Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 3, January/2022, 3
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Dear Readers,
Wishing you an enjoyable read of the present AiR issue, I extend special greetings to everyone celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day in this week.
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Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
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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
Human Rights Watch: World Report 2022
(bp) Human Rights’ Watch 2022 Worl Report is focused on spotlighting the need for democratic leaders to address global problems, as a way to halt the rise of autocratic leadership in countries.
The report argues the common perception of an upward trend of authoritarianism and a downward trend of democracy is not long-term as autocratic leaders self-serve themselves in the name of serving the people to whom they initially made promises. The report includes insights into various autocratic and democratic countries and indicates the global implications of the challenges and opportunities caused by the various economies.
In summary, the report sheds light on the need for democratic leaders to work towards global goals like climate change, a need to reduce and eradicate forced and cheap labor and encourage the implementation of foreign policies guided by human rights. The report highlights this will be useful in encouraging a democratic, rather than, an autocratic approach in global economies. [World Report 2022]
Global Risks Report 2022: World Economic Forum
(bp) In the 2022 issue of the Global Risks Report, the results of the latest Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) wres shared in the light of the current business environment, followed by analyzing a growing diversification in sectors like cybersecurity, climate change, outer space, and global mobility. The Global Risks Report examines the consequences of this diversification on stakeholders and the resultant markets shocks. The Global Risks report is an annual report series published by the World Economic Forum that analyses key risks across five categories, namely, environmental, geopolitical, societal, economic, and technological.
The report in 2022 highlighted that COVID-19 continued to have an impact on people's lives in 2021 as they continued to navigate through year two of the pandemic. COVID-19 among others also identified failures in the sector of cybersecurity, digital inequality, and management of debt in regional and global economies. This had a direct impact on the outlook of the market as the market showed a high percentage of pessimism towards future market growth. Additionally, environmental risks and the risks caused by the economic debt crisis appear to be short-term requiring them to be addressed as a priority. The long-term risks identified include cybersecurity failure, geoeconomic confrontations, and geopolitical resource contestation.
The report highlighted the imbalance between the recovery of developed, developing, and underdeveloped economies from the COVID-19 pandemic. From a global economic perspective, the report showed that economic stagnation is a serious challenge caused by the pandemic, as the global economy is expected to grow by 2.3% lesser than it would have been without the pandemic. This is caused by an increase in inflation, commodity prices, and economic debts among developing and developed countries. As pointed out, a collaborative approach is necessary to ensure that there is a balance between environmental and socio-economic stability while transitioning economies to net-zero. As dependency on technology has increased in a post-COVID world, the report calls for an increase in global involvement in cybersecurity to combat cyber-crime and ensure markets and stakeholders are digitally safe and well informed. With an increase of current border restrictions in place due to the pandemic, the report highlights the need to re-think the benefit of migrants to global economies, and the need for countries to work together to open doors for refugees as economic hardships and political turmoil deepens. Lastly, the report also focuses on the need to address geopolitical tensions arising from a growing militarization of outer space as public and private activity increases in outer space. [Global Risks Report]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: Xi Jinping demands “merciless” continuation of anti-corruption campaign
(tp) On Tuesday, January 11, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned top CCP officials not to waver on anti-corruption efforts in the lead up to the 20th National Party Congress set to convene later this year at which analysts expect the endorsement of an unprecedented third term for him as well as a major party reshuffle. [East Asia Forum] [ABC News]
Xi told senior provincial and ministerial officials at a Central Party School study session that the ongoing corruption-campaign was an “overwhelming victory” and that top officials must keep up the “spirit of self-revolution” and never let their guard down. He called on to “continue to fight the tough and long battle of building an honest and clean party and rid it of corruption,” and warned that “[t] will be no mercy regardless of who you are if party rules and the country’s laws are broken.”
While Xi’s speech focussed on anti-corruption efforts, he also emphasised to cadres the importance of following party leadership closely and executing Beijing’s orders faithfully. [South China Morning Post 1]
Xi’s speech comes as past week saw several high-ranking officials have been indicted or put under investigation over charges and suspicion of corruption, including former Public Security Minister Sun Lijun, Guangxi Vice-Governor Liu Hongwu, and Wang Bin, Chair of the China Life Insurance (Group) Wang Bin, which is the holding company for the Ministry of Finance and one of the largest insurers of the country. [Al Jazeera] [South China Morning Post 2] [AP News]
In a latest development, Wang Fuyu, the former deputy Communist Party chief of Guizhou province, was handed down suspended death sentence after a court found him guilty of accepting more than US$70 million in bribes. [South China Morning Post 3]
China: Record low birth rate in 2021
(dql) China’s National Bureau of Statistics has released latest demographic data which show a birth rate drop to a historic low, with only 10.62 million births recorded last year, equalling 7.5 births per 1,000 people in 2021. The national death rate was 7.18 per thousand, putting the national growth rate at 0.34 per thousand or 480,000 people.
The numbers reflect a downward development for a fifth consecutive year and confirm widespread concerns that central and provincial government’s policies to reverse the trend are not yielding results, including scrapping the decades-old one-child policy in 2016 and allowing couples to have up to three children last year [see AiR No. 22, June/2021, 1]. Also last year, provincial and regional family planning laws were amended to extend maternity leave for women, among others [see AiR No. 52, December/2021, 4]. [CNN]
China: Ramps up soybean production amid food-security concerns
(tp) On Thursday, January 13, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced plans to increase its soybean production to 23 million tonnes by 2025, from 16.4 million tonnes in 2021, in line with the 14th five-year plan on crop farming. [South China Morning Post 1]
The new five-year plan reflects China’s efforts to reduce its over-reliance on imports as rising commodity prices raise concerns over the nation’s food security. This also comes amid the global pandemic, geopolitical tensions and trade-war with the United States that have highlighted supply-chain security risks.
“Especially as the United States is the largest soybean supplier to China, and the relevant trade depends on the changes in political factors and diplomatic relations. Reducing the reliance will allow China to take a proactive position in the trade negotiations,” the official document says.
Despite the sharp increase in domestic soybean production, the 23 million tonne target is overshadowed by the more than 100 million tonnes of soybeans that were required to be imported in 2020, meaning China still has a while to go from filling the domestic supply gap. [South China Morning Post 2]
China: New space technology can see through clothing
(tp) According to Chinese scientist of the University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, space radar technology has enabled them to produce a new high-resolution body scanner that can see through up to 30 layers of clothing.
The high-resolution scanner has already started being used at China’s airports and border checkpoints, helping security identify concealed items with greater accuracy. Artificial intelligence is then used to alert authorities of hidden objects under clothing.
The technology has raised the issue of data protection over images collected at airports. An unnamed official working in a southern China airport said that the images taken by the full-body scanner were stored in a hard drive and linked to passenger personal information. Protecting this data is a high priority for airport management as a leak could “turn into a public-relations nightmare” said the official. [South China Morning Post]
China: Increasing efforts for broader use of the digital yuan
(tp/dql) According to findings of research consultancy Sensor Tower, the digital wallet app for China’s digital currency, the e-CNY, has been downloaded more than 2.5 million since it was released in early January by People's Bank of China (PBOC) in ten major "pilot" cities, with Ant Group's Alipay and Tencent's (0700.HK) WeChat Pay agreeing to provide their payment systems.
One of the first sovereign digital currencies to be launched, the e-CNY puts China at the fore of a global race to develop central bank digital currencies. [Reuters] [CNBC]
China: First person convicted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law drops appeal
(tp) In a surprise move, Tong Ying-kit, the first person convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law implemented in June 2020, has announced to drop his appeal.
Tong, 24, was convicted and sentenced to a nine-year term last July for inciting secession after driving his motorcycle through three policemen whilst holding a flag and sign titled, “Liberate Hong Kong- Revolution of our times”.
Though Tong had previously indicated an intention to appeal, he decided not to in what was seen as a landmark ruling for Hong Kong’s judicial system.
A number of people convicted under the national security law are still awaiting trial, including prominent campaigners for democracy Benny Tai, Joshua Wong, Owen Chow, Gwyneth Ho, Sam Cheung and former lawmakers Eddie Chu, Wu Chi-wai and Lam Cheuk-ting. [Reuters]
China: Tibetans detained over protest against destruction of Buddha statue in Tibet
(dql) Chinese authorities have reportedly detained more than a dozen Tibetans for opposing the demolition by the local authorities of a Buddha statue in Tibet’s Drago County in the easternmost Kham region in December. [Radio Free Asia]
China: Former paramilitary chief named new commander of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong
(tp) Peng Jingtang, former deputy chief of staff of the People’s Armed Force, China’s paramilitary force, has been appointed by President Xi Jinping as the new commander of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) garrison in Hong Kong.
Peng, a major general, was also the chief of staff of the Armed Police Force in Xinjiang, where at least one million people from the Uighur ethnic minority are estimated by the United Nations, the US and other countries to be detained for political reasons.
Peng was tasked with counterterrorism in his former role where he trained the special force known as the Mountain Eagles, which was honoured by President Xi Jinping last year for killing 91 terrorists. [China Digital Times]
Analysts say Peng’s appointment could signal a greater hard-line-approach on alleged terrorist activities in Hong Kong, following the implementation of the National Security Law in June 2020. [Al Jazeera] [The Guardian] [The Diplomat]
Beijing has asserted its rights over the entire South China Sea in what it refers to as its “nine-dash-line”. This claim was declared by an international tribunal in The Hague in 2016 as having “no legal basis” based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which Beijing is a signatory.
China: New research facility simulates environment of the moon
(pm/dql) Reflecting the country’s ambitious space program, China has built a research facility that is said to provide valuable research for lunar exploration activities as it simulates the moon’s low-gravity environment and allows for equipment tests aimed at preventing miscalculations. It will be officially launched in the upcoming months.
Under its ambitious space program, Beijing plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2030, and – as part of its increasingly close space cooperation with Moscow – to establish a base on the moon by the end of this decade.
For 2022, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the main contractor for China’s space program, announced plans for more than 40 space launches, including six manned space missions. It also said that the Tiangong space station will be completed this year. [South China Morning Post] [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Japan: Government to cut down on plastic waste
(la) Japan’s Cabinet approved an ordinance on Friday, January 14, that obliges businesses to cut down on their use of 12 types of disposable plastic items, such as clothes, garment hangers, toothbrushes, straws and cutlery, starting from April. The ordinance is part of a broader environmental ambitions of the Kishida administration, amid growing concerns over the scale and consequences of marine pollution.
The ordinance is specifically targeted at companies that handed out over five tons of disposable plastic items in the fiscal year of 2021, which predominantly include convenience store operators, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and laundries.
The government has given companies different options on how to decrease the amount of plastic they use, for example by awarding loyalty points to customers who decline plastic disposables, or by imposing charges that discourage customers from using unnecessary plastic. Operators that fail to meet the requirements of the ordinance will be first demanded to do so. Under the new ordinance, a provision allows for the imposition of fines following noncompliance. [Mainichi]
South Korea: Ruling party’s presidential candidate under pressure after whistleblower found dead
(dql) A whistleblower in an ongoing corruption investigation on Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), found dead Tuesday, January 11.
The dead man, a lawyer, supporter of President Moon Jae-in and a member of the DP, last year provided a civic group with a recording that the group used to file complaint with the prosecution against Lee claiming that a third person paid for him the legal fees in trials in which he was accused of violating the Public Official Election Act in 2018.
The death of the lawyer is the third of a person involved in allegations surrounding Lee, following two in December and coming as the presidential race is in full swing less than two months ahead of the election. [Korea Herald 1]
In an immediate reaction to the whistleblower’s, Ahn Cheol-soo, presidential hopeful of the opposition People’s Party, sharply attacked Lee claiming that those linked to allegations against him have been “silenced with death,” demanding that prosecutors launch a special investigation. [Korea Herald 2]
South Korea: Counter missile system for military aircraft successfully tested
(dql) South Korea has reportedly successfully tested the directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system – a counter missile system – to help its military aircraft dodge portable surface-to-air missiles of enemies by emitting a laser beam to the ground to blind missiles that rely on heat to track targets. [Yonhap News Agency]
Taiwan: Parliamentary committee approves constitutional amendment to lower voting age
(dql) Taiwan’s parliamentary ad-hoc Constitutional Amendment Committee approved on Tuesday, January 18, a constitutional amendment that would lower the voting age in Taiwan from currently 20 to 18.
The amendment was co-sponsored by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and New Power Party (NPP). Some 14 lawmakers from the main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), boycotted the meeting to express their protest against the DPP for setting the agenda for the 39-member committee in a meeting on Jan. 6, at which the KMT was not present. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Cabinet approves bill to raise legal smoking age to 20
(dql) Taiwan’s Cabinet approved an amendment bill of the Ministry of Health and Welfare to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act that would – among other changes – will set the age for legal smoking, at 20. Currently it is at 18. Those violating the regulations would face a fine ranging from NT$2,000 (US$72) to NT$10,000. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Date of local elections announced
(dql) Taiwan’s Central Election Commission announced November 26 as date for the upcoming local elections in which the people will be voting for nine categories of local officials and councilors.
In the last elections in 2018, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered a heavy defeat winning six mayoral and magistrate offices at municipal and county/city level, down from previously 13 of 22 municipalities and counties held. The main opposition party, the Kuomintang, won 15 seats, while Taipei was won by an independent. [Focus Taiwan] [AiR 4/11/2018]
Taiwan: Boosting naval defense
(dql) Taiwan commissioned new navy minelayers on January 14 during a ceremony presided by President Tsai Ing-wen for the navy’s First and Second Mining Operations Squadrons, which will operate ships capable of automatically sowing large numbers of small but powerful mines at high speed without the need for divers. [South China Morning Post]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Main opposition party vows to continue protests, despite COVID-19 restrictions
(ap) Bangladesh’s major opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has announced that it would hold its pre-scheduled rallies, despite new government COVID-19 restrictions, which ban social, political, and religious gatherings in open spaces. Party officials claim the restrictions have been imposed to prevent the BNP’s movement, and that they are an “evil” attempt by the government to control political activities. [New Age] [United News of Bangladesh]
Early this month, the BNP announced it would hold rallies in 40 districts from the 8th to the 24th of January, to force the government to allow its chairperson Khaleda Zia to go abroad for advanced medical treatment. Late last December, the party held rallies in 32 districts to press the same demand [see AiR No. 1, January/2022, 1].
Zia, Bangladesh’s first female prime minister and archrival of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was admitted to a hospital last November, with her doctors saying they fear for her life if she is not allowed to fly abroad for medical care [see AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]. However, Zia has been barred by a court from leaving the country after being convicted and jailed on graft charges in 2018.
Bangladesh: Ruling Awami League party discusses formation of new Election Commission with president
(ap) A team of the ruling Awami League (AL) political party, led by prime minister and party chair Sheikh Hasina, met with Bangladesh’s President Abdul Hamid to discuss the formation of a new Election Commission (EC). [The Business Standard]
The five-year tenure of the current EC will expire next month; the next Commission will be tasked with arranging the country’s next parliamentary election, scheduled between November 2023 and January 2024. In light of this, President Hamid has been consulting with political parties since last December [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3].
Most parties that attended the talks have called for the formulation of a law on EC formation according to Article 118 of the Constitution, which stipulates that the government shall appoint an EC consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and up to four Election Commissioners, subject to the provision of a law supposed to be introduced on that behalf. However, no government has taken such an initiative in the last 50 years. In the absence of the law, President Hamid formed search committees in 2012 and 2017 to appoint the CEC and commissioners.
