Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 51, December/2021, 3
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Dear Readers,
The Asia in Review team wishes you Merry Christmas and an informative read of this week’s issue.
Special greetings are extended to everyone who celebrates Libya’s and Slovenia’s Independence Day this week.
With best regards,
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in 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
Hong Kong: Pro-Beijing camp wins Legislative Council election
(tp/dql) Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo) election om Sunday, December 19, resulted in a sweeping victory of the pro-Beijing camp, with their candidates winning 89 of 90 seats, according to a first count of the votes. The the first LegCo election since Beijing imposed the national security law for the city in June 2020 and made substantial changes to the city's electoral system in March this year saw a record low voter turn-out of only 30.2%. [South China Morning Post]
In the run up to the election, activists have called for a boycott saying the poll was a ‘selection’ rather than an ‘election’ as only three of the 153 candidates are openly pro-democracy. “It is not an election – candidates are thoroughly screened by political police and they have to have support from pro-Beijing politicians,” exiled Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law criticized.
Many of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy politicians are now imprisoned or in exile due to the national security law, [see AiR No. 26, June/2020, 5]. In March this year Beijing had passed a "patriots governing Hong Kong" resolution that drastically shrank the proportion of lawmakers who can be directly voted in by the people to 20 of the 90 legislative seats and ensured that candidates had to be vetted by a separate screening committee; and gave seats to the Election Committee, a group that heavily skews pro-Beijing [see AiR, No. 13, March/2021, 5].
The election was originally set for September 2020 but was delayed due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
China: Blockchain technology used in ‘smart prison’ system
(tp) The Ministry of Justice has endorsed a blockchain system used in managing the national prison system to reduce corruption and abuse cases in China’s prisons. 21 prisons in China’s eastern Jiangsu province have so far adopted the smart prison system, with the Ministry of Justice recommending expanding this to more than 600 nationwide. Reportedly, the blockchain platform has more than 800 functions and nearly 1,200 procedures that can swiftly produce an inmate assessment, punishment, and rewards system, making every step of the case traceable.
The use of blockchain was first mentioned earlier this year in China’s national five-year plan and the Vision 2035 development strategy. [South China Morning Post]
China: Huawei accused of involvement in state surveillance of Uyghurs
(tp) An investigative review by the Washington Post claims to have found evidence linking Huawei to Uyghur surveillance projects carried out by Chinese authorities based of more than 100 Huawei PowerPoint presentations. [The Washington Post]
The marketing presentations, many marked “confidential”, suggests that Huawei had a more significant role in tracking Uyghurs than is known. The slides show Huawei pitching to government authorities how they can assist in “identifying individuals by voice, monitor political individuals of interest, manage ideological reeducation and labor schedules for prisoners, and help retailers track shoppers using facial recognition” according to the Washington Post. Huawei’s logo can be seen on several of the presentation slides.
The marketing slides were reportedly created in 2014 following the Kunming railway station terrorist attack that skilled 31 people, an event Chinese authorities point to when justifying their policies.
The report claims that the surveillance system had been in place in Ürümqi since 2017, a time when experts believe the mass detentions of Uyghurs began. It also claims that a “one person one file” facial recognition system was jointly developed by a Beijing-based company and Huawei which the US commerce department sanctioned in July on claims of human rights abuses in Xinjiang.
Huawei has since undergone criticism from the US on grounds of cooperating with state agencies to target individuals within China and other regions. This comes as large parts of the company’s operations remain constrained by sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump, which were renewed and in some cases tightened under President Joe Biden. Huawei repeatedly claims to have no knowledge of these projects, insisting that the company “does not develop or sell systems that target any specific group of people,” and that privacy protection enjoys top priority. [NDTV] [VoA] [The Guardian]
China: Housing market in continual decline
(tp) The impact of Evergrande’s collapse on China’s declining house prices, sales, and investment, has not ended at the company’s recent debt restructuring [see AiR, No. 50, December/2021, 2]. Another one of China’s largest construction companies, Shimao Group, has run into trouble after concerns that it was offloading assets to manage growing debts saw its shares fall 20%.
November saw new home prices fall by 0.3%, the largest decline since February 2015. Official data also showed that the value of home sales fell by 16.31% in November, making it the fifth straight month of decline. Meanwhile, construction starts, as measured by floor area, plunged 21.03% since last November, and property investment by developers also fell 4.3%.
Up to one-third of Chinese developers are expected to experience financial distress over the next 12 months due to weak demand and President Xi Jinping’s crackdown on the industry’s “borrow and build” model, according to a report by S&P.
However, weak demand has not been solely specific to the housing market, rather data released on Wednesday shows that this trend is shared across the entire Chinese economy. Retail sales were their lowest since August 2020, even with the “Black Friday” sales on November 1-11, while growth in industrial production was only marginally stronger.
Economists expect the central bank to reduce interest interests from the current 3.85% to boost economic activity and spending.[The Guardian] [Reuters]
China: Editor of the Communist Party’s Global Times newspaper retires
(tp) Editor-in-chief of one of China’s most influential newspapers, Xu Xijin, has retired from the Global Times newspaper at the age of 61.
