Grasp the pattern, read the trend

No. 39, September/2021, 4

Brought to you by CPG

Dear Readers,

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

I wish you an informative read and extend special greetings to readers in Botswana, China, Cyprus, Germany, Iraq, Nigeria and Tuvalu which celebrate Independence Day, National Day and German Unity 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

• Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia

• Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia

• Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia

• International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

• Announcements

Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia

China: Financial markets eye the Evergrande crisis as default deadlines inch ever closer

(tj) On Monday, September 20, China’s embattled giant property developer Evergrande reportedly missed interest payments to at least two of its biggest lenders. Two days later, the company’s main unit, Hengda Real Estate Group, claimed to have ‘resolved’ payment through ‘private negotiations’ relating to onshore debts in the amount of $35.8 million that was due on Thursday, September 30. However, Hengda’s statement was silent as to whether Evergrande was able to meet another debt due the same day relating to offshore payments in the amount of $83.5 million, or another due of September 29, in the amount of $47.5 million. [Al Jazeera 1] [BBC]

Evergrande, whose assets also span banks and media businesses, is due to pay $300b over the next two years, widely expected to default on bond payments, including defaulting on a dollar bond due on Thursday, September 30, within 30 days.

As Evergrande is so deeply intertwined with China’s broader economy, there remains a risk that its liquidation could impact the whole property sector that accounts for a quarter of China’s gross domestic product. Financial markets, meanwhile, remain on tenterhooks. [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2]

However, Beijing has taken a preliminary approach in mitigating the crisis. Financial regulators in Beijing have instructed Evergrande Group to prioritize completing unfinished properties and repaying individual investors while avoiding a near-term default on dollar bonds. [Reuters 3] 

Similarly, on Wednesday September 22, China’s cabinet pledged to stabilize the economy by accelerating infrastructure investment plans in an attempt to offset any consequences of the Evergrande crisis, placing priority on particular areas of investment including telecommunication networks, satellite navigation and smart logistics, reservoir repairs and public facilities over the next 5 years. [South China Morning Post 1] 

Likewise, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) pumped 120 billion yuan ($18.6bn) into the banking system through reverse repurchase agreements, resulting in a net injection of 90 billion yuan ($13.9bn), and several local governments implementing special custodian accounts to ensure homebuyers’ payments are used to complete Evergrande’s housing projects and not diverted elsewhere. [Reuters 4]

Yet whether Beijing further will intervene is an unresolved question. [Al Jazeera 1] 

Despite these measures, commentators have remained critical of Beijing’s handling of the situation, arguing that Beijing’s reactionary responses reflect the absence of any proactive mitigation in anticipating Evergrande’s troubled finances and thus represent a broader narrative of Beijing’s disorganisation in managing contemporary crises. [Forbes]

Nonetheless, cracks have already started to emerge, as Evergrande Group’s electric vehicle maker, China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group Ltd, has been reported to have not paid some employees and is currently behind on paying a number of suppliers for factory equipment, shares since plummeting 26%. [Al Jazeera 2] [Reuters 5]

In a latest related development, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, China’s top anti-corruption agency, announced to launch an audit of 25 of the country’s major financial firms and regulators. Among them are the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, as well as China’s “Big Four” state-owned banks, sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corp, the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. Furthermore, asset management companies will also be audited. [South China Morning Post 2]

China: Top Chinese officials calls for more high-tech backed surveillance

(tj) Chen Yixin, secretary general of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, which oversees law enforcement and security, has called for an expansion of artificial intelligence, big data and surveillance programs, citing an “increasingly complicated” environment with “increasingly unstable and uncertain factors.” Chen made the remarks during a tour of southern Guangdong province last week, instructing law enforcement officers to make use of hi-tech tools like big data to curb ‘major social incidents’ and improve domestic security.  [South China Morning Post]

For insights into data fusion programs within China’s mass surveillance regime see [Brookings].

China: New departments introduced into Hong Kong and Macau to control Beijing’s political narratives  

(tj) In another example of Beijing’s expanding pressure on Hong Kong, China’s top body overseeing Hong Kong, the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, established on Thursday, September 23, two new departments the departments, tasked with overseeing propaganda and security matters in the former British colony. It also appointed two veterans to better communicate policies of national security to the public and control political narratives. [South China Morning Post] [Bloomberg]

China: Hong Kong civil society organizations continue to disband in the face of Beijing pressure

(tj) The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, the organization responsible for organising the annual vigil of 4 June to remember whose killed during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, has announced it will disband after facing charges and increasing regulatory pressure under Beijing’s national security law. 
Having frozen $283,00 of the group’s assets this month after it was charged with inciting subversion, authorities have already further jailed Alliance leaders Albert Ho, Lee Cheuk-yan and vice chairwoman Chow Hang Tung. [Reuters]

Likewise, the China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group, a prominent Hong Kong group supporting human rights lawyers in China, founded by Ho who resigned last Monday, has recently similarly disbanded amid police pressure after receiving a policy data request last month. Consequently, the organization has removed all content from its website and social media accounts, already having commenced voluntary liquidation. 

The disbandment of these organisations reflects the broader trend of a myriad of Hong Kong civil society organisations toppling to pressure of Beijing’s national security law. [Hong Kong Free Press] [See, AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3] [See, AiR No. 37, September/2021, 2]

China: Crypto-currently declared illegal

(tj) The People’s Bank of China (PBC), China’s central bank, with support of ten other Chinese agencies including financial, securities and foreign exchange regulators have declared that all transactions of crypto-currencies are illegal and made a pledge to remove ‘illegal’ cryptocurrency activity that promotes criminal activity such as money-laundering and fraud. 

Having described digital currency as a threat that ‘seriously endangers the safety of people’s assets’, this recent prohibition reflects the fear of Beijing regulators that cryptocurrencies may weaken Beijing’s control over the financial system, including acting as a possible threat to the PBC’s development of its ‘digital-yuan’ project. 

As a consequence of the announcement, the price of Bitcoin fell by $2,000, more than 9 per cent, and consequently, cryptocurrency exchanges have rushed to cut ties with Chinese users, exchanges including Huobi Global and Binance, two of the world’s largest exchanges and popular with Chinese users, having ceased new registrations of accounts by mainland Chinese customers.

Currently, China is one of the world’s largest crypto-currency markets and one of the world’s main centres for crypto ‘mining’, a process involving the trade of using powerful computers to make new coins. In April China was recorded as hosting 45% of globe’s population of crypto miners. 

The handling of cryptocurrencies by Chinese banks has been formally banned since 2013 and the trading cryptocurrency banned since 2019, however traders moved to over-the-counter platforms and continued foreign and offshore exchanges that were technically not banned under these rules. 

The declaration of the illegality of cryptocurrencies form part of a broader narrative of Beijing’s attempt cementing Beijing’s stance on cryptocurrencies. For example, a series of announcements were made earlier this year by Chinese state institutions warning buyers they do not have any protection for trading crypto currencies. Furthermore, Beijing introduced a ban on crypto mining, instructed banks and payment platforms to stop authorizing transactions of cryptocurrencies, with China’s cabinet vowing to crack down on bitcoin mining and trading as it sought to mitigate financial risks. 
 
This recent crackdown by one of the world’s largest economies and crypto markets raises serious questions over the future and longevity of cryptocurrencies. [ABC News] [Al Jazeera] [BBC] [Reuters] [The Guardian] 

China: Further crackdowns on morality 

(tj) On Friday, September 24, China’s broadcasting regulator, the National Radio and Television Administration, announced it will encourage online producers to create ‘healthy’ cartoons and clamp down on violent, vulgar or pornographic content, instructing the entertainment industry to uphold ‘truth, goodness and beauty’. [The Guardian] 

This comes amid Beijing’s crackdown on the entertainment industry, tightening its grasp on celebrity fan culture, the portrayal of men in the media, social media platforms, and gaming. [See, AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3] [See, AiR No. 37, September/2021, 2] [See, AiR No. 36, September 2021, 1]

China: Prominent rights activists indicted

(dql) More than 20 months after his detention, prominent Chinese civil rights activist Xu Zhiyong is now awaiting trial after being indicted for plotting a “colour revolution” to subvert state power. 

Xu, an academic and founder of the New Citizens Movement – a collection of numerous civil rights activists – has spent years campaigning to raise awareness of civil rights. He is well-known as a critic of the Chinese Communist Party. In early February last year, Xu published an article on the web accusing President Xi of being 'unable to handle' the coronavirus pandemic and claiming that the the government’s clampdown on freedom of expression had contributed to the uncontrolled spread of the virus. In 2014, he was sentenced to four years in jail for his democratic ideas and for exposing the corruption of Chinese leaders. [South China Morning Post] [Asia News]

Meanwhile, feminist journalist Sophia Huang, one of China’s most well-known women’s rights campaigners, and workers’ rights activist Wang Jianbing are incommunicado, believed detained. [China Digital Times].

Japan: LDP election update

(lnl/dql) Short before election of the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on this Wednesday, September 29, the ‘Vaccine Minister’ Taro Kono is leading opinion polls among the population. According to a recent poll by Nikkei and TV Tokyo, 46% of the respondents favor Kono as the “most suitable person” to succeed Suga. Former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is placed second with 17% and former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi third with 14%. Former Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Minister Seiko Noda came fourth with 5%. [Nikkei Asia 1]

Similarly, Kono is leading also among the LDP rank-and-file voters, gaining 47.4%, followed by Kishida at 22.4%, Takaichi at 16.2% percent and 3.4%. [Mainichi News]

However, Kishida is enjoying backing from more than 30% of a total of 382 LDP lawmakers, followed by Kono in the mid-20% range, Takaichi at around 20%, and Noda under 10% [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

Observers, thus, expect a runoff vote between Kono and Kishida, following an inconclusive first round of vote with none of the four contenders obtain the majority of votes. While LDP lawmakers and rank-and-file members hold an equal number of 382 votes each in the first round, in the runoff greater weight is given to the former, with 382 compared with 47 for the party’s prefectural chapters. 

However, predictions for the outcome of the runoff are more difficult than usual to make as LDP lawmakers this time are required to heed public opinion rather than traditional faction rules in considering whom to give their vote. This is because the new LDP president will have to lead the party with its coalition partner Komeito into the general election which will likely be held in November after the sucessor of Yoshihide Suga as Prime Minister will be elected in the Diet on October 4 and following the expiration of the term of members of the House of Representative on October 21. [Japan Times] [Japan Today] [Kyodo News]

Takaichi, meanwhile, held talks online with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Monday, September 20. The conversation is widely seen as an attempt to attract more anti-China hardline members within the LDP for the September 29 vote. The thirty-minute conversation covered topics such as the regional economy and supply chains. [Nikkei Asia 2]

Japan: Deportation by immigration authorities was unconstitutional

(lnl) On Wednesday, September 22, the Tokyo High Court ruled in favor of two Sri Lankan men who demanded 10 million yen in compensation from Japanese immigration authorities for infringing on their right to undergo a trial for refugee status. The men were deported and did not receive enough time to take legal action after being denied refugee status. The court ruled that the actions of the immigration authorities were unconstitutional as they “violated the right to a trial, as guaranteed under Article 32 of Japan’s Constitution”. The court ordered the country to pay a total of 600,000 yen in compensation. [Japan Today] [The Japan Times] 

The Immigration Service Agency of Japan has faced criticism before over alleged improper treatment of detainees which led to the death of a Sri Lankan woman being held at an immigration facility [see No. 30, July/2021, 4].

Japan: Third-party consent from abortion law to be abolished, women’s rights campaigner demand

(dql) Women’s rights campaigners have called on the Japanese government to amend a law Maternal Body Protection Law under which married women need to seek consent from their husbands before they are allowed to have an abortion. 

Japan is one of only 11 countries in which third-party consent for abortions is required. Abortion without consent is punishable with up to one year in prison. [The Guardian]

South Korea: Investigations into corruption allegations against Gyeonggi Governor Lee

(aml) After the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) submitted a bill to the parliament requesting parliamentary investigations into corruption allegations against Gyeonggi Governor Lee, presidential hopeful for the ruling Democratic Party (DPK), the prosecution has opened a criminal probe into the issue [The Korea Times 1]. 

According to the allegations, Lee gave business favors to certain companies in return for a lucrative public land development project during his time as the major of Seongnam City. The project started in 2015 and aims at creating apartment buildings and infrastructure on the 920,000 square-meter former farmland in Seongnam City. The PPP initiated the investigation after Lee’s camp had filed a complaint against the party for violating the Public Official Election Act by spreading false information about Lee to diminish his chances in the election. Lee has already denied the allegations, stating he would stop running for presidency in case he “profited a penny from it” [The Korea Herald 1]. 

However, despite the allegations, he seems to be the most-promising candidate for the ruling Democratic Party (DPK) in newest election polls, surpassing his main contender Yoon Seok-yul from the PPP [The Korea Times 2] [The Korea Herald 2]. Drawing attention to the scandal even seems to backfire for the PPP, since Rep. Kwak Sang-do, a PPP lawmaker, offered to resign because of his son’s involvement in it. Kwak’s son had worked for Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management and allegedly earned 5 billion won in severance pay for the project. Hwacheon Daeyu is one of the companies in the focus of the scandal, raising the question how it was able to land such a lucrative deal with its relatively little experience in the field [The Korea Times 3].

South Korea: Cabinet approves enforcement decree for workplace disaster law

(dql) South Korea’s cabinet approved on Tuesday, September 28, an enforcement decree for the new workplace disaster law which was enacted by parliament in January and tighten the punishment for business owners and CEOs of companies with five or more employees in the event of serious workplace disasters. 

Aiming to provide workers with better protection against industrial accidents, the decree outlines the responsibilities of company executives for running and maintaining a workplace health and safety management system, including the requirement of executives to review a company’s work hazard conditions and the process of addressing the issue at least once every six months.

Both, business sector and labor groups have criticized the decree. While the Federation of Korean expressed discontent over many of their recommendations being not taken into account and further criticized the government for excluding brain and cardiovascular-related diseases from the decree, the Korea Enterprises Federation argued that the proposal was too vague in terms of stating what is legally required by business executives. 

South Korea: Yoon wants to request redeployment of US tactical nukes in case of emergency

(aml) Yoon Seok-youl, the leading presidential contender of the main opposition People Power Party said he would request the redeployment of the US’s tactical nuclear weapons and a nuclear sharing if South Korea’s national security was threatened by North Korea. He stated he plans to seek consultation with the US over how to deploy US nuclear strategic assets, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles. 

The US had introduced tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea in the late 1950s and removed them in the early 1990s due to a disarmament deal with the Soviet Union and the South Korean government’s efforts to seek an understanding between South and North. Yoon emphasized that he would continue to prioritize diplomacy as the way to seek peace on the Korean peninsula. [The Korea Herald] [The Korea Times]

South Korea: Fake-news bill to be voted on

(aml) After the ruling Democratic Party had originally planned to put their controversial “fake-news” bill into plenary parliamentary voting on Monday, it had been postponed to Tuesday due to difficulties between the DPK and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) who weren’t able to reach an agreement on the issue. [The Korea Herald 1] 

The Press Arbitration Act would enable authorities to seek punitive damages five times higher than usual if a media outlet is found guilty of spreading false information. The bill had faced harsh criticism from several sides and the DPK and PPP have already tried 11 times to reach an agreement on it. [AiR, No.35, August/2021, 5] 

Several civic groups and media organisation have openly opposed the bill out of concerns for the freedom of press [The Korea Times 1] and Irene Kan, a special UN rapporteur has sent a letter to the South Korean government calling for a revision of the bill. She emphasizes the disproportionate punishment and how other countries look up to South Korea as a role model. She asked the government to keep in mind not only the domestic impacts but also the international. [The Korea Times 2] [The Korea Herald 2]

Taiwan court rules against surgery requirement for changing legal gender

(zh) The Taipei High Administrative Court has ruled against a law requiring transgender people to provide proof of sex change operation surgery to change their legal gender on the identity card. The plaintiff applied to change her registered gender from male to female, but the office denied the request since Xiao E did not provide proof of surgery. To change legal gender, the current regulation requires applicants to provide medical certificates indicating the person has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and has undergone a sex reassignment surgery.

The court cited for its ruling a past constitution interpretation stating the rights of personality, health, privacy, and body are all protected by the Constitution. It also recommended the legislature to pass new legislation to ensure the rights to gender identification is protected. [Focus Taiwan][Taipei Times]

Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang elects new Chairman Eric Chu

(zh) Eric Chu, former mayor of New Taipei City, was elected chairman of Taiwan’s opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) on the promise to reopen all channels of communication with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and balance the party’s ties with the US and China. Calling for unity within the party, he vowed to lead KMT to defeat the ruling DPP in the next national referendums and elections. [Focus Taiwan]

In his congratulatory letter, Chinese President Xi Jinping described the cross-strait situation as “complex and grim”, saying the two parties had “good interactions” and expressed hope for the CCP to seek “peace in Taiwan Strait, national reunification, and national revitalization” with the KMT. Chu, in his response, said the KMT opposes Taiwan independence and will seek common grounds with CCP on the basis of the 1992 consensus, which states there is only one China but the two sides can respectively interpret it. He blamed the Democratic Progress Party (DPP) government for the current cross-strait tensions. [South China Morning Post][Taipei Times 1]

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), condemned Chu’s black-and-white statement accusing him of “cater[ing] to the CCP while ignoring the facts” and warning that his pro-Beijing pandering would make the KMT a prey for China’s “united front” and further disconnect the party’s cross-strait policy from public opinion. The DDP also criticized Chu’s reply to Xi, saying no political party in a democracy would expect a congratulatory message from the leader of an autocratic regime. [Taipei Times 2]

Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia 

Bangladesh: Ruling Awami League to unleash only army to ‘stifle’ opposition

(ad/lm) Bangladesh´s ruling party Awami League (AL) has reportedly started training thousands of its activists to counter the dissemination of “fake news” by the opposition on social media, a move critics say that is aimed at stifling and criminalizing voices critical of the government.

With the upcoming 2023 general election on the horizon, as many as 30.000 AL activists have been trained since January this year to flood the internet with news on the party's “good deeds”; another 70.000 are supposed to follow, according to a high-ranking party official. [TRT World]

Independent analysts and opposition activists however are criticizing the program, saying it would further shrink the space for freedom of expression in Bangladesh. Officials of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – AL’s arch-rival and the country’s main opposition party –argue that the ruling party of Prime Minister Hasina has already exerted full control over Bangladesh’s mainstream media space, most notably by introducing the contentious Digital Security Act (DSA), which activists say is used as a pretense to muzzle critics of the government.

Bangladesh: Rights body condemns parliamentary committee for summoning researcher

(lm) The Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights, a local Bangladeshi rights body, on September 26 condemned a parliamentary committee for summoning a professor over her newspaper interview on remittance flow and expatriates. [The Business Standard]

Tasneem Siddiqi, a teacher at the Department of Political Science of Dhaka University, on September 23 appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Finance to explain her interview titled "Remittance flow and expatriates do not match in reality", which had been published earlier in February. 

Bangladesh: Minister exchanges views with journalists in regards with BFIU investigation

(ad) Speaking with journalist leaders, Bangladesh’s Broadcasting and Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on September 21 said that no reporter would be “harassed unnecessarily”. [Dhaka Tribune 1]

Earlier this month, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence United (BFIU) – which is mandated to probe money laundering and terror financing – sought the bank account and transaction details of 11 senior journalist. [AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3].

