Asia Daily: March 10, 2025
China
China set for joint naval exercise Security Belt-2025 with Russia and Iran. China will conduct naval drills with Russia and Iran in the Indian Ocean this month, focusing on maritime security, search and rescue operations, and simulated attacks. The exercises, hosted near Iran’s Chabahar port, highlight the growing military cooperation between the three nations. Beijing will deploy a guided-missile destroyer and a supply ship, while Russia and Iran have yet to confirm their participating fleets. Victoria Bela, South China Morning Post, March 9
China pledges more resources to support employment. China will increase funding and introduce new policies to help stabilize employment, particularly for college graduates, as external economic pressures mount. Human Resources Minister Wang Xiaoping acknowledged the challenges ahead but projected overall job market stability in 2025. The government aims to expand job creation through targeted measures amid concerns over slowing economic growth. Kevin Yao and Joe Cash, Reuters, March 9
China’s top universities to expand enrollment, prioritizing strategic talent development. Leading Chinese universities, including Peking, Tsinghua, and Shanghai Jiao Tong, will increase undergraduate admissions in 2025 to strengthen national expertise in AI, integrated circuits, and biomedicine. The expansion aligns with government efforts to cultivate high-end talent and global competitiveness. China aims to add 20,000 spots at top-tier institutions this year as part of broader education reforms. Global Times, March 9
Japan
Ministers from Japan, UK agree to promote free trade amid Trump tariff threats. Economy and foreign ministers from Japan and Britain pledged to strengthen free trade and counter economic fragmentation at their first “two-plus-two” dialogue in Tokyo. While they did not mention Trump directly, their discussions focused on WTO reforms, fair trade practices, and supporting clean energy transitions. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to international trade rules amid rising protectionist policies. The Asahi Shimbun, March 8
Japan PM tells ruling LDP to unite, be humble to bring election success. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged the Liberal Democratic Party to restore public trust ahead of key summer elections, emphasizing the need to listen to vulnerable citizens. The LDP faces challenges after a poor performance in the last general election and declining membership following a funding scandal. Ishiba pledged to lead efforts to win upcoming races, while labor leaders pressed for policy changes on wages and family law. Kyodo News, March 9
CDP leadership faces growing internal frustration. Members of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) are voicing discontent over the party’s handling of budget negotiations, as key demands were largely ignored in the fiscal 2025 bill passed by the Lower House. Critics say the CDP lacked clear positions and was sidelined while rival opposition parties gained influence. Leader Yoshihiko Noda had vowed to fight for CDP priorities but struggled to make an impact. Jiji, The Japan Times, March 9
South Korea
South Korea prosecutors to pursue Yoon’s conviction despite jail release. Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung vowed to continue seeking President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conviction for insurrection, despite a court ruling that led to his release. The court found Yoon’s detention unlawful due to expired indictment deadlines, but prosecutors argue the charges remain valid. Yoon, impeached and awaiting a Constitutional Court decision, could face removal or reinstatement. If Yoon is ousted, a new election must be held within 60 days. Jack Kim, Reuters, March 9
S. Korea, U.S. begin key springtime military exercise. South Korea and the U.S. launched the Freedom Shield exercise, an 11-day joint drill aimed at strengthening defense readiness against North Korean threats. The exercise, the first under President Trump’s new administration, includes 16 large-scale field drills but excludes live-fire training after a South Korean airstrike accident injured civilians. North Korea condemned the drills, vowing retaliation. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, March 10
S. Korea to sign additional deal to export K2 tanks to Poland as early as April: officials. South Korea is set to finalize a $6.2 billion deal to supply Poland with 180 more K2 tanks, expanding on a 2022 arms agreement. The deal was delayed due to disputes between the Polish government and a local firm, as well as political turmoil in South Korea following martial law. Recent diplomatic talks have renewed momentum for the agreement. Kim Na-young, Yonhap News Agency, March 9
North Korea
North Korea calls U.S.-South Korea drills a ‘dangerous provocative act.’ North Korea condemned the start of the Freedom Shield exercises, warning they could escalate into an armed conflict due to accidental military incidents. The statement follows a South Korean Air Force mishap in which jets mistakenly bombed a civilian area, injuring 29 people. Pyongyang has long viewed joint drills as preparations for invasion, while Seoul insists they are defensive. Ju-min Park and Sandra Maler, Reuters, March 9
