Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 21, May/2022, 4
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
The AiR team is pleased to present you the Asia in Review issue of this week.
Wishing you an informative read, I extend special greetings to everyone who celebrates Armenia’s Republic Day, Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, Croatia’s Statehood Day, and Ecuador’s Battle of Pichincha Day as well as Eritrea’s, Georgia’s, Guyana’s and Jordan’s Independence Day in this week.
With best regards,
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: Government signals easing of crackdown on tech firms
(ms) At a symposium attended by local government heads in the south-western province Yunnan, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that the government will support the efforts of Chinese tech companies to raise capital in domestic and overseas stock markets. Additionally, Li said the government would further open up to cross-border trade and welcome foreign capital. [South China Morning Post 1]
Li’s announcement confirmed what was already discussed at an earlier meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s top political advisory body, during which Vice Premier and China’s top economic official Liu He and other senior party leaders reassured heads of major tech companies that the government would provide support for “the healthy development of the platform economy and private firms,” as well as for digital enterprises going public on domestic and overseas capital markets
This is seen by observers as indicating an easing of the crackdown on tech companies that has lasted more than a year. The reason for this change is believed to be China’s slowing economy amid the government’s strict “zero-Covid” policy, with the country’s economic activity sharply colling down in April as consumption, industrial production and employment was hit hard by widening Covid-19 lockdowns. Tencent reported that it was not able to generate any income growth in the first quarter of 2022, among other things due to the strict Corona measures. [South China Morning Post 2] [Bloomberg] [CNN] [Reuters]
China: Government promises billions in support of grain farmers
(ms) Due to the strict Corona measures of the Chinese government but also due to the low international supply of grains and wheat amid the war in Ukraine as well as due to the hot temperatures in especially India and the resulting export stop, the Chinese government has announced to pay out further subsidies to ensure food security and to control the wheat price. Already in March this year, China had announced to invest USD 3 billion to cope with the rising prices of wheat and grain.
China is not dependent on wheat imports, the country is self-sufficient in this area, imports from abroad were primarily used to create diversity. The Chinese government expects a record harvest this summer, and according to the National Grain and Oil Information Center, China has wheat reserves sufficient to meet one year of China's wheat demand. [Global Times] [South China Morning Post]
China: Sun Guofeng under investigation
(ms) Sun Guofeng, former head of the Monetary Policy Department of the People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank, is now under investigation for "suspected serious violation of laws and discipline", according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, China’s top anti-corruption body. Sun had been dismissed from office in early May. No further details have been released yet, but Sun is alleged to have leaked official economic data.
Sun is the latest high-ranking monetary official ensnared by a campaign of the government to tighten control in the financial sector, as a result of which more than 20 financial regulators, state banks, insurers and investment funds are being investigated. [Bloomberg] [The Wall Street Journal]
China: Hong Kong government considers blocking Telegram
(ms) The Hong Kong government is considering blocking the messaging app Telegram, citing concerns about doxxing, the publication of information about a person on social media, usually with the intent to denounce or expose him/her.
Telegram played a significant role in the communication among demonstrators during the anti-government protests in Hong Kong in 2019. According to the Hong Kong's Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, the app has increasingly been used as a medium to disseminate and publish data from private individuals as well as from state actors.
The plans on banning Telegram raises fears among Hong Kong democracy activists of another step to restrict freedom of speech in the former British colony that would bring it closer to the standards of mainland internet censorship. [Bloomberg] [Radio Free Asia]
Meanwhile, the administrator of a Telegram group was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison after he was found him guilty of forwarding nearly 1,200 messages to a Telegram channel that had more than 20,000 subscribers, inciting violent and law-breaking behavior at anti-government protest in November 2019. [South China Morning Post] [The Standard]
China: Chinese Foreign Minister rejects “weaponizing the human rights issue” at meeting with UN human rights chief
(ms/dql) In his meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet in the southern city of Guanzhou on May 23, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his hope that her visit will contribute to the clarification of “misinformation” about China’s human rights record, while accusing “some countries and anti-China forces,” of attempting to “contain and suppress China by politicizing and weaponizing the human rights issue.” [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China] [Global Times]
Wang made this statement at the begin of Bachelet’s six-day visit to China, the first of an UN human rights chief since 2005, which includes a travel to the cities of Kashgar and Urumqi in the province Xinjiang, where the Chinese government in accused of systemic human rights violations against the Muslim Uyghur minority.
Bachelet’s visit is being scrutinized closely western human rights organizations, governments and politicians. Last week, 40 parliamentarians belonging to the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, an international, cross-party alliance of parliamentarians from democratic countries focused on relations with China, warned that the Chinese government might use strict Covid-19 rules to provide Bachelet a “‘Potemkin-style tour” through Xinjiang that would prevent a meaningful investigation into human rights abuses against Uyghurs China is accused of. [Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China]
Human Rights Watch, together with 59 other groups, criticized Bachelet directly saying “that the High Commissioner’s update to the Human Rights Council does not provide any indication as to whether the conditions negotiated with the authorities allow for unhindered access, for which she has previously called.” [Human Rights Watch]
Meanwhile, BBC News has published data and documents that are referred to as Xinjiang Police Files. Purportedly hacked from police computer servers in Xinjiang and handed over to the British broadcaster (and other media outlets) by Adrian Zenz, a US-based scholar and activist, they provide “some of the strongest evidence to date for a policy targeting almost any expression of Uyghur identity, culture or Islamic faith - and of a chain of command running all the way up to the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping.” [BBC]
China: Most sortie-intensive naval exercise completed
(ms/dql) On May 23, China’s military completed a three-weeks long far sea training that was conducted by the Liaoning aircraft carrier group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and covered more than 300 aircraft sorties, making it the longest exercise by the Chinese carrier in the West Pacific, with the highest number of sorties.
According to state-run Global Times, the exercise, taking place as US President Biden visits South Korea and Japan to deepen the trilateral security alliance, aimed at displaying the PLA’s capabilities to respond to a potential US or Japanese intervention in the Taiwan question. [Global Times]
Japan: National nuclear regulator grants initial approval for release of treated radioactive water into the sea
(dql) The Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) has issued an initial approval for a plan of Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) for the release of water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.
Confirming that no safety issues exist, the nuclear regulator announced that it will await a one-month public comment period before making the decision on a final approval.
The plan’s approval comes as Mariano Grossi, Director of the Atomic Energy Agency, has travelled to Japan to meet officials for consultations on plan. [AP News]
In 2021, faced with the problem of insufficient storage space, the Japanese government decided to release more than one million tons of treated radioactive wastewater from the ruined Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the ocean over the next two years. The decision had prompted criticism by neighbours: China, South Korea and Taiwan [see AiR No. 15, April/2021, 2].
Japan: Cabinet approves extra budget to ease impact of inflation
(dql) On May 17, the Japanese cabinet approved a JPY 2.7 trillion (USD 21 billion) additional budget to provide support for households and firms hit by rising prices.
The extra budget, coming at a time when the yen is at a two-decade low against the US dollar, is part of a package of measures Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced in April that seeks to mitigate the impact of inflation, and targets particularly rising energy costs. [Bloomberg] [Kyodo News]
Japan: Diet adopts bill to strengthen support for vulnerable women
(dql) On May 19, the Japanese parliament approved a bill that seeks to boost support for vulnerable women. The law will enter into force in April 2024 and comes at a time when Japan’s female population is increasingly exposed to risks of poverty, exploitation and suicide.
Among other provisions, the new law charges the national government with formulating a basic policy dedicated to women’s welfare and the protection of their human rights. Furthermore, prefectures will be required to create basic support plans to those in need, while cities will introduce specific measures. Relevant organizations and women’s groups will be involved to coordinate with local governments on the implementation of aid measures, including securing employment and housing.
Lastly, the new law mandate revisions of provisions on counselling and shelter in Japan’s anti-prostitution law that dates back to 1956 and that has so far formed the system of support for women. [Kyodo News]
South Korea: Campaign period of local elections kicks off
(dql) On May 19, the campaign period of the June 1 local elections has started, with 17 metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial posts, as well as 226 chief posts of lower-level administrative units up for grabs. Furthermore, 779 seats in provincial and municipal councils as well as 2,602 in lower-level local councils will be decided in the elections.
Surveys seeing the People Power Party (PPP) of new President Yoon Suk-yeol leading in ten, the main rivalling Democratic Party (DP) in six out of the 17 races for a mayor and governor post.
As the elections will be held only three weeks after President Yoon took office, they will reflect public sentiment towards the new government. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea: New prime minister appointed
(dql) On May 20, President Yoon Suk-yeol appointed Han Duck-soo of the People Power Party (PPP) as new Prime Minister a day after parliament had approved his nomination, ending days of a vicious confirmation hearing in parliament in which the Democratic Party (DP) that commands the majority in the National Assembly, had questioned Han’s suitability.
72-year-old Han formerly served as the prime minister from 2007-2008 under the liberal Roh Moo-hyun’s administration. Asked in the confirmation hearing, Han stressed that he would prioritize stabilizing the country’s economy.
In South Korea’s political system, the prime minister is the only Cabinet post for which parliamentary approval is required. Unlike prime ministers in other countries, in South Korea the prime minister is not head of government but serves as principal executive assistant to the president. [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea: Yoon first sitting conservative president to sing Gwangju commemorative song
(dql) In a rare sign of unity, more than 200 lawmakers from the two rivalling People Power Party (PPP) and Democratic Party (DP), alongside other legislators of other parties, attended a ceremony held on May 19 to pay tribute to the victims of the violent crackdown on the 1980 protests, led by citizens of the city of Gwnagjy against the then martial law government under President Choi Kyu-hah.
The some-100 PPP lawmakers were led by President Yoon Suk-yeol who joined all attendees in singing “March for the Beloved,” marked the first time an incumbent President of the conservative PPP singing this ‘democracy anthem’ which is dedicated to the victims of the uprising.
The South Korean society has long been divided by the cleavage of denial of or support for the Gwangju uprising, with conservative and far-right groups leaning to the former, and progressive sectors of the population to the latter. [The Korea Herald] [Hankyoreh]
Taiwan: Cabinet greenlights draft amendment to mining law
(dql) In a bid to strengthen the protection of the environment and the land rights of Indigenous groups in Taiwan, Taiwan’s Cabinet approved a proposal of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) for an amendment to the country’s Mining Act, under which firms which that seek a new permit for mining on land designated ‘Indigenous” will need to obtain the consent of local Indigenous people.
For mines that have operations started before 2002 meanwhile, are required to conduct environmental impact assessments that contain an environmental mitigation plan and a decommissioning plan.
Furthermore, the proposal calls for removing provisions of the mining law that environmental groups have criticized as “unfair”. Under the provisions, mining companies are for example, entitled to claim damage from the government in cases in which their application to extend a mining permit is refused.
Taiwan is currently home to more than 140 mining sites, the majority of which is on Indigenous land. [Taipei Times] [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Parliament approves amendment bills on transitional justice and national security
(dql) Last week saw the passage of some important bills by the Taiwanese parliament.
On May 17, the legislature adopted a bill which doubles the amount to be paid in compensation to relatives of political dissidents, who were killed or forcibly disappeared during the authoritarian rule between 1945 and 1992, from NTD six million to NTD 12 million (USD 405,227).
Furthermore, political dissidents that the government had detained or jailed, or who had been deprived of personal freedom during the authoritarian era, can claim compensation up to NT$11.39 million. In addition, the law foresees the return of confiscated property or compensation for such property.
A second bill, passed on the same day, calls for the creation of “transitional justice board” under the Cabinet to replace the Transitional Justice Commission (TJC) which will be disbanded at the end of this month. The board will be chaired by the premier and is expected to convene on a regular basis to review and coordinate all tasks of involved government agencies that are related to transitional justice affairs. [Focus Taiwan]
On May 21 a third bill, an amendment bill to the National Security Act, was approved which aims at shielding Taiwan’s strategic technologies against theft by banning “stealing core technologies for foreign powers, China and external antagonistic forces, as well as organizations, entities, and individuals they control.” Those who commit this offense will be sentenced to jail terms ranging from five to twelve years. [Taiwan News]
Taiwan: Drone defense systems to be installed across the country
(dql) On May 19, Taiwan’s defense ministry reportedly approved a five-year project (2022-2026) under which home-grown drone defense systems will be installed at more than 40 air, naval and missile bases across the island to disrupt and neutralize hostile drones. NTD 4.3 billion (USD144.45 million) are allocated to acquire the UAV systems to be developed by Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, a Taiwanese state-owned corporation, active in development, manufacturing, support, and sustainability of various weapon systems and dual use technologies. [Taipei Times 1]
Meanwhile, a prototype of Taiwan’s indigenous Teng Yun 2 drone – a tactical reconnaissance and combat drone – has reportedly successfully passed tests on medium and long-range flight capability, as well as on guidance control over a long range after completing series of test flights this month. The Teng Yun 2, or “Cloud Rider”, is complemented by four MQ-9B strategic drones acquired from the US to form a combat squadron. [Asia Times] [Taipei Times 2]
For a discussion of wargames conducted by the U.S. Air Force in coordination with independent organizations which show how “swarms of relatively low-cost networked drones with high degrees of autonomy,” can be of decisive value in defending Taiwan against an invasion of China. [The Drive] [AiR Force Magazine]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Ailing leader of opposition BNP party, Khaleda Zia, again in need of treatment abroad
(lm) The ailing party chief of Bangladesh’s main opposition party, Khaleda Zia, has once again fallen ill and requires treatment abroad, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said on May 23. [The Daily Star 1]
Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and an archrival of incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s, has also long been suffering from arthritis, diabetes, as well as dental and eye problems. She had served 25 months out of 17 years of prison sentences in two corruption cases when the government granted her conditional release for six months in March 2020 to seek medical treatment in hospital under the supervision of the prison authorities [see AiR No. 13, March/2020, 5]. To this date, the release has been extended five times.
But the former premier was admitted to hospital in November last year, with doctors treating her saying they fear for her life if she is not allowed to fly abroad for medical care [see AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]. She returned to home on February 1 [AiR No. 6, February/2022, 2].
In related developments, a high court on May 23 granted permanent bail to Zia in an arson case filed against her in 2015. The BNP chairperson is accused in 37 criminal cases, and she is on bail in 35 of them. [The Daily Star 2]
Bangladesh: Rights organizations call for fair trial in case against journalist arrested for COVID reporting
(lm) Rights organizations in Bangladesh have called for a speedy investigation and a fair trial for Rozina Islam, an investigative reporter who was charged under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act after publishing scathing stories on the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic last year.
Rozina was detained in May of last year; her family claimed she suffered physical assaults and “mental torture” while being held for more than five hours at the health ministry before being handed over to police [see AiR No. 21, May/2021, 4]. She faces up to 14 years in prison and the death penalty if formally charged and convicted.
Since then, there has been no substantial review of her case and the charges against her have not been withdrawn. Furthermore, Rozina is required to appear in court multiple times a month, with dates often postponed or canceled at the last minute. [Prothom Alo]
Earlier this month, nine non-governmental organisations wrote to Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, against the Bangladesh government’s increasingly violent crackdown on media freedom.
