David Wells

Oops. Looks like Mr. Ishiba's call for a snap election backfired. The results are in. Of the 465 contested seats in the Lower House, the Ruling Parties (LDP + Komeito) got 215. The opposition parties got 235. 233 seats were needed for a majority so simply put, the Ruling Parties lost. IMO, Mr. Ishiba should have fully addressed the financial scandal which brought down his predecessor, Mr. Kishida, before triggering this election. Mr. Ishiba and LDP are now in a precarious position. That said, I believe the future of Japanese business and investment remains on an upward path, largely unaffected by political turnover. One could even argue that government leadership here may have less direct impact on business stability than in other regions. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/eurqx92t

29

21件のコメント

It was a joy to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act which is a United States law enacted on April 10, 1979 to govern the relationship between the US and Taiwan. I want to also take a moment to congratulate Taiwan on a peaceful election with new leadership under President Lai Ching-te. It was an honor to be able to hear policy insights from a security, trade, culture, and education perspective. It is significant to note that the United States purchased more Taiwan exports than China for the first time since 2003. Fortune 500 companies are going to need to be laser focused on their VUCA strategy in this landscape of needing to have solid relationships established before crisis situations arrive. The corporate exodus in 2022 from Russia serves as a playbook for a crisis that caught many corporations off guard. With a large multinational firm presence in Taiwan from the tech, retail, CPG, and various other industries, Taiwan remains a critical global influence. Thank you to the USC Walker Institute of International and Area Studies and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta for bringing such dynamic speakers together for an impactful Palmetto Trade and Diplomacy Symposium. #taiwan #taiwanrelationsact #security #trade #culture #education #foreignpolicy #vuca

12

"Taiwan Political Update - November 12, 2024 The most significant legislative proposal impacting Taiwan's political structure recently is the Fiscal Distribution Act. If passed, this legislation would substantially increase local governments' fiscal autonomy, diluting the central government's traditional policy leverage through subsidy allocations by delegating more financial authority to local governments. The bill has naturally sparked intense debate in parliament. The ruling party is currently attempting to delay the committee review process through procedural tactics involving the confirmation of meeting minutes. This strategy is being implemented by the ruling party's committee chairperson. However, next week, the opposition party's chairperson will take charge of committee proceedings. It is projected that the bill will clear the committee stage after November 22, 2024. For foreign investors in Taiwan, this development means engaging with a more complex stakeholder landscape. While local governments will have greater flexibility in tax collection and policy implementation, this change may not necessarily be disadvantageous for foreign businesses - it could potentially create more opportunities for strategic engagement."

2

6/11/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/4b0HgYJ 1. South Korean troops fired warning shots after North Korean soldiers briefly crossed land border 2. Third Meeting of Nuclear Consultative Group Enhances U.S., South Korea Alliance, Deterrence 3. S Korea, US complete review of joint guidelines to strengthen nuclear deterrence 4. Did Kim Jong-un Really Seek to Denuclearize? 5. Unification ministry mulls meeting with activists over anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaign 6. N. Korean soldiers briefly cross inter-Korean border, return after warning shots 7. N.K. leader sends message to Putin marking Russia's nat'l day 8. S. Korea welcomes U.N. Security Council's adoption of resolution for ceasefire in Gaza 9. S. Korean, U.S. defense officials visit key Army missile unit amid N.K. threats 10. Changes at North Korean Missile Operating Bases: Part 1 11. N. Korea's mass organizations lecture members about threats from abroad 12. North Korea restores train service to Russia, boosting hopes for tourists 13. North may be installing anti-South loudspeakers as balloon blitz continues 14. Chinese jets harassed Dutch warship on North Korea sanctions patrol: Netherlands 15. Sonic war: How propaganda loudspeakers have amplified inter-Korean strife

2

James B. Steinberg's article "The Upside to Uncertainty on Taiwan" examines the complex dynamics of U.S. policy towards Taiwan and China. The author argues that while ambiguity in foreign policy is often criticized, it has been crucial in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for decades. The article traces U.S. policy on Taiwan from 1943 to the present, highlighting missed opportunities and successful diplomatic maneuvers. Steinberg challenges the notion that a clear-cut policy on Taiwan's status would have been better, arguing that ambiguity allowed for flexibility and avoided conflict. The article concludes that while the situation in the Taiwan Strait is perilous, the history of U.S. policy shows that creative use of ambiguity and compromise has been effective in managing tensions and should be continued. I recall two different perspectives on the subject. The first is "Why Taiwan’s Dependence on the US Is Not a Safe Bet" by Chas Freeman, and the other is from Yanis Varoufakis. What’s fascinating is that current US policy on Taiwan and by extension its posture toward China is a relatively recent phenomenon and departure from Strategic Ambiguity and has little to do with broader security in Asia, and even less to do with Taiwan's security. https://lnkd.in/gaq9b-yG #StrategicAmbiguity #TaiwanStraitStability #USChinaRelations