Bangladesh: Supreme Court upholds death sentence in rape case

(ad) The Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court on September 21 upheld the death penalty for two accused in case of raping and killing a child, almost ten years after the High Court had delivered the verdict. [Dhaka Tribune]

Bhutan: Hydropower generation decreases by over 12 percent

(lm) Hydropower, which has remained the backbone of Bhutan’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, has recorded a 12.7 percent decrease in generation in the first eight months of 2021, compared to a corresponding time period last year. [Kuensel]

In 2020, hydropower power export accounted for almost 57 percent of Bhutan’s total exports and almost 18 percent of the country’s GDP. About 80 percent of the surplus power is exported to India. 

India: Farmers renew nationwide protest against agricultural reforms

(lm) Thousands of Indian farmers blocked traffic on major roads and railway tracks across the country on September 27, marking one year of protests since the central government passed contentious farm laws that the farmers say will shatter their livelihoods. [BBC]

Since September of last year, tens of thousands of farmers have camped out on major highways around the nation’s capital, New Delhi, to oppose the laws in the longest-running growers' protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. As part of the legislation, farmers will be allowed to directly enter into selling agreements with agricultural businesses, supermarket chains, online grocers as well as exporter. Most Indian farmers currently sell the majority of their produce at government-controlled wholesale markets at assured floor prices. [AiR No. 39, September/2020, 5]

In the lead-up to this week’s protests, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Joint Farmers Front, SKM) – an umbrella body of some 40 farmers’ unions – had called for schools, colleges, factories and shops across the country to shut doors in solidarity for the strike, but it said emergency services would be allowed to operate. Major opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, and several state governments lent their support for the 10-hour countrywide-shutdown. [NPR] [Reuters]

The SKM leaders said that the shutdown received strong support in the states of Punjab and Haryana – India’s two breadbasket states – as well as opposition-ruled states like Kerala and West Bengal, where several trains were cancelled owing to the blockades. Along New Delhi's southwest and eastern fringes, protesting farmers crowded highways, choking traffic and cutting off access from the capital to neighboring states. [South China Morning Post]

India: Government, media giant targeted by Chinese hackers, US cybersecurity firm says

(lm) Chinese state-sponsored hackers are believed to have infiltrated and stolen data from three entities in India, including a government agency holding personal information of over a billion citizens, according to the latest report by a US company monitoring state-sponsored cyber activities. [South China Morning Post]

In its study, cybersecurity firm Recorded Future says suspected state-sponsored Chinese intrusions into Indian networks have escalated in the past year, amounting to a 261 percent increase as of early August, compared to 2020. Significantly, the suspected intrusions track back to the start of a bloody brawl between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley in the Himalayas in June of last year [see AiR No. 24, June/2020, 3].

Earlier in March, the company had published a study that lend weight to the idea that a massive power outage last October in the city of Mumbai may well have been connected to the deadly skirmish forth months earlier. Specifically, the study showed that as the standoff continued in the Himalayas, Chinese malware was flowing into the control systems that manage electric supply across India, along with a high-voltage transmission substation and a coal-fired power plant. [AiR No. 9, March/2021, 1]

In its latest report, Recorded Future claims that the networks of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) – which contain the private biometric information of more than 1 billion Indian citizens –were allegedly breached during intrusions tracked between June and July this year, though it is not clear what data was taken.

According to the US cybersecurity firm, the Times Group, which publishes The Times of India, also appeared to be targeted by the Chinese hackers. Data was exfiltrated from the company between February and August, but it was not clear data was stolen. 

In addition to data supposedly being siphoned away, Recorded Future said it was highly likely that malicious software was embedded inside the UIDAI’s and the media companies’ computer networks, which would allow the hackers to remove data on demand. Both the UIDAI and the media company dispute the claims.

The report attributed the hacking group’s affiliation to the Chinese government by saying that the hackers used a type of malware called Winnti, which was “exclusively shared among several Chinese state-sponsored activity groups.” [Recorded Future]

For its part, China on September 23 called the report by Recorded Future "entirely made up", adding that the cybersecurity company in the past had “repeatedly fabricated similar incidents to smear the Chinese government”. [The Straits Times]

India: Military accelerates historic overhaul to counter China

(lm) India's long-delayed plans to overhaul its military are getting a new life as its allies – most notably the United States, United Kingdom and Australia – are strengthening defense cooperation against China.

A key aspect of the trilateral security partnership, unveiled on September 15 and known by the acronym AUKUS pertains to the interoperability in a range of defense areas, something India – which currently has a service-specific commands system – lacks. [AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

As a result, New Delhi’s partners of the Quadrilateral Dialogue (Quad), Australia, Japan, and the United States, have previously found that they can only exercise with one Indian service at a time, which severely hampers cooperation when many, if not most, operations will be joint. [AiR No. 35, August/2021, 5]

Against this backdrop, a newly created Department of Military Affairs last month ordered the Army’s South Western Commander, Lieutenant General Amardeep Singh Bhinder, to work out the structures of a future Western Theatre Command, which will be based in Jaipur and will oversee the border with Pakistan. Similarly, the Air Force and the Navy have also been instructed to nominate one Commander-in-Chief rank officer to work on the structures of the Maritime Theatre Command and the Air Command. [The Print]

That model will be replicated throughout the country so that the entire military is under a new operating structure comprising of four unified commands – instead of the current 17 single-service commands – by 2024. [The Straits Times]

The initial target for the rollout of the theatre concept was 2022. But the process, which is being led by General Rawat, has expectantly not been a smooth one, with the Indian Air Force opposing the formation of unified theatre commands citing limitation of resources. Thus, the Central government in June formed an eight-member panel under Rawat to fine-tune the theaterisation process and bring all stakeholders on board for speedy roll-out of new joint structures.

India: Armed forces go big on defense acquisition; order 118 tanks, 56 military planes

(lm) Signing off on a $1.02 billion acquisition, the Indian Army on September 23 placed an order for 118 Arjun MK1A main battle tanks. Under the country’s “Make in India” initiative, the tanks will be manufactured at Heavy Vehicle Factory Avadi based in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

The Arjun MK1A features 72 modifications compared to the previous mark, and it incorporates a slightly higher percentage of local content (reportedly 54.3 percent). The main battle tank was developed by the Indian government’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) between 2010 and 2012, being submitted for user trials in June 2012. [Firstpost] [The Indian Express]

In related news, India’s Ministry of Defence on September 24 signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space for the acquisition of 56 C-295 MW tactical airlifters for the Indian Air Force. The long-pending procurement had been cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month.

Under the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition from Spain within the next four years, while the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India by a consortium of Airbus Defence and Space, and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) within the next ten years. [mint]

Nepal: Parliament passes revised budged, ends government shutdown

(lm) Nepal’s President and ceremonial head of state Bidhya Devi Bhandari on September 23 certified the country’s annual budget, hours after the bill was passed by Parliament, thereby effectively ending a week-long “Budget holiday”. [The Himalayan Times]

The previous KP Sharma Oli-led administration in May introduced the budget for the fiscal year 2021-22 through an ordinance, as Parliament’s lower house had been dissolved earlier the same month [see AiR No. 21, May/2021, 4]. Importantly, when it reinstated the House on July 12, the Supreme Court also ousted the incumbent administration and appointed then-opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba as the country’s new prime minister [see AiR No. 28, July/2021, 2].

Against this backdrop, the new administration on July 18 then tabled the ordinance in the lower house. Crucially, Nepal’s Constitution mandates that a law or amendment brought by ordinance must be ratified by Parliament within 60 days of being presented to the House, otherwise it is automatically scrapped. The budget ordinance, thus, was set to expire on September 15.

A replacement bill for the budget ordinance was presented on September 10. However, Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) – now the major opposition party in Parliament’s lower house – had been obstructing proceedings in both Houses of Parliament since its commencement on September 8, and refused to endorse the bill. On September 15 then, a day before the bill’s passage deadline, the CPN-UML resorted to protests, forcing the Speaker of the House to adjourn the session until September 20, which led to a government shutdown.

The reason behind the CPN-UML’s obstruction was to insist on the suspension of 14 former party lawmakers, including Oli arch-rival Madhav Kumar Nepal, whose newly created Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (Unified Socialist) last month joined the ruling coalition government. [AiR No. 34, August/2021, 4]

Continued opposition by the CPN-UML also meant that besides the budget bill, critical ordinances, including one to increase punishment for rape and acid attacks against women lapsed.

he other collateral damage of the deadlock in Parliament was the ratification of an agreement Nepal had signed in 2017 with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a bilateral United States foreign aid agency. Originally, Kathmandu had committed to ratifying the MCC-Nepal Compact in Parliament by September 2019, but the process had later been deadlocked by the feud in the then-ruling CPN-UML [see AiR No. 37, September/2020, 3]. [AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

Pakistan: Alarmed by rise in Taliban terrorism, government offers militants amnesty

(lm) Afghanistan’s Taliban regime is playing a pivotal role in backchannel talks between Pakistan’s government and the country’s leading Islamist insurgent group, news reports suggest, as Islamabad struggles to an emboldened contain jihadi movements in its border region.

Attacks in Pakistan have surged since the Afghan Taliban released around 2,300 leaders of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – including the group’s former Deputy Chief Faqir Mohammad – just days after seizing control of Kabul on August 15. Between July and mid-September, TTP militants have claimed responsibility for at least 55 attacks against military and civilian targets [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]. 

The upturn in terrorism forced New Zealand and England to abandon limited-overs tour of Pakistan on security grounds. A New Zealand statement on September 17 gave an escalation in "threat levels" in Pakistan and an on-the-ground security assessment as reasons for its cancellation. [Al Jazeera]

Against this backdrop, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and President Arif Alvi last week said the government would pardon the TTP if its members laid down their arms, abandoned their militant ideology and respected the constitution. [Dawn]

Experts say that the Haqqani Network, a US-designated terrorist organization and arguably the most powerful faction in Afghanistan’s new Taliban government, might have facilitated talks between Islamabad and the TTP. [South China Morning Post]

But the TTP in a statement released on September 17 dismissed the government’s offer of an amnesty and insisted on the imposition of an Islamic sharia-based system of government in Pakistan’s northwest tribal districts, the insurgents’ erstwhile strongholds until they fled to Afghanistan to evade military operations in 2014 and 2015. Crucially, the group did not reject talks with Islamabad. [Arab News]

Some analysts believe that TTP rejected Islamabad's offer because the group enjoys the protection of the Afghan Taliban, and also "because it still has the capacity to carry out attacks in different parts of the country." Moreover, most observers agree that expelling the TTP from Afghanistan would not be easy for the Afghan Taliban. [Nikkei Asia]

Pakistan has to redouble efforts to qualify for GSP+ after 2023, EU official says

(lm) In order to maintain its trade preferences under the European Union’s (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) program, Pakistan will have to redouble its efforts to turn the international conventions it signed up to into reality on the ground”, according to the European Union’s ambassador to Islamabad. [Dawn]

The European Commission on September 22 adopted a legislative proposal for a new GSP scheme for the period ranging from 2024 to 2034. It also introduced six new conventions related to providing facilities to people with physical disabilities, tackling climate change, and child labor for low-income countries. [Geo News]

Under the current GSP+ program, which is set to expire in December 2023, Pakistani exporters enjoy tariff-free access to the EU market in exchange for their country ratifying and complying with 27 international conventions related to human rights, labor rights, protection of the environment and good governance. But while the scheme has boosted trade ties between the EU and Pakistan, assessment reports suggest that the intended socio-economic benefits have not trickled down to the labor force and vulnerable groups in the South Asian country.

Against this backdrop, the European Parliament in April adopted a resolution calling for a review of Pakistan’s eligibility for the GSP+ status after citing an increase in laws that it saw as discriminatory towards minorities and fundamental rights.

Sri Lanka: Preferential trade access to EU in doubt over investigation into human rights concerns

(egm/lm) A five-member delegation of the European Union (EU) commenced a week-long visit to Sri Lanka on September 27 to meet government as well as company representatives, civil society, trade unions and United Nation officials. The report on the delegation’s observations that will be presented to the European Parliament in 2022 could lead to substantial export losses for Colombo, which has already suffered a steep drop in foreign reserves. [Nikkei Asia] [Reuters]

In 2017, Sri Lanka rejoined the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) program, which offers Sri Lankan exporters tariff-free access to the EU market in exchange their country for ratifying and complying with 27 international conventions related to human rights, labor rights, protection of the environment and good governance.

At the time of the EU’s previous assessment two years ago, Colombo was already violating those obligations. And in June, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission to temporarily withdraw the island nation’s GSP+ status unless there is sufficient improvement [see AiR No. 34, August/2021, 4]. The upcoming 24th Session of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission set to review Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status is expected to be held in the first quarter of 2022.

In the lead-up to the EU delegation’s trip to Sri Lanka, international rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a letter to the European Commission called on the EU to establish a clear framework with short timelines for the country’s implementation of its human rights commitments during the upcoming GSP+ program review.

The letter, released on September 21, set down a series of recommendations to guide the EU’s assessment. The list of required actions to be applied for the continuation of Sri Lanka’s trading privileges fell in accordance with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC) Resolution 46/1 and previous remarks by the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]. [Human Rights Watch]

The series of violations perpetrated under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as described by the HRW included the suppression of civil society, freedom of assembly, association and expression; the silencing of protesters; discrimination and violence against vulnerable minorities; torture and abusive detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA); lack of progress on accountability for war crimes or investigation of forced disappearances; and the increasing militarization of the country. 

Furthermore, the distressing situation described in the letter addressed several of the UN rights experts' concerns and the warnings expressed by High Commissioner Bachelet during the latest UN HRC held in September 2021. A particular point of recurrent criticism which was discussed by both the UN and HRW was the widely contested PTA which the letter claimed to have facilitated torture under arbitrary detention for lengthy periods of time [see AiR No. 35, August/2021, 5]. 

The HRW has thus warned that the forthcoming PTA reforms which President Rajapaksa’s administration is preparing to present to the EU lack any credibility seeing how Sri Lanka failed to comply with its prior commitment with the EU to repeal the Act. Moreover, the President’s decision to appoint an ‘advisory board’ to recommend on the release of certain prisoners is regarded as an ad hoc measure providing no substantial protection against the continued abuses permitted under the Act. As a matter of fact, according to the organization, the use of the PTA has not only increased under President Rajapaksa’s government but also become more abusive through the implementation of new ordinances this year. 

Additionally, the letter has further denounced the government’s backsliding in its efforts to recognize and account for past crimes against humanity; especially after the government’s rejection of the UN resolution 46/1 aiming to promote reconciliation and accountability. In accordance with UN standards, the HRW noted how Sri Lanka’s current administration has compromised the credibility of the Office of Missing Persons and similar independent human rights institutions since its 20th amendment to the constitution allowing the president to be in control of senior judicial officials.

Sri Lanka: Tamil lawmaker arrested for commemorating separatist rebel

(egm) Sri Lankan police arrested a Tamil lawmaker on September 23 for commemorating a separatist rebel who died campaigning for the minority community, hours after president Gotabaya Rajapaksa called for reconciliation between ethnic groups. [Al Jazeera] [New Age]

The Tamil National People’s Front MP was detained and forced into a police vehicle together with two of his aides in the northern Jaffna Peninsula, the heartland of the Tamils, despite protests from onlookers at a memorial for Tamil Eelam revolutionary Thileepan.

Despite the UN Human Right Council’s insistence for Colombo to allow the Tamils to mourn their war dead, the government continues to prohibit the commemoration of rebels. Additionally, Sri Lanka has refused any international requests for investigations into the alleged killings of at least 40,000 Tamil civilians by government troops during the final stages of the civil war.

During the ongoing 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and in previous talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Rajapaksa claimed to seek greater accountability, justice and reconciliation through domestic mechanisms and via talks with Tamils abroad to restore peace among the ethnic communities in the country. [see entries in this edition]

Sri Lanka: Government to take actions against former State Minister following investigation reports

(egm) Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister Ali Sabri has announced that appropriate measures would be taken against Lohan Ratwatte, formerly State Minister in charge of Sri Lanka’s prisons, over his involvement in the Anuradhapura and Welikada prisons’ incidents. [DailyMirror 1]

Ratwatte resigned from his position earlier this month following public outcry after he allegedly twice entered prison complexes while drunk. Moreover, on one of these occasions, he allegedly threatened to kill two prisoners held on charges of being members of, or assisting, the defeated guerrilla movement known as the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). [AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

The justice minister on September 22 stated that investigations into the incident have already commenced under the authority of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the country’s Human Rights Commission headed by Commissioner Nimal Karunasiri who visited Anuradhapura prison on September 15 to collect statements from jailers and prisoners. Elaborating further, he also revealed that a committee headed by a retired High Court Judge will be appointed by the Cabinet to examine the case and present a report. 

Minister Sabri has also asserted that necessary actions will be taken against Ratwatte by the appropriate political authority, the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, and the government.

Earlier, the March 12 Movement had urged the SLPP to suspend Ratwatte’s party membership and appoint a committee of professionals to probe further his misdemeanor. In a statement published on September 20 the civil society group criticized the negative political culture in the country which they associated with the silent approach taken by political parties. [DailyMirror 2]

Sri Lanka: World Bank approves Colombo’s request for $100 million emergency loan

(egm) The World Bank has approved Sri Lanka’s request for a $100 million emergency loan to purchase 14 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and finance “other costs pertaining to vaccination”. [Economy Next]

Meanwhile, the Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project in itself aims to strengthen the country’s public systems for health preparedness during the pandemic through funds provided by the International Development Association (IDA) and the World Bank Group. The financial assistance which amounts to $128.6 million is expected to conclude by December 21, 2023. [The World Bank 1]

In related developments, Colombo and the international lender also signed a $92 million financing agreement for the Climate Resilience Multi-Phased Program Phase I Project. This project is expected to benefit around 11.2 million people across the South Asian island nation by modernizing the weather, flood, and landslide forecasting and early warning systems. [The World Bank 2]

Sri Lanka: Criminal Investigations Department summons MP Patali Champika

(egm) Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on September 23 questioned Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) lawmaker Patali Champika Ranawaka over an ongoing investigation regarding the alleged misappropriation of state funds during his tenure as the Minister of Megapolis and Western Development. [Economy Next 1]

The opposition MP is currently being investigated for his alleged misappropriation of an estimated $1 million for the ‘Pannaraya’ promotional campaign undertaken during his tenure as Minister of Megapolis and WP Development in 2019.

On September 21, SJB parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkar complained about being summoned without a clear explanation and claimed that the violation to his parliamentary privileges could be seen as an attempt to silence MPs. [Economy Next 2]

According to Champika, Sri Lanka’s government is engaged in a “political witch hunt” in an attempt to divert attention away from a previous statement made by former Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera, who in May 18 suggested a conspiracy behind the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings. Having reviewed the notes on the investigation of the attacks, AG de Livera reasoned that if the investigations had been properly handled, the larger picture would have led authorities to a logical conclusion. [Colombo Telegraph]

Following up on his case, the CID also questioned the former media director of the Ministry of Megalopolis on September 23 with regards to the same campaign.

Sri Lanka: SLFP warns against continuation of Emergency Regulations and rejects UNHRC conditions

(egm) The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has announced its opposition towards the extension of the ‘Emergency Regulations’ as established by The Public Security Ordinance for more than necessary or the militarization of civil administration which it enhances. [DailyMirror]

In a public statement released to the public media on September 21, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara warned against the militarization of the public sector seeing as it might deter public officials and undermine civil administration. At the same time, he also recognized the effectiveness of the emergency regulations for the successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic., 

Furthermore, Jayasekara also commented on the issue of the negative report on Sri Lanka presented at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session last week [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]. According to his statement, the UN as an international body is at liberty to comment on the country’s actions and policies related to human rights; however, he does not condone its involvement in Sri Lanka’s politics through the Resolution 46/1 which confronts several of the country’s laws. 

