Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 27, July/2022, 1
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
Welcome to this week’s Asia in Review issue with an update on the latest events and developments in domestic politics, international relations and geopolitics in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Wishing you an informative read, I extend special greetings to everyone who celebrates Algeria’s, Argentina’s, Bahamas’, Cape Verde’s, Comores’, Malawi’s, Solomon Islands’, South Sudan’s, USA’s and Venezuala’s Independence Day as well as The Philippines’ Republic Day in this week.
With best regards,
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: President Xi hails “one country, two systems” on day of 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to mainland
(dql) Speaking at a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, President Xi Jinping has defended Beijing’s tight control over the former British colony that has evolved over the past years with the Hong Kong National Security Law and other reforms of the city’s electoral system. Critics view this as blatant crackdown on the city’s democracy and political dissent, hollowing out the “One country, two systems” principle and the city’s autonomy guaranteed under it.
Hailing Hong Kong as “an important part” of the historic process of China’s national rejuvenation, Xi made clear that "One country, two systems" serves to “safeguard China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests and to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao.” He added that the security legislation and the changes to the electoral system were endorsed by the central government “in the interest of Hong Kong residents' democratic rights and the region's prosperity and stability, securing a bright future for the region.” [BBC] [Nikkei Asia]
Indicative of Beijing’s determination to continue its grip on Hong Kong is the delegation accompanying him to Hong Kong which included – among others – Ding Xuexiang; Xu Qiliang, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CPP); Foreign Minister Wang Yi; and Shen Yueyue, Vice Chairwoman of the National People’s Congress’s Standing Committee. The four represent Beijing’s jurisdiction over Hong Kong’s administration, defense, diplomacy and legal affairs respectively, with Ding and Xu being members of the Politburo, the CCP’s powerful, 25-member decision-making body. [South China Morning Post]
Similarly, Xi swore in John Lee as Hong Kong’s new Chief Executive on the same day. Lee ran uncontested for this post, winning 99 percent of a committee vote in May as the sole Beijing-approved candidate Lee, a former police officer, served as the city’s security from 2017 to 2021 and played a key role in cracking down the anti-government protest in 2019. In his inaugural speech, the city’s new leader called the 2019 protests an “insurrection”, with foreign forces “interfering” in internal matters of Hong Kong. [Hong Kong Free Press] [See also AiR No. 19, May/2022, 2]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
China: Party statistics show record-high number of members, 4.7 million people punished for corruption
(dql) According to official data, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has 96.71 million members in 2021, marking a new record and a 3.7 percent increase over the year. More 50 percent of the party members hold a college degree or associate degree or above. This is 1.3 percentage points higher than in 2020 and 13.2 percentage points higher than in 2012 when President Xi Jinping assumed power. More than one third of the members are under 40, while students account for 3.16 percent of the total.
While the number of female party members increased from 27.45 million in mid-2021 to 28.43 million by the end of 2021, gender inequality remains an issue for party policy makers, as less than one-third of the party members are female.
Meanwhile, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the party’s anti-graft watchdog, has investigated nearly 4.4 million corruption cases and punished 4.7 million people since the launch of Xi’s anti-corruption campaign in 2012.
This year, the campaign has been widened to target China’s finance sector, with more than 60 people in financial institutions having been punished thus far this year. [South China Morning Post] [Global Times].
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
China: Push for infrastructure projects funding announced
(dql) China’s Premier Li Keqiang has announced plans to raise nearly USD 45 billion by selling policy bonds to fund a new round of infrastructure projects, including highways, waterways and port projects to be built in the remaining rest of this year. Along with these bonds, issued by state-owned or policy banks, two-year interest subsidies to encourage lending for the projects will be provided by the government. Furthermore, local governments are ordered to hire more migrant workers for the projects, instead of handing out cash subsidies to people.
The measures aim to address economic pressure and stabilize employment amidst a weak property market, soft household consumption and uncertainties caused by Covid-19 lockdowns in Shanghai and other big cities. The world’s second largest economy is expected to face a contraction in growth in the second quarter. [South China Morning Post] [Macro Business][Reuters]
Meanwhile, China has launched the world's first ultra-high-voltage (UHV) direct current power transmission project as it kicked off operation of a major part of the country’s west-to-east power transmission program, in a bid to further boost coordinated trans-provincial infrastructure development.
The Baihetan-Jiangsu 800-kilovolt UHV direct current power transmission project – a transmission line stretching some 2,080 km – transmits clean hydropower the province of Sichuan in the southwest to Jiangsu Province, the country’s economic powerhouse in the east. Five provincial regions are covered by the mega project covers. [Xinhua]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
China: President Xi calls for self-reliance in science and technology
(dql) Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the country to step up efforts to achieve self-reliance in science and technology, and to “strengthen technological development, master more core technologies with independent intellectual property rights, continuously extend the innovation chain and improve the industrial chain.”
Xi made this call during visit to a company in Wuhan producing solar equipment. Wuhan is an emerging tech hub and home to the regional headquarters and research centers of tech giants such as Huawei, Tencent and Xiaomi.
His remarks which repeat earlier similar calls for self-reliance come against the backdrop of the intensifying Sino-US tech rivalry that has triggered discussion on economic decoupling between the two countries. [South China Morning Post]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
China: Personal information of 1 billion Chinese citizens stolen?
(dql) An anonymous hacker, identified as “ChinaDan”, has claimed that he has stolen the personal data of one billion Chinese citizens from a database of the Shanghai police database and offered to sell the data, which includes name, address, birthplace, national ID number, mobile number, crime/case details and cover more than 23 terabytes, for 10 bitcoin, worth about USD 200,000.
If proven true, the theft would be one of the biggest data breaches in history. [The Guardian]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
China: Space exploration mission maps entire Mars
(dql) Indicative of China’s advancement in space exploration, the Tianwen-1 probe, China’s first interplanetary exploration mission, has taken images covering the entire Mars, completing its task after landing on the red planet in May last year.
The successful mission makes China the first country to map the entire planet and further intensifies the Sino-US struggle for space supremacy, with China reportedly aiming to bring back rocks from Mars to Earth by 2031. [CNN] [The EurAsian Times]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
China: Aircraft carrier exercise conducted
(dql) China’s Navy recently conducted simulation training for transport aircraft to land on aircraft carriers, indicating that the country is now developing fixed-wing transport aircraft and special mission aircraft, that includes early warning aircraft, for its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian.
The Fujian, the country’s most advanced aircraft carrier, was launched last month and is equipped with electromagnetic catapult-assisted launch system capable of launching a wider variety of aircraft faster and with more ammunition. [Global Times 1] [See also AiR No. 25, June/2022, 3]
Meanwhile, China’s second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, is reportedly ready for far sea operations after its first scheduled maintenance has been completed since it was commissioned in 2019. [Global Times 2]
Japan: Petition demands revision of the law on spousal consent for abortions
(nc) On June 27, a petition with around 82,000 signatures was handed out to the health ministry demanding a reform of the country’s abortion law.
Japan’s Maternal Health Law states that certain conditions need to be met so that women can get an abortion. First, it must be financially or physically difficult to give birth or pregnancy needs to be the result of rape. And second, women need the consent of their spouse or partner.
The petition, led by the group Safe Abortion Japan, argues that the clause is against women’s right to make decisions about their bodies. No official statement from the health ministry has been made regarding the petition for now.
Till now, the government has held no discussions on the removal of this clause even though it was recommended by the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Furthermore, during a Diet session in May, a health ministry official said the consent of the spouse will also be needed for a woman to take the newly introduced aborting pill. [Asahi Shimbun]
For brief background information about abortion in Japan, see Magdalena Osumi in [Japan Times] who draws attention to the issue of the stigmatization of abortion as a woman’s sin.
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
Japan: Appeal made against Osaka court for ruling same-sex marriage ban constitutional
(nc) Three same-sex couples appealed to the Osaka High Court on June 30 after the District Court ruled on June 20 that provisions of Japan's civil law and family registration law under which same-sex marriage is not recognized are constitutional.
Indicative of the divisive nature of the issue in Japan, the Sapporo District Court ruled for the first time in March last year that the Japanese government's current system of not allowing same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. [Mainichi] [See also AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4, AiR No. 25, June/2022, 3]
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
Japan: Minimum wage to be increased
(nc) The Central Minimum Wages Council has begun discussing raising minimum wages amid the pandemic economic recovery and the soaring prices. From 2016 to 2021, the minimum wage has increased annually by around 3%. Increasing the minimum wage could help households that have been hit hard by the inflation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But it worries companies and management as they also struggle with electricity and raw materials prices soaring. No numerical target for the minimum wage has been set yet. [The Japan News]
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
South Korea: Parliament returns to work after election of new speaker
(dql) The South Korean parliament elected on July 4 Kim Jin-pyo, a senior lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) as its new speaker, ending a month-long feud between the DP and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) which left the parliament paralyzed and more than 11000 bills un-reviewed.
The election came on the heels of an agreement between the two parties on the distribution of chairs of parliamentary committees. [Korea Herald]
South Korea: Main opposition party faces internal feud over leadership election rules
(dql) South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) is facing an internal feud, with party members clashing over the rules on the election of a new party leader which is scheduled to held at the party’s national convention in August.
The DP’s emergency steering committee rejected a proposal for a revision of the party’s bylaws which was submitted by the national convention preparation committee and according to which votes are weighed by the following ratio: 30 percent for senior party members, 40 percent for regular members with voting rights, and by 25 percent for designated public opinions surveys.
In response, Ahn Gyu-baek, head of national convention preparations committee, announced his intent to submit his resignation from the committee as protest against the party leadership’s decision to reject his committee’s suggestion. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea: Former police chief handed down prison sentence
(dql) The South Korean Supreme Court has sentenced former National Police Agency Commissioner General Cho Hyun-oh to 1.5 years in prison. He was found guilty of mobilizing police forces to post on social media opinions in favour of government under President Lee Myung-bak between 2010 and 2012. [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea: Defense panel endorses procurement of fighter jets
(dql) The Defense Project Promotion Committee’s subcommittee has approved a plan to purchase 20 additional F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets, worth USD 3 billion. The delivery of the aircraft is expected to start in 2023 and be completed by 2030.
This comes after the deployment of 40 F-35As was completed in January under it’s the military’s fifth-generation warplane procurement project. [Yonhap News Agency]
In a separate development, the US Air Force has sent six F-35 stealth fighters to South Korea to conduct exercises with South Korea’s Airforce which will run until July 14. The joint air force drills are the first in about five years. [The Korea Herald]
Taiwan: New human rights and transitional justice department launched
(dql) Tawain’s Cabinet has launched a new department of human rights and transitional justice June 27 that is responsible for implementing the National Human Rights Action Plan. Among the department’s tasks are allocating budgets, compiling performance indicators, drafting laws and setting up impact evaluation mechanisms. [Taiwan Today]
The move comes after the Cabinet released Taiwan’s first-ever National Human Rights Action Plan in May. Major issues prioritized in the plan include establishing a human rights unit, monitoring human rights education and assessing its results, and consolidating laws on equality. Furthermore, the plan calls for addressing right-to-life issues, especially suicides of teenagers and traffic fatalities, alongside reviewing policies on housing justice, ensuring the effectiveness of climate change laws, improving laws on digital gender harassment, and codifying asylum protocols into law and clarifying application procedures [see AiR No. 19, May/2022, 2].
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
Taiwan: Constitutional Court to decide on legal recognition of indigenous groups
(dql) On June 28, Taiwan’s Constitutional Court heard an oral argument in a case in which the Siraya, one of the Pingpu indigenous groups, demand legal recognition. Under the Status Act for Indigenous Peoples, the Pingpu (Plains indigenous peoples) are not legally recognized.
The case is a lawsuit filed by activist Uma Talavan and 112 other Siraya individuals. The Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), a ministry-level body under the Cabinet, is the defendant. The Tainan city government is a stakeholder as the city is where the majority of Siraya live and as the city government allowed Siraya to apply to register as Indigenous in 2009, a move that the CIP rejects.
The Constitutional Court will announce the date to publicize its decision on the case in July. [New Bloom]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
Taiwan: New police chief appointed
(dql) Taiwan’s Cabinet has appointed Kaohsiung chief of police Huang Ming-chao as new head the National Police Agency.
Huang has formerly served detective and criminal investigator in multiple cities and counties, as well as chief of police in the cities of Yunlin, Keelung and Kaohsiung. In 2019, he became the chief of the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB). [Focus Taiwan]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
Taiwan: First shooting exercises for Black Hawk helicopter crews in seven decades
(dql) Taiwan’s Air Force’s rescue team conducted on June 26-27 shooting drills for its Black Hawk helicopter crews fired M240 machine guns, for the first time in 70 years.
Taiwan’s first helicopter unit was based in the southwestern city of Chiayi in 1950. Two years later it was converted into an Air Force rescue unit. [Taiwan News]
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s homegrown Yushan landing platform dock (LDP), a 10,600-ton amphibious multi-mission vessel, is will be reportedly to be delivered to the island’s Navy as early as September if it passes a sea trial that will be conducted soon.
The Yushan, the first of four indigenous LDPs, is currently docked at a military port to undergo required tests to on all the newly-installed systems. With a length of 153 meters and a beam of 23 meters, the Yushan has a maximum speed of 21 knots and a range of 7,000 miles and can carry several AAV7 amphibious armed personnel carriers and 673 troops. It can also be equipped with an MK-75 76mm gun, two MK-15 Phalanx close-in weapons systems, and two TC-2N missile systems. Furthermore, it has hangars capable of accommodating military helicopters. [Focus Taiwan]
Peer-Morten Strantzen contributed research to this article.
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Seven million need aid as floods continue
(lm) More than 7 million people in Bangladesh are in desperate need of shelter and emergency relief, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said. In recent weeks, several regions in Bangladesh – a densely populated delta nation – have been battered by catastrophic flooding, killing at least 102 people in 27 out of 64 flood-affected districts between May 17 and June 28. [CNN]
Mr. Sheikh Afif Bin Zaman contributed research to this article.
India: Former BJP spokesperson’s Prophet comment set ‘country on fire’, Supreme Court says
(rk/lm) India’s Supreme Court has rebuked the former spokesperson of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for her derogatory references to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, noting that “loose tongue” was “single-handedly responsible” for the outrage and communal tensions across the country. [Al Jazeera]
The derogatory comments made by Nupur Sharma during a television debate a month ago sparked protests in which two demonstrators were killed and triggered an outcry across over a dozen Islamic nations [see AiR No. 24, June/2022, 2]. Sharma was suspended from the BJP soon after several Islamic nations registered strong diplomatic protests with New Delhi. The party, for its part, distanced itself from Sharma, saying her views did not represent the views of the BJP [see AiR No. 23, June/2022, 1]
Last week, the Supreme Court turned down Sharma’s request to consolidate multiple cases that have been filed against her in courts across India. The court also asked her to appear on a TV channel and apologize to the nation. [BBC]
Notably, the court also linked Sharma’s comment to the murder of a Hindu tailor in the northern state of Rajastan on June 28 that has sent shockwaves through the country. The taylor had backed Sharma in a social media post. [see entry in this edition]
The apex court’s observations were met with mixed reactions. While some have applauded it, others have argued that the remarks have in a way justified the violent protests and life threats against Sharma. However, one of the judges heading the bench that rejected Sharma’s plea flagged the online criticism of the court’s comments and “personal attacks”, terming the trend “a dangerous scenario.” [Newslaundry] [The Hindu]
India: With ruling BJP’s support, rebel leader in Maharashtra state becomes chief minister
(rk) Eknath Shinde was sworn in as new chief minister of India’s western state of Maharashtra on June 30, a day after the previous incumbent was forced to resign, thereby ending a ten-day political crisis that some experts say was orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Earlier this month, at least 46 members of the state’s legislative assembly, led by Shinde – then a senior state minister – had holed up in a city in the northeastern state of Assam, thousands of kilometers away from their home state. They claimed that her Shiv Sena party’s strident right-wing Hindu legacy had been diluted by its alliance with the centrist Nationalist Congress Party and the Indian National Congress. [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
Against this backdrop, India’s Supreme Court in two separate orders on June 29 stayed a disqualification exercise of the rebel lawmakers and refused to stay the state governor’s order that directed the alliance-led government to face a floor test in the legislative assembly. The BJP had requested the governor to order the test saying the coalition didn’t have the support of a majority of legislators. [The Indian Express]
Minutes after the request was made public, the hitherto chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray, announced his resignation in a live broadcast.