Bangladesh: Law minister admits abuse of contentious Digital Security Act, but rejects call for repeal
(lm) Bangladesh’s Law Minister Anisul Huq has admitted that the 2018 Digital Security Act, which critics claim has become the government’s preferred weapon to muzzle dissent, has been misused and abused to some extent. However, Huq also made clear that he was not supporting repealing the contentious legislation, saying that the government would never formulate any such law which would damage the freedom of press and freedom of expression in Bangladesh. [The Daily Star 1]
Using a similar language, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on May 18 refused allegations of curbing free speech, pointing out that many critics talk freely in chat shows aired on television. [bdnews24.com]
In related developments, the general secretary of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, during a discussion at the National Press Club on May 22 said the party would scrap all “repressive acts and ordinances including [the] Digital Security Act” if it comes to power in the next general elections. [The Daily Star 2]
Bangladesh: Trade deficit grows but experts remain optimistic
(lm) A decline in remittances from Bangladeshis living abroad in the first four months of 2022 has caused concerns that Dhaka could face a situation similar to Sri Lanka, which is facing its worst economic crisis since it gained independence in 1948.
Bangladesh imported goods worth USD 61.52 billion in the first nine months of the 2021-2022 fiscal year, a rise of nearly 44 percent compared to the same period last year. Exports, however, rose at a slower pace of almost 33 percent, and remittances from Bangladeshis living abroad — a key source of foreign exchange — dropped about 20 percent since January to USD 7 billion. [Deutsche Welle]
But experts in Bangladesh remains optimistic about the South Asian nation's prospects, saying that the current economic indicators could improve as the global economy recovers from the COVID pandemic-induced downturn. [The Daily Star]
Earlier this month, Bangladesh’s government decided to temporarily suspend foreign trips of its officials and postponed the implementation of projects relying on heavy imports, as part of its efforts to ensure the financial system has enough liquidity. [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]
India: Supreme Court upholds sealing of mosque area after claims of Hindu relics
(rk/lm) India’s Supreme Court has upheld a local court order directing authorities to seal a part of a 17th-century mosque in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh after an inspection team claimed to have found relics of a Hindu god there. Mosque authorities have disputed the claim and say the relic is in fact a fountain.
The Gyanvapi mosque is built on the ruins of the Vishwanath temple, a 16th century Hindu shrine that was partially destroyed in 1669. The survey team was appointed in Varanasi – the holiest city in India for Hindus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency – after five Hindu women petitioned a local court for the right to pray within the mosque complex.
The mosque is one in three sites on which Hindu groups claim right, saying that these were earlier temples of Hindu deities.
Recently, a court in Uttar Pradesh had also dismissed petition by a member of Prime Minister Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claiming that the Taj Mahal was actually a Lord Shiva temple and asked for an archeological survey. [ThePrint]
In the Varanasi case, the Muslim side has contended that the petitions were in contravention to the Places of Worship Act that prohibits any change in nature of worship of a religious site. The law was enacted in 1991, when Prime Minister Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – then in opposition – was leading an agitation with similar claims against the Babri Masjid mosque in the holy town of Ayodhya. The campaign culminated in violent Hindu riots that killed nearly 2,000 people and razed the mosque in 1992. In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the transfer of land on which the mosque stood to the Hindu side and provide another piece of land to the Muslim side [see AiR No. 46, November/2019, 2]. [BBC]
Against this backdrop, experts have also contended that there could be demands within the ruling BJP to do away with the 1991 law, which is also facing judicial scrutiny, to clear ways for favorable court orders. [The Quint] [Al Jazeera 1] [Al Jazeera 2] [Voice of America]
India: Supreme Court frees killer of ex-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
(rk) India’s Supreme Court on May 18 granted the release of one of seven people convicted of involvement in the 1991 killing of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, 31 years after his imprisonment. The court used its special powers granted under the constitution that grants it extraordinary powers “for doing complete justice in any cause”.
A. G. Perarivalan was arrested a few weeks after Gandhi was assassinated in a suicide bomb attack on May 21, 1991, in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu. He was accused of purchasing batteries for the bomb. His death sentence, granted in 1998, was converted into life imprisonment in 2014. Last week then, the Supreme Court observed that Tamil Nadu’s governor did not have the power to refer a mercy plea filed in 2015 to the India's President Ram Nath Kovind. It also noted that the governor had failed to respond to the plea.
Gandhi’s assassination was widely considered in retaliation for his support of the Sri Lankan government in the fight against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a rebel group fighting for a separate Tamil state in the island nation. Gandhi, as prime minister, had sent Indian peacekeeping forces to Sri Lanka in 1987 to enforce a peace accord to end the civil war.
In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, India’s main opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), has alleged that the state of indecision in the central and state governments led to the release of Perarivalan. The INC is headed by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Rajiv Gandhi. [BBC] [CNN] [The Hindu]
India: Supreme Court-appointed panel flags 2019 police encounter as fake
(rk) A commission of inquiry appointed by India’s Supreme Court has found that the 2019 killings of four gang-rape accused by the police of southern Telangana state were fake encounters and recommended trial of the accused policemen for murder. The panel said in its report that the four accused, of which three were minors, were “deliberately fired upon”, with the intention being to kill. [The Times of India]
In 2019, a veterinary assistant surgeon was gang-raped and thrashed to death on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the state’s capital city. After the widespread public outrage over the crime, Telangana police had arrested the four accused and killed them while they were taken on the crime scene. They, as per the police, had tried to attack the officials and fired upon them.
At that time, the police personnel involved in the killing were praised by the public and the state government. The Supreme Court panel, however, found that the police claims were not believable. It held that the ten policemen who were involved in the killings destroyed evidence. [Frontline]
India: Central government mulls USD 13 billion extra borrowing to offset tax cuts on fuel
(rk/lm) Against the larger backdrop of high inflation and supply chain disruptions, India’s central government has announced a slew of measures in a bid to provide relief to citizens.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on May 21 a cut in excise duty on petrol by USD 0.1028 per liter and USD 0.07 per liter on diesel. The new tax regime on fuels could result in the government losing about USD 13 billion in annual revenue due to the lower collection. In light of this, the government will likely bore the entire loss through additional market borrowings, according to people familiar with the matter. [Bloomberg] [The Economic Times]
The government also removed the import duty on anthracite, PCI coal and coking coal in a bid to reduce raw material costs for local market demand. It will also provide a new subsidy of USD $2.5 per cooking gas cylinder to more than 90 million beneficiaries under a welfare scheme introduced for women below the poverty line. The subsidy will have an annual revenue implication of nearly USD 785.6 million, Sitharaman said. [Reuters]
Earlier, the central bank had hiked the repo rate in an out of turn meeting as inflation numbers peaked to record highs, breaching its tolerance range. The bank had flagged rising fuel prices during the meeting. [AiR No. 19, May/2022, 2]
India: Migration of border villagers adds to Army’s challenges along disputed border with China
(rk) Increased migration of villagers has added to the challenges faced by the Indian Army along the Sino-Indian border, according to the chief of the Army’s Eastern Command, as New Delhi seeks to match the rapid enhancement of infrastructure and operational capabilities by China across the border. [Business Standard]
In February, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the new program in the budget for the fiscal year 2022-23. The policy aims to re-populate and reverse migration from border villages in the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh through improved infrastructure, access to energy resources and educational channels, and diverse livelihood opportunities. But New Delhi is facing difficulties in developing its infrastructure and operational capabilities due to tough and unstable atmospheric conditions, according to Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita. [The Hindu]
The Vibrant Villages program’s announcement came at the heels of China’s renewed push for border security on its side. Last December, Beijing had issued names for 15 places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China considers as an extension of the southern portion of Tibet. [AiR No. 1, January/2022, 1].
Pakistan: In CNN interview, former Prime Minister Khan doubles down on United States conspiracy claim
(sg) Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan repeated his claims on May 23 that the United States had orchestrated his ouster, alleging that the White House was upset over his approach to foreign policy that distanced Islamabad from Washington. [Dawn]
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Khan called for the sacking of the US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia, Donald Lu, asserting that the official had pressed for his removal in a meeting with the Pakistani ambassador to the States, Asad Majeed, a day before Khan was ousted from office. Khan claims that Lu threatened Majeed that a failure to remove Khan from office in a no-confidence vote would lead to "consequences" for Pakistan.
Furthermore, Khan stated that US officials were meeting with party backbenchers even before the meeting between Lu and Pakistan's ambassador, offering USD 1 million to some of his party members to support opposition parties in the no-confidence vote that ousted him. [Geo News]
According to Khan, a cipher of the meeting with Lu was presented to Pakistan's Federal Government and National Security council. Additionally, Pakistan president Arif Avil had reportedly asked Pakistan Chief Justice Ata Bandial to hold an inquiry into the matter. However, Khan could not directly answer whether he would release the evidence publicly. [The Express Tribune]
Notably, Khan hit back at the administration of US President Joe Biden, saying the White House "never got in touch with me”. Describing his relationship with the government of former US President Donald Trump as being “perfectly good”, Khan also claimed that relations between Pakistan and the States only became strained after Biden took office and the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan last August. [CNN]
Khan also lashed out at the current government of his successor, Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif, who he accused of being "a bunch of criminals." Earlier this week, Khan stated the existing political regime was "running around like a headless chicken" in light of the worsening economic situation in the country. [Dawn] [Hindustan Times]
Pakistan: Government to prevent protest march of former Prime Minister Khan from entering Islamabad
(ha/lm) The government of Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on May 24 decided to prevent a protest march from entering the nation’s capital Islamabad, a day after former premier Imran Khan had called on his supporters to march peacefully towards the city on May 25 to press his demands for the new government to quit and call fresh elections.
Khan, who served as prime minister for more than three and a half years, has addressed rallies in several cities to mobilize his supporters since he was ousted by the opposition through a parliamentary no-confidence vote and replaced by Sharif [see AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2]. He dubbed it as a move to ensure Pakistan’s political and foreign policy matters are guarded against external interventions.
At a press conference in Peshawar on May 22, he said his rally in Islamabad would ultimately turn into a sit-in protest and continue until his demands are met. Khan also renewed his accusations that the United States had conspired with his political opponents to bring down his government, charges Washington has rejected, along with Prime Minister Sharif. [Al Jazeera] [Dawn] [Reuters]
On May 24 then, a meeting of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N)’s political committee decided that the government would attempt to stop the protest march before it reaches Islamabad, saying that the “public’s security” must be ensured. [Geo News]
Still, protests are not new for Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. In 2014, party supporters held a sit-in for over four months in Islamabad demanding fresh elections after accusing then-premier Nawaz Sharif of rigging elections. [Bloomberg]
Pakistan: Election Commission de-seats 25 Punjab lawmakers of opposition PTI party for defection
(ha/fq) Pakistan’s Election Commission (ECP) on May 20 de-seated 25 lawmakers of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in Punjab province who had supported the election of the incumbent chief minister, Hamza Shahbaz, last month. The ECP’s decision was announced just days after the Supreme Court had decided on a presidential reference seeking its interpretation of the constitution with regards to the disqualification of lawmakers over defection. [Dawn 1] [Gulf News]
The votes of the 25 PTI lawmakers were instrumental in helping Shahbaz securing the required 186 votes, when he was elected the new chief minister of Punjab on April 16 [see AiR No. 16, April/2022, 3]. But in its interpretation of Article 63-A of the constitution the Supreme Court on May 17 ruled that lawmakers going against their parties’ lines would not only lose their seats, but their votes too would not be counted.
In light of the de-notification of the 25 lawmakers, the strength of Punjab’s provincial assembly now stands at 346 seats. The PTI and its allied Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) control 173, while the ruling coalition government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N), controls 172. Under these circumstances, the vote of PML-N lawmaker Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, an estranged friend of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and a former interior minister, has assumed added significance.
Meanwhile, the PTI has filed a petition in Lahore High Court against the chief minister, requesting the court to declare the election of the chief minister “illegal” and to restrain him from working in that capacity. The hearing of the case is adjourned till May 25. [The Express Tribune]
In separate developments, the speaker of the assembly’s lower chamber, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi of the PML-Q, survived a no-trust motion on May 22 as the move was dismissed after a PML-N lawmaker had failed to appear in the session. But the party announced later that it would resubmit the motion. [Dawn 2] [Geo News]
Pakistan: Court orders probe into brief arrest of former human rights minister
(ha/lm) The high court in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad has ordered an investigation into the arrest of a former human rights minister over a decades-old land grabbing allegation.
Shireen Mazari, who served in the cabinet-level position under former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was detained by police near her Islamabad home on May 20. The following day, her daughter filed a petition with the high court questioning the decision by officials in Islamabad to allow police from a Punjab provincial district to make the arrest in the capital. Mazari was released hours later.
Mazari was arrested for an offense her family allegedly committed in 1972, when she was 6 years old, according to the police complaint registered against her late last month. In light of this, Fawad Chaudhry, the former information minister in the Khan administration, alleged Mazari had been politically targeted by the new administration of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. [Associated Press] [The News] [Voice of America]
Pakistan: Police arrest 6 men over ‘honor killing’ of sisters
(fq/lm) Police in Pakistan has arrested six men from the same family accused of murdering two sisters who allegedly refused to bring their husbands to Spain. According to law enforcement, both sisters wanted divorce from their husbands – cousins from forced marriages – and were lured back from Spain to their hometown in Punjab province, where they were severely tortured and shot dead on May 20. [ABC News] [Dawn] [Khaleej Times]
Pakistan: One soldier killed in blast in South Waziristan district
(fq) A Pakistani soldier was killed in a bomb explosion near a military convoy in South Waziristan, a volatile district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which occurred less than a week after three security personals and three children were killed in a suicide bombing in North Waziristan district near the border with Afghanistan [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]. [Dawn]
Separately, security forces killed a suspected terrorist and recovered heavy amount of ammunition and weapons while conducting an intelligence-based operation on May 17 in North Waziristan. [Geo News]
Pakistan: Government bans import of luxury items, holds bailout talks with IMF
(ha) Against the larger backdrop of a widening current account deficit, surging inflation and a plunging currency, Pakistan’s government imposed on May 19 a ban on the import of 38 non-essential luxury items. [France24] [Reuters 1]
According to Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the measures would result in saving USD 6 billion. The minister blamed the fiscal instability on the previous government of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote last month over charges of mishandling the country's economy.
