Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 19, May/2022, 2
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
The AiR team is pleased to present you the Asia in Review issue of this week.
Wishing you an informative read, I extend special greetings to everyone who celebrates Paraguay’s and Romania’s Independence Day.
With best regards,
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in 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: Academics defy President Xi’s warning to doubters of ‘zero Covid’ policy
(ckx/dql) In a letter published online on May 8 and censored after some hours, more than 20 Chinese academics from universities across the country demanded a stop of “excessive pandemic prevention” in Shanghai, saying that some policies rolled out during the city’s lockdown are in contradiction to the rule of law and warning that they could result in “some kind of legal disaster”. [South China Morning Post]
The letter comes as Shanghai, that has been under a strict lockdown since March [see AiR No. 13, March/2022, 5], is intensifying lockdown restrictions and the Asian Games, scheduled for September in Hangzhou, and other top-tier international sports events have been put on hold. [ABC News] [NBC]
It also comes only days after Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking on May 5 at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee, the innermost core of political power in China, made clear that the ‘zero Covid’ policy in operation to combat the pandemic must be adhered to, calling for "[resolute] fighting against all words and deeds that distort, doubt, and deny China's epidemic prevention policies." The meeting echoed these words, reassuring that “persistence is victory,” and demanding that “[p]arty committees and governments at all levels […] resolutely implement the decisions of the Party Central Committee,” and “consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee in ideology, politics and actions.” [CCTV News, in Chinese]
Xi’s statement – his first public remarks on the battle against Covid since public discontent over the harsh lockdown in Shanghai erupted [see AiR No. 13, March/2022, 5] – is seen by observers as a thinly veiled warning to all who question his policy to choke off internal dissent and tensions within party faction ahead of the national congress of the Chinese Communist Party in autumn. At this congress, which meets every fifth year, it is believed that Xi will seek to secure an unprecedented third term as the party’s General Secretary. [CNN][Reuters] [The Straits Times]
For a discussion of institutional adjustments required to make Xi’s third term as party chief possible, see Kawashima Shin in [The Diplomat].
China: New efforts to stabilize economy
(ckx/dql) The State Council, China’s chief administrative authority, decided in a May 5 meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang to deploy additional measures to support for small, medium and micro enterprises and individual industrial and commercial households in a bid to ensure stable employment and to help stabilize the economy. The measures include, among others, cutting taxes and fees for eligible small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed individuals, thus boosting the “healthy growth of the platform economy.” Furthermore, the Council announced plans to promote employment and services for key job-hunting groups, such as college graduates and migrant workers, and to carry out vocational-skills training services on a massive scale. [CCTV 2, in Chinese] [Xinhua]
Local governments will adhere to the central strategy. In Mengzi, Yunnan, the tax department promotes online platforms to help steel, metallurgical, and chemical companies reduce taxes. Tongxiang, Zhejiang provides taxpayers in the manufacturing industry with preferential tax policies. Jiangsu Nanjing provides small-scale (CNY 2,000 to 20,000) for taxpayers in the manufacturing industries. [CCTV, in Chinese]
In a separate development, the People’s Bank of China announced on May 6 to launch a re-lending facility to incentivize the logistics industry and financial institutions, in an attempt to “boost the confidence of market players, stimulate market drivers, support the real economy and achieve the goal of stable growth,” China’s central bank explained. [Reuters]
These measures come as concerns over a potential stagflation in China are growing. [South China Morning Post] [Merco Press]
China: Beijing-backed candidate elected as Hong Kong’s new leader
(dql) Beijing-backed veteran security official John Lee Ka-chiu was elected as the new Chief Executive of Hong Kong on May 8.
Without any opponent, Lee, who in his capacity as the city’s Secretary for Security (2017-2021) was a key figure in the crackdown on 2019 antigovernment protests, secured more than 99 percent of the votes of the election committee whose members had been largely chosen last September under Beijing’s tight control. In. [DW]
While Beijing’s liaison office in the city celebrated Lee’s ascension the city’s highest office, calling it “a new successful implementation in the development of democracy with Hong Kong characteristics,” foreign ministers of the Group of Seven and the European Union voiced “grave concern” and denounced the election as attack on the fundamental freedoms of the former British colony and “another step in the dismantling of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.” [Hong Kong Free Press] [Time] [The Guardian]
China: Former investigative reporter sentenced for defaming soldiers
(ckx) A Chinese court has sentence Luo Changping, a former investigative journalist, to seven months in jail, after it found him guilty of “infringing the reputation and honour of national martyrs.”
Luo was arrested in October after posting online comments on a patriotic movie on the Korean War in which he described Chinese soldiers as “stupid”. The post reached 2 million followers at that time, before being blocked.
In June last year, Chinese lawmakers passed a law that bans defamation of members of the armed forces and the desecration of plaques that honor of military personnel. [South China Morning Post] [See also AiR No. 41, October/2021, 2, AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3]
Japan: Child population drops for 41st year
(cm) Data presented for 2021 by Japan’s ministry of interior reveal a fall for the 41st consecutive year in the country’s child population, reaching a record low of 14.65 million children aged 14 or younger. It is believed that women refrained from having children because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A record low was also recorded for the ratio of children to Japan’s overall population at 11.7 percent in the 48th year of this statistical decline. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Border controls to be relaxed in June
(cm) A further easing in COVID-19 border controls for June was announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on May 5, bringing them on par with other Group of Seven countries. The Japanese government has been gradually relaxing the strict measures implemented last year and currently imposes a 10,000 daily entry cap, with foreign tourists still unable to visit. As the infection situation has been stabilizing, and calls for easing the travel restrictions having grown especially from businesses, the government panel stated that they aim to normalize the controls as soon as possible. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Use of nuclear reactors to cut reliance on Russian energy
(cm) On May 5, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced Japan’s plans to use nuclear reactors to reduce its dependence on Russian energy and diversify its sources energy of generation. He pledged to reduce the dependency of other countries on Russian energy, promote renewable energy, and extend the list of states from which it will purchase energy as well. Moreover, a JPY 150 trillion (USD 1.16 trillion) investment will be raised in the next decade in order to meet the goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 46 percent by 2030.
The use of nuclear energy is still a sensitive topic in Japan, just a decade after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster, but a majority of the public and businesses want the government to restart nuclear reactors, especially now that energy security is unstable amid Ukraine war and energy costs have spiked. [Reuters]
Japan: Okinawa asks government to reconsider U.S. base transfer plan
(cm) Okinawa Prefecture has asked the centrale government to rethink the plan to relocate a United States air base within the Japanese prefecture, a proposal released on May 8 among others aimed at creating a “peaceful and prosperous” future, ahead of the 50th anniversary of its reversion to Japan later this month.
As Okinawa hosts a big part of U.S. military installations in the country, 70.3 percent of the land occupied in Japan, and crimes and incidents involving the hosted service members have disturbed the residents, the prefecture has called for a revision of the Japan-United States Status of Force Agreement, viewed as protective of soldiers and civilian base workers involved in crimes. [Japan Today]
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki also asked for a more peaceful diplomacy with China as opposed to military deterrence, as the island fears repercussions from a possible security emergency in Taiwan, 600 kilometres away from it, and that it might become a target while continuing to host the U.S. military. [AP News]
Mongolia: Minimum wage raised
(ckx) Mongolia will raise the minimum wage from currently MNT 420,000 to MNT 550,000 (USD 185) from January 1, 2023. It applies to employees in jobs which do not require special skills or education. [UB Post]
South Korea: New president sworn in
(dql) After his victory in the election in March, Yoon Suk-yeol was sworn in as 13th South Korean president on May 10, succeeding Moon Jae-in.
In his inauguration speech, Yoon vowed to “build a nation that espouses liberal democracy and ensures a thriving market economy, a nation that fulfils its responsibility as a trusted member of the international community, and a nation that truly belongs to the people.” [The Straits Times]
Yoon’s presidency comes at a time of rising inter-Korean tensions with North Korea having conducted 15 missile tests since January and nuclear talks with the US remaining in deadlock since 2019, as well as of a deep political and social division and growing problems of the country’s pandemic-hit economy. [AP News] [CNBC] [Channel News Asia]
South Korea: Moon Jae-in accepts resignation of prosecutor general
(dql) On May 6, Prosecutor-General Kim Oh-soo’s second tender of resignation has been accepted by former President Moon Jae-in, whose term ended on May 9.
Moon had turned down a first offer to resign after Kim’s open resistance to the bills on the reform of South Korea’s prosecution failed to prevent their passage in Parliament [see AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4].
With the resignation, Kim is protesting the reform of the prosecutorial system. Under the new legislation, promulgated by Moon last week, the prosecution is stripped many investigative powers it has been holding. [Yonhap News Agency] [See also AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon, elite prosecutor and nominee for Justice Minister under President Yoon Suk-yeol, announced that he will look for ways to minimize any potential negative impacts of the new laws on the prosecution reform on ordinary people. He warned of “institutional loopholes” in the new prosecution system, citing the scrapping of prosecution’s authority of direct investigations or supplementary probes that could let criminals to go unpunished. Yoon, for his part, had openly opposed the reform bills in the past weeks. [Korea Herald]
South Korea: New laws to improve children’s basic rights underway
(dql) The Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced that it will prepare a new bill this year that seeks to improve the protection of the basic rights of children.
The bill, expected to be approved next year, would recognize children as individuals who exercise their rights, instead of subjects of protection or education. Rights specied will include health care, education, and development as well as to survival. Children’s rights to rest and leisure would be guaranteed and child-friendly play environments.
The announcement, made on May 5, South Korea’s children’s day, comes as awareness on the importance of children’s mental health is growing in the country. A recent survey of the Ministry found out that nearly 19 percent of 1270 children aged between 11 and 17 polled responded that they were not happy. High pressure to succeed in school was given as main cause of unhappiness, followed by anxiety about the future. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea: Production of indigenous long-range radar prototype started
(dql) South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) – an executive branch of the government under the Ministry of National Defense – has announced that the production of a prototype model for a homemade long-range air defense radar system able to cover the country’s defense identification zone is set to begin in this year. The project, worth KRW 46 billion (USD 36.4 million), aims at replacing outdated military radars acquired from the US.
Designs for the new radar have been completed. Development of the radar is scheduled to be completed in January 2025, while the replacement of the existing systems with the new ones with start two years later in 2027. The new radar is said to possess detection capabilities that is 20 percent higher than those of the current radars. [Yonhap News Agency]
Meanwhile, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) – the country’s national agency for research and development in defense technology, funded by the DAPA – has announced an indigenous radar technology has been developed that is capable of identifying and tracking ballistic missile warheads. [The Korea Herald]
Taiwan: First-ever human rights action plan revealed
(dql) Taiwan’s Cabinet has made public the island nation’s first-ever national human rights action plan at a press conference on May 5.
Major issues which are prioritized in the plan include establishing a human rights unit, monitoring human rights education and assessing its results, and consolidating laws on equality. Furthermore, the plan calls for addressing right-to-life issues, especially suicides of teenagers and traffic fatalities, alongside reviewing policies on housing justice, ensuring the effectiveness of climate change laws, improving laws on digital gender harassment, and codifying asylum protocols into law and clarifying application procedures.
In 2009, Taiwan’s parliament ratified two United Nations human rights instruments, namely the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In 2012, the first national human rights report was presented. Despite these moves, the head of the Ministry of Justice's Department of Legal System conceded during a press conference hosted to present the human rights action plan that Taiwan has since failed to develop a “consolidated strategy when it came to championing human rights.” [Taipei Times] [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Plans to upgrade environment, agriculture agencies approved by Cabinet
(dql) On May 5, the Cabinet adopted proposals to upgrade the Council of Agriculture (COA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and elevate them to stand-alone ministries: Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Under the proposed Ministry of Agriculture, the COA's Forestry Bureau and the Forest Conservation and Management Administration under the Veterans Affairs Council will be merged into a single agency responsible for handling Taiwan’s forestry and nature conservation.
Meanwhile, following its establishment the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources will oversee three new agencies to be established which will handle climate change, resource recycling, and environmental management. [Focus Taiwan]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Authorities detain over 650 Rohingya refugees celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr
(lm) Bangladesh police detained over 650 Rohingya refugees as they celebrated the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr last week. About 450 of them were detained during a two-hour drive conducted on a bear near the town of Cox’s Bazar, which is hosting up to 200,000 tourists every day during the Eid vacation, on May 4. Another 203 Rohingyas were held the following day, Bangladesh local news media reported. [New Age] [The Straits Times]
About 900,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are barred from leaving detention camps where they have been stuck since fleeing neighboring Myanmar in 2017, to escape the country’s military offensive against them. In recent months, they say they have faced increased hardship in the camps with the Bangladeshi authorities bulldozing about 3,000 of their shops and dozens of private community-run schools. [AiR No. 2, January/2022, 2, AiR No. 13, March/2022, 5]
The detainees are residents of the Ukhiya and Teknaf refugee camps; they will be sent back to the camps through the country’s Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner after identity verification. [The Independent, $]
India: Use of speakers for Muslim call to prayer not a fundamental right, Uttar Pradesh high court rules
(rk/lm) A high court in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh has dismissed a plea seeking approval to play the Muslim call to prayer – azaan – on loudspeaker attached to the minarets, ruling that such use of speakers is not a fundamental right. [Live Law]
The row erupted in April when the leader of a regional Hindu party in Maharashtra state demanded that mosques and other places of worship keep within permitted noise limits. If they did not, he said his followers would chant Hindu prayers outside mosques in protest. A lawmaker couple was also booked for sedition – and later released by court on bail – for announcing to chant prayers at the residence of the state’s chief minister. [Republic World]
Since 2005, there have been various orders passed by India’s Supreme Court and high courts in different states to regulate the use of loudspeakers and control air pollution allegedly inflicted due to them. But the implementation of such orders has always been controversial. [India Today 1] [The Economic Times]
In Uttar Pradesh, close to 54,000 loudspeakers have been removed from religious places while volume of more than 60,000 loudspeakers has been brought down to permissible limits since the start of a state-wide drive on late last month. The state’s chief minister, Hindu hardliner Yogi Adityanath, has termed the use of loudspeakers an “ugly display of faith to inconvenience others”, while the opposition leader has called the drive a bid to distract public attention from issues like joblessness and farm distress. [The Times of India]
Meanwhile, the chief minister of southwestern Karnataka state on May 9 directed officials to strictly implement the Supreme Court order on the use of loudspeakers. This came after a right-wing Hindu group played Hindu devotional songs during Muslim prayers to protest against the state government’s alleged failure to crackdown against the use of loudspeakers in mosques. [Hindustan Times] [India Today 2]
Leaders of India's 200 million Muslims see the latest move, which coincided with the holy festival of Eid, as another attempt by hardline Hindus to undermine their rights to free worship and religious expression. They believe the move comes with the tacit agreement of the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. In recent weeks, a senior BJP leader began pushing for swapping marriage and inheritance laws based on religion with a uniform civil code. [see entry in this edition]
India: Hindu man killed by Muslim wife’s kin over interfaith marriage
(rk) An interfaith couple was attacked in Hyderabad, the capital of India’s southern Telangana state, on May 4, leaving the Hindu man dead. Police have arrested two people from the woman’s family, while her brother and brother-in-law, who allegedly carried out the attack, are absconding. [The Quint]
The incident has created uproar in the country after the video clips of the killing went viral on social media. State lawmakers condemned the killings while Hindu outfits demanded swift justice. India’s National Human Rights Commission, for its part, has taken suo moto cognisance, terming the killings an indication of “lawlessness” and “gross violation of human rights” along with seeking a detailed report on the incident from the state government within four weeks. [The Hindu]
While India’s constitution and laws allow every adult to take decisions of their life, including marriage, on their own, inter-caste and interfaith marriages are still considered morally wrong, and often leading to brutal killings. A 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 80 percent of Muslims and 65 percent of Hindus were opposed to interfaith marriage and considered it important to stop people from their community from marrying into another religion.
