HIGHLIGHTS
EXTERNAL
Chinese “Red Circle” law firms expanding in the overseas market
On 18 April, an Opinion in the Financial Times looked into the rising Chinese law firms in Asia and the US. Chinese top law firms also known as the “red circles” are stepping up to expand their international presence, by working at a much lower fee. The op-ed reckoned that at least eight of the biggest Chinese law firms in mainland China have now opened overseas. The expansion also known as the “red circle” came as a counter to London’s legal firm “magic circle.” Dozens of Chinese firms have opened offices in the US over the past few years. Jingsh Law Firm one of China’s biggest firms have announced its plans to set up offices in South Korea and Japan. Managing partner at Zhong Lun Alan Xu said: “Chinese law firms are rapidly evolving and increasingly competing in these areas by hiring experienced lawyers from international firms and expanding their international presence.” (Chan Ho-him, “China’s ‘red circle’ law firms rush to tap other markets,” Financial Times, 18 April 2024)

CHINA & EUROPE
“China’s word carries weight in Russia,” says Olaf Scholz to Xi Jinping
On 16 April, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “China’s word carries weight in Russia,” while urging President Xi Jinping to persuade Russia to end its war in Ukraine. He mentioned President Xi’s acceptance for the peace conference in Switzerland. Xi stated: “efforts towards a peaceful resolution should be recognised by both sides and include equal participation by all parties.” Scholz said to Xi that Russia’s aggression and arms buildup in Ukraine has negative implications for Europe’s security. Chinese state media CCTV quoted Xi’s statement: “four principles to prevent the Ukraine crisis from spiralling out of control and to restore peace.” His remarks come after Scholz, accompanied by his delegation, arrived in Beijing on 14 April for the second time since taking office. (“German chancellor urges Xi Jinping to press Russia to end Ukraine war, saying ‘China’s word carries weight’,” The Guardian, 17 April 2024)

CHINA READER DAILY WIRE 
INTERNAL
Authorities collective punishment on Chinese dissenters, reports Chinese Human Rights Defenders
On 15 April, VOA reported on US-based human rights group Chinese Human Rights Defenders finding that China has been “collectively punishing” and persecuting Chinese families. The authorities are probing against the children and family members of detained human rights defenders. They are taking them in custody and keeping them in psychiatric wards, hospitals and orphanages. They forced school-aged kids of detainees to drop out and banned them from leaving China. The director of Chinese Human Rights Defenders groups Renee Xia said: “The most heartbreaking part is [how the Chinese authorities are] inflicting so much pain on the children of human rights defenders and the experience of watching their parents being mistreated growing up leaves long-term psychological trauma on them.” As part of the collective punishment children and families are forced to be evicted from their houses and the schools repeatedly turn them away from admission. Chinese Huma Rights Lawyer Wang Quanzhang who was detained in 2015 stated that he and his family has been evicted multiple times and hotels have refused to take them in. Wang said: “The authorities think our community has been trying to humiliate them, so they want to use all the means at their disposal to punish human rights lawyers.” He also said that his 11-year-old son had been turned away from several schools and when they tried to leave the country the customs office stopped them stating national security issues. The report demands: “immediately cease all harassment and extralegal detention of the family members of human rights defenders.” (William Yang, “Report: Chinese authorities impose collective punishments on families of detained dissidents,” VOA, 15 April 2024)

Former industry workers disagree on the Chinese overproduction issue, says an Opinion in BBC
On 18 April, an Opinion in BBC looked into the dwindling Chinese industries and the issue of overproduction. Ren Wenbing former factory worker in the manufacturing hub Dongguan. Ren lost his job when the owner of the former company he was working at shifted the production house to Southeast Asia to save costs. The op-ed highlighted the growing concern of the Chinese overproduction by the US and the West. The Chinese brand of “Made in China” has shifted from t-shirts, tables and TVs to electric cars and solar panels. The old industrial pillar furniture, clothes and electric goods are no more as China looks for a “new productive force,” that would focus on solar panels, lithium batteries and electric cars. Yan Mu a salesperson for Chinese solar batteries said: “I think Chinese companies are leading the whole energy storage market. With innovation, with new technologies, battery sales, PCS [power conversion systems] ... well, everything. Right now, I think 80% to 90% of the energy storage equipment is designed and manufactured in China.” China in 2024 has installed more solar panels than the US in the last decade. But this new growing industry is not labour-intensive says the op-ed, therefore the booming industry does not alleviate the unemployment crisis. Dongguan is also changing from an industrial hub, it is changing itself to an aspiring high-tech hub. Huawei made a campus to house 25,000 employees, there are a set of new science parks and chains of hotels being built. These new jobs require specialized skills and people like Ren do not have to make use of the new opportunities. (“The West says China makes too much. Its workers disagree,” BBC, 18 April 2024)

