Asia Daily: November 25, 2024
South Korea's Yoon, Malaysia's Anwar agree to cooperate in defense, minerals. South Korea and Malaysia signed an agreement to collaborate on critical minerals from Malaysia’s reserves and expand defense industry ties, including Malaysia's plans to upgrade its air force jets. At a summit, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim committed to concluding a free trade agreement by 2025, encompassing services, investment, and green energy. Both nations also agreed on climate initiatives and expressed concern over North Korea-Russia military cooperation and Middle East violence. Jack Kim, Reuters, November 25
U.S. making Taiwan contingency plans. The United States is formulating contingency plans for military deployments in Japan and the Philippines in response to potential emergencies involving Taiwan. These plans include stationing a U.S. Marine Corps regiment equipped with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems along Japan's Nansei Island chain and deploying U.S. Army long-range fire units in the Philippines. Taipei Times, November 26
Philippine president vows to fight vice president’s alleged assassination plot. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has denounced Vice President Sara Duterte’s public claim of ordering an assassin to kill him, his wife, and the House Speaker in retaliation for her potential death. Duterte later clarified her remarks as hypothetical, but Marcos called the statement a criminal plot. Authorities have launched an investigation, with Duterte expected to face subpoenas. The incident is part of a deepening feud between Marcos and Duterte, once political allies, including allegations of corruption and political persecution. Jim Gomez, AP News, November 25
China hands back 300 Myanmar junta troops who fled border town seized by KIA. China returned 302 Myanmar junta soldiers who fled Kanpiketi after its seizure by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on November 20. The troops were handed over at the Man Wein border gate in Muse, northern Shan State. The KIA now controls much of Kachin State, including strategic areas near rare earth mines. China has pressured ethnic armed groups, including the KIA and its allies, to halt fighting and recently brokered agreements with some factions to cease cooperation against the junta. Saw Lwin, The Irrawaddy, November 25
Train link connects China and Afghanistan via Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The first freight train from China to Afghanistan arrived at Hairatan port on November 23 after a 20-day journey through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Hairatan, a critical trade hub, is expected to boost Afghanistan’s exports, including dried fruits and carpets, to China. The rail link highlights China’s deepening economic ties with Afghanistan and the region’s focus on improving connectivity. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also aim to enhance trade by participating in regional infrastructure projects. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, November 25
China’s top judge promises swift justice after recent mass killings that shocked nation. Supreme People’s Court Chief Justice Zhang Jun vowed to punish perpetrators of violent public attacks swiftly while addressing social issues fueling these crimes. Following a deadly car rampage in Zhuhai that killed 35 and a knifing spree in Wuxi that left eight dead, Zhang emphasized timely trials and stern sentences for severe crimes. He also advocated lighter penalties for minor offenses when reconciliation is achieved. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, November 25
Taiwan reports Chinese balloon, first time in six months. Taiwan’s defense ministry detected a Chinese balloon on Sunday 60 nautical miles north of Keelung port, marking the first such incident since April. The balloon, which flew at an altitude of 33,000 feet, disappeared after two hours without entering Taiwanese airspace. Taiwan described the activity as part of Beijing's “grey-zone warfare,” aimed at exhausting Taiwan through non-combat tactics. China has dismissed similar complaints, claiming the balloons serve meteorological purposes. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, November 25
‘Short-sighted and unwise’: SM Lee warns against writing off China, reaffirms Singapore’s continued confidence. Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong cautioned against dismissing China's economic potential, labeling such actions as "short-sighted and unwise." He emphasized that despite current challenges, China remains a significant global economic force. Lee reaffirmed Singapore's confidence in China's future, highlighting the importance of continued engagement and cooperation. He also noted that China's growth and development are crucial for regional stability and prosperity. Lee Gim Siong, Channel News Asia, November 25
Prime Minister meets with Bulgarian President. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính met with visiting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in Hanoi on Monday, affirming Bulgaria as one of Vietnam's top priority partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in six key areas: political trust through delegation exchanges, trade and investment aiming to raise bilateral trade turnover to US$500 million, education, labor, coordination at international forums, and people-to-people exchanges. Radev noted that nearly 30 leading Bulgarian companies are accompanying him on this visit. Vietnam News, November 25
Seoul court acquits South Korean opposition leader on charges of instigating perjury. South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was acquitted of charges that he persuaded a former employee to provide false testimony in a 2019 trial regarding his 2002 criminal conviction. The court ruled that evidence, including recorded phone calls, was insufficient to prove Lee’s intent to instigate perjury, stating his actions were within his rights as a defendant. Lee faces other trials for corruption and illegal payments but remains a prominent political figure. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, November 25
Former Prime Minister Kishida launches new group in ruling LDP. Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has formed a new group within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to sustain his influence after stepping down as prime minister. The group, which promotes asset management, held its first meeting at the Diet building with around 20 lawmakers, including former LDP Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi and members of defunct factions led by Kishida and Shinzo Abe. The Japan Times, November 24
