BRICS summit: China and India should manage differences, Xi tells Modi. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia, agreeing to enhance communication and cooperation to resolve lingering disputes, including the military clash of 2020. Their first formal talks in five years signal a gradual recovery in relations between the two nations, which continue to maintain robust trade ties. Both leaders emphasized peace, stability, and mutual respect as key to improving bilateral relations. Krishn Kaushik and Ethan Wang, Reuters, October 23
India’s Modi and Chinese President Xi meet days after a border accord between the countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met during the BRICS summit in Russia, marking their first formal bilateral talks in five years. The meeting follows a recent agreement to resume military patrols along their disputed Himalayan border, aiming to ease tensions that have persisted since a deadly 2020 clash. Both leaders emphasized the importance of managing differences to maintain regional and global stability. Ashok Sharma, AP News, October 23
Energy cooperation an important pillar of Vietnam-Russia partnership: PM. During a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính highlighted energy and oil-gas cooperation as a key aspect of the Vietnam-Russia strategic partnership. They discussed expanding collaboration in new fields such as green energy and energy transition. Both sides expressed mutual interest in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing projects that benefit both nations. The talks took place during Chính’s visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit. Vietnam News, October 23
S. Korea to launch 3rd military spy satellite in December. South Korea will launch its third military reconnaissance satellite in December, aimed at enhancing its surveillance of North Korea. The satellite will be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket, as part of a broader initiative to deploy five spy satellites by 2025. These satellites, equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors, will enable detailed monitoring of North Korean activities. South Korea plans further launches of smaller satellites between 2026 and 2030 to bolster its surveillance capabilities. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, October 23
Chinese, Lao presidents discuss bilateral cooperation at BRICS summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith met during the BRICS summit in Russia to strengthen bilateral ties. Xi emphasized deepening cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative and developing the China-Laos Railway and Economic Corridor. Thongloun expressed support for China’s core interests and highlighted the success of their shared action plan. Both leaders committed to furthering multilateral collaboration and economic projects. Namfon Chanthavong, The Laotian Times, October 23
North Korean troops are in Russia, US defense secretary says. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that North Korean troops are in Russia, though their exact role remains unclear. He warned that if they are preparing to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, as Kyiv has alleged, it would be a serious escalation. Ukraine claims up to 12,000 North Korean troops may participate in the conflict. Austin suggested this could indicate Russia’s worsening manpower issues, following significant losses in the war. Phil Stewart, Reuters, October 23
Fresh tension grips Bangladesh as student protesters demand president’s resignation. Political unrest intensified in Bangladesh as student protesters called for President Mohammed Shahabuddin to resign following his controversial comments questioning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gave Shahabuddin a two-day deadline to step down, accusing him of collaborating with Hasina’s regime. Protests in Dhaka were met with police resistance. The Yunus-led interim government expressed outrage over Shahabuddin's claims, creating further political tension. Julhas Alam, AP News, October 23
Singapore core inflation up for second straight month. Singapore's core inflation rose to 2.8% year-on-year in September, up from 2.7% in August, driven by higher retail and other goods prices. Overall inflation, however, eased to 2% due to a sharper decline in private transport costs. While inflation for electricity, gas, and food decreased slightly, service fees and housing rents remained stable. Core inflation is expected to moderate further, averaging 2.5%-3% for 2024 and decreasing to 1.5%-2.5% in 2025. Lutfil Jumadi, Channel News Asia, October 23
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan seek to increase trade to $3 billion. Kazakhstan and Afghanistan signed a roadmap to boost bilateral trade to $3 billion, focusing on sectors like railway construction, agriculture, and car exports. The plan includes Kazakhstan's involvement in building Afghan railways and increasing exports of grain, flour, and chemicals. In return, Afghanistan will provide fruits and vegetables. Kazakhstan also aims to enhance transport routes through Afghanistan to access Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, October 23
Chinese blockade would be act of war, Taiwan says. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated that a real Chinese blockade of Taiwan would constitute an act of war under international law, affecting global trade. The statement follows recent Chinese military drills that simulated blockading ports and attacking targets near Taiwan. China has escalated its military activities around Taiwan over the past five years, asserting territorial claims that Taiwan rejects. Taiwan is preparing for a potential blockade, focusing on securing critical resources like liquefied natural gas. Ben Blanchard and Roger Tung, Reuters, October 23
Japan, U.S. begin major joint field drills to boost interoperability. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military launched the biennial "Keen Sword" exercise, involving 33,000 Japanese and 12,000 U.S. personnel. The drills, which run through November 1, aim to strengthen interoperability amid rising military threats in the Indo-Pacific, particularly from China. The exercise includes air, sea, and missile defense operations, along with space, cyber, and electromagnetic warfare. Australian and Canadian forces will also participate in certain aspects. The Mainichi, October 23
N. Korean leader urges bolstering war deterrence, citing U.S. nuclear threats. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for strengthening the country’s war deterrence, including its nuclear capabilities, in response to increasing U.S. nuclear threats. During an inspection of strategic missile bases, Kim emphasized the need for enhanced readiness and modernized missile facilities. He described the U.S.'s strategic nuclear assets as a growing threat, demanding a more robust counteraction posture from North Korea. The visit follows recent tensions, with North Korea launching missiles and escalating its nuclear activities. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, October 23
