Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 7, February/2023, 2
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
Welcome to this week’s issue of the Asia in Review (AIR) covering the latest events, developments and trends in domestic politics, international relations and geopolitics in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Wishing you an informative read, I extend special greetings to everyone who celebrates The Gambia’s Independence Day, Lithuania’s National Day, and Serbia’s Statehood Day this week.
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: Record loans in January
(ms) Chinese financial institutions have reached a new record high in January with a new lending volume of the equivalent of USD 720 billion.
Even though banks typically tend to lend more lavishly in January due to the large loan portfolio at the beginning of the year in order to generate more profit, the difference compared to December with more than USD 500 billion and compared to January last year with more than USD 130 billion is widely seen among observers a signal from the Chinese government of an acceleration of its efforts to recover its own economy.
The high volume results among other things from the intensified efforts of the Chinese governments to relieve the heavily burdened real estate sector, which will presumably also lead to still high loans in the coming months to win back the trust of the Chinese population.
In terms of the distribution of loans, it can be seen that loans to companies in particular have risen significantly compared with the previous year, while household loans have risen compared with December, but have fallen compared with the previous year. According to economic experts, this difference is due on the one hand to the rapid growth in domestic demand following the end of the zero-COVID policy, with particular emphasis on the services sector, which suffered particularly badly under zero-COVID. On the other hand, the unemployment rate in China remains relatively high at 5.5 percent, with the Chinese youth in particular being more affected, with an unemployment rate of 16.7 percent in the 16-24 age group, which means that consumer confidence remains rather weak. However, the unemployment rate started to fall at the end of last year, which may lead to at least a partial recovery of this confidence in the coming months. [Bloomberg] [Trading Economics] [Xinhua]
In line with the rising credit volume, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its economic growth forecast for China in 2023 from 4.4 percent to 5.2 percent, a significant increase from 3 percent last year. [International Monetary Fund]
China: Tightening of risk management requirement on commercial banks
(ms) The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission and the People’s Bank of China have tightened the risk management requirements for commercial banks, requiring them to classify the risks of all their on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet financial assets that carry credit risk.
The new measures are to come into force on July 1 and all transactions carried out by then must be classified retrospectively by the end of 2025.
Until now, banks have had to classify their loans in five categories from "normal" to "loss," but from July 1 they will also have to classify bond investments, interbank lending and off-balance-sheet assets.
The two banks responsible for this measure said the new requirements would help commercial banks “[to] more accurately assess credit risk and reflect the true quality of their financial assets.” Among others, the move could also be seen as a measure to prevent the companies from hiding their debts, which among other things triggered the country’s severe real estate crisis. [Asia Financial] [China Daily] [Reuters]
China: AI anchors promote pro-Beijing content
(ms) Pro-Chinese actors are using Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated fictitious news anchors to distribute content in the interest of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), according to a report that was published by US social media analytic firm Graphika early February [see full report] and claims that the firm has already been tracking the use of “spamouflage”, meaning spam which masquerades as serious media, by pro-Chinese actors since 2019. However, the videos with the AI generated anchors, which appeared at the end of 2022, were the first of their kind to be used in a political context, with the fake news anchors speaking out against U.S. weapons policy and for the importance of China-US cooperation for global economic recovery. Channel News Asia] [Radio Free Asia]
China: Increased clampdown on petitioners ahead of important political events
(ms) Chinese security authorities are stepping up their crackdown on petitioners ahead of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and National People's Congress in early March, during which Xi Jinping will most likely secure his third term as the country’s president.
Petitioners report that they are deliberately intercepted when entering Beijing, where the political events take place, by local security authorities while still on the train and sent back to their home country. There, they are threatened with surveillance or arrest on trumped-up criminal charges. Reports of violence against the activists have also emerged. [Radio Free Asia]
China: Protests over medical care cuts
(ms) On February 8, major protests took place in Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei Province, over significant reductions in medical benefits for retirees.
Benefits are said to have been more than halved compared to the previous month, according to participating protesters. The reason for the severe cuts is said to be the consequences of the zero-COVID policy, which has lasted almost three years. Provincial and local governments in particular have suffered financially from the strict regulations, and after the announcement earlier this year that there would be no bailouts from the Chinese government, local governments have been forced to cut back especially on social services.
The protesters have given the local government an ultimatum to respond to the protests and have already announced larger protests and rallies in mid-February if they do not. [Radio Free Asia]
China: One million Tibetan children forced into state schools
(ms) More than one million Tibetan children are believed to be affected by Chinese government policies aimed at systematically suppressing Tibetan culture, according to United Nations (UN) experts.
At the heart of the Chinese government’s efforts, the experts report, are residential schools. Education in these schools is uniform throughout the country, focusing primarily on the living conditions and culture of Han Chinese and taught almost exclusively in Mandarin.
Although residential schools can be found throughout the country, the proportion of Tibetan children deviates significantly from the national average. While the national average of children attending residential schools is just over 20 %, according to the experts almost all Tibetan children are taught in such schools; an estimated one million Tibetan children are said to be affected.
The reason for this asymmetry is that local schools, both state and private, which still teach in or the Tibetan language on its own, are being closed. Parents are forced to send their children to schools far away, where they are alienated from their own culture and assimilated into the culture of the Han Chinese. [Radio Free Asia] [UN Human Rights Council]
The problem of such schools has been known for a long time, just in the beginning of December two US politicians wrote a letter to the UN to investigate this forced placement of Tibetan children in state schools [see AiR No. 49, December/2022, 1].
China: Xinjiang Police Files Person Search Tool
(ms) Based largely on the so-called Xinjiang Police Files published in May of last year, a Person Search Tool has been released to allow relatives to find out the status and possibly the location of Uyghurs in captivity.
The Xinjiang Police Files, a collection of purportedly leaked internal documents from the Chinese police and government up to President Xi Jinping, revealed the extent of the targeting and repression of the Muslim Uyghur minority and other ethnic minorities living in the name-giving northwestern Xinjiang region. Among others, the reports are said to have revealed evidence of torture against detainees [see AiR No. 21, May/2022, 4].
With the new tool, it should now be possible to know the location and status of 730,000 people from the Xinjiang region. Most of the people covered by the database are from the Konasheher and Tekes counties, both largely populated by Uyghurs and Kazakhs. [Adrian Zenz via Twitter] [Xinjiang Police Files]
China: Transman recognized as man without full surgery in Hong Kong
(ms) After more than four years of legal efforts, a transgender man in Hong Kong has been allowed to officially change his gender from female to male.
A 2017 court ruling that did not allow Henry Edward Tse, the man in question, to change his gender, which the Commissioner of Registration said was due to the lack of full sex reassignment surgery, which was legally required.
Tse and two other affected individuals filed a judicial review, arguing that the requirement for surgery was unconstitutional and violated their right to privacy. This application has now been finally granted by a Hong Kong court. [Hong Kong Free Press]
China: More ICBM Silos than the US
(ms) Since late last year, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is believed to have surpassed the U.S. in the number of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers, according to a report by the commander of the U.S. Strategic Command.
The expansion of silos is said to have taken place primarily in the Takla Makan Desert in northwest China, after reports emerged as early as 2021 that the PLA had more than 100 new such silos under construction there.
Important in the assessment, however, is that the large number of launch silos is not matched by similar growth in ICBMs or nuclear warheads; there, the U.S. continues to significantly outnumber China. China has just over 400 nuclear warheads while the U.S. has more than 5000.
Despite the large discrepancy, U.S. policymakers express concern about the modernization of China’s nuclear program.
The Chinese state broadcaster Global Times rejects the estimates criticizing the U.S. for using “exaggerated speculation,” like the Chinese balloon over the US [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1], as a pretext for the US military to expand its own military expenditures and nuclear arsenal. [CNN] [Global Times] [The Wall Street Journal]
China: New wing design harder to detect by radar
(ms) The China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre in Sichuan is working on a new wing design for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will make it harder to be detected by radar.
In addition to the new design, which at least visually resembles the U.S. B2 bomber, the new UAV is said to be able to fly without elevators, rudders or flaps, using the compressed air inside the engine to maneuver, according to a paper published by the research group.
The new technology is expected to be used in other aircraft, including manned ones. [South China Morning Post]
China: Unidentified Flying Object spotted off Chinese coast
(ms) Chinese authorities are preparing to shoot down an unidentified flying object off the coast of eastern Shandong Province.
After the U.S. and Canada shot down three flying objects in February, including a Chinese balloon that the U.S. government accused China of using for espionage purposes, which the Chinese government denies [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1], a flying object has now been spotted in Chinese airspace.
The object was detected in the Yellow Sea on February 12 and has not been further identified, at least officially. The relevant authorities in the region have announced that they are preparing to shoot down the flying object and have issued a warning to local fishermen.
In this warning they demand caution and that fishermen who see debris should photograph it or, if possible, salvage it to preserve evidence. [Forbes] [South China Morning Post] [The Straits Times]
China: Prototype engine could increase range of hypersonic missiles significantly
(ms) In a newly published peer-reviewed paper, Chinese scientists are said to have developed a prototype engine of hypersonic missiles that doubles the efficiency of the engine compared to existing engines, which could significantly increase the range of hypersonic missiles. [South China Morning Post]
Japan: Prime Minister Kishida defends his comment on same-sex marriage
(cc) On February 8, in response to a question from the opposition during a parliamentary committee session, Prime Minister Kishida claimed that his early statement on how the legalization of same-sex marriage would change Japanese society was not meant to entail a negative undertone.
Earlier on February 1, during a parliamentary discussion, Kishida said that the issue of legalizing gay marriage should be considered carefully, citing that the topic will change people's notion of family, values, and society. [NHK] [The Asahi Shimbun]
Kishada’s clarification comes at a time when the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which he heads, is facing persistent opposition from conservative party members against the efforts to push for an intra-party consensus in this matter while external criticism of the government’s conventional position is growing.
Further complicating the situation for Kishida is the fact that Japan which is currently preparing the G7 summit is only country with this group of nation that does not legally recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions. [The Mainichi 1] [The Mainichi 2]
Japan: Police arrest four people for corruption charge related to Tokyo Olympics
(cc) On February 8, prosecutors arrested four people for bid-rigging during the Tokyo Olympics.
Yasuo Mori, a former operations executive of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, and three other conspirators are accused of violating the anti-monopoly law by rigging bids for contracts related to the game.
According to a source close to the matter, Mori collaborated with senior officials from Dentsu Inc. to determine successful bidders by using a list of firms assigned to each test event for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games. The move allowed Dentsu Inc. and other affiliated advertising companies to win the contract for the event.
With the purpose of giving organizers and sporting federations an opportunity to monitor the operations, security, and crowd control during the game, the test events for Tokyo Olympics were held between 2018 and 2021.
The case was the latest corruption charge against the organizers of the Tokyo Olympics, with the earlier one related to the sponsorship deal [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1]. [Japan Today]
Japan: Servicemen sue the government for wrongful arrest
(cc) On February 3, two servicemen of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force filed a JPY 10 million (USD 76,000) lawsuit against the government after they were arrested for submitting a harassment complaint to the Ministry of Defense.
The plaintiffs are staff at the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) hospital. According to them, they, along with the other three officers, were subjects of power abuse by their superior male chief petty officer. But when they filed a petition requesting disciplinary action against the officer in September 2022, they were arrested by the JSDF police unit on suspicion of filing a false complaint. Later, the case was dismissed by the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office in November 2022, citing the lack of evidence. [The Mainichi]
Japan: Police arrest NPO head for unauthorized medical procedure
(cc) According to investigative sources, the police arrested the leader of a Japanese nonprofit organization on the charge of facilitating an organ transplant operation overseas without permission.
Hiromichi Kikuchi, a head of the Association for Patients of Intractable Diseases, was suspected of advising that a person should perform an organ transplant abroad without the government's permission at the cost of JPY 33 million in 2022. After undergoing an operation, the patient was unable to recover and died. Kikuchi claimed that he did not know that the process required permission from the government.
Founded in 2007, the Association for Patients of Intractable Diseases has provided advice for people who wish to receive transplants overseas. But according to the organization’s website, it does not facilitate organ transplant operations. [Japan Today]
Japan: Japan moves to introduce abortion pill
(cc) After a period of deliberation, an expert panel of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare agreed to approve the manufacturing and selling of Meefago Pack, an abortion pill, in Japan. The action came after the health ministry signaled its willingness to allow the pill to be introduced in the country in January [see AiR No.5, January/ 2023, 5] [The Mainichi]
Japan: Investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to be concluded
(cc) According to investigative sources, Japanese police are about to conclude their investigation into the July 2022 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after filing additional charges to public prosecutors.
Tetsuya Yagami, the suspect, is expected to be further charged with damaging property, breaching the ordinance manufacturing law and violating the election law. [Japan Times]
Mongolia: Government increases efforts to fight corruption
(sw) The Mongolian government declared 2023 as the “Year to Combat Corruption” and announced five key operations to be implemented to combat corruption, including introducing a bill for the protection of whistleblowers, eradicating nepotism and mandatory prosecution of corruption and abuse of office, strengthening cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies to extradite corrupt officials, disclosing illegal wealth hidden slush funds offshore areas and foreign countries, as well as ensuring transparency regarding the funding of political parties and public organizations. [Montsame] [Aki Press]
North Korea: Leader attends Central Military Commission meeting, calls for war readiness
(ge) On February 7 North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un presided over a meeting of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea during which he reportedly for war readiness and intensified military drills following recent joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea [see AiR, 6 No. 6, February/2023, 1] [Aljazeera]
During the meeting, crucial political and military tasks for 2023 were discussed, as well as the need to perfect war readiness through the intensification of operation and combat drills. [KCNA]
Experts maintain that Kim’s intensified threats and nuclear weapons demonstrations aim at obtaining economic and political concessions from South Korea, Japan and the US, in addition to building a defense against US and South Korean military actions.
However Danny Roy, a senior fellow at the East-West Center argues that these coercive tactics have become counterproductive, triggering South Korea to consider the acquisition of nuclear armaments and to boost military collaboration with the US, in fact jeopardizing North Korea’s security. [The Japan Times] [South China Morning Post]
North-Korea: Record crypto-currency theft in 2022
(ge) According to an unreleased UN report seen by Reuters news agency on February 6, in 2022 North Korea stole more cryptocurrency than in any other previous year. [Reuters 1]
According to the report, North Korean hackers used sophisticated techniques to target networks of foreign aerospace and defense companies. Sanction monitors revealed that South Korea estimated a virtual asset of USD 630 million stolen by North-Korea affiliated hackers and that most cyber attacks were carried out by groups controlled by North Korea’s primary intelligence bureau, the Reconnaissance General Bureau. Phishing and malware methods were used to extort currency from victims. [Reuters 2]
North Korea is believed to have been financing its nuclear and missile program through cyber theft activities, but denies any allegations.[The Straits Times]
The joint security advisory issued on February 9 by South Korea and US Intelligence Services also warns that North Korean cyber actors have been engaging in malicious activities against key South Korea and US institutions, extorting cryptocurrency to advance their national and intelligence goals. [KBS][ US National Security Agency]
The UN report is set to be released by the end of February or by early March. [Aljazeera]
South Korea: National Assembly passes motion impeachment against Interior Minister
(ge) For the first time in parliamentary history in South Korea, the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach Interior Minister Lee Seung-Min. [Yonhap News Agency 1]
The motion holds Lee accountable for the Itaewon crowd crush which killed 159 people on October 29 [see AiR,No. 6, February/2023, 1] and was passed by the opposition coalition formed by the Democratic Party (DP), the Basic Income Party and the Justice Party for a total of 179 votes in favor of impeachment versus 109 votes against. [Korea JoongAng Daily]
Consequently, Lee has been suspended from office until the Constitutional Court rules on the impeachment motion. The ruling, to be pronounced within 180 days, will determine whether Lee will be reinstated or removed from office.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) argued that the motion was submitted for political purposes in an attempt, on the part of the DP, to protect its leader Lee Jae-Myung, who is currently under investigation for corruption allegations and whose arrest warrant is believed to be imminent. [Yonhap News Agency 2]
South Korea: Former vice-governor to be prosecuted over cash remittances to North Korea
(ge) On February 10, former vice-governor of Gyeonggi Province, Lee Hwa-Young was summoned by Suwon district prosecuting authorities to be questioned over suspicious cash remittances to North Korea. [Yonhap News Agency 1]
The authorities suspect the former vice-governor’s involvement in the corruption case that recently hit Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee- Jae Myung and ex- Ssangbangwool chairman, Kim Seong-Tae [see AiR No. 7, February/2023,1].
