News
China's Xi Jinping in US for tense Biden summit and APEC. Chinese President Xi Jinping began his U.S. visit, the first since 2017, amidst heightened tensions and strategic rivalries. This visit includes a significant meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in San Francisco and attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a veiled critique of China, emphasized the importance of freedoms and rule of law in the region. Biden aims to enhance relations with China, focusing on resuming communications, including military contacts, while addressing critical economic and geopolitical issues. Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom, Reuters, November 14
North Korea says it tested new solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles. North Korea announced the successful testing of new solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles, a significant development in its nuclear weapons program. The tests, conducted on both first-stage and second-stage missile engines, indicate a shift from liquid-fuel engines, offering quicker launch readiness and enhanced concealment. This advancement escalates tensions in the region, amidst North Korea's increased military demonstrations and South Korea's strengthened military collaboration with the United States and Japan. The solid-fuel technology marks a strategic enhancement in North Korea's missile capabilities, posing a potential threat to regional stability. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, November 14
Foxconn founder Terry Gou qualifies to run for Taiwan president. Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn and a major Apple supplier, has successfully gathered over three times the required signatures to qualify for Taiwan's presidential elections. Gou, who announced his candidacy in August, aims to unify the opposition and prevent Taiwan from becoming "the next Ukraine." Despite his substantial signature collection, opinion polls currently place him as the least favored among the four candidates, with Vice President Lai Ching-te leading. Gou's entry into the race highlights the dynamic and complex political landscape in Taiwan. Jeanny Kao and Yimou Lee, Reuters, November 14
Chinese-funded Africa CDC laboratory opens in Ethiopia as Beijing looks to health diplomacy to boost influence. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has inaugurated a new China-funded reference laboratory at its headquarters in Ethiopia, marking a significant advancement in China's health diplomacy. Named after Dr. Wu Lien-teh, a Chinese-Malaysian epidemiologist, the laboratory is equipped with high-containment Biosafety Level 3 facilities. It is designed to bolster Africa's capabilities in diagnosing diseases, research and development, and outbreak confirmation. While the exact cost of the laboratory is undisclosed, the Chinese government had previously invested US$80 million in the Africa CDC headquarters. This move is part of China's broader strategy to strengthen its health diplomacy and influence in the global health sector, especially in Africa. Despite China's prominent role in funding infrastructure projects like the Africa CDC, the U.S. continues to be a significant contributor to public health initiatives across Africa, including malaria and HIV/AIDS control. Jevans Nyabiage, South China Morning Post, November 15
U.S., Japan, South Korea to cooperate on North Korea, economic security. Top diplomats from the United States, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to enhance cooperation in addressing North Korea's missile threat and in ensuring economic security, particularly in building resilient supply chains for critical items. This decision was made during a meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco. They also shared concerns about North Korea supplying arms to Russia and China's assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral meeting highlighted the need for strategic coordination to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Additionally, the countries are developing a system for swift information exchange on North Korean missiles and are increasing collaboration on stable supplies of semiconductors and batteries, among other technologies. Kyodo News, November 14
U.S. approves possible sale of SM-6 missile interceptors to S. Korea amid N. Korea threats. The U.S. State Department has authorized a potential sale of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) shipborne missile interceptors to South Korea, in a move to bolster the Asian ally's defense capabilities amid North Korean threats. This government-to-government Foreign Military Sale, estimated at US$650 million, includes up to 38 SM-6 Block I missiles, vertical launch system canisters, and related equipment. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated that the sale would support U.S. foreign policy goals and national security objectives by improving South Korea's defense abilities and enhancing Indo-Pacific regional stability. The sale, which requires congressional endorsement, is seen as a significant step in further enhancing interoperability between South Korea, the United States, and other allies. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, November 14
Myanmar rebels, battling junta, seek to control border with India. Anti-junta fighters in Myanmar's Chin state are making strategic moves to gain control over parts of the border with India. This effort involves overrunning two military outposts along the frontier, marking a significant escalation in the offensive against the Myanmar military junta. The coordinated offensive, named "Operation 1027," has seen rebels making inroads into junta-controlled areas, particularly in Shan State along the China border. Additionally, intense fighting has broken out in the western states of Rakhine and Chin, leading to mass displacement towards Mizoram, India. In response to rebel attacks, Myanmar's military has imposed a curfew in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine, restricting residents' movements and business operations. Reuters, November 14
Thailand drops joint patrols with Chinese police after public backlash. Thailand has retracted its plan to conduct joint patrols with Chinese police in popular tourist areas following significant public disapproval. The initiative, proposed by tourism officials to bolster tourist confidence, particularly among Chinese visitors, faced intense online backlash, with concerns over national sovereignty and criticism from Thailand's police chief. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol emphasized the sufficiency of the Thai police force in maintaining security and confidence. The reconsideration of this plan highlights the delicate balance between security measures and public perception in Thailand's efforts to revive its tourism sector, particularly post-COVID-19. Channel News Asia, November 14