The policy decision taken by the coalition government would now have to face the scrutiny of World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The WTO encourages member countries to keep international trade open but allows temporary restrictions under certain circumstances including stalling a balance of payments crisis. [The Express Tribune]
The announcement came a day after Pakistan officials opened talks with a delegation of the IMF in the Qatari capital Doha over the release of funds as part of a USD 6 billion rescue package, which was announced in 2019 and is due to end later this year. [Reuters 2]
About half of the existing package has been already disbursed, but recent payments were delayed several times due to IMF concerns about fiscal policy measures and provision of subsidies by the previous Pakistani government. Islamabad is seeking an extension to the program through to June 2023, as well as the release of the next tranche of $1 billion. The talks will continue until May 25. [Al Jazeera]
Sri Lanka: 21st Amendment to constitution fails to come up for Cabinet approval
(cm/lm) In a blow to Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, a proposal for a constitutional amendment which would curb the power of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was not presented to Cabinet on May 24 after lawmakers of the president’s Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) party objected. [India Today]
The 21st Amendment would likely annul the 20A Amendment, which replaced another amendment introduced in 2015 that curtailed the powers of the president and strengthened the role of parliament. The 21st Amendment further seeks to strengthen and make independent the powers of the existing commissions. It also proposes to bring the appointment of the Governor of the Central Bank under the Constitutional Council. [The Economic Times] [see also Groundviews]
The constitutional reform was a major plank of the agreement between Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe when the latter took over the job of prime minister on May 12 [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]. The president had also pledged reforms in the constitution in an address to the nation earlier this month.
Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa swears in nine new ministers
(lm) Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa swore in nine new ministers on May 20 in an effort to ensure stability until a full Cabinet is formed in the island nation mired in economic turmoil over the past few months.
The ministers – two from the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya party – were sworn in after a delay of more than a week since the president appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on May 12. Wickremesinghe assumed office days after his predecessor – the president’s brother Mahinda Rajapaksa — stepped down from the role following fighting between his supporters and anti-government demonstrators killed nine people and wounded 300 [see AiR No. 19, May/2022, 2]. His resignation automatically dissolved the Cabinet, leaving an administrative vacuum [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3].
The Cabinet will be limited to 25 members, including the president and the prime minister. President Rajapaksa had appointed four ministers last week, all members of the Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) party run by the Rajapaksa brothers. But to this date, no finance minister has been appointed, which is significant in the wake of ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a possible bail out.
Sri Lanka: Prime minister warns of food shortage as farmers stop planting
(cm/lm) Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has warned of a food shortage after a government ban on chemical fertilisers introduced by the previous administration drastically cut yields, leaving farmers without enough income to purchase fertilizer for the next planting season. [Reuters]
In April of last year, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made good on an election promise, imposing a nationwide ban on the import and use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. But by November, with tea production falling, the government partially lifted its fertilizer ban on key export crops, including tea, rubber, and coconut. [AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]
However, the result has been a dramatic fall in agricultural output during the growing season that ended in March, known locally as the Maha season. Official figures are not yet available, but experts estimate a drop of between 20 to 70 percent, depending on the crop. The development could leave Sri Lanka, which is already grappling with shortages of imported foodstuffs amid its worst-ever economic crisis, facing widespread shortages of domestically grown and produced food. [Al Jazeera]
On May 20, schools were closed, and the Public Administration Ministry asked public officials, except those maintaining essential services, not to come to work. The lack of fuel has also led to a shortage of supply to power stations and the authorities have announced nationwide power cuts for up to 4 hours per day.
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Brunei: Sultan abolishes ministry of energy
(bs) Brunei's Sultan ordered the abolishment of the country’s Ministry of Energy and the establishment of the Department of Energy under the Prime Minister's Office, according to local media.
The change is effective from May 21. Meanwhile, the Sultan of Brunei did not provide any reason behind this decision. [The Star]
Brunei: High Court overrules lower court’s order in income tax case
(bs) On May 16, the Brunei High Court ruled as “unsustainable” the Magistrate’s Court order in an income tax case. The upper court decided on account of the public prosecution against Bebatik Aquaculture Sdn Bhd, a local company for aquaculture and fishing of char and trout.
On April 9, the Magistrate Court ordered the company to pay a USD 2,912 fine after it pleaded guilty of failing to provide income tax returns from 2017 to 2020. The decision was then overruled by the High Court’s Chief Justice who substituted it with a warrant for the tariff of the amount by distress and sale of the company’s properties without the prosecution submitting any application. [Borneo Bulletin]
Brunei: Government voices concerns over country’s oil dependence
(bs) The Brunei government voiced concerns about the country’s income being dependent on hydrocarbon resources, leaving Brunei subject to a high risk of economic crisis. In this light, the country has already begun implementing plans to diversify its economy. Reports show that revenues from oil account for more than 50 percent of Brunei’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Although several prior attempts to diversify the economy were unsuccessful, the country saw an increase of 2.6 percent in the non-oil and gas sector since 2010. While this seems to bring good news to other sectors’ economies, the consequent decline of the oil and gas sector in Brunei caused the country’s finances to grow at a negative rate in 2021 declining by 1.4 percent.
The Covid pandemic has had a surprisingly positive effect on economic diversification in Brunei as it increased insurance activities among others. During the same period, agriculture, forestry, construction, and food manufacturing also saw an expansion. [ASEAN Briefing] [Borneo Bulletin]
Cambodia: Ruling party open to official scrutiny over accusations of employing official assets for vote-buying
(pw) The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) dismissed accusations from the opposition that the CPP made use of official assets for campaigning. The CPP has called for probes by the National Election Commission (NEC) and the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to look into its claims. The CPP believes that the NEC and ACU would be seen as impartial by the opposition if such organizations cleared the CPP of any wrongdoing.
In a statement by the CPP, it acknowledged having provided money to its members but denied that such actions were vote-buying. The disbursements did not involve government funds, according to the CPP.
According to the vice-president of the Khmer Reform Party, if such accusations are correct, this would give the party that deployed the resources an unfair advantage. He noted that there have been cases where the ruling party utilized such resources in the past elections.
Both the Interior Ministry and the National Election Commission have urged government officials to maintain their political neutrality in relation to the electoral campaign and process. The NEC also added that it had no power under the law to initiate inquiries on a political parties' finances at the time that the aforementioned accusations were made. Hence, the NEC would have a crucial role in keeping the elections transparent. [Khmer Times]
In the past, both local authorities and the NEC have been alleged to be partial toward the CPP, as seen with the apprehension and intimidation of opposition members, alongside the removal of several opposition candidates from the lists of commune council candidates for the commune elections on June 5. [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]
Cambodia: Political parties reveal campaigning strategies ahead of commune elections
(pw) As the campaigning season for commune elections scheduled for June 5 will last from May 21 to June 3, the competing political parties have provided details their campaign plans.
The ruling Cambodian People's Party would organize at least one rally in each pro-CPP constituency while not committing to a large rally on the starting day of the campaigning season. On the other hand, the main opposition Candlelight Party is set to organize a major gathering in the capital Phnom Penh on May 21.
As for the minor parties, their plans are varied. For example, the Grassroots Democratic Party will orchestrate large-scale rallies in various communes on May 21 while parties such as the Cambodian Nation Love Party, Cambodia Reform Party, and the Kampuchea Niyum Party seemed to favor conducting smaller-scale campaigning, at least for the initial stages of the campaigning season. For FUNCINPEC, it has planned to run a large rally with the participation of its leader on May 22. [The Phnom Penh Post]
In this light, the National Election Committee (NEC) issued a directive ordering the electoral panels and other relevant bodies to maintain a higher level of security at the voting and ballot tallying sites throughout the commune elections on June 5. Moreover, only the electoral officers, observers, political representatives, news reporters, or other persons approved by the NEC can be admitted to ballot stations for purposes other than voting. The NEC also stated it would implement additional steps to enhance electoral security from May 21.
According to an executive director of a local election watchdog, this directive will help to facilitate the electoral process. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: Senate passes bill boosting council members
(pw) The Cambodian Senate unanimously passed a bill expanding the number of council members under Article 140 of the Law on the Administration of Capital, Province, City, and District.
Under this amendment, the number of councilors in each province and Phnom Penh, the capital, would increase from seven to eleven, while the number of councilors in each city and district would be raised from five to seven. The expansion of these councils aims at bolstering human resources at the local administrative levels. The Senate added that this change reflected the larger economy and population, alongside the presence of additional administrators. [The Phnom Penh Post] [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]
Cambodia: Former opposition party leader brushes off prosecution's evidence in treason trial, requests to seek health treatment overseas
(pw) Former opposition party leader Kem Sokha has repudiated a video that the prosecution materialized to prove his guilt during a hearing in his treason trial. According to Sokha, the video, which showed him talking to his followers in 2013, has been altered and misrepresented by the authorities to incriminate him. He added that he did not have any intention to stage a color revolution in Cambodia. Hence, he requested that the charges against him be dropped.
Furthermore, following the claim by Prime Minister Hun Sen that the court should allow Sokha to seek medical treatment abroad, Sokha reportedly petitioned the court to request such permission.
The Cambodian authorities took Sokha into custody in 2017 for allegedly participating in a plot with foreign powers to oust Prime Minister Hun Sen's government. During his previous hearings, he has not responded to a large number of questions relating to the 2013 General Election and instances of purported impropriety, claiming those matters had already been settled. It is expected that the court proceeding will resume on May 29. [Khmer Times 1] [Khmer Times 2] [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]
Indonesia: President’s approval ratings decrease, other candidates gain public popularity
(db) As citizens grow publicly dissatisfied with President Joko Widodo, other potential presidential candidates like Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan have quickly gained popularity.
A survey conducted in early May by Indikator Politik Indonesia found Widodo’s 58.1 percent approval rating, down 12 points from January to April, was directly related to the increasing costs of cooking oil and the government’s recent decision to ban the export of palm oil; usually the main income for many farmers. [The Jakarta Post 1]
Subianto, who is also the chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra party), has been making more frequent public appearances during Idul Fitri,an Islamic holiday. His potential presidential run gained the endorsement of his party’s executive board. Indonesia Survey Institute executive director Djayadi Hanan said that Subianto’s visits to religious mass prayers will gain him the widespread popularity necessary for a win. [The Jakarta Post 2] [Jakarta Globe 1]
Anies Baswedan has also become a public favorite for the 2024 presidential run, despite being linked to no political party. However, the NasDems, the Democratic Party, and Prosperous Justice Party have recently advertised possibly endorsing Anies, with no solid decision yet. [The Jakarta Post 3]
Indonesia: Government pushes to reduce gender gaps in economic development
(bs) The Indonesian government has voiced urgency in pushing forward women’s participation in economic development on both national and global levels.
During a public event, the deputy minister for foreign affairs mentioned that more than 2.7 billion women across the world face restrictions in freely choosing their employment. Moreover, according to the deputy minister, women are more likely to be forced into working informal jobs or receive lower wages compared to their male counterparts. [Antara News]
The call came after the country ranked 101 out of 156 in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2021 despite women accounting for 49.52 percent of Indonesia's population according to the 2021 National Census. [Jakarta Globe]
As part of the country’s plan to enhance gender equality nationwide, on May 9, President Joko Widodo signed and promulgated the Sexual Violence Bill, Law No. 12 of 2022, which aims at preventing all forms of sexual violence by assisting, protecting, and helping the recovery of victims, enforcing punishments, and rehabilitating perpetrators. The law came into force on its promulgation date. The event marked a key turning point for Indonesia’s journey towards gender equality as the country is the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world. In fact, the bill has awaited promulgation since 2016 as it was opposed by a number of Muslim conservative groups. [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]
With the same objective, Indonesia, holding the current Group of Twenty (G20) presidency, scheduled the Third Empower Meeting in July and a Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment in late August to fulfill its commitment to promote and strengthen women's empowerment worldwide in the private and public sectors by increasing women's representation in decision-making. [G20] [XL axiata]
Indonesia: Finance Minister proposes increase in energy budget to keep power prices low
(db) Indonesia’s Finance Minister proposed a raise in budget allocations for energy subsidies and compensations in order to battle the global spike in power prices. The allocation would extend ten times the originally planned energy budget, at an increase of around IDR 216 trillion (around USD 14.7 billion). The minister said that if the subsidies were not raised, then fuel and electricity prices would inevitably increase. Bank Permata chief economist Josua Pardede said that the move would keep inflation rates below 4 percent, however, electricity prices for consumers using above a selected power bracket would rise in order to move government resources to low-income households. [The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: President meets with Papuan council representatives
(bs) Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo met with Papua’s representatives to discuss the plan to set up new autonomous regions in Papua in adherence with Law No. 2 of 2021 on Special Autonomy in Papua Province.
In early April, lawmakers endorsed three bills to establish the provinces of South Papua, Central Papua, and Papua Central Highlands. The move sparked widespread criticism. Nonetheless, a few weeks later, the House of Representatives called all parties to speed up the deliberation on a set of bills to implement the move. Human rights groups objected to the bill claiming that the government has been proceeding without the active participation of indigenous people.
However, it emerged from the meeting that the move aimed at favoring the Papuan people who have reportedly been striving for more independence for over two decades. It also is expected to increase the region’s stability and promote people's welfare.
The region has been witnessing ongoing attacks, killings, and protests for decades due to the difference in culture between the Indigenous Papuans and Indonesian people. While some groups agree with the plan of splitting the territory into three regions believing that it would ensure indigenous Papuans better access to social services, they still oppose the creation of autonomous provinces. Amnesty International Indonesia also urged the authorities to involve indigenous Papuans in the negotiations. [AiR No. 16, April/2022, 3] [Antara News]
Indonesia: Two terrorism suspects still on the run after counterterrorism raid
(bs) The Indonesian counterterrorism squad is carrying out a search for the last two suspected members of the East Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT), a militant group alleged to hold allegiance to the Muslim militant Islamic State (IS) group, after the squad arrested 24 other suspects in a raid on May 14.
The IS, originally ISIL or ISIS, began its insurgency operations in 2014 by fighting the Iraqi and Syrian governments in an attempt to establish a caliphate in the area. The attempt was successful until the international community’s efforts defeated it in late 2017. A caliphate is a political-religious state ruled by a caliph, “successor” or “deputy,” who holds a certain degree of spiritual authority. [Britannica]
According to the police, the suspects were linked to the MIT and have allegedly supported the group by providing ammunition and covering up its activities.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world, and around 1,100 nationals have reportedly joined the Islamic State, according to a security expert. [Reuters]
Malaysia: Major politician denies using public funds in charity foundation
(tp) No tax funding was ever allocated to charity organization Yayasan Akalbudi, claimed Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, former deputy prime minister,current president of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a major political party in Malaysia, and a founding member of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
The claim came during a corruption and money laundering trial against him. Ahmad Zahid founded Yasan Alalbudi and has been subsequently accused of misappropriating its funds.
After his lawyer raised a question about whether the origin of the funds involved public or private money, Ahmad explicitly testified that the money he used dated back to when he was working as the CEO and the chairman of several companies, prior to the government job. He said the allowance he received when he was in the private sector was more than enough for his family. Nonetheless, in October 2018, the High Court froze the funds in the Yayasan Akalbudi’s account after Ahmad was charged with corruption.
