Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 52, December/2022, 4
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
The team behind the Asia in Review (AiR) presents you the last issue of the AiR in the outgoing year 2022. We all wish you, besides a good read as always, a peaceful time and all the best in these last days of the year and, for those who are celebrating new year´s eve, a wonderful Saturday night and a good new year.
With greetings and kind wishes from the entire team,
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: Further COVID-19 relaxation despite more than 250 million new infections
(ms) Continuing the trend seen in recent weeks [see AiR No. 51, December/2022, 3], the Chinese government continues to relax COVID-19 restrictions despite overcrowded hospitals and record numbers of new infections.
Following last week’s announcement of the Chinese government that it would no longer be able to accurately report all COVID cases, followed by the decision to no longer publish the daily number of new cases, a leaked government document from the Chinese National Health Commission has emerged estimating that 250 million people in China were infected with COVID-19 between December 1 and December 20. For December 20 alone, the number of new infections was estimated to be about 37 million, which is very different from the data published by the government at that time, which was only a few thousand. Accordingly, the images of overcrowded hospitals, crematoriums and funeral homes continue this week. [CNN 1] [Radio Free Asia]
The Chinese government shows no interest in countering the rapid spread of the disease in the country. While early last week there were already reports of overcrowded hospitals asking asymptomatic infected employees to work, Zhejiang province and cities like Wuhu, Chongqing and Guiyang issued directives requiring asymptomatic and mildly ill public sector employees to go to work. [CNN 2]
In response to the medicine shortage due to the high number of COVID-infected persons, that affects especially the country’s rural regions, Beijing has accepted the first foreign COVID vaccines. Some estimated 20.000 vaccine doses from German biotechnology company BioNTech were shipped to China, so far only intended to be provided to German citizens. The German government and BioNTech have signaled to extend the provision of the vaccine to other foreigners.
Furthermore, India, the largest producer of generic drugs, has announced to increase the volume of the export of fever medicine to China.
China’s production and sales of medicines for fevers and coughs, as well as for viral and bacterial infections, that was restricted under the zero-COVID-19 policy, are expected to return to normal only in March. [Global Times 1] [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2] [Nikkei Asia] [South China Morning Post]
Despite the grave situation, the Chinese government still plans to further relax measures and reopen China. The National Health Commission announced on December 26 that on January 8, COVID-19 will be downgraded from pneumonia to a viral infection and thus all Class A prevention, control mechanisms and regulations will be dropped. This means that, among other things, the quarantine for travelers to China would be completely eliminated and only a PCR test must be done before travel. The possibility of a lockdown of particularly affected regions will also be eliminated. Although medical personnel will continue to isolate patients, the framework for such isolation will again be in the hands of medical professionals and will no longer be prescribed by the government. [Global Times 2] [VOA News]
Meanwhile, John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, has announced that the borders between the city and the mainland are scheduled to reopen in mid-January, departing from the position expressed as recently as mid-December by the Hong Kong health chief who announced that the city will not “hastily” follow the mainland’s lead [see AiR No. 50, December/2022, 2]. [ABC News]
For a discussion of how the surge in COVID-19 infections will potentially impact China’s and, thus, the global economy, see [CNN], [Observer Research Foundation]
China: President Xi doubles down on food security
(ms) At the annual Central Rural Work Conference in Beijing, President Xi Jinping repeated his promise to ensure an autonomous grain supply and to become technologically self-sufficient in the agricultural sector.
To achieve these goals, he demanded that all existing agricultural land should be converted into high-quality arable land and a stronger focus should be placed on the seed industry in order to stabilize Chinese food security on the one hand, but also to make the country crisis-proof.
Xi already expressed similar goals at last year's conference, but especially in the face of the deterioration of relations with the U.S. and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine that resulted in the global rise in grain prices, the issue of food security has gained new relevance. [South China Morning Post]
Japan: Record defense budget for 2023
(dql) The Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has approved a USD 55 billion defense budget for 2023, marking a new record and an increase of 20 percent compared with this year. [Aljazeera]
It is part of a total budget that also hits a new record with USD 865 billion, and part of a military build-up that will cost Japan USD 320 billion over the next five years. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Prime Minister Kishida under pressure after resignation of minister and ruling party lawmaker
(dql) Ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Kentaro Sonoura, a five-term member of the House of Representatives, and reconstruction minister Kenya Akiba have submitted their resignation.
Sonoura has come under mounting pressure after accusations against him of underreporting more than USD 300,00 received through fundraising parties. Akiba, meanwhile, is suspected of mishandling political and election funds. He is the fourth minister Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has dismissed within two months.
Both resignations mean a major blow for Kishida ahead of a number of local elections next spring. [The Mainichi] [Nikkei Asia]
Japan: New low record in birth rate expected
(dql) Official data of Japan’s Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry reveal that the number of births from January to October this year stood 669,871, a drop of nearly 5 percent compared with the same period in 2021.
The Ministry expects that for the whole year, the number will be below 800,000, marking a new low record.
Beyond the long-term trend of a decreasing birth rate, the low number in this year is attributed to the growing reluctance among Japan’s young people to marry and have children as concerns about economic conditions amid the prolonged impact of the coronavirus pandemic are persisting. [Asia News Network]
North Korea: Leader hosts key party meeting
(sm) According to the North Korean Central News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held the sixth enlarged plenary meeting of the eighth central committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) on December 26. This is considered a key meeting as Kim has often announced major policy decisions for the next year during such meetings.
Party and government officials unanimously approved five major agenda items, including the review of the implementation of previous policies and the 2022 budget and the drafting of the 2023 budget and work plan. Kim insisted on the remarkable increase of North Korea’s power in politics, military, economy, and culture. Main goals for the new year include advancements in the metal, chemical, construction, agriculture, and energy sectors.
The country is faced with major economic challenges due to ever tightening sanctions mainly enacted by the US and South Korea against Pyongyang’s nuclear weapon development program, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Policymakers and party members discussed security issues facing North Korea, such as its increasing tensions with South Korea and the US over the last four months. Pyongyang has launched an unprecedented number of missiles this year, one of them overflying Japan and two of them landing in South Korea’s de facto maritime territory. [see AiR No. 51, December/2022, 3]
The meeting was held on the same day as five North Korean drones penetrated South Korean territory, triggering the launch of fighter jets and open fire from Seoul. [Reuters] [Yonhap News Agency]
North Korea: Pyongyang stole USD 1,2 billion in virtual assets over five years
(sm) According to South Korea’s national intelligence service (NIS), North Korean hackers have stolen over KRW 1,5 trillion (USD 1,2 billion) of virtual assets over the last five years.
Following harsh economic sanctions of the UN and Western countries against Pyongyang’s nuclear weapon development program, the country has turned to cybertheft to finance its economy, as it is in dire need of foreign currency. More than half of assets have been stolen this year alone, KRW 100 billion (USD 78 million) that came from South Korea.
The NIS estimates North Korean hacking and cybertheft skills among the best in the world, as illegal cyber activities have been one main source of income for the country since the tightening of sanctions in 2017, following Pyongyang’s sixth nuclear test. The UN sanctions put an embargo on North Korean exports, including coal, textiles, and seafood. Remittance programs have also diminished since then, as North Korean workers had been forced to return home. [see AiR No. 51, December/2022, 3]
The US, Japan, and South Korea have recently ramped up sanctions against high profile North Korean individuals and cyberhackers, in an effort to deter further theft. Nevertheless, the country's cyber attacks are only expected to increase due to the harsh economic situation, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Associated Press]
South Korea: Rival parties reach agreement on 2023 budget
(sm) On December 22, the South Korean parliament reached a consensus on the 2023 budget bill, weeks after the official legal deadline on December 2.
The budget was announced by the opposition Democratic Party (DP) and ruling People Power Party (PPP) floor leaders and the finance minister Choo Kyung-ho. The DP and PPP had been in disagreement over the corporate tax rate cuts planned for the upcoming year, and the amount of the budget assigned to discretionary expenditures. [KBS World]
The two parties reached a compromise by lowering the corporate tax rate cuts from 25 to 24 percent, and agreed to decrease the government’s proposed budget by KRW 4,6 trillion (USD 3,6 billion) instead of the 7,7 trillion (USD 6 billion) the DP had called for. They also agreed to reduce the budget for the new police bureau (interior ministry) and personnel information management division (justice ministry) by half. Finally, a two-year grace period before implementing the new financial investment profits tax was introduced, and public rental housing saw an increase in budget by KRW 660 billion (USD 5,2 million). [see AiR 50, December/2022, 2]
Yoon’s government expressed its dissatisfaction with the budget on December 23, stating it would have desired an even larger corporate tax cut to remain competitive for investments with other East Asian countries, such as Taiwan, as it is concerned with the management of South Korea’s economic slump. [Yonhap News Agency_1]
However, Choo stated on December 27 that no budget extensions are to be considered for 2023 if the macroeconomic trends of the country remain as predicted. The economy and finance ministry has estimated the country’s prospective economic growth at 1,6 percent against the previous 2,5 percent due to monetary tightening and weaker exports. An extra budget will only be considered in cases of severe economic crisis such as war, massive unemployment, or recession. [Yonhap News Agency_2]
South Korea: Government launches measures to combat inflation, economic slump
(sm) South Korea is planning several measures to tackle its economic slump and heightening inflation, following the COVID-19 pandemic and soaring energy prices.
The finance ministry announced on December 26 that it would sell KRW 167,8 trillion (USD 1,3 trillion) worth of state bonds in 2023, including a net KRW 61,5 trillion (USD 48 billion) and KRW 106,3 trillion (USD 83 billion) of refinanced treasuries. Some 30 percent will have a maturity of two to three years, while another 35 percent will have a maturity of five to ten years. [Yonhap News Agency_1]
The ministry additionally plans to increase the number of products on the flexible tariff list in the new year to meet industrial needs. There will be 101 products on the list in 2023 against 83 in 2022: 26 new items while eight were excluded. The tariffs will be implemented starting January 1, 2023.
Flexible tariffs are used by the government to ensure stable prices and supplies by adjusting tariff quotas and adjustment duties. An amount of KRW 1,07 trillion (USD 842 million) worth of tariffs are expected to be cut through this measure.
A three-month zero-tariff policy is to be applied to liquefied petroleum gas, before rising to two percent later in the year. Some food products such as chicken, onions, and pork are also exempted from tariffs.
Consumer prices rose at the fastest rate since 1998 this year, reaching an inflation of 6,3 percent in July 2022. [Yonhap News Agency_2]
Finally, some 4 percent of jobs in public organizations are to be deleted by 2025 to tackle the economic slump. Some 17,230 jobs will be cut while 4,788 workers will be reassigned to new duties in the first scheme of its kind since 2009. The measure should not affect current employees, as the reduction will be gradual and concerns the posts occupied by workers who will retire in the foreseeable future.
The measure should cut KRW 760 billion (USD 591 million) in government expenses annually.
