Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 1, January/2023, 1
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the first Asia in Review (AiR) issue in the new year for which the AiR team wishes you all the best.
In addition, special greetings are extended to everyone who celebrates Myanmar’s Independence Day in this week.
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: New Year's Speech by Xi
(ms) Shortly before the New Year, President Xi Jinping addressed the Chinese people with a New Year's speech [Government, China, in Chinese; for an English translation, see Xinhua].
He opened the speech with what he sees as China’s achievements in 2022, highlighting China's economy and food security, which have been maintained despite hard times, especially when the country’s economic growth has weakened and the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party has had to deviate from the target of 5.5% economic growth.
Also at issue was the COVID-19 pandemic. While China stuck to the zero-COVID strategy for nearly three years, over the past few weeks nearly all measures have been lifted, resulting in a large wave of infections in the country and overcrowded hospitals and crematoriums. Xi calls the quick turnaround a “new phase of COVID response” and sees a “light of hope” in the fight against the pandemic. [South China Morning Post]
Xi also called for "unity" of the Chinese people, explicitly including the people of Taiwan, saying both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of “one and the same family” and that he hopes both sides will work together to reunite Taiwan with the mainland “to jointly foster lasting prosperity of the Chinese nation.” [The Guardian]
China: New COVID-19 drug announced in face of remaining serious infection situation
(ms) Even if according to computations of scientists at least in Chinese large cities the number of COVID new infections has already reached its peak, the COVID-19 situation in the country remains critical.
The Chinese government began to fight at least first problem spots, among other things in the middle of December the lack of medicines against COVID-19 symptoms turned out to be a problem. While India has already announced to increase the export of such drugs to China [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4], a domestic drug is said to be in the starting blocks. The pill is said to be as effective as a Paxlovid, according to a study published on December 25, and could therefore effectively tackle the drug shortage without having to rely too much on foreign actors. [China Daily] [South China Morning Post 1]
In a statement, China’s top security body, the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, defended and praised the zero-COVID strategy and the Chinese government's sudden change of course, and announced zero tolerance for anyone using the pandemic 'to infiltrate, sabotage and disrupt social order'.
The first arrests have already been made, including a person who allegedly spread misinformation about his COVID-19 infection via China’s social media Weibo. However, the statement does not adequately clarify to what extent action will be taken against protesters who participated in nationwide protests against the zero COVID strategy [see AiR No. 48, November/2022, 5] that preceded the relaxations.
So far, it is assumed that a small number of participants and organizers of the protests will be punished, but the vast majority will escape without legal consequences. [South China Morning Post 2]
China: NPC reins in Hong Kong court’s jurisdiction over foreign lawyers’ practice
(ms) The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s highest legislative body, on December 30 introduced its interpretation of Articles 14 and 47 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), shifting jurisdiction over the admission of foreign lawyers in national security cases.
The case in point is the trial of Hong Kong entrepreneur and founder of the now-closed anti-government newspaper Apple Daily Jimmy Lai, which has been handed over from the courts to Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu and the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR.
At the end of November last year, after three instances of Hong Kong courts had allowed Lai to appoint British lawyer Timothy Owen as his legal representation in the trials relating to his three National Security charges, Lee invited the NPC Standing Committee to review the legal basis on which the courts reached the decisions [see AiR No. 48, November/2022, 5].
Effective immediately, the final authority for such decisions would no longer rest with the courts, but with Lee and the Committee for Safeguarding National Security. They will decide whether the appointment of a foreign legal representative poses a threat to national security, and Hong Kong courts will have to apply for a certificate before granting work permits to foreign lawyers.
Regarding Lai's case, it is likely that Owen's permission to represent him will be revoked, as Lee has been highly critical of the courts' decisions. The extent to which foreign lawyers will be allowed to practice in Hong Kong in the future, particularly in national security cases, remains to be seen. Critics fear that the decision will allow Lee and the Committee to overrule any national security decision, further depriving the city's judicial system of legitimacy. [Hong Kong Free Press] [South China Morning Post] [Xinhua]
China: Qin Gang new foreign minister
(ms) Following earlier speculations [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4], Qin Gang was appointed foreign minister with immediate effect at a meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on December 30.
Qin succeeds Wang Yi, who had been in office since 2013. It is expected, especially in light of Wang’s appointment to the 24-member Politburo during the 20th National Congress, that Wang’s powers will be expanded as he will be in charge of China’s foreign policy at large.
Qin, who most recently served as ambassador to the U.S., is considered to be more moderate in his diplomacy, leading some experts to believe that under him the confrontational and aggressive “wolf warrior diplomacy,” that was particularly evident in relations with the U.S., will loosen and China could return to an emphasis on constructive dialogue. [Reuters][Xinhua]
Shortly before Qin’s departure to China to assume his new post, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with him on the phone reaffirming his commitment to “maintaining open lines of communication”. Following the talk, Qin tweeted that he looked forward to “continuing close working relations with him for a better China-US relationship”. [Antony Blinken, Twitter] [Qin Gang, Twitter]
China: 14th National People’s Congress full session begins in March
(ms) On March 5, the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) will begin, the current NPC Standing Committee decided on December 30.
The first session of the highest legislative body of China is always of special importance, as among other things, the president, the premier and his four vice-presidents will be elected there.
After Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term as party leader during the 20th National Congress last October [see AiR No. 43, October/2022, 4], it is basically confirmed that he will begin his third term as president during the congress.
There seems to be similar clarity on the question of Li Keqiang's successor as Premier Minister. Li Qiang, who was appointed second-ranked Politburo Standing Committee member during the National Congress and counts as Xi's protege, is very likely to take over the post as the country’s formal number two. [China Daily] [South China Morning Post]
China: Famous CCTV host announces comeback after #MeToo allegations
(ms) Famous former China Central Television (CCTV) host Zhu Jun is set to make a comeback to the state broadcaster, he announced via Chinese social media Weibo, following serious allegations of sexual assault against him by a female intern in 2018.
The announcement comes barely five months after a Chinese court last August rejected the final appeal of Zhou Xiaoxuan, the intern in question [see AiR No. 33, August/2022, 3].
Zhou’s going public opened up the #MeToo issue in China and quickly made her the face of the movement in the country. In the course of Zhou’s case against Zhu, weaknesses of the Chinese legal system regarding the protection of especially women regarding sexual abuse and harassment were revealed, as there was no independent law regarding such offenses until 2021.
However, critics have observed that while at the beginning Zhou received large support and the case and the topic were treated prominently, even in state television, in the following years the Chinese government began to censor ever more prominently the topic of #MeToo and Zhou’s person. Opponents of the movement were allowed to continue to harass and insult Zhou over social media. [South China Morning Post]
China: Opening of first state-run NFT marketplace
(ms) On January 1, China opened the China Digital Asset Trading Platform, the first state-run Non-fundable Token (NFT) marketplace.
While the Chinese government has taken and continues to take a very strict stance against cryptocurrency trading and mining, keeping cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin out of the marketplace, it has shown interest in further expanding the country’s digital economy by applying commercial rules to virtual data.
Just last week the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and the State Council unveiled new policy guidelines aimed at boosting the country’s data market while addressing issues such as data rights and distribution of trading profits.
The new marketplace is backed by the state-funded China Technology Exchange and China Cultural Relics Exchange Centers, as well as the private company Huaban Digital Copyright Service Center. [South China Morning Post]
China: 700 km long water distribution project starts trial operation
(ms) On December 30, the trial operation of the mega water distribution project that will feed water from the Yangtze, China's longest river, into the Huaihe River to prevent it from drying up, began. Another target of the 732-kilometer-long canal is Chaohu Lake, which will receive 500 million cubic meters of water per year.
