Japanese ministers say they are not pursuing PM's 'Asian NATO' proposal. Japan's foreign and defense ministers clarified they are not working on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's proposal for an "Asian NATO," following skepticism from the U.S. and India. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya called it a future idea, noting difficulties in creating mutual defense obligations in Asia. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani confirmed that the prime minister gave no such instructions. The proposal aims to deter China's military actions in Asia. Sakura Murakami, Reuters, October 2
China officially joins the Middle Corridor. China has formally joined the Middle Corridor, a trans-Caspian trade route, through the participation of China Railway Container Transport Corporation. This move, announced during the 8th International Silk Road Expo, allows China to diversify away from vulnerable maritime routes like the Strait of Malacca. Key infrastructure developments in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have made this route a strategic alternative, reducing transport times and geopolitical risks while offering environmental benefits. Dr. Robert M. Cutler, The Times of Central Asia, October 2
65 Taiwanese air force officers to train in the U.S. as island awaits latest F-16V jets. Taiwan plans to send 65 air force officers to the U.S. for specialized F-16V tactical training, preparing them to instruct others when the island receives its upgraded jets later this year. This training comes as Taiwan strengthens its defense in response to increasing activities from China’s PLA. Taiwan’s F-16 fleet upgrade and acquisition of advanced reconnaissance systems underscore its efforts to bolster military readiness amid rising cross-strait tensions. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, October 2
Court allows Alice Guo to attend Senate probe. A Pasig Regional Trial Court permitted former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo to appear at the Senate's ongoing investigation into illegal activities linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) on October 8. The decision, issued by Judge Annielyn Medes-Cabelis of RTC Branch 167, grants Guo permission following a request by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality. Guo's testimony is expected to be a key component of the probe. Francis Earl Cueto, The Manila Times, October 2
Japan’s new government welcomes ‘forward-looking’ congratulatory message from China. Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, received a “forward-looking” message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing hopes for peaceful coexistence and cooperation. Japan’s chief government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, viewed this as a positive signal toward improving strained relations. New Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya noted the need to balance dialogue with deterrence amid China's assertive actions. Ishiba also spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden, agreeing to strengthen regional defense cooperation. Mari Yamaguchi, AP News, October 2
People's Party calls for action. Thailand's People's Party urged parliament to move forward with an amnesty bill aimed at addressing political conflicts over the past decade. The group stressed that the bill should focus on unity, reconciliation, and justice for those involved in political demonstrations and unrest. They highlighted that delaying the bill would hinder efforts to heal divisions in society and called on lawmakers to act decisively. The amnesty would exclude crimes such as corruption and offenses involving violence. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, October 2
N. Korea likely to scrap key inter-Korean agreement at next week's parliamentary meeting: Seoul. North Korea is expected to annul the 1991 inter-Korean Basic Agreement at next week's Supreme People's Assembly session, following Kim Jong-un's call to redefine South Korea as its primary enemy and remove unification-related clauses. The unification ministry anticipates the regime will scrap political and military accords, formalizing a "two hostile states" stance in its revised constitution, which may include a new maritime border. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, October 2
Myanmar civil war fuels surge in cross-border drug trade, Thailand official says. Thailand has seen a sharp rise in drugs trafficked from Myanmar, with significant increases in methamphetamine and heroin seizures, according to Apikit Ch.Rojprasert of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. Organized crime networks, allied with militias in Myanmar, are producing drugs in "super labs" to fund the ongoing conflict. Despite increased seizures, meth prices in Thailand have dropped, indicating larger volumes are reaching the streets. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um, Reuters, October 2
Kazakh MFA urges restraint as Middle East tensions escalate. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and urged all parties to avoid the use of force. The ministry highlighted its commitment to ensuring the safety of Kazakh citizens abroad, particularly in Israel, Iran, and Lebanon, where 361 citizens are currently registered. The government is monitoring the situation closely and has established hotlines for assistance. No casualties among Kazakh citizens have been reported so far. Nagima Abuova, The Astana Times, October 2
