Grasp the pattern, read the trend

No. 52, December/2021, 4

Brought to you by CPG

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the last Asia in Review (AiR) issue in 2021. 

Special greetings are extended to everyone who celebrates Mongolia’s Independence Day in this week.

In the name of the AiR team, I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2022. 

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: Strategic merger to gain global dominance in rare earth production 

(tp) China’s top rare earth producers, including units from the Aluminium Corporation of China, China Ninmetals, Ganzhou Rare Earth Group and two rare earth technology developers, have merged to establish a competitive global force in the strategic rare earth sector. 

The merger is the largest of its kind in the world, forming The China Rare Earth Group. It was formed to address issues in homogeneous domestic competition and the technological gap with foreign peers in downstream sectors. In 2021, it accounted for 62 percent of heavy rare earth supplies nationally and possessed 31 percent of the national total mining quota, and 29 percent of national smelting quota.

Rare earth elements are vital components in electronic devices, wind turbines, electric cars and military equipment. 

Analysts say that the move will help China maintain global competitiveness and help it respond to future external challenges, including trade tensions with the United States. 

China enjoys market dominance in rare earth production, something former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping once compared to as equivalent to the Middle East’s dominance of crude oil supply. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China exported 44,830 metric tonnes of rare earth in the first 11 months of this year, a 43.3 percent increase from the previous year. [SCMP]

China: Science and Technology law to be amended to emphazise state’s role in innovation 

(tp) National lawmakers on the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the permanent body of the country's legislature, have proposed amendments to the country’s science and technology progress law in a bid to boost innovation in ‘frontier technologies’ like artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

The changes include a boost in spending to frontier areas as China seeks leadership of next-generation technologies and places more emphasis on the government’s role in aiding “long-term science and technology planning”. 

This marks the second time the law was amended since been implemented in 1993, after 2007 changes emphasized more corporate engagement. 

The urgent change of laws is partly a result of US sanctions that have restricted China’s access to certain advanced technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence. President Xi Jinping addressed scientists in May in an urgent call to action, saying China should be prepared for “unprecedented” scientific and technological competition, which has become the “the main battleground” of a global power rivalry. [SCMP 1] [SCMP 2]

A report published last week by the Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs, at the Harvard Kennedy School, argued that China could become a global leader in critical technologies in coming decades, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]. 

China: Government's commitment to reach pork self-sufficiency production targets

(tp) China has reaffirmed its long-term goal to become almost entirely self-sufficient in pork production in an effort to achieve Beijing’s food security goals. 

As the world’s largest pork consumer, China will maintain a target to produce 95 percent of pork production at home until 2025. 

The self-sufficiency goals come after the African swine fever outbreak in 2019 that destroyed roughly half of China’s pork production, resulting in record high prices in meat and pork imports. The new targets will reduce China’s reliance on meat imports and stabilise meat supplies and prices, however, will increase its reliance on imports for soybeans and grain for hog feed. 

Other food security goals include targets to produce 100 percent of poultry and eggs, 85 percent of beef and mutton, and 70 percent of dairy. [South China Morning Post]

China: Study warns rising global temperatures could threaten China’s food security 

(tp) A study conducted by an international team of researchers and published in journal Nature Food warns that a 4-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures could have a significant effect on China’s food security and could result in crop pests and diseases (CPDs) doubling by 2100. 

With a population of 1.4 billion people, China is the largest producer of rice, wheat and maize in the world, crops of which are highly prone to pests and diseases such as fungus, researchers say. The problem is predicted to become especially sever in the two main crop-producing areas of China in the North China Plains and the eastern middle-lower Yangtze Plains.

The team of researchers have found climate change to be responsible for over one-fifth of CPD increase, particularly in northern and southwest China, and identified increasing night-time temperatures and the falling number of frost days as large factors. [South China Morning Post]

China: Incentives to tackle declining birth rates

(tp) In a bid to tackle China’s ageing population and declining birth rates, Chinese policymakers at both the national and provincial level have introduced a number of financial incentives throughout 2021 to encourage couples to bear more children. 

Census data shows that China’s population is expanding at its lowest rate since the 1950s, with fertility rates on par with ageing countries like Japan and Italy of 1.3 children per woman in 2020.

Attempts to address declining birth-rates first began in 2016 when the government ended the one-child policy, and have since attempted to ease the cost of having children and education, introduced subsidies for second and third children, and implemented mandatory “cooling off” periods for divorces. [See AiR, No. 50, December/2021, 2]. In June, the government introduced large exemptions and tax cuts for couples with certain small businesses having more children. [Reuters 1]

In the most recent of government attempts to combat declining population rates, the northeastern province of Jilin has begun offering married couples bank loans up to 200,000 yuan (USD $31,400) for having children. This comes after the region’s population faced a 10.3% decline in 2020 compared with 2010 while Jilin slumped a greater 12.7%. 

The government of Jilin also said that it would also extend the duration of paid maternity leave by 82 days, and a paternity leave by 10 days. 

Declining population rates for Jilin and other northeastern rustbelt provinces like Liaoning and Heilongjiang are especially prominent as residents venture to other provinces to seek greater work opportunities while couples tend to defer marriage or having children. [Reuters 2] [Reuters 3]

China: Media star handed $210 million fine for tax evasion

(tp) Chinese live streamer star and leading e-commerce influencer Huang Wei, known as Viya online, has been fined RMB 1.34 billion (USD $210 million) and had her social media accounts suspended by Chinese authorities for tax evasion. The tax bureau of China’s e-commerce hub Hangzhou has accused Viya of hiding 643 million yuan in total taxes between 2019 and 2020. [SCMP 1]

Viya’s fine is the latest example of a Chinese celebrity handed an exemplary punishment in the ongoing crackdown on celebrities, after two other top influencers on Alibaba were also recently fined for tax evasion and had their social media accounts removed. Furthermore, nearly 90 celebrities were “warned” over live-streaming content.[Variety] [BBC News]

The tax bureau has since warned some of China’s other most influential stars with unpaid or incorrectly filed taxes to take action within 10 days or face similar punishments. [SCMP 2]

China: Alibaba cloud cyber security deal suspended by regulator

(tp) Alibaba Cloud Computing, subsidiary of e-commerce platform Alibaba Group, has had an information-sharing partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) suspended over accusations of failing to promptly report and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

The suspension reflects the government’s greater desire to control online infrastructure and data in the name of national security. [Reuters 1]

In a related earlier development, the Chinese city of Tianjin of 14 million asked municipally controlled companies in August to move their data from Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings to a state-backed cloud system by 2022. [Reuters 2]

China: Regulators to revise women’s rights and sexual harassment laws

(tp) The rise of the online #MeToo Movement in China has resulted in a proposal to revise laws on women’s rights in the workplace to strengthen protection against gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment. 

The revision constitutes sexual harassment as any comments with sexual connotations, inappropriate bodily behaviour, sexually explicit images, or suggestions of benefits in exchange for sex towards a woman without her consent.  An employer would be in breach of gender-based discrimination laws if they were to fire or reduce a woman’s salary for getting married, becoming pregnant, taking maternity leave, or breastfeeding in the workplace. 

The proposed amendments also extend to the domestic home, where women have the right to demand compensation from their husbands in a divorce if they bear responsibility of taking care of the household. 

The amendments are expected to be debated by the standing committee of the National People’s Congress on Friday, while the implementation timeline remains unclear. [The Guardian]

The proposed amendments come after #MeToo victim and tennis star Peng Shuai made online allegations of sexual assault against former vice-premier, Zhang Gaoli, in November and former Alibaba employee accused Alibaba of firing her after making sexual harassment allegations against a colleague [See AiR, No. 45, November/2021, 2] [Newsmax World]

China: Ethnic minority language teaching declared unconstitutional 

(tp/dql) A Legal Affairs Committee 2021 report has revealed a constitutionality review on ethnic education regulations in China’s autonomous regions, ruling that ethnic minority language teaching is unconstitutional and that Mandarin should be promoted to deepen national unity. 

The review, requested by an unidentified department of the State Council claiming that ethnic minority language teaching is unconducive to ethnic integration, was revealed at the National People’s Congress Standing Committee last Tuesday.

The decision was based on the promotion of a national language and “correct character”, reflecting China’s intensification of its cultural assimilation and promotion of the dominant Mandarin language as a priority. [SCMP]

In September 2020, ethnic Mongolians in northern China staged rallies to protest against rules to reduce teaching in the Mongolian language in favor of Chinese in three subjects – including politics, history, and language and literature – before completely switching to Mandarin [see AiR No. 35, September/2020, 1]. In August this year, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) extended compulsory Mandarin teaching to pre-schoolers in the Northern region of inner Mongolia starting in the fall semester 2021 [see also AiR No. 33, August/2021, 3].

Hong Kong: Statue marking Tiananmen Square crackdown removed

(tp/dql) A famous statue showing piled-up corpses to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown was removed from its display at the University of Hong Kong on Wednesday, December 22, with security guards blocking reporters from the scene and prevented the filming of the statue’s dismantlement. 

The statue – called the Pillar of Shame – represented the hundreds, if not thousands, of pro-democracy protestors that were killed by Chinese authorities during widespread protests in the summer of 1989. The incident is a highly sensitive political issue in Beijing, with authorities banning any reference to the events of June 4. 

The removal represents another recent move by Chinese authorities to crack down on political dissent in Hong Kong, with experts, academics and students criticizing the University of Hong Kong and authorities for attempting to “rewrite history” and “cover up their crimes”. [The Guardian] [See also AiR, No. 33, August/2021, 3]

In response, the university issue a statement clarifying that the decision to remove the statue was based on “external legal advice and risk assessment for the best interest of the university. The university is also very concerned about the potential safety issues resulting from the fragile statue.” [BBC]

Similarly, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Lingnan University also confirmed the removal of statue known as the Goddess of Democracy and a wall relief memorialising the 1989 crackdown respectively. [SCMP]

Japan: Government panel publishes advisory reports on imperial succession 

(la) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received two reports on Wednesday, December 22, from a special government panel established to research how stable imperial succession can be preserved [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]. 

Two options to counter the dwindling number of heirs to the throne were laid out. One is to allow female imperial family members who marry commoners to keep their royal status, the other two allow male heirs from former imperial branches to be adopted back into the family. The panel also stated that permitting women or matrilineal imperial members to ascend the throne should be decided over in the future, referring to the fact that such a solution is not allowed under the current law, but has been repeatedly been topic of public debate in the past.

In response to the proposals, Kishida stated he will respect the conclusions made in the report, but that the government also needs to consider whether the proposals made by the panel do not conflict with the Constitution and the will of the Imperial Family members themselves. 

The Japanese imperial family has on multiple occasions faced succession-related problems due to a lack of eligible heirs. This problem is partially due to Japan’s strict imperial succession laws: only male heirs with an emperor on their patrilineal side are eligible for the throne. Currently merely three heirs to Emperor Naruhito satisfy these criteria:  Naruhito’s younger brother Crown Prince Akishino, 56, his uncle Prince Hitachi, 86, and his nephew Prince Hisahito, 15. [The Japan Times]

Japan: Deputy Governor fined for violating election laws

(la) Yamaguchi Deputy Governor Kazuhiko Komatsu received a 300,000 yen (US$2,600) fine on Friday for violating Japanese election law by recruiting supporters for current Foreign Minster Yoshimasa Hayashi during the October general elections. According to the summary indictment that was handed in by prosecutors on Friday, Komatsu had tried to convince prefectural government officials to join Hayashi’s political support group. At the time, Hayashi competed against former Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura, to acquire the official endorsement of the Liberal Democratic Party during the lower house election from the Yamaguchi No. 3 constituency. Public servants are prohibited from making use of their positions during elector campaigns under Japan's Public Offices Election Law.

Komatsu told reporters he has handed in his resignation, which the government later accepted. [Kyodo News]

Japan: First hangings in two years

(dql) Three Japanese nationals were hanged men on December 21 for murdering and killing in 2004 and 2003 respectively. The hangings were Japan’s first executions for two years. 

Japan belongs to one of only a small number of developed countries in which the death penalty is in use. Backed by high levels of public support for the penalty, the Japanese government has so far consistently opposed calls for abolition from the European Union and human rights groups as well as from Japanese lawyers and legal professionals.

Over 100 prisoners are currently on death row, most of them for mass murder. [The Guardian] 

Meanwhile, a government white paper revealed that 2020 saw about 614,000 criminal offenses, marking the lowest figure in the postwar era. However, cybercrime cases, including online fraud and child prostitution, increased for the fourth-straight year to about 8,700. [NHK]

North Korea’s cybercrime revenues

(dql) North Korea reportedly deployed “AppleJeus” malware in over 30 countries, enabling the country to raise nearly 320 million USD from 2019 to November 2020. The amount is comparable to Pyongyang’s revenues through coal exports, which are capped at annually 400 million USD under global sanctions.

In the past ten years since Kim Jong-un assumed power, North Korea is said to have raised some 2.3 billion USD through cybercrime, especially through extorting money through ransomware, hijacking digitally mined currency, and laundering ill-gotten gains through cryptocurrency exchanges.  [The Dong-a Ilbo]

For an outlook of Pyongyang’s cybercrime activities in 2022, see Jason Bartlett in [The Diplomat] who predicts of increase of such activities while the international community still lacks a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to counter them. 

North Korea: Core party meeting to take place this week

(dql) North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un is believed to convene an important meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in this week at which he could unveil the country’s policy directions the next year. The meeting would come amid the protracted stalemate in nuclear negotiations with the US and an economy which struggle from crippling sanctions and a prolonged border closure due to Covid-19. [Business Standard]

For an assessment of the first ten years of Kim, who came to power in December 2011, see Scott A. Snyder in [Council on Foreign Relations] who sees accomplishments in particular on the military side  and failures in his attempts in achieving the country’s economic recovery.

For latest numbers of Pyongyang’s arsenal of ballistic missiles as revealed by South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense, see [NK News]. 

