Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 30, July/2022, 4
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
Welcome to this week’s Asia in Review issue.
I wish you informative read and extend special greetings to everyone who celebrates Liberia’s, Maldives’, the Netherlands’, Peru’s and Vanuatu’s Independence Day.
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 Asia
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 Asia
United States releases Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2022
(td) The United States (US) Department of States has recently published the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report for the year 2022. The report is considered as a key diplomatic tool of the White House in engaging with foreign governments in tackling human trafficking. Besides the 188 surveyed countries, the report also covers a vast number of territories.
In line with the standards of the report, each country or territory is sorted into one of four tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2 Watch List, and Tier 3, the lowest possible ranking level. The second is a moderate indicator that some progress has been made.
In the East Asia region, only Taiwan remains placed on the Tier 1 regardless the Greenpeace’s accusations that the country remains responsible for forced labor and human trafficking in the distant water fishing industry. In the meantime, South Korea was downgraded to Tier 2 for the first time in 20 years due to the prevalence of labor trafficking of migrant workers in the country. In addition to Mongolia, Japan, is another country listed Tier 2 due to Tokyo’s insufficient response to – chiefly – child exploitation in the commercial sex industry, forced migrant labors as well as a lack of deterrence for offenders.
Meanwhile, the report ranked China and North Korea in Tier 3. As for China, mistreatment of the ethic Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in the Xinjiang region, and reported abuses of workers in infrastructure projects associated with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seem to be the causes of this listing albeit rebuttals from Beijing. Not to mention that North Korea has been on Tier 3 for two decades.
In the Southeast Asia region, the Philippines has joined Singapore in their place on the Tier 1. Meanwhile, Thailand was taken off the watch list, although remaining in the Tier 2, following the government’s increasing efforts in combating human trafficking. Indonesia is – in contrast – demoted to the Tier 2 Watch List as investigations of trafficking crimes and convictions have been ongoing for several years. As part of burgeoning issues Indonesia grapples with today is the sending of workers to Malaysia, which could subject them to forced labor.
That said, Malaysia has been on Tier 3 since the last survey in 2021, and the report shows no significant efforts made by the country to address human trafficking. Similarly, Brunei, Cambodia, and Vietnam have been downgraded to Tier 3, in addition to Myanmar, which has been in Tier 3 since 2018. In this regard, the key stumbling block towards anti-trafficking efforts in the region is attributed to corruption problems, specifically those committed by state agents. Lao PDR and Timor Leste are likewise in the Tier 2.
Lastly, no countries in the South Asia region are on Tier 1, according to the report. Despite that, a few countries have made some improvements in the fight against human trafficking; namely, Pakistan, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, which have been moved upwards to the Tier 2, and they are no longer included in the Watch List. All these countries are stepping up efforts, in line with the respective National Action Plans, to enhance investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of human traffickers despite obstacles. Whereas Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Nepal remain on the Tier 2, Bhutan is on the Tier 2 Watch List, which requires more actions to prevent future degradation to Tier 3. [Korea Herald][U.S. State Department [Radio Free Asia][The Express Tribune][The Daily Star][The Diplomat][The Japan Times]
Julian Wendt contributed research on China to this entry
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: Inter-ministerial meeting mechanism established to coordinate policies on big tech companies
(ms) The Chinese government has introduced an inter-ministerial meeting mechanism, which will gather the top officials of 20 administrative bodies responsible for monitoring and regulating big tech companies at least once a year. The aim of such meetings is to align the strategies of the various bodies on a common course, which will again focus less on controlling the companies through strict regulations and penalties, but rather on technological progress, which the Chinese government hopes will have a positive impact on the slow-growing economy.
Involved bodies include the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), and the Public Security Bureau.
Whether this signals an easing of the crackdown of the country’s big tech firms that started around the end of 2020, remains to be seen. [South China Morning Post] [See also AiR No. 46, November/2020, 3]
China: USD 1.2 billion fine against Didi Global
(ms) The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country’s central internet regulator, censor, oversight, and control agency, has fined online ride-hailing tech giant Didi Global USD 1.2 billion, and two senior executives the sum of about USD 150,000 each.
Didi Global has been convicted of 16 offences, including illegal collection of data from drivers and passengers in the millions and billions, which according to the CAC, posed a serious risk to national cyberspace security and data security. Didi announced that it accepted the penalty in full and would correct its past misconduct.
The fine ends a more than one-year long investigation into violations of anti-monopoly laws that was centered at the company’s initial public offering with which it had raised more than USD 4.4 billion in June last year. The decisive factor for the current fine was the initial public offering (IPO) of the tech giant on the New York Stock Exchange, which started only about two weeks later. Fearing that an IPO in the U.S. would lead to data disclosure that would pose a risk to national security, the CAC pressured Didi to move its IPO to Hong Kong instead of the U.S. The company finally delisted its shares from the New York Stock Exchange at the end of March. In the meantime, its apps were partially blocked in the Chinese App Store. [Bloomberg] [Reuters 1]
Just one day after the fine was handed down, the Chinese Ministry of Transport announced a tightening of the data protection guidelines regulating data handling and sharing by online ride-hailing firms. Under the new guidelines the user data generated may not be used for commercial purposes, have to be stored in China for two years instead of six months, and the export of this data abroad may only be carried out with the appropriate authorization from the government.
The last two measures in particular fit in with the recent development of Chinese data protection policies. Just earlier this month, China announced the implementation of regulation of cross-border data transfers, which among other things, also addresses issues of Chinese data security. Both are also in line with China's efforts to strengthen data security for reasons of national security but also to take the control over these data away from the companies and to centralize them. [Global Times] [Reuters 2] [South China Morning Post] [See also AiR No. 28, July/2022, 2]
China: CEO and CFO of real estate giant Evergrande step down
(ms/dql) The heavily indebted real estate giant Evergrande announced in a statement on July 22, that both its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) have resigned as a result of an internal investigation that began in March this year.
In March, Evergrande delayed the publication of its annual results and started the now relevant investigation, as the company needed to clarify why banks seized USD 2 billion from the property management unit earlier this year.
The investigation revealed that both officials were involved in a scheme that used the USD 2 billion of deposits at Evergrande Property Services as security for "third party guarantees" to obtain bank loans that some borrowers were then unable to repay. However, Evergrande did not disclose details of who the respective third parties were.
How the real estate company, which announced last year that it would not be able to repay USD 300 billion worth of debt, triggering a spill-over effect that threatened the entire Chinese real estate sector, which is responsible for about a third of China's GDP, will react to this added blow will probably be seen at the end of the month, as Evergrande has declared that it will present a plan on how to pay off the debt by then. [Financial Times] [The New York Times]
In a latest development, China is reportedly set to launch a real estate fund of up to USD 44 billion designed to support property developers in addressing a crippling debt crisis and to restore confidence in the industry. This intervention would be the first major step of the government to rescue the country’s beleaguered property sector since the debt troubles became known last year. Earlier this month, homebuyers boycotted mortgage payments to express their discontent with unfinished real estate projects [see Air No. 29, July/2022, 3]. [Reuters]
China: Senior inspector under investigation over Henan Bank scheme
(ms) An official of the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC), who has been responsible for supervising Henan's local financial sector for nearly 20 years, has been placed under investigation.
The central Chinese province of Henan has been the victim of one of the biggest banking scandals in Chinese history, with USD 6 billion of private investors' money disappearing across four small to medium-sized banks in the province. The scandal attracted attention due to protests staged by the victims in the province, in response to which the first repayments to those affected have already been announced by the provincial authorities [see Air No. 28, July/2022, 2].
More details about the accusations against the official, as well as about the fraud and its background have so far not been made public. However, there are reports that other CBRC officials will also face punishment, while the former party secretary and director of Shanghai Banking and Insurance Regulatory Bureau has already been expelled from the Chinese Communist Party. [Global Times] [South China Morning Post]
China: HSBC implements CCP committee in Chinese branch
(ms) UK-based bank HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, has reportedly established a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) committee in its HSBC Qianhai Securities, a joint venture with China-based Qianhai Financial Holdings, making it the first foreign lender to set up a CCP branch in one of its units. This move was triggered by the increase of HSBC's share in the joint venture from 51 percent in April to 90 percent now.
The installment of such a committee is actually required by the Chinese companies’ law but has hardly been enforced upon foreign companies so far. The committee usually consists of 3 or more employees who are also members of the CCP. It is supposed to be a kind of union on the one hand, and on the other hand it is supposed to lead to members of the CCP being in higher positions in these companies. HSBC neither confirmed nor denied the reports of the implementation but commented that they do not oppose the emergence of such a committee, but that it would not have any influence on the daily operations of the company.
HSBC's initiative could now lead to other large financial companies having to follow its example. [Financial Times] [Reuters]
China: Arrest of former official of Sinograin for corruption
A former official of Sinograin, a state stockpiler and the main manager of China's grain supply, has been arrested on suspicion of bribery and corruption charges. According to the prosecutor in charge, the official was already expelled from the party in June. [South China Morning Post]
China: Global leadership in solar sector confirmed by latest capacity data
(ms) With about 31 gigawatts (GW) of newly created solar power capacity in the first half of the year, China has surpassed last year's installations by 137 percent, consolidating its position as the global leader in solar energy development.
China aims to nearly double its solar and wind power capacity from the current 635GW to 1,200GW by 2030. Among others, giant solar and wind farm projects in the Gobi Desert are in planning which will generate up to 450GW. [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2]
China: Freight train begins pilot run to Moscow
(ms) On July 21, a freight train of the China Railway Special Cargo Logistics Co. set off on its first pilot run from the municipality of Chongqing, located in Central China, to Moscow.
The journey time of the freight train loaded with about 200 cars is expected to be 18 days, cutting the travel time via the China-Europe freight train service in half and compared to the 35 days required by the sea route. [Xinhua]
This is in line with a huge increase in the number of Chinese freight trains heading for Russia between January and June this year as Sino-Russian trade increase in the wake of the western sanctions imposed on Russia over its war in Ukraine. Chinese freight trains to Russia made up 60% of the total traffic headed to Europe during the period against 45% in 2021. [Caixin]
China: Life imprisonment among proposals for new cybercrime offences in Hong Kong
(ms) The Cybercrime Subcommittee of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) in Hong Kong presented on July 20 in a Consultation Paper [see Hong Kong Government] on five new offences related to cybercrime.
The subcommittee started its work in 2019 and has the intention to adapt outdated laws, to the new challenges of the internet. However, with the proposals came not only an adjustment, but a significant tightening, especially in the area of punishment. The Consultation Paper includes proposals for laws against “unauthorized access to a program or data; unauthorized interception, disclosure or use of computer data for a dishonest or criminal purpose; illegal interference with computer data; illegal interference with a computer system; and knowingly making available or possessing a device or data for the purpose of committing a crime.”
Previously, the sentence for these offenses was limited to two to five years’ imprisonment. Under the new proposals, it would be increased to two to fourteen years’ imprisonment for most cases, while particularly serious cases would be punished with life imprisonment.
What exact role the Hong Kong National Security Law, which was imposed in 2020 after the anti-government protests of 2019, plays in the proposal is not known, but that it has played a role is certain, as references to the law are made in the more than 270-page long document.
Activists fear that, among other things, the fact that only the possession of files classified by the government as criminal would be enough to be punishable under the proposal, and that the Hong Kong government is increasingly implementing a similar model of internet censorship that is enforced by the Chinese government on the mainland.
The LRC subcommittee's proposals will be considered during a public consultation period until October 19. [Hong Kong Free Press] [Radio Free Asia] [The Diplomat]
China: Bail application of prominent Hong Kong activists again rejected
(ms) The bail application of Albert Ho an activist and former leader of the now disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China was again rejected by a Hong Kong court. The organization has since the Tiananmen crackdown of 1989 sought to provide justice for the victims and generally advocated for a resurgence of democracy in Hong Kong. It is widely known for the annual 4th of July vigils for the victims held until 2019.
Ho and two other committee members of the Alliance, who became very prominent by organizing the vigils, were accused of inciting subversion in September 2021.
Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020, bail applications are subject to stricter review, causing unlikely success of future applications by both Ho and other activists who are suspected or convicted under the National Security Law. [Hong Kong Free Press]
China: Launch of lab module for own space station
(ms) On July 24, the Wentian lab module was successfully launched into space, making it the second of China’s three-part Tiangong space station to be operational after the first module, the Tianhe, was set up in April last year.
The Tiangong, the world’s second operational orbital outpost, after the US-led International Space Station (ISS), is expected to be operational after the launch of the third part scheduled for October. [CNN] [Global Times] [See also Air No. 23, June/2022, 1]
China: Aircraft carrier Shandong crosses strait between Taiwan and mainland
(ms) The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong crossed the strait between the mainland and Taiwan on July 19. The maneuver came in response to the third crossing of the strait by the U.S. destroyer Benfold in a week. The U.S. Navy announced that the destroyer was on a "freedom of navigation operation" that challenged China's territorial claims to the waters around Taiwan.
The moves on both sides reflect increasing tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan. [CNN] [Global Times]
The tensions are also reinforced by the rapid rearmament of the Chinese Navy, which only about a month ago unveiled its new Type-3 aircraft carrier named Fujian. However, recent photographs of the carrier cast doubt on its operational readiness. The flagship of the Chinese Navy is believed to lack the necessary radar, and an automatic cannon is also not operational. According to military analysts, the actual launch of the ship, which is currently in a shipyard in Shanghai, could be delayed for several years. [South China Morning Post]
Japan: Nuclear regulator approves plan for release of treated water of Fukushima nuclear power plant
(sb) On July 22, Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority, the country’s nuclear regulator, approved a plan to release more than a million tons of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean, starting from spring 2023
The discharge of the water is expected to take decades. [The Mainichi]
Japan: Two new ministerial posts to be created to promote investments in decarbonization
(sb) During a speech on July 22, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced plans to introduce two new Cabinet posts to promote startup businesses to increase investment in decarbonization in the country.
According to a government source, it is planned that Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda will double as Decarbonization Minister. Daishiro Yamagiwa, minister in charge of economic revitalization and coronavirus response, is expected to concurrently assume post of Startup Minister. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Ruling party receives more than 50,000 protest signatures over anti-LGBT booklet
(dql) More than 51,000 signatures that were collected by a civil group has been sent to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to protest against a booklet that claimed that “homosexuality is a mental disease or addiction.”
The booklet was distributed during a meeting attended by LDP members of parliament with affiliation with the Shinto Association of Spiritual Leadership, a religious group known for its influence among Japanese politicians. Many LDP lawmakers belong to it.
The civil group has been demanding that the LDP distances itself from the booklet, with the group’s organizer claiming that the “connection between the right-wing religious group and the LDP's conservative wing is promoting discrimination and prejudice, degrading human lives and dignity." [The Mainichi]
Japan: New law on access to information for disabled people
(sb) Japan is taking actions to guarantee equal access to information for the entire population, with a new law that has come into effect.
The law makes access to information for people with disabilities easier, requiring national and local governments to reduce obstacle and expand services of information that reach people with disabilities. [The Mainichi]
South Korea: Rival parties finalize allocation of parliamentary committee chairs
(my) On July 22, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and main opposition Democratic Party (DP) have agreed on the allocation of chairs of parliamentary committees, ending their protracted wrangle over this issue that had left the country’s National Assembly paralyzed for more than 50 days.
Under the agreement, the PPP will take seven committees, while the DP will chair 11 committees.
In the meantime, the rival parties have decided to direct two committees alternately, which had been a major stumbling block during the negotiations. The chairmanship of the Public Administration and Security Committee will be held by the PPP for the first year, before shifting to the DP. For the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee the sequence is the other way round. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea: National Assembly launches special committee on people’s livelihood
(my) South Korea’s National Assembly launched a special parliamentary committee for people’s livelihood and economic stability on July 20, designed provide support to stabilize the economic situation of ordinary citizens.
