Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 13, March/2021, 5
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
Welcome to this week’s brief on the latest events and developments in domestic politics, constitutional law, human rights, international relations and geopolitics in Asia.
I wish you an informative read and extend special greetings to readers in Cyprus, Iran and Senegal which celebrate National Day, Islamic Day, and Independence Day this week respectively.
With best regards,
Henning Glaser
Director, German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance (CPG)
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Law and Politics in East Asia
Law and Politics in South Asia
Law and Politics in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Law and Politics in East Asia
China: Reform of Hong Kong’s electoral system endorsed
(dql) The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the top decision-making body of the China’s legislature, has approved a far-reaching overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system. A major change pertains to the composition of the Legislative Council (LegCo), the city's parliament, whose number of seats will be expanded from 70 to 90. The number of directly elected members will be reduced from 35 to 20 while the number of members from functional constituencies will be lowered from 35 to 30. The remaining 40 members will be chosen by the mostly government-appointed Election Committee (EC), an electoral college whose function is to select the city’s Chief Executive.
Under the new system, the composition of the EC will also change. The number of members will increase from 1200 to 1500. The 117 seats previously given to district councilors – most of whom belong to the pan-democratic or anti-government camp – will be scrapped and replaced by government-appointed positions.
To vet all candidates for the LegCo elections, a new committee will be established, consisting of fewer than 10 members who are to be selected by two agencies overseeing national security – the Committee for Safeguarding National Security under Hong Kong’s Chief Executive and Beijing’s national security office in Hong Kong. [CNN] [South China Morning Post]
Chinese and Hong Kong officials welcomed the reform as “the only measure” to ensure the “principle of patriots governing Hong Kong,” and to “root out the risks of ‘color revolutions’ incited by some external forces and their political proxies, and shake off the endless political disputes and dangerous situation created by radical forces.” [Global Times]
China: Counter-terrorism and sinicization policies in Xinjiang to stay
(dql) Defying international criticism of China’s treatment of the Uighur minority in Xinjiang and related sanctions against Chinese officials, Wang Yang – the head of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and currently China’s fourth-highest ranked politician who oversees the party’s policies in Xinjiang and national policies on ethnic and religious affairs – made clear that the Chinese government is continuing and deepening its current policies in this region. During his recent visit to Xinjiang, he praised the “consolidation” of efforts to counter terrorism and alleviate poverty and called on officials to strengthen efforts to sinicize Islam and make the religion more compatible with Chinese socialist values. [South China Morning Post]
Facebook blocked Chinese hackers who target Uighurs abroad
(zh) Facebook has blocked hackers in China who used the platform to target Uighur activists, journalists and dissidents, living abroad, including Turkey, Kazakhstan, the United States, Syria, Australia, and Canada. Two Chinese companies, Beijing Best United Technology Co Ltd (Best Lh) and Dalian 9Rush Technology Co Ltd (9Rush), were found to develop the Android tooling deployed by the hacker group. [Reuters]
Japan: Lawmaker resigns over vote buying
(dql) Former Justice Minister Katsuyuki Kawai announced to resign as lawmaker after he pleaded guilty to vote-buying. Kawai, a House of Representatives member, is accused of violating the election law by distributing money to politicians and supporters in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, to reward them for votes secured in the campaign to get his wife Anri Kawai elected in July 2019. [Kyodo News]
South Korea: Mayoral election campaigns kick-off
(nm) With the 7 April Seoul mayoral by-election approaching, election campaigns in the ruling progressive and the opposition conservative bloc are heating up. Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) will campaign as unified candidate for the conservative bloc after winning a public opinion survey against Ahn Cheol-soo of the minor opposition People’s Party last week. Candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Park Young-sun, equally kicked off her campaign last Thursday.
Although Park was leading public opinion surveys when she first announced her candidacy in late January, Oh has recently taken the lead by great margins, in particular among young voters. Park’s popularity has seen a steep drop as the national land speculation scandal involving public officials of the state-run Korean Land and Housing Corp. (LH) has sparked public outrage towards the Moon Jae-in government.
The by-election is generally viewed as a barometer for the presidential election next year and positive results for Oh could also support his possible ambitions for presidency. [Korea Times 1] [Korea Times 2] [Korea Herald]
South Korea: National Assembly approves legislation in response to land speculation scandal
(nm) After an ongoing land speculation scandal involving officials from the state-run Korea Land and Housing Corp. (LH) has been dominating South Korean domestic politics for several weeks, the National Assembly last week passed three bills that aim to eradicate public officials’ illegitimate real estate transactions.
The revisions to various related laws expand possible sentences for public officials involved in speculations and allow for the confiscation of financial profits gained from real-estate deals based on insider information. They further expand the reach of compulsory asset declaration requirements to lower-level government officials involved in real estate-related assignments which formerly only applied to high-ranking public officials. [Korea Times]
This week, President Moon Jae-in also urged for a law on preventing conflict of interest among public officials, in his first participation in an Anti-Corruption Policy Consultation Council meeting in nine months. Attempts to pass a relevant law had failed several years ago over failure to reach a compromise between lawmakers. Moon also replaced the presidential office policy chief after a controversy surrounding him leasing his Seoul apartment. [Yonhap 1] [Yonhap 2]
National anger had erupted earlier in March after civil groups had uncovered a massive public housing speculation scandal. Several officials from the government agency responsible for building new towns and housing amid soaring house prices, Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), are suspected of using privileged information to buy undeveloped land south of Seoul, register it for farming and planting trees before developers of government housing must then pay for the trees in addition to the land – a common trick of dubious real estate speculators in South Korea. The scandal is set to play a relevant role in the Seoul and Busan mayoral elections on April 7, as well as in the lead-up to the presidential election next March. [The New York Times]
Taiwan: 100 convicted in political trials exonerated
(dql) Taiwan’s Transitional Justice Commission (TJC) announced the latest round of exonerations for 100 individuals convicted in political trials during the authoritarian era from 1945-1992. The guilty verdicts, involving 105 cases, were declared unjust overturned during a ceremony presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen. The cases include crimes of rebellion, espionage and subversion. [Focus Taiwan]
Law and Politics in South Asia
Bangladesh: Violent protests spread after visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
(lm) At least 13 people were killed and dozens injured in protests against a two-day visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh. Clashes between protesters and government forces began on March 26 after weekly prayers in three cities – Dhaka, the capital; Brahmanbaria, near the Indian border, and the coastal city of Chittagong - and have since spread across the country. [Al Jazeera 1] [Reuters] [The Straits Times]
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bangladesh on March 26 to attend the concluding event of Bangladesh’s 10-day-long grand celebration commemorating the birth centenary of the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of independence from Pakistan [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. Critics accuse Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of stoking religious polarization in India and discriminating against minorities, particularly Muslims. In recent weeks, demonstrators in Muslim-majority Bangladesh had urged the Indian leader not to visit and criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for issuing the invitation, saying the two countries have many unresolved disputes, including the killing of Bangladeshis by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) [see AiR No. 7, February/2021, 3].
A few hundred members of Hefazat-e-Islam, a tightly-knit coalition of a dozen or so Islamist organizations [see AiR No. 7, February/2021, 3], led street processions through Chittagong and Dhaka on March 27, protesting the deaths of four of their supporters, who were killed the day before when police had opened fire at protesters who allegedly attacked a police station. Violence continued in Brahammanbaria the following day, resulting in five more deaths, according to Bangladeshi media. When the protest march turned violent, security forces opened fire to disperse the crowds. [Al Jazeera 2] [New York Times]
Other groups - including students and other Islamist outfits - also staged protests, criticizing the government for what they described as growing authoritarianism, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. At least 20 people, including two journalists, were injured when members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BSL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League, carried out multiple attacks on protests at a university in the capital Dhaka. [Dhaka Tribune]
Separately, protests were held on March 25 across Bangladesh to observe the “Bengali Genocide Remembrance Day”. Approved unanimously in 2017, the national day commemorates “Operation Searchlight”, a military operation carried out by the Pakistan Army which sought to curb the Bengali independence movement by eliminating the Awami League apparatus, alongside Bengali civilians, intelligentsia, students, politicians, and armed personnel [see AiR No. 10, March/2021, 2]. [Hindustan Times]
Bangladesh: Authorities defend use of fences after Rohingya camp blaze
(lm) Authorities defended on March 24 the use of barbed-wire fencing surrounding Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps, after a major blaze in four conjoined camps near Cox’s Bazar had left at least 15 people dead and nearly 50,000 homeless [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4].
In the wake of early assessments, the United Nations (UN), aid groups and Rohingya leaders said on March 23 that the fences erected by the military had hampered rescue work and made it difficult to evacuate, though it wasn’t yet clear how significant an obstacle they were. Bangladesh’s refugee commissioner came out defending the fences, saying they were not built inside the camps to act as barriers between blocks of shanties. [The New Humanitarian] [The Straits Times]
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. An early report from the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) suggested an exploding gas cylinder may have been responsible. Rohingya households receive cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking fuel as part of their aid supplies. [BRAC]
Meanwhile, the UN’s migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said the fire destroyed a number of facilities, including key medical facilities, food distribution centers, and a market. [ReliefWeb]
Bangladesh: Fourteen Islamist militants sentenced to death for assassination attempt on prime minister
(lm) A Bangladeshi court on March 23 handed sentenced to death 14 militants in a two-decade-old case related to an attempted assassination of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The convicts are members of Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI), an Islamic fundamentalist organization that was banned in Bangladesh in 2005. [The Hindu]
In the case dating back to 2000, security officials recovered a time bomb near the stage where the prime minister was scheduled to speak. Among those accused in the case, 13 are in prison, while 11 have absconded. Last week’s verdict came after a High Court in February had upheld the death sentence of 10 militants and acquitted one [see AiR No. 8, February/2021, 4].
