Asia Daily: September 6, 2024
News
Philippines' deported ex-mayor Alice Guo arrives home from Indonesia. Former Philippines mayor Alice Guo, accused of laundering over 100 million pesos and having ties to Chinese criminal syndicates, arrived in Manila after being deported from Indonesia. Guo, who also goes by Guo Hua Ping, was arrested in Indonesia for immigration violations after fleeing the Philippines in July. She faces multiple money laundering charges and is set to appear before the Senate for a hearing on her alleged involvement in illegal gaming and offshore gaming operations. Mikhail Flores and Adrian Portugal, Reuters, September 6
In rare shift, China will send marine corps to Brazil for joint military exercise. The People’s Liberation Army Marine Corps will participate in Exercise Formosa 2024 in Brazil, marking a rare move for Chinese military engagement in the western hemisphere. The exercises will focus on joint landing and anti-landing combat drills, aiming to enhance cooperation between China and participating nations. This decision follows recent improvements in China-Brazil relations, including discussions about Brazil joining China's Belt and Road Initiative. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, September 6
New Japan PM set to be picked Oct. 1 when extra Diet session begins. Japan will likely select the successor to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Oct. 1, coinciding with an extraordinary Diet session. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) plans to elect its next president on Sept. 27, with the winner set to become prime minister due to the LDP and Komeito's parliamentary majority. The timeline for a potential snap election includes possible dates of Oct. 27 or Nov. 10. Kishida steps down after his term ends amid declining voter confidence. Kyodo News, September 6
Laos and South Korea collaborate on direct flight initiative to boost tourism, economic ties. Laos and South Korea are exploring the launch of direct flights between Incheon and Luang Prabang as part of the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP). The project, funded by the Korean government, aims to modernize Luang Prabang International Airport's infrastructure, enhance safety, and create tourism opportunities. Korean companies presented plans including design improvements and training for Lao airspace managers. Phonethida Sitthixay, The Laotian Times, September 6
Vietnamese police raid tech company VNG. Police raided the Ho Chi Minh City headquarters of VNG, Vietnam's first unicorn valued at over $1 billion, known for its online games, payments, cloud services, and the popular messaging app Zalo. VNG stated it is cooperating with authorities while maintaining normal operations, though no reason for the investigation was provided. The raid includes VNG and its related companies Zion JSC and Thanh Son Communication Company. VNG recently reported a 30.3% revenue increase in the first half of the year to 4.3 trillion dong. Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, September 6
Turkish contractors implement new large-scale projects in Turkmenistan. Turkish construction firms are expanding their presence in Turkmenistan with projects valued at $53.3 billion, including highways, tunnels, and housing developments. A recent agreement between Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of Turkmenistan, and Erman Ilydjak, Chairman of Rönesans Holding, will see the construction of a new shopping center in Ashgabat. In 2024, Turkish contractors completed 148 projects worth $11.2 billion globally, with the average project value rising from $64.9 million in 2023 to $75.7 million. Darmen Gill, The Times of Central Asia, September 6
S. Korea, U.S. held simulation drills for nuclear deterrence in Washington this week: defense ministry. South Korea and the United States conducted simulation drills in Washington to enhance nuclear deterrence cooperation, involving officials from national security, military, diplomatic, and intelligence sectors. The drills, part of the Nuclear Consultative Group's first tabletop simulation, aimed to bolster decision-making on nuclear deterrence and potential contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, September 6
China stops foreign adoptions of its children after three decades. China has ended international adoptions after over 30 years, citing alignment with global trends. This change, announced by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning, follows the adoption of more than 160,000 Chinese children by foreign families since 1992, predominantly in the U.S. The new policy restricts adoptions to specific relatives of foreigners in China. The decision comes amid China's efforts to boost its low birth rate after years of a strict one-child policy. Farah Master, Reuters, September 6
PM, ministers take oath of office before king. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet took the oath of office before King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Amporn Sathan Residential Hall on Friday. An informal cabinet meeting is scheduled for Saturday to review the policy statement to be presented in parliament next week. Two deputy interior ministers were absent due to COVID-19. The policy announcement, set for Sept. 16, marks the final phase before the new government begins its duties. Bangkok Post, September 6