The committee, expected to operate until end of October, is tasked with tackling a range of economic issues including oil tax cuts, improvement of real estate systems, and refund of public transportation costs.
The committee will consist of 13 members, with six of them from the ruling People Power Party, six from the main opposition Democratic Party, and one from the Basic Income Party, a single-issue political party that hold one seat in the parliament. [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea: Police faces internal mutiny over impending launch of police oversight agency
(my) South Korea’s police are confronted with an internal mutiny over the impending launch of a new bureau that will vested with the power to supervise the police and that was announced earlier this month by the Ministry of Interior [see AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3].
Defying orders of the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), some 200 police station chiefs across the country attended a hybrid meeting on July 24 to express their discontent with the launch of the new agency. In response the KNPA has begun to place leaders of the meeting on standby and to started investigate 50 superintendents, with Yoon Hee-keun, a nominee for the post of KNPA chief, announcing that attendees will face harsh punishments. [The Korea Herald] [Hankyoreh] [Yonhap News Agency]
While President Yoon Seok-yeol of the ruling People Power Party made clear that he is expecting “necessary steps” to be taken up by the Ministry of Interior and the KNPA to deal with the incident, the main opposition Democratic Party lashed out against the government, accusing it of an attempt to intimidate and silence the police in this contentious matter. [The Korea Herald] [Hankyoreh] [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea: Shipyard workers strike ended after 5 weeks
(my) About 120 subcontract workers at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (DSME) shipyard ended their 5-week strike after agreeing with South Korea’s third largest shipbuilder on 4.5 percent wage increase. The company also promised job guarantees for workers at some subcontracting firms that may be closing.
The agreement, however, does not include the withdrawal of a damages suit against strikers and the scope of criminal liability exemption for them. These matters have to be settled in further negotiations.
DSME is reportedly insisting on damages from striking workers, citing an operating loss of more than USD 600 million. It has filed a complaint against the union’s executive branch on charges of obstruction of business.
The police, meanwhile, requested arrest warrants for nine union members who participated in the strike, on charges of illegally occupying the dock, but were rejected by Tongyeong Branch of Changwon District Court. DSME [Reuters] [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea: Constitutional Court declares providing authorities with personal data without notification unconstitutional
(dql) In a ruling on July 21, the South Korean Constitutional Court struck down a law that allows mobile carriers to submit personal data of customers to law enforcement authorities without prior notifying the affected people.
Under the country’s Telecommunications Business Act mobile carriers are allowed accept the request of investigative authorities to provide personal data including name, resident registration number, and address. They are not required to inform users when their information is given to the authorities.
The Constitutional Court declared clause of the Act as "in discord with the Constitution," arguing that it violates the right to self-determination of personal information. [Yonhap News Agency]
Ms. Margot Renard contributed research to this article.
South Korea: New military unit against chemical, nuclear and biological incidents to be established
(my) The South Korea government has endorsed a plan to set up of a new military unit designed to strengthen the country’s preparedness and responses to chemical, biological and radiological threats to key state facilities.
This new unit will be formed through the merger of two battalions of the Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense Command. [Yonhap News Agency]
Taiwan: Court rules in favor of cross-national same-sex marriage
(dql) On July 21, the Taipei High Administrative Court handed down a ruling in a cross-national same-sex marriage case involving a Taiwanese and his Japanese partner voiding a decision of a local household registration office in May last year that had rejected their application for marriage citing Taiwan’s Act Governing the Choice of Law in Civil Matters Involving Foreign Elements.
While Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 [see AiR 4/5/2019], however, the rejection of the registration of cross-national same-sex continued for more than 460 applications under the abovementioned law.
A draft amendment to the law was submitted to the Cabinet in January last year, but has yet to be approved, before being sent to the parliament. [Taipei Times]
Taiwan: Court rejects retrial request of former defector to China
(dql) The Taiwan High Court has rejected a request for a retrial by former Taiwanese Lieutenant Colonel who was sentenced to four years in jail for recruiting former colleagues and friends with financial problems to work for China. [Taiwan News]
Taiwan: Han Kuang, Wan An military exercises in this week
(dql) On July 25, Taiwan kicked off the week-long annual Han Kuang exercises, the island’s most important war games involving all branches of the military, with President Tsai Ing-wen boarding a warship on the second day to view around 20 vessels and several air force jet fighters conducting an exercise off Suao naval base in the island's northeast.
It is the first time the President boarded a warship during the Han Kuang drills since she took office in 2016, a move to demonstrate resolve at a time when China has been stepping up military activity around Taiwan. On July 22 and 24, six and four Chinese military aircraft respectively entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ), while also on July 22 a Chinese reconnaissance ship was spotted of Taiwan’s east coast.
On July 8, Chinese warplanes had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, “intentionally,” according to Taiwan’s defense ministry. [Nikkei Asia] [Taiwan News 1] [Taiwan News 2] [Taiwan News 3] [Taiwan News 4]
Concurrently, Taiwan is holding the Wan An exercise from July 25-28, a drill that simulate an air attack by China. [Taipei Times]
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s defense ministry has announced that the military will produce close to 16,000 additional new T75K3 pistols that will be handed over to the Military Police, Air Force and Navy, with complete delivery scheduled for 2025. The latest variant of Taiwan's homegrown T75 pistol, produced by the 205th Arsenal, the T75K3’s muzzle velocity is 350 meters per second. It is capable of carrying 15 rounds and has effective range of 50 meters. [Focus Taiwan]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Election Commission Chief pessimistic on next general election
(dql) Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal has voiced concern over being able to hold the next general election as two major political parties are divided over taking part in it, claiming that in case the leading opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) refuses to run in the parliamentary election, the election “won't be participatory and acceptable, and the commission doesn't want to see a ‘play staged in the name of election’.”
Awal’s remarks came after a member of the BNP chairperson’s press wing announced last week that the party would not take part in the dialogue series with other parties to which the Election Commission had invited to discuss how to organize free and fair general elections scheduled for December 2023 or January next year 2024.
They also came after the BNP rejected an offer of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s to hold talks over tea, demanding the installment of caretaker government system as pre-condition for such talks. [The Daily Star 1] [The Daily Star 2]
Bangladesh: Rise in drug trafficking a result of influx of Rohingya, seminar speakers claim
(dql) According to researchers and officials, who spoke at a seminar of "Rohingyas & Narco Terrorism" in Dhaka,
the 2017 Rohingya influx in Bangladesh has led to an “alarming” rise of trafficking of illegal drugs, notably methamphetamine or 'yaba', from Myanmar to all its neighboring countries. This development poses threats to security in the region, they warned, and demanded urgent action to be taken by the international community against Myanmar as producer and supplier of the drug, with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal citing seizure of 2.59 billion Yaba pills in 2021, compared to 1.2 billion in 2018 and 3,472,000 in 2016. [The Daily Star]
Bangladesh: EU parliamentary committee concerned over human rights situation
(dql/az) The European Parliament’s committee on international trade has voiced concerns over the human rights situation in Bangladesh, citing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, as well as the chilling effects of the country’s 2018 Digital Security Act (DSA) on freedom of expression, notably in the case of journalists.
The committee expressed these concerns during its three-day visit in Bangladesh last week that was made to review the progress in the implementation of the EU’s ‘suggested actions’ on human rights and labor rights to maintain the existing trade benefits Bangladesh enjoys in the EU under the scheme of everything but arms. [New Age Bangladesh]
For numbers of people arrested and prosecuted under the DSA see the report in [Dhaka Tribune] which calls the law a “tool for harassment”.
India: New President sworn in
(hg) Droupadi Murmu has been sworn in as India’s 15th president succeeding Ram Nath Kovind. She is the second female President after Pratibha Patil, who was elected in 2007 and is the first President from one of India´s officially scheduled tribes (namely the Santhal tribe) that make up around 8.6 percent of India’s 1.4 billion population. Prior to her presidency, the former government clerk and school teacher was a politician affiliated to Prime Minister Modi´s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Between 2015 and 2021, she served as the ninth Governor of the mineral rich eastern state of Jharkhand - also known for being the center of the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency – and as a minister in the state governor of her home state of Odisha. In the presidential campaign, Murmu was nominated by the governing BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
In India, the president, who enjoys the powers and duties of a largely ceremonial head of state, is indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both parliamentary houses, the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies of all Indian States and the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the Indian union territories with legislatures, such as the Delhi National Capital Territory or the Jammu and Kashmir Territory.
Murmu´s election, which was secured with 64 % of the votes of the electoral college, might bolster the Modi government’s credentials among members of the scheduled tribes and other disadvantaged groups.
In her inaugural speech, Murmu said her election would give hope to the poor and downtrodden who have been left behind despite India’s recent economic growth. “It is a matter of great satisfaction to me that those who have been deprived for centuries, who have been away from the benefits of development … are seeing their reflection in me,” she said. [Al Jazeera]
Ms. Varshinya Varadhachari contributed research to this article.
India: Establishment of ‘Joint Theatre Command’ gains traction
(hg) India´s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh used the memorial day of the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan to announce the long planned setting up ‘Joint Theatre Commands’ of the tri-services to improve coordination among the defence forces´ three branches - army, air force and navy - under a unified command.
At present, India sustains two joint services commands, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) which is in charge of India´s nuclear arsenal. The ANC has been set up in 2001 in Port Blair and covers India’s strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Malacca Strait. [News On AiR] [Journals of India]
Ms. Varshinya Varadhachari contributed research to this article.
India: Law enforcement detains Christian Bishop, raids premises of Church of South India
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), an inter-service economic intelligence agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has raided multiple premises of the Church of South India (CSI), an Anglican United Protestant Church, which is the second-largest Christian church in India.
The raids in connection with an alleged money laundering case were followed by the detention at an international airport of the CSI´s South Kerala Bishop who was about to travel to the UK to attend a church event.
The events are linked to investigations into a church-run Medical College. The CSI allegedly also parked capitation fees collected from students in a separate account without any receipts or bills. [The Indian Express]
Ms. Varshinya Varadhachari contributed research to this article.
India: Rising suicide rate among soldiers
(hg) According to a statement of the Minister of Defense this week, there have been 819 suicides in India´s armed forces over the last five years - 642 in the Army, 29 in the Navy and 148 in the Air Force. The Minister highlighted this number to some 500 soldiers killed during the Kargil War in 1999. [The Print]
In the US, however, sonce 2001, military suicides are even four times higher than killings in war operations. [NPR]
Even more striking is the difference in absolute numbers: According to 2021 report, more than 30.000 active military personnel and veterans died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat. [USO] [Watson Institute]
Ms. Varshinya Varadhachari contributed with research to this article.
Nepal: Communist Party leaders to form alliance ahead of elections
(op) Three days after returning from India, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (Maoist Center)’s head Pushpa Kamal Dahal enterednegotiations with his former colleague and deputy Baburam Bhattarai as well as communist leaders who parted from the CPN-Unified Marxist Leninist to shape the proposed "socialist center."
Senior Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha also attended the meeting. Dahal, Nepal, Khanal, Gautam, and Shrestha were members of the nine-member Nepal Communist Party secretariat when the Maoist Center and UML merged in May 2018. The party dissolved in 2021. The group has advocated for developing a socialist center as an alternative to the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML—a "third pole" whose political and ideological aim would be to transform the country by creating the national capital on the back of socialism.
The attempt to build a new political front comes a day after the Congress agreed to contest the upcoming provincial and federal elections with existing partners—Maoist Centre, Unified Socialist, Janata Samajbadi, and Rastriya Janamorcha. [The Kathmandu Post 1]
During the party's last Central Committee meeting, Dahal highlighted the necessity to establish a socialist alliance without the Congress and UML. At a party conference, Unifier Socialist chair Nepal called for a leftist coalition. However, it remains unclear how leftist leaders intend to establish a socialist center. [Setopati 2] [Khabarhub 3] [The Kathmandu Post 4]
Ms. Vaishnavi Deegwal contributed with research to this article
Nepal: House of Representative passes amendment to Citizenship Bill
(op) On July 22, the House of Representatives (HoR) passed the Citizenship Act Amendment Bill by a majority vote. Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand proposed the amending bill's passage.
To take effect, the law must also be enacted by the National Assembly. The measure places no limitations on foreigners marrying Nepali nationals while pursuing naturalization. It also includes a provision for granting citizenship by descent to the offspring of people who gained citizenship by birth as part of a one-time agreement following the People's Movement (Janaandolan II) in 2006.Citizenship by birth was conferred on those born in Nepal before mid-April 1990 who had a permanent domicile and had lived in Nepal continuously throughout their lives under a one-time agreement. The measure enacted also grants citizenship to a person only on the basis of the mother's name as long as it aligns with four conditions: the child must have been born in Nepal, must be resident in Nepal, the father must be unidentified, and the individual must self-declare that the father has not been recognized.
The individual obtaining the citizenship certificate may use either the father's or mother's surname and address. The measure also makes it possible for anybody residing outside the SAARC nations to receive non-resident citizenship if their father/mother or grandfather/grandmother are/were Nepali nationals. [Setopati 1]
Kul Acharya, Executive Chair of the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council, stated that the bill's passage will unite Nepalis all over the world with their homeland. According to Acharya, foreign investment will be easier to attract to Nepal. [The Himalayan Times 2]
Nepal: Rights groups condemn government’s failure to probe war atrocities
(bs) Prominent rights groups released a joint statement criticizing Nepal’s failure to probe abuses committed during the Himalayan kingdom’s Maoist rebellion which ended in 2006.
The call came after the Nepalese government presented a law amending existing regulations on war criminals, also called transitional justice law, which, according to human rights activists, would fail to punish perpetrators of mass killings and atrocities while failing to meet international standards. [Aljazeera] [Human Rights Watch]
Pakistan: Punjab Chief Minister retains post after landslide win
(fq) Hamza Shahbaz, son of the current Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif, retained his Chief Minister (CM) post after winning the recent elections in Punjab with a landslide. The election followed with widespread criticism with regards to the rejection of 10 votes casted by PML-Q members.
Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker rejected said votes citing the Supreme Court's ruling that votes of members of the Parliament (MPs) casted against their parliamentary party's directives cannot be counted. The decision, ruled in May, was taken in accordance with Article 63(A) of Constitution of Pakistan. [Geo]
Furthermore, in response to the so-called contentious win of Hamza Shahbaz in these elections, the PTI party of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan staged protests across major cities of Pakistan alleging ‘theft’ on the mandate of the former Prime Minister Khan [Al Jazeera] after he swept the Punjab by-elections earlier this week. [AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3]
Pakistan: Economic crisis not alarming, central bank governor says
(bs/fq) Amidst concerns on a potential economic fall of Pakistan, the country’s central bank governor remains positive, rejecting such concerns as “overblown.” He also added that Pakistan is expected to receive USD 1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in August.
However, to tackle economic issues, the federal cabinet approved a law to sell stakes of oil and gas companies and government-owned power plants to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other countries. The move was immediately met with opposition by former Prime MInister Imran Khan. Khan argued that the proposed law will allow the government to sell any asset of the country without following the laid down procedure. [Dawn]
In just over a week, the Pakistani rupee lost over 7 percent in value against the USD marking the steepest weekly drop since 1998. In addition, the country’s deficit has been alarmingly increasing. In fact, Pakistan’s current foreign exchange reserves amount to USD 9 billion, compared to USD 7 billion in February.
