Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 50, December/2021, 2
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
Welcome to this week’s issue of the Asia in Review.
I wish you an informative read and look forward to receiving your feedback.
Special greetings are extended to everyone celebrating Bahrain’s, Bhutan’s, Kazakhstan’s and Qatar’s National Day and Independence Day respectively in this week.
With best regards,
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Asia
Asia: Civic Rights remain “severely restricted”
(bs) According to a global report, seven Asian countries obstruct civic rights, while in eleven Asian countries, including Myanmar and Singapore, civic rights are “repressed”.
The report, People Power Under Attack 2021 (PPUA), also downgraded thirteen countries from “obstructed” to “repressed,” including Singapore. The country has been downgraded following the passage of an “anti-fake news” law.
The document defines Laos, China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam, among 24 countries in total, “closed” to civic rights. The report drew attention to the drastic increase in human rights violations and repression of fundamental freedoms in Myanmar and urged the United Nations Security Council to effectively tackle the military violence in the country. According to the findings, about two billion people living in “closed” countries risk being arrested or killed for attempting to exercise their fundamental rights.
PPUA included Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia among the countries that prosecute activists for anti-state propaganda and incitement in violation of international human rights law.
The report is the result of the year-long monitoring of 197 countries, conducted by over 20 civil societies partners of CIVICUS Monitor. The ratings were based on each country’s freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression.
The ratings are open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed, closed. [Aljazeera]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China biggest captor of journalists, reports say
(tp) A new report released by independent NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) contends that China is “the world’s biggest captor of journalists” with at least 127 reporters currently behind bars. The report titled The Great Leap Backwards of Journalism in Chinadetails efforts made by Chinese authorities to suppress news and information since the emergence of Covid-19. It also includes how journalists will soon need to undergo a 90-hour annual training focusing on Xi Jinping’s Thought to receive and renew their press cards; the Party’s intimidation and surveillance of foreign reporters, forcing 18 of them to leave China in 2020; imposing the National Security Law which has seen twelve journalists detained [see Air No. 32, August/2020, 2], the media blockade in Xinjiang under which ten journalists were arrested in 2020, and the use of Chinese state-owned audio-visual group CGTN to spread regime propaganda globally.
China now ranks 177 out of 180 in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index, two places above North Korea, as the CCP continues a major crackdown on media and journalism. Secretary General Christophe Deloire described China as a country in the midst of a “frantic race backwards” as citizens continue to lose press freedom, in the report, published on Tuesday. [BBC News] [RSF] [Al Jazeera]
Meanwhile, according to the 2021 prison census of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), China has imprisoned 50 journalists from January to November this year, making the country the world’s “worst jailer of journalists” for the third consecutive year. The total number of imprisoned journalists is at 293, reflecting an increasing trend.
Among the top five countries are three Asian countries: China is followed by Myanmar (26), Egypt (25), Vietnam (23) and Belarus (19). [CPJ] [Hong Kong Free Press]
China set to further tighten control on religion and lawyers
(tp) Speaking at a recent national religious work conference in Beijing Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to further tighten control on religion and to foster the “sinicisation of religion.” Special attention would be put on strengthening control of online religious affairs.
This was the first conference of its kind since 2016, where Xi Jinping first announced plans to crackdown on religion and religious freedoms. It was attended by the country’s top leadership and believed to have set the parameters on the country’s religious affairs and their regulation for the next years. [Bitter Winter] [South China Morning Post]
Xi’s pledge comes amid widespread accusations of repressive control on Muslims and Christians in China, as well as the country’s increasingly tight supervision over religions.
Similarly, during a Politburo study session on Thursday, December 9, President Xi Jinping recommended lawyers in China “follow and embrace” the CCP’s leadership, suggesting that the Party strengthens its “political guidance” of lawyers in the country in order to “consciously abide by the basic requirements of supporting the leadership of the Communist Party and socialist rule of law in China.”
For some, this signalled a further tightening of control over lawyers and law firms in recent years. In a latest development, lawyers and activists were placed under house arrest on December 9. [RFA] [South China Morning Post]
China: Alumni of British Chevening Scholarship urge CCP to release detained #MeToo activists
(tp) In a joint statement, 110 alumni of the British Chevening Scholarship have urged Chinese authorities to unconditionally release #MeToo activist and independent journalist, Sophia Huang Xueqin, and labour activist, Wang Jianbing.
The two were detained in September on charges of “inciting subversion of state power” and are being held at Guangzhou No 1 Detention Centre. They have not been sited since their detainment.
The Chevening alumni behind the statement, spanning from over 40 countries, have asked the British Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to initiate dialogue with Chinese authorities over the release of the two activists. An FCDO spokesperson said they were monitoring the matter closely. [South China Morning Post]
Chinese state-run editorial says Communist Party members must have three children
(tp) In an attempt to address declining birth rates in China, an article published in the state-run media outlet China Reports Network suggested Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members must have three children for the good of the country.
The article attracted shocked reactions from millions of Chinese internet users in saying that “no party member should use any excuse, objective or personal, to not marry or have children, nor can they use any excuse to have only one or two children,” before being deleted. The outlet called for the approximately 95 million members of the Chinese Communist Party to “shoulder the responsibility and obligation of the country’s population growth and act on the three-child policy.”
This comes against the background of China’s rising ageing population and declining birth rates, in which 18% of the population in 2020 was aged over 60 years. [See AiR, No. 48, November/2021, 5]
Policymakers in China have responded to this issue by implementing measures such as ending the one-child policy in 2016, easing the cost of having children and education, introducing subsidies for second and third children, and introducing mandatory “cooling off” periods for divorces.
However, these policies are suggested to have had a limited impact, with many young people saying that the high cost of living and long working hours are obstacles to having children.
“Although the three-child policy has come out, many people don’t have the conditions, ability, money, or time to take care of children, especially for women, who have to go home early, and this will make more companies not want to hire women!” a commentator on Weibo said.
Some commentators warned that the editorial could send a harmful message about the CCP. “The impact of this bad public opinion, like other public opinions, could easily change from accusations against the China Reports Network to resistance to the three-child policy and shaken trust in the government.” [The Guardian]
Evergrande headed for one of China’s largest-ever debt restructurings
(tp) In the latest turn of events, billion-dollar real-estate developer Evergrande is headed for one of China’s largest-ever debt restructurings after failing to receive a government bailout. Barring this news, Evergrande announced its restructuring plans on Friday, December 10, to “actively engage” with offshore creditors, including meeting all of its offshore public bonds and private debt obligations. This has marked the beginning of the end for Evergrande as the real estate empire overhauls its finances alone – a long and risky process for Asia’s largest economy.
Evergrande, faced with more than $300 billion in debt, has become the latest victim of President Xi Jinping’s campaign to reduce China’s economic dependence on the real estate sector and curtail property speculation. President Xi Jinping’s reluctance to bail out Evergrande clearly indicates that the CCP won’t tolerate large-scale debt accumulation that threatens economic stability. [See, AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
The key concern now is whether authorities can limit Evergrande’s fallout as the bonds and stocks of smaller real-estate firms have synchronously plummeted. Since Evergrande’s financial concerns intensified in June, at least 10 lower-rated real estate firms have defaulted on onshore and offshore bonds. Meanwhile, home sales and home prices have declined jointly with slower economic growth in the 2022 financial year.
Head of Asian fixed income at AXA SA, Jim Veneau, said that “an orderly restructuring, where the company can run its operations as normally as possible and refrain from distressed asset sales will substantially help contain further damage across the sector.”
Last month, the Federal Reserve warned that a slowdown in China’s real estate sector could have a contagion effect on global growth and could spread to the U.S. if it deteriorates rapidly. [Al Jazeera]
China: Government extends crackdown on medical insurance fraud
(tp) On Wednesday, December 8, the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) announced plans to extend a national operation that cracks down on medical insurance fraud by another year. The operation was due to be concluded by the end of this year.
Since launching in April, the operation involving police and health authorities has already investigated a total 3,970 cases and has suspended service contracts with 142 medical institutions and terminated contracts with 61 institutions. Since 2018 more than 2.3 million inspections of medical institutions related to insurance fraud were conducted, under which 50.6 billion yuan (7.94 billion USD) of medical insurance funds were recovered. [Xinhua]
China seeks to expand application national laws overseas
(pm/dql) Speaking at study session of the Politburo, the Chinese Communist Party’s centre of power and top policymaking body, Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed to “incorporate the expansion of law enforcement and judicial cooperation,” in bilateral and multilateral relations to advance the development of a system of laws that allows for the extraterritorial application of Chinese laws to strengthen national security. [South China Morning Post]
Xi’s pledge is considered to be an attempt to expand China’s overall global influence. In June, China adopted an anti-foreign sanctions law which allows for retaliatory actions against Western sanctions already in place, including refusing visa issuance, banning entry into China, invalidating visas and deportation; sealing up, seizing and freezing property in China; prohibiting from conducting related transactions with domestic organizations or individuals [see AiR No. 24, June/2021, 3]
China: Advancing digital technology and infrastructure
(dql) According to a recently released plan of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China is set to build two bases to maintain undersea cables in the East China and South China seas, along with two ships for undersea cable maintenance in the next five years, in a bid to strengthen the countries digital infrastructure. Furthermore, the Ministry plans to in invest about US$570 billion between 2021 and 2025 in building new submarine cables linking with North America and Europe. [South China Morning Post]
The United States, Australia and Japan, meanwhile, announced on Sunday, December 12, to jointly fund the construction of an undersea cable aimed at boosting internet access in three Pacific countries, including Nauru, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia.
For an account on increased state-backed investments in submarine cables over the past years, see [Jamestown Foundation: China Brief].
China to become no. 1 in foundational technology
(dql) A report the Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School predicts that within the next ten years China will become the world’s largest economy in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, quantum information science (QIS), semiconductors, biotechnology and green energy, i.e., the foundational technologies of the 21st century. [Belfer Center] [South China Morning Post 2]
Japan: Tokyo to introduce partnership registration for same-sex couples
(la) This Tuesday, Tokyo’s governor Yuriko Koike announced the plan to introduce same-sex partnerships for the city with a population of 14 million within the fiscal year of 2022. This decision comes after the Sapporo District Court was the first Japanese court to rule the absence of equal marriage rights unconstitutional in March this year [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. Tokyo follows other local governments in Japan that have taken similar steps in the past few years. The move means that half of the Japanese population would theoretically be able to register under a same-sex partnership. [Mainichi]
While advocates appreciate the capital’s turn towards recognition of same-sex partnerships, critics believe it carries little legal clout and offers no solution when it comes to issues such as inheritance or access to certain government services. Moreover, they argue the current inconsistency between different regions to be unfair and call for national recognition of same-sex marriage. Despite opinion surveys demonstrating that a majority of the Japanese public is in favor of equal marriage rights, the conservative ruling Liberal Democratic Party has typically held a reserved stance on the issue. Amongst the Group of Seven, Japan is currently the only nation that does not recognize same-sex marriage. [The Japan Times]
Japan: Special cabinet advisor to resign after controversial receipt
(la) Former secretary-general of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Nobutera Ishihara announced his resignation as a special advisor to the Kishida-cabinet this Friday. His resignation comes after his involvement in a controversial receipt of government subsidies for economic COVID-19 relief.
Ishihara came under extensive criticism after it came clear that he had made 600,000 yen ($5,300) worth of money intended to support businesses reeling from the COVID-19 crisis available as employment adjustment funds to the LDP’s Tokyo’s No. 8 district chapter, of which he is the head. With his resignation, Ishihara quits his position only a week after his official appointment on 3 December this year. [The Asahi Shimbun]
Japan: SDF conducts military exercises whilst looking to expand
(ec) Until December 14, the Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) will conduct military exercises on the island of Hokkaido, whilst the United States and Japan will be carrying out the Resolute Dragon 2021 joint exercises until December 17. The drills follow Russia’s deployment of Bastion coastal missile system crews to the disputed Kuril Islands on December 2, and are reflective of Japan’s growing concerns over the proximity of recent Russian and Chinese military actions. [RT] [The Asahi Shinbun] [See AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
As per Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s statement on considering first strike capabilities during the opening of a supplementary budget debate, the JSDF is looking to upgrade its Type 12 anti-ship cruise missiles. The upgrades could extend the range of the missiles from 200km to 900km, with talks of a feasible 1500km range, and modifying the missiles for use by aircraft. The upgrades are the latest manifestation in the governing Liberal Democratic Party’s commitment to increase Japan’s military spending to at least two percent of its GDP. [Naval News] [See AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]
Japan: Tokyo to block Okinawa base rejection as hosting budget increases
(ec) The Japanese Defense Ministry’s Okinawa Defense Bureau submitted a complaint to Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tetsuo Saito on Tuesday, December 7, over Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki’s rejection of Tokyo’s plan for the relocation of a US military base on the island. Tamaki cites the lack of environmental protects and insufficient study of a recently discovered weak seabed as motives for his refusal for any changes to central government’s plans, bringing them to a halt. [The Asahi Shimbun]
The transfer of the Futenma airfield’s functions, as per a bilateral accord from 1996 and in keeping with the central government’s desire to start land reclamation in the area, is fiercely opposed by many Okinawans. [See AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]
Japan: Kishida no plans to revise Kono-statement
(la) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared that he has no plans to review the 1993 Kono statement, in which the Japanese government admitted the role of the Japanese military in forcing “comfort women” into sexual servitude in wartime brothels. The statement was issued by Yohei Kono, then-Chief Cabinet Secretary. It offered an apology to the comfort women, acknowledging the coercive nature of the comfort women system, as well as the “immeasurable pain and incurable physical and psychological wounds these women and girls went through”. [The Japan Times]
Kishida’s remarks came amid rising Japan-South Korea tensions over their shared wartime past. The South Korean Supreme Court sparked rage in Japan this year when on September 10, 2021, it ruled in favor of Korean WWII forced labor workers and their heirs, who were trying to seize trademark and patent rights registered by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after the company refused to offer them restitution. [The Diplomat]
Japan, in turn, irked South Korea in October, when Kishida sent a ritual offering to the controversial Yasukuni shrine - where amongst 2.5 million war dead 14 Japanese war criminals are honored - on the occasion of the shrine’s autumn festival. [Reuters]
Mongolia: Prime Minister elected leader of ruling party
(dql) Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene was elected as chairman of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), after obtaining 99.7 percent of the votes from 1,245 party members at the party’s congress held on December 6-7.
Oyun-Erdene became Prime Minister in January and has been the driving force behind the country’s reform agenda “Vision 2050”, a 30-year policy agenda and framework for economic diversification, governmental efficiency, and social development, in force since January 1, 2021. [Aki Press]
South Korea: Moon encourages corporations to go carbon neutral
(aml) On the occasion of the celebration of the first anniversary of South Korea’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal, President Moon Jae-in called on private corporations to join the government’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, while Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Moon Sung-wook presented details of road map which includes efforts to replace coal-based energy with clean source energy while prospectively stopping coal plant operations in 2050. Furthermore, the government plans to develop more efficient licensing systems for a fast distribution of renewable energies. To support a complete reform in the research and development sectors of industries, the government also plans to nearly double the budget to 408.2 billion won ($345.83 million) in 2022. The Ministry said that it expects the private sector to invest more than 94 trillion won by 2025. [The Korea Times][The Korea Herald]
South Korea: Supreme Court raises punishment recommendation for child abuse homicide
(aml) The South Korean Supreme Court’s sentencing commission has raised the punishment for child abuse resulting in death. It raised the standard sentence to 4-8 years (formerly 4-7 years) of imprisonment, with up to 15 years (formerly 10 years) for aggravated cases. Moreover, the maximum ceiling for cases where special aggravated circumstances outweigh mitigating factors by more than two factors, to 22.5 years. Furthermore, the commission established a new sentencing standard for child abuse murder that ranges from 17-22 years imprisonment to either over 20 years or minimum life imprisonment in aggravated circumstances.
The raise of punishment comes in response to calls for tougher sentences after several child abuse death cases in the recent past. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea: Assembly passes bill on compensation for Jeju April 3 incident victims
(aml) On Thursday, December 9, the National Assembly has passed a bill to provide a compensation of 90 million won ($76,600) to each victim of the Jeju April 3 incident, marking the largest amount of compensation the government pays to the victims of a single historical incident.