The following day, then, Shinde was rewarded by the BJP for his rebellion despite the Hindu nationalist having enough lawmakers to form a majority government. Notably, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP took oath as Shinde’s deputy. [Al Jazeera]
The Supreme Court, however, has said that the fate of the government would depend on its final verdict in the disqualification case of the rebel legislators. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for mid-July. [Hindustan Times]
Since 2019, Maharashtra is the third state after Karnataka (2019) and Madhya Pradesh (2020) in which the BJP – ruling at the center – has replaced the opposition-led governments with the help of rebel lawmakers, in a development opposition parties have termed “Operation Lotus” in a reference to the symbol of the BJP. [India Today]
India: Opposition’s presidential candidate supports sedition law repeal
(rk) The presidential candidate of India’s opposition parties, Yashwant Sinha, has vowed to work for the repeal of the sedition law if he is elected to the top ceremonial post of the country in the forthcoming presidential elections later this month. [The Hindu]
In May this year, India’s Supreme Court put the contentious sedition law on hold after petitions were filed against its constitutional validity. The court also asked the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review and reconsider the colonial-era piece of legislation. [AiR No. 20, May/2022, 13]
The president in India is the head of the state, but does not exercise executive powers. He or she is elected by the members of both the houses of parliament and of the legislative assemblies of states and federally-administered union territories. The presidential election is to be held on July 18 and the results declared on July 21. The winning candidate will replace President Ram Nath Kovind whose term ends on July 24. [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
India: Security tightened after Hindu man’s beheading for supporting contentious Prophet remarks
(rk/lm) Police in the Indian state of Rajasthan have banned public gatherings and shut down the internet over fears of potential sectarian violence after two Muslims murdered a Hindu tailor who had showed support for contentious remarks by a former spokesperson of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Islam’s Prophet Muhammad. [The Guardian]
The victim was killed in Udaipur district in north India on June 28 by the men, who filmed the act and posted it online. In another video, the two accused can be seen taking responsibility of the murder while hurling large knifes and threatening to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nupur Sharma, whose remarks about the Prophet earlier this month triggered domestic and international outrage [see AiR No. 24, June/2022, 2]. [The Straits Times 1]
Earlier in June, the deceased had been arrested by police for supporting Sharma in relation to her comments on social media, the Indian Express reported. He had asked for police protection after his release, citing threats to his life. The police then called some Hindus and Muslims for a peace meeting, after which the tailor said he didn't “need any more action against any one”, a police official told the newspaper. [The Indian Express]
On June 30, thousands of people marched through Udaipur city to demand protection for Hindus. [The Straits Times 2]
Meanwhile, the National Investigative Agency - India's top anti-terrorism agency - is carrying out a probe. A senior police officer told reporters that the police had found early evidence that one of the accused men had links with a group in Pakistan. Islamabad, however, has denied such reports, calling them “mischievous”. [The Hindu]
India: 80 “illegal” migrants from Myanmar held in Manipur state
(cmsk) 80 Myanmar migrants, including 20 minors, were reportedly held in India’s Manipur State. According to a police officer, the alleged “illegal” immigrants could not produce any valid document for their stay in India and the arrested also reportedly disclosed that they were from Myanmar. A case has been registered and an investigation is now underway, according to the police.
The Myanmar nationals are suspected to have been brought to Manipur to work as weavers, however it has not yet been determined if they are economic migrants or refugees. The Indian police say that the men and women will be sent to court whilst minors will be sent to the Juvenile Justice Board. All will be given food, water and other necessities, according to the police.
The Indian government is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention. [Outlook India] [The Indian Express]
India: At least 42 die in massive landslide in northeastern Manipur state
(rk) At least 42 people have died in a landslide in India’s northeastern state of Manipur. Among the deceased are 27 personnel of the Indian Army’s volunteer force and 15 civilians, mostly laborers working on a landslide-affected railways project site. Heavy rains and fresh landslides in the region have thwarted the search and rescue operations. [The Quint]
Monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in the northeastern parts of the country. Floods and landslides have killed more than 230 people in the four north eastern states, Assam being the worst affected with more than 150 people dead and millions displaced. [BBC]
Law ministry seeks to amend transitional justice law; conflict victims want new leaders in justice commissions
(lm) Nepal’s law ministry has completed consultations with victims of the country’s decade-long civil war in seven provinces, as it seeks to amend the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act that remain unimplemented for almost eight years. [The Himalayan Times]
The bill being prepared by the law ministry aims to revise the amnesty provisions in the existing law. But more importantly, it is also crucial to deciding the tenure of two transitional justice commissions — the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Since they were formed in 2015, the TRC and CIEDP have received around 64,000 complaints from victims of human rights violations and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict, including over 3,000 complaints from families of the disappeared. Yet, the CIEDP has not made progress completing ante-mortem investigations or locating and identifying victims’ remains. The TRC, for its part, has conducted no public hearings and has not issued a final report.
The tenure of the existing commissions ends on July 16. In light of the lack of progress so far, conflict victims and civil society leaders say the government must appoint teams to both commissions with a proper consultation so that every stakeholder takes ownership of the transitional justice process. [The Kathmandu Post]
Ms. Vaishnavi Deegwal contributed research to this article.
Nepal: Prime Minister Deuba criticized by rivaling faction in ruling party
(op) After a year as prime minister and six months as president of Nepal’s ruling Congress party, Sher Bahadur Deuba is in a tough place, as an intra party faction has begun pressuring him, questioning both of his responsibilities.
The rebel faction is led by Shekhar Koirala, who lost to Deuba in elections to the position of the party’s president last December [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. The camp met on June 30 to examine the country's situation, economics, and foreign policy, and to formulate charges that Deuba would run the party unilaterally. [Setopati 1] [The Kathmandu Post 2]
The prime minister is yet to designate the treasurer and 21 remaining members of the 168-member Central Working Committee. Also, the party hasn't organized 28 departments, although all departments, committees, and other party units must be created within six months following the general convention.
Nepal: People's Socialist Party leaders agree to part ways as discord reaches tipping point, news reports say
(op/lm) The two leaders of the People's Socialist Party, Nepal (PSP-N), a junior ally in the coalition government, are set to part ways, the Kathmandu Post reported, citing party leaders who say a longstanding dispute between the two party chairs has reached a tipping point.
The PSP-N was formed in April 2020 through the merger of the two key Madhesh-based parties in Nepal, the Samajbadi Party, Nepal (SPN) and the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) [see AiR No. 28, July/2020, 2]. The party soon divided into two factions: one led by former RJPN leaders Mahanta Thakur and Rajendra Mahato; another headed by former SPN key figures Baburam Bhattarai and Upendra Yadav.
In August last year, then, the PSP-N split after the Bhattarai-Yadav faction lent its support to a petition filed with the Supreme Court that called for the formation of a government under the leadership of then opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba [see AiR No. 28, July/2021, 2]. The party was awarded to Yadav and Bhattarai by the Election Commission [see AiR No. 33, August/2021, 3].
Since then, however, a rift between Bhattarai, the party’s federal council chair, and Zadav, the party’s central chair, has widened. [The Kathmandu Post 1]
But a formal division is complicated by law, which requires a party group that wants to separate and form a new party to have at least 40 percent of the Parliamentary Party and the central committee.
In light of these developments, it is noteworthy that the chair of Nepal’s Communist Party (Maoist Centre), has proposed forming a new front comprising forces whose political line is socialism. He made the proposal at the party’s Central Committee meeting that started on July 3. [The Kathmandu Post 2]
Nepal: Government promises state-owned oil corporation compensation for reduced fuel prices
(op/lm) Nepal’s finance ministry has assured the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), a monopoly state-owned trading enterprise, that it would compensate for the reduced prices of petrol and diesel, but has fallen short of specifying how it would do so.
Earlier this month, violent protests erupted in Kathmandu after the NOC raised the price of one liter of petrol and diesel by 12 percent and 16 percent respectively, prompting fears of broader price hikes. In light of this, a parliamentary committee later directed the government to slash the taxes on petroleum products by half. [AiR No. 26 June/2022, 4]
Against this backdrop, several news websites have reported that the finance ministry plans to pay the NOC for price cuts instead of reducing taxes. Given the absence of clarity, the state-owned oil monopoly has continued to pay taxes as before, and predicts large losses. Significantly, this implies that the NOC may not be able to pay the Indian Oil Corporation, possibly affecting gasoline delivery. [Bizmandu, in Nepalese]
Observers argue that the government's statement was ad hoc, as seen by the lack of an implementation mechanism, and call it “a populist choice”. [The Kathmandu Post]
Pakistan: Re-election for post of Chief Minister Punjab postponed until July 22 after Supreme Court’s directives
(fq) Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled on July 1 that a re-election for the position of chief minister in Punjab Province will be held on July 22 later this month, allowing incumbent Hamza Sharif to remain in office till then.
Hamza Sharif, son of incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was elected as chief minister of Punjab on April 16. He secured a resounding majority of 197 votes — 11 more than the required 186 – which included 25 defectors from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan [see AiR No. 16, April/2022, 3]. On May 20, these rebel lawmakers were de-seated by the Pakistan Election Commission under the country’s deflection clause [see AiR No. 21, May/2022, 4].
Against this backdrop, the Lahore High Court last week removed Hamza Sharif as the chief minister of Punjab and ordered the provincial assembly to conduct a recounting exercise of the votes originally casted on April 16. Notably, the lawmakers were ordered to exclude the 25 votes of dissident lawmakers belonging to the opposition PTI party as to see if the chief minister still controls a majority of seats. [Dawn] [Geo News]
However, the opposition PTI filed a petition with the Supreme Court against the recounting of votes on July 1 and requested to hold a re-election for the chief minister post instead. In light of this, the apex court postponed the re-election until after the by-elections for 20 assembly seats will be held later this month. [The News]
Pakistan: Parliamentary Committee discusses ongoing peace talks with Pakistan Taliban
(fq/lm) The speaker of Pakistan’s lower house of parliament chaired a meeting of the parliamentary committee on national security on July 5. The meeting was attended by members of both chambers of parliament, the president and prime minister of Azad Kashmir, the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and chief secretaries of all four provinces. [Dawn 1]
The meeting centered on the ongoing talks between Pakistan’s military and the Pakistani Taliban, known by their acronym TTP. Negotiations with the militant group were secretly revived in January, after they had broken down last December, in an attempt to reign in the TTP politically and defuse its potential for violence [see AiR No. 9, March/2022, 1]. Earlier this month then, the the group announced an indefinite ceasefire with Islamabad after a delegation of tribal elders had traveled to Kabul for talks hosted by the Afghan Taliban [see AiR No. 23, June/2022, 1].
Against this backdrop, the Pakistan Peoples Party - a major partner in the ruling coalition - protested for not being taken onboard about the talks. These protests resulted in a meeting between the political leadership and the military establishment at the Prime Minister’s House on Jun 22. During the meeting, the military leadership reassured that no extra-constitutional concessions would be given to the outlawed TTP in the ongoing dialogue and any deal made with the terrorist group would be subject to parliamentary approval. [Dawn 2]
Pakistan: High court warns of summoning prime minister if missing journalists are not recovered
(fq) Hearing a case related to the disappearance of six journalists, the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court has warned of summoning Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for an explanation should authorities still fail to recover the missing persons. Later, the court adjourned the hearings till September 9. [Geo News]
Pakistan: Senior journalist attacked by unidentified men in Lahore
(ha) Pakistani veteran journalist Ayaz Amir was attacked by six unidentified men in Punjab’s provincial capital Lahore on July 1. [The News]
A day earlier, Amir – a former lawmaker with the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) who is now an independent commentator – addressed a ceremony organized by the Islamabad High Court Bar on “Regime Change and its Fallout on Pakistan”. In his speech, he criticized the land mafia for influencing successive governments. He also criticized the role of Pakistan’s military establishment and its alleged tacit interference in the affairs of the government. [Gulf News]
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident and ordered his son, Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, to hold a high-level investigation. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s civil society, media representative bodies, journalists, government and opposition leaders unanimously condemned the assault on the veteran journalist, calling the attack a shameful and cowardly act. [Daily Times]
Pakistan: Attack on anti-polio team in North Waziristan kills three
(ha) Gunmen attacked a polio vaccination team in Pakistan’s district of North Waziristan on June 28, killing a health worker and two policemen escorting the team. The victims were taking part in a United Nations-funded polio campaign launched earlier last week in 25 districts across the country at high risk for outbreaks. [Al Jazeera] [Associated Press]
Since April, Pakistan has registered 11 new polio cases, all in the district of North Waziristan - a former Pakistani Taliban stronghold [see AiR No. 23, June/2022, 1]. During a previous inoculation campaign held in March, a female polio worker was killed in the same district. Prior to that, a police officer providing security for polio vaccination workers was shot and killed in January. According to a report, a total of 70 polio workers have been killed in Pakistan in the last ten years. [The News]
Separately, security forces killed four terrorists in two separate gun battles in North Waziristan district on July 2. In another incident, at least three soldiers sustained gunshot wounds in an attack on a military post in the Tirah valley near Pakistan’s border with neighboring Afghanistan. [Dawn]
Pakistan: Army, intelligence chiefs issue strict order to commanders to stay away from politics
(lm) The chief of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has issued strict orders to his subordinates not to intrude in politics, following directives from Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, to offset what the government has previously called a coordinated campaign by ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan. [The Hindu]
Khan was widely believed to have been brought in power by Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. However, the Army repeatedly announced its intent to remain neutral in the leadup to the no-confidence vote in parliament that ended Khan's almost four years in power back in April [see AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2]. The military also later dismissed Khan’s assertions that he was the victim of a United States-led conspiracy, and described his visit to Russia in February as “embarrassing”.
The instructions were issued after leaders of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party alleged that some officials of the ISI were trying to manipulate the upcoming by-elections in Punjab Province. [see entry in this edition]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Prime Minister sets date for upcoming National Election while Commune poll sees increase in women elected chiefs and commune councilors
(bs) Cambodia’s National Election will be on July 13, 2023. Prime MInister Hun Sen announced the date two days after the National Election Committee (NEC) released the results of the latest Commune Elections, which were held on June 5 and saw the appointment of 173 women as chiefs and commune councilors. [Khmer Times 1]
While the result marks a 30 percent increase in the number of women elected compared to the previous commune polls, according to civil society groups, it must be acknowledged that all the elected women are members of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, which won the election by a landslide gaining 9,376 commune council seats in contrast to the 2,198 seats won by the main opposition Candlelight Party.
The data collected by the National Election Committee show that out of 86,042 elected commune council candidates, 27,813 were women, approximately 32 percent. [Khmer Times 2]
Cambodia: Contesting perspectives on recent mass trials against opposition members
(bs) The Cambodian representative to the United Nation (UN) dismissed criticism of the Cambodia mass trial against opposition members and activists mounted by three UN Special Rapporteurs.
On June 29, the UN human rights experts urged the Cambodian government to review the legal proceedings brought against over 60 opposition officials and supporters who were sentenced to up to eight years in prison on plotting and incitement charges during the latest mass political trial, which took place on June 14 and convicted the defendants over their alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government in 2018–2019. [AiR No. 25, June/2022, 3]
The “flaws” alleged by the Special Rapporteurs related to the conduct of the trial in absentia of several accused, the denial of full access to case-related documentation, the alleged violation of the principle of presumption of innocence, the alleged violation of the right to a timely trial given the lengthy periods that the accused had to spend in pre-trial detention, and the lack of precise and strong evidence corroborating the charges. [Khmer Times] [OHCHR]
Cambodia: Court rejects arrest of former opposition leader over alleged violation of bail conditions
(bs) On June 29, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court ruled against the prosecution’s request to arrest former opposition leader Kem Sokha for allegedly breaking bail conditions by participating in political activities. The court, however, warned Sokha of an immediate arrest if he continues conducting political activities.
According to one of the defendant’s lawyers, the deputy prosecutor filed the request following a report from the National Police monitoring Sokha’s activities during a trip to meet his supporters in three Cambodian provinces, Kampot, Kampong Cham, and Siem Reap respectively, and in the capital Phnom Penh. [Khmer Times]
Kem Sokha, the former leader of the deposed opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was arrested in 2017 for ostensibly participating in a plot to oust Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government. He was then released on bail in 2018. He has always denied his involvement in any such plot and attempted to acquit himself of the treason charges. [AiR No. 24, June/2022, 2]
Cambodia: Prime Minister threatens those spreading fake news on COVID-19 with jail
(bs) of Prime Minister Hun Sen urged authorities to strengthen anti-fake-news regulations after an opposition politician was arrested for allegedly falsely linking the picture of dead bodies to the Covid-19 pandemic in a social media post. [Anadolu Agency]
Cambodia: Appellate court refuses to return passport to former news reporter citing ongoing investigation
(bs) Former news editor and reporter Yeang Sothearin will not be given his passport back, a Cambodian appellate court ruled. The court reasoned its decision by mentioning an ongoing investigation into Sothearin who was arrested in November 2017 for allegedly “illegally collecting information for a foreign source.” His fellow coworker Uon Chhin, who was a media photographer and videographer was also taken into custody on the same day.
According to the president of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), the court’s refusal to return Sothearin’s passport is in violation of the defendant’s rights, especially considering the length of the investigations, which have already been ongoing for five years.
Although they are currently on bail, if convicted, they could face a sentence of up to 15 years in jail. After the municipal court rejected several appeals, the men vowed to take the case to Cambodia’s Supreme Court. [Radio Free Asia]
Cambodia: Supreme Court upholds jail conviction of former public officials involved in land fraud case
(bs) On June 29, Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld the rulings of a municipal and an appeals courts finding a former commune council member, Sa Les, guilty of fraud in connection to 525 hectares of state land. He received a 7-year jail term in addition to the payment of USD 2,500. Meanwhile, without appealing to the Supreme Court, five other defendants received the same sentence for their alleged involvement in the case.
The courts charged them with deliberate destruction of official documents, embezzlement of state funds or assets, forging and use of official documents for corrupt purposes, and the abuse of power as public officials, respectively under Articles 601, 629 and 630 of the Criminal Code and Article 35 of the Anti-Corruption Law.
The men were arrested in 2019 after they had cooperated in falsifying state land documents for personal purposes since 2016. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: Innovations in labor sector underway amidst ongoing casino labor dispute
(bs) Amidst ongoing labor disputes involving hundreds of casino workers, the Cambodian government has been working on enhancing labor-related regulations, introducing a new pension scheme, discussing an increase of minimum wages and the introduction of labor and commercial courts.
According to the government, lawmakers are expected to complete a draft law on the establishment of the aforementioned courts by the end of 2022 or early 2023. Meanwhile, the creation of a technical commission to prepare the draft and a potential partnership with the Asian Development Bank are underway. The latter aims at aims at establishing a collaboration for capacity-building and delivering training for judges and prosecutors as well as drafting legal standards for the labor and commercial courts to-be. The new courts are expected to facilitate labor and commercial disputes and promote a targeted judicial specialization.