Investigators suspect USD 8 million were illegally sent to North Korea to support a smart farm project and to facilitate Lee Jae-Myung’s visit to Pyongyang in 2019. Lee Hwan-Young was in charge at the time of foreseeing cooperation projects between North Korea and Gyeonggi Province. [Yonhap News Agency 2]
Kim, who was arrested on January 20 for illegally sending cash to North Korea, bribery and embezzlement, confessed to prosecutors of having spoken over the phone with the DP leader and former vice-governor Lee over the cash remittances to North korea in 2019. Both defendants denied having such phone conversations and of being aware of the cash transfers. [The Korea Times]
South Korea: Court convicts lawmaker for embezzling donations destined to sexual slavery victims
(ge) On February 10, Yoon Mi-Hyang, an independent lawmaker was found guilty of embezzling USD 13,500 donation funds in support of Japanese wartime sexual slavery victims and sentenced him to the payment of a fine of USD 12,000. [Yonhap News Agency 1]
The Seoul Western District court convicted Yoon after finding her guilty of spending money collected with donations for personal matters while she was head of the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery. The ruling came almost after three years since her first indictment in September 2020. [Kyunghyang Shinmun, Korean]
Yoon, who has been expelled from the Democratic Party in 2021, has been acquitted for other charges and was able to keep her independent seat in the Parliament. [Yonhap 2]
The lawmaker's case risks damaging the image of the national campaign on behalf of wartime sexual slavery survivors, an unresolved issue that causes friction in diplomatic relationships with Japan. [Reuters]
South Korea: Measures improving foreign exchange market to be adopted
(ge) On February 7 during the Seoul Foreign Exchange Market Management Council Seminar, the government decided to adopt measures to improve the foreign exchange market structure and enhance global market access. [Ministry of Economy and Finance, Korean]
South Korea plans to allow off-shore financial companies to directly trade foreign currencies and Korean won and to extend foreign exchange trading hours, from the current 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m, to until 2 a.m and ultimately to 24 hours.
The statement was jointly issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Bank of Korea (BOK) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), declaring that the measures are planned to be implemented in the second half of 2024. [The Korea Times 1] [Korea JoongAng Daily 1]
Financial authorities expect that the liberalization of the foreign exchange market will improve the country’s financial markets and will attract foreign investors. According to the Bank of Korea this will allow local financial institutions to diversify their customer base and will stabilize volatility in the foreign exchange market.[The Korea Times 2] [Korea JoongAng Daily 2]
On February 10 the Ministry of Economy and Finance said that to further ease regulations, the government plans to raise the foreign currency amount that can be transferred abroad without declaration from next June. The amount will be raised from USD 50.000 to USD 100.000. [The Korea Times][Ministry of Economy and Finance, Korean]
The measures mark a turn from Korea’s restrictive foreign currency trading policy adopted since the 1996-1997 Asian Financial Crisis. [The Korea Times 2]
South Korea: First state compensation for Vietnam War victim
(ge) On February 7, the Seoul Central District Court ruled the first state compensation for a survivor of the 1968 mass killings in the Vietnamese village of Phong Nhi, Quang Nam Province. [Yonhap]
The Court found the soldiers of the 2nd Marine Infantry Division guilty of rounding up and shooting the plaintiff and her family during Operation Giant Dragon.
For the first time the court recognized South Korea’s liability to illegal acts committed during the Vietnam War, ordering a national compensation of KRW 30 million (USD 24,000) to the plaintiff, Nguyen 63, who filed a suit against the South Korean government in 2020. [Hankyoreh] [Reuters 1]
The Ministry of National Defense hinted at a possible appeal whilst the Foreign Ministry declared that South Korea and Vietnam are in close talks for advancing their diplomatic ties, stating that the two countries should leave the past behind and look at future cooperation. Hanoi did not comment on the issue.[Reuters 2]
Taiwan: New independent data protection agency
(sw) Taiwan’s Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan announced that the government will establish an independent agency to ensure personal data protection and impose heavier fines on private companies found guilty of leaking people’s personal data.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of reports on data breaches at China Airlines, Car Plus Auto Leasing Corp and vehicle-sharing platform iRent.
The Constitutional Court ruled in 2022 that the Personal Data Protection Act needs to include an independent oversight mechanism to ensure that personal data privacy is protected. [Taipei Times]
Taiwan: Military drone production increases
(sw) Taiwan accelerates its military drone production amid tensions with China as the Ministry of Defense has disclosed plans to develop carrier-launched drones, land and aerial surveillance aircraft, and mini-drones with target acquisition capabilities. The goal is to increase asymmetric combat power. [Reuters] [Al Mayadeen English]
Taiwan: Army conducts live-fire exercise
(sw) Last week, the Taiwanese army conducted a three-day live-fire exercise, during which they simulated a long-range strike against an incoming enemy. The drill involved Thunderbolt-2000 MLRS systems and rockets with a range between 15-45 kilometers. [Taiwan News]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Former commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission to become country’s next president
(lm) Md Shahabuddin, a retired district judge and a former commissioner of Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission, has been declared as the next president-elect by the country’s Election Commission after no other candidate was put forward, putting an end to weeks of intense speculation over the post of the head of the state. [Al Jazeera]
The nomination process for the presidential election ended on February 12. With 302 members, the Awami League of Prime Minister Hasina has the majority in the 350-seat national parliament, and no other party had the numbers to nominate a presidential candidate.
Bangladesh: Foreign aid for national budget drops by USD 1 billion, finance minister says
(lm) Foreign assistance for Bangladesh’s national budget has declined to USD 2.23 in the current fiscal year - from USD 3.26 billion in the previous year - Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal told Parliament on February 7 while replying to a question from an Awami League lawmaker. [The Business Standard]
Bangladesh: Population nearly at 170 million, according to latest review
(lm) The size of Bangladesh’s population is estimated to be above 169.8 million, as per the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS)’s latest review of the census conducted last year. The primary findings of the census, which were published in July last year, had estimated the population to be at around 165 million, but the BIDS found a 2.75 percent undercount. [The Financial Express]
Bangladesh: Hindu teenager sentenced to five years in prison for ‘hurting religious sentiments’
(lm) A court in Bangladesh has sentenced a Hindu teenager to five years in prison in a case filed under the Digital Security Act after Muslim mobs instigated communal violence against Hindu communities across Bangladesh during the Durga Puja festival in October 2021. The teenager was convicted for "hurting the religious sentiments" through a derogatory social media post. [The Daily Star]
However, as of now, no evidence has been found that the boy had made any such derogatory post as his phone was broken beyond repair and the Criminal Investigation Department of police was unable to conduct forensic tests on it.
India: Supreme Court calls plea seeking ban of BBC documentary as ‘misconceived’
(wr) India’s Supreme Court dismissed on February 10 a plea seeking a ban on a BBC documentary that scrutinizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role during inter-communal riots of Gujarat in 2002 and has previously been criticized by the Indian government as a ‘propaganda piece’. In light of the apex court’s decision, the Modi administration gave an advisory to restrict documentary screening and access on social and mainstream media.
The particular petition sought restriction on the documentary along with a ban on the BBC from operating in India and called for a probe into “anti-Indian reporting/documentary films”. The Supreme Court has responded to the petition as “entirely misconceived” and refrained from entertaining such matters. [Hindustan Times] [India Today] [Times of India]
New Delhi had blocked the documentary to be aired in India [see AiR No. 4, January/2023, 4] - a move opposition parties and rights watchdogs said reflected declining press freedom under the Modi government. Late last month, then, New Delhi police, clad in riot gear and equipped with tear gas, arrested nearly a dozen students at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) university ahead of a planned screening [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5].
In related developments, India's income tax department conducted searches at the BBC's New Delhi and Mumbai offices on February 14, two sources told Reuters. [BBC]
India: Supreme Court dismisses plea challenging delimitation process for Jammu & Kashmir union territory
(wr) India’s Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the central government’s decision to constitute the delimitation commission for redrawing the legislative assembly and constituencies in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory. Moreover, the plea sought a declaration that the increase in the number of seats is against and above constitutional provisions, notably Article 14, which gives the territory a status of state, and Article 170, which provides the next delimitation in the country to be taken up after 2026. [Press Trust India] [Deccan Herald]
The Delimitation Commission was notified by the central government in March 2021, with the purpose of providing equal representation to equal segments of a population on the basis of a fair division of Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical area. It raises the number of assembly seats from 107 to 114, though the additional seats are expected to benefit Jammu rather than Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir delimitation exercise announced by the central government was met with criticism from locals and politicians in Kashmir.
India: Supreme Court hears plea seeking probe in Hindenburg research report
(wr) India’s Supreme Court on February 10 began hearing a plea seeking an inquiry into the Hindenburg Research report on the Adani Group. A three-judge bench recommended the creation of a committee headed by banking and investment experts after hearing the petition filed by advocates demanding a probe into the allegations made against the group. [ANI] [The Economic Times]
Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi deflected on the Adani links and responded by listing the BJP's achievements in the face of constant opposition demand in Parliament to launch an investigation into the Adani group and accusations against the government for giving undue favors to the group owner. The government and the business group have both denied close ties, while the opposition remains firm in its demand for a probe into the matter and looks at the affair as an opportunity to pressurize Modi, who is eyeing a third term in office next year. [Bloomberg] [Press Trust India]
In addition, 14 opposition parties met on February 13 to devise a joint strategy ahead of the last parliamentary session, with the Adani issue being subject of concern. [ANI] [Press Trust India]
India: Supreme Court criticizes police in Uttar Pradesh state for failing to investigate allegations of hate crime
(wr) The Indian Supreme Court ruling criticizes police and officials in Uttar Pradesh for failing to carry out an impartial investigation into allegations of hate crimes against Muslims and other religious minorities. The reference was made to the 2021 case where a Muslim man was abused by a mob of nationalists and the 2019 case where 11 students were arrested by police while protesting against the Citizenship Law. However, the abusers were not prosecuted by the police due to their association with the BJP and its Hindu nationalist ideology. The Court further expressed its dissatisfaction and distrust at UP police laxity in registering FIR timely. [Human Rights Watch] [Live Law]
India: Supreme Court’s observation intensifies protest in Sikkim state
(wr/lm) A state-wide shutdown was observed on February 8 in India’s northeastern Sikkim state as part of protests sparked by a Supreme Court judgment delivered on January 13, which the apex court has now agreed to amend. In it, it had referred to the state’s majority community – the Sikkimese Nepalis - as people having “foreign origin.”
Hearing a petition filed by the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim, the Supreme Court decided whether those Indians who had settled in Sikkim prior to the kingdom joining the Indian Union in 1975 should be exempted from paying income tax, like the rest of the population in the Himalayan state is. It also dealt with whether Sikkimese women who have married non-Sikkimese persons after 2008 onwards should also be exempted from paying income tax. In its observation, the apex court referred to the indigenous Sikkimese-Nepalese as "Persons of Foreign Origin." [Outlook India] [Indian Express]
Against this backdrop, Sikkim’s main opposition party accused the ruling party of providing a false affidavit to the Supreme Court in an attempt to weaken the special status, and demands a parliamentary debate. The opposition lawmakers additionally claim that the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify the exclusion of Old Settlers from the Sikkimese population and allow them the tax exemption contradicts the state’s integral special powers. [The Print]
In light of this, the chief minister of Sikkim signed the review petition to uphold the sanctity of Article 371F of the Constitution, which safeguards the identity of the Sikkimese and gives Sikkim a special status. [Hindustan Times]
India: Delhi sessions court dismisses ‘violence’ allegations against student protesters
(wr) The Delhi session court has dismissed charges of rioting and unlawful assembly against the accused in the Jamia violence case of 2019. After speeches by activist Sharjeel Imam, who was later arrested along with ten other students, violence erupted at Jamia Islamic University during the protest against Citizenship Law. However, the court has stated that the arrest of the accused person has no basis and that the police were unable to apprehend the actual perpetrators of the violence. It argues that “prosecutions cannot be launched on the basis of conjectures and surmises” and asked the police to continue their investigation. [The Wire] [Press Trust India]
India: Demolitions in Kashmir must be immediately halted, human rights watchdog says
(wr/lm) Amnesty International has criticized the ongoing demolition of homes and businesses since February 4 in cities in India’s Jammu and Kashmir union territory, calling the move “an extension of brutal human rights violations the region [...] has historically witnessed". The watchdog has also referred to the authorities' obligation to immediately halt the demolition drive and ensure that evictions observe human rights standards and provide remedies to the victims. [Amnesty International]
The demolition drive against alleged "illegal" constructions, undertaken by authorities, has intensified after a notice was issued in early January. Despite authorities' claims of legality in eviction matters, critics and residents protest demolition as "biased," "forced," and lacking transparency, with residents not being provided with official eviction notices or given a chance to establish their claim on the contested land. [Kashmir Bulletin]
India: Inter-ministerial commission to prepare framework on human rights reporting obligations
(wr) India’s central government has devised the "inter-ministerial committee on human rights" to inspect, manage, and report on issues related to human rights. Under a joint supervision mechanism including home and foreign ministers, the commission will provide a framework to address the recommendations and obligations provided by the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). India received 340 recommendations as per the UPR of India’s human rights record up until November last year. The authorities, on the other hand, are developing national mechanisms to respond to and follow up on received obligations. [Hindustan Times]
India: 30 Policemen injured in clash with protestors at Mohali-Chandigarh border
(wr) Clashes broke out between Chandigarh Police and protestors seeking the release of "Bandi Singhs" or Sikh prisoners at the Chandigarh border. The protestors, armed with swords and sticks, tried to cross barricades in an attempt to reach Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's official residence. As a result, 30 cops were injured and police equipment was damaged. The Chandigarh Police Director General launched an investigation and announced that FIRs would be filed against the perpetrators.
The protestors belong to Quami Insaf Morcha, an organization of Sikhs, and are demanding the release of Sikh militias and prisoners convicted for the assassination of a former Punjab chief minister, bombings, and civil unrest throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their demand has intensified after the government’s decision to "prematurely" release former PM Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts in November last year. [Press Trust India] [Indian Express] [NDTV]
India: Tamil Nadu state faces increased border challenge
(wr) The border security threat looms as drug lords and infiltrators ramp up their activities along Tamil Nadu's sea route. The government receives high-intelligence warnings about the potential entry of drug lords and infiltrators from the 1,076 km-long porous coastline. The coastal district of Tamil Nadu remains vulnerable to intrusions, illegal immigration, and smuggling. [Bharat Times] [The Hindu]
India: Prime Minister Modi inaugurates Aero India 2023
(wr) India’s Prime Minister Modi inaugurated on February 13 the 14th edition of Aero India 2023, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru and organized by India’s defence ministry. The event, the largest air show in Asia, provides business to business agreements, welcoming more than 700 defense companies around the globe, manufacturing military aircraft, helicopters, military equipment and new-age avionics. [PM Office]
Pakistan: Human Rights commission raises ‘alarm’ on religious freedom
(fm) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in a new report has expressed "considerable alarm" regarding how the country currently treats religious freedom, saying that between July 2021 and June 2022 the incidents of the country’s religious minorities facing persecution remained consistent.
The HRCP report focuses on forced conversions, the destruction of places of worship belonging to minorities and the marginalization of the Ahmadi community, a relatively small group under the umbrella of Islam. The Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims but due to Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws, they are not allowed to identify as Muslims.
According to the HRCP report, the 207 million people in Pakistan are made up of roughly 96 percent Muslims, 2.1 percent Hindus, 1.6 percent Christians, and only approximately 0.2 percent Ahmadis. The Shia Muslim community in Pakistan makes up roughly 20% of the overall population despite not being included as a religious minority in the census data.
According to the report, "approximately 60 incidents of forced conversion were publicized in the local media in the year 2021 alone, of which 70% were girls under the age of 18," with the most of them coming from the Sindh province. The abduction, forced marriage, and conversion of girls from Pakistan's religious minority were also condemned last month by a delegation of UN rights experts, who urged the government to act.