Kazakhstan and Afghanistan discuss transport links for trade with China. Kazakhstan and Afghanistan are exploring transport routes for facilitating trade with China, including a potential circular rail route and other logistics solutions. The talks aim to establish reverse logistics for container movements through Kazakhstan, possibly involving reloading Afghan goods in Kazakhstan for return to China. Bilateral trade has grown significantly, with Kazakhstan exporting $316.5 million worth of goods to Afghanistan between January and August 2024. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, October 22
Thai charter referendum likely delayed. Thailand’s referendum on amending the constitution, initially planned for February, may be postponed due to unresolved disputes between the House and Senate. The delay stems from disagreements over the majority needed to pass the referendum, with the House supporting a simple majority, while the Senate insists on stricter conditions. A joint committee is expected to address the issue, but time constraints make it unlikely the referendum will proceed as scheduled. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, October 23
Cambodia, Malaysia discuss increasing direct flights to pre-pandemic levels. Cambodian and Malaysian aviation officials are working to restore direct flights between the two countries to pre-COVID-19 frequencies. Talks at the International Civil Aviation Organization event covered resuming Malaysia Airlines flights to Siem Reap and adding new routes from cities like Penang and Johor Bahru. Boosting air connectivity is seen as vital for improving trade and tourism between both nations. Hin Pisei, Phnom Penh Post, October 23
Duterte to appear before Senate panel. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is set to attend a Senate hearing on October 28 regarding his administration's controversial war on drugs. Senate President Francis Escudero assured that Duterte would be treated with respect but did not clarify if he could be cited for contempt. The hearing will be conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, with a focus on allegations of extrajudicial killings. Senators Ronald Dela Rosa and Bong Go, implicated in the campaign, will also participate. Javier Joe Ismael and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, October 23
Thailand’s Deep South Policy: The Need for Justice. As Thailand marks the 20th anniversary of the Tak Bai massacre, unresolved justice for the victims risks undermining the government’s reforms in the Deep South. The insurgency in this region, which has claimed thousands of lives, persists despite recent attempts at peacebuilding. The government’s efforts to establish dialogue with insurgents may falter without accountability for past abuses, potentially leading to renewed violence. Paul Chambers, Fulcrum, October 23
The Declining Freedoms of Speech and Press in Indonesia: New President, Same Problem? Press freedom and freedom of speech in Indonesia face significant challenges as new regulations impose fines on digital platforms for not removing "prohibited content." These laws, introduced during Joko Widodo’s presidency, remain under President Prabowo Subianto, signaling continued repression. Proposed revisions to the Broadcasting and Police Laws further threaten press freedom by allowing censorship and internet shutdowns under broad national security pretexts. Sofie Shinta Syarief, Fulcrum, October 23
Spiraling US debt a golden opportunity for China. As U.S. debt rises beyond $33.4 trillion, China is seizing the opportunity by reducing its holdings of U.S. bonds and increasing its gold reserves. Beijing’s move is part of a broader strategy to weaken the U.S. dollar’s dominance and position the yuan as a global reserve currency. This shift aligns with China’s long-term goal of challenging U.S. financial hegemony, particularly as the U.S. debt becomes increasingly unsustainable. Zakaria Sorgho, Asia Times, October 23
Coordinating investment screening across the US, Japan, and Korea. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea are collaborating on investment screening processes to safeguard national security, particularly in technology sectors. The discussion highlights challenges in aligning these countries' standards, especially in managing outbound investments to China. While Japan and South Korea maintain strict inbound screening, they are less likely to adopt extensive outbound restrictions like those proposed by the U.S., as both rely heavily on global markets. Sarah Bauerle Danzman and Andrew Yeo, Brookings, October 23
China's cleantech investment in the US: Leg-up or security threat? Chinese companies are investing billions into U.S. cleantech projects, benefiting from the Inflation Reduction Act's incentives. While these investments boost U.S. green manufacturing, concerns persist over national security risks, particularly around supply chain dependencies and technology transfers. Critics worry that partnerships like the Ford-CATL deal might expose U.S. assets to Chinese influence, but the economic and technological advantages of collaboration are also evident. Henry Storey, Lowy Institute, October 23
Crossing the Rubicon: DPRK Sends Troops to Russia. North Korea has sent troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in its involvement. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment and warned of its broader implications, especially in the Indo-Pacific. The move strengthens North Korea’s alliance with Russia and may bring advanced military technology in exchange. This development could strain European relations with North Korea and intensify geopolitical tensions. Victor Cha, CSIS, October 23
How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Solve India’s Water Utility Problems. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents opportunities to address India’s water management challenges, particularly in reducing nonrevenue water (NRW) losses. By leveraging AI for identifying leakages and improving utility operations, India can modernize its water infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and reduce financial losses. Key steps include expanding AI adoption, encouraging private sector participation, and improving water usage reporting. Scaling these solutions will help India optimize its water resources and infrastructure. Bhawna Prakash, CSIS, October 23
Japan alliance means for Indo-Pacific security. The U.S. and Japan upgraded their defense cooperation during a July 2024 meeting, transforming the U.S. Forces Japan into a joint force headquarters (JFHQ). This shift strengthens military coordination in response to growing regional threats, including China’s assertiveness, North Korea’s provocations, and Russia’s alliances. The JFHQ will manage day-to-day operations and expand Japan's role in international security. Japan’s defense spending and technological cooperation with the U.S. are key components of this enhanced alliance. Sebastian Maslow, East Asia Forum, October 23