Asia Daily: March 12, 2025
China
Infection blamed for top Chinese lawmaker’s absence from key parliament session. Zhao Leji, China’s third-ranking leader, missed a key National People’s Congress session due to a respiratory infection, marking the first absence of a Politburo Standing Committee member from the event in nearly two decades. His deputy, Li Hongzhong, presided over the meeting. The rare disclosure of a senior official’s illness contrasts with the Chinese Communist Party’s usual secrecy regarding leaders' health. Laurie Chen and Antoni Slodkowski, Reuters, March 11
China tightens trade rules as Canadian tariffs spark price volatility. The Zhengzhou Exchange raised trading margin requirements for rapeseed meal futures after China imposed a 100% tariff on over $1 billion of Canadian agricultural imports. The move sent rapeseed meal prices to a five-month high, prompting Beijing to implement stricter trading rules to curb market volatility. The Agriculture Ministry downplayed immediate supply risks but warned of potential long-term disruptions. Mei Mei Chu and Ella Cao, Reuters, March 11
Japan
Taiwan’s No. 2 diplomat seeks higher-level ‘unofficial’ Japan meetings as ties grow. Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu emphasized Taiwan’s expanding unofficial ties with Japan, citing increased institutionalized dialogues and diplomatic interactions. Tokyo has shown greater openness to engaging with Taipei while maintaining its “one China” policy. Wu stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in security, trade, and regional stability without provoking Beijing. Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times, March 12
Tokyo stocks end lower on U.S. tariff woes, Nikkei briefly down 2%. The Nikkei index dropped over 2% before closing 0.64% lower at 36,793.11 as fears grew over U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies. Investors worried Japan may not be exempt from a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, after Trade Minister Yoji Muto failed to secure assurances from Washington. The yen strengthened as a safe-haven asset, adding to market uncertainty. Kyodo News, March 11
South Korea
Opposition lawmakers launch hunger strike calling for Yoon’s removal from office. Lawmakers from the Democratic Party, Rebuilding Korea Party, and Progressive Party began a hunger strike demanding the Constitutional Court swiftly remove impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. They accused Yoon of orchestrating an insurrection and called for his immediate detention. Some lawmakers shaved their heads in protest, while the ruling People Power Party rejected street demonstrations. Chae Yun-hwan and Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, March 11
Parliamentary committee adopts resolution on S. Korea-U.S. alliance. South Korea’s National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee passed a resolution reaffirming bipartisan support for the U.S.-South Korea alliance, particularly in efforts toward North Korea’s denuclearization. The resolution also emphasized strengthening cooperation in trade, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and shipbuilding. Lawmakers stressed the importance of reinforcing the countries’ joint defense posture amid ongoing regional security challenges. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, March 11
North Korea
North Korea says South Korea jets' accidental bombing shows armed conflict possible, KCNA says. North Korea warned that South Korea’s accidental bombing of a civilian area near the military border highlights the risk of conflict escalation. The incident, caused by pilot error during a training exercise, injured 29 people. Pyongyang accused the U.S. and South Korea of heightening tensions with their Freedom Shield drills and vowed "merciless action" if provoked. Jack Kim, Reuters, March 11
N. Korean provocation by firing ballistic missiles during first ROK-U.S. joint drill. North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the West Sea on March 10, coinciding with the start of the Freedom Shield exercise between the U.S. and South Korea. The missiles, presumed to be short-range Hwasong-11 Ra, are capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads. The launch follows previous cruise missile tests and is seen as Pyongyang’s warning against U.S. strategic deployments in the region. Sang-Ho Yun, The Dong-A Ilbo, March 11
India
Musk’s Starlink and Bharti Airtel sign deal to explore bringing satellite internet to India. Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel has partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink to explore offering satellite broadband services in India, pending government approval. Regulatory concerns and opposition from domestic telecom firms have delayed Starlink’s entry. The deal aims to expand internet access to rural and remote areas, leveraging Airtel’s retail network and infrastructure. AP News, March 11
Thailand
Speaker of the House directs opposition to amend no-confidence motion. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ruled that the opposition must remove Thaksin Shinawatra’s name from its no-confidence motion, as he is not a parliamentarian. The Secretariat of the House found no precedent for directly naming external individuals. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut argued Thaksin’s influence justified inclusion, but the Speaker warned the motion would be excluded if not amended by March 19. The Nation, March 11