On April 3, 1948, inhabitants of Jeju island had protested the rule of the US military after the liberation from Japan’s colonial rule from 1910-1945. The then government, however, had depicted the demonstration as communist riots and massacred about 30,000 civilians, almost 10% of the island’s population.
The compensation will exclude victims who already got compensated after individual lawsuits. For the rest, it is supposed to compensate actual damage as well es lost profits and mental damages. [The Korea Times]
South Korea: Court dismisses Yoon’s lawsuit against Justice Ministry’s disciplinary action
(aml) The Seoul Administrative Court has dismissed main opposition candidate Yoon Suk-yeol’s lawsuit against a disciplinary action imposed on him by the Justice Ministry during his time as Prosecutor General. Yoon had been suspended for two months due to allegations of violating political neutrality and other misconduct but was reinstated after a week. The lawsuit claiming flaws in the disciplinary process was now dismissed because the requirements for litigation aren’t met since Yoon has since left his position to run in the 2022 presidential election. [The Korea Times]
South Korea: Suspect in Seongnam scandal dead after apparent suicide
(aml) On Friday, December 10, the police found Yoo Hang-gi dead near his home after apparent suicide. Yoo was senior manager at Seongnam Development Corp. during the time of the Seongnam development project in 2015 and was suspected to have taken a bribe of 200 million won ($167,000) from partners connected to the asset management company Hwacheon Daeyu which unexpectedly got the deal for the development project. [AiR, No.42, October/2021, 3]
Earlier this week, the police had requested an arrest warrant for Yoo to question him about his involvement in the scandal. Yoon had been reported missing by his family earlier that day after he left home, leaving behind a will. [The Korea Herald]
The scandal has raised media attention because the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) accuses the ruling party’s presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung to be the mastermind behind the corruption case since he was the Seongnam city’s major in 2015. The PPP has now renewed its call for a special counsel investigation into the scandal. [The Korea Times]
Seongnam is South Korea’s 10th largest city with a population of approximately 1 million.
South Korea: Foreigners’ overseas vaccination now recognized
(aml) The Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced that foreigners who were fully vaccinated abroad can now register their vaccine status in South Korea which enables them to receive a foreign vaccination certificate as well as getting a booster shot in South Korea.
This comes after foreign residents and embassies have complained for weeks about the discriminatory vaccine recognition policy. [The Korea Herald] [The Korea Times]
South Korea: Navy chief named in regular reshuffle
(aml) On Friday, December 10, the Defense Ministry has announced former Vice Chief of Naval Operations Kim Jung-soo as new Navy chief. 59-year-old Kim replaces Boo Suk-jong in a regular reshuffle of generals and admirals.
Kim has served in the Navy since 1987 in various positions including as Commander of the Maritime Task Flotilla Seven, which was established in 2010 in preparation for a ocean-going navy of the country, and as Deputy Chief for Naval Operations for Planning and Management. One of his upcoming major tasks will be the realization of the light aircraft carrier project that is supposed to improve South Korea’s maritime defense capabilities. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea develops chemical warfare agent detector
(aml) South Korea has developed its first homegrown “Hyperspectral Imaging Stand-off Chemical Agent Detection System” that monitors and identifies transmissions of Chemical Warfare agents in contaminant plumes, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) announced on Wednesday, December 8.
The detector that uses a hyperspectral imaging infrared sensor is portable and lightweight and can be installed on manned as well as unmanned reconnaissance systems. The ADD explained that it will transfer the technology to related private companies to enhance military strength and private-public joint readiness capabilities against terrorism.
The development was initiated in 2012 and comes as North Korea steadily expands its chemical and biological weapons. [The Korea Herald]
Taiwan: KMT, DPP hold campaign for upcoming referendum
(zh) Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressie Party (DPP) has held campaigns nationwide convincing electorates to vote “no” against all four proposals in the upcoming referendeum on December 18. The four questions are whether to reactivate the unfinished fourth nuclear powr plant, whether to relocate a natural gas terminal profect to protect algal reef, whether to re-impose the ban on the US pork imports that contain additive ractopamine, and whether to hold referendums and pulic office election simultaneously.
On the other side, the opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) also rallied its supporters to encourage people to vote “yes”. The march participants include “Autumn Struggle”, an annual labor demonstration that this year themed “ending bully of cyber army”, “banning the import of ractopamine-containing pork”, and “preserving algal reefs”.
Nearly 20 million people are eligible to vote in this referendum. A proposal will pass with a simple majority of at least a quarter of eligible voters, which means 5 million valid votes this year. [Focus Taiwan][South China Morning Post][Taipei Times]
Taiwan rated the only “open” civic space in Asia
(zh) A report titled [People Power Under Attack 2021] by the human rights organization Civicus rated Taiwan the only country in Aisa with an “open” civic space for a fourth consecutive year, saying the Taiwanese authorities are tolerant of criticism from civil society groups. The report also noted concerns about attempts to ban books that apparently worship Beijing and to criminalize displaying the five-star flag of the People’s Republic of China. [Taipei Times]
Taiwan: Rising domestic violence in past decade
(zh) Rates of domestic violence in Taiwan have risen over the past decade, with 88,000 cases recorded last year. Children and the elderly were usually the targets of domestic violence. While females targeted in sex-related crimes had dropped by 25 percent per year on average in the past decade, the number of female victims of sexual violence increased by 24.2 percent last year. There has been no decrease in fraud and cybercrimes. [Taipei Times]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: State minister for Information resigns after misogynistic, violent comments
(ap) Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on December 6 ordered the State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murad Hasan, to resign from her cabinet, after he had made several misogynistic and violent remarks. He was also expelled from the prime minister’s ruling Awami League party.
Murad spoke obscenely about Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia and her granddaughter on Facebook Live, threatened sexual violence against a film actress, and belittled women activists at Dhaka University. [bdnews24.com 1]
On December 8 then, a writ was filed with the High Court challenging the legality of Murad Hassan’s position as member of Parliament’s lower house. The bench is expected to hear the petition later this week.
Meanwhile, separate appeals were filed in five districts to sue Murad under the contentious Digital Security Act. A court in the capital, Dhaka, on December 13, however, rejected one of the pleas to admit a lawsuit. [bdnews24.com 2]
After being denied entry by authorities in Canada and the United Arab Emirates, the former state minister returned to Bangladesh December 12. [Dhaka Tribune]
Bangladesh: Government to amend colonial-era law that threatens justice for rape victims
(ap/lm) In light of a petition from women’s rights groups, Bangladesh has decided to amend a colonial-era law that allows defense lawyers and judges to denigrate the moral character of rape victims in court, according to Law Minister Anisul Huq. [Benar News]
The decision comes about a month after the acquittal of all five men accused in an alleged gang-rape of two women in the capital, Dhaka, in 2017. At the time, the judge appeared to blame the victims for taking a month to report the crime, and, extraordinarily, recommended that the police refuse any rape case that comes in over 72 hours after the incident. In response, Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain suspended the judge.
The description of the victims during the trial had renewed calls for Bangladesh’s parliament to repeal section 155(4) of the Evidence Act 1872, which states that, “When a man is prosecuted for rape or an attempt to ravish, it may be shown that the prosecutrix was of generally immoral character.” Rights activists argue that the section questions the integrity of rape victims who have previously had sexual relations.
The ruling came more than a year after activists held protests across the country calling for the government to address an alarming rise in sexual violence against women and girls. In January 2020, the High Court ordered the Law Ministry to form a commission within 30 days to address the troubling rise of sexual violence in the country [see AiR No. 3, January/2020, 3]. Almost two years later, it is unclear whether the commission even exists and is functioning.
Bangladesh: 20 students sentenced to death for 2019 lynching
(ap) Twenty university students and members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the youth wing of Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League (AL) party, on December 8 were sentenced to death for the murder in 2019 of a young man who had criticized the government on social media. Five other students were sentenced to life imprisonment. [Deutsche Welle] [The Straits Times]
The BCL has earned notoriety in recent years after some of its members were accused of killing, violence and extortion. In 2018, its members allegedly used violence in response to a major anti-government student protests. Also in 2018, during the national elections, BCL and AL activists were accused of invading polling places and rigging them in favor of the ruling party. [Voice of America]
Bangladesh: Nine sentenced to death, 22 life term imprisonment for killing BCL leader
(ap) A court in Bangladesh has sentenced nine people to death and another twenty-two to live imprisonment for the murder of a leader of the youth wing of the ruling Awami League party, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), in 2013. [Dhaka Tribune]
The assailants were supporters of a city councilor backed by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Hence, the murder was premeditated and allegedly motivated by a desire to establish drug trafficking in the area.
Bangladesh: BCL leader expelled for humiliating, attacking activist
(ap) The Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League party, has expelled one of its leaders for humiliating and attacking a BCL activist. After an interpersonal conflict, the BCL leader attacked the activist and forced him to slap himself in the face with shoes in front of his dying father in a hospital. [New Age]
Bangladesh: World Bank reaffirms support for sustainable growth, COVID-19 recovery
(ap) The World Bank Vice President for South Asia has visited Bangladesh and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to helping Bangladesh maintain its sustainable growth trajectory and COVID-19 recovery. The official met with representatives from government, the private sector and civil society, as the Bank prepares its new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Bangladesh, which will guide its support to the country from 2023-2027.
He noted that Bangladesh will need to build strong public institutions, create a positive business climate, develop its private sector and skilled labor force, and focus on climate resilience.
Bangladesh: Authorities demolish 1,000 Rohingya shops in refugee camps
(ap) Authorities in Bangladesh have bulldozed about 1,000 shops belonging to Rohingya refugees in camps in the district of Cox's Bazar where more than one million members of the largely Muslim minority group have taken shelter.
Officials stated that they were demolishing “illegal” shops in all camps to build shelters for the refugees. However, an international rights group researcher alleged that the move was aimed at pressuring the Rohingya to agree to relocate to Bhashan Char, a remote, flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal. [Voice of America]
Since December of last year, 20,000 refugees have been relocated to Bhasan Char. The Bangladeshi government plans to move 100,000 refugees to take pressure off Cox’s Bazar. Rights groups continue to oppose the project, questioning whether the resettlement has been voluntary [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5].
Bangladesh: Human Rights Watch calls for independent probe into forced disappearances
(ap) International rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a statement has called on authorities in Bangladesh to mark the International Human Rights Day on December 10 by welcoming an independent international investigation into the whereabouts of the victims who were forcibly disappeared and who remain missing. [Human Rights Watch]
HRW said it has documented 86 cases of victims in Bangladesh who remain missing after being forcibly disappeared since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took office in 2009. According to a 2019 report by Paris-based the International Federation for Human Rights, at least 507 people are believed to have been forcibly disappeared in Bangladesh between 2009 and 2018, 62 of whom were found dead, 286 were returned alive, and 159 are still missing.
State agencies have denied involvement in the disappearances, though victims’ families claim that victims were picked up by people in plainclothes claiming to be members of state agencies. In some cases, authorities have pressured families to withdraw missing persons cases. As the editorial staff at the Daily Star opine, the state’s inaction in resolving this issue implies complicity. [The Daily Star]
India: Farmers end yearlong protests as central government accepts most of demands
(sr/lm) Indian farmers, who had initially refused to stop protesting after Parliament repealed three contentious farm laws, said on December 9 that they were ending their action after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government accepted most of their other demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum benchmark rates (MSP) for their produce. [Bloomberg, $] [The New York Times, $] [The Indian Express]
In a rare retreat last month, Prime Minister Modi announced and pushed through Parliament the repeal of three contentious laws that had been passed in September 2020 in an effort to overhaul the country’s struggling agricultural sector. But despite the repeal of the laws, farmers continued to push ahead with their key demands that included raising the minimum price of their produce, withdrawing legal action against some farmers, and paying compensation to the families of hundreds of farmers who have died during the yearlong protests. [AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]
According to a proposal by India’s Home Ministry, the central government will set up a panel of growers and government officials to find ways of ensuring MSP for all farm produce. At present, the government buys mainly rice and wheat at such guaranteed prices, benefiting only 6 percent of India’s farmers. However, the letter did not mention the dismissal of the Minister of State in Ministry of Home affairs, Ajay Mishra Teni. [Al Jazeera] [The Hindu]
The farmers unions plan to mee again on January 15th to monitor and discuss whether the government has abided by its promises. Additionally, some farmers plan to protest against the Prime Minister Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh state elections. [The Hindu]
India: Legislative Assembly in Sikkim state passes bill to create two more districts
(sr) Two new districts will be created in Sikkim, India’s least populous and second smallest among the Indian states, while the four existing districts will be renamed. On December 8, the Assembly of the Himalayan state unanimously passed the Sikkim (Reorganisation of Districts) Bill, 2021 through voice vote after a short discussion. [NDTV] [North Eastern Chronicle]
India: Supreme Court stays proceedings against journalists booked by Tripura police
(sr) India’s Supreme Court has quashed criminal proceedings against two female journalists booked by the police of northeastern Tripura state for allegedly spreading anti-Muslim violence in the state through their social media posts and reports [see AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]. [Business Standard] [Hindustan Times]
Proceedings against an associate editor and a media house were also stayed by the judges. The bench also issued notice to the Tripura state government and police with a direction to file a response within four weeks. [Deccan Herald]
Last month, the top court granted similar relief to three persons – two lawyers and a journalist – who approached the Supreme Court for relief after they were charged under India’s anti-terrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, for releasing a fact-finding report on the alleged destruction of a mosque and other properties in the state [see AiR No. 46, November/2021, 3]. [The New Indian Express]
India: Lawyer activist bailed free after three-year detention on anti-terror law
(sr) A court in India has granted bail to prominent rights activist and lawyer Sudha Bharadwaj, more than three years after she, along with more than a dozen others, was arrested on accusation of conspiring to set off caste violence in a village in the western state of Maharashtra and claims she had links to Maoist militants. [Al Jazeera]
A week after the Bombay High Court granted “default bail” to Bharadwaj, a special court for India's top anti-terrorism investigation agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), on December 8 laid out over a dozen conditions for her release, including banning Bharadwaj from talking to the press about the case. The court also directed her to stay in Mumbai and immediately inform it about her place of residence and contact numbers. [The Straits Times]
The previous day, the Supreme Court had dismissed the NIA’s appeal challenging the default bail, noting that it had found no reason to interfere with the December 1 High Court order which granted Bharadwaj bail on the ground that her detention had been extended by a court that had no power to do so. [The Hindu] [The Indian Express]
On January 1 each year, members of India’s marginalised Dalit community gather at the village of Bhima-Koregaon to mark a battle in 1818 in which the Dalits sided with the colonial British army to defeat Hindu upper-caste Peshwa rulers. The commemorations in 2018, however, were marred by violence after a rally led by the Dalits was allegedly attacked by Hindus belonging to the privileged castes, who typically resent the celebration of the 200-year-old battle. At least one person was killed and many others wounded in the violence, leading to protests across Maharashtra and other parts of India.
The NIA accused 16 activists, including Bharadwaj, of delivering inflammatory speeches during the Bhima-Koregaon event and charged them under India’s anti-terrorism law, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. They were also accused of having links with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) and plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
In July this year, a 84-year-old rights activist and Jesuit priest who had also been arrested in the Bhima-Koregaon case passed away on the day his interim bail plea was scheduled to be heard in a court. [AiR No. 27, July/2021, 1]
India: Massive protests in Manipur state after Indian Army’s botched ambush
(lm) Massive protests were held in the Indian northeastern state of Manipur to demonstrate against the botched security operation that left 14 civilians dead in neighboring Nagaland state earlier this month. [NDTV]
An elite military commando unit shot dead six laborers returning to their homes in the remote northeastern state on December 4, believing they were targeting insurgents. Another eight people were killed by the troops when they were confronted by a furious crowd, with a soldier also killed and a military vehicle set alight. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
This was the deadliest spell of violence in years in India’s northeast, which has long been roiled by multiple separatist insurgencies. Violence in the region has eased in recent years following heavy military operations and peace agreements, but clashes have resumed this year in some northeastern states.
The situation remains tense: Locals in Oting village – home to 12 of the 14 civilians killed in the incident – lambasted the attack as deliberate and have banned military personnel from entering their village.
Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament, that the troops fired because the truck carrying the villagers tried to speed away when asked to stop, has angered protesters even more. Nagaland politicians – including the state leader of Prime Minister Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party – have also disputed New Delhi’s version of events. [BBC]
Protesters are also demanding an apology from the government for the killings, as well as the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a federal law that gives the army sweeping powers, including protection from prosecution for soldiers who mistakenly kill civilians. Naga organizations in Manipur state have submitted a joint memorandum to Prime Minister Modi in which they called the repeal a “pre-condition” to a future Indo-Naga settlement. [The Indian Express]
The Naga Hoho, the apex tribal body of Naga indigenous people, has warned that the current protests will intensify until their demands are met.
India: Chief of Defense Staff, 12 others killed in air force helicopter crash
(rs) India’s Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, died alongside 12 other people on December 8 when an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed in southern India, the IAF confirmed, with only one survivor. [CNN]
Rawat was appointed India's first tri-service CDS in December 2019. Prior to this, he served three years as India’s 26th Chief of Army Staff, shaping high-level military policy within the government for many years after serving as an Army commander specialized in counterinsurgency operations. [BBC] [India Today]
The IAF described the tragedy as an “unfortunate accident” and ordered an investigation into the accident, which happened in foggy weather. [Independent] [The Indian Express]
The incident comes as a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which is forced to move swiftly to announce a succession plan at a time when India is locked in a protracted border standoff with China in the Himalayan heights of eastern Ladakh. [South China Morning Post]
Rawat, in his role as CDS, wore several hats, including Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in the Defence Ministry, permanent Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the Principal Advisor to the Defence Minister. He was also chairing an eight-member panel charged with fine-tuning the theaterisation process, which seeks to put the entire military under a new operating structure comprising of four unified commands – instead of the current 17 single-service commands – by 2024 [see AiR No. 39, September/2021, 4]. [The Hindu]
If General M.M. Naravane – the current Chief of the Army Staff and most senior military officer in the country – is appointed as new CDS, then Army Vice Chief Lieutenant General CP Mohanty and Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi would come in the line of succession of next Army Chief. [Economic Times] [Hindustan Times]
The Navy and Air Force have just seen a change at the top with Admiral R. Hari Kumar taking over as Chief of Naval Staff on November 30 [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1] and V.R. Chaudhari taking over as the Air Chief Marshal on September 30 [see AiR No. 41, October/2021, 2].
India: DRDO progresses missile programs in line with push for self-reliance
(rs) India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a series of tests with weapon system, reflectingNew Delhi’s push to enhance self-reliance and to bolster the country’s strike capability in light of growing concern about China's assertiveness.
To start, the DRDO on December 7 successfully flight-tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) for the second consecutive time since February this year. Launched from a canister, the missile, which is yet to get a formal name, is being developed by for naval warships and can engage targets at around 15 kilometers. [The Defense Post]
A day after the test firing of the VL-SRSAM, India flight tested the air version of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from a fighter aircraft, paving the way for its serial production. The missile, which is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, is equipped with inertial navigation and global positioning system that can help it engage effectively with ground targets from altitude as low as 10 meters. [The New Indian Express]
The DRDO tested two more indigenous weapon systems on December 13: the Helicopter-launched Stand-off Anti-Tank (SANT) missile and the Pinaka Mk2 extended-range rocket. The SANT missile provides point and area defense against various aerial targets like jets, fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles. [Livemint] [Indian Express]
On December 13 then, India’s research and development agency successfully test-fired a long-range Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo (SMART), which will help India enhance its anti-submarine warfare capability, according to the DRDO. [Livemint]
DRDO had last month successfully tested the high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT), ABHYAS. This vehicle is also designed and developed by DRDO and can be used as an aerial target for evaluating various missile systems. [Economic Times]
India: China poses significant and long-term challenge for country’s strategic goals, Air Force chief says
(rs) China poses a more significant and long-term challenge to India in achieving its strategic goals, Indian Air Force chief Vivek Ram Chaudhuri said on December 8, adding that Beijing alongside with Pakistan had significantly enhanced its combat aircraft fleet and forward airbases close to the Indian border.
In light of these challenges, the IAF needs to rapidly modernize, expand its fleet and improve indigenous manufacturing capability, according to Chaudhari. [Hindustan Times] [The Indian Express]
Nepal: Ruling Nepali Congress party delates to vote again to elect party president
(ns/lm) The polls for the election of the president of Nepal’s ruling Congress (NC) political party during the party’s ongoing general convention entered the second round on December 14 after Prime Minister and incumbent President Sher Bahadur Deuba failed to secure over 50 percent of total votes.
The NC has traditionally been a party with factions, and Deuba is leading the establishment side. Another group is led by senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel whom Deuba had defeated in the last general convention held in 2016. But during a last-minute meeting of the party’s non-establishment faction directed by Poudel on December 10 – the first day of the convention – no unanimous decision was reached on the issue regarding a presidential nominee. [Khabarhub] [The Kathmandu Post 1]
In light of this, competition for the party leadership turned out a four-way contest, while ten other candidates were running for the general secretary's post, with over 4,500 NC delegates casting their votes. Voters will now choose between Deuba and Shekhar Koirala, who secured 2,258 and 1,702 votes, respectively, according to the party’s Central Election Committee. [The New Indian Express]
The convention’s inauguration on December 10 was attended by the top political leaders of all major political parties in Nepal, as well as Harsh Vardhan, senior leader of India’s ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
The NC is holding its convention on the heels of a similar gathering by Nepal’s main opposition party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), which re-elected former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli as party chair, asserting that it would return to power through the next general elections. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
Nepal: New political party, Nepal Good Governance Party, formed
(ns) The former Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police, Ramesh Kharel, has formed a new political party. While announcing the founding of his “Nepal Good Governance Party” at a press conference on December 10, Kharel said the party’s agenda would center around restoring “good governance”. He has also emphasized the nationalist nature the party will hold, portraying the public service as its primary interest. [Khabarhub]
Pakistan: Taliban declare end to ceasefire with government; claim deadly attack on polio vaccination team
(lm) Taliban militants in Pakistan have unilaterally declared an end to a month-long ceasefire arranged with the aid of the Afghan Taliban, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government of breaching terms made in the initial stages of peace talks, including a prisoner release agreement and the formation of negotiating committees. [South China Morning Post]
The Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), comprises about two dozen banned militant groups and has been waging deadly terrorist attacks against security forces as well as civilians in Pakistan for many years to overthrow the government in Islamabad and rule with its own brand of Islamic sharia law.
The government on November 9 announced that a one-month ceasefire was agreed with the TTP, while negotiations got underway to end years of bloodshed [see AiR No. 45, November/2021, 2]. The announcement came a month after Prime Minister Khan first announced that talks between the two sides were ongoing, following the Afghan Taliban’s overthrow of the western-backed government in mid-August.
It was reported that the TTP made three demands during the exploratory talks, including permission to open a political office in a third country, and restoration of the traditional semiautonomous status of the region that once served as strongholds for local and foreign militants. TTP has also called for implementing an Islamic system in Pakistan in accordance with the group's own interpretation of Islamic law.
The government, however, has long rejected these demands as unacceptable, ruling out any discussion on the constitution, the status of the troops or the border districts. Still, Islamabad earlier this month released more than 1000 members of the banned Taliban group from prison, as a “goodwill gesture” to reciprocate the ceasefire [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5].
In a statement released on December 9, however, the TTP said the government had not released more than 100 prisoners as promised and had not appointed negotiating teams to conduct talks. It also said security forces had carried out raids and arrests against TTP fighters while the ceasefire was in force. [Al Jazeera]
On December 11 then, the Islamist militant group claimed responsibility for an attack on a team offering polio vaccinations to children in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Gunmen riding a motorcycle shot at two police officers who were guarding the medical team, killing one and wounding the other. [Deutsche Welle]
Pakistan: Navy test-fires surface-to-air missiles; holds steel cutting ceremony for Hangor-class submarine
(az/lm) The air defense units of Pakistan’s Navy on December 8 successfully test-fired surface-to-air missiles in the North Arabian Sea. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Mohammed Amjad Khan Niazi, was also present as a chief guest, and briefed on the Navy’s operational readiness. [Hilal Publications]
Separately, the Navy held the steel cutting ceremony of its fifth Hangor-class guided-missile attack submarine – the first to be built indigenously in Pakistan – at Karachi Shipyard on December 9. The construction of the Type 039B submarine is part of a $3 billion deal under which eight diesel-electric attack boats will be delivered to the Pakistan Navy by 2028. Out of the eight submarines, four will be built in Karachi. [Defence Aviation Post] [Navy Recognition]
Meanwhile, the Navy has also called for the 4th Maritime Security Workshop at the Pakistan Naval War College, which will encourage an integrated approach in developing the maritime sector, and creating awareness regarding the potential of Pakistan’s blue economy. This workshop is being held annually since 2017. [Pakistan Navy]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Brunei: Religious ministers meeting launches plan for education and Muslim youth
(sd) Members of the Brunei Religious Ministers meeting agreed to launch a strategic five-year plan at a virtual event on December 9.
The 19th Informal Annual Meeting of the Religious Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MABIMS) announced the Strategic Plan Book Year 2021-2025, which is expected to have an impact on areas including education, Muslim youth and Dakwah, which is the invitation to Islam faith. [Borneo Bulletin]
Indonesia moves closer to ratifying sexual violence bill
(gl) The legislative body of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) agreed upon the approval of a bill on sexual violence (RUU TPKS) as a legislature’s initiative on December 8.
This decision by the DPR will enable the bill to proceed further towards adoption and ratification, a process that the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) is attempting to speed up through the creation of a cross-institutional task force. The task force will include the KSP, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Attorney General's Office, and the National Police.
If ratified the bill would increase the effectiveness of sexual harassment victims’ protection, as well as the detainment of sexual violence perpetrators. Pressure for the ratification of RUU TPKS is mounting, especially after the suicide of Novia Widyasari. The victim, who was allegedly raped twice and forced to conduct an abortion by her boyfriend, stirred a nationwide state of emergency over gender-related violence. [AntaraNews] [Tempo] [This Week in Asia]
Indonesia: Member of terrorist group sentenced to life in prison
(bs) A member of an Islamic terrorist group involved in creating a bomb that killed 22 people in a terrorist attack in 2005 was sentenced to life in prison.
The man was arrested last year after a search that lasted 15 years for allegedly leading a series of bomb attacks in Indonesia in the 2000s as a member of an extremist group that primarily targeted churches, hotels, and nightclubs.
Also, the police have arrested other 23 members of the group, which was affiliated with the terrorist group Al Qaeda. The most recent arrest involved four members suspected to be planning multiple terrorist attacks during Christmas and New Year festivities 2021. [The New York Times] [The Straits Times]
Indonesia to address corruption through prevention
(gl) Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo stressed the importance of prevention efforts as anti-corruption measures to reduce cases of arrest on December 9.
As a pioneer of this renewed focus on mitigation, the government keeps pushing for the effective implementation of the Law on the Confiscation of Criminal Assets, which would prevent corruption cases by restoring state finances through asset recovery and increased non-tax state revenues. [Tempo 1] [The Jakarta Post 1]
These developments are occurring at a time when the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) released data showing that more than 429 regional heads, including mayors and governors, have been involved in corruption cases since their rise to power in 2005. [Kompas]
On December 6 Indonesian prosecutors, for the first time in the country’s history, recommended a death sentence for a businessman involved in a major corruption case who was already sentenced to life in jail for misleading a state-led military insurer to poor investments for his personal profit.
The man was earlier found guilty in a separate corruption case. Prosecutors argued that since he is a repeat offender the court is entitled to sentence him to death according to Article 2 of the amended 1999 anti-corruption law, which stipulates that the death penalty can apply to convictions for corruption “if the crime is committed when the country is under an emergency situation due to natural disaster or economic crisis, and/or it is a repeat crime.” [The Jakarta Globe]
Indonesian court rule in favor of indigenous rights
(bs/gl) An Indonesian administrative court in the West Papua Province ruled in favor of revoking permits that allow palm oil companies to convert indigenous lands into plantations on December 7.
The ruling came after the adoption of a controversial job creation law, which allows companies that have been operating illegally for less than three years to apply retroactively for permits to legalize their operations.
The court ruling is considered an achievement of the country in indigenous rights and environmental preservation, especially given that Indonesia is one of the world’s major palm oil exporters, according to a campaigner for the environmental organization Greenpeace Indonesia. [Al Jazeera]
Indonesia: Afghan refugees sewed their lips shut in protest
(bs) Four Afghan refugees sewed their lips to protest the inactivity of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in moving forward with their resettlement status.
Over 13,000 refugees, Afghan, Somali, and Burmese nationals, are currently in Indonesia waiting to be resettled after escaping prosecutions by their governments, some of them for over a decade. Each adult refugee receives US$87 from the International Organization for Migration monthly. However, the amount has proven insufficient to purchase food and basic living necessities causing 13 Afghan immigrants to commit suicide.
Indonesia is not a signatory party of the Refugee Convention, meaning that while the refugees are not allowed to permanently resettle in the country, they can reside on the national territory until they are resettled to a third country. [South China Morning Post]
Malaysia elevates status of Sabah and Sarawak states
(bs) Malaysia has passed unanimously four constitutional amendments to elevate the status of the two Malaysian regions Sabah and Sarawak four days before the election date in Sarawak.
The amendments aimed partially at restoring the status of the two states to prior to 1976 by recognizing Sabah and Sarawak as "Borneo states."
1976 was the year when a constitutional amendment "downgraded" the areas as one of the thirteen states in Malaysia.
Also, in 2019 an identical proposal was brought before the government, but it was passed as a constitutional amendment only on December 14, together with other two amendments to the constitution. [The Straits Times]
Laos urged to respect human rights
(bs) Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for Australia to help press Laos for better protection of human rights on December 9, specifically enforced disappearance.
HRW submitted a recommendation to Australia in view of the 7th Australia-Laos human rights dialogue which recommends it should focus on the poor performance of Laos in tackling the investigations of the enforced disappearance of over ten people, both Lao and Thai nationals.
The human rights organization also requested to press Laos to respect international obligations under human rights law, especially considering the country’s “denial or silence” when called for accountability.
Laos signed but has yet to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. [Human Rights Watch]
Laos: Experts raise concerns over construction of a new dam
(bs) Academics and environmental experts shared concerns regarding the alleged calamitous consequences of the construction of a new dam 25 kilometers from Luang Prabang, a world heritage-protected town.
A Mekong River ecosystem specialist warned the Lao government of the risk of destruction of the ecosystem and floods in the World Heritage Site following the construction of the dam. The specialist also said that the already-operating dams have proven to be “endangering for the natural landscape” by causing an increase in flooding and riverbank erosion.
The consequences of hydropower dams on the environment were detrimental on multiple occasions; in 2018 a dam collapsed in the south of Laos, counting 71 casualties and leaving over 14,000 people homeless. In 2019, in the North of the country, the World Bank funded a riverbank restoration project to repair severe erosion on riverbanks in the World Heritage area.
Moreover, the intergovernmental Mekong River Commission reported that the building of further dams would cause a drastic decline in the Mekong’s fisheries, which in turn would negatively affect local communities and indigenous peoples who rely on fish for their “sustenance and livelihoods.”
The authorities seem to be determined to begin the construction, despite the high number of objections. Some villagers have already been displaced to prepare for construction. Laos currently has 78 operating dams and has signed agreements for the construction of another 246. These projects triggered the international community and the media to name Laos “the battery of Asia.” [Mongabay]
Malaysia: Youths excluded from Sarawak elections file lawsuit against Election Commission
(sd) One 18-year-old and two 19-year-olds filed a lawsuit against the Election Commission (EC) in the State of Sarawak in an attempt to establish their voting rights before the election on December 18.
The application for a judicial review was filed against the Registrar of Electors for Sarawak and the Election Commission. It aims to let people aged 18, 19 and 20 exercise their right to vote in the upcoming 12th state election.
The application will be heard by the High Court on December 13, and the applicants hope a decision will be made before December 18.
The amendment to the constitution, to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18, is due to come into effect on December 15, but will not be implemented until next year. The automatic registration of voters is also due to come into effect on December 15. [Malay Mail] [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
Malaysia: Corruption conviction for former Prime Minister upheld
(sd) A Malaysian court upheld the conviction of ex-Prime Minister (PM) Najib Razak on charges of corruption on December 8.
