Asia Daily: May 15, 2024
News
Four dead in New Caledonia riots, France declares state of emergency. In response to deadly riots in New Caledonia sparked by electoral reforms, France has declared a state of emergency. The violence, which resulted in the deaths of three indigenous Kanak and a police official, erupted over changes that could affect the Kanak vote. The state of emergency includes curfews, additional police deployment, and restrictions on gatherings, as authorities strive to restore order and address the deep-rooted tensions related to France's colonial legacy and the island's strategic importance. Kirsty Needham, Juliette Jabkhiro, and Augustin Turpin, Reuters, May 15,
Chinese coast guard shadows Filipino activists sailing toward disputed shoal. Chinese coast guard ships shadowed Filipino activists and fishermen as they sailed toward Scarborough Shoal to assert Manila's sovereignty. The Philippine coast guard deployed ships and a plane for protection. The Filipinos, determined to continue, plan to lay symbolic buoys and support local fishermen, despite past confrontations and ongoing disputes over maritime sovereignty in the South China Sea. Jim Gomez, AP News, May 15
Court rejects lawsuit to block restart of west Japan nuclear reactor. A court in Hiroshima has dismissed a lawsuit aimed at preventing the restart of the Shimane nuclear plant's No. 2 reactor in western Japan, citing adequate safety measures against natural disasters. This decision comes despite the reactor being a boiling water reactor similar to those at Fukushima. The plant, located in a densely populated area, is scheduled to restart in December after a safety inspection and amidst ongoing concerns about evacuation plans. Kyodo News, May 15
Chinese ships move into blockade position in Scarborough Shoal. A significant escalation has occurred in the Scarborough Shoal as Chinese naval and coast guard vessels have established a blockade. This development comes as a Philippine civilian convoy, Atin Ito, approaches the area. The situation remains tense with the Philippine Coast Guard monitoring closely, amid concerns of potential confrontations. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, May 15
Court gives MFP final defence extension. The Constitutional Court of Thailand has granted the Move Forward Party (MFP) a final 15-day extension to prepare its defense against dissolution charges. The Election Commission alleges MFP acted against the monarchy, a claim stemming from the party’s push to amend the lese-majeste law. This extension marks the third and final one given, as the court had previously allowed more time at the party’s request. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, May 15
Tajikistan to reconnect to Central Asia’s unified energy system. Tajikistan plans to reconnect to Central Asia's unified energy system, a development aimed at bolstering regional energy cooperation and stability. This network, first established during the Soviet era and revived in 2019, includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The reintegration will facilitate more efficient energy distribution across these nations, addressing fluctuations in power supply and fostering economic collaboration through shared resources. The Times of Central Asia, May 15
S. Korea-U.S. alliance will 'incessantly' strengthen regardless of who wins U.S. election: Seoul envoy. South Korea's Ambassador to the U.S., Cho Hyun-dong, assured that the Seoul-Washington alliance will continue to strengthen, independent of the upcoming U.S. presidential election results. He emphasized the deep-rooted institutional cooperation between the two nations that ensures ongoing security coordination and broader global contributions, beyond just the Korean Peninsula. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, May 15
Thai prime minister promises investigation after activist died in detention. Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has promised a Justice Ministry investigation into the death of activist Netiporn "Bung" Sanesangkhom, who died following a hunger strike while detained on charges of defaming the monarchy. Her death has intensified debates on judicial processes for politically motivated charges. Global and local voices call for a transparent investigation and reassessment of laws used to suppress dissent. Jintamas Saksornchai, AP News, May 15
Kingdom, UAE look to speed up economic partnership deal. Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates are accelerating efforts to implement a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The agreement is designed to expand markets, increase investment, and create jobs in both countries. Discussions have emphasized the need for speedy implementation to achieve these goals. This collaboration continues an ongoing deepening of ties since their diplomatic relations began in 1994. Ry Sochan, The Phnom Penh Post, May 15
Large-scale cyberattacks on Kazakhstan continue. Kazakhstan is currently under a series of large-scale cyberattacks that are increasingly sophisticated, directly affecting the nation's critical infrastructure and government operations. These incidents have compromised significant amounts of sensitive data and disrupted key services, exposing serious vulnerabilities in the country’s cybersecurity defenses. The frequency and complexity of these attacks underline the urgent need for Kazakhstan to enhance its cyber protection capabilities. The Times of Central Asia, May 15
