"China's Innovation at a Crossroads: Global Tensions, Policy Shifts, and EU Trade Balances"
China in Quotes
"China has previously retaliated with export restrictions on those crucial raw materials such as gallium, germanium, graphite, and key rare earth elements. Beijing knows where it hurts most."
Sebastian Contin Trillo-Figueroa, an EU-Asia specialist with the University of Hong Kong, on the countermeasures that China will take against EU's tariff hike.
De/Cypher Data Dive📈
China is committed to reduce child malnutrition outcomes (CMO) rates to less than 5 % by 2030 in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The prevalence of undernutrition of children under 5-year remains high in rural areas especially in poor rural areas in China.
Quick China: Unmissable Stories 📜
The Middle East is warming to the Middle Kingdom at the cost of the United Sates
The Arab Barometer surveys conducted in five countries in late 2023 and early 2024 show that the United States’ standing among Arab citizens has declined dramatically. A poll in Tunisia conducted partially before and partially after October 7 strongly suggested that this shift occurred in response to the events in Gaza. Perhaps even more surprising, the surveys also made it clear that the United States’ loss has been China’s gain. Arab citizens’ views of China have warmed in our recent surveys, reversing a half-decade trend of weakening support for China in the Arab world. When asked if China has undertaken serious efforts to protect Palestinian rights, however, few respondents agreed. This result suggests that Arab views reflect a profound dissatisfaction with the United States rather than specific support for Chinese policies toward Gaza.
EU concludes China EV value chain has unfair advantage, revises duties
As part of its ongoing investigation, the Commission has provisionally concluded that the battery electric vehicles (BEV) value chain in China benefits from unfair subsidisation, which is causing a threat of economic injury to EU BEV producers. The investigation also examined the likely consequences and impact of measures on importers, users and consumers of BEVs in the EU. Consequently, the Commission has reached out to Chinese authorities to discuss these findings and explore possible ways to resolve the issues identified in a WTO-compatible manner.
In this context, the Commission has pre-disclosed the level of provisional countervailing duties it would impose on imports of battery electric vehicles (‘BEVs') from China. Should discussions with Chinese authorities not lead to an effective solution, these provisional countervailing duties would be introduced from 4 July by a guarantee (in the form to be decided by customs in each Member State). They would be collected only if and when definitive duties are imposed.
The individual duties the Commission would apply to the three sampled Chinese producers would be:
• BYD: 17,4%;
• Geely: 20%; and
• SAIC: 38,1%.
Other BEV producers in China, which cooperated in the investigation but have not been sampled, would be subject to the following weighted average duty: 21%. All other BEV producers in China which did not cooperate in the investigation would be subject to the following residual duty: 38,1%. (European Union)
Chinese Researchers Accept Misconduct, Say They Have No Choice
“I had no choice but to commit [research] misconduct,” admits a researcher at an elite Chinese university. The shocking revelation is documented in a collection of several dozen anonymous, in-depth interviews offering rare, first-hand accounts of researchers who engaged in unethical behaviour — and describing what tipped them over the edge. An article based on the interviews was published in April in the journal Research Ethics.
The interviewer, sociologist Zhang Xinqu, and his colleague Wang Peng, a criminologist, both at the University of Hong Kong, suggest that researchers felt compelled, and even encouraged, to engage in misconduct to protect their jobs. This pressure, they conclude, ultimately came from a Chinese programme to create globally recognized universities. The programme prompted some Chinese institutions to set ambitious publishing targets, they say.
