Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 10, March/2023, 1
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
The Asia in Review (AIR) team is pleased to present you this week´s AiR issue with the latest events, developments and trends in domestic politics, international relations and geopolitics in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
I wish you an informative read and extend special greetings to everyone who celebrates the Independence Day of Ghana, Lithuania, and Mauritius this week.
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: New economic growth target and military budget set for 2023
(ms) On March 4, the annual "Two-Session" opened with the start of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the following day with the beginning of the National People's Congress (NPC). The Two Sessions will continue until March 13. The expected reshuffle of important political positions, such as those of the premier and the country's economic policymakers in general, as well as the approval of Xi Jinping’s third term as President of China are expected for the next few days. [ Reuters 1]
However, with a moderate economic growth target of 5 percent and a 7.2 percent growth in the military budget, the first important decisions for the coming year have already been announced.
Economy
The GDP growth target was presented by Li Keqiang, who is making his last appearance as Premier of China at the Two Sessions, during the presentation of the Government Work Report and, with the exception of 2020 during the start of the pandemic, represents the lowest value in about 30 years.
Li attributed this to the continuing "insufficient demand" from the Chinese population as well as the fiscal deficits the local government is facing after almost three years of Zero-COVID. In addition to the pure GDP growth target, the Chinese government has set a national deficit-to-GDP ratio of 3 percent, only 0.2 percent higher than in 2022, and a limit for local governments to issue special bonds of the equivalent of USD 550 billion.
Li also announced the creation of 12 million new jobs in 2023, one million more than last year. In terms of foreign economic policy, Li called for a greater opening of the market to foreign investment and the expansion of involvement in international trade agreements.
The Chinese government also reaffirmed its commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was launched ten years ago. It plays an essential role in deepening the relationship with developing countries and is an important anchor in the procurement of resources. However, in the future, the focus will be more on smaller construction projects and risk control will play a more important role in the planning and awarding of projects. With this, China approves an already emerging trend of the last few years, which shows a decrease of the investment volume in Africa and South Asia and a stronger focus on smaller and environmentally friendly and digital projects [South China Morning Post 1].
Following Li's general economic goals, Xi once again highlighted the role of the private sector and called for "proper guidance for the healthy and high-quality development" of it. Contrary to this support of private companies, there is a growing number of investigations against and arrests of various high-ranking individuals from China's private financial and real estate sector. While this action by the Chinese government is a continuing pattern, the disappearance of investor Bao Fan or Co-president of real estate giant China Fortune Land Development (CFLD) Meng Jing, among others, showed an intensification just before the beginning of the Two Sessions. These two seemingly contradictory tendencies in the Chinese government lead to speculation that the private sector is becoming more important again in China, but at the same time the government's control over it is intensifying. [see AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3; AiR No. 9, February/2023, 4]. [Bloomberg 1] [Radio Free Asia] [Xinhua]
To sum it up, the moderate economic targets, which have not met the expectations and hopes of the economy, could signal a shift in China's economic policy away from the large stimulus programs that have driven China's rapid economic growth towards policies that balance pro-business measures with stabilizing economic policies to among other things counter a possible commodity inflation. [Bloomberg 2] [CNN 1] [Global Times 1] [Global Times 2] [Global Times 3] [The Economist] [Yicai Global]
Military
The announced 7.2 percent increase in the military budget to USD 225 billion puts it well above the overall GDP growth target, confirming the departure from the status quo that saw the roles reversed until a few years ago.
However, the Chinese Ministry of Defense emphasized that military spending is "purely to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and interests" and put the budget size into perspective by referring to the U.S. military budget, which is nearly three and a half times as high.
The focus on merely defensive spending, however, does not preclude the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China. Li did emphasize the goal of "peaceful reunification" and refrained from the usually following addition that if Taiwan does not follow through, the Chinese side will not rule out the use of the military. Nevertheless, with Li's repeated references to the "One-China" principle, Taiwan is, in the view of the Chinese government, part of its legitimate territory, whereby under the goal of "safeguarding the country's sovereignty" even a military invasion cannot be ruled out. Even if there are no clear indications so far which point to an imminent invasion. [BBC] [China Daily] [Global Times 3] [Reuters 2]
The Chinese government remained vague about the details of the distribution of the military budget, but military experts have already made assumptions.
The expansion of the naval forces, according to experts, will continue to play an important role in the spending of the Chinese military this year. The commissioning of the third aircraft carrier Fujian is expected for the summer of this year. Likewise, highly modern Chinese warships are in construction which are likewise to be finished this year, thereby China will further extend their lead as the largest Navy of the world. [CNN 2]
However, as with economic policy, a shift in strategy is also expected in the development of the Chinese military. Russia's difficulties in its war of aggression against Ukraine clearly revealed weaknesses not only in Soviet military weapons and equipment, which are still in use in the Chinese military. But also weaknesses in the Soviet military mantra, which was based primarily on quantity.
In this regard, the Working Report presented by Li recommends a "slow down [of China's] defense manufacturing, and a focus more on research and development of defense-related technologies." Concrete technologies such as hypersonic weapons, drones as well as investments in space technology and artificial intelligence for missile targeting systems are to play a more important role.
This path towards a high-tech industry "made-in-China" is also of great importance in view of the still tense relations between China and the USA, as the US-led sanctions against the export of high-tech projects to China exclude China to a significant extent from needed foreign technologies. [Financial Times] [South China Morning Post 2]
China: International journalists still face severe restrictions in their work
(ms) The Foreign Correspondents Club of China (FCCC) published its annual report on press and media freedom in China on March 1.
The FCC is a multinational association of journalists, media houses, diplomats, academics, etc. who report on the political situation inside China. Their report is based on interviews with members about their experiences working in and around China.
The main subject of the report was the Zero-COVID policy of the Chinese government, which continued until the end of 2022, and the resulting hardships that foreign journalists had to face.
In addition to stricter controls imposed under the guise of pandemic containment, more than 60 percent of respondents reported experiences of some kind of reporting obstruction justified by covid prevention measures that did not apply to ordinary Chinese citizens. Around 45 percent also reported having to leave places due to health reasons, although this was not legally justifiable, and that they had problems traveling due to problems with the health code, plus 42 percent had to cancel more than 4 reporting trips due to Covid restrictions.
As in previous years, visa issuance for journalists was a persistent problem. Due to severe delays and rejections in visa issuance, several media houses were forced to reduce the scope of their reporting on China. US journalists or journalists working for US outlets were particularly affected. Only nine visas were issued to U.S. correspondents, with waiting times of two years in some cases. About 55 percent of the journalists who did not receive a visa were told by the relevant Chinese authorities that "geopolitical tensions" had been the decisive factor.
Other problems included online trolling, in the form of online harassment by, according to those concerned, "government-sponsored trolls and other nationalist troll accounts", with female journalists with an East Asian background being particularly hard hit. Threats against and repression of sources and Chinese colleagues also continue to be a major problem in China.
Reporting on the ground in the Tibet and Xinjiang regions, where the Chinese governments are taking prominent action against local minorities, remains virtually impossible.
A positive development was seen in the disruption and suppression of reporting by the police, which decreased from 62 percent to 56 percent, but remains a major problem. [Radio Free Asia] [The Foreign Correspondents Club of China]
China: Person impersonates Reuters journalist to obtain information on white paper protesters
(ms) In late February, reports emerged of unidentified individuals who impersonated two Reuters journalists online and contacted various anti-government activists to obtain information about individuals involved in the white paper protests.
Confirmed by Reuters but also by the victims themselves, Reuters Shanghai bureau chief Brenda Goh and Hong Kong-based correspondent Jessie Pang were affected. Fake accounts under their names were created starting as early as November last year on Instagram and Telegram and began contacting various activists. [Jessie Pang via Twitter]
The timing of the start of these activities overlaps with the outbreak of the White Paper protests, a protest movement that erupted in response to a fire in Urumqi the capital of the northwestern Xinjiang region and spread across China. Demands of the protests included the end of the zero-Covid policy, which occurred shortly thereafter, and the resignation of President Xi Jinping [see AiR No. 48, November/2022, 5].
An activist who was contacted by these fake accounts published screenshots of several approaches. The fake accounts used photos of the press IDs of the Reuters journalists involved and shared personal information to prove their credibility. The fake account aimed to find out, among other things, the whereabouts of members of a government-critical telegram group who were involved in the white paper protests.
The possession of the press IDs or at least photos of them as well as the personal data of the journalists, left room for speculation that Chinese security authorities were behind the action, but this could not be proven so far, nor did Chinese security authorities comment on related inquiries. [Badiucao via Twitter] [Radio Free Asia] [Reuters]
However, beginning in December, several arrests of individuals in connection with the White Paper protests by Chinese security authorities have been reported, making possible involvement appear probable [see AiR No. 4, January/2023, 4].
China: First amphibious assault ship conducts open sea voyage
(ms) The Type 075 amphibious assault ship named Hainan, has become the first Chinese ship of its kind to participate in a high seas expeditionary voyage.
The ship was part of a flotilla that included the Type 052D guided missile destroyer, the Type 054A guided missile frigate and the Type 901 comprehensive replenishment ship. The voyage reportedly began in late January and then covered more than 16,000 kilometers in the South China Sea and Western Pacific within a month.
Part of the maneuver was reportedly a variety of military maneuvers to prepare the ship to operate in different situations and weather conditions. [Global Times]
In addition to its use for traditional military maneuvers or humanitarian aid, which the Chinese side likes to advertise, in the event of a possible invasion of Taiwan the Type 075 would play an important role as it could transport helicopters as well as ground troops and accompanying tanks and artillery.
China: Plans to expand space station and train foreign astronauts
(ms) The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) reveals its plans for the further development of its space program. On the one hand, China's own space station "Tiangong" [see AiR No. 45, November/2022, 2], which was only completed at the end of last year, is to be expanded with a new module. On the other hand, the CMSA is about to start a selection process of foreign astronauts who will be allowed to visit the space station.
The newly planned module will serve as a "node cabin" and will enable more spaceships to dock with the space station at the same time. The Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) will also be launched to survey the universe. In addition, the CMSA announced 65 new projects at and inside the space station in the coming years, involving various technologies such as special material preparation, stem cell and regenerative medicine, high-precision time-frequency systems, and quantum precision measurement. [Xinhua]
In addition to the expansion of its own space program, cooperation with other countries is also planned. On alleged demand of several countries, the CMSA is currently in the selection process of foreign candidates who then have to undergo intensive training for the handling of Chinese spaceships. More detailed information about the candidates or their nationality is not yet known. [PBS]
China: Members of Tiananmen vigil group found guilty
(ms) On March 4, a Hong Kong court found three members of the now defunct Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, a group notable for organizing and carrying out annual vigils for the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident, guilty of failing to comply with a national security police request for information.
Among the three is Chow Hang-tung, vice-chairwoman of the group.
The court referred in its decision to new powers gained by Hong Kong security authorities following the introduction of the National Security Law in response to the 2019 anti-government protests, which allows police chiefs to request information on the finances or members of both domestic and foreign political groups after approval by the secretary of security.
Sentencing is to be announced on March 11, and the defendants are likely to face six months in prison. Two other former co-defendants have already pleaded guilty to the charges in late 2021 and were sentenced to three months in prison. [Al Jazeera] [Hong Kong Free Press]
In addition to the current guilty verdict, Chow, along with two other founders of the now-disbanded group is also accused of inciting subversion, a felony offense punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Japan: Government allows courts to use GPS tracking devices on bailed suspects
(cc) On March 3, the Japanese government allowed courts to use GPS trackers to prevent international bail jumping.
The decision came in response to several incidents where the individuals escaped Japan to other countries while on bail. One of the most prominent cases was that of the former Nissan Motor Co. CEO Carlos Ghosn, who ran away to Lebanon to escape a misappropriation charge in 2019.
The government aims to submit the related bill in the current parliamentary session. If passed, the use of the GPS device will start within five years after the promulgation of the law. In addition, the new criminal procedure law will also allow the authorities to prosecute suspects who miss court dates, leave their assigned residences, or remove their tracking devices without authorization.
The plan was met with mixed reactions. On the one hand, some believed that the policy would increase the number of people who receive bail and decrease the court's detention orders. On the other hand, many were worried that the introduction of tracking devices might lead to infringement of privacy by the authorities. [The Mainichi]
Japan: The Cabinet approve bills extending the lifespan of nuclear reactors
(cc) On February 28, in order to reduce carbon emissions and secure a stable energy supply for the country, the Japanese cabinet approved bills enabling Japan's nuclear reactors to be operated beyond the current maximum of 60 years by excluding time spent on inspections or offline periods from their service life. The bill will then be submitted to the current parliamentary session.
Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, nuclear reactors in Japan are currently regulated by the safety standards of a reactor regulation law that sets the operational limit of the facilities up to 60 years if they have received safety upgrades.
The new rule would instead use an electricity business law as a new guideline and allow the industry minister to warrant the extension of the life of nuclear reactors on a case-by-case basis. The rule also decrees that the operating reactors will be subject to inspections by the country's Nuclear Regulation Authority every ten years at maximum after they have been in operation for 30 years.
The move came after Japan's nuclear watchdog had decided to review regulatory measures related to the lifespan of nuclear reactors in earlier February, a decision that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida embraced and urged his ministers to help him lessen the public concerns that may come following the authorization of the plan [See ]. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Cabinet approves revisions of immigration law
(dql) Japan’s Cabinet has adopted draft amendments to the country’s immigration law that allows for contentious measures to deport foreigners who apply for refugee status for a third and further time and do not provide sufficient reasoning for the approval of their application.
This is expected to meet resistance from groups supporting foreign nationals, and from opposition parties citing the danger of persecution the deported are exposed to in their home countries.
Overall, the amendments are part of efforts in Japan to move away from the country’s long-standing immigration policy that has been criticized as "detention-centered" and has led to some foreign nationals who refuse deportation orders spending indeterminate and extended periods of time detained in the country's immigration facilities. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Lower house approve budget for fiscal 2023
(cc) On February 28, the House of Representatives approved JPY 114.38 trillion (USD 840 billion) budget for fiscal 2023. The proposal will be sent to the House of Councillors next for deliberation. If passed, the budget will take effect automatically 30 days after being submitted to the upper house, thereby allowing its enactment to be made before the next fiscal year starts in April.
The budget will delegate JPY 6.82 trillion (USD 50 billion) to the military and a record JPY 36.89 trillion (USD 271.5 billion) to social security spending.
Fiscal 2023 will mark the first year of a five-year defense build-up effort initiated by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2022, including a plan to acquire missiles to increase Japan's military capabilities [see AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3]. Expected to cost approximately JPY 43 trillion (USD 316.5 billion), the program will cost 50 percent more than the current five-year plan.
To fund the initiative, the government will get money from non-tax revenue and the increase in corporate, income, and tobacco taxes from fiscal 2024 or later, a move criticized by the opposition [See AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5].
Kishida is also facing issues related to government spending, as his plan to double the percentage of the child-rearing expenditure in the national Gross Domestic Product [see AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3] drew questions on how the government will obtain the fund needed for the program. [Kyodo News]
Japan: Opposition submits bill legalizing a same-sex marriage
(cc) On March 6, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), a leading opposition party, submitted a bill recognizing same-sex marriage to the parliament. The bill proposed the amendment of the wording in Japan's Civil Code, which currently indicates that marriage is a union between individuals of different sexes.
After introducing the bill, Chinami Nishimura, the Executive Deputy President of CDP, explained to reporters that the prohibition of same-sex marriage is discriminating. Earlier, along with the Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party, the predecessor party of CDP tried to introduce a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage to the parliament in 2019. However, the parliamentary session at the time ended before the proposal could be considered.
The Kishida administration has been caught in issues related to the matter of sexual minorities in recent times. In February, aside from being accused of saying negative remarks to the LGBT community in his parliamentary speech [see AiR No. 7, February/2023, 2], Kishida had to fire his close aide after he was caught expressing discriminatory comments against LGBT people [see AiR No. 6, February/2023, 1]. [Japan Times]
Japan: Child abuse cases on the rise
(cc) According to the National Police Agency, child welfare centers across Japan received reports of 115,762 suspected abuse cases involving minors in 2022, a 7,703 increase from the previous year. Moreover, according to police statistics, child abuse incidents in Japan also saw a rise, with 2,181 cases being reported in 2022, compared to 2,174 cases in 2021.
The police report showed 2,214 children under 18 were registered as abuse victims in 2022. Among them, there were 37 death cases, 24 of which were related to incidents taking place shortly after birth or family murder-suicide incidents.
Approximately 80 percent of cases that reached the police involved physical abuse. Meanwhile, around 70 percent involved emotional abuse, such as children witnessing a domestic violence situation being played out in front of them. [Japan Today]
Japan: Student suicide cases increase
(cc) According to the preliminary education ministry, the number of suicides among Japanese school students in 2022 was at a record high of 512. Of the total, 17 cases occurred in elementary school, 143 in junior high school, and 352 in senior high school.
The data from the health ministry suggested that suicide cases among the students were caused by stress related to unsatisfactory academic performance, poor career opportunities, and university entrance exams. June, September, and March were the months that suicide took place the most.
In addressing the issue, the education ministry urged education boards around Japan on February 28 to provide students with career guidance and be watchful for students that show signs of stress. [Kyodo News]
Japan: World Bank ranks Japan the 104th place in dealing with gender gap
(cc) According to the World Bank's latest report regarding women's economic opportunities, out of 190 countries and territories, Japan was ranked 104th place in addressing the gender gaps in the country's laws and regulations.
In particular, while Japan did well in dealing with the matters of pensions and mobility, it did poorly in tackling issues related to the workplace and pay.
Out of the total mark of 100, Japan scored an average of 78.8, having the lowest score compared to other G7 countries. For example, Germany and Canada scored 100 on the index, while Italy and Britain shared a score of 97.5. Japan's rank has been falling in recent years, with the country being ranked 74th in 2020 and 80th in 2021. [Japan Today]
Mongolia: High-level exchange of clean air
(sw) 53 countries, including the United States, China, Russia, India, and the United Kingdom, participated in the High-Level Forum on Clean Air in Mongolia that took place on March 2 and 3. They discussed mechanisms of action on regional air pollution issues, shared the best practices, introduced methods to build capacities and advanced technologies, and increased cooperation.
Also, Mongolia announced the aim to increase the number of electric cars to 30 percent.
The forum is part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Desertification (COP 17) which will take place in Mongolia in 2026. [Aki Press] [The UB Post]
Mongolia: Construction of dry ports
(sw) The Government of Mongolia plans to build dry ports to increase the capacity of freight transportation and the volume of transit frights, and to ensure fast clearance. To achieve this, the government will cooperate with the United Nations (UN) Economic Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The dry ports will expand the landlocked country’s transport and logistics sector, infrastructure and connectivity with other Asian countries. Currently, Mongolia is part of the Asian Highway Network, Trans-Asian Railway Network, and Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports, initiated by the UN ESCAP. [Montsame]
Mongolia: Entry of Kalmyk activist refused
(sw) The leading Kalmyk activist, Batyr Boromangnaev, is on his way to the United States (US) after Mongolia did not allow him to enter because his Russian passport expired. In Russia he may face persecution based on politically motivated charges.
The passport of Boromangnaev expired while he was temporarily imprisoned in Kazakhstan, which he entered on his way to Mongolia. The Mongolian authorities’ attempt to deport him back to Kazakhstan, but halted after he requested Mongolia's chief of the Border Guard Service to not deport him.
On March 1 he could leave Mongolia and travel to the US. However, it is unclear how and under what conditions Boromangnaev was allowed to enter the US.
Boromangnaev is the deputy of Kalmyk’s self-governing Congress, an unregistered organization that claims to represent the Kalmyk people of Russia, and the former leader of the branch Yabloko party, a political party in Russia, in Kalmykia, a republic of Russia in the Lower Volga region of Southern Russia.
