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Asia in Review

No. 36, September/2020, 2

Brought to you by CPG

Dear Readers,

The AiR team is presenting you this week's update on the latest events and developments in constitutional politics and governance, geopolitics and international relations in Asia.

We wish you an informative read and extend special greetings to readers in Brazil and Tajikistan which are celebrating Independence Day this week.

With best regards,

Henning Glaser

Director, German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPG)

Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU

Main Sections

• Law and Politics in East Asia

• Law and Politics in South Asia

• Law and Politics in Southeast Asia

• International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

• Announcements

Law and Politics in East Asia 

China/Hong Kong: Protest against election postponement

(dql) Defying a police ban, Hong Kong protesters took to the streets in the former British colony on Sunday to demonstrate against the government’s decision to postpone Legislative Council (LegCo) election – originally planned for exactly Sunday, 6 September – for a year on grounds of public health risks due to the coronavirus. The delay of the election is seen among the democratic camp as a politically motivated maneuver to prevent the opposition from possibly winning its first-ever majority in the LegCo, given its landslide victory in last year’s district council elections in which it won 17 out of 18 districts. The police arrested close to 300 protestors for violating the new security legislation and for attending an illegal assembly. [South China Morning Post] [BBC]

China: Beijing’s hardline response to protest against reducing Mongolian as teaching language in Inner Mongolia

(dql/ef) In response to what a Mongolian human rights organization called a “a massive, nonviolent, civil disobedience resistance movement” of ethnic Mongolians against a new regulation of the Chinese government to reduce Mongolian as language of instruction in schools in Inner Mongolia, the Chinese police has conducted a search operation for protesters, in an attempt to  “firmly crack down on illegal activities related to the new regulation,” according to a notice of an Inner Mongolian public security office. Furthermore, government officials and Communist party members are threatened with expulsion from the party if they do not send their children back to school, while Mongolians will become automatically ineligible for social benefits for the same offense. [Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center] [Wall Street Journal] [The Diplomat ($)]

The central government, meanwhile, insisted that the protest was caused by misinformation about the new regulation, adding that the use of the Mongolian language, textbooks and the bilingual education system will not change while the new regulation reflects efforts to strengthen the “common language of a country [as] a symbol of its sovereignty, and it is every citizen's right and responsibility to learn and use it.” Echoing this, China’s Public Security Minister, who was present in Inner Mongolia at the time of the protest, called on the security authorities to “fight against separatism, firmly implement anti-terrorist measures, and promote stability and harmony in the ethnic and religious fields.” [Global Times]

Critics of this move view it as part of an assimilationist education policy within the frame of a nation-wide drive to promote ‘ethnic unity’, with some having even termed this development a ‘cultural genocide’ against the Mongolian minority in China. [Human Rights Watch] [BBC] 

China: New restrictions on teaching Christianity 

(dql) China is set to implement a new set of regulations under which foreign teachers teaching Christianity are required to refrain from proselytising without permission and to stay clear of “evil cult practices”, an umbrella term for banned new religions. Breaching the regulations would lead to cancellation or denial of visas, while new incoming foreign teachers will have to undergo 20 hours of political indoctrination in different areas including China’s development, laws, professional ethics and educational policies.

Reinforcing these new regulations, authorities have also proposed a national social credit system to score foreign teachers on what they do and say – inside and outside the classroom, while the public security department in the southern province of Hainan has announced rewards of up to more than 14.000 USD for reporting leading to the arrest of foreigners who engaged in religious activities without official approval including religious teaching, evangelizing and networking. [Yahoo News Singapore]

In a related development, police and government officials raided a summer camp of a house church in the province of Henan, confiscating chairs, desks, along with a projecting device. The church's pastor and his wife were arrested. The raid is part of an investigation to crack down on non-approved religious activities, announced in late August and lasting until September 20. [CBN News]

The move has deepened concerns over accelerating efforts of the Chinese government to suppress religions and to ‘Sinicize’ them. [The Week]

Japan: Race for Abe succession kicks off

(dql) Following Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation [AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1], the competition for his succession has been kicked off with three candidates vying for the presidency of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) which would make them Japanese Prime Minister as the LDP commands the majority in the Diet. Among them are Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy chief and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, and former LDP Secretary general and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The winner will serve as Prime Minister for the remaining year of Abe’s term.

The decision will be made at an election meeting scheduled for 16 September, with the winner needing to secure the majority of a total of 788 votes with 394 votes coming from LDP Diet members and the same number from rank-and-file party members. [Mainichi 1]

For assessments of winning chances of ‘bureaucrat’ Suga – he has been see Chief Cabinet Secretary since 2012, the year Abe became Prime Minister for a second time – see [Reuters] and [The Diplomat].

In a related development, a large majority of local LDP prefectural chapters announce plans to hold primaries to select the new party leader prior the election meeting. [Mainichi 2]

South Korea: Main opposition claims important parliamentary committee chair

(dql) South Korea’s main opposition United Future Party (UFP) announced that it will not hold talks with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) over the allocation of parliamentary committee chair posts unless the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, a key committee overseeing major policies, is put on the negotiation table. It is believed that the DPK will not bow to this pressure after DPK chairman Lee Nak-yon signaled that revisiting the committee chair issue is not on the table. [Korea Herald]

After winning the absolute majority of seats in the National Assembly in the legislative election in April [AiR No. 16, April/2020, 3], the DPK has used its majority to allocate for itself a number of committee chairs, including the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee breaking with customary rule according which this chair has always been given to the main opposition to create a check against the parliamentary majority. The UFP stopped talks at that point in response to which the DPK filled chairs of all 18 committees with its own members. [AiR No. 24, June/2020, 3]

South Korea: Justice Minister under pressure over nepotism allegations

(dql) South Korea’s Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae has come under pressure over allegations of nepotism. Choo, since January in office after succeeding Cho Kuk who himself stepped down over allegations that he helped his children gain fraudulent admissions to prestigious universities [AiR No. 42, October/2019, 3], is accused of misusing her prior position in the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) to help her son receive preferential treatment in the context of an unnotified absence from the base while doing his military service years ago. 

The main opposition United Future Party (UFP) and a civic group have filed a complaint with the prosecution against the minister and her son, as well as an aide of the minister and three officers at her son’s unit who were in charge of managing leave-related administrative work. [Korea Times] [KBS]

South Korea: Number of female lawmakers and ministry heads rising

(dql) According to latest government data, the proportion of female lawmakers in South Korea's parliament, as well as that of female ministers in the Cabinet, has reached a record high, with 57 female lawmakers elected in the April 15 general elections, equaling 19% of the total of 300 members in the National Assembly, while the number of female ministers has increased to six, or 33%, of the total 18 this year. In 2016 51 legislators were women, while in 2010 the country’s cabinet included only two female ministers. [Yonhap]

Taiwan: KMT to uphold ‘One China’-policy

(ef) At its National Congress held at past wekend, the main opposition Kuomintang (LMT) announced that it will adhere to the 1992 consensus as the fundament of its policy towards China. After the landslide defeat of the KMT in January’s presidential election, especially younger party members had called on the party to abandon the consensus as part of a wider process of reforming the KMT.

The "1992 consensus," a tacit understanding reached between the then-KMT government and the Chinese government in 1992, is interpreted by the KMT as both sides of the strait acknowledging that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means. Beijing, however, has never publicly recognized or rejected the second part of the KMT interpretation.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under President Tsai Ing-wen has criticized that the consensus is "a mere illusion" arguing that China refuses to acknowledge the idea of each side being free to interpret "one China" as it sees fit, resulting in China’s hardline stance against Taiwan and Beijing cutting off diplomatic channels since Tsai assumed office in May 2016. [South China Morning Post] [Focus Taiwan]

Taiwan: New passport design released

(ef) Amid increased cross-strait tensions, Taiwan’s government has released a new passport design which highlights the word ‘Taiwan’ and minimizes the words ‘Republic of China’, Taiwan’s official name. Beforehand, the words ‘Republic of China’ and ‘Taiwan were of equal size and font. Officially, the design change is made to reduce confusions between travelers from Taiwan and those from China, as Taiwanese citizens are allowed to visit 146 countries visa-free, whilst Chinese citizens are only permitted visa-free entry to 74 countries. However, the new passport design is widely seen as a highly symbolic way to emphasize Taiwan’s independence. When the word ‘Taiwan’ was added to the passport cover a decade ago, China responded angrily, thus a negative reaction from China is to be expected. [Focus Taiwan] [New York Times ($)] [Forbes]

Law and Politics in South Asia 

India: Delimitation Commission to include local political parties in J&K delimitation

(lm) India’s Delimitation Commission, set up to redraw Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Jammu and Kashmir, will visit the northeastern states and the Union territory after finalizing a “broad framework” of the delimitation exercise. The commission will further seek provide opportunity for representatives of different political parties to express their opinion and is planning to complete the process by March 2021.

In August last year, India unilaterally abrogated Article 370 of its constitution, breaking the state of Kashmir into two Union territories – one comprising the Hindu-dominated Jammu region and the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley, known as Jammu and Kashmir, and the second being the Buddhist enclave of Ladakh. In his Independence Day address to the nation in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that elections would be held in Jammu and Kashmir as soon as the delimitation process was completed.