Currently, Ahmad is facing 47 changes. 12 of them include a criminal breach of trust involving Yayasan Akalbudi funds, eight graft changes, and another 27 on money laundering. [Borneo Post Online] [Malay Mail 1] [Malay Mail 2]
Malaysia: Government halts exports of chickens from June 1 amid political dissent
(tp) Malaysia will halt the export of chickens from June 1, Prime Minister Datuk Sari Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on May 23 after a Cabinet meeting. The Prime Minister added that the curb will stay in place until domestic prices and production stabilize. [Channel News Asia]
Earlier in the same week, a former minister and now a member of the People’s Justice Party (PRK) voiced his dissent with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s decision to revoke approved permits (AP) to import foodstuffs in Malaysia. The critics refer to the fact that the measure covers only five food types and it would not be effective in tackling the surge in food prices unless the government increases the food production capacity of local producers. [Malay Mail]
Following the objections, the government agreed to halt the implementation of the AP revocation until meeting with the Cabinet.
Malaysia is heavily reliant on imported food. In 2020, Malaysia spent USD 12.67 billion on food imports alone, among which there are 88.8 percent of mutton and 76.4 percent of beef. Subsequently, the Malaysian food price is determined by the global market, which is worsened by the current war in Ukraine and the two-year-long Covid pandemic. [The Star]
Malaysia: Former 1MDB CEO called to testify against former Prime Minister Najib Razak in corruption trial
(bs/tp) The lead prosecution in the corruption trial involving 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a strategic development company, is seeking to have the company’s former CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy to testify against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
According to the prosecution, the request finds its legitimacy in Section 63 of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009, which states that when two or more people are charged with an offense under the MACC, the court may call them to participate as witnesses when the public prosecutor files a written application.
The call came as the prosecution believes that Kanda has key information about a meeting involving Najib Razak held on February 24, 2016 that is expected to affect the trial against Najib. The court urged the parties to submit their written responses in order to be heard on May 30.
Najib is in this trial accused of abuse of power for receiving protection from civil or criminal actions, in February 2016, over his role in the 1MDB scandal by ordering amendments to the auditor-general’s report on 1MDB before it was presented to the Public Accounts Committee. Meanwhile, Arul Kanda is accused of supporting Najib in the process. Both the defendants are charged under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009. If found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in jail and a fine.
Former Prime Minister Najib faces a total of 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering for purportedly taking possession of 1MDB funds between 2011 and 2014. In 2016, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the fund for allegedly stealing USD 3.5 billion from 1MDB. In May 2021, other two lawsuits were filed against Najib by the Malay government and 1MDB. [malaymail] [ The Star]
Myanmar: Ousted leader handed 21-year prison sentence
(cmsk) A military court sentenced ousted Chief Minister Dr. Aye Zan, a National League for Democracy (NLD) member, to 21 years in prison for incitement and corruption offenses and for allegedly undermining the work of the election commission.
The incitement charge relates to Zan reportedly urging members of the public to join the civil disobedience movement in February 2021, soon after the coup. Six of the nine corruption charges against him concern funds allegedly collected in the state’s sand mining business which the junta claims caused a USD 846,791(MMK 569 million) loss in revenue.
Ousted opponents are typically charged under the Anti-Corruption law by the junta. Whilst all detained chief ministers have reportedly been charged with corruption, Yangon Chief Minister and former colleague of Aung San Suu Kyi, who was a witness in a corruption case against her, does not face any charges. [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Parallel government lists military-affiliated properties for sale
(cmsk) Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government (NUG) has announced that as part of its fundraising efforts, it is selling shares to proceeds from future auction of properties confiscated by the junta, military, and home affairs. Currently, 60 properties have been confiscated since the coup, and the NUG pledges to place them up for public sale when it resumes power. Each share sold for $100 represents a portion of auction price proportionate to the number of tickets sold. The NUG’s budget for the resistance is USD 2.2 billion and it has reportedly raised USD 42 million thus far, including from sales of junta-affiliated properties. The NUG shared hopes to find new ways of generating funds and expressed optimism about receiving more international aid. [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Authorities arrest, stop issuing passports to opponent civil servants
(cmsk) In an effort to prevent opponents from leaving the country, the Myanmar military regime has stopped issuing passports to civil servants who oppose the regime.
The State Administration Council drafted a list of people who participated in strikes against the military regime and sent it to the passport office ordering to deny issuing or extending passports to those listed. Civil servants who are on the list face questioning and detention. They may also be charged with incitement and taken into custody if they go to Yangon International Airport. .
More than 200,000 civil servants and teachers, have reportedly joined the Civil Disobedience Movement against the junta. While many are still employed, they refuse to work with the military administration. [The Irrawaddy]
Multiple news sources also claim that the military regime is prohibiting at least 27 business leaders from leaving or remaining outside the country. The junta is reportedly doing so to avoid a brain drain, and critically, capital flight. Whilst the economic environment to engage in crony business practices is diminishing, the business establishments of those individuals on the list also serve as pillars of the Myanmar economy, according to one analyst. Many of the leading businessmen are known to have built close ties with the ousted National League for Democracy Party whilst some had also entered into joint ventures with multinationals. [Mizzima] [Democratic Voice of Burma]
Myanmar: Military court sentences seven young people to death
(cmsk) A military court has sentenced seven young people to death and, separately, another to life in prison. A closed-door military tribunal found a group of seven individuals guilty of murder, according to a local newspaper.
The seven were reportedly from Yangon Region’s Hlaingtharyar township and were allegedly guilty of participating in the murder of a ward official suspected of being a police informant.
Meanwhile, another young person was reportedly sentenced to life in prison under Section 50(j) of Myanmar’s Anti-Terrorism Law, for allegedly being linked to and collecting money for groups the junta brands as terrorist organizations. As of March 11, the Yangon Region’s military tribunals have sentenced more than 150 people to death or life imprisonment. No executions are known to be reported by the authorities. The military is reportedly imposing harsh punishments on young people to prevent them from participating in the resistance movement against its rule, according to an underground youth activist. [Radio Free Asia]
Myanmar: Armed conflict leaves more deaths
(cmsk/ny) Widespread destruction of homes and villages continued across Myanmar. This includes as many as 1645 homes in the Magway Region, 200 villages in the Sagaing Region, a village of 55 households in Southern Shan state, three villages in the Mandalay Region, and arson attacks in the homes of political opponents in Yangon.
Moreover, around 20,000 people from Southern Shan reportedly fled to neighboring Kayah State, which hosts a rapidly growing number of internally displaced people. [The Irrawaddy 1] [The Irrawaddy 2] [Myanmar Now 1] [Myanmar Now 2] [Myanmar Now 3] [Myanmar Now 4] [The Irrawaddy 3] [Myanmar Now 5]
The death tolls amidst fighting between the Myanmar military and resistance forces include over 50 corpses, some reportedly showing torture signs. [The Irrawaddy 4] [Radio Free Asia 1] [The Irrawaddy 3] [The Irrawaddy 5] [Myanmar Now 6] [The Irrawaddy 6] [The Irrawaddy 2]
Meanwhile, as tensions simmer between the Arakan Army and regime forces in Rakhine State, fighting between them is already underway in neighboring Chin State. The situation in Yangon also seems to be worsening with the military reportedly tightening security as attacks are continually being carried out by both pro and anti-junta groups against their respective targets. Signs indicating growing tensions in Kachin are statements by the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) issuing warnings to and calling on civil servants working for the junta to resign, and giving warnings to junta-affiliated Border Guard Forces and pro-regime tribal militias in the state. [The Irrawaddy 8] [The Irrawaddy 9] [Myanmar Now 7] [The Irrawaddy 10] [The Irrawaddy 11]
Following clashes in which the junta allegedly used a variety of imported weaponry for air attacks, the Karen National Union claims its forces captured the strategically located Thay Baw Boe camp in Myawaddy district, bordering Thailand. [Myanmar Now 8]
Myanmar: Parallel government holds talks with ethnic armed organizations’ leaders
(cmsk) The parallel National Unity Government (NUG) in Myanmar held talks with the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed organization based in the western Rakhine State, and other top ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) leaders to discuss the security situation in the region.
The NUG was formed after the February 1, 2021, coup that ousted the civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government. Former NLD lawmakers and supporters from local ethnic minorities formed the parallel government aiming at regaining power in the country. The NUG, which the junta has labeled a “terrorist organization,” has been closely cooperating with EAOs in its fight against the junta.
According to one analyst, a full-fledged conflict in the Rakhine state could resume if talks between the NUG and the EAOs are successful, pushing the military to spread itself more thinly, to the advantage of the armed resistance.
The AA now claims that the junta is increasing troop deployment across Rakhine. Holding the 2020 ceasefire formed with the prior civilian government in place appears unlikely under current circumstances as both AA and junta forces compete for control in various parts of the state. [The Irrawaddy] [Radio Free Asia 1] [Radio Free Asia 2]
Myanmar: Restoration Council of Shan State meets with military chief
(cmsk/ny) Shan State Army-South or Restoration Council of Shan State’s 9 (RCSS/SSA-S) General Yawd Serk met with State Administration Council’s leader General Min Aung Hlaing. SSA-S said dialogue was the most desirable way to resolve the current political crisis in Myanmar. SSA-S noted that building a federal union was crucial to resolving the current crisis in Myanmar, adding that federalism would guarantee self-determination.
Although Serk is viewed as the most significant ethnic leader yet to join the junta’s peace talks, analysts point out that the only ethnic armed organizations participating in the peace talks are those that are currently not fighting the Myanmar military. In addition to the SSA-S, of the ten signatories to the 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, six others are registered to attend the peace talks. [The Irrawaddy] [Democratic Voice of Burma] [Eleven Myanmar]
The Philippines: Petition to cancel Marcos candidacy reaches the Supreme Court
(db) A group of civic leaders filed a petition to the Supreme Court on May 17 seeking to review president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s certificate of candidacy (COC) and to stop Congress from canvassing Marcos’ votes.
According to the petition, the Commission of Elections (Comelec) acted with a “grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction” by refusing to cancel Marcos Jr.’s COC in the multiple official requests to disqualify Marcos from the presidential election. In early 2022, the Comelec dismissed six bids seeking to disqualify Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from his presidential candidacy in the general elections held on May 9, which he has been declared the winner with 94.4 percent of the votes counted. All the petitions sought Marcos’ disqualification for tax evasion. They alleged Marcos’ violation of Section 253 of the 1977 National Internal Revenue Code as he had yet to serve his sentence on tax payment ordered in 1995 for failing to file tax returns while being a public officer from 1982 to 1985. The law governs that “a government official who violates the tax code would be dismissed from the public service and perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, to vote and to participate in any election.” [AiR No. 19, May/2022, 2] [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4]
The petitioners are also seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) which will enjoin and restrain both chambers of Congress from vote canvassing for Marcos. [ABS-CBN]
Two days after the petition was filed, the Supreme Court issued a resolution requiring Congress, Comelec, and President-elect Marcos Jr. to respond within 15 days. However, this is unexpected as the Supreme Court is on writing break and is not set to meet as a body until June 14. [Rappler]
The Philippines: Foundlings to be given natural-born Filipino status
(db) President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law considering foundlings as natural-born Filipinos. According to the new Titled Foundling Recognition and Protection Act (Republic Act 11767), orphaned children or infants found in the Philippines, in Philippine embassies, or in any consulates and Philippine territories abroad, will be presumed to be natural-born Filipino citizens regardless of the circumstances.
This law will also include those who have registered as an orphan during their childhood but are now too old to benefit from adoption. This means that orphans will now be afforded the same rights and protections as Filipino citizens. [GMA]
The Philippines: Groups slam lifting ban on open-pit mining
(db) The decision to lift a 12-year-old ban on open-pit mining in the Philippine province of South Cotabato in was met with outrage by local environmentalists, along with religious and civil groups, who urged the governor to veto the amendments to the provincial environmental code.
This move means that the USD 5.9 billion Tampakan copper-gold mine project is likely to set to proceed despite controversies. The project is set to extract the largest copper and gold deposits in Southeast Asia. However, if the project were to go ahead, it will require the construction of an open-pit mine that would allegedly destroy and pollute rice paddy fields and other agricultural lands that span over four provinces and six rivers. [Rappler]
Singapore: Woman pleads guilty to filing false allegations against public servant
(bs) A Singaporean woman pleaded guilty to forgery for submitting false allegations to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) against the Manpower Ministry, accusing the public servant of “gross misconduct” and requesting that the court open a case against him. The action dates back to 2018, when she filed four court documents supporting a civil lawsuit against the officer that were later discovered to be fraudulent. The woman has subsequently pleaded guilty to forgery and was fined a USD-2,000 sanction. [Malay Mail]
Thailand: Former transport minister elected new Bangkok governor
(aph) Former Transport Minister and member of the opposition Pheu Thai Party (PTP) Chadchart Sittipunt won the Bangkok gubernatorial elections held on May 22 by a landslide. He gained 1.37 million votes according to unofficial results released by the Election Commission soon after the polls. The results also marked the “electoral decline” of the Democrat Party after their candidate only received 252,694 votes.
The strategic voting campaign adopted in 2013 was unlikely to succeed this time, according to Assoc Prof Yuttaporn Issarachai, a political science instructor at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. He highlighted how, unlike nine years ago, the 4.4 million eligible voters in the May 22 gubernatorial election included up to 700,000 first-time voters and more than a million Generation Y people, while conservative voters were less than 2 million. Moreover, according to analysts, this election was the precursor of the upcoming general election, expected around May 2023. As the result shows a general decline in the ruling coalition’s popularity, it is likely that voters will hold this trend in the next national polls challenging Prayut’s administration. The Prime Minister promptly dismissed the claims, saying that Chadchart’s victory is “not an accurate representation of voters' faith in his administration.” Meanwhile, in the eastern Khon Kaen province, 100 people demonstrated on the eight-year anniversary of the 2014 coup by condemning Prayut for failing to “carry out political reforms, restore the country's unity and do away with corruption as he had promised.”
This election was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time the citizens were called to vote for the city’s governor since 2014, when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha suspended the elections after launching the 2014 coup that toppled the Pheu Thai government led by former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Bangkok is the only province in the country to elect its governor since 1975, when the city became a special administrative entity due to its great size. In other provinces it is appointed by the Ministry of Interior. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] [Bangkok Post 3] [The Diplomat]
Thailand: New economic leader for Thai Sang Thai party appointed
(aph) Supant Mongkolsuthree, former chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), has been appointed economic head of the Thai Sang Thai party's economic committee on May 16. Supant is a businessman who built and expanded four companies to be included in the stock market. The party’s chairwoman expressed support for Supant’s goal of bridging the political divide and boosting the national economy.
Founded only last year, the party is led by Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, formerly chief strategist of the main opposition Pheu Thai Party. [Bangkok Post] [Thai PBS World]
Thailand: Protests spark over draft law on non-profit organizations
(bs) On May 23, a group of non-profit organizations rallied in front of the United Nations' headquarters in Bangkok, protesting against a new draft law that would allegedly increase government control over public gatherings and non-profit organizations (NPO). According to the protesters, the law could be used as a “weapon” to crackdown on people’s freedom of expression.
The draft law was approved in principle by the Cabinet on January 4. The group immediately followed up by filing a letter to Prime Minister Prayut and the government calling for its abolishment. The group also submitted a petition to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap)’s commission, which is currently meeting in Bangkok in its 78th session, calling for pressures on the Thai government.
