Asia Daily: October 6, 2023
News
Japan utility starts release of second batch of treated radioactive water. Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) commenced the release of more treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Thursday. The release will last approximately 17 days, discharging about 7,800 cubic meters of water into the Pacific Ocean. While nuclear authorities, including the U.N. watchdog, have stated that the plan poses minimal risk to humans and the environment, it has faced opposition from countries like China. By Sakura Murakami and Joyce Zhou for Reuters, October 5
China to double the size of Tiangong Space Station. China has unveiled plans to expand its Tiangong space station from three to six modules, aiming for an operational lifetime exceeding 15 years. The announcement comes as the International Space Station is set to retire in 2030, positioning Tiangong as an alternative platform for near-Earth missions. China is also inviting international partners for its upcoming lunar mission, signaling its ambition to become a major space power. Zhao Yuanyuan, The China Project, October 5.
White House planning face-to-face meeting with Xi Jinping in California. The White House is organizing a meeting between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in San Francisco this November. This move aims to stabilize the relationship between the two superpowers. The face-to-face meeting would be their first since their interaction at the Group of 20 summit in Bali last year. By Ellen Nakashima for The Washington Post, October 5
At Tibet forum, China's Wang Yi calls for territorial integrity. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a forum in Tibet, emphasized the importance of nations in the region respecting each other's sovereignty. This comes amid rising tensions with India over a disputed border in the eastern Himalayas. Wang's comments highlight China's stance on territorial integrity and its concerns over external perceptions and narratives about Tibet. By Ryan Woo for Reuters, October 5
Deadly Thai mall shooting exposes murky trade in blank handguns that are turned into lethal weapons. Police in Thailand have arrested three individuals accused of selling the handgun and ammunition used by a 14-year-old boy in a fatal shooting at Bangkok's Siam Paragon mall. This incident has drawn attention to the gray market of blank handguns, which are designed to shoot blanks but can be modified to fire live rounds. The recent shooting resulted in the deaths of a Chinese tourist and a Myanmar national working at the mall. By Jerry Harmer and Grant Peck for AP News, October 5
Taiwan to investigate firms over Huawei's chip plants in China. Taipei will probe whether Taiwanese companies that assisted Huawei in constructing semiconductor factories breached US sanctions against the tech giant. The US and its allies have limited Huawei's access to key markets and advanced tech due to espionage concerns. The US has imposed restrictions on China's access to high-end semiconductors, and China has retaliated with its own curbs. AFP via Yahoo News, October 5
US provocatively points new nuke-tipped missile at China. The US has recently tested a new type of nuclear-tipped air launch cruise missile, intensifying concerns in the ongoing US-China tech rivalry. This development could reshape regional military strategies, especially in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, and may influence global nuclear non-proliferation initiatives. Asia Times, October 5
North Korea provides Russia artillery for the Ukraine war as U.S. hands Kyiv ammunition seized from Iran. North Korea has started supplying artillery to Russia, bolstering its forces in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This move comes after a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Kim pledged "full and unconditional support" for Russia's actions in Ukraine. The nature of the artillery transfer, whether it's a long-term supply or a limited consignment, remains unclear. By Ramy Inocencio, Justine Redman, and Tucker Reals for CBS News, October 5
'Substantive' talks between US, Chinese militaries must resume, says Pentagon official. Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs, emphasized the need for "substantive" talks between the US and Chinese military leaders to manage potential crises. Communication between the two militaries has been limited, with Beijing declining multiple invitations for direct talks with top U.S. defense officials. By Amber Wang for South China Morning Post, October 5
Boat ramming accidental – PCG. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has clarified that the recent boat ramming incident, which resulted in the death of three Filipino fishermen, was accidental and did not occur in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal as previously reported. The incident took place in the waters of Pangasinan. The boat was not deliberately rammed and no Chinese vessels were involved. By Franco Jose C. Baroña for The Manila Times, October 6
Japan accelerates purchase of Tomahawks amid rising security concerns. Japan has decided to expedite its acquisition of Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States to fiscal 2025, a year ahead of its original plan. This decision comes in response to the evolving security landscape in Asia. The move is part of Japan's strategy to enhance its defense capabilities, especially in light of threats from neighbors like China and North Korea. By Jesse Johnson for The Japan Times, October 5
Long Form
Sailing the Seas of Economic Security. Unlike in Europe or the U.S., China places significant emphasis on "economic security" as a political tool. The concept is part of China's broader "comprehensive national security" strategy and is considered foundational. Amid rising economic security agendas in the West, China seeks to minimize European "de-risking" efforts while promoting its own national-security-first approach in trade and investment relations. By Mathieu Duchâtel, The Diplomat, October 5
Vietnam is Pointing the Way for ASEAN to Upgrade its Exports. Vietnam is emerging as a model for ASEAN countries in upgrading their export sectors. The country has aligned itself well with China's emerging sectors and has the potential to replace Chinese exports affected by rising tariffs and trade barriers. As Vietnam integrates its production with China, it faces the challenge of strengthening its supply chain resilience against external shocks. Hongyan Zhao and Yin Fai Ho, Nikkei Asia, October 5
The U.S. Nuclear Arsenal Can Deter Both China and Russia. The United States does not need to expand its nuclear arsenal to deter both China and Russia. The counterforce strategy is critiqued as being both ineffective and risky, with a focus on an infrastructure-targeting doctrine suggested as a more effective approach for deterring multiple nuclear-armed adversaries without escalating an arms race. Charles L. Glaser, James M. Acton, and Steve Fetter, Foreign Affairs, October 5
A New Chapter in ASEAN-Japan Relations. Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre, discusses the evolution of ASEAN-Japan relations over the past 50 years. He outlines the key achievements and challenges, emphasizing the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. The partnership aims to focus on co-creation based on mutual trust and will address geopolitical, economic, demographic, and social challenges such as climate change and pandemics. Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi, FULCRUM, October 6