Grasp the pattern, read the trend

No. 9, February/2023, 4

Brought to you by CPG

Dear Readers, 

Welcome to this week’s issue of the Asia in Review (AIR) covering the latest events, developments and trends in domestic politics, international relations and geopolitics in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Wishing you an informative read, I extend special greetings to everyone who celebrates the Dominican Republic’s and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day and Bulgaria’s Liberation Day this week.

Henning Glaser

Editor in Chief

Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU

Main Sections

• Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia

• Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia

• Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia

• International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

• Announcements

Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia

China: Intensifying anti-corruption campaign against financial elites

(ms) A department of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), China's top anti-corruption body announces in a newly published article [full article in Chinese] the intensification of the anti-corruption campaign against Chinese elites.

The article comes just a short time after several companies in the real estate or financial sectors reported that they had lost contact with high-ranking individuals in their firms and that they were in custody or assisting security agencies in investigations [see AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3]. 

While the CCDI, which was behind the cases, has so far not commented publicly on them, the new article provides a preview of the watchdog's future approach. Referring to President Xi Jinping's speech during the CCDI's annual meeting earlier this year, in which Xi called for "harshly cracking down on political crooks," the CCDI announced an escalation of the crackdown on corruption. 

In addition to the financial sector, which has been the target of the crackdown in recent years, the scope of the crackdown is to expand to include grain purchase and sale as well as state-owned enterprises. The top priority is to thoroughly investigate and combat the corruption of persons in the circle of leading cadres who use their influence for personal gain. Practices of "shadow shareholders," "shadow companies," "political and business revolving doors," "early nesting" and "escape resignation," which have so far been used to avoid investigation by security agencies, will be more strongly investigated and severely punished in the future. [Caixin Global] [South China Morning Post]

China: Personal information regulations for small businesses 

(ms) A new set of regulations published on February 24 by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) [full text in Chinese] requires small companies that handle personal information to sign standard contracts with information recipients abroad.

The companies concerned are required to conduct an impact assessment of personal information protection before transferring the data abroad, which must include among other things a review of the potential risks as well as the general necessity of the trade. 

Chinese companies must also submit an application to the local provincial network information authority within ten working days after the standard contract comes into effect. 

In the event of non-compliance with the new regulations, the companies face heavy fines in accordance with the "Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China". 

Affected by the new rules are personal information processors, which do not deal with critical information or personal information of less than one million people and have less than 100,000 personal information and less than 10,000 sensitive personal information provided abroad since January 1, 2022. 

Therefore, the new regulations are aimed exactly at the companies that were below the thresholds of the regulation on cross-border transfer already implemented in the middle of last year. These regulations require companies above this threshold to undergo security checks in order to continue to be allowed to transfer data abroad [see AiR No. 28, July/2022, 2].

The new measures are a continuation of the Chinese government's efforts to better control information and data on the Internet, which can be seen as a step in national security interests, but also serves to expand China's surveillance apparatus. [China Daily] [Reuters]

China: Citic Group head rumored to become new PBC governor

(ms) Zhu Hexin, until now chairman of the Chinese financial conglomerate Citic Group, is considered the most likely candidate to succeed Yi Gang as governor and thus number two of the People's Bank of China (PBC).

In addition to Zhu as the new number two, there have been rumors since his appointment as a member of the 20th Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in October of last year that He Lifeng will not only be appointed vice premier but also the new number one of the PBC during the National Peoples Congress.

According to experts, the two new appointments, but especially that of He, would lead to a weakening of the authority and decision-making competence of the PBC as an independent body, and that He's role as vice premier would further expand the influence of the CCP within the Chinese central bank. 

In addition, with Yi a US educated pro-market official is leaving office, which could also point to increased control of the PBC by the CCP led by Xi Jinping. [Financial Times] [The Wall Street Journal]

China: Are the Big Four auditors facing the end in China?

(ms) According to reports from Bloomberg, Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, have urged Chinese state-owned enterprises to discontinue contracts with the Big Four auditors, namely Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), and to use Chinese auditors instead, due to security concerns. 

According to the insiders, on whose statements, the reports Bloomberg’s are based, China tries to secure by the exclusion of the Big Four on the one hand the data security of the country from the USA, in which all the audit companies are based. On the other hand, Chinese auditors are to be more involved in the long term and the national market of auditing companies is to be strengthened. 

In 2021 alone, the Big Fours generated almost USD 3 billion in revenue in China, giving them the largest market share in China together with the European auditing firm BDO. 

Already since September 2022, 60 Hong Kong-listed and China-based companies and 80 companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen have changed their auditors, with Chinese auditors such as RSM China, Moore Global and Pan-China Certified Public Accountants increasingly winning contracts.

To what extent security concerns are actually behind the pressure from the Chinese Ministry of Finance is at least doubtful, given the deal between the US and China agreed upon at the end of August last year, which enables US auditors to gain full access to the books of Chinese companies which are listed in the US [see AiR No. 35, August/2022, 5]. [Bloomberg] [The Guardian]

The Chinese state-owned news agency Global Times denies Bloomberg's reports and says there were no such instructions from the Chinese government. [Global Times]

China: Road map for digital development until 2035

(ms) The Chinese government published a road map to a "digital China" on February 27, with the goal of making China the world leader in digital innovation by 2025 and the digital development to "enter the forefront of the world" by 2035.

The expansion and further development of 5G as the "backbone" of China's digital infrastructure is already in full swing, with China providing 60 percent of the world's global 5G bases with nearly 900,000 new 5G base stations last year and a total of 2.3 million, according to information from its own Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

However, the timetable also calls for accelerating the development of other key technologies such as supercomputing technology, data centers and the further development of collective networks also known as the Internet of Things (IoT). [Global Times] [South China Morning Post]

In line with the newly released blueprint, the Chinese government held a symposium last week with the heads and founders of the country's big tech companies. The tech companies are said to be committed to the goal of accelerating technological development in line with the Chinese government [see AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3].

China: The dilemma of governmental support of a Chinese ChatGPT

(ms) In a white paper published on February 14, the Beijing government articulated clear support for the AI sector and the goal of creating a counter product to the ChatGPT developed in the US. In the process, large amounts of data sets from city- and district-affiliated organizations and public-sector datasets have been made available to tech companies to train the AI. [Government of Beijing in Chinese] [Reuters]

Fittingly, as recently as February 22, tech company Baidu announced it was working on its own version of ChatGPT, following in the footsteps of other tech giants like Alibaba that announced similar plans earlier this month. [Radio Free Asia]

However, contrary to this "unconditional" support is the skepticism towards and the danger the Chinese government poses in large language models (LLMs) on which ChatGPT is based. The Chinese government has already ordered the Chinese tech giants Tencent, which is among others responsible for the Chinese WeChat, and the Ant Group not to offer access to ChatGPT via their platforms. [Nikkei Asia] 

Chinese state news broadcaster China Daily published an article calling for regulation of AI in the face of the "dangers" it poses. Besides alleged dangers of misuse by students, possible errors in AI results or possible privacy violations, the danger of "political propaganda" is the main issue of the article. The trigger for this could be that the AI's mostly have a "western bias", so that for example in questions about the situation of the Uyghurs in the northwestern Xinjiang region, ChatGPT reportedly repeatedly uses the term genocide to describe the situation, an accusation that the Chinese government clearly rejects. [China Daily] [The Guardian]

This reveals the dilemma of the Chinese government's support of the AI sector. While it sees the added value of the technology, the risk of spreading China critical content, via AI, will force Chinese tech companies to heavily regulate AI and curtail its capabilities to prevent this. This is because the unintentional dissemination of content critical of the government by Chinese companies can also mean major economic consequences. In 2017, for example, probably due to a hacking attack, the symbols of available bicycles of the bike-sharing app Bluegogo on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident were no longer displayed as bicycles but as tanks. It followed regulations by local governments that led to the bankruptcy of the company in a few months. [The Low Down] [The Sydney Morning Herald]

The Chinese government will continue to invest in the AI sector, but it must currently be assumed that the control and monitoring of emerging AI service providers and their generated information will have the upper hand, which could significantly curtail the functionality of the products. [China Talk] [Jordan Schneider via Twitter]

China: Sustainable support for economy

(ms) The People's Bank of China (PBC) announced that it will focus on sustainable support for the economy rather than flood-style stimulus to effectively support the economy while countering the risk of inflation. The goal of future economic support will focus on stabilizing growth, employment, and prices, as well as expanding domestic demand.

At almost the same time, Premier Li Keqiang praised the effect of the support for the Chinese economy and population implemented last year in the form of tax and fee cuts in the course of the zero-COVID strategy. However, he pointed out that further measures would be necessary to generate healthy economic and social development.   

In the formulation of more precise details, both the PBC and Li, shortly before the start of the National People's Congress (NPC) in early March, tended to remain rather reticent. In addition to Xi Jinping almost certainly securing a third term as China's president, an economic plan for the coming year will also be presented during the congress. [Bloomberg] [Caixin Global] [The State Council] 

China: UBS prepares mutual-fund license in China

(ms) The Swiss investment bank UBS is said to be in unofficial talks with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) about a possible application for a license that would allow the bank to sell mutual funds in China. 

UBS became the first foreign bank to increase stake to a majority 51 percent in a China securities joint venture in 2018, after China eased regulations in the same year. [The Wall Street Journal]

China: Four times more coal-fired power plants ordered in 2022 than the year before

(ms) The Chinese government approved last year, according to a report [see full report], the construction of coal-fired power plants with a potential energy output of 106 gigawatts, more than four times as much as the year before and the highest value since 2015, despite the announced reduction of coal consumption between 2026 and 2030. 

Presumably in response, or at least as a pretext, to the severe blackouts in September 2021, triggered by coal shortages, but also last summer by severe heat waves and resulting shortages of electricity from hydropower plants [see AiR No. 34, August/2022, 4], the Chinese government approved an average of two coal-fired power plants per week in 2022. The motive as a reaction to the power outages could be supported by the fact that most of the construction projects were cited with the task of supporting power capacity and ensuring power grid stability. 

However, this reasoning could be contradicted by the fact that the majority of the newly approved power plants are being built in the east and especially directly on the east coast of China, where the power supply is and has been quite stable. The expansion of the power distribution network would, according to experts, therefore, have been the more effective measure. 

In addition to the questionable distribution of the construction projects, the coal-fired power plants are a cause for concern, especially from a climate perspective. President Xi announced that China will begin reducing carbon emissions between 2026 and 2030. 

Therefore, the construction either represents a departure from those plans, or a significant portion of the power plants will not go into operation at all or will be very limited, which would raise further questions of the plan behind the approvals. [South China Morning Post] [The Guardian]

China: Prosecution presents evidence list against Hong Kong 47

(ms) The prosecution presented on February 27 the extent of the evidence to be used against the 16 members of the Hong Kong 47 who have not yet pleaded guilty. The prosecution will make use of the co-conspirators rule. 

The Hong Kong 47 case, which began in early February [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1], is believed to be the highest-profile trial to date under the National Security Law, which came into effect in 2020 in response to the 2019 anti-government protests. The 47 defendants were participants in the 2020 Hong Kong pro-democracy primaries which were aimed at selecting pro-democracy candidates for the LegCo elections that were scheduled for September of the same year. 

Of the 47 defendants, 31 have already pleaded guilty to the charge of "conspiracy to commit subversion." The remaining 16 defendants must now face a no-jury trial and could face life sentences if found guilty. 

The prosecutors have now presented the extent of the evidence on which they will apply the co-conspirators rule. The rule in question is an exception to the rule generally applicable in court that "that the confession statement of an accused cannot be used against his or her co-accused." Instead, it states that "any party to a conspiracy or joint-enterprise has made an out-of-court statement, be it oral or documentary, in furtherance of the conspiracy or joint-enterprise which implicates a co-accused, the statement is admissible against both its maker and the parties to the joint-enterprise or conspiracy." [The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong]

The prosecution's document which includes the evidence to be used under the exceptional rule goes from articles from newspapers, Facebook post, to video recordings and transcripts created by one or more defendants. [Hong Kong Free Press]

China: 13,000 satellites planned to overpass "Starlink”

(ms) Under the code name "GW", the Chinese government, carried out by the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Space Engineering University in Beijing, is planning to launch 12,992 satellites to contain Starlink's air superiority and itself become a global Internet provider. 

Exact details of the project terms have not yet been disclosed, but the responsible group plans to launch the satellites before 2027 to be ahead of SpaceX's target number of almost 12,000 satellites at that time.

The necessary satellites will be owned by the China Satellite Network Corporation, a state-owned telecommunications company that was only founded in 2021. 

The person responsible for the project articulates in a paper the clear intention to "suppress" SpaceX Starlink and to limit its area of operation. The Chinese counterpart is to be used in "orbits where the Starlink constellation has not yet reached" and there is the possibility of equipping the satellites with "anti-Starlink" payloads to monitor the satellite construct of the US company. 

In addition, according to the paper, weapons are being developed to shoot down Starlink satellites if they cross Chinese airspace. [South China Morning Post]

China: Doubling down on reunification with Taiwan

(ms) The Chinese Ministry of Defense reiterated its desire for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but made clear that "the Chinese [People's Liberation Army] PLA will take necessary actions to resolutely smash any secessionist moves and foreign interference," which seek independence for Taiwan. 

The targets of these press releases from the Ministry of National Defense are the U.S. and Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). 

The Chinese government accuses the U.S. of making "contradictory" assessments of the military readiness of the Chinese military regarding a possible invasion of Taiwan and the Chinese plans. This refers to the various assessments, mostly from the US military, which in recent weeks predict an invasion in 2030, another time in 2027 or even a war between the US and China over an invasion of Taiwan as early as 2025 [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5].

The criticism of the DPP, which is literally accused of "[to] continue to collude with foreign forces and make provocations in the illusion of seeking Taiwan independence," remains the same. [China Ministry of National Defense] [South China Morning Post]

Japan: Supreme Court confirms ban on dual nationality

(cc) On February 21, the Japanese Supreme Court dismissed a petition claiming that the Japanese law that prohibits its citizens from holding foreign nationality is unconstitutional. The decision supported a 2021 ruling by a district court which presumed that dual citizenship could cause issues between nations or the people and the state.

Currently, Japan's nationality law asserts that a Japanese person who willingly obtains foreign citizenship will lose their Japanese nationality, thereby effectively prohibiting the Japanese people from holding dual citizenship.

Claiming that foreign nationality is essential for working and living abroad and that the revocation of Japanese citizenship by the government is unconstitutional, the plaintiffs aim to appeal the Supreme Court's ruling. [Japan Today]

Japan: Court orders the government to pay woman who underwent forced sterilization

(cc) On February 24, the Shizuoka District Court ruled that the government has to pay JPY 16.5 million (USD 123,000) to a hearing-impaired woman who underwent forced sterilization under the then-imposed eugenics protection law. 

The plaintiff filed the lawsuit in 2019, claiming that she faced sterilization surgery in 1970.

Yoshinori Masuda, the presiding judge, explained that the government's sterilization program violated the women's freedom to choose whether to have children, which was a violation of the constitution that guarantees the right to pursue happiness. He also added that nonconsensual sterilization, which was based on a discriminatory notion toward disabled people, has led to mental and physical suffering for the victims.

The decision was the fourth case that awarded victims of the forced sterilization program financial compensation, with the three earlier rulings coming from the Tokyo and Osaka high courts and the Kumamoto District Court.

The eugenics protection law, which allowed the sterilization of people with disabilities or mental illnesses, was in effect between 1948 to 1996. In 2019, a new law ordered the state to compensate a person who underwent forced sterilization JPY 3.2 million (approximately USD 23,000) each. [Kyodo News]

Japan: Justice ministry to change the name for forcible sexual intercourse

(cc) On February 24, Japan's Ministry of Justice announced its plan to change the name for the crime of rape from 'forcible sexual intercourse' to the equivalent of nonconsensual sexual intercourse to better reflect the illegality of the action and stress the importance of consent.

The move came as a part of Japan's effort to reform its Penal Code, which also includes an attempt to increase the country's age of consent from 13 to 16 [See AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3].

Earlier, in the 2017 Penal Code revision, the crime of rape was renamed to forcible sexual intercourse, which implied that the sexual act needs to include violence or coercion to be recognized as rape, thereby opening a loophole for other types of sexual violations. 

Accordingly, the 2022 name change will expand the list of actions that can be constituted as rape, including an act that makes it difficult for the victim to form or express disapproval of the sexual activities.

The plan is expected to be approved by the cabinet in the current parliamentary session. [Japan Today]

Japan: Kishida rallies the LDP for upcoming by-elections

(cc) On February 26, at the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) conference, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged his fellow LDP members to fight for victory in the nationwide local elections in April.

Scheduled to be held on April 23, the by-elections for the House of Representatives will concern four parliamentary seats, including one formerly held by the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Kishida promised that the party's goal would be to maintain the current number of LDP seats in the parliament.

In his announcement of the party's manifesto, Kishida stated that the LDP would improve its ties with Komeito, LDP's coalition partner, emphasizing that cooperation with a smaller party is a foundation of stability in Japanese politics.

Additionally, Kishida expressed his willingness to seek a revision of the constitution, describing the need for a constitutional change at the current time. In response to the rising inflation, he also urged for wage increases and an enhanced government-management-workers understanding, a stance correspondent to the LDP's vision which advocates for the government to bolster the collaboration with the Japanese Trade Union Confederation. [Japan Times]

Japan: Doctors sue the government for requiring the use of ‘My Number’ system

(cc) On February 22, the Tokyo Medical Practitioners Association, an important doctor's association, and other affiliate organizations in Tokyo filed a suit against the Japanese government, calling for the Tokyo District Court to affirm that the medical institutions do not have to require their patients to use the government's 'My Number' identification system instead of the current insurance card.

The plaintiffs contended that the government has to adjust the Health Insurance Act in order to implement its plan to have patients use the My Number card. But since the government has only changed a ministerial ordinance, the complaints claimed that the government is violating Article 41 of the constitution, which asserts that the parliament is the only legislative body in the country. The doctors also explained that installing the systems related to the My Number scheme is troublesome since the process requires approximately JPY 700,000 (USD 5,190) per installation.

The plaintiffs demanded the government compensate them JPY 100,000 (USD 740) per person on the ground that the government had violated their freedom. After submitting the suit, Akko Suda, the Tokyo Medical Practitioners Association leader, stated his wish to see other practitioners in Japan following his action, claiming that the government's action was destroying the medical care system.

In an attempt to introduce the My Number insurance system to the health sector from 2023 onward, the government amended a health ministry ordinance in September 2022. [The Mainichi]

Japan: Local leaders hesitate to allow foreign residents to participate in local referendums

(cc) According to a Kyodo News survey held between November 2022 and January 2023, 16 percent of the Japanese prefectural and municipal assembly leaders supported a further debate on whether foreign residents should have voting rights in local referendums.

Leaders who hesitated to continue the discussion explained that foreigners currently living in Japan usually stay in the country for education or occupational purposes and will ultimately return to their home countries later.

Meanwhile, those who wished to further the debate stated that people who work and pay taxes in Japan should have the right to participate in the local political process and be provided support for becoming part of Japanese society.

Currently, a person without Japanese citizenship cannot vote in elections, but the local authorities can introduce legislation that permits them to participate in referendums.

In an attempt to address the issues of the declining population and rising number of foreign residents, the Japanese government has encouraged policies that facilitate foreign residents' participation in their local communities. [Japan Today]

Japan: Tokyo to demand some of its money from the Olympics committee

(cc) On February 21, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike announced her intention to demand some of the money the city spent on the Olympic organizing committee back if the authority issues a cease and desist order against the organizations implicated in a corruption scandal related to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also called for appropriate measures in filing damage claims against the people associated with the corruption.

Currently, several executives and companies are accused of being involved in corruption scandals related to the Tokyo Olympics event. The scandals include bribery for a sponsorship deal [See AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1] [See AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3] and collusion during the bidding process for the test event [See AiR No. 7, February/2023, 2] [The Mainichi]

Japan: Executive of the Dentsu Group Inc. and others indicted on bid rigging charge related to the Olympic scandals

(cc) On February 28, the executive of the Dentsu Group Inc., Japan's advertising giant, and other individuals related to the organization of the Tokyo Olympics were indicted on the bid rigging charge.