NA chairman's Russia visit to further deepen comprehensive strategic partnership. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man will visit Russia from Sept. 8-10 to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia. The visit includes the third session of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and meetings with Russian leaders and businesses. This marks Man's first visit to Russia in his current role and aims to build on recent agreements between Vietnamese and Russian leaders to enhance bilateral ties. Author, Vietnam News, September 6
Myanmar junta fleet shells villages as it sails up Irrawaddy River. A fleet of Myanmar junta warships, escorted by warplanes, shelled villages along the Irrawaddy River while traveling from Mandalay to Bhamo. The fleet, which included warships, a landing craft, and barges loaded with weapons and supplies, faced ambushes by anti-regime forces, including the Kachin Independence Army. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties and forced evacuations from several villages. The Irrawaddy, September 6
President-elect of Indonesia arrives in Cambodia on a working visit. Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's President-elect and Defense Minister, arrived in Phnom Penh for a working visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. During his visit, he plans to engage in discussions with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Say Chhum. The visit underscores the two nations' commitment to cooperation, especially in defense and security. Subianto is expected to explore opportunities to strengthen ties in trade, investment, and regional security issues. Khmer Times, September 6
Uzbek politician calls for ban on Soviet symbols. Alisher Kadyrov, deputy speaker of Uzbekistan's Parliament and leader of the Milliy Tiklanish Party, has proposed banning the promotion of Soviet symbols and ideology in the country. His call follows a case involving a Samarkand pensioner sentenced for advocating the USSR's restoration. Kadyrov condemned Soviet-era policies for damaging Uzbek cultural and spiritual values and described promoting Soviet ideas as a betrayal of Uzbekistan's constitutional order. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, September 6
German warships aim to secure sea lanes in Indo-Pacific, admiral says. Two German warships are conducting a rare cruise in the Indo-Pacific to demonstrate a commitment to open navigation and secure sea lanes vital for global trade. Rear Admiral Axel Schulz stated that ensuring safe passage from Southeast Asia to Europe and America is crucial for economic prosperity. The task force's itinerary remains confidential, including whether it will transit the Taiwan Strait. The deployment includes military exercises and monitoring North Korean sanctions. Josh Smith, Reuters, September 6
PH, US defense chiefs discuss ways to boost alliance amid security developments in Indo-Pacific. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held discussions on strengthening the Philippine-U.S. alliance in light of ongoing security developments in the Indo-Pacific region. The two defense chiefs spoke via phone on September 4, focusing on the security outlook and exploring ways to enhance bilateral defense cooperation. This marks their eighth discussion on the matter. Francisco Tuyay, The Manila Times, September 6
Analysis & Opinion
The rights-based priority in relations with Bangladesh. The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by the removal of Sheikh Hasina's government after mass protests, offers an opportunity for countries like Australia to focus on supporting political freedoms and human rights in their engagement with the country. With the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, pushing for justice and rights, Australia is encouraged to strengthen its rights-based development policies in Bangladesh. This could help align international relations with the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people. Mubashar Hasan, Lowy Institute, September 6
Midstream tech firms to move out of China, S&P says. S&P Global reports that midstream technology firms are diversifying production away from China due to geopolitical risks, such as US-China tensions and tariffs. This follows the relocation of downstream manufacturing and is expected to accelerate through 2026. Companies like Foxconn and Vishay Intertechnology are increasing investments in other countries, including Mexico, India, and Europe. Despite challenges, this transition is driven by supply chain diversification and foreign incentives to reduce reliance on Chinese production. Jeff Pao, Asia Times, September 6
What the Pope didn't see in Indonesia. Pope Francis was warmly welcomed in Indonesia, showcasing religious tolerance during his visit. While the country promotes interfaith harmony, especially through symbolic gestures like the tunnel connecting a mosque and a cathedral in Jakarta, many minorities still face challenges, including restrictions on building places of worship. Political factors often fuel religious tensions, and Indonesia’s tolerance is more rhetorical than real, with ongoing issues affecting religious minorities, including Christians and Ahmadis. Joseph Rachman, Asia Times, September 6
Why Biden Wants to Block the Nippon-U.S. Steel Deal. President Joe Biden is expected to block Nippon Steel’s $14.1 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, citing national security concerns. Critics argue the deal threatens U.S. steel jobs and raises alarms over Nippon’s previous ties with China. The opposition, led by lawmakers and unions, sees the acquisition as risky, despite claims it could boost competition against Chinese steel producers and strengthen U.S. supply chains. Noah Berman, Council on Foreign Relations, September 6
Okinawans must not be overlooked in new US–Japan counter-crime forum.