State-run firms will also sell KRW 14,5 trillion (USD 11 billion) worth of assets by 2027 to improve the economic situation. [Yonhap News Agency_3]
South Korea: Ruling party election rule change sparks controversy and intra party rivalry
(sm) South Korea’s ruling People People Party (PPP) approved the election rule change for its next leader during a national committee meeting on December 23. The new election rule has sparked controversy, as it is seen to favor candidates who are close to President Yoon Suk-yeol.
The new rule stipulates that only party members can vote in the upcoming leadership contest, whereas the election comprised 70 percent of party members’ votes and 30 percent of a public opinion survey until now. This tilts the election in favor of party members who are loyal to the current leadership at the detriment of anti-Yoon factionists. It was also decided to hold a run-off election between the two top candidates, if one were not able to gain an absolute majority.
PPP factions have been exchanging jabs over the election rule change, the anti-Yoon faction calling the change illegitimate and its decision-making process untransparent, while PPP interim leadership member Jeong Jeom-sig justified the change to ensure a democratic process. The pro-Yoon faction argues that the public surveys of 2000 people are unrepresentative of the opinion of the one million party members.
The new election rule was proposed during a party leadership meeting on December 20, after a public survey showed former lawmaker Yoo Il-ho, who is critical of the president, as the current favorite for the upcoming leadership race. In contrast, party members continue to show strong support for the pro-Yoon faction and its candidates, PPP Representatives Kweon Seong-dong and Kim Gi-hyeon.
Kim is expected to become the favorite candidate as he is supported by one of Yoon’s closest confidants, PPP Representative Chang Je-won. Other candidates include Representatives Ahn Cheol-soo, Yoon Sang-hyun and Cho Kyoung-tae, as well as former PPP lawmakers Na Kyung-won and Yoo Seong-min. [Yonhap News Agency_1]
The national convention to elect the new party leader will be held on March 8, with the final decision imperatively falling on March 12. The party has been led by an interim emergency leadership since August 2022, after its former leader Lee Jun-seok had to step down amid allegations of sexual bribery. [Korea Times] [see AiR No. 33, August/2022, 3] [Yonhap News Agency_2]
South Korea: Constitutional court rules against ban of rallies near presidential office
(sm) On December 22, the South Korean constitutional court ruled against the ban of rallies within a 100 meter-radius of the presidential residence.
The court decided in an unanimous vote that the part in the Assembly and Demonstration Act stipulating the ban is unconstitutional. The ban constitutes an excessive limit that can not be justified by the maintenance of the rule of law.
The law will be amended after the end of its grace period on May 31, 2024 to give the legislation time to come up with an alternative formulation.
The ban had been applied to the former presidential residence Cheong Wa Dae, but has been newly considered by the court due to the move of the presidential office to Hannam-dong in Seoul. [Korea Times]
South Korea: Human trafficking act to be introduced
(sm) From January 1, 2023, the new Human Trafficking Prevention Act introducing a clearer definition of human trafficking and strengthening victim protection will be implemented to further conform with international standards of human trafficking protection.
Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people by coercion, fraud or other means for the purpose of exploitation including prostitution, according to the new law. It guarantees the protection of both Korean citizens and foreign nationals in Korea, as the traffic of foreign nationals to South Korea for prostitution purposes has become increasingly common.
South Korea has routinely been criticized for its poor record in protecting victims of human trafficking, and the lack of a precise and consistent definition of the crime. In July, the US State Department-issued annual human trafficking report pointed out several shortcomings of the current law. For instance, the tendency of South Korean authorities to blame victims for illegal acts committed against their will, and the lightness of the sentence for seized human traffickers were raised.
Currently, most traffickers end up with a sentence of less than one year of imprisonment and fines, which are not considered enough to deter them from reoffending. While the new law does not include heavier sentences as of yet, it is open for further amendments as such laws need to be revised every five years.
The South Korean ministries of gender equality, justice, and foreign affairs also had talks with US embassy representatives on the issue shortly before the implementation of the new law on December 20, in which both sides agreed to more closely cooperate against international human trafficking crimes. [Korea Times] [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
South Korea: Parliamentary investigation into Itaewon crowd crush finally launched
(sm) On December 21, almost two months after the tragic Itaewon crowd crush, the special investigative committee created by the South Korean parliament was finally launched to look into the mismanagement of authorities which contributed to the death of some 158 partygoers.
The committee, led by main opposition Democratic Party (DP) representative Woo Sang-ho, is constituted of eight DP policymakers, seven from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and two from the minor Justice and Basic Income parties.
After paying their respects to the deceased victims, the investigation started by a visit to the site of the tragedy and the nearby police station, followed by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Seoul city hall. DP parliamentarian Jin Sun-mi highlighted how the crowd crush could have been prevented if only two police officers had stood at the entrance and exit of the alley in which the crowd crush occurred.
The launch of the committee dramatically accelerated after lawmakers met the representatives of the bereaved families for the first time on December 19. The families had accused lawmakers of using the Itaewon tragedy as a tool for their own political agenda. Indeed, PPP representatives had boycotted the committee over the DP’s motion to dismiss current interior minister Lee Sang-min, considered the highest level responsible for the tragedy, and had also used the issue as leverage to get consensus over the 2023 annual budget plan. [see AiR No. 50, December/2022, 2]
The parliamentary probe into the Itaewon incident is expected to end on January 7, 2023. [Korea Times]
South Korea: Justice ministry to codify publicity rights into law
(sm) The justice ministry announced its plans to revise the Civil Act to include a law protecting people’s rights to the commercial use of their name, pictures, or other attributes.
The new law entitles individuals to license their publicity rights, which are defined as property rights giving an individual the exclusive right to license the use of their name, image, likeness or other aspects of their persona for commercial promotion, and withdraw them from others. The rights remain inheritable until 30 years after the concerned person’s death and enable families to receive posthumous compensation for abuse of the deceased’s publicity rights.
The law has been deemed necessary as anyone can become a celebrity in the age of social media and courts have issued heterogeneous rulings concerning the issue. [Yonhap News Agency]
Taiwan: Duration of military service extended
(dql) Starting from 2024, compulsory military service in Taiwan will be extended from currently four months to one year. The move comes amid China’s diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Taiwan. President Tsai Ing-wen admitted that the change was necessary as the island’s current military system was inefficient and insufficient to handle China's rising military threat, in particular in the event of a rapid attack on Taiwan. [Reuters]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Majority of the female workers reluctant to file complaint against sexual harassment
A study titled "Women Workers and Labour Standard of Dhaka Export Processing Zone: Creating Space for Women Workers of DEPZ to Share Their Struggle" by Karmajibi Nari found that 83.4 percent of women who are victims of sexual harassment, payment delay, and facing problems with maternal leaves, do not report any complaint. The major reason of not reporting the issues is the fear of losing jobs. The study also shows that around 90 percent of the female workers don't have any idea about the safety committee, anti-harassment committee or workers' welfare association in DEPZ. Besides, the factory owners are backed by these committees, which do not allow female workers to report complaints. [The Daily Star]
Bangladesh: Police remain vigilant over possible militant attacks on religious sites
Due to the recent formation of a new militant outfit by the Ansarullah Bangla Team and the appointment of new leaders in the military wing of Ansar al Islam, the Al Qaeda affiliate in the Indian Subcontinent, the counterterrorism unit of Bangladesh suspects new attacks in Bangladesh. Police suspect that the attacks may be carried out during the recent Christmas Eve in the religious sites of Bangladesh. However, there was no case of such incidents during the Christian religious festival. The security officials have suggested increasing vigilance at all the religious sites in the country and on the foreign nationals and inmates in jails. In an issued security alert, the US embassy in Bangladesh said that there might be an increase in the incidents of violent terrorism in the country in crowded public locations. [The Daily Star]
India: Tamil Nadu chief minister accuses opposition, ruling BJP, of 'Hindi imposition'
(wr) The chief minister of India’s Tamil Nadu state, MK Stalin, has accused the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s attempts to impose Hindi as annihilating the entire race of non-Hindi speaking Indians.
In separate developments, West Bengal state has witnessed protests against BJP’s agenda to forward Hindi as national language. Protestors have called out such an attempt as “Hindi Imperialism” and “threat to unity”. Majority of protestors belong to south and east states of India, the non-Hindi speaking factions, who perceive identity preservation being threatened by Modi’s “One Nation, One everything’ policy”. [Outlook India] [Guardian]
India: Parliamentary meeting heats up on India-China border issue
(wr) The Indo-China border clash has dominated recent parliamentary proceedings in India. The opposition has made allegations on the country’s central government claiming it keeps ignoring queries and questions to answer what is happening along the notional demarcation line. [Free Press] [NDTV]
The opposition struggles to have a parliamentary debate on the issue of the possibility of return of status quo of 2020 and what is the status of talks with China on a matter. To date, India and China have held 17 rounds of high-level talks, the latest on December 20 following on a scuffle between Chinese and Indian forces at Tawang earlier this month.
India: Government decides to replace free food program
(wr) Due to an ease in COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Indian government has decided to end its free food program while vowing to replace it with another new and cheaper version that will provide 35 kilograms of grains to poor families per month. The government took the decision to terminate the scheme from December 31, 2023, to save nearly USD 20 billion that has been going in subsidies to distribute food, amid pandemic hit economic collapse among poor citizens. [ABC] [MSN]
India: NIA files charge sheet against three terror-funding accused
(wr) India’s National Investigation Agency has filed charges against three people accused of funding terrorism through cross-Line of Control (LoC). The case involves profit making and money trading across the LoC, which is then used to support terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. In December 2016, a case of terror-funding was filed suo-moto against three accused. However, cross-border trade for locals was officially suspended in April 2019. [Press Trust India] [Zee News]
India: Central government demands to release prisoners behind bars due to non-payment of fine
(wr) The Indian government has asked to release those prisoners who have completed their duration of imprisonment but are unable to pay a fine. [The Print] [Daily Pioneer]
India: Government approves One Rank One Pension scheme
(wr) The Indian cabinet has approved a pending revision of pensions for the pension of armed forces pensioners and family pensioners. The implementation of the so-called One Rank One Pension scheme will release an additional annual expenditure of USD 1 million, to ensure retired personnel of the same rank and same length to be benefited. [PM India] [Economic Times]
India: Protest turns violent, six policemen injured
(wr) In a clash between protestors and law enforcement in India, six policemen got injured. It's been a five-months long protest by 8000 farmers from 39 unions demanding the distillery plant at Mansurwala village to be shut down as it is becoming a source of air and water pollution. The farmers have resorted to block national highway in order to put pressure. The Punjab and Haryana High Courts have responded to the matter by calling an immediate lift to protest, clearing routes and presenting demand charter in front of the court panel. [Tribune India] [Indian Express]
India: Chief of Air Staff demands to address air power deficiencies
(wr) India’s Chief of Air Staff has highlighted a “shortage of fighter squadrons and force multipliers” as major deficiencies being faced by Indian Air Force (IAF) in a seminar. His comments reflect readiness of IAF following border clash with China, demanding authorities for swift and adequate response necessary to retain combat edge. [Hindustan Times] [Tribune India]
He also highlighted the potential role of India in emerging security and competition dynamics of the Indo-Pacific that requires boosting strategic partnership and upgrading IAF to reduce the gap between China’s growing air power.