India: Total fertility continues to decline, now below replacement level
(pb) India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has declined from 2.2 children per woman in 2015-16 to two children born to a woman over her lifetime in 2019-21, the fifth National Family Health Survey (NHFS-5) has found. In light of the findings, the country’s is now below the fertility rate of 2.1, which is required to sustain population levels. [The Indian Express]
Only five Indian states have recorded above replacement level: Bihar (2.98), Meghalaya (2.91), Uttar Pradesh (2.35), Jharkhand (2.26) and Manipur (2.17). The survey also revealed that Muslims in India have the highest fertility rate of any religion (2.36 children per woman), whereas Buddhists have the lowest rate (1.4 children per woman). [Firstpost]
The fertility rate drop shows significant progress in population control measures. There is more awareness among the citizens regarding the use of contraceptives, with the Overall Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) rising substantially from 54 per cent to 67 per cent in the country. The country also saw increased acceptance of modern contraceptives in almost all states and union territories. Unmet needs for family planning witnessed a sharp decline from 13 per cent to 9 per cent. The unmet need for spacing also came down to less than 10 per cent. [WION]
India: As inflation rises, central bank raises repo rate after 45 months
(rk) Days after increasing the cash reserve ratio, the percentage of a bank’s total deposits to be maintained as liquid cash, India’s central bank has increased the repo rate – the interest rate at which a country’s central bank lends money to commercial banks – by 40 basis points to 4.50 per cent. The hike, the first since August 2018, may lead to increased lending rates.
The move came after the inflation number shot close to 7 percent in March, crossing the bank’s tolerance range of 2 to 6 percent. [Business Standard]
India: Delimitation exercise submits final report on Jammu and Kashmir; opposition cries foul
(rk/lm) A delimitation commission established by India’s central government in 2020 has submitted its final report for the redrawing of assembly and parliamentary constituencies in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory. The proposed changes, which pave the way for assembly polls, have been opposed by all political parties barring Prime Minister Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Delimitation became necessary when the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 increased the number of seats in the local assembly to 114 — 90 for Jammu and Kashmir, and 24 reserved for Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Over the past two years, the commission met over 200 delegations and members from civil society along with working with five lawmakers nominated by the speaker of the lower house. [AiR No. 27, July/2021, 1] [Hindustan Times]
In its final report, the Delimitation Commission proposes to allocate an additional six seats to the Hindu-dominated Jammu region and one to the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley. In light of the proposed changes, the Jammu division would have 43 assembly seats and the Kashmir division 47 in the 90-member house. For the first time the commission also proposed to reserve nine assembly seats for representatives of tribal communities.
However, local opposition parties have criticized the proposal pointing out that the Jammu region will now have 48 percent of the total seat share, while its population is only around 44 percent of the union territory. On the contrary, the Kashmir region will now have 52 percent share in seats while its population is 56 percent of the territory. [The Indian Express] [The Print]
India: Police officer arrested for allegedly raping teen who reported sexual assault
(lm) A police officer in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh has been arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl who went to police to report she had been gang-raped by four men last month. [The Straits Times]
The girl is a member of the country’s 200 million-strong Dalit community, the lowest rung of India’s caste system. Formerly called the untouchables, Dalits have has long suffered from marginalization and violence at the hands of higher castes while getting little help from police.
In light of this, the report has caused outrage with many accusing police of helping to perpetuate a systemic culture of sexual violence. State authorities have ordered a high-level probe into the incident and have asked for a report within 24 hours. The National Human Rights Commission has also sought a report from senior police officials within four weeks. [CNN]
India's rape laws and sentencing guidelines were overhauled after a notorious 2012 gang rape of a student in New Delhi. But despite the increased scrutiny, thousands of rapes continue to be reported in the country every year. In 2020, the last year for which crime data is available, more than 28,000 women and girls were raped in India – that's an average of a rape every 18 minutes. However, campaigners say the actual numbers are much higher as many are not even reported, often because the first respondents – the police – are unsympathetic. [BBC]
Pakistan: Former Prime Minister Khan to announce march towards capital after May 20
(fq) Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan will announce the final date for a long march to the capital, Islamabad, after May 20, as the deposed leader tries to pressure parliament to hold early elections.
Addressing a massive rally in his hometown in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Khan maintained his narrative, accusing the new government of having colluded with the United States to oust him and referring to the new political leadership as “imported”. [Dawn]
According to a leader of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, the former premier will conduct a series of rallies in different cities in the period leading up to May 20. Additionally, Khan is also set to address overseas Pakistanis through video channels. [Asian News International]
Earlier this month, supporters of the PTI heckled a senior government delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while they visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia—one of the world’s most sacred Muslim sites. Police in Pakistan have filed blasphemy charges against the hecklers and Khan himself. [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Pakistan: Government to form commission to investigate alleged foreign conspiracy
(fq) Against the larger backdrop of the country’s highly charged political environment reaching dangerous levels of tension, Pakistan’s new government will form an inquiry commission to investigate the “foreign conspiracy” allegations leveled by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. [Asian News International]
Already in the leadup to a no-confidence motion that resulted in his ouster last month, Khan accused the opposition of colluding with the United States, claiming Washington wanted him gone because of his foreign policy choices that often favor China and Russia. He maintained that narrative as the opposition formed a new government and demanded an independent investigation under the chairmanship of Pakistan’s chief justice. [AiR No. 14, April/2022, 1]
Pakistan: Government to investigate assets, income of former Prime Minister Khan
(fq) Pakistan’s new government is preparing to scrutinize assets and income of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had been deposed by a no-confidence vote in parliament last month. The government is also intending to write a letter to international financial institutions to request records of Khan’s personal bank accounts and those belonging to his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. [Geo News]
Pakistan: Police arrest eight members of Ahmadiyya religious movement over apparent religious killing
(ha) Police in Pakistan arrested eight men members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim sect on charges of shooting at group of Sunni Muslims on May 6, killing one and wounding another. The incident took place in a village near Lahore, the provincial capital of the country’s Punjab province. [Associated Press]
The killing was a rare case of violence exercised by Ahmadis, who have been declared “non-Muslim” under Pakistan’s constitution since 1974 for their belief in the sect’s founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, being a subordinate prophet to Islam’s final prophet, Muhammad.
Sri Lanka: Violence erupts after prime minister resigns over economic crisis
(lm) Overnight violence erupted in Sri Lanka on May 9 after the country’s embattled prime minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, resigned, with local reports saying mobs burned down houses belonging to ruling-party lawmakers after pro-government groups attacked the demonstrators. A nationwide curfew was imposed but at least five were killed and almost 200 injured.
Sri Lanka has been rocked by civil unrest since March, with demonstrations sporadically turning violent as anger builds over the government’s apparent mishandling of the country’s worst economic crisis since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1948 [see AiR No. 11, March/2022, 3]. Over the weekend, the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, declared a state of emergency in island nation – the second in five weeks – in a bid to regain control over the streets, but public discontent continued to simmer. [South China Morning Post 1]
However, May 9 marked a violent shift in the demonstrations when hundreds of pro-government supporters launched an attack on an anti-government protest camp in the capital, Colombo. Dozens of paramilitary troops with riot shields and helmets were deployed to keep both groups apart after the initial clashes. But anti-government demonstrators, who had been largely peaceful, began retaliating across the country; houses and vehicles of several pro-Rajapaksa politicians and the residence of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were set on fire. [BBC] [CNN]
Later, the prime minister, who had been resistant to stepping down, submitted his letter of resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa – his younger brother – later the same day. The president had reportedly asked Mahinda to resign at a special meeting on May 6, days after Sri Lanka’s main opposition party had delivered a no-confidence motion aiming at ousting the prime minister and his cabinet. The United People’s Force had also delivered a no-confidence motion targeting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, but it would not force him to leave office even a majority of lawmakers vote against him. [South China Morning Post 2] [The Guardian]
Mahinda Rajapaksa’s resignation is the latest concession made by the Rajapaksa political dynasty in the face of protracted anger and protests. The president earlier this month agreed to repeal an amendment to the constitution which had concentrated power in his hands and hand power back to the parliament [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]. This came after other members of the Rajapaksa family who had previously held seats in the cabinet also stepped down in last month [see AiR No. 14, April/2022, 1].
In light of the prime minister’s resignation, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa invited members of all political parties to form a cross-party cabinet, described as a “unity government”. But the day of violence has left the president – who has repeatedly said he will not resign – without a government in place to lead Sri Lanka’s ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund for emergency funds to buy food and fuel. [Bloomberg]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Analysts say upcoming commune elections a crucial test for national democracy
(pw) Researchers have stated that Cambodia’s forthcoming commune elections on June 5 will indicate the status of the country’s democracy after the ban of the main opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) in 2017.
Since 2017, the Cambodian government under Prime Minister Hun Sen has undertaken efforts to stamp out former CNRP supporters. Sen’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is anticipated to be the favorite to win this election where there will be 82,700 candidates from 15 parties. The major contender against the ruling CPP is reportedly the opposition Candlelight Party (CP), which has sent out candidates to almost every commune.
According to the CPP, the CP has suffered from large numbers of its members switching to the CPP. CPP has claimed that 78 CP commune council candidates in Phnom Penh have defected to the CPP after having a sense of “political awakening.” Moreover, it claimed that after ostensibly losing their trust in the CP, two CP candidates and more than 1,000 opposition activists in the Tboung Khmum Province had joined the CPP. Furthermore, the National Election Committee’s (NEC) decision to bar CP commune council candidates was endorsed by the CPP.
The CP’s Secretary-General has remained positive about the CP’s chances in the commune elections on June 5, noting that there will be more CP voters. He also stated that the CPP has often used claims of defections to dishearten the opposition and reduce the CP’s popularity.
The NEC has reaffirmed its prior removal of opposition commune council candidates in 13 communes, leaving the CPP uncontested in those areas. The NEC claimed that those candidates could not write or were registered on the candidate lists without their approval. The opposition has stated the NEC’s actions are biased. [Khmer Times 1] [Khmer Times 2] [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4]
Central to the election campaign will be issues including the deteriorating situation of the Mekong River, higher commodity prices, and economic recovery. Fishermen along the Mekong stated that they had caught drastically fewer fish due to climate change, dam construction, drought, and illegal fishing. Furthermore, a researcher noted the price of commodities such as cooking oil, corn, and wheat has substantially increased, negatively impacting the lower-income Cambodians. Moreover, the Covid-19 has severely affected the Cambodian economy by decreasing the number of tourists and informal jobs, alongside investment from China. The authorities have stated that Covid-19 has caused the country’s poverty rate to rise from 13 percent to nearly 18 percent. [Voice of America]
Cambodia: Election Committee set to take action against electoral law infringements
(pw) On May 5, the National Election Committee (NEC) announced that it would take strong measures against breaches of election legislation after receiving complaints alleging such incidents. This statement came amid the forthcoming commune elections on June 5. The NEC will endeavor to maintain a peaceful commune election campaign between May 21 and June 3. Furthermore, all political parties were called upon by it to respect their agreements with the electoral bodies. The NEC stated that clashes in the campaign season would be resolved by its mediation. The NEC was requested to scrutinize allegations concerning the utilization of government equipment and vehicles by the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) for electoral purposes.
The opposing Khmer Will Party president has received the NEC’s announcement positively received, but he would like to see the NEC apply the election legislation fairly, impartially, and transparently. [Khmer Times]
The NEC has been accused of being biased towards the CPP by the opposition parties. For example, the barring of opposition commune council candidates in 13 communes that left the CPP as the only contender in those communes has been criticized by the opposition. Moreover, the NEC has been accused of violating electoral legislation by the opposition Candlelight Party (CP) vice-president for not summoning witnesses when complaints to remove CP candidates were made by the CPP. [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4]
Cambodia: Justice Ministry urged to tackle harassment complaint from opposition party
(pw) The opposition Candlelight Party (CP) delivered a letter to the Justice Ministry alleging the harassment of several party members and urging the ministry to address the issue.
The CP’s complaint mentioned that its activists and officials had been subjected to harassment, unlawful detention, and other processes such as court summons by the local administration. The CP’s vice-president noted that such processes might undermine the ability to hold free and fair elections. He also remarked that the Justice Ministry could address the court summons, despite such procedures falling under the local courts’ authority. Moreover, he called for implementing various measures such as freeing the detained activists, slowing down the court summons, or withdrawing the charges. Such a request was promptly dismissed by the Justice Ministry, which declared that it has no power to take said measures calling out the authority of the courts in addressing the issue. [Khmer Times] [The Phnom Penh Post]
The CP was previously in the process of sending a similar complaint to the Interior Ministry. The CP’s submission of these letters occurred at the moment when the government was accused of conducting crackdowns against the CP candidates and members. [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Cambodia: Media freedom lauded by the Prime Minister’s son amid concerns over the country’s press situation
(pw) During an event commemorating the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Lieutenant General Hun Manet, Prime Minister Hun Sen’s eldest son, dismissed accusations that the Cambodian government is curtailing media freedom calling them groundless and lauded the press as “the fourth power” proactively responsible for national development in several areas by transparently disseminating correct and complete information. He added that such esteemed power could be strengthened by the correspondents’ adherence to the law and professional ethics.
Additionally, a letter written by Prime Minister Hun Sen was read during the same event. In it, the Cambodian government has pledged to enhance media freedoms and guard the freedom of expression alongside the government–media partnerships.
