Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 25, June/2021, 4
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 Djibouti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mozambique and Slovenia which celebrate Independence Day, National Day, and Statehood Day respectively in this week.
With best regards,
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Law and Politics in East Asia
Law and Politics in South Asia
Law and Politics in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Law and Politics in East Asia
China: Chinese researchers challenge claims of forced labor in Xinjiang
(dx) Chinese researchers from the Southwest University of Political Science and Law published a paper rejecting accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang's cotton industry, citing increased large-scale mechanization and arguing that financial incentives, not coercion, were reasons for Uyghurs choosing cotton-picking.
The research reflects recent growing efforts of Chinese scholars to question the Western narrative about human rights abuses in Xinjiang. A widely circulated paper, published by German researcher Adrian Zenz, analyzed Chinese government data and documentation and concluded that Xinjiang's cotton-picking industry was heavily reliant on the forced labor of Uyghurs. His theory was supported and spread through Western media. [South China Morning Post 1][Air No.15, April/2021, 2]
Meanwhile, according to China’s 2020 national census, the Han majority population grew faster than the Uyghurs minority over the past decade. Xinjiang's government claims that the reduction in Uyghurs' population growth rate was due to economic development, and ethnic minorities choosing to get married later and having fewer children. Beijing faces accusations of implementing a campaign involving sterilizations and long-term birth control for Uyghur and other ethnic minority populations in Xinjiang where the third-highest number of sterilizations and second-highest use of intrauterine devices in China are recorded. [South China Morning Post 2]
In a latest development, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said that she is in discussion with China about a visit to the country in this year, including meaning access to Xinjiang. [Aljazeera]
China: Hong Kong district councillors face disqualification
(dx) At least 150 Hong Kong district councillors could be removed from their posts over their roles in an unofficial primary election in July 2020 [see AiR No. 28, July/2020, 2] when they will be vetted next month under the Public Offices Ordinance 2021, also known as the oath-taking legislation, which was passed by the city's parliament in May.
They face disqualification not only for joining the opposition camp’ s primary, organized to select the opposition’s candidates for the election to the city’s parliament, which was scheduled for September and later postponed. They will also be disqualified for providing their district offices as polling stations. Those councillors, who signed a statement before the primary in 2020, in which they promised to vote down the government's budget if they were elected and camp's demands were failed, will also be unseated.
With 150 councillors removed, the total number of opposition representatives in district councils would decrease by more than 40%. [South China Morning Post] [Macau Business]
China: Apple Daily executives arrested on national security charge in Hong Kong
(dx) Hong Kong police have arrested the editor-in-chief, and four other executives of the regime-critical newspaper Apple Daily. They are accused under the national security law for Hong Kong of colluding with foreign forces and held accountable for reports calling for foreign sanctions or hostile actions against Hong Kong and the central government.
The arrests, which marked the second raid on Apple Daily since the national security law came into force on June 30, 2020, reinforce concerns over erosion of press freedom and effects on self-censorship among reporters for fear of flouting the national security law. [South China Morning Post] [Global Times] [Air No. 32, August/2020, 2]
Japan: Law tightening land-use rules at high-importance sites is enacted
(dx) Japan's parliament passed a bill tightening regulations on the acquisition and use of land around high-importance sites deemed vital to national security, such as Self-Defense Forces (SDF) facilities, US military bases and nuclear plants. The law designates land located within 1 kilometer of high-importance sites as well as remote islands on the national border as ”watch zones,” where authorities will be allowed to collect information on owners of land and to order or recommend problematic acts such as radio frequency sabotage, be halted. Prospective purchasers will also be obliged to submit to the government their name, nationality and their intended usage of the land.
Opposition parties objected the bill citing fears that it could excessively impinge on individual rights and give the government power to apply it arbitrarily. Furthermore, rights activists expressed concerns over heightened surveillance on residents living in the vicinity of military bases of the US and the SDF. [Mainichi] [Asahi Shimbun]
Japan: No-confidence motion against Suga squashed
(dx) A no-confidence motion, submitted by four opposition parties against Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, was voted down by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), junior coalition partner Komeito and Japan Innovation Party. The motion was launched after Suga refused opposition parties’ demands for a three-month extension of the current Diet.
The motion and the demands for an extension of the parliamentary session come at a time when the Suga administration is facing strong criticism for its handling of the pandemic as well as public discontent over e LDP lawmakers' dining treats by companies and vote-buying scandals involving LDP politicians. [Asahi Shimbun] [Japan Times] [Air No.4, January/2021, 4] [Air No.14, April/2021, 1] [Air No.18, May/2021, 1]
South Korea: Delivery workers reach deal on overwork after strike
(nm) After a nationwide strike to draw attention to their harsh working conditions, delivery workers in South Korea have reached a tentative agreement with companies to cap drivers’ hours at 60 per week and hire additional workers to sort packages starting in September. Last week’s overnight strike of thousands of unionized workers in Seoul was triggered by the companies’ inaction in the implementation of a deal forged in January that seeks to prevent overwork. The deal had been reached by the Parcel Delivery Workers’ Solidarity Union, the government, and logistic firms after the deaths of 16 delivery drivers had given rise national attention late last year.
With the coronavirus pandemic leading to stark increases in online trade, drivers’ workloads have similarly exploded, with some claiming to have worked 90 hours a week. As drivers are classified as irregular workers in South Korea, they are not subject to minimum wage or paid leave. [Nikkei Asia] [Korea Times]
South Korea: Former Prime Minister announces run for presidency
(nm) The ruling Democratic Party’s (DP) presidential campaign is taking up speed as two additional candidates have declared their intentions to run in next year’s presidential elections. Last week, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun officially announced his intention to run, while former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae announced her plan to officially declare her bid this week.
In his campaign kick-off event, Chung focussed on eradicating inequalities and building a strong economy, running under the slogan “Strong Korea, Economic President.” He is considered a moderate with ample political experience. After being appointed as Prime Minister in January 2020, he led South Korea’s coronavirus response, but resigned in April 2021 to prepare his run for presidency. [Korea Times]
Over the weekend, former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae also expressed her intention to declare her bid this week, potentially running under the slogan a “Country that Elevates People”. Chung previously led the Moon administration’s campaign for the nation’s major prosecution reform as she served as justice minister until January of this year. [Korea Herald]
Both Chung and Choo enter into a tough race as they join several other DP members who have already announced their ambitions for presidency. Most notably, former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon and former Prosecutor General Yook Seok-youl have already declared their bids and have led recent opinion polls.
The presidential election is set for March 2022.
North Korea: Kim Jong-un acknowledges "food crisis”
(nds) At a key Workers' Party meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un admitted that his country is currently struggling with a “tense food situation,” due to many challenges. Kim identified as main reason the failure of the agricultural sector to meet its grain production target due to the damage caused by typhoons last year. Besides, the North Korean economy is often burdened by multiple international sanctions imposed on its military programs. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has most likely worsened the humanitarian situation in the North. [The New York Times] [NK News] [la-croix.com, in French]
Law and Politics in South Asia
Bangladesh: National human rights commission failed to solve half the cases filed within last decade
(lm) Bangladesh’ s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was able to resolve less than 50 percent of the cases filed with it within the past decade, latest date has shown. Between 2011 and June 2021, a total of 6,736 complaints were lodged with the NHRC, the nation's rights custodian, but the average case disposal rate over the decade was 55.11 percent. [The Daily Star]
What is more, last year, only three out of 22 cases taken up by the commission against law enforcement agencies were resolved, according to the NHRC's 2020 annual report.
A recent report by Ain O Salish Kendra, a national legal aid and human rights organization lists an acute lack of manpower as one of the main reasons behind the NHRC’s deficit. Significantly, the organization also criticizes the legal framework, saying it would restrict the NHRC from investigating any disciplined forces, including Bangladesh Police and its elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit, the Rapid Action Battalion.
India: Government defends IT rules as social media platforms and UNHRC question their purpose
(ad/lm) India’s battle with US microblogging giant Twitter has escalated further, with the government accusing the company of deliberately ignoring new IT rules. [South China Morning Post]
Earlier this month, Twitter was said to have agreed to make key appointments in line with statutory requirements, after the government issued a final warning to the company to immediately comply with new rules for social media companies or face “consequences” under local laws [see AiR No. 23, June/2021, 2]. The new rules, which took effect in February, require intermediaries with more than five million users to assign and appoint representatives to redress grievances, among others [see AiR No. 9, March/2021, 1].
But on June 16, India’s Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad, said that the firm was still not in adherence. What is more, the Times of India the same day reported that Twitter had now lost its so-called “safe harbour” immunity from prosecution for “unlawful” or “inflammatory” tweets. After not complying, “Twitter now stands exposed to action […] for any third-party unlawful content”, the paper quoted an unnamed government source as saying. [The Indian Express 1] [Times of India]
In what may be the first, police in India on June 17 summoned Twitter’s country managing director to answer allegations that company did not stop the spread of a video that allegedly spread "hate and enmity". [see article below] [The Straits Times]
Against this backdrop, the social media giant found itself at the receiving end of prolonged questioning by members of the Standing Committee on Information and Technology headed by National Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. The committee members unanimously were critical about the US company allegedly dragging its feet on complying with the new IT rules. The Twitter officials, in turn, claimed that they abided by their policy. [The Hindu]
This was the second time Twitter had come under scrutiny from the Committee, after its representatives were first summoned in January to inform about the platforms’ ban on former US President Donald Trump’s social media accounts. [AiR No. 4, January/2021, 4]
In related developments, the Indian government also responded to concerns raised by the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC), stating that “the right to freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under the Indian Constitution”. [The Indian Express 2]
The UNHRC’s Special Procedure branch on June 11 had raised concerns over provisions of the new IT rules, arguing that they did not meet the requirements of international law, specifically the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The bench also expressed concerns that “the new rules may provide the authorities with the power to censor journalists who expose information of public interest and individuals who report on human rights violations in an effort to hold the government accountable.”
India: Police charge journalists for tweets following attack on Muslim man
(ad/lm) Global and Indian media bodies alike have condemned police in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh for filling First Information Reports (FIRs) against three journalists for their tweets and reports on the alleged assault of an elderly Muslim man earlier this month. [Al Jazeera]
In separate statements, Reporters Sans Frontiers, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Editors Guild of India and the Mumbai Press Club demanded an immediate withdrawal of the complaints against three journalists, some of whom are known for critical coverage of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The FIRs also name The Wire, a well-known investigative news website, Twitter India, and three lawmakers of the opposition National Congress. [The Wire]
India: Bail approval turns anti-terror law upside down
(ad) Three student activists have walked out of prison after their incarceration 13 months ago in connection with last year’s violent clashes between supporters and opponents of India’s contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act. [Hindustan Times]
Importantly, the activists, who have denied wrongdoing, were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which in 2019 was amended to allow the government to designate an individual as a terrorist without trial.
In its order, the Delhi High Court observed that “in its anxiety to suppress dissent – in the mind of the state – the line between constitutionally-guaranteed right to protest and terrorist activity seems to be getting somewhat blurred."
The granting of bail therefore constitutes a landmark decision that makes clear the distinction between the rights to protest and acts of terror, putting the phrase ‘prima facie true’ under legal scrutiny. Specifically, the court said it did not see prima facie evidence of acts of terror, and thus approved bail under regular law. [The Wire]
But on June 18, India’s Supreme Court said the order could not be treated as "precedent by any court" to grant bail to others also arrested under the anti-terrorism law, claiming the lower court’s order granting bail to the students raised questions of "pan-India" importance relating to the interpretation of the UAPA. The apex court therefore stopped these orders from being used as a legal precedent until it examines the matter next month. [Radio France Internationale]
India: Central government proposes bill to order recertification of previously certified films
(ad) The Central Government proposed a draft of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021, allowing the government to recertify an already certified film. This would add another form of direct government censorship.
However, the Supreme Court has stated that the government has no right to demand censorship after a film has been certified. The draft also includes penalising film piracy with jail and introducing age-based certification. [The Wire]
Maldives: Authorities conduct counterterrorism operation in prisons
(lm) Authorities have conducted counterterrorism operations in two prisons, in relation to the assassination attempt on Maldives’ Speaker of Parliament and former President Mohamed Nasheed on May 6. [raajje]
Nasheed was seriously injured when improvised explosive device (IED) detonated outside his home in the capital, Male [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. The operations were the latest in a series of raids conducted after police earlier this month in a press conference said they had received tips from over 150 individuals in relation to the attack.
Maldivian security agencies have been tight-lipped about the investigations, only indicated that jihadists elements remain the primary suspect for the attempt on Nasheed’s life, although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Four suspected had been arrested during initial security operations were taken into custody, with authorities informing that they all carried “extremist ideologies”. They have since denied involvement in the attack on Nasheed [see AiR No. 21, May/2021, 4]. Another 10 individuals were arrested in the counter-terrorism operations launched after the bombing.
Meanwhile, the Parliament Committee on National Security Services is probing on how Nasheed’s security was breached, after local media reports had alleged that he was warned by security forces over their inability to provide him security at his current residential address [see AiR No. 23, June/2021, 2].
