Asia Day: May 29, 2024
News
UN Security Council to meet Friday on failed North Korea satellite launch. The United Nations Security Council will publicly address North Korea's failed satellite launch and subsequent ballistic missile firing. The U.S. condemned the actions as "reckless and destabilizing," urging Council members to unite in condemning North Korea's violations. While the DPRK insists on its right to space reconnaissance for defense, divisions within the Council persist, with China and Russia opposing further sanctions and blaming U.S.-South Korea military drills for provoking Pyongyang. Michelle Nichols, Reuters, May 29
US appoints a new representative to Taiwan as the self-governing island faces China’s intimidation. The U.S. has named veteran diplomat Raymond Greene as the new representative to Taiwan, replacing Sandra Oudkirk in summer 2024. This appointment follows China's recent naval and air drills simulating a blockade around Taiwan. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, the U.S. remains Taiwan's strongest ally, supporting its de-facto independence amid China's claims. Greene's appointment highlights ongoing U.S. support, as evidenced by a recent bipartisan Senate delegation visit to Taiwan. AP News, May 29
South Korea says North Korea has fired a missile toward its eastern waters. North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards eastern waters, continuing a series of weapons tests that have escalated tensions. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and Japan’s coast guard confirmed the launch. The incident follows North Korea's recent threats and provocations, including the failed satellite launch and retaliation against South Korean propaganda. This year, North Korea has tested various missile systems, including those capable of reaching U.S. targets in the Pacific. AP News, May 29
Japanese PM Kishida, Chinese party diplomat agree on dialogue's value. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Chinese Communist Party diplomat Liu Jianchao agreed on the importance of continuing bilateral dialogue to address mutual challenges and concerns. The meeting in Tokyo focused on enhancing cooperation despite regional security disputes. Liu also met Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa to discuss reciprocal visits and maintaining high-level exchanges. The talks come amid rising tensions over military activities and Japan’s release of treated radioactive water. Kyodo News, May 28
Vietnam - China land border cooperation strengthened: official. Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoàng Xuân Chiến highlighted reinforced land border cooperation between Vietnam and China during a meeting with Chinese Embassy Counsellor Wang Ben. Emphasizing defense cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations, Chiến noted successful management, protection, and promotion of trade and tourism at border gates. He urged continued implementation of leaders' agreements and enhanced border exchanges. Wang expressed a commitment to further developing bilateral relations. Vietnam News, May 29
Thaksin to be indicted on lese-majeste charge. Thailand's Attorney-General has decided to indict former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for lese-majeste based on a 2015 interview. Thaksin's lawyers question the authenticity of the video evidence, suggesting it may have been doctored. Thaksin, currently on parole, is ordered to appear for indictment on June 18. The charges, including computer crimes, stem from remarks made about the monarchy and privy councillors. The indictment decision has sparked debates about its impact on Thaksin's parole status. Wassayos Ngamkham and Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, May 29,
UN rights group says Japan needs to do more to counter human rights abuses. The U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights reported widespread rights issues in Japan, including discrimination, poor labor conditions, and insufficient whistleblower protections. The report highlighted the gender wage gap, abuse of foreign workers, and sexual abuse allegations at Johnny and Associates. Recommendations include better diversity training, stronger labor checks, and improved judicial access. Yuri Kageyama, AP News, May 29
Việt Nam's government leader holds phone talks with new Singaporean PM. Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong discussed enhancing their strategic partnership during phone talks. They highlighted the Việt Nam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) as a symbol of economic cooperation and agreed to elevate their green-digital economic partnership. Chính emphasized Singapore's importance as a regional partner and sought further cooperation in defense, finance, and technology. Wong committed to increasing Singaporean investments in Việt Nam, focusing on high-tech and clean energy sectors. Vietnam News, May 29
US Sec-Def visit ‘positive’ say pundits. Analysts view the upcoming visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin as a positive step for U.S-Cambodia relations. Austin's visit, coinciding with regional security concerns and recent Chinese military exercises in Cambodia, underscores the U.S's focus on regional security. Discussions are expected to address the Ream naval base and potential resumption of U.S-Cambodia military exercises. The visit follows Austin's participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Ry Sochan, The Phnom Penh Post, May 28
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Singapore to deliver keynote speech at Asia's top defence summit. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue, becoming the first Philippine head of state to do so. The event, in its 21st edition, gathers top defense officials globally to discuss security challenges. Marcos Jr will also meet with Singaporean leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, to strengthen bilateral relations. Natasha Ganesan, Channel News Asia, May 29
