Asia Daily: March 13, 2025
China
China’s No. 3 Zhao Leji returns to public spotlight after missing end of two sessions. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress, reappeared in public after missing the closing sessions of China’s top political meetings due to a respiratory infection. He met with state media employees in Beijing, thanking them for their coverage and emphasizing the importance of shaping a positive national narrative. His absence had sparked speculation, as it marked the first time in decades that a top official missed the event. Enoch Wong, South China Morning Post, March 12
China to host Russia and Iran for nuclear talks as Trump tries to make a deal on weapons. China will host trilateral nuclear talks with Russia and Iran in Beijing, chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. The discussions follow joint naval drills and coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed push for nuclear negotiations with Iran. Trump recently sent a letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei proposing reduced nuclear stockpiles, but Tehran remains skeptical. Enoch Wong, South China Morning Post, March 12
Japan
Japan ruling party member ups pressure on PM Ishiba to step down. Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Shoji Nishida urged Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign, citing concerns over the party’s chances in the upcoming upper house election. Nishida, a supporter of Sanae Takaichi, argued Ishiba’s leadership lacks public support after the LDP lost its lower house majority. Ishiba’s recent reversal on medical cost reforms has further fueled doubts within the party. Kyodo News, March 12
LDP running defiant Sugita for Upper House seat raises eyebrows. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s decision to endorse Mio Sugita in the upcoming Upper House election has sparked backlash due to her history of discriminatory remarks. Sugita, who previously faced criticism for comments about ethnic minorities and same-sex couples, was discouraged from seeking Lower House re-election amid a political fund scandal. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reluctantly approved her candidacy, while LDP leaders urged her to show self-reflection. Hayato Jinno, The Asahi Shimbun, March 12
South Korea
South Korea bans drones around top court ahead of Yoon impeachment ruling. South Korea’s transport ministry has prohibited drone flights within 1.85 km of the Constitutional Court in Seoul ahead of its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Authorities imposed the ban at the request of police, who are preparing for potential unrest. Subway stations and schools near the court will close on ruling day, as large protests by Yoon’s supporters are expected. Hyunsu Yim, Reuters, March 12
Constitutional Court rejects impeachment of chief state auditor. South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously ruled against the impeachment of Choe Jae-hae, the chief state auditor, allowing him to resume his duties. Lawmakers had accused Choe of mishandling the audit of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 2022 office relocation and improperly pressuring a former anti-corruption chair to resign. The court found no evidence of wrongdoing, stating legal procedures were followed. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, March 13
North Korea
Germany not to reopen embassy in N. Korea while Ukraine war continues: German official. Germany has ruled out reopening its embassy in Pyongyang due to North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. A German diplomat visited North Korea last year to assess conditions, but officials now say reopening is not possible while the conflict persists. Sweden, Poland, and Switzerland have resumed diplomatic activities in Pyongyang, while Germany remains aligned with the U.S.-led United Nations Command. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, March 11
N. Korean cargo ship suspected of smuggling coal collided with Chinese ship in Yellow Sea: source. A North Korean cargo ship, allegedly smuggling coal in violation of United Nations sanctions, sank after colliding with a Chinese vessel in the Yellow Sea in late February. Around 15-20 North Korean crew members are believed to have died, while China has downplayed the incident. The ship had turned off its tracking system to evade detection, a common tactic for circumventing trade bans. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, March 13
Thailand
DSI probe into Senate election to conclude in Q2. Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) expects to wrap up its money-laundering probe into last year’s Senate election within three months. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said up to 140 senators may be questioned, and charges will be filed if sufficient evidence is found. Meanwhile, 81 senators petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission, accusing the DSI of exceeding its authority and politically targeting lawmakers. Bangkok Post, March 13
Constitutional Court declines to define ‘evident integrity.’ Thailand’s Constitutional Court rejected the Cabinet’s request to clarify the definition of "evident integrity" for ministerial appointments, ruling 8-1 that the request was a consultation rather than a legal dispute. The court emphasized that it only rules on specific cases rather than setting general guidelines. The request followed last year’s removal of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over integrity concerns. The Nation, March 12
Vietnam
Vietnam, Singapore agree to boost ties, cooperation on subsea cables. Vietnam and Singapore upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, focusing on finance, energy, and undersea cable development. Party Chief To Lam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong signed six agreements to enhance digital connectivity and cross-border data flows. Singapore pledged to support Vietnam in developing international financial centers, while Vietnam plans to launch 10 new submarine cables by 2030. Phuong Nguyen and Khanh Vu, Reuters, March 12
Vietnam seeks French support for nuclear energy development. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged France’s EDF Group to expand clean energy investments and support Vietnam’s nuclear power projects. Vietnam aims for 8% economic growth in 2025, driving electricity demand up by 12-16% annually. The government has restarted plans for the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear plants and seeks partners committed to technology transfer and policy development. Vietnam News, March 12