Maldives: Election commissioner resigns
(lm) The President of the Election Commission (EC), Ahmed Shareef, has resigned from his position after being offered to fill government post. [avas]
Shareef was appointed by former President Abdullah Yameen as the chief of the EC just days before the 2018 presidential elections. As the EC chairman, he oversaw three major elections: he 2018 presidential elections, the 2019 parliamentary elections, and the 2021 Local Council and Women’s development Awards which were originally scheduled to take place in April of last year but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic [see AiR No. 16, April/2021, 3].
Nepal: Supreme Court orders government to file report on cabinet reshuffle
(lm) Nepal’s Supreme Court has issued an order seeking a written response from the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister on its decision to reshuffle the Cabinet. Regular hearings on the case will resume from June 23, after the completion of the 15-day tenure provided by the court to the defendants to submit their response. [The Himalayan Times 1]
Caretaker Prime Minister Oli, who has been facing strong opposition from within his own his Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) against his move to dissolve the House of Representatives, removed some key ministers, including his Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokharel and Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali in a Cabinet rejig on June 4. He also expanded his Cabinet with the inclusion of eight ministers and two ministers of state from a faction of the Madhesi-based People’s Socialist Party, Nepal, (PSP-N). [AiR No. 23, June/2021, 2]
Soon thereafter, six wit petitions had been filed seeking the annulment of the cabinet reshuffle, arguing that it was against the constitutional norms when the Parliament has already been dissolved and election dates have been fixed for November 12 and 19. The composition of the Constitutional Bench has been under constant scrutiny, first after being protested by the petitioners and later by PM Oli's advocates, which has hampered regular commencement of hearings.
Meanwhile, an unfazed Oli, on June 10, appointed another eight new ministers, including seven cabinet ministers. Now, with the latest round of appointments, the council of ministers has a total of 22 cabinet ministers and three state ministers. [The Himalayan Times 2]
Nepal: Supreme Court stays citizenship ordinance
(lm) Nepal’s Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interim order to stay the implementation of the Citizenship Act Amendment Ordinance and issued a show cause notice to the government seeking a written reply within seven days. [The Himalayan Times 1]
In a bid to garner the support of the Madhesi-based People’s Socialist Party, Nepal, (PSP-N), a beleaguered Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on May 23 recommended the issuance of the Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Ordinance 2021, after the issue had been on hold in the parliamentary State Affairs Committee for the last three years. [AiR No. 21, May/2021, 4]
According to the ordinance, citizenship by descent will be provided to children of citizens by birth. Further, citizenship will also be granted to children of Nepali mothers, if the fathers’ identities cannot be established. Thus, it is expected to especially affect ethnic Madhesi, i.e. people of Indian ancestry residing along Nepal’s southern plane, where cross-border marriage is particularly prevalent. Therefore, the SC’s stay on the implementation has caused a public outcry, mainly from eligible citizens who expressed their disappointment and frustration. [The Himalayan Times 2]
Rights organizations estimate that around 680,000 children of Nepali mothers would be eligible to obtain Nepali citizenship under the amendment. However, prior to the SC’s interim order, some of these organizations had expressed doubt regarding the implementation of the ordinance, highlighting procedural challenges for eligible citizens. [The Himalayan Times 3]
Importantly, the government issued the ordinance two days after the dissolution of parliament’s lower house and the announcement of snap elections for November. Thus, the ordinance had been challenged with as many as six petitions, arguing that the caretaker government has no authority to issue an ordinance that will have long-term effect.
In its decision, the court noted that while there are provisions for the government to introduce ordinances, these require limitations, as the legislature has the inherent right to make laws. As per Constitution, all ordinances must be passed by Parliament within 60 days after the day on which a meeting of both Houses is held, according to the constitution. [The Kathmandu Post]
Nepal: Factional feud in PSP-N intensifies
(lm) The factional feud in the People’s Socialist Party, Nepal, (PSP-N) continues to intensify, as both rivaling factions claim to hold the majority in the party’s Executive Committee (EC), and seek recognition from the Election Commission.
Last week, the EC refused to acknowledge the punitive action taken by PSP-N Co-Chairmen Upendra Yadav and Mahantha Thakur against each other. Both had removed each other from the party, alongside with some lawmakers. [The Himalayan Times 1]
On June 17, then, the Upendra Yadav-Baburam Bhattarai faction removed nine lawmakers representing the rivaling Thakur-Mahato faction of the party for joining the KP Sharma Oli-led government [see AiR No. 23, June/2021, 2]. The faction also submitted a petition to the Election Commission seeking recognition as the authentic PSP-N. [The Himalayan Times 2]
Importantly, the Yadaf-Bhattarai faction claims to hold the support of 31 out of 51 members of the party's Executive Committee. The Thakur-Mahato faction, in turn, came out arguing that it had reshuffled the Committee as early as in May, when it expelled 20 members loyal to Yadav and Bhattarai and added an equal number of lawmakers close to them.
Justifying the decision, factional leaders cite agreement reached in December of last year, which allegedly authorizes the “first Co-chair of the party” - Mahantha Thakur - to reshuffle the Committee and write official letters to the government bodies concerned on behalf of the party. [The Himalayan Times 3]
Pakistan: Proposed amendments in electoral reform bill violate constitution, says election commission
(ra/lm) Pakistan’s Election Commission (ECP) has informed the federal government that 13 clauses of the electoral reform bills passed earlier this month by Parliament’s lower house are in conflict with the Constitution. [Geo News]
On June 10, the government literally bulldozed legislation in the National Assembly by getting 21 laws approved, including the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2020, which was first tabled in October of last year and comprises 49 amendments to the 2017 Elections Act 2017. It had previously sailed through the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs on June 8, when only eight out of the total 21 members were present. [Dawn]
Another bill - the Elections (Second Amendment) Bill - which was originally promulgated as an ordinance on May 8 and covered two very important electoral reforms such as the introduction of electronic voting machines and enabling overseas Pakistanis to cast their vote from their countries of residence, was also passed the same day without any debate.
A worry that the ECP has towards the new proposed legislation is that it transfers some of the ECP’s constitutionally mandated functions to the federal government’s National Database and Registration Authority. It also voiced concern over the delimitation of constituencies based on the number of voters rather than the total population.
It also said that using the open ballot method instead of secret voting for the Senate polls might violate an opinion given by the Supreme Court earlier in March. Back then, the apex court ruled that the elections should be held via secret ballot, but their secrecy is not absolute and that the ECP should employ the latest technology to ensure "that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law and that corrupt practices are guarded against." [AiR No. 10, March/2021, 2]
The two bills are now before the country’s Senate where these may either be forwarded to a standing committee and then be taken up by the full Senate or the rules may be suspended and the Senate may directly take them up. Although Pakistan’s opposition parties constitute a majority in the Senate, the defeat of the bills in the Senate is not a foregone conclusion.
Pakistan: Parliament adopts bill granting right of appeal to alleged Indian spy
(lm) Pakistan’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill providing the right of appeal to Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national who sits on death row since being convicted for spying by a Pakistani military court four years ago. Legislation is now being passed up to the Senate, which will have to also approve it before it becomes law.
The bill, which was first tabled in Parliament in July of last year [see AiR No. 30, July/2020, 4], gives foreign nationals convicted by military courts in Pakistan the right to file an appeal before a High Court, as well as to file petitions seeking consular access.
It is aimed at complying with a 2019 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that ordered Islamabad to provide Jadhav the right of review and reconsideration by “means of its own choosing”. The Pakistani government had already enforced the law through an ordinance in May last year.
Last September, however, Islamabad rejected New Delhi’s request to allow a Queen’s Counsel or an Indian lawyer to represent Jadhav in the appeals hearing, arguing that only a lawyer allowed to practice in the country can be appointed as his counsel. [AiR No. 38, September/2020, 4]
Speaking days after the House session, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said by passing the bill Islamabad had deprived India of an opportunity to have Pakistan “dragged back” to the court. India, in turn, has not so far remarked on the passage of the bill. [Al Jazeera]
Sri Lanka: Court frees top detective probing Rajapaksas after EU lawmakers adopt resolution
(lm) Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal on June 16 granted bail to the former director of the Criminal Investigation Department after 10 months behind bars, in a case that attracted international condemnation of Colombo’s human rights record. Lanka’s civil society. [The Straits Times]
Shani Abeysekara was leading investigations into numerous high-profile corruption cases and murders involving members of the powerful Rajapaksa family and their associates. Soon after Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the presidency in November 2019, however, he was dismissed and was arrested on charges of fabricating false evidence. Rights activists claim these allegations to be false.
The bail approval assumes added significance, coming as it does a week after the European Parliament singled out Abeysekara's incarceration as an example of Sri Lanka's persecution of individuals who were seen as a threat to the administration.
On June 10, the EU Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission to consider temporary withdrawal of Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status, which provides better access European Union markets in return for progress implementing international human rights treaties. The resolution cites “Sri Lanka’s alarming path towards the recurrence of grave human rights violations” and notes Colombo’s persistent failure to repeal the contentious Prevention of Terrorism Act [see also AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5].
Crucially, the resolution also calls on the Commission to urgently evaluate its funding for a UN project to support Sri Lanka on counterterrorism and recommends the EU and member states to increase support for Sri Lanka’s civil society.
Sri Lanka: Military launches investigation into troops over 'humiliation' of Muslims
(lm) Sri Lanka’s military has launched an investigation after social media posts showed soldiers forcing minority Muslims to kneel on the streets as a punishment for flouting lockdown rules. The army in a statement also said the officer in charge had been removed and the soldiers involved ordered to leave the town. [The Straits Times]
The military has been deployed to help police and the health authorities enforce virus restrictions.
Local residents said they considered the order to be degrading and humiliating, while officials acknowledged that troops had no power to mete out such punishments.
Law and Politics in Southeast Asia
Indonesia: Investigation launched into death of politician critical of Sulawesi Island gold mine
(sa) Indonesian police are investigating the death of Helmud Hontong, the deputy regent of the remote Sangihe islands in North Sulawesi Province who had opposed a proposed gold mining project on the island. Indonesia’s human rights commission Komnas HAM and environmental groups which are rejecting the project for its threats to Sangihe’s ecosystem had demanded such a query.
Travelling from Bali Island to Makassar city, it was reported that Hontong felt dizzy, lost consciousness, and bled from his mouth and nose 20 minutes into the flight. The representative was pronounced dead on arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport.
PT Tambang Mas Sangihe, the firm commencing the project, is owned 70% by Canadian firm Baru Gold Corporation and 30% by others. Baru Gold denied any linkages to the death and re-iterated its commitment to “mitigate[ing] disturbances to the rare flora and fauna of the island.” [Reuters]
Indonesia: Refugees seeking asylum in Indonesia stuck in legal limbo
(sa) As Indonesia is not signatory to the UN’s 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol related to the Convention, refugees are not allowed to settle in the country permanently. This is problematic for the 13,435 refugees living in Indonesia according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative Dwi Prafitria. Legally, all refugees, according to human rights lawyer Ranto Sibarani based in Medan, are ‘just transiting’.
The questionable legal status of such refugees makes it such that the Indonesian government can control what goods and services the refugees have and do not have access to. In Massakar, on the Island of Sulawesi, refugees there cannot work, study, nor access government services such as health care. Refugees in the city are given roughly 1.25 million rupiah (US$86) per month by the International Organization for Migration to cover necessities. According to recipients, it is only enough to afford two meals a day.
The prospects of relocating the refugees are limited as countries signatory to the UN 1951 Convention or 1967 Protocol have liberty in deciding when to accept refugees. Combined with Covid-19, where most countries have closed borders, the chances of refugees moving elsewhere further dwindles. [South China Morning Post]
Such news spells troubling times ahead for recently arrived Rohingya refugees seeking brighter times in the future. [AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3]
Malaysia: Controversial Penang South Island project’s to be withdrawn?
