Grasp the pattern, read the trend

No. 20, May/2021, 3

Brought to you by CPG

Dear Readers,

Welcome to this week’s brief on the latest events and developments in domestic politics, constitutional law, human rights, international relations and geopolitics in Asia.

I wish you an informative read and extend special greetings to readers in Cameron, East Timor, Montenegro, and Norway which celebrate National Day, Independence Day, and Constitutional Day respectively in this week. 

With best regards,

Henning Glaser

Editor in Chief 

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: Latest census reveals dropping birthrate and continued ageing 

(dql) China’s National Bureau of Statistics has published the results of the latest once-a-decade census, conducted at the end of last year, with some seven million census collecting information door-to-door Accordingly, the average annual growth rate was 0.53% over the past 10 years, down from a rate of 0.57% between 2000 and 2010, marking a total population at 1.412 billion, an increase of about 72 million compare with 2010.

12 million Chinese babies were born in China in 2020, down from 14.65 million in 2019, marking an 18% drop. This is a fertility rate at 1.3 children per woman, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next.

The number of Chinese children 14 years or younger increased to 253.38 million or 17.95% of the population. However, the country’s working-age population – people aged between 16 and 59 – has also declined. 894.38 million people were recorded in this group making up for 63.35%of the population. Compared with 2010, it is a drop of 6.79%.

Meanwhile, the share of Chinese senior citizens, aged 60 and older, rose to 264.02 million, equivalent to 18.70% of the he population, 5.44 percentage points higher than in 2010. Of the latter group, there were 190.64 million people aged 65 or older, 13.50 per cent of the population, the NBS said, without giving a comparison to 2010. [National Bureau of Statistics, China] 

The data are reinforcing concerns over the country’s ageing and shrinking labor force, along with critical questions on their impact on economic growth and pension system. [South China Morning Post] [Sydney Morning Herald] [CNBC] [New York Times]

In a related development, the Chinese leadership is reportedly working out plans to cope with demographic challenges, including offering social and financial support to encourage childbearing while removing birth restrictions only over the next 3-5 years for fear of unleashing imbalanced population developments in rural areas. [Reuters]

China: Tightening control over private schools

(dql) China announced new laws to reform its private education system for compulsory education. Among others, they ban the teaching of foreign curriculums in schools from kindergarten to grade nine (K-9) and prohibit foreign entities from owning or controlling any private K-9 schools by foreign entities. Furthermore, the supervisory body of private schools are required include representatives of grassroots organizations of the Chines Communist Party, with more than one-third being faculty members, while public schools for compulsory education are prohibited from participating in the running of private schools and from converting to private schools.

To come into effect on September 1, the laws are part of the government’s efforts to tighten control of the country’s fast-growing education sector. [Council of State, China] [Channel News Asia]

China: Outspoken Beijing critic, activists archiving censored pandemic articles plead guilty 

(dql) Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken critic of Beijing – along with nine other former lawmakers and veteran activists – on Monday pleaded guilty to organizing an unauthorized assembly in October 2019 in the former British colony that descended into a violent clash between protesters and police. The semtencing is expected for next week. [Bloomberg Quint]  

In earlier move last week, the Hong Kong Security Bureau froze Lai’s shares in his media company Next Digital as well as his other bank assets, marking the first time that the Hong Kong police froze personal property under the national security law for Hong Kong [Global Times]

Observers raised concerns over the chilling effect the decision to block Lai’s assets will further have on the already pressurized press and media freedom in Hong Kong. [South China Morning Post]

In a related development, the Taiwan arm of Apple Daily – founded by Lai and part of Next Digital – announced it would stop publishing its print version, citing declining revenues in advertising and more difficult business conditions in Hong Kong linked to politics. [Reuters]

Two Chinese activists, meanwhile, pleaded guilty of archiving censored articles about Covid-19 and running an online discussion forum. They were arrested in April last year over charges of “picking quarrels and provoking troubles.” The two are among at least a dozen people known to have been prosecuted, detained or fined for defying the official narrative on the outbreak. [Channel News Asia] 

China: Hong Kong introduces anti-doxxing bill

(dql) Hong Kong’s government has proposed legal amendments to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance under which anyone engaged in doxxing – the practice of leaking others’ personal information “with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass or cause psychological harm” – can be punished with up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as nearly 130.000 USD. The proposal also suggests the Office of the Privacy Commissioner with investigative powers allowing it to compel people to assist in inquiries and request the removal of offending content.

The legislative push comes against the broader backdrop of the common practice of doxxing during the during the 2019 anti-government protests which targeted especially police officers and their supporters, with more than 5,700 doxxing-related incidents reported or uncovered between June 2019, the month in which the first big protests begun, and April 2021. [South China Morning Post] [Variety]

China: 90 Apps ordered to be removed from app stores

(dql) China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has ordered domestic app stores to remove 90 apps over allegations of “irregular collection of personal information.” Popular apps among the affected apps include Damai, China’s largest entertainment ticketing website, online travel booking app Tuniu, and Maimai, the country’s biggest rival to LinkedIn. 

The move comes two weeks after a new regulation that defines what types of user data apps can collect and what is off limits entered into force on May 1, reflecting the government’s determination to scrutinize the data management of the tech companies. [South China Morning Post] [AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]

Japan: Government scraps contentious reform of immigration law

(dql) Japan’s government has announced the withdrawal of an amendment bill that aims at revising rules on how to accommodate foreign national facing deportation. The decision comes amid growing criticism of the immigration and asylum system, following the death of a Sri Lankan women during her detention at an immigration facility. Her death is widely seen among critics as evidence of Japan’s “opaque and capricious bureaucracy with nearly unchecked power over foreigners caught inside it.”

The government’s reform bill, submitted to the parliament in April, has prompted strong objections of opposition lawmakers and activists arguing that it violates the principle of non-refoulement as it only allows the deportation procedure to be halted twice in the course of the refugee status application. [Kyodo News] [Mainichi News] [New York Times]

Japan: Laws to enhance digitalization of the country approved

(dql) Japan’s parliaments has approved a set of law, in move to create a new government agency by September to speed up digitalization across the country. The new agency will be staffed with some 500 officials, with around 120 of them expected to be recruited from the business industry. It will be headed by a Cabinet minister appointed be Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

Further measures under the new legislation include upgrading computer systems at the central and local governments, introducing nationwide common personal information protection rules, and promoting digitalization in the private sector, with Suga to appoint a Cabinet minister overseeing the agency and also a top administrative official, who will probably be chosen from the private sector. [Mainichi News]

Mongolia: Concerns mounting over June presidential elections 

(nm) With the June 9 presidential elections only one month away, concerns are mounting over the human rights situation and restrictions to the freedom of expression of those critical of the Mongolian government. In recent weeks, political polarization has been met with court rulings, presidential decrees, as well as party splits and mergers, putting Mongolia’s democracy at risk. 

The June election is the first after a 2019 constitutional amendment that increased the presidential term from four to six years while nullifying the possibility of re-election. Incumbent President Khaltmaagiin Battulga had first claimed he should still be able to run for re-election, but the claim was rebutted by the Constitutional Court in April. Following the decision, Battulga – who is member of the opposition Democratic Party (DP) – banned the ruling Mongolia People’s Party (MPP) which had obtained a supermajority after the 2020 parliamentary elections. In Mongolia’s political system, only parliamentary parties can nominate candidates in presidential elections. [The Diplomat] [The Economist]

South Korea: Moon’s PM and cabinet ministers appointment raises criticism 

(nm) Last week’s appointment of a new Prime Minister and other cabinet ministers by President Moon Jae-in was met with criticism by South Korea’s main opposition People Power Party (PPP). 

New Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum’s term officially started last Friday after his conformation bill had been passed by the National Assembly on Thursday night amid fierce objections by the PPP against the government’s pick for three cabinet positions. The nominations for oceans, science, and land ministers had come under fire due to alleged ethical missteps involving their families. While Moon’s pick for ocean minister has since resigned, science minister Lim Hye-sook and land Minister Noh Yeong-ouk have been appointed. In addition to Lim and Noh, two other minister nominees received parliamentary approval last week, trade minister Moon Sung-wook and labor minister An Kyung-duk. The appointments are part of assumingly the last great Cabinet reshuffle in the Moon administration which had been announced last month. [Korea Times 1] [Korea Times 2] [Korea Herald] 

According to a report by Amnesty International, concerns are also growing about the risk of arbitrary detentions of government critics as had happened prior to the 2020 national parliamentary elections. You can read the full report [here].

If you wish to follow the 2021 presidential elections more closely, you might also find the UBC blog [Mongolia Focus] of interest. 

Taiwan: Constitutional amendment committee begins its work

(dql) Taiwan’s legislative constitutional amendment committee this Tuesday met for the first time to select five conveners tasked with overseeing the review of currently over 50 amendment proposals, including those suggesting to lower the voting age to 18, to abolish both the Examination Yuan and Control Yuan, and lower the high bar for constitutional amendments.

The committee was set up in September last year and consists of 22 lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), 14 from the Kuomintang (KMT), two from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and one from the New Power Party (NPP), according to proportion of seats each party holds in the parliament. [Focus Taiwan]

Taiwan: National referendums to be held in August

(dql) Taiwan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) on Friday approved proposals to hold three referendums on August 28, in addition to the nuclear power plant referendum already planned. Each of the proposals gathered the required number of  289,667 signatures needed before a referendum will be held.

The three referendum proposals include one about the protection of a coastal algal reef and one about pork imports containing traces of the leanness-enhancing drug ractopamine. The third is about referendum scheduling.

In order to pass, each referendum will have to gain a majority of votes in favor from at least 25% of the Taiwanese population. [Focus Taiwan]

Law and Politics in South Asia 

India: 25 individuals arrested in Delhi for posters criticizing PM Modi’s vaccination policy

(ad) Opposition leaders have rebuked Prime Minister Modi’s government after the Delhi Police said it had registered First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 25 regular wage-earners for pasting posters critical of the prime minister and his vaccination policies.

As many as 17 FIRs were registered under Section 188 - disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant - of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant sections after posters that translated to “Prime Minister, why did you send our children’s vaccines abroad?” were found pasted in several parts of the city. In most cases, the arrested individuals were not involved in politics and were instead paid to put up these posters. [The Wire]

While the arrests are being presented as the mere implementation of the law against defacement of property, in solidarity, opposition leaders from the Indian National Congress (INC) and other parties used social media channels to call out the arrests. Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the INC put up the slogan and challenged the Centre to arrest him as well, while lawmaker Abhishek Manu Singhvi called it “a lawless state gone amuck”. [The Indian Express 1] [The Indian Express 2]

India: Centre orders state governments to prevent dumping of bodies in Ganges river

(ad) The central government has directed the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to prevent bodies of COVID-19 victims from being dumped in the Ganges river and its tributaries, after hundreds of corpses were found in shallow sand graves or washed up on embankments in villages in northern India. Recent reports of large numbers of people falling ill in villages, and then putting dead bodies in the river, comes as COVID-19 has seemingly spread to India's rural hinterland, where 70 percent of its 1.3 billion people live. [Zee News]

At a two-day review meeting between May 15 and 16, the Centre said the throwing of dead bodies and partially burnt or decomposed bodies in the Ganges and its tributaries should be prevented and insisted that the focus should be on the safe, dignified cremation of corpses. Further, the state pollution control boards have been directed to increase frequency in sampling water quality under the direction of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). [The Indian Express]

India: Top virologist resigns from government panel weeks after criticising COVID-19 policies

A top Indian virologist has resigned from a forum of scientific advisers set up by the government to enable research on variants of COVID-19, weeks after questioning the Central government’s policies towards the pandemic. [Reuter]

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium (INSACOG) was set up by the federal government in December of last year specifically to detect genomic variants of the coronavirus that might threaten public health. In early March, then, members of the scientific forum apparently warned of a new and more contagious variant and cited caution for the second wave.