Bangladesh’s main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has been boycotting the talks. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Bangladesh: Authorities to revoke passports of alleged anti-state conspirators in foreign countries
(ap) Bangladesh’s government will revoke the passports of several individuals allegedly involved in anti-state activities while residing in foreign countries, according to the minister for liberation war affairs, AKM Mozammel Haque. According to the minister, anyone spreading spreads misleading information about Bangladesh while residing in a foreign country could see their passport revoked under accusations of sedition. [New Age]
Bangladesh: Youth wing of ruling Awami League party accused of attack at Dhaka University concert
(ap) A group of people that witnesses allege comprised members of the youth wing of Bangladesh’s governing Awami League (AL) political party has vandalized a concert held at Dhaka University. They destroyed the stage and attacked spectators, injuring several people. [Outlook India]
The concert was of Qawwali music, a Sufi form of devotional music that has come under attack from Islamic fundamentalists across South Asia.
Leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) have denied allegations of planning the attack, and claimed the attack was part of an internal clash between organizers over Islamic Sharia principles on holding concerts. They also alleged that fundamentalist elements organized the concert to promote the Urdu language, going against Bangladesh’s freedom from Pakistan’s imposition of Urdu on Bengali-speaking people.
For their part, the concert organizers, who belong to the student wing of the Gana Adhikar Parishad political party, in opposition to the AL, denied the BCL’s allegations of internal disputes. They alleged that the attack was an attempt by the BCL to control opposition.
In the aftermath of the vandalism, a wave of social media protests emerged, accusing the AL and BCL of going against their secular roots, and of being authoritarian. The concert organizers held another program, which drew support from protesters and the media. Since then, Qawwali events have been organized across Bangladesh to protest the attack.
Bangladesh: At least 30 injured in police clashes with student protesters
(ap) At least thirty people, including students, a university staff member and a police official, were injured after security forces intervened in protests led by students of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).
The students were protesting the university’s delay in addressing their demands, including the removal of a hall provost who allegedly misbehaved with female students. Police intervened after students confined the university vice chancellor, dispersing protesters with sound grenades and batons. [The Business Standard 1]
The protesters also allege that members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the youth wing of the ruling Awami League party, attacked students the day before, trying to force them to end the protest. [The Business Standard 2]
Bangladesh: Protesters demand age limit increase for government jobs
(ap) Students and job seekers halted traffic at a major intersection in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on January 16, as they demanded that the government permanently raise the age limit for entry into all government jobs. The other demands included the end of corruption and fraud in the recruitment process, transparent publication of candidate test results, and a maximum fee of $1 for job applications. [bdnews24.com]
The ruling Awami League party’s 2018 election manifesto promised that measures would be taken to increase the age limit for government jobs. While the government temporarily increased the age limit for some jobs during the pandemic, authorities have failed to make any permanent changes.
Bangladesh: Authorities declare country’s only coral reef island a Marine Protected Area
(ap) The Bangladesh government declared almost 1,750 square kilometers surrounding Saint Martin's Island a Marine Protected Area (MPA), to protect Bangladesh’s only coral reef, and the thousands of endangered marine species it is home to. Saint Martin’s Island is a popular tourist location, and home to 7,000 fishing families, which often results in overfishing, waste and light pollution that threaten the reef and its inhabitants. The new MPA will limit fishing boat traffic in the area, requiring the fishing industry to use more sustainable fishing methods. It is hoped that these measures will reduce coral bleaching and sustain the biodiversity surrounding the island. [BBC News]
However, environmental, and marine experts are concerned that a lack of awareness about marine pollution may render the Bay of Bengal useless within the next thirty to fifty years. Experts urged the nation to grow aware of environmental challenges and to prevent marine pollution, especially through plastic. They recommended that ocean-related topics be included in school syllabi to increase awareness. They called for an action plan to protect the Bay of Bengal, including a ban on the use of one-time plastic in tourist areas. [The Business Standard]
Bangladesh: Indigenous rights activists urge government to enact promised legislation, hold parliamentary discussion
(ap) Lawmakers forming the Parliamentary Caucus on Indigenous Peoples and Minority Affairs have called on the government to provide constitutional recognition to Bangladesh’s indigenous people, take measures for their economic, social, and cultural development and autonomy, and called for a special session of the parliament to discuss issues of indigenous rights.
The caucus demanded that authorities enact legislation in accordance with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions on Indigenous rights, as promised in the five-year plan. The ILO calls for state protection, equal rights, economic prosperity, and socio-economic autonomy for Indigenous communities.
Further, the caucus recommended that the state ensure coordination at the local level to safeguard the ancestral, customary, wetlands and forestry rights of Indigenous peoples. It called for the enactment of the Indigenous rights act, which provides affirmative action for Indigenous peoples, a separate land commission for Indigenous peoples, a minority commission, and an anti-discrimination act in the parliament. [Daily Star]
There are an estimated 1.6 million indigenous people in Bangladesh, most of whom live in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), a group of districts in the country’s south bordering India and Myanmar.
Last month marked the 24th anniversary of the signing of a peace accord recognizing the rights of the minority Jumma tribal group over CHT land. However, rights activists argue that the accord was never implemented, and that land disputes, conflict and militarization continue in the CHT. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
More recently, government representatives speaking at a seminar on peace and development in the CHT have claimed that Prime Minister Hasina’s government has prioritized development in the CHT since the peace accord was signed.
he Chattogram Hill Tracts affairs minister stated that the government has improved communication, education and health infrastructure since signing the accord. Planning Minister MA Mannan alleged that certain “anti-peace accord people” continue to place demands and are unsatisfied with developments in the CHT. [The Business Standard]
Bangladesh: No extrajudicial killings since United States’ sanctions on elite police, rights groups says
(ap) No extrajudicial killings have occurred in Bangladesh since the United States imposed sanctions on an elite paramilitary force late last December, according to legal aid and human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK). [Daily Star]
The US Treasury Department last December announced sanctions on the RAB, citing “serious human rights abuses.” It also sanctioned the current director of the security force and five former senior RAB officials, including a travel ban on Benazir Ahmed, now Bangladesh’s top police chief [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]. Rights groups criticize the RAB for involvement in hundreds of disappearances and nearly 600 extrajudicial killings since 2018.
Law enforcement claims that these killings occur as self-defense during “gunfights” and “shootouts”, but rights activists claim these are staged incidents. They argue that the pause in “shootouts” and killings since the sanctions indicate that the halting of extrajudicial killings depends solely on law enforcers.
They also allege that police officials have been intimidating the families of forcibly disappeared persons by visiting their homes, taking them to the police station at night, and forcing them to sign blank papers. [Prothom Alo]
Bangladesh: Arrest leading member of insurgent group, use drone surveillance in Rohingya camps
(ap/lm) Bangladesh police have arrested the brother of Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, the leader of a Rohingya insurgent group that has been blamed for murders and drug trafficking in Rohingya refugee camps in the district of Cox’s Bazar. [Al Jazeera]
The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) first emerged in October 2016 when it attacked border police posts near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border. Another attack in August 2017 on security checkpoints in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state prompted the Myanmar military to launch the brutal crackdown against the Rohingya later the same year.
ARSA leader Ataullah has denied the group’s involvement in the drug trade, instead accusing Bangladesh authorities of trafficking methamphetamine pills and blaming Rohingya refugees. The group has also rejected accusations of having links with al-Qaeda, ISIL (ISIS) or other armed groups.
The capture of Mohammad Shah Ali was the most high-profile arrest of an ARSA member since the group was accused of murdering Mohib Ullah, a high-profile figurehead for the more than 800,000-strong Muslim minority Rohingya in September and killing seven others at an Islamic seminary soon after. [AiR No. 40, October/2021, 1]
Against the larger backdrop of a spike in criminal activity in the camps, exacerbated by mounting violence as armed gangs and extremists vying for power, the Bangladeshi police has begun using drones to monitor Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, where hilly and congested areas are otherwise inaccessible. [Arab News]
India: Supreme Court seeks Uttarakhand state’s response to hate speech targeting Muslims
(lm) India’s Supreme Court has issued notice to the northern state of Uttarakhand following a petition that sought to prosecute several Hindu religious leaders for allegedly calling for a “genocide” of Muslims at a closed-door meeting of right-wing supporters last month.
According to a police complaint, the religious leaders called for the mass killings and use of weapons against Muslims during a three-day conference in the city of Haridwar, in Uttarakhand, in December. Videos of the event had sparked outrage across India, prompting demands for action. Nearly a month on, many are still furious at the lack of government response or arrests over the comments, which they say highlights a worsening climate for the country’s Muslims. [CNN]
Political analysts, for their part, associate the inflammatory speeches with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s political strategy of polarizing the electorate along religious lines ahead of crucial state elections next month in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur. [South Asia Monitor]
Meanwhile, state police in Uttarakhand on January 15 arrested Yati Narsinghanand, a Hindu religious leader, the second such arrest in the past week. Narsinghanand is said to be a sect chief of a Hindu monastery, and one of the five religious leaders charged in the case. He appeared the following day in a court, where he was sent into 14 days of custody for hate speech against Muslims and calling for violence against them. [Al Jazeera 2]
India: Supreme Court questions West Bengal about status report on dry rations to sex workers
(sr) India’s Supreme Court has paned the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for failing to file the status report regarding the provision of dry rations to sex workers, observing that fundamental rights are guaranteed to all citizens irrespective of vocation. [The Hindu, $]
In September of last year, the apex court had ordered the governments of all states and union territories to supply dry rations to sex workers identified by the National AIDS Control Organisation and district legal authorities, noting that it would be difficult for sex workers to produce a proof of identity. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
While the counsel for West Bengal reported that the state had launched the Khadya Sathi Scheme in order to give rations to the needy, the bench remained unimpressed and asked the government to file an affidavit within two weeks like the other states had done. [The Print]
India: Central government gets sixth extension to draft rules of contentious citizenship law
(sr/lm) India’s Ministry of Home Affairs was granted the sixth extension for framing the rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a contentious law that will fast-track citizenship claims for immigrants from three neighboring Muslim-majority countries. [The New Indian Express]
In December 2019, Parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a legislation that fast-tracks citizenship of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who arrived in India before 2015. However, it excludes Muslims, a move that has been denounced for undermining India's secular constitution. Prime Minister Modi's Hindu nationalist government argues that the law is a provision for non-Muslims fleeing persecution in their previous homes.
In light of this, months of unparalleled mass protests followed — many of which turned violent — leading to a nationwide crackdown and the worst communal riots New Delhi had seen in decades. Moreover, more than 100 petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the law.
On January 9, the home ministry missed the fifth deadline to notify the rules without which the CAA cannot be implemented, despite being required to so within six months of passing of an act. [The Times of India]
India: Catholic bishop acquitted on charges of raping nun; ruling raises questions about role of church
(lm) A Catholic bishop who had been accused of raping a nun multiple times over a period of two years in southern India was acquitted by a court on January 14, bringing an end for now to what appeared to be the country’s first case of its kind. The judge overseeing the trial said prosecutors had failed to prove their case.
Bishop Franco Mulakkal was accused of carrying out the rapes from 2014 to 2016. He was arrested later in 2018 but only formally charged in 2019 after months of large protests in the southern state of Kerala and allegations of a coverup. The Vatican had temporarily relieved the bishop of his duties. [The New York Times, $] [The Straits Times]
Crucially, the victim said she went to the police only after the Catholic Church had ignored her complaints.
In light of this, several other nuns who protested against Mulakkal accused the church in Kerala as well as Vatican officials of turning a blind eye towards the rape allegations. Many nuns also alleged that they were victimized for participating in the protests, including disciplinary warnings and transfer notices and even expulsion from the congregation.
Therefore, the ruling left many members of the clergy questioning the power of the church in Kerala and how the church can move forward while deep divisions remain. For the church has consistently resisted calls for reform, despite at least 12 priests being accused of committing sexual abuse offenses since 2016. [Deutsche Welle]
The nun's lawyers and investigating officers in Kerala said they would challenge the verdict in the high court. But the bishop's legal team said it had "shattered the entire evidence" against him. [BBC]
India: Special investigation commission submits preliminary report on botched security operation
(sr) A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government of Nagaland to probe a botched security operation that left 14 civilians dead last December has submitted its primary report. The SIT is awaiting inputs from the Central Forensics Science Laboratory to submit the final report. [The Economic Times] [The New Indian Express]
An elite military commando unit shot dead six laborers returning to their homes in the remote northeastern state on December 4, believing they were targeting insurgents. Another eight people were killed by the troops when they were confronted by a furious crowd, with a soldier also killed and a military vehicle set alight. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
The killings have once again put the spotlight on the highly controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), a federal law that gives Indian security personnel sweeping powers to conduct raids, warrantless searches and open fire, with broad protection from prosecution. India’s Home Ministry extended on December 30 the implementation of the AFSPA in Nagaland for another six months, citing “disturbed and dangerous” conditions in the state [see AiR No. 1, January/2022, 1]. [Observer Research Foundation]
India: Naval variant of Supersonic BrahMos Missile with extended range test-fired
(rs) An extended range sea-to-sea variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile – one of India’s most advanced missiles – was successfully test-fired by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on January 11.
BrahMos is developed by a joint venture between India and Russia, and can be launched from land, sea, sub-sea, and air against surface and sea-based targets. The missile's range was originally limited to 290 kilometers. According to reports, the limit is now being extended to 350-400 kilometers. [NDTV]
Last month, the DRDO successfully tested the indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile Pralay [see AiR No. 52, December/2021, 4]. Prior to that, the DRDO had successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni Prime, a two-stage canisterized ballistic missile with range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3].
India: Pilot disoriented by bad weather led to crash that killed defence chief Bipin Rawat
(lm) An air force helicopter crash that killed India’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, and 13 other people was caused by an unexpected change in weather that led the pilot to fly into clouds, a military court said in preliminary findings released January 14. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2] [South China Morning Post]
The court, headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, ruled out mechanical failure, sabotage and negligence as the cause of the accident.
Pakistan: Public version of first National Security Policy released
(lm) Pakistan is ready to make peace with its neighbors, including India, according to Prime Minister Imran Khan who said that “economic diplomacy” will now be at the heart of Islamabad’s foreign affairs while unveiling a public version of the country’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP). [The Indian Express]
The document which took seven years to prepare, seeks to shift the focus away from the military to a citizen-centric framework with economic security at its core. The main themes of the NSP are national cohesion, securing an economic future, defense and territorial integrity, internal security, foreign policy in a changing world and human security. Pakistan’s National Security Committee — the country’s principal forum for consultation on matters of national security and foreign policy — and the Cabinet had approved the paper late last December [see AiR No. 52, December/2021, 4].
Crucially, the document makes no mention of Islamabad’s earlier stance that reversal of New Delhi’s 2019 decision to break the state of Kashmir into two union territories is the sine qua non to start dialogue with India, a position that Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf had defended until mid-last year.
With the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, another paragraph assumes added significance: Seeking a broad-based relationship with the United States focused on geoeconomics, the NSP acknowledges the history and continued need of Islamabad-Washington cooperation, but also adds that “Pakistan does not believe in ‘camp politics’”. [National Security Policy of Pakistan]
Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticized the government for not taking their input into account when formulating the policy. [Al Jazeera]
Pakistan: Top TTP leader killed in Afghanistan, senior official says
(lm) A senior leader of the Pakistan Taliban has been killed in Afghanistan’ s Nangarhar province, a Pakistani senior security official said on January 10, about a month after a brief ceasefire between Islamabad and the Islamist militants ended in early December. The Taliban-led government in Kabul, for its part, denied the killing. [Dawn]
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been waging deadly terrorist attacks against security forces as well as civilians in Pakistan for many years to overthrow the government in Islamabad and rule with its own brand of Islamic sharia law. Afghan Taliban-mediated talks led to a one-month ceasefire in November of last year, but the TTP later refused to extend the agreement [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2].
