Asia Daily: September 19, 2023
Yoon, U.N. Chief Discuss N. Korea, Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss North Korea's provocations and human rights issues, as well as the war in Ukraine. Yoon emphasized South Korea's commitment to global peace and its upcoming role as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council for 2024-2025. Lee Haye-ah for Yonhap News Agency. Yonhap News
Paraguay President Backs Taiwan Joining UN System. Paraguay's President Santiago Pena expressed support for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations system during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly. This move could have implications for Taiwan's international standing and its relations with China. Reuters
Syria's Assad Will Visit China as Beijing Boosts Its Reach in the Middle East. Syrian President Bashar Assad is set to visit China later this week, marking his first trip to Beijing since the onset of Syria's 12-year conflict. The visit comes as China expands its influence in the Middle East, including supporting Assad in the Syrian conflict and potentially playing a significant role in Syria's future reconstruction. Albert Aji and Bassem Mroue for the Associated Press. AP News
China Tells Foreign Consulates in Hong Kong to Provide Personal Data of All Local Staff. China's Foreign Ministry has requested all foreign consulates in Hong Kong to furnish personal details of their locally employed staff. This move comes as Beijing continues to tighten its control over the semi-autonomous city, raising concerns about the privacy and safety of consulate employees. Kanis Leung and Zen Soo for the Associated Press. AP News
In Tit-for-Tat Move, India Asks Canada Diplomat to Leave Country in 5 Days. India has expelled a senior Canadian diplomat just hours after Canada did the same to an Indian envoy. The expulsions are part of an escalating diplomatic rift over the killing of a Sikh separatist in Canada, which has also derailed trade talks between the two nations. Al Jazeera
China’s Defense Minister Meets His Downfall. Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu has been missing for three weeks, fueling speculation that he is under investigation by the Chinese Communist Party's internal secret police. The absence comes amid ongoing investigations into military corruption in China and raises questions about President Xi Jinping's judgment. James Palmer for Foreign Policy. Foreign Policy
Putin and Xi to Meet in Beijing in October, Russia Says. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in October. This will be Putin's first known trip abroad since an arrest warrant was issued against him over the deportation of children from Ukraine. The meeting aims to deepen Russia-China cooperation amid Western attempts to contain both nations. Channel News Asia
Chinese EV Maker Nio Raises $1 Billion in Convertible Bond Deal. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc has raised $1 billion through a two-tranche convertible bond. The company plans to use the proceeds to pay down debt and strengthen its balance sheet. Scott Murdoch for Reuters. Reuters
ASEAN Kicks Off Its First-Ever Joint Military Drills in Indonesia. Units from the countries of ASEAN began their first-ever joint military drills in Indonesia's South Natuna Sea. The exercise comes amid rising geopolitical tensions between major powers and protests against China's activities in the South China Sea. Yuddy Cahya Budiman for Reuters. Reuters
South Korea Urges Russia to Halt Military Cooperation with North Korea. South Korea has summoned Russia's ambassador to warn against any military cooperation with North Korea. This diplomatic move comes after a recent summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about a possible arms deal. Cynthia Kim and Hyonhee Shin for Reuters. Reuters
President Biden Gets U.S. Back Into Global Geo-Strategy, Meets Central Asian Leaders. President Biden has initiated the US-Central Asia summit (C5+1) with the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The summit aims to strengthen commerce, security, and investment deals between the U.S. and Central Asia, marking a significant step in U.S. global geo-strategy. Melik Kaylan for Forbes. Forbes
Thailand Launches Probe into Chinese Rolled Steel Imports. Thailand has initiated an investigation into imports of Chinese rolled steel, alleging evasion of anti-dumping measures. The probe comes as trade tensions rise between Thailand and China, potentially affecting the steel industry. Reuters
EU Chief Says Massive China Subsidies for EVs Requires a Probe. The European Union is set to investigate China's massive subsidies to its electric vehicle (EV) industry. The move could lead to tariffs on Chinese-made EVs and potential retaliation from Beijing. The EU aims to balance trade ties with China while guarding against supply chain and national security risks. Francine Lacqua and John Ainger for Bloomberg. Bloomberg
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