U.S. unveils new rules to block China, Russia and Iran from accessing bulk U.S. data. The U.S. Justice Department proposed new rules to restrict the transfer of American data to adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. The rules, part of an executive order from President Joe Biden, aim to prevent the misuse of U.S. financial, health, and genomic data for espionage and cyber threats. Transactions involving sensitive data on U.S. citizens or government personnel with countries of concern will be banned. Sarah N. Lynch and David Shepardson, Reuters, October 21
Vietnam appoints army general as new president after months of turmoil. Vietnam has elected 67-year-old army general Luong Cuong as its new president, the fourth person to hold the largely ceremonial post in 18 months. Cuong, who has over four decades of military service and is a Politburo member, aims to maintain foreign policies focused on independence and peace. His appointment follows a period of political instability marked by a widespread anti-corruption campaign. Analysts see the move as an attempt to stabilize Vietnam's political landscape. Aniruddha Ghosal, AP News, October 21
Prabowo announces his 'Red and White' Cabinet, Sugiono named as Indonesia's new foreign minister. Indonesia's newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto unveiled his 48-member "Red and White Cabinet" on October 20, featuring a mix of political and professional figures. Notable appointments include Sugiono as foreign minister and Rosan Perkasa Roeslani returning as investment minister. The cabinet aims to promote unity and ensure cooperation among its diverse members. A three-day retreat will be held to align the team with Prabowo’s vision. Channel News Asia, October 21
U.S. missile deployment to Philippines ‘incredibly important’ for combat readiness, US general says. U.S. Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans described the deployment of the Typhon missile system to the northern Philippines as critical for joint training exercises with Filipino forces, enhancing combat readiness in the region. The deployment, part of the U.S.'s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, has drawn concern from China. U.S. and Philippine officials are also planning larger military drills in 2024 to strengthen their defense capabilities. Jim Gomez, AP News, October 21
Japan ruling bloc struggling to retain lower house majority: poll. Japan's ruling coalition, composed of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, may lose its majority in the upcoming House of Representatives election, according to a Kyodo News poll. The LDP's ongoing slush fund scandal has severely impacted its support. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba aims to retain at least 233 seats, down from the coalition's pre-election count of 288. With many voters undecided, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is gaining ground. Kyodo News, October 21
Kazakhstan and Russia increase rail cargo transportation to and from China. Kazakhstan and Russia have agreed to expand rail cargo transportation between China and Europe through their territories. In 2024, container shipments increased by 63% compared to the previous year. A new transport and logistics center in Selyatino, Moscow, is being developed to handle the growing cargo flow. This initiative aims to enhance the China-Kazakhstan-Russia rail route, making it a vital part of international transport corridors. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, October 21
Vang Vieng to undergo major urban renewal with ADB grant. The Asian Development Bank has granted USD 1.8 million for an urban renewal project in Vang Vieng, Laos, aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable tourism. The project will rehabilitate 11 roads and enhance drainage systems, footpaths, and streetlights, while also introducing landscaping and parking facilities. Construction will begin in November 2024, led by a joint venture between two construction enterprises, and is expected to finish in 15 months. Phonethida Sitthixay, The Laotian Times, October 21
India says it reached deal with China on army patrols along disputed border. India announced an agreement with China to regulate army patrols along their disputed Himalayan border. The deal, reached during recent military talks, aims to prevent clashes between the two forces, which have engaged in several skirmishes in recent years. The agreement focuses on maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control, with both nations agreeing to avoid any provocative activities. Al Jazeera, October 21
Ruling party leader demands Yoon address concerns regarding first lady. People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon urged President Yoon Suk Yeol to address controversies surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee. Han recommended a personnel reshuffle, halting her public activities, and appointing a special inspector to investigate related allegations. The call comes amid growing public discontent and pressure from the opposition, with some raising the possibility of impeachment. Han emphasized the need for reforms to restore public trust. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, October 21
Central Asian states make progress in addressing hunger. Central Asia has made significant strides in reducing hunger, though Tajikistan remains a concern with almost 9% of its population undernourished. According to the 2024 Global Hunger Index, the region’s improvement has stalled since 2016 due to global challenges like climate change and the Russia-Ukraine war. While Uzbekistan showed the most progress, Tajikistan still faces high child stunting and undernutrition rates. Eurasianet, October 21
Philippine court jails 17 militants for life for mass kidnapping of tourists. A Philippine court sentenced 17 Abu Sayyaf militants to life imprisonment for the 2000 kidnapping of 21 tourists and workers from Malaysia's Sipadan Island. The group, including two UN-blacklisted leaders, abducted the hostages at gunpoint and held them in the Philippines’ southern jungles. The hostages were mostly released after ransom payments. Abu Sayyaf, a violent Islamist group, has been significantly weakened in recent years due to military defeats. Jim Gomez, AP News, October 21