The former PM was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2020, alongside a $50 million fine imposed by a High Court on charges of criminal breach of trust, abuse of power and money laundering.
The corruption conviction was concerning the state-owned fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MBD). The scandal involved approximately $10 million being transferred from the sovereign wealth fund into Najib’s private accounts between 2009 and 2015.
Sovereign wealth funds are government-owned and used to improve a country’s economic development. Najib was found guilty of diverting the funds from a subsidy of 1MDB called SRC International. [BBC]
The Court of Appeal Judge, and a panel consisting of three members, agreed unanimously with the high court on the conviction and sentencing.
Najib denies any knowledge of the funds being transferred to his personal accounts and said he plans to appeal the decision at Malaysia’s highest court, the Federal Court.
Despite a total of 42 criminal charges and five trials, Najib is still politically active in the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), the current ruling party of Malaysia that the former PM was the leader of during his term in office. [AlJazeera] [Reuters]
Malaysia: Former Dyson manufacturer charged with labor law violations
(sd) Malaysian manufacturer ATA IMS has been charged with four violations of labor law concerning its accommodation for workers, Malaysian authorities announced on December 11.
Following British company Dyson cutting ties with the company in November, due to an audit of its labor practices and claims made by a whistleblower, ATA was charged with violations of the minimum standards for worker accommodation. [Channel News Asia] [AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5] [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
ATA confirmed in early December that there had been instances of unlawful overtime and employees working on Sundays, but said all overtime was voluntary and was paid at a higher rate.
The manufacturer said it had taken measures to ensure this would not happen again and had implemented a policy of no overtime on Sundays, which led to the resignation of almost 300 workers at the beginning of December. [Channel News Asia, 2]
Malaysia: Ministry warned about recruiting migrant workers
(sd) Former Malaysian human resources minister told the ministry to be mindful of forced labor, wage suppression and former workers in detention when taking on new foreign workers on December 11.
The former minister M Kula Segaran, now a Member of Parliament (MP), said the rights of foreign workers must be protected under the International Labour Organization (ILO). Kula also stated many of the workers are not aware of their own rights, and that they must be educated so they can speak out if mistreatment occurs.
The current minister for human resources announced on December 10 that the government would be recruiting workers from Bangladesh into all economic sectors. Kula said this would eventually “defeat the country’s aim of becoming a high-income nation.”
Kula said Malaysia should stop depending on foreign labor and was skeptical of the government’s choice to only recruit workers from Bangladesh while disregarding other countries like Thailand, India, Nepal and the Philippines. [Free Malaysia Today]
No evidence of planned Sulu militia attack, says Malaysia’s Armed Forces Chief
(sd) There is no evidence that the Sulu militia is planning on attacking the Malaysian state of Sabah, according to the chief of Malaysia’s Armed Forces.
South China Morning Post reported on December 9 that a meeting took place between several mayors in the Philippines province of Sulu, during which they discussed recruiting 600 fighters and the creation of a “Royal Sulu Army” to invade Sabah.
The Post quoted a regional security source who had alleged the mayors had decided on February 2022 as the best time to invade, to commemorate the Lahad Datu stand-off which occurred in 2013. [BBC]
The Inspector-General of the Police said on December 9 that there was no confirmation of the report, and the Royal Malaysia Police took the matter seriously and would increase “preparedness at the highest level” in Sabah. [Channel News Asia]
Myanmar: Nationwide silent strike to protest military rule
(nm) On International Human Rights Day, 10 December, opponents to the military rule held one of their biggest nationally coordinated protests successfully. People were called to shut their businesses and stay at home from 10 am to 4 pm.
In response, Myanmar authorities announced that shops that opted to protest would have action taken against them with an acceptable reason. The co-founder and spokesperson of the Alliance of Student Unions Yangon said the strike was a success as it united the psychological warfare people were waging against the military dictatorship. [ABC News]
Meta bans companies linked to Myanmar military
(nm) Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, announced on 8 December it would ban all companies and businesses that are linked or controlled by the Myanmar military on its platforms. This was announced only hours after a $150 billion class-action lawsuit was filed against the company on behalf of the Rohingya refugees.
Facebook’s Director of Policy Rafael Frankel said the new ban was a direct outcome of the extensive documentation of Myanmar's armed forces, known as Tatmadaw, role in funding ongoing violence and human rights abuses. Meta will be using a 2019 United Nations (UN) Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar report which was conducted by the UN Human Rights Council.
To date, the company has already removed more than 100 accounts, pages and groups with linkages to Tatmadaw and military-controlled businesses. [Myanmar NOW] [Channel News Asia]
Myanmar: Junta leader accused of crimes against humanity
(nm) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has accused Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing of committing crimes against humanity by heading, as army chief, a deadly campaign to discourage protesters and activists that oppose the coup.
On Friday 10 December, the Myanmar Accountability Project (MAP) urged the Hague tribunal to open an investigation looking into the systemic use of torture and violence against protesters. The MAP Director, said that the military leader is criminally responsible for the mass atrocity crimes committed by his security forces following his commands. He is optimistic that there are grounds for issuing an arrest warrant against Min Aung Hlaing. [Aljazeera]
Myanmar: Military junta blocks humanitarian aid
(bs) Human Rights Watch urged the international community to press the Myanmar’s junta to allow aid in the country for the millions of citizens who are displaced.
The national military junta has increasingly blocked the entrance of humanitarian support in the country, not only by obstructing roads but also by attacking aid and humanitarian workers and destroying supplies.
According to the United Nations, the number of people urgently needing humanitarian aid will grow from 1 to 14.4 million by 2022, including over 5 million children. [Human Rights Watch]
Myanmar soldiers accused of killing 11 people
(nm) Charred remains have been found in a village in northwest Myanmar, where fighting between the Myanmar security forces and a militia, formed to oppose the military rule, has been constant. Myanmar soldiers have been accused of killing 11 people in the village by shooting them and setting their bodies on fire, confirmed by local residents and the media. tThe residents also said that some villagers were burned alive.
A volunteer aid worker, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that the soldiers were “brutally killing” any persons they could find in the area. [Channel News Asia]
Myanmar citizen pleads guilty in plot to attack United Nation ambassador
(nm) On Friday 10 December, Ye Hein Zaw pleaded guilty to a plot to attack or kill Myanmar’s pro-democracy United Nations (UN) ambassador, United States (US) officials reported.
According to prosecutors, Zaw admitted that he had planned the attack to be carried out on American soil, conspiring with two others, to force the UN ambassador to resign or, if refused, to kill him.
The UN ambassador had previously refused orders from the junta to quit. It remains unclear whether Zaw has any connections to the military junta. [The Star]
Myanmar resistance groups attack junta soldiers
(nm) Resistance fighters belonging to the Myaing People’s Defence Force (PDF), an armed group formed by the National Unity Government with Myanmar youth and pro-democracy activists, attacked two military vehicles with handmade explosives, injuring at least three junta soldiers on 9 December. Both PDF and the junta soldiers exchanged attacks throughout the day in Min Thar Kya, a village located in Myanmar’s west.
In response to the initial attack, the junta soldiers were seen taking out their anger on the local village by ransacking homes and destroying the village, as confirmed by a local resident. The soldiers arrested six locals, two of which have been released. [Myanmar NOW]
Around 80 junta soldiers were reportedly killed by civilian resistance forces in Myanmar regions Magwe, Sagaing, Mandalay and Yangon along with Myanmar state Chin and Kayah on 9 December.
Two civilian resistance groups from the Sagaing region ambushed a military convoy, using mines, which claimed more than 30 junta soldiers dead, according to the Kani PDF. Whilst the Mingin PDF attacked 11 ships, including military gunboats, however, the number of military casualties remains unknown.
Currently, across the country, junta soldiers are facing attacks led by the PDF and other civilian armed groups, in response to the regime’s atrocities. [Irrawaddy]
The Philippines: Supreme Court declares parts of Anti-Terror Act unconstitutional
(lt) Two sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 – also referred to as Republic Act 11479 – were declared unconstitutional by the Philippine Supreme Court on December 10.
The judicial body ruled that Section 4 of the Act was too broad and was a potential violation of one’s right to freedom of expression. Section 25 of the Anti-Terrorism Act was also found to be unconstitutional due to its allowance of the Anti-Terrorism Council to adopt other jurisdictions.
Section 4 of the Act provides broad guidelines defining terrorism, whilst Section 25 provides the Anti-Terrorism authority to designate persons or groups as terrorists at their discretion.
The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 has been the subject of controversy for legal critics, many of whom are concerned authorities may abuse the law to prevent criticism of the federal government. The statute famously garnered national outrage in 2020, due to proposed provisions that allowed the detainment of suspects for 24 days without the suspension of habeas corpus. [Manila Times]
Philippines’ president withdraws from senate race
(bs) President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte withdrew his candidacy for the senate race in 2022.
According to the constitution, Duterte will not be allowed to seek re-election as president after the six-year term conclusion. That was allegedly the reason behind his original decision to maintain his presence in national politics by running the senate race. However, the president announced his withdrawal on December 14, saying that he aims to focus on the government’s response to the pandemic. [South China Morning Post]
The Philippines: Executive order signed, providing Filipinos access to affordable medicine
(lt) President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 155 in an attempt to provide Filipinos access to affordable medicine in December. The statute regulates the price of drugs throughout the Philippines by establishing benchmark retail and wholesale prices for pharmaceutical goods. This was done to combat rising morbidity rates in the Philippines in line with the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, which ensures all Filipinos are provided with quality and accessible healthcare.
The signing of Executive Order 155 is significant, particularly in the context of COVID-19, during which many Philippine nationals have struggled to access medicine due to its high cost. However, under the new statute, designated pharmaceutical goods are required to be priced without exceeding the maximum retail price as specified in the Act. This allows citizens equitable access to affordable medicine, allowing them to access healthcare rights on a national level. [Manila Times]
The Philippines: Journalist shot dead in Samar
(lt) Jesus “Jess” Malabanan, former stringer at the British news organization Reuters, was shot dead in Samar province on Wednesday 8 December. This follows months after journalist Orlando “Dondon” Dinoy was shot dead in his home in October 2021.
Malabanan was renowned for his coverage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs during his time as a stringer with Reuters, for which he won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018. Reuters also assisted the journalist, hiding him and his wife in Samar for several months, due to the contentious nature of his work. According to Malabanan’s wife, the victim was threatened prior to his death.
The rights of journalists are significantly limited under the Duterte administration. Journalists who are openly critical of policies such as the war on drugs – which Malabanan famously investigated – have faced oppression under the Philippine government.
This inability to exercise freedom of speech is evidenced in President Duterte’s continued silencing of Maria Ressa, co-founder of the news website Rappler. Ressa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her work as a journalist, was previously denied the right to represent the Philippines at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo. She faced a court case regarding this issue in early December 2021, ultimately being granted the right to do so by the Court of Appeals. [Benar News] [Inquirer.net] [Rappler]
The Philippines: Islamic insurgents and government forces clash in Sulu
(lt) Members of the Islamic insurgency group Abu Sayyaf and government forces have clashed in Sulu, a province located in the south of the Philippines. The encounter resulted in the deaths of two insurgents and one soldier. All three were killed amidst gunfire.
Abu Sayyaf is one of the many Islamic separatist groups which operate in the south of the Philippines. It promotes a separatist agenda, advocating for an independent state for Muslims located in western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. [Channel News Asia] [Manila Times]
Singapore releases PhD students detained for acting as a Chinese spy
Singapore has released a Singaporean man after one year in jail for acting as a paid agent for China.
The Internal Security Department (ISD) released the academic after concluding the investigations on his activities, which were defined “clandestine” and did not attack any national security-related information. [South China Morning Post]
Thailand: Constitutional Court called to rule on financial aid scheme
(bs) A group representing migrant workers and stateless people, with the support of the Human Rights and Development Foundation (HRDF), has petitioned the Constitutional Court to rule on the alleged discriminatory nature of the Thai nationality requirement in the financial aid scheme under section 33 of the Social Security Act (SSA).
An HRDF lawyer indicated that the exclusion of migrant workers and stateless people from the legislative provision consists in a violation of sections 4 and 27 of the Constitution. The lawyer confides in a ruling based on the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), an international treaty that Thailand has ratified.
The human rights group’s petition came after the opinion received from the Office of the Ombudsman, according to which the requirement of Thai nationality did not constitute discrimination and consequently did not violate the Constitution. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Five members of the parliament lose their status
(as) The Thai Constitutional Court ruled that five co-leaders of a now-defunct mass protest movement, the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), have lost their status as members of parliament (MP).
According to the court’s ruling, the MPs will lose their parliamentary status retroactively, from April 7, when the Criminal Court ordered their incarceration due to their involvement in the 2013-2014 anti-government protests.
Although the co-leaders are still waiting for their appeal, the court identified the legal basis for its decision in Section 98 (6) of the Constitution, which does not mention any rights that allow the group to maintain the status of MPs while awaiting the final appeal ruling. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Anti-Corruption Commission rejects petition to further investigate 1994 drug offense case
(bs/kc) The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) rejected a petition appealing for further investigation on the ethical conduct of the former Deputy Minister of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry Thamanat Prompow of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party, over his conviction in Australia for importing drugs in the country in 1994.
The NACC secretary-general indicated that the rejection finds its rationale in the Thai Constitution, according to which a jail sentence would affect the offender in Thailand only if it is handed down by a Thai court. Furthermore, because the drug offense happened before the politician took office and before the ethical standards were introduced in 2018, Thailand will not have any legal basis to investigate the case, and will not consider it as a serious ethical violation under the NACC authority. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Former constitutional judge opposes to reduction of jail sentence in corruption cases
(bs) A former judge of the Constitutional Court expressed his opinion against the reduction of jail terms in corruption cases, claiming that the effects of corruption on the society are more damaging than narcotics.
The dispute arose following the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand’s statement against the reduction of jail sentences for people involved in major graft verdicts. The statement was triggered by the royal pardon to some of the inmates on the occasion of the King of Thailand’s birthday.
The former judge suggested a petition to the Office of the Ombudsman requesting an opinion on a constitutional violation of amnesty decisions in corruption cases. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Government holds dialogue over arrest of Anti Industrial Estate protesters
(bs) The debated Chana Industrial Estate project will not be halted despite the protests, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said during a dialogue with opponents of the project.
On December 6, the authorities arrested 37 people for violating the Covid Emergency Decree by protesting against the project requesting a suspension of the construction until the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Also, the locals, who will be expropriated of their lands, requested that the project meets suitable environmental standards.
The plan for Chana Industrial Estate includes the transformation of 16,800 rai of land into an energy industry complex, gas power plants and deep-water seaport. The rally is expected to continue until the government ensures a SEA. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] [Bangkok Post 3]
Thailand: Construction tycoon jailed for wildlife poaching
(kc) The Thai Supreme Court sentenced the president of Thailand’s largest construction company to three years and two months without parole for hunting and poaching protected animals on December 8.
The Italian Thai Development Plc. (ITD)’s tycoon was arrested at the UNESCO World Heritage Site in February 2018 and later convicted in 2019 over offenses including poaching in a Thai wildlife sanctuary, hunting protected species, and possessing an unauthorized firearm.
The case quickly became of great public interest after some Thai pro-democracy activists used the black leopard, one of the animals poached by the man, to symbolize Thai culture of impunity for rich and powerful people. [Reuters]
The ITD has been working on both public and private megaprojects in Southeast Asia for over 50 years. The ITD board of directors appointed the president’s youngest son to replace his father a week before the court hearing. [Manager Online, in Thai]
Thailand: Female lawyer request for amendment of gender dress code
(as) The Human Rights Lawyer Association (HRLA) submitted a petition to the president of the Thai Bar Association for a change in the female dress code in courts on December 8.
The petition came after the association received several complaints from female lawyers, who claimed to have often been admonished by judges “for not dressing properly” in court if they took part in trials wearing trousers.
