News
Ex-CIA officer accused of spying for China pleads guilty in a Honolulu courtroom. Former CIA officer Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 72, pleaded guilty to spying for China over the past decade. Arrested in 2020, Ma provided classified information to China’s Ministry of State Security, including CIA sources, operational tradecraft, and secure communication practices. Ma, who joined the CIA in 1982, also worked as an FBI contract linguist. The plea deal suggests a 10-year sentence. Ma's sentencing is scheduled for September 11. Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, AP News, May 24
Japan to sanction Russian groups over North Korean arms procurement. Japan will impose sanctions on nine Russian entities, a Russian national, and two Cypriot firms for their involvement in procuring weapons from North Korea amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi condemned the arms transfers, which violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. The sanctions will freeze assets in Japan owned by the targeted entities, including shipping firms and military facilities. This move aligns with the G7's condemnation of North Korean ballistic missile shipments to Russia. Kyodo News, May 24
China jails former Three Gorges chief Cao Guangjing for life for taking bribes. Cao Guangjing, former deputy governor of Hubei province, was sentenced to life in prison for accepting over 216 million yuan (US$29.8 million) in bribes and facilitating insider trading. The court found that Cao exploited his roles at China Three Gorges Corporation and Hubei government from 2004 to 2022 to assist others in winning contracts. He was also convicted of leaking information about a bailout plan for personal gain. Cao's sentences will run concurrently due to his cooperation and remorse. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, May 24
Kazakh PM meets with German Rhenus Group to discuss Middle Corridor. Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Tobias Bartz, chairman of Rhenus Group, to discuss enhancing transport and logistics cooperation through the Middle Corridor. They explored creating new Kazakh-German enterprises to modernize warehousing and develop railway transportation, boosting Kazakhstan's transit capacity. Bektenov emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to creating a favorable investment climate, noting the importance of transcontinental corridors for connecting Europe to China and Southeast Asia. The Times of Central Asia, May 24
Japan to seek practical cooperation with China, S. Korea: Kishida. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio aims to advance practical cooperation with China and South Korea during the trilateral summit in Seoul, the first in four years. Kishida plans to discuss economic cooperation, North Korea's nuclear threats, and ensuring a fair international economic order. He emphasized the importance of regularizing the trilateral summit to promote regional stability. Bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol are also scheduled. Kyodo News, May 24
Tajikistan doubles down on fines for wearing "foreign clothes." Tajikistan's parliament passed amendments imposing fines ranging from 8,000 to 65,000 somoni ($733 to $5,333) for importing, selling, or wearing clothes deemed "foreign" and not aligned with national culture. The law, part of the updated "Regulation of Traditions and Rites" and the Code of Administrative Offenses, aims to enforce traditional dress codes. The amendments, effective upon official publication, have sparked mixed reactions among the public, with some advocating for personal freedom in clothing choices. The Times of Central Asia, May 24
China and Brazil jointly urge Ukraine war de-escalation, propose ‘international peace conference.’ Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Brazilian adviser Celso Amorim proposed an international peace conference to mediate an end to the Ukraine conflict. The proposal aims for prisoner exchanges, humanitarian aid, and civilian protection. Russia expressed conditional support for a ceasefire. Despite skepticism from the West, China and Brazil emphasized the importance of global cooperation to de-escalate the situation. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, May 24
U.S. girding for possibility of N. Korea taking most provocative military actions in decade near election: NBC. U.S. officials are preparing for potential North Korean military provocations before the November 5 presidential election, possibly urged by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Contingency plans include responses to actions in the Demilitarized Zone or attacks on South Korean islands. North Korea's provocations might coincide with Putin's visit to Pyongyang. The U.S. believes Russia may be aiding North Korea with nuclear technology in exchange for munitions used in Ukraine. Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo are closely monitoring this growing North Korea-Russia-China partnership. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, May 25
Marcos to military: Foil ouster attempts. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the military to prevent attempts to overthrow the government, stating their mission is ongoing. During his visit to the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi headquarters in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, he emphasized the need to combat destabilization efforts. Marcos has been visiting military camps to stress the urgency of maintaining stability. He reiterated the importance of vigilance and readiness among the troops to counter any threats against the government. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, May 25
Philippines says it will forge security alliances and stage combat drills despite China’s opposition. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro affirmed the Philippines' commitment to building security alliances and conducting joint military exercises in the South China Sea, dismissing China's criticisms as paranoia. Teodoro highlighted the need to defend territorial interests amid China's aggressive actions. The Philippines has enhanced security ties with various nations, including the U.S., and plans more maritime cooperation. Teodoro criticized Beijing's provocations and emphasized the importance of regional defense partnerships. Jim Gomez, AP News, May 24
Vietnam regards Japan as important, long-term partner: Deputy PM. Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái emphasized Vietnam’s view of Japan as a crucial long-term partner during his visit to Tokyo for the 29th Future of Asia Forum. He highlighted the importance of effectively implementing their comprehensive strategic partnership and invited Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to visit Vietnam. The discussion covered cooperation in digital transformation and green transition, with Japan's JICA President pledging continued support for Vietnam’s infrastructure and human resources projects. Vietnam News, May 25