(tcy) The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry announced that it may recommend withdrawing the approval of the Penang South Island project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which evaluates whether the expected impact of the project on the environment is acceptable. It was also announced that it might propose not to approve the project’s Environment Management Plan (EMP) as well, which details how negative environmental impacts will be mitigated and minimized effectively in the implementation of the project. In 2019, the project obtained approval for its EIA with 72 conditions, but it has not yet obtained approval for its EMP. Approval for both the EIA and EMP is necessary before the project can be implemented. [Malay Mail ]
The Penang South Islands project, also known as the three-island reclamation project, is a land reclamation project to the south of Penang Island, meant to host a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and activities. Last week, the Penang government announced that it would go ahead with the controversial project despite numerous objections from fishermen, civil society groups, think tanks and other ministers due to environmental and socio-economic concerns. [see AIR No. 24, June/2021, 3] [Bernama]
Malaysia: King orders to reconvene Parliament
(tcy) Following a series of political meetings with various political party leaders, as well as a Special Meeting of Malay Rulers on June 16 to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and emergency situation [see AIR No. 24, June/2021, 3], Malaysia’s King has announced that the country’s state of emergency need not be extended beyond its August 1 expiry date, and that Parliament should reconvene as soon as possible to allow debate about the Emergency Ordinances and the National Recovery Plan, recently announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.[Bernama 1] [Malay Mail]
The King and the Malay rulers were also of the view that the state legislative assemblies in their respective states should also be allowed to reconvene as soon as possible, prompting various states including Penang, Johor, Selangor, Sabah, Negri Sembilan, Perlis, Melaka, and Pahang to begin making preparations to do so. [Bernama 2] [Malay Mail 1]
The announcement comes a day after Muhyiddin unveiled the National Recovery Plan, which outlines four phases for Malaysia to transition out of the COVID-19 crisis and expressed commitment to reconvening Parliament in the third phase, estimated to be in September or October. [Bernama 3]
Following the King’s announcement, the Prime Minister’s Office noted the views of the King and promised to take follow-up measures based on the Federal Constitution and national laws, although it did not specify these measures. [Bernama 4] Later on June 20, Muhyiddin announced the formation of a committee comprising government and opposition representatives to look into the reconvening of Parliament, and whether it should be a physical or hybrid parliamentary sitting. [The Straits Times]
The vagueness of this response, however, has led to calls from various parties including political leaders and civil society groups for the government to reconvene Parliament immediately. [Malay Mail 2] [Malay Mail 3] [Malay Mail 4] [Malay Mail 5] [Malay Mail 6] [Malay Mail 7] Many have argued that failure to reconvene Parliament on August 2 after the emergency ends would result in a constitutional crisis when the Federal Constitution is in force again, violating Article 55(1) which permits a maximum period of six months to elapse between two Parliamentary sessions. The last Parliament sitting was in December last year. [Malay Mail 8] [Malay Mail 9] [Malay Mail 10] However, the government continues to appear reluctant to do so, with ministers stating that the King’s call is in line with the government’s plan to reconvene Parliament at a suitable time, and that because the King did not specify a particular date, it is within the Prime Minister’s jurisdiction to decide on when Parliament should be reconvened. [Malay Mail 11] [Malay Mail 12]
Amidst the growing political and health crisis, the intervention of the King and the rulers of the nine Malay states is significant, as they move beyond their largely ceremonial role to directly intervene in political affairs and begin to be seen as the only check on the government’s powers amid the suspension of Parliament. As Muhyiddin’s government faces increasing pressure to reopen Parliament or risk being seen as undemocratic and disrespectful to the King, it continues to remain unclear whether the government will heed the call. [The Diplomat]
Malaysia: Calls for more holistic refugee policies
(tcy) As the government adopts an increasingly hardline stance towards refugees and migrants amidst the Covid-19 pandemic [see AIR No. 24, June/2021, 3], calls emerge from civil society groups urging for more humane treatment and holistic policies.
In response to a comment made my Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin about the possibility of building refugee camps [Malay Mail 1], the Malaysian Advisory Group on Myanmar strongly expressed its opposition to such a policy, stating that these punitive measures would only undermine efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. The group also said that the vast majority of refugees in Malaysia are “urban refugees”, which enables them to assimilate and contribute to Malaysian society, whereas building camps would only perpetuate trauma and alienation while draining public resources. [Malay Mail 2]
The All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) also called for bipartisan cooperation to objectively assess the situation and help the country develop more comprehensive policies on refugee management, while engaging with diverse stakeholders including NGOs, the private sector, and local and refugee community leaders. Specifically, the group called for policies that allow for basic rights prior to their resettlement to a third country, a safe and dignified return to their countries once they become peaceful again, and an environment where refugees can come forward for COVID-19 testing and vaccination without the fear of arrest. [Malay Mail 3]
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are 179,570 refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia. However, as Malaysia is currently not a signatory of the UN’s 1951 Refugee Convention, local laws offer refugees little protection or differentiation from illegal immigrants. [Malay Mail 2]
Myanmar: Militia group halts attacks on troops; village burnt after fighting
(lm) An ethnic armed group that has been fighting security forces in Myanmar’s eastern borderlands has pledged to investigate allegations by the junta that its forces killed 25 workers after abducting a group of 47 people last month. [The Straits Times 1]
The Karen National Union (KNU) and its armed wing, the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) have been fighting for decades to gain more autonomy from Myanmar’s central government, and is among the ethnic armed organizations that have opposed the military takeover.
State-controlled media on June 14 accused the KNDO of killing 25 construction workers near the border with Thailand after abducting them from a construction site last month [see AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3]. The KNU issued its response to the allegations in a letter dated June 16, denying the military regime’s allegations and claiming that the men it killed were undercover soldiers sent to spy. [The Irrawaddy]
The same day, the Karenni National Defence Force - a militia group in the eastern state of Kayah - announced it had temporarily suspended attacks on military targets, after appeals from local communities to cease fighting that had damaged homes and displaced more than 100,000 people [see AiR No. 23, June/2021, 2]. [The Straits Times 2]
Also on June 16, security forces set ablaze a village in the central Magway region after clashing there with members of a local self-defense force, leaving at least two elderly people burned to death. [South China Morning Post]
Against this backdrop, the United Nations on June 17 said it was “alarmed at recent acts of violence that illustrate a sharp deterioration of the human rights environment across Myanmar”.
Myanmar: US journalist appears in special court
(lm) A US journalist detained in Myanmar since May appeared in a special court on June 17, where he faces charges under a law that criminalizes encouraging dissent against the military. He was remanded in Yangon's Insein Prison after the hearing and is scheduled to appear in court again on July 1. [The Straits Times]
The journalist, a managing editor for media outlet Frontier Myanmar, was detained by local authorities on May 24 as he tried to board a flight out of the country [see AiR No. 22, June/2021, 1]. He faces charges under Section 505(a) of Myanmar’s Penal Code which purports to address “incitement: and carries up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine.
Earlier this month a Myanmar journalist working for another outlet was jailed for two years under the same law, which the junta revised soon after the coup to include spreading “fake news” as a crime.
In related news, another journalist and US citizen - who was detained by the Myanmar junta in March and also faced charges under Section 505(a) - was released on June 14 after the charges were dropped, and has left the country for the United States.
Philippines: International Criminal Court eyes probe on human rights violations
(lp) The outgoing prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Fatou Bensouda sought authorization from The Hague Tribunal to open a full investigation into the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s ongoing ‘war on drugs’. The case will be soon turned over to Bensouda’s successor, Karim Khan. [Al Jazeera]
On the one hand, the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the government to cooperate in this investigation. Moreover, families of war on drugs victims welcomed the prosecutor’s move. The Child Rights Network (CRN) also supports this investigation because it would give justice to 122 children who died during the war on drugs. [GMA Network] [Deutsche Welle] [Manila Bulletin 1]
On the other hand, the government dismissed the deaths of civilians as mere ‘collateral damage’. Moreover, an ally of the Duterte administration challenged prosecutor Bensouda’s credibility because she had been included in the specifically designated national (SDN) list of the US government under former President Donald Trump. Similarly, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) deplored the prosecutor’s move arguing that the Philippine government has already taken steps to ‘address’ the war on drugs, such as the recent finalization of the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights. [ABS-CBN] [Philippine Star] [Inquirer]
The ICC probe would not interfere with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ongoing review of cases involving deaths in illegal drugs operations, according to a Justice. [Manila Bulletin 2]
Most recently, police killed a sixteen years old teen during an anti-drug operation in Laguna, and Army soldiers killed, besides other two individuals, a twelve years-old child during an alleged encounter with ‘communist’ rebels. Just like Duterte has repeatedly encouraged soldiers to kill ‘rebels’ throughout his war on drugs, he gave a reward of eleven million Philippine pesos to some military units for killing reportedly NPA leaders. [Rappler] [Benar News] [Manila Times]
Singapore: Finance minister seeks global consensus on tax reforms
(tcy) Speaking at the CNBC Evolve Global Summit, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong discussed Singapore’s position on adjusting its tax system, in response to the historic tax agreement signed by the G7 group of wealthy nations earlier this month. [The Straits Times]
To tackle abuses by multinationals and online technology companies, G7 member states on June 5 signed a tax agreement, agreeing to a minimum global corporation tax rate of at least 15 percent. Although, months and possibly years of talks still need to take place before the rules come into force, the commitment is considered as a turning point, and the inclusion of “at least” in the G7 deal means it could be negotiated higher.
Against this backdrop, Wong acknowledged the need for greater international cooperation to reform and synchronize global tax systems. At the same time, he expressed that a global consensus involving all countries, not just the wealthy G-7 nations, was key when establishing its terms to ensure a level playing field. Wong made assurances that should new rules be established globally, Singapore would consult its businesses and adjust its tax systems to be aligned with the global consensus.
Thailand: Three coalition parties and opposition file 14 constitutional amendment drafts
(pr/lm) A fresh charter amendment bid that is seen as crucial to defusing political tensions was set in motion last week, as three coalition parties along with the opposition bloc on June 16 submitted 14 amendment drafts to Parliament President Chuan Leekpai.
A joint session of Parliament is scheduled to convene for three days starting June 22. On the first day, the legislative will deliberate a backlog of legislation, before considering the proposed amendments to the Constitution in an inaugural reading. The opposition, government and Senate will be allocated six hours each for the debate and a vote is expected to take place on the afternoon of June 24. Once accepted, Parliament will examine the drafts for up to 45 days before putting them up for a final third vote. [Thai PBS World 1]
In order to successfully pass, any bill seeking to amend the Constitution requires the support of a majority of members of the House and at least of one-third, or 84, of the 250 Senators, as per Section 256 of the Constitution. Importantly, an opposition-sponsored referendum bill that sought to amend Section 256 of the Constitution will not be tabled, after it was rejected by Parliament’s legal advisory committee over fears it may violate a ruling by the Constitutional Court. [see entry below]
While major differences between coalition Bhumjaithai, Democrat and Chartthaipattana parties on the one, and opposition Pheu Thai (PTP), Move Forward (MFP) and Seri Ruam Thai parties remain, they converge on one point: They all seek to amend Section 272 of the Constitution, which empowers the 250 appointed Senators to vote in the election of the prime minister. [Bangkok Post 1]
However, a vast majority of Senators is reportedly planning to reject all amendment proposal, expect the one bill introduced by the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Only Senator Wanchai Sornsiri has publicly expressed is support for the opposition-sponsored proposal that seeks to amend Section 272. [Bangkok Post 4] [Bangkok Post 5]
The PPRP’s constitutional amendment plan will focus on lower-hanging fruits that do not require a national referendum. Neither will the PPRP seek to reduce the role of Senators, for the party to maintain good working relations, and needs the Senator’s support to approve its modest constitutional amendment proposals. Specifically, the primary objective of the PPRP is to change the election system – something that does not concern the Senators – by reverting to the system in which a voter casts two ballots – one to vote for a candidate, and another for a party [see, AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3].
The two-ballot system tends to benefit large and well-known parties capable of mounting energetic nation-wide election campaigns, and thus, is also being supported by the opposition (PTP). The bid to restore the two-ballot method is therefore likely to sail through Parliament. [Bangkok Post 2]
Other sections of the Constitution to be amended under the proposed bills include Section 159 (restriction of the choice of prime ministerial candidates to those nominated by parties or lawmakers), improvement to the 20-year National Strategy Plan, further protection of civil and consumer rights, and the deletion of all provisions legalizing all the announcements and orders of the now-defunct executive body of the military junta, the National Council for Peace and Order. [Thai PBS World 2]
The opposition MFP, meanwhile, is the only political party claiming that constitutional reform must be a total rewrite or no change at all. Party Secretary-General Chaithawat Tulathon said all provisions in the constitution could be changed, including Chapters 1 and 2, which define the long-established identity of (hegemonic) Thai Constitutionalism and the central role of the monarchy.
In related developments, another constitutional amendment bill proposed by the Re-solution group is also gathering signatures. As of 19 June, it gained 20,000 out of the minimum 50,000 for submission to Parliament. The group is led by many political figures such as Parit Wacharasindhu, a former member of the Democrat Party, Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw), and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul of the Progressive Movement. [Bangkok Post 3]
Thailand: Opposition-sponsored amendment bill to reform Constitution rejected by parliamentary committee
(pr/lm) An opposition-sponsored constitutional amendment bill to establish a Constitution Drafting Assembly (CDA) will not be tabled for parliamentary consideration this week, after the draft proposal has been rejected by Parliament’s legal advisory committee over fears it may violate a ruling by the Constitutional Court. [The Thaiger]
Submitted by the opposition Pheu Thai Party, the bill sought to amend Section 265 of the 2017 Thai Constitution, to pave the way for a CDA. As per the section, a charter amendment requires the support of a majority of members of the House and at least of one-third, or 84, of the 250 Senators.
The parliamentary committee said that the draft proposal would in effect result in the cancellation of the current Constitution, and thus may violate the March ruling of Thailand’s Constitutional Court. Back then, the Constitutional Court ruled 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].
Shortly thereafter, a joint sitting of both chambers of Parliament voted down an opposition-sponsored bill that sought to amend Section 256 [see AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5].
