President Yoon Suk Yeol Charged With Insurrection

 

President Yoon Suk Yeol has been charged with insurrection. Prior to this, he was impeached. President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting president to be charged with a crime. Yoon is not the first South Korean president to commit criminal acts. Park Geun-hye was charged with abuse of power and bribery. She would eventually get a pardon. President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest sparked protest from supporters. Now, there is going to be a trial that will change South Korean politics. The fear is that both opposing political parties will criminalize figures they see as competition. President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt at imposing martial law was unconstitutional. The actions in December of 2024  are impeachable offenses. The insurrection charge would be easier to prove in court, if it was done to extend his term in office. Taking such action during an election or after the outcome of it would be insurrection. The South Korean Constitutional Court is debating on the impeachment process and if President Yoon Suk Yeol should be removed from office. Under conditions of removal, an election would held in 60 days. South Korea has fallen into a deep political crisis. The trial of Yoon Suk Yeol is polarizing the South Korean public. Even if President Yoon Suk Yeol survives insurrection charges, his future in politics has been damaged. The trial might expose a larger network of corruption and conspiracy in the South Korean government. 

North Korean Involvement in The Russia-Ukraine War

 

Reports have been circulating that North Korea has sent Russia troops to Ukraine. Russia and North Korea have become more close over the years. Despite the fact Russia abandoned communism in 1991, North Korea sees the Russia alliance as critical. North Korea has been forced into isolation through sanctions and the United Nations. Video was also posted showing North Korean soldiers putting on gear with Russian soldiers. The North Korean forces are allegedly active in Kursk. Ukraine launched attacks inside of Russia. As the proxy war expands, more countries will get involved. North Korea's motivation could be a way to prevent future attacks by NATO. North Korea could be subject to a NATO intervention. Another motive is to get access to Ukraine's wheat. North Korea struggles with food security. Getting access to Ukrainian wheat could solve this problem. South Korea might react by supporting Ukraine with troops. North Korea and South Korea have been in a state of war since the Cold War. That would mean the tension on the Korean peninsula would spill over into Eastern Europe. NATO and South Korea have given conflicting numbers about the total number of North Korean forces. South Korea has stated it could be a total of 12,000 North Korean forces. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte put the number at 10,000. The numbers might be exaggerated for other reasons. It might be used as a justification for EU countries to attack North Korea. North Korea entering the war does not change the status in Eastern Europe. The Russian Federation is getting closer to winning the conflict. North Korea most likely is acting as a substitute for Belarus. Belarus did not send its forces to Ukraine. North Korea possibly going there as minor auxiliary support.   

Syria's Growing Diplomatic Relations With China

 

Syria and China are expanding their diplomatic relations. The motivation for Syria is to circumvent France, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, US, and Qatar. These countries were aiding terrorist organizations and armed groups during the civil war. Seeking a stronger alliance is a means of deterring a possible NATO intervention. Syria is now back in the Arab League. This demonstrates that Syria was able to avoid being isolated in the West Asian region. Syria has not been isolated in the Global South. It will no longer have positive relations with the West considering the sanctions and attempts to overthrow the government. China could be a useful investor in a country that requires reconstruction. Bombings from Israel and the civil war has damaged infrastructure. China wants to have more extensive diplomatic relations with the Arab world. Then there is the concern about China's access to oil. Chinese firms could return to Syria, but the US occupation of certain areas and terrorist organizations are security concerns.  The Chinese energy firms Sinopec Corp, Sinochem, and CNPC were forced to leave. The civil war made it impossible to operate. The firms invested $3 billion in Syria between 2008 and 2009. President Xi Jingping appears to want to reverse a decade long absence of investment in Syria. President Assad was able to survive with Russian military assistance. Now Syria is getting economic aid. Now that Syria is a member of the Belt and Road Initiative  it could get greater access to the East Asian economy. 

The Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Water Released Into The Pacific Ocean

 

Japan has released the water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The IAEA has claimed that the radiation levels are safe and that releasing the war will cause no harm. It would be erroneous to think that is so. The release of radioactive water not only is a concern for public health, but the the aquatic ecosystem. Marine wildlife will be negatively impacted by this development. More radioactive water is going to be released in the coming decades. Seafood production and the fishing industry are going to experience the economic effects. China has already expressed that it will be cautious about purchase of seafood from Japan. The United Nations approved of Japan's plan of disposal of the radioactive water. There is little evidence that discharge of the water is safe. Tokyo Electric Power which operates Fukushima stated that not abnormalities were observed. Environmentalists are growing frustrated with a number of international institutions that favor the release of the water. The first discharge of water is set to reach a total of 7,800 cubic metres. That is not so large that any damage done cannot be reversible. The releases must be stopped for the sake of public health and environmental protection. The biggest concern is the tritium contamination. As long as contaminated water is being released ban on Japanese imports could become permanent. South Korea  Hong Kong, China, and Macau are banning Japanese aquatic imports. Those in the fishing industry are more anxious about how the discharge of radioactive water could impact their business. The Fukushima disaster has never really ended in this regard. Natural disasters are never going away. Which is why buildings and infrastructure should take into account particular engineering needs.    