According to the HRCP, the country's standard for proof in blasphemy cases needs to be raised. As is frequently the case, it stated, "it must be ensured that the laws in question are not weaponized by persons to settle personal vendettas." According to data for 2021 published by the HRCP, the police recorded at least 585 cases of blasphemy, most of them in Punjab province. At least 16 of these cases were brought against Ahmadi community members. Since 1990, at least 80 people have died in Pakistan because of blasphemy accusations, according to a count by Al Jazeera.
The report also questioned the national curriculum that had led to the marginalization of Pakistan's religious minorities by creating an "exclusionary narrative" in some areas of Pakistan.
The HRCP report provided many recommendations to safeguard the nation's minorities and stated that more than half of all online hate speech in Pakistan (53 percent) is directed against the Ahmadi community. The group argued that the contentious national curriculum must be updated to ensure that secular topics do not contain any religious content or "any information that discriminates against religious minorities and sects or their religions." [Al Jazeera]
Pakistan: Wikipedia ban over alleged blasphemous content lifted
(fm) Pakistan has restored a two-day ban on Wikipedia that was put in place on February 11 after the free online encyclopedia was given a 48-hour deadline to remove allegedly blasphemous content. The country's telecom regulator, The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), was given a directive by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to reactivate access to the platform with immediate effect. [BBC]
Major websites, online games, and social networking applications have historically been blocked in Pakistan. Due to content the PTA deemed "blasphemous," the largest video-sharing website in the world, YouTube, was banned throughout the country between 2012 and 2016 for more than three years. In 2020, TikTok was banned for six months for “spreading obscenity and immorality”. [Al Jazeera]
Pakistan: Mob storms police station, lynches man accused of blasphemy
(fm) In Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, hundreds of Muslims stormed a police station on February 11, snatched a man accused of blasphemy from custody and lynched him, in the country’s latest religion-linked killing. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an investigation into the event and asked why the police did not disperse the rowdy mob. [Al Jazeera] [The News] [The Guardian]
Sri Lanka: National Election Commission reassures of holding Local Government Elections as planned
(sn) Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court granted permission on February 10 for the National Election Committee (NEC) to proceed with conducting Local Government Elections as scheduled. It also decided to discontinue processing writ submissions from various civil society representatives to go ahead with election plans since it would be unnecessary with the subsequent decision.
The court noted that it is in the NEC’s legal interest to protect the franchise of people. In the second quarter of 2022, a retired Army Colonel filed an order to suspend Local Government Elections, raising public concerns following the conditions of the preceding political crisis. [On Lanka], [News First], [AiR No. 49, December/2022, 1]
Sri Lanka: Former finance minister plans to renounce his US citizenship for comeback in politics
(sn/lm) Sri Lanka’s former finance minister and the brother of the country’s former president, Basil Rajapaksa, has said he plans to renounce his United States citizenship to proceed with an opportunity to serve the nation again. The veteran politician, who served as finance minister between July 2021 and April 2022, was initially not allowed to leave Sri Lanka but received permission from the Supreme Court to travel to the US a couple of months after the civil unrest towards the Rajapaksa-led government. [Dev Discourse] [ThePrint]
Sri Lanka: Ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa investigated over hidden cash stockpile
(sn) Sri Lankan police said on February 8 they are investigating the country’s former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over a hidden USD 50,000 cash stockpile uncovered when protesters occupied the presidential palace last July. The Colombo Court ordered Sri Lankan Police to make a statement on the encounter in November 2022. Hence, this interview is yet part of an ongoing investigation. [The Strait Times] [AiR No. 28 July/2022,2]
Sri Lanka: Police block Buddhist monk administration’s protest near Parliament against 13th Amendment
(sn) On February 8, Buddhist administrative staff marched towards the Parliament building in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo to protest against the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The monks that marched had clashed with police, blocking the group from accessing the Parliament building. At that time, President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a speech to the audience in Parliament on the government’s policy announcement [see AiR No. 7 February/2023, 1]. [The Island] [Colombo Page]
Sri Lanka: Bankruptcy to last until 2026, but country my return to growth by year-end, president says
(sn/lm) Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on February 8 that his country will remain bankrupt for at least three more years, adding that the economy is expected to grow again by the end of 2023 and recover substantially by 2026. Speaking against the backdrop of protests by trade unions and private sector professionals over recent hikes in income taxes, Wickremesinghe said the government could turn around the economy if Sri Lankans tolerated high direct taxes for another six months. [Al Jazeera] [The Strait Times]
Sri Lanka: Central Bank publishes amended legislature on Financial Consumer Protection
(sn) The Financial Consumer Relations Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CNBL) proposed on February 6 amendments to the Regulations on Financial Consumer Protection Act in response to a recognized need to institutionalize customer security.
The department published its first draft Regulation in the press release, inviting the industry associations and the general public to make suggestions and observations on that consultation paper until February 17. The regulations will allow supervisors to implement market conduct inspection and observation. The amendments also aim to clarify the meaningful financial service transmission areas for individuals and legal entities.
The CNBL Financial Consumer Relations Department aims to decrease the number of complaints consumers send to the central bank through the implementation of Regulations on Financial Consumer Protection in the Monetary Law Act. [Colombo Page] [Central Bank of Sri Lanka]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Candlelight opposition party loses out on a former senior advisor, gains a new prominent member
(sn) On February 7, 2023, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) dropped the charges against the senior advisor to oppositional Candlelight (CL), Kong Korm. The state party filed an incitement complaint against the former advisor after his comments about Vietnamese influence in the funding of CPP. Kong Korm said he was thankful that CPP dropped the case.
Preceding the cancellation of charges, Kong Korm stepped down from his position at the Candle Light Party. He expressed an opinion of the malicious intent in his former property seizure. On January 31, 2022, he released a press release where he apologized to the ruling party for his association with the CL and reevaluated it as a mistake.
The government representative informed that no one pressured the senior advisor to resign and that the ruling party led by Prime Minister would not benefit from his departure. Although, some Cambodian commentators consider it a decision made under pressure.
In anticipation of the upcoming elections, the Cambodian labor leader, Rong Chhun, announced his joining the opposition Candlelight party to support it during the election campaign. The leader is a former member of the national election committee and the current President of the Cambodian Federation of Unions. He plans to resign from various current positions to focus on electoral promotion but continue advocating the right of workers. [Radio Free Asia 1], [Radio Free Asia 2], [VOD News] [AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]
Cambodian Political parties announce their campaigns
(sn) Cambodian Political parties announced their propositions across the regional constituencies for the upcoming 21-day Nation Election Campaign. The main participating political groups are the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, the pro-royalist Khmer National United Party (KNUP), the oppositional Candlelight party, and the royalist Funcipecc Party.
The National Election Committee (NEC) expects approximately 20 parties to register their candidates. Hence, the minor political groups are yet to announce their participation. NEC will accept electoral candidate lists from the parties from April 24 to May 8, 2023. Cambodian ruling party announced its manifesto for upping elections, prioritizing pay raises for civil servants and minimum wage increases for workers, along with agricultural marketing, health care, and infrastructure initiatives.
On February 6, 2023, the KNUP, which recently merged with the Kampucheaniyum party, released an 8-point manifesto, where they plan to strengthen social justice, improve the quality of education, and increase community development budget & allowance for the elderly. The President of the Funcipecc Party, Prince Norodom, met with the provincial community members as a part of the party campaign. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: Human Rights Committee expected to protect citizens better through UN-hosted training courses
(sn) The UN Resident Coordinator, Jo Scheuer, met the Cambodian Human Rights Committee (CHRC) President, Keo Remi, for the 1st time on February 6, 2023. He praised the CHRC governor for cooperation with the UN, and particularly the OHCHR department.
On February 2, 2023, the CHRC and the OHCHR representative opened the 1st session of the Training on International Human Rights Standards to empower the Human Rights Committee officials in the abilities to investigate, report and prevent misconduct, specifically in detention facilities. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Cambodia, the UN-affiliated institute, developed training courses in cooperation with CHRC to promote the efficient human rights agenda among various stakeholders in the Southeast Asian Kingdom.
Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) spokesman, Song Senkaruna, said the CHRC must regard the rights of Cambodian people accordingly to the Declaration of Human Rights in the Cambodian Constitution, outlined by the OHCHR in compliance with the UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights. He also urged the Cambodian Human Rights Committee to prioritize the rights of the Kingdom’s citizens over the interests of the state government.
The ADHOC representative cited, as an example, the lack of action from the CHRC in facilitating the conflict between the union of workers and the NagaWorld employer. The dispute stretched over more than a year. While the State and businesses took substantial inhibiting measures against peaceful demonstrators, the Human Rights Committee did little to protect the employees affected by workforce cuts and defend their leaders from prosecution. [Cambodia Daily], [UN Cambodia]
Cambodia: Prime Minister orders to annul the license of the local independent media publisher VOD News
(sn) On February 13, 2023, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered to revoke of the license of the VOD independent news media company. The decision came following his demand to the media outlet on February 12, 2023, to make a public apology for the allegations stating that his son, Hun Manet, signed documents on behalf of the Cambodian governor.
At first, the State gave VOD 72 hours to disapprove their initial statement and make an apology. Later on, however, the Prime Minister ordered the Ministry of Information to notify the news publisher to issue the public statement within 24 hours from the initial request, thus by 10 am February 13, 2023.
The VOD issued a public apology on their Facebook page for the mistake made in the article in the early hours of the specified date. Yet, the Prime Minister remained skeptical about the intentions of the media outlet and went along with the decision to revoke the license of the VOD news company.
Following the announcement of this decision by the Prime Minister, 50 local advocates for social justice, including the Khmer Thavrak youth group and the NagaWorld workers’ union, staged a protest near the VOD Radio office. The group asks the government to re-license the VOD press group. Coalition of Cambodian Journalists spokesman, Not Vy, said that the shutdown of this independent media outlet is a significant issue as it played a crucial role in highlighting societal problems. [The Star], [Phnom Penh Post], [DW News] [Radio Free Asia 1], [Radio Free Asia 2]
Cambodian administration reduces the number of residents detained in Prey Speu vocational center
(sn) The Ministry of Social Affairs in Cambodia announced its plans to reduce the detainees' number, it holds in the Prey Speu center, initially announced as a vocational department but observed to hold people in conditions violating human rights. Touch Channy, the ministry spokesman, said the administration took action following reports of the local and observing non-governmental organizations and that the fewer people are held in custody, the more should improve their living conditions.
In the final quarter of 2022, LICADHO and Amnesty International reported an increased mortalities number occurring in the vocational center since the summer term. The Ministry of Social Affairs responded to allegations by accepting the figures and highlighting the marginalized background of people received by the center, further accenting that their health initially tends to be in a problematic state. [VOD English], [AiR No. 2, January/2023, 2], [Air No. 50, December/2022, 2]
Cambodia: State grants Electricite Du Cambodge 7 hectares of major Phnom Penh lake, despite environmental risks
(sn) The government of Cambodia shows a trend of pursuing projects in the area of an important lake in the capital Phnom Penh city, Boeng Tamok. As such, multiple issues developed in the social and ecological dimensions. On January 31, 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers published a royal gazette announcing the transfer of approximately 7 hectares of the Boeng Tamok lake to the utility supplier, Electricite Du Cambodge. Environmentalists have raised concerns over excessive leaks in the rain catchment areas, accenting that the filled-up lakes contribute to increasing floods in the capital.
Several decades ago, local public populated the area. They reported observing the reduction of the lake's surface area and pressure from authorities to leave these former residences. Former Phnom Penh had 26 lakes designated for fishing, and approximately 10 of them remain in the city today. Since Boeng Tamok lake is the primary natural water reserve in the city, the exploitation of its initial form leads to environmental consequences. Former residents attempted to stage a protest to secure their land titles, but the group received scrutiny instead of consideration.
The lake outline shows that the land granted to Electricite Du Cambodge overlaps with some areas given to a few other legal entities in 2021. Furthermore, multiple influential figures received mighty lake areas in the Cambodian capital. Prime Minister granted 75 hectares to the relative of Brigade 70 deputy commander and 100 hectares to Choeung Theanseg, a managing director of Phnom Penh Precast Plans as for 2019. National Election Committee has around 3 hectares of the lake area. Price listings for the property in this area suggest that it may be developed as a luxury real estate area. [VOD News], [VOD News 2], [The Guardian], [Mongabay]
Indonesia: Former police general sentenced to death over murder of his bodyguard
(os/lm) Ferdy Sambo, a two-star general and former head of internal affairs for Indonesia’s national police, was sentenced to death by a court on February 13 for the premeditated murder of one of his bodyguards last July. The death sentence is more than what prosecutors called for, which was a life sentence. Ferdy’s legal team did not announce yet whether they would appeal. [Antara News] [Jakarta Globe] [Reuters] [The Jakarta Post]
Ferdy was one of the five defendants in the murder case. The other defendants include Ferdy’s wife, as well as former policeman Richard Eliezer who carried out the shooting. They received prison sentences from 8 to 12 years in January 2023.
According to the judges, Ferdy’s high-ranking position exacerbated the sentence as many officers were involved in Ferdy’s attempts to cover up the murder. Also, the judges pointed out that Ferdy harnessed the reputation of the National Police. Ferdy claimed that he wanted Yosua to be dealt with as he believed Yosua had sexually assaulted his wife. A claim that, according to the judges, cannot be supported by any evidence.
Indonesia: Public consultation on presidential decree on job creation law
(os) The Indonesian government has held a public consultation on a presidential decree that replaces a controversial job creation law. [Antara News]
The consultation was attended by academics and experts. The government claimed the event was meant to increase participation of the public in the wake of the Regulations in lieu of Law (Perppu) No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation. The experts stated that a Perppu cannot be understood to be authoritarian as it requires to be tested by the House of Representatives. The experts called for the lawmakers to approve the Perppu.
The Perppu was issued by President Joko Widodo as an emergency regulation in December 2022 [see AiR No. 1, January/2023, 1]. It takes the place of a job creation law that was previously deemed not to be in line with the constitution. Protesters have criticized the Perppu for having new regulations on outsourcing and a more disadvantageous calculation of the minimum wage [see AiR No. 3, January/2023, 3].
Indonesia: Elections commission’s decision not to redraw electoral districts draws flack
(os) The decision of Indonesia’s General Elections Commission (KPU) not to redraw electoral districts for the 2024 elections has drawn strong criticism. [The Jakarta Post]
In December 2022, the Constitutional Court ruled that it is under the KPU’s authority to redraw electoral districts. The KPU does not need to consult with lawmakers of the House of Representatives, which previously had been responsible for arranging the electoral districts. This ruling was widely lauded by election watchdogs.
However, the KPU has decided to not rearrange the districts apart from the four new provinces in Papua. Critics now question the independence of the KPU as lawmakers had previously called for the KPU not to redraw the districts. Critics claim a rearrangement would be necessary to solve the problem that in some parts of the country the allocation of seats is not in line with the number of citizens.
Indonesia: New draft regulation on media receiving payments from digital platforms
(os) Indonesia’s government is drafting a regulation that would enable media companies to receive payments from digital platforms such as Facebook or Google for displaying their content. The regulation is aimed at establishing a level playing field between media outlets and digital platforms and aggregators since it is mostly the platforms that benefit from displaying the content of media firms. [Reuters]
The new regulation would give the Press Council the authority to determine price structures and payment schemes, as well as mediate conflicts. The regulation is slated to be issued in the form of a presidential regulation within a timeframe of one month.
Indonesia: Minister follows summon as witness in alleged corruption case
(os) On February 14, Minister of Communication and Informatics Johnny G. Plate gave a statement in regard to alleged corruption in the construction of base transceiver stations (BTS) after being summoned by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). [Tempo.co] [The Jakarta Post]
The AGO said that Johnny was summoned as a witness and didn’t specify what the minister would be asked in particular. Johnny had previously failed to comply with a former summon on February 9 since he had to attend a press event.
The alleged corruption refers to the construction of several 4G BTS packages from 2020 to 2022. The construction is orchestrated by an agency under the Communications and Information Ministry. In total, five suspects were named in the case.
Indonesia: President calls on law enforcement officials to increase prevention of forest, land fires
(os) Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on regional military and police chiefs to double down on their efforts to prevent forest and land fires in their regions. [Antara News] [The Straits Times]
The president has expressed this call in the wake of El Niño, a dry weather pattern which increases the likelihood of occurrence of fires. Jokowi has previously warned officials that he would dismiss them in case a forest or land fire broke out in a region which they are responsible for.
