🇹🇼 Taiwan navy publicly displays Harpoon loadout in Perry-class
Taiwan Navy invited media aboard frigate Feng Jia, revealing a combat-ready Harpoon on the MK 13 single-arm launcher in a simulated engagement—its first open look since the ships entered service in 2018.
The showcase underlined the PERRY-class’s balanced air-defense and anti-ship design, contrasting with TAIWAN’s Cheng Kung-class, which centers surface strikes on indigenous Hsiung Feng II/III while using the launcher mainly for Standard-1.
It also signals wider Harpoon expansion as United States-supplied HCDS coastal batteries begin arriving, adding mobile shore-based firepower alongside ship-launched capability.
#Taiwan
@asianomics
Taiwan Navy invited media aboard frigate Feng Jia, revealing a combat-ready Harpoon on the MK 13 single-arm launcher in a simulated engagement—its first open look since the ships entered service in 2018.
The showcase underlined the PERRY-class’s balanced air-defense and anti-ship design, contrasting with TAIWAN’s Cheng Kung-class, which centers surface strikes on indigenous Hsiung Feng II/III while using the launcher mainly for Standard-1.
It also signals wider Harpoon expansion as United States-supplied HCDS coastal batteries begin arriving, adding mobile shore-based firepower alongside ship-launched capability.
#Taiwan
@asianomics
😴9🖕6🔥4🤣1🍓1
🇵🇭🇨🇳 Philippines says takes exception to China embassy comment on job losses
The Philippines takes "strong exception" to a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that the simmering diplomatic spat between the two countries could result in millions of jobs being lost, the foreign ministry said.
"We take strong exception to the embassy's tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued late Monday.
"In the current atmosphere, this framing risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue," it added, and called on Chinese diplomats to "adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges."
#ThePhilippines #China
@asianomics
The Philippines takes "strong exception" to a statement by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that the simmering diplomatic spat between the two countries could result in millions of jobs being lost, the foreign ministry said.
"We take strong exception to the embassy's tone, which appears to imply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued late Monday.
"In the current atmosphere, this framing risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue," it added, and called on Chinese diplomats to "adopt a responsible and measured tone in public exchanges."
#ThePhilippines #China
@asianomics
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🇮🇩🇵🇸 Indonesia readies 1,000 troops for potential peacekeeping force in Gaza in early April
Indonesia is readying 1,000 troops for potential deployment in Gaza by early April as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping force, its army spokesman said on Feb 16.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will decide the final deployment, spokesman Donny Pramono said, adding that a total of 8,000 soldiers will be ready for deployment by June.
The comments were made as Prabowo prepares to head to Washington for the first official meeting this week of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump.
#Indonesia #Palestine
@asianomics
Indonesia is readying 1,000 troops for potential deployment in Gaza by early April as part of a proposed multinational peacekeeping force, its army spokesman said on Feb 16.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will decide the final deployment, spokesman Donny Pramono said, adding that a total of 8,000 soldiers will be ready for deployment by June.
The comments were made as Prabowo prepares to head to Washington for the first official meeting this week of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump.
#Indonesia #Palestine
@asianomics
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🇷🇺🇯🇵 Russia emerges as unlikely growth market for Japan tourism as China pulls back
As Beijing urges its citizens to steer clear of Japan, Russian travelers are stepping into the gap – a shift that reflects how sanctions on Moscow, Japan’s cautious diplomatic balancing and a weak yen are redrawing the region’s tourism map.
The Mainichi newspaper reported on Sunday that the Japanese embassy in Russia had opened two new visa application centers, in Moscow and St Petersburg, to cope with rising demand.
Preliminary figures from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) show total visitor arrivals from Russia climbed to nearly 195,000 in 2025, a 96.3% increase from 2024, while December arrivals rose 41.2% to 8,300.
#Russia #Japan
@asianomics
As Beijing urges its citizens to steer clear of Japan, Russian travelers are stepping into the gap – a shift that reflects how sanctions on Moscow, Japan’s cautious diplomatic balancing and a weak yen are redrawing the region’s tourism map.
