News
China dispatches top envoy to Myanmar as threats to its interests rise again. China's special envoy to Myanmar, Deng Xijun, met junta foreign minister Than Swe in Naypyitaw amid rising military tensions in Shan and Rakhine States. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations, border stability, and cooperation in regional and international arenas. This visit comes as China expresses concerns over its investments in Myanmar, especially in the Rakhine State, where it has significant projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. The Irrawaddy, The Irrawaddy, June 19
Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal that appears to be the strongest since the Cold War. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging mutual aid against aggression, potentially marking their strongest ties since the Cold War. This agreement covers security, trade, investment, cultural, and humanitarian ties. The summit raised concerns about a possible arms deal for Russia's war in Ukraine. Following the North Korea visit, Putin traveled to Vietnam to strengthen ties with another long-term partner. Kim Tong-hyung and Aniruddha Ghosal, AP News, June 19
Psychiatric exam finds ex-Japan PM Abe shooter mentally fit. Yamagami Tetsuya, who fatally shot former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, has been found mentally fit to stand trial following a psychiatric evaluation. Yamagami, who was arrested immediately after the July 2022 shooting, will be indicted on charges of murder and firearms violations. The attack, which occurred during a campaign speech in Nara, shocked the nation. Yamagami cited grievances against the Unification Church, which he blamed for his family’s financial troubles, as his motive for targeting Abe. The trial is expected to proceed soon following these findings. Kyodo News, June 19
8 navy men hurt after Chinese block supply mission. Eight Filipino naval personnel were injured when Chinese vessels blocked a routine supply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. The injured included members of the Philippine Naval Special Operations Group, with one reportedly losing a finger. The Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy, China Coast Guard, and Chinese maritime militia intercepted six Filipino ships, disrupting the mission. Franco Jose C. Baroña, Bernadette E. Tamayo, Francisco Tuyay, and Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, June 19
Controversial Kazakh opposition figure Aidos Sadykov shot in Kyiv. Aidos Sadykov, a prominent Kazakh activist and opposition figure, was shot in Kyiv's Shevchenkivskiy district while approaching his car with his wife. Sadykov, who has refugee status in Ukraine, is in serious condition, while his wife was unharmed. Sadykov is known for his critical stance against the Kazakh government and his involvement in the opposition Democratic Party. The attack involved a gunman using a silencer. The Times of Central Asia, June 19
House accepts 4 bills to alter referendums. The Thai House of Representatives approved the first reading of four bills aimed at amending the Referendum Act. The proposed changes seek to eliminate the "double majority" requirement, making it easier to amend the constitution. A 31-member panel will review the bills. The current rule requires over 50% voter participation and a majority vote for approval, which has been criticized as overly restrictive. The bills are backed by the cabinet, Pheu Thai Party, Move Forward Party, and Bhumjaithai Party. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 19
Kingdom, Singapore launch financial data initiative. The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) launched the Financial Transparency Corridor (FTC) initiative to bolster trade and financial services between SMEs in both countries. Announced during Prime Minister Hun Manet's visit to Singapore, the FTC aims to enhance data accessibility for better credit risk assessments and increased financing. Participating institutions include ACLEDA Bank and ANEXT Bank. The initiative promotes cross-border finance and trade, aligning with a 2023 MoU between NBC and MAS. Hong Raksmey, The Phnom Penh Post, June 19
Kyrgyzstan to take Chinese loan to build railroad. Kyrgyzstan will borrow $2.35 billion from China to finance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad. The total project cost is estimated at $4.7 billion, with China covering 51% and Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each contributing 24.5%. Kyrgyzstan's share will be $783 million. The railroad will connect China's rail network to Europe via Central Asia, enhancing regional connectivity. This project is part of the New Silk Road initiative. The Times of Central Asia, June 19
Sara quits Cabinet. Vice President of the Philippines Sara Duterte resigned as the secretary of the Department of Education, effective July 19. Duterte cited the growing political tension between her family and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s family as a factor in her decision. Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed that Marcos accepted her resignation. This development comes amid rising friction within the administration, reflecting ongoing political challenges. Catherine S. Valente and Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, June 19
Japan PM Kishida rules out dissolving lower house soon amid funds scandal. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced he will not dissolve the House of Representatives during the current Diet session. He emphasized the importance of passing key policy measures, including securing financial resources for increased defense spending. This decision comes amid declining approval ratings for his Cabinet. Kishida had previously considered dissolution if opposition parties interfered with his policies, but now prioritizes achieving results on important issues. The current terms of lower house members will expire in October 2025 unless dissolved earlier. Kyodo News, June 19
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Hà Nội, beginning State visit to Việt Nam. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Hà Nội on June 19, starting a state visit to Việt Nam at the invitation of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng. Putin is accompanied by key officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. The visit aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Putin will meet with top Vietnamese leaders to discuss bilateral cooperation and international issues. Vietnam News, June 19
Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea. Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. demanded China return rifles and equipment seized during a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal, likening the incident to piracy. Chinese personnel damaged two Philippine navy boats and injured several sailors while blocking a supply mission. The U.S. reiterated its defense commitment to the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. China claims the Filipino personnel trespassed, while the Philippines asserts their right to the area. Jim Gomez, AP News, June 19
