Asia Daily: September 21, 2023
News
Days After Biden's Visit, Vietnam Detains Energy Expert. Vietnam has detained an energy expert just days after U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to the country. The arrest comes despite Biden announcing multiple joint initiatives with Vietnam, including on human rights. The move raises questions about Vietnam's commitment to these initiatives. Reuters, Sept. 20
Indonesia: TikToker jailed for two years over pork video. An Indonesian court sentences a TikToker to two years in prison for saying an Islamic phrase before eating pork. The case has sparked debate over Indonesia's controversial blasphemy laws. By Derek Cai. BBC News, Sept. 20
German Investment in China Eases in H1 After Record High. German direct investment in China has eased in the first half of the year, although it remains close to its 2022 record high. The data raises questions about the sustainability of German investment in China amid geopolitical tensions. By Sarah Marsh. Reuters, Sept. 20
Japan Calls on China to Remove Buoy Near Disputed Islands. Japan has urged China to remove a buoy found floating near the disputed Senkaku Islands, known in China as the Diaoyu Islands. Tokyo claims the buoy was found within its exclusive economic zone, and its presence violates international laws. Al Jazeera, Sept. 20
Japan's Rapid Military Build-Up a Worry for Okinawans, Governor Says. The rapid military expansion in Japan is causing concern among residents of Okinawa, particularly due to its proximity to Taiwan. Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki criticizes the central government for not adequately consulting with local residents before implementing these military plans. Channel News Asia, Sept. 20
Australia to Hold an Independent Inquiry Into the Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The center-left Labor government announced on Thursday that it would conduct an independent inquiry to better prepare for future health crises. By Renju Jose for Reuters, Sept. 21
Assets Seized in Singapore's Money Laundering Case Swell to S$2.4 Billion. The total value of assets seized in Singapore's biggest money laundering case has swelled to S$2.4 billion ($1.76 billion), police said on Wednesday. By Xinghui Kok for Reuters, Sept. 20
South Korea's Antitrust Watchdog Fines Broadcom for Unfair Supply Deal to Samsung Electronics. The South Korean antitrust authority has imposed a fine of 19.1 billion won ($14.24 million) on Broadcom Inc and its affiliates for forcing a long-term supply deal that was unilaterally disadvantageous to Samsung Electronics. By Reuters Staff for Reuters, Sept. 20
Long Form
This Is the State of Generative AI in China. The generative AI fever currently running high in Silicon Valley has spread to the Chinese tech hubs of Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Leading Chinese technology companies with financial resources, access to advanced computing systems, and large troves of data are all racing to be a part of a growing tech ecosystem focused on building large language models and generative AI applications. By Paul Triolo. The China Project, Sept. 20
What Is the State of the Chinese State? Since becoming CCP General Secretary in November 2012, Xi Jinping has redefined the tenuous “separation of powers” between the CCP and the Chinese state by asserting CCP leadership more directly over everything. By Jamie Horsley. The Diplomat, Sept. 20
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