Asia Daily: May 22, 2024
News
Chinese companies look to Qatar as Middle East entry point, alternative to fickle West. Chinese firms are increasingly viewing Qatar as a strategic entry point to the Middle East and Africa, as Western markets become more scrutinized. Jack Lau, head of the Qatar Science and Technology Park, noted that over 20 Chinese companies have shown interest in joining the park, including electric vehicle producer Davinci Motor. Qatar offers opportunities for R&D and market development. Foreign direct investment from China in Qatar has grown significantly, with 265 Chinese companies registered. Zhao Ziwen and Kandy Wong, South China Morning Post, May 22
China sanctions US defense-related companies and executives over Russia, Taiwan. China sanctioned 12 U.S. defense firms and 10 executives in retaliation for American sanctions linked to Russia and arms sales to Taiwan. Targeted entities include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics. The sanctions, under China's Anti-Foreign Sanction Law, freeze assets, deny visas, and ban business with Chinese firms. This follows Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te's inauguration and ongoing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. AP News, May 22
Tô Lâm elected President, pledging to work towards centennial goal of being a developed nation. Tô Lâm, 67, was elected as the President of Vietnam for the 2021-26 term by the National Assembly. He pledged loyalty to the nation and committed to implementing Party policies to achieve Vietnam's centennial goals of becoming a developed, high-income nation. Tô Lâm emphasized building a socialist, law-governed state and improving the quality of life for the people. He has served as a Politburo member and Minister of Public Security. Vietnam News, May 22
Chinese envoy invited to Senate probe on wiretapping of military official. The Philippine Senate Committee on National Defense, led by Sen. Jose Estrada, has invited Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to participate in an investigation into the alleged wiretapping of a Philippine military official by a Chinese diplomat. This move follows accusations that a Chinese official violated the Philippines' anti-wiretapping law. The inquiry aims to address the implications of such espionage activities on national security and diplomatic relations between the two countries. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, May 22
Japan, South Korea leaders to agree in Seoul to tackle North Korea threats. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will meet in Seoul to strengthen cooperation against North Korean security threats. The leaders are expected to discuss missile launches, nuclear development, and enhance trilateral security ties with the United States. This meeting follows improved relations after resolving a wartime labor dispute and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Discussions may also address cybersecurity concerns related to the Line messaging app. Kyodo News, May 22
Court to decide on PM’s fate. The Constitutional Court of Thailand will decide whether to accept a petition challenging Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's decision to appoint Pichit Chuenban to the cabinet. The petition, submitted by 40 senators, accuses Srettha and Pichit of breaching ministerial ethics. Pichit resigned recently, but the court's decision could still lead to Srettha's suspension. The court will review the petition under constitutional sections addressing cabinet ethics. The issue stems from Pichit's past legal controversies and imprisonment. Mongkol Bangprapa and Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, May 22
Turkic Investment Fund opens operation. The Turkic Investment Fund (TIF), launched by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey, started operations with an inaugural Board of Governors meeting in Istanbul. The fund, with an initial capital of $500 million, aims to boost economic and commercial ties among Turkic nations. It will invest in infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and IT sectors. Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Nurlan Baybazarov, expressed strong support for the initiative. The Times of Central Asia, May 22
China should look to Africa to counter overcapacity claims from the West, Africa Finance Corporation chief says. Samaila Zubairu, CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation, suggested China diversify its renewable energy supply chain by moving part of it to Africa, highlighting the continent's mineral resources and renewable energy potential. He noted that processing in Africa would lower carbon footprints and reduce Western overcapacity concerns. Chinese investments in Africa's new energy sector have increased, yet most imports remain raw materials. Zhao Ziwen and Kandy Wong, South China Morning Post, May 22
No more time for Cha-cha '25 plebiscite – Comelec. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that holding a plebiscite on Charter change (Cha-cha) with the 2025 midterm polls is not feasible. Chairman George Erwin Garcia cited the scheduling conflict with the village and youth elections set for December 2025, as mandated by the Supreme Court. This overlap makes it impractical to prepare for multiple significant electoral events within the same period, leading to the decision to forgo the Cha-cha plebiscite in 2025. William B. Depasupil, The Manila Times, May 22
Japan weighs incentivizing childbirth by fully covering expenses. The Japanese government is considering fully covering childbirth expenses under public medical insurance from fiscal 2026 to combat declining birth rates. Currently, normal deliveries are not covered, leading to varying costs nationwide. The plan would set a unified price for childbirth, replacing the current lump-sum payment of 500,000 yen. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare will form an expert panel to define the scope of coverage, potentially excluding extras like painless labor and private rooms. Kyodo News, May 22
Myanmar junta moves to revive China-backed Myitsone hydropower project. Myanmar's military junta announced the formation of an 11-member committee to resume the Myitsone hydropower dam project in northern Kachin State. Led by Deputy Energy Minister Aye Kyaw, the committee will collaborate with China's State Power Investment Company on technical solutions and public relations. The $3.6 billion project, suspended since 2011 due to environmental and social concerns, aims to strengthen Myanmar-China relations amid the regime's efforts to gain China's support. Su Chay, Myanmar Now, May 22