Moreover, a journalist association executive director said that there were accounts of intimidation, legal processes, and violence against the news reporters by the state. He also called upon the government to end the alleged harassment of journalists and ensure that the public receives accurate information in light of the upcoming commune and general elections. Such demands are also reflected in a statement on May 2 made by 22 associations and NGOs, which urged the government to enact credible action in halting impunity for the crimes perpetrated against the correspondents. Additionally, the authorities were asked to reform the Penal Code to protect the freedom of expression and not use it against the reporters. [Khmer Times] [Radio Free Asia]
The aforementioned statements came under the backdrop of several NGOs warning about the deteriorating Cambodian media environment. For instance, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a media rights NGO, reported that the free press sector in the country has been decimated and that the authorities are quick to quell any efforts to re-establish the sector. Hence, amongst the 180 states and territories in the RSF’s 2022 World Press Freedom Index, Cambodia placed 142nd
Cambodia: Prison sentence for opposition party activist retained
(pw) The seven-year jail sentence imposed on Kong Sam An, an activist of the former opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), has been reaffirmed by the Cambodian Supreme Court. In 2020, he was apprehended for holding protests demanding that a union leader and other political prisoners to be freed and for purportedly being involved in an attempt to bring Sam Rainsy, the now-exiled CNRP leader, back to Cambodia. He has refused any wrongdoing. After convicting him on such charges in February 2020, the Tboung Khmum Municipal Court delivered his prison sentence.
Sam An’s daughter claimed he was not guilty and urged his immediate release, while his lawyer considered the Supreme Court’s judgment unfair. Furthermore, a rights group viewed this ruling as a political decision to clamp down on the opposition party. On April 15, after Sam An’s wife visited him in jail, she reported that he was suffering from malnutrition and had contracted a skin disease due to the overpopulated and unsanitary imprisonment conditions.
Apart from Sam An, six activists were also declared guilty by the Tboung Khmum Municipal Court over treason accusations. Their imprisonment terms ranged from five to seven years. However, some have escaped while bail was granted to the others. [Khmer Times] [Radio Free Asia] [AiR No. 16, April/2022, 3]
Cambodia: Court hearing on a former opposition party leader postponed
(pw) The Phnom Penh Municipal Supreme Court has decided to delay the hearing of Kem Sokha, the leader of the former opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), until May 11. This decision came after a government lawyer urged the Court to do so due to his own prior scheduled business commitments. Rights groups have disapproved of the postponement. One of them remarked that the stalled proceedings negatively affected his right to receive justice and might prevent him from joining in the forthcoming commune elections. [Radio Free Asia]
In September 2017, the Cambodian government took Sokha into custody over accusations of his purported collaboration with foreign powers in a conspiracy to bring down Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government. His legal defense team has previously requested the authorities to summon foreign officials to testify in his trial, but the authorities have refused to do so, stating that those officials’ diplomatic immunity would be breached by such actions. [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4]
Cambodia: Imprisoned opposition members’ wives asked for US support to free their husbands
(pw) A group of wives of the detained political prisoners in Cambodia organized a demonstration in front of the United States (US) Embassy in Phnom Penh urging the US government to help with the release of their husbands.
The women, members of the “Friday Wives” group, filed a petition to the US Embassy asking for immediate action to have the Cambodian government release those political inmates. A demonstrator said that she would like to see the US persuading Cambodia on this matter during the upcoming US–Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Special Summit.
Moreover, the Cambodian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Hun Sen was called upon by one of the protesting spouses to end all indictments against and free the political dissidents. Also, she viewed that Sen, who would attend the special summit, could not speak for ASEAN due to the incarceration of those prisoners.
During the protests, the demonstrators were allegedly attacked and hassled by security guards. The Cambodian Human Rights Committee, a state body, stated that the guards’ actions ostensibly arose from the spouses’ attack on the guards. It also added that the Cambodian government had denied involvement with the inmates. According to the government, Cambodia does not have any concerns relating to foreign pressure in the upcoming US–ASEAN Special Summit.
The US–ASEAN Special Summit will be held between May 12–13, in Washington DC. The official goals of this meeting are to determine the future of the ASEAN–US relationship and enhance strategic cooperation and partnership. As the ASEAN Chair and Member State, Cambodia will attend this conference. [Radio Free Asia] [AiR No. 16, April/2022, 3]
Cambodia: Opposition activist requested appeal on incitement case
(pw) Voeun Veasana, an activist of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party, requested to appeal his case on charges of “incitement to commit a felony or cause social unrest.” He is accused of appearing in a Facebook video in which he ostensibly remarked on a conflict between two factions led by top-ranking officials within the Cambodian government. In the same video, he allegedly made scathing comments on the authorities’ Covid-19 response. He has denied that he was in this video and claimed that the clip was forged. Vesana was apprehended in Thailand in November 2021 after the Cambodian government issued a warrant for his arrest.
In February, the Court sentenced him to one year in prison and imposed a USD 500 fine. The Court’s decision on his appeal is expected for May 13. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: Air Defense Force to be reinforced with additional troops
(pw) Prime Minister Hun Sen has issued a sub-decree authorizing the Defense Ministry to enroll more than 300 personnel into the Air Defense Force. In his opinion, a capable ground-based air defense force is what his country needs instead of costly fighter jets, adding that such aircraft are unnecessary as Cambodia is not currently undergoing any armed conflicts.
According to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Command Headquarters, these soldiers will undergo training to employ advanced weaponry, possibly taking up to four to five years. Additionally, it remarked that such personnel would enhance the country’s air defenses and act as replacements for the retiring Air Defense troops. [Khmer Times]
Indonesia: Government to probe tax evasion of illegal palm oil plantations amid export ban
(bs) Indonesian lawmakers have urged the environment ministry to probe the unpaid taxes of illegal palm oil plantations in Riau and Central Kalimantan, the two provinces that account for two-thirds of the illegal plantations in the country. The ministry is required to collect information on the illegal plantations in the two areas by the end of July.
In 2021, the unpaid taxes of 505 illegal plantations in protected forest areas amounted to USD 3 billion, according to the government. [Mongabay]
Meanwhile, Indonesia banned palm oil export from April 28 sparking concerns among citizens and experts who fear a quick surge in the cost of cooking oil. However, the government claims that the move is aimed at ensuring that domestic customers will not be affected by the increasingly higher global market price. The country is the world’s largest supplier of palm oil. [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4] [The Diplomat]
Indonesia: Government urged to recognize indigenous land rights
(bs) The head of an independent initiative on Indigenous Land Rights urged the Indonesian government to speed up the verification of the proposal on customary forests submitted by indigenous communities. The government is also urged to complete the recognition of Indigenous territories to ensure their full legal protection. In 2012, the parliament received the submission of a bill on Indigenous rights that aimed at an official recognition of customary laws and land rights of Indigenous communities. However, to date, the bill has not been passed.
Since 2010, the Indonesian government has recognized 15 percent of the 17.6 million hectares of indigenous territories demarcated by the Ancestral Domain Registration Agency (BRWA), an independent initiative established by a group of NGOs. [International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs]
According to government sources, the major obstacle to the recognition of indigenous land rights is the lack of financial resources allocated to the claimed territories. [Mongabay]
Indigenous communities in the two least developed regions Maluku and Papua have been facing abuses since they have been incorporated into Indonesia after the second world war. Especially in the Papua region, which was incorporated in 1969, indigenous people have been constantly involved in conflicts with the authorities due to the differences in culture and ethnicity. In March, after receiving several petitions, the United Nations (UN) condemned Indonesia for the “shocking abuses” against indigenous people in Papua. The UN investigated extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, torture, and the forced displacement of over 5,000 Papuans reporting that the escalation of violence in Papua since 2018 has caused the internal displacement of around 60,000 people. [AIR No. 12, March/2022, 4]
Laos: Government pushes mining companies to abide by environmental regulation
(pw) Lao authorities announced the plan to strengthen the enforcement of mining companies’ compliance with the country’s environmental protection regulations.
This official stance comes at a moment when Laos is promoting the expansion of mining in the country. Currently, 308 mining investment programs are under official consideration, which is expected to bring Laos USD 36 million in revenue. [The Laotian Times]
Malaysia: Plaintiff asserts investigative power of anti-corruption body over superior court judge unconstitutional
(bs/dvr) A group of two lawyers and an activist have filed a lawsuit to the High Court against the alleged violation of the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary during the investigations of judge Nazlan Mohd Ghazali by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The lawyers and the activist are objecting that under the Federal Constitution, investigative institutions like the MACC are not empowered to investigate judges of superior courts until they are suspended from their office. Moreover, they argue that the public prosecutor is forbidden to be involved in any proceeding regarding an alleged violation by serving judges of any superior court. The group thus has called a declaration on the investigation led by MACC into judge Nazlan unconstitutional.
The plaintiff seeks a solution to two questions on constitutionality. The document states that MACC has allegedly violated the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers by leading said investigation. Yet according to the group, prominent figures such as high court judges must be held accountable while maintaining a strict separation of powers and avoiding any judicial interference.
Meanwhile, MACC dismissed the objections over its investigative powers. [Free Malaysia Today]
Nazlan was the judge who sentenced former prime minister (PM) Najib Razak on seven charges in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal. In 2016, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the fund set up in 2009 by the former PM alleging that at least USD 3.5 billion were stolen from 1MDB. The Malay government and 1MDB also filed a lawsuit in May 2021 against Najib, who faced 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering for allegedly taking possession of 1MDB funds between 2011 and 2014. [AiR No. 7, February/2022, 3]
Malaysia: Umno seeks party constitutional amendment and postponement of party’s election
(bs/dvr) The United Malays National Organization (Umno) will table a proposal to amend its constitution at the special Umno general assembly on May 15. The proposal seeks to postpone the party’s election to six months after the next general elections, which are scheduled for September 14, 2023. The party election was originally planned to take place in late 2022.
The proposal was submitted by the Umno Supreme Working Council (MKT) at the latest Umno General Assembly in April. An earlier party constitutional amendment was originally tabled at a movement's delegates' conference during the Umno General Assembly 2021 on March 17. [Free Malaysia Today] [New Straits Times]
Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi’s appeal rejected
(cmsk/ny) The Myanmar Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to overturn a verdict by a military court, that sentenced her to five years in jail for allegedly accepting USD 600,000 in bribes from Phyo Min Thein, former Chief Minister of Yangon. Following the verdict, which was given on April 27, the junta-controlled Anti-Corruption Commission has also reportedly filed another complaint against Kyi alleging that between 2018 and 2020 property developer Maung Weik paid Kyi USD 550,000 to protect his businesses.
The verdict was the first of the eleven cases filed against her on various charges including corruption, electoral fraud, and treason. The sum of the charges could carry sentences up to 190 years. [The Irrawaddy] [Reuters] [Eleven Myanmar]
Although the trials against Aung San Suu Kyi have sparked objections from civil rights groups and the United Nations, which have called them “politically motivated,” the military stated that Kyi is receiving a fair trial. [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Myanmar: Kachin Independence Army rejects military attempt to initiate peace talk
(cmsk) The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) announced it would not join peace talks with the Myanmar military authorities. In April, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing invited several ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) to engage in talks with the military regime in order to “end the conflict.”.
However, the Central Committee of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the KIA’s political wing, KIO’s Central Committee stated its intention to join “only when all relevant stakeholders are able to discuss the country’s issues in an equal manner.” Although the KIO’s statement did not specify who the relevant stakeholders were, according to an analyst, it could be interpreted as referring to Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and its armed wing, the People’s Defense Force (PDF), which is reportedly responsible for 70 percent of the armed resistance across the country. Hlaing’s invitation has thus far excluded the NUG and the PDF.
Meanwhile, the NUG’s acting president has warned against the junta’s overtures, indicating NUG’s suspicions and saying talks with the junta would be ineffective. The NUG’s warning came soon after the junta announced that it had made contact with nine of the ten EAO signatories to Myanmar’s 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and eight non-signatory EAOs. [The Irrawaddy 1] [The Irrawaddy 2] [AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4]
Myanmar: Military authorities detain minors as hostages
(cmsk/ny) The Myanmar junta forces reportedly detained seven people, relatives of a wanted student protester, Ko Nyan Win Htet. Among those detained were two minors, a twelve and a fourteen-year-old. Htet’s home was raided before his relatives were taken into custody.
The military regime is known for taking relatives and friends of regime opponents as a way of coercing activists to turn themselves in and to instill fear among civilians of taking an anti-regime stances. The incident follows the arrest of six relatives of ousted National League for Democracy lawmaker Thet Paing Soe, on April 23. Soe’s wife, his ten-month-old daughter, and his 13-year-old cousin were arrested in Ayeyarwady Region’s Ngapudaw Township. According to Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, over 250 minors have been detained by the junta since the 2021 coup that overthrew the civilian government. [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Parallel government enacts law enforcement legislation in areas under resistance forces control
(cmsk) Myanmar’s Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), the legislative body of the ousted civilian National Unity Government (NUG), has enacted the People’s Police Force Law to regulate law enforcement in regions controlled by resistance forces.
The law governs the establishment of the People’s Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. The NUG hopes to enhance “law enforcement from accepting complaints to prosecuting.” It has reportedly already received 400 complaints involving alleged junta atrocities against civilians. The NUG has functioning interim parallel administrations in Sagaing and Magwe regions, in areas under its control, and plans to add 19 more interim administrations to nine townships in the same area.
The People’s Police Force Law will require officers to follow the federal charter and human rights norms, and to respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities. The law will also forbid racial discrimination, torturing of prisoners and criminals, abuse of power, and looting and damaging property [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Militia group warns journalists over anti-state content
(cmsk) A pro-regime militia group, Thway Tahuk (or Thwe Thout), has issued new warnings explicitly targeting Myanmar journalists who have worked on content that is allegedly “destructive to the state” soon after claiming responsibility for the killings of eight members of the ousted National League for Democracy party. The threats extended to the journalists’ families.
A media editor and potential target claimed that Thway Tahuk is linked to the military because witness photos in his possession indicate that the militia group’s victims are taken away by police or military vehicles, and the bodies were also subsequently dropped off by the same vehicles. Junta authorities, however, denied any involvement in Thway Thauk’s activities.
Since the February 1, 2021 military coup that ousted the civilian government in Myanmar, over 50 journalists have been arrested for alleged violations of the Penal Code. Moreover, several business licenses of major news outlets have been revoked.
The latest Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders ranks Myanmar 140th out of 180 countries. [Radio Free Asia] [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Myanmar: More people arrested under anti-terrorism law, activists’ private properties to be auctioned off by authorities
(cmsk/ny) On May 5, the military authorities reported that since January 27, a total of 229 people have been arrested for alleged incitement and terrorism under the Myanmar Anti-Terrorism Law and Electronic Communications Law. All cases pertained to social media posts reportedly supporting opposition groups that have been labeled as terrorist organizations by the junta.
