Asia Daily: October 20, 2023
News
Taliban says plans to formally join China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Taliban has announced its intention to formally join China's Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a deepening of ties between the group and Beijing. This decision aligns with the Taliban's efforts to seek international recognition and economic support following its takeover of Afghanistan. China's Belt and Road Initiative is a significant infrastructure development project, and the Taliban's participation may offer both economic and geopolitical advantages for the two entities. Joe Cash, Reuters, October 19
Xi Jinping calls for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza war, says two-state solution is ‘fundamental way out’. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his call for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, emphasizing that a two-state solution remains the essential path to sustainable peace in the region. His remarks come amidst escalating tensions and violence, underscoring China's position on the matter. Xi also emphasized China’s support for a humanitarian corridor to allow the provision of aid to Palestinians. Alyssa Chen, South China Morning Post, October 19
Canada removes 41 diplomats from India after New Delhi threatens to revoke their immunity. In a diplomatic clash, Canada has withdrawn 41 of its diplomats from India following threats by New Delhi to revoke their immunity. The tensions arose over disagreements on undisclosed issues between the two nations, leading to heightened concerns about the safety and status of the Canadian diplomats. This move indicates a significant strain in the Canada-India relationship, with both sides now working towards a resolution. Rob Gillies, AP News, October 19
China is building up its nuclear weapons arsenal faster than previous projections, a US report says. According to a recent US report, China's nuclear weapons arsenal is expanding at a rate that outpaces previous estimations. The buildup signifies China's broader military modernization and aspirations to achieve strategic parity with other global powers. As a result, the Pentagon and other defense agencies are closely monitoring these developments to assess their implications for regional and global security dynamics. Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor, AP News, October 19
Russian foreign minister meets N.Korean leader Kim, vows support for Pyongyang. During a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Lavrov expressed gratitude to North Korea for supporting Russia's stance on the conflict in Ukraine. He also pledged Moscow's continued backing for Pyongyang. The deepening ties between the two nations underscore the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. Soo-Hyang Choi, Reuters, October 19
Kyrgyzstan: Billions spent on preventing revolutions, says security services chief. Kyrgyzstan's chief of security services revealed that billions have been spent in efforts to thwart potential revolutions in the country. He emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and expressed concerns over the consistent political turmoil Kyrgyzstan has faced in the past. This revelation highlights the nation's commitment to ensuring peace and the lengths to which it will go to avoid further upheaval. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva, Eurasianet, October 19
China's foreign minister seeks fair, open cooperation with Japan. The Chinese foreign minister has expressed a desire for fair and open cooperation with Japan, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral relations. The call comes amidst the backdrop of regional tensions and highlights the importance both nations place on diplomatic and economic ties. Efforts are being made to foster a better understanding and collaboration between the two Asian powers. Reuters, October 19
Japan, China Experts Discuss Security, Economy, Cooperation at Annual Tokyo-Beijing Forum. Experts from Japan and China convened at the annual Tokyo-Beijing forum to discuss a range of issues including security, economic collaboration, and broader cooperation between the two nations. The forum, a significant platform for bilateral dialogue, underscores the commitment of both countries to address shared challenges and opportunities. The discussions aim to foster mutual understanding and trust in the evolving geopolitical landscape. Shotaro Demizu, The Yomiuri Shimbun, October 19
Yoon to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar to boost economic, security ties. South Korean President Yoon is set to visit Saudi Arabia and Qatar in a bid to strengthen economic and security ties between South Korea and the two Gulf nations. The trip highlights South Korea's efforts to expand its diplomatic and trade relations in the Middle East, while also addressing regional security challenges. This visit is anticipated to pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual benefit in various sectors, from energy to defense. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, October 19
Marcos secures $120M business deals in Saudi Arabia. Philippines' Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has successfully secured business agreements worth $120 million during his visit to Saudi Arabia. These deals signify the strengthening of economic ties between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia and are expected to bring significant investment into various sectors of the Philippines' economy. This development aligns with the broader objective of expanding bilateral trade and cooperation between the two nations. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, October 20
Long Form
Uyghurs in Afghanistan Fear Taliban Buying Huawei Surveillance Tech. Uyghurs in Afghanistan are increasingly concerned about a recent agreement between the Taliban and Huawei, China's telecommunications giant. The deal could lead to the installation of facial-recognition cameras across Afghanistan, raising alarms for the Uyghur community. Huawei's technology has been instrumental in China's surveillance state, particularly in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs have been subjected to mass detentions and human rights abuses. By Ruth Ingram for The China Project, October 19
Japan's Fishing Sector Struggles After China Seafood Ban. Japan's fishing industry is grappling with an oversupply and declining value following China's ban on seafood imports. The ban was imposed in response to Japan's release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The embargo has hit Japan's scallop sector particularly hard, with prices falling 11 to 27 percent across three prefectures. The Japanese government has announced emergency rescue measures valued at $140 million to temporarily purchase and store seafood and develop new sales routes to Europe. By Thisanka Siripala for The Diplomat, October 19
Xi could strike a real blow to military corruption if he wanted to. The absence of Chinese Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu and other top generals suggests a major purge within the People's Liberation Army. Corruption is used as a selective weapon of control by China's top leadership. Despite Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, some officers with political support appear shielded from investigation. By James Char for Nikkei Asia, October 19
How China's tech ambitions slip through the U.S. export control net. China is circumventing U.S. export controls on its chip industry through various means such as shell companies, smuggling, and creative use of old machines. Despite the clampdown, Huawei recently achieved a 5G breakthrough, highlighting the limitations of U.S. controls. Experts argue that the effectiveness of these controls requires multilateral cooperation, including from countries like Japan and the Netherlands. By Cheng Ting-Fang for Nikkei Asia, October 20