The Asia Cable (2025)

15/01/2025

South Korean authorities have taken impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol into custody. He faces charges of abuse of power and sedition stemming from his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law.

South Korea's president faces charges of sedition and abuse of power, among others.

01/01/2025

From political shifts to major economic developments, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for Asia. The Asia Outlook breaks down the key stories and trends that could define the region, including China's continued economic uncertainty, Japan's enhanced defense budget, the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, international dialogue in Central Asia, and more. Don't miss this comprehensive outlook to stay ahead on the Indo-Pacific's evolving landscape.

Read more here: https://www.theasiacable.com/p/the-asia-outlook-2025

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As the global community steps into 2025, the Indo-Pacific region remains the epicenter of many of the most pressing political developments facing humanity.

03/12/2024

Andrew Gundal chronicles the latest developments in the international relations of Central Asia in this month’s edition of Silk Road Monthly.

Read the full rundown here:

On October 6, the construction of Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant was given the green light after 71% of voters said yes at the nuclear power construction referendum. Four companies from France, South Korea, China and Russia are competing for the contract, with Russia’s Rosatom being hail...

30/10/2024

ICYMI:

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s tenure has been overshadowed by controversies involving the Liberal Democratic Party. Not even a month after taking office, public loss of confidence in the LDP may be spelling an early end to Ishiba’s premiership.

Our latest from Caleb Mills:

Japan’s ruling LDP has been set back by a breakdown in public trust in the party’s integrity.

16/10/2024

Japan's new Prime Minister has formed a conservative-leaning cabinet, signaling a significant shift in the nation's foreign and defense policies. This move marks a potential realignment in Japan's approach to global challenges. The article delves into the implications of these strategic choices

The new prime minister has exercised creative liberty in putting together his cabinet.

09/10/2024

🌏 Silk Road Monthly: September 2024 🌏

Our first edition of Silk Road Monthly by Andrew Gundal details the expanding China-Central Asia ties, covering developments from new infrastructure projects, border crossings, counterterrorism efforts, and security collaborations. Notable highlights include the China-Kyrgyzstan border opening, Kazakhstan’s nuclear referendum, and the rise of Chinese private security in Central Asia.

📰 Read the full roundup here:

China Expands Strategic and Economic Ties with Central Asia Through Growing Infrastructure and Security Collaborations

23/09/2024

The new government of Thailand is coming into form, but as Caleb Mills notes, its lineup of officials evokes memories of a previous administration.

Read our latest:

A tumultuous two-year period in Thai politics is slowly ending, as newly-elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced her first major batch of cabinet selections.

15/09/2024

South Korea’s Pension Crisis Explained

With the National Pension Service (NPS) set to run out of funds by 2055, President Yoon Suk Yeol’s new reform plan aims to address this growing crisis. The world's lowest fertility rate and an aging population place immense strain on the system. While Yoon's reform plan is a step in the right direction, political opposition could hinder progress. This challenge is as much about national security as it is about welfare.

Read our latest by Caleb Mills!

Demographic, financial, and political challenges paint a grim picture for the country’s pension system.

24/08/2024

Despite a recent reshuffling of leadership in Vietnam’s otherwise stable political system, the country’s alignment with China is unlikely to change in the near future.

New leadership in Vietnam suggests enhanced ties with China despite the country's recent rapprochement with the United States.

15/05/2024

🌏 Dive into today’s pivotal moments with our Asia Daily newsletter!

Explore the tense developments as French forces declare a state of emergency in New Caledonia following deadly riots. Navigate the troubled waters of the South China Sea where Chinese ships are intensifying tensions at Scarborough Shoal. Uncover the seismic shifts in energy alliances as Tajikistan reconnects to Central Asia's power grid.

Each story sheds light on the intricate tapestry of geopolitical events shaping the region. Stay informed, stay ahead. 📰✨

Four dead in New Caledonia riots, France declares state of emergency. In response to deadly riots in New Caledonia sparked by electoral reforms, France has declared a state of emergency. The violence, which resulted in the deaths of three indigenous Kanak and a police official, erupted over changes....

06/05/2024

Stay on top of the latest developments in Asian affairs with Asia Daily!

From Xi Jinping’s ongoing trip to Europe, to Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party’s recent electoral setbacks, as well as further tensions brewing between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, Asia Daily has you covered.

Get informed, stay ahead!

China’s president arrives in Europe to reinvigorate ties at a time of global tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a three-country European tour amid concerns over China’s growing influence and the US-China rivalry. His visit, starting in France, aims to strengthen ties with European nat...

03/05/2024

Dive into today's top stories with Asia Daily!

