Grasp the pattern, read the trend

No. 42, October/2022, 3

Brought to you by CPG

Dear Readers, 

The Asia in Review (AIR) team is pleased to present you this week´s AiR issue offering an update on the latest events, developments and trends in domestic politics, international relations and geopolitics in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

I wish you an informative read and extend special greetings to everyone celebrating Azerbaijan’s Independence Day and Hungary’s and Niue’s National Day in this week.

With best regards,

Henning Glaser

Editor in Chief

Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU

Main Sections

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

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

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

• International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

• Announcements

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

China: CCP National Congress kicks off

(ms) The 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began with an opening speech by President Xi Jinping on October 16 and is scheduled to run until Oct. 22.

The focus of this quinquennial meeting of China's leaders this time is on Xi, who is seeking an unprecedented third term as party leader which by all indications he will secure. Furthermore, amendments to the party’s constitution that were approved by the party’s Central Committee during its plenary last week and that established a “core position” and “guiding role” for him, further cementing his power position, are expected to be adopted by the Congress.

Anticipated are also possible changes in senior leadership positions of the party, in particular at the apex of power and decision-making, the party’s seven-member Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) as well as the future of Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Li already announced in March this year that he would step down from his position as number two after his second term, which ends in March next year [see AiR No. 36, September/2022, 1], but there is only speculation about his successor and his future in the party. [South China Morning Post 1] [Anadolu Agency] [CNBC]

In his work report [for the text of the full work report in Englisch, see Bloomberg], Xi made clear – with regards to domestic policies – that China, at least for the time being and near future, would stick to the “zero-covid” policy and signaled that the government would continue with a tightened regulatory approach towards various businesses to reduce economic inequality within society. He highlighted that development was to be the “top priority”, demanding a focus on “high-quality growth” and self-reliance in science and technology. Observers consider these statements as signaling a focus on stability and security instead of growth. [CNN] [The Diplomat] [RTHK]

In foreign policy, Xi presented an aggressive stance promising that the party will “resolutely safeguard the security of China’s state power, systems and ideology,” and adding that it “will crack down hard on infiltration, sabotage, subversion, and separatist activities by hostile forces.” [Politico] While the report does not mention the USA, this statement comes days after the Biden administration released its 2022 National Security Strategy that stressed on China as “the only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to do it.” [The White House, USA]

Furthermore, Xi called on the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to "win regional wars," which is described by experts as a departure from five years ago at the last National Congress in 2017, when the claim was to win wars without narrowing it down to the region around China. Without naming specific potential war zones, it can be assumed that with regional wars, China's territorial claims in the form of the Nine-Dash Line in the South China Sea and the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea are likely to be enforced more vigorously. This is supported by the PLA's statement published last week and a matching government documentary series that appeared on Chinese television [see AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2]. [South China Morning Post 2]

With regards to Taiwan, Xi reiterated the stance that while China would “strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort,” it will “never promise to renounce the use of force,” and “reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.” [South China Morning Post 3]

In a first response to the work report, the six largest Chinese state-owned banks, namely the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China and Postal Savings Bank of China, China Construction Bank Corp and Bank of Communications, announced that they would expand their support for the weakening economy. [Reuters]

Also, in line with the "high-quality" development and self-reliance, the Chinese government announced on October 17 that it will significantly expand its domestic energy supply capacity and its reserve capacity for key commodities to ensure security of supply and stabilize domestic commodity prices more resilient against foreign influences. This expansion will mainly be based on coal, but the national production and expansion of reserves of oil and natural gas will also be accelerated. Contrary to this, Xi emphasized the success of environmental protection and the resulting improvement of the quality of life during his speech and reaffirmed the goal of carbon peak in 2030 and climate neutrality in 2060 [Reuters 2].

China: Liu Zhenli likely to become new head of China's Joint Staff Department

(ms) The three-star General of the PLA and Commander of the PLA Ground Force Liu Zhenli is presumably to take over the leadership of the Central Military Commission (CMC) Joint Staff Department.

This assumption is based on video footage released on October 12 by the state-owned Chinese broadcaster CCTV, which showed Liu wearing a badge of the CMC Joint Staff Department on his arm during the Seventh plenary session of the 19th Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee [see entry above]. This supposition was then further confirmed by a source close to the PLA to the South China Morning Post.

If true, Liu would succeed Li Zuocheng, who is expected to step down due to his age of 69.

The CMC is China's highest national defense body with President Xi Jinping as chairman. Unlike in other countries, the Chinese military does not report to the Ministry of Defense, which only serves to communicate and negotiate with foreign counterparts. The CMC consists of 15 functional sections [see China's Ministry of National Defense] and one of these sections is the now possibly newly staffed Joint Staff Department, which is mainly responsible for combat planning, combat command support and formulating military strategies, etc., so actual military actions could, under Xi's control in the future be led by Liu.

An official announcement of a new appointment to the position is expected during the 20th National Congress. [South China Morning Post]

China: Further support for indebted real estate sector

(ms) According to reports from the China Real Estate Information Corporation (CRIC), local governments in several Chinese cities are said to have begun buying new properties in a bid to bolster the country’s heavily indebted real estate sector.

In the city of Suzhou in southern Jiangsu province, the local government alone reportedly purchased more than 5,000 properties in September – about half of all units sold in the city that month – while in Jinan in the northern Shandong Province some 3000 units were bought. Similar moves have been seen in other cities. [South China Morning Post]

This comes after in late September, the People’s Bank of China and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission announced that 23 Chinese cities are now allowed to lower or even completely eliminate mortgage rates for the purchase of real estate as primary residence, in order to incentivize potential customers to flush much-needed capital into the real estate sector. [Bloomberg 1] [Global Times]

Economists believe that due to the measures and other support provided, such as interest rate cuts or the provision of billions of dollars in loans that have been seen in recent weeks, by the end of the year at the latest there will indeed be a renewed willingness to buy among the Chinese population. Nevertheless, they assume that the Chinese economy will continue to suffer from the real estate crisis for several years. [Bloomberg 2] 

Beyond the real estate sector, the Chinese government also announced further support for the economy, such as discounts or exemptions on building rents for small and micro enterprises and self-employed people in the service sector will be further expanded, reflecting another step of support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which followed a shift from the Chinese government's focus on large enterprises to SMEs as a potential driver of the Chinese economy and the targeted self-sufficiency. In the first three quarters of 2022 alone, the China Development Bank is said to have disbursed the equivalent of about USD 1.85 billion in financial support for SMEs. [China Daily] [Xinhua]

China: Rare protest against Xi just before National Congress

(ms) On October 13, just three days before the start of the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, a one-man protest against President Xi Jinping took place in the Chinese capital Beijing. The protester is believed to be Peng Lifa, who had previously spread content critical of the government via social media. Peng attached two banners to a road bridge calling Xi a dictator and criticizing the strict COVID-19 measures of the Chinese government, which continue to this day. Although the protest as such was not large in scale, it received a lot of attention due to the rarity of such protests in China due to the strict control apparatus ahead and during the party’s National Congress.

Peng was detained by the police during the protest. Information about his whereabouts as well as his well-being is not known. Images or video footage of the protest, as well as accounts and groups sharing them on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, have been deleted and blocked. [Radio Free Asia] [VOA News]

China: New subject to teach Hong Kong students Chinese values and patriotism

(ms) In a statement sent to Hong Kong schools on October 12, the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) announced that in the future, the subject "Life and Society" will be replaced by "Citizenship, Economics and Society" for junior secondary students in grades one to three, teaching children to "love the country".

After the anti-government protests, such a change in the curriculum was already made in grades four to six, when the subject “Liberal Studies” was replaced by the subject “Citizenship and Social Development”, after the former, which was supposed to promote critical thinking and awareness of social injustices, was identified by the Chinese government as one of the sources and accelerators of the protests. The newly implemented subject focuses on issues of national security, national development, and patriotism and includes a trip to the mainland to introduce students to Chinese culture [see AiR No. 28, July/2022, 2].

The subject “Citizenship, Economics and Society” is also to deal with national identity, patriotism and "informing [the students] of their societal roles and responsibilities".  The subject is also designed to prepare students for the aforementioned Citizenship and Social Development curriculum and, according to a Hong Kong principal, is a measure that will extend to elementary school in the future and will also begin to introduce mainland values to children at an early age. [Global Times] [South China Morning Post]

14 secondary students were recently suspended from school for three days for not attending a nationalistic ritual and thereby "committing disrespectful acts". Since the beginning of 2022, also in response to the protests, such ceremonies have been obligatory in Hong Kong schools, including the playing of the national anthem. [Radio Free Asia]

China: Possible change in sentencing of "serious" National Security Law offenses

(ms) An appeal by 25-year-old former student could lead to change in the sentence against "serious" offenses in National Security Law cases.

So far, "serious" offenses against the Hong Kong National Security Law, which was introduced in mid-2020 in response to anti-government protests in Hong Kong in 2019, have carried a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of ten years,

But this could now be changed by a 25-year-old student's appeal against his five-years in prison sentence. The student pleaded guilty in April during his trial to inciting secession, and the judge in charge at the time deemed the crimes to be of a "serious nature.”

However, the defendant's counsel argued during the appeal that Article 21, which deals with crimes under the National Security Law, would only provide a starting point for the length of the prison sentence and not a minimum sentence, which would mean that if, for example, the defendant confessed or cooperated, the prison sentence could be reduced to less than five years. The Department of Justice already disagreed with this interpretation and insists on the interpretation that has been enforced until now, that Article 21 imposes a minimum sentence.

The three-member appellate panel in charge of the case gave the prosecution as well as the student and his legal representation time to prepare for the trial, which is scheduled to take place on October 24, on this delicate issue that could set a precedent relevant to many other national security cases. [Hong Kong Free Press]

China: Development of "invisible" rocket launchers

(ms) The Chinese military is said to be working on camouflage missile launchers, according to a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force researcher.

The technology under development is said to be carrier rockets of the Dongfeng series. While there is no more specific information on what types are involved, footage shown on Chinese state-owned broadcaster CCTV suggests that the stealth component will be used on both the DF-17 hypersonic medium-range missile, the world's first active hypersonic glide missile weapon, on the DF-41 an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of more than 12. 000 kilometers. This technology is said to be capable of penetrating U.S. missile shields, particularly in the event of possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. [South China Morning Post]

Meanwhile, a research team from Shanghai has claimed to have developed of a new pump jet propulsion system, that is not only supposed to have an increased thrust compared to the propulsion systems used so far, but is also to reduce turbulence and vibrations by embedding the rotor blades into the channel wall, which would improve the stealth capabilities of submarines. [South China Morning Post 2]

Japan: Komeito requests USD 13.6 billion for childcare support, economic stimulus package draft amid national debt burden

(sra) Japanese ruling coalition partner, Komeito, has sought USD 13.6 billion in childcare support to be included in the economic stimulus package in a draft proposal. The party also seeks to spend USD 3.4 billion on research and development on economic security technology as part of the supplementary budget to be announced later in October.

The stimulus package will be the second for this financial year as a result of the increasing cost of living in Japan, exacerbated by the country’s national debt already at double the annual GDP. The current economic situation seems to be heading for a global recession as a result of high energy costs brought on by Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine and disruptions to the national energy supply. The stimulus follows the government’s intervention in the market on September 22 after the yen weakened against the highest rate of inflation in 31 years, and also aims to tackle the declining birth rate in the country [see AiR No. 39, September/2022, 4].

The draft for the package proposes the amount to support families with young children over the next three years to mitigate the burden of the economic crisis. Policymakers are still to determine the total expenditure of the stimulus, although estimates begin at USD 204 billion, to be funded by extra debt issuance.  [Reuters 1]

The government will also launch a coupon system for families with children from ages 0 to 2 years old to be spent on products and services associated with child care support. This will be part of the stimulus package within the supplementary budget for the rest of fiscal 2022. [The Mainichi]

These costs will further burden the Japanese economy, following the USD 19 billion intervention in the market last month. It was a short-term solution aimed at countering the US central bank’s high-interest rates as the yen value dropped significantly, inflating the cost of fuel and raw materials. [Reuters 2] Currently, the strategy of the Bank of Japan is to maintain an “ultra-loose monetary policy.” [South China Morning Post]

To also minimize electricity bills, Kishida has sought the cooperation of electric power companies and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to implement a new system of subsidies to counteract rates expected to rise by 20 to 30 percent by Spring 2023. It will require the government to provide economic support to electricity companies as they reduce the impact on consumers, and may cost up to USD 13.6 billion over the next year to supplement at least half of the rise in bills. [The Asahi Shimbun]

Japan: Approval of Kishida administration drops below 30%

(sra) A recent poll has revealed the ongoing plummet of support for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on October 13. Results show national approval of the Kishida administration continues on a downward trend, reaching its lowest level of 27.4% since he was elected in October of 2021. [Reuters]

In the first year of his leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Kishida has undergone considerable damage to his administration with the controversial assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the revelations following his ties to the Unification Church - which affect the majority of LDP lawmakers. Other issues faced include the scandalous state funeral for Abe, autonomously decided by Kishida amid the devaluation of the yen and rising costs of fuel and living expenses in the country [see AiR No. 39, September/2022, 4].

