East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | August 2022
Posted on August 25, 2022
I Overview
China:
- Chinese PLA undertakes aggressive exercises in Taiwan Strait post Nancy Pelosi visit
- China’s Politburo Meets Without Setting a National Growth Target
- EAM reiterates that India – China ties experiencing “extremely difficult phase”
Japan:
- PM Kishida signals a key shift in Japan’s approach to nuclear energy
- Japan to stop pre-arrival testing for vaccinated travelers from 7 September
- Japan to establish an expert panel on financing the rise in defence costs
- Tokyo International Co
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | July 2022
Posted on July 23, 2022
I Overview
China:
- 16th Round of Military Talks on LAC
- Virtual BRICS Summit
- EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Chinese FM Wang Yi
- PM greets HHDL on his birthday
- Chinese companies in India in the cross-hairs of the Enforcement Directorate
- Xi Jinping visits HK as it marks its 25th Anniversary of return to China
Japan:
- Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe is assassinated
South Korea:
- South Korea mulls joining US-led semiconductor alliance
- South Korean Won at 13-year low against US Dollar
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | May 2022
Posted on June 1, 2022
I Overview
China:
- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Visits China
- Premier Li Keqiang’s warning on the state of China’s Economy
- China’s Economy in Trouble
- Zero Covid policy is being discreetly criticized
Japan:
- 2nd Physical Quad Meeting held in Tokyo
- Indo – Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) for Prosperity launched at Tokyo
South Korea:
- Yoon Suk-yeol sworn in as new President of the Republic of Korea
- President Biden visits South Korea
North Korea:
- Upsurge in Covid cases in North Kore
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | April 2022
Posted on April 29, 2022
I Overview
China:
- Serious outbreak of Covid in Shanghai
- Chinese Provinces and Cities discourage travel during May-day holidays
- Three Chinese nationals killed in terrorist attack in Karachi
Japan:
- PM Kishida to embark on major foreign tour
- Japanese Government unveils Yen 6.2 trillion economic package
- US President Biden expected to visit Japan on 22-24 May
South Korea:
- US President Biden to visit South Korea on 20-22 May
- Samsung Electronics profit jumps 51% in Q1
- LG Electronics reports record
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | March 2022
Posted on March 22, 2022
I Overview
China:
- Government Work Report presented at Two Sessions
- Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds press conference during the Two Sessions. Talks about India – China Relations
- China’s Military Budget to reach $229 billion in 2022
- China’s position on Ukraine issue
Japan:
- Japan expresses concern about China’s military build up
- Japan imposes more sanctions on Russia
- Former PM Shinzo Abe makes some critical suggestions post Ukraine crisis
- Japan PM Kishida visited India on 19 – 20 March
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | January 2022
Posted on January 12, 2022
I Overview
China:
- U.S. announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics
- China launches 2 satellites into space
- Income Tax Department launches investigations into several Chinese firms
- Central Economic Work Conference held
- China’s aircraft carriers conduct drills and training simultaneously
Japan:
- Japan’s Cabinet passes 107.60 trillion Yen budget for fiscal 2022
- Japan – U.S. 2+2 dialogue on 7 January
- Japan too endorses diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics
South Korea:
- Presid
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | December 2021
Posted on December 4, 2021
I Overview
China:
- Communist Party of China holds the 6th Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee
- India – China trade crosses US $ 100 billion in 2021
- China does not attend Delhi Meet on Afghanistan
- Russia – India – China (RIC) Foreign Ministers Meeting
- President Biden and President Xi hold a virtual Summit
Japan:
- PM Kishida calls for 3% pay hikes
- Japan to increase military spending by US $ 7 billion
- Japan weighs release of oil reserves to tame prices
- Japan establishes an Economic Secu
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | November 2021
Posted on November 5, 2021
I Overview
China:
- 6th Plenary Session to be held 8 – 11 November 2021
- New Provincial Party chiefs appointed
- China’s Q3 GDP grows at 4.9%
- 13th round of India – China Corps Commanders talks on disengagement do not produce any result
- China protests Vice President Naidu’s visit to Arunachal