The article offers “a glimpse of the pain and guilt that researchers felt” when they engaged in unethical behaviour, says Elisabeth Bik, a scientific-image sleuth and consultant in San Francisco, California. (Nature)
Are Virtual Power Plants The Future? Taiwanese Gogoro Shows The Way
On the morning of April 3, Taiwan was hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Seconds later, hundreds of battery-swap stations in Taiwan sensed something else: the power frequency of the electric grid took a sudden drop, a signal that some power plants had been disconnected in the disaster. The grid was now struggling to meet energy demand. These stations, built by the Taiwanese company Gogoro for electric-powered two-wheeled vehicles like scooters, mopeds, and bikes, reacted immediately. According to numbers provided by the company, 590 Gogoro battery-swap locations (some of which have more than one swap station) stopped drawing electricity from the grid, lowering local demand by a total six megawatts—enough to power thousands of homes. Gogoro has been working with Enel X, an Italian company, to incorporate the stations into a virtual power plant (VPP) system that helps the Taiwanese grid stay more resilient in emergencies like April’s earthquake.
Battery-swap stations work well for VPP programs because they offer so much more flexibility than charging at home, where an electric-bike owner usually has just one or two batteries and thus must charge immediately after one runs out. With dozens of batteries in a single station as a demand buffer, Gogoro can choose when it charges them—for instance, doing so at night when there’s less power demand and it’s cheaper. In the meantime, the batteries can give power back to the grid when it is stressed—hence the comparison to power plants. (MIT Review)
Premier Li Qiang Chairs State Council Meeting on Venture Capital
On June 7, Premier Li Qiang presided over a State Council executive meeting to discuss policies and measures to promote high-quality development of venture capital, hear reports on the current real estate market situation and considerations for constructing a new real estate development model, review and approve the "Guiding Opinions on Improving the Long-term Mechanism for Basic Medical Insurance Enrollment," and the "Regulations on the Implementation of the Registration Capital Management System under the Company Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)," and discuss the "Law on the Response to Public Health Emergencies of the People's Republic of China (Draft)." (Sinocism)
China Wants Delivery Riders To Be CCP's Eyes, and Ears
China is calling on its army of 12 million food delivery drivers to start showing more obedience and loyalty to the ruling Chinese Communist Party, as well as acting as the government's eye and ears on the ground. The party will step up ideological work with the drivers, and enlist those who are already party members as part-time "supervisors" of the communities they serve, while wooing them with local rest stations aimed at making their lives easier, according to official documents published this week. "We will hire a group of online delivery personnel with a strong sense of responsibility to serve as part-time social supervisors and encourage them to take part in grassroots governance through snapshots and snap reports, and promptly upload details of any safety issues or hidden dangers found in food, drugs, products, special equipment, etc. as part of their daily work," according to a June 11 directive posted to the website of the State Administration for Market Regulation in Beijing. (Radio Free Asia)
Beyond The Great Wall 🧱
Exploring News About China in Depth
Policy Brief Analysis: The Sources of China’s Innovativeness Why China’s “Unstoppable” Innovation Powerhouse Might Falter
By Dr. Tim Rühlig, German Council on Foreign Relations
Analysis By Abhilasha Semwal, Deputy Director- Operations & Programs
Dr. Tim Rühlig, Senior Research Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations, discusses China's innovation powerhouse and its potential to become an unstoppable force in future technologies. China's innovation is attributed to its ability to utilize its market size, scale its semi-protectionism, and remain flexible in adapting the regulatory environment to market conditions. Its ability to attract technology and knowledge to China, force technology transfers to China, and become an integral part of global supply chains incentivize Western actors to collaborate with China. China's competitiveness is attributed to its deep ties with private sector actors and Western research institutions, and its competitive culture meets a society thirsting for innovation and willingness to adapt quickly. However, China's innovation is challenged by domestic policies and deteriorating international conditions. To address these risks, at least four different risks must be differentiated: risks to global supply chain resilience, which can be improved by diversifying global supply chains. Western governments should consider their policy options while considering domestic factors that shape the country's innovation power.
Read the full analysis here.
France and China Relations: A Balancing Act
Written By Farheen, Policy and Trust Analyst
With the recent visit of President Xi Jinping to France, his first in five years, the complexities inherent in the Franco-Chinese relationship have once again come to the fore. China and France have had a long-standing and intricate relationship, shaped by both political and economic factors since the 1960s. Émilie Tran's paper, "Role dynamics and trust in France-China coopetition”, offers a valuable framework for understanding this dynamic, arguing that the relationship is best characterized by "coopetition" – a blend of cooperation and competition.