The disapproval has further been expressed by five parties and one parliamentary group from the opposition which have submitted a bill requesting the revision of the National Diet law to enforce extraordinary Diet sessions within 20 days. The parties have claimed the current session came too late following the issues of the Unification Church and the controversy surrounding the state funeral, which could have been addressed prior. Under Article 53, when a quarter or more of Diet members demand to convoke extraordinary Diet sessions, the cabinet must come to a decision to hold the assembly. This comes as there is no clear deadline marked when the session should occur, which has led to the prolongation of the session that began on October 3. [The Mainichi]

Japan: Lawyers’ group request dissolution of Unification Church, Kishida to launch investigation

(sra) The National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales has sought the Unification Church to dissolve after it supported former followers of the group and revealed the extent of the coerced donations. The request was made on October 11 to the justice and education ministers and the prosecutor-general, however proving unlikely. As a result, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed a probe into the Unification Church on October 17 to facilitate a court order.

The Unification Church has been at the forefront of national scrutiny for the manipulation of its followers to make large donations of money to the group, its ties to members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the targeted assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe due to his support of the group which has also been revealed to have organized illegal activities in civil lawsuits. The group, now formally known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification announced it would reform on October 4 in order to restrict excessive donations, although no definite cap was established [see AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2].

The lawyers’ group has exposed many cases where illegal coercion took place, demanding a court order. The cases that have already been taken to court have approximately cost the organization USD 10.3 million in cases that ended in compensation, and another USD 78 million in cases where a settlement was reached. The Cultural Affairs Agency under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has been deemed reluctant to indict a court order to dissolve the group due to Penal Code violations. [The Mainichi]

The Agency for Cultural Affairs has stated no legal violations have been met as no senior officials of the Unification Church have been tried for criminal offences. The government has also claimed a dissolution order would counter religious freedom rights. [The Asahi Shimbun]

Due to the level of the scandal, and in order to counter the public’s wavering support of the Kishida administration, the central government will implement its right to question the organization under religious corporation law. This will give the government the right to decide whether a court order for the dissolution of the Unification Church should be demanded. This probe into the Church will be launched by culture minister Keiko Nagaoka, with an expert panel to take part in the investigation by October 25. The launch has the potential to rid the group of its tax benefits although it may still function as a religious institution. [The Japan Times][South China Morning Post]

Japan: New bribery case for ex-Tokyo Olympic executive

(sra) Another corruption case is to be filed against Haruyuki Takahashi, a previous Tokyo Olympic executive, as allegations claim he also accepted bribes from the stuffed-toy manufacturer Sun Arrow Inc. were revealed on October 16. The scandal is the latest in addition to three prior arrests over his suspected bribery acceptance from other advertising companies, accumulating to the robust scandals involving Takahashi and his previous role as senior managing director of the Dentsu advertising agency.

The Tokyo Olympic committee has been central to the constantly evolving bribery scandal due to allegations of corruption regarding the sponsorship of major advertising companies in Japan. Claims of payments of up to USD 343,000 made by Aoki Holdings Inc. and USD 511,000 by Denstu Inc. to Takahashi in order to be partnered up for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics held in 2021 have also revealed a series of allegations concerning firms run by his colleagues or business partners. The investigations have also been linked to the recent bribery revelations that led the chairman of Kadokawa Corp. to resign from his position on October 4 [see AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2].

The allegations state that the company paid USD 54,000 in order to be selected as the leading mascot doll provider responsible for the merchandise of the 2021 Summer Games. The payment is believed to have initially gone through a consulting firm owned by a friend of Takahashi before being transferred over to him, along with further favors made to the Tokyo-based manufacturer of toys. Other companies under investigation include ADK and Park24.  [Kyodo News] [The Japan Times]

Japan: Gov to designate 58 areas as significant to national security

(sra) The Japanese government is set to nominate 58 locations within five prefectures as significant areas in terms of national security by the end of 2022. The plan comes under a new law that defines the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF), US forces in Japan and the Japan Coast Guard, including nuclear power plants and remote border islands as important facilities for which national security must be enhanced. It will give the prime minister the chance to provide areas within close proximity of 1 kilometer of such locations to become monitored zones.

The plan is part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s strategy to strengthen the country’s national security amid the growing tensions in the region by boosting the national expenditure on the Defense Ministry by 200 percent. The decision to ensure the safety of remote islands comes as a result of China’s growing tensions with Taiwan’s sovereignty and the recent missile launches over Japan by North Korea [see also AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2].

The act will restrict development within the designated areas, for example, the construction of a building that impedes any landings or takeoffs of SDF aircraft or radio services. The five prefectures to be considered are Hokkaido, Aomori, Tokyo, Shimane and Nagasaki, as the government will prioritize uninhabited islands with the initial focus to secure Japanese borders. It is estimated that over 600 locations will be designated within the next two years. [The Japan Times 1]

The Defense Ministry also announced its intentions to deploy small attack drones as part of the strategy to enhance defense capabilities of the remote islands. The drones are expected to be used to crash into enemy vessels in the act of invasion as per the research of US-Israeli-made attack drones and will be the first of its kind to be used in Japan, with potential for domestic production. The US-built drones will be trialled during 2023, with their final deployment aiming to include several hundred drones as early as fiscal 2025. [The Japan Times 2]

Japan: 20-year extension requested for nuclear reactors, Kyushu Electric

(sra) On October 12, Kyushu Electric Power Co. requested the approval of a 20-year extension to the operating life of two nuclear reactors in the Sendai nuclear power plant at Kagoshima Prefecture. Reactors No. 1 and No. 2 are currently set to reach the extent of their operational capacity between 2024 and 2025 under the 40-year lifetime restrictions of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).

For the last 11 years, reactors have been considered functional for up to 40 years under Japanese law before they can be decommissioned. The request comes in response to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s announcement in August to consider extending the lifespan of the nuclear reactors if they succeed in meeting safety measures. As Kishida decides to shift the country toward nuclear power in an effort to stabilize domestic energy resources and combat the dependence on imports affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there are still concerns about nuclear energy due to the Fukushima disaster of 2011 [see AiR No. 35, August/2022, 5].

If the extension is approved it will bring the total of approved reactors up to six under the NRA, providing the reactors with a 60-year lifespan. Legal revision is being considered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to allow the extension of pre-existing nuclear reactors’ operational life to facilitate a strong electricity supply in the country. [The Asahi Shimbun] [Reuters]

As part of the shift toward restoring nuclear power, the government needs to safely remove the radioactive water and fuel which melted within the nuclear reactors damaged in the Fukushima disaster. The Japanese National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations opposes the plan and in turn, has sought government support for national fishers in regard to the organized disposal of the filtered radioactive cooling water within the fractured reactors of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The plan to release the water into the ocean has been a reason for concern and the organization has asked the government to outline the possible safety and environmental impacts of the release. The organization also requests funding for budget appropriations to help manage rising fuel and culturing prices, with the aim that government support will ensure the release in Spring 2023 does not impact the working environment of the fishers. [NHK World-Japan]

Japan: JMSDF launches third Taigei-class submarine

(sra) The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has launched its third Taigei-class diesel-electric attack submarine in accordance with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The submarine was water-bound on October 12 in Kobe City.

The launch aligns with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s stance to boost the nation’s defense spending and strengthen national security. The submarine may also ensure self-defense capabilities in the region as tensions between China and Taiwan continue, along with the recent military trials displayed by North Korea [see AiR No. 38, September/2022, 3].

The new submarine cost USD 480 million to develop and is equipped with lithium-ion batteries similar to the previous two Soryu-class boats to provide compact and efficient electricity storage to enhance underwater endurance without increasing the size of the boat. The JMSDF is likely to produce another eight submarines of the same style and will bring the new submarine into service by March 2024. [The Diplomat]

South Korea: National cybersecurity needs to be updated after massive Kakao server disruption

(sm) The South Korean government has been reconsidering its national cybersecurity legislation after a fire broke out at a building housing the data center of KakaoTalk, South Korea’s main internal communication platform, on October 15.

The fire caused a power outage which disrupted messaging, ride-hailing, public services tied to the Kakao messaging platform, and Naver, South Korea’s main internal portal, for more than 40 million users over the weekend.

The ruling and main opposition parties have called for the instauration of legislation allowing for the government to investigate if regulations were respected after a cyber incident and to take preventive measures to avoid major cybersecurity disasters.

KaKao Corp. was blamed by the ruling People Power Party (PPP) for cutting costs by not establishing sufficient backup servers and neglecting other safety measures, pressuring the parliament to reconsider a policy proposal that would make data centers into state disaster management facilities, a proposal previously strongly opposed by South Korean companies. [Yonhap News Agency_1]

In response to the incident, the presidential National Security Office decided to establish an interagency task force to tackle cybersecurity threats. The task force will be headed by National Security Adviser who will coordinate with the science and defense ministries, the National Intelligence Service, and various law-enforcing authorities to check Kakao’s and other companies’ cybersecurity condition. [Yonhap News Agency_2]

President Yoon Suk-yeol questioned Kakao’s dominant position in the communication market and brought up the potential need for the government to step in to prevent market distortions from monopolies. [Yonhap News Agency_3]

Considering the escalating tensions with North Korea over its recent nuclear assertiveness, the possibility of a cyberattack on crucial national infrastructure, such as data centers and transportation networks, cannot be ruled out. Hence, the ruling and main opposition parties consider an update in the cybersecurity legislation in the private sector as long overdue.

South Korea: Ssangbangwool Group suspected of foreign currency smuggling; ex-governor indicted for taking bribes

(sm) On October 17, Ssangbangwool Group headquarters in Seoul were raided by prosecutors over allegations of foreign currency smuggling. Former Vice Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Hwa-young was indicted on October 14 for taking bribes from the same company in exchange for business advantages linked to inter-Korean economic projects.

The underwear maker has been suspected of smuggling several billion US dollars to China in 2019 by hiding dollars inside books when travelling to China. If true, this would constitute a violation of the foreign exchange transactions law, as sums larger than USD 10,000 must be reported to customs when taken out of the country.

Around the same time, Ssangbangwool signed an agreement with the North Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee and the North Korean National Economic Cooperation Federation in Shenyang, China, reportedly obtaining business rights for rare mineral resources in North Korea. Prosecutors are considering the possibility that the smuggled money flowed through China into North Korea. [Yonhap News Agency_1]

Lee is accused of receiving bribes worth USD 180,000 from Ssangbangwool in the same period, during his incumbency as vice Gyeonggi governor for peace. Currently working as the head of KINTEX, an exhibition and convention center, Lee had been an outsider member of Ssangbangwool’s board of directors. Lee could have been the one to facilitate the signature of the inter-Korean business deal signed by the company in 2019.

The case has been receiving attention as the current chair of the opposition Democratic Party Lee Jae-myung was serving as Gyeonggi’s governor at the time, although the prosecution concluded he was not involved in the case. [Yonhap News Agency_2]

South Korea: Ruling party submits motion against opposition leader over alleged illegal possession of stocks

(sm) On October 14, a motion was submitted against main opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung by the ruling People Power Party (PPP) for possessing stocks of arms companies during his service as a parliamentary defense committee member. The complaint was submitted to the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Ethics.

While Lee did hold shares of Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering Co. and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., the DP defended that he had sold all the holdings after he was elected as a lawmaker. His holdings of both companies, who are main suppliers to the Navy, amounted to USD 161,000 at the time of purchase. PPP spokeswoman Kim Mi-ae retorted that graft charges are not acquitted even if someone returns the bribe they received.

Reciprocally, the DP had issued a complaint against PPP leader Chung Jin-suk on October 13 over misplaced remarks on Korean history. Addressing the DP’s criticism over recent joint military drills with Japan, Chung had omitted Japan’s colonial influence on the collapse of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) in a statement on Facebook. [Yonhap News Agency]

South Korea: Annual defense drills kick off amid escalating tensions with North Korea

(sm) On October 17, the South Korean army began its annual Hoguk defense drills to prepare for potential North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

Together with some US troops, the South Korean army will test the ability of both armies to effectively operate in joint military missions. While Pyongyang has strongly criticized joint drills between the US and South Korea, Seoul claims its exercises to be routine and defense focused.