Bhutan: Government approved 10 Foreign Direct Investment projects in 2020, according to report
Last year, the Bhutanese government has approved ten Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects, according to an annual report published last week. Although the number of approved projects declined by two as compared to 2019, the value of the projects approved last year increased by 80 percent to almost $30 million. Notably, India remains the major source of FDI investments in the country, with five of the 10 projects coming from the South Asian giant. [Kuensel]
Separately, Bhutan initiated its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign on March 27, after receiving an additional 400,000 free doses from India’s Covishield (the local name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine developed in the United Kingdom). Bhutan was among the first countries to receive free consignments of the vaccine in January [see AiR No. 5, February/2021, 1]
India: Prime Minister Modi’s BJP vies for power in West Bengal state
(lm) Polling for the Legislative Assembly in India’s eastern state of West Bengal commenced on March 27 in the first of eight phases due to end on Aril 29. More than 90 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots for 294 assembly seats in one of the most significant state elections in India in recent years. Voters in the neighboring state of Assam also went to the polls on March 27 in the first of three phases. The results from both elections will be announced on May 2, alongside the results from Legislative Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. [The Straits Times 1]
Victory in West Bengal would be a major achievement for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which seeks to expand further its power base beyond its heartland, India's sprawling and politically febrile Hindi Belt. While the party is pushing hard to win power in the Bengali-speaking region for the first time, it faces a tough opponent in the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) led by its founder and incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The AITC has been in power in West Bengal since 2011, when it dislodged a government led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) that had governed the state for 34 years. [CNBC] [The Straits Times 2] [The Straits Times 3]
Campaigns have seen huge rallies, despite a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in India in recent weeks, including around 800,000 people attending an event in Kolkata that featured Prime Minister Modi. Hoping to draw critical votes in the key battleground state, the prime minister on March 27 visited a Hindu temple outside Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka that is sacred to the Matua community in West Bengal. The Matua sect’s vote is expected to determine the winner of at least seven of the 294 seats in the state’s Legislative Assembly. [Associated Press] [New York Times]
In a state that is considered the country’s hotbed of political violence, activists from both parties had been killed during the campaign, and fresh incidents of violence were reported on March 27 with police saying a mob threw bombs at one polling station, seriously injuring an officer. [The Straits Times 4]
Nepal: CPN(M) withdraws its support from government, seeks support from opposition parties
(lm) Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) (CPN(M)), Pushpa Kama Dahal, announced on March 27 his party would withdraw its support from the government. Further elaborating, Dahal explained he would seek to forge consensus with Nepal’s two major opposition parties – the People’s Socialist Party, Nepal, (PSP-N) and the Nepali Congress (NC) – to ensure that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli does not pass a no-trust motion. [The Himalayan Times 1]
Against the backdrop of the CPN(M)’s decision, Prime Minister Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) has to garner the support of at least another 17 lawmakers of the 275-member House of Representatives to pass the floor test successfully. With 63 lawmakers, the NC — the second-largest party in the House — has emerged as a virtual kingmaker: Both CPN-UML and CPN(M) could form the government on the majoritarian principle with the support of the NC [see AiR No. 11, March/2021, 3].
The PSP-N, meanwhile, is yet to align itself with either the prime minister or is archrival Dahal. Notably, there are two schools of thought in the party, which represents the Madhesi, people of Indian ancestry residing in the Terai of Nepal that make up about 20 percent of the country’s total population. While the first argues the PSP-N should support the party that would fulfill their demands, the other faction reasons that the PSP-N should not allow Prime Minister Oli to remain in power. [The Himalayan Times 2]
Pakistan: Prime Minister Khan appoints new finance minister
(lm) Pakistan’s Prime Minister on March 29 removed Finance Minister Hafeez Shaikh, who had lost a crucial contest for a Senate seat earlier this month [see AiR No. 10, March/2021, 2], as part of a government shake-up aimed at bringing in policies to control “rising inflation”. Succeeding Shaikh is hitherto Industries and Production Minister Hammad Azhar. [Anadolu Agency] [Nikkei Asia]
The change in personnel comes shortly after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on March 24 approved a $500 million disbursement to Pakistan, the third loan tranche under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) which should eventually bring Islamabad $6 billion [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. Pakistan had entered the EFF in 2019, but the program was suspended last April after Islamabad had failed to meet all requirements [see AiR No. 14, April/2020, 1]. [Reuters]
In the wake of the resumption of the EFF, Islamabad on March 26 signed seven loan agreements with the World Bank with a combined value of $1.3 billion to oil its drying external financing pipelines. In addition, the government is also preparing to pitch Eurobonds worth around $2 billion to global investors to shore up foreign reserves. [The Express Tribune 1] [The Express Tribune 2]
Pakistan: Killing of teenagers sparks protest caravan in country’s former tribal region
(lm) About 3,000 demonstrators in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province launched a protest caravan early on March 28 to demand a government probe into the deaths of four young men who they allege died during interrogation by security forces. In their attempt to reach Islamabad, the caravan tried to break through a police blockade, prompting security forces to fire tear gas at the protesters. Following overnight talks with government officials, leaders of the protest called off the demonstration on March 29. [Gandhara 1]
Many participants in the protest caravan were part of a sit-in protest that began nearly a week earlier in a town located on the border of the former tribal region of North Waziristan, after the bullet-riddled corpses of the four teenagers were discovered in a field. [Gandhara 2] [The Straits Times]
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province comprises the former semi-autonomous tribal areas, where Pakistan’s military has launched a series of operations since 2014, forcing Pakistan’s leading Taliban group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to take sanctuary over the border in Afghanistan [see AiR No. 37, September/2020, 3]. Rights groups have accused the military of carrying out extrajudicial detentions and other abuses in the area - a charge the military has consistently denied.
Pakistan: Government establishes anti-rape crisis cells
(lm) In the wake of rising cases of rape, assault and sexual abuse in Pakistan, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government has decided to set up “Anti-Rape Crisis Cells” in every district of the country. The Ministry of Law and Justice has constituted a 42-member Special Committee to oversee the establishment of the cells. The Committee is also entitled to prepare recommendations for the prime minister’s approval regarding the investigation and prosecution of incidents of sexual assault. [Pakistan Today] [Ministry of Human Rights]
The setting-up of the Committee follows on a decision by a Cabinet committee last November, which had approved two ordinances to introduce strict punishments for sex offenders, including chemical castration, and setting up special courts to expedite rape trials. The legislation came months after Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised to remove deficiencies in existing legislation to expedite justice for rape victims [see AiR No. 51, December/2020, 4].
The country ranks 154th on the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s 2020 Gender Inequality Index and 151st, or third-last, on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2020. [UNDP] [World Economic Forum]
Pakistan: Government refuses to renew passport of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
(lm) Against the larger backdrop of Islamabad’s failure to persuade the United Kingdom to repatriate former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani government has decided not to renew Sharif’s passport, which had expired in February. Instead, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry offered to issue a special document, which would extend the court order that allowed the former prime minister to travel abroad to seek medical treatment in 2019, on the condition that he would provide information related to his health. [Dawn]
Sharif has been residing in London since November 2019 after a court granted him indefinite bail to seek medical treatment. The former prime minister is facing several corruption charges in Pakistan and is considered by the courts to have absconded. He is also facing sedition charges for accusing the military of political interference [see AiR No. 41, October/2020, 2, AiR No. 37, September/2020, 3]. In December, the government had for the first time announced that it was planning to cancel Sharif’s passport, after a third attempt to pressure the UK into repatriating him had failed [see AiR No. 1, January/2021, 1].
