HIGHLIIGHTS
CHINA & SOUTHEAST ASIA
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met the Chinese President to discuss future cooperation
On 01 April, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People, discussing the bilateral economic and strategic ties between the two countries. Xi Jinping stated that China sees their relations with Indonesia from a long-term perspective and that they are willing to deepen strategic cooperation with the country. Xi cited the China-built Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, stating that it showed the cooperation between the two countries. Prabowo also asserted that he would continue former Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s foreign policy of friendship with China and that they would further push for cooperation. He also stressed that for defence cooperation and regional peace and stability, China is the key player in ensuring the same. (“China willing to deepen strategic cooperation with Indonesia, Xi tells Prabowo in Beijing,” The Straits Times, 01 April 2024)

CHINA & TAIWAN
Former Taiwanese President kickstarts his 11-day visit to China 
On 01 April, former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou left for an 11-day trip to China to meet the Chinese President Xi Jinping and the top politburo of the Communist Party of China. The meeting comes in light of the growing tensions in the regions and the Taiwan Strait. Ma was a president-elect from 2008-2016 and is the first former Taiwanese leader to visit China. Upon his arrival, he met with the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office head Song Tao. Ma was quoted by Xinhua (flagship Chinese media outlet) stating: “Strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, especially among young people, to push forward the development of cross-Straits relations.” Ma also asserted that this trip comes in peace and friendship and that he wanted to convey the message to the Taiwanese people that they hope to avoid war and want to maintain peace. (“Former Taiwan president Ma leaves for China, likely to meet Xi,” The Straits Times, 02 April 2024)

CHINA & SOUTHEAST ASIA
China to conduct live fire exercises near its border with Border
On 02 April, the South China Morning Post reported that the Chinese military aiming to conduct a series of live-fire exercises near its border with Myanmar amid the ongoing fighting between the rebel groups and the Junta government. On 01 April, the autonomous prefecture of Dehong Dai and Jingpo in Yunnan said the live drills would take place in two counties bordering Myanmar on 02 and 03 April. On 02 April, the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed its participation in the drills which are aimed to test the force capabilities of “rapid manoeuvre, precise destruction, three-dimensional sealing and control and joint strike.” Previously, in November 2023, the PLA conducted live-fire drills after an alliance of three armed groups began a major offensive against the junta in the Kokang region of Shan state bordering China. (Hayley Wong, “China’s military to hold live-fire exercise on Myanmar border as fighting continues,” South China Morning Post, 02 April 2024)

CHINA READER DAILY WIRE 
CHINA & SOUTH ASIA
Pakistan’s counterterrorism police detained 12 suicide bombing suspects that killed five Chinese worker
On 01 April, a Pakistani official informed that the Pakistani counterterrorism police had arrested 12 suspects after they started multiple raids. The raids come in light of the brutal suicide bombing that killed five Chinese workers in Pakistan as they were travelling for work. The suspects are said to not be directly involved with the attack but were part of the orchestration of the attack. Some also had links to Pakistani militia groups as well. The bodies of the Chinese victims were sent back to China. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong was present to receive them and expressed his deep condolence to the victims’ families and the victims. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the hydropower project, Dasu Dam, where the victims worked and assured them of security while affirming that the attackers would be punished. (“Pakistani police arrest 12 people over a suicide bombing that killed 5 Chinese workers,” Associated Press, 01 April 2024)

CHINA & THE PACIFIC
Australia needs to strategize its diplomatic messaging to China, says an opinion in Nikkei Asia
On 02 April, according to an opinion in Nikkei Asia, Ben Scott, senior advisor at the National Security College of Australian National University, suggested a strategized messaging to China after debates emerged on whether Canberra is acting soft on China during the recent Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to the country. Ben mentions China’s blockage of Australian exports in 2020, and its perception as an attempt to besmirch China as part of its discourse power used in orchestrated public messaging. Ben also mentioned China’s private meeting with Australian officials and allowing only Chinese media reflects China’s attempts to shape the information environment. He mentions that potential Australian criticism may risk the Chinese narrative of external powers' intervention and the alienation of ASEAN countries. In the long run, he advises Australia to strengthen its military capabilities and alliances against Chinese aggression by responding transparently and quietly. (Ben Scott, “Australia's China policy more effective with disciplined messaging,” Nikkei Asia,” 02 April 2024)

