HIGHLIGHTS
EAST ASIA
“Children in North Korea face egregious human rights violations,” says Seoul envoy to the UN
On 03 April, South Korean Ambassador to the UN Hwang Joon-kook said children in North Korea face grave human rights abuses, including receiving the death penalty for distributing South Korean dramas. During the UNSC Briefing on Children and Armed Conflict, Hwang said children in North Korea face “egregious human rights violations” despite North Korea being a signatory country to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. He also mentioned the collective punishments given to their family members and the widespread use of child labour. He added North Korea faces a severe humanitarian crisis as it spends most of its resources on nuclear and ballistic missile programs and luxury items. He noted, “17 per cent of children in the DPRK are reported to suffer from stunted growth due to malnourishment.” (“North Korean kids face death penalty for distributing K-dramas: Seoul envoy to UN,” The Straits Times, 05 April 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
Microsoft warns of Chinese disruption in US, South Korean, and India’s elections
On 05 April, Microsoft warned about a potential Chinese attempt to disrupt elections in the US, South Korea, and India in 2024 with artificial intelligence-generated content. The report also predicted North Korea’s role in targeting elections in 2024. The report mentioned China’s similar act to use an AI-generated disinformation campaign in the Taiwan presidential election in January 2024. China has been steadily experimenting with augmenting memes, videos, and audio. Microsoft notes that a Beijing-backed group called Storm 1376, also known as Spamouflage or Dragonbridge, was heavily active during the Taiwanese elections but was quickly removed before its mass broadcast. Microsoft also claims that Chinese groups use social media accounts to influence voters through divisive questions. (Dan Milmo, “China will use AI to disrupt elections in the US, South Korea and India, Microsoft warns,” The Guardian, 05 April 2024)

CHINA READER DAILY WIRE 
INTERNAL
China bans burning of joss paper and other offerings, triggers social media outburst
On 05 April, according to an opinion in South China Morning Post, local governments in China crackdowns on the burning of joss paper and other offerings during the Ching Ming festival triggered an outcry on social media. The government described it as a “feudal superstition” as the city of Nantong in the eastern province of Jiangsu announced a ban in March on the use of spirit money, joss paper, and other supplies for the festival. The announcement was meant to ensure the reforms of funeral and burial practices and promote civilized customs and practices. The local authorities warned of fines, administrative penalties, and criminal prosecution for rule violations. In 2012, the State Council banned the manufacturing and sales of joss paper and similar items 2012 as part of its funeral management regulations. Chen notes that the local governments have been promoting civilized rituals in recent years instead of superstitious activities during traditional Chinese holidays such as the Ching Ming Festival, the Hungry Ghost Festival, and the Lunar New Year. (Meredith Chen, “Chinese cities spark outcry with ban on joss paper sales and ‘feudal superstitions’ for Ching Ming Festival,” South China Morning Post, 05 April 2024)

Deaths due to air pollution will rise in China soon, says an opinion in The Guardian
On 05 April, according to an opinion in The Guardian, a multinational study from Chinese, German, and Canadian universities warned of more deaths in China over inaction over the growing air pollution. Studies have shown that despite improvements in China’s air pollution, around half of Chinese cities failed to meet their domestic standards in 2019. Gary notes the Chinese government’s “blue skies defence war” using huge investments in renewable energy to tackle air pollution. Prof Michael Brauer from the University of British Columbia mentions the severe impact of air pollution on older people. The studies project China’s air pollution-related deaths are projected to increase by between 116,000 and 181,000 a year from 2030 to 2060. (Gary Fuller, “China braced for rise in air pollution deaths,” The Guardian, 05 April 2024)

ECONOMY
Chinese central bank plans for additional monetary easing amid uncertainty over US Federal Reserve, commentary in SCMP
On 05 April, according to a commentary in South China Morning Post, the growing uncertainty over the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts is adding pressure on the yuan amid the ongoing plans by China’s central bank for greater monetary easing. So far, the yuan has declined at an average of 0.53 per cent against the US dollar since 20 March, despite the monetary targets set by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC). Louise Loo, a China economist at Oxford Economics, said that the PBOC can accommodate further weakening yuan as a weak currency can revive the country’s economy. Amidst the management of the property crisis fallout and countering deflationary pressures by the PBOC, China suffered slow money and credit growth. The Institute of International Finance (IIF) said that the PBOC prioritized the yuan’s stability over its easing. It also predicted that the weak yuan would lead to capital outflows and increased trade imbalances. (Amanda Lee, “China’s yuan: central bank sees resolve for stable currency, stimulus tested as Fed holds firm on rates,” South China Morning Post, 05 April 2024)

CHINA & TAIWAN
Taiwan condemns China’s comments on global earthquake sympathies
On 04 April, Taiwan condemned Chinese comments as “shameless” after a Chinese deputy ambassador to the United Nations thanked the world for its concern about the recent earthquake. It comes as Beijing claims the island territory as part of its own and the right to speak for it internationally. On 03 April, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, expressed condolences to Taiwan and offered aid. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that China’s shameless use of the Taiwan earthquake is part of its international cognitive operations, also known as Chinese psychological warfare. (“Taiwan condemns 'shameless' China's thanks for global sympathy on quake,” Reuters, 04 April 2024)