The decision came after the prosecutors received complaints from the Japan Fair Trade Commission accusing six companies, including the Dentsu Group Inc. and its rival Hakuhodo Inc., and six individuals of violating the anti-monopoly law by rigging bids for contracts related to the Olympic test events.

The accused individuals were brought into custody earlier on February 8 [See AiR No. 7, February/2023, 2] [Japan Today]

Japan: The number of births declines while deaths rise

(cc) According to government data, the number of newborns in Japan in 2022 dropped for the seventh consecutive year to a record low of 799,728. After excluding babies from foreign parents living in Japan, the number of births was estimated to be approximately 770,000.

It was the first time that the number of newborns decreased below 800,000 since the records began in 1899.

Meanwhile, the number of deaths in Japan in 2022 hit a record high of 1,582,033, increasing by 129,744 from the earlier year. [The Mainichi]

North Korea: Satellite imagery detects large construction camp in Pyongyang

(ge) According to North Korea Pro satellite imagery, a new large construction camp has appeared in an area of the capital reserved to foreign leaders' guesthouses. Imagery revealed that the construction started between February 8 and February 14. The location of the camp suggests that it could be in preparation for the visit of an influential foreign visitor.

North Korea has not been visited by any foreign leader or official since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recently the government has launched two other massive construction camps for housing and farming projects in Pyongyang (see AiR,No. 8, February/2023, 3) . [NK News]

North Korea: Paper calls for self-sufficiency, warns against accepting foreign help 

(ge) Despite the food shortage that is currently affecting the country (see  AiR, No. 8, February/2023, 3), on February 22 North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun has called for economic-self sufficiency, and has warned against accepting foreign help. The newspaper declared that maintaining and advancing economic self-reliance is pivotal to the independence of the state. According to the newspaper’s commentary, receiving external help from “imperialists” would disrupt the national economy and interfere with the country's internal politics.

North Korea has acknowledged the problem, vowing to hold a Plenary Meeting at the end of february to discuss the issue (see AiR, No. 6, February/2023, 1). 

South Korean Unification Ministry said in a statement that North Korea had previously asked for support for the UN World Food Program, but no progress has been made so far due to divergences over monitoring issues. China is now the only external supporter for food assistance. [Rodong Sinmun] [Reuters] [Al Jazeera]

North Korea: State media photos show increased face mask usage

(ge) According to an NK news analysis of state media photos, North Koreans seem to have recently been increasing indoor and outdoor use of face masks, and have also appeared to be double masking.

 Photos published on the state media KCNA, also show that many people have been sticking to their masks an identified object, similar to a clip or a sticker. The real purpose of these objects remains unknown, nevertheless experts suppose they could contain a small chip storing  health or screening data as part of Covid-19- related access rules; or they could indicate that more North Koreans are being vaccinated. 

Another hypothesis maintains that the accessories could refer to other Covid-relayted screening statues and their appearance in various cities outside the capital could signify that the virus is spreading in other areas. 

The unidentified objects began to appear in mid-January and starting on February 16 people in other cities appeared wearing them on the state television, says NK News.  

As most of the world has suspended outdoor mask use and Covid restrictions, North Korea remains one of the only places where rules are still in place and no announcement has been made on the part of the government to reopen the country to foreign visitors. [NK News] 

North Korea: Key party meeting on agriculture opens amid food shortage

(ge) On February 27 the state media announced that on February 26 the government held the first session of the 7th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) to discuss urgent farming and agricultural issues. The meeting was announced at the beginning of February when North Korea acknowledged that the country is short of food supplies, however without publicly declaring so (see AiR, No. 8, February/2023, 3).

North Korean state media KCNA said the meeting will review how last year’s agricultural policies performed and decide on “immediate” and “urgent” tasks. It also added that the meeting had agreed on the agenda items to be discussed during the session,  without further elaboration. The meeting was presided by the leader Kim Jong-Un.

The national newspaper Rodong Sinmun also reported that the plenary meeting will discuss urgent issues concerning the national economic development and to decide on measures to solve them. The plenary meeting is set to continue in the following days.

Recently North Korea has launched new massive housing and farming projects, however the South Korean government is positive that the food crisis in the country has been worsening, with more deaths from starvation being reported in certain regions of the country (see AiR, No. 8, February/2023, 3). [Yonhap] [KCNA] [Rodong Sinmun,Korean] [NK News]

During the second session of the meeting held on February 28, North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un said that the meeting aims at identifying immediate measures to attain the grain production goal of this year and that the country will make fundamental changes in the agricultural production sector within a few years. The Rodong Sinmun also reported the news without specifying what type of reforms the government is expected to implement, saying that the country is laying the foundations for a stable and sustainable agricultural development and talking about a national economic plan aiming at improving the state’s financial status. [KCNA] [NK News]

South Korea: Seoul High Court recognizes same-sex couple as dependant in historic ruling

(ge) On February 21 the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of a same-sex couple demanding equal insurance coverage from the state's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). This was the first legal recognition of a same-sex union in South Korea.

The ruling overturned the November 2021 decision of the Seoul Administrative Court, which rejected the plaintiff’s appeal against the NHIS withdrawal of the man’s eligibility to receive spousal health insurance benefits under his partner’s employer. 

The Court did not recognize same sex unions as a marriage under the state’s current common law. Nonetheless, it judged NHIS’ conduct as discriminatory on the grounds of sexual orientation, judging that national health insurance benefits are not provided exclusively to families as defined by the law, but to those who share economic and emotional needs. Therefore, it added, there is not any substantial difference between the partners of an heterosexual relationship and those in a same-sex relationship.

The Court also called for a greater attention to the protection of sexual minorities' rights, still facing discrimination in the country. [Yonhap] [The Korea Times]

This decision marks a step forward in South Korea’s recognition of same sex marriages, said Amnesty International. [Reuters]

However the approval of the Anti-Discrimination Act, which would prevent discrimination against LGBT people and give them advantage in trials, is blocked in a subcommittee of the National Assembly. Currently, with the conservative People Power Party (PPP) holding the majority in the parliament it seems unlikely that the act would reach a vote. The bill has been strongly opposed by Christian lobbies, which represent a fundamental group of voters for the PPP. [The New York Times]

South Korea: President pledges to end illegality at construction sites, tightens grip on labor unions

(ge) On february 21, during the 8th Cabinet meeting, President Yoon discussed measures to stop what he defined as “illegal and unfair  acts” perpetrated by “militant” construction unions at construction sites. 

During his speech the President expressed the necessity to crack down on unions illegal practices such as demanding money, forcing employment and obstructing construction. As vowed on February 2 (see AiR,No. 8, February/2023, 3), he reiterated his commitment to ensure the labor union’s accounting transparency, as one of the core objectives of his project to reform South Korea’s labor market. 

Yoon called for the support of the Ministry of Labor and Employment to support the promotion of the labor reform.  

The Federation of Korean Trade Unions commented that improvements in the relations between labor, management, and government are only achievable if the government would recognize unions as dialogue partners.  

As Yoon and the ruling People Power Party maintain a hard stance against labor unions, the opposing Democratic Party and Justice Party are pushing for a pro-labor bill, the “Yellow Envelope Act, that would guarantee negotiating power to unionized workers (see AiR,No. 8, February/2023, 3) [The Korea Times] [Office of the President Newsroom, Korean] [Yonhap 1]

On February 23 the state intelligence and policy raided two offices of labor unions, belonging to the Korean Confederation of Trade Union, in the southern cities of Changwon and Geoje as part of investigations on activists suspected of violating the National Security Act. During a press conference labor union activists stated that the raid is to be considered as an attempt to suppress the freedom of union. [Yonhap 2]

South Korea: President approves motion to arrest opposition leader

(ge) On February 21 President Yoon approved the motion to arrest Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-Myung, over his corruption and bribery charges (see AiR, No. 6, February/2023, 1). The decision on whether to proceed with Lee’s arrest will be voted on by lawmakers on February 27. The Seoul District Court issued the arrest warrant for Lee on February 17 but prosecution did not have the authorization to arrest the DP leader, due to parliamentary immunity. [The Korea Herald]

On February 27 the National Assembly voted to reject the governmts’ motion to consent the arrest of DP leader Lee by a margin of only one vote. This signifies that many fellow DP lawmakers have cast a vote in favor of his arrest. The rejection automatically results in the dismissal of the prosecutor’s arrest warrant against Lee, nevertheless prosecutors are expected to charge him without detention. Lee has always rejected any allegations, claiming  that the prosecution came as political revenge on the part of President Yoon. [Yonhap]

The result of the vote has shaken the DP. Some lawmakers declared on February 28 that the vote could have profound consequences on the party with some suggesting that Lee should step down from the leadership as many worry that his legal concerns could negatively impact the party in the next elections. On the other side, the leading People Power Party commented saying that the result of the vote should be considered as a de-facto consent to arrest Lee. [Yonhap] 

South Korea: Record- low birth rate

(ge) According to official data published by Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) on February 22, South Korea logged the lowest birth rate among OECD countries, breaking its own 2021 record. 

KOSTAT registered in 2022 a fall in the average number of expected babies per woman from the previous year's 0.81 to 0.78. The number of deaths stood at  372, 800, registering an increase of 55,100 (17.4 percent) ,whilst the number of live births stood at 249,000 babies, a decrease from 260,000  in 2021. The average age at which a woman gives birth also rose to 33.5. Overall, in 2022 the country registered a negative population growth trend, with deaths outpacing births of -123,800, a decrease of 66,700 compared to the previous year. [KOSTAT, Korean] [Al Jazeera 1]

South Korea’s fast shrinking population poses a problem to the country’s economic growth due to workforce shortage, decrease in the number of tax-payers and increased welfare spending for the growing  portion of the aging population.

 According to KOSTAT the working-age population is expected to fall by half by 2070 and UN World Bank data projections estimate that by 2100 the South Korean population will decrease by 53 percent, falling to 24 million. On the same day the South Korean Prime Minister called for South Korean policies to be pushed towards the effort of reversing the falling birth rate.

South Korea has increased policies to encourage people to have more babies. However, young people do not feel pressured to build families due to the high costs of living, gender and social inequality, a highly competitive society and an unfavorable job market. Women in particular, fear of losing their job by having children and have been demanding  improvements in gender equality regarding child care duties as well as  to end discrimination at the workplace. [South China Morning Post] [Yonhap] [Al Jazeera 2]

South Korea: Central bank to maintain policy rates at 3.5, may not resume monetary tightening

(ge) On February 23 the Central Bank of Korea froze interest rates at 3.5 percent in order to monitor developments of several uncertainty factors, including  the pace of inflation slowdown,  the U.S. Federal Reserve’s terminal rate, the effects of China’s economic recovery on the domestic economy,  the effects of a stagnant domestic real estate market, and  the effects of accumulated Base Rate hikes. 

During the press conference, the Central Bank declared that if inflation diminishes as forecasted, it may not resume the tight monetary policy campaign adopted during the past eighteen months. The Bank also adjusted the GDP growth projection to 1.6 percent, slightly lower than the November forecast of 1.7 percent.

However, the Korean economy is expected to recover during the second half of the year, said the Bank. The economy has been slowing down due to decreased exports and stagnation in the IT industry. Moreover, in January, consumer price inflation rose to 5.2 percent from the 5.0 percent of the previous month. Household credits also shrank for the first time in ten years, standing at 0.2 percent (USD 3. 16 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2022. This, together with the depreciation of the domestic currency and increased energy import and production costs, has caused inflationary pressure on the South Korean economy.

On February 23 during the 4th export strategy meeting the President urged his minister to do whatever is necessary in order to reverse the 4.5 percent expected decline in  exports, vowing to achieve an export goal of USD 685 billion in 2023. The president said that the economy will be at the center of South Korean diplomatic activities and he ordered the establishment of a pan-governmental export response system to monitor and implement the objective. Yoon requested to boost exports of the country’s front running industries, such as nuclear power, defense, overseas construction and green industry and to promote and expand exports in promising industries including the agro-fishery ,digital and bio-health industries. [Bank of Korea, Korean] [Office of the President Newsroom, Korean] [Xinhua] [Reuters]

South Korea: childcare healthcare crisis looming

(ge) On February 22 the government declared it will take emergency measures to improve the pediatric health care system amid a worsening shortage of pediatric hospitals and pediatricians. 

The shortage is due to social structures changes, said the Ministry of Health, referring to the falling birth rate registered in the country which touched new lows in 2022. Moreover, young medical students are reluctant to specialize in pediatrics due the heavy workload and lower pay since it is dependent upon the number of patients they see. 

The government has set up a plan of intervention to improve the child’s  care health system consisting of three main points of intervention: expanding the number of structures specialized in treating severely ill children; increase the number of pediatric emergency specialists to provide twenty-four hour pediatric emergency service; ensure a better compensation for medical personnel through the implementation of public policies. 

However experts maintain that the measure might fail to solve the issues in the long run, since the problem is linked to falling birth rates which have caused the range of medical service in pediatrics to decline consequently. [The Korea Times] [The Korea Herald] [South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korean]

South Korea: Ministry of Unification releases 2023 Work Plan

(ge) On February 27 the Unification Ministry launched the 2023 Work Plan for a new long-term vision on the future of the Korean peninsula’s unification and inter-korean relations.

During talks on the work plan, ministers discussed the future of unification and the major directions for unification workin 2023 were laid out. The ministry reiterated that efforts will be made to pursue peace, denuclearization and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula and identified seven main tasks to implement its new plan. In particular the ministry will strengthen the comprehensive approach of Deterrence, Dissuasion, and Dialogue (3Ds) on North Korea's denuclearization, making efforts to open dialogue with North Korea; secondly it will promote the normalization of relations through cultural exchanges and cooperation in the environmental sector; thirdly efforts will be made to promote North Korea's human rights. South Korea also aims at implementing  a New Future Initiative on Unification in order to formulate long-term initiatives for inter-Korean relations and to prepare for a unified future. Moreover, the Ministry will reorganize its support system for North Korean defectors; it will strengthen unification education based on liberal democratic values; lastly it will  reinforce domestic and international capabilities and foundation for unification. [South Korean Ministry of Unification]

The Unification ministry launched a new advisory body made up of experts in unification matters who is set to hold its first meeting in mid-March. [Yonhap]

Taiwan: Defense ministry to change national mobilization law

(sw) Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) is drafting a revision of the “All-out Defense Mobilization Readiness Act”. The changes demand stricter media and communications control, and more severe punishments for hoarding and fake news. However, the Cabinet and Legislature need to approve the revision, which is only possible after the draft is under public review for 14 days. 

The MND calls for mechanisms to oversee Taiwan’s mass communication networks,  for example through audits or investigation of telecommunication equipment manufacturers. Also, actions that harm national security are penalized more severely. This is the case if individuals do not comply with the government's demands before or during mobilization, spread wrong information and hoard important supplies. The penalties are prison sentences for up to seven years and a potential fine of up to USD 230.000. Moreover, companies can also be liable to pay the fine if these acts are committed by their employees. 

If the misbehavior is due to spreading false information, the imprisonment can not exceed three years. But, if an individual purposely disseminates false information online via the internet, television or radio, the jail term can be raised by up to 50 percent. Furthermore, individuals that hoard supplies that may be crucial for Taiwan’s mobilization efforts without justification, have to be sentenced at least one year.  [Taiwan News] [Focus Taiwan] 

Taiwan: KMT leads in presidential election poll

(sw) The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) has overtaken the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in an opinion poll conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF) by a small margin. Since the next presidential election takes place in the beginning of 2024, the opinion polls gain attention. 

The support for the KMT increased from 21.5 percent  in January to 27.1 percent in February, whereas the support for the DPP rose from 26.1 percent to 26.9 percent. Therefore, the difference between the two biggest parties is only 0.2 percent. The third largest party, the Taiwan’s People Party, lost support from 20.3 percent to 12.3 percent. The TPOF Chairman explained this development with voters switching from the TPP to the KMT. 

Also, the voters supported the New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih of the KMT the most with 32.4 percent, whereas the President and DPP Chairman Lai Ching-te received 27.7 percent. Therefore, it is likely that the presidential election will be a close race. [Taiwan News] 

Taiwan: DPP to announce presidential candidate in April

(sw) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will announce their candidate for the presidential election that will take place in January 2024 on April 12. Candidates who want to run in the presidential primary need to register between March 13-17. If more than one candidate registers, the candidate will be determined through an opinion poll by phone between April 6-10. Candidates can make public presentations between March 30 and April 4.

Premier Chen Chien-jen from the DPP clarified on February 24, that he would not run for president. Therefore, Vice President and DPP Chairman Lai Ching-tee is currently the most likely candidate. [Taiwan News 1] [Taiwan News 2] 

Taiwan: Many Taiwanese not confident in military defense

(sw) In a survey conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF), 47.2 percent of respondents said that they were not confident that the military could defend the country in the event of a Chinese invasion. However, 45.3 percent believed that the US would support Taiwan and 7.5 percent said that they are unsure. 

Research from the Academia Sinica Institute of Sociology supports these findings by stating that the Taiwanese generally doubt that the US will become directly involved in a war with China if it invades Taiwan. However, it also illustrates that the majority of Taiwanese are prepared to fight for their country if a war begins. The “willingness to fight for country” is consistently “above 60% and bipartisan”, which is among the highest compared to other countries. But, DPP supporters are in general more willing to fight compared to KMT supporters who distrust the DPP government and its institutions, like the military. Therefore they are more skeptical of  Taiwan’s defense capabilities. Moreover, how the war starts, for example through China or provoked by a declaration of independence by Taiwan, does not impact the willingness to fight. It is also not influenced by the Ukraine War or the increase of Chinese military exercises.  [Taipei Times] [Taiwan News 1] [Taiwan News 2] 

Taiwan: Kinmen councilors call for island’s demilitarization

(sw) Five councilors from Kinmen, the closest of Taiwan’s outlying islands to China, submitted a petition to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to turn Kinmen into a permanent demilitarized zone. They want to demilitarize the island to create full exchange between China and Taiwan. 

Furthermore, the petitioners suggest that a bridge between Kinmen and the nearby Chinese city of Xiamen should be built. This would catalyze positive cross-strait relations. The petition will be forwarded for consideration to President Tsai Ing-wen, the DPP’s Central Committee and the Cabinet. [Taiwan News]  

Taiwan: Mass deployment of anti-drone radars possible, says supplier 

(sw) According to the supplier of anti-drone radars, Tron Future, the systems can be used for mass deployment. Due to an increased demand, the goal is to produce 100 per month in 2023. 

The radar systems can detect drones up to five kilometers away and weigh only 15 kilograms. The Taiwanese military needs these radars because of the threat of Chinese drones attacking Taiwan. [Defense News] 

Taiwan: Military Police carries out drills

(sw) Taiwan’s Military Police conducted a combat planning drill to familiarize officers and soldiers with command and combat procedures on February 22. The practice accustomed them with physical, and on-site maneuvers with actual equipment and strengthened their experience and combat capabilities. [Taiwan News] 

Taiwan: Military drone damaged during test

(sw) The landing gear and propeller of a prototype of the Teng Yun 2 drone got damaged during a runway test on February 22. The drone has more advanced electronic surveillance and interference systems than its predecessor. In June 2022, the Teng Yun 2 flew successfully for ten hours around Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. The mass production is expected to start this year. 