Nonetheless, the central bank’s governor reiterates that Pakistan’s economist situation is not as alarming as it is reported. [Financial Times]
Pakistan: Woman win court case to receive ID card
(bs) A Pakistani court ruled in favor of issuing a digital national identity card to a woman who, like thousands of others, had never received any identification card as she was raised by a single mother. Before the court’s ruling, Pakistan would not issue any Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) to those who could not present their father’s ID card.
The case especially affects women. In fact, according to a study of migrant workers in the major city of Karachi showed that women “were more likely not to have a CNIC.” Besides Pakistani citizens, some 1.4 million Afghan refugees who have lived in Pakistan for decades are yet to receive identity documents from the government. The immigrant population is also lacking ID cards or registration documents in Pakistan. [Aljazeera]
Pakistan: Religious groups object man’s death sentence for blasphemy
(bs) A Pakistani man was sentenced to death by hanging for blasphemy. The man was arrested in 2017 after he was accused of violating Article 295 "c" of the Pakistani Penal Code, which punished contempt against the Prophet Mohammed.
The condemned, Ashfaq Masih, denied all the accusations and claimed not guilty.
Rights and religious groups objected to the court’s decision citing the lack of sufficient evidence to condemn the man to death. They also claim that the ruling was based on false accusations.
According to the Center for Social Justice, between 1987 and 2021, Pakistan registered 1,949 cases of people accused of blasphemy. Among those were 928 Muslims, 643 Ahmadis, 281 Christians, 42 Hindus and 55 of unknown faith. 84 people were murdered before a final verdict. [Agenzia Fides]
Sri Lanka: Prime Minister sworn in as new president
(dql) Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as president on July 20 after securing the majority among lawmakers with the backing of the ruling Sri Lanka's People's Front (SLPP). He serves as interim president until the parliament elects a successor to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who resigned a week earlier bowing to the pressure of months-long protests against him and his government over the country’s ongoing socio-economic and political crisis [see AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3]
According to official data consumer prices in Colombo jumped 54.6 percent year on year, surpassing forecasts of economists that stood at 43.7 percent, with 6.7 million people now needing urgent humanitarian assistance as they suffer from shortages of food, fuel, cooking gas, essential supplies, and medicines.
Wickremesinghe announced in a statement to initiate a revise of the constitution aimed at curbing presidential powers and strengthening the parliament. He also vowed to restore law and order and take legal action against “insurgents”. [AP News] [BBC] [Dhaka Tribune] [IFRC]
After his election, anti-government protesters returned to the streets of Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo to express their refusal to accept the new head od state, as they consider him partly responsible for the country’s crisis. [Aljazeera]
In response, Sri Lankan security forces raided a protest camp, occupying government grounds in Colombo on July 22 Friday, and cleared a section of it. The raid has prompted concerns that Wickremesinghe had launched a crackdown a day after being sworn in. [Reuters]
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on Wickremesinghe not to use the emergency regulations put in place by him last week as “a pretext for more human rights violations” and to ensure that “the people of Sri Lanka can exercise their right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including to express dissent and demand respect for their rights.” [Amnesty International]
Mr. Kashif Hadi contributed research to this article.
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Four parties appeal against passage of controversial constitutional amendments
(bs) Following the release of a controversial constitutional amendment draft that would revise articles 19, 89, 98, 102, 119 and 125 of the Constitution and articles 3 and 4 of the Additional Constitutional Law, four political parties submitted a petition to the National Assembly (NA) calling the body to vote against the passage of the reform.
The four parties argued that such a constitutional amendment would impair the NA’s legislative power. They particularly mentioned amendments to Article 98, which would increase the number of votes for a motion of censure from 30 to 42.
Furthermore, the petition included objections regarding amendments to Article 119, which if passed, would govern that only the party with the most seats in the NA could appoint to the office of prime minister. Specifically, they objected that by conferring the power only to a major party, the article would be in violation of “a multi-party democracy under a parliamentary system,” which is one of the three fundamental conditions under which the Cambodian constitution cannot be amended. The other two conditions are: a state of emergency, and threats to the regime of constitutional monarchy.
The petition will reportedly be forwarded to the NA commission on human rights, complaints and investigations. Once the review is completed, the petition will be referred to the NA’s president. [The Phnom Penh Post]
The petition comes after, in mid-July, the Constitutional Council of Cambodia (CCC) has ruled the constitutionality of the aforementioned amendments. [AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3]
Cambodia: ‘change’ meant reforms, former opposition leader claims in treason trial hearing
(bs) During a court hearing of his treason trial, former opposition leader Kem Sokha denied that with the use of the word “change,” which he used as vice-president of the now-defunct Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2013, he intended to oust Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government.
According to the defendant, the word “change” meant a reshuffle of government officials approved through “free, fair and accountable national elections” following an agreement reached between the CNRP and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) as a result of the 2013 political protests. He also mentioned that the demonstrations have had a long-term impact in the country, in fact, rather than aiming to overthrow the government, the protests aimed to speed up structural reforms in Cambodia’s political system. A goal that, according to Sokha, was achieved. Following the 2013 demonstrations, the government has been introducing a number of reforms, including the recent increase in wages of the garment workers, civil servants, armed forces, and judges.
Sokha was arrested in September 2017 and accused of “conspiracy with foreign powers” for inciting the public and attempting to overthrow Hun Sen’s government. He was charged under Article 443 of the Criminal Code, which carries a conviction of up to 30 years in jail.
The trial will resume on July 27. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: Opposition member appeals to interior ministry to have fraud and forgery charges dropped
(bs) The co-founder of the opposition Cambodia National Heart Party (CNHP) appealed to the Minister of Interior’s intervention to have his fraud and forgery charges dropped. The CNHP’s co-founder, Siem Phluk, was arrested in late 2021 over “fraudulent party registration documents at the interior ministry” and allegedly forging thumbprints of party members to have the CNHP registered.
Phluk denied all the charges which would carry a jail sentence under Articles 626, 627, and 628 of Cambodia's Criminal Code. [The Phnom Penh Post]
In late December 2021, the CNHP was banned from participating in the June 5 communal election and in the upcoming 2023 general election after it was denied registration with the Ministry of Interior for alleged fraudulent thumbprints used to increase the number of party members. [AiR No. 52, December/2021, 4]
Cambodia: Government determined to be removed from money laundering vulnerability gray list
(bs) The Cambodian government renewed its pledge to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism to achieve the goal to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s gray list of vulnerable countries. The comment came during a meeting held to discuss the report submission to the general assembly of the FATF, which is due at the end of July. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: Opposition party member hospitalized after alleged politically motivated attack
(bs) An official of the opposition Candlelight Party (CP) was attacked by a group of ten people and the incident was condemned by the CP as politically motivated. The man was hospitalized for suffering a severe head injury.
Following the episode, the CP urged the authorities to open an investigation to identify the attackers.
Although the police requested to maintain a neutral stance, civil society and rights groups voiced their concerns regarding the recurring violence against opposition members. Ahead of the June 5 communal election, Cambodian authorities had allegedly undertaken repressive measures against opposition parties, including the CP. The police had been accused of carrying out arbitrary detention, intimidation, and physical assaults against opposition supporters and party members. [AiR No. 22, May/2022, 5]
Moreover, statistical records from Radio Free Asia reported that since 2019 more than 40 social and political activists have been attacked or killed by unidentified perpetrators. [Radio Free Asia]
Indonesia: Policymakers propose to redraw Papuan electoral districts
(jvk) Ahead of the 2024 General Elections, and following the parliament’s controversial decision to create three new provinces in Papua, namely West Papua, Southwest Papua, and Northwest Papua, policymakers are considering abandoning the original plan to revise the General Elections Law and support the implementation of a regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) to reorganize electoral districts in the region.
Recommending a Perppu will allow meeting the timeline for the General Elections Commission deadline to finalize electoral districts by October 14, a “faster, easier choice”. However, critics say this move will leave the public out of the policymaking process.
Although the law aimed at developing the region, civil groups argue that the move would serve as a pretext for harsher government restrictions. That was part of the reasons why the passing of the regulation triggered protests and mass backlash from civil groups in Papua. The protests escalated into a violent ambush killing 10 people in an attack regarded as the deadliest in recent years. The Papuan community and the Indonesian government have a long fought over Papuan autonomy and independence since the region became part of Indonesia after a United Nations’ supervised vote in 1969. [Jakarta Post] [AiR No. 29, July 2022, 3]
Indonesia: Maladministration found in acting regional head appointment
(jvk) Indonesia’s investigative authority (Ombudsman) has discovered a case of maladministration in the recent appointment of an interim regional head by the Home Ministry after it named six interim governors and fifty acting regents and mayors since mid-May. The Ombudsman found the Home Ministry had violated the 2004 Military Law and 2016 Regional Elections Law, in the appointment of an active member of the Indonesian military as an acting regent head.
The investigation was launched after several civil groups reported against the Home Ministry for lack of transparency and accountability in appointing regional heads. The investigation report follows a similar case of alleged maladministration in the appointment of the acting Aceh governor in early July. [Jakarta Post] [AiR No. 28, July/2022, 2]
Indonesia: Election Commission expects high voter turnout in 2024 Elections
(jvk) The General Elections Commission (KPU) is optimistic that voter turnout in the 2024 General Elections will be significantly higher than the 2019 turnout of 81.8 percent. The 2024 Elections, expected to be held on February 14, and it will be a historical feat as Indonesia simultaneously elects all national and regional positions. The KPU chairman says that this along with significant movements by political parties will encourage high voter turnout, comparing the turnout to other democratic nations like the United States and South Korea. [Antara News]
Indonesia: Ministry of Trade considers revoking Palm Oil domestic sales obligation
(jvk) Trade Minister Zulfiki Hasan announced on July 20, plans to remove a domestic sales requirement (DMO) for palm oil exports. The DMO requires an amount of palm oil to be sold domestically for every export. The removal of the DMO is hoped to ease high inventories and reduce the high price of palm oil. [Reuters]
Hasan has stated that previous efforts to reduce palm oil prices, including a temporary ban on exports being lifted in May, and export quotas have failed to reduce the price. The date for the removal of the DMO has not been announced as decisions must be made with palm oil businesses to avoid domestic scarcity. Previously, the Ministry of Finance removed the export levy on palm oil until the end of August to boost exports. [Tempo] [AiR No. 29, July 2022, 3]
Indonesia: Concerns rise as major tech companies submits to new cyber policy
(jvk) As major online platforms, including Facebook, Whatsapp, and Google, have begun registering with the Indonesian Communications and Information Ministry to comply with national licensing and registration requirements, analysts argue that this policy may push such platforms to self-censor in order to avoid risking facing legal obstacles that might lead to a full site closure. Other concerns include lack of protection on personal data, violation of privacy and freedom of speech, and potential blockade on users from essential services.
In mid-July, the Indonesian government placed a strict deadline on July 20 for all major apps and online platforms to register under the 2019 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, which will allow authorities to order online platforms to remove “unlawful” content, or that "disturbs public order." If they fail to register, they might be blocked. [AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3][Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: Police arrest suspected terrorist militants in Aceh
(jvk) The Indonesian National Police have arrested 13 suspected terrorists and members of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), Islamic militant groups in the westernmost Aceh province. The operations were carried out by the Police’s counterterrorism squad, Detachment 88. The suspects were allegedly involved in paramilitary training and fundraising activities for the groups JI and JAD. [Jakarta Globe]
Malaysia: Parliament passes anti-sexual harassment bill in second reading
(tp) Malaysia’s parliament passed the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill in its second reading.
The law aims to provide a more adequate, inclusive, and comprehensive legal protection against sexual harassment by broadening the current legal application, which was previously largely concerning the workplace, to more thoroughly including other settings such as educational institutions, public transportation, and clinics, among others.
Furthermore, the bill allows for the formation of a special tribunal led by sexual harassment experts. The tribunal's goal is to provide an adequate legal process of investigation and compensation, which many sexual harassment victims stated could not be obtained under the current circumstances. In fact, Malaysian people can currently find legal protection against such a crime only through alternative legal actions, including section 354 of the Penal Code - assault or use of criminal force to a person with intent to outrage modesty - or initiating a civil proceeding for monetary compensation.
On a side note, the bill has sparked positive reactions among rights groups that have long been advocating for a more comprehensive law against sexual harassment. According to a 2020 survey of 1,010 Malaysian women, 62 percent have reported sexual harassment in the workplace. Even though some experts stated that the bill is not perfect, they believe it could be a step toward resolving the issue of sexual harassment in the country. [Al Jazeera] [Free Malaysia Today]
Malaysia: Public prosecutor rejects bid to allow British lawyer as Queen counsel to defend former PM in graft case
(tp) The public prosecutor rejected former Prime Minister Najib Razak's bid to have a British lawyer act as Queen counsel in his final attempt to overturn his graft charges in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.
According to Najib's legal team, the case involves several complex criminal and civil legal issues, for which Malaysia may lack adequate experts. As a result, the team sought the admission of a British lawyer who specializes in financial crime to represent Najib in his final hearing and filed an application with the high court in accordance with the legal profession act 1976, section 18 (1). The law allows the admission of a foreign lawyer acting as Queen counsel to handle a special case in which Malaysia lacks an expert.
The prosecutor, however, rejected the application to use queen counsel on the grounds that the case is not unique and the country is not lacking experts in the field. It also argued that Malaysian courts have not allowed applications for special appearances in criminal cases since 1971.
On July 28, 2020, Najib was sentenced to 12 years in prison in addition to the payment of a fine after the high court found him guilty of seven charges involving SRC International. Among the charges were abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering.
The sentence was upheld by the court of appeal on December 8, 2021. [New Straits Times] [The Star]
Malaysia: Leading opposition party reshuffles its leaderships
(tp) Anwar Ibrahim, a prominent opposition figure, has been appointed new opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) President. The move came as the PKR, which ruled the country from 2018 to 2020 as part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, has been undergoing major structural renovation.
In the same context, another well-known opposition member, Rafizi Ramli, who was previously expected to challenge Anwar for the PKR presidency, has been named Deputy President. Rafizi appears to have stated that he seeks collaboration with Anwar and will no longer challenge Anwar's leadership. Meanwhile, several positions in the party's leadership were filled by newly appointed candidates, notably the elevation of Anwar's daughter to the position of Vice-President. [malaymail 1] [malaymail 2] [The Star 1]
After being elected PKR President, Anwar announced that the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) would not be accepted into the PH coalition under any circumstances as the party switched its loyalty to the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition. Move that caused the PH government to collapse in 2020. Additionally, he also condemned the call for an early election by the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party. [The Star 2]
Malaysia: Prime Minister vows to defend national assets abroad following risk of seizure
(tp) The prime minister vowed to protect Malaysian assets abroad in response to the French court's arbitration over the Sulu sultan's descendants' claim, which resulted in the seizure of Malaysian assets in Luxembourg. Furthermore, the prime minister declared the formation of a special task force to resolve the issue.
The arbitration is a result of a land lease agreement dispute that started during the colonial era. The 1978 agreement stated that the Sabah land would be leased to a British trading company in exchange for compensation and that if the Sultan died, his heirs would be entitled to it. Malaysia is thus obligated to provide compensation to the Sultan heirs even after the country’s independence. However, the Sultan died in 1936 and left no direct heirs, so it is unclear who is the legitimate beneficiary. Allegedly, the government paid compensation to a group of people who claimed to be the heirs until 2013, when one of the claimants launched his own invasion of Sabah, resulting in numerous casualties. As a result, the government changed its policy on recognizing claims and stopped paying money to claimants who had previously received it on a yearly basis.
