Asia Daily: March 7, 2025
China
European Parliament removes curbs on lawmaker meetings with China. The European Parliament lifted restrictions on meetings with Chinese officials, signaling a possible thaw in EU-China relations. The move ends guidelines imposed in response to China’s 2021 sanctions on European lawmakers. Restrictions remain in place for Russia and Belarus. While Beijing welcomes the change, European officials remain cautious, linking further engagement to China’s stance on Ukraine and trade disputes. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, March 7
U.S. to levy fees on China-linked ships, push allies to do likewise, draft executive order says. The Trump administration is drafting an executive order to impose port fees on fleets that include Chinese-built or Chinese-flagged vessels, aiming to boost U.S. shipbuilding and curb China’s power in global shipping. The order also urges allies to adopt similar measures or face retaliation. The plan could raise costs for major carriers such as COSCO and Maersk. Jonathan Saul and Lisa Baertlein, Reuters, March 6
China files revised dispute consultations request with U.S. on tariff measures, WTO says. China has formally requested dispute settlement consultations with the U.S. at the World Trade Organization over new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The latest 10% duty on Chinese goods took effect Tuesday, compounding an earlier 10% hike in February. If no resolution is reached within 60 days, China may seek adjudication. Devika Nair and Olivia Le Poidevin, Reuters, March 6
Japan
Japan voices full trust in US after Trump questions security pact. Japan reaffirmed confidence in the US commitment to its defense obligations after President Donald Trump criticized the security treaty as one-sided. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized Japan’s proactive efforts to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reiterated Japan’s goal of increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027. Tokyo and Washington continue to enhance military cooperation amid rising regional tensions. Kyodo News, March 7
Trump calls Japan-U.S. alliance an ‘interesting deal.’ President Donald Trump questioned the fairness of the U.S.-Japan security treaty, stating that the U.S. is obligated to defend Japan, while Japan has no such obligation in return. His remarks echoed similar statements from 2019. Experts noted that Japan’s constitutional reforms now allow limited collective self-defense under certain conditions. The Japanese embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Asahi Shimbun, March 7
South Korea
Court orders South Korean President Yoon released from jail for his criminal trial over martial law. A Seoul court ruled that impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol must be released from detention as he awaits trial for imposing martial law. The court cited procedural errors in his arrest but noted he could still face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted of rebellion. His impeachment trial has concluded, with a final ruling expected soon. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, March 7
Review panel backs police's warrant requests for 2 Presidential Security Service officials. A Seoul High Prosecutors Office panel supported police efforts to seek arrest warrants for two Presidential Security Service officials accused of obstructing the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The officials allegedly interfered with investigators and ordered the deletion of secret phone records related to Yoon’s martial law declaration. Prosecutors, who previously rejected the warrants, may reconsider following the panel’s recommendation. Shim Sun-ah, Yonhap News Agency, March 6
Gov't leaning toward scrapping plan to hike med school quota. South Korea is expected to cancel its plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 spots next year amid ongoing protests by junior doctors. The government, following discussions with the ruling People Power Party and medical school deans, may keep the quota at 3,058 to prevent further disruptions. Officials will finalize their decision in a briefing on Friday, contingent on students returning to classes by March’s end. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, March 6
North Korea
N. Korea abruptly suspends resumed foreign tours to Rason. North Korea has halted foreign tourism to Rason after reopening for the first time in five years, according to tour agencies. Koryo Tours and Young Pioneer Tours, both China-based operators, described the suspension as unprecedented and advised travelers to delay bookings. The sudden move raises speculation about broader tourism restrictions. Tourism remains a key revenue source for North Korea amid international sanctions. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, March 6
North Korea criticises U.S., South Korea joint military drills. North Korea condemned the upcoming Freedom Shield exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, warning they would escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang vowed to "renew strategic deterrence" if Washington continues its military demonstrations. The drills, set to run from March 11-20, aim to enhance combat readiness against North Korean threats. Joyce Lee, Reuters, March 7
Thailand
Thailand's deportation of Uyghurs was to avert China 'retaliation,' minister says. Thailand deported 40 Uyghurs to China despite international outcry, with Vice Minister Russ Jalichandra stating the decision was made to avoid potential retaliation from Beijing. The U.S., Canada, and Australia had offered to resettle the group, but Thailand deemed the proposals unrealistic. Human rights groups condemned the move, warning of persecution risks in China, which denies mistreating Uyghurs. Panu Wongcha-um and Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, March 6
Court vetoes Thaksin’s request to visit Indonesia. Thailand’s Criminal Court denied former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s request to travel to Indonesia, citing insufficient justification. Thaksin, who faces lese-majeste and computer crime charges, sought to attend an ASEAN meeting but remains restricted from leaving the country. The court previously approved his trip to Brunei but rejected requests for Vietnam and Cambodia. Wassayos Ngamkham, Bangkok Post, March 6
Vietnam
Vietnam, Kenya strengthen bilateral ties. Vietnamese Ambassador Vu Thanh Huyen met with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss expanding trade, political collaboration, and diplomatic exchanges. She proposed appointing honorary consuls in both countries to facilitate economic ties and invited Ruto to visit Vietnam for the 2025 P4G Summit in Hanoi. Kenyan officials emphasized the importance of delegation visits and stronger coordination between their foreign ministries. Vietnam News, March 6
Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan aim to upgrade ties to a comprehensive partnership. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, defense, and transportation. They emphasized maximizing the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement and establishing an intergovernmental committee. Agreements were signed on education, legal cooperation, and aviation. Vietnam also proposed collaboration on Halal exports and sought continued support for its expatriate community in Kyrgyzstan. Vietnam News, March 6
Philippines
Marcos, Trump agree to meet but no definite date yet – Palace. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed in principle to hold a bilateral meeting, though no date has been set, according to Malacañang. Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed ongoing talks. The U.S. recently exempted security aid to the Philippines from a temporary foreign assistance freeze, reinforcing military ties amid tensions in the South China Sea. The Manila Times, March 6.