Ishiba’s security plans face rocky road, create jitters in LDP. Shigeru Ishiba’s plans to revise the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and create an "Asian NATO" face challenges, particularly opposition from the U.S. While Ishiba argues revising SOFA would strengthen the alliance, U.S. officials have been skeptical, with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying it wasn’t a current focus. Domestically, some in the Liberal Democratic Party worry these proposals could backfire, especially ahead of the Oct. 27 Lower House election. Despite the hurdles, Ishiba remains committed to working toward these changes. Nobuhiko Tajima and Ryo Kiyomiya, The Asahi Shimbun, October 2
More than 20 political prisoners killed this year: rights group. Myanmar’s junta has killed over 20 political prisoners in 2024, including 10 who were tortured to death, according to the Political Prisoners Network Myanmar. At least 12 more died from a lack of medical care in several prisons across the country. Reports indicate prisoners were denied adequate treatment and that medication from families was confiscated. Since the 2021 coup, 101 political prisoners have died due to poor healthcare conditions. Brian Wei, The Irrawaddy, October 2
Vietnam protests Chinese force's attack on fishermen in contested waters. Vietnam has lodged a formal protest with China after Vietnamese fishermen were reportedly attacked by Chinese law enforcement in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands. The incident, which injured several fishermen, involved the use of iron pipes by Chinese forces, according to Vietnamese state media. Vietnam's foreign ministry demanded an investigation and respect for its sovereignty, while China claimed the Vietnamese boats were fishing illegally. Khanh Vu, Reuters, October 2
In break from tradition, China receives no formal statement from U.S. on National Day. The U.S. State Department did not issue its usual congratulatory message for China's National Day on October 1, diverging from past practice. While messages were sent to other countries, such as Nigeria and Cyprus, none was issued to China. Instead, U.S. officials attended a reception hosted by China's embassy in Washington, where Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink gave remarks. This comes amid rising tensions between the two nations. Kawala Xie, South China Morning Post, October 2
PH draws defense firms as military modernizes amid sea tension. Global defense companies, including Lockheed Martin, Saab, Rafael, and BrahMos, displayed advanced military technology in Manila as the Philippines advances its multibillion-dollar military modernization. With increasing tension in the South China Sea, 291 defense firms participated in the exhibition, reflecting heightened interest in the region's defense needs. The modernization efforts are driven by the need to bolster security amid geopolitical challenges and territorial disputes. Karen Lema and Neil Jerome Morales, Reuters, October 2
Vietnam, South Africa strengthen traditional friendship, cooperation. Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong met with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile to discuss ways to enhance their traditional ties and cooperation in various sectors. Thuong expressed Vietnam’s desire to boost trade, investment, and collaboration in defense, agriculture, science, and technology. Both sides emphasized the importance of increasing bilateral trade to reach the target of US$2 billion. Vietnam News, October 2
South Korea's Yoon, Japan's Ishiba agree united response needed against North Korea. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the importance of a united response to North Korea’s provocations, emphasizing the need for cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. in a phone call on Wednesday. Both leaders pledged to strengthen ties, with Yoon inviting Ishiba to maintain close communication to address shared security challenges. They also agreed to meet soon to further enhance cooperation. Jack Kim, Reuters, October 2
U.S. bans new types of goods from China over allegations of forced labor. The Department of Homeland Security has banned imports from Chinese steel manufacturer Baowu Group Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel Co. Ltd and Changzhou Guanghui Food Ingredients Co. Ltd, citing forced labor in Xinjiang. This expands U.S. enforcement under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The move is part of a broader effort to prevent products linked to human rights abuses from entering U.S. markets. Didi Tang, AP News, October 2
China’s coastguard takes part in first Arctic patrol with Russia. Chinese state media released footage on Wednesday marking the country's first joint coastguard patrol in the Arctic with Russia. The patrol, involving four ships, entered Arctic waters on China's National Day and aims to enhance joint law enforcement and expand China’s operational capabilities in unfamiliar waters. The U.S. Coast Guard observed the ships in the Bering Sea, marking the farthest north Chinese vessels have been spotted. Both countries dismissed U.S. concerns that the patrol could impact regional stability. Meredith Chen, South China Morning Post, October 2
S. Korea inks deal to buy Polish 'suicide drones.' South Korea's defense ministry signed a deal on Wednesday with a Polish defense firm to purchase "suicide drones" to strengthen its military capabilities as North Korea rapidly develops similar weapons. The deal, made during the Korea Army International Defense Exhibition (KADEX), will see shipments of Warmate drones starting in November, with deployment expected by the end of the year. Poland, a key arms industry partner for South Korea, has been supplying drones to Ukraine and previously signed major deals in 2022 to purchase South Korean tanks, howitzers, and rocket launchers. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, October 2
