Asia Daily: October 18, 2023
News
Biden cuts China off from more Nvidia chips, expands curbs to other countries. The Biden administration is planning to cut China off from more advanced Nvidia Corp chips, expanding a core component of the U.S. strategy to counter Beijing's tech ambitions, according to three sources familiar with the matter. This move aims to deprive China of key technology components, especially for its artificial intelligence capabilities. Alexandra Alper, David Shepardson and Stephen Nellis, Reuters, October 17
Putin begins visit in China underscoring ties amid Ukraine war and Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As President Vladimir Putin begins his visit to China, both nations display mutual support for their respective foreign policy missions. Putin's interest in merging Moscow's Eurasian Economic Union with Beijing's Belt and Road initiative signifies potential infrastructure collaboration. Their strengthened alliance comes amidst a backdrop of global tensions, especially concerning the Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ken Moritsugu, AP News, October 17
Top U.S. nuke envoy says 'deeply concerned' about what N.K. would get in return for arms supply to Russia. U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, expressed deep reservations about the implications of North Korea's potential arms supply to Russia. He emphasized the complexities surrounding what Pyongyang might receive in exchange, raising questions about the broader regional implications. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, October 17
India's top court declines to legalise same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court of India has decided not to legalize same-sex marriages, stating that it's a matter for the legislature and not the judiciary. This decision comes after multiple petitions were filed seeking legalization, claiming that the existing laws violated their rights to equality and dignity. Advocates and activists have expressed disappointment, but the court emphasized that its role is limited in this regard and that it's up to the Parliament to make the necessary changes. Suchitra Mohanty and Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters, October 17
Việt Nam attaches importance to comprehensive strategic partnership with India: PM. Prime Minister of Việt Nam, Phạm Minh Chính, has affirmed the nation's commitment to enhancing its comprehensive strategic partnership with India. During his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Prime Minister emphasized the historical ties and shared values between the two countries. The leaders discussed collaborative opportunities across various sectors, including trade, energy, and defense. Vietnam News, October 17
PH builds more ships to boost WPS patrol. The Philippines is augmenting its maritime presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with the construction of additional ships. This initiative is a part of the nation's strategic emphasis on enhancing patrol capabilities and affirming sovereignty in these contested waters. The move also reflects a broader intent to fortify the Philippines' naval forces in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, October 18
US secures Marshall Islands military deal, keeps China at bay in strategically vital Pacific region. The United States has solidified a military agreement with the Marshall Islands, reinforcing its strategic position in the Pacific and countering China's influence in the region. This deal underscores the Marshall Islands' significance due to its strategic location, providing the US with a considerable advantage for its military operations. Amidst growing geopolitical tensions and the broader US-China rivalry, such agreements highlight the continuing power dynamics in the Pacific. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, October 17
China tightens curbs on foreign travel by bankers, state workers. China has intensified its restrictions on foreign travel for individuals working in the banking sector and for state employees. This move appears to be a part of broader efforts to mitigate risks and ensure stability amidst uncertain global economic conditions. It underscores China's cautious approach in safeguarding its interests and is expected to have implications for business travel, cross-border collaborations, and international meetings involving Chinese officials and industry professionals. Engen Tham and Julie Zhu, Reuters, October 17
Singapore's PM Lee to meet Saudi crown prince, UAE president on official Gulf trip. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore is set to engage in official meetings with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his visit to the Gulf region. This trip is aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties and exploring collaborative opportunities between Singapore and these key Gulf nations. The visit signifies the importance Singapore places on enhancing relationships with countries in the Middle East. Channel NewsAsia, October 17
Pentagon releases footage of hundreds of ‘highly concerning’ aircraft intercepts by Chinese planes. The Pentagon has publicly disclosed video footage showing numerous intercepts of aircraft by Chinese planes, labeling these incidents as "highly concerning." The U.S. Defense Department's decision to share these visuals is seen as an attempt to highlight the assertive nature of Chinese aerial activities and underscore the potential risks in the region. The frequency and nature of these intercepts have intensified concerns over potential miscalculations that could escalate into a larger conflict. Tara Copp, AP News, October 17
Long Form
From Siargao to Malabon: Filipino Coastal Communities on the Frontlines of Climate Change highlights the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Odette on Filipino communities. The vulnerability spans from rural Siargao Island to Metro Manila's CAMANAVA region, with recovery efforts hindered by inadequate governmental support. By Nicholas Muller for The Diplomat, October 17
North Korea Orders Establishment of 'Emergency Trade System' to Acquire Food North Korea is establishing an emergency trade system to circumvent international sanctions and secure safe channels for foreign trade. The focus is on food imports from allies like China and Russia, especially as North Korea faces another predicted shortfall in agricultural output. By Jeong Tae Joo for The Diplomat, October 17
Maybe China’s Economy Isn’t So Doomed Challenges the prevailing pessimism among American China watchers, suggesting that China's economy may have underlying strengths that could defy expectations of a downturn. By Bob Davis for Foreign Policy, October 17
The dual face of India's democracy While India's G20 presidency is portrayed as a symbol of inclusion, the reality under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership is quite different. Policies have eroded political freedoms and silenced advocates of inclusivity, with a focus on Hindu nationalism. The suppression extends to non-governmental organizations, affecting India's standing in global democracy and freedom indexes. By Kearrin Sims for East Asia Forum, October 18
China's Three-Child Policy Isn't Leading to Surge in Births, Data Shows Despite hopes that China's three-child policy would boost the country's declining fertility rate, new data shows otherwise. Among the 9.56 million newborns last year, only 15% were a family's third child, a marginal increase from the previous year. The policy has failed to reverse China's demographic crisis, with the fertility rate plummeting to a record low of 1.09, far below the replacement level of 2.1. By Zhao Yuanyuan for The China Project, October 17.
China Reboots Its Belt and Road Initiative China is revamping its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to make it less risky and more sustainable. The focus has shifted from megaprojects to smaller, targeted deals in sectors like green energy and healthcare. A wider range of Chinese lenders are now involved, often partnering with Western banks to manage risks. The changes come amid a decline in BRI activity during the pandemic and growing skepticism about the initiative's impact. By Jason Douglas for The Wall Street Journal, October 17