ASEAN News

Analysts report that the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, formerly deemed very implausible, has risen to the forefront of global money managers’ risk radars and is influencing their investment decisions. Fund managers report an increase in inquiries from clients on the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Although none of them have engaged in specific transactions relating …

China must be more forthright about the sources of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US ambassador to China stated on Monday, February 27, in response to news that the US Energy Department assessed that the pandemic was likely caused by a laboratory leak in China. Nicholas Burns, addressing via video connection at an event hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, …

Physical: 100, South Korea’s latest Netflix blockbuster, looks to be greatly influenced by the cultural phenomenon Squid Game. As with the imaginary Squid Game, the series is a variation on the survival game, a common reality TV genre, and the winner of the final game will get a substantial prize. Yet, this prize is not an inconceivable amount (ultimately about …

Friday, February 24, state media said that North Korea conducted a test launch of four strategic cruise missiles as part of an exercise aimed to demonstrate its ability to mount a nuclear reprisal against foreign forces. State news agency KCNA reported that an operational strategic cruise missile unit of the Korean People’s Army fired four “Hwasal-2” missiles in the vicinity …

Thursday, February 23, Japanese Emperor Naruhito delivered his first public birthday address since succeeding to the throne nearly four years ago. After delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, he solicited solidarity for those battling inflation and the pandemic. “Many people are experiencing problems in their daily lives as a result of the epidemic and rising prices,” Naruhito remarked while standing …

Nikkei Asia reported on Thursday, February 23, that Apple’s Chinese contract manufacturer Luxshare Precision Industries Co Ltd will assist develop the iPhone maker’s long-awaited augmented reality (AR) device. Luxshare has taken over the AR development team in Shanghai, which was previously controlled by Taiwan’s Pegatron, according to a source quoting people familiar with the subject. Luxshare is the first company …

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated on February 22 that she welcomes China’s support for the regional group ASEAN’s five-point peace agreement, which aims to stop hostilities in Myanmar’s military-ruled territory. Retno spoke after meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang, in Jakarta. “Indonesia extends its gratitude to China for its support of the five-point consensus.” She stated that (it) …

Indonesian and Chinese officials announced on February 22 that negotiations on a code of conduct (COC) for the South China Sea will be strengthened this year, as the region worries over China’s aggression in the key waterway. In Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang ahead of a round of code negotiations beginning in …

Hong Kong is under pressure to reign down spending as it announces its annual budget on Wednesday, February 22. This is due to its massive fiscal deficits accrued during the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as its efforts to stimulate the economy and reclaim its financial luster. After spending over HK$600 billion on limiting the spread of illnesses and giving economic …

South Korea’s rent-free renting system, which landlords and renters alike benefitted from over a lengthy period of rising residential property prices, is suffering as a result of a drop in housing values. With the “jeonse” arrangement, renters pay a deposit of up to 70 percent of the home’s value, then live rent-free for two years until the landlord returns the …