But despite the warnings, the federal government did not seek to impose major restrictions to stop the spread of the virus, according to four scientists. Instead, Prime Minister Modi, some of his top lieutenants, and dozens of other politicians, including opposition figures, held rallies across the country for local elections throughout March and into April [see AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5].

The government’s lack of acknowledgement could be a key reason why the virologist has resigned, although this is mere speculation. 

India: Opposition parties write to Prime Minister Modi over second wave of COVID-19

(ad) As India is trying to get a grip on a worsening health crisis, twelve opposition leaders, including four Chief Minister, have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling on the central government take effective measures regarding COVID-19. The letter has been criticized by Prime Minister Modi’s ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), which accused the President of the opposition Indian National Congress (INC), Sonia Gandhi, of spreading propaganda. [NDTV]

Calling the pandemic an "apocalyptic human tragedy", the opposition parties suggested a string of measures, including the procurement of vaccines from all available sources, both domestically and internationally, and launching a universal mass vaccination campaign. [The Indian Express]

Another recommendation is to halt the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and instead use the funds for urgently needed oxygen and vaccines. Announced in 2019, the project proposes to reconstruct and repurpose the central administrative area of New Delhi housing government buildings and the prime minister's residence [see also AiR No. 2, January/2021, 12]. The opposition, also critics of the construction, propose that its funds should be used to improve the grim conditions of the country. [ANI] 

Other suggestions include repeal farm laws, in order to protect farmers in the crisis. These farm laws have been contested by the farmer population and are criticized for their anti-farmer policies, whereby they seemingly protect the corporations whilst leaving the farmers unprotected [see AiR No. 48, December/2020, 1].

Meanwhile, on May 14, Prime Minister Modi announced the transfer of $2.6 billion to 950 million farmer families under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (Prime Minister's Farmer's Tribute Fund, PM-KISAN) scheme, an initiative by the central government to augment the income of small and marginal farmers. Speaking via videoconference, the prime minister stated that both the farmers and the Centre’s efforts have been at a record high during COVID-19 in terms of production and “lauded the efforts of the country’s farmers”. [ANI]

India: Farmers clash with police during Chief Minister’s visit in Haryana

Over 70 farmers and 20 police personnel have been reported as injured, after several hundred farmers clashed with police in a city in the norther state of Haryana on May 16. The incident was a protest against a visit of the state’s chief minister, who was inaugurating a hospital for COVID-19 patients. [The Indian Express]

The farmers, who had been sitting for months in protest against the contentious farm laws [see AiR No. 48, December/2020, 1] were upset as the chief minister and other ministers were holding farmers responsible for COVID-19 infections in villages. Some farmers unions argued that the inauguration itself was against COVID-19 regulations, with over 500 people gathered together.

Police fired teargas and used batons to disperse the protesters, who had earlier broken through barriers at the outskirts of the town and proceeded towards the area, where the newly inaugurated hospital is located. The issue between the police and farmers has been resolved, with the release of the farmers who were detained but tensions continue to remain. [The Tribune]

India: Supreme Court intervenes to ensure ration, food security and transport for migrant laborers

(ad) The Supreme Court (SC) on May 13 directed the states of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, alongside with the central government to provide dry ration, adequate transport and set up community kitchens for benefit of the migrant laborers in the National Capital Region. The apex court also issued notice to the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Bihar, asking them to provide details of measures they propose to take in this regard. [The Indian Express]

The order came in response to an application filed by prominent public interest lawyer Prashant Bhushan in 2020. The issue first started when the Centre declared lockdown in March 2020, as a result of which large populations of migrant workers were stranded and unable to return to their hometowns and villages. It led to a mass exodus, resulting in the deaths of numerous laborers. Initially, a scheme, Atmanirbhar Bharat, was started to provide laborers with dry rations. However, this scheme was only operational for 2 months, after which migrant workers continued to lose jobs and were unable to provide for themselves.

The Solicitor General, a representative of the central government, claimed that the current lockdown is different from the older one, whereby “migrant workers are not incentivized to go back from places where industries are open”. In response, the Bench remarked that migrant workers cannot survive without money or work. “Immediate relief required must be granted immediately”, and that certain interim directions were essential to alleviate the migrant workers’ conditions. [ANI]

Maldives: More than 110 state officials benefited in corruption scandal, according to report

(lm) 119 former and incumbent state officials are among 282 suspected beneficiaries of the MMPRC corruption scandal, according to a report by the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that was published on May 12. [raajje] [The Edition]

Named after the parastatal Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), which gave out undervalued leases on islands and reefs in return for alleged bribes and kickbacks, the MMPRC scheme was first exposed in investigations by Al Jazeera in 2016, then detailed island-by-island by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in 2018.

Former President Abdulla Yameen is currently serving a five-year jail sentence after investigations in 2019 had revealed a deal to lease tropical islands for hotel development, and an alleged payment of $1 million of government money through a private company into Yameen's personal bank account. [AiR No. 49, December/2019, 1]

Maldives: Government to order intelligence audit of security forces

(lm) Following an assassination attempt on former President and current Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced that his administration will proceed with an intelligence audit for national security forces.

Mohamed Nasheed was seriously injured when a device attached to a motorcycle was detonated as he got into a car late on May 6 [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. President Solih claimed that the audit would reveal flaws in the intelligence framework and would clarify why there had been no explicit reports of a threat to Nasheed's life despite the imminent attack. [raajje]

So far three people have been arrested in connection with the attack - including a key suspect, who is believed to have links with Islamist extremists - but all three have denied charges of terrorism at court.

Nepal: KP Sharma Oli reappointed as PM as opposition fails to secure majority

(lm) Nepal's President and ceremonial head of state Bidhya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to KP Sharma Oli on May 13, after opposition parties failed to secure a majority of seats in parliament’s lower house to form a new government. The Prime Minister will have to prove his majority within 30 days; failure to do so would result in the dissolution of the House and general elections. [Hindustan Times]

Oli was leading a caretaker government since May 10 after he was removed from his position as prime minister after losing a vote of confidence on May 10. Oli needed at least 136 votes in the 275-member House of Representatives to ensure a majority and save his government. But he only received 93 votes - 124 members voted against him. Given Oli's failure to secure a vote of confidence, President Bhandari the same day put out a call to form a new government. [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]

But the opposition alliance of Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) (CPN(M)) failed to gather a majority in a bid to present a claim to the government. The People’s Socialist Party, Nepal, (PSP-N) - whose 32 lawmakers hold the key for any future government - refused to form an alliance, paving the way for KP Sharma Oli to once again take charge.

Oli has already started rapprochement with the rivalling faction within his Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) led by his intraparty rival Madhav Kumar Nepal. During a meeting on May 16, both leaders agreed to form a 10-member taskforce to iron out their differences. 28 lawmakers close to Nepal had initially threatened to resign from the House of Representatives en masse, but instead abstained from voting on May 10 when the prime minister sought a vote of confidence. [The Himalayan Times]

Nepal: Leaders of People’s Socialist Party, Nepal downplay possibility of vertical split

(lm) Leaders of the People’s Socialist Party, Nepal, (PSP-N) have ruled out any possibility of a split of the party, after the vote of confidence motion tabled by Prime Minister KP Oli last week had brought to the fore a rift between the two prominent factions in the party.

The PSP-N was formed in 2020 through the merger of the two key Madhesh based parties in Nepal, the Samajbadi Party, Nepal (SPN) and the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) [see AiR No. 28, July/2020, 2]. Madhesi are people of Indian ancestry residing in the Terai of Nepal that make up about 20 percent of the country’s total population.

Importantly, both factions have divergent views on whether the Party should support the KP Sharma Oli-led government or help opposition parties form a new coalition government. The rift came to the fore when 15 lawmakers close to leaders of the now-defunct RJPN stayed neutral when the trust motion tabled by the prime minister was put to vote in parliament’s lower house. 15 lawmakers of the now-defunct SPN, meanwhile, voted against the motion. [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]

But while Prime Minister Oli failed to secure a vote of confidence, attempts by the opposition alliance of Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) (CPN(M)) to form a new coalition government failed, because the RJPN faction of the PSP-N refused to back the NC’s proposal. [see article above]

Against this backdrop, leaders of the PSP-N said that although the Party was divided over the proposed support to the government, no leader of the PSP-N was ready to split the party because both factions would be aware of the potential consequences, most notably a loss of political influence. [The Himalayan Times]

Nepal: Supreme Court hears writ petition against reappointment of seven ministers

(lm) The Supreme Court will be hearing a writ petition seeking an order directing the government to relieve seven Cabinet ministers of their posts. The seven ministers had been reappointed by Prime Minister Oli on May 14, a day after he himself had been reappointed by President and ceremonial head of state Bidhya Devi Bhandari as the Prime Minister. [see article in this edition]. [Khabarhub]

The petitioners argue that the reappointments violate the Constitution, for Article 78 (1) – which allows the prime minister to appoint a person who is not a member of the federal parliament as a cabinet minister – would not apply. Specifically, the petitioners take the view that all seven ministers would now have to obtain membership of parliament to qualify for a ministerial post, because their original term had expired when the prime minister lost the vote of confidence on May 10. [The Himalayan Times]

Law and Politics in Southeast Asia 

Cambodia: 100 families in Koh Kong protest to keep forest as state property

(ad) Over 100 families in Koh Kong province have called on local authorities to protect a vast area of forest, parts of which had been illegally cleared earlier this year. The protesters also demanded that forest encroachers must face punishment for transgressions. [The Phnom Penh Post]

This is one of many cases of encroachment on state land in Cambodia where land grabs and illegal logging are often associated with large economic land concessions granted by the government to local businesspeople or foreign investors. They might be for the construction of rubber plantations, hydroelectric dams or Chinese-backed gambling resorts.

Cambodia: UNDP and Khmer Enterprise to collaborate for SMEs development

(ad) Khmer Enterprise, a unit under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to boost the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and the e-Commerce sector in Cambodia. Previous collaboration between Khmer Enterprise and UNDP includes the Bluetribe Programme which also sought to empower SMEs through technical and financial support. [UNDP]

To create a sustainable ecosystem for SMEs whilst boosting domestic and international opportunities, the strategic partnership will introduce two key programs: an incubation program which will help SMEs gain skills and support and a small grants program to promote digitalization of these enterprises. The initiative could create 1000 new jobs by 2022.

Indonesia: Employees of Corruption Eradication Commission relieved of duties

(ra) 75 employees in Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have been relieved of their duties after failing a civic knowledge test (TWK) which tests whether an employee espouse the core values of integrity, neutrality and anti-radicality. [Kompas] [BBC Indonesia, in Bahasa Indonesia] In accordance to Law Number 19, KPK employees must have their status changed from independent employees of the agency to civil servants, for which the passing of the TWK is required. [Antara News] The most recent TWK test was taken by 1,351 KPK employees. [CNN Indonesia, in Bahasa Indonesia] 

Some of the 75 KPK employees who were relieved of their duties were in the midst of investigating corruption cases in Indonesia, including corruption involving social assistance programs. [BBC Indonesia, in Bahasa Indonesia]

Indonesian netizens on Twitter have trended the hashtag #BeraniJujurPecat! in response to the decision to relieve 75 employees of Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).  [CNN Indonesia, in Bahasa Indonesia] The hashtag is a play on the slogan 'Berani Jujur Hebat' used by the KPK since 2011. The slogan describes how corruption happens when individuals are not brave enough to be honest. [Detik] However, the recently trending hashtag, with the text “Berani Jujur Pecat”, suggests that one’s honesty can lead to being fired.