To date, commercial and labor disputes are handled by the ordinary courts. [Khmer Times]
Meanwhile, the government is set to discuss increasing the minimum wage for the textile, garment, footwear, bags and travel goods sectors from USD 194 to potentially USD 204-214. The Labor Ministry urged all parties to hold discussions and take decisions in adherence with Article 5 of the Law on Minimum Wage, which instructs the involved parties to strictly consider “formal data and reputable academic research on social criteria – such as household status, inflation rate and cost of living – and economic criteria, including productivity, competitiveness of the country, the labor market situation and sectoral profitability.” [The Phnom Penh Post]
Another step towards an improvement of the labor sector was taken on June 28, when the labor and finance ministries signed a new pension scheme in alignment with Cambodia Labor Law. The pension plan will apply to those individuals who qualify under Article 39 (and consequently under Article 17) of the national Labor Law which, in conjunction with a sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen in March, will be applicable to workers in both the private and the public sectors.
Local sources reported that for the first five years after the implementation day, contributions are set at a rate of four per cent. Employers and employees will each pay half of the amount on a monthly basis. [The Star]
The labor sector in Cambodia has been facing a number of challenges since late 2021. Major concerts were voiced with regards to the ongoing strikes by NagaWorld casino workers who began protesting on December 18, 2021, for the reinstatement of 365 employees who were laid off in 2020, also asking for better working conditions, and protesting alleged discrimination against labor union members. Since then, the authorities have been arresting hundreds of strikers while the Cambodian government received several condemnations from rights organizations for the alleged mistreatment of striking workers and for violating the workers’ right of association. [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
Cambodia: Government to release policy on energy efficiency
(bs) Cambodia is expected to release a new policy on energy efficiency by the end of 2022. The plan, supported by the Asian Development Bank, aims at slowing the increase of the energy demand by 20 percent over the period of two decades, between 2014 and 2035.
The urgency of such a move was stressed by groups of experts who found inefficiencies in the energy usage while conducting studies of business operations involved in industry, commerce, transportation and building construction. Following the findings, the government urged those who work in related fields to only use energy-efficient certified devices and equipment, which also work on a lower energy intensity.
Moreover, the Cambodia Rice Federation voiced concerns regarding the current insufficiency of electricity allocated to the rice sector which could potentially lead to energy shortages and thus jeopardize the quality of the products. It also mentioned that although the private sector might utilize solar energy, such power systems are unaffordable for the public sector. [Asia News Network]
Cambodia: Pressure to speed up proceedings in anti-money-laundering cases to get country from ‘gray list’
(bs) Following the announcement that Cambodia remains on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s “gray list,” an institution that works to fight money laundering, the Ministry of Justice called on national and provincial courts to speed up the proceedings on money laundering cases.
According to the institution’s report, the country has not yet implemented all the 14 actions included in an anti-money-laundering action list drafted by the FATF in 2019. To date, Cambodia has effectively completed 13 out of the 14 items on the list, nonetheless, the country is set to remain in the warrant list until it completes the last item on the “increasing of assets freezing and confiscations in money laundering cases” by the end of July. Such a move requires the implementation of effective measures by the courts and prosetutor’s office across the country. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: Civil Society, NGOs accused of relying too much on foreign donors
(bs) The Cambodian government voiced its concerns against the indicators civil society uses to measure the human rights situation in the country. It has also rebuffed the alleged reliance on foreign donors by NGOs claiming that this would prevent them to work independently and in line with the national human rights framework.
In response, the director of Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (Licadho), claimed that as a civil society organization, Licadho follows the standards of the International Organization for Human Rights, “which is recognised by the Constitution of Cambodia, as a basis for measuring whether human rights issues in Cambodia are moving forward or backward.” [Khmer Times]
Indonesia: Parliament passes legislation to form three Papuan Provinces
(jvk) On June 30, the Indonesian parliament unanimously passed legislation to form three new administrative units in Papua while peaceful protests were held over a policymaker’s announcement to move Central Papua’s capital from Mimika to Nabire.
The three provinces are South Papua, Central Papua, and the Papuan Highlands. According to the House Commission, the regulation aimes at reducing conflict, improving public services, and bringing equitable development to the whole of Papua.
However, several civil groups expressed opposition to the plan, claiming that the legislation could serve as a pretext to impose harsher government restrictions on the Papua region. Further, they argue that a split of Papua into three provinces could undermine the interests of the indigenous population and the local authorities’ powers. Amnesty International, after urging the authorities to involve indigenous Papuans in the negotiations, has also called the move “undemocratic.”
Nonetheless, the bill follows the government’s amendments of Papuan special autonomy law introduced in 2021. [The Jakarta Post] [Reuters]
Papua has been marked with ongoing attacks, killings, and protests for decades due to clashing interests and differences between Indigenous Papuans and what they perceive as Indonesian oppression. [AiR No. 21, May/2022, 4]
Indonesia: Cyberattacks sparking amid delay in Personal Data Protection Bill
(jvk) The number of cyberattacks is drastically increasing while the House of Representatives announced a further delay of its deliberations on the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill until the next sitting period. In the first three months of 2022, Indonesia witnessed a 22-percent increase in cyberattacks compared to the same period in 2021. Experts explain the increase in parts by a lack of adequate legal regulation. Since 2016, when the PDP bill was first introduced, bureaucratic rivalry over data protection oversight and overlapping mandates stalls its deliberations.
To date, the country relies on Law No. 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions (EIT) and its 2016 amendment to regulate cyberattacks and punish violations of personal data. However, the existing legal framework is not sufficient for a comprehensive and secure mechanism to tackle the issue. The EIT, for instance, fails to define personal data classifications. [Jakarta Post] [The Diplomat]
Indonesia: New regulation on disbursement of old age security funds
(bs) Indonesia introduces a new regulation on the disbursement of old age security funds allowing the citizens to withdraw their funds even before reaching the age of 56, which was the previous benchmark.
Regulation MoM 4/2022 defines specific criterions to assess the process for withdrawal of old age security funds. Among the criteria, Indonesia included conditions such as resigning from their employment or being laid off. According to the new guidelines, foreigners are also entitled to receive their accumulated pensions when leaving the country. [ASEAN Briefing]
Indonesia: Bar chain forced to shut down over blasphemy claims
(jvk) In context of Indonesia’s Blasphemy debates, the Jakarta Governor has now revoked the permission to run a nationwide bar chain for its operations in the capital after the company allegedly offered free drinks to people named Mohammad or Maria. Six employers were also charged under the Blasphemy Law.
Under Indonesia's Blasphemy Law, Law 1/PNPS/1956, those who deviate from the country’s six officially recognized religions can be punished with up to five years in jail.
Human Rights Watch reported that, following the passage of the law in 1965, most imprisonments were carried out against religious minorities. Some say that the upturn in blasphemy cases reflect rising religious intolerance. [The Diplomat]
Laos: Government signs agreement to combat trafficking in person
(bs) On June 30, the Lao government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen national local mechanisms to combat trafficking in persons in Laos through protection, prevention, and prosecution. The MoU also aims at aligning the national regulations and mechanisms with the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Person.
Laos became an IOM member state in 2018. [The Laotian Times]
The country has been facing several challenges in the combat against trafficking in persons over the past three decades. According to a 2021 report released by the United States Department of State, since 2016, Laos has been a source country for human trafficking to Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Among the most common illegal activities are forced labor, forced prostitution, and exploitation of young girls who are sold as child brides. The issue, however, does not regard only Lao nationals. In fact, it is reported that also Burmese, Thai, and Vietnamese citizens working in the notorious Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ), 80 percent owned by Chinese businesses, are victims of human trafficking and commercial sex in Laos. [United States Department of State]
Malaysia: Ruling coalition to support current Prime Minister in upcoming general election
(tp) The United Malays National Organization (UMNO)'s deputy president stated the party´s firm support for prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in the upcoming general election, emphasizing political unity in the midst of rumored power division among UMNO cadres. [malaymail]
Meanwhile, it is speculated that the current UMNO president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi might aim at the prime ministerial position in the future. The recent reshuffling of the UMNO’s supreme council, which removed Malaysia's ambassador to Indonesia Tajuddin, who is regarded as an essential ally of incumbent Prime Minister Ismail, is seen by some observers as a reflection of related internal power shifts.
Furthermore, the removal of Tajuddin might also demonstrate Zahid’s impatience over the prime minister’s hesitation to call an early election, despite BN 's recent victories in major states’ elections.
Ismail, hesitant to call an early election, cites the need to address the current inflation problem. Nonetheless, the Prime Minister stated that he would listen to the party's request. The expert believes that if he intends to postpone the elections, he must first secure the opposition's support for the second budget term. However, postponing the election would benefit the opposition, such as the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition, who could use the extra time to re-calibrate and gain support by further questioning the government on current economic issues. [South China Morning Post 1] [South China Morning Post 2]
Malaysia: Former attorney general calls for revamp of judicial system
(tp) One of the country´s former attorney generals stated that Malaysia's current judicial system must be reformed or it will be abused.
He claimed that Malaysia's judicial system is too relaxed and that adjournments are too common. The statement directly refers to former Prime Minister Najib's case, in which he claims the convicted prime minister is able to move freely despite heavy charges and is now in the process of appealing to the federal court to overturn the high court's decision to find him guilty of his charges. [malaymail]
Malaysia: Students threaten more protests over government's ‘ineffective’ responses to rising living costs
(tp) On July 2, the International Islamic University Malaysia Student Union gathered to demand that the government issues concrete solutions to the rising cost of living threatening to launch another public protest.
The student union urged the government to maintain subsidies for various goods for the public and keep food prices on campus under control, while also demanding that the government provide short and long-term substantive solutions to the rising cost of living. Additionally, the student union requires a wage cut for ministers and deputy ministers, in solidarity with the people. [Free Malaysia Today]
Meanwhile, on July 3, the prime minister delivered a speech in which he emphasized the government's success in lowering the cost of living through various programs, while also declaring that many more programs are underway to bring prosperity to the people. [malaymail]
Malaysia: Government announces nationwide crackdown on cooking oil subsidies abusers
(tp) On July 4, the prime minister announced a nationwide crackdown on cooking oil producers and repackaging businesses that took advantage of current oil subsidies.
The government decided to conduct extensive verification of the manufacturer's cooking oil production. Furthermore, it sent officials and security personnel to various packing plants near the border to ensure that everything “was in order.” If the producers are found to have abused the subsidies, the quotas and licenses granted to them will be revoked. [malaymail]
Malaysia: Reported deaths of Indonesian immigrants highlights Malaysia's serious human rights violations
(tp) A report released by Indonesian NGOs accused Malaysian immigration authorities of gross human rights violations after alleging their responsibility for the deaths of 149 Indonesian citizens. According to the reports and international rights groups, detainees were subjected to unhealthy and inhumane conditions while being held for over 18 months in immigration centers.
According to the group, hundreds of people, including children, were crammed into windowless cells with little sanitization, resulting in disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the authorities also often neglect these people and barely provide little to no medical care. Apparently, early this year, the condition of one such detention center in Kedah was so unbearable that it sparked a mass escape of more than 520 people.
In Malaysia, immigrants and refugees are frequently subjected to harsh treatments such as detention or deportation. Subsequently, the government tried to compensate for it through the implementation of the "recalibration program," allowing immigrants without documents to return to their home countries voluntarily, which ended on June 30. However, the government has still hinted that those who remain will face the most severe punishment. [malaymail]
Likewise, the Malaysian government appeared unconcerned about criticism over its alleged cruel treatment of immigrants and refugees. Since 2019, the Malaysian government has consistently denied UNHCR access to detention centers, making it impossible to determine detainee status or issue necessary documents. According to the activists, however, the Malaysian government could provide clean water and adequate treatment to the detainees; however, the government refused to do so, as it believes that such treatment would instill fear, discouraging people from entering the country without documents. [South China Morning Post][The Diplomat]
Myanmar: Military raises upper age limit for recruiting personnel
(cmsk) As a sign that the Myanmar military could be facing issues in recruiting new personnel, the junta has now increased its upper age limit for recruits from 18 years to 18 years and six months. Announcing the revised policy in newspapers, the regime claimed the age requirement was loosened on account of public demand. The Myanmar military is reportedly experiencing trouble in attracting new recruits because of the 2021 coup. Further, central Myanmar which was reportedly a key recruiting ground for the military has now become a resistance stronghold. [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Ethnic Rohingya women to testify against junta in Argentina’s Court
(cmsk) In the next months, a group of Rohingya women and girls is expected to appear at an Argentinean court that is presiding over a November 2021 case brought by the British organization “Burmese Rohingya Organization UK” (BROUK) against Myanmar and its military leaders. The case was accepted under the principle of “universal jurisdiction” of Argentinian courts. Universal jurisdiction allows states to try persons accused of grave crimes and is not limited by where the crime was committed or the nationality of the accused or the victim.
According to the BRAUK, the planned court appearance in Buenos Aires will be the first time that Rohingya will speak in an international court on specific allegations that the Myanmar military violated international law in northern Rakhine state, in 2017. The referred incident occurred during a military security clearance operation against the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), an insurgent Rohingya group — 370 Rohingya villages were torched and hundreds of civilians were killed in the incident. Commenting on the court case, the junta said that ARSA was responsible for conflict in the area, suggesting the group bore responsibility for the particular incident.
Cases against Myanmar and junta leaders have also been lodged at the International Criminal Court and the United Nations (UN)’s International Court of Justice, where proceedings are ongoing. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also called on countries (in addition to Argentina and Turkey) to open investigations against Myanmar’s military leaders, where international law has been violated. [Voice of America]
Myanmar: Ousted leader sentenced to three years in prison
(cmsk) Ousted Member of Parliament (MP) of the National League for Democracy Win Mya Mya was reportedly sentenced to three years in prison (with hard labor) for incitement under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code.
Mya allegedly participated in a “sitting strike” in Mandalay city and urged public servants to join the Civil Disobedience Movement against military rule. There were reportedly 100,000 other protestors who participated in the demonstration.
According to Mya’s nephew, the court concluded that the MP had violated the law by protesting without permission. Section 505(a) of the Penal Code criminalizes comments that “cause fear,” spread “false news, [or] agitates directly or indirectly a criminal offense against a government employee”. Mya reportedly suffers from health issues and has been imprisoned a number of times, including during the 1988 uprising.
Since the 2021, the Myanmar junta’s courts have been criticized for convicting political opponents, under various amended laws, including Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code. [Myanmar Now] [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Over 750,00 displaced since coup; 55,000 in June, says UN
(cmsk) The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA)’s June report says that an estimated 758,000, including more than 250,000 children, have been internally displaced in Myanmar since last year’s coup. In June alone, 55,000 people were displaced. In May, the number of internally displaced people (IDP) was 694,300.
Including those who were displaced prior to the coup, primarily Rohingya people, the total number of IDP in Myanmar has now crossed 1.1 million, according to the agency. Further, at least over 18,000 civilian properties including houses, churches, monasteries and schools have also been destroyed since the coup. In its report, the UNOHCA also warned that the volatile security situation and associated restrictions, including bureaucratic delays and systematic blocks on aid access approvals by authorities, were continuing to impede the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance. [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's ousted party condemns her Imprisonment
(cmsk) Myanmar’s ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) party condemned Aung San Suu Kyi’s transfer from her home, where she was under house arrest, to Naypyidaw Prison, where she was put under solitary confinement, according to the military authorities.
The NLD cited poor prison conditions and lack of access to health care at the facility in condemning the move. Further, NLD Central Working Committee member Kyaw Htwe warned that the military would be fully responsible for Kyi's health and safety. A new building was reportedly constructed for Kyi and three female prison staff have been appointed to monitor her. [Radio Free Asia]
Myanmar: Military authorities arrest lawyers representing regime opponents
(cmsk) Three lawyers who were representing clients involved in anti-regime political cases were reportedly arrested on their return from work at Obo Prison’s court in Mandalay on the evening of June 29. The detainees could not be reached and their whereabouts remain unknown.
A total of six Mandalay lawyers are currently under arrest. In April, a prominent Mandalay lawyer who was working on cases involving members of the regional government, including ousted National League for Democracy members, was detained and charged under Section 50 (j) of the Anti-Terrorism Law.Furthe, iIn June, another Mandalay lawyer who was assisting with political cases, was arrested and taken to Obo Prison’s Court. Three lawyers working on political cases in Sagaing Region were also previously arrested. According to Radio Free Asia’s data, a total of 27 lawyers have been arrested since the February 2021 military coup. [Radio Free Asia]
Myanmar: Nationwide clashes kill more civilians
(cmsk/jp) At least nine civilians were killed in Salingyi Township. One body was recently discovered mutilated. The junta soldiers who are deployed to provide security to the Chinese government and junta co-owned Leptadaung mine are alleged to be involved in the deaths of civilians.
Several civilians are also reportedly missing since the junta increased its security presence, which followed from threats by anti-coup People’s Defense Forces (PDF) who called on the Chinese company, Wanbao, to not cooperate with the junta as its business partner so as to avoid funding junta atrocities.
Tensions in the area have been growing particularly between anti-coup forces and military security guards at the mine. Although Wanbao condemned recent PDF attacks, the Chinese company stands accused of working closely with military security guards who have allegedly been involved in raiding nearby villages, torching homes and killing civilians. Meanwhile, the parallel administration of the National Unity Government (NUG) claims that it has never ordered attacks on Wanbao or its employees — only exclusively on military units.