The conditions presented in said resolution targeting the area of reconciliation, accountability and militarization have called for the increased OHCHR monitoring and reporting on Sri Lanka. Although Minister Jayasekara has expressed Sri Lanka's willingness to heed the UN’s proposed measures to improve reconciliation and intercommunal harmony, he asserted the government’s full rejection of implementing the conditions laid out in Resolution 46/1.

Following up on this argument, Jayasekara also highlighted that Sri Lanka’s judiciary system was well equipped to handle any human rights issue without the need for interference from foreign tribunals. His statement asserted that international inquiries or judgements on the country’s domestic concerns were not necessary. 

Sri Lanka: Rishad Bathiudeen further remanded until October 5

(egm) Former MP and leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Party, Rishad Bathiudeen, who was arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, has been further remanded until October 5 by decision of the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court. Rishad and his brother have been in custody since April 24 for having allegedly aided the suicide bombers who carried out the attacks [see AiR No. 17, April/2021, 4]. [ColomboPage]

Despite previous requests from his attorneys to release him on bail, the case was not presented before the Fort Magistrate until September 21. According to officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CDI), they had been unable to solicit the assistance of a state attorney due to the current situation in Sri Lanka and for this reason they proceeded to postpone the date for submissions upon consulting a state attorney. 

Initially, the CID detained Rishad and his brother for interrogation during a 72-hour period as permitted by Article 6(1) of the PTA. This period was later extended to a 90-day detention for further inquiries under the provisions of Article 9(1) of the same Act.

The PTA, which has been widely criticized by human rights actors and international organizations for suppressing dissent and detaining suspects without charges or trial, was addressed last week at the UN Human Rights Council’s 48th session. With regards to this matter UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet urged the review or withdrawal of the Act and the expediting of the resolution for cases presented under the PTA [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3].

Sri Lanka: SLPP Jayantha Ketagoda sworn again as MP

(egm) Jayantha Ketagoda, a lawmaker from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, took oaths once more as Member of Parliament on September 21. His nomination as National List MP was presented to fill the vacancy left by the former State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal who earlier this month resigned to assume his new position as Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. [Ada Derana]

Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia 

Cambodia: Leader of the banned opposition party would offer an amnesty to Hun Sen

(tl) The exiled leader of Cambodia’s former opposition party said he would offer a pardon to President Hun Sen if he agreed to leave power peacefully. Sam Rainsy, current interim president of the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP), said he and Kem Sokha, the party’s co-founder and president since 2013, agreed to grant an amnesty in that case. 

Following the 2013 elections, in which the Cambodian People’s Party lost 22 seats to the CNRP, Hun Sen, according to Rainsy’s statement, had asked his rival to avoid future revenge against him by seeking to pass a law that would grant him a personal amnesty. 

Hun Sen rejected the suggestion that he had asked for a pardon, saying he was not thinking of resigning. However, in a final rally held to report on the development of the youth vaccination campaign, Hun Sen said he intends to amend the constitution to provide amnesty for the prime minister, and for the leaders of Cambodia's Senate and National Assembly.

Still, Sam Rainsy said he was willing to keep the doors open to ensure a peaceful future without consequences for the president and his family, if he agreed to a peaceful transition of power. To lend force to his statements, Rainsy added that he could consider the idea that Hun Manet, son of Hun Sen, current head of the army and indicated by his father as his possible successor, could remain in his current position, but that this would require guarantees from the entire family to limit his role to the performance of normal duties and refrain from organizing a coup.

Hun Sen, 69, has ruled the country since 1985. CNRP was dissolved in 2017 by the Supreme Court two months after arresting is president Kem Shoka over an alleged plot to overthrow the government. This was followed by a broader crackdown on civil society and enabled Hun Sen to win all seats in the 2018 elections. [Radio Free Asia] 

Cambodia: Jobless migrants try to return to Thailand 

(tl) An increasing number of people left without work in Cambodia are trying to reach Thailand illegally. Some of the 250,000 workers who returned home after losing their jobs in Thailand due to the pandemic are now trying to cross the border between the two countries again in search of menial jobs. They often ending up paying smugglers at the border. Without documents and unable to be recognized by the authorities, they often end up working as scrap collectors or scavengers. 

More than 2 million Cambodian workers, more than half of whom are undocumented, are currently thought to be working in Thailand, where the GDP per capita is around $7,300, five times that of Cambodia. They work mostly in the agriculture, fisheries, and construction sectors, where they are vulnerable to human slavery and labor abuse. 

Sun Seiha, president of the Cambodian Migrant Workers Foundation, said that more and more migrant workers in Thailand are trying to contact their friends or family members in Cambodia to urge them to follow their example, promising to help them find work. Seiha also urged the government to help families and create new jobs, while pressing for the country’s borders to be reopened. 

For his part, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth to invest $5 million to help local workers find opportunities in the fishing and agriculture sectors. [Radio Free Asia ]

Cambodia: PM Hun Sen withdraws threats against exiled scholar

(tl) Cambodian President Hun Sen withdrew a threat issued against a scholar for a political analysis on social media. Seng Sary, a professor exiled in Thailand, had commented that the alignment of the opposition party supporters, voters and victims of social injustice, youth, the support of the armed forces, and the support of the international community could finally lead to a change of direction within the Cambodian government. After accusing the academic of wanting to overthrow the government, threatening him with arrest and saying that he should “to be shot” for his remarks, Hun Sen reversed his comments and described the professor’s analysis as “reasonable and acceptable”.  In a Facebook post, the president argued that the allegations in Seng’s statements were entirely hypothetical, appealing to the court to consider cancelling the arrest warrant.

For his part, Seng Gary had previously stated that he was not supporting the formation of a new government in exile, explaining that the variables used were only hypothetical. In a recently released interview, the professor explained that he did not feel entirely safe to return to his country. Exiled analyst Kim Sok supported Seng Sery’s decision not to return to Cambodia. In his opinion, Hun Sen, who in power since 1985, he argues, repeatedly suddenly changed his position, therefore could easily reverse his word, arresting Seng Sery upon his return to the country, saying that he had only asked the court to cancel the arrest warrant, underlining the independence of the judicial body. [Radio Free Asia ]

Indonesia: Speculations on presidential term extension

(nd) Despite recently denying it for the third time in the past 10 months, rumors rise about President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo seeking to extent his second term.

On this occasion, Jokowi even fended off another rumor arguing he would seek to extend his current five-year term by three years in light of the pandemic, which according to a former attorney-general could be approved by the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), the country’s highest law-making body, without amending the constitution. 

Analysts argue, Jokowi aims to complete his Covid-delayed infrastructure agenda, including the move of the Capital to East Kalimantan.

Speculations have been running high since August, when Widodo met with MPR chairman Bambang Soesatyo to discuss “limited” constitutional amendments, during which a term extension was raised, according to political sources. Out of 575 seats in parliament, Jokowi’s six-party ruling coalition controls 471 seats, providing him with the necessary two-thirds majority for the potential term extension.

Additionally, it will be rather tough to justify an emergency situation in delaying the next presidential election beyond 2024, while simultaneously communicating to the citizens that the pandemic is under control. Another issue would be whether the legislative elections of 2024, which will be held simultaneously, would be postponed as well. With all this, civil society is expected to confront such a move, labelling it as further erosion of democracy. Protests against the Anti-Corruption Law and the 2020 Job Creation Omnibus Law were overcome rather easily. 

While the move could be challenged legally at the Constitutional Court, critics say some of the court’s recent decisions have been rather abiding with the executive, further eroding confidence in the institution. 

After the end of the autocratic regime of president Suharto, term limits were included to the Constitution in 1998. According to Article 7 of the 1945 Charter, however, the length of the final reelected term is not directly specified. Still, the 2003 Presidential Election Law mandates an election “once every five years.” The constitution has only been amended four times, between 1999 and 2002. 

Other than Jokowi, Defense Minister and Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) chairman Prabowo Subianto tops most presidential opinion polls, other possible succession candidates include Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, a former education minister and the only recognized opposition candidate. [Asia Times]

Indonesia: House of Representatives Deputy Speaker arrested for alleged bribery

(nd) The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained House of Representatives Deputy Speaker for allegedly bribing an anti-graft official on September 26. Azis Syamsuddin is a senior member of the Golkar party. Allegedly, he bribed KPK investigator Stepanus Robin Pattuju in an effort to move him to drop graft investigation into fraudulent budget allocation. Azis and a party fellow paid the investigator Rp 3.1 billion of promised Rp 4 billion. Additionally, Azis is suspected of facilitating an agreement between the investigator and M. Syahrial, the mayor of Tanjungbalai in the province of North Sumatra, who was facing corruption investigations and wanted to make sure not to be prosecuted ahead pf the mayoral election. The investigator has been on trial since September 13, Syahrial since July. [Jakarta Globe]

Laos: Unpaid workers on Lao-China railway construction sites

(nd) For almost two months, more than one hundred Lao workers on a China-backed high-speed railway have gone without receiving payment. In different villages, workers reported their Chinese subcontractors kept on making empty promises and have not paid their monthly wages despite completion of the assigned work. The other side however, in a constant dispute, argues that the workers would not finish their tasks, fall asleep or come to work intoxicated. While the Lao Labor and Social Welfare Ministry said it has not yet received a complaint from the unpaid workers, a former employee argued it was hard to file a legal complaint without a contract.

The construction of the Lao-China railway link, with estimated costs at $ 5.9 billion, began in December 2016, connecting Luang Namtha province on the Lao-China border to the capital Vientiane. It is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is now almost 94 percent complete. [Radio Free Asia]

Myanmar: Detained US journalist “not feeling well” as arrests of journalists continue 

(ds) The lawyer for detained journalist Danny Fenster has stated his client seemed “disheartened” as he appeared via video-link on September 20 while awaiting trial in Yangon. The US national was apprehended by the military in April as he was attempting to board a plane to Malaysia. The Associated Press (AP) quotes the US State department as stating they were “deeply concerned” with Fenster’s treatment while in prison, which has reportedly included the denial of treatment for a Covid-like illness in July. Fenster faces a three-year prison sentence for “spreading inflammatory information”, which is said to be linked to his role as managing editor of Yangon-based news outlet Frontier Myanmar. [Associated Press]

The independent magazine has published multiple stories linking the military regime to acts of violence against citizens and has been targeted in the regime’s crackdown against dissent. Another of Frontier Myanmar’s columnists, Sithu Aung Myint, was snatched along with fellow reporter Htet Htet Khine in August after having been hiding from the military since April. This month, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) announced the news of the capture of Ma Thuzar, a videographer who published footage of anti-regime riots. [Reporters Without Borders]

Since the takeover in February, the junta has tightened its grip on press freedom. RSF lists over 50 foreign and Burmese journalists currently imprisoned and ranks Myanmar 140th out of 180 countries on its World Press Freedom Index. Furthermore, independent monitoring group Freedom House lambasted Myanmar’s lack of internet freedom in its annual report Freedom on the Net 2021. Beyond detaining journalists, Freedom House specifically criticized the junta’s intermittent shutdowns of internet coverage and social media accounts, its seizure of telecommunication infrastructure, increased surveillance, and deliberately “flood[ing] the information space with false claims”, especially regarding Covid-19 and vaccines. [Freedom House] 

UN poised to appoint new Special Envoy on Myanmar

(ds) The United Nations is tipped to nominate a new Special Envoy on Myanmar. If confirmed, 73-year-old Singaporean Noeleen Heyzer would be taking over the role from her Swiss predecessor Christine Schraner Burgener, whose efforts at breaking the political impasse following the February 1 coup have stalled.

An experienced diplomat, Heyzer headed the UN’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) during its instrumental role in facilitating aid negotiations with the previous Burmese regime after the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Despite her distinguished career, Heyzer’s would be stepping into a job fraught with failed previous attempts at bringing parties together in talks over ending the violence that has rocked the Southeast Asian nation in recent months. However, with her having earned the trust of Myanmar’s previous administrations, observers argue that with Heyzer the junta may be more inclined to come to the table. The Special Envoy represents the Secretary-General of the United Nations in high-level diplomatic meetings on human rights issues. The position was created in 2018 following the mass migration of Rohingya people from Myanmar to neighboring countries. [The Irrawaddy]

Unrest in Myanmar spreading to neighbors, yet assistance remains elusive

(ds) The deteriorating situation in Myanmar is prompting low-key actions from regional powers India and China. As violence keeps rocking the northern Chin State, it has led to an uptick in escaping Burmese villagers as an estimated 5500 individuals have sought safety in the bordering Indian state of Mizoram. [CNN] One Burmese town, Thantlang, has allegedly been almost entirely emptied of its usual 10,000 inhabitants. Widespread violence has shaken the Chin State in recent weeks, including a Christian Pastor who was slain while defending his village from a fire. [Asia in Review No. 38, September/2021, 3]

The influx of migration has not gone unnoticed by regional powers, as the exodus of massive numbers of refugees crossing the border carries the risk of spreading Covid-19. New reports claim Chinese authorities have been delivering vaccines and other anti-Covid medical supplies in surreptitious incursions into Myanmar. In addition to the 13 million vaccine doses donated to the military junta, China has reportedly also been supplying stocks to various rebel groups. A spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) claims that the KIA has been able to give jabs to 10,000 people using Chinese-donated vaccines. The South China Morning Post cites one Hong Kong University professor who claims China is creating an anti-Covid buffer zone along its 2,000-kilometre frontier with Myanmar. [South China Morning Post] India has also expressed increased concerns over the escalation in violence, and local Indian community organizations have tasked themselves with providing shelter and food to the increasing numbers of displaced people arriving from Myanmar [The Hindustan Times]

Despite these actions from China and India, observers and rights groups continue to lament the lack of broader assistance from said countries. This week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, made a call for urgent action from international stakeholders “before it’s too late”, fearing the situation in Myanmar could lead to “profound” consequences for the wider region’s stability. [Al Jazeera]

Myanmar: Junta continues to pursue individuals close to political dissents

(ds) Myanmar’s military junta has been locking up people associated with members of the country’s pro-democracy movement. CNN spoke to activist leader Soe Htay who, since taking part in protests earlier this year, has been on the run from the military, avoiding detection by hiding in the forests. In lieu of his own capture, Soe Htay claims that the junta resorted to arresting his wife and two daughters, the youngest of whom, Su Htet Waing, 5, spent 18 days behind bars before being released - leaving her mother and sister in prison. [CNN]

This tactic of arresting relatives appears to be widespread as a local social media influencer Khaing Zin Thaw, 21, was also targeted by the junta for raising money for the Civil Disobedience Movement. Similar to Soe Htay, Khaing Zin Thaw has been able to evade being taken into custody, but in April received the news that her parents had been detained.

According to the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) over 188 individuals have faced imprisonment due to their familial connection to fugitive protesters. AAPP reports that authorities make arrests indiscriminately of a person’s age or individual connection to the political movement. Rather, the advocacy group asserts, their detention forms part of a larger scare campaign in which, by holding their relatives as hostages, the military calculates dissidents will be forced to hand themselves in. 

Beyond family members, other individuals associated with the former Aung San Suu Kyi-led government have also been targeted by the regime. Australian university professor Sean Turnell, who was an advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi, appeared in court looking “frail and tired” on September 23. Professor Turnell was one of the first foreign nationals to be detained following the February 1 coup. [South China Morning Post] 

Myanmar: As decade-old counter-insurgency tactics return, defections rampant in military

(ds) Soldiers working as part of the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, have opened fire at civilians, looted property and destroyed local infrastructure as they swept through villages as part of an approach that resembles the “four-cuts” doctrine. Devised in the 1960s to combat resistance groups, “four-cuts” aims to cut off insurgents from crucial resources: funding, food, intelligence, and recruits. This scorched earth approach to counter-insurgency has led to meant many civilians are facing homelessness, loss of livelihoods and being reliant upon donations for sustenance. This week, Al Jazeera published the testimonies of women, remaining anonymous for fear of reprisals, who state the widespread use of rape and beatings has forced many women and children to periodically flee into the jungle to escape the Tatmadaw. [Al Jazeera] At least 1,100 people have been killed by the military in the violence following the February 1 coup.

Meanwhile, despite propaganda-laden training instilled upon its members, reports suggest the junta’s rank and file members are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the violence against Burmese civilians, opting instead to defect and join resistance groups. Reports allude to a crumbling morale among the authorities as up to 450 military and police personnel have left its ranks in recent weeks. Radio Free Asia spoke to one anonymous insider who claimed the regime has imposed increasingly severe rules to prevent soldiers from deserting, including allowing them to leave bases with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. [Radio Free Asia] 

Myanmar: Communications down in multiple towns as airstrikes hit

(ds) At least 22 towns and settlements have been left without internet access as the junta continues its attempts to block information flows to and from the insurgency. Since August 20, residents have been cut off in Kachin and Chin states, as well as in Mandalay, Magway, and Sagaing regions, with the last region also experiencing airstrikes.[Reuters]

Radio Free Asia’s Myanmar Service reports that all affected townships had previously shown resistance to the regime, with more cuts being made on September 24. [Radio Free Asia]

While the junta has fingered the blame at rolling black-outs and at protestors who destroyed state-owned telecommunications infrastructure, anti-coup leaders instead fear a military-led offensive in the coming weeks. [Asia Times]

Philippines: Manila mayor to announce presidential bid

(nd) The capital’s popular mayor announced his bid for the presidential election next year. Former movie star Isko Moreno’s projects in Manila, such as restoring order and cleanliness on the streets and markets, are widely seen as successful. His running mate will be Willie Ong, a popular cardiologist who provides medical advice vie Facebook, with more than 16 million followers. 

So far, only boxer and senator Manny Pacquiao and former national police chief Panfilo Lacson have officially announced their candidacy, with at least seven others considering to run, including Vice President and opposition leader Leni Robredo, President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter Sara, and “Bongbong” Marcos, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio recently argued a tandem of the two latter children of former leaders was the most likely scenario. 

On September 27, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (New Society Movement), the party founded by the Marcos Senior nominated his son “Bongbong” as presidential candidate, who did not comment on whether he would run or not. While Robredo is still not decided on her run, she declared it her mission to end “Duterte-style” politics and prevent the Marcos’ from returning to parliament. Duterte’s move to run for vice president was criticized both by rights groups and political analysts, arguing it was a means to cling to power and avoid international prosecution for his “war on drugs”.

Any successor to Duterte would inherit a pandemic-battered economy, which even accelerated the issue of poverty, and ongoing communist and Muslim insurgencies in the peripheries. [Benar News] [Inquirer 1] [Inquirer 2] [The Diplomat] 

Philippines: President to promise accountability for illegal acts in “war on drugs”

(nd) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to hold everyone accountable for any illegal act conducted in relation to the “war on drugs” under national laws. In front of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he said to have instructed the Philippine National Police and Department of Justice to review the conduct of the campaign which started in 2016.

Last week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) authorized a formal investigation into his “war on drugs”, describing it as a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population”, which “cannot be seen as a legitimate law enforcement operation, and the killings neither as legitimate nor as mere excesses in an otherwise legitimate operation.”

Duterte did not mention the ICC’s decision, with regards to which spokesperson Harry Roque said that the government will not cooperate with the court.  A little more concealed, Duterte at the UN said “Meaningful change, to be enduring, must come from within.” “The imposition of one’s will over another – no matter how noble the intent – has never worked in the past. And it never will in the future.”

Duterte’s administration acknowledges 6,000 deaths in relation to the “war on drugs” campaign, while independent estimates cite 20,000. The ICC was installed to prosecute war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. It has jurisdiction if a member state is unable or unwilling to prosecute the deeds itself.

