks like GXS Bank, MariBank, and Bank Neo Commerce. Despite initial enthusiasm and significant backing from major tech companies, the sector faces challenges in scaling and achieving profitability. James Guild, The Diplomat, June 18
Should the US Initiate a New Round of Backroom Diplomacy With China? The U.S. should carefully consider initiating backroom diplomacy with China. Current political conditions in the U.S. and China’s perceived receptiveness to such efforts are crucial factors. While backroom diplomacy has historically yielded positive outcomes, the nationalistic sentiments in both nations and domestic pressures may limit its effectiveness at present. The upcoming U.S. presidential election may further influence the feasibility of these diplomatic efforts. Jiachen Shi, The Diplomat, June 18
Japan's Rocket Island Revival Rests on Startups, Tech Jobs, and Immigrants. Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture aims to rejuvenate Tanegashima, known for its space center, through the integration of startups, technology jobs, and an influx of immigrants. This initiative seeks to combat population decline and stimulate economic growth. The government supports this effort by providing incentives for businesses and encouraging skilled workers to relocate. Mitsuru Obe, Nikkei Asia, June 18
Bank of Japan Can't Be Taken Seriously Without More Than Talk. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) faces criticism for its lack of concrete actions to address economic challenges. Merely discussing potential policy changes without implementing them undermines its credibility. The BOJ's hesitance to shift from its ultra-loose monetary policy, despite rising inflation and global economic shifts, has led to skepticism among investors and economists. Effective and decisive measures are necessary for the BOJ to restore confidence and ensure economic stability. William Pesek, Nikkei Asia, June 18
Managed Trade Isn’t Good, but Is Best Way Forward for China and EU. Managed trade, despite its drawbacks, offers a pragmatic solution for China and the EU to navigate their complex economic relationship. With rising tensions and protectionist tendencies, structured trade agreements can provide stability and mutual benefits. This approach enables both parties to address specific concerns while maintaining economic cooperation. Steven Olson, Nikkei Asia, June 18
Women’s Potential in Solomon Islands Politics Curtailed by Structural Barriers. Women in the Solomon Islands face obstacles in political participation due to deep-rooted structural barriers. Cultural attitudes, gender norms, and institutional frameworks hinder their ability to run for office and be elected. These barriers result in minimal female representation in government, impacting policy decisions and development outcomes. Efforts to improve the situation include advocating for gender quotas and increasing support for women candidates. Kerryn Baker, East Asia Forum, June 18
Bridging the Business and Human Rights Gap in Asia. New regulations, like the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the US National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct, push businesses in the Asia-Pacific to adhere to stricter human rights and environmental standards. Business associations play a key role in guiding companies through these changes and advocating for responsible practices. Enhanced collaboration between civil society and business associations is crucial for aligning business interests with human rights principles. Seth Hays and Morgan Hughes, East Asia Forum, June 18
Brewing New Markets for Nepal’s Tea Trade. Nepal seeks to diversify its tea exports beyond India by tapping into China’s growing market for orthodox and specialty teas. Recent efforts include visits from Chinese buyers and the establishment of a tea auction house. Challenges persist, such as trade barriers and stringent customs regulations imposed by India. Market diversification aims to mitigate trade policy risks and enhance export stability. Paras Kharel, East Asia Forum, June 17