Asia Daily: October 14, 2023
News
Israeli embassy staffer assaulted in Beijing, Israeli foreign ministry says. An Israeli embassy staff member in Beijing was assaulted and is now hospitalized in stable condition, according to Israel's foreign ministry. Following the incident, Chinese police have arrested a suspect. The details surrounding the assault and the motive behind it remain unclear. The Israeli foreign ministry is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with local authorities in Beijing. By Yew Lun Tian for Reuters, October 13
US must be ready for simultaneous wars with China, Russia: Commission. A congressional commission has advised that the United States should bolster its military modernization to be prepared for potential simultaneous conflicts with China and Russia. The Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, in its report, highlighted that the global scenario is now "fundamentally different" compared to the Cold War era. The bipartisan commission emphasized the growing risks of military confrontations with China and Russia and the potential use of nuclear weapons. Al Jazeera, October 13
North Korea denies its weapons used by Hamas against Israel. This denial comes after reports from Radio Free Asia and the US government-owned Voice of America suggested that Hamas might be using North Korean weaponry. North Korea's official KCNA news agency labeled these allegations as attempts by the U.S. to divert blame for the Middle East conflict. The U.S. National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, stated he couldn't confirm the origin of the rockets used by Hamas. North Korea's state media had earlier blamed Israel for the violence in Gaza. Channel NewsAsia, October 13
China’s new party finance organ gets to work while concerns over stability loom. China's Central Finance Commission, established in March, began its daily operations in late September, signaling the nation's serious approach to the ongoing property crisis and its potential repercussions on the state-controlled financial system. The commission, under the direct supervision of the Communist Party's Central Committee, is the primary planner for China's financial system and will oversee all financial matters, including overall stability and the overseas use of the yuan. South China Morning Post, October 13
Central Asia: China expands image-crafting initiative. China is intensifying its media presence in Kazakhstan to ensure positive coverage of its regional economic and diplomatic endeavors. The Kazakh media company, Atameken Business, has partnered with China Media Group (CMG) to broadcast news and documentaries about China. The agreement also comes as China seeks to expand its oil imports via Kazakhstan and amid plans for infrastructure improvements in Kazakhstan to accommodate the anticipated growth of trans-Caspian trade routes connecting China to European markets. Eurasianet, October 13
1st pretrial procedure for former PM Abe shooter held amid tight security. A Japanese court convened its inaugural meeting with legal representatives and prosecutors to set the stage for the trial of the alleged assassin of ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This comes amid heightened security measures, especially after a suspicious package's delivery. The primary trial hearing is anticipated to commence next year. Yamagami is charged with assassinating Abe with a self-made firearm during an election campaign speech in Nara in July of the previous year, an event that jolted Japan, where gun-related incidents are uncommon. Kyodo News, October 13
New U.S. special envoy for N. Korean human rights issues takes office, plans to visit Seoul next week. The U.S. State Department announced that Ambassador Julie Turner has officially assumed the role of the special envoy for North Korean human rights issues. This appointment fills a vacancy that lasted for over six years. Turner is set to visit Seoul from Monday to Wednesday of the upcoming week, where she will engage with government officials, civic organizations, North Korean defectors, and journalists. By Song Sang-ho for Yonhap News Agency, October 13
US extends a waiver for TSMC’s gear in China. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) has been granted an extension to a waiver allowing it to supply US chip equipment to its factories in China. TSMC anticipates receiving permanent authorization to continue its operations in Nanjing, where it is expanding its 28-nanometer chip capacity. Previously, TSMC had received a one-year authorization for its Nanjing operations. The company is now in the process of applying for a permanent authorization through the Validated End-User (VEU) process, which has been in existence since 2007. By Lisa Wang for Taipei Times, October 14
Naval forces of Việt Nam, Singapore enhance solidarity via friendship exchange. The naval forces of Việt Nam and Singapore participated in a friendship exchange on the Sailing Ship 286-Lê Quý Đôn. This event, which took place during the Vietnamese vessel's visit to Singapore, saw the attendance of officers, sailors, and trainees from both nations. The exchange aimed to bolster solidarity, mutual understanding, and trust between the two navies. The ship's visit to Singapore is among several activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. Vietnam News, October 13
China's exports and imports sink in September as global demand falters. In September, both China's exports and imports witnessed a decline from the previous year, with a contraction slower than the prior month, even as global demand continued to be subdued. Data from customs revealed a 6.2% decrease in exports, amounting to $299.13 billion, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline. Imports also decreased by 6.2%, reaching $221.43 billion. Consequently, China reported a trade surplus of $77.71 billion, an increase from August's $68.36 billion. The primary challenge for China's exports, as highlighted by Lu Daliang from the General Administration of Customs, is the unstable recovery momentum of the global economy post-pandemic. By Zen Soo for AP News, October 13
Long Form
The Chinese Public Is Closely Watching the Israel-Hamas War. Social media posts in China reveal an unprecedented level of interest in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attention is driven by various factors, including limited avenues for free expression in China, gaps in education about the Middle East, and the influence of conspiracy theories. The issue also serves as a lens through which Chinese netizens discuss domestic and foreign policies, revealing a divided public opinion. By Mu Chunshan, The Diplomat, October 13
What Would Argentina’s Dollarization Mean for China? Argentina's potential shift to dollarization under presidential candidate Javier Milei could disrupt its longstanding currency swap line with China. This swap line has been a crucial financial support for Argentina, especially in avoiding default on IMF repayments. If Milei wins and proceeds with dollarization, it would raise questions about the future of this financial arrangement and could affect Argentina's trade dynamics and diplomatic relations with China. By Xiaofeng Wang and Otaviano Canuto, The Diplomat, October 13
Chinese Renegades Operate Massive Scams in Outlaw Border Zones. Renegade Chinese individuals are exploiting weak governance in Asia's poorest nations like Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines to run illegal offshore betting, cyber scams, and sex work industries. These operations are estimated to employ between 75,000 to 250,000 people, many against their will, and generate profits ranging from US$40 billion to US$100 billion annually. The operations are often protected by powerful politicians and have led to calls for urgent regional cooperation to address these crimes. By Toh Han Shih, Asia Sentinel, October 13
South Korea as a Middle Power: Assumptions and Misunderstandings. The term "middle power" often used to describe South Korea may not accurately reflect its foreign policy behavior. The assumptions tied to this label, such as stability, alignment with the U.S., and support for non-proliferation, are increasingly being questioned. South Korea has seen democratic backsliding, debates over its alliance with the United States, and discussions on acquiring independent nuclear capabilities. These developments suggest that the traditional understanding of "middle power" may not be applicable to South Korea in the current geopolitical landscape. By Junotane, The Peninsula, October 13