PNG reaffirms Australia ties after stalled China deal. Papua New Guinea's Foreign Minister Justin Tkachenko confirmed the country’s commitment to its partnership with Australia following the suspension of a proposed policing deal with China. Tkachenko emphasized the clarity in continuing security cooperation with Australia. The announcement came after senior Australian ministers visited Port Moresby to strengthen security ties. Australia will assist PNG in securing firearms amid concerns over tribal violence. This reaffirmation comes as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in the Pacific region. PINA, June 19
Kingdom signs defence MoU with Russia. Cambodia and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation between their armies. General Mao Sophan of Cambodia and his Russian counterpart, Oleg Salyukov, agreed to strengthen ties during Sophan's visit to Russia from June 18-20. The agreement focuses on traditional friendship and mutual support. Cambodia's military relations with various countries have improved, though joint exercises with the US remain suspended since 2016. Niem Chheng, The Phnom Penh Post, June 19
China fears spark Indian race for cobalt in contested ocean waters. India seeks to secure exploration rights for the cobalt-rich Afanasy Nikitin Seamount in the Indian Ocean, facing competition from Sri Lanka. The urgency stems from concerns over China's presence in the region, which already dominates the global cobalt supply chain. India's application to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has been put on hold due to overlapping claims with Sri Lanka. The seamount's location makes India's case strong, aiming to deter Chinese involvement. Rejimon Kuttappan, Al Jazeera, June 19
US lawmakers meet Tibet's Dalai Lama, pressure China on talks. A group of U.S. lawmakers met the Dalai Lama in India, asserting they will not allow China to influence his succession. Led by Representative Michael McCaul, the bipartisan group also urged Beijing to resume talks with Tibetan leaders. The visit and related legislation signal Washington's firm stance on Tibet, despite recognizing it as part of China. Beijing condemned the visit and the proposed bill, which President Biden is expected to sign. Charlotte Greenfield, David Brunnstrom, and YP Rajesh, Reuters, June 19
Xi Jinping tells top PLA leaders they must eliminate ‘conditions that breed corruption.’ Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to demonstrate absolute loyalty to the Communist Party and eliminate corruption. Addressing top PLA officials in Yanan, Xi emphasized the need for political discipline and modernizing the military. He called for thorough self-examination among senior cadres and enhanced mechanisms to prevent and punish corruption. The speech follows the recent dismissal of senior PLA officials amid anti-corruption investigations. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, June 20
Long Form
Five Decades On, Cambodia Is Taking Ownership of Its Troubled Past. Cambodia is making strides in acknowledging and addressing the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. The government has initiated several programs aimed at educating the younger generation about this dark period, promoting national healing, and that such events are not repeated. These initiatives include the integration of Khmer Rouge history into school curriculums, public commemorations, and support for the victims and their families. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, such as political manipulation of historical narratives and limited resources for comprehensive educational programs. Peter Maguire, The Diplomat, June 19
Thailand’s Marriage Equality: A Rare Win in Asia’s Fight for LGBTQ Rights. Thailand has taken a historic step towards marriage equality by passing legislation that allows same-sex couples to marry, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. This legislative move is seen as a grand victory for LGBTQ rights in a region where such rights are often limited or denied. Advocates hope that this progress could inspire other Asian countries to consider similar measures. However, challenges persist, including societal prejudices and the need for further legal reforms to ensure full equality. Francesca Regalado, Nikkei Asia, June 19
The Case for Strategic Unambiguity on Taiwan. There is a growing argument for the United States to adopt a stance of strategic unambiguity regarding Taiwan. Proponents argue that clear, decisive support for Taiwan would deter Chinese aggression and provide stability in the region. This contrasts with the current policy of strategic ambiguity, which leaves room for interpretation and potential miscalculations by China. Advocates believe that a more explicit commitment would reassure allies and strengthen regional security. However, critics warn that such a shift could escalate tensions and provoke a military response from China. Asha Clark, East Asia Forum, June 19
Taiwan’s New President Lai Must Unify a Divided Population. Taiwan’s newly elected President Lai Ching-te faces the challenge of uniting a deeply divided population. His administration must address the polarization stemming from differing views on Taiwan's relationship with China and internal social and economic issues. Lai's leadership will be crucial in navigating these divisions and fostering a sense of national unity. His policies will need to balance the island’s defense strategies with efforts to engage in dialogue and cooperation, both domestically and internationally. James Wu and Dennis LC Weng, East Asia Forum, June 19.
India Needs Women in the Workforce to Fully Tap Economic Potential. India’s economic growth is hindered by the low participation of women in the workforce. Despite improvements in education and healthcare, societal norms and inadequate policies prevent women from fully contributing to the economy. Improving female workforce participation could boost India’s GDP and overall economic potential. To achieve this, the government and private sector must implement supportive measures, such as flexible work arrangements, improved childcare facilities, and gender-sensitive workplace policies. Addressing these issues is crucial for India to harness the full potential of its demographic dividend. Sonja Cheung, South China Morning Post, June 19
Comparing Hong Kong and Singapore. Hong Kong and Singapore, two of Asia’s leading financial hubs, are often compared due to their economic success and strategic locations. While both cities boast robust financial sectors and high living standards, their political and social environments differ significantly. Hong Kong's recent political turmoil and Beijing's tightening control have led to concerns about its autonomy and business environment. In contrast, Singapore’s stable political landscape and strong rule of law continue to attract global businesses and talent. These differences impact their respective futures as international financial centers. Hannah Shuli Ren, The Japan Times, June 19