Asia Daily: May 16, 2025
China
New U.S. ambassador, former senator and business executive David Perdue, arrives in China. David Perdue arrived in Beijing as the new U.S. ambassador to China, days after Washington and Beijing agreed to pause their tariff dispute. A former Georgia senator and business executive, Perdue was confirmed on April 29 and has pledged to strengthen America’s position through diplomacy. China said it will support his role. The visit follows a tariff reduction deal, though broader tensions remain over security, trade, and human rights. Associated Press, May 15
China allows visa-free entry for 5 Latin American nations to boost ties. China will permit citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay to enter the country visa-free for up to 30 days starting June 1, as part of a one-year trial aimed at strengthening ties with Latin America. The policy follows the China-CELAC Forum held in Beijing and supports broader efforts to increase engagement with the Global South. Associated Press, May 15
Beijing is a ‘red line’: Hungary vows it won’t decouple from China if pushed by Trump. Hungary has declared that severing ties with China is a “red line” in its foreign policy, despite U.S. pressure under former President Donald Trump’s renewed influence. Deputy Foreign Minister Levente Magyar cited robust Chinese investment, with Hungary receiving 44% of China’s capital inflows into Europe in 2023. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, May 15
Japan
LDP leaders reject tax cut vow for Upper House election. Leaders of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party have decided not to include a consumption tax cut in their campaign pledges for the upcoming Upper House election, opting instead to stress fiscal responsibility and stable funding for social security. While opposition parties advocate a tax reduction to ease inflation, LDP executives, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, argue such measures would be slow to implement. Haruka Suzuki, The Asahi Shimbun, May 15
Third round of U.S.-Japan tariff talks may be held next week: report. Japan’s chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is preparing to travel to Washington as early as next Thursday for a potential third round of tariff talks with the United States, according to a TV Asahi report. However, Japanese Cabinet Office and Secretariat officials told The Japan Times they were unaware of confirmed plans. The first two rounds focused on reducing auto and parts tariffs under a broader economic dialogue. Francis Tang, The Japan Times, May 15
South Korea
DP's Lee leads PPP's Kim 51% to 29%: poll. Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung leads People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo with 51% support compared to Kim’s 29%, according to a Gallup Korea survey of 1,004 adults conducted from May 13 to 15. New Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok received 8%, while 12% of respondents were undecided. Support for the DP rose 6 points to 48%, while the PPP fell 4 points to 30%. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, May 16
Candidates revive debate over moving presidential office, parliament to Sejong. South Korea’s presidential contenders are renewing proposals to relocate the presidential office and National Assembly to Sejong as part of efforts to promote decentralization and reduce overcrowding in Seoul. Lee Jae-myung pledged to complete Sejong’s transformation into the administrative capital, while Kim Moon-soo proposed relocating the legislature and establishing a secondary presidential office there. Jung Da-hyun, The Korea Times, May 15
PPP's interim leader calls for ex-President Yoon to leave party. People Power Party interim leader Kim Yong-tae urged former President Yoon Suk Yeol to leave the party to improve its chances in the June 3 presidential election. Yoon’s impeachment in April and declining approval have prompted internal calls for separation to bolster PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo’s position. Kim Yong-tae also pledged to reform party rules to bar presidential interference in internal affairs, including nominations and leadership decisions. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, May 15
North Korea
U.S. to extend N. Korea travel ban until August next year: State Dept. The United States will extend its travel ban on North Korea through August 31, 2026, citing ongoing serious risks of arrest and long-term detention for American citizens. The State Department posted the notice in the Federal Register, maintaining that U.S. passports will remain invalid for travel to, in, or through North Korea unless specially authorized. The restriction, first enacted in 2017, has been renewed annually. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, May 15