During the assembly, Duterte also announced that the Philippines would take on an unspecified number of Rohingya refugees, and reiterated the need for legal accountability in the South China Sea, citing a 2016 arbitration tribunal award, which rejected China’s nine-dash line, and thereby its claims to almost the entirety of the disputed waterways. A staunch ally of China, Duterte did not mention the ruling until September 2020 at the UNGA, saying it was “beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish, or abandon.” Still, the Philippines are involved in China’s Belt and Road Initiative with respect to their infrastructure and received massive support to fight the pandemic.  [The Diplomat]

Philippines: Majority considers Duterte’s vice presidential bid anti-constitutional 

(nd) According to a recent survey, more than half of Filipino citizens believe President Rodrigo Duterte would be violating the constitution if he ran for vice president. According to the poll conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) research institute in June, 39 % agreed to Duterte’s vice president bid. The survey was conducted as in-person interviews with 1,200 respondents. 

The constitution limits the presidency to a single term of six years, without a possibility of reelection. According to observers, Duterte’s vice presidential bid is an effort to cling to power and evade legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for his so-called war on drugs.

In May 2022, the Philippines will elect a new president and vice-president, senators, members of the House of Representatives and local officials. Despite international criticism and the opposition labelling him as authoritarian and intolerant, Duterte remains widely popular, most notably due to his “man-of-the-people”-style and a perception of strong leadership and success in fighting corruption and crime. [South China Morning Post]

Philippines: Bill passed to raise minimum age of sexual consent

(nd) The Senate passed a bill to raise to minimum age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old. The revision of the law on statutory rape has been a year-long campaigning process for advocates. The previous law had been in effect for more than 90 years and the issue widely went ignored. Under the new bill, both men and women can be charged of statutory rape. 

According to the bill’s advocates, the Philippines have the lowest age of sexual consent in Asia, and one of the lowest in the world. The low minimum age also resulted in 12-year-old children having to testify in court on a traumatizing matter. According to a National Baseline Study on Violence against Children from 2015, one in every five children in the Philippines in the age group of 13 to 17 said he or she had experienced sexual violence. [Benar News]

Singapore Convention on Mediation ratified slowly

(py) Two years after its introduction, the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements resulting from Mediation has been ratified by only seven countries out of 55 signatories. The treaty is also called the Singaporean Convention, as the city-state spearheaded the initiative. The treaty signatories with powerful economies like the United States, China and Japan have not yet ratified the treaty. Despite its current outlook, Edwin Tong, Singapore’s second minister for law, stated it is normal for countries to take some time until the treaty can be ratified, especially in an ongoing health crisis.  

Introduced in 2019, the Singaporean Convention is meant to facilitate disputes settlement through discussions and agreements. As a binding international framework, it ensures businesses that the agreements will be upheld within the jurisdictions that have ratified the treaty. [Nikkei Asia] [UNCITRAL ]

Due to its open economy and a rule-based trading system, such multilateral approaches are important for Singapore’s economy. Recently, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s participated in the Alliance for Multilateralism (Afm) and the Alliance of Small Island states (AOSIS). In his speech at the General Debate during the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 21st, Vivian said Singapore would be helping small states under the FOSS for Good initiative (Forum of Small States for Good). The initiative will cover digital transformation, digital economy and smart nations with possibilities to touch on additional themes like pandemic preparedness and education transformation. Socioeconomic problems at home also sparked debates over inequalities and revenues, especially on the wealth tax reform in Singapore. Although Finance Minister Lawrence Wong stated that any form of wealth tax in Singapore should be fair and fit into the nation’s progressive tax system, he also emphasized the importance of keeping Singapore competitive. [The Strait Times 1] [The Strait Times 2] [Yahoo News]

Thailand: Health minister denies Thailand rejected Pfizer vaccine donation offered by US

(kk) Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied claims that Thailand failed to respond to a US government offer to donate an additional one million doses of the Pfizer vaccine to the country. 

Anutin explained the protocol dictates that the US State Department must inform the Thai Foreign Ministry about the donation, as happened with the donation of 1.5 million doses of Pfizer vaccine to Thailand in August. He added that Thailand has yet to receive any formal notification from the US State Department regarding additional vaccine donation. [Thai PBS World 1]

Earlier, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party and former chief strategist of Pheu Thai Party, met and discussed with Thai-born US senator Tammy Duckworth in Washington D.C. Sudarat said on her social media accounts that the US senator expressed concerns over the pandemic situation in Thailand and told her that the US government is ready to deliver the remaining one million doses of Pfizer vaccine, but the Thai government has not yet returned the required response document. Senator Tammy also commented that if Thailand joins the COVAX program, more vaccine could be allocated to help inoculate more Thai people, adding that the US government is ready to support countries in the Indo-Pacific region joining the COVAX program. [Thai PBS World 2]

Thailand: Prawit affirms strong ties with Prayuth, Anupong amid rift speculations 

(kk) Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan insisted that his relationship with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda is still solid amid speculations of a rift between him and PM. 

Prawit, who is also the ruling Palang Pracharat Party (PPRP) leader, denied media speculations caused by their separate trips to different provinces on September 21, with Prayut leading his entourage to Petchaburi, while Prawit and a number of the PPRP MPs went to Ayutthaya. The PPRP leader said that the rumor is “unfounded” and reiterated that “Only death shall we three part.”

Prawit added that the Prime Minister visits him every day at the office of the Foundation for the Conservation of Forests in Five Adjoining Provinces, known to be Prawit’s operation center. [Bangkok Post] Prayuth, for his part, also denied a rift with Prawit, insisting their relationship was healthy. [Bangkok Post 2]

Speculations of the tension between Prawit and Prayuth were widely spread after Prayuth dismissed two deputy ministers from the cabinet, Thammanat Prompao and Narumon Pinyosinwa, who were Prawit’s close aides. Thammanat and Narumon were removed from the cabinet after a rumor sparked that they were a part of the plan to oust Prayuth in the latest no-confidence motion. Nevertheless, both of them are maintaining their positions in the ruling party. [See AiR No. 37, September/2021, 2] [See also AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

Thailand considers deportation of Malaysian transwoman seeking asylum

(kk) Thai authorities are considering whether to deport a Malaysian transgender businesswoman seeking asylum in Thailand. 

Nur Sajat, a 36-year-old cosmetics business owner, fled Malaysia earlier this year after she was charged with insulting Islam by dressing as a woman at a religious event in 2018, violating Sharia laws – the Islamic criminal and family laws. A Sharia court issued an arrest warrant in February this year after her absence at a court hearing. Since then, she had been on the run. Sajat could face a maximum sentence of three years in prison if convicted.

On September 8, Sajat was arrested by immigration officials in Bangkok – who received a notice from Malaysian authorities, on charges related to immigration offenses including illegal entry – and subsequently released on bail. The arrest was confirmed by Thai police only this week. [Bangkok Post 1]

While the Thai deputy police spokesman could not confirm the request, the Bangkok office of UNHCR confirmed that it has received an application from Nur Sajat to be classified as a refugee and be resettled in Australia. [Bangkok Post 2]

Human rights activists have urged the Thai government not to extradite the transwoman to Malaysia, where members of the LGBT community regularly face harassment and discrimination. The Cross-Cultural Foundation – a Thai NGO promoting human rights – also indicated in its letter to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O-Cha that Thailand has recently passed draft bills against torture and enforced disappearance, which prohibit government officials to extradite the suspect if there is a high chance that the suspect would be tortured or abducted. [UCA News] [BBC Thailand, in Thai] [See AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3] 

Malaysian Criminal Investigation Department director Abd Jalil Hassan said the authorities were making efforts to bring Sajat back to Malaysia. Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman said the government was “considering this matter based on the law and Thailand’s humanitarian principles”. [Reuters]

Thailand: Ranger killed by bomb attack in Pattani

(kk) A paramilitary ranger died from a grenade attack on his station in Panare district of Pattani province – one of the border provinces in the Deep South. Attackers on a passing vehicle threw three grenades at the security booth. The ranger was seriously injured by two of the grenades and eventually succumbed to his wounds on the way to a hospital. At the scene, a soldier also suffered hearing impairment and chest pain.

The attack happened the night before the southern office of the Internal Security Operations Command announced its performances in fiscal year 2021 at the Inkayuthaborihan camp in Pattani. [Bangkok Post]

Last week, the cabinet extended the state of emergency in the Deep South including Pattani for 65th time. The first emergency decree was imposed in July 2005 to ensure peace in the Deep South, which had suffered from insurgency-related violence. The crisis resulted in numerous cases of human rights violation committed by authorities. [See, AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3] 

Thailand: Police vows tougher crackdown on violent protestors

(kk) The Thai police vows to take stronger actions against violent protestors, following the arson attacks on traffic police kiosks around Bangkok. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the burning of at least six traffic police booths was committed by 30 people on motorcycles on the night of September 22, following the protest organized by Thalu Gaz – an anti-government protest group, which adopts a more violent protest approach – at Din Daeng intersection. The National Police Chief said the motivation behind these acts was to cause unrest and tarnish the image of security forces for political gains, adding that the police must end these violent movements. [Bangkok Post] 

On September 24, three minors were arrested after the police raided a construction worker camp near Din Daeng, two of whom confessed to burning and destroying police kiosks, while another one was charged with illegal possession of explosives. They were later released on bail except for one person whose relative failed to appear to sign a bail bond. The deputy metropolitan police commissioner said that over ten people have been arrested with respect to the arson at police kiosks. [Thai Lawyers for Human Rights 1, in Thai] [Thairath, in Thai]

Earlier, sixteen protestors were arrested, including nine minors, on charges related to the protest on September 23, led by the Thalu Gaz group, such as taking part in an illegal assembly in public to cause unrest. Five protestors claimed they were abused by the police during the arrest. Eventually, all of them were released on bail. [Thai Lawyers for Human Rights 2, in Thai]

On September 25, demonstrators clashed with the police, who used water cannons and tear gas against protestors in response to paints and fireworks thrown by protestors. Crowd control police also chased retreating protestors, on motorcycles and trucks, which were loaded with shotguns and rubber bullets. The protest was organized by the Thalu Fah (Pierce the Sky) group under four demands: the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha; a new constitution; monarchy reform; and reform of the judicial system to ensure the right to bail of detained activists. 

The police have continued to crack down on protestors, who are mostly minors and young protesters, over the past weeks amid violent scenarios of street protests, raising concerns over alleged child abuse. [See AiR No. 37, September/2021, 2] [See also AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3] 

Thailand: Pro-democracy core leaders arrested; activists denied bail for royal defamation 

(kk) Two anti-government protest leaders were arrested on different charges including sedition and royal defamation. Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul was arrested at her home on charges under the sedition law, and the Computer Crimes Act, for her alleged involvement in running the Facebook page of United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration (UFTD) – a student activist group – which contained what the authorities considered to be seditious messages calling for people to rebel against the authorities. The charges were the same as those filed against another UFTD member last week. Panusaya was later released on bail, despite officer’s request for temporary detention. [Prachatai English 1]

Panupong “Mike” Jadnok was detained again after being denied bail on a royal defamation charge. Panupong was charged with royal defamation under Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code – referred to as Lese-majeste – and the Computer Crimes Act. The charge is based on a complaint filed by a member of the royalist group, Thailand Help Center for Cyberbullying Victims, whose members have filed numerous lese majeste charges against netizens and activists including Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak and Anon Nampa. [See AiR No. 25, June/2021, 4] [Prachatai English 2]

On September 24, Panupong, for the second time in a row, and Parit were denied bail on royal defamation charges. [Thai Lawyers for Human Right 1, in Thai] Parit is currently detained pending trial on charges of royal defamation relating to the protest last year, after his bail was revoked by the Criminal Court, with respect to protest in August. Earlier, Panupong was released after 38 days in detention on charges related to the same protest as Parit. The lese majeste law carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. [See AiR No. 32, August/2021, 2] [See also AiR No. 37, September/2021, 2]

Meanwhile, Anon Nampa, who was charged with violating the lese majeste law regarding his speech at August 3 protest, was also denied bail on September 23, spending over forty days in detention. [Thai Lawyers for Human Rights 2, in Thai]

Thailand: Temple rehab center accused of torture, possible human trafficking

(kk) A famous shaman and a lawyer, along with ten victims, filed a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to take action against a drug rehabilitation center at a temple in Kanchanaburi for alleged torture and other human rights abuses.

A popular shaman, widely known as Mor Pla, and lawyer Paisarn Ruangrit found over 200 men crammed into a single room in the temple grounds. The men had been sent to the center for drug addiction treatment, some by their parents, others by the police. Later, all of the victims were taken to a field hospital at the army’s Khao Chon Kai training camp. [Thairath, in Thai]

The rescue operation was streamed live on Mor Pla’s Facebook page, showing hundreds of patients living in poor conditions inside a locked room with only two bathrooms. The shaman and the lawyer also brought reporters to inspect the facility. According to the live stream, each addict had to pay 12,000 bath to receive treatment at the center, and an additional 2,000 baht a month for food. The treatment contract lasts for a year, while early discharge or breach of the contract costs an additional 10,000 baht. The shaman remarked that there might be an organized gang involving police, temple, and rescue volunteers, noting that there were many people, allegedly involved in illicit drugs, brought to the center by police from Northeast provinces such as Kalasin and Roi Et. The lawyer said that two or three people had reportedly died during the treatment, and no autopsies were performed. Paisarn added that some of the people at the center were not drug addicts and charged with other offenses, but the police told their parents that police would drop the charges if they received treatment at the temple for a year.

One of the victims said that they were given one meal a day, and if they did not pray loud enough, they would not receive any food. [Bangkok Post 1] 

The chief of Dan Makhamtia police station confirmed there were two deaths at the rehabilitation center. According to a post-mortem examination by the doctors, one died of heart failure, the other died of a lung infection. 

The abbot who had initiated the rehabilitation project had died on September 20. He suffered from health problems, and his condition deteriorated under the stress of the allegations. [Bangkok Post 2]

Thailand: Pheu Thai accused of violating party law

(kk) An advisor to the House committee on law, justice and human rights filed a complaint to the Election Commission (EC) to initiate a party dissolution probe against the main opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) for allegedly violating the political party law.

Sonthiya Sawasdee claimed that Pheu Thai gave financial support to an anti-government movement according to an online post by singer and prominent activist Chai-amorn Kaewwiboonpan, referred to as “Ammy The Bottom Blues”, who was charged with lese majeste and the burning of the King’s portrait earlier this year. [See AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3] Sonthiya said the EC must look into the singer's claim and ask the Constitutional Court to dissolve PTP if found that the party violated the political party law. Activist Srisuwan Janya echoed Sonthiya’s request saying that another activist also wrote a similar remark on Chai-amorn, suggesting that Pheu Thai could be behind the anti-government protests, which turned violent. 

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party secretary-general denied the party was involved, saying the party was not worried about the petition. [Bangkok Post] On September 24, the main opposition issued a statement on its social media accounts denying Srisuwan’s accusation and stating that the party did not have a policy to financially support any political groups. However, members of the party are free to join or support any protest as an individual according to their rights and freedom in the constitution. [Facebook, in Thai]

Vietnam: Local dissident receives death threats for criticizing Chinese Covid Vaccines

(tl) A popular Vietnamese dissident reported that he had received death threats after posting criticism on social media about the use of the Chinese vaccine in Vietnam. Mac Van Trang, a professor and well-known political critic, explained that he had received threatening phone calls after posting about the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine on his Facebook page. The posts also included a letter to the capital's leaders warning them not to accept millions more doses of the vaccine from China.

Vietnam is currently in a difficult situation due to the advance of the Delta variant. On Sunday, the country had a total of 747,000 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic, with a daily increase of around 9,500 cases and more than 18,000 deaths in total. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health decided to allocate an additional 8 million doses of China’s Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine donated by the Van Thinh Phat Group to 25 cities and provinces. Despite concerns among the population about possible hidden side effects, Vietnam has so far received more than 20 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, many of which were donated by China.

Trang, 83, is a former member of the Communist Party, which he decided to leave in light of the party's repression of Chu Hao, a well-known intellectual and critic of the regime. Following his resignation from the party, Trang has found himself the victim of multiple threats, including an incident in January 2020 involving 3,000 police officers raiding Dong Tam commune to intervene in a long-running dispute over land rights by residents. [Radio Free Asia]

International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

Huawei CFO returns to China, two “Michaels” to Canada

(dql) Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese global communications giant Huawei Technologies and the daughter of the company’s founder, returned to China after striking a legal settlement with US federal prosecutors that calls for fraud charges against her to be dismissed in December 2022 while she accepts responsibility for misrepresenting the company’s business dealings in Iran.

In December 2018, Meng was arrested in Canada on a provisional U.S. extradition request for fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud in order to circumvent U.S. sanctions against Iran. In January 2019, the US Department of Justice formally announced financial fraud charges against her.

Her return potentially brings an end to an almost three-year-long feud embroiling Ottawa, Beijing and Washington, with Beijing condemning the case as political persecution by the US, while retaliating against Canada with import bans. 

Upon arrival in Shenzhen, home to Huawei, she was received by a flag-waving group of airline employees, her family and central and local government officials. Her return was broadcast live on state TV, signaling the degree to which China has linked her case with Chinese nationalism and its rise as a global economic and political leader. [AP News] [CNN]

People’s Daily, the Chinese Communist Party’s flagship mouthpiece, was quick to conclude: “Through the Meng Wanzhou incident, the Chinese people have seen more clearly that in the face of major changes in the world unseen in a century, we must unswervingly follow our own path, persevere in handling our own affairs, and achieve high-level technological self-reliance and self-reliance,” adding that as China is “always standing on the right side of history, always standing on the side of human progress, defying wind and waves, facing challenges, and moving forward unimpeded, there is no force that can shake the status of our great motherland, and no force can obstruct China from advancing.” [People’s Daily, in Chinese]

In another People’s Daily piece, a commentary – under the byline Xuan Yan, or “declaration”, which reserved for the party’s most important political messages, the country’s rise is called “unstoppable” and the decline of the West “irreversible”. Thus, the influence of the Chinese governance model is growing in the world, as “[t]he international community has begun to look at China differently. Its focus has shifted from just taking note of China’s success to the political reasons, the secrets of China’s systemic changes … and to learning why the Chinese Communist Party has succeeded.” [South China Morning Post]

In a related development, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, two Canadians were released after being detained in China for more than three years and returned to Canada, only hours after Meng departed for China. The two “Michaels” had been arrested in China shortly after Meng’s arrest on suspicion of espionage. Canada has been condemning the arrests as arbitrary detention and politically motivated, accusing China of hostage diplomacy. [Global News]

At the General Assembly in New York, Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau reiterated these allegations suggesting that the Canadian nationals’ imprisonment was a retaliatory act by the Chinese government for Canada’s treatment of Meng and insisting that “Canada observed the rule of law, and two Canadian citizens paid a heavy price for this commitment ... We continue to oppose the way these two fine people were treated.” In response, a Chinese representative said that Canada’s and the US’ “[t]rue purpose was to surprise Chinese high-tech enterprises and companies as a way to hold back Chinese advancement in terms of science and technology. The US and Canada’s action is very typical of arbitrary detention." [CNN]

For a discussion of what lessons Canada should learn from the ‘prisoner swap’, see David Webster in [The Conversation] who suggest that “[r]ather than behaving like a ‘paper tiger,’ Canada needs to embark on a consistent rights-based policy, integrated into all aspects of foreign policy and trade as well as domestic policy.”

For a discussion of prospects of Sino-US relations after Meng’s return, see Dan Bilefsky in [The New York Times] who argues that Meng’s release and the deal behind it has the potential to “reduce a nettlesome conflict in U.S.-China relations.”

China-USA relations: New climate commitments amid barbs over foreign policy

(dql) Chinese President Xi Jinping made a major new climate commitment at last week’s UN General Assembly. Addressing the Assembly via a pre-recorded speech, Xi announced that China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, will not build any new coal-fired power projects abroad and increase financial support for green and low-carbon energy projects in other developing countries as part of a “Global Development Initiative”. He also confirmed pledges made last year that China would strive to achieve a peak in carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. 