Malaysia: White Paper on controversies related to vaccine procurement to be tabled in Parliament
(ldm/lm) To optimize the implementation of the National Covid-19 Immunization Programme (PICK), the Malaysian health ministry has established a working team to draft a White Paper to comprehensively evaluate the procurement of the coronavirus vaccine, which will be tabled at the next Parliament session. [NST]
The raison d’être for the paper is the ambiguity of the vaccine’s acquisition during previous administrations, including the procurement procedures, amount and cost of the vaccine. The said ambiguities pertaining to the vaccine purchases coincided with an exchange of portfolios between the health minister and the science, technology and innovation minister during the 2020-2022 Malaysian political crisis. [Malay Mail] [Malay Mail 2]
Culminating in a national declaration of a state of emergency, the political crisis erupted out of compromised stability of the majority government in Parliament’s lower House due to political discord within the then ruling coalition, Pakatan Harapan, which led to the withdrawal of its component party, Perikatan Nasional. [Reuters]
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that specific parts of the vaccine procurement process were approved by ministers without the Attorney General’s agreement. [FMT] [The Borneo Post] [The Star] However, Malaysia’s former prime minister’s private secretary negated the claim, stating that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) includes a permanent representative from the Attorney General’s Chamber. [NST 2]
In addition, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin contended that the procurement of the vaccines abided by the standard procedures and was confirmed by the PAC. [Mkini] [The Star 2] The bipartisan PAC of the 14th Parliament in turn stated that, their investigations did not yield any inadequacies related to vaccine procurement, except for the Sinovac vaccine which noted that the government had to pay a premium of 16.78- 18.12 percent to procure the final product. This was concluded as caused by the local pharmaceutical company, Pharmaniaga Bhd’s delayed delivery of the vaccine amid supply shortage at the time. [CodeBlue]
This investigation is said to be linked to a major component party of Malaysia’s opposition bloc, Bersatu’s allegations of corruption as inspections into the USD 69 million allegedly obtained by the party and used for the previous election campaign are underway. [Malay Mail]
Currently, the accounts of Bersatu have been frozen by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) [see AiR No. 6, February/2022, 1] while political donations to the party in exchange for public project awards were probed. [The Star]
Malaysia: Anti-graft watchdog investigates alleged awarded contract from former prime minister to son-in-law
(ldm) The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating allegations of a USD 176 million information technology contract awarded to the son-in-law of the country’s former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. MACC is currently gathering evidence and documents for the investigation, and has not yet taken statements from the former prime minister or his son-in-law.
The investigation is focused on several aspects of the project, including its development, the specified timeline, and if it was implemented according to specifications. The company in question, Iris Information Technology Systems Sdn Bhd, secured the contract for the National Integrated Immigration System project from the Home Affairs Ministry in May 2022. [Malay Mail]
While Muhyiddin denies his involvement in the awarding of the project and claims the allegations are malicious slander, incumbent Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim supported the corruption investigation on the basis that there’s no smoke without fire. [FMT] [Malay Mail 2] [The Sun Daily]
Malaysia: Unity government establishes three committees for holistic administration
(ldm) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the formation of three committees in the unity government secretariat meeting on 7 February. One of the three committees established is the communication strategy committee for managing slander (e.g., the controversial Quran burning incident in Sweden) while another is in charge of concentrating efforts for upcoming state elections and addressing relevant issues such as seat allocations. The third committee which focuses on political developments and government agenda is tasked with examining significant national policies and collecting public opinion on election manifestos of parties under the unity government. [Straits Times]
Malaysia: Human resources ministry launches Housewives Social Security Scheme
(ldm) The Housewives Social Security Scheme was launched by the Human Resources Ministry through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) during the MYFutureJobs Career Carnival 2023. Implemented on December 1 last year, the scheme registered under the Housewives Social Security Act 2022 (Act 838) provides medical and permanent disability benefits, disability allowance, corpse management benefits and bereavement pension to local and permanent residents younger than 55 years old and manages a household full-time or part-time. [NST] This scheme aims to target 500,000 housewives regardless of marital status nationwide by the end of 2023. [The Star]
Malaysia: Government committed to reform migrant worker management processes
(ldm) Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has discouraged the home ministry’s deployment of agents in recruiting foreign workers. Although these intermediaries have been justified as the sole cause for the ludicrous charges for foreign labor, the more concerning issue is when these middlemen bribe corrupt officials on behalf of employers or workers to bypass official regulations that standardize recruitment and protect workers’ welfare.
Despite the high service costs charged by intermediaries, workers are still coerced into taking high-interest loans, mortgaging their lands to make up for their flight and accommodation costs, rendering workers from underdeveloped countries vulnerable to debt bondage, making the practice analogous to modern slavery. [FMT] [FMT2]
While the prime minister’s directive was fully supported by the Labour Law Reform Coalition (LLRC) [Mkini] and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) [Malay Mail], a labor rights activist critiqued the claim by stating that the real issue is the ‘sub-agents’ in the origin country of the workers, which can only be mitigated by a comprehensive law or agreement between Malaysia and the country to cap recruitment fees as well as to initiate legal and bureaucratic changes to uphold transparency and consistency in the system of recruiting foreign workers. [FMT3]
In January, the Malaysian government announced the Foreign Worker Employment Relaxation Plan to hamper the monopoly of agents and syndicates in source countries. The plan simplifies procedures for recruiting foreign workers by easing up the duration of providing accommodation and expedite the Human Resources Ministry’s rate of processing applications to three days maximum. [NST][The Star]
Malaysia: Central bank views promise in the country’s economy
(ldm) The governor of Malaysia’s central bank has claimed that recession is unlikely for the country, arguing that the economy is buttressed by the gradual recovery in the labor market, a possible V-shape recovery in the tourism sector and solid investment flows in the public and private sector, all of which would compensate for the moderation in exports. This stands in contrast to the World Bank’s projections of possible slowdown in Malaysia’s economy [see AiR No. 6, February/2022, 1]. [NST]
To ensure economic growth, the international financial institution pointed to the global reallocation of foreign direct investment (FDI) which has made Southeast Asia an appealing site for multinationals when considering geopolitical factors, resilience, risk management and efficiency. Malaysia should thus strive to capture the reallocation of capital within the region, especially when the country has a solid ecosystem in key manufacturing sectors.
In addition, the World Bank has suggested Malaysia to further encourage women’s participation in the workforce [The Star] and consider balancing ASEAN’s economic development in the region as a means of supporting its economic growth as the country’s current regional economic corridors do not align with other ASEAN countries. [NST 2]
On the other hand, Malaysia’s economic minister views financial inclusion and wellbeing across the Malaysian population regardless of income level as the most pressing issue to be addressed to ensure economic growth. This is why Bank Negara Malaysia’s 2023-2026 financial inclusion framework seeks to promote financial health and living standards of Malaysians towards the ends of achieving financial inclusion. [Central Banking]
Malaysia: What to expect in the revised Budget 2023
(ldm) Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also holds the finance portfolio, has said that the revised Budget 2023 would focus on propelling growth and attracting investments, with the rest of the budget focusing on addressing the country’s competitiveness, the rate of business approvals as well as several new initiatives including digitisation and sustainable consumption and the production of natural resources. As the revised Budget 2023 is Anwar’s maiden budget, it could determine his government’s approval rating for the year wherein global economic growth is predicted to slow down rapidly. [Malay Mail 2] [FMT]
The economy minister further added that Budget 2023 would have more allocations for the agricultural sector and aims to recruit more Malaysians into the grassroots level in agricultural production. [Malay Mail]
The Royal Malaysian Navy has also urged the budget to take account of the needs of the Armed forces like resuming the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project. [The Star]
On the other hand, the Minister of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) expects greater allocations for the department due to plans to create centralized data for the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and a special department or institutions for children. [The Malaysian Reserve]
As for the Youth and Sports Ministry, the empowerment of youth remains central to their plans, in line with the implementation of the Undi18 policy. [Malay Mail]
The Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is also seeking additional funding in the budget as the CEO of MHTC views higher allocation as an investment into a new area which is economically beneficial for the country. [CodeBlue]
Myanmar: Junta to let ‘loyal’ citizens carry guns
(lm) Myanmar’s military junta plans to allow people over the age of 18 who are “loyal to the nation,” including government employees and retired military personnel, to several types of firearms, but they must comply with orders from local authorities to participate in security and law enforcement actions. [Associated Press]
A document about the new gun policy attributed to the home affairs ministry was initially circulated on pro-military social media handles. It was also published by pro-military and independent news outlets, which stated that it had been issued on January 31 after being approved in December at a Cabinet meeting.
Myanmar: Members of junta’s ‘peace talks team’ meet with New Mon State Party
(lm) Personnel from the Myanmar junta’s “peace talks team” on February 13 met with the representatives of the opposition New Mon State Party (NMSP). Lt-Gen Yar Pyae led the regime delegation and Nai Aung Min, vice chair of the NMSP, led the ethnic armed organization’s team. According to the junta, both sides discussed proposals on issues of amending “fundamental sections” of the military-drafted 2008 Constitution.
The NMSP signed the now-defunct Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in 2018, when the country was under the elected civilian government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, later deposed in the 2021 coup.
Philippines: NGO calls for government action to combat suicide of children in schools
(dql) SAVE the Children, a nongovernment organization, has demanded that the Philippine government investigates the rising number of suicide and attempted self-killings in Philippine schools.
The call comes after Department of Education (DepEd) disclosed more than 400 cases of suicide and more than 2,100 incidents of attempted suicide among minors in one school year.
SAVE the Children called on the Department to develop school-based mental health programs to provide help to pupils facing stress stemming from the impacts of the pandemic, and from gender-based violence and bullying. [The Manila Times]
Thailand: Major parties see big moves
(ts) As parties in Thailand gear up for the general election scheduled on May 7, big parties see many rejoin. The opposition Pheu Thai Party welcomes back Chon Buri local bigwig Sontaya Kunplome and his twelve accompanying politicians who defect from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). Sontaya claims the party’s program makes him return while expressing confidence his team will win all ten constituencies in the East’s major city of Chon Buri, given his family’s unrivaled experience in local politics. The Kunplome family is known to have long exerted political influence in Chon Buri and used to work under the banner of the then-Thai Rak Thai Party, now a cohort of Pheu Thai. [Bangkok Post 1]
Meanwhile, the Northern fat cat Thamanat Prompow is set to rejoin PPRP in light of the party’s preparing election in the North. Thamanat had held the post of PPRP secretary-general before he was expelled on the grounds of conspiracy to grill Prayut in a no-confidence debate. PPRP deputy leader hereby considers such a defection as normal and claims the party is also open to defectors from Pheu Thai. [Bangkok Post 2]
On the contrary, key members of the Sam Mitr Faction confirm to remain with the party, scotching rumors of moving to Pheu Thai. These members are also holding key positions in the government, namely Industry Minister, Justice Minister, and PM’s Office Minister. [Bangkok Post 3]
Thailand: Opposition party calls for reforms in political system; premier warns against populist platforms
(aj/lm) Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party, said on February 11 that the country’s 2017 constitution needs to be overwritten and the current administration of the “Three Por Generals” — Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda — should leave office.
Addressing an election campaign event in the North of Thailand, Pita pledged to push for a referendum for a new constitution within 100 days of forming a government. He also rejected criticism that the MFP is taking its desire for change to the extremes, instead accusing the incumbent government of steadfastly refusing to change its ways despite the changed realities. [Bangkok Post]
Against this backdrop, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha warns that populist policies could be costly and strain the national budget. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Parliament’s lower House could be dissolved in mid-March, ruling coalition lawmaker says
(aj) Although there is no official confirmation from General Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on the dissolution of the House, Democrat Party MP and deputy chief government whip Chinnaworn Boonyakiat stated in a press release that March 15 is the most likely date for PM Prayut Chan-o-cha to dissolve the House and call a new election. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Policymakers debate the inclusion of non-Thai nationals in drawing constituency boundaries
(aj) In preparation for general elections on May 7, provincial Election Commission (EC) offices began drafting constituency boundaries on February 3. These proposed electoral maps are currently in the 10-day public hearing period and must be finalized within this time. [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1]
Proponents of counting non-Thai nationals in drawing constituency boundaries argue that non-Thais receive public services and pay certain taxes, and thus, should be represented. Supporters of the inclusion of non-Thais also cite that non-Thai nationals were included in the previous general election
According to a former EC member, 983,994 non-Thais were included in the EC tally. Thailand has a total population of 66,090,475. Each MP represents 165,226 members of the public. If non-Thai nationals are not included, then the provinces with the most non-Thais—Chiang Mai, Tak, and Chiang Rai—will each lose an MP. Correspondingly, the provinces of Udon Thani, Lop Buri, and Pattani will gain one MP each.
Although the charter does not explicitly state that only Thai nationals be included in the calculation of the number of people represented per MP, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam suggested on February 7 that the EC should request the Constitutional Court for a ruling on the matter. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Supreme Court is on the lookout for the arrest of former Pheu Thai Party leader Charupong
(aj) The Office of the Attorney General brought a case against Charupong Ruangsuwan, former Pheu Thai Party leader and interior minister during the Yingluck Shinawatra government, for allegedly accepting THB 60,000 (USD 1,800) worth of roundtrip plane tickets for Bangkok to Beijing and Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in 2022 also found Charupong to be in violation of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2018, which stipulates that officials cannot accept gifts worth more than THB 3,000 (USD 90).
After Charupong ignored the court summons to his first hearing on December 13, 2022, the case went to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, which subsequently issued a warrant for Charupong’s arrest.
Charupong is leading the opposition party, Organization of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy (OFHD) against General PM Prayut Chan-o-cha from the United States, where he has been based since fleeing the May 22, 2014 coup. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: 110 immigration police officers charged in visa scandal
(lm) 110 police officers of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, including three generals, have been charged with malfeasance in office and taking bribes to help Chinese gangsters to stay illegally in the country, the deputy national police chief said on February 13, adding that he expects the case to be sent to the public prosecutors this week. [Thai PBS]
Thailand: Amnesty International report investigates human rights violations against pro-democracy minors
(aj/lm) International rights watchdog Amnesty International in a new report investigates human rights violations against minors involved in Thailand’s 2018–2022 nationwide protests for reform in education, politics, economics, and social spheres. The report cites nearly 300 under-18 individuals who have faced criminal charges for royal defamation, marking the first time lèse-majesté charges have been brought against minors.
Based on interviews with 30 of these protestors, Amnesty International documented surveillance and intimidation tactics employed by Thai police used on under-18 protestors. These tactics included police pressuring parents to end their children’s demonstration activities that has reportedly led to cases of domestic violence and authorities tracking the accused from their homes to school and back.
Against this backdrop, the organization urged the Thai government to drop charges against child activists who partook in demonstrations for democracy in the past four years. [Amnesty International]
Thailand: Hunger-strike activists get bail as concern over health and human rights rises
(ts/aj) The Criminal Court has granted bail for two hunger-strike female activists, following a petition submitted by the director of Thammasat University Hospital. They are under close observation as their bodies’ abilities turn severely impaired. The two, however, insist on having no food.
Having been convicted of lèse majesté, the two activisits began to go on hunger strikes earlier in prison in an effort to protest against judicial systems, demanding all seditious prisoners be released and the sedition law be rescinded. [Bangkok Post 1]
The court’s decision came on February 7, one day after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha voiced concern over the activists’ worsening health conditions, ordering officials to take extra care of this case. Concurrently, Amnesty International published a new report, “We are Reclaiming Our Future,” which investigates human rights violations against minors involved in Thailand’s 2018–2022 nationwide protests. The report discloses nearly 300 under-18 individuals have faced criminal charges for lèse-majesté while pointing out tactics employed by Thai police against the protesting minors. To this end, Amnesty International urges the Thai government to drop charges against youth activists who took part in demonstrations for democracy in the past four years. [Bangkok Post 2] [Amnesty International]
2023 Asia Power Index shows Thailand remains in the top ten
(ts) The index provided by Australian Lowy Institute shows Thailand remains at 10th in 2023 Asia Power Index of countries wielding influence over Asia. The first to third on the ranking are the U.S., China, and Japan respectively. Compared with other ASEAN nations, Thailand closely follows Singapore and Indonesia which are placed 8th and 9th respectively.