South Korea: Former President Park to receive presidential pardon

(dql) Former President Park Geun-hye is among nearly 3100 individuals to be granted President Moon Jae-in’s New Year special pardons. Park is Moon’s predecessor who was impeached in 2017 and sentenced in 2018 to a combined 22-year term for charges including abuse of power and bribery. In reference to the politically divisive conviction of Park, Moon called his decision to pardon Park an attempt to “move into a new era by getting over the pains of the past,” adding that “[i]t is time to boldly pull together all our strengths for the future rather than fighting against each other while being preoccupied with the past.” [Korea Times]

Park’s pardoning has become a divisive issue of South Korean party politics the ahead of the presidential election in February and has been met with mixed reactions. The opposition People Power Party (PPP) which demanded such a presidential move, welcomed the pardon of the party’s former leader. Moon’s own party, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) which had strongly opposed Park’s pardon, expressed respect for the President’s decision. However, party members voiced concerns that it might cause disappointment among supporters. [The New York Times] [Yonhap]

Civic groups and labor organizations, however, rejected the pardon calling it politically motivated move ahead of the election in which the PPP candidate Yoon Suk-yeol and DP candidate Lee Jae-myung (DP) are running neck and neck, with the former currently leading 40.1 percent against the latter’s 37 percent. [KBS] [Korea Herald 1]

For an account on how fatigue is growing among the population as the presidential campaign has been increasingly overshadowed by scandals involving the candidates’ relatives, see [Korea Herald 2]. [See also AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]

In a latest development, a second key figure in the Daejang-dong land development scandal has been found dead, less than two weeks after after another key figure also died. The deceased, Seongnam Development Corp.’s development chief Kim Moon-ki, was among those prosecutors were questioning as part of their investigation into the development project, which took place while now-presidential candidate Lee Jae-myeong was mayor of the city. [Hankyoreh] [See also AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]

South Korea: Ruling party, satellite party announce merger deal 

(aml) The ruling Democratic Party (DPK) and the minor Open Democratic Party have announced their merger agreement on Sunday, December 26, in an effort to strengthen unity in the liberal political block only a few months before the presidential election on March 9. The agreement included also a political agenda which – among other – provides an open nomination system for proportional representation parliamentary seats, a system that allows citizens to recall their lawmakers, and a real estate market oversight institution. 

The minor party was considered a satellite party of the DPK since it was launched by former DPK lawmakers ahead of last year’s parliamentary election in which it won three seats in the National Assembly. [The Korea Herald]

South Korea: Moon urges conglomerates to create more jobs for youth 

(aml) South Korean President Moon Jae-in called for the creation of more quality jobs for the younger generation during a meeting with the chiefs of South Korea’s six biggest conglomerates on Monday, December 27. Moon emphasized the importance of a cooperation between the public and the private sector and thanked the chiefs of Hyundai Motor, SK, LG, POSCO, KT, and Samsung Electronics for their promises to create 179,000 jobs over the next three years. Over the past few months, the six have signed respective agreements with the government to fight youth unemployment.

The meeting was attended by Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong who was paroled in August this year, after serving a prison sentence for his involvement in the 2016 influence peddling scandal of former President Park Geun-hye who has been given the presidential New Year’s pardon this year. [The Korea Times]

South Korea: Seoul education chief indicted in alleged power abuse case 

(aml) Cho Hee-yeon, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education was indicted on Friday, December 24, for allegedly abusing his power in influencing the reinstating process of five teachers who had been dismissed for engaging in labor union activities in 2018. The Soul Central District Prosecutors Office indicted Cho for violating state public official laws and his former chief secretary as an accomplice. Cho has repeatedly denied the allegations. [The Korea Times] [The Korea Herald]

South Korea to invest $541 million in nuclear safety research and development

(aml) South Korea’s Prime Minster Kim Boo-kyum announced on Monday, December 27, that South Korea will invest 642.4 billion won ($541.1 million) into research and development to improve the safety of the country’s nuclear reactors. This is part of a five-year plan until 2026 that aims at reinforcing the safety of South Korea’s nuclear industry and at creating new strategic business based on new technology. [The Korea Herald]

South Korea: Deployment of upgraded reconnaissance vehicles concluded

(dql) South Korea’s Defense Ministry announced that it has completed the deployment of upgraded reconnaissance vehicles that are equipped with stronger capabilities to counter chemical and biological security threats, capable of monitoring hazardous airborne agents from a long distance and sending a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) warning via a military communications line. [Yonhap News Agency]

Taiwan: Opposition outrage after DPP skips committee review for budget plan

(zh) In a move prompting an outrage among opposition parties, Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) used its parliamentary majority to skip committee review stage for the government’s budget bill and to immediately move it to the second hearing.  

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) decried the move as unprecedented in the island’s parliamentary history, accusing President Tsai Ing-wen and the head of the DPP caucus Ker Chien-ming of having “marred democracy.” Another opposition New Power Party (NPP) also condemned DPP’s move, saying there was no legitimate reason for the party to skip the committee review.

In defense, DPP said the move was necessary as the delayed bill must be cleared before the end of the calendar year according to regulations. Accusing KMT of being “irrational and irresponsible” for trying to protract the budget review, the party said pushing the bill was needed for “the progress of the nation’s economy.” 

The standard procedure is first for relevant committees to review and approve parts of the budget plan, after which the bill then proceeds to a second reading and a third reading. [Focus Taiwan 1][Focus Taiwan 2]

Taiwan: Petition signed to remove Chiang Kai-shek statue

(zh) More than 400 human rights and other civil society groups in Taiwan have signed a petition calling for the removal of a statue of Chiang Kai-shek in Taipei’s Memorial Hall, saying it would be key to promote transitional justice. The petition seeks support for an initial plan by the Transitional Justice Commission (TJC) to remove “symbols of authoritarianism”. The plan also intends to turn the memorial hall into a public park themed “reflections on Taiwan’s authoritarian history”. The statue of Chiang Kai-shek at the site remains the biggest authoritarian statue on the island. [Focus Taiwan]

Taiwan: Boosting military capabilities 

(zh) Taiwan’s domestically developed combat drone Teng Yun prototype is conducting initial flight tests before combat testing slated for June 2022. The tests came after a previous version had crashed in eastern Taiwan and delayed the drone's development this year. [Focus Taiwan 1]

Meanwhile, the Air Force received the second indigenous advanced jet trainer (AJT) to roll off the production line of local aircraft manufacturer Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) which is expected to deliver a total of 66 AJTs by June 2026. 

Initiated in 2017, the AJT project aims to replace the military's decades-old AT-3 trainer aircraft and F-5E/F lead-in fighter trainers. The development of the jet trainer, codenamed Yung-Ying or "Brave Eagle," was carried out as part of the country's efforts to become more militarily self-reliant. [Focus Taiwan 2]

In related news, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng confirmed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for a US-made Atomic General MQ-9B Sky Guardian uncrewed drone is expected in March 2022. Another LOA for 40 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers is still under discussion. [Taipei Times]

Meanwhile, Taiwan's military has begun talks with a foreign country, which is not identified by the source, about the sale of torpedo decoys for its indigenous submarine project. Previously, Taiwan was having "a little bit of an obstacle" when purchasing the decoys from Turkey due to pressure from Beijing, according to the island’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng. [Focus Taiwan 3]

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

Bangladesh: Law ministry forwards opinion on Khaleda Zia’s plea to home ministry

(lm) Bangladesh’s Law Ministry on December 27 forwarded its legal assessment of an application seeking permission for the chairperson of the country’s main opposition political party, Khaleda Zia, to travel abroad for advanced medical care to the Home Ministry. [The Independent]

Zia, chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and an archrival of Prime Minister Hasina’s, was admitted to the critical care unit of a hospital last month, 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]. However, the leader of the BNP has been barred by a court from leaving the country after being convicted and jailed on graft charges in 2018.

BNP activists and supporters have been staging protests across the country since November, demanding Kia be allowed to travel for treatment. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]

Bangladesh: President Hamid continues dialogue on formation Election Commission with political parties

(sk/lm) Bangladesh’s President Abdul Hamid has continued a dialogue with political parties to discuss issues relating to the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC).

The five-year tenure of the current EC will expire in February 2022; the next Commission will be tasked with arranging the country’s next parliamentary election, which is scheduled to be held between November 2023 and January 2024.

Article 118 (1) of Bangladesh’s Constitution stipulates that the government shall appoint an EC consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and up to four Election Commissioners, subject to the provision of a law supposed to be introduced on that behalf. However, no government has taken such an initiative in the last 50 years. In the absence of the law, President Hamid formed search committees in 2012 and 2017 to appoint the CEC and Commissioners.

Against this backdrop, the president began the meeting series on December 20, consulting with representatives of Bangladesh’s largest parliamentary opposition party, the Jatiya Party [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3].

Two days thereafter, President Hamid met with a delegation of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal political party, which recommended enacting a permanent legal framework and forming a search committee to form an EC. The party representatives also noted that the president could advise the government to appoint an inquiry committee. [Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha]

On December 26, the third day of his dialogue series, the president was handed a seven-point proposal by the Bangladesh National Awami Party, a left-wing political party, which called for an enactment of a permanent law in line with Article 118 of the Constitution to form an EC. [The Financial Express]

The following day, President Hamid spoke with the chairman of the Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, a secular-Sufi political party. The representative placed a four-point proposal to form an EC, without the inclusion of anyone opposing the 1971 Liberation War. The president also met with representatives of the Khilafat Majlis, an Islamist political party which seeks the establishment of an Islamic state. [Dhaka Tribune] [The Independent]

President Hamid will speak with the Workers Party of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Nationalist Front, and the Islamic Oikya Jote later this week.

Bangladesh: Fourth phase of union council elections sees less violence

(sk/lm) The fourth phase of elections to Union Parishads (UP) – the smallest rural administrative and local government unit in Bangladesh – was held on December 26, amidst sporadic incidents of violence and voting boycott by several candidates.

After the first three phases saw deadly violence breaking out, as supporters of the ruling Awami League-nominated and party rebel candidates clashed, additional forces were deployed ahead of last week’s polls [see AiR No. 46, November/2021, 3]. [The Business Standard]

Notably, as many as 295 candidates were elected unopposed even before the balloting began. [Dhaka Tribune 1]

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh’s election commissioner on election administration, Mahbub Talukdar, said it is “probably not possible, nor even appropriate” in a democratic state to favor uncontested elections, terming a succession of unopposed victors in the UP elections as a matter of concern. [Dhaka Tribune 2]

Bangladesh: Freedom Fighters to get ID cards by March next year

(sk/lm) Members of the resistance movement that fought in the War of Liberation that transformed East Pakistan into Bangladesh in 1971, the so-called Freedom Fighters, will receive advanced and secured identity cards by March 26, according to Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque. [Daily Sun]

Civilian fighters and their heirs are entitled to numerous privileges, including honorarium and free treatment in specialized government facilities.

Bangladesh on December 16 celebrated 50 years of victory over Pakistan, with huge crowds paying to the country’s war heroes in the capital Dhaka and other cities. The celebrations were attended by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, who was on a two-day visit to the South Asian country. [AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]

Bangladesh: Dhaka University gets legal notice over ban on married or pregnant women in halls

(sk) Dhaka University has been served with a legal notice that describes a rule prohibiting married and pregnant female students from residing in the university’s dorms as “extremely discriminatory” against women.

A group of female students from five Dhaka University residential halls had organized a news conference on the issue, producing a four-point demand list that included the elimination of the regulation prohibiting married female students from living in halls, the use of the phrase “emergency contact” instead of “local guardian” on forms to recognize students as adults, taking exemplary measures against harassment or non-cooperation by residential teachers, officials, or employees, and permission to non-resident students to access the halls while their academic session is in progress and in the event of an emergency should be given. [bdnews24.com]

Bangladesh: Mayor arrested for slapping education officer

(sk) Bangladesh’s elite police force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has arrested a municipality mayor for slapping an education officer at a function held to commemorate the victory of the Bangladesh forces in the Liberation War in 1971.

The education officer said he was insulted and assaulted because there was a “delay” in declaring the municipality’s name.

The incident was widely reported in the media, and teachers and administrators from numerous secondary and higher secondary schools staged protests.

The mayor was removed from the ruling Awami League for “breach of party rules.” He was also provisionally suspended from his position as mayor of the municipality by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives. [bdnews24.com]

Bangladesh: Tank lorries call for nationwide strike to demand hike in transport fare

(sk) The Tank Lorry Owners Association has decided to go on an indefinite nationwide strike beginning January 3, demanding a hike in transport fare in protest of rising fuel prices, the association’s general secretary said. [bdnews24.com]

Bangladesh: Report by international human rights federation reveals a weakened rule of law

(sk) A international coalition comprising more than 190 human rights organizations has called upon the Bangladeshi government to address an allegedly weakened rule of law by urgently implementing tangible legal and institutional reforms. The alliance also encourages the European Union, its member states, and other United Nations member states to take action. [International Federation for Human Rights]

In its new report, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) alleges that serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances, have often been perpetrated by Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies, most notably the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite paramilitary force.

The report also claims that Bangladesh’s judiciary lacks independence from the executive branch of government, resulting in its failure to bring justice to victims of human rights abuses. This grim picture of the rule of law is being complemented by alleges of widespread censorship of the press, repression of critical voices, and severe restrictions on freedom of assembly and of association.

The release of the report comes after the US Treasury Department earlier this month announced sanctions on the RAB, citing “serious human rights abuses.” It also sanctioned the current director of elite force, and five former senior RAB officials, including a travel ban on Benazir Ahmed, now Bangladesh’s top police chief. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]

India: Bill to raise women’s marriage age sent to parliamentary committee for further scrutiny

(lm) Indian Prime Minister Modi’s government has tabled new legislation in Parliament, seeking to raise the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21, bringing it on par with men, a move that rights activists caution might backfire because it does not address long-held social mores and instead penalize adult women. [South China Morning Post]

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Amendment Bill was introduced in Parliament’s lower house on December 21 amid protests by opposition politicians, after the Cabinet had cleared the proposal earlier this month [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. It has been sent to a parliamentary standing panel for further scrutiny. [The Indian Express]

The decision to revise the legal age of marriage for girls for the first time in 40 years was made after human development data showed that early union leads to a truncated education, teenage pregnancies and malnutrition. It also forces women into homebound life.