Pakistan: Prosecution failed to prove guilt of main accused in murder case of US journalist, says apex court
(lm) Pakistan’s Supreme Court (SC) has criticized the prosecution for its failure to prove the guilt of the main accused in the case on kidnapping and murder of an American journalist. In its judgement, the apex court on March 26 held that the evidence furnished during the trial against British-born Islamist Ahmed Saeed Omar Sheikh was full of factual and legal defects. [The New Indian Express]
Before, the SC in February had affirmed a lower court’s decision to acquit Sheikh and his three co-conspirators of all charges – except abduction – and recommended that Sheikh be transferred to a government safe house as a steppingstone to his full release after spending 18 years on death row [see AiR No. 6, February/2021, 2]. Soon thereafter, the journalist’s family had filed a review petition, joining Pakistan’s federal government and the provincial government of Sindh in seeking a reversal of the acquittal. [Dawn]
Sheikh always denied his role, and questions remained over whether he had actually carried out the killing, or just been a secondary figure involved in the kidnapping. A recently revealed letter showed Sheikh seeming to admit a “relatively minor” role in the journalist’s murder for the first time, although his lawyer says this was written under duress. Just days before the SC’s ruling, Sheikh was transferred to a government safe house, frustrating efforts by the government and the journalist’s family to keep him in jail. [The Times]
Law and Politics in Southeast Asia
Indonesia: Suicide bomb attack at Catholic Church
(dql) On last Palm Sunday, the first day of the Easter Holy Week, a Catholic church in the city of Makassar in Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province was hit by a suicide bombing, wounding some 20 people. While there has been no claim of responsibility this far, the Police believe that the two bombers belong to Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an Islamic State-inspired group suspected of suicide attacks in the city of Surabaya in 2018. [Channel News Asia] [Reuters]
On Monday, Densus 88, the Indonesian National Police’s counter-terrorism squad, arrested 13 suspected terrorists in four provinces, with four of them arrested in Sulawesi believed to have assisted the two suicide bombers in preparing the blast. They are all members of a study group named Villa Mutiara. [Antara News 1]
In a separate development, Densus 88 arrested a man on suspicion of fundraising for Jamaah Islamiyah in Banten province. [Antara News 2]
Laos: Inaugural session of 9th National Assembly appoints new President and Prime Minister
(py) The inaugural session of the 9th National Assembly concluded on March 26, following a five-day sitting that elected state leaders and approved development targets. [The Star]
On March 22, the Assembly elected hitherto Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith as the country’s new President, entrusting a popular leader with rebooting an economy devastated by the coronavirus pandemic. At the 11thNational Congress of the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) held in January, Sisoulith was elected the party's general secretary, and hence de facto leader of Laos, making him the first civilian with no military background to serve in the top job [see AiR No. 3, January/ 2021,3]. Assuming Thongloun's old post of prime minister is hitherto Vice President Phankham Viphavanh. Both men will serve five-year terms. [Nikkei Asia 1] [The Laotian Times 1]
The session also approved the 9th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) for 2021 to 2025, which set an average annual GDP growth target of at least 4 percent. Moreover, the State Inspection Authority has been separated from the government and will from now on be supervised by the office of the President instead. Lately, state inspection had revealed that the country had experienced losses of about $100 million in the past five years due to corruption. [The Laotian Times 2] [The Laotian Times 3]
In a trend referred to by some observers as cases of “inherited power”, seven out of the 17 newly appointed Cabinet members are related to either the family of Kaysone Phomvihane, the first leader of the Communist LPRP and the country’s de facto leader from 1975 until his death in 1992, or General Khamtai Siphandone, a former President and leader of the LPRP. [Radio Free Asia]
The appointment of hitherto Minister of Industry and Commerce, Khemmani Pholsena, as minister in charge of the presidential office assumes added significance. For Pholsena is a former schoolmate of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and observers believe her ties to the Chinese president having influenced her transfer. [Nikkei Asia 2]
In fact, China is the largest creditor nation for Laos, accounting for about 50 percent or $5.9 billion of the country’s foreign debt, according to available reports. Large-scale projects backed by Chinese funds, such as hydroelectric dams and a flagship high-speed railway, have propped up Laos's economic growth, which had hit the 6 to 7 percent range annually.
But the coronavirus pandemic has not spared Laos either, compounding its financial strain in 2020. In its latest assessment published on March 26, the World Bank stated that Laos was had large external financing needs, but also predicted the country’s economic growth to rebound to around 4 percent in the medium term. [Bloomberg] [World Bank]
Malaysia: UMNO quits support for National Alliance coalition, demands PAS to do the same
(dql) At its annual general meeting, held past weekend, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) adopted a resolution to cut ties with Perikatan Nasional (PN), the ruling National Alliance coalition led by the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) which UMNO has been nominally supporting. Referring to demands of factions within the UMNO for snap elections prior to the end of the Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s January Covid-19 Emergency Decree in August, the party’s president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi sent a warning towards PN calling the resolution a mandate bestowed on him “to withdraw at any time if they (PN) do not indicate willingness to call for elections soon.” [Malay Mail 1] [Malay Mail 2]
Zahid, furthermore, called on Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) – second largest party in the PN – to withdraw its support for the PN, accusing the Islamist party of violating the UMNO/PAS Muafakat Nasional (MN) agreement by joining the PN when it was formed in February 2020. Both parties concluded the MN in 2019 to build a coalition against the then ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition. [The Straits Time 1]
In response, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang called for cooperation between all three parties anf offered to continue to be the peacemaker in the row between UMNO and Bersatu. [The Straits Times 2]
Malaysia: UMNO top recipient of 1MDB proceeds among 26 political parties
(dql) Malaysia’s prosecution has revealed that – among 26 political parties which received proceeds from the 700 million USD 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal – the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) received the highest amount of more than 120 million USD, with the total amount for all parties at over 131 million USD. [Malay Mail]
Malaysia: Implemention of voting age reform delayed
(dql) The Malaysian Election Commission has decided to delay until September 2022 the implementation of ‘Undi 18’, which refers to the movement that led to the constitutional amendment to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, passed by the parliament in Summer 2019. The Commission cited the Movement Control Order (MCO) for its decision, adding the need to “re-evaluate various constraints and issues that affect the planning and initial preparations of the EC.” The MCO is widely referred to as ‘lockdown’ order, promulgated by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and providing restrictions on movements and gatherings. [The Malaysian Reserve]
In response, some 100 young protesters from various youth groups marched towards the Parliament to protest the Election Commission’s decision, arguing that it would bar them from a possible snap election in this year. An NGO, meanwhile, announced to sue the government over its “failure” to gazette the 2019 constitutional amendment and to bring Undi 18 into effect. [Malay Mail] [Free Malaysia Today]
Myanmar: Trial of Suu Kyi postponed to April 1, according to aid
(lm) A court hearing for Myanmar’s de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been postponed until April 1, an aide to her lawyer said on March 24, marking the second successive postponement in her case. Suu Kyi, who was arrested the same day the military seized power in Myanmar on February 1, faces five charges that include illegally importing six handheld radios, breaching coronavirus protocols and violating an anti-corruption law [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. [South China Morning Post]
Myanmar: At least 141 killed in deadliest day since military coup
(lm) March 26 witnessed the bloodiest day since the military seized power in February, as security forces killed at least 141 pro-democracy protesters in 44 towns and cities across the country. The fresh crackdown came as Myanmar's military, the Tatmadaw, held the annual "Armed Forces Day" parade in the capital Naypyitaw, using the occasion to condemn the opposition and to promise elections – without specifying the date. [Deutsche Welle] [CNN 1]
Eight countries -- Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand -- sent representatives, but Russia was the only one to send a minister, who met with senior junta leaders and offered his support. Support from Moscow and Beijing, which has also refrained from criticism, is important for the junta as those two countries are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and can block potential UN actions.
Prior to the lethal crackdown, Myanmar’s military junta on March 23 accused the leaders of the ongoing nationwide protests of arson and inciting violence and sought to justify last month’s coup by repeating accusations of fraud against deposed de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Surprisingly, authorities the following day released more than 600 people detained during the anti-junta protests. [The Straits Times]
More than 500 civilians have been killed since nationwide protests erupted against the coup, according to the latest tally by the local monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which has been tracking killings of demonstrators in Myanmar. But what is more, at least 25 percent of protester deaths have come from shots to the head. In a new tactic, protesters sought to step up a civil disobedience campaign on March 30 by asking residents to throw garbage onto streets on key road intersections. [South China Morning Post 1]
The violent response from the military leaders drew renewed Western condemnation, with countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union speaking out. Moreover, in a joint statement, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, and Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the Myanmar military to "immediately stop killing the very people it has the duty to serve and protect." [CNN 2] [UN News]
To further starve the military junta of revenue, the United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on Myanmar Economic Holdings (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), two conglomerates controlled by Myanmar’s military. Washington on March 29 also suspended relations established with the country under the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) until the return of a democratically elected government. In addition, the United States Trade Representative will weigh whether the political situation in Myanmar threatens the status granted under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, which provides some developing countries with preferential trade access to the US. [South China Morning Post 2] [Reuters] [Voice of America]
Philippines: Senate Bill seeks to criminalize ‘red-tagging’
(ll) Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon has filed a bill that seeks to criminalize and punish red-tagging activities. ‘Red-tagging’ refers to the blacklisting or vilification of groups or individuals as state enemies (terrorist and/or communist), regardless of their actual political beliefs, group affiliations, or actions. [Inquirer]
The bill or “Act Defining and Penalizing Red-Tagging” aims to address the impunity that has accompanied the threats and killings of teachers, lawyers, activists that have been red-tagged. The proposed Act comes after the Supreme Court denounced the threats, killings of lawyers, judges.
The bill has been supported by the Makabayan bloc, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Church leaders. But it was frowned upon by the National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who has been accused of performing red-tagging activities in the name of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). [CNN] [Manila Bulletin]
Moreover, the Supreme Court (SC) pressed the government to stop enforcement of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) due to ‘red-tagging’ of the Association of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE). The SC is also expected to hear the oral arguments of the government on April 6, though the government has requested that the hearing be postponed until April 23. [Manila Bulletin]
Thailand: Police file fresh round of charges after anti-government protesters hold peaceful rally
(lm) Hundreds of protesters gathered on March 29 to defiantly repeat their calls for reform of the royal institution and the release of suspects arrested and detained on lèse-majesté charges, a day after police had cleared a protest camp near the Government House in Bangkok and detained nearly 100 protesters for breaching public health measures against the coronavirus. [The Bangkok Post 1]
Moreover, thousands of anti-government protesters returned to the streets in Bangkok on March 24, days after one of the most violent demonstrations since they began last year [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. The rally was called by the United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration, a faction of a broader protest movement that started last year and has three core demands: the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government, for the constitution to be amended to make it more democratic and the monarchy to be reformed to make it more accountable. [Associated Press] [The Straits Times] [The Thaiger]
While the rally ended peacefully, police are preparing to take legal action against 21 protesters, possibly including for violating the lèse-majesté law, which makes criticizing, insulting or defaming the king or other key royals punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment. Since last November, at least 76 activists involved with the protests have been charged with similar violations. [Bangkok Post 2]
The rally was held a day before prosecutors were to decide whether to accept sedition and lèse-majesté charges against 13 other protesters in cases relating to a rally held outside the German embassy in the capital in October last year [see AiR No. 43, October/2020, 4]. Eight other protesters, who are already being held in pretrial detention in lèse-majesté cases, have been denied bail to prevent them from playing any active role in the ongoing protest movement. [Bangkok Post 3] [Bangkok Post 4]
Separately, a group of human rights advocates led by a former member of the National Human Rights Commission on March 26 petitioned the Central Administrative Court over police’s handling of a demonstration near the parliament complex on November 17, when security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons. At least 18 people were injured, marking the most violent confrontation since a youth-led protest movement had emerged in July [see AiR No. 46, November/2020, 3].