Since commencing the editorial position in 2005, Hu has served commentary and articles that counter the Western-dominated perspective on China and has become one of the most well-known Chinese figures to handle highly sensitive topics for the nationalist tabloid. He has attracted both widespread support and criticism for a number of his comments, including on U.S President Donald Trump’s trade war with China; and on the controversy surrounding tennis star Peng Shuai, where he accused the WTA of “coercing Peng Shuai to support the West’s attack on Chinese system”. [Al Jazeera]
Japanese trade recovers from supply issues
(ec) Preliminary data from the Japanese Ministry of Finance released on Thursday, December 16, suggests that the supply issues that have long affected Japanese trade are easing, as indicated by a 20% increase in exports. Automobile exports jumped to 20%, iron and steel exports reached 88%, and computer chip exports exceeded 20%. China, Japan’s largest international market, has seen an annual export growth of 16% to 1.6 trillion yen ($14 billion US), whilst Japanese exports to the United States of America swelled by 10% to 1.6 trillion yen ($14 billion US) from last year. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno also announced on December 16 that Japanese agricultural exports have reached the annual goal of 1 trillion yen for the first time this year. [China.org.cn] [Ministry of Finance] [Japan Today]
These exports still fall short of the anticipated 21.2% growth, whilst imports have risen sharply, reaching a deficit of 954.8 billion yen ($8.36 billion US). Much of the latter can be attributed to the US and China, with a 43% rise to 855 billion yen ($7.5 billion US) and a 17% rise to almost 2 trillion yen ($17 billion US) respectively, as well as rising oil prices from last year’s low. [Markets Insider]
For additional information, consider reading this article from Capital Economics, in which Tom Learmouth forecasts the continued growth of Japanese automobile exports in the foreseeable future. [Capital Economics]
Japan: Lower House passes extra budget for corona stimulus
(la) The House of Representatives, Japan’s lower house, has approved a record high additional budget of 36.0 trillion yen ($320 billion) to fund a stimulus package to mitigate the fallout resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
With private funds included, the total amount of the economic stimulus package including the newest supplement adds up to 78.9 trillion yen. Under the additional budget, 18.6 trillion yen is allocated for measures to contain the virus’s spread and strengthen medical care systems to support COVID-29 patients. 1.3 trillion yen is set aside to boost the government’s vaccine rollout, and 1.2 trillion yen will be spent on the distribution of 100,000 yen in cash and vouchers for households with underage children and a primary income of less than 9.6 million yen.
The extra budget will add 22.1 trillion yen on Japan’s debt pile that is currently twice the size of the country’s economy The extra budget entails a new government bond issuance worth 22.1 trillion yen, ballooning Japan's already huge debt pile that has been more than twice the size of its economy and the worst among industrialized countries in recent years. [Mainichi]
South Korea: Supreme Court rules in favour of Hyundai Heavy workers in ordinary wage suit
(aml) On Thursday, December 14, the South Korean Supreme Court ruled in favour of Hyundai Heavy workers demanding that their regularly paid bonuses are counted as a part of the ordinary wage. The classification has an impact on the calculation of legal allowances and retirement pay and although Hyundai Heavy argued that the necessary recalculation would place a huge financial burden on the companies, the court held that “such troubles can be predicted of managements make rational and objective forecasts”. After the first instance court had rules in favour of the workers but the second court in favour of Hyundai, the case is now sent back to the Busan High Court for retrial. [The Korea Herald]
North Korea: Public executions for watching K-pop videos from South Korea
(dql) At least seven people have been publicly executed in North Korea in the past decade for watching or distributing South Korean K-pop videos, according to findings of Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), a Seoul-based NGO that conducted interviews with nearly 700 North Korean defectors since 2015 in an attempt to map places in North Korea where people were killed and buried in state-sanctioned public executions. [TJWG] [The New York Times]
Meanwhile, a strict ban on laughing, drinking alcohol and engaging in leisure activities has been imposed in the country for a period of eleven days on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong-il, father of current leader Kim Jong-Un. The ban started on December 17. [NDTV]
South Korea: Presidential election campaigns overshadowed by family scandals
(aml) Presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) Yoon Suk-yeol and Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party (DPK) have come under critic for behaviours of family members.
Yoon’s wife Kim Keon-hee, who had recently been accused of stock price manipulation [AiR, No.47, November/2021, 4], is now criticised for alleged lies on previous resumes. In her application for a job at Suwon Women’s University in 2007, Kim listed a director position at the Korea Association of Game Industry starting in 2002, although the association was only established in 2004, as well as a grand prize at the Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival in 2004. Yoon and the PPP have defended Kim, saying that the resumes were only a formality and that Kim had been appointed as a part-time university instructor at the recommendation of professors. However, Kim apologized for the “discomfort and fatigue the people may feel” and Yoon stated he was “sorry for causing concern” and that the false credentials were “not in line with the fairness and common sense” he preaches. [The Korea Times 1] [The Korea Herald 1]
PPP chairman Lee Jun-seok raised the question whether actions of Kim that occurred before her marriage with Yoon were even of relevance for the campaign. [The Korea Times 2] [The Korea Herald 2]
The DPK has now raised allegations that Kim also lied about her NYU attendance in 2006, claiming that they found no accordance between the program she said to have attended and the NYU course list at the time. The PPP has already rejected the allegations and stated that they will disclose Kim’s certificate soon. [The Korea Times 3]
DPK candidate Lee has been criticised for one of his sons who allegedly took part in illegal gambling. Lee apologized and said that as a parent, he was “responsible for the deficiency in [his] child’s education”. [The Korea Times 4]
The same son had also been accused of having paid for sex which is illegal in South Korea. However, Lee has stated that his son has denied the allegations and that he trusts him. [The Korea Herald 3]
UN Human Rights spokesperson calls on South Korea to enact anti-discrimination law
(aml) The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights OHCHR) has called for the South Korean National Assembly to enact an anti-discrimination law. Although several anti-discrimination bills have been proposed since 2007, the Assembly failed to enact such a law and even postponed it until the end of the parliamentary cycle in May 2024. The UN has recommended to establish such a law and now urges South Korea to adopt a “robust and inclusive Equality Bill” to protect human rights against discrimination for race, colour, sex, gender, religion, age, disability, migrant status, or any other status. The spokesperson of the OHCHR emphasized the importance of such a law in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic that worsened discrimination and hate speech and offered the office’s assistance. [The Korea Times]