The government says the bill intends to provide equal opportunity to women by giving them more time to complete their education, access employment opportunities, attain psychological maturity before marriage and ensure gender parity. According to the latest National Family Health Survey, as many as 23 per cent of Indian girls were married before they turned 18.

However, critics argue that laws alone are not sufficient to fix problems in a still-conservative society where marrying young women at an early age remains the norm. There are concerns, moreover, over how the law plays out among the poor and marginalized groups. Applying it across faiths sets the stage for a debate on the limits of personal law.

India: Anti-conversion bill to be tabled in Karnataka’s upper house in January

(sr/lm) The government in India’s Karnataka state is planning to table an anti-conversion bill in the upper house of the states’ legislature in January, after it managed to get the legislation through the lower house on December 23 but failed to stitch up majority in the upper chamber.

The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021 “prohibits conversion from one religion to another religion by misrepresentation, force, fraud, undue influence, coercion, allurement or marriage”. Additionally, it allows any person who is aggrieved by the conversion – parents, siblings and/or relatives by blood or adoption – to file a First Information Report against such conversion. The bill has penal provisions for imprisonment of three to ten years and a fine of up to $670. [The Hindu]

The bill also gives guidelines to people who intend to convert to another religion post the enforcement of the law. The person who wishes to convert will have to give a notice of two months to the district magistrate and the person carrying out the conversion will have to give a notice one month prior. The bill also states that the District Magistrate must, through police officials, conduct an enquiry on the reason of the conversion. Failure to notify the authorities also carries punishment. [The Indian Express]

The legislation was termed as draconian and unconstitutional by opposition parties, civil society organizations and minority communities – especially Christians – which expressed their intent to fight it out in court if it passes through the Legislative Council as well. [The Wire]

Currently, Prime Minister Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controls 26 out of a total of 75 seats in the legislature’s upper chamber, while the largest opposition party, the Indian National Congress, controls 29 lawmakers. Though the recently concluded elections to the upper house will change the dynamics, newly elected members will take their oath only in January, when the term of existing members elected from local bodies will end. [The Print]

The bill also forwards the undertone of a campaign against “love jihad”, a conspiracy theory which claims that Muslim men are carrying out an organized campaign to deceive or coerce women into converting to Islam. In November of last year, five Indian state governments – all governed by the BJP – promised new laws on forced religious conversions around marriage [see AiR No. 45, November/2020, 2]

India: Proposal by Delimitation Commission sparks protest by political parties in Kashmir Valley

(sr/lm) The allocation of additional seats in the legislature of India’s Jammu and Kashmir union territory has been met with protests by parties in the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, which say the recommendations by the Delimitation Commission is aimed at manufacturing a Hindu dominance in the region. [The Times of India]

Headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, the Delimitation Commission was originally tasked with redrawing Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies of the states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, in addition to the Jammu and Kashmir union territory [see AiR No. 36, September/2020, 2]. But the four northeastern states were removed from the purview of the Commission in March.

In its draft, the Commission has proposed six additional seats for the Jammu region, taking its total representation in the legislature to 43, while only recommending one additional seat for the Kashmir Valley, which will come to 47 seats in total if the draft advise is approved. [The Indian Express]

It has also been proposed by the Commission that seven seats be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and nine for Scheduled Tribes (STs), both officially designated groups of people and among the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups in India. [Tribune India]

Seeing the proposal, the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) – an amalgam of six local political parties that is pro-India but favors self-governance in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory – announced a peaceful protest against the recommendations on January 1. [First Post]

Moreover, the chief minister of the union territory, Farooq Abdullah, announced on December 24 that his National Conference party is preparing to approach the Supreme Court against the Delimitation Commission's recommendations as it believes that the very basis of the exercise is “illegal”. [ABP Live]

Political parties claim that the reorganization should take place according to the 2011 census, arguing that the the J&K Reorganisation Act, under which the exercise is done, is sub-judice. Crucially, the allocation of additional seats is not in accordance with the 2011 census and is being contested by the People’s Democratic Party and National Conference to be a “ploy” by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to enhance their prospects of winning in Jammu and Kashmir. [Hindustan Times] [The Print]

India: Uttar Pradesh high court requests for polls to be postponed amid COVID-19 threat

(sr) India’s Election Commission (ECI) on December 27 held a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to discuss the prevailing COVID-19 situation ahead of assembly elections in five states due early next year. [The Hindu]

The ECI also asked the Narcotics Control Bureau to ensure that drugs and their smuggling did not influence the elections and directed the officials of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Border Security Force and Sashastra Seema Bal to ensure that international borders were kept on a strict vigil. [The Economic Times]

This week ‘s meeting came just days after the high court in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh urged the ECI to consider postponing elections to the state legislature for a month or two in light of the threat of a third wave of COVID-19 infections. The high court also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ECI to immediately ban rallies and public meetings of political parties in the state. 

The elections to state legislatures in Goa, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab are likely to be held within the first quarter of the next year, as the terms of the sitting legislative assemblies are set to end in March or May, respectively. Therefore, the ECI is expected to announce poll dates next month.

India: Judicial custody of Kashmiri activist Parvez extended; UN calls for release

(rs) A group of independent human rights experts from the United Nations has called for the immediate release of Khurram Parvez, a prominent Kashmir-based activist, whose judicial custody was extended for a further 90 days until January 21. [Pakistan Observer] [UN News]

Parvez was arrested late last month by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s counter-terrorism agency, on charges related to conspiracy and terrorism. He is being held under Indian counter-terrorism legislation, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, that allows for detention of up to six months without trial. [AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]

The activist was brought before a court in Delhi shortly after his arrest on December 4, when it was decided he should be transferred from NIA custody to judicial custody. If convicted, he could face up to 14 years in prison, or even the death penalty.

India: Panel formed to examine possibility of withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland

(sr) Against the backdrop of a botched security operation in India’s Nagaland that left 14 civilians dead, the central government has formed a panel to examine the possibility of withdrawing a federal law that gives the army sweeping powers from the state. It has also been reported that a fair enquiry and following disciplinary action will be taken against the Army personnel who botched the operation. [The Week]

On December 4, an elite military commando unit shot dead six laborers returning to their homes in the remote northeastern state, believing they were targeting insurgents. Another eight people were killed by the troops when they were confronted by a furious crowd, with a soldier also killed and a military vehicle set alight. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]

In light of this, protesters were demanding an apology from the government for the killings, as well as the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a federal law that gives the army sweeping powers, including protection from prosecution for soldiers who mistakenly kill civilians. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]

The panel is expected to submit its recommendations within 45 days post which a decision on the removal of AFSPA in Nagaland will be taken. The state government has also promised to provide jobs to the families of those who were killed, with the help of consultations undertaken with the villagers through the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of Mon district. [The Hindu]

India: One killed, six injured in blast at judicial complex in Punjab state

(sr/lm) At least one person died and another six were injured during an explosion at a court building in Ludhiana, a city in India’s Punjab state, with the state’s chief minister blaming “anti-national forces” and saying the probe into the incident will be linked to investigations in the lynching of two people earlier this month [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. [The Hindu]

According to a media report, the National Security Guard (NSG), an elite Indian counterterrorism agency, believes that the bomb was manufactured using a “high explosive.” [The Times of India]

A member of Sikhs for Justice, a US-based secessionist group that supports the secession of Punjab from India as Khalistan, has been detained in Germany for his alleged involvement in the court blast. To what extent New Delhi’s worries about a resurgence of Sikh secessionism in Punjab, perhaps backed by Pakistan as it was in the past, are valid remain an open question. [India Today]

India: Air Force deploys first S-400 air defense system in Punjab sector

(vc) India’s Air Force has started deploying the first regiment of the Russia-made S-400 surface-to-air missile defense-system in its northwestern Punjab region, from where it will be able to take on aerials threats from both China and Pakistan, the India Today reported. [India Today]

India placed a $5.3 billion order for five units of the S-400 in 2018 and paid the first tranche of $800 million a year later. The missile deal has already been complicated by looming United States sanctions on India under the US legislation meant to punish countries dealing substantively in the defense realm with Moscow, the world’s second-largest arms exporter.

Russia started delivering the first regiment of its S-400 surface-to-air missile to India in November and plans to deliver all five squadrons by the end of 2025. [AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]

India: DRDO successfully test-fires ‘Pralay’ surface-to-surface missile

(rs) India’s military research and development agency, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully tested the indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile Pralay. The missile has a range of 150 to 500 kilometers, depending on payload. It is powered by new technologies including a solid propellant rocket motor. [Hindustan Times]

The flight test came days after the DRDO on December 18 successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni Prime, a two-stage canisterized ballistic missile with range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. That test came a week after the agency successfully tested a new locally-developed anti-tank missile and concluded a series of tests of extended range rockets also developed indigenously, weapons that will inducted into the armed forces shortly [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2].

India: Defence Ministry fines European firm nearly €1 million for offsets delay in Rafale jets deal

(rs) The Indian Defence Ministry has imposed and collected a fine of nearly €1 million from European missile maker Matra BAE Dynamics Alenia (MBDA) for delay in fulfilling its offset obligations under a 2016 deal for 36 Rafale omni-role fighter jets. [The Times of India]

India and France signed a $9.4 billion inter-governmental agreement in September 2016. Under the agreement, 50 percent of the contract value was to be offset and executed by French defense manufacturer Dassault Aviation and its partners Safran and Thales in seven years’ time. MBDA supplies the missile systems for the Rafale jets. [Livemint]

Last year, India’s Comptroller and Auditor General of India said that Dassault Aviation and MBDA had not yet met their commitments of transferring high technology to India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as part of the deal [see AiR No. 39, September/2020, 5].

Nepal: House of Representatives passes new ordinances amid opposition protests

(ns) The lower house of Nepal’s Parliament on December 22 passed four ordinances, despite continued obstruction of proceedings by the main opposition party. [Khabarhub]

The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) has been stalling proceedings in both houses of Parliament since the previous session commenced on September 8, refusing to endorse the annual budget bill, inter alia, and causing a government shutdown [see AiR No. 39, September/2021, 4]. The reason behind the CPN-UML’s obstruction was to insist on the suspension of 14 former party lawmakers, including Madhav Kumar Nepal, whose newly created Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (Unified Socialist) in August had joined the ruling coalition government [see AiR No. 34, August/2021, 4].

In light of the continued protests by the CPN-UML, the Speaker adjourned Parliament’s lower house till January 2. The National Assembly chair adjourned the upper chamber until further notice. [The Himalayan Times]

Nepal: Ruling coalition government not going to break over MCC program, party leader says

(ns) The Communist Party Nepal (Unified Socialists), headed by Madhav Kumar Nepal, has affirmed its commitment to the ruling coalition government through the current term, rejecting the possibility of breaking the political alliance with the Nepali Congress (NC) party over a $500 million compact offered by a United States foreign aid agency. [Khabarhub] [My República]

Under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)-Nepal Compact, Washington will provide $100 million in grants a year over five years to support the implementation of two major infrastructure projects in Nepal, while Kathmandu would chip in $130 million. The agreement, however, has become a hotly debated political issue in the Himalayan nation, with some political parties objecting to it on grounds that the US program is part of Washington’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and its parliamentary ratification would be against Nepal’s national interest. 

In light of this, Prime Minister Deuba is facing a dilemma: If his government tables the MCC in Parliament for ratification, there is a distinct possibility that his ruling coalition could break, not least because some leaders have already made clear that their parties would withdraw its support if the government moved the agreement forward. At the same time, there are equal chances of it being rejected by a majority in the Parliament even if it is moved forward. [AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]

Nepal: CPN-Maoist Centre political party launches general convention

(ns) The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), a constituent party of Nepal’s ruling coalition government, launched its eigths general convention on December 26, with the main program centering around ideology, official documents and problems of political nature. The convention will elect a total of 199-member leadership, including 14 office bearers. [The Himalayan Times]

The only official uncontested remains the party’s chair, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who has been the undisputed chairperson for the party for the past 30 years. [The Kathmandu Post]

Earlier this month, Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was re-elected as president of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) political party [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. The NC held its convention on the heels of a similar gathering by Nepal’s main opposition party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), which re-elected former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli as party chair, asserting that it would return to power through the next general elections [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].

Pakistan: Leader of opposition party decries lack of democracy

(hg) On the occasion of the 14th anniversary of the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, her son and incumbent chairman of the secular, left-wing Pakistan People´s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, claimed there would be no freedom of speech, living, or even breathing in the country governed by what he calls an army selected puppet-government. In his speech, the son of former Prime Minister Asif Ali Zardari and Benazir Buttho, herself daughter of 1979 executed former Prime Minister and PPP founder Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, claimed that his party had been fully committed to fight Islamic terrorism while the incumbent Khan government would negotiate and essentially have surrendered to the Pakistan Taliban movement, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan who are responsible for a series of killings and massacres of civilians. Following Bilawal, his father, PPP President and co-founder, Asif Ali Zardari praised in his speech the candidacy of his son in the next national elections regularly to be expected in 2023. [geo.tv]

Pakistan: First National Security Policy approved

(hg) Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the country’s first National Security Policy of its kind after its approval by the National Security Committee, the government's highest consultative and decision-making body in charge of coordinating national security. The session was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by the federal ministers for foreign affairs, defence, information and broadcasting, interior, finance and human rights, the national security adviser, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all service chiefs and senior officials.

A five-year policy (2022-26), the document is supposed to provide a people-centered “Comprehensive National Security Framework” to guide the government's foreign, defence and economic policies and decision-making covering both traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Being the result of year-long rounds of intensive feedback consultations on multiple drafts, the opposition did not attend the final meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security dealing with the final draft.