Both destinations are located in the eastern Anhui Province and the neighboring Henan Province, respectively, and will be used for water supply to local residents, the development of marine transportation, irrigation in agriculture. They are expected to contribute to the improvement of the ecological conditions of the Huaihe River and Chaohu Lake, and more than 50 million people are believed to benefit from the project. [Xinhua]
Japan: Prime Minister dismisses speculation of Lower House dissolution
(dql) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that for the time being he is not considering a dissolution of the House of Representatives and holding a snap election.
The statement comes as the Prime Minister and his Cabinet is facing low approval ratings at only 33 percent in the wake of the resignation of four ministers over political funding and other scandals within two months [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4]. [The Mainichi]
Japan: US intelligence among leaked state secrets
(dql) According to sources of Japan’s defense ministry, the state secrets that have been leaked by a now dismissed Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force captain include U.S. classified information that is believed to be related to the movements of foreign militaries.
The ministry confirmed that in March 2020, the captain disclosed secret information regarding “situations surrounding Japan,” along with troop operations and training of the MSDF.
The revelation prompted criticism from Washington blaming Tokyo for lax information management. [Japan Today]
Japan: Government incentivized moving out of Tokyo
(dql) The Japanese government is set to increase financial incentives to families to move out of greater Tokyo in a bid to lower the city’s population density and to address population decline in regions that are hit by the migration of younger people to Tokyo, Osaka and other big cities.
Starting from April, USD 7,500 per child will be offered to families for relocating from the capital, marking a significant increase, compared with the current offer of USD 2,300. [The Mainichi]
North Korea: Leader sacks high level military officials in apparent reshuffle
(sm) According to the North Korean Central News Agency, leader Kim Jong-un has been conducting a reshuffling of key military officials, that included the dismissal of the secretary of the ruling party’s Central Committee and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission Pak Jong-chon.
Former defense minister Ri Yong-gil will take on Pak’s role in the Central Committee. Pak had rapidly been promoted from a one-one star artillery commander to a four-star general in 2019 for being involved in the development of Pyongyang’s short-range ballistic missile development. The dismissal happened despite the praise the weapon development program received in the country’s year-end party gathering.
Besides Pak’s unexplained dismissal, Kang Sun-nam will become the new defense minister, while Ri Thae-sop, former chief of the Korean People’s Army became public security minister and was replaced by Pak Su-il in his former role. The North Korean ruling party’s Central Military Commission holds more power than the defense ministry.
Senior party and military officials’ reshuffles have become more frequent in recent years to allegedly strengthen the loyalty of key political and military figures and increase the control Kim holds over them. The recent year-end party gathering has often been an occasion for such reshuffles. [Reuters] [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea: President, Prime Minister announce reforms in labor, pensions, and education for the new year
(sm) In his New Year’s speech on January 1, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced his focus on new export strategies to tackle the potential recession looming over the country and reiterated his commitment to reform education, labor, and pension systems.
Yoon expressed his intention to shift away from protectionist trade policies which, according to him, stand in the way of global cooperation on supply chains, stabilizing inflation, and energy price volatility. Countries who share the same universal values are coming together for strategic economic cooperation and South Korea’s diplomacy should be focused on economic ties with these strategic allies in 2023.
This statement is to be seen in light of the US Inflation Rate Act last summer, which offers tax incentives to electrical vehicle makers assembling their cars in the US and using key battery material from the US’ free trade partners. It has prompted concerns over an “America First” economic protectionist policy.
The president furthermore highlighted the advancement of infrastructure, nuclear power plant projects and the defense industry as key drivers of the South Korean economy, promising to develop future strategic technologies such as aerospace, artificial intelligence and bio-engineering.
Concerning pension reforms, companies will be encouraged to switch from seniority-based systems to performance-based systems and an overall overhaul of the public pension system will be enacted to cope with future financing difficulties. In education, inequalities between regions will be lessened by linking regional universities to specific industries. Yoon’s top priority remains the labor reform which is met with strong opposition by labor unions. [Korea Herald_1] [Korea Herald_2]
In his own address on the same day, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo also insisted on the three key areas of reform, explaining that the labor market is lagging behind technological developments. Amid the burdens of inflation, small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed people will be given support by the government. [Korea.net] [Korea Herald_3]
South Korea: Launch of solid-fuel rocket causes concern over UFO appearance
(sm) On December 30, the South Korean army test-fired a solid-fuel rocket which was mistaken for an unidentified flying object (UFO) appearance or a North Korean missile by the wider public.
Following calls and messages from concerned citizens claiming to have seen a UFO object or a North Korean missile, the defense ministry released a statement clarifying that the rocket test was aimed at developing South Korea’s surveillance capacity in space and arguing that the general public had not been informed of the launch due to sensitive military security issues. The test is part of a plan to use solid-fuel rockets to put Seoul’s first spy satellite into space.
The test came on the heels of the incursion of five North Korean drones into South Korean territory on December 26, which the military failed to shoot down. After the event President Yoon Suk-yeol urged the military to significantly bolster anti-drone capabilities, which are part of a broader plan to advance South Korea’s aerospatial surveillance capabilities. The launch of the solid-fuel rocket constitutes a follow-up to a previous similar test in March 2022, according to the defense ministry. [Associated Press]
South Korea: Police to improve human rights for foreign suspects
(sm) The Korean National Police Agency announced their plan to improve human rights protection for foreign suspects by implementing new standards and policies.
Among the new safeguards to be created, foreign suspects will have the right to request video recordings of their custodial interrogations. The new provision is made for vulnerable people who either do not understand the Korean language and need an interpreter, are illiterate, or visually or audibly impaired.
The new policy should also make translated police notifications in 16 languages available to suspects to inform them of their basic rights while in custody.
The new policing human rights standards remain under review by the ministry of government legislation while similar rules for prosecutors have already been implemented. [Korea Herald]
South Korea: Police refer disability rights activists to prosecution over illegal subway protests
(sm) 24 disability rights activists have been referred to the prosecution by Seoul’s police over their alleged obstruction of subway services during rush hours.
Activists of the organization Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (SADD) had been hosting protests in major Seoul metro stations from late November throughout December 2022 and causing delays during rush hours by repeatedly getting on and off subways on wheelchairs. SADD is requesting more financial support from the government to protect the rights of disabled people.
29 activists are currently under investigation over the criminal charges of obstruction to traffic and disturbance of operations, as they have been sued by the Seoul Metro company.
While waiting for the investigation to wrap up, trains are continuing to skip certain stations in central Seoul due to the ongoing protests. Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon announced he would no longer tolerate the disrupting protests in late december. [Yonhap News Agency]
Taiwan: Parliament approves special infrastructure and development budget
(dql) Taiwan’s parliament has approved a special budget bill that allows for central government spending of up to NTD 209 billion(USD 6.82 billion) on infrastructure and other development projects in 2023 and 2024.
According to the Cabinet, close to 26 percent of the budget will be earmarked for rail planning, construction and renovation. Furthermore, about 23 percent will be spent on development projects to improve traffic and the promotion of cultural events, while some 21 percent will be allocated to construction projects aimed at improving water supply systems. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Stricter conditions for alternative military service to be introduced
(dql) Taiwan is set to tighten requirements for fulfilling the alternative military service.
The Cabinet plans to introduce new rules under which conscripts born in 2005 and after can only apply for the alternative military service for family or religious-related reasons. Presently, evaluation of eligibility for the alternative service is based not only on family and religion, but also on relevant skills, as well as on qualifications in research and development.
The plan comes on the heels of President Tsai Ing-wen’s decision earlier last week to extend compulsory military service from the current four months to one year, effective from January 1, 2024, and applying to conscripts born on January 1, 2005 and after [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4].
Taiwan: Partially locally build submarine prototype to be tested in September
(dql) A prototype of Taiwan’s first partially homegrown will be ready for testing in September, in what shipbuilder CSBC chairman called a milestone in the island’s Indigenous Defense Submarine program.