Prisoners reportedly range from 17 to 64 years of age, and include celebrities, politicians, businessmen, and doctors; some have reportedly been released while others remain in detention.
The military initiated stricter control of online activities in late January after announcing that anybody supporting the parallel National Unity Government (NUG), Committee Representing the People’s Parliament, or the NUG’s People’s Defense Force paramilitaries would face lengthy prison terms and lose their property. [Radio Free Asia 1]
More recently, the Myanmar military regime released another announcement that would allow authorities to auction off the homes and properties of anti-coup activists. The government has immediately begun sealing off houses of detained activists in preparation for their auction. The move came right after the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) announced its plan to sell several properties that have allegedly been illegally occupied by senior junta officials since the 2021 coup. Lawyers and experts criticized the junta’s move claiming that while the NUG, by selling those properties, aimed at returning public venues to the citizens, the junta authorities hold no right to confiscate and auction private assets. [Radio Free Asia 2]
Myanmar: Military-run app removed by Apple and Google stores
(cmsk/bs) Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store have removed Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) app the day after it was launched following the appeal from Justice for Myanmar (JFM), a group of local activists, to ban the app. JFM asserts the app was designed to promote junta’s state propaganda and a “warfare campaign against the people of Myanmar.” The group also condemned the support that MRTV had from Apps Web Social, a United-States-based company, in its launch process.
MRTV is the junta’s propaganda unit led by retired major general Maung Maung Ohn, one of the high officials sanctioned by the European Union. The platform is known to portray democracy activists as “terrorists.”
In late February, the European Council imposed restrictive measures on 22 people and four institutions in its fourth round of sanctions against Myanmar’s continuous violations of human rights. Among the restrictions are the freezing of asset, unavailability of funds, and travel bans. The Council has so far imposed restrictive measures on 65 individuals and ten entities, including government ministers, members of the national administrative council and the election commission, and state-owned and private companies. [AiR No. 8, February/2022, 4] [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Continued armed conflict kills 100 more people
(cmsk/ny) Deadly clashes between the military regime and resistance forces continue, with resistance militia allegedly killing at least 35 junta soldiers in the Sagaing Region, in Northwest Myanmar on May 2.
The latest death toll between April 30 and May 3 in the region also includes the killings of nine civilians sheltering in a Buddhist building and another civilian death in Khin-U Township’s Inn Pat Village, where 200 houses were torched. Meanwhile, junta-controlled newspapers claim a further 23 people were killed between April 30 and May 1 by local resistance People’s Defense Forces (PDF). Another eight men and two women who were accused of being informers were arrested by PDF members and killed in a cemetery. Local resistance fighters deny the junta’s accusations.
Sagaing region also witnessed multiple villages being razed and torched in early May when the junta forces also killed another 20 civilians in armed conflicts. The ousted National League for Democracy party’s spokesperson said that since the junta was also suffering casualties from land mines planted by the parallel government’s People’s Defense Forces, the military began to indiscriminately fire on civilians as revenge.
Between April 29 and May 2, the junta’s arson attacks in villages reportedly razed more than 1,300 houses in Sagaing Region. The villages were shelled before houses were set on fire. Two other villages were allegedly raided by 200 junta troops and pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia fighters while an additional 700 houses were torched. An unconfirmed number of homes were also destroyed in Shwebo Township’s Malar and Makhauk villages, on April 25.
According to Data for Myanmar, the Sagaing region has been the most heavily damaged by junta and attacks of the resistance forces in the country. Up to April, a total of 7,503 houses were burned down in the region and 346,000 of the 566,100 people displaced since the military takeover are from Chin State and Sagaing and Magwe regions, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. [Radio Free Asia 1] [Radio Free Asia 2] [The Irrawaddy 1] [The Irrawaddy 2] [The Irrawaddy 3] [The Irrawaddy 4] [See AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Meanwhile, in western Myanmar, clashes continue between the resistance group Chinland Defense Force-Mindat (CDF-Mindat) and junta militias. The CDF-Mindat claimed it ambushed a junta convoy of two columns killing twelve junta soldiers and injuring several others. A resistance group member also died in a mine explosion after the ambush. Over 1,000 ethnic Chin villagers living near the Matupi-Mindat Road have fled due to junta raids, according to Mindat residents. [The Irrawaddy 5]
25 Myanmar army troops were killed in three guerrilla attacks carried out by the anti-junta Yaw Defense Force (YDF) in the northern Magway Region. The military reportedly retaliated by launching attacks on villages and arresting civilians suspected of supporting anti-regime fighters. [Myanmar Now 2]
In northern Rakhine State’s Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Rathedaung, and camps of other townships, internally displaced persons (IDP) are reportedly struggling without adequate food supplies. The junta regime’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement reportedly stopped supplying rice in February while camp managers say they are operating under financial constraints. More than 20,000 IDPs are sheltered in these camps. IDPs who want to return are reportedly prohibited from leaving the camps. Many of them are from Chin State where fighting is ongoing between resistance forces and the junta, and Rakhine which has seen fighting between the Arakan Army and the junta. [The Irrawaddy 6]
Amidst the ongoing clashes, the Chin National Front (CNF) vice-chairman, who also serves as the National Unity Government federal affairs minister, reiterated that the CNF would not engage in dialogue with the military regime. He asserts that talks with the junta would not be legitimate as the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, of which CNF is a part, was only signed with an elected government. The official further urged people to not participate in the junta’s scheduled elections for 2023, which he views as illegitimate. [The Irrawaddy 7]
The Philippines: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wins presidential election
(dvr) Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos who was ousted and exiled by the People Power Revolution in 1986 after 14 years of martial law, has won the May 9 presidential election with 94.4% of the votes counted. He currently leads with 58.9 percent of the votes against his closest rival, current vice president Leni Robredo, who has only 28.06 percent. Sarah Duterte, Marcos Jr.’s running mate and daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte, is currently leading the vice-presidential tally with 61.08 percent of votes.
Marcos Jr. has promised to continue the close relationship that current president Duterte has nurtured with China, although the Philippines security establishment is working for stronger ties with the United States. Marcos Jr. also plans to hinder the International Criminal Court’s investigation of President Duterte and the implementation of his drug war which allegedly killed thousands of people.
Apart from this, Marcos Jr.’s campaign has not clarified his stance on many policies and how he is going to manage the high unemployment rates and economic downturn due to the covid-19 pandemic, as well as failing to address how he plans to manage the lack of unity and unrest in the Philippines which was a cornerstone of his campaign. His election is also seen as a way for him to clear the Marcos name, end his family’s ongoing tax evasion investigations, and exert power over government agencies that are trying to recover the USD 2.3 billion claimed to be stolen by the Marcos family. International human rights groups shared their concerns over the lack of attention that Marcos Jr. has given to human rights and the numerous violations since 2016. [AP news] [Rappler] [AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2]
As Marcos Jr.’s victory became imminent, a group of activists and anti-Marcos protesters convened outside the Commission of Elections, accusing the agency of vote-counting machine errors and other issues that the public met in trying to cast their votes. Protests also sparked among groups of activists who lived through the years of martial law. [AiR No. 12, March/2022, 4]
Vice president Leni Robredo addressed the people upon realizing her defeat, reminding her supporters to not lose hope in democracy and continue fighting for the truth. [The Diplomat]
The Philippines: President signs law on mandatory benefits for health workers during pandemic
(db) President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act No. 11712, known as the “Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act,” which grants all health care workers mandatory benefits and allowances.
The act will also apply to non-health professional workers who are employees in hospitals, laboratories, temporary medical treatment facilities, and vaccination sites. I will also include allied health professionals who are outsourced who may be exposed to COVID-19 or any future health emergency. [Rappler]
Singapore: Government petition platform for citizens to appeal to ministries, only a prototype
(bs) A platform that allows citizens to directly appeal to the ministries by collecting 10,000 signatures for each petition (PetitionsSG) had never been officially finalized, Government Technology Agency (GovTech) reported. The statement came on May 5, a day after a national news platform published a report on PetitionsSG, developed by GovTech, being on its way toward full implementation.
According to the report, the citizens would have 180 days to collect 10,000 signatures and the ministries would then respond to the submitted petition within the following 90 days. However, GovTech released a statement saying that the project was merely an “exploratory prototype” and remained such after the team’s decision not to pursue the idea. In fact, the group confirmed that the website has never accepted any live petition or signatures during its trial, and it is now no longer available.
The idea behind the platform aimed at encouraging more people to actively participate in civic affairs by reducing the costs of participation and allowing citizens to submit requests to the government anonymously. [Today Online] [The Straits Times]
Thailand: Critics dismiss constitutional amendment proposal on administrative decentralization
(aph/bs) The opposition leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit’s proposal of charter amendments was met with resistance by several political figures and critics.
Mr. Thanathorn suggested the elimination of the positions of provincial governor, district chief, tambon - government unit on the third administrative subdivision level - and village heads. The changes would need amendments of Chapter 14 of the Constitution.
In March, the Progressive Movement, led by Thanathorn, begun collecting the 50,000 signatures it would need to bring a draft proposal in parliament. The proposal sought to strengthen the decentralization of local administrative bodies by reducing state control over them and thus eliminating key positions such as provincial governor or district chief. According to Thanatorn, the existing method limits local growth and solidifies centralized power. His suggestion includes increasing the authority of local administrations to manage local resources and taxation.
One of the loudest critics of the draft proposal came from the president of the kamnan and village chiefs association of Thailand, Yongyot Kaewkeao, who dismissed Thanathorn’s request as “impractical.” He claimed that local administrative units are in charge of infrastructure and public utility development and kamnan and village chiefs are in charge of maintaining peace and order, enforcing the law, and obtaining local input. Yongyot did acknowledg that local administrations lack neutrality when dealing with as they are politically affiliated. [Bangkok Post] [Thai BPS World]
Thailand: Two potential pitfalls could cut short Prayut’s term as Prime Minister
(aph) On April 3, Prime Minister (PM) Prayut Chan-O-Cha dismissed rumors triggered by former deputy prime minister Trairong Suwannakhiri who claimed that a number of members of the parliament (MPs) were offered between THB 5-30 million (USD 145,612-873,673) to vote against the PM in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
Trairong reported that officials from small coalition parties have been offered bribes to topple the current government during the no-confidence vote or during the vote on the budget bill 2023, which is scheduled for June or early July. In response to the accusations, a group of 16 MPs claimed their intentions to support what’s best for the country regardless the position of the coalition government’s line. Also, the group has recently met with the main opposition Pheu Thai Party, which announced its plan to file a no-confidence motion against the government after the parliament receives the amendments to two organic laws for a new dual-ballot election for their second and third readings, which are expected to be submitted to the parliament by May 24. [Bangkok Post]
Meanwhile, parliamentarians have begun the search for a potential substitute prime minister after speculations on two pitfalls that could shorten Prayut’s term in office. One drawback could spark from the Pheu Thai Party’s motion against the government planned for late May, after a potential majority vote against PM Prayut in the upcoming House censure debate. The speculation arose after several MPs, whose request for a cabinet reshuffle that would reward small parties in the ruling coalition, left to establish the new Thai Economic Party.
The second potential pitfall may occur if the Constitutional Court rules that PM Prayut‘s eight-year tenure ends on August 24. As the Constitution prohibits any prime minister from holding office longer than 8 years in total, Prayut’s term in office has been long debated as to whether it started in 2014, right after the military coup; in 2017, when the current constitution entered into force; or in 2019 when Prayut’s position as Prime Minister was officially endorsed by royal command.
According to Deputy Premier Wissanu Krea-ngam, the government's legal guru, if the court finds that Prayut must leave the office by August, his first deputy Prawit would take over as caretaker. As a result, the law states Parliament must convene an assembly to pick a new prime minister from among the five incumbent candidates nominated by political parties in 2019. However, if a joint assembly of the Lower House and Senate decides to waive the current list, many other candidates who are not on the said list could be considered. According to analysts, this is the only way Prawit can move beyond a caretaker position as PM. However, he would need sufficient backing from both Houses to do this. A joint petition requesting exemption from political party nominations must be supported by a majority of both Houses. The exception would then require approval from at least two-thirds of Parliament, following which someone from outside the initial candidate list might be nominated and voted in as Prime Minister. [Thai PBS World]
On May 7, opposition parties warned the government of a potential takeover. The opposition Pheu Thai Party claims the situation to be undemocratic as PM Prayut Chan O Cha retains power through the support of the appointed 250 senators.
For the no-confidence vote to be effective and for PM Prayut to be removed from office, it is necessary for more than half of the MPs to vote against him. Furthermore, it is unclear if the Thai Economic Party's 18 MPs and 12 MPs from tiny parties would support the administration or the opposition during the censure discussion. If they back the opposition, it will gain leverage during the no-confidence vote.
On the other hand, a Democrat Party MP denied suggestions by opposition parties that Gen Prayut's tenure as PM would end in August or that the government was in danger. [Thai PBS World] [Bangkok Post] [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Voters called to polls in upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial election
(aph) The Election Commission (EC) launched a city-wide campaign on May 9, urging voters to vote in the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial elections on May 22. The campaign includes sending out trucks equipped with speakers daily, reminding voters to exercise their right to vote after nine years for the Bangkok governor and 12 years for the councilor. The campaign will continue until May 21. Furthermore, the EC also reminded candidates to campaign within their legal limits, following complaints about campaign posters and vote-buying. [Thai PBS World 1]
As the election campaign has begun, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the chief advisor for public involvement and innovation of the opposition Pheu Thai party and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, showed her support for the party’s four candidates for the upcoming gubernatorial elections. She reiterated the party’s openness to working with any candidate who wins elections whether independent or politically affiliated.
Thon Buri’s Rat Burana district hosted the democratic party’s gubernatorial candidate Suchatvee Suwansawa. Suchatvee promises local vendors better waste collection. His solution is to have more but smaller trash trucks to collect rubbish from neighborhoods that are inaccessible to garbage collection services.
The Thai Sang Thai party was wooing support for their gubernatorial candidate, Sita Divari, in the Bang Kapi district in Bangkok. Sita intends to employ Blockchain technology to evaluate all procurement contracts handled by the municipal government to eliminate corruption at all levels. [Thai PBS World 2]
Thailand: Government files case against e-commerce company over alleged violation of law on royal defamation
(aph) The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) will submit a case to the Technology Crime Suppression Division against all parties involved in the Lazada controversial promotion campaign that was criticized for allegedly insulting the Thai monarchy. The ministry has ordered officials to collect evidence for the case. Lazada is a prominent e-commerce company.