China’s debt defaulters barred them from high-speed trains and fancy hotels, says an Opinion in WSJ
On 17 April, an Opinion in the Wall Street Journal looked into the punitive actions taken by the Chinese authorities against people with bad debt. Many of the debt repayment defaulters are blocked from buying tickets for high-speed trains as a penalty. People in China are penalized for not paying their debts the authorities are seizing their salaries and restricting them from getting government jobs due to non-payments. They are forbidden from buying expensive insurance policies and are not allowed to go on vacations or live in nice hotels. Unlike the US the defaulters are not allowed to declare bankruptcy and write off their bad debts. The long-standing property crisis has caused significant personal debts and as the prices are falling many are stuck with mounting debts. Chinese bank issues tens of millions of new credit cards with each year having an outstanding balance jumping over 50 per cent. This has created a new black market to cater for the needs of blacklisted people, where one ring of scammers bought tickets on behalf of these backlisted people. Some analysts believe that the Chinese economy gives more power to creditors and powerful SOEs rather than individuals and that there is an urgent need to create a nationwide bankruptcy system.  (Brian Spegele, “Pacemaker or competitor? Beijing half marathon under probe as Chinese star handed a win,” VOA, 16 April 2024) “ China’s Punishment for People With Bad Debts: No Fast Trains or Nice Hotels,” Wall Street Journal, 17 April 2024)

Controversial Chinese marathon win of He Jie probed into
On 16 April, VOA reported on the controversial win of the Chinese long-distance runner He Jie. The Beijing Half Marathon is facing a probe as a video went viral where three African runners allowed and even deliberately slowed to let, He win the race. The video showed all three African runners Kenya’s Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat, and Ethiopia’s Dejene Hailu Bikila letting He in front as they approached the finish line together, they gestured He to pass in front of them to win the race. Once the video went viral the Mnangat said that he let him win because the Chinese runner is his friend and refused that any monetary reward was given or promised. He then later changed his statement and said it let him win because they were hired as pacemakers and were not there to compete. (“Pacemaker or competitor? Beijing half marathon under probe as Chinese star handed a win,” VOA, 16 April 2024)

ECONOMY
The Chinese economy grew by 5.3 per cent surpassing predictions, reports the National Bureau of Statistics
On 16 April, the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics informed that their economy grew by 5.3 per cent, the official data found that the Gross Domestic Product expanded by 5.3 per cent in the first three months of 2024 than 2023. They not only completed their goal but surpassed the expectation, where many analysts believed that the growth would be slowed down to 4.6 per cent. Last month they set a target for 5 per cent economic growth in 2024. They made a stronger-than-expected comeback even as the real-estate crisis still plagues the Chinese economy. The data also revealed that their retail sales in the first quarter and the consumer confidence fell to 3.1 per cent. Moody’s analyst Harry Murphy said: “You cannot manufacture growth forever so we need to see households come to the party if China wants to hit that around 5% growth target.” Additionally, the property investment fell by 9.5 per cent. Real estate accounts for 20 per cent of the Chinese economy. (“China economy grows faster than expected in first quarter,” BBC, 16 April 2024)

