Asia Daily: June 2, 2025

China

U.S. says trade row with China could ease after Trump-Xi talks, which could ‘happen soon’. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a call between President Trump and President Xi Jinping may take place soon and could help resolve ongoing trade tensions. Trump has accused China of stalling on agreed product releases, including rare earths, under the Geneva tariff pause. While U.S. tariffs remain at 30% and China’s at 10%, further escalation looms. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, June 2

China fails to win over the public with second chances for disgraced officials. Public backlash has intensified over the promotion of Xie Qin, a party cadre previously disciplined for misconduct during a 2023 drinking scandal, as Chinese authorities push to rehabilitate officials under President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign. Critics say reinstatements lack transparency and suggest favoritism, sparking debate on social media. Xinlu Liang, South China Morning Post, June 1

China vows countermeasures at appropriate time against external interference in South China Sea. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, China's National Defense University delegate Zhang Chi accused external powers of destabilizing the South China Sea through provocative military deployments and alliances with the Philippines. Zhang criticized the presence of foreign warships and missiles, warning that such interference violates regional sovereignty and threatens peace. Global Times, June 1

Japan

Trump's steel tariff hike not raised in Japan-U.S. talks: negotiator. Japanese tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said President Trump’s decision to double steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% was not discussed during bilateral trade talks in Washington. The hike, announced via social media, coincided with Akazawa’s meetings with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Japan, already subject to multiple tariff layers under Trump’s reciprocal regime, pledged to monitor U.S. measures closely. Kyodo News, June 1

Nakatani urges closer defense tie-ups amid erosion of rules-based order. Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani called for deeper security cooperation among Indo-Pacific allies to counter mounting challenges to the rules-based order, implicitly criticizing China’s militarization and cyber activities. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, he cited violations in the South China Sea and cyberattacks against infrastructure. Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times, May 31

South Korea

Presidential rivals make last-ditch campaign push with election 2 days away. South Korea’s presidential candidates intensified their campaigns ahead of the June 3 election. Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party rallied in conservative-leaning Andong, pledging to improve support for veterans. Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party campaigned in the Seoul area, emphasizing his integrity and warning against electing Lee. Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party held events near Suwon and reiterated his commitment to staying in the race independently. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, June 1

Impeached ex-presidents rally behind People Power Party's Kim Moon-soo. Former South Korean Presidents Park Geun-hye and Yoon Suk Yeol made rare appearances supporting conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo days before the June 3 election. Park visited Daegu, a conservative base, while Yoon issued a statement urging voters to back Kim. The moves triggered backlash, with critics saying they highlighted the party’s ties to disgraced figures. Hwang Joo-young, The Korea Herald, June 1

India

India says changed tactics worked well in conflict with Pakistan. India’s top military official said the country shifted its air strategy after initial losses during this month’s conflict with Pakistan, gaining the upper hand before a ceasefire on May 10. The clash, sparked by an April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, escalated into days of airstrikes and missile exchanges. India struck multiple Pakistani air bases but avoided nuclear targets. Raju Gopalakrishnan and Xinghui Kok, Reuters, May 31

Bangladesh

Bangladesh opens trial of deposed ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A special tribunal in Dhaka has accepted charges of crimes against humanity against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over a deadly crackdown on student protests in 2024. Hasina, now in exile in India, is accused of ordering widespread killings and abuses. The tribunal also indicted a former home minister and police chief. The government seeks her extradition, while the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus has banned the Awami League and promised elections by mid-2026. Julhas Alam, Associated Press, June 1

Thailand

Thai government's $115 billion budget clears first parliamentary vote. Thailand’s House of Representatives approved the government’s 3.78 trillion baht ($115 billion) draft budget for fiscal year 2026, with 322 votes in favor and 158 against after a four-day debate. The budget, aimed at stimulating a weak economy affected by steep U.S. tariffs, must pass two more readings in August before advancing to the Senate and royal approval. A defeat would have risked Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation or a snap election. Orathai Sriring, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Kitiphong Thaichareon, Reuters, May 31