South Korea: Military deploys 30mm wheeled antiaircraft gun
(aml) South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration has announced that the military replaces its 20mm Vulcan cannons with which it has worked for over 40 years and has started deploying homegrown 30 mm-calibre wheeled antiaircraft guns. Their firing range is 3 km, 1.2km longer than the old ones and it can track targets during day- and night-time as well as counter threats from low-flying targets. Additionally, the required personnel for a gun unit of only 18, compared to 48 before. The replacement will take place in three phases until 2031. [The Korea Herald]
Taiwan: KTM’s big referendums failure
(zh) All four referendums voted on Satruday, December 18, were rejected by a relatively low turnout of 41.09 percent and a narrow margin. The number of “no” votes on the questions surpassed those who voted “no” by margins ranging from 2.08 to 5.68 percent. [Focus Taiwan 1]
The four referendum issues included the revival of the construction of the mothballed Fourth Nuclear Power Plant, opposition to a liquefied natural gas receiving station in Datan Borough, re-imposition of a ban on pork imports containing ractopamine, and holding referendums and national elections on the same day. The four proposals were all directed against policies or policy decisions of the ruling-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Eric Chu, chairman of the opposition party Kuomintang (KMT) apologized after all four KMT-backed proposals failed and announed to shoulder the responsibility for the failure. [Focus Taiwan 2]
In the run up to the referendums, the KMT announced plans to amend the Referendum Act to prohibit government campaigning on referendum questions it did not propose and to impose punishments for dereliction of duty if the government acts in contradiction of referendum results. The party accused the DPP of “going rogue” in referendums and “severely breaching of the principle of administration neutrality”, pointing to the use of executive jet to transport President, Vice President, and Premier to DPP campaigns which urged people to vote “no” on four questions. KMT had previously held events rallying supporters to vote “yes” [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]. [Taipei Times]
Meanwhile, before the referendum, Taiwan’s Mainland China Affairs Council (MAC) has said the referendum is an “internal affairs in democratic Taiwan,” and China is “in no position to comment on or interfere in it”. The statement came on the heel of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticizing President Tsai Ing-wen cultivating anti-China sentiments in the DPP campaign event. [Focus Taiwan 3]
Tawain: Legal amendments proposed to better tackle Chinese espionage
(zh) Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Lo Chih-cheng has proposed a bill to amend four national security laws to establish a legal system and judges for Chinese espionage and national security-related cases. Laws included in the amendments are the National Security Act, the Classified National Security Information Protection Act, the National Intelligence Services Act, and the Anti-Infiltration Act.
The proposal is now pending discussion and review at the legislature. If passed, judges will have to receive relevant training before obtaining professional certificates. A dedicated legal system for dealing with national security cases will also be set up. [Focus Taiwan]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh celebrates 50 years of liberation war victory over Pakistan
(sk) Bangladesh has marked 50 years of victory over Pakistan last week, with huge crowds paying to the country’s war heroes in the capital Dhaka and other cities on December 16. The celebrations were attended by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, who was on a two-day visit to the South Asian country. [Al Jazeera] [France24]
December 16 is celebrated each year as Victory Day for the moment Pakistani soldiers surrendered en masse to a joint India-Bangladesh force, formally making Bangladesh a new nation under the leadership of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In her speech, Hasina said Bangladesh is maintaining good relations with all countries in line with her father’s foreign policy motto, “friendliness towards all, malice towards none.” She also emphasized the free practice of religion and the government’s “zero tolerance” attitude on militancy, terrorism, women’s abuse, and drug usage.
Bangladesh’s President Abdul Hamid, in turn, urged everyone to work with integrity and sincerity at all levels to make independence meaningful and to take vows to establish the prosperous Bangladesh that Rahman envisioned. [bdnews24.com]
Bangladesh has held celebrations throughout the year to mark the golden anniversary of its independence, though some events were called off because of the coronavirus pandemic. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honor in March to mark the outbreak of the nine-month war, a recognition of New Delhi’s crucial aid and support at the time. [AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]
Bangladesh: Opposition Nationalist Party to stage nationwide protest to demand leader’s treatment abroad
(sk/lm) Bangladesh’s main opposition political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has announced it will stage rallies in 32 districts across the country from December 22 to pressure Prime Minister Hasina’s government to allow its chairperson, Khaleda Zia, to travel abroad for advanced medical care. [Dhaka Tribune]
Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and archrival of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was admitted to the critical care unit of a hospital last month, with doctors treating her saying they fear for her life if she is not allowed to fly abroad for medical care. [AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]
However, the leader of the BNP has been barred by a court from leaving the country after being convicted and jailed on graft charges in 2018. In March of last year, the government allowed Zia to be released from prison as her health began to worsen [see AiR No. 10, March/2021, 2].
BNP activists and supporters have been staging protests across the country since November 21, demanding she be allowed to travel for treatment. [AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
Bangladesh: President begins dialogue with political parties on formation of new Election Commission
(sk/lm) Meeting with representatives of Bangladesh’s largest parliamentary opposition party, the Jatiya Party, President Abdul Hamidon December 20 began a dialogue with all registered political parties to discuss issues relating to the reconstitution of the Election Commission (EC). [Dhaka Tribune]
The five-year tenure of the current EC will expire in February 2022; the next Commission will be tasked with arranging the country’s next parliamentary election, which is scheduled to be held between November 2023 and January 2024.
Article 118 (1) of Bangladesh’s Constitution stipulates that the government shall appoint an EC consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and up to four Election Commissioners, subject to the provision of a law supposed to be introduced on that behalf. However, no government has taken such an initiative in the last 50 years. In the absence of the law, President Hamid formed search committees in 2012 and 2017 to appoint the CEC and commissioners. [AiR No. 40, October/2021, 1]
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has long been demanding the formation of the EC under a neutral, polls-time government. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on December 18 reiterated that the party would join the polls only if the ruling Awami League’s government stepped down. He also refused to accept the formation of the EC through a search committee [see AiR No. 42, October/2021, 3].