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, most of the party members fled Russia. In October 2022, Boromangnaev and his supporters published a declaration calling for Kalmykia’s independence. [Radio Free Europe 1] [Radio Free Europe 2]
North Korea: Leader Kim Jong-un calls for urgent development of agricultural production amid food crisis
(ge) According to North Korean state media’s communication released on March 2, during a follow up session of the 7th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Worker’s Party of Korea, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for urgent solutions to remove the factors impeding the development of agriculture and for setting up a plan for a stable development of agricultural production in the next few years.
The state media acknowledged the gravity of the situation though, saying that the country must overcome this “struggle” in the spirit of self -reliance and self-sustenance. It reported that discussions at the meeting were centered around four main agenda items: the implementation of the program for the rural revolution; the establishment and implementation of a national economic plan; the immediate intervention to improve the state’s finance work; and organizational matters.
Detailed solutions and an exact timeline for the implementation of said solutions were not mentioned in the report.
During his speech at the meeting session, Kim declared that strong party's control is needed to attain long-term plans for rural development, calling also for improvements in the country’s irrigation system in order to overcome adverse climate events.
The meetings, which started on February 26, were overall centered on discussions concerning economic, agricultural and farming issues as the food crisis in the country appears to be worsening (see AiR, No. 9, February/2023, 4). [KCNA Watch 1] [NK News] [Yonhap]
In a related development, state media report that on March 1 the 14th Political Bureau Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) was held to deliberate draft resolutions which reflected the agricultural and economic development plan adopted during the Plenary meeting sessions. No further elaboration on the nature of the resolutions was reported. [KCNA Watch 2]
North Korea develops high-thrust rocket engine for satellite launch
(ge) According to North Korean state media KCNA, North Korea has developed a high-thrust engine capable of carrying a rocket suitable for the launching of various satellites into orbit. The announcement made on March 6, comes amid speculation that North Korea is likely to put a military spy satellite into orbit by April.
Pak Kyong-su, vice director of the National Aerospace Development Administration, said the North has made "steady" progress in the work to develop "multi-functional and high-performance" satellites mentioning that North Korea has been working to apply its space science technology to various areas including agriculture, meteorological observation, communication, and natural resources exploration. He also discussed North Korea's accession to the Outer Space Treaty and Registration Convention in an interview with KCNA. [KCNA Watch] [Yonhap]
North Korea mobilizes young workers for housing construction project
(ge) On March 3 North Korea said that youngsters of the Jegang Provincial Brigade have been mobilized to build a new street and to participate in a housing construction project in the Sopho area of Pyongyang.
According to South Korea this move appears to be aiming at strengthening state control over the younger generation and encouraging their loyalty to leader Kim Jong-un.
The project, which involves the construction of 50,000 new homes in Pyongyang by 2025, was initiated at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Kim Jong-un, who claimed that about 100,000 youths volunteered for the project. Seoul added that the North may also be trying to improve its construction technology in provincial regions through projects led by mobilized youths from all over the country. [KCNA Watch] [Yonhap]
South Korea: Turmoil grows between two main opposing parties
(ge) Following the rejection by parliamentary vote of the request to approve the Democratic Party (DP) leader’s arrest warrant over corruption allegations (see AiR No. 9, February/2023, 4), tensions have been growing between the DP and the ruling People Power Party (PPP).
Accusations on various questions have been coming from both sides. The PPP has accused the DP of holding a special parliamentary session on March 1, a national holiday celebrating Korea’s independence movement from Japanese colonial rule, with the purpose of shielding DP’s leader Lee from arrest. The law dictates that during a parliamentary session, parliamentary consent is necessary to arrest a lawmaker.
The DP responded criticizing the prosecution’s decision to not indict the First Lady over graft charges concerning three art exhibitions sponsored by a group of conglomerates and organized by her former company, Covana Contents. The DP claimed that charges were dropped without a proper probe just as she was cleared from allegations concerning her involvement in the Deutsche Motors Inc. stock price manipulation scandal in February (see AiR,No. 8, February/2023, 3). The DP vowed to start another independent investigation on the First Lady, as it did on February 13 in relation to the Deutsche Motor stock manipulation case. [Yonhap] [The Korea Times 1]
On March 3 DP leader Lee appeared once again in court to stand his first trial on charges of violating the election law and making false statements concerning two land development projects in Seongnam, Seoul, during the 2021 election campaign. [The Korea Times 2]
South Korea: Constitutional Court upholds constitutionality of military service under Nationality Act
(ge) The Constitutional Court of Korea has confirmed the constitutionality of military service obligation for men born to South Korean parents and temporarily residing abroad, ahead of renunciation to South Korean nationality.
The Court ruled that under the Nationality Act, men born to South Korean parents in a foreign country without the purpose of permanent residence must fulfill their military service obligation before renouncing their nationality.
The Court cited the importance of military service in South Korea and the effect that said clauses of the law prevent men with dual citizenship to give up their Korean citizenship for the purpose of avoiding military service.
The Court also ruled in a separate case the constitutionality of the Nationality Act clause ordering that a man with dual citizenship must provide a permanent address in the foreign country of residence in order to renounce his Korean citizenship. It argued that attempts to dodge military service are detrimental to the country’s basic principles of existence and maintenance. [The Korea Herald] [Constitutional Court of Korea, Korean]
South Korea: President establishes Veterans Ministry, overseas Koreans agency
(ge) On March 2 President Yoon Suk-yeol signed a historical bill upgrading the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to full-fledged ministry and established a new sub-ministry-level agency to support overseas Koreans.
The bill, promulgating a revision to the Government Organization Act, was signed by President Yoon during a first ever presidential ceremony authorizing changes in the government’s structure.
According to the Presidential Office, the ceremony was held to honor patriots and war veterans who fought and sacrificed their lives during the Japanese colonization, in defense against North Korea’s aggressions, for the democracy movement and for saving the lives and properties of other fellow citizens. The new ministry will be officially operative on June 5 and will perform veterans-related administrative tasks which are currently managed by the Prime Minister’s Office.
In June, the overseas Koreans agency will take over the responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ overseas Koreans policy department and the Overseas Korean Foundation. The foreign ministry stated that Seoul is likely to be chosen as the location for the agency.
The presidential office also stated that the establishment of the new agency will enable tailored policies to be implemented for the Korean diaspora based on regional needs. As of 2021, there were 7.32 million ethnic Koreans living overseas, and approximately 2 million of them hold voting rights in Korea. [The Korea Herald] [The Korea Times]
South Korea: President Yoon’s loyalist leading the race in People Power Party’s leadership elections
(ge) The ruling People Power Party (PPP) is currently holding elections to elect a new leader to head the party. The elected leader will lead the party in next year’s parliamentary elections. National Assembly member Kim Gi-Hyeon, the former interim party leader from from April to June 2021 who is said to be a favorite of President Yoon Suk-yeol, is leading the race with over 40 percent support, with lawmaker Ahn Cheol-Soo, lawyer Chun Ha-Ram and former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-Ahn lagging behind.
The winning candidate will be tasked to lead the party to a majority in the National Assembly, taking over the current Democratic Party’s majority. The Presidential office is closely watching the race as the winner is expected to align with the President’s administration.
The PPP plans to announce a winner on March 8 at a national convention. [Yonhap] [Korea JoongAng Daily]
South Korea: Government finalizes reform plan for working hour system Reform Plan
(ge) On March 6 the government announced the finalization of the Working Hour System Reform Plan, reorganizing the country's 52-hour working week system to allow more flexibility in workers’ schedules for both rest and work.
The changes would allow workers to manage their time on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis, providing the option to work up to 69 hours per week. Moreover, employees can save their extra working hours to be used as holiday time for longer breaks.
The government will submit a revised Bill to the National Assembly in June or July, but opposition parties are skeptical of the changes, with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a major labor union, opposing the plan due to concerns of longer working hours. [The Straits Time] [South Korea Ministry of Employment and Labor, in Korean]
South Korea: Military to introduce new strategy to counter North Korea’s threat
(ge) On March 6, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense released a new plan called “Defense Innovation 4.0 Basic Plan” to establish comprehensive guidelines and plans for military power construction by 2040. This plan also introduced the “Kill Web” concept to neutralize North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
According to the Ministry the objective of this strategy is to strengthen the South Korean military to effectively counteract asymmetric threats, such as North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles, and become a powerful force capable of winning in modern warfare.
The plan focuses on enhancing the cooperation ability and mental strength of soldiers, promoting AI technology, and restructuring the overall defense posture. It includes measures such as using AI-based systems in military operations, creating concepts to disrupt and neutralize North Korea's nuclear and missile systems, and expanding joint exercises with the US.
Additionally, the plan aims to allocate over 10 percent of the defense budget to defense R&D by 2027, and focus on 30 key defense technologies in areas such as quantum and energy. [The Korea Times] [South Korea Ministry of National Defense, Korean]
Taiwan: Defense ministry withdraws mobilization draft
(sw) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revised proposed changes to the General Mobilization Act after it was criticized for harming the press freedom.
The draft proposed that local governments and news media would have to cooperate with the central government in case of peacetime “mobilization preparation” and emergency or wartime “mobilization implementation”.
Under the draft amendments, the government could enforce controls on all information networks, like online media, publishers and TV channels. Because the draft does not clearly define “mobilization preparation” critics fear that the provision could be used by the government to restrict press freedom.
Moreover, after some media outlets reported that students older than 16 would have to fight in the event of a conflict, concerns in the public increased. However, Premier Chen Chien-jen clarified that this was not the case. [Taiwan News] [Taipei Times] [See also AiR No.9, February/ 2023, 4]
Taiwan: Protestors confront Taipei mayor at 228 commemoration event
(sw) While the Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an from the Kuomintang (KMT) apologized at a memorial event for the 228 Incident, protestors interrupted him and shouted “murderer, kneel down and apologize”.
The 228 Incident in 1947 was an anti-government uprising during which up to 28.000 Taiwanese were killed [Taiwan News 1]. The uprising was violently suppressed by the KMT regime of Chiang’s great grandfather Chiang Kai-shek who served as political and military leader of the Republic of China. The protestors, a group of college students, were pulled away by security staff and Chiang finished his speech. [Taiwan News 2]
With a lawsuit against Chiang, the pro-independence Taiwan Nation group increases the pressure on him. They criticize the Taipei mayor’s opportunistic behavior by using his family’s legacy to promote his election campaign, but not taking responsibility for their historical wrongdoings once elected.
The group demands Chiang to dismantle the Taoyuan mausoleum where his grandfather is currently preserved and to bury his coffin. It is only allowed for corpses to remain in coffins unburied if the Taiwanese citizen paid “special service or an outstanding contribution to the improvement of the status of the nation”.
Whether the contributions of Chiang Kai-shek were outstanding or not remains controversial. He originally wished for his remains to be repatriated to China, assuming an eventual “national reunification”. However, his mausoleum receives annual government funding. [Taiwan News 3]
During a separate event, President Tsai Ing-wen presented the progress of her administration’s transitional justice efforts, announcing that nearly 6.000 convictions that were handed down during the authoritarian period and now deemed illegal were invalidated. She vowed to continue to collect, declassify, and research in political archives to identify further cases of political persecution. [Taiwan News 4]
Taiwan: DPP wins by-election in Nantou county
(sw) Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Tsai Pei-hui narrowly won the legislative by-elections in Nantou county against former Nantou County Commissioner Lin Ming-chen from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT). Nantou has been so far a stronghold of the KMT
However, both candidates accused each other of using tactics to intimidate voters and trying to interfere with the election results. These tensions increased after secret cameras were found in flower pots outside the polling stations in Nantou. Hence, the police took four people for questioning.
The by-election was held because the former KMT representative was elected as the chief executive of Nantou County in late 2022. It gained more attention than usual because it was the first held since Lai Vice-President Ching-te assumed the post of chair of the DPP, and the last before the 2024 presidential election. Therefore, the Nantou elections are seen as a possible indicator of the chances of the DPP remaining in power in 2024. [Taiwan News 1] [Taiwan News 2] [Taiwan News 3] [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Tainan City Council Speaker, nine others accused of election manipulation
(sw) Indictments have been handed down against the Tainan City Council Speaker, Chiu Li-li, and the Deputy Speaker of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lin Chih-chan, three city councilors and five others for manipulating Tainan’s council speaker and deputy speaker elections in December 2022. Two city councilors were from the Kuomintang (KMT), but were expelled from their party after they voted for the DPP Council Speaker.
Chiu and Lin led the scheme with the former DPP Central Executive Committee member Kuo Tsai-chin who used tactics like vote buying, intimidation, vote trading, and making offers to persuade some KMT and independent city councilors to vote for the DPP nominees. They also tried to bribe the KMT politician Fang Yi-feng.
The DPP suspended the membership of Chiu and Lin for three years. However, the KMT criticizes that they neither apologized for the scandal nor demanded Chiu and Lin to resign which would facilitate re-election. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Former KMT politician guilty on corruption charges to expect harsher sentence
(sw) The Supreme Administrative Court is expected to increase the sentencing of former Kuomintang (KMT) politician Lin Yi-shih who was found guilty of accepting a USD 2 million bribe in 1999.
On March 3, the Court nullified a sentence from 2022 after legal experts of the ruling stated that four years and 10 months in jail would be too lenient. Therefore, the case is moved to the High Court.
Lin accepted the bribe from Dih Yeon Industrial Co, a state-owned company, for helping them secure a slag treatment contract with a subsidiary of China Steel Corp. [Taipei Times] [Taiwan News]
Taiwan: Pro-Tibet rally in Taipei
(sw) On March 5, pro-Tibet and human rights groups held a march in Taipei to show their solidarity with people in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong who face oppression in China. The event has taken place every year since 2004, and started as a commemoration to those who died during a Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule in March 1959.
The representative of the Tibetan government-in-exile to Taiwan urged that Taiwan should not follow the same path as Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. [Taipei Times]
Taiwan: Military to practice amphibious landings on beaches
(sw) Taiwan’s Military will simulate amphibious landings by enemy forces and counterattacks on beaches from March 8 to 9. They will conduct a second round of exercises on April 12 and 13.
Moreover, between March 27 and 31, the minesweeping unit has planned drills. The aim is to replicate the establishment of a safe passage for ships during war times.
Overall, the drills are designed to counter a Chinese invasion. [Taiwan News]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Government takes strict measures against single-use plastics to protect environment
(az) To tackle the environmental challenges, the government of Bangladesh has taken strict initiatives against single-use plastics and illegal brick kilns. Likewise, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry urged government offices not to use single-use plastic materials. In order to reduce plastic pollution, the ministry advised government offices to raise awareness. As the economy and urbanization proliferate, environmental issues are widely neglected in the country. The officials also urged action against any illegal brick kiln to increase the air quality. [The Weather Channel]
Bangladesh: Quick risk in foreign loans triggers debt crisis
(az) During a dialogue on 6 March, experts expressed concerns over the risky foreign loans that have put Bangladesh under immense debt pressure in recent times. Despite having no commercial loans from the international bond market, Bangladesh faces a significant debt crisis, putting sustainable development in danger. data shows that during the last three years, the foreign debt increased by USD 31 billion, and the country’s foreign debt stands at USD 92.69 billion. The experts also warned of the Chinese debt trap that also caused economic havoc in Sri Lanka. During the dialogue, the usefulness of the IMF was put in doubt as Bangladesh had agreed to many conditions for the loan. [New Age]
Bangladesh: Former vice-president of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union faces charges under DSA
(az) For allegedly hurting the religious sentiments and making flawed and provocative statements against the ruling party Awami League, a case under Bangladesh’s contentious Digital Security Act was filed against the former vice president of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). Police informed that the allegations against the student leader were proved to be accurate. Claiming that Nur is on the run, the investing officer also demanded an arrest warrant against him. [New Age]
Bangladesh: Government manifests crushing human rights, opposition party movements through internet shutdown
(az) According to a digital rights watchdog, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, Bangladesh ranks among the top five countries that have shut down the internet as a weapon of control. Last year alone, Bangladesh has shut down the internet six times, demeaning human rights, democratic actions, freedom of expression, and covering violence across the country.
It was reported that during the opposition party BNP’s rallies, people could not get usual access to internet facilities around the places of the rallies. During the opposition party’s last rally in Barishal, the telecom operators stopped the high-speed data service from morning till night under the direction of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s engineering and operation division. However, the authorities from Telecom Ministry and BRTC avoided the condemnation by stating that overcrowding sometimes creates an overload of the internet system. [Asia News Network]
Bangladesh: Ahmadiyya community under attack by local Islamists
(az) On 3 March, Islamists clashed with police forces in Bangladesh to stop the Ahmadiyya sect from celebrating their annual Jalsa event. The incident left two killed and several injured, including the security forces.
One day before the incident, about 500 people stormed the houses of the Ahmadiyya community, vandalized, and torched the area. Due to the intensity of the situation, the local security failed to bring the situation under control. However, the Ahmadiyya community claimed that the negligence of the local authorities facilitated the damages to them. On 03 March, the Islamists is many groups gathered on the road and started pelting stones as the police tried to halt them. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) was deployed later to contain the violent clash. After the incident, police arrested 130 people and accused another ten thousand in ten cases under the charges of the arson attack. [bdnews24 1] [bdnews24 2]
Bangladesh: Hunt for militants, separatists lead to closure of schools
(az) Several schools in Bangladesh’s southeastern Bandarban district were closed during an exchange of gunfire between security forces and Islamic militants. Some local residents retreated to the countryside of India, while others stopped sending their children to school. In an announcement to the community, local authorities indicated there is no way to predict when the situation will return to normal. [bdnews24]
In October last year, the elite force Rapid Action Battalion launched major operations in the area and arrested several Islamist militants and tribal armed separatists. Due to the frequent exchange of gunfights, the tourism industries are also currently facing losses due to the ban on tourist entry in that area.
India: Supreme Court overhauls rules for appointment of Election Commissioner in ‘historic’ judgment
(wr/lm) India’s Supreme Court on March 2 ordered the setting up of a bipartisan panel that will include the prime minister, opposition party lawmakers and the chief justice to select the country's election commissioners, ending a practice of the government effectively choosing them. Appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commission (EC) members was the central government’s prerogative, however, the top court’s ruling has changed that.
The ruling came with reference to the public interest litigation that was filed in 2015, challenging the “constitutional validity” of the practice of the central government appointing members of the EC, which enabled control of the executive over the EC. The case was then referred to the larger bench in 2018 for a “closer examination” of Article 324 of the constitution, which covers the power of the Chief Election Commissioner and composition of the EC. The article says that the EC will have a Chief Election Commissioner and any number of Election Commissioners, so that the President may decide.
The larger, five-judges bench reserved the verdict last year in September. The challenge held that the Supreme Court must examine the matter to fill “constitutional vacuum”, since there is no law by Parliament regarding the process of appointment, removal of ECs or funding of the EC giving the President alone “constitutional power”. The current system provides the Law Minister to suggest candidates to the Prime Minister (PM) for consideration, and the President finalizes appointments with advice of the PM.
The government had a reservation and asserted that the court must respect the principle of separation of powers between different organs of the state and should refrain from interfering with the selection process of EC members under Article 324, which the petition challenges as insufficient. Despite the Center's objection, the apex court has directed that the appointment of election commissioners will constitute a “high power committee” including PM, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and the CJI to hold mutual consensus and advise the President of India on selection. The procedure will continue till parliament comes up with a law on the subject. [India Today] [Reuters] [The Indian Express]
India: Supreme Court seeks response from Uttar Pradesh government, State Election Commission
(lm) India’s Supreme Court on March 3 sought responses from the Uttar Pradesh state government and the State Election Commission on a plea by 14 mayors to intervene in a case concerning the holding of local body elections in the state. [The Hindu]
The tenures of incumbent office bearers in several municipalities were set to expire by the end of January. But the apex court in January had stayed an Allahabad High Court direction to the Uttar Pradesh state government and State the Election Commission to hold local body elections without reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC), a collective term used to classify castes which are educationally or socially backward.
