News
Leaders gather in China for smaller, greener Belt and Road summit. A decade after China introduced its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the project has seen limited participation from Western nations. The third BRI Summit this week will be attended by leaders such as Hungary's Viktor Orban, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and a representative from the Afghan Taliban. Western reluctance stems from concerns over China's intentions, transparency, and the actual need for the infrastructure. In response to challenges, President Xi Jinping is steering the BRI towards greener, high-tech projects. Joe Cash, Reuters, October 16
Japan criticizes Russian ban on its seafood following the release of treated radioactive water. Japan has expressed criticism towards Russia's decision to join China in banning the imports of Japanese seafood. This move by Russia and China is in response to the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Japan's Foreign Ministry labeled Moscow's restrictions as "unjust" and contrary to the global trend of easing or lifting import restrictions on Japanese food. The ministry has strongly demanded the withdrawal of this decision, emphasizing that Japan continues to advocate for actions based on scientific evidence. Mari Yamaguchi, AP News, October 16
Fearing China, South Korea targets firms building Taiwan navy submarines. South Korean authorities have charged marine technology firm SI Innotec for its involvement in Taiwan's new military submarine program, citing concerns over potential economic retaliation from China. The charges stem from SI Innotec's deal to supply Taiwan with submarine manufacturing equipment. Authorities have expressed concerns that this could lead to economic sanctions similar to those imposed by China in 2016 after Seoul's decision to install a U.S. anti-missile system. SI Innotec and another executive director, Park Mal-sik, who received a suspended prison sentence, have denied any wrongdoing and have appealed the decision. Ju-min Park, Reuters, October 16
LEAD) 2 Russian ships made 5 trips between N. Korea, Russia since mid-Aug. in suspected arms transfers: WP. Two Russian vessels have reportedly made at least five round trips between North Korea and Russia since mid-August, potentially transferring arms, according to the Washington Post. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) analyzed satellite imagery showing the ships traveling between North Korea's Najin port and Russia's Dunay port facility. The transfers began shortly after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to Pyongyang and a subsequent meeting between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin. While the exact cargo remains unverified, satellite images suggest a connection to the Russian military logistics network. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, October 16
EAM Jaishankar meets Vietnam FM Son, discusses cooperation in key sectors. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son on October 16, discussing ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, defence, and maritime security. They also exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific, especially in light of China's assertive actions in the region. The two ministers unveiled commemorative stamps marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam. Jaishankar, on his four-day official visit to Vietnam, also participated in the 18th India-Vietnam Joint Commission meeting in Hanoi. The Hindu, October 16
US Taiwan envoy makes third trip to island ahead of presidential elections. The de facto US envoy to Taiwan, Laura Rosenberger, has visited Taipei for her third time in seven months, coinciding with the island's preparation for a significant presidential election. Rosenberger, who leads the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) – essentially the US embassy on the island – held a private meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss various topics, including security and economics. The US has emphasized its neutral stance in Taiwan's elections, with Rosenberger stating that the US looks forward to collaborating with whoever the Taiwanese electorate selects as their next leader. Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post October 16
Canada forges agreement to help Philippines track illegal fishing vessels using satellite technology. Canada has entered an agreement to aid the Philippines in tracking illegal fishing activities through its satellite surveillance system. The National Coast Watch Center of the Philippines will utilize Canada’s “Dark Vessel Detection System,” which employs satellite technology to detect illegal fishermen, even if they switch off their location transmitters. This initiative addresses the rampant illegal and unregulated fishing in the Philippine waters, including contested areas in the South China Sea. AP News, October 16
Indonesian court rules on presidential candidate eligibility. Indonesia’s Constitutional Court has affirmed the minimum age requirement for presidential and vice presidential candidates at 40, with the possibility of exceptions for those who have held or been elected to regional leadership positions. This decision potentially paves the way for President Joko Widodo's 36-year-old son to run for vice president in the upcoming elections. Chief Justice Anwar Usman led the panel of judges, rejecting a petition to lower the age limit to 35. The ruling leaves the door open for various candidates in the 2024 elections. Al Jazeera, October 16
Kazakhstan Establishes Asset Recovery Committee. The Kazakh Prosecutor General’s Office has created the Committee for Asset Recovery, following a decree by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This committee will be responsible for asset recovery, including requesting information on assets and their owners, engaging experts to address illegal concentration of economic resources, and developing international legal cooperation in this field. It is also authorized to request the seizure and confiscation of illicitly withdrawn assets from foreign countries and file claims for their return to the state. Saniya Sakenova, The Astana Times, October 16
Cambodian PM to Attend ASEAN-GCC Summit in Riyadh this Week. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is scheduled to participate in the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this week. This summit aims to bolster economic and energy cooperation between Southeast Asian nations and Gulf countries. The event in Riyadh is expected to further enhance the relationship between ASEAN and the GCC. This development comes at a time when countries in Southeast Asia and the Gulf region are keen on strengthening their cooperation and exploring opportunities for mutual growth and development. Khmer Times, October 16
Long Form
As Belt and Road Forum Convenes, Time to Rethink Narratives on China’s Economic Coercion. The focus on China's economic coercion overlooks its limited effectiveness in leveraging trade and investment for geopolitical aims. Despite concerns about China's ability to "weaponize" economic dependencies, evidence suggests that such efforts have often been counterproductive. The narrative needs to shift toward practical problem-solving for global development challenges, where China, the United States, and others must play a role. By Matt Ferchen for The Diplomat, October 16
South Korea Turns to Migrant Labor to Fuel Growth. Facing a declining birthrate and labor shortages, South Korea has more than doubled its maximum number of visas for migrant workers compared to pre-pandemic levels. The government is expanding the range of jobs available to foreign workers beyond traditional sectors like manufacturing and agriculture. This move comes as policymakers seek solutions to labor shortages and aim to boost economic growth. By Steven Borowiec for Nikkei Asia, October 17
IPEF Supply Chain Agreement Released. After a year of negotiations, the first agreement under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) has been unveiled. The agreement aims to strengthen and make supply chains more resilient through various mechanisms, including an IPEF Supply Chain Council and an IPEF Labor Rights Advisory Board. However, the language is broad and non-binding, raising questions about its effectiveness. The United States hopes for IPEF to become an enduring forum, but its future is uncertain, especially with the upcoming U.S. election in 2024. By Devon Whittle for East Asia Forum, October 16
Ecclestone Plea Reawakens Singapore Probe Charges. The recent admission of guilt by Bernie Ecclestone on fraud charges has reignited the corruption investigation against Singapore's currently-suspended Transport Minister S Iswaran and hotelier Ong Beng Seng. Ecclestone was charged for failing to declare over £400 million held in a Singapore-based trust fund and has been sentenced to a 17-month jail term, suspended for two years. The probe against Iswaran and Ong, credited for bringing the Formula 1 Grand Prix to Singapore, has been stagnant since its announcement in July. By Andy Wong Ming Jun for Asia Sentinel, October 16