The video promotion in question caused criticism as the video appears to mock a wheelchair-bound woman whose outfit seems to draw an implicit reference to the royal family. The video promotion was shot by Intersect Design Factory, an external media agency. The advertisement has also received complaints from an activist group, the Association for the Protection of the Thai Constitution (APTC), which has claimed the ad violated the lese majeste law under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, a royal defamation law that criminalizes defamation, insult, or threatening of the royal family. [Bangkok Post 1]
The case led to a full ban on Lazada products and vehicles on the premises of Thai army command led by General Narongphan Jitkaewtae. Both Lazada and Intersect have issued a public apology and since removed the video [Bangkok Post 2]
Thailand: Former party leader charged with indecency in sexual harassment case
(aph) Prinn Panitchpakdi, the former Democrat Party deputy leader, was charged with indecency by Chiang Mai police on April 3. After Prinn was informed of the criminal accusation, the police reported the intention to oppose the judicial bail granted on April 17 by the Bangkok South Criminal Court.
In mid-April, Prinn resigned from the Democrat Party (DP) to handle sexual harassment allegations. The resignation immediately followed with the party establishing a committee to gather information on the case and to cooperate in the rehabilitation of the alleged victims.
Prinn is currently facing criminal charges in three cases, two for indecent assault and the one for rape. It is reported that at least eight women have filed criminal allegations on sexual harassment and rape against him. [AiR No. 16, April/2022, 3] [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Law amendment proposed to expand authority of drug-control body
(aph) A legal amendment has been proposed to expand the authority of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). According to Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin, such change would greatly increase ONCB‘s efficiency and ability to deal with drug cases, as it currently only plays a supportive role. This expansion of authority would enable the ONCB to lead and supervise investigations. [Bangkok Post]
Timor-Leste: Government approves ratification of International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(bs) The Timorese government has approved the country’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol, which allows the filing of individual complaints on any violations of the convention to the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Following the Council of Ministers’ approval, the two international documents will be submitted to the national parliament for their final adoption. The decision came after the government received pressure from civil society in December 2021.
According to the executive director of the Association of Disabled Persons of Timor-Leste (ADTL), the CRPD ratification marks a crucial step for the country toward ensuring the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. The regulation would improve access to medical services, supplies, and information, and reduce discrimination against people with disabilities in line with the current constitutional provisions punishable by a six-year prison term for any act of discrimination or ill-treatment against said people.
To date, only 25 percent of 38,118 people with disabilities in Timor-Leste have access to education, according to ADTL. [UCA News]
Vietnam: Literary critic refuses public award over alleged threats from authorities
(bs) A Vietnamese literary critic has declined to publicly accept her prize for research-criticism at the 7th Van Viet Literature Awards, which was organized by a group of authors in support of free literature and the Vietnam Independent Writers’ Association. She voiced her concerns over receiving threats from Vietnamese authorities if she accepted the award.
The country has allegedly long suppressed press freedoms. Vietnamese authorities have previously used verbal and physical violence against writers over literature awards, according to a member of Van Viet’s judging panel. Another literary award winner was reportedly beaten by security officers in March while in route to a presentation ceremony. [Radio Free Asia]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Australian officials accuse China of meddling with election in domestic dispute over China’s pact with the Solomon Islands
(jw) Against heavy criticism from the opposition, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attempted to justify his approach toward the Solomon Islands shortly before the parliamentary elections on May 21. The Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China in the middle of April prompting concerns about a mounting Chinese military presence in a region that was previously part of the Australian sphere of influence [see AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4]. The opposition Labor Party describes the closing of the deal between the Solomon Islands and China as a major foreign policy failure of the governing Liberal Party of Australia which has positioned itself as a big critic of China [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1].
In response to the deal, both the US and Australia exerted heavy pressure on the Solomon Islands, stating that a Chinese military presence so close to Australia would not be tolerated and prompt unspecified consequences. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare protested these assertions, stating that they are threats and insults. In a speech to Parliament, Sogavare said that he deplores “the continual demonstration of lack of trust by the concerned parties, and tacit warning of military intervention in Solomon Islands if their national interest is undermined in Solomon Islands.” According to Sogavare, the Solomon Islands are “threatened with invasion,” a claim that was later refused as untrue by Morrison. [BBC]
The Labor Party has urged Morrison to seek direct contact with Sogavare. However, Morrison refuses to telephone Sogavare for the time being and claims that he is listening to the advice of security intelligence agencies. Still, Morrison showed efforts to calm the situation, calling for a “composed” approach toward the Solomon Islands and stating that Australia is not only concerned over its own interests but also over broader security in the region and the Solomon Islands itself. According to Morrison, Australia will remain the Solomon Islands’ preferred security partner. [Al Jazeera]
In response to Morrison’s refusal to contact Sogavare, opposition leader Anthony Albanese, who promises closer ties with Pacific Nations should his party win the election, reiterated his party’s allegations that the government has “dropped the ball on the Pacific.” [Associated Press 1]
Members of the Liberal Party of Australia, in an effort to retain credibility as the party that positions itself as tough on China, claimed that the deal and its timing are part of Chinese efforts to meddle with the upcoming Australian elections. According to Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton, the Communist Party of China is in favor of the opposing Labor Party, whose stance on China the Liberal Party tries to depict as soft. In a May 5 press briefing, Dutton asserted that he had evidence of Chinese efforts to change the outcome of the election in favor of the Labor Party. Members of the opposition reacted by calling the claims a “conspiracy theory” that is based on a fabricated notion of policy differences on China that ultimately only serves China itself. [Associated Press 2]
The next Australian government will have to contend with China on multiple fronts as China also exerts heavy economic pressure on certain Australian industries. After being hit by Chinese tariffs of sometimes more than 200 percent, Australian wine exports to China decreased from over USD 1 billion in 2020 to just USD 29.5 million in 2021. As a panel appointed by the WTO is yet to rule on the issue [see AiR No. 12, March/2022, 4], the export-dependent Australian wine industry has begun to look for alternatives, delivering more wine to Singapore and Hong Kong. [Indaily]
Meanwhile, hosting Australia has excluded China from this year’s Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference that has kicked of on May 10 and will run until May 12. It is attended by naval chiefs from 40 nations and will have as a key conference topic the security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands. [ABC News]
China prepares itself for foreign sanctions over cooperation with Russia on monetary issues
(jw) As China faces continuous threats of secondary sanctions should it attempt to aid Russia in dealing with western sanctions, key Chinese government agencies were subject to an extensive stress test that was meant to improve resilience against possible punitive measures of western countries.
According to anonymous sources, Chinese authorities used Russia as a model to come up with techniques that Chinese entities could use, should they be hit by similar measures. Thus, multiple banks also convened talks with the finance ministry and the central bank to find methods that could protect China’s overseas assets against the effects of sanctions. [The Guardian]
Reports of the stress test come as China continues to heed western warnings and refrain from supporting Russia in a way that could be construed as an undermining of western sanctions [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]. However, the Russian and Chinese central banks are to cooperate on connecting their cashless payment systems, as most options for Russian citizens and companies to make payments abroad were disabled with the isolation of Russian banks from the global payment systems. For example, Visa and MasterCard are currently not usable in Russia. A connection between the Russian “Mir” and the Chinese “UnionPay” systems would ease the isolation of Russian banks and facilitate trade between China and Russia, which last month hit a record high USD 8.89 billion, 56.6 percent higher than a year earlier and 13.3 percent higher than in March. [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]
US lawmakers discuss “China competition bill”
(jw) Representatives of the US House of Representatives and the Senate started to engage in legislative talks on the Bipartisan Innovation Act that is meant to facilitate the investment of USD 52 billion in the US semiconductor industry and boost US competitiveness facing China. The talks come after different versions of the long-stalled bill were passed in the House and the Senate creating the need for negotiations to reconcile the differences and create a bill that can get a majority in both chambers before being signed by US President Joe Biden who already demanded an acceleration of the lengthy process.
As the size of the bill is not yet clear, further funding or political directives unrelated to the semiconductor industry might still be included. On May 4, the Senate passed multiple non-binding motions meant to set out a vision for the bill. One of the motions passed in the Senate was aimed at the ongoing negotiations on an Iran nuclear deal, demanding that a deal must address the evasion of sanctions through cooperation between Iran and China. [CNBC] [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2]
US will consult stakeholders in reviews of punitive tariffs on China
(jw) The Office of the United States Trade Representative will start reviewing tariffs on China that are set to expire by July and August. if there will be no decision to prolong them. The reviewal process will be carefully observed in China and the US, as senior US officials indicated that cutting tariffs might be a potential course of action to dampen the surge of inflation that has hit the US [see AiR No. 17, April/2022, 4]. [Nikkei Asia]
According to US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the US will consider the view of all relevant stakeholders instead of making the decision in a vacuum. Tai stated that she rather contemplates the long-term impact of tariffs and does not purely consider them leverage that can coerce China into honoring commitments made in the past. Tai stated that “it is important […] to focus on a durable, effective strategy,” that enhances the “ability to compete with China.” [Reuters]
Despite Tai’s apparent reluctance to an all-out cut of punitive tariffs on China, Chinese officials frequently express their hope that the US might alleviate some of the economic pressure on China. Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang urged the US to stop the politicization of trade and business stating that “the tariff war does nobody good,” but instead hurts the US as well as China. [China Daily]
88 more Chinese firms threatened with being delisted in the US
(jw) Amid ongoing negotiations over the long-running audit dispute between US and Chinese regulators [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1], the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) again extended the list of Chinese firms that will be delisted from the US stock market if relevant auditing records remain inaccessible to US authorities. The sixth extension of the list again contains major firms such as Chinese internet giant JD.com, whose shares decreased following the move.
The frequent extensions of the list of threatened Chinese companies seem to be unrelated to the progressing negotiations between the US and China. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, “Chinese and US regulators could reach a cooperative arrangement that meets both regulatory requirements and legal requirements,” as “China has always insisted on solving the audit and supervision issues of US-listed Chinese companies via equal cooperation.” [Global Times] [Reuters]
Chinese surveillance camera maker Hikvision to be hit by additional US sanctions
(jw) After continuous allegations that Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, a Chinese state-owned manufacturer and supplier of video surveillance equipment, enables human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang by supplying cameras that are used for excessive surveillance, the US has reportedly decided to levy additional sanctions on the firm.
According to current reports, the US plans to place the company on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list that drastically restricts all business-related interactions between US entities and the company. Previously, Hikvision already suffered from export and investment restrictions placed by the Trump and Biden administrations. However, the use of the SDN list is a new level of escalation that the Trump administration previously shied away from.
In reaction to the reports, Hikvision’s stocks fell by ten percent. The Chinese foreign ministry backed the company, arguing that the use of human rights and other “excuses” to harm Chinese companies is to be rejected. [Reuters] [Financial Times]
US State Secretary Antony Blinken’s speech on China strategy delayed
(jw) A long-awaited speech of US State Secretary Antony Blinken had to be postponed until further notice due to Blinken testing positive for COVID-19. The speech, in which Blinken was expected to emphasize the administration’s existing stance and policy approach towards China, was originally scheduled for May 5. The Chinese foreign minister wished Blinken a speedy recovery. [Politico] [Global Times]
South China Sea fishing ban sparks objections in Vietnam
(jw) After an expected announcement by the China Coast Guard (CCG) that China will once again unilaterally impose a three-month fishing ban on disputed areas in the South China Sea, Vietnam’s government voiced its rejection of the move. The unilateral three-month fishing ban between May and August was first announced in 1999 and has sparked controversy ever since because it affects much of the Gulf of Tonkin and the Paracel Islands that are not only claimed by China but also by other nations in the region.
While the Philippines, most likely due to the May 9 presidential elections, did not comment on the ban this year, the Vietnamese foreign ministry expressed its criticism, asking China “to respect Vietnam's sovereignty” and refrain from “complicating the situation towards maintaining peace, stability and order in the East Sea”. The Philippines also expressed their opposition to the ban in previous years, sometimes asking its fishers to ignore it.
