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Asia in Review

No. 25, June/2020, 4

Brought to you by CPG

Dear Readers,

With thanks for your feedback on the new AiR section on related online events, the AiR team is presenting you another round of news on domestic politics, constitutional law, international relations, and geopolitics.

In response to inquiries from some readers, please find the link to the ‘AiR Annual Issue 2019’ again here [AiR Annual Issue 2019].

With best regards,

Henning Glaser

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

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

Main Sections

• Law and Politics in East Asia

• Law and Politics in South Asia

• Law and Politics in South East Asia

• International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

• Upcoming Online Events

Law and Politics in East Asia 

China: Beijing’s new security agency for Hong Kong – the end of autonomy?

(dql) Details of the draft of Beijing’s Hong Kong national security law, reported by Xinhua after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) – the country’s top legislative body – completed a meeting to review of the draft law last week, have further geared the already heated controversy about the legislation and its impact on the autonomy of the city.

Among others, the draft stipulates that a “commission of safeguarding national security” shall be established in Hong Kong which is led by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, but supervised by and accountable to the Central People's Government shall be established in Hong Kong. A national security adviser, appointed by the Beijing would be a member of this commission. According to a mainland source, the commission would be ranked at vice-ministerial level and would report directly to the Central National Security Commission of the Communist Party, headed by President Xi Jinping, while by end of the month the Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee, which is led be Xi, would name a senior security official to fill the post of the national security adviser in Hong Kong.

Furthermore, Beijing shall establish an office to be called “Office of the National Security Commissioner of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” which – besides fulfilling duties of analyzing the overall security situation in Hong Kong and collecting related intelligence information – “may exercise jurisdiction over a tiny number of criminal cases that jeopardize national security under specific circumstances.” [Xinhua] [South China Morning Post 1]

For critics, the creation of this mainland office in Hong Kong with the authority “to supervise, guide, coordinate with and support” Hong Kong “in performing its duties on safeguarding national security,” would mean the end of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ and city’s autonomy. [Hong Kong Free Press]

Chinese officials, however, defended the draft arguing that the system of dual safeguards – the mainland agency and local commission – was necessary as national security issues transcends the scope of the Hong Kong authorities. [South China Morning Post]

Another contentious detail of the draft is the plan to grant Hong Kong’s leader the power to appoint judges to handle national security cases. It prompted a backlash with critics saying that this move would diminish the independence of the judiciary. In an attempt to counter these critics, Chief Executive Carrie Lam reassured that she would consult Hong Kong's chief justice when compiling the panel of judges, adding that she would not handpick judges to deal with specific cases. Instead, the judiciary would be responsible for allocating judges to national security cases from her list. [Aljazeera]

Meanwhile, human rights NGOs’ concerns over possible far-reaching limitations of  their work in Hong Kong have grown as the draft uses the vague term “collusion with foreign or external forces to endanger national security” to designate the fourth crime in addition to secession, subversion of state power, and terrorist activities, to be targeted and punished by the new law. In an earlier version of the draft law the wording was “foreign and external interference in Hong Kong affairs”. [South China Morning Post 2] [Guardian]

In an earlier move, almost 90 non-government organizations issued a joint letter last week calling on the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress to withdraw the introduction of the Hong Kong national security law, arguing that it threatens basic rights and freedoms. [Reuters] [Amnesty International]

The draft law is expected to be passed next week.

China: Human rights lawyer sentenced to four years in jail

(dql) A Chinese human rights lawyer has been sentenced to four years in prison after a court found him guilty of inciting subversion of state power. Yu Wensheng, known for defending Falun Gong practitioners, had been under arrest since January 2018 [AiR 3/1/2018] after publishing an open letter calling for constitutional reforms. In earlier moves he had also expressed support for Hong Kong’s umbrella movement in 2014 and accused President Xi Jinping of transforming China into a totalitarian state in 2017. [Asia News]

In another development, a professor at Hubei University was banned from teaching and was expelled from the Communist Party for expressing support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests and for defending a Chinese author whose latest book criticizes the government of the city of Wuhan for mistakes in handling the coronavirus pandemic. [South China Morning Post]

Japan: Government drops bill to delay retirement of civil servants

(mp) Bowing to public criticism, Japan´s government scrapped a controversial provision, which was part of a new bill delaying the retirement of prosecutors and other civil servants to the age of 65. The provision empowered the government to keep selected high-ranking public prosecutors for a further term of up to three years, up to the Cabinet´s discretion.

Observers therein saw a threat to the independence of the judicial branch. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga argued they were looking for servants with abundant knowledge and experience and that an aging society needed a likewise rising retirement age.

The government now considers resubmitting a revised bill, retaining the new retirement age of 65 but lacking the passage for deferring prosecutors´ retirement at the Cabinet´s discretion. The opposition argued that the change had been meant to justify the government´s move in January to keep the former high-ranked prosecutor Hiromu Kurokawa, who resigned after a breach of social distancing rules, in position beyond his age of 63. [Kyodo] [AiR No. 21, May/2020, 4]

Japan: Government beefs up cyber security

(mp) In a move to tackle the country’s Japan´s readiness in the area of military cyber security, Japan’s Defense Ministry announced to further expand its Unit for Cyber Defense to almost 300 cyber security experts, an increase of 30% compared with the current personnel. Japan, at this time, considers hiring outside-experts, establishing school courses on cyber security, and promoting cyber education for teenagers to catch up on its enemies.

Reflecting Japan’s huge backlog against major powers, China holds around 100,000 cyber warriors whose task is stealing foreign classified information. [Nikkei Asian Review]

Japan: Ex justice minister arrested in vote-buying case

(mp) Last week, prosecutors arrested the former justice minister Katsuyuki Kawai and his wife, who had successfully run for an upper house seat last July. Katsuyuki is accused of vote buying in the 2019 Upper House election and having handed 25 million yen (US$ 234,000) to local politicians in his wife´s district, breaching the campaign financing law. He had resigned from office after only two months in October due to investigations on this matter. Katsuyuki and his wife both declined the allegations.