On 17 May, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asked the KPK to reconsider its dismissal of its 75 employees. In a video uploaded to the Presidential Secretariat’s official YouTube channel, Jokowi further argued that the test should be used as a starting point to put in place improvement measures for the KPK at both an organizational and individual level, but not as a basis for dismissing its employees. [The Jakarta Post]

Indonesia: Pro-Islamic State militants kill civilians

(ra) Members of the Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT) group have killed four farmers in Central Sulawesi province on 11 May. The MIT are suspected to be pro-Islamic State (IS). Kalemago, where the MIT conducted the killings, is a village in Poso regency, which has long been a stronghold for MIT operations. 

In 2016, the Indonesian police and military created a task force together to track down MIT members. [Benar News] 

Indonesia: Members of Papuan separatist group prosecuted, killed

(ra) Lesman Waker, commander of Lekagak Talenggeng, a group demanding for Papuan independence, has been killed by Indonesian police in Papua. Police accuse Waker’s group of killing Brigadier General Putu Dani, an Indonesian senior intelligence official. Waker himself was accused of inciting an ambush which killed a policeman in April. [Reuters]

Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, has demanded the release of Victor Yeimo, another Papuan independence leader, who was arrested by Indonesian police earlier this month. He was charged with treason for a statement made in 2019, which called for an independence referendum for Papua. [HRW] [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]

Indonesia: SBY and AHY asked to apologize to current leader of the Democratic Party 

(ra) Prominent members of the opposition Democratic Party in Indonesia, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) and his father Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), former Indonesian President 2004-2014, have been asked to apologise to Moeldoko, the current General Chariman of the Party. The request comes from spokesperson of the party, Muhammad Rahmad. [CNN Indonesia, in Bahasa Indonesia]

The apology is requested on the grounds that SBY and AHY had spread rumours and false news about Moeldoko in an internal leadership conflict within the Democratic Party AHY and Moeldoko, where according to the party’s Deputy Analyst Syahrial Nasution, AHY’s rightful place as the leader of the Democratic Party was illegitimately given to Moeldoko in a highly contested, extraordinary congress of the party in March. [CNN Indonesia, in Bahasa Indonesia]

The appointment of Moeldoko as party chairman, who is Indonesian president Joko Widodo’s current chief of staff, is seen as a step to broaden the president’s grip on the parliament , in which Widodo’s already controls 74% of the 575 parliamentary seats. [Reuters]

Malaysia: 20 arrested for rioting against government in Johor

(tcy) In Parit Raja, Johor, the police arrested twenty individuals suspected to be involved in a riot at which flares and a banner with the phrase “Kerajaan Gagal” (Failed Government) were wielded.

The police confirmed that the arrested were local residents, aged between 16 and 28. All of them have no criminal record. [Malay Mail]

Malaysia: Sarawak Chief Minister to meet the King on dissolution of state assembly

(tcy) Sawarak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg will seek an audience with the King to determine a date for the dissolution of the Sarawak State Assembly, as the tenure of the current state assembly will end on June 6 this year under the terms of the constitution

However, this provision of the State Constitution has no effect due to the Emergency Ordinance 2021 issued by the government amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and the date for dissolution will be decided by the King in consultation with the Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud as deemed appropriate. [Malay Mail] 

Myanmar marks 100 days of junta rule with protests, strikes

(lf/lm) Protesters rallied in towns and cities across Myanmar on May 11 to denounce its military rulers, 100 days after the generals of the country’s military, widely known as the Tatmadaw, saw their position threatened and seized power in a coup, pitching the country into its biggest crisis in decades. [Reuters 1]

The coup incited huge street protests involving hundreds of thousands of Burmese which, after showing no abatement after several weeks, resulted in the army widely stepping up its patterns of violence, detaining thousands of civilians. As of May 17, more than 800 people have been killed in the junta’s crackdown on its opponents, according to activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. [The Straits Times 1]

Despite the continued threats and extreme violence, the vast Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) remains largely peaceful, but the junta’s brutality has caused some demonstrators to fight back, albeit mostly with makeshift weapons that are no match for the military’s arms. Young people in particular - who have had a significant taste of freedom - are quietly seeking military training from some of Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups that have battled the Tatmadaw on-and-off for seven decades; they are also publicly courting these organizations to escalate their attacks against the military and express solidarity with the unarmed urban opponents of the coup. Fighting against the military by anti-government protestors started in a small town but has spread across the country since then. [Irrawaddy 1] [Irrawaddy 2]

Earlier this month, then, the “National Unity Government” – an anti-junta coalition that has declared itself Myanmar's legitimate authority – announced the creation of a “People’s Defence Force” (PDF) to protect its supporters from military attacks and violence instigated by the junta. The NUG said the new force was intended as a precursor to a "Federal Union Army", referring to a long-touted idea of bringing anti-coup dissidents together with Myanmar's ethnic rebel fighters into an army. [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]

In recent days, the north-western town of Mindat has emerged as a hotspot for unrest, where Myanmar’s military battled some residents on May 15 that had earlier formed an anti-junta defense force. Before, the junta had imposed martial law in the hill town on May 13 and since then launched attacks on what it called "armed terrorists". By May 16, fighters of the local militia had retreated into the jungle after military reinforcements advanced with artillery bombardments and helicopter attacks, killing at least six opposition rebels. [The Straits Times 2] [The Straits Times 3]

The fighting in Mindat underlines the growing chaos in Myanmar as the junta struggles to impose authority in the face of daily protests, strikes and sabotage. As of May 11, more than 11,00 academics and other university staff had been suspended from colleges and universities offering degree after participating in an anti-junta protest. One university student was tortured to death in custody last week after being arrested during a raid by military forces on a village in Mandalay Region on May 12. [Irrawaddy 4] [Reuters 2]

It is the dramatic collapse of the economy, which is yet another tragedy of the coup, as Myanmar has been witnessing levels of impoverishment since the coup that were last noted in 2005. International investments and project have been stopped or halted, leading to food shortages and rising poverty risk among the population. A case in point, a number of commercial tenants last week decided to move out or review their leases of a high-tech office building in Yangon that is owned by the military. [Irrawaddy 3] [Reuters 3]

Myanmar’s military largely finances its operations through military owned enterprises in the gemstone business and gas industry, international cooperation still in business with the military have been under large criticism by the international community. The United States, United Kingdom and Canada on May 17 imposed new sanctions targeting the military junta, the latest in a series of limited sanctions applied since the coup. [Reuters 4]

In the face of increasing pressure, the junta has been pressing ahead with plans to promote Chinese tourism to the country, despite strict entry restrictions to foreigners. However, anti-Chinese sentiments have risen in the population since the coup earlier in February, for many see China if not responsible for the coup as at least backing the military. [Bangkok Post] [Irrawaddy 4]

In sum, over 100 days after the coup large parts of the population continue to take part in marches, motorcycle convoys and flash protests to evade security forces, despite massive and violent crackdowns by the military. The demonstrators are unwilling to go back to military governance, after a decade of experiencing semi-democracy a step back under military rule seems impossible to accept for many.

There is a good case to believe that Myanmar’s military has underestimated both the popularity of the ousted NDL, as well as the widespread condemnation for military rule. This has come as a surprise to many experts, considering that the Tatmadaw with its estimated 350,000 soldiers, vastly outnumbers armed ethnic troops — believed to be between 75,000 and 100,000 — and enjoys high levels of unity and institutional cohesion.

Myanmar stands at the brink of state failure, civil war and collapse, a blood-drenched and tormented country sliding into an abyss. The coup, that is, has only raised the prospect of Myanmar not becoming another autocratic state, such as Cambodia under Hun Sen or Thailand after the 2014 coup, but “Asia’s Syria”: a place of unrestrained destruction and irreconcilable division between a ruling clique and the broad mass of the citizenry. Like Bashar al-Assad and his allies in Syria, the leaders of the Tatmadaw may realize they are in too deep to waver from their current course, even if that means presiding over a failed state rather than give way to a solution that allows for better governance but dilutes the military’s power. [National Public Radio] [Sunday Guardian Live]

Myanmar: Leader of Karen organization backs talks with military junta

(lf) The chairman of a political organization representing the Karen ethnic minority in a public statement urged stakeholders to follow the negotiation channels offered by the military junta to solve the country’s “arising political problems”. General Saw Mutu Sae Poe, Chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU), said on May 10 his organization would continue political negotiations and uphold the principles of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) the group had signed in 2015 with the ousted National League for Democracy (NDL) government, along with several other insurgent groups [see AiR No. 5, February/2021, 1]. [Irrawaddy]

In fact, at present, only half of the KNU’s seven brigades are actually taking part in the fighting against the military regime, according to observers, with the organization’s headquarters staying out of the armed engagement. However, other leading members of Karen organizations alongside with young Karen, in particular, came out questioning whether political negotiation could stop the military’s crackdown on protesters.

Indeed, the most active armed engagements were in area of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the KNU’s armed wing. Earlier in March and April, the KNLA took control of three military outposts near the Thai-Myanmar border, killing nearly 200 soldiers and wounding another 220. The Myanmar army then launched multiple airstrikes on Karen villages in retaliation for the attacks on military outposts, displacing more than 30,000 people in the area. [AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5]

Philippines: Counter-terrorism, anti-insurgency operatives to intensify

(lp) In response to the reported raid conducted by Islamic State (IS)-linked Bansamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) last week, President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to launch an all-out offensive operation against BIFF if officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) could not help the Philippine government to quell the latest threat. Moreover, the Senate is to decide whether BARMM election polls will be deferred due to a concern that violence might escalate. Meanwhile, a non-Moro coalition of indigenous peoples opposes the deferment of elections because it infringes on their rights. [CNN] [Inquirer 1]

Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) appointed six additional spokespersons under the justification that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has increased its insurgent propaganda. Ironically, this comes after many Senators and various civil actors urged the government to reduce the funds of NTF-ELCAC due to its involvement in red-tagging activities and its questionable efficiency to eliminate insurgency. High-rank officials refused to reduce these funds since they are allegedly directed towards development projects that keep insurgency elements away, just as those started this week. The NTF-ELCAC and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are under the watch of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) for possibly having falsely accused more than 200 people of being rebels that recently surrendered. [ABS-CBN] [Manila Bulletin 1] [Inquirer 2]

Furthermore, the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) released a list of persons named as ‘terrorists’, including the chairman of the CPP-NPA. The list also includes most peace consultants in the Philippines, which the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) lawyers’ group explained had already been cleared by a trial court in Manila because they proved to be unconnected with the CPP-NPA. Those listed face criminal charges beyond only those stipulated by the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) enacted in 2020, which include the freezing of relevant assets.[Rappler 1] [Manila Bulletin 2]

Most recently, the Supreme Court (SC) heard the last oral arguments regarding the 37 petitions challenging the constitutionality of the ATA. Just like the government side had argued last week, retired Associate Justice Francis H. Jardaleza said that all petitions should be dismissed because the SC cannot override pending cases that are being tried in regional courts using the ATA. Moreover, Jardaleza held that the petitioners did not claim direct, personal, or constitutional injury, thereby lacking legal standing. On the other hand, former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno claimed the SC should resolve the petitions with a balance between the protection of individual rights and the necessities of national security. [Rappler 2]

Singapore: Former minister slated to head SPH’s media business, sparking questions of editorial integrity

(tcy) Communications and Information Minister Iswaran has announced that former minister Khaw Boon Wan will become the chairman of the not-for-profit entity that will oversee the to-be-formed media business of one of Asia’s biggest media groups, Singapore Press Holdings’ (SPH). The announcement comes after SPH earlier this month announced it would transfer all media-related assets to a company limited by guarantee (CLG) as the unit struggles with falling advertising revenue and losses [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. [Channel NewsAsia]

The decision to nominate Khaw was discussed with SPH’s existing management shareholders, who will be the entity’s founding members. They agreed that Khaw, who most recently had served as Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure as well as Transport Minister before he retired in 2020, would be able to provide strong strategic leadership due to his high standing and extensive public service experience.

