Philippine police to investigate Duterte's 'death squad' claims. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s admission of creating a "death squad" as Davao mayor to tackle crime. Duterte, who made these statements during a Senate inquiry, implicated former police officers. The PNP will review unresolved drug-related killings, while human rights groups contend that Duterte’s comments strengthen allegations of crimes against humanity in the ongoing ICC probe into his anti-drug campaign. Karen Lema, Reuters, October 30
S. Korea to bolster digital cooperation with Latin American countries. South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT will enhance digital collaboration with Latin American nations to drive digital transformation and economic growth. At the Korea-Latin America and Caribbean Digital Ministerial Conference in Seoul, leaders from ten countries, including Peru and Argentina, agreed to bridge digital divides and promote sustainable development. South Korea also signed an agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank to support digital infrastructure and innovation. Kim Na-young, Yonhap News Agency, October 30
Japan main opposition party seeks other parties' support to elect PM. Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) leader Yoshihiko Noda is rallying support from other parties to secure his election as prime minister after gains in the recent general election. However, the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), which also gained seats, has declined to back Noda, while the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is courting DPP support for policy collaboration. Japan’s political landscape remains divided as both the LDP and CDPJ lack a majority. Kyodo News, October 30
North Korean troops in Russian uniforms are heading toward Ukraine, US says. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that North Korean troops, disguised in Russian uniforms, are moving toward Ukraine to support Russian forces. North Korean troops, currently in Russia’s Kursk region, are likely to see combat, raising global concerns about the conflict's expansion. The U.S. and South Korea warn of potential increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, possibly including advanced tech or missile support for North Korea. Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor, AP News, October 30
North Korean and Russian foreign ministers to meet as Western concerns mount. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow for strategic talks amid rising Western concerns about potential North Korean support for Russia in Ukraine. The U.S. has reported North Korean soldiers arriving in Russia's Kursk region, which Moscow says is in line with their sovereign right to partner with Pyongyang. Russia hinted it may reconsider U.N. sanctions on North Korea. Dmitry Antonov, Reuters, October 30
Misrepresentation raps field vs Alice Guo. The Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) has filed criminal charges against former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo for allegedly misrepresenting herself as a Filipino citizen in her 2022 mayoral candidacy certificate. The complaint, filed in Capas, Tarlac, follows an investigation by the Comelec and National Bureau of Investigation confirming Guo’s fingerprints match records as a Chinese citizen. Guo faces additional perjury charges for false citizenship claims and remains detained on separate human trafficking charges without bail. William B. Depasupil, The Manila Times, October 30
Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia joined forces in disaster response training. Military forces from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia conducted joint disaster response exercises to improve cross-border collaboration and skills in managing natural disasters. Held on October 28, the training featured simulations of water and land rescues, first aid, and triage, emphasizing efficient injury categorization for medical transport. Deputy Chief Somphone Mittaphone of the Lao People’s Army highlighted the need for seamless coordination. This exercise is part of ongoing regional preparation for disaster response, with a similar drill scheduled in Cambodia next month. Phontham Visapra, The Laotian Times, October 30
Opposition wants to cancel Thaksin's joint resources MoU with Cambodia. Thailand’s Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to revoke a 2001 MoU with Cambodia over disputed oil and gas resources in the Gulf of Thailand, citing concerns over territorial concessions. The PPRP claims the MoU, signed by former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, acknowledges Cambodian claims on waters near Koh Kut island. Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting Thai territorial interests. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, October 30
North Korea test-launches a suspected long-range missile designed to strike US, South Korea says. North Korea fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday, likely aimed at demonstrating reach to the U.S., according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The test marks the first since December 2023, when Pyongyang tested a solid-fueled ICBM. The launch coincides with escalating tensions as North Korean troops reportedly head to support Russian forces in Ukraine. Hyung-jin Kim and Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, October 30
Canada alleges Indian minister Amit Shah behind plot to target Sikh separatists. Canada has accused Indian Home Minister Amit Shah of orchestrating campaigns to intimidate Sikh separatists in Canada, according to Canadian officials. The Indian government has denied these accusations, dismissing them as baseless. The allegations follow recent diplomatic tensions after Canada expelled Indian diplomats linked to the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The case adds to strained relations between Canada, India, and the U.S., where India faces similar accusations. Kanishka Singh and Sarita Chaganti Singh, Reuters, October 30