A new US–Japan forum was announced to address crimes, including sexual assaults, committed by US military personnel in Okinawa. Governor Denny Tamaki stresses the need for transparency and equal involvement of Okinawan officials, citing past failures to notify local authorities about crimes. The forum must bring real changes and recognize Okinawans' rights in line with the broader US Indo-Pacific strategy. Alexis Dudden, East Asia Forum, September 6
Where are the women in Indonesia’s energy transition? Indonesia's energy transition towards sustainability faces gender disparities, with women greatly underrepresented in policymaking. While women are disproportionately affected by the shift from fossil fuels, their unique needs and contributions are often overlooked. Greater efforts are needed to integrate women into decision-making processes to ensure an inclusive and equitable transition that benefits all Indonesians. Hening Wikan, East Asia Forum, September 6
Strengthening U.S.-India Rare Earth Elements Cooperation. The U.S. and India are collaborating to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth elements (REEs), which are essential for technologies like batteries and drones. India, with vast REE reserves, has the potential to expand its processing capabilities. Both nations aim to develop private processing facilities and strengthen environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards to ensure a sustainable and secure REE supply chain. Akshat Singh, CSIS, September 6
Sri Lanka’s Presidential Manifestos: What’s Promised for Women? As Sri Lanka approaches its 2024 presidential election, leading candidates differ in their commitments to women's rights. Issues such as gender-based violence, female-headed households, and women’s participation in politics are addressed with varying levels of specificity. Anura Kumara Dissanayake offers comprehensive reforms, while Sajith Premadasa focuses on practical measures like maternity leave. Current President Ranil Wickremesinghe presents fewer concrete proposals, raising concerns about prioritizing women’s rights. Harini Fernando, The Diplomat, September 6
Indonesia’s Biodiesel Push Poses Risks to Palm Oil Supply Chain. Indonesia’s plan to expand its biodiesel program by increasing the palm oil blend in biodiesel to 40% poses risks to the global palm oil supply. With domestic production stagnating and demand rising for biodiesel, concerns over potential shortages and impacts on food security are growing. Indonesia, as the world's largest palm oil producer, faces challenges in balancing domestic energy needs with global market demands. Rafi Adis Subarna, The Diplomat, September 6
Why Indonesia’s Antam Wants to Acquire a Chinese Nickel Smelter. Indonesia’s state-owned Antam is seeking to acquire a nickel smelter from China’s Tsingshan Holding Group to expand its role in the nickel value chain. This aligns with Indonesia's efforts to boost domestic processing and add value to its vast nickel reserves, critical for global battery production. By increasing smelting capacity, Antam aims to produce more refined nickel products, such as ferronickel and battery-grade nickel, to meet growing demand from the clean energy sector. James Guild, The Diplomat, September 6
Data Centres: Johor’s Next Frontier. Johor is emerging as a hub for data centres, attracting investment due to its proximity to Singapore, cheaper land, and infrastructure capabilities. However, concerns about overcapacity, environmental impact, and the limited local economic benefits from these facilities arise. Despite the growth potential, Johor must weigh the long-term sustainability of dedicating large areas of valuable land to this sector. Francis E. Hutchinson, Fulcrum, September 6
Evaluating Indonesian Muslims’ Engagement with China. Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have engaged with China through scholarships, cultural exchanges, and collaborations in education and disaster relief. These interactions align with their religious goals of promoting moderation, inclusivity, and Progressive Islam. However, some critics highlight concerns over China's influence on Indonesian Muslims, including reluctance to discuss sensitive issues related to China's domestic policies. Xue Song, Fulcrum, September 6