In a response to an open letter previously submitted to the Office of the President of the Supreme Court, the HRLA’s request for a change was rejected, and it was indicated that the current regulation shall remain unchanged. [Thai PBS, in Thai]
The HRLA also declared its commitment to ensuring gender equality in the dress code in courts. The HRLA will file an action to the Central Administrative Court in case it does not receive a response from the Thai Bar Association. [Thai PBS]
Thailand: Cambodian refugees fear deportation
(bs) Cambodian political refugees fear arrest and deportation by the Thai authorities after witnessing the deportation of four people to Cambodia despite them being registered with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR). One other Cambodian refugee has now received protection in Switzerland after being released on bail by the Thai police. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1] [Radio Free Asia]
Over 60 Cambodian nationals, former members of a now-dissolved pro-freedom and human rights political party, are currently in Thailand as political refugees since Cambodia released warrants of arrest for all party members. [AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]
Most Cambodian political refugees enter Thailand illegally to avoid being arrested by Cambodian authorities at official checkpoints and they immediately register with the UNCHR. Although Thailand is not a signatory party of the United Nations’ Refugee Convention, the country remains bound to the international law of non-refoulement, according to which refugees or asylum seekers cannot be forced to return to a country where they are at risk of prosecution for exercising their political rights.
After silence from the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry and the national police, Human Rights Watch expressed concerns over Thailand’s “blatant disregard” for bounding international principles in the protection of political refugees. [Voice of America News]
Vietnam called to ensure gender equality and child protection
(bs) Women and children from ethnic groups are among the most vulnerable people in Vietnam, according to Viet Nam Sustainable Development Goals Indicators on Children and Women Survey 2020-2021.
The survey, conducted in collaboration between the Vietnam General Statistic Office and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Vietnam, measured 169 indicators and included the experience of over 14,000 households to provide a comprehensive overview of the life of women and children in the country, including child nutrition, health, hygiene, education, child disability, inclusiveness, violence against children, equality, access internet, and information. [UNICEF]
The UNICEF representative in Vietnam reported recurrent forms of violence against children in the households, in addition to lack of clean water in remote areas and limited access to the internet, and lack of IT education. [Vietnam Plus]
In parallel to the UNICEF survey release, Vietnam held an international workshop on women, peace, and security (WPS) to discuss effective measures to ensure gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s active participation in all sectors. All the participants encouraged Vietnam to implement a comprehensive WPS approach of protection, participation, relief, and recovery, by acknowledging the key role of women in “the prevention and resolution of conflict and peacebuilding. [Hanoi Times]
Vietnam urged to free human rights and land rights activists
(bs) Human Right Watch has urged Vietnam to immediately release two land rights activists and a human rights advocate and journalist by dropping all the charges against them.
The activists were arrested for disseminating anti-state content in violation of Article 117 of the Penal Code. Also, the authorities detained the two land rights activists and the family members of one of them for joining protests against land confiscation and environmental protection. [Human Rights Watch 1]
Moreover, Human Rights Watch called for the immediate release of the journalist and writing award winner Pham Doan Trang, who has been held in detention since October 2020 for disseminating anti-government propaganda and participating in peaceful protests against national policies. [Human Rights Watch 2] [see also AiR No. 43, October/2021, 4]
Longest jail term for a Vietnamese rhino trafficker
(bs) Vietnam sentenced a rhino horn trader to 14 years in jail, the longest ever term in prison in the country for crimes related to illegal wildlife trade, according to a local conservation non-governmental organization (NGO) on December 8.
The NGO reported that the country listed 317 rhino horn-related crimes and sentenced 24 people from 2017 to 2021.
Vietnamese authorities began the investigations in 2019 when they discovered 55 pieces of rhino horns illegally imported from the United Arab Emirates. [The Straits Times]
Despite the government’s efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam, the country remains one of the main players in the illegal trade of rhino horns. Vietnam has introduced new preventative legislation in the 2018 Penal Code and increased authoritative control over illegal trade of wildlife to 40 percent compared to 2018. [AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]
Vietnam to ensure cybersecurity and information technology development
(bs) Vietnam committed to ensuring national sovereignty in cyberspace and effective response to cyber threats after reporting that a high number of technology service companies in the country were controlled by foreigners on December 8.
The special Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, and former Deputy Minister of Public Security, urged the government to take full control of national cyberspace through the implementation of policies and laws, and also said that “national sovereignty in cyberspace is a supreme, absolute and complete right.”
Vietnam set the prevention of information technology (IT) crimes as a priority after learning from the International Criminal Police Organization of the high danger of cybercrimes, ranking second after terrorism.
With that view, the Vietnamese Minister of Public Security urged the country to enhance IT cooperation with foreign countries and universities to improve national IT systems and cybersecurity by applying modern technologies. [Việt Nam News]
On the same day, the Vietnam Institute of Science, Technology, and Innovation (VISTI) met with representatives of the Australian RMIT University to discuss bilateral collaboration in the industry’s technological development. The parties agreed to partner in promoting digital transformation and IT education in Higher Education institutes. They also committed to implementing effective measures to advance Industry 4.0 in Vietnam. [Hanoi Times]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Global arms industry flourishing despite COVID-19, latest SIPRI report finds
(rs/lm) Sales of military equipment by the world’s top 100 arms manufacturers increased by 1.3 percent year on year, proving immune to massive economic slumps brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to figures released in the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPR). [Deutsche Welle]
The sales of the top 100 arms manufacturers totaled $531 billion in 2020, more than the economic output of Belgium. The United States topped the ranking as its companies accounted for 54 percent of the combined arms sales. China was second at 13 percent, followed by the United Kingdom at 7.1 percent. Meanwhile, Russian arms sales, dropped for the third year in a row, accounting for 5 percent in 2020. [SIPRI]
Notably, three Indian companies have made it to the list: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). India’s combined share of arms sales globally in 2020 was 1.2 percent — on a par with South Korea. [The Indian Express] [The New Straits Times]
US imposes sanctions against Chinese officials amid fresh genocide accusations in Xinjiang
(dql) On Friday, December 10, the International Human Rights Day, the Biden administration imposed fresh sanctions on Chinese individuals accused of leading or overseeing an agency that committed “gross human rights violations” in Xinjiang. Among them are Shohrat Zakir, chairman of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China from 2018 to 2021, and Erken Tuniyaz, acting chairman of the region.
It also added SenseTime Group, China’s largest artificial intelligence company, to an investment blacklist prohibiting US investors from holding stocks in the firm. The firm is accused of having developed facial recognition programs capable of determining the ethnicity of a person, with a particular focus said to have been put of the identification of ethnic Uyghurs. [The Hill] [CNBC]
The measures came as US President Biden was hosting the Democracy Summit (see report below).
China’s foreign ministry was hit back, calling the sanctions “perverse actions,” and announced to “strike back.” [Aljazeera]
The Uyghur Tribunal, a UK-based tribunal that investigates China’s alleged genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghur, Kazakh and other Turkic Muslim populations, meanwhile, released on December 9, a judgment saying that China committed genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and accusing senior leaders in party and state, including President Xi Jinping, of “primary responsibility” for the crimes committed in the regions. [Uyghur Tribunal] [ABC News].
China hails own concepts of human rights and democracy ahead of Democracy Summit
(pm) Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted in a congratulatory letter to the South-South Human Rights Forum, held on December 8, the diversity of human rights practises, insisting that “all countries should and can independently choose a path of human rights development suited to their national conditions.” Addressing developing countries, he reassured that Beijing was ready to work with them “to carry forward the common values of humanity, practice true multilateralism and contribute wisdom and strength to the sound development of the international human rights cause.” The Forum, launched by China in 2017 and held biennally, was attended by some 400 participants, including senior officials, experts, scholars and diplomatic envoys from over 100 countries and international organizations. [Global Times] [Xinhua 1] [CGTN]
It was held just ahead of the virtually held Democracy Summit hosted by US President Joe Biden on December 9 and 10 which gathered more than 100 heads of state while China was excluded. Biden warned that democracy is at an “inflection point” and is confronted with “sustained and alarming challenges to democracy, universal human rights,” posed by autocrats who “seek to advance their own power, export and expand their influence around the world, and justify their repressive policies and practices as a more efficient way to address today’s challenges.” [White House, USA]
In an earlier development, China’s State Council, the country’s central government, released a lengthy position paper titled “China: Democracy That Works,” in which it insisted that there was “no fixed model of democracy; it manifests itself in many forms,” while adding that the China’s democracy under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party “contributed a new model to the international political spectrum.” [Xinhua 2] [The New York Times] [NPR]
G7 foreign ministers voice concerns about China
(pm) During the latest G7 meeting held in Liverpool on Sunday, December 12, the foreign and development ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States as well as representatives of the European Union discussed issues with regards to China, including the situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, as well as in the East and South China Seas and the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They, furthermore, shared their concerns Beijing’s coercive economic policies. [South China Morning Post]
China-EU tensions flare up over Lithuania
(pm) China’s customs authority rejected the request of the European Union (EU) to discuss allegations of trade blocs of China on Lithuanian firms, which the EU vowed to investigate. The authority cited preoccupation with the Covid-19 pandemic as reason for the rejection.
In response, Brussels announced to raise the issue with other levels of the Chinese government and also threatened with a lawsuit at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the event claims made by Lithuanian businesses were verified. [South China Morning Post]
China has cut ties with the Baltic state as an answer towards Lithuania’s diplomacy with Taiwan and the opening of a representative office embassy in Vilnius bearing the name ‘Taiwan’ [see AiR No. 45, November/2021, 2]. [Independent]
New German foreign minister outspoken on tougher European China policy
(pm/dql) Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory note to Olaf Scholz, the new German chancellor whose cabinet was sworn in on December 10. Xi reassured in the message that China was ready to “consolidate and deepen political mutual trust,” between the two countries and to “expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and push China-Germany relations to a new level.” [Government of the People’s Republic of China, in Chinese]
Germany’s new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the party Alliance 90/The Greens is widely expected to pursue a tougher stance towards Beijing in the country’s China foreign policy, in particular regarding human rights and values. In a recent interview she acknowledged “dialogue as a core component of international politics” but also called for a “valued-based foreign policy.” In a thinly veiled criticism of Germany’s realpolitik under Angela Merkel’s chancellorship over the past 16 years, she suggested a common European China policy that -among others – bans imports in the European Union of products that come from regions like Xinjiang “where forced labour is common practice,” adding that “this will only work if all 27 member states pull together and Germany as largest member state does not formulate its own China policy as in the past.” [taz, in German] [The Diplomat] [Lowy Institute] [DW]
In an immediate response, China’s embassy in Berlin warned against “some people” who “increasingly stress differences in Sino-European and Sino-German relations,” adding what was needed were “builders of bridges and not builders of walls.” [Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Berlin, in Chinese]
China-Belgium relations: Heads of government discuss free trade agreement
(pm) During a video call with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reassured China’s commitment to foster “sustained and healthy development of China-Belgium relations,” and its interest in developing cooperation especially in biomedicine, microelectronics and modern agriculture.
De Croo, for his part, confirmed Brussels’s wish to deepen economic and trade cooperation, reassuring that Belgium will strengthen efforts to promote EU-China relations. [Xinhua]
China-Iceland relations: officials meeting on enhancing bilateral relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iceland President Gudni Johannesson celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both States. Officials discussed different issues and improving bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and a win-win outcome [Xinhua].
China, Sierra Leone to boost bilateral cooperation
(pm/dql) Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, met on December 6 in Freetown to discuss bilateral relations and to agree on deepening cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, fishery, education and infrastructure as well as pandemic fight. [Xinhua]
The meeting came shortly after the eighth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ministerial meeting on November 29-30 in Dakar during which the Chinese President announced that China will provide African countries with $40 billion in investment, credit lines, trade finance as well as special drawing rights over the next three years. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
For a thorough analysis of China’s pledges made at the FOCAC, see Sun Yun in [Brookings] who highlights a shift in Beijing’s financial commitment in Africa from an “infrastructure-centric and Chinese loan-heavy approach” to trade promotion.
China: Joint WTO agreement on investment facilitation
(pm) On Friday, 10 December, China and more than 100 other members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including the EU, Russia and Japan, signed a joint statement aimed at completing the negotiations on the text pertaining investment facilitation by the end of 2022, and push for a final multilateral agreement.
The statement refers to the G20 Guiding Principles for Global Investment Policymaking, adopted at G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016. To translate the summit’s outcomes, discussions on investment facilitation were launched the year later, with formal negotiations starting in 2020. [Xinhua].
It comes twenty years after China acceded the WTO on 11 December 2001. For a discussion of China’s accession to the WTO as “event of epic geopolitical and economic importance,” see Faisal Islam in [BBC] who argues that the West’s strategy to transform China politically through integrating it into the global economy has failed in the face of a “strengthening of a state-centric economic model fuelled by massive subsidisation to designated industries,” and the “re-emergence of China as a great power.”
Japan accepts US hosting request
(ec) Japan has accepted a request made by the United States to increase the budget for hosting US troops for the next five years. Mindful of the strain COVID19 has put on its finances, Tokyo has requested that the US accept a reduction in utility costs, on the basis that they do not directly contribute to regional deterrence. Japan has also been looking to persuade the US put much of its financial support towards joint facilities and exercises. [Japan Today]
Japan’s support for the current fiscal year from March is estimated at 201.7 billion yen, or 1.79 billion US dollars, whilst the likely annual hosting budget from the 2022 fiscal year onwards is likely to exceed 210 billion yen, or $1.9 billion US dollars. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Tokyo faces pressure over potential diplomatic boycott Beijing
(la) Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his administration face rising pressure from both within Japan and abroad to join the United States, Australia, Britain, and Canada in declaring a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Leading members of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have increasingly expressed their support of the boycott. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe argued that Japan ought to send out a message about the human rights situation in China during his faction’s meeting on Thursday, one day after LDP policy leader Sanae Takaichi endorsed the boycott. Moreover, a group of LDP lawmakers, submitted a report in which they demand the government to join the boycott.
Opposition lawmakers are also jumping on board, as Junya Ogawa, policy leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, emphasized the need for severe measures, and Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the major opposition Democratic Party for the People expressed his support for a diplomatic boycott.
Until now, Kishida has taken a tougher stance towards China than observers expected. Since the start of his term in October, Kishida has called Beijing out about its stance on the Taiwan Strait, created a new human rights advisory post to monitor human rights developments, and made resources available for economic security measures. Despite this, Kishida declared he plans to await the response of other countries before making a final decision, waiting for an appropriate time in light of Japan’s national interest. [The Japan Times 1] [The Japan Times 2]
Japan urged to recognized Myanmar’s parallel government
(la) The National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG), Myanmar’s pro-democratic parallel government, urged Japan to recognize it instead of the military government as the legitimate governing body during a meeting with a cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers on Thursday, December 9. The NUG also announced its plans to establish a representative office in Japan as an alternative to the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo. The NUG has already opened offices in multiple countries including South Korea, Britain and the United States.
On the Japanese side, the head of the lawmaker’s group Masaharu Nakagawa, vowed utmost efforts to improve the situation in Myanmar, without making any promises about the chances of Japan recognizing the NUG.
The meeting between the two groups followed a letter of the NUG addressed to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, requesting Japan to recognize its legitimacy, while referring to the immense hardships the civilians of Myanmar go through as a result of cruel acts committed by the military government. [The Japan Times]
Japan: Kishida unveils plan for nuclear consensus
(ec) During a virtual meeting for addressing nuclear disarmament on Thursday, December 9, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled a plan to bolster the chances of success for the upcoming UN Conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in January by dispatching Japanese special adviser on nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation Minoru Terada to form a consensus amongst relevant countries ahead of time. Japan has intensified its nuclear disarmament efforts considering North Korea’s resumption of its nuclear program and ballistic missile tests, and Russian and Chinese hypersonic missile developments. [Reuters] [See AiR No. 44, November/2021, 1]
A UN review conference to examine the ongoing effectiveness of the Treaty is traditionally held every five years, with the conference scheduled for 2020 being pushed back due to the COVID19 pandemic. Kishida was Japan’s Foreign Minister during the 2015 Conference, which failed to produce a closing document owing to disagreements between nuclear states. Whilst Japan considers the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be an important step in nuclear disarmament, it has not signed onto the Treaty, citing the absence of the nuclear-weapon states as signatories to be evidence that the Treaty is insufficient in and of itself. [Kyodo News]
South Korean President, Australian PM hold summit talks on defense, supply chains
(aml) South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison held summit talks on Monday, December 13, in Canberra. Moon is the first South Korean President in 12 years to have visited Australia and his visit marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries to which occasion the bilateral relations are upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Moon and Morrison discussed supply chains for critical minerals as Australia is rich in resources and energy, including iron ore, coal, and liquified natural gas. In their joint statement they vowed to rebuild the supply chains that were disrupted due to the pandemic and to boost South Korea’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle and secondary battery industries. Additionally, both agreed on expanding cooperation in defense, digital transformation, and the fight of the pandemic to foster regional stability, peace, and prosperity. [The Korea Herald 1]
On the topic of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula as well as Moon’s plan to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, Morrison expressed his support. [The Korea Times]
Moreover, they agreed on reviving a bilateral agreement on enhancing defense industrial cooperation that had expired in 2011. Due to a “changed environment”, both countries considered a new agreement which includes a reshuffle of organizations in charge of defense industry cooperation to be necessary. Furthermore, they agreed to a regular meeting of the Joint Defense Industry and Material Committee and to enhance cooperation at the government level when it comes to supporting exports of military equipment.
