News
China keeps up military pressure on Taiwan, sending 43 planes and 7 ships near self-governing island. Taiwan has reported that China continued its military pressure by sending 43 aircraft and 7 ships near its territory, a move seen as part of an ongoing campaign of harassment. Taiwan's defense response included scrambling jets and activating missile systems in reaction to Chinese aircraft crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait. These actions by China have escalated since U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit in August 2022, aiming to wear down Taiwanese morale and resources, though Taiwan remains steadfast in maintaining its de facto independence. Christopher Bodeen, AP News, November 1
North Korea closes multiple embassies around the world. In a significant reduction of its international presence, North Korea is set to close up to a dozen embassies, including those in Spain, Hong Kong, and several African nations. This move, indicative of the country's financial difficulties due to international sanctions, could signal one of the largest shifts in North Korean foreign policy in years. The closures reflect the challenges North Korea faces in maintaining foreign currency revenues and sustaining diplomatic relations under the weight of sanctions targeting its nuclear and missile programs. Hyonhee Shin, Reuters, November 1
US House panel seeks ban on federal purchases of China drones. Bipartisan leaders of a U.S. House committee on China have introduced the "American Security Drone Act," aiming to stop the federal government from purchasing Chinese-made drones, citing national security concerns. The proposed legislation would extend to local and state governments, preventing them from using federal grants to buy such drones, and calls for a report on the extent of Chinese drone use by federal agencies. The move follows Senate approval of a similar amendment and reflects ongoing concerns over the use of foreign drones in sensitive American operations. David Shepardson, Reuters, November 1
China agrees to nuclear arms-control talks with US -WSJ. China has consented to engage in nuclear arms control talks with the United States, marking the first such dialogue since the Obama administration. These upcoming talks, while not formal negotiations for nuclear limits, aim to prevent a three-way arms race involving the U.S., China, and Russia. This development follows a series of diplomatic efforts to mend fraying ties between Beijing and Washington, exacerbated recently by tensions over a Chinese spy balloon incident. Reuters, November 1
Japan top envoy faces diplomatic test on trip to Israel and Jordan. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is set for a challenging diplomatic mission in the Middle East, aimed at easing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas and addressing the resulting humanitarian crisis. During her four-day visit starting Thursday, Kamikawa will engage in talks with Israeli officials in Tel Aviv and then with the Jordanian government in Amman, where she might also meet Palestinian representatives. This visit coincides with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's regional tour, although they are not expected to meet due to scheduling conflicts. Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times, November 1
N. Korea in final stage of preparations for 3rd satellite launch: NIS. North Korea is reportedly nearing the final phase of preparation for its third satellite launch, following two unsuccessful attempts earlier in the year. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has informed lawmakers about the progress and noted that North Korea has received technological assistance from Russia, increasing the likelihood of a successful launch. Despite this, the NIS also indicates that North Korea still lacks the necessary funds and technology for more advanced missile capabilities. Additionally, there has been intelligence suggesting arms and technology trades between North Korea and Russia, aimed at supporting Moscow's military actions in Ukraine. Kang Jae-eun, Yonhap News Agency, November 1
China’s forces shadow a Philippine navy ship near disputed shoal, sparking new exchange of warnings. Tensions in the South China Sea escalated as a Philippine navy ship was shadowed by Chinese forces near the contested Scarborough Shoal. The incident led to a new round of warnings and conflicting accounts from both nations. China claims sovereignty and has maintained a presence around the shoal for over a decade, while the Philippines asserts that the area is within its territorial waters. The confrontation is part of a series of incidents that have heightened regional tensions and drawn international concern, with Southeast Asian diplomats and defense officials calling for measures to prevent conflict escalation. Jim Gomez, AP News, November 1
Việt Nam, Mongolia agree on visa exemption, boosting bilateral trade during President Khurelsukh's visit. Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh have agreed on significant measures to enhance bilateral relations, including a visa exemption agreement and aims to double their bilateral trade to $200 million. This consensus was reached during President Khurelsukh's state visit to Vietnam, which is expected to set the direction for the further development of traditional friendly ties between the two nations. The leaders also witnessed the signing of multiple agreements on security, trade, and public safety, underscoring their commitment to strengthening their partnership. Vietnam News, November 1
Jokowi breaks ground on airport in planned new capital. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has initiated the construction of an airport in the country's future capital city, Nusantara. This development marks a significant step in the relocation project from Jakarta to the island of Borneo. The move is part of broader efforts to address overpopulation and sinking land concerns in Jakarta, as well as to stimulate economic growth in other parts of Indonesia. The Jakarta Post, November 1