The eight people who claimed to be legitimate heirs and were affected by the government’s decision filed the case to demand compensation for the usage of Sabah. Eventually, a French court ruled in favor of the claimants, awarding them USD 14.9 billion in compensation. Meanwhile, Malaysia refused to recognize the arbitration, which eventually resulted in the seizure of Malaysian assets in Luxembourg. Moreover, claimants' lawyers claim that this could happen to Malaysian assets in other countries as well. [AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3]
Furthermore, the issue revealed factionalism within Malaysian politics, rather than unifying to solve national issues concerning the potential seizure of key assets in the Malaysian economy. Various factions began the blame game on who is more responsible for the current situation. To begin, the opposition accused former Prime Minister Najib Razak of negligence since the case was filed during his administration from 2009 to 2018, while Najib claimed that the arbitration notice was served a year later in 2018, when he had already resigned.
Additionally, the government is concerned that recognizing the arbitration would imply that the eight heirs, who currently reside in the Philippines, are legitimate descendants of the sultan. As a result, it may re-ignite the Philippines' claim, which previously took the fact that the last sultan was also the ruler of a part of the Philippines, and thus the land is also considered to be the Philippines' land. [South China Morning Post]
Malaysia: Authorities announced seizure of largest illegal wildlife trade of animal parts
(tp) On July 18, Malaysia's Director-General of Customs announced that the authorities have seized shipments of animal parts which include but is not limited to, elephant tusks, and pangolin scales among other things; the total worth of the seizure is at least USD 18 million.
The shipment was discovered on July 10. The animal parts were hidden among the timber in the container on board the ship which had just arrived from Africa. The shipment contained various parts of animals that have been designated as endangered species. Meanwhile, the authorities said that the investigation is still ongoing, and cannot provide future details on whether the shipment was aimed at other Asian countries.
Furthermore, the expert stated that the seizure is unsettling because it confirms the fear that wildlife traffickers continue to use Malaysia as one of the main operational hubs for trafficking animal parts to other parts of Asia, one of which is China. [Al Jazeera] [DW]
Myanmar: International Court of Justice allows Rohingya genocide case to proceed
(jp) On Junly 22, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed Myanmar's preliminary objections to a complaint submitted by The Gambia in 2019 alleging genocide against the Muslim Rohingya minority.
The Myanmar military, in its objection, had argued that Gambia lacked ICJ standing. However, Judge Joan Donoghue found that the court has jurisdiction since all parties to the 1948 Genocide Convention are permitted and required to intervene to prevent genocide. She maintained that the Gambia had to stand as a Genocide convention party. The merits of the case will be heard.
This decision is a win for the Rohingya and the Burmese. This judgment threatens the military's impunity, said the Burmese Rohingya Organization UK (BROUK) president. [CNN] [Aljazeera] [The Guardian] [Retuers]
In November 2019, The Gambia alleged before the ICJ that the Rohingya genocide was committed through “acts adopted, taken and condoned by the Government of Myanmar against members of the Rohingya group.”
The prosecution specifically referred to events that happened in 2016-2017, calling out widespread and systemic “clearance operations” against the Rohingya through “the use of mass murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence”, as well as the systematic torching of villages.
More than 740,000 people were reportedly forced to flee to neighboring Bangladesh as a result of the alleged systematic violence against Rohingyas in Myanmar. [AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3]
Myanmar: Total Energies withdraws stakes due to deteriorating human rights situation
(jp) Energy company TotalEnergies announced its intention to leave Myanmar within six months due to the country's deteriorating human rights situation.
TotalEnergies' shares will be divided proportionally among the remaining three partners: US-based Chevron, Thai-based PTTEP, and Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise which is controlled by the military junta (MOGE). Human Rights Watch asserts that Myanmar's abusive junta would obtain a more significant stake in the country's largest oil and gas fields when the French company TotalEnergies withdrew from Myanmar on July 20. According to Human Rights Watch's French director, Bénédicte Jeannerod, Total's transfer of ownership shares to a military-controlled company will enrich the junta at the expense of human rights. "Other energy companies seeking to exit should ensure they do so responsibly, without lining the pockets of the junta."
Since the coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the junta has implemented a brutal nationwide crackdown against all opposition. The widespread and systematic atrocities committed by the junta, including mass executions, torture, arbitrary arrests, and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, constitute crimes against humanity and were war crimes. Security forces have arbitrarily arrested more than 14,000 people.
In March, the oil and gas project partners authorized PTTEP to take over as Yadana's operator. The division of TotalEnergies' 31.2percent stake in the gas field and pipeline leaves Chevron with a 41,1 percent stake, PTTEP with 37.1 percent, and MOGE a 21.8 percent stake. Chevron has also announced its intention to withdraw and has indicated that it intends to sell its stake to PTTEP, though few specifics about its withdrawal have been made public.
The junta's single largest source of foreign currency income is the natural gas projects in Myanmar, which generate over USD1 billion annually. The funds are transferred in US dollars to MOGE and other military-controlled bank accounts in foreign countries in the form of fees, taxes, royalties, and revenues from the export of natural gas, the majority of which travels to Thailand or China via pipeline.
The European Union imposed new sanctions on junta-controlled businesses, including MOGE, on February 21. MOGE was the first government entity to be sanctioned. However, it also issued licenses with ambiguous language that allowed existing companies to transfer or relinquish their shares to MOGE.
In recent months, Woodside, Mitsubishi, Petronas, and ENEOS, among others, have announced their intentions to withdraw at least partially from operations in Myanmar. According to Myanmar Now and Justice for Myanmar, Gulf Petroleum Myanmar is replacing Petronas as the operator of the Yetagun field. [Human Rights Watch] [Rigzone] [Tolerance]
With the same objective, the Qatari telecommunications company Ooredoo (ORD.QA) has also already notified Military Council Communication Company of its intention to sell its shares.[Khit Thit News Facebook, Myanmar Language] [Reuters] [Money US News] [Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Country’s economy remains precarious amidst soaring prices
(jp) According to the World Bank, the future for Myanmar's economy remains bleak as rising inflation, dollar shortages, and ongoing domestic turmoil pose obstacles to its rapid recovery.
It is anticipated that elevated levels of conflict in several regions of the country will inhibit constructive activity. Therefore, a return to pre-pandemic economic activity levels is improbable in the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, the World Bank reported that Myanmar lags in the region's recovery as GDP in large nations has risen above 2019 levels or is anticipated to do so in 2023. Meanwhile, the 2021 coup continues to weigh on the country’s economic situation. The lender stated that "burdensome" trade licensing procedures, abandoning the managed float currency rate regime, and mandating the surrender of foreign currencies had impeded exports and produced shortages, hence driving up expenses, partly owing to the Ukraine conflict.
According to the most recent data, annual inflation surged 17.3 percent in March. Nonetheless, a comeback in specific industries, such as manufacturing and construction, is driving the moderate growth anticipated for this year. [Bloomberg]
Myanmar: Military authorities execute four political detainees
(jp) Myanmar's military regime has executed four democracy campaigners convicted of aiding in "terrorist actions," the junta said on July 25. Phyo Zeyar Thaw, Ko Jimmy, and the other two men, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, were sentenced to death in a closed-door trial in January for violating the country's counterterrorism law by aiding newly formed civilian militias in their fight against the military junta that seized power in February. Since the coup, around 114 people have been condemned to death by military courts for opposing the dictatorship.
Local media has learned that the detainees' families while being welcomed to Yangon's Insein Jail on July 22 and permitted to interact with the detainees in the death row via video call from a facility inside the prison, were not informed of the imminent execution of their relatives.
According to the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), the last legal executions in Myanmar were in the late 1980s. [Myanmar Now] [Reuters] [Asia Nikkei] [The diplomat]
Myanmar: Judge killed for his role in imprisoning protesters
(jp) On July 22, a Burmese judge was murdered by an urban guerrilla group that accused him of locking up protesters.
According to the Special Task Agency of Burma (STA), Judge San Lin was targeted because he played a central role in issuing prison sentences to protesters charging them with incitement under Section 505a of the Penal Code.
In March, a Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township judge sentenced, under Section 505a, the wife and mother of a man who wanted to join the Civil Disobedience Movement to three years in prison. The two women and a three-year-old daughter are being held at Insein Prison. Officials of the court have been accused of passing unjust sentences on defendants who are arrested for opposing the regime, and these officials have been using their positions to extort money from their families. [Myanmar Now] [2LT]
Myanmar: Local ethnic armed organization warns against traveling to Rakhine
(jp) On July 21, a letter advised the people of the southern state of Rakhine to only travel in cases of emergency, to delete their mobile phone and computer data, and to sleep cautiously. The notice came from the ethnic armed organization Arakan Army (AA).
The aforementioned letter was allegedly spreaded to warn the population of the Military Council of Rakhine State targeting civilians by confiscating cell phones and computers to spot regime opposers.
According to the AA, when faced with loss or trouble, the military arrests, and murders innocent individuals, destroys monasteries and churches, and bombs villages. Since last year's military takeover, Rakhine State has been quiet despite clashes between junta forces and AA militants. [Mizzima]
Myanmar: Junta limits foreign currency retention
(jp) The junta-controlled Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) ordered local banks on July 21 to acquire leftover US Dollar holdings by 6 pm. The command is part of the CBM's continuous effort to limit foreign cash retention as the military controls the domestic flow of overseas money.
The current directive would impact practically all DICA-registered enterprises, including local corporations with up to 35 percent foreign ownership, according to a local source. In April, the CBM instructed regulated financial institutions to convert US dollar transactions within one working day at 1,850 kyats per USD.
However, following complaints from embassies and international chambers of commerce, the CBM reversed the instruction on April 17 and exempted FDIs, SEZ enterprises, foreign diplomats, and UN and other international development agency workers from compliance. In June, the CBM exempted enterprises having at least 10 percent foreign ownership.
Further amendments to the policies followed in June and July. [Myanmar Now]
Myanmar: Military coup freezes USD 1.3 billion in construction projects
(jp) Seventeen months after the military seized over, several unfinished real estate development projects remain in Myanmar, which foreign investors formerly saw as having huge growth potential. Until the economic cloud over Southeast Asia clears, it is not very sure that many projects will resume. Japan's investors are caught in the middle.
At least three large-scale projects backed by Japanese investors have been put on hold because of foreign visitors and spending by middle-class consumers. The Y Complex is being constructed on Yangon's old military museum site. According to a local charity, the Y Complex project poses ethical concerns since it is constructed on military land. The rent is deposited into a bank account believed to be managed by the military. As a result, the project has been attacked for aiding Myanmar's military forces, who allegedly brutalized protesters.
Suspended projects have caused significant job losses. The International Labor Organization estimates that by 2021, the construction industry will employ 1,1 million people. Furthermore, 350,000 jobs, or 30 percent of the workforce in the industry, have been eliminated. A developer said that skilled engineers and qualified personnel are leaving for chances overseas. If the project is resumed, it may be challenging to find staff. [Free Malaysia Today][Radio Free Asia, Facebook, in Burmese]
Myanmar: Junta soldiers testify to live-burning girl and committing other crimes while deadly clashes continue
(jp) Six former junta soldiers, who have recently defected, have testified to the atrocities and human rights abuses carried out by the Myanmar military. One of the defectors reported to have been forced to burn a teenage girl alive. According to reports, the invading army targeted men, women, and children.
The former soldiers are currently under the protection of an anti-regime militia group. All of them reported to have originally joined the military for either a good financial prospect or a career choice. They were not told about the atrocities they were expected to carry out as members of the national army. [Mirror UK] [BBC]
Meanwhile, armed conflicts continue to kill civilians and militants across the country. On July 18, junta soldiers blocked phone and internet connectivity in Myanmar's Magway area, marking the beginning of an ongoing scorched-earth offensive. The People's Administration Organization of the adjoining township of Saw said that the internet and phone disconnection suggested that the military would soon conduct raids on surrounding communities. [Radio Free Asia]
During the same week, Myanmar's military authorities have begun detaining residents in the southern Rakhine state following a deadly battle with the ethnic armed organization Arakan Army (AA), which resulted in serious fatalities for the Myanmar military and the seizure of 14 border guard personnel. Six AA fighters were also killed.
After two years of fierce battle, the Myanmar military and the AA have established an informal truce since November 2020. Since May, however, intermittent skirmishes between the two factions have been recorded in Paletwa Township in neighboring Chin State.
Despite escalating military tensions in Rakhine, according to a military and political affairs specialist, the likelihood of large-scale violence there relies mainly on the AA, given the nation's existing political and military structure. [Irrawaddy]
Clashes between government soldiers and the Northern Thandaung Defense Force (NTDF) also occurred in mid-July. During that time, the opposition organization claimed to have killed at least 25 regime personnel, including a battalion commander and other high-ranking officials and injured many others. After sustaining significant casualties, regime troops pounded adjacent communities with 60mm and 120mm mortar rounds, according to a statement released by the NTDF spokesperson. The NTDF claims that seven regime troops, including an army captain, were killed, and one resistance fighter was injured during the ambush. [Irrawaddy]
The Philippines: President Marcos outlines plans in first State of the Union address amidst protests
(pe) The new Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, has outlined his plans for his upcoming six-year term in office. Amongst many pledges made in his speech, during a 75 minute address to the nation, Marcos Jr promised an end to Covid-19 related lockdowns and a full return to face-to-face education for students. Additionally, he highlighted the need for investment in the healthcare service, to reach rural areas and provide better working conditions for staff.
The president also explained his ambitions to overhaul his country's tax system and make it a destination for investment and tourism, boosting output from agriculture and reducing its heavy reliance on imports. This includes a moratorium on farmers' debts.
Furthermore, Marcos Jr outlined plans for new subsidy schemes to help farmers. These schemes would help them buy fertiliser, pesticides, fuel and feeds; condone their debts; and establish ‘Kadiwa Centres’ that would buy their produce and sell these at subsidised prices to those in need. [South China Morning Post]
Marcos Jr also reiterated the Philippines’ independence in its foreign policy and his intention for this to continue. He also vowed he would not lose any Philippines territory to foreign powers during his presidency.
Lastly, the newly-appointed president highlighted the need to invest in renewable energy sources and infrastructure, stating that he is open to the idea of introducing nuclear power. [Reuters]
As the speech occurred, thousands of protesters marched along a key road away from Congress. Their demands included subsidies to support society amidst rising living costs, as well as justice for human rights under Marcos Jr's father, who served as president of an authoritarian regime from 1965 to 1986. [Channel News Asia]
The Philippines: 1.3 million ‘no longer poor’ beneficiaries removed from 4Ps list
(pe) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has removed around 1.3 million people from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) programme who are no longer considered "poor" as per the government’s poverty threshold data. The 4P’s is a social welfare initiative providing cash incentives to the poorest households in the country, to encourage them to consistently send their children to school and bring them to health centres.
Families eligible for the 4P’s benefits should already include members below the age of 18 or those who are pregnant with a child at the time of registration. Benefits are also tied to conditions such as ensuring children maintain their class attendance records to reach at least 85 percent.
Meanwhile, DSWD’s Secretary has indicated that some families were continuing to access the 4P’s benefits long after their children had left home, and therefore that the delisting activity was needed in order to free up funding for eligible recipients. The DSWD also announced plans to implement a cash transfer program to help the country's poorest. This benefit will reach 12.4 million people for six months, designed to cushion the effects of rising prices of fuel and food. [Philstar]
The Philippines: Conglomerate owned by close Duterte ally closely avoids default on loan
(pe) Udenna Corp, a conglomerate owned by a close associate and key campaign donor of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Dennis Uy, has completed a debt repayment averting the consequences of a declaration of default. The default declaration was in connection with the PHP 225 million (USD 4 million) outstanding on a long-term lease agreement between Udenna’s subsidiary, Global Gateway Development Corp (GGDC), and the state-run Clark International Airport Corp (CIAC).