Japan PM, new U.S. command chief vow to achieve regional stability. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel Paparo, the new chief of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability. In their meeting, Kishida emphasized enhancing the Japan-U.S. alliance's deterrence capabilities, while Paparo highlighted the alliance's growing importance. This meeting comes amid heightened tensions with China and North Korea's recent military activities. Kyodo News, May 29
No Vote of No Confidence today, new motion to be submitted to PNG Parliament. Papua New Guinea's Parliament will not entertain a vote of no confidence today as a new motion is to be submitted. Prime Minister James Marape remains confident of his support with 49 MPs, while challenger Rainbo Paita has 39 MPs. The motion must include the name of the alternative PM and will be vetted by the Private Business Committee. Governor Allan Bird has withdrawn his nomination as alternate PM, supporting Paita instead. Pacific Islands News Agency , May 28
North Korea flies trash balloons over the South as leader Kim doubles down on satellite ambitions. North Korea launched hundreds of balloons carrying trash and manure into South Korea, prompting a military response. The move followed Kim Jong Un's call for continued development of space-based reconnaissance capabilities after a failed satellite launch. Kim warned of "overwhelming actions" against South Korea. The balloons, seen as retaliation for anti-North Korean leaflets, contained no human excrement but required careful handling. Tensions between the Koreas have escalated amid intensified military activities. Kim Tong-hyung, AP News, May 29
China ‘pained’ by Gaza situation, President Xi Jinping tells Egyptian leader Sisi. President Xi Jinping expressed deep concern over the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent conflict spillover. Xi reaffirmed China's support for the two-state solution and enhanced cooperation with Egypt on trade and international affairs. The discussion precedes the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, where Xi will deliver the keynote address. Zhao Ziwen, South China Morning Post, May 29
Long Form
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Is Under Attack. A new wave of militancy threatens the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), potentially straining China-Pakistan relations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Beijing to inaugurate the second phase of CPEC, which focuses on further developing the 3,000-kilometer network and enhancing agricultural cooperation. Despite ongoing work, Beijing's dissatisfaction with the progress raises concerns about the project's future. Kunwar Khuldune Shahid, The Diplomat, May 29
Malaysia Unveils Plans to Become Next Global Chip Hub. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pitched Malaysia to foreign chipmakers as “the most neutral and non-aligned location for semiconductor production.” The country aims to attract at least 500 billion ringgit ($107 billion) in investment for its semiconductor industry, according to the newly launched National Semiconductor Strategy. Anwar emphasized the government's commitment to creating an ecosystem driven by dynamic Malaysian firms and world-class talent during his speech at the Semicon Southeast Asia 2024 trade show in Kuala Lumpur. Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat, May 29
Japan's Proposed App Store Law Would Do No Good. Japan's proposed app store legislation aims to force Apple and Google to loosen their controls on app stores, in-app payments, web browsers, and search services. However, Robert D. Atkinson argues that existing powers are sufficient to address abuses without harming innovation. He believes that Japan's thriving mobile ecosystem does not require such regulation and that it would hinder technological progress. Atkinson highlights that Apple's and Google's dominance in the market is a feature of their large-scale investments and that imposing restrictions could compromise user privacy and security. Robert D. Atkinson, Nikkei Asia, May 29
Capitalising on India’s Comparative Advantages in Labour. India's comparative advantage in human capital is crucial for driving export-led industries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' strategy, launched in 2014, aimed to boost domestic entrepreneurship and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) for high-tech manufacturing. Despite these efforts and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan policy, India's trade deficit remains high, and its share of low-skilled, labour-intensive exports is lower than potential. The country's restrictive labour regulations hinder the growth of labour-intensive industries, leading to high youth unemployment. Diversifying economic activities and leveraging free trade agreements could help India capitalize on its demographic dividend and reduce unemployment. Anita Medhekar, East Asia Forum, May 29
China-Russia Alliance Is Going Strong but Unlikely to Unseat the US. The China-Russia alliance, marked by recent agreements and strengthened cooperation, aims to challenge US global leadership. However, internal issues and external geopolitical dynamics hinder their pursuit of this goal. Despite a "no limits" friendship, China and Russia face economic and political challenges that may prevent them from significantly altering the global power balance. Aqib Rehman and Mohammed Sinan Siyech, South China Morning Post, May 29
Who will 'plug and play' with AUKUS? The AUKUS partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as nuclear-powered submarines, emerging technologies, and military production. While not a formal military alliance, AUKUS allows flexibility for allies like Japan, South Korea, and Canada to collaborate on specific initiatives. These nations can leverage their technological and industrial strengths to contribute effectively. However, each country's participation will be influenced by their unique geopolitical and economic considerations, especially regarding relations with China. Stephen R. Nagy, The Japan Times, May 28