Opposition Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties disagreed with the interpretation of the ruling. They take the view that Parliament has a mandate to consider the amendment bill, claiming that the apex court’s ruling did not prohibit deliberation of an amendment bill, and did not specify the specific stage in which a referendum must be held. [Bangkok Post 1]
In the same vein, Deputy Prime Minister and legal advisor of the government Wissanu Krea-ngam earlier last week said the bill does not contravene ruling as the referendum bill is expected to be passed by Parliament while the amendment bill is being deliberated. Subsequently, the bill can be put up to a referendum as required by the court ruling. [Bangkok Post 2]
Thailand: Ruling PPRP revamps senior line-up during annual party convention
(pr) During its annual party conference last week, the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) has re-elected Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon as party leader, while Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow was elected as the new Secretary-General replacing incumbent Anucha Nakasai. [Bangkok Post 1]
Thamanat is a high-profile politician, who is known to be an effective parliamentarian and organizer within the PPRP. Importantly, as leader of a faction of party lawmakers in the northern provinces, he supported the movement to install Prawit as leader of the largest government party in 2020. Thamanat has also been instrumental in several crucial by-election wins for the Palang Pracharat Party in the south of the country, areas that were traditionally considered strongholds of the Democrat Party. [Bangkok Post 2]
Thamanat’s status was confirmed by the Constitutional Court, following a review sought by opposition lawmakers in parliament after the minister was the subject of an international news exposé by an Australian newspaper in 2019 which identified him as a key player in an alleged multi-million-dollar heroin smuggling operation. [AiR No.19, May/2021, 2]
The hitherto Secretary-General, Anucha Nakasai, withdrew from the contest, as he was widely seen as merely a temporary stand-in. The current minister of the Prime Minister’s Office is a key member of the Sam Mitr (Three Allies) faction, which was instrumental in forming the PPRP prior to the last general election [see AiR No. 31, August/2020, 1].
Observers say that a shuffle of ministerial posts may be called for Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat to become a minister to befit his position of secretary-general, the second-most powerful seat of the party. But party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon was quick to reject the rumors following the revamp of the PPRP’s executive board. [Bangkok Post 3]
Thailand: Complaint filed demanding investigation into deputy minister’s conviction
the leader of the opposition Seri Ruam Thai (Thai Liberal Party), Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, on June 21 filed a complaint with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau demanding a criminal investigation against Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow’s conviction by an Australian court.
In May, the Constitutional Court dismissed a bid to disqualify the deputy minister, who was the subject of an international news exposé by an Australian newspaper in 2019 which identified him as a key player in an alleged drug-smuggling operation. The apex court ruled that only criminal acts and prison sentences handed down in Thailand could influence the status of a Thai politician under the applicable sections of the 2017 Constitution. [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2].
According to Sereepisuth, authorities have two more years to initiate legal proceedings for alleged possession of narcotics with an intent to distribute. The opposition lawmaker said the investigation may trigger a review of Thamanat’s eligibility to hold political positions. [Bangkok Post 3]
Opposition parties earlier in May established a parliamentary sub-committee to investigate Thamanat for his involvement in drug smuggling and violation of ethical conduct for concealing his criminal background prior to becoming a minister. Further, the opposition Move Forward Party is preparing a bill to amend the Criminal Code to prevent judges, police officers, and prosecutors from interpreting laws in a way which may distort the spirit of the law. [AiR No. 20, May/2021, 3]
Thailand: Prominent student activist hit with more royal defamation charges
(pr) Prominent student activist Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak has been slapped with yet more charges of royal defamation over comments he made on Facebook last year, bringing the total of number lèse majesté charges filed against him to 20.
Royal defamation is a criminal offense in Thailand under Article 112 of the Criminal Code and is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment per charge, which means that Parit could potentially face hundreds of years in prison if convicted on all counts.
The latest charge was filed after an online royalist group – whose members have filed numerous lèse majesté charges against many netizens – filed a complaint with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) of the Thai police. Parit reported to the TCSD on 15 June and denied all charges. [Prachatai English]
The prominent activist was granted conditional bail last month on a number of conditions, including not dishonor the monarchy or cause unrest. He is facing several charges, including lèse majesté and sedition, along with three other protest leaders, for their activities during rallies in September of last year [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. Earlier this month, the Criminal Court summoned his caretakers to warn them that it may revoke Parit’s bail, after a complaint to review his bail was filed after he had made several online posts [see AiR No. 23, June/2021, 2].
Thailand: Pro-democracy groups plan to rally on June 24, authorities warn of legal action
(pr/lm) Protesters in Thailand plan to return to Bangkok’s streets on June 24, reviving a pro-democracy movement after a six-month hiatus during two waves of COVID-19 outbreaks. [The Straits Times]
At least four groups of anti-government activists have called for separate gatherings to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and to commemorate the June 24, 1932 Siamese Revolution, which transformed the country’s absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. [Bangkok Post 1]
Authorities have warned rally organizers that they may face legal action if they hold a rally. While restrictions in Bangkok are loosening up, gatherings of more than 50 people are still prohibited under the Emergency Decree to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. [The Thaiger] [Thai PBS World]
Importantly, protest leaders plan to draw fresh support from people frustrated with the government's handling of the virus outbreaks and vaccine roll-out to revive the movement. [Nikkei Asia 1] [Nikkei Asia 2]
A case in point, almost 40 percent of Thais don’t see any suitable choice to lead the country, according to the latest quarterly poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). [Bangkok Post 2]
But what is more, when asked whom they would support to be prime minister in today's political situation, less than 20 percent voiced their support for incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha. Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, former chief strategist of Pheu Thai Party and current leader of Thai Srang Thai Party, ranked third with 13.34 percent.
The poll also surveyed the most popular political party. Almost one third of the respondents said they would not support any party. Opposition Pheu Thai Party came in second with 19.48 percent, while the Move Forward Party came in third with 14.51 percent. The ruling Palang Pracharath Party came in fourth with 10.70 percent.
Thailand: Opposition lawmakers and activists call for bill on enforced disappearances
(pr) Lawmakers from the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) and activists have called for the parliamentary consideration of four bills outlawing enforced disappearances to be expedited. [Bangkok Post]
The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances recorded 86 cases of enforced disappearance in Thailand since 1980, including that of prominent Thai dissident Wanchalerm Satsaksit last year [see AiR No. 23, June/2020, 2].
Thailand has signed but has yet to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which requires governments to investigate reports of disappearance and take measures to protect the relatives of a disappeared person from intimidation.
Four bills on enforced disappearance are still awaiting to be tabled for parliamentary consideration, including the government-sponsored “Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Bill” which was approved by Cabinet in June of last year. The bill criminalizes torture and enforced disappearances committed by state officials and offers compensation for injuries from the crime. The other three bills were submitted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Justice.
Earlier this month, a petition was submitted to Parliament President Chuan Leekpai to expedite the passage of all four bills. [AiR No. 23, June/2021, 2]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Chinese astronauts begin occupation of space station
(dql) Showing the country’s growing confidence and capacity in the space domain, China has successfully launched a mission to send three astronauts into orbit and to begin occupation of the country’s new space station Tiangong, expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
With the US-led the International Space Station (ISS), a multinational collaborative project involving five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada), expected to be decommissioned in 2024, China’s Tiangong would be the only game in town for some time. [BBC]
For concerns among US observers and politician over challenges posed by China’s ambitions and capabilities in a “new phase” of US-China competition in space, see Nectar Gan and Ben Westcott in [CNN] and Jared Thompson in [Space News] The latter argues that “Washington does not need to dominate space but instead needs to prevent Beijing from realizing its troubling zero-sum ambitions to control space resources and become a space-power hegemon. […] The moon and Mars are not disputed islands, nor should they become one. Beijing’s revisionist agenda must not leave Earth.”
In a separate development, China and Russia unveiled at the Global Space Exploration (GLEX) conference in St. Petersburg a roadmap for a joint International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) aimed at guiding collaboration and development of the project. The ILRS, expected to become operational in 2036, is planned to be developed concurrently but separate to the US Artemis lunar exploration program. [Space.com]
For insights into prospects of Sino-Russian space cooperation, see Andrew E. Kramer and Steven Lee Myers in [New York Times] who argue that space has become a “natural extension of the two countries’ warming ties, given increasingly fraught relations with the United States.”
China-UK relations: Beijing accused of “creeping capture” of multilateral organizations
(dql) Amid already strained Sino-British relations, the UK parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has released a report in which it accuses China of attempts “to seize control of strategically important [multilateral] organisations and fundamentally redefine the once universally agreed principles on which they are based,” citing the World Health Organization (WHO), World Trade Organizations (WTO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Human Rights Council (HRC) as examples. The report also concludes that China “increasingly uses aggressive means, including bilateral economic leverage to coerce states to back their position or their candidates and then uses the organisations to shift policies away from the cooperation the organisations were created to promote.” [Foreign Affairs Committee, UK Parliament] [Republic World]
For further insights into China’s growing influence in UN organizations, see the study in [Gateway House], in which the authors argue that China holds a “dominant position in several critical multilateral bodies, in both personnel and funding,” with the most important being the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the International Civil, Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Australia takes China to WTO over wine tariffs
(dql) Amid frosty Sino-Australian relations, the Australian government has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to China’s decision to impose up to 218% tariffs on Australian wine last year. At the same time, Canberra affirmed that it remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve the issue.
It is Australia’s second appeal to the WTO within half a year, after it launched a formal appeal in December seeking a review of China’s decision to slap tariffs on imports of Australian barley. [Reuters]
Relations between China and Australia begun to plummet after Canberra banned Huawei from its 5G broadband networking in 2018, and subsequently worsened since it called for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus last year. In response, China imposed tariffs on Australian commodities, including wine and barley and limited imports of Australian beef, coal and grapes. [BBC] [Reuters]
Japan calls for stronger European military involvement in Indo-Pacific
(dql) Speaking to the European Parliament’s subcommittee on security and defence and citing China’s “unilateral attempts to change the status quo,” in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi called on the European Union to be stronger militarily involved in the Indo-Pacific to counter growing influence of China in this region.
His call comes as the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth will visit Japan on its maiden deployment this year, whereby leading a flotilla of Royal Navy ships in a high-profile tour through Asian waters, and conducting drills with forces from Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, and a number of European states including France, Denmark, Greece, Italy and Greece. [South China Morning Post]
In a latest related development, Japan’s Coast Guard confirmed that two Chinese coast guard ships sailed into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the early hours of Tuesday, shortly after two other Chinese vessels had stayed in the waters until late Monday for about 42 hours. [Japan Times]
Japan-Philippine relations: Memorandum on space cooperation concluded
(dql) Japan and the Philippines signed a space cooperation agreement which provides a framework for potential cooperation in various fields, including space applications, satellite development, capacity building for space technology, space science and space exploration, as well as space industry promotion.
The agreement follows earlier cooperation between the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in the development of satellites in this year. [Inquirer.Net]
In a separate development, Japan’s parliament approved a bill that allows private business operators to explore and use space resources and other non-living resources in outer space, on the Moon and other celestial bodies. Japan is after the US, Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates the fourth country to have a law for the exploration and exploitation of space resources. [Space News]
South Korea and Japan hold talks to work on strained ties
(nm) Representatives of South Korea and Japan held working-level talks this week in their efforts to overcome historic and other issues that have significantly strained their countries’ relation. The meeting between Seoul’s director general for Asia and Pacific affairs Lee Sang-ryeol and his Japanese counterpart Takehiro Funakoshi comes just before trilateral talks with newly appointed United States special envoy for North Korea, Sung Kim, to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in Seoul this week.
During their talks, Lee stressed that Japan needed to show its efforts to resolve tensions over wartime issues, including forced labour and sexual slavery, continued territorial claims to the islets of Dokdo/Takashima, and Japan’s recent plans to release Fukushima wastewater into the ocean which were met with opposition by neighbouring countries. Due to the tensions between the two nations, Tokyo recently cancelled an agreed-upon meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Britain earlier this month. During this week’s meeting, both nations acknowledged the need to reach stable ties for the peace and stability of the region and beyond. [Korea Herald]
South Korea and Spain enter into strategic partnership
(nm) South Korea and Spain have entered into a strategic partnership as South Korean President Moon Jae-in has wrapped up his week-long Europe trip following the G7 Summit set in Cornwall, England which South Korea had been invited to as a guest nation.
In addition to Spain, Seoul is maintaining so-called strategic partnerships with more than ten other countries. The term is used to describe a relationship in which two nations jointly discuss peace, regional and international issues and is seen as the third-closest form of bilateral relations that Korea carries.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Moon further agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of investment, education, and culture and signed several respective memoranda of understanding. The trip to Spain was preceded by the first state visit of a South Korean president to Austria since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1892 in which Moon forged a strategic partnership, too. [Korea Times] [Korea Herald]
Inter-Korean ties: Lawmaker accuses North Korea of hacking atomic energy think tank
(nm) According to one South Korean opposition lawmaker, North Korean hackers have conducted a cyberattack against South Korea’s state-run Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, potentially stealing valuable technology. Government agencies are currently addressing the damage.
The alleged attack took place in May when 13 unauthorized, external IPs addressed the internal network of the institute. Some of the IPs were later tracked to the server of the hacking unit “kimsuky” which is connected to Pyongyang’s Reconnaissance General Bureau, the North’s military-intelligence division. The same unit is believed to have concluded several hacks on pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, last year. The institute confirmed the attack, but said it was still analyzing its source. [Korea Herald 1] [Nikkei Asia]
This week, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, an executive branch of South Korea’s government, further confirmed hacking attempts against the database of one of South Korea’s major shipbuilders specialized in submarine vessels and warships, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. The police and relevant agencies are currently investigating the attacks. [Korea Herald 2]
Cyberattacks are increasingly considered of geopolitical importance, leading some experts to recognize them as a potentially greater threat than North Korea’s missile arsenal. [Foreign Policy]
If you wish to gain a greater insight into the North’s cyber force, you might be interested in this illustrative magazine article in [The New Yorker]. If you wish to lean more about international humanitarian law and cyberwarfare, you might find this interview conducted by the [ICRC] of interest.
