Geo-Strategic Trend - 11. page

United Daily News (UDN), one of the primary Taiwanese news groups, reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong recently made an unusual comment, saying that North Korea is open to improving relations with Japan. She hinted that North Korea may invite the Japanese leader to visit Pyongyang in the future. The remarks came in response to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying not long ago that there has been a strong need to change the current relationship between the two countries.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Yo Jong said that, as long as Japan abandons its bad habit of criticizing North Korea’s exercise of legitimate defense rights and stops talking about the “already resolved” issue of Japanese abductions by North Korea, the two countries can work together. However, Kim Yo Jong emphasized that this was just her personal opinion (rather than an statement from the North Korean government).

In January, Kim Jong-un sent a rare telegram to Kishida expressing condolences after the Noto earthquake in Japan. Analysts say it may be that North Korea is signaling desire for improved relations with Japan.

The Japanese government has been analyzing the content of Kim Yo Jong’s statements and has declined to comment for the time being.

The senior official for North Korea affairs at the U.S. State Department said that the U.S. supports all diplomacy and dialogue between Japan and North Korea. An official from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that communications between Japan and North Korea should be conducive to denuclearization of North Korea as well as to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Source: UDN, February 17, 2024
https://udn.com/news/story/6809/7774277

Guangming Daily published an article commenting that the Global South countries have been playing an increasing role in reshaping the world order. The following are some highlights from the article:

“The 3rd Summit of the Group of 77 and China concluded on January 22, 2024, in Kampala, Uganda, drawing attention to the Global South’s efforts in reforming the international order. … The concept of the “global South” has gained prominence, impacting global politics, economics, and culture significantly.”

“Firstly, the rise of the Global South has shifted the global power structure,” with the BRICS representing Southern countries “becoming an influential force on the international stage. … Secondly, it has diversified global development patterns. … Thirdly, it has introduced cultural and ideological diversity.”

“Southern countries are increasingly striving for a leading role in international affairs through participation in international organizations and advocating multilateralism, aiming to ensure international rules better reflect global diversity and interests. The 2023 Summit of the Group of 77 and China adopted the Havana Declaration, advocating for increased representation of developing countries in global decision-making bodies and promoting a more inclusive and coordinated global economic governance framework. China’s efforts in building a community with a shared future for humanity were reflected in the Declaration, highlighting China’s role in reshaping the international order.”

“China’s extensive diplomacy and cooperation with Southern countries, including aid to over 160 countries, the Belt and Road Initiative with over 150 countries, and various multilateral platforms such as the China-ASEAN Cooperation Mechanism, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the China-CELAC Forum, and the China-Arab States Forum” demonstrate its commitment to South-South cooperation and to the elevation of the Global South’s role in reforming international order.

Source: Guangming Daily, January 29, 2024
https://news.gmw.cn/2024-01/29/content_37116113.htm

German chemical company BASF announced on February 9th that it will withdraw its stake from two joint ventures in Xinjiang, China after human rights groups accused its local partners of participating in the crackdown on ethnic minorities. The two joint ventures are Xinjiang Markor Chemical and Markor Meiou Chemical. BASF says it initiated the sale in late 2023 for other reasons but will now accelerate the process, subject to local approval.

In its statement, BASF said recent allegations indicate the joint ventures were engaged in activities inconsistent with BASF’s values. The two ventures employ about 120 people locally, with BASF holding roughly half the shares. Markor Chemicals produces butanediol, used to make fibers, plastics and rubber.

Last week, reports revealed Markor and its employees were directly involved in surveillance and repression of Uyghurs by the Communist Party, leading to arrests. BASF said it was unaware and does not condone such actions, emphasizing they only involve its partners, not BASF itself.

Human rights groups have long accused China of systematically cracking down on Uyghurs in Xinjiang by sending over a million to detention camps for “re-education.” Beijing denies this, claiming it is combating extremism.

Several Western companies like Volkswagen operate in Xinjiang. VW recently said a third-party investigation found no evidence its factories use forced labor after facing such allegations.

BASF stated that despite withdrawing from Xinjiang, its other China businesses will continue normally. It is spending $10 billion on a new production base in Guangdong province. The company says it remains fully committed to its investments in China.

Source: Deutsche Welle, February 10, 2024
https://p.dw.com/p/4cFeL