Asia Daily: March 1, 2024

News

'No role' for China in Pacific policing, Australian minister says. Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy insists China should not participate in Pacific Island policing, highlighting efforts to train local security forces after reports of Chinese police in Kiribati. This stance echoes broader concerns about China's growing influence in the region. The situation underscores a clash of geopolitical interests, especially with the U.S. warning against Chinese security assistance. Australia commits to supporting Kiribati's security infrastructure, emphasizing regional security cooperation within the "Pacific family." Kirsty Needham, Reuters, February 29

Kishida apologizes for funds scandal as 1st PM at Diet ethics panel. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio attended a parliamentary ethics panel to apologize for a political funds scandal affecting his Liberal Democratic Party. This appearance marks the first time a sitting prime minister has participated in such a session, where Kishida also promised to lead reforms for better compliance within party governance. The scandal involves allegations of unreported incomes and the creation of slush funds by some LDP members. Kyodo News, February 29

Chinese warships worrisome – Marcos. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines expressed concern over the reported presence of Chinese warships and a helicopter near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), indicating a shift in dynamics within the disputed waters. Marcos emphasized the Philippines' commitment to defending its maritime territory and supporting local fishermen. This situation highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, with China's increased naval activities raising alarm. The Philippine ambassador to the U.S. also noted the potential for these skirmishes to escalate, underscoring the strategic importance of the region. Catherine S. Valente and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, February 29

Most South Korea trainee doctors defying pressure to end walkout. In South Korea, thousands of trainee doctors continue their strike against a government plan to increase medical school admissions, despite a deadline threatening their licenses. This protest highlights concerns over pay and working conditions rather than just expanding physician numbers. The government's reform package, promising improvements, hasn't quelled the unrest, affecting hospital operations severely. Jack Kim and Joyce Lee, Reuters, February 29

Timor-Leste's President Meets Lao Counterpart in State Visit to Vientiane. President Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste visited Vientiane from February 27 to March 2, invited by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith to strengthen diplomatic ties. Their discussions, aimed at deepening relations and cooperation, coincided with Timor-Leste's recent accession to the World Trade Organization. The establishment of the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation and the signing of Letters of Intent for embassy land exchanges were key outcomes, reinforcing their commitment to regional and bilateral collaboration. Chono Lapuekou, The Laotian Times, February 29

Taiwan thanks Tuvalu’s new government for retaining diplomatic ties. Taiwan has shown appreciation to Tuvalu's recently established government for continuing their diplomatic relationship, despite the regional pressures for alignment changes. This gesture by Tuvalu, led by Prime Minister Feleti Teo, is significant amidst the geopolitical landscape involving China's increasing influence in the Pacific. The ongoing partnership highlights the diplomatic efforts and strategic alliances in the region. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, February 29

Party official holds online talks with Cuban counterpart. Lê Hoài Trung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee of Vietnam, and Emilio Lozada Garcia of Cuba discussed their Parties' achievements and cooperative relations in an online meeting. They celebrated the success of bilateral foreign relations activities in 2023 and agreed to further high-level agreements and cooperation in trade, production, and investment, focusing on agriculture. Trung expressed solidarity with Cuba, affirming Vietnam's support for Cuba's revolutionary cause. Vietnam News, February 29

Next stop: Serbia? Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to visit Europe on trust-building tour. Chinese President Xi Jinping is anticipated to visit Europe, including Serbia and France, aiming to rebuild trust amid geopolitical tensions. This tour marks Xi's first European visit since the pandemic, focusing on pragmatic cooperation despite disputes over Ukraine and China-US rivalry. The trip, though not yet confirmed by Beijing, signifies China's efforts to address misperceptions and strengthen diplomatic ties. Kawala Xie, South China Morning Post, February 29

Lao, Chinese Authorities Team Up to Bust Online Fraud Dens, Arresting 268 Suspects. Lao and Chinese authorities have dismantled seven online fraud dens in Laos, arresting 268 suspects linked to over 1,570 telecom fraud cases. This cross-border operation, supported by officers from several Chinese provinces and China's embassy in Laos, led to significant equipment seizures. Arrests were made in Vientiane Capital and Luang Prabang Province, highlighting the effectiveness of the international law enforcement collaboration under a recent Memorandum of Understanding against online fraud. Phontham Visapra, The Laotian Times, February 29