Thailand’s political index falls to 4.7 in May: Suan Dusit Poll. Thailand’s political index dropped to 4.70 in May from 4.82 in April, reflecting growing public frustration, according to Suan Dusit Poll. The decline across all 25 indicators was linked to concerns over Senate collusion, coalition tensions between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, and transparency in budgeting. Top-rated areas included opposition performance and civil liberties. The Nation, June 1

Cambodia

Hun Manet calls for urgent border talks with Thailand, proposes ICJ resolution for disputed areas. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Border Commission to convene urgently to resume border demarcation and address escalating tensions in disputed areas. He proposed that unresolved claims over the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch, Ta Kro Bei temples, and the Mombei area be submitted to the International Court of Justice. Khmer Times, June 1

Philippines

Philippines defence chief says China needs to overcome 'deficit of trust'. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro criticized China’s aggressive military posture and reliance on propaganda, stating Beijing must address its credibility gap to improve defense relations. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, he noted the Philippines faces unparalleled pressure from Chinese forces in the South China Sea. Despite diplomatic efforts, he said defense ties remain strained. Rae Wee and Greg Torode, Reuters, May 31

Impeachment a crucifixion – VP. Vice President Sara Duterte denounced the impeachment proceedings against her as politically motivated, asserting they stem from longstanding efforts by rivals to oust her since the 2023 budget hearings. Speaking in The Hague, Duterte referred to the impeachment as a “political crucifixion” and defended her earlier “bloodbath” remark as symbolic. She accused lawmakers of procedural shortcuts, harassment of her staff, and selective targeting over confidential fund usage. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, June 2

Malaysia

PM says it again: No urgent need for Cabinet reshuffle, unity govt remains stable despite Rafizi and Nik Nazmi’s exit. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed there is no immediate need for a Cabinet reshuffle following the resignations of Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who stepped down after losing in party elections. Anwar emphasized the unity government remains functional, with interim ministerial duties reassigned and civil servants continuing operations. Anis Zalani, Malay Mail, June 1

Singapore

Australia DPM meets Singapore leaders, reaffirms defence relationship with Singapore. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles met Singaporean leaders to reaffirm their robust defence ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions included enhancing military training cooperation, implementing reciprocal access and deepening interoperability. Marles highlighted both nations’ commitment to regional security, stability, and the rules-based order. Wong Pei Ting, The Straits Times, June 1

Kazakhstan

Kazakh ambassador presents credentials to President of India, vows to deepen political dialogue. Kazakh Ambassador Yeskarayev formally presented his credentials to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and pledged to advance political dialogue and broaden cooperation across economic, cultural, humanitarian, and academic fields. The meeting reaffirmed the friendly nature of Kazakhstan-India relations and emphasized the strategic partnership’s further development. Tatyana Kudrenok, Kazinform, May 31

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan and Japan discuss visa regime liberalization and expansion of humanitarian exchanges. Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister Olimjon Abdullaev met with Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto to discuss easing visa restrictions and boosting humanitarian and business exchanges. The dialogue also covered revisions to security advisories and expanded collaboration in tourism and labor migration. Uzbekistan Daily, May 31

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan intends to establish export of products to Afghan markets. At the International Forum in Astana, Kyrgyz First Deputy Cabinet Chairman Daniyar Amangeldiev met Afghan Minister of Industry and Trade Nooruddin Azizi to discuss expanding bilateral trade. Amangeldiev emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s support for Afghan stability and regional security, while Azizi expressed gratitude and affirmed readiness to deepen cooperation and launch joint projects. Tilebaldy Tukueva, 24KG, May 31

Northeast Asia

The First 15 Years of China’s Reform and Opening-Up: A Critical Restructuring of Incentives. From 1978 to 1993, China’s transformation was driven by institutional recalibration rather than dismantlement, using formal decentralization and informal patronage systems to align political and economic incentives. Fiscal and enterprise contracting, local experimentation, and cadre evaluations based on growth created bottom-up momentum. Township and Village Enterprises thrived under collective cover, boosting nonstate output and integrating entrepreneurship into party structures. Ian Wan, Sino-Southeast Initiative, May 31