The drills take place as North Korea has been launching test missiles at an unprecedented rate this year and follow last week’s trilateral exercises with Japan and the US. North Korea launched its latest missile on October 14 and fired artillery shots in response to artillery drills held by the South Korean army one day earlier.

As tensions are escalating, Seoul issued its first sanctions against North Korea in five years. [South China Morning Post]

Taiwan: Harsher penalties for misuse of sexual images demanded

(dql) Civic groups have called for adjustments of draft bill that was approved by the Cabinet to amend the island’s Criminal Code and three other laws, in a bid to strengthen the prevention of the misuse pornographic images.

The groups demanded sharpened punishments for producing or selling images or videos of another person without their consent, including a maximum three-year prison sentence for threatening to post sexually explicit images online to blackmail a victim.

Backdrop of the demand is the arrest a Taiwanese YouTuber 2021 who is accused of making and selling "deepfake" pornography videos of prominent women, including female politicians. [Focus Taiwan]

Taiwan: Forced urine tests declared unconstitutional

(dql) On October 14, Tawain’s Constitutional Court declared a legal provision that permits police to forcibly extract urine samples from suspects who are not willing to cooperate as unconstitutional. The court ordered the invalidation of Article 205-2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure within two years.

The article allows law enforcement agencies to use a catheter to forcibly gather a urine sample from a suspect in case of reasonable suspicion that evidence of a crime will be obtained by the urine test.

The court rule that the article violates Article 22 of the Constitution that guarantees people's privacy and the right not to be subject to physical and mental harm. [Focus Taiwan]

Taiwan: Record defense budget proposed by Defense Ministry

(dql) Taiwan’s Defense Ministry is seeking record NTD 586.3 billion (USD 18.31 billion) defense budget for 2023, marking a 13.9 percent hike from 2022 and equalling 2.4 percent of Taiwan’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Under the proposal submitted to the parliament, the biggest share – about NTD 181 billion, or 30.7 percent of the total – is earmarked for salaries, benefits and pensions for military personnel and to the cultivation and retention of talent in the Armed Forces, followed by NTD 89.8 billion for logistics and maintenance.

Meanwhile, for the purchase of weapons NTD 24 billion allocated, in particular for long precision advanced rocket systems, Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems, and F-16s, from the United States. Another NTD 15.5 billion will be spent on the ongoing reform of Taiwan’s reserve system reform, aimed at establishing a more reliable backup force for the regular troops. [Focus Taiwan]

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Navy has allocated NTD 43.15 billion (USD 1.34 billion) from 2022-2030 to strengthen the combat systems of its six Kang Ding-class ships in a bid to boost defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities and combat power. [Taiwan News]

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

Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses nation to fight any situation of famine

(az) Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged people to do more savings and grow food in every inch of their land. To avoid falling victim to famine, the PM asked to remain cautious as the international organizations are apprehending that 2023 will be a time of famine worldwide. She mentioned that Bangladesh and the developed countries are facing the blow of the crisis. [The Daily Star 1]

As a part of the encouragement, the agriculture minister, on behalf of the PM, distributed the award among the recipients for their contribution to agriculture research and expansion, cooperatives, motivation, technology innovation, commercial farming, aforestation, rearing livestock, and poultry and fish farming. During the virtual program, the PM also said that she called upon international communities to take measures to stop the Russia-Ukraine war and arrange food, treatment, and education for mankind, particularly for children. [The Daily Star 2]

At the same time, despite the declining price of essential products in the international market, people in Bangladesh buy them at higher costs. The traders blame the situation on the monopoly of the importers and the lack of government supervision of the market. [The Business Standard]

Bangladesh: 2 Rohingya community leaders killed as security worsens in refugee camps

(az) Two Rohingya community leaders were hacked to death by a mob on October 15 as security worsens in camps housing almost one million refugees. Security forces blamed the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Rohingya insurgent group active in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine State, for the attacks. [South China Morning Post]

India: Main opposition stages rally to mark 1,000 km of its protest march, elects new party president

(vv/lm) A huge public rally was held India’s main opposition Congress party (INC) in southern Karnataka state on October 15 to mark 1,000 kilometers of the party’s five-month-long protest march. [Reuters]

Named Bharat Jodo Yatra [Unite India March], the cross-country march was launched in September from the southern tip of the nation to engage with the common public and prepare people ahead of the upcoming national elections in 2024. The campaign is expected to end in Srinagar, a region in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory [AiR No. 37, September/2022, 2]

During the rally on October 15, Rahul Gandhi, the INC’s former president, accused Prime Minister Modi of introducing policies that have led to alarming unemployment levels and price rise in the country, while claiming that the ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has only spread communal hatred. [The Strait Times]

The Congress party, facing a slide in its fortunes after losing many state elections in a row, is preparing to elect a new president from outside the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty for the first time in nearly 25 years [see AiR No. 39, September/2022, 4]. Polling took place on October 17; voters could choose between Mallikarjun Kharge, a seasoned lawmaker who is being labeled “establishment candidate” due to his believed proximity to the Gandhi family, and Shashi Tharoor, a lawmaker from the southern state of Kerala and a former top United Nations official. Results will be announced on October 19.

India: Youth wing of Tamil Nadu state’s ruling party protest ‘Hindi imposition’

(vv) State-wide protests were led by the youth wing of the ruling party in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state on October 15 to oppose a recommendation made by Home Minister Amit Shah, who  proposed Hindi as a medium of instruction in central education institutions in the state. [The Hindu]

The said recommendation is only limited to central institutions in the state, seeking to replace English as the primary medium of instruction with that of Hindi. The protest leader and son of the Tamil Nadu chief minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, claimed that the central government’s alleged concept of “one nation, one religion, one language” would destroy the diversity India is known for, and that such rulings are further repelling southern states from notions of nationalism. [Hindustan Times] [The Siasat Daily]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

India: Investigating agency questions Delhi deputy chief minister for nine hours; tensions grow in capital

(vv) Delhi’s deputy chief minister and senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Manish Sisodia, on October 17 was questioned for nine hours by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection to the much controversial Delhi excise policy.

Amid the political turmoil ensuing for months in the national capital between AAP and ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the tense exchanges continued once again with Sisodia arriving at the CBI headquarters for questioning after receiving a summon. Previously, Sisodia’s residence had been raided by CBI officials on August 19, in connection to the – now repealed – 2021-2022 excise policy that amended liquor vendors to run private-owned businesses, granting retail permits to over 849 government-owned liquor vendors. AAP ministers were accused of committing huge financial thefts through the implementation of said policy, and complaints were initiated by Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Soon after, Delhi chief minister, and leader of AAP, Arvind Kejriwal denied all allegations, accusing BJP and Prime Minister Modi of trying to topple Delhi state government by paying AAP ministers to exit his party. Kejriwal also accused Saxena of being involved in scams and submitted complaints to the CBI for interrogation of the same. Saxena firmly denied all charges, initiating a defamation case against AAP ministers claiming false accusations. The more recent corruption charges leveled by Delhi governor against the AAP is relative to a power policy introduced by Delhi state government, and a detailed report on the same has been sought. [see AiR No. 34, August/2022, 4] [see AiR No. 35, August/2022, 5] [see AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2]

Soon after exiting the CBI premises after the 9-hour questioning, Sisodia claimed that the CBI has no evidence to prove any scam to have ensued relative to the excise policy and their probe is a part of the larger scam of “Operation Lotus” – a term used by the collective opposition in reference to the BJP’ alleged attempts at toppling state governments across the nation. Sisodia also added that the CBI allegedly demanded him to leave AAP and failing to do so will result in more such cases mounting on him and Kejriwal. The deputy chief minister, who’s in charge of the education department besides the excise department in Delhi, alleged that he refused to leave the Kejriwal-led party to join the BJP, and is willing to endure more such interrogations. [Hindustan Times]

The CBI have refuted the allegations made, stating that the questioning was conducted in a professional and legal manner. CBI officials added that Sisodia’s statements will be verified, sand necessary actions will be taken when needed. Sisodia, as per the first information report (FIR) lodged by Delhi governor is the first and primary accused in the alleged excise policy scam, the premier investigating agency claimed that the deputy chief minister may be called in for further questioning as per the requirements of the investigation process. [The New Indian Express]

India: Supreme Court split on allowing headscarf in schools

(vv/lm) A panel of India’s Supreme Court has failed to deliver a verdict on whether Muslim students can wear a headscarf in classrooms and referred the matter to the chief justice, who will set up a larger bench to hear the case. [Reuters] [Voice of America]

The verdict was expected to cap a polarizing debate that began when a government college in the southern southern state of Karnataka in February barred six Muslim students to wear headscarves in class, unleashing protests by Muslim students and their parents, as well as counterprotests by Hindu students. [AiR No. 7, February/2022, 3]

The Karnataka high court later upheld a ruling by a lower court which had agreed that the government had the right to prescribe uniforms for students and barred hijab-clad girls from classrooms. In its decision the high court quoted from the Quran and other Islamic religious texts to say that wearing the hijab was not an essential religious practice and not wearing one did not make anyone "a sinner". [AiR No. 11, March/2022, 3]

The split verdict was issued by a bench of two Supreme Court justices – Hemant Gupta and Sudhanshu Dhulia – on October 13.

Justice Gupta defended the ban on hijab and demanded equal uniform dress-code for all, regardless the community, and that education must take precedence over other matters. But Justice Dhulia opposed the ban stating that wearing of hijab is a fundamental right under the Constitution of India and the same mustn’t be restricted. Justice Dhulia also criticized the Karnataka High Court’s ruling, raising concerns over the ban potentially restricting muslim girls’ access to education, especially for those from rural areas. Justice Dhulia also added that a split verdict isn’t a healthy judicial precedent, and that a constitutional court must speak in “one voice” as far as possible. [BBC] [The New Indian Express]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

India: Supreme Court postpones electoral bonds case until early December

(vv) India’s Supreme Court will examine on December 6 whether a batch of pleas challenging laws permitting funding of political parties through the electoral bond scheme should be referred to a larger bench.

The electoral bonds scheme has been introduced by the central government as an instrument to facilitate interest-free donations to political parties. In effect since 2018, the stipulations of the scheme seek out time-limited and fixed denominations, which can be purchased from state-owned banks during specific periods of time during a year. Citizens and firms can purchase and donate the said bonds to their choice of political parties, only eligible if registered into the Election Commission (EC) and secured not less than 1% of votes polled in the latest elections. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) – an election watchdog - submitted statistics that claim more than 62% of the total income of seven national parties came through the electoral bonds scheme. [BBC]

It is important to note that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to be the main beneficiary, cornering three-quarters of the bonds in 2019-20, compared with just 9 percent for the main opposition Congress (INC) party.

Petitioners, challenging the scheme, requested an earlier hearing of the matter by a larger bench of justices, questioning the merits of the bonds and claiming that it’s under the cloaks of secrecy, risking tax-payers’ money. Several activists in the nation have alleged that the “so-called anonymous scheme” only serves the interests of the ruling BJP, and has no sense of anonymity as the state-owned banks may have records of individuals seeking out the bonds.

Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of northern Rajasthan state and a senior INC leader, on October 17 claimed that the electoral bonds scheme is the biggest scam of the country by-far. Gehlot requested the courts to advance the hearing and settle the issue at the earliest, while accusing the BJP of committing financial thefts through the electoral bonds scheme. Gehlot added that there is no official record to prove the genuine funneling of donations, and the money may well flow into the pockets of BJP lawmakers. [Live Law] [Economic Times] [India Today]

The central government continued to defend the scheme, stating that the bonds were introduced in a means to combat illicit transactions of money and facilitate transparency. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, on October 14 representing the central government, asserted in court that the scheme has restricted flow of money unaccounted for and allowed legal donations to persist. Mehta added that the said scheme was not in an election perspective, but rather held legal contentions. [The Indian Express]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

India: Order on Kashmir voting rights withdrawn after political parties’ protest

(vv/lm) India scrapped on October 13 a rule granting voting rights to new residents of its Jammu and Kashmir union territory after widespread protest among regional political parties, who labeled it an attempt to change the demographics of the country’s only Muslim-majority territory ahead of local polls expected by the year’s end. Authorities are revising voter lists in all 20 electoral districts of Kashmir and India's home minister said last week elections would be held following publication of the revised lists. [Reuters] [WION]

The rule had been introduced just two days earlier in one district of 20 in the union territory. It had allowed Indians who have lived in the Kashmir region for a year or more to register as voters, replacing a rule that limited the franchise only to those who had lived there in 1947 - the year that India gained independence - or their descendants.