Opposition warned not to name Thaksin. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha ordered the opposition to remove references to Thaksin Shinawatra from its censure motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, arguing that parliamentary rules prohibit naming outsiders. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut objected, citing precedent where indirect references had been allowed. The House Secretariat set a March 19 deadline for amendments, warning that the debate, scheduled for March 24, would not proceed otherwise. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, March 12
Vietnam
NA chairman receives special advisor of Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Takebe Tsutomu in Hanoi to discuss strengthening the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Man emphasized economic ties, noting Japan’s role as Vietnam’s top ODA provider and a major investor. Takebe praised Vietnam’s development and called for further collaboration, particularly in education and cultural exchange. Vietnam News, March 12
PM issues directive to boost growth, maintain economic stability. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh outlined key policies to ensure Vietnam’s economic growth, inflation control, and macroeconomic stability. The government will prioritize trade diversification, supply chain expansion, and investment in high-tech industries. Ministries have been tasked with fostering international cooperation, balancing trade with major partners, and addressing regulatory concerns. Eight business conferences with key global economies will be held in early 2025 to strengthen ties. Vietnam News, March 12
Myanmar
Myanmar resistance group admits responsibility for killing of Buddhist monk it accused of army ties. A local resistance group, the Bee Column, claimed responsibility for the killing of Buddhist monk Dhamma Thara and his disciple in eastern Myanmar, accusing him of being a military informant. Social organizations condemned the act, calling it extrajudicial violence. The Karenni Interim Executive Council pledged to investigate the incident. Religious figures have increasingly become targets amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. AP News, March 11
Activist groups urge UN probe of its Myanmar envoy after report alleges ties to Chinese companies. Human rights groups have called on the UN to investigate its Myanmar envoy, Julie Bishop, over potential conflicts of interest linked to Chinese state-owned firms operating in Myanmar. The allegations stem from reports detailing her consulting company’s work with Chinese mining and construction businesses. The UN stated that Bishop is required to disclose outside activities, but critics argue her ties undermine trust in her role. David Rising, AP News, March 11
Laos
Laos, Luxembourg strengthen development cooperation with increased funding for health, nutrition. Laos and Luxembourg agreed to boost funding for a health and nutrition program aimed at improving healthcare services. At the 16th Bilateral Partnership Commission meeting, officials signed an amendment increasing the budget for the Health and Nutrition Programme (LAO/035) by 10.5 million euros. The meeting also covered local development, skills training, and green finance cooperation. Vientiane Times, March 12
National Assembly to debate, approve amendments to constitution, key laws, cabinet structure. Laos’ National Assembly will hold an extraordinary session from March 17-20 to discuss constitutional amendments, changes to the Law on Local Governance, and reforms to the civil service. Lawmakers will also review government restructuring plans and approve investment incentives for the Amata industrial park in Luang Namtha province. Citizens are invited to submit opinions via a hotline and official platforms. Vientiane Times, March 12
Philippines
Philippines sends ex-President Duterte to ICC over ‘drugs war’ killings. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila and sent to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity over his anti-drug campaign. The International Criminal Court accuses Duterte of overseeing extrajudicial killings linked to death squads between 2011 and 2019. His arrest follows a political fallout with President Marcos Jr., who had previously vowed not to assist the ICC. Karen Lema, Adrian Portugal, Mikhail Flores and Peter Blaza, Reuters, March 11
Gov’t assisted in arresting Duterte because of Interpol, not ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. clarified that the Philippine government helped arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte due to a request from Interpol, not the International Criminal Court. Marcos emphasized that Manila was fulfilling its commitments to Interpol and denied any formal cooperation with the ICC. Duterte was detained at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before being flown to The Hague. Gabriel Pabico Lalu, Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 11
Indonesia
Indonesia begins debate on allowing soldiers to take civilian posts. Indonesia’s parliament is reviewing a bill that would let military personnel hold civilian positions if they first resign from service. The revised proposal follows criticism that President Prabowo Subianto’s military expansion could revive the authoritarian-era “dwifungsi” doctrine. The bill also extends the retirement age for soldiers and expands military roles in state agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office and counter-terrorism agency. Ananda Teresia, Reuters, March 11