The reported killing of Khalid Balti – also known by the nom de guerre Muhammad Khorasani when he served as the TTP’s spokesperson – comes just days after Islamabad confirmed that the talks with the terrorist group were on hold. While no explanation was provided as to the reasons behind the stalemate, there is a good case to believe that some of the conditions put forward by the TTP, such as the implementation of an Islamic system in Pakistan, were non-negotiable for the Khan administration.
More importantly, it also came just a day after Pakistan told the Afghan Taliban to treat the banned TTP as a "test case", saying tackling the group would help the interim government establish its credentials in the eyes of the world with regards to dealing with other terrorist outfits. [The Express Tribune] [see also entry in this edition]
However, it is unclear what, if any, operational role Balti has played with the TTP since he was released from prison by the Afghan Taliban, alongside about 2,300 other members of the group, just days after the fall of Kabul in August of last year. [Al Jazeera]
Sri Lanka: Trincomalee oil farm deal with India challenged in Supreme Court
(lm) A petition has been filed with Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court challenging the legality of an agreement signed between India and Sri Lanka to jointly redevelop a strategic oil terminal.
The local subsidiary of India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Lanka IOC, and the Sri Lankan government on January 6 signed a deal on modernizing an oil terminal located on the island nations eastern coast near strategically important Trincomalee Port. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
According to the pact, Lanka IOC will have 14 tanks on a 50-year lease while its joint venture with Sri Lankan state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), the Trinco Petroleum Terminal Pvt. Ltd, will develop 61 oil farms. CPC will use the remaining 24 tanks.
The petitioners argue that the cabinet of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has no power under the Sri Lankan Constitution to reach such a decision, and thus have requested the Supreme Court to issue an order nullifying the deal. [South Asia Monitor]
Previously, both countries had been linked in an economic partnership, as Lanka IOC was given leasing rights to the 99 tanks at the facility for a period of 35 years. However, oil sector trade unions in Sri Lanka had been pressuring for the return of the tanks to the state under the control of the CPC. [AiR No. 41, October/2021, 2].
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Former opposition leader trial to move forward
(am) The trial for treason of former Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha will take place on January 19.
Kem Sokha, former president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party, was arrested in September 2017 for an alleged plot backed by the United States to overthrow the government of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen who rules the country for over 35 years. [Voa News]
Cambodia: Creation of coalition opposition party might fail to materialize
(nm) Efforts to form a coalition opposition against the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) before the upcoming election still prove difficult.
After the founder of the Cambodia Reform Party (CRP) first initiated the merger, he said on January 12 that it is unlikely the plan would materialize before the elections in June. A major hindrance is the involved political parties’ interest in keeping their own identities and platforms rather than being represented under one flag. Still, however, some leaders of opposition parties still signal to cooperate during the election campaigns.
A CPP spokesman said they would welcome a strong oppositional challenge but believes new political parties will have issues staying united over a long period. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: New law on internet surveillance
(am) On February 16, Cambodia is expected to implement a new law on government internet surveillance which sparked criticism among national and international rights groups.
The new law, titled National Internet Gateway, will route all internet traffic through a government-run gateway. It states that the authorities will be able to block and disconnect all network connections that undermine national income, security, social order, morality, culture, traditions, and customs.
Aside an alleged violation of the rights to free expression and privacy, there critics see Cambodia possibly joining the growing list of countries that follow China's authoritarian surveillance regime, such as Vietnam and Turkey.
The new law would add to the Cambodian state´s already significant surveillance capabilities. For instance, the Telecommunications Law of 2015 allows the government to monitor any private expression via telecommunications without any procedural safeguards or judicial scrutiny. Moreover, each ministry has an online monitoring team, which is in charge of reporting “offending” content to the Ministry of Interior's online crime unit. Those who are culpable may face charges of incitement and be sentenced to prison. [Human Rights Watch] [New York Times]
Cambodia: Extraordinary Chamber on genocide towards termination
(bs) The so-called Khmer Rouge Tribunal, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), once established by an agreement between the United Nations, several member states and the Cambodian government to try the senior and most responsible leaders of the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime, is about to end prematurely.
This is the result of an addendum to the original agreement on the ECCC that has come into force after the approval by the United Nations General Assembly, having been promulgated by the Cambodian king and having signed by the government and the UN’s legal counsel although the tribunal has still to rule on its last case on the Cambodia genocide in 1975-79.
The addendum leaves the ECCC with a residual mandate for a period of three years, including supervising the enforcement of sentences; witness and victim protection; maintenance, preservation, and management of the archives, among other functions. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: Villagers protesting against foreign mining practices
(am/bs) A high number of Chinese and Vietnamese firms have allegedly been damaging a mountain in a Cambodian northwestern province, ruining natural amenities and causing respiratory issues to the local population as a result of the high volumes of dust generated by the gravel operations.
According to environmental activists and local villagers, the constructions have been concerning not only for the residents’ health but also for wildlife safety.
In December 2021, a group of villagers protested against gravel mining in the area by blocking a road and appealing to the authorities to halt the operations. The protest resulted in various arrests whereas local authorities are backing the gravel companies. [Radio Free Asia]
Indonesia: Bill approved to relocate capital
(bs) Indonesia has approved a bill to relocate $32 billion of the national budget to a development project in a Borneo island in order to prepare the relocation of the country´s capital from a slowly sinking Jakarta to Nusantara, which means “archipelago.”
Critics claim the law should have been approved after a wider public consultation and after proper environmental scrutiny. [Bangkok Post]
An initial plan of the move was drafted in 2019 but became delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak to be postponed to 2024. According to it, Jakarta shall remain the country’s commercial and financial center however. [The Guardian]
Indonesia: Sharp reactions against minister´s suggestion to postpone 2024 elections
(gl) The investment minister´s idea to postpone the Presidential Elections of 2024 was met by heavy criticism including by a member of the House of Representatives who urged President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to issue a formal warning to his minister. [Tempo]
With only two years left until the 2024 elections, many are wondering who will succeed Widodo who serves for his second term. [Kompas] While current constitutional law allows only two terms, there was some discussion to extent the possible terms to three by constitutional amendment which, however, was not supported by Jokowi. He is said to most likely give his support to his Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle’s presidential candidate who the party has still to determine.
Meanwhile, the top three presidential candidates as of the moment are: Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan who all will still need to receive an electoral ticket from their respective political parties. [The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: Corruption cases involving president’s children, local politician, own officers
(gl) Two of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s children were reported to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) including allegations of money laundering through their businesses. An estimated Rp 100 billion (US$ 7 million) was reportedly deposited into their businesses by affiliate companies and dispersed for start-up culinary companies owned by the two Presidential sons. The injection of capital seemed unreasonable in the context of a COVID19-induced sharp decline in food and beverage businesses.[Tempo]
Meanwhile, the KPK is seeking to develop the alleged corruption case of Rahmat Effendi Bekasi, mayor of Bekasi, a 2.5 million-city in West Java which is neighboring Jakarta.
The mayor was arrested under the allegations of taking private companies’ kickbacks in land purchase deals as well as taking bribes from city officials. The KPK stated that the possibility of case expansion rests on the probability of gratification and bribery, evidence for which was found both during the sting operation on December 5 and in the concerned parties’ irrational assets. [see AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2] [Tempo]
The KPK also found corruption cases within its own body this week. On January 12, a former KPK investigator was found guilty of accepting Rp 11.5 billion (roughly USD 800,000) in bribes and was sentenced to 11 years of prison. [Jakarta Globe]
Indonesia: sexual violence bill receives a renewed focus
(gl) President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo called for an immediate ratification of the divisive sexual violence bill (RUU TPKS). As a result, members of the House of Representatives are expected to debate the RUU TPKS draft during their plenary session on January 18. [see AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
The RUU TPKS bill aims to prevent sexual violence acts such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, and domestic and public sexual torture against women, men, and children. The bill contains provisions for the support and protection of sexual violence victims also including legal assistance and health services.
The renewed focus on passing RUU TPKS was sparked by the suicide of a 23-year-old Novia Widyasari. The woman had allegedly been the victim of two cases of sexual assault. [ABC] [ AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
Indonesia: woman in Aceh publicly whipped 100 times
(gl) An Indonesian woman was publicly caned 100 times in the province of Aceh. The victim is accused of adultery after confessing sex outside of marriage. Her husband received 15 lashes for extramarital flirtations with a woman.
As the result of a 2005 autonomy deal, the province of Aceh is the only Muslim-majority region in Indonesia to impose Islamic law. Religious law gives permission to publicly whip anyone found guilty of adultery, homosexual acts, gambling, and drinking alcohol.
Despite the call by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and human rights groups to put an end to this practice, public caning still has strong support in the Aceh province. [The Straits Times]
Indonesia: Government plans to gradually lift coal export ban
(gl) The government announced on January 13 the gradual lift of the coal export ban. Companies’ eligibility for coal exports will depend on the individual coal mining companies’ fulfillment of their 2021 obligations to the domestic market (DMO), as well as the state’s own electricity distributor’s (PLN) stockpile condition. [Jakarta Globe 1]
Indonesia requires coal mining companies to supply at least 25% of their annual production to national markets. Those who fulfill this goal will be able to resume exports in 2022. But companies that do not fulfill their DMO or their contractual obligations with PLN will be subjected to a penalty obligation. The other companies that do not have a contract with PLN or whose production does not match the state-owned company’s coal needs will also face the same penalties. [Jakarta Globe 2] [Tempo]
The coal export ban was originally intended to last until the end of January. The ban was imposed as a result of increased sales of Indonesian coal overseas due to global coal prices rising more than twice that of the DMO in 2021. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2] [Jakarta Globe 3]
Laos: New agreement to fight human trafficking
(bs) Laos has signed an agreement to increase the capacity of the judiciary in the fight against human trafficking.
The agreement was signed by the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Subject of cooperation since 2017 are a handbook on monitoring human trafficking and guidelines on the prosecution procedures in human trafficking cases.
The new agreement introduces plans and procedure manuals for 2021-2022 for prosecutors, investigating authorities, courts, the Lao Women’s Union, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, and other key parties. [Vientiane Times $]
Malaysia adding 1.2 million voters into the electoral roll, increasing it by 40%
(dw) After parliament reduced the voting age for general elections from 21 to 18 years with 211 out of 222 votes in July 2019, the Election Commission has now officially completed an automatic registration system that allows people over 18 to vote, bringing the total number of voters to 5.8 million for the next elections.
Following the full implementation of the automatic voter registration system, Malaysia will have an additional 1.2 million voters, a sudden 40% increase. [Malay Mail 1] [see No. 13, March/2021, 5]
Despite the increase, the commission stated a re-delineation of election boundaries will not be completed until 2026, claiming that would constitutionally allowed only every eight years although the increase would cause parliamentary seat imbalance due to the population differences between constituencies. Instead of waiting eight years, the commission recommended that the government should consider rearranging the borders of parliament seats by increasing the number of Lower House seats. [Malay Mail 2]
Malaysia: State leaders debate the possibility of sudden state elections
(dw) The state government of Penang has ruled out a sudden poll for the possibility of a snap election since the current administration can maintain a stable government.
The Chief Minister stated that there is no need for a sudden election because the next general election is only a year away. He claims that a snap election is unnecessary because the government's main objective should be handling the Covid-19 crisis.
Penang currently has 40 state seats, 35 of which are held by Pakatan Harapan (PH), which is comprised of the Democratic Action Party (19 seats), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (14 seats), and Parti Amanah Negara (2 seats). The ruling coalition of Bersatu and Barisan Nasional holds two seats, while the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) has one. [Malay Mail 1]
Meanwhile, The Chief Minister for the state of Johor declared that he would not rule out the possibility of an early state election, stressing that the government must remain flexible. Despite his administration having only a one-seat edge in the state assembly, he indicated that no decision had been reached on an early election. There are rumors that Johor will host a state election in the near future. The rumors began to circulate shortly after the death of a Perikatan Nasional (PN) assemblyman on December 21. [Malay Mail 2]
Responding to the possibility of an early state election, Pakatan Harapan (PH), the opposition coalition in the state, said it had no intention of attempting to topple Johor's government, which is governed by a small majority. According to the coalition, the opposition alliance in Johor sees no problem with the incumbent administration, led by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), continuing with its one-seat majority. The coalition said that instead of wasting time and money on a state election, the focus should now be on the state's economic recovery. In some instances, PH is willing to cooperate, such as amending Johor's state constitution to lower the age of election candidates from 21 to 18 and passing the state budget.
PH presently holds 27 seats in Johor's legislature. The ruling coalition controls 28 seats in the state (Barisan Nasional holds 16 seats while Bersatu has 11 seats and PAS one). [Malay Mail 3]
Malaysia: Multiracial party makes debut at the national levels
(dw) The son of a former deputy president of the Malaysian Indian Congress (member of the ruling coalition) has switched political allegiances to Parti Warisan (Heritage Party), an opposition alliance.
He stated that multiracial parties are the way forward. He also added that he has already begun laying the groundwork for strengthening his new party and developing a strong grassroots basis to serve the people successfully. [Malay Mail 1]
Parti Warisan (Heritage Party) is a multiracial political party founded in 2016 as an opposition party in the state of Sabah. In October 2021, the party was elevated to national status. The party agreed to align with the opposition alliance, Perikatan Harapan, ahead of the 2018 general election. The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) is said to have a good relationship with the party. [see No. 51, December/2021, 3]
Following its recent expansion to the national level, the party also intends to recruit more prominent politicians. Warisan's current goal is to encourage the residents of Sabah and Sarawak to alter their voting addresses in time for the 15th general election (GE15). Warisan has an advantage as a multiracial political party from Sabah due to the 250,000-strong Borneo community that lives in the other large states. [Malay Mail 2]
Malaysia: Ruling party’s general assembly to be held in March
(dw) Malaysia's ruling party, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), will have its general assembly (Perhimpunan Agung) on March 16-19.
The event was rescheduled from its original dates in January due to a nationwide flood. The assembly will begin with a session of the women and youth wings of the party, followed by the president's general assembly. [Berita Harian, in Bahasa Malaysia]
The assembly will discuss the party's political strategy for the coming year and the formation of a coalition with other parties. The meeting will also examine members' proposal to hold the 15th General Election before the end of the year's first half. [Harian Metro, in Bahasa Malaysia]
Malaysia: Investigations against opposition forces for protesting against Anti-Corruption Commission chief
(dw) Police investigates the youth-wing of the opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) over a protest calling for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner to quit.
Several PKR Youth members and supporters staged a peaceful protest in front of the MACC headquarters on January 10 demanding the chief commissioner to resign. The group also urged the government to open a probe into his alleged ownership of millions of shares in a publicly traded corporation. [see No. 2, January/2022, 2]
In context of the protests police also investigates a social media post from April 2017 as a potential violation of Section 504 of the Penal Code (intentional insult with the intent to provoke a break of the peace) and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (improper use of network facilities or network service). [Malay Mail 1]
Meanwhile, the Securities Commission summoned the Chief Commissioner's family members to investigate alleged violations of stock trading laws by MACC chief commissioner. In a press conference on January 5, he confirmed that he had let his brother buy the shares using his share trading account, but argued that he had done nothing unlawful and had no interest in the shares. [Malay Mail 2]
Malaysia: Senior Shariah judge investigated under sexual harassment allegation
(dw) A senior Shariah judge is under investigation for sexual harassment involving a 57-year-old widow who was still married at the time of the alleged incident in their home in 2020 when her husband was bedridden.
Meanwhile, judge issued a demand letter to a former United Malays National Organization (UMNO) supreme council member, for purportedly defaming him in a Facebook video about the allegations and demanded him to issue an unqualified apology and pay compensation for defaming him. The judge also filed a counter-report, disputing the allegations claiming that a few people staged the whole thing to force him out of his post as a top judge. [Malay Mail]
Malaysia: Sabah's state government allocates largest-ever budget for non-Muslims religious bodies
(dw) The state government of Sabah has committed to contributing RM47 million (USD 11.2 million) to non-Muslim religious organizations, vernacular, mission, and independent schools.