India: Defence ministry to deploy tactical ballistic missiles along borders
(wr) Procurement of around 120 “Pralay” ballistic missiles has been finalised, India’s defence ministry has announced, and the missiles are intended to be deployed along the country’s borders with China and Pakistan. [Economic Times] [NDTV]
The tactical, short-ranged, newer technology missiles would be first induced into the Air Force, then into the Army after being successfully test fired on December 21 and 22. India has already boosted up its indigenous rocket forces development to meet long and short-range targets amid border tensions.
India: Prime Minister Modi meets visiting Google CEO
(wr) Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai on his visit to India met Prime Minister Narendra Mod, as well as the country’s IT and external affairs minister on December 20. He praised India’s exponential growth in IT and discussed digital transformation and development. Pichai also pledged to invest in India’s small and local start-ups, cyber security and regulation. [MEA] [Times of India]
Pakistan: Pakistan: 25 militants killed in army raid on detention center; one hostage dies
(fm) According to the army, Pakistani security forces killed 25 of 35 Islamist militants who were holed up in a counterterrorism facility in the city of Bannu in the country's northwest. One hostage and two commandos also killed during the assault to retake the compound.
Most of the terrorists belonged to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella organization for sectarian and Sunni Islamist groups that collaborates with the Afghan Taliban. In the years after US-led NATO forces intervened in neighboring Afghanistan to overthrow its ruling Taliban in 2001 and push them over the border into Pakistan, the TTP developed to oppose the Pakistani state and establish its own strict version of Islam.
Since announcing the termination of a truce between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban last month, the TTP has intensified its operations in recent weeks. The TTP first agreed with the militants' demand to be allowed access to Afghanistan, but afterwards claimed that the terrorists could also safely leave for Pakistan's erstwhile tribal territories. [The Straits Times]
Pakistan: Suicide car bomb kills Pakistan police officer, wounds others
(fm) According to officials, on Friday a suicide car explosion at a checkpoint in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, resulted in the deaths of at least one police officer and numerous injuries. The attack on Friday was carried out by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to as the Pakistani Taliban.
The bombing occurred close to the police headquarters, on a main roadway that connects to government buildings containing the nation's parliament and other offices. According to reports, the explosion injured two civilians and at least four police officers.
Since they began their conflict with the Pakistani government in 2007, the TTP has launched dozens of attacks against both security personnel and innocent citizens. The bombing on Friday occurred two days after a military operation by Pakistan killed dozens of TTP fighters following a standoff at a counterterrorism center in Bannu, in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. [Aljazeera]
Sri Lanka: Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves the island with his family for United States
(sn) The former President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, left the country with his family on December 26, 2022. Initially, the former president reportedly went to Dubai for a private visit - from where the family fled to the US.
Following national demonstrations in July 2022, the president was forced to leave office. In turn, Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the state and resigned from Singapore. The Court called him to return following the petition demanding a probe into the corruption allegations, but the resigned president failed to appear in front of the courts on time.
The former state leader returned to Sri Lanka in September 2022. The International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) filed a criminal complaint on Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Singapore’s Attorney General. The former president has public demand for his arrest: under principles of universal jurisdiction and over allegations of criminal involvement in the Tamil Genocide culmination in 2009. [ADA derana], [Tamil Guardian], [Reuters]
Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan Airlines request interest payments deferral for a US-denominated bond
(sn) The Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka confirmed on December 23, 2022, that Sri Lankan Airlines launched a Consent Solicitation to the holders of a US-denominated Bond due in 2024. The Sri Lankan authorities encourage investors to support the initiative to help the state overcome the economic crisis.
Sri Lankan Airlines is a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), and its reform and reorganization take place in coordination with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board to approve the funding deal. It requests a 12-month suspension of debt service payments and some default events. [Ministry of Finance]
Sri Lanka: President announces plans to support the small/medium-scale industrialists
(sn) On 21 December 2022, the President of Sri Lanka attended the 21st “Achiever Awards” organized in collaboration between the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) and the Ministry of Industry.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe made a speech calling for people’s interest in rebuilding the economy and identified industrialists as Sri Lanka’s primary foreign-exchange earners. He then announced plans to develop a favorable environment for small and medium-scale industrialists using modern technology. [Colombo Page]
Sri Lanka: Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Tourism discuss tourism promotion during current economic obstacles
(sn) On 21 December 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting at its office with the Ministry of Tourism to discuss existing challenges and obstacles to tourism promotion in the contemporary economic context. The Hotel Association and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators virtually joined the event.
The industry stakeholders agreed on the crucial role of the sector promotion in Sri Lanka, given its direct flow of foreign currency to the island state. Thus, it is essential to implement strategies that counter negative publicity and reinforce Sri Lanka’s image as an ideal destination for travel. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
Sri Lanka: State Minister of Finance announces reduction of crisis-caused restrictions to import goods in 2023
(sn) The State Minister of Finance, Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, announced that the government removed 795 from 1,465 types of goods from the import restrictions list on December 25, 2022.
He also proposed plans on further easing import restrictions in 2023 but noted that some goods could remain banned since identical products can be made locally. [Colombo Page]
Sri Lanka: A group of civilian suspects attack policeman
(sn) Wattala Police reported that an attack on two police officers happened on December 25. A group of 3 civilians assaulted the officers, who later went to report the accident to the local Police office. The suspects were then found intoxicated and recently appeared before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court. [News Wire]
Sri Lanka: The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) announces power plans for 2023
(sn) The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, announced the power plans for the Sri Lankan state in 2023. The Minister reassured trade unions that long power cuts are unlikely if the requested tariff increase is granted.
The government plans to grant a free-of-change 5 KW solar power unit to all religious places of worship. The Norochcholai coal power plant will receive coal shipments over January 5–16, 2023. CEB announced an electricity tariff increase of 60–65%. Over the three following months, an Indian credit facility ought to provide Sri Lanka with a solar power unit. An Indonesian company that has a local partner won the award for a coal tender as the lowest bidder. [News Wire]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: WWF-Cambodia Director calls for an increase in law enforcement to protect the Mekong dolphins
(sn) After yet another death of a dolphin in the Mekong, the WWF Director has called for night patrolling upturn and law enforcement against illegal fishing activities in the dolphin habitat areas. [Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: Wildlife and Biodiversity Director granted bail by US court on monkey smuggling charges
(sn) On December 22, 2022, the US District Court in Florida ordered the temporary release on bail of the Cambodian Wildlife and Biodiversity Director, Kry Masphal, to spend the Christmas weekend in the Cambodian Embassy. The Cambodian Agriculture Minister, Dith Tina, expressed concern that Masphal wasn’t released as of December 24, as initially promised by the court.
The Department of Wildlife and Biodiversity operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery. The Cambodian ministry denied allegations over the monkeys-smuggling allegations of procedural misconduct, and it assumes the arrest was caused by a misunderstanding.
Veng Sakhon, a former Cambodian Agriculture Minister, signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Korean OrientBio group in August before his title was renounced in October 2022. Gary Tucker, a vice president of the OrientBioResource Center Inc. (OBRC), received multiple charges in the same monkey-smuggling case with the Cambodian Wildlife and Biodiversity Director.
The opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, suggests that Cambodian authorities hope to prepare a better defense for Kry Masphal while he stays in the embassy’s custody. The defendant also received a GPS transmitter for the time of house arrest and probe continuance. [Phnom Penh Post], [Radio Free Asia]
Cambodia: Ministry of Defense holds seminar event on gender employment in 2022–2023
(sn) On December 22, 2022, the Ministry of National Defense hosted the seminar event in the Ministry of Labor on Gender Employment strategic plan 2022–2023. The Secretary of State and Chair of the Gender Working Group of the Ministry of National Defense, Mrs. Dam Darini, presided over the seminar.
The year 2022 brought more female officers to the Ministry of National Defense and promoted opportunities through networking groups for female counterparts. It also paid increased attention to the families of disabled and pre-retirement soldiers. The State Secretary thanked women in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces for their work throughout the year. [Ministry of National Defense]
Cambodia: Farmers fall into micro-finance loan trap hit by the climate change impact
(sn) A group of UK Universities conducted multiple studies on the impact of using micro-financing institutions (MFI) on the Cambodian general population. The findings show that Cambodian farmers, hit by climate change, fall into the micro-finance loans trap and carry more risk than potential benefit on the terms of such credits.
The micro-finance industry carries some controversy as the tool helping the poorest in developing countries. The study showed that easy-access loans in Cambodia often caused an “overindebtedness emergency” that undermines the borrower’s ability to cope with their constraining environment.
The World Bank advocates the micro-finance industry but warns about the ‘overindebtedness’ and ‘commercialization of industry’ risks in its debriefing. Nonetheless, the Cambodia Microfinance Association continues to express that the MFI loans positively impact the state economy by increasing income and land ownership.
UN recommended redirecting the support away from micro-financing institutions to the more targeted projects in Cambodia and increasing the taxation and regulation of profits for the MFIs. [Cambodia Daily], [CNBC]
Indonesia: Seven suspects in Bandung terrorist attack
(os) Police have arrested seven suspects that were allegedly involved in a bombing attack in Bandung, West Java. [Jakarta Globe] [The Jakarta Post]
According to Indonesia’s National Police, the suspects all had knowledge about the bombing attack. Four of them were in detention, three were subject to questioning. The suicide bombing was carried out on December 7 at a police station [see AiR No. 50, December/2022, 2]. It left one police officer dead and left eleven people injured.
Police believe that the attacker Agus Sujatno had not been working alone. Several documents were found that suggest the bombing was conducted to critic the country’s new Criminal Code, which encompasses multiple contentious revisions [see AiR No. 49, December/2022, 1]. The attacker allegedly had ties to the Islamist terrorist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). Police claim that all of the seven suspects named are part of JAD.
Indonesia: Over 200 Rohingya refugees land on western coast
(os) Two boats with hundreds of Rohingya refugees landed on the coast of Indonesia’s western province Aceh on December 25 and December 26. The refugees received emergency medical treatment. [CNA] [Brisbane Times] [The Jakarta Post 1]
The first boat carried 57 refugees who had been at sea for one month. The second boat carried 185 refugees, including 32 children. The refugees will receive temporarily shelter at a local government facility. There is an increasing number of Rohingya refugees arriving in Indonesia. In November 2022, already two boats with a total of over 200 refugees had landed on the coast of Aceh province [see AiR No. 47, November/2022, 4].
The Rohingya are a Muslim minority from Myanmar, where they are heavily persecuted. As a result, they try to flee to other Southeast Asians countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. But in the host countries, the refugees face difficulties as well. Recently, a man was arrested by Indonesian police for allegedly attempting to traffic 28 Rohingya refugees to Malaysia [The Jakarta Post 2].
Indonesia: Second Home Visa comes into effect
(os) The Indonesian government has officially launched the Second Home Visa, which is aimed at attracting foreigners with substantial resources to the country. [The Jakarta Post] [Xinhua]
Applicants are required to show proof of funds of about USD 128,000 or ownership of local property of the same value. In return, the applicants will enjoy a host of advantages, such as service providence of issuance of investment permits, real estate permits, and corporate permits. The visa wants to attract in particular investors and business people to Indonesia.