Explore the complex trade negotiations between Taiwan and the U.S., delving into issues like labor rights and environmental practices. Learn about the strengthened defense cooperation between Japan, the U.S., and Australia, which includes a new pact and plans for a joint military exercise in 2027. Find out how Kazakhstan's tariff changes on Russian oil transshipment could impact regional economies, and more. Subscribe to Asia Daily for detailed updates on these developments!

Taiwan, US enter ‘harder’ phase of trade talks as mainland China bristles. Taiwan and the U.S. are navigating more complex issues in the second phase of their trade negotiations, focusing on labor rights, environmental practices, and agriculture. These discussions, integral to the US-Taiwan Init...

02/05/2024

Stay informed with Asia Daily!

Get the latest updates on key events shaping Asia's political landscape. China's intensified anti-corruption drive sees the investigation of Liu Zhiqiang, a former senior justice official and Interpol committee member. Meanwhile, currency markets react as the Japanese yen falls following suspected interventions, potentially impacting economic stability. In a bid to ease tensions, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan contemplate swapping territories amidst longstanding border disputes. Don't miss out on these stories and more! Subscribe now for a daily window into the Indo-Pacific!🌏

China investigates former senior justice official and Interpol committee member Liu Zhiqiang. Liu Zhiqiang, China's former vice-minister of justice and member of Interpol's committee, is under investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for suspected serious violations of disci...

01/05/2024

Explore the intricate geopolitics shaping Asia in today's edition of Asia Daily!

From U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's insights on North Korea's growing confidence due to its ties with Russia, to Thailand's strategic diplomatic moves with Maris Sangiampongsa stepping in as the new foreign minister amid Myanmar's ongoing conflict. Plus, witness China's assertive push in naval capabilities as it launches sea trials for its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian.

Subscribe now to understand the forces at play in these critical times.

More Americans view China as enemy, new Pew survey shows. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals a significant shift in American perceptions of China, with an increasing number of U.S. citizens now viewing China as an enemy rather than merely a competitor. This change underscor...

30/04/2024

🌏 Dive into today's Asia Daily for insights on pressing issues shaping the region!

Southeast Asia grapples with an intense heat wave, prompting school closures and health alerts as temperatures soar, geopolitical tensions escalate in the South China Sea, where Chinese forces used water cannons against Philippine humanitarian ships near Scarborough Shoal. Additionally, Vietnam's political landscape faces upheaval with the resignation of the parliament's head amidst a sweeping anti-corruption drive.

Stay informed with Asia Daily, your essential source for comprehensive coverage of Asia's most critical events. Subscribe now and ensure you're always in the know!

Heat Wave in Southeast Asia Closes Schools, Triggers Health Alerts. A severe heat wave across Southeast Asia has led to school closures and health alerts due to extreme temperatures. In the Philippines, schools were closed as temperatures are expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius, with a heat index t...

25/04/2024

Stay informed with Asia Daily's latest edition, where we delve into the pivotal events shaping Asia's geopolitical landscape.

Today, we highlight U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's discussions on Chinese trade practices in Shanghai, Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a significant upcoming visit to China, and Taiwan, president-elect Lai Ching-te appointing new defense and foreign ministers.

Keep abreast of these developments by subscribing to Asia Daily:

Taiwan’s president-elect appoints new foreign, defense ministers as island faces continued threats. Taiwan’s president-elect, Lai Ching-te, has announced new appointments for his administration's key roles in foreign and defense ministries as the island continues to face military threats and dip...

24/04/2024

Dive into the latest developments across the Indo-Pacific with Asia Daily!

From Antony Blinken's crucial visit to China, to North Korea's diplomatic engagements with Iran, to a major court ruling regarding the results of Indonesia's presidential election, we have the most important news coming from the region to get you ahead and keep you informed.

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Blinken begins key China visit as tensions rise over new US foreign aid bill. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has started a crucial visit to China, soon after the U.S. Senate approved a foreign aid bill likely to strain U.S.-China relations further. This bill allocates substantial funds to Ta...

23/04/2024

Explore pivotal developments in Asia with Asia Daily! This edition highlights China's demonstration of nuclear strength as a signal to the US, the strengthening of South Korea and Romania's defense and nuclear cooperation, and the Qatari Emir's visit to Nepal focusing on migrant workers and regional diplomacy. Subscribe for a daily wrap up on these key events shaping Asia's geopolitical dynamics:

North Korea conducts first "nuclear trigger" simulation drills, state media says. North Korea has conducted its first simulation drills to test its nuclear counterattack capabilities, referred to as the "nuclear trigger" system, under the guidance of leader Kim Jong Un. This exercise, which involved...

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