Indonesia hosts regional defence chiefs amid multiple global crises. Indonesia is set to host Southeast Asian defense ministers and key Indo-Pacific players, focusing on the ASEAN bloc's central role amid global geopolitical tensions. The annual meeting, amid conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and South China Sea disputes, will include discussions with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. ASEAN, a significant economic and strategic region, seeks to navigate the rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Key topics include regional stability, non-alignment, and responses to international crises, highlighting ASEAN's critical role in global geopolitics. Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty, and Gerry Doyle, Reuters, November 14
Long Form
Does India Have an Assassination Program? The assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian national and Sikh separatist leader, has sparked a diplomatic standoff between Canada and India. Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India in 2020 and chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, was murdered in British Columbia in June. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has insinuated India's official involvement in the killing, while the Indian government has dismissed these allegations as "absurd" and criticized the Canadian investigation as "tainted." This case, marked by international intrigue, raises questions about India's alleged involvement in extraterritorial killings of anti-Indian militants overseas, despite New Delhi's denials. Siddharthya Roy, The Diplomat, November 14
Southeast Asia's Digital Battle: Chinese and U.S. Big Tech Face Off Over $1tn Market. In a significant shift, Southeast Asia is emerging as a crucial battleground for digital supremacy between Chinese and U.S. tech giants. This region, characterized by its intensive social media usage, is witnessing a fierce competition in areas such as AI, cloud services, and e-commerce. Singapore, with its stable government and advanced technological infrastructure, is increasingly becoming a central hub in this tech rivalry. The recent tender for new data centers in Singapore, awarded to both Chinese and U.S.-backed companies, underscores the strategic importance of cloud services in this geopolitical contest. With the digital economy in Southeast Asia expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, the region represents a vital market for these global tech powerhouses. Tsubasa Suruga and Akito Tanaka, Nikkei Asia, November 15
U.S.-China: One Summit, Two Different Goals for Biden and Xi. The upcoming APEC summit in San Francisco marks a critical juncture for U.S.-China relations, as Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping prepare to meet amid escalating tensions. This encounter, potentially their last before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, is set against a backdrop of military and economic friction. The U.S. seeks to establish "guardrails" to prevent conflict, while China questions America's acceptance of its economic ascent. The summit offers both leaders a chance to signal a search for common ground, amidst internal and external challenges, including China's economic slowdown and the U.S.'s focus on conflicts in Ukraine and Taiwan. This meeting is crucial for stabilizing relations and managing the complex dynamics of this pivotal bilateral relationship. Ken Moriyasu, Nikkei Asia, November 14
Nepal Bans TikTok, Saying It Disturbs ‘Social Harmony’. Nepal has joined the list of countries banning TikTok, citing concerns that the platform is disturbing social harmony. The decision, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's cabinet, comes amid increasing problems with the app, including cyberbullying and over 1,600 reported cybercrime cases. The ban reflects a global trend of restricting TikTok, with countries like India, the U.S., Canada, and the European Union implementing similar measures, often citing security and privacy risks. This move by Nepal, a country where TikTok has been a popular platform for entertainment, business promotion, and political expression, has sparked criticism from activists and politicians who argue that while misuse concerns are valid, a complete ban is not the solution. Shan Li and Krishna Pokharel, The Wall Street Journal, November 14, 2023
Japanese Agricultural Policy in Disarray. Japan's agricultural policy is currently in a state of uncertainty. Initially, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, there was a push for regulatory reform in agriculture, especially regarding agricultural cooperatives (JA). However, following Abe's assassination, the policy shifted towards a more conservative approach, focusing on environmental sustainability and food security. Despite these changes, necessary regulatory reforms for enhancing agricultural productivity are lacking, leading to a disorganized state in Japanese agriculture. Masayoshi Honma, East Asia Forum, November 15
Philippines’ ‘Prisoner of Conscience’ Bailed. Leila De Lima, a prominent political figure in the Philippines, has been released on bail after nearly seven years of incarceration. Her arrest in February 2017, under the orders of then-President Rodrigo Duterte, was widely seen as a personal vendetta for her opposition to Duterte's controversial anti-drug policies. The case against De Lima weakened as key witnesses recanted their testimonies, revealing coercion by Duterte's administration. Despite initial reluctance, the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allowed for her release, which has been welcomed by international human rights groups and the European Union. De Lima's release marks a significant moment in Philippine politics, reflecting the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in the country. Viswa Nathan, Asia Sentinel, November 15
India's Challenge: Training 560 Million Young Workers for a Digital Economy. India is facing a monumental challenge in harnessing the potential of its vast youth population to build a $1 trillion digital economy. The country, with over 1.4 billion people, has the world's largest pool of young people, accounting for more than 40% of its population. This demographic dividend presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has initiated policies to drive massive upskilling, focusing on digital education and training. However, the task is daunting, with a significant demand-supply gap in futuristic technologies like AI, machine learning, and robotics. Bridging this gap is crucial for India to maintain its position as a global tech hub and avoid social unrest among its unemployed youth. The disparity in education and training standards across diverse states and the need for comprehensive upskilling strategies are key concerns in fully tapping into the youth potential. Biman Mukherji, South China Morning Post, November 15