Taiwan, Korea, Philippines: renewed tension in Asia

How to subscribe to The Story?

On Monday morning, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missile launches. If one failed (he only traveled 120 km), this new demonstration of force comes in a context of renewed tension between Seoul and Pyongyang. It also comes as South Korea, the United States and Japan launched major new joint military maneuvers last Thursday. The operation, dubbed “Freedom Edge,” will focus on ballistic missiles and air defenses, anti-submarine warfare and cyber defense training. In recent weeks, minor incidents have taken place near the demilitarized border and while Pyongyang releases balloons loaded with waste towards South Korea every week.

This renewed tension comes especially a few days after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea for a summit with Kim Jong-un. Seoul is worried about a rapprochement between Moscow and Pyongyang. The United States and allied countries have also accused North Korea of violating arms control measures by selling, according to Washington, missiles to Russia used in the war in Ukraine.

Strategic area

Tensions are also rising further south, in the South China Sea between Beijing and Manila. On June 17, Chinese sailors armed with knives, sticks and an ax blocked a resupply mission intended for Philippine soldiers stationed on a ship stranded near a reef in an area claimed by both countries. An act of “piracy” denounced by Filipino leaders. For around ten years, Beijing has undertaken an operation to nibble away at the atolls in this area, which is strategic for world trade. Manila would like its American ally to set up a system of escorting Philippine supply boats to calm Chinese ardor.

For its part, the United States warned Beijing that the United States’ defense commitments to the Philippines remained “unshakeable”. Furthermore, Japan also says it is concerned about Chinese ambitions in the region. Tokyo and Manila have decided to hold high-level discussions on defense and security on July 8. Tokyo and Beijing are at odds over islands controlled by Japan in the East China Sea.

La Story is a podcast from “Echos” presented by Pierrick Fay. This episode was recorded in June 2024. Editor-in-chief: Clémence Lemaistre. Guest: Yann Rousseau (correspondent of “Echos” in Tokyo). Director: Willy Ganne. Production and editing manager: Michèle Warnet. Music: Théo Boulenger. Graphic identity: Upian. Photo: Reuters. Sounds: . Firstpost, Excerpt from “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Stars and Stripes”, Radio Free Asia.

Find the essential economic news thanks to our Access subscription offer: abonnement.lesechos.fr/lastory