Thailand: Constitutional reform moves stall, leaving Prime Minister Chan-o-cha with stronger position
(lm) While the protest movement against the government is increasingly losing momentum [see article above], Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha signaled this week that he was easy about the course of events in Parliament where moves have floundered to amend the 2017 Constitution, despite what appeared to be a parliamentary victory for the opposition. [Thai Examiner]
Amendments to the Constitution had been pursuit in Parliament via two bills – a government-sponsored referendum bill and an opposition-backed constitutional amendment bill – that were supposed to have been merged into one in the process of legislative scrutiny. But Thailand's Constitutional Court (CC) through a ruling on March 11 sent a clear signal that the bill was unconstitutional, ruling that Parliament has authority to write a new constitution only on the condition that a public referendum be conducted prior to and following the amendment process [see AiR No. 11, March/2021, 3].
As a direct result of the ruling, the opposition-sponsored charter amendment bill on March 17 failed to get the support of a majority of members of the House and at least of one-third, or 84, of the Senators, as required as per Section 256 of the Constitution. Prior to the vote, Parliament’s legal team had suggested to suspend the third and final reading of the bill pending a referendum, but the opposition Pheu Thai Party insisted on proceeding with the vote, arguing that the bill did not pertain to aspects stipulated in the CC’s ruling.
What is more, Senators have already voiced concerns about Section 9 of the government-sponsored referendum bill, which authorizes both Parliament and the public to initiate a signature campaign calling for a referendum to be held on a given issue with approval from the Cabinet. Lending further credence to the argument the prime minister and his government appear to end up in a stronger position, an extraordinary parliamentary session scheduled for April 7 and 8 will be postponed, as the Office of Council of State – the government’s legal advisory body – is yet to consider the final wording of Section 9. [Bangkok Post 1] [The Bangkok Post 2]
Against this backdrop and with just two years left before the next general election, time appears to be running out for any bid to seek wholesale charter changes. Calls are therefore growing to amend the Constitution on a chapter-to-chapter basis without touching issues that require a referendum, but this may prove quite difficult as the government appears be in control of the process. The focus has now shifted to the Democrat and Bhumjaithai Parties, both of which campaigned on a platform of altering the Constitution during the 2019 election. [Bangkok Post 3]
What is more, firebrand activist Srisuwan Janya lodged a petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) early last week demanding a probe into the 206 MPs and two Senators who had voted to pass the amendment bill on March 17. Srisuwan, who is the Secretary-General of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution, has also sought action against eight political parties whose MPs voted for the bill on grounds of alleged ethical misconduct. [Bangkok Post 4]
Thailand: Appointments of four new minister confirmed by King Rama X
(lm) Appointments of four new cabinet ministers – two ministers and two deputy ministers - were confirmed in the Royal Gazette published on March 23 after being endorsed by King Rama X. The Gazette also announced the departures of three minister that had to leave office after being convicted by the Central Criminal Court for their role in the extended 2013 street protests that eventually culminated in the 2014 coup by then army commander Prayuth, ousting Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra [see AiR No. 9, March/2021, 1]. [Bangkok Post 1]
Prime Minister Prayit Chan-o-cha the following day defended the appointments of the new cabinet ministers, notably Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong, who has been criticized for her lack of experience in running educational affairs. Trinuch is the niece of senior Pheu Thai Party lawmaker Sanoh Thienthong, who played a supporting role in the rise to premiership of Banharn Silpa-archa, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Thaksin Shinawatra and Surayud Chulanont. [Bangkok Post 2]
Thailand: 19 lawmakers currently investigated for serious misconduct over alleged public land encroachment
(lm) A total of 19 lawmakers from various political parties are currently being investigated for serious misconduct over alleged public land encroachment, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Firebrand activist and Secretary-General of the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution, Srisuwan Janya, had asked the NACC to investigate the MP. [Bangkok Post 1]
The fate of Pareena Kraikupt, a lawmaker from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) is said to have put the other MPs being investigated on edge. The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders on March 25 stripped Pareena of her duties over a pending reserved forest encroachment case. If found guilty, Pareena could see her political rights revoked for up to 10 years; but she will be barred from contesting elections and assuming political positions for life under Section 235 of the Constitution. [The Bangkok Post 2]
Thailand: Coronavirus sends online sex abuse soaring
(lm) Cases of online sex abuse in Thailand have significantly proliferated under COVID-19, as many families struggle to make ends meet while minors are at home and online, putting themselves at risk of being sex-trafficked. Campaigners say police had received almost 170,000 domestic tipoffs about online child sexual abuse last year, a rise of more than 40 percent as compared to 2019. [South China Morning Post]
Last June, the police-led Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) taskforce had warned that child cybersex abuse cases were approaching a record high. To enhance authorities’ ability to tackle the trend, child rights experts have repeatedly urged the government to establish the necessary legal framework for the criminalization of child sexual abuse online and the effective prosecution of offenders. [AiR No. 25, June/2020, 4]
Vietnam: Two brothers facing death refuse to plead for amnesty, assert innocence
(lm) Two brothers, who were sentenced to death last September for their roles in a deadly clash with police last year over land rights at the Dong Tam commune outside Hanoi have refused to appeal for amnesty in the case, saying the request would amount to a confession of their guilt. [Radio Free Asia]
Earlier this month, the Hanoi People’s High Court had upheld the sentences against six defendants in the case, including the death sentences imposed on the two brothers, who had been convicted of murder and resisting law enforcement. [AiR No. 11, March/2021, 3]
Vietnam: Dissident writer sent back to serve 12-year term after losing appeal
(lm) An appeals court upheld on March 24 the 12-year prison sentence handed down to a dissident writer and co-founder of human rights group “Brotherhood for Democracy” in December, sending him back to prison to serve his full term without hearing any arguments from his lawyer. [Radio Free Asia]
The man had been arrested in April last year and charged with “activities aimed at overthrowing the People’s Government” under Article 109 of Vietnam’s 2015 Criminal Code for social media postings exposing government corruption and human rights abuses. The Brotherhood for Democracy is not recognized by the Vietnamese government, and many of its members have been imprisoned since its founding in 2013 [see AiR No. 41, October/2020, 2].
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
China: Advancing military aircraft
(dql) China is reportedly now developing a fourth-generation, carrier-capable stealth aircraft to rival China’s own fifth-generation fighters like the Chinese J-20, the American F-22 Raptors, and the Russian Su-57 fighters. The J-31 fighter is a multi-role, twin-engine, mid-size fourth-generation stealth fighter, designed to provide advanced defense capabilities in close-air support, aerial bombing, and air interdiction operations, while also being able to perform suppression of enemy air defenses. [EurAsian Times]
China-US relations: Biden suggests three steps to win “steep competition”
(zh) Speaking at his first press conference as US President, Joe Biden depicted China’s (and Russia’s) challenges to the US in stark terms, describing the current situation as "a battle between the utility of democracies in the 21st century and autocracies,” in which the US has to “prove democracy works.” He added that his administration would pursue three core steps to prevail a “steep competition” with China, including as a first step “real investments” in American workers and science, covering medical research, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotech. He also said the US will re-establish "an alliance of democracies." Lastly, he vowed to ensure the US stands up for its values and call the world’s attention to China’s violation of human rights. [CNN][South China Morning Post]
In a related move, Biden suggested to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a phone call shortly after the press conference to develop among democratic countries an infrastructure plan to rival China’s Belt and Road initiative. [Reuters]
Meanwhile, Gen. James McConville, US Chief of Staff of the Army, calls in his recently released strategy paper, titled “Army Multi-Domain Transformation: Ready to Win in Competition and Conflict,” for an American “inside force” to be establish on Chinese soil as foothold that “disrupts the enemy’s area-denial scheme, creating an opening in the foe’s defenses into which US reinforcements can flow.” He adds that ground forces “can defeat sophisticated adversary defensive schemes from inside positions, creating corridors for air, maritime and all-domain forces to exploit.” [Chief of Staff of the Army, USA] [Breaking Defense]
The strategy paper comes amid warnings by high ranking US military officials of an imminent danger of military clash with China.
China sanctions US, Canadian, and UK citizens
(zh) Beijing has announced sanctions against two Americans, a Canadian, and a rights advocacy group in retaliation against the sanctions imposed by the US, UK, Canada, and the EU last week over human rights abuses against Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang [AiR No.12, March/2021, 4]. The list of sanctions includes two members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Gayle Manchin and Tony Perkins, Canadian Member of Parliament Michael Chong, and a Canadian parliamentary committee on human rights. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on the other hand, has warned the Beijing’s moves were “baseless” and would only draw growing international attention to its “genocide” in Xinjiang. [Guardian][Reuters][VOA]
For the UK, Beijing sanctions 10 UK organizations and individuals, including the former leader of the Conservative party Iain Duncan Smith, for spreading “lies and disinformation” about human rights abuses in Xinjiang. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, meanwhile, said if Beijing wanted to “credibly rebut” the claim it should allow the UN full access to investigate the truth in Xinjiang. [BBC][Guardian]
China imposes anti-dumping on Australia’s wine
(zh) China has announced it would impose anti-dumping measures on Australia’s wine imports for five years, arguing that the material damage that China’s domestic wine industry has suffered causally links with Australia’s dumping and subsidies. The decision escalates China’s trade war with Australia that also covers beef, barley, lobsters, cotton, and coal. [South China Morning Post 1]
Australia’s ambassador to Beijing Graham Fletcher added fuel to the fire as he described China as a “vindictive” and “unreliable” trading partner. Earlier, Canberra has said it would request the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a dispute settlement panel to investigate whether Beijing breaches free trade rules over its tariffs on Australia’s barley. [South China Morning Post 2] [AiR No.11, March/2021, 3].
