Asia Daily: March 28, 2025
China
Top member of Chinese military anti-corruption unit may be caught up in graft probe. Lieutenant General Tang Yong, deputy head of the PLA’s anti-corruption unit, was removed from China’s top political advisory body, typically a sign of suspicion. Though no formal charges were announced, the move aligns with a wider military corruption crackdown under Xi Jinping. Tang’s dismissal follows recent purges of other top officials, including two former defense ministers. His last public appearance was in March 2024. Sylvie Zhuang, South China Morning Post, March 27
France’s foreign minister is in China to discuss Ukraine and trade issues. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot met with Chinese officials to address Russia’s war in Ukraine and trade imbalances. He urged multilateralism and strategic autonomy, while Chinese leaders warned against isolation and praised bilateral cooperation. Barrot’s trip precedes a French-led meeting on Ukraine peacekeeping. AP News, March 27
China doubles down on austerity, but not with a Trump-style Doge approach. China is intensifying its austerity campaign to curb wasteful spending, guided by Xi Jinping’s eight-point code of conduct to target local officials misusing funds. The campaign aims to safeguard funds from newly issued government bonds amid rising debt and to fulfill the 14th five-year plan. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, March 27
Japan
Japan demands exemption from U.S. auto tariffs. Japan has formally requested an exemption from the United States’ 25% auto import tariff, calling the measure “extremely regrettable.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba instructed ministers to coordinate a response. Despite high-level appeals, including from Industry Minister Yoji Muto, Tokyo’s efforts have so far failed. The tariff, set to take effect April 3, threatens major disruption to Japan’s auto exports and global supply chains. Kyodo News, March 27
Ishiba to visit Philippines to strengthen 'quasi-alliance'. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit the Philippines in late April or early May to reinforce Japan’s growing security ties with Manila amid tensions with China. The visit follows recent high-level exchanges and aims to highlight Japan’s commitment through its Official Security Assistance program. Ishiba also seeks to reassure the U.S. of trilateral cooperation amid concerns about President Trump’s more unilateral foreign policy. Shino Matsuyama and Taro Kotegawa, The Asahi Shimbun, March 27
Brazilian leader’s Tokyo visit lifts ties to new heights. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva concluded a four-day state visit to Japan with a five-year action plan covering defense, trade, green energy, and climate cooperation. Lula and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signed 10 intergovernmental deals and 80 memorandums. Lula urged Japan to invest more and criticized U.S. tariffs on cars. Tokyo pledged $8.6 billion in new investments and support for Amazon deforestation efforts. Gabriel Dominguez and Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times, March 27
South Korea
Prosecution appeals main opposition chief’s acquittal to Supreme Court. South Korean prosecutors appealed the Seoul High Court’s acquittal of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung to the Supreme Court. Lee had faced a suspended prison sentence for lying during the 2022 presidential campaign but was cleared this week. A conviction would have cost him his parliamentary seat and future candidacy. Lee remains a leading liberal contender should President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment be upheld. Chang Dong-woo, Yonhap News Agency, March 27
S. Korea–U.S. alliance is in ‘quiet crisis’: U.S. expert. Victor Cha of CSIS warned that the South Korea–U.S. alliance faces a “quiet crisis,” citing political instability in Seoul, lack of high-level engagement, and South Korea’s inclusion on the U.S. DOE’s sensitive countries list. He also noted Defense Secretary Hegseth’s decision to skip Korea and predicted renewed pressure for strategic flexibility and higher U.S. troop cost-sharing. Trump’s defense policy picks may accelerate these shifts. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, March 28
North Korea
North Korea sent 3,000 more troops to Russia, according to South’s assessment. South Korea’s military reported that North Korea deployed an additional 3,000 troops to Russia in early 2025, bringing the total to around 11,000. North Korea has also supplied missiles, howitzers, and rocket launchers. About 4,000 North Korean soldiers are believed killed or wounded. Intelligence suggests the troops are gaining combat experience despite high casualties. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, March 27
Putin cites N. Korea among Russia’s potential partners to settle Ukraine war: report. Russian President Vladimir Putin named North Korea as a potential partner in resolving the Ukraine conflict, alongside BRICS members such as China, India, and Brazil. Speaking in Murmansk, Putin said he welcomes any cooperative efforts to end the war. His comments follow North Korea’s troop deployments to aid Russia. Moscow is also preparing for Kim Jong-un’s expected visit later this year. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, March 28
