Asia Daily: October 11, 2023
News
China ‘strongly condemns’ car attack on San Francisco consulate, urges US to 'seriously handle' matter. China has expressed strong condemnation of the car attack on its consulate in San Francisco and has urged the United States to take the incident seriously and handle it appropriately. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, stated that the safety and dignity of Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel in the US must be ensured. The incident occurred when a vehicle crashed into the main gate of the consulate, followed by gunshots. The suspect died after being shot. By Catherine Wong for South China Morning Post, October 10
Facing Beijing’s threats, Taiwan president says peace ‘only option’ to resolve political differences. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, during her National Day speech, emphasized that peace is the only option to resolve political differences with China. She firmly rejected the "one country, two systems" formula proposed by Beijing and reiterated Taiwan's commitment to its own sovereignty. Tsai also expressed gratitude for the international support Taiwan has received. By Huizhong Wu for AP News, October 10
N. Korea may conduct nuclear test to divert internal attention from food crisis: Seoul ministry. North Korea might resort to various provocations, including potentially conducting a nuclear test, to shift its public's focus away from the ongoing food crisis, according to South Korea's defense ministry. This assessment was presented in a policy report during a parliamentary audit, especially after North Korea's recent constitutional amendment emphasizing the enhancement of its nuclear capabilities. The North's last nuclear test was in September 2017. By Kim Eun-jung for Yonhap News Agency, October 10
US carrier Ronald Reagan to visit South Korea in show of force. The aircraft carrier is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Thursday, signaling a significant show of force amid escalating regional tensions. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen defense ties between the United States and South Korea. The move comes at a time when the Korean Peninsula is witnessing heightened military activities and diplomatic maneuvers. By Hyunsu Yim for Reuters, October 10
Publishing executive found guilty in Tokyo Olympics bribery scandal, but avoids jail time. An executive at Japanese publishing house Kadokawa, Toshiyuki Yoshihara, has been convicted of bribing a former Tokyo Olympics organizing committee member, Haruyuki Takahashi, with 69 million yen ($463,000). Despite the conviction, Yoshihara received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for four years, allowing him to avoid jail time if he remains law-abiding during that period. The scandal has negatively impacted the Olympic image in Japan and has raised concerns about Sapporo's bid for the 2030 Winter Games. By Yuri Kageyama for AP News, October 10
Women, children among 29 killed as artillery hits Myanmar refugee camp. An artillery strike near Myanmar's border with China hit a refugee camp, resulting in the death of at least 29 people, including women and children. This incident is one of the most lethal attacks on civilians since the military took control in Myanmar. Channel NewsAsia, October 10
Country Garden says can't meet all offshore debt payments, setting stage for revamp. Country Garden warned on Tuesday about its inability to meet offshore debt obligations, potentially joining a growing list of Chinese developers that have defaulted. This sets the stage for one of China's most significant debt restructurings. The company has been facing "significant challenges" in sales and financing, and its available funds have been decreasing. By Scott Murdoch, Clare Jim, and Yu Xie for Reuters, October 10
S. Korea, U.S., Japan stage trilateral maritime interdiction drills for 1st time in 7 years. South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted a trilateral maritime interdiction exercise south of the Korean Peninsula, marking the first such drill in seven years. The exercise, which began on Monday southeast of Jeju Island, was aimed at strengthening security coordination against North Korean threats. The last time the three nations held a maritime interdiction exercise was in 2016, with an anti-piracy exercise in 2017. By Hwang Jang-jin for Yonhap News Agency, October 10
Việt Nam, Japan deepen comprehensive strategic partnership. Việt Nam and Japan have agreed to further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Vietnamese President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. Both leaders also discussed measures to promote economic cooperation, especially in trade, investment, and high-quality infrastructure development. Vietnam News, October 10
Lao Residents Continue Crossing to Thailand Amidst High Inflation. Due to soaring inflation in Laos, residents are increasingly crossing the border into Thailand in search of more affordable goods and services. The economic challenges in Laos have led to a significant rise in the cost of living, prompting many to seek relief in neighboring Thailand. This trend has been observed despite the ongoing global pandemic and the associated travel restrictions. The situation underscores the economic pressures faced by ordinary Laotians and the urgent need for economic reforms and interventions. By Jonathan Meadley for The Laotian Times, October 10
Long Form
A Brief Chronicle of Enforced Disappearances in Tajikistan. The Tajik government's use of enforced disappearances as a tool of repression has been highlighted in a new report. Such disappearances, where the government detains or kills an individual without acknowledging their whereabouts, create a specific kind of terror for dissidents and their families. The report breaks down the use of this tactic into three phases since the end of the civil war. It also emphasizes the international complicity in these acts, with countries like Russia, Turkey, and Belarus aiding Tajikistan in its transnational repression. By Catherine Putz for The Diplomat, October 11
Why China should focus on hostage crisis as Israel-Hamas conflict explodes. China, which has been trying to play a more prominent role in the Middle East, should focus on the hostage crisis as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies. The recent escalation has seen a surge in rocket attacks and airstrikes, leading to concerns about a potential full-scale war. China's involvement in the region, particularly its close ties with both Israel and Palestine, places it in a unique position to mediate and potentially de-escalate the situation. By Josephine Ma for South China Morning Post, October 10
Will Kazakhstan’s brain drain become a wartime brain gain? Kazakhstan has been grappling with a significant brain drain, as many of its skilled professionals and intellectuals have been leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. However, the current geopolitical situation and potential conflicts in the region might lead to a reverse trend. As tensions rise, there is a possibility that Kazakh expatriates might return to their homeland, driven by a sense of duty, patriotism, or the desire to contribute to their country's development during challenging times. By Misha Monteiro-Benson for East Asia Forum, October 11
Online scams in Southeast Asia create double victims: those targeted and those forced to carry them out Online scams in Southeast Asia have been on the rise, creating two sets of victims: those who are directly targeted by the scams and those who are coerced into executing them. The digital age has provided a fertile ground for scammers, with many individuals falling prey to fraudulent schemes. However, there's another side to this issue. Many individuals, especially vulnerable populations, are being forced or manipulated into carrying out these scams, often under threats or dire circumstances. By Jitsiree Thongnoi for The Interpreter, October 10
Andrew Cainey on 'Xiconomics' and Strategies for Foreign Businesses The term ‘Xiconomics' encapsulates President Xi Jinping's economic strategies and policies. These policies carry various implications for foreign businesses operating in China. As China continues to assert its position on the global stage, understanding Xiconomics becomes crucial for foreign businesses to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market and ensure their sustained success. By Andrew Cainey for The China Project, October 10