During other regular drills on February 22, the Mirage 2000 jet lost two external fuel tanks. This was either due to the pilot touching a button by accident or a mistake during maintenance work on the plane. The fighter jet was made by France and outperformed its rival F-16 and IDF teams in training in 2022. [Taiwan News 1] [Taiwan News 2]

Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia 

Bangladesh: Rohingya refugee crisis seen as posing a national security threat; Japanese support

(az) The prolonged stay of a huge number Rohingya refugees increasingly raises security concerns and growing discontent about the global community's inaction in facilitating a dignified return of the refugees among which violence and criminal activities are rising. Experts, in a discussion hosted by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, describe a state of affairs in which thousands of children in refugee camps are exposed to deprivation including a lack of adequate education condemning them to growup with hatred and turning the situation in a "ticking bomb" for the region. Bangladeshi authorities are urging the Myanmar government to demonstrate its willingness to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya people. [New Age]

Meanwhile, Japan has signed a deal of USD 4.5 million in aid to help the Rohingya refugees on the southeast coast of Cox's Bazar and on Bhasan Char island in the Bay of Bengal who are already facing severe malnutrition and a food crisis due to food rations and funding cuts. Besides the aid, the Japanese government also assured to help in the process of the dignified and voluntary Rohingya repatriation back to Myanmar. The Japanese fund will also help the refugees to receive education and livelihood facilities. Two primary healthcare centers for the refugees in the Bhasan Char island will also get renovated under the funding. [Daily Sabah]

Bangladesh: Plummeting currency rate and rising inflation, supply shortages 

(az) Amidst the economic crisis fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Bangladesh government has suspended all non-essential imports and stopped supplying dollars to commercial banks, leading to a severe shortage of dollars for businesses across the country. In the last six months, the country's foreign reserves have decreased by five billion USD, while the value of the national currency, the taka, against the dollar has dropped by 27 percent. This has resulted in many banks experiencing negative foreign currency balances, rendering them unable to provide letters of credit to businesses. This halt in the supply of dollars to banks can create a rapidly widening gap between demand and supply of all kinds of commodities, leading to further increases in product prices during the approaching Ramadan. As banks now must rely on third parties to pay for letters of credit, trade will further deteriorate, and import costs will rise. Although some experts are optimistic that the reserve gap will slowly close due to the reduction in imports, the slow increase in foreign reserves and the discontinuation of imports will further exacerbate an already high inflation, causing prices of commodities to surge even higher. [Al Jazeera]

Bangladesh: Law minister claims opposition leader Zia ineligible for coming elections

(az) Bangladesh Law Minister Anisul Huq claimed that former prime minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia would neither be in the medical condition nor legally eligible to participate in the upcoming elections. In particular, the minister pointed out that she has already been tried in one corruption case while another one is pending. Due to her sentencing, she would be disqualified from participating in any election according to Article 66 of the Constitution. [Firstpost]

Bhutan: Government introduces digital national ID system

(az) Bhutan has launched its first national digital ID to provide citizens with secure and verifiable identification credentials. The biometric ID system is supposed to allows citizens to control the sharing of their personal information and will enable citizens to access government services online, including health, tax filings, education, census records, revenue and bank statements, and business documents. [Biometric Update] 

India: SC rejects to intervene in reporting on Adani case 

(wr) The Supreme Court has rejected a plea to stop reporting on the Adani-Hindenburg issue. Background is a report of Hindenburg Research, a US-based investment firm that alleged the Adani Group of “stock manipulation and accounting fraud”, triggering a steep fall of its shares. The plea was filed by the Adani group who claims that the Hindenburg report is “malicious” and should be curtailed in the media. However, the Supreme Court on February 24 refused the petition with a verdict, “No, there is no question of passing any injunction on the media”.  [Indian Express][The Hindu]

Earlier, the Supreme Court, following opposition pressure to launch an inquiry, recommended the creation of a committee headed by banking and investment experts after hearing the petition filed by advocates demanding a probe into the allegations made against the group. [See Air No. 7, February/2023, 2] 

Hindenburg Research published a two-year investigation on Adani Group on January 24, alleging that it found the Indian conglomerate had “engaged in a brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades”, calling out Adani’s “substantial debt”. In response Adani Group has denounced allegations of fraud made by a United-States based short-seller as “baseless” and a “malicious combination of selective misinformation”.  [See AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5] 

Meanwhile, the opposition keeps pushing for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe into the Adani case and refers to the group as a  "government-facilitated" private monopoly that hampers public interest. [The Hindu]

India: SC upholds decision on intra-party rift of Southern regional party

(wr) The Supreme Court affirmed a Madras High Court’s decision on a succession dispute inside the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (AIADMK), an important regional party in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state and the Union Territory Puducherry, rejecting thereby a petition filed by a defective party faction against the Madras High Court. [Press Trust India][Deccan Herald][The Wire]

Background of the lawsuit is a succession struggle that goes back to the death of party icon and leader, former chief minister of Tamil Nadu J. Jajalalithaa in 2016 after having been the party’s general secretary since 1989. Since then, the party struggled with the dual leadership of the former chief ministers of Tamil Nadu O. Panneerselvam (often dubbed OPS) and Edappadi K. Palaniswami (often dubbed EPS) as “coordinator” and “joint coordinator” of the party respectively, until “EPS” took solely over party leadership in July 2022. [Press Trust India][Deccan Herald][The Wire]

Once having been a left party, the AIADMK primarily seeks to represent the Dravidian majority in Tamil Nadu. The Dravidians are an ethno-linguistic group of around 250 mio. living mostly in South India but also, as minority groups in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan’s Baluchistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan. Currently, the party which achieved seven times a majority in the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly, is the state’s major opposition party and on the federal level part of the ruling, BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

India: Supreme Court directs Ministry to clarify its implementation of law against domestic violence 

(wr) The Supreme Court has directed the Union Ministry of Women and Child Department to convene a meeting with the principal secretaries of all states and union territories to investigate the issue of inadequate protection officers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. By thius, the Court responds to a petition filed by an NGO seeking direction with regard of the state government’s appointment, notification and establishment of protection officers, service providers and shelter homes. The court asked the ministry to place on record the status of implementation of “Mission Shakti “, which is the scheme for safety, security and empowerment of women. [Tribune India][Press Trust India]

India: High Court dismisses plea challenging military recruitment practice  

(wr) The Delhi High Court dismissed a batch of pleas challenging the government’s recruitment of armed forces scheme, Agnipath, on February 27. The court observed the matter as of national interest and refrained from interfering with it. [Press Trust India] [Telegraph India]

As per the scheme 46,000 soldiers were to be recruited every year, marking a 10 percent increase. However, the scheme provides 4 years' term of service after that the recruitment, non-commissioned personnel had to leave. The Agnipath scheme was introduced by the government on June 14 last year for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces. The announcement of reform sparked violent protests throughout different parts of the country. The protestors, mainly youth, with major unemployment concern, regard the scheme as a temporary solution to their employment crisis. [AiR No. 25, June/2022, 3’]

India: Court requests statement from anti-terror agency 

(wr) The Delhi High Court has sought response by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's major anti-terror agency, for its searches in seven districts of Rajasthan against the banned Popular Front of India (PFI). In response to the petition signed by an arrested PFI leader, the court has asked the anti-terror agency to file its response and stand on carrying out its raids. 

The NIA alleges that the accused PFI members were conducting training camps to indoctrinate and train their cadres to carry out terrorist activities. However, agency claims that the offenses being probed remain unregistered. [Press Trust India][The Hindu] [SeeAiR No. 8, February/2023, 3] 

In September last year, the federal government banned the Muslim group for its alleged links with and support of banned Islamist groups such as the Students Islamic Movement of India (Simi), the Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) as well as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and arrested more than 250 people linked to it. PFI was also accused of pursuing a secret agenda to radicalize sections of the society to undermining democracy.

The 2006 formed PFI presents itself as pro poor NGO working against oppression and exploitation with a focus on Dalits, the former untouchables, tribal people and other minorities. It is active in more than 20 Indian states with its roots and strongest presence in in the southwestern states of Kerala and Karnataka.

After some members of the group were for instance linked to the beheading of a Hindu man in the western state of Rajasthan in 2022, PFI was accused to circulate a document advocating to turn India in an Islamic nation, a claim the PFI denied. More manifest than these allegations is the media attention the group receives for its comments and speeches. PFI also registered a political party - the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) – which has participated in local elections in Kerala without winning any parliamentary seat. [BBC]

The NIA, however, alleged that the targets of its actions were providing training camps to indoctrinate and train cadres to carry out terrorist activities. However, such claims remained unregistered. [See AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3] 

India: Opposition spokesman arrested after challenging the Prime Minister 

(wr/hg) Pawan Khera, the spokesman of the major opposition party, the Indian National Congress, has been arrested on the way to his party’s national convention in an airplane in Delhi from which he was escorted by police officers on suspicion of a range of crimes including defaming Prime Minister Modi, insulting Modi’s father, promoting enmity between groups, and criminal conspiracy.

Days prior to the incident Khera had demanded a probe into the high-level economic crime case of Gautam Adani, a business leader and ally of the Prime Minister and alleged inactivity of the government. Questioning the government’s handling of the case he – apparently playfully - used instead of Modi's actual middle name, which is referring to his father, the middle name of Adani suggesting that the billionaire might be considered as a father-like figure behind the Prime Minister.

After the Supreme Court had rapidly intervened, Khera was released on bail seven hours after his arrest to be released however only preliminary for four days, pending another hearing. 

The case sparked an outcry in the ranks of the opposition and critics of the government and is seen by many observers as another manifestation of an authoritarian leadership style that includes the possible retribution against those challenging the Prime minister.  [The Print][CNN][Hindustan Times] [Tribune India][The Washington Post]

India: Central Bureau of Investigation arrests Delhi’s deputy chief minister in liquor case  

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia of Delhi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in an alleged connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case, after being interrogated  for eight hours. [The Straits Times]

The arrest came in connection to the 2021-2022 excise policy, which was subsequently repealed. The policy allowed liquor vendors to run private-owned businesses, granting retail permits to over 849 government-owned liquor vendors. AAP ministers were accused of committing huge financial thefts through the implementation of said policy [See AiR No. 42, October/2022, 3]. He and his party deny these allegations and claim that the arrest is a political vendetta by the Bharatiya Janata Party calling for nationwide protests, against arrest what they refers as “dirty politics'' [BBC]

India: Clashes between separatist Sikhs and police 

(wr) The arrest of a group of pro-Khalistan propagators – supporters of a Sikh separatist and succession movement based primarily in Punjab province that advocates for a sovereign state for Sikhs - sparked protests in Amritsar, which eventually led to violent clashes between police and protestors. Some protestors were armed with swords, guns, and sharp weapons. The protesters, led by emerging Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, demand the release of those arrested by Punjab police in alleged kidnapping and assault cases. The protest was called off after police assured protesters that those arrested would be released. [The Hindu][The Wire][OP India]

India: Congress amends party constitution 

(wr) The oppositional Indian National Congress presented amendments in the party’s constitution at the annual plenary session. The party has reserved 50 percent of the posts for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), women, and minorities. The reforms reflect preparation for the upcoming 2024 general elections. The delegates further addressed political, economic and international affairs resolutions on the party’s agenda. [India Today] [Press Trust India]

Party’s President in his concluding remarks said, it is the beginning of a “new Congress”, facing several challenges with “determination”. [Press Trust India]

India: Opposition blames government in Uttar Pradesh Assembly session of murder  

(wr) In Uttar Pradesh assembly session witnesses heated debate as Samajwadi Party, key opposition blames the BJP’s ruling, state Chief Minister for the killing of a “prime witness” in the 2005 Bahujan Samaj Party member murder case, a day before the session. The government in response has called the opposition members “mafia” and said the government will “decimate” them. [Tribune India][Daily Pioneer]

India: Rising heat, strained energy supply 

(hg) India continues to experience a significantly high heat coming along with likewise significant energy demands that can’t be fully met by existing capacities. 

Since January, the high temperature/low energy supply nexus started to reach critical levels again close to the all-time high last summer. Last week, temperatures went up to as much as 11C above normal in some regions in an unusually early rise that causes a rise of power consumption especially for irrigation pumps and air conditioners. After two successive years of widespread energy disruptions despite heavily increased production of coal burning power plants, authorities expect a similar or worse situation this year again if the heat continues. 

In the northern state of Rajasthan, one of the hottest states of the Union, power supplies are already being rationed with outlooks being rather gloomy. The state’s energy minister sees electricity demand potentially even rising 20% to 30% compared to last summer. As coal accounts in India for more than 70% of the electricity production, the immediate solution to the temperature challenge is also contributing to the long-term problem. [The Economic Times]

India: Government to replace Army with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kashmir 

(wr) The government plans to withdraw the Army from the most militarized Kashmir Valley in three phases and replace it with the Central Reserve Police Force. The security situation has improved since the abrogation as per Union Home Ministry and withdrawal decision signals normalcy in the region. The government has not yet officially responded. The special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked in 2019 and the state was incorporated as Union Territory. [Outlook India][The Wire]

India: Anti-terror agency conducts multiple raids 

(wr) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducts searches in major states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to investigate registered criminal and terror cases. The raid occurs a week after the government designates Harwinder Singh Sandhu of Khalistan movement, as terrorist for his alleged subversive and anti-India activities. [NDTV]

Previously, the NIA searched seven districts in Rajasthan state on February 18, as part of investigations going on for months against the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) for its "unlawful activities." [See AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3]

India's lithium discovery could electrify entire domestic PV installed base

(hg) In its search for supply of strategically critical minerals, India seems to have made progress according to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) recently claiming the discovery of domestic lithium deposits for the first time in the country. Lithium is especially critical for electric vehicle production, which India wants to enhance. The full exploitation of the currently estimated 5.9 million tons of lithium, about 6% of world's total reserves, will, however, take many years and not come without environmental costs. Moreover, the found is located in the restive Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, adding potential political and security difficulties to its exploitation. [The Economic Times]

Indian Army to end colonial practices 

(hg) Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive, the Indian Army is doing away with certain colonial or old practices like using horse-driven buggies in functions and pulling out ceremonies on the retirement of army officers. [The Economic Times]

Nepal: Ruling coalition breaks apart

The Communist Party Nepal - Unified Marxist Leninist party (CPN-UML or short UML) - the biggest among the governing parties and one of the two key communist parties in the coalition government - left the latter as the country’s Maoist prime minister party has decided to back an opposition candidate of the Nepali Congress (NC) for the presidency. 

The UML’s move forces Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal from the Communist Party Nepal -Maoist Centre (CPN-MC or short MC) to seek a vote of confidence in parliament within a month after the UML is the third party that withdrew from his coalition government since it was formed in December last year. 

Since Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008, there have been 11 different governments with Prime minister Dahal, a former Maoist guerrilla leader also called Prachanda, having led three of them. In December, he became head of a government formed by seven political parties with the UML and his MC being the biggest ones. Last week, the Prime minister switched sides declaring support for the NC’s senior leader Bishnu Paudel, after having earlier reportedly agreed to support the UML candidate. The country’s next president, who occupies a largely ceremonial office that, however, has some important functions in crisis times, will be elected on March 9 by both houses of parliament and members of the seven provincial assemblies. In reaction of Prachanda’s turn, the UML leader and deputy prime minister and all eight ministers of his party announced to resign from government. Four other ministers, including a second deputy prime minister from another party, also resigned over the same issue. Prachanda whose MC has 32 seats in the 275-member parliament can win the coming vote of confidence with support from the NC. [The Kathmandu Post] [Al Jazeera] [The Hindu]

Pakistan: First-ever digital census tomorrow

Pakistan holds its first-ever digital population and housing census organized by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics from March 1 to be completed by April 1 with the data being released by April 30. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics is cooperating with the National Technology Council (NTC), the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), provincial governments and the armed forces. [Daily Pakistan]

Pakistan: Militants kill at least two Army officers in North Waziristan 

(hg) Unidentified militants have opened fire at a security checkpost in Spinwamn region in North Waziristan district, resulting in the death of two Pakistani Army officers and the death of two militants. Security forces also apprehended two more militants with ammunition. The incident reflects a surge in terrorist attacks across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh province. Last week, a police compound in Karachi was attacked by a suicide squad, resulting in the death of at least five people. In January, a Taliban suicide bomber attacked a mosque, killing over 100 people and injuring more than 200. Although the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who are behind at least some of the attacks, had announced an indefinite ceasefire agreement with the government last year, they later called for attacks on security forces. [News Drum]

Pakistan: Transgender TV anchor almost assassinated 

(hg) Pakistan’s first-ever transgender TV host, Marvia Malik has just escaped her attempted assassination by two gunmen last Friday. Malik, who was ‘disowned’ by her family in 2018 when she was 21, had received threatening calls prior to the incident for some time. [Independent]

Sri Lanka: No money for elections  

(sn) On February 23, 2023, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the Election Commission (EC) has not legally fixed the date for the general election due to insufficient funds. 

Against heavy criticism of the opposition, the President insisted that the situation was a consequence of the country’s dire economic condition and not motivated by any political interest. 

Earlier in February, the state police had used water cannons and gas to disperse protestors who demanded an orderly  conduct of the elections. Eventually, the magistrate court ordered the demonstrators, led by the oppositional Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, to abstain from disrupting public peace. [Air No. 8/2023, 3] [Colombo Gazette] [Government Official News Portal] [Colombo Page]

Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia 

Cambodia: FATF removes the Kingdom from the Money Laundering Grey List

(sn) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has removed Cambodia, alongside Morocco, from the Money Laundering Grey List of countries “subject to increased monitoring”.

The FATF cited for this decision the country’s progress in improving their respective Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism regimes. [FATF]  [Phnom Penh Post]

Cambodia: Candle Light Vice President loses defamation case against the ruling party and NEC

(sn) The Candle Light (CL) oppositional party Vice President Son Chhay who is sued for criminal defamation by the National Election Committee and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), lost the appeal case in the Supreme Court following several attempts to challenge the charges from the Phnom Penh Magistrates and Appeal Courts. He was ordered to pay USD 1 million in damages for the defamation of NEC. 

The charges refer to his statement on the commune election last June: “These election results do not reflect the will of the people who were intimidated. Their votes were bought and stolen.” [UCA]

Cambodia: Ruling party offers senior government positions for young activists ahead of the election

(sn) Cambodian activists reported receiving government senior-level position offers from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). As the offers come ahead of the July general election, they are seen as an attempt to undermine competition in the upcoming campaign period. 

Nonetheless, at least eight activists agreed to take the job offers from the state agents. Two former environment activists took senior positions in the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. [Radio Free Asia]

Cambodia: Prime Minister presides over the annual Interior Ministry’s work review ceremony

(sn) On February 22–23, 2023, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior held an annual event commemorating its work progress of 2022, with the Prime Minister presiding over the closing ceremony on the final day. 

Prime Minister Hun Sen reassured the audience of plans to continue cracking down on human trafficking and gambling by conducting labor inspections with National Police. He also urged ministries and institutions to cooperate effectively with the National Election Committee (NEC) in anticipation of the SEA games and elections in Cambodia in 2023. 

Sar Kheng, the Minister of Interior, recalled campaigns to combat sexual trafficking, drug smuggling, money-laundering operations, and other criminal offenses. He urged the subsidiary departments to continue improving public health § safety by supporting the village-commune policy. Sar Kheng also said state ministries transferred 60 administrative functions to the sub-national departments in 2022. The departments get empowered to provide support to the provincial residents via funding from the One Window Service Office (OWSO) divisions that manage applications from local people. [Ministry of Interior – Cambodia], [Phnom Penh Post], [Royal Cambodian Army]

Indonesia: Prosperous Justice Party endorses Anies Baswedan presidential nomination

(mc) On February 25, the opposition party Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) announced its endorsement of former Jakarta Governor Amies Baswedan as its 2024 presidential election candidate. 

A US-educated politician with a doctorate in political science, Anies is widely seen the antithesis of the moderate President Joko Widodo. In recent polls, he been consistently among of the top three candidates in recent opinion polls, alongside popular Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo and Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto.[CNN Indonesia] [South China Morning Post]

Indonesia: Police arrest 13 following riot in Wamena, Papua

(mc) Following a riot in Wamena, Papua, which saw ten dead, 14 injured, and 13 houses burned, the police arrested at least 13 suspected of inciting the riot. 