Thailand
People’s Party to probe Rayong MP’s claim of bribery for vote of confidence. The People’s Party launched an internal investigation after MP Krit Silapachai claimed he was offered 20 million baht and a ministerial post to support Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in a no-confidence vote. Krit posted alleged Line messages and detailed escalating offers linked to a minor party facing dissolution. Deputy leader Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn urged caution, saying the claims must be verified before naming any political actors. The Nation, March 27
Vote-buying claim preposterous: DPM. Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong rejected an opposition MP’s allegation that he was offered 10 million baht to support Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in the no-confidence vote. Prasert said the government had no need to seek extra votes, having more than 300 MPs. He dismissed the claim by Krit Silapachai as groundless and criticized speculation that opposition MPs voted for the PM to join the coalition. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, March 28
Vietnam
President Luong Cuong hosts official welcome ceremony for Brazilian counterpart Lula. Vietnamese President Luong Cuong welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Hanoi, marking Lula’s second visit and the first state-level visit by a foreign leader to Vietnam in 2025. The two nations aim to raise bilateral trade from $7.98 billion in 2024 to $15 billion by 2030. Talks and agreement signings followed the ceremony. Vietnam News, Vietnam News, March 28
Myanmar
Myanmar junta preparing for December election, top general says. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing announced plans to hold a multi-party election in December and pledged to transfer power to the winning party. Speaking at Armed Forces Day, he called on armed opposition groups to abandon violence and pursue dialogue. Critics say the vote will be a sham, with dozens of parties banned and civil war ongoing. ASEAN members have urged the junta to prioritize peace. Shoon Naing, Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, March 27
Suspension of VOA, RFA Burmese services deepens information void in Myanmar. The U.S. government suspended the Burmese-language operations of Voice of America and Radio Free Asia due to budget cuts ordered by President Donald Trump, leaving millions in Myanmar without reliable news. The move hinders access in regions with internet blackouts and strengthens the junta’s disinformation efforts. Media observers and journalists warned it enables authoritarian regimes to further suppress uncensored reporting. The Irrawaddy, March 27
Philippines
U.S. defense chief reaffirms ironclad commitment to PH amid threats from Communist Chinese. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s “ironclad” support for the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines during talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila. Hegseth said President Trump remained fully committed to the alliance, citing shared economic and military goals. He warned of threats from China in the South China Sea and emphasized deterrence through strength. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, March 28
Chided by VP Duterte, AFP stresses rule vs political partisanship. The Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed its constitutional duty to remain apolitical after Vice President Sara Duterte criticized its silence over the arrest of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. The AFP stated its role is to uphold democracy and due process, not intervene in politics. Meanwhile, a Catholic bishop urged overseas Filipino workers to reject a proposed remittance boycott, warning it would harm families and the economy. Dexter Cabalza and Nestor Corrales, Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 28
Palace to China: ‘PH is no one’s chess piece’. The Philippines rejected China’s claim that U.S. defense engagements threaten regional peace, with a Palace official asserting the country’s sovereignty. Undersecretary Claire Castro said defense cooperation with other nations is a sovereign right and criticized Beijing for undermining regional stability. Her remarks responded to China’s warning against hosting U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who will meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his March 28–29 visit. Luisa Cabato, Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 28
Indonesia
Indonesia asks China to help fund giant sea wall project. Senior minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono asked Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang for financial and technical support on Indonesia’s 700-kilometer Giant Sea Wall project. Designated a strategic priority by President Prabowo, the project aims to protect Jakarta from flooding. Discussions build on prior talks between Prabowo and Xi Jinping. China, Indonesia’s third-largest investor in 2024, may fund the wall under its Belt and Road Initiative. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, March 27