- Bhutan – China MOU on 3-step Road Map to Advance Boundary Negotiations
- China tests a nuclear hypersonic missile
Japan:
- PM Fumio Kishida wins majority in Diet
- Kishida pledges to double Japan’s defense spendin
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | October 2021
Posted on October 4, 2021
I Overview
China:
- 13th BRICS Summit held
- SCO Leaders Summit held in Dushanbe
- Newly promoted General given charge of Western Theatre Command
- China to protect rights of gig workers
- EAM Jaishankar met Chinese FM Wang Yi on sidelines of SCO Summit at Dushanbe
Japan:
- Kishida wins LDP leadership race
- Princess Mako to marry on 26 October
- Japan’s Q2 GDP grows 1.3%
- Japan – Europe space mission captures first photos of Mercury
South Korea:
- South Korea tests a SLBM
- Korea’s global battery market shar
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | September 2021
Posted on September 18, 2021
I Overview
China:
- Xi Jinping’s focus on “common prosperity” and attack on Chinese firms
- Indian and Chinese Troops Disengage at Gogra
- China Backs Afghanistan’s Taliban Government
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Dasu Attack
Japan:
- PM Suga announces he will not seek leadership of LDP
- Japan successfully hosts the Olympic Games
- Japan – Vietnam sign defense transfer deal
- Japan plans a 2.6 % increase in defense spending
South Korea:
- South Korea establishes Task Force to expand space capa
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | July 2021
Posted on July 28, 2021
I Overview
China:
- Xi Jinping’s Address on the 100th Anniversary of the Communist Party of China
- EAM Jaishankar meets Chinese FM Wang Yi in Dushanbe on sidelines of a SCO meeting
- General Secretary Xi Jinping Visits Tibet
- PM Modi greets Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday
- China Rejects WHO attempts to re-open investigation into Chinese laboratories
- What do Didi Chuxing’s troubles indicate?
- China’s GDP grows well in H1 but underlying slowdown in growth is apparent
- 9 Chinese workers killed in Pakistan
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | June 2021
Posted on June 30, 2021
I Overview
China:
- New Museum of the Communist Party of China inaugurated for Centenary Celebrations
- Rumors of a defection from China’s Ministry of State Security
- Bytedance revenues double in 2020
- China criticizes G-7 statements and comments
- Anniversary of Galwan marked in India
- China gives 1 billion doses of vaccine against Covid-19
Japan:
- Japan ratifies RCEP
- Japan reached target of 1 million vaccine doses in a day
- Japan’s population falls to 126.22 million in 2020
- Japanese household assets
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | May 2021
Posted on May 27, 2021
I Overview
China:
- 2020 Census shows China’s population growth close to Zero
- State Council releases a new White Paper on Tibet
- Bytedance founder Zhang Yiming to step down as CEO
- Xi Jinping’s “New Development Stage” contribution to Marxist Thought
- Yuan Longping, Father of Hybrid Rice Passes Away
Japan:
- Different views in Japan on holding Olympics
- Japan administers Moderna vaccine for the first time
- Japan considers halting economic aid to Myanmar
South Korea:
- South Korean President Moon
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | April 2021
Posted on May 3, 2021
I Overview
China:
- 71st Anniversary of Establishment of India – China Diplomatic Relations
- National Security Education Day marked in China
- Xi Jinping inaugurates the Boao Conference
- China’s Economy Expands
Japan:
- PM Suga visits The White House
- Few domestic travelers in Japan’s Golden Week
- Japan’s Opposition Speaks Up Against Holding Olympics
- Japan to approve Moderna Vaccine soon
South Korea:
- President Moon Jae-in to visit U.S. on May 21
- Cardinal Cheong passes away
- Lee Jae-yong inheri
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | March 2021
Posted on April 1, 2021
I Overview
China:
- Main Developments at the “Two Sessions”
- FM Wang Yi’s response to question on India – China Relations
- China’s Reaction to the Quad Summit
- China – U.S. 2+2 at Anchorage, Alaska
- China’s Economy Performing Well
Japan:
- U.S. – Japan 2+2 dialogue held at Tokyo
- Japan – Indonesia 2+2 Dialogue
- Japan joins the U.S. in Expressing Dissatisfaction on WHO Report on Covid Origins
- Japan’s Economy Shrinks in 2020
South Korea:
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | February 2021
Posted on March 5, 2021
I Overview
China:
- India – China begin disengaging in one sector of Ladakh
- China publicly admits that 4 soldiers including an officer of the PLA died at Galwan on 15 June 2020
- Biden has telephone conversation with Xi but meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers also takes place