Myanmar
Junta boss urges Russian businesses to invest in Myanmar. Min Aung Hlaing called on Russian firms to invest in Myanmar’s energy, banking, and infrastructure sectors, emphasizing opportunities in the Dawei Special Economic Zone. He downplayed the country’s civil war and power shortages, assuring investors of potential gains. He also met with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov to discuss military cooperation. Russia remains a key supplier of arms and technology to Myanmar’s junta. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, March 6
Plans underway to assemble Chinese BYD electric cars on military-owned land in Myanmar. Chinese automaker BYD has secured approval to assemble electric vehicles in Myanmar using a semi-knocked-down system, leasing land from the military-owned conglomerate Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). The project awaits final approval from the junta-controlled Myanmar Investment Commission. Observers suggest the junta aims to promote local EV production by limiting imports, despite ongoing nationwide power shortages. Aung Naing and Maung Shwe Wah, Myanmar Now, March 7
Laos
Japan pledges $11.3m grant aid to finance socioeconomic development. Japan has committed 1.707 billion yen ($11.3 million) in grant aid to Laos for bridge rehabilitation and disaster recovery efforts. The funding will support infrastructure upgrades to strengthen Laos’ regional connectivity. Deputy Foreign Minister Phongsavanh Sisoulath and Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu signed the agreement, highlighting Japan’s long-standing role in Laos’ development, including previous bridge and highway projects. Vientiane Times, March 7
Fortified rice project launched to help reduce malnutrition in Laos. The Lao government and the United Nations signed a two-year project to fortify rice with essential vitamins and minerals, addressing widespread micronutrient deficiencies. The initiative, backed by India’s $1 million contribution, builds on Laos’ existing food fortification policies. Officials emphasized rice fortification as a cost-effective strategy to combat malnutrition, particularly among women and children. Oulayvanh Sisounonth, The Laotian Times, March 7
Indonesia
U.N. slashes support for Rohingya refugees in Indonesia due to U.S. cuts, sources say. The U.N.’s migration agency reduced aid for 925 Rohingya refugees in Indonesia after U.S. funding cuts under the Trump administration. The International Organization for Migration halted healthcare and cash assistance in Pekanbaru but pledged to continue supporting the most vulnerable. The cuts come as global humanitarian programs face disruptions, with the World Food Programme also halving rations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Stanley Widianto and Poppy McPherson, Reuters, March 6
Bangladesh
Bangladesh election this year may be difficult due to unrest, says head of youth-led party. Nahid Islam, leader of the newly formed National Citizens’ Party, warned that persistent unrest could delay Bangladesh’s next election. While the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus aims for polls by late 2025, Islam stressed that improved security and consensus on a new political charter are necessary first. Analysts say the youth-led party could reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape. Sam Jahan and Sudipto Ganguly, Reuters, March 6
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan hails border deal with Tajikistan as major diplomatic success. Kyrgyz security chief Kamchybek Tashiev defended the border agreement with Tajikistan, stating it was based on 1991 accords to prevent future conflicts. While the deal finalized the 1,006-kilometer border, some lawmakers opposed territorial concessions, particularly in Dostuk village. Many border residents support the agreement, prioritizing peace over land disputes that have fueled past violence. Anton Chipegin, The Times of Central Asia, March 6
Japarov urges Kyrgyz citizens not to obstruct small hydropower plant construction. President Sadyr Japarov called on residents to support ongoing small hydropower projects, emphasizing their role in achieving energy independence. While 40 plants are operational, construction on 37 more is underway, with 18 set to launch in 2025. Some locals have protested over water concerns, but Japarov assured minimal disruption, stressing the need to reduce energy imports and secure long-term electricity supply. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, March 6