However, Khaw’s appointment has raised questions of editorial integrity, now that SPH not only stands to receive direct government funding but is also chaired by a former ruling party minister. In Parliament, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh sought clarifications as to what the Government would do to ensure the independence of the CLG from possible government interference, and to foster a culture of editorial independence across SPH's titles. In response, Minister Iswaran said he would venture that a culture of editorial independence already exists in Singapore's news media and citizens trust the news media, citing a 2020 YouGov survey and the 2021 Edelman trust barometer to prove this. [Singapore News Network] [The Straits Times]

Singapore: Prime Minister Lee, ministers condemn racist attacks

(tcy) Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on May 10 expressed that he was “disappointed and seriously concerned” by an alleged racist attack on an Indian woman, who was kicked in the chest by a man shouting racial slurs at her for not wearing a mask. Several other ministers have also commented on the incident, calling it “disturbing” and “unacceptable”, while urging the public to band together and foster stronger cohesion amidst the unprecedented pandemic. [The Straits Times 1] [The Straits Times 2]

The incident occurred a day after a similar altercation with racial overtones took place, with a man being caught on camera while verbally abusing and accusing an expatriate Indian family of spreading COVID-19 to Singapore. Against the backdrop of an escalating coronavirus situation in India and fears of a new Indian variant, the two incidents reflect growing intolerance and xenophobic sentiments among the public. [Mothership.sg]

Thailand: COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons causes calls from human rights organizations

(pr/lm) International rights watchdogs have called on Thai authorities to swiftly reduce overcrowding in the country’s prisons and detention facilities, while the Departments of Corrections (DoC) on May 17 annunced that nearly 10,000 across 12 prisons had tested positive for COVID-19 within the past five days. [ABC News] [Thaipost, in Thai]

Amnesty International Thailand (AIT) on May 11 published an open letter to the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court calling for efforts to “minimize unnecessary custody” and employ measures to ensure the “protection of the rights and freedoms of inmates and prisoners during the pandemic”. Two days thereafter, Human Rights Watch (HRW) also urged the Thai government to ensure that the detainees have sufficient protection and health care and reduce overcrowding of prisons through supervised releases of people detained for politically-motivated charges, for minor offense, or people with health conditions. [Amnesty International Thailand] [Human Rights Watch]

Both organizations also say that under international human rights law, the Thai government has an obligation to ensure accessible health care for people in custody that is at least equivalent to that available to the general population. 

In the same vein, 20 lawmakers from the opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) have sent an open letter to the DoC asking it to allow detained members of pro-democracy movements infected with COVID-19 to seek treatment at a medical facility of their choice. The legal aid group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said nine activists who were detained have tested positive, including one protest leaders who tested positive on May 13. [Bangkok Post 1]

Against this backdrop, Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin held a press conference on the same day, in which he explained the newly discovered cases with previous low testing, adding that the government had stepped up testing of inmates over the past three days. The minister also said prison authorities were planning to vaccinate all of the country’s 380,000 inmate, as hundreds of people detained in provincial prisons such as in Chiang Mai and Narathiwat have also reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. [The Diplomat]

The announcement assumes added significance, coming as it does a day after prominent political activist Panusaya "Rung" Sithijirawattanakul announced on May 12 she had tested positive for COVID-19 after eight weeks of pretrial detention at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution (CWCI). The DoC, however, denied the activist’s claim, saying that “100% active screening” was done during and after her detention. [Bangkok Post 2] [Thai PBS World]

Thailand: Rights groups, activists see veiled mechanism of control in draft NGO law

(pr) Human rights groups and rights advocates are warning that a proposed legislation by the Thai government poses an “existential threat” to their work in the country, saying the bill is a veiled mechanism to intimidate and control their activities. [Voice of America]

If passed, the new law would require all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to register with the Interior Ministry, declare the source of their annual operational fund and how they spend it, and turn in annual audits and tax returns. The Draft Act would also allow Thai authorities to enter an NGO’s offices at any time and gather its electronic communications without a court order. It says, too, that groups could spend any foreign funding only on work “permitted by the Ministry” without elaborating, making the bill “open to interpretation and subject to arbitrary application by the authorities”. [International Commission of Jurists]

Violators of the Draft Act would risk having their registration revoked. The law also imposes liability of criminal punishment on those who operate without registration with imprisonment not exceeding five years or fined not exceeding approx. $3,200, or both.

At present, 86 international NGOs operating in Thailand are officially registered, a number Thai authorities say does not match with reality. The government therefore justifies the move as an attempt to "promote transparency and accountability" in the face of a perceived threat by shadowy groups that would use foreign funds to destabilize the country.

Observers believe state security to be the main reason for the law. For political unrest in the past few years, and the roles played by NGOs may have prompted the government to regulate more intensely the activities of nongovernmental organizations. [Bangkok Post]

In the past, it has been a policy of the government to promote Thailand as a hub for international organizations and position Thailand as “Geneva of Asia”. The Act on Privileges and Immunities for International Organizations and International Conferences in Thailand was promulgated in 2018. The Act provides a framework for granting of privileges and immunities to entities prescribed such as international organizations and inter-governmental organizations and the establishment of its offices in Thailand. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand]

Thailand: Social media post of released protest leader spurs bail complaint

(pr) A member of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on May 14 filed a petition with the Criminal Court to seek a revision of the bail granted earlier last week to Parit "Penguin" Chiwarak, accusing him of having violated his bail conditions in a social media post. [Bangkok Post]

Parit, along with fellow protest leader Chai-amorn Kaewwiboonpan, was granted bail on May 11 on a number of conditions, including not dishonor the monarchy or cause unrest, after an earlier bail hearing was postponed [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. Both are facing several charges, including lèse majesté and sedition, along with three other protest leaders, for their activities during rallies in September of last year. [Thai PBS World]

Meanwhile, two university students have reported to the police after being summoned for a royal defamation charge and a violation of the Flag Act for an art installation piece they exhibited during protests in March of last year [see, AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. The police released them afterwards and they are required to report back on May 31. The Art and Cultural Activist Network for Democracy (ACAND), a group of artists, activists, and academics issued a statement in support of the two students. [Prachatai English]

Thailand: Opposition lawmaker seeks no-confidence motion against government over COVID-19 response

(pr) A lawmaker from the opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) is reportedly seeking a second censure debate over the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and said he would ask other opposition parties to table a no-confidence motion when the new parliamentary session begins on May 22. Earlier in February, following a four-day censure debate, the prime minister and nine ministers comfortably survived a no-confidence motion brought by the opposition over the government’s mishandling of the vaccine roll-out and economic policies. [AiR No. 8, February/2021, 4]

Moreover, representatives of some opposition parties, including the PTP, on May 13 petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission, asking the body to investigate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, in his capacity as director of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, for his failure to deal with the pandemic. The petitioners allege that Prime Minister Prayut, in the wake of three waves of infections, failed to enforce related laws, prevent the entry of migrants, and take action against politicians who contracted the virus from visiting nightclubs. [Bangkok Post 1]

The family of a young man who died of COVID-19, meanwhile, has filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court, naming Prime Minister Prayut and the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration among others, and calling for financial compensation of nearly $150,000. [Bangkok Post 2]

Thailand: Opposition launches fresh attempt to oust minister, proposes amendment to criminal code

(pr) Opposition parties have established a parliamentary sub-committee in a fresh attempt to seek legal action against Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow who they consider to be unqualified to hold a Cabinet post and other political positions over his past conviction for drug trafficking in Australia. The move comes after the Constitutional Court earlier this month dismissed a bid to disqualify the deputy minister after observing that the verdict was not imposed by a Thai court [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2].

Established under the Committee on Suppression and Prevention of Corruption and Misconduct, the new sub-committee seeks to investigate Thamanat Prompow for his involvement in drug smuggling and violation of ethical conduct for concealing his criminal background prior to becoming a minister. The sub-committee will summon all relevant state agencies for more information. [Bangkok Post]

Further, the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) is preparing a bill to amend the Criminal Code to prevent judges, police officers, and prosecutors from interpreting laws in a way which may distort the spirit of the law. To maintain check and balance of the justice process, the bill, modelled after German law, will define “distortion of law” and provide penalties. [Thai PBS World]

Thailand: MDES takes action against dissemination of alleged COVID-19 fake news

(pr) The Ministry of Digital, Economy and Society (MDES) has filed police complaints against three people for allegedly spreading fake news on social media relating to the side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. [Bangkok Post]

The matter was brought to the MDES’s attention by the Anti-Fake News Centre, a unit established under the Department of Special Investigation earlier this month to investigate the dissemination on false information on the coronavirus pandemic [see AiR No. 18, May/2021, 1].

Thailand: Court upholds jail term of former Democrat Party lawmaker over vote-buying

(lm) The Appeal Court on May 11 upheld a two-year prison sentence against a former Democrat Party lawmaker and his younger brother over fraud in a 2014 local election. Both are planning to appeal their sentences at the Supreme Court. [Bangkok Post]

Provincial election officials in 2014 filed a lawsuit against the two brothers, accusing them of vote-buying after they had thrown a party for voters ahead of a local election. A provincial court originally jailed the pair for three years - later reduced to two years - and also handed down a 10-year election ban against both men. 

Thailand: Budget bill for fiscal year 2022 set for first reading

(pr) The budget bill for the 2022 fiscal year is tentatively scheduled for its first reading in parliaments’ lower house between May 31 and June 2 after it was approved by the Cabinet last week. The budget has been allocated under six guiding principles - stability, competitiveness, human resources, social inequality, environment and administrative balance – with the Education Ministry topping the budget allocation for 2022. [The Nation] [Bangkok Post]

International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

China lands on Mars

(dql) China landed a spacecraft on the Mars for the first time on Saturday, making it the third country after the US and Russia to accomplish such a feat and marking a further major advancement in China’s ambitious goals in space exploration. [Space.com]

 For insights into China’s plans to challenge US dominance in outer space, see Steven Lee Myers in [New York Times] who argues that China’s space station Tiangong could be the only game in town for some time, given the possibility of a decommissioning of the International Space Station (ISS), jointly developed by the United States, Russia and others China’s, after 2024 and Russia’s announcement that it intends to withdraw from the ISS by 2025.