North Korea unveils nuclear-powered submarine for first time. North Korea revealed a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, calling it a “strategic guided missile submarine.” State media released images of leader Kim Jong Un inspecting shipyards. Experts estimate the vessel to be 6,000-7,000 tons, capable of carrying nuclear-capable missiles. U.S. officials said they are monitoring the development, while analysts suggest North Korea may have received Russian assistance for the project. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, March 8
Thailand
Coalition conflicts are minor, says PM. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra acknowledged occasional coordination issues with the Bhumjaithai Party but dismissed concerns over government unity. She described recent discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as routine, stating that disagreements over policy matters are addressed through party coordinators and emphasized that misunderstandings arise from internal communication gaps rather than fundamental conflicts. Bangkok Post, March 9
Speaker orders Thaksin removed from motion. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha instructed the opposition to exclude references to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, citing parliamentary rules. Opposition lawmakers rejected the directive, arguing Thaksin’s influence on the government is a valid topic for debate. The motion, which targets Paetongtarn, accuses Thaksin of exerting control over his daughter’s administration. Bangkok Post, March 9
Most Thais support censure motion against Paetongtarn’s cabinet. A NIDA Poll found that 36.49% of respondents support filing a censure motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet, while 31.83% back a motion against the PM alone. The poll also showed that 53.44% expect Paetongtarn to remain in office despite the debate, while 31.22% anticipate a cabinet reshuffle. The Nation, March 9
Vietnam
Party General Secretary To Lam begins visits to Indonesia, ASEAN Secretariat. Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam arrived in Jakarta for a state visit to Indonesia and the ASEAN Secretariat. His trip marks the first visit by a Vietnamese party chief to ASEAN’s headquarters and coincides with the 70th anniversary of Vietnam-Indonesia diplomatic ties. The visit highlights growing bilateral cooperation and Vietnam’s commitment to ASEAN’s regional integration efforts. Vietnam News, March 10
Political trust elevates Vietnam-Singapore cooperation to new heights. Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Singapore marks a milestone in bilateral ties, as Vietnam and Singapore upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Key areas of focus include clean energy cooperation, financial sector collaboration, and technological innovation. The visit also features policy discussions, cultural events, and knowledge-sharing on digital transformation and port management. Vietnam News, March 10
Myanmar
Myanmar’s military leader announces dates for general election. Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing stated Myanmar will hold a general election in December 2025 or January 2026, though no exact date was given. The junta, facing armed resistance and controlling less than half the country, seeks to legitimize its rule despite widespread opposition. Critics argue the election will be neither free nor fair, with pro-democracy leaders imprisoned and independent media suppressed. AP News, March 8
Myanmar junta destroys villages as intense clashes continue near Sittwe and Kyaukphyu. Fierce fighting in Rakhine State has led to the destruction of hundreds of homes by junta forces near Sittwe and Kyaukphyu. In Wabo, a village north of Sittwe, at least 35 houses were burned after heavy artillery fire. In Kyaukphyu Township, junta drone strikes devastated U Gine village. No casualties were reported, as residents had fled before the attacks. Myanmar Now, March 7
Laos
Vientiane announces potential water shortages, calls for preservation efforts. The Water Supply Enterprise of Vientiane Capital warned that water production during the hot season will be limited, urging residents to conserve usage. Current production capacity stands at 348,000 cubic meters per day, well below the 520,000 cubic meters needed. Authorities recommended storing water and reducing wasteful practices. Frustrated residents criticized the government’s inaction, with some areas facing shortages for over two months. Kheuakham Chanlivong, The Laotian Times, March 7
China-Laos Railway powers trade, transports over 54 million tons of goods. Since opening in 2021, the China-Laos Railway has moved over 54 million tons of goods and carried 48.6 million passengers, strengthening trade and connectivity. The railway has facilitated exports of Lao agricultural products, including bananas and coffee, and lowered shipping costs by 40%. A special freight service now links 31 Chinese regions with 19 countries. 2025 is expected to be the railway’s busiest year yet. The Laotian Times, March 7
Philippines