In August, India’s Election Commission had announced it expected to add 2.5 million voters to Kashmir's rolls, which would swell the electorate by more than a third from 7.6 million now. Kashmiris fear that any rule changes which add new voters would allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to alter the region's make-up. [AiR No. 34, August/2022, 4]

Meanwhile, a panel - formed by a group of regional opposition parties  – alleged ambiguity in the revocation of the directive, claiming that the BJP illegally continues to add non-locals in the voting list despite withdrawal. [Outlook] [Hindustan Times]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

India: Ballistic missile test-fired from submarine

(vv) India on October 14 successfully test fired a ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads from a submarine. The South Asian nation is now the sixth country to have nuclear strike and counter-strike capabilities from land, air and sea. [Al Jazeera] [The Strait Times]

India: Army to conduct military exercises in western front; sets up Integrated Battle Groups along borders

(vv/lm) The Indian Army will conduct a major military exercise along the country’s western border to validate newly converted mechanized formations – known as Reorganised Plains Infantry Division – and to test the efficacy of the latest induction and upgrades in weapons and equipment. [Economic Times]

Furthermore, the Army has initiated the formation of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along the country’s borders with Pakistan and China. IBGs are brigade-sized, self-sufficient combat formations which would afford the commanders the flexibility and more options for their employment in the respective theaters to achieve the desired outcomes. [JANES]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

Pakistan: Ex-Prime Minister Khan wins majority of seats in by-elections

(lm) Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan won six of eight seats in by-elections on October 16, building momentum in his campaign to pressure the six-month-old government into calling fresh elections at the earliest, which are otherwise scheduled for October 2023. [Al Jazeera] [The Straits Times]

A total of eight National Assembly seats was up for grabs in the by-elections – three each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces and two in Karachi city; Khan contested seven. Candidates of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), part of the ruling alliance, won the other two seats.

According to Pakistani laws, a candidate can run for multiple seats. However, if they win more than one, they have to choose one and give up the rest. The seats were vacated when lawmakers from the now-opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party resigned en masse after Khan and his government were removed through a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April.

Pakistan: Thousands protest in Swat Valley after deadly attack on school van

(msk/lm) Thousands of people have taken to streets in Pakistan’s Swat Valley to protest against a surge in suspected militant attacks in the region, fearing a return of the Pakistan Taliban, who aim to set up an Islamist state in the country and once rulled the Valley. [Al Jazeera] [Dawn] [The Washington Post]

The mass demonstrations came after an unknown assailant riding a motorcycle opened fire on a school van, leaving the driver dead and a student wounded on October 10. Demonstrators agreed to disperse late the following day after negotiations with government officials that resulted in assurances that victims’ families would receive financial compensation, that all possible efforts would be made to arrest the shooter and restore peace in the area.

At the core of the anti-militant and anti-army protests in the region is the Pashtun Tahafuz [Protection] Movement (PTM), a non-violent protest movement demanding rights for Pashtuns in Pakistan’s former Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The PTM has gained considerable strength in the past few years, drawing tens of thousands of people to its protest rallies. Its supporters are critical of both the Taliban and the Pakistani military, which they say have ravaged Pashtun areas in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. [Deutsche Welle]

Swat, which is roughly 240 kilometers from the capital, Islamabad, was a major stronghold of the outlawed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) until 2009, when the Pakistani military drove the armed group’s fighters out. But many analysts say the TTP feels emboldened by the Afghan Taliban's return to power in Kabul last year, thus raising its head once again in areas bordering Afghanistan. Last month, at least eight people – including the head of a village peace committee – were killed in a bomb blast in Swat’s Kot Katai village [see AiR No. 38, September/2022, 3].

Pakistan: Court acquits Prime Minister Sharif, son in money laundering case

(lm) A special court in the eastern city of Lahore on October 12 acquitted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza, the former chief minister of Punjab province, in a high-profile money laundering and corruption case. [Al Jazeera] [Voice of America]

The prime minister and his two sons, Hamza and Suleman, were charged during the administration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in November 2020. They were accused of laundering nearly USD 200 million through 28 bank accounts, which had no names for the account holders, between 2008 and 2018. Suleman has not been tried since moving to London after the charges were filed. [Associated Press]

The court order provoked a tweet from a veteran opposition lawmaker, who was later taken into custody under a contentious cybercrime law. The lawmaker, Senator Azam Swati, who represents the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party of ex-Premier Khan in the upper house of parliament, had alleged involvement of army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in the acquittal of the Sharif family members. [see entry below]

Notably, a prominent Supreme Court attorney, Aitzaz Ahsan, in televised remarks also blamed General Bajwa for playing a role in the court ruling. Authorities, however, have not yet taken any legal action against Ahsan, a central leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, which is a key partner in the Sharif-led coalition government. [Dawn]

Pakistan: Senator arrested, allegedly subjected to torture for tweeting against military chief

(msk/lm) Authorities in Pakistan arrested an opposition Senator, Azam Swati, on sedition charges on October 13 after he had criticized the Pakistani armed forces and their chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on social media. [Voice of America]

The tweet was a response to a court order in the eastern city of Lahore acquitting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza, the former chief minister of Punjab province, in a high-profile money laundering and corruption case filed in 2020. [see entry in this edition] [Twitter]

The following day, an FIA complaint was filed against Swati under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act-2016, which makes online “defamation” of authorities, including the military and judiciary, a criminal offense with harsh penalties.

Swati appeared before the high court in Islamabad (IHC), where the judge sent him to police custody for two days for further investigation. Speaking to reporters outside the court, the senator accused security forces of torturing and stripping him naked before arresting him. Officials did not respond to the accusations nor could news outlets independently verify them. [Dawn]

The Islamabad High Court on October 17 rejected the extension for additional physical remand and ordered for Swati to be sent to jail on judicial remand. [The Express Tribune]

Dr Shireen M Mazari, former minister for human rights and Senior Vice President of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, wrote letters to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and the Special Rapporteur on Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (pursuant to Human Rights Council Resolution 34/19) on October 14 on the arrest and subsequent torture on Senator Azam Swati. [Pakistan Today]

Shahbaz Gill, a close aid of former prime minister Khan, was also arrested and allegedly subjected to custodial torture in August over allegations of “abetting mutiny or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty.” Gill was granted bail by a high court after five weeks in custody. [AiR No. 33, August/2022]

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

Cambodia: Veteran dissident Rainsy cleared in defamation case in France

(th/lm) A French court has dismissed two defamation cases brought against Sam Rainsy, the former leader of Cambodia’s banned opposition Khmer National Rescue Party (KNRP), by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his son-in-law, the deputy national police chief. [Malay Mail]

Rainsy has been living in France, where he is a dual national, since 2015. He is the target of several court cases in Cambodia, where he says he is being persecuted for political reasons. The defamation case was filed in response to a 2019 Facebook post, in which Rainsy claimed Prime Minister Hun San was behind the deaths of former trade union leader Chea Vichea in 2004 and former police chief Hok Lundy in 2008. [The Diplomat 1]

It is worth noting that the tribunal found Rainsy guilty of defamation against Hun Sen, but also decided that his right to freedom of expression trumped the ruling and granted him clemency. Still both sides were quick to claim victory in the proceedings, citing elements that advanced their own narrative. Radio Free Asia

After the verdicts, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), General Vong Pisen, ordered all soldiers to prepare for and put down possible unrest. [Khmer Times].

Cambodia: Sokha accused of running a fake NGO

(th) Kem Sokha, a former chairman of the now banned Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) and current head of the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), has been accused in court of receiving around USD 800,000 from the US-based International Republican Institute. This led sources close to the government to accuse Sokha of not being primarily concerned with human rights, but of being a foreign agent [UCA News] [Khmer Times].

Cambodia: Tina sworn in as new agriculture minister

(th) Former Secretary of State Dith Tina has received the confidence of Cambodia's National Assembly. The previous Minister of Agriculture, Veng Sakhon, was dismissed by a royal decree issued by King Norodom Sihamoni. The decree followed strong criticism of Veng Sakhon by Prime Minister Hun Sen. [Khmer Times] [The Phnom Penh Post]

Indonesia: Jakarta, Bandung high-speed train to operate June 2023

(os) Indonesian president Joko Widodo stated that the high-speed rail project (KCJB), which will connect Jakarta with Bandung, has reached 88.8 percent completion and is slated to start operating in June 2023.

Bandung is located in West Java and one of Indonesia's largest cities. Its connection with the capital is supposed to spur economic growth in the region, according to Jokowi. The high-speed railway is a joint project of Indonesian state enterprises and Chinese companies. Indonesian companies together hold 60 percent of PT KCIC, the consortium responsible for building the railway. The project is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and funded by a loan from China Development Bank. Jokowi, however, has emphasized that the railway is not foreign aid from China but an investment project.

Initially, construction was scheduled to be completed in 2019 after it began in 2016. However, the project saw itself confronted with several problems, and costs soared from a planned USD 6 billion to around USD 8 billion. Indonesia and China are currently in negotiations regarding the cost spike since China estimated it to be lower than KCIC did. [Reuters] [Tempo] [The Jakarta Post]

Indonesia: East Java police chief allegedly involved in drug case

(os) Newly appointed East Java Police Chief Inspector General Teddy Minahasa has been arrested in relation to a drug-trafficking case.

The announcement was made just four days after Minahasa had been appointed as East Java Police Chief. He replaced Inspector General Nico Afinta, who was removed from this position regarding the soccer stampede at the beginning of this month in Malang, East Java. Minahasa is accused of being involved in selling drugs that have previously been seized by police. [Jakarta Globe] [Tempo 1] [Tempo 2]

Malaysia: Two-time premier Mahathir Mohamad to contest election to ‘save country from UMNO rule’

(lm) Malaysia’s two time Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has announced he will defend his parliamentary seat in Langkawi island in the general elections expected next month, adding that he would be prime minister a third time “if there’s a request”. [The Straits Times]

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob dissolved parliament earlier this month for snap polls, caving in to pressure from his United Malays National Organization (UMNO) party, which is hoping for a big win on its own amid feuds with allies in the ruling coalition [see AiR No. 40, October/2022, 1]. The Election Commission will meet on October 20 to fix a date for the vote, which must be held within 60 days of parliament’s dissolution.

Mahathir told a news conference on October 11 that a win by the ruling UMNO party could see imprisoned ex-Premier Najib Razak pardoned and let off the hook. During his second term in office, Mahathir oversaw graft charges against Najib, who began his 12-year jail term in August after losing his final appeal in a corruption case linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund scandal [see AiR No.34, August/2022, 4]. [The Guardian]

Malaysia: Malaysian Islamic Party says its three state assemblies won't be dissolved for elections

(lm) The Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), a junior partner in the ruling National Alliance [Perikatan Nasional] alliance said on October 13 that it will not dissolve the three state assemblies under its rule for the country’s general elections expected next month. The PAS governs in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah; the party said it wants to focus on preparations for the floods during the monsoon season from around mid-November to March. [The Straits Times]

It is worth noting that the PAS in its statement did not mention the status of the party’s relationship with the Barisan Nasional alliance, which is led by the United Malays National Organization party of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional are part of the current administration.

Myanmar: Court says Aung San Suu Kyi’s last corruption trial to go on

(tp/lm) A court in Myanmar ruled on October 18 that the last trial for corruption against the country’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi will go ahead after finding that state prosecutors submitted enough evidence to sustain her indictment. [Bloomberg]

Since the military seized power in February of last year, Aung San Suu Kyi has been charged with a total of 12 counts under the country’s anti-corruption law, each punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine. The corruption cases are among a raft of legal cases pursued by the military against her, from incitement and illegal possession of walkie-talkies to breaking COVID-19 restrictions.

Earlier last week, a court convicted Aung San Suu Kyi on more corruption charges, adding three years to her prison sentence. She now faces a total of 26 years in prison. [The Guardian]

She was also convicted of electoral fraud last month and given a sentence of three years in jail followed by hard labor. The trial was related to the general election in November 2020, where her National League for Democracy (NLD) defeated a party founded by the military.

Currently, Aung San Suu Kyi has already moved to solitary confinement inside the Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital city while the rights organizations have frequently raised their concerns regarding the military's persecution of anti-junta activists since the coup. [CNN]

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi Security Chief Jailed by Myanmar Junta

(tp) U Aung Naing Oo, the security chief of Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison under the Official Secrets Act after it was discovered that he had given armed forces information to Ko Jimmy, an activist who rose to prominence during the country’s 1988 student uprising and who was executed in July.