According to the police the riot was perpetrated by a hoax concerning kidnapping. The National Commissioner for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) urged the government to investigate the riot and to refrain from using violence when handling the incident in Papua. [Jakarta Post][CNN Indonesia]

Malaysia: Revised budget 2023 allocations

(ldm) Structured around 12 core initiatives targeting economic inclusion and sustainability, the restoration of public confidence and rectification of social disparities, the revised Budget 2023 amounting to USD 87 billion will comprise of USD 65 billion in operating expenditure, USD 22 billion in development expenditure and USD 450 million in contingency savings. 

Malaysian Prime Minister  Anwar Ibrahim’s debut budget is said to be a challenging attempt to ensure that Malaysians’ burden amid rising costs of living is not alleviated at the detriment of national debt. [Twitter][SCMP]

The highest amount of ministerial allocations was received by the education ministry, followed by the health ministry, higher education ministry, home ministry and defense ministry, in descending order. [The Star] As for taxes, rather than the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the government has decided to implement a Luxury Tax on branded watches and fashion goods as well as excise duties on liquid nicotine. While income tax on those with USD 22 300 to USD 223 000 will be raised by 0.5 - 2 percent, those who earn between USD 8 000 to USD 22 300 will be lowered by 2 percentage points. Tax reliefs will also be given to those who voluntarily contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account and for those who require medical treatment, including neurodivergent conditions,  learning disabilities and genetic diseases. Those aged 40-54 with EPF savings of less than USD 2300 will also receive additional contributions from the government. As for those whose shariah savings assets were filed under EPF, the two will be fully separated from 2024 onwards.

To alleviate the burden caused by the rising cost of living, the government will grant financial assistance to elderly civil servants, provide discounts on student loans, postpone repayment to low income borrowers and amend the Insolvency Act 1967. The budget also includes food security programmes, poverty empowerment initiatives, and loan facilities to help micro entrepreneurs. To encourage investments and savings, the government has increased the investment limit and amount of dividends for holders of Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB), a fixed price unit trust fund owned by the state. 

In terms of public infrastructure, the government is looking into reducing the MRT3 project cost, managing Digital Nasional (DNB) with greater transparency and inclusivity, building new roads at tourist hotspots, expanding airport capacities, expedite repairs of clinic and schools as well as to develop roads in rural areas. Six flood mitigation projects would also be rendered by June. For Sabah and Sarawak specifically, the government has granted USD 1.45 billion for Sabah and USD 1.25 billion for Sarawak to develop cities bordering Kalimantan, Indonesia.

The government also aims to expand the agricultural sector by providing incentives, funds and technology grants. As part of a larger move towards building a digital economy, the Malaysian Central Bank will fund micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in digitizing their businesses, provide grants to encourage the automation of the agricultural sector, and install internet network facilities and digital connectivity in 47 industrial areas and nearly 3700 schools. The first step towards establishing a green economy, the government aims to finance green tech SMEs, start-ups and projects to encourage environmental friendly and low carbon practices.

Various schemes would be introduced to fight corruption and reform institutions, including the Consumer Credit Act to regulate companies providing consumer credit and the Procurement Act as well as amending the Whistleblowers Protection Act. As for statutory bodies and companies, these government agencies are called to close loss-making subsidiaries that are not aligned with their initial functions. [The Edge]

Malaysia: USD 2.3 billion worth of misappropriated subsidized diesel under investigation

(ldm) Enforcement authorities have seized liters upon liters of subsidized diesel in multiple locations in the states of Kedah, Sabah and Perak. [NST][The Star][The Sun]

The domestic trade and cost of living ministry is conducting an inquiry into the misappropriation of the government's diesel subsidy programme, which has resulted in a loss of USD 2.3 billion. [FMT] 

These leakages were revealed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2023. 

Malaysia: Jana Wibawa programme sparks corruption controversy

(ldm) Information chief Wan Saiful of Bersatu (Malaysian United Indigenous Party) and deputy chief Adam Radlan have been charged with soliciting and accepting bribes for projects under the Jana Wibawa scheme. 

This led to the resignation of Wan Saiful [NST], and the two more corruption charges against Adam Radlan. [The Star] Teo Wee Cheng, a businessman who helped two companies secure contracts under the Jana Wibawa programme, was also charged with soliciting and accepting bribes. 

In November 2020, the Muhyiddin Yassin government introduced the Jana Wibawa programme as a Covid-19 stimulus initiative to aid Bumiputera contractors. According to the law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said, the program included 56 projects worth RM6.3 billion. Recent reports indicated that Bersatu had received contributions of over RM300 million from contractors associated with Jana Wibawa projects. Following this, the MACC froze Bersatu’s accounts. [see AiR No.6, February/2023, 1] 

In response to the controversy, rural and regional development minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that RM5.7 billion worth of Jana Wibawa projects have been temporarily halted for review to ensure they followed Treasury procedures. Nonetheless, this move will not affect the implementation of flood-related projects. [FMT]

Malaysia: Child Development Department in the books

(ldm) The new Child Development Department as announced in the 2023 budget will be set up in stages according to the received sum. [The Star] 

The highest cost of setting up the department was the hiring of new staff as the current workforce is already preoccupied with numerous engagements. [Malay Mail] The Communications and Digital Ministry is looking into amending the 1998 Communications and Multimedia Act to provide better protection to children and women against sexual violence and pornographic activities. [The Sun] 

Applauded by women’s rights groups such as Women’s Aid Organisation, Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW), and Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) [The Star 2], this move is in line with the government’s recent establishment of a special police task force aimed at combating child pornography, the Sexual, Women, and Child Investigations Division (D11) police unit. [The Borneo Post] 

Following the announcement, the women, family and community development ministry is set to work closely with the finance ministry and the public service department in structuring the children’s development department. [The Star 3] In addition, the One-Stop Social Support Centres have been given a MYR 8 million lifeline as means of early intervention against mental health and domestic violence issues. [The Star 4]

Malaysia: Government to inquire into repeal of Universities and University Colleges Act 

(ldm) The government will soon engage with stakeholders on the possibilities of repealing the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA). 

This response was given after a heated parliamentary debate following the Higher Education Ministry’s written reply on February 23 that the law will not be repealed. The former youth and sports minister reminded the government of the coalition Pakatan Harapan’s promise to abolish the UUCA in the 2018 general elections. [Malay Mail][MalaysiaNow][The Borneo Post][The Star]

Malaysia: Information of 3 million MySejahtera users admittedly downloaded by super administrator

(ldm) Malaysia’s Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni announced that the downloading of 3 millions Malaysians’ information was a preventive step by the super admin in the event of an attack. [NST] 

He added that the government has full rights as to using the application. [FMT] In the Auditor-General Report 2021 Series 2, it was stated that there were 1.12 million attempts to hack the app, with 3 million users’ information allegedly accessed by the super admin. [See AiR No.8, February/2023, 3] Lukanisman affirmed that, although the application was admittedly hacked several times, no data leaks occurred. [The Star]

Myanmar: Landmine and unexploded ordinance-related casualties have soured since coup, says UN report

(ih) According to a UNICEF statement released on February 22, 390 people were either killed or wounded by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in 2022, a 40 percent increase on the previous year’s casualties.  Two thirds of the landmine and UXO-related casualties in 2022 occurred in the country’s border regions, and one fifth in the northern Sagaing Region, a hotspot for conflict between resistance and government forces since the coup.  According to Amnesty International, the military has been laying mines on a “massive scale”, helping to explain the significant uptick in civilian casualties from the pre-coup figure of 254 deaths in 2020.  [The Irrawaddy]

Myanmar: Tatmadaw imposes martial law on more townships in Sagaing Region

(ih) On February 23, the military government of Myanmar imposed martial law on the townships of Shwebo, Ayadaw and Wetlet in Sagaing Region, a resistance stronghold, bringing the total number of townships brought under direct military control this month up to 40.  During the week the Tatmadaw launched air and ground assaults on the townships, resulting in heavy fighting with local resistance forces and displacing thousands due to air attacks on villages in the region. [The Irrawaddy 1] [The Irrawaddy 2] [Myanmar Now]

Myanmar: Junta blockades result in shortages of fuel and rice in Hpakant

(ih) Blockades on shipments of fuel and rice to the jade-mining town of Hpakant in Kachin State, implemented by the military government in early February, have resulted in the prices of fuel and rice within the town increasing by approximately 100 percent within a two week period.  Some exceptions have been made for individuals to bring in rice for personal consumption, albeit with a substantial tax levied on the rice at junta checkpoints.  The fuel shortage has caused mining operations without ties to the military to shut down temporarily.  Individuals and operations with ties to the military government are still able to transport fuel, and have been able to continue operations as normal. [The Irrawaddy]

Myanmar: Anti-Junta activist group calls for boycott of Thai energy company PTT in Launglon Township

(ih) On February 22, the Dawei Democracy Movement Strike Committee called on the residents of Launglon Township, Tanintharyi Region to boycott Thai state-owned energy company PTT, due to the financial support its activities within Myanmar provide to the military government.  PTT has maintained substantial operations within Myanmar, despite other international oil and gas companies exiting the market, and according to Human Rights Watch currently pays military government over US$ 500 million a year through its joint projects with the state-owned Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises to exploit gas reserves in three of the country’s four major gas fields.  [The Irrawaddy]

Myanmar: NUG sells gem mining rights

(ih) On Monday, February 20, the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) announced that an entrepreneur has purchased one of the 45 gem mining rights the NUG has offered for sale in Mogok Township, Mandalay Region for US$ 44 million.  The mining rights will come into effect upon the ousting of the ruling military junta, and will be operated as public-private partnerships, with the government holding a 51 percent stake. [The Irrawaddy]

Myanmar: Karen expatriate organization calls for rival ethnic Karen armed groups to fight the military government rather than each other

(ih) The International Karen Organization (IKO), a Karen expatriate organization, issued a statement on February 22 calling for the Karen National Union’s (KNU) Brigade 4 and the Kaw Thoo Lei Army (KTLA) to cease fighting each other and to instead fight against Myanmar’s military government.  In the previous months military tension between the two armed groups has been on the rise, as both the KTLA and KNU’s Brigade 4 have engaged in a series of ambushes, minor skirmishes and abductions. [The Irrawaddy]

Myanmar: NUG dispands resistance organization and imprisons 10 for the murder of former comrades

(ih)  An attack launched by the People’s Security and Defense Force (PSDF) in Muse Township, Shan State on 14 former members of the group has led the National Unity Government (NUG) to disband the organization and to sentence 10 of the group’s members to prison.  The group’s leader, Shwe Li, and four other group members were sentenced to 20 years of prison hard labor at a court martial on February 5.  Another six members were sentenced to 5 years of prison with hard labor, and 15 members were deported from Muse township.  The organization was ultimately disbanded on February 19, with the remaining former members reorganized into the Muse Byu Har PDF. [The Irrawaddy] [Myanmar Now]

Philippines: Marines eye donated land on Philippine Island for coastal defense strategy

(tjb) The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is eyeing donated land in Lubang Island for its “coastal defense strategy.” The municipal government of Lubang donated the property and is now going to be the site where India’s BrahMos missiles will be delivered. 

The PMC’s Coastal Defense Regiment will operate the missiles as officers train to use the weapon. Meanwhile, Indian Navy chief Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar said that the missiles will be able to strengthen maritime security in the Philippines. [Philippine Daily Inquirer]

Philippines: Martial Law critics demand admission of period’s horrors

(tjb) Critics of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s brutal martial law demanded that his son, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, admit to the atrocities of the period. 

Liberal Party President Edcel Lagman said that “truth and atonement are conditions precedent to reconciliation.” Lagman’s statement came after Marcos Jr offered his “hand of reconciliation” to critics. Marcos extended the gesture on the 37th Anniversary of the People Power Revolution, an uprising that toppled the regime of Marcos Sr and ended his rule marked with thousands of human rights abuses. [Philippine Daily Inquirer]

Singapore: Finance Minister disputes opposition claims of “excess fiscal resources”

(ih) On February 24, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong denied allegations by opposition MPs that the Singapore government possesses considerable spare fiscal capacity in its budget.  According to the DPM, Singapore is expected to face a tight fiscal situation in the medium term, justifying planned increases to the goods and services tax in 2024.  DPM Wong further explained that many projects were delayed or deferred during the pandemic in order to channel resources toward combating COVID-19, and that now that COVID is under control in Singapore these resources would return to being used for their original purposes.  The DPM urged MPs to access Singapore’s fiscal position based on a longer term view, rather than focusing on year-to-year trends.  Based on the past decade’s increases in spending, moderation would be required in order to keep government spending within the targeted twenty percent of GDP by 2030. [Straits Times]

Singapore: Government to consider amendments to legal framework governing illicit drugs

(ih)  Singapore will soon consider amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) and the Constitution proposed on February 24 that would redefine psychoactive substances as “any substance that is abused for a high”, excluding alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, health products and food additives.  The new broader definition is intended as a response to the rise of new psychoactive substances engineered to imitate the effects of existing controlled drugs, but chemically different enough to not fall under existing laws governing psychoactive substances.  Regulating these substances by their psychoactive affect rather than their chemical structure would severely curtail the ability of syndicates to bring new versions of psychoactive substances to market in Singapore.  The proposed amendments would also include increased punishments for individuals in possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine, diamorphine or opium in amounts above a certain threshold. [Straits Times]

Singapore: Air Force to acquire eight additional F-35Bs

(ih) On February 24, Singapore announced it would exercise an option within its initial purchase agreement for four F-35Bs in 2019 in order to purchase eight additional fighters.  The initial four fighters will be delivered by 2026, with the remaining eight to be delivered by 2030.  The purchases come as part of Singapore’s plans to replace its aging F-16s and transform the Singapore Air Force into a next-generation air force by 2040. [CNA]

Thailand: Enforcement of key provisions of torture law adjourned 

(ts) The special House debate ended with the adjournment of the torture law enforcement as expected. The enforcement of Sections 22–25 of the Bill on the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance is adjourned for seven months. 

At the House meeting, the ruling MPs oppose the enforcement delay while submitting a petition for the Constitutional Court to investigate if such delay breaches the constitution. However, the House can discuss the matter again in October as this meeting is the last of this term ahead of the coming election tentatively scheduled on May 7.

Opposition Pheu Thai Party leader disagreed with this adjournment, claiming the debate can end with voting. He further points out that the adjournment is a part of the government’s tactics. [Bangkok Post 1] 

Against this backdrop, the Minister of Justice tries to clarify to the plenum that the government has been ready to make the law effective. He, however, claims the police require more time to prepare relevant equipment and measures. He further ensures, apart from the postponed provisions, the torture law is strictly enforced on a regular basis. [Matichon]

The government submitted a decree to postpone the enforcement of the torture law on February 19, citing the police’s unpreparedness as the main reason. The delay has led to ongoing outcries from opposition whips and human rights groups, resulting in House Speaker’s calling a special House meeting to discuss the matter. House Speaker Chaun Leekpai also reprimanded the government for bringing up the delay to the House late. He foresaw the matter could be daunting due to additional working processes, given rejection arises or the House lacks a quorum. [AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3] [Bangkok Post 2] 

Thailand: Big parties mount vigorous election campaigns

(ts) Big parties are launching their campaigns, as the election approaches. 

The United Thai Nation (UTN) Party is campaigning on lifting the benefits of state welfare cardholders to THB 1,000 (USD 28) per month from the current rate of THB 300 (USD 8). Its chief strategic Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha claims such a project is not a cash handout.

The ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), meanwhile, implies Prayut’s Party has followed its policy that pledges to raise the welfare benefits to THB 700 (USD 20). The PPRP, yet, feels no concern as it focuses on the benefits of the citizens. [Bangkok Post 1]

The Democrat Party also steps up election campaigns trying to attract rural voters. Its pledges include income and land titles for farmers and a curb on the illegal fishery.

On the opposition side, Pheu Thai Party vows to improve the healthcare system by various means, e.g., expansion of hospital choices, telemedicine, and healthcare data update. Meanwhile, the Move Forward Party (MFP) made headlines as the dispute between its two party leaders leaked out. The two, however, have managed to clear the air and ended up working together for the sake of the party. The main focus of the MFP is still to root out a systemic relic derived from the 2014 coup. [The Nation Thailand] [Bangkok Post 2]

Thailand: Constitutional Court to deliver ruling on the inclusion of non-Thais in constituency calculations

(aj) The Constitutional Court agreed on February 21 to rule on the contentious issue of including non-Thais in the electoral boundary calculations. In early February, this matter was brought to the court's attention after several public officials and academics criticized the counting of non-Thais in determining the number of people each MP represents. Critics of the inclusion say that non-Thais have no voting rights, and therefore should not be included when drawing the electoral boundaries. [AiR No. 7, February/2023, 2]

Before every general election, per the Charter, the Electoral Commision (EC) must redraw constituencies according to up-to-date numbers on Thailand’s demographics and population numbers. As of December 2022, officials counted Thailand’s population to be at 66,090,475. There are 400 constituency MPs in Thailand’s 77 provinces. Current allocations set one MP per 165,226 people, but if the Court rules in favor of excluding non-Thais, then one MP will represent 162,766 Thai people. If the court asserts that non-Thais must be excluded, the constituencies of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, and Samut Sakhon will each lose one constituency MP, while Udon Thani, Lop Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Pattani will gain one MP each. [Thai PBS World]

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam claims that possible changes in electoral boundaries will not affect the general election date, which was announced by Prime Minister Prayuth chan-ocha to be on May 7. If there are changes, the EC has a Plan B according to Deputy PM Wissanu. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand: Election Commission criticized for scrapping real-time votes

(aj) On February 25, Election Commission (EC) Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee said that polling stations will only report votes during the general election on May 7 once the voting at the station is completed and verified. 

Voting results will be shown at polling stations and on the EC’s website. The tallies on the website will be considered unofficial and only accessible by the media who can share the results with the public. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng says that the EC is implementing these measures to try and counter possible voting count errors, as well as ensuring that overseas votes can be properly accounted for. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand will not drop on global human trafficking list, says Deputy National Police Chief

(aj) Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn expects Thailand will not fall down the tier rankings on the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report). 

The US can make foreign aid assistance to a country contingent on their actions to reduce human trafficking within their borders and multinational companies may use the report to decide whether to invest in the country under question. The TIP Report is also used by international NGOs and US State Department agencies to determine funding for anti-trafficking measures worldwide. The US is required under its Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), promulgated in 2000, to assess and form a comprehensive report on human trafficking among and within nations annually by July. 

As the US prepares to publish the report this summer, General Surachate visited Washington D.C. on February 23-24 to answer the questions of US officials on how Thailand has dealt with human trafficking. General Surachate pointed to increased numbers of cases against sexual child abusers and individuals possessing child pornography, and convictions of human trafficking cases by the Court of Justice. 

Thailand currently sits at Tier 2, based on the three-level tier system outlined by the TVPA. Tier 1 countries fully implement the necessary protocols recommended by the TVPA, countries that are making an active effort but have not completely followed TVPA recommendations fall under Tier 2, and Tier 3 countries are of high concern to the US Department of State. There are only two ASEAN nations in Tier 1, the Philippines and Singapore. 

Leading Thailand’s agency to deal with human trafficking, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) is Police Major General Sarut Kwaengsopha, who is determined to bring Thailand up to Tier 1 standards by next year’s TIP review. [Asia News Network] [Bangkok Post] [The Nation] [US Department of State]

Thailand: Two allegedly seditious activists continue hunger strike outside hospital

(ts) Two well-known pro-democracy activists, Tantawan Tuatulanon (Tawan) and Orawan Phuphong (Bam), have left the hospital after weeks of critical care, yet continued to go on hunger strikes in front of the Supreme Court. 

