Asia Daily: May 23, 2024
News
South Korea, China, Japan to hold first summit in four years on May 26-27. The leaders of South Korea, China, and Japan will convene in Seoul for their first trilateral summit since 2019. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for bilateral talks on May 26, followed by a trilateral meeting on May 27. They will adopt a joint statement covering areas like the economy, trade, and health. The summit aims to restore trilateral cooperation amid regional tensions and Sino-U.S. rivalry. Hyonhee Shin, Reuters, May 23
Hong Kong minister demands UK give details on death of Matthew Trickett, accused of spying for city. Hong Kong Commerce Minister Algernon Yau Ying-wah called for Britain to disclose details about the death of Matthew Trickett, found dead in Grenfell Park, Maidenhead. Trickett, one of three suspects accused of assisting Hong Kong’s intelligence, died under unexplained circumstances. Yau urged the UK to handle the matter fairly, protect the suspects' rights, and ensure the normal operation of Hong Kong’s trade office in London. Lo Hoi-ying, South China Morning Post, May 23
Taiwan scrambles jets and puts missile, naval and land units on alert over China’s military drills. Taiwan activated its military forces, including jets and missile units, in response to Chinese military exercises around the island. The drills, deemed a punishment by China for Taiwan's separatist stance, coincided with President Lai Ching-te's inauguration. Taiwan's Defense Ministry condemned China's actions, stressing its commitment to democracy and security. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command urged regional condemnation of China's maneuvers, while Japan's Foreign Minister highlighted Taiwan's strategic importance. Christopher Bodeen, AP News, May 23
House drug war probe: Guevarra admits there were abuses. The House committee on human rights began an inquiry into the Duterte administration's drug war, focusing on extrajudicial killings now under ICC investigation. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra admitted to human rights violations and explained that the DOJ prioritized 52 of over 6,000 drug-related death cases due to their strong potential for trial. Lawmakers criticized the limited investigations, suspecting a cover-up. The inquiry aims to address local human rights abuses without aiding the ICC. Krixia Subingsubing, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 23
Court accepts petition against PM. The Constitutional Court of Thailand accepted a petition seeking the ouster of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over appointing a minister with a prison record. The court, however, decided not to suspend Srettha from his duties while awaiting the ruling. The petition, filed by 40 senators, targets the ethics of Srettha's appointment of Pichit Chuenban, who resigned recently. Pichit had served a prison sentence for attempting to bribe the Supreme Court. Srettha, currently in Japan, stated he remains focused on his duties. Wassana Nanuam, Mongkol Bangprapa and Phusadee Arunmas, Bangkok Post, May 23
Japan to work with ASEAN to train 100,000 digital professionals. Japan plans to collaborate with ASEAN to train 100,000 digital professionals in AI and semiconductors over the next five years, as announced by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN. Additionally, Japan and ASEAN will develop a 10-year strategy to promote the next-generation automobile industry, to be unveiled in the fall. The Asia Zero Emission Community framework's second ministerial meeting will be held in Jakarta in August. Kyodo News, May 23
Korea unveils $19 bil. support package for chip industry. South Korea announced a 26 trillion won ($19 billion) package to boost its semiconductor industry, encompassing finance, infrastructure, R&D, and SME support. President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the need for advanced chip production to remain competitive globally. The package includes 17 trillion won for financial assistance, tax incentives, and a 1 trillion won semiconductor ecosystem fund. The government will also enhance essential infrastructure, expedite a semiconductor mega-cluster in Yongin, and focus on developing system semiconductors. Anna J. Park, The Korea Times, May 23
China signals economy is priority as Xi Jinping meets business leaders ahead of key party meeting. President Xi Jinping called for deepened reforms to address economic challenges during a meeting with state-owned, private, and overseas business leaders in Jinan. Xi emphasized eliminating ideological barriers and institutional obstacles to promote high-quality development and innovation. The meeting, ahead of the July Communist Party plenum, aimed to boost market confidence amid external pressures and internal issues like weak demand and property sector downturns. Frank Chen and Frank Tang, South China Morning Post, May 23
Japan, Malaysia leaders agree to boost cooperation amid China's rise. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to enhance cooperation in decarbonization, digitalization, cybersecurity, and economic security during their meeting in Tokyo. They praised Japan's new security collaboration framework, Official Security Assistance (OSA), aimed at like-minded partners such as Malaysia. The two countries will address regional issues, including China's military presence in the East and South China seas and North Korea's nuclear threats. Malaysia will assume the ASEAN chair next year. Kyodo News, May 23
Construction of first IT town in Uzbekistan begins. Uzbekistan has commenced the construction of its first IT town, "Villayat Samsarak: Creative Eco-IT Village," in the Parkent district of Tashkent. The project, inaugurated on May 18, aims to develop the green and creative sectors. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's recent decree supports creating IT towns to enhance digital skills and foreign language learning among youth. The initiative is funded by public-private partnerships, the Foundation for the Development of Digital Technologies, and the State Fund for Youth Policy Support. The Times of Central Asia, May 23