The amount is the largest ever granted by the Sabah government. The state government also set aside RM1 million (USD 239,200) for lion dance heads, donated to various associations and lion dance troupes around the state in time for Chinese New Year. [Free Malaysia Today]
Malaysia: Penang's Hindu population struggling for more autonomy
(dw) In Penang, six groups, including the Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS), a prominent Hindu organization in the country, have filed a lawsuit against the Penang government and the Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB), asking for the 1906 Hindu Endowments Ordinance to be declared null and unconstitutional. They claim that the law has deprived the Penang Hindu population of fundamental liberties guaranteed by Articles 8 and 11 to 13 of the Federal Constitution by seizing temples and Hindu organizations. [Free Malaysia Today 1]
Through the PHEB, the government can take over temples, Hindu schools, and charity organizations. The PHEB also has the authority to request written responses and financial statements from any Hindu organization under the Act. It can also expel or appoint new members to the management of any Hindu organization. [Free Malaysia Today 2]
Malaysia: Government seeks to partner with NGOs to combat human trafficking
(dw) Malaysia's Home Minister has called on non-governmental and civil society organizations (NGOs) to help the government combat human trafficking. The minister stated that lobbying activities and partnerships with NGOs were vital in combating human trafficking and improving Malaysia's ranking in the US State Department's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) assessment. The government believed that the NGOs understood these problems and could help the government in advance.
Malaysia was demoted to Tier 3 last year after spending three years on the Tier 2 Watchlist, according to the 2021 TIP report. The reduction occurred following many complaints from human rights organizations and US officials about migrant workers being exploited in Malaysian plantations and factories. [see No. 52, December/2021, 4] [Free Malaysia Today]
Malaysia: Government deploys four Littoral Mission Ships to strengthen security in Sabah
(dw) Amid rumors of an invasion by fighters from the Philippines, the Malaysian government will boost security in Malaysian waterways in Sabah by deploying four Royal Malaysian Navy Ships (LMS) to the Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters. The LMS would be used to counter threats, monitor the operations area, patrol the Exclusive Economic Zone, support military actions other than war, and operate as a support platform for tasks in peacetime, conflicts, and war. The Malaysian Armed Forces will continue to work closely with the Sabah government and related authorities to achieve the highest level of disaster preparedness. [see No. 2, January/2022, 2]
According to the state government of Sabah, security assets in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone should also be upgraded to ensure that the region's security is always at the most significant level. In preparation for the relocation of the Indonesian capital to the island of Borneo, more border security posts are also required, notably along the border. [Malay Mail]
Myanmar: New corruption charges against Aung San Suu Kyi
(nm) The Myanmar junta filed 5 new corruption charges against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi on January 15.
The military claims that the former leader abused her power, caused a loss of state funds and did not follow the formal protocols when applying to rent and purchase a helicopter. Other charges include alleged bribery and abuse of authority in real estate dealings.
To date, Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 6 years in prison for charges that she has denied. She had already accumulated 6 other corruption charges the junta brought against her. [ABC] [see AiR No.51, December/2021, 3]
Myanmar: Thousands flee homes across the country to escape attacks from military
(nm) Clashes between the Myanmar military and anti-coup resistance forces continue to send thousands to flee their homes.
More than 7,000 residents have fled their homes in Myanmar’s north-western region, Sagaing, since January 8. Locals reported that once residents escaped their townships, junta soldiers that were posted in the area attacked the village with artillery and looted and burned houses. The situation has not de-escalated in the regions’ townships as many are still in fear of attacks from junta soldiers. It was only last month that 11 people were killed by junta soldiers and their bodies burned, which was confirmed by local media and residents. [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2] [Myanmar Now]
In the Kayin state, located in Myanmar’s far north and bordering Thailand, more than 20,000 people are displaced, confirmed by residents and aid groups on January 12. It has created a humanitarian crisis that has spilled over into Thailand. Most refugees are from last month's attacks in the Myawaddy township where there were intense battles between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and junta soldiers. [see AiR No. 52, December/2021, 4]
A great number of displaced peoples are living in makeshift camps along the Thaung Yin (Moei) River and across the Thailand border, with an estimation of 4,700 currently seeking rescue in Thailand in Mae Sot’s Mae Kot Kin village. [Radio Free Asia]
Accordingly, the number of civilian deaths at the hands of the Myanmar military also rose across Myanmar.
[Myanmar Now] [See AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2] [Myanmar Now]
Myanmar: Intensified airstrikes; new air force chief appointed
(bs) Amid ongoing airstrikes, the military junta has attacked a village in the Karen state, in southeast Myanmar, both via land and sky. It has also intensified airstrikes in a northwestern region of the country where seven bombs were dropped from two military jets in another central state in the country, following a fight with the resistance forces, the junta cut off access to electricity and water supply. The utility shutdown caused 30,000 people to flee the country on the following day.
In addition, another airstrike destroyed a hospital run by the Karen National Union (KNU), a political party with an armed wing, located in an area controlled by the Karen ethnic armed group. [Irrawaddy]
Over three days, the junta fired artillery and launched several airstrikes killing at least 40 junta soldiers, 3 members of the resistance forces, and 6 civilians. The final number of casualties is unknown. An unknown number of villagers were also arrested during the raids. [Myanmar Now 1] [Myanmar Now 2] [Myanmar Now 3]
Meanwhile, the Myanmar military junta has appointed a new head of the air force amid a weekend of intense airstrikes across the country. The former air force chief who was in charge since 2018 was replaced after serving his usual 4-year mandate. [Reuters]
Myanmar: Resistance fighters killed 11 prison guards in labor camp near Indian border
(nm) The Tamu People’s Defense Force (PDF), an anti-coup armed group, launched a raid on a prison labor camp, located in the Sagaing region, near the Indian border which they claim to have killed 11 people and lost 2 of their own fighters.
The camps are known to house workers in atrocious conditions where many have died from starvation, beatings, and disease. There were supposed improvements on the conditions due to political reforms starting in 2011, however, since the February 2021 military coup, little is known about the camps currently.
The Tamu PDF said the attack was a warning to military informants and members of military-backed groups as pro-coup numbers have increased in the township. [Myanmar Now]
The Philippines: Ferdinand Marcos Jr not to be disqualified from presidential elections
(bs) The Election Commission has dismissed a petition to disqualify Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines’ late dictator’s son, from presidential elections as there would be “no grounds to cancel” Marcos Jr’s candidacy.
The complaints regarded Marcos Jr’s 1995-97 tax evasion conviction, which would result in a lifetime election ban. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2] Lawyers who filed the original petition announced that they will appeal the decision. [Aljazeera]
In July 1995, Marcos Jr. was convicted of tax evasion and failure to file income tax returns and was sentenced to three years in jail. A sentence that he bypassed by bringing the case before the Court of Appeals. The latest ruling cancelled the jail sentence and sanctioned the man to a payment for the deficient tax. [Rappler]
The Philippines: Religious leaders argue against law banning child marriage
(my) Following the signing of the law banning child marriage on December 1, Muslim leaders expressed their disagreement requesting President Rodrigo Duterte to repeal the law.
The Muslim representative commented that child marriage should be reconsidered due to its deep-rooted cultural practice arguing that Islam accepts the practice as long as the girl reaches puberty.
The law allows a transitory period that will grant a suspension to Indigenous and Muslim communities, yet the request to veto and repeal the law are still proposed even from regional officials with reasoning similar to the stance of the religious leaders. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2] [Strait Times]
In contrast, the United Youth of the Philippines-Women (UnYPhil-Women), a women and youth organization based in Southern Lanao Del Sur Province, has urged the Muslim community to support the law. The act also received support from other organizations such as Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
The Philippines has been in 10th position of highest child bride rate, with 808,000, despite the legal age of 18. [Benar News]
UN experts ask Philippines for update on human rights defender death
(lb) Official communication dating back to October 28, 2021 was made public on January 11, 2022 regarding four UN experts asking the Duterte government for updates in the investigations of the killings of human rights defenders named Emmanuel “Manny” Asuncion, Mark “Makmak'' Bacasno, Melvin Dasigao, Chai Evangelista and Ariel Evangelista. The UN experts asked the Duterte government to take steps in preventing further killings or to explain how no actions fits with the Philippines international human rights obligations. The UN states that no substantive response has been received to address the allegations of extrajudicial killings or to answer questions in regards to allegations. [Rappler]
The Philippines: Media worker found dead days after start of election period
(my) The National Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched investigations into the death of a radio commentator who was also running for the position of councilor in Lambayong Town.
The man, also known for his “hard-hitting commentaries,” was found dead three days after the beginning of the election period. The Interior Secretary has expressed that protection to media workers will be needed, appointing a media security person in charge of protecting media employees at risk of threats during the election period. [Philippine Star]
The Philippines: Members of rebel group CPP-NPA surrender to the Philippine government
(my/nm) Since December 2021, a total of 130 communist terrorist group members from the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have yielded to the Philippines government. From the Northern and Central Luzon region, surrenders include a mix of rebels, militia, and members of different NPA-affiliated organizations.
Established in 1973, the CPP-NPA is a listed terrorist organization in several countries such as the Philippines, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well as in the European Union. The group seeks to overthrow the current administration and their goals are to establish a state led by the working class and to expel US influence in the nation. [Stanford]
The communist insurgency has spanned over five decades and is one of the longest-running armed conflicts today. Dating back to 1969, the NPA has adopted a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist ideology, essentially aligning themselves with the radical left, and has driven an insurgency against the Philippines government. [The Diplomat]
The acting commander of the Northern Luzon Command, one of the armed forces of the Philippines combating terrorism and insurgency, said he was optimistic that the communist insurgency is on the “brink of extinction.” The rise of yielding members from the organization is a result of several joint operations by the military, where Menandre Villanueva, senior commander to the CPP-NPA was killed in a series of gunshots. [Philippine Star 1] [Philippine Star 2] [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Singapore bans book for “offensive religious content”
(avdv/nm) Singapore has recently banned a political cartoon book as it contains “offensive religious content”. Although some members of the parliament question the nature of the ban, Minister for Communications and Information Josehine Teo justifies the ban as being one of religious defense, not of political nature.
Teo claims that the book has “multiple objectionable images” that were offensive to race and religion. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) added that there were images of discrimination against Muslims, mocking the Holy Quran and degrading the Islamic religion. [Today] [Channel News Asia]
Singapore: Reform Party chairman accused of criminal breach of trust
(nm) Investigations were brought against Charles Yeo, Reform Party chairman, for the alleged criminal breach of trust and forgery at Whitefield Law Corporation. The Reform party is liberal-democratic in opposition to the current administration. Yeo was arrested on January 12 and suspects that the charges are politically motivated. [Today] [Channel News Asia]
Thailand: Call for amendment of constitution on senate's power
(si) Former Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn and his team launched a movement to amend the 2017 constitution’s Section 272.
The main goals of the movement are to end the senatorial power to elect the prime minister and that the prime minister (PM) should be chosen instead by a majority vote in the House of Representatives.
Thailand’s current senators were handpicked by the military government following the 2014 coup under the leadership of the then-army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha. Prayut was elected as the government's leader in the 2019 general election.
Somchai encourages all parties, with or without members of parliament, senators, and members of the public, to sign a petition with the aim of 50,000 signatures over a three-month period beginning on January 17, before submitting the petition to parliament. [Thai Newsroom][Matichon, in Thai]
Thailand: Complaint filed against party secretary-general for violating Election Act
(ay) A candidate from a political opposition party filed a complaint against the secretary-general of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party claiming a violation of the Election Act during one of his speeches.
The complaint followed the promise by the secretary-general to give money to citizens in trouble. Such promise would violate Section 73 of the 2018 Election Act, which prohibits a political candidate from promising a handout in exchange for votes.
The chief investigator accepted the complaint. If found guilty, the secretary-general might be also charged for violating the 2017 Political Party Act. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Former Prime Minister faces corruption charges over infrastructure project
(ay/bs) Thailand’s former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra along with others involved in a corruption case on public infrastructure projects, is expected to be indicted in the Supreme Court for allegedly spending a 240-million-baht ($7.2 million) budget on advertising infrastructure projects in 2013.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) intends to reopen the case, which was originally turned down for lack of evidence. According to the NACC secretary-general, the parties involved could be charged for breaching the Criminal Code for malfeasance, for violating the organic law on corruption prevention and suppression, and for violating the law on price collusion in government projects.
The parties allocated the budget to the campaign to promote the "Roadshow to Thailand’s Future Thailand 2020" project. Soon after the budget allocation, the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously on the unconstitutionality of the legislative bill aimed to allow the Finance Ministry to find a $60.5 billion loan for the project. According to the court, the bill violated Sections 169 and 170 of the constitution. [Constitutional Court, Thailand]
The bill aimed to utilize the loan for the construction of a high-speed railway that would cross the country from North to South. The Democrat Party argued that the nature of the bill, passed as an emergency financial budget, would circumvent parliament scrutiny and eventually lead to major corruption issues.
Following the court ruling, Yingluck fled Thailand and received a 5-year sentence in jail in a trial in absentia. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2]
Thailand: New media ethics law raise concerns on media freedom
(bs) The cabinet approval of a bill on media law, the Draft Media Ethics and Professional Standards Promotion Act, which has sparked critics among media professionals in Thailand.
The new law, pending parliament deliberation, would introduce a new surveillance body, composed of eleven experts, in charge of overseeing media organizations and emitting licenses to operate in the country. The council will also draft a set of standardized media ethics, take actions against unethical journalism, and receive complaints filed by private citizens on unethical media activities.
With this bill, the government is allegedly attempting to impose stricter control on press freedom, according to a former editor of a Thai broadcasting service. The man claimed that with the expression ‘good moral’ the council could apply a broad interpretation of the bill. [Khaosod English]
Thailand to address clashes, migrants at Myanmar-Thai border
(bs) The Thai army sent a fire warning to Myanmar following the firing of bullets and grenades into Thailand.
The National Human Rights Commissioner of Thailand expressed concern over the clashes at the Thai-Myanmar border, pointing out that the number of refugees entering Thailand is in constant growth. [Bangkok Post]
According to the Bureau of Immigration, from January to October 2021, over 32,000 have illegally crossed the border, 11,101 of which crossed between September and October. To date, the nine camps at the border host over 91,000 Myanmar refugees, reaching their space limits.
With Thailand not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, it does not have any legal provisions to grant legal protection to refugees. However, the Thai government has been taking steps to enhance national regulations on refugee rights since 2016. The last development was in 2019 when the Thai Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Screening Mechanism (NSM) to improve protection for refugees in Thailand. However, several delays have prevented the implementation of the mechanism. [Observer Research Foundation]
Thailand, Muslim separatist insurgents on third round of peace talks
(bs) The peace dialogue between the Thai government and Muslim separatist insurgents in southern Thailand is moving forward. On January 13, during the third face-to-face meeting since 2019, held in Phuket, the parties agreed to form a joint working group to support peace dialogues as part of the three-point framework that will serve as a basis for future peaceful cooperation. [The Phuket News]
They agreed on violence reduction, public participation, and effective political solutions. The Muslim separatist group suggested further cooperation in the issues of language, economics, culture, and education in the area. The special focus was on the imposition of the Thai language and civil law in Malay-culture regions, where the majority of the population speak a Malay dialect and follow Islamic Law. [South China Morning Post]
The Muslim separatist insurgency has grown more violent since 2004. Until today, the clashes claimed over 7,000 casualties. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] [AiR No. 1, January/2022, 1]
Thailand: Student charged for royal insult released to complete studies
(bs/si) The Criminal Court has ordered the temporary release of a university student sentenced for violating the lese majeste law. The court ordered the student to wear an electronic monitoring device and prohibited the girl from participating in any activities that might “instigate public disorder” until May.