The same order gave the Uttar Pradesh government’s Dedicated Backward Classes Commission time till March 31 to conduct a “contemporaneous rigorous empirical investigation”, in accordance with the triple test conditions laid down by the Supreme Court, to identify backward classes who need political representation in the Uttar Pradesh state. The court had also, as an interim measure, adopted the High Court’s direction to the State to form three-member committees headed by District Magistrates in places where the tenures of the elected bodies had expired.
India: Supreme Court orders market regulator to probe allegations against Adani Group
(wr/wm) India’s Supreme Court has ordered the country’s market regulator to investigate allegations of “regulatory failures” posed at the Adani Group conglomerate. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has been directed by the apex court to “expeditiously conclude the investigation within two months” and to suggest the validity of stock manipulation claims under the light of existing state laws. [Al Jazeera] [CNBC] [Hindustan Times]
Hindenburg Research published a two-year investigation on Adani Group, alleging that it found the Indian conglomerate had “engaged in a brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over decades,” calling out Adani's “substantial debt.” The Adani Group, in response, denounced allegations of fraud made by a United-States based short-seller as “baseless” and a “malicious combination of selective misinformation.” [AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]
On the other side, the opposition blocked parliamentary proceedings last month while demanding an investigation into the Adani group and accusing the government of giving undue favors to the group owner. The government and the business group have denied close ties. At the same time, the opposition remains firm in its demand for a probe into the matter. It looks at the affair as an opportunity to pressure Modi, who is eyeing a third term in office next year. [AiR No. 7, February/2023, 2]
The Supreme Court also ordered the formation of an investor protection panel; seven listed companies of the Adani Group have lost about USD 135 billion in value since the report by Hindenburg Research was published.
India: Prime Minister Modi’s BJP consolidates power with key election victories in northeastern states
(wr/wm) India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has returned to power in the country’s northeastern Nagaland and Tripura states, and consolidated power in Meghalaya state as a ruling coalition partner. Political observers believe that these election victories will further entrench the BJP as a key player in the northeast, where it has been expanding its influence since 2014, besides reinforcing its status as a pan-India party ahead of other crucial state elections in 2023, including in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The BJP was governing in all three states that went to polls in February, either directly or through alliances with regional parties. Based on the final tally, declared on March 2, the party managed to secure 32 of the 60 state assembly seats in Tripura for the second term in alliance with the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). Furthermore, it retained power by winning 12 of the 60 seats in Nagaland along with its alliance partner, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), which was victorious in 25 seats.
But in Meghalaya, the BJP won just two of the 60 assembly seats, trailing its pre-election government coalition partner, National People’s Party (NPP), which won 26 seats. Henceforth, the BJP, after an intense campaigning by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, will continue to have a share in the government of a “strategically” significant, “resource-rich” region by allying with the NPP. [Reuters] [The Straits Times]
India: Opposition Congress party leader accuses central government of espionage
(wr/wm) The leader of India’s main opposition National Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, in a lecture at Cambridge University said that he, along with other politicians, had been informed by intelligence officers of being spied on by the central government through the Pegasus spyware. Gandhi said that the spyware – developed, marketed, and licensed to governments, able to breach privacy – was on his mobile phone. He further claimed that Indian democracy is “under attack” as the opposition leaders are being arrested or silenced, and the judiciary and media are being captured. [Economic Times]
India’s ruling BJP has denied such allegations and said it is an attempt to “defame” India on foreign soil by the Congress party.
In a side development, the Congress's 'haath se haath jodo' campaign started on January 26 as an extension of the Bharat Jodo Yatra against BJP's inefficiency to counter inflation and unemployment crisis, has entered the southwestern state of Goa where it will be issuing charge sheets on BJP-led union government. [Times of India]
India: State broadcaster's contract with Hindu right-wing news agency criticized by media players
(wr/wm) Opposition leaders, media watchers, and news editors in India have condemned a deal of state-owned public broadcaster Prasar Bharati with Hindusthan Samachar, a Hindu right-wing news agency, to feed wire news to its television and radio channels, referring to it as a source of accelerating pro-government and religiously polarized coverage on mainstream media. The contract was signed on February 14 for 25 months duration. [The Straits Times]
Hindustan Samachar was laid down by a pro-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) journalist in 1948, now has 22 news bureaus, 600 correspondents across the state, and supplies newsfeed in 12 languages. Previously, the state broadcaster had an agreement with Press Trust India till 2020, which was terminated because of “deep displeasure” expressed by the broadcaster on reporting the Chinese ambassador's view on the Ladakh stand-off, contradictory to Prime Minister Modi's “no intrusion” claim. [The Indian Express]
Doordarshan television channel and All India Radio, two arms of Prasar Bharati, are still considered an official source of news in rural areas, notably provoking concerns regarding the integrity of “independent” news amongst critics of controlled, pro-government media. The former information and broadcasting minister has called out the news agency for having “clear and overt ideological bias." India ranked 150 of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index of 2022; against this backdrop, human rights and media rights watchdogs have criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for its alleged escalation of a crackdown against press and journalism freedom in India. [Independent]
India: Villagers in Haryana state protest against e-tender policy for infrastructure projects
(wr/wm) The Sarpanch Association of Haryana, a union of village heads in India’s northern Haryana state, has witnessed an intense agitation between police and protestors attempting to reach the chief minister’s residence.
The protest in Panchkula against an introduced e-tender policy for development works in rural areas has been going on for two months. Aimed to bring “transparency” within developmental works and eradicate corruption, the Haryana government initiated the e-tendering system in Panchayati Raj institutions two years ago.
However, the policy has met criticism from local heads who perceive it as a threat to their positions and claim that the e-tendering system is intended to curtail their spending autonomy, which they under the Indian panchayat raj System were previously practicing. The policy requires “mandatory” e-tendering for projects above USD 2,400 and restricts village heads from approving such developmental works.
Meanwhile, the state’s chief minister has criticized the opposition Congress and local Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) party for causing the trouble and reiterated that the e-tender policy reflects the government's “zero-tolerance policy towards corruption” to ensure “smooth execution of development work.”
However, the timely development ahead of the General and Haryana assembly elections 2024 worries the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) alliance amid Congress extending its support to the protesting Sarpanches. [The Indian Express] [NDTV] [Tribune India]
India: Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia's custody extended to March 20 by the court
(wr/wm) Manish Sisodia, Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in an alleged connection with the Delhi excise policy scam case 2021, has been sent to jail by Special Court till March 20. [The Economic Times] [Hindustan Times].
The decision came after he had spent more than a week under the custody of CBI, where he claims to have been subjected to “mental harassment.” Earlier, AAP approached the Supreme Court to intervene, which the court refused. Sisodia has also resigned from the position of Deputy Chief Minister, giving up 18 portfolios he held. The Delhi's government blames Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for “misusing investigation agencies” for political motives. Now, the Special Court has intervened and ordered 14-day judicial custody of Sisodia in a 'Meditation Cell.'
Meanwhile, BJP supporters protested in Delhi temple against AAP's so-called “corruption” and accused the party's leader Arvind Kejriwal of his role in the alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy scam. [The Economic Times]
India: Defense Minister address Naval Commanders’ Conference
(wr/wm) The first edition of the Naval Commanders' Conference of 2023 was conducted on March 6 to discuss security and military concerns by Navy officers and aims to bring synergy between three forces in an operational environment. The conference took place at INS Vikrant, India's first indigenously developed aircraft carrier launched last year; Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Commanders deliberate the Navy's combat-readiness along with challenges to enhance naval power and presence. The conference holds relevance amid India's growing maritime interest in geostrategically significant regions of the Indo-Pacific and its inclination to expand its footprint. [Indian Navy] [CNBC]
Pakistan: Government bans airing of Ex-Prime Minister Khan’s speeches, media talks
(lm) Pakistan’s government on March 5 imposed a complete ban on the broadcasting of speeches and news conferences by the country’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and suspended a mainstream satellite television channel, ARY News, for defying the order. The curbs were condemned as an assault on Pakistan’s freedom of speech and independent media. [Voice of America]
The curbs were imposed just hours after Khan addressed supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Party outside his residence in the eastern city of Lahore and alleged corruption against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In the televised remarks, Khan also again accused Pakistan’s powerful military and its recently retired chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, of protecting incumbent rulers in alleged corruption cases. He also accused an unnamed officer of the country’s spy agency of unleashing a crackdown on PTI leaders and social media activists.
Notably, the ban comes also at a time when a majority of Pakistanis blame the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition government for the soaring inflation while support for Khan soared. An opinion poll published this week found that 62 percent of the 2,000 respondents blamed the PDM for the economic turmoil and inflation coming up to a six-decade high. Khan’s approval ratings in contrast jumped to 61 percent in February from 36 percent in January last year, polling data showed. [Bloomberg]
Pakistan: President Alvi announces Punjab provincial polls for April 30
(fm/lm) Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi announced that elections for the dissolved assembly of Punjab, the country’s most populous province, will be held on April 30. The decision on March 3 followed a proposal by the Election Commission to hold the polls between April 30 and May 7. [Al Jazeera]
Alvi had previously bypassed the Election Commission by unilaterally announcing April 9 as the election date in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The Supreme Court stepped in on March 1 and ruled in a split verdict that the elections for the two provincial assemblies must be held within 90 days of their dissolution.
The top court also said the electoral watchdog must consult with the president to announce the date for the Punjab polls. For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the judges instructed the province’s governor, Haji Ghulam Ali, to declare a date in consultation with the commission.
The two provincial assemblies, which account for about 70 percent of the country’s population, were dissolved by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party of former Prime Minister Khan on January 14. Consequently, elections ought to be conducted within the time frame of 90 days according to Article 224 of the Constitution. It is noteworthy that the elections of national assembly and provincial assemblies are usually held on the same day, however the dissolution of assemblies has resulted in provincial elections prior to general elections for the national assembly , which were to take place in October 2023. [Daily Pakistan]
Pakistan: Opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party suspends ‘Jail Bharo Movement’
(fm/lm) The chairman of the Pakistan’s main opposition party, ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan, announced on March 1 the suspension of the party’s “Jail Bharo Tehreek” [Court Arrest Movement], following the Supreme Court’s ruling on elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
The campaign had been initiated on February 22 to mark a protest against the government’s policies and to put pressure on the government to announce the elections in the two provinces. In the wake of this movement, approximately 100 party workers as well as leaders were arrested. [Daily Pakistan] [Tribune] [@ImranKhanPTI]
Pakistan: Crackdown on Afghan refugees leaves ‘four dead’, thousands in cells
(tj/lm) At least four people have died in custody, and thousands more are being held in prisons as Pakistan hardens its stance against the approximately 250,000 Afghan citizens who have crossed the border since the Taliban took power in August 2021. [The Guardian]
Last summer, Islamabad launched a program to send undocumented migrants back across the border. Since then, arrests and deportations have increased with more than 600 Afghans allegedly deported in just three days in January, and thousands more detained.
In light of this, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has condemned the treatment of Afghan refugees and demanded that the authorities follow the judicial process.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Afghan refugees who have been waiting in Pakistan for more than 18 months for United States officials to process their visa applications protested in Islamabad late last month. The demonstrators said that applicants had yet to receive the preliminary interview necessary to begin the visa application process. [The Diplomat]
Pakistan: Credit rating downgraded by US-based rating agency; government raises interest rates to 20 percent
(lm) Pakistan’s central bank on March 2 raised lending rates by 300 basis points to 20 percent - the highest of any country in Asia, two days after Moody’s credit rating agency issued its worst assessment of the South Asian nation in three decades, warning that the country’s “increasingly fragile liquidity and external position” had significantly raised the risk of default. [Financial Times]
The interest rate rise is one of several measures Islamabad hopes will free up a stalled tranche of about USD 1 billion held back by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its USD 6.5 billion financing agreement with Pakistan, which would likely forestall a default. An IMF delegation in Pakistan last month reported progress on talks, but it’s unclear when an agreement will come.
Pakistan: Suicide bomber kills nine police officers
(lm) A suicide bomber killed nine police officers and wounded 16 others on March 6 in an attack on their truck in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, indicating that militant groups continue to feel emboldened and increasingly target security forces. The incident took place at Dhadar, the main town of Kachhi district, some 120 kilometers southeast of the provincial capital Quetta. [The Straits Times]
Sri Lanka: Workers defy strike ban to protest against government’s policy to secure IMF bailout deal
(sn) Sri Lankan workers from approximately 40 trade unions, including hospitals and bank employees, went on strike on March 1 in defiance of a government ban to protest against the administration’s rescue plan for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. President Ranil Wickremesinghe had compelled the workers of essential services to remain at work at risk of losing jobs on the preceding day.
Nonetheless, Colombo National Hospital workers warned to treat only the emergency cases during the protest. Electricity workers also participated in the demonstrations. The Government Medical Officers’ Association announced its plans to extend its industrial action after March 1. Recently, the ruling party announced a Local Government Elections postponement due to financial constraints and conducted the national Independence Day celebration while simultaneously banning strike conveners from the event area.
Moreover, the government took measures to increase electricity tariffs and tax the state employees who never paid such duties before as part of the IMF conditions to unlock the credit. These unpopular decisions fostered demonstrations within the nation that is still skeptical of governmental intentions after ousting the preceding president out of the State for initially causing the current crisis. [South China Morning Post] [The Straits Times]
Sri Lanka: Cabinet allows state departments to open accounts in private banks to prevent public services disruption
(sn) Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has granted permission to state institutions and its departments to open accounts at private banks if trade union auctions hinder credit opening for essential goods, such as medicines or gas. The Ministry of Finance and the President approved the measure in response to the issues Sri Lankan people tend to experience with public services during the financial crisis. [ADA derana]
Sri Lanka: Currency reaches lowest value against USD since May 2022
(sn) According to the January 2023 performance report from the Central Bank, the merchandise trade account deficit decreased from USD 857 million in January 2022 to USD 410 million at the beginning of the current year. The report highlights a deficit increase following the final month of 2022 and some improvement in liquid reserves. Furthermore, Sri Lankan Central Bank also revealed that LKR recorded an appreciation of 0.4 percent against USD to February 28. [Colombo Page] [Daily News]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Prime Minister responds to NGOs' critique of former opponents joining the ruling party
(sn) At least 25 former employees of the Voice of Democracy (VOD) media outlet have applied to work in government posts after the Cambodian Prime Minister ordered to revoke their license in February 2023. Prime Minister Hun Sen offered state employment to former members after VOD officially ended its operations.
While the former VOD acting director Ith Southoeut expressed hope that the company will resume its operation at some future point, Hun Sen criticized non-governmental organizations that judge those who shifted from supporting opposition to assisting the ruling party, noting that “those who claim to be a democracy don’t respect democracy”, while implying that some foreign activists urge younger Cambodians to conduct anti-regime protest movements.
Following the official shutdown of the Voice of Democracy on February 13, 2023, the US and multiple NGOs called the ruling party to reverse their decision. Observers note that the speech by the Prime Minister also aimed to indirectly warn the US of unintended consequences that can emerge from meddling in Cambodian politics. Such intention derives from his remarks about the 1970s removal of Prince Norodom Sihanouk from power and the 1980s Khmer Rouge’s seat claim in the United Nations. [Radio Free Asia 1], [Radio Free Asia 2]
Cambodia: Prime Minister calls for changes in wildlife protection law
(sn) On February 28, 2023, the Prime Minister Hun Sen proposed to amend the law protecting wild animals from human possession, while motivating local people to raise rare species.
The announcement followed an incident on February 16, 2023, where the Forestry Administration (FA) § Wildlife Alliance mobile intervention team confiscated 6 peacocks from the Phnom Tamao zoo in the Takeo province area.
The team accused the commune of raising and selling the animals, but social media users urged state institutions to motivate people to rear rare species since it promotes conservation. In response, Hun Sen ordered the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry officials to bring the birds back to their owners. The FA department returned the peacocks to the commune on February 28, 2023.
Currently, the breaching of law can lead to a sentence of up to 5 years and a charge of up to USD 2500. The Agriculture Ministry spokesman said that their department will accordingly follow the orders of the state governor. In turn, The Justice Ministry noted that while relevant state departments should initiate the legislature amendment, they will consult the government on penalty sections. [Phnom Penh Post]
Indonesia: District court mandates National Election Commission to postpone national election
(mc) On March 2, the Central Jakarta District Court issued a verdict requesting the National Election Commission (KPU) to postpone the national election from 2024 to 2025, following a lawsuit filed by the newly established Prosperity and Justice Party (Prima) against the KPU.
Prima accused the KPU of violating the verification process, which caused the former to be unable to compete in the 2024 election. KPU chair Hasyim Asyari stated he has not yet received a copy of the verdict from the court and is set to appeal the verdict.
The Office of Presidential Staff stated that President Joko' Jokowi' Widodo is still committed to supporting the national election according to the schedule set by the KPU. Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD supports KPU's plan to appeal the verdict and notes the potential politicization of the election following the court verdict.
The national election is set to be held on February 14, 2024, with 24 parties set to compete. According to the KPU's Internal Law No. 4 of 2022, a political party needs to have a legal standing, administration in every province, administration office in at least 75% of the regent or city, administration in 50% of districts, and at least 30%-woman representative.
Prima was established in June 2021 and is chaired by the former 1998's activist Agus Jabo Priyono. In July 2022, the Indonesian Constitutional Court rejected Prima's appeal regarding the KPU's verification procedure. [The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: Constitutional Court dismisses petition on Penal Code
(mc) On February 28, a request to revoke contentious provisions in Indonesia’s new penal code that criminalizes insults against the government and a sitting president has been dismissed by the Constitutional Court. The nine judges cited for their decision premature nature of the petition and the lack of standing to pursue the case on the side of the petitioners.
The petitioners - two lecturers, a student and a content creator - filed their motion in January, only days after President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo signed the revised Criminal Code. Passed by the House of Representatives in December 2022, the new code stipulates that it will enter into force three years after its enactment on January 2.[The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: President Jokowi regrets country’s past human rights abuses
(mc) Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told the United Nations Human Rights Council 52nd session that President Joko' Jokowi' Widodo had acknowledged and expressed regret on behalf of the state for the 12 gross human rights violations in the country's history.
The twelve gross human rights violations that Jokowi admitted on January 11 including the 1965 massacre, the 1989 Talangsari massacre, the disappearance of pro-democracy activist in 1997-1998, the 1998 Rumah Gedong case in Aceh, the May 1998 riots, Trisakti Shooting Tragedy, Semanggi I and II shooting tragedy, the Banyuwangi massacre in 1998-1999, the 1993 Simpang Kertas Kraft Aceh (KKA) incident in Aceh, Wasior and Wamena incident in 2001, Jambo Keupak Aceh incident in 2003, Munir's murder, and the Bloody Paniai case. Following his statement, the National Human Rights Commision (KOMNAS HAM) submitted the report to the Attorney General to follow up on the complete investigation.
In the same HRC session, UN experts expressed concern regarding the allegation of increased militarization and human rights violations surrounding the urban development and tourism project in Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara. [The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: National Mandate Party endorsed Ganjar Pranowo and Eric Thohir for presidential election
(mc) On March 1, coalition member National Mandate Party (PAN) declared their support for Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir as candidates in the 2024 presidential election.
Ganjar is currently a member of the ruling Indonesian Struggle for Democracy Party (PDIP), which is yet to name any candidate for the election.
According to a survey by the Indonesia Survey Institute (LSI), Ganjar tops the polls with 36,3 percent, followed by former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan and Ministry of Defense Prabowo Subianto respectively with 24,2 percent and 23,2 percent respectively. .[The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: Long-term operation planned to rescue New Zealand pilot
(mc) Indonesian Military Commander Admiral Yudo Margono announced the plan to conduct a long term operation to rescue the New Zealand pilot who has been held hostage for more than 20 days by armed Papuan Rebel group in Nduga Highland, West Papua.
Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that security forces had already located the group who took hostage the pilot but will refrain from any activity that would endanger the hostage, as requested by the New Zealand embassy in Indonesia.
A Susi Air pilot, Philip Mertens, 37, was held hostage since February 2. The rebel group demanded that Australia and New Zealand stop exporting military equipment to Indonesia and requested New Zealand to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and lead peaceful negotiations between Jakarta and the West Papuan separatist.