Chinese central bank cautions against the “one-sided pursuit of credit expansion”
On 18 April, the Chinese Central Bank cautioned against the “one-sided pursuit of credit expansion.” The banks have slowed down lending as they prioritize quality credit oversize. People’s Bank of China said: “With the transition of the economy from high-speed growth to high-quality development, ... it is even more necessary to change the traditional mindset of one-sided pursuit of scale and establish the concept of prioritising quality and efficiency.” PBOC has stated that they would channel funding into innovation technology and green manufacturing of smaller firms. PBOC also said: “Credit allocation should ultimately be in line with the needs of high-quality development of the real economy. The key is to grasp the level well, rather than the more, the better.” They aim to revitalize the existing credits to improve their quality and efficiency.  (“China's c.bank warns against 'one-sided' pursuit of credit expansion,” Reuters, 18 April 2024)

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Ampace is the largest Chinese exporter of battery storage systems
On 18 April, the South China Morning Post reported on the growing Chinese industry of batteries under Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL)  as it looks to dominate internationally. Ampace part of Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited (CATL) is investing heavily in the energy storing system and the “batterfication” of tools. A researcher at Ampace said that there is a huge demand for diverse applications of energy storage and they want to carve out their space. In three years, the company has been able to establish itself in the global home energy storage market. Shenzhen Gaogong Industry Research (GGII) found that China has shipped over 20 gigawatt hours of residential energy storage system and Ampace was the largest manufacturer of it accounting for 30 per cent of it. The company recently launched an Ampace C5 that can be used commercially and for industries at a reduced cost of 46 per cent. (Yujie Xue, “How a little known spin-off of Chinese battery giant CATL has come to dominate the global home energy storage market,” South China Morning Post, 18 April 2024)

CHINA & TAIWAN
PLA sends fighter jets to warn US Navy aircraft from patrolling in the Strait
On 17 April, PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command informed that they sent fighter jets near the Taiwan Strait to warn US Navy patrolling in the region with aircraft.  The US Navy’s 7th fleet also informed that the P-8A Poseidon maritime that is reconnaissance and patrolling aircraft flew over the international air space near the Taiwan strait. They issued that they operated within the Strait and in line with international law asserting that the US “upholds the navigational rights and the freedom of all nations.” Chinese military’s Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army called this a public hype and that “Troops in the theatre are always on high alert and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability.” This comes right after the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, where Dong said: “The Chinese People’s Liberation Army will never let any Taiwan independence separatist activities and external connivance and support go unchecked,” and that the Taiwan issue is the core of Chinese interest and this core interest mustn’t be harmed. (“China sends fighter jets to shadow US Navy plane over Taiwan Strait,” The Straits Times, 17 April 2024)

CHINA & EAST ASIA
China’s NPC president meets Kim Jong Un to discuss the friendly future of Beijing and Pyongyang
On 13 April, Chinese legislator and the President of the National People’s Congress China Zhao Leji met with the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. Zhao expressed China’s willingness to work with its North Korean counterparts to further deepen their cooperation. Zhao said: “No matter how the international situation changes, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK, created and nurtured by the older generation of leaders from both parties and countries, remains deep-rooted and strong over time.” Zhao also said that it is China's strategic policy to defend and further friendly relations between China and North Korea. (“China’s top legislator meets North Korea’s Kim Jong Un on goodwill visit,” The Straits Times, 13 April 2024)

“Hong Kong must tightly hold onto the bottom line of national security to safeguard development,” says the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office 
On 15 April, the director of Beijing’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, said that “Hong Kong must tightly hold onto the bottom line of national security to safeguard development” in a speech to mark the annual National Security Day. It comes as the Hong Kong authorities imposed Article 23, or the new national security law in March 2023 that updates or introduces new laws to prohibit treason, sabotage, sedition, the theft of state secrets, and espionage, with jail terms of up to life imprisonment. Baolong mentions that the new law does not threaten investors amid criticism of a wider public crackdown. The legislation was introduced as part of the national security law China directly imposed on Hong Kong in 2020 in response to mass pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. (“China says Hong Kong must ‘tightly hold’ national security line to safeguard development,” The Straits Times, 15 April 2024)