According to experts, the draft law on non-profit organizations may pose a threat to the work of these organizations as it requires them to disclose their mission statement and their sources of funding. It also forbids them to undertake, promote, or participate in activities that may threaten or disrupt “national security and harmony and the well-being of other people.” Any violation will cause suspension of the activities and liability under criminal law. Under the law, non-profit organizations will be juristic entities. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2] [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Rights organization urges Thai government to release political activists
(bs) Human Rights Watch (HRW), a prominent rights organization, urged the Thai government to release political activists and drop the charges against them.
HRW also urged the authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon, an activist who has been on a hunger strike for over a month in protest of her pre-trial detention for advocating monarchic reforms and abolishing the law on royal defamation that punishes those who insult the monarchy. These lèse majesté laws define criminal offenses that carry up to 15 years in prison under Article 112 of the Penal Code.
Moreover, the rights group claims that pre-trial detention of activists who allegedly violated the lèse majesté law is against international human rights law. As Thailand has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the country is expected to adhere to its regulation. Article 9 of the ICCPR governs that, “It shall not be the general rule that persons awaiting trial shall be detained in custody, but release may be subject to guarantees to appear for trial.” Thus, HRW urges Thai courts to begin the trials of those whose charges have not been dropped as soon as possible. [Human Rights Watch]
Timor-Leste: New president swears oath on country’s 20th anniversary of independence
(bs) On May 20, Timor-Leste welcomed its new president as Jose Ramos-Horta read his oath during his inauguration ceremony. The new president’s inauguration also fell on the same day as the 20th anniversary of the country’s independence from Indonesia which controlled Timor-Leste from 1975 after taking over the colony from Portugal.
In light of the upcoming inauguration ceremony, the Timorese parliament passed a bill that regulates the president's responsibilities to the constitution on May 20. The move was made to prevent further political instability. The law consists of 30 articles which include the president's "constitutional obligations" and criminal sanctions against him in case of "coercion against a constitutional body, attack on the constitution, or attempts to oppose the Constitution of the Republic, with the aim of changing or suspending it by force or by means other than those democratically provided.” [UCA News]
Ramos-Horta was elected on April 20 with 62 percent of the vote, defeating late president Francisco "Lu-Olo" Guterres who gained 38 percent of the vote. The new president has committed to working on poverty reduction, enhancing the national health system especially for mothers and children, and strengthening the efforts towards full political stability. In his first speech after the election results, he also voiced his plan for Timor-Leste to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its 11th member within the next two years. [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4] [The Diplomat]
However, Ramos’ immediate attention should go to new oil and gas development, according to experts. Timor-Leste is reportedly one of the most oil-dependent nations in the world as the country relies on foreign oil and gas fields in the Timorese Sea to finance around 85 percent of government expenditure. The reliance on this sector has prevented the country from exploring and investing in alternative sources of income, an independent policy analyst claims. [Aljazeera]
Jose Ramos-Horta is well known in Timor-Leste for his efforts to bring lead the country towards independence. For those efforts, he received a Noble Prize for Peace in 1996, along with his fellow national Bishop Carlos F.X. Belo. The new president also served as both Prime Minister and President respectively from 2006 to 2007 and from 2007 to 2012. [Britannica]
Vietnam: High-ranking politicians under investigation for illegal activities
(bs) The Vietnam government sacked its finance ministry’s State Securities Commission Chairman for allegedly committing “serious wrongdoings” in the framework of stock training investigations that began in 2015. The man is reportedly the highest-ranking person purportedly found to be involved in the case. Two days earlier, the Communist Party fired Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange’s General Director due to the same investigation findings.
Meanwhile, a former deputy health minister was sentenced to four years in jail for allegedly being involved in a trading network for fake medicines. He was accused in 2021 of supposedly cooperating with local firms to import over USD 6.4 million worth of fake medicines for trade. [Reuters]
The arrest was part of a series of investigations and arrests that Vietnam has been carrying out against several officials for alleged “violations and shortcomings” and “illicit profits” between 2015 and 2020 in an attempt to reduce corruption activities, increase market security, and promote transparency. [Bloomberg]
Vietnam: Authorities detains more activists while denying outside medical treatment for detention centers
(bs) Detention center authorities denied outside medical treatment to a detained Vietnamese journalist whose health is deteriorating while serving 11 years in prison for anti-state propaganda. The 72-year-old journalist is a former vice president of the Vietnam Independent Journalists Association (IJAVN) who wrote on civil rights and freedom of speech in Vietnam and testified in the United States on media freedom in his native country.
Another activist was arrested on May 21 for allegedly violating Article 88 of Vietnam’s 1999 Penal Code by “conducting propaganda against the State,” the same charges filed against the former IJAVN vice president. The activist participated in demonstrations to protest China’s claims over the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea and against the activities of a Taiwan-owned company that has polluted part of Vietnam’s coastline. [Radio Free Asia 1]
Simultaneously, a Vietnamese court sentenced an ethnic minority activist to four years in jail after he filed three reports alleging human rights violations in Vietnam against “reactionary forces,” organizations that held a number of programs on human rights violations and reporting systems which the activist attended. The court charged him for “abusing the rights to freedom and democracy” under Article 331 of the Penal Code. [Radio Free Asia 2]
Vietnam: Lawyers report physical abuse by authorities
(bs) A group of Vietnamese lawyers reported to the media that the authorities in court would make threats or physically abuse them when defending their clients.
The report came after the local police denied accusations of assaulting a lawyer in early May. The Vietnam Bar Federation (VBF) filed a request to the authorities to investigate the incident. [Radio Free Asia]
Vietnam: UNICEF urges government to develop domestic legislation on child wasting
(bs) The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) urged Vietnam to include the treatment of child wasting in domestic medical policy legislation and to develop effective long-term development projects to fund the treatment for child wasting across the country.
The call came after UNICEF released further reports on the highly deadly effects of undernutrition on children, reporting that one in five deaths among children under 5 years of age are ascribed to severe wasting. UNICEF also estimated in 2019 that every year in Vietnam, 230,000 children under 5 years old suffered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
Although the country has already included prevention and treatment of children with SAM as objectives of the National Nutrition Strategy 2021-30, the local budget allocation has yet to include policies or funding sources for Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition mechanisms. Reports say that currently, 90 percent of SAM cases remain untreated. [Vietnam News]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
India defends wheat export ban at United Nations food security summit
(sg) India has expressed concern over growing food insecurity at the food security summit at United Nations (UN) headquarters on May 18, days after New Delhi banned most wheat exports, stating the risk posed by increasing commodity prices and a record-breaking heatwave ravaging wheat-growing regions in north-western India.
India’s minister of state for external affairs, Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, who had traveled to the United States to participate in the "Global Food Security Call to Action" hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, emphasized that his country would guarantee that the vulnerable had sufficient protection from sudden global market changes. Responding to criticism, he stated that the new regulation would allow India to “truly respond to those who are most in need.” [Hindustan Times]
On May 13, India had announced that wheat exports would be prohibited. The announcement was met with mixed responses; G7 nations urged India to lift restrictions while China backed India, stating more developed countries' responsibility [see No. 20, May/2022, 3]. [The Hindu]
Quad meeting in Japan: China, Russia looming large
(dql) On May 24, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia’s newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Tokyo for the fourth summit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) since March 2021.
China and Russia loomed large over the summit, as reflected in the joint statement issued after the talks. While not mentioning the two countries explicitly, according to the statement, the four leaders reaffirmed their opposition to all attempts to “change the status quo by force” in the Indo-Pacific, rejecting “any coercive, provocative or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo and increase tensions in the area, such as the militarization of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities.” [The White House, USA]
However, reflecting internal differences of the Quad on Russia, with India thus far refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and joining sanctions against Russia, the statement referred to the “conflict in Ukraine and the ongoing tragic humanitarian crisis,” to which the leaders discussed the respective responses of their country, avoiding the terms “war” and “aggression”. [South China Morning Post]
Opening a new front of tension between the Quad and China, the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) was launched, a maritime initiative led by the US under which the four countries will connect surveillance centers located in Singapore, India and the Pacific and develop a system that tracks illegal fishing from the Indian Ocean and South-east Asia to the South Pacific. The launch of the initiative comes as China has been consistently topping indexes for IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing. [News 18]
During the summit, in a highly provocative move, China and Russia conducted a joint military exercise, involving nuclear-capable bombers flying over the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. [The Diplomat]
South Korea and Japan visits of US President Joe Biden cement alliances
(dql/bs/lb) US President Joe Biden concluded on May 23 his visits to South Korea and Japan. It was his first trip to the two East Asian allies since he took office, aimed at deepening ties to counter China at a time when East and Northeast Asia is facing the most volatile security environment in decades as the region is home to hot spots such as Taiwan, North Korea, and the East China Sea.
During his first stop in South Korea, Biden agreed with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol agreed to develop the relationship between the two countries into a global comprehensive strategic alliance, reaffirming the cooperation in achieving the goal of a completely denuclearized North Korea. Furthermore, both leaders formalized Korea’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
In the joint press conference following the meeting of the two presidents, Yoon hailed US-South Korean solidarity in times pressing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a change in the trade order, supply chain security, climate change and a crisis of democracy, that “can only be overcome through solidarity among countries that share the universal values of liberal democracy and human rights.” The statement is a forceful endorsement of the new South Korean of Biden’s “inflection point in world history,” in which “there is going to be a competition between democracies and autocracies,” which the US President repeated during the press conference. [The Korea Herald] [South China Morning Post]
While in Japan, Biden met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to close cooperation in addressing security challenges, rejecting “any attempt to change the status quo by force,” as “absolutely impermissible, regardless of the location,” and specifying the East China Sea, including the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, and the disputed South China Sea as such locations.
Calling the alliance between the US and Japan “the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Biden reassured Kishida of the US commitment to defend Japan, “backed by the full range of capabilities, including nuclear.” Kishida, for his part, signalled to look into ways for a “substantial increase” of Japan’s defense budget, without disclosing details. [Kyodo News][Aljazeera]
During the summit, Biden also formally launched Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), that seeks to integrate member states with agreed standards in digital economy, supply chains, clean energy infrastructure and anti-corruption measures, while leaving out the areas of tariffs or market access. Besides the US, Japan and South Korea, Australia, nine other countries will be joining the IPEF, including Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. [DW]
The move is believed to aim at countering the growing economic influence that China has developed in the Pacific region since former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2017. To date, China has not joined the IPEF although the US is planning to lower the barriers to participation to attract more participants. Taiwan, however, will not be invited to join the IPEF, as US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed in a press conference on May 23. [Malay Mail] [The Star] [Taipei Times]
Pakistan foreign minister meets with US, Chinese counterpart on maiden trip
(sg/lm) Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Zardari is expected to return to Pakistan on May 25, after completing a crucial three-nation tour involving visits to the United States, China, and Switzerland. The trip marks is the first for Bilawal Zardari, the scion of Pakistan’s most influential political dynasty, since he took oath as Pakistan’s new foreign minister on April 27 [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1].
United States
Bilawal Zardari arrived in New York on May 18 to attend the “Global Food Security Call to Action” at United Nations (UN) headquarters. He also participated in an open debate at the UN Security Council and met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. [Dawn 2]
On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Bilawal Zardari held talks with foreign counterparts, including a one-hour discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who assured Bilawal Zardari of Washington’s desire to expand corporation on climate, trade, and investment. Notably, Bilawal Zardari told Blinken that the two countries must move beyond past tensions over Afghanistan and are entering a new engagement after years of strained relations under former Prime Minister Imran Khan. [Dawn 1] [Geo News] [Voice of America Urdu via YouTube in Urdu]
The meeting between the two foreign ministers came just days after high-level security officials from Pakistan, including the director-general of the country’s premier intelligence agency, had traveled to the US to meet with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and CIA Director William Burns. [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]
China
Following his visit to New York, Bhutto Zardari traveled to China on May 21 for a two-day visit, which followed a phone conversation between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier last week [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]. In Guangzhou, Bhutto Zardari held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, which centered on furthering bilateral cooperation between the two nations; the two had earlier held talks through video link on May 12. [The Hindu]
Bhutto Zardari’s visit to China came after a suicide bombing in the Pakistani port city Karachi last month had killed three Chinese nationals and their local driver [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]. The trip also coincided with the 71st anniversary of China-Pakistan ties.
Notably, days before the bilateral meeting, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed expanding CPEC into a trilateral arrangement between China, Pakistan, and Turkey. Sharif made the announcement at the launch of a joint Turkey-Pakistan developed warship, stating that the 60 billion USD project could benefit all three nations. [NDTV]
Switzerland
After his China visit, Bhutto Zardari was heading to Davos, Switzerland, where he joined Prime Minister Sharif and his delegation as they participate in the World Economic Forum. [WION]
BRICS foreign ministers meet remotely, call for increased cooperation
(jw/sg/lm/pb) The foreign ministers of five major emerging economies, known by their acronym BRICS, have agreed to deepen their nations' strategic partnership, enhance the influence of BRICS countries in international affairs and safeguard the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired a virtual meeting that was attended by his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa on May 19. [China Daily] [Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed the significance of territorial integrity. He said that members of BRICS must abide by the commitments to “sovereign equality, territorial integrity and international law”. He also stressed the need for BRICS to show zero tolerance for terrorism and asked his counterparts to support the long-standing Indian demand to reform the United Nations Security Council. [The New Indian Express]
On May 20 then, the BRICS foreign ministers were joined by their counterparts or representatives from Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, and Thailand. [Silk Road Briefing]
In February, Buenos Aires became the latest member of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, its major infrastructure program which now includes 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Argentina is also set to become a member of the New Development Bank, a Shanghai-based multilateral bank that aims to be an alternative to traditional financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. [Buenos Aires Times]
Five economies walk out from APEC trade ministers’ meeting in protest of Russian invasion of Ukraine
(bs) Representatives of five countries left the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, to oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as they deemed it an illegal war of aggression in the country causing global uneasiness.
The five countries that walked out were Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, which was represented as part of the “Americans.” They reportedly left the stage during the speech by Russia’s economic development minister and walked back in once the man ended his remarks.
The meeting began on May 21 and hosted representatives of the 21 APEC economies, including Russia. Among the issues to discuss on the agenda were the promotion of trade and investment in the post-Covid era, food insecurity, high energy prices, and the resumption of tourism.
APEC was founded in 1989 to discuss free trade and economic cooperation with Pacific Rim countries. APEC currently comprises Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. [Bangkok Post]
ASEAN economic ministers’ special meeting 2022 held in Indonesia
(bs) On May 18, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in the ASEAN economic ministers’ meeting (AEM) to discuss regional post-pandemic recovery and strategies to tackle regional and global issues. The meeting was held in Bali, Indonesia, and was titled "Addressing challenges together."
