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China won't renounce use of force over Taiwan; Xi visits frontline island. China reiterated that it will not rule out the use of force to reunify Taiwan, following recent military drills around the island. Beijing's statement came after Taiwan's president reaffirmed Taiwan's autonomy. Chinese President Xi Jinping also visited Dongshan Island, near Taiwan, underscoring China's commitment to its sovereignty claims. Taiwan, backed by the U.S., denounced China's actions, warning they could provoke global backlash. Joe Cash and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, October 16
North Korea says its revised constitution defines South Korea as ‘hostile state’ for first time. North Korea confirmed that its updated constitution formally labels South Korea as a hostile state. This follows the demolition of inter-Korean road and rail links, reflecting the shift away from peaceful unification. Experts believe Kim Jong Un aims to diminish South Korean influence and bolster his power, potentially seeking direct negotiations with the U.S. on North Korea's nuclear program. The moves escalate tensions between the two nations. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, October 16
U.S., South Korea, Japan unveil new team to monitor North Korea sanctions. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan launched the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team to enforce North Korea sanctions, following Russia's veto of a U.N. panel renewal. The team will oversee sanctions, report on violations, and include eight other countries. Russia and China had blocked U.N. monitoring of North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. Officials see this initiative as crucial to addressing North Korea’s violations, including its illicit military ties with Russia. Hyonhee Shin, Reuters, October 16
Uzbekistan presses ahead with effort to gain World Trade Organization membership. Uzbekistan aims to qualify for WTO membership by 2026, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pushes for rapid reforms to align the country's laws and standards with WTO regulations. Currently, only 29% of Uzbek standards comply. Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to improve product development and quality control, with plans to bring all laboratories up to international standards by the end of 2025. WTO membership is key to Uzbekistan's goal of becoming an exporter of finished goods. Eurasianet, October 16
VFF’s 10th National Congress begins first working session. The 10th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) commenced in Hanoi, focusing on the theme of "Solidarity - Democracy - Innovation - Creativity – Development." The congress brings together 1,052 delegates from various sectors to review the 2019-2024 term and set goals for the next five years. The session includes proposals for amending the VFF Charter and electing the Presidium, which features key national leaders. Vietnam News, October 16
Japan ruling party not assured of majority in upcoming election. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces challenges in securing a majority in the October 27 House of Representatives election, according to a Kyodo News poll. The LDP, affected by a slush funds scandal, may struggle to retain its seats, with undecided voters holding sway. The opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is projected to gain seats, while Komeito and other opposition parties face uncertain outcomes. Kyodo News, October 16
Cambodia's economic outlook strengthens amid regional trends: ADO. Cambodia's GDP growth is projected to reach 6.0% in 2024, driven by industrial recovery, particularly in garments, footwear, and tourism, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO). The report highlights continued foreign investment and infrastructure projects as key contributors. However, risks remain, including global economic slowdowns and climate-related challenges in agriculture. Inflation is expected to remain low at 0.5% in 2024, providing a favorable backdrop for growth. Hong Raksmey, The Phnom Penh Post, October 16
PM to dine with coalition heads. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will hold an informal dinner with coalition party leaders, marking her first such event since taking office. The gathering aims to foster collaboration, offering leaders an opportunity to share updates and insights on government affairs. Paetongtarn expressed that the dinner would revive a practice of informal meetings used by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. She also highlighted the ongoing work on constitutional amendments under her government. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, October 16
Vietnam estimates cost of new railway link with China at $7.2 billion. Vietnam plans to build a 427-km railway connecting Yunnan province, China, with Lao Cai, Hanoi, Haiphong, and Ha Long City. The project, estimated to cost 179 trillion dong ($7.2 billion), aims to modernize Vietnam's aging railway system. Expected to start by 2030, the railway could carry 8.3 million passengers and 17.5 million tons of cargo annually by 2050. Vietnam has sought China's support for funding and technology. Khanh Vu, Reuters, October 16
ASEAN-UK creative economy program launched to boost regional ties. The UK Mission to ASEAN and the British Council have launched the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) program. The initiative focuses on professional development, knowledge exchange, and research to strengthen creative economies across ASEAN. Key activities include tailored courses for policymakers, festival management training, and collaborations with the UK. The program aligns with ASEAN’s Connectivity agenda, aiming to enhance regional integration within the global creative sector. Phontham Visapra, The Laotian Times, October 16