U Aung Naing Oo was taken into custody in October 2021 and is currently being held at Naypyitaw prison. Additionally, he is facing charges under the Counter-Terrorism Law. [Irrawaddy]

Myanmar: Former Naypyitaw mayor given 3 more years for corruption

(tp) The former Naypyitaw mayor under the National League for Democracy government was sentenced to three more years in prison at the Naypyidaw Prison Court along with his deputy under Myanmar’s anti-corruption laws.

The court found them guilty of five charges of corruption including the land deals, which involving the selling of a portion of land in the Dakkhina Thiri Township of Naypyidaw to a person who owned a restaurant on the land in June, after the Anti-Corruption Commission Committee (ACC) charged Dr. Myo Aung with corruption for allocating many plots of land which cost the state more than 1,800 million kyats. [Eleven]

U Ye Min Oo, who also served as the NLD's minister of Planning and Finance for Yangon region, was accused of corruption for the selling of land. He was convicted of two counts of corruption and given concurrent sentences of three years in prison for each crime, which means he will serve three years in jail. Moreover, he is also charged with the criminal breach of trust by a governmental officer or etc. under Section 409 of the Penal Code, which carries a possible punishment of life in prison. [Mizzima]

Currently, Dr.Myo Aung and U Ye Min Oo had already been sentenced to over 20 years in total since the court gave them more than 15 years in jail for several corruption cases before. [Irrawaddy]

Myanmar: Two bombs explode near first Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge

(jp) Two bombs went off on late on October 15 in the vicinity of the first Thai Myanmar Friendship Bridge, located just across the border from the Mae Sot district in Tak. This is the second bombing that has occurred on the border of Myawaddy and Mae Sot this year. The first bomb went off at the checkpoint separating Myawaddy and Mae Sot, causing damage to one vehicle. A short time later, a second bomb went off at Bayinnaung Market, approximately one kilometre from the Myawaddy-Mae Sot checkpoint. Officials in Thailand have said that it is very likely that the bombs were put there by people who don't like the military regime in Myanmar. [Inquirer]

Philippines: Justice secretary’s son arrested in drug op

(jd) A case has been filed against the eldest son of Filipino Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla for alleged possession of drugs after recovering nearly 1 kilogram of high grade marijuna with a street value of more than USD 22,000. As per the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, he could face life imprisonment and a fine of up to USD 170,000, if found guilty. [Inquirer] [Rappler]

Remulla thanked the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for doing its job without fear or favor and stated that he will abide by the Oath of Office and will not intervene or influence his son's predicament. However, the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency  affirmed on October 15 that the justice secretary’s son will not be subjected to a drug test, even as it maintained that he would be accorded no special treatment. [ABS-CBN]

Philippines: Senator calls for government to address fake news crisis

(jd) Following the recent Pulse Asia survey that showed how 86 percent of adult Filipinos consider fake news to be a problem in the country, Senator Hontiveros stated how the government should pressures social media networks to be accountable for the spread of fake news.

According to her and other senators the public should be able to seek out credible avenues for verified information, and it is necessary to help the population detect fake news and re-build the habit of truth seeking through partnership between national and local government, schools, non-government organizations and other training institutes.

She added that the government should also consider adopting the European Union’s practice of requiring social media companies to submit reports on how disinformation spreads on their platforms and its impact in the country.

While some senators agree with this position, others don’t think that legislation is needed to fight the spread of fake news arguing that the Constitution guarantees free speech. [Inquirer]

Philippines: President not to “interfere” in charges against jailed Duterte critic de Lima

(jd/lm) Philippine President Marcos Jr. has again rejected pleas from opposition lawmakers seeking the release of former Senator and outspoken critic of former President Duterte, Leila de Lima, saying that asking state prosecutors dealing with her drug-related charges to do anything would be “interfering”. [Inquirer] [Rappler]

De Lima has been held at the national police headquarters for more than five years along with other high-profile detainees. Earlier this month, she was briefly taken hostage during an attempted breakout at a prison in the Manila capital region; de Lima was unhurt, while the three inmates trying to escape were shot dead by the police. Following the incident, calls have been raised for her release by political and non-political actors from both within and outside the country, especially from opposition lawmakers. [AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2]

Last week, then de Lima called on President Marcos Jr. to order the Department of Justice (DOJ) to stop blocking the testimony of Rafael Ragos, who had retraced his accusations against the jailed politician saying he was forced to lie by former justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre. De Lima also urged the president to order the DOJ to stop presenting allegedly perjured witnesses.

Philippines: Dozens of lawyers slain in 6 years under former leader Duterte’s rule, rights group says

(jd) The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, a prominent Filipino human rights association, said on October 15 that at least 133 lawyers have been killed since the 1980s in work-related attacks, 59 of them during the last six years under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The lawyers’ group also said that harassment of lawyers and judges has continued under incumbent President Marcos Jr., who assumed office this June, despite alarms raised by the Supreme Court and international watchdogs. [ABC News]

Thailand: Real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin potential opposition Pheu Thai pick for prime minister

(lm) Srettha Thavisin, president and chief executive of one of the largest real estate developers in Thailand, could be a prime ministerial candidate in the next election for the main opposition Pheu Thai Party. Supporters of a possible candidacy by Srettha say it is important for the party to be seen as looking beyond self-exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family clan. [Thai Examiner]

Reports linking Srettha to the role first emerged in October of last year bu appear to have resurfaced against the backdrop of the party’s strong showing in national opinion polls and heightened speculation that an election will be called shortly, possibly as early as next month at the end of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bangkok. [The Bangkok Post]

In recent polls, particularly in northern Thailand, the public appears to have embraced the candidacy of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the political novice daughter of Thaksin who now spearheads a program to unite support for the party under the so-called “One Family” working group.

As per the constitution, each political party can name up to three candidates for prime minister, and the Pheu Thai Party is expected to make an announcement soon.

Thailand: Chief of Defense Forces vows to refrain from coup after upcoming election

(fj) Thailand’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Chalermpol Srisawat, has made assurances that the military would not consider staging a coup d’état even if the upcoming election tentatively scheduled for May 2023 should lead to drastic changes in the country’s political leadership. General Chalermpol further stated that the armed forces had no role in politics and that they were under obligation to follow the government’s policies.

As the election is approaching and the opposition Pheu Thai Party, which already constitutes the party with the single most seats in parliament, is aiming to achieve a landslide victory, the media’s interest in the possibility of another military takeover is fueled by the present political situation as well as Thailand’s history. [Bangkok Post] [The Diplomat]

Some observers are speculating that the prospect of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government being replaced by a more civilian-centered administration under the populist Pheu Thai Party could well motivate the military establishment to step in and assure that its central role in the nation’s power structure remains intact.

There has been ample precedence of such an event, as Thailand’s government has been overthrown by military coups nearly every seven years since the nation became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha himself has been in power since the most recent 2014 coup. In 2014 the Royal Thai Army reportedly insisted that they were not staging a coup up until two days before declaring their seizure of government.

Thailand: Opposition party files corruption investigation against social development minister

(fj) The opposition Move Forward Party has filed a petition with Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for the investigation of Social Development and Human Security Minister Juti Krairiksh and two senior officials of the National Housing Authority (NHA).

The allegations concern supposed irregularities in relation to the Keha Sukpracha housing project which is operated by the NHA. The Move Forward Party claims that as an outcome of the hiring process, a certain contractor has been advantaged and that abuse of power was evident in related procurement and hiring decisions. [Bangkok Post]

With the upcoming general election tentatively scheduled for May 2023, these allegations of corruption brought against Minister Juti of the ruling Democrat Party are only the most recent in a line of graft petitions filed against members of the government coalition in a sustained opposition effort to undermine the fragile legitimacy of the incumbent government. Just in September 2022, allegations against Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha himself had been filed with the NACC [see AiR No. 40, October/2022,1].

Thailand: Gun regulations, narcotics dominate political agenda following mass killing at nursery

(fj) Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government is working towards stricter gun regulations as well as promoting a focused effort to curb the use of narcotics among Thailand’s population. Related announcements have been made by Prayut after a special meeting on the connected problems of gun violence and drug abuse had been called in response to a mass killing at a nursery that left 37 people dead. [Bangkok Post] [Reuters]

Concerning firearms, prospective measures include the psychological screening of people applying for gun licenses as well as regular evaluations of current and former members of the security forces who own guns. Furthermore, legislation that allows for handing in unregistered weapons without penalty is reportedly being considered. As for narcotics, Prime Minister Prayut has called on the police to systematically pinpoint drug addicts in order to allow them access to rehabilitation. [Reuters]

While gun-related violence in Southeast Asia stands at a moderate level compared to other regions, most notably the Americas, high-profile mass shootings such as the 2020 rampage in Nakhon Ratchasima and the recent killing spree at a nursery in Uthai Sawan have made clear that the availability of deadly firearms remains an urgent challenge. However, as Thailand leads the ASEAN states in terms of the number of guns in private possession with an estimate of over 10 million weapons according to the Small Arms Survey, effective regulation and oversight is difficult to implement. This is particularly true as large numbers of unregistered weapons are trafficked into Thailand from neighboring countries. [Small Arms Survey Report 2018] [Thai PBS World]

Concerning the announced crackdown on drug abuse, commentators are warning of returning to harsh punishments for drug users just as recent drug reforms have put a stronger emphasis on rehabilitation and lowering of the prison population. [Reuters]

Thailand: Security to tighten in Deep South ahead of APEC Leaders’ Meeting

(td) Ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on November 18-19, Thailand remains on alert to ensure safety and protection for a host of APEC leaders, and representatives from 21 APEC economies.

As the chairman in 2022, the Thai military and police have joined hands to harmonize their security measures locally. In the meantime, they have coordinated efforts, such as intelligence sharing, with foreign counterparts, specifically neighboring countries. To their concern is the southernmost region of Thailand, where a recurrent series of insurgencies and sabotages – motivated by political and religious differences – has been problematic.

In reference to their preliminary discussion, there was no sign of planned violence during the summit. Though they did not rule out that a group of protestors might rally across the venue to make their voice heard, instead of resorting to violence. That said, it is crucial that the security officers keep monitoring any attempts to create a situation to prevent disruption. Troops have also been ordered to step up security and patrol at border areas. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2]

International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

UN General Assembly votes on Russia's annexations in Ukraine

(fj/lm) A United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution condemning Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory yielded a very clear result with 143 of the 193 member nations voting for the resolution and only five voting against it. At the same time, 35 abstentions – most notably from China and India – show that there is a substantial number of countries that see their interests best served by remaining neutral on the issue.

The five votes against the condemnation predictably came from Russia itself, and four of its closest partners, namely Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua and Syria. The abstentions are mostly clustered in Asia and Africa with China, India, Pakistan and South Africa among them. While in some cases, such as China and Pakistan, the decision to abstain finds a ready explanation in the geopolitical rivalry smoldering roughly between NATO and partners on the one side and a group of countries aligning more closely with an emerging China-Russia axis, other instances are less clearcut. [Time]

As the changes in nations’ votes between the present instance and the vote on the initial UN resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine held on March 2 remained marginal, Thailand’s decision to abstain after it had voted to condemn Russia’s invasion back in March has drawn particular scrutiny. Some have alleged a connection between the vote and Thailand’s interest in getting Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming APEC Leaders’ Meeting held in Bangkok in November. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Permanent Mission to the UN justified its abstention by stating that given the already tense diplomatic situation, the resolution is likely to further undermine the hope for a “negotiated resolution to the conflict”.  Other Asian abstentions included the nations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Laos and Vietnam. [Bangkok Post] [The Diplomat] [Al Jazeera]

The abstentions notwithstanding, US President Joe Biden welcomed the vote as a clear show of unity against Russia’s actions in Ukraine. And while the resolution itself will have no direct impact on the status quo in Ukraine, observers are suggesting it signals an opposition to President Vladimir Putin’s course of action that extends far beyond the group of NATO member countries.

