Asia Daily: March 3, 2025

China

China and U.S. need to cooperate on AI or risk ‘opening Pandora’s box,’ ambassador warns. China’s ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, has urged greater cooperation on artificial intelligence, warning that unchecked development could lead to significant global risks. Speaking at a forum co-hosted by Duke University and the University of North Carolina, Xie called for joint AI governance to prevent economic and security threats. His remarks follow recent U.S. restrictions on China’s AI sector and escalating trade tensions. Zhao Ziwen, South China Morning Post, March 2

Beijing says Philippines is polluting South China Sea by burning waste. China has accused the Philippines of environmental damage after releasing footage allegedly showing Filipino troops burning waste on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing claims the decades-old BRP Sierra Madre warship, grounded on the reef, is leaking pollutants and destroying marine life. Manila has dismissed the allegations as misinformation aimed at diverting attention from China’s own environmental violations. Enoch Wong, South China Morning Post, March 2

Rising tensions: Expect more of our warships, China tells Australia. China has warned Australia to expect increased naval deployments after conducting live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea last month. Australian and New Zealand leaders criticized Beijing for failing to provide adequate notice, while China dismissed concerns as exaggerated. Chinese envoy Xiao Qian defended the operations, calling them routine, and refused to apologize for the drills, which disrupted commercial flights. Christine Rovoi, Pacific Media Network, March 3

Japan

Over 80% support death penalty in Japan: gov't survey. A government survey conducted in late 2024 found that 83.1% of Japanese respondents support the death penalty, citing justice for victims and deterrence of violent crime. Meanwhile, support for abolition rose to a record 16.5%, with many citing wrongful convictions as a key concern. The poll, conducted every five years, surveyed 3,000 people, with 1,815 valid responses. Kyodo News, March 2

Japan MSDF destroyer sailed Taiwan Strait in Feb., 1st since Sept. A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer, Akizuki, transited the Taiwan Strait in early February after participating in a joint drill with U.S., Australian, and Philippine forces in the South China Sea. The passage challenges China’s growing military presence in the region. It was Japan’s first such transit since September, when the MSDF destroyer Sazanami sailed the strait alongside Australian and New Zealand vessels. Kyodo News, March 1

South Korea

Deepening divide over Yoon's impeachment spreads to universities. The impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has sparked campus protests, with clashes erupting between pro- and anti-Yoon groups at major universities, including Ewha Womans University and Seoul National University. Pro-Yoon demonstrators claim the impeachment is unjust, while opponents argue it was necessary to uphold democracy. Experts warn that political tensions on campuses could escalate, with concerns over external activists influencing student protests. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, March 3

Malaysia's ex-PM Ismail declares wealth to anti-graft agency amid seizure of assets. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has declared his assets to authorities amid a corruption probe into his administration’s public spending. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the alleged mismanagement of $157 million in government publicity funds. Officials have seized nearly $40 million in assets, including cash and gold bars. Ismail Sabri may face further questioning as the probe continues. Danial Azhar, Reuters, March 2

U.S. aircraft carrier enters South Korean port as show of force. The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson arrived in Busan, South Korea, on Sunday in a demonstration of military strength and commitment to extended deterrence against North Korea. The nuclear-powered vessel, part of Carrier Strike Group 1, was accompanied by the USS Princeton and USS Sterett. The visit follows North Korea’s recent missile tests and nuclear readiness directives. Hyunsu Yim, Reuters, March 2

North Korea

North Korean senior official met Russian President Putin, KCNA says. Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Moscow with Ri Hi Yong, a senior North Korean official and Politburo member, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. Putin praised North Korea’s support for Russia and highlighted their evolving comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries signed a mutual defense treaty signed last year, which includes provisions for military assistance. Heekyong Yang and Josh Smith, Reuters, March 1

N. Korea's Mount Paektu to be designated as UNESCO Global Geopark. The North Korean side of Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the border with China, is set to receive UNESCO Global Geopark status next month. UNESCO’s executive board will review 16 sites for designation in April, with approval considered highly likely. The Chinese side of the mountain was designated a Geopark in 2024. Mount Paektu is known for its volcanic heritage, glacial geography, and potential for future eruptions. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, March 2

Thailand

Most Thais unhappy with government and PM’s work: poll. A poll by the National Institute of Development Administration found that a majority of Thais are dissatisfied with the performance of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her government. While 44.58% expressed dissatisfaction, only 32.60% said they were satisfied. Confidence in the government’s ability to solve national issues was also low, with 62.67% lacking confidence. The survey, conducted from Feb. 24 to 26, sampled 1,310 respondents nationwide. Bangkok Post, March 2