China-North Korea relations: Traditional alliance re-affirmed
(zh) China and North Korea have reaffirmed their alliance during a meeting between China’s senior diplomat Song Tao and North Korea's new ambassador to China Ri Ryong Nam. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has called for stronger "unity and cooperation" with China in the face of challenges posed by "hostile forces", while China's President Xi Jinping described the bilateral relations as a "valuable asset" to both countries. Xi has also expressed the commitment to "provide the peoples of the two countries with better life", signaling that China might provide North Korea food, fertilized, and other aid that has been considerably reduced due to pandemic closure. [CNA] [South China Morning Post]
Chinese Foreign Minister’s Middle-East tour
(zh) China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has concluded his week-long tour to the Middle East, with visit to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Oman. As the world’s biggest energy importer, securing oil supply has become the primary goal of China’s diplomacy in the region. But the tour comes at a time when China’s relationships in the region have expanded, to include not only alternative sources of energy, from renewables to natural gas, but other sectors, like financial cooperation and now even vaccine diplomacy. [SupChina] [The Diplomat]
During his first stop in Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud expressed his country’s firm support of China's legitimate position related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong and opposed any foreign interference. One day before the trip, Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabian public oil company, has pledged a 50-year partnership with China in energy. Saudi Arabia is one of China’s biggest suppliers of crude oil. [Global Times] [Arab News]
In Turkey, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu conveyed his country’s “sensitivity and thoughts” about Uighur Muslims. About 1000 protests gathered in Istanbul to denounce Beijing’s treatment against Uighur in Xinjiang during Wang’s visit. In December last year, Beijing approved an extradition treaty with Ankara in December which is awaiting ratification by the Turkish parliament. Both ministers agreed to oppose some powers’ attempts to politicize vaccine cooperation and to deepen the vaccine cooperation. Turkey has bought millions of doses of Chinese Sinovav Biotec’s COVID-19 vaccine. [Aljazeera][Reuters 1][Xinhua]
In Iran, the two countries signed a 25-year agreement under which China will invest 400 billion USD in Iran over 25 years in exchange for a steady supply of Iranian oil. China also expressed support for Iran in safeguarding its nuclear deal. The deal deepens China’s influence in the Middle East and weakens US efforts to keep Iran isolated. [Reuters 2][Reuters 3][South China Morning Post 1]
In the UAE, Wang and his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the launch of a coronavirus vaccine production line, joint venture between UAE tech firm G42 and China’s Sinopharm, which aims to supply 200 million doses of Sinopharm’s vaccine, predominantly to the regional market.
Wang fights back Western criticism on its human rights, saying the human rights of a country should be judged only by its own people, not by the citizens of other nations. Two sides have also taken part in the launch of a new Covid-19 vaccine production line in the UAE and agreed to recognize each other’s digital health pass for border entry. Wang also proposed to forge links between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the UAE’s 50-year national development strategy to deepen practical cooperation in energy, finance and high technology. [South China Morning Post 2]
Reflecting China’s growing role in the Middle East, Wang is reportedly also planning host talks between Israelis and Palestinians. China has previously offered itself as an alternative to the United States several times when it comes to mediating the decade-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. [Reuters 4]
Japan, Indonesia conclude defense equipment deal
(dql) Japan and Indonesia concluded a deal to facilitate exports of Japanese-made defense equipment to the Southeast Asian country. It was signed after the foreign and defense ministers of Japan and Indonesia met in Tokyo to hold two-plus-two talks, during which they shared "serious concerns" about China's "continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force" in the South and East China seas, and also condemned the recent killings of peaceful protestors by security forces in Myanmar.
Both sides also agreed on the need to strictly implement UN resolutions banning Pyongyang from testing ballistic missile and nuclear technologies. Japan, furthermore, pledged to extend 453 million USD in loans to assist Indonesia in natural disasters response and offered fisheries patrol vessels to support Jakarta's efforts to strengthen law enforcement at sea. [Kyodo News]
North Korea: First missile tests in a year
(nm) North Korea has test-fired two “new-type tactical guided missiles” last week in violation of UN Security Council resolutions and despite international sanctions seeking to deter Pyongyang from developing rockets that can be equipped with nuclear warheads. The tests were deemed “very successful” by the country’s Academy of Defence Science and came only days after Pyongyang had fired two short-range, non-ballistic missiles over the previous weekend. Last Thursday’s launch was the first substantive launch since US President Biden took office. [DW]
In response, South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in called the launch “undesirable” amid attempts to revive multilateral negotiations on the North’s denuclearization, especially by South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Seoul had initially remained silent on the issue which raised criticism. This week, South Korean Unification Minister, Lee In-young, called for inter-Korean cooperation in the humanitarian area as a starting point for resuming the talks in spite of current tensions. The South’s defense ministry, however, also announced that the country’s military will keep a close watch on the North amid a new report by the US monitoring website 38 North [38 North 1] that Pyongyang might be ready to launch a new ballistic missile submarine. [Korea Times 1] [Korea Times 2] [Korea Times 3] [Korea Herald 1] [Korea Herald 2]
The United Nations sanctions committee focussed on North Korea’s nuclear programme asked its experts to investigate the launches last week, an announcement that was met with criticism by Pyongyang. The Security Council also voted to extend the committee’s mandate until April 2022 as it was about to expire. Responding to the United Nations, Pyongyang issued a statement denouncing the organization’s “double standard” and infringement on the North’s sovereignty. An official of the country’s foreign ministry stated, “it does not make any sense” that only the North’s “righteous self-defensive measures should be singled out for denunciation,” although several other countries fire projectiles for the purpose of increasing their military strength. [Korea Times 4] [Korea Herald 3]
Pyongyang further accused US President Biden of provoking the North and threatened to further build up militarily after Biden had condemned the launches as a violation of UN resolutions and warned “there will be responses if they [North Korea] choose to escalate.”
Bilateral dialogue between the two countries on the North’s denuclearization has stalled after an abrupt fallout in February 2019. The US is currently undergoing a North Korea policy review and has started to strengthen relations with partners in the region, especially Japan and South Korea. [South China Morning Post] [Korea Times 5]
This week, South Korea’s defense ministry also called for active support by Russia and for cooperation in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, as part of a broader strategic dialogue. The dialogue follows last week’s meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong in which Lavrov “particularly emphasized the importance of efforts to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia, as well as on the Korean Peninsula,” further calling on “all concerned countries […] to renounce an arms race and activation of all kinds of military activities.” Russia has recently moved to close ranks with China as the US is pushing to build a system of regional democratic alliances in the Indo-Pacific. It was the first South Korean-Russian ministerial meeting in Seoul since 2009. [Yonhap] [Korea Times 6]
For an analysis of the fate of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, see this recent blog entry by [Brookings]. For a commentary arguing in favour of reaffirming the Singapore Joint Statement as early as possible, see this piece by [38 North 2], and for an analysis of key choices facing the Biden Administration amid its North Korea policy review, please see this piece by [38 North 3]. If you wish to gain more information on the content of North Korea’s arsenal, see [The New York Times].
South Korea not to co-sponsor this year’s UN resolution on human rights in North Korea, EU imposes individual sanctions against North Koreans
(nm) South Korea will abstain from co-sponsoring this year’s UN Human Rights Council resolution on North Korea’s human rights violations for the third consecutive year, in an attempt to avoid tensions with the North amid efforts to re-enter inter-Korean dialogue. Seoul will, however, join the resolution’s adoption by consensus, an official said last week. The North for its part rejected the resolution, calling it a “fake document” with political motives. [Korea Times 1] [Korea Times 2]
The South’s unification ministry also announced that a law prohibiting the launching of anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border also takes effect this week. Violators would face a maximum prison term of three years or a fine of $27,400. As the amendment to the Development of Inter-Korean Relations Act triggered criticism that it could limit freedom of expression and undermine attempts to send information into the isolated North, the ministry’s spokesman said the law will be applied in a “flexible and reasonable manner.” He further stated the bill will be enforced “in line with the government’s goal of improving the human rights situation of North Koreans and inter-Korean relations, and bringing peace on the Korean Peninsula.” [Korea Herald 1]
Meanwhile, a Seoul district court ordered North Korea and its leader Kim Jong-un to compensate a family member of a South Korean who was abducted to the North during the 1950-53 Korean War. It is the second damage suit won by South Koreans against the North. [Korea Herald 2]
The European Union, meanwhile, imposed its first-ever human rights sanction on North Korean individuals and entities under its new Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime as part of the bloc’s critical engagement policy. The EU regularly co-sponsors the UN’s resolution on the North and has imposed sanctions in addition to UN sanctions, considering that the isolated country is a relatively low-hanging fruit in demonstrating the union’s bite in pushing for human rights. [38 North]
For an account of the dire situation citizens of North Korea face, see Lina Yoon in [Human Rights Watch].
