Asia Daily: March 20, 2024
News
US House vote on TikTok ban suggests broader prism than just pro- or anti-China. The debate around the TikTok ban in the US House reveals complex viewpoints beyond mere China opposition or support. The diversity among dissenters highlights concerns over free speech, data privacy, and governmental overreach. This complexity indicates that future regulatory attempts on TikTok will encounter multifaceted challenges. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, March 19
EC petitions for dissolution of Move Forward Party. The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand has submitted a request to the Constitutional Court to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP), citing a breach of laws protecting the constitutional monarchy. This action follows a court ruling against the MFP's proposal to amend the lese majeste law. The court will decide on considering the petition in its upcoming Wednesday meeting. This case raises significant questions about political freedom and legal boundaries in Thailand. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, March 19
Doctors' group accuses health minister of power abuse. A doctors' association has lodged a complaint against Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong and a deputy for allegedly abusing power in a dispute over medical school enrollment quotas. The group criticizes the ministry's directives forcing interns and resident doctors back to work and prohibiting collective resignations amid protests against the quota increase, asserting these actions contravene constitutional rights. The government defends its stance as necessary for public health. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, March 19
North Korea leader Kim guides new solid-fuel engine for hypersonic missile, KCNA says. Kim Jong Un has directed the testing of a solid-fuel engine for an intermediate-range hypersonic missile, marking significant progress in North Korea's defense technology. This development was hailed as a major success at the Sohae satellite launch station, emphasizing its strategic importance in enhancing military capabilities amid growing security tensions. Jack Kim, Reuters, March 19
Kazakhstan: Ex-police officers convicted for Bloody January torture. Three former police officers in Kazakhstan were convicted for their roles in acts of torture following the January 2022 unrest, with sentences ranging from four to six years. This case highlights a broader investigation into police conduct during the nationwide protests known as Bloody January. Rights activists claim the number of law enforcement officials involved in torture is underreported, despite a series of trials addressing such abuses. Eurasianet, Eurasianet, March 19
Biden to host 3-way summit with Japan, Philippines on April 11. President Joe Biden is set to host a trilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington. This inaugural summit aims to bolster defense cooperation amid China's assertive actions in the South and East China Seas and around Taiwan. The meeting underscores deep historical ties, robust economic relations, commitment to democratic values, and a vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Takuya Karube, Kyodo News, March 19
Taiwan’s vice-president-elect Hsiao Bi-khim visits Czech Republic, sparking Beijing's criticism. Taiwan's vice-president-elect, Hsiao Bi-khim, has drawn Beijing's ire with her trip to the Czech Republic, following a visit to the US. Beijing insists on its "One China" policy, urging the Czech government to adhere to previous agreements recognizing Taiwan as part of China. Despite potential diplomatic friction, Hsiao's visit is part of Taiwan's efforts to foster stable international relations. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, March 19
China hits out at US ambassador Nicholas Burns for making negative comments ‘on multiple occasions’. Beijing criticized US Ambassador Nicholas Burns for negative remarks he made on several issues, including China's military and technological advances and Hong Kong's proposed security laws. China argues these comments are not in line with the positive engagement spirit agreed upon by leaders of both countries. This dispute underscores the ongoing tensions and disagreements between the US and China. Zhao Ziwen, South China Morning Post, March 19
DP hopes to win minimum majority of 151 seats in general elections. The Democratic Party (DP) of South Korea aims to secure at least 151 seats in the upcoming general elections, targeting the minimum majority in the 300-member National Assembly. This goal reflects the party's aspiration to emerge as the leading party despite the tight and unpredictable race. The DP anticipates winning approximately 130 to 140 seats through direct votes and at least 13 via proportional representation, emphasizing the importance of preventing the People Power Party from achieving a majority. Kang Jae-eun, Yonhap News Agency, March 19
Junta orders civilians to guard villages on Naypyitaw-Bago border. The Myanmar junta has begun appointing civilians as overnight security guards in villages along the Naypyitaw-Bago border, specifically in Lewe Township. This initiative, started in mid-February, involves around 20 villages and is supervised by local administrators under junta orders. Civilians selected for night guard duties are compensated between 3,000 and 7,000 kyat per shift, with the selection criteria requiring one person from every four to five households. Aung Zay, Myanmar Now, March 19
