News
Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou planning to visit mainland China. Ma Ying-jeou, Taiwan's ex-president, will visit mainland China next month, aiming to bolster cross-strait relations. This 11-day trip includes visits to Guangdong, Shaanxi, and Beijing, focusing on youth exchanges and cultural connections. Amid rising cross-strait tensions, this visit, welcomed by Beijing, is reminiscent of Ma's spring 2023 trip to China, also accompanied by a delegation of young people for cultural and educational activities. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, March 25
Ex-officials of alleged Chinese police base in Tokyo not indicted. Tokyo prosecutors have decided not to indict two Chinese women linked to an organization described as a Chinese overseas police station. The women were previously referred to prosecutors for fraudulently claiming COVID-19 relief funds. The organization, established in 2018, aimed at fostering cooperation among overseas Chinese. This case highlights issues surrounding the global presence of Chinese covert police stations. Kyodo News, March 25
Vietnamese, DPRK senior party officials hold talks. Senior party officials from Vietnam and North Korea held discussions in Hanoi, reinforcing their countries' historical friendship and exploring ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. They agreed on the importance of regular exchanges to deepen understanding and develop relations in various fields, including cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Vietnam News, March 25
Rupee likely to recover slightly after fall to record low, all eyes on RBI. The Indian rupee is anticipated to open higher after reaching a record low, with attention on the Reserve Bank of India for potential market intervention. The currency's slight recovery is seen amidst broader movements in Asian currencies and pending U.S. inflation data, which could affect Federal Reserve rate decisions. Traders speculate on the RBI's actions to support the rupee, highlighting the critical period at the financial year's end. Jaspreet Kalra, Reuters, March 25
Yoon's approval rating falls for 4 weeks straight to 36.5 pct. President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol's approval rating has declined to 36.5%, marking a continuous drop over four weeks, according to Realmeter. This decrease comes ahead of the parliamentary elections, with his ruling People Power Party also seeing a slip in support. Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party's support has increased, leading in the polls. These developments occur amidst a challenging political landscape for Yoon and his party. Kang Jae-eun, Yonhap News Agency, March 25
Janet Yellen’s China plan: US Treasury Secretary to meet American firms in Guangzhou before officials in Beijing. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is set to visit Guangzhou to discuss issues directly with American businesses operating in China, then move to Beijing for formal talks with Chinese government officials. This initiative is part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between the US and China, amidst ongoing tensions related to trade policies, tariffs, and market access challenges. Kandy Wong, South China Morning Post, March 25
N. Korean official calls for boosting ties with China. North Korea emphasizes strengthening its relationship with China, marking the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. This push for closer connections was highlighted during meetings between North Korean and senior Chinese officials in Beijing. The discussions underscored mutual interests and the strategic leadership guiding their partnership. This diplomatic initiative is part of North Korea's broader engagement efforts, including future visits to Vietnam and Laos, as it resumes activities with ASEAN nations post-COVID-19 border closures. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, March 25
Beijing warns Philippines to ‘proceed with caution’ after latest South China Sea stand-off. Following a recent confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal, China's foreign vice-minister Chen Xiaodong warned the Philippines about the fragility of their bilateral relations, urging caution and negotiation. This stand-off led to diplomatic protests from both sides, with China demanding the Philippines pay serious attention to its concerns to maintain peace in the South China Sea. Cyril Ip, South China Morning Post, March 25
South China Sea incidents legitimate concern of international community - Japan. Japan has expressed concerns over incidents in the South China Sea, stating they are a legitimate interest of the international community, affecting regional peace and stability. This statement comes as 21 countries back the Philippines in addressing China's aggressive actions in the contested waters. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the direct connection of these issues to regional peace. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, March 25
Senior doctors in South Korea submit resignations, deepening dispute over medical school plan. Senior doctors at major South Korean hospitals have started submitting their resignations to support striking medical interns and residents. The junior doctors have been striking for five weeks against a government plan to significantly increase medical school admissions. Despite the resignations, senior doctors plan to continue working, with no immediate impact on hospital operations expected. The government and striking doctors are at a stalemate, with talks proposed to resolve the dispute. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, March 25
Long Form
How Does China Study Central Asia? Contrary to common Western assumptions about China's approach to Central Asia, Frank Maracchione's quantitative analysis reveals a nuanced engagement beyond economic interests. The study of over 10,000 Chinese publications indicates a diverse and in-depth examination of Central Asian affairs, challenging the notion that Chinese scholarship lacks local context. This complexity in Chinese academic circles suggests a sophisticated understanding of the region, displaying the need for Western policymakers and scholars to reconsider their perceptions of China's regional studies. Catherine Putz, The Diplomat, March 26