France's approach to China has historically been rooted in the notion of Beijing as a "strategic partner," a perspective initially driven by a desire to counterbalance American influence during the Cold War. This partnership deepened in the following decades, particularly in the economic realm. China is France's second-largest trading partner outside the EU, with bilateral trade reaching $78.9 billion in 2023. France also seeks Chinese investment, with over 800 Chinese subsidiaries operating in France, employing around 30,000 people (Relations bilatérales, 2021). However, this economic dependence is increasingly viewed through the lens of strategic competition.
Mixed feelings and Growing Distrust:
Concerns in Paris are growing regarding economic leverage, unfair trade practices, and potential security risks associated with technological dependence. One area of particular concern is intellectual property rights. French companies have long expressed concerns about the lack of adequate IP protection in China, leading to significant losses through counterfeiting and forced technology transfer. This issue has become a major sticking point in bilateral trade negotiations and a source of tension between the two countries.
Although both President Macron and President Xi have publicly called for renewed trust in the bilateral relationship, their pronouncements only serve to highlight the widening rift between the two nations. The 2019 trade agreement on geographical indications championed by President Macron signals a sign of trust. However, broader tensions remain, with the EU recently launching an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles, a move opposed by Germany but pushed for by France. The complexities deepen as China and the EU compete in strategic industries. President Macron, since his election in 2017, has prioritized rebalancing the trade deficit and asserting French economic sovereignty. The exclusion of Huawei from France's 5G network exemplifies this shift towards a more assertive stance in protecting French economic interests. His stance towards China has been exemplified as inconsistent, oscillating between engagement and confrontation. This reflects the broader EU's struggle to develop a cohesive approach to China policy.
Beyond economics, fundamental differences in values and geopolitical strategies fuel a growing distrust between these countries. China's "Wolf Warrior" diplomacy, its human rights record, and its ambiguous stance on the war in Ukraine stand in stark contrast to the liberal democratic values championed by France. The Ukraine conflict, in particular, exposes a fundamental geopolitical rift. While Gourdault-Montagne, former French diplomat to China, in a recent interview stresses the importance of dialogue and finding "commonalities," the reality is that France, a staunch NATO member, and China, an increasingly assertive power with close ties to Russia, have fundamentally different visions for the international order.
The new role of France as a Middle Power:
While acknowledging shared interests in areas like climate change, Gourdault-Montagne emphasizes the importance of a united European front in addressing the economic and political challenges posed by China. He argues for a Europe that remains open to trade but also develops "strategic autonomy" and resists becoming overwhelmed by Chinese imports, particularly as the US, traditionally a guarantor of European security, drifts towards isolationism.
This divergence presents France with a significant dilemma. How can it reconcile its economic interests with its commitment to democratic values and a rules-based international system in the face of a rising China that appears increasingly willing to challenge that system? Gourdault-Montagne's emphasis on European unity and strategic autonomy suggests that France sees the answer in a more assertive and cohesive European bloc capable of engaging with China from a position of strength, promoting reciprocity, and safeguarding its interests and values in an increasingly multipolar world. But will the diverse interests and political dynamics within Europe allow for such a coherent approach, or will member states remain fragmented, hampering Europe's ability to effectively confront the China challenge?
Economy
China's inflation holds steady in May, factory deflation eases
CNA/Reuters reports, in May 2024 that China's consumer inflation remained steady at 0.3% year-on-year, while factory deflation eased, suggesting ongoing weak domestic demand and an uneven economic recovery. The slight improvement in the producer price index (PPI) was driven by commodity prices rather than robust domestic demand. Despite measures to spur the housing market and consumer sentiment, core inflation, excluding food and energy prices, fell to 0.6% from 0.7% in April.