North Korea: US sanctions extended amid outreach for resumption of talks
(dql/nds) The US announced its decision to extend United Nations Security Council sanctions on North Korea, with President Biden arguing that Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs “continue to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.” [Korea Times]
The extension comes amid recent efforts of the Biden administration to reach out to North Korea to resume talks, which has stayed away from talks with the US since its leader Kim Jong-un's summit with former President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February 2019 ended without a deal. In a latest development, US special envoy on North Korea Sung Kim this week offered to meet officials from Pyongyang “anywhere anytime without any preconditions,” reaffirming dialogue and diplomacy as part a “practical, calibrated approach” of the US towards North Korea. [Aljazeera]
In a latest related statement, North Korean leader Kim Jung-un signaled a possible way out of the current impasse in the negotiations as he called on the country “to get prepared for both dialogue and confrontation,” adding, however, that the country needs “especially to get fully prepared for confrontation in order to protect the dignity of our state and its interests for independent development and to reliably guarantee the peaceful environment and the security of our state.” [NPR]
For an analysis of the role China in finding a resolution for Pyongyang's denuclearization, see Jina Kim in [Carnegie Endowment] who argues: Beijing wants to ensure that any diplomatic advances between North Korea, South Korea, and the United States do not undermine aspects of the status quo that it sees as beneficial. But, on the other hand, Chinese officials are eager to take advantage “of ways that such diplomacy could erode the institutional foundations of the U.S.-led security order on the Korean Peninsula.”
Taiwan-US relations: Legislative actions in Congress in support of Taiwan
(dql) Lawmakers of the US House of Representatives from both political parties have announced to introduce the Taiwan Peace and Stability Act which seeks to boost US support for Taiwan. The latest in a string of recent legislative moves in Congress reflecting a hard line towards China [see AiR No. 22, June/2021, 1] [see AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3], the bill presents a measure “to support the diplomatic, economic and physical space” of Taiwan, calling on the Biden administration to submit within 90 days a report on a whole-of-government strategy to enhance deterrence against a cross-Strait conflict, while emphasizing cooperation with allies. The bill, however, does not call for abandoning the long-standing stance of “strategic ambiguity” despite demands from some of the most hawkish Congress members that the US speaks out a clear commitment to defending Taiwan in the case of a Chinese attack. [Reuters]
Furthermore, Congress members reintroduced a bill known as the Taiwan Defense Act in both the Senate and House of Representatives which stipulates that it should be the US government’s policy to maintain its military’s ability to launch combined joint operations against Chinese forces to deter potential attacks on Taiwan. The proposed legislation was first introduced to Congress in 2020, but was eventually left off the agenda. [Focus Taiwan]
Meanwhile, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said in a Congressional hearing that there was a low probability that China would try to take over Taiwan militarily in the near-term, arguing that Beijing is lacking the necessary capabilities to do so.
Milley’s assessment stands in contrast to those earlier this year of Admiral Philip Davidson, then commander of US forces in the Pacific, who warned that China might launch an attack on Taiwan in the next six years, and his successor Adm. John Aquilino who said that such an attack “is much closer to us than most think.” [The Hill]
Taiwan strengthens defense capabilities amid Chinese military activities
(nds/dql) Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has signed two contracts with the US to purchase multiple M142 high mobility artillery rocket systems and Harpoon coastal defense systems, worth nearly three billion USD. Delivery of the systems is expected for 2027 and 2028 respectively. In addition, the Ministry announced that the Taiwanese Army has installed a new variant of its Thunderbolt-2000 multiple launch rocket systems with a range of 100 kilometers, more than double of its previous maximum range. [Taiwan News 1] [Apple Daily]
The deals come as Taiwan’s military confirmed that three Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) vessels, including one destroyer, one corvette and one replenishment oiler, sailed through the Pacific Ocean off the coast of eastern Taiwan’s outlying Green Island on last Friday, only a few days after 28 Chinese military aircraft, entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday. [Focus Taiwan 1] [Focus Taiwan 2]
Meanwhile, the Penghu Defense Command last week conducted live-fire exercises aimed at maintaining combat readiness and involving firing procedures, tactical maneuvers, and gun placement procedures. In an earlier development, the Ministry of National Defense had decided to postpone the Han Kuang exercise, Taiwan’s largest military drills involving all military branches, to September due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases on the island. [Taiwan News 2] [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan withdraws staff from its representation in Hong Kong
(nds) Taiwan announced that it has pulled back all but one staff member from its Hong Kong trade office – Taiwan’s de facto embassy – following their refusal to sign a letter expressing commitment to the one-China principle which the Hong Kong government has made a requirement for visa renewals since 2018.
Meanwhile, Macau’s government announced that it will shut down its representative office in Taiwan, following the example Hong Kong which had closed it Taiwan office in May made the same move last month, citing Taipei’s ‘gross interference’ in Hong Kong affairs. [Taiwan News] [The Guardian]
House of Commons’s bill to strengthen Canada-Taiwan relations
(nds) On 17 June, a bill to create a legal framework for strengthening Canada-Taiwan relations passed the first reading in the Canadian House of Commons. Since 1970, there has been no formal relationship between the two countries, even if they have strong economic and cultural ties. The Canada-Taiwan Relations Framework Act will establish an "orderly mechanism" to conduct relations between the two countries.
Beijing rejects Taiwan as a sovereign state independent of China and urges other countries to do the same. The Canada-Taiwan Relations Framework Act was drafted in a way that is consistent with the “One-China” policy. The joint Canada-China communiqué that defines this policy states that the Canadian government "merely takes not” of Beijing's assertion of "one China."
The terms "merely" and "take note" mean that Canada does not expressly support the one-China claim but does not contest it either. This deliberate choice of language allows Canada greater flexibility in its dealings with China and Taiwan. [theepochtimes.com] [ Focus Taiwan] [ Taiwan News ]
Pakistan, Turkey discuss possible cooperation in Afghanistan
(ra) Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on June 20 to discuss possible areas of cooperation in Afghanistan after the United States and other NATO forces withdraw. The meeting to place on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, held between June 18 and 20 in the Turkish capital. [Associated Press of Pakistan] [Daily Sabah]
The meeting assumes added significance, coming as it does at a time when when Turkey – a NATO member – is seeking to play a vital role in diplomacy and security in Afghanistan. In addition to training Afghan soldiers, Ankara has long provided security at Kabul’s airport and has offered to continue doing so if it receives financial support from the United States. [Voice of America]
Securing Kabul’s airport is a critical post-withdrawal objective for NATO: The airport is a key entry point for diplomats and aid workers, and the spikes in violence that are likely to follow full US withdrawal underscore its critical role as an evacuation point. US President Joe Biden and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, discussed the issue when they met at a NATO summit in Brussels last week, but they did not reach an agreement.
EU envoy acknowledges Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process
(ra) The Acting Special Envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson, has praised Pakistan’s proactive role for regional peace and stability during a three-day visit to Islamabad that concluded on June 17.
Niklasson also underlined the EU’s commitment to ensuring dialogue and the elimination of violence throughout the Afghan Peace Process. But he also urged Pakistan to leverage on its relationship with the Taliban to encourage the group to deliver a written peace proposal, which they had not yet provided. [Reuters]
Pakistan's ties to the Taliban have been criticized in the past by the West but foreign capitals including Washington have in recent years acknowledged Pakistan for working to bring the insurgents to the negotiating table. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in an interview last week said his country was fully supporting the Afghan peace process but did not want to be considered the "scapegoat" and blamed if negotiations fell apart. [Dawn]
On June 21, then, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the United States should first establish a political settlement before withdrawing from Afghanistan. He also commented on Washington’s last-minutes efforts to secure bases close to Afghanistan to ensure a long-term intelligence-gathering presence, saying that his country is “absolutely not” giving the CIA any military bases to continue the war in Afghanistan. [AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3] [Geo News]
Saudi Arabia resumes financial aid to Pakistan
(ra) Saudi Arabia has pledged to restart oil aid to Pakistan worth around $1.5 billion annually in a bid to counter Iran’s influence in the South Asia region, according to reporting by the Financial Times. A senior Pakistani official told the newspaper that the deal would restart in July after the previous oil credit of $3.4bn was put on hold last year when ties frayed. [Financial Times]
At the time, Saudi Arabia decided to withdraw its cash-support to Pakistan, pushing Islamabad to repay a $3.4 billion interest-free loan it had extended to the country in 2018, and cancelling investment commitments of another $20 billion in Pakistan. To avoid any adverse impact of the partial withdrawal of the Saudi lifeline, Pakistan turned to China for financial assistance. [AiR No. 32, August/2020, 2].
Relations between the two countries appeared to ease since February, and both sides signed several agreements during a crucial three-day visit to the Kingdom of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan in early May. [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]
The new oil deal comes hot on the heels of Riyadh’s decision earlier this month to shift a proposed $10 billion oil refinery from Gwadar - the focal point of $50 billion in projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor – to Karachi. [AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3]
India, EU conduct joint naval exercise in Gulf of Aden
(ad) The navies of the European Union and India on June 18 concluded a two-day maritime exercise conducted in the Gulf of Aden. The drills mark the first joint naval exercise, after both sides in January held the inaugural session of their virtual maritime dialogue. [Frontline]
Previously, the Indian Navy has been providing escort to World Food Programme chartered vessels, coordinated by Operation Atlanta, a current EU counter-piracy military operation at sea off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean. The Navy has also participated in the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) conference, an international operational counter piracy platform whose assets conducted several joint exercises with Indian vessels in the past.
G20 suspend repayment of $3.7 billion loan by Pakistan
(ra) Member states of the Group of Twenty have extended loan repayment of $3.7 billion of Pakistan until the end of 2021, after the suspension period, originally set to end on December 31, 2020, has been extended through December 2021.
In April of last year, the G20 nations announced a freeze on debt repayments of 76 countries, including Pakistan, subject to the condition that that each country would make a formal request. Shortly thereafter, Pakistan successfully concluded rescheduling agreements with 19 bilateral creditors to concentrate its resources on fighting the pandemic [see AiR No. 2, January/2021, 2].
8th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus
(pr/lm) China’s Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe last week reiterated that his country will not bend when it comes to Taiwan, the South China Sea and other "core interests." Commenting on the growth of China's military power, Wei suggested it should be considered "part of the growth of the world's peace forces".
Speaking at the 8th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), held online and hosted by Brunei, Wei acknowledged other countries' "legitimate concerns" on unspecified matters but said China's national interests must be fully respected and safeguarded. He listed not only Taiwan and the South China Sea - where China has overlapping claims with several Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members - but also Xinjiang and Hong Kong. [Nikkei Asia 1]
The meeting brought together defense ministers from the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their counterparts from the six so-called “plus countries” outside the group: the United States, South Korea, India, Russia, Australia and New Zealand. These gatherings have been held since 2010, but the latest session marked the first since US President Joe Biden took office.
The remarks assume added significance coming as they did a day after Taiwan reported the largest-ever air incursion by Chinese forces. The also came just a week after advanced economies, at the Group of Seven summit, had also urged Taiwan Strait stability and encouraged "the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues".
Significantly, ADMM-Plus members also welcomed the expansion of the ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure (ADI) in the ADMM Process to the Plus Countries. The ADI aims to enable a dialogue to promote de-escalation of potential conflicts and to defuse misunderstandings and misinterpretations during crisis or emergency situations. In 2019, the ASEAN’s defense ministers adopted a concept paper to expand the ADI to the eight so-called “plus countries” outside the group. [South China Morning Post] [The Straits Times 1]
The day before the ADMM-Plus meeting, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto told an ASEAN-only meeting that the bloc needs to solidify its own Indo-Pacific strategy to preserve its "unity and centrality." During the virtual gathering, defense ministers from ASEAN also called for an early conclusion of a code of conduct for the South China Sea. [Nikkei Asia 2]
The ASEAN-only meeting also approved the establishment of a new Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence in Singapore to better facilitate exchanges among ASEAN defense establishments and protect against the threats of cyber-attacks, disinformation, and misinformation. This center will complement the ASEAN Cyber Defence Network in promoting regional exchanges, interactions, and cooperation on cyber-security matters. [The Straits Times 2]
UN General Assembly demands Myanmar junta end coup and stop the killings
(ad/lm) The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has called on member states “to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar” and release Aung San Suu Kyi and other imprisoned leaders, delivering a symbolic but sharp global rebuke to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s military junta.
Historians said it was only the fourth time since the end of the Cold War that the General Assembly had passed a resolution condemning a military coup, and was a rare occasion in which the body also called for an arms embargo. [The New York Times]
The 193-member body adopted the resolution by majority vote with 119 countries in support on June 18. Belarus – a major arms supplier to Myanmar - requested the text be put to a vote and was the only country to oppose the resolution, while 36 countries abstained, including Myanmar’s neighbors China, India, and Thailand, along with Russia. The remaining 37 UNGA members did not vote. [Financial Times]
The resolution was the outcome of extensive negotiations that included diplomats from the European Union and other Western nations, as well as from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – excluding Myanmar [see AiR No. 22, June/2021, 1].