West Papua, the easternmost island in Indonesia, has become a security concern for Jakarta following the UN-Led referendum in 1969. In 2021, the Indonesian government deployed 400 military forces to handle the rebel group that Jakarta assigned as a 'terrorist'.
On March 2022, UN Human Rights experts expressed serious concerns regarding the deterioration of the human rights situation in West Papua, citing child killings, disappearances, torture, and mass displacement. [The Jakarta Post] [ABC] [OHCHR]
Malaysia: Flood mitigation projects to be expedited amid northeast monsoon disasters
(ldm) Following the country’s recurring floods that displaced more than 40 000 people [CNN], Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on flood mitigation projects to be expedited.
In response to his instructions, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) will hasten the implementation of such projects using the design-and-build method in Johor. [The Star] The Malaysian government has approved RM10 million for the armed forces to purchase assets for flood preparation, such as rubber boats and a seven-tonne truck, to aid in rescue efforts. The assets will be placed in states that are prone to flooding, including Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan. [FMT]
The Sabah, Sarawak and Pahang governments have pledged to provide monetary assistance to households affected by the current flood disaster. [Malay Mail][Mkini]
Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has critiqued the government’s proposal in Budget 2023 to deposit money in Employees Provident Fund (EPF) accounts with less than USD 2300. He claims that targeted withdrawals would be a better alternative so that it saves the government money, allowing such savings to be used for aiding flood victims. [The Star 2]
Malaysia: No economic downturn expected
(ldm) Deputy Finance Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan announced that Malaysia is not expected to experience economic turmoil this year. The government is predicting a growth rate of 4.5%, which is in line with the projections of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Despite global economic uncertainty, Malaysia's economy is expected to remain stable.
The government will continue to prioritize economic progress and equitable development, and has allocated RM64 billion in subsidies, aids, and incentives for the year. The government is also providing various grant incentives, loan facilitation, and guaranteed financing worth up to RM40 billion to assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Tax rate reductions for MSMEs and the M40 group are also expected to increase disposable income. [FMT][Malay Mail][NST][The Star]
Malaysia: 22 000 people signed up for People Income Initiative (IPR)
(ldm) Over 22 000 people have signed up for Malaysia's People's Income Initiative (IPR) since its launch on Feb 26, with the government targeting 100 000 registrations in the first year.
The IPR programme is designed to increase the income and overcome the challenges of the cost of living of the hardcore poor and the B40 group, the bottom 40 percent of the Malaysian household income.
Aiming to increase participation from states with high rates of poverty such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak, the ministry of economy is meeting with stakeholders from the country’s poorest districts.
With an allocation of USD 187 million under Budget 2023, the initiative will train some 120 000 households to grow crops, sell cooked food, and provide in-demand services to raise their income. This is done through three main components: Intan, which will nurture agricultural entrepreneurs; Insan, which will train cooked food entrepreneurs; and Ikhsan, which will train participants for in-demand work. [The Star][Malay Mail]
Malaysia Prime Minister pledges to raise salary for civil servants should economy improve
(ldm) In the case of an improving economy, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government will prioritize the increment of civil servants' salaries. Acknowledging the enormous commitment and duties the country’s civil servants have delivered, he admitted that the country’s current financial capabilities does not allow for the implementation of a salary increase this month. [MalaysiaNow][The Borneo Post][The Star]
Anwar has also asked the Public Service Department (PSD) to continue discussions with the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) regarding the public service remuneration system. Hoping that negotiations will continue to find the best solutions to the issue, Cuepacs has called on civil servants to be patient and is confident that the leadership of the Chief Secretary to the Government and the PSD director-general will bring their voices and aspirations to the government. [NST]
Myanmar: NLD expels four member of central working committee
(ih) The National League for Democracy (NLD) has expelled former Yangon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, Daw Sandar Min, U Toe Lwin and U Win Myint Aung from the central working committee for backing the military regime's sham election and defying party policies. The party stated that the expelled members had been suspended from all party duties permanently. [The Irrawaddy]
The NLD accused the four members of working out of self-interest and misusing the party's name to please the military dictator. U Phyo Min Thein testified against State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in a corruption case filed by the junta, and Daw Sandar Min reportedly has close ties to junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun and visited Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in prison to ask her to back the junta's plan for a general election this year.
Since the 2021 coup, 84 NLD members have been killed, and 1,583 arrested, with more than 1,200 still under detention.
Myanmar: 13 political parties register under the new election law
(ih) So far, 13 out of over 90 political parties have re-registered with the junta-appointed Union Election Commission under Myanmar's new Political Parties Registration Law, which requires parties to re-register with the commission within 60 days or face dissolution. Meanwhile, the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD) decided not to re-register. [The Irrawaddy] [Myanmar Now]
Among the 13 parties that have re-registered, the USDP, Federal Democratic Party (FDP), MPD, PNO, NUP, NNDP, and PSSP were among 34 parties that met military chief Min Aung Hlaing ahead of the 2020 general election.
The new law signed into effect by Min Aung Hlaing on January 26 requires national parties to recruit at least 100,000 members within 90 days of registration, open offices in at least half of Myanmar’s 330 townships within six months, and contest in at least half of all constituencies.
The formerly incumbent National League for Democracy (NLD) is banned from participating in the election, as under the law a party may not have members serving prison sentences or be affiliated with “unlawful entities” such as the National Unity Government. However, a break-away group from the party is preparing to register as a union-level party under the name of the National Democratic Force (NDF).
Myanmar: Arakan Army in negotiations with military for release of detained civilians
(ih) The Arakan Army (AA) is currently negotiating with the Myanmar military to secure the release of the civilians detained during the latest fighting between the two forces. The military promised to release the detained Arakan civilians within two months during an informal ceasefire in late November 2022. However, the military has so far only released some of the detainees since the ceasefire, and the AA is thus negotiating for the release of the remaining detainees.
According to the AA, since the first period of sustained fighting began in late 2018, the Myanmar military has arbitrarily detained a total of 594 civilians, 203 of which remain detained. [BNI Online]
Myanmar: Military imprisons nearly 2,400 people in February
(ih) Myanmar's military junta has sentenced almost 2,400 people to prison in February, bringing the total number of prisoners sentenced since the 2021 coup to nearly 4,700. The surge in imprisonments is believed to be an attempt by the junta to instill fear in the public. Among those sentenced were 13 civilians who violated the country's anti-terrorism law. The junta has also imposed the death penalty without evidence and has conducted court trials without basic requirements, which violates the International Declaration of Human Rights. [Radio Free Asia]
Myanmar: NGOs name additional foreign companies involved in supplying aviation fuel to junta
(ih) Amnesty International, Global Witness and Burma Campaign UK have identified more companies involved in supplying aviation fuel to Myanmar's military, despite ongoing war crimes, according to a statement released on March 1. A number of companies had already been identified by the groups as involved in this trade in Amnesty International’s 2022 report “Deadly Cargo”.
The additional companies named on March 1 include Reliance Industries, Sea Trade Marine, and Japan's P&I Club. The shipments of aviation fuel arrived at the former Puma Energy Aviation Sun terminal in Thilawa, Myanmar. The terminal is currently controlled by Shoon Energy, which is part of the Asia Sun conglomerate that manages the import and distribution of aviation fuel across the country. The Asia Sun conglomerate is currently under European Union and British sanctions for its role in keeping the Myanmar Air force supplied with aviation fuel.
Amnesty International and Global Witness are calling for a halt to aviation fuel exports to Myanmar, and for the international community to act to reduce the military's terror capacity against civilians. [The Irrawaddy]
Philippines: Lower house approves proposal calling for constitutional convention
(tb) House of Representatives lawmakers have approved a resolution calling for a constitutional convention that aims to amend the 1987 Constitution. An overwhelming 301 votes were cast in favor of the proposal while six lawmakers were against the initiative. Only a single representative abstained. [Philippine News Agency]
The recent push for a constitutional convention is driven by the desire of lawmakers to change economic provisions in the long-running. The convention also includes 253 elected delegates from the country’s legislative body, who will be equally responsible for voting on the proposed amendments. [Philippine Star]
Week-long transport strike hits country
(ml) Drivers of Philippine jeepneys have started a week-long protest that began on March 6, prompting the suspension of in-person-classes at schools and universities across major cities while businesses have been requested to work from home.
The protest was triggered by the government’s plan to ‘rehabilitate’ the aging jeepneys with newer vehicles which many of the drivers saw as a threat to their living. Many of them claim that the plan would be unaffordable for them to maintain, where the jeepneys are in many aspects cheaper than taxis and trains. Manibela, one of the transport groups that announced the strike, said about 80 percent of the jeepney operations in Metro Manila were affected.
Last week, despite a week-long protest, Secretary of Education Sara Duterte reiterated the schools were going to keep operating normally, while urging institutions to transfer all of their work remotely or from home. She added on Monday that this protest is such a woe on the Philippine’s education system and claimed that the protest was communist inspired. [The Guardian]
Philippines: CHR and NBI to conduct probe on hazing victim
(tb) The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will investigate the death of a university student reported having died due to fraternity hazing.
The victim, John Matthew Salilig, died in a reported hazing incident during the welcoming rites of the fraternity that he has joined.
The CHR condemned the killing of Salilig saying that the incident is “a clear violation of the victim's human rights and a failure of those responsible for their safety and welfare.” The commission further called on the police and education agencies to prevent hazing and hold those responsible for the practice accountable. [Philippine Star]
Philippines: Oil tanker sunk
(ml) The MT Princess Empress, a tanker carrying 800,000 liters of fuel oil, sank off the coast of Oriental Mindoro province. Water sample results showed that some of the cargo had also leaked off the coast of the municipality of Naujan. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, apart from Antique, the oil spill has also reached Palawan.
The Philippine Coast Guard has been fighting against oil leaks in their territorial waters for several days, after successfully rescuing the twenty crew members. [ABS-CBN News][CNN Philippines][Liberation]
Many of the areas where the spillage spreads are marine protected areas. Meanwhile, fishermen in the Philippines have been ordered to stay ashore as the authorities struggled to contain the spillage. The difficulties faced by authorities triggered Secretary Jaime Bautista to request help from the Japanese government because, suggesting “the Japanese government has a great ability to help us so that the oil spill does not spread too much in our islands in Mindoro,” reported on Saturday, March 4th. [ABS-CBN News]
Singapore: Government to publish annual reports tracking progress on sustainability
(ih) Starting from the 2023 financial year, the Singaporean government will publish an annual report to track the public sector's efforts and progress in rolling out its sustainability agenda. Under the GreenGov.SG initiative, the public sector will aim for ambitious sustainability targets and serve as a positive influence for green efforts.
The report will cover the public sector's Scope 1 and 2 emissions, electricity and water consumption, following international standards and frameworks. All statutory boards will also make annual environmental sustainability disclosures from the fiscal year 2024.
Starting from 2024, the government will consider the sustainability practices of companies it purchases from when awarding tenders, beginning with large construction and ICT tenders. Up to 5 percent of evaluation points will be set aside for environmental sustainability considerations. [The Straits Times]
Singapore: Implementation of more stringent requirements for individuals seeking to practice law delayed to 2024
(ih) Alterations to the Bar exam and training period for law graduates before they qualify to practice law in Singapore have been delayed from 2023 to 2024 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes, which include extending the practice training period to a year and raising standards on the Part B exam, were recommended by a committee in 2018 and accepted by the Ministry of Law.
The deferment, intended to allow stakeholders more time to adjust to the changes, was announced by Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong during the ongoing budget debate. The delay will also give law firms more time to review their human capital needs post-pandemic. [The Straits Times]
Singapore: Prime Minister Lee’s younger brother considers running for president
(ih) Lee Hsien Yang, the younger brother of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has stated that he would consider running in the upcoming presidential election, which is expected to be held by September 2023. There are concerns, however, about his eligibility due to an ongoing police investigation into whether he and his wife, Lee Suet Fern, lied under oath during a legal proceeding. [Bloomberg] [The Straits Times]
Lee had never publicly indicated his interest in running until a recent interview with Bloomberg, which occurred a day after Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean informed parliament on March 2 that Lee Hsien Yang and his wife Lee Suet Fern are currently under police investigation for potentially giving false testimony under oath regarding Lee Kuan Yew’s will.
However, he has previously considered running, joining the opposition Progress Singapore Party in 2020 as a potential candidate for prime minister and campaigning for the party during the general election that year.
Thailand: Court rules non-Thais out of constituency map calculation
(ts) Thailand’s Constitutional Court on March 3 unanimously ruled non-Thais out of the constituency map. The Election Commission (EC) earlier in February received a request to resolve whether non-Thai residents will be included in the calculation of the number of MPs.
The previous number was calculated on the basis of the 2022 year-end census with a total population of 66,090,475 that still included non-Thais. The court requires the number of MPs to be based on this latest census, and as a result, the total number of constituency seats remains at 400, with only eight provinces affected by the current ruling. Four provinces each lost a single MP while the rest each gained one. [The Nation Thailand] [see AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3 and AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]
Thailand: Election commission collaborates with TikTok, civil groups plan to monitor
(ts) Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) announces its collaboration with TikTok to develop a reliable information channel throughout the election while civil groups plan a monitoring process following EC’s scrapping live results report. An ‘Election Centre’ channel on the platform TikTok will be available for users during the election phase. A TikTok delegate promises the purpose of securing electoral information will be served. EC, meanwhile, claims the channel is in an attempt to get everyone to participate in the election process. [The Nation Thailand]
The EC said no real-time updates of the vote will be reported, claiming the reason for canceling the live updates is to avoid mistakes arising from unofficial result reports. The announcement triggered civil groups led by iLaw, a democratic-rights-oriented NGO, to voluntarily monitor election day. The civil network said 100,000 volunteers will be posted to over 90,000 polling stations near home, adhering to Vote62.com for processing and public viewing. iLaw head urged EC to come up with guidelines for physically independent monitoring to avoid clashes with officials. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Parties boast election promises
(ts) Thailand’s main opposition Pheu Thai Party has pledged to lift the minimum monthly wage to THB 25,000 (USD 726) by 2027. This pay will benefit salaried employees of both state and private sectors as well as university graduates. Earlier in December, Pheu Thai also launched its campaign to increase the minimum daily wage to THB 600 (USD 17) from THB 300 (USD 8).
The minimum salary has remained at THB 15,000 (436) since the government led by Yingluck Shinawatra, former prime minister from Pheu Thai, approved the raise in 2012. [Bangkok Post 1]
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party promises to increase the remuneration for sub-district (Tambon) officials, adding the increase will initially be effective through the Royal Gazette next week. Though it targets only sub-district officials, these officials are believed to be those working closest to people. UTN’ move is seen to mobilize the officials in wielding political influence that would affect grassroots’ decisions ahead of the poll. [The Nation Thailand 1]
Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) promises to cut fuel prices by reducing relevant gasoline taxes. It claims the reduction will help not only the general public but also the business sectors.
PPRP’s leader Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, meanwhile, in a Facebook post, claimed the elite are antagonists to liberal democratic systems, and vows to stand for democracy by ending this elite-liberal conflict with properly formulated policies. [The Nation Thailand 2] [Bangkok Post 2]
The Democrat pledges to end the daunting deep south insurgency to consolidate its political base. The party promised to bring peace to the deep south, citing that the peace was once witnessed in the area during the southern-born Chaun Leekpai’s prime minister tenure under the party banner. On this occasion, the party also promises to promote wide-ranging policies, e.g., border trade boost, tourism, fishery rules, and farmer insurance. [The Nation Thailand 3]
Parties have called for policies to attract elderly voters, including PPRP, UTN, and Move Forward Party. The latter pledged to increase the monthly allowance for the elderly with the popular rate of THB 3,000 (USD 87), while coalition Bhumjaithai Party calls for improving life insurance funds, Pheu Thai and Democrat Party both made calls for improving the healthcare system [see The Nation Thailand 4]
Thailand: Opposition Pheu Thai Party names real estate tycoon as advisor
(ts) Thailand’s main opposition Pheu Thai Party has appointed real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin as chief adviser to its prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra to assist the party with economic strategies. In light of this, Pheu Thai party leader Cholnan Srikaew said the party is selecting its final PM candidates, but Srettha told reporters on March 3 that he will be happy with nothing other than the prime minister's chair should the party win the election. [Bangkok Post 1] [Thai PBS] [The Nation Thailand]
Meanwhile, the Move Forward Party (MFP), a progressive political party that opposes the remaining influence of the military junta, which ruled Thailand until 2019, has confirmed its willingness to work with Pheu Thai after the election, regardless of the latter’s PM choices. The MFP suggests all parties in the current opposition bloc can work together. On the contrary, joining any coalition government that includes either the now-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha or Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan was ruled out by the MFP. [Bangkok Post 2]
In contrast to the opposition’s kick, the ruling whips seem willing to take up the challenge. United Thai Nation (UTN) Party see no prospects regarding the speculated coalition pact with Palang Pracharath Party led by Prawit. PM Prayut, UTN’s linchpin, gives no say about the matter claiming it is too early to make any relevant remark. UTN also needs to tackle the claim that it pulls the strings behind massage parlor tycoon Chuvit Kamolvisit’s campaign against its coalition Bhumjaithai Party. The tycoon accuses the coalition party of irregularities in the bidding for state rail projects. The PM hereby denies his party’s involvement in the campaign. [Bangkok Post 3] [Bangkok Post 4]
Meanwhile, UTN’s chief adviser Trairong Suwannakhiri gets himself embroiled in a likely probe into election law violation. He was accused of making an improper remark on the monarchy while at the hustings. A local activist has petitioned the Election Commission to investigate the case. The PM shows support for his party member, saying the remark was unintentional and disparaging. [Bangkok Post 5]
The coalition Democrat Party has faced an internal conflict over calls to replace its current leader, as revealed by Chuan Leekpai, House Speaker and former party leader. He also expresses concerns over the party’s dwindling popularity in the southern region where its solid support is found. He admits the party might not win big, yet its stronghold could still be secured. [Bangkok Post 6]
Thailand: Cabinet approves welfare benefits for 14.6 million people
(aj) Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the registration of 14.6 million low-income earners to receive benefits under a new phase of the government’s welfare program. According to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, successful applicants can begin receiving the benefits on April 1, given that they complete the online identification process by March 26, or otherwise may experience delays in using the benefits.
The benefits include new allowances for monthly credits of purchases at affordable grocery stores known as Blue Flag shops (USD 8), discount for cooking gas per person (USD 2), a monthly credit for transportation (USD 22), and monthly household credit for electricity (USD 9) and tap water (USD 9).
Approval for these benefits comes after the United Thai Nation Party’s announcement of its campaign promise, led by its chief strategist and PM Prayuth, to increase benefits for welfare cardholders from THB 300 (USD 8) per month to THB 1,000 (USD 28) per month. As the date for general elections on May 7 approaches, political parties have ramped up campaign promises [see AiR No. 9, February/2023, 4]. [Bangkok Post] [National News Bureau of Thailand]
Thailand: Emergency decree in Deep South extended, surveillance measures increase
(aj) Thailand renewed the emergency decree in its three southernmost border provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat for another three months until June 19. According to data from watchdog group Deep South Watch, there have been a total of 7,344 casualties and 13,641 injuries related to conflict flare-ups in the three provinces since 2004. The emergency decree has extended every three months without fail since it was first enacted in July 2005.
One of the most well-known organizations among these separatist groups is Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN). Moderated by Malaysia, peace talks between the BRN and Thai government resumed last year after being previously suspended due to the pandemic. The most recent dialogue took place last month in Kuala Lumpur and concluded with both sides agreeing to draft together the Joint Comprehensive Plan toward Peace. Malaysia, Thailand, and the BRN plan to hold a formal meeting in June to look over and potentially sign the final draft of the peace proposal.