CHINA & SOUTHEAST ASIA
Chinese coast guards block the Philippines research vessel for eight hours
On 13 April, Chinese coast guards blocked two Philippines ships for hours near their country’s coast. The incident took place just 35 nautical miles from the Philippines coast. The satellite imagery by Sea Light found that the Philippines's maritime research vessels and escort ships met the Chinese coastguards. The image showed that they met near the infamous nine-dash line that China marks as part of its claim in the region. The vessel was stopped for eight hours. Sea Light director Ray Powell informed that they intercepted them as they crossed the nine-dash line claim. Powell also believes that China’s actions are a reaction to the US-Philippines and Japan’s trilateral summit where they voiced concerns stating that this is a dangerous behaviour in the South China Sea. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “[T]he Philippines has abandoned the current administration’s understanding with China on the Ren’ai Jiao issue.” (Kathrin Hille and Demetri Sevastop, “China coastguard blocks Philippine vessels as maritime tension grows,” Financial Times, 15 April 2024)

Vietnamese high-level delegation visits China to boost economic ties
On 17 April, Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue led a high-level delegation to China from 7 to 12 April to boost economic ties. The delegation also met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Hue said the two countries “aim to connect Vietnam to China's large development strategies.” Lim notes that Vietnam is China's largest trading partner of China, and Beijing has a greater role in boosting FDI in Vietnam. Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) representative said that Chinese companies are putting tough competition on South Korea with their increased investments in Vietnam. Kim Hyong-mo notes that South Korea ranked first in FDI since 1988 with USD 85 billion but faces fierce competition from Chinese firms. He also mentions a growing preference for Vietnam due to its proximity to China and its population of 100 million people, making it attractive for shifting industrial chains from Mainland China. (Peh Hong Lim, “China-South Korea competition grows in Vietnam,” VOA, 17 April 2024)

PLA conducts second live-fire drills along China- Myanmar border
On 17 April, the People’s Liberation Army conducted its second live-fire drill along the China-Myanmar border, indicating Beijing’s concerns over the deteriorating security situation. As reported by the theatre command’s WeChat account, the drills were organized by the PLA’s Southern Theatre Command, which involved both ground and air forces. The PLA statement said: that the drill tested the forces’ abilities in “air-defence capacity, reconnaissance, early warning, and repulsion.” The drills come after the first drill two weeks ago due to the continued rebel uprising in Northern Myanmar. China repeatedly calls all the parties to exercise restraint and promotes resolving issues through dialogues and discussions. (Zhao Ziwen, “China holds another live-fire drill along Myanmar border as concerns over rebel uprisings grow,” South China Morning Post, 17 April 2024)

“China and Indonesia pledges to strengthen economic ties and maintain peace and stability in the region,” says Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Yi
On 18 April, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: “China and Indonesia have pledged to strengthen economic ties and maintain peace and stability in the region,” after meeting with his counterpart Retno Marsudi in Jakarta. Wang also called all parties to exercise maximum restraint and urged the US to support the UN ceasefire resolution in Gaza. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said she hoped China “would use its influence to prevent escalation” in Gaza, “emphasising the need for a two-state solution.” Wang also plans to attend the China-Indonesia High-Level Dialogue Cooperation Mechanism meeting with his Indonesian counterparts in Labuan Bajo on 19 April for further cooperation. Wang also expressed a quick resolution to the ongoing code of conduct on the South China Sea. Retno also mentioned the meeting between Jokowi and Wang for further economic cooperation in the transportation and petrochemical sector. (“China foreign minister says Beijing and Jakarta want regional peace and stability,” Reuters, 18 April 2024)

CHINA & THE MIDDLE EAST
“Energy trade between China and the Middle East is likely to increase,” says an analysis by the UBS Investment Bank
On 15 April, according to an analysis by the UBS Investment Bank, the energy trade between China and the Middle East is likely to increase significantly amid the Saudi-Iran peace deal brokered by China. According to Ken Liu, head of China and Hong Kong renewables, utilities, and energy research at UBS Investment Bank, by 2030, the trade between the two sides will increase by USD 423 billion annually or 11 per cent, with renewables and petrochemicals accounting for USD 77 billion and USD 325 billion, respectively. He further mentions that the Beijing Accord of March 2023 will yield greater monetization potential, thereby sudden impact on share prices. Liu also mentions additional trade in the green energy sector, with China playing a greater role in the Middle East through its control over the renewable equipment supply chain. According to the Chinese customs data, trade between China and the Middle East from 2017 to 2022 has doubled from USD 262.5 billion to USD 507.2 billion. (Yujie Xue, “China’s energy trade with Middle East set to surge since Beijing brokered last year’s Iran-Saudi deal, UBS says,” South China Morning Post, 16 April 2024)