The NUG, however, acknowledges that damage to the company’s property or equipment could result from PDF attacks. Local sources claim that military raids in the 25 villages near the project site have forced as many as 20,000 residents to flee their homes. [Radio Free Asia 1] [Radio Free Asia 2]
Similarly, in the resistance stronghold of the northwestern Sagaing’ Region in Myanmar, regime raids reportedly caused more than 7,000 civilians from 20 villages to flee their homes. The junta also allegedly engaged in systematic torching, burning of at least 100 houses, and looting of homes as well. Nine resistance members of a medical team, including four minors, were reportedly killed by junta forces — two were shot dead, whilst the rest were reportedly tortured to death. [The Irrawaddy 1] [The Irrawaddy 2]
Further, heavy clashes between military forces and allied militia against Kayin National Union (KNU) forces in eastern Myanmar's Kayin or Karen state, including in Myawaddy Township, led to at least seven junta officials deaths. On the same occasion, an unknown number of soldiers were captured and ammunition was reportedly captured by resistance forces. [The Irrawaddy 3] [Radio Free Asia 1]
Meanwhile, alleged military shelling in several villages in Chin State has left four people, including a minor dead; at least twenty houses were also destroyed in one area. In southern Chin’s Mindat Township, two members of the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) were also found dead after their suspected capture by junta forces [The Irrawaddy 4] [Myanmar Now 1]
In northwestern Sagaing, at least nine civilians are reportedly dead, and dozens missing after a month of military raids on villages near Chinese government-owned Letpadaung copper mine. Anti-junta groups are targeting the mine because of Chinese business ties with the junta. A mutilated body was also discovered near the mine. [Radio Free Asia 2] [Radio Free Asia 3]
The Philippines: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes oath and begins official appointments
(bs) On June 30, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was sworn in as the new Philippines' president succeeding President Rodrigo Duterte.
To continue the legacy, Marcos has reiterated his commitment to continue President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. However, he assured that he will do so while respecting human rights. He also committed to enhance the anti-drug effort by focusing on health aspects. Under Duterte’s presidency, over 300,000 people were arrested, and, according to human rights groups, around 30,000 were killed, monh whom there are those killed in anti-drug crackdowns by the authorities and in operations carried out by vigilantes linked to law enforcement. [AiR No. 24, June/2022, 2]
In that regard, the prosecutor to the International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently announced the court’s intention to reopen the investigations into the abuses and killings carried out in the war on drugs after the case was put on hold following the opening of a national investigation in November, 2021. In this light, members of the opposition urged Marcos Jr. to restore the country’s membership in the ICC after Duterte withdrew the ratification of the ICC-establishment treaty, the Rome Statute, in 2019. [AP News][AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
Meanwhile, the new administration has already begun its work. Days before his formal appointment as a president, Marcos Jr. announced he would also serve as secretary of agriculture during the first period of his presidency in an attempt to promptly tackle the current food supply emergency. The country has been facing several economic and social challenges in the wake of the effects of the Covid pandemic and the economic consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February. [The Diplomat]
With the same concerns in mind, Marcos vetoed a bill that would create a special economic zone and a USD 15 billion international airport project claiming that such operations would pose a “substantial financial risk to the country.” [Reuters]
On a more political note, Marcos Jr. with his Vice-President Sara Duterte, daughter of outgoing president Rodrigo Duterte, declared vacant all government positions with presidential appointment classified as co-terminous claiming that those vacancies “shall be filled up by the next-in-rank and most senior official as officer in charge (OIC).” Those affected employees will stay in office until July 31 or until the government accepts their resignations, or the designation of their replacements. [Manila Times]
Contemporarily, in parliament, a lawmaker filed a resolution seeking a 5-year presidential term with one re-election for president, vice-president, lawmakers, and officials. The move is currently being scrutinized by experts who have mostly been supportive of a term extension, reasoning that “6 years appears to be insufficient for long-term programs and policies.” However, worth of notice is that the Philippines’ Constitution currently prohibits presidents from seeking reelection after a single 6-year term. The chart allows vice presidents to run for one extra term. [ABS-CBN News]
Marcos Jr. is a former senator and the son of the late Philippines’ dictator who ruled the country under martial law from 1965 to 1986. His appointment to the presidential office was met with widespread concerns among civil society groups and human rights organizations which fear a resumption of the atrocities that happened during his father’s dictatorship. Under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., thousands of people were imprisoned, tortured, killed, and forcibly disappeared. [AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2]
The Philippines: Authorities order closure of prominent news site for alleged political reasons
(bs) The Philippines’ government has released an order to shut down the pioneering news website Rappler effective immediately, the site CEO and co-founder Maria Ressa reported. The site is accused of violating the law against foreigners owning a media company, which was introduced during the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos in 1976. Rappel denied the accusation.
The order came the day before President Rodrigo Duterte stepped down the office and Marcos Jr. took over, sparking speculations that the move aimed to be Duterte’s “final swing” at press freedom. In fact, the Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission already attempted to revoke the site’s license to operate in January 2018, Rappler filed the case to the court. Now that the site received a shutdown order, Ressa reiterated her commitment to fight the move in court by filing a second appeal. [CNN]
Ressa also mentioned the ongoing harassment that the government has carried out against media workers to suppress freedom of media publications on state-related content. Over the years, she has been charged with several libel and politically motivated crimes for her journalism work in the Philippines. She was then awarded the World Press Freedom Prize by the UNESCO for her persistence which was challenged by “a sustained campaign of gendered online abuse, threats, and harassment.”
Further, only one week before the order came, the media and journalism sectors vowed to push the new Marcos Jr’s administration to pass a legislation to decriminalize libel. According to the president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI), "the libel law carries a very heavy presumption of unconstitutionality” and are likely to restrict freedoms of speech and expression if not carefully drafted. [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
In 2020, another news platform, the ABS-CBN, was forced to shut down after the government did not renew its broadcast license. The broadcaster was accused of being biased against former president Duterte. Furthermore, in recent months, several websites were forced to close after the National Security Council ordered internet service providers to block them alleging their affiliation to terrorist groups, which include communist groups.
Rappler was founded in 2011. Since then the site not only has exposed Duterte’s alleged human rights violations in carrying out his “war on drugs” it has also reported and conducted investigations on the mass social media fake news scandal that had reportedly helped Duterte win the 2016 election. [The Diplomat]
The Philippines: Former President Duterte signs expansion of the anti-human trafficking law
(bs) Just a few days before leaving office, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed a new act that expands the purpose of the anti-human trafficking law by allowing faster court proceedings and makes accountable internet intermediaries in trafficking in persons cases. [Manila Times]
The Philippines: House of Representatives to scrutinize bill to legalize absolute divorce
(bs) A law amendment aiming at reinstating divorce as an alternative to the “dissolution of marriage” in the Philippines has been proposed to the House of Representatives. House Bill 78, also called the Absolute Divorce Act, was filed to the 19th Congress after a previous attempt during the Duterte’s administration failed.
Under the bill, absolute divorce will be allowed when there is “physical violence or grossly abusive conduct, moral pressure to compel a spouse to change religious or political affiliation, attempt to corrupt or induce the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner, to engage in prostitution, or connivance in such corruption or inducement; final judgment sentencing the respondent to imprisonment of more than six years, drug addiction, habitual alcoholism or chronic gambling, homosexuality, bigamy, attempt against the life of the spouse and abandonment.”
To date, the Philippines and Vatican City are the only two states in the world where divorce remains illegal. [Manila Bulletin] [Manila Times]
The Philippines: Supreme Court allows Ombudsman to scrutinize bank accounts of former President Estrada and his alleged mistresses over 2001 case
(bs) The Philippines Supreme Court has upheld the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to launch a probe into the bank accounts of former President Joseph Estrada and his alleged mistresses citing that the office has full authority to investigate such a case in accordance with the Ombudsman Act of 1989.
The case dates back to June 2001 when the Ombudsman issued a subpoena of bank accounts opened under Joseph Estrada’s fictitious name, Jose Velarde, and that of his mistresses after several complaints were filed against the former president soon after he left office in January 2001.
Estrade was, consequently, convicted in late 2007 but was spared of the punishment when the then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo granted him executive clemency. [ABS-CBN News]
Singapore: Top court dismisses appeal to reduce jail sentence in homicide of migrant domestic worker case
(bs) A Singaporean top court dismissed the appeal of a reduced sentence for Gaiyathiri Murugayan, who is serving 30 years in jail for killing after “heinously abusing” her domestic worker in 2016. The defendant, pleading guilty to 28 offenses, asked the Court of Appeals to have her conviction shortened to 12 to 15 years mentioning that the sentence was handed failing to consider that Gaiyathiri was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder by the defense psychiatrist.
Gaiyathiri’s victim was a Myanmar national who was starved and beaten to death. [South China Morning Post]
The court decision came after the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) released a report on the increase in emotional abuse against migrant domestic workers in Singapore. Although the country has adopted several laws to protect migrant workers from sexual or physical abuse, the report, Invisible Wounds, argues that the severity of emotional abuse is as damaging as physical abuse. [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
Singapore: Rights groups urge authorities to drop investigations into anti-death-penalty advocates while new execution is underway
(bs) While another drug-crime related execution is about to be carried out, a group of seven human rights organizations urged Singapore to immediately drop the investigations of two human rights defenders on their advocacy against the death penalty in the country. The call extends to an amendment to the national laws that are not in adherence with international rights standards.
The activists are currently under criminal investigation for the alleged violation of Public Order Act 2009 while participating in a peaceful protest on March 30, the night when Singapore executed a drug offender.
Human Rights Watch and the other involved rights organizations have voiced their concerns over the alleged “overly expansive” definition of “public assembly” and “public procession” included in the Public Order Act. They alleged that the bill interferes with fundamental rights and is, thus, against international human rights laws. The bill has frequently been used as a legal basis to prosecute human rights defenders, Human Rights Watch says. [Human Rights Watch]
Meanwhile, a Malaysian citizen convicted in 2016 of trafficking heroin into Singapore will be executed on July 7.
Despite the widespread outrage, Singapore seems determined to disregard the mounting calls to abolish the death penalty and continue on its steps. This stance was corroborated by Singapore Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law K Shanmugam in an interview on imposing the death penalty for drug-related crimes. The minister, during the discussion, called the death penalty a “deterrent” that saves thousands of lives quoting “a single hanging of a drug trafficker is a tragedy; a million deaths from drug abuse is a statistic.” On the same line, the minister reiterated the country’s commitment to maintain the death penalty for drug traffickers and for other connected crimes. [Minister of Home Affairs][South China Morning Post]
Thailand: Prime Minister will try to stay in office until end of term
(bs) Prime MInister Prayut Chan-o-cha aims at staying in office until the end of his term in 2023, former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said. Abhisit added that although this period will be filled with economic and social challenges, it will be a turning point.
The claims came just weeks after the opposition filed a no-confidence motion against Prayut and 10 cabinet ministers, accusing them of corruption, economic mismanagement, undermining democracy, and abuse of power. The debate is scheduled for July 19. [Bangkok Post] [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
Thailand: Anti-corruption committee urged to probe nepotism allegations in Senate
(bs) The Thai Sang Thai Party urged the House anti-corruption committee to launch investigations on nepotism allegations in the Senate. In late June, the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw) revealed that more than 50 relatives of the incumbent senators have been employed in Senate working panels from 2019 to 2022.
While a number of senators do not regard the issue as illegal, the Thai Sang Thai Party asked the committee to rule on the constitutionality of the appointment of relatives in the Senate. In case of irregularities, the committee is expected to file the issue to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
According to iLaw, a senator can hire one expert and seven assistants. [Bangkok Post][AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
Thailand: Editor-in-chief of political book publication arrested on grounds of national security
(td)The editor-in-chief of the Same Sky Books, a publication that covers sensitive political issues in Thailand, was arrested on the grounds of national security for allegedly violating the Computer Crimes Act in addition to Section 123, 124, and 128 of the Criminal Code. The man was soon released on bail after a prominent member of the opposition Move Forward party assisted his release.
The authorities believe the editor-in-chief shared secretive information on the internet. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), his arrest warrant was issued after he shared a post on Facebook pertaining to a secret special investigation into a former Thai ambassador to Mozambique and Kazakhstan who is now running a Facebook page called “The Alternative Ambassador.” Given that he has brought a wide range of socio-political issues up for discussion, the editor is convinced that the National Security Council is investigating him. In addition, the same post detailed royalist movements throughout the year 2020.
After being granted bail, he is required to report to the police every 15 days. Overall, the Same Sky Books publisher has been under fire since the recent coup d’état in 2014 in the country, and is frequently scrutinized by the authorities. [Prachathai English][Thai Enquirer]
Thailand: Former Deputy Minister of Commerce convicted of murder is to serve life in jail
(td) A Thai court has sentenced former deputy commerce minister Banyin Tangpakorn to life in jail after reducing his death sentence of one third for useful testimony. The court also issued life and death sentences to five other people who were involved in the homicide case. In early 2022, the six defendants were found guilty of murdering and collaborating in the murder of a judge’s brother. [Bangkok Post]
This issue goes back to 2020 when Tangpakorn was prosecuted in a share-transfer case. He then confessed to the kidnapping and murder of the brother of the judge who presided over the trial. The action aimed at transferring the victim’s shares into the hands of those associated with him in order to threaten the judge. [Thai PBS World 1][Thai PBS World 2]
Thailand: Cabinet greenlights potash mining in Udon Thani amidst local criticisms
(td) Following the Industry Ministry’s proposal to allow potash mining in the north-eastern Thai region of Udon Thani, the Cabinet has approved a request to grant a concession to Asia Pacific Potash Corporation (APPC). Given that the issue has long been controversial among the local community, according to the Industry Minister, public hearings and environmental impact assessment were carried out to allay potential concerns. In addition, the mining project has been endorsed by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry as well as the National Economic and Social Development Council. If successful, APPC will then be the third potash mining firm approved in Thailand. [The Nation Thailand 1]
Since surveys for potash in Udon Thani began in 1993, the local environmental conservation group at times staged a protest to call for a public hearing forum and make their voices and concerns over the impact of potash mining heard.[The Isaan Record][The National Thailand 2]
Nonetheless, the Thai government hopes that the APPC would contribute to the production of two million tons of potash annually. By doing so, it would help Thailand secure potash domestically rather than import it from overseas given that Thailand currently imports 800,000 tons of potash a year as a substance used to produce fertilizers. Lastly, despite approval from the Cabinet, the APPC is required to submit its mining project plan to the Board of Investment, then the Department of Primary Industries and Mines will consider issuing a mining concession. [Bangkok Post]
Timor-Leste: Journalist charged after accusing authorities of forcing virginity test on underaged girls victims of abuse
(bs) A Timorese journalist was charged with violation of judicial secrecy after publicing an article accusing the authorities of international human rights violation for having “forced” a virginity test on a number of underage girls victims of sexual abused.
The girls, around 30 people, were sexually abused by Richard Daschbach, a United States citizen who received a 12-year jail sentence in December 2021 for carrying out the abuse in Topu Honis Shelter Home, a care shelter for unpriviledged people he founded in 1993.
The investigation against the journalist began on June 30 and was led by the Criminal Investigation Scientific Police. As some of the reports were in the form of video and showed the victims’ faces and other sensitive images, the journalist is facing2 to 6 years in jail if punished under Article 291 of Timor-Leste’s Penal Code, which carries such a jail term for “those who disclose contents of a criminal proceeding protected by confidentiality or where a decision has been issued to forbid disclosure, [...] if the violation is committed through any media service.”
The man reiterated his innocence claiming that the reports were based on his investigations and interviews with the victims. [UCA News]
Vietnam: Communist Party accelerates anti-corruption campaign
(bs) Vietnam’s Communist Party is set to intensify the anti-corruption campaign, according to a report released by the party. Throughout the 10-year campaign, the government authorities disciplined over 2,700 party units and around 168,000 party members, according to the report.
The crackdown has recently shown further results when the Vietnamese authorities arrested more than 60 people including the ex-health minister, businesses executives, and former high-ranking officers over a graft scandal involving the production of Covid-19 test kits. [Bloomberg]
Vietnam: Government receives pressures from international rights groups to end crackdown against environmental activists
(bs) International rights groups are pushing the Vietnamese government to release prominent environmental activist Nguy Thi Khanh who was sentenced to two years in jail over tax evasion charges. United States-based NGO Oil Change International also urged the government to release three other activists also jailed on tax evasion charges. Further, the organization, along with the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Activists, a partner of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), voiced their concerns over Vietnam’s persistent use of tax evasion charges to silence activists.
