ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 5 September 2024

ASLI is back with more ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked!

Stay tuned for more top news in Asia handpicked by ASLI and for our curated weekly roundup!

This week’s Asia top news:

1) Malaysia and Russia Explore Enhanced Bilateral Ties at Eastern Economic Forum

At the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with President Vladimir Putin and other key leaders, including Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. Discussions centred on expanding bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Russia, with both sides acknowledging significant potential for future collaboration. Putin also expressed optimism about the prospects of strengthening ties with ASEAN, particularly under Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship. The forum highlighted Malaysia's growing role in regional and international economic discussions, with Anwar emphasising the strategic benefits of enhanced Russian-Malaysian relations.

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2) Pope Francis Embarks on Historic Trip to Asia-Pacific

Pope Francis has embarked on a landmark tour of the Asia-Pacific region, starting with Indonesia. During his visit, he met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to discuss peace and cooperation. The Pope's tour will also include stops in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. The visit aims to strengthen interfaith relations and promote unity across diverse communities in the region. Despite recent health concerns, including mobility issues, Pope Francis has continued with his travel plans, showing resilience and commitment to his mission.

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3) Japan Protests Latest Chinese Naval Incursion into Territorial Waters

Japan has lodged a formal protest against China following a second reported incursion into its territorial waters within a week. The latest incident involved a Chinese naval vessel entering waters near Japanese islands, leading to heightened diplomatic tensions. Japan asserts that these actions are “utterly unacceptable”, while China maintains that its survey ship's passage was legal and within international rights. The repeated incursions have exacerbated already strained relations between the two countries, highlighting ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries in the region. Both nations continue to navigate the delicate diplomatic landscape amidst these territorial disagreements.


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4) Thai King Approves New Cabinet, Retaining Key Ministers

Thailand's King has officially endorsed the new cabinet proposed by new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was recently appointed following the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin. This endorsement marks the end of three weeks of political uncertainty. The cabinet includes several familiar faces, with many key ministers retaining their positions from the previous administration. This endorsement comes as a significant step in solidifying the new government's stability and continuity.

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5) Parliamentary Snap Election in Azerbaijan Shows Strong Lead for Ruling Party

Azerbaijan's snap parliamentary election, held on Sunday, September 1st, resulted in a narrow victory for President Ilham Aliyev's ruling New Azerbaijan Party, which secured 68 of the 125 seats. The election, the first since the country regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh last year, saw over 6.4 million voters participate. Although the ruling party remains dominant, the election was marred by concerns about fairness, as previous elections have been criticised for lack of transparency. The New Azerbaijan Party's continued control is expected to reinforce Aliyev's authority.

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