China: WHO approves Sinopharm's vaccine

(dql) In a boost for China’s role and standing in the global combat against the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved for emergency use a COVID-19 vaccine developed by state-owned drugmaker Sinopharm, confirming that the vaccine is “easy to store, making it suitable for locations with limited resources, and proved 79 per cent effective in clinical trials.” [UN News]

One of two main Chinese coronavirus vaccines and already given to hundreds of millions of people in China and elsewhere, Sinopharm’s vaccine is the first developed by a non-Western country to obtain the WHO’s backing. Vaccines, previously approved for emergency use, include those developed by AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. [Reuters]

The WHO’s approval comes as China has offered the Central Asian states Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to deepen regional cooperation on Covid-19 vaccines and the development of Chinese-funded infrastructure projects during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterparts last week in China’s northwestern Shaanxi province. Wang Yi also offered cooperation on security, in the face of potential resurgence of terrorism in neighboring Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops from the country in September. [South China Morning Post 1] [South China Morning Post 2]

US President Joe Biden, meanwhile, announced plans to distribute some 80 million doses of the vaccine overseas by the end of June, assuring that the US “is going to be the arsenal of vaccines for the world. [NPR]

China-US relations: Senate pushes anti-China tech bill, Blinken reiterates genocide allegations

(dql) The US Senate has voted with overwhelming majority to move forward on a bill – the Endless Frontier Act –, aimed at countering China’s economic pressure. Centerpiece of the bill is a fund of 100 billion USD to be invested over five years in basic and advanced tech research, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, advanced communications, biotechnology and advanced energy. In addition, 10 billion USD would be authorized to develop tech hubs across the country. [South China Morning Post]

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reiterated harsh criticism of China’s treatment of Muslim Uighurs, saying that Beijing “broadly criminalizes religious expression and continues to commit crimes against humanity and genocide against Muslim Uyghurs and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups.” [US Department of State 1]

Blinken made this statement in his introduction to the release of the US Department of State’s 2020 International Religious Freedom Report, in which cites “reports of deaths in custody and that the government tortured, physically abused, arrested, detained, sentenced to prison, subjected to forced indoctrination in CCP ideology, or harassed adherents of both registered and unregistered religious groups for activities related to their religious beliefs and practices.” [US Department of State 2]

The US was among a group of more than 15 mostly Western United Nations member states that has demanded that China provide “immediate, meaningful and unfettered access” to Xinjiang to the UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet in order to inspect alleged abuses of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities there. [Canberra Times]

China a conflict mediator in Iran and the Middle East?

(dql) Signaling its claim to become a conflict mediator on global stage, China has offered to host talks between the parties in Afghanistan and pledged to support its anti-terrorism effort during a call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Afghan national security adviser Hamdullah Mohib on Monday.

The call came one day after Wang made a similar offer to the Israelis and Palestinians at a virtual UN Security Council meeting convened to discuss the ongoing deadly hostilities in the Middle East. [Newseek] [VoA]

Taiwan-US relations: Missile maintenance deal signed, TSMC joining US-led semiconductor lobby group

(dql) Taiwan’s Air Force signed a deal worth 291 million USD with the US in order to continue the maintenance of armaments that can be loaded onto Taiwan’s F-16 fighter jets, manufactured by US based Lockheed Martin Co. [Focus Taiwan]

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Co (TSMC), the world’s biggest chip foundry, meanwhile, has joined the Semiconductors in America Coalition (SIAC), a new lobbying group 65 major players along the semiconductor value chain dominated by top American chip developers and users, such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Intel. Asian and European members include MediaTek from Taiwan, South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix as well as Dutch ASML, the only supplier of the advanced photolithography equipment used to make high-end chips. [South China Morning Post]

Japan, US, France joint military exercises

(dql) Hosted by Japan, naval and ground forces of Japan, the US and France last week conducted the six-day exercise "ARC21," in southwestern Japan and the East China Sea.

ARC 21 included urban warfare and amphibious operation exercises – marking the first time for the three countries to conduct such exercises on Japanese soil. On Saturday they were joined by Australia in an expanded naval drill involving 11 warships in the East China Sea. [ABC News] [Mainichi]

The exercise comes at a time when concerns are rising in Japan over Chinese activities in and around Japanese-claimed waters surrounding the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands, which Beijing also claims and calls Diaoyu.

France’s participation reflects an increased presence of European powers in the region. A German warship is due to visit Japan in the summer, while a British Royal Navy task force centred on HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to take part in exercises with Japanese units later in the year. [South China Morning Post]

South Korea requests IMO involvement in conflict over Fukushima wastewater

(nm) South Korea is stepping up efforts to explore means of cooperation with regards to the planned release of wastewater from Japan’s Fukushima power plant into the sea. Last week, the Ocean Ministry announced it had asked the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to examine ways of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear monitoring body, to ensure the safety of the release. Additionally, a media report said last week that Seoul is seeking to establish a joint consultative body with Tokyo in order to discuss the release. Tokyo is allegedly reviewing and leaning toward accepting the proposal. 

In April, Japan had finalized its decision to discharge the wastewater of the wrecked Fukushima power plant, starting in 2023. The decision triggered fierce protest by neighbouring countries over an alleged lack of proper consultations and concerns over the safety of the proceedings. Tokyo claims the release is inevitable as storage space will run out in 2022 and says it will be safe considering the water will be filtered and diluted. 

The plans had only added to already strained ties between the nations over wartime issues and economic tensions. According to diplomatic sources, South Korea’s chief of intelligence had recently visited Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in order to improve relations. [Korea Herald 1] [Korea Herald 2] [Korea Times]

Expectations grow around this week’s US-South Korea summit 

(nm) Expectations are rising around this week’s May 21 summit between South Korean president Moon Jae-in and his US-American counterpart Joe Biden in Washington. It is only the second face-to-face summit of the Biden administration after Japanese Prime Minister had visited in April, stressing the importance of the Asian alliance for the US administration. According to experts, the summit will likely focus on how to revive diplomatic efforts with North Korea, facilitating inter-Korean peace, how to deal with an increasingly assertive China, semiconductor chip investment, and vaccine cooperation. 

In relation to North Korea, the US had announced the completion of its North Korea policy review on 30 April. Although details of it still remain undisclosed, officials have outlined a “calibrated, practical” approach that is open to diplomacy and focussed on the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula rather than “a grand bargain […] [or] strategic patience,” a strategy welcomed by several nations, including South Korea. However, some experts also expect Moon to try to get Biden to be more flexible on North Korea, including supporting the Singapore agreement forged between former President Trump and the North’s leader Kim Jong-un in 2018 that seeks to establish US-North Korea relations. [Korea Times 1] [Korea Times 2] 

An equally sensitive issue is US and South Korean engagement with China and the related rumoured possibility of Seoul joining the US-led security alliance denominated the Quad. The alliance compromised of the US, Japan, India, and Australia has recently been promoted by Washington as an informal network for cooperation, suggesting that Korea’s participation might not target China. Last week, South Korean ambassador to the US told reporters that Seoul was reviewing possibilities of cooperation with the alliance’s working groups on vaccinations, emerging technologies, and climate change. [Korea Times 3]

Other topics might include cooperation in the semiconductor chip industry and in vaccination efforts. South Korea has recently struggled to obtain enough vaccine doses and officials in both countries have hinted at a possible partnership. Additionally, the US is currently exploring ways to regain control of the global chipmaker industry which, following a major shortage during the pandemic, has gained considerable geopolitical salience. South Korean manufacturers are considering large investments in the US, while Moon is said to be accompanied by a delegation of important industry representatives. Last week, the Moon government additionally announced large-scale investment plans in its national chipmaker industry.  [Korea Times 4] [The Diplomat] [Korea Herald][Nikkei Asia]

Inter-Korean relations: South Korean court rejects injunction request on sales of Kim Il-sung memoir 

(nm) A Seoul court last week rejected the injunction request filed by several NGOs seeking to ban the sales and distribution of a memoir by North Korea’s founder Kim Il-sung. 

In April, a small South Korean publisher had made available all eight volumes of Kim Il-Sung’s memoir “With the Century” for the first time in the South, which depicts Kim as a heroic fighter resisting Japanese atrocities during the 1910-1945 colonial rule over the Korean peninsula. Materials like the memoir are deemed illegal under a South Korean national security law that restricts the distribution of North Korean propaganda in the South. In 2011, the nation’s Supreme Court had explicitly called the very same book “an item of expression that benefits the enemy,” deeming it illegal. The now-rejected injunction request had claimed the sales and distribution of the book infringed on constitutional rights to human dignity, harming the basic order of free democracy. That claim was, however, dismissed by the Seoul Western District Court which argued that the applicants’ rights to human dignity had not been infringed and that they could not claim the exclusive rights of the Korean people. [Korea Herald 1] [Wall Street Journal] 

The Moon administration is currently seeking to decrease tensions with the North. This week, a unification ministry spokesperson expressed disappointment over Pyongyang’s decision to withdraw from a World Cup qualifier set to take place in the South next month, after it had been confirmed that the North would withdraw from the Asian qualifiers for the 2022 Qatar World Cup altogether. The event had been regarded as an opportunity for inter-Korean engagement through sports. [Korea Herald 2]

Pakistan, Turkey jointly take tough stance on Israeli-Palestinian crisis

(lm) Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrived in Turkey on May 18 on an extensive diplomatic mission to draw global attention towards the deteriorating situation in Gaza, where tensions have been running high since an Israeli court earlier this month ordered the eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem.

The foreign minister, along with his counterparts of Sudan, Palestine and Turkey, will then leave for New York, where he is scheduled to address an emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on May 20. [Geo News 1]

The session comes in response to a request from the chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Group at the UN. So far, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has met three times, with no concrete outcome after the United States blocked a joint statement calling for a halt to Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Qureshi’s trip to Ankara was preceded by a telephone call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 12, during which the two leaders “vowed to work together especially at the United Nations in jointly mobilizing the international community” to stop the bloodshed. They also condemned Israel's actions and agreed that the attacks had violated humanitarian and international law. [Anadolu Agency] [The News]

Turkey on May 16 then recommended to establish an “international protection mechanism” for Palestine's civilians in an emergency meeting of the OIC. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the virtual meeting of the 57-member Islamic bloc that "[t]hese efforts should also include physical protection through forming an international protection force with military and financial contributions of willing countries", adding that such a mechanism would be in line with a 2018 UN General Assembly resolution. [TRT World]

Pakistan’s parliament, in turn, passed a resolution on May 17 which expressed concern over Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and called upon the international community to establish an international mechanism to protect the Palestinian people. [Geo News 2]

Indian Prime Minister Modi to skip G-7 summit in London due to COVID-19 crisis

(lm) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to the United Kingdom for the Group of Seven (G-7) summit next month because of the coronavirus situation in India. The decision came days after the prime minister called off a planned visit to the Portuguese city of Porto to participate in the India-EU Summit on May 8. The meeting was subsequently held in a virtual format. [Hindustan Times] [The Straits Times]

India is not part of the G-7 industrialized nations, but was invited to the talks by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to attend the summit as Special Invitee, alongside with the leaders of Australia, South Africa and South Korea, in December of last year [see AiR No. 51, December/2020, 4]. This would have been Prime Minister Modi’s second foreign visit this year, after a trip to Bangladesh in March to attend celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the neighboring country’s independence.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had visited the UK to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of G-7 earlier this month, but he and his delegation had to go into self-isolation after a possible exposure to positive cases. [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]

British Prime Minister Johnson also had to call off plans to visit India twice – he cancelled a trip that was to begin on April 25 following a surge in infections, and in January, he cancelled a trip to focus on his government’s response to a new Coronavirus variant that was spreading rapidly. Modi and Johnson held a virtual summit on May 4, during which they launched an Enhanced Trade Partnership and a Mobility and Migration Partnership and unveiled a roadmap to boost bilateral ties over the next decade [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2].