They also called on the international community to appeal to the Vietnamese government and pressure it to end the crackdown on human rights and environmental activists and drop the charges against those convicted. [Radio Free Asia]
Nguy Thi Khanh had a key role in pushing Vietnam to pass the plan to reduce coal by 2030. She was arrested in February and received a jail sentence on June 17. [AiR No. 25, June/2022, 3]
Vietnam: Wife of prisoner of conscience banned from leaving the country
(bs) In a speech given to the 2022 International Religious Freedom Summit, the wife of prisoner of conscience Nguyen Bac Truyen reported that the Vietnamese government has banned her from leaving the country since 2019 in an attempt to prevent her talking publicly in the United States about religious freedom in Vietnam and her husband’s sentence to 11 years in prison for “subversion.” He is an independent Hoa Hao Buddhist and a human rights activist. His arrest in 2018 sparked critics among rights organizations which believed that the arrest was “politically motivated and a case of religious persecution.” [Radio Free Asia]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
NATO summit marks increased wariness of China
(jw) Between June 28 and June 30, shortly after the G7 summit in Germany [see AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4], leaders of NATO countries met at the NATO summit in Madrid and attributed large amounts of their attention to China – aside from discussing how to deal with the ongoing Ukraine war. The summit led to the inclusion of China in NATO’s strategic concept, a key document that outlines the stance of the alliance toward contemporary security issues. The document had last been updated in 2010 and did not mention China then. [Al Jazeera]
The updated version of the document points out that China’s “stated ambitions and coercive policies” challenge NATO’s “interests, security and values”. The document claims that China seeks to increase its “global footprint and project power, while remaining opaque about its strategy, intentions and military build-up,” and laments “malicious hybrid and cyber operations”, “confrontational rhetoric” and “disinformation” spread by China. Furthermore, the document critiques cooperation between China and Russia, claiming that both countries aim to “undercut the rules-based international order”. Nevertheless, the document states that NATO remains open to engaging with China constructively. [NATO Strategic Concept]
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg added in a news conference that China is not an adversary, but the challenges China represents, such as the increased partnership with Russia, the buildup of the Chinese military also with nuclear weapons or the continuous threats against Taiwan must be met with a clear eye. Thus, for the first time, leaders from Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand were invited to the summit, marking the increased focus NATO places on security issues in the pacific. Besides expressing their support for Ukraine in defending itself against the Russian invasion, the leaders from East Asia and the Pacific emphasized their security issues with China. [NATO]
Amid worries about China trying to increase its influence in the Pacific, possibly attempting to gain a military foothold on the Solomon Islands after the signing of a security agreement [see AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4], Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern warned of a “more assertive” attitude by China but also urged more diplomatic engagement. Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese emphasized coercive economic policies of China urging more trade diversification while Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that “the security of Europe and the security of the Indo-Pacific cannot be decoupled”. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol refrained from addressing China directly but warned of “a movement that denies the universal values” NATO is protecting. [DW] [Reuters] [The Guardian]
According to observers cited by CNN, the mentioning of China in the strategic blueprint shortly after the G7 summit is a sign of increased alignment of NATO members’ outlook on China. This would be a setback for China, which has tried to display the US as the major source of “anti-Chinese rhetoric” forcing dependent European countries to share a critical perspective of China. [CNN]
China reacted with heavy criticism of the summit, strategic blueprint and remarks made on China by NATO and other invited leaders. According to the Chinese Mission to the EU, NATO’s strategic concept is “filled with Cold War thinking and ideological bias”. It urged Nato “to stop provoking confrontation by drawing ideological lines, abandon the Cold War mentality and zero-sum game approach, and stop spreading disinformation and provocative statements against China”. Similar remarks were made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. [China Mission to the EU] [China Foreign Ministry]
In response to western countries showing increased alignment, China is also seeking to rally its allies, displaying efforts to expand the BRICS circle, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South America, as well as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) which counts eight members with Iran shortly expected to become the ninth. During a round-table discussion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the members of the SCO to oppose hegemony and confrontations and to strengthen unity and cooperation instead. [South China Morning Post]
Japan at NATO summit
(nc) Prime Minister Kishida Fumio attended the NATO Summit as a partner nation in Madrid from June 28 to 30. He aimed to stress the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting that the invasion of Ukraine could be similarly happening in the China Sea. He detailed this in a speech presented to the NATO members on the first day. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan]
He attended a trilateral meeting with the U.S. and South Korea’s leaders, Presidents Joe Biden, and Yoon Suk-yeol on June 29. The three parties agreed on cooperating on security issues involving North Korea and China. They discussed new sanctions against North Korea and countering its financing to denuclearize the country. [NHK World-Japan 1]
Kishida met his Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson and saluted Sweden’s future adhesion to NATO which Turkey was vetoing. The two leaders convened their will to make a success of the U.N. review conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in August. [Kyodo News]
The Leaders’ Meeting of the four Asia-Pacific partners (AP4) was held on June 29 with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. They concurred to condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and to cooperate effectively for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. [NHK World-Japan 2]
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
South Korean President seeks to strengthen ties with Westen partners at NATO summit
(dql) On the sidelines of the NATO summit last week in Madrid, which South Korea attended as a partner nation, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held a number bilateral talks with Western partners, in bid to strengthen security and economic ties with Western partners and to reduce the country’s economic dependence on China and make Europe an alternative market.
Yoon spoke with leaders of Australia, the Netherlands, France, Poland, the European Union, Turkey, Denmark, Czech Republic, Canada and the UK. Issues discussed included green hydrogen and nuclear cooperation, semiconductor supply chains, nuclear power technology and space industries, infrastructure, nuclear and defense sectors, climate change and renewable energy. [The Korea Herald 1]
He also met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss cooperation between South Korea and the NATO. According to a press statement, both leaders expected the signing of a new partnership in the second half of this year under which cooperation would be expanded. Furthermore, the establishment of Seoul’s diplomatic mission to NATO at its Brussels headquarters would further institutionalize the communication between both sides. [The Korea Herald 2]
Japan at the G7 summit
(nc) Prime Minister Kishida Fumio attended the G7 summit in Germany from June 26 to 28 with his counterparts and took a stand on several topics. He also held several bilateral meetings with leaders of other G7 member countries.
Kishida and the G7 leaders announced additional sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. These will be economic, financial, and military. They will also include a ban on imports of Russian gold. Seventy Russian individuals will have their assets frozen. A price cap will be imposed on Russian oil and will be set at around half its current purchase price. It will therefore not be possible to buy it for a higher price than the one set. [Asahi Shimbun 1] [Asahi Shimbun 2] [Mainichi 1]
Japan will join the “climate club” created by the G7 for nations who want to go further in tackling climate change. It consists in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a national responsible level which enables countries not to impose a climate-related tax on imports. [Asahi Shimbun 3]
Kishida stressed the unity of the G7 to warn the world of the dangers of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That is to show that China cannot reproduce the situation by invading Taiwan. It is also to warn North Korea, with its repetitive missiles, that it cannot take the opportunity of the situation in Europe to proceed with nuclear development. [Mainichi 2] [Mainichi 3]
Kishida then met with French President Emmanuel Macron to confirm cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security, space, and nuclear energy. Kishida also requested France’s cooperation to lift the import restrictions on Japanese food products by the EU. Finally, they agreed on close cooperation amid North Korea’s nuclear development. [Mainichi 4]
For its first bilateral meeting of the summit, Kishida met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on June 26. They discussed climate change and energy issues. They pledge to further bilateral cooperation and proceed with the organization of the ”2+2”, a meeting of defense and foreign ministers. [Mainichi 4]
On June 27, Kishida held a bilateral meeting with Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. They agreed on working together to appease inflation and working on the success of the next G7 summit in Hiroshima. They also discussed cooperating for the success of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 1]
Kishida and American President Joe Biden met on the sidelines of the summit on June 26 which resulted in the cap price decision. They met again the next day and agreed on working together for the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee (the Economic “2+2”) which will be held in July. [Asahi Shimbun 4] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 2]
Kishida met with President of Senegal Macky Sall and with South Africa’s President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa for two bilateral meetings. They discussed the TICAD 8 which will be held next month. It represents an opportunity to support African development for all parties. They also talked about the United Nations reforms including the Security Council reform which Japan supports. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 3] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 4] [see AiR No. 24, June/2022, 2]
An informative talk was held with the President of the Argentine Republic, Alberto Fernandez. They both agreed that the Nikkei (Japanese immigrants and descendants) communities could help strengthen their partnership. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 5]
Finally, Kishida met with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on June 28. The UK will lift the restrictions on Japanese food product imports that were set after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Certificates for radioactive materials will no longer be needed. The leaders also agreed on setting an early date for the signature of the Japan-UK Reciprocal Access Agreement. They will also have talks on cooperating for a future combat air system. [Asahi Shimbun 5]
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
Indonesia and India at G7 summit
(bs/lm) Although Indonesia is not a member of the Group of 7 (G7), the country was invited to attend the 2022 G7 meeting in Germany in the capacity of partner country and as the current G20 President. Germany, this year’s G7 President hosted the 48th annual G7 summit on June 26-28 where ongoing global economic and political challenges as well as international cooperation were discussed.
On June 27, during a session on climate change, energy, and health, Indonesia President Joko Widodo invited the country participants to enhance their investments in the clean energy sector in Indonesia citing the country’s high potential “as a contributor to clean energy.” According to President Widodo, “Indonesia needs at least US$25-30 billion for energy transition in the next eight years.”
On another occasion, during a session on food security and gender equality, the Indonesian president urged both the G7 and the G20 countries to join the effort to take effective action in overcoming the current global food crisis. He stressed the importance of a prompt reintegration of Ukraine's wheat exports and Russia's exports of food in the global supply chain.
The visit was not limited to the G7 sessions. In fact, President Widodo held nine bilateral meetings on the G7 summit sideline. He met with India, France, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, representatives of the European Commission and of the Council of Europe, and with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. [Antara News]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, meanwhile, tried to position his country as the voice of poorer nations, urging in his address to a special session, G7 countries to help New Delhi take its digital technologies in the health sector to other developing countries. He also emphasized that India was contributing to a better environment through its relatively low emission of carbon dioxide per capita, and called on rich countries to support his country’s clean energy initiatives. [The Economic Times]
Notably, Prime Minister Modi did not meet with US President Joe Biden. But Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Antony Blinken, who accompanied the respective leaders to the summit, met on the sidelines of the gathering. [Deccan Herald]
Prime Minister Modi did meet his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders used their meeting to take stock of bilateral ties and discuss ways to further enhance cooperation in various sectors. This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders in over four years, after Trudeau had visited India in February 2018. [Firstpost]
He also had a tea break with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, and met separately with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indonesian President Joko Widodo to discuss fintech, food processing and connectivity. [The Hindu]
ASEAN special envoy on second mission to Myanmar
(cmsk/dbk) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s special envoy to Myanmar, Prak Sokhonn, visited the country between June 29 – July 3 on an official mission that aimed to mediate the country’s ongoing conflict. This was the second mission, following a first visit in March, in which Sokhonn met with various political representatives and parties to encourage the military authorities to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus peace plan. The plan calls for immediate termination of all violence, the distribution of humanitarian aid, and on-going political dialogue that is “inclusive” and works towards ending conflict.
Myanmar’s military junta said Sokhonn would meet with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and other affiliates of the military-run State Administration Council (SAC) throughout the visit, adding that Sokhonn was “granted access” to ethnic armed groups representatives. However, Sokhonn was not allowed to meet with former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who led the overthrown National League for Democracy government and is currently awaiting trial in a purpose-built prison facility. This prohibition came despite the Consensus plan calling for inclusivity and for all parties to be involved in the peace talks.
Criticism of the envoy’s itinerary labeled it as selective, and exclusionary of groups who are on opposite political sides, despite the Consensus plan self-descripted as all inclusive. Criticisms have also said that by not following through on the claims of inclusion, room is left for the military junta to come to violent and defeatist solutions to the conflict. [Eleven Media Group] [La Prensa Latina] [Radio Free Asia] [The Irawaddy] [The Diplomat]
7th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
(dbk) The 7th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers Meeting was held in Bagan, Myanmar, on July 4. The theme of the meeting was “solidarity for peace and prosperity”, where ministers from Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam discussed the Five-Year Plan of Action of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (2018-2022), and the next plan set for 2023-2027.
During the meeting, China called for the upgrade of Lancang-Mekong cooperation and invited the delivery of “more tangible benefits” to people in the region. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that the six Mekong region countries should observe mutually beneficial cooperation in order to collaboratively tackle regional issues. Six grounds of effort were highlighted, including strengthening strategic guidance, deepening economic integration, expanding agricultural cooperation, sticking to green development, boosting digital cooperation and enhancing people-to-people bonds.
Wang also proposed the countries collaboratively build a demonstration area “high-quality Belt and Road cooperation”, a sector for efforts under China's Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and the strengthening of the Lancang-Mekong economic development belt. Additionally, Wang announced that China was to unveil six major projects for Mekong countries to the benefit of agriculture, water resources, digital economy and public health. China will also offer 2,000 academic scholarships and additional training opportunities to people from the Mekong countries. These plans were positively met by the foreign ministers, who stated that China’s initiatives benefited Lancang-Mekong cooperation.
The ministers also witnessed the unveiling of the MLC National Coordination Unit Building on the sidelines, and all ministers released statements pledging to deepen the district’s connection in order to tackle global and regional issues consistently and effectively. [China Daily] [Khmer Times]
China prolongs tariff exemptions for US products, keeps anti-dumping tariffs on EU and UK
(jw) In separate decisions, China announced that tariff exemptions on certain US products would remain while anti-dumping tariffs on steel fasteners exported by the EU and the UK would also be kept in place.
The extension of tariff exemptions on US tariffs is a reciprocal measure responding to the US adopting tariff exemptions for Chinese products in late May, according to a source cited in Chinese state-owned media. The extensions come as the US is continuing to evaluate whether certain tariffs imposed on China during the Trump administration should be dropped [see AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]. They will last till February 2023. [Global Times] [Reuters 1]
Despite allowing for exemptions in tariffs on the US, China decided to uphold anti-dumping tariffs on steel fasteners from the EU and UK, announcing that the tariffs will remain for another five years. [Reuters 2]
Western countries and Taiwan criticize China as 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover is celebrated
(jw) Amid celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from the UK to China, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss voiced heavy criticism of China, claiming that the heavy restrictions on democracy that were imposed on Hong Kong in the previous years violate the “One Country, Two Systems” agreement under which the handover was undertaken. According to Johnson, the current state of affairs “threatens both the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers and the continued progress and prosperity of their home”. Truss emphasized the significance of the national security law that grants Beijing more power in suppressing the Hong Kong democracy movement, stating that “authorities have stifled opposition, criminalized dissent and driven out anyone who can speak truth to power” since the law was imposed in 2020.
Hinting at UK efforts to support Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, for example an immigration scheme under which Hong Kong citizens can move to the UK, Johnson vowed that the UK would continue to do all it can “to hold China to its commitments, so that Hong Kong is once again run by the people of Hong Kong, for the people of Hong Kong.”
Responding to Johnson’s comments, the Chinese foreign ministry accused him of having a colonial mindset and using human rights rhetoric to smear China. It stated that “Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong and no external force has the right to interfere. The United Kingdom has no right of sovereignty, governance, or supervision over post-handover Hong Kong, and the so-called commitments do not exist at all”. [Reuters 1] [UK Government]
Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly also criticized China, saying that the freedom of Hong Kong is being suppressed. Joly stated that “Canada urges the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities to adhere fully to the one country, two systems framework set out in Hong Kong's Basic Law, which also took effect 25 years ago”. US State Secretary made similar remarks, emphasizing that even though China promised to uphold the vision of “One Country, Two Systems” for 50 years “Hong Kong and Beijing authorities no longer view democratic participation, fundamental freedoms, and an independent media as part of this vision”. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed her concern over “the continuing erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms and autonomy”. Several EU officials raised similar concerns. [South China Morning Post 1] [The Guardian]
Taiwan also joined the UK in criticizing China for eroding democracy in Hong Kong, with Taiwanese Premier Su Tsen-chang claiming that freedom has “vanished”. He accused China of not holding up to its promise of not introducing major political changes for 50 years and drew parallels to Taiwan, claiming that the Taiwanese people “must hold fast to Taiwan's sovereignty, freedom and democracy” as “China's so-called 'one country, two systems' has simply not stood up to the test.” [Reuters 2]
Responding to the criticism, the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong stated that the countries and politicians raising concerns are “acting like clowns”, trying to “undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability” and using Hong Kong as “a card” to contain China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing urged critics to “ace up to the reality that Hong Kong has been reunited with the motherland for 25 years and have an objective and fair view of Hong Kong's development”. [Global Times] [South China Morning Post 2]
Cambodia dismisses speculation on potential Chinese landing base
(bs) Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen reiterated that the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is not linked to any Chinese plan to strengthen China’s presence in the area. Speculations were made on the airport being China's military landing base.
The construction of the USD 800 million-worth airport is scheduled to finish in March 2023. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Chinese foreign minister visits Myanmar for the first time since coup
(cmsk/jp) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a trip to Myanmar to participate in the Lancang Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers Meeting, making Yi the highest Chinese delegation to visit the country since the February 2021 coup. On the sidelines of the meeting, China and Myanmar also held bilateral talks.
At the end of the meeting, Yi asked Myanmar’s junta to hold talks with its opponents, calling on all parties to “adhere to rational consultation” and “strive to achieve political reconciliation”. Myanmar Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin said that the regime was “continuing the democratic transition process" in line with the junta’s set roadmap, as well as its obligations under the five-point consensus ASEAN consensus which seeks an immediate end to violence and dialogue among all stakeholders.
Other important resolutions at the bilateral meeting included the decision to accelerate the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), implement the cross-border power grids agreement, and enable the smooth operation of the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline. After having just provided two million doses of Covid-19 vaccines through ASEAN last week, China also said it would implement poverty reduction projects and offer more direct flights for Myanmar students to return to China. The two sides also shared information on “economic technology” and agriculture. The Myanmar junta said it supported China's stances on Taiwan, Hong Kong Special, Xizang, and Xinjiang.
As part of the LMC, China said that the regional grouping should dovetail its efforts with President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative. China proposed that pilot zones for each of these initiatives could be established under the LMC. According to Chinese media, Myanmar Foreign Affairs Minister Lwin expressed that the two initiatives were critical to safeguarding “world peace”, “multilateralism" as well as promoting “common development”.
According to one analyst, hosting of the LMC meeting could be a first step for China (and the region) to break the current deadlock with the junta, which is under western sanctions, and which has not yet allowed ASEAN to hold meetings with ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi. In the lead up to the meeting, however, a junta spokesperson said that the Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit was a recognition of Myanmar’s military rulers. Meanwhile, the parallel administration which includes ousted members of the National League for Democracy party, has criticized China’s inclusion of the junta in the regional meeting, and has accused China of lending legitimacy to the junta. Previously, the parallel government had urged Beijing to help “reinstate the government elected by the people of Myanmar”.