- China prepares for its annual Parliament meeting or “Two Sessions”
- US Navy ship sails through Taiwan Strait; China says this undermines stability
Japan:
- Japan appoints a Minister for Loneliness
- Seiko Hashimoto takes charge of
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | January 2021
Posted on January 31, 2021
I Overview
China:
• CPC Politburo Meets
• President Xi’s speech at Davos
• WHO Team in China to Study the New Corona Virus
• EAM Jaishankar says India – China Relations are at a Crossroad
• India – China Standoff at Ladakh Continues
Japan:
• Flurry of phone conversations between senior leaders of Japan and US
• PM Suga addresses the World Economic Forum at Davos
• Unemployment increased significantly in 2020 in Japan
• Japan urges China to ensure new Coast Guard Law does not violate intern
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | December 2020
Posted on December 29, 2020
I Overview
China:
• Politburo meets on economic work for 2021
• Central Economic Work Conference Held
• Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng clarifies on “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy”
• FM Wang Yi takes stock of China’s Diplomacy for 2021
• EAM Jaishankar says India – China ties have been “significantly damaged”
• India issues a National Security Directive on Telecom Sector
Japan:
• Japan sets record US $ 52 billion military budget
• Quad consultations take place to further decisions taken at FM
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | November 2020
Posted on November 28, 2020
I Overview
China:
• 5th Plenary Session of Central Committee of CPC held
• China’s Reaction to Malabar Naval Exercises
• India – China Border Imbroglio Continues
• G-20, SCO and BRICS Summits held virtually – PM Modi and Xi both attend
Japan:
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits Tokyo
• Japanese start-up Ispace Inc. to design lunar landers for NASA
• Japan’s Consumer Prices fall at fastest rate in October 2020
• Australia and Japan conclude Reciprocal Access Agreement
South Korea:
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | October 2020
Posted on October 28, 2020
I Overview
China:
• China’s Politburo holds Study Session on Quantum Science and Technology
• China posts good economic results for Q3
• China to impose sanctions on US firms selling arms to Taiwan
• 5th Plenary Session of Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee meeting in Beijing
• India – China border faceoff continues
Japan:
• Quad Foreign Ministers meet at Tokyo
• External Affairs Minister Jaishankar meets his Japanese counterpart
• PM Suga delivers policy speech at opening of spec
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | September 2020
Posted on September 29, 2020
I Overview
China:
• Foreign Ministers meet at Moscow
• Local Commanders meet at Chushul/Moldo
• China – EU Summit held
• TikTok arrives at agreement with Oracle
Japan:
• PM Abe steps down; Suga takes over as new PM
• PM Modi speaks telephonically with PM Suga
• Senior Officials of Quad meet virtually
• PM Suga holds telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi
• PM Suga addresses the UN General Assembly
Hong Kong:
• Human rights situation in HK comes up at UN Human Rights Council
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | August 2020
Posted on August 25, 2020
I Overview
China:
• Industrial output rises in July
• India – China border situation continues to fester
• Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign against the police in China
• Pakistan FM Qureshi visits counterpart Wang Yi in China
Japan:
• Japan is warned by China not to ban TikTok
• Japan marks 75th Anniversary of atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• Japanese shipping firm considers compensation for Mauritius oil spill
• Shinzo Abe becomes Japan’s longest continuously serving PM
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | July 2020
Posted on July 27, 2020
I Overview
China:
• Chinese Economy posts positive growth in Q2
• China undertakes Phase – 2 trials of an anti Covid-19 vaccine
• China launches its first Mars mission
• China told to close its Consulate General in Houston, retaliates by shutting US Consulate General in Chengdu
Japan:
• Covid cases spike in Japan
• Japan’s H-2A Rocket launches UAE Mars probe
• Annual Defense of Japan White Paper released
South Korea:
• South Korean economy contracts in Q2
• South Korean Trade Minister
Special Issue | East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | INDIA – CHINA BORDER STANDOFF AND ITS IMPLICATIONS | July 2020
Posted on July 22, 2020
SPECIAL ISSUE
• INDIA – CHINA BORDER STANDOFF AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
What is happening in Eastern Ladakh?
