Asia Daily: October 23, 2023
News
Philippines says a coast guard ship and supply boat were rammed by Chinese vessels at disputed shoal. The Philippines has reported that a coast guard ship and a supply boat were intentionally rammed by Chinese vessels near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident further escalates tensions in the contested waters, where both nations have overlapping territorial claims. Manila has lodged a diplomatic protest, calling for the Chinese vessels to be held accountable for the "provocative" act. Jim Gomez, AP News, October 21
Australia PM to visit China, with progress on wine, wind tower disputes. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced plans to visit China, signaling progress in resolving disputes over wine and wind tower exports. The visit aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations, particularly after reaching an agreement to address the WTO wine dispute. Morrison emphasized the importance of open dialogue and maintaining mutual respect in bilateral relations. Sam McKeith, Peter Hobson, Bernard Orr, and Ethan Wang, Reuters, October 22
US sends drone ships to navy bases in Japan, signalling new role for driverless vessels in deterring China. The United States has dispatched drone ships to its naval bases in Japan, marking a significant shift in its naval strategy by emphasizing the role of unmanned vessels in countering potential threats from China. The deployment underscores the increasing importance of autonomous systems in modern naval warfare and represents an effort to enhance maritime deterrence against potential Chinese aggression. Minnie Chan, South China Morning Post, October 22
Indonesia’s leading presidential hopeful picks Widodo’s son to run for VP in 2024 election. Indonesia's top presidential contender has chosen the son of current President Joko Widodo as his running mate for the upcoming 2024 elections. This decision is expected to generate significant political discussions and reactions across the nation, given the prominence of the Widodo name in Indonesian politics. Niniek Karmini, AP News, October 21
Japan to name ex-Asian affairs chief Kenji Kanasugi as China envoy. In a strategic move to bolster diplomatic ties, Japan plans to appoint its former Asian affairs chief, Kenji Kanasugi, as its new envoy to China. This nomination reflects Japan's intent to navigate complex relations and engage in productive dialogues with its neighboring country. The decision also signifies an effort to maintain stability and mutual understanding in the East Asian region. The Japan Times, October 22
S. Korea, U.S., Japan conduct 1st joint air exercise near Korean Peninsula. In a landmark military collaboration, South Korea, the United States, and Japan carried out their first joint air exercise in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula. This cooperative effort aims to enhance the defense capabilities of the three nations and fortify their collective response to potential regional threats. The move further underscores the commitment of the participating countries to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, October 22
PM meets with leaders of Gulf countries. The Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính had a meeting with leaders from the Gulf countries to discuss ways of deepening bilateral ties, especially in the areas of trade, investment, and energy. The engagements are seen as a reflection of Vietnam's active efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic outreach in the Middle East. The exact details of the discussions or any potential agreements have not been specified in the initial reports. Vietnam News, October 21
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is traveling to China to talk climate change. Governor Gavin Newsom of California is set to travel to China, aiming to discuss climate change initiatives and strengthen ties between California and the Asian nation. Newsom's trip highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global environmental issues. The specifics of the discussions or any prospective agreements between California and China are not detailed in the initial coverage. Kathleen Ronayne and Chris Megerian, AP News, October 21
U.S. envoy renews grave concerns over China's repatriation of N. Korean escapees. The U.S. envoy for North Korean human rights issues has reiterated deep concerns regarding China's actions of repatriating North Korean escapees. This action by China is seen as potentially endangering the lives of those who flee the repressive regime in North Korea. The U.S. emphasizes the importance of protecting these individuals and has called on Beijing to reconsider its stance. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, October 21
US tours help firm impressions of Taiwan presidential contenders. As Taiwan's presidential election approaches, contenders are solidifying their impressions in the U.S. through unofficial visits. These tours are seen as crucial for establishing relationships and understanding between the two nations. The U.S. has historically played a significant role in Taiwan's international relations, making these interactions pivotal for the candidates. Robert Delaney, Amber Wang and Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, October 22
Long Form
Comparing China's Engagement in Africa and Latin America. China's engagement strategies in Africa and Latin America share similarities but also reveal differences that offer insights into Beijing's policy-making. In both regions, China focuses on economic and political initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, to secure support and expand its influence. However, the nature of China's commercial and security engagements varies, with Latin America seeing more free trade agreements and Africa experiencing deeper security cooperation. By R. Evan Ellis for The Diplomat, October 21
Jokowi Takes a Huge Chance with Son's Political Elevation. Indonesia's Constitutional Court has opened a loophole allowing President Joko Widodo's son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to participate in the upcoming presidential election. The move has sparked debates on nepotism and judicial activism, as it seems tailor-made for Gibran. The decision could either secure a political foothold for the Widodo family or backfire, exposing them to the electorate's skepticism about political dynasties. East Asia Forum, October 23
Aging Opportunity: China's Pensions System. China faces challenges in its pension system, a concern that has been highlighted since the early 2000s. Despite a rapidly aging population due to the "one-child policy," the country's retirement funds have not run dry, but the issue remains critical. Both Beijing and Western financial institutions have shown mutual interest in fixing China's pension system, although the effectiveness of their efforts is still under scrutiny. By Sean Williams for The Wire China, October 22
Debt Woes Spoil the Country Garden. Country Garden, once China's largest real estate developer, failed to make a $15 million coupon payment on its dollar-denominated debt, signaling troubles in the property sector. The company's origins trace back to Foshan in Guangdong, a city that became an industrial heartland during China's market reforms. The failure to meet the payment obligation raises questions about the company's future and adds to the growing concerns about China's real estate market. By Aaron Mc Nicholas for The Wire China, October 22
Sex imbalance at Japan's top university is worth worrying about. The University of Tokyo has a significant gender imbalance, with women comprising just over 20% of its undergraduate population. This disparity has broader societal implications, as the institution serves as a training ground for future leaders in Japanese business and politics. The imbalance is not a result of "voluntary self-selection," but is influenced by socially conditioned norms and Japan's unique college admission system, which tends to penalize women more than men. By Momoko Nakayama and Fumiya Uchikoshi for Nikkei Asia, October 22