The Mainichi newspaper reported on Sunday that the Japanese embassy in Russia had opened two new visa application centers, in Moscow and St Petersburg, to cope with rising demand.
Preliminary figures from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) show total visitor arrivals from Russia climbed to nearly 195,000 in 2025, a 96.3% increase from 2024, while December arrivals rose 41.2% to 8,300.
#Russia #Japan
@asianomics
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🇯🇵 Japan prepares revised Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Japan is finalizing a revised Free And Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara expected to present updates soon. The refresh marks the concept’s 10th anniversary and keeps its core principles: freedom, rule of law, and openness.
Tokyo says a harsher environment—China’s military expansion, economic coercion, and tech influence, plus Russia’s impact on stability—requires FOIP to evolve. The focus is on economic security, supply chain resilience, and cooperation on AI with trusted partners.
The updated plan reinforces alliances with the United States and deeper ties across ASEAN, Australia, the Philippines, and India, while promoting free trade through frameworks like the CPTPP and expanding security assistance and joint exercises.
#Japan
@asianomics
Japan is finalizing a revised Free And Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara expected to present updates soon. The refresh marks the concept’s 10th anniversary and keeps its core principles: freedom, rule of law, and openness.
Tokyo says a harsher environment—China’s military expansion, economic coercion, and tech influence, plus Russia’s impact on stability—requires FOIP to evolve. The focus is on economic security, supply chain resilience, and cooperation on AI with trusted partners.
The updated plan reinforces alliances with the United States and deeper ties across ASEAN, Australia, the Philippines, and India, while promoting free trade through frameworks like the CPTPP and expanding security assistance and joint exercises.
#Japan
@asianomics
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🇯🇵 Takaichi plans dual-track budgets for growth and crises
Japan’s draft policy speech outlines a new framework with multi-year, ring-fenced tracks for growth investment and crisis preparedness, aiming to support longer-horizon spending while strengthening fiscal credibility.
Takaichi also calls for a break from excessive austerity and routine supplementary budgets, pushing more measures into the initial budget and setting a two-year reform plan through fy2027 with clearer sustainability indicators.
The plan links fiscal reform to strategic investments (ai, semiconductors, security-related supply chains) and social relief, including debate in a cross-party Diet council on a two-year zero consumption tax on food and a refundable tax credit for households.
#Japan
@asianomics
Japan’s draft policy speech outlines a new framework with multi-year, ring-fenced tracks for growth investment and crisis preparedness, aiming to support longer-horizon spending while strengthening fiscal credibility.
Takaichi also calls for a break from excessive austerity and routine supplementary budgets, pushing more measures into the initial budget and setting a two-year reform plan through fy2027 with clearer sustainability indicators.
The plan links fiscal reform to strategic investments (ai, semiconductors, security-related supply chains) and social relief, including debate in a cross-party Diet council on a two-year zero consumption tax on food and a refundable tax credit for households.
#Japan
@asianomics
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🇵🇭 Philippine Vice President Duterte to run for president in 2028 elections
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte said on Wednesday that she will run for president in the 2028 elections while blaming incumbent leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr for the country's problems, including corruption.
The daughter of detained former leader Rodrigo Duterte is considered among the strongest potential contenders in the 2028 race by opinion polls with analysts saying her government could turn the major US-ally away from Washington in favor of Beijing.
Duterte apologized for helping Marcos win the 2022 election when she ran as his vice-presidential running mate and helped him tap into her family's huge support base. Their alliance paved the way for the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr to seal a comeback for the disgraced dynasty.
#ThePhilippines
@asianomics
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte said on Wednesday that she will run for president in the 2028 elections while blaming incumbent leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr for the country's problems, including corruption.
The daughter of detained former leader Rodrigo Duterte is considered among the strongest potential contenders in the 2028 race by opinion polls with analysts saying her government could turn the major US-ally away from Washington in favor of Beijing.
Duterte apologized for helping Marcos win the 2022 election when she ran as his vice-presidential running mate and helped him tap into her family's huge support base. Their alliance paved the way for the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr to seal a comeback for the disgraced dynasty.