The overall score of comprehensive influence comprises eight sub-categories, namely military capability, defense networks, economic capability, economic relationships, future resources, diplomatic influence, and cultural influence. Thailand scores most in diplomatic influence, yet the country’s economic relationships still rank highest out of the bunch. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha claims the pleasant place on the ranking results from the government's efforts. [Lowy Institute] [Bangkok Post]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Indian National Security Advisor in Russia for meeting on Afghanistan, ‘closed door’ session with Putin
(mk/lm) India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow last week to attend a meeting of regional security advisers on Afghanistan yielded a diplomatic bonus — a separate audience with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The aim of the meeting was to cement bilateral relations and discuss the global security environment. [Hindustan Times]
In Moscow, Doval attended the 5th regional dialogue on Afghanistan. The dialogue, which included NSAs from Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, sought to discuss the threat of international terrorism emanating from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. [The Hindu] [see article in this edition]
Doval’s visit took place ahead of the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, and signified enduring India-Russia ties. India has continued maintaining steadfast relations with Russia despite international disapprobation for the invasion of Ukraine, with India’s import of Russian crude oil having gone up significantly over the past few months. [The Tribune]
Pakistan skips Russia-hosted security consultations on Afghanistan
(tj/lm) Pakistan confirmed on February 9 that it skipped Russia-hosted multilateral consultations on Afghanistan, suggesting there are other forums in which it can more effectively contribute to the Afghan peace process. Notably, however, highly placed Pakistani official sources cited arch-rival India's participation in the meeting in Moscow.
Regional countries, including China, India, Iran, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan were invited to the security adviser-level meeting on February 9. The gathering was the fifth gathering of what is known as the Moscow Format of consultations on Afghanistan.
Chinese, Indian embassies in Afghanistan potential ISIS targets, United Nations says
(wr/lm) Militants of the Islamic State of Khorasan Province, the local affiliate of the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS), have threatened to target Chinese, Indian, and Iranian embassies in Afghanistan in an effort to isolate the ruling Taliban from a handful of countries it counts as diplomatic allies, according to a United Nations report. [Bloomberg] [The Straits Times]
ISIS already claimed responsibility for attacks on the Pakistani and Russian embassies last year, along with Chinese nationals in a Kabul hotel. Saudi Arabia closed its embassy on February 2, while the Turkish and Qatari embassies remain on high alert. India reopened its embassy in Kabul last June - but with the goal of ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to the victims of an earthquake that struck Afghanistan on June 22 [see AiR No. 26, June/2022, 4].
Quad nations launch ‘Quad Cyber Challenge’ to improve cyber security
(mk) The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprising India, United States, Japan and Australia are launching the “Quad Cyber Challenge”, in an attempt to get internet users from across the Indo-Pacific to practice safer cyber security habits. [The Hindu]
The Quad Cyber Security Group met in Delhi last week and discussed ways to bolster cyber security awareness, so as to create a more secure and resilient cyber security ecosystem and benefit Quad economies as well as users, as per a press release by the National Security Council Secretariat. [whitehouse.gov]
This initiative coincides with the NSA Ajit Doval’s visit to the U.S., and aims to provide resources and training for users that will pertain to more astute protection from all forms of cyber threats. [The Economic Times]
India may extend wheat export ban to preserve local supplies, according to government sources
(wr/lm) India, the world’s second biggest wheat producer, is considering extending a ban on wheat exports first imposed last May to replenish state reserves and bring down domestic prices, Reuters reported on February 9, citing government sources. [Reuters] [ANI]
The surge in exports was witnessed amid the Russia-Ukraine war, when Ukrainian wheat shipments were blocked. Accelerated outflows resulted in shortages at home and sent domestic prices soaring. The current ban was scheduled to be reviewed in April [see No. 21, May/2022, 4].; government and industry sources don't expect wheat exports to resume until mid-2024.
India to buy most of its oil from Gulf nations ‘for a long time’, minister says; trade-deficit with Russia widens
(mk/lm) India, which accounts for 30 percent of the global oil consumption, has diversified its sources of energy imports over the past two years - but Gulf nations will continue being major suppliers of oil for New Delhi for a “long time”, according to Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Speaking at the India Energy Week that took place between February 6-8, Puri added that New Delhi has been invited to be a part of an OPEC seminar by the OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais. This development comes against the backdrop of reports showing OPEC’s share as an oil supplier to India becoming the lowest in more than a decade, against increasingly high levels of Russian imports. [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2]
In separate developments, a widening trade deficit with Russia is rendering a much-touted local currency payment mechanism futile, people familiar with the matter said, Bloomberg reported on February 14. The plan to allow overseas trade to be settled in rupees was announced by the Reserve Bank of India in July. But seven months later, the mechanism is largely limited to payments for import of defense equipment, and New Delhi’s imports from Russia in eight months to November were almost 16 times its shipments to the nation. [Bloomberg]
Nordic-India cooperation intensifies: discussions on green energy transition, migration and mobility
(mk) Norway and Finland, leading countries in the move towards the adoption of green technologies and sustainable solutions, have partnered up with India to further the aim of green energy transition. Jan Christian Vestre, The Norwegian Minister for Trade and Industry, and Ville Skinnari, The Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, were on a visit to New Delhi between 8-10 February.[The Hindu]
Vestre partook in the India-Norway Task Force on Energy and inaugurated the Norway-India Sustainability Forum, with more than 150 Norwegian and Indian businesses participating. Discussions focused on the fields of renewable energy, circular economy and green maritime industries. [Norway in India, Norway.no]
In addition to its support to India’s renewable energy sector, the Norwegian Ambassador to India also talked about a mobility and migration agreement possibly under discussion to help facilitate cooperation in trade and investment between the nations. Skinnari’s visit was based on strengthening the commercial and economic cooperation between Finland and India. He also inaugurated Finland’s new Consulate General in Mumbai. [Finlandabroad.fi] [The Print]
The two ministers collaborated on the ideals of a green transition while in India, as per the points discussed during the Nordic-India Summit held in Copenhagen in May 2022. The Summit witnessed five Nordic Prime Ministers and Indian Premier Narendra Modi come together to work on digitalisation and renewable energy among other things. [The Hindu]
Bangladesh will have to collect an additional USD 22 million to meet IMF conditions
(lm) Bangladesh will have to collect an additional USD 22 million in the next three years in order to meet the International Monetary Fund’s conditions tagged with a USD 4.7 billion loan approved last month. The Washington-based lender attached conditions that Bangladesh will have to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio by 1.7 percentage points to 9.5 percent at the end of the fiscal year of 2025-26, from 7.8 percent currently. [The Daily Star]
Attaining the target will be very challenging if the National Board of Revenue follows a "business as usual" approach, according to the Policy Research Institute (PRI) of Bangladesh, a think-tank based in Dhaka.
Bangladesh, UNICEF, EU hold three-day children and women protection project
(lm) Bangladesh, UNICEF and the European Union launched a three-day training program on February 5 that aims to enhance enhancing the skills of women affairs officers at the local administration level to prevent violence against children and women. [Dhaka Tribune] [The Business Standard]
Queen Mathilde of Belgium concludes three-day visit to Bangladesh
(lm) The UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, concluded a three-day visit to Bangladesh on February 10. During her visit, the queen visited the Kutupalong refugee camp, the world’s largest refugee camp, as well as a garment factory and a UNICEF school. [UNDP]
Indonesia, Australia, co-host eight Bali Process ministerial conference in Adelaide
(lm) The foreign ministers of Indonesia and Australia on February 10 welcomed representatives from across the world to Adelaide for the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime. This was the first time the conference has been held outside of Indonesia. [Minister for Foreign Affairs Australia] [ReliefWeb]
Established in 2002, the Bali Process is an international, non-binding forum that brings together governments, senior officials and business leaders to build new connections and strengthen existing partnerships. It is led by a steering group of four countries (Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand and Thailand), and currently comprises 45 states, as well as the IOM, UNHCR and UNODC.
Japan’s Special Advisor for International Human Rights Issues to visit Bangladesh on February 19
(lm) Japan’s Special Advisor for International Human Rights Issues to, Nakatani Gen, is set to visit Bangladesh on 19 February to discuss the human rights situation in the South Asian nation. During his visit, Gen will have a meeting with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi in Dhaka. The agenda of the meeting will focus on trade and human rights. The Business Standard]
Bangladesh's 'human rights violations' raised in Australian parliament
(lm) Australian Senator Janet Rice has urged her government to do everything that it can to address reported human rights violations in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world. [The Daily Star]
Dhaka-based diplomats discuss media freedom in Bangladesh
(lm) Dhaka-based diplomats from member states of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) met on February 9 to discuss Bangladesh’s current media landscape and developments related to media freedom in the South Asian nation, including the censoring of online news portals and recent cases of harassment and intimidation of journalists. MFC member countries Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States attended. [NewAge]
European Union worried by ‘politically motivated violence’ after violent clashes in Bangladesh
(lm) The European Union and delegations of its member states in Dhaka in a joint statement have expressed their concern about recent reports of politically motivated violence in Bangladesh. The statement was issued after clashes between supporters of the ruling Awami League party and anti-government activists, mostly from the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP), on February 11 left at least 200 people injured. [The Business Standard]
The clashes took place as the BNP launched its pre-scheduled union-level march program. The program was observed in all unions across the country to press the party’s 10-points-demand, including holding the next general election under a non-party caretaker government. [NewAge] [Dhaka Tribune]
Bangladesh to see more Beijing-funded mega projects, China’s envoy to Dhaka says
(lm) Bangladesh will see more China-funded mega projects in the near future, Beijing’s newly-appointed envoy to Dhaka said on February 7 after a meeting with Planning Minister MA Mannan at the Planning Commission in Dhaka. [The Daily Star]
United States, India officials arrive for separate visits in Bangladesh
(lm) Two high-level foreign officials - U.S. State Department Counselor Derek Chollet and Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra – arrived in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on February 14. While Chollet's visit may center on the Rohingya crisis and promoting democracy in Myanmar, Kwatra will hold the foreign office consultation to discuss bilateral relations ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit in September, according to diplomatic sources. [The Indian Express] [The Daily Star]
Cambodian Prime Minister visits China
(sn) Cambodian Prime Minister made an official state visit to China, Beijing, during February 9–11, under the “community of common destiny” initiative. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that the Prime Minister met with the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, and the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Li Zhanshu.
The meeting coincides with the 65th Anniversary of the Diplomatic relations between the states, and discussions targeted matters of bilateral ties. Cambodia stands in solidarity with China in the international response discourse to its unleashing of covid measures and began resuming correspondence in the tourism and international exchange initiatives. Parties expressed interest in building the foundation for Cambodia–China community.
The Voice of America published a report under the hostage of the US Congress, where it alleges that Prime Minister Hun Sen planned a state visit to China to negotiate significant loan programs. On February 6, 2023, the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied these allegations. [The Phnom Penh Post], [Ministry of Tourism – Cambodia]
Cambodia: Prime Minister Hun Sen meets the new Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom
(sn) On February 8, 2023, Prime Minister Hun Sen welcomed in the Peace Palace the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, He Ueno Atsushi. The Ambassador expressed commitment to strengthen the Cambodia–Japan bilateral relationship, particularly in the matters of promoting tourism and supporting the SEA Games this year. The Cambodian Prime minister appreciated the agenda of the Japanese Ambassador and encouraged the arrangement of direct flights between the counterparties to urge visitors from the Island country to attend the SEA games. [Office of Samdech Hansen, Prime Minister of Cambodia]
China accuses U.S. of spy balloons
(dql) China has accused the U.S. of having flown spy balloons into Chinese airspace more than ten times since Hanaury 2022 without permission from Beijing.
The accusation, rejected by Washington, comes after the Biden administration shot down a balloon considered as a spy balloon on February 4 as well as smaller unidentified objects over Alaska on 10 February and northern Canada on 11 February and unmanned "octagonal structure" on February 12. [BBC]
Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Department has added five Chinese companies and one research institute to an export blacklist. The blacklisted entities are viewed as supporting China’s surveillance balloon program. [DW]
Iranian President Raisi visits China
(dql) Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is currently leading a large delegation that includes six ministers and the central bank governor on a three-day visit to China that aims at strengthening economic and bilateral ties. It is the first visit of an Iranian president to China in 20 years, coming amid Iran’s heightened tensions with the West and after Raisi declared victory over the anti-government protests in the country on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
On February 14, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping who reaffirmed China’s opposition against “external forces interfering in Iran’s internal affairs and undermining Iran’s security and stability,” adding that China is ready to “continue to work together with Iran on issues involving each other’s core interests,” and contribute to an “early and proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.” [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, in Chinese]
During the visit, both sides are expected to sign as many as 20 agreements. [South China Morning Post]
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu holds video meeting with the delegation of Geneva-based envoys of Developing Countries
(vp) On February 7, a video meeting took place between China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and the visiting delegation of Geneva-based envoys of developing countries.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, all sides expressed the willingness to cooperate in promoting global human rights’ governance, strengthening solidarity, and opposing politicization and double standards of human rights issues. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China]
The meeting came as Chinese President Xi Jinping in speech before cadres of the Chinese Communist Party on the same day made clear that China had successfully destroyed “the myth that modernisation means westernisation,” celebrating the Chinese model as a paradigm and “brand new form of human civilization” for developing countries to emulate. [South China Morning Post] [Xinhua]
China's Ambassador to Brussels calls on EU to lift sanctions
(vp) During an interview to the European Policy Center on February 8, China’s Ambassador to Brussels Fu Cong stated the need for China and Europe to either lift sanctions simultaneously to open up for new initiatives in the context of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investments (CAI) or find any practical and reciprocal way to avoid an impasse in the economic cooperation.
The European Parliament has in fact put on hold the CAI since 2021 following sanctions imposed on China over human rights abuses in Xinjiang Brussels was accusing China of [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4] [Mission of the PRC to the EU]
China-Belgium: Foreign Ministers’ phone talk
(vp) On February 10, Foreign Minister Qin Gang had a phone call with Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib.
Both parties affirmed that the two countries should remain committed to a comprehensive strategic partnership and oppose politicizing economic and trade issues and that China - EU relations should continue to be based on mutual respect and development in various fields. [Mission of the PRC to the EU]
New Delhi accelerates border projects due to China concern, India’s external affairs minister says
(mk) India is working on developing its infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), as well as accelerating various connectivity projects with what External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has termed as India’s “friendly neighbors”. He clarified that this has been a strategic response to India’s deepening concerns over tensions with China at the Sino-Indian border. [The Hindu]
This statement by New Delhi’s top diplomat comes three weeks before a visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on the occasion of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting slated to be held in India in March.
Border connectivity with countries sharing a land border with India (except Pakistan) will be done with the intent of enhancing trade, energy, as well as people to people exchanges, whereas the infrastructure along the LAC will most pointedly help facilitate the movement of the armed forces. Of prime strategic importance among these new infrastructural endeavors has been the 135 km-long Chushul-Dungti-Fukche-Demchok road in the Ladakh region, on which work began last month, as told by Jaishankar. [The Economic Times] [India Narrative]
India’s foreign secretary meets Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda in Kathmandu
(lm) India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on February 13 met Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Foreign Minister Bimala Rai Paudyal in Kathmandu. The meetings marked the first high-level interaction between India and Nepal since the new government took charge last December 2022. [The Hindu] [ThePrint]
United States wants to be India's 'Premier Partner' in its 'extraordinary growth story'
(mk/wr) The United States has said it wants to be India's ‘premier partner,’ not just a security partner. According to a Pentagon official, the goal is to integrate US-India defense ties by shifting defense sales to joint production mechanisms, ranging from information technology sharing to industrial development cooperation. [Times of India] [MSN] [Mint]
Germany’s top security official visits New Delhi in prelude to India trip by Chancellor Scholz later this month
(lm) New Delhi is an important voice in efforts to find a mediated solution to the Russia-Ukraine war, though there is “an acute shortage” of Moscow’s willingness to end the conflict, Germany’s Foreign and Security Policy Advisor Jens Plötner told India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in separate meetings in New Delhi on February 13. [Hindustan Times]
Plötner’s visit to India is part of the prelude to the one of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz from February 25-26, which will be the latter’s first tour to the South Asian nation since taking over his country’s premiership from in December 2021. During his two-day trip, Scholz will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and later visit Bangalore. [WION]
India, Israel prime ministers hold phone conversation, vow to ‘'strengthen cooperation in defence and security'
(mk/lm) India’s Prime Minister Narendrai Modi held a phone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on February to discuss cooperation in the fields of technology, economics and security. This conversation was held against the larger backdrop of the onset of the 31st year of Indo-Israeli diplomatic relations. Progress in the relationship between the two nations is marked by their continuing cooperation, specifically in the defense sector. [Financial Times]
India, New Zealand’s foreign ministers discuss Indo-pacific ties
(mk/wr) New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta visited India on February 7, met counterparts, and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. On her three-day official visit, she referred to India as the core of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which aims for regional economic freedom, integration, and collaboration. Both sides emphasized the need for a rules-based and stable Indo-Pacific. [Ministry of External Affairs] [MSN]
New Zealand considered the opportunity to show the country’s momentum and willingness to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement by handing over signed copies to India. ISA is a joint venture of India and France, established in 2015 to promote global solar energy cooperation. [Asia Media Centre]
Indonesia, China agree on cost overrun for high-speed railway project
(os) Indonesia and China have agreed on a budget overrun of USD 1.2 billion for the high-speed railway project that is set to connect the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Bandung. [Antara News] [Reuters]
Previously, the cost overrun was expected to sit at USD 2 billion. Details are still being discussed regarding a loan from the China Development Bank to finance the additional costs. The project began in 2016 and was scheduled to be finished in 2019, but ran into several problems [see AiR No. 42, October/2022, 3].