In May, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC), the largest political party in Jammu and Kashmir, had pulled out of the Delimitation Commission and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of seeking to divide the Union Territory on religious lines by manufacturing a Hindu dominance in the Kashmir valley. [Hindustan Times]

Nepal: Finance Minister submits resignation

(lm) Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada submitted his resignation on Thursday, forestalling the end of his tenure by two days. Mr. Khatiwada, who concomitantly was in charge of the Communication and Information Technology portfolio, had originally ceased to be a member of the National Assembly (NA) on 3 March but had been reappointed a day later by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to serve an additional six months. For the time being, the Prime Minister will supervise both ministries. [The Himalayan Times 1] [Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers]

The constitution requires a non-elected minister to obtain membership of the NA within six months after their date of appointment; a requirement that could not be met because Mr. Oli waved his prerogative to nominate Mr. Khatiwada to join the assembly. Preceding Mr. Khatiwada’s resignation, the nine-member Secretariat of Nepal’s ruling Communist Party (NCP) decided on Thursday to nominate afresh senior party leader Bamdev Gautam to replace Mr. Khatiwada in the NA. [The Himalayan Times 2] [The Kathmandu Post 1] [The Kathmandu Post 2]

After six months of internal power struggle, Mr. Oli did not want to antagonise Mr. Gautam, whose six-point proposal helped swing the balance in the NCP in Mr. Oli’s favour, albeit temporarily, observers say. Prior to a meeting between the two politicians in late July, Prime Minister Oli’s position had become tenuous after 31 Standing Committee members had openly demanded his resignation as party chair and Prime Minister. A six-member task force formed to end the stalemate between the Prime Minister and his party co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal then made recommendations almost on the lines of Gautam’s proposal that Prime Minister Oli should complete his five-year tenure, while Mr. Dahal would be given full executive power over party affairs [see AiR No. 34, August/2020, 4]. [Nepali Times]

Whether Mr. Gautam can actually become the new Finance Minister is yet to be seen as some constitutional experts argue that the constitution bars a person defeated in the parliamentary election to be a minister or the prime minister. Mr. Gautam, still, won’t be the first politician to join the National Assembly despite having lost a parliamentary election. Nepal Communist Party spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who also lost the 2017 elections, was appointed to the National Assembly back in January. [The Kathmandu Post 3]

Pakistan: PM Imran Khan urges Interior Ministry to expedite consideration of anti-torture bill

(py) On 3 September, Prime Minister Imran Khan urged the Ministry of Interior to speed up the tabling of an anti-torture bill in the National Assembly. Since the country ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) on 17 April 2008, Pakistan is obliged to define and criminalize torture as well as establish an independent mechanism to regulate impunities. However, the passing of the anti-torture bill has been stagnant as the bill has never been brought up in a joint session of the Parliament for almost three years. Hence, domestic law presently does not criminalize the act of torture, despite the Pakistani Constitution bans the use of torture for extracting evidence. [Daily Pakistan] [Human Rights Watch 1] [Human Rights Watch 2] [The Friday Times] [Amnesty International]

Pakistan continues to suffer from an internal human rights crisis. In recent months, there have been reports of torture and ill-treatment towards detainees in Pakistan with those from marginalized groups facing higher risks. Last Saturday, a female journalist and women's rights activist was shot dead for unknown motives. [Pakistan Today] [Human Rights Watch 3]

Law and Politics in Southeast Asia 

Brunei: New Armed Forces Commander

(nd) After his appointment, the new Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces – a usually an officer with the rank of a Major General – has been received with his predecessor at a royal audience attended also by the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. The 460.000 country’s forces have 10.000 active troops. [Borneo Bulletin]

Cambodia: Protests over continuing arrest of union leader

(nd) Supporters and activists are continuing to protest for the release of prominent union leader Rong Chhun, after submitting petitions to a number of embassies, including the Japanese, German, EU and U.S. embassies, to intervene in cases of political prisoners. [Cambodianess 1] Furthermore, the movement called on international communities, notably countries that are signatories to the Paris Peace Agreements, to assert pressure on the government for the release of the detainees. [Camboja News]

President of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions, Chhun was arrested late at night on July 31 home in Phnom Penh after allegedly criticizing the government regarding its border negotiations with Vietnam. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court formally charged Chhun with incitement to cause serious social unrest under Article 495 of the Cambodian penal code. [Cambodianess 2]

Recently, City Hall announced to use drones to monitor protestors, [VOD English], which, according to Am Sam Ath, monitoring manager at rights group Licadho, said this was another level of intimidation, after authorities taking pictures photographing protesters.

Meanwhile, three environmental activists were charged with incitement to cause serious social chaos by the Phomn Penh Municipal Court. The members of the Mother Nature NGO were arrested on September 3 following a post of the NGO’s Facebook page, saying they would walk to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s office dressed in white to request a personal meeting. The NGO thereby wanted to oppose sub-decrees issued to grant portions of Boeung Tamok Lake for public and private development projects, stressing the environmental repercussion of a partial fill of the lake. Within the lake boundaries or directly on its shores live about 319 poor families, according to the NGO Sahmakum Teang Tnaut. [Cambodianess 3]

Cambodia’s international recognition already suffered in February 2020 when the government was stripped of trade privileges under the Everything But Arms agreement, following the EU ascertainment of serious and systemic human rights abuses, with an unprecedented crackdown on freedom of the press and opposition groups, following the so-called “color revolution” narrative as a justification.

Cambodia: National internet gateway deemed alarming

(nd) The "national internet gateway", a yet-to-be-signed sub-decree drafted in July, was deemed alarming by human rights advocators. The government-appointed operator who will collaborate with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia and "relevant authorities", according to Article 6 is "to take actions in blocking and disconnecting all network connections that affect safety, national revenue, social order, dignity, culture, traditions and customs," according to a translation of the law. This vague language leaves room for interpretation and could impact freedom of expression, said Ith Sothoeuth, media director of the Cambodian Center for Independent Media. Marc Einstein, chief analyst at Japan-based IT research and advisory firm ITR, said the infrastructure would give authorities greater online visibility and control, on the one hand helping tax collection and fight cybercrime but also appearing to have "a censorship angle" and could have an impact on connection speed. [Nikkei Asian Review]

Cambodia: Kem Sokha demands charges to be dropped

(nd) On the third anniversary of his arrest, former opposition party leader Kem Sokha demanded the charges of treason against him to be dropped and his political rights to be restored.

Sokha was arrested in September 2017 for allegedly trying to overthrow the government with the help of Washington, following a Cambodia’s Supreme Court ban of his party in November that year for its supposed role in the events, also banning 118 former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) members from politics for five years. [Radio Free Asia] Meanwhile, political rights of three more ex-opposition politicians were restored following a royal decree signed by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, making it a total of 12 politicians who have had their banned political rights lifted after a filed request. [China.org] These 12 politicians formed two new parties, the Khmer Conservative Party and the Cambodian Nation Love Party. [Phnompenh Post] While the rehabilitation requests enable the affected politicians to return into politics earlier, they could be deemed as “party betrayal” by other former opposition members, according to Kin Phea, director of the International Relation Institute at Royal Academy of Cambodia.

Sokha’s lawyer iterated the ongoing suspension of the court proceedings could violate his client’s rights. Sokha’s trial was suspended in March due to concerns over potential Covid-19 transmission. [Cambodia Daily]

US ambassador to meet Provincial governor over US investments

(nd) US ambassador to Cambodia Patrick Murphy met the Kampong Speu province Provincial governor to talk about strengthening cooperation with provincial authorities and consequentially thereby attracting US and foreign investors to the province. Murphy underlined that “increasing numbers of US investors looking at Cambodia in sectors like energy, manufacturing, technology and healthcare.“ [Phnompenh Post 1] According to National Bank of Cambodia, the US accounted for $10.9 billion (29 per cent) of Cambodian exports from January-September last year, the Kingdom for two per cent of US exports during the period, worth $16.5 million.

Under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, the US provides Cambodia with preferential trade access enabling duty free access to the US market. In 2019, almost $1 billion in travel goods were exported to the US under GSP. [Phnompenh Post 2]

Yet, Cambodia’s wartime debt to the US remains a sore issue to bilateral relations, since calls for its repayment were renewed in 2017. While lending about $ 270 million to Cambodia’s right-wing Lon Nol government under the USAID program “Food for Peace”, the US also dropped around 500,000 tons of bombs on eastern Cambodia in a bombing campaign that lasted from 1969 to 1973. Due to the destruction caused by it, the Cambodian government has refused pay backs. Therefore, a conversion of the debt into aid was suggested as well as the installment of an education and exchange program, which was established in 2000 with the Vietnam Education Foundation. In 1997, the Vietnamese government also signed an accord with the U.S. to pay $140 million in debt from the same “Food for Peace” program in 20 annual installments.