Kamala Harris and the Indo-Pacific: Correcting the attention deficit. Kamala Harris is expected to continue the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific policies, strengthening ties with key allies like Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. However, her success may be challenged by a lack of focused attention on Southeast Asia and personnel retention. Harris' engagements have often represented broader U.S. policy rather than her distinct vision, raising concerns about her ability to prioritize the region amid competing global issues. Southeast Asia remains uncertain about U.S. reliability under her potential leadership. Susannah Patton, Lowy Institute, October 3
Timeline of the South Korean Government’s AI Efforts. South Korea has made great strides in AI development under President Yoon Suk Yeol, aiming to become a global AI leader by 2027. Key milestones include forming the Presidential Committee on AI, launching an AI computing center, passing AI-related legislation, and co-hosting international AI summits. The government is also heavily investing in AI research, industrial applications, and semiconductor technology, positioning itself at the forefront of AI governance and innovation. Tom Ramage, Korea Economic Institute, October 2
Brain drain contest: China's 1,000 Talents vs US soft power. China's efforts to lure scientists back through the 1,000 Talents Program have faced challenges, as many prefer to stay in the U.S. due to its supportive research environment and "soft power." Despite China's financial incentives, its cultural emphasis on authority contrasts with the U.S.'s creative freedom, limiting its ability to replicate American innovation. Jeff Pao, Asia Times, October 3
Japan should board the IndoMalPhi ship. Japan is encouraged to align itself more closely with the IndoMalPhi grouping, consisting of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, to secure a stronger regional presence. Collaborating with these nations would reinforce Japan’s role in maritime security and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific, amidst growing competition with China. Strengthening such ties could benefit Japan's strategic interests, while contributing to broader regional security and development. Jada Fraser, East Asia Forum, October 2
Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Conundrum. Kazakhstan faces a critical decision on whether to build a nuclear power plant, with a national referendum set for October 6, 2024. The government argues that nuclear energy could help address the country’s growing energy deficit, boost the nuclear technology sector, and support decarbonization goals. However, public opposition remains strong, driven by concerns about safety, long construction timelines, and reliance on Russia for uranium enrichment. Togzhan Kassenova, The Diplomat, October 1
Beijing Latches Onto ‘Green Terror’ Claims to Stoke Historical Divisions in Taiwan. China is amplifying the narrative of a "Green Terror" in Taiwan, accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of suppressing dissent, akin to Taiwan's historical authoritarian era. This rhetoric has resurfaced following the arrest of Taiwan People’s Party leader Ko Wen-je, with Beijing and pro-unification groups using it to stir division and criticize DPP governance. The term plays on Taiwan's White Terror history, invoking past fears to undermine the DPP ahead of the 2024 elections. James Baron, The Diplomat, October 2
The Foreign Policy Connections of India’s Semiconductor Strategy. India strategically links its semiconductor development with foreign partners like the U.S., Singapore, and Taiwan. The country’s $10 billion initiative aims to build a semiconductor ecosystem and capitalize on the China-U.S. tech rivalry. India’s partnerships with global semiconductor leaders will help address domestic demand, but challenges remain, including a projected manpower shortage. Modi’s administration is working to attract foreign investment through capital subsidies and regulatory changes. Rahul Mishra and Harshit Prajapati, The Diplomat, October 2
Vietnam’s bamboo diplomacy has lessons for the Global South. Vietnam’s "bamboo diplomacy" showcases a strategy of balancing relationships with powerful nations, including the U.S., China, and Russia, while securing economic benefits. The country positions itself as an alternative manufacturing hub to China, leveraging flexibility in its foreign policy to maintain favorable ties with various global powers. This approach could serve as a model for other nations in the Global South navigating geopolitical tensions. Akhil Ramesh, The Japan Times, October 2
The Indispensable Political Participation of Indonesia’s Middle Class. Indonesia’s middle class, despite being a minority, plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s democracy through active political participation. With higher education and internet access, they are vocal in criticizing the government and advocating for public services, good governance, and rule of law. Their influence in political discourse, particularly via social media, is significant, but their shrinking size could hinder Indonesia’s goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045. Maria Monica Wihardja & Putu Sanjiwacika Wibisana, Fulcrum, October 2