Laos: Amendments to law on enterprises proposed
(fj) Amendments to the law on Enterprises have been proposed by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaythong Kommasith, during the ongoing Ordinary Session of Laos’s National Assembly (NA). The changes are being considered for approval by the NA.
Suggested with the stated goal of promoting investment and effective management, the amendments also led to discussions on the effective supervision of the nation’s many state enterprises and the complicated process of business registration as two further issues that affect the investment climate in Laos. [Lao News Agency]
Scheduled to continue until December 30, the ongoing 4th Ordinary Session of the NA is considering three new laws on passports, waterways and museums, as well as proposed amendments on a number of laws, including the military prosecutor’s office as well as science and technology. [see AiR No. 51, December/2022,3]
Laos: Official audits find over 400 mismanaged government projects
(ts) 416 government investment projects have been subjected to scrutiny according to the State Audit Organization (SAO)’s reporting to the 4th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly. These projects, with a total cost of KIP 58.8 trillion amounting to USD 3.3 billion, are believed to be mismanaged. False designs of projects and cost-effectiveness issues instantiate SAO’s harboring of suspicions. Some projects were even reported with no detailed designs while some underwent revisions without approval. SAO has audited 280 out of 416 projects while the rest, 136 projects, is to be completed. [Lao News Agency]
Myanmar: NUG issues appeals, offers incentives for additional informants within military government
(ih) The civilian-run National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar has issued a call for soldiers, government officials, and police unable to defect from the junta-led government to instead serve as informers. Informants were promised rewards based on the value of information provided, and protection to be provided by the NUG both currently and in the result of a successful overthrow of the ruling junta.
While these incentives are potentially appealing to lower-ranking government officials facing significant financial difficulties, there are concerns that the NUG’s open invitation will result in even tighter restrictions and monitoring of electronic communications by the military government. [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: IFC divests from military-linked bank
(ih) The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector wing of the World Bank, has decided to divest its 4.5 percent stake in Yoma Bank. An agreement to sell the IFC’s stake to First Myanmar Investment Co., the majority shareholder in the bank, has already been agreed upon. The move is allegedly the result of concerns surrounding Yoma Bank’s financial ties to Myanmar’s military, according to statements made by activist group Justice for Myanmar (JFM). Of the bank’s other significant international shareholders, which include Singapore’s GIC and Norway’s Norfund AS, so far only Australia & New Zealand Banking Group has announced plans to exit its operations. [The Edge Singapore] [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Thousands flee encroachment by Tatmadaw forces in area surrounding Chinese-operated copper mine
(ih) Over 6,000 residents of nine villages in the vicinity of a Chinese-operated copper mine in the Sagaing region of northwestern Myanmar fled their homes in response to the arrival of Tatmadaw forces in their communities on December 21. The mine is a joint venture between the Chinese state-owned company Wanbao Co. and the Tatmadaw-owned Myanmar Economic Holding Limited. The mine is an important source of revenue for the military government, and one they have committed publicly to defend. A significant percentage of the mine’s employees have been on strike since the coup d’état in 2021 as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement, resulting in a reduction in operating capacity of over 80 percent. While so far, the military presence has only been used to protect Chinese nationals working in the mines, concerns remain that the military may use force against the civilian population, and many are afraid to return to their homes. [RFA]
Myanmar: Authorities arrest 112 Rohingya attempting to flee to Malaysia
(ih) According to a statement made by Myanmar state media on December 23, the Myanmar government has arrested 112 Rohingya in the southeastern township of Bogale for travelling without official documents. Of the 112 arrested, who were in the process of fleeing to Malaysia, 35 were given five-year prison sentences for travelling without proper documentation, and 13 minors were sentenced to be detained at a “training school” until they reached the age of 20. [Bangkok Post]
Myanmar: Navy transfers five warships to Coast Guard
(ih) Chairman of the State Administration Council and Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presided over the transfer of five ships from the Myanmar Navy to the Myanmar Coast Guard at an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Myanmar Navy on December 24th. The additions more than double the fleet size of the Coast Guard, which was founded in October 2021 with four ships. [The Irrawaddy] [Ministry of Information]
Philippines: President appoints former Supreme Court associate justice as Development Bank chairman
(jd) President Marcos Jr. has appointed retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Tiñga as acting chairperson of the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). Tiñga’s appointment papers were signed on December 9 and state that he will also serve as a member of the DBP Board of Directors.
Under its new charter, the DBP is classified as a development bank and can therefore perform the functions of a thrift bank. The state-run bank is planning to support agricultural and industrial enterprises, infrastructure growth, and the public sector. [Philstar] [The Manila Times]
Thailand: Prime Minister Prayut officially joins UTN as speculated
(ts) Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has joined the newly established United Thai Nation Party (UTN). Prayut formally announced his decision on December 23 to join UTN after public speculation over the past months. It is believed that a matter of power and confidence under UTN’s name has kept him silent.
The reason explained for the move is his intent to pursue unfinished political agenda for the sake of the country. Since PPRP will see only its leader Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan as a sole PM candidate, Prayut needs to seek room to also stay on top, being named for PM candidacy. Applicable to this is the fact that Prayut has held certain active support from voters, regardless of what party it is. However, UTN is believed to gain fewer seats if the party depends solely on the current PM’s popularity without in-House allies of Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Labor, joining.
Before this, a rumour circulated that Prayut and Prawit have experienced personal discord, which caused the former to leave the ruling party. By this declaration, the PM thus made clear his relationship with Prawit has known no break-up as it roots back to the old days in Army school. This bond is claimed to reap benefits after the election next year when PPRP and UTN could form a coalition against Pheu Thai Party. [Thai PBS World] [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2]
Thailand: Opposition lawmaker Paetongtarn most wanted as prime minister, poll says
(ts) Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the opposition Pheu Thai Party tops the poll as the desired prime minister for the moment. The poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA Poll), conducted over the last week, was bisected by two choices of popularity: prime minister and political party. For the former, 34 percent want Paetongtarn to be PM. This number stays far ahead of the second, the current PM Prayut Chan-ocha. Featured in the poll is also the popularity of political parties. The results go by the aforementioned choice as Pheu Thai Party receives 42.95 percent. The Move Forward Party follows with a wide gap. [Bangkok Post] [NIDA Poll]
Thailand: Prawit to be sole prime ministerial candidate for ruling PPRP
(fj) Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon is set to be nominated as the sole prime ministerial candidate of the main government coalition party, the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) in the upcoming general elections scheduled for May 2023.
With Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha having declared his joining of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) and many MPs leaving the PPRP, the party has announced a restructuring of its executive board. Prawit’s leadership position in the party will reportedly remain unaffected by this process. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Deputy leader of small political party arrested under allegations of murder
(fj) Prasopchoke Nimruang, the deputy leader of the Thai Local Power Party, a small party that forms part of the government coalition, has been arrested on charges of ordering the murder of the mayor of Bang Somboon Tambon Administrative Organization (TAO) in Nakhon Nayok province, leading to a drive-by shooting that left three dead and the targeted mayor severely injured.
Prasopchoke has been implicated by the men accused of being the hired gunmen in the incident. Prasopchoke, who formerly held the position of chairman of Bang Somboon’s TAO, has denied any connection to the shooting that happened in February 2022. [Bangkok Post] [Thai PBS World]
Thailand: Appointment of prime minister's secretary-general faces pushback by opposition
(fj) The appointment of Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, to the position of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s secretary- general has been deemed unethical by the opposition, who is preparing to bring the issue up for parliamentary discussion in January and raise flags with the election commission.
Pirapan is the founder of the relatively new United Thai Nation Part (UTN) and has long been a political advisor to PM Prayut. His appointment to the post of the PM’s secretary-general, viewed by some observers as the second in-line behind the PM, came only days ahead of Prayut’s announcement of joining the UTN. Cholnan Srikaew, leader of the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) has been most vocal about this potentially giving undue advantage to the UTN and PM Prayut ahead of the upcoming general election scheduled for May 2023.
PM Prayut had run in the previous 2019 general election under a nomination by the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), which is currently the main coalition party. It is noteworthy that it is the opposition and not the PPRP that vocally criticized Prayut’s decision to appoint the UTN leader instead of a PPRP politician for this position. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2]
Thailand: Head of department of national parks arrested on corruption charges
(fj) The Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya has been taken into police custody over charges of routinely demanding bribes from his subordinates.
The police’s Counter Corruption Division (CCD) arrested Rutchada at his office on December 27, while he was in the process of holding a gathering with senior officials of agencies under the department. The police have stated that they have proof of Rutchada’s receiving a bribe of around USD 28,000 on the morning of December 27 with a further USD 140,000 in cash found in a safe at the office.
The arrest followed complaints filed with the CCD by Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, the high-profile former head of Kaeng Krachan National Park over Rutchada’s alleged practice of transferring those officials who did not comply with his demands for bribes to unattractive posts. Chaiwat’s allegations detail that Rutchada would also make demands on receiving cuts ranging from 18.5 percent to 30 percent of budgets allocated to certain activities held by agencies under his department. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Royal Thai Navy under criticism following sunken corvette
(ts) The search for the missing crew of HTMS Sukhothai corvette continues as it lay at the bottom of the Thai Gulf a week ago. [see Air No. 51, December/2022, 3] Despite such an attempt, the House committee on military affairs calls for extensive investigation, questioning man-made issues apart from weather conditions.
On land, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has come under sharp criticism. RTN put a heavy focus on heavy weather as the main cause when high waves shut the corvette’s electrical systems, leading to its uncontrolled manners. The committee, however, considers a matter of investigation extended. Issues on fire are sailing order, maintenance, and safety standards. Order to set sail despite recognizing severe weather remains uncertain. For maintenance, questions regarding the navy’s budget must be answered. Wonder never ceases as it is believed that the efficiency of the corvette should withstand severe weather if the budget on maintenance were spent efficiently. Prasert Chantararuangtong, secretary-general of the opposition Pheu Thai Party and an adviser to the committee, is also in doubt about safety standards on board. Life jackets were reported insufficient as several crew members abandoned the corvette without them. [Bangkok Post 1]
Of the 105 crew on board, 76 have been rescued. 2 more bodies were found, totaling the dead amount to 21 to date with 3 under identity proof while 8 remain missing. RTN claimed that it has a plan for seabed dive to check the sunken corvette, yet it is on hold, given bad weather conditions and underwater invisibility. [Bangkok Post 2] [Bangkok Post 3]
Vietnam: Government continues crackdown on officials involved in COVID repatriation flight bribery scandal
(ih) In a drastic escalation of the Vietnamese government’s response to the scandal surrounding pervasive bribery regarding COVID repatriation flights, the Central Inspection Committee of the Vietnamese Communist Party has recommended that the entire Foreign Ministry up to and including the Minister of Foreign Affairs be disciplined by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee Secretariat for the scandal. Subsequently, Vietnam arrested Vu Hong Nam, a former deputy foreign minister who was serving as Ambassador to Japan at the time of his arrest, on suspicion of taking bribes as part of the scandal. [The Diplomat] [Nikkei Asian Review]
Vietnam: Legal expert arrested on espionage charges
(ih) Hoang Ngoc Giao, director of the Institute for Policies on Law and Development, a part of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology has been arrested and charged with espionage for allegedly providing classified information to foreign entities. Former Vietnamese government officials have suggested that the prosecution may be a result of Hoang Ngoc Giao’s advocacy around individual property rights during discussions on reforming Vietnam’s Land Law. [RFA]
Vietnam: MIC, MCST reportedly considering new penalties for performing artists who offend public morals
(ih) The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has requested that the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) develop a system of sanctions and penalties for performing artists who make false statements or offend public morals, according to a Thanh Nien newspaper report. The penalties would include a ban on performing live, online, or on radio or television. The sanctions are intended to be a substantial step up in severity from existing penalties for such action, which currently consist of a fine of between VND 5 million and VND 15 million (USD 212 to USD635). [RFA]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Thailand hosts informal talk to discuss political crisis in Myanmar
(td) Led by Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Thailand recently hosted a non-ASEAN consultative dialogue on political crisis in Myanmar, on the sidelines of Thai Myanmar bilateral talks, in a bid to find a common solution to restore the country’s path towards peace and normalcy. It was the first time that Myanmar cabinet ministers had the opportunity to attend a face-to-face meeting with their counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), thereby enabling them to have an open and candid discussion. Nonetheless, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers were reportedly not all present at the meeting as expected; Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam only dispatched their high-level representatives. Therefore, it has exposed clearly, yet, a sharp divide within the regional bloc – that is whether to take a harder or softer stance in dealing with the military regime of Myanmar.