Putin, Xi to attend APEC Summit in Thailand; Biden will be absent

(fj) Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are both set to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in the Thai capital Bangkok on November 18 -19. Meanwhile, the United States will likely be represented by Vice President Kamala Harris as President Joe Biden will give preference to attending his granddaughter’s wedding at the White House during the time. [Bangkok Post 1] [SCMP]

The APEC Leaders’ Meeting, together with the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh and the G20 summit in Bali, will be one of three major summits held in Southeast Asia in November that offer a chance for global leaders to come together amidst a climate tense with interlinked geopolitical and economic competition. As a host country, Thailand’s efforts to facilitate a successful meeting has been complicated significantly by the Russia-Ukraine war as well as the nation’s preoccupation with issues around internal political stability. [Bangkok Post 2] [The Diplomat]

Besides the Chinese and Russian presidents, many other leaders of the 21 APEC member countries have also confirmed their attendance of the summit, among them Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the recently elected President of the Philippines and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Adding to representatives from the member countries are the guests of honor specially invited by the host country Thailand. Among these will be Hun Sen, long-time Prime Minister of Cambodia and French President Emanuel Macron. [Bangkok Post 3]

UN experts call on India to repeal legislation discriminating against religious minorities

(vv) In a recent webinar held on October 3 in preparation for the upcoming review of India’s treatment of human rights, stern demands were made for the South Asian country to protect its minorities and end discrimination on the basis of caste and religious identities.

The side-bar webinar event titled ‘Reversing the Trend: Minority Rights in India’ was hosted by the Coalition for Minority Rights in India, a group made up of the organizations - The World Evangelical Alliance, Open Doors International, the Indian American Muslim Council, Hindus for Human Rights, Justice For All, and the International Commission for Dalit Rights. The said organizations have key interests in an inclusive, pluralistic, and multi-faith India, and have tabled concerns on the health of democracy in the country. [Religious News Service]

UN officials – Dr. Fernand de Varennes a special rapporteur on minority issues and Dr. Nazila Ghanea a special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief – encouraged the implementation of an Independent Investigation Mechanism to closely monitor potential threats to minorities, such as was done in the case of Syria, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Ethiopia. Ghanea also criticized the recent ban on hijab in the Indian southern state Karnataka, adding that an increase in communications between UN experts and Indian authorities addresses such issues, but were left unanswered by the Indian government. Among other key observations made, included that of Garnett Genius – Member of Parliament in Canada – raising concerns over communal violence against minorities and an anti-conversion law enacted in eleven Indian states, adding that such provisions stipulated by the Indian authorities of undermined religious freedoms and fundamental human rights in the South Asian country. [Religious News Service]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

India's finance minister claims World Bank, IMF have promising solutions amid rising food and energy crisis

(vv) As the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in the United States concluded, important economic discussions were tabled as the Indian finance minister touted the two organizations to offer promising solutions in combating the global food and energy crisis.

Finance ministers and central bankers from 190 countries attended the high-profile meetings held from October 11-October 16 in Washington DC, crucial aspects of economic recovery post COVID-19 were discussed besides the growing economic threats due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. While the US criticized Saudi Arabia for limiting production to push up the cost of oil, India expressed disappointment with the drastic increases in US interest rates, which allegedly exports America’s problems to the rest of the world. The UK sent shock waves through the global financial markets over its botched mini-budget that was criticized by the IMF for price caps on gas and tax cuts, and Russia continued to defend its use of veto power to counter any attempts made by the G20 to condemn its invasion of Ukraine. The meeting ended with the managing director of IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, asking the countries to “buckle up” from an economic standpoint, and encourage more cross-border trade to support the global economy in its entirety. [The Guardian]

Against this backdrop, India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman was seen praising the IMF and World Bank for offering promising solutions, during the annual meetings held, which allegedly offered constructive ways to counter the recessionary trends the world is moving towards. As a new world order, post COVID-19, is being stipulated in recent global economic policies introduced, the World Bank has also shown keen interest in taking India’s successful digitization efforts in its economy to the rest of the world, which is seen as a post-pandemic approach to having the global economy insured beforehand. The World Bank President, David Malpass, was allegedly most impressed with how the digital applications in the Indian economy were easily usable and accepted by the common public especially those living in rural areas - given the large population country hosts - while also offering India help in exporting this intellectual capability to other countries. [Economic Times] [News on Air]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

UNICEF, Bangladesh launch apparel sector initiate to support mothers at work

(az) To provide the necessary support to garment-working mothers, UNICEF has partnered with the Bangladesh Garments' Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA). The goal is to provide breastfeeding spaces and breaks for mothers under the program, and to assist factories in providing childcare facilities, paid maternity leave, cash benefits, healthcare, employment protection, and a safe work environment for working mothers and pregnant women. [The Business Standard]

United States seeks to sign two foundational defense agreements with Bangladesh

(az/lm) The United States seeks to sign two foundational defense agreements – the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) –with Bangladesh to help the South Asian nation reach its goal to modernize the military by 2030. [The Daily Star]

As per the GSOMIA agreement, the US will work closely with Bangladesh’s security authorities to develop a plan and standard operating procedure to implement necessary measures for making sure classified information will be protected in Bangladesh. The ACSA agreement, in turn, will allow the US and partner nations’ forces to procure and pay for common types of supplies and services, including food, water, clothing, transportation, training, petroleum, ammunition, maintenance, and medical services.

Against this backdrop, Washington clarified that the two agreements would not commit a partner nation to military action, nor does it authorize the stationing of ships, aircraft, or military personnel in foreign countries.

Chinese Vice President meets Kzakh President

(ms) Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on October 13 in the Kazakh capital Astana on the sidelines of the sixth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to discuss ways to expand relations between the two states and to share joint development opportunities and protect each other's strategic security interests. [Global Times]

The meeting took place after President Xi Jinping himself visited Kazakhstan only last month and met Tokayev [see AiR No. 38, September/2022, 3].

In addition to the meeting with Tokayev, Wang also delivered a speech during the CICA summit, advocating a united Asian community and the rapid implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which, according to Wang, will achieve prosperity and economic development in Asia. [CGTN]

A sign of the close relationship between the two Asian countries was seen in early October when Kazakhstan (and neighboring Uzbekistan – Central Asia’s two largest countries – 17 other nations in the UN Human Rights Council voted down proposal submitted by the UK, Türkiye, the United States and other mostly Western countries to discuss the situation of the Uyghur Muslim minority in the northwestern Xinjiang region [see AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2].

People's Liberation Army poaches British military pilots, report says

(ms) According to Sky News reports, China is said to have recruited about 30 former Royal Air Force pilots. The fighter jet and helicopter pilots are said to be training pilots for the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The former pilots are said to have been recruited by third parties and paid salaries of about USD 270,000 per year.

The recruitment efforts are also said to be expanding to other Western countries and their former military personnel, according to the report. [Sky News]

China's CPTPP membership uncertain, Singapore’s Prime Minister says

(ms) According to Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, there is still no agreement among the member states of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on whether China may join the economic bloc. Lee made the statement during his visit to Australia from October 16-18.  Singapore is currently chair of the CPTPP Commission, the decision-making body of the CPTPP.  

CPTPP is a trade agreement among eleven members - Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, which is supposed to cut 95 percent of tariffs in trade among member countries. Five other countries have applied to join the pact, including China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Taiwan and the UK. Australia, in particular, has expressed concerns about whether China meets the necessary requirements to join. [Reuters]

China's accession could also be of importance for Taiwan, which also wants to become a member, since if China joins, the island's accession efforts will probably no longer have a chance of success. Taiwan underlined its interest earlier this week by releasing third quarter economic data highlighting that Taiwan's trade with the eleven CPTPP members increased by nearly 24 percent in the first three quarters compared to the same period last year. [Taipei Times]

China-backed power plant opens in Myanmar’s Rakhine State

(tp/lm) A Chinese-backed power plant that constitutes a key component of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State commenced operations last week, indicating that Beijing is moving forward with its infrastructure projects in the post-coup Southeast Asian country. [Irrawaddy]

China has emerged as Myanmar's primary electricity supplier, including through cross-border power interconnection projects, due to its lower pricing among other factors as the country faces a severe power shortage and rising local demand. At least seven states and regions from Kachin in the north to Rakhine State are currently developing massive Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOE)-backed power projects. The agreements were established while the National League for Democracy of Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was in power.

US calls India an ‘ally’ in National Security Strategy, terms China a ‘competitor’, Russia ‘threat’

(vv) United States President Joe Biden on October 12 released the country’s 2022 National Security Strategy (NSS), which listed India as a key ally in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy, while claiming “out performing China and constraining Russia” to be its main goals in the coming months.

Covering US’ “tremendous challenges and unprecedented opportunities”, the Biden administration touted India to be the largest democracy in the world and a major defense partner in strengthening US’ agendas of a free and open Indo-Pacific relation. Focusing on geopolitical competitors, Biden also called China a competitor his administration is aiming to outperform as the East Asian country allegedly harbors the intentions to restructure international order that particularly favors its own interests, while the US aims to balance a responsible economic competition accommodating the world’s interests collectively. President Biden also continued his attacks on Russia, maintaining that his administration will focus on constraining the country over its unprovoked and brutal invasion of neighbor Ukraine that has allegedly threatened world peace and violated territorial sovereignty. [The Print]

Extending his praise for India, Biden emphasized on his prolonged interests of continued engagement with the South Asian country terming New Delhi as a key partner in the Quad grouping – a strategic security dialogue between the US, India, Japan and Australia – in a bid to counter China’s alleged military aggression. A three-pronged strategy was proposed by the US, to counter China’s alleged global assertiveness, which involves – to invest, to align and to compete. The strategy is said to be implemented in alliance with the Quad, with Washington adding that its actions will be to counter Beijing imposing its authoritarian model in the Indo-Pacific region, which is eroding US’ alliance in the said region. [ThePrint]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

The economies of Malaysia, India are complementing, high commissioner says

(gc) According to India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B. N. Reddy, the two countries' relations are set to flourish as a result of the Malaysian government's priorities, which include digital economy, equitable healthcare, renewable energies, and the capability of Indian companies in digital technologies, financial technology and renewable energies.

Similarly, he stated that the ambitious infrastructure plans for expansion and semiconductor goal of India present enormous prospects for Malaysian enterprises with their expertise in infrastructure, electronics manufacturing, construction, and other industries. [Bernama]

India, United Arab Emirates hold 10th meeting of joint investment task force

(vv) As India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) co-chaired the 10th meeting of their high level joint task force on investments on October 11, the Indian minister of commerce and industry acknowledged positive momentum in bilateral trade and investments between both nations.

Piyush Goyal and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the executive council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, spoke on favorable trade environments between both regions, acknowledging the early trends of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on topics of bilateral commerce.

Close to 12 rounds of negotiations have occurred between both parties relative to the bilateral investment treaty, agreeing to expedite the process and conclude negotiations at the earliest. Goyal also promised support to UAE sovereign entities through the Finance Act of 2020 allowing tax exemptions of said entities. Subsequent deals to carry out bilateral trade in national currencies were also tabled, a common digital payment platform is expected to be established between India and the UAE. The meeting, overall, proved to be a financially fruitful talk covering extensive areas of mutually beneficial economic growth strategies. [Mint] [The Statesman]

Ms. Sitha Komatineni contributed research to this entry

Indian foreign minister on maiden visit in Egypt

(vv) As India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S Jaishankar debuted his official trip to Egypt, trade and investment were among the key bilateral discussions. The two sides also discussed defense and security cooperation and agreed to explore opportunities in new and renewable energy, education, tourism and connectivity. [Hindustan Times]

Jaishankar began his visit by customary obligations of addressing the India diaspora in Egypt, acknowledging their efforts in contributing to India-Egypt’s bilateral cooperation. The Indian EAM also acknowledged globalization to have brought both the nations closer, while reminding that its potential consequences can’t be ignored and needs to be insured beforehand.

Jaishankar also met the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, conveying Indian Prime Minister Modi’s greetings and personal message. The discussion with President El-Sisi also involved the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, among other areas of key economic and security cooperation. [Saudi Gazette]

Meeting his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Soukry, Jaishankar also discussed climate security concerns ahead of the UN climate summit to be held in November of this year, while also urging bilateral commitment to further their respective UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) rankings. The discussions also included President El-Sisi’s disappointment over the trade turnover of USD 7 billion between both nations, stating that the outcome wasn’t enough and both countries are committed to negotiating on different avenues to increase trade prosperity, with Jaishankar adding that the same is the opinion of Prime Minister Modi. [ThePrint] [Mint]

Japan to export stealth antennas for military use to India

(sm) According to Japanese government sources, a deal to export Japanese military stealth antennas to India may be concluded soon, constituting the first export following the signature of the India-Japan agreement on defense equipment and technology transfer in 2015.

Japan is planning to export the Unicorn system to India, a system of stealth antennas housed in a horn-shaped form and equipped on the new 2022 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces destroyer. The purpose of the system is to deflect enemy radio waves.

Both countries had agreed on the export of the Unicorn system to India during a meeting between their defense ministers in Tokyo in September. The transfer of military technology between Japan and India aims at reducing India’s reliance on Russia and strengthening cooperation against China.