Wang Yi’s call for political reconciliation in Myanmar comes after China’s April invitation to Myanmar’s Foreign Minister during which Beijing said it would safeguard Myanmar’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity “no matter how the situation changes”.
Analysts say Beijing’s priorities in Myanmar are geo-strategic and that CMEC, which is a part of China’s Belt Road Initiative, will provide China’s landlocked provinces with critical access to the Indian Ocean. It is therefore understood that Beijing will continue to pursue a flexible approach in Myanmar, playing all sides and engaging with multiple parties in order to secure its geo-strategic objectives, as well as prioritize the economies of its western provinces. Ultimately, China “wants a certain degree of stability, over which [it can] exercise some degree of control,” according to an analyst. [The Irrawaddy 1] [The Guardian] [Anadolu Agency] [South China Morning Post 1] [South China Morning Post 2] [China Global Television Network] [Global Times] [The Irrawaddy 2]
China’s Great Wall Motor suspends USD 1 billion India investment plan after failing to obtain regulatory approval
(lm) Chinese automobile manufacturer Great Wall Motor has suspended plans to invest USD 1 billion in India and laid off all employees in the country after failing to obtain foreign direct investment approval from New Delhi to buy a former General Motors plant. [Reuters][South China Morning Post]
The carmaker’s India entry plan was announced in January 2020. But in April, New Delhi stepped up scrutiny of investments from companies based in neighboring countries to deter opportunistic takeovers during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially by Chinese firms [see AiR No. 16, April/2020, 3]. The crackdown deepened after a border clash between India and China later that year, which has since held up billions of dollars of capital inflow in the auto and technology sectors among others.
Pakistan’s prime minister meets Chinese top official, promises ‘unwavering’ security support to investors
(tj/lm) Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 29 assured visiting Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member Yang Jiechi of Islamabad’s “unwavering” security support to Beijing’s investment in the country. Yang, who is also the Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, arrived in Islamabad for a two-day trip to Pakistan. Leading a high-level delegation, he also met with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. [GeoNews]
China sends electronic warfare plane into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone
(dql) Marking the 16th of intrusions in June, a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shaanxi Y-8 electronic warfare plane was spotted in Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on June 29.
In June, China sent a total of 84 military aircraft into Taiwan’s ADIZ. Among them were 46 fighter jets, nine bombers, five fighter bombers, one refueling plane, and 23 spotter planes. [Focus Taiwan]
US punishes five Chinese companies for violating sanctions against Russia
(jw) In a move meant to display rigorous enforcement of sanctions placed on Russia after the beginning of the Ukraine war, the US added five Chinese companies to a trade blacklist due to allegations of them supporting the industrial base of Russia’s military and defense. Another 31 entities added to the blacklist for allegedly breaching sanctions against Russia come from countries such as Lithuania, Pakistan, Singapore or the UK, with most of them also having operations in China.
The blacklist limits companies’ trading capabilities as their US-based suppliers are required to obtain a special license before continuing to supply their goods to them. According to the US commerce department, the companies in question had economic relations with problematic Russian entities and "continue to contract to supply Russian entity listed and sanctioned parties."
Large-scale breaches of sanctions by the Chinese government or other Chinese entities could not be observed thus far, even though China continues to back Russia rhetorically, condemns western sanctions and ramps up overall economic cooperation such as trade in oil with Russia. Washington repeatedly vowed to observe compliance with sanctions. A senior official cited by Reuters pointed out that the move against the five companies is a “normal course-of-business enforcement action against entities that have been backfilling for Russia”. He emphasized that observers in Washington “have not seen the PRC [People's Republic of China] engage in systematic evasion or provide military equipment to Russia.”
Responding to the development, the Chinese foreign ministry claimed that the sanctions violate international law emphasizing that “normal economic and trade cooperation (…) shouldn’t be intervened in or restricted by any third party”. The Chinese Embassy in the US emphasized that Beijing does not provide military assistance to Russia but did not specifically mention the Chinese entities set on the blacklist. It vowed to take “necessary measures” to protect the rights of Chinese entities and claimed that the US sanctions break international law. [Global Times] [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2]
China criticizes US Supreme Court climate ruling, urges US to adhere to climate duties
(jw) After a ruling of the US Supreme Court limited the ability of US President Biden to cut the emissions of the US power sector without the support of the legislature, the Chinese Foreign Ministry pressed the US to uphold its commitments to reduce emissions. It stated that China urges “developed countries, including the United States, to […] face up to their historical responsibilities and show greater ambition and action” adding that “it is not enough to just shout slogans to tackle climate change”. [Reuters]
EU to restrict acquisitions of companies by heavily subsidized foreign firms
(jw) On June 30, EU states and lawmakers agreed on a more protectionist approach toward takeovers of EU companies, restricting the acquisition of firms with an annual turnover of more than USD 520 million by state-backed foreign companies that receive subsidies of more than USD 50 million.
The move is mostly aimed at China, which heavily subsidizes certain companies who then use the capital to take over foreign firms and benefit from their know-how and technical innovations. If a foreign company qualifying as state-backed attempts to take over an EU company, an investigation will be triggered. [Reuters]
Due to COVID-19, strict capital controls by the Chinese government and Chinese investments increasingly being scrutinized under EU screening mechanisms, Chinese investment in the EU has already been more scarce, increasing by 33 percent to USD 10.6 billion in 2021 but still remaining relatively low in comparison to previous years. [MERICS]
Not only China-EU investment relations but also trade relations are on an unstable trajectory, with China reportedly refusing to commit to a date for trade and economic talks with the EU. According to EU officials cited by the South China Morning Post, China and the EU agreed on the necessity to maintain talks on economic cooperation at April’s summit [see AiR No. 14, April/2022, 1] but efforts of the EU to fix a date for such talks were ignored by China thus far. Trading relations between the EU and China have also been burdened with the dispute over Lithuania opening a Taiwan Representative Office. As China reacted by imposing heavy sanctions on the Baltic country, the EU is still weighing whether to initiate the appointment of a dispute panel at the World Trade Organization (WTO). [South China Morning Post 1]
However, some cooperation is still taking place, especially between China and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). A case in point, the Peljesac Bridge in southern Croatia is expected to open in late July after being constructed by China’s Bridge and Road Corporation, the first company that managed to secure a bid on a project that is co-funded by the EU. Nevertheless, Chinese reluctance during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the close relationship between China and Russia has driven many CEE countries away from cooperation with China and closer to Washington and Brussels. [South China Morning Post 2]
Most Australians see Chinese foreign policy as critical threat, opinion poll shows
According to a poll conducted by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, Australians’ trust in Chinese foreign policy has sunken to an all-time low. Of the 2000 respondents, only twelve percent expect China to act responsibly in the world, a four-point decrease from last year and a 40-point decrease in comparison to 2018. Additionally, only eleven percent of the respondents expressed confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping. The majority (65 percent) answered that they viewed China’s policy as a critical threat with a similar number (64 percent) expressing concerns over a possible military conflict between China and the US over Taiwan. 51 percent of the respondents said they would support the deployment of the Australian military “if China invaded Taiwan and the United States decided to intervene”. While almost two thirds viewed China as a military threat, only one third of respondents characterized China as an economic partner. [Lowy Institute]
The poll displays the ramifications of political and economic relations between Australia and China deteriorating in the previous years. Australian citizens’ attitude toward China was likely affected by the ongoing tariff dispute between China and Australia, the debate on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, Beijing’s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea as well as China’s mission to gain more influence in the pacific. Furthermore, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s support of Russia contributed to an overall feeling of insecurity. [The Diplomat] [Voice of America]
Chinese state-owned media outlet Global Times mentioned the Lowy Institute poll together with another poll conducted among Chinese citizens who mostly saw Australia as responsible for the deterioration of ties and supported economic decoupling between the two countries. The article emphasized the significance of the previous conservative government under Prime Minister Scott Morrison, claiming that the “China threat” pursued under Morrison’s government affected the outlook of the Australian population. [Global Times]
Detained Russian scientist accused of collaborating with Chinese secret services dies shortly after arrest
(jw) Dmitry Kolker, a doctor of physics and mathematics at Novosibirsk State University, died on July 2 shortly after being arrested and charged with high treason amid allegations that he collaborated with Chinese secret services. According to lawyers and a family member, Kolker, who suffered from advanced pancreatic cancer was taken from his hospital bed and flown to Moscow where he died in another hospital. The family rejected accusations that Kolker shared secrets with Chinese secret services. Critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin claim that arrests like the one of Kolker often stem from unfounded paranoia. [Reuters]
Chinese and Russian warships around Japan
(nc) Chinese and Russian warships have been observed maneuvering around Japan. For about twenty days, two guided-missile destroyers and a supply ship from the Chinese navy circled Japan. Russian destroyer, frigate, and supply ships did the same when coming back from waters around Taiwan. [Mainichi 1] [Mainichi 2]
India, Japan hold fourth edition of joint Cyber Dialogue through video channel
(sg) India and Japan held the fourth edition of their joint Cyber Dialogue on June 30 through video channel. The talks centered on reviewing the latest developments in cybersecurity and information and communications technologies, most notably 5G, and exploring key areas for bilateral cyber cooperation.
5G is the 5th generation of cellular networks, and its rapid connectivity could create opportunities for people and businesses. While India still faces sluggish development of 5G technology, Japan is a global leader in developing 5G technology; until the end of the decade, the country aims to have rolled out the technology for more than 99 percent of its population. [Japan Times] [ThePrint]
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
New Delhi favors ‘dialogue, diplomacy’ on Ukraine war, India’s Modi tells Russian counterpart Putin via phone
(lm) Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 1 reiterated New Delhi’s position vis-a-vis Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reiterating that India favored “dialogue and diplomacy”.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, India has been trying to carve out a middle path for itself. On the one hand, New Delhi has condemned the reported killings by Russian troops of civilians in Ukraine's Bucha, and has called for an inquiry into it. But at the same time, it has so far resisted calls by Western governments to downgrade ties with Russia and join in the sanctions imposed on Moscow.
The timing of the conversation assumes added significance, coming as it did just days after Prime Minister Modi attended the Group of Seven summit in Germany as a special invitee. During the summit, western leaders had discussions among themselves as well as with the leaders of India, Argentina, Senegal, South Africa and Indonesia to impose a price cap on import of Russian energy – in addition to the sanctions imposed on Moscow in response to its war in Ukraine. [The New York Times, $]
Putin and Modi also used their phone conversation to review the implementation of decisions taken during President Putin’s visit to India in December of last year. That visit had resulted in the two countries signing a total of 28 investment pacts, including deals on steel, shipbuilding, coal and energy. They also reinforced their ties with a military and technical cooperation pact until 2031 and a pledge to triple bilateral trade to USD 30 billion by 2025. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
India’s Prime Minister Modi visits United Arab Emirates to reaffirm ties after Prophet row
(lm) After attending the Group of Seven summit in Germany last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on June 28 in what many observers believe was an exercise in damage control that followed the derogatory references to Islam’s Prophet Muhammad by a former spokesperson of India’s ruling party earlier this month.[South China Morning Post] [The Diplomat]
The derogatory comments made by Nupur Sharma during a television debate a month ago sparked protests in which two demonstrators were killed and triggered an outcry across over a dozen Islamic nations [see AiR No. 24, June/2022, 2]. Sharma was suspended from the BJP soon after several Islamic nations, including the UAE, registered strong diplomatic protests with New Delhi.
Still, according to the official readout, the main purpose of the meeting between Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was to convey the Indian leader’s personal condolences on the death last month of the former UAE president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
India and the UAE in February signed a wide-ranging trade and investment pact, coinciding with a virtual summit between Modi and Al Nahyan. In addition to growing bilateral trade in goods to over USD 100 billion within the next five years – up from about USD 60 billion currently, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is also expected to boost trade in services to over USD 15 billion. [AiR No. 8, February/2022, 4]
India, Mexico ink pact on capacity building in space during sixth round of foreign office consultations
(sg) India and Mexico have signed a Specific Cooperation Agreement to develop outer-space surveillance for better crop and drought assessment and capacity building between the two countries’ space agencies. The pact was signed during the sixth round of Foreign Office Consultations held between the two countries in Mexico City on June 29.
The meeting focused on trade, investment, and health cooperation, among other topics. In addition, the two sides also discussed their roles in the United Nations and the G20. India and Mexico are temporary UN Security Council members for 2021-2022. [Hindustan Times] [ThePrint]
India, Australia hold army staff talks
(sg) India and Australia on June 29 held the ninth round of joint Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST) in Dehradun, the capital of India’s state of Uttarakhand. The AAST focused on increasing cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces. Discussions were held to review a roadmap for greater collaboration on multiple topics, including training courses and cadet exchange programs.
The meeting was held as part of a visit to India by an Australian Army delegation. That visit is the latest indication of a flurry of diplomatic activity between the two countries - both members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. Earlier this month, Australian deputy prime minister and defense minister Richard Marles traveled to New Delhi for talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh [see AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]. Furthermore, Indian forces will participate in Exercise Pitch Black, a multilateral air force exercise conducted in Australia this coming August. [The Hindu]
India, Australia agree on cooperation in rare earth minerals
(lm) India and Australia on July 4 agreed to a partnership to strengthen their cooperation in developing projects on critical minerals, such as lithium, and supply chains. Australia’s Minister for Resources Madeleine King also told her visiting counterpart Pralhad Joshi that Canberra would commit USD 3.98 million towards a three-year investment partnership with New Delhi. [Hindustan Times] [MarketScreener]
Indonesian President meets Ukrainian, Russian counterparts
(jvk) Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Ukrainian and Russian Presidents on June 29 and June 30 respectively. The meetings concluded with President Widodo saying he hoped for progress in reintegrating the countries in the global food, fertilizer, and energy supply chain. Russian President, Putin, intended to guarantee food and fertilizer supply and agreed to open a sea route for Ukrainian exports.
As G20's current President, Widodo sought to consolidate rifts within the group caused by the War in Ukraine amid threats to boycott the summit in Russia’s attendance. President Widodo also leveraged Indonesia’s non-aligned position to urge peace and conveyed his intent to be a diplomatic bridge between the two countries. [Jakarta Post] [Jakarta Globe] [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4]
Japan’s foreign minister attends Philippine President’s inauguration
(nc) On June 30, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi attended the inauguration of newly elected Philippines President Ferdinand Marco Jr. in Manila. He is the first Japanese Foreign Minister to do so since 2004. During his three-day trip, he held a meeting with Hon. Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. They both confirmed their will to strengthen their cooperation in the field of security, pandemic recovery, and economic development amid China’s assertiveness in the China Sea. Both countries are indeed challenged by China through territorial disputes. Yoshimasa then met on a courtesy call with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio who shared Japan’s vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. They pledged to work together in addressing any attempt to change the status quo unilaterally in the region. [Mainichi] [Philippines News]
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
Japanese firm withdraws stakes in venture with Myanmar regime
(cmsk/jp) Japanese beverage company Kirin Holdings has announced it will close its operations in Myanmar and sell its stake as part of Myanmar Brewery (MBL) to military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings (MEHL) for approximately USD 164 million.
After the 2021 coup, the company had initially said it would not exit the Myanmar market but reported a loss of USD 342 million in December 2021. In February this year, Kirin announced its withdrawal from Myanmar. The company has since reportedly been in search for an international buyer but appears to have not been able to find one. Kirin holds a 51 percent stake in MBL and MEHL holds 49 percent stake. The deal to sell Kirin’s MBL shares to MEHL could take another three months to conclude, according to the Japanese company. However, “Justice for Myanmar '' criticized Kirin for selling off its shares to a junta-controlled company, which the group alleges will only further fuel junta atrocities.
MEHL is one of two companies sanctioned by the United States Treasury in March 2021. Since the coup, Myanmar has seen a series of withdrawals by international companies and international investments in the country. Major withdrawals include a German wholesale foods company known as Metro, Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor, and energy companies — Total Energies (France), Chevron (US) and Eneos Holdings (Japan). Eneos Holdings announced its withdrawal plans from the Yetagun gas project in March, specifically citing social issues. South Korean steel giant POSCO is also trying to dissolve a joint venture with MEHL, but negotiations between the two companies have reportedly stalled. [Nikkei] [Reuters]
Russia’s new operator for Sakhalin 2, retaliation against Japan’s new sanctions
(nc) Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a presidential directive aimed to transfer the exploitation of Sakhalin 2, a gas and oil project, to a new company. The Japanese companies Mitsui & Co., Ltd and Mitsubishi Corporation were investors in this project and now must transfer their assets to this new society. They can be excluded from the project if they do not comply with the criteria that will be set by this new company. This presidential directive comes after the announcement of new sanctions by Japan during the G7 summit. Nine percent of the national consumption of liquefied natural gas in Japan comes from Sakhalin 2. [Kyodo News]
Malaysian and Japanese companies to cooperate in CO2 commercialization
(nc) On June 13, the Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company Petronas and the Japanese raw material trading Mitsui & Co., Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding to commercialize carbon dioxide (CO2). The companies will explore CO2 storage sites on the Malaysian Peninsula. They will also assess the potential for storage of CO2 as they are looking to advance in the areas of new technologies, CO2 transport, and other various industries. [Nikkei Asia]
Sofia Bertolino contributed research to this article.
Malaysian wildlife trafficker arrested in Thailand, pending extradition to the United States
(td) A notorious Malaysian wildlife trafficker was arrested by Thai authorities in Bangkok. The arrest came after a warrant was released by the country’s Criminal Court on June 29 accusing the man of wildlife trafficking as well as money laundering.