Long Form
Kyrgyz Workers Steering Clear of Russia: What's Going On? Despite privileged access to the Russian labor market, the number of Kyrgyz workers in Russia has declined from nearly 1 million to around 411,000. Factors include the depreciation of the ruble and heightened security vetting. Many are now seeking jobs in other countries like the UK, where almost 8,000 Kyrgyz received seasonal worker visas in 2023. However, scams are prevalent, with fake job offers and visas. Remittances from non-CIS countries have increased, but Russia remains the largest source. The goal is for Kyrgyzstan to reduce reliance on remittances, which now make up 20% of GDP, down from 30% in the 2010s. Peter Leonard, , May 24
The Dreams of Ishin no Kai. Ishin no Kai, an Osaka-based political party, has struggled to gain national influence despite its significant local support. Founded by former Osaka governor Hashimoto Tōru in 2010, the party aims to centralize political power, decentralize government authority to local levels, and liberalize the market. Despite these ambitions, Ishin no Kai has faced numerous setbacks, including failed referenda and limited success outside Kansai. The party’s consistent ideology, rooted in Heisei-era reform conservatism, has yet to resonate widely across Japan. Tobias Harris,
, May 24A Remote Kyrgyz Village Fights for Survival as Mining Start Looms. The village of Kyzyl-Beyit in Kyrgyzstan, located along a hydropower reservoir on the Naryn River, is striving to maintain its way of life amidst the impending threat of mining operations. Kulchoro Ramanov, a local resident, exemplifies the village's challenges; during his state administration exam, he had to write his answers on paper due to the lack of electricity in his village. The village was once well-connected but became isolated after the construction of the Naryn hydropower cascade in the 1960s. The mining project threatens to disrupt the fragile balance of life in this remote community. Emilia Sulek. The Diplomat, May 24
The Bipartisan Clash Over US Electric Vehicle Policy. The Biden administration's strategy to compete with China's dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market has not gained support from Republicans, who are skeptical about the industry's viability. On May 14, the administration announced a significant tariff increase on Chinese electric vehicles, from 25% to 100%, effective in 2024, aiming to protect American manufacturers. Despite these efforts, the policies have faced criticism for their lackluster results. The debate over EV policy has become a partisan issue, with Republicans accusing Democrats of attempting to eliminate gas-powered cars, while Democrats argue for strong policies to combat climate change. This conflict highlights the growing politicization of the EV industry in the context of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Yingfan Chen, Dingding Chen, The Diplomat, May 24
New Caledonia Unrest Deals Further Blow to Nickel Industry. The ongoing unrest in New Caledonia has exacerbated the crisis in its nickel industry, casting doubt on Glencore's plans to sell its stake in a major smelter. As the world's third-largest nickel supplier, New Caledonia faces significant challenges due to market oversupply and high production costs. Recent riots, which have halted mining operations and increased prices, were triggered by a controversial law granting voting rights to long-term residents. The unrest reflects deeper tensions between the indigenous Kanak population and loyalists favoring French control. Shaun Turton, Nikkei Asia, May 24
China's Bullying of the Philippines is Self-Defeating. China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea are backfiring by strengthening the resolve and resistance of the Philippine public, and potentially increasing the risk of conflict. The China Coast Guard recently authorized the detention of foreign "trespassers" at Scarborough Shoal, escalating tensions as a flotilla of Philippine civilian boats headed toward the contested area.Richard Heydarian, Nikkei Asia, May 24
AI is Empowering Chinese Employers Far More Than Employees. AI technology in China is significantly enhancing employer control and productivity but is not translating into better job satisfaction or improved working conditions for employees. The power dynamics in workplaces are shifting, with AI being used to monitor and manage workers more intensively. Nikki Sun, Nikkei Asia, May 23
At Japan-South Korea-China Trilateral Summit, a Chance to Manage Tensions. The first Japan-China-South Korea trilateral summit since 2019 will focus on promoting communication and managing tensions amidst economic and security frictions. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang will discuss cooperation in six areas, including the economy, sustainable development, health, and disaster management. While concrete deliverables are unlikely, the meeting aims to restore and normalize trilateral relations. The summit occurs against the backdrop of increasing Sino-U.S. rivalry and evolving Japan-South Korea relations. Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times, May 24
Why Aren't South Koreans Studying in China Anymore? The number of South Korean students studying in China has plummeted by 78% since 2017, dropping from over 73,200 to just 16,968 by 2023. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including a decrease in South Korea’s school-age population, changing perceptions of the economic benefits of foreign education, and rising anti-China sentiment. Diplomatic tensions, Beijing's economic coercion, and air pollution have tarnished China's image in South Korea. This has led to a significant drop in South Korean students heading to China, impacting cultural exchange and future cooperation. Esther Song, East Asia Forum, May 24
Vietnam’s Renewable Surge Shouldn’t Distract from Chronic Environmental Policy Failures. Vietnam's progress in renewable energy, marked by significant investments and policy shifts, is overshadowed by persistent environmental policy failures. The country's Power Development Plan 8 aims to diversify the energy mix and reduce coal dependency, yet issues like industrial wastewater mismanagement persist. In 2016, a toxic spill by a Taiwanese company highlighted the government's lack of accountability, prompting public protests. Despite stricter regulations in 2022, enforcement remains weak. The Vietnamese public's growing concern over environmental issues underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability. Sasha Lee, East Asia Forum, May 24