N. Korean workers leaving China’s Liaoning province as factories close. North Korean workers are departing China's Liaoning province in large numbers as factories employing them close or relocate. Smaller factories with under 100 North Korean staff have largely shut down, while larger facilities continue operating but are expected to repatriate workers by year’s end. Most workers are in manufacturing, remitting a significant portion of their wages to Pyongyang. Seulkee Jang, Daily NK, May 15
India-Pakistan
Trump says Pakistan-India dispute is settled. U.S. President Donald Trump declared that hostilities between Pakistan and India have been resolved, stating both countries are now focused on trade instead of conflict. Speaking to U.S. troops at a base in Qatar, Trump said the nuclear-armed neighbors were “happy with that.” The ceasefire, reached on Saturday, ended the worst military escalation between the two sides in nearly three decades following U.S.-led diplomatic efforts. Nayera Abdallah, Gram Slattery and Michael Georgy, Reuters, May 15
India calls for IAEA oversight of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the International Atomic Energy Agency should supervise Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, questioning its safety following cross-border attacks in Kashmir that killed 26 people. His comments came after a ceasefire between India and Pakistan ended their worst military clash in decades. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the remarks, calling them insecure and provocative. Both sides agreed to extend the truce until Sunday. Reuters, May 15
Ready to talk about peace with India, says Pakistan PM Sharif. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is prepared to engage in peace talks with India, just days after both countries ended their most intense military conflict in nearly thirty years. Sharif’s statement signals a possible diplomatic thaw following deadly cross-border violence and recent diplomatic expulsions. No formal dialogue has been proposed yet, but his comments mark the first public overture since the truce. Asif Shahzad, Reuters, May 15
Thailand
Medical Council decision on Thaksin case sent to health minister. Thailand’s Medical Council has recommended disciplinary action against three doctors involved in the controversial treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, stating he was not critically ill when transferred from prison to a police hospital. The council submitted its findings to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, who has 15 days to decide on endorsement. The decision could affect an upcoming Supreme Court inquiry into Thaksin’s prison term enforcement. Bangkok Post, May 15.
Myanmar
Ousted Myanmar ambassador charged with trespass in London residence row. Former Myanmar ambassador to the UK Kyaw Zwar Minn has been charged with trespass for remaining in his official residence after being dismissed by the military junta in 2021. The charge follows a 2021 embassy takeover in London by junta-aligned diplomats, which barred Minn from entering the building. A supporter of the ousted civilian government, Minn is set to appear in court on May 30. Myanmar Now, May 15
Three Japanese firms ditch Myanmar port project. Kamigumi, Sumitomo Corporation and Toyota Tsusho have begun liquidating their involvement in Myanmar’s Thilawa Multipurpose International Terminal amid concerns over ties to military-linked businesses. The firms responded to NGO inquiries by confirming their exit but did not detail steps to meet human rights standards or prevent benefits to the junta. The Irrawaddy, May 15
Cambodia
Cambodia holds trade talks with U.S. as 49% tariff weighs on outlook. Cambodia held its first round of trade negotiations with the United States in Washington as it seeks relief from a 49% tariff imposed under the Trump administration, the highest among Southeast Asian countries affected. The talks, involving senior Cambodian officials and U.S. trade representative Sarah Ellerman, addressed bilateral trade and investment, with a second round planned for June. Martin Petty, Reuters, May 15
Philippines
PH military, police set to join UN force. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. pledged a light infantry battalion and an all-women police unit for UN peacekeeping missions during a ministerial in Berlin. The Philippines will also send mobile training teams and increase deployments of women peacekeepers. Teodoro emphasized the need for political clarity in peacekeeping efforts and recommended new models amid global conflict. Francisco Tuyay, The Manila Times, May 16
No changing of rules in Sara Duterte impeachment trial – Escudero. Senate President Francis Escudero stated that the Senate should retain existing impeachment trial rules in Vice President Sara Duterte’s case to avoid perceptions of bias. The impeachment court will only convene once the House prosecution team formally presents the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate plenary, likely after Congress resumes on June 2. Maila Ager, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 15