Being a classified document, a public version is expected to soon be released by the Prime Minister Imran Khan. [Dawn]

Pakistan: Torture killing sheds light on elements of archaic feudalism 

(hg) On the sidelines of the lunch of Pakistan’s new national security policy, the Information and Broadcasting Minister announced that the federal cabinet also approved the formation of a joint investigation team to probe the murder of a villager, who was allegedly tortured to death at the farmhouse of an opposition MPA of the Pakistan People’s Party. [Dawn]

The 28 years old victim was found on November 3. His relatives accuse the politician and his henchman of having tortured him to death for interfering in a houbara bustard hunting party for the lawmaker’s Arab royal guests. [SAMAA]

In Pakistan houbara bustard are protected by law. After the Supreme Court had ordered a blanket ban on hunting them in August 2015, the executive issued “partridge hunting” licenses to those Arab royals who come to Pakistan from various Arab countries to hunt the rare bird with their falcons. The meat of the houbara bustard is considered to be an aphrodisiac. Every winter, the protected birds migrate from Central Asia to Pakistan where they provide members of the Pakistani elite a chance to engage in “soft diplomacy,” often in violation the imposed limitations on hunting the birds. [BBC]

Regarding the recent murder case, officials allegedly claimed that the area in question was allocated to a member of the UAE ruling family for the falconry season who did not yet come to Pakistan.

After the victim’s relatives accused the PPP politician no case was filed so far. Therefore, so the Information and Broadcasting Minister, as “criminal investigation was compromised”, the government set up the joint investigation team. [Dawn]

Pakistan: High-level criticism of national jails

(hg) While hearing a petition in an ongoing case that is dealing with shortcomings in the country’s jails, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice claimed Pakistan’s jails would have become “epicentres of crimes, corruption and corrupt practices” by elite prisoners.

In the petition submitted to the Human Rights Cell of the IHC, the petitioner alleged that rich and influential under-custody suspects would continue land-grabbing businesses from jail while bribing prison authorities to receive preferential treatment. A court order in the case reads in parts: “It appears that the phenomenon of elite capture prevails in the prisons across the country despite the fact that an implementation commission, headed by the worthy minister for human rights, was expected to ensure treatment of the prisoners in conformity with the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and the commitments of the State of Pakistan with the international treaties and conventions.” [The Friday Times]

Sri Lanka requires Defence Ministry clearance for inter-marriages with foreigners

(hg) A law coming into effect on January 1, 2022, which imposes a mandatory Defence Ministry clearance on foreigners who wish to marry locals is criticized by the opposition and like-minded civil society groups.

The security clearance is supposed to certify that the foreigner is free of convictions during the last six months. The government claims the law is necessary to prevent locals from being duped by foreigners into marriages and to control increased drug peddling by foreigners married with locals. [NDTV]

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

Brunei: Indonesian Ambassador to boost cooperation with two districts in Brunei

(sd) The Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei visited the districts of Belait and Tutong on December 22 and 23, and thanked officials for supporting Indonesian workers.

According to the Indonesian embassy, migrant workers often struggle with unpaid wages, inability to work, illness and violence. These issues were discussed during the visits, as well as recruitment problems that, in severe cases, could lead to the human trafficking of migrant workers. [Borneo Bulletin]

Cambodia’s ruling party endorses PM Hun Sen’s son as future leader

(am) Earlier this month, the Cambodian Prime Minister showed support for his son Hun Manet as his successor but later softened his statements [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]. 

On December 24, Cambodia’s ruling party unanimously voted in favor of Hun Manet as future prime minister to succeed his father, who has been in power for 36 years. [Bangkok Post]

This event paves the way for a political dynasty, with critics saying it reflected the Prime Minister’s fear of losing immunity when he can no longer rule. [Al Jazeera]

Cambodia: Political party president jailed for robbery

(sd) Six suspects, including the president of opposition Khmer Rise Party (KRP), were arrested for alleged participation in an armed robbery.

The party’s president, his wife, his assistant, and others closely affiliated with him, if convicted, could face between five to ten years in prison. [Khmer Times]

Cambodia: Opposition party banned from elections

(sd) The Cambodia National Heart Party (CNHP), an opposition party, was banned from the next election by a Supreme Court decision, after, earlier this year, the party’s attempt to register with the Ministry of Interior was denied for alleged fraudulent thumbprints.

CNHP said if there were errors in the thumbprints, it would fix them but the Supreme Court Presiding Judge said there had been malicious intent and dismissed the appeal. 

Cambodia’s National Police discovered the party had used fake thumbprints to increase its member numbers, with some biometrics differing from people’s IDs, and some being duplicated across multiple individuals. The Ministry of Interior said CNHP was told three times to correct the issue and had not.

CNHP also said the ministry failed to comply with Article 22 of the Law on Political Parties, which states any decision of approval on a political party should be made within 30 days, whereas the decision on CNHP took 60 days. The ministry acknowledged this but said it was because it took them so long to check all of the biometric data.

Following this decision, the CNHP will not be able to participate in the 2022 Commune Election or the 2023 National Election. [Khmer Times]

Cambodia: Labor ministry mediates for casino layoff dispute

(sd) The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training is currently mediating a disagreement between former casino employees and resort operator NagaWold Ltd.

Former employees of the hotel and entertainment company demonstrated for the tenth consecutive day outside NagaWorld’s casino complex in the capital Phnom Penh. The demonstrators want the reinstatement of 365 employees who were laid-off in 2020, and a stop to alleged discrimination against union members.

The ministry said it has the role of a mediator under Cambodian labor laws and would continue to mediate until there was either an agreement between the parties or, if no agreement can be reached, a complaint is filed with the courts.

The secretary of the Labour Rights Supported Union of Khmer Employees (LRSU) of NagaWorld said on 27 December that they would continue non-violent demonstrations until a solution can be found. There was no comment available from a representative of NagaWorld on 27 December. [The Phnom Penh Post]

Cambodia: Environmental protection group suspends operations

(nm) Mother Nature, a Cambodian environmental protection group, is suspending its operations amid concerns over the safety of its activists, some of which have been detained for alleged politically motivated charges. 

The leader of the NGO, Alejandro Gonzales-Davidson, spoke out in an interview that the protection group still exists, however it will wait for the outcome of the court proceedings against six activists belonging to the group. Gonzales-Davidson was previously deported from Cambodia in 2015 to prevent him from organizing opposition to the Chhay Areng hydropower dam in southwestern Cambodia’s Koh Kong province. [Radio Free Asia] 

Indonesia: Electronic information and transactions law continues to spark debate

(gl) A 26-year-old woman has spent two years striving to clear her name from defamation charges under the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) law. After posting a negative review of a dermatologist clinic on Instagram, the woman was accused by the clinic of smearing its reputation and was demanded to take out newspaper adverts. Incapable of paying the adverts, the woman was reported to the police and accused under the ITE Law.  

The ITE Law has received criticism for its broad interpretations of hate speech and defamation, which rights groups imply can be utilized to limit freedom of speech and silence critics. The law has often targeted consumers, student activists, journalists, and in general those individuals who speak truth to power. In fact, 70% of cases under the ITE law are reported by agencies, businesses, and government officials. 

Having pardoned multiple individuals charged under the ITE law, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has emphasized his intention to revise the law. In November 2021, the draft revision of the law was reportedly about to be finalized. Furthermore, the government formed a task force to provide guidelines for ITE law enforcement. [This Week In Asia]

Indonesia: Government urged to protect local fisherman 

(gl) The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the government to protect local fishing businesses in light of the recent Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry’s 2022 plan auctioning fishing rights to foreign and local investors. The Fisheries Minister has pledged to reserve a portion of the quota for local fishermen.

The fishing quota, amounting to 4.89 million tons a year, is estimated to attract US$ 7.77 billion a year’s worth of investment. It would also ensure sustainable production while simplifying the calculation of returns for investors.

By imposing the need for a fishing license, the policy is expected to solve the current issue of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in Indonesian waters. IUU is an issue that will also be considered in the recently renewed US-Indonesia maritime cooperation deal [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. [The Jakarta Post]

Indonesia: Continuing debates over 2022 provincial minimum wage

(gl) The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) have threatened to sue Jakarta’s Governor, who has recently increased the 2022 provincial minimum wage (UMP) from 0.85% to 5.1%.The current value is much higher than the one set by the central government, which amounted to 1.09%. Some speculate that actions of Jakarta’s Governor are part of a wider political strategy in the run-up to the 2024 elections. 

The two disputing parties have stated that the UMP revision violates current regulations on minimum wage. Meanwhile, economists are warning that the wage increase to Rp 4.64 million could derail Jakarta’s job market. This is the case since labor-intensive businesses might transfer to provinces such as West and Central Java, which currently have a lower minimum wage of Rp 1.8 million. 

On the other side of the debate, worker unions showed their support for the Jakarta Governor’s decision by threatening to protest if other regional officials do not revise their UMP. [Kompas] [The Jakarta Post]

Indonesia: Corruption Eradication Commission reaching its endgame?

(gl) As the National Police mobilizes to increase its anti-graft measures by incorporating 44 dismissed Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) members in the police force’s Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas) [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3], some are starting to witness the KPK’s endgame. 

In fact, the 44 investigators were the backbone of the KPK due to their contribution to high-profile arrests. In their absence, the KPK has only been capable of managing minor anti-graft cases. The only major case being handled this year, Bank Indonesia’s liquidity support program, was put on hold mid-investigation. Adding to the KPK injury, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo essentially asked the KPK to stand down. In fact, during International Anticorruption Day on December 9, he stated that corruption prevention is more fundamental than corruption prevention through arrests [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]. [The Jakarta Post]

Indonesia: Lack of strong political commitment might hinder renewable energy development 

(gl) Low levels of strong political commitment, combined with the unpredictability of the investment environment, might hinder Indonesia’s 2022 renewable energy development plans. 

The current regulatory framework and policy do not appear to be reflecting a strong dedication to the energy sector’s decarbonization. Although this year has witnessed increasing political commitment, such as the remark made by the Indonesian Finance Minister on the need for an energy transition policy during the first G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (FCBD) on December 9 [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2], it has yet to be converted into concrete guidance for the planning and development sectors. [The Jakarta Post]

Indonesia: Remains of Indonesian migrant workers drowned off the coast of Malaysia return home

(gl) On December 23, Malaysian authorities returned the remains of the eleven Indonesian workers who had drowned in an illegal boat crossing to Malaysia on December 15 [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. 

The remains are suspected to belong to undocumented Indonesian migrants traveling to Malaysia for plantation or factory work. The remains of ten other Indonesian victims are still in the custody of Malaysian authorities for verification. 

The Agency for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers has urged Indonesian migrant workers to be wary about people smugglers and report them to the authorities. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that they would continue their partnership with relevant stakeholders to put a hold on undocumented Indonesian migrant workers’ illegal crossings.  [The Jakarta Post] 

Lao courts to strengthen respect for rule of law

(bs) The Lao chamber of the People’s Supreme Court has announced the launch of court administrative proceedings pledging to respect the rule of law in delivering justice in courts. 

In the same context, the government has drafted a five-year development plan (2021- 2025) for the People’s Supreme Court that aims at strengthening court rules, training the court personnel, and providing the necessary resources to ensure that cases are judged “correctly, promptly, transparently and fairly.” [Vientiane Times $] 

Laos: Thailand shares concerns over new hydropower dam

(bs) The Thai government and environmental experts voiced their concerns on the alleged detrimental impact of the soon-to-be-built dam in the North of Laos on the population, river ecosystem, and cross-border security. 

Thai fishery experts also stressed the importance of a thorough environmental impact assessment before building the dam, sharing concerns over the possibility of a drastic decrease in the fish stock along the affected rivers. According to the original impact assessment, approximately 1,127 people including 267 families will be displaced. There are raising concerns over land compensation and job losses within the local community. 

The head of the security department of Chiang Kan district, in a Thai province, voiced further concerns on the dam operation’s effects on Lao-Thai border security as it may facilitate cross-border smuggling or illegal trade. 

During a conference, on December 17, several Thai environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) called for an immediate halt of the works on the hydropower project warning of the risk of a negative effect on the ecosystem and a drastic reduction in fisheries. Also, the NGOs’ representatives advocated for active participation in the discussion of those who will be directly affected, meaning Lao and Thai villagers living along the Mekong. 

The transnational debate over dams’ effects on the population found a stronger basis in the latest news release on the delays in building new homes for those who survived the 2018 dam collapse in Attapeu, a province in the South of Laos. According to local authorities the project of building 700 houses was delayed for lack of workforce, allegedly caused by missing payments of workers’ salaries. 

The survivors have been living in temporary shelters since the deadly flood in 2018 facing constant difficulties not only because of the delay but also because of water shortage during the dry season.

Laos has 78 operating hydropower dams and has agreed to build another 246 to boost the national economy by trading electricity to neighboring countries, allegedly becoming the “Battery of Southeast Asia.” [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2] [Radio Free Asia 1] [ Radio Free Asia 2] 

Laos commits to reduce violence against women and children 

(bs) The Lao government has set goals to protect children and reduce and prevent violence against women, including domestic violence. 

The project was drafted by the Lao National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers, and Children with the objective, among others, to increase access to legal aid and health services to women from 2 to 20 percent by 2025. 

The goals comprise of three targets that include cooperation between families and local authorities, assistance to the victims, improvement of both reporting systems and support service response. 

In parallel, the National Plan for the Elimination of Violence against Children 2021-25 includes inter-region coordination, prevention of online abuse, sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse, and reducing violence in schools. 

Both plans also aim to increase awareness among the community and review national and regional regulations to strengthen protection and response mechanisms to protect children and women from violence. [Vientiane Times $] 

Laos: New census shows low access to education for farmers

(bs) According to the Third Lao Census of Agriculture 2019-20, only 6 percent of Lao farmers complete upper secondary school. The Census also found that women have less chance to access education than men, as 32 percent of the female farmer community has never attended school compared to 19 percent of their male counterparts. 

Furthermore, the document collects data on farm size, land ownership and organization, livestock populations, forestry and fishing activities, and household food security.