With the push for peace underway between the BRN and Thailand, security officials in the South have been asked by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who looks after security matters, to enforce the law against insurgents in a fair and legal manner. Following this request, government representatives met with top authorities from the southern branch of the Internal Security Operations Command to discuss ways to promote peace in the region. Authorities are preparing to boost surveillance along the border to prevent illicit activities, like drug smuggling, and enact measures to protect the local population. [AiR No. 8, February/2023, 3] [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2]
Vietnam: Politburo urges construction on north-south express railway to begin before 2030
(ih) The Politburo of the Vietnamese Communist Party has called for work on the north-south high-speed railway to begin before 2030 and to be duly completed by 2045, describing the railway project as a "backbone" axis that will link urban railways, economic centers, and international borders.
Two express railway sections, Hanoi-Vinh, and Ho Chi Minh City-Nha Trang, are to be prioritized in the 2026-2030 period. The high-speed train is expected to cover 1,559 kilometers and will cost over USD 58 billion. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has twice asked Japan for support in building the railway. [VN Express]
Vietnam: Corruption crackdown paralyzes vehicle registry centers
(ih) Hundreds of arrests of vehicle registration personnel on charges of bribery have led to vehicle registration centers across Vietnam operating at half capacity, causing kilometer-long queues in some locations.
An ongoing investigation into fraud and bribery at centers across the country, including the arrests of Vietnam Register Director Dang Viet Ha and his predecessor Tran Ky Hinh on charges of bribery, has left Vietnam Registry with significant personnel shortages.
Police and the Ministry of Public Security have raided vehicle inspection centers across Vietnam searching for violations related to certification, technical safety inspection and environmental protection. 486 vehicle personnel have either been detained or have resigned due to the high profile arrests and investigations. As of March 1, 59 of Vietnam’s 281 vehicle registration centers have been shut down due to police investigations and other unspecified reasons. [VN Express]
Vietnam: New anti-money laundering law comes into effect
(ih) Vietnam’s new law on anti-money laundering came into effect on March 1. Organizations providing payment intermediary services are now officially included in the order, and the requirement for the national money-laundering risk assessment has been updated.
Regulatory changes were also made in areas including the obligation to retain customer data, the reporting of high-value transactions, suspicious transactions and signs, and state authorities' responsibilities. The new law is designed to implement the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). [Lexology]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Bangladesh asks for global funding to relocate Rohingya refugees to flood-prone island
(lm) In a bid to move Rohingya refugees from Cox's Bazar to Bhashan Char, Bangladesh has appealed for foreign funds and assistance.
After developing concrete structures at Bhasan Char in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh has relocated nearly 30,000 Rohingya in phases since December 2020. However, the remaining construction of the camp and lack of funding are creating problems in relocating another 70,000.
Against this backdrop, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah forwarded to proposals to a delegations from 17 countries during a meeting in Dhaka on March 2 for the quick relocation of the Rohingya refugees and to build more infrastructures in the new camp to make it livable for the refugees. [Newagebd]
On March 3 then, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs met with Joseph Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for a discussion centering on climate change and vulnerabilities of the LDCs, as well as the Rohingya refugees hosted by Bangladesh. [The Daily Star]
Both meetings came after Dhaka-based ambassadors from Japan, China, France and Indonesia visited Bhashan Char Island on February 17 to examine the prevailing living conditions of the Rohingya there. [The Geopolitics]
This week, then, a fire destroyed 2,000 shelters at a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, leaving around 12,000 people homeless. It was not clear how the fire started; authorities have ordered an investigation. [The Straits Times]
China backs Sri Lanka debt plan, paving way for IMF loan
(sn/lm) Sri Lanka expects final approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a USD 2.9 billion loan by the end of this month, the country’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe told parliament on March 7, adding that China - the island nation’s largest bilateral creditor - had given assurances that it would support Colombo’s debt restructuring.
In January, the Export-Import Bank of China offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it would support its efforts to secure the IMF loan, which a Sri Lankan source said at the time was not enough to meet IMF conditions. But last week, then, Premier Li Keqiang told IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that Beijing was open to participating in multilateral efforts to help heavily-indebted nations “in a constructive manner.”
Against this backdrop, the Export-Import Bank of China sent "a new letter" on March 6, and Sri Lanka’s President Wickremesinghe and the central bank governor had sent a letter of intent to the IMF. The following day, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said his country would continue to participate in the settlement of international debt problems in a constructive manner. [Bloomberg] [Reuters]
India hosts foreign ministers from Group of Twenty; Quad meeting under shadow of Ukraine war
(mk/lm/wm) Last week, India hosted foreign ministers from the Group of Twenty (G20), which included Sergei Lavrov of Russia, Antony Blinken of the United States, and Qin Gang of China, among others. Despite India's efforts to focus on issues like food security, development cooperation, and terrorism, the deepening geopolitical tensions sparked by the ongoing war in Ukraine posed a challenge to achieving consensus among the world's biggest economies.
Blinken and Lavrov had a brief 10-minute meeting on the sidelines, during which Blinken assured Lavrov that the West would stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes” and called on Russia to rejoin the New Start nuclear arms control treaty. However, no joint statement was released due to the inability to reconcile differences over Ukraine. [Voice of America]
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not directly address the Ukraine war in his address to the G20's foreign ministers, but he acknowledged that geopolitical tensions would affect the discussions. He also stated that the global governance structure that emerged after World War II had failed in its mandates, particularly for nations of the Global South. As the leader of the G20, Modi made it a priority to give precedence to the voices from the Global South. [BBC]
Following the G20 talks, the Quad member states (the US, India, Australia, and Japan) held in-depth talks that centered on China's large presence of coast guard and fishing vessels in the disputed South China Sea. The joint statement issued by the Quad foreign ministers also touched on other regional and international issues, such as the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, North Korea's nuclear threat, and increasingly aggressive missile testing. The statement also included a condemnation of the war in Ukraine and the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons. [Department of State]
The Quad leaders' Summit will be held in Australia, and ahead of that, the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida will be visiting India in March to deepen ties with New Delhi across a range of sectors. Japan, which will be hosting the G7 in May, is looking to coordinate its agenda with India, which will be a special invitee at this year's summit. [The Hindu 2]
India hosts conference of global intelligence chiefs under Raisina Security Dialogue
(mk/wm) A day before the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue, India held a conference of security and intelligence chiefs from 26 countries under the banner of the Raisina Security Dialogue. The conference which is modeled on the lines of the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue was addressed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and focused on issues of global security specifically pertaining to terrorism, radicalization, drugs trafficking, and illegal arms smuggling. It is organized by India’s external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). [The Hindu]
Global Internet advocacy watchdog lists India on top, in cutting internet access
(wr/wm) A worldwide Internet advocacy watchdog, Access Now, in its 2022 report has placed India on the top for the fifth successive term in imposing internet shutdowns across the country. The digital rights group recorded globally 187 shutdowns, out of which 84 took place in India, including “long curfew-style” 49 shutdowns in Indian-administered Kashmir, with the government citing security grounds, “political instability and violence.” Government-led communication and internet disruption in Kashmir valley has been intensified since the August 2019 autonomous status abrogation move by the BJP-led government, subsequently incorporating the state as a federally administered Union Territory. [Reuters] [The Jakarta Post] [The Straits Times]
Cambodia: Infrastructure attains new investment from the US-ASEAN Business Council members
(sn) On February 27, 2023, six US corporations expressed their intention to attract US investment in the Cambodian public infrastructure and transportation. ConocoPhillips, Ford, RMA Group, Pfizer, Visa, and Vriens & Partners made the announcement during a meeting between the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Sun Chanthol, and the US-ASEAN Business Council.
Negotiations also aimed to strengthen cooperation between public and private institutions. The parties expect to launch the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway construction by mid-2023.
The US-ASEAN Business Council also considers facilitating a canal between the Basaac river and the Kampot resort. In addition, companies also plan to share capital, such as knowledge and technology, to boost the local economy in Cambodia.
On the same day, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced that the state is looking for international investors in the high-speed rail and sky subway projects. [Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: Royal family visits Chinese President and his wife in Beijing
(sn) The King and Queen Norodom of the Kingdom of Cambodia took an official visit to China, Beijing. They met President Xi Jinping and his wife in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. The Cambodian Royalty expressed gratitude on behalf of the Kingdom for the belt and road initiative investments in the local infrastructure in Cambodia.
President Xi Jinping urged to enhance China-Cambodia community cooperation for peaceful development and a win-win bilateral relationship.
The visit comes as both countries celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2023. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia plans to launch a flight simulator as core training provider for the ASEAN
(sn) In March 2023, the Lanmei Training Center (LTC) based in Cambodia plans to launch the Airbus A320 full flight simulator (FFS).
The project is a part of efforts to become the main training provider for the ASEAN. Currently, the company does local, maintenance, and multi-crew pilot license programs and targets to expand in the Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Chinese markets.
LTC also signed an agreement with Singapore Flying College in October 2022. Cambodian Lanmei Airlines, a subsidiary company of the same group, works in the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Framework, a part of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
The FFS was made in Canada and arrived in the Kingdom at the end of 2022. [Khmer Times]
China-Belarus: Prime Minister Lukashenko’s visit
(vp) On March 1, Belarus Prime Minister Aleksandr Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, arrived in Beijing where he first met with Prime Minister Li Keqiang and later with President Xi Jinping.
During the talks, both parties pledged to “deepen their cooperation” in several sectors and called for an “early return to peace in Ukraine” following last week’s issuing of China’s position paper on the political settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, urging for a “political solution”.
China's peace proposal over the Ukrainian crisis was “fully” endorsed by Lukashenko and Xi made the first remarks over the paper, blaming “certain countries for politicizing and instrumentalizing the world economy” during the Ukrainian crisis, while reiterating the need for peace talks and negotiations.
At the end of the visit, Lukashenko signed a 15-point joint declaration on deepening development ties between the two countries, in particular in technology and trade cooperation. The declaration also reports the intention to open a Belarusian consulate in Hong Kong and start affairs in Macau. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China] [BBC] [CNN] [NPR] [Politico 1]
The visit follows a pledge by China and Russia to strengthen their cooperation, but also comes as tensions continue to grow between the US and China due to accusations against Beijing of providing military support to Moscow, of failing to condemn the invasion and favoring Russia’s interests in the peace proposal. The claims were strongly opposed by Beijing.
Although the US and the EU have been skeptical and dismissive over China’s policy paper, some European leaders, such as France President Macron and Ukrainian President Zelensky recognised some positive points and declared to be willing to discuss it further with Xi.
Germany also warned China against helping Moscow and blamed the failing in condemning Russian invasion, while praising China’s “unequivocal” opposition to Russian nuclear threats which “helped to de-escalate the situation”. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban fully backed China’s peace proposal.
Belarus ties with Europe have also been increasingly deteriorating since Lukashenko won the elections in 2020, which were widely seen as rigged and not recognized by European governments and sparked some pro-democracy riots. Moreover, Europe imposed sanctions on Minsk because of its role in assisting Putin for the invasion of Ukraine, which set off from its territory. [Politico2] [Reuters]] [South China Morning Post 1] [South China Morning Post 2]
China at G20 summit: Foreign Minister Qin Gang reiterates criticism against U.S.
(vp) On March 2, China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang delivered a speech at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi, in which he acknowledged the “volatile international situation and rising global challenges” and affirmed the need for the G20 to enhance cooperation and dialogue, “practice multilateralism, uphold the UN-centered international system” and international law. In a thinly veiled attack on the U.S., he called on to work against “unilateralism, protectionism”, decoupling, “power politics and bloc confrontation”.
Referring to China’s Global Security Initiative and peace proposal for Ukraine, he further reiterated China’s willingness to “actively promote peace talks, and play a constructive role,” in ending the war in Ukraine, reflecting its efforts to present it as a peacemaker to the international community. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China 1]
The G20 summit was dominated by issues related to the Ukraine war. Tensions between the US, China and Russia, openly flared up amid the US’s and other Western countries’ warnings against China supplying Russia with military aid. Russia reiterated that there had been “attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries,” accusing the US of blackmailing delegations at the summit to condemn the invasion of Ukraine, or support sanctions against China if Beijing decided to arm Moscow. China, meanwhile, continued to refuse to condemn Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. [BBC] [Reuters] [The Guardian]
Host India was left with nothing else than to affirm that there were many “divergences” because of the “different views” among the parties resulting in the failure to issue a joint statement on the war in Ukraine. [AP News]
On the sidelines of the meeting, Qin Gang also met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov to discuss the war in Ukraine. He reaffirmed China’s support for “all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis” and its willingness to “continue to play a constructive role in this regard.” In response, Lavrov expressed his appreciation for China’s “impartial position and constructive role.” [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China 2]
China to put into action the Global Development and Global Security Initiative
(vp) Premier Li Keqiang affirmed China’s commitment to the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI) pursuing peaceful development, cooperation with other countries and the international community.
The two initiatives were issued to call on all countries to refrain from conflict and to practice multilateralism, resist a Cold War mentality, unilateralism, bloc confrontation and hegemonism, in particular amid the war in Ukraine and growing tensions with the US.
The two papers will help to tackle urgent global issues including poverty alleviation, tackling climate change and resolving disputes, employing what they called the “biggest characteristics” of China’s foreign policy: pursuing peace and pushing forward peaceful development. They still reiterate that if necessary China will protect its own sovereignty rights with a “fighting spirit”, worryingly regarded as aggressive from the West. [Global Times]
China-Ghana: Debt restructuring talks
(vp) On March 2, a Chinese delegation concluded a three day visit to Ghana to discuss the country's request for the restructuring of the USD 1.9 billion debt to China. The visit was reportedly “highly cordial and fruitful.”
Ghana has been going through a heavy economic crisis. In December 2022, it secured an agreement with the IMF for a USD 3 billion loan, but the money's approval is contingent on it restructuring its debt of USD 46.06 billion. External debt was USD 29.2 billion at the end of November 2022.
China is the world's largest bilateral creditor and has faced criticism for its lending practices to poorer countries, accused of leaving them struggling to repay debts.
Beijing, however, argues that its official bilateral loans involving Ghana account for less than 5% of the West African country's total debt, while multilateral and commercial debt account for the vast majority of Ghana's external debt. It has urged them to play an active role in restructuring the debt of developing countries.
In this regard, on March 1, Premier Li Keqiang said China was willing to “constructively” participate in multilateral efforts for debt relief initiatives and, addressing the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he reiterated that all parties should cooperate in order to carry the burden for low-income countries and help in their economic development. [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2] [South China Morning Post]
China-UK: British Royal Air Force refutes recruitment of former pilots by Beijing
(vp) Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) chief has expressed his opposition to China recruiting former RAF pilots to train Chinese military, calling it an “unacceptable” move.
Australian and Britain intelligence agencies warned pilots against accepting working for Beijing. Britain even proposed a law to make it an offense for a former military pilot to serve in a foreign military, and Australia as well affirmed a further tightening of the regulations. A former US marine pilot faces extradition from Australia with charges of training Chinese military pilots.
Australia affirmed that former military pilots who turn to working for authoritarian regimes are "more 'top tools' than 'top guns'". [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2]
Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation denies China extradition
(vp) On March 1, Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation overturned a decision by a lower court to comply with Beijing’s request to extradite a Chinese citizen. The case is reportedly about a “former CEO of a well-known Chinese company, wanted for alleged economic crimes” and comes amid Beijing’s efforts to bring fugitives back to China.
The reason has still not been made public, but the decision is an historic first by a member state of the European Union (EU) after the European Court of Human Rights’s unanimous assessment of a “general situation of violence” in China’s judicial and penitentiary systems in the case of Liu v. Poland went into effect 30 January 2023.
The case concerned the extradition proceedings initiated against a Taiwanese citizen arrested in Poland in the context of an investigation concerning a vast international fraud. The Court ruled that, in the event of extradition and imprisonment in the requesting country, the applicant would have run the risk of being subjected to torture or inhuman and degrading treatment. The reassurances provided by Beijing were deemed unconvincing.
The EU since then dictates the prohibition against extraditing or deporting a person to a country where they stand to be at risk of torture or other inhumane and degrading treatment. Italy pioneered in following up the Court’s sentence and in rejecting China’s request for extradition on the grounds of defending individuals from a worse fate in the foreign prison system. [Decode39] [ECHR] [Giurisprudenza Penale, in italian] [Safeguard Defenders]
US calls for sanctions on Hong Kong prosecutors in 47 democrats’ case
(vp) US politicians have called for US President Joe Biden to impose sanctions on Hong Kong prosecutors involved in the arrest of 47 democrats and called for the Hong Kong government to drop the charges.
The call included the need for requesting an urgent discussion at the United Nations Human Rights Council over China’s “human rights record and its efforts to dismantle the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong’s citizens through the Sino-British Declaration and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
Beijing responded fiercely stating that the US politicians should “immediately stop the hypocritic political show that interferes with the SAR’s normal judicial proceedings.” Beijing also told Hong Kong leaders to “firmly crack down on any attempts to undermine national security, Hong Kong’s peace and overall interests, and hold perpetrators legally responsible”.
In 2021, 47 democrats were arrested and charged under the security law with “conspiracy to commit subversion,” after they organized primaries in a bid to win the 2020 legislative election. They are accused of planning to use legislative powers to indiscriminately veto bills and forcing the chief executive’s resignation and a government shutdown. Most were detained for almost two years awaiting trial.
The police custody of democrats in one of the biggest national security cases is a sign of the the crackdown on dissent, of “deep erosion of Hong Kong’s once venerated rule of law and the Chinese Communist Party’s tight grip on the city”, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) stated in a statement issued on the second anniversary of the arrest of pro-democracy activists currently on trial under the National Security Law. [Congressional Executive Commission on China] [Hong Kong Free Press 1] [Hong Kong Free Press 2] [South China Morning Post]
China-Canada: Prime Minister Trudeau orders investigation to interference in 2021 election
(vp) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that an independent special investigator will be appointed to look into allegations of China interfering in the country's elections. In addition, separate new probes into the suspected foreign meddling will be conducted, too.
Canadian opposition parties have strongly pushed for a broad public inquiry into alleged foreign election interference, as the Canadian police are investigating media reports that cited secret intelligence on Chinese attempts to influence the election, looking for potential violations of information security laws. [Reuters] [The Guardian]
Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in India and strongly opposed accusations, voiced by Canada, regarding the Chinese Embassy in Canada interfering in the 2021 legislative. He deemed the accusations as “groundless” and reiterated Beijing’s opposition to any interference in other countries’ internal affairs. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China]
China-US: Ban on Tiktok
(vp) On March 1, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a bill that provides President Joe Biden with the power to ban the Chinese-owned app TikTok, considered a “national security threat”.
The bill does not specify a process on how the ban would work, but gives the head of state the power to prevent anyone from using an application which may be considered a threat and on which sanctions could be imposed.
Measures were taken in the last weeks in order to ensure that TikTok is not on any federal devices and systems. Canada and the EU institutions have also banned TikTok from being loaded onto state-owned devices.
Beijing accused the US of overreacting and of abusing state power to suppress and impose sanctions on foreign firms, stating that the “US government should respect the principles of market economy and fair competition, stop suppressing the companies and provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies in the US.”
While the company stated that it works like any other social media company, it would never transfer data and that the bans "little more than political theater" had been adopted "without any deliberation". [BBC] [Reuters] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China]
Supply of advanced weapons to India strains South Asia’s security environment, Pakistan tells UN panel
(tj/lm) In a thinly veiled reference to India, Pakistan’s state minister for foreign affairs told a high-level United Nations panel on March 2 that the “generous” supply of conventional and non-conventional weapons to New Delhi was severely straining South Asia’s strategic stability and threatening Islamabad’s national security. [Dawn]
The remarks, delivered at the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament, came against the larger backdrop of efforts by India to ramp up spending to modernize the military, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlining the commitment to boost domestic production to supply forces deployed along two contentious borders with Pakistan and China. Last month, India proposed USD 72.6 billion in defense spending for the 2023-24 financial year, 13 percent up from the previous period’s initial estimates.