Crowds gather near state funeral home as China’s former Premier Li Keqiang is being put to rest. Hundreds of people convened near a state funeral home in Beijing as China's former Premier Li Keqiang was honored posthumously. Li, who died last Friday at age 68 from a heart attack, had a significant role in steering China’s economy. In accordance with tradition, Li was laid in state, a gesture reserved for high-level officials, where top leaders and attendees offered white flowers, the customary color of mourning in China. AP News, November 1
Long Form
Australia Inc.'s Big-Money Campaign for the 'Voice' Was Tone-Deaf. Australia’s recent referendum saw a significant rejection of the proposal to amend the constitution to establish a formal institutional "Voice" for Indigenous people, despite substantial backing from big businesses. About 60% of Australians voted against the proposal, reflecting a disconnect between corporate Australia’s stance and community sentiment. Major companies, including the country’s four major banks and leading supermarket chains, had publicly supported the "Yes" campaign, contributing substantial funds. However, the involvement of these corporations, some of which have controversial histories with Indigenous communities, might have contributed to the skepticism and opposition among the public. By JJ Rose for Nikkei Asia, November 1
What Does Nepal Want From China? Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s recent visit to China was marked by a delicate balancing act, reflecting both domestic political considerations and broader foreign policy objectives. Dahal, leading a coalition government, navigated through his party’s ideological affiliations with the Chinese Communist Party and the pragmatic necessities of governance. The visit aimed to explore benefits from China’s economic growth, attract investment, and foster closer people-to-people relations, despite Nepal’s limited strategic and economic leverage. The trip also seemed to be a maneuver to bolster Dahal’s image domestically, following a less than satisfactory visit to India. By Bipin Ghimire for The Diplomat, November 1
The Triumphs and Travails of China’s First American Citizen. Yung Wing, the first Chinese graduate from an American university, navigated a life between two worlds, facing challenges in both. Despite his Yale education and U.S. citizenship, Yung struggled with acceptance and influence in both China and the United States. His journey, marked by a dedication to fostering U.S.-China relations, saw accomplishments like establishing the Chinese Educational Mission, which sent Chinese students to study in the U.S. However, it was also marred by difficulties, including the abrupt end of the mission due to cultural and political pressures from both nations. Yung’s life reflects the complexities and contradictions of transcultural lives amidst the historical tides of Sino-American relations. By James Carter for The China Project, November 1
High Expectations for APEC. The upcoming 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) leaders meeting in San Francisco is anticipated to be a significant event, reflecting the resilience of APEC in navigating geopolitical shifts and various crises over the past three decades. APEC’s institutional resilience is attributed to its openness, functional approach, and flexibility in norm and rule implementation. The meeting is seen as a crucial platform where leaders from diverse global sectors, including the United States and China, can engage, facilitating discussions that might be challenging to arrange otherwise. The summit is also expected to influence the establishment of norms and standards in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and biotech. By Kim Won-soo for The Korea Times, November 1
Israel-Gaza War: How China is Prioritising Politics Over Economic Interests in the Middle East. China's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict signifies a nuanced shift in its Middle East policy, prioritizing political considerations over strict economic interests. Unlike its cautious stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, China has been more diplomatically active in the Middle East, reflecting a recalibration due to perceived U.S. disengagement from the region. Despite substantial economic investments in Israel and a significant 25-year investment deal with Iran, China’s diplomatic maneuvers seem to be navigating a delicate balance, avoiding direct confrontation with U.S. military dominance in the region while subtly supporting political goals that challenge the Western-led global order. By Shlomo Roiter Jesner for South China Morning Post, November 1
The Significance of Indonesia’s Hosting of the Archipelago and Island States Forum. Indonesia recently hosted the Archipelagic and Island States Forum, emphasizing its leadership in addressing maritime and archipelagic issues. The forum focused on challenges such as climate change, ocean pollution, and sustainable economic development, particularly in fisheries and aquaculture. Indonesia, aligning its foreign policy with the forum’s objectives, aims to bolster its status as a major maritime power, promote the blue economy, and enhance climate change mitigation efforts. The forum also aimed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative solution generation among member states, although maritime security issues were notably absent from the discussions. By Ahalla Tsauro and Dini Putri Saraswati for The Diplomat, November 1
How to Grow China’s Soft Power? Love Dogs, Don’t Eat Them. China's international image and soft power are influenced by various factors, including cultural practices and lifestyle choices. One aspect that has attracted international criticism is the consumption of dog meat in China. Despite a growing population of pet lovers in China and a general global sentiment against the consumption of dog meat, the practice persists in some parts. This has led to negative perceptions that impact China’s soft power, as it is seen as a reflection of societal values and norms. By Jiang Shixue for South China Morning Post, November 1