Asia Daily: May 17, 2024
News
Coastguards can detain trespassers without trial, says Beijing as activists converge on Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. As tensions in the South China Sea escalate, Beijing has clarified the powers of the Chinese coastguard, allowing for the detention of foreigners for up to 60 days without trial. This development coincides with a Philippine civilian mission asserting claims near the contested Scarborough Shoal. The regulation aims to strengthen China's control over its maritime borders amid ongoing regional disputes and heightened activities by neighboring countries. Vanessa Cai, South China Morning Post, May 17
Putin visits China to bolster ties, amidst global concerns. Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China, highlighted by his attendance at the China-Russia Expo in Harbin, aimed to strengthen strategic and economic ties. He discussed collaborations in defense research and education, including a joint school with his alma mater. The visit, marked by mutual affirmations of partnership, occurs as both nations face global scrutiny over their geopolitical alignments. Huizhong Wu and Emily Wang Fujiyama, AP News, May 17,
Japan protests after China, Russia call released water "contaminated." Japan has strongly objected to statements by China and Russia, labeling the treated water from Fukushima as "nuclear-contaminated." These remarks came during a summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Japan insists that the water release meets international safety standards, a position supported by a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Kyodo News, May 17
Philippines to buy 5 coast guard ships from Japan. The Philippines is bolstering its maritime defenses by purchasing five coast guard ships from Japan, aimed at enhancing its surveillance and security operations amid rising regional maritime disputes. This strategic acquisition, part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's naval presence, is part of the Philippines' active approach to safeguarding its territorial waters amid ongoing disputes. Agence France-Presse and Francisco Tuyay, The Manila Times, May 18
Man kills 2 officers at police station in Malaysia in a suspected Jemaah Islamiyah attack. A man attacked a police station in Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia, killing two officers and injuring another with a machete. The attacker, who was shot dead by police, is suspected of links to the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah. Material related to the group was found at his home, and family members were arrested. The incident occurred close to historical training sites of the group, suggesting potential premeditation and broader security implications. AP News, May 17
UN special rapporteurs denounce repressions of independent media in Kyrgyzstan. UN Special Rapporteurs have expressed serious concerns over the repression of independent media in Kyrgyzstan, urging the country's government to respect international freedom of expression standards. They highlighted the treatment of news outlets like Kloop and 24.kg, emphasizing the need for Kyrgyzstan to allow journalists and media to operate without fear of intimidation or reprisal. The Times of Central Asia, May 17
North Korea fires ballistic missile toward Sea of Japan, S. Korea says. North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, escalating regional tensions. The missiles, launched from Wonsan, flew approximately 300 kilometers before falling into the sea, as reported by South Korea's military. Japan confirmed the missiles did not enter its exclusive economic zone, and no damage was reported. This is part of a larger series of provocations in Pyongyang despite international condemnation. Kyodo News, May 17
Minor liberal party proposes constitutional amendment to Shorten President's Term. The Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP) has proposed a constitutional amendment to shorten the term of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol from a single five-year term to a maximum of two four-year terms. This proposal includes a plan to hold a national referendum ahead of the 2026 local elections. The RKP suggests this change could reduce national resource wastage by aligning presidential and local elections. Nam Hyun-woo, The Korea Times, May 17
Việt Nam, RoK foster multifaceted cooperation. Việt Nam and South Korea have strengthened their collaboration during the "Meet Korea 2024" event in Bình Dương, celebrating 32 years of diplomatic relations. This partnership has led to significant South Korean investments totaling $86 billion in various Vietnamese sectors. Both nations aim to further advance this cooperation, emphasizing the strategic importance of their relationship within the Indo-Pacific region. Vietnam News, May 17
EBRD: Uzbekistan's economy shows stable growth. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Uzbekistan’s economy is expected to grow by 6.5% in 2024 and 6% in 2025. This growth is driven by investments in fixed capital and increased net exports. Despite challenges like energy and water shortages, economic improvements have been supported by rising wages, consumer spending, and significant investment in transportation and export-oriented manufacturing. The Times of Central Asia, May 17
China-South Korea talks hinge on Seoul's commitment regarding Taiwan. China's agreement to hold bilateral discussions with South Korea during a trilateral summit is contingent on Seoul not sending a delegation to Taiwan's presidential inauguration. This diplomatic stipulation by China emphasizes the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding Taiwan's international engagements. The summit, involving China, South Korea, and Japan, is set to address regional issues, with the bilateral aspect dependent on South Korea's adherence to prior commitments regarding Taiwan. Luna Sun, South China Morning Post, May 17
Cambodia, Georgia vow to deepen political and economic cooperation. During a working visit to Georgia, Khuon Phon Rattanak, Cambodia's Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, engaged in the first bilateral consultations aimed at deepening political and economic ties between Cambodia and Georgia. These discussions emphasized expanding cooperation across various fields and highlighted the importance of high-level visits to foster close relations between the two nations. Khmer Times, May 17
Laos, Australia advance renewable energy cooperation. Laos and Australia are collaborating to enhance renewable energy capabilities, highlighted by a meeting in Vientiane to celebrate Renewable Energy Day. This partnership, supported by various stakeholders including the Australian Embassy and EnergyLab, focuses on harnessing Laos's natural resources to boost clean energy production and economic prosperity. The initiative also explores the potential of electric vehicles and other green technologies in the region. Vientiane Times, May 17
S’pore export slump eases to 9.3% drop in April on a turnaround for electronics shipments. Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (Nodx) saw a reduced decline of 9.3% in April, an improvement from March's 20.8% drop. This shift is partly due to a resurgence in electronics exports, despite ongoing weaknesses in the semiconductor sector. The overall trade recovery remains tentative, with expectations of gradual improvement later in the year. Angela Tan, The Straits Times, May 17
Long Form
How Chinese Maoism Shaped Modern Palestinian Jihadism. Maoist ideology profoundly influenced the Palestinian national movement, instilling strategies of guerrilla warfare and anti-colonial rhetoric. From early support in the 1960s, including arms and strategic advice, Mao's China inspired Palestinian groups through ideological and practical support, paralleling their struggle with China’s past revolutionary experiences. This influence persists subtly within Palestinian militant strategies today, emphasizing armed resistance and anti-imperialist sentiment. Benjamin R. Young, The Diplomat, May 16
From Tsai to Lai: Shaping Taiwan’s Foreign Policy. Taiwan's incoming President, Lai Ching-te, faces the task of continuing or adjusting the foreign policy direction established by Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai's tenure was marked by steadfast diplomacy, emphasizing Taiwan's alignment with democratic values and building partnerships with other democracies. This approach grew particularly significant due to global shifts in perception towards China. Lai is expected to maintain these policies, focusing on shared values with allies and managing the delicate balance in cross-strait relations. The transition marks a critical period in defining Taiwan’s international role amidst evolving global dynamics. Peng-Hsuan Chen, The Diplomat, May 17
Xi Jinping on the Thucydides Trap: Zichen Wang explores Xi Jinping's nuanced stance on the Thucydides Trap, a theory suggesting inevitable conflict between rising and established powers. While the Chinese President refutes the inevitability of such conflict, emphasizing China's peaceful rise and calling for understanding and cooperation between nations, he uses the concept to advocate for a careful navigation of China-U.S. relations to avoid strategic miscalculations and foster mutual prosperity. This reflects a strategic approach to positioning China on the global stage without succumbing to predetermined hostile paths. Zichen Wang, Pekinology, May 17