The research was carried out by the Lao Statistics Bureau and Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 

This was the first census to use a digitalized approach to collect data. [The Star] [Food and Agriculture Organization] 

Malaysia: Socialist youth party plans to set up a new Sarawak-based youth party

(dw) Sarawak’s Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) plans to set up a local party to attract more youth to join politics. The Dapsy chairman argues that a Sarawak-based party would make members and constituents more confident in the party's struggle. The party aims to achieve the state's local objectives to free Sarawak from the interference of the Peninsula-based government that has long been in power. 

Dapsy plans to register the new party with the Registrar of Societies (RoS) after gaining support from other party members. The new party will also be part of preparations for the implementation of Undi 18 next year, where those aged 18 will be eligible to vote. [The Borneo Post] 

Malaysia's former Deputy Prime Minister corruption trial postponed 

(dw) The trial of the former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is postponed to February 3 due to health reasons. Hamidi is charged with relation to 40 corruption cases in connection with the Foreign Visa System by the High Court. He is alleged to have received bribes amounting to SGD13,56 million as an inducement for himself as a minister to extend a company’s contract regarding the visa system. He is also charged with money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving funds by accepting bribes for various projects during his tenure as the home minister. [Bernama] [Free Malaysia Today] 

Malaysia: Latest development on the Amendment of Malaysia Agreement 1963 

(dw) The parliament officially passed the bill to amend the Federal Constitution in line with the provisions in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) with more than a two-thirds majority on December 23. 

The bill recognizes Sabah and Sarawak’s demands and special status upon joining Malaysia in the Federal Constitution, in line with the provisions in MA63, thereby strengthening their position in the Federation of Malaysia. The amendments involved the status of Sabah and Sarawak, a new definition of Malaysia Day, and the indigenous races of Sarawak [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. [Free Malaysia Today] 

The Philippines: Late dictator’s son to take the lead in presidential poll 

(my) Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former senator and son of the late Philippines’ dictator, took the lead in a recent presidential poll as a preferred successor to President Duterte. He scored 53% compared to current Vice President Leni Robredo who scored 20%. 

The candidate is popular despite petitions to disqualify him due to a past tax conviction in 1997. A positive result was also seen for his running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte, who received 45% on a separate poll for vice president. [Reuters] [Bloomberg]

The Philippines: Supreme Court to issue temporary restraining order for two party-list groups 

(my) The Philippines’ Supreme Court (SC) has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) prohibiting the enforcement of the Commission on Elections (CoE)’s decision to disqualify two party-list groups from the 2022 elections accepting a petition submitted by the groups against the decision. 

After the TRO, the CoE is expected to comment within ten days from notice. The party-lists were one of the few from 107 groups rejected by the body. Groups who did not receive remedies by the SC will not be included in the election.  [Philippine Star] [GMA Network] [Inquirer Net] [MSN News]

The Philippines to receive aid assistance after the Rai Typhoon 

(my) The Philippine government received aid assistance from United Nations (UN) agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and several countries among which are China, Singapore, Australia, and Taiwan. Following the destruction caused by the Rai Typhoon the UN sought to campaign for $107.2 million, and together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) dispatched teams to the communities that were affected. [UN News] [Relief Web] [Mirage News] [The Hindustan Times]

The typhoon has affected more than 3 million people, with 389 recorded deaths. The survivors dealt with water and electricity shortages while struggling with receding emergency supplies. There are also worries due to the potential spread of diseases in shelters. [The Guardian] [CGTN]

The Humanitarian Manager from the non-governmental organization Save the Children expressed concerns regarding potential illnesses in children due to the supply shortage and the rising rate of water-borne disease. [CNN]

Some outposts currently disputed between China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines were also damaged. The most affected were the Thitu Island, then the Spratly Islands, including Southwest Cay, and Sin Cowe Island. [Benar News]

For a discussion on how responses of politicians to the typhoon could impact their chances in the presidential election in five months, see [SCMP].

Thailand: Anti-torture and enforced disappearance bill takes a step forward

(kc) The chairman of the Extraordinary Committee of the parliament for the anti-torture and enforced disappearance bill said that the committee finished the scrutiny review for the bill on December 22. [BangkokPost]

The long-awaited anti-torture and enforced disappearance bill unanimously passed the House of Representatives’s first reading in mid-September. The Extraordinary Committee has scheduled a meeting on 5 January 2022 before submitting the bill to the House for further consideration. [See also, AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]

Thailand: Court established division to deal with increasing online fraud

(sd) A new online shopping division of the Office of the Judicial Administration Commission (OJAC) was implemented on 23 December to deal with increasing cases of online fraud.

Due to Covid-19 leading to a rise in online shopping, there have been more complaints of online fraud and social media scams. 

The civil court said there needed to be an online shopping division to tackle the 2,000 complaints received every month. All pending internet shopping court cases will now be processed by the new division, and the prosecuting process will also be made available electronically.

A new chief judge will be assigned to the division and it will be launched at a later date when a budget and working process will also be set. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand: Public majority think no one suitable for Prime Minister

(sd) A survey of the Thailand population showed that the majority of the public thinks there is no one suitable for Prime Minister (PM).

The survey from the National Institute of Development Administration, also known as the Nida Poll, showed that out of 2,504 surveyed 36.54% said no one was suitable for the role of PM among candidates.

Similarly, when respondents were asked which political party they preferred, 37.14% said none.

The quarterly survey took place between 15 to 21 December and was conducted with random members of the population at varying levels of education and occupation over the phone.

The next highest majority on the survey (16.93%) was in favor of the current PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has been in power since the military coup in 2014.

Following the military leader were three opposition leaders, representing the Move Forward Party (10.74%), the Pheu Thai Party (10.55%), and the Thai Sang Thai Party (5.51%), who together outscore the current PM.

The Pheu Thai Party and the Move Forward Party had the most support for political party preference, with 23.52% and 13.18% respectively. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand: Ballot election laws expected on agenda in January

(sd) Amendments to two laws relating to the election system are expected on the political agenda in January 2022, according to the House Speaker. 

The draft amendments to the laws, which are in relation to the election of members of parliament (MPs) and political parties should be ready before February, which is when the current sitting of the Thai parliament is due to end.

The Move Forward Party, Pheu Thai Party, and the coalition parties have submitted their versions. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand: Charter Court disqualifies MP

(ay) The Constitutional Court ruled the unsuitability of a Member of Parliament (MP) of the Palang Pracharath Party for the House of Representatives due to his past conviction of fraud in a criminal case.

According to the petition, the MP would not be eligible to stand for elections for the House of Representatives because he was convicted of fraud and sentenced to eight months in prison by Pathumwan District Court in 1995. The sentence was halved after his confession.

The Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the petition stating that it is against Section 98 (10) of the constitution that someone with a criminal conviction stands for election to the House of Representatives. [Bangkok Post]

As a result, the man will have to return salaries and benefits worth around 8 million baht earned from March 2019 to December 2021. [Bangkok Post] [Matichon in Thai]

Thailand: MP calls for legalizing prostitution

(kc) The leader of the nationalist Thai Civilized Party is preparing to make a motion to set up a parliamentary Extraordinary Commission to discuss the possibility of legalizing prostitution.

The member of parliament (MP) also stated that legalizing prostitution would provide more than 500,000 sex workers access to legal rights, social welfare, and constitutional protections. [VoiceTV, in Thai]

Thailand: Bail rejection for pro-democracy protest leaders

(kc) On December 24, the Ratchada Criminal Court has denied the bail of four prominent anti-royal protest leaders. [Prachatai, in Thai]

The four leaders have been charged and jailed for leading the rallies over the past two years; two of them were charged with ten lawsuits, including nine lese-majesty cases. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that the four protesters will accept all the bail conditions, including the 24-hours stay at home.  [See also, AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]

The protest leaders were jailed before the court’s final verdict. After multiple attempts, their lawyer said that all protest leaders would not apply for any further bail. [Thairath, in Thai] 

In early 2021, 48 Thai Law professors from across the country issued a statement questioning the bail granting for political detainees and said that any detention before the court’s final verdict would be unconstitutional and against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). [Thammasat University Law Center, in Thai]

Timor-Leste: The “most democratic” country in Southeast Asia

(bs) Since Timor-Leste’s liberation from Indonesia almost 20 years ago, the country has become the ‘most democratic’ state in Southeast Asia as it ranked ahead of the rest of Southeast Asian countries in several global indices of quality of democratic freedom. 

Timor-Leste, with the support of the international community, became fully independent from Portugal in 1975, and from Indonesia in 2002, after a referendum that ended with nearly 80 percent of the population voting for independence. [Diario de Noticias, in Portuguese]

Vietnam aims to remove warning on illegal fishing

(am) The Vietnamese Deputy Minister requested that the country’s Directorate of Fisheries take measures to achieve the removal of the European Union’s ‘yellow cards’ on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

In 2017, Brussels warned Hanoi with a “yellow card” for illegal and unreported fishing practices. The EU, being the major importer of fish in the world, committed to importing only certified and legal fishery products in compliance with the 2010 IUU Regulation against illegal fishing. [European Commission] 

Vietnam’s Government is determined to eliminate illegal fishing in the coming year, so the “yellow card” warning imposed by the European Commission can be removed. Since the warning was imposed in 2017, Vietnam has not been able to fully prevent its nationals from fishing illegally in other countries’ waters. As of late November 2021, nearly 800 fishermen were arrested in overseas waters. [Vietnam Plus]

Vietnam: 50 followers of unofficial religious group arrested 

(bs) Vietnamese police arrested nearly 50 people at the funeral of an ethnic Hmong founder of a non-recognized religious group. 

According to the authorities, the reason for the raid was to enforce COVID-19 safety measures, but it resulted in a “violent crackdown” that also repressed those who attempted to film or take photographs of the event.  

Following the crackdown, over 100 followers of the religious group protested the alleged violation of their religious rights and their religious founder’s body. 

The religious group was founded in 1989 to promote a modernized approach to funerals and faith customs in the Hmong tradition. Several followers have faced severe repression by Vietnamese authorities who arrested the religious group’s members for “abusing freedom and democratic rights” and dismantled buildings and structures used for funerals. [Radio Free Asia] 

International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

China-US relations: Biden signs into law Xinjiang anti-forced labour legislation

(dql/pm) Following its passage in Congress earlier this month, US President Joe Biden signed into law the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act on December 23. 

Part of Washington’s pushback against forced labour in Xinjiang, which the Biden administration accuses China of, the Act is based on the assumption that all goods from the region are made with forced labour and bars imports unless it can be proven otherwise. [VoA]

Biden’s move prompted China’s immediate rejection, accusing the US of fabricating forced labour in Xinjiang and interfering in the country’s domestic affairs. Beijing also announced “resolute and forceful countermeasures” if Washington would enforce the law. [Xinhua]

Meanwhile, U.S. chip maker Intel issued a public apology in China after it had published letter in which the company told suppliers not to source products or labour from the Xinjiang region, citing that it had been “required to ensure that its supply chain does not use any labour or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region,” following restrictions imposed by "multiple governments".

The letter caused a backlash on social media in China, including calls for a boycott. [The Guardian]

China points fingers at US in warning of terrorism threats arising from chaos in Afghanistan

(pm) Speaking at the virtually held Second International Seminar on Counterterrorism in Beijing, Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao warned of a resurgence of terrorism threats and international militant groups that arises from the current chaos in post-war Afghanistan. In an apparent reference to the US, Wu stressed that “two decades of war in Afghanistan had provided a breeding ground for all kinds of terrorist forces, and certain countries had attempted to clear the name of ETIM out of their own political interests, despite its being listed as a terrorist organisation by the UN Security Council.”

The seminar was hosted by the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations and co-organized by the China Institutes of International Studies. Officials, heads of anti-terrorism agencies, experts and scholars from 17 countries including France, US, UK, Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan attended the online conference. [Xinhua] [South China Morning Post]

Canadian Prime Minister calls on democracies to present a united front against China

(pm) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned in an interview that China has been successful in playing capitalist democracies off against each other as they are competing with each other for China’s rising middle class. The called on democratic nations to “show a united front” against Beijing’s increasingly “coercive diplomacy.” [South China Morning Post]

Trudeau’s statement comes at a time when Sino-Canadian relations are at a historic low. For nearly three years, two Canadians had been jailed in China on suspicion of espionage, a move Ottawa condemned as retaliatory act for the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, Huawei Technologies Co.’s chief financial officer, in December 2018. The diplomatic spat over the detentions was only settled through a prisoner swap of the three in September [see Air No. 39, September/2021, 4]. In March, Canada imposed sanctions against Chinese officials accused of human rights violations against the Muslim Uighur minority in Xinjiang [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4], and earlier this it announced a diplomatic boycott of Beijing’s upcoming Winter Olympics [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2].

China military presence near Japan

(pm/dql) Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier, along with four other warships transited through waters between the main island of Okinawa Prefecture and the island of Miyakojima on Friday, December 24. [Japan Times]

In an earlier move on December 19 and 20, the carrier conducted drills in east of Okinawa. The carrier was accompanied by a Type 055 destroyer, a Type 052D destroyer, two Type 054A frigates and a Type 901 supply ship. The drills covered fighter jet and helicopter operations. [South China Morning Post] 

China to train Solomon Islands police

(pm) The Solomon Islands has confirmed that China will dispatch police officers and send equipment to the Pacific-island nation Islands to help train its police force. 

The statement comes after rioting occurred in the capital Honiara last month. The unrest was sparked by domestic issues, but also by discontent over the country’s switch of diplomatic relations to Beijing from Taiwan in 2019 under Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Since then, critics of the switch have been accusing the Prime Minister of serving Beijing’s interest.

