Asia Daily: November 21, 2023
News
Philippines woos neighbours to craft code on South China Sea. The Philippines is engaging with neighboring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam to establish a separate code of conduct for the South China Sea, as announced by its president. This initiative stems from slow progress in forming a broader regional agreement with China. Tensions have increased under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., leading to stronger ties with the United States and concerns over China's assertive actions in the region. Marcos highlighted the urgency of collaboration with allies and neighbors to ensure peace in this strategically important area. Neil Jerome Morales and Karen Lema, Reuters, November 20
Taiwan presidential front-runner picks former de facto ambassador to US as vice president candidate. Taiwan's Vice President William Lai, the front-runner in the upcoming presidential race, has selected Hsiao Bi-khim as his vice-presidential candidate. Hsiao, the long-term de facto ambassador to the United States, was born in Japan to a Taiwanese father and an American mother. This choice is seen as a move to strengthen support among the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's base, which opposes Beijing's demands for Taiwan's reunification with China. Lai and Hsiao are competing against a divided opposition led by the Nationalist Party. Lai's announcement emphasized that the team is prepared to face challenges from within Taiwan and from China. Hsiao, with a background in both Taiwan and the U.S., brings experience and an international perspective to the ticket. Christopher Bodeen, AP News, November 20
North Korea notifies Japan of new 9-day satellite launch window. North Korea has informed Japan of its intention to launch a satellite-bearing rocket within a new nine-day window, following two unsuccessful attempts earlier this year to deploy a military reconnaissance satellite. This launch window is scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and conclude at 11:59 pm on November 30, as stated by the Japan Coast Guard. In response, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed his government to work with the United States and South Korea to persuade Pyongyang to abandon this plan. Kyodo News, November 20
Fifth force: is China adding hypersonic ‘near-space command’ to its military for ‘precise and merciless’ attacks?. China is reportedly the first in the world to establish a near-space command, equipped with a professional hypersonic weapons force, directly reporting to the highest levels of its military. This new force, part of the People's Liberation Army, is in a rapid development phase, with its units and combat operations yet to be fully standardized. The near-space zone, crucial for future battles, will enable China to execute high-altitude surveillance globally and conduct decisive attacks on key targets using automated drones and spy balloons. Stephen Chen, South China Morning Post, November 20
U.S. renews concerns over N. Korea-Russia military cooperation. The U.S. State Department has reiterated its worries about military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, especially in light of Pyongyang's planned space rocket launch to deploy a military spy satellite. North Korea's notification to Japan of a launch window between November 22 and December 1 has raised concerns, with the U.S. cautioning against technology transfer between Russia and North Korea, which violates U.N. Security Council resolutions. This ongoing situation includes speculation about Russia providing military support to North Korea in exchange for military supplies for the war in Ukraine. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, November 21
China reaffirms support for new nations joining BRICS as Argentina signals rejection. China has expressed continued support for the inclusion of new countries in the BRICS group, even as Argentina, under its likely next foreign minister, Diana Mondino, indicates a shift away from joining. Mondino, in line with Argentina's newly-elected President Javier Milei, voiced skepticism about the benefits of joining the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa, and China. Meanwhile, other nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have also been invited to join this alliance of emerging economies. Liz Lee and Ethan Wang, Reuters, November 20
Srettha invites Biden to visit. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has extended an invitation to U.S. President Joe Biden to visit Thailand, emphasizing the country's readiness to serve as a production base for major U.S. companies. This invitation was extended during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco. Srettha noted that prominent American businesses, including Tesla, Analog Devices, and Walmart, have shown interest in investing in Thailand. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Thailand will be responsible for coordinating the arrangements for this proposed visit. Bangkok Post, November 20
Việt Nam-Cuba relations to thrive further for mutual development. The relationship between Việt Nam and Cuba is poised to deepen and contribute significantly to the development of both nations. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, during a meeting with the outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador Lê Thanh Tùng, praised the enduring and effective friendship between the two countries. The Cuban leader extended invitations to high-ranking Vietnamese officials to visit Cuba, reciprocating Vietnam's invitation. The ambassador reaffirmed Vietnam's support for Cuba, including calls for the U.S. to lift its embargo and remove Cuba from its list of states sponsoring terrorism. Vietnam News, November 20
Britain to launch South Korea trade talks during Yoon visit. Britain and South Korea are set to initiate negotiations on a new free trade agreement (FTA) and sign a new diplomatic accord, known as the Downing Street Accord, during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit. This new agreement aims to replace the existing trade deal that followed Britain's exit from the European Union, with a focus on enhancing digital trade and simplifying current procedures. The Downing Street Accord will focus on cooperation in sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence, emphasizing supply chain management and mutual cooperation in cybersecurity and the defense industry. Alistair Smout and Josh Smith, Reuters, November 20
Long Form
China and Saudi Arabia: A Partnership Under Pressure. Saudi Arabia's commitment to build a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, while still maintaining strong ties with the United States, highlights the complex nature of its international relations. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been focusing on diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy with significant Chinese investment, notably through the Belt and Road Initiative. However, the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused concern for China, which is the world's largest buyer of crude oil, with a significant portion sourced from Saudi Arabia. Despite joint security exercises between Saudi and Chinese navies, experts note that Saudi Arabia will likely lean towards the US for protection if regional tensions escalate, with the US remaining a dominant military presence in the Middle East. This situation underscores the delicate balance Riyadh maintains in its relations with both global powers. Duncan Bartlett, The Diplomat, November 20
Rethinking Indonesia’s nickel policies to power economic growth. Indonesia, accounting for nearly half of global nickel production in 2022, has banned raw nickel exports to advance in global renewable energy value chains. However, the country faces challenges akin to Saudi Arabia's oil situation, as evolving electric vehicle (EV) battery technologies may diminish nickel's value. Tesla's shift to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and potential advancements in sodium-ion and solid-state batteries could reduce nickel demand. Indonesia aims to strengthen ties with the US and EU, focusing on high-performance, nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) based EVs, while balancing relations with China and Korea. Nonetheless, partnerships with the US and EU could entail stringent conditions, such as export restrictions and environmental concerns. Cullen Hendrix, PIIE, East Asia Forum, November 20