Udenna Corp’s debt was accumulated during rapid expansion and acquisition activities by owner Dennis Uy after Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency in 2016. When the declaration of default was issued, Udenna Corp experienced toppling share prices. [Philstar]
"Udenna settled the matter today, prior to the mandated deadline, and to the satisfaction of the majority lender and the consortium banks” it stated. As a result of the debt repayment, shares in Udenna’s four listed companies recuperated some losses that had occurred when the declaration of default had been announced. [Channel News Asia]
The Philippines: Commission on Human Rights (CHR) approves plans to teach students human rights principles
(pe) The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has confirmed that it is supportive and willing to extend its expertise, should Senator Loren Legarda’s proposed bill on the inclusion of human rights principles in the educational curriculum proceed.
In a statement, lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR executive director, welcomes the Senator ‘s proposal to include principles from “Article III of the 1987 Constitution or the Bill of Rights”. She said that “Human rights education is essential in building and nurturing a human rights culture that values equality and upholds the inherent dignity of all”. De Guia noted that through human rights education, government accountability and public service excellence will be further strengthened and young people will be better empowered. She stated that the CHR continues to ensure that human rights education will be made accessible through its Human Rights Institute (HRI) and that the Strategic Communication Division also produces and disseminates human rights information that is relevant to the daily lives of Filipinos. [Philippine News Agency]
The Philippines: Three dead in assassination at a Philippines university
(pe) The former mayor of a Southern Lamitan city, Rose Furigay, has been shot dead in an apparent assassination. The suspect is believed to be involved in a legal dispute with Furigay. Two others killed in the shooting were a campus security officer and Furigay’s assistant. Police have said that Furigay’s daughter is in a stable condition in hospital. [BBC News]
Furigay had been shot as she was about to attend the graduation of her daughter at the law school of Ateneo de Manila University. A shootout involving the suspect and campus security had ensued, before a car chase. The suspect was arrested and taken for interrogation, he was found to be carrying two pistols.
Reuters reported that the suspect had no known relatives at the graduation ceremony and that was also a native of Lamitan city in Basilan province, a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf, a pro-Islamist State extremist group. [Reuters]
Thailand: Prayut’s government survives fourth censure debate
(td) Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and 10 other Cabinet ministers survived the latest no-confidence debate proposed by opposition parties over accusations of corruption and economic mismanagement. The debate lasted from July 19 to July 24, when it concluded in favor of the current and long-standing Prayut administration. It is the fourth time that the government survives a no-confidence motion since the first debate in 2020.
The motion was filed ahead of the next general election scheduled in early 2023. However, in order to remove Prayut and his coalition ministers from office, the opposition needed to secure 239 of the parliamentary votes. Therefore, the result of this censure debate ran in the opposite direction as ruling coalition parties are holding the majority of seats in the parliament.
That said, the incumbent government remains adamant that it will not dissolve the parliament amid a slew of political and socio-economic crises. Nevertheless, the debate showed enlarging rifts among the coalition parties besides internal disorders in the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) caused by a group of six PPRP MPs who voted against Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda and Labor Minister Suchart Chomklin defying the party's stance. [Bangkok Post 1]
Against the backdrop of such political quarrels, the Prime Minister recently insisted he would not set sights on the cabinet reshuffle, in contrast to the public speculation that the Interior Minister is to be discharged from the post due to his waning popularity. According to analysts, however, conflicts with the Democrat Party are plausible to have a domino effect on the coalition government; it remains to be seen. [Bangkok Post 2][Bangkok Post 3]
Overall, despite the success, the government remains embroiled in a corruption scandal regarding the alleged bid to lobby a group of 16 MPs from several micro-parties to cast their votes in favor of the current administration in the censure debate. In the wake of leaked Line chats, the leader of the Setthakij Thai Party vowed to tender a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the case. If successful, those involved politicians will be liable under Section 169 of the anti-corruption law and could face imprisonment, a fine, and a 10-year political ban. [Aljazeera][Bangkok Post 4][Bangkok Post 5]
Thailand: Former Prime Minister warns controversial foreign land scheme law to spur national economy
(td) In a bid to attract affluent foreigners to spur the economy through inward investments, the government of Thailand has re-considered a foreign land scheme to allow the ownership of residential land up to 1-rai (about 0.16 hectares). The move, which also aims to offer tax benefits as well as a 10-year visa, is currently pending approval from the Cabinet.
Such an adjustment to the Land Code Act (1954) was immediately met with a slew of public criticisms, among which were those from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. According to his standpoints, the incumbent government’s renewed push would put underprivileged Thai people at grave risk. Considering the demand-supply logic, opening up the real-estate market to foreigners would raise the demands to the point that the higher price would be no longer affordable by Thai citizens.
Likewise, several public institutions and advocacy groups also voiced their aversion to the land scheme pointing out its several fallouts. Meanwhile, on the one hand, the Land Watch Thai points to the rich who stand to benefit the most from foreign investments, on the other hand, analysts emphasize the need for clearer regulations to ensure that the majority of Thais will remain unaffected.
All in all, to steer through the economic crises, according to Shinawatra, leaders should possess an adaptable and far-sighted vision in an era of global disruption. Furthermore, in line with Thailand Development Research Institute, Thailand needs other suitable means to increase investor confidence, rather than a reliance on the land scheme; the improvements of investment environment and law could enhance competitiveness in the long run. [Bangkok Post][Thai Enquirer]
Thailand: Former Finance Minister convicted of bribery over Thai Airways scandals
(td) Former Finance Minister Thanong Bidaya, who served under the administrations of Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Thaksin Shinawatra between 1990 and 2006, was found guilty of bribery in a case involving British luxury automobile producer Rolls-Royce and Thai Airways International, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). At the time of scandals, he was also serving as the airline’s chairman as well as adviser on long-term investments.
The commission ruled that the then-minister, along with Thai Airways’ vice president for finances, had violated Section 8 and 11 of the State Employees Offenses Act for bribing individuals between 1991 and 2005 to secure the procurement of Rolls-Royce Trent 800 turbofan engines for the national airline. Both sections impose hefty punishments including imprisonment, fines, or both. However, Thanong had reportedly violated only Section 11, under which, the statute of limitations in this specific bribery case has already expired as Thanong is no longer “an official.”
Since Rolls-Royce admitted its misconduct to the British Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in early 2017, the NACC has launched investigations into involved state agents and employees of Thai Airways. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Ad hoc committee set up to help government steer through economic crises
(td) Following ongoing socio-economic crises, the government of Thailand has allowed the establishment of an ad hoc committee, with the Prime Minister himself as the chair, and its sub-committee to function as advisory units.
The establishment of that special committee in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, economic ministers, ministries in charge of economic affairs, National Security Council, National Economic and Social Development Council, Bank of Thailand and the Budget Bureau, is expected to lead to a more coordinated effort in addressing the economic issues on a national level. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Growing calls for reinstatement of district councilors spark debates
(td) Following the election of the new Bangkok governor and the city councilors in May, the citizens have been increasingly calling for the resurrection of district councilors. Position that was scrapped after the 2014 coup.
On the one hand, the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) is pushing for district council elections in line with the Bangkok Administration Act BE 2528 (1985) citing the need to engage with local residents at a deeper level. According to the Act, each district would have at least 7 councilors depending on the number of residents; thus, they would collaborate with the city councilors in response to the local demands.
On the other hand, the request was met with criticisms which argue the redundancy of duties and lower effectiveness of check-and-balance mechanisms, specifically if prospective district councilors are affiliated with any political parties. [Thai PBS World]
Thailand: Government alleged to have used Israeli Pegasus spyware to monitor anti-government groups
(td) Following a series of civil-led demonstrations to call for political reforms, the government has come under fire over an allegation that accuses it of using the Israeli-made spyware “Pegasus” to keep track of prominent activists, scholars, and civil society groups. According to experts and activists, the move would be a clear indicator of violation of human rights as the spyware enables its users – specifically, state officials — to elicit personal information from those target groups.
Recently, Thailand’s Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw), in collaboration with Digital Reach and Citizen lab, released a report which serves as supporting evidence to the claim that the spyware has been utilized during anti-government protest periods between 2020-2021. In fact, the issue was brought to light as major IT firm Apple warned of the use of Pegasus notifying Apple users that their devices were being secretly hacked.
Not limited to Thailand, the United States government has blacklisted the utilization of such spyware in an “inappropriate” manner and to threaten the privacy and security of individuals and organizations. Although Pegasus spyware is ideally designed to help state agencies in charge of the national security combat pressing issues such as crimes and terrorism, in practice, its misuse to spy on private citizens remains a risk.
In this regard, Amnesty International Thailand has joined the public call for a probe into the manipulation of Pegasus by unidentified state agents, and dissuaded the violation of human rights.
The issue was also one of the key subjects of the recent censure debate in which the Digital Economy and Society Minister hinted at the limited use of the spyware; whereas, the Royal Police denied any involvement and confirmed its adherence to the law. [Amnesty International Thailand][Associated Press][Reuters][Thai PBS World]
Thailand: Penalty point system to curb traffic accidents to be introduced in 2023
(td) The Royal Thai Police unveiled a plan to introduce a “penalty point system,” starting on January 9, 2023, as an additional step to reduce traffic accidents. The move follows the recent measure, effective from July 20, that carries the imprisonment penalty on motorists and motorcyclists who fail to pay for traffic-related fines.
Once the points system takes effect, every driving license holder will receive 12 points on one’s respective driving record. Should they commit a traffic violation, their points will be deducted 1-4 points based on the condition whether it is a minor and major offense. Road racing and driving under the influence of alcohol are the major offenses; they thus subject the violators to a deduction of 3-4 points respectively. The driving license is automatically suspended for 90 days if the driver loses all the points.
Additionally, identical regulations also apply to drivers who pose a serious threat to the public under the new electronic ticketing system – effective from July 13. [AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4][Bangkok Post][Thai PBS World]
Thailand: Civil demonstrators call on UN to push for international pressure on government
(td) Pro-democracy demonstrators led the movement in front of the United Nations Headquarters in Bangkok to call on the international organization to ramp up pressure on the Thai government over the violation of civil and political rights by state law enforcement officers. They have also filed an open letter to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangkok requesting immediate intervention on the matter.
In response, the OHCHR representatives said they would keep monitoring the situations and coordinate with the related Thai agencies. Given that Thailand is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, international pressure is considered significant to change the government’s course.
Moreover, according to the activists, following a series of anti-government movements, a number of protestors have been arbitrarily detained. Specifically, the activists mentioned the release of political prisoners on bail, which is frequently denied even before the accused receive formal conviction.
Worth mentioning is the case of two jailed activists, nicknamed Bung and Bai Por, who have been on a hunger strike to protest against what they deem an “unfair” judicial system. Despite their deteriorating health conditions, the Thai Court has repeatedly refused to grant them a release on bail. In addition, the treatment of suspects as if they were former prisoners, i.e., using an electronic monitoring bracelet to track them down, is another issue of concern. [Prachathai English]
Thailand: International Federation of Journalists condemns police watchlist targeting media workers
(td) Following a series of pro-democracy protests, the Royal Police of Thailand released a watchlist of reporters, activists, and journalists covering political issues. The classified document contains their personal photographs, information, and social media accounts.
In response to such a move, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) lodged a protest against Thai authorities urging them to respect the freedom of expression as well as to ensure the media workers’ safety while performing their duties.
Prior to the protests, several news reporters had met a representative of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to discuss the matter and have their complaints heard. He then vowed to take additional steps on the matter such as notifying the National Human Rights Commission.
In recent years, the government’s creation of a climate of fear has been one of the key issues of concern among Thai media workers. According to the IFJ, such tactics as intimidation, harassment, and posing threats against them are by no means consistent with the democratic norms and values. [International Federation of Journalists] [see current AiR issue]
Timor-Leste: Rights group urge government to drop charges against journalist
(bs) Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged Timor-Leste to drop the charges against a journalist who reported the forced virginity test on 30 under-age girls. The case was linked the investigations into an American Catholic priest accused of raping minors in Timor-Leste. The man was sentenced to a 12-year jail sentence in December 2021 for abuses committed in 1993.
In June, the journalist was charged with violation of judicial secrecy for publicing an article accusing the Timorese authorities of international human rights violation for having “forced” a virginity test on the 30 girld who were aslo victims of sexual abused.
The Criminal Investigation Scientific Police began investigations into the journalist as some of the reports were in the form of video and showed the victims’ faces and other sensitive images. If convicted, the journalist could face up to 6 years in jail under Article 291 of Timor-Leste’s Penal Code. [Reporters Without Borders]
Vietnam: High officials arrested in Covid repatriation flights corruption scandal
(ntan) On July 25, the former Deputy Director of Immigration Department at the Ministry of Public Security and the other six defendants were arrested on corruption charges in a case linked to Covid repatriation flights in 2020. According to the authorities, the officials were arrested for allegedly taking bribes in organizing repatriation flights during the pandemic.
Investigations are underway. [Vietnam Plus]
Vietnam: Government disregards human rights recommendations
(ntan) Vietnam is continuing arresting activists, media workers, and political opponents despite the recommendations of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee. The accusation came in a report on Vietnam’s human rights record filed by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Vietnam Committee on Human Rights (VCHR) ahead of the upcoming country review by the UN Human Rights Committee scheduled in October.
The latest review, in March 2019, released three recommendations to Vietnam urging the government to intervene in the journey to abolish the death penalty, ensure freedom of speech, and improve the state's treatment of human rights activists. [Radio Free Asia]
Vietnam: Sentenced to 5 years for defendants in a family Buddhist worship place for abusing of violating freedom and democracy.
(ntan) A Vietnamese court sentenced six people, members of a religious group, to up to five years in jail for “abusing the rights to freedom and democracy” under Article 331 of Vietnam’s 2015 Penal Code.
The prosecutor accused the group members of posting content on social media aimed at undermining the reputation of a district police and “offending the honor and dignity” of a local Buddhist leader.
According to the defendants, they were forced to confess the crime through torture and threats carried out by police authorities.
The sentence was met with criticism by a Vietnamese human rights lawyer who referred to the decision as “politically motivated.” [Radio Free Asia]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
India-Africa discuss economic cooperation at conclave
(sg) Ministers from 17 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Namibia, visited New Delhi on July 19 to participate in a two-day India-Africa summit. Attending the 17th iteration of the Confederation of Indian Industry-Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership was Indian minister of external affairs Dr. S Jaishankar, vice president Venkaiah Naidu and trade minister Piyush Goyal.
The CII is an annual conference, first held in 2005, encouraging Indian companies to seek business opportunities in Africa. India hopes to profit from the rapidly growing markets in Sub-Saharan as economic growth in developed countries stagnates. China is also looking to strengthen its footprint in the region as part of its Belt and Road Initiative and has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for over a decade. [United Nations] India, Africa’s fourth largest trading partner, lags behind China, the US, and the EU, with a total trade volume of around USD 90 billion and accounts for around 6 percent of African trade. [The Indian Express]
The agenda at this year’s summit focused on health, digital and green growth. Indian officials showed interest in working towards a trade agreement with African countries. Indian Commerce Secretary BVR Subrahmanyan hinted at the possibility of an Africa-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after 55 African countries signed the African Continental FTA (AfCFTA) in January last year. Subrahmanyan told delegates that India would be “more than happy to engage with fellow countries in Africa or collectives or even the large African continental free trade agreement.” [Business Standard]
On the conference’s sidelines, Jaishankar held talks with Namibian deputy prime minister and minister of international relations Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah. According to Jaishankar, their discussions focused on increasing economic, political, and defense cooperation. Notably, the two also agreed to the reintroduction of cheetahs to India. [Jaishankar via Twitter] The world’s fastest land animal was declared extinct in India in 1952. Still, a deal with Namibia or South Africa could see the animal return to the Indian subcontinent. Previously, a senior environmental official had indicated that a Memorandum of Understanding would be signed with South Africa soon. [The Hindu]
Session of the Council of Ministers of Developing-8 to be held this week
(dql) The 20th session of the Council of Ministers of Developing-8, will be take place in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on July 27. Food security and energy security are expected to be high on agenda at this meeting. The meeting will also decide about Azerbaijan’s bid to join the organization. [New Age Bangladesh]
The Developing-8, known as D-8, is the org anization for development co-operation between Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. It was founded in 1997 in Istanbul.