Both, prosecuted for royal defamation, insist on doing so to maintain their stance against the justice system, demanding that bail be granted to all detainees of anti-government protests. [Bangkok Post]

Since the two have begun a hunger strike in late January, the court has approved 13 out of 16 detainees of the seditious grounds to be free. However, earlier last week, two other defendants' requests were rejected. The reason given was the high probability of fleeing attempts. [Thai PBS]

Vietnam:  Anti-graft crackdown drives inaction within bureaucracy

(ih) Vietnamese government officials are increasingly wary of approving even previously routine expenditures on infrastructure and real estate products for fear of being caught up in the government’s crackdown on graft if any perceived missteps are made.  The issuance of licenses and permissions has significantly slowed, as has the disbursement of government funds.  Last year, government agencies dispersed only 70 percent of allocated funds, with 17 ministries and provinces dispersing less than 50 percent.  In response to the dramatic reduction in disbursement of funds for all kinds of government expenditure, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh  has held a series of high-level meetings in order to stabilize the bond and real estate markets, and to put pressure on officials to disperse funds and improve overall economic performance. [Bloomberg]

Vietnam: PM calls for strengthening of discipline in the law building process 

(ih)  During the government’s monthly meeting on law building on February 23, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh demanded that government officials improve discipline in the law building process.  Specifically, the PM highlighted the need clarify the responsibilities of the leaders, units and individuals involved in the law building process with regards to the requirements for quality and speed of production in the drafting of legal documents, the importance of prioritizing resources for institution building, and the necessity of preventing undue influence by local and group interests in the drafting process.

Four draft laws were also examined during the meeting, including the draft Law on Telecommunications (revised), the draft Law on Real Estate Trading (revised), and the draft Law on Housing (revised). [Vietnam+]

Vietnam: National Assembly to appoint new President

Vietnam’s National Assembly is expected to hold an extraordinary session this week in order to appoint a new president, according to announcements posted to the portals of the provincial governments of Khanh Hoa and Binh Phuoc. Multiple officials contacted by Reuters have indicated that they expect Vo Van Thuong to be appointed, the youngest member of the party's Politburo, Vietnam highest decision-making body. [Reuters]

In Vietnam, the president fulfills a largely ceremonial role.

International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia

I2U2 grouping of India, Israel, UAE and the US commit to further economic ties

(mk) The I2U2 group of India, Israel, the UAE, and the U.S. met on February 22 for the Sherpas meeting held in Abu Dhabi, and jointly iterated their commitment to the I2U2 partnership. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, India, Twitter]

Indian Secretary (Economic Relations), Dhammu Ravi, also attended the inaugural I2U2 Business Forum and in his opening remarks highlighted the need to enhance economic cooperation among member countries under the I2U2 framework . The Business Forum brought together public and private sector representatives from India, Israel ,The UAE, and U.S. with the intent of discussing opportunities to proliferate the flow of business among member countries. It was the first event of its kind to take place since the official launch of the I2U2 Group during the I2U2 Leaders’ Summit in July 2022. [MEA]

On the margins of the Forum, India also signed the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C), launched by the US and the UAE at COP26 with the aim of investing in climate conscious agriculture and food systems innovation. [The Economic Times]

The I2U2 Group was formed with the intent of increasing joint investments across a range of sectors such as water, energy, transportation, food security, space and health, and seeks to do so keeping in purview climate-smart solutions and technologies. It is also referred to as the “West Asian Quad” [TimesNow]

Bangladesh-India: Bangladeshi locals attack and injure Indian Border Security Forces 

(az) Hundreds of Bangladeshi farmers near the Nirmalchar border outpost in the Ranitala police station area attacked two Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and snatched their weapons away after the two BSF officers confronted farmers who had entered Indian territory to graze their cattle. Noticing the incident, the farmers were backed by hundreds of other farmers in the area who attacked and injured the BSF members with sticks and sharp tools. [Deccan Herald]

Bangladesh – Argentina: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship in Dhaka to reopening Argentine mission after 45 years

(az) The Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship reopened his country’s embassy in Bangladesh after the last Argentine mission to Bangladesh was closed in 1978 by the military junta in Argentina.

Earlier, Bangladeshi citizens needed to go to the neighboring country India to apply for an Argentina visa. After reopening the embassy in Bangladesh, both sides plan to sign visa exemption agreements for diplomatic and official passports. Because of the huge Argentine football fanbase in Bangladesh, the Latin country will help Bangladesh with football-related issues. There are also possibilities of signing the MOUs for cooperation in agriculture and diplomatic training between both countries. [Dhaka Tribune]

Bangladesh-Russia: Moscow summons ambassador after ban of sanctioned Russian ships from entering Bangladeshi waters

(az) After several sanctioned Russian ships were banned from entering Mongla port in Bangladesh, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Bangladesh's ambassador in Moscow while accusing the United States of forcing the neutral country to abide by US rule and commenting that restricting the entry for the ships would not serve the interest of Bangladesh.

Following the military invasion in Ukraine, the US imposed different sanctions on Russia, including the ships. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Momen recently declared said that the country does not want any sanctioned Russian ship to deliver raw materials and products for the Rooppur nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, Russia is trying to find an alternative route via India to deliver these goods to Bangladesh. [World Nuclear News]

Bhutan-India: Plan to enhance relationships through Buddhist tourism

(az) Delegations from Bhutan and India had a meeting in Mumbai to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations through expanding Buddhist tourism. Recently, 36 tour operators from India also visited Bhutan to explore the possibilities for increasing collaboration between the two countries through tourism. [Travel Biz Monitor]

Cambodia: Permanent Mission to the UN criticizes UN human rights experts for supporting VOD

(sn) Cambodia’s Permanent Mission to the UN has condemned UN Special Rapporteurs for calling the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to re-license the Voice of Democracy (VOD) media producer. 

During the conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the Cambodian Permanent Mission representative said that the state government is disappointed by the fact the Special Rapporteurs support the broadcasting of the foreign-funded radio center. The representative also denied the accusations that the move to discredit VOD aims to inhibit free media publishers. 

The experts expressed concern over the media outlet shutdown arguing that it will be essential for the upcoming general elections to be covered by independent publishers to secure transparency of the campaign and voting processes. [Cambodianess], [Air No. 8, February /2023, 3]

Cambodia: Japan extends grants to expand provincial water supply system in  province

(sn) On February 24, 2023, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister met with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The State Minister arrived in Cambodia to sign the extension of Japanese Grant Aid of approximately USD 30.6 million to support the Development of the water supply system expansion in the Svay Rieng Province. The parties co-signed the initial agreement in March 2022. This year, the States also commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. [Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation]

Cambodia: UK returns antiques to the Southeast Asian Kingdom

(sn) On February 20, 2023, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts published a press release telling that it received a return of 77 historical artifacts from the United Kingdom. The collection arrived in Cambodia on February 17, 2023. Cambodian Ambassador to the UK, the England Arts Council § Metropolitan Police Antiques Unit, and the Cambodian delegation led by the Chairman of the 7th National Assembly participated in the handover ceremony.

Douglas Latchford illegally brought the pieces to a home state, and his family kept the collection for many years in the UK. In September 2020, the States agreed to return the jewelry collection to the Kingdom of Cambodia. In 2018, US authorities probed the suspect and charged Douglas Latchford with trafficking artifacts stolen from Cambodia. US officials returned some pieces of historical heritage to Cambodia in August 2022. [News Times], [CNN News], [Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts]

Wang Yi meets with Russian President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov

(vp) On February 22, the director of the Office of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow as part of the last stop of his European trip which started on February 14.

Wang arrived in Moscow days ahead of the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The growing pressure on China to exert its influence on Russia for promoting peace talks led to Wang's announcement during the annual Munich Security Conference of a Chinese ‘peace proposal’ for Ukraine. The release of the paper "Global Security Initiative Concept Paper” came a few days later and calls for commitment of all governments to common principles, such as respecting one’s own sovereignty and peacefully resolving disputes. It also calls for support for a “political settlement of hotspot issues such as the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and negotiation”. 

The West remained skeptical about the role of China, considering its close  ties with Russia and the accusations coming from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken of China considering supplying Russia with weapons and other military and economic resources. 

Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West against supplying additional military aid to Ukraine and announced the suspension of participation in the new START nuclear arms treaty, signed between US and Russia in 2002, which aimed at mutually decreasing and limiting strategic nuclear weapons. The differences became even more visible as US President Biden unexpectedly paid a visit to Kiev while Wang was in Moscow and reaffirmed the US support for Ukraine  [see AiR N. 8 February/2023, 3].

During the meeting, Wang and Putin reaffirmed their countries close bilateral relations, the desire to deepen the strategic cooperation and push for multipolarity in the international organizations, opposing the US unipolar approach. Both parties remarked that the “unlimited” China - Russia partnership is “proceeding as planned”, reaching “new milestones'' in various areas and declared it is “important for stabilizing the international situation”, described by Putin as “quite complicated”. In fact, China and its economic sustain is becoming of vital importance for Russia to prevent it from collapsing because of sanctions from the West and war costs. Moreover, Beijing has not condemned the war and, on the contrary, it echoes Moscow in blaming the US and NATO for provoking the “special military operation”, as the Kremlin calls the war in Ukraine.

During a separate meeting with Lavrov, both parties advocated for “true multilateralism” and foreign policy coordination, in the context of the UN, BRICS, G20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), while opposing “unilateral and bullying actions in any form”, firmly safeguarding their “respective sovereignty, security and development interests” and promoting the two countries’ bilateral relations. Lavrov stated that there was no discussion about a Chinese peace plan for Ukraine. 

Xi Jinping is expected to visit Russia in the coming months, although an exact date has not been announced. [Al Jazeera] [DW] [Euronews] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China 2] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation] [Official Internet Resources of Russian President] [The Guardian]

China issues Ukraine peace proposal 

(vp) In a report “Position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis”, issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on February 24 and widely dubbed as peace proposal for the war in Ukraine, China reiterated its support for peace talks and calls for acquiring an active and constructive role in the settling of the “Ukrainian crisis”, expressing the hope for a political, peaceful and multilateral engagement, respecting all countries’ territorial sovereignty and providing a global model for future development.

The paper is a 12-point document which presents a list of core concepts, based on Chinese interests, to counter unilateralism, nuclear threats and rising tensions between world powers, while legitimizing all development models. It therefore aims at affirming China’s neutrality and its own view of the post-conflict world, rather than at presenting a practical plan to achieve peace. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China] [Euractiv]

The US and the European Union rejected China’s proposal, affirming that Beijing “has taken sides” and that it “does not have much credibility”, as stated by the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Concepts such as “respecting the sovereignty of all countries” are accepted by concerned parties, however China’s position paper fails to mention “who is the aggressor and who is the victim of an illegal and unjustified war of aggression”. It is therefore considered by the Western part a “selective and insufficient” attempt, aiming at distracting from China’s pro-Russia stance. [Politico 1] [CNN] [The Guardian]

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbàn, meanwhile, backed China’s peace plan for Ukraine, reaffirming his decision of staying out of the war and not delivering weapons to Ukraine. [Politico 2]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed to be open to considering some parts of the position paper, but affirmed that a peace plan must be presented by the invaded territory and must include a full Russian troop withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. Zelensky expressed hopes to meet his Chinese counterpart, calling it "important for world security", as the two parties never had a meeting since the beginning of the war. [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2] 

China supports UN further investigation into the Nord Stream explosion

(vp) China supports a speeding up of the UN investigations on the explosion which happened on September 26, 2022, along the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline, causing a significant gas leakage in the Baltic Sea.

Nord Stream is a twin pipeline system, it has the capacity to transport up to 55 billion cubic of natural gas to Europe  and is considered one of the major transnational energy arteries, linking Russia to Germany since 2011.

On February 21, Moscow presented to the UN Security Council a request for an independent investigation on the matter of Nord Stream’s gas leakage. It affirmed that there was “proof that explosives had been planted” near the pipeline during a NATO exercise in the summer of 2022, referring to a recent US news report claiming Washington was directly involved in the alleged sabotage of the gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2. Therefore, Russia affirmed it has “no trust” in the ongoing inquiries of Denmark, Germany and Sweden, doubting their integrity and transparency, whereas building on the authoritative and representative nature of the United Nations.

On February 22, Beijing  joined Russia, calling for the UN to conduct an objective, impartial and professional investigation, remarking however, it may be a difficult matter for the UN to collect evidence and hold relevant parties accountable, as “the Security Council needs to show the principle of collective decision-making process in which the US and other countries may vote against an investigation.”

United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary di Carlo, former US Ambassador to the UN, called on all parties to avoid growing tensions in the region in order to facilitate ongoing investigations. [Global Times] [Rosemary Di Carlo via Twitter] [UN News] [Xinhua net]

Leaders from Europe to visit China

(vp) China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the official visit of the Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko to China from February 28 to March 2. .

Lukashenko is a close ally of the Russian President Putin and backed Moscow during the initial invasion of Ukraine, providing the Belarus territory as a staging ground for the Russian troops.

The visit comes as Beijing reaffirmed ties with Moscow and proposed to support a “peaceful political settlement” of the Ukrainian conflict (see entry above), amid US accusations that China is considering providing military aid to Russia for the war in Ukraine. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China] [VOA News]

Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party's flagship newspaper Global Times announced that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel may visit China in the first half of 2023. 

French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that he plans to visit China in April. [France24] [Global Times] [Reuters]

Qin Gang delivers a speech on the implementation of the “Global Security Initiative” at the Lanting Forum

(vp) On February 21, during the opening ceremony of the Lanting Forum themed "The Global Security Initiative: China's Proposal for Solving Security Challenges" and held in Beijing,  Foreign Minister Qin Gang delivered a speech announcing the official release of the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper (GSI), proposed by President Xi Jinping. [see AiR, No. 8, February/2023, 3]

He presented the Initiative’s core ideas and principles stating that at a time of multiple risks and challenges  the GSI upholds a common vision of comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and advocates for a new path consisting of dialogue and partnership, over confrontation and alliance. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China]

China issues a report revealing US’ rising economic polarization

(vp) On February 23, Xinhua News Agency released a report revealing the striking wealth disparity of the US and its rising economic polarization.

It reports that according to the World Bank, the Gini coefficient in the US has gone up from 0.353 in 1974 to 0.415 in 2019, exceeding the warning level of 0.4, which indicates a large income gap.

The situation exacerbated during the Covid-19 crisis as the total wealth of the richest 1 percent increased by more than USD 12 trillion, or more than a third, during the pandemic, the report states citing the Fed.

Consequences are the shrinking of the middle class, growing populism and tensions between races and classes causing deep social crises. Polarization in US politics and its economy as well is fueling an extensive American crisis, the report states. [Global Times] [Xinhua News]

European Commission staff asked to remove TikTok from work devices

(vp) The staff of European Commission was asked to remove the Chinese-owned app TikTok from all corporate and personal devices that use European Commission applications, over concerns over the app's privacy, data-sharing and cybersecurity and as a result of EU and US pressure.The decision is a temporary measure, however, in the US TikTok already faced these kinds of stricter rules.

In the meantime, The Irish Data Protection Authority is investigating the transfer of personal data of European users to China. Last year, TikTok admitted that its European users’ data was accessible outside the region, including in China, but has tried to reassure users and authorities that personal data and content cannot be accessed or manipulated by the Chinese government. [South China Morning Post]

China participates in Cobra Gold 2023 HADR exercise in Thailand

(vp) The army of the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command participated in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise, a part of the multinational exercise Cobra Gold 2023, taking place in Thailand from February 9 to March 10.

Since 2014, the PLA Army has participated yearly in these exercises which help to promote the exchange of experience and practices in rescue and disaster relief between the Chinese and foreign militaries, as China reports. [Ministry of Defense, China]

China to participate in Edelweiss Raid 2023 mountain infantry competition in Austria

(vp) Troops of the Chinese PLA Army will participate in international mountain  infantry competition Edelweiss  Raid 2023 from February 27 to March 2.

China expects the competition to be an opportunity for deepening cooperation between the Chinese and Austrian militaries and for promoting exchanges and mutual trust. [Ministry of National Defense, China]

China to train 5,000 soldiers from developing countries 

(vp) China has announced that it will be providing training to 5,000 soldiers from developing countries over the next five years to promote “exchange and cooperation to address security challenges in areas such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, biosecurity, and emerging technologies, to improve governance capacity in non-traditional security”. 

The move is seen as an attempt to increase China’s global security influence. [South China Morning Post]

The training was first announced by Xi Jinping during the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference last April and appeared again in the Global Security Initiative published on February 21. [see AiR, No. 8, February/2023, 3]

It is in line with Beijing’s efforts to expand its security training activities in the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, and Central Asia in recent years. [South China Morning Post]

NATO hosts 7th military staff talks with China

(vp) On February 23, NATO hosted the 7th meeting between its military staff and a Chinese Delegation in the organization’s headquarters in Brussels.

The Chinese delegation was led by Major General Yao Qin, who met with the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff (IMS), Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak and the Director of the IMS Cooperative Security Division, Lieutenant General Francesco Diella.

The discussion focused on maritime security, NATO’s new Strategic Concept, China's military modernisation and the global security situation and the war in Ukraine. 

The meeting came as NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned China against supplying arms to Russia, claiming that the alliance has seen signs that China is considering such a move. [Al Jazeera] [NATO]

China refutes US accusations of nuclear threat

(vp) China’s defense ministry has accused the US of hyping up the narrative of “China’s nuclear threat” only to seek excuses for expanding its own nuclear arsenal and maintaining military hegemony. 

US reports and Japanese media had claimed that China has more land-based launchers for intercontinental ballistic missiles and that its nuclear warheads are bound to increase by 2027. Further, it was claimed that Beijing would drop the commitment to no first use of nuclear weapons once the country’s military modernization was completed.

Beijing called the reports “nothing but irresponsible hype” and insisted that China’s “self-defensive nuclear strategy” aims at maintaining “national strategic security by deterring other countries from using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against China” and adheres to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. [Ministry of National Defense, China]

Canada’s military tracks China’s monitoring buoys 

(vp) Canada’s military discovered monitoring buoys as evidence of Chinese surveillance efforts in the Arctic and stated that it “is fully aware of recent efforts by China to conduct surveillance operations in Canadian airspace and maritime approaches".

The incident raised questions about China’s activities, as tensions heightened after a suspected Chinese spy balloon floated through US and Canadian airspace before it was shot down by the US military.

Further accusations against China refer to alleged interference with Canadian 2021 elections. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for a public inquiry against China’s foreign interference. [BBC] [Reuters]

US calls for China to be more transparent over Covid-19 origins

(vp) On February 27, the US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burnscalled on Beijing to “be more honest” and transparent regarding the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic as a report by the US Energy Department concluded that the pandemic likely came from a Chinese laboratory leak.

US report was reportedly assessed with “low confidence”, meaning that the information obtained are fragmented or not reliable enough, and the government agencies remain clearly divided on the matter

China is also pressured to take a more active role in collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) for furthering investigations over the events in Wuhan in 2019, when the first Covid-19 cases were detected and reported.

China dismissed the accusations and referred to a WHO-China report that leaned towards a natural origin for the pandemic, likely from bats, rather than a lab leak. [Channel News Asia] [CNN]

India, Italy in talks to sign a defense pact during Meloni’s visit 

(mk) India and Italy are reportedly looking to sign a defense pact, likely to be announced during Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni’s upcoming visit to India as Chief Guest of the Raisina Dialogue Conference on March 2. [The Hindu]

This would be Meloni’s first trip to India as President since assuming her position in October of last year. The visit is eagerly being looked forward to by both countries as they seek to enhance bilateral ties in trade, defense, investment, counter-terrorism, and people-to-people relations. [Businessworld]

The visit, and the ensuing pact, are expected to defrost nearly a decade of tensions between India and Italy over the arrest of Italian marines under charges of killing an Indian fisherman. The case was subsequently resolved mutually at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. [The Hindu]

India-UAE: Ministers meets discuss bilateral ties 

(mk) Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with visiting UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President designate of COP28, Sultan Al Jaber on Wednesday. [MEA]

In a tweet, Jaishankar expressed the shared hope of both nations in taking forward their mutual priorities during India’s G20 Presidency and UAE hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in November 2023. [India Blooms]

This meeting comes days after The UAE India Business Council was launched by the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in the presence of Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir. This event was at the mark of the first anniversary of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). [Outlook India]

India-Uzbekistan: Joint military exercise “Dustlik-2023” 

(hg) India and Uzbekistan have started their fourth DUSTLIK (Friendship) military exercise in the Uttarakhand region of northern India with 45 soldiers each from the Indian and the Uzbek Army. The 14-day long exercise, that was held for the first time in 2019, focuses on joint counter-terrorist operations in mountainous and semi-urban scenario under a UN mandate. It comprises field training exercises, combat discussions, lectures, demonstrations and a validation exercise. According to the Uzbek Defense Ministry, the exercises focus on search-and-destroy efforts against terrorist groups and combat skills in mountainous terrain. According to the Indian ministry of defense, emphasis is also being laid on increasing interoperability between forces. [The Economic Times] [Anadolu Agency]

India-China: First in-person border talks after 3 years 

(mk)Indian and Chinese officials held in-person talks regarding the Sino-Indian border after more than three years. The discussion took place under the 26th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), and aimed at de-escalating tensions in areas of friction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) [The Hindu]

The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs Shilpak Ambule met with top Chinese officials, including the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying in Beijing. According to a statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the two sides reviewed the situation in the Western sector along the Line of Actual Control and constructively discussed ways to restore peace and stability in an attempt to reintroduce normalcy in bilateral relations. [MEA]

They also agreed to hold the 18th round of talks between senior military commanders at an early date, with the last talks held on December 20, 2022. [Indian Express]

India-Indonesia: First Indian submarine docks in Indonesia 

(hg) For the first time, an Indian submarine, the 3,000-tonne diesel-electric INS Sindhukesari, has docked at Jakarta after transiting through the Sunda Strait. 