However, there is no written agreement for the payment, leaving it open whether it was considered debt or aid, said Chhang Song, information minister under the Lon Nol. According to US State Department officials, only lawmakers in the US Congress could determine a change of the debt status. [VOA Cambodia]

Cambodia: Committee on consumer protection installed

(nd) Following a sub-decree issued by the government, the National Committee for Consumer Protection (NCCP) is to prepare and promote the policy and strategic plan for consumer protection and necessary amendments to the law. The NCCP consists of officials from the Ministries of Commerce; Economy and Finance; Interior; Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation; Justice; Posts and Telecommunications; Health; and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; the National Bank of Cambodia; the Directorate-General of Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression (CCF); and the Council of Ministers. [Xinhua Net]

Talks about minimum wages in garment industry over union protests

(nd) The first three-party meeting to set a minimum wage for garment and footwear industry workers for 2021 showcased the juxtaposition of employer representatives referring to economic struggles in the wake of Covid-19 and the respective union proposing an increase of $ 12. If determined, a minimum wage will affect about 800,000 workers from 1,000 factories. [Camboja News 1]

Athough Covid-19 numbers remain relatively low and Cambodia has not imposed severe lockdown measures, textile, tourism and aviation service industries are facing severe difficulties according to the Prime Minister. [Phnompenh Post]

Meanwhile, several garment unions joined together in a campaign directed against increasing discrimination, referring to union busting efforts that have been taken under the guise of necessary lay-offs due to Covid-19. Factories have been accused by union chiefs to unjustly firing union members, leaders and activists. [Camboja News 2]

Indonesi: Mitigation of Covid-19, budget for digital learning

(nd) The Indonesian government will cover Covid-19 vaccination costs for 93 million citizens, prioritizing around 1.5 million medical workers upon availability of a vaccine later this year. [Jakarta Globe 1] Meanwhile, a program to better monitor the spread of Covid-19 through availability and management of data – a collaboration of the Jakarta government with the British Embassy and Indonesian volunteer group LaporCOVID19 — was launched. [Tempo 1] Jakarta’s satellite cities Bogor and Depok imposed a night-time curfew due to a recent rise in Covid-19 cases, while others still contemplating whether to go forward as well. [Jakarta Globe 2]

On Sunday, the country reported 3,444 new cases, the second highest daily rise after a record 3,622 cases only three days ago, to take its total to 194,109. Indonesia has more than 47,500 active cases of the virus while more provinces see a surge in cases following improved testing capacity. [Jakarta Globe 3]

Due to these developments, online learning has become a necessity with only schools in Covid-19 green zones resumed to the classroom. Aiming at a hybrid model, there are plans to extend remote learning beyond the pandemic, according to Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim. [Jakarta Globe 4]

In an effort to digitalize schools further in 2021, the government allocated Rp 1.49 trillion, which shall be used to strengthen digital platforms, procuring learning content and material and provide educational facilities and IT equipment. [Tempo 2]

Bank law reform not to undermine independence

(nd) After the House Legislation Body (Baleg) has proposed a bill that revises the 1999 and 2004 laws on the central bank, giving the government influence on monetary policy Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati promised the proposed revisions would maintain a credible and independent Bank of Indonesia (BI). While current global challenges such as Covid-19 make it necessary for the central bank to manage the exchange rate and inflation to enable economic growth, critics warned, amendment could undermine the BI’s independence.

The central bank will continue to buy government bonds until 2022 to mitigate the effects of Covid-19, following an agreement between BI and the government under which the BI is to buy up $28 billion in government bonds while shouldering the debt burden.

Central bank independence was introduced only during the 1998 Asian financial crisis. [Jakarta Post]

Myanmar: Activists launch website to circumvent ban

(nd) The anonymous group of activists ‘Justice for Myanmar’ has launched a website to make their findings, including investigations about business activities of Myanmar’s military, accessible again. On August 27, the Post and Telecommunications Department ordered to block the group’s website and associated IP addresses. Myanmar is facing a national and international backlash from civil society groups of using Covid-19 measures to restrict media and freedom of expression. [Myanmar Times]

Myanmar: Election Commission to comply with Covid-19 situation, governing party promises military reform

(nd) Myanmar’s Union Election Commission (UEC) is further adjusting the means for the upcoming election to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases. The decision on the delay of the general election on November 8 will be announced later this month. To date, 8,120 domestic observers to monitor the election were approved, while civil society groups report on a lower number of observers than in the 2015 election. [Irrawaddy 1]

Meanwhile, the National League for Democracy (NLD) vowed in its election manifesto the first duty will be a military reform to ensure the protection citizen’s rights, following year-long tensions between the military and the NLD. [Irrawaddy 2]

Myanmar poet convicted

(nd) In a decision rendered by the Kyauktada Township Court, Maung Saungkha was convicted under the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law. On June 21, Saunggkha set up a banner criticizing the restrictions on mobile internet communications in parts of Rakhine and Chin States, which was put in place in June 2019 as response to the escalating conflict between Myanmar military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine armed group. [Amnesty International] Since the NLD took office in 2015, more than 90 people have been charged under the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law.

Meanwhile, a group of digital right organizations urged the government to restore 3G and 4G internet services, for the limited 2G service made available on August 2 undermines the efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. It does not give access to public services, voting information or political party campaigns, having an impact on this year’s election process. Since June 2019, eight townships in Rakhine and Chin state were cut off from the internet, being the longest recorded internet blackout in the world. [Myanmar Times]  The clashes between AA and the military are ongoing, with a fire set by the military in a village in Rakhine State’s Kyauktaw Township and AA leader Major General Tun Myat Naing asserting the military is deliberately spreading Covid-19 in Rakhine state. [Irrawaddy]

On the situation of the two ethnic Rakhine news outlets — Development Media Group (DMG) and Narinjara News — Human Rights Watch issued a statement saying the authorities should stop using website blocks and criminal laws to obstruct their work. Asia legal adviser Linda Lakhdhir called it an assault on media freedom and the right to information and said the charges should immediately be dropped. [Mizzima] Since March this year, all four mobile operators in Myanmar have blocked the media outlet’s webpages following a government directive issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Aung Marm Oo, chief editor of DMG, suspects the reason for the charges to be the media groups reporting on the conflict between the military and the Arakan Army, which was designated a terrorist organization on March 23, 2020 under section 15 (2) of the Counter-Terrorism Law. The reporting on this conflict has been a topic of controversy before. After after uncovering a massacre of Rohingya Muslims, two Reuters journalists were sentenced to seven years in prison under Myanmar’s Official Secrets Act in 2018. They were released on a presidential pardon after spending more than a year in jail. [Human Rights Watch]

Singapore: Prime Minister on Covid-19 and the future of Singapore

(nd) In a parliamentary speech on Wednesday Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong emphasized the great strength and resilience of the Singaporians, with the public service, political leadership, businesses and the public having worked together. Mr. Lee was also self-critical about the country’s response to Covid-19, which “was not without shortcomings”, but in line with the "best available scientific advice" at the time.  [Channel News Asia]

“The irony is the more successful we are in keeping cases low, the more people wonder whether all these painful measures are necessary,” he said, mentioning the recent resurge in Europe. Inter alia, the dense situation of communal living of migrant workers, posing a high infection risk. With reference to the threat of a possible future “Disease X”, Mr Lee said Singapore must “rethink and reinvent” to continue to be successful in a post-COVID-19 world, in areas like social safety nets, foreign workers and politics.

Thailand: Ongoing student protests

(nd) The Criminal Court revoked the set bail for human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa and student activist Panupong Jadnok after both participated in protests, thereby breaching their bail conditions. [Bangkok Post 1] Later, both were released from prison after police cancelled their detention requests.

Amnesty International urged the government to drop the charges against 31 protest leaders of a July 18 anti-government rally, which were aimed at silencing critics and violated freedom of speech according to the statement. [Bangkok Post 2] The government countered with two statements issued by the Foreign Ministry and Royal Thai Police Office (RTPO), rejecting the accusations, stating the protesters have been charged because they violated the law. Legal Action taken by RTPO was in line with criminal proceedings. The charges can be fought in court with the protection of their fundamental human rights in line with international standards. [Bangkok Post 3]

Subsequently, the protests continued at several high schools, featuring the “Hunger Games” three-finger salute again as a symbol of the pro-democracy, anti-government movement. Over 600 high school students demonstrated in front of the education ministry in Bangkok, demanding reforms of the education system and the rigid rules on uniforms and behavior. [Chiangrai Times]

Meanwhile, another major protest is announced for September 19 at Thammasat University. Significant parts of the population seem to fear that the protests could lead to violence against the protesters. The student protests that started mid-July charge not only the military-backed government but question also the role of the monarchy, which used to be a taboo. [See also AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]

The volatility in the public perception is reflected by rumors of another possible military coup spreading on social media after military vehicles entered Bangkok. According to Army official, the vehicles are part of an annual exercise. [Khaosod English]

Meanwhile, investors are shunning Thailand for weakening growth and the intensifying political protests, causing the baht’s steepest two-day slide coming after the abrupt resignation of the finance minister Predee Daochai. [Reuters] [Thai PBS World]

Thailand: “Rebellious” member of Democrat Party to back amendment of Section 272

(nd) A “rebellious” group of MPs belonging to the government coalition Democrat Party support the oppositional Move Forward Party’s bid to amend section 272 of the Constitution. The provision allows the Senate to participate in the election of the Prime Minister for the first five years from the first convention of National Assembly (thus in wake of the first post-coup elections 2019).