The case has the potential to become a major blow for Prime Minister Abe as Katsuyuki is a one-time foreign policy adviser close to Abe and as rumors are circulating that the funding of Anri Kawai’s campaign was approved by Abe.

The scandal comes at a time when Abe, who is the longest-serving leader of Japan, has been struggling with critics over the government´s slow reaction to the financial impact from the coronavirus crisis and delayed aids for affected citizens. [Nikkei Asian Review] [Reuters]

South Korea: Main opposition party ends parliamentary boycott

(dql) Normal parliamentary operations will resume this week as South Korea’s main opposition United Future Party (UFP) announced at the weekend that it will end its weeks-long boycott of the National Assembly.

The boycott came after the ruling Democratic Party used its majority of 176 seats in the 300-member parliament to unilaterally push through the election of its candidates as the heads of six parliamentary committees including the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, a crucial committee in charge of overseeing major policies which traditionally is allocated to a member of the main opposition party to maintain balance. [Yonhap]

Mongolia: Ruling party set to win parliamentary election

(dql) In Mongolia’s eighth parliamentary election since the country adopted a constitutional system in 1992 after sixty years of rule of the Soviet Union, a total of 606 candidates, representing 13 political parties and 4 coalitions as well as 121 independents, will compete this Wednesday for 76 seats in parliament. 

The ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) led by Prime Minister Khurelsukh, which won 65 seats in the past election 2016, is believed to win the election again due to its success in combating the coronavirus pandemic. [East Asia Forum] [Nikkei Asian Review]

Law and Politics in South Asia 

Pakistan in turmoil – How long will the military support PM Khan?

(ls) Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan is under increasing pressure for the government’s management of several crises. As for Covid-19, the government has decided to lift several measures designed to curb the people’s movement and contain the spread of the virus despite surging infection rates. Protesting doctors have been beaten and arrested by the police. Moreover, a locust plague is about to hit Pakistan in the coming weeks, and Khan has been accused of a lack of preparation. In addition, economic growth, which was about 5 percent in 2018, has now reached negative numbers, with unemployment sharply increasing. 

Observers consider more widespread civil unrest likely. In this situation, it remains to be seen whether the military, a traditionally powerful actor in Pakistani politics, will withdraw its support from Khan. [South China Morning Post]

Pakistan: Tensions in Balochistan

(lf) On Sunday, a large number of primarily women and children came together in protest in Pakistan’s province Balochistan. They protested to show solidarity with the victims of so-called death squads, which are allegedly backed by the Pakistani military. [Balochwarna]

The protest came after the leader of the Balochistan National Party, Akhtar Mengal, spoke in front of the Parliament last week and called for Balochistan to be called occupied Balochistan, saying that death squads continued to harm people in the province. The party left the governing coalition. 

Balochistan is one of Pakistan’s biggest provinces and rich in resources. However, large parts of its population are very poor. Grievances with the federal government trace back over seven decades. Balochistan has seen several insurgencies and military suppression. In the last fifteen years, thousands Balochs have gone missing. The government restricts journalists from reporting from the Balochistan. Several journalists have gone missing or turned up dead over the years after reporting on the issue. [The Diplomat]

Pakistan: Professor arrested for blasphemy

(ls) A professor of literature at Khairpur's Shah Abdul Latif University in Pakistan has been arrested for charges of blasphemy under the Pakistan Penal Code. The professor is an outspoken critic of the government and the country’s most powerful clerics. The university is located in Sindh province which is home to Pakistan's largest Hindu population and also a significant number of Shiite Muslims. The professor had blamed the government for the rise of violent extremism undermining Sindh's sectarian harmony. [DW]

Sri Lanka: Voting and counting to take place on different days

(cm) The Sri Lankan Election Commission announced that the parliamentary election, scheduled for 5 August, will have separate polling and counting days due to Covid-19. Customarily, both takes place on the same day. The election date itself, which had previously been moved from 25 April, has not been delayed further. [Devdiscourse]

Sri Lanka: Torture locations revealed by ITJP and JDS 

(cm) As International Day in Support of Victims of Torture approaches, Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) has collaborated with the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) to assemble a map of 219 torture locations in Sri Lanka. Many of the victims are Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims who have been tortured by police, army, paramilitaries and the navy in police stations, training institutes, cinemas, factories or the Faculty of Law of Colombo University. 

The map shows places of torture over the last 30 years. Tens of thousands of disappearances occurred during this period too. ITJP and JDS gathered evidence of 24 alleged perpetrators, one of them being current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Military officers had committed crimes against humanity and war crimes against the Tamil population. There has been limited investigation by Sri Lankan authorities into the allegations. [ITJP] [Tamil Guardian]

Nepal: Constitutional amendment revising citizenship rules sparks controversy

(ls) The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of Nepal’s parliament has passed a constitution amendment bill to grant naturalized citizenship to foreign women married to Nepali men only after seven years. Opposition parties opposed the amendment, saying it violates the constitution as well as political, social and cultural norms. [Himalayan Times]

The change is expected to especially affect families in Nepal’s Madhes region where cross-border kinship with India is common. Madhesi critics said the changes are racially motivated. The issue has created a heated debate over the privileges that the citizens of Nepal’s Himal region are perceived to enjoy in the Nepali society. Madhesis claim that they are discriminated against in Nepal’s diverse population. [The Hindu]

The move came about a week after Nepal had published a new map including territories that are subject to disputes with India. Tensions between Nepal and India have been rising over recent months, while China appears to gain more influence with the Nepali government. [AiR No. 24, June/ 2020, 3]

Law and Politics in Southeast Asia 

Cambodia to dramatically cut budget

(jn) Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus,the Cambodian government under Prime Minister Hun Sen last week announced to slash next year's state budget by 50% or $4 billion, including a 11.3% drop for social affairs, 6.4% for general administration, and 4% for defence. In April the government had already said it would cut this year’s budget by more than 10%. The announcement comes at a time when regional neighbours like Thailand or Singapore dig deep into their pockets to soften the economic blow from the pandemic. [Khmer Times]

According to the government’s national strategic budget plan (2021-2023), the country’s GDP is expected to shrink by almost 2% this year, but rebound by 3.5% next year, which is in line with World Bank estimates. The latter already declared in a report last month that the pandemic “poses the greatest threat to Cambodia’s development in 30 years”. It also estimated that almost 20% are now unemployed and poverty could increase by more than 10 percentage points, too.

