Asia Daily: March 6, 2024
News
Philippine and Chinese vessels collide in disputed South China Sea and 4 Filipino crew are injured. Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels collided in the South China Sea, injuring four Filipino crew members. The incident occurred as Southeast Asian leaders convened for a summit. Philippine officials reported dangerous maneuvers by Chinese ships, while China accused the Philippine vessels of illegal intrusion. The confrontation led to minor collisions and water cannon use, causing injuries and diplomatic protests. Jim Gomez, AP News, March 5
Russia says it is considering putting a nuclear power plant on the moon with China. Russia and China are exploring a joint venture to establish a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2033-2035, as announced by Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov. This ambitious plan aims to support future lunar settlements, addressing the limitation of solar power in space by utilizing nuclear energy. Additionally, Russia is developing a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship for orbit transfers and space debris collection. These developments signify a significant advancement in lunar exploration and utilization. Reuters, March 5
Japan PM Kishida to address U.S. Congress on April 11. Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan is set to address the U.S. Congress on April 11, making him the first Japanese leader to do so in nine years. This event is a significant gesture underscoring the deep ties and shared strategic interests between Japan and the United States. Kishida's address is expected to highlight cooperation on various fronts, including security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit aligns with Japan's efforts to strengthen its alliance with the U.S. amidst concerns over regional stability and security. Kyodo News, March 5
S. Korean, Indian officials agree to boost cooperation in defense, technologies. South Korea and India have pledged to enhance their cooperation in defense, supply chains, and critical technologies. This agreement was reached during a meeting between National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin and Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, marking a step forward in the strategic partnership of the two nations. They aim to contribute jointly to regional peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, March 5
Việt Nam, Australia build practical, future-oriented relations. Việt Nam and Australia are strengthening their relations, focusing on practical and future-oriented cooperation. This development occurred during a meeting between Foreign Ministers Bùi Thanh Sơn and Penny Wong at the ASEAN - Australia Special Summit. The discussion underscored enhancing strategic communication, defense, supply chains, and technology collaboration. Vietnam News, March 5
Google relists Indian apps in U-turn after government criticism. Google has decided to restore Indian apps it had previously removed due to a billing dispute, following criticisms from the Indian government and local startups. This change comes after discussions between Google India's head and the IT minister, reflecting a compromise amidst ongoing legal challenges against Google's in-app payment fees. The move signals a potential shift towards resolving tensions between Google and Indian tech companies over digital payment policies. Aditya Kalra and Munsif Vengattil, Reuters, March 5
DFA summons Chinese embassy deputy chief over Ayungin Shoal row.The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, Zhou Zhiyong, to discuss recent incidents involving the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The summons is part of the Philippines' diplomatic response to actions seen as challenging its sovereignty in the disputed waters. Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, March 5
US lawmakers seek to force China’s ByteDance to divest TikTok or face ban. A bipartisan group of U.S. legislators is pushing for a bill that mandates China's ByteDance to sell the TikTok app within 165 days or risk a ban in the United States. This move, driven by national security concerns over Chinese ownership, could impact TikTok's 170 million American users by making it illegal for app stores to host the app without divestiture. The legislation, which also allows the President new powers to ban or restrict apps, highlights ongoing tensions between US cybersecurity efforts and Chinese tech firms. David Shepardson and Michael Martina, Reuters, March 6
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan cheer as CASA-1000 sputters back to life. The CASA-1000 project, aimed at building high-voltage power lines from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been revived with World Bank support. This $1.2 billion initiative is poised to enhance electricity trade, demonstrating a commitment to regional energy cooperation. The project's progress in Afghanistan is being closely monitored to ensure transparency and efficiency in its implementation. Eurasianet, March 5
Japan gov't to stop COVID-19 treatment subsidies at end of March. By the end of March, the Japanese government will terminate its COVID-19 treatment subsidies, signaling a significant policy shift. Under the new system, patients will be responsible for covering between 10 to 30 percent of their treatment costs. This change aligns with Japan's strategy to manage COVID-19 more like the seasonal flu, a move that has sparked concern among medical professionals about potential barriers to accessing necessary treatments. Kyodo News, March 5
Singapore’s prime minister says a South China Sea code of conduct will take time. Singapore's Prime Minister, at a regional summit, stated the agreement with China on a South China Sea code of conduct faces challenges and will require time. The ASEAN summit, aiming to reduce naval confrontations, discussed China's military assertiveness. Despite a first draft and efforts to expedite negotiations, complex issues remain. Recent incidents underscore the urgency of such a code to ensure peace and stability in the contested waters. Rod McGuirk, AP News, March 5