Malaysia
Malaysian minister more hopeful after trade talks with U.S. Malaysian Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz expressed optimism about reaching a tariff reduction agreement with Washington following his second meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the APEC summit in Jeju. Zafrul said the talks have progressed positively and hopes for a conclusion before the 90-day tariff pause ends. Malaysia, facing 24% U.S. tariffs, aims to protect key industries like aerospace and semiconductors amid broader trade tensions. Jihoon Lee, Reuters, May 15
PM Anwar to deliver digitalisation-focused keynote speech at KazanForum 2025, strengthening ties between Malaysia and Russia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to deliver a keynote speech titled “Digitalisation: New Reality and Additional Opportunities for Expanding Cooperation” at the KazanForum 2025, concluding his official visit to Russia. His agenda included engagements at the Kazan Hi-Technology Park and a luncheon with Tatarstan’s Prime Minister Aleksei Pesoshin. Malay Mail, May 16
Singapore
Singapore's key exports rise 12.4% in April, significantly higher than forecast. Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports surged 12.4% year-on-year in April, far exceeding the 4.3% increase forecast by analysts. Electronics exports rose 23.5%, driven by shipments of PCs, integrated circuits and disk media, while non-electronics grew 9.3%. Exports to China and Malaysia declined, but gains were recorded in markets such as Indonesia, the US, Taiwan, and South Korea. Channel News Asia, May 16
BYD cars grow in popularity as Singapore consumers shed perception of 'made-in-China' as second-best. Chinese EV maker BYD has become Singapore’s top-selling car brand, surpassing Toyota with 3,002 units sold in the first four months of 2025. Its rise is attributed to competitive pricing, improved brand perception, and strategic dealership placement. Buyers cite affordability and features as key draws, while experts highlight scale and marketing. Justin Ong Guang-Xi, Channel News Asia, May 16
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan reaffirm commitment to further strengthen trade cooperation. Officials from Kazakhstan and Afghanistan pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation with a focus on trade, logistics, education, and regional security. Discussions highlighted the strategic importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway project and Kazakhstan’s readiness to support humanitarian programs in Afghanistan, including those enhancing food security and healthcare. Zhanna Nurmaganbetova, Kazinform, May 15
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom aim to expand defense cooperation. UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces Lord Coaker visited Tashkent to strengthen defense ties, marking the first official visit by a UK minister under the new government. He held talks with senior Uzbek defense officials and delivered an address at the Armed Forces Academy, emphasizing the 30-year defense partnership and shared commitment to regional stability. Uzbekistan Daily, May 15
Energy ministers of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan discuss hydropower projects and grid stability. Officials from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan met in Tashkent to coordinate efforts on regional energy and water management, focusing on summer grid stability and the construction of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant. A protocol was signed, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing collaboration on strategic energy infrastructure. Kun Uz, May 15
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz farmers to pay less for irrigation water following tariff reform. Kyrgyzstan has restructured irrigation water tariffs after finding farmers were being overcharged by the Water Users Association, which independently set rates up to 15,000 KGS per hectare. The revised tariff, formalized at 500 KGS per hectare based on irrigation norms, transfers collection responsibilities to the Water Resources Service. Revenue will now fund water infrastructure improvements. Anton Chipegin, The Times of Central Asia, May 15
Northeast Asia
Xi’s history lesson amid Putin’s party. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia from May 7–10 served to reinforce China’s strategic alignment with Moscow while advancing a nationalist historical narrative positioning China as a moral leader in global affairs. By emphasizing China's resistance during the Second World War, Xi sought to legitimize China’s current international ambitions, framing the nation as both victorious and righteous. Through op-eds and public statements, Xi highlighted historical Soviet support during the war and blurred distinctions between the Kuomintang’s leadership and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) role, thereby recasting China’s war effort as a unified, cross-class struggle. This reframing allows Beijing to challenge U.S. dominance in post-war narratives and bolster its claims over Taiwan, which Xi asserts is a rightful outcome of the war’s settlement. The effort reflects the CCP’s broader goal of reshaping historical memory to justify its contemporary geopolitical objectives and diminish the perceived centrality of the United States in global order construction. Michael Clarke, Lowy Institute, May 15