Such an unofficial interaction between official representatives of stakeholders, so-called 1.5 track diplomacy, is regarded by the Thai host as a way forward to complementing the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution on Myanmar – in 74 years – (S/RES/2669) which supports ASEAN Centrality and engagement with all concerned parties. Meanwhile, it hopefully, aims at advancing humanitarian assistance and the compliance of ASEAN’s five-point consensus, its peace plan, by the Myanmar side in no time since it staged a coup in February 2021 to oust the democratically-elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Up to date, even during the informal meeting, the military-led government of Myanmar has attributed terrorist activities in the country to the opposition People’s Defense Forces linked to the National Unity Government (NUG) – known as the country’s shadow government.
To the resentment of critics and the NUG, the Thai initiative is, in contrast, seen as effort to undermine ASEAN’s consensus in that it will only allow non-political representation to any summit hosted by ASEAN until Myanmar fully honors the five-point consensus, notably cessation of the use of force, so as to keep sidelining the military regime. In addition, in their views, the dialogue would have encouraged all the relevant parties to sit down and talk if certain NUG representatives had been invited as well, altogether with three officials from the Myanmar government, to create an environment conducive to putting an end to the country’s continued political turmoil and violence. In other words, they wished that their voices had been heard, not of those targeting the civilians. In this connection, they have spared no concerns over the prospect of the collective voice of ASEAN thereafter. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand] [Radio Free Asia] [Reuters] [Thai PBS World]
UNSC adopts resolution calling for release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
On December 21. the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) agreed upon a resolution urging the military government of Myanmar to release all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint. The resolution was passed with 12 votes in favor. China, India, and Russia abstained from the vote. The resolution was the first successful UNSC resolution passed on Myanmar since the 1948 resolution approving the country’s UN membership, according to diplomats involved in the process. Passed resolutions have been vetoed by China and/or Russia, or simply failed to make it to a vote. [The Irrawaddy]
India abstains from UN Security Council draft resolution demanding to end violence in Myanmar
(wr) The resolution called out “all parties to respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law”. Under prevailing circumstances in Myanmar, it urges concrete actions needed to implement the peace plan, referred to “immediately release all arbitrarily detained prisoners”, including civil government leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and ex-president Win Myint.
Indian representative at UN delivered the reason to abstain as the resolution doesn’t reflect the complexity of issue and such an attempt might “entrench the parties in their inflexible positions” rather than upholding inclusive dialogue and political table talk, that is what required to have a democratic, peaceful and progressive Myanmar governance, she added. India, Russia and China were among 15 members to refrain from voting while the rest voted in favour. [Independent] [Indian Express]
UN calls on Taliban to end terrorism from Afghan soil that pose threat to Pakistan
(tj) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on the Taliban administration in Kabul to ensure an end to all forms of terrorism activities that posed a threat to Pakistan and other neighboring countries from Afghan soil.
He also said that the UN. is actively engaged in discussions with the Taliban de facto authorities in relation to this.
As Guterres addressed this rise in terrorism, he also outlined several other things that the UN. believes the Taliban must deliver from the point of view of the interests of the international community and from the point of view of the interests of Afghanistan itself.
The UN. chief said the Afghan Taliban must deliver in relation to the inclusion in the power structures in Afghanistan. All ethnic groups are to be represented, women be allowed to work, and girls be allowed to attend schools at all levels without discrimination. [Dawn]
Japan joins hands with UNESCO to assist children along Thailand-Myanmar border
(td) Against the backdrop of intensifying humanitarian crisis in Myanmar since the coup in 2021, the Japanese Government has pledged USD 2.1 million, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to assist thousands of children along the Thailand-Myanmar border who have fled atrocities. The new education and food security project, to be implemented from January-December 2023, aims at providing emergency food aid, safeguarding them against from sexual abuse, trafficking in persons and exploitation of child labor, as well as ensuring their uninterrupted learning through digitalization. It is expected that the project will support as many as 3,000 Myanmar migrant children in the post-pandemic era in line with the Government of Japan’s commitment to step up the promotion of human security. [UNESCO Bangkok Office]
South Korea, Japan investigates secret Chinese police station on its territory
(sm/dql) South Korea and Japan have started investigating the potential presence of covert police stations in their countries operated by the Chinese government to intimidate Chinese citizens living abroad.
According to the report of the Spanish human rights organization Safeguard Defenders, more than 100 secret Chinese police stations are operating in 53 countries, including South Korea and Japan, the US, Canada, and the Netherlands who have also launched an investigation into the matter.
The police stations in South Korea and Japan are allegedly being operated out of Nantong, Jiangsu, in Southeast China.
The Dutch investigation has already led to two confirmed secret Chinese police stations, one in Rotterdam and one in Amsterdam. The Irish government has located one in Dublin.
The location of such a police station in South Korea is expected to put further strain on the bilateral relationship, which is already tense due to the presence of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on South Korean soil since 2017. [Korea Times] [Yonhap News Agency] [TVP]
Philippines to strengthen military presence in South China Sea
(jd) The Philippines Department of Defense has ordered the military forces to strengthen its presence in the West Philippine Sea mentioning a potential threat after monitoring “Chinese activities” in the disputed waters and noticing the presence of China militia vessels in the area. The statement follows a report on China’s alleged construction activities in four unoccupied lands in Spratly Islands, two of which are claimed by the Philippines.
While US officials satellite images have shown new land formations in the area, China’s foreign ministry has dismissed the report as unfounded. [Bloomberg] [Reuters] [The Star]
2nd ASEAN Islamic Conference in Bali
(os) From December 22-23, the 2nd ASEAN Islamic Conference took place in Bali, Indonesia. The conference expected 140 participants from a majority of ASEAN member states. Also, officials from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attended the event. The conference was particularly aimed at furthering cooperation between ASEAN nations and Saudi Arabia. [Antara News]
China’s top candidate for foreign minister with softer approach to United States
(ms) Current Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang is considered one of the most likely successors to Wang Yi as China’s foreign minister.
At the recent National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, Qin was promoted to the party’s Central Committee, the powerful, some 200-member decision-making body.
As foreign minister, he is believed to ease China’s "wolf warrior diplomacy," which describes a very confrontational and aggressive diplomacy that has emerged under President Xi Jinping. In particular, relations with the U.S. are at least beginning to see a slight shift in diplomacy with Xi's recent meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden before the G20 Summit in Bali [see AiR No. 46, November/2022, 3] and a general increase in exchanges between the two countries. [Bloomberg, $]
China’s Foreign Minister Wang holds phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken
(ms) China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his U.S. counterpart U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken held a conversation via telephone on December 23.
According to their statements published after the meeting, the conversation served as a continuation of the conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping in mid-November, shortly before the G20 Summit in Bali [see No. 46, November/2022, 3].
The main topic was the further course of action regarding the US-Sino relations. Blinken repeated the wish to maintain lines of communications, while Wang spoke in favor of an improvement of the relations, but saw the US in the duty to reach out to China. He demanded the US to stop its “old routine of unilateral bullying” against China, alluding to the economic sanctions of the US against China’s high-end sector.
Furthermore, during the conversation the end of China’s zero-COVID policy and the resulting situation in China were discussed. Taiwan is said to have been a topic on which both sides defended their established position on the issue. [Al Jazeera] [FMPRC] [U.S. Department of State]
China sanctions two U.S. citizens
(ms) The Chinese government on December 23 sanctioned two U.S. citizens in response to sanctions imposed by the Biden administration earlier this month on two Chinese officials [see AiR No. 50, December/2022, 2], namely Wu Yingjie, the top official in Tibet from 2016 to 2021, and Zhang Hongbo, the region's police chief since 2018. They are accused of being involved in human rights abuses in Tibet.
The U.S. individuals now sanctioned are Todd Stein, deputy staff director at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China since 2021, and Miles Yu Maochun, a Chinese-born professor who worked as a China adviser under Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and has also been outspoken in his criticism of China's President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Dec. 23 that Stein, Yu and their immediate family and dependents would be banned from entering China. Furthermore, existing assets in China will be frozen and any economic interaction with Chinese companies or individuals will be prohibited.
Since both Stein and Yu have no significant assets in China, the punishment imposed is primarily a symbolic measure by the Chinese government.
China urged the U.S. government acknowledge “Tibetan affairs are purely an internal affair of China, and the U.S. has no right to interfere in it, and that gross interference in China's internal affairs will be met with strong countermeasures.” [Associated Press] [Bloomberg] [South China Morning Post] [Xinhua]
United States to ban TikTok on government devices
(ms) As part of the U.S. omnibus spending bill, which passed both chambers of Congress on December 23, the Chinese social media app TikTok will be banned on government devices in the future, which could be the first step in an intended complete ban of the app in the United States.
One reason for the move is the alleged ban of China critical content on the platform [see CNN interview]. The main reason, however, are security concerns regarding data of U.S. citizens.
Representatives from both parties in the U.S. fear, among things, due to the National Intelligence Law introduced in China in 2017 [see text of law], which states that "All organizations and citizens shall support, assist, and cooperate with national intelligence efforts in accordance with law, and shall protect national intelligence work secrets they are aware of." This also applies to TikTok and its parent company, which means that the Chinese government can legally access the user data of U.S. citizens under Chinese law. TikTok rejects these accusations and says that the data of U.S. citizens is stored in the U.S. and has an independent privacy team and thus no person-specific data is shared with the Chinese government.
