Rescue teams arrive in quake-hit Myanmar as hopes fade | East Asia Tonight (Mar 31)

Key Concepts:

• Earthquake in Myanmar: Magnitude 7.7, over 1,700 deaths, international aid efforts.
• Bangkok Building Collapse: Investigation into causes, involvement of Chinese construction company.
• Myanmar Political Situation: Military government, civil war, challenges to aid distribution.
• China's Economy: Manufacturing PMI, trade war with US, property sector issues, Huawei's performance.
• Chip Industry: Japan's investment in Rapidus, TSMC's commitment to Taiwan.
• Ukraine War: China's diplomat visit to Moscow, potential role in ceasefire negotiations.
• US-Japan Alliance: US defense secretary's visit, concerns about Trump administration's commitment.
• Nankai Trough Earthquake: Projected deaths, tsunami risk, need for infrastructure improvements.
• South Korean Wildfires: Investigation into cause, extent of damage.
• World Expo in Osaka: Sustainability theme, construction progress.

1. Myanmar Earthquake and Aftermath

• A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, resulting in over 1,700 confirmed deaths.
• The ruling military declared a week of national mourning.
• Rescue teams from across Asia are involved in search and rescue operations, but hopes are dimming after 72 hours.
• Chinese state media reported the rescue of a woman from a collapsed hotel by a Chinese crew.
• Beijing sent relief supplies worth over $13 million, including tents, blankets, and first aid kits.
• Japan is planning to send a larger aid team and is seeking help to find a missing Japanese national.
• Michael Dunford, World Food Program's country director for Myanmar, described the challenges of providing aid due to the civil war and infrastructure damage. He mentioned that 1.9 million people needed humanitarian assistance, 1.5 million were acutely food insecure, and 3.5 million had been displaced even before the earthquake.

2. Bangkok Building Collapse

• A 30-story building under construction in Bangkok collapsed, killing at least 18 people, mostly construction workers.
• The building was constructed by a consortium between Italian Thai Development (Thai company) and Chinese Railway Number 10 (Chinese company).
• The Interior Minister has called for an investigation with results to be presented within a week.
• Four Chinese nationals were caught allegedly smuggling documents from the rubble and have been detained.
• Teams from France, China, Japan, Israel, and the United States are assisting in the search and rescue efforts.
• There was a false alarm of aftershocks in Bangkok, leading to evacuations.

3. Myanmar Political Context and Aid Distribution

• David Scott Mathieson, an independent consultant on Myanmar, discussed the challenges of aid distribution due to the ongoing civil war and lack of trust in the military government.
• He noted that the military government's call for international assistance was a positive sign, but the real test would be how much latitude they give to foreign and domestic aid workers.
• Mathieson expressed concern that the military might limit access to affected populations and divert resources to areas under their control.
• He referenced Cyclone Nargis in 2008 as an example of the military authorities taking advantage of a natural disaster.

4. China's Economic Update

• China's manufacturing activity in March expanded at its fastest pace in a year, with the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rising to 50.5 points.
• Non-manufacturing PMI also rose above market expectations at 50.8.
• The increased production is bolstered by recent fiscal support and driven by new orders.
• However, experts say the relief will be short-lived due to potential new tariffs from the US.
• The Sun Chun component second Bors was down 0.97%, mains Shanghai composite down half% and Hongen index 1.3 in the red.
• The finance ministry will inject some $69 billion into state-owned banks.
• CK Hutchison's plans to sell its ports near the Panama Canal to a group led by Black Rock are facing scrutiny from Chinese state media and regulators.
• Country Garden, one of China's biggest property developers, saw its revenue fall by 37% last year.
• Huawei reported a near record high revenue for last year, with revenue rising 22% to more than $118 billion. Net profits however fell by 28%.

5. Chip Industry Developments

• Japan is injecting an additional $5.4 billion in aid for domestic chip startup Rapidus, bringing the total government assistance to around $11.5 billion.
• The government is also pushing for debt guarantees to encourage more private sector investment.
• TSMC is reaffirming its commitment to Taiwan, with a newly built domestic fab plant in southern Taiwan that will add some 7,000 tech jobs to the economy.
• The new factory will produce the most advanced chips employing two nanometer technology.

6. China's Diplomatic Efforts in Ukraine War

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wangi is set to visit Moscow to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
• The discussions will focus on bilateral ties, regional issues, and the Ukrainian crisis.
• Dasha Chiha, reporting from Moscow, noted that Beijing wants to use this visit to promote the development of the relationship between Russia and China to a new level.
• President Cinping is due to visit Russia in May for the celebrations of the 80s anniversary of Russia's of Soviet Union's victory in World War II.

7. US-Japan Alliance and Regional Security

• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegath visited Japan and confirmed a plan to upgrade US military command in Japan.
• Professor Sahashi Rio from the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia at the University of Tokyo discussed the significance of the visit and concerns about the Trump administration's commitment to the alliance.
• Sahashi expressed worries about Trump's relationship with President Putin and the potential impact on the Ukrainian war and Taiwan affairs.
• He noted that Japan is trying to increase its defense budget to 2% of GDP.

8. Nankai Trough Earthquake Prediction

• A new estimate by Japanese authorities says nearly 300,000 people could perish in the event of a mega quake in the Nankai trough.
• More than 70% of projected deaths would come as a result of the tsunami.
• The number of projected deaths is down about 10% from the previous estimate in 2012, but still short of Japan's goal of reducing deaths by around 80%.

9. South Korean Wildfires Investigation

• Authorities in South Korea have begun their first joint on-site investigation into one of its worst wildfires in history.
• The fires raised some 48,000 nectar about 80% the size of capital Soul killing 30 people and destroying an estimated 4,000 structures.
• Police have launched a probe into a 56y old man who is suspected of igniting the fires.

10. World Expo in Osaka

• The 2025 World Expo in Osaka is set to open in less than two weeks.
• The event is themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" and involves more than 150 countries and regions.
• Hosts Japan as well as Germany have taken up the sustainability theme.
• The Japanese pavilion showcases a pond utilizing recycled water with the iconic Hello Kitty dolls dressed in green to promote the various uses of LG.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The news program covers a range of critical issues in East Asia, from natural disasters and political instability to economic developments and security concerns. The earthquake in Myanmar and the building collapse in Bangkok highlight the region's vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of international aid and proper construction standards. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar and the political tensions surrounding the Ukraine war underscore the complex geopolitical landscape. Economically, China faces challenges in its property sector and trade relations with the US, while Japan is investing heavily in its chip industry to enhance its competitiveness. The US-Japan alliance remains crucial for regional security, but concerns persist about the Trump administration's commitment. Finally, the upcoming World Expo in Osaka showcases the region's focus on sustainability and innovation.