For the development and building of the prototype, a budget of USD 1.6 billion over seven years from 2019 to 2025 has been allocated.
According to insider information, more than 40 percent of the submarine are being locally manufactured, such as airtight doors, water conversion system, hydraulic system and silent air conditioning system, while some “red zone” technologies, including its diesel engine, torpedo tubes and other combat equipment, have been purchased from procured from overseas. [Focus Taiwan]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Police pick up leaders from student rights organization
(az) Accused of anti-government slogans, two leaders of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, a Bangladeshi student rights organization, have been arrested by police from the country’s Detective Branch (DB). According to government critics, the two leaders were arrested to instill fear among the workers and leaders of the student rights organization. Both leaders were later released from the DB office. [Prothom Alo]
Bangladesh: Authorities demolish 200-year-old historical bridge
(az) Bangladesh authorities have demolished almost half of a 200-year-old historical bridge, known as Dewan’s Pool, that connected the house of Vaishnava religious reformer Sri Chaitanya. The leaders from Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, a group of environmentalists, rushed to the spot and halted the demolition process. They accused the government of demolishing historical constructions in the name of development everywhere in the country. Although the demolition process was stopped temporarily, the LGED authorities informed that a decision will be taken later. [The Business Standard]
Bangladesh: Students suffer from learning loss as education sector faces investment negligence
(az) Adding to the disasters of the COVID-19 pandemic and an economic crisis in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, the low investment in the education sector remains another key problem of learning loss among children in Bangladesh, especially those from poor backgrounds. Bangladesh has the lowest sum of investment in the education sector among all South Asian countries.
Although the government took some measures to help the students during the pandemic situation, the lack of effective monitoring, quality education, proper public investment, and measures like free meal for keeping the students in schools, the goal still needs to be achieved. Due to the increase in inflation, many lower-middle-class families also struggle to provide enough facilities to their children to prevent learning loss. [The Business Standard]
India: Supreme Court upholds legality of 2016 Demonetisation Policy
(wr/lm) India’s Supreme Court has upheld the legality of a government decision in 2016 to demonetise 86 percent of the country’s cash in circulation. A bench of five judges on January 2 dismissed a total of 58 writ petitions challenging the constitutional validity of policy, saying the decision was taken in consultation with the central bank and followed due process. According to India’s central government, the demonetisation scheme is a move to remove fake currency, to counter terror funding and black marketing. [Business Standard] [Hindustan Times] [The Straits Times]
India: Districts in Assam state reduced to 31 from 35
(wr) Protests evoked in some districts in India’s Assam state over a decision to merge districts within an existing one. The state’s cabinet approved the move to merge four out of 35 districts on December 31, redrawing boundaries a day ahead of the Election Commission’s deadline for the delimitation process, calling to restrict assembly and parliamentary seats. [Hindustan Times]
The chief minister of Assam has called the measure temporary and unavoidable. Police and judicial jurisdiction will remain the same. The matter is an administrative measure.
Pakistan: 30,000 youths flood stadium to compete for 1,167 available police jobs
(fm) More than 30,000 people gathered at a stadium in Pakistan’s port city of in Karachi to take the police recruitment exam for little more than 1,100 open positions in Islamabad's police force. According to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, more than 31 percent of the nation’s youth was unemployed, despite many having a professional degree. [Vanguard]
Sri Lanka: Government freezes public service recruitment in fresh austerity drive
(lm) Sri Lanka began a fresh austerity drive on January 2, freezing government recruitment as Colombo tries to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. A record 20,000 civil servants retired at the end of December – eight times as many as usual according to the Public Administration Ministry – after President Ranil Wickremesinghe reduced their retirement age from 65 to 60. [The Straits Times]
Sri Lanka needs to achieve debt sustainability as a pre-condition to a USD 2.9 billion bailout from the Washington-based lender after it defaulted last April as its economy went into crisis. The IMF has also asked Colombo to trim its 1.5 million strong public service, sharply raise taxes and sell off loss-making state enterprises.
Sri Lanka: Constitutional Council plans to appoint civil society representatives
(sn) On January 1, Sri Lanka’s Constitutional Council, a 10-member constitutional authority tasked with maintaining independent commissions and monitoring its affairs, held a special meeting aiming to appoint civil society representatives to the body. The Council called for applications from qualified individuals and received 120 applicant responses. Selected individuals will also need to receive Parliament approval before the President appoints them as civil representatives. [ADA derana]
The Constitutional Council was established in Sri Lanka recently, following the 21st Amendment to the Constitution earlier in 2022.
Sri Lanka: Geological Survey and Mines Bureau authorities accused of defrauding through mining license bypassing
(sn) Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) employees have requested Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Environment to probe suspicions of frauds that the former acting Director General (DG) of the GSMB might committed in his position and to recover the losses that the company has encountered accordingly. The DG, Sajjana de Silva, was sent on compulsory leave following the allegations.
The evidence against the former GSMB Director shows that the defendant failed to comply with mining laws and issued a sand mining license to a company whose owner later became the GSMB Chairman. Specified promises were often never delivered, since such contracts do not follow legal regulations. The accusations of fraud against Sajana de Silva can be traced back to 2020. But according to the environment minister it would be unfair to remove the DG from his post before he is proven guilty. [Daily Mirror]
Sri Lanka: US-based NGO donates USD 7.2 million worth of urgent medicine stock
(sn) The United States non-governmental organization Heart to Heart International has sent a third donation of urgent medical aid to Sri Lanka. The stock is valued at about USD 7.2 million; the in-kind donations provided by the NGO in total are valued at about USD 19.9 million. The Ministry of Health and the US Embassy in Sri Lanka will coordinate the immediate distribution of the supplies. [Colombo Page]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicts 36 former opposition activists in the latest mass trial
(sn) On December 20, 2022, The Phnom Penh Municipal Court convicted 36 opposition leaders, members, and supporters of the former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). The activists received sentences from 5 to 7 years in prison in the latest mass trial.
The December 20 court hearing was the 4th verdict in the 5 mass trials initiated against 158 CNRP affiliates since November 2020. One defendant - Mat Vanney, was acquitted. 11 activists got their political rights suspended for a 5-year period.
The convictions were granted based on the evidence of private phone calls and Facebook posts defined as defamatory by the ruling party. Mu Sochua, a former CNRP leader, attempted to return to Cambodia to stand a separate trial but was denied boarding since the Cambodian government canceled her passport.
The CNRP was banned and dissolved in 2017. According to observers, the oppositional party was likely to gain a high approval rating in the 2018 national elections. [LICADHO], [Aljazeera]
Cambodia: World Bank urges about increasing risks in the commercial real estate sector
(sn) The World Bank published the Cambodia Economic Update in December 2022. The growth projection for 2023 decreased to 5.2%, significantly impacted by global trade deceleration and the measures taken by China and the US to address it. As such, recommendations state that it becomes increasingly important to safeguard the financial system with bank restructuring, corporate insolvency, deposit insurance, and debt regulations.
More specifically, growing credit should be constrained and relocated to focus on the real estate sector. The real estate sector is interconnected with the financial system and broader macroeconomy. Hence, disruptions in the estate market can lead to collapse and threaten financial stability. Promoting the domestic economic sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality can potentially mediate such risks. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: PM fires deputy governor following harassment allegations of female party members
(sn) On December 29, 2022, Prime Minister Hun Sen removed the Deputy Governor of the Kep province in Cambodia, Phou Lik, from office.