Xi’s pledge to halt coal projects abroad marks a shift in policy around the country’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, which had already begun to draw down its coal initiatives, and was welcomed as an important commitment by climate campaigners and international leaders, including UN Secretary António Guterres and US Climate Envoy John Kerry. [Aljazeera]

Hours earlier, US President Joe Biden’s announced to increase US international climate finance to approximately US$11.4 billion a year, underscoring Biden’s ambition to make the US the world’s leader in combating climate change. [The Guardian]

Besides this commonality on stepped-up efforts to contribute to the fight against climate change, both leaders criticized the foreign policy of the other’s country, albeit without naming the country. Despite both Presidents calling for diplomacy and multilateralism, Xi one the hand warned that “[r]ecent developments of international situation once again proves that outside military intervention and so-called democratic transformation brings endless problem,” while Biden on the other assured that the US “oppose attempts by stronger countries to dominate weaker ones, whether through changes to territory by force, economic coercion, technological exploitation, or disinformation.” [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, in Chinese] [White House] 

In a related development, the Bank of China, one of four Chinese state-owned commercial banks, announced a few days after Xi’s pledge at the UNGA that it will no longer provide financing for new coal mining and coal-fired power projects overseas from October on. It also revealed that it had drawn up an action plan to support China in meeting its target of reaching peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, including reducing lending to high-emission industries and raising its credit support for green technologies. [South China Morning Post]

According to the Banking on Climate Change 2021 report of Rainforest Action Network (RAN), the Bank of China is the world’s third largest banker of coal mining and coal power companies, behind two other Chinese banks, namely Industrial Bank and China Construction bank. [RAN]

China: Decoupling trends amid rise in innovation index

(dql) According to a report of Bain & Company, a US Boston-headquartered management consultancy, technology-related foreign direct investment (FDI) between China and the US shrunk by 96 per cent between 2016 and 2020, reflecting the world’s two biggest economies’ decoupling of their supply chains as part of their growing great power rivalry. 

The report further concludes that decoupling in technology reflects a global trend, with other leading countries and regions embracing it, including South Korea which in May announced a $450 billion investment to establish itself as the world’s largest chip-manufacturing base by 2030 and the European Union which in March vowed to push for a $150 billion investment in “digital sovereignty,” aimed at doubling its share of global semiconductor production to 20% by 2030. 

With regards to the Sino-US tech war, it remains to be seen whether Washington will be successful in forming a supply chain coalition to block or limit the sale of critical technology to against China which, for its part, has invested heavily in technology and supply chain independence. [Bain & Company] 

Similarly, the European Business in China Position Paper 2021/2022 of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China recognizes that China’s 14th Five-year Plan, formally adopted in March, clearly sets a course for the country “to reduce its reliance on the rest of the world, before ultimately achieving a high degree of self-sufficiency,” signaling the death knell to China’s reform and opening up policy that China began in 1978. [European Chamber] [South China Morning Post]

Meanwhile, World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) latest Global Innovation Index 2021 ranks China at 12th position among 132 countries, up two positions from last year, while grading it as highest-ranked middle-income economy. The Index cites for China’ ranking the country’s good scores in knowledge and technology outputs, including in the number of patents filed and in the percentage of hi-tech exports in its total trade. Further strengths acknowledged included the percentage of firms offering formal training, the diversification of its domestic industry and university rankings. At the same, the index sees China as lagging behind in the quality of its institutions, and states concerns over the country’s regulatory, business and political environments. China also lost points on foreign direct investment inflows as a percentage of national GDP, environmental performance, and the creative film, media and printing markets.

Topping the index were Switzerland, Sweden and the United States, with South Korea (5th) being the only Asian country in the top 10. [WIPO]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi demands end of sanctions against Afghanistan

(dql) Speaking at the virtual G20 foreign ministers meeting on Afghanistan on Wednesday, September 22, China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi demanded that the various unilateral sanctions or restrictions on Afghanistan should be lifted as soon as possible, adding in a thinly veiled criticism of the USA that “Afghanistan’s foreign exchange reserves are its national assets, and should be owned by and used for the people, rather than being used as a bargaining chip to exert political pressure on Afghanistan.” [Foreign Ministry, People’s Republic of China] [South China Morning Post]

For a discussion of the question why China despite its commitment to Afghanistan’s reconstruction is still reluctant to fully embrace the Taliban government, see Pravda Parakkal [East Asia Forum] who argues that “China is well aware of the maxim that Afghanistan is the ‘graveyard of empires’, and will tread lightly for the time being.”

China-Australia: Beijing revives claims of Australian killer soldiers in Afghanistan

(dql) Amid frosty Sino-Australian relations, which have been further burdened by the Aukus pact and Australia’s related decision to purchase nuclear submarines, China has revived claims that Australian soldiers are killers who slit the throats of prisoners of war in Afghanistan.

Backdrop of this claim, is a Twitter post of the spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in November last year, saying he was “shocked by murder of Afghan civilians & prisoners by Australian soldiers.” The post was accompanied by an illustration showing a grinning Australian soldier holding a bloody knife to the throat of a child who is holding a lamb. The child’s face was covered with a blue cloth. The text beneath the photo reads: “Don’t be afraid, we are coming to bring you peace!” [news.com.au]

For an assessment of the current status and prospects of the relationship between China and Australia after a “decade of decline in bilateral ties,” see Ralph Jennings in [VoA].

For a discussion on how Canberra can use China’s bid to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership as external leverage to counter China, see [Sky News].

China-Lithuania relations continue to worsen

(dql) Already strained relations between China and Lithuania are expected to worsen after the Defense Ministry of the Baltic country called on citizens to throw away their Chinese phones and to avoid buying new ones. The call followed a report of the National Cyber Security Centre on 5G mobiles from Chinese manufacturers, claiming that one Xiaomi phone had built-in tools capable of detecting and censoring sensitive terms such as “Free Tibet”, “Long live Taiwan independence”, or “democracy movement”, while another Huawei model had security flaws. [Euronews]

Lithuania’s government, meanwhile, announced that Taiwan will receive 235,900 additional doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Lithuania donated 20,000 doses to Taiwan in July. [Taiwan News]

Relations between China and Lithuania have soured over the past months. In May, the Baltic country dropped out of the Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (“17+1”) initiative. Since then, Vilnius has stepped up efforts to strengthen its ties with Taipei. In July, it had recalled its ambassador from Beijing, in a dispute over Europe’s first representative office for Taiwan to use the island’s name, which China views as a challenge to its claim on the territory. In October, a Taiwanese delegation of government officials and business people will visit Lithuania as well as Slovakia and the Czech Republic to promote trade ties and investment [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3].

China: SCO peace mission 2021

(dql) On September 23, troops from the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) kicked off the active phase of its Peace Mission 2021 anti-terror drills.

This year’s drills are conducted at the Donguz practice range in the Orenburg Region, close to the border with Kazakhstan. They begun on September 11 and ended on September 25, involving some 4,000 troops from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Pakistan and Uzbekistan will train in actions including reconnaissance and monitoring, firepower strike, peripheral blockade and control, sweeping terrorists' dens in streets, forward defense, ground assault, as well as separation, encirclement and annihilation of the terrorists, and resistance to drone attacks. [TASS]

China: Advancing military aircraft capabilities

(dql) On Tuesday, September 28, China presented its most advanced fighter aircraft with domestic-made engines at the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in the southern city of Zhuhai, reflecting a major step as Beijing pushes for the advancement of the capabilities of its J-20 stealth jets in an attempt to compete with the United States’ F-22, widely seen as the world’s premier stealth fighter jet.

The pair of twin-engine J-20s were equipped with the WS-10 engine, developed by the People’s Liberation Army to replace Russian engines with which early versions of the J-20 were equipped. [CNN]

Japan rejects Russian proposal of tariff-free special economic zone on disputed islands

(lnl) The oreign ministers of Japan and Russia Toshimitsu Motegi and Sergey Lavrov met in person on Thursday, September 23, on the sideline of the UN General Assembly in New York. During their meeting both ministers discussed issues of bilateral relations. This included joint economic projects on the islands off Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido disputed between both countries since the end of World War II, with Motegi rejecting Moscow’s proposal to launch a tariff-free special economic zone on the islands, arguing that the scheme would involve applying Russian laws to the islands. 

The dispute over the sovereignty of the islands has prevented the two countries from signing a post-World War II peace treaty. Tokyo claims that the Soviet Union seized the islands illegally while Moscow claims it was done legitimately. [Japan Today]

Japan names China, Russia and North Korea as cyberattack threats

(lnl) On Monday, September 27, the Japanese government adopted a draft cybersecurity strategy in which outlines country’s cybersecurity strategy for the next three years and names China, along with  Russia and North Korea, as countries posing cyberattack threats and being being involved in hostile cyber activities. [The Japan Times]

Citing the country’s need to strengthen Japan’s capabilities for defense, deterrence, and situational awareness against attacks on critical infrastructures, the draft stipulates a plan to strengthen cyber defense capabilities by enhancing the structure of cyber-related units as well as cooperation with the United States, Australia, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. [The Japan News]

Nuclear Submarines to Australia, not to South Korea or Japan?

(lnl) Australia will become the seventh country to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines, following the AUKUS agreement with the U.S. and the U.K. This has raised the question whether other U.S. allies would be offered similar deals, including Japan and South Korea.  

An analysis from the [The Diplomat] suggests that Japan and South Korea were not offered the support in obtaining nuclear-powered submarines for several reasons. First, both states have long had sizeable submarine industries of their own. Japan’s submarines are thought to be much stealthier than any Western counterpart. Moreover, the location of the countries makes them far less well suited to deploying nuclear powered submarines. The East Asian states are located near China, North Korea, and Russia. Diesel-electric submarines are thus considered sufficient for short-range regional operations and are generally considered quieter and harder to detect. 

South Korea, Japan ministers meet, remain apart over wartime history 

(aml) South Korean foreign minister Chung Eui-yong and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi have met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss the countries’ strained relation. The problems stem from Japan’s colonial rule over South Korea from 1910-1945 and its treatment of the forced labor and sexual slavery. During the meeting, Chung explained South Korea’s viewpoint and emphasized the necessity to work on a solution together with Japan. Motegi repeated Japan’s position that all issuies have already been settled under the 1965 “Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea”. Therefore, they failed to find a way to improve the situation, but both stressed the importance of normalizing their relation. Furthermore, they discussed Japan’s recent decision to release radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea [see AiR, No.35, August/2021, 5] and the territorial dispute over the Dokdo islands. [The Korea Herald]

South Korea, Saudi Arabia agree to boost cooperation 

(aml) South Korean foreign minister Chung Eui-yong and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud agreed to boost cooperation between the countries’ key industrial policy initiatives. The bilateral talks were held in the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 23. The ministers agreed to find ways to link Korea’s Green New Deal that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 trough pushing digital and green energy projects and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 that is aimed at reducing its dependence on oil. Chung expressed his hope that South Korean companies will continue to have the opportunity to participate in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure projects. [The Korea Herald]

South Korea to give 1 million doses of Covid vaccine to Vietnam 

(aml) South Korea will provide Vietnam with at least 1 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the following month. South Korean president Moon Jae-in and Vietnamese president Nguyen Xuan Phuc held talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The two countries had already cooperated from the beginning of the pandemic on, exchanging medical supplies. Moon and Phuc agreed that the nations are “optimal partners” in their cooperation in politics, economics and people-to-people exchanges. [The Korea Times] [The Korea Herald]

South Korean president Moon speaks at SDG Movement opening

(aml) South Korean president Moon Jae-in held a speech on Monday, September 21, at the opening session of the second Sustainable Development Goals Movement (SDG Movement), created to achieve UN lead goals. Moon called for a “inclusive international cooperation” in resolving pending global issues.

Regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, this means to him that “no one is safe, until everyone is safe” and he emphasized the importance for the international community to fairly distribute the vaccine. South Korea has already pledged to donate $200 million through the COVAX program so that lower-income countries are able to access the vaccine. 

Furthermore, Moon talked about the importance of a global cooperation against climate change and reaffirmed Korea’s plan to go carbon neutral by 2050. Again, he laid emphasis on the effects on the younger generations, stating that “we must not forget, in particular, that the future belongs to our future generations”. [The Korea Times] 

South Korean president attends alliance ceremony in Hawaii 

(aml) South Korean president Moon Jae-in attended an alliance ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii on Wednesday, to transfer the remains of Koreans and Americans killed in the 1950-53 Korean War. 68 sets of remains of Korean soldiers returned home with Moon afterwards and in return, he handed over five sets of American service members. Moon also awarded a posthumous Order of Merit for National Foundation to Kim No-di and Ahn Jung-song, two Korean independence fighters. This was the first time that a South Korean president held a medal-awarding ceremony abroad. After a ship of Koreans landed in Hawaii in 1903 to work on plantations, Hawaii had been home for Koreans raising funds for the independence movement. [The Korea Times 1] [The Korea Times 2] [The Korea Herald]

North Korea fires missile as its UN ambassador attacks the US at UNGA

(dql) According to an announcement of the South Korean military, North Korea fired a short-range missile off its east coast in the early morning Tuesday, September 28. The launch followed earlier tests of two other short-range missiles on September 15, believed to be North Korea’s version of the Russian Iskander, and long-range cruise missiles the weekend before. [Yonhap News Agency]

It came just as North Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations Kim Song spoke at the General Assembly in New York reiterating Pyongyang’s muscular stance toward the US. Accusing the US of a “hostile policy” towards North Korea and antagonizing the DPRK for more than 70 years,” Kim warned the international community “not to overlook one fact. The possible outbreak of a new war on the Korean peninsula is contained not because of the U.S.’s mercy on the DPRK. It is because our state is growing reliable deterrent that can control the hostile forces in their attempts for military invasion.” Towards the US, he made clear that if the US “is really desirous of peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, it should take the first step towards giving up its hostile policy against the DPRK by stopping permanently the joint military exercises and the deployment of all kinds of strategic weapons which are levelled at the DPRK in and around the Korean peninsula.” [UN]

Meanwhile, Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, said that Pyongyang could declare a formal end to the Korean War as suggested by the South and resume talks under the condition that the Seoul would drop the “double-dealing attitudes, illogical prejudice, bad habits and hostile stand of justifying their own acts while faulting our just exercise of the right to self-defence.” Kim made the statement in response to South Korean’ President Moon Jae-in’s call for a declaration to formally end the 1950-1953 Korean War on September 21 at the United Nations General Assembly. [The Straits Time]

Taiwan-UK relations: British frigate passes through Taiwan Strait

(zh) The British warship HMS Richmond has made its transit through the Taiwan Strait, the first such passage by a UK naval vessel since late 2019.  China strongly condemned Britain for sailing a warship in the sensitive water, saying it “harbors evil intentions and damages peace and stability”. 

The passage came a week after British First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin told Nikkei Asia the Taiwan Strait is “international waters” and “a waterway that can be sued by different nations”. [Bloomberg][Reuters][Taipei Times 1]

In a separate development, Iain Duncan Smiths, British lawmaker and former Conservative Party leader from 2001 to 2003, has urged the free world to “categorically” support Taiwan and Lithuanian in response to China’s bullying. In a recent interview, the parliamentarian said the campaign launched by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance (IPAC), which he initiated, calls on the world to support Taiwan and Lithuania, saying “[…] China cannot act unilaterally over Taiwan” and implores Beijing to “take a step back from its appalling behavior”. 

IPAC is an international cross-party coalition of over 200 lawmakers from democracies who focus on creating a coordinated response to China on global security, human rights, and trade issues. [Focus Taiwan][Taipei Times 2]

Taiwan applies for CPTPP 

(zh/tj) Taiwan has formally filed an application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) just days after China had submitted its application [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]. The island has been preparing for joining the trade pact for a while. But submitting the application at this moment reflects Taipei’s concerns that its bid could be put at risk if China joins the CPTPP first. [BBC][Reuters] 

Taiwan submitted the application under the name “the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu”, the same title it uses for the WTO. Domestically, joining the CPTPP is estimated to bring a 2% increase in Taiwan’s GDP, benefiting in particular the island’s traditional industries such as petroleum, plastics, metals, chemicals, and services. [Taipei Times]

Japan, which had been driving the negotiations for the pact following the US withdrawal from the original Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2017, welcomed Taiwan’s application. To win Tokyo’s support for the application, Taiwan has to deal with its decade-long issue of ban on Japanese food imports from areas affected by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Minister without Portfolio John Deng said the island will learn from the example of the US, which just announced to life all bans on food imports from Japan. [Focus Taiwan 1]

Similar to Japan, the US said Taiwan has proved itself a responsible member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the island’s strong “democratic values” will be a factor for its entry evaluation. [Focus Taiwan 2]

Beijing, meanwhile hit out Taiwan’s move, emphasizing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that Beijing “resolutely opposes the Taiwan region’s accession to any official agreements and organizations”. 

On September 23, Beijing sent 24 warplanes into Taiwanese airspace, representing the 20th time the People’s Liberation Army had entered the air zone this month, and the biggest incursion since 15 June 2021 according to Taiwan’s defence ministry. 18 fighter jets, two nuclear-capable bombers, two anti-submarine aircraft, one transport and one electronic warfare plane – entered southwest of Taiwan’s airspace, believed largely to have been a response to Taiwan’s submission of its formal application to join the CPTPP. [South China Morning Post] [The Guardian]

This follows similar incidents including one on Friday, September 17, where Taiwan’s air force warned away 10 Chinese aircraft that entered its air zone prompted by Taiwan’s proposed boosting military spending by $8.7bn over the next five years and announcing the urgent need to upgrade long-ranged weapons in the face of a ‘severe threat’ from China. [Reuters 1] [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3].

Diplomatic allies speak up for Taiwan during UNGA

(zh) 12 out of 15 Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have voiced support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations (UN) system at the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Eswatini Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei, and Nauru President Lionel Aingimea all touted Taiwan’s response to the pandemic. St. Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Peirre, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kause Natano pointed at many contributions Taiwan could make to the UN system. Aingimea also added that Taiwan should be included in “Our Common Agenda”, a report by the UN Secretary-General that contains a vision of a future where global decision making is more inclusive, representative, and multilateral. [Focus Taiwan 1]

President of Marshall Islands David Kabua called on the UN to put an end to the “shameful silence” targeting Taiwan, referring to the General Assembly Resolution 2758 that blocks Taiwan from the UN system and arguing that the resolution does not preclude Taiwan’s inclusion and “expresses no position on Taiwan”. Passed in 1971, the Resolution states the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate representative of China to the UN, instead of the Republic of China. [Focus Taiwan 2]

Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández did not mention Taiwan during the speech, marking the sixth consecutive year not speaking up for Taiwan during the General Assembly. The country, instead, voiced its support by sending an annual letter to the UN Secretary-General. [Focus Taiwan 3]

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Paroling was the only representative of Taiwan’s allies who did not address the Taiwan issue. The HolySee, the island’s only European diplomatic attending the meeting as an observer, rarely speaks on political issues during the UNGA. [Focus Taiwan 4]

Taiwan-US relations: Ex Vice-President to Biden’s COVID-19 summit

(zh) Taiwan’s former Vice President Chen Chien-jen has endorsed US President Joe Biden’s call to donate medical supplies to fight against the pandemic at the virtual Global COVID-19 Summit, a meeting convened by Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The summit was attended by representatives from 180 countries, international groups, and non-governmental organizations. 

