News
China’s third plenum to target ‘most urgent’ economic reforms: People’s Daily. China will continue on the path of economic reform, tackling the “most urgent things” first, according to a commentary in the Communist Party’s official newspaper ahead of next month's conclave. The reforms will focus on the economic system, including developing a high-level socialist market economy. The article, under the byline of Ren Zhongping, outlines the need for coordinated policies and avoiding subversive mistakes. It highlights achievements since the 2013 plenum, such as the anti-corruption campaign and the construction of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, June 26
US ambassador calls China’s tech support for Russia during Ukraine invasion a ‘major mistake’. China’s support for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine through the provision of technology for missiles and other weaponry is a “major mistake,” U.S. Ambassador to Beijing Nicholas Burns said Wednesday. In a speech in Shanghai, Burns stated that Russia’s invasion, now in its third year, has become an “existential crisis” in Europe. He criticized Chinese companies for supplying components like microprocessors and nitrocellulose to Russia, bolstering its defense capabilities. Burns noted that China is not neutral but has effectively sided with Russia, contradicting its stance on sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite China's claims of not providing direct military aid, it maintains strong trade ties with Russia, including significant purchases of Russian oil and gas. AP News, June 26
North Korea fires ballistic missile which apparently exploded over sea. North Korea launched a possible ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, according to the Japanese government. The missile is believed to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, causing no immediate damage. The launch comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows a series of weapons tests by Pyongyang. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has called for a National Security Council meeting to assess the situation and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to regional security. The United States and South Korea have also been closely monitoring North Korea's missile activities. Kyodo News, June 26
N. Korea holds mass anti-U.S. rallies to mark Korean War anniversary. North Korea has held anti-U.S. rallies across the country to mark this week's anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean War, state media reported Wednesday. Participants watched a video highlighting the alleged crimes of U.S. imperialists and South Korean forces during the war and ongoing efforts to undermine North Korea. Although North Korea did not hold such rallies from 2018 to 2021 during a period of diplomatic engagement with the U.S., recent tensions suggest that the North will actively continue these activities this year. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, June 26
Kyrgyzstan and EU strengthen economic cooperation. Kyrgyzstan and the European Union have agreed to enhance their economic cooperation during a meeting held in Brussels. The discussions focused on increasing trade, improving investment conditions, and supporting sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan. The parties also reviewed the progress of existing projects funded by the EU, aiming to foster economic growth and social development in the Central Asian nation. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of collaboration. The Times of Central Asia, June 26
Steadfast, sustainable relations with China a priority in Viet Nam’s foreign policy: PM. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of maintaining steadfast and sustainable relations with China as a top priority in the country's foreign policy. During a meeting with Chinese officials, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and infrastructure development. The discussions also covered efforts to manage differences and maintain peace and stability in the region. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam News, June 26
Fraud claims mar Senate poll. Allegations of fraud have overshadowed Thailand's recent Senate elections, with accusations of vote-buying and other irregularities surfacing. Several candidates and political parties have raised concerns about the fairness of the election process, calling for investigations into the claims. The Election Commission has acknowledged the complaints and is reviewing the evidence to determine if any laws were violated. These allegations have added to the existing political tension in the country as it prepares for upcoming general elections. Mongkol Bangprapa and Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, June 26
Lao PM highlights drug threat, urges unity on Anti-Drug Day. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone emphasized the significant threat posed by drugs and called for national unity to combat this issue during a speech on Anti-Drug Day. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among government agencies, communities, and international partners to tackle drug-related problems. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for stronger law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation programs to reduce drug abuse and trafficking. Chono Lapuekou, The Laotian Times, June 26
Russia warns S. Korea's potential arms supply to Ukraine could lead to 'irreversible' results. South Korea's possible supply of lethal weapons to Ukraine could result in "irreversible consequences" in its relations with Russia, a Russian foreign ministry official said Wednesday. The warning came after National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin said South Korea will review the possibility of supplying weapons to Ukraine following a pact between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledging mutual defense in the event of war. South Korea's assistance to Ukraine has included non-lethal military supplies, maintaining a policy of not providing lethal aid. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, June 26
BJP secures Indian parliamentary speaker role. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured the role of Speaker of the Indian Parliament, a significant position that will influence legislative proceedings. The election saw BJP candidate Om Birla re-elected unopposed, reflecting the party's strong majority and political influence. Birla's re-election is expected to facilitate the BJP's legislative agenda, particularly with upcoming key bills and reforms. The role of the Speaker is crucial in maintaining order during debates, ensuring parliamentary procedures are followed, and representing the Parliament in external affairs. Al Jazeera, June 26