The bleak economic outlook, however, has far outpaced the relatively mild impact of Covid-19 as the country has suffered no deaths and only 128 cases. Even though the government already prepared stimulus measures in February, much of the relief effort has not yet benefitted most of the intended recipients, and it is generally being doubted that Cambodia has the necessary fiscal reserves (up to $2 billion) as were originally announced to be made available.

Making matters worse, it is certain that government revenue is about to precipitously decline this year. With businesses collapsing and mass unemployment in the garment industry, the resulting loss of tax revenue will contribute to a projected fiscal deficit of 9% of the GDP, according to the World Bank. The World Bank also forecasts the “fiscal space” of the Cambodian government (the financial leeway after fixed expenditure) to decline to less than one third of the GDP in the coming years, down from 55% in 2016. [Asia Times] [Nikkei Asian Review]

Cambodia: HRW and families demand freedom for detained opposition activists 

(jn) Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday called on Cambodia’s government to stop using the COVID-19 pandemic as cover to crackdown on the country’s political opposition. According to estimates by the rights group, 15 former officials and activists have been jailed on “fabricated political charges” since the coronavirus outbreak in January. In addition, another 80 people on bail would face potential re-arrest at any time, HRW said, calling on authorities to immediately release 32 detainees – including 23 opposition members – that it claims are being held on politically motivated charges. [HRW]

In another instance, a demonstration was held in front of a Phnom Penh Court on Friday, where around 20 family members demanded the immediate and unconditional release of members of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) detained on charges of “incitement to commit a felony”.

The CNRP was dissolved by the Cambodian Supreme Court in November 2017 over its involvement in an alleged plot to topple the government. [Radio Free Asia 1] [Radio Free Asia 2]

Cambodia: Chinese-made trucks given to Cambodian government by undisclosed donors

(jn) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, unveiled a shipment of 290 Chinese-made military trucks in a ceremony on Thursday, claiming the vehicles were not aid from Beijing but free gifts from “unnamed donors”. Hun Sen said that the trucks could be used during natural disasters and for defense purposes like in a border dispute with Vietnam. He denied that the vehicles, which were shipped to Cambodia, were donated by China that has long sought to deepen its political and economic sway over the country.

Critics fear that the trucks are supposed to help the government to more efficiently crack down domestically, rather than being used for defense purposes. According to Radio Free Asia, Hun Sen said last year that an additional $40 million would be spent on unspecified arms from China, on top of purchases from Beijing worth $290 million.

Cambodia and China conducted joint military exercises in March, lending credence to observations that both countries intensify their political, military and economic cooperation. [Radio Free Asia]

Indonesian court finds Papuan men guilty of treason

(lm) An Indonesian court found three Papuan men guilty of treason and sentenced them to up to 11 months in prison for their involvement in anti-racism rallies in West Papua last year, a verdict that human rights activists considered as an indicator of deteriorating political freedoms in the world’s third-largest democracy. [The Guardian]

The three Papuans are part of the "Balikpapan Seven" group of West Papuan activists and university students arrested by police last August for involvement in anti-racism riots that swept across Indonesia's easternmost provinces last August. [The Straits Times] [Reuters]

The demonstrations were sparked by racist attacks on several Papuan students in Java, where they were allegedly called "monkeys" and other racial taunts. Thousands of people took part in the rallies, which began mostly peaceful, but turned violent, with protesters burning the parliamentary building, public facilities, and shopping stores. [AiR No. 35, August/2019, 4]

Malaysia: Bersatu’s Deputy Division Chief sacked for contesting Chini by-election

(cm) The deputy Pekan division chief of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), Tengku Datuk Zainul Hisham Tengku Hussin has been sacked by his party last week after going rogue and announcing to contest the Chini-by-election as an independent candidate. The Election Commission set 30 June for early voting, and 4 July for polling. During this period, the Election Commission placed security measures on three Election Campaign Enforcement Teams until the 3 July. [New Straits Times] [The Star]

In a video message Dr Mahathir on Tuesday endorsed Tengku Zainul, saying that he was the best candidate in the three-way contest between Tengku Zainul, Mohd Syukri Mohd Ramli, and Mohd Sharim Md Zain from Barisan Nasional. [Malay Mail]

Malaysia: Sabah Foundation sues its former chairman

(cm/lm) Last Tuesday, the Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah), an organisation dedicated to the promotion of educational and economic opportunities for the people of the Sabah state, filed a RM872 million claim at the Kota Kinabalu High Court against its former chairman and former Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman for alleged breach of fiduciary duty. Musa later last week denied all allegations and issued a Letter of Demand, asking for an unconditional apology, and demanding RM1 billion from Yayasan Sabah trustees, including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. [The Star] [New Straites Times]

The claim comes on the heels of the High Court earlier this month acquitting and discharging Musa Aman of 46 criminal charges of corruption and money-laundering linked to timber concessions contracts in the state. The prosecution had withdrawn the charges. [The Edge Markets] [AiR, No. 24, June/2020, 3]

Malaysia: Mahathir-Anwar divide sees Pakatan Harapan counter-coup falter

(cm/lm) In a statement issued on Friday, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leadership and lawmakers said they would only back president Anwar Ibrahim in his bid to be the prime ministerial candidate for Malaysia’s multiracial Pakatan Harapan alliance (PH). The decision is considered a key turning point for the counter-coup plan, because PKR´s 38 parliamentary seats are required to test Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's majority at a scheduled Parliament sitting in July.

For weeks, the co-called "Pakatan Plus" alliance of 107 or 108 MPs has been unable to come to a consensus in selecting their prime ministerial candidate as a self-imposed deadline for an agreement passed on last Tuesday, after a meeting between the opposition's key leaders had not taken place.