CHINA & EUROPE
German Chancellor Scholz urges China to play fair in EU market
On 15 April, Germany’s Chancellor urged China’s top industrial heads to play fair in EU markets and not violate copyright rules or overproduce cheap goods. In his three-day visit to China, Schulz said he would encourage the EU to pursue a protectionist policy. In the case of the automotive industry, Scholz said that European cars should have equal access to the Chinese market. He also requested that Chinese authorities not impose stringent restrictions on foreign companies trying to set up manufacturing capabilities in China. Connolly mentions that Scholz’s visit aimed to pursue a de-risking strategy to reduce overall dependency on China. (Kate Connolly, “German chancellor urges Chinese industry bosses to play fair in EU market,” The Guardian, 15 April 2024)

Russian and Chinese firms avoid taxes, western sanctions through trading in copper scrap, says an editorial in Reuters
On 15 April, according to an editorial in Reuters, Russian Copper Company (RCC) and Chinese firms avoided taxes and Western sanctions by trading in new copper wire rods disguised as scrap. Reuters reports of copper wire rods being shredded in the remote Xinjiang Uyghur region by an intermediary to allow both exporters and importers to earn profits from scrap and new metals. It further reported that Russia's export duty on copper rods was 7 per cent in December, lower than the 10 per cent levy on scrap. Imports of copper rods into China are taxed at 4 per cent and no duty on Russian scrap imports. Data from Chinese customs showed that China imported more copper scrap from Russia. The Federal Customs of Russia noted that its trade data in April 2022 stopped publishing after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. Reuters reports that shredding is out of the sanctions regime as the shredded copper metal is harder to identify and trace, thereby making it easier to sell to Chinese manufacturers. The data showed that around 97 per cent, or 6,434 metric tons, came from the Alashankou border of Xinjiang in December 2023. (“Exclusive: Russia and China trade new copper disguised as scrap to skirt taxes, sanctions,” Reuters, 15 April 2024)

CHINA & THE AMERICAS
China opposes US probe into its shipbuilding industry, says an editorial in The Wall Street Journal
On 17 April 2024, according to an editorial in The Wall Street Journal, China opposes the US probe into its shipbuilding industry and calls the investigation politically driven with false accusations. It came after US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said that it would open an investigation into China’s policies and practices in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors after receiving petitions from the five national labour unions. China’s Ministry of Commerce rejected it and said that USTR’s statements misinterpreted normal trade and investment practices and called its accusations “baseless and against economic common sense.” In addition to USTR, President Biden calls for increasing tariffs on the imports of Chinese steel and aluminium to boost the domestic steel sector. (“China Denounces U.S. Probe Into Shipbuilding Sector,” The Wall Street Journal, 17 April 2024)

“IPR continues to be the main concern for US businesses in China,” says US Patent and Trademark Office Director 
On 16 April, the US Patent and Trademark Office director Kathi Vidal said that “intellectual property rights (IPR) continue to be a main concern for US businesses in China.” Vidal mentioned that the Office of the US Trade Representative has placed China on its priority watch list, citing insufficient protection and enforcement of IP. She also said that Beijing’s actions harmed US companies and workers and hurt other countries. On 15 April, in her meeting with Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, Vidal mentioned the US’s willingness to cooperate in developing intellectual property cooperation with China. (“US official says intellectual property rights infringement still main concern in China,” The Straits Times, 17 April 2024)

The US and China discuss Middle East developments, the South China Sea and Taiwan 
On 15 April, the US diplomats discussed Middle East developments, the South China Sea, and Taiwan issues with their Chinese counterparts to stabilize bilateral ties. During the US delegation’s visit to Beijing on April 14-16, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink met China’s Executive Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office Deputy Director Qiu Kaiming. The US Department of State said that the delegation officials, including the US National Security Council senior director for China and Taiwan, Sarah Beran, and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, discussed bilateral, regional, and global issues. It stated that the visit was aimed at managing differences and reducing the risk of miscalculation. The US officials warned of the risk to bilateral ties amid China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. (“US, China officials discuss Middle East, Taiwan, South China Sea,” The Straits Times, 16 April 2024)