Shinzo Abe Has Been Assassinated

 

The former prime minister of Japan has been assassinated. While giving a speech Shinzo Abe was shot and the injury was fatal. This comes has parliamentary elections are to be held Sunday. The gunman has been identified as Tetsuya  Yamagami . Police have stated that he made his own gun and held disdain for Abe. Gun violence is not some phenomenon of a few countries. It can happen anywhere and to anyone. Gun control becomes a challenge if culprits can build their own. Japan has strict gun laws, but in this case it did not aid in crime prevention. The problem extends beyond guns. A bigger question remains about how to stop violence. Growing discontent, isolation, and rage are becoming factors in crime. The information on Tetsuya Yamagami is still being collected. It has been stated that he served in the Maritime Self Defense Force. World leaders were also shocked by the act of violence. There is a growing concern about security of political figures. The public has had to deal with the threat of gun violence on a daily basis and this is going to be the same for politicians. The Liberal Democratic Party now has navigate a political realm without Abe and ensure that it can address the rise in gun violence. 

Choe Son Hui Has Become Foreign Minister of North Korea

 

North Korea has selected a new foreign minister. Choe Son Hui will now have the position in the DPRK. The move comes as tensions are rising in Asia. Choe has experience in the diplomatic service. She was one of the major figures in nuclear negotiations  with the United States. Those talks have not advanced the reduction of tension between the two countries. North Korea could easily be caught up in the US-China competition in the Pacific. North Korea has currently embarked on an arms buildup in response to regional developments. The country has conducted nuclear tests and it should be assumed at some point it will obtain an arsenal. The reason for the nuclear program is to deter US military action. North Korea might be a target for US regime change operations. Sanctions have not stopped North Korea's nuclear programs or arms buildup. The Asia pivot policy has worsened relations between China and the US. North Korea can exploit this situation by showing it is of vital interest to China. The foreign policy vision that Choe Son Hui has is not exactly clear. Considering that she was part of earlier talks there might be a chance for an agreement. The nuclear envoy to the US did not produce favorable results. One objective of Choe Son Hui could be to get the United Nations sanctions lifted. One demand that was made last year was an end to in her words "hostile US policy." This was in response to military drills conducted with South Korea. Choe Son Hui is the first female foreign minister of North Korea. The rise indicates that women are getting more power in the regime.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Resigns

 

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation. One of Japan's longest serving prime ministers will be exiting due to health concerns. Since 2012 he has embarked on a program that was attempting to change Japan economically and politically. Abe sought to have the pacifist constitution replaced. He attempted to get women more active in the Japanese workforce. Abenomics was the term used for his policies regarding the revitalization of the Japanese economy. The COVID-19 pandemic caused challenges for the Japanese workforce and the government was criticized for it management of the crisis. Shinzo Abe stated that his colitis was becoming more intense over the following weeks. Seeing as there is no cure and it has become difficult to treat, this would have effected his duties. A sudden change in leadership could change the political conditions in Asia. The growing tension between the US and China will be a factor. North Korea has remained a regional issue. The question of what is the best plan for economic recovery remains unanswered. Abe has been a political survivor. He first resigned in 2007. Making a comeback, his premiership was accused of scandal. The land sales scandal exposed that Abe and his family were giving preferential treatment to schools politically close to them. Japan is now in the process of selecting a new prime minister.  

Kim Yo Jong Threatens Military Action Against South Korea

North Korean and South Korean relations may be going through another phase of deterioration. Kim Yo Jong the sister of Kim Jong Un threatened military action. She accused South Korea of not advancing bilateral relations and continuing to drop anti-North Korean propaganda pamphlets in its territory. The hope was that North Korea and South Korea could reach a diplomatic agreement without external influence. For a period, it seemed like this approach was working. This is happening under the US-China rivalry based on trade and influence in Asia. The statements by Kim Yo Jong could just be rhetoric to deflect crippling sanctions that have been placed on North Korea by the United Nations and US. Her status and power seems to be increasing. Some observers have even speculated that if anything were to happen to Kim Jong Un, she would be his successor. The liaison office based in Kaesong may not reopen. It was established as a way for both nations to have diplomatic communication. The stall in nuclear agreement talks have also caused more frustration. Kim Yo Jong's words could just be empty, but there is always fear a Korean crisis could break out.  

