News
No risk of war before new Taiwan president takes office but Beijing to keep up coercion drive, island’s spy chief says. According to Taiwan's intelligence chief, there's no immediate war threat from China as William Lai steps in as president, but Beijing's tactics to pressure Taiwan will persist. This includes a mix of military, economic, and diplomatic measures aimed at coercing Taiwan towards 'peaceful unification,' amidst heightened cross-strait tensions and global attention. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, March 11
N. Korean delegation departs for Mongolia. A North Korean delegation, led by Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho, has traveled to Mongolia, marking their first visit since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This trip aims to bolster diplomatic ties with countries friendly to North Korea, including Mongolia, which has maintained close relations by keeping its diplomatic mission in Pyongyang throughout the pandemic. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, March 10
Kishida Cabinet support rate hits fresh low at 20% over funds scandal. Approval for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's Cabinet has dropped to 20.1%, due to a political funds scandal affecting his Liberal Democratic Party. The scandal involves allegations of unreported incomes and slush funds, leading to a decrease in public trust. There have been calls for severe punishment against implicated factions, highlighting the impact on the LDP's popularity. Kyodo News, March 10
Fears of mass migration from Myanmar as military plans to draft thousands. Myanmar's military plans to enforce conscription laws from April, targeting men aged 18 to 35 and women from 18 to 27 for military service. This move, aimed at compensating for recruitment shortfalls and battlefield losses, may lead to a significant exodus of young people seeking to avoid draft. Concerns are growing about potential human rights implications and the impact on Myanmar's ongoing conflict. Zsombor Peter, Al Jazeera, March 10
More than 340 in corruption net as China’s top prosecutors double down on tackling financial crime. Over 340 individuals have been arrested in a significant corruption crackdown by China's Supreme People's Procuratorate. The focus is on financial crimes, highlighting the ongoing efforts to cleanse the financial sector. This action reflects a broader initiative to combat corruption and ensure integrity within the financial industry. Vanessa Cai, South China Morning Post, March 10
India signs a trade accord with 4 European nations for $100 billion investment over 15 years. India has entered into a trade agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), pledging $100 billion in investments and creating 1 million jobs in India over the next 15 years. This agreement aims to reduce import tariffs on industrial products from these countries, promising economic growth, more resilient supply chains, and expanded market access. Ashok Sharma, AP News, March 10
Japan PM's human rights initiative stalls as adviser post left vacant. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's commitment to human rights is questioned as the special adviser role on international human rights issues remains unfilled for six months. The absence has halted progress on adopting measures akin to the U.S. Magnitsky Act, aimed at sanctioning human rights offenders, indicating a potential lapse in addressing global humanitarian concerns. Kyodo News, March 10
FDI flow from China to Eurasia is ebbing. Between 2016 and mid-2023, China's investment in Eurasia totaled nearly $80 billion, focusing on sectors like oil and gas, with Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan being the main beneficiaries. Despite this significant investment, recent shifts in China's domestic economy and a more cautious stance on overseas investments have led to a noticeable decrease in funding, affecting the pace and scale of projects across the region. Eurasianet, March 11
Uzbekistan: Kitschy Bukhara development proceeds amid growing objections. A significant redevelopment project, Bokiy Bukhoro, aimed at transforming Bukhara's buffer zone into a tourist center, faces criticism for potentially compromising the city's historic and cultural heritage. Critics argue the development could lead to a loss of authenticity, overshadowing the UNESCO World Heritage site with modern constructions. Despite these concerns, the project moves forward, sparking debate about balancing tourism growth with heritage conservation. Eurasianet, March 11
Lao Companies Slow to Adapt to Wage Increases. Businesses in Laos face difficulties adjusting to the government-mandated wage increases, impacting their financial stability and operational capabilities. The slow adaptation process is attributed to the sudden rise in labor costs, challenging the companies' ability to maintain profitability while ensuring compliance with the new wage standards. This situation underscores the tension between fostering economic growth and enhancing worker welfare in a developing economy. The Laotian Times, March 11
Hundreds of Tibetans march on New Delhi streets asking China to leave Tibet on uprising anniversary. Hundreds of Tibetan exiles marched in New Delhi to mark the 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day, demanding that China relinquish control over Tibet. Protesters, carrying Tibetan flags and images of the Dalai Lama, convened near India's Parliament House, vocalizing their plea for Tibet's autonomy and the preservation of its Buddhist culture. Shonal Ganguly, AP News, March 10
Việt Nam deeply concerned about recent tension in East Sea: Spokeswoman. Việt Nam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over rising tensions in the East Sea, emphasizing the need for all activities to adhere to international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS. The country advocates for peaceful dispute resolution, self-restraint, and adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea to maintain peace, stability, and cooperation in the region. Vietnam News, March 9