Thai banks are the top suppliers of financial services to Myanmar’s military, UN expert says. Thai banks have become the main suppliers of international financial services for Myanmar’s military government, enabling it to purchase goods and equipment for its war against pro-democracy resistance forces and ethnic minority groups, according to a U.N. report. The junta, formally known as the State Administration Council, has been accused of severe human rights violations, including civilian bombings. The report notes a decline in the junta's procurement of weapons through the formal banking system, but stresses that the military is exploiting gaps in sanctions regimes. Thai banks, such as Siam Commercial Bank, played a significant role, with transactions related to military procurement rising from $5 million in FY2022 to over $100 million in FY2023. Grant Peck, AP News, June 26
House to probe alleged violation of WPS fishers' rights. The Philippine House of Representatives will investigate reports of violations against the rights of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez announced the probe on Tuesday, citing concerns over the increasing incidents of harassment and illegal activities by foreign vessels in the area. The investigation aims to protect the livelihood of local fishers and uphold the country's sovereign rights over its maritime territories. Lawmakers will review current policies and enforcement measures, seeking to strengthen the protection of Filipino fishermen and ensure their safety and access to fishing grounds. Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 26
Long Form
Khon Kaen, Thailand: local development amidst infrastructural geopolitics. Khon Kaen, a city in Thailand’s Isaan region, is witnessing local development driven by its businessmen and the Khon Kaen Think Tank (KKTT). The city aims to develop a light rail system and transit-oriented development to enhance infrastructure. This initiative faces challenges due to Thailand’s centralized fiscal system, but efforts are bolstered by international cooperation, including Japanese, German, and Chinese expertise. The plan includes transforming prime land near the train station into a mixed-use area to fund the light rail project. This development could serve as a model for other secondary cities in Thailand. Andrew Stokols,
, June 26Taiwan’s Aging Society Poses a National Security Threat .Taiwan's rapidly aging population, projected to become a "super-aged" society by 2025, poses national security risks due to a shrinking pool of military recruits. The declining birth rate and low immigration exacerbate the problem, with estimates suggesting the military-aged population will drastically reduce by 2025. Enhancing immigration policies and relaxing stringent military recruitment standards are proposed solutions to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities. Jeremiah May and Daniel Fu, The Diplomat, June 26
Is Team Marcos Justified Its Economic Swagger? Finance Secretary Ralph Recto claims the Philippines' economy could triple by 2033, potentially outpacing Vietnam with a growth rate of 6.3% this year. However, the country faces challenges like wealth inequality, inflation, and poor infrastructure. While the Philippines has a promising demographic future with a growing workforce, political pressures and economic vulnerabilities may hinder long-term reforms. Marcos' focus on foreign policy may strengthen economic ties but faces criticism domestically. David Hutt, The Diplomat, June 26
China's undersea cable drive defies U.S. sanctions. China's push to develop a self-sufficient global undersea cable network continues despite U.S. sanctions. Wuhan FiberHome International Technologies, a leading Chinese undersea cable maker, has seen business growth even after being blacklisted by the U.S. in 2020, which blocks the company from purchasing U.S. technology. A FiberHome executive stated that the company does not worry about the U.S. restrictions, suggesting that the sanctions may have inadvertently boosted their business. Cheng Ting-Fang, Lauly Li, Tsubasa Suruga, and Shunsuke Tabeta, Nikkei Asia, June 26
China's communist leaders are preparing a story to tell. The upcoming Chinese Communist Party Central Committee plenum in July is expected to reveal major policy measures and may explain the recent disappearance of senior ministers. Observers anticipate that this meeting will provide insights into the current political maneuvers within the party and outline plans to address ongoing issues. The plenum is also likely to shed light on how the party intends to navigate international tensions and internal challenges. This event is being closely watched as it could signal significant shifts in China's domestic and foreign policies, impacting both the nation's future direction and global relations. Ling Li, Nikkei Asia, June 26
International community must prepare for threat of Russia-North Korea 'alliance'. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea on June 19 and met with its leader, Kim Jong Un, to sign an agreement on a "comprehensive strategic partnership." This pact elevates the relations between the two countries to a level near that of an "alliance." The international community should therefore unite and prepare for the growing threat of a Russia-North Korea partnership in East Asia. This new autocratic partnership is part of a broader strategy to overturn the global order, posing significant challenges to international stability and security. The summit marked Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years and followed Kim's trip to the Russian Far East in September 2023. Nikkei Asia, June 26
Japan is leading the way in realizing hydrogen's energy potential. Japan is at the forefront of harnessing hydrogen's potential as an energy source, driven by new innovations that bolster its role in combating climate change. The country, which developed the first comprehensive national plan for hydrogen energy utilization, accounted for an estimated 24% of all hydrogen-related patent applications filed globally between 2011 and 2020. Japan's leadership in this field is further exemplified by initiatives such as hydrogen fueling stations and ambitious projects aimed at revolutionizing energy production and consumption. Shinichi Kihara, Nikkei Asia, June 26
Indonesia Still Searching for an Answer to Its Housing Crisis. Indonesia struggles with a housing shortage as rising property prices outpace income growth. The government established the Public Housing Savings Management Agency (Tapera) to address the issue, requiring mandatory contributions from workers and employers. Despite efforts to manage the fund better than previous failed programs, public confidence remains low. The focus on demand-side solutions rather than increasing housing supply continues to challenge the efficacy of Tapera. Shalhhakka Dimar Farrakhy and Muhammad Rafi Bakri, East Asia Forum, June 26.