Indonesia, Timor Leste agree to foster bilateral relations
(os) Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak paid a visit to Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on February 13. Both countries agreed on multiple commitments, including settling land border negotiations. [Jakarta Globe]
The two neighboring countries agreed to finish land border negotiations for two remaining land border segments this year. Jokowi also lauded the improved land connectivity of both countries since the opening of the Dili-Kupang bus route in November 2022. [Antara News 1]
Both countries also announced their plan to start negotiating an investment treaty with the goal of fueling economic cooperation. In particular, the negotiations are aimed to cover the establishment of economic zones in border areas. [Tempo.co]
Furthermore, Indonesia expressed that they are happy Timor Leste has been in principle admitted to becoming a member of ASEAN. Just recently, Timor Leste’s foreign minister attended ASEAN Coordinating Council for the first time [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1]. As 2023 ASEAN chair, Indonesia said that they are preparing a road map for Timor Leste’s full membership. [Antara News 2] [Antara News 3]
During the bilateral meeting, four memorandum of understanding (MoU) were signed in the areas of economy, education, and industry sectors.
Indonesia, Latvia hold bilateral consultation
(os) Indonesia and Latvia held their 2nd Bilateral Consultation Forum on February 9. Two delegations of the countries discussed topics such as economic cooperation, investment, trade, and socio-cooperation. Both parties also expressed their willingness for mutual support in international organizations and their commitment for the Indonesia-European Union CEPA agreement. Several regional and international issues were also discussed. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesia]
Indonesia visited by Ukrainian civil society delegation
(os) A Ukrainian civil society delegation has visited Indonesia in order to increase social cultural, and economic relations. The delegation also tried to gather support for the end of the war with Russia. [Antara News]
The delegation has expressed their gratitude for Indonesia’s support regarding Ukraine’s territorial integrity at the United Nations. They have moreover met with several Islamic organizations and institutions, where they put emphasis on Russia’s persecution of the indigenous Muslim population of Ukraine in Russian-occupied Crimea. Furthermore, the delegation highlighted the future potential of increased cooperation in various economic sectors once the war has ended.
Indonesia, Australia set to deepen defense cooperation
(os) Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi and Indonesian Minister of Defence Prabowo Subianto have met with their Australian counterparts Penny Wong and Richard Marles respectively in Canberra, Australia the wake of the Eight 2+2 Meeting between the two countries. [ABC News] [Minister of Foreign Affairs, Australia]
In particular, both countries announced their plans to enhance their defense cooperation. Officials are set to embark on negotiations for an improved defense cooperation pact. The possibility of reciprocal access to training rages for the armed forces of both countries was also discussed, as well as more joint military activities.
The announcement of increased cooperation comes in spite of Indonesia’s concern regarding Australia’s plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines which were raised by Australia in the wake of the AUKUS announcement in 2021. Indonesia worries that the plans could be detrimental to security in the region. Retno Marsudi has emphasized that Australia should be transparent about its plans regarding the acquisition.
Papuan separatist fighters take New Zealand pilot hostage in Indonesia
(os) Papuan separatist fighters have taken a New Zealand pilot hostage after setting a plane on fire upon landing in a remote area in Indonesia. The West Papua National Liberation Army has claimed to be responsible for the attack. They stated that the pilot, New Zealand national Philip Merthens, is allegedly safe but would only be released once Indonesia recognizes the independence of the West Papua region. [BBC] [Reuters] [The Jakarta Post]
The incident occurred after a commercial plane of Indonesia’s Susi Air landed in the remote area of Nduga. The rebel group torched the plane and took Merthens hostage. The five passengers of the plane were not taken hostage and were evacuated and returned to their homes.
The Indonesian government has set up a joint rescue team consisting of National Police and Indonesian Military personnel to find Merthens. However, Indonesian authorities noted that the mountainous region would be hard to reach as it can be accessed only via air.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins stated that consular support would be provided to the pilot’s family. However, public comments would be kept low regarding the matter. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry said it was communicating with the New Zealand government.
Indonesia’s province of West Papua has witnessed a small independence movement since Indonesia took control of the region in 1969. Since 2018, violent attacks by separatist fighters have increased. However, the Indonesian government has also been criticized for taking a tough stance on the issue and allegedly violating human rights in the region.
Indonesia, Seychelles cooperate regarding blue economy
(os) Indonesia and Seychelles announced that they would cooperate in expanding the knowledge regarding blue carbon in order to enhance the blue economy. The cooperation is in particular aimed at making sure that fisheries ecosystems in Indonesia stay sustainable. The goal of the collaboration is also to increase the competitiveness of fishery products in the global market. Blue carbon refers to carbon that is captured by coastal and marine ecosystems. [Antara News]
Japan, South Korea, and the US take common stance on the balloon issue
(cc) On February 13, Japanese and South Korean high-ranking diplomats stated that their countries supported the American reaction to the suspected Chinese spy balloon, citing that no nation is permitted to trespass into another's sovereign territory.
The statement was made following a trilateral meeting between the US, Japan, and South Korea on the same day. Takeo Mori, Vice Foreign Minister of Japan, said that Japan supports the position of the US and aims to keep in touch for further information. Cho Hyun Dong, Vice Foreign Minister of South Korea, added that South Korea trusts the US assessment of the situation and expects a meeting with China on the balloon issue.
Hosted by the US, the main focus of the conference was the rising US-China tension after the US military shot down the allegedly Chinese surveillance balloon. Aside from affirming the cooperation with its Asian allies, the representative of the US maintained that the balloon was a surveillance tool from China and that the US never sent any balloon into Chinese airspace. [Kyodo News]
Meanwhile, Japan’s defense ministry announced plans to purchase 500 U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles it is seeking from the United States in one step in fiscal 2023 instead of distributing the purchase over several years as initially planned.
The announcement signals the sense of urgency Japan is perceiving amid increasing military threats from China and North Korea. [The Japan Times]
Japan and the Philippines agree to improve military cooperation
(cc) On February 9, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a summit meeting with Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and signed a defense agreement, signaling their willingness to bolster military cooperation between the two nations. The meeting was part of Marcos’s five-day visit to Japan.
The new contract will permit Japan to deploy its forces in the Philippines for humanitarian and disaster relief operations. In the joint statement, Japan and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their security partnership through equipment transfer programmes and personnel training initiatives.
In addition, during the meeting, Kishida announced Japan's plan to provide the Philippines with investment initiatives and official development assistance programs.
Also discussed at the meeting was a possible trilateral security pact between the two countries and the U.S. [The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 1] [Asia News Network]
In a statement on February 12, Marcos confirmed that he was open to concluding a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Japan to strengthen maritime security and to boost protection for Filipino fishermen. [Channel News Asia]
This statement comes on the heels of an agreement between Manila and Washington that provides the U.S. expanded access to the military bases in the Southeast Asian country to strengthen their regional security relations [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1]
Meanwhile, on February 10, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and Department of National Defense (DND) officer in charge Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. held talks to discuss ways to boost defense engagements in the coming years. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 2] [Government, The Philippines]
Japan meet the Marshall Islands
(cc) On February 8, foreign ministers of Japan and the Marshall Islands met as the latter was visiting Japan. They discussed the partnership between the two nations, with Japan affirming that it would continue to support the development of the Marshall Islands and work toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Japan also ensured the Marshall Islands that its plan to release treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant would be in accordance with the safety protocols. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]
Chinese survey ships enter Japan's waters
(cc) According to Japan's defense ministry, Chinese survey vessels were spotted in Japan's territorial water near Kagoshima on February 12 at around 2.30 a.m. The ships left the area at approximately 4.30 a.m. The defense ministry is currently observing the activities of the Chinese vessels and analyzing the intention behind their movements. [NHK]
Mongolian Prime Minister on visit to South Korea
(sw/dql) Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene is currently on a five-day visit to South Korea during which he is scheduled to meet his South Korean counterpart Han Duck-sooi on February 15. His visit marks the first visit of a Mongolian prime minister to the East Asian country in 12 years
In a meeting on February 14 with South Korean Minister of Personnel Management Kim Seung-ho, both sides reached agreement on deepening cooperation in training and research in the field of human resource management in civil service. [Montsame]
Speaking at a business forum on the same day, Oyun-Erdene confirmed his country’s support for South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo. The business forum - the first in five years attended also by Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg and South Korean Deputy Trade Minister Jeong Dae-jin - provided a platform to discuss a range of topics of mutual interest, including supply chains in minerals and resources. [Yonhap News Agency]
The visit comes on the heels of recent agreements made in the field of economic cooperation between the two countries. South Korean telecommunications firm KT agreed to expand investments in Mongolia, and in exchange Mongolia will supply the company with mineral resources. Also, the two states will create an infectious disease research center in Mongolia using South Korea’s advanced technology. [Aki Press News] [AiR No. 5, January/ 2023, 5]
Mongolia, India discuss defense cooperation
(sw) On February 10, the 11th meeting of the India Mongolia Joint Working Group took place in New Delhi. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the previous defense cooperation and discussed how to enhance it. They also acknowledged the growing relationship between their countries.
This was the first in-person meeting since the pandemic. Since 2015, relations between the two countries have been elevated to a “strategic partnership”, with Mongolia being considered by India as an essential component of its “Act East Policy”. [News On Air]
Mongolia, Qatar improve civil aviation cooperation
(sw) Mongolia and Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding on February 12 which allows the operation of regular airline routes between the two countries.
Also, Qatar’s Ambassador to Mongolia met Mongolia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the Republic of Mongolia to discuss bilateral relations. The two countries expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, economy, investment, mining, agriculture, and environment. [Menafn 1] [Menafn 2] [Gulf-times] [Montsame]
New UN program to support Mongolia
(sw) The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Secretariat of the Mongolian Parliament have agreed to cooperate in implementing the “UN Population Fund Mongolia Support Programme” from 2023 until 2027.
The goal of the program is to improve laws on demographics, sexual and reproductive health, youth development, and gender equality. [The State Parliament of Mongolia]
Laos welcomes Cambodian prime minister
(ts) On February 13, Minister and Head of the Prime Minister’s Office of Laos Alounxay Sounnalath welcomed Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, at the invitation of Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. This two-day visit aims to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations overall. It is also the first time both Prime Ministers meet since the Sonexay assumed office on December 30, 2022. [Lao News Agency]
Laos starts preparing to host 2024 ASEAN Summit
(ts) A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone discussed arrangements ahead of the 2024 ASEAN Summit. As a host country, Laos has already assigned 14 sub-committees and four ministries to pertinent administrative issues and the summit agenda. The latter will grasp three pillars of the ASEAN Community, namely the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
Next year will be Laos’ third time being the Chair of the ASEAN after its first and second in 2004-2005 and 2016 respectively. [Vientiane Times]
Malaysia, Indonesia to send delegates to EU in response to new deforestation laws
(pa) Malaysia and Indonesia plan to send envoys to the European Union to discuss the bloc’s recently passed deforestation law that impacts the development of the palm oil industry. The EU’s deforestation law aims to fight global deforestation and forest degradation by ensuring that “a set of key goods placed on the EU market will no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation in the EU and elsewhere in the world”[EU].
In response, Indonesia’s minister of economic affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, and Malaysia's commodities minister, Fadillah Yusof, have been discussing ways in which to protect and overcome discrimination against the palm oil industry.
Airlangga Hartarto stated, “We agreed to continue to protect the palm oil sector by strengthening efforts and cooperation to overcome discrimination against the palm oil industry. The meeting (with Malaysia) agreed to conduct a joint mission to the EU to communicate (to them) and prevent unintended consequences of the regulation to the palm oil sector and seek possible collaborative approaches with interested parties.”[CNA]
The country's representatives aim to convince the EU that the local sustainability certificates, the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and the ISPO (Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil), have met international standards [The diplomat].
As the two largest producers of palm oil in the world, this law severely impacts Indonesia and Malaysia with the EU being the third largest palm oil market for both countries. [The Star]
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urges ASEAN to consider a new approach towards Myanmar
(pa) Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has encouraged other member states of the 10-nation ASEAN to consider new strategies to resolve the ongoing political and economic crisis in Myanmar, claiming that the “constructive engagement” being used by the regional bloc so far has not yielded any concrete results. [FMT]
He suggests “carving out” Myanmar for the time being to avoid it hindering the bloc's affairs further. He believes that the internal issues of Myanmar have had ramifications throughout the region, with a spike in refugees fleeing to neighboring countries. Anwar said he has discussed this view with his regional counterparts during recent official visits and will be in conversation with the President of Indonesia, the current ASEAN chair in the coming weeks. [The Straits Times]
Malaysia’s Johor and Singapore to improve connectivity
(hg) The government of Malaysia’s southernmost federal state Johor and the Singapore government set the development of the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) project as a priority project. The project seeks to facilitate the border crossing of the over 300,000 Malaysians working in Singapore and commuting daily from Johor Baru making the Johor Causeway one of the busiest land border crossings in the world.
Discussed as a mass rapid transit system since the early 1990s, the initial plan was revisited in 2010 but slowed down after Johor’s Sultan expressed concerns over the negative impact of the envisioned rail track on Johor’s city skyline as well as the contractors to involve in the project. After the Malaysian 2018 election, the project was revived once more, met difficulties again, and was resumed in 2021 again. [Malay Mail]
US oil major Chevron agrees to sell Myanmar assets and will exist country
(lm) US oil cooperation Chevron on February 10 said it had agreed to sell its assets in Myanmar to Canadian company MTI, one year after the American major and other oil companies decided to leave the Southeast Asian nation following the military coup in February 2021 [see AiR No. 30, July/2022, 4]. In compliance with the agreement, Chevron said it would depart Myanmar. [Reuters]
Chevron said that it had reached an agreement to sell an MTI subsidiary its 41.1 percent interest in the Yadana project, Myanmar’s biggest, from which the natural gas is used domestically and exported to Thailand. The project’s current operator is PTTEP, a Thai state-owned firm, which works alongside the military-controlled Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise.
