Asia Daily: October 24, 2023
News
US renews warning it will defend Philippines after incidents with Chinese vessels in South China Sea. The United States has reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines following recent incidents involving Chinese vessels in the contested South China Sea. The tensions have grown after Chinese vessels reportedly collided with Philippine boats, increasing concerns about potential military conflict in the region. Jim Gomez and Simina Mistreanu, AP News October 22
China's Wang Yi to visit Washington amid Middle East tensions, US officials say. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to visit Washington D.C. amidst rising tensions in the Middle East. U.S. officials have made this announcement anticipating that the visit will involve critical discussions about the Middle East and the role of both nations in the region. The visit underscores the importance of diplomatic relations and dialogue between the US and China on global issues. Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis, Reuters, October 23
China’s debt crises, from developers to local governments, prompt cabinet call to curb contagion. Amid escalating concerns over debt crises encompassing both developers and local governments, China's cabinet has issued a call to mitigate the risk of financial contagion. The country's top leadership seeks to strengthen financial security, emphasizing the importance of proactive management to prevent systemic financial risks. The increasing vulnerabilities in the real estate sector and local government debts have become focal points for policy adjustments. Frank Chen, South China Morning Post, October 23
In blow to Kishida, LDP loses one of two seats in by-elections. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan experienced a setback when it lost one of two seats in the recent by-elections. This result serves as a blow to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, potentially indicating a decline in his administration's public support. The outcome could have implications for the party's overall strategy and future political maneuvering. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, October 23
Defense chief reiterates call to suspend 2018 inter-Korean military agreement. South Korea's Defense Minister has again emphasized the need to suspend the inter-Korean military agreement from 2018. This comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and concerns over North Korea's continued military activities. The suspension call underscores the shifting dynamics in the inter-Korean relationship and the challenges in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, October 23
Kazakhstan: Government does hard sell on nuclear, but public remains wary. The Kazakh government is aggressively promoting the benefits of nuclear power as an energy solution, highlighting its potential to provide a reliable and clean source of electricity. Despite these efforts, significant sections of the public remain skeptical and concerned about the safety and environmental implications of nuclear energy. This division reflects the broader debate on nuclear energy's role in addressing climate change and ensuring energy security. Almaz Kumenov, Eurasianet, October 23
Taiwan defends Foxconn over China tax probe. Taiwan has come to the defense of tech giant Foxconn, a major Apple supplier, amidst a tax investigation by Chinese authorities. The Taiwanese government expressed its support for the company, emphasizing its significance to the global technology supply chain. The probe comes at a time of increased tensions between Beijing and Taipei, raising concerns about potential economic repercussions on businesses caught in the crossfire. Channel News Asia, October 23
Sixth plenary session of the 15th National Assembly to open on Monday. Vietnam's 15th National Assembly is set to commence its sixth plenary session on Monday, during which various critical issues will be addressed. Legislators will discuss and give opinions on socio-economic development, state budget plans, and other essential legislative matters. The session showcases the government's commitment to transparency and ensuring the nation's steady progress. Vietnam News, October 23
S. Korea vows to bolster defense system against N. Korean missile threat. South Korea's defense authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the nation's defense capabilities in response to North Korea's growing missile threats. The commitment comes amid North Korea's recent series of missile tests, underlining the urgency for Seoul to further strengthen its deterrence against Pyongyang's provocations. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, October 23
Lao PM Meets with Saudi, Vietnamese Delegations on ASEAN-GCC Sidelines. Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh met with delegates from Saudi Arabia and Vietnam on the sidelines of the ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) meeting. The discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in various fields between Laos and the two nations. Namfon Chanthavong, The Laotian Times, October 23
Long Form
Too late now for U.S. to hold back China in global AI race. The U.S. administration's efforts to curb China's advancements in artificial intelligence may be too late, as China has already made significant strides in the field. Both the Chinese government and the public have embraced smart technology for various purposes, including efficiency and reduced corruption. Major tech companies in China, such as Baidu, are offering advanced AI chatbots, indicating a robust AI ecosystem that is difficult to restrain. By Zhou Xin for Nikkei Asia, October 24
Singapore's 'fake news' fixer risks undermining public confidence. Singapore's Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) aims to combat fake news but has been criticized for stifling public discourse and shielding the government from criticism. The law allows the government to issue 'correction directions,' requiring authors to display a government statement alongside their original content. Critics argue that the law's punitive nature and the government's interpretation of 'public interest' and 'falsehoods' risk undermining public confidence in the government's actions. By Howard Lee for East Asia Forum, October 24
Cash Can’t Fix Japan’s Fertility Crisis. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's $22 billion plan aims to reverse the country's low birth rate by doubling childcare spending and lifting income caps for child cash benefits. However, the plan overlooks structural issues like soaring living costs, wage stagnation, and gender inequality that discourage young Japanese from starting families. Critics and the public doubt the effectiveness of Kishida's approach, which doesn't address the root causes of Japan's fertility crisis. By Karina Piser for Foreign Policy, October 23
The Digital Rights Crackdown in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian governments are tightening internet regulations, posing challenges for human rights workers focused on digital rights. Vietnam's new data privacy law, enacted in July, is a case in point. While it marks a milestone in data protection, the law remains opaque, and the government has not clarified its provisions. Organizations that breach the law must notify the Ministry of Public Security within 72 hours or face criminal charges. The lack of public awareness and the weaponization of laws make it difficult for human rights advocates to operate in the digital realm. By Nguyễn Vũ for Asia Sentinel, October 23
Does Counter-Espionage Law Mean Overstretch? China’s Ministry of State Security joins the debate. China's Ministry of State Security has released a statement defending the country's Counter-Espionage Law, which has been under scrutiny both domestically and internationally. The statement aims to clarify misconceptions, stating that the law is not an "overstretch of national security concept." It argues that the 2023 revision is a necessary enhancement to adapt to changing security situations, especially as espionage activities targeting China have become more complex. The ministry also points out that other countries, like the United States, frequently update their anti-espionage legislation. By Jiang Jiang, Liu Xinyi, Yuzhe HE, Li Huiyan for Ginger River, October 23
India, Japan and South Korea should work together to protect shipping. Amid renewed Middle East conflicts, India, Japan, and South Korea face heightened energy security vulnerabilities. These nations are increasingly reliant on oil imports transiting through volatile regions like the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. Trilateral maritime security cooperation could be a viable solution, with India potentially taking the lead in developing a blueprint for joint patrols in the Persian Gulf. By Kabir Taneja for Nikkei Asia, October 23
The China-West Lithium Tango in South America. Despite the push toward decoupling, China and Western countries continue to collaborate in South America's Lithium Triangle, which includes Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. The region has become a focal point for global lithium extraction, a critical component for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Amidst geopolitical tensions, the question arises: how long will this collaboration last, especially when Western companies are seeking to "decouple" from their Chinese counterparts? By Ali Rahman and Leland Lazarus for The Diplomat, October 23
How China Could Turn Crisis to Catastrophe: Taiwan Invasion. A war over Taiwan would have devastating consequences for both Asia and the global economy. The erosion of American deterrence power has led to concerns that China and North Korea might launch wars in the Far East. If China decides on forcible unification with Taiwan, it has two options: invasion or blockade. Both would severely impact the global economy, affecting supply chains and causing financial turmoil. The South China Sea and waters around Taiwan are crucial for international trade, and their closure would be calamitous for countries like South Korea and Japan, which are heavily dependent on imported fuel and food. By Walter Russell Mead for The Wall Street Journal, October 24