Taiwan president to visit frontline islands with China for battle anniversary. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will visit the Kinmen islands on Friday to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Guningtou, where Republic of China forces repelled an invasion by Chinese communist forces in 1949. The visit comes shortly after China's recent military drills near Taiwan, seen as a warning to Taiwan's independence movements. Lai, who has been critical of China's sovereignty claims, will emphasize Taiwan's right to self-determination during the visit. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, October 24
N. Korea begins installing barriers on Donghae Line after 'bombing show'. North Korea has started constructing a concrete barrier along the Donghae Line, following the destruction of roads near the inter-Korean truce line using TNT explosives on October 15. South Korean military surveillance has observed over 100 North Korean soldiers and heavy machinery at the site, suggesting that the structure will serve as the foundation for a barrier. This move is seen as an effort by North Korea to physically separate the two Koreas. Hyo-ju Son, The Dong-A Ilbo, October 24
International Criminal Court reports Mongolia to its oversight body for failing to arrest Putin. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reported Mongolia to its oversight body after the country failed to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit last month. Putin, who is wanted by the ICC on war crimes charges for his alleged involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine, was welcomed with an official ceremony in Mongolia instead of being arrested. Mongolia, a member of the ICC, is obligated to execute ICC warrants, leading to this referral ahead of the oversight body’s December meeting. AP News, October 24
Daewoo to invest $730 million in fertilizer production in Turkmenistan. South Korean company Daewoo Engineering & Construction has secured a tender to build a fertilizer plant in Turkmenistan's Turkmenabat, costing around $730 million. The plant will produce 350,000 tons of phosphate fertilizer and 100,000 tons of ammonium sulfate annually. This project strengthens Daewoo's presence in Central Asia, aligning with its expansion into petrochemicals and sustainable technologies. The deal was supported by South Korea’s government following President Yoon Seok Yeol’s visit to Turkmenistan. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, October 24
Vietnam, China strengthen defense cooperation. Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and Chinese Senior Lieutenant General Zhang Youxia met in Hanoi, emphasizing defense cooperation as a crucial part of the Vietnam-China relationship. Both sides highlighted the importance of regular high-level engagements and cooperation in areas such as military training, peacekeeping, and maritime security. They also discussed peacefully resolving maritime disputes based on international law. The meeting further reinforced the bilateral commitment to building stronger defense ties. Vietnam News, October 24
Thai PM apologises for crackdown that killed 85 Muslims as hopes for justice fade. Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued an apology for the deaths of 85 Muslim protesters during a 2004 security crackdown in Tak Bai. Known as the Tak Bai massacre, 78 protesters suffocated in army trucks, while seven others were shot. Despite efforts by victims' families to prosecute officials, no convictions have been made. As the statute of limitations expires, Paetongtarn vowed to prevent similar events but ruled out extending the legal timeline. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, October 24
Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand become partner countries of BRICS. Four Southeast Asian nations have joined BRICS as partner countries, alongside nine other nations including Algeria and Turkey. Though not full members, the ASEAN members aim to enhance trade and diversify foreign relations amid geopolitical uncertainties. Analysts suggest the move may help them strengthen ties with China, the driving force behind BRICS. Malaysia, in particular, views this partnership as a way to promote Global South collaboration. Izzah Aqilah Norman, Channel News Asia, October 24
House submits P6.35T proposed natl budget for 2025 to Senate. The House of Representatives of the Philippines has submitted House Bill 10800, the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), to the Senate, proposing a P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025. The budget, approved by the House on September 25 after being declared urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., represents 22 percent of the country's GDP and marks a 10.1 percent increase from the current year’s budget. The proposed budget aims to support vital government functions and initiatives in response to emerging challenges. Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, October 24
Japan PM denies LDP covertly backing scandal-hit members in election. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba refuted claims that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is financially supporting politicians involved in a slush fund scandal who are running without party endorsement in the upcoming general election. He clarified that funds were provided to local party chapters to strengthen the LDP, not to individual scandal-hit candidates. The issue has sparked criticism from opposition leaders and comes at a critical time as the LDP faces a tough election. Kyodo News, October 24
Yoon says S. Korea could consider sending arms to Ukraine depending on N.K.-Russia military ties. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated that his country might provide arms to Ukraine based on the evolving military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. This announcement follows reports confirming the dispatch of 3,000 North Korean troops to Russia for training. During a summit with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Yoon emphasized that South Korea would not "sit idle" and might reevaluate its stance on supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, October 24
Vietnam, Laos strengthen security ties with joint exercise, new military camp. Vietnam and Laos have bolstered their defense cooperation through a joint military exercise focused on cross-border drug crimes and the construction of a new military camp in Houaphanh Province, Laos. The exercise was co-led by defense ministers from both nations and emphasized the importance of securing the shared border. Vietnam funded the new camp for Laos' Border Guard Company 214, enhancing command capabilities to maintain peace in the region. Phonethida Sitthixay, The Laotian Times, October 24
Jailed former Malaysian leader apologizes for fund embezzlement scandal, reiterates his innocence. Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, imprisoned for his role in the 1MDB scandal, issued an apology for the financial debacle that occurred "under his watch." However, he maintains his innocence, claiming he was misled and did not collaborate with key figures in the scheme, such as fugitive financier Low Taek Jho. Najib's apology comes ahead of a court decision on whether he will face further charges related to the embezzlement of $700 million. AP News, October 24