China’s glut of idle property causes headache for the government
Amy Hawkins writes in The Guardian that China faces a severe property market crisis with millions of newly built homes sitting empty and unsold. Despite measures like subsidies and tax refunds to stimulate demand, property sales have dropped over 30% from last year. The government’s recent 300 billion yuan relending fund to convert unsold stock into affordable housing is seen as inadequate compared to the 4.3 trillion yuan value of unsold properties.
China Launches New High-Speed Rail Loop in Yangtze River Delta
Shikhar Gupta writes in Bloomberg that China has launched a new 1,200-kilometer high-speed rail loop in the Yangtze River Delta, connecting Shanghai with 19 stops, including Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing. This new link, operational from Saturday, will enhance connectivity and boost economic development in the region, which accounted for nearly a quarter of China's GDP in 2023. The route integrates with seven other high-speed lines and follows the recent introduction of a high-speed sleeper train service linking Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Xi Asks a Unicorn Question. Head-Scratching Follows.
Lingling Wei writes in WSJ that Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent meeting with entrepreneurs backfired after he questioned the decline in new unicorn companies, highlighting his disconnect with the impacts of his policies. Xi's approach emphasizes party control over private enterprise, steering investment and economic activity towards state priorities. This strategy has led to tighter control and potential nationalization of private firms, undermining investor confidence and innovation.
Internal Politics 🏛️
Book of Xi's discourses on national energy security published
Xinhua reports that a new book compiling excerpts from Xi Jinping's discourses on China's national energy security has been published by the Central Party Literature Press. The collection, featuring 217 passages from over 130 speeches and writings between November 2012 and May 2024, emphasizes the CPC Central Committee's efforts under Xi's leadership to enhance China's energy security and promote a modern energy system.
Chinese spy agency issues warning after ‘secret’ military books sold for 6 yuan
Vanessa Cai writes in SCMP that China’s Ministry of State Security highlighted a case where a retiree bought classified military books from a recycling station for six yuan, underscoring the importance of proper handling of confidential information. The ministry praised the retiree for reporting the incident, which prevented further security breaches, and emphasized the need for strict adherence to anti-espionage laws and proper procedures for managing state secrets. This incident is part of a broader public education campaign on national security and the amended anti-espionage law.
Chinese students voice hopes for Mideast peace in rare public political stand
Yuanyue Dang writes in SCMP that Chinese high school students have taken a rare public political stand by expressing solidarity with Palestinians and calling for peace in the Middle East during interviews after their gaokao exams. Videos of students with Palestinian flags and supportive messages appeared online but were swiftly removed from major Chinese social media platforms.
Northern China swelters in heatwave as torrential downpours soak the south
CNA reports that Northern China is enduring a severe heatwave with temperatures potentially surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, while southern regions like Guangxi are experiencing heavy rain and flooding. The heatwave is intensified by El Niño, with record-high temperatures expected to persist, while torrential rains in the south are predicted to continue due to the South China Sea monsoon, raising concerns over ongoing flooding and related emergencies.
China And The World🌐
Chinese jets circle Dutch ship in East China Sea
DW reports, on June 8, 2024, Chinese fighter jets circled a Dutch frigate, the HNLMS Tromp, patrolling the East China Sea in support of UN sanctions on North Korea, creating an "unsafe" situation, as reported by the Dutch Defense Ministry. The Chinese aircraft also approached a Dutch helicopter during the patrol. The incident occurred in international airspace amidst rising tensions in the region. The Dutch ship is now continuing its journey to Japan as part of the "Pacific Archer 24" naval exercises.
