Asia Daily: October 2, 2023

News

Indonesia launches China-backed 'Whoosh' high-speed railway. Indonesia has inaugurated a high-speed railway line backed by China, dubbed 'Whoosh.' The project aims to enhance connectivity and is part of Indonesia's broader infrastructure development plans. Reuters, October 1

Thailand to inject $1.52 bln into economy through digital wallet plan: PM. Thailand's government plans to inject $1.52 billion into the economy through a digital wallet initiative. The move aims to stimulate consumer spending and offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reuters, October 1

Pro-China winner vows to unite Maldives, releases ex-leader. Mohamed Muizzu, the president-elect of the Maldives, secured the release of his jailed mentor, Abdulla Yameen, a day after winning the election. Muizzu, who was a proxy candidate for Yameen, has vowed to rebalance relations with New Delhi. The election results disrupt outgoing president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's efforts to strengthen ties with India, signaling a potential shift in the Maldives' foreign policy towards China. The Japan Times, October 1

China's lottery ticket sales soar amid weak economy, job prospects. As China grapples with a sluggish economy and bleak job prospects, lottery ticket sales have seen a significant surge. This trend reflects the public's growing desperation for financial stability. Reuters, September 30

Japan slams brakes on sending used cars to Russia, axing lucrative trade. Japan has decided to halt the export of used cars to Russia, ending a profitable trade relationship. The move comes amid increasing scrutiny over Russia's actions in Ukraine and is expected to have economic repercussions for both countries. South China Morning Post, October 1

China says U.S. is 'true empire of lies'. Beijing has accused the United States of being the "true empire of lies," in response to U.S. allegations about China's activities in various sectors including trade, human rights, and the South China Sea. Reuters, September 30

China to limit Myanmar border crossings to counter telecom fraudsters. Beijing is tightening controls at its border with Myanmar to curb the influx of telecom fraudsters. The move aims to clamp down on criminal activities that have been exploiting the porous border region. By Kelly Wang, Zhang Fangzhou and Qin Jianhang Nikkei Asia, October 1

North Korean soccer players clash with referee after losing to Japan. Tempers flared as North Korean soccer players confronted the referee following their loss to Japan. The incident has raised concerns about sportsmanship and the potential for political tensions to spill over into athletic events. By Ian Ransom Reuters, October 1

Malaysia blames Indonesia for haze, prompting 'don't talk carelessly' rebuttal from Jakarta. Malaysia has accused Indonesia of being the source of the haze affecting its air quality, a claim that has been met with a sharp rebuttal from Jakarta. The exchange has escalated tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. South China Morning Post, October 1

Taiwan-US defense meeting launches. Cyberwarfare and the safety of key infrastructure are the focus of the annual US-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia. The event serves as a platform for defense and security officials from both nations to discuss threats and challenges in the Taiwan Strait. Topics such as the Ukraine war, supply chain challenges, and the changing perspectives on Taiwanese defense policy are also on the agenda. By Shelley Shan for Taipei Times, October 1

Long Form

The Taliban and Central Asia. The relationship between Afghanistan and its Central Asian neighbors underwent significant changes following the Taliban's takeover in August 2021. Initially marked by confrontation and confusion, the ties have since evolved into a cooperative dynamic based on mutual interests. The Taliban's interest in trade and economic activities, especially after the cessation of foreign aid, aligns with Central Asian states' goals of ensuring regional stability and pursuing economic opportunities, including infrastructure projects. By Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili for The Diplomat, October 1

China's Economy Picks Up Steam for Holiday. As China's Golden Week holiday begins, the country's economy is showing signs of recovery. Consumer spending and travel are expected to increase, providing a much-needed boost to various sectors. However, the government remains cautious due to ongoing challenges such as energy shortages and the Evergrande crisis. By Jason Douglas for The Wall Street Journal, September 30

Powerful voices: How adolescent girls in India are breaking barriers and creating change. Societal factors pose challenges for young women in India. The "cycle of denial" sees many girls' rights suppressed at every developmental stage. However, Voice 4 Girls (V4G), an organization in India, aims to disrupt this cycle by offering safe spaces for girls to understand their rights, reproductive health, and more. V4G's initiatives have yielded positive outcomes, with a significant number of girls pursuing higher education and advocating against gender inequality. By Anusha Bharadwaj for Brookings, October 1

Out of Bounds: Outbound Investment in China. Chinese companies are facing increasing scrutiny and challenges as they seek to invest abroad. Regulatory hurdles, geopolitical tensions, and a more cautious approach by Chinese authorities are among the factors constraining outbound investment. By Luke Patey The Wire China, October 1

China Comes Under Growing Pressure to Fix the Country’s Housing Market. The Chinese government is facing increasing pressure to address the country's housing market crisis, which has been exacerbated by the Evergrande debacle. The situation has led to public protests and is putting the Communist Party's social contract with its citizens to the test. The government's response will be crucial in maintaining stability and public trust. By Lingling Wei for The Wall Street Journal, October 1