Sogavare earlier this month survived a no-confidence vote, successfully crashing criticism of broken promises of more inclusive politics and defending his diplomatic describing China as an “economic powerhouse,” whose support allows the nation to tackle its development needs and challenges. He also insisted that the “national government does not need to bow to the interest of Taiwan and its agents on this matter.” [South China Morning Post] [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]

China-Germany relations: Economic cooperation dominate Xi/Scholz phone call 

(pm/dql) Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone conversation on 21 December during which both leaders confirmed “sound development” of bilateral trade and investment relations and agreed to close cooperation in tackling global and regional challenges, including climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, Afghanistan’s rebuilding and the Iranian nuclear issue. According to the readout of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Scholz reassured that Germany was ready to “work with China in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual trust to push for further development of the Germany-China all-round strategic partnership,” and to “promote EU-China relations in a constructive manner,” adding his hopes for the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment to enter into force “at an early date.” [Foreign Ministry, China]

This first diplomatic talk between China and Germany under a new German Chancellor after the 16-year chancellorship of Angela Merkel appears to have left out the critical issues of human rights abuses and the undermining of Hong Kong democracy Beijing is accused of in Xinjiang and Hong Kong respectively. Both readouts don’t mention them. [Politico] [Statecraft] [DW]

The phone talk comes as Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has announced to shift away from Merkel’s China policy, which has been accused of being too lenient towards China with regards to human rights, to a values-led common European China policy [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]. It comes also as relations between China and the European Union (EU) have soured over human rights issues over the course of this year. In March the EU imposed sanctions against Chinese officials and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Public Security Bureau for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. It was the first time in more than three decades that the EU was placing sanctions on Beijing following the EU arms embargo in 1989 in the wake of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. They signalled a substantial hardening in the EU’s policy towards China [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4].

Vice Adm. Kay-Achim Schonbach, the German Chief of Army, meanwhile warned of China’s “explosive” growing navy as a cause of concern, highlighting that Beijing is expanding the size of its navy by the equivalent of the entire French navy every four years. [CNBC]. 

For an overview of latest numbers and data on the rapid pace of China’s military build up including military spending, nuclear stockpile, naval capabilities, see [BBC]. 

China’s space program: Development of next generation hydrogen-oxygen engine succeeded

(pm) Chinese researchers have claimed to have reached an important phase in the development of the next-generation hydrogen-oxygen engine, code-named YF-79, which is believed by observers to mean a big boost to China’s plans of future manned missions to the moon and deep space explorations.

The researchers refer to two tests conducted earlier this month which verify the viability of the thrust chamber design of the rocket engine for challenging space missions and allow research to continue to evaluate the engine’s overall thermal performance.

Once completed, the engine is expected to be the most powerful engine of its kind, to be used in China’s next-generation super heavy-lift Long March 9 rocket, which is supposed to carry a crew to the moon. [South China Morning Post]

Japan and US draft Taiwan contingency plan

(ec) A draft joint operation plan between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the US Armed Forces (USAF) in the event of a Taiwanese incident has been leaked to the press, with indication that Japan and the United States will look to start formalizing the plan at the two-plus-two security talks next year. The plan calls for the US Marine Corps to establish temporary bases on the Nansei island chain in anticipation of deployment to Taiwan, with the JSDF providing logistical support. [Sydney Morning Herald]

Implementation of the plan is conditional on the Japanese government’s judgement on whether conflict between Taiwan and China would pose a direct threat to Japan. There are growing concerns in Japan over being drawn into a Sino—Taiwanese through the island of Yonaguni. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made several addresses this month in which he warned of a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could cause.  [Kyodo News] [See AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]

This preceded an unofficial meeting between Japanese and Taiwanese lawmakers on Friday, December 24, with semiconductor supply issues and Taiwan’s application to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, which China is also applying to, being the topics of discussion. Military issues are not thought to have been discussed. [Reuters]

In a latest development, Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed on Monday, December 27, that he and his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe agreed during a video conference to start operating a hotline between their officials. [The Mainichi]

Japan and US agree to hosting contribution increase as record set for budget increase

(ec) Japan and the United States have agreed to a five percent increase Japan’s allocated budget for hosting US military forces, from an annual 201.7 billion yen (1.79 billion USD) to an annual 211 billion yen (1.8 billion USD). The budget increase of five percent will come into effect with the start of the new financial year and will remain in place for five years, with a total cost of 1.05 trillion yen (9.1 billion USD). The United States is reported to have agreed to reduce Tokyo’s contribution to utilities and to allocate more of the contributions to joint exercises and mutual facilities. [Japan Today]

This agreement comes as the Japan seeks methods of financial recovery from COVID19 without exposing itself to the Omicron variant, with the Japanese Cabinet approving of a record breaking draft budget of 107.60 trillion yen (940 billion USD), with up to 18.6 billion yen (162 million US dollars) designated for preventing the spread of COVID19 and related medical purposes, and sets aside an unprecedented 5.4 trillion yen (47.2 billion USD) for military spending, as part of the Liberal Democratic Parties’ (LDP) campaign pledge to increase the defense budget beyond the traditional one percent of Japan’s GDP. This follows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s introduction of an additional 36 trillion yen (314 million USD) budget for the remaining fiscal year, with 22.06 trillion yen (192 million USD) going to debt issuance. [Defense News] [The Mainichi] [The New York Times] [See AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]

For more information on the draft budget and the expected economic foci of the incumbent Japanese government, consider reading this article from the Diplomat by Mari Yamaguchi. [The Diplomat]

Japan: No government delegation for Winter Olympics

(ec) Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno announced on Friday, December 24, that Japan will not send a government delegation to Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics in February, though Japanese athletes are still set to attend. The decision not to send a delegation is prompted by the apparent absence of Chinese improvements on human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, though there has also been a growing chorus of conservative voices, such as former Prime Minister Shinzo abe, within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in favor of a diplomatic boycott. Japan will still be sending President of the Organizing Committee of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Seiko Hashimoto, Japanese Olympic Committee Head Yasuhiro Yamashita and Japanese Paralympic Committee Chief Kazuyuki Mori. [The Mainichi]

This announcement follows similar measures from the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Kishida has sought to make human rights a pillar of his administration’s foreign policy, appointing former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani as a special advisor on human rights, whilst also seeking to avoid provoking Beijing. It is for this latter reason that the Prime Minister may have entrusted this statement to Matsuno, who has stated that Japan will not refer to the move as a diplomatic boycott. The Chinese side has responded with a mild appeal not to politicize the event, seemingly recognizing the reluctant nature of Tokyo’s measures. [Japan Today] [See AiR No. 45, November/2021, 2]

Japanese embassy scuttled by Chinese government over Abe's Taiwan comments 

(la) A cultural exchange event organized by the Japanese embassy to Beijing was under pressure earlier this month after China demanded its cancellation following former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s remarks on Taiwan. 

Abe, who currently heads the larges intra-party faction of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, warned China to not cross the line at a virtual event, stating that a Chinese invasion into Taiwan would evoke intervention from Japan and its U.S. security alliance [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].   

The Sino-Japanese culture event, which was planned for December 7, was eventually canceled. 250 invited guests and other citizens had been pressured by Chinese authorities to not attend the event. The authorities cited a high risk of spreading COVID-19 infections. However, similar events were allowed to be held at other embassies in Beijing. [The Japan Times]

Japan and UK to jointly develop stealth fighter engine

(ec) A press release from the British Ministry of Defence has announced that Japan and the United Kingdom will jointly develop the engine for Japan’s sixth-generation F-X stealth fighter jet. A final cooperation framework between Rolls-Royce and IHI Corporation is expected by March 2022. The cost of the jet’s development is currently estimated in excess of 5 trillion yen (48 billion US dollars), with developer Mitsubishi to receive technical assistance from Lockheed Martin. [Gov.UK] [The Defense Post]

The twin-engine F-X, which will replace the Mitsubishi F-2, can mount up to six internal weapons, as per a statement from Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono. The Japanese Defense Ministry is currently dissatisfied with the carrying capacity of their current fleet of F-35s, which is smaller than Chinese and Russian jet fighters. Japan is developing the F-X due to US policy restrictions prohibiting the export of the F-22. [Eurasian Times]

South Korea to deepen cooperation with both China and US 

(dql) South Korea last week pledged to strengthen cooperation with both China and the US.

During the virtually held ninth Strategic Dialogue on December 23, South Korean and Chinese senior diplomats discussed bilateral relations, denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula as well as regional and international issues. Both sides reassured to strengthen “substantial cooperation” between the two countries in the fields of economy, culture and environment. They also agreed on the importance of leader-to-leader and high-level exchanges at a strategic dialogue in more than four years. 

The first of its kind since June 2017, the meeting comes at a critical time when South Korea and China are preparing a summit between President Moon Jae-in and President Xi Jinping while Seoul has not yet officially declared whether it would join the US-led diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which will commence in February. [Korea Herald]

On the same day, South Korean Defense Minister in a lecture, given at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University after talks with his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen, stressed that along with a strong alliance between Seoul and Washington close defense cooperation with China and Japan was required to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, adding that Beijing was in a position to play a key role in the denuclearization issue. [Korea Times]

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry revealed details of its 2022 policy report according to which Seoul will expand future-oriented cooperation with the US in various areas including supply chains and technologies next year while at the same time boosting conflict prevention efforts with China. [Yonhap News Agency]

Seoul is confronted with the challenge to walk a thin of an increasingly difficult balancing act as the US, its closest ally, is gearing up efforts to marshal allies and partners to counter China which is South Korea's largest economic partner.

For a discussion of the reform of South Korea’s defense strategy that seeks to bolster the country’s capacities to deter Beijing and Pyongyang “in the immediate and longer term,” see [East Asia Forum].

South Korea calls in Japanese embassy official impending release radioactive water into sea 

(dql) South Korea’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese Embassy’s Minister of Economic Affairs on December 23 to express concerns after Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the operator of Tokyo's crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, submitted an application for the planned release of stored radioactive water into the sea to Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).  

Earlier this year, Japan revealed its decision to start discharging water that was used to cool melted fuel from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean in 2023 as all storage tanks at the Fukushima plant are expected to be full as early as fall of 2022. An estimated 1.25 million tons of such water are in temporary storage at the Fukushima nuclear plant on the east coast of Japan, which was hit by a tsunami in the wake of an earthquake in March 2011. [Yonhap News Agency] [See AiR No. 16, April/2021, 3]

South Korea to apply for CPTPP membership

(aml) The South Korean government has announced to submit an official application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in April next year. 

The CPTPP, established in 2018, is the renegotiated version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) that was led by the former Obama administration. Former US President Trump withdrew from the TPP in 2017 in a move to counterweigh China’s growing economic influence. The CPTPP has been signed by 11 countries including Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zeeland and has reached a trade volume of $5.7 trillion in 2019, which is 15.2 percent of the total global trade. [The Korea Times]

Taiwan: Foreign Minister stresses importance of unofficial ties amid sharp cross-strait rhetorics

(zh) Speaking at a legislative hearing, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stressed that deepening unofficial relations with like-minded countries was as important as maintaining diplomatic ties with allies. 

Wu’s remarks come amid calls for resignation from the opposition after six countries cut formal relations with the island since he took office in 2018. Blaming Beijing for mounting pressure to lure away Taipei's allies, Wu underscored the significant improvement in Taiwan's relations with world powers such as Japan, the United States, and the European Union (EU). [Focus Taiwan 1]

On the other side, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Taiwan a “wanderer” that will eventually come home and “should not be used as a pawn.” Wang made the remark in his opening speech at the symposium dealing with the international situation and China’s foreign relations in 2021. He attributed the heightened cross-strait tensions to “Taiwan relying on the United States for independence" and Washington and other countries "using Taiwan to control China.” 

In response, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Taiwan was “neither a wanderer nor a chess piece.” adding that only Taiwanese people can decide the island's future and “absolutely will not accept a path laid out by an autocratic political system.” [Global Times][Reuters]

Taiwan: Defense minister reassures capacities against Chinese military espionage

(zh) Speaking on the sideline of a legislative session, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng reassured that he had full confidence in the island's farmed forces' counter-espionage capabilities against Chinese espionage, adding that the Ministry of National Defense would conduct investigations into recent fresh allegations of an infiltration of Chinese spies into Taiwan's military.  

Chiu's remarks came after media outlet Reuters published a report on espionage cases indicating that over the past ten years nearly two dozen serving or retired Taiwanese officers with the rank of captain or above have been convicted of spying for China. [Focus Taiwan 1] [Reuters]

Taiwan protests Nicaragua’s confiscation of its former property left

(zh) Taiwan’s government has lodged a strong protest and condemned a decision by Nicaragua to confiscate all Taiwan’s former assets in the Latin American country that was handed to the Catholic Church of Nicaragua before the island’s officials left. 

Earlier this month, Nicaragua had switched its diplomatic ties from Taipei to Beijing [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]. Under the “one-China” policy, Nicaragua said all the property left in the country now belongs to Beijing not Taipei.

Citing Article 45 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry called Nicaragua’s confiscation “unlawful” and “unacceptable”, urging the former ally to “respect and protect the premises of the mission, together with its property and archives.” [Focus Taiwan]

Taiwan-Japan relations: Ban on Japanese food import in CPTPP talks and cooperation in semiconductor supply chain

(zh) During a legislative session, Taiwan's Economic Minister Wang Mei-hua made clear that the issue of the ban on Japanese food imports from prefectures affected by the 2011 nuclear disaster will be unavoidable in the talks for joining the Japan-led Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Taiwan applied for membership in September [see AiR No. 39, September/2021, 4].

Wang’s remark came after Minister Without Portfolio John Deng revealed the government’s timetable for the discussion with Tokyo on lifting the ban. [Focus Taiwan 1]

In response, Japanese representative to Taiwan Hiroyasu Izumi said the issue of whether Taiwan to lift the ban should be addressed according to international standards, underscoring there were “no links” between the food ban and the CPTPP. [Focus Taiwan 2]

In a separate development, lawmakers from Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) agreed to have “all round cooperation” on the semiconductor supply chain and to hold regular talks on this area in the future. DPP lawmaker Chiu Chih-wei from revealed there would be a complete framework between two sides to facilitate the cooperation on chips and other important industries. [Reuters]

In October, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, announced plans to build plant that is expected to jointly run with Sony Group Corp. in Japan in 2022. [see AiR No. 42, October/2021, 3]

Taiwan, Kosovo form legislative friendship group to boost relations

(zh) Taiwan’s parliament has formed a legislative friendship group to build closer ties with Kosovo during a virtual conference with their counterpart, the Kosovo-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, which was founded concurrently. 