The same day, the Australian Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and Hanwha Defense finalized a contract worth 1 billion Australian dollars. Hanwha Defense will supply 30 K-9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and 15 K-10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles, and this is the first major defense acquisition by Australia from an Asian country. [The Korea Herald 2]
Prime Minister Morrison emphasized that the contract is of great significance for the two countries’ partnership that is underpinned by their “joint commitment to defense and security cooperation”.
South Korea pledges leading role in supporting UN PKO missions
(aml) On the occasion of the 2021 Seoul UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, South Korea presented its “Seoul Initiative on Technology and Medical Capacity Building in Peacekeeping” to take a leading role in UN Peacekeeping Operations (POC) and to “support the advancement towards an agile, data driven and technology-enabled peacekeeping”.
Defense minister Suh Wook explained that South Korea’s plans for a stronger commitment include providing helicopters, promoting a “smart camp model” which is supposed to enable “safer, more efficient and eco-friendly” UN units, as well as contributing to medical training and capacity building. He also emphasized Seoul’s efforts to support female contribution in peacekeeping.
In a video message, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged the participating countries to redouble their support to innovation areas that aim at improving safety, communication, and health care of the missions by providing financing, training, and technology.
The forum was established in 2015 and covers the issues of sustaining peace; partnerships, training, and capability building; performance and accountability; and protection of civilians, and safety and security. [The Korea Times]
South Korea, Hungary discuss relations in phone talks
(aml) On Wednesday, December 8, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto held phone talks to discuss ways to improve cooperation and exchanges between the two countries.
After South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Hungarian President Janos Ader met in Budapest last month and upgraded their diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership, the ministers now discussed who to improve cooperation in several areas such as science and technology and education. They particularly talked about the electric vehicle battery sector and Szijjarto expressed his appreciation for the rising investments from South Korean companies. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea not considering Beijing Olympics boycott
(aml) South Korean president Moon Jae-in has stated that South Korea isn’t considering joining the US diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics. He issued the statement at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday, December 13. Australia and the UK have joined the boycott last week and questions arose whether Moon’s state visit was connected to a possible participance in the boycott. However, Moon said that the visit to Australia had nothing to do with the matter. He furthermore emphasized that “South Korea regards the alliance with the US as the cornerstone of diplomacy and security, but economically, relations with China are also very important” and that “China’s constructive efforts” are crucial for the peace efforts on the Korean peninsula. [The Korea Herald]
Taiwan: Nicaragua switches allegiance to China
(zh) Nicaragua has announced to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and switch allegiance to China. “The People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory,” the country’s foreign minister Denis Moncada Colindres declared in a statement. Nicaragua’s decision leaves Taiwan with only 14 countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep regrets over the Nicaraguan government’s move and accused Beijing of forcing Nicaragua to switch sides. Similarly, the US Department of State expressed condemnation for terminating the relations, warning that it “deprives Nicaragua’s people of a steadfast partner in its democratic and economic growth.” [U.S. Department of State] [CNN][Focus Taiwan 1][Focus Taiwan 2]
Meanwhile, Beijing called the decision “the right choice,” adding that ts is in line with the global trend: “The One-China principle is a consensus widely accepted by the international community and allows no challenge.” [Global Times]
Amid increasingly strained cross-strait tension, the island has lost eight diplomatic allies since the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came into office in 2016, incuding Burkina Faso, Panama, Sao Tome and Principe, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Solomon Islands, Kiribati and now Nicaragua.
US to “take every action” to prevent China’s invasion in Taiwan
(zh) Amid heightened cross-strait tensions, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a press briefing that Washington would “take every action” to ensure that reunification from Beijing by force would not happen. Echoing this reassurance of US support for Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner said in his Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, that boosting Taiwan’s defense is an “urgent task”, adding Beijing’s military activities around the island were “intentionally provocative”. [Reuters][Taiwan News]
Meanwhile, US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Greg Meeks said he wanted to, and probably would, lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to Taiwan next month, hoping to strengthen Washington’s commitment to the island. If visit, it would be the third lawmaker trip to the island in recent month. In November, two congressional delegations had arrived in Taiwan and met with President Tsai Ing-wen [see AiR No. 46, November/2021, 3] [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]. [The Hill]
In a related development, the US House of Representatives passed next year’s US$768 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes recommendations for inviting Taiwan to the 2022 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) and strengthening cooperation between the US National Guard and Taiwan. The bi-annual US-led RIMPAC exercise is the world’s largest maritime war game that helps cultivate and manage the relationship between the US and its allies. [Focus Taiwan]
Video cut after controversial Taiwan map appears at US democracy summit
(zh) A video feed by Taiwan’s Digital Minister Audrey Tang at the US Summit for Democracy was cut after a map showing Taiwan and China in different colors, leaving only the audio in the presentation. The State Department said the slide caused “confusion” and called the cancellation “an honest mistake”, citing “technical issues”.
The controversial map, interpreted as against Washington’s one-China policy, appeared when Tang was concluding her address in a panel themed “countering digital authoritarianism”. After the cut-off, a disclaimer appeared “any opinions expressed by individuals on this panel are those of the individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States government”. [Focus Taiwan][Reuters]
Taiwan is the only invitee to the Summit that is not officially recognized by Washington as a sovereign state. Hosted by US President Joe Biden, the Summit addresses three key topics: defending against authoritarianism, addressing and fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights.
Taiwan, US to cooperate in chip supply chains
(zh) US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her Taiwanese counterpart Wang Mei-hua have discussed chip supply chains during a call. The two sides would cooperate on technology trade and semiconductor supply chains through a new mechanism, the Technology Trade and Investment Collaboration (TTIC). Taiwan also expressed hope to help Taiwanese firms engage in the US “Build Back Better Word (B3W)” plan. [Reuters]
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has expressed the island’s interest in joining the US-led Indo-Pacific economic framework that will be launched next year. According to the US Department of Commerce, the proposed framework, which would involve areas like digital economy, supply chain resiliency, infrastructure, export control and clean energy, are still in preliminary phases. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan lashes out at China’s reunification determination
(zh) Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has blamed China for posing threats to cross-strait peace, pledging that the island would never accept Beijing’s “deceptive and insolent” approach. Criticizing China’s “erroneous and rigid” cross-strait strategy has “trapped itself in a vicious cycle of contradictions”, MAC said Beijing’s recent actions toward Taiwan had caused opposition from both ruling and opposition parties. [Taipei Times]
MAC’s statement comes after the remarks by Wang Yang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, at the 13th Straits Forum, saying China has “full confidence” in reunifying Taiwan, Wang reiterated Beijing’s determination to combat “Taiwan independence” forces. “We, of course, have the ability to make Taiwan compatriots enjoy a better life,” said Wang. [China Dailly]
Speaking at the Strait Forum, the chairman of Taiwan’s opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) Eric Chu vowed to continue the party’s effort to pursue peaceful cross-strait ties and conduct two-way exchanges. He also proposed the two sides to cooperate on climate change and strive for economic recovery after the pandemic. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan says full Chinese invasion is difficult
(zh) A full Chinese invasion with troops landed and ports and airports seized would be very difficult, said Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, citing China’s limited transport capacity. According to the latest assessment, China has to rely on “non-standard” roll-on, roll-off ships that need port facilities and transport aircraft that need airports if to invade Taiwan, but the island’s port and airports “will not be easy to be occupied”. The analysis also points out that it would be difficult for China to concentrate all efforts on fighting Taiwan since US and Japanese bases are close to the island, and China would have to reserve forces in case of foreign military intervention. [Aljazeera]
Meanwhile, Taiwan has decided to revamp its reservist training next year. In the new training model, reservists can be required to train every year rather than every other year. They would receive training of various equipment, including 35 rounds with a pistol, 45 with a carbine and 69 with a machine gun, and launch 34 shells with a mortar, up from 15, 21, 33 and 17 respectively. [Taipei Times]
The island’s army has recently conducted counter-assault and anti-sabotage drills to bolster emergency response and combat readiness capabilities, including reconnaissance and patrol training. M1100A2 self-propelled howitzers were involved in the exercise. [Taiwan News]
Slovakia, Taiwan sign agreement to deepen ties
(zh) A delegation from the Slovak Republic has made a trip to Taiwan on December 5 for talks on deepening ties between the two sides. The visit by the delegation, which consisted of 25 business representatives and 18 senior officials, including Deputy Economy Ministry Karol Galek, marked the highest-level visit by the Central European country since it opened a representative office on the island in 2003.
Calling Taiwan “one of the most important investors” for the country, Lucia Kišš, director general for Economic and Development Cooperation at Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Slovakia is “determined and committed to working with Taiwan”.
The visit culminated in the signing of nine memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and an agreement titled “Protocol of the 1st Session of The Taiwanese-Slovak Commission on Economic Cooperation” to facilitate two-way exchange in various areas including science park, space, and smart city. The two countries also agree to hold the 2nd Session of the Taiwanese-Slovak Commission on Economic Cooperation in Slovakia next year. [AP][Focus Taiwan 1]
Earlier this month, ten Baltic lawmakers had visited the island for the 2021 Open Parliament Forum [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]. In November, Taiwan also separately sent Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and an investment delegation to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania [see AiR No. 44, November/2021, 1].
The visit by Slovakia comes amid warming relations between Taiwan and European countries. The German Bundestag has passed a resolution urging the government to reassess its Taiwan policy and deepen ties with Taipei. While the proposal rules out the possibility of establishing formal relations with Taiwan due to its one-China policy, it supports closer exchange between two sides and says deepening cooperation is in the interests of Germany and Europe. [Focus Taiwan 2]
Pakistan skips United States Summit for Democracy, criticizes Washington’s ‘Cold-War approach’
(az/tj/lm) In a surprise move, Pakistan last week gave US President Joe Biden’s virtual Summit for Democracy a miss, after remaining ambivalent for days about joining the event, with media reports indicating that the decision followed intense pressure from Islamabad’s all-weather strategic ally China. Pakistan is the venue for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the signature undertaking of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. [Asia Times]
Countries in South Asia were already inclined to view the summit cynically, and despite its focus on democratic values, the invite list reflected Washington’s realpolitik. For besides, Pakistan, three countries from the region – India, Maldives, Nepal – had been invited to the summit. But in Freedom House’s 2021 democracy rankings, Pakistan and the Maldives were among the lowest rated in the region, and India’s position was downgraded to “partially free.” Bhutan and Sri Lanka, which are not exemplary democracies but rank higher on the Freedom House index, were not invited. [Freedom House]
Pakistani media reports have claimed Islamabad was uncomfortable participating in a summit that excluded China and included Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province of the mainland. China reportedly contacted Pakistani authorities in the two weeks before the summit to lobby them against participating. Days after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had a late-night telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Pakistan on December 8 officially decided to skip the summit. [U.S. News & World Report]
In a speech on December 9 then, Prime Minister Khan referred to the summit overture “Cold-War approach”, claiming that Pakistan did not want to be a part of any political “bloc” but instead wanted to bridge gaps between Washington and Beijing. However, the prime minister’s assertions did not allay fears that Pakistan effectively lent support to the Chinese bloc by choosing not to attend the US confab. [Atlantic Council] [Brookings]
Not least because China’s ally Pakistan decided not to attend, there is a good case to believe that Nepal and Maldives may keep a low profile and distance themselves from the summit’s recommendations. Most governments in South Asia – especially India – resent Washington’s criticism of their democracies, particularly as the US grapples with its own democratic backsliding. [Foreign Policy, $]
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, received special treatment at the summit. On December 10, he spoke about Indian democracy at a plenary session with only 12 participants; the following day he gave an official speech in which he called on the international community to jointly shape global norms for technology such as “social media and cryptocurrencies” so that they are used to empower democracy, “not undermine it”. [The Indian Express]
Meeting to boost support for United Nations Peacekeeping concludes with 62 countries making new pledges
(ap/lm) A meeting to boost support for United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping ended on December 8 with 62 countries making new pledges, and advancing existing commitments, to help enhance the performance and impact of these operations worldwide, responding to the UN’s identified needs. [UN News]
Some 75 countries, and two international organizations, took part in the two-day UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, held virtually from South Korea. The gathering marked the first time for an Asian country to host the high-level forum, which was launched in 2016 as a follow-up to the 2015 UN peacekeeping summit. The previous ministerial sessions took place in the United Kingdom in 2016, Canada in 2017 and at the UN headquarters in New York in 2019.
36 nations made commitments of new military and police capabilities, with some available for rapid deployment. Host South Korea pledged to donate 16 helicopters to partner countries for use at UN missions. Seoul also announced the Seoul Initiative on Technology and Medical Capacity Building in Peacekeeping, to help UN Peacekeeping become more agile, data-driven and technology-enabled, and to enhance medical capacity.
Some 45 countries committed to provide training opportunities, or announced capacity-building partnerships with other nations deploying troops and police to the field. Countries also affirmed their commitment to enhancing the role of women in peacekeeping, and to improving the UN’s environmental footprint.
Bangladesh summons United States envoy over sanctions of its security chiefs, elite police unit
(ap/lm) Bangladesh on December 11 summoned the United States envoy in Dhaka over sanctions imposed on top security officials, including the country’s national police chief, who Washington accused of human rights abuses. [Arab News]
The US imposed sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police that is accused of involvement in hundreds of disappearances and nearly 600 extrajudicial killings since 2018.
In October 2020, 10 US senators published a bipartisan letter calling for sanctions against top RAB officials for extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and torture. This August then, the Guernica 37 Chambers law offices made a formal submission to the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recommending sanctions for 15 current and former senior RAB officers for alleged involvement in human rights abuses and corrupt practices under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020.
Seven current or former officials of the RAB were also sanctioned. They include Benazir Ahmed, previously the RAB chief and currently the national head of Bangladesh’s police force, who has been rendered ineligible for entry to the US. [Al Jazeera]
Pakistan, European Union hold Political, Strategic dialogues
(az/tj/lm) Pakistan and the European Union (EU) on December 7 held the sixth round of their joint Strategic Dialogue to discuss the full range of issues pertaining to their bilateral relationship as well as a number of foreign policy issues, including regional security and stability. [EEAS]
Co-chaired by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the meeting came less than a week after both sides held the seventh iteration of their Political Dialogue on December 3.
During their meeting last week, both sides reviewed their ongoing cooperation based on the Strategic Engagement Plan, which was signed in 2019 to a forum for regular military-to-military talks on security issues, while promoting democracy, the rule of law and human rights. In this regard, Pakistan and the EU agreed to hold the first meeting of their new Security Dialogue with sub-groups on non-proliferation and disarmament, and counterterrorism next year.
Further, Brussel welcomed the progress made by Islamabad to implement the 27-point action plan assigned to it by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental organization that monitors global money laundering and terrorist financing. Since the FATF in June decided to retain Pakistan on its list of “Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring” – often externally referred to as the “grey list” – Islamabad has continued to work to address its strategically important deficiencies related to combating money laundering and terror financing [see AiR No. 26, June/2021, 5].
The EU also expressed appreciation for Pakistan adopting a bill that seeks to safeguard the rights of journalist and media professionals, including the rights of security, privacy, non-disclosure of sources and independence when performing professional duties last month. Brussel said it also hoped that the anti-torture bill and other human rights related legislations that are before Pakistan’s parliament would be adopted soon.