South Korea-India relations: Defence chiefs agree on closer military ties
(nm) Last week, South Korean and Indian defence ministers held talks discussing ways to foster cooperation in the security and arms industry. India also expressed support for Seoul’s policy on denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. Additional topics included expanding ties in areas as diverse as cyber, space and maritime issues, as well as “the need to establish a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.” In contrast to speculations, the two did, however, not discuss the US-led Quad, a security alliance comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, according to South Korean officials. [Korea Herald]
Meanwhile, South Korea’s science ministry announced the country’s first homegrown rocket is on track to be launched in October this year. President Moon Jae-in responded positively to the announcement, stating the government will push aggressively for the development of the country’s first lunar orbiter. [Korea Times]
South Korea: Concern over anti-Asian American violence
(nm) Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong vowed to cooperate with Washington in efforts to protect the safety of South Koreans living in the United States, after four women of Korean descent were among eight killed in a deadly shooting in Atlanta which is generally considered as constituting a hate crime against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the United States. Six of the victims were identified as Asian American.
Korean lawmakers issued a resolution last week calling for the abolition of racial discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and pressing US authorities to guarantee their safety. One lawmaker also referred to a [report] by Stop AAPI Hate, a human rights organization for reporting hate crimes against members of the Asian American community, which stated that at least 3,795 hate incidents have been reported since March 2020. According to the report, racial hate and hate crimes have increased with the outbreak and spread of the pandemic. Several civic communities have also spoken out against anti-Asian racism. The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), a group of Asian American journalists, further pointed at the “[inextricable link] to harassment and sexualized violence against Asian women,” and called on newsrooms to cover related cases in order to better understand anti-Asian racism and invisibility. [Korea Times 1] [Korea Times 2]
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres equally voiced profound concern about the rise of violence against people of Asian descent amid the pandemic. [Nikkei Asia]
For information on why hate crime charges are still rare, please see [The New York Times 1], and for an opinion piece on the intricate intersection of racism, theology, and gender motivating the crimes, please see [The New York Times 2].
Cross-strait relations: Twenty Chinese military aircraft enter Taiwan air defence identification zone
(dql) Last Friday, twenty Chinese military aircraft – including four nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and 10 J-16 fighter jets, among others – entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone, marking the largest incursion since Taiwan’s defence ministry began disclosing almost daily Chinese military flights over the waters between the southern part of Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea last year. [The Guardian]
Taiwan, US sign MoU on maritime cooperation
(zh) Taiwan and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Coast Guard Group (CGWG), the first agreement signed by two sides since Joe Biden took office. The agreement provides a platform for the two sides to communicate through Taiwan Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard. The MoU signals Taiwan’s move to counter China’s new coast guard law, which permits the coast guard to use weapons in the waters China claims. [Focus Taiwan][Radio Taiwan International, in Chinese]
Both Taiwan and the US have been increasingly wary of China's threat to the island. “[T]he problem is much closer us than most think,” said Admiral John Aquilino, the nominee of the US Indo-Pacific Command, in his hearing with the Senate Armed Service Committee, adding China considers establishing full control over the island to be its “number one priority” [CNN].
Meanwhile, in US parliament, the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act was reintroduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley, chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. If passed, the act would change the status of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a de facto US embassy under the name of a government-sponsored non-profit organization, to be “representative”, making their appointment subject to Senate approval. It would also require the US president to establish an “inter-agency Taiwan task force”, comprised of senior government officials who submit an annual report to Congress detailing actions that should be taken to enhance the relations. A nonprofit Taiwan-US cultural exchange foundation would also be set up. The bill was previously introduced in the Senate last October but was not included in the congressional schedule. Besides, the group of seven Republicans and two Democrats has asked Biden administration to set up a preclearance facility at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s main international airport, saying it would “improve the ease of travel between the United States and Taiwan and reinforce the importance of our relationship with Taiwan”. [Bloomberg] [Taipei Times]
Taiwan, US sign MoU on maritime cooperation
(zh) Taiwan and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Coast Guard Group (CGWG), the first agreement signed by two sides since Joe Biden took office. The agreement provides a platform for the two sides to communicate through Taiwan Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard. The MoU signals Taiwan’s move to counter China’s new coast guard law, which permits the coast guard to use weapons in the waters China claims. [Focus Taiwan][Radio Taiwan International, in Chinese]
Both Taiwan and the US have been increasingly wary of China's threat to the island. “[T]he problem is much closer us than most think,” said Admiral John Aquilino, the nominee of the US Indo-Pacific Command, in his hearing with the Senate Armed Service Committee, adding China considers establishing full control over the island to be its “number one priority” [CNN].
Meanwhile, in US parliament, the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act was reintroduced by Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley, chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. If passed, the act would change the status of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a de facto US embassy under the name of a government-sponsored non-profit organization, to be “representative”, making their appointment subject to Senate approval. It would also require the US president to establish an “inter-agency Taiwan task force”, comprised of senior government officials who submit an annual report to Congress detailing actions that should be taken to enhance the relations. A nonprofit Taiwan-US cultural exchange foundation would also be set up. The bill was previously introduced in the Senate last October but was not included in the congressional schedule. Besides, the group of seven Republicans and two Democrats has asked Biden administration to set up a preclearance facility at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s main international airport, saying it would “improve the ease of travel between the United States and Taiwan and reinforce the importance of our relationship with Taiwan”. [Bloomberg] [Taipei Times]
Taiwan-Palau travel bubble strengthens relations
(zh) Palau’s leader Surangel Whipps and his delegation have flown to Taiwan to kick off Asia’s first travel bubble between two ‘Covid-safe’ destinations. Whipps earlier had revealed he rejected China’s offer to switch from diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China after he was elected last November. “I believe that we should be free to choose who our friends are, and nobody should say 'I cannot be somebody's friend,” said Whipps. [Taiwan News 1]
The trip to Taipei, however, has prompted a “red line” warning from Beijing as US ambassador to Palau John Hennessey-Niland arrived on the island as part of a delegation from Palau. “The Chinese side resolutely opposes any form of official contacts between US and Taiwanese officials,” said China’s foreign ministry. Hennessey-Niland is the first US ambassador to visit Taiwan in an official capacity since the US cut its ties with Taiwan in favor of China in 1979. [South China Morning Post][Taipei Times][Taiwan News 2]
Bangladesh visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a boost for trade, connectivity
(lm) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 27 concluded a two-day official visit to Bangladesh, a trip that sparked both violent protest [see article in this edition] and enthusiasm that relations between the two neighbors will continue to grow. [The Indian Express]
The Indian Prime Minister arrived on March 26 to attend the concluding event of Bangladesh’s a 10-day-long grand celebration commemorating the birth centenary of the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of independence from Pakistan. Leaders from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives have already attended the festivities, which started on March 17 [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4].
On the first day of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of five agreements involving trade, disaster management, information technology and sports. They also jointly laid the foundation stones for infrastructure development for power evacuation facilities of an under-construction nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. A new train service between Bangladesh and India was also launched by the two leaders. [Associated Press] [The Straits Times 2]
During the talks Bangladesh Prime Minister Skeikh Hasina requested India, currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to play a “strong role” in the early repatriation of the displaced Rohingya back to Myanmar. [NDTV]
Prime Minister Modi also bore the gift of an additional 1.2 million doses of Covishield (the local name for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine developed in the United Kingdom), after Dhaka had previously received 2 million free doses of the shot. Bangladesh in November signed a deal with the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest vaccine maker whose coronavirus shots are being used in New Delhi’s “vaccine diplomacy” [see AiR No. 5, February/2021, 1]. Coming at a time when New Delhi has told its international partners that it will prioritize domestic inoculations over exports of vaccines as it battles a rise in new infections, the gift lends further credence to the importance of the India-Bangladesh relationship. [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]
In December, the two countries had signed seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in a range of areas including trade, energy and agriculture AiR No. 51, December/2020, 4. The virtual summit marked the first high-level meeting of the two leaders since bilateral relations had nosedived after India in 2019 had passed its controversial religion-based citizenship law [see AiR No. 2, January/2020, 2]. New Delhi has since been making overtures to smoothen relations with Dhaka, with the Indian foreign secretary visiting Bangladesh twice last year [see AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1, AiR No. 33, August/2020, 3].
India seeks to expedite major infrastructure project with Myanmar
Having withdrawn its frontline troops along Pangong Tso [see AiR No. 7, February/2021, 3], India is now reportedly expediting work on the Kaladan Road Project, an ambitious road infrastructure project that would open a gateway for New Delhi to Southeast Asian countries.
The objective of the Kaladan Road Project is to link India’s landlocked northeast with the country’s eastern coast through the southern coast of Myanmar. Together with the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, the Kaladan Road Project is considered a vital component of New Delhi’s multifaceted “Act East Policy”, which seeks to compete with China’s massive infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) [see AiR No. 2, January/2021, 2]. [Foreign Policy]
Although New Delhi was able to develop a close rapport with Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, over recent years, completion of the strategic project has been delayed by over three years due to a combination of several factors. Of these, the long-ranging conflict between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army (AA), a Rakhine armed group in Myanmar, assumes added significance, due to recent developments.
In seeking greater autonomy for the western Rakhine State, the AA has battled against the Tatmadaw since 2018, with hundreds of fatalities caused and more than 200,000 residents being displaced due to the conflict. In November, then, the AA surprisingly ordered its armed members to fall back as it entered a ceasefire with the Myanmar military. Lending further weight to the argument that the agreement was setting the stage for the coup d'état, the military junta later even removed the AA from list of prohibited groups [see AiR No. 11, March/2021, 3].
While reports suggested that Japan had brokered the deal between the Tatmadaw and the rebel AA, India may be considered the third party benefitting from the situation. For recent developments have diminished the threats from the AA on the Myanmar side of the project, albeit temporarily.
Bangladesh stresses importance of infrastructure project to develop trade with Bhutan
(lm) Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on March 24 held a meeting with visiting Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, discussing various fields of cooperation between the two countries, notably trade and connectivity. The Bhutanese prime minister was in Dhaka to attend the 10-day-long grand celebration commemorating the birth centenary of the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of independence from Pakistan [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4].
