News
American Soldier Released by North Korea, in US Custody. Travis King, a U.S. Army Private who illegally entered North Korea on July 18, has been “expelled” from the country and is now in U.S. custody. King was escorted by Swedish officials to the Chinese border, where U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns oversaw the transfer of custody. The White House thanked Sweden and China for their roles in facilitating the transfer. The DPRK's state news agency, KCNA, stated that King entered North Korea due to disillusionment with the U.S. Army and society. The reasons for his release remain unclear, but U.S. officials have indicated that no concessions were made to North Korea. By Alex Gintz for The Asia Cable, September 27
Chinese hackers stole 60,000 emails from US State Department in Microsoft hack, Senate staffer says. Chinese hackers exploited Microsoft's email platform earlier this year, leading to the theft of tens of thousands of emails from U.S. State Department accounts. A Senate staffer provided this information to Reuters. The specifics surrounding the breach and the potential implications for U.S. national security remain under investigation. By Raphael Satter for Reuters, September 27
North Korea parliament amends constitution to enshrine nuclear policy. North Korea has adopted a constitutional amendment to solidify its stance on nuclear force, according to state media. The country's leader, Kim Jong-un, has also expressed intentions to speed up the production of nuclear weapons as a deterrent against perceived U.S. "provocations." The move signifies North Korea's commitment to its nuclear program and comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Reuters, September 27
Japan's court recognizes more victims of Minamata mercury poisoning and awards them compensation. A Japanese court has ruled in favor of over 120 plaintiffs, recognizing them as victims of the historic Minamata mercury poisoning. The plaintiffs had lived in the affected areas during the time of the mercury poisoning but were denied compensation as they developed symptoms after relocating. This disease, first identified in 1956, was caused by the consumption of seafood contaminated by mercury compounds dumped into the Minamata Bay. By Mari Yamaguchi for AP News, September 27
China says drills around Taiwan to 'combat arrogance of separatists'. China has recently intensified its military activities around Taiwan, stating that these actions aim to "combat the arrogance" of alleged Taiwanese separatists. The heightened military activities come after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's interactions with notable U.S. politicians. In recent times, Taiwan has reported almost daily sightings of Chinese military assets, including fighter jets, drones, and warships. Al Jazeera, September 27
Trading of shares of China Evergrande suspended in Hong Kong. Shares of the debt-laden property developer China Evergrande were halted in Hong Kong. The move comes amid reports that the company's chairman is under police surveillance. Evergrande is restructuring to avoid a $340 billion debt default. By Zen Soo for AP News, September 27
The Philippines says it will remove any barrier China installs in the disputed South China Sea. Filipino forces are prepared to dismantle any floating barriers that China's coast guard may install in the disputed South China Sea. This statement comes after Manila removed a Chinese-installed barrier in a contested shoal, sparking tensions between the two countries. The barrier had prevented Filipino boats from entering a rich fishing area within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. China responded by urging the Philippines not to make provocations. By Jim Gomez for AP News, September 27
IMF says Sri Lanka needs to boost reforms and collect more taxes for its bailout funding package. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that Sri Lanka needs to enhance its reforms and increase tax collection as prerequisites for its bailout funding package. The country is currently facing a severe economic crisis, characterized by high inflation, low foreign reserves, and a depreciating currency. The IMF's conditions aim to stabilize the economy and provide financial support. By Krishan Francis for AP News, September 27
Long Form
Understanding Beijing’s data lockdown: Q&A with Mu Chen of Baiguan. Mu Chen, chairman and founder of BigOne Lab, delves into the intricacies of data access in China amidst Beijing's tightening grip on official data. Chen highlights the differences in data management between China and the West, emphasizing the significance of understanding the Chinese perspective. He discusses Beijing's decision to restrict data access, the role of data in China's economy, and the implications for international cooperation, touching on the commercialization of data and its regulation by the government. By Jonathan Landreth for The China Project, September 27
Malaysia on the Edge of Democracy: Will Anwar’s Government Step Forward? In November 2022, Anwar Ibrahim ascended to the role of Malaysia's prime minister. His party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, stands unique in a racialized political landscape, being multiracial. Anwar's alliance with the scandal-tainted United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) raised questions about his reform agenda's legitimacy. Amidst political maneuverings and alliances, Anwar's position remains precarious, with democratic reforms taking a backseat. By Sophie Lemière for CSIS, September 27
Assessing Nickel Downstreaming in Indonesia. Indonesia's export ban policy on nickel has sparked a debate between its advocates and critics. The policy, initiated in 2009 and implemented in 2014, has led to a significant increase in export revenues from $6 billion in 2013 to nearly $30 billion in 2022. While the policy has been successful in attracting Chinese investments and boosting export revenues, it also raises questions about its fiscal cost, market distortions, and social and environmental impacts. By Faris Abdurrachman for East Asia Forum, September 27
The Future of AI Policy in China. China's new law targeting generative AI introduces new restrictions for companies, reflecting a balance between innovation and control rather than a relaxation of governance. By Huw Roberts and Emmie Hine for East Asia Forum, September 27