Thaksin 'key factor' in Udon Thani win. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra significantly contributed to the Pheu Thai Party's victory in the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election. Pheu Thai list MP Anusorn Iamsa-ard credited the win to candidate Sarawut Pethpanomporn's political experience, local trust in the Pheu Thai-led government, and notably, Thaksin's active campaign involvement. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai highlighted Thaksin's enduring popularity due to his past policies that resonated with local needs. Aekarach Sattaburuth and Nattaya Chetchotiros, Bangkok Post, November 26
Ukraine hopes for its special envoy to visit S. Korea soon for talks on N.K. troop deployment. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed hope for a special envoy’s visit to South Korea to address North Korea’s reported dispatch of over 10,000 troops to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine. In a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul at the G7 summit in Italy, Sybiha emphasized the shared security concerns posed by Pyongyang’s military involvement. Cho reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to phased responses. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, November 26
China's local governments step up public safety measures after attacks. Following recent mass attacks, including a deadly car rampage in Zhuhai and a stabbing spree in Wuxi, Chinese authorities are enhancing safety measures. Wuxi officials convened to address campus safety, while Hunan’s Changsha city increased police patrols and traffic oversight. Concerns about violence have grown amid economic pressures impacting mental health. The Supreme Court and Ministry of Justice have called for conflict resolution efforts, focusing on marriage disputes, property issues, and mental health support to maintain public stability. Colleen Howe, Reuters, November 24
Laos, China sign agreement on exchange, cooperation in law and justice. On November 21, the Ministries of Justice of Laos and China signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in legal and judicial matters. The agreement, signed by Lao Deputy Minister of Justice Ketsana Phommachanh and Chinese Vice Minister of Justice Wang Zhenjiang, focuses on areas such as drafting and amending laws, enforcing court judgments, regulating legal professionals, providing legal aid, and alternative dispute resolution. Oulayvanh Sisounonth, The Laotian Times, November 25
Reimagining Economic Synergies: Korea-India Trade and Investment Cooperation Under the New U.S. Leadership. The Republic of Korea and India, as important players in the Indo-Pacific, have much to gain from strengthening their trade and investment partnership. The partnership would not only improve bilateral economic resilience but also reinforce their roles as key players in the Indo-Pacific region, capable of withstanding the disruptions of a potentially protectionist U.S. administration. By addressing shared vulnerabilities, improving supply chain resilience, and increasing cooperation in emerging sectors, both nations can build a robust economic alliance that not only withstands external shocks but also drives sustainable growth in the region. Hyoungmin Han, Korea on Point, November 25
Under Trump, the US-ROK Alliance Will Increasingly Be About China.
The incoming Trump administration is expected to shift the focus of the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) alliance toward countering China's influence. This realignment may involve implementing universal tariffs, stricter export controls, and increased demands for cost-sharing in defense. Such policies could strain the alliance, especially if South Korea seeks to balance its relations with both the U.S. and China. The evolving dynamics demonstrate the need for strategic coordination between Washington and Seoul to address the challenges posed by China's growing regional assertiveness. Clint Work, Korea Economic Institute of America, November 25
The Maldives Presses Reset on Ties with India. Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu’s recent visit to India shows a pragmatic change in relations following strained ties marked by his initial ‘India Out’ stance. Economic challenges, including public debt at 116% of GDP and declining foreign reserves, have driven Muizzu to mend ties with New Delhi, which has responded with $110 million in aid, infrastructure support, and a $750 million currency swap offer. Both nations signed a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, institutionalizing collaboration across governance levels. This reset demonstrates the Maldives’ need to balance relations with India and China while also showing India’s opportunity to adopt a broader, institutionalized regional strategy. Rishabh Yadav, East Asia Forum, November 26
The Battle For Jakarta. Indonesia's capital is set to elect a new governor, with the race primarily between Ridwan Kamil, former governor of West Java, and Pramono Anung, ex-cabinet secretary and member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Initially trailing, Pramono has gained momentum, turning the election into a genuine contest. The campaign has been marked by maneuvers from President Prabowo Subianto's administration, aiming to consolidate power by expanding the governing coalition and influencing local races. This election serves as an early indicator of Prabowo's political strength and may signal changes in Indonesia's political landscape. Joseph Rachman, The Diplomat, November 25
Public Participation and Digital Propaganda in Indonesia: A New Form of State Control? Indonesia's government has increasingly utilized digital platforms to shape public discourse, employing social media influencers, known as "buzzers," to promote pro-government narratives and suppress dissent. This strategy creates an illusion of grassroots support while advancing state interests, a change from overt censorship to more subtle forms of control. The government's collaboration with traditional media outlets further amplifies its messaging, raising concerns about the authenticity of public engagement and the potential erosion of democratic processes. To counter these trends, strengthening independent media and civil society networks is essential to preserve genuine public participation in Indonesia's democracy. Aqida Salma, FULCRUM, November 25
China’s Debt Trap in Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis. China's extensive lending to African nations has influenced the continent's economic landscape, with both positive and negative outcomes. While Chinese investments have spurred infrastructure development and economic growth, concerns have arisen over environmental degradation and the sustainability of debt levels. Projects like the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway have improved trade efficiency, yet the expansion of ports in Mozambique and Angola has led to environmental challenges such as pollution and deforestation. The debate continues over whether China's financial involvement constitutes a 'debt trap' or a catalyst for development, showing the need for African nations to balance infrastructure advancement with environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility. Hanna Sunny & Dr. Karamala Areesh Kumar, The Geopolitics, November 23