Long Form

‘Ashes of Death’: The Marshall Islands Is Still Seeking Justice for US Nuclear Tests. Seven decades after Castle Bravo, the United States' most devastating nuclear test, the Marshall Islands continues to demand fair compensation. On March 1, 1954, the detonation of a 15-megaton bomb by the U.S. on Bikini Atoll resulted in severe radiation sickness among the inhabitants of Rongelap Atoll, showcasing the dire consequences of nuclear testing. Camilla Pohle, The Diplomat, March 1

Myanmar: The Many Foes of Min Aung Hlaing. Three years after the military coup, Myanmar remains embroiled in conflict under Min Aung Hlaing's rule. Despite the facade of unity, there's growing discontent within the military ranks against his leadership, highlighted by a protest in Pyin Oo Lwin where even pro-regime supporters called for his resignation. This incident reflects the broader challenges facing Min Aung Hlaing, from internal military dissatisfaction to the enduring resistance across Myanmar, indicating a deepening crisis of leadership and control within the country. Thomas Kean, The Diplomat, February 29

Taiwan's post-bubble recovery holds lessons for China. Taiwan's economic resurgence following a market bubble demonstrates the effectiveness of active monetary and industrial policies. The manufacturing sector, particularly exemplified by TSMC's success in Hsinchu, has been pivotal in driving Taiwan's economic growth. This recovery strategy offers valuable insights for China as it navigates its current economic challenges, highlighting the potential benefits of smart strategic government intervention in monetary policy and industrial development. Paul Cavey, Nikkei Asia, February 29

Security is still China's top priority, not the economy. In the lead-up to China's National People's Congress, it's evident that security remains paramount for the Communist Party, overshadowing economic concerns. This focus has impacted China's innovative sectors, discouraged private entrepreneurs, and strained international relations, contributing to a cautious consumer base and a potential stifling of economic development. Diana Choyleva, Nikkei Asia, March 1

Timor-Leste hits the democratic reset button Timor-Leste's recent elections signal a significant shift back to democratic norms established at independence, rejecting former president Francisco ‘Lu-Olo’ Guterres' governance style. Voters chose leaders who respect the separation of presidential duties from party politics, reinvigorating the country's democratic institutions. This move towards revitalizing democratic conventions marks a hopeful turn for Timor-Leste, emphasizing the importance of an independent presidency and the potential for generational change in leadership. Rui Graça Feijó, East Asia Forum, March 1.

Cracks in G20 let Russia grow trade with China and India Despite Western sanctions, Russia has seen economic growth by significantly increasing trade with China and India, exploiting divisions within the G20. With a 3.6% rise in GDP in 2023 and an IMF forecast of 2.6% growth in 2024, Russia outpaces the G7's average growth projection. This resilience in the face of attempts to isolate it highlights the complexities of global economic relations and the limitations of sanctions. The situation underscores the need for a unified international approach to address geopolitical challenges effectively. Shiori Goso, Kosuke Takami, and Akira Yamashita, Nikkei Asia, March 1

How One Woman Duped China's Censorship Machine Wu Qin, a young woman and former state-run media editor, cleverly bypassed China's strict internet censorship by disguising her detention story as a letter from a Tehran prison. Writing under the pseudonym Mahsa, she narrated her experience with Chinese police as if it occurred in Iran, critiquing state surveillance. This narrative, shared around Lunar New Year, initially fooled readers and censors alike, sparking discussions on state control. Revealed later, the true story highlighted the ingenious methods activists must employ to voice dissent in China's repressive environment. Wu's letter, becoming viral before being censored, exemplifies the challenges and creativity needed to overcome stringent censorship in authoritarian regimes. Now in Germany, Wu continues to advocate for oppressed communities worldwide. Wenxin Fan, The Wall Street Journal, March 1

Xi Jinping Wishes He Could Get as Lucky as Biden. Xi Jinping confronts several challenges as China navigates a real-estate downturn, fiscal pressures, and consumer confidence shaken by pandemic policies. As the West, particularly the U.S., leaps ahead in AI innovation, symbolized by Nvidia's valuation peak, China's efforts in high-tech sectors appear constrained by its centralized approach. The narrative of China's superior economic model is questioned as Western capitalism showcases its ability to foster decentralized innovation. The contrast between Biden's potential luck with the AI boom and Xi's reliance on top-down economic strategies underlines the limitations of command economies in adapting to global market dynamics. Joseph C. Sternberg, The Wall Street Journal, February 29