While Japan is limited in the types of military equipment it can export due to its pacifist constitution, the country intends to increase its defense-related exports to boost its domestic defense sector. Exported equipment can only be used for surveillance and mine sweeping, not for directly offensive purposes. Up until now, only one deal has been concluded with the Philippines over air defense radars, due to relatively high product prices. With the revision of Japan’s National Security Strategy, defense export restrictions should be eased before the end of the year.

As part of the Quad, Japan and India cooperate with Australia and the US in their stance against China’s growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Both India and Japan have longstanding territorial disputes with China. [Kyodo News] [South China Morning Post]

Russia protests US, Japan drills using HIMARS rocket system

(sm) On October 12, Russia strongly criticized US-Japan joint military exercises which allegedly used the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) too close to the Russian border.

Japan and the US held joint military drills from October 1 to 14 in the Yausubetsu Training Area in the northernmost part of Japan to simulate the defense of remote islands, using HIMARS on October 10. To check the coordination between the Japanese and US systems, Japan fired 24 rockets at a target 13 kilometers away.

Russia has lodged a protest with the Japanese embassy in Moscow, calling the drills a challenge to peace and security of the Eastern Russian territory and asking for the drills to cease immediately. According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, an adequate response will be insured to block threats from the US-Japan military alliance. [The Mainichi]

The HIMARS rocket system has also been supplied by the US to Ukraine in the ongoing war against Russia and has been effectively used to target supply chains and command nodes. [Reuters]

Russo-Japanese relations have been sharply deteriorating since the beginning of the war in Ukraine last February, as Japan has joined Western countries in their sanctions against Russia. On October 11, a day before Russia protested the drills, the G7 countries strongly condemned one of Russia’s largest missile launchings since the beginning of the war, in retaliation of the destruction of a bridge between Russia and Crimea. They warned of severe consequences if Russia were to deploy nuclear weapons in the ongoing fight. [Kyodo News]

Japan’s bilateral relations with Russia have further worsened due to the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Japan and vice versa. The latest expulsion took place in early October after Russian authorities allegedly forcefully interrogated a Japanese consul suspected of espionage in Vladivostok [see AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2].

Ukrainian delegation visits Japan for the first time since beginning of war

(sm) For the first time since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war in February, a Ukrainian delegation of five lawmakers arrived in Tokyo on October 15.

Scheduled to stay until October 26, the delegation is on a mission to urge other countries to further pressurize Russia. Japanese and Ukrainian lawmakers are expected to discuss matters such as reconstruction plans for the Ukrainian transport and energy infrastructure, territorial disputes, and nuclear threats.

The trip, which includes a former soldier and an economic expert having fought against pro-Russian forces, had to be postponed many times due to the ongoing war. Lawmaker Galyna Mykhailiuk pointed out that Japan also has territorial disputes with Russia over islands in the North of Japan. [NHK World]

The delegation also has plans to meet with Japan’s powerful business lobby, the Japan Business Federation or Keidanren, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. [The Japan Times]

Tokyo has been standing with Ukraine and Western countries in the ongoing war with Russia and has recently reopened its embassy in Kiev [see AiR No. 41, October/2022, 2]. The country, famous for its strict selection of refugees, has also been welcoming Ukrainian evacuees since March.

Japan, Canada to sign intelligence-sharing agreement

(sm) Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly agreed to start negotiating a military intelligence-sharing agreement. 

During a meeting in Tokyo on October 11, the ministers strongly condemned any unilateral attempts to forcefully change the status quo in the Asia Pacific region, with Joly criticizing China’s assertive military actions near Taiwan since August. They announced the two countries plan to work towards the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The prospective intelligence-sharing agreement is the newest step towards this.

Joly and Hayashi also talked about Pyongyang’s recent launching of missiles and prospective seventh nuclear test and agreed to closely cooperate over the issue. They plan to intensify military cooperation through joint drills and personnel exchanges, while working together to ensure supply chain security, especially concerning liquified natural gas.

Japan has similar intelligence sharing pacts with the US, Germany, France, Australia, UK, India, South Korea, Italy, and NATO. [The Mainichi]

Japanese leader sends ritual offerings to controversial Yasukuni shrine, China harshly criticizes

(sm) On October 17, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a ritual offering to the Yasukuni shrine, which commemorates more than 2,4 million war casualties, including Japanese war criminals. While Kishida will refrain from visiting the shrine in person, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi did so on the same day.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded later in the day, firmly condemning the symbolic action, and urging Japan to further reflect on its wartime history.

The shrine, as a symbol of Japan’s World War 2 militarism and colonial rule, routinely creates tensions with China and South Korea, who heavily criticize the honoring of World War 2 Japanese military leaders considered war criminals. The two countries have harshly denounced past visits by lawmakers and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The government has declined to comment on Kishida’s offering, which was allegedly made as a private person rather than a representative of Japan. The shrine had already been visited by Economy, Trade, and Industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura on October 14. Health minister Katsunobu Kato and upper house president Hidehisa Otsuji sent an offering similar to Kishida’s on October 17. [Kyodo News] [South China Morning Post]

North Korean military activity persists: Japan, South Korea, US scramble for appropriate response

(sm) North Korea’s recent military assertiveness shows no respite as it fired another Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM) into the sea near its Eastern coast early on October 14. This tenth missile launch since September 25 followed the flight of some ten North Korean jets about 25 km north of the inter-Korean Military Demarcation Line and twelve km from the Northern Limit Line, the de facto border between the two Koreas in the Yellow Sea, in the night from October 13 to 14. [Yonhap News Agency_1]

The North Korean news agency explained these new actions as strong military countermeasures in response to South Korea’s ten hours long artillery-fire drills near the inter-Korean border earlier on October 13. The South Korean army sent out its own aircrafts, including F-35A fighter jets, to fly parallelly to Pyongyang’s jets in response.

The missile test came after North Korea’s launch of two long-range strategic cruise missiles on October 12. The North Korean media reported that the tests conducted on October 13 had been overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and included tactical nuclear weapons units as a means to test North Korea’s nuclear combat efficiency and reliability. The tests also represented a protest and renewed deterrence against last week’s US-South Korea joint drills in the East Sea. [Reuters] [Yonhap News Agency_2]

In his address to the UN General Assembly on October 12, Pyongyang’s UN Ambassador Kim Song strongly criticized the recent joint US–South Korea military drills and pressed the US to abstain from providing South Korea with a nuclear umbrella or transfer nuclear technology. Kim defended North Korea’s recent military assertiveness by calling on the UN Charter stipulated right of self-defense in the face of the US’ hostile actions. Meanwhile, South Korea and the US have been repeatedly urging North Korea to cease any new missile launches, promising to retaliate against new provocations, and to resume denuclearization talks. North Korea remains unwilling to communicate on the issue and seems set on preparing a seventh nuclear test. [Yonhap News Agency_3]

The concerns expressed by Kim come as South Korean daily newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported Seoul’s alleged request to the US to deploy tactical nuclear weapons such as nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines on a routine basis as a means of deterrence. [Chosun Ilbo] The administration of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has refrained from confirming these news, stating that consultations with the US are underway to further expand joint deterrence capabilities. [Yonhap News Agency_4]

Strongly condemning Pyongyang’s plans for nuclear military expansion on October 11, Yoon stressed the importance of stronger military cooperation with Japan and had a phone talk with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on October 13 to discuss the issue. On October 12, South Korea’s special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs Kim Gunn and his Japanese counterpart Takehiro Funakoshi furthermore met to discuss North Korea’s passing of a law authorizing preemptive nuclear strikes last month and how to further strengthen trilateral security cooperation with the US. [Yonhap News Agency_5]

Both countries are eyeing the potential normalization of their General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), the lowest existing level of military cooperation consisting in information exchanges. The agreement signed in November 2016 was conditionally suspended during the previous Moon Jae-in administration due to bad bilateral relations over historical disputes. The odds of a normalization remain uncertain as the South Korean main opposition Democratic Party of Korea has strongly criticized the recent joint military cooperation and joint drills involving Japan, going so far as calling them a threat to national security. [Korea Herald]

US says ‘confident’ Pakistan can secure nuclear assets after uproar over Biden’s ‘dangerous nation’ remark

(fm/tj) The United States said on October 17 that it had confidence in Pakistan’s ability to control its nuclear arsenal after President Joe Biden questioned the safety of the country’s nuclear program, leading Islamabad to summon the US ambassador. [South China Morning Post]

In a speech on October 13, President Biden said Pakistan is “[...] maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world” as it has “nuclear weapons without any cohesion”. Biden made the off-the-cuff remarks on Islamabad’s nuclear program while at a private Democratic Party fundraiser where he began to discuss challenges facing President Xi Jinping of China, a close ally of Pakistan. [DAWN]

Pakistan summoned Washington’s ambassador to the country, Donald Blome, in response to the remarks to lodge a protest. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who recently visited the US, said that Biden’s remarks should not hurt relations, noting that the president was not speaking at an official function. [Reuters] [The Frontier Post]

South Korea, Australia discuss supply chain security

(sm) South Korea is seeking increased cooperation over supply chain security of important minerals, trade, and investment with Australia, as South Korean and Australian Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun and Don Farrell met in Seoul on October 13 over the issue.

Ahn pressed for more cooperation on lithium and nickel supply chains, as South Korea seeks to become less dependent on China for natural resource imports. Supply chain security of key minerals had also been the main topic during a business roundtable on October 12, in which Farrell, South Korean Industry Minister Lee Chang-yang and several major company representatives (Hyundai, Samsung, Australian Strategic Material, and Arafura Resources among others) from both countries participated.

Increased cooperation in natural resources with Australia is Seoul’s most recent attempt to cope with the US Inflation Rate Act (IRA) passed this summer. The legislation has been seen as discriminatory by major South Korean carmakers such as Hyundai, as the IRA is known for its tax advantages promised exclusively to Electric Vehicle (EV) makers who assemble their cars in the US. Only vehicles with batteries using at least 40 percent of minerals (80 percent by 2027) from the US or its FTA partners will be eligible for the tax credits. 

To curb its dependence on the Chinese mineral resource supply and preserve its competitiveness in the EV and battery industry, South Korea has been looking towards Australia. The country is the first producer of lithium and third producer of cobalt and manganese in the world, minerals which are essential to build batteries.

Australia and South Korea’s bilateral trade has intensified since the signature of an FTA eight years ago: in 2021, it rose from USD 29,5 billion to USD 42,7 billion. While Australia supplies South Korea with natural gas, coal, minerals and agricultural products, Seoul exports cars and petro products to Australia. [Yonhap News Agency_1] [Yonhap News Agency_2]

South Korea hosts bilateral defense talks with Pakistan, Fiji

(sm) South Korean Vice Defense Minister Shin Beom-chul held talks with his Pakistani and Fijian counterparts Hamood Uz Zaman and Inia Btikoto Seruiratu respectively in Seoul on October 11 and 13.

The South Korean and Pakistani ministers discussed their cooperation in the arms industry, peacekeeping operations, and military training among others and signed a memorandum of understanding cementing their commitment to bilateral defense cooperation.

While Shin expressed his concerns over Seoul’s current escalating tensions with North Korea and asked for Pakistan’s support for its plan to offer economic aid in exchange for Pyongyang’s, Hamood expressed Pakistan’s approval for Seoul’s efforts to preserve peace on the Korean peninsula. [Yonhap News Agency_1]

In his talks with Shin, Seruiratu expressed his hopes for increased security cooperation based on a bilateral defense cooperation agreement signed in 2017. Shin asked for Fiji’s support in its plan to host the 2030 World Expo. The talks take place as the Yoon Suk-yeol administration is trying to establish a closer relationship with the Pacific Island countries. [Yonhap News Agency_2]

South Korea loses in UNHCR elections for the first time since 2006

(sm) South Korea’s membership to the UN Human Right Council for the 2023-25 term was turned down for the first time since 2006, in favor of Bangladesh and the Maldives on October 12.

While Bangladesh and the Maldives got 160 and 154 votes respectively, South Korea only got 12, finishing second to last before Afghanistan. Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan also got elected for the new term. 17 countries ran for 14 seats.

South Korea had won all consecutive three-year term elections since the UNCHR’s inception in 2006. The South Korean Foreign Ministry explained the loss of membership by the 13 other elections for international organizations (IO) the country had focused on this year. Countries usually negotiate with each other to secure or exchange votes in this kind of elections and Seoul did not focus enough of its bargaining power on the UNHCR membership elections.