The resignation came in force following the allegations against the party member of violent and harassing behavior toward his female counterparts. Initially, Phou Lik was appointed to his former position in July 2020. [Phnom Penh Post]
Indonesia: Emergency regulation issued to replace job creation law
(os) On December 30, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) passed an emergency regulation that now takes the place of a job creation law that the Constitutional Court has ruled to be not in line with the constitution if not amended within two years. [Antara News] [Jakarta Globe] [Reuters] [The Jakarta Post]
In November 2021, the court provided the government with a two-year period to amend the controversial Job Creation Law since the law-making process did not adhere to mandatory procedures. Now, Jokowi claimed that to replace the law, the current global economic situation made a regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) necessary.
The Perppu is hoped to provide legal certainty to investors and thereby spur investments in the country. However, critics claim that the emergency regulation is intended to circumvent larger public participation in the law-making process.
The former law was passed in 2020 as the so-called omnibus law. Foreign investors vaunted the law as it was aimed at reducing red tape for businesses in Indonesia. People, however, took to the streets and claimed the law was detrimental to labor and environmental protection.
According to the government, the Perppu took certain demands of trade unions into account. For instance, the type of work that can be outsourced is now limited under the emergency regulation. Also, the calculation of the minimum wage takes now the purchasing power into consideration.
The Perppu comes into effect immediately. However, the House of Representatives has to pass it by the end of the next session, so it can become permanent legislation.
Indonesia: Ummah party allowed in 2024 elections after re-verification
(os) In a re-verification process, Indonesia’s General Elections Commission (KPU) has cleared the Ummah Party to nominate candidates for the 2023 General Elections. [Antara News]
The Islamist Ummah Party had previously failed to pass the factual verification process in two provinces. As a result, the party filed a report with the General Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) and the KPU agreed to conduct a new verification process for the Ummah Party. In the new administrative and factual verification, it was now determined that the party does meet the minimum requirements in the two provinces. Thus, Ummah Party will be the 24th party to participate in the 2024 elections. The 24 parties comprise 18 political parties and six local political parties.
Indonesia: Former minister sentenced to prison for hate speech
(os) On December 28, former sports minister Roy Suryo received a sentence of nine months in prison for distributing information that fuelled hate speech. [Jakarta Globe]
Roy had been reported to the police by a Buddhist community after he shared a picture on the online social media platform Twitter that showed a Buddhist statue with the face of Indonesian President Joko Widodo edited on it. The former minister, who was in office from 2013 to 2014, has now been charged under the Law on Electronic Information and Transaction. Prosecutors claimed they will appeal the ruling, since they initially called for 1.5 years in prison in addition to a fine.
Indonesia: Islamist terrorist group allegedly eradicated
(os) According to the National Police of Indonesia, the East Indonesia Mujahedin (MIT), an Islamist terrorist group, has been completely wiped out. The group had been responsible for several deaths of civilians. [Jakarta Globe]
Indonesian security personnel undertook efforts to hunt down the members and leaders of the group for decades. After they managed to kill group leader Ali Kalora in September 2022, the joint operation of police and military continued to search for the few remaining MIT members.
MIT operated mostly in the Poso district in Central Sulawesi and boasted a certain ideological closeness to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Under Ali’s leadership, the group was allegedly responsible for the deaths of a minimum of 20 civilians.
Laos: New Prime Minister elected
(ts) Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has been elected the new Prime Minister. The National Assembly announced the shift on December 30 at the 4th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s 9th Legislature. Sonexay, winning massive votes from the assembly, will take office after Phankham Viphavanh as the 9th Prime Minister of Laos. He promised to do his best, yet admitted there will be no easy task ahead.
Upon the session, Phankham addressed a health issue as the main cause that could lead to his indisposition. His decision to step down was already approved by the country’s President Thongloun Sisoulith earlier last month. [The Laotian Times]
Laos: 12 laws approved for adoption
(ts) The National Assembly approved 12 laws after a three-week policy discussion of the 4th Ordinary Session. The adoption of this wide range of laws, where the approval saw both amendments and new proposals, encompasses laws on Lawyers, Court Registry, State Inspection, Science and Technology, State Audit, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, Waterways, Military Prosecutor’s Office, Passports, Museums, Electronic Transactions, and Enterprises. [Lao News Agency]
Malaysia: Former Assemblymen Rasman freed from molestation charges
(th) Rasman Ithnain, who represented the Sedili region for three terms was freed from a charge of molestation by the Magistrate’s Court. He was charged of molesting a woman on a vehicle in June [The Star]
Malaysia: Covid-19 Policy about to tighten
(th) The Health Ministry says it is ready to tighten the Covid-19 policy, especially regarding managing the countries boarders. This announcement followed the discovery of Covid variants and sub-variants from China in Malaysia [Malaysia Now]
Myanmar: Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing approves additional defense funding for 2022-2023 fiscal year
Min Aung Hlaing, head of the ruling military junta, has approved an additional 440 billion kyats (approximately US$155 million) of military expenditure for the 2022-2023 fiscal year due to end March 31, 2023. This increase to the defense budget comes as part of a 1.1 trillion kyat (approximately USD 524 million) increase in the 2022-2023 budget and amounts to a 12 percent increase to the overall defense budget. [The Irrawaddy]
Myanmar: Court sentences Aung San Suu Kyi to seven years in prison
A military court ruled on the last of the charges against former PM Aung San Suu Kyi, sentencing her to an additional seven years in prison on charges related to the acquisition and maintenance of a helicopter. These convictions bring her total sentence up to 33 years in prison. [Financial Times]
Philippines: Health department intensifies COVID-19 monitoring on individuals from China
(tjb) After a COVID-19 surge in China, the Philippines are now high on alert as they monitor arrivals from the country. A memorandum from the Department of Health urges its health development centers in the regions to monitor the borders in coordination with local agencies. The protocol follows an earlier move by the health department where it directed air and maritime travel authorities to carefully examine the health declaration forms of passengers from China. [Philippine Star]
Philippines: More than 2600 police officers sanctioned
(jd) Over 2600 police officers were sanctioned in 2022 in an intensified cleansing program carried by the Philippine National Police (PNP). The number includes 584 police officers who were dismissed for serious offenses.
While many were sanctioned for administrative offenses and irregularities, the purged ones are liable for going AWOL (absence without leave), for the use of prohibited drugs and their trade, for violence against women, murder, car theft, robbery extortion, and rape.
The PNP chief stated that the cleansing program is proof of the commitment to reform and develop the organization. [Philstar] [PNA]
Singapore: Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment creates new government chief sustainability officer (GCSO) role
(ih) The new role of GCSO within the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment was established starting from January 1, 2023. The office is responsible for directing the country’s sustainability efforts under the Singapore Green Plan 2030. On December 30, 2022 it was announced that the first GCSO will be current chief science and technology officer (CSTO) Lim Tuang Liang, who will relinquish his position as CSTO upon taking up the new role. [Business Times]
Singapore: 2023 budget to be announced on February 14
(ih) On December 29, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong announced that the 2023 budget for Singapore would be delivered to parliament by February 14, 2023. The public will be able to continue to share opinions on the budget via online platforms up until January 13, 2023. [CNA]
Thailand: Somkid and Sudarat form political alliance
(fj) The leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party (TSTP), Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, and the chairman of Sang Anakhot Thai Party (SATP), Somkid Jatusripitak, have announced an alliance between their two parties ahead of the upcoming general election scheduled for May 7.
Collaboration between the two relatively small parties has been in the making for some time as the calculation method for party-list seats to be used in the upcoming election is deemed to favor bigger parties.
With both the TSTP and the SATP remaining silent about their nominations of prime ministerial candidates, observers have taken the potential rivalry between Sudarat and Somkid to be the reason why the parties did not come together in a merger and are opting for a more informal alliance instead. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Mingkwan quits PPRP three weeks after joining
(fj) Mingkwan Saengsuwan, a former Minister of Commerce who had joined the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) on December 6 as the head of its economic team, has quit the party.