India and Indonesia also conduct coordinated naval patrols twice a year, with the last one being held along the international maritime boundary line in December. [Overt Defense]

India-Germany: Visit of Chancellor Scholz in Delhi

(mk) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to India, on what was his first visit to the country since assuming his position in December last year.

Modi took to twitter to elaborate on the nature of talks held between the two leaders, which covered bilateral cooperation in trade, renewable energy, green hydrogen, biofuels, and security cooperation. Special attention was given to the economic relations between India and Germany, with Modi and Scholz meeting the top CEOs of both nations to discuss progress in sectors such as digital transformation, FinTech, IT and Telecom. [Narendra Modi, Twitter]

Olaf and Modi reportedly also discussed signing a free trade agreement between India and the European Union, with the intent of increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific as well as countering China’s growing influence in the region. [Reuters]

In his press statement, Modi highlighted the deep economic and cultural ties it shares with Germany, as well as the common democratic outlook that aids the understanding of their respective interests. Key aspects in Indo-German relations, such as their shared focus on the Triangular Development Cooperation, and increased people-to -people ties in light of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed last December were brought to the fore. Issues pertaining to security, specifically terrorism and separatism were agreed to be jointly paid attention to. [pmindia]

In relation to the Ukraine conflict, Modi stressed on India’s insistence on resolving the issue through dialogue and diplomacy, remarking that India would be willing to join “any peace process” to solve the Ukraine crisis, and endeavored to attempt the same under India’s presidency of the G20. Scholz tweeted his support for this statement, and reiterated on working in close cooperation with India to end the war. [Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz, Twitter] [The Hindu]

India-UN: Abstention in vote on Ukraine 

India on Thursday abstained its vote in a U.N. General Assembly resolution calling for a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with the principles of the U.N. Charter. [The Hindu]

The resolution, titled Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, was put forward by Ukraine and its allies. Out of the 193 member countries that constitute the General Assembly, 141 voted in favor while seven voted against the resolution. India was one of the 32 countries that chose to abstain from voting altogether. [BBC]

In calling for peace through channels of dialogue and diplomacy, the resolution also reaffirmed a commitment to recognizing the territorial integrity of Ukraine and demanded that Russia withdraw its military forces from all Ukrainian territory. [TheWire]

The Indian mission at the U.N. in their official explanation asserted India’s support for  the tenets of the global order as prescribed in the UN charter. It said that while India  is in favor of reaching solutions only through dialogue and diplomacy, the resolution presented did not promise the lasting peace that India envisions. It cited the lack of reform in multilateral organizations as well as a clear lack of balance in assessing the impact of the resolution on the interests of both sides as primary reasons for its abstention. [IndiaatUN, NY, Twitter]

India has thus far abstained from voting in all resolutions pertaining to Ukraine. It has resisted international pressure in choosing not to directly criticize Russia with which it shares a trusted relationship since the Cold War. 

Modi of India meets World Bank President; discuss priorities for the G20

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met World Bank Group President David Malpass on Thursday. The two discussed India’s aspiration for economic growth as it approaches its 100th Independence anniversary in 2047. [The World Bank]

Malpass commended India on maintaining a steady rate of economic growth despite the global economic slowdown. The talk also focused on female labor force participation, expanded infrastructure, green finance, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. In light of India’s Presidency of the G20, Modi and Malpass discussed India’s priorities, debt restructuring process to aid low income countries, and a need to reform international financial institutions. [The Print]

In a tweet, Malpass commented on the need to increase private sector investment and advance India’s energy transition. [David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group, Twitter]

India-Czech Republic: Foreign Minister visits Delhi

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky on Sunday arrived in India for a three-day official visit meant to further the bilateral relations between India and the Czech Republic. (NDTV)

According to a press release by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Lipavsky will be holding talks with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar, and the two leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Lipavsky will also be attending the inaugural session of the India-EU Business and Sustainability Conclave on 28 February. (MEA) 

India will contribute 15% to global growth in 2023: IMF 

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in a recent statement said that India will remain a “bright spot” for investment in the world economy. Georgieva continued to remark that according to IMF projections, India will likely contribute 15% towards global growth in 2023, a considerable feat considering the slowdown in global growth expected in the upcoming year. This position of India, according to the Managing Director, was most notably because of its turn towards digitisation as a response to overcoming the impact of the pandemic. (The Hindu)

Japanese foreign minister visits New York

(cc) On February 23, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi visited New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Emergency Special Session on Ukraine and Security Council Ministerial Debate. On the same day, he met with representatives from several countries.

In the morning, Hayashi discussed the Japan-Ghana relations with Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Aside from expressing their willingness to heighten the collaboration between the two countries, they agreed to work together in reforming the United Nations and the Security Council. They also shared the same opinion on how an attempt to violate other nations' sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 1] 

Later, Hayashi met with Rastislav Káčer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. Aside from congratulating the 30th anniversary of Slovakia's independence and Japan-Slovakia relations, the two ministers discussed matters related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and agreed to collaborate in sanctioning Russia and supporting Ukraine. Additionally, seeing that Slovakia is currently the president of the Visegrad Four (V4), they explored the possibility of furthering the V4+Japan cooperation. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 2]

The V4+Japan partnership was also discussed during a meeting between Hayashi and Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, alongside the matters surrounding China and North Korea. Furthermore, the Japanese and Hungarian foreign ministers stressed that they would continue to work together in dealing with the situation in Ukraine. Hayashi also emphasized Japan's calls for Hungary's cooperation in removing the import measures on Japanese food products imposed by the EU. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 3]

In a meeting between Hayashi and Mario Adolfo Búcaro Flores, the Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs, they discussed the Japan-Guatemala political and economic relations, emphasizing that the two nations share fundamental values and are valuable partners. Hayashi also expressed his desire to work with Guatemala to realize the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' vision, maintain a law-based international order, and address several global issues, ranging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to matters related to North Korea. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 4] 

As Spain will assume the position of EU presidency in the latter half of 2023, the discussion between Hayashi and José Manuel Albares, a Spanish foreign minister, focused on facilitating political and diplomatic collaboration between Japan, itself a President of G7, and Spain. Moreover, regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the two ministers reiterated the importance of like-minded nations working together to impose sanctions against Russia and provide support for Ukraine. They also agreed to partner in improving the United Nations and the Security Council. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 5] 

With Malta currently serving as the president of the Security Council, the meeting between Hayashi and Ian Borg, Maltese foreign minister, focused on strengthening the Japan-Malta partnership to maintain the international order. Additionally, as Malta has recently established its embassy in Japan in 2020 and Japan is expected to open its embassy in Malta within 2023 fiscal year, the matter of their bilateral relations was also being discussed. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 6] 

Before ending the day, Hayashi met with Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic. In addition to a discussion on issues related to the increasing tension around the world, they concurred to bolster the Japan-Italy bilateral relationship, a step forward from the foundation laid by the Japan-Italy Leader's meeting in January 2023. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 7] 

On the next day, February 24, Hayashi held a meeting with Gordan Gurlić-Rudman, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia. Aside from backing their accession to the EU and aiming to work with them on reforming the United Nations, Hayashi noted that Japan would support the development Balkan nations through the 'Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative.' [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 8]

Later, Hayashi had a working lunch with Wopke Hoekstra, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Netherlands. In the discussion, they emphasized the historical friendship between the two countries and expressed the willingness to continue building their bilateral relationship. Hayashi also expressed his gratitude toward Netherland's significant provision of military support to Ukraine and the country's emphasis on working toward the realization of the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' strategy. He also asked the Netherlands for support in dealing with the EU's restriction on Japanese food products. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan 9]

Japan pledges to provide more support to Ukraine

(cc) On February 20, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised that Japan would provide Ukraine with approximately JPY 743 billion (USD 5.5 billion) in humanitarian aid. The number almost quadrupled to the initial amount Japan pledged to Ukraine after the invasion in 2022.

Previously, aside from joining its Western allies in sanctioning Russia, Japan vowed to provide Ukraine with approximately JPY 175 billion (USD 1.3 billion) worth of financial assistance and humanitarian aid. 

In his statement, Kishida emphasized Japan's position in leading the global effort to maintain the law-based international order and assist Ukraine in defending itself against the Russian invasion, a stance similar to his earlier position that underscored the negative global implication of the Russian aggression toward Ukraine. [CNN]

Japan to ease border control for visitors from China

(cc) On February 27, Japan declared, from March 1 onward, it would stop testing Covid-19 on all travelers from China. According to the government, the test would be conducted at random Chinese visitors instead. In addition, Japan will permit an increase in flights between Japan and China.

The moves came after the rate of those tested positive for the virus among Chinese travelers coming to Japan has been declining.

Currently, Japan has a policy that all visitors from China must take PCR or high-sensitivity tests after arriving in Japan. [Kyodo News]

China tells Japan it is troubled by Japanese military buildup

(cc) On February 22, during the first China-Japan formal talk in four years, China expressed that it was troubled by Japan's militarization and accusation regarding China's ties to Russia and the spy balloons issue.

While Japan signals its willingness to normalize its ties with China, it also pursues armament efforts through several means, such as increasing its defense budget [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5] and acquiring new weapons [See AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3], to deal with the rising regional tension.

During the talk, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sui Weidong emphasized the transformation of the international situation, pointing to the return of unilateralism and hostile mentality. Meanwhile, Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Shigeo Yamada discussed that while China-Japan relations have a lot of possibilities, the two countries are facing many problems, ranging from the territorial dispute in the East China Sea to the suspected Chinese surveillance balloons. [Japan Today]

Japan seeks support from G7 on the treated water release plan

(cc) According to government sources, Japan will seek the support of the G7 nations for its plan to release the treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The attempt will reportedly be made during the meeting of the G7's energy ministers in Japan in April.

Primarily, the Japanese government wishes to see the document that will be published after the ministers' meeting has phases that signify G7 members' encouragement and confidence in Japan's plan to discharge the water. Japan is also trying to convince other G7 nations to express their commendation for Japan's decontamination works in areas affected by the 2011 nuclear disaster.

As the plan to release the treated water raised environmental and safety concerns for many nearby countries, specifically those in the Pacific area, Japan has embarked on a diplomatic effort to assure the international community that its plan is harmless. The effort included discussions with the island nations in the Pacific, such as the Marshall Islands [See AiR No. 7, February/2023, 2], about the safety and transparency of the initiative. [Japan Today]

Japan and ASEAN nations conduct air training

(cc) On February 20 and 21, to commemorate the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan friendship and strengthen their defense cooperation, the aircrews from Japan and ASEAN conducted a joint exercise in the Professional Airmanship Program initiative. The training focused on air rescue and aeromedical evacuation operations. [Air Self-Defense Force, Japan, Twitter] [Ministry of Defense, Japan, Twitter]

Japan, South Korea, and the US conduct ballistic missile information sharing exercise

(cc) On February 22, in response to repeated ballistic missile launches by North Korea, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. conducted a joint exercise in information sharing in the Sea of Japan. The drill was participated by Aegis system-equipped vessels from the three countries. [The Mainichi] [Ministry of Defense, Japan, Twitter]

War game exercise suggests that Japan, Taiwan, and the U.S. can fend off the Chinese invasion of Taiwan

(cc) In a tabletop war game organized by Japan's Sasakawa Peace Foundation in January, the U.S. and Japan can repel the Chinese invasion of Taiwan in two weeks at the cost of heavy casualties.

The simulation took place in a scenario where China invaded Taiwan through an amphibious operation in 2026, with the U.S. and Japan joining the Taiwanese side. After two weeks, with its inability to control the airspace and the supply routes being cut off, the war game suggested that China had to rescind its effort to control Taiwan, a result similar to a test conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in 2022.

According to the foundation's simulation, in addition to almost 11,000 ground force casualties, the U.S. will suffer the loss of up to 19 vessels and approximately 400 aircraft. Japan will lose 15 ships, 144 warplanes, and around 2,500 soldiers. Taiwan will face 18 ships and 200 planes lost, alongside 13,000 ground force casualties. Meanwhile, aside from being unable to achieve its objective of conquering Taiwan, China will lose 156 warships, 168 aircraft, and 40,000 troops. [The Strait Times]

Laos talks trade with China’s Yunnan province

(ts) The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) discussed trade cooperation in a meeting with the delegation from Yunnan, the Chinese province which Laos shares a border with. 

The meeting, hosted by LNCCI, has seen opportunities that will allow 31 Chinese companies to explore Lao trading partners, seeking to enhance cooperation beyond the current border-trade basis under the Lao-China Economic Corridor. [Lao News Agency]

In this regard, the Yunnan delegation also paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Industry and Commerce. Their pertinent focus was on Laos’ agricultural products export to China.

China is Laos’ second-largest trading partner after Thailand. Also, the two countries have recently reopened the border checkpoint after a three-year closure due to China’s pandemic policy. [The Laotian Times] [AiR No. 2, January/2023, 2]

Laos’ senior leaders meet Vietnamese Party delegation

(ts) The General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs held talks welcoming the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Chairman of External Relations Le Hoai Trung.

Emphasized in the talk was the priority given to each other on cooperation and special bilateral relations the two countries have. Both parties acknowledged achievements made throughout their cooperative partnership while agreeing that closer coordination is needed to reach more practical outcomes. Sharing the similarity as a single ruling party in a one-party state, the two parties will continue to sharpen their relations both at a party level and at a state banner. [Lao News Agency]

Laos, IOM strengthen cooperation

(ts) Regional Director for IOM Asia and the Pacific visited Laos to strengthen development cooperation. On this occasion, the host showed gratitude towards IOM’s strong support in improving the country's grasp on migration management which includes technical assistance and policy mainstreaming. IOM hereby ensures to keep the consistent development pace with Laos and will back the country in performing as 2024 ASEAN Chair.

Both sides have committed to aligning with the Cooperation Agreement and Country Strategy 2022-2026. So far Laos has enjoyed IOM’s support in the face of its recognizable migration challenges. [Lao News Agency]

Malaysia expresses interest in improving relations with Saudi

(pa) Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, expressed his intention to improve and explore relationships with Saudi Arabia when he met his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss the establishment of a bilateral coordinating council. [Ruetir] 

A Saudi-Malaysia Coordination Council (SMCC) has been in talks since September 2020, most recently discussed in a meeting between Malaysian and Saudi Foreign Ministers Zambry Abd Kadir and Faisal bin Farhan earlier in February.. [Arab News] 

The council is seen as a key platform for future cross-sector and ministerial cooperation, aimed to smoothen and increase bilateral trade. [The Star]

Malaysia, Singapore discuss maritime borders on disputed island

(pa) Singapore has halted all reclamation and development plans in Pulau Batu Puteh. Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin claimed that this has come after verbal and written objections from Malaysia. [The Star] 

He stated that the two nations are in the process of determining maritime borders and that Singapore has no right or entitlement to unilaterally conduct activities until agreements are finalized. These issues are to be discussed based on international law and bilateral diplomatic relations, through the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee (MSJTC). [TMI] [The Sun][ FMT]

Pulau Batu Puteh, an Island East of Singapore and Malaysia, has been a long disputed land in the region since Singapore gained sovereignty of the Island from Malaysia following an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2008. [ICJ]

Malaysia signs RM 4 billion deal with Korean Aerospace Industries 

(pa) South Korean aircraft manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries Co (KAI), has signed a deal with the Malaysian defense ministry worth KRW 1.2 trillion (RM 4.08 billion) to sell 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft fighter jets to Malaysia, with delivery to begin in 2023. [The Star] 

This makes Malaysia the 4th country in the region to sign a deal with KAI, after Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. 

This comes after a meeting earlier in the week between South Korea's Air Force Chief of Staff General Jung Sang-hwa and his counterpart General Asghar Khan in Malaysia. Jung had promoted the South Korean-made FA-50 light attack aircraft and the Korean Air Force's flight training system during his trip. [YNA]

KAI’s FA-50 trumped India's Tejas, Pakistan's JF-17, Russia's MIG-35 and Turkey's Hurizet. [FMT]

Malaysia, Indonesia discuss processes surrounding migrant workers 

(pa) Malaysia's Minister of Human Resources V. Sivakumar and Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah met on February 20 to discuss various issues pertaining to Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. [HRO] There are 399,827 Indonesian foreign workers in Malaysia as of January 2023. [Jakarta Post]

The main issues discussed were the reduction of recruitment costs and the revision of the Indonesian Labour requirement process. Both parties agreed to look into mechanisms to reduce costs while implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Recruitment and Protection of Indonesian Domestic Workers in Malaysia. 

Malaysia, Singapore to discuss and cooperate on works on Pedra Branca

(pa/ih) Works on the Singaporean island Pedra Branca have been temporarily halted due to concerns from Malaysia. 

According to a statement by Malaysia’sDeputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin, Singapore has agreed to temporarily suspend land reclamation and development activities on the island. While the island was granted to SIngapore in a 2008 International Court of Justice Ruling, Deputy Minister Mohamad stated that Singapore has no right to continue development of the island until the two countries finalize their maritime borders.

Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, meanwhile, stated that the works being carried out on the island are vital to improving maritime safety and security, as well as providing the island with adequate protection against rising sea levels. [NST] [Malay Mail] [BNN Bloomberg]

There is no concrete date on which development works are to recommence as said discussions between Malaysia and Singapore are still ongoing. 

Malaysia hosts the Australian foreign minister

(pa) In an effort to promote and advance bilateral relations in the Indo-Pacific region, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has paid her counterpart Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir a 2-day visit. The pair discussed and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and concern, including ASEAN, AUKUS and the ongoing situation in Myanmar. [KLN]

The visit signifies a commitment from both nations to continue to strengthen multisectoral ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Australia is Malaysia's 10th largest trading partner globally. [The Sun]

US condemns arrest and detention of Kachin Christian leader

(ih) On February 23, the US issued a condemnation of Myanmar’s arrest and detention of prominent Kachin Baptist leader Reverend Hkalam Samson, and demanded his release.  Reverend Samson was detained by the ruling junta in December 2022 and subsequently charged with unlawful association, incitement, and violations of the country’s counterterrorism law. [The Irrawaddy] [Reuters]

Mongolian President emphasizes close ties with China

(sw) The Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh emphasized in an interview with the China Media Group the friendship between the two countries and their aim to expand economic relations. 

Currently China makes up around 65 percent of Mongolia’s total foreign trade. The goal is to raise their bilateral trade volume to USD 20 billion. Khurelsukh also clarified that his country supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative and that China and Russia plan to build a gas pipeline through Mongolia. Moreover, they want to improve their energy cooperation, railway connection, and capacity of ports. 