China's 3-pronged maritime threat rattles Japan, Philippines and Taiwan
Andrew Sharp writes in Nikkei that in recent months, China's assertive maritime activities have escalated tensions across East Asia, focusing on disputed territories like the Senkaku Islands, Scarborough Shoal, and Taiwan's Kinmen Islands. These areas, all part of the strategic "first island chain," are critical for regional security and have been sites of increased Chinese Coast Guard patrols and aggressive maneuvers. This "gray zone" aggression, characterized by actions short of open conflict, is viewed as a concerted effort by Beijing to challenge the status quo and exert control over these contested waters, alarming neighboring countries such as Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
Taiwan KMT bigwig Fu warns Lai not to 'pick fight' with China
Thompson Chau writes in Nikkei that Fu Kun-chi, a prominent Taiwanese opposition politician from the Kuomintang (KMT), has cautioned President Lai Ching-te against antagonizing China, emphasizing the economic importance of maintaining good relations. Fu defended controversial legislative reforms that enhance parliamentary powers and dismissed accusations of collusion with China. Despite criticism and legal challenges, he insists the changes are necessary for governmental accountability and infrastructure development, while also advocating for peace and economic cooperation with China amidst rising cross-strait tensions.
Taiwan amps up security after ex-Chinese navy captain enters illegally by boat
HKFP reports that Taiwan has heightened security measures following the arrest of a 60-year-old former Chinese navy captain who illegally entered the island by boat, seeking to defect. This incident marks one of 18 such defection attempts over the past year, with the individuals citing admiration for Taiwan's democratic way of life. Authorities are investigating the possibility of this being a test of their defenses, given the man's refined appearance and naval background. Taiwan's Premier emphasized the continuous vigilance required for national security, and the coast guard admitted to lapses in monitoring and intercepting the vessel. Read more: HKFP
US Officials work to bring home instructors recovering after stabbing attack at Chinese park
Ken Moritsugu and Didi Tang write in AP that U.S. officials are working to repatriate four Cornell College instructors who were stabbed in Beishan Park, Jilin, China. The attack was carried out by a 55-year-old local man and appears to be an isolated incident, with no critical injuries reported. Chinese authorities have detained the suspect and are continuing their investigation.
FBI official admits mistakes, vows to improve relations with Asian-American communities
Khushboo Razdan writes in SCMP that in a rare public admission, FBI Deputy Assistant Director Jill Murphy acknowledged the negative impact of the bureau's actions on the Asian-American community, particularly due to the now-disbanded China Initiative. Speaking at Rice University, Murphy emphasized the need for improved communication and understanding with the community.
Irish lawmaker Clare Daly, a strong supporter of China, loses her European Parliament seat
Finbarr Bermingham writes in SCMP Clare Daly, an Irish lawmaker known for her strong pro-China stance, has lost her seat in the European Parliament. Despite her significant online presence and backing from celebrities like Susan Sarandon and Annie Lennox, Daly was eliminated in Dublin’s prolonged proportional representation count. Daly, who had been an MEP since 2019, often voted against resolutions critical of China and Russia, and her support for China's policies, including in Xinjiang and Ukraine, was well-documented. Her political partner Mick Wallace still has a chance to secure a seat in Ireland South.
China overlooks Milei’s rhetoric, hands Argentina US$35 billion lifeline
Igor Patrick writes in SCMP that China has agreed to renew currency swap tranches worth 35 billion yuan (about US$5 billion) with Argentina’s central bank until July 2026. This agreement provides crucial support to Argentina's economy amid market turbulence and a severe dollar shortage. Despite the contentious relationship with Argentina's President Javier Milei, China overlooked his anti-Beijing rhetoric, ensuring the renewal of the swap and strengthening financial and economic ties between the two countries.
China’s next moon mission to include Egypt and Bahrain, member of US Artemis Accords
Ling Xin writes in SCMP that Egypt and Bahrain have joined China's Chang'e-7 mission as international partners, contributing a hyperspectral camera to search for water ice on the moon's south pole. Despite Bahrain's membership in the US-led Artemis Accords, this collaboration signifies a deepening of ties between Egypt, Bahrain, and China in space exploration, with potential for further cooperation in the future.
Norway just loosened China’s stranglehold on rare minerals critical to the global economy—and it’s a huge win for Europe and the U.S.