The two leaders discussed the possibility of a bilateral or tripartite agreement to build a hydropower project in Bhutan. Prime Minister Hasina also offered to her country’s waterways to expand bilateral trade. In December, both countries had signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), the first such agreement Bangladesh signed with any country since its independence in 1971. [The Daily Star]
Sri Lanka releases 54 Indian fishermen
(lm) Sri Lanka on March 26 released 54 Indian fishermen who had been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy two days earlier, after the Indian government reportedly made it clear that the arrest of fishermen coming on the heels of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution [see article in this edition] was seen as a hostile move. [South Asia Monitor]
The Indian fishermen were apprehended on charges of engaging in illegal fishing and using prohibited fishing methods off Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. Following the fishermen’s arrest, the local fishery union in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu pressured the state and federal government to secure their release, and even threatened to boycott the upcoming Legislative Assembly election. [The Hindu]
The fisheries crisis in the Palk Bay – the water body between the southeast coast of India and Sri Lanka - has been festering for over a decade with frequent arrests of Indian fishermen who allegedly trespass into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. The series of arrests made late on Wednesday comes after the Sri Lankan Navy resumed patrolling in December, after months of limiting arrests amid fears of contracting COVID-19 from Indian fishermen. Dozens of Indian fishermen were arrested in December last year [see AiR No. 1, January/2021, 1].
UN Rights Council gives green light to investigate Sri Lanka war crimes
(lm) The United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC) decisively approved a mandate on March 23 to collect information and evidence of war crimes committed during the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983 to 2009), which killed more than 100,000 civilians and over 50,000 fighters from both sides of the conflict. The vote was 22 countries in favor, with 11 against - including China, Bangladesh and Pakistan - and 14 abstentions, including India [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. [Deutsche Welle] [The Straits Times]
The resolution, led by the so-called Core Group on Sri Lanka comprising Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the United Kingdom, ramps up international monitoring and reporting mechanisms on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. It also mandates the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) Michelle Bachelet to collect, consolidate and preserve evidence for future prosecutions and "develop possible strategies" for pursuing prosecutions of the perpetrators. The resolution comes in the wake of a scathing report by the OHCHR, which documents the alarming retrograde trends on human rights in Sri Lanka, urging that the steps taken by the current government are a “warning sign” of future violations [see AiR No. 5, February/2021, 1]. [Amnesty International]
The UN HRC also urged Colombo to review its Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which rights groups consider an abusive law used to crack down on dissent and forcibly disappear people. Two weeks ago, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced new rules under the PTA in the name of "de-radicalization" of religious extremists. The measures would allow the detention of anyone suspected of causing "acts of violence or religious, racial or communal disharmony." [AiR No. 11, March/2021, 3]
The vote was a diplomatic setback for President Rajapaksa, whose government had lobbied foreign governments intensively in recent months to try to block support for the initiative [see AiR No. 9, March/2021, 1]. Sri Lanka's diplomat denounced the resolution as politically motivated, reiterating the words of Foreign Minister Dinesh at the start of the four-week UN HRC spring session, which began on February 22 [see AiR No. 6, February/2021, 2].
Indonesia: Certifying outermost islands
(dql) The Indonesian government is looking to certify outermost islands, including those bordering other nations, such as Karang Unarang Island in Nunukan District (bordering Malaysia), and aiming at circumventing any unilateral claim over the Indonesian territory. In an attempt to shield the country's border areas against foreign territorial claims, the government has declared 111 outer islands that include some not previously stated as border areas. [Antara News]
UAE to invest 10 billion USD in Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund
(dql) The United Arab Emirates will reportedly invest 10 billion USD in Indonesia’s new sovereign wealth fund, marking the largest foreign investment the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) and the first since its February launch. Spending will focus infrastructure projects, including roads and ports, along with tourism, agriculture and other “strategic sectors.” [Aljazeera]
Myanmar: Fears of civil war grow after series of airstrikes causes thousands to flee to Thai border
(lm) While the death toll among protesters in Myanmar rose dramatically over the weekend [see article in this edition], about 10,000 residents from territory in the country’s southeast controlled by the Karen ethnic minority fled to a safe zone near the Thai border following two days of airstrikes by the army. What is more, Myanmar’s ethnic minority groups are increasingly putting aside their differences, indicating the possible formation of a federal army. [Associated Press] [The Straits Times 1]
Over the course of two days, military jets bombed territory controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s two dozen ethnic armed groups that have been fighting for decades to gain more autonomy from Myanmar’s central government. The air assaults were the most significant attack for years in the region and came in retaliation for an attack by the KNU on an army post near the border. [Bangkok Post] [The Irrawaddy]
Since December, fights between the military and the KNU have flared again, after the group in 2015 had signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the central government, along with several other insurgent groups [see AiR No. 5, February/2021, 1]. Since the coup in Myanmar on February 1, the hilly border region between Myanmar and Thailand has once again become a refuge for other opponents of the military regime.
On March 28, then, fighting erupted between the military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), another armed ethnic group, in the jade-mining area of Hpakant in the northernmost state of Myanmar. While there had been several major clashes between the KIA and the military in the past, both sides were in the process of negotiating a ceasefire agreement in the leadup to the military coup on February 1. The military’s governing body, the State Administrative Council, has announced to continue the peace process with ethnic armed organizations, but the KIA said it would support the protesters and refused to recognize the military regime [see AiR No. 11, March/2021, 3]. [CNN]
The tension at the frontier comes as the leaders of the resistance to last month’s coup are calling on Myanmar’s armed ethnic minority groups to band together and join them as allies. So far, these groups – which make up about one-third of the country’s population - have only committed to providing protection to protesters in the areas they control. But with the bursting of the militias’ defense belt bursts looming, an increasing number of the ethnic armed groups aligns itself with the protesters. [South China Morning Post 1]
Lending further weight to the distinct possibility of mass demonstrations cascading into civil war, three insurgent groups in a joint letter on March 30 called on the military to stop killing peaceful protesters, adding that they would be willing to “cooperate with all nationalities who are joining Myanmar’s spring revolution in terms of self-defence.” [South China Morning Post 2]
Speaking against this backdrop, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on March 29 the government was prepared to accept refugees and rebuffed claims that Thailand was supporting the Myanmar junta, telling reporters "there is probably no one to support the use of violence against the people". The prime minister also defended his military's decision to send representatives to attend the “Armed Forces Day celebrations” [see article in this edition], saying Bangkok had to maintain a good rapport with the military junta. [Deutsche Welle] [Khaosod English] [Nikkei Asia]
Earlier the same day, Thai authorities denied allegations by activist groups that more than 2,000 refugees, who had tried to enter Thailand had been forced back across the river, despite ongoing aerial bombardment. Moreover, authorities also said it was government policy – nota bene: Thailand is not a signatory to the 1951 refugee convention, and its asylum law refers to "illegal foreigners" who can be arrested and deported at any time - for the army to block refugees at the border and deny reporters and aids groups access to the area. [The Straits Times 2]
Philippines: More demands against China’s vessels in South China Sea
(ll) After years of avoiding provoking China, the Philippines unexpectedly invoked the 2016 Hague ruling which rejects most of China’s claims over the South China Sea. The Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs also cited the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US, which would be triggered if a Philippine state-owned vessel were attacked. Besides France and the US last week, this week Japan, Australia, Vietnam, EU, and Canada have expressed concerns over the remaining 183 Chinese vessels at the South China Sea. [Rappler] [Manila Bulletin 1]
Even though China belittled these concerns, the Philippines has deployed more Navy ships in response to various demands from Filipino diplomats to show force against China. In fact, the Philippine ambassador to Iraq, Generoso de Guzman Calonge, even proposed that the Philippines should install mobile missiles in Palawan, one of the country’s westernmost islands. [South China Morning Post] [Manila Bulletin 2]
Most recently, Philippine security forces are verifying a satellite image, which shows only around 50 of the Chinese vessels left. [Manila Bulletin 3]
Malaysia pays Singapore compensation for terminated rail network project
(dql) Malaysia has compensated Singapore nearly 103 million SGD for costs incurred by the termination of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project.
In 2016, the two countries signed the HSR agreement. At Kuala Lumpur’s request, construction of the rail network was later suspended from September 2018 to 31 December last year. With both sides failing to agree on changes to the project, the agreement lapsed on 31 December, with Singapore's Minister of Transport announcing the agreement’s termination the next day. [Yahoo News]
Singapore: First Airbus H225M helicopter received
(dql) Singapore’s Air Force has received its first H225M medium-lift transport helicopter from the European aerospace corporation Airbus. The delivery is part of the contract Singapore’s Ministry of Defence concluded in 2016 with Airbus Helicopters for the procurement of H225M helicopters to replace the existing fleet of AS332 Super Pumas.
The H225M will be used for various operations, including search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as Maritime Security operations. It is also regularly used to conduct aeromedical evacuation missions from ships plying through nearby waters. [Defense News] [Airforce Technology]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
1 April 2021 @ 2:00-4:00 pm (GMT+7), CPG, AGF, Facebook, Thailand
Digital Dialogues on Privacy - Thailand
Roundtable 4: A Discussion on Data Subject Rights, Sensitive Data, and Children’s Data in the Personal Data Protection Act
This webinar will discuss interpretation, application, challenges, and recommendations of Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act with regards to data subject rights, sensitive data, and children’s data.
Find more about the event at [CPG].
31 March 2021 @ 3:30 - 4:30 pm IST, Observer Research Foundation, India
Future visionaries: India-EU cooperation for digital transitions
Digital technologies and their applications are transforming countries, governments, businesses and societies. In the post COVID-19 world, digital transition can be a driver for growth, development, trade and economic recovery. Learn more about the potentials of digitalization at this webinar.