Singapore
Election is about Singaporeans recognising much is at stake in this new environment: PM Wong. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the upcoming election is critical for Singapore’s future amid global uncertainty, urging voters to support his leadership and the PAP’s renewal. Speaking after his Vietnam visit, Wong cited geopolitical shifts and economic challenges, stressing the need for unity and leadership renewal. He also discussed efforts to recruit new candidates, especially from the private sector, and highlighted ASEAN cooperation as key to regional resilience. Alyssa Woo, The Straits Times, March 27
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan cracks down on crimes against children and women. Kazakhstan enacted strict new laws in 2024 to combat sexual violence against minors, introducing life sentences for the rape or murder of children and removing lenient sentencing options. Over two dozen life terms have already been issued. The legislation also supports prevention and victim assistance, with 112 family support centers now active and more planned. Nearly 900 such crimes are reported annually, with the highest cases in southern regions. Aliya Haidar, The Times of Central Asia, March 27
Kazakh-Chinese strategic partnership on rise, says President Tokayev. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan’s strategic partnership with China is strengthening ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit for the Central Asia–China Summit in June. During talks with Chinese official Liu Jianchao, Tokayev reiterated support for the One China Policy and China’s global initiatives. Officials discussed expanding cooperation in trade, logistics, energy, and AI. Bilateral trade reached a record $43.8 billion in 2024, with 224 joint projects valued at $66.4 billion. Saniya Sakenova, The Astana Times, March 27
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Qatar to open professional skills center in Namangan. Uzbekistan and Qatar signed a memorandum to establish a professional skills center in Namangan, aimed at training youth in engineering, healthcare, and welding. The center, operated with Qatar’s University of Doha for Science and Technology, will use English-language curricula and award internationally recognized certificates. The project targets unemployed youth in the Fergana Valley and supports Uzbekistan’s goals to reduce poverty, boost labor migration systems, and prepare workers for foreign investment projects. Kun Uz, March 27
Shavkat Mirziyoyev meets with European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with EU Vice President Kaja Kallas to discuss preparations for the Central Asia–EU summit in Samarkand and expand cooperation. Talks focused on trade, green energy, digitalization, and the Trans-Caspian corridor. They reviewed progress on Uzbekistan’s Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU and its WTO accession. Both sides emphasized regional stability and joint project implementation. Uzbekistan Daily, March 27
Tajikistan
Tajik foreign minister holds a number of bilateral meetings in Ashgabat. Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin held talks with his Turkmen counterpart Rashid Meredow and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during the 20th EU–Central Asia Ministerial in Ashgabat. Discussions focused on strategic cooperation, including green energy, digital connectivity, agriculture, and hydropower. The parties reviewed progress on high-level agreements and explored new steps to strengthen border security and mutual development. Asia-Plus, March 27
Turkmenistan
EU and Central Asian top diplomats meet in Ashgabat. Senior diplomats from the EU and five Central Asian nations met in Ashgabat for the 20th ministerial to discuss multilateral cooperation and preparations for the upcoming Samarkand summit. Chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, talks covered climate change, energy, education, water management, and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The meeting also reviewed progress under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. Business Turkmenistan, March 27
Northeast Asia
How far can Canberra and Seoul’s partnership stretch? Australia and South Korea have maintained strong defense ties since the Korean War, evolving into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. Joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts to monitor North Korean sanctions violations demonstrate their deepening cooperation. However, strategic divergence poses a challenge: while South Korea prioritizes the North Korean threat, Australia is more focused on China, regional instability, and the Taiwan Strait. Despite common values and shared interests in Indo-Pacific security, aligning their priorities remains difficult. The Yoon administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy and outreach to Japan signal Seoul’s intent to broaden its regional role, yet potential tensions with Beijing and domestic politics could limit such expansion. Future cooperation may depend on Seoul’s willingness to participate in regional military initiatives beyond the peninsula. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy under a potential Trump return adds another layer of unpredictability to the trajectory of the partnership. Gabriela Bernal, Lowy Institute, March 26