The yes votes included one from ASEAN member states Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kyaw Moe Tun, who speaks for the country’s deposed civilian government and has defied junta orders to resign, also voted yes. Prior to the vote, he called for “effective collective measures” against the military junta. [The Straits Times]
Justifying its decision to abstain, Thailand said the resolution failed to acknowledge the historical context of the conflict, and thus could adversely affect the chances of arriving at a peaceful settlement, as well as magnify the security challenges the country faces if the conflict is further prolonged. Bangkok also said it considers the ASEAN to be in the best position to take steps to bring about swift and lasting peace. [Bangkok Post]
Bangladesh also abstained from supporting the resolution, because it did not include recommendations and actions regarding the repatriation of Muslim Rohingya. [The New Age]
China, in turn, argued external pressure could aggravate the situation but has not ruled out an arms embargo in future.
Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry on June 19 rejected the legally non-binding resolution, describing it as being “based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions.” Naypyidaw also sent letters of objection to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the General Assembly’s president. [South China Morning Post]
The passage of the resolution came after UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, behind closed doors briefed the Security Council on her bleak assessment of what is happening in the country. Schraner Burgener - who recently returned from an extended trip to the region – warned that by next year, absent a humanitarian intervention and other remedial steps, half the country could be living below the poverty line [see also AiR No. 18, May/2021, 1]. [UN News]
However, diplomats so far considered that a Security Council resolution had little chance of passing because permanent members China and Russia, the Myanmar military’s two biggest arms suppliers, have veto power.
The last Security Council meeting on Myanmar took place on April 30. In a unanimous statement, the Council's 15 member states called for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar, and the appointment of a special envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as stated in the bloc’s “five-point consensus” [see AiR No. 17, April/2021, 4].
United States-Cambodia tensions grow as Washington suspends wildlife sanctuary funding
(lm) The United States is ending an aid program aimed at protecting one of Cambodia’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries, and will redirect the money to support civil society and private sector initiatives in the region. [The Straits Times]
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said it had invested more than $100 million to protect the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary. But the sanctuary lost nearly 9 percent of its forest cover since assistance began in 2016. Washington alleges that Cambodian authorities had not adequately prosecuted wildlife crimes or put a stop to illegal logging. [Deutsche Welle]
The announcement marks a further deterioration of bilateral ties between the US and Cambodia. [Nikkei Asia]
For the decision comes less than a week after an American diplomat invited to inspect the Ream Naval Base in coordination with Cambodian authorities was denied full access to the facility, leading him to cut short his visit and ask for it to be rescheduled without any limits to what he could see. [AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3]
That trip was organized after US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Phnom Penh on June 1 and asked Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to allow the embassy’s defense attaché to make regular visits to the base, citing Washington’s "serious concerns" about China's "military presence" at the site.
Cambodia said it had fulfilled its commitment to allow a visit as requested, and if US officials were not satisfied, they could request another visit as long as it did not involve spying or violating Cambodian sovereignty.
Myanmar junta leader arrives in Moscow for security conference
(lm) Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Russia on June 20 to attend the Moscow Conference for International Security, expected to be held from June 22 to 24, marking only his second known trip abroad since the army overthrew the civilian government in February. [The Straits Times] [South China Morning Post]
Min Aung Hlaing attended crisis talks with leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta in April. The summit produced a "five-point consensus" statement that called for the "immediate cessation of violence" and a visit to Myanmar by a regional special envoy. [AiR No. 17, April/2021, 4].
Min Aung Hlaing's visit comes after the United Nations General Assembly took the rare step on June 19 of calling for a halt to the flow of arms to Myanmar and urged the military to respect the November election results and release political detainees. Russia abstained from the vote. [see article in this edition]
It also follows on a trip to Moscow by a Myanmar delegation led by the country’s air force chief, General Maung Maung Kyaw, which included a visit to the country's top helicopter exhibition, and discussions with Russian officials for planned procurement of military hardware. [AiR No. 21, May/2021, 4]
Both visits indicate clearly illustrate that Moscow is seeking an avenue to advance its strategic interests in Southeast Asia. Moreover, Russia – which has seen a steady decline of its weapons exports since 2010 – might consider Myanmar a "gateway" for this lucrative market. For the military junta, in turn, Moscow provides an opportunity to diversify supplies and to reduce its dependency on China, Myanmar's main weapons supplier. For the two decades spanning 1999 to 2018, China supplied $1.6 billion worth of military hardware to Myanmar, followed by Russia, with $1.5 billion. [Nikkei Asia]
Vietnam expands maritime militia off country’s southern coast
(lm) Vietnam has deployed a new squadron of its maritime militia off the country’s southern coast, in the latest effort to bolster its naval presence amid growing tension in the South China Sea, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. [Nikkei Asia]
The Permanent Maritime Militia Unit consists of nine ships and platoons equipped with light weapons for paramilitary operations. It is the second squadron to be established within two months, after another unit comprising more than 130 crewmembers was deployed in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, an oil and gas industrial center in southern Vietnam. [see also AiR No. 20, May/2021, 3]
Establishing the new squadron in Kien Gian, the country’s southwesternmost province, illustrates the importance Hanoi attaches to the territory’s strategic location – Kien Gian faces into the Gulf of Thailand - as it expands oil and gas exploration and transportation in the area.
Thailand and EU to advance relations, resume FTA negotiations
(pr) Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Director-General for European Affairs of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs discussed with Paola Pampaloni, the Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific, European External Action Service of the European Union (EU) on the finalization of the Thai-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The PCA is the framework for cooperation between Thailand and EU towards a strategic partnership. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand]
Thailand and the EU are also seeking to resume negotiations on the EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement. Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, Pirkka Tapiola, discussed on the possibility with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister of Thailand Jurin Laksanawisit.
FTA negotiations began in 2013 but was suspended after political unrest in Thailand. The EU is Thailand’s 5th biggest trading partner after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan and the United States. In 2020, The trade value between the two economies totaled $33.1 billion which accounted for 7.56 percent of Thailand’s global trade. [Thailand Business News]
Thai separatist insurgent group calls on international community
(pr/lm) The Patani United Liberation Organization (PULO), a separatist insurgent group in Thailand, has submitted an open letter to the United Nations, European Union, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation urging them to pressure Thailand to end the application of martial law and special laws in the Patani region. [Facebook]
The long-running separatist insurgency movement in southern Thailand, which, in its current phase, re-emerged under the premiership of Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001, has been a major issue for Thailand’s domestic security for the past two decades. The Thai government imposed martial law in three Muslim-majority provinces in four southernmost provinces - Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala - following deadly violence in 2004.
US, Singapore celebrate 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, look toward new areas of cooperation
(tcy) At a panel discussion marking the 55th anniversary of Singapore-United States diplomatic relations, US Embassy charge d’affaires Rafik Mansour and Singapore Ambassador-at-Large Chan Heng Chee reaffirmed the good bilateral relations between the two countries. [The Straits Times]
Ambassador Chan discussed the need for the two countries to move beyond traditional areas of cooperation like defense and trade, and begin exploring newer areas of cooperation such as climate change, the digital economy, and global healthcare needs.
She also expressed hopes of working with the US to deepen its engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and reaffirmed Singapore’s principle of conducting relations on the basis of non-interference in domestic matters in this era of American foreign policy.
The remarks clearly echo the position of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who routinely argues that Southeast Asia must not be forced into choosing on whether to side with the US or China. While meeting with his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison earlier this month, Lee also advised Canberra to try and engage with a rising and assertive China [see AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3].
Indonesia: Minister meetings in Czech Republic and Canada
(sa) Indonesian Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi and Canadian Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade Mary Ng recently had a bilateral meeting on Monday. During their meeting Lufti and NG launched a plan for starting talks on the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA), with the first round of negotiations expected to be before the end of 2021.
On the same day, Environment and Forest Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar and her Czech counterpart Czech Richard Brabec signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at strengthening cooperation in protecting biodiversity and the environment. [Antara 1] [Antara 2]
Malaysia, Egypt discuss efforts to revive bilateral ties
(tcy) In a video conference on June 18, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi discussed efforts to revive bilateral relations and foster greater cooperation in economy, trade, education, tourism, and infrastructure development. Trade relations between the two countries had been dormant for some time until a trade delegation from Egypt visited Malaysia in 2019 for the first time in 15 years, as the two countries strive to revitalize bilateral relations. [Borneo Post]
Amidst the EU ban on palm oil [see AIR No. 22, June/2021, 1] and given that Egypt is one of the largest importers of Malaysian palm oil in Africa, Muhyiddin encouraged Egypt to increase its imports of Malaysian palm oil in the future during their discussion. Muhyiddin praised the constructive role of Egypt in brokering the ceasefire agreement between Palestine and Israel, and raised the prospect of Malaysia-Egypt cooperation in distributing humanitarian aid to Palestine. [Bernama 1]
Meanwhile, from June 18-21, Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein led a Malaysian delegation to the two-day inaugural Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, before subsequently proceeding with his first working visit to Egypt, Malaysia’s largest trading partner in North Africa, where Hishammuddin paid a courtesy call to the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and held a bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Hassan Shoukry, to reinvigorate relations between Malaysia and Egypt. [Bernama 2] During the foreign ministers’ meeting, Hishammuddin requested Egypt to consider the possibility of vaccinating Malaysians in Egypt, noting that Malaysia would reciprocate this initiative by extending it to Egyptians in Malaysia. [Bernama 3]
At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Hishammuddin highlighted and discussed four main issues strongly related to regional cooperation in Asia, namely the ongoing Myanmar crisis, the South China Sea issue, the Palestinian struggle and Regional Economic Integration. [Malay Mail] The Antalya Diplomacy Forum explored the horizons of diplomacy across a range of key regional and global issues, and was attended by leaders, policy-makers, diplomats, and academics from over 43 countries.[Bernama 1]
Malaysia, Saudi Arabia work together to reinvigorate tourism industry
(tcy) Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are working together to revive their tourism and culture industry, through various initiatives like joint promotions of tourism programs through social media and digital platforms, and the sharing of information and best practices in the sustainable management of cultural heritage sites as tourist attractions. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) also discussed other initiatives such as the close collaborative relationship between arts, heritage, and cultural institutions as well as promotions in Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT).
Tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia numbered 121,444 people out of the overall total of 26.1 million tourist arrivals in Malaysia in 2019. The initiatives discussed are expected to open up greater tourism opportunities between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, as well as other countries in the Middle East. [Bernama]
Malaysia: Palestinian foreign minister expresses appreciation for Malaysia’s longstanding support
(tcy) During his working visit to Turkey, foreign minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein met with his Palestinian counterpart Dr. Riad Malki, who expressed his wholehearted appreciation towards Malaysia for its longstanding guidance and support. Dr Riad praised Malaysia’s undivided stand and also discussed current developments in Palestine, saying that his country was still being subjected to Israeli atrocities. [Bernama 1]
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin informed Dr. Riad of Malaysia’s intention to contribute more than USD 1 million to the Palestinian Government to rebuild the Covid-19 testing facility in Gaza that was destroyed by Israeli bombardment during the tensions last month. A two-week mission to Al-Quds and Gaza by the Humanitarian Mission 4 Palestine (HM4P) also departed from Malaysia this week, and would be providing humanitarian aid in the form of funds, food, and medical supplies for Palestinians in Gaza. [Bernama 2]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
22-24 June 2021 @ 9:00 am (GMT-4), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA
2021 Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference
This online conference brings together experts from across the nuclear policy field to discuss and explore solutions for the most pressing challenges in nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, disarmament, deterrence, energy, and security.
For further details, visit [Carnegie Endowment].
23 June 2021 @ 9:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia
The European Union’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Against the backdrop of the European Union’s recent adoption of a new Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, join this online panel discussion to learn more about the stakes and the interests in the Indo-Pacific.
See [AIIA] for more information.
23 June 2021 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), The German Marshall Fund of the United States, USA
Repair and Reform: Has Biden Delivered on Transatlantic Security Cooperation?
This online expert panel will discuss the Biden administration’s engagement with transatlantic partners and the concrete decisions that have been implemented since January. It will also provide complementary perspectives on President Biden’s visit to Europe and the way forward for transatlantic security cooperation in the future.
If you are interested in joining the event, please register at [GMF US].
23 June 2021 @ 1:30 p.m. (GMT+5.30), Observer Research Foundation, India
The future of India-EU relations
This online event features a conversation between S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, India, and Augusto Santos Silva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Portugal, on the current status and prospects of relations between India and the European Union.
Visit [ORF] for more information.
23 June 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australia
Mapping China’s Tech Giants: Covid-19, supply chains and strategic competition
This webinar will discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic, growing Sino-US strategic and technological competition, the PRC’s evolving data ecosystem, an unprecedented onslaught of sanctions from abroad, new supply chain issues and a regulatory storm at home is impacting the global ambitions of China’s technology giants.
Learn more about the event’s program at [ASPI].