Bangladesh: UN envoy ‘deeply concerned’ over Rohingya school closures
(ap/lm) Authorities in Bangladesh have ordered the closure of “unauthorized” education centers in refugee camps in the district of Cox's Bazar hosting more than one million members of the largely Muslim minority group, a move that New York-based Human Rights Watch decried will leave 30,000 children without access to education. [Yahoo News]
Bangladesh's foreign ministry said the order will not impact around 3,000 learning centers for children in camps supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). It also claimed the decision had been made to halt the promotion of “radicalism” and “illegal activities” in these schools.
As part of a policy to prevent refugees from integrating in Bangladesh, authorities have barred Rohingya children’s access to public and private schools. Inside the camps, where about 400,000 children rely on aid groups to provide education, 22,000 Rohingya children are enrolled in home-based schools, 92,000 children in unofficial “learning centers”, and another 10,000 children in community-led schools established by Rohingya refugee volunteer-teachers. [Human Rights Watch]
Angered Rohingya activists in the camps have taken to social media to protest the decision in lieu of public protests, which have become difficult since security was boosted after the murder of a prominent community leader in September [see AiR No. 40, October/2021, 1].
The order coincided with a visit to Dhaka by the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, who said the privately run schools played a critical role in educating Rohingya children. Andrews also said the international community should build a better partnership with Bangladesh and cut off the Myanmar military leadership in dealing with the Rohingya refugee crisis. [Al Jazeera] [UN News]
Bangladesh: International rights groups urge authorities to end harassment of human rights activists
(ap) Eleven human rights organizations have called on the Bangladeshi government to end the harassment of two senior officials of Dhaka-based human rights group Odhikar, who have allegedly been targeted through misuse of the criminal justice system.
The two activists face up to ten years in prison for releasing a fact-finding report on the killing of at least 61 people by security forces in 2013. They were charged under Section 57 of the contentious Information and Communication Technology Act 2006, which punishes citizens for posting information online that disrupts law and order or hurts religious sentiments. Their trial at the Cyber Tribunal of Dhaka continued last week, while their review petition is still pending hearing before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. [International Federation for Human Rights]
Besides the criminal trial, rights groups claim that Odhikar and its staff have faced attacks, unlawful surveillance and smear campaigns since 2013. The organization’s registration as a non-governmental entity has not been renewed since 2015, its bank accounts have been frozen, and it is forbidden to receive international funding.
Bangladesh: High Court expresses disappointed over ‘no land, no job policy’
(sk) Bangladesh’s High Court has expressed disappointment over the case of a women who was denied a police position due to her lack of a permanent address despite topping the merit list in a police recruitment test. The apex court ordered the deputy attorney general to provide detailed information about the woman, her family, and the recruitment exam. [Dhaka Tribune]
Bangladesh: Eight sentenced to death for murder of soldier
(sk) A court in Bangladesh has sentenced eight people to death for the murder of a soldier in 2018. [Dhaka Tribune]
India: Supreme Court mandates benefits including voting rights for sex workers
(lm) India’s central and state governments must enroll sex workers into digital systems that grant access to opportunities like voting and social welfare benefits, the country’ Supreme Court ruled on December 14, potentially bringing recognition and relief to an estimated 900,000 people who have long lived without either. [The New York Times, $]
The top court was hearing a plea filed by a collective of sex workers based in the eastern state of West Bengal. In the plea, the body highlighted various problems that are faced by the sex workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
In its order, the Supreme Court observed that “[t]he fundamental rights are guaranteed to every citizen of the country irrespective of his or her vocation”, and demanded that a status report on the directive be filed within four weeks. In the meantime, it said, governments should provide sex workers with the documents. [The Times of India]
In November of last year, the sex workers suffered a setback after the country’s human rights body reversed its earlier decision directing state governments to recognize sex workers as informal workers, entitling them to benefit from a $23 billion government program for India’s poor during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Supreme Court then stepped in, telling the government to provide dry rations to sex workers identified by the National AIDS Control Organisation and district legal authorities, noting that it would be difficult for sex workers to produce a proof of identity [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].
However, some observers express scepticism over the implementation of the top court’s decision. That is because this is not the first time that the apex court has issued such an order. In 2011, the Supreme Court had issued a similar order which was met with inaction on the parts of implementation authorities. [Outlook India]
India: Government to raise legal marriage age for women to 21
(sr) India’s national cabinet has cleared a proposal to raise the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 – the same as men – in a push to ensure that girls complete their education and climb up the economic ladder. The government is expected to introduce a bill in Parliament later this week to amend the existing law.
The move to revise the legal age of marriage for girls for the first time in 40 years came after human development data showed that early union leads to a truncated education, teenage pregnancies and malnutrition. It also forces women into homebound life. According to the latest National Family Health Survey, as many as 23 per cent of Indian girls were married before they turned 18.
The campaign picked up momentum after Prime Minister Modi promised to review the legal age of marriage in his Independence Day address last year. A high-level task force set up by the Ministry of Women and Child Development earlier in 2020 also backed the proposal, observing that delay in the age of marriage would have a “positive financial, social, and health impact on families, society, and children.” [Al Jazeera] [Live Law] [NDTV] [South China Morning Post] [The Indian Express] [The Times of India]
India: Supreme Court quashes quota for educationally or socially disadvantaged in Maharashtra local polls
(vc/lm) India’s Supreme Court has directed the government of Maharashtra state to denote seats previously reserved for castes which are educationally or socially disadvantaged, known as Other Backward Class (OBC), as general seats and to take forward the election process. [Live Law] [The Hindu]
The order came in response to a petition challenging a Maharashtra ordinance which had introduced a 27 percent reservation for the OBC category in local elections. The State Election Commission subsequently issued notifications to give effect to the ordinance. In its ruling, the top court observed that the Maharashtra government had promulgated the ordinance without waiting for the conclusion of the report by the Commission set up by the state earlier in June.