Bangladesh, Indonesia agree on deepening cooperation
(dql/jvk) During the meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Retno LP Marsudi, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen requested proactive support from Indonesia and of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) with regards to issue of an early repatriation of the stranded Myanmar nationals from Bangladesh to Myanmar. Momen also asked for a speedy decision on Bangladesh’s candidacy for the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership of ASEAN.
Furthermore, the two ministers discussed bilateral relations, while reaffirming their commitment for further strengthening the ties between their countries and agreeing to accelerate cooperation in a wide range of areas, including expediting the conclusion of the bilateral preferential trade agreement (PTA)in this year that marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between two countries. [Prothom Alo]
Greek parliament approves deal with Bangladesh on employment of Bangladeshi workers
(dql) The Greek parliament has ratified an agreement concluded in February between Bangladesh and Greece under which the European country will employ 4,000 Bangladeshi workers annually.
Under the agreement Bangladeshi workers will be provided a 5-year temporary work permit, while seasonal workers will be hired in the agricultural sector.
The agreement is believed to facilitate safe movement for workers to Greece stopping their exposure to preventing human trafficking and human rights violations. [The Financial Express]
ASEAN chair supports Japan’s request to hold special bilateral meeting
(bs) The Cambodian government, as the current Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s chair, has endorsed the request to hold a special Japan-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Law and Justice in Tokyo in 2023.
The request came from Japanese deputy minister of justice Hiroyuki Kada after a series of meetings with Cambodian officials.
During one of the said meetings, which took place at the National Assembly in Cambodia on July 19, Kada suggested holding the special Japan-ASEAN meeting in 2023 citing the fact that such an event would mark the first time that ASEAN has a ministerial meeting with a non-ASEAN country. Furthermore, the event would coincide with the 70th anniversary of Japan-Cambodia relations and the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations.
The countries then agreed on the matter and discussed further enhancement of their legal cooperation. [The Phnom Penh Post]
China pressures UN to stop publication of report on human rights violations in Xinjiang
(jw) China reportedly sought to prevent the publication of a highly anticipated UN Human Rights Council report on human rights violations in Xinjiang by sending a letter putting pressure on UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet. Citing diplomats concerned with the matter, Reuters reported that China expressed concern that the report could undermine the credibility of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and would increase bloc confrontation and polarization. According to Reuters, China started circulating the letter among diplomatic missions in Geneva in June, asking other countries to sign it to show support.
Bachelet pledged to release the report before stepping down in August after her visit to Xinjiang was heavily criticized by western countries and NGOs who claimed that Bachelet helped Beijing in securing a propaganda victory [see AiR No. 24, June/2022, 2]. [Reuters]
China, EU hold trade dialogue after delays, vowing cooperation but staying silent on investment deal
(jw) After China refused to commit to a date for multiple weeks [see AiR No. 27, July/2022, 1], representatives from the European Union (EU) and China met for the ninth round of the trade and economic dialogue between the EU and China, exchanging views on the global economic outlook and agreeing to coordinate economic policies and liberalize trade and investment. The online meeting chaired by European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis and Chinese Vice Premier and top economic official Liu He produced few tangible results but both parties agreed to enhance cooperation on ensuring food security, reforming the World Trade Organization, preventing supply chain disruptions, managing the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuing animal health, according to a readout by the EU.
However, the EU also raised contentious issues, lamenting the “growing politicization” of the Chinese business environment as well as industry subsidies and overcapacities. Furthermore, the EU readout stated that the Chinese treatment of Lithuania amounted to “economic coercion” and is “unacceptable”. After Lithuania agreed to the opening of a Taiwan Representative Office, China imposed heavy sanctions on the Baltic country leading to the EU considering the appointment of a dispute panel at the WTO [see AiR No. 32, August/2021, 2]. The Chinese readout did not mention such issues. [European Commission] [China State Council, in Chinese]
The ninth round of the dialogue came more than two years after the eighth which led to the conclusion of an investment deal. However, the European Parliament refused to ratify after China sanctioned multiple EU officials, among them also members of parliament, in response to Brussel sanctions on Chinese officials accused of being implicit in human rights violations in Xinjiang [seeAiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. Neither side mentioned the investment deal in their readouts, leaving the future of the agreement unclear. [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]
US bill to boost domestic semiconductor industry facing Chinese competition progresses
(jw) On July 19, the US Senate voted to proceed with the adoption of a slimmed-down version of a bill meant to support research, design and manufacturing initiatives of the US semiconductor industry which US legislators want to keep ahead of the heavily subsidized Chinese industry. The bill which includes about USD 50 billion in subsidies for chip manufacturing does now have to pass both chambers for a final time before it can be signed by US President Joe Biden, possibly in early August. It also has a national security background as many major weapons systems require computer chips. [CNBC 1] [Reuters 1]
The US also tried to persuade East Asian allies South Korea, Japan and Taiwan to create a “Chip4” alliance to deepen cooperation in the field of semiconductor, a project which Beijing sees as threatening because it could lead to China being excluded from critical supply chains and access to important materials. In response to continuous diplomatic efforts by the US, China has started to ramp up its rhetoric in an attempt to maintain business ties with critical suppliers like South Korea. In a meeting between the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Xing Haiming and South Korean lawmaker and chip alliance advocate Yang Hyang-ja, Xing stated that cooperation between the two countries should not be affected by “external interference”. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also criticized the US for trying to create the “Chip4” alliance, saying that it is an attempt to “artificially promote industrial transfer and decoupling is against the trend” and “will inevitably fail”. [Global Times] [South China Morning Post]
China is also trying to gain superiority in key industries, controlling key resources such as rare earths which are key for high-tech industries all over the world. In efforts to decrease dependence on Chinese resources, the US and its allies are trying to diversify their supply chains. On her visit to South Korea on July 19, US Treasury Secretary Janett Yellen vowed to end “undue dependence” on rare earths, but also on solar panels and other goods from China. According to Yellen, China “used coercion to pressure a number of countries whose behavior they have disapproved of” which makes being dependent on Chinese goods highly undesirable. Additionally, Yellen criticized “a range of unfair trade practices” employed by China to gain a position of economic superiority. [Associated Press] [Reuters 2] [South China Morning Post]
Chinese telecommunication company Huawei also remains under scrutiny in the US due to concerns of espionage and surveillance. According to a Reuters report, the company which has already been hit by numerous sanctions is now being investigated for possibly capturing sensitive information on military bases and missile silos through cell towers. The investigation could lead to Huawei being hit by even more sanctions that could involve fines, the removal of all Huawei gear from the country’s communication networks or even a complete ban of all US transactions with Huawei. [Reuters 3]
Furthermore, the dispute over access to the books of Chinese companies listed on the US stock market continues. US regulators have demanded access to information on Chinese companies for auditing purposes. However, the Chinese side so far refused to release relevant documents, claiming that they are sensitive to national security. In order to increase the pressure, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) compiled a list of numerous large Chinese companies that could be delisted from the US stock market if a compromise is not reached.
In a latest development, China is reportedly sorting their companies listed in the US based on data sensitivity in order to prepare companies to release certain documents. This would be the second major concession after the relaxation of auditing regulations in April [see AiR No. 14, April/2022, 1]. In response to the report, the China Securities Regulatory Commission denied the development of a sorting system, stating that Chinese companies need to comply with all data security and listing rules, regardless of where there are listed. [CNBC] [Financial Times]
China warns against US House of Representatives Speaker’s plan to visit Taiwan
(dql) The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reacted with strong warnings over news reporting about U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plan to visit Taiwan during her trip to Asia in August, saying that China would tack “firm and strong measures to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity. The U.S. must assume full responsibility for any serious consequence arising thereof." [Xinhua] [Financial Times]
Pelosi, well known for her critical stance towards China’s human rights record, is second in the US presidential line, behind Vice President Mike Pence. Her visit, the first of a House Speaker in 25 years, would put China and President Xi Jinping under special political pressure as it would come ahead of the national congress of the Chinese Communist Party when Xi will seek to secure a third term as party leader.
However, Taiwan has confirmed that it has yet to receive “definite information” about the visit. [Focus Taiwan]
Meanwhile, U.S. President Biden, who is expected to talk to Xi this month, cited concerns of the Defense Department, saying last week that “military thinks it’s not a good idea right now,” [Politico] [CNN] [VoA]
China extends anti-dumping tariffs on steel from Japan, South Korea and the EU
(jw) The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on July 22 that anti-dumping tariffs on grain oriented flat-rolled electrical steel from Japan, South Korea and the EU will be prolonged for five years. China is the world’s largest steel producer and protects its domestic industry with companies such as China Baoshan Iron and Steel and Beijing Shougang who accuse international competitors of price dumping by introducing tariffs. Western countries also imposed anti-dumping tariffs on certain Chinese steel products but have been suffering from increased shortages due to supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine [see AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3]. [Reuters]
China’s construction of highway near Indian Border
(ms) As part of the new national program, Beijing plans to build a highway near the strongly contested border region with India to strengthen its position.
The G695 highway is planned to connect Lhunze county in Tibet with Mazha in Kashgar in the Xinjiang region and will also run along other volatile border areas, such as the Galwan Valley, where a clash between Chinese and Indian soldiers in 2020 resulted in casualties on both sides.
The announcement of the planned construction comes less than a week after representatives of China and India met on June 17, for the 16th Corps Commanders level talks regarding the Line of Actual Control. In addition to the announcement of the plans, the people's liberation Army (PLA) reportedly tested its PCL191 missile launch system at high altitude on Tuesday, July 19. [South China Morning Post 1] [South China Morning Post 2] [The Print]
China's actions do not point to an easing of the conflict, but on the contrary are evidence that China continues to be on a confrontational course with India, which is also supported by the reinforcement of patrols in the Karakoram region by Z-10 attack helicopters. [Air No. 29, July/2022, 3]
China, Pakistan agree to expand CPEC
(sg) China and Pakistan have agreed to welcome any third country to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The decision was made at the virtual 3rd meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC)
The multi-billion-dollar CPEC scheme is a flagship of the Chinese Belt and Road initiative and aims to link the western Chinese region of Xinyang with the port of Gwadar in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province through a series of large infrastructure projects. The USD 60 billion economic program is contentious, with many projects lagging behind and growing resentment towards the Chinese in Pakistan. According to The Express Tribune, as of May 2022, only 3 of 15 projects in the port of Gwadar have been completed, while nine others remain far behind schedule. In addition, Beijing has grown frustrated with increasing security threats against the Chinese residing in Pakistan. In April this year, a suicide attack against a language institute in Karachi left three Chinese teachers. [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Furthermore, part of the corridor is being laid through Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. India claims Kashmir as her own and has protested the issue with China. New Delhi is wary of the growing Chinese influence in the neighboring country and has launched its own ‘Neighborhood First’ initiative to counter Beijing’s influence in its sphere of influence.
During the meeting, the two sides also agreed that CPEC had reached a new high point with a growing emphasis on agriculture, IT, and technology. In light of this, both sides decided that the success of CPEC could greatly benefit any third-party state. China has shown interest in extending CPEC to Afghanistan with China’s special envoy on Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong and Pakistan Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood meeting in Islamabad on July 18. The pair exchanged views on extending CPEC to Afghanistan to “promote economic development and prosperity.” [NDTV] [The Express Tribune 2]
Meanwhile, Pakistan has proposed expanding CPEC into a trilateral arrangement between China, Pakistan, and Turkey. [see AiR No. 21, May/2022, 4]
British senior intelligence officer warns of increased threat from China, urges strong deterrence
(jw) Richard Moore, head of Britain’s foreign intelligence agency MI6 reiterated concerns about China, emphasizing the need for the west to defeat Russia in Ukraine “because Xi Jinping is watching […] like a hawk”. According to Moore, China needs to be sufficiently deterred from invading Taiwan as Chinese President Xi Jinping “underestimates U.S. resolve and power and that might lead him to miscalculate”. Moore claimed that the MI6’s top mission priority is now countering China instead of counterterrorism as understanding Beijing’s strategies, capabilities and tactical intentions is a complex task.
Moore’s remarks come two weeks after a joint statement of FBI Director Christopher Wray and MI5 (UK’s domestic intelligence agency) director Ken McCallum which contained stern warnings of increased Chinese assertiveness and spying activities. McCallum and Wray especially stressed increased economic espionage from China, claiming like Moore that Chinese aggression toward Taiwan presents a serious threat [see AiR No. 28, July/2022, 2]. [NBC] [Reuters]
UK government halts deal on Chinese acquisition of vision sensing technology
(jw) UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng announced on July 20 that the UK government blocked a planned deal between the University of Manchester and Beijing Infinite Vision Technology (BIVT) that would have involved the purchase of vision sensing technology. According to the UK government, the vision sensing technology BIVT wanted to acquire could have military applications. The intervention is the first time a deal is blocked under the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act which was adopted in 2022 and allows the government to halt takeovers or sales of intellectual property for national security reasons.
The move is in line with a tougher stance on Chinese inbound investment adopted recently in the UK, including blocking and investigating takeover attempts by Chinese companies amid national security concerns and fears of intellectual property theft. [Reuters] [Sky News]
Uruguay seeks trade deal with China, neglects warnings of South American neighbors
(jw) Uruguayan Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo declared on July 20 that Uruguay will continue to seek a bilateral trade deal with China despite misgivings from neighbors who prefer to opt for a regional trade deal. Bustillo made the comments on the sidelines of a meeting of Mercosur, a South-American trade bloc including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay as well as Uruguay. While Bustillo insisted on continuing Uruguayan efforts to pursue a trade deal with China, the foreign ministers of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay stressed the importance of negotiating as a bloc in accordance to the rules of Mercosur.
China has been pursuing trade with South American countries for a long time, mostly due to the raw materials like grains and oil that it needs for its own economy to grow. [Reuters]
Indian Army Chief visits Bangladesh
(hg) India´s Army Chief General Manoj Pande visited neighbor Bangladesh from July 18 to July 20 on his first trip abroad since taking over the army´s top post. In series of meetings, General Pande talked with Bangladesh´s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, his counterpart, Bangladesh´s new army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed and met with senior members of the security establishment.
Arguably, Bangladesh is India´s most important partner in South Asia and in the frame of its "Neighborhood First Policy", not least also in military regards. The two defence agreements signed between the neighbors in 2017 were the first of their kind India concluded with any of its neighbors. In 2020, for instance, India provided Bangladesh with 18 new 120mm mortars and also granted a $500 million line of credit to Bangladesh for defence procurement from India. In march 2021, two Indian naval ships visited Bangladesh in a first naval visit. [The Sentinel]
Russian ship with military cargo ‘detained’ at Indian port
(hg) According to the Russian embassy in India, authorities of the Indian port of Cochin detained a Russian cargo ship carrying a military cargo for the Indian Armed Forces. The embassy reports to have sent an official request for explanation to the Ministry of External Affairs of India on the issue. [Reuters]
India, Egypt conclude joint military training
(sg) The Indian air force has concluded a bilateral training exercise with the Egyptian air force. The four-week ‘Tactical Leadership Training’ began on June 24 with an Indian Air Force (IAF) deployment to the North African country. The training included multiple IAF aircraft, including three Su-30MKI and two C-17s. In a statement, the IAF announced that the exercise intended to identify and assimilate best practices.