#ThePhilippines
@asianomics
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🇰🇭🇹🇭 Cambodian PM says Thailand is occupying territory
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that Thai forces are occupying Cambodian territory after fighting last year despite a peace accord brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, and called on Thailand to allow a joint boundary commission to begin working on their disputed border.
Cambodia could not accept what he called a "violation of our sovereignty or territorial integrity," he said. He added that Thailand had cited its February 8 election as a reason not to begin demarcation work. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rode a wave of nationalism in the election in the wake of the border conflict.
"Now the election is done, we hope that Thailand can start, at least on a technical level, to start measuring, start demarcating in the hot zone, so that we can go back to life," Hun Manet said.
#Cambodia #Thailand
@asianomics
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said that Thai forces are occupying Cambodian territory after fighting last year despite a peace accord brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, and called on Thailand to allow a joint boundary commission to begin working on their disputed border.
Cambodia could not accept what he called a "violation of our sovereignty or territorial integrity," he said. He added that Thailand had cited its February 8 election as a reason not to begin demarcation work. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rode a wave of nationalism in the election in the wake of the border conflict.
"Now the election is done, we hope that Thailand can start, at least on a technical level, to start measuring, start demarcating in the hot zone, so that we can go back to life," Hun Manet said.
#Cambodia #Thailand
@asianomics
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🇺🇸🇨🇳 US reveals new details of alleged Chinese nuclear test
A senior US official revealed what he said were new details of an underground nuclear test blast that China allegedly conducted in June 2020.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw said that a remote seismic station in Kazakhstan measured an "explosion" of magnitude 2.75 located 450 miles (720 km) away at the Lop Nor test grounds in western China on June 22, 2020.
"It’s also entirely not consistent with an earthquake," said Yeaw, a former intelligence analyst and defense official who holds a doctorate in nuclear engineering. "It is ... what you would expect with a nuclear explosive test."
The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, which is charged with detecting nuclear test explosions, said that there was insufficient data to confirm Yeaw's allegation with confidence.
#USA #China
@asianomics
A senior US official revealed what he said were new details of an underground nuclear test blast that China allegedly conducted in June 2020.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw said that a remote seismic station in Kazakhstan measured an "explosion" of magnitude 2.75 located 450 miles (720 km) away at the Lop Nor test grounds in western China on June 22, 2020.
"It’s also entirely not consistent with an earthquake," said Yeaw, a former intelligence analyst and defense official who holds a doctorate in nuclear engineering. "It is ... what you would expect with a nuclear explosive test."
The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, which is charged with detecting nuclear test explosions, said that there was insufficient data to confirm Yeaw's allegation with confidence.
#USA #China
@asianomics
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🇺🇸🇨🇳 Radio Free Asia says it has resumed broadcasts to China
Radio Free Asia has resumed broadcasts to people in China, its CEO said on Feb 17, after cuts by the Trump administration last year largely forced the US-funded outlet to cease operations.
She said the ability to restart the broadcasts was “due to private contracting with transmission services,” without providing details, but added that rebuilding the network would require consistently receiving newly approved congressional funding.
“Radio Free Asia has long spread falsehoods and smeared China, and they have a poor record when it comes to reporting on China-related issues,” Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. “We hope more media outlets in the US can make objective and fair-minded reports on China and China-US relations.”
#USA #China
@asianomics
Radio Free Asia has resumed broadcasts to people in China, its CEO said on Feb 17, after cuts by the Trump administration last year largely forced the US-funded outlet to cease operations.
She said the ability to restart the broadcasts was “due to private contracting with transmission services,” without providing details, but added that rebuilding the network would require consistently receiving newly approved congressional funding.
“Radio Free Asia has long spread falsehoods and smeared China, and they have a poor record when it comes to reporting on China-related issues,” Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. “We hope more media outlets in the US can make objective and fair-minded reports on China and China-US relations.”