Putin does not deny reports about North Korea troops. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not refute U.S. claims that North Korea has sent troops to Russia, stating that Moscow will decide how to handle its defense partnership with Pyongyang. The U.S. has alleged that 3,000 North Korean soldiers may be deployed in Ukraine, a claim dismissed as "groundless rumors" by North Korea. Putin emphasized that NATO's involvement in the Ukraine war is the real escalation and reiterated Russia's stance on its ongoing operations. Vladimir Soldatkin, Reuters, October 24
Russian lawmakers ratify pact with North Korea as US confirms that Pyongyang sent troops to Russia. On Thursday, Russia's State Duma ratified a military assistance pact with North Korea, reinforcing their strategic partnership. This follows U.S. confirmation that 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia for training, amid concerns they could fight in Ukraine. The treaty obliges mutual military aid if either country is attacked, marking the closest military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War. The agreement could also lead to weapons technology exchanges between the two nations. AP News, October 24
Fighting flares as Myanmar junta tries to retake Karenni-held villages. Intense fighting has erupted in southern Shan State between Myanmar junta troops, their Pa’O National Organization allies, and Karenni resistance forces. The clashes, involving airstrikes and drone attacks, have led to significant casualties on both sides, with over 14 resistance fighters wounded. Thousands of villagers have fled, while others are trapped in conflict zones. The offensive comes after junta leader Min Aung Hlaing's call to reclaim lost territory. Saw Lwin, The Irrawaddy, October 24
Indonesia says its coast guard drove away Chinese ship that interrupted survey in disputed sea. Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency reported that its patrol ships twice drove away a Chinese coast guard vessel that interrupted a seismic survey by the Indonesian state energy company in the South China Sea. The incidents occurred near Indonesia's Natuna Islands, an area also claimed by China under its "nine-dash line" map. The Chinese vessel, CCG 5402, insisted it was patrolling Chinese waters, while Indonesia defended its rights to the area, escalating tensions between the nations. Edna Tarigan, AP News, October 24
Looking Beyond TikTok: The Risks of Temu. While TikTok's influence has drawn attention, the e-commerce app Temu presents serious concerns, acting as spyware that collects vast user data. With links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Temu leverages aggressive data collection practices, circumventing U.S. laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The app poses potential security risks, including surveillance and misuse of personal information. These risks highlight the broader need for stricter regulations on Chinese apps. Diane Rinaldo, CSIS, October 24
Securing the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor: Navigating Conflicts and Public Scepticism. China faces challenges in advancing the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) amid Myanmar's civil war and public skepticism. While the CMEC is crucial for China's Belt and Road Initiative, providing access to the Indian Ocean, local conflicts and distrust complicate its progress. China is adjusting its approach to navigate these obstacles and secure the project’s future. Kyi Sin, Fulcrum, October 24
Time for Better Collective Climate Action in ASEAN Agrifood Production. Climate change is severely impacting agriculture, a significant greenhouse gas contributor. ASEAN nations face challenges from extreme weather affecting food security and production. While individual countries have initiated mitigation and adaptation measures, collective regional action is essential. Expanding initiatives like Vietnam’s low-emission rice production to other ASEAN members and leveraging multilateral frameworks could help balance food production with climate goals. Collaborative efforts will be crucial for post-2025 strategies. Paul Teng, Fulcrum, October 24
How South Korea’s Vietnam playbook provides template for DPRK troops in Russia. North Korea's deployment of troops to assist Russia in the Ukraine war echoes South Korea's actions during the Vietnam War, where Seoul strategically sent troops to secure U.S. military and economic support. While North Korea seeks to bolster ties with Russia, it risks alienating China and increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea is now weighing its options, including possibly providing arms to Ukraine, amid rising security concerns. Benjamin A. Engel, KOREA PRO, October 24
Russia and North Korea’s treaty exposes blind spots in the security community. The Russia–North Korea Treaty signed in June 2024 has shocked the geopolitical landscape, pledging mutual military support and cooperation between the two nations. Despite its significance, experts and forums have largely overlooked this development, with groupthink dominating security discourse. Research has focused on traditional threats, while few anticipated such a defense pact. Addressing these blind spots requires diversifying expert perspectives, rewarding proactive research, and employing simulations to test various scenarios. Tom Le, Annalise Chang, Munique Tan, East Asia Forum, October 24
Rare Earths, Rare Opportunity: India’s Potential in Easing China’s Chokehold. On October 3, 2024, the United States and India announced an agreement to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, emphasizing rare earth elements (REEs) where China currently dominates. India, with the world's fifth-largest rare earth reserves, can play a key role in reducing global reliance on China. However, India faces challenges in mining, processing, and magnet production, with issues like lack of private capital and environmental concerns. Nayan Seth, South Asian Voices, October 23
Huawei uses TSMC loophole to bypass US chip ban. Huawei has managed to bypass U.S. export restrictions by obtaining 7-nanometer AI chips from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which were found in its products. This discovery raises concerns about TSMC's compliance with U.S. export controls, potentially violating the ban on supplying advanced technology to Huawei. U.S. lawmakers are now calling for investigations into both TSMC and the U.S. Commerce Department to prevent further breaches of the sanctions. Jeff Pao, Asia Times, October 24
Japan: Will Ishiba’s election gamble pay off? Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s new prime minister, has called for a snap election, betting that a focus on defense amidst rising regional threats will resonate with voters. Despite facing declining approval ratings and internal party strife, Ishiba aims to strengthen Japan’s security posture, proposing reforms like amending Japan's constitution and enhancing its military alliances. The election will test whether his defense-heavy agenda can balance voters' domestic concerns, with potential implications for Japan’s role in regional security. Morgan James, Lowy Institute, October 24