1

1件のコメント

Sharing this insightful post about Japan's healthcare spending reaching ¥47 trillion ($320 billion) in FY 2023—a 2.9% increase from the previous year. The growing 75+ population, driven by aging baby boomers, and a 5.4% rise in drug expenditure are key factors in this upward trend. The challenge of balancing innovation with affordability in the face of these trends cannot be overstated. As the system grapples with these pressures, ensuring sustainable healthcare for future generations remains a critical priority. #Healthcare #NHI #Japan #Sustainability #Innovation

5

2件のコメント

9/14/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/4epnMyY 1. US Department of Labor: “North Korea Produces 7 Items Using Forced Labor… Forced Labor in China and Russia Too” 2. U.S. says 'only viable path' for peace is 'complete' Korean Peninsula denuclearization 3. U.S. stresses reconnaissance efforts for Korean Peninsula after N.K. uranium enrichment site disclosure 4. First Look at North Korea’s Uranium Enrichment Capabilities 5. The Next Big Thing? Possibilities for North Korea’s Longer Mobile Missile Launcher Chassis 6. N.K. leader meets top Russian security official on 1st anniv. of Vostochny summit: KCNA 7. StratBot AI: SOF and north Korea 8. Military replacing Chinese-made surveillance cameras around bases, border (South Korea) 9. In pictures: Kim Jong Un, military man 10. What to know about North Korea's unveiling of its uranium enrichment facility 11. This year, UN member states are expected to conduct the highest-ever 'maritime surveillance of North Korea' 12. 'Class Struggle Consciousness' in the Works of North Korean Writers 13. North Korean defectors in China face 'difficulty' in applying for refugee status overseas amid increased crackdowns 14. US: “Concerns over Increase in Public Executions in North Korea∙∙∙Will to Accept Defectors Still Remains” 15. Interview: Former US security adviser "Moon's North Korea stance was overly optimistic" 16. Ganghwa county residents struggle with mysterious noises from N. Korean broadcasts 17. Supreme Guard Command officer ousted after ghosting pregnant girlfriend

7

Now that the ruling coalition has lost its majority, we are entering uncharted territory. The ruling coalition will be forced to find new partner(s) to secure a majority, or try to run a minority #government with ad hoc issue-based support from other parties - hardly a common phenomenon in Japanese politics. There have only been three examples of a minority government in the history of #Japan's parliamentary democracy. The last was the Hata government in 1994, which had the shortest tenure of any government in Japan's post-war history at 63 days.  See GR Japan's latest report on the House of Representatives #election.

15

2件のコメント

1/7/25 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3Prs9PS 1. US-South Korean alliance vital for Indo-Pacific security 2. Joseph Yun appointed as US interim ambassador to Korea 3. N. Korea confirms launch of new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile 4. What to know about the siege outside South Korea’s presidential compound 5. #SOUTH KOREA: Yoon gains support. 6. Taiwan seeks S Korean help investigating Chinese ship suspected of cutting undersea cable 7. Blinken warns Russia is close to sharing advanced satellite technology with North Korea 8. N. Korea claims successful test of new intermediate-range hypersonic missile 9. Video Shows North Korean Troops Evicting Russians From Their Homes 10. Main opposition to file complaint against acting President Choi 11. Court grants extension of warrant to detain Yoon 12. Nat'l Assembly's legal team rejects controversy over removal of insurrection charge in Yoon's impeachment trial 13. Outgoing top U.S. envoy stresses continued push for N.K. denuclearization 14. Acting president condemns N. Korea's latest missile provocation 15. Oxford English Dictionary adds 7 Korean words, including 'dalgona' 16. North Korea’s claim of hypersonic missile launch likely ‘deception’: Seoul 17. The Constitutional Court: Excluding insurrection charges is up to us 18. Strengthening the ROK-US alliance: Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities in the Trump era 19. 'Make Korea great again' 20. South Korea’s political crisis and Uncle Sam’s silence

3

1件のコメント

4/15/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/4aB8BBe 1. Editorial: US-Japan, China-N. Korea tighten grip on Northeast Asian security as S. Korean politics rages on 2. 'Day of Sun' reference over N. Korean late founder's birthday reemerges in state media 3. U.S. envoy meets FM Cho in Seoul after Russia's veto on U.N. panel monitoring N.K. sanctions 4. The North Korean origins of Iran's rocket strike capability against Israel 5. As winter training ends, N. Korean military takes action to tighten combat discipline 6. Kim Jong Un, China’s Zhao Leji seek enhanced cooperation 7. N. Koreans complain about Kim Jong Un's inspection of tank unit 8. ＜Inside N. Korea＞ 'National Unified Price System' implemented on domestic products...Stores are given booklet showing prices in new system… Government aims to tighten control over economy 9. Korean official development assistance increases by 11% 10. Samsung Electronics Gets $6.4 Billion for Texas Chip Plants 11. Emergency plan needed for a new Mideast crisis (South Korea) 12. Congratulations, democracy (South Korea)