The group believes the involvement of the senate that was ultimately appointed by the powers that staged the 2014 coup is against democratic principles, especially, they added, in times of political uncertainty. To propose (not adopt) the amendment one fifth of MPs is needed, which could be enough with the group’s support. [Bangkok Post 1]

Meanwhile, more support was reached among lawmakers. Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn said the military-appointed senate can help maintain order and implement reforms in times of transition, but precisely those reforms have not been enforced and therefore the role of the Senate shall be altered. Still, he warned to scrutinize section by section and only amend where necessary to maintain the particular strength of the charter and not lose an overall framework. [Bangkok Post 2] [See also AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]

Thailand: Amnesty plan on reform panel on political reconciliation

(nd) The panel of the national political reform committee — one of the 13 national reform committees assigned by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha — suggested a law to grant amnesty to political offenders. The panel’s chairman linked the plan to the famous Order 66/23 during the Cold War which granted an amnesty to surrendering communist insurgents. [Bangkok Post]

Philippines: Corruption scandal of national health insurer affects government

(nd) In the ongoing corruption investigations of Phil Health, house representatives have suggested to give emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to be able to resolve the situation, with members of the Senate quickly rejecting the idea. Amidst rumors of an offer of resignation over the affair, President Duterte has expressed his confidence in Secretary of Health Duque. Accusations of rampant corruption in the government-controlled national health insurer have been voiced since 2012. Multiple congressional probes have since been effected. With the resignation of CEO Ricardo Morales in August 2020, after being in office for one year, the matter is now again under discussion, with another task force’s report due on Sept. 14. [Manila Bulletin 1] [Manila Bulletin 2][ Manila Bulletin 3] [Manila Bulletin 4]

Philippines: New senate president

(nd) Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim has been elected the new president of the Dewan Negara, the Upper House of Parliament. The former Information, Communications and Culture Minister replaces Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran whose term of office ended on June 22. [Daily Express]

International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

China: UN urges review of Hong Kong national security legislation

(dql) Adding to international criticism of Hong Kong’s national security law, a group of seven special rapporteurs of the UN expressed in a letter to the Chinese government their rejection of Hong Kong’s new national security law as it "poses a serious risk to fundamental freedoms and due process protections" and urged China to review the legislation to ensure it complies with China’s international obligations regarding such matters. Main concerns of the rapporteurs refer to “the broad scope of the crimes defined as secession and subversion; the express curtailment of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association; the implications of the scope and substance of the security law as a whole on the rule of law; and the interference with the ability of civil society organisations to perform their lawful function.” [Aljazeera]

China-USA relations further worsen

(dql) The USA announced new regulations under which senior Chinese diplomats would be required to obtain State Department approval before visiting US university campuses or holding cultural events with more than 50 people outside mission grounds, the latest move in an escalating wrangle between China and the USA over diplomatic missions. Earlier in July consulates in China and the USA were closed. In February and June, Washington designated Chinese media outlets as foreign missions requiring those to comply with rules which apply to foreign embassies and consulates in the United States, too. [The Guardian]

In a separate move, the White House has requested US government agencies to submit extensive details of any funding that “seeks to counter China’s global influence and business practices, or supports Beijing,” a move which the US White House Office of Management and Budget declared as an effort “to ensure that the United States remains strong and in a position of strength against rival nations like China.” [Reuters]

Furthermore, the Trump administration announced that it is mulling to impose export restrictions on the Chinese company Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, China’s largest manufacturer of semiconductors, and to add the company to the Commerce Department’s entity list, which forbids those companies to obtain specific goods made in the United States without prior US government approval. The U.S. entity list currently includes more than 300 China-based companies. [CNBC]

In a latest move, US President Donald Trump – with the presidential election campaign in full swing – has reiterated that he is open to decoupling the US economy from China as a measure to end US reliance on China. Further steps he vowed to take include bringing jobs back from China to the United States as well as imposing tariffs on firms outsourcing jobs to China and other countries. [Reuters]

China, meanwhile, announced that it has launched a global data security initiative after laying out principles that should be followed in areas ranging from personal information to espionage, in an attempt to increase its standing as international standard setter amidst continuing US and other countries’ accusation of Chinese technology firms posing a threat to national security. Core elements of the new initiative include not using technology to impair other countries’ critical infrastructure or steal data as well as guaranteeing that service providers don’t create backdoors in their services and products and illegally obtain user data. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while presenting the new initiative, reiterated China’s criticism of the USA, saying that “[b]ent on unilateral acts, a certain country keeps making groundless accusations against others in the name of ‘clean’ network and used security as a pretext to prey on enterprises of other countries who have a competitive edge.” [CNBC]

“Clean network” refers to Washington’s recently launched global campaign to exclude Chinese telecoms firms, apps, cloud providers from internet infrastructure used by the US and other countries.

In a separate move, the Chinese government, has frozen applications for press credentials renewal for foreign journalists working for American news organizations in China, including CNN, the Wall Street Journal and Getty Images. It has also indicated that it will proceed with expulsions in case the USA takes further action against Chinese media employees in the United States. The actions and threats are the latest moves of continuing tit-for-tat reprisals between Washington and Beijing over news media organizations. [New York Times] 

China-USA military relations: US DoD’s report on military power in China 2020

(dql) Amid ongoing discussions over a cut of the military budget for fiscal year 2021, the US Department of Defense has released its Annual Report to Congress “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China,” which emphasizes the strategic competition with China as a revisionist power by stating that the Chinese Communist Party considers China as “embroiled in a major international strategic competition with other states, including, and in particular, the United States,” while China’s foreign policy “seeks to revise aspects of the international order on the Party’s terms and in accordance with ideas and principles it views as essential to forging an external environment conducive to China’s national rejuvenation.” [Department of Defense, USA]

It confirms that China's military has undergone a massive transformation and modernization in the past decades and has been able to surpass the USA in certain areas, acknowledging that China possesses the “largest navy in the world, with an overall battle force of approximately 350 ships and submarines, including over 130 major surface combatants," while at the same time planning to increase its current estimated number of 200 nuclear warheads to 400 until 2030. [Department of Defense, USA] [Military.com]

The report also warns that China continues to develop and acquire offensive space technologies “designed to restrict/destroy the enemy’s” satellites. [EurAsian Times]

For an assessment of the report see Michael E. O’Hanlon at [Brookings] who acknowledges that “China has a clear grand strategy with specific goals,” but does not believe that Beijing “has decided that the maximization of those objectives is worth a high risk of war.“ China “will more likely be opportunistic,” meaning for the USA “to push back with an integrated mix of military, economic, and diplomatic responses to various attacks, probing actions, or coercive actions that China may (and will) attempt in future years.”

China: Advancing drone technology

(dql) China has launched its first international standard for unmanned aircraft systems, which focuses on the categorization and classification of civil unmanned aircraft systems, the basis for the safe operation protocols for the drone industry. The launch of the international standard makes China a global leader in the drone sector, paving the way for a further global expansion of Chinese drone firms, such as DJII, a Shenzhen-based manufacturer of drones for aerial photography and videography commanding more than 70% of this sector globally, or Ziyan UAV, a Guangdong-based drones manufacturer, cited by the above mentioned Defense report which states that this company showcased “armed swarming drones that it claimed use AI to perform autonomous guidance, target acquisition, and attack execution.” The report also acknowledged that China made achievements in AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels, believed to be used to patrol and bolster its territorial claims in the South China Sea, and also tested unmanned tanks in research efforts to integrate AI into ground forces’ equipment. [China Daily] [Defense One]

For an account of the usage of Chinese military drones in the Libyan conflict and the strategic implications of that, see Ryan Oliver in [Jamestown Foundation: China Brief] who warns that China “is leveraging its UAV production to erode the United States’ position as the partner of choice in the arena of international security,” and that this lever in combination with a US pullback from international engagement will put China in a position to “compete for the coveted status of security partner of choice that the United States has long enjoyed in many parts of the world.” 

China-Australia relations: Australian journalist evacuated 

(dql) Two Australian foreign correspondents working for ABC and Australian Financial Review in China have been urgently flown home after avoiding a travel ban by agreeing to be interviewed by the Chinese police on Chinese-born Australian TV host at a state-run English news channel who was detained over suspicion of “engaging in criminal activities endangering China's national security.” [AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]

The incident, which leaves Australia's media without any journalists working in China for the first time in almost 50 years, is the latest in a string of recent signals of increasingly strained relations between China and Australia over disputes over an inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus pandemic, Hong Kong’s national security legislation and trade restrictions on Australian products. [The Guardian]

China-Russia relations: Closing ranks against USA

(dql) In a symbolic move signaling China and Russia close relations, the Chinese and the Russian ambassadors to the USA jointly commemorated the respective 75th anniversary of the end of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and of the end of World War II. In a thinly veiled criticism of both countries’ rival USA, the ambassadors reassured in a joint statement that the “basic norms of international relations, such as the inviolability of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and non-interference into their internal affairs, should be respected. And multilateralism should be put into practice.” [Xinhua]

The statements comes as in a highly provocative move further straining already frosty US-Russian relations, Washington – for the first time since the presidential election in Belarus on August 9 – has openly pledged to support for the protests in Minsk and announced that it will work with the European Union to increase pressure on embattled Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to hold new elections. In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov decried “the pressure that a number of foreign states are now trying to exert on the legitimate authorities of Belarus, openly supporting the opposition dissatisfied with the results of the presidential election.” [Politico] [euronews]

For an account of reasons why China supports Russia in Belarus see Brian G. Carlson in [The Diplomat] who argues that in the Belarus crisis Sino-Russian relations will stick to the pattern of close cooperation that has emerged in the recent years.

