Asia Day: May 28, 2024
News
China, US agree to manage maritime risks through continued dialogue. China and the United States held consultations on maritime affairs, agreeing to maintain communication and manage risks to avoid misunderstandings. China expressed concerns over U.S. actions in nearby waters and urged the U.S. to stop supporting "Taiwan independence" forces and refrain from intervening in regional disputes. The dialogue underscores ongoing tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea, where the U.S. has extended security commitments to the Philippines. Farah Master and Liz Lee, Reuters, May 28
Taiwan’s legislature passes changes seen as favoring China, reducing president’s power. Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature approved measures increasing its control over budgets, including defense spending, which many view as concessions to China. The changes, pushed by the Nationalist Party, have sparked significant protests. The fate of the bills is uncertain as they may face vetoes from the Executive Yuan or the president. The legislative session was marked by heated disputes, reflecting deep divisions over Taiwan's independence and relations with China. AP News, May 28
Japan, S. Korea, China to pursue North Korea denuclearization: Kishida. Leaders from Japan, South Korea, and China met for their first trilateral summit in over four years, focusing on North Korean denuclearization. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discussed regional security and economic cooperation. They agreed to enhance supply chains and accelerate free trade negotiations. The summit aims to restore trilateral cooperation amid rising regional tensions. Tomoyuki Tachikawa, Kyodo News, May 27
Hong Kong arrests six for sedition under new security law. Hong Kong national security police arrested six people, including pro-democracy barrister Chow Hang-tung, for alleged seditious intent. They were accused of using a Facebook page to incite hatred against Hong Kong and Chinese governments. These are the first arrests under new national security laws passed in March, despite international criticism. The arrests come as Hong Kong's high court prepares to deliver a landmark verdict on 16 leading democrats accused of plotting against the government. James Pomfret and Jessie Pang, Reuters, May 28,
New Japanese consul in Đà Nẵng to promote business, exchanges. Mori Takero, the newly appointed Consul General of Japan in Đà Nẵng, aims to strengthen Japan-Việt Nam relations and enhance business exchanges. Welcomed by local officials, he visited Đà Nẵng University and the Japan-Đà Nẵng Friendship Association. Japan's investment in Đà Nẵng exceeds $1 billion across 228 projects. Vietnam News, Vietnam News, May 28
MFP MP gets 2 years for lese majeste. Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Chonthicha Jangrew received a two-year prison sentence for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. The Thanyaburi Provincial Court initially sentenced her to three years, later reduced to two without suspension. The charges arose from a 2021 protest demanding the release of political prisoners. In a related case, singer Chai-amorn Kaewwiboonpan was sentenced to four years for burning the King's portrait. Both are appealing their convictions. Wassayos Ngamkham, Bangkok Post, May 28
Ukraine invites Kingdom to play role in peace process. Ukraine has invited Cambodia to join its Peace Formula initiative and attend the Global Peace Conference in Switzerland in June. This invitation was extended during a videoconference between Ukrainian parliamentary head Ruslan Stefanchuk and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The Peace Formula aims to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity and includes ten points such as nuclear safety, food and energy security, and Russian troop withdrawal. Hun Sen reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to supporting peace efforts through dialogue and international cooperation. Ry Sochan, The Phnom Penh Post, May 28
Anti-junta forces seize, attack Chin State towns in coordinated campaign. Anti-junta fighters captured a junta base in Chin State’s Tedim Township, taking nine police officers prisoner and securing the Micro Tower base. This attack followed the recent capture of Tonzang and Cikha by the Chin National Army and allied groups. The Chin Brothers alliance faced airstrikes from junta forces during the assault, with reports indicating heavy casualties. A Chin Brothers fighter was killed, and four others were injured in the operation, underscoring the escalating conflict in the region. Myanmar Now, May 28
Kazakhstan and the Netherlands to further bilateral cooperation. During a visit to Astana, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Kazakh President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, and investments. Tokayev highlighted the Netherlands as the largest investor in Kazakhstan, with over $120 billion in direct investments. Rutte expressed support for intensified practical cooperation, particularly in agriculture, green energy, and water management. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continued dialogue within the EU framework. The Times of Central Asia, May 28
S. Korea, U.S. stage joint air drills amid tension over failed N.K. satellite launch. South Korean and U.S. military aircraft are conducting combined live-fire drills to enhance readiness against North Korean threats following Pyongyang's failed satellite launch. Over 90 aircraft, including South Korea's F-35A stealth fighters and the U.S. A-10 attack aircraft, are participating in the four-day exercise aimed at strengthening strike capabilities. North Korea's satellite launch attempt ended in failure as the rocket exploded shortly after liftoff. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, May 28
PH protests fishing ban in South China Sea. The Philippines has lodged a protest against China's unilateral imposition of a four-month fishing ban in the South China Sea, which includes areas within the Philippines' maritime zones. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned the ban, which started on May 1 and will last until September 16, stating it undermines the sovereign rights of the Philippines and violates international law. The DFA urged China to adhere to its international obligations and respect the Philippines' territorial integrity. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, May 28
Russia to build nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan. Russia will construct a small nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, marking the first such project in post-Soviet Central Asia. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced the project and expressed interest in purchasing more Russian oil and gas. Putin emphasized the strategic partnership, stating Russia would invest $400 million into a joint fund for Uzbek projects. The plant will feature six nuclear reactors, each with a capacity of 55 megawatts. Al Jazeera, May 27