However, the EU also raised concerns including on the death penalty and the misuse of the blasphemy law in the wake of the lynching of a Sri Lankan national over allegations of blasphemy [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].
In related developments, the EU will soon decide about extending Pakistan’s membership in its Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) for 2024, once the review of Islamabad’s two-year performance report on exports for the years 2020 and 2021 is completed. The GSP+ program offers Pakistani exporters tariff-free access to the EU market in exchange for their country for ratifying and complying with 27 international conventions related to human rights, labor rights, protection of the environment and good governance.
India’s foreign secretary on official visit to Bangladesh
(ap/rs) India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla completed a two-day official visit to Bangladesh on December 8, during which he met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior government officials. The trip came ahead of a crucial visit to Dhaka by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind this week, when Bangladesh marks the 50-year anniversary of the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Upon his arrival in Dhaka, Shringla called on Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen to review bilateral cooperation between their countries, which India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh last month said was in a “golden phase” [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]. Later that day, Shringla met his counterpart Masud Bin Momen to discuss various issues, including connectivity, green energy, green technology and e-commerce. [Hindustan Times] [The Print]
While meeting with the Indian top official on December 8, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Hasina sought India’s cooperation in promoting hydropower generation in Nepal and Bhutan, stating that both New Delhi and Dhaka could benefit from the project. [The Economic Times]
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a state visit to Bangladesh in March to join the celebrations of the golden jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh. It also coincided with the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founder and father of Prime Minister Hasina, and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh. During his visit, Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Hasina to visit New Delhi in 2022 in commemoration of the golden jubilee of establishment of diplomatic ties. [AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4].
India invites all five Central Asian leaders as chief guests to upcoming Republic Day celebrations
(lm) In its latest efforts to facilitate a strategic tilt eastward, India has invited the leaders of all five Central Asian countries as chief guests for the upcoming Republic Day on January 26, with details expected to be finalized during a ministerial level meeting this weekend.
The foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be visiting New Delhi later this week to attend the third edition of the India-Central Asia foreign minister’s dialogue.
The upcoming session assumes added significance, coming as it does after India on November 10 hosted senior security officials from Russia, Iran and five Central Asian countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover of the country in talks that were boycotted by Pakistan and China. [AiR No. 46, November/2021, 3]
It also follows on a recent visit to New Delhi by Russian President Vladimir Putin that saw both sides signing a flurry of trade and arms deals, including a $681 million deal to locally manufacture around 670,000 AK-203 assault rifles through a joint venture in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].
As observers argue, New Delhi’s renewed focus on the region can be largely attributed to the changing geopolitics of the region, most notably the Afghan Taliban’s overthrow of the western-backed government in mid-August, and the formation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. [Observer Research Foundation]
United States sanctions on Iran have not affected Chabahar port project, India says
(rs) India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Parliament on December 10 that sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran have not affected Chabahar Port, a seaport located in southeastern Iran that is being increasingly seen as a fulcrum of connectivity to Afghanistan and central Asia.
Touted as New Delhi’s answer to the Chinese-operated port of Gwadar in Pakistan, Chabahar Port is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan to boost trade ties among the three countries. Located on Iran’s energy-rich southern coast, it is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean, and thus can be easily accessed from India’s western coast, bypassing Pakistan.
Mindful of the importance of the port for shipping cargo and humanitarian assistance to war-torn Afghanistan, the US exempted the project from its sanctions against Iran in 2018. Last year, India used Chabahar Port to send 75,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan, where droughts led to repeated grain shortages [see AiR No. 46, November/2021, 3].
During a Question Hour last week, a lawmaker from the Bahujan Samajwadi Party sought to know from the government if the US sanctions on Iran had any bearing on India’s project at Chabahar Port and claimed that the Iranian government was “publicly saying that our Chabahar Port project has been miserably delayed” due to the sanctions. Jaishankar said in response that India has committed a total grant assistance of $85 million and a credit facility of $150 million for developing a terminal at the port. [Hindustan Times]
In a supplementary question, the lawmaker asked if the government had signed “any backdoor agreement” to continue using the port to provide help to Central Asian countries and Afghanistan after the Afghan Taliban’s overthrow of the western-backed government in mid-August. Replying to this, Jaishankar said: “All our agreements on the Chabahar port operations are limited to Iran.” [The Indian Express]
United Nations urges full reopening of South Asian schools shut by COVID-19 pandemic
(ap/lm) Countries in South Asia should fully reopen schools to address the interrupted education of more than 400 million children whose classrooms were shut by the coronavirus pandemic, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said in a new report, warning the consequences of lost learning could last decades. [Al Jazeera] [Voice of America]
Schools in Bangladesh were closed for almost 18 months, one of the longest closures in the world, UNICEF said, while schools in other South Asian countries were shut for an average of nearly 32 weeks between March 2020 and August this year. Schools in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Afghanistan remain only partially open, while those in Pakistan and Sri Lanka are fully open.
Citing examples, the report said that one study in India showed that the proportion of grade three children who could read a grade one level text fell from about 42 percent in 2018 to just 24 percent in 2020. The UN children’s agency noted that poor children in remote areas, girls and children with disabilities are disproportionately affected by school closures. Being out of school also led to students experiencing psychosocial distress, poor mental health and increased risk of violence. Girls were at a high risk of early marriage.
The report flagged concerns that failing to address this crisis in education will produce a weakened labor force in the coming decades, pointing out that South Asia is home to more adolescents than any other part of the world.
The UNICEF report also warned that child mortality in South Asia is projected to rise as the pandemic has disrupted health services and left millions of children without access to critical vaccines. The UN urged governments in South Asia to expand investments in health, education and protective services for children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
United States Ambassador urges Bangladesh to revise Digital Security Act
(ap) While speaking at a dialogue on Bangladesh-United States relations, Washington’s ambassador to Dhaka has emphasized the importance of democratic resilience for Bangladesh’s future and raised concerns about the contentious Digital Security Act (DSA). [Dhaka Tribune]
The American envoy encouraged the Bangladeshi government to revise the DSA to conform with its international commitments on human rights, and to ensure it provides checks and balances against arbitrary arrest and restrictions on freedom of expression.
Bangladeshi experts at the dialogue noted the importance of a strategic partnership between the US and Bangladesh, to encourage peace, stability, and growth in the region. They further emphasized the importance of US support in obtaining market access as Bangladesh graduates from a least developed country to a developing country.
The ambassador also discussed US President Biden’s Summit for Democracy, stating that the event is a two-part process and the second one will be an in-person meeting in 2022. While Bangladesh was not invited to the summit [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5], former Bangladeshi diplomat Farooq Sobhan stated that “reliable sources” have said that Bangladesh will be invited to the next summit.
Bangladesh, Pakistan among sponsors of United Nation’s Culture of Peace resolution
(ap) 109 countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, have co-sponsored a UN resolution to support the Culture of Peace. This year the resolution and its associated forum focused on promoting inclusion and resilience in post-COVID-19 recovery, addressing inequalities in income, opportunities, access to ICTs, health coverage, social protection and access to vaccines. [Dhaka Tribune]
Japan donates COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh, seeks to deepen economic ties
Japan will provide nearly 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh. Since July this year, Tokyo has provided about 3.06 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Dhaka through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan]
In related developments, Japan’s ambassador to Bangladesh last week attended a seminar on economic collaboration between the two countries, with discussions covering methods to increase Japanese investment in Bangladesh, including the importance of collaboration between Japanese companies and Bangladeshi policy makers. [The Independent]
The Japanese envoy also spoke at the opening of the Eastern Bank Limited Japan Desk, a one-stop banking service for Japanese companies. He noted that 60 percent of Japanese companies in Bangladesh aim to expand operations within two years. He also noted that a Japanese special economic zone will be opening in Bangladesh next year to help Japanese companies, investment, and manufacturing. [Business Standard]
Malaysia, donates more than half a million COVID-19 vaccines to Bangladesh
(ap) Malaysia has donated 559,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Bangladesh as a gesture of solidarity and support during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Malaysian officials emphasizing their decision to prioritize Dhaka for donating, despite their limited inventory of vaccines. [Dhaka Tribune]
Bangladesh seeks German investment in electric vehicles and locomotives
(ap) Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has urged the new German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Achim Tröster, to facilitate investment in electric vehicles and locomotives in Bangladesh. Further, acknowledging Berlin as one of Dhaka’s largest trading partners, Momen invited the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry to establish an office in Bangladesh. The two countries also discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in IT enabled services. [Business Standard]
Bangladeshi foreign minister affirms democratic commitment at Bali Democracy Forum
(ap) Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to democracy, equality and inclusion at the 14th Bali Democracy Forum to create progressive democratic architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. The top diplomat emphasized Dhaka’s poverty alleviation, improved food security, health, education and women’s empowerment. He called for equitable international access to COVID-19 vaccines through dose donation and patent waivers.
Brunei: Sultan says ties with UK are ‘special’
(sd) Brunei’s Sultan emphasized the close relationship between Brunei and the UK on December 5, following a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson.
The Sultan was visiting London to attend his son, Prince ‘Abdul Mateen’s graduation ceremony from the All-Arms Commando Course (AACC) of the British Royal Marines. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
Brunei’s monarch also congratulated the UK for the conferment of the ASEAN Dialogue Partner status in August, as well as its hosting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). [Borneo Bulletin]
United States bans exporting military weapons to Cambodia
(nm) The US Department of Commerce announced on Wednesday, December 8, that the US has banned the exporting of military weapons to Cambodia due to concerns over a growing China military influence in the country.
The US Secretary of Commerce urged the Cambodian government to address human rights abuses and corruption and to reduce China’s military presence in the country for regional and global security. [Radio Free Asia 1]
In response to this announcement, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, on Friday, December 10, ordered his military to collect and destroy all US-made arms found in Cambodia.
The US is concerned over China’s growing military presence in the country because China is backing the refurbishment of the Reap naval base. In 2019, the Wall Street Journal reported a secret treaty was signed allowing the Chinese Navy to use the base for the next 30 years, to which the Cambodian government denied the report. [Radio Free Asia 2] [Wall Street Journal]
Amidst the US targeting Cambodia’s growing ties with China, foreign sanctions were imposed against senior Cambodian officials, including the military. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen remains unconcerned about such sanctions. Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesman maintained that Cambodia enjoys neutrality and full sovereignty, denying that there is any foreign military presence in Cambodia. [Radio Free Asia 3]
United States envoy urges Cambodia to not make any concessions toward Myanmar
(nm) The United States (US) urged Cambodia to not make any concessions regarding the relationship with Myanmar when the country chairs in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. Additionally, the US urged Cambodia to uphold the ASEAN peace plan.
US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet met with the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn to discuss the US engagement in Southeast Asia and Cambodian’s role as ASEAN chair in 2022.
The remarks made by the US representative was in response to Cambodian Prime Minister’s comment that Myanmar should be invited to ASEAN meetings.
Min Aung Hlaing, leader of the Myanmar military junta, was not invited to the last ASEAN summit held in October by Brunei over cooperation issues with the regional bloc’s peace plan. [Reuters] [Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: AUKUS should not escalate regional tensions
(nm) On 8 December, the Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn held a telephone conversation with the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne discussing the trilateral security agreement involving the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, known as AUKUS.
In a bid to dispel Cambodian concerns, Paine reassured that the agreement under which Australia will be able to acquire nuclear-powered submarines was made in the interests of a peaceful Indo-Pacific region, with no intentions on Canberra’s side to acquire nuclear weapons or pursue nuclear capabilities. [Phnom Penh Post]
China urges Indonesia to end drilling in Natuna Island area
(bs) China impelled Indonesia to stop drilling oil and natural gas in the “Chinese territories” in the South China Sea. Indonesia refused the request claiming that the territories involved are under Indonesia’s sovereignty.
Natuna Islands area has been claimed by both China and Indonesia, especially over the past five years, when the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) saw several territorial violations perpetrated by China. In response, the Indonesian government increased its military presence on the largest of the Natuna Islands.
The South China Sea has been a debated issue among Southeast Asian countries and China for over 30 years. In recent times, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines have also received pressures from China to terminate their energy and oil projects in the area, suggesting China’s alleged intention to claim the South China Sea despite the attempts to agree upon a China-ASEAN Code of Conduct to mitigate tensions in the maritime area. [The Diplomat]
Indonesia, Malaysia agree to a simplified monitoring system for worker migration
(gl) The Indonesian and Malaysian governments have agreed to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding on the Employment and Protection of Indonesian Domestic Workers in Malaysia, to harmonize both countries’ national systems on worker migration.
The two governments aim to implement a “one channel system mechanism” to ensure the respect of Indonesian migrant worker (PMI) rights, and significantly reduce the number of PMI entering Malaysia illegally. The new “one channel system” is expected to integrate national recruitment, preparation, departure, and return placement processes. It would also reduce the costs of deploying and hiring workers and would function as a governmental check for the trespassing of PMI into Malaysia.
This agreement comes at a time when Malaysia deported 479 PMI as a result of, among other reasons, immigration violations, overstaying, and unregistered stays. [AntaraNews] [Tempo]
Indonesia: Indonesian G20 presidency focus on economic recovery and sustainable finance
(gl) As Indonesia assumes the presidency of the G20 [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1], it emphasized its inclusiveness values by inviting nine other countries and 10 international organizations to the 7-8 December Sherpa meeting to begin the discussion on Indonesia’s priorities for its G20 presidency term. [The Jakarta Post]
On December 9 Indonesia also hosted its first G20 Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting (FCBD), which marked the beginning of the G20 forum on economic and financial issues. The meeting revolved around the thematic areas of pandemic recovery, digitalization, and climate change. Specifically, some of the issues addressed were exit strategies to support recovery, digital payment systems, international taxation, digital financial inclusion, and sustainable finance.
The Indonesian Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister opened talks with an appeal to multilateral economic cooperation in the restructuring of health governance for economic recovery. [Tempo 1]
In a moment when post-COP26 expectations for decarbonization funding and net-zero transitions are high, the meeting also discussed the need for sustainable finance in aiding the green economy sector.
In restating Indonesia’s COP26 commitment to a 29% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, the Indonesian Finance Minister emphasized the need for an energy transition policy to achieve the goal. The policy would prioritize fairness and affordability by taking into consideration carbon taxes based on the principle of equity as well as people’s constrained purchasing power. [Tempo 2]
Indonesia hosts fourteenth Bali Democracy Forum
(gl) Indonesia hosted the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) on December 9 to address the question of how democracy can resolve COVID-19-exacerbated issues including inequality, poverty, and exclusivism.
The BDF was attended by more than half of the UN member states, including leaders from Costa Rica, South Korea, the Netherlands, Uruguay, Cabo Verde, Inda, Italy, Iraq, Barbados, and Nepal. In a context where democracy is in decline even in the three largest democracies of the world (US, India, Indonesia), the BDF reflected its attendees’ commitment to the promotion of democratic values and human rights at the regional and global level. Specifically, Indonesia pledged to strive for democratic advancement and the implementation of a human rights intergovernmental commission in ASEAN.
Discussions about democracy continued on 9-10 December at US President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy. Leaders from 100 countries, including Indonesia, addressed the issue of democracy revitalization as well as the promotion of inclusivity and sustainability. [The Jakarta Post] [The Jakarta Globe]
Laos, Vietnam discuss defense cooperation
(bs) Lao and Vietnamese ministers of national defense discussed border security cooperation and national security mechanisms in the framework of the first Vietnam-Laos Border Defense Friendship Exchange.
The two ministers concluded the meeting by signing multiple agreements, including one on “boosted cooperation in search and rescue works and training” in addition to the protocol on search and rescue cooperation and a Vietnam-Laos National Defense Cooperation Plan 2022.
The parties also encouraged regional security cooperation by enhancing the relations between Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian armies. [Việt Nam News]
Australia urged to free Vietnamese refugee arrested on terrorism charges
(bs) Human Rights groups urged Australia to appeal for the immediate release of a Vietnamese political refugee arrested in Vietnam in 2019 on terrorism charges.
The 72-year-old man, sentenced to 12 years in jail, spent the past 40 years as a refugee in Australia for being part of a Vietnamese political party that promotes democracy and human rights.
The director at Human Rights Watch Australia exhorted the country to take action and set the liberation of the Vietnamese refugee as a priority in the upcoming 17th Australia-Vietnam human rights dialogue, expected to take place on December 15.