The student spoke up at two rallies as a member of a pro-monarchy-reform activist group. She has been jailed for over three months after being accused of royal defamation for questioning the monarchy and calling for its reform during demonstrations in 2020 and 2021. [TLHR, in Thai] [Thaipbsworld]
To date, a total of 166 charges are filed under Section 112 of the Criminal Code (lese majeste), and over 115 people facing sedition charges under Section 116. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Air force aim to purchase new fighter jets to replace the F-16 ADF (Air Defense Fighter)
(ay) The cabinet has offered its support to the Royal Thai Air Force's decision to purchase the first four jets in a squadron of new fighters for 13.8 billion baht (US 416 million dollars).
The new jets are supposed to replace the F-16 ADF (Air Defense Fighter) jets which were decommissioned from a squadron in Nakhon Ratchasima province in 2021. This acquisition is a four-year tied-over budget spanning the 2023-2026 fiscal year budgets. The deal will be concluded within a period of 7 to 10 years, from purchase to final payment.
However, the choice for the jets acquisition has not been made yet. Two committees have been formed to study which fighter planes to purchase and how to best procure them. [Bangkok Post]
Vietnam scrutinized for punishing peaceful activism and anti-state content
(am/nm) In 2021, activists who questioned the restrictive status quo in Vietnam were systematically punished. In the last year alone, around 63 people were imprisoned by authorities for expressing opinions or for joining groups that were deemed hostile to the government. Many received lengthy prison sentences after unfair trials, according to Human Rights Watch. Vietnamese authorities, thereby, used the Covid-19 outbreak to carry out a harsh crackdown on peaceful activism that went largely ignored outside of Vietnam. [Human Rights Watch]
In North Vietnam, a man was arrested for producing anti-state propaganda. This included defaming the Vietnamese government, the current party in leadership as well as state leaders. The case is still under investigation. [Vietnam Plus]
Vietnam ramps up regression in fundamental freedoms
(am/nm) Conditions for journalists in Vietnam have decreased significantly, with the authorities imprisoning over a dozen journalists in the last year and courts handing down abnormally hefty sentences.
The arrests worked favorably to Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party as they held their 13th Party Congress and voted the National Assembly term for the next five years.
International rights groups say Hanoi increased its efforts to crush dissent or opposing voices during the elections, at a time when the West's attention was diverted from Vietnam's activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the director of Vietnam's Defend the Defenders, human rights in Vietnam have deteriorated in 2021, as the Communist Party used bogus articles of the 2015 Penal Code to suppress dissenters and freedom of expression, including 'propaganda against the state' and 'abuse of democratic freedoms.
It is believed that Western countries and the international community have neglected Vietnam’s human rights situation as they are focused on controlling the pandemic, although the US and Europe have condemned the conviction of journalists and activists in Vietnam. During a visit to Vietnam in August 2021 to strengthen strategic ties, US Vice President Kamala Harris brought up human rights issues with Vietnamese leaders, but no further action was taken. [VoA News]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
China-US relations: US military exercise in South China Sea
(pm) The US last week sent Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and the Wasp-class landing helicopter dock USS Essex, along with their escort vessels, to the South China Sea for joint drills.
The deployment comes a few weeks after China's Navy held simultaneous exercises for its two aircraft carriers, one in the South China Sea. [South China Morning Post] [USNI News] [AiR No. 52, December/2021, 4]
It comes also as the US State Department has reiterated in a report long standing accusations against Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea that “gravely undermine the rule of law in the oceans and violated universally recognised provisions in international law.” [Department of State, USA]
China has consistently rejected these accusations, declaring that its military presence in the region is “entirely for the purpose of self-defence”, and that it has no intention to “seek hegemony” or “establish spheres of influence” in the region.
China-UK relations: MI5 accuses CPC member of influencing British lawmakers
(pm) MI5, the United Kingdom’s domestic counterintelligence and security agency, has alerted lawmakers of a Chinese woman and alleged Chinese agent said to be involved in political interference activities in the United Kingdom and to have facilitated financial donations to serving and aspiring parliamentarians, with funding coming of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and China.
Issuing an alert about an individual is a rare move for MI5 and signals that a long-running investigation had caused sufficient proof and concerns to act and go public.
The Chinese Embassy in London accused MI5 of “smearing and intimidation” against the UK’s Chinese community. The Embassy said in a statement that “China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other country’s internal affairs” [South China Morning Post] [BBC].
Turkey expresses concerns about Uygur treatment in China during foreign ministers’ meeting
(pm/dql) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on January 12 with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues, including potential currency, nuclear power projects and cooperation on new energy and technology such as 5G, cloud computing and big data, as well as the situation in Kazakhstan and China’s position on AUKUS.
During the talks, Cavusoglu communicated his country’s “views, expectations and sensitivities” with regards to the treatment of Uyghur Turks in China, calling on Beijing to carefully differentiate between terrorists and civilians in its fight against terrorism and to respect religious freedom of Uyghur Turks and other Muslim groups.
Turkey is home to about 50,000 Uyghurs, making them the largest Uygur diaspora outside Central Asia. [Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty] [South China Morning Post].
China and Iran implementing comprehensive cooperation plan
(pm) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian in Wuxi, China, to discuss the bilateral ties and cooperation, with the latter announcing after concluding the talks that comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two countries signed last year in March has entered the implementation stage [see AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5].
The announcement of the implementation of the 25-year, US$400 billion agreement sends a signal to the US whose tensions with both China and Iran are running high. [CGTN] [Al Jazeera]
It comes also amid the ongoing difficult nuclear talks in Vienna which seek to restore the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that is known commonly as the Iran nuclear deal and former US President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018. [The Guardian]
China in the Gulf region: Strategic partnership agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council, deepening cooperation with Kuwait and Oman
(pm/dql) Following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nayef bin Falah Al-Hajraf, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on January 11 in Wuxi, China, both sides agree to accelerate efforts for the conclusion of a strategic partnership agreement, including signing an action plan for 2022 to 2025, completing talks on a bilateral free trade agreement and establishing a China-GCC free trade zone as soon as possible. [China Daily] [AA] [AP News]
Meanwhile, in separate talks on January 12 between Wang and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabahand and an 14 between Wang Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad al-Busaidi, all sides agreed to deepen cooperation, in particular in the frame of the in the Belt and Road Initiative. [Xinhua] [CGTN]
Prior to these talks, Wang met with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on January 10 and discussed ways to connect China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia’s plans of economic diversification and with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani a day after to Wang affirm that China was committed to deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, including 5G communications, e-commerce, digital economy, and big data, as well as infrastructure and photovoltaic projects [see AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Japan: Foreign minister addresses US forces over COVID19 surge
(ec) Speaking at a press conference at the Japan National Press Club on Thursday, January 13, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged that is possible that the COVID19 outbreaks at United States Forces Japan (USFJ) bases are leading to a resurgence in infections in relevant prefectures. Hayashi’s remarks follow an agreement between the central government and USFJ to impose new restrictions on American military facilities in the country, such as a self-enforced two-week quarantine from January 10. USFJ forces were exempt from COVID10 testing prior to a cluster of infections in Okinawa in December. [Japan Today 01] [See AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Hiroshima, Okinawa, and Yamaguchi Prefectures under a quasi-state of emergency since Sunday, January 9. Okinawa is thought to contain in excess of 60% of USFJ COVID19 cases, with the American military presence already unpopular among locals. Unwilling to sour Japanese-American relations amid Chinese and Russian moves in the region, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has sought to avoid openly acknowledging a connection between rising local infections rates and USFJ clusters. Kishida was elected Prime Minister by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) after his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, was compelled to resign amid growing disapproval of his handling of COVID19. [The Asahi Shimbun] [See AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Hayashi’s comments followed Japan's Minister for Economic Revitalization Daishiro Yamagiwa address to the Japan National Press Club on Wednesday, January 12, in which he sought to ease business concerns over Japan’s capacity to respond to future national COVID19 waves. Though a large majority of Japanese residents have received both vaccinated shots, current estimates indicate that most will not receive booster shots until March, thus missing the recommended six-month gap. Yamagiwa also touted Kishida’s flagship “New Capitalism’ economic reforms, promising economic growth and innovation whilst promoting wage rises and wealth distribution. Kishida has previously declared his intention to unveil an action and road map in the summer of 2022. [Japan Today 02] [Nippon.com]
Japan and France agree to mid-January talks
(ec) Both Japan and France have agreed to virtual two-plus-two talks at an unset date in mid-January, having been unable to hold such since their last session in January 2019. In-person two-plus-two talks had been intended for the end of 2021 but were postponed over Omicron concerns. The talks are expected to centre on Chinese moves in the South and East China Seas, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. [The Mainichi]
Since Australia’s cancellation of its Attack-class submarine order and the creation of AUKUS, France has turned to Japan as a new prospective partner in its Indo-Pacific Strategy. French Ambassador to Japan Philippe Setton confirmed unofficial talks over a Reciprocal Access Agreement between the two countries in December. Japan and Australia signed their own Reciprocal Access Agreement on January 6, to allow for seamless cooperation between the Japanese Self-Defense Force and the Australian Defence Force in matters of security and humanitarian aid. Noteworthy articles of the RAA include accelerated access to visiting forces subject to prior notification and the exemption of visiting forces and civilian components from visa requirements for entering and leaving the state, though a passport or similar security identification is still required. [See AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3] [See AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Japan and Thailand to launch joint decarbonization initiative
(la) Japan’s industry ministry announced its plans to establish a new sustainable energy dialogue with Thailand on Thursday, as both countries aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Japan’s economy minister Koichi Hagiuda and his Thai counterpart Punmeechaow signed an agreement for the new initiatives during talks in Bangkok. Under the cooperative framework, a comprehensive long-term energy program through cooperation in sustainable technology and human resources, alongside several joint events will be launched to boost investments in the green energy sector and promote decarbonization. The dialogue servers a twofold goal according to the involved parties: to underscore the importance of a sustainable energy transition, while also providing mutual opportunities for investment and energy trade in both countries.
The two countries engage in this energy cooperation not too long after Tokyo established its “Asia Energy Transition Initiative,” under which it vowed to donate $10 billion in financial support to Thailand and other ASEAN member states for the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency and other innovative projects that expectedly attract investment and create new jobs. [The Japan Times]
North Korea: Third missile within two weeks launched
(dql) North Korea fired on Friday, January 14, what Japan’s coast guard said was possibly a ballistic missile. It was the third such launch within two weeks [see Air No. 2, January/2022, 2].
The missile launch comes two days after the Biden administration – in response to two launches earlier this month – imposed the first sanctions against eight North Korean and Russian individuals and entities, citing their support for North Korea’s ballistic missile programs. [The Guradian] [CNN]
North Korea: First border crossing in almost two years
(dql) A North Korean freight train reportedly crossed the Yalu River railroad bridge into China on Sunday, January 16, marking the first time that Pyongyang has formally opened its land border after sealing them to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in January.
Together with international sanctions and crop-damaging severe weather, the prolonged border closure with China has caused an economic crisis and food shortages, with the United Nations special rapporteur on North Korean human rights warning in October of vulnerable people risking starvation.
The rail crossing over the Yalu River is the main trade route between North Korea and China which accounts for more than 90% of North Korea’s international trade. [Reuters] [UPI]
South Korea world’s no. 9 in defense technology
(dql) South Korea’s defense technology ranks at 9th position in the world according to findings of a review of 16 selected military powers by Seoul-based Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT).
The US ranks top, followed by France and Russia which share second place. Behind Germany and the UK – joint 4th position – China ranks sixth. Japan comes at 8th, while India shares the 12th position with Canada. Other countries reviewed include Israel (7th), Italy (10th), Sweden (11th), Spain (14th), The Netherlands (15th), and Australia (16th). [KRIT] [Korea Herald]
South Korea lodges protest against Japan’s claim over disputed islands
(dql) On Monday, January 17, Seoul lodged a strong protest against Tokyo’s claim of sovereignty over the disputed group of islets known in South Korea as Dokdo and in Japan as Takeshima.
The protest came after a speech of Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in which he reiterated Tokyo's stance, calling the islets territory inherent to Japan. [Korea Herald]
South Korea-India relations: Talks on upgrading trade pact to be resumed
(dql) South Korea’s Ministry of Trade announced on January 12, that South Korea and India have agreed to resume negotiations which are aimed at upgrading the two countries’ bilateral trade pact next month, ending a more than two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Furthermore, both sides also agreed on a bilateral trade target of US$50 billion before 2030. Last year, two-way trade stood at a record high of $23.6 billion.
Seoul and Delhi implemented the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in January 2010. Talks about an upgrade of the pact begun in 2015. [Yonhap News Agency] [Business Standard]
South Korea-Iran-US relations: Biden administration greenlights Seoul’s compensation payment to Iranian investor
(dql) South Korea is set to send overdue compensation of US$ 61.4 million to Iran’s Dayyani Group, a consumer electronics group, under a 2018 investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), following the US Treasury Department’s decision to grant Seoul a “specific license” on January 6 under which allows the payment with facing sanctions.
Beyond this case, Iran claims that South Korea owes around US$7 billion for oil cargo, which it has not paid following former US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran deal in 2018 and “maximum pressure” sanctions.
The licence issuance can be seen as a trust-building move, coming only days after South Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun met with US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley, as well as the Iranian and European delegations to the Vienna talks, which are currently in the eighth round and aimed at US’s and Iran’s return to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action which restricted Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the gradual lifting of sanctions until 2030. [Yonhap News Agency] [Reuters]
South Korea-UAE relations: Historic weapons deal signed
(dql) During South Korean President Moon Jae-in visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) past weekend, the two countries concluded on Sunday, January 16, a memorandum of understanding under which the UAE will purchase South Korea’s Cheongung-II M-SAM system, a surface-to-air-missile system designed to combat lower-tier ballistic missiles at altitudes below 40 kilometers. The value of the deal is estimated at US$3.3 billion, making it Seoul’s biggest single defense equipment export ever. [Asia Times]
Over the past decade, both countries have deepened their defense cooperation, reflected, among others, by the year-long deployment of South Korean elite special forces to the UAE to train Emirati troops. [AP News]
Furthermore, Moon announced the two countries have also agreed on expanding their existing energy cooperation into the hydrogen sector. [Korea Herald]
A planned meeting between Moon and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was cancelled at the last minute due to an attack of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group in Abu Dhabi killing three people. It was replaced with a video call on Monday in which Moon extended his condolences to the victims of the attack. [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea-Canada to deepen economic cooperation
(dql) South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has confirmed that during talks between Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and his Canadian counterpart, Mary Ng, on Monday, January 17, both sides reached an agreement on deepen cooperation on supply chains of key materials and other trade issues though the promotion bilateral investment and exchanges in the related sectors.
The two countries concluded in 2014 a free trade agreement which entered into force 2015. Last year, bilateral trade stood at US$12.05 billion, a rise of 40 percent from 8.61 billion in 2015. [Yonhap News Agency]
Taiwan-US relations: Taipei to buy US missiles amid Beijing’s continued military muscle flexing
(dql) Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has revealed plans to procure an additional batch of Patriot III MSE missiles from the U.S. in 2025 and 2026, in a bid to boost air defense capabilities.