U.S. and Kazakhstan discuss shared values at High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms. The United States and Kazakhstan held their third annual High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Democratic Reforms on May 20, 2024, in Astana. The U.S. delegation, led by Under Secretary Uzra Zeya, and Kazakhstan's delegation, headed by Ambassador Erzhan Kazykhan, discussed advancing human rights, rule of law, and freedom of expression. The U.S. commended Kazakhstan's progress, including the April 2024 law recriminalizing domestic violence, and emphasized the importance of transparency and civil society participation in reforms. The Times of Central Asia, May 23
Deputy PM meets Cambodian, Singaporean counterparts in Tokyo. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái met with Cambodian Deputy PM Sun Chanthol and Singaporean counterpart Gan Kim Yong during the 29th International Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo. Khái and Chanthol discussed enhancing economic ties, with Chanthol encouraging Vietnamese investment in Cambodia. Khái and Gan discussed boosting Vietnam-Singapore relations through economic and green partnerships, with Gan proposing projects in emerging sectors. Both meetings emphasized regional cooperation and strategic partnerships within ASEAN. Vietnam News, Vietnam News, May 23
Military failing to find sufficient recruits despite conscription. Myanmar's military struggles to meet recruitment targets despite enforcing conscription laws, as stated by Junta defense minister Adm. Tin Aung San. At a recent meeting, he urged officers to take stronger measures against those evading service and emphasized the establishment of training centers for new recruits. The regime faces challenges in increasing manpower, impacting its military capabilities. The military's conscription efforts have been insufficient in addressing the recruitment shortfall. Nay Min Ni and Aung Zay, Myanmar Now, May 23
U.S. envoy discusses N.K. human rights with S. Korean official ahead of visit to abduction site. Julie Turner, U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights, met with South Korean official Chun Young-hee to discuss cooperation on improving human rights in North Korea. The meeting preceded Turner's visit to sites where South Korean teens were abducted by the North in the 1970s. Turner and Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho will visit Seonyu and Hong islands. They also planned for a bilateral dialogue on North Korean human rights later this year. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News, May 22
Long Form
Elections in Kashmir: A Vote Against BJP’s Proxies. Kashmiris are voting in larger numbers than in the past, showing a determination to defeat the allegedly BJP-backed Apni Party and People’s Conference. In Anantnag district, where past polling turnout was low, National Conference leaders attracted a significant crowd, reflecting the urgency and high stakes of these elections for the 18th Lok Sabha. Anando Bhakto, The Diplomat, May 23
Xi Jinping weighs options as Taiwan inaugurates a new president. Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te begins his term with a firm stance on maintaining Taiwan's sovereignty, while China, led by Xi Jinping, considers options ranging from political strategies involving the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) to the possibility of a blockade. Lai's past advocacy for Taiwan independence and his careful rhetoric signal a challenging path ahead. The KMT's potential resurgence in future elections could influence Beijing's strategy. Katsuji Nakazawa, Nikkei Asia, May 23
Why so many middle-class Chinese migrants take risky, illegal route to U.S. Economic malaise, debt, and despair are pushing many middle-class Chinese families to take risky, illegal routes to the U.S., often trekking through the dangerous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama. In 2023, encounters with U.S. border authorities involving Chinese migrants were ten times higher than in pre-pandemic years. Families are driven by economic slowdown and human rights concerns in China, seeking a new life in America despite the dangers. Marrian Zhou, Nikkei Asia, May 22
Grey horizons for Beijing’s South China Sea strategy. Despite intensified grey zone activities by China around the Second Thomas Shoal, Beijing has struggled to achieve tangible results. China's coercive measures, including the use of water cannons and aggressive maneuvers by the China Coast Guard, have not succeeded in cutting off the Philippine outpost from essential supplies. The Philippines' strategy of publicizing Chinese assertiveness has bolstered its position and garnered international support. Mateusz Chatys, East Asia Forum, May 23
Grey horizons for Beijing’s South China Sea strategy. Despite intensified grey zone activities by China around the Second Thomas Shoal, Beijing has struggled to achieve tangible results. China's coercive measures, including the use of water cannons and aggressive maneuvers by the China Coast Guard, have not succeeded in cutting off the Philippine outpost from essential supplies. The Philippines' strategy of publicizing Chinese assertiveness has bolstered its position and garnered international support. Mateusz Chatys, East Asia Forum, May 23
Security exceptions and trade norms in WTO reforms. The rapid narrowing of economic and technological gaps between the U.S. and China has heightened security-based trade measures. This challenge for the WTO necessitates balancing security and free trade without abuse. Article 21 of the GATT on security exceptions is ambiguous, and the WTO’s dispute settlement system faces issues like “appealing into the void.” Reforms suggested include clarifying trade remedy measures, enhancing monitoring, and possibly establishing a national security committee within the WTO. Michitaka Nakatomi, East Asia Forum, May 23
Asia’s ascendance in the new international space order. Lunar landings by China, India, and Japan have positioned Asia at the forefront of space exploration, prompting discussions of a new space race. The current international space order is bipolar, dominated by the U.S. and China, who are vying for control over space rules and power distribution. This order features intensified competition, technological advancements, and dual-use technologies. The U.S. and China are developing separate lunar infrastructure visions through the Artemis Accords and the Chinese-led International Lunar Research Station. This new space order will test the stability of bipolarity in international relations. Saadia M Pekkanen, East Asia Forum, May 22