U.S. issues Thailand security alert after Uyghur deportations. The United States has warned its citizens in Thailand of possible retaliatory attacks following Bangkok’s deportation of at least 40 Uyghurs to China. The deportees, who had spent years in Thai detention, were sent to Xinjiang, drawing international condemnation. U.S. officials cited the 2015 Bangkok shrine bombing, which followed a similar deportation. Thailand defended its decision, insisting China assured humane treatment for the Uyghurs. China Global South Project, March 2

Myanmar

Min Aung Hlaing to visit Russia. Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has accepted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin for an official visit to Moscow. The trip will include meetings with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and other top officials, with agreements expected in trade, security, and nuclear energy. The visit follows growing cooperation between Russia and Myanmar’s regime, which has backed Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and relies on Russia as a key arms supplier. The Irrawaddy, The Irrawaddy, March 1

Arakan Army renews attacks on Kyaukphyu naval base. The Arakan Army (AA) has resumed its offensive on Myanmar’s Kyaukphyu naval base in Rakhine State, targeting junta positions near Chinese-backed infrastructure projects. Airstrikes and artillery exchanges have displaced residents from at least 10 villages. The clashes follow Myanmar’s approval of a law allowing Chinese security firms to operate in the country to protect Belt and Road Initiative projects. The AA also continues attacks on Sittwe, the state capital. Hein Htoo Zan, The Irrawaddy, March 1

Vietnam

Vietnam PM pledges quick licensing for Musk's Starlink, more imports. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced plans to fast-track licensing for Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service under a pilot program. Speaking to U.S. businesses in Hanoi, Chinh also pledged to address Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. by increasing imports of aircraft, liquefied natural gas, and agricultural products. Francesco Guarascio and Khanh Vu, Reuters, March 1

Vietnam prepares plans to merge provincial administrative units, eliminate district level. The Communist Party of Vietnam has ordered the government to submit proposals by April 7 on merging provinces and abolishing district-level authorities to streamline governance. The plan includes restructuring local administration, courts, and public agencies while amending laws to align with the changes. District-level police have already been eliminated as part of the reform. Vietnam News, March 2

Philippines

Marcos to clean up 'Duterte's mess.' Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has pledged to address financial crimes and regulatory failures attributed to the Duterte administration. Marcos’ spokesperson cited the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list as proof of progress in tackling money laundering and terrorism financing. The administration has implemented stricter oversight of gambling operations and financial transactions to prevent future infractions. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, March 2

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan and Morocco strengthen bilateral ties during historic visit. Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu met with Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat, marking the first official visit between the two nations. Talks focused on boosting trade, investment, and cooperation in energy, agriculture, and digital technology. Bilateral trade rose 70% last year to $274 million, and a new visa-free regime is set to enhance business and tourism. Both sides also discussed food security and cultural exchange initiatives. Aida Haidar, The Astana Times, March 1

Taiwan

Taiwan-U.S. cooperation promotion to continue. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the United States across trade, investment, education, and security. The U.S. remains Taiwan’s top agricultural trade partner and preferred destination for foreign direct investment, with Taiwanese investments in the U.S. reaching a record $14.12 billion last year. Officials aim to deepen partnerships under President Donald Trump’s administration, countering China's influence at the state level. Huang Ching-hsuang, Taipei Times, March 3

East Asia

China’s Naval Growth Goes Vertical. China's rapidly expanding naval fleet, now the world's largest by number, recently showed its strength near Australia. The flotilla included a Type-055 Renhai-class destroyer, a Type-054A Jiangkai II-class frigate, a replenishment vessel, and possibly a Shang-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. Collectively, the Renhai and Jiangkai II ships possess 152 vertical launch system (VLS) missile cells, while the entire Royal Australian Navy's surface fleet has 200 VLS cells. Projections indicate that by 2035, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) could field approximately 9,000 VLS cells, matching the current capacity of the U.S. Navy. This growth underscores the importance of understanding China's military build-up to have informed discussions on Australia's strategic responses. David Vallance, Lowy Institute, March 2.