#USA #China
@asianomics
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🇺🇸🇵🇭 US to deploy more cutting-edge missile systems to the Philippines
The US will deploy more missile systems to the Philippines, a move that will potentially anger China, as Washington and Manila boost their defense ties.
Both the US and the Philippines have committed to “continue and work to increase deployments of US cutting-edge missile and unmanned systems to the Philippines”, according to a joint statement on Feb 17, following a meeting of senior officials in Manila on Feb 16.
The US deployed its Typhon missile system to the Philippines in 2024. The system can fire multi-purpose rockets, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, with a range long enough to hit large portions of China. In 2025, the US sent its NMESIS anti-ship missile system to the Philippines during friendly annual military drills.
#USA #ThePhilippines
@asianomics
The US will deploy more missile systems to the Philippines, a move that will potentially anger China, as Washington and Manila boost their defense ties.
Both the US and the Philippines have committed to “continue and work to increase deployments of US cutting-edge missile and unmanned systems to the Philippines”, according to a joint statement on Feb 17, following a meeting of senior officials in Manila on Feb 16.
The US deployed its Typhon missile system to the Philippines in 2024. The system can fire multi-purpose rockets, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, with a range long enough to hit large portions of China. In 2025, the US sent its NMESIS anti-ship missile system to the Philippines during friendly annual military drills.
#USA #ThePhilippines
@asianomics
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🇰🇷 Sentencing trial begins for former President Yoon Suk Yeol
In Seoul, the first-instance sentencing hearing opened for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accused as the ringleader of an insurrection tied to his brief martial law declaration on December 3, 2024.
The court found him guilty of insurrection and sentenced him to life in prison over the martial law decree.
The verdict, delivered by a three-judge panel of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25, was the harshest and most consequential ruling yet stemming from Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024, and the events leading up to it.
#SouthKorea
@asianomics
In Seoul, the first-instance sentencing hearing opened for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accused as the ringleader of an insurrection tied to his brief martial law declaration on December 3, 2024.
The court found him guilty of insurrection and sentenced him to life in prison over the martial law decree.
The verdict, delivered by a three-judge panel of the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25, was the harshest and most consequential ruling yet stemming from Yoon’s brief imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024, and the events leading up to it.
#SouthKorea
@asianomics
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🇨🇳🇯🇵🇹🇼 China warns Japan on Taiwan after Takaichi re-election
China’s UN envoy said any Japanese military role in a Taiwan contingency under collective self-defense would be treated as aggression, promising a firm response and repeating that Taiwan is China’s internal affair.
Taiwan’s leaders congratulated Sanae Takaichi and signaled plans to deepen Japan–Taiwan cooperation on trade, technology, and disaster response, framing it as support for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The clash follows Beijing’s growing economic pressure on Japan, including curbs on dual-use items and rare earths; Chinese tourism to Japan has also fallen sharply as Tokyo refuses to walk back its Taiwan remarks.
#China #Japan #Taiwan
@asianomics
China’s UN envoy said any Japanese military role in a Taiwan contingency under collective self-defense would be treated as aggression, promising a firm response and repeating that Taiwan is China’s internal affair.
Taiwan’s leaders congratulated Sanae Takaichi and signaled plans to deepen Japan–Taiwan cooperation on trade, technology, and disaster response, framing it as support for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The clash follows Beijing’s growing economic pressure on Japan, including curbs on dual-use items and rare earths; Chinese tourism to Japan has also fallen sharply as Tokyo refuses to walk back its Taiwan remarks.
#China #Japan #Taiwan
@asianomics
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🇩🇪🇨🇳 Germany will seek strategic partnerships with China amid US tariffs
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday he would seek "strategic partnerships" with China during a trip next week.
"We have a strategic interest in finding partners in the world who think the way we do, who act the way we do, and who above all are prepared to shape the future together so that we remain a country with prosperity and a high level of social security," Merz said
He said foreign policy and economic policy could no longer be separated.
#Germany #China
@asianomics
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday he would seek "strategic partnerships" with China during a trip next week.
"We have a strategic interest in finding partners in the world who think the way we do, who act the way we do, and who above all are prepared to shape the future together so that we remain a country with prosperity and a high level of social security," Merz said
He said foreign policy and economic policy could no longer be separated.
