Asia Daily: October 7, 2023
News
Taiwan elects its own leaders so is already independent: presidential frontrunner. Taiwan's ability to elect its own leaders demonstrates its existing independence and sovereignty, according to presidential candidate William Lai. The statement comes amid heightened tensions and discussions about Taiwan's status in the international community. This perspective aligns with the stance of many in Taiwan who believe that the island operates as a distinct entity from mainland China. By Ben Blanchard for Reuters, October 6
Chinese coast guard ship nearly collides with Philippine vessel in South China Sea. A Chinese coast guard ship came dangerously close, within a meter (3 feet), to a Philippine patrol ship it was attempting to block in the South China Sea. The incident lasted about eight hours, during which another Philippine coast guard vessel was surrounded by Chinese ships. Despite the blockade, two smaller supply boats managed to deliver supplies to a Filipino marine outpost at the shoal. By Joeal Calupitan and Jim Gomez for AP News, October 6
Satellite imagery highlights 'dramatic' increase in N. Korea-Russia border rail traffic: U.S. monitor. Recent satellite imagery has revealed a significant surge in rail traffic along the North Korea-Russia border. The heightened activity follows a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, sparking concerns over potential arms transfers. While the exact contents of the rail shipments remain concealed, there is speculation that North Korea might be supplying arms and munitions to Russia, especially given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By Song Sang-ho for Yonhap News Agency, October 6.
Myanmar’s top court declines to hear Suu Kyi's special appeals in abuse of power and bribery cases. Myanmar's Supreme Court has rejected special appeals from the country's deposed leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, against her convictions in six corruption cases. Suu Kyi was found guilty of abusing her authority and accepting bribes. Currently serving a 27-year prison sentence, these charges are widely viewed by her supporters and independent analysts as attempts to delegitimize her and justify the military's coup. By Grant Peck for AP News, October 6
Uzbekistan and China progress on electric vehicle joint venture.The partnership involves BYD Auto, a leading Chinese electric vehicle company, and Uzavtosanoat JSC. The assembly facility's construction in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh Region is progressing, with an initial annual production target set at 50,000 vehicles. Additionally, transport ministers from all five Central Asian states and China convened to discuss transport and communication cooperation. Eurasianet, October 6
Hong Kong man sentenced for importing 'seditious' children's books. A Hong Kong resident has been sentenced to four months in prison after pleading guilty to importing children's books considered "seditious publications." Authorities argue that the books aim to incite hatred in children and foster contempt towards the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese governments. The creators of the books, members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists, were previously sentenced to 19 months in prison in 2022. AP News, October 6
India tells X, Youtube, Telegram to remove any child sexual abuse material from platforms. The Indian government has issued notices to social media platforms X (née Twitter), Youtube and Telegram, instructing them to ensure the removal of any child sexual abuse material from their platforms. The move underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding children online and ensuring that platforms adhere to stringent content guidelines - in line with global efforts to combat the spread of harmful content on digital platforms. By Shilpa Jamkhandika for Reuters, October 6
Japan PM Kishida unlikely to call snap election within 2023. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is not expected to call for a snap election this year. Instead, he will focus on ensuring the early passage of a draft supplementary budget through November. In December, Kishida's attention will be on creating an initial draft budget for the fiscal year starting April 2024. Kyodo News, October 6
Chandrayaan-3: India Moon lander's reawakening unlikely as lunar night looms. As a new lunar night begins, the chances of India's Moon lander, Vikram, waking up are deemed "remote" by Indian space scientists. Despite initial hopes that the lander and rover would recharge and reawaken with the lunar sunrise, no communication has been received.. While attempts to communicate with the lander might continue sporadically, the focus will shift to other missions, such as Aditya L-1, India's first mission to study the Sun. By Geeta Pandey for BBC News, October 6
Bangladesh gets first uranium shipment from Russia for nuclear power plant. Bangladesh has taken a significant step towards producing nuclear energy by receiving its first shipment of uranium fuel from Russia. The South Asian nation is collaborating with Russia's state-owned atomic company, Rosatom, to build its inaugural nuclear power plant. This venture, worth $12.65 billion, is majorly financed by Russia, covering 90% of the project's cost. Al Jazeera, October 6
Long Form
How Southeast Asia influenced China through business titans Tan Kah Kee and Robert Kuok. Southeast Asian business magnates, Tan Kah Kee and Robert Kuok, had significant influence on China. Tan Kah Kee played a pivotal role in the industrialization of Malaya and had a profound impact on China's education and political landscape and even held significant political positions post-1949. On the other hand, Robert Kuok, a prominent Malaysian business leader, played a crucial role in China's economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s. Kuok's investments and insights were invaluable to China, especially during its early stages of opening up to the global market. By Liew Chin Tong for South China Morning Post, October 5
Sailing the Seas of Economic Security. In the evolving security landscape under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, economic security has taken center stage. The concept of "comprehensive national security" introduced by Xi in 2014 encompasses a wide array of areas, from culture to "ecological security." Numerous are the challenges China faces, especially from U.S. semiconductor restrictions, and the strategies it employs to mitigate these challenges. China also employs diplomatic efforts to manage the European "de-risking" agenda while promoting its national-security-first approach in China-EU trade and investment relations. By Mathieu Duchâtel for The Diplomat, October 5
Can Vietnam Help America Counter China? U.S. President Joe Biden's recent visit to Hanoi highlighted a new "comprehensive strategic partnership" with Vietnam, emphasizing its role in the U.S.'s broader Indo-Pacific strategy to counter China's influence. Despite this, Vietnam's deep historical ties with China and its policy of nonalignment suggest that it may not fully align with U.S. objectives. Vietnam's strategic position in the South China Sea is of interest to the U.S., but its defense policy, emphasizing nonalignment, might prevent closer military cooperation. By Derek Grossman for Foreign Affairs, October 6
The higher they fly, the harder they fall — Phrase of the Week. The phrase "The higher they fly, the harder they fall" is likened to the Chinese saying "The mansion rose, and then it collapsed" (眼看他起高楼，眼看他楼塌了). This week Xu Jiayin, the founder and chairman of China's property giant Evergrande, is now under investigation. Once celebrated for his immense wealth and success, Xu's empire is now facing significant challenges, with Evergrande being the world's most indebted property developer. The phrase underscores the dramatic rise and fall of individuals or entities, especially those who experience downfall due to their own actions or misdeeds. By Andrew Methven for The China Project, October 6
The UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt and the CPTPP’s prospects After two years of negotiations, the United Kingdom has agreed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with ratification expected in 2024. This move aligns with the U.K.'s "Indo-Pacific tilt," a strategy to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region post-Brexit. While the U.K.'s accession to the CPTPP is seen as a way to mitigate the economic impacts of Brexit, the benefits are expected to be modest. However, the U.K.'s membership could pave the way for other nations to join the CPTPP, expanding its influence and reach. The article also highlights the geopolitical implications of potential new members, including China, Taiwan, and South Korea, and the challenges they might face in the accession process. By Peter A. Petri and Michael Plummer for Brookings, October 6