News
China's cluster of flu cases under effective control-foreign minister. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured that the recent increase in respiratory illnesses and flu cases among children in China is under effective control, a situation common to many countries. This announcement was made at the United Nations, where Wang is chairing a session on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The World Health Organization had requested detailed information from China about these illnesses, and their official stated that the recent spike in cases is not as severe as pre-COVID-19 levels, with no new or unusual pathogens found. Michelle Nichols and Michael Martina, Reuters, November 29
Kazakhstan: Court hands down long sentences to Petropavlovsk separatists. In Petropavlovsk, a city in northern Kazakhstan bordering Russia, a court has issued long prison sentences to four individuals for their involvement in a supposed separatist plot. Vyacheslav Zuderman, identified as the leader of the self-proclaimed Petropavlovsk People’s Soviet, received a nine-year sentence, while Yelena Boldyreva, Madina Kaparova, and Olga Berezhnova each received seven-year sentences. These sentences underscore Kazakhstan's heightened sensitivity to separatist movements, particularly in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and reflect the state's strong stance against actions perceived as undermining national security and unity. Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet, November 29
U.S. military Osprey aircraft crashes off Japan island, 1 dead. A U.S. military Osprey aircraft crashed on Wednesday near Yakushima, a small island off southwestern Japan, resulting in one confirmed fatality. Initially, eight people were reported aboard, but later it was confirmed that six individuals were on the CV-22 transport aircraft from Yokota Air Base. The cause of the crash remains unknown, raising safety concerns about Ospreys in Japan. In response to the incident, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki are considering actions including the potential grounding of U.S. Ospreys in Japan until the accident's cause is determined. Kyodo News Kyodo News, November 29
Kyrgyzstan moves to rid national flag of likeness to 'fickle' sunflower. Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted to modify the national flag's design, addressing concerns that its central sunflower-like element symbolizes fickleness and servility in local culture. The change, supported by President Sadyr Japarov, aims to alter the sun's rays, which resemble sunflower petals, to straight lines. This decision reflects cultural sensitivities and the desire to move away from perceived negative symbolism, especially important for a country heavily reliant on larger partners and with a significant portion of its population working abroad. Olga Dzyubenko and Olzhas Auyezov, Reuters, November 29
Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen says China attack unlikely for now. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen believes a major attack by China on Taiwan is currently unlikely due to Beijing's internal economic, financial, and political challenges. This assessment follows a recent meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tsai stated that while Beijing is grappling with domestic issues, it remains interested in influencing Taiwan's upcoming presidential election in January. She emphasized the need for Taiwan to strengthen its democratic resilience rather than hoping for a change in Beijing's approach. Tsai, who has completed her maximum two terms, will not be running in the forthcoming election. South China Morning Post, South China Morning Post, November 30
Won’t join farcical vote’: Bangladesh opposition leader ahead of election. Bangladesh's main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has declared it will not participate in the upcoming January 7 parliamentary election, citing irregularities under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the boycott, demanding Hasina step down for a neutral caretaker government to ensure a fair and credible election. In response, Hasina's Awami League government has initiated a crackdown on the BNP, leading to arrests of its members on various charges, prompting international concern from Human Rights Watch. Snigdhendu Bhattacharya, Al Jazeera, November 29
Indian official was behind plot to assassinate Sikh American in US -DOJ. The U.S. Justice Department has charged Nikhil Gupta, 52, with conspiring to assassinate a Sikh separatist and U.S. citizen in New York City, under direction from an Indian government official. The target, identified by U.S. officials as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, advocates for a Sikh sovereign state. President Biden and senior U.S. officials have raised concerns with India about its alleged involvement, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue and its potential impact on bilateral relations. The case underscores tensions between India and the Sikh separatist movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state. Luc Cohen, Reuters, November 29
U.S. diplomat to travel to S. Korea, Indonesia, Japan to stress U.S.' commitment to Indo-Pacific. Liz Allen, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, will visit South Korea, Indonesia, and Japan to reaffirm Washington's commitment to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. During the trip, Allen will highlight U.S. efforts to strengthen regional alliances, participate in the inaugural South Korea-U.S. Public Diplomacy Dialogue, and discuss people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, and countering foreign malign influence. Meetings with various officials and influential figures in government, journalism, and business are also scheduled. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, November 30