Myanmar
Myanmar junta boss returns to China’s embrace after Russia trip. Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing met with China’s special envoy Deng Xijun in Naypyitaw just days after returning from Russia and Belarus. Talks focused on China’s support for the junta’s planned election, border trade, and crackdowns on cyber scams. Deng’s visit comes as China pressures Myanmar to advance Belt and Road Initiative projects, including the Kyaukphyu Deep-Sea Port. Analysts suggest Beijing is concerned about the junta’s growing ties with Russia. The Irrawaddy, March 12
Arakan Army threatens Myanmar junta naval base at Sittwe. The Arakan Army (AA) has launched attacks on a key junta naval base near Sittwe, Rakhine State, as part of its broader offensive. The Min Gan base, reinforced with naval vessels, is now under siege, with former military officers predicting its potential fall. The junta has responded with airstrikes and artillery bombardments across multiple townships. The AA aims to seize Kyaukphyu, a strategic hub for Chinese Belt and Road Initiative projects. The Irrawaddy, March 12
Philippines
ICC takes custody of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in crimes against humanity case. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague after his arrest in Manila on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs. Duterte, 79, faces allegations of overseeing extrajudicial killings that left thousands dead. Supporters condemned the move, while rights groups hailed it as a step toward justice. He is expected to appear before ICC judges soon. Aleksandar Furtula, Joeal Calupitan, Basilio Sepe, Jerry Harmer and Molly Quell, AP News, March 12
Duterte: I’m okay, don’t worry. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reassured supporters that he was in good condition after arriving in the Netherlands to face charges at the International Criminal Court. In a video message, he acknowledged the legal battle ahead but affirmed his commitment to defending his actions during his presidency. The Philippine Embassy in The Hague provided him with consular assistance, including medical monitoring. Kristina Maralit and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, March 13
Indonesia
Indonesia to impose anti-dumping import duty for nylon film from China, Thailand, Taiwan. Indonesia’s finance ministry has announced anti-dumping duties on nylon film imports from China, Thailand, and Taiwan, following an investigation that found damage to domestic industries. The tariffs, ranging from 1,254 to 31,510 rupiah ($0.076–$1.92) per kg, will be in place for four years. Affected companies include China’s Kunshan Yuncheng Plastic Industry and Thailand’s AJ Plast. Ananda Teresia and Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, March 12
Indonesia’s FM Sugiono lauds progress in border talks with Malaysia. Foreign Minister Sugiono praised advancements in maritime and land border negotiations with Malaysia during a meeting with Ambassador Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to strengthening economic cooperation, supporting Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, and advocating for a Palestinian two-state solution. Bilateral trade reached $21.1 billion in 2024, with Indonesia maintaining a slight surplus. Antara News, March 12
Taiwan
Taiwanese law change targets military personnel with links to mainland China. Taiwan’s defense ministry proposed an amendment that would impose prison terms of up to seven years on military personnel found expressing allegiance to China. The law seeks to counter Beijing’s alleged espionage efforts, as several Taiwanese officers have been prosecuted for spying. Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the law aims to eliminate ambiguities in existing national security regulations. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, March 12
Cho rules out drastic defense spending. Premier Cho Jung-tai told lawmakers that Taiwan cannot allocate 10 percent of GDP to defense, as proposed by U.S. officials. The government’s NT$647 billion defense budget for 2025, equal to 2.45 percent of GDP, has already faced cuts from the opposition-controlled legislature. While President William Lai pledged to increase defense spending beyond 3 percent of GDP, Cho emphasized that budget allocations must align with Taiwan’s financial capacity. Lee Wen-hsin, Lin Che-yuan and Jake Chung, Taipei Times, March 13
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan was the main laggard in OPEC+ oil pact in February, OPEC data shows. Kazakhstan accounted for more than half of OPEC+’s overall oil production rise in February, exceeding its pledged quota of 1.468 million barrels per day (bpd). The country produced 1.767 million bpd, up from 1.570 million in January, driven by increased output at the Chevron-led Tengiz oilfield. Despite commitments to cut production, Kazakhstan has consistently surpassed its limits. Olesya Astakhova and Vladimir Soldatkin, Reuters, March 12
Uzbekistan
Social networks in Uzbekistan buzzing with criticism of Chinese economic practices. Rising anti-Chinese sentiment in Uzbekistan has triggered a government media campaign to counter public concerns. Social media influencers have accused Chinese businesses of buying land and real estate, despite laws preventing foreign ownership. Viral posts claim China’s economic dominance threatens Uzbek sovereignty, fueled by a $13.8 billion trade imbalance and $3.8 billion in debt to Beijing. The government has dismissed these fears as misinformation and reaffirmed its strategic partnership with China. Eurasianet, March 12
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan explores English common law to boost investment appeal. Kyrgyzstan is considering adopting English common law principles to enhance investor protections and attract foreign capital. Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Akylbek Japarov met with British Ambassador Nicholas Bowler and legal experts to discuss establishing an independent arbitration mechanism. The initiative includes a special investment zone with a distinct legal framework. The UK has pledged to support the effort by sharing legal expertise. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, March 12