Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Weekly Updates: East Asia - Pacific
April 1, 2025 by Jiwoo Yum
China, Japan and South Korea held their first economic talks in five years to discuss strengthening trade relations, a surprising change in relations between the dominant actors in the East Asia-Pacific region. This was in response to looming tariffs from the United States under the Trump administration that threatened exports in the three states, particularly in the auto industry, demonstrating how strong US allies in East Asia may be shifting from an economic dependence on the US to become more open to Chinese trade initiatives.
In Singapore, over 30 individuals were arrested and 240 bank accounts were frozen during a nationwide police operation targeting impersonation scams, and suspects provided their bank accounts for money laundering. Nearly $1 million in scam proceeds was seized. 1,504 cases of scamming were reported in 2024, which led to $151.3 million in losses.
In South Korea, the national Supreme Court announced the ruling regarding President Yoon’s impeachment will be announced this Friday - after his impeachment following his brief imposition of martial law. The ruling will be broadcast to citizens to watch as well. This decision comes at a time of national division and uncertainty after the Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck Soo.
Norovirus cases on the Week of March 16th hit the highest in 10 years in Japan, being considered unusual as it is an “unseasonal outbreak” and with approximately 35000 individuals contracting the sickness. The government has issued hygiene and food safety warnings.
This week saw a surprising change in relations between the biggest actors in the region, signifying a movement towards more region-specific cooperative initiatives centering on China rather than a constant reliance on the US. In particular, the trilateral summit was particularly shocking coming from strong US-allied South Korea and Japan, who historically have had hostile relations, becoming accepting of stronger relations with the Chinese. This case shows economic pragmatism shifting East Asian state alignment, but whether this will lead to a long-term realignment of actors in the East Asia-Pacific region will have to be seen.
As global tensions rise and prominent actors show a shift in alliances, recent political developments in the East Asia-Pacific region reveal the growing interconnectedness and volatility of international relations. From elections to tariff threats and military buildups, the geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving.
The NATO Secretary General visited Japan on April 8th, and Japan signaled a desire to join the NATO command to support Ukraine. Secretary General Mark Rutte warned of China’s military build-up and a need for stronger Japan-NATO cooperation to address growing security threats.
South Korea will hold a new presidential election on June 3rd after the constitutional court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law during domestic political turmoil. Acting President Han Duk-soo urged the country to move forward. Many politicians have signaled their intention to run for president, but opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who lost to Yoon in 2022, is currently in the lead.
The US-China trade war intensifies as President Trump threatens to raise tariffs to 50%, and China vows it will “fight to the end” and respond with retaliatory measures. Escalating tariffs could even reach over 100% on Chinese goods, and are shaking global markets and placing immense pressure on both economies. Experts have warned that the uncertainty and rapid pace of trade moves could reshape global supply chains and intensify long-term economic risks without a clear resolution.
China condemned US Vice President JD Vance as ‘ignorant and impolite’ after he referred to borrowing money from “Chinese peasants” while defending Trump’s tariffs comment. This also sparked outrage among Chinese social media, showing tensions that were even heightening among citizens.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton conflicted during their first election debate, with cost-of-living concerns being the main focus, along with other issues such as fuel taxes and Trump-era tariffs. This debate was held ahead of the federal election on May 3, which showed a tight race between the Labor and Liberal parties with the possibility of a minority government. However, a panel of undecided voters declared Albanese as the winner.
April 8, 2025 by Jiwoo Yum