Photo : Yonhap News

Trilateral summit to be held between South Korea, Japan and China after four years

East Asia & The Pacfic Reader | 31 May 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 95
UAE and South Korea signed the CEPA
On 29 May, the UAE signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea. This comes as UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met his counterpart South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, during his state visit to Seoul. UAE’s sovereign wealth fund and companies have reaffirmed their commitment to invest USD 30 billion in South Korea. The leaders have signed 19 business deals and MOUs involving investment in energy, nuclear power, defense technology, climate change, and cultural exchanges. UAE’s sovereign Wealth Fund, Mubadala Investment Co., and other companies have announced their plans to invest USD 06 billion in South Korea and have signed an MOU with the Ministry of Economy and Finance. ADNOC has signed a letter of intent with two Korean companies to build six LNG carriers worth USD 1.5 billion. The UAE President’s visit involved a series of business meetings and cultural events. (Kim Eun-jung, “S. Korea, UAE forge comprehensive economic partnership pact,” Yonhap News Agency, 29 May 2024)

North Korea sends balloons carrying rubbish to South Korea 
On 29 May, the North Korean regime was accused of sending balloons carrying rubbish to South Korea. Photographs released by the South Korean military showed inflated balloons with plastic bags and trash with ‘excrement’ written on them.  It is reported that more than 150 balloons had crossed the border as reported by the Yonhap news agency. The explosive ordnance unit, and biological and chemical warfare response team were deployed to inspect and collect the objects. The Joint Chief of Staff has reacted to the event: “These acts by NK violate international law and seriously threaten our people’s safety. We sternly warn North Korea to immediately stop these inhumane and vulgar acts.” The North Korean Vice-Defence Minister has called these acts as retaliation to the anti-North Korean leaflets flown across the border. The leaflets thrown across the border by the South Korean activists have criticized the regime in North Korea and have urged the citizens to rise against the Kim dynasty. In 2020, South Korean President Moon took action and criminalized leafleting campaigns.  But in 2021, this law was struck down by the constitutional court calling this as the restriction on free speech. Such propaganda balloons have been a continuous source of tension between the two Koreas. (Justin McCurry, North Korea accused of sending balloons carrying excrement into the South,” The Guardian, 29 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacfic Reader | 30 May 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 94
North Korea jams GPS signals after the balloon launch
On 29 May, North Korea launched hundreds of balloons across the border filled with rubbish. This action came as a response to the leaflet filed by the South Korean activists. According to the JCS, around 260 balloons have been identified and are being analyzed by the South Korean military, and have shown that the balloons weigh close to 10 kg and carry cigarette butts, batteries, and manure. On 30 May North Korea attempted to jam the GPS signals. According to the Joint Chief of Staff, the military has detected the GPS jamming attacks from 0750hrs near the de facto inter-Korean sea border in the West Sea.  According to The Korea Times, these signals have not affected any military operation but fishing boats and passenger ships have suffered navigation glitches. The National Maritime Positioning, Navigation and Timing office has reported around 472 complaints have been filed related to the jamming of GPS signals. (“NK stages GPS jamming attacks after sending hundreds of balloons into S. Korea,” The Korea Times, 30 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 27 May 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 91
North Korea to launch reconnaissance satellite, Pyongyang inform Japanese coast guards
On 27 May, Business Standard reported that the Japanese coast guards were informed of North Korea’s plan to launch a satellite rocket. The South Korean military also informed that they detected some military activities in North Korea, reckoned to be preparation for the spy satellite launch. They last launched their reconnaissance satellite in November after which the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un informed them that they plan to launch three more in 2024. The recent warning comes in light of the trilateral meeting between South Korea, Japan and China. Where all three countries are said to be monitoring the developments in Pyongyang closely. (“North Korea informs Japan of plan to launch satellite rocket by June 3,” Business Standard, 27 May 2024 )