The announcement comes after the Ministry on December 27 concluded with the the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) – the de facto US embassy – an US$ 7.3 million agreement on follow-up support and maintenance for the new Patriot missiles. [Taiwan News]
The announcement comes as China continues its military muscle-flexing vis-à-vis Taiwan. In a latest development, three Chinese military aircraft including a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Shaanxi Y-8 electronic intelligence plane, a Y-8 electronic warfare plane, and a Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday, January 17. It was the marking the 14th such incursion this month in which Beijing has dispatched aircraft into Taiwan’s ADIZ every day except for on Jan. 3, 9, and 16, with a total of 61 Chinese military aircraft being spotted. Among them were 41 fighter jets and 20 spotter planes. [Taiwan News 2]
Slovenian Prime Minister calls Taiwan a “country”, wants to open trade office in Taipei
(dql) In a latest reflection of growing pro-Taiwan sentiment among of European countries, Slovenia’s Prime Minister Janez Jansa has called Taiwan a “democratic country” in an interview, adding that Ljubljana is in talks with Taipei wan to set up trade offices in each other’s territory.
Jansa left it open whether he would follow the example of Lithuania which allowed Taiwan to name its office “Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania” instead of the usual “Taipei Representative Office". The designation prompted heavy retaliation from Beijing as it implies Taiwan is a sovereign entity and has led to severe tensions in the relations between China and the Baltic state. [Focus Taiwan] [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
In response, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that negotiations with Slovenia were under way. [South China Morning Post]
China-EU relations: European lawmakers demand backing of Lithuania by EU leaders
(dql) More than 40 lawmakers have called on European Union leaders – including European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as top High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell – to properly react to China’s diplomatic and economic pressure on Lithuania, warning remaining inactive will allow China “to weaken EU unity and intensify ‘divide and rule’ practices among the EU member states as well as seek to diminish the EU’s role globally.”
The call comes as the Baltic state is facing Chinese trade restrictions as part of Beijing’s retaliation against the Lithuanian government’s permission to Taiwan open a “Taiwanese” representative office in Vilnius (see entry above). Lithuanian businesses are currently facing the problem that China is excluding them from its customs system preventing them from meeting export orders or import components made in China. Furthermore, manufacturers in other European countries such France, Germany and Sweden are also drawn into the dispute as their goods are blocked at Chinese ports because they are made with parts produced in Lithuania. [South China Morning Post]
Sri Lanka rules out IMF bailout, seeks loans from China, India
(lm) As it faces the prospect of bankruptcy this year if it does not rebuild currency reserves, Sri Lanka is reportedly seeking funding support China, after having successfully negotiated a currency swap with India.
Looming debt repayments by both government and private sector that observers put at $7.3 billion this year, starting with a $500 million international sovereign bond repayment maturing January 18, and another $1 billion of notes maturing in July. However, as of December, available foreign currency reserves were just $3.1 billion, down from $7.5 billion when the administration of President Rajapaksa took office in 2019 promising robust growth.
But despite the dwindling foreign exchange reserves, Sri Lanka’s central bank has again assured investors that all of its debt repayments will be met and ruled out a bailout by the International Monetary Fund. More importantly, even, the central bank governor on January 12 alluded to the possibility of a new loan from China – in addition to the $500 million loan and $1.5 billion currency swap extended by Beijing as pandemic-time support – to cushion Colombo’s debt repayments. [Reuters]
The possibility of a new loan comes after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa earlier this month asked visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for Beijing to consider restructuring debt repayments [see AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]. Chinese loans account for about 10 percent of Sri Lanka’s $35 billion foreign debt, not including loans to state-owned businesses, which are accounted for separately and thought to be substantial.
Against this backdrop, India on January 13 confirmed the extension of $400 million to Sri Lanka under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, while also deferring another $500 million due for settlement to the Asian Clearing Union by two months. The assistance follows a request by Sri Lanka conveyed during Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s visit to New Delhi last December [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].
Days thereafter, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with the Sri Lankan minister virtually to discuss projects and investment plans by New Delhi that would strengthen the economy of the island nation. That meeting came shortly after the two countries had signed an agreement to jointly redevelop a strategic oil tank farm in the island nation’s eastern port district of Trincomalee [see AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]. [Hindustan Times]
Meanwhile, S&P Global Ratings has cut Sri Lanka’s sovereign credit rating deeper into "junk" territory, to 'CCC' from 'CCC+' with a negative outlook, citing rising repayment pressures and "uneven access" to financing. [Bloomberg]
Pakistan asks Afghan Taliban to take TTP militants as ‘test case’
(lm) Pakistan has reportedly told Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to consider tackling the Pakistani Taliban a "test case" that would help their government establish its credentials in the eyes of the global community with regards to stopping transnational terrorists from using Afghanistan for cross-border attacks. [The Express Tribune]
A United Nations report in July of last year noted that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, known by the acronym TTP, were regrouping and reorganizing, with their leadership headquartered in neighboring Afghanistan. In light of this, in the immediate aftermath of the fall of Kabul in mid-August, Pakistan approached Afghanistan’s new rulers with a list of demands that included action against the TTP.
But the Afghan Taliban did not show signs of expelling TTP leaders – former battlefield ally of theirs – or preventing them from carrying out attacks in Pakistan, despite Islamabad’s efforts to get a reluctant world to engage with Afghanistan’s new rulers and salvage the country from economic collapse [see AiR No. 51, December/2021, 3]. Faced with mounting personnel challenges, they instead begun reaching out to ex-Taliban fighters living in Pakistan to return and work in the new government. [The New York Times, $]
Furthermore, the Afghan Taliban offered to broker a peace deal between Islamabad and the TTP. These talks resulted in a one-month ceasefire in November of last year, but the TTP later refused to extend the agreement. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2].
More recently, tensions between the two neighbors started to run high over the installation of a security fence on the porous border separating the two countries. In 2017, Pakistan begun constructing a fence along the Afghan border – known as the Durand Line – to reduce cross-border militancy and smuggling. It says about 94 percent of the construction work has been completed, despite recent attempts by Afghan Taliban border forces to prevent Pakistan from building the barrier [see AiR No. 1, January/2022, 1].
In an effort to ease the tensions, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on January 14 confirmed that Islamabad will complete the remaining fencing work along the Durand Line with the consent of the Afghan Taliban, taking into account their concerns and reservations. [Mena FM]
Furthermore, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf visited Kabul on January 18 for talks. [Dawn]
Philippines confirms purchase of India’s BrahMos supersonic missile for $375 million
(rs/lm) The Philippines has placed a $375 million order with India for the BrahMos shore-based anti-ship cruise missile system, marking the first time New Delhi has exported one of its most advanced missiles. [South China Morning Post]
Under the deal, BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd – a joint venture between India and Russia – will deliver three batteries, train operators and maintainers, and provide logistical support. The missiles would be operated primarily by the Philippine marines’ coastal defence regiment, according to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. [Al Jazeera]
In the lead-up to the deal, two special allotment release orders with a combined worth of $55.5 million were issued by the Department of Budget Management last month to meet initial funding requirements for a “Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System Acquisition Project”. Moreover, a team from the Philippine Navy reportedly visited the missiles’ production unit in Hyderabad as part of the procurement procedure. [AiR No. 1, January/2022, 1]
The purchase comes at a time when Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is executing a $5.85 billion modernization program, with only five months left in his term. Under this program, Manila late last month signed a contract with South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries for two corvettes for the Philippine Navy. The country also intends to sign contracts for 36 Black Hawk helicopters and six offshore patrol vessels this year.
Observers say the agreement also marks a boost for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to expand his country’s aerospace and defence exports to $5 billion annually by 2025, while at the same time reducing its reliance on military imports. [The Wall Street Journal, &]
According to reports, other Southeast Asian countries, like Vietnam and Indonesia, have also expressed interest in purchasing BrahMos, in addition to several countries in the Middle East, South America, and South Africa. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was expected to travel to Vietnam to mark the 50th year of both countries establishing diplomatic ties. But the trip was postponed after he came down with COVID-19.
India, United Kingdom formally launch free trade talks
(lm) India and the United Kingdom on January 13 formally launched talks for a free-trade deal expected to double their bilateral trade by 2030, as London seeks closer ties with New Delhi as a key pillar of its post-Brexit tilt to the Indo-Pacific region.
The two countries had initially committed to seek a free-trade agreement (FTA) in May of last year, during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Boris Johnson. That meeting had replaced a trade visit Johnson had to cancel earlier due to surging COVID-19 cases in India. [AiR No. 19, May/2021, 2]
The UK’s main demands include removing enormous import duties on scotch whisky and cars, which are currently at 150 percent and 125 percent respectively. London also hopes New Delhi can become a big customer of its green technology industry, and that existing service sector trade routes can be strengthened. India, in turn, reportedly wants to make it easier for Indians to get British visas. [GOV.UK]
The deal to boost two-way trade by $38 billion a year by 2035 is reportedly being keenly pursued by the UK to make up for the significant setback to its commerce with its biggest trading block, the European Union, since Brexit. In light of this, New Delhi agreed to consider an interim agreement to “generate early benefits” within a year’s time. [The Independent, $] [The Straits Times]
New Delhi’s engagement with London reflects a broader urgency that many experts say has long been missing on the part of the Modi administration when it comes to embracing an aggressive trade policy. Last month, India and Australia decided to bypass an interim agreement and accelerate a fully-fledged FTA, officially known as the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement [see AiR No. 52, December/2021, 4].
China steps up construction along disputed Bhutan border, implicating security in key Indian territory
(lm) China continues making moves that threaten to increase tensions with its neighbors, including India, as it accelerates settlement-building along its disputed border with Bhutan, according to satellite image analysis conducted for Reuters.
China has long offered Bhutan control of areas on their disputed northern border, which has been officially closed for decades, provided it hands over Doklam, a strategically significant territory cushioned between India, China and Bhutan. In June 2020, Beijing expanded its territorial claims beyond the disputed regions in northern and western Bhutan, opposing Thimphu’s application to fund a project in wildlife sanctuary, claiming that the location was “disputed” [see AiR No. 28, July/2020, 2].
Against this backdrop, Bhutan and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a “three-step roadmap” for expediting their boundary talks last October. [AiR No. 42, October/2021, 3]
Recent image analysis now revealed over 200 structures under construction in six locations all within territory disputed by China and Bhutan, including a contested tract of roughly 110 square kilometers. Thus, observers believe the construction an attempt by Beijing to resolve its border claims by giving its ambitions concrete form. [Reuters]
At issue is not just Bhutan’s territorial integrity, but also concerns over the potential security implications for India, which is the Himalayan kingdom's main ally and economic partner. In 2017, New Delhi intervened on Bhutan’s behalf to stop China from building a road in the Doklam area, which resulted in a 73-day military standoff between the two countries.
Mindful of the strategic significance of Bhutan’s western territory – Doklam overlooks the Siliguri corridor, a narrow strip of land that connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country – New Delhi last November deployed US-made weaponry in areas bordering China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. [AiR No. 44, November/2021, 1]
No breakthrough in 14th round of India-China border talks
(rs/lm) The 14th round of India-China military talks on January 12 to disengage troops from a key area along their contested border in Ladakh failed to produce any significant results, but both nations agreed to strive toward mutually acceptable solutions to the 20-month border crisis. [South China Morning Post]
Last year, the two sides pulled back troops from a strategic lake, Pangong Tso, but subsequent talks held in October to discuss disengaging at other places ended in a deadlock, with both sides blaming each other for a lack of progress [see AiR No. 41, October/2021, 2]. The other unresolved points are Hot Springs, Depsang Plains and Demchok, all of which did not feature in the initial disengagement process.
Before the latest discussions, India’s Chief of the Army Staff, General MM Naravane, said India was hopeful of settling issues related to disengagement at Patrolling Point 15 (Hot Springs) in eastern Ladakh, where up to 50,000 troops on both sides hunkered down for another winter. The army chief also made clear that de-escalation and withdrawal of troops would depend on the success of the talks. [The Indian Express]
Reacting to Naravane’s comments, China on January 11 put the onus for progress on New Delhi, saying that it hoped “that certain individual on the Indian side would refrain from making unconstructive remarks”. [The Print] [Voice of America]
Against this backdrop, the stalemate along the Line of Actual Control is likely to continue over the winter, after both sides have engaged in frenetic construction of roads, garrisons and airstrips in the disputed region over the last year. Most recently, China has begun building a new bridge on Pangong Tso, which will provide an additional axis to facilitate the speedy movement of troops and heavy weaponry [see AiR No. 1, January/2022, 1]. [Foreign Policy, $]
Indian Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi woo foreign investors at the World Economic Forum
(lm/dql) Speaking at a virtual gathering hosted by the World Economic Forum on January 17, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chines President Xi Jinping sought to woo investors by promising that their countries were committed to economic and market reforms.
The Davos Agenda 2022 online event is being held after the group put off its annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, because of the coronavirus pandemic. [The Hindu]
In his address, Prime Minister Modi noted that India was successfully moving ahead with its economic agenda despite fighting a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, new data shows that India is leading the bounce back from COVID-19 across the G20 forum of the world’s major economies. [World Economic Forum]
With an eye on New Delhi’s efforts to reduce its reliance on China, the Indian prime minister also focused on his government reforms agenda and said that the Indian economy provided opportunities for foreign investors in many sectors and areas, including in the fields of semiconductors, defence, and aerospace. [The Economic Times]
Furthermore, in consonance with his remarks at the virtual Summit for Democracy hosted by US President Joe Biden last month, Modi called for global cooperation to tackle the challenges posed by cryptocurrencies. New Delhi had earlier announced that it planned to ban most cryptocurrencies, but the Modi administration has yet to formulate its own regulatory framework for crypto assets. [Time, $]
Chinese President Xi Jinping, meanwhile, reaffirmed China’s commitment to pursuing high-quality development as well as to reform and opening up, adding that China “will build a unified, open, competitive and orderly market system, where all businesses enjoy equal status before the law and have equal opportunities in the marketplace.”
In an apparent reference to the US, rejected of protectionism und unilateralism, as well as anachronistic “practices of hegemony and bullying," and warned against "fanning of ideological antagonism and the politicizing of economic, scientific and technological issues." [World Economic Forum] [DW]
Bangladesh calls upon Vietnam, ASEAN over Rohingya crisis
(sk) Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has urged Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take a more proactive role in finding a long-term solution to the Rohingya crisis by assisting in the return of forcibly displaced people to Myanmar in a timely, safe, and dignified manner. [The Business Standard]
While holding a phone conversation with his Vietnamese counterpart Bùi Thanh Sơn on January 12, Momen expressed concern about the growing susceptibility of displaced Myanmar citizens in Bangladesh to radicalism, extremism, trans-border crimes, human trafficking, and drug smuggling, which have serious security implications for the entire region.
He also mentioned the 100 Economic Zones and High-Tech Parks, encouraging Vietnamese businesspeople to invest in Bangladesh by taking advantage of very attractive and liberal investment packages for the mutual benefit of the two friendly countries. He also suggested that more technological expertise be exchanged regularly to enhance trade, commerce, and investment, and urged that the Joint Trade Commission and other trade structures be activated to improve trade and commerce between the two countries.
He requested Vietnam’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. Both countries committed to work closely together and offer mutual assistance in various election procedures.
The Bangladesh top diplomat moreover expressed his satisfaction that a huge number of Bangladeshi visitors are now visiting Vietnam and encouraged more Vietnamese tourists to visit Bangladesh. [The Independent]
China to supply about forty percent of Bangladesh’s petroleum imports
(sk) China will supply about 40 percent of Bangladesh’s petroleum imports for the next six months, as part of a $1 billion pact between Dhaka and numerous countries, also including Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. [Radio Free Asia]
Earlier this month, Bangladesh signed a public-private partnership contract with two Chinese companies to develop an expressway in the capital Dhaka into a four-lane expressway. Under the deal, the Chinese consortium will build and maintain the expressway for the next twenty-five years, with an investment of almost $250 million. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
Bangladesh eyes closer economic ties with Australia
(sk/lm) Bangladesh has reached out to Australia to inquire about Canberra’s interest in signing a bilateral investment treaty, as a free-trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries seems unlikely to happen anytime soon. [The Financial Express]
In September of last year, the two countries signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) – the first of this kind between Australia and Bangladesh in the last five decades – under which a joint working group is expected to meet next month. [AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3]
Even without an FTA in place, bilateral trade has grown six-fold over the past decade, reaching $2.6 billion in 2020. Since 2003 Dhaka enjoys duty- and quota-free access to Australian markets.