Furthermore, China and Mongolia want to increase their cultural exchange through Chinese movies, literature and art to improve mutual understanding, trust, and friendly interaction.  According to Khurelsukh, many Mongolians learn Chinese which facilitates communication and people-to-people exchanges. Regarding the environment, the President reaffirmed that they want to cooperate on efforts to fight desertification. [News CGTN 1] [News CGTN 2] [Livetube.tv]

Mongolian, Ukrainian President have phone call

(sw) During a phone call with the Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed his gratitude for sending humanitarian aid and emphasized his satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries. 

Khurselsukh stressed that to solve the conflict, strengthening of diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations would be necessary. Furthermore, he emphasized that Mongolia is committed to keep balanced relations with its neighbors and to maintain its peace-loving, open, independent, and multi-pillar foreign policy. Also, both sides reaffirmed to cooperate in the United Nations and other international organizations. [Montsame] 

Mongolia, UAE extend defense cooperation 

(sw) Mongolia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for defense cooperation and exchange during the International Defence Exhibition and Maritime Defence Exhibition. The two countries aim to expand their friendship relations and military ties. [Emirates News Agency]  

Mongolian-Austrian Business Forum 

(sw) Mongolia and Austria organize a Business Forum on March 16-22 in Vienna. The goal of the meeting is to exchange information on the development of business and economic cooperations and to consult over possibilities to expand the trade volume between the two countries. [Montsame] 

Myanmar to remain on FATF "Black List"

Following the second plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in Paris on February 22-24, it was announced that Myanmar would remain on the FATF’s “black list”.  The FATF suggested Myanmar could improve its position by demonstrating an improved understanding of money laundering risks in key areas, ensuring both on-site and off-site inspections are risk-based, and better regulation of informal and traditional money transfer systems. [Deccan Herald]

North Korea fires four missiles in “strategic” drill

(ge) On February 24 North Korea fired four short range missiles in what the state media defines as a “strategic missiles launching drill”.

North Korea fired four Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missiles in the area of Kim Chaek City, North Hamgyong Province, in the direction of the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to reconfirm the reliability and readiness of the country's weapon system, said the state media. The drill, added North Korea, demonstrated the strength of its nuclear military force and its counterattack capability against “hostile forces”. [KCNA 1]

In another statement issued on the same day, the North Korean foreign ministry, answering to the UN Security Council (UNSC) meeting held on February 20 (see AiR,No. 8, February/2023, 3), reiterated that the US poses a threat to the peace and security of the Korean peninsula adding that the UNSC is being used as an instrument by the US to exert pressure on North Korea. The North reiterated its right to self-defense and sovereignty, urging the US to stop deploying strategic military assets in South Korea and to end hostile actions against North Korea. [KCNA 2]

The launching came as an answer to a similar joint military exercise held by South Korea and the US on February 22 at the Pentagon as well as a trilateral missile defense drill with Japan in the East Sea. [Yonhap 1] [Yonhap 2] 

Analysts maintain that North Korea has been boosting its military activity to push a reversal in US’s policy. [The Korea Herald]

The South Korean military said in a statement that they and the US had been monitoring the area of the launches. [Al Jazeera]

In two separate statements issued on February 24  the South Korean defense ministry and the US Department of Defense, reported the outcomes of the joint table-top nuclear drill (DSC TTX) focused on North Korea. The drill took place at the Pentagon on February 23. On the same day South Korea and US ministers discussed various deterrence measures against the escalation of provocations on the part of North Korea. 

The US underscored that any use of nuclear weapons from North Korea on the allies would result in its neutralization.

Following the DSC TTX, the South Korean and US  delegations jointly visited  the U.S. nuclear submarine training facilities at the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, and remarked that nuclear submarine forces represent a key force of the extended deterrence strategy. The parts emphasized the commitment to strengthen their coordination and posture toward North Korean nuclear threat escalations. [US State Department of Defense] [South Korean Ministry of National Defense, Korean]

On February 22 the Seoul military said that South Korea, Japan and the US conducted a trilateral missile defense deterrence drill in the East Sea and was focused on practicing procedures to detect, track and intercept computer-simulated targets and on sharing information. [Yonhap]

North Korea: State media responds to UN condemnation of missile launches

(ge) North Korea expressed its discontent toward the UN Secretary General condemnation of the two missile launches of February 18 and 19 (see AiR,No. 8, February/2023, 3).

North Korea blamed the UN for allegedly having an “unfair” attitude towards the country by ignoring South Korea and US military actions and “provocations”, whilst condemning North Korea’s acts of “self-defense”. The statement added that the missile launches were a countermeasure to deter US and South Korea’s long-range bombers deployment and joint military training, which represent a threat to North Korea's security interests. North Korea expressed its disapproval for the UN Secretary General’s perceived “unfair behavior” and lack of effort to deter hostile acts against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. [KCNA] 

In response the US declared on February 28 that they do not have any hostile intentions toward North Korea,but its continuous provocations are a threat to the peace and security of the Indo-Pacific region. The US also affirmed that its commitment to engage in diplomatic dialogues with the country is steady. [Yonhap]

North Korea: State media issues commentary on anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

(ge) On February 24 North Korean state media published a commentary on the anniversary of the Russian-Ukraine war accusing NATO and the US of  having caused the disruption of the peace in the region by encircling Russia and threatening its security. The commentary argues that the US hegemonic policies and the expansion of NATO in Europe have put pressure on Russia, triggering it to take preemptive military action in Ukraine. In addition it said that the US and the EU are pushing Ukraine into a proxy war with Russia and the US is intentionally preventing diplomatic dialogue between the two countries in conflict in order to fulfill its own strategic interests. 

North Korea has been siding with Russia since the start of the conflict. [KCNA] [The Straits Times]

North Korea, Japan, South Korea: Human rights group says citizens could be exposed to nuclear radiation

(ge) On February 21 a Seoul-based human rights group’s report stated that people in North Korea, China, South Korea and Japan could be potentially exposed to radiation released by North Korea’s nuclear tests. 

The Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) mapped the possible leakage of radioactive materials from North Korean test sites into groundwater. According to the report, radiation might affect thousands of North Korean citizens living in the area of Punggye-ri. It also showed how radioactive material could pose a health risk to Chinese, Japanese and South Korean residents as radiation contaminated agricultural and marine products could be smuggled from North Korea to neighboring countries. 

Nine out of forty-four tests on North Korean defectors carried out  by South Korea  between 2017 and 2018, detected abnormal levels of radiation, says the report. 

The group urged South Korea and the international community to conduct an investigation in the Punggye-ri region and to resume radiation testing on defectros. The report underscored that North Korean nuclear tests not only represent a threat to security but also threaten the human rights of the North Korean people as well as those of their neighbors. The South Korea Unification ministry answered that tests will be resumed if defectors report any health problems.[TJWG, report] [Reuters]

Japan to consider sending humanitarian aid if North Korea returns abductees 

(ge) On February 27 Japan declared that it will not exclude the possibility to provide humanitarian help to North Korea on the condition it agrees to return seventeen Japanese citizens who were abducted in the 1970s and 1980s. 

The statement came after a group representing the families of the abductees said on February 26 that they would not oppose the decision to send humanitarian relief if North Korea were to return their victims while their parents are still alive. The group, together with the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea, directly addressed North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-Un in their message. However North Korea has not yet responded. Two messages had already been sent in 2019 and 2021. 

Japan affirmed that the government will take action in order to solve this humanitarian issue. [The Japan Times] [NHK]

Pakistan-United States: Seeking to revive bilateral ties

(fm) Pakistan and the United States are working towards improving their strained relationship. The Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) concluded its ninth meeting with the aim of enhancing economic and commercial relations. The US has stated that it plans to strengthen Pakistan's economy, which has suffered from the aftermath of last year's devastating floods, while also providing American businesses with access to a new market. Additionally, Pakistan's Foreign Minister discussed regional matters with a US congressman at the Munich Security Conference, and the Vice President of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had a meeting with the US ambassador to discuss the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan. [Daily Pakistan] [Tribune] [Nation] 

Pakistan gets US assurance in fight against terrorism

(tj) The US stands firmly with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. This message came after recent terrorist attacks in Peshawar and Karachi.

According to the US State Department, the US strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the Karachi Police Office. The US stands firmly with the Pakistani people in the face of this terrorist attack. 

Meanwhile, a senior official at the US State Department, said the US is prepared to work with Pakistan as the country assesses the renewed threat of terrorism. Furthermore, while the debt Pakistan owed to China was a concern, the US was not asking Pakistan to choose between Beijing and Washington. [Dawn]

Pakistan-Afghanistan: Border row escalates into shelling 

(fm) Pakistan and Afghanistan’s year-long tension in Southwestern(Torkham) border escalated into shelling on February 20. Following this, border crossing for trade and pedestrians remained closed for a week. Pakistan’s local media reported that tensions flar up after Pakistani authorities returned an Afghan national who was crossing the border without travel documents. The Afghan side, however, claims that Pakistan had failed to fulfill its commitments to ease border crossings.

On February 22, Pakistan’s Defence Minister and the Chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) paid a visit to Afghanistan to discuss the ongoing border tensions along with measures to tackle the surging terrorist violence in the border area as well as the promotion of bilateral ties.

Eventually, Torkham border reopened on February 25. [Daily Pakistan] [Nation] 

Singapore a potential claimant for climate loss and financing, according to Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu

(ih) On February 24, Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu stated to Parliament that Singapore was a potential claimant for climate loss and financing from the fund that governments agreed to establish at COP27, as Singapore is still classified as a developing country in international negotiations.  Singapore has yet to discuss this situation internationally and has not yet decided whether it would participate in any climate loss and financing facility as a contributor or as a claimant, according to Minister Fu.  [The Business Times]

South Korea, China: Visa demands surge as Seoul drops Covid tests

(ge) Chinese requests for South Korean visas have surged as South Korea decided on February 22, to drop the mandatory Covid test at arrival for Chinese travelers, beginning on March 1st. 

Mandatory PCR tests before departure will remain in place until March 10 to monitor the effects of lifted restrictions, said South Korea’s Ministry of Interior and Safety. [Al Jazeera]

South Korea on February 11 lifted short-term visa issuance restrictions imposed on travelers from China as one of the top priorities of the government is to take the number of flights between the two-countries to pre-pandemic levels. On February 20 the South Korean embassy said that an average of 2,430 visa applications were submitted daily since the end of the ban. [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]

South Korea, UAE increase joint weapon development 

(ge) On February 21 South Korea and UAE met in Abu Dhabi and agreed to expand cooperation in defense and weapons development. The meeting was held after 30 days since President Yoon visited the UAE.

The defense chiefs discussed effective ways to implement the two Memorandum of Understanding concerning cooperation in the defense industry signed during last January’s summit. In particular, the ministers agreed on the requirements of the weapon systems to be jointly developed and identified areas of common interest for joint research. 

The two expressed the commitment to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest, such as cybersecurity, space, and scientific training. Moreover, the ministers assessed 2022 defense cooperation achievements, remarking that both parties have promoted exchanges and cooperation in defense, including combined military training. 

The Korean defense minister explained the situation in the Korean peninsula and requested his counterpart’s support in deterring North Korea, to which the UEA defense chief responded by ensuring his support in achieving the denuclearization of the peninsula and to promoting friendly relationships between the two countries. 

The UAE is currently the only foreign country where South Korea has sent an overseas army unit for the purposes of military cooperation. [The Korea Herald] [South Korea Ministry of National Defense, Korean]

South Korea to boost investments and exports to UAE

(ge) On February 24 President Yoon held a meeting with forty entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and start-ups who took part in the korean economic delegation during the president’s visit in UAE last January, and announced his intention to boost investment and exports of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the public-private UAE investment cooperation platform. 

The president underscored the importance of SMEs, venture capitalists (VCs) and start-ups saying that they account for 40 percent of the country’s exports.  HE promised to operate an “Export and Order Support Group” to provide on site support to SMEs, startups and VCs, and to open up new global markets to ensure their success. Yoon added that he will ensure fast, visible outcomes of the UAE USD 30 billion investment in South Korea.

He then proceeded to explain the government’s investment plans in the UAE. First he plans to launch a Global Business Centre in Dubai in March; secondly in June, the government intends to send a trade mission to the UAE made up of domestic SMEs and increase the number of businesses taking part in regional fairs; thirdly he will promote joint entry into the nuclear power sector and SME participation while supporting venture-startup cooperation by taking part in the UAE Startup Exhibition in March. [Office of the President Newsroom, Korean]

On February 28 the Finance Ministry said during a meeting of finance ministers in Seoul that the government is working to remove potential obstacles to the implementation of the USD 30 billion investment vowed by the UAE through the creation of a local office of the UAE sovereign wealth fund, as well as raising a joint fund with the Korea Development Bank. Finally it added that it plans to hold business meetings with UAE officials in May and June. [Yonhap]

South Korea, Poland agree to launch defense cooperation

(ge) On February 23 South Korean and Polish defense ministers signed an agreement to boost defense cooperation.

During the meeting the ministers examined the situation in Europe and the Korean peninsula, and discussed ways to develop bilateral defense cooperation.

The parties appreciated the achievements of last year's defense deal which saw South Korea supplying Poland with tanks, howitzers and fighter jets. The Polish minister declared his plan to continue to acquire South Korean weapon systems and to establish long-term cooperation between the two countries.  

The ministers agreed on measures to strengthen cooperation in the defense sector, these include: operating a regular ministerial council to  manage Korea-Poland defense cooperation; conducting joint military exercises through personnel exchange. [South Korean Ministry of National Defense, Korean]

Moreover, they shared the view that Korea should take the lead in this year’s Poland International Defence Exhibition. Later that day the ministers observed in Torun a demonstration involving K9 howitzers manufactured by a Polish company. [Yonhap]

South Korea–Japan: tension over Japan’s claim of Dokdo island

(ge) On February 22 South Korea strongly opposed Japan’s claim of the Dokdo islets ( internationally known ad the Liancourt rocks) situated in the East Sea. South Korea  protested against the annual ceremony held in the Japanese prefecture of Shimane to lay claim over the small territory, which is effectively under South Korean jurisdiction. 

South Korea urged Japan to end its “unreasonable” claims and recognized that the island is historically part of korea. The South Korean foreign ministry summoned the deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to deliver the message in person. 

Currently the two countries are making efforts to build closer ties and resolve historical issues which have been causing tensions, such as the compensation for Korean forced labor victims during the Japanese occupation of Korea.  [The Korea Herald] [Yonhap]

On the same day the  members of the Joint Action for Historical Justice and Peaceful Korea-Japan relations held a demonstration outside the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Seoul to protest against the government's negotiations with Japan, concerning the forced war time labor issue. The group said it will host a week of demonstrations before the March 1st Movement celebrations, the protest movement which claimed Korea’s independence from Japan. [Hankyoreh]

The North Korean state media also issued a statement on february 22, criticizing Japan’s claim of Dokdo island saying that it constitutes a challenge to historical truth. [KCNA]

South Korea-Malaysia: Korea Aerospace wins USD 290 million deal from Malaysia

(ge) On February 24 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, signed a deal of USD 290 million with Malaysia to export eighteen FA-50s. The delivery is set to begin in 2026. 

This is the second large export deal for the company, which last year exported the same aircraft type to Poland.

KAI declared  that this deal marks the fourth market break into the Southeast Asian market, after concluding exports with Indonesia, The Philippines and Thailand, and that this is the  largest single contract signed by the company in Southeast Asia. Following successful exports in South-East Asia, cooperation between Korea and ASEAN is expected to grow, added KAI. [The Korea Times] [KAI, Korean]

South Korea-Zimbabwe to develop bilateral relations

(ge) On February 23 South Korean and Zimbabwe held a 3rd consultation round in Seoul to discuss the improvement of bilateral relations.

The two sides evaluated cooperation in the files of agriculture, development and tourism and agreed on ways to expand cooperation. The parties agreed on building high-level cooperation in the fields of energy and start-ups and to strengthen the agricultural production chain. 

South Korea asked for its counterpart support in the 2030 World Expo bid and requested Zimbabwe to increase attention for the safety of Korean nationals in the country, following a recent increase in tourists. Zimbabwe said that it will consider South Korea’s request for support for the  2030 World Epos and that it will actively ensure the safety of Korean nationals. [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Korean]

South Korea-Canada hold 8th strategic dialogue

(ge) On February 24 South Korea and Canada held the 8th strategic dialogue to celebrate the 60th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and to discuss ways to upgrade bilateral cooperation. 

Talks were centered on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation in the field of economy,trade, science and technology; cooperation in people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The ministers had extensive discussions on the situation in the Korean peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region. The Canadian side ensured its support to South Korea in achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

The two parties agreed on strengthening cooperation on global issues such as climate change, cyber security, health and promoting women empowerment. The sides appreciated the efforts that both countries are making to achieve the Paris Agreement carbon reduction goals and agreed on holding a “Korea-Canada Climate Change Dialogue”within this year. [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korean]

South Korea–US: US nuclear submarine arrives in Busan as allies focus on deterring North Korea

(ge) On February 25 a US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the port of Busan following US’s pledge to increase the deployment of strategic military assets in South Korea and to deter North Korean missile provocations. 

According to the South Korean navy the submarine arrived in Busan in order to deliver supplies whilst the US did not comment any further on the purpose of the visit and the set departure date for the submarine was not specified either. However the visit comes after the US and South Korea held a joint table top drill focused on North Korea nuclear attack deterrence on February 23. [NK News] [Yonhap]

South Korea vows to cut dependence with China on critical minerals supply 

(ge) On February 27 the South Korean industry ministry declared that Korea is seeking to cut ties with China on critical minerals supply to fifty percent by 2030 and to strengthen ties with thirty other mineral rich countries including Australia, Canada and African countries. 

The decision came after South Korea asked for US guidance on critical minerals and battery components requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) during the G20 finance ministers meeting held in Bangalore, India, from February 24 to February 25. South Korea demanded clear information on key mineral and battery components for South Korean car makers who are fearing to lose a portion of the US market due to the US IRA imposing the use of a higher percentages of minerals processed or mined in the U.S. or in countries that have free trade agreements with it, to be used in electric vehicles’ batteries.

The Ministry identified five strategic core minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, nickel, manganese, and five rare earth elements. It vowed to develop a global mine map to monitor demand and supply of core minerals to establish an early warning system (EWS)in order to  detect in advance risks concerning supply chains. According to the Ministry this system should prepare South Korean companies to deal with supply chain shocks. The government also plans to sign intergovernmental mineral cooperation deals and to strengthen the US-led Minerals Security Partnership. 

Currently South Korea relies on China for ninety-five percent of its total key mineral imports. [Yonhap 1] [Yonhap 2] [South Korean Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy, Korean] [South Korean Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Korean]

South Korea–Ukraine: South Korea says decision to send weapons to Ukraine to be discussed

(ge) On February 27 the Ukrainian ambassador in South Korea called for South Korea to provide weapons in support to Ukraine.

The South Korean defense ministry responded that the decision on whether to provide Ukraine with weapons is a matter that needs to be discussed at government-level. Moreover, the Ministry reiterated that South Korea will not provide lethal weapons but it will continue to send humanitarian aid. [Yonhap] [KBS News]

Sri Lanka-India: 7th Annual Defense Dialogue 

(sn) India and Sri Lanka hold their 7th Annual Defense Dialogue chaired by both countries’ defense secretaries in New Delhi from February 23 to 25 where Indian Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane welcomed Sri Lankan Defense Secretary Gen (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne and Air Marshal SK Pathirana, the Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force along with a delegation comprising senior officers from the Sri Lanka Army and Navy  to discuss regional security concerns, including the mission to ensure "Security and Growth for All in the Region." [Colombo Page]

Sri Lanka-Pakistan: High level military meeting    

(sn) Pakistan Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi was on a four-day goodwill visit to Sri Lanka, where he called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan Army Commander followed by visits of various sites including the Eastern Naval Command and Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee before leaving on February 28. [Sri Lanka Army], [Sri Lankan Government official news portal

US expands number troops in Taiwan

(sw) The United States (US) plans to send up to 200 additional service personnel to Taiwan which would more than quadruple the current number. The aim is to train the island’s military on US weapons systems and military maneuvers to counter a potential Chinese attack. The additional troops would be the largest deployment of American troops in decades. Moreover, Taiwan will send around 500 soldiers to the US for combat training. 