The British government just banned security systems produced in China from all government buildings at the end of November, also with reference to the National Intelligence Law [see AiR No. 48, November/2022, 5]. In addition to the coming ban on governmental devices, congressmen from both the Republicans and the Democrats are calling for a complete ban on the Chinese social media app in the US. [CNBC] [Foreign Policy] [Radio Free Asia]
On December 23, almost simultaneously with the passing of the omnibus bill, ByteDance admitted to AFP that TikTok employees had illegally accessed the data of two journalists and other US citizens. The breach is said to have occurred in the course of the company’s investigation into a leak of internal company information to Buzzfeed News and the Financial Times, with IP addresses of the journalists allegedly accessed to check whether TikTok employees were in the same location as the journalists. ByteDance says it has already drawn internal consequences and fired the responsible employees. [Hong Kong Free Press] [The Washington Post]
Sixth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue
(ms) On December 21, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met for the Sixth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue and the first state visit to China by an Australian high official since 2019. Both countries signaled after the meeting an improvement in relations between the two countries, which have been highly strained in recent years.
While the relationship between China and Australia in particular deteriorated under the Morrison government, the two countries have shown increased willingness to reach out to each other since Anthony Albanese took office as Australia's prime minister in May.
As a result of the meeting, Wong and Wang agreed to maintain high-level engagement and begin or resume dialogue in the areas of bilateral relations, trade and economic issues, consular affairs, climate change, defense, and regional and international issues.
This outcome confirms the results of the conversation between Alabnese and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 Summit in Bali in mid-November [see AiR No. 46, November/2022, 3].
According to Wong, human rights were also a topic of discussion, and she reportedly addressed the human rights situation in Tibet, Hong Kong, and the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's northwestern province of Xinjiang.
She also expressed grave concern about Chinese Australian journalists Cheng Lei and author Dr. Yang Hengjun, who are in Chinese custody and have not been allowed to be visited by Australian diplomats since September. [ABC News] [Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs] [FMPRC] [Global Times].
Phone call between China’s Xi and German President Steinmeier
(ms) On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and China, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke on the phone on December 20, in particular about the war of aggression but also the COVID-19 situation in China, after China's sudden withdrawal from the Zero-COVID policy, are said to have been the topic of the one-hour phone call.
Steinmeier underlined Germany’s commitment to support Ukraine despite the emerging energy crisis within the country and Europe and asked Xi to “use his influence on Russia and influence Putin.” In this regard, Xi reiterated China's position in favor of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Furthermore, Xi stressed China’ will to further emphasize the relations and cooperation between China and Germany and suggested a proposal on the development of China-Germany relations. This included on the one hand the consolidation of the already existing partnership, which should also be the basis for a steady development of the EU-China relationship. Xi also advocated openness in cooperation between the two countries and that companies from both countries should have equal and fair opportunities to invest in each other's economies.
Especially, the latter is relevant with regard to the controversial investment of the Chinese shipping company Cosco in Germany's largest port, which was allowed by the German government at the end of October [see AiR No. 44, November/2022, 1].
Critics feared on the one hand that Germany would become as with Russia concerning oil and gas economically dependent on China through such deals, on the other hand they emphasized problematically that such an investment in this form would not be possible for German shipping companies in China. [Federal President, Germany] [FMPRC]
Phone Call between Chinese and Côte d'Ivoire's presidents
(ms) On December 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara held a phone call. During the conversation, both presidents underlined their appreciation of each other and the existing relations and spoke out in favor of deepening them.
In particular, trade in agricultural products will be expanded, and Xi promised to continue to support supporting Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa industry, adding that China will continue to motivate national companies to invest in the West African country. [FMPRC]
Medvedev visits Xi, as China and Russia hold large joint military exercise
(ms) On December 21, coinciding with the trip of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, the former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who now serves as Chairman of the largest Russian party United Russia visited China's President Xi Jinping. He is widely seen as visiting China as a proxy of President Vladimir Putin.
Both sides stressed the importance of the exchanges between the CCP and Russia United for Sino-Russian Relations, reaffirming that they will continue to focus on dialogues on governance experiences, synergize development strategies, and promote international and multilateral cooperation between political parties in the future. Xi and Medvedev also reportedly discussed “a number of significant issues of an international nature,” and broadly agreed on the assessment.
The war of aggression in Ukraine was also a topic of discussion during the meeting, with China reiterating its position that it is in favor of peace negotiations, but that both parties must be dealt with fairly and objectively. [FMPRC] [Politico] [Xinhua]
On the same day of the meeting, Russia and China’s militaries began the Joint Sea 2022 exercise. The exercise was announced earlier last week and is intended to "further deepen" the relationship between the two countries, according to the Chinese side. [Al Jazeera]
China-Russia joint military exercise
(dql) On December 27, Russia and China concluded the week-long "Maritime Interaction-2022" naval drills in the East China Sea.
Involving the Russian Pacific Fleet, the exercises focused on the capture of an enemy submarine with depth charges and firing artillery at a warship. [Reuters]
For Yukihisa Fujita, former Japanese finance minister and member of the Distinguished Expert Board of the CPG Peace and Security Center (CPSC), it is important for Japan not to overreact, but instead strengthen its efforts to deepen relationships with the immediate neighboring nations in response to the ever-growing military ties between Beijing and Moscow.
Meanwhile, Grant Newsham, Senior Research Fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, points to the element of psychological and political warfare that is at work in this exercise, arguing that it raises the threat of two powerful militaries operating together and making life difficult for Japan and the US, while suggesting a high degree of political cooperation and alignment.
China holds strike drills around Taiwan with largest aircraft deployment this year
(ms) The Taiwanese military said on December 26 it had spotted 71 Chinese aircraft and seven vessels around the island, the largest number of aircraft seen in 24 hours this year. The aircraft were part of strike drills announced by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Of the 71 aircraft, 47 planes crossed the median line of the strait between the mainland and Taiwan, which serves as the border between the two parties, these consisted of 12 J-11 and six Su-30 fighter jets, one CH-4 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), six J-10 and 18 J-16 fighter jets, one Y-8 EW, one Y-8 ASW, one KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) plane, and one WZ-7 UAV.
The PLA's large-scale maneuver is seen as response to U.S. President Joe Biden’s signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes 10 billion in military budget to support Taiwan [see AiR No. 50, December/2022, 2]. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the new military aid to Taiwan from the U.S., calling it a "serious political provocation that blatantly interferes in China's internal affairs." [Associated Press] [CNN] [Focus Taiwan] [The Guardian]
At least since the visit of the former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives this August [see AiR No. 32, August/2022, 2], the PLA increased its military presence around Taiwan. As recently as mid-December, the Taiwanese military reported that in mid-November the PLA entered Taiwan's Air Identification Zone with a record number of 18 nuclear-capable H-6 bombers [see AiR No. 51, December/2022, 3].
North Korea sends drones over South Korean border
(sm) South Korea scrambled fighter jets and helicopters firing on five North Korean drones, which crossed into South Korean territory on December 26.
Four of the drones flew near the West Coast, while one approached the capital Seoul, in a clear violation of South Korean airspace. While Seoul’s military fired some hundred shots, it failed to shoot down the drones and later formally apologized for the mistake. While one is known to have returned to the North, the military lost track of the other four. In response, South Korea sent reconnaissance aircrafts into the North to take photographs of military installations.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol heavily criticized the military’s inability to shoot down the drones, announcing he would push for the establishment of a unit specializing in drones. [Reuters_1]
This is the first known case of North Korean drones flying into South Korean territory since one took photographs of the US base in South Korea in 2017. Pyongyang’s drones have been an increasing security concern, due to their potential spy operations, but also because they could carry weapons of mass destruction at some point. The regime is estimated to own some 1000 drones and the deployment of them in South Korean territory violates both the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement and the 1953 armistice.
This latest provocation comes as North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles on December 23, in an apparent protest against US-South Korean sanctions and drills. [Reuters_2] [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea, US to develop realistic training scenarios against potential North Korean nuclear attack
(sm) South Korea and the US decided to develop several realistic training scenarios to tackle newly developing North Korean nuclear and ballistic threats during a meeting between top commanders of both sides, hosted by South Korean defense minister Lee Jong-sup on December 21.
Some 20 new drills acting out contingency plans shall be conducted in the first half of 2023, including Ssangyong marine drills. Such exercises had previously been suspended in 2019, as the previous Moon administration had made concessions to better the relationship with the North.
A new plan to establish a South Korea-US Joint Chiefs of Staff in charge of nuclear and mass destruction weapon response was also discussed. The initiative has been part of the allies efforts to improve their overall capabilities through the establishment of a joint strategic command.
Furthermore, South Korea’s initiative to include more artificial intelligence in its systems for both manned and unmanned attack capabilities was pushed at the meeting. The introduction of AI in the South Korean military should avoid casualties, deal with the country’s dwindling birth rate, and make it more resilient against cyber attacks. Finally, the joint US-South Korea forces are predicted to invest in high precision strike capabilities.
The meeting was held amid ongoing tensions between the US, South Korea and North Korea, as the latter launched two short range ballistic missiles recently and sent five drones over the inter-Korean border on December 26. [Korea Times]
South Korea, Hungary to increase economic cooperation
(sm) Hungarian foreign and trade minister Péter Szijjártó met with his South Korean counterparts Park Jin and Ahn Duk-geun respectively to discuss increased economic cooperation and regional security matters.
Park and Szijjártó held a meeting on December 20 in Seoul to discuss how to improve business conditions for South Korean companies in Hungary, amid inflating energy prices. Szijjártó praised South Korean companies investing in Hungary, expressing his hope for an even closer cooperation in the future. Both ministers highlighted nuclear energy, especially the research and development sector and small modular reactors as a high potential cooperation area.
The two further agreed to coordinate on the multilateral stage, including the UN and the Visegrád Group (V4)-plus-Korea (Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland) format. Park asked for Hungary’s support in coordinating a united multilateral response against North Korean provocations, to which Szijjártó assured his government’s continued support for South Korean denuclearization initiatives. Szijjártó also reassured Park of Hungary’s official support for South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in the southern city of Busan.
Park asked for Budapest’s support against potential discrimination in the EU’s new Carbon Boundary Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will prospectively levy a carbon tax for energy intensive imports, such as cement and electricity from 2026.
Ahn joined the two other ministers to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on trade and investment cooperation and to discuss the details of the CBAM devised by the EU. The MOU constitutes a follow-up measure to bilateral ministerial trade talks held on October 24 and precedes an upcoming Trade and Investment Promotion Framework between the two countries, which will include supply chain, digital, clean energy and other emerging trade issues.
South Korea and Hungary have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership in late 2021 and have seen their bilateral trade grow from USD 2,8 billion in 2010 to USD 4,8 billion in 2021. [Korea Times] [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [South Korea Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Energy]
Japan, South Korea hold working-level talks on Fukushima water discharge and wartime forced labor issue
(sm) Japan and South Korea held working-level talks about Japan’s plan to discharge radioactive water used to cool the defective Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea, and the longstanding wartime forced labor issue that has divided the two countries over their common history.