USAID Administrator Power visits Nepal, announces USD 58.8 million grant
(lm) The top official of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, visited Nepal on February 7-9, where she announced a USD 58.5-million grant to strengthen inclusive democracy and support civil society organizations. Power’s trip to the Himalayan nation is the latest in a series of back-to-back visits of senior White House officials, indicating that Kathmandu has quietly become a target of high-level US engagement, thanks to Washington’s competition with China. [USAID]
Power’s visit follows one earlier this month by Victoria Nuland, the US undersecretary of state for political affairs, and one last July by Donald Lu, the top South Asia official at the U.S. State Department [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1]. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter and Senior Director for South Asia at the National Security Council Rear Admiral Eileen Laubachar are scheduled to visit later this month. [The Diplomat]
North Korea showcases ICBM missiles during military parade on national army day
(ge) On February 8 North Korea staged a military parade in Pyongyang to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Korean People’s Army (KPA). [KNCA]
During the parade tactical nuclear weapons and long-distance cruise missiles (ICBMs) were showcased, including North Korea’s largest ICBM tested in November. According to analysts, new solid-fuel missiles could be among the weapons displayed. [NHK]
Specialist service NK Pro reported that prior to the event, dozens of large missile shelters, believed to house ICBM missiles, appeared outside a central Pyongyang square. If this is the case, it will confirm Kim’s objective to exponentially increase the number of nuclear warheads and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US [NK Pro] [Bloomberg] North Korea has been testing solid-fuel missiles in recent months in an attempt to modernize its arsenal. [see AiR,No. 6, February/2023, 1]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attended the event with his wife and daughter Kim Ju-ae who also appeared in official photos and was described as the leader’s “respected daughter”, a title only used in reference to the State’s supreme leader. This has reinforced speculations that she might have been chosen as the leader’s successor. Speculations remain unconfirmed. [The Korea Times]
On February 10 during a press briefing, US State department spokesperson Vedant Patel commented on North Korea’s military showcase, declaring that the US has the right tools to respond to the provocations, nevertheless underlying that doors for dialogue remain open and that US’s goal to denuclearize the peninsula is unchanged.[US Department of State]
North Korea: Trade with UK doubled in 2022
(ge) On February 8, the UK Department of Business and Trade (DBT) confirmed that trade in goods and services between UK and North Korea from October 2021 to September 2022 reached USD 127 million, rising by 116.7 percent, from USD 68.4 million.
The most notable increase was registered in North Korean imports from the UK, which amounted to over USD 90 million. The DBT report does not clearly specify the nature of the goods and services exchanged between the two countries, leaving doubts over a possible violation of UN sanctions on North Korea.
North Korea economy expert Peter Ward commented on the data, saying that the increase may be due more to UK government expenses, including diplomatic expenses, rather than to business activities. [NK News]
The Philippines-China: Chinese ship accused of aiming a laser at a Filipino boat crew
(dql) The Philippine government has lodged a diplomatic protest, demanding that China ensures its vessels stop “aggressive activities,” in reference to a Chinese coast guard’s use of a “military-grade laser” that hit a Philippine coast guard vessel in the disputed South China Sea and temporarily blinded some of its crew.
Further, it has accused the Chinese ship of maneuvering close, to block the Philippine patrol vessel BRP Malapascua from approaching Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef that has been under occupation of the Philippine forces. [NPR]
Singapore cleared by US to buy JDAM Bomb Kits
(hg) The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of 1,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bomb kits and 250 Paveway II guided bombs kits to Singapore. The $55 million deal would be one of the country’s largest single acquisitions of precision munition kits as its JDAM-capable fighter fleet expands with Singapore’s Air Force (RSAF) currently upgrading its Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Blk 52. The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is not a stand-alone weapon but a guidance kit that upgrades unguided or ‘dumb’ bombs into precision-guided munitions (PGMs) that would significantly enhance the RSAF’s air-to-ground capabilities. The JDAM's guidance system was jointly – hence the name - developed by the US NAVY and Air Force. [The Defense Post] [Aviation Week] [AiR Force, USA]
Singaporean and Saudi stock exchanges to cooperate closer
(hg) The stock exchanges of Singapore and Saudi Arabia have signed an MoU to ease the deployment of capital and create a connecting pool of capital between the two markets.
The move can be seen at least in parts as a response to global (geo)political volatility and an expression of deepening South-South ties in the high end investment market. [Arab News]
Singapore bestows military award to Royal Thai Army Chief during visit
(hg) Royal Thai Army General Narongpan has visited Singapore from February 8 to 10 where he called on the Chief of the Defence Force and the Chief of Army before he was presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) by Singapore’s Minister for Defence in recognition of his outstanding contributions in strengthening the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between both countries’ Armies. [Ministry of Defense, Singapore]
South Korea imposes independent cyber-sanctions on North Korea
(ge) On February 10, South Korea announced first-ever independent sanctions on North Korea’s illicit cyber-activities.
The sanctions concern four North Korean individuals and seven organizations affiliated to the North Korean military intelligence agency Reconnaissance General Bureau, including Lazarus Group, Blunoroff and Andariel which have been blacklisted by the US since 2019.
Among the sanctioned individuals is North Korean hacker Park Jin Hyuk, an information technology worker at Chosun Expo Joint Venture company, affiliated with the Lazarus group. Park had been previously sanctioned by the US for his involvement in the Sony Pictures hacking and Wanna Cry ransomware attack, respectively in 2014 and 2017.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry press releases stated that the sanctions aim at blocking the financing of North Korean nuclear and missile development programs and to inform the public about the risk of hiring North Korean IT workers under false identity.
The US State Department declared during a press briefing on February 10 that the government does not preview any additional sanctions from the US on the newly blacklisted individuals. [NK News] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korean] [US Department of State] [Korea JoongAng Daily]
South Korea: Air drills to be held in May amid growing North Korean threat
(ge) South Korea has announced to hold in May the first nationwide civil air defense drills since 2016 as part of a national security strategy, amid growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats. [Yonhap News Agency]
The decision was taken during the 56th Central Integrated Defense Meeting. The meeting was presided over by President Yoon Suk-Yeol and was attended by 160 key representatives of the central and local governments, the National Intelligence Service, the National Police Agency, the Coast Guard, and the National Fire Agency.
It was the first time in seven years that a South Korean president personally attended the meeting, a sign of the government’s priority to establish a strong national defense posture in response to North Korea’s provocations. [President of the Republic of Korea Newsroom 1, in Korean]
Talks focused on two main topics: strengthening response capabilities and countermeasures for the protection of civilians against high-intensity North Korean missile threats and strengthening countermeasures against north-korean cyber and terrorist attacks.
The officials acknowledged the need to expand and enhance civil defense shelters and to set up a new public alert system via mobile in preparation for potential North Korean offensive actions.[The Korea Herald 1]
President Yoon made remarks on the former Moon administration, claiming that the previous government neglected the civil defense system whilst relying on a “fake peace”. [ The Korea Herald 2] The President also requested to check for any gaps in the national defense posture and to revise the government's emergency preparedness system. [President of the Republic of Korea Newsroom 2, in Korean]
South Korea-China: Visa restrictions on Chinese travelers lifted
(ge) On February 11, South Korea lifted short-term visa restrictions on Chinese travelers. The ban had been in effect since January 10, prompting China to answer back by suspending visa issuance for South Koreans.
South Korean vice-minister of disaster and safety management said that the decision to lift the ban came after a drop in the number of infections among Chinese arrivals in Korea.
Beijing commented on the decision saying that it will also consider resuming visa issuance for South Korean nationals. [Reuters] [Hong Kong Free Press]
On February 13 President Yoon Suk-Yeol asked Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo to also consider a possible revocation of mandatory PCR tests for travelers from China to prevent disruption in people-to-people interactions between the two countries. [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea-US: Collaboration on cyber security to counter North Korea’s cyber threats
(ge) On February 7 the South Korean and US ambassadors for cybersecurity met in Seoul to discuss ways to boost ROK–US cybersecurity cooperation in response to North Korea’s cyber threats and illicit activities. [KBS]
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador for International Security Cho Hyun-Woo had a meeting with Nathaniel Fick, Special Envoy for Cyberspace and Digital Policy of the US Department of State. The two sides exchanged concerns and views about North Korea’s cyber illegal activities involving crypto-theft and nuclear and missile-related information and technology theft. The two remarked that these activities pose a threat to domestic security and international peace, saying that cooperation between the countries will be strengthened in response. The two also reiterated the importance of a ROK–US cyber security collaboration in the context of a strategic global alliance. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Korea, in Korean]
On February 9 South Korean and US intelligence agencies released a first of its kind joint security advisory to stop North Korea’s ransomware threat. The advisory states that South Korea and US’s health care systems have reported ransomware attacks from North Korean cyber actors and that countermeasures will be taken in order to protect key healthcare institutions. [National Security Agency, USA]
South Korea-UK: 3rd consultation round on cyber security
(ge) On February 10 South Korea held the 3rd Policy Consultation round with the UK in Seoul.
Discussions focused on two macro issues: strengthening South Korea–UK cooperation in the development of cyber attacks deterrence strategies, in multilateral forums and in the private cyber security sector; seeking countermeasures against malicious cyber activities that endanger the international order. Regarding this point, both sides expressed concerns about North Korea’s cyber illicit activity involving crypto assets theft and military technology information theft.
The meeting was preceded by a joint cyber security panel hosted by the British Embassy in Jongno District, Seoul from February 8 to February 9. Governmental and private sector cyber security experts from both countries participated in the forum.
During discussions about North Korean cyber attacks, Nils Weisensee, director of news operations at the Korea Risk Group, pointed out criticalities in South Korea’s cyber defense system, lacking communication between cyber security companies and relying on outdated softwares and multiple browser plug-ins. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Korea, in Korean] [The Korea Times] [Korea JoongAng Daily]
South Korea-Romania: Closer cooperation in defense sought
(ge) On February 9 two major South Korean arms manufacturers, LIG Nex 1 and Hanwha Aerospace, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Romanian state-owned defense company ROMARM, with both parties agreeing to boost not only defense and military cooperation but also to establish economic foundations and favor technology transfer.
The two South Korean firms, which are part of the Korean Chamber of Commerce (KCCI) Eastern European delegation, are seeking to expand their market in Eastern Europe and to cooperate with NATO countries following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war.
LGI Nex 1 will cooperate with Romania in the production of portable short-range anti-aircraft missiles whilst Hanwha Aerospace will increase exports in South Korean advanced weapons systems including Hanwha Aerospace’s K9 self-propelled howitzer. [Yonhap] [The Korea Times] [Business Korea]
South Korea-Thailand: Cooperation agreement on space launch site concluded
(ge) On February 13 South Korean and Thailand signed a deal to cooperate for feasibility studies to build a space-launch site in the southeastern asian country.
The implementation agreement was signed by the Korean Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with the Thai Geo-Information and Space Technology Development Agency.
The implementation agreement came after Thai Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Anek Laothamatas asked for South Korean support in building the space launch site during a bilateral meeting with his Korean counterpart, Minister Lee Jong-Ho.
South Korea has already cooperated with Thailand in the development of the Earth observation satellite THEOS-2 and through projects of the Asia-Pacific Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) and International Space Competition (IAC). [Ministry of Science and ICT, in Korean] [The Korea Times]
South Korea-South Africa/Zambia: Partnership on critical minerals
(ge) On February 7, South Korea attended the Mineral Security Partnership (MPS) meeting led by the United States in the context of the Investing in African Mining Indaba conference held in Cape Town, South Africa and discussed ways to boost cooperation with mineral resource- rich African countries and secure a key mineral supply chain network.[Yonhap]
The Korean delegation, which included the second Vice Foreign Minister, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), and the Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation (KOMIR) had talks with representatives of the other 13 partner countries. The participants agreed on the necessity for a sustainable approach to mineral supply chain development in Africa and decided to adopt the MPS Principles for Responsible Critical Minerals Supply Chains.
They also committed to periodically check on the implementation of the environmental, social and governance standard for sustainable development and to encourage mining companies to adopt responsible mineral development practices. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, South Korea, in Korean] [Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, South Korea, 1]
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held talks with South Africa and Zambia to discuss cooperation measures. [Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, South Korea, 2]
Sri Lankan Army hosts chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
(sn) On February 10, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) of Pakistan, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, visited Sri Lanka Army Headquarters to meet with Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage. The JCSC Chairman was on a state visit to the island kingdom – and met with the official following the traditional military ceremony, with the presence of the Adjutant General of the Army, Major General Wickramasinghe.
Followings ceremonial events, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, accompanied by a delegation, attended formal negotiations with Major General Fernando WWW RWP ESP USP, the Military Secretary to the Commander’s office. Discussions concerned bilateral matters between Sri Lanka Army and the Pakistan Armed Forces, such as training modules and opinions on regional security. [Sri Lanka Army]
Sri Lanka seeks higher education options for its students in Belarus
(sn) Sri Lanka’s Minister of Education met with the Belarus envoy to Colombo on February 3 to discuss the promotion of opportunities for Sri Lankan students to receive higher education in Belarus. Belarus already hosted some of the Sri Lankan medical students, and a Sri Lankan delegation plans to visit Belarus in the first part of 2023 for further negotiations.
The Delhi-based ambassador visited Sri Lanka to express the willingness of his country to expand cooperation with the island state in agricultural, engineering, vocational, and technical specialties. By affiliating institutions of the counterparties, they aim to introduce courses with qualifications recognized in both states. [Colombo Page]
Sri Lankan prime minister meets with Global Green Growth Institute official to plan power generation projects
(sn) The President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Institute (GGGI), Ban Ki-Moon, made a visit to Sri Lanka and met with the State’s Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, on February 7, 2023. The Prime Minister presented a new 10-year energy plan to the GGGI Council Chair.
Ban Ki-Moon is also a former UN Secretary-General; he expressed a positive attitude toward the green initiatives in the Island Kingdom. He plans to assist Sri Lankan public transport sector & solar power electricity generation and emphasized city lights projects. Sri Lankan Foreign, Transport, and Environment Ministers attended the discussions. [Colombo Page]
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Belgium meets with Foreign & European Affairs Secretary-General
(sn) Sri Lankan Ambassador to Belgium and the Head of Mission to EU – Grace Asirwatham, made a state visit to Luxembourg to meet with its Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Olinger. The head of Mission informed the Secretary-General of the contemporary situation and its progress in Sri Lanka.
Jean Olinger appreciated the attitude of the Island Kingdom in the crisis encounter and invited the Island state to consider market opportunities for trade in tourism with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This meeting coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the Diplomatic relations between the counterparties, and the officials of Luxembourg and Sri Lanka also settled to accelerate pending bilateral agreements proceeding. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka]
Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Ambassador to Germany assumes duties in Berlin
(sn) Newly appointed Sri Lankan Ambassador to Germany, Varuna Muthukumarana, assumed her duties in Berlin on February 2, 2023. The new representative is a former agent of the Sri Lanka Missions Abroad department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also worked for the Permanent Mission of Sri Lank to the UN. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka]
Chinese surveillance balloons observed over Taiwan
(sw) According to Taiwanese government officials, Chinese surveillance balloons have entered Taiwan on average once a month in recent years. The balloons were spotted above Taipei and the Taipei International Airport.
Some experts warn that the balloons might be weaponized with bombs after official newspapers of the Chinese military suggested in 2021 that they can be used as a “springboard” to start attacks.
After a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down in the US early February, concerns over Chinese spy airships have increased in Taiwan. Besides the US and Taiwan, balloons were also recorded in Japan, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. [International Business Times] [Taipei Times] [BBC] [Financial Times]
Taiwanese main opposition party vice chairperson visits China
(sw/dql) Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia is currently leading a delegation on a ten-day visit to China that began last week on February 8. The visit has been strongly criticized by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that has accused the KMT of selling out Taiwan and Hsia for going to “pay court to the communists.” China considers the DPP as a secessionist force and has stopped talks with the DPP-led government under President Tsai Ing-wen since 2016.
On February 10, Hsia met with Wang Huning, a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee, China’s top decision-making body, and the party’s fourth ranked leader who is widely regarded as the party’s leading political theorist. Wang called on Hsia to oppose Taiwan independence and - in a thinly veiled hit against the U.S. - interference in cross-strait issues by external forces.
According to the KMT, Hsia responded in the meeting that all existing differences between Taiwan and China can be resolved through dialogue and by upholding maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait as an important goal. [South China Morning Post] [Reuters]
In a separate meeting on the same day with Song Tao, chairman of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, Hsia called for better understanding across the Taiwan Strait for improving people's lives on both sides of the Strait and to concentrate on bread-and-butter issues in order to avoid that those issues are affected by political differences between the two sides.
Song, for his part, reiterated Wang’s rejection of and called for cooperation based on the so-called “1992 consensus”, that refers to the alleged outcome of a meeting in 1992 between the semi-official representatives of China and Taiwan. It is often credited as creating a diplomatic basis for semi-official cross-strait exchanges, and is considered by Beijing as saying that is one China (including Taiwan), of which it is the sole legitimate representative. The Chinese leadership has made this understanding of the consensus the precondition for engaging in cross-strait dialogue. The KMT understanding, however, is that there is one China, but two ways to understand what China means: the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China. The DPP meanwhile rejects the consensus entirely. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan, Japan to hold defense meeting
(sw) The ruling parties of Taiwan and Japan will discuss how to deepen security cooperation at a foreign affairs and defense meeting to be held later in February.