The participants also discussed economic opportunities, digital technology, sustainable development, and the current geopolitical tensions in the region. [ASEAN] [WAM]
ASEAN defense meeting ends, ASEAN–India naval drills to be held
(pw) High-ranking defense officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) states have concluded the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM). At this conference, they were given details on the developments concerning ASEAN's current defense collaboration agreements. Moreover, they also talked over seven crucial papers, including a draft on strengthening the ASEAN–United States (US) military partnership, which would be considered for approval at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting in June. The officials also agreed that an ASEAN–India naval exercise would be organized to improve the security ties between the ASEAN states and India. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Defense officials of ASEAN member states also attended the ADSOM-Plus conference where they could work with their counterparts from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the US. In the meeting, the countries exchanged experiences from their military maneuvers and reported their future combat exercises, alongside their utilization of military bases and forces. The cooperation programs between the individual ASEAN members and their partners were also discussed. [Khmer Times]
Russia diversifies oil export market: Bangladesh, India, China
(lm/pb/jw) In a bid to diversify its oil export market in light of western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has submitted a proposal to sell its crude oil to Bangladesh, Dhaka confirmed on May 23. However, the transaction – it if were to be realized – would bring some complications pertaining to the capacity of the country’s only oil refinery, according to officials from the government-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. [The Business Standard]
The Russian offer comes at a time when the country is experiencing the lowest price for its oil following western sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine. While some European and Asian nations have begun weaning themselves from Russian energy, China and India have grabbed the opportunity to refill their strategic crude stockpiles. [Fortune]
Meanwhile, Russia has assumed the fourth position in terms of oil exports to India in April this year. The oil volume is expected to increase further on account of low prices driving demand from the world’s third largest oil consumer and importer, according to the tanker tracking data. [Moneycontrol]
Russia's share in India's oil purchases grew to a record 6 percent, about 277,000 barrels per day (bpd) in April, up from about 66,000 bpd in March, when it was in 10th position, according to the data, which was supplied by trade sources.
The Western economic sanctions against Russia have opened a rare arbitrage flow, allowing Indian refiners to capitalize on supply of stranded cheaper Russian oil shunned by many Western countries and companies.
Grades from Azerbaijan, Russia and Kazakhstan together accounted for about 11 percent of India's imported oil in April, compared with about 3 percent in March. India's oil imports from Russia are set to rise further to about 487,500 bpd in May, since refiners have ramped up purchases from Russia, preliminary data from Refinitiv flows show.
Last month, Iraq continued to the top oil supplier to India, followed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The higher imports from Russia dragged down OPEC's share of foreign supplies to India in April.
Furthermore, China is reportedly in talks over the purchase of additional Russian oil for its strategic reserves, as the US banned imports of Russian oil, a move that is now also considered in the EU. Talks between the two parties are reportedly taking place at the government level with little direct involvement of oil firms.
China which continues to defy calls to join economic sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine already heavily increased its seaborne imports and is set to buy 1.1 million barrels per day in May after importing only 705.000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2022 and 800.000 barrels in 2021. However, the increase in imports happens quietly without comment by Chinese authorities indicating that China remains wary of being seen as too close to Russia. [Bloomberg] [Business Insider] [Reuters 1] [Aljazeera]
China is the largest importer of crude oil and the biggest customer of Russian oil companies but refrained from negotiating new contracts after the beginning of the Ukraine war as western nations threatened sanctions in the case of China supporting Russia [see AiR No. 12, March/2022, 4]. Now, after smaller private companies already bought larger volumes of Russian oil, China also allows its state-owned enterprises like Sinopec and Zhenhua to profit from the discounts which Russian oil producers implemented after the western demand for Russian oil deteriorated. [Reuters 2]
Western countries seek energy deals with Indonesia and Vietnam
(lb) The President of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) told a press briefing on May 15 that European and other Western nations have been looking to Indonesia and Vietnam for energy transition deals. Other energy transition partnerships are also on their way with a number of African countries.
According to the president, the two countries have significant growth in the global economy and an increased need for energy usage with big potential in clean energy, particularly wind and solar energy. In February, the COP26 president visited the two countries. At that time, Indonesia voiced its interest in receiving the funding and prioritizing energy transition, however, Indonesia relies on revenue from its coal exports. Both Indonesia and Vietnam have plans to increasing the coal-use for primary energy, with Indonesia stating the use will increase until at least 2050. [Climate Change News]
United States special coordinator for Tibetan Issues meets Dalai Lama, visits Nepal
(sg/lm) A United States delegation led by the special coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Uzra Zeya, met on May 19 with Tibet’s Dalai Lama at the exiled spiritual leader’s residence in Dharamsala, India. The meeting came on the second day of an official visit to the seat of Tibet’s government in exile, the Central Tibetan Administration, and drew a quick rebuke from China’s foreign ministry. [Daily Excelsior] [Radio Free Asia 1]
On May 22 the delegation travelled to neighboring Nepal, where Zeya met with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and several other high-level cabinet ministers. [The Tribune]
Indian President visits Saint Vincent and Grenadines
(lb) India’s President Ram Nath Kovind arrived at Argyle International Airport for a four-day visit to Saint Vincent and Grenadines, a Caribbean island nation north of the Venezuelan coast on May 19. He was welcomed by the country’s Prime Minister, its Guard of Honor, and a 21-gun-salute. President Kovind will be addressing Saint Vincent and Grenadines House of Assembly and will be holding discussions with the Governor-General and Prime Minister. [ANI News]
European Union allocates USD 1.5 billion for development project in Cambodia
(pw) The European Union (EU) will employ more than USD 1.5 billion to carry out its 2021–27 Joint European Strategy for Development Cooperation with Cambodia. This plan will focus on cultural heritage, democracy, economic competitiveness, women and youth empowerment, human rights, socio-economic recovery, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, the project would also help to enhance digitalization development in Cambodia and ensure that information and communications technology solutions in the country would be sustainable and compatible with international standards.
According to the EU Ambassador to Cambodia, this aforementioned project is crucial for the EU's overall Cambodian strategies and its Indo-Pacific and Global Gateway strategies. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia might invite Myanmar military representatives to ASEAN Defense Ministers’ meeting
(cmsk) Cambodia, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), might extend an invitation to Myanmar junta’s Defense Minister to participate in the next meeting of ASEAN defense ministers, according to national media. According to a Cambodian analyst, the attendance of representatives of the Myanmar military administration could be viewed from a technical standpoint rather than being seen as politically motivated. The invitation to the defense minister comes after Myanmar was barred from attending ASEAN’s foreign ministers’ meeting earlier this year. Meanwhile, the ASEAN-led peace agreement “Five Point Consensus” for Myanmar remains unimplemented.
The Myanmar State Administration Council reportedly sent its Chief of Military Security Affairs to participate in the 19th ASEAN Military Intelligence Meeting held on May 17 in Phnom Penh. [The Irrawaddy]
Cambodia, South Korea holds a conference on maternal, child health
(pw) The Cambodian Health Ministry and South Korea’s international development agency conducted a meeting concerning a program to enhance maternal and child health in Cambodia’s northeastern provinces. The goals of this conference are to publicize the project’s activities and receive stakeholder feedback to help optimize the program’s execution.
The project mentioned above is a USD 7 million South Korean undertaking spanning from 2019 to 2023 to improve maternal and child health in Cambodia’s Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri provinces with an emphasis on upgrading the medical facilities’ environment, increasing the medical workers’ capacity, enhancing outreach for the marginalized regions, and increasing communal consciousness on the matter. In 2022, it is planned that Mondulkiri would receive additional ambulances, while Rattankiri would have its community–medical center referral system enhanced. [Khmer Times] [The Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodian Prime Minister asks clarification from US over potential criminal implications of ‘shoeing’ incident
(pw) Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen asked the United States (US) to clarify if the incident in which a shoe was thrown at him while going to the US-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit would constitute a form of freedom of expression or a violent act by the US.
He added that if such an act is regarded as freedom of expression, then the Cambodian opposition leadership could also be “shoed.”
To date, Sen has not filed a request to the US government to take measures against the perpetrator, nor did he order the Cambodian government to submit a diplomatic complaint to the US. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Cambodia has stated that the authorities will conduct an inquiry over the shoeing incident.
Following Sen's statements, an exiled Cambodian political analyst voiced concerns over the possibility that Sen would allow his supporters to lash out against the opposition. Additionally, a Cambodian-American human rights lawyer called out the alleged misery that Cambodian people have suffered under Sen's government as greatly outweighing the shoeing incident. Moreover, she believes that this incident reflected the sentiments of significant groups in the population.
While preparing to join the ASEAN–US Special Summit in Washington DC, Sen was shoed by an ex-Cambodian soldier. The shoe did not hit Sen. The perpetrator has accused Sen of being "a tyrant" responsible for the deaths of his relatives and several other people in Cambodia. Cambodian authorities have taken several measures against the opposition activists, including arrests, physical assaults, and treason indictments. [Khmer Times 1] [Khmer Times 2] [Radio Free Asia] [The Phnom Penh Post] [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]
Cambodia to receive USD 1 billion loan from India
(pw) At an online meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, discussed their countries' relationship. Most importantly, Modi mentioned that India plans to provide Cambodia with a USD 1 billion loan as part of the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation Initiative. Additionally, the two talked about forming a Cambodia–India free trade agreement to foster bilateral trade, alongside starting direct flights to promote tourism between the two countries. The other topics discussed by the two include defense and security, economic recovery, human resources development, and international matters of mutual concern. [Khmer Times 1] [Khmer Times 2]
China-US relations: Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calls for unity facing China economically
(jw) U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ramped up her criticism of China’s economic practices in a speech at the Brussels Economic Forum, the European Commission’s annual flagship economic event. In a call for unity, Yellen said that US allies should encourage China to “drop objectionable practices” in order to “stand a better chance of competing with China on a level playing field”. Furthermore, Yellen criticized the western dependence on Chinese rare earth minerals and called on western countries to be aware of the Chinese strategy to build strong market shares in innovative technological sectors, and hence would dominate the production of semiconductors. [Reuters] [US Department of the Treasury]
However, one day after the May 17 speech, Yellen also called for a shift in US strategy toward China. Once more, Yellen reiterated her criticism of some US tariffs on China stating that they “aren't very strategic in the sense of addressing real issues […] with China.” Instead, she claimed that some of the tariffs that stem back to the US-China trade war of the Trump administration “imposed more harm on consumers and businesses” and should be cut to ease inflation. In the previous week, US President Joe Biden already stated that the idea is under consideration [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]. [CNN]
Yellen’s stance toward tariffs is reportedly controversial among senior US officials. Another important aide of Biden, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, is said to be much more skeptical of lowering tariffs. Instead, Tai advocates for the use of tariffs as part of a broad trade strategy that facilitates the protection of US jobs and enables the US to react to China’s behavior on the global market. US labor unions also voiced their opposition to the lowering of tariffs. However, US consumers groan under the burden of high inflation, increasing the pressure on Biden who wants to ward off a defeat in the upcoming mid-term elections. [Reuters]
Iraq aims to prevent Chinese state-owned companies from acquiring more control over its oil fields
(jw) Due to concerns that higher engagement with Chinese firms could accelerate an exodus of western oil companies, the Iraqi government stopped three prospective deals. US firm Exxon Mobil, Russia’s Lukoil and the United Kingdom’s BP were thus not able to sell their stakes in Iraqi oil fields to Chinese state-run firms. Even though China is Iraq’s biggest investor and seeks to have Iraq play a major part in its Belt and Road initiative, the Iraqi government worries that a Chinese dominance would make the country unattractive to other investors. [All Arab News] [Reuters]
China seeks further cooperation with Pacific islands
(jw) As China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to shortly lead a delegation to the Solomon Islands in order to sign multiple deals including a security agreement that caused concerns about an increased Chinese military presence in the pacific [see AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4], China reportedly seeks to sign similar pacts with other pacific nations.
According to intelligence officials from the US and its allies, China is currently in talks with Kiribati and another Pacific-island country that was not named. Furthermore, there are concerns that China might seek deeper ties to Tonga and Vanuatu.
China has gradually developed economic and political relations with multiple countries in the Pacific, promoting infrastructure projects and signing security agreements with the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. China’s increased activity in the region prompts concerns, especially in Australia which wants to retain its regional influence. The newly elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese already indicated that relations with China will remain difficult, as he will try to maintain the Australian foothold in the region and resist Chinese efforts to pressure the country economically and politically. [Financial Times] [Reuters]
China-US relations: Sullivan discusses North Korea, Taiwan with Yang Jiechi
(jw) US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the continuous assertiveness of the North Korean regime in a May 18 phone call with Yang Jiechi, Director of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission General Office, sharing US intelligence indicating that Pyongyang plans to hold nuclear or missile tests during or after the upcoming trip of US President Joe Biden to South Korea and Japan. While the US wants to respond to North Korea’s missile tests by imposing heavier sanctions, China advocates for a softer approach towards North Korea [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3].
Yang, for his part, stressed the Chinese discontent with the US supporting Taiwan, stating that “[i]f the U.S. side persists in playing the 'Taiwan card' and goes further down the wrong path, it will surely put the situation in serious jeopardy”. [Reuters] [Xinhua]
Cross-strait relations: Biden’s statement on US military involvement in case of Chinese attack on Taiwan
(dql) While in Japan for the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden was asked by a reporter if the US would be “willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan,” in the case of a Chinese attack. The reporter referred to the US’ refusal of a military involvement in the war in Ukraine.
In response, Biden said “Yes,” and “That's the commitment we made.” The answer prompted speculations whether it was an indication a possible shift away from the longstanding of US strategic ambiguity towards the defense of Taiwan or another gaffe of Biden. [CNN] [BBC] [The New York Times]
While the White House was quick to deny any change in US policy towards Taiwan, China’s foreign ministry made clear that “no force in the world including the U.S. can stop the Chinese people from achieving complete national reunification. [New York Post] [CGTN]
US judicial case on Chinese efforts to silence dissidents
(jw) After charging a US citizen and four Chinese intelligence officers who allegedly participated in a scheme to harass and stalk Chinese dissidents living in the US in April, US prosecutors widen their case to include four more defendants who are alleged to be agents for China’s Ministry of State Security in an indictment.