The formation of the friendship group, consisting of 39 lawmakers across different parties, comes on the heel of a motion by the Kosovo Assembly’s Committee on Foreign Affairs to set a parliamentary group for developing friendship with Taiwan in June. [Focus Taiwan]

India’s Foreign Secretary visits Myanmar for first official meeting since February coup

(vc/lm) India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla last week completed a two-day working visit to Myanmar, during which he met with the chairman of the State Administrative Council, Min Aung Hlaing, and other senior representatives. Shringla also held meetings with members of civil society and political parties, including the National League for Democracy, and met Myanmar-based ambassadors, and representatives of the United Nations. [The Economic Times]

During meetings with Myanmar officials, the foreign secretary reiterated India’s interest in seeing the country returning to democracy, and expressed its support to the five-point consensus agreed upon at an extraordinary ASEAN summit held in April [see AiR No. 17, April/2021, 4]. Plans to expedite the process of two major connectivity projects – Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (connecting India and Myanmar via sea) and the Trilateral Highway (connecting India-Thailand-Myanmar) – were also discussed. [WION]

In the context of Myanmar’s fight against COVID-19, Shringla handed over one million doses of “Made in India” vaccines to the Myanmar Red Cross Society. A grant of 10,000 tons of rice and wheat to Myanmar was also announced. [Ministry of External Affairs]

India’s request to meet ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest since February, was declined. When the democratically elected leader was sentenced to a four-year jail term by a Myanmar court earlier this month, New Delhi had described the development as a “matter of deep concern” [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]. [The Indian Express]

The visit by the Indian official indicates a subtle recalibration in New Delhi’s approach to Myanmar, for it marked New Delhi’s first official outreach to the military junta since the coup in February this year.

India was among eight countries that sent a representative to attend the annual “Armed Forces Day” parade in Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw on March 26 [see AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5]. With Shringla’s visit, the Modi administration has effectively become the latest government to accord a degree of formal recognition to Myanmar’s leaders. 

While India’s economic engagement with Myanmar remains relatively modest – bilateral trade amounts to $2 billion annually, compared with $12 billon for China – India’s strategic interests in Myanmar are considerable. Most importantly, the two nations share a 1,600-kilometer long, porous border and the mountainous terrain makes it easy for rebel fighters from northeastern India to slip back and forth undetected by authorities.

Prior to the Indian official’s visit Myanmar handed over to India five insurgents belonging to the People’s Liberation Army, an Indian rebel group which is fighting for secession in India’s remote northeastern region bordering Myanmar since 1978. This was the second time Myanmar authorities handed over insurgents to India in nearly two years. In 2020, they transferred to India 22 rebels belonging to six insurgent groups operating in two northeastern states, Assam and Manipur.

Bangladesh, Maldives sign three memoranda of understanding during PM Hasina visit to Male

(sk/ap) Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the Maldives last week, accompanied by a high-level delegation, and met with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Discussions centered on increasing bilateral, regional, and international cooperation in mutual areas of interest, and resulted in three agreements for economic and human resource development. Bangladesh also provided 13 military vehicles to the Maldives. [The Daily Star]

The two leaders discussed improving air and water connectivity for economic cooperation, scholarships for students from the Maldives to study in Bangladeshi medical schools, and other higher education institutions, and regularization of Bangladeshi migrant workers in the Maldives. The two countries also agreed to counter security threats by organized crime, piracy, narcotic, and human trafficking, through multilateral and regional cooperation. [Daily Star] [Raajje]

The two leaders signed agreements to avoid double taxation and prevent income tax evasion, and to cooperate in youth and sports development. They also extended an agreement on health sector and medical sciences cooperation, which provides scholarships to medical students from the Maldives studying in Bangladesh and allows Bangladesh health professionals to work in the Maldives

Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to the island nation follows several high-level engagements between the two countries this year, including President Solih’s visit to Bangladesh in March, a visit by the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen to the Maldives, and by Maldivian Vice-President Faisal Naseem to Dhaka. In the lead-up to Hasina’s visit, Dhaka confirmed earlier this month that it will lend $200 million to Male [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3].

India, Australia agree to fast-track talks on free trade agreement

(rs/lm) India and Australia have decided to bypass an interim harvest trade agreement and accelerate a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), officially known as the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).

At their 17th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in September, both sides had pledged to reach an interim trade deal by December and to conclude the negotiations on a full CECA by the end of 2022. India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Australian counterpart Dan Tehan held a virtual meeting on December 21 and reviewed the progress made in various rounds of talks between the chief negotiators of both the sides. [Australia DFAT] [The Indian Express]

CECA will cover trade in goods, services, investment and related issues. While bilateral items commerce stood at $12.3 billion in FY21, India had a deficit of $4.2 billion with Australia, because it shipped out merchandise value simply over $4 billion. Major traded objects are mineral fuels, pharmaceutical merchandise, natural chemical compounds, gem and jewelry. [The Hindu]

India’s renewed engagement with Australia reflect a broader urgency that many experts say has previously been missing on the part of the Modi administration when it comes to embracing an aggressive trade policy. Last November, New Delhi walked out of negotiations on the world’s largest trade deal with fifteen other Asia-Pacific economies, collectively known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) [see AiR No. 46, November/2020, 3].

Seeking economic alternatives to China, India is hoping to kick-start negotiations for an FTA with the United Kingdom in January, as London sees closer ties with New Delhi as a key pillar of its post-Brexit tilt to the Indo-Pacific region [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]. Further, at a bilateral summit in May this year, India and the European Union decided to resume long-stalled talks for a comprehensive trade and investment treaty (BTIA) [see AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2].

Meanwhile, Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has said his country hopes to seal an FTA with the United Arab Emirates early next year. India has also set the stage to reboot formal free-trade talks with Canada and is exploring an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council, a six-member grouping consisting of Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE.

Sri Lanka to pay off $251 million oil debt to Iran with tea

(lm) Sri Lanka plans to send $5m worth of Ceylon tea to Iran each month to settle a $251 million debt for oil imports nine years ago, as Colombo continues to experience a severe debt and foreign exchange crisis, which has been made worse by the loss of tourist income during the coronavirus pandemic. [South China Morning Post]

The barter deal does not violate United Nations or United States sanctions, according to Sri Lankan officials, because tea is categorized as a food item on humanitarian grounds, and no black-listed Iranian banks will be involved in the transactions. In 2016, Ceylon tea made up nearly half of Iranian consumption, but the proportion has declined in recent years.

Sri Lanka is reported to have to meet about $4.5 billion in debt repayments next year, starting with a $500 million international sovereign bond repayment in January. However, the country's foreign reserves dwindled to $1.6 billion at the end of November, latest data from the central bank showed, down from $7.5 billion two years ago when the administration of President Rajapaksa took office promising robust growth. [BBC]

The central bank governor said earlier this month Colombo is confident of being able to "seamlessly" repay all sovereign debt that comes due in 2022.

But Fitch Ratings this month downgraded Sri Lanka's sovereign rating to "CC" from "CCC", citing a growing risk of debt default in 2022 due to falling foreign exchange reserves, despite repeated assurances from the central bank. That move came after another ratings agency, Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s), had announced in November it had downgraded Colombo’s debt rating to ‘Caa2’ from ‘Caa1’ [see AiR No. 44, November/2021, 1]. [Reuters]

Leaders of India, Russia hold phone conversation, exchange non-paper on joint projects in Central Asia

(sr) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone conversation on December 20 discussed practical aspects of implementing the agreements reached during a high-level visit of the Russian leader to India earlier this month. [First Post]

The two leaders discussed ways to forward bilateral cooperation between their countries, the issue of the supply of fertilizers and the role India could play in helping Russia develop in the Far East. They also spoke about the situation in the Asia- Pacific region and “agreed to intensify bilateral contacts in various spheres” [Hindustan Times]

The conversation followed on a visit to New Delhi by the President Putin on December 6 for the annual summit with his Indian counterpart Modi, during which both sides signed a flurry of trade and arms deals, including one that will see India produce more than 600,000 Russia-made assault rifles. During the brief visit, the two countries’ foreign and defense ministers also held talks under the inaugural 2+2 dialogue. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]

In related developments, both sides have reportedly exchanged a non-paper on how to increase engagement that could include joint defense projects in the five Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – through existing Soviet-era defense factories in some of the republics in the region. [The Economic Times]

In its latest effort to expand its footprint in the Central Asian region, India earlier this month hosted the foreign ministers of all five central Asian countries under the third regional dialog in New Delhi. Discussions held during the gathering centered around Chabahar Port, a seaport jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. [AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]

India delivers defense equipment, food aid to Mozambique under SAGAR program

(vc/lm) India has delivered 500 tons of food aid as well as self-defense military equipment, including two high-speed interceptor boats, to Mozambique. The aid is part of the eighth deployment of the INS Kesari under the aegis of India’s policy or doctrine of maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region – Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) – under which the Indian Navy has delivered humanitarian and medical assistance to 15 friendly nations since the inception of the program in 2015. [Manorama Year Book] [The Hindu]

Pakistan-Turkey relations: Enhancing military cooperation

(hg) Following Turkey’s ouster from the US led F-35 Joint Strike Programme over its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, Ankara put its ambitions on developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet, the TF-X National Combat Fighter in cooperation with Pakistan.

New reports of such a cooperation come amid rumors that an alleged deal with Argentina over the acquisition of 12 of Pakistan´s JF-17 jets did eventually not materialize. The JF-17 is a multi-role fighter aircraft jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation which is used for instance by Myanmar and Nigeria. [The EurAsian Times 1]

Turkey on the other side is allegedly keen to jointly develop missiles and warplanes with Pakistan to get access to Chinese military technology. Generally, Turkey views Pakistan as an important ally and a potential partner for both its domestic development of missiles and aircraft. [The EurAsian Times 2]  

Recently Turkish government-owned ASFAT, was also subcontracted to deliver 8 light-weight anti-submarine torpedoes to the Pakistan Navy. [timesnownews.com]

In September, Turkey, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan strengthened their strategic cooperation by conducting the two- week long “Three Brothers 2021” joint military drills in Baku. During the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in September 2020 between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Pakistan and Turkey provided military support to Azerbaijan. [The News]

According to EurAsian Times, the three countries represent a significant military potential with the nuclear power Pakistan, Turkey as NATO’s second largest military, and Azerbaijan as a rising regional actor. [The EurAsian Times 2]  

Both, Turkey and Pakistan, are, however, currently experiencing critical financial conditions.

Bangladesh, Thailand sign agreement for improved maritime connectivity

(ap) Bangladesh and Thailand have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to improve trade by enhancing maritime connectivity between the two countries. The MoU would encourage corporations in both countries to explore trade and investment opportunities, and allow port authorities to collaborate on port management, information technology, connectivity and investment promotion. [Financial Express]

Switzerland to invest $129 million in program for sustainable growth, civil society in Bangladesh

(sk/ap) Switzerland will invest about $129 million to implement its Cooperation Program for Bangladesh 2022-2025, which aims to support Bangladesh’s sustainable graduation from a Least Developed Country, to promote a prosperous, just, and resilient society, and to contribute to peaceful coexistence.

The program is aligned with the United Nation’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, which was launched in 2015 and aims to eradicate global poverty and ensure sustainable and inclusive growth. The program also supports Bangladesh’s Eighth Five-Year Plan (2020-2025), whose goal is to begin implementing the country’s longer-term Vision 2040 plan to become an upper middle-income country and eradicate poverty by 2031, and attain sustainable development goals as it graduates from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing one.

The director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation announced the Cooperation Program during her five-day visit to Bangladesh. She also spoke with Bangladeshi senior government officials, development partners, beneficiaries, and other key stakeholders to discuss bilateral relations, international cooperation, Bangladesh’s development priorities, and the Rohingya crisis. She visited Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and humanitarian and development projects that are supported by Switzerland.

Bilateral connections between Bangladesh and Switzerland have grown broader and deeper over the last five decades, encompassing economic and international collaboration, humanitarian help, and cultural and political exchange. [Dhaka Tribune]

Denmark to facilitate green infrastructure for sustainable growth in Bangladesh

(ap/sk) Denmark and Bangladesh have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance green infrastructure cooperation in sectors like clean water and energy, food and agriculture, urban development, and transportation, to encourage Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth.

Speaking in Dhaka, the Danish ambassador expressed that the memorandum is an opportunity to meet Bangladeshi needs with Danish strengths in maritime and logistics to develop sustainable port infrastructure and help integrate Bangladesh into global supply chains. [Financial Express] [United News Bangladesh]

South Korea to lend Bangladesh $100 million as budget support

(sk) Bangladesh has signed a loan arrangement with South Korea, under which Seoul will offer $100 million as budget support to Dhaka to alleviate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The loan will be used to help the economy recover by adopting various revenue collecting system improvements and designing initiatives to assist entrepreneurs who have been harmed by the pandemic.

The loan will have a simple interest rate of 0.05 percent per year, with a maturity period of 40 years and a grace period of 15 years, according to the agreement.

Since 1993, the Korean Exim Bank has been providing soft loans to several priority development sector projects in Bangladesh on behalf of the Korean government. [Bangla News 24]

Japan provides Bangladesh $25 million grant aid for human resources development

(sk/ap) At the meeting between the Japanese and Bangladeshi government, Japan has agreed to provide $27.21 million to Bangladesh to support projects on human resource development, and governance and management training for sustainable growth. Japan and Bangladesh have been deepening economic ties, as earlier this month the Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh spoke at two meetings discussing the importance of economic collaboration, methods to increase Japanese investment in Bangladesh, and the establishment of a Japanese special economic zone in Bangladesh next year. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2 ] 

Japan provided a grant to continue supporting the Japanese Development Scheme (JDS) established in 2001, through which Bangladeshi military officers, judicial members, and members of the Bangladesh Bank can obtain scholarships for graduate school in Japan. Of the nineteen countries included in the JDS, Bangladesh has the fifth-largest number of fellows studying in Japan. A second grant works to establish specialized centers for joint education and research on good governance, management and development in Bangladesh and Japan, and to develop training and infrastructure at the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management, a higher education institution to train senior administrative officers and conduct policy research. [Financial Express] [Daily Sun]

In addition, Japan agreed to cooperate on three projects in Bangladesh, to improve administrative functions in city corporations, to develop the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, and to improve nursing education in public universities. [Financial Express]

Japan is the single largest bilateral development partner providing financial support for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. Japanese loans and grants are invested in a range of areas including power, roads, bridges, telecommunication, agriculture, health, education, water supply and sanitation, rural development, environment, and human resource development.