The two countries held talks about the Fukushima water discharge on December 22. South Korean director-general of the foreign ministry's bureau for climate change, energy, environment and scientific affairs Yun Hyun-soo held virtual talks with Japan’s foreign ministry's disarmament, non-proliferation and science department director-general Kaifu Atsushi. The Korean side asked for more transparency on prospective safety measures to avoid the contamination of sea water and a precise plan on how the Japanese government will enact the radioactive water discharge.
Tokyo’s plan has been met with significant international criticism, especially from its East Asian neighbors. The International Atomic Energy Agency has sent several investigation teams to Japan to evaluate the safety of the operation. [KBS World]
On December 26, the two countries held diplomatic consultations over its wartime forced labor issue, over which South Korea has repeatedly criticized Japan for failing to acknowledge its forceful employment of Korean workers at their industrial sites during World War Two.
Japanese and South Korean foreign representatives Takehiro Funakoshi and Seo Min-jung met in Tokyo to continue to find a compromise over reparations relating to the issue, which has long been causing tensions in their bilateral relationship. [Yonhap News Agency_1]
Previously, Seoul’s supreme court had sparked a controversy by issuing the order to seize the South Korean-based assets of Japanese companies involved in wartime labor, which refused to pay anymore reparations. Increased security cooperation against North Korean threats between the countries had shone hope on the issue, as Japanese and South Korean lawmakers came together again to find a solution.
In the meanwhile, South Korean wartime forced labor support groups have not been satisfied with the direction in which the talks were going and voiced their strong opposition on the same day. One proposed compensation plan involves the use of local corporate donations without the participation and formal apology of such Japanese companies as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Inc. or Nippon Steel Corp. The group has rejected such a proposition, claiming not all companies involved in forced wartime labor were cited in the deal. [Yonhap News Agency_2]
Bangladesh’s foreign minister says nothing to worry about US ambassador incident on December 14
On 14 December, while the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, paid a visit at the missing BNP leader Sajedul Islam’s house, members of Mayer Kanna took position in front of the house of the BNP leader and demanded justice for their relatives who were victims of court-martial during the regime of late president Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP. As the members were suddenly entering the house and surrounded the vehicle of the US ambassador, he immediately left the place and later on raised the incident with the foreign ministry of Bangladesh. Afterward, the Bangladesh ambassador in Washington DC was summoned.
Regarding the issue, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh has nothing to fear about US sanctions as both countries are having a perfect relationship at the moment. Pointing to the incident of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, against whom the US imposed sanctions and later on lifted them, the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister said that the US only imposes sanctions when it wants to put some pressure. [The Daily Star]
Bangladesh plans to sign MoU with several European countries, including Croatia, Serbia
Because of the potentiality of the labor market in Europe for Bangladeshi workers, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment is planning to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with several European countries, including Croatia and Serbia. Bangladesh is already exporting much of its manpower to European countries like Romania and Italy. Minister Imran Ahmad urges the abroad-going migrant Bangladeshi migrant workers to enhance the reputation of Bangladesh by paying attention to responsible behavior and works abroad. [The Business Standard]
Russia commits to its non-interfering principle in the domestic affairs of Bangladesh
Russia has committed not to interfere in the domestic policies of Bangladesh so that the country can shape its own foreign and internal policy to serve its national interests. Addressing the UN Declaration on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States and the Protection of their Independence and Sovereignty, Russia states that it wants the non-interference policy for other countries to determine the ways of their further development independently.
As per the statement of the Russian embassy, the self-claimed global democratic regimes, for their hegemonic ambitions, are interfering in the internal affairs of the UN member states through blatant blackmailing, illegal restrictions, and so on. [The Business Standard]
India, Japan to hold bilateral air force exercises
(wr) The Indian Air Force is all set to participate in the Veer Guardian exercise, hosted by the Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) from January 16-26, 2023. The series of exercises will enhance mutual understanding and exchange tactical skills. India and Japan recently participated in multilateral navy and army drills. This is the first time the Indian Air Force is having an air combat exercise with Japan. [The Print] [Zee News]
India, Russia hold 9th session of working group on modernization, industrial cooperation
(wr) India and Russia held the 13th annual bilateral Business Dialogue Forum on December 22 to discuss inter-municipal economic cooperation. Ambassadors from both sides reiterated commitments to strengthen cooperation in fields ranging from trade, economy, science, technology and culture. [Big News Network] [Business Standard]
To provide opportunities to cross-businesses, working on modernization and industrial cooperation under the framework of intergovernmental commission topped the agenda of discussion. The Secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade represented the Indian side while the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade joined from the Russian side.
The bilateral trade turnover is expected to surge up to USD 30 billion in 2023. Oil, petroleum, fertilisers along military equipment constitute exchange factors.
India, Bangladesh discusses free trade agreement
(wr) The Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry met his Bangladeshi counterpart on December 22. Both sides explored the prospects of signing a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), that will allow to expand trade and investment and reduce custom duties.
Amid India’s growing import costs, the minister also discussed trade settlement in Rupees. The bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh is up to USD 18.2 billion. India is also looking forward to having a Rupees settlement mechanism with other trade partners, to reduce dependency on dollars keeping in view its currency volatility and reserve changes challenges in the international market. [Business Standard] [News Drum]
India, Kazakhstan hold joint military exercise
(wr) India and Kazakhstan conducted the 6th edition of “KAZIND’22”, joint military exercise in the Eastern sector on December 24. Part of military diplomacy, troops from both sides exchanged expertise on counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The Indian Air Force also participated along with the Army. [ANI] [Times of India]
Indonesia concerned over Taliban’s ban on women attending university
(os) Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the Taliban’s decision to ban all women in Afghanistan to attend university. Indonesia, which boasts the world’s largest Muslim population, stated that education is a fundamental right for women and men. The Southeast Asian country expressed its plans to continue lobbying the Taliban government to keep education open to women. [The Jakarta Post] [Twitter]
Pakistan disappointed by Afghanistan’s ban on women’s university education
(tj) Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari voiced disappointment over the Taliban’s ban on university education for women but said the best approach remained engagement with Afghanistan.
Bilawal said there were no alternatives to the Taliban, warning of further instability in Afghanistan or the rise of the Islamic State group.
The Taliban, who had initially promised a softer approach than during their 1996-2001 regime, banned university education for women after already closing down secondary schooling for girls.
Meanwhile, the US. warned that the Taliban decision could permanently end any hopes by the militants for a positive relationship.
But Bilawal said it was even more crucial to ensure economic support to create a political space necessary for those within the Afghan regime who actually believe that they should deliver on rights issues.
Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office also urged Afghanistan to revisit its decision to suspend university education for women. Pakistan’s position on this issue is that everyone, man or woman, has the inherent right to education in accordance with the injunctions of Islam. [Dawn]
US offers Pakistan help against threat from TTP
(tj) The US. offered unconditional support to Pakistan in its battle against the TTP and similar groups, saying that defeating terrorism was a shared goal of both countries.
At the same time, the US. also offered to assist India and Pakistan and India in resolving their differences, reminding them that they were key global partners and that the US. would like to continue valuable partnerships with both.
For the US., Pakistan is a partner when it comes to these shared concerns, including the challenge of terrorist groups inside Afghanistan as well as terrorist groups along the Afghan-Pakistani border, and the US. stands ready to assist.
Regarding the US. relationships with Pakistan and India, the two relationships stand on their own, it’s not a zero-sum relationship. [The Daily Star]
Indonesia to provide flood relief aid to Pakistan
(os) Indonesia has signed an agreement with Pakistan to provide USD 1 million to the South Asian country to help with the damages of this year’s floods. [Daily Pakistan] [Mettis Global 1]
Floods in Pakistan in 2022 caused the death of over 1,700 people and elicited losses of around USD 30 billion. The grant will be used for supporting Pakistan’s efforts in rehabilitating the people that suffered the most in the wake of the floods. Moreover, the aid will be geared toward enhance disaster preparedness of Pakistan.
Indonesia and Pakistan also agreed on strengthening their bilateral relations, particularly regarding trade. Indonesia lauded Pakistan’s support of joint venture projects between both countries. [Mettis Global 2]
Chinese ambassador assures safety of joint train project in Indonesia
(os) After a deadly accident in relation to the construction of a Chinese funded high-speed railway in Indonesia, the Chinese ambassador to Indonesia has stated that the train connection is not going to suffer from safety issues. [Tempo] [The Jakarta Post]
According to China, two workers were injured in the incident. However, the joint venture responsible for building the railway PT KCIC claims that four people have suffered from injuries that left two of them dead. The casualties were all workers from China. The accident happened while an engineering car derailed off the track. The Chinese ambassador emphasized the tragedy of the incident and pointed out that the accident does not impact the future safety of the railway.
The project is a joint project of China and Indonesia and will connect the cities of Jakarta and Bandung in Indonesia. The project has already run into several problems and costs have skyrocketed. Planned completion had previously been moved from 2019 to 2023 [see AiR No. 42, October/2022, 3].
Indonesia will not officially respond to Dutch apology for slavery
(os) Indonesia does not plan on making an official response to the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s apology for past slavery until an official apology addressed to the Indonesian government is issued. [Tempo] [The Jakarta Post]
On December 19, Rutte held a speech in which he apologized for the Netherland’s atrocities in its former colonies. He also expressed plans of setting up a fund for social initiatives in some of the former colonies. While he mentioned seven Caribbean states, Rutte failed to explicitly address Indonesia. Thus, the Indonesian government will not officially respond to the speech.
Some Indonesian politicians claim that the speech was likely directed at domestic needs in the Netherlands. Some also suggest that the Dutch government tried to circumvent demands for reparation payments with the speech.
Indonesia formerly was a Dutch colony, named the Dutch East Indies. Slave trade in the colony was prevalent, as the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was one of the largest slave traders in the 16th century.
Philippines, Qatar to boost cooperation
(jd) Qatar is seeking to intensify cooperation efforts with the Philippines as it envisions a “bright future” for the relations between the two countries.
The directive to boost the Philippines-Qatar bilateral ties was issued by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which stated that the cooperation between the two nations has already resulted in the expansion of trade exchanges in government and private sectors.
The two countries aim to strengthen their partnership on health, trade, investment, climate change mitigation, and regional and international issues. [PNA]
Cambodian prime minister, Chinese ambassador preside over the National Road Groundbreaking Ceremony
(sn) The Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, and the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Vinthean, presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for National road 41 in Kampot province on December 26, 2022. PM Hun Sen announced that China helped to construct 30 Cambodian roads, together more than 3000 km long, with a cost of nearly USD 2 billion.
National road 41 is more than 95 km long. The China Bridge and Road Corporation (CRBC) will lead the construction process under the supervision of Guangzhou Wanan Technical Consulting. With Cambodia’s support in overcoming taxes impacts, the People’s Republic of China government invested over USD 67 million in concessional loans into the National road project. [Prime Minister Office]
Cambodia’s prime minister visits United States embassy in Phnom Penh
(sn) On December 23, 2022, the Cambodian PM visited the US Embassy in Phnom Penh and met with the US ambassador, Patrick Murphy.