The Chinese-centric Democratic Action Party (DAP)– which has 42 MPs – and Amanah, a progressive-leaning Islamic group with 11 lawmakers, had indicated earlier that they are willing to back Dr Mahathir in his bid to return as prime minister for the third time. At the moment, the People’s Justice Party holds 38 of the 222 seats. Anwar stated he is willing to discuss further on ways to ‘save Malaysia’ with Mahathir. [NY Times] [The Straits Times] [SCMP] [The Straits Times 2]

Myanmar: Opposition party leaders to run for parliament

(dql) The opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has announced that its leaders  will contest the November elections in attempt to revive the fortunes of the military-backed party. The list of the candidates will be led by the party’s chairperson U Than Htay, a former brigadier general and former Energy and Rail Transportation minister.

Formed in 2010 as the political arm of Myanmar’s Tatmadaw (military) rulers, the party won the general election that year with over 70 percent of seats in parliament and its then leader, U Thein Sein, was appointed president. In the 2015 election the party lost against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD). [Myanmar Times]

For an outlook of party mergers and other pre-electoral coalition forms in the upcoming election see Su Mon Thant at [ISEAS].

Philippines: Wirecard´s missing billions not in the Philippines

(mp) Central bank governor Benjamin Dioko on Sunday issued a statement saying that the $2.1 billion (€ 1.9 billion) of cash missing from German payment firm Wirecard had never entered the country´s financial system. Dioko further stated that the country’s biggest lenders - BDO Unibank Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands - had suffered no losses, despite having been named in connection with the missing money. Earlier last week, both banks had issued a statement denying any relationship with Wirecard and further allegeing that the documents brought up by external investigators linking them to the money had been forged. [Straits Times] [DW] [SCMP]

Philippines: Businessman and political influencer Danding Cojuangco dies at 85

(mp) Chairman and CEO of the San Miguel Corporation, Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Junior, died on Tuesday after a lasting illness. Cojuangco, who was the 15th richest man in the Philippines, was regarded as highly influential in Philippine politics after he gained national prominence as an adviser to former President Ferdinand Marcos. In the Presidential elections of 1992, he reached the third place. [Asia Nikkei]

Philippines: The conviction of Maria Ressa and the unequal enforcement of the truth

(ls) The cyber libel conviction of Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr. by a regional trial court in Manila last week [AiR No. 24, June/ 2020, 3] has created an intense discussion over the state of press freedom in the Philippines. CPG's Lasse Schuldt argues that the decision demonstrates the different standards of accuracy enforced against citizens and the government. In a country presently governed by an administration that has allegedly been the source of widespread disinformation, Schuldt writes that private media and citizen reporters are subjected to ever stricter anti-falsehood laws. The case provokes to rethink private and state accountability for the spreading of falsehoods. [Verfassungsblog]

Singapore heads towards election under pandemic conditions

(cm/lm) Singapore’s parliament has been dissolved, paving the way for a general election, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a televised address to the nation on Tuesday. In his widely anticipated announcement, the Prime Minister said he had met President Halimah Yacob earlier in the day and had advised her to dissolve parliament and issue the Writ of Election. According to the Elections Department, Singaporean voters will head to the polls on July 10, after the minimum nine-day official campaigning period – with no mass rallies - and a “Cooling Off Day” on the eve of the election. Nomination Day will be next Tuesday (June 30), the first day of official campaigning. [SCMP] [The Straits Times]

Groups of regional lawmakers and opposition parties meanwhile are questioning if the General Elections should be held off. Opposition parties expressed concern of COVID-19 disadvantages on restrictive campaigns and the voter’s risk of health. The Elections Department (ED) recently announced more constituency political broadcast and virtual campaigning, there will be no live speeches, physical rallies, and gathering of supporters. [Straits Times 1] [Bloomberg]

However, this does not hinder parties from moving forward. As the Reform Party and Progress Singapore Party revealed their candidates on a group video call last week, and the new Red Dot United Party, along with the People’s Voice Party is aiming to contest Jurong GRC. [Channel News Asia 1] [Channel News Asia 2] [Straits Times 2]

Thailand: Charter Court to rule on MP Thammanat's eligibility to hold office

(lm) Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday announced that it has accepted a petition against the eligibility of Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow to sit as an MP and to hold a cabinet portfolio. Lawmakers of the disbanded Move Forward Party in May had petitioned House of Representatives Speaker Chuan Leekpai to seek a ruling from the Charter Court over Mr Thamanat’s past criminal record in Australia. [Bangkok Post 1]

According to evidence provided by the Australian courts, Mr Thammanat was sentenced to six years in prison in 1993 by an Australian appeal court after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import more than three kilograms of heroin into Australia. He served four years in a Sidney jail before being deported to Thailand. [The Sidney Morning Herald]

According to the Constitution’s Article 98 (10), a person convicted of drug offences cannot hold a ministerial status or a post as lawmaker. However, Mr Thammanat in the past has downplayed the significance of his drug convictions in Australia by continuing to insist he “never pled guilty or served jail time for drug charges in Australia.” [Bangkok Post 2] [The Nation Thailand]

The Charter Court ordered Mr Thammanat to defend the accusations within 15 days of receiving a copy of the petition. He is allowed to continue performing his duties as an MP and Cabinet Minister pending the court's ruling. [The Thaiger]

Thailand: Prime Minister announces three “new normal”

In a nation-wide address, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday announced his government’s plan for the post-COVID-19 period, calling on his fellow citizens to join in rebuilding and mapping out the future of Thailand. Most significantly, the Prime Minister announced three “new normal” paradigms of working for himself and the government, each of which are designed to harness the knowledge and capabilities of a broad cross-section of Thai society. 

Inviting representatives of all sectors to present their recommendations, the first “new normal” marks the launch of the “Thais Together build Thailand” program, with the objective of achieving greater direct participation of all sectors in determining Thailand’s future.

The second paradigm aims to rethink evaluation of the government's work. According to the Prime Minister, people who are directly affected by government policies will be able to offer feedback on the efficacy of governmental projects in order to enable state agencies to consider adjustment or improvement.