Vietnamese Prime Minister begins official visit to New Zealand. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính of Việt Nam has commenced an official visit to New Zealand to further strengthen bilateral relations. This visit, happening from March 10 to 11 at the invitation of New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, aims to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in areas like trade, investment, labor, and education. The visit aims to maintain the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, established over nearly 50 years of diplomatic ties. Vietnam News, March 9
S. Korea to dismantle support foundation for Kaesong complex as early as next week. South Korea plans to disband a foundation supporting the Kaesong Industrial Complex, transferring its responsibilities to the civilian sector. This move comes years after the complex's closure due to North Korea's nuclear activities. The transition signifies a continued shift in Seoul's approach to the now-dormant symbol of inter-Korean cooperation, amidst ongoing legal considerations over the North's use of the facility. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, March 10
Long Form
Women’s Stories From the ‘Graveyard of the Living’ in the Philippines. Highlights the plight of 163 women among 812 political detainees in the Philippines. Fides Lim, representing the support group Kapatid, demonstrates resilience in the face of adversity, particularly during confrontations at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW). Along with volunteers, she encounters strict scrutiny while trying to deliver basic necessities to detained women, highlighting the severe conditions and systemic challenges within the prison system. This narrative sheds light on the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in the Southeast Asian nation, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and support for those unjustly detained. Michael Beltran, The Diplomat, March 9
Henry Huiyao Wang Calls for Rural Homestead Reform in China. Henry Huiyao Wang, Founder & President of CCG, advocates for a significant reform initiative focusing on homestead system reform to integrate urban and rural development and stimulate the economy. This reform, set against the recent approval of guidelines to reform the land management system, is seen as crucial for China to achieve a modernized economy that balances development and social equity. Key measures proposed include issuing property rights certificates for rural homesteads, enabling their legal transfer, rental, and mortgage outside collective organizations, and recognizing self-established land use rights through legal reforms. Wang's advocacy comes at a time when China celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding and aims to achieve the goals of its 14th Five-Year Plan, amidst challenges of insufficient overall demand and an increasingly complex environment. This reform could mark a fourth breakthrough in China’s development since the reform and opening up, potentially propelling the nation towards sustainable economic growth and social equity.
, March 10After the Two Sessions of 2024, China Sticks to Its Trade Playbook: Surplus Is What Matters. In the wake of the 2024 Two Sessions, China continues to prioritize its trade surplus, emphasizing the reduction of import tariffs on essential items like advanced technology equipment and minerals, and increasing subsidies for exports. The European Commission's move to begin customs registration for Chinese electric vehicle imports, potentially facing retroactive tariffs due to unfair subsidies, underscores the global scrutiny of China's trade practices. Premier Li's speech reflected urgency and confidence in maintaining China's trade strategies despite challenges. The domestic market absorbs only two-thirds of China's Li-ion battery output, with the EU-27 being a significant importer. Amidst a price war among e-car manufacturers in China, the industry faces overcapacity and intense competition. Additionally, China's economic ties with Russia strengthen, with exports to Russia increasing by 12%. This article illustrates China's unwavering commitment to its trade surplus strategy, navigating international pressures and internal market dynamics.
, March 11Japan's Universities Fail to Make the Most of Intellectual Property. A survey from Japan's education ministry highlights a significant issue: only 8% of Japanese universities have programs supporting researchers in launching new businesses. This lack of support severely limits the effective use of intellectual property by these institutions, resulting in top Japanese universities earning merely 2% from patents compared to their U.S. counterparts. The core problem lies in an overwhelming shortage of staff capable of developing patent strategies and insufficient funding to explore the commercial potential of research findings. A professor from Okayama University shared the challenges faced in transitioning study results into viable products, emphasizing the systemic barriers to maximizing the value of intellectual property within the academic sector of Japan. Kenjiro Suzuki, Nikkei Asia, March 9.
Japan’s Slush Fund Scandal Unlikely to Take the LDP Down with PM Kishida. The slush fund scandal engulfing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) involves at least 970 million yen ($6.5 million) in unreported income from political fundraising parties. While this has significantly damaged Kishida's approval ratings, dipping below 20%, the LDP's historical resilience suggests the party itself may not suffer long-term consequences. Despite the scandal, the LDP's near 70-year dominance in Japanese politics, with only brief interruptions, demonstrates its ability to recover from such setbacks. The scandal has sparked a behind-the-scenes race to replace Kishida as LDP leader by September 2024, with various reform-minded and traditional candidates positioning themselves for leadership. The outcome of this leadership race and the approach to political funding reforms will likely determine the future direction of the LDP and its efforts to restore public trust. East Asia Forum, March 11.