Indonesia's BRICS Accession Underscored by Prabowo's Self-Interest. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono defended President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to join BRICS, framing it as a diplomatic achievement and a reflection of Indonesia’s "independent and active" foreign policy. Prabowo seeks to position Indonesia as a leader of the Global South, bridging the divide between developed and developing nations. While BRICS offers an alternative to Western-centric alliances and potential economic benefits, its power dynamics favor established leaders such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. China’s dominance and Russia’s geopolitical agenda further complicate Prabowo’s ambitions. Economic gains remain uncertain, as most intra-BRICS trade is centered around China, with limited exchanges among other members. Moreover, Indonesia’s alignment with BRICS risks straining ASEAN ties, as evidenced by Sugiono’s absence from an informal ASEAN meeting in favor of the Developing Eight (D-8) Summit. Meanwhile, shifting U.S. policies under Donald Trump add further unpredictability. Prabowo’s BRICS push appears more driven by personal ambition and the desire for early foreign policy achievements than by a well-defined strategy to strengthen Indonesia’s leadership in the Global South. Yohanes Sulaiman, East Asia Forum, March 6
AI, Influence, and Power: How China is Reshaping Central Europe's Digital Future. Chinese technology companies, including DeepSeek and Alibaba's Qwen, are increasingly integrating into Central and Eastern Europe's (CEE) digital infrastructure. Huawei leads Hungary's 5G networks and collaborates with its National University on AI research. Alibaba's cloud services enhance Polish logistics through a $65 million partnership with DHL. DeepSeek's AI models improve automation for Chinese automakers like BYD operating in the region. While these advancements offer economic benefits, they raise concerns about potential dependencies on Chinese technology and the implications for national sovereignty. ​Leo Tran, The Diplomat, March 7
Europe at a Crossroads: Navigating the US, China, and Russia in an Uncertain World. Europe faces a pivotal moment as geopolitical dynamics are evolving. The recent German federal election, while stabilizing, saw the far-right secure 21% of the vote, reflecting a broader populist surge across the continent. Concurrently, the Trump administration's evolving foreign policy, coupled with assertive maneuvers by China and Russia, demonstrates the need for Europe to define its strategic path. The traditional concept of the "West" is fracturing, with America's focus pivoting and NATO commitments wavering, leaving Europe to reassess its security dependencies. Faced with choices between appeasing Russia or bolstering NATO without unequivocal U.S. support, Europe must consider improving its defense capabilities, potentially under French nuclear deterrence, and fostering alliances with nations like Canada and Indo-Pacific partners. Additionally, internal threats to democracy arise not only from external powers but also from domestic challenges, including the rise of far-right movements. Addressing these issues requires proactive policy adjustments to undercut populist narratives. Furthermore, viewing China as a counterbalance to U.S. hostility is cautioned against, as Beijing perceives the EU primarily as an economic entity lacking political and security heft. Strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy, democratic resilience, and economic fortitude is imperative. Ivana Karásková, China Observers, March 6
Challenges of Combating Transnational Drug Trafficking in Southeast Asia. The recent repatriation of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino national convicted of drug trafficking in Indonesia in 2010, shows the difficulties in addressing transnational narcotics operations. Despite regional initiatives like ASEAN's Narcotics Cooperation Center and the Drug Monitoring Network, drug trafficking persists as a significant issue in Southeast Asia. In 2023, a record 169 tonnes of methamphetamine were seized within ASEAN countries, highlighting the evolving sophistication and expanded reach of organized crime groups. These developments emphasize the necessity for increased regional collaboration and more effective strategies to combat the illicit drug trade. Josiah Patrick P. Bagayas, FULCRUM, March 7
Malaysian Youth: Mixed Views on Clean Governance Amid Stability. An ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute survey reveals that Malaysian youth are divided in their satisfaction with the political system, with 57% expressing contentment and 42% expressing dissatisfaction. Despite ongoing concerns about high-level corruption, including former Prime Minister Najib Razak's legal maneuvers and Malaysia's stagnant position at 57th in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index, 84% of respondents remain optimistic about the nation's economic future. Notably, 61% of upper-class respondents are dissatisfied with the political system, while over 55% of other socio-economic classes express satisfaction, potentially due to benefiting from government programs like the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah cash assistance. This suggests that while corruption is a significant issue, its perceived importance may diminish amid economic and political stability. Syaza Shukri, FULCRUM, March 6