Get Ready for a Big, Bold, and Very Bad North Korea Deal: Trump Wants a Win, and Kim Has More Leverage Than Ever. Donald Trump’s return has sparked concerns of a hasty nuclear deal with North Korea as Kim Jong Un expands military ties with Russia and strengthens his weapons arsenal. With UN sanctions weakened, Trump may pursue an “America first” pact prioritizing threats to the U.S. over denuclearization. Potential concessions include recognizing North Korea’s nuclear status, reducing regional troop presence, or linking the deal to Ukraine peace talks. Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, May 29

Where South Korea’s Candidates Stand on Foreign Policy: All You Need to Know. South Korea’s upcoming snap presidential election pits Lee Jae-myung against Kim Moon-soo in a contest marked by divergent foreign policy platforms. Both candidates affirm the U.S.-ROK alliance but differ on nuclear policy, deterrence strategies, and regional diplomacy. Lee advocates more diplomatic flexibility and reduced military dependence, while Kim favors assertive deterrence and tighter U.S. alignment. Jeongmin Kim, Korea Pro, May 30

Southeast Asia

U.S. ASEAN policy must be rooted in economics, not just defense. Despite strong defense ties, the U.S. lacks economic consistency in Southeast Asia, leading regional states to increasingly rely on China for trade. With Trump’s re-election reviving “America First” policies and tariff instability, ASEAN leaders stress the need for deeper U.S. market engagement. Washington remains ASEAN’s top investor and export partner, but credibility gaps persist. Suggested remedies include enabling private investment, consistent high-level diplomatic presence, and policies that treat ASEAN as a strategic economic partner. Abhinav Seetharaman, The Diplomat, May 31

The International Labour Organisation Has New Options to Push Myanmar’s Regime But Old Challenges to Navigate. The ILO is preparing to invoke Article 33 against Myanmar for persistent violations of labour conventions, particularly concerning forced labour and suppression of trade unions. Broad sanctions are seen as risky due to the regime's grip on economic channels. Alternatives include targeted measures like asset freezes, support for displaced populations, and enhanced scrutiny of business ties. Protecting unionists and restoring labour rights mechanisms remain central goals. Jared Bissinger, FULCRUM, June 2

Prabowo’s flawed logic on the Natuna joint development proposal. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s proposal for joint development with China in waters near the Natuna Islands risks legitimizing Beijing’s illegal nine-dash line claim and undermining Indonesia’s maritime sovereignty. Despite China’s enthusiasm, critics argue the move disregards international law under UNCLOS, which supports Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone. The proposal, driven by economic motives and hopes of Chinese investment, ignores past policy and could entrench China’s claims. Aristyo Rizka Darmawan, East Asia Forum, May 31

Central Asia

Uzbekistan’s Connectivity Outreach: Will India Re-Connect With Its Central Asia Policy? Uzbekistan is spearheading efforts to integrate Central and South Asia through connectivity projects centered on Afghanistan, showcased at the inaugural Termez Dialogue. Initiatives include trade hubs, the Trans-Afghan Railway, and CASA-1000, with aims of stabilizing Afghanistan via economic inclusion. India, despite its shared interests and historic ties, has shown limited engagement. Shanthie Mariet D’Souza, The Diplomat, June 1

South Asia

Facing the Heat: India’s Neighbourhood Challenges Intensify. India faces increasing regional instability due to political upheavals, economic crises, and rising Chinese influence in neighboring countries. Tensions with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have affected trade, security, and infrastructure projects. Migrant inflows, disrupted supply chains, insurgency, and terrorism have compounded India’s burden. In response, New Delhi is applying a ‘5S’ framework—respect, dialogue, peace, cooperation, and prosperity—to manage relations and support regional stability. Nakshatra, The Geostrata, June 1

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