Mingkwan previously stated that PPRP leader and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan promised to nominate him as one of the party’s prime ministerial candidates. His resignation came less than a week after the PPRP had nominated Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan as its sole prime ministerial candidate. [Thai PBS World]
Thailand: House Speaker voices concerns over vote buying in upcoming election
(fj, ts) House Speaker and Parliament President Chuan Leekpai has warned that corruption and vote buying might play a major role in the upcoming general election.
Referring to what he termed “political business”, he noted that some politicians might employ illegal financial incentives to garner votes in the hope of recuperating any costs incurred through corrupt practices once they hold lucrative political offices. He further stated that effective prevention of such practices might fail due to the complexities involved and the existence of corrupt officials. [The Nation Thailand]
As an example, to illustrate his concerns, Chuan pointed to a growing interest of politicians in constituencies in the nation’s south. He suggested that this might be related to the poor state of the economy in some of the southern provinces, making voters there more easily susceptible to corrupt financial incentives. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Pheu Thai discussed details of the coming censure debate
(ts) Leading the opposition whip, Pheu Thai Party discussed the details of the coming last censure debate over the New Year. Discussed were individual failures of the prime minister and other ministers in the administration of the country and the extent to which.
The ongoing hot topic of the sunken corvette HTMS Sukhothai was also confirmed to be included. With no vote in conclusion and thus no resolution passed, Pheu Thai expects the debate to point out to Thai voters that the current government is too defective to continue after the upcoming election. Correspondingly, the party claimed its agenda in this debate is to “unmask” the good man as PM Prayut Chan-ocha was often called a good man by his supporters while the government was nicknamed “mask of the good man” by the press for a year-end review. [Thai PBS World] [Asia News Network]
Important to note is that the term of the MPs’ House will expire on March 23 before the election scheduled in May. Pheu Thai has submitted a motion according to Section 152 for a debate with no vote in conclusion. [see Constitution of Thailand]
Vietnam: GDP grows at fastest rate in 25 years
(ih) Vietnam’s GDP grew by 8.02 percent in 2022, beating the country’s official growth target of 6 to 6.5 percent by a significant margin. The 2022 rate was the highest rate of GDP growth the country has experienced since 1997. Continued disruptions in the construction and real estate sector, as well as the current global economic slowdown, are expected to impact the country in 2023, however. [Reuters]
Vietnam: Two Deputy Prime Ministers dismissed from politburo, central committee positions
(ih) On December 30, Deputy Prime Ministers (DPM) Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Dam were dismissed from their positions on both the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Party’s Politburo. While no cause was given for the dismissal, DPM Pham Binh Minh was responsible for managing repatriation flights for Vietnamese citizens stuck abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, and DPM Vu Duc Dam was in charge of healthcare when the Viet A Joint Stock Company (JSC) was granted a licence for producing COVID-19 test kits. Both the repatriation flights and Viet A JSC’s COVID-19 test kits have been the subject of large and very public corruption scandals in recent months. [RFA] [Nikkei Asian Review]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
India abstains on UN resolution on Palestine
(wr) India has abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution demanding the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to render “an advisory opinion” into the matter of legality of Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory. The resolution, still, was adopted with 87 votes in favour and 53 abstentions. Earlier this year, India also abstained on a UN Human Rights Council resolution intended to probe into Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip. [Tribune India] [PTI] [Outlook India]
Recently, the Indian foreign policy has set aside the “Palestinian cause” in framing independent and strategic ties with Israel. The tilt was evident by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Israel while bypassing a customary stoppage in Palestine in 2017.
United States issue alerts for citizens in Bangladesh against possible political violence
(az) The United States has issued fresh alerts to its citizens residing in major cities of Bangladesh of possible violence during rallies by political parties. As the next national election draws near, Washington fears that the situation may escalate. Therefore, the US’ embassy in Dhaka warned its citizens to remain aware of the situation in Bangladesh and exercise caution during the events. [New Age]
USAID expresses concern about repression of human rights, media freedom in Bangladesh
(az) Organizations in Bangladesh, especially those dealing with good governance and democracy, are in the government's grip, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Especially any advocacy that has the potential to challenge the government and wrong policymaking is now target of negative media coverage initiated by the authorities concerned. [New Age]
Bangladesh blocks Russian ship carrying consignment for nuclear power plant due to US sanctions
(az) A Russian ship under embargo from the United States was denied anchoring at Bangladesh’s port of Mongla. After the incident, Russia informed that the ship was carrying consignments for the Rooppur power plant, the only nuclear power plant in Bangladesh. The ship will be replaced by another vessel to unload all the shipments inside it.
Russian ambassador suggested to the local agents that the goods be carried in small vessels and unloaded at the Bangladeshi port. The incident occurred at a time when the Us and Russia are engaging in debates over politics in Bangladesh, especially the counter statements of both the country over human rights violations in Bangladesh and its domestic affairs. [New Age]
UAE to host the 3rd round of the Cambodia-UAE-CEPA negotiations in 2023
(sn) Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) plan to hold the 3rd round of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) discussions in 2023. The UAE will host these upcoming negotiations.
The Cambodian Ministry of Commerce is exploring its state’s export potential for products including rice, garments, animal husbandry, footwear, technology, and travel (GFT) goods. One aspect of incorporating Cambodian products in the Middle East Markets is the Arab culture and lifestyle. Cambodian Commerce Ministry spokesman notes: “the food or products must be halal.”
The two parties expressed interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation, reinforcing friendly relations, and increasing mobility between the ASEAN states and UAE. The sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in the industry, technology, finance, and tourism sectors; and signed a joint memorandum to finalize the 2nd round of the Cambodia-UAE-CEPA discussions. [Cambodia Daily], [Commerce Cambodia], [Cambodianess]
Many foreign visitors die during casino fire accident at Cambodia–Thailand border
(sn) On December 28, 2022, night, a fire broke out in the Poipet town casino of the Grand Diamond City hotel. By December 30, about 27 people died, while 112 got significant injuries. The Cambodian head of the Banteay Meanchey provincial information department, Sek Sokhom, was also injured in the accident.
Thai, Chinese, Malaysian, and Vietnamese citizens were in the casino when the fire dispersed. A significant number of Thai visitors getting injured led to the involvement of state institutions in Thailand to help their citizens. 17 Thai visitors were reported dead. The following day Thai Minister of Public Health informed that 108 people were transferred to Sa Kaeo province, and 34 - were admitted to the hospitals.
The Cambodian government has already allocated a committee to investigate the cause of the fire. One fire survivor reported that the casino’s decoration didn’t comply with the fire code. No Cambodian people were found among the dead identified by the investigation committee, but one person from Nepal was also identified. The National Committee for Disaster Management chairman, Kun Kim, reported that an electrical short circuit caused the fire.
Because many Asian countries ban gambling, their residents are drawn to visit neighboring states to overcome the legal obstacles. As such, a great number of casinos sprouted in the Thai border areas. Such companies often hire workforce illegally. The Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported receiving over 1000 repatriates from Cambodia from September 2022. [Khmer Times], [Radio Free Asia], [Cambodianess]
Virtual meeting between Xi and Putin reaffirms Sino-Russian ties
(ms) On December 30, as in recent years, China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met via video conference. Both heads of state spoke out for an intensification of the relations, both within the range of the military, and economic co-operation.
With Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which started in February last year, Russia is much more isolated on the global stage, especially with the countries of the EU, which represented one of the largest markets for Russia, the relations and especially the economic ones have declined sharply and countries like Germany are working on a complete termination of all economic relations regarding fossil fuels from Russia in the coming months. Against this backdrop, Putin opened the conversation with Xi and spoke of how in the face of “unprecedented pressure” from the West, Russia’s relationship with China is more important than ever.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, China remained true to its position and Xi spoke in favor of peace talks, stressing, however, that in his opinion, “the Russian side has said it has never refused to resolve the conflict through diplomatic negotiations, and [China] expressed its appreciation for this.”