China, India foreign ministers meet on sidelines of G20 talks in New Delhi, discuss border tensions
(mk/wm) Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met visiting Chinese Foreign minister Qin Gang on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meet in New Delhi last week. Jaishankar tweeted about the meeting, saying that their discussion was focused on addressing the current challenges to the India-China bilateral relations, specifically along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). [S Jaishankar] [MEA]
This was the first meeting between the two officials since Qin Gang assumed his position in December last year. This meeting follows the in-person talks held between India and China in Beijing in February 22 regarding de-escalation of tensions along the border, and was conducted under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). [Outlook India]
Indian foreign minister speaks at India-EU Business and Sustainability Conclave
(mk/wm) Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke at the India-European Union (EU) Business and Sustainability Conclave held in New Delhi last week. In his remarks, the top diplomat commented on the integral nature of trade and investment ties between India and the EU, and asserted the importance of an India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). [CNBC TV18]
The conclave, organized collaboratively by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Ministry of External Affairs, focused on the strategic partnership between India and the EU in light of a changing geopolitical landscape. The aim of the conclave is to find avenues to strengthen bilateral ties between the two and come up with new economic opportunities. Joined by 250 delegates from 37 countries, it provided a forum to discuss multifarious issues of common interest to India and the EU such as healthcare, information technology, defense, and agriculture. [Newsonair]
The conclave also provided a platform for India and the EU to resume talks on the India-EU FTA negotiations, which had thus far been stalled due to major differences over crucial issues. [ThePrint]
India, Italy seal defense partnership as Prime Minister Meloni eyes deeper bilateral ties
(mk/lm/wm) Last week, India welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to New Delhi, and the two countries announced a plan to cooperate on defense and energy, a development that marked a significant turnaround in bilateral relations that had been stalled for a decade over an alleged corruption scandal. [Bloomberg]
According to a tweet by Modi, the two leaders discussed boosting India-Italy cooperation across multiple sectors such as commerce, renewable energy, IT, and space, as well as semiconductors, green hydrogen, StartUps, and defense. [Narendra Modi]
Meloni also used her visit to New Delhi to suggest that India, with the rotating presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20), could represent the needs of less-developed nations in potential negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi, in turn, reiterated his cautious stand by reaffirming that peace can be achieved only through diplomacy and dialogue, saying, “India is ready to support a peace initiative in that direction." [Euronews]
On the sidelines of this meeting, India and Italy also signed a Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility Partnership to enhance the movement of workers, students, and professionals between both countries. Furthermore, Meloni was Chief Guest for the Raisina Dialogue and delivered her address at the inaugural session. [MEA]
Military ties between Italy and India were damaged in 2012, when the head of Italian defense giant Finmeccanica was arrested amid a probe into alleged kickbacks paid by the firm to Indian officials to land a USD 670 million deal to sell 12 AW101 helicopters to India. As the case wound through the Italian courts, it sparked parallel probes in India before finally fizzling out in Italy in 2019. By that time, India had ordered a ban on the buying of defense products from Italy, which was only lifted last year.
Meloni headed to the United Arab Emirates for a two-day visit on March 3. [DefenseNews]
India, France launch joint military exercise
(lm) Indian and French armies are set to conduct a maiden joint military exercise, FRINJEX-23, in Kerala from March 7-8. The exercise will mark the first time that the armies of both countries will engage in this format, which will center on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. [The Economic Times]
India, Russia foreign ministers chair Inter-Governmental Commission meeting
(mk/wm) Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired a virtual meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. The two sides sought to further the India-Russia bilateral trade and economic relations, particularly by addressing the trade deficit and market access issues. The ITIGC-TEC was set up in order to regularly review and monitor the bilateral progress of both nations in areas of trade and economy. [S. Jaishankar, Twitter] [MEA]
India, Israel defense ministers hold phone call
(wr/wm) India and Israel held a ministerial-level telephonic talk on March 3 to exchange defense priorities and interests. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the government's plan for domestic military industrialization under Prime Minister Modi's self-reliance initiative. Against this backdrop, he invited Israeli companies, investments, technologies, and collaborations to deepen bilateral defense ties. He further conveyed the Indian government's interest in broadening its strategic partnership with Israel under the 'Vision Statement' framework adopted last year. [Ministry of Defence] [The Print]
Indonesia seeks to sign Preferential Trade Agreement with Sri Lanka
(sn) Indonesia’s ambassador to Sri Lanka told Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on February 28 her country would like to finalize a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to increase bilateral trade between the two nations. [Colombo Page]
According to the Indonesian envoy, the Exim Bank Indonesia has agreed to grant credit facilities for bilateral trade and the Asian Development Bank has guaranteed 85 percent of the credit, while the remaining portion will have to be guaranteed by Colombo. Several pharmaceutical companies are willing to export essential medicines to Sri Lanka under that credit line, she said.
The Prime Minister, in turn, requested the ambassador to explore potential investments in industries such as pharmaceutical, electrical equipment, solar batteries in export industrial zones in Sri Lanka as many incentives have been offered to foreign investors. He added that Indonesia’s premier industries like aluminum, rattan furniture and batik could also provide latest knowhow to Sri Lankan industry.
Japan-ASEAN: Relations to be elevated to strategic partnership
(dql) ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn has disclosed in an interview that relations between Japan and the ASEAN will be formally elevated to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” in December at a special summit to be held in Tokyo on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral friendship and cooperation.
This comes after China in 2021 and the United States in 2022 had upgraded their ties with the ASEA to the same level. [Kyodo News}
Meanwhile, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi agreed at a meeting on March 6 in Tokyo to join efforts to boost Japan-ASEAN ties and to deepen cooperation in maritime security, infrastructure and clean energy transition. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan] [The Mainichi]
Indonesia chairs the 10-member ASEAN this year, while Japan holds this year's presidency of the G7.
Japan and Australia to connect hydrogen supply chain
(cc) On March 4, Japan declared the initiation of a hydrogen supply chain with Australia during the conference on the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework.
According to Japanese officials, the initiative will connect the city of Kawasaki in Japan with the state of Victoria in Australia, with the purpose of establishing the hydrogen supply chain between the two nations.
Overall, 11 nations participating in the AZEC conference declared their understanding of the importance of the energy transition in the Asian region in achieving the goals of the Paris international accord on mitigating climate change.
In the meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated his intention to enlarge the networks of the hydrogen supply chain further by collaborating with Asian nations, emphasizing the importance of the diversification of energy options and pointing out that hydrogen could be a valuable source of clean energy.
Amid the prospect of an energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Japan has been proposing new technologies related to the decarbonization efforts, such as the utilization of hydrogen in power generation, and calling for carbon neutrality. [Kyodo news]
Japan provides Grant Aid to Ukraine
(cc) On March 2, Japan and Ukraine signed and exchanged notes approving Japan's JPY 22.44 billion (USD 165 million) Grant Aid named 'the Programme for Emergency Recovery' to Ukraine.
The initiative will provide the Ukrainian government with equipment and materials needed for mine and debris clearance equipment, livelihood reconstruction, and agricultural recovery, thereby increasing the speed of Ukraine's rebuilding efforts.
Grant Aid is a form of financial assistance that Japan provides to developing countries without the expectation of repayment. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, japan][Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]
Japan and India meet during QUAD conference
(cc) On March 3, during his visit to India to attend the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (QUAD) meeting, Japan's foreign minister met with his Indian counterpart.
In the discussion, Japan and India expressed their willingness to work closely with one another, as Japan and India hold the Presidency of G7 and G20, respectively. Additionally, seeing the progress of the Japan-India economic and security cooperations, the two countries stated their intentions to bolster their bilateral relationships and communications, especially those related to Japan's new national security strategy and the creation of a joint crediting system for decarbonization. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]
Japan expands sanction targets against Russia
(cc) Following the G7 nations' pledge to issue further punishment to Russia for invading Ukraine, Japan moved to include 143 individuals and organizations with ties to Russia in its sanctions list on February 28.
The sanctions included freezing assets and banning Japanese firms from exporting to the targeted entities.
According to Japan's foreign ministry, the Wagner Group, a Russian private military contractor with connections to Putin's regime that the U.S. has recently branded as a transnational criminal organization, was among the organizations added to the sanctions targets.
Japan, which currently holds the Presidency of the G7 group, has been active in cooperating with other Western countries in responding to Russia's aggression toward Ukraine through several means. In a G7 online conference, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated his readiness to increase the intensity of the sanctions against Russia. [Kyodo News]
Japan-New Zealand: Talks on intelligence sharing pact to be stepped up
(dql) During a meeting held on February 27 in Tokyo, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta reached agreement on accelerating negotiations on an intelligence sharing pact as part of their commitment to boosting security ties and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Both ministers also agreed to prioritize cooperation in areas most relevant for Pacific Island nations, including climate change, maritime security and infrastructure. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan] [The Japan Times]
Japan-Mauritius: Coastal surveillance project receives additional funding
(dql) Japan’s government has agreed to provide Mauritius with an additional grant of more than USD 2.2 million allocated to the implementation of the new Coastal Surveillance Radar System project that the two countries agree on in 2021.
With this additional funding the total amount of the grant stands at about USD 11 million. [All Africa]
Laos: Government calls for stronger economic ties with China
(ts) Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, supervising the Laos-China Cooperation Committee, urges all sectors to pursue strategies in all dimensions attached to economic cooperation with China.
These strategies mostly see the enhancement in economic activities which encompasses trade boosts, decency of agreement on bilateral development projects, and exports of agricultural products. The Deputy PM also calls on relevant authorities to attract more Chinese investors and tourists by improving facilities.
China is Laos’ largest foreign investor and the second-largest trading partner after Thailand. [Vientiane Times]
Laos, UNDP: Review of first-year implementation of Country Program
(ts) The Ministry of Planning and Investment and UNDP held a meeting reviewing the first-year results of implementation of the UNDP’s country program and discussion lessons learned and best practices.
Through the program, UNDP aims to support Laos in the development areas of inclusive prosperity, environment, and resilience, but also governance and the Rule of Law.
Results presented at the meeting include the reforestation of approximately 11,000 ha of land, along with the creation of investment checklist, one-stop service and eight investment profiles being developed to attract quality investment. 12,000 villages have been involved in co-managing natural resources.
Further, standard operating procedures for the justice sector have been developed aimed at ending violence against women.
In 2022 eleven organizations of persons with disabilities (PwD) have been supported in drafting the first-ever Parallel Report and Action Plan under the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) that contains nearly 80 concrete recommendations to the UN CRPD committee. [Lao News Agency]
Laos set to host region’s biggest wind farm led by ADB, Thai company
(ts) The first cross-border wind power project in Asia and the biggest wind farm in the Southeast Asia is set to be built in the south of Laos.
Asian Development Bank and Thai company Impact Energy Asia Development Limited (IEAD) have signed an agreement of a nonrecourse loan worth USD 692 million to build the Monsoon Wind Power Project. Led by ADB, the project is co-financed by several agencies, e.g., Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Export-Import Bank of Thailand.
Thai company IEAD will be the main constructor as it has initially signed an MoU with the Lao government for a feasibility study. The power produced, however, will be sold to neighboring Vietnam. [Lao News Agency] [Bangkok Post]
Malaysia: Technological infrastructure to receive USD six billion investment from Amazon Web Services
(pa) Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest USD 6 billion in Malaysia's cloud service infrastructure over the next 14 years.
Set to be the largest international technology investment to date, the move will - according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim - revolutionize the local technology industry, make the nation a regional digital hub, create opportunities for local businesses as well as job opportunities, and ultimately contribute to long-term economic growth. [CNA] [NST]
The infrastructure region will give developers, startups, entrepreneurs, businesses, government, education, and nonprofit organizations space to run applications and servers from data centres located in Malaysia. It consists of availability zones that space our infrastructure across geographic locations to reduce the risk of a single event impacting customers’ business continuity while being close enough to provide low latency for high-availability applications.
The AWS region will have 3 availability zones at launch, adding to the 99 zones worldwide across 31 locations. This is to be in place in Malaysia by 2037. [Business Wire]
AWS also signed the Cloud Framework Agreement (CFA) with the Malaysian government to aid the public sector in cloud adoption, aimed to reduce cost, improve digital skills and spur innovation.
Malaysia-US: Ambassador designate to US aims to resume good relations between the two nations
(pa) Following the One Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, Malaysia and the United States have experienced a strained relationship. American financiers Goldman Sachs played a central role in the scandal, and the US Department of Justice has been involved in seizing and returning assets to the Malaysian government since 2016. [NST]
Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, Malaysia's ambassador-designate to the United States, aims to ‘reset’ these relations and clear the US image of Malaysia as he leaves for Washington to begin his post as ambassador on March 8. [FMT] He also plans to address other issues in the US-Malaysia relationship, specifically surrounding the rights of foreign workers. Malaysia currently holds a tier 3 ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.
Malaysian-US bilateral ties have been important to Malaysia post-independence, with the US being Malaysia's third largest global trade and export partner, while Malaysia is the US' 17th largest trade partner.
Malaysia-UAE: Abu Dhabi's International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC) to pay USD 1.8 Billion in 1MDB settlement
The International Petroleum Investment Co (IPIC) and its subsidiary Aabar Investments PJS have agreed to pay the Malaysian government US 1.8 billion to settle the 1MDB legal dispute in London. [The Edge Market]
The two nations have been in proceedings in London courts since 2018. These proceedings come after Malaysia challenged the previous settlement agreement between 1MDB and IPC, negotiated by former Prime Minister Najib Razak who has since been found guilty on a multitude of counts regarding the 1MDB scandal. He is currently serving a 12-year sentence. [Bloomberg] [Reuters]
One Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), was a Malaysian state fund that has been part of one of the biggest corruption scandals in the world, amounting to over USD 4.5 billion in stolen funds. Large sums of money were borrowed and siphoned across bank accounts and organizations across the world, including Abu Dhabi's IPIC. [The Guardian]
IPIC is to pay the sum in phases, USD 800 million within seven days of the termination of London proceedings and the remainder within 2 years. [Financial Times]
The settlement signifies the end of a 5-year dispute by Malaysia. The Malaysian finance ministry hopes that the end of this chapter would allow the 2 nations to continue working together for the prosperity and economic benefit of both countries.
Malaysian PM urges other ASEAN leaders to speak up on Myanmar
(pa) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly urged his ASEAN counterparts to be more assertive in diplomatic efforts in Myanmar. [Business Times] Myanmar has been struggling with social, political and economic unrest since its military coup in 2021. In an interview with a Filipino news channel during his visit, he insists that this issue isn't purely internal and that ASEAN has to be tougher in its efforts. He claims, “non-interference is not a license for indifference’”. [Independant]
While ASEAN traditionally stays out of their member's sovereign affairs, they have currently blocked Myanmar’s generals from attending meetings and have a five-point peace plan that called for an immediate end to the violence, but Anwar is calling for tougher action. This comes as an increased influx of refugees from Myanmar in the region, with there being 200000 in Malaysia alone. Malaysia is one of the primary destinations for Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar. [The Diplomat]
Malaysian law minister urges European courts to respect sovereignty in Sulu dispute
(pa) The Malaysian government is taking all the necessary precautions and actions to stop the claims from the heirs of the Sulu sultanate in the state of Sabah. Eight descendants of the defunct Sulu sultanate have filed multiple abrasions across Europe, based on a colonial-era land deal between the sultanate and the British North Borneo Company. [SCMP]
The claim gained global notoriety after the French arbitration court ordered the Malaysian government to pay USD 15 billion to the Sulu claimants on March 3. The sultanate has gone to commercial arbitration in Spain, France, Netherlands and Luxembourg instead of the International Court of Justice. [Edge] [The Star]
Malaysian Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman has pledged that the current administration will fight the claim and ask the European courts involved to respect the local government. She reiterated that the Malaysian government remains committed to the affairs, safety and security of Sabah and its people, and stands firm in its stance of not recognising the legitimacy of the arbitration. [Daily Express]
Malaysia formerly joins Asia Zero Emission Community (Azec)
(pa) Malaysia's Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli has announced that the nation has joined the Asia Zero Emission Community (Azec) after Rafizi led a Malaysian delegation in Tokyo on March 4. AZEC is a Japan-led initiative that seeks to find practical pathways to carbon neutrality and decarbonization. [NST] [SP]
Malaysia intends to focus on three main renewable energy sources: biomass, hydrogen and ammonia. This will be outlined in a new Energy Transition Roadmap, which will be announced by the Ministry of Economy within the next three months. The roadmap aims to accelerate the local green technology industry, make energy transition projects more accessible to small/ medium firms and generate jobs. [Malay Mail] [Edge]
Mongolia, US advance strategic partnership
(sw) Mongolia and the United States (US) reaffirmed at the 4th bilateral Economic Policy Dialogue on February 2 to strengthen their strategic partnership and economic ties. The two countries want to promote trade and cooperate in key areas, including critical minerals, clean energy, and the digital economy.
Moreover, they aim to advance Mongolia’s economic development, diversification, and independence with a focus on renewable energy and energy security, critical minerals, transportation, food security, intellectual property rights, and the digital economy.
Mongolia and the US emphasized that their bilateral ties are based on shared democratic values and discussed methods to strengthen the rule of law and governance, freedom of expression, and fight corruption.
The two countries will maintain high-level visits and hold the next Annual Bilateral Consultations and strategic dialogue in 2023 in the US. [US Department of State]
Mongolia, Japan to increase cooperation
(sw) The Mongolian Minister of Education and Science, Luvsantserengiin Enkh-Amgalan, and his delegation discussed in Japan between February 3 -12 with several Japanese ministers ways to extend cooperation in professional training, information technology, and capacity building.
Moreover, the two countries agreed to aim to increase the number of Mongolian students in Japan.
Enkh-Amgalan also met representatives of Google to enhance Mongolia’s digitalization process and to introduce a new educational platform to support teachers and students.
In addition, the officials from the Ministry of Education and Science met with the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to propose the implementation of science and innovation projects. Mongolia also wants to cooperate to support start-up companies. The JICA decided to use grant aid to expand the Mongolia-Japan hospital, prepare highly-skilled doctors and supply advanced medical equipment with high accuracy.
Furthermore, to strengthen the “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” between Mongolia and Japan, the Chairman of the Mongolian Parliament, Gombogavyn Zandanshatar, visited Japan between March 1-5.
The goal of the visit was to maintain the frequency of high-level visits and to increase cooperation between the supreme legislative bodies between the two countries. It is the first official visit by a chairman of the Mongolian Parliament after six years and therefore important to deepen their relations. Furthermore, Zandanshatar showed gratitude for Japan’s assistance in consolidating democracy and market economy and ensuring the economics and social development in Mongolia. [Montsame 1] [Montsame 2]
Mongolian Representative meets Deputy Prime Minister of UAE
(sw) On March 2, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan met the Head of the Presidential Office of Mongolia Sodbaatar Yangug and his delegation in the UAE. During the meeting they discussed ways to strengthen their cooperation in the economic area, investments and development, and international issues. [Aki Press]
Mongolia-Qatar/Kuwait: Air communication agreement approved by Cabinet
(sw) The Mongolian Cabinet approved the Agreement on Air Communication of the Government of Mongolia with Qatar and Kuwait and is expected to sign it with another ten countries.
The aim is to liberalize the air transport, increase the number of foreign flights, and to make the Chinggis Khaan International Airport an international hub. Through that tourism is promoted which diversifies the economy and increases the income received in foreign currencies.
Currently, Mongolia has signed an Air Communication Agreement with 39 countries and will sign it among others will the USA, Australia, the United Kingdom, Greece and Hungary in 2023. [Montsame]
Myanmar signs wind power MoU with Chinese companies
(ih) Myanmar's Ministry of Electric Power has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with two Chinese companies and a local company to develop wind power projects in the country's Rakhine State. The projects will be the first wind energy projects in Myanmar and will generate up to 150 MW in Ann Township, 100 MW in Gwa, and 110 MW in Thandwe. It is unknown where the electricity will be used, and concerns have been raised about a lack of transparency and public consultations regarding the China-backed projects. [The Irrawaddy]
India continues to supply arms to Myanmar post-coup, according to rights group
(ih) Campaign and rights group Justice for Myanmar (JFM) has accused Indian state-owned Yantra India Limited of exporting multiple 122mm artillery barrels to Myanmar's junta in violation of international law.