Meanwhile, Russia has started work on an 11 billion USD polymer plant project which will produce plastic components for the Chinese market. One of the world’s largest polymer plants, located in Amur near the Chinese border in Russia's Far East, it is joint project between Russian Sibur Holding petrochemical company and Chinese giant Sinopec Group, demonstrating growing economic ties, next to diplomatic, strategic and military cooperation and relations. The plant is expected to begin production in 2024. [RadioFreeEurope]

For insights into a speculated Sino-Chinese cooperation on the new design of a non-nuclear submarine including a combination of Chinese and Russian technology and systems, see H. I. Sutton in [Forbes].

China-Afghanistan relations: Beijing offers building road network in return for peace

(dql) Signaling China’s growing efforts to deepen its foothold in Afghanistan, Beijing has offered to build a road network for the Taliban under the conditions they can ensure peace in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the US military, with prospects of further investments in energy projects. 

The offer comes after recent Taliban attacks on Afghan security forces and civilians in the past weeks have questioned the sustainability of the peace deal signed in February between USA and Nato under which all troops would withdraw within 14 months if the militants uphold the deal. [Financial Times]

Last week, at least three members of Afghan government forces were killed in a Taliban attack on a military base in the eastern city of Gardez. The attack came after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s appointment of a 46-member council for national reconciliation, which will decide whether the government will sign a peace deal with the Taliban after what are believed to be tedious and difficult  talks with the armed group set to begin soon in Doha. [Aljazeera]

In a latest development, the Taliban on Tuesday launched an attack in the Shahr-e-Ghulghula area of Abshar district of Panjshir province, taking seven government forces as hostage. Panjshir, home of the late Ahmad Shah Massoud, an anti-Taliban resistance leader, has been considered one of the two safest provinces in the country. [Gandhara]

China-Czech Republic relations: Czech president criticizes country’s senate president for visit to Taiwan

(ef) In a move to soften the tensions between China and the Czech Republic over the recent visit of a delegation to Taiwan led by the President of the Czech Senate Milos Vystrcil, the Czech President Milos Zeman called the trip a ‘boyish provocation’ and announced that he will stop sending invitations to Vystrcil to attend meetings with the country’s top foreign policy officials. 

The visit prompted China to state that the Czech senate leader would ‘pay a heavy price’, which in turn led to the Chinese ambassador being summoned to Prague. [Reuters] [AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]

Taiwan and USA to reshape supply chains away from China

(ef) In the middle of the strengthening of Taiwan-USA relations, the American Institute in Taiwan, the de-facto US embassy in Taiwan, said that the reorganizing of supply chains will be ‘on top of the list’ for a new economic dialogue between the US and Taiwan. The risks of relying on China became increasingly obvious amid the US-China trade war and the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, the American Institute in Taiwan urged like-minded democracies to build secure and resilient global supply chains. Taiwan’s foreign minister stated that the Taiwanese government already planned on the diversification of supply chains in the semiconductor, medical, and energy industries. He also suggested that medical or IT goods could be “politicized or weaponized in the hands of a country that does not honour the rule of law and democracy,” called on cooperation between like-minded democracies and decrease global reliance on China. [Financial Times] [Focus Taiwan] [South China Morning Post]

Japan-Australia relations to be deepened

(dql) Reflecting growing efforts to deepen relations between Japan and Australia to counter China, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in a phone conversation reaffirmed the importance to strengthen their countries’ security cooperation to play a leading role in the region. [Japan Times]

The pledge follows another recent sign of increasingly close Japanese-Australian ties after Japan, Australia and India have started discussions on a joint “Supply Chain Resilience Initiative” in a move to reduce dependence on China. [Air No. 34, August/2020, 4]

Japan: Advancing military capabilities 

(dql) Japan has informed the USA about its plans to build specialized ships to counter ballistic missiles as the most viable alternative to the withdrawn plan to deploy land-based, U.S.-developed Aegis Ashore systems. [Kyodo News]

In a related move, Japan has announced its plans to acquire by March 2022 Norwegian Kongsberg Defence Aerospace Joint Strike Missiles designed to be carried in the new F-35A’s internal weapons bay, with a range of about 500 kilometers capable of attacking targets from outside the ranges of enemy missiles. [Defence Blog]

North Korea: Six party dialogue to be reinstalled? 

(dql) Amid stalled US-North Korean and inter-Korean talks on denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula, a revival of the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program in the form of a six-way summit was suggested by a special security adviser to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, arguing that this format is necessary to yield success as the issue involves more countries than the two Koreas and the USA. Backing this suggestion, Moon said that although the USA is able to provide Pyongyang with regime security or sanctions relief it cannot provide economic or energy-related support, adding that in these areas cooperation from other countries, like China and Japan, would be needed. [Yonhap]

Involving the two Koreas, the USA, China, Russia and Japan, the six-party dialogue was launched in 2003 and saw five rounds of talks until 2007, before Pyongyang dropped out following the United Nations Security Council's Presidential Statement which condemned the North Korean failed satellite launch and stated the Council's intention to expand sanctions on North Korea.

In a related development, South Korea’s and the US top nuclear envoys agreed in a phone talk held last week to step up efforts to resume talks with North Korea to yield substantive progress in efforts to achieve complete denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula. [Korea Herald]

India, Pakistan: Indian envoy summoned after ceasefire violation along Line of Control

(py) A senior Indian diplomat was summoned to the Foreign Office on Sunday to register Pakistan's strong protest over ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control yesterday, resulting in serious injuries to one innocent civilian. Islamabad urged India to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding to maintain peace along the LoC and further requested New Delhi to allow the United National Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). [Pakistan Today]

According to the Pakistani Foreign Office, the Indian occupation forces along the LoC (Line of Control) have been continuously violating the ceasefire 2,158 times since the start of the year, resulting in serious injuries to innocent civilians. As part of the 1949 Karachi Agreement, UNMOGIP has the authority to conduct investigations into alleged ceasefire violations which can be submitted from both countries. [The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [UNMOGIP]

During a ceremony marking Defense Day and Martyrs' Day at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Sunday, Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa issued an open warning to India, claiming that Islamabad was able to win the “fifth generation or hybrid war”. In mid-August Mr. Bajwa had visited met with Saudi Arabian officials to soothing the waters, after Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi had earlier called on Saudi Arabia to adopt a clearer stance in favor of Pakistan regarding the Kashmir conflict [AiR No. 32, August/2020, 2, AiR No. 33, August/2020, 3] [Times Now News]

India, Pakistan: Islamabad afresh contacts with New Delhi on espionage case

(lm) Pakistan on Monday contacted the Indian government to inquire about the appointment of legal representative for former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who currently sits on death row in Pakistan [see AiR No. 28, July/2020, 2]. Preceding the events, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday had directed the federal government to give India another change to appoint a lawyer for Mr. Jadhav and adjourned the hearing until October 3. [Hindustan Times] [Dunya News]

The Attorney General told the court that to fulfill the 2019 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that ordered Islamabad to conduct an “effective review and reconsideration” of Mr. Jadhav’s conviction by “means of its own choosing”, Pakistan had granted consular access to India and unilaterally petitioned the IHC, seeking appointment of a “legal representative” for Mr. Jadhav. The Pakistan government further tabled in Parliament a special ordinance that allow the review of the sentence. [see AiR No. 30, July/2020, 4]

In July, Indian diplomats had left an arranged meeting with Mr. Jadhav, claiming that they had not been provided “unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional” consular access to the death-row prisoner. New Delhi later accused Islamabad of being “non-serious in its approach”, claiming that it had appointed a Pakistani lawyer for Mr. Jadhav but still couldn’t file a petition “in the absence of power of attorney and supporting documents related to the case”.

Kulbhushan Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017 for allegedly being involved in espionage and terrorism.

India, Bangladesh foreign ministers to virtually meet this month

(lm) India and Bangladesh will hold the sixth meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) later this month, albert virtual, as India and China are India and China are competing to deliver coronavirus vaccination to Bangladesh in a diplomatic offensive carefully choreographed to expand their influence in the South Asian nation [see AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]. Co-chaired by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his counterpart in Bangladesh A.K. Abdul Momen, the JCC is the highest bilateral mechanism between India and Bangladesh and was last held in February 2019. [Hindustan Times]

Meanwhile, a new commercial inland waterway between Bangladesh and India was inaugurated on Saturday, after both sides had agreed to open a new element of regional connectivity by increasing the number of inland water routes (see IBP) earlier this month [see AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]. [Anadolu Ajansı]

Since the beginning of August, Premier Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Nepal and Sri Lanka and offered support to both Bangladesh and the Maldives, as New Delhi seeks a riposte to Chinese influence in the region [see e.g. AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1, AiR No. 34, August/2020, 4].

In mid-August, India pledged $500 million towards funding the largest civilian infrastructure in the Maldives to help the island nation connect its capital Malé with the neighboring islands of Villingili, Gulhifahu and Thilafushi. It also includes the building of a port at Gulhifahu and an industrial zone in Thilafushi [see AiR No. 33, August/2020, 3].