Putin stressed that Russia is interested in intensifying military ties with China, and the two joint military exercises between the two countries’ navies last week also indicate a willingness on China’s part to meet this request [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4].
Building on this, Xi stressed in a thinly veiled criticism of the U.S. that China is “ready to join hands with Russia and all other progressive forces around the world who oppose hegemony and power politics, to reject any unilateralism, protectionism and bullying.” [Al Jazeera]
Among other things, the sanctions imposed by the West led to an intensification of economic relations between the two countries, as a result of which Putin noted that due to a growth of bilateral trade of nearly 25 percent in 2022, the trade volume with China will reach USD 200 billion ahead of schedule, alluding to the target from early last year to increase the trade volume to USD 250 billion by 2024. The main source of growth are fossil fuel sales. [CNN] [FMPRC] [The Moscow Times]
Several countries impose travel restrictions on arrivals from China
(ms) Following the almost complete lifting of all COVID-19 containment measures and the subsequent spread of the pandemic throughout China, several countries are requiring negative testing and travel restrictions for people arriving from China.
The decisions come after airports in Italy and Singapore, among others, reported an infection rate of over 50 Percent for flights from China.
Following a meeting of the European Union’s Health Security Committee, Italy, France, Spain and the U.K. are now requiring a negative test before departing from China, while Germany stated it would wait for the situation to develop before taking such measures.
The U.S. imposed the same preconditions but is also considering imposing further travel restrictions against people from China. Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea are already a step further.
Japan has significantly reduced the number of flights to and from China or Hong Kong or stopped some airlines. South Korea has restricted the issuance of short-term visas to Chinese citizens in addition to mandatory testing, and Taiwan is testing all persons traveling to Taiwan via ferries from the mainland [Al Jazeera] [BBC] [Hong Kong Free Press 1] [Hong Kong Free Press 2].
In response to the measures taken, Chinese government officials accuse the respective countries of double standards and call for free entry of Chinese citizens.
Near collision between Chinese jet and US aircraft
(ms) On December 29, a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft and a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fighter jet nearly collided in airspace over the South China Sea.
According to the U.S. military, during a what it called lawful routine operation, the Chinese J-11 fighter jet allegedly came within three meters to the U.S. RC-135 aircraft, forcing the U.S. aircraft to take evasive action to avoid a collision. The U.S. Air Force’s description is similar to allegations made by other countries, such as Canada and Australia, which have reported similar aggressive maneuvers by Chinese aircraft in the last year. [Al Jazeera] [Reuters]
The Chinese government has rejected the allegations and blamed the U.S. side for the dangerous scene. [Global Times]
The incident confirms once again the tense situation in the South China Sea, which China largely claims for itself.
India, Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear facilities under annual practice
(wr/fm) India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 under a decades-old agreement, at a time when diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Islamabad remain frosty. Furthermore, lists of prisoners in custody of each side were also exchanged. The practice has been in place since 1992. [Al Jazeera] [Hindustan Times]
India, Cyprus sign three agreements
(wr) While celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Cyprus, India’s foreign affairs minister called that the bilateral partnership a crucial one and signed three agreements on his official visit to the island nation. Specifically, the two countries signed an “important” MoU on defence and military cooperation, along with a Letter of Intent on immigration and mobility that will facilitate mobility, and thirdly an agreement on Cyprus joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) allowing cooperation in the field of “renewables”. [Indian Express] [MEA]
Indian foreign minister meets Bulgarian president, Austrian counterpart
(wr) India’s external affairs minister held separate meetings with the Bulgarian president and Austrian foreign minister in Vienna on January 1.
With Bulgaria, the Indian top diplomat discussed bolstering cooperation “in the context of Make in India, near-shoring and building resilient supply chains”, Jaishankar tweeted. With Austria both sides highlighted the scope of economic integration while India welcomed foreign direct investment. [ANI] [PTI]
In a follow up meeting India referred Austria as “serious, consequential partner” while signing a comprehensive migration and mobility partnership agreement that will allow return of illegal migrants. Both sides also backed a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. [MSN]
Indonesian president, ASEAN secretary general hold meeting
(os) Indonesian President Joko Widodo held a meeting with ASEAN Secretary General Dato Lim Jock Hoi on December 30. [Antara News]
Lim Jock Hoi expressed his gratitude for Indonesia’s contributions to ASEAN. He also stated that he believes Indonesia is able to become a good chairman of ASEAN in 2023. Lim Jock Hoi has officially ended his duties as ASEAN Secretary General. In the next weeks, he is set to come back to Indonesia to hand over the duties to the new secretary general from Cambodia.
Japan becomes non-permanent member of UN Security Council
(dql) On January 1, Japan - along with Mozambique, Ecuador, Switzerland, and Malta - joined the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) as a nonpermanent member for the period 2023-2024, marking the 12th time to assume this position since the country became a U.N. member in 1956. The previous term was from 2016-2017. In his New Year’s address on the same day, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed that his country would assume a leading role in diplomacy in the year ahead as both UNSC non-permanent member and as host of the Group of Seven.
Highlighting that Japan is confronted with the “severest security situation,” since World War II, Kishida reaffirmed his country’s resolve to oppose attempts to change the status quo by force and to fight nuclear threats, in an apparent reference to Russia, China and North Korea. [The Mainichi] [The Japan Times]
Laotian Prime Minister receives Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
(fj) The Prime Minister of Laos, Phanakham Viphavanh, has received Le Minh Hoan, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.
Le Minh Hoan’s working visit to Laos is part of current efforts to revise the cooperation of his ministry with the Laotian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Prime Minister Phanakham took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the cooperation between the two neighboring countries, giving particular attention to shared agricultural projects. [Lao News Agency]
Malaysian foreign minister makes trip to Indonesia
(os) The new Foreign Minister of Malaysia Zambry Abdul Kadir has visited Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi to talk about a wide variety of topics and thereby prepare for the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The topics discussed comprise negotiations on border disputes between both countries, protection of Indonesian migrant workers, and economic cooperation. [Jakarta Globe] [MalayMail] [The Jakarta Post]
Negotiations on border disputes have long been a contentious issue in relations between the two Southeast Asian countries. Now, both countries agreed to expedite negotiations on maritime and land borders. Particularly with the view to the planned visit of Ibrahim to Indonesia. The new Malaysian prime minister, who was inaugurated in November 2022, is set to embark on his first foreign tour to Jakarta next month. Both countries am to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on border disputes in 2023.
The protection of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia was also discussed in the meeting. Malaysia is the country where the largest number of Indonesian migrants are living. However, human trafficking is ubiquitous. Thus, the two countries stressed the importance for cooperation in tackling human trafficking. They also stated that they will enhance efforts in implementing a system of recruitment and integration of Indonesian migrant workers that both countries agreed on in April 2022.
