Morning Brew Update (Asia Pacific)

Kyodo News - Tensions High After ROK Boards Russian Vessel

Just one week after the resolution of the Kyushu Ferry incident, another incident has threatened peace in East Asia. The South Korean government claims to have found a Russian spy ship that assisted North Korea in the Kyushu Ferry hijacking. The spy ship was found in South Korean waters. After refusing to comply with South Korean demands, South Korea’s navy boarded and took control of the ship.

Tensions escalated after Russia and South Korea took turns expelling the other’s diplomats from their embassies. Shortly after, Bulgaria later followed suit by cutting ties with South Korea, an action which South Korea reciprocated. South Korean protests erupted decrying Russia’s involvement in the ferry incident. 

Many people are concerned that matters could get even more out of hand. “I fear we are headed down a dark path,” said one concerned South Korean citizen. “I just hope we can finally move past all these headaches.” 

Those fearing a potential conflict may be able to breathe a bit easier, but concerns still remain. South Korean and Russian diplomats were spotted leaving an uneasy emergency meeting, which also included delegations from China. Officials from both sides have confirmed to Kyodo news that both sides are prepared to move past this situation, with Russia demanding an apology and for South Korea to abandon the ship. 

More to come…

Associated Press - Op-Ed: Xi Jinping on the Hotseat–What the Recent News in China Means

John Harris is an expert on China and reporter for AP. The views of this op-ed are entirely his.

I published a news piece one week ago detailing some behind-the-scenes movements that might indicate that Chinese hardliners are preparing to oust Xi Jinping from power. I noted that while Xi has enjoyed great popularity boosts from fulfilling his promise on Taiwanese reunification, he has faced difficulties in preventing China’s economy from spiraling. More importantly, China’s hardliners have disparaged Xi’s passive stance to the United States’ retreat from East Asia. They also criticize Xi’s indifference to warming relations between Japan and South Korea.

Since this news story was published, Xinhua News has reported that an anti-corruption campaign is underway. This campaign has allegedly been an early success, with China having arrested many thus far. 

This is a risky move. While true success could buy Xi some more time, it could also heighten insecurity among political rivals–and even some moderate supporters. Without addressing the hardliners’ underlying concerns, Xi is betting that his power is significant enough to conduct a successful purge operation. Anything less, and a desperate rival may decide to take matters into his own hands. 

Panmunjeom Joint Statement from DPRK, ROK, and Japan - PRESS STATEMENT

Japanese, ROK, and DPRK government officials met at Panmunjeom and secured the immediate and safe return of all North Korean nationals back to the DPRK. 

Japan has agreed to the release of 8 North Korean citizens captured at the Coast of Japan and extradite the rogue North Korean operative back to the DPRK. 

The ROK has agreed to the return of the North Korean fisherman who had sailed into ROK maritime territory in response to the SOS call from the Beetle Ferry in Kyushu. 

The DPRK government expresses condolences to the families of the ten Japanese passengers that have passed away, and has pledged to conduct an investigation and trial of the rogue North Korean operative and provide justice for the families. 

All three countries remain committed to ensuring regional stability and urge the resolution of ongoing conflict and tensions.

Korean Central News Agency - North Korea Launches ICBM Over Hokkaido

North Korea has achieved new heights–literally, as it launched its state-of-the-art Baekho-1 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. It was able to travel over 2,000 km, solidifying North Korea’s status as a global superpower. 

Press Statement from the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation

The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation announces the commencement of joint military exercises with the People's Republic of China, to be held in the vicinity of Vladivostok, near the border with North Korea. These exercises are part of a series of planned military collaborations between Russia and China, aimed at enhancing the interoperability and strategic coordination of our armed forces.