As the South China Sea’s fishery stocks suffer from overfishing and climate change, China argues that an annual fishing ban supports the regeneration of the ecosystem. However, Vietnam and the Philippines oppose the unilateral imposition of the ban and claim that it violates their sovereignty. [Radio Free Asia] [The Diplomat] [Xinhua]
China: Military drills near Taiwan
(ckx/dql) The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command has revealed that last week live-fire exercises of a navy strike group were conducted over three days from May 6-8 in the Philippine Sea east of Taiwan and south of Japan that involved naval, air and conventional missile forces and covered ten kinds of drills. [South China Morning Post] [Radio Free Asia]
Meanwhile, Taiwan has begun test-firing missiles on May 10 which will run until May 12 covering of four rounds of missile tests. [Focus Taiwan]
Japan’s PM Kishida on tour in Europe to reaffirm alliances amid Ukraine war
(cm) On May 4, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Pope Francis discussed the proliferation of nuclear weapons at a time when concerns are heightened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and condemned the killings of civilians in the war-hit country. The Pope has been very outspoken in his opposition to nuclear arms and has previously expressed his sympathy with Japan’s past experience. The two also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between their countries. [Kyodo News 1]
Kishida then met Prime Minister Mario Draghi in Rome, where they vowed to implement unprecedented sanctions on Russia and committed to working together on reaching a truce. Draghi thanked Kishida for Japan’s plan to redirect liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes destined for non-EU countries to Europe, a region where about 40 percent of gas imports are from Russia. The ministers also expressed their concern over North Korea’s firing of a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan earlier that day and agreed to boost cooperation towards a free and open Indo-Pacific. [Devdiscourse]
On May 5 Kishida visited British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to talk about closer cooperation under a defense deal that will allow armed forces of the two countries to deploy together for joint drills, training, and disaster relief. The two discussed exerting pressure on Russia as well as reducing reliance on Russia’s oil and gas. They called for unity among democracies to stand against authoritarian regimes for the security of both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Finally, Kishida shared popcorn from Fukushima with Johnson to mark the lift of restrictions on food products from the region following the nuclear disaster. [BBC]
The stop in the U.K. concluded Kishida’s multilegged Southeast Asia-Europe tour. However, the leader is expected to host European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel on May 12 for a summit in Tokyo to discuss alignment on sanctions, joint strategies for the war in Ukraine, and China’s growing assertiveness and the stability of the Taiwan Strait. [Kyodo News 2]
Landmark defense agreement between Japan and the UK
(cm) On May 5 Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reached in principle an agreement on a defense cooperation deal that enables faster development of their troops and allows engagement in joint training and disaster relief operations, as well as sharing ammunition and supplies, as a part of their efforts towards a free and open Indo-Pacific at a time of growing assertiveness from China. The leaders expressed their concerns over miliary build-up and activities in the East and China Sea, where they pledged to counter any unilateral attempt or economic coercion to change the status quo. The pact reflects London’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific region in view of its economic and geopolitical relevance. [Nikkei Asia]
Japan and U.S. strengthen cooperation in defense, energy and industry
(cm) On May 4, Japan’s Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo and United States’ Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met at the Pentagon where they reaffirmed their cooperation alongside South Korea in dealing with North Korea’s missile and nuclear threat and China’s increasing assertiveness as the war in Ukraine brought renewed concerns over the possibility of a unilateral change to the status quo by force in the Indo-Pacific, as well. [NHK 1]
At the same time Japan’s Industry Minister Hagiuda Koichi met separately with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Kochi and Granholm discussed energy security and issued a joint statement that indicates the importance of U.S.-produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce dependance on Russian energy as well as a plan to promote cooperation on de-carbonization technologies. With Raimondo and Tai, the launch of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) was discussed and the two agreed on strengthening semiconductor supply chains and overall economic ties. [NHK 2]
Japan-Russia tensions rise with bans from Moscow and sanctions from Tokyo
(cm) Russia’s foreign ministry announced an indefinite ban on the entry of 63 Japanese citizens for engaging in “unacceptable rhetoric” against Moscow. The individuals include Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno and other high-ranking officials, as well as executives of media organizations, such as the Yomiuri Shimbun and the Nikkei business daily, and university professors,. The ministry accused Japan of launching an “unprecedented anti-Russian campaign” and hurting its economy and international prestige. The move is believed to be a retaliation against a series of sanctions imposed by Tokyo after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kishida responded by stating that Russia’s measure is unacceptable, and that Moscow is fully responsible for the current state of bilateral ties between the two countries. Japanese officials, meanwhile, believe that such ban will have no impact on the government since it had no plans to send senior figures to Russia to begin with. [The Japan Times]
In a related development on May 5, Kishida announced at a press conference in London that Japan is furthering its sanctions against Russia, including freezing of assets held by 140 additional individuals and some Russian banks, adding roughly 70 military organizations to the list of entities subject to export prohibition, and banning exports of quantum computers and other cutting-edge products to Russia. [Nippon]
Japan SDF to participate in French Pacific disaster relief drills
(cm) On May 6 the Japanese Defense Ministry announced that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces will take part in the humanitarian aid and disaster relief drills in French Polynesia, a multinational project led by the French military held biennially since 2002; five personnel from the Ground Self-Defense Force, the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Joint Staff will join the drills for the first time ever. In view of a strengthened security and defense cooperation between the two countries, Japan and France have already held large-scale joint exercises with the United States in 2021. [The Mainichi]
Japan warns of repercussion of Ukraine war in Taiwan as tensions with China escalate
(cm) Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivered a speech in London about the potential replication of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by China in Taiwan, the self-governing island claimed by the mainland, unless Indo-Pacific allies come together to respond to the threat. It is feared that China might exploit the Western engagement in the war in Ukraine to simultaneously attack Taipei; Kishida also urged fellow Group of Seven (G7) countries to take responsibility in Asian affairs. Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi reiterated Japan’s commitment in an interview in Washington, where he called for a strong international response to the situation in Ukraine in order to deter China from proceed with its territorial claims in both Taiwan and the South China Sea. [Business Standard] [The Washington Post]
On May 6 Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen had a virtual meeting with a visiting delegation from the Youth Division of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in which their reaffirmed their joint efforts to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Tsai also expressed Taiwan’s gratitude for Japan’s donation of more that 4.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine last year, at a time when Taiwan was facing difficulties in securing supplies. [Focus Taiwan]
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian accused Japan of feeding concerns over perceived threats from China as an excuse to boost its own military expansion; he stated that id Japan truly wished for peace and stability in East Asia, it should stop arousing confrontation between big powers. [Reuters]
Japan to provide USD 300 million aid to Ukraine
(cm) On May 5, Japan’s Ambassador to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori announced that Japan will provide USD 300 million in financial assistance to the Ukrainian government. While attending the High-Level International Donors’ Conference in Support of Ukraine in Warsaw, Kunimori urged all governments to participate in the restoration of Ukraine in the future. Japan has already announced and began providing USD 200 million in humanitarian aid. [Ukrinform]
North Korea: Two rounds of missile tests within a week
(dql) Last week saw two rounds of missile tests conducted by North Korea, the first on May 4 and the second on May 7. The two tests mark the 14th and 15th round of missile launches by Pyongyang in this year.
They come shortly after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged that the country will continue to improve its nuclear-armed forces at “the fastest possible speed” to secure the North’s self-defense [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1] in a speech held on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army (KPRA) on April 25.
The missile tests also came shortly before the inauguration of Yoon Suk-yeol as new South Korean President on May 10. In both cases they reflect Pyongyang’s aggressive and assertive nuclear posture directed to both the US and South Korea. [Aljazeera] [CNN]
In response, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed in a statement released by the Pentagon after a phone call with his outgoing South Korean counterpart Suh Wook on May 5 “the ironclad US commitment to the defense of the ROK, leveraging the full range of US military capabilities, to include extended deterrent capabilities.” The two ministers strongly rejected the missile launch. [Yonhap News Agency]
In an earlier statement on May 4, Austin announced plans to strengthen its deterrence against China and North Korea, which partly includes a raise in “prepositioned stocks” of military supplies in the Indo-Pacific. He added that the Pentagon has allocated some USD 6 billion in fiscal year 2023 its deterrence posture in the Indo-Pacific. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea: First Asian member of NATO cyber defense think tank
(dql) South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has announced that South Korea has joined NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) as its first Asian member.
The CCDCOE is a think-tank based in Tallinn, Estonia, which provides support for NATO and other member nations in the form of interdisciplinary cyber defense research, training, and exercises. Established in 2008, it has currently 27 NATO member countries as sponsoring nations (Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United States, United Kingdom) and five non-NATO states as contributing participants (Austria, Finland, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland). [The Korea Times]
Chinese state media were quick to criticize the admission of South Korea to CCDCOE, accusing NATO of “attempting to turn the Northeast Asian country into a chess piece to contain China and Russia in the realm of cyber defense,” and of “paving the way for the interference of Western forces in regional geopolitical affairs.” [People’s Daily]
Taiwan-Japan joint efforts for peace in the Indo-Pacific to continue, President Tsai believes
(dql) Speaking to visiting delegation from the Youth Division of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in an online meeting on May 6, Taiwanese President Tsia Ing-wen expressed her believe that joint efforts of Taiwan and Japan to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific will continue. Tsai also requested Japan's support for Taiwan's application for membership in the Japan-led Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Taipei submitted the application last September. [Focus Taiwan] [AiR No. 39, September/2021, 4]
On the same day, 18 Chinese warplanes flew into Taiwan’s air defence zone, marking the second-largest incursion this year. The largest occurred in January 23 with 39 military aircraft [see AiR No. 4, January/2022, 4]. Among the warplanes were six J-16 fighters, six J-11 fighters, two H-6 bombers, two KJ-500 early warning and control aircraft, as well as one Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft and one Y-8 electronic warfare and surveillance aircraft. [South China Morning Post]
Taiwan imposes sanctions on Belarus
(dql) On May 6, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Ministry announced that a ban of exports of high-tech products has been imposed on Belarus with immediate effect, citing the eastern European country’s decision to allow Russian troops to conduct military exercises on its territory near the border with Ukraine prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Bureau of International Trade revealed that the island is applying the same export restrictions to Belarus that have been imposed on Russia since early April [see also AiR No. 15, April/2022, 2]. The restrictions requires that Taiwanese companies to obtain a special permission from the government before exporting a long list of tech products.
Given the minimal trade of USD 19.4 million between Taiwan and Belarus last year, the ban is only of a symbolic nature. [Focus Tawain] [Euro News]
Tawain faces challenges to purchase of US choppers
(dql) Taiwan’s government has signaled that it will give up purchase plans of anti-submarine helicopters from the US, with Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng citing a price “too high, beyond the scope of our country’s ability.”
This comes after the government had previously announced the purchase of 12 Lockheed Martin MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters. [Aljazeera]
Meanwhile, China hawk Senator Marco Rubio has submitted a bill that seeks to fast-track the transfer of American weapon systems to Taiwan and to boost joint training between the US and Taiwanese militaries.
Commenting on the bill, Rubio warned that an “invasion of Taiwan could happen within this decade,” adding that bill seeks to send a signal to Chinese President Xi Jinping and to the Chinese Communist Party to make them “think twice before launching a foolish invasion." [Focus Taiwan]
For a discussion of the conditions needed for a successful defense of Taiwan against China, including “US intervention, Taiwan’s asymmetric strategy, and maintaining the tenuous strategic military balance between China and the US,” see Gabriel Honrada in [Asia Times] who draws attention to the US B-21 Raider, a new stealth bomber under development, that is expected to be capable of lower the threat of China’s anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) batteries to US carrier battle groups, thus opening up strategic maneuver room for US intervention in Taiwan.
India’s Modi returns to New Delhi after visiting Germany, Denmark, France
(lm) India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on May 5 after concluding a three-nation European tour during which he managed to make headway in key areas of cooperation – most notably trade, energy, and green technology – despite Europe’s unhappiness with India’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. [The Hindu]
From the moment Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the war has presented a challenge for Indian foreign policy. Western governments have pressed New Delhi to take a stand against the invasion and to stop doing business with Russia. Post-meeting readouts and public comments from Modi’s hosts suggest that Ukraine was discussed extensively during his trip to Europe.
Germany
Germany and India signed a series of bilateral agreements centered on sustainable development that will see Berlin make available USD 10.51 billion in aid by 2030 to help the South Asian nation to boost the use of clean energy. Other areas of cooperation agreed between the two countries focus on migration, nuclear research and the establishment of secure communications channels between the two governments. [ABC News] [Reuters]
Furthermore, Scholz invited Modi to a Group of Seven leaders’ summit next month as a special guest. Germany – which currently holds the rotating G7 presidency – will also welcome the leaders of Indonesia, South Africa and Senegal to the gathering in the Bavarian Alps June 26 to June 28. [South China Morning Post]
However, the two leaders remained far apart in their stance on the Ukraine war. Unlike Scholz — who accused Russia of undermining "fundamental principles of international law — Modi refrained from any overt criticism of Moscow. Notably, reporters were not permitted to ask questions after the two leaders spoke, a decision reportedly taken at the insistence of the Indian delegation. [Deutsche Welle]
Modi’s visit to Berlin came days after Scholz’s first trip to Asia, when, in a departure from his predecessors, he went to Japan and not China as Berlin’s foreign policy shifts to focusing on strengthening alliances with democratic allies. [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Denmark
Following the meeting with the German chancellor, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Copenhagen on May 3 to meet with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, representatives of the Danish business community and Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark. Many observers attached added significance to Modi’s trip to Denmark, highlighting that it could indicate an ongoing thaw in relations that were strained for many years. [Euractiv] [Moneycontrol]
While in Copenhagen, the Indian premier also attended the second iteration of the India-Nordic summit, which brought Modi together with his counterparts from Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
In his speech, Modi said that India believes no country will emerge victorious in the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing that there will be a “more serious” impact on developing and poor countries. In a joint statement released after the summit the five Nordic prime ministers strongly condemned the “unlawful and unprovoked aggression” by Russia in Ukraine. However, India was not party to the phrase – it only joined the other countries in expressing “serious concern” over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and “unequivocally condemned civilian deaths”. [Ministry of External Affairs]
France
After his two-day visit to Copenhagen, Prime Minister Modi headed to France and met the nation’s re-elected President Emanuel Macron on May 4. The two leaders agreed to cooperate on advanced defense technology, a move that could potentially reduce New Delhi's reliance on Russia for procuring military hardware. [Nikkei Asia]
Both countries also discussed a partnership to ensure that environment-friendly technologies could be developed together to address the pressing global challenge. [CNBC TV18]
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi accuses Indian agency of ‘physical violence’ threats during probe
(lm) Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has alleged its top executives faced threats of “physical violence” and coercion during questioning by officers of India’s main financial investigation agency, Reuters reported last week citing a court filing. In light of the allegations, a judge put on hold the Indian agency's decision to freeze bank assets on May 5. The next hearing is set for May 12. [The Straits Times]
Xiaomi has been under investigation since December of last year when tax inspectors raided the company’s India offices. Last week, the Enforcement Directorate, which probes issues such as foreign exchange law violations, seized USD 725 million in Xiaomi’s local bank accounts, accusing the Chinese tech giant of moving money out of India illegally. The federal agency also accused the parent company of providing “misleading information to the banks while remitting the money abroad.” Xiaomi has denied any wrongdoing, saying its royalty payments were legitimate. [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
A court filing dated May 4 alleges that officials from the Enforcement Directorate warned the company’s former India managing director, the current chief financial officer, and their families of “dire consequences” if they did not submit statements as desired by the agency. After the Reuters story was published, the Enforcement Directorate issued a statement saying Xiaomi's allegations were “untrue and baseless” and company executives had deposed “voluntarily in the most conducive environment”.
In light of the allegations, China on May 9 called on India to carry out investigations “in accordance with laws”, adding that it was “closely monitoring the matter.” India has taken a hard line against Chinese companies operating within the country ever since border tensions with China escalated two years ago. Since then, New Delhi has blacklisted more than 200 mobile applications—many of which were Chinese [see AiR No. 48, December/2020, 1]. [The Hindu]
India assumes its worst rank in World Press Freedom Index 2022
(pb/lm) India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index fell from 142 in 2021 to 150 this year, according to global media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which noted that the country had undergone a radical change under its incumbent Hindu nationalist government.