#Germany #China
@asianomics
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🇺🇸🇯🇵🇦🇺🇮🇳 Bipartisan push grows for Quad summit before Trump’s China trip
A bipartisan chorus of lawmakers and national security experts in Washington is calling on the administration of US President Donald Trump to convene a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders’ summit ahead of Trump’s expected meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in April.
The push aims to project a unified front among Indo-Pacific countries and prevent potential misunderstandings during high-stakes negotiations with Beijing. The Quad, an informal grouping that also includes Japan and Australia, is widely seen as a mechanism to counter China’s influence in the strategically vital region.
Tanvi Madan, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a prominent public policy institute in Washington, testified that there should also be “bilateral or Quad consultations to coordinate ahead of key regional and global summits”.
She urged “stepping up of Quad activities quantitatively and qualitatively in the security, economic security and technology domains”, describing the Quad as a minilateral “designed in part to offset Chinese advantages regionally and globally”.
#USA #Japan #Australia #India
@asianomics
A bipartisan chorus of lawmakers and national security experts in Washington is calling on the administration of US President Donald Trump to convene a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders’ summit ahead of Trump’s expected meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in April.
The push aims to project a unified front among Indo-Pacific countries and prevent potential misunderstandings during high-stakes negotiations with Beijing. The Quad, an informal grouping that also includes Japan and Australia, is widely seen as a mechanism to counter China’s influence in the strategically vital region.
Tanvi Madan, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a prominent public policy institute in Washington, testified that there should also be “bilateral or Quad consultations to coordinate ahead of key regional and global summits”.
She urged “stepping up of Quad activities quantitatively and qualitatively in the security, economic security and technology domains”, describing the Quad as a minilateral “designed in part to offset Chinese advantages regionally and globally”.
#USA #Japan #Australia #India
@asianomics
👎8🔥5🥴2❤1👍1😴1
🇺🇸🇨🇳🇹🇼 White House deflects as Trump weighs Taiwan arms sale delay amid Beijing pressure
The White House declined to comment on reports that US President Donald Trump is weighing whether to cancel or delay a $11 billion arms package to Taiwan, as he seeks to keep an expected April summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on track amid pressure from Beijing.
On Monday, Trump told journalists he had discussed the potential sales with Xi. “I’ve talked to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” Trump said earlier this week when asked about Xi’s opposition to the arms sale, Washington’s largest ever, adding that he has a “very good relationship with President Xi”.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the proposed US arms sale to Taiwan has been thrown into limbo amid an intensifying pressure campaign from Beijing.
The US president’s comments have raised concern that he is violating the spirit of the “Six Assurances”, one of the framework documents governing US-Taiwan-Mainland dynamics, under which Washington pledged not to consult with or get pre-approval from Beijing involving weapon sales to the self-ruled island.
#USA #China #Taiwan
@asianomics
The White House declined to comment on reports that US President Donald Trump is weighing whether to cancel or delay a $11 billion arms package to Taiwan, as he seeks to keep an expected April summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on track amid pressure from Beijing.
On Monday, Trump told journalists he had discussed the potential sales with Xi. “I’ve talked to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” Trump said earlier this week when asked about Xi’s opposition to the arms sale, Washington’s largest ever, adding that he has a “very good relationship with President Xi”.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the proposed US arms sale to Taiwan has been thrown into limbo amid an intensifying pressure campaign from Beijing.
The US president’s comments have raised concern that he is violating the spirit of the “Six Assurances”, one of the framework documents governing US-Taiwan-Mainland dynamics, under which Washington pledged not to consult with or get pre-approval from Beijing involving weapon sales to the self-ruled island.
#USA #China #Taiwan
@asianomics
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🇮🇩🇺🇸 Indonesia secures 19% tariff deal with US, palm oil and other commodities exempt
Indonesia and the United States finalized a trade deal to cut US levies to 19% from 32% on goods shipped from Southeast Asia's biggest economy, with Jakarta securing tariff exemptions for its top export, palm oil, and several other commodities.
