News
Marcos: Outbreak of PH-China conflict in WPS 'higher than before'. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently stated the risk of conflict between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea is now greater than in previous years. Marcos highlighted the necessity for increased vigilance and strategic preparations to mitigate potential escalations. The increased risk calls for enhanced diplomatic efforts and strategic defense initiatives to safeguard regional stability and security. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, March 6
US panel urges State Department to raise travel advisory for Xinjiang to highest level. A US panel has recommended the State Department elevate its travel advisory for Xinjiang to the highest level, citing "ongoing crimes against humanity and genocide." The Congressional-Executive Commission on China's request aims to deter tourism and warn of the risks associated with visiting the region. This reflects deepening concerns over human rights violations and the ethical implications of travel to Xinjiang. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, March 7
S. Korea voices concerns over Philippine, Chinese vessels collision. South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed concerns over a recent collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels in the South China Sea. Highlighting the incident's contribution to regional tensions, South Korea advocated for maintaining peace, stability, and adherence to international law, including UNCLOS principles. The event underscores ongoing territorial disputes and emphasizes Seoul's stance on freedom of navigation and overflight in critical waterways. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, March 7
South China Sea: Beijing poised for ‘long game’ with Manila over shoal dispute to avoid drawing in US, analysts say. Beijing is set for a prolonged strategy in the South China Sea dispute with Manila, aiming to avoid conflict escalation that could involve the US. Amid recent naval standoffs, China emphasizes legal defense of its claims, while stressing the importance of non-escalation and calling for external parties to refrain from exacerbating tensions. This strategic approach underlines China's commitment to long-term objectives over immediate gains. Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, March 7
Japan LDP No. 2 may have tried to hide massive political funds usage. The organization linked to Toshimitsu Motegi, secretary general of Japan's LDP, is reported to have shifted 440 million yen to a group with looser financial disclosure requirements. This action raises concerns about potential violations of political funds control law, amid wider scrutiny over undisclosed party finances. The LDP faces intense examination following allegations of unreported incomes and the creation of undisclosed funds by certain party factions. Kyodo News, March 6
N.K. leader calls for intensifying war drills. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has directed an increase in "practical actual war drills" amidst ongoing South Korea-US military exercises. Visiting a military base, Kim emphasized enhancing combat readiness and the capability to overpower enemies. This development follows the recent Freedom Shield exercise between South Korea and the US, aimed at countering North Korea's threats, which Pyongyang views as rehearsal for invasion. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, March 7
Việt Nam, Cambodia forge stronger ties. Prime Ministers of Việt Nam and Cambodia met in Melbourne, celebrating economic achievements and the 50th anniversary of ASEAN - Australia dialogue relations. They discussed enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties, and committed to completing border demarcation for a peaceful, cooperative boundary. Both leaders pledged to support Vietnamese-Cambodian community integration, business opportunities for Vietnamese firms in Cambodia, and regional transport and tourism connectivity with Laos and Thailand. Vietnam News, March 6
House committee okays Charter change resolution. The House of Representatives' Committee in the Philippines has approved a resolution for amending economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, signaling a move towards constitutional reform focused on economic improvement. This development represents a critical step towards potentially significant changes in the country's economic policies. Jomar Canlas, The Manila Times, March 6
Debate on government's performance to include Thaksin issue. The Thai opposition plans to address the government's performance in a parliamentary debate, highlighting the case of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra among other issues. This debate aims to scrutinize policy implementations and justice system fairness. Thaksin's situation, involving a reduced sentence and hospital stay rather than prison time, exemplifies concerns over double standards. The discussion is scheduled following the 2024 Budget Bill's passage. Bangkok Post, March 6
N. Korea set to take part in tourism exhibition in Moscow to lure Russian tourists. North Korea is preparing to participate in a tourism exhibition in Moscow, aiming to attract Russian tourists. This marks a move to deepen cooperation between the two countries, with North Korea showcasing at the International Travel & Hospitality Show. The event, happening from March 19-21, will see North Korea's first attendance, reflecting growing military and economic ties post a summit between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, March 7
Long Form
Governance Reform Essential to Reducing Palm Oil Deforestation. The dramatic increase of oil palm plantations in Indonesia, growing from 4.7 million hectares in 2001 to 15.3 million hectares in 2022, has contributed significantly to deforestation, habitat destruction for endangered species, and increased carbon emissions. Advocacy for deforestation-free palm oil and the exploration of alternative vegetable oils, like soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower, suggest potential mitigation strategies, although these alternatives may lead to greater deforestation due to higher land requirements. Key challenges include weak governance, the influence of patronage networks, and inadequate environmental certification standards. Solutions proposed include enforcing strict 'no deforestation' policies, liberalizing policies to empower non-governmental voices, enhancing governance, and improving land rights for indigenous populations. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from governments, corporations, and consumers to promote sustainable palm oil production and consumption. Mohammad Yunus, East Asia Forum, March 7