It will be the third such meeting between Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party and Japan’s Liberal Democratic party in two years, reflecting growing security ties between the two countries amid increasing military pressure on Taiwan and Japan. [Taiwan News]
Chinese military aircrafts and ships tracked around Taiwan
(sw) Since last Wednesday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) tracked 43 Chinese military aircraft and 26 naval vessels around Taiwan. 14 aircrafts crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and ships and used land-based missiles to monitor the Chinese military. So far in February, the Chinese military has sent 109 military aircraft and 47 naval ships around Taiwan.
Since September 2020, tensions between the two sides have risen, as China increasingly sent aircraft into Taiwan’s ADIZ. [Taiwan News] [Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan]
Paraguay president to visit Taiwan before election that could end relations
(sw) Paraguay’s president, Mario Abdo, will visit Taiwan to strengthen cooperation before an election in April might end ties.
The Latin American country would cut the 65 years of diplomatic ties with Taiwan and open relations with China if the opposition wins the elections. Paraguay is one of only 14 countries to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
During the meeting, Abdo and President Tsai Ing-wen are expected to discuss meat promotion and investment opportunities. Paraguay's meat industry views the relations with Taiwan as an obstacle to gain access to China, which is the world’s largest market for their products.
Paraguay would follow Nicaragua which cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2021. These events are part of China’s strategy to expand its influence in Latin America. [Channel News Asia]
US arms sales to Taiwan highest since 20 years in 2022
(sw) In 2022, the US authorized 13 arms packages to Taiwan which was the most in 20 years.
During a Senate hearing on the US-China policy, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said that the US arm support is necessary because they improve Taiwan’s asymmetric defense capabilities, train its reserve forces, and ensure that it has agile systems.
Sherman also confirmed that the US stays committed to the “one China” policy and opposes unilateral changes to the cross-strait “status quo”. [Taipei Times]
Only 51 countries adhere to “One China” principle, according to study
(sw) A study by a Singaporean researcher shows that only 51 countries, and not 180 as Beijing claims, fully comply with the “One China” principle as China defines it.
That means only 51 states “recognize the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and agree that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.” Other countries use a different wording in their official documents regarding China’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan. [Taipei Times]
Taiwan, Finland to deepen relations
(sw) Taiwan and Finland announced to deepen cooperation and strengthen democratic resilience, as a Finish parliamentary delegation visited the island this week.
During a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, the Finnish Parliamentary Taiwan Friendship Group Chairman Mikko Kärnä condemned what he called Chinese aggression and emphasized that Finland wants to expand trade and economic relations with Taiwan.
President Tsai highlighted the growing relationship, since bilateral trade grew by 30 percent in 2021 compared to the previous year. [Overseas Community Affairs Council, Taiwan] [Taipei Times]
Thai ambassador discusses cooperation with Italian Space Agency
(ts) Thai ambassador to Italy met with the President of Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Head of Italian International Affairs Directorate to ensure active space cooperation. Both sides discussed continued cooperation in space and satellite technology development as ASI and Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) have committed to work together. Informed hereby was also the ASI is preparing to launch its space training program for ASEAN countries. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
Worth noting is the Italian ambassador to Thailand discussed similar issues with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha earlier last month.
Iran dismisses social media post by Thai opposition politician
(ts) The Iranian Embassy in Thailand has dismissed a mobilizing Twitter post from Thailand’s Progressive Movement chairman.
Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit posted via Twitter calling his followers to support the anti-government protests in Iran via the platform Change.org, claiming Thailand shares affinity in fighting against dictatorship. The Twitter account Iran Embassy in Thailand replied right away as a counter-argument, ironically referring to Thanathorn’s message as of minor importance that will not influence long-standing bilateral ties. It tweeted “Over 400 years of friendly relations between Iran and Thailand are much stronger to be affected by transient political & electoral games.” [Iran Embassy in Thailand via Twitter] [Bangkok Post]
Iran has seen ongoing civil unrest sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. She died in police custody after being arrested for violating the country’s strict dress code.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar urges Thailand to make progress on its Southern insurgency
(aj/pa) On February 9, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made his first bilateral visit to Thailand since taking office in November. During this two-day visit to Thailand, Anwar met with General PM Prayuth Chan-o-cha to stress the importance of Thailand resolving its decades-long Muslim separatist conflict in Thailand’s Deep South. Although Malaysia has served as the long-time facilitator between the Thai government and Malay Muslim rebel group Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), peace settlements have not been reached. In anticipation of the next round of talks later this month in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar changed the Malaysian facilitator to Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, former head of Malaysian armed forces. [AiR No. 4, January/2023, 4] The last round of peace talks was in August.
Conflict in Thailand’s southernmost provinces poses a challenge to Malaysian and Thai plans for economic development in the area, particularly in the form of infrastructure to facilitate trade, special economic zones (SEZ) for investment, and a high-speed rail between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. [South China Morning Post] The importance of these economic objectives is reflected in the economic agreements struck between Anwar and Prayuth to attain USD 30 billion in bilateral trade by 2025, especially by linking SEZs in Malaysia’s North with Thailand’s South.
Anwar stated that Malaysia wants to help Thailand solve this challenge, but “will not condone any sort of violence to resolve any conflict.” [The Diplomat] Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to promote greater economic ties with Malaysia and to seek cooperation along the Thailand-Malaysia border areas. [Associated Press News]
Vietnam’s Prime Minister in Brunei and Singapore
(hg) Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation visited Brunei and Singapore from February 8-11 to lift the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Singapore and the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Brunei respective, the first visit to Singapore after nearly five years and the first to Brunei after nearly 16 years.
A highlight of the visit to Singapore was the signing of MoU on the development of both country’s digital and green economy. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam]
Vietnam, Bahrain to expand cooperation
(hg) Vietnam and Bahrain engaged in political consultation co-chaired by Deputy Minister Pham Quang Hieu and Bahrain’s undersecretary for international affairs to enhance cooperation, exchanges, and mutual support at international and regional forums and organizations; and also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. [Nikkei Asia]
Vietnamese delegations visit Cuba, Venezuela
(hg) A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Communist Review attended the first international meeting of political ideological magazines and newspapers of political parties, left-wing and progressive movements in Havana from February 10-12 and also paid a working visit to Venezuela at the invitation of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
By October 2022, two-way trade between Vietnam and Venezuela surged by 700% year-on-year to over 50 million USD. [Vietnam Plus 1] [Vietnam Plus 2]
Announcements
Upcoming Events
15 February 2023 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA
The War in Ukraine One Year On
One year into the war in Ukraine, this webcast will take stock of the war in Ukraine so far, its implications for both Ukraine and Russia, and the ongoing impact the war is having on European politics and US policy in the broader region.
For more information, visit [CSIS].
15 February 2023 @ 1:00-2:45 p.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA
U.S.-UK Trade Agreement: Now is the Time
The US and the UK, close allies with compatible, advanced economies, have ample room to increase economic collaboration through the establishment of a new trade agreement. Unfortunately, since prior rounds of negotiations of transatlantic free trade agreements such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) have come up short, questions about feasibility of a new FTA persist. This online event will discuss the challenges and the contours of a potential U.S.-UK trade agreement.
More events details are accessible via [CSIS].
22 February 2023 @ 10:30-11:15 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Australia and Southeast Asia: ASEAN vs. Minilateralism?
This webinar will examine Australia’s approach to Southeast Asia, the tensions that exist between its traditional multilateralism and more recent embrace of competitive minilateralism, and what this tells us about the broader state of Asia’s dynamic international environment.
Further information is available at [ISEAS]
Recent Book Releases
Robyn d’Avignon, A Ritual Geology: Gold and Subterranean Knowledge in Savanna West Africa, Duke University Press, 328 pages, published on July 22, 2022, reviewed in [LSE].
Dimitar D. Gueorguiev (ed.), New Threats to Academic Freedom in Asia, Association for Asian Studies, 180 pages, published on January 3, 2023. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books].
Calls for Papers
Bankura University, India, invites paper proposals for its international conference “Re-positioning India and Australia in the Emergent Geo-Politics: Identities, Entanglements, Cultural Diplomacy,” to be held on March 3-4, 2023. Deadline for abstract submission is February 10, 2023. For more information, visit [CPF List].
The University of Lisboa welcomes paper proposals for its conference “The Voices of the People
Democratic Participation in European Urban Centers in the Late Middle Ages,” scheduled for May 25-26, 2023. The closing date for abstract submission is February 12, 2023. More details are available at [The Voice of the People].
Jobs and positions
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Regional Coordinator to be based in South Africa. Core responsibility is to lead and coordinate youth programmes in the region. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Regional Advisor to be based in South Africa. Core responsibility is to provide the programme with technical, policy, and programmatic leadership. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Quality Assurance Analyst to be based in Bangladesh. Core responsibility is to supervise the health facilities and refugee camps. Applications are accepted until 1 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Finance Assistant to be based in Mongolia. Core responsibility is to support the management of the Finance Associate in monitoring organizatio’s financial performance. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Humanitarian Affairs Officer to be based in Afghanistan. Core responsibility is to support the planning process and reporting tasks. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Senior Programme Associate to be based in Mozambique. Core responsibility is to help the development of programme’s activities and plans. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Security Assistant to be based in Mozambique. Core responsibility is to review security threats and risks that could impact programme’s operations. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Programme Policy Officer to be based in Mozambique. Core responsibility is to ensure understanding among the programme’s partners. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Emergency Nurtritionist to be based in Ethopia. Core responsibility is to participate in the development and the finalization of projects documentation. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Talent Management Specialist to be based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to supervise and improve the talent attraction process. Applications are accepted until 26 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Health Organization seeks a Programme Officer to be based in Thailand. Core responsibility is to provide leadership and technical expertise to support the organization in improving its capabilities. Applications are accepted until 7 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Chief Coordinator to be based in Bangladesh. Core responsibility is to prepare and submit monthly and quarterly monitoring reports to the related organizations. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Consultant. Core responsibility is to contribute to the development of WHO biosecurity guidance document. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Central Project Coordinator to be based in Myanmar. Core responsibility is to support the facilitation of meetings and training activities. Applications are accepted until 6 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Consultant. Core responsibility is to contribute to the development of agendas and background papers for monthly expert meetings. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Supply and Logistics Associate to be based in Uzbekistan. Core responsibility is to provide input to the organization’s programme in the country. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Contract Officer to be based in Uzbekistan. Core responsibility is to collaborate with programme’s partners. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Programme Officer to be based in South Sudan. Core responsibility is to conduct orientation and re-orientation sessions for the organization’s partners. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Health and Nutrition Specialist to be based in Yemen. Core responsibility is to conduct analysis to support the organization’s planning, development, and management activities. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Senior Health Specialist to be based in Senegal. Core responsibility is to represent the organization in the relevant meetings. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Programme Management Intern to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to execute project plan for the organization and conduct research on issues related to the programmes. Applications are accepted until 28 March 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks an Administration Intern to be based in Thailand. Core responsibility is to assist the development of visibly materials and support the development of communication-related activities. Applications are accepted until 26 February 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Public Information Assistant to be based in Poland. Core responsibility is to assist officers in the production of communication projects. Applications are accepted until 12 March 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Senior Information Systems Assistant to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to assist the development and operations of related computer application system. Applications are accepted until 11 March 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Research Assistant to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to assemble and examine related materials. Applications are accepted until 11 March 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Immigration Services Navigator to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to coordinate logistics and provide orientations to newly-arrived asylum seekers. Applications are accepted until 12 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Interpreter for the Nepali Language to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to provide accurate interpretation of the Nepali language to the organization. Applications are accepted until 12 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Youth Success Specialist to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to maintain up-to-date case notes and service plans. Applications are accepted until 12 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Family Reunion Specialist to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to communicate program eligibility and requirements to clients. Applications are accepted until 12 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Intensive Case Management Supervisor to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to guide the implementation of related programmes and ensure that all services are completed in a timely manner. Applications are accepted until 1 September 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The World Bank seeks a Consultant to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to provide research and analysis related to the environmental and energy sectors to the organization. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [WBG].
The World Bank seeks a Programme Assistant to be based in Liberia. Core responsibility is to provide support for preparation and implementation of World Bank projects and activities. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [WBG].
The World Bank seeks a Senior Financial Management Specialist to be based in Haiti. Core responsibility is to undertake financial management assessments for the organization’s operations. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [WBG].
The World Bank seeks a Natural Resources Management Specialist to be based in Cambodia. Core responsibility is to provide strategic advice related to environment and resource management. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [WBG].
The World Bank seeks a Environmental Specialist to be based in the Philippines. Core responsibility is to ensure the effective integration of environmental due diligence. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [WBG].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a Agricultural Officer to be based in Italy. Core responsibility is to analytical and technical support on agricultural development. Applications are accepted until 14 March 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a Economist to be based in Italy. Core responsibility is to provide analytical and technical support on economic and financial aspects of the organization’s programmes. Applications are accepted until 14 March 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a Communication Officer to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to contribute to the development of organization’s internal and external communications system. Applications are accepted until 7 March 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a National Project Coordinator to be based in Zambia. Core responsibility is to perform the day-to-day management of the project. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a Office Assistant to be based in Lesotho. Core responsibility is to perform a variety of routine administrative tasks. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Protection Coordinator to be based in Uganda. Core responsibility is to collaborate with the organization’s local team to review and revise protection tools and monitoring process. Applications are accepted until 3 March 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Head of Programme to be based in Tunisia. Core responsibility is to lead the development and implementation of the organization’s programmes in Tunisia. Applications are accepted until 26 February 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Programme Manager to be based in Yemen. Core responsibility is to ensure partners’ involvement in strategic planning, programme design, and concept development of the programmes. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Team Leader to be based in the Somali region. Core responsibility is to lead the organization’s response team in the area. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks an Engineer to be based in the Somali region. Core responsibility is to be in charge of all technical activities of the organization. Applications are accepted until 25 Feburary 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The International Finance Corporation seeks a Finance Analyst to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to conduct research and develop user-friendly visualizations and dashboards. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [IFC].
The International Finance Corporation seeks a Business Process Lead Developer to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to work on the development of assigned corporate applications for related operations. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [IFC].
The International Finance Corporation seeks a Consultant on Climate Change to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to develop and update training agenda. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [IFC].
The International Finance Corporation seeks a Operations Officer to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to lead and execute complex analytical projects. Applications are accepted until 3 March 2023. More information is provided at [IFC].
The International Finance Corporation seeks a Operation Officer to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to supervise the work of editors and proofreaders of the organization. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [IFC].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Partnership Development Specialist to be based in France. Core responsibility is to facilitate discussions and engagements between related stakeholders. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Project Management Support to be based in Serbia. Core responsibility is to contribute to the development of activities related to programmes’ capacity building process. Applications are accepted until AA. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Project Management Intern to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to provide support to the implementation of programmes and activities. Applications are accepted until 24 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Senior Programme Manager to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to lead the preparation of the Secretary-Generals Climate Leaders’ Summit. Applications are accepted until 26 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Gender Equality Officer to be based in Mozambique. Core responsibility is to report on all activities related to the organization. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Evaluation Specialist to be based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to prepare an evaluation framework and plan the evaluation schedule. Applications are accepted until 2 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Finance and Budget Officer to be based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to review and analyze data related to the financial and budgetary aspects of the operations. Applications are accepted until 25 march 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Consultant to be based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to perform and execute work packages related to the organization’s projects. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Administrative Assistant to be based in Thailand. Core responsibility is to initiate, review, process, and conduct follows-up on actions related to the organization’s personnel aspect. Applications are accepted until 10 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Programme Management Intern to be based in South Africa. Core responsibility is to support project management and develop necessary background materials and reports. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
Team:
Amanda Jaroen (aj) , Chanon Atom (ca), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Farhan Maqsood (fm), Gaia Esposito (ge); Henning Glaser (hg), Loong Dien Min (ldm), Lucas Meier (lm), Manmehak Kaur (mk), Natalie Svinina (ns), Ole Stark (os), Peer Morten Strantzen (ms), Priyankka Araasu (pa), Sophia Wesenberg (sw), Thammasorn Sangiamjit (ts), Tomwit Jarnson (tj), Valentina Pellegrino (vp); Venus Phuangkom, Wardah Rehman (wr)
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