CHINA & EUROPE
French Foreign Minister presses China to send a “clear” message to Russia on the Ukraine
On 01 April, during a meeting in Beijing, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said that Paris expects “China to send clear messages to Russia over its war in Ukraine.” This comes as Paris, one of Ukraine's biggest supporters, has recently refused to rule out putting troops on the ground. The Straits Times reported China’s neutral stance in the Ukraine conflict and its refusal to condemn Moscow’s offensive. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, “We are convinced that there will be no lasting peace if it is not negotiated with the Ukrainians.” Sejourne also referred to China as playing a key role in ensuring respect for international law. His visit is the second to China by a French foreign minister in less than six months, following a trip by his predecessor, Catherine Colonna, in November 2023. Sejourne 's visit to Beijing is part of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China. (“France wants China to send ‘clear message’ to Russia over Ukraine war,” The Straits Times, 02 April 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
Eight Chinese nationals found dead on beach in Mexico
On 29 March, the bodies of eight Chinese nationals were found on a beach in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. The local officials report boat capsizing as the leading cause of death of Chinese nationals. The officials report one survivor and one missing boat driver. The seven women and a man were boarding the boat and travelling from Chipas state in Mexico to the US. The prosecutors' office mentions the growing number of migrants attempting to enter the US from Mexico illegally. According to data mentioned in the BBC, since 2021, more than 6.3 million migrants have entered the US, and this has increased since 2018, primarily from Central America. This is due to the growing gang violence, poverty, political repression, and natural disasters. In 2023, around 37,000 Chinese nationals have been detained at the US-Mexico border, which is 50 times more than in 2021. (“Mexico: Eight Chinese migrants found dead on beach,” BBC, 31 March 2024)

EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC READER
EAST ASIA
South Korean President Yoon criticized the medics cartel opposing medical sector reforms 
On 01 April, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol criticized the cartels of medics opposing reforms in the medical sector. He said the government will not back down on the quota increase plan that led to the month-long strike. The Straits Times reports that hospitals were cancelling critical treatments and surgeries as thousands of trainee doctors stopped working from 20 February onwards. The government aims to increase medical school admissions by 2000 seats from 2024 onwards to address the shortage of health workers and the growing ageing issue. Yoon said the increased numbers will only partially address the shortage issue, especially outside Seoul. He also urged the protesting doctors to return to work before completing the license suspension process. Yoon added that the cartels of doctors had strengthened, thereby the failure of previous governments to increase medical school admissions. South Korea will conduct its elections next week with the voting process. Also, The Straits Times reports increased public sympathy with the Yoon-led government on the doctors' strike. (“South Korean President Yoon slams doctor ‘cartel’ as the strike drags on,” The Straits Times, 01 April 2024)

North Korea launches intermediate-range ballistic missile, says Joint Chiefs of Staff South Korea
On 02 April, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile into the East Sea. The JCS said that South Korea detected a ballistic missile launch from the Pyongyang area at 6.53 am, suspected to be intermediate-range class, which flew about 600 km before falling into the sea. JCS suspects North Korea is testing a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile powered by a solid fuel engine. Japan reports that the missile had fallen outside of its Exclusive Economic Zone. The latest missile test has led to immediate condemnation from Japanese PM Kishida. (“North Korea fires suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile,” The Straits Times, 02 April 2024)

Japan lifts its suspension of funding on UNWRA
On 02 April, Japan announced that it would lift its suspension on the funding to the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) as the body was accused of some of its staff being involved in the 07 October attacks on Israel. The Straits Times mentions Japan as the sixth biggest donor to the agency. The suspension was announced by 15 other countries, which halted USD450 million in funding following the agency’s involvement in the Gaza conflict. At present, countries such as Australia and Canada have restored the funding. In a meeting with UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini, Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said, “The agency's role in addressing the Gaza crisis was indispensable even as it works to improve governance and manage risks.” She also said that Japan would immediately continue funding the UNWRA with USD 35 million. (“Japan resumes funding to embattled Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA,” The Straits Times, 02 April 2024)