The third new normal introduces proactive working. Gen Prayut pledged to work more proactively and take a very close interest in a select number of ministry projects that he believes are of the utmost priority for citizens. [Bangkok Post] [Thai PBS World] [The Nation Thailand]

Thailand: MP suggest legalising prostitution

Thai Civilized Party lawmaker Mongkolkit Suksintharanon on Tuesday announced that he is looking to legalize prostitution and adult toys in order to stem what appears to be a surge in rape and other sexual assault cases in Thailand. Suksintharanon said that he would ask the House committee tasked with combating rape to back his proposal to decriminalise sex workers. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand’s approach to sex work is to criminalize it under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act 1996 and Article 286 of the Criminal Code. The law forbids selling sex, pimping and running a “prostitution establishment”, but does not punish the customer for purchasing sex. [Chiang Rai Times]

The House committee said it would consider all proposals to deal with sexual assault cases before submitting its own proposals for a new bill in July. [The Thaiger]

Thailand: Experts call on government to enhance anti-cybersex abuse legal framework

On Thursday, the police-led Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) taskforce said that child cybersex abuse cases are approaching a record high this year, with cybersex predators exploiting the coronavirus crisis to groom more children for sexual abuse.

Working hand in hand with local non-governmental organisations to identify victims and to track down offenders, the taskforce has rescued more than 100 children since mid-April - almost double the 53 victims helped in 2018, which was the highest annual figure since TICAC’s launch in 2016. In the last two months, the police taskforce has seized more than 150,000 files of child sexual abuse material and opened 53 cases of internet-facilitated child sexual exploitation. In 2019, they had 72 cases involving 46 victims.

In recent years, the spread of cheap, high-speed internet and the rise in mobile phone ownership has fuelled cybersex trafficking across South East Asia. Under the coronavirus pandemic, officials and child advocates have seen child cybersex abuse surging as many families have struggled to make ends meet while children have been at home and online, putting themselves at risk of being sex-trafficked.

Child rights experts are calling on the Thai government to establish the necessary legal framework for the criminalization of child sexual abuse online and the effective prosecution of offenders, with the objective to enhance authorities’ ability to tackle the trend. Experts further suggest to intensify efforts to increase public awareness of the risks posed by children’s online conduct to better protect them from sexual exploitation. [Reuters] [SCMP]

Thailand: Ruling Palang Pracharath Party declares victory in Lampang by-election

(lm) Thailand’s ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) scooped up another seat in the House of Representatives on Saturday in a by-election in Lampang, the first held since the country’s partial lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak. According to unofficial results released by the provincial Election Committee on Sunday, Mr Wattana Sithiwang (PPRP) beat runner-up Mr Pol Lt Somboon Klapachon from the opposition's Seri Ruam Thai Party, with over 61,914 votes against 38,336.

The by-election was prompted by the death of lawmaker Itthirat Chantharasurin, an MP from Thailand’s biggest opposition Pheu Thai party in May. Originally the party had planned to field a candidate to keep its seat but Pinit Chantharasurin, Mr Ittirat's father, had pulled out at the last minute to focus on a local election, leaving only the Seri Ruam Thai candidate to represent the opposition. [The Straits Times] [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2]

Thailand: Prawit accepts invite to lead Palang Pracharath Party

(lm) Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and former junta heavyweight agreed to take up the position of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader after attending a meeting of core party members, chief government whip Wirat Rattanaset said on Monday. A general assembly of PPRP is scheduled for this Saturday to elect a new executive board, the new party leader, the new secretary-general, among other key positions. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] [Thai PBS World]

General Prawit will replace hitherto PPRP-leader and Finance Minister Mr Uttama Savanayana, who lost the party leadership after the dissolution of the party’s executive board, following the mass resignation of 18 board members earlier this month. [AiR No. 23, June/2020, 2]

Thailand: Petition sent over acquittal of former Prime Minister Thaksin’s son Panthongtae "Oak" Shinawatra

(lm) Former Democrat lawmaker Watchara Phetthong on Monday petitioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate officials working at the Office of the Attorney General (AOG). Accusing the officials of malfeasance in office, Mr Watchara said the attorney-general, deputy attorney-general and public prosecutors had neglected their duties and violated Section 157 of the Criminal Code when they decided not to appeal the acquittal of Panthongtae "Oak" Shinawatra, son of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Speaking after submitting the petition, Mr Watchara said the decision was untypical as the decision at the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases had not been unanimous. Mr Watchara added that the Department of Special Investigation, which had handled the case, had also insisted on appealing to a higher court. [Bangkok Post]

International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

China: Satellite to complete rival to the US-owned GPS system launched

(dql) Marking another step in China’s advancement as a major space power, China sent the last satellite to space on Tuesday to complete its geolocation system. The network, known as Beidou, is expected to rival the U.S. government-owned Global Positioning System (GPS), which is widely-used across the world, as well as Russia’s GLONASS and the European Union’s Galileo. [Space.com] [Asia Times]

China to join the Arms Trade Treaty

(dql) China’s top legislative body last week voted to join the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a global treaty regulating cross-border trade in a number of categories of conventional arms and prohibiting their transfer under certain circumstances.

The ATT was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 and entered into force in December 2014. Over 100 countries have ratified or agreed to abide by it.