Beijing’s global vision takes shape in Africa. China is increasing efforts to reshape Africa’s political, media, and social landscapes as part of its broader strategy to build a Sino-centric global order. Moving beyond economic investments, Beijing deploys soft power through media influence, educational programs, and diplomatic outreach, promoting governance models aligned with the "Beijing Consensus." Initiatives like the Belt and Road, political party schools, and leadership training demonstrate China’s goal to win African support and challenge Western dominance. Strategic mediation, exemplified by China's role in resolving the Niger–Benin dispute, further amplifies its diplomatic profile. However, this influence campaign, underpinned by historical ties and patient diplomacy, also employs disinformation and narrative control. With Africa's 54 nations pivotal in global forums, Beijing's engagement seeks not only to secure investments and trade but to redefine global power dynamics in its favor. Samir Bhattacharya, East Asia Forum, May 15
Identifying Pathways for U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation with Northeast Asian Allies. Facing industrial constraints and rising strategic competition with China, the U.S. is exploring shipbuilding cooperation with Japan and South Korea to bolster naval capacity. Proposed pathways include leveraging allied maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, facilitating allied acquisition of U.S. shipyards, modular joint production, and purchasing allied-built ships. Each option offers potential to alleviate capacity shortfalls but poses challenges involving technology transfer, regulatory hurdles, and domestic industry impact. Effective cooperation requires balancing immediate needs with the long-term health of the U.S. shipbuilding base, ensuring that partnerships improve rather than undermine domestic capabilities. Successful implementation hinges on clear policies, early resolution of legal barriers, and a strategic approach to integrating allied industrial strengths while safeguarding U.S. maritime dominance. Henry H. Carroll and Cynthia R. Cook, CSIS, May 15
Quick Take: Second New Naval Vessel Close to Launch. North Korea is preparing to launch a second Choe Hyon Class destroyer at Chongjin Shipyard, following a similar launch at Nampho in April. Satellite imagery from May 15 shows the vessel has been positioned for a side launch, a method not previously observed in North Korea, likely due to infrastructure constraints at the quay. Support barges and vessels are stationed nearby to manage the launch process. The ship remains incomplete, with its forward gun and missile tube magazines exposed. This activity aligns with Kim Jong Un’s pledge to expand North Korea’s naval capabilities, including new submarines and surface ships. Martyn Williams and Peter Makowsky, 38 North, May 15
Why US sanctions can’t stop China’s AI rise. Despite US export restrictions on AI chips like Nvidia’s H20, China’s AI development remains resilient and continues to close the performance gap with the US. By the end of 2024, Chinese large language models (LLMs) had narrowed their performance lag from nearly 20 percentage points in 2023 to just 0.3 points. The rise of open-source models in China, contrasted with the US open versus closed-source debate, accelerates this convergence. As AI leadership moves from academia to industry, China’s corporate-driven ecosystem enables rapid advancements. Additionally, China’s dominance in AI publications, patents, and its vast industrial application base positions it to surpass the US in practical AI deployment. With AI becoming more efficient and accessible, small and medium-sized Chinese firms are poised to drive future innovations, mirroring China’s previous overtaking of the US in internet applications. Yin Ruizhi, ThinkChina, May 15
Coding crops: How AI is sowing change in rural China. AI technology, once confined to urban sectors, is now transforming rural China through tools designed for agriculture and livestock management. Driven by the success of DeepSeek-R1 and widespread adoption by tech giants, AI has reached farmers seeking practical advice on crop care, pest control, and livestock health. The return of educated youth to rural areas has created a new wave of “seed users” facilitating AI diffusion. Innovations include wheat-monitoring robots equipped with multispectral sensors and facial recognition systems for precision pig farming. This integration marks a new agricultural revolution, increasing productivity through AI-driven data analysis, automation, and decision-making. China’s efforts parallel similar initiatives in Europe and the US, reflecting a global trend of democratizing AI access to rural communities. Ultimately, AI is positioned as a tool for practical problem-solving and efficiency, potentially reshaping rural economies and agricultural practices. Zhang Tiankan, ThinkChina, May 15