CHINA & SOUTHEAST ASIA
After live drills near Myanmar border, Chinese PLA on high alert
On 04 April, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said that it will remain on high alert and will boost additional patrol along the China-Myanmar border after its recent live fire drills. The PLA Daily mentions the growing tensions in Northern Myanmar due to the increased resistance by the rebel groups against the military junta. Myanmar has been facing severe instability since the military coup in 2021. The article mentions the need for an immediate ceasefire in Northern Myanmar and calls for resolution through dialogue and negotiation. The article also noted Beijing’s growing concerns over trade disruptions caused by the ongoing civil war in northern Myanmar. (Hayley Wong, “China military on ‘high alert’ at Myanmar border after live-fire drill ends,” South China Morning Post, 04 April 2024)

CHINA & AFRICA
Kenya to regulate TikTok over fears of data privacy
On 04 April, according to a survey published by the Reuters Institute Digital News Report in South China Morning Post, the growing concerns over data protection and privacy, the Kenyan government plans to impose restrictions on the use of TikTok in the country. The Interior and National Administration Minister, Kithure Kindiki, said the National Security Council is considering banning public officials from using the app to protect sensitive data. He further said that Kenya is not satisfied with TikTok’s compliance with the country’s data protection and privacy laws. In the parliamentary committee, he mentioned the government’s steps to question the company for compliance with domestic laws. Citing the example of the US cryptocurrency Worldcoin and its suspension in the country for collecting biometric iris scans without authority, the government can ban TikTok if it fails to provide information. Kindiki also warned of increased use of social media, especially TikTok, by criminals. Moses Kemibaro notes that countries worldwide are trying to regulate social media platforms for users' privacy and national security while at the same time ensuring innovation and economic growth. (Jevans Nyabiage, “Kenya becomes latest country to consider curbs on TikTok over data security and privacy fears,” South China Morning Post, 04 April 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
A level playing field for American companies and workers in China, says  US Treasury Secretary
On 05 April, during her five-day visit to China, the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called for a level playing field for American companies and workers. While speaking to Wang Weizhong, the governor of Guangdong province, Yellen mentioned the need for open and direct communication on areas of disagreement, including the issue of China’s industrial overcapacity and its global spillovers. Before meeting senior Chinese officials, Yellen took input from American, European, and Japanese business representatives to hear their concerns. Quoting a survey from the American Chamber of Commerce, Yellen said that a third of American firms in China say they have experienced unfair treatment compared to local competitors by imposing barriers to access domestic markets and coercive actions against the firms. Experts note Yellens’ push for fair competition in new technology sectors such as green energy and EVs with adequate access for American companies. (Fatima Hussein and Ken Moritsugu, “Yellen calls for level playing field for US workers and firms during China visit,” Associated Press, 05 April 2024)"

EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC READER
EAST ASIA
Japan needs to take an active role in the Middle East, says Armitage-Nye report
On 04 April, according to the Armitage-Nye report in Nikkei Asia, some bipartisan group of Japan analysts said Japan needs to strengthen its presence in the Middle East to uphold free and open international order. This comes after the ongoing attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea. The report highlights Japan’s absence in the region despite its heavy reliance on sea lanes in the Middle East. Ken noted that the previous editions were focused on Japan playing an equal role alongside the US in the alliance. However, in this edition of 2024, the report suggests Japan playing a larger role in leading the alliance. Ken also noted that Japan might face greater leadership responsibilities at the regional and global levels in the short term. The report also suggested Japan and South Korea normalize bilateral relations and follow the 2007 Japan-Australia Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation model. The report also called for the US and Japan to explore new models of Free Trade Agreements and called for the US to return to CPTPP. (Ken Moriyashu, “Japan needs 'hulls in the water' to defend Red Sea: Armitage report,” Nikkei Asia, 05 April 2024)

Taiwan is better prepared to face earthquake, says an editorial in The Straits Times
On 05 April, according to an editorial in The Straits Times, Taiwan’s improvement in building codes, greater public awareness, and highly trained search and rescue operations led to small casualties after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan. It reported that so far, only ten people died and 1000 injured. The editorial also mentioned the resumption of rail services followed by steady repair of roads and quick evacuations of civilians. It also mentions the strict building codes enforced since 1974 based on the experiences from other parts of the world. Even the 2018 earthquake in Hualien led to an immediate revision of building codes. The Director General of the National Centre for Research on Earthquake Engineering said the government had played a major role in reinforcing private apartment buildings for the past six years. The editorial also mentioned the need to protect its vital infrastructure, mainly the TSMC chip manufacturing company. The editorial mentions the critical role played by civil societies in the preparation against disasters. (“Why Taiwan was so prepared for a powerful earthquake,” The Straits Times, 05 April 2024)