India, China accuse each other of firing shots at Line of Actual Control

(lm) China and India on Tuesday accused each other’s soldiers of firing warning shots on their disputed border in the Himalayas, violating a 1996 no-fire agreement and further escalating military tensions in the Himalayan border region. Beijing initially claimed Indian soldiers had crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the strategic outpost of Pangong Tso - a glacial lake at 4,242m - on Monday and opened fire as part of a “severe military provocation”, forcing Chinese troops to take “corresponding counter-measures.” New Delhi was swift to reject the allegations of violating border agreements and accused Chinese border forces of firing in the air to intimidate Indian troops in what it described as a “grave provocation”. [The Guardian] [Al Jazeera]

Prior to the events, in what Indian military sources last Wednesday called a stealth night-time operation to “thwart Chinese intentions”, on 29 August New Delhi had mobilized additional forces to occupy strategic heights and features along the south bank of Pangong Tso where the two sides have been locked in a face off since April [see AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]. Thousands of Indian soldiers had climbed up mountain peaks for about six hours when they saw the Chinese forces had made some ingress, violating existing agreements. China denied that People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops had breached the LAC and instead accused Indian soldiers of trespassing. [South China Morning Post 1] [The Straits Times]

During the operation, one member of the Special Frontier Force (SFF) was killed and another was injured in a landmine blast. Special Frontier Force (SFF) is a paramilitary unit consisting mainly of Tibetian refugees that is believed to have been established following the 1962 war between India and China. [South China Morning Post 2]

On the side-lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Moscow last week, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Fenghe, held “frank and in-depth discussions” to settle the dispute. While a statement issued by India said the two ministers had agreed to ease tensions, both sides blamed the other for the fresh conflict. Originally, the SCO meeting had been scheduled to be held in July but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting marked Mr. Singh’s second visit to Moscow within just two months, after he had participated in the Victory Day parade on 24 June [see AiR No. 26, June/2020, 5]. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is expected to visit the Russian capital for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO on Thursday this week. [The EurAsian Times] [ABP] [Hindustan Times]

On June 5, the Indian Army used a military hotline designed to help defuse border tensions to inquire about allegations that five men had been abducted by the People’s Liberation Army from the Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is also claimed by China (South Tibet). India's Minister of State for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who is also a lawmaker from Arunachal Pradesh, had earlier tweeted that the alleged abduction happened on 3 September near the border but not provided more details. China later said it was not aware of the specific case and its circumstances. [South China Morning Post 2] [The Straits Times 2] [bbc]

In light of the events, India banned another 118 Chinese phone apps on Wednesday as a way to strike back against Beijing. After the clashes in June, which involved hundreds of soldiers battling each other with rocks, sticks, clubs and bare fists, India had banned 59 mobile apps including TikTok, ShareIt and Tencent’s WeChat, citing security concerns [see AiR No. 26, June/2020, 5]. [NY Times] [Financial Express]

India’s security to be maintained not along LAC but in ‘extended neighborhood’ too, says Chief of Defense

(lm) Against the backdrop of ongoing Chinese incursions in the northern region of Ladakh, Indian Chief of Defense Staff Bipin Rawat outlined key aspects of India`s emerging security paradigm. Speaking at a webinar on Thursday to discuss US-India ties Mr. Rawat said the country`s security “would be maintained not, as hitherto, on the International Border (IB), Line of Control (LC) [with Pakistan] or the LAC [with China] alone, but in the strategic space of the ‘extended neighborhood’ and the strategic frontier’.” Prior to the remarks, the Indian army had changed its posture from border management to securing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to prevent further transgression by Chinese troops (see above). [South China Morning Post] [Hindustan Times 1] [Hindustan Times 2]

The remarks come at a time when observers have highlighted strategic shortcomings in New Delhi’s defense policy, describing it as being dominated by an orthodox offensive doctrine that centers around large army formations and the logic of deterrence by punishment [see AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1].

Since the beginning of August, Premier Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Nepal and Sri Lanka and offered support to both Bangladesh and the Maldives, as New Delhi seeks a riposte to Chinese influence in the region. In mid-August, India pledged $500 million towards funding the largest civilian infrastructure in the Maldives to help the island nation connect its capital Malé with the neighboring islands of Villingili, Gulhifahu and Thilafushi. It also includes the building of a port at Gulhifahu and an industrial zone in Thilafushi. [Deutsche Welle] [The Diplomat]

India holds bilateral naval drills with Russia after pulling out from Kavkaz 2020 military exercise

(lm) Coinciding with India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Russia, the navies of the countries held joint maneuvers near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 4-5 September, accompanying the passage of Russian navy ships from Hambantota to the Malacca Straits in the Bay of Bengal. The INDRA [India-Russia] NAVY-2020 drills had originally been set to take place in Vladivostok earlier this year but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.To ensure the continued interoperability between the two navies, Russia then suggested to conduct a “non-contact, at sea only” Passage Exercise (PASSEX). [The Diplomat] [Hindustan Times]

Experts believe the naval exercise a compensation for India`s withdrawal from the Russia-organized multilateral Kavkaz 2020 exercise (to be held between 15 September and 26 in Astrakhan in southern Russia). [Deccan Chronicle] [Times Now News]

Noteworthy, INDRA [India-Russia] NAVY-2020 took place in the same waters in which India will be hosting the Malabar -2020 Naval Exercise later this year, which involves joint exercises among Indian, American, and Japanese navies. In August, India had made public its intentions to invite the Australian Navy to join the annual instalment of the Malabar exercise, completing the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) [see AiR No. 34, August/2020, 4]. [The EurAsian Times]

India successfully test fires Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)

(lm) India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired on Monday a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), tutting the country in a select club of few (US, China, Russia) that have demonstrated such this technology. Carried out from Abdul Kalam Island (formerly Wheeler Island) off the coast of Odisha, the tests validated that New Delhi now has the capabilities to further develop critical technologies pertaining to the performance of high temperature materials and scramjet engines, all of which feature in missiles that can travel at six times the speed of sound. [Economic Times] [The Hindu]

Pakistan, China: Xi Jinping cancels Pakistan visit as chairman of the CPEC faces corruption allegations

(py) In an eleventh-hour decision, Beijing cancelled a visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to all weather ally Pakistan, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the postponement. The announcement comes in the wake of corruption allegations leveled against Lieutenant General (retired) Asim Saleem Bajwa, chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority. [The Economic Times]

An investigative report published by news source FactFocus last month claimed that Mr. Bajwa did not declare his wife’s stake in US pizza chain “Papa John’s”. Moreover, journalist Ahmed Noorani in the report alleged that Mr. Bajwa had founded offshore businesses for his wife, sons and brothers using his office. [Pakistan Today 1] [South China Morning Post 1] [News Intervention]

In a press release, Mr. Bajwa categorially denied allegations of financial misappropriation levelled against him on Thursday but decided to step down as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Information and Broadcasting shortly thereafter. Prime Minister Imran Khan however rejected the request. In addition, his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Party characterized the allegations as an attack on the CPEC Authority and started a social media campaign named #IndianProxiesAttackCPEC. [South China Morning Post 2] [The Diplomat] [Pakistan Today 2]

In May, a committee formed by Prime Minister Khan had for the first time lifted the lid on corruption by unveiling “inflated” costs in major energy projects involving Chinese power producers in Pakistan. [AiR No. 20, May/2020, 3]

Brunei: Missile successfully fired at RIMPAC 2020 exercise

(nd) The Royal Brunei Navy’s (RBN) vessel Kapal Diraja Brunei (KDB) Darulehsan successfully participated in this year’s Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), launching a missile in the Live Firing Event ‘Sinking Exercise’ (SINKEX) serial. The vessel has now achieved full operational capability. [Borneo Bulletin]

Hosted by the United States Navy, RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise held biennially in Honolulu, Hawai’I, the latest bringing 20 ships and 10 nations together. Its goal is to exemplify defense or military diplomacy, which means the cooperative use of military in peacetime, building trust and preventing conflicts through creating stability. RIMPAC was first held in 1971 with participants from the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Other regular participants are Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Chile, Colombia, Peru, France and the Netherlands. Observer nations — which are involved in RIMPAC at the strategic level and use the opportunity to prepare for possible full participation in the future — include China, India, the Philippines, Ecuador Mexico, and Russia. Critics said the focus of the maneuvers to be more on depicting the defense potential rather than to function on a diplomatic level. [Washington Post]

Myanmar among China’s likely additions to overseas facilities; China pushes on implementation of CMEC

(nd) In an annual report titled “Military and Security Developments involving the People’s Republic of China (PRC) 2020” submitted to the US congress, China highly considered several locations for addition overseas facilities in Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Seychelles, Tanzania, Angola and Tajikistan, US Department of Defense said.  As part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Myanmar and China agreed on constructing the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) deep seaport project, granting China direct access to the Indian Ocean and thereby bypassing the Strait of Malacca. [Irrawaddy 1] Due to the importance of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) as part of the BRI, Beijing pushes Myanmar to implement the plans. In a recent visit, diplomat Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s Central Committee and director of the committee’s Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission urged Myanmar to move faster and announced a 200 million yuan (39.33 billion kyat) grant for helping the western Rakhine State. [Irrawaddy 2] Since 2017, China played a mediating role between Myanmar and Bangladesh with respect to the Rohingya conflict.