Japan vows to launch new dialogue on nuclear material ban treaty. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa announced a new initiative to negotiate a multinational treaty aimed at banning the production of fissile materials for weapons. This effort is in response to escalating military and nuclear threats from countries such as China, Russia, and North Korea. The dialogue, part of Japan's commitment to a nuclear-free world, will include various nuclear and non-nuclear states, highlighting the global division on nuclear disarmament and the urgency for practical steps towards peace. Kyodo News, Kyodo News, March 19
China in agenda as Blinken meets Marcos. In an upcoming meeting in Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will discuss the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea. This marks Blinken's second visit to Manila, following his initial visit in August 2022, and underscores the deepening diplomatic engagements between the U.S. and the Philippines amidst regional security concerns. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, March 19
Eswatini Prime Minister reaffirms ties during Tsai meet. Eswatini's Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, reiterated the strong diplomatic relationship spanning over fifty years, thanking Taiwan for its support and partnership. This encounter, Dlamini's inaugural visit to Taiwan as Prime Minister, included meetings with Taiwanese engineers involved in a key infrastructure endeavor in Eswatini, aiming to reinforce the bond between the two countries and support Taiwan's engagement in global environmental discussions. Joseph Yeh, The Taipei Times, March 19
Long Form
Cambodia’s Unique Islamic Sect Fights to Resist Assimilation. In the rural heartlands of Cambodia, the Kan Imam San sect of Islam, practiced by a small, dedicated community of ethnic Chams, stands as a testament to religious and cultural perseverance. Distinct from mainstream Sunni Islam, Kan Imam San followers engage in unique practices, such as praying only on Fridays and possessing their own scriptures and writing systems, diverging from traditional Islamic rituals including some Halal rules. Despite facing pressure to assimilate into Sunni Islam, which promises a better life, the community clings to its ancestral faith, reflecting a broader narrative of preserving identity amidst modern pressures of conformity. This sect's commitment to their form of Islam showcases the complexity and diversity of religious practice and the enduring desire to maintain tradition in a rapidly changing world. Daniel Zak, Chantara Tith, The Diplomat, March 20
Back to Engagement: China’s Escort Task Force Naval Diplomacy Post-COVID. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has resumed its naval diplomacy efforts with the conduct of the Sea Security Belt exercise alongside Russian and Iranian naval forces. This recent operation, aimed at enhancing maritime security through coordinated training, saw significant participation from the PLAN's 45th Escort Task Force. The exercise, which included the successful simulated freeing of a captured civilian vessel, marks a significant step in China’s post-COVID foreign policy endeavors. The increased presence and engagement of the PLAN's Escort Task Forces in such exercises underscore Beijing's commitment to strengthening naval diplomacy and asserting its maritime capabilities on the international stage. Andrew Orchard, The Diplomat, March 20
From Grab to GoTo: Southeast Asia's Startups Weather Funding Winter. Startups across Southeast Asia are navigating a challenging investment landscape post-pandemic, with a notable dip in tech funding following substantial investments from SoftBank Group's Vision Fund. Despite Grab Holdings' recent achievement of its first quarterly net profit and a significant stock buyback plan, investor sentiment remains cautious, reflecting broader market uncertainties. The sharp decline in Southeast Asia's startup investment, echoing global trends of reduced venture financing, underscores the region's vulnerability amidst a "startup winter." The industry's future hinges on adapting to this new normal, emphasizing sustainable growth and profitability over aggressive expansion, amid evolving investor expectations and the critical need for differentiation in a competitive market. Akito Tanaka and Tsubasa Suruga, Nikkei Asia, March 20
Hong Kong's Loss Can Be Tokyo's Gain if It Plays Its Cards Right. As Hong Kong's political and economic landscape shifts, with its autonomy and press freedom deteriorating, Tokyo has the potential to attract wealthy Chinese investors looking for new financial hubs. Singapore has already seen an influx of China's entrepreneurs, but Japan's cultural appeal and shorter distance from major Chinese cities make it a strong contender. However, Tokyo needs to address challenges such as service diversity, high taxation, and bureaucracy to truly capitalize on this opportunity. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's recent policies aimed at stimulating Japan's asset management industry signify a move in the right direction, but further efforts are necessary to match the financial and legal infrastructure that made Hong Kong a global financial center. Benjamin Qiu and Sam Goodman, Nikkei Asia, March 20
Vietnam’s Struggle with Cyber Security. Despite Vietnam's active engagement in international operations and its large internet user base, it has faced increasing vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Notable incidents include attacks on Vietnamese vessels by Chinese ships, cyber warfare between Chinese and Vietnamese hackers, and breaches by Chinese hacker groups like '1973cn' and 'Mustang Panda'. In response, Vietnam has ramped up its cybersecurity efforts, creating specialized commands and departments, enhancing public awareness, and establishing laws and strategies to protect its cyberspace. These measures aim to safeguard national secrets and counter foreign espionage, reflecting Vietnam's commitment to national security amid rising cyber threats. Viet Dung Trinh, East Asia Forum, March 20