The military exercise is part of a more significant improvement of bilateral India-Egypt ties, especially regarding defense collaboration. Last year the two countries held the first ever joint tactical air exercise between the IAF and the Egyptian Air Force, codenamed ‘Desert Warrior.’ Following the training, India’s Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari traveled to Cairo for the ‘Egypt Air Power Symposium’ to encourage closer cooperation between the two countries’ defense sectors. Additionally, earlier this year, the two countries conducted maritime exercises, including three Indian Navy Ships of a training squadron. Meanwhile, just last month, the INS Kochi, flagship and largest destroyer in the Indian Navy, also traveled to Egypt for joint training with the Egyptian Navy. [ANI] [The Economic Times]
Indonesian President begins regional tour to meet with China, Japan, and South Korea counterparts
(jvk) Indonesian President Joko Widodo is set to visit East Asian countries on July 26-28, ahead of the upcoming G20 meeting. The president has already left Jakarta to begin his regional tour, which starts from Beijing, China, on July 26. Widodo will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. [Jakarta Globe]
The three countries have a long history of being Indonesia’s strategic economic partners. The meetings are, in fact, intended to target their bilateral economic cooperation with a specific focus on trade and investment. According to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Widodo’s itinerary includes discussing a Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing and various regional and international issues as members of ASEAN+3.
In response to suspicion of rivalry between the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Indonesia stated that they would remain cooperative with all on the basis of mutual benefit. [Channel News Asia] [Jakarta Post]
Indonesia, Timor Leste discuss free trade zone in Timor Islands, increased connectivity, accession to ASEAN
(jvk) Timor Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta’s recent visit to Indonesia, on July 22, included discussions on establishing a free trade zone in Timor Islands along the Timor-Leste-Indonesia border. The parties also held talks on boosting transport connectivity and Timor-Leste's aspiration to be admitted as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during next year’s Indonesian presidency of ASEAN. [Antara News 1]
In this regard, Timor Leste’s President had previously concluded bilateral talks with the Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the ASEAN accession goals. Indonesia, who will head ASEAN in 2023, affirmed its support of Timor Leste’s bid to join the Association. [CNN in Indonesian] [AiR No. 29, July/2022, 3]
Japan: 2022 Defense white paper highlights Russia, China and North Koreas as key security challenges
(sb) Japan’s Defense Ministry has released its 2022 defense white paper presenting the government’s security and defense concerns that are centered at Russia, China and North Korea.
The white paper condemns Russia’s war in Ukraine as “serious violation of international law,” warning that Moscow’s use force to change the status quo “may extend to the Indo-Pacific region,” in an apparent reference to tensions between China and Taiwan.
It accuses China of attempts of unilaterally changing the status quo around the disputed Senkaku Islands and of creating faits accomplish in the South China Sea, adding that “Chinese military trends [...] have become a matter of grave concern to the region.” It calls Taiwan “an extremely important partner for Japan,” and affirms that the stability of the situation surrounding Taiwan is critically linked to Japan’s own security.
North Korea’s missile launches “at extremely high frequency,” meanwhile, are seen in the report as “grave and imminent threats to Japan’s security,” and as undermining the region’s peace and security.
To face these challenges, Japan’s Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo in his introductory note of the white paper emphasized “further deepening” ties between Japan and likeminded partners, referring to the “unshakeable” alliance with the U.S., the trilateral cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the Quad. [Ministry of Defense, Japan] [Reuters] [News 18] [Taipei Times]
Japan, Saudi Arabia commit to stabilize oil market
(sb) On July 19, Japanese foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi held a meeting in Tokyo with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed the importance to stabilize the high oil prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Hayashi asking to increase the oil output by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC Plus). Both ministers also agreed to continue to closely work together towards peace and stability of the Middle East as well as in other fields, including clean energy, climate change, tourism and culture, United Nations Security Council reform and North Korea’s nuclear threat.
The meeting came on the heels the visit of U.S. President Joe Biden in Saudi Arabia where he also asked for an adequate oil supply. [Kyodo News] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]
Japan, UK cooperation on a new fighter jet program
(sb) The UK has announced to cooperate with Japan on plans for its next-generation Tempest fighter jet. The announcement was made during a gathering of executives from across the aviation industry at the Farnborough airshow, a trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries.
Expected to replacement the Typhoon fighter, Tempest is being developed by British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company BAE Systems together with Italy’s Leonardo which specializes in aerospace, defense and security. Capable of supersonic flight, the first demonstrator Tempest aircraft flight is planned “within the next five years” aimed at testing features such as stealth capability.
Japan, which is working on its own F-X fighter program, will join the UK and Italy for “joint concept analysis” that will seek to “understand areas of shared interest and to explore potential future combat air partnership options”. [The Guardian]
Japan, U.S. to hold first economic version of 2-plus-2 talks
(sb) The first economic version of 2-plus-2 talks on diplomacy and defense will be held this month in Washington. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda will meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to discuss the adoption of guidelines and unified standards for infrastructure investment in developing countries and protection of human rights in global supply chains.
The discussion is expected to also touch upon joint research in transformative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in addition to energy and food security. [Nikkei Asia]
Nepalese Prime Minister's visit to United States to be postponed
(op) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on July 20 that there has been no confirmation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's trip to the United States (US), despite having previously stated that it was "anticipated". Deuba was slated to visit Washington in mid-July. But thereafter, the matter of Nepal's involvement in the State Partnership Program (SPP) of the US government came to light. [The Kathmandu Post 1]
Several political parties have demanded that Nepal's membership in the SPP be terminated. On June 21, the Cabinet also ruled against the SPP. [The Kathmandu Post 2]
On the same line, the ruling alliance also advised Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba against traveling to the United States for the time being. According to the US embassy in Kathmandu, Washington approved Nepal into the SPP in 2019 following two petitions in 2015 and 2017.
The prime minister's visit "was canceled" because Nepal refused to "pass" the SPP, said Madhav Nepal, head of the coalition partner Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist), in a speech a few days earlier. However, US officials have insisted that nothing has to "pass" about the SPP and that the government of Nepal may withdraw from the program by sending a letter. [The Kathmandu Post 3]
Malaysian police continues investigation into six nationals lured to work in Cambodia
(tp) The Malaysian police are carrying on investigations on six Malaysian nationals stranded in Cambodia after being lured into working for a criminal organization.
According to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the victims' family members filed several reports on the case between April 20 and 22. The PDRM had immediately announced a close collaboration with Interpol, an international police investigative agency, to further probe the cross-border scam network.
Meanwhile, Cambodian sources claim that there is evidence that these 6 people had prior knowledge of the scam and were active participants in the operations.
Additionally, the case also highlighted the threat of job scammers to Malaysian citizens, hence, authorities warned that citizens must always be skeptical when faced with the prospect of working for unusually high wages. Likewise, job scamming cases are considered not uncommon. According to the authorities, there are at least 60 job scamming cases that are still pending further investigation. The most recent cases involved 4 Malaysians who were rescued and returned to the country safely on July 9. [Khmer Times][New Sarawak Tribune]
Myanmar: Australian embassy spends USD750,000 at a junta-linked hotel
(jp) The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) released invoices to the activist group Justice for Myanmar under Freedom of Information disclosures revealing that since last year's military coup in Myanmar, the Australian embassy has spent more than USD 750,000 at a Yangon hotel linked to the country's military junta.
Activists argue that Australian taxpayer dollars should not be spent on a hotel constructed on leased military land. According to records from the Myanmar Investment Commission, Lotte Hotel’s investors pay the Ministry of Defense USD 1,877,000 in rent.
"It is abhorrent that Australia is spending tax dollars at the Lotte Hotel which has ties to the Myanmar military, in defiance of the UN Fact-Finding Mission's recommendation to cease doing business with the Myanmar military," Justice for Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung said. "Lotte Hotel finances the Myanmar Army by paying rent to the Quartermaster Office, which purchases the bullets and bombs used in the army's indiscriminate attacks on the Myanmar population.
According to a human rights expert, the embassy's expenditures contradict the recommendation to isolate the military financially. In response, the Australian government denied having directly funded the Myanmar military. [Abc Net] [ABC Twitter]
Pakistani Ambassador call for international cooperation with Afghan government to avoid humanitarian catastrophe
(tj) Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan called for urgent support from the international community to thwart Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian crisis. The ambassador specifically urged all countries to cooperate with the Afghan interim government to tackle the matter.
On the same occasion, Khan suggested unfreezing the USD 9 billion of Afghan foreign reserves to sustain the impoverished population that has been harshly affected by the Taliban offensive in August 2021.
Reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) show that about 24 million Afghan people are currently relying on humanitarian aid and 19 million people are experiencing an alarming food crisis. The latter founding was also reiterated by a World Food Programme’s report, which confirmed that 70 percent of the Afghan population is “unable to meet basic needs of food and other non-food items.”
Moreover, discussing the two countries’ bilateral relations, the ambassador also reiterated the long-lasting partnership between Pakistan and Afghanistan in several fields, including education, health, and infrastructure. [Pakistan Observer]
Pakistan, US discuss health sector shortcomings
(sg) Pakistani Minister of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Qadir Patel traveled to Washington on July 23, leading a delegation for the first US-Pakistan Health Dialogue. The summit mainly focused on the increased provision of Covid vaccines and the implementation of field testing in Pakistan. Additionally, the two sides discussed setting up a Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Pakistan. [Dawn 1] [US Gov]
Just days before the talks, Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Tariq Fatemi, met with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman. Their discussions focused on boosting economic, commercial, and health ties. In addition, the pair also spoke of the issue surrounding Afghanistan, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Pakistan’s ailing economy. [Dawn 2]
The flurry of diplomatic visits comes amid the warming of US-Pakistan bilateral ties after the government of former prime minister Imran Khan was removed in a no-confidence vote in April this year [see AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2]. Khan had antagonized the US throughout his tenure, welcoming the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year and more recently accusing Washington of being behind the attempt to oust him – a claim consistently dismissed by the US and Pakistan’s National Security Council, a body of top civil and military leaders.
New Philippines’ presidential administration ready to boost patrols in South China Sea
(pe) Jose Faustino, the new acting defense secretary, has said that the Philippines is prepared to deploy more coast guard ships to protect its fishermen from Chinese vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. This follows statements made by President Marcos before taking office, promising he would assert a 2016 arbitration court ruling won by the Philippines against China about this contested area. [Benar News]
In making public assurances, Faustino has become the first senior official from the Marcos government to speak out about this issue. Faustino stated that Chinese militia vessels and coast guard had been sighted in the contested areas, although he did not divulge any specific details of how many vessels had been spotted. Previous reports made in June 2022, state that as many as 100 Chinese vessels had been reported in the Julian Filipe Reef alone. As a response to these sightings, Faustino has contacted the ‘National Taskforce on the West Philippine Sea’, a process which initiates a new round of diplomatic protests. He has also asserted that the government is willing to increase patrols of the contested area in order to protect the fishermen operating there. [Radio Free Asia]
South Korean defense minister outlines plan to counter North Korean military threats
(my/dql) The South Korean defense ministry will push for an early deployment of a new Low-Altitude Missile Defense system as part of a plan to counter threats from a potential North Korean salvo that combines missiles and long-range artillery putting the greater Seoul area within range.
The plan was presented by Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup during a policy briefing to President Yoon Suk-yeol, that also foresees the resumption of larger-scale joint field training with the US. Seoul and Washington to include aircraft carrier strike drills and amphibious landing training. These joint drills were halted in 2018 under the administration of the-President Moon Jae-in in a bid to facilitate diplomacy with North Korea. 11 combined field training sessions are scheduled to be conducted between August and September, 21 are planned for the first half of next year. The two countries also plan to form the Counter Missile Working Group (CMWG) to deal with Pyongyang’s missile threats.
Further, under the plan efforts to established the "three-axis" system against the North’s evolving nuclear and missile threats shall be accelerated. The “Three-axis” system comprises a Kill Chain preemptive strike platform for the ministry seeks to acquire needed for detecting enemy attacks and preempting strikes in a contingency; the Korea Air and Missile Defense system for which the ministry wants to increase the number of “high-power, super-precision” missiles; and the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan that targets the North Korean leadership, including its military headquarters, in a punitive and retaliatory strike.
In addition, the creation of a defense AI center is expected to be completed by 2024, in line with efforts to use modern technologies to build a combat structure the employs both manned and unmanned assets. [Reuters] [Yonhap News Agency 1]
Meanhwile, during a meeting in Jakarta on the same day, South Korean Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Kim Gunn and US Special Representative for North Korea Sung Kim, who doubles as US ambassador to Indonesia, discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in responding to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Following the meeting, a foreign ministry confirmed: “As the South Korean government has established a roadmap for policy toward North Korea through consultations with related ministries, two chief representatives also had detailed and in-depth discussions on it.” [Yonhap News Agency 2]
Lithuania to open a trade representative office in Taiwan in September
(dql) Lithuanian Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Jovita Neliupsiene has announced that the Baltic state expects to open its trade representative office in Taiwan in September.
Last November, Taiwan opened its representative office in Vilnius that has “Taiwan” in its name. Lithuania’s decision to allow this move prompted retaliatory diplomatic and economic responses on China’s side. [Taiwan News]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
27 July 2022 @ 4:00pm (GMT+7), German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy, and Good Governance (CPG), Faculty of Law, Thammasat University (Bangkok)
Europe in Review (EiR) Webinar Series on Europe-Asia Relations “Ukraine, Europe, Asia and the World: Catching Up with Current Geopolitical Implications of the War in Ukraine”
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to evolve, climate change becoming a global menace of troubling dimensions, and the great power rivalry between China and the U.S., the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine seems to unfold at a critical juncture in world politics. This war is likely predicted to have long-term consequences for Europe as well as Asia and the world. Join this event which is part of the Europe in Review (EiR) Online Conference Series on European – Asian Affairs, jointly put together by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy, and Good Governance (CPG), Faculty of Law, Thammasat University, and the Asian Governance Foundation (AGF).
Further information about this event can be accessed on the [CPG] webpage.
27 July 2022 @ 12:00pm (GMT-4), Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (United States)
The AI-Surveillance Symbiosis in China: A Big Data China Event
The CSIS Trustee Chair in Chinese Business and Economics and the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI) launch the third feature of the new collaboration, Big Data China, on July 27 at 12 p.m. EST. The feature, “The AI-Surveillance Symbiosis in China,” highlights the work of professors Noam Yuchtman (London School of Economics) and David Yang (Harvard University) and their colleagues. The feature shows how China ‘s large-scale investments in surveillance technology is both enhancing the state ‘s capacity to repress dissent and providing commercial advantage to Chinese AI companies operating in the facial recognition and surveillance space.
For more information, check out this [page].
27 July 2022 @ 1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Chatham House (United Kingdom)
Democracy in America: Next Generation Politics
Gen Z and Millennials are the largest, most diverse, and most progressive voting bloc in American history. In November 2020, young people voted in historic numbers and helped deliver the White House to President Biden. But despite being politically engaged in the past, polling shows young voters are increasingly disillusioned by the state of American democracy. This panel will examine the key issues shaping youth voter turnout before the midterm elections and how next-generation politics are changing the US.
This [page] has further details.
27 July 2022, 1:00 p.m. (GMT-4) Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (United States)
Strengthening the Guyana – U.S. Relationship
This event will provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the U.S-Guyana partnership and will explore pathways to strengthening democratic practices, the challenges and opportunities for Guyanese oil wealth, and ways to bolster the economy to improve the socioeconomic outlook for the country. In addition, the discussion will touch upon Guyana’s role in the region, discuss the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, and assess the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and the opportunities for economic rebuilding and human capital development.