Pakistani army chief backs down over Kashmir in backchannel talks with India

(ra/lm) Controversy has erupted in Pakistan after an off-the-record meeting between high-ranking national security officers and leading media representatives in late April had exposed a major communication gap between the country’s powerful military establishment and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s civil government.

On May 11, Prime Minister Khan stated that his government would not resume talks with India until New Delhi revoked its decision from August 2019, when it unilaterally abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, breaking the state of Kashmir into two union territories [see AiR No. 32, August/2019, 1]. [The News]

The remarks assume added significance, because they come against the backdrop of news reports over major concessions to India that Pakistan’s powerful military leadership appears to be prepared to make. Downplaying it as a mere change of the Indian government’s internal nomenclature, the officials were cited as saying they did not see India’s point-blank refusal to reinstate Article 370 as a serious impediment to talks but were concerned about New Delhi’s attempts to change the demography of Muslim-majority Kashmir. [South China Morning Post]

The remarks clearly echo landmark speeches delivered in February by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who had advocated a strategic shift towards a geo-economic agenda built upon peaceful relations and economic connectivity with Pakistan’s hitherto adversarial neighbors [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4].

Following Bajwa’s speeches - delivered amid backchannel talks between Indian National Security Advisor Ajjit Doval and General Faiz Hameed, the head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - Pakistan and India suddenly announced the restoration of a 2003 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control in Kashmir, ending several years of heavy skirmishing [see AiR No. 9, March/2021, 1].

Pakistan refuses air bases for US after Afghanistan pullout

(lm) Pakistan on May 11 ruled out the possibility of again providing its military bases to the United States for future counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan, vowing to protect the nation’s interests and support the Afghan peace process. During a press conference on May 11, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also said his government had formulated an “explicit policy” regarding a partnership with Washington for peace in Afghanistan, further referring to Islamabad as a “facilitator”. [Voice of America]

US President Joe Biden last month announced that the remaining 2,500 international troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11, pushing back from a May 1 deadline agreed with the Taliban as part of the peace agreement signed between the two sides in September of last year. In a following congressional testimony, US General Kenneth Frank McKenzie, Commander of the US Central Command, said he would provide the defense secretary a plan for counter-terrorism forces outside Afghanistan by the end of April, adding that diplomatic efforts were underway to determine where to best base such units. [Arab News]

On May 6, then, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Vice-President Amrullah Saleh in the Afghan capital Kabul. The meeting was also attended by General Sir Nick Carter, the British Chief of the Defense Staff, who is believed to have played a key role in getting both sides together. General Faiz Hameed, the head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), was also present. [The Independent]

Ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have become more tense over the past 20 years, for Kabul has long perceived Islamabad as backing the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. In a statement to German publication Der Spiegel, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last week claimed that Pakistan "operated an organised system of support" to the Taliban. Islamabad on May 17 strongly rejected the claims as groundless and unconstructive, made a strong demarche with the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad. [Dawn]

The ISI, in particular, has been repeatedly charged over the years with supporting and arming the Taliban and other insurgent groups, including the Haqqani network, a guerrilla insurgent group that uses asymmetric warfare to fight against US-led NATO forces and the government of Afghanistan. At the same time, Pakistan has been crucial in persuading the Taliban to join US-backed negotiations for the organization to share power with the current government in Afghanistan. [Arab News]

Pakistan’s army chief hopes for greater cooperation with the United States

(ra) Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa met with United States Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan on May 12. During the meeting, the Pakistani general expressed his support in promoting a more stable and peaceful Afghanistan, while the US envoy acknowledged Islamabad’s efforts to support peace and stability in the region and pledged to enhance relations between Pakistan and the United States. [The Nation]

The meeting assumes added significance, for it comes days after a meeting between General Bajwa and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Vice-President Amrullah Saleh in the Afghan capital Kabul on May 6. The meeting was also attended by General Sir Nick Carter, the British Chief of the Defense Staff, who is believed to have played a key role in getting both sides together. [see article above]

Comments from Chinese envoy illustrate Beijing’s concerns on possible expansion of Quad

(lm) A recent statement by China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Li Jimming, and subsequent remarks from the Chinese Foreign Ministry have again shed light on Beijing’s trepidation over a possible expansion of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), a loose strategic coalition comprising of France, the United States, India and Australia. [The Diplomat]

The Chinese envoy on May 10 had told Bangladeshi and Chinese reporters that Bangladesh participating in the Quad – which Li called a “narrow-purposed” grouping - would “substantially damage” ties between Dhaka and Beijing. To observers, the remarks came as a surprise, for Dhaka’s navy can hardly be considered consequential player in Indo-Pacific security. The comments of the Chinese ambassador were thus considered a pre-emptive move to caution Bangladesh from drawing too close to the US. [South China Morning Post]

Li’s comments prompted a rebuke from Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen, who said Li’s message was “regrettable” and “aggressive”. Momen also said that Bangladesh, as a sovereign nation, would decide whether to join any alliance.

Li, in turn, later clarified that he had been expressing his personal views in response to a question asked by a journalist, and he was not making any suggestion to the Bangladeshi government. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, however, on May 12 defended the envoy’s remarks, calling the Quad an “exclusive clique” against Beijing and saying Li had made Beijing’s position "clear" on the issue. [The New Indian Express]

Sri Lanka secures $500 million concessional loan from South Korea

(lm) Sri Lanka on May 10 announced it had secured $500 million in concessional loans from South Korea after both sides signed a new Framework Arrangement for a period of two years. Provided by South Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), the loans come at a concessional interest rate of 0.15 to 0.20 percent, repayable over 40 years with a 10-year grace period. [NewsFirst]

The announcement comes a month after Sri Lanka had secured a long-awaited $500 million loan from the China Development Bank, the second tranche of a $1 billion bailout Colombo sought from Beijing last year. [AiR No. 15, April/2021, 2]

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves had dropped to $4.05 billion, their lowest in over a decade, with tourism plummeting following the onset of COVID-19. Public coffers also took a massive hit as export earnings and foreign remittances dropped drastically due to the pandemic. The dwindling foreign reserves also caused the currency to plunge to 203 Sri Lankan rupees to the dollar, a record low.

Nepal Army to undergo reformations in organizational structure

(lm) The land service branch of the Nepalese Armed Forces, the Nepalese Army (NA), is set to reform its organizational structure as neighboring China and India are beefing up their military presence in areas bordering the country. [Khabarhub 1] [The Diplomat]

At present, the NA is divided into eight divisions - one each in the seven provinces and one in the Kathmandu Valley – in addition to another seven independent units, such as the Special Forces Brigade. The existing structure will be converted into four commands - Eastern, Central, Western and Valley Command – each of which will be equipped with an airbase, logistics base and a hospital. Already, for army generals have been appointed to head the new commands. [Khabarhub 2]

UN vote on call to stop arms supply to Myanmar postponed

A UN General Assembly vote on May 18 on a non-binding resolution calling "for an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale or transfer of all weapons and munitions" to Myanmar was postponed indefinitely after the authors apparently lacked the support to pass the text. [France24] [Reuters]

The resolution was drafted at the request of Liechtenstein, with the support of 48 countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States. It came after more than 200 nongovernmental organizations earlier this month called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to declare a global arms embargo on Myanmar [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. Significantly, with South Korea, whose support came after several weeks of negotiations, only one Asian nation signed on.

The draft resolution, which would have been non-binding but politically powerful, calls on the Myanmar military to end a state of emergency, stop all violence against peaceful protesters and respect the will of the people as expressed in the results of a November election. If adopted, the text would also urge the military to allow a visit by the UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, and implement a plan by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to end the crisis.

UN special envoy discusses situation in Myanmar with Thai Prime Minister

(pr/lm) On 14 May, the United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, met with Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to discuss the situation in Myanmar after the Thai prime minister had skipped the recent summit of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders in Jakarta. During the meeting, the Schraner Burgener and Prime Minister Prayut discussed the exchange of information and provision of humanitarian assistance for the people affected by the situation including refugees that have fled to Thailand. [Associated Press]

The Thai premier also promised that his country would not force back people fleeing violence in neighboring Myanmar. Last month, at least 10,000 residents from territory in the country’s southeast controlled by the Karen ethnic minority fled to a safe zone near the Thai border following two days of airstrikes by the military junta. At the time, Thai authorities denied allegations by activist groups that more than 2,000 refugees, who had tried to enter Thailand had been forced back across the river, despite ongoing aerial bombardment [see AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5]

The UN envoy plans to stay in the region and remain in close contact with ASEAN member states to support “the timely and comprehensive implementation” of the five-point consensus, an agreement concluded at the ASEAN Summit held back in April [see, AiR No. 17, April/2021, 4]. An organization that has always prioritized non-interference and respect for sovereignty, ASEAN, has so far refrained from involving itself in Myanmar, despite spillover effects impacting Thailand and close ASEAN partners India and China. It does not come as a surprise, then, that there is still no sign of an ASEAN envoy, three weeks after the bloc’s members agreed to appoint a special emissary to go to Myanmar to talk to all parties involved in the turmoil.

The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), meanwhile, has denied a new report that suggested a secret communication channel between Prime Minister Prayut and Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. Citing sources from the prime minister inner circle, the report claimed that Prayut was using direct links between member of the Thai military and counterparts in the Tatmadaw, as Myanmar’s military is known, to shape Bangkok's security policy towards neighboring Myanmar. [Nikkei Asia]

According to the MDES, an initial investigation had found that the source cited in the article was a former official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a standpoint opposing the prime minister’s. [The Nation Thailand] [Thairath, in Thai]

Myanmar reporters, activists face possible deportation after being arrested in Thailand

(lf) Three journalists and two activists from Myanmar have been arrested in Thailand for illegal entry and face possible deportation. The five were arrested on May 9 in the northern city of Chiang Mai and appealed to Thai authorities not to deport them to Myanmar, saying their life would be in serious danger if they were to return. Thai authorities, however, have stated that the five will be deported in accordance with Thai law. For Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 refugee convention, and its asylum law refers to “illegal foreigners” who can be arrested and deported at any time. [Reuters 1]

Separately, a journalist working for an independent media company was jailed for three years last week for incitement, after he had reported on anti-junta demonstrations. At present, at least 40 journalists are imprisoned in Myanmar, according to preliminary investigations by independent watchdogs, the majority detained during newsroom raids or while covering anti-coup street protests. [Reuters 2]

Meanwhile, a Japanese journalist arrested while covering the aftermath of the Myanmar coup is to be deported, Tokyo said on May 14, after charges against him were dropped as a diplomatic gesture. The journalist was arrested in mid-April under a criminal provision that penalizes the dissemination of information that could agitate or cause security forces or state officials to mutiny [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. [The Straits Times]

Thailand wraps up internal ratification process to join RCEP

(pr/lm) Thailand is accelerating its internal processes relating to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as it plans to submit regulations on customs tariffs, certificates of origin and importation of auto parts to the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by October of this year.[Bangkok Post]

In November of last year, Thailand signed up to the RCEP agreement alongside with 14 other countries, including the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus the bloc`s five major trading partners Japan, China, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand [see AiR No. 46, November/2020, 3].