Southeast Asia
At Home and Abroad: Singapore’s Way Forward. Singapore faces the challenge of balancing a realist foreign policy with evolving domestic expectations amid global uncertainties. Its strategic autonomy is maintained through diplomatic agility, as seen in regional initiatives and the careful navigation of great power rivalries. Domestically, long-standing policies fostering cohesion are now being tested by growing calls for inclusivity, transparency, and reform. Recent policy changes, such as social investments in Budget 2025, show gradual adaptation. The 2025 General Election reaffirmed the public's desire for stability alongside credible alternative voices. To sustain resilience and legitimacy, measured reforms include electoral adjustments, enhanced institutional accountability, and expanded social protections are needed. These would aim to deepen public trust while preserving Singapore’s strengths. The way forward is not a departure from its successful model but a thoughtful evolution of its pragmatic, adaptive governance. Tang Meng Kit, RSIS, May 15
New taskforce powers Indonesia’s energy transition. Indonesia has established the Energy Transition and Green Economy Task Force to tackle persistent policy inconsistencies and accelerate its shift towards renewable energy. Aiming for a 15.5 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 and an 87 per cent renewable energy mix by 2060, Indonesia’s progress has been hindered by fragmented regulations, political interests tied to the coal industry, and institutional misalignments. The task force brings together multiple ministries and state entities to coordinate strategies, develop performance indicators, and recommend reforms. However, entrenched interests, particularly from the coal sector and cautious financial institutions, pose significant obstacles. To overcome these challenges, stronger political leadership is essential, including the swift passage of the Renewable Energy Bill to provide legal certainty and policy coherence. The task force marks an important governance improvement, but its success depends on translating political will into actionable reforms that align national energy priorities with sustainable development goals. Muhammad Arief Virgy, East Asia Forum, May 16
Economic Anxiety, Nationalist Pride: How Vietnam Navigates the Trump Storm. Vietnam’s strategic partnership with the US faces new challenges under Trump’s second term, marked by aid cuts, steep tariffs, and diplomatic snubs. Despite these pressures, Hanoi has maintained a pragmatic approach, balancing domestic nationalist sentiment with the need for stable bilateral ties. State media focused on cooperation, while pro-regime social media fueled patriotic outrage to reinforce regime legitimacy and deflect criticism. Public reactions to Trump’s tariffs, however, revealed genuine economic anxieties, with widespread concerns over job losses and rising prices surfacing on unaffiliated platforms. This divergence between scripted narratives and authentic public sentiment show the importance of aligning propaganda with lived realities. For Vietnam’s leadership, particularly Party Chief To Lam, navigating this “Trump storm” without triggering counterproductive nationalism is critical to sustaining economic stability and regime credibility. Dien Nguyen An Luong, FULCRUM, May 16
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle’s Challenge: To Be or Not to Be in Opposition. Indonesia’s largest political party, the PDI-P, faces internal divisions over whether to support President Prabowo Subianto’s government or take an oppositional stance. Despite securing the largest vote share in 2024, tensions between pro-cooperation figures like Puan Maharani and opposition-leaning members led by Prananda Prabowo reflect deeper ideological and strategic rifts. The party’s legacy as an anti-Suharto movement contrasts with newer parties rooted in elite or business interests. Recent events, including Hasto Kristiyanto’s corruption arrest and Megawati’s ambiguous silence, highlight the factional struggle. Puan has signaled willingness to work with Prabowo, while Prananda’s faction emphasizes grassroots populism. The upcoming PDI-P congress will be pivotal in determining whether the party aligns with the ruling coalition or reasserts its opposition identity, a decision shaped by its unique historical trajectory and current political dynamics. Max Lane, FULCRUM, May 15