2

1件のコメント

“China Economic Policy for 2025” China annual Central Economic Work Conference by the most senior state leadership team, held on December 11-12 in Beijing, provided a roadmap for the nation's economic policies and priorities for the coming year. A few take-aways from the conference readout:   Economic Performance Review for 2024: •    It concluded that despite external pressures and internal challenges, China's economy has shown resilience. The year saw steady economic operations, significant advancements in high-quality development, and notable progress in key areas such as technological innovation and green transformation.   Policy Directions for 2025: •    The conference emphasized the need for a balanced approach, integrating effective market mechanisms with proactive government intervention. This includes ensuring stable economic growth, maintaining employment and price stability, and promoting synchronized growth in residents' income and economic expansion.   Strategic Priorities for 2025: •    Boosting Domestic Demand: A major focus will be on stimulating consumption and enhancing investment efficiency to expand domestic demand comprehensively. •    Technological Innovation: Strengthening basic research and key technological breakthroughs, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and future industries. •    Reform and Opening-Up: Continuing to deepen economic reforms and expand high-level opening-up to stabilize foreign trade and investment.   Risk Management: •    The conference underscored the importance of preventing and mitigating risks in critical sectors, particularly the real estate market and local financial institutions, to maintain systemic stability.   Green and Inclusive Growth: •    A concerted effort will be made to promote green and low-carbon industries, enhance ecological conservation, and ensure sustainable development. Additionally, policies aimed at improving public welfare, such as healthcare and education, will be prioritized to increase the overall quality of life.   #ChinaEconomy #EconomicPolicy #Innovation #CentralEconomicWorkConference

22

I am pleased to share my column listed in the digital edition of the Korean newspaper with my friends. Considering that net IIP has increased to a large positive amount, almost twice the amount of foreign exchange reserves, the framework of policy thinking should be extended from foreign exchange reserves to net IIP, which will enable more open and future-oriented foreign exchange policies. https://lnkd.in/gC_PweZA

22

Such a special day in Taiwan for the inauguration of their 5th democratically elected President. Congratulations to our friends President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and the people of Taiwan! During the President Lai's inspirational speech, it reminded me how much they value their democracy (even when it is messy like their legislature this week). Sometimes, I think those of us in democracies take our freedoms for granted. Taiwan is a such a special place. Despite a history of colonialization and authoritarian rule, they have built a society that embraces the human dignity of all, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender, bringing peace and prosperity. This robust democracy that embraces religious freedom is in good hands under President Lai Ching-te but they urgently need our strong support to stand against the threats from the Communist Party of China. It is important we are not just against those that violate religious freedoms and human rights, but are FOR those brights spots like Taiwan!

55

2件のコメント

9/2/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/4e7LDTA 1. Defense minister nominee says he is open to idea of S. Korea's nuclear armament 2. N. Korean leader stresses 'quality' over 'speed' in regional development project 3. Korea Announces 'Cyber Security Plan'... Actively Responding to North Korea's 'Influence Operations' 4. S. Korea to host 2nd int'l forum on responsible use of AI in military next week 5. S. Korean, U.S. Marines hold major amphibious landing drills 6. New Security Design on the Korean Peninsula or just a Rotation of the Guard? 7. North Korean Olympian Selfies Spotlight Rights Crisis 8. South Korea's Defense Minister Nominee: "We Will Respond Firmly to North Korean Provocations" 9. Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine: Russia's Strategic Playbook with China, Iran, and North Korea 10. How Putin’s war is ‘golden ticket’ for Kim with ‘holy grail’ of nukes 11. Questions arise over U.S. will, ability to defend the Philippines from China 12. Olympic shooter Kim Ye-ji does Louis Vuitton photo shoot with Magazine W Korea

2

Summary of the #Horasis China Meeting held in Binh Duong, #Vietnam last week. The meeting drew together 700 of the most senior members of the Horasis Visions Community, including some of China’s and Vietnam’s best known business leaders. Details here: https://lnkd.in/gfGZmfzy 🍏 The meeting was co-hosted by Binh Duong Province, Becamex IDC Corporation and the China Federation of Industrial Economics. The meeting drew together 700 of the most senior members of the Horasis Visions Community, including some of China’s and Vietnam’s best known business leaders. 🍏Tran Hong Ha, Deputy Prime Minister, Vietnam opined that the government is sure the #Horasis China Meeting creates an opportunity for all parties to share vision, seek opportunities, and strengthen cooperation in innovation, sustainable development, and science and technology. Furthermore, the Vietnamese government is committed to create good mechanisms for investors. 🍏 A key priority is partnering with companies willing to invest in research and development in the area of energy transition. Without green research, green implementation and development are impossible. China has a large contribution to make in this economic growth sector. The Deputy Prime Minister welcomed Chinese participants of the Horasis China Meeting to invest in Vietnam. 🍏 Xiong Meng, Executive Vice Chairman, China Federation of Industrial Economics, China promised to do everything possible to encourage more Chinese companies to invest and cooperate in Vietnam in the future, especially in Binh Duong province. He said the special traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China have been continuously consolidated and deepened, particularly in the economic sphere, with the sides now discussing further joint work in green energy, climate change, and carbon-neutral initiatives. https://lnkd.in/gfGZmfzy

99