The participation by the epidemiologist-turned-politician was a rare opportunity for Taiwan to be seen on the global health stage, signaling the increasingly close partnership between Taiwan and the US in the area of public health. Taiwan has been excluded from the World Health Organization’s annual World Health Assembly (WHA) due to Beijing’s opposition in recent years. Previously, the island was able to attend WHA as an observer before cross-strait relations begun to sour when President Tsai Ing-wen was elected and refused to accept the 1992 Consensus that states there is one China but both sides can interpret it respectively. [Focus Taiwan][Taipei Times]

In a separate development, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill that contains a section calling for Taiwan’s participation in the 2022 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), continued support of Taiwan for its self-defense capabilities, and a report on the “feasibility and advisability” of cooperation between the US National Guard and Taiwan. First started in 1971, the bi-annual US-led RIMPAC exercise is the world’s largest international maritime war game to cultivate and manage the relationship between the US and its allies. [Taiwan News] 

Cross-strait relations: Taiwan to amend law to ban local proxies for Chinese firms 

(zh) Taiwan’s government has announced it would soon amend the existing law governing cross-strait exchanges to prevent local proxies of Chinese companies from facilitating Chinese investment without government’s permission. Currently, the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area only stipulates that no Chinese companies can engage in business activity in Taiwan without permission. The proposed amendment will include companies in third areas invested in by Chinese capitals. It would also prevent local individuals or companies from acting as “shell companies” for Chinese firms. A maximum of a three-year sentence and a possible fine of NT$15 million is introduced in the amendment.

The amendment is the island’s latest effort to crack down on Chinese companies’ illegal investment activities in Taiwan and block Chinese attempts to infiltrate its semiconductor industry, which has severely disrupted Taiwan’s economy and capital markets and affects national security, according to Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council. [Focus Taiwan][Taipei Times] 

Mongolia-Russia relations: Joint military exercise

(dql) On Friday, September 24, Russian and Mongolian troops kicked off the annual Selanga drills, joint counter-terror drills at the Doytym An practice range in Mongolia, focusing on fighting international terrorism and involving about 1,400 troops members. [TASS]

India, France vow to ‘act jointly in an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area’ after submarine dispute

(lm) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his French counterpart in a phone conversation on September 21 agreed to “act jointly in an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area”, as Paris deals with the fallout from Australia’s cancellation of a $90 billion French submarine order.

Australia said earlier this month that it would scrap a previous 2016 deal with French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a fleet of conventional submarines, and would instead build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines with American and British technology after striking a trilateral security partnership known by the acronym AUKUS. Canberra informed Paris only hours before pulling out of the submarines deal, according to an infuriated French government, which announced on September 17 that it was recalling its ambassadors to both countries in protest over the move. [AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

French President Macron assured India’s Modi of France’s continued “commitment to the strengthening of India’s strategic autonomy, including its industry and technology base, as part of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect”. [Al Jazeera]

Crucially, Macron rang up his Indian counterpart a day before he agreed to take US President Biden’s conciliatory phone call, in which the American president admitted “that the situation would have benefitted from open consultations among allies on matters of strategic interest to France and our European partners.” [The White House]

And even before Macron dialed Modi, on September 18, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar. According to the French readout, “the two ministers decided to deepen their strategic partnership, based on a relationship of political trust between two great sovereign nations of the Indo-Pacific.” [Reuters]

The phone conversation also came after both countries earlier this month agreed to launch a bilateral space security dialogue. For India, France will be the third country to be engaged with in a space security dialogue. The other two countries are the United States and Japan, with such dialogues beginning in 2015 and 2019, respectively. For France, in turn, India will be the first Asian country with which it will have such a dialogue.

Against this backdrop, there is a good case to believe that India could emerge as a potential bridge between different parts of the West. As C. Raja Mohan convincingly argues, New Delhi’s solidarity with Paris at a difficult moment is rooted in the country’s conviction that preserving the West’s unity is critical in counterbalancing China in the Indo-Pacific. [Foreign Policy]

Quad leaders press for Indo-Pacific ‘undaunted by coercion’ amid China tensions

(lnl/lm) Leaders of the Quadrilateral Dialogue (Quad), the multilateral grouping joining Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, have pledged to pursue a free and open Indo-Pacific region “undaunted by coercion” at their first in-person summit, which presented a united front to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

On September 24 – one day before the United Nations General Assembly met in New York – US President Joe Biden hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who had effectively announced his resignation earlier this month. [South China Morning Post]

The four leaders had met virtually back in March, and issued a joint statement about the importance of "the rule of law [and] freedom of navigation" — references to the perceived challenge to maritime security posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. They also announced the formation of three working groups looking into areas such as vaccine expertise, critical and emerging technologies and climate change. [AiR No. 11, March/2021, 3].

Last week’s summit consolidated some of these common themes, most notably cooperation on technology, which is becoming increasingly entwined with geopolitics. The areas under discussion ranged from semiconductors and telecommunications to space security and technology governance. [The White House]

The Quad leaders also voiced support for small island states, especially those in the Pacific, to enhance their economic and environmental resilience. Additionally, they urged North Korea to engage in diplomacy over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, which Pyongyang has refused to do unless international sanctions are dropped. [Al Jazeera]

Although neither the public remarks by the four leaders, the joint statement, or a factsheet issued afterwards, did mention China or its rising influence in the region, Beijing’s presence is palpable in all the initiatives that the Quad member states promised to pursue. For its part, China earlier on Friday criticized the group as “exclusive”, saying it was “doomed to fail”. [Global Times] [NPR] [Reuters]

India’s Prime Minister Modi completes important three-day visit to United States

(lm) India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25 completed a crucial three-day visit to the United States. [Prime Minister's Office]

On September 23, Prime Minister Modi met with his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga. During their talks, the two leaders agreed to promote cooperation on security, and confirmed their intention to hold a “two-plus-two” foreign and defense ministerial meeting soon. [Business Standard] [The Japan News]

The same day, the Indian prime minister also met the chief executives of Qualcomm, Blackstone, Adobe, First Solar and General Atomics, sources said.

In the lead-up to the Quad meeting on September 24 then, Modi met with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison, marking the first in-person bilateral meeting between the two leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Importantly, the two countries agreed to create a formal energy technology partnership that focuses on hydrogen development and low-cost solar programs to help reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. [Australian Financial Review] [SBS News]

On September 24 then, Modi sat down with US President Joe Biden for a crucial meeting that covered a wide range of priority issues, including combating COVID-19, climate change and economic cooperation. During the meeting – the first in-person engagement of the two leaders – the Indian Prime Minister redefined the contours of India-US ties through the five Ts – Tradition, Talent, Technology, Trade and Trusteeship. [FirstPost] [The White House]

Later the same day, Prime Minister Modi met separately again with US Vice-President Kamala Harris and President Biden in meetings of the so-called Quad, which also includes Japan and Australia. [see entries in this edition]

In the last leg of his US tour, Modi moved to New York where he addressed the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26. There, the Indian prime minister said it was crucial that Afghanistan not be used to spread terrorism globally, and he called on world leaders to help minorities in the country, including women and children. [UN News] [Voice of America] [see also entry in this edition]

India raises tone as Pakistan appeals to work with Afghan Taliban

(lm) Addressing the ongoing 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25 said that no country should exploit the turmoil in Afghanistan for its own advantage, just days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan appealed for nations to work with the Taliban.

A day before his address, the Indian prime minister had already raised concerns about Pakistan’s appeal during talks with US President Joe Biden, as well as at the broader four-way “Quad” summit with the leaders of Australia and Japan.

Prior to India upbraiding Islamabad both in Washington and at the UNGA, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in an interview with The Associated Press on September 22 proposed that the international community develop a road map that leads to diplomatic recognition of the Taliban. He also pledged that Islamabad was is ready to play a “constructive, positive” role in opening communications channels with the Islamist group because it, too, would benefit from peace and stability. [Associated Press]

During the interview – conducted on the sidelines of the UNGA – the Pakistani top diplomat also renewed his call on the United States, the International Monetary Fund and other countries to immediately unblock billions of dollars in Afghan assets frozen after the Taliban takeover. [AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

Crucially, envoys of Pakistan, Russia and China the same day met with the Taliban acting prime minister, Hasan Akhund, in Kabul and pushed for an inclusive Afghan government. [Voice of America]

But with Pakistan and India at loggerheads over diplomatic recognition of the Taliban, a meeting of the foreign ministers of the eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) – set to be held on the sidelines of the UNGA on September 25 – was cancelled, after the member states were unable to agree upon the participation of Afghanistan.

After Pakistan originally objected the participation of any official from the toppled Afghan administration, SAARC members reportedly agreed to keep an “empty chair” as a symbolic representation of Afghanistan, which the bloc in 2007. However, Islamabad later insisted that the Taliban be allowed to send its representative to the summit, a notion that the grouping’s other member states – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka – rejected. [The Indian Express]

Member states also rejected Pakistan's demand the bloc’s chair, Nepal, provide written assurances that Ghulam Isaczai, the officially recognized envoy of Afghanistan at the United Nations, would not be allowed to attend the foreign ministers’ meeting. On September 24 then, Qureshi in an interview with The New York Times said that Isaczai had no standing and that its seat at the 193-member organization should remain vacant for now. Previously, the Taliban had requested that Suhail Shaheen, the militant movement’s spokesman in Qatar replace Isaczai and be permitted to speak at the UNGA. [The New York Times]

Later the same day, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in a pre-recorded address to the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) said that the Taliban had promised to respect human rights and build an inclusive government since taking over last month, despite global disappointment in a caretaker cabinet. [UN News]

Significantly, in his wide-ranging address, Khan reserved his harshest words for India, once again labelling Modi’s Hindu nationalist government “fascist”. He also accused Indian Prime Minister Modi of a plan to "purge India of Muslims", drawing a stern rebuke. [Al Jazeera] [Radio France Internationale]

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Hasina addresses UN General Assembly, says she is still seeking justice

(ad/lm) Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently on a two-week official visit to the United States, addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24, calling for stronger international action to help Rohingya refugees in her country to return to neighboring Myanmar. 

In her speech, the prime minister further outlined Bangladesh´s steps taken in regards with tackling the COVID –19 pandemic and its economic ramifications, including assistance for jobless people, free medicine, scholarships for students, and other financial help to those who have been affected by pandemic. [UN News]

Stressing the need for an equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, Sheikh Hasina argued that the vaccines shall be treated as “global public good” and, as such, shall be made available to anyone in every country at the same time. Hasina also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and told the UNGA the investment in women’s advancement and empowerment had allowed her country to progress the most out of any country in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. [Al Jazeera]

Concluding her address, the prime minister said that she was still seeking justice for “the brutal massacre” of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was killed along with most of his family in an army coup in 1975. Mujib's two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, were in West Germany at the time of the assassination. After the coup, they took refuge in India; Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh in 1981. [bdnews24.com]

The previous day, Prime Minister Hasina, in a bilateral meeting, had urged UN General-Secretary António to appoint more Bangladeshis to higher posts in the UN, adding that her country plays a “significant role” within UN. [Dhaka Tribune 1]

Prime Minister also attended several bilateral meetings, including the one with President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Strengthening trade and business cooperation was on their agenda. Sheikh Hasina suggested introduction of commercial shipping service between Chittagong port and Male port which should allow transferring goods and food items at cheap rates. 

Another meeting was held between Sheikh Hasina and Vietnamese president. During the meeting Sheikh Hasina sought Vietnam´s support to become a sectoral dialogue partner of the association. As Vietnam has a good relationship with Myanmar, its President was asked to assist with the Rohingyas’ repatriation. [Dhaka Tribune 2]

US Vice President Harris gently pressures India’s Modi on human rights during meeting

(lm) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice-President Kamala Harris in Washington on September 23 as part of a three-day official visit by the Indian premier stateside. The meeting assumed added significance, marking the first in-person meeting between the highest-ranking Indian American and the leader of a country that has become one of Washington’s most important allies in Asia. [South China Morning Post]

During public remarks at her ceremonial office, Harris – whose mother’s side of the family is from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu – invoked her familial ties to India as she gently pressed Prime Minister Modi on human rights saying that “it is imperative that we defend democratic principles and institutions within our respective countries”.

The remarks marked a subtle departure from the Trump administration’s approach towards the Hindu-nationalist Modi, who has presided over a tilt towards authoritarianism, with more laws discriminating against religious minorities, mainly its large Muslim population, as well as attacks on non-Hindus. [POLITICO]

But despite the mild pressure, the two leaders shared warm words, including praise from Harris for India’s role in producing COVID-19 vaccines for the world. Modi thanked Harris for offering a “sense of kinship” in a phone call during his country’s deadly coronavirus surge this spring, calling her a “real friend”. [The Straits Times] 

During the ensuing closed-door session, the two leaders exchanged views on a number of issues including the situation in Afghanistan, the coronavirus pandemic, tackling climate change as well as the US and India’s commitment toward the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Indian foreign ministry. They also discussed potential cooperation in areas such as space, technology and health care. [CNBC]

Bangladesh appeals to United Nations to help resolve maritime disputes with India

(lm) Bangladesh earlier this month registered served two diplomatic notes to the United Nations, appealing to the body to resolve its decades-old dispute with India over the maritime demarcation in the southern Bay of Bengal.

In 2014, a tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague delivered its decision resolving a decades-old dispute between India and Bangladesh regarding the delimitation of the maritime boundary between them in the territorial sea, the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf within and beyond 200 nm in the Bay of Bengal. The Award provided Bangladesh with additional territory, but India retained a greater proportion of EEZ than Bangladesh relative to the ratio of their relevant coastlines.

Based on that verdict, Bangladesh submitted an amended maritime boundary to the UN’s Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) In October of last year. This April, however, India sent a letter to the UN opposing the baseline set by Bangladesh, claiming that Dhaka had made a seaward shift of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and consequently encroached into the Indian EEZ recognised by the PCA.

Bangladesh replied through a letter, published on the CLCS website on September 13, saying that the use of straight baselines by India does not conform to the applicable rules of international law and customary international law. In a separate diplomatic note to the UN secretary general on the same day, Bangladesh said that the outer limits of its continental shelf are defined by one fixed point that represents the coordinates of the point where its maritime boundaries intersect with India and Myanmar. [Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations]

China, Pakistan hold 10th meeting of joint CPEC commission

(lm) Officials of Pakistan and China on September 23 held the 10th meeting of the principal decision-making body of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – the Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) – through video channel.

The JCC, mandated to convene twice a year, had last convened in November 2019. Its earlier meeting due on July 16 was cancelled in the aftermath of a suicide attack on that killed nine Chinese nationals. [AiR No. 29, July/2021, 3].

During their virtual encounter last week, the officials held a detailed discussion on various projects being undertaken as part of the second phase of the CPEC and signed five cooperation documents and three agreements. [The New Indian Express]

Significantly, the two countries agreed to include a major infrastructure project centered around rebuilding the coastline of Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, under the CPEC framework. The Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ) — spreading over 640 hectares — is an initiative of Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and will see $3.5 billion of Chinese direct investment. [Dawn 1] [Gulf News]

But the JCC failed to finalize arrangements pertaining to Mainline-1 (ML-1), a $6.8 billion project to upgrade railway infrastructure in the Peshawar – Lahore – Karachi corridor [see AiR No. 32, August/2020, 2]. Work on the first phase of the project was scheduled to commence in January and be completed in 2024. [Dawn 2]

Moreover, the deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission – China's top economic planner – also used the session to call for "high-level" security guarantees to turn the CPEC into a flagship project under Beijing’s international infrastructure strategy known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). [Global Times]

In fact, Islamabad’s and Beijing’s “all-weather friendship” has faced increasing stress in recent months, as resentment against China’s growing footprint in Pakistan has boiled over into periodic acts of violence against Chinese investment projects by local terrorist organizations, from jihadi groups like Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to ethno-separatists in Balochistan and Sindh. The recent surge in attacks, in turn, has affected the pace of various Chinese-financed projects currently underway in Pakistan. The work on the World Bank-funded Dasu Hydropower project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for example, remains suspended after the suicide attack on July 14.

Thus, in the larger context of CPEC, the targeting of a Chinese-backed energy project may give Pakistani actors cause for alarm: For the country’s energy sector is the primary recipient of Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) through CPEC and is slated to receive over $30 billion – or 72 percent of total Chinese investment – over the next decade.

Further, Islamabad is yet to pay over $1.4 billion to Chinese power producers which have invested in at least two dozen power plants. [South Asia Monitor]

In related news, a senior Pakistani health expert last week estimated that there would be around five million Chinese nationals working in Pakistan by 2025. To meet the health needs of these people, Pakistani and Chinese health facilities have already signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding. [TRT World]

US Deputy Secretary of State Sherman to visit Pakistan, India next month

(lm) US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will travel to Pakistan and India next month, the State Department announced on September 27. [France24]

During stopovers in New Delhi and Mumbai from October 6-7, Sherman will meet officials and civil society leaders and address the US-India Business council's annual "ideas summit". Thereafter, she will leave for Pakistan, to meet with senior officials. Sherman, after CIA chief Bill Burns who visited Islamabad earlier this month [AiR No. 37, September/2021, 2], will be one of the first high-level officials under US President Joe Biden to visit Pakistan.

The trip comes as India, one of the top allies of the Western-backed Afghan government that collapsed last month, urges the world to pay closer attention to Pakistan's role in the turmoil. [see entry in this edition]

Sri Lanka’s President Rajapaksa rejects external interference for a reconciliation mechanism

(egm) United Nation (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has assured Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the UN’s continued support for the promotion of intercommunal unity. During their meeting on September 20 at the UN headquarters in New York both men discussed the reconciliation process with the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka and the economic challenges Colombo continues to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [ColomboPage] [The Hindu 1]

At the meeting, the Secretary General was briefed on the country’s current reconciliation process after asserting the UN’s support in this matter and the need to promote minority rights and civic engagement in Sri Lanka. On this note, President Rajapaksa expressed his willingness to work with the UN in the matter of reconciliation while assuring that separatism in the country seemed unlikely to re-emerge.

Moreover, he explained how the government engages with civil society organizations to enhance progress in this area and welcomes the Tamil Diaspora for discussions, affirming that Sri Lanka’s domestic issues must be solved through an internal mechanism. 

Using a similar language, President Rajapaksa stressed that meaningful reconciliation with the Tamil community could only be achieved through domestic institutions while addressing the UN General Assembly on September 22 then. He also said that his government was ready to engage with all stakeholders and would accept the support of its international partners and the United Nations in the process. [The Hindu 2]

“However, history has shown that lasting results can only be achieved through home-grown institutions reflecting the aspirations of the people. Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Judiciary and its range of independent statutory bodies should have unrestricted scope to exercise their functions and responsibilities.” said President Rajapaksa. 

His further comments also revealed that the government could be expected to take immediate action on the issue of missing persons and issuing death certificates. He noted that legal measures would also be implemented against suspects of terrorist activities who were not released after he came into power, and the possibility for presidential pardon may also be open to the Tamil Youth who have been under extensive custody. [The Island]

Currently, according to government data, the number of missing people due to various conflicts in Sri Lanka amounts to a figure over 20,000. This also includes the approximately 100,000 lives claimed by the three-decades long civil war between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) insurgent group. 

Thousands of Tamils are believed to have been killed during the final stages of the war, despite the Sri Lankan Army’s rejection of this charge. From an international perspective, the UN and human rights groups have accused both sides of committing atrocities and revealed that at least 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed- a claim that the government disputes.

In this regard, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris informed his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar of Sri Lanka’s current efforts to address post-ethnic war issues. Among such undertakings he pointed out the release of theLiberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) prisoners and the reassessment of the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act. [The Hindu 3]

Bangladesh seeks effective support from European Union for repatriation of Rohingyas

(ad) Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen last week held a bilateral meeting with Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In the meeting held on September 23, the Bangladeshi top diplomat urged the EU to take a more active role in ensuring a conducive environment for the return of more than a million Rohingya refugees who fled from neighboring Myanmar following a military crackdown in August 2017.

