News
South China Sea: energy exploration should not involve countries outside the region, Beijing says. China has declared that energy exploration activities in the South China Sea should exclude nations outside the area, especially in light of Manila's potential partnerships with the US, Japan, and Australia. Beijing underscores the importance of resolving disputes through direct dialogue between involved parties, firmly opposing external interference in the region's resource exploration efforts. Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, March 11
India conducts first flight of missile that can carry multiple warheads. India successfully tested a missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, advancing its nuclear-capable Agni series. This technology enables multiple warheads to be delivered to different targets from one missile. The test represents a significant step in India's defense capabilities, positioning it alongside nations with similar missile technologies. Al Jazeera, March 11
Move Forward Party leader downplays dissolution effort. Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon addresses concerns over potential dissolution due to the party's stance on the lese-majeste law, emphasizing readiness for any outcomes. This comes amid increasing challenges from political opponents and scrutiny by independent agencies, highlighting the party's rapid success and its perceived threat to the existing power structure. The Election Commission's deliberation on the dissolution case continues without a set timeframe. Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, March 11
Japan averts recession in October-December period with 0.4% economic growth. Japan's economy showed resilience by recording a revised annualized growth of 0.4% in the final quarter of 2023, avoiding a recession. This positive adjustment from an initially reported contraction is attributed to strong capital spending, despite concerns over sluggish private consumption. The economy's performance signals a cautious optimism but also highlights areas needing improvement. Kyodo News, March 11
House official expects 'heated debates' on RBH 7. Deputy Speaker David "Jayjay" Suarez forecasts intense discussions in the Philippine House of Representatives regarding Resolution of Both Houses No. 7 (RBH 7), which commenced its period of sponsorship and debate recently. The resolution's discussion underscores the dynamic and contentious nature of legislative processes in addressing proposed constitutional changes, often referred to as charter change (cha-cha) in the Philippines. Ma. Reina Leanne Tolentino, The Manila Times, March 12
DP to push for impeachment of justice, foreign ministers over ex-defense minister's departure. The Democratic Party plans to seek the impeachment of South Korea's foreign and justice ministers, holding them accountable for former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup's departure amid an ongoing investigation. Lee's exit to become ambassador to Australia, despite being a suspect, has sparked controversy and allegations of power abuse and investigation obstruction. This move has led to calls for his return and the cancellation of his ambassadorial appointment. Kang Jae-un, Yonhap News Agency, March 11
China’s congress ends with a show of unity behind Xi’s vision for national greatness. The annual session of China's national legislature concluded with strong support for Xi Jinping's vision, emphasizing increased centralization under his leadership. The event underscored Xi's dominance in shaping policy across various sectors, aiming for innovation, self-reliance in technology, and adherence to communist ideology. Notably, the State Council law was revised to align closely with the Communist Party's leadership, further institutionalizing Xi's influence over China's governance. Elaine Kurtenbach and Ken Moritsugu, AP News, March 11
India implements citizenship law opposed by Muslims before election. India has started enforcing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), criticized for excluding Muslims, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term. The law grants citizenship to non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan facing religious persecution before December 2014. Its implementation, delayed by protests and the pandemic, aims to offer a dignified life to persecuted refugees, despite fears it may discriminate against India's Muslim population. YP Rajesh, Reuters, March 11
Hà Nội’s Party official pledges to deepen ties with Laos. Đinh Tiến Dũng, Secretary of the Hà Nội Party Committee, met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane, affirming efforts to strengthen the special relationship between Hà Nội and Laos in various sectors. The visit aims to enhance practical cooperation, share experiences, and support mutual development, highlighting the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two nations. Vietnam News, March 11
Marcos to bolster trade with Germany, Czech Republic. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to strengthen trade and economic cooperation with Germany and the Czech Republic during his visits to Central Europe. These efforts aim to deepen the Philippines' economic ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, highlighting the country's proactive approach to enhancing its international trade relations and economic development strategies. Kristina Maralit and Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, March 12
North Korean delegation meets Mongolian President in rare visit -KCNA. North Korea's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho met Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, as part of a rare diplomatic delegation trip. This visit signifies Pyongyang's efforts to expand its international engagement, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Mongolia. The meeting underlines a commitment to developing the friendly ties established by their predecessors. Joyce Lee, Reuters, March 11
Long Form
Mo Yan Against the Martyrs. Nobel Prize-winning Chinese author Mo Yan faces severe criticism under a 2018 law protecting heroes and martyrs. A nationalist blogger, using the account name "Mao Xinghuo Who Speaks the Truth," has filed a court order demanding the removal of Mo Yan's books and a compensation of 1.5 billion RMB for allegedly insulting historical figures and the Chinese people in his works. Despite Mo Yan's previous lauding by the state as a symbol of China's global prestige, the backlash reveals a younger generation's readiness to enforce a stringent nationalist narrative, raising concerns about an emerging anti-intellectualism reminiscent of darker times in Chinese history. Alex Colville, China Media Project, March 11
Overinflated: China’s Balloon Threats to Taiwan. The issue of Chinese balloon flights over Taiwan has been overstated in terms of threat level and novelty. These incidents are not a new development and lack a clear military purpose. Despite recent attention, particularly after Taiwan's elections and amidst debates around maritime law near the Kinmen Islands, evidence suggests these balloons, which may not even originate from the People's Liberation Army, pose little risk. The narrative that such flights compromise deterrence or grant China strategic advantages is critically examined and found lacking in substantial support. Jonathan Walberg, Noah Reed, The Diplomat, March 11
Balance Japan has Struck Between U.S. and China Cannot Hold. Japan finds itself in a precarious position, caught between its deepening ties with Washington and the need to hedge against potentially extreme policies. With the prospect of former U.S. President Trump's return to the political arena, Japanese media and academic circles are abuzz with speculation and concern. This situation shows Japan's delicate balancing act in maintaining its relationship with two of the world's superpowers. Rintaro Nishimura, Nikkei Asia, March 12
Danger Ahead as Kim and Yoon Bury Inter-Korean Detente. The Korean Peninsula is witnessing its highest tensions since 2017, marked by North Korea's constitutional amendment under Kim Jong-un to officially reject peaceful unification with South Korea and the dismantling of related agencies. This move, coupled with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's aggressive stance, is a stark departure from any notion of reconciliation. North Korea's military provocations and nuclear threats, alongside South Korea's hawkish responses, show the deepening divide. Adding complexity is the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, introducing uncertainty with his previous erratic diplomacy and military retrenchment, which could further destabilize the region. Arius Derr, East Asia Forum, March 11
Depoliticising Indonesia’s Capital Grant Allocation. Indonesia's fiscal federalism is challenged by political influences in the allocation of intergovernmental transfers, particularly the Special Purpose Fund (Dana Alokasi Khusus), which has increasingly become vulnerable to political interests. Despite efforts to make allocations more transparent and aligned with local needs, the final decision-making process often succumbs to political bias, as evidenced by Audit Board reports highlighting problematic allocations. This politicization can skew the distribution of resources, deviating from equitable development goals. To mitigate these influences, Indonesia is urged to adopt a medium- to long-term planning strategy for capital grants, ensuring allocations are based on transparent, objective criteria and insulated from political bias. Such reforms are vital for sustaining equitable development and addressing the persistent issue of political biases in capital grant allocation. Eko Sumando, East Asia Forum, March 12