Paolo Confino writes in Fortune that Norway's discovery of the largest deposit of rare earth elements in Europe has significant implications for global geopolitics and the supply chain of critical minerals. This discovery, made by Rare Earths Norway, could potentially reduce Europe's dependence on China, which currently dominates the extraction and processing of rare earth elements.
Dual-Use Villages on the Indo-China Border
Written By Priyanka Garodia, Geopolitical Research Analyst - South Asia
The disputed Indo-China border is a highly contentious area that has been a source of concern for New Delhi and Beijing. As part of its “military-civil fusion” strategy, satellite images have shown that China has increased its number of ‘xiaokang’ (小康), or dual-use villages along the border. Dual-use villages are those towns that can either be civilian spaces or serve military purposes. Between 2018 and 2022, the area saw the construction of over 624 villages, clustered along the Eastern Line of Actual Control (LAC). The following villages have seen significant work done:
Zhuangnam, a possible military or paramilitary force along the northwest LAC, has seen significant work. The buildings are high-walled and appear to be barracks. They are assumed to offer the PLA a better vantage point for monitoring activities in the border area.
Majiduncun has seen notable expansion, including well-paved roads and the presence of two helipads. A PLA facility can be seen in recent images, which includes a gated society, a satellite dish and military trucks.
Yarao sees an increase in buildings around the area from 30 to 65. The village also has a helipad and new roads.
Kuiqiongmen is a security outpost between Majiduncun and Yarao, which was most limited to a single road and a few odd buildings. Recent images show the presence of construction vehicles and equipment.
China considers the entire region to be of great strategic significance. It has demonstrated commendable skills and resilience in building infrastructure in the region, given the terrain and weather conditions. This leaves India in a precarious position to counter the developments with its own projects to protect border security. An initiative to do so was launched in 2023 in Arunachal Pradesh.
A Potential Arms Race in the South China Sea
Written By Priyanka Garodia, Geopolitical Research Analyst - South Asia
The South China Sea (SCS) is one the most highly militarised zones in the world. It comprises three major archipelagos - the Paracel, the Spartley and the Pratas. Regional and non-regional actors are highly active in the region, leading to it becoming a hotspot for geopolitical tensions. As part of its Asia rebalance strategy, the United States has taken a special interest in the matters of the region. The presence of American weapons in the region is considered a major threat by China. The Chinese prime minister, Sun Weidong, sees the increasing military presence in the region as a catalyst for “an arms race developing in the SCS”. The long-standing dispute between China and the Philippines in the region, has been a major contributor to the increasing animosity between China and the USA. The Philippines is a military ally of the US, using it to counter Chinese influence in the region. The Chinese see the American forces as meddling in the region, undermining coastal countries directly involved in the dispute. Washington maintains that the South China Sea region is an important route for international navigation and trade (the region sees around US$3 trillion in annual ship commerce) and must be defended from absolute Chinese control.
Tech🧑💻 in China
Fragmented AI Regulations in Asia Creates Challenges for Businesses
Written By Shivani Singh, Program Coordinator for Law & Critical Emerging Technologies
Asia's diverse approach to regulating AI is causing uncertainty for companies looking to expand across the region. Unlike the European Union's unified AI Act, individual Asian countries are implementing their own national policies, resulting in a complex regulatory environment. This fragmented approach presents significant challenges for businesses trying to comply with different laws in multiple countries. AI governance gaps have been identified as a key risk to business growth, even as investments in AI have surged over the past decade.
The EU's AI Act establishes comprehensive rules for AI systems marketed or used within its borders, but Asia's regulatory landscape is less cohesive. China is the most proactive, with administrative guidelines already in place and a national AI law in development. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea are still formulating their AI regulations, aiming to strike a balance between innovation and oversight. Japan is transitioning from self-regulation to considering more formal controls, while South Korea's proposed legislation focuses on adopting technology first and regulating later. Singapore prefers issuing guidelines rather than enacting comprehensive laws.