Russian experts reach North Korea to assist satellite launch, reports Yonhap
On 26 May, Yonhap News Agency, a South Korean media house, informed that a large number of Russian experts had gone to North Korea to aid the launching of their reconnaissance satellite. Many Russian technicians have entered North Korea after Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his support for the advancement of the North Korean satellite program. In September 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un at the summit of a spaceport in Russia’s Far East, during which he affirmed his support for the North Korean satellite-building ambition and mission. (“A large number of Russian experts enter N. Korea to help spy satellite launch efforts: source,” Yonhap News Agency, 26 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 24 May 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 89
Korean Peninsula in “crisis phase,” says Former President Moon
On 23 May, former South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that the security situation in the Korean peninsula is in a “crisis phase” and could lead to military conflicts anytime. He said that the tensions persist due to North Korea’s continued weapons tests. He mentioned the role of intergovernmental dialogues to promote peace. Referring to the 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction accord, he said that communication has not been restored, and the tensions are at their highest. Moon’s tenure pushed for a peaceful resolution to the dispute through cross-border talks and other diplomatic initiatives between 2017-2022. (“Moon says Korean Peninsula in 'crisis phase,' calls for efforts to solidify peace values,” The Korea Times, 24 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 23 May 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 88
Trilateral summit to be held between South Korea, Japan and China after four years
On 23 May, The Straits Times reported on the upcoming trilateral meeting between South Korea, China and Japan for the first time in four years. The meeting is scheduled to be held from 26-27 May in Seoul. Before the trilateral meeting South President Yoon-Suk-yeol will engage with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese Premier Li Qiang separately. The trilateral meeting is aimed at adopting joint statements on economy and trade. The history of the meeting goes back to 2008 when all three countries decided to meet every year, the initiative was disrupted by bilateral feuds and the pandemic. (“South Korea, China, Japan to hold first summit in 4 years on May 26-27,” The Straits Times, 23 May 2024)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s portrait displayed across the country
On 22 May, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s portrait was displayed across the country. The move was made to elevate his status to his father and grandfather, Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung. South Korea’s Ministry of Unification said it was the first time the state media showed all three leaders hung together. Rachel Minyoung Lee from Stimson Centre said that his portrait display conveys to the public that he is equal to the late two leaders. The portraits are seen as national treasures and are to be protected at all times. The move is seen as part of the symbolic nature of the leader’s portraits and its impression on people’s minds. (“North Korea elevates Kim Jong Un’s portrait, giving him similar status as his father, grandfather,” The Straits Times, 22 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 20 May 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 85
North Korea to improve its nuclear deterrence posture after recent US subcritical nuclear tests
On 20 May, North Korea said that it vowed to strengthen its nuclear deterrence posture amid the recent US subcritical nuclear tests. The US’s National Nuclear Security Administration said that it has conducted a subcritical experiment at its Nevada test site to collect data to support the reliability and effectiveness of nuclear warheads. KCNA reported that North Korea will exercise its vested sovereign rights against the US’s unilateral actions. The sub-critical nuclear tests do not involve a nuclear explosion and do not trigger a fissile chain reaction. The Straits Times mentioned North Korea’s previous six underground nuclear tests and is preparing for the seventh test. (“North Korea to boost nuclear deterrence after US test,” The Straits Times, 20 May 2024)

Japan and ASEAN to work on joint strategy on automobile production amid rising Chinese EVs in SEA, says an opinion in Nikkei Asia
On 20 May, according to an opinion in Nikkei Asia, Japan, and ASEAN intend to work on a joint strategy for automobile production and sales within Southeast Asia amid a rise in Chinese electric vehicles in the region. The two sides plan to meet in September 2024 to discuss the interim strategy rollout. Nikkei Asia notes that ASEAN as home to several Japanese automakers, including famous brands such as Toyota Motor and Honda Motor. Japanese automakers assemble more than 3 million vehicles annually in the region, which accounts for 80 per cent of the total production in ASEAN. The joint strategy is planned to cover cooperation in personnel training, decarbonization in production, mineral resource procurement, and next-gen technology such as biofuels. Through its Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Japan plans to invest USD 900 million in personnel training. The need for a joint strategy comes from the Japanese government as Chinese companies such as BYD and SAIC Motor are strengthening their presence in the region. (Riho Nagao, “Japan and ASEAN to craft auto strategy to counter China's EVs,”Nikkei Asia, 20 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader| 18 May 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 84
North Korean leader Kim orders to ramp up nuclear weapons, says KCNA
On 18 May, according to KCNA, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered to ramp up the production of nuclear weapons as he witnessed the test of a tactical ballistic missile using new guidance technology. While visiting an arms factory, Kim said that more nuclear weapons are necessary to bolster nuclear deterrence. This order comes as North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile on 17 May from its east coast. The launch is aimed against the recent joint drills conducted by the US and South Korean forces simulating air combat. (“North Korea's Kim accelerates production to shore up nuclear force,” KCNA says,” Nikkei Asia, 18 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 13 May 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 80
South Korean FM Cho to have talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi
On 13 May, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said “he will have "frank and in-depth" talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi,” to improve bilateral relations. His remarks come before his two-day trip to Beijing. The Korea Herald notes topics of discussion, including bilateral ties to the Korean Peninsula and regional and global issues. The two sides are expected to discuss a trilateral summit with Japan which is going to take place in Seoul. Cho also mentioned that he will discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and calls for China to play a constructive role. On AUKUS, he said that his country would give a proper response. (Yonhap, “FM Cho says he will have 'frank, in-depth' talks with Wang,” The Korean Herald, 13 May 2024)