Bangladesh: World Bank to fund sustainable electricity distribution system

(ap) The World Bank has approved a $500 million loan to expand, modernize, and increase the sustainability of Bangladesh’s electricity distribution system. The loan will finance improved electricity delivery to 40 million people and help upgrade electricity infrastructure in 25 rural electric cooperatives to increase their climate resilience, including resistance to natural disasters, extreme weather events and cyber-attacks. The funded project will also integrate renewable energy into the electricity distribution network, encouraging sustainable power generation. [Dhaka Tribune]

Brunei and Japan conduct joint navy exercise

(sd) Two ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and a Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) ship conducted a joint exercise in the waters surrounding Brunei on December 27.

The JS Uraga and the JS Hirado afterwards stopped at Muara Port, where they were met by the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei. The two ships then continued to their next destination after stocking up on supplies. [Borneo Bulletin]

Cambodia: Calls for more support for ethnic Vietnamese in Cambodia

(sd) Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his hope that ethnic Vietnamese residents of Cambodia will be given legal identities, as they are currently lacking any citizenship.

Nguyen expressed his support for this community during a meeting at the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia and said there is no other community that had encountered so many difficulties.

Many ethnic Vietnamese do not have any identification documents due to their ambiguous legal status. This population was also at risk due to the government’s decision to move or dismantle structures, including floating houses and fish farms, on the Tonle Sap River in the central Kampong Chhnang province, and the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

The government said this decision was due to the environmental impact the floating villages were having on the river and the impact on the beauty of the capital. However, people without identification or passports would not be eligible for the government’s resettlement procedure.

The Head of the Khmer-Vietnamese Association in Cambodia, who was also present at the embassy meeting, asked the Vietnamese President to request a document on the rights of the ethnic Vietnamese population, as well as to have them considered as expats and grant them permanent residence.

To date, 30,000 ethnic Vietnamese are settled in the Cambodian capital after surviving the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. The Vietnamese community originally moved to Cambodia in the early 20th century as migrant workers in rubber farms and settled in the country ever since. [New Straits Times]

Cambodia against ASEAN, taking risks with Myanmar 

(am) As Myanmar receives Cambodia’s support in ASEAN meetings [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1], the Cambodian Prime Minister is risking his position against the bloc by looking to bring Myanmar’s military leadership into the ASEAN gatherings. 

Since the coup d’état in Myanmar earlier this year most ASEAN countries have condemned the new Myanmar government, and consequently excluded the nation from top-level ASEAN meetings throughout the year due to insufficient progress in carrying out a peace plan agreed on with the bloc.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister intends to visit Myanmar in January and rejects widespread criticism from ASEAN members who believe this trip will strengthen the military junta now ruling the country and confer legitimacy on the new junta leader. 

Addressing foreign critics, the Prime Minister noted that ASEAN countries have not yet broken diplomatic relations with Myanmar. [Al Jazeera] [Radio Free Asia]

Cambodia, Vietnam call for upholding international law in the disputed South China Sea

(am) Cambodia and Vietnam reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, security, and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, urging adherence to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS). The joint communique was issued after the Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’ three-day state visit to Cambodia where he met with Prime Minister Hun Sen and other top officials. 

The South China Sea has been the subject of an ongoing dispute between China and several ASEAN countries. China’s claims to the maritime body are based on its “nine-dash line” on official maps that represent Beijing's historical claims to the South China Sea. [Anadolu Agency]

Cambodia, Vietnam agree to complete border demarcation

(am) Vietnamese and Cambodian leaders reached an agreement to finalize a plan for the demarcation of the remaining un-demarcated 16 percent of the Vietnam-Cambodia border on December 21. The consensus was reached by the Vietnamese President and the Cambodian Prime Minister. Both agreed to turn the shared border into one of peace and cooperation. 

Both countries have a centuries-long history of mutual invasions and conflicts along the border. The 1,270-kilometer Vietnam-Cambodia border has been in the process of demarcation since 2006. [Hanoi Times]

Laos, Cambodia discussion on border demarcation continues

(bs) Lao and Cambodian representatives met to discuss further improvements in border demarcation. 

While Cambodia is resolute to demarcate its borders with Laos according to the map developed by the French colonial authorities, which is included in Article 2 of the constitution, Laos aims to demarcate the national territory according to a 1902 map that includes Stung Treng province in Laos. The Lao request caused the demarcation process to be halted in 2002, only two years after the negotiations began. 

The two prime ministers agreed, on November 29 -30, to move forward with the ongoing border demarcation process between the two countries by calling for further negotiations in the Cambodian-Laos Joint Commission. Moreover, the diplomats committed to enhancing cross-border cooperation and finding an agreement on the map to use for the final demarcation. [Khmer Times]

Malaysia: Indication of forced labor practice on Malaysian glove manufacturers 

(dw) On December 20, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) banned imports from Malaysian glove manufacturers Brightway Group over suspected forced labor practices. CBP issued a withhold release order, instructing US ports of entry to detain disposable gloves produced in Malaysia by three companies in the group. CBP identified 10 of the 11 International Labour Organization's indicators of forced labor during its investigation. The Malaysian government has also inspected the manufacturer's facilities and found workers living in shipping containers, likening them to the practice of modern slavery. [Channel News Asia] 

The Malaysian government has admitted excessive overtime, underpaid wages, a lack of rest days, and unsanitary dormitories. According to the International Labor Organization, those conditions are one of 11 signs of forced labor. While the labor department remains silent, the human resource ministry urges corporations to protect workers' rights and wellbeing. 

Experts say that the Malaysian government should pay greater attention to this issue because it involves workplace exploitation of migrant workers, who either boost the country's economy or put the country's export-dependent growth model at risk. They warn that corporations may relocate to other nations if Malaysia does not improve, especially given the global focus on environmental, social, and governance norms. [Reuters]  

Singapore welcomes visit of South Korea Minister of National Defense 

(nm) South Korean Minister of National Defense has met his Singaporean counterpart to reaffirm their cooperation and maintain strong defense relations including nuclear and explosives defense and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The countries committed to work together along the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states amid intensified tensions between the United States and China. 

The South Korean minister also visited the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Information Fusion Centre at Changi Naval base where information sharing and collaboration on improving maritime security was discussed. [Straits Times]

Singapore and Malaysia review South Johor economic zone cooperation

(nm) The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia (JMCIM) met virtually to review their cooperation on the Southern area of the Malaysian Johor state’s economic zone called Iskandar.  

Iskandar Malaysia is an economic region established by the country as a hub for comprehensive growth, sustainability, quality living and economic prosperity. [Iskandar Malaysia]

The joining committee reviewed the progress of six bilateral work groups that cover industrial cooperation, environment, tourism, iconic projects, immigration, and transportation links. [Straits Times]

Thai Prime Minister orders humanitarian aid as over 4,400 people fleeing fighting in Myanmar to Thailand

(ay/bp) The Thai Prime Minister directed local officials on Tak province's western border to provide humanitarian aid and temporary shelter to approximately 4,400 people fleeing fighting in Myanmar. [Bangkok Post] [Mathichon in Thai]

Some schools along the Thai border have been practicing evacuation drills, to prepare the students in case of violence or fighting crossing the border. [The Thaiger]

According to the Deputy Defense Minister General, the prime minister assigned Tak’s governor to monitor the overall border issue with military support on December 20. Those infected with Covid-19 have been isolated and transported to hospitals for treatment, while those seeking refuge have been sheltered in the Mae Tao and Mahawan sub-districts.

In 2015, the Karen National Union (KNU) signed a ceasefire agreement with the Myanmar military government, resulting in a largely peaceful situation in border areas under KNU control. However, since the military deposed Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratic government, former State Counsellor of Myanmar, in a coup on February 1, “the KNU has announced its support for those who oppose the military rule”, including providing military training to youths.

The fighting between Myanmar government forces and Karen rebels is expected to intensify. The Myanmar government has sent reinforcements, including armored vehicles, to the war zone across the border from Tak's Mae Sot district. As a result, Karen people are expected to seek refuge in Thailand in greater numbers, with many seen seeking refuge in forests near the Mae Ku sub-district. [Thai PBS]

After a three-day cease-fire with the KNU, the Myanmar military commenced strikes on December 24 by sending military aircraft to fly around and bomb Karen soldiers and civilians in the Myawaddy region of Myanmar. After that, the Myanmar army launched a ground attack against Karen soldiers on the battlefield opposite Mae Sot district for another two hours. The attack resulted in 223 Karen civilians fleeing into Thailand to seek temporary safety in Mae Sot District. [Kaosod in Thai]

According to the Tak governor, more than 5,358 people from Myanmar have fled into Tak's Mae Sot district to seek refuge as a result of recent fighting between the Myanmar military and the ethnic Karen rebel movement. Refugees who are injured from the fight are being treated by medics for humanitarian assistance. [Bangkok Post]

This comes 3 days after the Thai Prime Minister was called upon by the United Nations’ refugee agency to grant urgent access to the Myanmar refugees [The Thaiger 2].  He also further commented that the refugees will be sent back to Myanmar once the situation subsides and that there will be no new refugee centers created for the over 90,000 Burmese nationals who have already crossed the border or any more who cross shortly. [The Thaiger 1]

The Thai governments’ latest announcement came as the Friends without Borders Foundation called on the Thai government to work with humanitarian groups, like the UN’s refugee agency, and local activists to provide shelter to the refugees [The Thaiger 1]. The fight between the Karen National Union and the military supported Karen State Border Guard Force, flared over the last 10 days with the military dropping bombs on December 23 close to the Myanmar-Thai border [The Thaiger 1]. 

Vietnam receives a US$30 million investment in waste-to-energy plant 

(am) In an attempt to help Vietnam achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the International Finance Corporation, an international financial institution offering support for development in less developed countries, committed US$30 million to the construction of a waste-to-energy plant in the northern Vietnamese province of Bac Ninh to increase the generation of clean energy and prevention of greenhouse gas emissions.

At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 earlier this year, Vietnam discussed its climate action plan and its commitment to reduce the negative impact on the environment and natural assets caused by the country’s rapid industrial growth. [VGP News] 

Announcements

Upcoming Online Events 

2-4 January 2022, Ontario College for Research and Development, Canada

International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Social Sciences, Technology and Education

The conference will address current issues and development in Social Sciences, Technology and Education.

Further information is available at [OCRS].

4 January 2021 @ 10:30-12:00 a.m. (GMT-5), American Enterprise Institute, USA

Blockchain in the Beltway, crypto at the Capitol: A technology juggernaut and its policy implications

This session will feature a panel of experts who will discuss the development of cryptocurrencies, their various manifestations, new regulations, and the resulting policy implications.

For more details of the event, see [AEI].

4-5 January 2022, Social Science & Humanities Research Association (SSHRA)

International Conference on Social Science & Humanities

The conference provides a platform for exploring and discussing research trends in social sciences and humanities. 

Learn more about the event at [SSHRA].

Recent Book Releases 

Elizabeth D. Samet, Looking for the Good War: American Amnesia and the Violent Pursuit of Happiness, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 368 pages, published on November 30, 2021, with a review in [The New York Times]. 

Martin Indyk, Master of the Game: Henry Kissinger and the Art of Middle East Diplomacy, Knopf, 688 pages, published on October 26, 2021. See for a review [The New York Times].

Dara Horn, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present, W. W. Norton & Company, 272 pages, published on September 7, 2021. A review is available at [Washington Independent Review of Books].

Ilya Shapiro, Supreme Disorder: Judicial Nominations and the Politics of America’s Highest Court, Regnery Gateway, 256 pages, published on September 22, 2020, reviewed in [New Books Network].

Carolijn van Noort, China’s Communication of the Belt and Road Initiative: Silk Road and Infrastructure Narratives, Routledge, 238 pages, published on August 20, 2021. For more information see [Routledge].

Paul Freedman, Why Food Matters, Yale University Press, 216 pages, published on September 28, 2021, reviewed in [The Guardian].

Calls for Papers

The Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management (KDI School) invites paper proposals for its hybrid conference on “Inflation and Deflation in Asia” to held on April 29, 2022. Closing date for submissions is March 18, 2022. For more information, visit [KDI School].

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) invites submissions of unpublished empirical studies, survey articles, historical analyses, and policy-oriented research for its 2022 Asian Economic Development Conference on “Inclusive, Sustainable Recovery in Asia and the Pacific” scheduled for July 14-15, 2022. Deadline for submissions is January 14, 2022. Visit [ADB] for further details. 

Jobs and Positions

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hiring a Regional Director to be based at the Regional Bureau for Africa in Cote d'Ivoire. Closing date for applications is January 19, 2022. Visit [UNDP] for more details.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is looking for a Project Manager NORCAP to be based in Oslo with core responsibility in planning, delegating, monitoring and control of the project to achieve the objectives within the following parameters: time, cost, quality, scope, benefits, and risk. Deadline for application is January 10, 2022. More details are available at [NRC].

Plan International is seeking a Head of MERL to be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, responsible for leading the implementing Result Based Management (RBM) approach with a clear link between interventions and outcomes with a thrust on outcome monitoring; and a focus on knowledge management for scaling up of innovative programs. Applications are accepted until January 3, 2022. See [Plan International] for more information.

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) welcomes applications for the position of an Asia Displacement Solutions Platform (ADSP) Specialist to be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Closing date for applications is January 9, 2022. If you are interested, find more about the job offer at [DRC].

The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College is offering Senior Energy and Climate Change Faculty positions. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2022 and will continue until the positions are filled. For more information, visit [Boston College].

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