The indicators used by RSF were based on a quantitative survey of press freedom violations and abuses against journalists and media, along with questionnaire responses from hundreds of press freedom experts. Notably, the ranking of all of India’s neighbors except Nepal has also slid, with the index placing Pakistan at 157, Sri Lanka at 146, Bangladesh at 162, and Myanmar at 176. [Deutsche Welle]
According to the RSF report, 13 journalists are currently behind bars in India, and one has been killed since January this year. The watchdog also observes that India’s press freedom is under threat due to “violence against journalists, the politically partisan media and the concentration of media ownership”. It also pointed to harassment by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party who are critical of its government. [Matrubhumi.com]
India criticizes WHO for 4.75 million COVID-19 pandemic death toll estimate – 10 times official count
(rk/lm) A new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 4.7 million people in India – nearly 10 times higher than official records suggest – could have died since 2020 because of COVID-19. India's government has rejected the figure, saying the health agency’s calculation methods are flawed. New Delhi has officially recorded 481,000 COVID-19 deaths between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. [World Health Organization]
The WHO figures, termed as excess mortality, are calculated as the difference between the number of deaths that occurred and the number that would have been expected in the absence of the pandemic. Thus, the figure also includes deaths that could only be indirectly attributed to the coronavirus through the pandemic’s wider impact on health systems and society. [South China Morning Post]
Days before the WHO released its report, the Indian government released civil registration data showing 8.1 million deaths in 2020, a six percent increase over the previous year. Officials played it down, saying the rise was in consistency with a recent trend of increasing registrations of births and deaths in the country. [BBC] [The Indian Express]
Last month, British daily The Guardian reported that New Delhi had attempted to delay the release of the WHO’s revised figures, which would ascribe almost one-third of the world’s pandemic-related deaths to India. [Foreign Policy, $]
India Prime Minister to visit Nepal
(lb) India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at Lumbini for celebrations marking Buddha Purnima on May 16, the birth anniversary of Buddha. The two Prime Ministers are also set to participate in ceremonies at Maya Devi Temple. The visits are a part of the two countries attempts to repair ties and rebuild their relationship after several controversies during the former Nepalese Prime Minister term. [South Asia Monitor]
Indian, Chinese armies maintain regular contact
(lb) Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi announced on May 6 that the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army are in regular contact through the hotlines along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Lt Gen said there are regular hotline exchanges ensuring no physical contact. They also said India has developed strategic patience and is negotiating from a position of assertiveness to resolve the standoff in eastern Ladakh, the situation is said to be stable but in a state of heightened alert. [South Asia Monitor]
Pakistan, United States look to strengthen bilateral ties in phone call between foreign ministers
(ha/lm) In his first phone call with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the new Pakistani foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has called for “constructive and sustained engagement” between the two countries. Blinken congratulated Bilawal on assuming the role of foreign minister and reiterated Washington’s desire to strengthen cooperation on major political issues, ranging from Afghanistan to counterterrorism. [The News International]
The two top diplomats discussed the ongoing engagements in the sectors of climate, energy, education, health and trade and stated that bilateral engagement “on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest was vital to promote peace, development and security in the region.” [Gulf News]
Relations between Washington and Islamabad chilled in recent months, especially since the pullout of American troops from neighboring Afghanistan in August of last year. Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan later accused Washington of conspiring with the Pakistani political opposition to remove him from office, alleging that the White House was upset over his approach to foreign policy that distanced Islamabad from the US.
Bilawal is expected to travel to the US later this month to participate in the “Global Food Security” meeting In New York on May 18.
Vast majority of CPEC projects running behind schedule, progress review finds
(ha/lm) The flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is running behind schedule, with more than a dozen projects worth up to USD 2 billion remaining unfinished, according to a report submitted by Pakistan’s CPEC Authority to Islamabad’s new political leadership last month.
CPEC aims to link Pakistan’s southern Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea to China's western Xinjiang region via a series of road, rail and pipelines. But since the framework was announced in 2015, only three schemes under have been declared completed by the CPEC Authority. And while the USD 4 million Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan has been earmarked as completed, to date, the city doesn’t have an indigenous electricity supply for the port, and thus, must import power from neighboring Iran to meet local energy needs. [The Express Tribune]
Furthermore, more than 30 Chinese power producers operating in Pakistan under the CPEC framework in a meeting with Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal threatened to shut down operations in the country over non-payment of dues. [OpIndia]
Earlier, it was reported that Chinese workers in Pakistan had expressed their concerns about the limits of Islamabad’s capacity to keep them safe following a recent suicide bombing in southern Pakistan that killed three Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver [see AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]. The attack was the latest carried out by Baloch separatist groups on Chinese citizens, who in recent years have been attacked more frequently while working on projects under CPEC.
Speaking against this backdrop, Planning Minister Iqbal announced on May 6 that a security review meeting would be held every month on CPEC. The minister also lamented a declined progress of CPEC projects saying that it is “unfortunate that momentum of 2013-2018 could not be maintained” [Geo News]
WHO report raises questions on Pakistan’s COVID-19 death toll
(ha) A new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 260,000 in Pakistan could have died since 2020 because of COVID-19 – eight times as high as the government’s officially tally. [Geo News]
The WHO figures, termed as excess mortality, are calculated as the difference between the number of deaths that occurred and the number that would have been expected in the absence of the pandemic. Thus, the figure also includes deaths that could only be indirectly attributed to the coronavirus through the pandemic’s wider impact on health systems and society. [World Health Organization]
A former advisor to the prime minister defended the government’s death reports, saying that studies of the number of graveyard burials in major cities did not reveal large numbers of uncounted victims of the pandemic. [The New York Times, $]
The numbers released by the WHO are extremely sensitive, as they lay bare the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by authorities around the world, with some countries – most notably India – already contesting the figures. [see entry in this edition]
Pakistan rejects Indian government’s delimitation exercise in disputed Kashmir territory
(rk) India’s chargé d'affaires was summoned to Pakistan’s foreign ministry on May 5 and handed a demarche conveying Islamabad’s categorical rejection of a final report on the redrawing of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in India’s Jammu and Kashmir union territory.
Days earlier, the Delimitation Commission set up by the Indian government in 2020 submitted its report, giving greater representation to the Muslim-majority region’s Hindu areas and paving the way for fresh elections. The commission proposes to allocate an additional six seats to the Hindu-dominated Jammu region and one to the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley.
In its demarche, Islamabad alleged that the whole exercise had been aimed at disenfranchising and disempowering the Muslim majority population of the Kashmir valley, an allegation also levelled by the political parties in Kashmir on the Indian side. It was also stressed that the Indian government must refrain from bringing about any illegal demographic changes in the disputed territory. [Geo News] [EastMojo]
Pakistan dispatches relief aid for Afghan flood victims
(fq) Pakistan has dispatched emergency relief items for people in neighboring Afghanistan where heavy rain and flooding in 12 provinces has killed at least 22 people, destroyed hundreds of homes and damaged crops.
Northern and eastern parts of Afghanistan often see heavy rainfall during the summer months, leading to floods. These flash floods exacerbate problems of drought, with low crop yields raising fears of serious food shortages.
In light of this, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has called on the international community and the United Nations to offer emergency assistance, food, shelter, and medical aid to Afghan people. He also urged member nations of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to assist Afghanistan through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust. [Gulf News]
Myanmar military regime rejects ASEAN outreach to shadow government
(pw/cmsk) Myanmar’s military junta has rejected Malaysia’s recent calls for talks between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) as it has labeled the civilian administration NUG a “terror group” due to its opposition to the military rule. [Radio Free Asia 1] [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
The junta's statements came soon after coup leader Min Aung Hlaing's virtual meeting with ASEAN Chair and Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, where Sen requested that, on behalf of ASEAN, he meet all concerned parties, including Aung San Suu Kyi and ousted president Win Myint. The Cambodian leader also urged Hlaing to release all political prisoners and "avoid excessive use of force in maintaining law and order.” [Radio Free Asia 2] [The Diplomat]
Top-ranking delegates from all member states of ASEAN, including Myanmar’s military government, attended a conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on April 6, to talk about the provision of humanitarian relief to Myanmar. The main areas of discussion include the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Delivery Arrangement Framework, a structure for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, and obstacles to the provision of humanitarian aid.
The Cambodian Foreign Minister and ASEAN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Prak Sokhonn, stated that this meeting has made headway on efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance. Moreover, he called on all parties to prioritize the delivery of humanitarian relief over their disagreements.
Sokhonn also mentioned that there are still hurdles to such help, but he stated those had been scrutinized, with the majority of them being addressed. Such problems include the lack of Myanmar’s involvement in the distribution of humanitarian aid by certain states and organizations, Myanmar’s conditions on the provision of such relief, and concerns that such assistance might fall into the hands of anti-government forces.
This conference constitutes ASEAN’s efforts to revitalize its Five-point Consensus to obtain a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Myanmar. Sokhonn saw this meeting as a step towards this consensus and mentioned that he, as the ASEAN Special Envoy, would travel to Myanmar again in the following weeks.
Efforts to carry out ASEAN’s Five-point Consensus have been considered wasteful by some groups, such as the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, who do not believe Myanmar’s military government will credibly observe the consensus. Moreover, the group has urged ASEAN to take harsher measures against the military regime, such as sanctions, travel restrictions, and suspending Myanmar’s ASEAN membership.
According to experts, Myanmar has been deemed to be undergoing a civil war since its armed forces took control of the country by deposing an elected government in February 2021. According to the United Nations, by April 25, approximately 924,800 people were displaced in Myanmar. [Associated Press News] [The Phnom Penh Post] [AiR No. 14, April/2022, 1]
European Parliament passes resolution demanding Cambodia to end persecution of dissidents
(pw)The European Parliament (EP) passed a resolution urging Cambodia to cease stamping out and threatening its opponents. The resolution received 526 votes in favor, five votes in opposition, and 63 abstentions.
The document calls for Cambodia to free all jailed environmental and human rights activists, journalists, political adversaries, prisoners of conscience, and trade unionists. The disbanding of the major opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) by the country’s supreme court in 2017 was also condemned by the EP, which has also requested that the Cambodian government drop all accusations against the opposition members, including former CNRP leaders.
The Cambodian government has shown surprise in receiving the accusations and justified its actions by stating that the alleged victims were breaking the law. [Radio Free Asia]
Rights groups have accused the Cambodian government under Prime Minister Hun Sen of curtailing the country’s fundamental freedoms, perpetrating several human rights violations, and crushing the opposition. Several opposition activists, leaders, and members have been charged with various offenses, including defamation, forgery, incitement, and treason. Moreover, others have been subjected to arbitrary detention and assaults. Additionally, judicial intimidation has been reportedly utilized against news correspondents as well. [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
World Press Freedom Index 2022
(bs) Reporters Without Borders, a prominent international organization for the right to freedom of information, has released the 2022 World Press Freedom Index drafted in cooperation with a committee of seven academic and media experts.
The Index, which collected data from 180 countries, is based on a definition of press freedom as “the effective possibility for journalists, as individuals and as groups, to select, produce and disseminate news and information in the public interest, independently from political, economic, legal and social interference, and without threats to their physical and mental safety.” The five indicators used to compile the Index were the political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and security.
The 2022 World Press Freedom Index showed that the current media freedom situation has declined in several countries compared to 2021. It voiced the negative effects of a widespread unregulated online space in the spreading of fake news and propaganda.
While the three Nordic countries, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, remain at the top of the Index, 28 countries have recorded a” very bad” situation. Among the 10 countries that ranked lowest on the list are Myanmar (176th), China (175th), Turkmenistan (177th), Iran (178th), Eritrea (179th), and North Korea (180th). [Reporters Without Borders]
Vietnam, Thailand to strengthen bilateral cooperation
(bs) Thai and Vietnamese high representatives met after the fourth meeting of their countries’ Joint Trade Committee (JTC) in Bangkok. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields including information infrastructure, cloud computing, social network management, digital transformation, and the digital economy. They also suggested the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to join the effort in tackling post-pandemic economic issues.
Moreover, the representatives encouraged the establishment of a safe online environment with the objective of reducing the spreading of fake news. They also agreed to resume Thai-Vietnam bilateral trade and facilitate investments in both countries. [Open Gov Asia]
Malaysia to cooperate with US, UK to tackle forced labor
(bs/dvr) The Malaysian Human Resources Ministry has voiced its intention to cooperate with the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) to address and combat forced labor in Malaysia. The countries agreed to cooperate on the basis of a National Action Plan on Forced Labour launched in 2021.
The ministry has already proposed a law amendment to the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) in March to include provisions to combat forced labor in the country.
The move came after Malaysia ratified the International Labor Organization Protocol 29 on November 26, 2021. [The Malaysia Reserve]
Myanmar military regime will protect Chinese mines
(cmsk) In response to an April 21 joint warning by anti-junta armed groups to Chinese companies operating mines in the Sagaing region, the authorities offered protection to the China-Myanmar joint venture copper mine company in the area.
The junta announcement also follows an April 25 joint letter by civil society groups to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese embassy in Yangon, urging China to halt the operation and investment in Myanmar as they allegedly support the military regime.
According to Myanmar’s Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, in mid-2021, 32 Chinese garment factories were set on fire whilst the parallel government’s armed forces destroyed infrastructure in the copper mine and in a nickel plant in the Mandalay region. [Radio Free Asia]
Myanmar authorities confirmed Russia will enter the country’s energy industry
(cmsk) The Myanmar military administration has reported that Russia will begin to participate in Myanmar’s energy industry and replace oil and gas companies that quit their operations in Myanmar in early 2022.
The Malaysian and Thai state-owned oil firms and a Japanese energy conglomerate withdrew from Myanmar’s Yetagun gas field, in April and May, respectively. The three firms had cited commercial reasons, including declining output from the Yetagun project, whilst Japanese Eneos had also cited political instability and criticism of continued business operations as reasons for its exit from Myanmar. [Radio Free Asia] [AiR No. 18, May/2022, 1]
Indonesia, China agreed to strengthen ties
(lb) Indonesia’s Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan spoke with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on May 6 with both countries agreeing to safeguard peace and stability in East Asia. Wang said China is willing to work with Indonesia to deepen bilateral relations and health cooperation. He added that China is also ready to foster more growth points under the Belt and Road Initiative. [The Straits Times]
Japan gives USD 1.2 million to UN funds to enhance Cambodian health system
(pw) The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has received a USD 1.2 million grant from Japan. The money would be used by the UNFPA to strengthen the access to information and services concerning sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health by the vulnerable groups in Cambodia. Furthermore, this grant is used by the UNFPA to procure medical equipment in Cambodia’s northeastern provinces in collaboration with the Cambodian ministries. The UNFPA also plans to improve Cambodia’s healthcare workforce capacity as well [The Phnom Penh Post]
Australia affirmed provisions for future developmental assistance to Cambodia
(pw) Australian representatives committed to delivering agricultural, educational, health, and infrastructural aid to Cambodia in a meeting presided by the Deputy Secretary of the Australian Department ofForeign Affairs and Trade along with the Secretary of State of the Cambodian Foreign Ministry. The Australian party also agreed to provide Cambodia with technical help and enhance Cambodia’s capacity building. Proposals to train the Cambodian authorities to clamp down on child trafficking, money laundering, and transnational crimes were also made. Furthermore, the parties also discussed strengthening cooperation in other areas and international issues of mutual concern [The Phnom Penh Post]
Philippines’ Davao City accepts Ukrainian refugees
(db) Davao City in the Philippines has already begun to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Ukrainian Ambassador to the Philippines Olexander Nechytaylo confirmed that the mayor of Davao City, Sara Duterte, has offered to host thousands of displaced people from Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. [Philippine News Agency]
This comes after President Rodrigo Duterte formally institutionalized a government inter-agency body for the protection of refugees, asylum seekers, and persons who are stateless or at risk of statelessness by signing Executive Order 163 on February 28. The organization comprises 20 government agencies in the framework of the Refugee and Stateless Persons Protection Unit. Its activities include improving access of refugees and other persons of concern (POC) to courts, documentation, health and welfare assistance, education and skills training, and livelihood programs.