The 19% rate is on par with US deals with Southeast Asian rivals such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines. Vietnam, however, has a slightly higher rate of 20%. In return, Indonesia will remove tariff barriers on most US products across all sectors and address a range of non-tariff barriers such as local content requirements
Under the agreement, Indonesia will implement restrictions on 'excess production' by foreign-owned mineral processing facilities by ensuring production conforms to Indonesian mining quotas. Such minerals include nickel, cobalt, bauxite, copper and manganese.
Jakarta has also agreed to take action against companies owned or controlled by foreign countries operating within its jurisdiction when their practices harm US trade interests.
#Indonesia #USA
@asianomics
Indonesia and the United States finalized a trade deal to cut US levies to 19% from 32% on goods shipped from Southeast Asia's biggest economy, with Jakarta securing tariff exemptions for its top export, palm oil, and several other commodities.
The 19% rate is on par with US deals with Southeast Asian rivals such as Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines. Vietnam, however, has a slightly higher rate of 20%. In return, Indonesia will remove tariff barriers on most US products across all sectors and address a range of non-tariff barriers such as local content requirements
Under the agreement, Indonesia will implement restrictions on 'excess production' by foreign-owned mineral processing facilities by ensuring production conforms to Indonesian mining quotas. Such minerals include nickel, cobalt, bauxite, copper and manganese.
Jakarta has also agreed to take action against companies owned or controlled by foreign countries operating within its jurisdiction when their practices harm US trade interests.
#Indonesia #USA
@asianomics
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🇰🇵 Kim Jong Un opens Ninth Congress of Workers' Party of Korea
Kim Jong Un launched the Ninth Congress in Pyongyang, claiming the economy has recovered since 2021 and urging a new five-year plan focused on regional development, rural reform, and living standards.
About 5,000 delegates are set to review performance, revise the party charter, and approve leadership changes, with attention on whether Kim’s daughter Ju Ae gets a formal role.
Even as the speech avoided direct talk of rivals, North Korea showcased 600mm rocket launchers, while satellite signs point to a possible parade highlighting new weapons.
#NorthKorea
@asianomics
Kim Jong Un launched the Ninth Congress in Pyongyang, claiming the economy has recovered since 2021 and urging a new five-year plan focused on regional development, rural reform, and living standards.
About 5,000 delegates are set to review performance, revise the party charter, and approve leadership changes, with attention on whether Kim’s daughter Ju Ae gets a formal role.
Even as the speech avoided direct talk of rivals, North Korea showcased 600mm rocket launchers, while satellite signs point to a possible parade highlighting new weapons.
#NorthKorea
@asianomics
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🇹🇼🇺🇸🇨🇳 Taiwan’s NT$1.25 trillion arms bill stuck as KMT and TPP demand details
Taiwan’s NT$1.25 trillion special budget for 8 years of US weapons remains blocked in the Legislative Yuan, with the DPP lacking votes against a KMT–TPP majority.
TPP chair Huang Kuo-chang calls the plan a blank check, insisting on US-confirmed items and strict legislative oversight. The party proposes a NT$400 billion version focused on HIMARS, Paladins, Javelin/TOW, and ALTIUS drones.
President Lai warns delays hurt deterrence and Taiwan’s place in delivery queues as China pressure rises. Both bills are set for committee review after parliament resumes on Feb 24.
#Taiwan #USA #China
@asianomics
Taiwan’s NT$1.25 trillion special budget for 8 years of US weapons remains blocked in the Legislative Yuan, with the DPP lacking votes against a KMT–TPP majority.
TPP chair Huang Kuo-chang calls the plan a blank check, insisting on US-confirmed items and strict legislative oversight. The party proposes a NT$400 billion version focused on HIMARS, Paladins, Javelin/TOW, and ALTIUS drones.
President Lai warns delays hurt deterrence and Taiwan’s place in delivery queues as China pressure rises. Both bills are set for committee review after parliament resumes on Feb 24.
#Taiwan #USA #China
@asianomics
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