Yang and State Counselor discussed China’s debt service suspension to ease Covid-19 consequences and he later met with the commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, neither discussion content was made public.

More country’s to join Gambia’s ICJ case against Myanmar

(nd) Canada and the Netherlands announced their intent to join Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Myanmar is accused of breaching the 1948 UN genocide convention. Following a military crackdown on the Rohingya in August 2017, over a million Rohingya fled, mostly to Bangladesh, but also to India, Thailand, Malaysia and other parts in the region making it the largest human exodus in Asia since the Vietnam war. It has been labelled as ethnic cleansing by UN officials and Human Rights Watch. [BBC] At the initial ICJ hearing, Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar, rejected the claims and warned, hearing the case "undermine reconciliation." [Mizzima]

Vietnam: Celebration of Vietnam’s National Day reveals old and new friends

(nd) To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day on September 2, the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, lit up in the Vietnamese flag.

Both countries have strong economic links, Vietnam being UAE’s biggest commercial partner in the Middle East, and Vietnam considered as the UAE's foremost gateway to access the ASEAN market, with a joint aim to increase their bilateral trade turnover to $10 billion in the coming years. [Vietnam Express] Meanwhile, media outlets in Cuba and Russia honored Vietnam’s National day [Voice of Vietnam World], as well as numerous political officials, especially highlighting and praising the role as ASEAN Chair 2020, and emphasizing strengthening bilateral relations, not only with regards to Covid-19 mitigation measures.[Vietnam News]

Vietnam, Thailand to expand cooperation

(nd) On a virtual talk, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai have agreed upon efforts to enhance their strategic partnership until 2025. Each side declared to facilitate investments as well as the entry of laborers, planning to sign a new labor agreement, in an effort to raise bilateral trade to $ 20 million per year. Other areas of cooperation shall be education, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange. In 2021 they will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic ties. [Vietnam News]

Vietnam and Japan are deepening business ties

(nd) While Japan grants Vietnam US $ 19 million of non-refundable aid for the fight against Covid-19. [Hanoi Times 1], Japanese investments are rising in wake of the shift of regional and global supply chains with a several Japanese firms seemingly considering to move production facilities to Vietnam. The countries also want to resume air travels between them. [Vietnam News]

Vietnam is one of the beneficiaries of the Japanese “China plus 1” strategy to diversify supply chains into other countries than solely China due to rising production costs and trade tensions between China and the US. To improve competitiveness, the Vietnamese government’s development strategy focuses on creating a suitable legal framework, infrastructure and invests in human resources. [Hanoi Times 2][ Hanoi Times 3]

In October, the third annual Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) will take place in Hanoi. The first edition of the format was held in Washington D.C. in July 2018, the second in Bangkok in November 2019. The forum is part of US efforts to improve geopolitical and economic presence in the region. [Hanoi Times 4]

For prospects of Vietnam-Japan relations at large in the post-Abe time, see Phuong Pham at [Asia Times] who predicts that – on the basis of Abe’s legacy of strong Tokyo-Hanoi relations – both countries “extensive strategic partnership will still thrive in the future.”

Malaysia, Saudi Arabia close bilateral ties

(nd) Malaysia’s Deputy Foreign Minister states bilateral ties between Saudi Arabi and Malaysia have become more productive and dynamic under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s leadership. Saudi Arabia, besides being the largest donator of medical equipment to Malaysia to aid its fight against Covid- 19, was also one of Malaysia's largest trading partners with a trade value of RM 22.3 billion last year. The statements were ignited by a Senator questioning the status of the country’s diplomatic ties, claiming they were declining under the Pakatan Harapan government. [Malay Mail] Diplomatic relations between the countries were established in the early 1960s.

Malaysia not to extradite Uighurs to China

(nd) Malaysia will not follow requests by China to extradite ethnic Uighur refugees but allow them to passage to a third country. [Malay Mail]

For the Chinese Uighurs, a Turkic group adhering to Islam, South East Asia has become a major transit point to Turkey. Human Rights Watch accused China of a “systematic campaign of human rights violations” against Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region by incarcerating them in “political re-education” camps. China denies the charges and asserts the Uighurs are educated in “vocational training centers”. The entire region seems inclined to kep a strategic silence on the issue in light of China’s rising strength and military showcasing. [Zee News] There have been requests to extradite Uighurs earlier and the Prime Minister has been criticized for remaining silent on the subject. [Republic World]

Meanwhile, Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong called to boycott the Disney movie “Mulan”. Parts of the movie were shot in Xinjiang region and the credits included “special thanks” to government entities and the Chinese Communist Party’s propaganda department in Xinjiang. [Free Malaysia Today]

Malaysia: Entry ban on citizens of India, Indonesia and the Philippines imposed

(nd) Malaysia imposed an entry ban on citizens of India, Indonesia and the Philippines from September 7 to fight the spread of Covid-19. Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque called it a sovereign decision they regret. The Philippines currently has a number of over 226,000 infections, Indonesia more than 180,000. India to date has recorded 3.7 million cases, the third highest in the world after the United States and Brazil. [Global Nation]

Philippines sending signs of de-escalation in SCS tussle with China

(nd) In the ongoing conflict with between China and the Philipines over the control of sea zones, Phil. Armed forces Chief Gapay stressed the continued pursuit of a peaceful solution. While Philippine officials maintain that China has committed breaches of their territorial integrity and have protested against what has been called Chinese provocations in the region, the Duterte government maintains that the country will not join the US in blacklisting or terminating existing contracts with Chinese companies involved in the ongoing construction and improvement of artificial islands in disputed sea zones. This applies, among others, to the Sangley airport project, a flagship project and joint venture of the Philippines and a Chinese state-owned construction company said to also be involved in the construction of the disputed artificial islands. Amidst voices within the government and from the opposition calling for sanctions to be imposed, Defense Secretary has also recently signed a cooperation agreement with Chinese-backed telecommunications provider, which would allow the latter to build cell sites within Philippine military camps. [Manila Standard]  [Phil Star 1] [Phil Star 2] [Rappler]

Announcements

Upcoming Online Events

9 September 2020 @ 10:00 am CEST, Carnegie, USA

Rising Political Polarization in Southeast Asia

This webinar will examine why polarization is increasing in Southeast Asia, what the political effects are, and how political and civic actors can combat it.

Please find registration details here: [Carnegie].

9 September 2020 @ 3:00 pm EDT, Asia Society, USA

Weaponizing the Belt and Road Initiative

This webinar will interview the co-author of a new report that examines key BRI projects in the Indo-Pacific and explores relevant Chinese doctrine, the involvement of the People’s Liberation Army with BRI, and assess the potential military and geostrategic advantages to China from BRI ports.

Please find more details here: [Asia Society]

9 September 2020 @ 10:30 am JST, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan

Rethinking U.S. Industrial Policy and Innovation Strategy

This event is part of the webinar series “Enhancing Responsible Business in Southeast Asia”. This episode will examine the wide variances in responsible business practices in Southeast Asia and how companies can benefit from better labor protection.

Further details are available at [SPF].

9 September 2020 @ 5:00 pm EDT, United States Institute of Peace, USA

A New Direction for U.S. Policy on North Korea

This event will assess how the next U.S. administration could break the deadlock with the North Korean regime and what the current administration has done right and wrong.

Please find the details here: [USIP].

9 September 2020 @ 11:00 am EDT, Carnegie, USA

The Path Forward: Effective U.S. Foreign Policy for the 21st Century

This talk will assess how the US can adapt to changing global dynamics and reinvigorate its leadership.

If you are interested in joining the webinar, please find further details at [Carnegie].

9 September 2020 @ 3:30 pm UTC+2, Institute for Security Studies, South Africa

The rebirth: Tunisia’s development pathways

In this event, the latest research of ISS on Tunisia’s future prospects until 2040 will be launched. 

Details are accessible under [ISS Africa]

9 September 2020 @ 10:00 am PDT, Hoover Institution, USA

The Future of Foreign Policy and Alliances

Senator Rand Paul and Kiron K. Sinner will discuss the future of foreign policy and alliances.

Details are accessible under [Hoover Institution].

9 September 2020 @ 9:30 am EDT, Wilson Center, USA

After Navalny’s Poisoning

This webinar will discuss what the broader implications of the assassination attempt on Navalny are and what it means for the future of the Russian opposition.

If you are interested in joining the webinar, please find further details at [Wilson Center].

9 September 2020 @ 8:00 am EDT, Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA

Mt. Fuji DC Event: The U.S.-Japan Alliance at 60

This event will celebrate the U.S.-Japan alliance and assess how future cooperation could maintain peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Details are accessible under [CSIS].

9 September 2020 @ 9:15 am EDT, American Enterprise Institute, USA

The crossroad of competition: Countering the rise of violent extremists and revisionist powers in Africa

The webinar will discuss how violent extremist organizations, such as the Islamic State, intensify their grip on communities across large swaths of Africa and which groups are most vulnerable to this development.

For more information, please visit [AEI].

