Diplomacy

Every new presidential administration brings a series of changes to federal positions ranging from cabinet secretaries to senior positions at the Pentagon, State Department and elsewhere. And a quiet announcement late last week drew some attention in the Asia Pacific.

Last month, two Pacific island nations switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. The decisions squeezed Taiwan’s dwindling diplomatic space, but they’ve also had repercussions in Kiribati and The Solomon Islands.

It’s estimated that more than 65 million people are displaced by conflicts worldwide. To help resolve those conflicts, the United States is rolling out a new strategy, one that puts diplomats in the lead, rather than the military.

The politics of trade remain a top priority for the Trump Administration, and that is having an impact on the rest of the Asia Pacific. Vice President Mike Pence represented the United States at the recent APEC meetings, which in many ways set the stage for another international gathering later this month.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne is in Beijing on an official visit that appears to mark a thaw in relations between the Asia-Pacific powers.

The United States and North Korea are quietly continuing talks about denuclearization. But South Korea’s government is moving faster toward cooperation on some projects with the North. And that’s drawing a reaction from the United States.

Australia is still recovering from last month’s political crisis, where the Liberal party ousted Malcolm Turnbull as its leader – which meant he also lost his job as Prime Minister. It turns out, that one of his last acts in office, was to outmaneuver China on a military base in Fiji.

Yesterday, El Salvador switched diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China. That’s the third such change this year, and it leaves just 17 nations that recognize Taiwan – seven of them in the Pacific.

It’s been a difficult month for Taiwan. The government there has faced increasing pressure from Beijing on a number of fronts, and it’s been having an international impact. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

China has poached another ally from Taiwan. The Dominican Republic is the latest country to switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, after China offered a multi-billion dollar package of investments and loans. We have more from Neal Conan in today’s Pacific News Minute.

This week, the tiny South Pacific island state of Nauru marks the 50th anniversary of its independence from Australia. Dignitaries have gathered to celebrate the occasion from around the Pacific, and from Abkhazia and South Ossetia. And if you’re wondering what they’re doing there, we have an explanation from Neal Conan in today’s Pacific News Minute.

This week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States would be open to direct talks with North Korea. The White House has played down the prospects for any immediate discussions, but regional diplomacy is on the agenda for another event this week involving two key players. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Recent political and security developments in the Asia Pacific have focused on North Korea. But a number of diplomatic relationships are shifting relatively quickly in the area. One example involves two of the largest democracies in the region. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

President Trump remains on what the White House calls a “working vacation” this week, but members of his cabinet are on the job full time. That includes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who is wrapping up a short trip to Asia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

China has scored a quiet victory this week in the world of international diplomacy. Panama has announced it will break off diplomatic relations with Taiwan—and start them with Beijing. HPR’s Bill dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Relations may be improving between two of the closest allies the United States has in Asia. South Korea’s new president sent a special envoy to Japan this week—and the reception was very positive. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

  Recent news from North Korea has focused on missile launches and nuclear tests. But when it comes to diplomacy, there may be a lesson from history – and sports. Asia Pacific Management consultant Ray Tsuchiyama shares some thoughts in this commentary.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to spend some time in Florida next week. He’s been invited for two days of meetings with President Trump starting a week from today.  North Korea is certain to be on the agenda, but there have been some noteworthy developments taking place recently in another Pacific location. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Following the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, the half brother of North Korea’s leader, Malaysia has recalled its ambassador from Pyongyang and revoked visa free entry for North Koreans. And, as we hear from Neal Conan in the Pacific News Minute, more diplomatic retaliation may follow.