Last year, US President Trump announced that the U.S. would pull out of the treaty, which was signed by then-Secretary of State John Kerry but never ratified by the U.S. Senate. After the announcement China decided to sign the treaty. [Bloomberg]

China-USA relations: Tensions over Uighur human rights act and Chinese media outlets after inconclusive Yang/Pompeo talk

(dql) Amidst high tensions in the relations between China and the USA, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo and Politburo member and director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China Yang Jiechi met for a seven-hours dinner talk in Hawaii. As expected, the talk exposed huge divisions over multiple issues with Pompeo insisting on “fully reciprocal dealings” with regards to trade, security and diplomacy and “full transparency and information sharing” on the coronavirus and Yang demanding that Washington stops meddling in Chinese internal affairs including Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan. However, observers view the first face-face meeting since months as a signal that both sides are trying to avoid a further deterioration of their relations. [Wall Street Journal] [South China Morning Post]

Defying China’s demand that the USA stop interfering in China’s domestic affairs, on the same day of the meeting between Pompeo and Yang US President Trump signed into law the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act which calls for sanctions against Chinese officials considered responsible for the human rights violations against Uighur Muslims in China's western Xinjiang province. [Deutsche Welle]

In response, China announced that it will “resolutely hit back” against the Act adding that “the US will bear the burden of all subsequent consequences.” [The Guardian]

In another latest move, angering China, the USA has designated an additional four Chinese state-run outlets as foreign missions citing their ties to the Chinese government and the Communist Party. The move requires these outlets to comply with the rules that cover diplomatic missions, including providing detailed information about their employees as well as notifying the US government about any real estate transactions. [CNN]

China-EU relations: Consensus on investment pact, tensions over Hong Kong national security law

(dql) At the China-EU leaders’ teleconference meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, both China and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed that they remain committed to the conclusion of a comprehensive bilateral investment agreement this year. [Inquirer]

At the same time, von der Leyen and Michel expressed "grave concern" over the planned security law for Hong Kong striking a tough tone to warn Beijing of "very negative consequences" if it goes ahead with the law. In response, China called the security an domestic affair, sigaling that it is not willing to back down. [France 24] [Deutsche Welle]

China-Canada relations: Canadian nationals charged with spying

(dql) In a move further worsening already to strained relations between China and Canada, Chinese authorities have charged two Canadian nationals with espionage: Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman. The charges come more than 18 months after their arrest, which has been widely seen as retaliatory measure for the arrest Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou in Canada at the request of the US. Meng is currently fighting extradition to the US. China denies any connection between the arrests. [BBC]

Cross-strait relations: Chinese Air Force enters Taiwanese air zone

(ef) Marking the seventh encounter in two weeks, Chinese Air Force jets entered the Taiwanese air defense identification zone on Monday. One of the involved jets was the H-6 bomber which is a nuclear-capable bomber. After the Chinese Air Force received warning via radio, they left the air space. [Japan Times] A legislator has stated that the spike in such encounters could be a sign that the PRC deployed jets at a base in the South China Sea or that they are engaged in extensive combat training. [Taiwan News]

The sighting took place on the same day as President Tsai Ing-wen’s overseeing of the first public test flight of an advanced home-grown jet trainer. The new AT-5 Brave Eagle is the first domestically made jet in more than three decades and was developed as part of an increase in domestic military designing. [New York Times]

Cross-strait relations: PRC warns Taiwan against offering protection to Hong Kongers

(ef) After Taiwan announced that it would set up an office dedicated to handle humanitarian relief and care for Hong Kongers, the PRC denounced that plan of action by stating that providing humanitarian relief would “only continue to bring harm to Taiwan’s people”. The new office will begin operations on July 1, the day Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule 23 years ago. [Aljazeera]

The office is part of the Taiwanese relief plan for those citizens of Hong Kong who will be affected by the new national security law. The Taiwanese government will cover necessary expenses for those Hong Kongers whose freedom and safety are under threat. The office will handle applications of those seeking to stay in Taiwan for political reasons. [Straits Times]

Japan: Looking for Aegis Ashore alternative

(mp) After the Japanese government announced to halt the deployment of the U.S.-made land-based missile defense system “Aegis Ashore” last week [AiR No. 24, June/2020, 3], the search for effective alternatives continues. Concepts include the installation aboard warships as well as the construction of a floating structure to be used as an offshore base. A concrete decision is projected to be made this summer.

Japan´s decision to cease the deployment of the system is likely to undermine the military´s capability of setting bounds to the threats from North Korea and is expected to damage the partnership with its closest ally the United States, which has previously urged Japan to increase its share of military expenses. A senior Japanese Defense Ministry official called the suspension a “wrong message to China and Russia.” The system, which was designed to be a significant part of Japan´s air defense, has been scrapped due to rising costs and technical issues. [Japan Times] [Nikkei Asian Review]

Japan-China relations: Chinese ships spotted in Japanese governed territory

(mp) Chinese ships had been spotted in Japanese governed territory disputed by China. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga referred to China´s unusual activity in the area as “extremely serious” and announced to monitor the situation further. China follows an area denial strategy seeking to keep U.S. warships out of the South China Sea in case of the outbreak of conflicts, pushing the U.S. policy of free passage to its limit. Chinas provocations also cast a poor light upon Japan´s decision to halt the Aegis Ashore missile defense system. [Nikkei Asian Review]

Inter-Korean relations: North Korea blows up joint liaison office 

(yo) In a highly symbolic move, North Korea has blown up a joint liaison office that has been built on North Korean soil by South Korea and used for talks between the two Koreas. The demolition of the office is the latest sign of deteriorating inter-Korean relations.

Pyongyang called the move a retaliatory measure after a group of defectors used balloons to send anti-North Korean leaflets north of the DMZ. [AiR No. 23, June/2020, 2] and announced that it will re-militarize some sections of the border. In response, South Korea’s defense ministry said that it will vigilantly follow the North’s actions, being ready to respond “strongly” to any aggressive provocations. [CNN]

Meanwhile, taking political responsibility for the deteriorating inter-Korean relations in inter-Koran peace talk, Kim Yeon-chul, South Korea’s Unification Minister offered his resignation which President Moon accepted. Kim has not had any personal interactions with officials from Pyongyang during the 14 months of his tenure. [The Guardian] [Korea Times]

India-China tensions: India changes rules of engagement after deadly clash with Chinese troops

(ls/lf) India has changed the rules of engagement for its troops that are deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan valley between China and India after deadly clashes between the two sides. The revised rules now allow soldiers to open fire in extraordinary circumstances, which departs from a 1998 agreement between India and China, titled Confidence-Building Measures (CBM) in the Military Field, which prohibits open fire within 2 kilometers of the LAC. [Straits Times]

