Tensions are escalating in the South China Sea (SCS) region between China and Philippines. Over the past weekend China has accused a top Philippine envoy of “reckless speculation”, hitting back at the official’s claim that Beijing was using economic coercion against Manila in their dispute over SCS. The Philippines’ top envoy in the United States had said the South China Sea, not Taiwan, is the “real flashpoint” for an armed conflict in the region. Tensions in SCS are on the rise as China’s political elite and lawmakers are gathering this week for the country’s annual legislative sessions. On the eve of the session, China says it is capable of developing its own cutting-edge technologies, in a veiled warning to the West. Amid the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. has kicked off talks with Britain and Australia on inviting Japan to collaborate on defense technology under the AUKUS security partnership. Australia is hosting its second home-based summit with ASEAN leaders, aiming to strengthen its strategic economic strategy with Southeast Asia. In another development Malaysia has stated that it is open to resuming the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 that went missing a decade back. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Monday (March 4) that his government will, “with strong determination,” make every effort to realize the return of all citizens abducted by North Korea.
South China Sea: Beijing hits back at Philippine envoy over economic coercion claims
South China Morning Post | 3rd March 2024
China has accused a top Philippine envoy of “reckless speculation”, hitting back at the official’s claim that Beijing was using economic coercion against Manila in their dispute over the South China Sea. In a Chinese-language statement on Sunday (March 3), the Chinese embassy in the Philippines also accused Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the United States, of “disregarding basic facts, recklessly speculating on the South China Sea issue, and engaging in empty speculation and malicious smearing of China”.
Philippine envoy says South China Sea is the ‘real flashpoint’ in Asia, not Taiwan
South China Morning Post | 29th February 2024
The Philippines’ top envoy in the United States has said the South China Sea, not Taiwan, is the “real flashpoint” for an armed conflict in the region, warning “all hell would break loose” if Washington decides to invoke a mutual security treaty to defend Manila in the disputed waterway. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said the threat of growing maritime tension between his country and China turning into a military campaign was more alarming than the prospect of Beijing invading the island.
China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: after high-level purges, will party leadership tidy up loose ends?
South China Morning Post | 4th March 2024
China’s political elite and lawmakers will gather in March for the country’s annual legislative sessions which will set budgets and lay down Beijing’s plans for the country’s economy, diplomacy, trade and military.
‘No one can put a stranglehold on us,’ says Chinese official on global tech race
The Strait Times | 4th March 2024
China says it is capable of developing its own cutting-edge technologies, in a veiled warning that sanctions and measures to decouple or de-risk from the country would not work. “No one can put a stranglehold on us for any known technology,” Mr Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the National People’s Congress, told reporters on the eve of the opening of the top legislature’s annual session. “It’s just a matter of time before we develop it,” he added at the press briefing.
AUKUS eyes defense tech collaboration with Japan, report says
Japan Times | 2nd March 2024
The U.S. has kicked off talks with Britain and Australia on inviting Japan to collaborate on defense technology under the AUKUS security partnership, according to a media report, with an announcement possible as soon as next month. Japan’s involvement in the partnership would be limited to specific projects, excluding nuclear-powered submarines under the first pillar of the trilateral agreement, with the aim of boosting multilateral cooperation toward deterring China, the Nikkei business daily reported Saturday (March 2).
Time for Australia and ASEAN to grasp the regional strategic initiative
East Asia Forum | 3rd March 2024
Australia is hosting its second home-based summit with ASEAN leaders, aiming to strengthen its strategic economic strategy with Southeast Asia and underscore the association’s role in maintaining stability and growth in the region. The concept of ASEAN centrality, encompassing core economic and non-military security objectives, can be strengthened by elevating it into a strategic approach that addresses current economic, societal and environmental challenges, especially in light of increasing geopolitical tensions.
Malaysia mulls resuming search of missing MH370
Nikkei Asia | 3rd March 2024
The Malaysian government said Sunday (March 3) it is open to resuming the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 that went missing en route to Beijing nearly 10 years ago, citing a potential collaboration with a U.S. ocean exploration company. Speaking at a ceremony organized by family members of the crash victims ahead of the anniversary of the Boeing 777’s disappearance, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook said he will try to persuade the Cabinet to approve the search. “This is the biggest aviation mystery in the whole world. We must solve this mystery,” he said.
Japan PM vows strong determination in repatriating North Korea abductees
Kyodo News | 4th March 2024
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Monday (March 4) that his government will, “with strong determination,” make every effort to realize the return of all citizens abducted by North Korea. Kishida’s remarks came during a meeting at his office with family members of the abductees, who have recently said they would not oppose any move by Japan to lift sanctions against North Korea should Pyongyang return all abductees immediately.