The Future of South Korea's Nuclear Exports: The Czech Deal in Focus. In July 2024, the Czech Republic selected South Korea's state-run utility, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), as the preferred bidder for constructing three nuclear reactor units at Dukovany and Temelín, valued at approximately $17.3 billion. This marks South Korea's inaugural nuclear power plant venture in Europe, following its success with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE. The project aligns with the Czech Republic's strategy to phase out coal by 2033. The final agreement is anticipated by March 2025, signaling a change in the global energy landscape and strengthening South Korea's position in the European nuclear market. Yeonsu Lee, The Diplomat, March 1

Southeast Asia

Fixing the Fractures in ASEAN’s Digital Health Services. ASEAN’s digital health sector is rapidly advancing, with platforms like Indonesia’s SATUSEHAT, Thailand’s Mor Prom, and Singapore’s HealthHub improving healthcare access and integration. However, challenges such as interoperability, cybersecurity, and trust hinder progress toward a seamless regional healthcare system. Most ASEAN countries lack standardized data-sharing protocols, complicating cross-border patient care. The EU’s eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure offers a model for ASEAN’s Digital Health Framework, which aims to establish regional standards for electronic health records. Strengthening cybersecurity measures, improving data encryption, and creating secure data-sharing initiatives are crucial steps forward. Public skepticism toward digital health, particularly in rural areas, remains a barrier, exacerbated by inconsistent service quality and privacy concerns. Public awareness campaigns, transparent data policies, and patient-centric platform designs can improve adoption. ASEAN must adopt a balanced approach to regulation, ensuring both data protection and innovation. Aligning with international best practices while tailoring policies to regional needs will be key in building a robust, integrated digital healthcare system. Selma Fitri Ayuanshari, East Asia Forum, March 1

Prabowo Should Take Heed of Discontent Among Indonesian Youth. Recent developments indicate growing dissatisfaction among Indonesian youth, exemplified by the "Dark Indonesia" (#IndonesiaGelap) protests and the trending hashtag #KaburAjaDulu ("just flee first"). Students have criticized President Prabowo Subianto's budget cuts, particularly those affecting education and public services, implemented to fund initiatives like the free nutritious meal program. This discontent aligns with findings from a recent survey by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, revealing Indonesian youth as the most pessimistic about their political system among Southeast Asian peers. Despite Prabowo's high approval ratings, it's crucial for the government to address these concerns to prevent further unrest and potential escalation. Iim Halimatusa’diyah and Norshahril Saat, Fulcrum, March 3.​

Central Asia

To Russia With Waning Love: Changing Migration Dynamics in Central Asia. For decades, labor migration has significantly influenced both Russia and Central Asia, with millions from countries like Tajikistan seeking employment opportunities in Russia due to limited prospects at home. This migration has alleviated economic pressures in Central Asia and supplied Russia with essential labor, particularly in sectors such as construction and services. However, recent developments indicate a change in this dynamic. Russia's increasingly stringent policies toward migrant workers, especially from Tajikistan, have led to heightened hostility, increased deportations, and reduced remittances, which are vital to Tajikistan's economy. This not only threatens the economic stability of Central Asian nations but also poses potential security risks, as unemployed youth may become susceptible to extremist influences. The evolving migration patterns demonstrate the need for both regions to reassess and adapt to these changing circumstances. Sher Khashimov, The Diplomat, March 1

Trump's 'Maximum Pressure' on Iran Complicates Central Asian Export Routes. On February 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump reimposed the "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, targeting its economic sectors, including oil exports and port operations. This threatens the development of Iran's Chabahar port, a strategic hub for regional trade. India, having invested significantly in Chabahar to access markets in Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan, faces potential setbacks. Central Asian nations like Uzbekistan, which rely on Chabahar for trade routes to the Indian Ocean, may need to seek alternatives. Afghanistan, amid tensions with Pakistan, also utilizes Chabahar for maritime access. If U.S. sanctions impede Chabahar's operations, reliance on Pakistan's ports would increase, potentially enhancing the geopolitical significance of China's Belt and Road Initiative through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Nargiza Umarova, The Diplomat, February 28.

Oceania

New Caledonia: A Small Step Forward. France’s Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, successfully facilitated discussions in New Caledonia involving all local political parties for the first time in four years, despite initial tensions with loyalist demonstrators. The outcome was a “synthesis paper” outlining key governance issues and various contested proposals, though no agreements were reached. Central debates include another self-determination vote, voter eligibility, governance structure, fiscal distribution, and New Caledonia’s relationship with France. Notably, hardline independence leaders, who had previously refused to participate in talks with loyalists, joined the discussions. While differences remain vast, ongoing dialogue is seen as a positive step. The territory’s future holds strategic significance for regional actors, including Australia, particularly given geopolitical tensions and China’s expanding influence in the Pacific. Valls plans to return to Noumea later this month to continue negotiations, though any formal resolution is expected to take time. Denise Fisher, Lowy Institute, March 2

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