Asia Daily: October 30, 2023
News
Chinese party delegation visits Solomon Islands, Chinese state media reports. A delegation from China's Communist Party has visited the Solomon Islands, a move reported by Chinese state media. The visit underscores the strengthening diplomatic ties between China and the Pacific island country, following the Solomon Islands' switch in diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 2019. This development is part of China’s broader strategy of expanding its influence in the Pacific region, fostering closer ties with various countries. Liz Lee, Reuters, October 29
Bangladesh police arrest a key opposition leader as violence leaves 3 dead and many injured. Bangladesh police have detained opposition leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the secretary general of the Nationalist Party, following violent outbreaks that resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries. The unrest and the subsequent arrest highlight the escalating political tensions in the country, marking a challenging period in Bangladesh's political landscape. Julhas Alam, AP News, October 29
G7 trade ministers vow to further unite against economic coercion. Trade ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have pledged to unite further in standing against economic coercion. In a joint statement, the ministers emphasized the significance of rules-based international trade and expressed commitment to resisting unjust economic practices. The move underscores the G7’s collective approach towards ensuring fair and resilient global trade systems. Kyodo News, October 29
Australia reassures Japan on CPTPP trade pact and strength of relationship. Australia has reassured Japan regarding the continuity and strength of their relationship, as well as the commitment towards the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade pact. This gesture comes amidst uncertainties and evolving global economic landscapes as well as questions surrounding a hypothetical incorporation of China into the partnership. It underscores the significance of bilateral relations and trade partnerships in navigating contemporary global challenges. South China Morning Post, October 29
Taiwan presidential frontrunner joins huge crowds at east Asia's largest Pride march. Taiwan's presidential frontrunner participated in East Asia's largest Pride march, joining enormous crowds in Taipei. The event represents a significant manifestation of Taiwan’s progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues in contrast to other parts of Asia. The participation of high-profile political figures also symbolizes the inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Taiwan’s social and political spheres. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, October 28
S. Korean patrol ship spots N.K. vessel stranded near eastern maritime border: JCS. A South Korean patrol ship has identified a North Korean vessel stranded near the eastern maritime boundary, as reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The vessel is believed to be commercial and no confrontation arose during the encounter. The incident is being closely monitored, and necessary measures are being taken to address potential security concerns. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, October 29
South Korea, US troops hold drills with drones, laser sensors. South Korean and U.S. military forces conducted joint drills utilizing advanced technologies like drones and laser sensors. These exercises aim to enhance their combined defense postures and capabilities. The integration of new technologies in the drills underscores the modernization efforts and the commitment of both nations to respond to evolving security challenges effectively. Hyonhee Shin and Daewoung Kim, Reuters, October 28
Marcos, Sara ratings continue to plunge. The popularity ratings of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio continue to decline, according to recent polls. Importantly, a majority of respondents indicated contentedness with the Marcos administration, despite a net decline. Only 10% of respondents claimed to actively distrust Marcos Jr. while over a third of respondents were undecided. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, October 30
Explosive device blows up at convention center in south India killing at least one and wounding 36. An explosion at a convention center in southern India resulted in at least one fatality and left thirty-six people injured. The incident occurred during a gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the state of Kerala. Authorities are investigating the explosion to determine the nature of the device and the motives behind this act. AP News, October 30
PM Lee, Malaysia PM Anwar to hold leaders’ retreat in Singapore, first to be held since 2019. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim are set to convene for a leaders’ retreat in Singapore. This marks the first such meeting since 2019, reflecting efforts to rejuvenate diplomatic interactions and cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The retreat is expected to facilitate discussions on a range of bilateral issues and collaborative initiatives. Aqil Haziq Mahmud, Channel NewsAsia, October 30
Long Form
Japan and China Need to Reinforce Decrepit Diplomatic 'Iron Bridge'. Amid rising Sino-American tensions and China's military expansion, the need for top-level dialogue between Japan and China has never been more critical. The Tokyo-Beijing Forum, an annual event, recently took place, but discussions were marked by mutual distrust and talking past each other. The relationship between the two countries has grown increasingly complicated over the last 20 years, requiring both dialogue and deterrence depending on the situation. As the 45th anniversary of the Japan-China friendship treaty approaches, the "iron bridge" of diplomacy between the two nations is in dire need of repair. By Akio Fujii for Nikkei Asia, October 30
The Race to Regulate AI. The United Nations Security Council recently held its first meeting specifically focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The meeting featured a briefing from Zeng Yi, a professor at the Institute of Automation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Zeng discussed the dual nature of AI, emphasizing its potential to both advance global development and cause harm on a massive scale. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for international governance and ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI. By Rachel Cheung for The Wire China, October 29
Thailand is at Risk of Becoming Overly Reliant on 'Big Brother' China. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been actively strengthening relations with China since taking office, marking his first official visit outside the ASEAN to China. The two countries have signed several bilateral agreements, including those focused on green initiatives and high-speed rail projects. While these partnerships promise economic growth and environmental sustainability for Thailand, they also pose challenges. The Thai economy's close alignment with China could raise concerns in the United States, a key ally and trading partner. Moreover, China's own economic slowdown might hinder its ability to invest as robustly as anticipated, affecting Thailand's economic health. By Prem Singh Gill for Channel News Asia, October 30
Albanese Should Aim Above the Bare Minimum Outcome on Beijing Visit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to be the first Australian leader to visit China since 2016. While the relationship between the two countries has been fraught with tensions, especially under Scott Morrison's tenure, Albanese's visit offers an opportunity for a fresh start. The article argues that Australia's effective use of the World Trade Organization (WTO) mechanisms has helped restore trade ties and should serve as a model for other countries. It also emphasizes the need for the United States to engage more constructively in multilateral trade systems. The visit provides a platform for both countries to articulate common ground and shared interests, such as climate change and trade, without compromising on security concerns. East Asia Forum, October 30
China’s Belt and Road Will Still Focus on Hard Infrastructure, Whatever Beijing Says. Despite Beijing's recent emphasis on "soft connectivity" like technical standards and customs regulations, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) remains largely about hard infrastructure projects. President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the Belt and Road Forum highlighted a shift towards "institutional connectivity," but the reality is different. Chinese companies continue to build major infrastructure projects, often financed by non-Chinese sources. The lack of a concrete blueprint or international body guiding the BRI makes it difficult to shift its focus. The article suggests that Beijing's traditional approach of financing big, physical infrastructure projects is unlikely to change, and this could be a missed opportunity for China to stake a stronger claim to global leadership. By Jacob Mardell for South China Morning Post, October 30
Tensions in Middle East Threaten Security in Asia. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine could strain the U.S. military's ability to manage multiple major wars, raising concerns for the security of the Taiwan Strait and the Korean Peninsula. To prevent China and North Korea from exploiting these vulnerabilities, the U.S. and its allies, including Japan and South Korea, must enhance their deterrence capabilities. By Hiroyuki Akita for Nikkei Asia, October 29