Asia Daily: May 16, 2024
News
Pag-asa residents 'safe' from Chinese invasion, says Defense chief. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has assured that residents of Pag-asa Island in the disputed South China Sea are protected from any potential Chinese military action. Amid rising tensions and the increased presence of Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels around the island, Teodoro emphasized the improbability of an attack on civilians by any rational state. His statement seeks to reassure both the islanders and the international community regarding the safety and sovereignty of Philippine territories. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, May 16
Violence rages in New Caledonia as France rushes emergency reinforcements to its Pacific territory. France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia following violent protests sparked by voting reforms. The unrest has resulted in five deaths and escalated tensions over the territory's long-standing independence movement. The French government has intensified security measures and dispatched additional forces to restore order amidst ongoing debates over electoral eligibility aimed at benefiting pro-France politicians. Barbara Surk and Alex Turnbull, AP News, May 16
Activists demand quick probe into jailed peer’s death. In Thailand, activists are urgently calling for an investigation into the death of Netiporn “Boong” Sanesangkhom, who died in custody after a hunger strike. The pressure mounts as young political activists seek the release of political detainees and expedite the passage of an amnesty law. This incident has sparked significant public outcry and debates over political freedoms and judicial processes in Thailand. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, May 16
Jailed ex-PM Imran Khan appears before Pakistan top court by videolink. Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, appeared via videolink at the Supreme Court for a case challenging amendments to the country's anti-corruption law. The session was his first court appearance since his incarceration in August 2023. Khan’s party criticizes the lack of public broadcast of the proceedings, asserting bias by the judiciary in collusion with the government. Khan remains jailed on multiple charges despite some recent legal victories. Abid Hussain, Al Jazeera, May 16
U.S. aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan leaves Japan after 9-year mission. The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan has departed from Yokosuka, Japan, after a nearly nine-year mission. It heads for maintenance in Washington state, with the George Washington set to replace it. Throughout its deployment, the Ronald Reagan was central to patrol missions and strategic operations in the Pacific, amid rising tensions in the region. Kyodo News, May 16
PM Lawrence Wong to S’poreans: ‘Join me and my team in our journey forward’. In his inauguration as Singapore's fourth Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong invited Singaporeans to join him in an ambitious journey to shape a future where "everyone matters." Promising leadership that challenges the status quo and seeks continuous improvement, Wong emphasized the importance of collective effort in national development. He pledged to build on Singapore’s foundations and address new challenges with bold thinking and innovative solutions. Tham Yuen-C, The Straits Times, May 16
Uzbek politician decries dominance of Russian language in country. Alisher Kadyrov, an Uzbek politician, has advocated for making Uzbek mandatory in public services, countering the extensive use of Russian. His stance challenges Article 19 of the Uzbek Constitution, which ensures equality regardless of language, among other factors. Kadyrov's push reflects a broader desire to strengthen national identity and linguistic sovereignty in Uzbekistan. The Times of Central Asia, May 16
First day of PCC's ninth plenum concluded, organisation commission chair relieved from all duties. Vietnam's Party Central Committee's ninth plenum saw significant personnel changes, including the dismissal of Trương Thị Mai from her roles due to violations of Party regulations. The session also included the appointment of new Politburo members and discussions on upcoming national leadership positions, reflecting the ongoing restructuring within the Party. Vietnam News, May 16
Kazakhstan's President commends growing cooperation between Central Asian states. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the significant progress in regional cooperation among Central Asian countries, including increased trade and collaborative security measures. The president's remarks came during a meeting in Astana with Security Council secretaries from the region, emphasizing the importance of unified efforts to address transboundary challenges and the strategic involvement of Afghanistan in regional development. The Times of Central Asia, May 16
Cambodia, S. Korea announce strategic partnership during visit by Manet. During Prime Minister Hun Manet's visit to South Korea, Cambodia and South Korea elevated their relationship to a "strategic partnership," strengthening cooperation across various sectors. This partnership includes initiatives in peacekeeping, maritime safety, and investment, with both nations aiming to boost economic ties and regional stability. Ry Sochan, The Phnom Penh Post, May 16
Lai reiterates openness to China talks. Taiwan's President-elect William Lai, speaking at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, emphasized his openness to dialogue with China based on mutual respect and without preconditions. He outlined the resilient spirit of Taiwan's people in defending democracy against external pressures and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait while enhancing the island's defense and economic resilience. Taipei Times, May 16
Kyrgyzstan Running Huge Trade Deficit with China. Kyrgyzstan's trade imbalance with China has widened, as trade data for the first quarter of 2024 shows a huge deficit. Chinese exports to Kyrgyzstan amounted to $4.163 billion, while Kyrgyz exports to China were just $22 million. This disparity reflects Kyrgyzstan's increasing economic dependency on China, outstripping trade with traditional partners like Russia. The situation highlights the challenges Kyrgyzstan faces in balancing its economic relations and addressing trade disparities. Eurasianet, May 16
China and Cambodia begin 15-day military exercises as questions grow about Beijing’s influence. Cambodia and China have launched their "Golden Dragon" military exercises amid increasing scrutiny over Beijing's influence in Cambodia. The drills involve 1,315 Cambodian and 760 Chinese personnel, utilizing ground and naval assets near Phnom Penh. Concerns persist, especially from the US, about China's potential military footprint at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base. Cambodia maintains that foreign military bases are unconstitutional on its soil. Sopheng Cheang and David Rising, AP News, May 16