In the absence of clear regulations, some companies are taking it upon themselves to self-regulate. For example, U.S. telecommunications firm, Verizon promotes responsible AI use and advocates for coherent regulations across the region. Enterprise software provider, SAP also emphasises the importance of consistent regulatory frameworks to build trust in AI. The lack of regional coherence could diminish Asia's influence in global AI governance, with the EU's AI Act potentially becoming the global standard. Given Asia's political and digital diversity, creating a unified AI policy is a formidable challenge. Businesses must prepare to navigate varied and sometimes conflicting regulatory environments across the region.
China's BYD harnesses EV tech to make fast-charging monorails
Shizuka Tanabe writes in Nikkei that BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is leveraging its EV technology to develop fast-charging monorails, expanding its reach into overseas mass transit markets. A recent shipment of BYD monorail cars to Brazil will be used on a 17.7-kilometer line in São Paulo, set to start operations by 2026. Utilizing its lithium-iron-phosphate Blade batteries, the SkyShuttle monorails offer efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions, attracting growing interest in regions like India and Africa.
HKIC wealth fund to strike maiden investments in June in technology, biotech, new energy
Enoch Yiu writes in SCMP that The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), managing HK$62 billion, will begin investing in start-ups this June, focusing on hard and core technology, biotechnologies, and new energy and green technologies. CEO Clara Chan Ka-chai announced these investments as part of efforts to bolster innovation and sustainable economic development in Hong Kong.
News From Asia
Friday
South Korea is eager to carve out a larger role for itself on the international stage, and has created a strategy and intelligence bureau within its ministry of foreign affairs. Most of the diplomats assigned to it have experience of working on the North Korea file. Read more: IO
This month, the Australian government is expected to publish the findings of an independent intelligence review aimed at helping the intelligence community to adapt to strategic competition developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Read more: IO
The US State Department stated that it and its allies are ready to increase pressure on Iran if it does not cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog. Read more: Arab News
Human rights groups have urged Thailand not to extradite Y Quynh Bdap, a Vietnamese activist detained in Bangkok, fearing he could be at risk if returned to Vietnam. Read more: AP
Thursday
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the suspension of controversial voting reforms in New Caledonia, responding to deadly unrest and protests from the Indigenous Kanak people. Read more: The Guardian
In 2023, a record 117.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). Read more: Arab News
Thailand has decided to abandon plans to implement a 300 baht (US$8.20) tourism fee for air travelers entering the country. Read more: CNA
Denmark has recalled three types of spicy instant noodles imported from South Korea due to concerns over high levels of capsaicin, which can pose health risks including acute poisoning. Read more: AP
Wednesday
South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has directed the government to implement comprehensive measures following a 4.8 magnitude earthquake near Buan in North Jeolla. Read more: Korea Herald
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has described his country as an "invincible comrade-in-arms" with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin, celebrating Russia’s National Day. Read more: Strait Times
The World Bank has reduced Myanmar's growth forecast for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to 1% due to escalating violence, labor shortages, and a depreciating currency. Read more: CNA
The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) has urged the government to change civil law to allow married couples to keep separate surnames, as the current one-surname requirement is viewed as a barrier to women's advancement and a business risk. Read more: AP
Tuesday
Vietnam is set to permit gold imports by companies for the first time in over a decade, aiming to reduce the gap between domestic and international gold prices. Read more: Reuters
South Korean troops fired warning shots after North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on Sunday, June 9, 2024. The North Korean soldiers, carrying construction tools, returned immediately after the warning. Read more: AP
Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) due to concerns over its impact on economic growth. The country, which saw TB cases rise to over 1 million in 2023, plans to conduct clinical trials for vaccines. Read more: CNA
Japan has implemented stricter asylum deportation rules, allowing the government to deport failed asylum seekers after three rejections. Previously, asylum seekers could remain in Japan while appealing their decisions. Read more: Arab News
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