Ex-president Duterte may attend Senate probe on drug war — Dela Rosa. Senator Ronald dela Rosa stated that former president Rodrigo Duterte is willing to attend a Senate investigation into his controversial war on drugs if invited. Dela Rosa, who heads the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, emphasized that Duterte feels more comfortable in the Senate than in the House. The inquiry may take place during the congressional break, complementing ongoing House hearings on the issue. Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, October 16
Rival parties secure by-election wins in strongholds; PPP prevails in Busan battleground. South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) won key regional by-elections, each in their respective strongholds. The PPP secured victories in Busan's Geumjeong District and Incheon's Ganghwa County, while the DP won in Gokseong and Yeonggwang counties. Seoul elected Jung Keun-sik, a progressive, as its education chief. These results are seen as a gauge of public sentiment halfway through President Yoon Suk Yeol’s term. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, October 16
China ready to strengthen co-operation with Russia, Mongolia. Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for deeper trilateral cooperation with Russia and Mongolia during a meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The countries have increasingly aligned, with high-level visits, including by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. China continues to encourage Mongolia to join the SCO, while both nations explore energy and trade partnerships with Russia, such as the proposed natural gas pipeline project. Joe Cash, Reuters, October 16
Junta boss repeats vow to crush armed opposition. Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed his commitment to quelling armed resistance during a speech marking the ninth anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement. He condemned ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces, accusing them of causing turmoil and seeking political gain. Min Aung Hlaing also reiterated his refusal to compromise with armed groups, vowing to continue military action against them while blaming foreign powers for Myanmar's instability. The Irrawaddy, October 16
Malaysia’s Purchase of Kuwaiti Hornets: Is It Worth It? Malaysia plans to acquire second-hand F/A-18C/D Hornets from Kuwait to boost its air force fleet as a stop-gap measure. While the deal offers a cost-effective expansion, the jets come with maintenance challenges due to ageing technology and compatibility issues with Malaysia’s newer Hornets. Experts suggest focusing on the Light Combat Aircraft program or accelerating the Multirole Combat Aircraft acquisition to better future-proof Malaysia’s air defense capabilities. Olli Pekka Suorsa, Fulcrum, October 16
Tempering the Philippines’ AI disinformation storm. As AI-generated content, including deepfakes, increasingly influences the Philippines' political landscape, concerns grow ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. Addressing disinformation requires tackling low digital literacy and entrenched disinformation operations. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued AI campaign guidelines and formed a multistakeholder task force to monitor compliance, but collaboration with tech firms and civil society remains crucial. Without robust safeguards, AI disinformation risks undermining the country’s democratic processes. Jose Miguelito Enriquez, East Asia Forum, October 16
What Does Kyrgyzstan Have to Do With the Spanish Seizure of Chemical Products Bound for Russia? Spanish authorities arrested four people connected to a network illegally supplying chemical products to Russia. The scheme used front companies in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan to conceal the real destination of the materials, potentially linked to chemical weapons. The case highlights how Central Asian countries are increasingly used to bypass sanctions on Russia by facilitating transshipment of goods. Catherine Putz, The Diplomat, October 16
Harris or Trump? South Korea’s Own Political Divide Colors Views of the US Election. South Korea's political landscape is divided over the potential U.S. election outcomes, with Kamala Harris offering continuity in foreign policy alignment and security, while Donald Trump could pose challenges, particularly in defense cost-sharing and trade. Progressives hope for Trump’s diplomacy with North Korea, while conservatives fear weakened alliances. Each side weighs opportunities and risks as the country anticipates the U.S. election's impact on its strategic interests. Jong Eun Lee, The Diplomat, October 16
Is BRICS De-Dollarization Program a Step Too Far for India? India faces challenges balancing its BRICS membership and broader alliances. While Russia and China push for de-dollarization, India's economy remains closely tied to the U.S. dollar. Concerns include China's growing influence within BRICS and potential economic instability from reliance on alternative currencies. India's strategic position between the G7 and Global South adds complexity, raising questions about its long-term alignment in a shifting global economic landscape. Mark S. Cogan, Geopolitical Monitor, October 16
To top China in biotech, support U.S. seedbeds of innovation. Bipartisan support is pushing the BIOSECURE Act, which restricts U.S. federal contracts with Chinese-linked biotech companies. While the bill addresses dependency on China, further investment in U.S. biotech hubs is needed to ensure innovation and production grow domestically. Key programs like the CHIPS and Science Act and Tech Hubs remain underfunded, limiting their potential impact. Strengthening these initiatives, along with the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, would boost the U.S. bioeconomy and reduce reliance on China. Josh Carpenter and Joseph Parilla, The Hill, October 16