Since the first casualties were reported last week [AiR No. 24, June/ 2020, 3], the number of deaths has risen. India’s government confirmed that at least 20 soldiers have died in the dispute. The Indian army had initially reported three deaths, but this rose after a further 17 succumbed to their injuries from the physical fight without guns fired. The number of fatalities on the Chinese side are yet unclear, but the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed deaths on both sides. [DW]

Chinese foreign Minister Zhao Lijian has accused Indian soldiers of provoking the incident by several crossings of soldiers at an already tense time. Furthermore, Zhao accused India of provoking the tensions by constructing roads and infrastructure projects in the disputed Galwan valley. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has blamed the construction of a barrier along LAC by the Chinese as reason for the escalation.  [BBC 1] [BBC2]

Modi has been criticized at home for insisting that “nobody has intruded into our border, neither is anybody there now, nor have our posts been captured.” The opposition asked how the incident could occur despite satellite imagery apparently showing Chinese movements ahead of the clash. Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that army generals had confirmed Chinese intrusions. [Hindustan Times] [Reuters]

Local trade groups and officials in India have demanded boycotts of Chinese-made products and urged new reviews of Chinese investment following the escalation. India just tightened its investment laws in April, introducing the necessity of government approvals. Significant procedural slowdowns due to the measures then led to partly revisions. [South China Morning Post]

India elected as non-permanent UN Security Council member

(ls) India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term, securing 184 of 192 votes. The term will begin on 1 January 2021. Along with India, Ireland, Mexico, Norway and Kenya were also elected. The terms of Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Indonesia and South Africa are ending this year. [Firstpost]

India has long been criticizing the composition of the UN Security Council, demanding a permanent seat for the second most populous country of the world. The Diplomat looks at the impact that India’s membership may have on the conflict with Pakistan in Kashmir. [The Diplomat]

Kashmir: Suspected militants killed by Indian forces

(ls) More than a dozen suspected militants have been killed by Indian government forces in Indian-administered Kashmir over the course of the last week. So far, more than 20 have been killed in June. [The Hindu] [Anadolu Agency]

Bangladesh: China offers tariff exemption of exports from Dhaka amid tensions with India

(yo) China has declared tariff exemption according to which 97% of Bangladesh’s products will receive tariff exemption, which is a significant trade boost for Bangladesh. The decision is expected to counter the economic impact that Bangladesh is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Asian African Conference, Xi Jinping announced China will provide duty free market access for 97% of exports within a year for the Least Developed Countries (LDC) that have ongoing diplomatic connections with Beijing. [Business Insider]

This development can be interpreted as a way to influence Bangladesh, which has been a strong regional ally of India. It needs to be noted that China reported this deal when there has been rising hostility between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh. [Times of India]

Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.K Abdul Momen said that the Indian media was unjustly undermining Bangladesh by writing that China was using charity to buy Bangladesh on its side as tensions rise in Ladakh. However, Bangladesh’s cooperation with China has intensified in other areas, such as in health. China has said that Bangladesh would be considered with priority when an anti-COVID-19 vaccine is developed. [The Hindu]

China confronted over low water levels in downstream Mekong river

(jn) After Mekong river water levels hit record lows in the last months, thus threatening millions of livelihoods, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) urged China on Tuesday to be more transparent over its upstream dam operations. Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam had to cope with severe drought last year as the tide of the river fell to record lows, even though the Chinese reservoirs held "above-average natural flow”, according to NASA satellite images.

The MRC said that the extreme low flows showed the need for China to publish timely data from its dams so its neighbors can react in time. Unusually forthright in addressing China, it called for an "all year-round data for effective monitoring and reporting on flood and drought.” The MRC acts as a dam consultation body for Mekong nations, but has been accused of being toothless in stopping river projects sponsored by state and private actors.

While there are already 11 dams on Chinese territory, dozens of hydropower dams are being built or in planning in downstream countries like Laos, many financed by Chinese-backed companies. The dam-building spree in China and Laos has worried the US so much that it prompted Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last year to warn against China concentrating control over the Mekong's downstream flow. [see also AiR No. 21, May/2020, 4] [Channel News Asia]

Malaysia-Singapore relations: Ongoing discussions on cross-border travel

(cm) The foreign ministries in Singapore and Malaysia are closely discussing safety measures and precautions for official travellers, short term businesses, and citizens who regularly commute between these countries. Ismail Sabri, Malaysia’s Senior Minister, stated on Friday that Singapore and Brunei are seen as green zones by the Malaysian Health Ministry. Therefore provisionally, Malaysia may no longer require 14-day quarantine or mandatory Covid-19 screening for Singapore and also Brunei citizens who enter Malaysia. Additionally, this would be reciprocated to Malaysians who enter Singapore and/or Brunei. However, public health protocols and safety of citizens are still ongoing negotiations between the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. [Today Online]

Malaysia: Plans for Rohingya detainees to be sent back to Sea

(cm) Last Friday, security sources divulged that Malaysian authorities plan to send 269 Rohingya Muslims back out to sea. Their hopes of sending the refugees to Bangladesh fell short as Bangladeshi officials rejected their request. Thus, authorities are now aiming to repair the boat, regardless of the report of one death and poor health conditions upon arrival. [Reuters]

In response, Amnesty International in a statement said that “not only would such a move breach the most basic principles of international law, if the boat subsequently managed to land in another country irregularly, it could potentially contravene Malaysia’s own law banning the smuggling of migrants.” [Amnesty International]

In early June, Malaysian authorities were unable to cease entry or return the Rohingya refugees due to their damaged boat. [AiR No. 23, June/2020, 2]

Vietnam to host virtual ASEAN summit on June 26

(jn) Under the theme "Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN", leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will virtually meet on June 26 for the 36th annual summit. After the summit was postponed from April due to the coronavirus pandemic, Vietnam originally proposed it to be held as an in-person event in Hanoi on June 27/28. An ASEAN representative explained that, "[h]owever, because the Covid-19 is still spreading in some member countries, for now the better format is a virtual meeting, so a common agreement was reached to hold the ASEAN Summit virtually on June 26."