The ruling is considered yet another setback for the state government coming as it does after the Supreme Court in May struck down a legislation with granted reservations to the Maratha community. [Supreme Court Observer]
India: Prime Minister Modi inaugurates All-India Mayors’ Conference
(vc) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17 inaugurated and addressed an All India Mayor's Conference in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The prime minister encouraged the 120 mayors from cities from all across the country to focus on the development of the cities without losing their traditional essence and make efforts to revitalize the significance of rivers. [PIB] [Hindustan Times]
India: Two acts of lynching reported at Sikh temples in Punjab state
(lm) Two people were lynched over the weekend in the northern Indian state of Punjab after they attempted to carry out acts of sacrilege inside Sikh temples, including one at the religion’s holiest shrine.
The first mob attack took place on December 18 after a man allegedly barged into the inner sanctum of the Golden Temple in the city of Amritsar. The man grabbed a ceremonial sword placed next to Sikhism's holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, but was overpowered by guards and worshippers. Police said the man was found dead once officers arrived at the scene, and an investigation is under way. [South China Morning Post]
Less than 24 hours later, another man was beaten to death by Sikhs accusing him of sacrilege after he allegedly tried to remove the Sikh flag, Nishan Sahib, from a temple in Kapurthala, also in Punjab state. Indian media report police initially took the man into custody, but locals then clashed with police and ended up killing the man. [The New York Times, $]
The desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib is a highly emotive issue among the Sikh community, which constitutes the majority in Punjab. Several desecrations took place in 2014 and 2015, and it became a major political issue during the state’s elections in 2017 and 2019.
In light of this, Punjab’s government, led by the Indian National Congress party, has been criticized by political opponents, and many Sikhs, for failing to address the issue adequately, prosecute offenders or prevent similar episodes of desecrations. [BBC]
India: Opposition lawmaker faces outrage for 'lie down and enjoy rape' remark
(vc/lm) An opposition lawmaker in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is facing severe backlash for joking about rape. [The Indian Express]
The controversial remarks were made during a session of the state’s assembly, after the speaker expressed his helplessness at not being able to control lawmakers. To this, Ramesh Kumar, a six-time member of Karnataka’s Legislative Assembly and two-time speaker, responded: “There is a saying that when rape is inevitable, lie down and enjoy it. That is exactly the position you are in.” [NDTV]
While Kumar apologized in the assembly the following day, a non-governmental organization filed a complaint against the lawmaker, and asked the state governor to sanction legal action against him. This is not the first time that Kumar made a derogatory remark. In 2019, he compared his situation to that of a “rape survivor” while reacting to corruption allegations. [BBC]
India: Government starts process to identify next head of Armed Forces; General Naravane frontrunner
(rs/lm) In light of the death of India’s first Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash earlier this month, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General M.M. Naravane has temporarily assumed some of the responsibilities of the CDS as professional head of the Indian Armed Forces. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2] [The Quint]
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 16 – a day after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi – confirmed that the process to identify the next CDS had begun. [The Indian Express]
General Naravane, who is senior to his counterparts in both Navy and Air Force, is considered the frontrunner to occupy the post. Crucially, a CDS can serve till the age of 65 while the three Service Chiefs either serve till they attain the age of 62 or for three years in the post.
If General M.M. Naravane – who is set to retire in April next year –is appointed as new CDS, then Army Vice Chief Lieutenant General CP Mohanty and Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General YK Joshi would come in the line of succession of next Army Chief. [Firstpost]
India: Deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir union territory forces police to re-shuffle
(sr/lm) Three police officers were killed and 11 others injured after militants ambushed a bus carrying security forces in India’s union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on December 13, just hours after government forces shot two rebels dead. [CNN] [Reuters] [The Hindu]
The police stated that suspected rebels had opened fire on a bus that was transporting police personnel who were returning from their deployment back to their campus in a high-security area of the region’s main city Srinagar.
Kashmir's inspector general said in a statement that “credible sources revealed that the attack was carried by Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)”. JeM, a Pakistan-based group, has been designated a terror organisation by India and the United Nations, as well as the United Kingdom and United States. It previously claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing on 14 February 2019 in Kashmir in which at least 46 soldiers died. [BBC]
Hours before the attack, Indian counterinsurgency police killed two suspected members of another Pakistan-based terrorist group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, at a checkpoint near Srinagar’s military airport, after the suspects fired at them. Witnesses said the encounter ended within minutes, and accused the police of killing the suspects without justification, saying they never fired at the officers. [Greater Kashmir]
Following last week’s attacks, the Senior Superintendent of Police of Srinagar was removed from his post by the State Administration and replaced by an officer belonging to the Manipur cadre. He will be the first officer who does not belong to the Jammu and Kashmir cadre to be posted in the State. [Tribune India] [Zee News]
India: DRDO test-fires nuclear-capable missile; defense minister urges development of hypersonic missiles
(sr) India’s military research and development agency, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on December 18 successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable Agni Prime, a two-stage canisterized ballistic missile with range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers. [Anadolu Agency]
Last week’s test was the latest in series of recent tests with indigenously developed weapon systems, reflecting New Delhi’s push to enhance self-reliance and to bolster the country’s strike capability in light of growing concern about China's assertiveness. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
Between these two events, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 14 encouraged scientists to work towards developing hypersonic missile technology. [NewsOnAIR]
In September of last year, the DRDO successfully test-fired a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), tutting the country in a select club of few – United States, China, Russia –that have demonstrated this technology [see AiR No. 36, September/2020, 2]. That test was a significant achievement for it validated that New Delhi now has the capabilities to further develop critical technologies pertaining to the performance of high temperature materials and scramjet engines, all of which feature in missiles that can travel at six times the speed of sound. [The EurAsian Times]
India: Supreme Court permits widening of highways on Indo-China border, cites national security
(sr) India’s Supreme Court has given its permission to allow the broaden the width of three national highways passing through the Himalayan region, despite multiple stakeholders raising concerns about the environmental ramifications, citing national security.