Indonesia's presumed president Prabowo vows smooth transition, pushes privatisation. Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's presumed next president, commits to a smooth power transfer and advocates for the privatization of state-owned enterprises, while ensuring government control over strategic sectors. He forecasts an 8% economic growth annually in the coming years and plans to maintain fiscal prudence, aiming for food self-sufficiency and offering protection for investments. Prabowo also reflects on the demanding nature of democracy. Gayatri Suroyo and Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, March 5
Seiha warns against a divided ASEAN. Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha urged ASEAN to maintain unity amidst geopolitical challenges, highlighting the risk of new conflicts and regional tension exacerbation. At the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in Laos, Seiha emphasized multilateralism and ASEAN's central role in regional issue resolution, advocating for ADMM and ADMM-Plus as platforms for trust, strategy, and defense cooperation. The call for unity echoes amid concerns over geopolitical competition's impact on global security. Samban Chandara, Phnom Penh Post, March 6
Long Form
Between Protests and Border Incursions, Insecurity Is Rising in Ladakh. In Ladakh, India's northernmost region, local discontent is growing amid New Delhi's security-centric approach since its designation as a Union Territory in August 2019. The geopolitical tension of the Indo-China border has exacerbated the situation, with clashes in the Galwan Valley in 2020 and reports of Chinese forces patrolling Indian territory. The local population feels disempowered, demanding more democratic rights and statehood. This complex situation highlights the need for a delicate balance between national security and local autonomy in geopolitically sensitive regions. Stanzin Lhaskyabs, The Diplomat, March 5
Can the Indian Navy Achieve True Interoperability? As the Indian Navy hosted MILAN 2024, a naval exercise with participation from over 50 countries, it showcased large force maneuvers and advanced warfare drills, highlighting its growing assertiveness in regional security. Following this, India led anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Western Arabian Sea, demonstrating its capability to respond to maritime threats collaboratively with international forces. The Indian Navy's actions reflect its strategic role in securing maritime routes against piracy and its ambition towards achieving interoperability with global navies. Yet, the question of whether true interoperability is the goal or within reach remains open. Anuttama Banerji, The Diplomat, March 5
South Korea's Economic Future at Stake in Doctors' Strike. As South Korea faces a doctors' strike over government plans to increase medical school admissions, President Yoon Suk Yeol confronts not only the immediate healthcare disruption but also broader labor market challenges. The strike highlights the administration's push towards labor market flexibility and its fight against union militancy, a legacy of the country’s transition to democracy. With the government's firm stance, including threats to suspend medical licenses, the strike is a critical juncture in South Korea's efforts to balance labor rights with economic competitiveness. As Yoon seeks to reform employment laws to adapt to technological advancements and improve global investment attractiveness, the nation watches closely. The resolution of this strike could set a precedent for future labor relations and the country’s economic trajectory. Dae Sung Park, Nikkei Asia, March 6
North Korea’s Economy in Retrograde. As North Korea reverts to its Soviet-era economic model, focusing on heavy industries and military capabilities at the expense of civilian living standards, the regime under Kim Jong-un tightens its grip on the market economy. This shift, highlighted in the Ninth Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee, indicates a strategic but potentially detrimental direction, prioritizing state control and self-reliance. Despite a good harvest in 2023, hailed as a significant achievement, the reliance on such seasonal successes underscores the fragility and retrogressive nature of the economic strategy being pursued. North Korea's deepening military cooperation with Russia, aimed at bolstering its geopolitical stance, further isolates the nation economically and politically. This move towards a more insular and militarized economy poses stark implications for the welfare of its citizens, marking a concerning step back in economic development and international integration. Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, East Asia Forum, March 6
Hope is Fading for Democracy in Bangladesh. The 2024 elections in Bangladesh have further entrenched the Awami League's grip, marking a significant setback for democracy in the country. Amidst a backdrop of opposition boycotts and international criticism deeming the elections neither free nor fair, the ruling party has solidified its authority under the increasingly authoritarian leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The elections were marred by allegations of voter suppression, ballot stuffing, and a violent crackdown on opposition parties, culminating in a scenario where the competition was merely nominal, involving only the AL and its affiliates. This electoral process, devoid of genuine democratic competition, highlights a grim trajectory for Bangladesh's political landscape, where the aspirations for a neutral caretaker government to ensure fair elections remain unfulfilled. The international community's lukewarm response post-elections suggests a complex geopolitical dynamic, with major powers showing readiness to engage with the Hasina regime despite its democratic backsliding. As Bangladesh leans closer to China, the political and economic challenges ahead may provoke further unrest, putting the country's future in democracy at risk. Saimum Parvez, East Asia Forum, March 6