Singapore
Trump nominates Anji Sinha as U.S. ambassador to Singapore. U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated entrepreneur Dr. Anji Sinha to serve as ambassador to Singapore. Trump praised Sinha as a "highly respected entrepreneur" and emphasized the importance of U.S.-Singapore relations. The nomination, subject to Senate confirmation, follows the tenure of outgoing Ambassador Jonathan Kaplan. Trump previously struggled to fill the post during his first term after nominee K.T. McFarland withdrew from consideration. Channel News Asia, March 11
Kazakhstan
Modernization of Kazakh railway infrastructure is a priority. Kazakhstan’s National Infrastructure Plan aims to repair 11,000 km of railway tracks and construct 5,000 km of new lines by 2029. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy has developed a modernization program, addressing station infrastructure limitations and upgrading signaling systems. Key projects will improve major rail sections, including Beineu-Mangystau and Shu-Almaty. A Sorting Systems Development Program was also launched to enhance station processing capacity. Dauren Moldakhmetov, The Times of Central Asia, March 11
Tajikistan
Tajikistan gets high marks for accommodating refugees, IDPs – UNHCR. Tajikistan ranked highest among 11 surveyed countries in civil registration and property rights for forced migrants, with 100% of refugees holding identity documents. The country also provided the best healthcare access in Central Asia, with 94% of displaced individuals receiving regular medical services. However, economic hardships persist, with 17% unemployment among refugees and low school enrollment rates for migrant children. Eurasianet, March 11
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan launches large-scale public administration reform. Kyrgyzstan has initiated sweeping government reforms aimed at eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies, improving decision-making, and cutting costs. The National Institute for Strategic Initiatives (NISI) will oversee the process, with Justice Minister Ayaz Baetov appointed as its director. Key measures include auditing government agencies, reducing excessive regulations, digitalizing public services, and outsourcing functions to the private sector. Officials expect significant results within six months. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, March 11
Northeast Asia
The PLAN’s Tasman Sea drill: A Military Response to AUKUS. The Chinese navy conducted two live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea in February, catching Australia and New Zealand off guard. The drills, which forced 49 civilian aircraft to reroute, showcased China’s ability to project power beyond the second island chain. Beijing likely intended to deter AUKUS expansion and assess regional military response times. The exercises coincided with high-level diplomatic meetings, reinforcing China’s strategic messaging. Ying Yu Lin and Thomas He, The Jamestown Foundation, March 11
Two Sessions in Retrospect. This year’s Two Sessions highlighted key shifts in China’s economic policy, focusing on boosting domestic consumption and income growth. The government doubled consumer subsidies to 300 billion yuan and introduced mechanisms for regular pay increases. Innovation remained a priority, with expanded funding for AI, 6G, and biotech. Real estate policies emphasized stability and quality housing. Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored progress on the South China Sea Code of Conduct. Fred Gao, Inside China, March 11
Southeast Asia
Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy: Implications for Southeast Asia. U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade policy sets tariffs to match those faced by American exporters in each country. While ASEAN nations maintain relatively low average tariffs, rising non-tariff barriers could justify significant U.S. increases. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand—major U.S. trade partners—are particularly vulnerable. The policy’s impact will depend on implementation, raising concerns over increased transaction costs and supply chain disruptions. Jayant Menon, Fulcrum, March 12
Papua New Guinea: Shhhhh … Don’t Use the Word ‘Alliance.’ Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia have begun negotiations for a bilateral defense treaty, despite signing a Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) just 14 months ago. The treaty could mark PNG’s shift toward prioritizing Australia as its main security partner, possibly limiting future agreements with China. PNG’s constitutional requirements may delay ratification, but discussions could pave the way for broader security reforms. Oliver Nobetau, The Lowy Institute, March 11
Indonesia’s online privacy protections are falling short of the mark. Indonesia’s current digital regulations fail to adequately protect children’s data privacy, relying on reactive measures rather than proactive safeguards. The government’s content moderation system, SAMAN, penalizes platforms for harmful content but does not address algorithmic bias, behavioral tracking, or data exploitation. Experts advocate for privacy-by-design regulations, digital literacy programs, and stricter enforcement of the 2022 Personal Data Protection Law to enhance child online safety. Shirothi Nashuha, East Asia Forum, March 12