Singapore, Bangladesh agree to expedite free trade talks
(sk) Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan in a phone conversation on January 13 agreed to accelerate the process for concluding the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between their countries. [The Business Standard]
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Momen requested Singaporean assistance in the areas of Information and Communication Technology and digitization, to which Balakrishnan promised full assistance. The latter also assured Singapore’s continued support for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis. [The Financial Express]
Bangladesh, Denmark leaders discuss climate, trade in phone call
(sk) Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Danish counterparty Mette Frederiksen in a phone conversation last week agreed to work together on climate, trade, and infrastructure development issues. [The Independent]
The phone conversation came after both countries late last December signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance green infrastructure cooperation for Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth.
India, United States senior officers meet under Homeland Security Dialogue, discuss boosting cooperation
(rs) Senior officers of India and the United States on 12 January met virtually to review their cooperation in counterterrorism, cyber security, and other issues, under the framework of their joint Homeland Security Dialogue.
Both sides agreed that the existing subgroups under the homeland security dialogue on law enforcement engagement, global supply chains, aviation security, investigative cooperation, and capacity building and training would meet separately in the coming months to discuss how the cooperation could be further improved. [The Hindu]
A ministerial-level meeting under the Dialogue will be held later this year.
Bangladesh, United States hold counter-trafficking workshop
(sk) Bangladesh’s minister of law, justice, and parliamentary affairs, Anisul Huq, and the United States ambassador to Dhaka last week inaugurated a counter-human trafficking workshop for human trafficking tribunal judges. [The Business Standard]
For the past two years, Bangladesh has attained the Tier 2 status in the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. [U.S. Department of State]
Over the last five years, the United States Agency for International Development has trained 569 judges as well as over 1,000 police officers, public prosecutors, and lawyers on human trafficking issues, allowing traffickers to be caught, prosecuted, and punished. Over 3,000 trafficking survivors have received shelter, healthcare, counselling, life skills and entrepreneurship training, and job placement thanks to US programs and financing.
Bangladesh foreign ministry tasked with providing ‘accurate’ information in response to US sanctions
(sk) A Bangladesh cabinet committee has directed the country’s foreign ministry to provide the United States with “accurate” information, claiming that Washington’s decision to impose human rights-related sanctions on an elite paramilitary force was based on “false and fabricated” information. [The Business Standard]
The US Treasury Department last December announced sanctions on Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), citing “serious human rights abuses.” It also sanctioned the current director of the security force and five former senior RAB officials, including Bangladesh’s top police chief. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
Against this backdrop, another parliamentary committee proposed earlier this month that the foreign ministry appoint lobbyists in Washington. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
More recently, Bangladesh’s agriculture minister, Abdur Razzaque, claimed the sanctions were “not aimed at punishing Bangladesh, but to warn” Dhaka, after meeting with Washington’s ambassador. [The Daily Star]
European Union assures continued trade benefits to Bangladesh after LDC graduation
(sk) While meeting with senior government officials, the European Union (EU)’s new ambassador to Bangladesh last week assured Dhaka that trade benefits will continue even after the country’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026. [Prothom Alo]
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed the next meeting of the EU-Bangladesh Business Climate Dialogue, diversification of Bangladesh’s export products, extension of the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) benefits to Bangladesh, foreign investment in Bangladesh’s logistics sector, capacity building, e-commerce, environment, compliance, market access, and continuing post-graduation cooperation from LDCs, among other topics.
In a meeting earlier this month, Bangladesh sought the support of the German ambassador to Dhaka on the extension of the EU’s GSP scheme, which removes import duties from products entering the EU market on the condition that human rights, labor rights, environmental protection and good governance are being respected. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2]
South Korea to assist Bangladesh in ICT sector using drones in water projects
(sk) South Korea has proposed investment in Bangladesh’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, citing the country’s success in the area over the last decade. [Dhaka Tribune]
The World Bank would fund investments in a pilot project with Bangladesh to create local capacity increases in drone technology to improve water quality control and aquaculture. Other than developing the ICT sector, such a project has the potential to develop other major industries that hugely depend on water as well.
South Korea is also interested in setting up a geo-specialized lab in Bangladesh for capacity building of government officials with the help of the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
Bangladesh, United Nations Development Programme hold seminar on climate-resilient development
(ap) Speaking at a seminar jointly hosted by the Bangladesh Public-Private Partnership Authority and the United Nations Development Programme, environmental experts and Bangladeshi government ministers called for a public-private partnership (PPP) model to contend with climate change, pointing out a financial gap between funds mobilized and required every year for climate-resilient infrastructure.
The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh spoke at the seminar, noting the relevance of Bangladesh and the United Kingdom’s upcoming $165 million climate change partnership in implementing PPP-based climate projects. In November 2020, the UK and Bangladesh had launched their joint Climate Partnership Forum to build on their growing collaboration in advancing the climate agenda in the run-up to the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, also known as COP26. [The Financial Express]
Bangladesh ambassador to chair UN Women Executive Board
(sk) Ambassador Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has been elected as the President of the United Nations (UN) Women Executive Board, replacing Ambassador Fanday Turay, the new permanent representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, at the election held on 11 January. She will be leading the Executive Board in 2022, alongside Ambassador Kyslytsya of Ukraine and Ambassador Valtýsson of Iceland.
The Executive Board is the governing body of UN Women and the primary forum for interaction with the member states. It provides advice on a range of issues while holding discussions on the status of women and girls in the context of global development opportunities and challenges. [The Business Standard]
Russian Naval ships dock in India, take part in joint PASSEX exercise
(sr/lm) Three ships of the Russian Navy on January 13 docked at India’s southern port of Cochin and participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with an Indian missile destroyer the following day. [The Economic Times]
Myanmar’s violence called to a ‘humanitarian pause’
(bp) The UN’s newly appointed special envoy to Myanmar, Noeleen Heyzer, spoke with Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, calling for a ceasing of violence and an utmost restraint to be exercised by all parties to ensure that the Association of Southeast Asian Nation’s (ASEAN) Five-point consensus is implemented in Myanmar.
There has been a disagreement among the ASEAN members on how to engage with Myanmar’s junta chief. Cambodia, the current chair of ASEAN, has taken an approach to engage with the junta, whereas members like Indonesia and Malaysia are insisting on isolating the junta from the ASEAN until the discussed Five-Point Consensus is implemented. [South China Morning Post 1]
This disagreement has further caused a divide within the ASEAN bloc, with its foreign ministers’ meeting indefinitely postponed amid the divide on the escalating situation in Myanmar [South China Morning Post 2]. It is reported that countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, are displeased that the Cambodian leader met the junta leader last week in Myanmar [South China Morning Post 1]. However, Laos and Vietnam have supported the Cambodian Prime Minister’s meeting with the junta leader, stating that it has helped to instate a cessation of violence and to provide humanitarian aid to Myanmar. [The Laotian Times]
Although in the aftermath of the meeting between Cambodia and the junta leader, the junta leader agreed that a ceasefire would exist between the military and Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups until the end of 2022, local media reported that military operations have intensified in the country, with aerial attacks also increasing in certain regions.
While underscoring the importance of implementing the ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, Heyzer also called for a humanitarian plus mission to be implemented which will see the ASEAN and the United Nations (UN) working together to provide grassroots support in the areas of humanitarian and COVID-19 assistance, socio-economic resilience, and food security. [South China Morning Post]
Indonesia ends coal export ban
(bp) Regional economies have welcomed Indonesia’s end to its coal export ban, as its domestic demands were being met. Indonesia imposed this ban on January 1, due to Domestic Market Obligations (DMO) not being met and its domestic generators running low on coal supply. Indonesia’s state power company, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), reported that its power plants had low coal stocks, and this would put Indonesia at risk of a widespread power failure. [Reuters]
A DMO obliges coal and mineral producers operating in Indonesia to sell 25% of its produce to local Indonesian markets at a price cap of $70 per ton for use in Indonesia’s power plant. [Mondaq] Upon instating the coal export ban, Indonesian authorities blamed its shortage of coal supply on coal and mineral producers not complying with the DMO [Reuters].
Indonesia is the world's largest thermal coal exporter and regional economies like the Philippines are reliant on its supplies for their coal-fired power generation system. Coal provides 60 percent of the Philippines ' power and the country imports about 2.3 million tons of coal each month from Indonesia. Furthermore, embassies of Japan and South Korea have also urged Indonesia to resume shipments and end the coal export ban [South China Morning Post].
On January 11, Jakarta allowed fourteen vessels to leave the country, thus ending the coal export ban and easing fears of supply shortages in the coal industry. [South China Morning Post] Furthermore, on January 13, Indonesia allowed an additional 37 coal vessels to depart providing a sign of a relaxation of its coal ban. [Reuters]
Mekong River Commission calls for better management of its hydropower dams and reservoirs
(bp) On January 13, the Mekong Group called on Southeast Asia and China to better manage the Mekong reservoirs and hydropower dams as the Mekong River dropped to its lowest levels in six decades from 2019 to 2021.
The latest Mekong River Commission (MRC) report showed that a decrease in rainfall and climate change were environmental factors causing the Mekong River to run dry in the three years from 2019 to 2021. The MRC calls for intergovernmental management of the dams between Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, recommending that the governments of these countries manage water storage and the operation of the hydropower dams in the Mekong basin to ease the impact of the drought.
Additionally, given that there are 13 dams along the Mekong River of which 11 are in China, the MRC urges data sharing of hydropower dams operation and water storage between China and the Southeast Asian countries of Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. [VN express International]
United Nations call Southeast Asian countries to close compulsory drug detention centers
(bs) The United Nations (UN) has urged Southeast Asian countries to close compulsory drug detention and rehabilitation centers used to detain not only drug dependents but also victims of sexual exploitation and sex workers, claiming that they are not in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) number 3 on good health and wellbeing.
The UN has encouraged Southeast Asian countries to transition to a voluntary community-based approach.
As of 2018, the UN counted over 886 compulsory facilities hosting up to 500,000 people every year in Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. [Bangkok Post]
UK minister’s visit to Cambodia flourishes cooperative relationship between both countries
(am) British Minister of State for Asia Amanda Milling took part in a visit to Cambodia as the first high-profile visit since the United Kingdom joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an official dialogue partner.
Prime Minister Hun Sen praised the UK government for continuing Cambodia's market access agreements, as well as other aid efforts, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for least developed nations. He also complimented the UK for assisting Cambodia with education, mine clearance, environmental protection, and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).
Milling, for her part, also highlighted the UK government's strong commitment to helping Cambodia as the ASEAN chair, thanking Cambodia for its strong support for the upgrade of UK-ASEAN relations to the level of the dialogue partner. It also expressed the UK's eagerness to further expand bilateral ties as well as ASEAN-UK collaboration and the implementation of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action (POA) for the next few years. [The Star]
COP26 commitments: Singapore’s 2024-2030 carbon tax and green universities
(advd/nm) During a parliamentary debate regarding Singapore’s green transition, the Trade and Industry Minister claimed that a higher carbon price will force emitters to decarbonize.
The current carbon tax rate is $5 per emitted ton above the threshold currently set at 25,000 tons a year. This rate will be revised for the period 2024-2030. The question remains how to stimulate companies to lower their carbon emissions while leaving them enough adjustment time to remain in competitive industries. The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment notes that buying carbon credits will be part of Singapore’s toolkit to meet its COP26 commitments. Such tax inevitably also affects the households. The government thinks of offering vouchers for energy-efficient appliances, but these appliances themselves are costly. It might prove insufficient aid for already poorer households. [The Straits Times]
Contrastingly, a report drafted by a student coalition exposes the “extensive” links subsisting between Singapore universities and the fossil fuel industry. Be it through university board members, scholarships, or the university’s financial investment portfolios. While demanding a full divestment by 2030 and recommending a transition to non-fossil fuel industry investments, the student coalition is aware of the time constraints related to such shifts and therefore demands more transparency from the university on its funding ties. [Channel News Asia]
Malaysia and South Korea strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector
(dw) The 10th Malaysia-South Korea Energy Cooperation Workshop was held on January 13. The workshop provided a platform to share knowledge and experiences regarding the two countries' energy transition efforts. The Malaysian government stated that it is committed to implementing an energy transition to a low-carbon electricity supply industry by 2050 to meet zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The committee also encouraged South Korean enterprises in Malaysia to take advantage of the Green Energy Tariff to meet their environmental, social, and corporate governance obligations. The workshop resulted in an agreement on developing energy-efficient building technology between a Malaysian energy company and the Korean Consortium. [Malay Mail]
China, Thailand discuss cooperation
(si) China's new ambassador to Thailand met with the Thai Deputy Prime Minister to discuss expanding the post-pandemic cooperation and bilateral comprehensive Strategic Partnership on economics, public health, and digital technology.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok for facilitating a plan to allow international students to study in China again, and China invested in Thai crops by continuing longan fruit exports after Thai farmers had implemented effective pest-control measures.
The Thai deputy also thanked China for supporting Thailand in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit this year and expressed hope that President Xi Jinping would attend. [Thaiger]
China calls for cooperation to build pan-Asian railway
(bs) China has been planning to connect the new China-Laos railway to Thailand aiming to secure itself an effective land route to enhance its economic activities.
The Thai government had already taken action in drafting a plan for a potential connection to the Lao-China high-speed train, but the plans have not yet moved forwards from their initial stage. In fact, China concluded an agreement with Thailand in 2015 on the railway construction committing to provide financial support to its partner country. However, as soon as the constructions began, in 2017, Thailand stepped back and amended its original plans to cooperate with China. Thailand has changed the conditions of the agreement to the point that China’s role in the project was reduced to next-to-zero percent involvement, leaving to China only the design and the high-speed system.
To date, only 4 percent of the project has been completed. [Nikkei Asia]
Vietnam-Germany relations: German warship visit
(am) A German frigate Bayern visited on January 6 Vietnam, marking the first port call of a German warship to the country time since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1975. The visit is one of ten stops the frigate will make during its seven-month Indo-Pacific deployment that began in August 2021.
The deployment of the Bayern "underscores the security component of the Indo-Pacific Guidelines," according to a press release issued by the German Embassy in Hanoi. The Indo-Pacific Guidelines were adopted by the German government in September 2020, following similar steps by other European nations. The German Ambassador was reported in the statement as saying that the frigate's visit was a sign of friendship between Vietnam and Germany.
The two sides agreed to form a Strategic Steering Group (SSG) led by Vietnam's deputy minister of foreign affairs and a German state secretary of foreign affairs to enhance strategic cooperation. As part of the political talks between the two foreign ministries, this committee was intended to convene on a regular basis to monitor a strategic action plan implementation. However, defense and security cooperation were highlighted as a secondary concern in the two countries' strategic partnership, rather than a priority. [The Diplomat]
Vietnam, China to strengthen bilateral ties
(am) Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spoke on the phone with the premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang, to explore ways to improve relations and deal with stuck goods at border crossings due to China’s strict zero-covid policy.
The two sides discussed steps to promote friendship and political trust, as well as boost collaboration, as they looked back on the previous year's successes in Vietnam-China relations. Cooperation in pandemic prevention and control, notably on vaccinations, was a focal point in the two countries' relations. Cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China has also yielded significant effects.
