News
S. Korea, Qatar agree to upgrade relations to 'comprehensive strategic partnership'. South Korea and Qatar have decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." This decision was announced following a meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Seoul. The enhanced partnership aims to foster increased cooperation in diverse sectors, including energy, infrastructure, health, and cultural exchanges. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, October 25
Hong Kong seeks fresh economic edge while steeling security in policy blueprint. In a recent policy address, Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, emphasized boosting the city's economic competitiveness while also fortifying its security. This dual approach intends to rejuvenate Hong Kong's position as a global business hub while further tightening security laws. Various measures, including revamping the city's property and tax systems, were proposed to stimulate economic growth. Twinnie Siu and Clare Jim, Reuters, October 25
California Gov. Newsom has surprise meeting with China’s leader Xi amid warm welcome in Beijing. California Governor Gavin Newsom had an unexpected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing. The governor's trip to China was primarily for economic reasons, and the surprise encounter underscores the significance of California's relationship with the Asian nation. Their discussion touched upon the global challenges both regions face, emphasizing cooperation and mutual respect. Huizhong Wu, AP News, October 25
In ‘big test’ for India, China and Bhutan push to solve border dispute and establish official ties. As China and Bhutan move towards resolving their longstanding border disputes, India finds itself in a challenging position. Beijing and Thimphu are also in discussions to establish formal diplomatic ties. The advancement in relations between China and Bhutan raises concerns for New Delhi due to its strategic interests in the region and its traditionally close relationship with Bhutan. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, October 25
Supreme Court hands down landmark decision on transgender rights. Japan's Supreme Court has delivered a groundbreaking ruling which deems a law requiring sterilization surgery as a prerequisite for changing one’s legal gender to be unconstitutional. Many hope that this will allow transgender individuals in Japan a straighter path toward changing their legal gender without undergoing such an operation. Karin Kaneko and Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times, October 25
Lithuania foreign minister held talks with counterpart in first visit to Việt Nam. The foreign minister of Lithuania embarked on a first-of-its-kind visit to Việt Nam, holding discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart. The landmark visit symbolizes the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations and presents opportunities for increased cooperation in various sectors. Vietnam News, October 25
China chases US and Russia guided-missile submarine capabilities with new vessels. China is keen on narrowing the gap with the United States and Russia in terms of guided-missile submarine capabilities. As part of this pursuit, Beijing has introduced new nuclear-powered guided missile subs to its fleet. These additions highlight China's ambitions to strengthen its underwater missile force and become a dominant naval power in the region. Greg Torode, Reuters, October 25
China's defence ministry blasts Pentagon's annual report. The Chinese defence ministry has criticized the Pentagon's annual report on China's military developments and goals. The ministry dismissed the report as baseless and stated that it exaggerated the "China threat" theory. The contention underscores the ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington over security and military issues. Bernard Orr, Reuters, October 25
National Assembly Set to Address Critical Issues in Upcoming Session. The Lao National Assembly is preparing to tackle a range of pressing issues in its forthcoming session. Matters on the agenda include socio-economic plans, amendments to the criminal code, and various draft laws. The session will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 22. Chono Lapuekou, The Laotian Times, October 25
Sri Lanka allows a Chinese research ship to dock as neighboring India’s security concerns grow. Sri Lanka has permitted a Chinese research vessel to dock in the country, igniting increased security concerns for neighboring India. The move has further strained the delicate balance of regional power dynamics, with India keeping a watchful eye on Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka's decision comes amidst its efforts to maintain good relations with both major Asian powers. Bharathe Mallawarachi, AP News, October 25
Long Form
How Kazakhstan Helps Russia Bypass Western Sanctions. Kazakhstan serves as a crucial conduit for Russia to circumvent Western sanctions, facilitated by a customs union and free currency conversion between the two countries. Despite Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's assurances of compliance with sanctions, the country remains a significant source of "parallel imports" for Russia. Anomalies in Kazakhstan's trade turnover suggest that goods and services worth billions are being rapidly "exported" elsewhere, likely to Russia. This system is further enabled by corruption, lack of border controls, and the absence of customs posts due to the economic union with Russia. By Rahimbek Abdrahmanov and Kamshat Zhumagulova for The Diplomat, October 25
U.S. and China Need Better Understanding of Each Other's Problems. The anticipated meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping next month could serve as an opportunity to promote stability amid misunderstandings. Both leaders have had limited direct communication, leading to information friction. The U.S. faces uncertainties like an inverted yield curve, persistent inflation, and a heated political environment, while China grapples with a struggling property market and debt-strapped local governments. Stable, well-communicated policies are crucial for both nations to reduce uncertainty and improve decision-making. By Nan Li and John D. Van Fleet for Nikkei Asia, October 26
Minister's Sacking Cracks China Leadership. Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent removal of four key ministers, including Defense Minister Li Shangfu and former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, signals internal weaknesses rather than strength. The abrupt dismissals, which also included Finance Minister Liu Kun and Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang, have led to speculation about Xi's confidence in his top brass. The absence of a named replacement for Li Shangfu, especially ahead of the Xiangshan military conference, raises questions about Xi's control over the military. The sackings have also intensified uncertainties within the Chinese Communist Party, as they suggest Xi is unhappy with developments that go beyond specific areas like foreign affairs or the military. Asia Sentinel, October 25
The Return of the Japanese Nuclear Industry. Japan is gradually restarting its nuclear reactors, which were shut down following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The country has the fourth-largest civil nuclear reactor fleet by installed electrical capacity but has been underutilizing it. The revival of the nuclear industry aims to sustain Japan's economic relevance amid an aging population. Additionally, it maintains Japan's undisclosed stockpile of unassembled nuclear weapons. By Samo Burja for Bismarck Analysis, October 25
North Korea's Dangerous New Russia Ties. Confirmation by officials in Seoul and Washington reveals that North Korea is shipping large quantities of arms and ammunition via Russia to Ukraine. This marks a significant shift towards a new security partnership with Moscow. The arms include Soviet-era artillery pieces and shells, which Russia urgently needs for its operations in Ukraine. High-level meetings between North Korean and Russian officials have accelerated this development. The situation has alarmed South Korean officials, as the acquisition of high-tech Russian weaponry by North Korea could be a game-changer in the region. By Shim Jae Hoon, Asia Sentinel, October 25
Can China Help in the Middle East? As the U.S. seeks to deter Iran and stabilize the Middle East, it is turning to China for assistance. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Washington is part of a broader diplomatic process but has gained significance as the U.S. seeks China's help in the Middle East. Both countries have shared interests in regional stability, especially given China's dependence on Middle Eastern oil. However, China's objectives may diverge from those of the U.S., as it seeks to challenge American power in the region. The outreach to China comes amid signs of improving Sino-American relations, but the cost of China's "help" remains uncertain. By Walter Russell Mead for Wall Street Journal, October 26
Himalayan Rivers and Communities in Crisis. The recent collapse of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim serves as a dire warning for future hydroelectric projects in the Himalayas. Local communities had long opposed the dam, citing its environmental and safety risks. Despite this, several more "mega Teestas" are planned in the Indian Himalayas, all fraught with controversy and potential hazards like glacial lake outburst floods and landslides. The failure of the dam has intensified concerns about the viability of such projects, especially in geologically risky areas. By Gregory McCann for Asia Sentinel, October 25