EAO representatives meet with China's new special envoy to Myanmar
China’s new special envoy to Myanmar, Deng Xijun, recently met with representatives of seven northern Myanmar-based ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Yunnan province, according to the EAOs in question. The envoy met separately with representatives from the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), the Arakan Army (AA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) before his arrival at Myanmar’s capital city Naypyitaw. Three of the EAOs are in active conflict with the military government, and one is currently observing an informal ceasefire with the Tatmadaw. Neither China nor the Myanmar government have commented on the meetings so far. [The Irrawaddy]
North Korea fires three short range ballistic missiles at the turn of the year
(sm) On December 31, North Korea launched three short range ballistic missiles into the east sea, following South Korea’s successful launch of a solid-fuel space launch vehicle. A day later, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced his plan to exponentially grow Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal and to develop a new intercontinental ballistic missile system in a plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party. [Reuters 1]
The South Korean Joint Chief of Staff condemned the launch as a grave provocation and Seoul’s defense ministry released a statement warning any attempted use of a nuclear weapon by the North would result in the annihilation of its regime. The Japanese, South Korean, and US’ top nuclear representatives Takehiro Funakoshi, Kim Gunn, and Sung Kim furthermore condemned the most recent missile launch as an illegal act which violates UN Security Council resolutions. [KBS World] [Yonhap News Agency]
North Korea has fired a record number of some 70 missiles in 2022, escalating tensions with the South, Japan, and the US. The regime is suspected to prepare for a seventh nuclear test after its last one in 2017. Last week, North Korean drones crossed over into South Korean territory, further exacerbating tensions. [Reuters_2]
Pakistan, Turkey discuss bilateral, global issues
(tj) Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif telephoned President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed the bilateral ties and developments in the region. During the call, the premier highlighted the daunting challenge faced by Pakistan in terms of rehabilitation and reconstruction after the recent massive floods. He further expressed gratitude on behalf of the Pakistani people and the government to the brotherly country for the speedy humanitarian assistance. Islamabad and Ankara also exchanged views on various bilateral matters and international issues, and agreed to remain in close contact. [Daily Pakistan]
Afghanistan used as staging ground for attacks on Pakistan, Islamabad’s defense minister says
(lm/tj) Pakistan’s defense minister told a news channel on January 2 that neighboring Afghanistan is being used by armed groups as a staging ground for attacks on his country, prompting a sharp response from Kabul’s Taliban government which called the allegation “incorrect” and “regrettable”. [Al Jazeera]
Earlier the same day, Islamabad’s political and military leadership had vowed that no nation will be allowed to shelter militants who stage attacks against the country — a thinly veiled reference to neighboring Afghanistan. The announcement came at the end of a meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee, which was attended by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the newly appointed army chief General Asim Munir and other officials. [Voice of America]
Both statements came against the larger backdrop of a spike in attacks by the Pakistani Taliban, a militant group separate from, but allied with, the Afghan Taliban. The attacks are on the rise across Pakistan, especially in the northwest near the Afghan border. In the latest such instance, three Pakistani soldiers were killed on December 28 when armed men attacked a security checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. [Radio Free Europe]
Women, children among 1,200 Afghan migrants jailed in Pakistan
(fm) At least 1,200 Afghan nationals, including women and children, were detained during raids by Pakistani police in the southern port city of Karachi after they had entered the city without having proper travel papers. According to Pakistani authorities, the detainees will be transferred back to neighboring Afghanistan once they have completed their sentences or when their lawyers have finished the necessary paperwork for their release. [The Diplomat]
Philippines and China to establish direct communication over disputed sea
(jd) The Philippines and China have agreed to sign a deal that will establish direct communication between the foreign ministries of the two nations to avoid “miscalculation and miscommunication” in the West Philippine Sea.
The move follows the recent events that have seen Chinese militia vessels in Spratly Islands and the consequential boost of Filipino military presence in the area [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4].
The agreement will be signed during Philippines’ President Marcos Jr. visit to Beijing and is set to formalize the contact procedures to apply when a dispute occurs. [The Star]
Japan, South Korea to share radar information on North Korean missile launches
(sm) Japan and South Korea are considering sharing real time information of their radar systems with each other to better locate North Korean missile launches.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, the two countries could connect their radar systems through the intermediary of the US Indo-Pacific Command, with which Japan is already sharing radar information in real time. The radar systems would act in a complementary manner to improve the reliability of their interception systems, as South Korea is better suited to detect missiles closer to the source, while Japan can more easily track missiles in waters near Japan.
While both countries are already sharing information on North Korean missiles through their General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), this is not happening in real time. The US is strongly pushing for the upgrade of the agreement. [Yonhap News Agency]
South Korea, US considering joint drills amid North Korea threats
(sm) In a Chosun Ilbo interview on January 2, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced that South Korea and the US were considering joint nuclear drills following North Korea’s most recent provocations by launching three short range ballistic missiles on December 31.
Yoon called for war preparation with an overwhelming capability, stating that while the nuclear weapons based in South Korea belong to the US, information sharing, training, and planning should nevertheless be conducted jointly. This would create a more effective extended deterrence, which the US is also supportive of, according to the South Korean president.
US President Biden stated that the US was not discussing joint drill involving nuclear weapons with South Korea at the moment, later in the day, contradicting Yoon’s remarks.
On December 29, Yoon visited the South Korean defense development agency to inspect drone intersection and reconnaissance systems and ordered the military to prepare overwhelming war capabilities. An aerial drill against small drone threats was also held on the same day, after North Korean drones penetrated South Korean territory on December 26.
The South Korean military had announced on December 28 that it planned to invest more than KRW 500 billion (USD) into anti-drone weapons until 2027. In an effort to bolster defense capabilities, it has also launched a division to deal with North Korean weapons of mass destruction on January 2. [KBS World] [Korea Herald] [Yonhap News Agency]
The interview of the South Korean president was disclosed shortly after the North Korean Central News Agency reported leader Kim Jong-un’s plan to exponentially increase Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities and to develop a new intercontinental missile system in the new year. Kim had qualified South Korea as the North’s undoubted enemy in a party meeting last week.
Bilateral relations have been steadily worsening as North Korea fired a record number of missiles in 2022 and its drones penetrated South Korean territory last week. [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]
Chinese top nuclear envoy calls for the de-escalation of inter-Korean tensions
(sm) On December 31, China’s top nuclear envoy Liu Xiaoming had a phone call with his South Korean counterpart Kim Gunn to discuss the security situation of the Korean peninsula.
Liu reiterated China’s commitment to assist the peaceful resolution of the conflict by a return to dialogue. Both parties should work to resolve their issues and consider each other's reasonable concerns to maintain the safety and stability of the Korean peninsula. China is pushing for a political resolution of the tensions which have been escalating in the last year.
Kim explained South Korea’s concerns and stance on its tensions with North Korea and continued to express Seoul’s hope for a more active Chinese involvement in the conflict.
As North Korea’s main trade partner, China holds the most political leverage over the regime. The country has however been siding with Russia in UN Security Council discussions, vetoing further sanctions against North Korea out of humanitarian concerns.
In the meanwhile, tensions between South and North Korea show no signs of abiding, as Pyongyang sent its drones into Seoul’s territory last week and sent a flurry of short range ballistic missiles on New Year’s eve. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China] [KBS World] [See also AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4]
South Korean president meets with Japanese Komeito party leader
(sm) On December 29, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Natsuo Yamaguchi, the leader of the Japanese Komeito party, the junior partner in the ruling coalition with the country’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. .
Yoon called for close cooperation to jointly tackle North Korean threats and other pending issues, such as the wartime forced labor dispute which has long been causing a rift in bilateral ties. Noting increasing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, the president called for continued cooperation in other areas of exchange.
Yamaguchi responded by assuring his party’s commitment to deepen friendly relations and bilateral exchanges. He mirrored Yoon’s concern over North Korea’s recent provocations, mentioning the intercontinental range missile which flew over Japan in October 2022 and stressing the need for increased trilateral security cooperation with the US on the issue.
Finally, Yamaguchi vowed to make efforts to ensure a more transparent discussion on Japan’s plan to boost its counterattack capabilities, as iterated in the recent announcement of its national security policy. [KBS World]
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka reassures audience of generous intent in the island nation's support
(sn) The Red Cross Society of China donated essential food packages to the 7000 Sri Lankan families in the Northern province on December 28, 2022. The Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka, Hu Wei, took part in the distribution of food packages at St Xavier’s Boys College. He also thanked the volunteers of the Sri Lanka Red Cross for their help in the administration process.