The Philippines is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1967 Protocol, and the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions [UNHCR]
Cambodia, Croatia signed agreement to improve bilateral relations
(pw) Cambodian and Croatian representatives signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen the countries’ bilateral ties. In the meeting, both sides also discussed a variety of common issues. After the conversation, the Croatian Ambassador to Cambodia also met with the President of the Cambodian Senate, in which both sides expressed hopes that the two country’s cooperation and relations would be stronger in the future. [Khmer Times] [The Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia, Czech Republic to sign agreement on agriculture
(pw) Cambodia and the Czech Republic have planned to sign an agricultural cooperation memorandum of understanding (MoU) after the Cambodian Agricultural Minister and the Czech Ambassador to Cambodia held talks regarding agricultural modernization, exchange visits, freshwater aquatic sector development, human resources training, and product processing capacity building. The Agricultural Minister expects that this MoU would provide Cambodia with the necessary training for increased production and quality improvement for its farming goods to meet the export market demands, especially those of the European markets.
The Agricultural Minister noted that 7,000 metric tons of milled rice had been purchased by the Czech Republic from Cambodia, which he predicted will rise in the future. [The Phnom Penh Post]
Iran to expand relations with Indonesia
(lb) On May 4, Iran and Indonesia presidents held diplomatic talks. The Iranian party congratulated President Joko Widodo and the people of Indonesia for Eid al-Fitr, the two-day religious celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi also expressed the interest of the Islamic Republic of Iran to enhance relations both on a regional level with Asian countries and in the international framework.
Indonesia’s president also congratulated on Eid al-Fitr and spoke of the country's interest in developing regional, bilateral and international cooperation. [MEHR News Agency ]
Indonesia invites United Arabic States to attend G20 summit in November
(lb) Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo has invited Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces to the 17th G20 Summit which is set to take place in Bali in November. The invitation was extended via phone call on May 4, when the parties also held discussions on economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the enhancement of the two countries partnership. A special focus was drawn to the plan to triple bilateral trade by mid-2026.
Representatives from Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates expressed their intentions to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation, and partner in tackling current regional and international issues. [The National News]
Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand to hold leaders’ meetings
(lb) On May 4, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand's foreign ministers released a joint press statement where they introduced the plan to hold three meetings in the Southeast Asian region throughout 2022.
According to the joint statement, the three scheduled meetings are the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit on November 11-13, hosted by Cambodia, the G20 Summit on November 15-16, hosted by Indonesia, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Thailand on November 18-19.
All the meetings, ASEAN, G20, and APEC, are aimed at jointly improving the international and regional agenda in order to bring “peace, prosperity and sustainable and inclusive development to all our peoples,” the statement reported.
The objectives of each meeting are respectively to strengthen regional resilience and maintain ASEAN's central role in the area, strengthen global health architecture, digital transformation, and energy transitions, and accelerate Southeast Asian economic integration in the global market. [The Star]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
11 May 2022 @12:00 p.m. (GMT-8), Hoover Institution, Stanford University, USA
Book Talk: States of Liberation: Gay Men between Dictatorship and Democracy in Cold War Germany
This talk will be based on Samuel Clowes Huneke’s first book States of Liberation: Gay Men between Dictatorship and Democracy in Cold War Germany. It will trace Germany’s extraordinary evolution in sexual issues addressing the continuous horrific oppression of homosexual people and other queer communities.
Find more about the webinar at [Hoover Institute].
11 May 2022 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-8), World Affairs, USA
Pacific Power: The United States’ Role in Asia Today
The "Pivot to Asia" of the Obama administration envisaged a stronger and more consistent American dominance in Asia. This online session will examine how the Biden administration outlines the U.S.’s leadership role and duty in Asia today to be a "Pacific Power".
For more details, see [World Affairs].
11 May 2022 @ 7:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
Register now: 2022 Distinguished Leadership Awards Livestream
The Distinguished Leadership Awards recognize a remarkable individual who have aligned with the Atlantic Council’s purpose of jointly creating the world’s future.
More information is available at [Atlantic Council].
11 May 2022 @ 10:15-11:45 a.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
The national security implications of anti-Asian racism
This webinar will focus on the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) communities’ struggles. The Biden administration has made steps to curb anti-AAPI crime, but racism continues to develop in a worrying direction. During the session, experts will debate the ramifications of such trends, investigate how they damage America’s international position, and propose countermeasures to this growing issue.
For more information, see [BROOKINGS].
11 May 2022 @2:30-4:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
You Have Not Yet Been Defeated: A Conversation with Sanaa Seif and Sharif Abdel Kouddous about Human Rights in Egypt
This online conference will analyze the political climate in Egypt at this time. Experts will investigate the unprecedented development of the carceral under the leadership of Abdel-Fattah AI-Sisi, as well as the nation’s position in the geopolitical upheavals changing the region. You Have Not Yet Been Defeated, a recently published book, will be the focal point of the discussion.
Learn more about the event at [FSI].
11 May 2022 @5:00-6:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
What Does China Have to Do to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2060?
In this webinar, Professor of Political Economy and Public Policy at Peking University, FU Jun, will explore the parameters, regulations, and future possibilities of China’s response to the global financial turmoil. He will investigate the potential effective and flexible configurations of diverse sets of technology advancements along China’s approaches to carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
Visit [FSI] to find more details of the event.
11 May 2022 @ 6:00-7:00 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Institute of International Affairs- ACT, Australia
'Citizenship in a Globalised World' by Kim Rubenstein
This webinar will feature Professor Kim Rubenstein, an expert on citizenship nationally and abroad, who will analyze its ramifications for Australia's foreign affairs. She will also explore dual citizenship concerns, which have domestic and global repercussions, and the next election.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [AIIAACT].
12 May 2022 @ 12:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Institute of International Affairs- Victoria, Australia
Europe Day 2022: Energy Policy and Politics in Europe
The EU’s ability to build an integrated energy market has been hindered by a lack of cohesive energy security and economic policies. This online event will feature a panel of experts who will evaluate European energy security from the perspective of climate change and energy shift.
Find more about the webinar at [AIIAVIC].
12 May 2022 @11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
Evaluating NATO Enlargement
The debate on NATO expansion frequently ignores discussing alternate options. This webinar will compare and contrast the risks and advantages of the chosen policy with those of its alternatives to analyze NATO enlargement.
Further information about the event is provided at [FSI].
12 May 2022 @4:00-5:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
International Criminal Law, its Legal Framework and its Application in Ukraine
This webinar will feature Norman Farrell, an experienced international prosecutor, who will give a lecture on "International Criminal Law, Its Legal Framework, and Its Application in Ukraine."
For more information, visit [FSI].
12 May 2022 @6:00-7:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
A Deadly Syndemic in Myanmar: The Coup, the Pandemic, and Challenges for Medical Humanitarian Response and Public Health System Recovery
This webinar will feature Dr. Phyu Phyu Thin Zaw and Dr. Nay-Lin Tun, who will discuss the situation in Myanmar from a medical and humanitarian standpoint. The two experts will explore how Myanmar’s health system responded to the destruction wrought by the junta and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as address chances and obstacles for engagement and restoration at the present time.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [FSI]
12 May 2022 @ 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
Forensic algorithms: The future of technology in the US legal system
The legislative challenges that may occur as forensic technology becomes more important in the United States judicial system will be discussed by a panel of experts in this virtual conference.
More information is available at [BROOKINGS].
12 May 2022 @ 5:30-6:30 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Institute of International Affairs- Victoria, Australia
Meet the Ambassador – European Union
EU member nations have increased their military investment and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Despite Europe’s energy dependence on Russia, the EU continues to enforce sanctions against Russia. This webinar will explore how the EU handled its pressing energy demands while upholding its decarbonization pledge and how the crisis affected the EU's unity.
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12 May 2022 @3:30-5:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
Guarding Against the Authoritarian Executive: The Effectiveness of Legal Constraints on U.S. Presidential Power
In this webinar, Deborah Pearlstein will examine the effectiveness of existing legal limits on executive power. She will suggest that the law can be utilized to restrain autocratic leadership’ tendencies and give guidance on how to assess our sense of the law’s capacity to restrain such leaders.
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13 May 2022 @9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
Cryptocurrency and Societal Harm Symposium
This symposium will focus on cryptocurrency and its negative effects on society, touching upon crucial topics such as cryptocurrency-related crime, cybercrime, mixing services and privacy coins, as well as domestic and international rules for cryptocurrency enterprises.
Learn more about the event at [FSI].
13 May 2022 @6:00-7:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
China Chats with Stanford Faculty: From Education to World Development with Professor Eric Hanushek
The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals underscore the importance of ensuring that every youth in the world acquires fundamental skills. This webinar will explore the impacts that the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 will have on global inclusive growth, describe the creation of a global performance database, and provide estimates of the economic advantages of educational development.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [FSI].
16 May 2022 @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT+10), Australian Institute of International Affairs- Tasmania, Australia
Supporting Community Resilience in Afghanistan
The Taliban's rise to power in August last year tore apart a significant portion of the social fabric of Afghan society. This webinar will describe ways to improve Afghan people’s quality of life, the effects of the seizure; and our efforts to safeguard the accomplishments gained.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [AIIATAS].
16 May 2022 @ 8:30 -11:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
Taiwan’s economy during a time of global uncertainty
This webinar will address Taiwan’s growth outlook in the context of cross-Strait conflicts and Taiwan’s competitive economy, as corporations increasingly consider factors other than expense and efficiency when determining where to deploy capital.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [BROOKINGS].
17 May 2022 @ 2:00 -4:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
Threats to American democracy
This online forum will examine the different dangers to American democracy and policy measures for preventing further regression and bolstering the country’s democratic system.
To find more about the event, click on [BROOKINGS].
17 May 2022 @1:00-2:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
Views of Nuclear Risk by Non-Nuclear-Weapon States
This online session will examine how non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS) with emerging markets aligned stability and prosperity in the Non-Proliferation Treaty negotiations; how they established regional procedures to manage nuclear threats with varying degrees of success; as well as how NNWS handle concern that nuclear-weapon states (NWS) could draw them into sudden nuclear battles.
Find more about the webinar at [FSI].
17 May 2022 @4:00-5:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Freeman Spogli Institute for International Students, Stanford University, USA
Reducing Nuclear Danger
The war in Ukraine, the proliferation of nuclear weapons to new nations, and the absence of arms control agreements beyond the New Start treaty make the world exceedingly perilous. This webinar will investigate what global leaders and citizens may do to mitigate nuclear risks.
Find more at [FSI].
17 May 2022 @ 8:45 a.m. (GMT-5), Atlantic Council, USA
NEXUS 22: A symposium at the intersection of defense, national security, and autonomy
This symposium will discuss challenges at the interface of military, national defense, and independence.
Visit [Atlantic Council] to learn more about the event.
17 May 2022 @6:00-7:00 p.m. (GMT-8), Hoover Institution, Stanford University, USA
India's Opportunities in the 2020s
This webinar will feature a conversation between Condoleezza Rice and N. Chandrasekaran about the US-India collaboration and India’s opportunities in 2020s.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [Hoover Institute].
17 May 2022 @ 3:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Wilson Center, USA
Economic Impact of Engagement with Taiwan and China
According to the latest study conducted by eminent Taiwanese scholars, it is uncertain if Beijing has been able to live up to expectations of larger gains than those provided by Taipei. This online session will explore the cost of dealing with Taiwan while China’s retaliation is a potential.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [Wilson Center].
Recent Book Releases
Tamas Wells, Narrating Democracy in Myanmar: The Struggle Between Activists, Democratic Leaders and Aid Workers, Amsterdam University Press, 212 pages, published on May 14, 2021, reviewed in [LSE].
Ashley Jackson, Negotiating Survival: Civilian–Insurgent Relations in Afghanistan, C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd, 328 pages, published on August 12, 2021, with a review in [LSE].
Ria Kapoor, Making Refugees in India, Oxford University Press, 272 pages, published on May 3, 2022. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books].
John Fitzgerald, Cadre Country: How China became the Chinese Communist Party, NewSouth, 352 pages, published on May 1, 2022. For a record of a book discussion, see [Hoover Institution].
Amy Gajda, Seek and Hide: The Tangled History of the Right to Privacy, Viking, 400 pages, published on April 12, 2022. A review is available at [The Atlantic]
Fintan O’Toole, We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland, Liveright, 624 pages, published on March 15, 2022. The book is reviewed in [The New York Times].
Bill Gates, How to Prevent the Next Pandemic, Knopf, 304 pages, published on May 3, 2022, reviewed in [The New Statesman].
Calls for Papers
The Idaho State University invites paper proposals for the 52nd Annual Frank Church Symposium “Europe at a Crossroads: Progression or Regression?”, to be held on March 9-10, 2023. Deadline for abstract submission is October 16, 2022. For more details, see [cpflist]
The London Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (LCIR) invites paper proposals for its international conference “Narratives of Displacement”, scheduled for October 29-30, 2022. Closing date for submission is July 15, 2022. More information is available at [LCIR].
Jobs and Positions
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is looking for a Country Programme Coordinator (Thai National Only). The position is based in Bangkok, Thailand. Closing date for application is May 25, 2022. Visit [UNDP] to learn more about the job offer.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hiring a Project for a Country Programme Coordinator (Thai National Only). The position is based in Cairo, Egypt. Deadline for applications is May 26, 2022. See [UNDP] for further details.
The World Bank Group is seeking a Senior Economist. The position is based in Washington, DC, United States. If you are interested, find more about the position at [World Bank Group].
Team:
Andrew Pathomphop Heinz (aph), Beatrice Siviero (bs), Charisma M. S. Kundan (cmsk), Chiara Mohammadvalizadeh (cm), Dana Lane Batac (db), Dominique van Rossum (dvr), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Faryal Qazi (fq), Grace Learmonth-Lo, Henning Glaser (hg), Hira Akram (ha), Jidapa Eagark, Julian Wendt (jw), Kevin Downey (kd), Lois Barker (lb), Lucas Meier (lm), Peeranat Wongbandit (pw), Poonam Behura (pb), Rakshit Kumar (rk), Sally Dobie, Sebastian Gräff (sg), Ulrike Immler, Venus Phuangkom, Yin Nyein Myat (ny)
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