The case already gained attention in March after one of the defendants was alleged to attempt to start a smear campaign on a congressional candidate who is a Chinese dissident [see AiR No. 12, March/2022, 4]. [Associated Press] [US Department of Justice]
Canada to ban China’s Huawei and ZTE from working on its 5G networks
(jw) Canada will join its allies in barring Chinese corporations Huawei Technologies and ZTE from building up a 5G network in the country due to national security concerns. According to Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne who announced the plans on May 19, 5G gear provided by the two companies and already installed would have to be phased out by 2024. Furthermore, Canada will require telecom companies to have Huawei’s and ZTE’s 4G equipment removed by 2024. [Reuters 1]
The decision makes Canada the last member of the intelligence-sharing arrangement named “Five Eyes” to bar Huawei and ZTE from its high-speed networks. Previously, the US has imposed heavy sanctions and restrictions both on Huawei which is a private company and state-owned ZTE. The other members of the “Five Eyes” alliance, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, quickly followed suit and imposed restrictions on the Chinese companies. [BBC]
Canada was also widely expected to move against Huawei and ZTE, but any move was most likely delayed by political struggles between Canada and China after Canadian authorities arrested Huawei’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a US extradition request. Shortly after the arrest, two Canadian citizens were jailed in China and were only allowed to return after Meng’s release [see AiR No. 39, September/2021, 4]. [The Guardian]
The announcement of Canada to move against the Chinese companies is expected to contribute to further the deteriorating relations between the two countries. China condemned the decision as an act of “political manipulation” that violates free-market principles and stems from a coordinated effort with the US to “suppress” Chinese companies. [Associated Press]
However, China continues to engage Canada economically, removing a three-year restriction on imports of Canadian canola seed after suspending two Canadian canola exporters in March 2019. The announcement that the restrictions were lifted came on May 18, one day before Canada announced the ban on Huawei and ZTE. Nevertheless, the export volume of Canadian canola seeds is not expected to rise by a large margin as Canada produced low amounts of canola seeds in the previous year. [Reuters 2]
Czech Republic to reconsider its role in China-led 16+1 platform
(jw) The Czech Republic is reconsidering its engagement in the 16+1 platform which was established as a forum for cooperation between China and 16 countries of central and eastern Europe. After previous Czech governments aimed to deepen ties with China, bilateral relations deteriorated amid failed Chinese investment projects and Czech efforts to increase cooperation with Taiwan.
According to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, “[t]he main initiatives of 16+1, economic diplomacy and the promise of massive investments and mutually beneficial trade, are not being fulfilled even after 10 years." Some Czech officials already called on the government to quit the group altogether. [Reuters]
UK to consider allowing the sale of semiconductor company to Chinese buyer
(jw) UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has to decide by the end of June whether he allows Nexperia, a Dutch subsidiary of the Chinese tech company Wingtech, to purchase Welsh semiconductor company Newport Wafer Fab. Even though multiple assessments claimed that the Welsh semiconductor plant will not pose a security threat if owned by a Chinese company due to its outdated technological capabilities, politicians called on the UK government to protect British expertise in the strategic sector. [Financial Times]
UK authorities are also evaluating the need for tariffs on Chinese exporters of aluminum extrusions used in the transport, construction and electronics industries after the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) said it found evidence of price dumping. The TRA recommended tariffs ranging from 7.3 percent to 29.1 percent in response to the Chinese companies hurting UK companies by undercutting prices. [Reuters]
As the UK debates how to deal with Chinese economic practices, Kwarteng announced that the UK will end its overseas spending in China. According to Kwarteng, the UK government can “make a bigger difference on spending UK aid where it is more needed”. China only received a minute sum of about USD 16 million in aid from the UK last year. [Reuters 2]
Hungary in domestic dispute about campus of Chinese university in capital Budapest
(jw) After the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban signed a deal allowing the Chinese Fudan University to build a campus in the Hungarian capital Budapest, street protestors and members of the opposition accused Orban of wasting space and money as well as ignoring academic freedom and Chinese human rights issues.
However, Budapest’s mayor Gergely Karácsony who demanded the possibility to hold a referendum on the construction of the campus failed with his complaint to Hungary’s Constitutional Court. The top court of Hungary argued that a referendum on obligations under international treaties cannot be held. [South China Morning Post] [Xinhua]
United States preparing USD 500 million arms-aid package for India, report claims
(pb) The United States is reportedly preparing a USD 500 million dollars arms-aid package for India in an effort to turn New Delhi into one of the largest recipients of US aid, stimulate long-term security ties and wean the country from Russian weapons. [ThePrint]
According to a senior US official, the White House is reaching out to India as a reliable partner. It is working with France to meet India’s military requirements as well as trying to accelerate the latter’s efforts to diversify its military platforms away from Russia. Currently, India is the largest buyer of Russian defence weapons. Over the past decade, India has bought more than USD 25 billion military equipment from Russia, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Although the financial package under consideration seems inadequate to provide India with major platforms like fighter jets, naval ships and battle tanks, it is considered a gesture of symbolic support from the US to strengthen India’s national security.
Indonesia criticizes United Kingdom over LGBT+ flag
(bs) Indonesia has summoned the United Kingdom (UK) after the UK embassy in Jakarta flew a rainbow flag symbolizing the LGBT+ community on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, on May 17.
The government urged the UK embassy to respect Indonesian culture and beliefs claiming that although an embassy is a sovereign territory, the UK must respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations which stipulates that only the nation's flag can be flown in embassies. Indonesia does not officially ban LGBT+ people, however, the country targets them under other regulatory laws, according to rights groups. [Independent]
Indonesia, United States sign agreement on emission reduction
(bs) Indonesia and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) committing to enhance cooperation in reducing emissions in Indonesia with a long-term vision. The parties will partner in supporting sustainable forest management, managing and restoring peatlands and mangroves to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting biodiversity wildlife conservation.
The agreement aimed at aligning the countries’ activities to Indonesia’s Forestry and Land Use Net Sink 2030 Operational Plan and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ’s 2022-2030 Climate Strategy. [Antara News]
Indonesia lifts palm oil export ban
(bs/db) On May 23, Indonesia lifted the ban on palm oil export. President Joko Widodo announced the decision on May 19 after witnessing a decrease in the average price of cooking oil in the country. He ensured the population that local cooking oil prices will further lower to reach affordability within a few weeks from the ban lifting.
President Widodo imposed the ban on April 28 quickly causing a further surge in global food costs, as Indonesia is a major palm oil producer globally, and a decrease in local farmers’ income as the price of palm fruit dropped 70 percent under the floor price at a local level. Nonetheless, the president ensured that the move aimed at reducing the chances that Indonesia’s population suffered from an increase in the global market prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February.
However, soon after the ban was imposed, several countries have shown signs of discontent. Among them are main importers like China, India, and Pakistan which have suddenly begun facing a drastic increase in food and cooking oil prices. Moreover, Malaysia, the second largest producer of palm oil, although it has experienced an increase in export to India, Malaysia will not be able to fully replace Indonesia’s top position in the palm oil export markets as the country produces only around 40 percent of Indonesia’s output, according to experts.
The imposition of the ban had also sparked local unrest as hundreds of farmers protested against the move that allegedly caused a decrease in the prices of local fresh fruit. Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo has suffered a huge drop in his approval rating which hit the lowest in over six years. [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3] [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4] [Bloomberg]
Indonesian Muslim cleric refused entry in Singapore for alleged extremist belief
(db) Indonesian Muslim cleric Abdul Somad Batubara was refused entry to Singapore and sent back to Indonesia within hours. The Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement explaining that a visitor’s entry into Singapore “is neither automatic nor a right” and that the cleric’s teachings are far too “segregationist” to be acceptable in Singapore. [Jakarta Globe]
Indonesia’s National Counter-Terrorism Agency director responded to the refusal by noting that Indonesia would not intervene. He agreed that Singapore’s policies are preventive and created to quickly anticipate threats, so no further contest was made on behalf of Batubara and the party he was traveling with. [Channel News Asia]
Laos, Vietnam agree to expand bilateral investments
(bs) Following a three-day visit to Laos, the chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly called on both countries’ businesses to enhance bilateral trade and investments.
During his visit, Vietnam’s representative pushed toward strengthening economic development between Vietnam and Laos as the value trade between the countries has reportedly increased by 33.32 percent from 2020. Both parties have agreed to further boost their trade by 10 to 15 percent between 2021 and 2025. [The Star]
Malaysia petitions appointment of new envoy from Indonesia
(db) The recent appointment of Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as the Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia has sparked mass controversy and criticism from Malaysian citizens and diplomats alike. A petition calling for his removal has gained more than 13,500 signatures. [The Star]
The controversy primarily surrounds Rahman’s conduct at a press conference held after a collision between two light rail trains. His explanation as to why he was absent from the crash on the day, along with his description of it being two trains “kissing” gained him wide unpopularity. He was removed from his role as Prasarana chairman days later, following a different petition calling for his removal that gained over 100,000 signatures. However, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has welcomed the appointment due to Rahman being an experienced politician. [The Straits Times] [Free Malaysia Today]
Maldives to open first embassy in Africa
(sg) The government of Maldives is set to establish its first African embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The announcement followed a ceremony for Sandile Edwin Schalk, the new Non-Resident High Commissioner of South Africa, to the Maldives. Maldives president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated the move would demonstrate the close bond between the two countries. In 2019, Solih announced his country’s intent to establish embassies in multiple countries, including South Africa. The African nation is the largest source of tourists to the Maldives. [Avas] [The Edition]
Myanmar military administration rebuffs Malaysia’s meeting with parallel government
(cmsk/ny) In reaction to meetings between the Malaysian Foreign Minister, Saifuddin Abdullah, and the Myanmar parallel administration or National Unity Government (NUG) representatives, the Myanmar military said Malaysia had violated international anti-terrorism agreements and was undermining the military regime’s efforts at resolving the country’s crisis.
The latest meetings between Abdullah and NUG’s foreign minister took place on the sidelines of the US-ASEAN Summit in Washington last week, where the two sides were reportedly even exploring the possibility of NUG opening an office in Kuala Lumpur. However, the NUG and other opposing groups are branded as terrorist organizations by the Myanmar junta. This time, Malaysia’s Charge d’Affaires was summoned by the junta’s governing body and a diplomatic protest note was also sent to the Malaysian foreign affairs ministry, specifically warning the country’s members of parliament from engaging in any such future interactions.
Malaysia remains an outspoken ASEAN member on the situation in Myanmar, suggesting that a lack of progress in ending violence in Myanmar and the lack of implementation of the ASEAN-led Five Point Consensus was unsatisfactory and unacceptable. Malaysia has also called for transparency in aid delivery to Myanmar, and requested meetings between ASEAN and NUG representatives. [Eleven Myanmar] [Myanmar Now] [Radio Free Asia] [AiR No. 19, May/2022, 2] [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3] [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Myanmar’s parallel government requests international armed assistance
(cmsk) Citing western military aid to Ukraine, Myanmar's parallel administration, the National Unity Government (NUG), has called upon the international community to provide it with arms and ammunition to fight against the military regime to bring a quicker end to the violence and destruction in Myanmar. In response, the United States denied having provided any form of military support to any group, individual, or organization while the European Union has yet to respond to a request for comments.
The NUG reported that it has between 80,000 and 100,000 troops under its command and that although it uses 80 percent of its budget to support its fighters, NUG’s financial support falls short of covering costs for all members of its forces. Presently, the NUG’s armed forces rely heavily on rudimentary rifles and handmade explosives to fight the more superior weaponry of the Myanmar military.
Further, the true extent of the success of Myanmar’s resistance movement remains difficult to quantify with any degree of certainty. Without adequate access to war fronts, the veracity of statistics, often cited by local media, is being called into question by analysts. The risk of pro-resistance media falling prey to their own biases and propaganda remains a conceivable possibility, according to them. [The Irrawaddy] [Reuters] [The Economist]
Australia downgrades diplomatic representative's designation for Myanmar
(cmsk) The Australian government has announced that its current Ambassador to Myanmar will be replaced by another senior official. In the process, the Australian foreign affairs department will also reportedly downgrade the designation from Ambassadorship to Charge d’Affaires for its future representative in Myanmar.
The decision is seen as a move to diminish the legitimacy of the military regime. The Australian Charge d’Affaires in Myanmar will also reportedly fail to present his or her credentials to the military administration, officially known as the State Administration Council.
The news follows last week’s refusal by the junta to renew the visa of a United Kingdom (UK) representative, whose own designation was also downgraded from Ambassadorship to Charge d’Affaires. The UK representative had also not presented his credentials to the military administration whilst he was in Myanmar. Although Australia’s decision was welcomed by Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government, the application of diplomatic pressure on the junta risks complicating matters for Australia, which is also trying to maintain access to top Myanmar officials to secure the release of Sean Turnell, an Australian national and former economic advisor to the ousted government. [ABC News] [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3] [The Irrawaddy]
Philippines, China to expand relationship amidst territorial disputes
(db) The Philippines’ President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his intentions to expand ties with China. According to the Chinese embassy in Manila, a phone call occurred between Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping which focused on bilateral ties and regional development. Marcos Jr. said the way to expand the ties between China and the Philippines is not just by diplomatic and trade ties, but also through culture, education, knowledge, and health. [ABC] [Sydney Morning Herald]
However, it remains unclear how the issue of territorial disputes and maritime tensions over the South China Sea will be resolved. On May 20, the Philippines established three coast guard outposts on a disputed territory to monitor ship movements. This move will be frowned upon by Beijing, which has transformed seven reefs into armed military bases contrary to Permanent Court of Arbitration rulings in 2016. [Federal News Network]
Singapore, Thailand sign agreement on digital economy
(bs) Singapore’s representatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Thailand to allow the country to join the bilateral Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) which aims at facilitating end-to-end digital trade, enabling trusted data flows, use of e-payments, developing safe digital identities, enhancing the confidence of businesses and consumers, and introducing digital economy standards. [The Nation Thailand]
Singapore, Vietnam to deepen economic cooperation
(bs) Singaporean representatives are paying a diplomatic visit to Vietnam. During a meeting on May 18, the parties agreed to enhance economic cooperation. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation, green and sustainable economy, security and defense, and culture and sports. Singapore is also set to visit Vietnam in 2023 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the countries’ diplomatic relations.
The Singaporean President expressed wishes to enhance economic and industrial cooperation with Vietnam. Meanwhile, his Vietnamese counterpart voiced his hope that both Singapore and Vietnam will maintain their position in international forums by adhering to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s standards. He also encouraged the parties to keep acting in compliance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. [Vietnam News] [The Star]
Australia intercepts unauthorized Sri Lankan vessel
(lm) Australian Border Force last week confirmed that it had intercepted an unauthorized vessel from Sri Lanka near the Christmas Island. The interception was the second in recent days; a first vessel had been intercepted in Sri Lankan waters by the Sri Lankan Navy. [ABC News]
Taiwan again not invited to WHA
(dql) Taiwan failed to be invited to attend the annual assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO), after a proposal submitted by 13 WHO members to allow Taiwan to join as an observer was not included in the official agenda due to pressure from China. [Reuters]
This comes after US Biden signed a bill into law help Taiwan regain observer status at the World Health Assembly (WHA) earlier this month [see AiR No. 20, May/2022, 3]. Similarly, the German parliament last week passed a resolution calling on the German government to advocate for the participation of Taiwan in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mechanisms and activities as well as in the World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO’s decision-making body which is meeting this week. Backed by all political parties in parliament, the resolution cited Taiwan’s continued contribution to a global response to Covid-19 from the early stages of the pandemic, and pointed to the fact that Taipei was granted participation in the WHA and access to WHO mechanism in the years between 2009 to 2016 before current independent-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in Taiwan. [Focus Taiwan]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
25 May 2022 @ 14:30 (GMT+4), Bruegel, Belgium
How Can We Support And Restructure Firms Hit By The Covid-19 Crisis
This event will critically look at policy support in facilitating the process of restructuring firms negatively affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Visit [Bruegel] for more information.