Momen also raised the issue of the $100 billion annual climate fund pledged by developed countries to help poor countries tackle climate change, urging the EU to fulfil its part of the commitment. He emphasized on the need to share responsibility for climate migrants, referring to people uprooted from their homes and traditional jobs due to the impacts of climate change. [Dhaka Tribune]

For his part, Borell thanked Bangladesh for its humanitarian efforts for the Rohingya and assured him that the EU would "work with Bangladesh and the international community to ensure sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya," the statement added. [Anadolu Agency]

Sri Lanka approaches India and UAE to purchase crude oil on a credit facility

(lm) Against the larger backdrop of a significant devaluation of its local currency, Sri Lanka has reportedly entered into discussions with India and the United Arab Emirates to purchase crude oil on a credit facility. [EconomyNext]

Sri Lanka’s government-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) currently owes nearly 3.3 billion to the country’s two main state banks over loans taken in 2019. The company had had borrowed US dollars from the banks to pay import bills instead of buying the currency from the forex market whenever the central bank printed money and created forex shortages.

Making matters worse, the increase in global oil prices forced the island nation to spend more on oil imports this year: The oil bill in the first seven months of this year alone stood around $2 billion, a jump of around 41 percent in comparison to the same period last year.

Earlier this month, therefore, the Ministry of Energy announced it would seek to obtain a $2.5 billion loan from the international market to address the serious financial crisis faced by the state oil distributor, which imports crude from the Middle East and refined products from other areas, including Singapore.

Sri Lanka signs unsolicited LNG deal with US company

(egm) Sri Lanka on September 22 signed a contract with United States-based gas developer New Fortress Energy allowing the company to develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal off the coast of Colombo and invest in the West Coast Power (WCP) plant, even as a global supply crunch sends prices of the fuel soaring. [Daily Financial Times] [Daily Mirror]

LNG reception, storage and regasification is expected to start in 2023. For the time being, New Fortress has agreed to initially provide Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) with 1.2 million gallons of LNG per day through two existing plants. 

Sri Lanka is the latest of many Asian nations turning to LNG for the first time or ramping up purchases. With LNG imports representing the only means of supplying gas to the country, the government has repeatedly attempted to develop plans to increase the country’s energy mix without any success. In the run-up to the signing, ten smaller political parties in Sri Lanka’s ruling coalition had mounted a campaign to halt the deal. [Bloomberg] [The New Indian Express]

Meanwhile, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers' Union (CEBEU) has warned of possible implications this deal might have for Sri Lanka’s economy and energy security. According to the union, this deal could be one of the largest contracts Sri Lanka has ever signed with a private company. As such it leaves the island nation vulnerable to losing hundreds of millions of dollars while also turning the nation dependent on a single company for the supply of LNG instead of allowing the CEB to turn to cheaper energy sources. [Economy Next]

Another point of concern raised by the CEBEU was the high Take or Pay (TOP) gas volumes that Sri Lanka would be forced into, constituting more than the country’s minimum requirement. With the new contract, Sri Lanka will be committing to buying the LNG from New Fortress Energy and allowing the plants to spill or pay the compensation cost of the unused plants.

China, Pakistan launch joint anti-terror exercise

(lm) Troops from China and Pakistan on September 23 launched a two-weeks joint anti-terror exercise as part of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The opening ceremony of the Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise (JATE)-2021 was held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre of Pakistan’s Army in the country’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. [Dawn] [The Economic Times]

Based in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, RATS is a permanent organ of the SCO to promote cooperation between member states against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Bangladesh one of three nations joining New Development Bank

(lm) Bangladesh earlier this month became a member of the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – in 2015.

Besides Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay have been admitted as the NDB’s first new member countries. Formally announced on September 2 following negotiations that began in 2020, the three countries now have access to NDB funding. [New Development Bank]

US Deputy Secretary of State holds consultations with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka

(lm) US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. Discussions focused on how the South Asian nations alongside with United States can advance shared democratic principles and address global challenges, including COVID-19, economic recovery, and climate change. [Dhaka Tribune]

Sri Lanka and Iran talk of further trade ties

(egm) The energy minister of Sri Lanka, Udaya Gammanpila, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), Akbar Komeijani, have discussed the possibility of expanding bilateral trade between both countries while supporting each other’s national interests before international bodies. [DailyMirror]

As stated by Komeijani, both the CBI and the Iranian banking system show their support for the countries’ imports and exports by providing finance through a direct and indirect payment mechanism. Adding to this, Sri Lanka’s energy minister expressed his favour of enhancing trade ties with Iran while ensuring both side’s interests and in this respect welcomed all executive strategies and proposals to boost bilateral relations. 

Adhering to Tehran’s expectations, the energy minister also reassured Komeijani of Sri Lanka’s support of Iran and its national matters in the face of difficult international conditions.

Bhutan, India sign joint satellite Implementing Arrangement

(lm) On September 24, Bhutan’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) and India’s Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed Implementing Arrangement (IA) to jointly develop a small satellite for Bhutan to be launched sometime towards the end of this year. Both countries in November of last year had signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out future cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. [Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [The New India Express]

Bangladeshi lieutenant general meets with India’s Army Chief in New Delhi

(ad) The Quartermaster General of Bangladesh’s Army, Lieutenant General Mohammad Saiful Alam, met with the Chief of India’s Army Staff, General MM Naravane in India’s capital, New Delhi, on September 21 to discuss issues of mutual interest. [The Daily Prothom]

The meeting follows on a three-day visit by Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed to India. During his trip, the general met with India’s national security adviser, the Indian chief of defence staff, chiefs of the three military forces and other senior military officials to discuss bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the armed forces of Bangladesh and India. [AiR No. 36, September/2021, 1]

Sri Lanka’s President Rajapaksa meets Kuwait PM, encourages investment in Colombo

(egm) Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met with Kuwait Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. During the meeting, held on September 19, Rajapaksa highlighted investment opportunities available to Kuwait in the Chinese-funded Colombo Port City development project, as well as the solar, wind energy and oil refining sectors. The two leaders also discussed the areas of food security, education, information technology and cyber security. [ColomboPage]

Laos, Panama to establish diplomatic ties

(nd) Laos and Panama signed a Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. The two countries had already agreed to that step in 2019 but the signing was delayed. [Laotian Times]

Malaysia announces to seek Chinese view on AUKUS

(nd) The defense partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, next to a nuclear-powered submarine fleet, have caused much concern among South East Asian countries last week. [See also AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3] The pact comes as response the Chinese assertiveness in Asia, more particular in the South China Sea.

Malaysia’s Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein on September 22 proposed an immediate trip to China, saying: “We need to get the views from the leadership of China, especially China’s defense, on AUKUS that was announced by the three countries and what are their actions following the announcement.” Earlier last week, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said AUKUS could “provoke other powers to take more aggressive action in this region, especially in the South China Sea” and for it to be a potential “catalyst for a nuclear arms race in the Indo-Pacific region.” 

While China has openly expressed its refusing opinion of the pact already, saying it reflected an “outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow-minded geopolitical perception” that “intensified” a regional arms race and harmed international non-proliferation efforts, Malaysia’s move rather highlights the necessity for regional actors to position themselves between the US and China. While Ismail’s statement seems to have clearly signaled China that Mallaysia does not one-sidedly support the pact, analysts question whether the need to travel to China depicts an unnecessary degree of deference to the Chinese government. [The Diplomat]

Indonesia plans to involve China in Japanese-led construction project 

(nd) Indonesia plans to additionally involve China in the construction of a railway project, initially planned for with Japan. Within the same railway projects, two separate routes shall be built by the respective investing country. Japan earned the tender in 2019 to build a semi-high-speed rail link connecting Jakarta to Surabaya in East Java. Back then, state-owned China Railways Construction Corporation also lobbied for the tender.

As of last year, when the costs for the Chinese-backed Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway increased by one-third to about US$8 billion, President Joko Widodo stated he hoped for China to partner up in the Japanese-led project as well. According to analysts, this move could potentially sour Indonesian-Japanese relations. Additionally, as seen from other countries  joining the Belt and Road Initiative, worries were uttered for Indonesia to fall into a debt trap with respect to China. [India Blooms]

In a latest development, Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, met Bambang Soesatyo, Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly virtually on Monday, September 28.

During their talk, Wang, assured that China is ready to work with Indonesia to continuously strengthen mutual political trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, adding that China is also willing closely work with Indonesia to push forward the joint construction of the Belt and Road and deepen anti-pandemic cooperation to make greater contribution to regional peace, stability and development.

Bambang Soesatyo, for this part, confirmed that the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly is willing to enhance cooperation with the CPPCC and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to achieve more results. [China.org.cn]

Indonesia: Bulk of vaccines provided by China

(nd) According to Chinese-based research firm Bridge Consulting, more than 80 % of vaccines in Indonesia are provided by China, amounting for a fifth of Chinese global exports. Out of an overall of 273 million received doses of vaccines, 215 million came from China, casting a doubt on Indonesia’s foreign policy effort to position itself neutrally between the US and China. To add to this, the latest Chinese intrusion into Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which with three weeks is the longest yet, was reacted to in a rather restrained fashion. [Mena FN]

As with the cases of Bangladesh and Thailand, where not enough vaccine doses were available, reliance on one supplier is always risky. While Bangladesh had only signed a contract with an Indian company that had to stop production due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, Thailand was overly reliant on AstraZeneca produced by one local manufacturer only.

According to Indonesian observers, it needs to engage more broadly with other vaccine suppliers and should have initiated an international tender from the start. Additionally, a lower efficacy of some Chinese-made vaccines, such as Sinovac’s CoronaVac, could prove problematic for Indonesia. For over a million health workers’ third jab, US-produces Moderna will be used. Indonesia has so far not received any of the 20 million agreed-on Sputnik vaccine doses from Russia. [Benar News]

Indonesia, Iran to further relations

(nd) The Iranian Foreign Minister attributed importance to Indonesia in an effort to forge closer ties to Asia. Hossein Amirabdollahian met his counterpart Retno Marsudi in New York on September 24, expressing Indonesia’s priority in the foreign policy of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration. The two nations agreed to finalize a preferential trade agreement. [Tasnim News Agency]

Thai water project facilitates Beijing’s Belt and Road 

(kk) Thailand’s government is paving the way for a Chinese state-owned enterprise to land a water diversion project, a possible steppingstone for China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Veerakorn Kamprakob – a ruling Palang Pracharat Party MP from Nakhon Sawan – revealed a prominent Chinese state enterprise has expressed interest and sent proposals to him directly for the open bidding process for development of the Yuam River Water Diversion plan in western Thailand, close to the Myanmar border. 

Earlier, the National Environment Board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, approved the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the controversial project. The plan includes building a 69-meter dam across the Yuam River to create a reservoir, and construction of a 61 km tunnel under pristine forest to direct the water to the Bhumibol Reservoir, to meet a growing demand for agriculture and consumption. The plan had been dormant since the early 1990s due to the prohibitive costs, estimated to be around 70 billion baht ($2.1 billion) at that time and an estimated construction time of seven years. According to Veerakorn, the Chinese company’s plan calculated a lower budget 40-billion-baht and four years to finish the project. The MP quoted Prawit saying that "If China builds this for us, we do not have to spend a dime; we do not have to make the investment ourselves" and "If the Chinese want to do it, we should let them do it." [Thaipost, in Thai]

On September 20, the irrigation department rushed to call for consultants to bid on the project. The Thai government aspires the project to be a joint venture, involving the government and the private sector, which offers an opening for the Chinese state-owned company.

However, the rushing of the plan prompted a debate on environmental effects, which have stopped other large water projects in the past. The chairman of the Integration Water Management Foundation – a local green campaigner – indicated that the approval of the EIA was “unusual”, and that there was no public participation by local residents at a hearing process. A water resources expert argued that the results of the costly project could be achieved through cheaper alternatives.

This early resistance cannot be easily ignored by the Chinese developer, given the trouble Chinese companies have faced gaining a foothold in Thailand under its Belt and Road Initiative: for example, the $9.9 billion Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project encountered hurdles, including extensive scrutiny by officials at Thailand’s Transport Ministry, resulting in nearly 30 rounds of talks to clarify them. China’s difficulties on the infrastructure front in Thailand are more imminent compared to those in smaller neighbor countries like Cambodia and Laos. According to the Thailand campaign director at International Rivers, Thailand has a history of approving such costly infrastructure projects only under a pro-military government or outright military control as the check-and-balance mechanisms are weak. [Nikkei Asia]

Vietnam: Foundations laid for deepening relations with France 

(tl) Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received the French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The event took place on the eve of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership. 

Regarding measures to counter the pandemic, Pham Minh Chinh asked the European country to continue with the transfer of vaccines and implement aid in the field of technology, stressing the need of Vietnam to be self-sufficient in producing Covid-19 vaccinations as soon as possible. With respect to trade, the Prime Minister requested that France continue to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese agricultural and seafood products, as well as promoting conditions for people to make affairs in France.

Warnery reassured the Prime Minister about the supply of vaccines, noting the plight of the country as it grapples with the advance of the Delta variant. On the other side, the French ambassador stressed the willingness of many large French companies to produce in Vietnam, especially in the aerospace, technology and infrastructure sectors. The ambassador promised to work towards the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Trade and Investment Protection Agreement as soon as possible, adding that he wanted to push the European Union to remove restrictions against Vietnamese seafood.

Regarding the tensions between Vietnam and China in the South China Sea, the ambassador expressed France's desire to guarantee freedom of navigation by focusing its actions on the rules expressed in international law. France is working with the Western bloc to counter the advance of Chinese claims in the area. [The Voice of Vietnam] [Limes]

Announcements

Upcoming Online Events 

28 September 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT+8), Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, Malaysia

Ensuring GLC Reforms in the Times of Government Change

Government-linked companies (GLC) play a significant role in Malaysia’s political economy. Successive governments have recognized the importance of addressing the economic and political governance of GLC with a series of reform efforts. Against the backdrop of the political fluctuations in Malaysia in the past three years, this online event will address the following question: How do we ensure the continuity of important GLC reforms with the change of governments? What are these important reforms? And given issues related to GLCs arise as a result of direct political interference, would politicians who are on the board of these GLCs ensure the achievement of these reforms?

Visit [IDEAS] for more information.

28 September 2021 @ 9:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Crisis Group, USA

How will the Taliban Victory Impact Other Conflicts Involving Jihadist Militants?

This webinar will explore the impact of the Taliban’s power seizure in Afghanistan on other wars involving al-Qaeda and ISIS-linked groups and will discuss the perceptions of jihadists and their enemies in the Sahel, Somalia and Syria of the dramatic events in Afghanistan and what they might mean for those conflicts in which they are fighting.

More information is accessible via [Crisis Group].

29 September 2021 @ 3:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT-4), The Dialogue, USA

Haiti’s Crisis Deepens – What Must Be Done Now?

Against the backdrop of the recent murder of the country’s president, a catastrophic earthquake, followed two days later by Hurricane Grace leaving more than 2,200 dead and many survivors without shelter and sufficient food, as well as more than 12,000 Haitians encamping at the Texas border town of Del Rio who are now being expelled or deported to Haiti by US immigrations officials, this webinar will explore what needs to be done to address Haiti’s intersecting crises.

More information about the event is available at [The Dialogue].

29 September 2021 @ 5:00 p.m. (GMT+10), Lowy Institute, Australia

Aiding the Pacific’s economic recovery

The Covid-19 pandemic has delivered one of the most severe global economic shocks since the Great Depression. In the Pacific, as in the rest of the world, economic activity has collapsed as a result of lockdowns to contain the virus. This webinar will discuss the need for a strong domestic and international response without which the Pacific faces the prospects of a lost decade of economic development.

Find out more at [Lowy Institute].

29 September 2021 @ 9:30-10:30 a.m. (GMT+2), German Institute for Global and Area Studies, Germany

An Indonesian Perspective on the Indo-Pacific Regional Architecture

This online talk will present visions of the region, with a focus on the geo-strategic place of China, the US, and Europe within this framework and questions of economic interdependence and independence, of trade and investment, and the expectations the countries of the Indo-Pacific might have towards the “West” in general, and Europe, in particular.

If you are interested, see [GIGA] for more information.

29 September 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Crisis Group, USA

The UN in the Biden Era: Challenges in the Year Ahead

In this online event, experts will reflect on US President Joe Biden’s speech at the 76th UN General Assembly and address how the U.S. can work through the UN to handle major crises, with a focus on Afghanistan and Ethiopia.

Find out more at [Crisis Group].

29 September 2021 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, USA

An Emerging G2? Prospects for Transatlantic Tech Cooperation

Against the background of the inauguration of the US-EU Trade and Technological Council (TTC), the outcome of U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent summit with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the webinar will address the question: What does this herald for transatlantic cooperation on technology?

Visit [Hudson] for further event details.

29 September 2021 @ 1:30-6:00 p.m. (GMT+3), Finnish Institute of International Affairs, Finland

Finnish foreign and security policy in a Nordic context

In addition to a long-lasting culture of cooperation in different fields of policies, ranging from education and culture to defense cooperation, the Nordic countries increasingly share also common challenges in the field of foreign and security policy, including Russia’s great power aspirations, Chinese global leadership ambitions and US goals, as well as climate change and its security implication, among others. This online forum will explore how Nordic countries could do cooperate to rise up to these challenges.

More details can be accessed via [FIIA].

29 September 2021 @ 1:00 p.m. (GMT+1), International Institute for Strategic Studies, UK

Asia’s New Geopolitics: Military Power and Regional Order  (book launch)

This online launch of the book “Asia’s New Geopolitics: Military Power and Regional Order” will introduce the three competing visions for the future of Asian order, including a US-led ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’, a Chinese-centered order, or the ASEAN-inspired ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’ and discuss why none of them is likely to prevail in the short to medium term. It will also show that, in the absence of a new framework, the risk of open conflict is heightened, and along with it an increased need for effective mechanisms to maintain peace and stability.

If you are interested, learn more about the event at [IISS].

29 September 2021 @ 12:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Stimson Center, USA

Community in Crisis: Impact of COVID-19 on Gender Equity and Inclusion in Nuclear Security

This webinar will share research results of Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy (GCNP), a leadership network in nuclear policy committed to breaking down gender barriers and making gender equality a working reality, which show the gendered impacts of COVID-19 on the nuclear policy community. 

Visit [Stimson] for further information. 

29 September 2021 @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT+2), GLOBSEC, Slovakia

How to future-proof our responses to hybrid threats

As the Europe grapples with shifting geopolitical realities and new technology developments, this online panel will address the following questions: How to win the “imagination race” with our adversaries?; What lessons did we and did not learn from the pandemic?; How to make our structures, policies and measures future proof?

Find more information at [GLOBSEC].

29 September 2021 @ 12:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School, USA

Intelligence Project Series: Russia’s New Army

This online discussion will provide an in-depth look at the current state of the Russia’s military which has transformed from one based on conscription and mass mobilization to one that is “professional” with ready active-duty forces that field more maneuver units than the US. With new weapons designed to asymmetrically counter US advantages, a “hybrid” war capability, and increased use of private military organizations, the Russian armed forces pose a complex and formidable military challenge.

Visit [Belfer Center] for more information. 

29 September 2021 @ 3:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT+2), Istituto Affari Internazionali, Italy

Drivers, patterns and governance of mixed migration in the EU and its wider region: Current developments and future prospects

Reflected in the Taliban’s takeover of power in Afghanistan, the protracted conflicts in Syria and Libya, the on-going armed clashes in the Tigray region, the coup d’état in Mali, and the prolonged crisis in Venezuela, to name only a few examples, major developments with potential implications for migration and displacement are currently unfolding. These developments imply shifts in the political, economic and security contexts in different regions of origin, transit and destination that are highly relevant for population movements reaching the European Union from several directions. Against this background, this webinar will first take stock of currently unfolding developments in different parts of the world that have a bearing on migration and displacement trends, before discussing their potential implications for future drivers, patterns, routes and governance of mixed migration in Europe and beyond.