See [here] for more details about this event.
27 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) (United States)
The Nuclear Posture in Review
The recent collapse of several arms control agreements has led to deep questions about the future of strategic cooperation between the United States and its adversaries. And fulfilling promises to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in the U.S. security strategy is increasingly difficult given the reality of the current strategic environment. With growing anticipation of the U.S. Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) and the rollout of “integrated deterrence” as a guiding principle for U.S. strategy, the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host a conversation to unpack questions about the future of deterrence, arms control, and the creation of U.S. nuclear strategy.
See [here] for more details about this event.
27 July 2022, 3:30 p.m. (GMT-3) Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales (CARI) (Argentina)
UN New Approach of DDR with a Particular Focus on the African Continent
With seasoned speakers presenting on the topic of the “UN’s New Approach of DDR with a Particular Focus on the African Continent”, join this virtual meeting organized by the African Affairs Committee of CARI for an insightful discussion.
Access more details [here].
27 July 2022, 5:00 p.m. (GMT-4) American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI) (United States)
Reinvigorating and Transforming the United States Postal Service: A Conversation with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy
After years of financial losses and resulting organizational degradation, the Postal Service’s ability to leverage its independence, resources, and infrastructure to operate as Congress had intended is in question. As the Postal Service works to implement its 10-year “Delivering for America” transformation plan, it’s time to ask how postal leadership will achieve the financial sustainability and performance that the American people expect.
Get further details [here].
27 July 2022, 9:30 a.m. (GMT-4) Atlantic Council (United States)
Supporting Climate Resilience and a Just Energy Transition in Africa
To accompany the launch of the report, the Africa Center has assembled an expert panel of climate financiers, nongovernmental organizations, and economists committed to advancing sustainable growth and development. This high-level panel will discuss actionable recommendations as well as priorities in the preparation and run up to the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties that will take place in Egypt later this year.
This [webpage] gives more details.
27 July 2022, 12:00 p.m. (GMT-4) Atlantic Council (United States)
Future Foreign Policy: A New Nuclear Era?
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine started with a warning against Western intervention: they would face “consequences such as you have never seen in your entire history.” As he has repeated his nuclear threats over the last three months, numerous commentators have begun to wonder if it is the beginning of a new era of heighted nuclear risks. Headlines read: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has eroded the nuclear taboo” (The Economist); “Putin’s Threats Highlight the Dangers of a New, Riskier Nuclear Era” (The New York Times); “‘We are now living in a totally new era’—Henry Kissinger” (Financial Times). Many wonder what lessons China may take away from Russia’s nuclear saber rattling. What lessons have US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific learned? Are countries like Japan and South Korea more likely to seek nuclear weapons for themselves? This Future Foreign Policy panel discussion will address these questions, exploring what, if any, lessons the war in Ukraine holds about the political and/or military utility of nuclear weapons in the Indo-Pacific region.
See this [webpage] for additional details.
27 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) (United States)
What Is Behind China's Lending Abroad?
A surge of Chinese government lending to low- and middle-income economies has reshaped international finance over the last two decades. What motivated Beijing's lending? Why is Chinese credit attractive to debtors? And how are these supply and demand factors changing?
Get answers to these questions and more by registering to join via this [link] .
27 & 28 July 2022, 8:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Cato Institute (United States)
Sphere Summit: Incorporating Civic Culture into Advanced Subjects
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 Summit also 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.
Get detailed information on this [webpage].
28 July 2022, 12:30 p.m. (GMT-4) Heritage Foundation (United States)
Lessons Learned from the War in Ukraine
Almost six months have passed since Russian forces invaded their former Soviet allies with the nearly universal expectation that they would quickly overrun the meagre defenses that Ukraine could muster. The ebbs and flows of the war have revealed strengths and weaknesses of the combatants, as well as a few misconceptions about modern warfare. Join experts explore the operational lessons learned to date in the air, land, and domains in and around Ukraine and what we can expect over the months to come.
More information can be found on this [page].
28 July 2022, 9:00 a.m. (GMT+1) Chatham House (United Kingdom)
Towards Collective Action on Corruption in Nigeria: Linking Evidence and Practice in Support of Change
This conference will examine the impact and drivers of corruption in Nigeria; the effectiveness of anti-corruption interventions, particularly those in the behavioural change space; and the value of the available evidence base of citizens’ expectations, understandings, and experiences of corruption, and how these relate to social norms. It will also launch and discuss the latest research outputs from the Chatham House Africa Programme’s work on Nigeria under its Social Norms and Accountable Governance (SNAG) project, supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
This [webpage] has more on the event.
28 July 2022, 6:00 p.m. (GMT-3) Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales (CARI) (Argentina)
Round Table: Social Networks, Political Participation and Democracy
In a world that reinvents itself with unusual speed and, not being clear where it is headed, we wonder what expectations and values today's young people have and where they will take us. Under the annual umbrella "Challenging cultural changes, dialogue with young people", the Consejo Argentino para las Relaciones Internacionales (CARI) brings you a round-table discussion on "Social networks, political participation and democracy".
Visit this [website] for further details about this event.
28 July 2022, 12:00 p.m. (GMT+1) LSE IDEAS (United Kingdom)
The Emerging Market Debt Crisis
Slowing global growth, surging inflation and rising interest rates are squeezing emerging markets more than others. Past economic crises have proven that low-income countries are most vulnerable to economic stagnation and financial crisis when global debt levels reach record highs. How is this crisis different from past emerging market debt crises? What international strategies are being developed to slow the crises and minimize the impact? How can we ensure such disproportionate impacts on low-income countries do not occur again? Join our conversation with leading academic experts to discuss how such crises originate and which global economic reforms are needed to prevent them in the future.
For more information on this event, check out the webpage of [LSE].
28 - 29 July 2022, 8:00 a.m. (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
5th Workshop on New Developmentalism: Economics and Political Economy of New Developmentalism - Day 1
The Center for Studies on New Developmentalism of the Sao Paulo School of Business Administration at Getulio Vargas Foundation is to invite interested candidates for participating in the 5th Workshop on New Developmentalism: Economics and Political Economy of New Developmentalism, which will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, on July 28 and 29, 2022.
For more information, see [here].
29 July 2022, 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4) Heritage Foundation (United States)
A Tale of Three Presidential Houses: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
As the ideologies of identity politics and critical race theory march through America’s institutions, even the homes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison aren’t safe. Some of these historic homes have taken seriously the legacy of the Founders and presented American history in a fair and unbiased manner. Unfortunately, others, with an overwhelming focus on historical grievances, neglect or malign the contributions of these remarkable individuals. Join the Heritage Foundation for a discussion on what Americans can and should do to save these cradles of the Republic.
Check this [webpage] for further information.
29 July 2022, 10:00 a.m. (GMT+9) Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) (Republic of Korea)
Seminar on the Key Issues and Prospects of the International Order After Ukrainian War
The Korea Institute for Foreign Economic Policy (KIEP) will hold a seminar on July 29th, 2022 (Fri) at the Vertex Korea Business Center under the theme of "Key Issues and Prospects of the International Order After the Ukrainian War.”
For further information, follow this [link].
30 July 2022, 10:00 a.m. (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Successfully Engaged: Political Boxing – Convincing with Arguments
Politics thrives on discussion and the exchange of arguments. In political volunteering, there are always situations in which undecided or dissenters are to be convinced with arguments in dialogue or debate. Join the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) to learn the tools of the trade in this workshop
This [website] has more information.
31 July 2022, 12:30 p.m. (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Exhibition Opening/Matinee REX Exhibition and Victims of Right-Wing Violence
Join the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in collaboration the Evangelisches Stadtpastorat for an exhibition opening to showcase the works done on the victims of the right-wing violence.
Follow this [link] for more details.
01 August 2022, 19:00 (GMT-3) Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) (Brazil)
Webinar | Amazonian Dialogues | Regional Inequalities in Brazil and the role of the Amazon
The Getulio Vargas Foundation, through the São Paulo School of Economics (FGV EESP), promotes virtual meetings with the Amazon Dialogues, a digital platform to discuss with all organized civil society topics of interest to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the Brazilian Amazon.
See [FGV] for additional information about this event.
01 – 05 August 2022, 8:00 a.m. (GMT+2) Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) (Germany)
Can We Still Slow Down Climate Change? - Making Environmental Changes Tangible
Extreme weather fluctuations, thunderstorms, storms, heavy rain: the consequences of climate change can also be felt in Germany. But what are the causes and backgrounds for this development? The seminar looks at the causes of climate change and shows the effects on our everyday lives. This is best done locally: Around Bonn and along the Rhine and the Sieg, we explore the environment and inform ourselves about the locally perceptible effects of global warming. In expert dialogue, we make ourselves aware of the connections and causes on the ground and discuss what politics and business at the global, national, and local levels must do to limit global warming. This makes the dimensions of climate change clear: climate change is a global phenomenon that affects everyone. That is why our personal contribution to climate protection is also on the agenda. This starts in the seminar with climate-friendly locomotion on your own bicycle.
For more information, see this [webpage].
02 August 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Wilson Center, FKA Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (United States)
Food Security Systems as Drivers for Sustainable Peacebuilding in Africa: The Case of Kenya
This event will discuss the current state of food security in East Africa in general, and Kenya in particular, examine the causes and impacts of food insecurity and the linkages to peace and security in Kenya, and assess approaches to enhancing food security to determine what is working and what could be improved. Speakers will offer practical options and lessons learned for how policymakers and practitioners can more effectively tackle the challenges of building resilient food systems for sustainable peace.
This [link] provides further details.
Recent and upcoming book releases
Amish Raj Mulmi, All Roads Lead North: China, Nepal and the Contest for the Himalayas, Hurst, 328 pages, published on December 16, 2021, with a review in [The Third Pole].
Manoj Joshi, Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in High Himalaya, Hurst, 276 pages, to be published on September 15, 2022. The book is reviewed in [Asian Review of Books].
Christopher Blattman, Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace, Viking, 400 pages, published on April 19, 2022. For a review, follow [The Washington Post].
Matthew Ford and Andrew Hoskins, Radical War: Data, Attention and Control in the Twenty-First Century, Hurst, 376 pages, published on 31 March 2022, reviewed in [LSE].
Paul Sagar, Adam Smith Reconsidered: History, Liberty, and the Foundations of Modern Politics, Princeton University Press, 240 pages, published on 14 Jun. 2022. For a review, see [LSE].
Adrian Vermeule, Common Good Constitutionalism, Polity, 270 pages, published on February 7, 2022, reviewed in [The American Prospect].
William C. Kirby, Empires of Ideas: Creating the Modern University from Germany to America to China, Harvard University Press, 504 pages, published on July 5, 2022, with a review in [Asian Review of Books].
Jacob Mchangama, Free Speech: A Global History from Socrates to Social Media, Basic Books, 528 pages, published on March 17, 2022. Visit [Los Angeles Review of Books] for a review.
Calls for Papers
The International Political Science Association (IPSA) welcomes paper proposals for an international conference on modern legislatures and the processes of democratization and de-democratization. The event is to be held on January 11-14, 2023. The deadline for paper submission is August 6, 2022. Find more about the call for papers at [IPSA].
New York University, Abu Dhabi, invites proposals for the 11th Annual Eurasian Peace Science Conference, scheduled for January 18-19, 2023. Closing date for abstract submission is August 15, 2022. For more information, see [NYU Abu Dhabi].
Jobs and positions
Furman University’s Department of Politics and International Affairs invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor in American politics. Review of applications on September 30, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. For more information, see [Furman University].
The Department of Political Science at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire seeks applicants for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of assistant professor. Candidates that can teach courses in the areas of due process, civil liberties, and civil rights will be preferred. The closing date for application is September 23, 2022. Learn more about the vacancy at [University of Wisconsin Eau Claire].
The School of Law of Seattle University welcomes applications up to five tenure-track or tenured positions. The majority of these positions is at the rank of the assistant professor. The recruitment will focus on candidates specializing in constitutional law, torts, taxation, legal writing, and clinical teaching. For best consideration, application should be submitted by September 1, 2022. Find more details at [Seattle University].
The Department of Political Science at Radboud University is recruiting a PhD candidate to participate in the “Commander Politics: Cooperation and Competition in Civil War” project of the Department’s Centre for International Conflict Analysis and Management (CICAM). The project is funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The deadline for application is September 30, 2022. Visit [Radboud University] for further information.
Leiden University is looking for two Post-Doctoral Researchers in Comparative Political Economy on Labour Market and Welfare State Transformations to partake in the new 4-years Horizon Europe project. Applications must be submitted before September 5, 2022. If you are interested, more details are available at [Leiden University]
The Faculty of Humanities at Leiden University invites applications for the position of University Lecturer in Modern South Asian Culture. The closing date for application is September 1, 2022. Visit [Leiden University] to learn more about the position.
The Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour (HIB)-department of the University of Twente is offering the position of Assistant Professor in the area of transformational governance. The closing date for application is August 31, 2022. Further information is provided at [University of Twente].
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is seeking a Senior Lecturer in Gender Studies. The deadline for application is August 15, 2022. More details are accesseible via [University of Jyväskylä].
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is looking for a Global Adviser – Business and Human Rights. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Application deadline is Ausgust 6, 2022. For more information, see [UN Jobnet].
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is hiring a Programme Associate to be based in Quito, Ecuador. Core responsibility lies in carrying out a range of program support functions to help develop, implement and monitor the country program. If you are interested, your application must be submitted by August 8, 2022. Find more about the position at [UNICEF].
The World Food Programme (WFP) is recruiting a Head of Programme. This position is based in Arua, Uganda. Core responsibilities include designing and managing programs that effectively meet food assistance needs, or contribute to policy formulation and/or provide technical advice or oversight on program strategy and implementation. The deadline for application is August 5, 2022. See [Career 5] for more details.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking a Project Management Officer to be based in Geneve, Switzerland. August 10, 2022 is the closing date for application. [UN Jobnet] has more information about the position.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is looking for a Representative of the High Commissioner to be based in Tokyo, Japan. The Representative is responsible for ensuring the UNHCR’s effective performance in the country. Applications must be submitted by July 28, 2022. If you are interested, learn more about the vacancy at [MSRP].
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is hiring a National Project Coordinator – Emergency Response and Recovery in Suriname. This position is home-based. The deadline for application is August 6, 2022. For further details, visit [FAO].
Action against Hunger seeks to recruit a Humanitarian Access Deputy Head of Department to support the security and access department in their daily activities in Ukraine. Find more information about the position at [Action against Hunger].
The International Rescue Committee is looking for an Advisor in Policy & Planning to be based in New York, USA. If you are interested, find more about the position at [Rescue].
The United Nations Secretariat (UN) is hiring a Senior Information Analyst – Political Affairs. This position is based in the Joint Mission Analysis Centre/Joint Operations Centre (JMAC/JOC) of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), duty station Abyei. Visit [UN Careers] for a comprehensive job description.
Team:
Afif Zaman (az), Beatrice Siviero (bs), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Faryal Qazi (fq), Henning Glaser (hg), Jessica Pierre (jp), Joanna V. Kumendong (jvk), Julian Wendt (jw), Kashif Ali Hadi (kah), Lucas Meier (lm), Margot Renard (mr), Mary Osei (mo), Nguyen Thi An Nhan (ntan), Oshin Pandey (op), Peer Morten Strantzen (ms), Phoebe Ewen (pe), Sebastian Gräff (sg), Sofia Bertolino (sb), Tarapoom Panpin (tp), Theerapon Damrongruk (td), Tomwit Jarnson (tw), Vaishnavi Deegwal (vd), Varshinya Varadhachari (vv), Venus Phuangkom
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