23 June 2021, 4:00-4:45 p.m. (GMT+2), Diplo, Switzerland
Book launch: Internet Governance at the Point of No Return
This online book launch will feature “Internet Governance at the Point of No Return,” providing an overview of the most relevant legal principles of internet governance context and exploring the concepts of legitimacy, participation, transparency, and accountability. The author Rolf H. Weber is law professor at the University of Zürich. Over the past two decades, he has been involved in the development of internet governance concepts in legal and interdisciplinary research projects, as well as in his capacity as an expert for international organizations and as a member of global associations in this field.
For further information, see [Diplo].
23 June 23 2021 @ 10:30 a.m. (GMT-4), United States Institute of Peace, USA
A Conversation with Iraq’s Planning and Migration Ministers
Join this online conversation with Iraq’s Minister of Planning Khalid Najim and Minister of Migration and Displacement Evan Jabro to obtain first hand insights into the current situation and challenges to stabilization, reconstruction and reform efforts in Iraq, including on the status of Iraq’s displaced communities and recent returnees as well as the Iraqi government’s plans for the future.
See [USIP] for more detail about the event.
23 June 2021 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Stimson Center, USA
Coastal Cities: Ground Zero for Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Located at the interface between land and sea, coastal cities are also at the forefront of climate change, with rising sea levels, increasing storm intensity, and warmer temperatures stressing ecosystems upon which millions depend, degrading outdated infrastructure, and upending economic stability. This online discussion will focus on innovations and best practice in coastal cities at home and abroad to safeguard people, their livelihoods, and to build a more resilient future.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [Stimson Center].
23 Jun 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT+1), Overseas Development Institute, UK
Transformative approaches to reducing teenage pregnancy
Taking the Sierra Leone, which has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in the world, with one in five girls aged between 15 and 19 having children project, this event explores the benefits and challenges of transformative programming to consider how implementers can accelerate change and make programming more effective. The discussion shines a light on the social and gender norms that surround the issue of teenage pregnancy, and how an action research approach can help address such norms.
Visit [ODI] for more details of the event.
23 June 2021 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. (GMT+10), Strategic & Defense Studies Centre, Australian National University, Australia
The Challenge of Warning Time in the Contemporary Strategic Environment
The recent conclusion of Australia’s government that Australia can no longer assume a warning time of 10 years for major conflict is a critical break from the defense policies of the past 50 years. This webinar will elaborate on this policy shift and the urgent demands of its consequences.
For further information, see [SDSC].
23 June 2021 @ 4:00-5:30 p.m. (GMT+3), Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy, Greece
“Covid-19 and the labor market: Impacts, reactions and policy challenges”
This webinar will discuss the impact of the pandemic on the youth employment and gender equality in Greece and the Nordic countries (with an emphasis on Norway), but will also highlight broader changes and challenges to labor markets precipitated by the ongoing pandemic.
If you are interested in joining the event, please register at [ELIAMAP].
23 June 2021 @ 4:30-5:30 p.m. (GMT+3), Finnish Institute of International Affairs, Finland
The Way Ahead after the Biden-Putin Summit
President Biden’s European tour showcased global ambitions regarding fairness (taxation of corporations and Covax), rejuvenating alliances (New Atlantic Charter and NATO) and standing up to competitors (Russia). In contrast to the uncertainty surrounding the 2018 Trump-Putin meeting, President Biden’s and Putin’s meeting was prepared and proceeded along more traditional diplomatic avenues. The webinar will focus on the following questions: What can we expect from the US-Russia relationship in the future? Will cooperation on nuclear weapons overshadow disagreements regarding Ukraine, cybercrime, treatment of Russian opposition? Can cooperation in the Arctic improve relations?
For further information, visit [FIIA].
23 June 2011 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), International Institute for Strategic Studies, USA
The Arctic region and freedom of navigation: balancing national and international interests
As Arctic nations and non-Arctic stakeholders grapple with the consequences of a warming pole and receding sea ice, they are concurrently faced with questions of environmental sustainability, maritime control, territorial defense, regional stability and global security, all of which can be viewed through the lens of navigational freedom. All these issues will be addressed in this webinar as our collective imagination of the Arctic shifts from a frozen and forbidding environment to a global 'hot spot', with a focus on key maritime implications for a region in transition.
Event and registration details are accessible via [IISS].
23 June 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation, USA
The Brexit Miracle: How the British People Broke Free of the E.U. and Why Brexit is Great for the United Kingdom and the United States
How did Britain manage to break free of the E.U.? What does Brexit mean for the U.K.’s future and its partnership with the U.S.? Find answers on these and other questions at this expert panel which brings together three leaders and founders of the Vote Leave Brexit campaign.
If you are interested in joining the event, please register at [The Heritage Foundation].
23 June 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT+2), South African Institute of International Affairs, South Africa
Balancing nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Africa
This webinar will discuss the nexus between nuclear security in promoting global peace on the one hand and the peaceful use of nuclear technology in catalyzing development towards Africa’s achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 on the other.
For further information, see [SAIIA].
23-24 June 2021 @ 2:00 pm (GMT+9), Asian Development Bank, Japan
ADBI Policy Maker E-Training Webinar: Sustainable Green Finance
This e-training webinar will examine the challenges of integrating climate-related risk analyses into national budgetary plans in developing Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on the fundamentals of sustainable finance, climate change and sovereign risks, renewable energy investment, and the role of central banks in governing sustainable finance.
For more information, see [ADB].
24 June 2021 @ 6:00 p.m. (GMT+8), Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia
The Return of Democratic Alliances
A commitment to democratic values is becoming a new organizing principle in international affairs. In this online lecture, Benjamin Reilly, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia, will examine this new framing of the international order, and its consequences for Australia’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
If you are interested in the event, visit [AIIA] for further details.
24 June 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Climate Action in the United States and Implications for Southeast Asia
This webinar will consider the Biden administration’s policy direction on climate change in the lead-up to the UN Climate Conference in November 2021 and provide a forum for discussion about how Southeast Asia might respond.
Find more about the event at [ISEAS].
24 June 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation, USA
The Freedom Book: How the Bible Influenced the American Founders
This webinar will explore how the Bible advanced the ideas that would form the bedrock of the American Founding: natural law, natural rights, human equality, and human freedom.
More about the event can be found at [The Heritage Foundation].
24 June 2021 @ 3:00-3:45 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA
A Historical View of Regime Security and State Capacity in China
In this online lecture, Prof. Wang Yuhua, the Frederick S. Danziger Associate Professor of Government at Harvard University, will present a historical overview of how successive rulers in China have consolidated power, fended off revolts, and governed China.
If you interested in joining the event, you can register at [CSIS].
24 June 2021, 2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Diplo, Switzerland
Renaissance diplomacy: Compromise as a solution to conflict
During the Renaissance, the first full diplomatic system was established. It consisted of permanent diplomatic missions, diplomatic reporting, and diplomatic privileges. In diplomatic history, it has been widely accepted that the first permanent diplomatic mission was established in 1455, representing the Duke of Milan in Genoa. Join this online lecture to learn more about this important period of the history of diplomacy.
To register, visit [Diplo].
24 June 2021 @ 9:30 a.m. -3:15 p.m. (GMT-4), The German Marshall Fund of the United States, USA
Investing in the Green Transition: EU and China in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region is among those most severely affected by climate change. Despite the general political consensus around a green transition, shortcomings in financial and human resources have meant the Mediterranean is falling behind schedule in its path toward climate neutrality. Through the European Green Deal, the European Union is trying to leverage its climate policy and the potential of its single market to engage with third countries and raise their climate ambitions. The deal promises to enhance resilience in the Mediterranean, foster sustainable development, and create opportunities for regional collaboration in the decarbonization process. At the same time, China presents an attractive alternative for the region, even if with some contradictions between investments in renewable energy technologies and coal-fired power plants. Could China represent a direct partner – and competitor – to the European Green Deal for the Mediterranean?
See [GMF US] for further details of the event.
24 June 2021 @ 2:00-3:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Foreign Policy Research Institute, USA
Difficult Choices: Taiwan’s Quest for Security and the Good Life – a book talk with Richard Bush
Taiwan has been an economic and democratic success story for decades. Today, it faces challenges at home – including an aging society and a changing economy – and abroad, including China’s long-term agenda of incorporating Taiwan on terms similar to those applied in Hong Kong, and heavy dependence on the United States for its security. Join this online book talk to learn more about these challenges and suggestions the author has in mind for Taiwan and U.S. policymakers.
Learn more about the event at [FPRI].
24 June 2021 @ 9 a.m. (GMT-4), Devex, USA
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the global development sector
This webinar will discuss best practices for creating inclusive and safe global development workplaces as well as provide guidance for policymakers and project leaders to ensure the needs of LGBTQ+ communities are taken into consideration in developing programs across the SDGs.
Further details are provided at [Devex].
24 June 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for Global Development, USA
The Future of Development: Lessons from China
Part of the “Future of Development” series, hosted by the Center for Global Development and the Georgetown University Initiative on Innovation, Development and Evaluation to address the big questions facing developing countries and help shape the agenda in global development over the next decade, this webinar will discuss the lessons for developing countries today from China’s development experience.
To learn more about the event and to register, visit [CGD].
24 June 2021 @ 1:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Global Development, USA
The Gradual Rise and Rapid Decline of the Middle Class in Latin America and the Caribbean
Covid-19 will likely reverse many of the social gains that took decades to materialize in Latin America and the Caribbean, including a decline in the size of the middle class and an increase in poverty in most countries, with some staggering exceptions, like Brazil, whose transfer programs benefitted millions. But how long can support measures last? What will be the structural consequences of this crisis? As persistent inequalities make the situation all the more challenging, what policy options are best? And are there any positive outcomes to take from this crisis? Find answers to these question at this webinar.
If you interested in joining the event, you can register at [CSIS].
24 June 2021 @ 12:00-1:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Open Soicety Foundations, USA
Economic and Fiscal Policy During Germany’s Green Transformation
The green transformation of Germany’s economy has become the key theme for the upcoming general election, with all major parties vowing to tackle climate change, while differing in their means towards this objective. This transformation will massively impact many aspects of economic policy including any’s key automotive industry and the greening of brown industries could the looming uprooting of brown industries and their workers, higher carbon taxes, significant investment needs estimated at more than 1 trillion euros, as well as ramifications for Germany’s trading partners, as supply chains need to be greened or curtailed, and a European carbon border tax could be levied on imports. How will a future government approach these challenges? What will this all mean for Germany’s role in Europe and the world?
Further details about the event are accessible via [Open Society Foundations].
24 June 2021 @ 9:30 a.m. (GMT+2), Italian Institute for international Political Studies, Italy
Geopolitics of the Energy Transition
As countries try to shift towards renewable energies, this webinar explores the socio-economic, commercial, security, and foreign policy implications of the shift, focussing on the role that governments and multilateral institutions can play in it.
For more information, please see [ISPI].
24 June 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hungary
The future of American hegemony and American strategy in Eurasia
This event invites several experts, including Director of Columbia University’s Harriman Institute and Professor of Political Science Alexander Cooley, to discuss the future of American hegemony. Please note that registration is required by June 23.
If you wish to join the discussion, please visit [KKI].
24 June 2021 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Italian Institute for international Political Studies, Italy
Feeling Tunisia’s Democratic Pulse: Hopes and Challenges ahead
In consideration of Tunisia’s recent institutional and socio-economic challenges, widespread social distrust in democratic institutions and difficulties with the IMF in obtaining a consistent loan, this panel discussion tries to analyse how to reverse these trends and what role the EU should play in the country’s future.
Please see [ISPI] for more information.
24 June 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. (GMT+2), European Centre for International Political Economy, Belgium
Digital Trade Policy in the Asia-Pacific Region
In consideration of the importance of the Asia-Pacific region in global digital trade and the region’s diverse approaches to digital regulation and trade agreements, this webinar will take a look at some new multilateral agreements on the topic forged in the region, asking: Will these new agreements lead to more digital trade? How do they differ from previous agreements? Could they serve as model agreements?
More details are accessible under [ECIPE].
25 June 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, United States
A Conversation with Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu
Against the backdrop of current global challenges, including the pandemic and threats in the Indo-Pacific region, this webinar will explore opportunities for partnership between the United States and India as well as India-US relations more broadly.
Please visit [Hudson Institute] for more information.
25 June 2021 @ 2:00 p.m. (GMT+9), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Japan
Ecology Note – From Critical Thinking to Critical Action
In cooperation with UNEP on Environmental Technologies, this webinar evaluates the effects and the lessons learned from the educational material Ecology Note distributed in Asian partner countries to foster environmental education. The presentation and discussion analyse how environmental education can be designed, how it can be implemented through an active learning approach, and how international cooperation as well as international best practice can contribute to meaningful learning.
Please see [IGES] for more information.
24-25 June 2021 @ 12:30-5:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Chatham House, UK
Climate change 2021
At this online conference, senior business leaders, policymakers, climate experts, academics and NGOs will explore some of the key themes of COP26, and what the next steps are to ensure effective international climate action that is equitable, ambitious and enables society to adhere to the 1.5-degree pathway.
Event and registration details are accessible via [Chatham House].
25 June 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Unrealized Mahathir-Anwar Transitions: Social Divisions and Political Consequences
One of the more baffling puzzles of Malaysian politics is Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim’s convoluted political relationship which thrived for many years but suddenly collapsed. After many more years, it almost unbelievably revived but just as incredulously crashed again. How did these two politicians become so tortuously entangled? What caused the Mahathir-Anwar leadership transition to fail twice, and to what political consequences? Answers to such questions will be provided at this webinar.