The man’s family also expressed concerns over his health conditions, appealing to the detention center for immediate health care. [Voice of America News]
Singapore, Malaysia joint operation busts two transnational syndicates running job scams
(nm) A joint operation run by Singaporean and Malaysian police has successfully brought down two transnational syndicates that were allegedly running job and fixed deposit scams. The organization had targeted more than 100 victims, involving losses of more than S$1.5 million, reported by the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
The Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) said that the joint operation underwent “extensive collaboration” with information sharing between the SPF and RMP. [Channel News Asia]
Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore re-elected into IMO for ninth term
(sd) Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore were re-elected for the ninth consecutive term to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) assembly as Category C council members.
175 states and three associate members can participate in the 32nd Assembly of the IMO. The assembly meets regularly every two years and is responsible for approving the work programs, voting the budget and determining the financial arrangement of the Organization.
On December 9 Thailand and Malaysia agreed they would support each other’s candidacy in the vote. Thailand was also successful and was elected as one of the 20 Category C states. [IMO]
Category C council members are countries with a vested interest in maritime transport or navigation. Category B are the states with the most interest in international seaborne trade and Category A are for countries with the most interest in providing international shipping services. [The Star 1] [The Star 2]
US imposes sanctions against Myanmar military entities over human rights violations
(nm) The United States (US) imposed sanctions related to human rights abuses in Myanmar targeting two Myanmar military entities and an organization that provides military reserves as well as four regional chief members who head the junta’s administration.
These sanctions were imposed to “send a message” that democracies will take action against those who abuse power and commit such acts of repression, said US Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo in a statement.
The US was joined by the Canada and the United Kingdom which also imposed sanctions related to human rights abuses in Myanmar. [Reuters]
United States Secretary of State to visit Southeast Asia, Myanmar on agenda
(nm) (bs) United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Indonesia, and is heading to Malaysia, and Thailand, later this week, to assert the importance of a US-based strategy to confront China, to address the situation in military-ruled Myanmar, and to strengthen economic engagement with the ASEAN region.
The US has previously accused China of being intimidating and assertive in the Southeast Asia region, especially regarding the South China Sea. Blinken will be reiterating to each country, the importance of holding the military junta accountable for its crimes and will continue to seek a path to democracy. [Channel News Asia]
Also, Blinken mentioned the US intentions to strengthen treaty alliances with Japan, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines. [Bangkok Post]
Chinese hackers cyberattacked Southeast Asia
(bs) Chinese hackers conducted a series of cyberattacks against several Southeast Asian countries throughout 2021, specifically targeting Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
A US-based cybersecurity enterprise alluded that the hackers were supported by the Chinese government to gather strategic information on activities in disputed areas in the South China Sea.
However, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, and Cambodia were also targeted. [Bangkok Post]
ASEAN countries discuss national mechanisms to combat haze pollution
(bs) Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar, attended an annual meeting to discuss effective cooperation in combating haze pollution in the Mekong sub-region.
According to the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC), in 2021 the levels of smoke haze were lower than the previous two years, but the dry season had harsh effects on both the population and its livelihoods.
The meeting aimed at drafting accurate action plans to monitor, prevent, and mitigate haze pollution at a regional level. All the participating countries renewed their commitments to adopt preventive actions by implementing National Action Plans. They also agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation in fire monitoring and to “ensure the full implementation of the ASEAN Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Monitoring, Assessment and Joint Emergency Response where the Alert Levels, Trigger Points and Actions on Fire Suppression.” [Thailand Business News]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
16 December 2021 @ 2:00-4:15 p.m. (GMT+7), CPG/Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Thailand
Europe in Review (EiR) Webinar Series on Europe-Asia relations “The EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement in the Making: Issues, Expectations and Concerns”
This online session will feature a panel of experts who will discuss challenges, expectations, and concerns in the making of the EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement.
For more details of the event, see [CPG].
17 December 2021 @ 2:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT+7), CPG/Hanns Seidel Foundation, Thailand
Asia in Review (AiR) Online Panel Discussion “Religious Extremism and Intolerance in Asia: Where are we heading in 2022?”
A rise in religious extremism and intolerance is posing a threat to political stability and social security across Asia. This webinar will discuss three major religions in Asia, which are Hindu nationalism, militant Buddhism, and Islamic extremism, their developments, as well as the threats to the region.
For more details of the event, see [CPG].
15 December 2021 @10:00-11.00 a.m. (GMT-8), Hoover Institution, Stanford University, USA
Eyes Wide Open: Ethical Risks in Research Collaboration with China
As a global center for artificial intelligence research, CASIA (Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Automation) works closely with various top colleges and technological companies in the United States. On the other hand, it partners with the PRC state to create public security and defense programs. This webinar will discuss how CASIA should position itself as a research enterprise to keep potential collaborators in authoritarian countries without jeopardizing its democratic principles, ethical issues, or truthfulness.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [Hoover Institute]
15 December 2021 @9:00-10.30 a.m. (GMT-8), Hoover Institution, Stanford University, USA
Emotion and Reason in Political Language
This webinar is the seventh session of the Hoover Institution’s recent webinar series on Using Text Data in Policy Analysis. This workshop will explore the use of emotion and rationality in political language by using computational linguistics approaches.
Find more about the webinar at [Hoover Institute]
15 December 2021 @ 9:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT-5), The United States Institute of Peace, USA
Youth, Peace and Security in Southeast Asia
Home to over half the world’s youth, the Indo-Pacific is a critical region where the young living there can effectively engage and participate in preventing armed conflicts in the region. This webinar will focus on the implementation plan of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) and how a country can create peace in ways that include youth.
Find more about the webinar at [USIP].
15 December 2021 @ 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Wilson Center, USA
Inspiring Environmental Good Through Games
This online event will explore how video games can contribute to positive impacts and save the environment by drawing the audience’s attention to understand, engage, and become environmental improvers. Four main games will be discussed, namely: The Plastic Pipeline, Beyond Blue, 145 Tons of Trash, and a reality game developed by the Indonesian Plastic Bag Diet Movement.
More information is available at [Wilson Center].
15 December 2021 @ 2:00-3:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
How Do We Measure Global Citizenship Education?
The U.N. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) has been crucial to the world more than ever before, given all kinds of unprecedented challenges. Education development is one of the sustainable goals that countries attempt to achieve. This webinar will focus on SDG’s target 4.7 on global citizenship education. It will explore implementations of education reform in each country and find methods to properly assess these initiatives universally towards global citizenship education.
Visit [BROOKINGS] to learn more about the event.
15 December 2021 @ 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Brookings Office of Communications, USA
The 30th anniversary of the fall of the USSR
This online forum will take a look back at the USSR and its collapse to examine the causes that led to the end of the USSR, the effects on the Soviet Union's present-day international affairs, and the valuable lessons to be learnt from the Soviet disunion.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [BROOKINGS].
15 December 2021 @ 12:00-1:00 p.m. (GMT-4), Open Society Foundation, USA
After the Summit for Democracy: Shoring Up the Fundamentals of Democracy
This online seminar will debrief the Biden administration’s democratic summit held on December 9-10. Leading experts will discuss the summit’s achievements, pledges made, and what needs to be improved.
Find more about the webinar at [Open Society Foundation].
15 December 2021 @ 5.00 – 6.00 p.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategies & International Studies, USA
Enhancing Democratic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific Region
This panel discussion will feature experts who will present findings from their recent report on “Enhancing Democratic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific Region” and exchange views regarding achievements from the Summit for Democracy.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [CSIS]
16 December 2021 @ 11.00 – 12.00 p.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategies & International Studies, USA
Reality Check: Can China Achieve Its Climate Goals?
This webinar will explore the future of China’s climate direction after the post-COP 26 world, what to expect from the shift of China’s energy and climate policy, and how international partnerships can support China in pursing more ambitious plans.
Learn more about the event at [CSIS]
16 December 2021 @ 1:00 -2:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Middle East Institute, USA
A More Balanced and Long-Term Approach to U.S. Policy in the Middle East
In this panel discussion, experts will revisit the U.S.’s diplomatic approach towards the Middle East during the past decade and recommend a new strategy to effectively re-engage the region.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [MEI].
16 December 2021 @ 9:30- 11:00 a.m. (GMT-5), American Enterprise Institute, USA
Politics and Business in Hong Kong after the National Security Law: Lessons for the Future
Since extending its totalitarian rule into Hong Kong in 2020, the People’s Republic of China has been demolishing. Through the prism of Hong Kong, this webinar will discuss lessons gained in Hong Kong and investigate the dynamics of China’s shifting political and commercial scene.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [AEI].
16 December 2021 @1:00-3.00 p.m. (GMT-5), Observer Research Foundation, India
The China Initiative: Origins and Consequences
This webinar will feature a panel of experts who will jointly examine the Department of Justice’s China Initiative, its scope, and implications for racial issues and the U.S.-Chinese partnership in exchanging information and technology.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [CATO Institute].
16 December 2021 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Wilson Center, USA
The Haleh Esfandiari Forum: A Conversation with Ambassador Melanne Verveer
In this webinar, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, a leading expert on women’s issues who is the current chief executive of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security, as well as the erstwhile US Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, will share her long experience in the women’s rights field in the MENA region through a conversation with Merisa Khurma, director of the Middle East Program.
For more details of the event, see [Wilson Center].
16 December 2021 @ 8:30-9:45 a.m. (GMT-4), Stimson Center, USA
Mekong-U.S. Partnership Track 1.5 Policy Dialogue on Energy & Infrastructure Summary Report Launch
This online panel discussion will feature a conversation between experts from Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States, who will explore potential cooperation on energy and infrastructure under the Mekong-US Partnership.
Further information is accessible via [Stimson Center].
16 December 2021 @ 11:00-11:45 a.m. (GMT-4), The Heritage Foundation, USA
Vaccine Mandates Will Hamstring the Defense Industrial Base: Perspectives from Industry Leaders
This webinar will feature a discussion with two members of the defense industrial base to determine the impact of the vaccine mandate on US security defense.
Further information is accessible via [The Heritage Foundation].
16 December 2021 @ 5:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (GMT+9), The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan
Political and Social Trends in China as Reflected in the Peng Shuai Case
In this webinar, Japanese experts will present findings from their recent research that focus on analyzing China’s political and social trends through the Peng Shuai Case.
Follow [SPF] to learn more about the event.
16 December 2021 @ 10:00-11:15 a.m. (GMT+1), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA
Is There a Future for Nuclear Arms Control?
As the tension between the rivals between China, Russia, and the United States, the world’s great power, has been escalating, one conflict with Russia or China may spark a nuclear war. This webinar will explore how to approach nuclear control in a methodical and disciplined way.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [Carnegie Endowment].
16 December 2021 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in the Philippines and Thailand: Problems and Prospects
In this online session, experts will offer insights on China’s diplomatic strategy through the distribution of vaccines, particularly to the Philippines and Thailand, and analyze the benefits and drawbacks of this diplomatic approach towards the three nations.
Visit [ISEAS] to learn more about the event.
17 December 2021 @ 9:00-10:15 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Myanmar Ten Months After The Coup
The eventual result of the Myanmar situation remains unclear after ten months of the coup since February 2021. In this session, Professor Ardeth Maug Thawnhmung will re-examine the nine potential outcomes for Myanmar that she projected in March.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [ISEAS].
17 December 2021 @ 1:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Foreign Policy Research Institute, USA
Japan’s Taiwan Policy: A Strategy Shift
In 2021, Japan’s position toward Taiwan shifted dramatically. Japan’s administration has shown a strong interest and a desire for further collaboration. This discussion will address Japan’s shift in Taiwan policy, new kinds of partnership, and their importance.
Follow [FPRI] to learn more about the event.
17 December 2021 @ 1.00 – 2.15 p.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategies & International Studies, USA
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2021 - Debate 4: China’s Sphere of Influence in the Indo-Pacific
As a part of CSIS’s sixth annual conference, China Power will organize the fourth debate on the following topic: China will establish a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific by 2027.
Learn more about the event at [CSIS]
17 December 2021, ISEAS – Istituto Affari Internazionali, Italy
China’s Presence in Italy: Challenges and Opportunities
The Instituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) will present a two-year study project titled "When Italy Adopts the Belt and Road" that analyzes the bilateral cooperation between Italy and China after the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in March 2019, its future direction, and lessons for other European nations to gain from Italy’s experience.
If you wish you attend this event, register at [IAI]
21 December 2021 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Does the Vietnam – China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership Make Sense?
A question regarding the long-standing background of the relationship between Vietnam and China arises in the face of the increasing tension in the rivalry between the U.S. and China. This webinar will discuss this bilateral connection between China and Vietnam over the past decade and point out new challenges from the great power’s competition.
More information is available at [ISEAS].
22 December 2021 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Growth of Indonesia’s E-commerce and Fintech Sector amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
This online forum will highlight and analyze the current development of e-commerce and fintech in Indonesia and the underlying implications from shifting consumer purchasing behavior and the unprecedented increase of loans from sectors not typically served by conventional bank.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [ISEAS].
Recent Book Releases
Sanjaya Baru, India's Power Elite: Caste, Class and Cultural Revolution, Penguin Books India, 264 pages, published on 15 April 2021, reviewed in [LSE].
Paul Mason, How to Stop Fascism, Allen Lane, 256 pages, published on August 26, 2021. For a review see [The Guardian].
Mary Beard, Twelve Caesars: Images of Power from the Ancient World to the Modern, Princeton University Press, 392 pages, published on October 12, 2021, with a review in [The Scotsman].
Sumantra Bose, Kashmir at the Crossroads: Inside a 21st-Century Conflict, Yale University Press, 352 pages, published on December 7, 2021. A review is available at [Asian Review of Books].
Fanny Pigeaud and Ndongo Samba Sylla, Africa's Last Colonial Currency: The CFA Franc Story, transl. Thomas Fazi, Pluto Press, 208 pages, published on February 20, 2021, reviewed in [London Review of Books].
Stella Ghervas, Conquering Peace: From the Enlightenment to the European Union, Harvard University Press, 528 pages, published on March 30, 2021. For a brief review visit [Foreign Affairs].
Javier Blas and Jack Farchy, The World For Sale: Money, Power, and the Traders Who Barter the Earth’s Resources, Oxford University Press, 416 pages, March 1, 2021, with a review in [Financial Times].
Colin Kahl and Thomas Wright, Aftershocks: Pandemic Politics and the End of the Old International Order, St. Martin's Press, 464 pages, published on August 24, 2021. A review is available at [Brookings].
Calls for Papers
The New Directions in the Humanities Research Network invites paper proposals for its Twenty-first International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities to held on June 28-30, 2023, at Sorbonne Université Paris, France. Deadline for submission of proposals is August 22, 2022. Visit [The Humanities] for more information.
The University of Bologna invites contributions for the International Conference “Economic and social integration of asylum seekers and refugees through social entrepreneurship”, scheduled for March 10, 2022. Manuscripts can be submitted until January 22, 2022. For more details see [REINSER].
The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) welcomes paper abstracts for its international conference “Iraq Twenty Years After the US Invasion: Memory Politics, Governance and Protests” to be held March 29-31, 2023. If you are interested, find more information at [GIGA].
The European Commission has opened a call for proposals for EU action grants in the field of non-discrimination and combating racism under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Value Programme (CERV) with an available call budget of EUR 12 240 000. Closing dead for submission is February 22, 2022. For details, visit [European Commission]
Jobs and Positions
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hiring a Lead International Consultant to be based in Kampala, Uganda. Closing date for application is December 31, 2021. For more information, see [UNDP].
Plan International is looking for a Head of Program & Influencing to be based in Niamey, Niger, with core responsibility in heading a department with about 20 staff to develop and nurture strategic alliances with peer organisations, UN agencies, donors, the civil services, youth associations, women’s movement and high-level government officials to influence policy and practice. Deadline for applications is December 31, 2021. Learn more about the position at [Plan International].
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is recruiting a Global HR Coordinator to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Applications can be submitted until January 2, 2022. Further details are available at [NRC].
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is hiring a Team Leader - Economic Recovery to be based in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Core responsibility lies in managing economic recovery team members to ensure timely and proper implementation of activities of the Economic Recovery Programme. Application deadline is December 22, 2021. Visit [DRC] to find more information.
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