Thai parties dismiss Election Commission's probe on Thaksin. Several Thai political parties have downplayed the Election Commission’s investigation into former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s alleged unlawful influence on the ruling Pheu Thai Party and other parties. The probe follows a petition accusing Thaksin of violating political laws by influencing party decisions. Government officials have labeled the claims as causing unnecessary unrest, with the ruling coalition insisting there was no improper influence during key meetings. Post Reporters, Bangkok Post, October 20
Vietnam, Laos ready for 2nd border defense friendship exchange. Vietnam and Laos are set to hold the second Border Defence Friendship Exchange from October 22-23 in Moc Chau District, Vietnam, and Sop Bao District, Laos. Activities will include joint crime-fighting exercises, cultural events, and cooperation agreements, aimed at enhancing bilateral defense ties and regional stability. Deputy Defence Minister Hoang Xuan Chien and his Lao counterpart, Vongkham Phommakone, oversaw preparations for the event. Vietnam News, October 21
Cambodian solar firms no longer cooperating with US tariff probe. Two Cambodian solar companies, Solar Long and Hounen Solar, have withdrawn from a U.S. trade investigation over claims that they are selling panels below production costs. Their decision to stop cooperating with the antidumping probe, which began in April, may result in penalties from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The case could lead to tariffs on imports from Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, key sources of U.S. solar panels. Nichola Groom, Reuters, October 21
Tajik opposition calls for global action against Rahmon regime’s human rights violations. The Tajik opposition group “Reform and Development of Tajikistan” has urged international governments to address human rights abuses under President Emomali Rahmon's regime. The group highlights extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and persecution of journalists and activists, calling for the release of political prisoners and fair elections. They warn that the lack of democratic alternatives could lead to destabilization and radicalization in Tajikistan. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, October 21
Poll: 33% support Ishiba Cabinet, trailing 39% non-supporters. A recent Asahi Shimbun poll shows only 33% of voters support Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet, while 39% do not, marking a decline compared to his predecessor's support in 2021. Additionally, 53% of respondents expressed low expectations for Ishiba’s economic policies. As the October 27 Lower House election approaches, 28% of non-supporters favor the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, while 22% still back the LDP. Voter turnout is expected to be lower, with younger voters less likely to participate. The Asahi Shimbun, October 21
Making Sense of Unorthodox Change in the Thai Navy Command. Admiral Jirapol Wongwit’s appointment as the Royal Thai Navy’s new commander-in-chief breaks with tradition, bypassing senior hierarchy and marking the first appointment of a non-domestically trained commander. His rise, driven by outgoing chief Admiral Adoong Pan-iam, has stirred discontent within the Navy. Jirapol faces challenges, including navigating budget constraints and increasing maritime tensions, particularly regarding Thailand-Cambodia boundary disputes. His appointment, however, could symbolize resistance to political interference. Tita Sanglee, Fulcrum, October 21
What’s Behind the China-Thailand ‘Strike-2024’ Exercise? The China-Thailand Strike-2024 exercise, held in Kunming, introduced drones for the first time, highlighting growing defense cooperation. Thailand seeks to enhance border patrols with Myanmar, facing challenges like transborder crime and drone usage by ethnic armed groups. These exercises allow both countries to exchange tactics for addressing regional security threats. Additionally, China uses these joint drills to expand arms sales, with drones playing a crucial role in Thailand’s defense modernization. Ian Seow Cheng Wei, The Diplomat, October 21
The ghosts of Japan’s occupation of Malaysia. Japan's brutal occupation of Malaysia during World War II left deep trauma, with atrocities such as forced labor and torture. Despite a nominal settlement on reparations, official acknowledgment has been minimal. Folk narratives, like cerita hantu (ghost stories), preserve memories of the occupation, often tied to haunted locations linked to Japanese crimes. While young Malaysians view modern Japan favorably, these ghost stories ensure that the painful history isn't forgotten. Ikhlas Abdul Hadi and Marin Ekstrom, Lowy Institute, October 21
Prabowo’s seamless presidential transition. Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's third directly-elected president, was inaugurated on October 20, 2024, marking a continuation of political alliances formed with former President Joko Widodo. His cabinet reflects loyalty rewards and political stability efforts. Notably, Sri Mulyani Indrawati was reappointed as finance minister, maintaining oversight on public finances. Prabowo faces challenges balancing military ambitions with public investment needs as he aims to boost economic growth. His foreign policy direction remains to be seen, especially under Foreign Minister Sugiono. EAF Editors, East Asia Forum, October 21
China Faces a Long Road to De-dollarization. Despite ongoing global efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar for trade, the dollar remains dominant as a global "medium of exchange" and "store of value" due to its liquidity and stability. China faces challenges in promoting the yuan as an alternative, as its capital controls limit global yuan circulation. Without fundamental financial reforms, China's de-dollarization efforts are likely to stall. Ronny P. Sasmita, Geopolitical Monitor, October 21
Project 75: India’s new nuke subs aspire to outmatch China. India has approved plans to construct two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) to counter China’s growing naval power. Part of a larger initiative to build six SSNs, these vessels are expected to be faster and quieter than diesel-powered ones, with longer underwater endurance. However, delays and challenges in India’s submarine program pose risks to maintaining regional security as China expands its naval presence in the Indian Ocean. Gabriel Honrada, Asia Times, October 21