Taiwan picks veteran diplomat as new US envoy. Taiwan has appointed Alexander Yui, its representative to the European Union, as the new de facto ambassador to the United States. Yui replaces Hsiao Bi-khim, who resigned to join Taiwan's upcoming presidential election as a vice-presidential candidate. The United States, though not formally recognizing Taiwan's government, remains its most important international supporter and arms supplier. With his extensive diplomatic experience and multilingual skills, Yui's appointment is aimed at further deepening the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, November 29
Sri Lanka agrees debt restructuring with Paris Club creditors. Sri Lanka has reached a preliminary agreement with its Paris Club creditors, including India, Japan, and France, on debt restructuring. This development follows a similar agreement with China last month and is crucial for reviving a stalled IMF loan program. The agreement enables Sri Lanka, which defaulted on its debts last year, to secure the next tranche of a $3 billion IMF lending package agreed in March. Despite this progress, Sri Lanka still needs to negotiate with commercial bondholders. The country's economic challenges stem from domestic mismanagement and global inflation surges, leading to mass protests and a change in government. Benjamin Parkin, Financial Times, November 30
Long Form
Fixing China’s Real-Estate Sector. Over the past two decades, China's real estate sector, designated as a pillar industry, has experienced significant growth, contributing to GDP and the Chinese dream of homeownership. However, the sector is now facing challenges like high property prices and considerable debts, potentially hindering economic growth. Despite the absence of private land ownership in China, real estate remains the most attractive asset form due to various factors, including the absence of taxes on residential real estate, capital gains, or inheritance. Between 2005 and 2021, the real price index for residential property in China rose by 28.5%, reinforcing the perception of property as a reliable wealth accumulation asset. Yu Yongding, Project Syndicate, November 30
Gender Norms and Women’s Double Burden in East Asia. In East Asia, traditional gender norms significantly impact women's roles in society and the workplace. South Korea, Japan, and China all grapple with issues stemming from these norms, leading to low birth rates and career interruptions for women post-marriage. These cultural expectations, deeply rooted in Confucianism, confine women to household roles and create discriminatory employment practices. For example, Chinese job postings often explicitly favor men. These norms not only limit women's professional growth but also affect men, hindering overall gender equality. Current policies in these countries fail to adequately address these challenges, emphasizing the need for a more egalitarian culture and supportive measures for both women and men in balancing family and career. Jessica Shao and Yoolim Lee, The Diplomat, November 29
How Biden's Farewell Jab at Xi over Taiwan Traveled Across the Pacific. President Joe Biden's parting words to Chinese President Xi Jinping, warning against interference in Taiwan's elections, have had significant political repercussions. Following the U.S.-China summit, Taiwan's opposition alliance collapsed, altering the dynamics of the upcoming presidential race. This development reflects the complex interplay of international and domestic politics in Taiwan. Biden's comment, made during a press conference after his private meeting with Xi, highlights the U.S.'s active role in influencing Taiwan's political landscape. The dissolution of the opposition alliance between Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) showcases the fragility of political coalitions and the influence of external factors on Taiwan's internal affairs. This situation underscores the strategic importance of Taiwan in U.S.-China relations and the ongoing challenges in managing cross-strait tensions. Katsuji Nakazawa, Nikkei Asia, November 30
PALM10: Japan’s Chance to Engage With Pacific Island Countries. Japan's upcoming hosting of the 10th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM10) presents a strategic opportunity to reinforce its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision among Pacific Island countries (PICs). Traditionally focused on developmental aid and trade, Japan is now adapting to the strategic dynamics of the region, especially in light of China's growing influence. PALM10 offers a platform for Japan to align its interests, including securing sea routes and natural resource imports, with the needs of PICs, while navigating the delicate balance of great power competition and emphasizing connectivity and order-building in line with its FOIP vision. Coordinating with allies and respecting PICs' autonomy will be crucial for Japan's success in strengthening ties and influencing outcomes in the Indo-Pacific. Mina Pollmann, The Diplomat, November 29
Taiwan and the True Sources of Deterrence. The escalating military might of China and its aggressive stance towards Taiwan intensify the challenge of maintaining deterrence in the Taiwan Strait. The United States plays a crucial role in supporting Taiwan's development of a defensive strategy and enhancing its military preparedness against potential Chinese aggression. However, deterrence extends beyond military strength; it also requires credible assurances to prevent adversaries from feeling compelled to engage in conflict. The complexities in the Taiwan Strait involve three key parties: the U.S., China, and Taiwan, each needing to provide assurances to the others to avoid escalation. For effective deterrence, these nations must balance the demonstration of military resolve with clear signals that their preparations are defensive and not aimed at altering the status quo or preventing peaceful resolutions. Beijing, Taipei, and Washington must carefully navigate their actions and rhetoric to maintain stability and prevent war. Bonnie S. Glaser, Jessica Chen Weiss and Thomas J. Christensen, Foreign Affairs, November 29