Citing the fact that judicial review cannot draw decisions on the need of the armed forces which are governed by the Ministry of Defence, the bench rejected the arguments cited by the ‘Citizens for Green Doon’ and passed an order to allow the highways to be built as per the Double Lane with Paved Shoulder (DLPS) system [Live Law] [Live Law2] [The Hindu] [Zee News] [Business Standard]
Nepal: Prime Minister Deuba plans to table MCC agreement in parliament, despite continued opposition
(lm) Nepal’s ruling coalition government is reportedly planning to table a contract on a $500 million compact offered by a United States foreign aid agency in Parliament for its passage, in spite of reservations maintained by some constituent parties of the five-member alliance. [The Kathmandu Post]
In 2017, Nepal signed the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)-Nepal Compact, under which the US agreed to provide $100 million in grants a year over five years to support the implementation of two major infrastructure projects in Nepal, while Kathmandu would chip in $130 million. At the time, Kathmandu had committed to ratifying the agreement by September 2019, but the process has been deadlocked since, not least because less than one-third of lawmakers in Parliament’s lower chamber are believed to support the agreement.
During a visit to Kathmandu last month, two senior US officials met with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other political leaders, including opposition leader KP Sharma Oli, and made clear that Washington was not prepared to wait indefinitely for Nepal to gets its act together [see AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]. That visit followed on another four-day visit by an MCC delegation in September [see AiR No. 38, September/2021, 3].
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Deuba on December 17 held a meeting with Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the chair of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), a key coalition partner in the current government.
Two days thereafter, the prime minister also convened an all-party meeting, but the talks were not attended by the main opposition party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), which commands the largest number of seats in the lower house, and which had been obstructing proceedings in both houses of Parliament for months [see AiR No. 44, November/2021, 1].
What is more, even, leaders from all junior partners of the Nepali Congress reiterated that they would not endorse the agreement in its current form and underlined that they seek to amend a number of objectionable provisions of the deal.
In light of this, Prime Minister Deuba is facing a dilemma: If his government tables the MCC in Parliament for ratification, there is a distinct possibility that his ruling coalition could break, not least because some leaders have already made clear that their parties would withdraw its support if the government moved the agreement forward. Moreover, there are equal chances of it being rejected by a majority in the Parliament even if it is moved forward. [Khabarhub]
Nepal: Prime Minister Deuba secures second term as president of ruling Nepali Congress party
(ns/lm) Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on December 15 was re-elected as president of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) political party, defeating his only rival Shekhar Koirala in the second round of voting. [The Kathmandu Post]
After none of the five contestants received 51 percent of votes in the first round of voting, a runoff between the top two candidates, Deuba and Koirala, was scheduled [see AiR No. 50, December/2021,15]. Deuba was able to secure the support of all three who were originally also in the running for the NC presidential post and who had filed their candidacies promising to rid the party of the incumbent’s leadership. [Khabarhub]
Nepal: Defence minister resigns after defeat in internal party election
(ns) The Nepali Minister of Defence, Minendra Rijal, on December 16 announced his resignation, days after he had unsuccessfully contested for the post of general secretary of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) political party. [My República]
The NC held its 14th General Convention two weeks ago during which several posts were to be decided by the votes of respective delegates. Rijal ran for the post of general secretary from the panel opposed to Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahdur Deuba, but was not able to secure the spot. [The Indian Express]
Nepal: Finance minister asks ministries to spend 30 percent of budgets by end of the month
(ns) Nepali Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has advised each ministry to not save the budgets allocated to them until the end of the fiscal year but rather spend 30 percent of it within the next four weeks. If the ministries fail to do so, budgets could be redirected, according to Sharma, who is adamant about changing the trends within the current budget expenditure by ministries. [Khabarhub]
Pakistan: US forensic firm says former chief justice’s leaked audio clip ‘doctored’
(az/lm) An ongoing controversy pertaining to leaked audio recordings in which a former Pakistani chief justice is allegedly heard admitting that pressure was brought to bear in a case against a former prime minister to aid the rise of the current office holder, Imran Khan, took a new turn: A US-based forensic video analyst confirmed that the contentious clip was doctored, after he found several inconsistencies in the file, ARY News reported. [ARY News] [Geo News]
Last month, Pakistani investigative news site Fact Focus released an audio recording on which former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar can allegedly be heard urging his unknown interlocutor to “penalize” then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, to make space for Imran Khan in politics three years ago.
Nisar had responded to the allegations by saying the audio recording is a fake, while members of the Khan administration claimed the audio was part of campaign launched by Sharif. Sharif’s party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, demanded a thorough investigation of the audio clip, and Islamabad high court has been asked to create an independent commission to ascertain its authenticity and investigate the former prime minister’s conviction.
In the meantime, Fact Focus sent the clip to Garrett Discovery, another independent US-based forensic company. That firm late last month reported that the recording it was sent had not been manipulated, tampered with or edited. However, the firm could not verify whether it was an original recording or a secondary recording of audio that may or may not have been manipulated.
Meanwhile, the reporter who broke the story termed the second forensic analysis as ‘propaganda’. Taking it to Twitter, he said no one ever tried to contact him to get the audio clip he had with him. [Daily Pakistan]
Pakistan: United Nations urges release of human rights defender sentenced to 14 years in prison
(az/lm) United Nations human rights experts have condemned the conviction of Idris Khattak, a prominent rights activist, who was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment following an “apparent unfair trial” by Pakistani military court. [United Nations Office of the High Commissioner]
Khattak went missing while traveling in the country's northwest in 2019 in what later turned out to be a case of forced disappearance by Pakistani security agencies. For months, there was no information about him until authorities confirmed he was in custody. Earlier this month, it was reported that a military court had sentenced Khattak to 14 years imprisonment on charges of sharing “sensitive and important information” with a hostile intelligence agency and other individuals.