Yantra shipped 20 barrels valued at USD 330,000 to Yangon-based Innovative Industrial Technologies Company Limited in October 2022. According to JFM, the barrels were ordered in May 2022 and were intended to be a first supply, suggesting potential future shipments may follow.
The company is owned by regime arms broker Kyaw Kyaw Htun, who has been previously accused by JFM of importing fuses from Indian company Sandeep Metalcraft. The junta's arms broker and his network have not yet been sanctioned, JFM said. [Bangkok Post] [The Irrawaddy] [Justice for Myanmar]
Three additional Myanmar organizations to US trade blacklist
(ih) The United States Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security has added three organizations from Myanmar to its trade blacklist for assisting the junta. These organizations provided surveillance technology to the military regime, enabling it to track and identify citizens and commit human rights abuses. This move means that the organizations will face restrictions on exporting and licensing. The US State Department has vowed to take further steps to end the regime's abuses. [The Irrawaddy]
North Korea: Nuclear forces to be boosted in response to joint US-South Korea’ drills
(ge) On March 4 North Korea’s state media announced that North Korea vows to strengthen its nuclear arsenal, claiming it will ensure a balance of power in the region and prevent the outbreak of war.
The country's foreign ministry criticized the US, stating that its unilateral arms buildup and that of its allies is increasing the risk of armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula adding that these are evidence of US disregard for international disarmament and peace.
The statement comes as South Korea and the US announce joint military exercises to strengthen their defensive posture. The joint exercise, Freedom Shield, is set to take place from March 13 to 23 while a new large-scale field training exercise, Warrior Shield, will run concurrently. [KCNA Watch 1] [The Korea Times]
On March 5 the national state media issued another statement reporting the words of Kim Son-Gyong, vice-minister for International Organizations of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. According to the statement, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over the joint military exercises of the US and South Korea in the Korean peninsula.
According to Kim, the exercises are extremely dangerous and escalate tensions in the region. The statement also criticizes the UN's silence on the issue and calls for the international community to urge the U.S. and South Korea to immediately halt the joint military exercises. [KCNA Watch 2]
North Korea-US: New sanctions
(ge) On March 1 the US imposed new sanctions on three entities and two individuals found to be generating revenues in Africa that were used to finance North Korea’s weapons development programs.
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated as objects of sanctions Chilsong Trading Corporation, Korea Paekho Trading Corporation and Congo ACODE Sarl. The latter is controlled by Pak Hwa Song who was also sanctioned together with Hwang Kil-Su.
According to the US Department of State the companies are subordinated to the North Korean government’s control and have been utilized as instruments to earn foreign currency, gather intelligence and provide cover status for intelligence operatives.
The two individuals were sanctioned for infringing UN sanctions on North Korea and for having favored North Korea in developing its unlawful missile and nuclear weapons programs.
Secretary of State Blinken said that the new sanctions align with those of US’s international partners and the EU which had sanctioned Paekho and Chilsong companies ten months ago.
In spite of the 2017 UN sanctions ordering the repatriation of North Korean nationals earning income abroad, North Korean nationals have remained active in various African countries. [NK News] [US Department of State]
North Korea-US: Washington warns against increased cyber attacks
(ge) On March 3 the US announced the adoption of the Biden-Harris administration’s 2023 National Cyber Strategy (NCS) calling for multilateral cooperation to protect against cyber threats from North Korea, China, Iran, and Russia.
The 2023 NCS report released by the US stated that the threat posed by North Korean hackers is increasing, significantly endangering critical services and businesses worldwide. According to the report, North Korean cyber attacks are targeting hospitals, schools, energy grids, and other critical infrastructure with sophisticated cyber attacks, that include crypto currency heists and money laundering, in order to finance its military program.
The strategy emphasizes the need for greater public-private cooperation to neutralize North Korea and other actors’ cyberthreats. The US government aims to establish new diplomatic initiatives that hold actors accountable for their malicious behavior and to enhance inter-agency collaboration with international partners such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity and the Australia, United Kingdom, United States Security Treaty.
The strategy also aims to promote long-term investments and prioritize cybersecurity research and development for next-generation technologies. It outlines five pillars to build and enhance collaboration, including defending critical infrastructure, disrupting and dismantling threat actors, shaping market forces to drive security and resilience, investing in a resilient future, and forging international partnerships.
Experts at the Asian Institute for Policy Studies have stated that North Korean activities are more profit driven and are considered more as a transnational criminal issue rather than a national security threat. [NK News] [The White House, Statements and Releases]
North Korea-US: Interception of missile tests amounts to war declaration, Pyongyang warns
(ge) On March 7 North Korea state media issued an official declaration of Kim-Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, warning the US against intercepting North Korea's testing of strategic weapons in the Pacific.
She emphasized that the Pacific Ocean is not under the jurisdiction of the United States or Japan, and any attempt to intercept North Korea's weapons would be considered as a declaration of war. Kim also criticized the US and South Korea for their intense military activities and language, and reminded them that North Korea is always ready to respond with significant action. She urged both countries to avoid any words or actions that could escalate the situation further.
The warning comes after unverified comments by Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander of the US-Indo Pacific Command, who reportedly declared that the US would immediately shoot down any intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) shot over the Pacific region or the US territory of Guam. [NK News] [KCNA Watch]
On the same day the US and South Korean militaries held landing and takeoff emergency runaway drills. Seoul's Air Force reported that around 10 aircrafts, including the South Korean C-130 and CN-235 transport planes and the US A-10 attack warplane and MC-130J combat transport planes, were used in the exercise that took place in the county of Changnyeong, located about 347 kilometers southeast of Seoul. [Yonhap]
North Korea-UN: World Food Program triples funding
(ge) In its latest Global Operational Response Plan published on February 24 the World Food Program (WFP) estimates to provide triple funding compared to last year to finance assistance programs in North Korea.
According to the report, the WFP estimates that USD 42 million will be required for funding projects in North Korea, declaring that the organization is short of USD 13 million to reach its goal.
The previous year estimates for funding stood at USD 14 million. The threefold increase is likely due to the worsening of the food crisis in the country, an issue addressed also by leader Kim Jong-un during the February 27 Plenary meeting where he stated that North Korea must make a fundamental change in agricultural production in the next years (see AiR, No. 9, February/2023, 4).
The WFP said that operations in North Korea will be subject to the international reopening of the country, which has not yet been announced, and plans to carry out projects to provide food assistance targeting children in nurseries, pregnant and lactating women, and people in pediatric wards and hospitals. [NK News] [WFP]
Singapore, United Kingdom sign agreement establishing new bilateral Green Economy Framework
The United Kingdom and Singapore on March 1 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a bilateral Green Economy Framework (GEF), regulating climate, economic and trade policy in order to achieve national decarbonisation targets in alignment with the Paris Agreement.
The GEF will be implemented through government’s policy dialogues, business matchmaking, industry workshops, and research partnerships, with a focus on green transport, low carbon energy technologies, and sustainable finance and carbon markets.
The MoU aims to facilitate more collaboration between industry and academic partners in both countries, leading to new commercial pilot projects, trade and investments, and research and innovation. [Gov.uk]
South Korea, China discuss trade and investment cooperation
(ge) On March 1, South Korea’s trade ministry and its Chinese counterpart met in Seoul to discuss joint cooperation in trade and investment, including supply chains. Both sides agreed on the importance of communication on trade and investment for the economic development of the two countries and appreciated the volume of bilateral trade last year, which hit a record of USD 310.4 billion despite the pandemic.
The South Korean party stressed the necessity to stabilize the supply and demand of raw materials, parts and other items in order to create favorable business conditions in both countries. South Korea also requested China to play an active role in the follow-up negotiations on services and investment in the Korea–China FTA and its support in South Korea’s 2030 Busan World Expo bid.
China, for its part, said that it will work to ensure the stabilization of South Korean companies in China and find solutions to their current difficulties. [South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korean] [Yonhap]
South Korea, India seek strategic partnership to boost economic ties
(ge) On March 1, the South Korean Second Vice Foreign Minister had bilateral talks with India’s Foreign Minister on the sideline of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Delhi from March 1 to 2.
South Korea said that it is seeking to boost economic cooperation with India, including trade, investment, supply chain and infrastructure cooperation. It also requested India’s cooperation in resolving the difficulties faced by Korean companies in the country. The Indian counterpart expressed its interest in strengthening cooperation also in the fields of technology and defense.
The two sides agreed that North Korea’s recent provocations pose a threat in the Indo-Pacific region and called for a strong response by the international community.
The meeting also celebrated the 50th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. [South Korea Foreign Ministry, Korean] [Yonhap]
South Korea, Japan, US: President Yoon says cooperation with Japan, US is crucial
(ge) During his speech commemorating the 104th anniversary of the March 1 independence movement from Japanese colonial occupation, President Yoon Suk-yeoll declared that Japan, from being a former aggressor, is now together with the US, a fundamental partner in the trilateral cooperation against North Korea’s nuclear threat.
President Yoon’s declaration underscores the will of the South Korean government to mend ties with Japan and normalize relations that remain tense over hot issues such as the forced wartime labor victims’ compensation and the territorial dispute over Dokdo islets (see No. 9, February/2023, 4). Yoon remarked that now Seoul and Tokyo share the same values and cooperate on the same agenda in economic and security issues at regional and global level.
The remark came a day after the February 28 Trilateral South Korea-Japan-US Economic Security Dialogue held in Honolulu, Hawaii which saw officials of the three partner countries agreeing to deepen cooperation on economic security and to promote common interests, including collaboration in the fields of technology, space, supply chain, semiconductors, battery and key minerals corporation. The three parties reiterated their willingness to expand cooperation to face global challenges and North Korea’s growing threat. [Office of the President Newsroom, in Korean] [The White House, Statement and Releases] [The Japan Times]
The March 1 Movement celebrations are traditionally used by South Korean presidents to deliver a speech on Japanese colonial rule cruelties as well on the necessity to overcome divergences and mend ties with Japan.
Whilst the US commented favorably on President Yoon’s remarks, declaring its support on the president’s vision of bilateral relations with Japan, South Korea’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP) criticized the speech claiming that the President denied the spirit of the resistance against colonial oppression and that it demonstrated Yoon’s government subservience to Japan. [Yonhap 1] [Yonhap 2]
DP leader Lee Jae-Myung also personally accused Yoon’s administration saying that the speech damages the spirit of the March 1 movement and that the president’s attempt at mending ties with Japan is hurting the dignity of forced wartime labor victims’ families who are seeking compensations from the Japanese government, as well as Japan's recognition of its historical responsibility. Lee said that the opposition party will make efforts to prevent Yoon’s government from “betraying” national interests. [The Korea Times 1]
In a separate move, on February 28 South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin held a meeting with the victim’s families to update them on the state of government consultation over the compensation issue. Both Japan and the victims’ families had rejected the plan to use a Korea-based public foundation’s funds to compensate them, calling for Japan’s apology and direct compensation from the companies under accuse, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Nippon Steel Corp. [The Korea Times 2]
North Korean media Rodong Sinmun also commented on the March 1 anniversary, saying that Japan is ignoring its past crimes against the Korean people in an attempt to avoid the state's responsibility. [Rodong Sinmun, Korean]
On March 3 South Korea and Japan declared that the two governments established an additional negotiation channel to settle the issue of forced labor victims' compensations. The new channel was created between the presidential National Security Office and the National Security Secretariat under the prime minister’s office, and it adds to the traditional negotiation channel between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
The Korean government has hinted that Seoul and Tokyo are coming closer to a deal, even though skepticism over a quick settlement of the dispute is still high. [The Korea Times]
South Korea, UN: North Korea’s human rights to remain on the agenda
(ge) On February 28 South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin attended the 52nd High Level Session of the UN Human Rights Council to reaffirm South Korea’s commitment to promote and protect human rights at the global level and to express his concern toward the human rights situation in North Korea.
Park warned that North Korea’s government is ignoring the deterioration of its people’s standard of living whilst diverting financial resources on its nuclear and missile program. He added that the North Korean government subjects citizens to forced labor and denies their right to access to information and urged North Korea to prioritize the human rights of its people and demanded the international community to pay more attention to the situation in North Korea.
Park also introduced South Korea’s candidacy as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term and requested support from the international community. [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Korean]
The UN Security Council, meanwhile, confirmed that the issue of North Korea’s violation of human rights will remain on the UN’s agenda after the US and Albania, together with twelve other countries, submitted a related request to the Council on February 28. [Reuters]
South Korea, US hold joint drills
(ge) On March 2 the South Korean military revealed in an official communication that South Korean and US special forces have been conducting special “Teak Knife” military exercises, including infiltrations and precision strikes on key targets in North Korea since early February. The joint drills involve special operations-centric aircrafts, such as AC-130J and MC-130J warplanes.
According to the Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) statement, on February 27 the military chief visited the ROK–US joint special training site to prepare for the growing intensity of North Korea’s provocations. [Joint Chief of Staff, press release, in Korean]
The JCS declared in the press release that the objective of these exercises is to prepare special operations officers to conduct precision strikes on key facilities, infiltration into the enemy’s territory and hostage rescue operations. The Taek Knife exercises saw for the first time the deployment in South Korea of US Air Force Special Operations Command’s AC-130J Ghostrider gunship which in the words of the director of public affairs for US Special Operations Command–Korea, is an instrument of US extended deterrence strategy, that is the commitment to deter or respond to hostile actions on US allies with a full range outfits military capacities, including nuclear weapons. [Yonhap] [The Korea Herald] [NK News]
The disclosure came as the allies are scheduled to hold a large-scale military exercise from March 13 to 23 amid North Korea’s escalation of provocations, test launches and threatening remarks in relation to South Korea and US joint drills. The Freedom of Shield (FS) exercise will be the longest-ever edition of South Korea and US joint computer- simulation command post exercise. Along with this, the allies will also conduct a large-scale field training exercise called Warrior Shield, which will run simultaneously with Freedom Shield to reinforce training programs based on realist scenarios. Before the Freedom Shield exercise, the allies will hold a four-day crisis management exercise. [The Korea Times]
Meanwhile, on March 3 the allies conducted joint air forces exercises over the Yellow Sea and an unspecified inland area of South Korea, involving US B-1B strategic bombers and South Korean F-15K and KF-16 fighters. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated that the joint aerial drill conducted on March 3 aimed to show North Korea that the U.S. is ready to provide extended deterrence to South Korea against the growing threats of nuclear and missile attacks. The two allies plan to work together to ensure that US strategic assets can be deployed on the Korean Peninsula on a regular basis. [NK News]
South Korea attends G20, holds meetings with various countries
(ge) Second Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Lee Dohoon attended the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, India from March 1 to 2 and held various bilateral talks on the sideline of the meeting.
Lee emphasized the need to restore multilateralism and accelerate the efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals using green and digital technologies. He also pointed out the importance of joint multidimensional response and cooperation in the international community. The South Korean government expressed its will to actively participate in cooperation to resolve various challenges and to build a more peaceful world, alongside with the other G20 countries. [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1, in Korean]
On March 1, he had bilateral talks with Mauritius Foreign Minister Alan Gano and Comoros Foreign Minister Dhoihir Dhoulkamal and discussed ways to deepen bilateral corporations respectively as well as to enhance substantive cooperation with African countries in the Indian Ocean, broaden the scope of the Indo-Pacific strategy and establish a mutually beneficial and future-oriented relationship with Africa.
Lee also requested support from Mauritius and Comoros for the hosting of the 20230 World Expo in Busan. [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2, in Korean]
On March 2, Lee held discussions with the MIKTA group (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia). During the meeting the activities of the current chair, Turkey were discussed, along with plans for the future cooperation of Indonesia, the next chair country.
The partner countries evaluated the achievements made over the last year under Turkey’s leadership and presented ideas for the MIKTA's development, emphasizing the importance of continuing constructive partnerships.
As the chair of MIKTA was transferred from Turkey to Indonesia, the foreign ministers welcomed Indonesia’s appointment and agreed on its three key agendas, which included strengthening multilateralism, recovery and digital transformation, and inclusiveness. The foreign ministers adopted a joint communique to confirm their common position on major international situations and topics such as health, development, economy, climate, and human rights. [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs 3, in Korean]
On the same day, Lee also had a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister A. K Abdul Momen to discuss ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure and other areas. Lee expressed interest in extending cooperation beyond the fields of textile and clothing industries to fields such as infrastructure, nuclear power and defense.
Momen, for his part, suggested establishing cooperation in fisheries, science and technology, and clean energy. [South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs 4, in Korean]
South Korea, Japan announce plan to resolve forced wartime labor issue
(ge) On March 6 South Korea presented a plan for resolving its long-standing dispute with Japan over wartime labor, which has been welcomed by Tokyo, and could lead to improved ties between the two countries.
South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin announced that the funds for compensating wartime laborers under Japan's 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula would be raised by private sector donations and paid to a South Korean foundation in place of Japanese companies. Whilst this avoids a potential demand that Japanese companies pay damages, Seoul still hopes that Japan will respond positively and make a comprehensive apology.
South Korea and Japan have also agreed to establish a "future youth fund" to provide scholarships for students, as part of the main deal to settle compensation for Korean victims of Japan's wartime forced labor, according to sources. The fund will be formed by the Federation of Korean Industries and the Japan Business Federation. As part of the deal, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida will also affirm his government's intention to inherit a 1998 joint declaration calling for new relations between the two countries.
The measures were welcomed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who also reiterated Japan's position that all issues related to colonial rule were settled under a 1965 bilateral agreement. The rapprochement of Seoul and Tokyo might see South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol travel to Tokyo for a summit with Kishida by the end of the month.
According to a statement made by US President Biden, the announcement represents a significant new stage of collaboration and partnership between two of America’s closest allies. A source from the Japanese government has informed the media that the US has been urging both countries to reconcile, but President Yoon’s settlement with Japan has been mainly motivated by the necessity to strengthen defense cooperation against North Korea.
The decision has met heavy criticism from the main South Korean opposition party, the Democratic Party and its leader Lee Jae-Myung. Lee and others have expressed their disapproval, arguing that it is unreasonable to compensate victims with public donations rather than money from the Japanese companies that exploited the forced labor victims.
The forced labor contentious issue began in 2018 after the ruling by South Korea’s Supreme Court ordering Japanese companies Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to pay compensation to Korean forced labor victims. [Reuters] [Japan Times] [Yonhap 1] [Yonhap 2]
On March 7 a group of activists, joined by forced labor victims, protested again against the government’s compensation agreement, holding a conference in which DP leader Lee took part demanding the withdrawal of the plan. [Yonhap 3]
South Korea-US: Seoul intensifies efforts to protect Korean chipmakers
(ge) The US CHIPS for America Funding Opportunity program is putting to test President Yoon Suk-yeol’s diplomacy, as it forces South Korean chipmakers like Samsung and SK hynix to choose between the U.S. and China.
The program provides USD 50 billion in subsidies to chipmakers investing in the US, but requires them to enter into agreements restricting their ability to expand semiconductor manufacturing capacities in China and other countries of interest for ten years after winning the funding, which is viewed as a political decision.
Given their reliance on Chinese facilities in manufacturing memory chips, South Korean chipmakers are carefully considering their options. The Yoon administration is taking a clear stance in terms of economic security, but the pressure from the CHIPS program is intensifying the need for diplomatic efforts to protect Korean industries. President Yoon's anticipated visit to the US this year may provide a diplomatic opportunity to address the issue.
Worries over the CHIPS program intensified on March 3 when the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced in a press release that the US Department of Commerce released, on February 28, a detailed plan for financial incentives for semiconductor manufacturing facilities as part of the US Semiconductor Support Act.
The plan targets companies seeking to invest in the construction, expansion, or modernization of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the US. Companies must first submit a Statement of Interest and will be reviewed comprehensively by the US Department of Commerce. However, companies receiving incentives under the Act will be restricted from transactions related to the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing capacity in certain countries for the next ten years.