The suspect was first arrested in 2015 for his involvement in the smuggling of elephant trunks from Africa into Thailand. He was later released on bail. Since then, Thailand has closely cooperated with the United States knowing that the suspect was also wanted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Therefore, although the accused denied all the charges, and insisted he was in Thailand to strike a cannabis-related business deal, the police handed him over to the Office of the Attorney-General for extradition to the United States.[Bangkok Post] [Environmental Investigation Agency] [New Straits Times] [The Nation Thailand]
Myanmar fighter jet incursion into Thailand's airspace raises security concerns
(td) The recent incursion into Thailand’s airspace by a Myanmar fighter jet has prompted Thai authorities to immediately convey a warning to Myanmar to avoid such incidents in the future.
In the northern Tak province, in Thailand, residents were on high alert to the extent that a couple of nearby schools decided to suspend classes. Consequently, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) dispatched two fighters to patrol the affected area. It should be noted that such a transboundary issue stemmed from the long-standing fighting between the Myanmar government and ethnic minority groups along Thai-Myanmar borders. [Associated Press] [Bangkok Post 1]
Since the Myanmar military took over the democratically-elected government in 2021, ethnic guerrillas have even intensified their battles with the government forces. This explains how a Myanmar fighter jet intruded the border area within Tak Province by accident. Above all, aside from security concerns, the clashes at the border also led to humanitarian issues as Thailand has continuously grappled with an influx of ethnic civilians – fleeing atrocities in Myanmar. [The Irrawaddy]
Overall, there has been no report of cross-border shelling up to date, and according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, he has received an apology from the Myanmar military for the incident. With that said, as of now, bilateral discussion is still considered as an effective means to allay security concerns. [Bangkok Post 2] [Thai PBS World]
Australian social organizations file letter to foreign affairs minister on Myanmar democracy crisis
(jp) A group of 688 social organizations from Australia wrote a three-page letter about the "struggle for a federal democratic Myanmar" urging Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong to denounce the Myanmar military, which has been in control of the country for more than a year after the 2021 bloody coup.
The open letter asks Senator Wong to denounce the "illegitimate military junta" in Myanmar. And also challenges Senator Wong to cut diplomatic ties with the Myanmar military, punish officials, and urge ASEAN to denounce the junta.
The Ethnic Myanmar Communities' Council of Australia also claimed that the country should do more for the people of Myanmar. He believes the Australian government "hesitated" to condemn the Myanmar military for maintaining diplomatic ties.
The letter asks the federal government to boycott ASEAN if the junta will be officially recognized by the block. [Justice For Myanmar] [sbs] [SydneyAus Today]
Pakistan jails man linked to 2008 Mumbai attacks as part of efforts to exit FATF’s ‘grey list’
(tj/lm) Pakistan has sentenced Sajid Majeed Mir, the alleged mastermind behind the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, to 15 years in prison for terror financing unrelated to the assaults, The Associated Press reported on July 4. Mir was arrested in 2020 and sentenced in May this year, according to court documents viewed by the news agency, but his detention and sentencing were never disclosed by Pakistan. [Al Jazeera]
According to the documents, Mir was a member of a charity set up by Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the outlawed Islamist terrorist Lashkar-e-Taiba group which is accused by India and the United States of plotting the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In April, Saeed was sentenced to 31 years in prison for terror financing but he was never charged in connection with the terrorist attacks [see AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2].
In light of this, there is reason to believe that Mir’s conviction is part of efforts made by Pakistan to exit the list of Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring – often externally referred to as the ‘grey list’ – of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). That list comprises nations that do not take full measures to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. [Nikkei Asia] [The Diplomat]
The global watchdog announced earlier this month that Pakistan has completed its action plan and that FATF officials will visit the country later this year to verify it is following through; if so, it will be removed from the grey list. [AiR No. 25, June/2022, 3]
Pakistan’s state minister for foreign affairs calls for easing sanctions on Afghanistan
(ha/tj) In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Pakistan’s state minister for foreign affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, has called for an easing of Western sanctions against Afghanistan under the Taliban government. She stated that isolating Afghanistan economically would result in the economic collapse of the country, besides pushing millions into a famine. [Die Welt, in German, $]
The interview was conducted earlier this month, when Khar visited Germany to lead Pakistan’s delegation to the plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force, held in Berlin [see AiR No. 25, June/2022, 3]. She also held meetings with her German counterpart, Tobias Lindner, and the German Parliamentary Secretary of State for Economic Cooperation and Development, Niels Annen, among others.
United States envoy on visit to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh to boost economic ties
(sg) The United States Special ambassador for Commercial and Business Affairs, Dilawar Syed, traveled to Pakistan on June 30 to head a delegation discussing commercial and economic cooperation. The visit is part of a more extensive South Asian trip; Syed will travel to Bangladesh and India in the coming days.
While in Islamabad, Syed met with several high-profile officials, including Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. Washington is Islamabad’s largest trade partner at almost USD 7 billion. Syed spoke with officials about expanding investment, especially in the textile industry, which accounts for more than USD 3 billion in exports from Pakistan to the US. [Dawn] [Republic World]
The trip to Islamabad is another US diplomats’ visit since a new government around prime minister Shehbaz Sharif was inaugurated in April, marking a significant shift in bilateral US-Pakistan relations. Relations between the two countries soured under former prime minister Imran Khan’s leadership; his government sought closer ties with China. Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote last month and has repeatedly claimed that the United States had orchestrated his ouster [see AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2].
Pakistan seeks more Qatari gas on deferred payments to help ease its fuel crunch
(sg/lm) Against the larger backdrop of a crippling energy crunch and rocketing fuel prices, Pakistan is seeking additional deliveries of liquified natural gas (LNG) on deferred payments from Qatar. But before agreeing to the request, Doha reportedly wants the removal of bureaucratic obstacles to a new Qatar-funded LNG terminal in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi. [Dawn] [ThePrint]
In the past few years, Pakistan has increased its reliance on LNG; however, the country now faces power outages as LNG deliveries dwindle and foreign reserves plummet. Islamabad has in the past signed two long-term contracts for LNG shipments from Qatar - its biggest supplier.
Pakistan’s COAS General Bajwa leads delegation on visit to Qatar
(tj) Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on June 30 met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, most notably defense and security cooperation. On the occasion, General Bajwa said Pakistan and Qatar enjoy strong ties, which are based on the “deep spirit of brotherhood”. [Pakistan Today]
New Philippines’ president engages in series of bilateral diplomatic meetings
(bs) The new President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not wait until his formal appointment on June 30 to begin his international diplomacy. In fact, on June 9, the then president-elect met with the United States (US) Deputy Secretary of State to stress the importance of the “long-standing” US-Philippine alliance. Marcos has committed to enhance the two countries’ cooperation, which drastically declined between 2016 and 2022, when the Duterte's administration chose to focus on strengthening ties with China rather than the US. [The Diplomat]
Further, on his first day in office, Marcos Jr. met with a number of international representatives to kick off diplomatic talks in the capacity of the new president and the temporary head of the Agriculture Department.
He began by holding talks with Cambodia's Environment Minister on increasing their countries’ bilateral cooperation in agriculture, food safety, nutrition, energy security, commerce, and climate change. [The Star]
Similar talks were held between the newly appointed president and the Vietnamese Vice President. The parties discussed the position of Marcos Jr. in his new role while committing to enhance their partnership in trade and investment. [Vietnam Plus]
With the same objective, the Department of Foreign Affairs under Marcos’ administration met with representatives from the United Arab Emirates. The countries committed to work closely to combat climate change and to strengthen their cooperation in agricultural innovation. [Manila bulletin 1]
Finally, on the same occasion, the Philippines’ government met with its South Korean counterpart to strengthen the countries’ bilateral relations. [Manila Bulletin 2]
Philippines’ complaint over fire drills in South China Sea rejected by Taiwan
(bs) Taiwan has rebuffed the objections moved by the Philippines oved live fire drills in a Taiwan-controlled area in the South China Sea. Taiwan reclaimed its right to hold such exercises as long as it issued a warning in due time, which it claimed to have done.
However, the Philippines claim the island is under the Philippines’ administration and Taiwan activity can be regarded as illegal. In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry rejected such a claim, saying that since the island was part of the territory under China’s sovereignty, Taiwan, which is officially part of the Republic of China (ROC), enjoys all linked rights authorized by international law. [Reuters]
South Korea to join US-led multilateral cyber defense exercise
(dql) Meanwhile, South Korea’s Defense Ministry confirmed plans to join for the first time the Cyber Flag exercise, the annual US-led multilateral cyber defense exercise, scheduled for October.
The exercise, to which Seoul plans to send 20 personnel, is designed to boost the readiness of the US and its allies in detecting and responding to malicious online attacks. Other countries expected to participate include Canada, France, Sweden, and the UK.
Furthermore, South Korea is also considering to participate in the Cyber Coalition, the NATO’s biggest annual cyber defense exercise, to be held next year. [The Defense Post]
Timor-Leste ratifies convention to eliminate international double taxation with Portugal
(bs) On July 4, The Timorese National Parliament ratified the convention between Portugal and Timor-Leste that aims to eliminate international double taxation in the different categories of income received by residents of the two states, as well as prevent tax evasion. It was also designed to facilitate the two countries’ tax environment and the development of their bilateral trade and investment.
The convention was originally signed by the two countries in late 2011. It was then approved by Portugal in 2012 and by Timor-Leste in May 2022. Timor-Leste’s ratification means that the text can now enter into force.
During the plenary session, the parliament also approved the convention and optional protocol of the rights of people with disabilities. [Observador, in Portuguese]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
06 July 2022, 12:30 p.m. (GMT+2), Bruegel - Belgium
Shifting Taxes in Order to Achieve Green Goals
A key component to fulfilling the EU’s climate goals is Taxation. To reduce carbon emissions, and achieve a sustainable economy more generally, incentives must be in alignment with green policy objectives. One of the ways to do this is by shifting the tax burden from labour towards pollution and resources. Hopefully, that would also lead to a decrease in unemployment and to job creation. This event, jointly organised in collaboration with Goldschmeding Foundation and Ex’Tax, the creators of the Ex’Tax project will elaborate on this topic.
Check out the website of [Bruegel] for more information.
06 July 2022, 18:00 (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
Webinar | ESG, Compliance and Risk Management in the Legal World
This [page] has more details about the event.
06 July 2022, 19:00 (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
The Role of Leadership in the Restructuring of Usiminas
In the next joint webinar of the partnership Academia CEO & FGV In Company, Sergio Leite de Andrade, president of the Board of Directors Usiminas, and Luiz Ernesto Migliora, director of FGV Educação Executiva - Rede Conveniada, discuss the role of leadership in the restructuring of Usiminas. Antonio Maciel Neto, of the CEO Academy, will mediate the meeting. The event will be in hybrid format, at the Bourbon Hotel in Belo Horizonte, and with live streaming on fgv's YouTube channel.
For more details about the event, see this [page].
06 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
Is Hong Kong Still a Global Business Hub?
Join the Freeman Chair in China Studies for an in-depth discussion on the future Hong Kong, featuring a keynote address by Consul General Hanscom Smith, followed by an expert panel discussion featuring Jessica Bartlett, global head of financial crime legal at Barclays, Tara Joseph, senior director at Strategy Risks and former president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and Charles Mok, former member of the Legislative Council in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and current visiting scholar at Stanford's Global Digital Policy Incubator, and moderated by Jude Blanchette, Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS.
Details can be accessed [here].
06 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
SNF Dialogues: Social Media, Social Movements and Political Change
The SNF Dialogues, an initiative of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), are a series of monthly discussions whose goal is to foster the exchange of ideas, inspire a new way of thinking and acting, and encourage and elevate public discourse across geographic boundaries. The Dialogues discussions are free and open to the public, aiming to bring to light timely questions and developments, share informed reflections and concerns, highlight new data and angles, and present fascinating people, projects, and ideas.
Find more about the event [here].
06 July 2022, 4:30 p.m. (GMT+1) Chatham House (United Kingdom)
Democracy in America: The State of the Nation
Democracy in the US has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years. Key individuals in the Republican Party continue to peddle the Big Lie, and the US electorate is far more polarized today than it was in 2016. High inflation and gas prices are crowding out any good news about growth or unemployment. And the risk of further social division looms as issues like abortion rights and gun control rise to the top of the agenda.
For more information, see this [page].
06 July 2022, 1:00 p.m. (GMT+1) Chatham House (United Kingdom)
Common Prosperity: What Next for China?
Domestically, China is entering an interesting period of flux. As always, the importance of messaging in China is key. The experts on the panel will discuss questions including: What are the likely domestic consequences of Beijing’s intervention in business and attempts to manoeuvre away from an export-led economy? Has COVID had any significant impact or change on domestic politics? As variants spread, what next for ‘zero-COVID? Can the Chinese government keep pace with technology and continue its surveillance and domestic monitoring?
Find answers to these questions and further information [here].
06 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) (United States)
Global Financial Infrastructure Amid Shifting Geopolitics
As geopolitical developments reshape international economic and financial integration, global financial infrastructure firms that exist to manage cross-border challenges and facilitate coordination to address them, such as CLS, SWIFT, and LCH SwapClear, face a changed environment and new risks.
Get more information [here].
06 July 2022, 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Wilson Center, FKA Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (United States)
Preparations and Challenges Ahead of Brazil's 2022 Presidential Election
Ahead of October, what steps have been taken by Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court to ensure that this year’s election is transparent and credible? What challenges may still emerge and how would they differ from past elections? And what are the roles of the Supreme Court and the Superior Electoral Court in cultivating and/or restoring public confidence in the electoral system? Join the Wilson Center’s Brazil Institute for a presentation on these questions and more from Brazilian Federal Supreme Court Justice and Superior Electoral Court President, Minister Edson Fachin.
See [here] for more.
06 July 2022, 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4) Heritage Foundation (United States)
Scholars and Scribes Review the Rulings: The Supreme Court’s 2021-22 Term
The Supreme Court’s 2021-22 term is almost over. There were important cases involving religious liberty (Kennedy v. Bremerton School District), vaccine mandates (NFIB v. OSHA), immigration (Biden v. Texas), the Second Amendment (New York Rifle v. Bruen), administrative law (West Virginia v. EPA), abortion (Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization), and much more. Our scholars and scribes will break down what you need to know from the landmark cases, Breyer’s retirement, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation, and even the Dobbs leak. Join the Heritage Foundation for their annual expert analysis of everything involving the U.S. Supreme Court.
This [website] has further details.
06 July 2022, 7:35 a.m. (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Water - A Scarce and Valuable Resource
As part of the simulation game, the Schülerinnen simulate international negotiation mechanisms and deal with the topic of water as a scarce resource. While Western countries consume water in abundance, countries on other continents have a shortage of clean drinking water. In the simulation game, the Vertreterinnen of different countries meet in a conference to design a joint water management strategy. The aim is to negotiate a common line of action in the absence of a binding legislative process that ensures fair and sustainable access to water.
Find out more [here].
06 July 2022, 6:30 p.m. (GMT+2) Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB) (Spain)
Tackling Socio-Economic Tensions and Vulnerabilities in Mediterranean Cities
Cities in the Mediterranean region are embedded in a hotspot of complex geopolitical dynamics, climate and social vulnerabilities and contrasted North-South realities. The region features a display of challenges of diverse origin, from those posed by the twin transitions of our era – the green and digital transitions – to those brought by the very nature of a dishevelling social contract. Justice and democratic processes are hampered by class polarisation, populism rise and a strong authoritarian presence. The region’s economic instability and socio-economic inequalities fuel the social unrest that is now a mark of the region. All against the backdrop of an accelerated urbanisation process framed in a post-pandemic recovery context. These dimensions interknit into a web of multiple crisis and transitions that affect and intersect with one another, creating socioeconomic tensions within and across cities in the Mediterranean region.
See [here] for further information.
06 July 2022, 1:00 p.m. (GMT-4) American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI) (United States)
Harvey Mansfield at 90: A Conference on Major Themes of His Work
During his 60 years as a professor of government at Harvard University, Harvey Mansfield has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of thinkers including Niccoló Machiavelli and Alexis de Tocqueville and on subjects such as political parties, liberalism, conservatism, and American constitutionalism.
For further information, check this [page].
06 - 12 July 2022, 08:00 a.m. (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Simulation game local politics - Without youth no state can be made
As part of the simulation game, the Schülerinnen simulate international negotiation mechanisms and deal with the topic of water as a scarce resource. While Western countries consume water in abundance, countries on other continents have a shortage of clean drinking water. In the simulation game, the Vertreterinnen of different countries meet in a conference to design a joint water management strategy. The aim is to negotiate a common line of action in the absence of a binding legislative process that ensures fair and sustainable access to water.
Check [here] for further information.
07 July 2022, 6:00 p.m. (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
Webinar | Career and Employability
This webinar will be presented by FGV's Internship and Career Development Center (NEDC), which functions as a channel of integration between the labor market and undergraduate students and alumni, providing resources that help them in the process of insertion and/or reintegration into the labor market.
Check this [webpage] for more on this event.
07 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (United States)
Press Briefing: Previewing President Biden's Trip to the Middle East
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will host a press briefing previewing President Biden’s upcoming trip to the Middle East. The president will make the final stop of his tour in Saudi Arabia and is slated to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman face-to-face. CSIS experts will unpack the implications of the visit, as the United States engages once more with the Kingdom that President Biden once vowed to make "a pariah."
For more information, check this [webpage].
07 July 2022, 1:00 p.m. (GMT+1) Chatham House (United Kingdom)
War on Ukraine: Evolution of the War
Key developments of the war have been in focus; Russian tactical failings, large losses on the battlefield, Ukrainian military adaptability and resolve. A drawn-out war of trench warfare, regular artillery bombardments and minimal advances has taken shape.