The Minister of Foreign Fairs, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, the National Police, and Defense Ministry officials also attended the event. The visit aims to express the intent of the Cambodian government to intensify its development cooperation with the United States. [Phnom Penh Post], [Khmer Times]
Cambodia-South Korea bilateral trade rises to USD 962 million following free trade agreement launch
(sn) Since the Cambodia–Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) was established on December 1, 2022, bilateral trade between the two states has been boosted. The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) reports that during the first 11 months of 2022, the Cambodia–South Korea trade rose by 10.6% compared to the previous year, thus, reaching USD 962 million. [Khmer Times]
Vietnam, Indonesia agrees on EEZ boundaries
(ih) Vietnam and Indonesia have concluded 12 years of negotiations on the boundaries of the two country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ). While the two countries had agreed on the demarcation of their respective continental shelves in 2003, conflicting perspectives on the legal principles underlying demarcation of the EEZ had resulted in long-standing disagreements on the countries’ respective EEZ boundaries. [RFA] [The Diplomat] [ASEAN Briefing]
Compensation for more than 1,000 families over the construction of the Laos-China railway still outstanding
(fj) More than 1,000 families in the four provinces of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Luang Namtha are still awaiting compensation totaling around USD 11 million for displacement during the construction of the Laos-China Railway, while over 5,500 families have already been compensated.
The President of the State Inspection Authority, Mr. Khamphan Phommathat, noted the fact that the disbursement has not yet been concluded on December 22 during a session of the National Assembly. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has been tasked with finding ways to effectively conclude the compensation process. [Laotian Times]
Laos to receive USD 6.1 million grant from Japan for road infrastructure
(fj) The Laotian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, and the state minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takei Shunsuke, have signed an agreement over a grant of USD 6.1 million for the financing of road repair equipment to be bought from Japan.
The equipment will be first use for the upkeep of road infrastructure in the country’s south with plans to be extended to other regions later.
The financial support is part of wider Japanese engagement in the county, with bridges like the Pakse Bridge and roads like the Vientiane National Route No. 1 being notable examples. Japan will reportedly also support Laos’s upcoming 2024 chairmanship of ASEAN with a grant of around USD 3.6 million. [Laotian Times]
Laos government receives 1,000 tons of rice from Japan, South Korea over last two years
(fj) A handover ceremony for rice donations adding up to 1,000 tons was held with the attendance Director General of the Rice Product Policy Department of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Tasira Matsumoto and Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Mr Lee Pao Yang on December 21.
The rice was handed out via the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve in 2021 and 2022, provided by the governments of the Republic of Korea (700 tons) and the government of Japan (300 tons).
The handouts were requested by Laos to cope with the economic and social impacts of heavy floods and landslides in the previous two years. The extreme weather events reportedly affected over 70,000 families, destroying crops and houses, and causing an estimated damage of USD 31 million. [Laotian Times]
Construction of railway linking Laos to Vietnamese port city to begin in 2023
(fj) The building of a 240-kilometer-long railway track between Thakhek, the capital of Khammuan province in central Laos, and Vung Ang, a Vietnamese seaport in Ha Tinh province is scheduled to begin in March 2023 with an expected completion by 2026.
The project will form part of the Lao Logistics Link and connect with the single-track railway section linking Vientiane to Thakhek, thus forming a 554-kilometer corridor between the Laotian capital and Vung Ang’s port. It is in line with the broader strategy of developing Laos from a landlocked to a so-called land-linked nation and will be connected to the Laos-China railway in Vientiane.
A feasibility study for the Laotian section of the transboundary project has already been approved by the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport, while a similar study for the Vietnamese section is to be submitted to Vietnam’s National Assembly in June 2023.
The project is to be developed by the Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company in collaboration with the governments of Laos and Vietnam. It has been presented to representatives of the European Union and the International Finance Corporation, both of which reportedly expressed their interest in being involved in the financing. [Vientiane Times]
Next round of the Cambodia–UAE–CEPA negotiations held in Phnom Penh
(sn) Over December 19–21, 2022, the second follow-up round of the Cambodia–UAE–CEPA negations took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Parties made progress in establishing the framework of common interests. The meeting focused on sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development aspects - such as investment, agriculture, e-commerce, industry, and energy. [Cambodia Daily]
United States citizen, Myanmar arms dealer indicted for laundering drug money in Thailand
(jp) Dean Gultula, a citizen of the United States, Tun Min Latt, a Myanmar weapons dealer, and several others are accused of laundering narcotics money via a Thai state-owned energy firm. The suspects are charged with money laundering, transnational organized crime, and drug trafficking, which may result in up to 15 years in jail and, in certain instances, the death penalty
Allure Group (P&E), a Thailand-registered company associated with Gultula and Latt, is also accused of its alleged conspiracy to convert money earned through drug-related crimes into commodities in the form of exported energy to Myanmar. Latt is suspected of moving profits from drug sales to the energy business, while Gultula is accused of supervising the transfer of monies from a related company to Allure Group (P&E).
In September, all the suspects were detained, and a warrant was issued for the arrest of Gultula's father-in-law, Thai senator Upakit Pachariyangkun, on drug trafficking and money laundering accusations, but it was subsequently rescinded. [Myanmar Now]
Myanmar to purchase nuclear power plants from Russia
(ih) The government of Myanmar is proceeding with a plan to deploy Russian-made small, modular nuclear power plants in order to address the potential energy shortages that are expected to result from the gradual exhaustion of Myanmar’s natural gas reserves. The plans come as many foreign oil and gas companies are pulling out of the country due to ongoing political instability. [Nikkei Asian Review]
Announcements
Recent Book Releases
Agathe Demarais, Backfire: How Sanctions Reshape the World Against U.S. Interests, Columbia University Press, 304 pages, published on November 15, 2022. For a brief review, see [Foreign Affairs].
James F. Hollifield and Neil Foley (eds.), Understanding Global Migration, Stanford University Press, 520 pages, published on March 1, 2022, with a review in [Foreign Affairs].
Roberto Mangabeira Unger, Governing the World Without World Government, Verso, 96 pages, published on July 19, 2022. A review is available at [Foreign Affairs].
Hwang Sok-yong, Lee Jae-Eui, and Jeon Yong-Ho, Gwangju Uprising: The Rebellion for Democracy in South Korea, Verso, 512 pages, published on May 17, 2022, reviewed in [Asian Review of Books].
Calls for Papers
The Lagos Studies Association (LSA) invites paper proposals for its 7th Annual Conference to be held as a hybrid event on June 20-24, 2023. The conference theme is “Rethinking Decoloniality: African Decolonization and Epistemologies in the 21st Century”. Deadline for abstract submission is January 1, 2023. For more information, visit [Lagos Studies].
Sapienza University of Rome invites paper proposals for its international conference “Afterlives of Empires in the Public Perception” scheduled for September 20-21, 2023. The closing date for abstract submission is March 15, 2023. More details are available at [Afterlives of Empires].
Jobs and positions
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is looking for a Programme Coordinator (Climate Change and Gender) to be based in Bangkok, Thailand. Core responsibility is to coordinate UN Women’s EmPower: Women for Climate Resilient Societies Project. The deadline for application is January 8, 2023. For more information, see [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting a Women, Peace and Security Specialist to provide program development advisory services and develop programmes in the area of Women, Peace and Security. The position is based in Bangkok, Thailand. Applications are accepted until January 7, 2023. Further details are available at [UNDP].
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is hiring a Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer to be based in Bangkok. Main responsibilities cover providing authoritative technical and policy advice on programmes, projects and issues of significant impact on humanitarian, emergency relief and disaster response/management efforts; monitoring the performance of the institution's humanitarian mandate; and influences the development and evolution of the UN approach to humanitarian affairs; designs and implements developing/ensuring implementation of coherent humanitarian/disaster response strategies and procedures. The closing date for application is January 17, 2023. If you are interested, find more about the job offer at [United Nations].
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Programme Specialist in Strategic Planning and Coordination to assist in the management of UN Women’s Regional Office with high-quality technical and policy advisory support, including support in programme/project planning and implementation processes as well as in inter-agency coordination. The application deadline is January 23, 2023. Visit [UNDP] to know more about the vacancy.
The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is looking for an Asia Regional Manager. Key responsibilities include managing the regional team of strategic communications experts and coordinating and managing projects to ensure achieving regional and global objectives. The position is based in Asia. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Go to [ECF] to get further details.
Science Europe seeks to recruit a Senior Policy Officer (Science and Society) to be based in Brussels, Belgium, and to assume responsibilities in the framework of the Science Europe 2021-2026 Strategy Plan and Multi-Annual Action Plan, with a focus on promoting the role of science in shaping input for sustainable development beyond 2030. The closing date for application is January 22, 2023. Visit [Science Europe] for further information.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is recruiting an Organisational Ombuds and Mediator to be based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Applications close on January 3, 2023. You can find more details at [ECB].
The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) invites applications for the position of Director - Technical Assessment and Monitoring Directorate. The position is based in Paris, France. The application deadline is February 28, 2023. If you want to know more about the position, go to [CEB].
Carnegie Europe, the European center of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is hiring a Program Assistant in its Democracy, Governance and Conflict Program to be based in Brussels, Belgium. Core responsibilities include event organization and support in the production of publications. Applications are accepted until January 3, 2023. More about the job offer is available at [Carnegie Endowment].
The e-Governance Academy (eGA), a non-profit foundation that assists public sector institutions worldwide in digital transformation, is looking for a digitalization expert to support the digitalization of Ukraine’s criminal justice system. Interested candidates can submit their applications until January 10, 2023. A full description of the job opening can be accessed through [EEAS].
The Academy of European Law (ERA) is seeking a Lawyer (Course Director) in European Human Rights specializing in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, the European Convention on Human Rights, in litigation before the CJEU and the ECtHR, and European institutional law. The position is based in Trier, Germany. The deadline for application is January 25, 2023. Further information is provided at [ERA].
The Division of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs (PPPA) at the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) invites applications for an Assistant Professor of International Law and Human Rights. Applications from candidates specializing in human rights, international law, and/or international organizations will receive full consideration. Review of applications will begin on January 20, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. For more information, see [UWT].
Jacksonville State University (JSU) seeks applications for a full-time, tenure-track position of Assistant Professor of Political Science to support the Department of Sociology and Political Science in teaching courses in comparative politics and international relations and a section of American government. Applications close on January 31, 2023. Further details can be accessed through [JSU].
The University of Central Florida (UCF) welcomes applications for an Assistant Professor position in the field of American Politics that covers an active research agenda with focus on the role of class, ethnicity, gender, or race in shaping inequalities and public policy. Applications can be submitted until January 19, 2023. You find further details at [UCF].
Team:
Duc Quang Ly (dql), Farhan Maqsood (fm), Felix Jonas Jantz (fj), Henning Glaser (hg), Hsu May Maung, Ian Hollinger (ih), Jennifer Marie Domenici (jd), Jessica Pierre (jp), Lucas Meier (lm), Natalie Svinina (ns), Ole Stark (os), Peer Morten Strantzen (ms), Sheikh Afif Bin Zaman (az), Silke Marian (sm), Thammasorn Sangiamjit (ts), Theerapon Damrongruk (td), Tim Hildebrandt (th), Tomwit Jarnson (tj), Tristan James Biglete (tjb), Venus Phuangkom, Wardah Rehman (wr)
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