Issues on the agenda will range from the current situation and economic impact of the pandemic to the US-China rivalry, especially in the South China Sea, Korea, the crisis in Rakhine and the Mekong cooperation. Leaders are expected to adopt several action plans and key recommendations in connection with combating and mitigating the impact of Covid-19, especially a post-pandemic recovery plan. In this vein, they are going to decide how to operationalize the joint Covid-19 fund that was set up at the special summit in April to purchase medical supplies and support members in handling the pandemic, and how to strengthen regional cooperation on public health emergencies. [Bangkok Post] [Bangkok Post 2] [Bangkok Post 3]

Upcoming Online Events

Online events

24 June 2020 @ 10:00 am EDT, Brookings, USA

How transparent is global aid now, and where do we go from here?

This webinar puts a spotlight on global aid during the coronavirus pandemic and discusses the newly launched findings of aid transparency among the world's major donors. The discussion will provide insights into how transparent development agencies are and which steps are important for transparency and accountability.

See more information at [Brookings].

24 June @ 2:30 pm UTC+8, Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS), Malaysia

Parliament as the Grand Inquest of the Nation: Proposals for Enhancing Parliament's Institutional Efficacy

The event deals with the role of the parliament in the scheme of "parliamentary government" and problems appearing in Malaysia's system. It discusses the possibility to reform law and practice to secure the Parliament's independence and enhance its institutional efficacy.

Event details are available at [ISIS].

24 June @ 11:00 am UTC, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom

Peace and the Pandemic

This webinar examines the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic for countries affected by conflicts and fragility and asks how the international community can develop a peace-building response. Speakers include Helen Clark, head of the United Nations Development Programme 2009-2017 and former Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Please check [LSE] for more information.

24 June 2020 @ 1:00 pm ET, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA

Online Event: The Global Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Women

This panel conversation will consider how Covid-19 is having a disproportionate effect on women around the world, and how reaction efforts and policies need to integrate a whole of society approach.

Further information is accessible at [CSIS].

25 June 2020 @ 11:30 am ET, Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), USA 

 No Warming, No War: Interdependence of Militarism and the Climate Crisis

This event, which is part of the webinar series "Progressive Politics and the Time of Pandemic," explores the effects of the climate crisis on war and discovers how militarism obstructs better development.

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

25 June 2020 @ 10:00 am ET, Devex, United States

The future of U.S. aid

This conference call deals with the United States international development programs and their changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Insiders will share their views upon the state of affairs for U.S. aid.

For more information, see [Devex].

25 June @ 12:00 pm CEST, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

CSS Brown Bag Webinar: "Strategic Trends IV: China as a Stress Test for Europe's Coherence"

In this Webinar, the Center for Security Studies (CSS) at ETH Zurich will present the chapter "China as a Stress Test for Europe's Coherence" from the CSS annual publication “Strategic Trends 2020” that focuses on the annual analysis of significant global political developments. The main spotlight will be on international security issues.

Details are accessible at [ETHZ].

25 June 2020 @ 2:00 pm CEST, Institute for Economics & Peace, Australia

The impact of COVID-19 on peace & peace-building with GCSP and PATRIR Webinar

This event gives an analysis of the international peace situation and challenges brought by Covid-19 to peace and peace-building. 

Visit [Vision of Humanity] for details.

25 June 2020 @ 5:00 pm AEST, Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Australia

The 2020 Regime Change in Malaysia: An Update

This seminar will discuss the events leading to the Malaysian regime change in 2020 and the consequences for their politics.

Please find further information at [AIIA]

26 June 2020 @ 2:00 pm CEST, Leiden University, The Netherlands

Here and Now: What Is Impacting Global Peace? Conflict, COVID-19 and Climate

This online event will present evaluations on trends in global peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies. This year's edition will cover the COVID-19 pandemic for the first time.

If you are interested in joining, please visit [Vision of Humanity] for details.

26 June 2020 @ 6:00 pm IST, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India

UN@75: Reform and revival

This webinar discusses the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and brings up thoughts about reform and revival.

Further event information is available at [ORF Online]

29 June 2020 @ 4:00 pm AST, Brookings, USA 

Israeli annexation and the future of Palestine

This webinar looks into the consequences of Israel's new unity government's plan to pursue annexation of a substantial portion of the West Bank with support from the President of the United States Donald Trump and its significance for Palestine.

See [Brookings] for additional information.

30 June 2020 @ 10:00 am ET, Center for Strategic & International Studies, United States

Party on the Bridge: Political Commissars in the Chinese Navy

This zoom webinar has a look at how Chinese President Xi leads his campaign to increase the power and authority of the Communist Party of China (CCP) and the party´s impact on China´s military preparedness.

Please visit [CSIS] for details.

30 June 2020 @ 9:00 am EDT, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA

Technonationalism Redux: U.S.-Japan Strategies to Compete with China

The event investigates how the United States and Japan are struggling to maintain competition with China in the fields of economy and technology and the role of rising tensions between these countries. The speakers will discuss whether the U.S. and Japan might be able to jointly outpace China in these races.

Please see [Carnegie] for more information.

30 June 2020 @ 5:00 pm AEST, Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Australia

Cyberspace, Security, Privacy and Human Rights

This Webinar will examine the latest global political trends in cyberspace as well as their impacts on security, privacy, and human rights.

Event details are available at [AIIA].

1 July 2020 @ 11:00 am EDT, Brookings, United States

Assessing the state of the Air Force: A conversation with General David Goldfein

During this event, US air force General David Goldfein will discuss the state of the Air Force and Space Force as well as the technological innovations to maintain an advantage over power rivals.

See more information at [Brookings].

1 July @ 6:00 pm AEST, Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Australia

Hidden Hand – How The Chinese Communist Party Is Reshaping the World

This webinar outlines the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in operations across the West, covering politics, business, universities, think tanks, and other international institutions. Details are accessible at [AIIA].

2 July 2020 @ 6:00 pm AEST, Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Australia

Global INGO Advocacy in Times of a Pandemic

This presentation shares insights into how the largest child-focused INGO mobilizes and coordinates its 37,000 staff to influence global, regional, and national agendas during the coronavirus outbreak as the most significant humanitarian challenge of our time.

Follow [AIIA] for further details.

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