[Chatham House] has more information about this event.
07 July 2022, 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4) Wilson Center, FKA Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (United States)
The Role of Belarus in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: From Guarantor of Security to a Source of Instability
This panel will discuss the implications of Belarus’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict for regional security as well as for Belarus’s relations with Russia and the West. The speakers will further address the impact of the Ukrainian crisis on domestic developments in Belarus, especially the durability of the Lukashenka regime and the future of democratic Belarus.
This [webpage] has more details.
07 July 2022, 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4) Wilson Center, FKA Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (United States)
Shared Risk, Shared Opportunity: Critical Minerals and the Transatlantic Climate Bridge
Join the Wilson Center for a conversation with experts from Latin America, North America, and Europe to discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by increasing demand for critical minerals. The panel will highlight how leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are responding to projected demand and the role of transatlantic cooperation in harnessing key opportunities.
Further details can be found on this [page].
07 July 2022, 18:30 (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
The Majority Decides! Real? Fundamental Questions for German Electoral Law
The outcome of democratic elections and votes is determined by a majority of voters. This majority principle is fundamental to a democracy and therefore an apparent matter of course here and elsewhere. This panel discussion will focus on the available alternatives to the established election procedures. In addition, the possible political and social consequences of a change in the electoral law will be discussed
This [page] offers more about the event.
07 July 2022 Clingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations (Netherlands)
How Can We Address Global Health in an Environmental Context?
This event will explore questions such as what one health and planetary health are and how their multi-sectoral premise can help shape Dutch policy. The conversation will delve into the risks of climate change and how zoonotic diseases affect human health. In addition, we will explore the how governance of biodiversity, animal farming practices and medicine use may be of relevance.
Register to join on this [page] for details on the event.
07 July 2022 04:00 p.m. (GMT-4) Urban Institute (United States)
Can College Level the Playing Field? Higher Education in an Unequal Society
This event discusses the role of higher education in reducing inequality in a society in which children grow up in dramatically unequal environments and adults face different labor market opportunities depending on their race, gender, and socioeconomic background. The discussion will focus both on improving access to and success in higher education and on public policies that address unequal environments from early childhood onward.
Follow this [link] for more.
07 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT+2) Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB) (Spain)
Preventing Violent Extremism and the Securitisation of Migration in Europe” Jean Monnet Network on EU Counter-Terrorism Seminar
Violent extremism continues to pose a multifaceted threat to the security of European countries. Against the growing diversification, decentralisation and de-territorialisation of this phenomenon, what policies and strategies are being implemented by decision-makers and practitioners? What role does the European Union play to prevent and counter this threat? Finally, what lessons can be drawn from the increasing securitisation of migration when it comes to policy responses to prevent and counter violent extremism? To answer these questions, the Jean Monnet Network on EU Counter-Terrorism (EUCTER) brings together scholars, experts and practitioners from several European countries to discuss the new challenges posed by the ever-evolving violent extremist threat and analyse the strategies implemented to prevent and counter it.
For more, see [here].
07 July 2022 9:30 a.m. (GMT-3) Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales (CARI) (Argentina)
Geopolitics and Globalization, Challenges for Latin America
This academic session is organized by the Latin American Affairs Studies Committee featuring speakers; Esteban Actis who holds a PhD in International Relations, a professor and researcher at the National University of Rosario (UNR), and Julieta Zelicovich, also a PhD holder in International Relations (UNR), with orientation towards international economics and international trade relations as well a researcher at CONICET and professor at the UNR.
Get more details on this [webpage].
07 July 2022, 8:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Atlantic Council (United States)
Implications of Pakistan’s Removal from the FATF Greylist
Pakistan has appeared on the FATF greylist multiple times since 2008, signaling the organization’s heightened scrutiny of money laundering and terrorism financing in the country. This greylist designation has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s economy, particularly its financial services industry. FATF concerns had also impacted the country’s IMF program: one of the conditions in the recent $6 billion bailout was the requirement that Pakistan comply with FATF guidelines.
This [link] has further details.
07 - 08 July 2022, 12:00 p.m. (GMT+1) Chatham House (United Kingdom)
Polish-British Belvedere Forum 2022
This forum is an annual event alternating between the UK and Poland. Originally created in 2017 by the governments of the UK and Poland, the forum is now jointly organized by Chatham House and the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) in Warsaw. The forum brings together a diverse group of actors to debate and discuss not only current British-Polish relations, but also the British and Polish responses to key European and global challenges.
Find out more [here].
08 July 2022, 12:30 p.m. (GMT-4) Atlantic Council (United States)
China’s Role in Russian Energy: What’s Changed Since Feb 24th?
Russia has become China’s top crude oil provider, yet energy ties are complex, as Beijing’s state-owned energy companies have also reportedly suspended petrochemical and LNG projects in Russia. Will energy ties between the two autocracies continue to expand, or might Beijing edge away from Moscow out of its own economic self-interest?
Join this expert conversation by following this [link] for more details.
08 – 10 July 2022, 17:00 (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Communication & Culture of Debate – For an Appreciative Coexistence and a Vibrant Democracy
In this workshop for local political and civil society activists, we present practical exercises and instructions from the brochure "Democracy is worthwhile – For an appreciative coexistence and a lively democracy. Ein Praxishandbuch". The brochure is about good communication, about a culture of debate, about a culture of mistakes, about tolerance, about talking to each other, especially about listening, about reflecting on intolerant statements, about empathy for people who are discriminated against and excluded in our society. Wherever possible, we should deal with content and slogans in a democratic way. Change for the good can only come about when you reach people with language, touch them, address something in them that can make them think and act. This seminar gives us space to try things out and get to know ourselves better.
Find out more on this [page].
09 July 2022, 09:00 a.m. (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Women's Web Seminar: Guerrilla Marketing - Creative Ideas for Public Relations
Guerrilla marketing was originally developed for grassroots campaigns of associations and social movements. Technology requires creativity, flexibility, and the willingness to take even small risks. The aim is to achieve the greatest possible impact with the least possible use of money and to create attention for an organization, a company, or a concern. Central to this are unusual ideas with a surprise effect. The seminar focuses on the content and dialogue that arises with the action. It will be about bringing ideas to the streets and thus creating opportunities for discussion. In the seminar you will learn what guerrilla marketing is exactly and what exciting ideas there have already been and above all how to get your own idea and implementation, online or offline
Check this [website] for further details.
10 - 14 July 2022, 3:00 p.m. (GMT-4) Cato Institute (United States)
Sphere Summit: Teaching Civic Culture Together
The Sphere Summit features presentations by leading policymakers, scholars, and academics, who discuss key public policy issues facing our nation today. The Summit also features professional development workshops conducted by leaders in civic education. The Sphere Summit aims to restore a spirit of civil, constructive, and respectful discourse and engagement and to return facts, analysis, and research to primacy as the vehicles for discussion and debate.
This [website] offers more information about this summit.
11 July 2022, 18:00 (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
Webinar | Well-Being and Performance in the Post-Pandemic Office: Insights from Neuroarchitecture
Have you ever stopped to think about how environmental design affects people? This is the field of study investigated by NeuroArquitetura, which seeks to understand the impacts of the environment on the brain and behavior so that we can create better spaces. In the context of the office and in the face of changes accelerated by the pandemic, understanding how the environment affects the performance and well-being of employees is fundamental and this is the theme that we will address in the webinar.
For more information, see this [page].
11 July 2022, 18:00 (GMT+1) Chatham House (United Kingdom)
War On Ukraine: The Geopolitics of Energy
Despite some decoupling since the war, Europe still depends heavily on Russian energy, especially Germany and Italy. The EU has given €35 billion to Russia for energy supplies since the start of the war and only €1 billion to fund Ukraine’s defence. Cutting off the revenues to Russia derived from energy imports will have an impact on the European and global economies.
Get further details on this [page].
11 July 2022, 11:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Heritage Foundation (United States)
Tackling Threats to Religious Freedom in China
The Chinese Communist Party is notorious for its policies of repression, especially against persons of faith. From Uyghur Muslims to Christians to Tibetan Buddhists, people of all religious traditions are subject to draconian regulations of the practice of their most closely held beliefs. International Christian Concern’s latest report on persecution around the globe identified China as one of the worst violators of religious freedom. Considering this, the world cannot have a passive response when a fundamental freedom is under such dire threat.
Check this [page] for more information.
11 July 2022, 8:00 a.m. (GMT) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Simulation Game Local Politics - Without Youth No State Can Be Made
The living environment in one's own commune can be shaped – but how?
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Bayern makes an offer for this with the simulation game Local Politics: Young people meet the professionals of local politics. You will learn to bring suggestions and demands into applications and requests. It is about problems on the doorstep, about changes in their own living environment. After an introduction and exercises in the role play, the final will discuss and decide on the created applications with the mayor.
For more details, follow this [link].
11 July 2022, 15:00 (GMT+2) Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) (Belgium)
The Fast-Changing Map of Europe – Views from Eastern Europe
This event will host independent experts from all Eastern Partnership states plus Russia to explore the implications for the region regarding the EU’s three recent decisions: to grant membership perspectives to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, and candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova; to re-energise the enlargement process with ideas of gradual integration before accession; and to open debate around the proposal for the wider Europe to establish a European Political Community. These new perspectives will be debated against the backdrop of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine and its economic consequences on energy and food price rises and the possibility of a new recession.
Follow this [link] for more.
11 July 2022, 17:30 (GMT+2) Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB) (Spain)
The War in Ukraine. The Urban Dimension of a Geopolitical Threat
Cities in the Ukraine and in neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania and Hungary, are receiving the majority of refugees, most of whom are women and children. The rapid humanitarian response and solidarity that city governments and local civil society organisations have demonstrated have been admirable. However, in the medium to long term the sheer number of displaced people that are seeking refugee will exceed the capacities of local services and voluntary helpers.
See this [webpage] for more.
11 – 12 July 2022, 8:00 a.m. (GMT+1) Chatham House (United Kingdom)
Global Forum on Forest Governance 2022
This year’s event provides a platform for a diversity of stakeholders, from government, industry, and civil society, to help maintain political momentum behind the COP26 commitments on forests and to consider potential alignment with the CBD agenda. The event will also provide an opportunity to share new ideas, research and developments in the sector aimed at strengthening forest and land-use governance.
For information, check out this [webpage].
12 July 2022, 9:30 a.m. (GMT-4) Wilson Center, FKA Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (United States)
Seeing the Unseen: U.S. Virtual Launch of the 2022 UNFPA State of World Population Report
This year’s report details the steep costs associated with unintended pregnancy – including the cost to a person’s health, education, and future, as well as costs to health systems, workforces, and societies. Panelists will discuss the SWOP report and its findings, the importance of addressing and working to reduce unintended pregnancy globally, and key policies and recommendations to mitigate the many costs of unintended pregnancy.
For further details, check this [page].
12 July 2022, 18:00 (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Political Salon Saarland
With the Political Salon Saarland, we want to create a place of a lively democratic culture of dialogue. Here, Bürgerinnen, politically committed people and experts can talk to each other, discuss controversially, and listen to each other. Martin Schulz, Chairman of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and former President of the European Parliament, will be a discussion partner in our first Political Salon. The Political Salon will be moderated by Norbert Klein, former editor-in-chief of Saarländischer Rundfunk.
For more details, follow this [link].
12 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Atlantic Council (United States)
Left Behind: Legal and Policy Paths for Iran’s Hostages
State-sponsored hostage-taking is a global problem, yet its prevalence in the Islamic Republic of Iran specifically demands greater attention. Especially given the political rationale commonly behind these detentions, many hostages are not being held for crimes committed, but for political conditions for which they bear no responsibility. Iranian hostages—many of whom are kept in poor detention conditions, denied legal counsel, and subjected to mental and physical torture—usually have no connection to the charges made against them. The United States has undergone several changes to its hostage policy in recent years, and the United Kingdom and other European countries are exploring changes, but further discussion is necessary to determine the best way forward for prevention and accountability strategies.
For more details, see this [page].
12 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Atlantic Council (United States)
Charting a New Path in the World: The United Kingdom’s Data Protection Reforms
When the United Kingdom left the European Union, it incorporated the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) into UK domestic law to enable uninterrupted data transfers from EU territory. On June 17, 2022 the UK government announced the results of an exhaustive public consultation on how it intends to “seize the benefits of Brexit”, diverge from the EU GDPR, and chart a more independent course in the world on data policy. Could the planned changes promote greater interoperability among countries around the world? Are the UK reforms instructive for efforts elsewhere in the world to amend or consider new privacy legislation? Could they affect the European Commission’s 2021 decision that the UK’s data protection laws are essentially equivalent to those in the European Union?
For more, see [here].
12 – 13 July 2022, 9:30 a.m. (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
CPDP LatAm in 2022 | "Artificial Intelligence and Data Protection in Latin America"
The event has a tripartite structure. The first day is dedicated to multisectoral debates. The second day includes the first Latin American Meeting of MyData and is dedicated to the analysis of innovative approaches and technologies that facilitate data protection. The third day is dedicated to the first Latin American Privacy Law Scholars Conference. This is a unique opportunity to bring together varied and complementary perspectives on data protection and its impact on democracy, innovation, and regulation in Latin America. To this do, we receive proposals from panels and academic articles, so that the program is composed of the contributions of the stakeholders we will receive.
See [here] for further details.
Recent Book Releases
Serhii Rudenko, Zelensky: A Biography, Polity, 200 pages, to be published on July 18, 2022. For a review, see [The Guardian].
David R. Marples (ed.), The War in Ukraine’s Donbas: Origins, Contexts, and the Future, Central European University Press, 244 pages, published on January 31, 2022. The book is reviewed in [LSE].
Alessio Terzi, Growth for Good: Reshaping Capitalism to Save Humanity from Climate Catastrophe, Harvard University Press, 368 pages, published on May 24, 2022. A brief review is available at [Foreign Affairs].
Emizet F. Kisangani and Jeffrey Pickering, African Interventions: State Militaries, Foreign Powers, and Rebel Forces, Cambridge University Press, 292 pages, published on November 11, 2021, with a brief review in [Foreign Affairs].
Anke Schwittay, Creative Universities: Reimagining Education for Global Challenges and Alternative Futures, Bristol University Press, 200 pages, published on November 11, 2021, reviewed in [LSE].
Calls for Papers
The Southern Political Science Association (SPSA) invites academic paper and panel proposals for its 93rd Annual Meeting to be held on January 11-14, 2023, in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA. Deadline for submission of abstracts is September 1, 2022. For more information, see [SPSA].
The Climate Change: Impacts & Responses Research Network welcomes paper proposals for its Fifteenth International Conference on “Climate Change: Impacts & Responses”, scheduled for April 20-21, 2023. Proposals can be submitted until March 20, 2023. If you are interested, find more details at [on-Climate].
Jobs and Positions
The Political Science Department at Purdue University welcomes applications for the position of a Visiting Assistant Professor in the area of comparative politics. This position will commence on August 15, 2022. Screening of applications will begin on July 8, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, see [Purdue University].
The Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore (NUS), is offering a full-time position of Research Associate in five-year long research project on “Climate Governance of Nature-based Carbon Sinks in Southeast Asia”. Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2022. Visit [ARI] to find more details.
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is looking for a Senior Expert, South Asia Programs. If you are interested, find more about the vacancy at [USIP].
The Asia Group (TAG) is recruiting an Analyst to cover India and wider South Asia. This position is based in Washington, DC, USA. Learn more about the position at [TAG].
The Bank of the West is hiring a Cybersecurity Intel Analyst. This position is based in Arizona, USA. See [Bank of the West] for more details.
The College of International Security Affairs (CISA) at the National Defense University (NDU) invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor. Applications must be submitted by July 19, 2022. For further information, see [USA Jobs].
The Center for Asia Pacific Studies at the University of San Francisco is offering a postdoctoral fellowship. Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2022 and continue until the position is filled. If you want to apply, visit [University of San Francisco].
Leiden Law School, Center for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw) is seeking a Postdoc on Law, Diversity, Robots, & AI. Closing date for submission of applications is July 15, 2022. Visit [Universiteit Leiden] to find more information.
The Institute of Public Administration at Leiden University welcomes applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Public Sector. Deadline for applications is August 1, 2022. If you are interested, visit [Universiteit Leiden].
The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) at Cambridge University is looking for a new Director to lead the Centre. Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2022. For more information, go to [Jobs Cambridge University].
The Norwegian Centre for Human Rights at the Faculty of Law of Oslo University is offering a position of a Postdoc in international human rights. Closing date for applications is August 29, 2022. Further details are provided at [Oslo University].
The Department of Political Science at Stockholm University is hiring a Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Political Science, specializing on global development. Deadline for applications is September 12, 2022. Visit [Stockholm University] to find more information.
Team:
Beatrice Siviero (bs), Charisma M S Kundan (cmsk), Daniela Bozoski (dbk), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Faryal Qazi (fq), Henning Glaser (hg), Hira Akram (ha), Jessica Pierre (jp), Joanna V. Kumendong (jvk), Julian Wendt (jw), Lucas Meier (lm), Mary Osei (mo), Nguyen Thi An Nhan (ntan), Nitia Carttigueane (nc), Oshin Pandey (op), Peer Morten Strantzen (ms), Rakshit Kumar (rk), Sebastian Gräff (sg), Sheikh Afif Bin Zaman (sabz), Sofia Bertolino (sb), Tarapoom Panpin (tp), Theerapon Damrongruk (td), Tomwit Jarnson (tw), Vaishnavi Deegwal (vd), Venus Phuangkom
We would greatly appreciate your feedback! Please send any feedback you have regarding this newsletter to: info@cpg-online.de
Also, don't forget to Like CPG on Facebook, and browse our website for other updates and news!