Visit [IAI] for more information. 

29 September 2021 @ 4:00-5:30 p.m. (GMT+1), Royal United Services Institute, UK

Russia and the Security of Europe

In this online talk, Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will speak about into the role of Estonia within the European security structure, and advocate a repositioning of NATO to take account of Russian superiority in the Baltic region.

Find more information at [RUSI].

29 September 2021 @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

Exploring the Applications of Facial Recognition Technology

Against the rapid acceleration of facial recognition technology, this online event will present the vast array of applications of this technology for both commercial and government use. 

More information is accessible via [CSIS].

29 September 2021 @ 4:00-5:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

Common Prosperity: The Path to Common Poverty in China?

This online roundtable discussion will explore of the origins of China’s accelerated effort to achieve “common prosperity” and address the economic, political, and societal components of this drive as well as its implications for both China and the United States. 

Find more information at [CSIS].

30 September 2021 @ 9:00-10:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

Environmental Degradation in Venezuela

This webinar will offer analyzes of Venezuela’s environmental degradation under the Maduro regime and discuss related impacts such as pollution from mining and the oil industry and the spread of organized crime. 

For more information, see [CSIS].

29 September 2021 @ 10:00-11:15 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore

How the Covid-19 Pandemic Triggers Nationalist Online Expressions in China and Vietnam

This webinar will examine the dynamic of nationalist expressions and narratives in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in China and Vietnam, focusing on the following questions: How have such nationalist narratives been shaped – by either state or popular actors? Would the spike in online nationalism arising from the pandemic be just a temporary phenomenon or a long-lasting one? Would it be risky for authoritarian authorities to bank on such support in the post- pandemic era?

Further event details are accessible via [ISEAS].

29 September 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT-8), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, USA 

Why is Osman Kavala in jail? Law, politics and human rights in Turkey

Why is Osman Kavala, a Turkish philanthropist and civil society leader, in jail for four years without a conviction?

In this webinar, co-hosted by Francis Fukuyama (Stanford University) and Silvia von Steinsdorff (Humboldt University Berlin), Kavala’s work and imprisonment will be debated in a moderated panel discussion.

Find more about event details at [Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies].

29 September 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA

The Taliban in Afghanistan: Political and Security Challenges

In a conversation between Pakistani journalist and author Ahmed Rashid. Carnegie's Aqil Shah, they will shed light on the political and security implications of Taliban rule, with respect to governance and human rights, regional power competition, and the fight against terrorism.

Find more about event details at [Carnegie Endowment].

29 September 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT-5), The Brookings Institution, USA

The future of Afghanistan and the role of the United States

What can the people of Afghanistan expect under Taliban rule and what are America’s options for dealing with the Taliban going forward?

This moderated panel discussion will deal with these and other questions by reflecting on the recent actions of the Taliban and exploring US options.

Find more about event details at [Brookings].

30 September 2021 @ 8:30 a.m. (GMT+10), Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australia

Stronger together: how cyber defence alliances could create a stronger digital economy

How can government, industry and academia work collectively to combat cyber crime and protect networks, businesses, intellectual property and citizens? To answer this question, this moderated panel discussion will elaborate on possible collective measures to enhance digital security and protect the digital economy.

Find more about event details at [ASPI].

30 September 2021 @ 1:00 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Institute for International Affairs, Australia

Analysing AUKUS: Implications for Australia and its region

What does the new partnership between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom mean for Australia and its region? To answer this question, five experts will debate in this moderated panel discussion.

Find more about event details at [Australian Institute of International Affairs].

30 September 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, UK

Governance in Space: What’s ahead on the next frontier of governance?

In light of the ungoverned outer space, which is already crowded by numerous actors, this event will shed light on the most pressing security issues and possibilities for collective action with respect to governance, inter alia.

Find more about event details at [Chatham House].

30 September 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-8), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, USA

A new era? German foreign policy after Merkel

After 16 years of Chancellor Angela Merkel, what will be her legacy and how will German’s foreign policy change? Dr. Jana Puglierin and Rafael Loss of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) will discuss the results and implications of the German vote, also with respect to Germany’s European partners.

Find more about event details at [Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies].

30 September 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT-8), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, USA 

Nationalist Authoritarianism and the Future of Democracy

Why is democracy threatened globally and what can be done about it? 

To answer this question, this webinar will feature Ben Rhodes answering these questions in light of his recent book, “After the Fall”.

Find more about event details at [Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies].

30 September 2021 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Pacific Council on International Policy, USA

The future of Taiwan’s security

In this online talk, Dr. Larry Diamond, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), will speak about the current status and future prospects of Taiwan’s security. 

Visit [Pacific Council] to find further information.

30 September 2021 @ 2:30-4:00 p.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore

Overcoming Pandemic and Politics: Malaysians’ State of Well-being under Covid-19

This webinar will examine the state of Malaysia’s battle with Covid-19 under political uncertainty through a well-being lens, and will offer some insight into the harsh realities of the average Malaysian on the ground.

Find more about the event at [ISEAS].

30 September 2021 @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

The Future of Women and Girls in Afghanistan

The future of Afghan women and girls is at a crossroads, with early signs suggesting little has changed in the Taliban’s approach to women’s rights, putting at risk 20 years of gains in women and girls’ education, health care, and public participation, and leaving a generation of professional women unclear about their future opportunities. This webinar will discuss the future of women and girls in Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s power seizure. 

Visit [CSIS] to learn more about the event.

30 September 2021 @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Royal United Services Institute, UK

Illicit Money: Financing Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century

In online book launch of her “Illicit Money: Financing Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century Illicit” Jessica Davis will offer insights into how terrorists manage and also obscure their funds to evade detection, going beyond the old adage of terrorism financing to look at how funds are “raised, used, moved and stored”. 

For more information, see [RUSI].

30 September 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT+2), Istituto Affari Internazionali, Italy

Africa’s Energy Future - Discussing Energy Leapfrogging Potential in Sub Saharan Africa

This hybrid event will present the results of “Africa’s Energy Future”, the joint research conducted by the Energy Security Transition (EST) Lab @energycenter – Politecnico di Torino and Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) on energy leapfrogging in Sub Saharan Africa, and discuss the chance for the African continent to leapfrog from a condition of low to no electrification, to fully sustainable and universal access to power.

If you are interested in joining the event, see [IAI] for more information.

30 September 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Foreign Policy Research Institute, USA

Latest Developments in the Ethiopia Crisis

Against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in Ethiopia, at this online panel former US Ambassador to Ethiopia David Shinn will share his thoughts and ideas on the question whether there is hope for a settlement and return to peace in the country.

Find more about the event at [FPRI].

30 September 2021 @ 9:00-10:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Stimson Center, USA

Youth Perspectives from West Asia and North Africa: Taking Action on COVID-19, Unemployment, Climate Change & other Global Challenges

At this online event, young people will explore and highlight actions that the international community should take to empower and support youth in West Asia and North Africa, in response to major global challenges ranging from COVID-19, and refugee youth populations to violent conflict, and climate change. 

More event details are available at [Stimson].

30 September 2021 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, USA

Obiang’s Kleptocracy in Equatorial Guinea

At this webinar, experts will offer insights into the fight against transnational corruption in Equatorial Guinea where the ruling Obiang family’s kleptocracy has made it one of the poorest countries in the world. 

Find more information at [Hudson].

30 September 2021 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT+5.30), Center for Policy Research, India

Identity Economy: Nation and Nationalism in Post-liberalisation India

This online book discussion will introduce Ravinder Kaur’s Identity Economy: Nation and Nationalism in Post-liberalisation India and explores how and when did India transform into a lucrative emerging market in the twenty-first century?

Visit [CPR India] for further information.

30 September 2021 @ 3:30-5:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Institute for Policy Research, USA

Venezuela: A Conversation with Feliciano Reyna on Negotiations to Resolve the Crisis

In this online talk, Venezuelan human right icon Feliciano Reyna offers his ideas for a peaceful, negotiated solution involving the US and international community while also noting the harmful impact of US sanctions. 

Vist [IPS] for further details.

30 September 2021 @ 5:00-6:30 p.m. (GMT+2), Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy, Greece

Taking stock of populism in Europe: ELIAMEP’s research on populism under the DEMOS project

This webinar will present results and conclusions of the DEMOS research project “Democratic Efficacy and the Varieties of Populism in Europe”.

For more information, see [Eliamep].

1 October 2021 @ 10:30-11:30 a.m. (GMT+1), Overseas Development Institute, UK

Towards a green recovery in Africa: implementing the AfCFTA

This webinar will explore how to align Africa's green recovery through climate compatible trade and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

If you are interested in joining the event, see [ODI] for more information.

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

COVID-19 Economic Stimulus in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand: Country Experiences and Lessons Learned

This online panel discussion will offer critical reviews of Malaysia’s, Singapore’s and Thailand’s efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic on households, businesses and society at large.

Access more information via [ISEAS].

1 October 2021 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, USA

A Dissident’s View of Communist China

In this online conversation, Chinese dissident Wu’er Kaixi will inform about the latest developments of authoritarianism in China and how the international community should respond to Beijing’s repression at home and aggression abroad, and why it took so long for the world to wake up to the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party.

If you are interested, see [Hudson] for further information.

4 October 2021 @ 3:30-5:30 p.m. (GMT+1), Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, UK

Inter-State Complaints in International Human Rights Law

The possibility to complain about the violation of human rights before a supra-national body is an essential element towards the effective implementation of international human rights law. Beyond the possibility of individuals bringing complaints before UN Treaty Bodies or regional human rights courts, various human rights treaties establish inter-state complaint mechanisms. This webinar will discuss those communications, as well as the system of inter-state complaints more broadly. It will discuss parallels with inter-state applications before the European Court of Human Rights and the challenges and opportunities of regional human rights bodies in this context.

Visit [Bingham Centre] for further details about the event.

4-6 October 2021 @ 2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Italian Institute for International Political Studies and Bocconi University, Italy

Think20 (T20) Summit

At this hybrid three-day conference, policy makers and experts will discuss multilateral challenges for the G20 and other multilateral for including international finance, climate and growth, trade and investments, vaccines and health, digitalization, poverty and inequalities.

Find more information at [ISPI].

4 October 2021 @ 6:00-7:30 p.m. (GMT+5.30), Council on Energy, Environment and Water, India

Powering Livelihoods in the Global South: Energy Transition for Citizen-centric Development

This webinar will explore ideas around energy transition for citizen-centric development in the Global South, which harmonize sustainable development, energy transition and climate resilience.

Visit [CEEW] for further event details.

4 October 2021 @ 9:00-10:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: American and European Perspectives

The increase in attacks targeting critical infrastructure – from the Colonial Pipeline in the United States to University Hospitals in Germany – highlights the urgent need to address systemic cybersecurity risks. The United States and the European Union have taken different approaches to dealing with the threat. This online event will discuss the American and European perspectives on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure.

If you are interested in joining the event, you can find more details and register at [CSIS].

4 October 2021 @ 1:00 p.m. (GMT-5), The Brookings Institution, USA

Engaging China: Reconsidering the strategy and practice

In this panel discussion, the recent publication “Engaging China” (Columbia University Press), will be debated, which will offer insights into how today’s policies toward China can learn from the past U.S.-China engagement.

Find more about event details at [Brookings].

5 October 2021 @ 1:00 p.m. (GMT-8), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, USA 

9/11 and Afghanistan Twenty Years Later: Successes, Failures, Surprises, and Lessons

Almost coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the fall of Kabul in 2021 triggered global questions about consequences and costs of the engagement in Afghanistan.

To address this, the panel will discuss US. responses during the global war on terror, and weigh the costs and benefits of the struggle against terrorism.

Find more about event details at [Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies].

5 October 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT-8), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, USA

Climate Change: Challenges and Responses in Korea

A panel of climate change experts will discuss the challenges facing Korea and the country's mitigation efforts and policy responses.

The event is part of Shorenstein APARC's fall 2021 webinar series Perfect Storm: Climate Change in Asia.

Find more about event details at [Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies].

5 October 2021 @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT+2), European Council of Foreign Relations, Germany

Waves of ambition: Russia’s military build-up in the Black Sea

Against the backdrop of Russia’s efforts to modernize and strengthen its military infrastructure in the Black Sea, this webinar will discuss the question what can the EU and NATO do to reduce the risk of escalation in the region?

Visit [ECFR] for more details.

5 October 2021 @ 2:30 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel, Belgium

What is the link between biodiversity loss and financial instability?

The online seminar will explore the relationship between biodiversity loss and financial instability in France.

Further information is available at [Bruegel].

5 October 2021 @ 2:00 p.m. (GMT+9), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Japan

The Growth of PET Bottle Recycling in Japan

This webinar will discuss the background, drivers, successes and challenges of PET bottle recycling in Japan, including the role of government, technology development and the responsibilities of manufacturers.

More details can be accessed via [IGES].

5 October 2021 @ 3:00-5:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Institute for Policy Research, USA

Lessons From the Murder of a Mexican Land Defender

This webinar will address the question: What does the murder of community activist Mariano Abarca, say about Canadian government accountability? Abarca has been known for leading opposition against mining by Canadian Blackfire Exploration in his community of Chicomuselo in the state of Chiapas in Southern Mexico.

Vist [IPS] to learn more about the event. 

5 October 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), The Dialogue, USA

Fifth Annual Latin America Energy Conference – Transition and Recovery

The Fifth Annual Latin America Energy Conference will discuss the most pressing energy policy issues in the hemisphere. The online event will bring together energy company executives, US and Latin American government officials, and international and nongovernmental organizations.

Find more about the event at [The Dialogue].

5 October 2021 @ 9:00-11:15 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

Beyond Security: South Korea’s Soft Power and the Future of the U.S.-ROK Alliance in a Post-Pandemic World

This online panel will bring together scholars, journalists, authors, industry leaders and other leading experts to look at how South Korea can enhance and leverage its soft power in fields such as K-pop, soap operas, movies, video games, contemporary art, sports, education, business, and technology. They will also discuss the role of soft power in the context of U.S.-ROK alliance. 

Learn more about the event at [CSIS].

5 October 2021 @ 10:00-11:15 a.m. (GMT-4), American Enterprise Institute, USA

Do we still need the UN and World Health Organization? A conservative approach to international organizations

International organizations founded in the wake of World War II — such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization — have faltered in recent years, and the COVID-19 crisis has exposed fundamental flaws in their design. Attitudes toward these organizations have turned polemic — with some believing the US should abandon the organizations and others refusing to acknowledge any issues with their current form. Against this backdrop, this online panel discussion will explore conservative approaches toward challenges with international organizations.

For more information, see [AEI].

5 October 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Devex, USA

Shaping growth in Latin America: A conversation with Luis Alberto Moreno

Against the backdrop of the fallouts of the Covid-19 pandemic in Latin America, this online conversation will explore both the underlying causes of the recent setbacks across the region and discuss what can be done to support national and community-led efforts to imagine a new future for the region.

More details of event can be found at [Devex].

Recent Book Releases 

Bruce J. Dickson, The Party and the People: Chinese Politics in the 21st Century, Princeton University Press, 328 pages, May 25, 2021, with a review in [New York Journal of Books].

Rush Doshi, The Long Game: China’s Grand Strategy to Displace American Order, Oxford University Press, 432 pages, July 8, 2021. A review is available at [Council on Foreign Relations].

David Shambaugh, Where Great Powers Meet: America and China in Southeast Asia, Oxford University Press, 352 pages, December 11, 2020. The book is discussed at [Australian Institute for International Affairs].

Peter Martin, China’s Civilian Army: The Making of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy, Oxford University Press, 320 pages, June 10, 2021, reviewed in [ASPI].

Craig Whitlock, The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War Hardcover, Simon & Schuster, 368 pages, August 31, 2021, reviewed in [Washington Independent].

John Zerilli, John Danaher, James Maclaurin, Colin Gavaghan, Alistair Knott, Joy Liddicoat and Merel Noorman, A Citizen’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence, MIT Press, 240 pages, February 23, 2021, with a review in [LSE].

Scott Timcke, Algorithms and the End of Politics: How Technology Shapes 21st-Century American Life, Bristol University Press, 155 pages, February 15, 2021, reviewed in [LSE].

Zhou Xun and Sander L. Gilman, ‘I Know Who Caused COVID-19’: Pandemics and Xenophobia, Reaktion Books, 256 pages, September 14, 2021, discussed in [The Guardian].

Josy Joseph, The Silent Coup: A History of India’s Deep State, Context, 320 pages, August 23, 2021, reviewed in [The Hindu].

Amia Srinivasan, The Right to Sex: Feminism in the Twenty-First Century, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 282 pages, September 21, 2021. A review is available at [Washington Independent].

Calls for Papers

InMInd Support is welcoming proposals for presentations for its 4th International Interdisciplinary Conference“Human Rights, Violence and Dictatorship” to be held virtually on November 18-19, 2021. Closing date for submissions is October 25, 2021. For more information, see [Inconference]. 

The Centre for Comparative Modernisms is accepting paper proposals for the international conference “1922/2022 – Total Modernism: Continuity, Discontinuity, and the Experimental Turn” scheduled for May 18-20, 2022.  Deadline for submissions is December 21, 2021. Find more about the call for papers at [Centre for Comparative Modernisms].

The Goethe Society of India is inviting potential contributors of its conference “Rethinking Society for a Post-Pandemic World” to submit paper proposals. The conference will be held on November 30 to December 2. Submission deadline is October 30, 2021. If you are interested, visit [Goethe India] for more details. 

Jobs and Positions

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hiring a Regional Project Manager at the UN-Habitat Regional Office in Amman, Jordan. Deadline for applications is October 11, 2021. Find out more at [UNDP]. 

World Vision International (World Vision) is recruiting a Regional Project Manager – Let the Children Come Project to be based in Nairobi. Applications will be accepted until October 4, 2021. Further details are provided at [World Vision].

The United Nations Secretariat’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs-Department of Peace Operations-Shared Structure is seeking a Political Affairs Officer. Closing date for applications is November 7, 2021. Visit [UN] for further information.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering the position of Director of the Department of Digital Health and Innovation. Deadline for applications is October 16, 2021. Visit [WHO] for more information.

The Council of the European Union is hiring a Director-General of the Competitiveness and Trade Department. Deadline for applications is October 1, 2021. Find out more at [EUR-Lex].

The Council of the European Union is recruiting a Director-General for its Economic and Financial Affairs Department. Deadline for applications is October 1, 2021. Find out more at [EUR-Lex].

Europol is offering the position of Senior Agent – Lawyer at its Data Protection Function. Applications are accepted until October 22, 2021. Visit [Europol] for further details.

Interpol is accepting applications for its SECONDMENT - Head of the Confidentiality and Due Diligence Desk. Deadline for submission of applications is November 30, 2021. Fore more information, see [Interpol]

The Asian Development Bank is hiring a Deputy Country Director of its Central and West Asia Department, to be based at the Pakistan Resident Mission. Closing date for applications is September 29, 2021. Further information is available at [ADB].

The Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University is offering a tenured, senior position (associate or full professor) in the field of Human Rights. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2021. If you are interested, find more about the vacancy at [Brown University].

The Tulane University Department of Philosophy and Murphy Institute of Political Economy is recruiting a tenure-line faculty member with area of specialization in ethics or political philosophy. Review of applications will begin on October 15th and will continue until the position is filled. For more information, see [Inside Higher ED].

The Department of Political Science at the University of South Carolina seeks applications for either an Associate or Full Professor in Comparative Politics. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2021. Find more at [University of South Carolina].

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