Li claimed that the issue of agricultural products stranded at the border gates had been addressed and that trading activity through the border gates had improved. He proposed that the two sides form a joint task force to deal with the matter in the future, establishing favorable conditions for Vietnamese agricultural products to enter China and facilitating seamless trade between the two countries. [Vietnam News]
Malaysia and Singapore discuss enabling trusted data flows
(lb) At the fifth Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Information and Communications Cooperation, held in Singapore on January 13, Malaysia and Singapore discussed issues related to enabling trusted data flows between the two countries. Topics of discussion also included better connecting to the respective innovation and technology ecosystems to support businesses and startups. Media production, distribution and consumption being disrupted by technologies and online platforms were also discussed.
The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) Secretary-General released a statement on Malaysia's continuation of embracing digital technology and that Malaysia is looking forward to exploring the potential collaboration with Singapore in the growing digital economy and ever-evolving technology. Malaysia will host the 6th JCM by the end of 2022 and the 14th Muzika Ekstravaganza. [Malaymail]
Philippine migrant workers to be allowed into Taiwan
(lb) The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Philippines’ de-facto embassy in Taiwan released a statement on 12th January stating Philippine migrant workers will soon be allowed to enter Taiwan. The ministry said the process is ongoing and details have yet to be confirmed.
The statement is in response to a meeting which was held 11th January 2022 between Taiwan’s Minister of Labor and MECO Chairman and Resident Representative.
Taiwan closed its borders to travelers on May 19, 2021 in response to a local spike of positive COVID-19 cases. The closures caused an average of 4,000 migrant workers waiting to enter Taiwan since November 2021. [Focus Taiwan]
Philippines received $600 million in military assistance from US since 2016
(lb) The Philippine envoy to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez stated during an ANC interview on January 13 that the Philippines has received almost $600 million in military assistance from the United States since 2016.
He added that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries has helped Philippine military to withstand any kind of forces from the outside.
The US and the Philippines implemented the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) after World War II and became security partners in the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty. The framework covers the treatment and presence of American forces in the Philippines with or without war games. [GMA News]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
19 January 2022 @12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Sandford University, USA
The Intimate Lives of Enslaved Women
As a part of the Critical Conversations: Race in Global Affairs series, this session will explore the lives of enslaved African women across the Atlantic, their struggles, and the enslavement footprint.
More information is available at [FSI].
19 January 2022 @1:00-2:15 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Sandford University, USA
Moscow’s Proposed Security Agreements: A Genuine Opening for Bargaining?
Because of the high tension between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlin has drafted U.S.-Russia and NATO-Russia agreements to ensure Western, Russian, and Ukraine security. This webinar will feature experts who will examine the underlying intentions of these agreements, whether they are intended for rejection as a pretext for Russia's military move or the beginning of serious negotiation.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [FSI]
19 January 2022 @ 12.00 p.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
Future Foreign Policy Series Featuring Ambassador Robert Zoellick
This webinar will feature a conversation with Ambassador Robert Zoellick, former president of the World Bank and author of “America in the World”, who provide insights on economic statecraft’s significance in the US foreign policy.
More information is available at [Atlantic Council].
19 January 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. (GMT+8), East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Difficult Choices: Alliance Decision Making in the Context of U.S.-China Competition
As the tension of competition between the two great powers, the U.S. and China, has been increasingly high, a number of US allies have been forced to make binary decisions between the two. This webinar will feature Dr. Victor Cha, senior vice president and Korean chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who will speak about the condition of US allies and how they should appropriately make decisions that align with the US while still favoring China.
Find more about the webinar at [NUS].
19 January 2022 @ 6:00 p.m. (GMT+5:30), Observer Research Foundation, India
Reviving the Jaffna Peninsula as a Regional Economic Hub
The Jaffna Peninsula in northern Sri Lanka has changed dramatically after the three-decade-long war ended. Despite significant progress in infrastructure health and transportation, there is still much room for improvement in order to re-establish the Jaffna Penisula as the thriving regional economic center that it was prior to the war. This webinar will explore a wide range of opportunities that could be initiated to create sustainable economic restoration.
Visit [ORF] to learn more about the event.
19 January 2022 @ 1.00 p.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
Women’s role in the future of Afghanistan
Since the upturn of the Taliban, women’s rights in Afghanistan have been threatened more than ever. This online forum will center on the future direction of Afghanistan’s women, the future generations, and the country’s development in the face of Taliban’s extreme approach.
Further information is accessible via [Atlantic Council].
19 January 2022 @ 10:00-11:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
Biden’s First Year: Successes, Failures, and What Lies ahead
The first year of the Biden administration was a remarkable year for the office, facing the COVID-19 and its consequences, as well as challenges posed by efforts to create a more equal and inclusive society and the unprecedented implementation of the most diverse administration in U.S. history. This webinar will assess Biden’s performance throughout the year, address Biden’s successes and failures, and look ahead to the following year.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [BROOKINGS]
19 January 2022 @ 5:00-6:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA
Japan’s Economic Statecraft in 2022: A Dialogue with Tadashi Maeda
This online seminar will feature a conversation with Tadashi Maeda, Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Governor Maeda will offer insights on Japan’s economic statecraft policy architecture and address opportunities for future partnership with the United States as well as other allies.
Find more about the webinar at [CSIS].
20 January 2022 @ 9:00-10:00 a.m. (GMT-4), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA
Holding Malicious Cyber Actors Accountable
In this webinar, a panel of experts, scholars, and officials will discuss how to improve cyber responsibility, bolster global commitments, and implement international standards to keep up with cybercrime and ensure cyberspace security.
Visit [CSIS] to learn more about the event.
20 January 2022 @ 7:45-10:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
Growth and Distribution in the Digital Era
This online event will introduce two recent books, “Shifting Paradigms: Growth, Finance, Jobs, and Inequality in the Digital Economy” and “Growth in a Time of Change: Global and Country Perspectives on a New Agenda” that discuss the role of technology in the digital era and how it is altering economies and public policy priorities.
More information is available at [BROOKINGS].
20 January 2022 @ 2:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
Toward Xi’s Third Term: China’s 20th Party Congress and Beyond
After nearly a decade in power, Xi Jin Ping has launched unprecedented anti-corruption, military reform, and poverty-eradication initiatives. This webinar will feature a conversation with leading China scholars about Xi Jin Ping's third-term objectives, priorities, and issues, as well as tracing the evolution of political norms in China's elite groups and projecting the results of the 20th Party Congress and what lies ahead for Xi Jin Ping.
Find more about the webinar at [BROOKINGS].
20 January 2022 @2:00-3:00 p.m. (GMT-5), CATO Institute, USA
Would ‘Medicare for All’ Mean Quality for All? How Public‐Option Principles Could Reverse Medicare’s Negative Impact on Quality
Many studies have found that the Medicare for All program has had negative consequences on healthcare quality. In this webinar, Michael F. Cannon and Jacqueline Pohida will provide a solution based on their new article, recommending "public option" ideas, their application to Medicare, and how these democratic principles can improve health care quality.
For more details of the event, see [CATO Institute].
20 January 2022 @12:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Sandford University, USA
Non-Recognition of Illegal Annexations: Will the Rule of International Law Hold?
This webinar will focus on timely international legal issues on territory as the international rule against the forcible seizure of land has been widely discussed.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [FSI].
20 January 2022 @11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Sandford University, USA
Better Regulation in Germany - National Regulatory Control Council (NKR)
This online session will take a look at Germany’s implementation of the National Regulatory Control Council (NKR) and present the procedures of the NKR.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [FSI].
20 January 2022 @ 12:00-12:45 p.m. (GMT-6), The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, USA
US Economic Trends to Watch in 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard on the US economy, and its unprecedented effects are likely to continue and grow in 2022. In this webinar, Jan Hatzius, Goldman Sach’s chief economist, and Colby Smith, Financial Times’ US economics editor, will offer insights on the projection of US economic trends and outlook this year and what business owners and consumers should be prepared for in the near future.
For more information, visit [The Chicago Council].
20 January 2022 @ 5:30-6:30 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australia
Reforming Australia's electronic surveillance laws
To respond to cyber threats and ensure national security, Australia has undergone historic reform of national security laws. As a part of the public hearing process for the reforms, this online session will discuss the proposed amendments, their implications for electronic surveillance, authorities’ powers, and civil privacy and liberties.
For more details of the event, see [ASPI].
20 January 2022 @ 9:00-10:00 a.m. (GMT+0), Center for Global Development, UK
Climate Change and Migration: Taking Global Commitments a step Forward
The connection between climate change and mobility has become increasingly discussed at a global level. This virtual event will focus on climate change and migration, as well as challenges from implementing policies on environmental migration and recommendations for how the UK and other high-income countries could provide assistance to this crisis and why they should.
Find more about the webinar at [CGDEV].
20 January 2022 @ 2:00-3:15 p.m. (GMT+0), Center for Global Development, UK
Global Economy in 2022: Slowing Growth, Rising Risks
Following the World Bank's recently announced 2022 January Global Economic Prospects report,
this webinar will address global economic trends and issues in 2022, as well as identify priorities and key policies to respond to all the mounting risks.
For more details of the event, see [CGDEV].
20 January 2022 @ 10.15 a.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
The Global Economy in 2022
This online session will explore the world’s economic trends and project the overview of global economy in 2022.
Follow [Atlantic Council] to learn more about the event.
21 January 2022 @ 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
Europe in an Era of Disruption: Where Does the Russia-Ukraine Crisis Go from Here?
The potential for Russia's invasion of Ukraine has posed hazards and disruption to the area as well as the rest of the world. This online session will examine President Putin's agenda in this ongoing crisis and offer recommendations on how Europe could revise its security architecture, as well as the role of the United States in the plan.
More information is available at [Wilson Center].
21 January 2022 @ 12.00 p.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
Inside Out: Investigating the Domestic Drivers of PRC Foreign Policy in 2022
During this webinar, a panel of experts will discuss the development trend of China’s foreign policy and approach toward bilateral cooperation with the United States as the country grapples with a wide variety of domestic issues.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [Atlantic Council].
24 January 2022 @ 1:30-2:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Wilson Center, USA
A “Ministry of Truth” 2021: Fighting Fake News the Old-Fashioned Way
Fake news and rumors have been stability threats that the Russian government attempt to eliminate. Because of the COVID-19, a wide range of news about the pandemic are widespread and the Russian government’s attempt to regulate the information has been bolstered by the two new laws targeting people who share fake news. In this webinar, Alexandra Arkhipova, F. Kennan scholar, will analyze this contentious anti-misinformation registration.
More information is available at [Wilson Center].
24 January 2022 @ 4:00-5:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Wilson Center, USA
Embattled Europe: A Progressive Alternative
Despite the fact that the European Union appears to be on the decline as a result of the debt and migration crises, Brexit, and other recent events, a respected historian, Konrad Jarausch, argues that the EU is the best progressive alternative to rightwing populism's military actions and widespread inequality because of its cooperative foreign policy, social unity, and environmental preservation.
Find more about the webinar at [Wilson Center].
24 January 2022 @ 5:30-7:00 p.m. (GMT+1), Fondation Prospective Innovation, France
One Year of Biden Presidency: What’s Next?
As the first year of Biden’s administration will come to an end on January 20, 2022. This webinar will revisit first year of Biden’s first year in office and address the issues that lie ahead him, including the November 2022 elections, which will set the second half of his tenure and possibly the 2024 election.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [FPI].
24 January 2022 @ 10:00 -11:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
The Social Media War in the Middle East
In the Middle East, social media has been misinterpreted as a new instrument for attacking adversaries, rivals, and critics via rumors and fake news. This webinar will feature a panel of experts who will address the implications of these new digitalized methods, as well as how American technology companies should manage and mitigate cyber risks.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [Wilson Center].
25 January 2022 @1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Sandford University, USA
The Role of Intelligence Agencies in Public Attribution of Offensive Cyber Operations
This online session will take a look at Germany’s implementation of the National Regulatory Control Council (NKR) and present the procedures of the NKR.
Follow [FSI] to learn more about the event.
25 January 2022 @5:00-6:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Sandford University, USA
Cybersecurity: Is Seoul Ready for Pyongyang's Latest Threat?
South Korea has faced security threats from its neighbor, with threats from North Korea's advancement of nuclear weapons. However, in this digital age, security risk has also come in the form of cyber-attacks, which are fast and less visible. This webinar will address these new strikes and how South Korea, one of the world’s technological hubs, can respond to North Korea's attacks.
More information is available at [FSI].
Recent Book Releases
Nayma Qayum, Village Ties: Women, NGOs, and Informal Institutions in Rural Bangladesh, Rutgers University Press, 219 pages, published on November 12, 2021, reviewed in [LSE].
Harald Jähner, Aftermath: Life in the Fallout of the Third Reich, 1945-1955, Knopf, 416 pages, January 11, 2022, with a review in [The New York Times].
Peter T. Coleman, The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization, Columbia University Press, 296 pages, published on June 1, 2021. For a review see [Los Angeles Review of Books].
Timothy Frye, Weak Strongman: The Limits of Power in Putin’s Russia, Princeton University Press, 288 pages, published on April 6, 2021, briefly reviewed in [Foreign Affairs].
Jin Xu, Empire of Silver: A New Monetary History of China, Yale University Press, 384 pages, published on February 23, 2021. Find a review in [Asian Review of Books].
Darren Byler, In the Camps: China’s High-Tech Penal Colony, Columbia Global Reports, 150 pages, published on October 12, 2021, with a review in [Chinaworker].
Calls for Papers
The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation (DRKF) invites applications for its start-up grants with a cash volume of US$300000, paid over three years. Applications are accepted year-round. For more information, visit [drkfoundation].
The Centre for Religion, Reconciliation and Peace at the University of Winchester welcomes paper proposals for the Third International Conference on Religion and Culture in Conflict and Peace to be held on June 13-15, 2022. Deadline of submission is February 18, 2022. Find more about the call at [Winchester University].
Chiang Mai University is calling for English manuscripts to be published in its Political Science and Public Administration Journal(No. 2, 2023). The theme of the issue is "Global Citizen and Sustainable Development". Closing date for submission is December 31, 2022. If you are interested, more details are available at [ThaiJo].
Jobs and Positions
UN Women is offering the position of a Special Representative to be based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with core responsibility in developing and implementing the strategic direction of UN Women’s presence. Closing date for application is February 4, 2022. For more information, visit [UNDP].
The Secretariat of the United Nations is seeking a Director for Public Information to lead the News and Media Division of the Secretariat’s Department for Global Communications. Duty station is New York, US. Deadline for applications is February 26, 2022. More details are available at [UN].
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is looking for a Head of Programme to direct the Council’s operations in Lebanon. Applications can be submitted until January 26, 2022. If you are interested, you can find further information at [DRC].
The Information Technology Directorate at the Court of Justice of the European Union is recruiting a cybersecurity specialist. Closing date for applications is February 3, 2022. See [EC].
Team:
Amanda de Mayrinck Malvazzo (am), Amna Pathan (ap), Anawil Yodprasit (ay), Atiwat Sinsirivanich (as), Auriane van der Vaeren (av), Beatrice Siviero (bs), Brandon Pinto (bp), Danny Widiatmo (dw), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Ethan Carey (ec), Ginevra Lapi (gl), Henning Glaser (hg), Jidapa Eagark, Kittikun Chumworathayee (kc), Lidewij Arnold (la), Lois Barker (lb), Lucas Meier (lm), Mega Yanti (my), Natinunt Muenchorn (nm), Prisca Mirchandani (pm), Ruchika Saini (rs), Sally Dobie (sd), Shivani Raheja (sr), Shreya Kar (sk), Sirapat Inthong (si), Tayla Peacock (tp), Tomwit Jarnson (tj), Venus Phuangkom
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