10 September 2020 @ 12:00 pm EDT, Ash Center, USA

Getting Out the BIPOC Vote: Digital Strategies to Build Power

This virtual panel discussion will focus on the effective integration of digital strategies with authentic power-building in times of a never-before-seen civic environment.

Please find the details here: [Ash Center].

10 September 2020 @ 9:00 am EDT, Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA

Korea Chair “The Capital Cable” #10 with Robert B. Abrams

This episode of The Capital Cable will feature General Robert B. Abrams, Commander ofUNC/CFC/USFK., who will discuss the U.S.-ROK alliance and U.S. policy towards North Korea.

See [CSIS] for additional information.

10 September 2020 @ 1:00 pm EDT, United States Institute of Peace, USA

Ecological Threats to Peace

This virtual panel discussion will examine the nexus between conflict and climate change, and consider strategies for boosting resilience to climate-induced insecurity.

Follow [USIP] for further details. 

10 September 2020 @ 9:30 am JST, Asian Development Bank, Japan

Francis Fukuyama and ABDI Dean on Post-Pandemic Infrastructure Policymaking

This webinar will feature Francis Fukuyama who will be discussing the policymaking agenda for advancing post-Covid-19 infrastructure growth and will examine related political and public policy pressures with a focus on Asia and the Pacific. 

For further details, please see [ADB].

10 September 2020 @ 3:30 pm CEST, Clingendael Russia & Eastern Europe Centre, The Netherlands

What Will US-Chinese Competition Mean for European Security?

This webinar will focus on how the changing geopolitical environment that is characterized by growing Sino-American rivalry can open new avenues for cooperation between the EU and the Russian Federation

Please check [CREEC] for registration details.

10 September 2020 @ 6:00 pm AEST, Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia

Will ASEAN Survive Until 2030?

This online lecture will examine the sources of ASEAN’s strengths and weaknesses in dealing with the new era of heightened US-China strategic competition, and suggest roles that Australia could play going forwards.

To access the discussion, please register here: [AIIA].

10 September 2020 @ 10:00 am EDT, Wilson Center, USA

The Haleh Esfandiari Forum: A Conversation with Her Excellency Dr. Rola. A.A.H. Dashti

This virtual conversation will shed light on the importance of economically empowering women in the Middle East and North Africa in order to achieve the needed growth and development.

If you are interested in joining the webinar, please register under [Wilson Center]. 

10 September 2020 @ 2:00 pm EDT, Wilson Center, USA

The Pandemic Forum: COVID-19’s Impact on Geopolitical Risk and Global Resiliency

This webinar will discuss the lesson that can be learned from health professionals about the wide-reaching impacts of health on geopolitical risks and considerations for public and private resiliency.

Please find the details here: [Wilson Center]

10 September 2020 @ 4:00 pm EDT, Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA

How Ike Led: A Conversation with Susan Eisenhower

Susan Eisenhower will discuss how and why her grandfather succeeded as a leader and what principles he adhered to as well as what lessons his approach offers to today’s world.

Event information is accessible at [CSIS].

10 September 2020 @ 10:00 am EDT, Middle East Institute, USA

The Future of Saudi Arabia and Its Crown Prince: A Book Talk with Ben Hubbard and Susanne Koebl

This book talk will feature two acclaimed journalists whose works draw from firsthand experience in Saudi Arabia. They will examine the rise of Mohammed bin Salman and the changing nature of Saudi society.

If you are interested in joining the webinar, please find further details at [MEI].

11 September 2020 @ 1:00 pm PDT, Hoover Institution, USA

A Conversation with Representative Bi-khim Hsiao

The Hoover Institution will hold a conversation with Taiwan’s Representative to the United States, Bi-khim Hsiao, who will discuss issues related to Taiwan’s future and its relationship with the United States.

Registration details are available under [Hoover Institution].

11 September 2020@ 10:00 am UTC+8, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore

Assessing the Impact of the US-China Trade War in an Era of Global Supply Chains

This event will examine how the US-China trade war has impacted the region through global supply chains. 

For further details, kindly refer to [ISEAS].

14 September 2020 @ 12:00 pm EDT, Belfer Center, USA

Leah Stokes on “Short-Circuiting Policy: Interest Groups and the Battle over Clean Energy and Climate Policy in the American States

This virtual seminar will host Leah Stokes who will be speaking on the battle over clean energy and climate policy in the American states.

For registration details, please visit [Belfer].

14 September 2020 @ 6:00 pm AEST, Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia

The Iconoclast: Shinzo Abe and the New Japan

This webinar will discuss Abe’s life, legacy, and what comes next for Japan.

Please find registration details here: [AIIA].

15 September 2020 @ 12:00 pm EDT, United States Institute of Peace, USA

Inaugural Women Building Peace Award Celebration

The Inaugural Women Building Peace Award ceremony will feature inspiring women, whose collective work stretches across continents and spans generation. They will share how they made their communities and the world a better, more peaceful place. The ceremony will conclude with the announcement of the award’s recipient.

Please find the details here: [USIP]

15 September 2020 @ 10:00 am UTC+8, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore

Covid-19 and Indonesia-China Defence Relations: A Strategic Reset in the Making?

This virtual panel discussion will assess how the Covid-19 pandemic may have changed Indonesia-China defence relations.

Please find further details here: [ISEAS].

15 September 2020 @ 3:00 pm CEST, Italian Institute for International Political Studies, Italy

Youth and Covid-19: leaving no one behind

This virtual panel discussion will deliberate how the Covid-19 crisis has affected the trust of young people in government in the MENA region and how this crisis can influence the reform of their socio-economic systems.

Please find registration details here: [ISPI].

15 September 2020 @ 1:00 pm CEST, Clingendael Russia & Eastern Europe Centre, The Netherlands

Trading Emerging Technologies: Security & Human Rights

This virtual round table aims at understanding and comparing of security versus human rights narratives in the US, the EU and other European states.

If you are interested in joining the event, visit [CREEC] further information.

15-18 September 2020 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm IST, Centre for Policy Research, India

Delivering for Nutrition in India: Insights from Implementation Research

At this virtual conference, participants will deliberate on ways of tapping into new insights from implementation research to help strengthen the maternal and child nutrition initiatives in India.

Details are available at [CPR India].

16 September 2020 @ 10:30 am JST, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan

Migration and Reinforcement of Social Protection

This event is part of the webinar series “Enhancing Responsible Business in Southeast Asia”. This episode will examine the experiences and challenges of migrant works in countries of origin and destination, and explore the businesses’ role in promoting responsible migration.

For more information and registration, kindly follow [SPF].

16 September 2020 @ 6:30 pm CEST, DiploFoundation, Malta

Round Table on The Future of Internet Governance in Geneva

This roundtable discussion will assess the issues and challenges of Internet governance and the role that Geneva could play in this area.

See [Diplo] for additional information.

Recent books & articles

Robert B. Zoellick, American in the World: A History of U.S. Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, Twelve, August 2020, 560 pages. [Twelve]

David Goodhart, Head, Hand, Heart: The Struggle for Dignity and Status in the 21st Century, Penguin, September 2020, 368 pages. [Penguin]

Michael Sandel, The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?, Penguin, September 2020, 288 pages. [Penguin] For a review, see [The Guardian]

Michael Schuman, Superpower Interrupted: The Chinese History of the World, PublicAffairs, June 2020, 327 pages. [Public Affairs]

Calls

The Journal of Law and Public Policy at University of St. Thomas School of Law will host a virtual conference on Neuroscience and the Law on November 13, 2020. Topics include the latest advances in brain science and their implication for legal theory and practice, and the range of addictive behaviors and the law. Submissions (proposals of 250-500 words) should be sent to cjreid@stthomas.edu. The deadline to submit a proposal is September 10, 2020. For more details, please visit [University St. Thomas].

The American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers is hosting its 2021 annual writing competition on topics regarding U.S. Consumer Financial Service Law. Entries must have been written or published between November 15, 2019 and December 1,2020. The deadline for submissions is December 1,2020. For more details, see [CFP]

The Age of Human Rights Journal (TAHRJ) invites submissions for its June 2021 publication on the topic of Human Rights from Different Approaches. Applicants may submit papers on topics that deal with human rights. Submissions (abstract of 100 words) are possible until February 1, 2021. For more details, see [The Age of Human Right]

Jobs & positions

International Organization for Migration (IOM) invites to submit applications for the position of Senior Program Assistant. Candidates with expertise in the Administration, Public International law, Migrations, Movement and Travel Management, Public Relation/Communications and Media, Computer Science/Information Technology, economics, Education/Training, Finance/Accounting, Fundraising, Human Resources Management, Humanitarian and Emergency Operations, Language, Medical Services and Public Health Management, Program Management, Medical Services and Public Health Management can submit their applications until September 11, 2020. Details are available at [IOM]. 

Copenhagen Business School invites applications for a vacant Tenure-Track Assistant Professorship, related to research disciplines covered by the Department of International Economics, Government and Business, including the study of states, markets, and international firms in the context of societal challenges faced by emerging and advanced economies. Expected starting date is during 2021. Candidates should have excellent methodological skills, show potential to have an impact in their relevant (sub) discipline, and be interested in developing research-based teaching. Closing date of applications is 20 September 2020. For more information, see [CBS].

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