27 May 2022 @ 12:00pm (GMT-4), Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), USA
China’s Entrenched Inequality Problem: A Big Data China Event
The Trustee Chair of CSIS in Chinese Business and Economics in collaboration with the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI) on May 27, this year will be launching their second feature on Big Data China, focusing on their latest digital report, “How Inequality Is Undermining China’s Prosperity,” highlighting how trends in China’s labor market, educational attainment, automation, and rural employment are uniting to harden inequality, affecting prospects of growth and political stability.
More details can be found [here].
27 May 2022 @ 2:00pm (GMT-4), Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Headquarters, Washington DC
Modernization Priorities for the Australian Army - A Conversation with Major General Simon Stuart
Inviting the Australian Army Major General, Simon Stuart for a conversation on the Australian Army's modernization programs, the CSIS Missile Defense Project will be spearheading this conversation on May 27. In this insightful conversation, the Major General will be detailing some of the Army's modernization priorities including future long-range fires, integrated air and missile defense, hypersonic weapons research and development efforts, and next generation communications, aviation, and combat vehicles.
Visit [CSIS] for more details.
25 May 2022 @ 9:30-10:30 a.m. (GMT), Chatham House, UK
What’s Next for Britain’s Defence Strategy
John Healey MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence in this brief event outlines Labour’s vision for what’s next with Britain’s defence strategy after the invasion of Ukraine. This event will be followed by a coffee reception.
For more about this event, see [Chatham House].
26 May 2022 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT), Chatham House, UK
War on Ukraine: an assessment of the military and political role of the UK
Britain’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the lessons learnt would be the highlight of this event, discussing Britain’s military and political role in supporting Ukraine since February.
To learn more, visit [Chatham House].
26 May 2022 @ 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (GMT), Chatham House, UK
Africa and Europe: Cooperation on Digital Transitions and New Technologies
At this year’s edition of the 11th Africa Day International Conference collaborative links between Africa and Europe in promoting responsible innovation and governance of emerging technologies, as well as the role of technology in shaping creative and cultural economies will examined, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, His Excellency Mr. Borut Pahor.
Click [here] for more details.
25 May 2022 @ 9:00-10:00 a.m. (GMT+4), Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), USA
Russia's Economic Prospects Amid Its War in Ukraine
The event convenes experts who will be elaborating on short-term developments, depth of decoupling from the global economy and structural impacts, and implications for Europe and the rest of the world in relation to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Get more details about this event at [PIIE].
25 May 2022 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Wilson Center, USA
Statelessness in the Middle East
The expert historians and panelists at this event will examine case studies of stateless peoples across the twentieth century and into the present day to understand its impact on regional security, politics, and societies.
To find out more, visit [Wilson Center].
25 May 2022 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Wilson Center, USA
The Role of Masculinities in International Security and Peacekeeping
In collaboration with the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI), the Wilson Center’s Maternal Health Initiative on May 25 will be holding a panel discussion on the role of masculinities in international security issues. During which the concept of masculinities defining peacekeeping operations and more will be assessed.
Find more about the event at [Wilson Center].
25 May 2022 @ 4:00-5:15 p.m. (GMT-4), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Middle East Center (Lebanon), USA
Post-elections: What does the future hold for Lebanon?
The Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center and the Italian Institute for International Political Studies on May 25 will be holding a public panel to unpack all issues related to Lebanon’s elections and the aftermath.
Join this information-packed event live on zoom by visiting [Carnegie] for more information.
31 May 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (GMT+2), Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), Belgium
Rethinking the EU’s role in global governance – Key pathways from the TRIGGER project
This event will introduce the Trigger project showcasing the complete work conducted to provide EU institutions with better knowledge and tools to enhance their actorness, effectiveness, and influence in global governance, and to develop new ways to harness the potential of public engagement and participatory foresight in complex governance decisions.
More details on this event can be found on the [CEPS] website.
26 May 2022 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT +8), Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), The Philippines
Building Resilience with Social Protection in Time of Crisis
This online event will present an innovative deep dive into the varying delivery of social protection and poverty reduction assistance
Join this event and get more details [here].
26 May 2022 @ 12:00-1:00pm (GMT-4), Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Canada
Competition Policy Series: The Competition Act and Canada’s Digital Future
With digital technologies reshaping markets in many profound ways, Canada looks ahead to a consultation on the modernization of the Competition Act, with now being the right time to discuss why competition matters, why the Competition Bureau and the Competition Act are critical to economic recovery, and how today’s digital marketplace is disrupting and reshaping the economy. For further information about this event, see [CIGI].
In addressing these two key questions: “What does success look like for governments attempting to address challenges with the current information ecosystem?” and “What is at the core of the problem these efforts are trying to address?”, this virtual event will seek to answer these questions and clarify the objectives of digital platform governance and to tackle how to measure the effectiveness of government action.
For more details, visit this [link]
26 May 2022 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Urban Institute, USA
Advancing Racial Equity in Our Communities: Fair Housing and Land Use
Local land-use policies, especially in the form of exclusionary zoning is worth deliberating on and this virtual event will discuss such policies and how they inhibit millions of Black and Brown Americans’ abilities to secure stable, affordable housing and leverage housing mobility options in addition to solutions that could help largely Black and Brown communities in the United States thrive economically and sustainably in the context of decentralized governance, racism, and inadequate public resources..
Visit [urban] to learn more about this event.
31 May 2022, 6:30-8:00 p.m. (GMT+2), Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), Denmark
Offshoring refugees to Rwanda: A new era for Europe’s anti-refugee policies?
This webinar will aim to examine the most recent deals concerning processing and protection of asylum seekers. A panel of legal and migration scholars will analyse the implications of such deals for asylum seekers and the future legal implications for refugee protection in Europe and beyond.
To find out more, see [DIIS].
26 May 2022, 2:00-3:15 p.m. (GMT+2) Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), China
Understanding Common Misconceptions about Audiences: Talk Back Better Webinar Series
This webinar will confront the systemic under-conceptualization of ‘audiences’ and ‘publics’. It will explore how we move away from received ideas of a generic public, and work towards a notion of science communication which is about mediation, or social cohesion building. In addition, the webinar will acknowledge the idea of ‘created’ audiences and adapt ideas from cognitive science or political campaigns for public engagement.
For further details about this event, visit [here].
26 May 2022, 5:00-6:15 p.m. (GMT-4) American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI), USA
Realizing the Dream: What Does the Success Sequence Have to Do with the Economic Welfare of Black and Hispanic Young Adults?
Ninety-seven percent of young adults who follow the success sequence which means (earning at least a high school degree, working full-time, and marrying before childbearing), avoid poverty by their 30s, and a vast majority enter the middle class and beyond. But some arguments have been raised that the success sequence is less effective for African Americans, Hispanics, and young adults from low-income families.
To find out the truth behind such arguments, visit [here].
25 May 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (GMT+2) German Development Institute (DIE), Germany
Advancing Sustainable Urban Development in Remote Regions
This interdisciplinary expert workshop is dedicated to bring together experts from Arctic and non-Arctic research projects to discuss approaches to sustainable urban development and how such development can be steered more effectively to align with local and global policies
See [DIE] for more details about this event.
26 May 2022, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. (GMT), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
The Grand Alliance and Victory in the Second World War
This lecture examines the tensions in forging Allied strategy and the planning of the post-war world, asking whether the Grand Alliance, formed between the Big Three – the British Empire, the Soviet Union and the United States could have survived the end of the war or whether the Cold War was indeed inevitable.
More details on this event can be found on the [LSE] website.
30 May 2022, 3:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: a flashpoint of regional competition
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is seen as a Chinese strategy to proclaim itself in international political arena using Pakistan as its peripheral allied state. This lecture will investigate the challenges that Pakistan is facing today due to severe criticism on the building of the CPEC—which is taken as Pakistan’s economic lifeline. The lecture will also focus on the interaction of geostrategic location of the Gwadar Port and regional power politics and how the divergence of interests of global and regional actors has increasingly impacted Pakistan’s security paradigm.
To find out more, see this [webpage].
31 May 2022, 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
Russia-Ukraine Dialogues: impact on NATO and European security
This week’s dialogue by LSE IDEAS discusses the impact of the war on transatlantic defense and security as NATO prepares to adopt a new Strategic Concept in June. This lecture will discuss into depth the impact the war has had on the development of the EU’s Strategic Compass, the key issues that came out of the NATO 2030 initiative and how the war has altered the thinking behind NATO’s upcoming Strategic Concept
See [here] for more details about this event.
31 May 2022, 5:00-6:30 p.m. (GMT), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
A New Bretton Woods: the International System in Historical Perspective
Looking at lessons from the history of global governance and global economic governance, this discussion will highlight everything from integrating a rising power (that is, China) into an existing and ill-fitting international system, how to account for and reverse the shortcomings of international organisations throughout the Global South, how to manage a global economy at war, how to establish a peaceful and durable post-war settlement, and more.
For more information on this event, follow this [link].
25 May 2022, 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
The Future of Global Tech Security
This event will feature a fireside chat between US Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez and former US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach to discuss the importance of US efforts to work with likeminded allies and partners to protect global tech security and democracy in the face of growing techno-authoritarianism.
Visit [Atlantic Council] for more.
25 May 2022, 10:30 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council. USA
Ukraine Crisis: The African Answer
From energy to security (including food), not to mention the reform of the International Development Architecture and the ongoing global powers competition, the African continent is expected to play an increasing role on the international stage. The votes of African nations at the UN about the Russian invasion of Ukraine raise additional questions about their influence and intentions in the context of the new geopolitical order.
Visit [here] for more information.
25 May 2022, 2:00pm (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
Future Foreign Policy: The Global South’s responses to the Ukraine crisis
The Future Foreign Policy series features new perspectives to expand the US toolkit to address traditional threats, confront emerging challenges, and enable greater and more robust global engagement with allies and partners.
More information accessed [here].
25 May 2022, 2:30pm (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in National Security and Defense
As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms national security and defense, it is crucial for the Department of Defense (DoD), Congress, and the private sector to closely collaborate to advance major AI development priorities. However, key barriers remain, as bureaucracy, acquisition processes, and organizational culture continue to inhibit the military’s ability to bring in external innovation and move more rapidly toward AI integration and adoption. As China—and, to a lesser extent, Russia—develop their own capabilities, the stakes of the military AI competition are high, and time is short.
Follow this [link] for more about this event
26 May 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
China’s Faltering “Zero COVID-19” Policy: Politics in Command, Economy in Reverse
Launching a new report from GeoEconomics Center and the Global China Hub, a panel discussion on China’s zero COVID-19 policy, featuring report authors Jeremy Mark, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center, and Michael Schuman, senior fellow with the Atlantic Council Global China Hub, as well as Lingling Wei, chief China correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, will be held to unpack the domestic political drivers, economic repercussions, and the political, diplomatic, and human costs of zero COVID-19.
Get more details about this event [here].
26 May 2022, 1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council, USA
The Future of Institutional Investment in African Markets
The Africa Center and MiDA Advisors share a commitment to building connections between US and African investors. Investment opportunities abound with Africa’s increasing integration into global markets and demographic growth. This event is an opportunity to engage directly with global institutional investors, project sponsors, and US and African business leaders to take part in a discussion on investment-led growth, job creation, and ways to deepen US-African commercial ties.
Visit this [page] for more information.
31 May 2022, 1:30 p.m. (GMT-4), Atlantic Council. USA
A Conversation with Secretary Christine Wormuth on the Army’s Role in the National Defense Strategy
The US Secretary of the Army, Hon. Christine Wormuth, on May 31, will join the Atlantic Council in a conversation with the Wall Street Journal’s Vivian Salama to discuss the US Army’s role in deterring and defending against threats to the United States and its allies and partners with regards to the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine.
For further information, see this [webpage].
26 May 2022, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Italy
Price and Prejudice part 2: Reconfiguring the EU Energy System between Energy Security and Decarbonisation
Russia’s war to Ukraine has drastically changed the energy and political paradigm. Europe expressed its strong political commitment to wean itself off Russia’s gas, outlined in its REPowerEU strategy. Through this strategy, the European Commission seeks to increase energy security, while fostering decarbonization in line with its 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Under this strategy, a relevant player for energy security will be the liquefied natural gas (LNG). Higher LNG imports to Europe need to address several issues and entail major consequences for the global energy markets. Meanwhile, the current crisis has also boosted Europe’s commitment toward climate neutrality. In doing so, the EU needs to reconcile energy security in the short term and its climate targets in the long term.
Register [here] for time of event and further details.
Recent Book Releases
David Jeevendrampillai, Citizenship, Democracy and Belonging in Suburban Britain: Making the Local, UCL Press, 228 pages, published on October 13, 2021, reviewed in [LSE].
Ben S. Bernanke, 21st Century Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve from the Great Inflation to COVID-19, W. W. Norton & Company, 512 pages, published on May 17, 2022. For a review, see [The New York Times].
Paul Kennedy, Victory at Sea: Naval Power and the Transformation of the Global Order in World War II, Yale University Press, 544 pages, published on April 26, 2022. The book is reviewed in [The New York Times]
Shane Bunnag, Chariot of the Sun: An Informal History of a Siamese Family, River Books, 296 pages, published on May 9, 2022. See [Asian Review of Books] for a review.
Calls for Papers
IGI Global invites chapter proposals for a collected volume on “The Economics of Talent Management and Human Capital”. Deadline for proposal submission in June 15, 2022. For more information, see [IGI Global].
Ventana invites paper proposal for the conference “Decolonial Dialogues from within and beyond the Global Margins,” to held on October 5-7, 2022. Closing date for submission of proposals is June 22, 2022. Visit [Ventana] for more information.
Jobs and Positions
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is looking for a Project Coordination Analyst. The position is based in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Deadline for application is June 7, 2022. More information is available at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hiring a Global Knowledge Advisor. The position is based in Istanbul, Turkey. Deadline for application is June 6, 2022. More information is available at [UNDP].
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Managing Attorney. The position is based in Seattle, WA USA. Visit [IRC] for more details.
The World Bank Group is recruiting a Senior Economist to be based in Washington, DC, United States. Closing date for application is June 1, 2022. Find more about the vacancy at [World Bank].
FHI 360 is looking for a Program Manager. The position is based on Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. For more details, see [FHI 360].
Team:
Andrew Pathomphop Heinz (aph), Beatrice Siviero (bs), Charisma M. S. Kundan (cmsk), Chithra Madhusudhanan (cm), Dana Lane Batac (db), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Faryal Qazi (fq), Grace Learmonth-Lo, Henning Glaser (hg), Hira Akram (ha), Julian Wendt (jw), Kevin Downey (kd), Lois Barker (lb), Lucas Meier (lm), Morten Strantzen (ms), Peeranat Wongbandit (pw), Poonam Behura (pb), Rakshit Kumar (rk), Sally Dobie, Sebastian Gräff (sg), Tarapoom Panpin (tp), Ulrike Immler, Venus Phuangkom, Yin Nyein Myat (ny)
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