The Chinese Embassy representative expressed that the act ought to show the friendship between people and not just their governments. He also said that there’s no further agenda behind the donation and that China doesn’t expect any return from this help. [ADA derana], [Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka 1], [Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka 2]
Sri Lanka expects joint support from India, Japan, United States in supplying LNG terminal
(sn) Sri Lanka awaits a joint proposal from Japan, India and the United States to supply the South Asian nation’s liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal. According to the country’s minister the Yugadanavi combined cycle is already capable of running on LNG and the Sobadanavi plant is expected to launch in November 2023. [Sunday Island]
In September 2021, US-based gas-to-power developer New Fortress Energy (NFE) and the Sri Lankan government agreed to construct a new offshore LNG terminal near the island nation’s capital Colombo. The LNG import terminal was to introduce LNG to Sri Lanka in order to push its transition to cleaner energy. In March last year, then, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court fully dismissed petitions challenging the government’s decision and seeking to halt NFE’s development of natural gas power solutions in Sri Lanka.
US approves possible sale of anti-tank system to Taiwan
(ms) The U.S. State Department on December 28 approved the possible sale of the Volcano anti-tank mine-laying system to Taiwan for about USD 180 million, further fueling the tense situation around Taiwan.
After the U.S. government approved the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes USD 10 billion in military aid to Taiwan, and U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law the USD 1.65 trillion Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 29, providing another USD 2 billion in loans to Taiwan for the purchase of weapons from the U.S., the approval of the sale of the weapon system is just another step in the U.S. strategy regarding Taiwan [see AiR No. 50, December/2022, 2]. [Focus Taiwan] [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]
So far, there has been no official reaction from China to the latest developments. But the People's Liberation Army (PLA) already held military drills around Taiwan on December 25, with the largest aircraft deployment this year, in response to Biden’s signing of the NDAA [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4].
According to newly released information, however, said military exercises were not limited to the area around Taiwan, as the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, accompanied by the Type 055 large destroyer Wuxi, the Type 052D destroyer Chengdu, the Type 054A frigate Zaozhuang and the Type 901 comprehensive replenishment ship Hulunhu, were spotted near Guam, a Micronesian island in the Western Pacific and an important US base in the region. The maneuver is to be interpreted as another show of force by China against the US. [Global Times] [The EurAsian Times]
Taiwan offers China assistance in fight against COVID-19
(dql) Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has extended an olive branch to China in her New Year address, as she offered Beijing assistance in its struggle to cope with soaring COVID-19 cases that followed its abrupt ending of the zero-COVID-19 policy.
With regards to cross-strait relations, Tsai reiterated her call on China to work together to safeguard peace and stability in the strait, saying that “war is never an option for resolving differences,” insisting that “[o]nlythrough dialogue and cooperation under the same goal of promoting regional stable development can we let more people enjoy safety and well-being.” [Office of the President, Taiwan] [DW]
Thailand and Cambodia reinforce cooperation in the scam caller’s enterprise tackle
(sn) The Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand, Ouk Sorphorn, and the Thai PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha held a meeting to discuss the matters of national security and the economy.
More specifically, the General thanked Cambodia for help in rescuing Thai nationals from scam call centers and asked to speed up the repatriation process. He also proposed Cambodia host the 6th Thailand–Cambodia joint border committee to revisit the issues in the border cooperation dimension following a 10-year break. [Khmer Times]
Announcements
Upcoming Events
5 January 2023 @ 9:00-10:15 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA
Unanswered Questions about North Korean Leadership
This online discussion will focus on the leadership of North Korea, addressing among others Kim Jong-un's health, the succession plan, and new revelations about the Kim family. For more information, visit [CSIS].
5 January 2023 @ 12:00-12:45 p.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA
Japan's 2023 G7 Priorities and the Future Economic Order
This hybrid event features a talk by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Yasutoshi Nishimura in which he will outline Japan’s 2023 G7 priorities and present his vision for the future economic order. Event details are available at [CSIS].
10 January 2023 @ 9:30-11:00 a.m. (GMT+1), Asia Society (New York), USA
APEC 2023: Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future Amidst Global Disruption
This webcast will provide a review of the summit outcomes in Thailand as well as preview of U.S. priorities for APEC in 2023, the first APEC gathering the U.S. is going to hold in over a decade. Find more about the event at [Asia Society].
10 January 2023 @ 3:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Wilson Center, USA
Owning the City: Property Rights in Authoritarian Regimes
At this online event, “Owning the City: Property Rights in Authoritarian Regimes,” the latest publication of George F. Kennan Fellow Marsha McGraw Olive, will be introduced. Further details about the event are provided at [Wilson Center].
10 January 2023 @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT+0), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
Russia-Ukraine Dialogues: Here to start with New START and arms control?
This online expert panel will discuss the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) and arms control in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine, with a focus on the U.S.’s and Russia’s commitments to New START since the February escalation and the related issues: how will Ukraine be impacted by negotiations on new arms control treaties; shifting European perspectives on nuclear arms control; and prospects of success for negotiating and finalizing arms control treaties. If you want to attend this event, register at [LSE].
Recent Book Releases
Ryan Gingeras, The Last Days of the Ottoman Empire, Allen Lane, 368 pages, published on January 1, 2023. For a review, see [The Guardian].
Jedediah Purdy, Two Cheers for Politics: Why Democracy Is Flawed, Frightening―and Our Best Hope, Basic Book, 304 pages, published on August 30, 2022, reviewed in [Los Angeles Review of Books].
Raymond Geuss, Not Thinking like a Liberal, Belknap Press, 224 page, published on May 31, 2022. The book is reviewed in [Tocqueville 21].
Calls for Papers
CSMFL Publications invites chapter proposals for the collected volume “New Paradigms of Sustainability in the Contemporary Era”. The deadline for abstract submission is January 31, 2023. For more details, see [CSMFL].
The organizers of the international conference “Considering Violence,” to be held on June 18-19, 2023, at Tel Aviv University, accept paper proposals. The closing date for abstract submission is February 10, 2023. Visit [Considering Violence] to know about the call.
Jobs and positions
Tetra Tech International Development is recruiting Technical Specialists for the Southeast Asia Counter Wildlife Tracking Activity project, funded by the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia. This position is based in Bangkok, Thailand. See [UN Jobs] for further details.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is seeking a Programme Officer - Anti-money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism to be based in Bangkok, Thailand. The closing date for application is January 20, 2023. More information is provided at [UN Jobs].
The Regional Community Forestry Training Center for Asia and the Pacific (RECOFTC) is hiring a Regional Project Coordinator to lead the Center’s Community-based Fire Management in Asia program. The position is based in Bangkok, Thailand. Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2023. Visit [UN Jobs] for details.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is looking for an Outreach and Advocacy Specialist to be based in Bonn, Germany. Application deadline is January 18, 2023. Find more information at [UNDP].
The World Food Programme (WFP) is recruiting a Programme Policy Officer. The position is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Applications close on January 13, 2023. Further details are provided at [Careers 5].
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Deputy Director - Programs, with core responsibility in Overseeing the implementation of programs. The position is based in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. If you are interested, visit [IRC].
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) accepts applications for the position of Director/Deputy Director - U.S. Leadership in Development Initiative at the Project on Prosperity and Development. The position is based in Washington D.C., USA. Go to [CSIS} to find more information about the vacancy.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is offering the position of Deputy Director and Senior Fellow - Wadhwani Chair in U.S. India Policy Studies. For more details, see [CSIS].
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is looking for a Research Associate/Associate Fellow to support the Center’s Energy Security and Climate Change Program. If you are interested, you can apply at [CSIS].
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is hiring a Regional Project Assistant to provide assistance in monitoring and evaluation of ethical recruitment activities funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the regional and country level. Visit [IOM] to learn more about the position.
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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