The RCEP will come into effect 60 days after at least six ASEAN member states and three non-ASEAN signatories have deposited their ratification instruments. The Thai Parliament ratified the agreement back in February, followed by Singapore [see AiR No. 15, April/2021, 2], China, and Japan [see AiR No. 18, May/2021, 1]. Once in effect, the RCEP will be the largest free trade agreement with a combined GDP of $262 billion, covering 2.2 billion people or roughly 30 percent of the world’s population. [NNT]

India, an original negotiating participant of the RCEP, was expected to be a signatory nation. But at the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in November 2019, Indian Prime Minister Modi announced that New Delhi had decided to withdraw from the RCEP over fears the elimination of tariffs would make it difficult to protect domestic industries from China, whose low-priced exports are highly competitive in Indian markets [see AiR No. 45, November/2019, 1, AiR No. 46, November/2019, 2].

Thailand backs APEC joint statement ahead of summit

(pr) During a meeting with his counterpart from New Zealand, Thailand’s commerce minister expressed his country’s support for a joint statement to be issued at a meeting of the trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) later this year. During the meeting, the two ministers also discussed about deepening bilateral trade. [Bangkok Post]

Slated for June 5, this year’s summit will bring together representatives of 21 economies in the Pacific Rim and will be chaired by New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. The joint statement calls for the endorsement of multilateral trade as a tool to solve the COVID-19 crisis, the removal of restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines exports by its members except for certain restrictions such as internal use within the country, and the promotion of logistics cooperation between members to facilitate trade of medical equipment. [The Nation Thailand]

The Philippines pushes the US away as Chinese vessels tighten control

(lp) Even though President Rodrigo Duterte has at times expressed a defeatist stance against China’s continuous intrusion into the Philippines’ exclusive economic zones, he emphasized that he will not withdraw the country’s patrol ships from the South China Sea. There are almost 300 Chinese Maritime Militia ships scattered across the area, some of which have obstructed Filipino fishers and coastguard patrols away from resource-rich Scarborough Shoal and other traditional fishing grounds. The Philippine government encouraged Filipino fishers to defy this fishing ban imposed by China. [Kyodo News] [Radio Free Asia] [ABS-CBN 1] [South China Morning Post 1] [Taipei Times]

Duterte emphasized that he will not allow any foreign intrusion into the Philippine Rise area, days after former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile and Senate President Vicente Sotto III suggested allowing China to conduct oil exploration in the area. Last month, Duterte said he would confront China if the latter extracted oil from the Philippines’ exclusive economic zones. On the other end, Chinese President Xi Jinping had warned Duterte years ago against exploring for oil in the contested area. [Cebu Daily News] [Manila Bulletin 1]

Meanwhile, the Philippines and the US have finished a month-long training to strengthen maritime law enforcement. This comes just days after Duterte asked the US to leave the Philippines out of any armed conflict, reiterating his disapproving stance that it was the US who arranged a deal in 2012 to pull out from Scarborough Shoal and allowed China to take possession of this disputed territory. [Philippine Information Agency] [Philippine News Agency]

The Philippines attempts to increase its arms capacity to defend itself from China. For instance, officials are planning to procure attack submarines. However, Duterte also said that it would be ‘fine’ if the US does not provide arms to the Philippines. The US, though, recently approved Turkey to sell a military helicopter to the Philippines. Still, if no new Visiting Forces Agreement is signed, the US would have to pull out troops involved in counter-terrorism missions, which the Philippine government has been intensifying as the end of Duterte’s administration approaches. [Business Mirror] [ABS-CBN 2] [Manila Bulletin 2] [Middle East Eye] [South China Morning Post 2]

Duterte also expressed reluctance to seek help from the United Nations because China could veto any action to validate the Philippines’ claims to their exclusive economic zones. Most recently, Duterte instructed his Cabinet members to refrain from talking about the South China Sea issue in public. [Philippine Star] [Reuters]

Vietnam expands fishing militia in South China Sea, according to Chinese research organization

(lm) Vietnam is building up its maritime militia in the South China Sea in an apparent response to Chinese efforts to dominate the disputed waterway, according to research by the China-based National Institute for South China Sea Studies. [Voice of America]

While the European Union has estimated that about 8,000 fishing boats and 46,000 fishermen are part of Vietnam’s maritime militia, the Chinese research organization numbers the militia between 46,000 to 70,000 personnel. It says 13 platoons with a combined 3,000 people operate near the sea’s contested Paracel Islands and another 10,000 people operate armed fishing boats off southern Vietnam.

When not catching fish, these trained fishermen participate in a broad range of paramilitary work, sometimes in cooperation with the Vietnamese navy. In fact, in 2009, Vietnam had passed a law that authorizes its maritime militia to conduct sea patrols and surveillance and confront and expel ining foreign vessels in defense of Vietnamese-controlled islands and reefs.

Both Beijing and Hanoi have a long history of maritime militia and proficiency in mobilizing fishermen and their boats as part of a “gray-zone” strategy —coercive force short of war— to occupy reefs in the South China Sea. Analysts say China maintains the sea’s most obvious maritime militia, although Beijing had in recent years reduced the involvement of civilians in its maritime disputes, in favor of enhancing its coastguard and other official law enforcement forces.

World Economic Forum cancels meeting scheduled to be held in Singapore in August

(tcy) The World Economic Forum (WEF) has cancelled its Special Annual Meeting that was scheduled to be held in Singapore in August, with organizers citing the uncertain travel outlook and new COVID-19 variants as reasons for their decision. Instead, the WEF has said that its next annual meeting will take place in the first half of next year, with the final location and date to be determined based on an assessment of the situation later this summer. [The Straits Times]

The WEF's annual meeting, which is traditionally held in Davos, Switzerland, in January, gathers top public and private sector leaders to address pressing global issues. The announcement of the cancellation is the latest development since the WEF first announced last December that Singapore would host this year's annual meeting due to the perceived risk of holding it in Europe which was facing a COVID-19 outbreak, and after multiple postponements of the forum.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, meanwhile, remains on track to convene in person in Singapore in early June, with the event’s organizers stating that the WEF’s decision would not affect their plans. This year’s Shangri-La Dialogue is slated to take place from June 4 to 5, with high-level defense policymakers from more than 40 countries around the world attending, including US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. [South China Morning Post]

US-Malaysia relations: Top Glove shipment seized, $460 million 1MDB funds recovered 

(tcy) The U.S Customs and Border Protection said its officials seized 4.68 million latex gloves worth $690,000 produced by Malaysian rubber glove manufacturer Top Glove after a shipment was found in Kansas City despite an import ban on its products over forced-labor allegations. This comes after U.S. Customs seized a Top Glove shipment of 3.97 million gloves worth $518,000 last week. 

In response, the company said it has informed the U.S. agency that it has remediated all forced labor indicators found at the firm. [Reuters 1]

In regard to the 1MDB scandal, the U.S. Department of Justice has returned $460 million of funds recovered from assets related to sovereign fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), after at least $4.5 billion was stolen between 2009 and 2014, in a wide-ranging scandal that has implicated high-level officials, banks and financial institutions around the world.

Thus far, the finance ministry has stated that Malaysia has received $3.89 billion of seized and repatriated 1MDB funds. [Reuters 2]

Malaysian officials and Muslim groups decry Israeli attacks on Palestinians

(tcy) As the Israel-Palestinian conflict continues to rage, Malaysian officials and Muslim groups condemn Isreal’s attacks.

Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob has called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Arab League, the United Nations (UN) and Muslims all over the world to take decisive action to stop the attacks committed by the Israeli regime in Palestine. [Voice of America]

He also confirmed that Malaysia is ready to send its troops for a peacekeeping mission in Palestine if there is a request from the United Nations, although he noted that the decision to dispatch army personnel to Palestine involves international laws and Malaysia cannot act before the matter is decided by the UN. [Bernama 1]

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, meanwhile, expressed disappointment over the inability of the UN Security Council to immediately halt Israeli violence against the Palestinians. This was reiterated on May 17 by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tan Hussein, as the UNSC failed to produce a statement on the current situation in Palestine after its third session this week, amidst a rising death toll and escalating tensions on Gaza Strip. [Bernama 2]

The Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia, the Malaysian arm of a Palestinian-led movement that promotes boycotts against Israel, has also told Malaysian media to remain vigilant and avoid “falling prey to Zionist propaganda.” [Bernama 3]

Malaysia and Palestine enjoy strong bilateral relations, with Malaysia demonstrating strong support for the rights and freedoms of the Palestinians amidst the ongoing violent struggle between Israelis and Palestinians. Malaysia currently refuses to recognize the State of Israel until a peace agreement is reached.

Malaysia strengthens security measures, nation bands together to stand with Palestine

(tcy) Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said that all national security agencies have stepped up various aspects of security measures to maintain the public order of Malaysians, after a video clip claiming that Malaysia was among the nations that would receive security threats from Israel for being one of the leaders of the Palestinian struggle worldwide went viral on social media. [Bernama 1]

Local organizations have also banded together in support of the Palestinians during this period of intensified conflict, with the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) instructing all mosques in the state to recite the ‘Qunut Nazilah’ to pray for the well-being and security of the Palestinian people, and the Perikatan Nasional (PN) Youth urging for Israel to be charged at the International Criminal Court for its violent attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Gaza Strip. Mercy Malaysia, a non-profit organization that has been providing medical and humanitarian assistance to Palestine since 2008, has also called on NGOs to integrate humanitarian aid for Palestinians and coordinate their assistance through funds set up by the government. [Bernama 2] [Bernama 3] [Bernama 4] 

Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei condemn Israeli Attacks on Palestine

(ra) Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Malaysian Prime Minister Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah issued a statement urging all parties in the current Israel and Palestine conflict to accept international presence in the region temporarily and called upon the United Nations to conduct and emergency session to protect Palestinians. [Australian Financial Review] 

In their statement, the leaders reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 border agreements between Palestine and Israel. They have also urged all parties in the current escalation of violence to exercise restraint and halt all attacks on civilians. [The Star]

Thailand and EU enter into a new trade agreement replacing a previous one

(pr) Thailand and the European Union (EU) have signed a new tariff rate quota agreement after the previous deal was renegotiated following the Brexit. Under the new agreement, Thailand will maintain to be able to export specific products, such as rice, poultry, and fishery with the same privileges prior to the United Kingdom leaving the EU. The agreement will come into effect in June. [Bangkok Post]

Singapore and Canada reaffirm bilateral ties

(tcy) In a telephone call, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau have reaffirmed "excellent" bilateral ties and welcomed the expansion of bilateral cooperation to new areas including climate change, infrastructure and smart cities, and cybersecurity. Noting the growing economic ties between Singapore and Canada, both leaders also discussed new areas of cooperation, with PM Lee welcoming Canada’s efforts in deepening its economic engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the region. [Mothership.sg]

Vietnam, Thailand agree to foster enhanced strategic partnership

(lm) Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held phone talks with his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-ocha on May 12, during which the two leaders agreed to coordinate closely in further developing the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries. [VietnamPlus]

Cambodia and India to discuss bilateral FTA

(ad) Cambodia and India have begun looking into a possible bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to promote cooperation in all sectors - particularly trade – according to a readout of a virtual meeting between the Cambodian Minister of Commerce and India’s Ambassador to Cambodia held on May 13.

Trade between the two countries was valued at $190 million in 2020. Along with India, Cambodia is also looking at South Korea, Japan and other countries for establishing FTAs. It has already established an FTA with China in October 2020. [Agence Kampuchea Presse]

Mekong River Commission receives French grant to improve river monitoring network

(ad) The French government has donated $1.82 million to the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to improve and expand its monitoring program along the mainstream and key tributaries of the Mekong river. The funding, made available through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), will span four years from 2021 to 2025. [Mekong River Commission]

The MRC is a regional/intergovernmental organization, consisting of member states Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Since 2007, MRC has established 60 hydro-meteorological stations along the river to improve recording and forecasting the river dynamics.