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Brunei: Third stage of population census underway
(sd) The third stage of the Population and Housing Census (BPP) will be conducted until December 31 in Brunei.
The census, undertaken by the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, is using several methods to collect records, including an online questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, and telephone interviews.
The government requested all families, especially those not included in the 2021 BPP, to contact the DEPS before the end of the year to ensure the accuracy of the census data.
The DEPS also made it clear it was an offense not to provide the requested information and could lead to a fine and six months imprisonment. [Borneo Bulletin]
Brunei: Divorce proceedings must undergo court mediation if children are involved
(sd) Couples seeking a divorce who have children under 18-years-old will have to undergo a mandatory court mediation, effective from December 2.
This was implemented after a Chief Justice issued a Practice Direction – a guide to how the legislation should be interpreted – on the use of alternative dispute resolution on matters of family.
The rule seeks to add strength to the court in the resolution of marriage disputes, and gives judges and courts the power to instigate mediation.
The Supreme Court of Brunei said that mediation will help couples with children make arrangements in a non-adversarial and cooperative way. [Borneo Bulletin]
Cambodia: Trial date set for treason charges of opposition leader
(nm) A Cambodian court charged former leader of now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Kem Sokha with treason. The trial date is set for January 19, where Sokha is ordered to appear before three judges at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
Sokha was arrested in September 2017 over an alleged plot to overthrow the Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, which was supposedly supported by the United States. Cambodia’s Supreme Court dissolved CNPR shortly after, which allowed Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) to win the July 2018 election.
The President of Cambodian rights group Ad-hoc, said the court should not be settling political conflicts and the court’s decision is not based on law. [Radio Free Asia]
Over 300 human-trafficking victims rescued by Thai police
(nm) From January until the end of November, a total of 361 suspected human-trafficking victims were rescued by the Thai Police and returned back from Cambodia, marking one of the biggest rescue missions and repatriation efforts by Thai authorities. The victims were Thai nationals that were working in allegedly slave-like conditions in Phnom Penh. [Khmer Times]
Indonesia: Taxation Harmonization Law expected to boost state revenue
(gl) The Indonesian government expects the newly introduced Taxation Harmonization Law, Law No. 7 of 2021, aimed at overhauling vital provisions of the previous taxation regime, to increase the state revenue before 2023 when the country plans to restore the 3% of GDP budget deficit limit.
The law comprises several amendments to previous tax laws by adding, among others, the value-added tax (VAT), carbon tax, income tax, tax amnesty and excise. [Mondaq 1]
After the 2020 Job Creation Law [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5], the Taxation Harmonization Law represents the Government’s second use of the omnibus method – a single piece of legislation that simultaneously amends several laws and regulations – in Indonesia’s legal system. There are concerns that, like the Job Creation Law, the Taxation Harmonization Law will also be declared unconstitutional and forced to be amended within two years. [Mondaq 2]
Indonesia: New regional fiscal management law sparks debate
(gl) The Fiscal Relations between Central Government and Regions (HKPD) Law, which was passed by the House of Representatives on December 7, fomented debate over the regional administrations’ fiscal autonomy.
The HKPD, which provides a transition period of five years, amends the Regional Tax and Fees Law, the Center-Regions Fiscal Balance Law, and Article 114 of the Job Creation Law [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]. While some argue that the HKPD will simplify debt financing, streamline regional spending, and boost revenue, others contend that the law increases the risk of loan defaults and centralizes decisions on annual regional budgets to the central government. [The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: New capitol city bill draft receives criticism for lack of environmental regulation
(gl) The draft of the new capital city bill (RUU IKN) received criticism on its lack of environmental regulations as it entered the discussion phase on December 15. Specifically, some are emphasizing the disparity in content between the academic paper of the project and the RUU IKN draft. As the state capital city’s relocation will almost certainly have a great impact on the environment, some highlight the need for a man-made corridor plan that takes into consideration biodiversity and ensures the wellbeing of fauna and flora. [Tempo]
Indonesian government urges lawmakers to pass three backlogged trade agreements
(gl) The Indonesian government has invited lawmakers to promptly pass three backlogged trade agreements: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for Asia-Pacific countries, the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement. Prolonging their ratification would cost Indonesia its momentum in economic recovery and trade policies. [The Jakarta Post 1]
The RCEP is the most urgent among the three deals since it would become operative as of 1 January 2022. Out of the 12 countries supposed to ratify the RCEP before the end of this year, Indonesia has yet been the only member to do so. [The Jakarta Post 2]
Indonesia moves to strengthen anti-graft measures in light of new corruption cases
(gl) In its efforts to eradicate graft culture, the Indonesian government is pressing for the draft of the Law on the Confiscation of Criminal Assets to be included in the 2022 Priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas). [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
However, the 2022 Prolegnas, passed by the House of Representatives, has so far not included the bill. The Law on the Confiscation of Criminal Assets would eradicate corruption through increased non-tax state revenues and asset recovery. The Law could help address cases such as that of the 15 Muara Enim Legislative Council (DPRD) accepting a Rp 5.6 billion ($390,452) bribe from a businessman seeking to win projects from the Housing Department and Muara Enim Public Works in 2019. [Jakarta Globe] [Tempo]
The National Police service is also increasing its corruption eradication endeavors. It recently established the Corruption Eradication Corps (Kortas) composed of 44 former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) members, an Indonesian government agency that aims to eliminate corruption. On one hand, Kortas would benefit from the National Police’s capable human resources, as well as the delegation of strategic cases in the law enforcement field. On paper, Kortas should also have more authority compared to a directorate. On the other hand, some question the extent of authority Kortas would benefit from, due to the jurisdictional overlap with the Crime Investigation Agency. The civil status of the former KPK member might prevent them from holding strategic posts in the anti-graft investigations since they are usually held by members in uniform. As such, the new members might find themselves excluded from investigations and constrained only to prevention missions. [Tempo][The Jakarta Post]
Amnesty International describes Indonesia’s human rights situation as ‘alarming’
(gl) Amnesty International Indonesia has described the country’s human rights situation as ‘alarming’ due to the increasing attacks against human rights defenders, as well as restrictions against free speech. The group released data counting 95 attacks against 297 individuals in 2021, including government critics, activists, indigenous people, journalists, and students. 55 of these attacks, which ranged from physical abuse to intimidation, allegedly involved police and military personnel. [The Jakarta Post][AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
In light of the announcement, the 22nd Indonesian Humanitarian Congress (Kongres Kemanusiaan Indonesia) held by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Human Initiative on December 15 addressed four key themes: prospects of the Humanitarian Movement, the Context of Indonesian Humanitarianism, Implications of COVID-19 for Humanitarianism, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Indonesian Humanitarian Agenda. [The Jakarta Post 1]
During the forum, the NGO drafted a 2022-2030 humanitarian agenda which focuses on combining mutually agreed principles and philosophies of action, incentivizing multi-stakeholder engagement, and enhancing national and local actor capabilities to benefit humanitarian crisis victims. [The Jakarta Post 2]
Indonesia: Activists protest for swifter ratification of sexual violence bill
(gl) Pressure for the passing of the sexual violence bill (RUU TPKS) is mounting as activists rallied in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) on December 14. After the approval of the RUU TPKS draft on December 8, the Presidential Staff Office (PSK) organized a task force to work towards its swift ratification [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2].