Japan, Philippines to hold 2-plus-2 security talks in July. Japan and the Philippines will hold 2-plus-2 security talks involving their foreign and defense ministers in Manila in early July to address China's maritime assertiveness. Discussions will focus on accelerating negotiations for a reciprocal access agreement to facilitate smoother defense personnel deployment and weapon transportation. This meeting follows the initial talks in Tokyo in April 2022 and coincides with increasing bilateral defense cooperation in response to China's activities in the East and South China seas. Kyodo News, May 22
UAE president to make state visit to S. Korea next week. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit South Korea from May 28-29, marking the first state visit by a UAE president. He will meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss enhancing cooperation in economic investment, energy, and defense. This follows Yoon's state visit to the UAE in January 2023, where they agreed to expand cooperation in nuclear power, arms, and energy sectors. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News, May 22
Missing Bangladesh ruling party’s MP found murdered in India: Minister. Anwarul Azim Anar, a member of Bangladesh's ruling Awami League party, was found murdered in an abandoned house in Kolkata, India, after being missing for over a week. Anar, 56, had gone to India for medical treatment on May 12. Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan reported the arrest of three Bangladeshis in connection with the murder. The investigation is ongoing, and Anar's body was discovered by Kolkata police early Wednesday. Al Jazeera, May 22
Macron flies to New Caledonia amid ongoing unrest and Indigenous frustration with France. French President Emmanuel Macron is traveling to New Caledonia to address deadly violence linked to long-standing Indigenous Kanak independence efforts. The unrest, sparked by debates over voter list changes perceived to favor pro-France politicians, has resulted in six deaths and extensive damage. Macron aims to restore order, facilitate dialogue, and oversee significant reconstruction. Over 280 arrests and 1,050 security reinforcements have been reported. Thomas Adamson, AP News, May 22
NGOs in Kyrgyzstan have two months to register as "foreign agents." Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Justice approved a register for NGOs receiving foreign funding, requiring them to register as "foreign agents" within two months from May 16. President Sadyr Zhaparov signed the law despite opposition from over 100 organizations. NGOs in the register may face unscheduled inspections. The law has drawn criticism from international organizations and led the Soros-Kyrgyzstan Foundation to cease operations in the country. The Times of Central Asia, May 22
Top diplomats of S. Korea, Japan discuss upcoming trilateral summit with China in phone talks. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa discussed the upcoming trilateral summit with China and other mutual interests during a 35-minute phone call. Cho expressed hopes for the summit to enhance bilateral ties, while Kamikawa suggested continued cooperation for a successful event. The summit, expected to be held May 26-27, will address issues including Japan's demand for LY Corp. to sell its stake in a joint venture with South Korea's Naver Corp. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News, May 22
Long Form
Will Frozen China-South Korea Relations Thaw as Seoul Hosts Upcoming Trilateral Summit? Chinese Premier Li Qiang's participation in the upcoming trilateral summit with South Korea and Japan is a critical test for improving strained China-South Korea relations. The summit, resuming after a four-year hiatus, aims to enhance cooperation in trade, supply chain stability, and cultural exchanges. While recent diplomatic efforts signal a willingness to improve ties, significant disagreements persist, particularly concerning Taiwan and North Korea. The summit provides a platform to address these issues, but long-standing tensions may complicate progress. Seong-Hyon Lee, The Diplomat, May 22
Teesta River Project Pushes Bangladesh Into China-India Cold War. Bangladesh faces a diplomatic dilemma as China and India vie for involvement in the $1 billion Teesta River project. China's proposal for the project is part of its broader strategy to increase influence in South Asia. India, seeking to counter China's presence near its vulnerable "Chicken Neck" corridor, has offered to fund the project to prevent Chinese involvement. This competition forces Bangladesh to balance its relations with both powers while addressing its own development needs. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must navigate these tensions to safeguard Bangladesh's interests. Kamal Uddin Mazumder, The Diplomat, May 22
We can help keep Taiwan safe by deepening engagement. As Taiwan's new President William Lai takes office, Australia and its partners should enhance cooperation with Taiwan to support regional peace. President Lai emphasized democracy, peace, and prosperity in his inauguration speech, urging democratic nations to unite against disinformation and build resilience. Taiwan, a key player in global trade and technology, faces economic, diplomatic, and military pressures from China. Strengthening ties in areas like clean energy, technology, and maritime cooperation can help maintain stability in the Taiwan Strait. Jenny Bloomfield, The Interpreter, May 22,
Asia's ascendance in the new international space order. The rise of China, India, and Japan in space capabilities marks a shift towards a new international space order, characterized by strategic competition between China and the U.S. Unlike the Cold War, today's space race involves multiple states and commercial entities. Key developments include China's Chang’e missions, India’s Chandrayaan-3, and Japan’s lunar landing. The U.S.-led Artemis Accords and China’s International Lunar Research Station highlight competing lunar infrastructure visions, raising concerns about arms control and rule-making in space. Saadia M Pekkanen, East Asia Forum, May 22
Bamban’s Mysterious Mayor. Alice Leal Guo, elected mayor of Bamban, Tarlac in June 2022, is under scrutiny over allegations of being an illegal Chinese migrant or spy. Her background includes unverified education and birth records, and she only registered to vote in 2021. Investigations revealed her connection to properties linked to human trafficking and illegal gambling operations. The Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government removed her control over local police due to alleged criminal ties. Guo denies all allegations, claiming ignorance of her partners' backgrounds. Her case has drawn significant media and legislative attention. John Berthelsen, Asia Sentinel, May 22