Police officers in Bishkek fired over mob conflict with foreign students. The Kyrgyz Interior Ministry fired 10 officers, including the head of Bishkek's Sverdlovsk District Department, following violent clashes between local youths and foreign students on May 13 and subsequent riots on May 17. An internal investigation found that police inaction contributed to the escalation of violence. Additional disciplinary penalties were issued to 10 other officers. President Japarov warned of strict measures against any future unrest. The Times of Central Asia, May 28
'We are very grateful': PM Wong thanks Thailand for SQ321 help. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed gratitude to Thai authorities for their assistance following the emergency landing of turbulence-hit Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 in Bangkok. During a call with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Wong praised the prompt evacuation and medical care provided to passengers and crew. The incident resulted in injuries, including brain and spinal cord injuries, and one fatality. Wong highlighted the strong bilateral relations and looks forward to future cooperation. Ashley Tham, Channel News Asia, May 28
UAE president arrives in S. Korea for state visit. United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Seoul for a two-day state visit, marking the first such visit by a UAE president to South Korea. Four Air Force F-15 jets escorted his plane into South Korea. Mohamed met with top business leaders from Samsung, Hyundai, and SK Group to discuss cooperation in advanced technology, defense, and energy. An official welcome ceremony and summit talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol are scheduled. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, May 28
Japan reports first sighting of new PLA combat drone over East China Sea. Japan's Ministry of Defence spotted a Chinese WZ-10 military drone near Okinawa, marking the first such sighting in an airspace violation response. The drone, used for reconnaissance and precision strikes, flew from China towards Okinawa before returning. Fighter jets were deployed from Naha Air Base. This incident follows Japan's report of daily Chinese ship activity near disputed islands in the East China Sea, emphasizing ongoing regional tensions. Cyril Ip, South China Morning Post, May 28
Long Form
With Trilateral Summit, China, Japan, South Korea Look for a Reset. The recent trilateral summit between China, Japan, and South Korea aimed to reset and improve economic cooperation among the three nations, focusing particularly on a long-sought Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The leaders met in Seoul on May 26 and 27, marking their first such gathering since 2019. Chinese Premier Li Qiang described the meeting as "a restart and a new beginning" in relations. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol hosted the summit, emphasizing South Korea's ambition to enhance its status as a "global pivotal state." Duncan Bartlett, The Diplomat, May 28
Xi’s Rare Symposium With Business Leaders Hints at Third Plenum Agenda. President Xi Jinping’s recent symposium in Shandong signaled a pro-reform stance, but global skepticism remains. Starting on May 22, Xi conducted an inspection tour of Shandong, followed by a symposium in Jinan with business leaders and experts. This marked the first such meeting since 2020, indicating key themes for the upcoming Third Plenum of the Communist Party’s Central Committee in July. High-ranking officials and prominent foreign business leaders attended, highlighting efforts to integrate global perspectives into China's economic policies. Lizzi C. Lee, The Diplomat, May 29
Narantsogt Sanjaa on Anti-Corruption and Mongolia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. The establishment of Mongolia's first Sovereign Wealth Fund is a crucial step in combating corruption, according to Narantsogt Sanjaa, the CEO of Erdenes Mongol LLC and former vice minister of economy and development. In an interview with The Diplomat, Sanjaa discussed the fund's role in redistributing financial gains from Mongolia's mining industry and enhancing financial transparency. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai highlighted that tackling corruption is a major goal of the fund, addressing issues such as past embezzlement in education and SME funds. Bolor Lkhaajav, The Diplomat, May 28
Move Forward ban would shatter Thailand's last democratic veneer. The potential dissolution of Thailand's Move Forward Party, which won the most seats in the May 2023 election, threatens to undermine the nation's democratic facade. The party's push for reforming Thailand's political institutions, including the monarchy and military, has led to its likely ban by court order. The Constitutional Court and other establishment agencies continue to stifle political opposition, perpetuating elite control over Thai politics. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Nikkei Asia, May 28
Vietnam's leadership upheaval signals regime's security focus. Recent leadership changes in Vietnam highlight the regime's increasing focus on security. The elevation of Public Security Minister To Lam to state president and the appointment of other security officials to key positions signal a shift towards a more securitized state. This development is part of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has deepened the Ministry of Public Security's influence in party and state affairs, raising concerns about Vietnam's trajectory towards becoming a police state. Nhu Truong, Nikkei Asia, May 28
Singapore targets talent for long-term growth. Singapore, now the most prosperous country per capita in the Asia-Pacific, is refocusing on talent and meritocracy to ensure future growth. The government has tightened visa restrictions for foreign workers and promoted upskilling among locals. Finance Minister Lawrence Wong and former Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam have emphasized the importance of a strong talent pipeline. Despite challenges like rising inequality and the need for new growth drivers, educational investments have led to high achievements, with Singaporeans excelling at top universities worldwide. Richard Yarrow, East Asia Forum, May 28
South Korea’s Yoon strives to stay afloat. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces a challenging political landscape after his party's defeat in the April elections. His administration, now lacking a legislative majority, must navigate a divided government. Yoon has attempted to improve political communication and partially compromise with the opposition, while resisting certain demands. Despite efforts to reassure the public and manage foreign relations, his approval ratings remain low, and he risks a lame-duck presidency if he fails to balance compromise with confrontation effectively. Jong Eun Lee, East Asia Forum, May 28