China’s Proliferating Pacific Police Footprint. China's police cooperation in the Pacific, notably after Papua New Guinea's recent riots, underscores Beijing's strategic interest in the region. Offering training, equipment, and surveillance technology, China aims to deepen ties through security cooperation. This initiative marks an extension of China's engagement, which includes police liaisons in Fiji and advisory teams in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kiribati. While serving practical needs to protect Chinese interests, this cooperation also represents a strategic move to gain influence, competing with traditional partners like Australia and New Zealand. However, differences in policing styles and concerns about democratic principles suggest Pacific states should carefully consider the nature of foreign policing assistance. This growing presence calls for a balanced approach that aligns with regional democratic values and standards. Sinclair Dinnen and Denghua Zhang, East Asia Forum, March 7
India's Top Diplomat Calls for More Japanese Investment. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urges Japanese companies to increase their investment in India, highlighting the nation's rapid economic growth as a compelling reason for deeper business engagement. Despite India's GDP forecast being raised to 7.6% and the country overtaking China as the world's most populous nation, Japanese investment, though significant, is seen as lagging behind that of the US and Europe. Jaishankar advocates for a stronger business-to-business (B2B) relationship between India and Japan, pointing to India's ambitious infrastructure development as an opportunity for Japanese investors. Akira Kitado, Nikkei Asia, March 7
Post-Tiananmen 'Openness' Fades from Chinese Politics. The tradition of China's premier holding a news conference at the end of the National People's Congress, a practice that began in 1988 to symbolize China's openness, has been discontinued. This move, confirmed ahead of the annual session, signifies a return to more closed political processes, reminiscent of the period before the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, where power is increasingly centralized, this decision reflects a shift away from efforts to present China as open and reforming to both domestic and international audiences. The absence of these press conferences until at least 2027 underscores the consolidation of power within the Chinese Communist Party and the sidelining of collective leadership norms that once facilitated a semblance of transparency and public dialogue. Katsuji Nakazawa, Nikkei Asia, March 7
How Will Chinese Investors Navigate Indonesia’s Post-election Risks? Chinese firms, having fostered strong ties with President Joko Widodo’s administration, are proactively assessing the landscape as Indonesia approaches an administrative transition. Over the last decade, China has significantly increased its investment in Indonesia, with $20.9 billion invested between 2019 and 2022 in over 9,000 projects. These investments span from state-owned enterprises engaging in major infrastructure projects to private sector investments in industries like nickel processing and digital platforms. As Indonesia nears its presidential election, Chinese investors are cautiously exploring strategies to maintain their investment foothold amidst the upcoming political changes, aiming to secure their interests and adapt to the new political dynamics. Ahmad Syarif, The Diplomat, March 7
What On Earth Do Indonesians Think About Democracy? A 2023 Pew survey reveals a complex perspective among Indonesians towards governance, showing significant support for representative democracy, autocracy, and even military rule. This stance comes into focus amidst the backdrop of President-elect Prabowo Subianto's victory, prompting debates on the future of Indonesia's democracy. While the election, marked by high voter turnout, indicates a stable electoral process, concerns about the state of liberalism persist. The poll's findings, representing Southeast Asia's sole data point in the study, underscore the diverse political sentiments within Indonesia, reflecting on the country's democratic health and the broader implications for governance preferences. David Hutt, The Diplomat, March 7
Taiwan vs. US Chip Subsidies: Bolstering the Sacred Mountain. While Taiwan's approach has historically emphasized direct government investment in R&D and creating a conducive environment for semiconductor manufacturing, such as the establishment of Hsinchu Science Park and partnerships between industry and academia, the US CHIPS Act focuses on grants and incentives to address supply chain weaknesses and encourage domestic production. Taiwan's method has fostered a leading global position in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly through companies like TSMC, by allowing the industry significant autonomy in determining technological advancements. In contrast, the US aims to rejuvenate its semiconductor sector by targeting specific vulnerabilities and maintaining control over subsidy allocation. This analysis shows the differing paths each government has taken towards bolstering their respective semiconductor sectors amid global competition and technological challenges.
,, March 7The Return of Culturalism in Chinese Political Thought. Historically, "Chinese characteristics" excused market reforms but have since grown to embody a broader, more assertive vision of China's role and identity on the world stage. This redefined culturalism blends traditional values with modern socialist principles, aiming to position China as a unique, morally upright civilization amidst global challenges. The approach seeks to reconcile China's rich historical legacy with its contemporary ambitions, promoting a narrative of national rejuvenation that underscores China's distinct path to modernity and global leadership.
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