For more information, see [ORF]
31 March 2021 @ 10:00 - 11:30 am ET, Wilson Center, USA
Women of the Revolution: A Vision for Post-war Yemen
This event features some of the brightest female stars in Yemeni diasporic society. These women participated in Yemen’s revolution and have since risen to prominence in advocacy organizations, academia, and journalism.
For more information, see [Wilson]
31 March, 2021 @ 12:00 pm EST, Atlantic Council, US
Indigenous data sovereignty: Opportunities and challenges
This event will discuss work in deconstructing colonial approaches to data collection and governance. Typical Western-style data approaches not only fail to properly apply to the lives, cultures, and societies of indigenous peoples, but also misalign priorities in terms of indigenous understandings of communal identity and personal ownership.
For more information, see [Atlantic].
1 April 2021 @ 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET, Standford Freeman Spogli Institute Studies, USA
Geography and the Gender Gap: Evidence Against the Tradtional Vote Hypothesis from Post- Suffrage Sweden
This event will discuss how diversity among women and electoral geography produce electoral outcomes, complicate longstanding theories about the "traditional" gender voting gap.
Please register here: [TEC]
1 April 2021 @ 1:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Egmont Institute, Belgium
How Trust Returned to Rwanda, for most but not all: How to Rebuild trust after genocide?
What has been the impact of the 1994 genocide on trust in Rwanda? Based on more than 400 interviews, researcher Bert Ingelaere will discuss how to re-establish trust after atrocities, considering that recovery of trust within Rwandan society went remarkably fast. Importantly, he also asks: Who exactly, and why, remains deeply distrustful?
For more information, see [Egmont Institute].
02 April 2021 @ 9:30 a.m. (GMT-4), University of Michigan, USA
10th U-M Pakistan Conference – Religious Landscapes
This webinar will discuss two studies: the first evaluates stylized patterns of online work in the Philippines within the bigger context of Asia, while the second assesses the extent of digital divide between several Asian countries, revealing differences between certain segments of the population in some countries.
Please follow [PIDS] for more information.
06 April 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, USA
US-Japan Relations Under Biden and Suga: The Future of a Critical Alliance
As Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan is set to be the first foreign leader to visit US President Biden at the White House, this webinar will discuss the state and prospect of US-Japanese relations, asking: Can we expect the strengthened alliance as set out in the administration’s first weeks to continue, or will both countries grapple with challenges such as climate change, Chinese competition, and the fallout from the global pandemic?
If you are interested in this discussion, visit [Hudson Institute] for more information.
6 April 2021 @ 5:45 - 6:45 pm AEST, Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia
Meet The Ambassador Series -Brazil
2020 marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Brazil, but the trade relationship stretches back to 1787! Despite the strong relationship, the impact of COVID-19 has asked tough questions of the countries both economically and politically. As the two largest countries and economies south of the equator with shared interests, can we be doing more? How do the two countries handle a competitive commodity market? What are the prospects?
For more information, see [AIIA].
6 April 2021 @ 11:00 - 12:00 pm ET, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, USA
Revisiting the Iran Nuclear Deal
The United States’ already complicated posture toward Iran could shift in the coming weeks as the Biden administration considers recommitting to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. With Washington and Tehran both signaling an intention to reengage, and in the wake of the Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration, might new avenues exist to de-escalate tensions between regional powers? At this webinar, experts will discuss the remaining obstacles to a renewed Iran nuclear deal and the possible geopolitical repercussions in the Middle East.
Please register here: [Chicago]
7 April 2021 @ 10:00 - 11:30 am EDT, Endowment for International Peace, USA
South Africa: When Inequality and Institutions Collide
South Africa’s democratic path has been complicated by deep tensions between its stubborn legacy of massive inequalities and institutional decay. In this symposium, prominent experts engage with authors of the recently published Carnegie paper, “South Africa: When Strong Institutions and Massive Inequalities Collide,” to probe these tensions and the prospects for South Africa's political and economic future.
For more information, see [Carnegie].
7 April 2021 @ 7:30 - 8:30 pm ET, World Affairs, USA
PENINSULA | BATTLEGROUNDS: THE FIGHT TO DEFEND THE FREE WORLD
Across multiple administrations since the end of the Cold War, American foreign policy has been misconceived, inconsistent, and poorly implemented. As a result, America and the free world have fallen behind rivals in power and influence.
For more information, see [World Affairs].
07 April 2021 @ 6:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy, Germany
Rights, Responsibilities, and Revolutions – Understanding Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in a Transatlantic Context
This webinar is part of a series of conversations on Feminist Foreign Policy and its Potential for Advancing Transatlantic Relations in cooperation with 1014. It will assess how existing national and international human rights legislation can be protected, how strengthened transatlantic relations can foster health rights both in Europe and in the US, and how feminist foreign policy can contribute to all this.
Please follow [CFFP] if you wish to register and join the discussion.
08 April 2021 @ 2:00 p.m. (GMT+8), Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Philippines
Social Protection, Digital Divide, and Other Issues in Online / Platform Work
This seminar will try to take a closer look at the relationship between religion, identity, historical networks, and sacred landscapes to understand the formation of religious thought and practice in Pakistan. Albeit focussing on Pakistan, it also seeks to challenge prevalent assumptions about the configuration of borders and to explore the connections between distinct religious spaces and practices in South Asia.
Please visit [UMich] for more information.
08 April 2021 @ 2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), European Centre for International Political Economy, Belgium
What Digital Futures for Europe? Mapping Scenarios for Digital Ecosystems and Entrepreneurship
In this webinar, speaker Meelis Kitsing argues that Europe needs to foster entrepreneurship in the digital economy. He will look at different scenarios for Europe’s digital futures, considering what they would mean both for business growth as well as Europe’s influence on the global stage.
For more information, see [ECIPE].
08 April 2021 @ 9:30 a.m. (GMT+2), German Institute for Global and Area Studies, Germany
Franco-German Observatory of the Indo-Pacific
Despite the mainstreaming of the concept of an Indo-Pacific region, the views and approaches of actors withing the region generally remain underexplored by Westeners and Europeans in particular. This webinar seeks to fill the vacuum by discussing visions of the region, its geo-strategic position, and the place of China, the US, and Europe within the framework withthe Indo-Pacific’s key actors.
If you wish to join the event, please visit [GIGA].
08 April 2021 @ 11:30 a.m. (GMT+2), Egmont Institute, Belgium
La diplomatie d’hier á demain
This webinar – which will be held in French – invites Ambassador Raoul Delcorde to discuss the history of diplomacy, deconstructing traditional and contemporary ideas, roles, actors, and developments. Please register by 5 April.
For more information, visit [Egmont Institute].
8 April 2021 @ 2:00 - 3:00 pm GMT, Chatham House, UK
AI and democracy: Transformative and disruptive potential
This event will discuss the transformative potential of AI and how policymakers, technology companies and civil society can work together to make sure that these advancements are for the betterment of, rather than a detriment to, democratic norms and practices. It also explores some existing and future AI applications, encouraging participants to share their views, hopes and concerns regarding AI and democracy.
For more information, see [Chatham].
09 April 2021 @ 2:00 p.m. (GMT+9), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Japan
Prospects for US Climate Policy in the Biden Administration
As more and more countries announce their intention to become carbon neutral, this seminar series provides up-to-date information on climate change-related policy which can become useful for private actors and local governments alike. This part of the series will take a closer look at the United States and the Biden administration’s climate policy.
Please visit [IGES] for more information and registration.
09 April 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, United States
Sino-US Tech Competition: Where Does Europe Stand?
Considering that the tech sector has become a vital part of the competition between the US and China, Europe’s potential to play a leading role remains questionable. In this webinar, experts will therefore discuss Europe’s innovative industrial basis capability and the challenge of remaining at the top of technological developments, asking: How can the EU best grapple with its weak position in the global technology market?
For more information, follow [Hudson Institute].
Recent book releases
Andy Ngo, Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy, Center Street, 320 pages, February 2, 2020, review in [latimes].
Philippe Sand, The Ratline: The Exalted Life and Mysterious Death of a Nazi Fugitive, Knof, 448 pages, February 2, 2021, review in [The Guardian].
Calls
The 4th International Conference on Future of Social Sciences (ICFSS), 17-19 September 2021 in Nice, France, is the premier forum for the presentation of new advances and research results in education theory and practice. Closing date for submission of papers is 27 August, 2021. For more details, see [ICFSS].
Loyola University Chicago School of Law and George Washington University Law School invites paper submissions for their Twelfth Annual Constitutional Law Colloquium. The conference will be held on November 12-13, 2021. The deadline for abstract submission is June 21, 2021. See [Legal] for more information.
The Academic Council on the United Nations Systems (ACUNS) is accepting proposals on its conference theme of “Toward a Fit for Future UN System.” The 2021 Annual Meeting will be held in hybrid format on June 24-26, 2021. The deadline for proposal submissions is April 9, 2021. For more details, see [ACUNS]
Jobs & positions
The International Organization for Migration is hiring a Senior Programme Coordinator (IBM) to be based in Ankara, Turkey. Closing date for applications is 8 April 2021. More information available at [IOM].
The Strategy, Policy and Partnerships Department of the Asian Development Bank is recruiting a Director. Deadline for applications is 7 April 2021. Further details at [ADB].
The World Bank Group is hiring a Director, Blended Finance to be based in Washington, DC. Closing date for applications is 12 April 2021. For more details, see [World Bank Group].
We would greatly appreciate your feedback! Please send any feedback you have regarding this newsletter to: info@cpg-online.de
Also, don't forget to Like CPG on Facebook, and browse our website for other updates and news!