EXTERNAL
Chinese “Red Circle” law firms expanding in the overseas market
On 18 April, an Opinion in the Financial Times looked into the rising Chinese law firms in Asia and the US. Chinese top law firms also known as the “red circles” are stepping up to expand their international presence, by working at a much lower fee. The op-ed reckoned that at least eight of the biggest Chinese law firms in mainland China have now opened overseas. The expansion also known as the “red circle” came as a counter to London’s legal firm “magic circle.” Dozens of Chinese firms have opened offices in the US over the past few years. Jingsh Law Firm one of China’s biggest firms have announced its plans to set up offices in South Korea and Japan. Managing partner at Zhong Lun Alan Xu said: “Chinese law firms are rapidly evolving and increasingly competing in these areas by hiring experienced lawyers from international firms and expanding their international presence.” (Chan Ho-him, “China’s ‘red circle’ law firms rush to tap other markets,” Financial Times, 18 April 2024)On 17 April, US President Joe Biden announced that he would increase the tariffs on imports of Chinese steel and aluminium by threefold and vows to block the acquisition of US Steel company by Japanese company Nippon during his speech to the steelworkers union in Pennsylvania. His statement comes as the union's support would provide vital support to Biden in the November presidential elections. The President asked the Trade Representative to triple the existing tariffs of 7.5 per cent on Chinese imports to protect US jobs from unfair competition. Biden also said that he will ensure to prevent Chinese shipments to the US via Mexican ports. White House national economic adviser Lael Brainard, mentioned that the Biden administration vowed to boost American manufacturing and to protect the domestic industry from unfair imports due to China’s industrial overcapacity. (Leonie Chao-Fong, “Biden to triple taxes on Chinese steel and block Japanese takeover of US Steel,” The Guardian,” 17 April 2024)

US Congress targets Chinese drugmaker over links to the Chinese government
On 15 April, The New York Times reported a Chinese drugmaker being targeted by the US Congress over links to the Chinese government. The company WuXi AppTec is one of many companies that supply critical drugs for the US market to treat cancers, obesity, and debilitating illnesses like cystic fibrosis. The US lawmakers identified the company as a potential threat to the security of individual Americans’ genetic information and US intellectual property. According to Jewett, the sudden move by Congress has shocked the US pharmaceutical industry, which has already been struggling with widespread drug shortages for the past 20 years. Jewett mentioned the reputation of WuXi AppTec for creating low-cost drugs and reliable work to produce in bulk quantities, with one-fourth of the drugs being developed for the US market. She also reports the Biosecure Act bill, which linked the company to the PLA and accused WuXi AppTec of sponsoring military-civil events and receiving military-civil fusion funding. (Christina Jewett, “Chinese Company Under Congressional Scrutiny Makes Key U.S. Drugs,” The New York Times, 15 April 2024)

EAST ASIA & THE PACIFIC READER
EAST ASIA
Japan to conduct demonstration tests for autonomous underwater drones in June, reported by The Straits Times
On 18 April, according to The Japan News and Asia News Network in The Straits Times, the Japanese government will start the demonstration tests for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) from June to December 2024. The expected costs per unit are reported to rise to JPY one billion. The government mentions using AUVs in dangerous waters and deep seas with high pressure. It will be used in marine resource development and national security. The government also indicated using AUVs to inspect offshore wind power generation facilities and underwater surveillance and vigilance activities. According to the government, Japan aims to strengthen its AUV capability amid China’s maritime expansion. The government will invite AUV manufacturing companies, research institutes, and organisations specializing in oceanographic surveys for the demonstration tests. The government mentions the strategy for domestic production of AUVs in 2023 to industrialise AUVs by 2030. (“Underwater drones to be tested in Japan with aims to promote domestic manufacturing,” The Straits Times, 18 April 2024)