Carrie Lam Invokes Emergency Powers

Even though the extradition bill has been terminated, the protests have not stopped. Carrie Lam the Chief Executive of Hong Kong is facing some of the most violent upheavals the city has ever seen. The youth have grown increasingly frustrated with the political status quo. Carrie Lam attempted to meet with demonstrators to have an open dialogue, but talks have failed. An important financial center of Asia is in a state of turmoil, which could have long lasting economic impact. Carrie Lam now has invoked colonial era emergency powers which may delay elections and impose curfews on the city. There was indication that harsher measures could be utilized if  violence continues. The Chief Executives actions have not gone without condemnation. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia stated that he thought it was time for Carrie Lam to resign. So far, it appears she will hold on to power however long it takes. Carrie Lam argues that if she resigns, this will not end protests or violence in Hong Kong. There could be an intention of this movement in the city to spread to other parts of China. Fears of a wider crackdown from Beijing have been rumored. Banks and businesses cannot function under such conditions. Carrie Lam has not declared a state of emergency, but it is a possibility as a means to maintain power. The protests in Hong Kong are far from being over as people demand more reform and a transparent government.    

Carrie Lam Declares the Extradition Bill Is Terminated and Protests Continue.

Carrie Lam stated "the bill is dead" while protests continue with no end in sight. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong faces a political crisis, which may become an wider problem for the People's Republic of China. The extradition bill would have seen residents of Hong Kong tried in mainland China. The fear is that a person would not get a fair trial for a certain criminal offense. Some believe that the law was designed to target dissidents who were either against Beijing or the Chief Executive. The sudden change in law and policy has created friction even outside of China. Boris Johnson who seeks to become Prime Minister in the UK has made comments in support of  the protests. This was followed by swift condemnation from China. Ever since Xi Jingping became core leader, his presidency has sought unity through crackdowns and a limited toleration for protests. Instances of police brutality forced Carrie Lam to make an apology for poor conduct. Gradually calls for her resignation became louder, but there is a fear that she could be replaced by someone more stern in approach. The former British colony was transferred to China in 1997. Ever since, there have been cases of civil disobedience. The current protests seem different with participants demanding more. Escalation could lead to serious violence, but Beijing may not be will to use force against Hong Kong. The memories of Tiananmen Square still remain with some government officials. Although China has proclaimed this is domestic affairs matter and no nation has the right to interfere, drastic action could change global public opinion. The situation is a delicate balancing act between the people of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, Xi Jingping, and the question of the law.   

Kim Jong Un Receives President Xi Jingping

Kim Jong Un hosted a state visit in North Korea for President Xi Jingping. It has been awhile since a Chinese leader has visited North Korea. This was more than just a mere exchange, rather a significant turning point. China may be more willing to give North Korea a higher degree of military and economic assistance. There may be several reasons for this. China may contemplate with the current tensions with Iran that the US is willing to go to war with other countries over nuclear weapons programs. That would mean North Korea could be made into a target of possible military action. Another factor is the Trump administration increasing aid and arms sales to Taiwan. President Obama was willing to do this for Taiwan and President Trump continues a the process. President Xi Jingping may see President Donald Trump's efforts at an agreement on nuclear weapons a means to undermine China's influence on the Korean peninsula. Both North and South Korea under American influence combined with a militarily stronger Taiwan poses a problem for Chinese foreign policy. Simultaneously, the US and China are engaged in a trade war. China wants to confront the US by either undermining nuclear agreement efforts or force North Korea to reconsider new negotiations. North Korea may be a way for China to show resistance to tariffs and penalties directed at Huawei. The trade war if it continues may escalate into economic warfare and by extension lead to an actual military conflict. China may also be investing more in North Korea as a counter to the US pivot to Asia. The pivot to Asia was established during the Obama administration seeking to expand American influence in the Asia-Pacific region. President Xi Jingping's meeting with Kim Jong Un was more so an expression of support and to stop US interference in Asia. Collaboration will only become strong as long as their is belligerence from a more aggressive US foreign policy. Kim Jong Un seems to have survived sanctions and threats of war. Securing China's assistance ensures that his regime will remain strong despite possible US attempts to depose him. If an agreement on nuclear weapons is to be reached it must be a bilateral affair between North and South Korea. There were rumors that Kim Jong Un wanted Xi Jingping to deliver a message to Donald Trump regarding restarting talks. So far, this has not been confirmed.