Chinese Banks Are Told to Expand Consumer Lending. Chinese financial regulators have instructed major banks to boost consumer lending in an effort to stimulate domestic demand amid weakening economic momentum. The directive follows disappointing retail sales and sluggish consumption despite earlier stimulus efforts. Authorities are encouraging banks to provide more personal loans, credit card lending, and auto financing, while also reducing interest rates and loosening credit standards. The move reflects growing concern over China’s uneven post-pandemic recovery, with weak consumer confidence and a troubled property sector weighing heavily on growth. However, expanded lending alone may be insufficient without broader measures to restore household income and confidence. Michael Pettis, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, March 27
Southeast Asia
Chipping away at controls: Singapore’s challenge with China-linked companies. Suspicions of illegal acquisition of Nvidia chips by Chinese actors in Singapore emerged after the AI start-up DeepSeek made headlines with a low-cost system rivaling OpenAI’s offerings. Singaporean authorities charged individuals in a fraud case potentially involving diverted high-end chips. While Nvidia denied shipments passed through Singapore, the case exposed difficulties in monitoring trade in an open economy. Singapore accounts for 18% of Nvidia’s revenue despite handling under 2% of physical shipments, showing gaps between financial and trade flows. China-linked entities may use “Singapore-washing” to mask transactions via subsidiaries or shell companies. Strong corporate secrecy laws and offshore registrations in tax havens further complicate tracking. Though Singapore tightened laws in 2022 and acknowledged regulatory gaps, financial intermediaries still enable the covert movement of restricted goods. A 2023 money laundering bust involving Chinese nationals further shows risks of abuse within the system. Alvin Camba, Lowy Institute, March 26
US corporations and the politics of compliance in Southeast Asia. President Donald Trump's executive order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) threatens to weaken longstanding anti-corruption efforts in Southeast Asia. Since its enactment in 1977, the FCPA has reshaped how US companies operate abroad, embedding compliance norms and spurring the development of legal and advisory networks. Southeast Asian nations, once heavily reliant on US investment, adopted administrative reforms and streamlined permitting systems to attract FCPA-compliant firms. However, these measures often protected foreign investors without catalyzing broader institutional reforms. With China’s rise as an alternative investor, offering fewer compliance constraints, regional governments may shift their preferences. Chinese firms, such as Tsingshan Holding Group, navigate Southeast Asian markets with more political flexibility, bypassing the restrictions that US companies face. Trump’s claim that the FCPA hampers US competitiveness in strategic sectors reflects his transactional view of international business. Yet, the potential rollback of FCPA enforcement could erode a core pillar of US corporate governance abroad, particularly in a region where compliance has been instrumental but contingent on economic incentives. Ahmad Syarif, East Asia Forum, March 28
Why Theravāda Buddhist Nations Struggle with Democracy. Despite adopting democratic frameworks, Theravāda Buddhist-majority countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka have experienced persistent democratic instability. Historical patterns reveal that even during periods of electoral governance, strong authoritarian tendencies have persisted, often justified through Buddhist doctrinal interpretations. The emphasis on hierarchical social order, karmic justification of leadership, and the ideal of a righteous ruler (dhammaraja) reinforces deference to authority and weakens democratic accountability. Monastic institutions, instead of serving as checks on power, frequently align with state interests, lending religious legitimacy to undemocratic regimes. These nations also exhibit a pattern where majoritarian nationalism—often tied to ethnic identity—undermines pluralism and civic equality. Buddhist nationalism has been weaponized against minorities, creating exclusionary politics and fostering conditions where democracy is reduced to electoral formalism rather than substantive representation. The moral authority of the sangha, intertwined with state power, complicates reform efforts, as challenges to political authority can be portrayed as challenges to religious order. Consequently, these deeply embedded cultural and religious norms present significant barriers to democratization and institutional accountability in Theravāda societies. Duncan McCargo, Fulcrum, March 27