South Korean PM proposes to invite foreign doctors as the doctor's strike continues
On 10 May, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced that they would allow foreign doctors to work in South Korean hospitals as the doctor's strikes dragged on. The provision came after months of negotiations led to no resolution by the junior doctors. The Korean Herald reported that the scheme will not be followed soon as it faces strong rejection by the Korean doctors. Korean Herald also informed that there are no immediate plans to bring foreign licensed doctors and fill the shortage. After the scheme was announced the head of the Korean Medical Association Lim Hyun-taek posted on social media with a picture of a newly graduated Somali doctor with the caption “coming soon,” this move was criticized as clearly racist. The South Korean government and the junior are now in a protracted stand-off as they reach no conclusive resolution. (“Seoul turns to foreign doctors as the medical strike drags on,” The Straits Times, 10 May 2024)

North Korea tests new rocket launchers
On 11 May, the Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korea is planning to equip its military with a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher. The KCNA stated that this would be significant in changing the artillery of North Korea and its capabilities. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw these live drills and the testing of the “technically updated rocket systems.” Some analysts believe that this testing comes before the artillery and missiles are sent to Russia. KCNA also reported that Kim Jong Un has asked them to increase the production of the new launcher. (“North Korea to deploy new multiple rocket launcher this year: KCNA,” The Straits Times, 11 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 11 May 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 79
South Korean PM proposes to invite foreign doctors as the doctor's strike continues
On 10 May, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced that they would allow foreign doctors to work in South Korean hospitals as the doctor's strikes dragged on. The provision came after months of negotiations led to no resolution by the junior doctors. The Korean Herald reported that the scheme will not be followed soon as it faces strong rejection by the Korean doctors. Korean Herald also informed that there are no immediate plans to bring foreign licensed doctors and fill the shortage. After the scheme was announced the head of the Korean Medical Association Lim Hyun-taek posted on social media with a picture of a newly graduated Somali doctor with the caption “coming soon,” this move was criticized as clearly racist. The South Korean government and the junior are now in a protracted stand-off as they reach no conclusive resolution. (“Seoul turns to foreign doctors as the medical strike drags on,” The Straits Times, 10 May 2024)

North Korea tests new rocket launchers
On 11 May, the Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korea is planning to equip its military with a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher. The KCNA stated that this would be significant in changing the artillery of North Korea and its capabilities. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw these live drills and the testing of the “technically updated rocket systems.” Some analysts believe that this testing comes before the artillery and missiles are sent to Russia. KCNA also reported that Kim Jong Un has asked them to increase the production of the new launcher. (“North Korea to deploy new multiple rocket launcher this year: KCNA,” The Straits Times, 11 May 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 02 May 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 71
South Korea held talks to join AUKUS security pact, says Defence Minster Shin
On 01 May, the South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik said that the country held talks to join the AUKUS-led security pact. South Korea intends to join pillar two of the security pact, which aims to share other military technology. The AUKUS was formed in 2021 by the US, UK, and Australia as a two-stage security pact to counter China’s power in the Indo-Pacific region. During a meeting, Shin said South Korea could contribute to the group with its defense, science, and technological capabilities. The talks come after AUKUS announced Japan’s participation in Pillar 2 of the group for specific defense projects. (“South Korea discusses joining part of Aukus pact with US, UK and Australia,” The Straits Times, 01 May 2024)