Further, the US and Taiwan agreed on a five-year contract over technical support and maintenance for 140 F-16 fighter jets. Since October 2022, the two states signed several agreements including  maintenance and repair projects. 

According to US officials, the expansion of the training was planned for months and therefore before the US-China tensions peaked due to a suspected spy balloon. [International Business Times] [Taiwan News]  [Wall Street Journal] [The Straits Times] 

Taiwan to enhance US military cooperation

(sw) During a meeting with US lawmakers, President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that Taiwan aims to increase military cooperation with the United States (US) to contain authoritarian expansionism. Furthermore, the two countries want to keep working together to protect the values of freedom and democracy. Also, they aim to strengthen their economic partnership in areas like technology and confront other global challenges like climate change. 

The five-day US congressional visit occurs amid rising tensions between China and the US. The relations worsened after the speaker of the US House of Representative visited Taiwan in 2022, and China responded with military drills near the island. These tensions increased after the US spotted an alleged Chinese spy balloon over its country. [Taipei Times] [Deutsche Welle] [Taiwan Today] 

Taiwan officials in US for security talks

(sw) Taiwan’s Foreign Minister met with other senior officials from Taiwan and the United States (US) for an annual security dialogue at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) at the headquarters in the US. However, there were no official statements regarding what has been discussed. Since officials from national security, defense, and foreign affairs attended the meeting, it is likely that they discussed matters of diplomacy, the situation across the Taiwan Strait, national defense and future exchanges between officials.   

The talks are part of a so-called “special channel” between the US and Taiwan designed to not anger China. The AIT is in charge of the US policy towards Taiwan because the US has had no official relations with the island  since 1979. 

Amid rising tensions between the US and China, the meeting illustrates that relations between Taiwan and the US are normalizing and that the process can not be changed. [Taipei Times] [Taiwan News] [VOA News] 

China protests US military flight through Taiwan Strait

(sw) After a United States (US) military plane flew through the Taiwan Strait on February 27, China accuses the US of endangering peace and stability. China claims to have sovereign rights over the waterway, but Taiwan and the US argue that it is an international territory. The US Navy stated that the flight illustrates that the US is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The incident occurs amid rising tensions between China and the US.  [Reuters] [Taiwan News] 

China criticizes Pentagon official’s visit to Taiwan

(sw) China has criticized the visit of Michael Chase, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China,  emphasizing that China strictly “opposes any official interaction and military collaboration” between the United States and Taiwan and adding that the efforts by Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party to consolidate the island’s independence with foreign assistance will fail. 

The comments reflect the worsening relations between China and the US over Taiwan, technology, and spying allegations. 

The US did not commit the visit of the Pentagon official, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated to have no information about any such visit. [AP News] 

US Congress introduces pro-Taiwan legislations

(sw) After a bipartisan congressional delegation visited Taiwan in February, the United States (US) Congress introduced several pro-Taiwan bills. They demand more military support from the government and more cooperation on cybersecurity. 

Also, a legislator from Florida introduced bills that call for the US military to defend Taiwan against armed attack from China and to impose sanctions on China to deter aggression against the island. Another bill from a Texan representative demands to increase efforts to prepare against cyber threats and to forbid foreign adversaries like China from purchasing land close to military bases or sensitive areas. [Taiwan News] 

US slowly delivers arms to Taiwan due to production bottlenecks, says US official

(sw) The United States (US) arms sales to Taiwan are delayed because its defense industry has a limited production capacity, according to a senior State Department official. The delays occur because of supply chain and worker constraints caused by the COVID pandemic and states demand more weapons after Russia invaded Ukraine. Currently, the sales have a value of almost USD 19 billion and alone in 2021, Taiwan purchased 400 Harpoon missiles and 100 launchers for USD 1.6 billion

The pressure on the US government to deliver the weapons is growing, because they would  increase the cost of an invasion for China. The Republican Representative Mike Gallagher urges to prioritize the provision of weapons to Taiwan to deter Chinese aggression. However, Saudi Arabia is ahead in the delivery queue, because it bought Harpoon missiles before Taiwan. Gallagher argues that Taiwan should be prioritized for strategic reasons since China’s military is growing rapidly. [Taiwan News] [Focus Taiwan] [Defense News] 

China doubts its ability to invade Taiwan, says CIA Director

(sw) According to the Chief of the United States (US) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) William Burns, China has doubts over its ability to successfully invade Taiwan. 

However, the threat still needs to be taken very seriously, according to Burns who made these statements in an interview. [Deutsche Welle] 

Taiwan’s President reportedly to visit US in summer

(sw) A Japanese newspaper cited several Taiwanese officials who said that Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen intends to visit the United States (US) in August. The purpose of the trip would be to emphasize the diplomatic achievements of her administration and the close relationship between the two countries. 

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that the media reports are a speculation and not factual. [Taiwan News] 

Taiwan, Lithuania trade event

(sw) Taiwan and Lithuania emphasized their shared commitment to strengthen their trade relationship at the second Taiwan-Lithuania Economic Dialogue and agreed on three memorandums of understanding, which includes a cooperation on laser technology.  Also, the two countries discussed green and digital transition and supply chain diversity. Taiwan wants to strengthen their cooperation to ensure democratic and supply chain resilience. 

Moreover, during a business matchmaking event between Taiwan and Lithuania on February 22, they agreed on orders worth USD 25.88 million according to the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Manufacturing, logistics and food companies signed deals or considered orders in the future. 

The bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Lithuania was enhanced after Taiwan established a Representative Office in Lithuania in 2021, and Lithuania opened a trade office in Taipei in 2022. [Taiwan Today] [Focus Taiwan] 

Chinese military around Taiwan 

(sw) Since February 22, 76 aircraft and 21 vessels of the Chinese army have been detected around Taiwan. 25 of the aircrafts crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s southwest air defense identification zone. Taiwan’s military monitors the situation and responds with aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems. [Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan]

Taiwan's representative to US visits Kentucky, Virginia

(sw) The top representative of Taiwan to the United States (US) visited Kentucky and Virginia to promote economic relations and international recognition. She emphasized that Taiwan is committed to democracy and opposes force and coercion. The Kentucky State Senate passed resolutions that encourage the establishment of a trade office in Taiwan, and support the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st Century Trade. Furthermore, Kentucky supports bilateral trade agreements between the two countries and international engagement with Taiwan. [Taiwan News] 

Saint Lucia pledges support for Taiwan

(sw) During Saint Lucia’s independence celebrations, the embassy of Saint Lucia pledged to support the inclusion of Taiwan in international decision-making bodies, with the ambassador of Saint Lucia reaffirming that his country will continue to respect Taiwan’s right to sovereignty and the right of its citizens to elect their leaders. 

Saint Lucia is one of 13 countries that officially recognized Taiwan as a sovereign country. 

Moreover, Taiwan funds the training of Saint Lucian female farmers in climate-resilient agricultural practices. [Focus Taiwan] [The Voice] 

Thailand, Cambodia discuss mutual interests

(ts) Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha received a courtesy call from Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak SoKhonn. Both discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interests, including trade targets and demining missions along the border, suppression of call center gangs and scams. 

They also agreed to set up a joint working committee on the latter. Moreover, the Prayuth urged Cambodia to hold a meeting of the Joint Boundary Committee after a long pause while appreciating the newly-opened friendship bridge connecting the two countries. [Royal Thai Government]

During a visit, the Cambodian PM continued discussing multidimensional partnerships with the Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in a separate meeting to further strengthen bilateral ties. The discussed partnerships include connectivity for economic synergies, peace along the border, people-to-people cooperation, and regional peace and prosperity. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Thailand, Canada reaffirm economic cooperation

(aj) On February 20 in Bangkok, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Cindy Termorshuizen, met her Thai counterpart, Nathapol Khantahiran, Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, to discuss shared priorities between the two nations, as well as their respective economic goals. Accompanying these bilateral talks was Dr. Sarah Taylor, Ambassador of Canada to Thailand, and Jaithai Upakarnitikaset, Deputy Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs.

Termorshuizen and Nathapol’s meeting was a continuation of a discussion that took place at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in Bangkok last November between Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth chan-o-cha and Australia’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to strengthen bilateral ties. Both sides exchanged views on issues they see as high priority with Thailand pursuing a post-pandemic development plan, known as the Bio-Circular-Green Economy model, which emphasizes Thai production of value-added but sustainable products. Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy released last November was also addressed by the two countries. In the Strategy, Canada outlined its goals for peace, security, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific, especially by building reliable economic relations with Asia-Pacific countries. [Government of Canada] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [National Science and Technology Development Agency] 

Thailand signs two MoUs with Georgia

(aj) The second Thailand-Georgia Political Consultations was held at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 23 to expand bilateral ties between the two nations. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand Vijavat Isarabhakdi co-chaired the forum with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Alexander Khvtisiashvili. The first Political Consultations was hosted in 2019 by Georgia in Tbilisi.

The forum reviewed Thailand and Georgia’s relationship since the two nations established diplomatic relations in July 1992, but additionally explored future avenues to expand cooperation by promoting tourism, high-level visits, inter-parliamentary relations, technology sharing, and trade facilitation.

This consultation bore two memorandums of understanding (MoU). One was signed between the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) and the Levan Mikeladze Diplomatic Training and Research Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The second MoU was officiated by the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Together, these two MoUs affirm Thai-Georgian future cooperation in technology and trade. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

UK National Security official starts Southeast Asia tour in Thailand 

(aj) United Kingdom Deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) Sarah MacIntosh began her tour of Southeast Asia with a visit to Thailand. NSA MacIntosh met with Thai Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sarun Charoensuwan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on February 24 to discuss ways the UK and Thailand can deepen cooperation in matters related to international security, particularly in cyber security and counterterrorism. The two officials also emphasized strengthening bilateral ties with respect to ASEAN’s goal to liberalize trade within the region. Following the meeting with MFA officials, MacIntosh met with Deputy Minister of Defense General Chaichan Changmongkol and Secretary-General of the National Security Council General Supot Malaniyom. 

After Thailand, NSA Sarah MacIntosh will visit Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines as part of her Southeast Asia tour. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Thailand, rebel group BRN advance in peace talks

(aj) The most recent peace dialogue between insurgency groups in Thailand’s Deep South and the Thai government was facilitated by the former head of the Malaysian armed forces, Zulkifli Zainal Abidi, on February 22 in Kuala Lumpur. The separatist groups were represented by Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) member Anas Abdulrahman, while General Wallop Raksanoh led the Thai delegation. [Thai PBS World]

All three parties to the meeting agreed that peace should be brought into Thailand’s southernmost provinces where insurgencies have been actively fighting the Thai government since 2004. The two-day peace dialogue ended with plans to hold a formal meeting in June and sign the Joint Comprehensive Plan toward Peace (JCPP). In the lead-up to June, working teams from the rebel side and the Thai government will work towards a proposal of the JCPP from March to May. Malaysian peace moderator Abidi notes that although Thailand has asked the BRN to encourage representatives from other rebel groups to join the discussion, Thailand should formally invite other group members to develop a more comprehensive JCPP. [Bangkok Post]

This peace talk followed Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s earlier visit to Thailand on February 9, where he discussed with General Prime Minister Prayuth chan-ocha Thai-Malay plans for regional stability and economic prosperity. PM Anwar emphasized that Malaysia intends to build stronger economic relations with Thailand along the countries’ shared borders, but Thailand will need to resolve its insurgency problem without the use of violence. [AiR No. 7, February/2023, 2]

Thailand, Australia discuss security and defense in the Asia-Pacific

(aj) Australia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles was invited by the Thailand Ministry of Defense to hold a discussion with Prime Minister General Prayuth chan-ocha—who is also Thailand’s Minister of Defense—to talk about defense cooperation between the two countries and Australia’s plans for regional security. The meeting was held on February 24.

Deputy PM Marles and PM General Prayuth maintain that cooperation in defense, security, and economics are of great importance to Thai-Australian relations. For defense, the two agreed to promote high-level visits and joint military exercises. Thailand also invited Australia to consider joint investment with Thai investors in Thailand’s defense technology industry as part of the latter’s Eastern Economic Corridor, a special economic zone southeast of Bangkok to encourage foreign investment. Lastly, both countries confirmed that relations with ASEAN nations are vital in maintaining regional peace and stability.

ASEAN nations, namely Indonesia and Malaysia, have raised concerns about Australia’s upcoming acquisition of a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. According to the informally-named AUKUS alliance that was formed in September 2021 between Australia, the US, and the UK, Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce next month whether US or UK nuclear submarine designs will be used to develop the country’s new fleet of submarines. Some observers of Asia-Pacific affairs say that AUKUS was formed to curb Chinese military influence on the region. However, there are concerns by some ASEAN members that this acquisition by Australia will only engender an arms race. At the table with General PM Prayuth, Deputy PM Marles reassured Thailand that this purchase will contribute to collective security in the Asia-Pacific. [Bangkok Post] [Reuters] [South China Morning Post] [Thai Post, in Thai]  [The Defense Post]

Thailand, Cambodia discuss mutual interests

(ts) Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha received a courtesy call from Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak SoKhonn. Both discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interests, including trade targets and demining missions along the border, suppression of call center gangs and scams. 

They also agreed to set up a joint working committee on the latter. Moreover, the Prayuth urged Cambodia to hold a meeting of the Joint Boundary Committee after a long pause while appreciating the newly-opened friendship bridge connecting the two countries. [Royal Thai Government]

During a visit, the Cambodian PM continued discussing multidimensional partnerships with the Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in a separate meeting to further strengthen bilateral ties. The discussed partnerships include connectivity for economic synergies, peace along the border, people-to-people cooperation, and regional peace and prosperity. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

British Government appoints organization to support Vietnamese financial and business center development

(ih) On February 22, the British Embassy in Hanoi announced that it has appointed TheCityUK to support Vietnam in developing a regional financial and business center in Ho Chi Minh City. The organization will work together with the UK government to provide technical support to develop a business and regulatory environment attractive to international investors, and to facilitate the sharing of best practices and between regulators and firms in both the UK and Vietnam. [Vietnam+]

Vietnam-Germany Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation meets in Berlin

(ih) The second meeting of the Vietnam-Germany Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation met in Berlin on February 23.  The meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Udo Philipp.  Both sides indicated their desire to upgrade their Energy Dialogue to an Energy Partnership, in order to better facilitate the energy transition in both countries.  They also demonstrated interest in strengthening cooperation in automobile production.  The reduction in non-tariff barriers to trade and simplification of administrative procedures was discussed, and Vietnam encouraged Germany to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).  [Vietnam+]

Announcements

Upcoming Events

1 March 2023 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA

The Humanitarian Dilemma in Afghanistan

In response to the Taliban's crackdown on the rights of women, several major international aid organizations suspended their aid programs, making clear that they will not continue to deliver assistance without female participation. This webinar will assess the situation in Afghanistan and explore steps to overcome the dilemma of humanitarian aid. 

For more information, visit [CSIS].

6 March 2023 @ 8:00-9:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA

Deterring a Cross-Strait Conflict: Beijing’s Assessment of Evolving U.S. Strategy

This webcast will gather experts to discussion U.S. efforts and those of its allies and partners to deter Chinese aggression against Taiwan. The discussion will be based on insights from newly translated Chinese documents.

Find more about the event at [CSIS].

Recent Book Releases

Chris Alden, and Alvaro Mendez, China and Latin America: Development, Agency and Geopolitics,  Zed Books, 240 pages, published on January 26, 2023, reviewed in [LSE].

Jamie Martin, The Meddlers: Sovereignty, Empire, and the Birth of Global Economic Governance, Harvard University PressJ 304 pages, published on June 24, 2022. For a review, see [LSE]. 

Bernie Sanders, It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism, Crown, 320 pages, published on February 21, 2023. A review is available at [The Guardian].

Naoíse Mac Sweeney, The West: A New History of an Old Idea, to be published on March 2, 2023. The book is reviewed in [The Guardian].

Matthew Connelly, The Declassification Engine: What History Reveals About America’s Top Secrets, Pantheon, 560 pages, published on February 14, 2023. Follow [Kirkus] to find a brief review of the book..

Calls for Papers

The Organising Committee of the 16th Academic International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, to be held on October 9-11, 2023, at University of Oxford, St Anne's College, invites paper proposals. The deadline for abstract submission is September 11, 2023. For more information, see [FLE Learning].

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and the Asian Development Bank Institute invite paper proposals for their joint 10th Conference on Asia and Pacific Economies (CAPE) on 26-27 May 2023. The closing date for abstract submission is March 20, 2023. More details are provided at [ADB].

Jobs and positions

The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Strategic Communication & Outreach Officer to be based in Bangladesh. Core responsibility is to work with the senir management team to develop quality speeches and draft, review, and edit other written materials. Applications are accepted until 14 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].

The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Global Project Manager. Core responsibility is to oversee the day-to-day project management works and supervise the preparation of reports. Applications are accepted until 12 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].

The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Data Architect. Core responsibility is to develop data ingesting pipelines and manage the data catalog development. Applications are accepted until 12 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].

The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Senior International Consultant. Core responsibility is to review organization’s strategy and related documents. Applications are accepted until 9 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].

The United Nations Development Programme seeks a International Consultant for Mine Action Standards to be based in Lebanon. Core responsibility is to conduct and facilitate meetings and review the Lebanese mine action standards. Applications are accepted until 10 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].

The World Food Programme seeks a Monitoring Analysis to be based in Italy. Core responsibility is to contribute to the revision of organization’s field guideline and undertake relevant analyses. Applications are accepted until 11 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].

The World Food Programme seeks a Programme Policy Officer to be based in Senegal. Core responsibility is to build, maintain, and lead a specialized team to support the organization’s operations. Applications are accepted until 19 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].

The World Food Programme seeks a Head of Research to be based in Lebanon. Core responsibility is to lead the organization’s research team and contribute to the relevant projects and activities. Applications are accepted until 11 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].

The World Food Programme seeks a Head of Field Office to be based in Gambia. Core responsibility is to manage the field office and ensure that the allocated resources are utilized effectively. Applications are accepted until 9 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].

The World Food Programme seeks a Consultant Business Intelligence Analysis. Core responsibility is to provide analysis based on collected data and develop data collection and databases. Applications are accepted until 13 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].

The World Health Organization seeks a Consultant. Core responsibility is to create methodology for building and managing open-source contributor communities. Applications are accepted until 14 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].

The World Health Organization seeks a Innovation and Research to be based in Manila. Core responsibility is to prepare and document interviews and group discussions. Applications are accepted until 14 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].

The World Health Organization seeks a Strategic Dialogue Consultant to be based in the Philippines. Core responsibility is to carry out context and scoping analyses and ensure sound project management. Applications are accepted until 14 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].

The World Health Organization seeks a Reports Officer to be based in India. Core responsibility is to elaborate, implement, and monitor the workplan of documentation unit and edit and rewise related reports. Applications are accepted until 21 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].

The World Health Organization seeks a Technical Officer for Nutrition to be based in Egypt. Core responsibility is to support the development of a strategic plan and provide professional inputs to funding proposals to support the organization’s operations. Applications are accepted until 13 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].

Team:

Amanda Jaroen (aj) , Chanon Atom (ca), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Farnaz Mughal (fm), Gaia Esposito (ge); Henning Glaser (hg), Ian Hollinger (ih), Loong Dien Min (ldm), Lucas Meier (lm), Manmehak Kaur (mk), Miftahul Choir (mc), Natalie Svinina (ns), Peer Morten Strantzen (ms), Priyankka Araasu (pa), Sheikh Afif Bin Zaman (as), Sophia Wesenberg (sw), Thammasorn Sangiamjit (ts), Tomwit Jarnson (tj), Tristan James Biglete (tjb), Valentina Pellegrino (vp); Venus Phuangkom, Wardah Rehman (wr)

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