As of now, from the 13 elections that have already taken place this year, South Korea managed to secure membership in eight IO’s, most importantly as a member of the UN Economic and Social Council.

South Korea’s ruling People Power Party blamed the previous Moon Jae-in administration’s alleged decision to overlook human rights issues in the Korean peninsula to pacify Seoul’s relationship with Pyongyang for the loss of the UNHCR election. [Korea Herald]

South Korea seeks support from Rwanda, Tanzania, Lithuania for its bid on the 2030 World Expo

(sm) On October 11, South Korean lawmaker Kim Jin-pyo and Rwandan and Tanzanian parliamentary leaders Agustin Iyamuremye and Tulia Ackson met in Kigali, Rwanda, discussed future economic cooperation and Seoul’s plan to host the 2030 World Expo in the southern city of Busan. [Yonhap News Agency_1]

South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun and Lithuanian Ambassador to South Korea Ricardas Slepavicius met in Seoul on October 13 to discuss similar topics. The two countries are seeking to deepen bilateral ties in high tech and innovative industries, such as the laser and bio industries. Ahn also asked for support for South Korea’s bid in hosting the 2030 World Expo. [Yonhap News Agency_2]

Saudia Arabia and Italy have also been reported to want to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyad and Rome, respectively.

Taiwan not invited to Interpol’s annual General Assembly

(dql) Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced dissatisfaction as Taiwan again did not receive an invitation to the International Criminal Police Organization's (Interpol) annual General Assembly, that kicked off on October 18. 

In an apparent reference to China, the Ministry expressed regrets “that Interpol has allowed political factors to override policing expertise by disregarding Taiwan's practical needs to meaningfully participate in the organization's meetings,” adding that “Taiwan, is a sovereign, independent democratic state and is not subordinate to the autocratic People's Republic of China (PRC).” [Focus Taiwan]

Singapore, Thailand sign five MoU to foster multi-sectoral cooperation

(td) Thailand and Singapore have signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the sixth ministerial meeting of their joint Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) group held in Bangkok. Those MoU signed encompass certain key areas of cooperation, including intellectual property, agriculture and sustainable businesses, and investment projects in cruise ports to help boost tourism.

Chairing the STEER meeting, the Thai commerce ministry explored ways forward with its Singaporean counterpart, in charge of manpower, trade, and industry, to foster vibrant multi-sectoral cooperation. To that end, several other Thai agencies, both public and private, also participated in the meeting to materialize bilateral cooperation in line with each MoU, according to their respective areas of responsibility.

The Thai Government has pinned its hopes on cooperation with Singapore in that framework to facilitate their imports and exports with trade barriers removed – in particular, raw food materials and organic food products – to discuss digital economy and incentivize Singaporeans to expand their investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor, to spur tourism, and to overhaul regulations surrounding customs protocol, aviation, and intellectual property. Besides, it paves the way for other potential areas of cooperation such as energy and climate change.

In general, Singapore is Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with a trade surplus and two-way trade amounting to USD 12.9 billion in the first eight months of 2022. On top of that, Singapore’s direct investment in the country on average between 2005-2021 stands at USD 86.1 billion. Thus, Thailand aims to advance the economic relations with Singapore, taking it to a new high. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] [Royal Thai Government, in Thai] [The Nation Thailand]

Thai exports to Saudi Arabia increase by nearly 16 percent since resumption of ties

(td/lm) Thailand has exported goods worth more than USD 1.1 billion to Saudi Arabia during the first eight months of this year, representing an increase of nearly 16 percent year on year, as Bangkok aims to deepen economic cooperation with Riyadh following the resumption of diplomatic relations in January. [Thai PBS World]

Since the blue diamond affair and – alleged – murders of Saudi personalities three decades ago, it was not until 2022 that they could thaw their strained relations, following Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s state visit to the Middle East country in January at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. [AiR, No. 5, February/2022, 1]

The Thai Commerce Ministry, along with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), have coordinated their efforts in discussing ways forward with the Saudi Investment Ministry to accelerate exports of several Thai products to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Thai entrepreneurs are encouraged to promote their products to the Saudi market as well as put forth their investment projects. Coupled with Thai exports estimated to reach 61.8 billion baht (USD 1.6 billion) this year, therefore, Thailand expects growing exports to Saudi Arabia by 5 percent in 2023. [Bangkok Post]

With that objective in mind, Thailand has lately signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the export of a wide range of Thai-made products with her Saudi counterpart, which is anticipated to generate an income of 3.5 billion baht (USD 91 million). Moreover, the Thai Commerce Ministry has accelerated the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, thus potentially enabling Thailand to enter the wider Middle East market. [The Nation Thailand]

In support of trade and investment activities, bilateral agreements formerly reached to establish the Thai-Saudi Business Council and a joint trade committee will be implemented. The Thai-Muslim Trade Association is set to set up a Thai-Saudi Business Center to advise and facilitate Thai manufacturers in expanding their businesses to Saudi Arabia, specifically in food industry, as well. [AiR, No. 36, September/2022, 1] [South China Morning Post]

Vietnam elected to UN Human Rights Council

(fe) During the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vietnam received 145 out of the 193 votes necessary to become a member of the council for the years 2023–2025. Vietnam has now been elected to the UN Human Rights Council thrice. Vietnam was initially elected to the Council in 2013 for the term of 2014–2016 with 184 out of 192 votes, the highest number among the 14 new member nations.

Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Morocco, Romania, South Africa, Sudan, and Vietnam were among the 14 members chosen by the General Assembly.

The 14 new Human Rights Council members will take office in January 2023 for a three-year tenure. Vietnam will have the chance to support the advancement of all human rights based on impartiality, collaboration, and conversation with its new position in the UN Human Rights Council.

Vietnam will have a stronger voice on important UN and international issues, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda), the response to climate change and migration, and the promotion of the rights of women, children, people with disabilities, minorities, and migrants, especially during times of global humanitarian crisis or armed conflict. [Hanoitimes.vn] [vietnamnews.vn] [un.org]

Announcements

Upcoming Online Events 

19 October 2022 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

A Fireside Chat with Dr. Raj Panjabi on National Biodefense

This event features an expert conversation on the Biden administration’s evolving approach to national biodefense, pandemic preparedness, and global health security.

For more information, see [CSIS].

19 October 2022 @ 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (GMT-8), Asia Society, USA

Pathways for U.S.-China Research Collaboration

This event explores the risks of U.S.-China technology collaboration and looks at the impact of the FBI's China Initiative. It also raises the question how China’s own practices and policies may put such collaboration at risk.

For more information, visit [Asia Society].

21 October 2022 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

Discussing Transatlantic Relations with H.E. Catherine Colonna

This event features a talk with Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France about transatlantic relations, war in Ukraine, and the country’s larger foreign policy priorities and challenges.

For more details, visit [CSIS].

25 October 2022 @ 8:30-10:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA

Unpacking the 20th Party Congress

The webinar explores and discusses major outcomes and implications of the 20^th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

More information is available at [CSIS].

Recent book releases

Florian Weigand, Waiting for Dignity: Legitimacy and Authority in Afghanistan, Columbia University Press, 384 pages, published on September 20, 2022, reviewed in [LSE].

Michael Chessum, This is Only the Beginning: The Making of a New Left, From Anti-Austerity to the Fall of Corbyn, Bloomsbury Academic, 248 pages, published on October 6, 2022. For a review, see [The Guardian].

Anand Giridharadas, The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy, Knopf, 352 pages, published on October 18, 2022, with a review in [The New York Times].

Calls for Papers

The Balkan History Association invites chapter proposals for a collected volume on the theme of the relations between the Romanian principalities (Moldavia, Wallachia, Transylvania) and the Ukrainian lands in the early modern era. The deadline for submission of proposals November 22, 2022. For more information, see [Balkan History Association].

Jobs and positions

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking a Project Coordinator based in Poland. Core responsibility is to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues. Applications are accepted until 19 October 2022. More information is provided at [IOM].

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Regional Meal Coordinator based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to coordinate needs assessments, baseline/endline surveys and evaluations, including hiring consultants where needed. Applications are accepted until 13 November 2022. More information is provided at [IRC].

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Director of Global Internal Communications based in the United States. Core responsibility is to Create and deploy a global internal communication strategy that supports the organization’s global strategic priorities. Applications are accepted until 30 December 2022. More information is provided at [IRC].

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking an Anti-Trafficking Program Supervisor based in the United States. Core responsibility is to Actively serve as the primary point of contact for the partnership between IRC and the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center. Applications are accepted until 12 December 2022. More information is provided at [IRC].

The United Nations Development Programme is seeking a Programme Analyst. Core responsibility is to provide technical support to the implementation and management of UN Women programmes related to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Applications are accepted until 28 October 2022. More information is provided at [UNDP].

The United Nations Development Programme is seeking a Motivational Speaker based in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Core responsibility is to develop curriculum package that is aligned with this ToR and Scope of work, including design and development of content and materials. Applications are accepted until 28 October 2022. More information is provided at [UNDP].

The United Nations Development Programme is seeking a Soft Skills Trainer based in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Core responsibility is to facilitate and deliver training for youth leaders training in person for up to 10 participants in accordance with the agreed dynamics of interested participants.  Applications are accepted until 28 Oct 2022. More information is provided at [UNDP]

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is seeking a Social & Behavior Change Specialist based in Syria. Core responsibilities include management and/or advisory support to Deputy Representative (Programme) on gender. Applications are accepted until 27 October 2022. More information is provided at [UNICEF].

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is seeking an Emergency Officer based in Serbia. Core responsibility is to Provides professional assistance in risk analysis to identify emergency-prone conditions/situations and contribute to early warning and timely emergency preparedness. Applications are accepted until 24 October 2022. More information is provided at [UNICEF].

The World Bank is seeking Program Assistant - Administration/Office Support bassed in Bulgaria. Core responsibility is to support the onboarding process for new hires in ITSOC Sofia – staff and contractors. Applications are accepted until 31 October 2022. More information is provided at [WB].

The World Bank is seeking an ET consultant based in Bulgaria. Core responsibility is to Conduct procurement, sourcing, and category management activities required by the World Bank Group globally. Applications are accepted until 27 October 2022. More information is provided at [WB].

The World Bank is seeking an Urban Specialist based in Ethiopia. Core responsibility is to enhance urban and rural development through supporting and managing the urban-rural transition. Applications are accepted until 25 October 2022. More information is provided at [WB].

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking a Project Officer- Communication and Information based in Pakistan. Core responsibility is to manage day to day information sharing, external correspondence and sharing updates with national stakeholders, government, and donor counterparts. Applications are accepted until 13 November 2022. More information is provided at [UNESCO].

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking an Associate Project Officer based in France. Core responsibility is to contribute to the preparation and follow meetings of UNESCO’s governing bodies. Applications are accepted until 26 Oct 2022. More information is provided at [UNESCO].

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking an Associate National Project Officer (Communications) based in India. Core responsibility is to build on and execute an Institute-wide sustained website and blog strategy towards increasing visibility and brand footprint. Applications are accepted until 11 November 2022. More information is provided at [UNESCO].

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking a Gender and Publications Consultant based in Italy. Core responsibility is to ensure consistency in translation and in referencing; and verify that all elements are in Italian. Applications are accepted until 1 November 2022. More information is provided at [UNESCO].

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking a Science Consultant based in Qatar. Core responsibility is to implement programmatic activities and initiatives in the region, consistent with those identified by Member States and partners. Applications are accepted until 20 October 2022. More information is provided at [UNESCO]

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking a Food Processing Specialist based in the Philippines. Core responsibility is to coordinate with relevant government agencies, development organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders on the plan and implementation of livestock and poultry production system. Applications are accepted until 27 October 2022. More information is provided at [FAO].

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking a National Policy Specialist based in Malawi. Core responsibility is to provide strategic guidance, technical and operational support for results-based policy assistance and governance on food security and nutrition, and toward food systems transformation. Applications are accepted until 27 October 2022. More information is provided at [FAO].

Team:

Duc Quang Ly (dql), Farhan Maqsood (fm), Francis Ezeh John (fe), Gabriela Lopez (gl), Henning Glaser (hg), Jennifer Marie Domenici (jd), Felix Jonas Jantz (fj), Lucas Meier (lm), Mashal Shahid Khan (msk), Ole Stark (os), Peer Morten Strantzen (ms), Sheikh Afif Bin Zaman (az), Silke Marian (sm), Sitha Komatineni (sk), Sol Renteria Adorno (sra), Thanida Piyachot (tp), Theerapon Damrongruk (td), Tim Hildebrandt (th), Tomwit Jarnson (tj), Varshinya Varadhachari (vv), Venus Phuangkom

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