In early May 2020, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) moved several divisions of its troops to the area, under the pretense of conducting exercises there. Since there were large numbers of troops involved along several locations of a stretch of the India – China border, it is now obvious that these moves were planned, pre-meditated and carefully camouflaged.
On the ground, what the PLA att
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | June 2020
Posted on June 29, 2020
I Overview
China:
• India – China Border Imbroglio
• China issues a White Paper on its efforts to tackle Covid-19
• Resurgence of Covid-19 in Beijing
• US and China top diplomats meet in Hawaii
Japan:
• PM Abe announces a second stimulus package
• Japan’s handling of Covid-19
• Japanese Defense Minister warns of China’s intentions in Asia
South Korea:
• PM Modi greets President of South Korea on 70th Anniversary of Outbreak of Korean War
North Korea:
• North Korea blows up office shar
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | May 2020
Posted on May 21, 2020
I Overview
China:
• The “2 Sessions” to be held soon
• Australia presses the World Health Assembly to undertake an independent investigation into the causes of spread of Covid-19
• Indian and Chinese border patrols cross paths in the Himalayan border region
• Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Power Station construction awarded to a China – Pakistan JV
Japan:
• Japan partially lifts state of emergency announced due to Covid-19
• Japan supports Taiwan’s participation in World Health Assembly
• Japan lau
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | April 2020
Posted on April 20, 2020
H I G H L I G H T S
• Overview
• Developments in China
• Developments in Japan
• Developments in South Korea
• US-China Trade and Technology War
I Overview
China:
• China quietly increases number of deaths in Wuhan city due to Corona virus by 50%
• China’s Economy contracted in Q1
• Leadership meetings held in Beijing
• China’s purchase of Indian assets and changes in our FDI rules
Japan:
• Tokyo Olympics Postponed to 2021
• PM Abe declares state of emergency in Japan and unveils a stim
East Asia Digest | March 2020
Posted on March 16, 2020
MARCH 2020 | VOL 02 ISSUE 02 | MONTHLY
H I G H L I G H T S |
• Overview • Developments in China • Developments in Japan • Developments in South Korea • Developments in Hong Kong |
| I Overview China: • President Xi visits Wuhan • China’s Propaganda Machinery in full swing on Corona Virus • Xi Jinping speaks on telephone with UN Secretary General • China issues Report on Human Rights Situation in the U.S. Japan: • Latest statistics on Corona Virus • Tokyo Olympic Games |
East Asia Digest by Ambassador Gautam Bambawale | January 2020
Posted on January 31, 2020
I Overview
China:
• Outbreak of the Corona Virus
• President Xi Jinping visits Myanmar
• India – China Trade down in 2019 as compared with 2018
• China’s Great Wall Motors to buy GM plant
• Huawei permitted to participate in 5G trials in India
Japan:
• Japan confirms 3 new cases of corona virus
• PM Abe considering Moscow visit in May
• Former Emperor Akihito Collapses and Loses Consciousness
Hong Kong:
• 10 cases of corona virus in HK
The US – China Trade and Technology War:
• Phase – 1 Deal me
East Asia Digest | July 2019
Posted on January 16, 2020
Overview
Japan:
• G-20 Summit
• Japan-USA-India (JAI) interaction at Osaka
China:
• Russia-India-China (RIC) Trilateral Summit Meeting at Osaka
• BRICS Leaders Meeting at Osaka
• Hong Kong
• Next India-China Informal Summit
DPR Korea (North Korea)
• Chinese President Xi visits Pyongyang
• President Trump meets Kim Jong-un at the DMZ
The US – China Trade and Technology War
• Negotiations Resume
Developments in Japan
G-20 Summit
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted the 14th G-20 Summit at OsakaRead more…
East Asia Digest | December 2019
Posted on December 23, 2019
I Overview
Japan:
• India – Japan Annual Summit Postponed
• PM Abe to visit China for Trilateral Summit
• PM Abe to meet South Korean President Moon
China:
• 22nd Round of Special Representatives meeting on Boundary Issues held
• China’s attempt to raise Kashmir again at UN Security Council thwarted
• Macau marks 20th anniversary of return to China
• Annual Central Economic Work Conference held
Hong Kong:
• HK protests continue
The US – China Trade and Technology War:
• Phase – 1 Trade Deal in sRead more…
East Asia Digest | November 2019
Posted on November 28, 2019
I Overview
Japan:
• Japanese PM Abe to visit India in December for Annual Summit
• Japan-South Korea decode to continue with their bilateral GSOMIA
• Japan hosts G-20 Foreign Ministers Meeting
China:
• Fourth Plenum of 19th Central Committee held at Beijing
• US Vice President Spence elaborates on US Policy towards China
• India and China announce 70 activities to mark the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Hong Kong:
• Huge victory for pro-democracy candidates in District Council Elections
East Asia Digest | October 2019
Posted on October 24, 2019
I Overview
Japan:
• Enthronement of Japanese Emperor Naruhito
• Typhoon Hagibis hits Japan
China:
• 2nd India-China Informal Summit at Mamallapuram
• Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s visit to China
• Chinese President Xi visits Nepal
- 9th Xiangshan Forum held at Beijing
Hong Kong:
• Protest and Violence continue in Hong Kong
• HK Chief Executive Carrie Lam visited Japan for the Enthronement Ceremony
The US – China Trade and Technology War
• A ray of light in the trade and technology war
II Developments in
East Asia Digest | September 2019
Posted on October 4, 2019
| I Overview |
| Japan: • Malabar Naval Exercise 2019 • Meeting of Quad Foreign Ministers • Consumption Tax Hike Comes into effect China: • China celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic • Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi refers to Kashmir in his UNGA speech • President Xi Jinping of China slated to visit India for 2nd Informal Summit North Korea: • North Korea tests an apparent SLBM Hong Kong: • Protests continue and mar Chinese National Day The US – China Trade W |
East Asia Digest | August 2019
Posted on August 27, 2019
Overview
Japan:
• Japan-South Korea Relations Deteriorate
China:
• China’s Reaction to Revocation of Article 370
• Visit to China of EAM Dr. Jaishankar
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
The US – China Trade and Technology War
• Differences Persist Despite Discussions
Developments in Japan
Japan- South Korea Relations Deteriorate
Over the past few months, relations between Japan and South Korea have taken a sharp downturn and last week the South Korean government announced that it was withdrawing from anRead more…
East Asia Digest | June 2019
Posted on June 18, 2019
Overview
China:
• China hosts Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations
• President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia
• Protests in Hong Kong
• PM Modi and President Xi meet in Bishkek
Japan:
• US President Trump visits Japan
• PM Abe visits Iran
The US – China Trade War
Developments in China
China hosts Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations
In the backdrop of the US-China trade and technology conflict, with a view to negating the Huntington theory of a ‘clash of civilizations’, China
East Asia Digest | May 2019
Posted on May 18, 2019
Overview
China:
• 2nd Belt and Road Forum
• Listing of Masood Azhar at the UN
• US-China Trade War Shifts into Higher Gear
• Indian Navy Participates in the 70th Anniversary Celebrations of PLA Navy (PLAN) at Qingdao
Japan:
• New Reiwa Era Begins
• Navies of Japan, India, US and Philippines Demonstrate Joint Presence in the South China Sea
DPR Korea (North Korea):
• North Korea Launches Two Short-Range Missiles
Developments in China
2nd Belt and Road Forum
China hosted the 2nd Belt and Road For