6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Southern Japan
On 17 April, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Southern Japan. It was reported that the Bungo Channel between the Kyushu and Shikoku islands was the epicentre of the earthquake. JMA also reported that six-magnitude earthquakes were recorded in the Ehime and Kochi prefectures. Local media reports minor damages, such as water pipe bursts, with no casualties. Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said that one of the operational Ikata nuclear reactors in Ehime prefecture witnessed no damages. Hayashi also warns of multiple earthquakes with lower magnitudes of six seismic scale. (“Earthquake jolts southern Japan’s Ehime, Kochi prefectures,” The Straits Times, 18 April 2024)

Australia boosts defence budget to prepare against potential US-China conflict in the Pacific
On 17 April, Australia to boost defence spending by AUSD 50.3 billion over the next decade to prepare against a potential conflict between the US and China in the Pacific. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said that the new defence spending indicates new priorities, such as focusing on missiles, drones, and warships to prepare the country against potential regional conflicts. According to the ministry, the new spending will take place after the next five years and will take the overall defence spending from the current two per cent to 2.4 per cent of the GDP by 2034. Out of the AUSD 330 billion, 40 per cent or AUSD 145 billion, is allocated for the navy, which includes surface fleets, AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, and Ghost Shark undersea drones. Also, one-fifth, or AUSD 74 billion, will be allocated for missile-related programs as per the suggestions given under the 2023 review. The remaining AUSD18 billion will be allocated to upgrade military bases in northern Australia. (“Australia to prioritise missiles, drones and warships as part of $44 billion defence boost,” The Straits Times, 17 April 2024)

Japanese Foreign Minister expresses concerns over Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel
On 14 April, Tokyo expressed concerns regarding Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel and warned of potential escalation of conflict in the region. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said: “This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation.” This comes after Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel on 13 April in retaliation for an Israeli air strike on its embassy in Syria. The minister’s statement also stressed the need for diplomatic steps to prevent any further deterioration of the situation. The Straits Times reports Japan’s heavy reliance on oil, with 95 per cent of the crude imported from the Middle East region. (“Japan strongly condemns Iranian attack on Israel as ‘escalation’,” The Straits Times, 14 April 2024)

South Korean President Yoon accepts the public sentiment after the general election results 
On 16 April, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that he and his government accepted the public sentiment on the recent 10 April general election. The elections led to the win of the opposition party and its control over the National Assembly for the next four years. President Yoon also admitted the shortfall in meeting economic recovery for all. He urged the government to refine existing domestic policies to enhance their effectiveness in addressing the people’s livelihoods and warned against populist policies such as cash allowances. He said that he would focus on major reform drives on labour, education, public pensions, and the medical sector. According to The Straits Times, President Yoon did not address the careless nomination of former defence minister Lee Jong-sup as the envoy to Australia. The ruling People Power Party won 108 seats out of 300 in the National Assembly in recent general elections, leaving the party stressed against the opposition’s majority. Yoon said in a cabinet meeting that he would cooperate with the National Assembly to make key policy changes. (“South Korean President Yoon sorry for shortcomings but insists policies were right,” The Straits Times, 16 April 2024)

Outgoing President Tsai announces Lin as Taiwan’s next Foreign Minister
On 16 April, during her remarks to a visiting New Zealand delegation in Taipei, outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen introduced Lin Chia-lung as Taiwan’s new Foreign Minister. She added that the incumbent Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, will become the secretary-general of the National Security Council. Tsai’s steps marked a shift in the announcements being made by the incoming government. Presidential Office spokesperson said President-elect Lai Ching-te’s team would confirm any new government appointments. Opposition KMT party member Ma Wen-chun said that Tsai’s deep involvement in national security issues will continue to exert her influence behind the scenes. Lin served as an adviser to the National Security Council in the early 2000s under then-President Chen Shui-bian. Lin also served as an ambassador for Tsai’s digital New Southbound Policy initiatives between Taiwan and 18 countries across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australasia. (Yip Wai Yee, “Taiwan has a new foreign minister – it’s announced by outgoing President Tsai, not her successor Lai,” The Straits Times, 18 April 2024)