Seoul faces dilemma over weapons aid to Ukraine. South Korea is weighing whether to supply 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine, possibly shifting from indirect U.S. channels to direct support in response to North Korean troops reportedly heading to aid Russia. The National Security Council will make a final decision, though some officials worry this could provoke Russia to share advanced missile technology with North Korea. The opposition party has voiced concerns about potential regional tensions if lethal aid is provided. Jin-Woo Shin, The Dong-A Ilbo, October 30
PM Chinh begins official visit to Qatar. Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh arrived in Doha, Qatar, marking the first official visit by a Vietnamese prime minister to the country in 15 years. This visit aims to strengthen Vietnam-Qatar relations, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, labor, education, and tourism. Both nations have seen significant growth in trade, with a 32% increase in bilateral trade in 2023, and seek to deepen partnerships in technology, clean energy, and the Halal industry. Vietnam News, October 30
Mongolia and Kazakhstan sign the Declaration on Strategic Partnership. During President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Mongolia, he and President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa signed the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, aiming to deepen cooperation in sectors such as trade, technology, and culture. Key agreements cover pensions, disaster response, trade roadmaps, and cultural exchanges. Memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in technology, tourism, and nuclear energy further outline initiatives between the two countries. Khankhuu.J, MONTSAME, October 29
New sanctions target Myanmar’s military suppliers. The EU, UK, and Canada imposed sanctions on six companies supplying Myanmar’s military with aviation fuel and equipment as the junta intensifies airstrikes against ethnic and civilian opposition forces. Britain’s Catherine West cited unacceptable human rights violations, with sanctions aimed at limiting the military’s access to critical resources. August saw record airstrikes by Myanmar’s forces, which have increasingly relied on indiscriminate attacks amid mounting battlefield setbacks. AP News, October 30
Lessons from the IMF Annual Meeting for South Korea. South Korea’s recent economic strategy, marked by preemptive rate hikes and conservative fiscal policies, has helped it manage inflation effectively, but challenges remain. The IMF highlights South Korea's resilience amid rising global debt and economic volatility, noting that key concerns include high household debt and trade dependence on China. The IMF advises South Korea to pursue structural reforms and coordinate monetary policy for continued stability. Je Heon (James) Kim, Korea Economic Institute of America, October 30
Can the US-Japan Alliance Stay the Course as Japanese Voters Reset Their Politics? Japan’s October 2024 election saw a sharp shift as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition lost their majority. This loss raises concerns over the U.S.-Japan alliance's stability, especially as Japan navigates a more unpredictable political landscape with the LDP likely to form a minority government. Despite this, Japan remains committed to a proactive foreign policy but may face challenges in legislative cohesion. Mireya Solís, Brookings, October 30
US Congress Backs Diaspora-Driven Efforts for Tamil Self-Determination. The U.S. Congress has introduced House Resolution 1230, advocating for the Tamil population’s right to self-determination in Sri Lanka through an independence referendum. The resolution, supported by over 50 Tamil diaspora organizations and several bipartisan congressional sponsors, emphasizes accountability for past violence against Tamils and aligns with U.S. principles of supporting self-determination, as seen in other international contexts. Representative Wiley Nickel, who co-sponsored the resolution, highlighted it as a vital step toward addressing long-standing Tamil grievances and promoting stability and justice in Sri Lanka. Shyamika Jayasundara-Smits, East Asia Forum, October 30
Singapore Stuck Between a Shipping Hub and a Hard Place. Singapore’s port is facing congestion as container ships divert from the Red Sea to avoid regional security threats, with vessel wait times now extending up to seven days. The congestion, driven by rising transshipment demands and geopolitical tensions, has led to a bottleneck effect as the port reaches near-full capacity, impacting global trade routes and delivery times. In response, Singapore is reactivating older terminals to manage the overflow, though the delays continue to elevate global shipping costs as peak season approaches. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, East Asia Forum, October 31
Masayoshi Son Inflates the AI Bubble Even More. SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son has invested heavily in AI, with recent moves including a $500 million investment in OpenAI through his Vision Fund. Known for his high-risk, high-reward style, Son continues to advocate for AI as transformative, despite criticisms that rapid, speculative funding in AI could lead to a market bubble similar to previous tech booms and busts. His Vision Fund has also pushed other high-stakes investments, underlining Son's strategy of big bets in emerging technology sectors. Parmy Olson, The Japan Times, October 30
Triangle Trouble: What’s Next for Vietnam’s Indochina Strategy? Cambodia’s recent exit from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) undermines Vietnam’s efforts to improve regional unity and counterbalance Chinese influence. Cambodia’s pivot, potentially toward stronger ties with China, threatens Vietnam's investment in cross-border development and weakens its strategy to maintain influence in Indochina. The situation pushes Vietnam to consider ASEAN integration efforts and broader regional partnerships to sustain its strategic interests. Nguyen Khac Giang, Fulcrum, October 30
Finding the Sweet Spot Amidst Major Power Rivalry: The Case of VinFast. Vietnamese automaker VinFast is leveraging U.S. climate policies to establish itself as a key player in the American EV market, building a factory in North Carolina and offering competitively priced EVs that support U.S. decarbonization goals. With U.S.-China tensions escalating, VinFast’s success highlights the potential for Southeast Asian firms to expand in the U.S. market, potentially influencing broader U.S.-Southeast Asia economic relations. Angel Hsu, Fulcrum, October 30