As West Draws Closer to Vietnam, Hanoi Gets More Like Beijing. The West's deepening ties with Vietnam, particularly in the wake of geopolitical tensions with China, might unintentionally encourage Vietnam to adopt more repressive policies reminiscent of Beijing. As Vietnam's importance grows on the international stage, Western nations, including the United States, have largely overlooked Hanoi's crackdown on civil liberties to secure its alliance against China. This pragmatic approach risks endorsing a governance model in Vietnam that aligns more closely with China's, despite the West's efforts to support free societies in Asia. Dien Luong, Nikkei Asia, March 26
Japan Approves Export of Cutting-Edge Fighter Jets: 3 Things to Know. The Japanese government has revised its defense equipment transfer guidelines to permit the export of advanced fighter jets co-developed with the UK and Italy under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This change aligns with Japan's strategic aspirations for the aircraft and represents a significant policy shift, enabling deeper defense collaboration with European partners. This move not only underscores Japan's evolving defense export policies but also signals a pivot in regional security considerations, strengthening international defense ties and technological exchange. Ryo Nemoto, Nikkei Asia, March 26
Japan Sails Close to Offshore Wind Snags as Fisheries, Tech Challenges Lurk. Japan's ambitious offshore wind power plans face significant obstacles, with concerns over impacts on local fisheries and technical challenges looming large. The fate of these renewable energy projects hinges on an 800-kilometer cable needed to connect turbines off the northwest coast to the country's populous center, and the well-being of the Japanese sandfish, crucial to local fishing communities in Akita Prefecture. With plans to install around 160 turbines along 264 km of coastline, the project seeks to increase Japan's wind power capacity fivefold by 2030. However, negotiations with fishing cooperatives and concerns over seabed stability highlight the complex interplay between renewable energy development and environmental sustainability. Mitsuru Obe, Nikkei Asia, March 26
Australia’s Energy Transition Collides with Japan’s Energy Security. Australia and Japan face a pivotal moment in their bilateral relationship amid the global shift towards net-zero emissions by 2050. For years, Australia has been a crucial energy supplier to Japan, but as both nations navigate the energy transition, their economic partnership must undergo a transformation. A diplomatic spat highlighted tensions, with Japan expressing concerns over Australia's reliability as an energy supplier due to policy changes aimed at domestic market stabilization and emission reductions. This scenario underscores the need for a bi-national dialogue to reconcile Australia's energy transition goals with Japan’s energy security needs, suggesting the establishment of a bi-national body to foster cooperation and support mutual interests in this issue. Shiro Armstrong, East Asia Forum, March 26
The Ethics and Efficiency Dilemmas of Central Bank Digital Currencies. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are at the forefront of a significant shift in global financial systems, prompting a debate on their ethics and efficiency. With over 130 countries exploring CBDCs, concerns arise about the potential for excessive government control, privacy invasion, and the effectiveness of these digital currencies in addressing real-world problems. Despite these challenges, CBDCs like China's e-CNY and Cambodia's Bakong show promise in promoting financial inclusion and reducing reliance on the US dollar in international transactions. However, success may vary, with factors like internet connectivity and market demand playing critical roles. The balance between innovation and safeguarding individual freedoms remains central to the CBDC discourse. Sauradeep Bag, East Asia Forum, March 26
Is India’s Citizenship Amendment Act an Incitement to Anti-Indian Sentiment in South Asia? The Indian Parliament's passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019, allowing specific religious minorities from neighboring Muslim-majority countries citizenship, has ignited considerable controversy and sectarian violence within India. The issuance of the Citizenship Amendment Rules 2024 further intensifies debates around the CAA's implications for India's secular fabric and its relations with South Asian neighbors. Critics argue the act is biased against Muslims, potentially fueling anti-Indian sentiment in the region due to perceived discrimination. Concerns also extend to regional stability, cross-border migration dynamics, and the potential for increased radicalization. The CAA's focus on specific religious communities may strain diplomatic relations and deepen existing prejudices in South Asia, challenging India's role as a promoter of peace and stability. Rashid Askari, The Geopolitics, March 26
Jiang Xiaojuan Warns Against Overemphasizing Import Substitution. Jiang Xiaojuan, President of the China Society of Industrial Economics and Professor at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, cautions against China focusing too heavily on self-reliance through import substitution over global cooperation and opening up. Highlighting China's evolving role in international technology cooperation, Jiang advocates for a balanced approach that includes "market for technology," "technology for market," and "technology for technology" strategies. With examples like CATL's partnership with Ford, Jiang illustrates China's growing capability to negotiate technology exchange on the global stage. She stresses that despite challenges, including non-economic barriers and technology monopolies, China should not abandon its global integration efforts. Instead, it should continue to leverage reform and opening up as key drivers of economic growth, maintaining a balance between domestic innovation and international collaboration. Zichen Wang, Jiawen Zhang,
, March 26