The South Korean government declared that it will actively express its position on this issue and will continue consultations with the relevant US authorities.
Meanwhile on March 3, the South Korean government and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have agreed to provide support to the semiconductor and cultural content industries through tax, administrative, and legislative measures in an attempt to curb the global economic recession.
The PPP's top policymaker, Rep. Sung Il-jong, stated that they will work towards passing a bill to improve the semiconductor industry's support measures. The Finance Minister has also pledged to strengthen the competitiveness of key industries, including chips, to address the ongoing fall in exports.
South Korea's exports decreased for the fifth consecutive month in February,urging the government’s intervention. [The Korea Times] [Yonhap] [South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, in Korean]
South Korea, UNPD hold 17th policy consultation round
(ge) On March 2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held their 17th annual policy consultation in New York.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Assistant Secretary-General for External Relations at the UNDP as the chief representatives.
Talks were centered around the UNDP sectoral strategic plans, the South Korean government's policy on development cooperation, the financing and private participation of UNDP's major projects supported by Korea, climate change, the digital age, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The parties discussed the necessity to prevent global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, pandemics and other international issues whilst pursuing the sustainable development goals. In order to contribute to the resolution of global issues, they agreed to strengthen the strategic partnership between the South Korean government and the UNDP in key areas such as digital, climate change, funding and to continue to hold working level meetings.
The officials on both sides convened that operations of the Korean government's Official Development Assistance (ODA) will be a crucial pillar in South Korea’s aim at playing a positive role in international cooperation for freedom, peace, and prosperity.
The UNDP Seoul Policy Center's operations and its three-year work plan were examined and approved for the next following years (2023-2025) and ways to promote cooperation were discussed. [South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korean]
South Korea, Japan, WTO: Seoul to to halt WTO dispute process on Japanese export curb
(ge) South Korea has decided to stop its complaint process with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Japan’s export control of key industrial and high-tech materials to South Korea. The decision came as both countries are preparing to resume talks to lift the measure, following the agreement to settle the forced labor victims compensation issue, during the Japanese colonization of the peninsula.
In 2019 Japan imposed restrictions on export on three major industrial materials to Seoul, which are essential for chips and displays, in an apparent retaliation following the Korean Supreme Court’s ruling ordering compensation from Japanese companies to Korean forced labor victims.
South Korea filed a complaint with the WTO over the trade dispute, claiming it was a discriminatory act that violated its rules. The South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced in a press release that the two countries will hold a meeting to discuss the issue. However, the Ministry did not hint at any intention to withdraw the complaint.
In response to Japan's export restrictions, South Korea has made enormous efforts to ensure stable supply chains for essential industry components, materials, and machinery as well as to support advanced industry sectors through the advancement of technology, the diversification of import routes, and the attraction of foreign investment. [Yonhap] [Reuters]
South Korea, Uzbekistan to boost cooperation in new and renewable energy
(ge) To improve their energy security and more effectively reach their zero-emission targets, South Korea and Uzbekistan on March 7 decided to boost their collaboration in the renewable energy and in new energy sectors, according to Seoul's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The agreement was reached during the first bilateral energy dialogue held via teleconference and attended by the Central Asian country's vice energy minister and South Korea's director general for energy policy.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in December 2021 that calls for the creation of a conversation channel for closer energy connections, and the meeting was timed to coincide with that signing.
In order to address the growing uncertainties in the energy market, the two sides discussed their energy policies, including the growth of renewable energy sources.
The two sides discussed their renewable energy policies and how to respond to the current global supply chain uncertainties caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and climate change. They also talked about possible joint responses to such challenges.
Based on Uzbekistan’s abundant natural resources and South Korea’s advanced technologies, both sides agreed to boost collaboration on energy security and achieve net-zero goals, in particular through cooperation in the wind and solar power energy industries.
South Korea requested Uzbekistan's attention to Korean companies' participation in energy projects in the country and discussed issues involving Korean firms operating there. Additionally, they discussed Uzbekistan's revision of customs regulation and the resumption of customs clearance of Korean companies’ export products. [Yonhap] [South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, in Korean]
Taiwan to receive weapons for USD 619 million from US
(sw) The United States (US) has approved the sale of military equipment to Taiwan in the value of USD 619 million. The equipment includes 200 anti-aircraft Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and 100 AGM-88B HARM missiles.
The main suppliers are Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin which have been fined by China in February for selling weapons to Taiwan. [AiR No. 8, February/ 2023, 3] [Reuters] [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan-US: House of Representatives committee passes eight bills to support Taiwan
(sw) The United States (US) House of Representatives Financial Services Committee has passed eight bills with the goal to increase Taiwan’s international participation and financial mechanisms to discourage a Chinese invasion.
Among these bills, the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act requires that the US regularly reviews its guidelines for engaging with Taiwan, submits at least every two years a report to Congress to strengthen the government’s supervision of US-Taiwan relations, and to ensure that any policy changes reinforce bilateral ties.
The Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act advocates for Taiwan becoming a member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and that the IMF offers technical assistance and training to Taiwan and provides Taiwanese nationals with equal employment opportunities.
The Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act would require that the US publish the financial assets of high-ranking Chinese leaders and in the case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, to cut them and their families off from financial services.
The Protect Taiwan Act would steer the US government to exclude China from international organizations like the G20, if China invades Taiwan. [Focus Taiwan] [Taiwan News]
Taiwan-China: Beijing increases military incursions into Taiwanese Air Defense Identification Zone
(sw) In February, China’s military incursions into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) increased by 61% compared to 2022.
Last month, 113 military planes of the Chinese army crossed Taiwan’s ADIZ in contrast to 70 in February 2022, and 40 in February 2021. Most of the intrusions occurred in the southwest of the zone. The Shenyang J-16 jet fighter was most frequently spotted, followed by the Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane.
The trend continues in March, since Taiwan reported a large-scale Chinese incursion into its ADIZ just after the US approved the sale of weapons to Taiwan.
Since March 1, 115 aircrafts and 25 vessels of the Chinese army have been detected around Taiwan. 59 of the aircrafts crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s ADIZ. China did not comment on its recent military activities near the island. In January, China stated to conduct military exercises near Taiwan to counter the actions of external and Taiwanese independence separatist forces. [Taiwan News] [Al Jazeera] [Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan]
Taiwan-US: Biden adviser to become chairperson of de facto US embassy in Taipei
(sw) On March 20, Laura Rosenberger, a former adviser to the Biden administration, will become the chairperson of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the de facto United States (US) embassy to Taiwan.
According to experts, the appointment of Rosenberger, widely seen as a China hawk, emphasizes that the US is determined to strengthen relations with Taiwan, which increases tensions with China. [South China Morning Post]
Taiwan-US: Battalion to be sent to US
(sw) Taiwan’s plan to send a joint battalion to the United States (US) for training, illustrates that the two countries are increasing their military relations. It is the first time that around 500 soldiers will train in the US because before only up to 150 troops trained there.
The joint battalions combine officers from different units including infantry, armored forces, the Navy, the Air Force and Army Aviation. [Focus Taiwan] [See also AiR No. 9, February/2023, 4]
Taiwan-Eswatini: Prime Minister visits Taiwan
(sw) The Prime Minister of Eswatini, Cleopas Dlamini, visited Taiwan to strengthen bilateral ties. During a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Dlamini reaffirmed that his country stays committed to the 55-year diplomatic ties with Taiwan and denounced any aggressions against Taiwan.
Eswatini is the only African country and one of 14 countries worldwide that have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. [Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan to host women’s empowerment event in US
(sw) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to hold the Taiwan Gender Equality Week (TGEW) in New York which focuses on Taiwan’s efforts and achievement in technology and gender equality. The events coincide with the session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) which takes place between March 6-17 to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. [Taipei Times]
European Union, United Nations committed to promote human rights in Thailand
(aj) The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) are jointly committed to helping Thailand develop an environment safe for civil society and protect human rights in order to cultivate a system that is more responsive to international community scrutiny when human rights are concerned.
With seven years left to meet the goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, the EU has pledged another USD 3.7 million of financial support to the UN to help Thailand work towards Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The EU’s financial support will be split among three projects under the UN framework.
USD 1.1 million will go towards the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) project, ‘Strengthening SDGs Localisation in Thailand’ to promote productive discussions on SDG policy among stakeholders. Another USD 1.1 million will boost the efforts of the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) for Southeast Asia to ‘Strengthen the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Thailand.’ The remaining USD 1.6 million will contribute towards the ‘Support on Child Protection and Durable Solutions to Refugees in Nine Camps along the Thai-Myanmar Border, 2023-2025’ project organized by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). [Bangkok Biz News, in Thai] [United Nations]
Thailand signs mini-FTA with China’s business hub, Shenzhen
(aj) On March 1, Thailand signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with China’s business and economic metropolis Shenzhen to increase bilateral trade. The Thai Ministry of Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit says that free trade at the state level is sufficient, but there is room for increased volumes of trade at the local level. The signing of this mini-FTA follows Thailand signing a local FTA with China’s island province of Hainan. Only a year after this economic agreement with Hainan entered into force, trade value with the island province has reached twice the value it was before the mini-FTA signing.
Thailand has seven mini-FTAs in place. Besides Hainan and Shenzhen, the Kingdom has signed mini-FTAs with Kofu, Japan; Telangana, India; Gansu, China; and Busan and Gyeonggi, South Korea. Thailand plans to sign mini-FTAs with China’s southwestern Yunnan province this April and five states in India. According to Commerce Minister Jurin, mini-FTAs with cities in the United Kingdom and Pakistan are also in the pipeline.
In 2022, trade between Thailand and China’s tech hub was valued at USD 25.2 million. Thai and Shenzhen officials expect that bilateral trade will increase in value by 5% next year to USD 26.4 million. [Thailand Business News] [Bangkok Post]
United States to boost Thailand’s infrastructure for supply chain resilience
(aj) The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is providing a grant to the Thai Ministry of Transport’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to help Thailand facilitate its shift from road to rail transportation with the larger goal of optimizing the country’s infrastructure for supply chain resilience.
The USTDA funds sustainable infrastructure projects in emerging economies to promote economic growth and connect US businesses with the target region. The provision of this grant falls under the USTDA’s Global Partnership for Climate-Smart Infrastructure, which aims to strengthen regional supply chains, particularly in areas the US views as vital transportation hubs, like Thailand.
Additionally, the USTDA Partnership program seeks to decarbonize transportation infrastructure by supporting the transition from road to freight transportation systems and, at the same time, improve road safety. According to OTP Director-General Puny Chupanit, the USTDA grant will assist Thailand in fulfilling its infrastructure development objectives outlined under the UN Sustainable Development Goals to build sustainable and less carbon-intensive infrastructure. [The Nation Thailand] [U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand]
United States urges Thailand to simplify legal processes, provide fair labor practices to migrants
(aj) In the lead-up to the 2023 publication of the US Department of State’s global Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) this July, Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn met with US officials to discuss Thailand’s handling of matters related to migrants, labor rights, and human trafficking.
The TIP Report is an annual publication that details the current status of human trafficking in each country and ranks countries based on how well they follow US State Department recommendations to reduce trafficking within their borders. The ranking is based on a three-level system with Tier 1 being countries that have fully implemented US State Department guidelines and countries who have taken little to no action to tackle trafficking problems. Fall under Tier 3. The Philippines and Singapore are the only ASEAN countries to fall under Tier 1, while Thailand currently sits at Tier 2. [AiR No. 9, February/2023, 4]
The US anti-human trafficking review board noted that there are unnecessarily complicated legal processes for migrants to legally work in Thailand’s fishery industry and considers these processes to be counterproductive. US officials did acknowledge that Thailand has cracked down on labor rights issues involving migrant workers at a garment factory in Tak province, but re-asserts that if Thailand can ease restrictions for migrants to legally work in the Thai fishing industry, then Thailand could be upgraded to Tier 1 status in the 2023 TIP Report. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand joins UNHRC in human rights high-level meeting
(ts) A Thai special envoy attended the 52nd Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. On the occasion, the envoy discussed issues with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and reassured Thailand will continue to work towards human rights protection, especially on civil and political rights, and ongoing the implementation of the torture law.
Thailand also reiterated its commitment to the UN Youth 2030 Strategy and stressed the country’s commitment to SDGs Goals through the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy and the Bio-Circular-Green Economy. Thailand insisted such development paths help create a suitable environment for enhancing the security-human rights continuum. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
Announcements
Upcoming Events
9 March 2023 @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. (GMT), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
Russia-Ukraine Dialogues: NATO one year on
This livestream event will explore how the war in Ukraine has shaped NATO and vice versa, with a focus on the following issues: Finland and Sweden's path to accession to NATO, main divisions in NATO, key challenges for Stoltenberg's successor, the future of Russia-NATO relations, and NATO’s efforts to help to fill in some of Ukraine's needs in 2023.
Go to [LSE] to find more information.
9 March 2023 @ 4:00-6:00 p.m. (GMT+1), German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Germany
“Nigeria after the Elections: What Next?”
This online event in the GIGA Speaker Series on African Affairs will analyze the results of the 25 February presidential elections and their implications for both the future of Nigeria and politics in the subregion West Africa.
For more details, visit [GIGA].
9 March 2023 @ 9:00-10:30 a.m. (GMT-5), Wilson Center, USA
The Changing Geopolitics of Critical Minerals and the Future of the Clean Energy Transition
Against the backdrop of the US-China rivalry, this webcast will explore the challenges, policy options, and strategic diplomatic alliances required to minimize confrontation in order to realize individual national commitments and climate emission reduction targets. Further, it will discuss ways shifting geopolitical alliances are likely to impact prospects for cooperation and specific national initiatives to embrace clean energy.
Further information can be found at [Wilson Center]
10 March 2023 @ 1:30-6:30 (GMT+1), French Institute of International Relations (IFRI)
France-Ukraine Forum 2023
This hybrid event will gather political officials, experts, academics, and association members from both France and Ukraine for a discussion of three focal issues: first, military aspects and scenarios for ending the war; second, reconstruction, reforms, and Ukraine’s European prospects, through war to peace; and third resilience and the transformation of Ukrainian society.
Learn more about the event at [IFRI].
10 March 2023 @ 9:00-10:00 a.m. (GMT-5), The Brookings Institution, USA
A country in flux: Recent and future policy shifts in China
The online event will experts from varied backgrounds together for a panel discussion about the recent policy shifts within China, their underlying causes, and potential implications for the future.
Find further event details at [Brookings].
13 March 2023 @ 6:30-8:00 p.m. (GMT), London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK
Afghanistan: the death of liberal internationalism?
With Afghanistan under Taliban rule and a complex present political landscape, this livestreamed discussion will focus on the multiple dimensions of conflict in Afghanistan, exploring the questions: what happened, why, and what the future holds for the country.
For further event details, see [LSE].
13 March 2023 @ 7:00-8:30 p.m. (GMT-5), The Brookings Institution, USA
Myanmar’s civil war: Military, political, and crime dynamics
This webinar will analyze the violence dynamics, the strength and limitations of the armed resistance groups and the Burmese military, and changes in Myanmar’s many illegal economies. It will also explore other difficult issues ahead should violence come to an end.
If you are interested, see [Brookings]
14 March 2023 @ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA
Book Event: Cooperating for the Climate with Joanna Lewis
This online event will introduce “Cooperating for the Climate: Learning from International Partnerships in China's Clean Energy Sector” the latest book of Joanna I. Lewis, Provost's Distinguished Associate Professor of Energy and Environment and Director of Science, Technology and International Affairs Program (STIA) at Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service. The author will her comprehensive analysis of international clean energy partnerships with China, that is based, among others, on interviews with policymakers, companies, and researchers in energy innovation.
For more information, visit [CSIS].
14 March 2023 @ 2:00-3:15 p.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Real and Rhetorical Polarisations in Indonesia: Towards the 2024 Elections
This hybrid seminar will address the polarization in Indonesia politics. A focus will be put on the difference between the liberal and progressive outlooks of civil society and the conservative status quo outlooks of the nine political parties.
More events details are available at [ISEAS].
14 March 2023 @ 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (GMT), Chatham House, UK
Future of work 2023
Against the backdrop of employment challenges in the context of a cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation and labour shortages, this hybrid conference will discuss the question how to tackle talent shortages and design inclusive labor markets to deliver productivity gains.
For more information, visit [Chatham House].
Recent Book Releases
Oliver Slow, Return of the Junta: Why Myanmar’s Military Must go Back to the Barracks, Bloomsbury Academic, 256 pages, published on February 23, 2023. For a review, see [Asian Review of Books].
Katharine M. Millar, Support the Troops: Military Obligation, Gender, and the Making of Political Community, Oxford University Press, 304 pages, published on November 4, 2022. For an interview with the author about her book, see [LSE].
Noah Amir Arjomand, Fixing Stories: Local Newsmaking and International Media in Turkey and Syria, Cambridge University Press, 288 pages, published on February 17, 2022, reviewed in [LSE].
Calls for Papers
Leiden University invites paper proposals for its 2023 Conference: Institutions for Conflict Resolution (COI) to be held on 28 and 29 September 2023 in Utrecht. The deadline for abstract submission is March 24, 2023. For more information, see [Leiden University].
The Amsterdam Centre of Migration and Refugee Law, VU Amsterdam and the Uppsala Forum for Democracy, Peace and Justice, Uppsala University, seek abstract submissions for the international conference “Temporal Dimensions of Migration Law” scheduled for 1-2 June 2023. Submission deadline is March 24, 2023. Find further details at [Amsterdam Centre of Migration and Refugee Law].
Jobs and positions
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Team Leader to be based in Germany. Core responsibility is to manage the staff and personnel of the data management department and ensure the development of knowledge management and capacity-building process. Applications are accepted until 21 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks an ICT Associate to be based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to provide inputs to the development and review of the organization’s ICT policy. Applications are accepted until 17 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Strategic Planning Specialist to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to contribute to the development and implementation of the organization's strategic plan. Applications are accepted until 18 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Communication and Project Analyst to be based in Italy. Core responsibility is to develop and implement communication strategies, plans, and campaigns. Applications are accepted until 18 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Programme Analyst. Core responsibility is to assist with document processing related to project development. Applications are accepted until 18 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Business Support Assistant to be based in Ethiopia. Core responsibility is to perform and assist the organization’s administrative tasks. Applications are accepted until 20 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks an Administration Associate to be based in Ethiopia. Core responsibility is to contribute to planning, monitoring, and processing administrative actions related to the organization’s operations. Applications are accepted until 20 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Programme Policy Officer to be based in Ecuador. Core responsibility is to ZZ. Applications are accepted until 21 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Government Partnerships Officer to be based in Sudan. Core responsibility is to lead the implementation of a work plan for an assigned area and contribute to the resource mobilization process. Applications are accepted until 19 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Human Resource Officer to be based in Moldova. Core responsibility is to provide advice to managers and employees on complex issues related to the organization’s responsibilities. Applications are accepted until 17 March 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Health Organization seeks a Technical Officer to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to coordinate and facilitate dialogue with related regions and countries and work closely with the organization’s regional officer. Applications are accepted until 28 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Technical Officer to be based in India. Core responsibility is to mentor officers related to outbreak investigation and support in reviewing training materials. Applications are accepted until 20 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Communication Officer to be based in the Philippines. Core responsibility is to develop and implement communication strategies and plans for the organization and provide support to relevant actors across the region. Applications are accepted until 21 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Data Architecture Specialist to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to provide technical assistance in business analysis and review the quality of code and data structure. Applications are accepted until 27 March 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks an Administration and Finance Director to be based in the Phillippines. Core responsibility is to provide advice on financial matters to the regional office and lead the effective and efficient implementation of WHO’s internal control framework. Applications are accepted until 27 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); Giovanni Puglisi (gp), Henning Glaser (hg), Ian Hollinger (ih), Loong Dien Min (ldm), Lucas Meier (lm), Manmehak Kaur (mk), Marco Lumentah (ml), 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, Waheed Mansoor (wm), Wardah Rehman (wr)
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