The new funding is a follow-up to two other grants of EUR 4 million France had donated for the first two phases from 2007 to 2022. Since 2006, France has granted the MRC over 10 million euros to support river monitoring, flood and drought management, climate change, and environmental management. [Agence Kampuchea Presse]

Announcements

Upcoming Online Events 

19 May 2021 @ 10:30-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore 

Lessons from Managing the Covid-19 Pandemic: Singapore and Taiwan 

This webinar will consider the approach that each country has taken, and the impact that it has had on health and economic outcomes. This is done in order to try and draw lessons for the many countries that still struggle with containing new waves of community spread, while trying not to derail fragile economic recoveries. 

For more information, see [ISEAS]

19 May 2021 @ 10:30-12:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Stanford, USA 

The New Economy Conference: Navigating Chinese Investment, Trade, and Technology 

This session will explore the role of Chinese economic activity in California in the context of the greater US-Chinese relationship. 

For more information, see [FSI].

19 May 2021 @ 9:00-10:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Middle East Institute, USA

Deep Environmental Transformations in Gulf Arab States: Past, Present and Future 

Throughout the past century, the environment of Arab countries in the Gulf has changed drastically. The region has seen major urbanization, soil transformation, and the disappearance of mangroves, oases, and wetlands. Despite the fact that all of the Gulf Arab states have signed and ratified the Paris Climate Agreement, the region continues to have a mixed record on climate action as the challenges of climate change increasingly unfold.  

Please register here:[MEI]

19 May 2021 @ 12:30-1:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA

Carnegie Connects: Four Perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 

Violence between Israelis and Palestinians escalated alarmingly last week spiraling across three fronts: within the city of Jerusalem, throughout Israel between its Arab and Jewish citizens, and in an escalating conflict between the government of Israel and Hamas. Learn more about the conflict at this webinar.

For more information, see [Carnegie].

19 May 2021 @ 9:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA

What is the road ahead for Colombia? 

Over 400,000 people have taken to the streets in Colombia to protest a now-withdrawn tax-reform bill proposed by the government to address the country’s economic crisis. Amidst unrest, this conversation explores the political, economic, and social situation in Colombia and explore how the United States can support Colombia in the short, medium, and long term.

Please register here:[Atlantic]

20 May 2021 @ 2:30-4:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Fondation Prospective et Innovation, France

CHINA and the USA: Impossible Agreement?

This webinar will therefore focus on Sino-American relations and their impact on the rest of the world. The desire for peace, the need for security, and the economic challenges call for practical lessons to be learned about the similarities and differences between the 20th century Cold War and the current situation. 

 More about the event at [Fondation Prospective et Innovation].

.

20 May 2021 @ 3:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT+2), Institute for Security Studies, Africa

Crime trends in the time of COVID- 19 

This event will provide different perspectives on how COVID-19 related restrictions have affected South African communities. They will also consider the implications for crime and violence prevention in the future.

For more information, see [ISSA].

20 May 2021 @ 9:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Wilson Center, USA

Myanmar’s Present and Future: Views from the National Unity Government 

Please join the Wilson Center’s Asia Program for a special event on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. With opening remarks by Ambassador Mark Green, President, Director, and CEO of the Wilson Center, Daw Zin Mar Aung, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the NUG of Myanmar, will provide us with a keynote speech to discuss the National Unity Government’s perspective on the crisis.

For more information, see [Wilson].

20 May 2021 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-5), The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, USA 

Why the World is Failing at Fixing Climate Change 

In November, the 26th United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) will set a new global agenda for tackling climate change. The presence of the world's most powerful leaders at COP26 and the elevation of climate change to the top of President Biden's agenda in the United States demonstrate just how seriously many governments and their citizens now take climate change.

For more information, see [Chicago Council]

20 May 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, United States    

Maintaining Semiconductor Leadership 

The Covid-19 pandemic and its shortage of semiconductors have highlighted the critical nature of the industry in relation to international politics and economic competitiveness, with high-tech production increasingly shifting outside the US. Against this background, this webinar brings together a panel of policy experts as well as technologists of major chipmakers to discuss new developments, technologies, and policies needed to maintain US leadership.  

Details are accessible under [Hudson Institute].

20 May 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, United States    

A Conversation with Secretary Michael R. Pompeo 

This webinar invites former US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo to examine the implications of the Israel-Palestine conflict for the United States, considering the underlying causes of the conflict, the end result that might best serve the interests of the people of the Middle East and the United States, and the role played by the conflict in US foreign policy.

For more information, see [Hudson Institute].

20 May 2021 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT+2), European Center for International Political Economy, Belgium   

Are Online Civil Liberties Threatened? 

As social media and other online platforms are under growing pressure to moderate content while simultaneously being accused of censoring political opinions, this webinar will discuss online freedom of speech and regulation.   

Please see [ECIPE] for more information. 

20 May 2021 @ 1:30 p.m. (GMT+2), Italian Institute for International Political Studies, Italy   

T20 Forum on Social Cohesion 

As governments and societies are still in the midst of a health and economic crisis, this webinar explores how developed as well as developing countries can achieve sustainable, inclusive growth while fighting inequalities and developing equitable welfare systems. 

For more information, please visit [ISPI].

20 May 2021 @ 8:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Asia Society, United States    

Southeast Asia in 2021 and the Crisis in Myanmar 

In this webinar, Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, will share his perspective on developments in Southeast Asia and how the international community can respond, including the recent upheaval in Myanmar and its implications for ASEAN and the wider region. 

If you are interested in joining this webinar, please visit [Asia Society] for more information and mandatory registration.

21 May 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, United States    

Ukraine’s Latest Security Crisis

Although the tense situation at the Russian-Ukrainian border has somewhat steadied albeit still on knife’s edge, this webinar will take a closer look at the underlying conflict, considering its impact on the region and how NATO can react. 

Please visit [Hudson Institute] for more information. 

21 May 2021 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore 

Myanmar After the Coup: Insights from Inside

This webinar will hear views from inside Myanmar on the situation at ground level, in both urban and ethnic areas, and offer insight into people's prevailing sentiments and reactions to the current crisis.

Please register here: [ISEAS]

21 May 2021 @ 9:00-10:00 a.m. (GMT+2), Institute for Security Studies, Africa

Tackling complexities of child trafficking in Central and West Africa

This event will examine current child trafficking trends and drivers in West and Central Africa. Speakers will also consider national and regional prevention strategies. 

Please register here:[ISSA]

24  May 2021 @ 2:30-4:30 pm (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore 

COVID-19 and MCO in Malaysia: Grassroots Perspectives 

Malaysia is in the throes of another COVID-19 surge and re-imposition of Movement Control Order (MCO), stoking public health anxiety and stressing the health system in ways the government readily acknowledges. However, on the economic and social fronts, the official account tells of pain mitigated and plenty of government aid extended.

Please register here: [ISEAS]

24 May 2021 @ 9:30-10:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Harvard Kennedy School, USA

Combatting Anti-Asian Racism and Misogyny: What is our Local Community Doing? 

This public discussion will highlight key challenges of racism, misogyny and other discrimination faced by our Asian and Asian-American community, the responses of local organizations who have long sought to address such challenges, and what more needs to be done in our own communities. Speakers represent perspectives from the Harvard Kennedy School’s staff, faculty and student groups, as well as leading local non-profits.

Please register here: [Harvard]

24 May 2021 @ 6:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Sweden 

SIPRI Lecture | Democracy in a Post-Covid World  

The third annual SIPRI Lecture will be held by Dr. Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State of the United States, on the theme “Democracy in a Post-Covid World.” It will be followed by a panel discussion with high-level politicians, including Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström. 

If you wish to join the discussion, please visit [SIPRI].

25 May 2021 @ 11:00-12:15 p.m. (GMT-4), Stanford University, USA 

Spring Seminar Series: Institutional Genes: Confucianism vs. Christianity with Prof. Chenggang Xu

This talk is based on a chapter of the ongoing book project titled “Institutional Genes: A Comparative Analysis of Origins of China’s Institutions.” 

For more information, see [FSI].

25 May 2021 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia

Peace Operations and the International Order

With the rise of liberal interventionism, peace operations now intervene within, rather than between, states. Particularly ambitious new operations, called stabilisation operations, deploy within active conflicts with mandates to use force to deter spoilers and rebuild states. The goal of these interventions was initially to support and perpetuate the liberal international order by ensuring that states modelled and upheld minimum democratic principles. 

For more information, see [AIIAVIC].

26 May 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel, Belgium   

Conference on the future of Europe: vehicle for reform versus forum for reflection? 

On Europe day the EU launched its Conference on the Future of Europe, aiming to open up space for debate with the continent’s citizens in order to address current needs of reform. Against this background, the webinar seeks to explore if the conference has the capacity to turn from forum of reflection into reform vehicle. 

Please see [Bruegel] for more information. 

26 May 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT+2), The Swedish Institute of international Affairs, Sweden  

Afghanistan: perpetual tragedy, perpetual crisis? 

This webinar tries to understand what influence forty years of conflict have had on Afghan society, asking: What is the role and development of Afghan institutions and civil society? How can we understand the influence of the Taliban today? And is a political solution possible? 

For more information, please visit [UI].

26 May 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), National Endowment for Democracy, United States   

The rise of digital repression: How Technology is reshaping power, politics, and resistance 

Considering that authoritarian regimes increasingly exploit technological capabilities, these trends have major implications for democracy and global governance, making it necessary for civil society and pro-democracy organizations to learn how to counter such repression effectively. This webinar tries to analyse the challenges digital repression can pose to the integrity of democratic systems.

Please follow [NED] for more information and registration. 

26 May 2021 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, Switzerland 

Stop “fixing” women: why institutional transformation is key to women’s participation in peace operations 

This interactive discussion will focus on how to achieve women’s full participation in peacekeeping: Rather than striving to “fix the women,” security sector institutions, including the police, gendarmerie, and armed forces, should rather reflect their institutional culture. This webinar sets out to explore strategies and possible solutions. 

If you wish to join the debate, please visit [DCAF] for details and registration. 

Recent book releases 

Carol Leoning, Zero Fail: The Rise and Fall of the Secret Service, Random House, 560 pages, May 18, 2021, reviewed in [Washington Post]

David Alan Sklansky, A Pattern of Violence: How the Law Classifies Crimes and What It Means for Justice, Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press, 336 pages, March 23, 2021, reviewed in [Publishers Weekly]

Calls

University of Bayreuth invites to submit proposals for its conference "Political Journalism between Media Change and Democratization from the 17th to the 21st Centuries", to be held on June 16–18, 2022. Closing date for submission is no later than 31 May, 2021. For more details, see [H-net].

The editors of the book titled "Islam and Politics in the 21st Century: Competitive Discourses and Future Uncertainties” invite to submit papers. Deadline for submission is July 15, 2021. For more information, see [H-net].

The Military Academy at ETH Zurich, in cooperation with the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading, and the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, invites papers/proposals for a virtual conference on "Conflict Delegation and Proxy Wars in International Security".  This event will be held on September 23, 2021. Deadline for submissions is June18, 2021. For more information, see [H-net]

Jobs & positions

The University of Antwerp, is offering a position of Principal Research Fellow in Civil Law. Closing date for applications is May 26, 2021. For more details, see [Research Gate]

The Asian Development Bank is hiring a Deputy Director General for its Independent Evaluation Department. Deadline for application is May, 25, 2021. Further information are available at [ADB].

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