Learn more about the event at [ISEAS].
25 June 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation, USA
Preview of The Heritage Foundation’s 2021 China Transparency Report
This virtual seminar will present and discuss results of The Heritage Foundation’s 2021 China Transparency Report.
Please find more information at [The Heritage Foundation].
25 June 2021 @ 3:30-5:00 p.m. (GMT+8), East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, Singpaore
‘Save the children!’: Governing left-behind children through family ideology in China’s Great Migration
This online lecture will shed light on lives and wellbeing of left-behind children in China in the context of the state’s neoliberal-authoritarian governance of the migrant population in the post-reform era, which perpetuates a stereotype of ‘the pathological family’ to account for the disadvantages faced by left-behind children, while evading, until recent years, the political-economic factors underlying their plight.
More about the event can be found at [EAI].
25 June 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Istituto Affari Internazionali, Italy
EU Strategic Autonomy and Trade Policy in a Post-Covid World
In this online seminar, European affairs experts will present discuss main results of the research carried out by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and the Institut Jacques Delors (IJD) on strategic autonomy as a guiding concept for the European Union (EU) at a time of geopolitical tensions and economic transformation. It refers to the EU's ability to chart its own course in line with its interests and values in different policy areas. Strategic Autonomy is shaping the EU trade policy along three main dimensions: openness to trade and investment, responsibility for a greener and fairer world, and assertiveness against unfair and coercive practices.
See more details at [IAI].
28 June 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Paradoxes of Financial Transformation in Vietnam: Navigating the Interstice of Formal and Informal Debt Collection
This webinar will present results of an empirical research, consisting of in-depth interviews with 35 low-income borrowers, ten moneylenders including two gangs, and ten representatives from banks and financial companies, conducted in Ho Chi Minh City in 2019 and Hanoi in 2021. The findings challenge the dualistic and politicized construction of (in)formality by highlighting the blurring of strong-arm recovery methods used by ‘black credit’ gangs and financial companies.
For further information, visit [ISEAS].
28 June 2011 @ 8:00 a.m. (GMT-4), International Institute for Strategic Studies, USA
Report launch: ‘Cyber Capabilities and National Power: A Net Assessment’
In this online report launch, the International Institute for Strategic Studies will introduce its latest, two-year study of global cyber power, including an assessment of the cyber power of 15 major global nations as well as a tiering of the 15 countries studied.
More about the event can be found at [IISS].
28 June 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA
Buy American vs. Strategic Autonomy
Join this online conversation between EU and US trade officials to learn more about crucial transatlantic trade issues, including: What do "Buy American" and "Strategic Autonomy" policies mean for the future of the transatlantic relationship? What are the similarities and differences of the EU and U.S. approaches? And, what areas for cooperation exist?
Find more details at [CSIS].
28 June 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, United States
The Transformation of Japan’s Security Strategy
This event invites Japan’s State Minister of Defence Yasuhide Nakayama to discuss the transformation of Japanese security strategy and its implications for the US-Japan alliance, taking into account tying security spending to security threats.
For more information, please see [Hudson Institute].
28-29 June 2021 @ 9:00 a.m./12:15 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA
EU Defense Washington Forum
An annual symposium dedicated to strengthening EU-US cooperation on security and defense, this year’s EU Defense Washington Forum will bring together leading stakeholders and experts from the transatlantic security and defense communities to focus on developing a shared analysis of the threat environment and of the capabilities required to improve our collective and individual response.
For further information, see [CSIS].
29 June 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. (GMT+8), Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia
Sri Lanka’s Geopolitics and Trade Potential
Sri Lanka’s ports are at key locations on global shipping lanes, making them a key strategic asset, and of interest to many countries. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, particularly between Sri Lanka’s neighbors and within the US-China relationship more broadly, Sri Lanka faces challenges in sustaining its economic growth and ensuring regional stability. Against this backdrop, this online panel discussion will focus on the following questions: What are the main export and import opportunities offered by Sri Lanka? What are the two-way trade and investment opportunities between Sri Lanka and Australia? What geopolitical role does Sri Lanka play for the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific?
For further information, visit [AIIA].
29 June 2021, 2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Diplo, Switzerland
Internet governance in June 2021
This online briefing will provide an update on the latest developments and trends in internet governance and digital policy.
Further information is available at [Diplo].
29 June 2021 @ 2:00-4:15 p.m. (GMT+5.30), United Service Institution of India, India
UN Peace Operations: Hostage-taking of Peacekeepers
This webinar will explore the nuances of challenges of hostage and response from the United Nations and the Troop Contributing Countries with particular focus on two issues: first, the threat of hostage-taking of peacekeepers, implications, and tenets of macro rescue strategy, and second, strategies, planning and execution of a hostage rescue in the context of traditional and non-traditional peacekeeping operations.
Event and registration details are accessible via [USI].
29 June 2021 @ 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Foreign Policy Research Institute, USA
The “Polypandemic” Threat: Impacts on Development, Fragility, and Conflict
The coronavirus has sparked multiple crises that are not only occurring simultaneously but are also reinforcing each other in their detrimental effects. In this light, one might speak of a “polypandemic.” How will the world meet these growing crises as it continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic? Find answers to this question at this webinar.
See [FPRI] for more details.
29 June 2021 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Overseas Development Institute, UK
Innovating out of economic crises
‘Under-the-radar’ innovations are happening across sub-Saharan Africa, but different barriers are blocking the region from leapfrogging the innovation gap in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. In this webinar, experts from across sectors will present examples of technological and economic innovation in the continent, investigate what is needed to ‘fill the innovation gap’, and what role innovation can play in helping countries economically recover from crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Please visit [ODI] for further event and registration details.
29 June 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Royal United Services Institute, UK
Cyber Diplomacy and Emerging Technology
In this online talk, Dr Tobias Feakin, Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, and Will Middleton, Cyber Director at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, will explore the policy challenges in the UK and Australia’s approaches pertaining to critical infrastructure, cyber security, values and norms for technology and cyberspace, and the need for international cooperation, drawing on.
More about the event can be found at [RUSI].
29 June 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT-5), American Enterprise Institute, USA
What might cause the next financial crisis?
More than 60 countries and multinational organizations produce financial stability reports. All are political documents that rarely identify actual financial crises in advance, especially if risks arise from government-regulated institutions or are linked to government policies that promote financial excesses such as lax lending standards, over-stimulative monetary policy, or unsustainable exchange rates. In this webinar financial-sector experts use data, statistics, and their keen intuition and in-depth knowledge of our financial system to propose risks that could trigger the next financial crisis.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [AEI].
29 June 2021 @ 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Hudson Institute, United States
US-Pakistan Relations after US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Following the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, this webinar invites former ambassador of Pakistan to the United States Husain Haqqani and several experts to discuss the future of US-Pakistan relations.
For more information, please follow [Hudson Institute].
29 June 2021 @ 2:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel, Belgium
EU Debt vs. National Debts: Friends or Foes?
This webinar invites representatives from the European Commission, national debt agencies, market participants, and from the Eurosystem to discuss the EU’s current recovery plan, including its first debt securities for NextGenerationEU.
If you wish to join the discussion, please visit [Bruegel].
29-30 June 2021 @ 3:45-6:45 p.m./10:00 a.m.-1:45 p.m. (GMT+2), Wilfried Martens Center for European Studies, Belgium
European Ideas Forum 2021: A Roaring Twenties for Europe? Crises and Opportunities in the Post-Pandemic Age
The European Ideas Forum 2021, held under the umbrella topic “A Roaring Twenties for Europe? Crises and Opportunities in the Post-Pandemic Age” will bring together EU leaders, European Commissioners, MEPs, economic experts, business leaders, and other influential stakeholders from all over Europe and beyond to discuss the most pressing issues the EU is facing, including post-pandemic economic recovery, Europe’s role in the great power competition, digitalization and EU strategic autonomy, among others.
Find more details at [Martens Center].
29-30 June 2021 @ 3:00 pm (GMT+9), Asian Development Bank, Japan
OECD-ADBI Roundtable on Insurance and Retirement Saving in Asia
This webinar will discuss key insurance and retirement savings issues in Asia, focusing on the following topics: Covid-19’s impact on insurance and retirement savings; the role of catastrophe insurance programs for underinsured hazards; opportunities and challenges stemming from emerging technologies; employer retirement savings plan provision; risk sharing in retirement income schemes; and risk management associated with long-term care and health insurance in aging societies.
Further information is provided at [ADB].
30 June 2021 @ 4:30-6:30 p.m. (GMT+8), Institute of Policy Studies, Lew Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Singapore
The Rise of the Digital Economy and Business Transformation
This online workshop will explore the problems and potential solutions pertaining to policy measures to facilitate digital transformation among companies — in not only encouraging traditional linear companies to use digital technology but also transforming linear business models to platform business models.
If you are interested in joining the event, register at [IPS].
30 June 2021 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Present and Future of Japan-China Relations: How Will They Affect Southeast Asia?
If it had not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Japan would have taken place in spring last year. Things have changed dramatically since then. The public image of China in Japan, which had already turned rather negative due to factors such as Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands, deteriorated even further by the pandemic. At the same time, economic partnership between the world’s second and third largest economies continues to deepen, and Japanese firms face difficulty in coping with the intensifying US-China competition over technology. How will Japan and China balance their competition and cooperation? Are the Free and Open Indo-Pacific and the Belt and Road Initiative compatible? The answers no doubt will have profound implications for Southeast Asia.
More about the event can be found at [ISEAS].
30 June 2021 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Council on Foreign Relations, United States
Home and Abroad Series Public Forum: U.S. Immigration Policy
This webinar brings together experts to discuss migration trends and the many questions confronting US immigration policy, including but not limited to the US southern border. It is part of the Home Abroad series which explores topics touching on US domestic and foreign policy that affect the US’ role in the world.
Please visit [CFR] if you wish to register and regarding more information.
30 June 2021 @ 8:00 p.m. (GMT-4), National Endowment for Democracy, United States
The Chinese Communist Party at 100: Is the past prologue to the future?
This virtual event will explore the implications and impacts of the evolution of the Chinese Communist Party, taking into account its importance for China’s growing global influence, democratic norms and institutions at the international level, life within China and beyond, as well as online spaces.
If you wish to join the discussion, please visit [NED] for more information.
30 June - 2 July 2021 @ 2:15 p.m./10:30 a.m./9:00 a.m. (GMT+1), Royal United Services Institute, UK
Trusting Machines? Cross-sector Lessons from Healthcare and Security
The Royal United Service Institute invites to a three-day online conference which will bring together academic experts, policy leaders, industry professionals and the public to discuss a future where autonomous machines integrate into two of our most vital sectors: health care and security.
Visit [RUSI] to learn more about the program.
6 July 2021 @ 3:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Barcelona Centre for International Affairs, Spain
The European Union and migration challenges: Discussing the role of differentiation
In this webinar, Dimitires Avramopoulos – former European Commissioner for Migration, former Greek Minister for National Defence, and former Foreign Minister of Greece – will discuss migration and differentiation, looking at the policy preoccupation of the main stakeholders during the 2015 migration influx, as well as his vision of the best way to organize the EU’s migration policies.
Please visit [CIDOB] if you wish to learn more about the event.
Recent book releases
Philip Jenkins, Climate, Catastrophe, and Faith: How Changes in Climate Drive Religious Upheaval, Oxford University Press, 272 page, May 11, 2021, reviewed in [Washington Post].
Shenila Khoja-Moolji, Sovereign Attachments: Masculinity, Muslimness, and Affective Politics in Pakistan, University of California Press, 288 pages, June 15, 2021. For a review, see [LSE]
Sathnam Sanghera, Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain, Viking, 310 pages, January 28, 2021, with a review in [Geographical].
Andrew I. Schoenholtz, Jaya Ramji-Nogales and Philip G. Schrag, The End of Asylum, Georgetown University Press, 224 pages, May 1, 2021, reviewed in [LSE].
Calls
ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore, has opened a call for papers for its workshop and compendium on “Cities and Climate Challenge in Southeast Asia”. Closing date for submission is June 25, 2021. For more information, visit [ISEAS].
The 1st International Academic Conference “Why it Matters as part of the Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals” (October 5-7, 2022) invites proposals for a paper and/or oral presentation. Deadline for submissions is November 1, 2021. Details are provided at [reliefweb].
Jobs & positions
United Nations Women is hiring an International Consultant (Women, Peace, Security). Application deadline is July 5, 2021. For more details, see [Jobs UNDP].
The United Nations University is offering a position of Adjunct Professor/Researcher on the Resource Nexus. Closing date for applications is July 18, 2021. Further information about the vacancy is available at [UNU].
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is seeking a Senior Liaison Officer. Applications can be submitted until July 20, 2021. Visit [UN Careers] for more information.
The International Organization for Migration is offering the position of Head of Migration Assistance and Counter Trafficking to be based in Bangkok, Thailand. Application deadline is July 1, 2021. For more information, see [UN Jobs].
The International Organization for Migration is hiring a Project Manager to manage its Corporate Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking project in Asia, to be based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Closing date for applications is June 29, 2021. Further information about the vacancy is available at [UN Jobs].
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