Trial opens for defendants in transnational money laundering ring. The Hà Nội People’s Court has commenced the trial of 21 individuals linked to the Jibian international crime ring, charged with fraudulent property appropriation and money laundering. This case involves nearly VNĐ20 billion handled by the 777pay group, part of the Cambodia-based Jinbian Company. The trial, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat complex financial crimes, is set to conclude after five days. Vietnam News, May 15
As war rages in Myanmar’s south, coastal villages are caught in the crossfire. In Myanmar's Tanintharyi Region, three coastal villages are enduring severe hardships due to ongoing conflicts between junta and resistance forces. Nearly 1,000 villagers are trapped, facing arrest or starvation as their escape routes are blocked. The intense military actions include the use of warships and have led to significant civilian distress, with many unable to access essential supplies or safely evacuate the area. The Irrawaddy, May 15
Solomons, PNG win in $1b-plus Pacific play to ward off China. In a strategic move, Australia is significantly enhancing its influence in the Pacific by allocating over $1 billion towards initiatives aimed at countering Chinese influence, including vital telecommunications infrastructure in the Solomon Islands and a substantial financial aid package for Papua New Guinea. These initiatives are designed to bolster Australia's diplomatic and economic ties in the region, promoting regional stability and lessening the Pacific nations' reliance on China. PINA, May 15
World leaders congratulate PM Wong on new appointment. Leaders globally have congratulated Lawrence Wong on becoming Singapore’s fourth Prime Minister. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the longstanding China-Singapore relationship, while leaders like India’s Narendra Modi and Japan’s Fumio Kishida expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties. British PM Rishi Sunak highlighted collaboration potential in technology sectors. Leaders from Malaysia, the US, Maldives, and UAE also offered congratulations, reflecting a strong international endorsement for PM Wong’s leadership. Lok Jian Wen, The Straits Times, May 15
Long Form
While Xi and Putin Celebrate Cooperation, Problems Build in China-Russia Ties. Despite public affirmations of strong Sino-Russian relations by leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, underlying issues are complicating the partnership. As bilateral trade grows, Western scrutiny of China's indirect support for Russia during the Ukraine conflict intensifies, straining China's relations with European and U.S. counterparts. This tension highlights the challenges Beijing faces in balancing its strategic alliance with Moscow against maintaining favorable ties with the West. Björn Alexander Düben, The Diplomat, May 15
Russia Expands Oil Trade South via Afghanistan, Seeking Warm Water Ports. Russia is leveraging Afghanistan as a new transit route for oil to access markets in the Middle East and Asia, diversifying its trade routes amidst global sanctions. This initiative is part of the broader International North-South Transport Corridor, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional routes like the Suez Canal. The project, facing financial and logistical challenges, seeks to enhance Russia's strategic economic interests in the region. Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi, The Diplomat, May 15
Strategic Transformation of the Indo-Pacific: Powerful and Stable Maritime Space. The Indo-Pacific region is undergoing a significant strategic transformation, driven by the maritime interests of major global powers and the central role of ASEAN in maintaining regional stability. This shift is crucial given the geopolitical tensions and the importance of maritime routes in global trade. The region's evolving dynamics highlight the need for enhanced cooperation and security measures to maintain a balance of power. Krutika Reddy & Dr. Chetan Singai, The Geopolitics, May 15
Amid Indian Elections, a Crackdown on Foreign Press. During India's elections, the government has intensified its crackdown on both foreign and local media. Prime Minister Modi's administration has been particularly tough on journalists critical of its policies, leading to visa denials and restricted access for foreign correspondents. This suppression extends to online platforms, with significant takedowns of critical content. The situation poses severe challenges for press freedom in India, reflecting broader concerns about the country's democratic health. Hanan Zaffar and Jyoti Thakur, Inkstick, May 15
A code of conduct won’t solve the South China Sea crisis. Despite two decades of negotiations, issues persist in finalizing a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. ASEAN and China face trust deficits and disagreements over territorial definitions, complicating efforts. The code's effectiveness remains doubtful without a robust enforcement mechanism, and ASEAN's consensus-based decision-making could dilute the agreement's impact. This ongoing challenge underscores the complex dynamics of regional disputes and the limitations of diplomatic agreements in such contentious areas. Rahman Yaacob, The Interpreter, May 15