Philippines says acts in national interest in South China Sea. The Philippine foreign ministry rejected China's claims that Manila follows external directives in its maritime policies, asserting that its actions are driven solely by national interests. It accused Beijing of illegal and coercive behavior in the disputed waters. Manila has increased transparency efforts by allowing journalists on maritime patrols, a move backed by allies like the U.S., which supports the 2016 arbitration ruling against China’s claims. Karen Lema, Reuters, March 9
Philippine ex-President Duterte brushes off possible arrest by ICC on a trip to Hong Kong. Former President Rodrigo Duterte dismissed speculation that his visit to Hong Kong was an attempt to evade a potential International Criminal Court arrest warrant over his drug war. Speaking at a campaign rally, Duterte reiterated that he was prepared for jail but denied authorizing extrajudicial killings. Philippine officials confirmed he was scheduled to return to Manila but could extend his stay. Jim Gomez, AP News, March 9
Canada and Philippines will sign a key defense pact to boost combat drills and military ties. The Philippines and Canada finalized talks on a defense pact allowing joint military exercises, including in the South China Sea. The agreement aims to enhance interoperability between forces and deter China’s assertiveness in disputed waters. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the need for security alliances amid growing regional tensions. Jim Gomez, AP News, March 7
Indonesia
Indonesia welcomes Vietnam’s Communist Party leader. General Secretary To Lam arrived in Jakarta for his first state visit since assuming leadership of Vietnam’s Communist Party. He was received with full honors and is scheduled to meet President Prabowo Subianto, as well as key legislative leaders. The visit, marking 70 years of Indonesia-Vietnam ties, aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in strategic and defense sectors. ANTARA News, March 9
Northeast Asia
North Korea, and why South Korean President should be dismissed. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment should be upheld due to violations of democratic principles, including the declaration of martial law and actions that risk provoking North Korea. His leadership has contributed to instability, and allowing him to remain in office could further endanger South Korea’s political and security environment. Removing Yoon is necessary to restore democratic governance and prevent further crises. Dr. Sungju Park-Kang, The Geopolitics, March 9
The exhausting lives of China’s ‘mompreneurs.’ Highly disciplined and financially independent, China’s entrepreneurial mothers juggle intense work schedules with family responsibilities. Many rely on domestic workers and company resources to manage childcare but maintain a strong belief that mothers must provide the best care for their children. Despite their success, they do not challenge traditional gender roles, instead prioritizing self-improvement and meticulous organization to navigate societal expectations. Pei Yuxin, Sixth Tone, March 9
Will robots replace China’s civil servants? The rollout of AI-powered “digital employees” in Shenzhen and other cities has sparked concerns about job displacement in China’s civil service. AI models like DeepSeek are now handling administrative tasks such as document processing and public services with high efficiency. While officials insist AI will only assist human workers, fears persist that automation could erode traditional “iron rice bowl” job security. ThinkChina, March 7
Southeast Asia
A return to political chaos? The Philippines’ impeachment saga. Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment has deepened the Marcos-Duterte political divide, with the Senate expected to begin her trial in July. Lawmakers accuse Duterte of constitutional violations, corruption, and high crimes, but her supporters claim the impeachment is aimed at preventing her 2028 presidential bid. Public opinion remains split, and analysts warn the trial could destabilize governance if it turns into political theater. Aries A. Arugay, Fulcrum, March 10
Indonesia: Towards a durable political order? President Prabowo Subianto’s dominance in Indonesia’s 2024 regional elections gives him a chance to build a stable political coalition. However, challenges include managing competing factions within his alliance and overcoming bureaucratic inefficiencies. His reliance on military figures to enforce policies signals a shift toward a more centralized governance model. Future stability hinges on balancing coalition interests while maintaining public trust. Muhammad Fajar, Fulcrum, March 7
Myanmar’s impossible plutonium puzzle. The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that a Japanese national attempted to traffic nuclear materials, including weapons-grade plutonium, allegedly sourced from Myanmar. While past reports claimed Myanmar pursued nuclear ambitions, no solid evidence confirms a functioning program. Intelligence agencies remain uncertain about the material’s origin, with some experts suggesting the entire operation may have been a scam. Andrew Selth, The Interpreter, March 10