Despite the PSK endeavors, more swift action is being demanded, since at least 13 students had been raped by a pesantren – an Islamic boarding school – teacher. A minimum of 9 babies have allegedly been born as a result of sexual violence. [The Jakarta Post]
The DPR was also criticized for not including the RUU TPKS draft in the agenda for the December 16 plenary session. Some members of the DPR appear to have hindered the draft from entering the plenary session despite its approval to become a House-initiated bill. This event seems to confirm the public view of a lack of sense of crisis among DPR members, with regards to sexual violence in Indonesia. This opinion is consolidated also by the absence of bills passed by the DPR over the past years: only 5 out of 50 bills were ratified in 2018, 14 out of 55 in 2019, and 3 out of 37 in 2020. [Kompas] [Tempo]
Eleven Indonesian migrants drown during boat sinking off Malaysia coast
(gl) On December 15, a boat traveling from Indonesia capsized off peninsular Malaysia’s southern coast due to strong waves. All the passengers were Indonesian, of which 14 survived. Out of the 25 that are still missing, at least 11 are believed to have drowned.
This is one of the many accidents happening in the waterways between Malaysia and Indonesia often involving overloaded boats illegally carrying Indonesian factory or plantation migrant workers. The boats depart at night, stop before reaching land, and force passengers to swim ashore to avoid detection.
Each year, Malaysia sees between 100,000 and 200,000 Indonesian migrant workers crossing the border illegally, according to an Indonesian non-governmental organization. Many of the laborers are often exploited upon arrival after being recruited by trafficking gangs. [Al Jazeera 1][Al Jazeera 2]
Indonesia: Police arrests alleged Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists
(gl) On December 17, counter-terrorism squad Detachment 88 arrested 13 suspected members of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a militant network, across Sumatra. Security officials believe JI is still active and recruits members. The militant network has also been raising funds via charity boxes at minimarkets; the raised money was used to deploy militants to war zones such as Syria with the objective, among others, of acquiring explosives and weapons. Previous arrests also confirmed that the al Qaeda-linked terrorist network had been raising an estimated US$ 2 million through Islamic charitable foundations. [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5] [Jakarta Globe1]
With operating subgroups in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1], and the Philippines, JI is accused of seeking to establish the Islamic State in Southeast Asia. The JI is accused of major attacks during the 2000s: the October 2002 Bali bombing, which killed more than 200 civilians, the 2004 Australian Embassy bombing in Jakarta, and the 2009 twin hotel bombing in Jakarta. [Jakarta Globe 2] [Stanford Centre for International Security and Cooperation].
Indonesia: Cyberattacks against governmental agencies and corporations on the rise
(gl) The YouTube channel of the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) was hacked last week. Instead of airing an online press conference by the BNPB, the video showed a foreigner giving an online presentation on cryptocurrency. [CNA 1]
This was one of the 1.4 billion cyberattacks Indonesia has witnessed this year, the biggest being the May 2021 theft of 279 million people’s information from the social health security information. Cyberattacks have significantly multiplied since last year’s figure of 495 million and are increasingly targeting corporations and governmental agencies. The root causes of this spike in Internet traffic anomalies are believed to be complacency, lack of human capacity, and low digital literacy. [CNA 2]
Laos enhances automated custom management system to facilitate international trade
(bs) Four Lao ministries signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate cross-border trade promoting the use of an automated custom management system.
The project, funded by the World Bank and the governments of Australia, Ireland, and the United States (US), aims to improve both efficiency and accuracy of inspections at border checkpoints by harmonizing risk management measures and implementing, on a larger scale, the use of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), an automated and integrated custom management system to facilitate international transactions promoted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
ASYCUDA uses advanced software that aims not only to reduce cross-border transaction time and costs but also to strengthen security control and improve the transparency of the procedure. [UNCTAD]
On the same occasion, the Ministry of Finance founded a Joint Risk Management Committee responsible for coordinating the data collection in the automated system and providing recommendations to the users. [The Star]
Lao PDR committed to enhancing well-being of women and children
(bs) The Lao National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers, and Children presented a five-year action plan to ensure equality, safety, and wellbeing for women and children.
The objective is to improve children and women’s general wellbeing by ensuring access to medical support and education not only by empowering women and children in rural areas but also by ensuring protection to women and children’s rights on a national level.
The plan comprises five projects; two on the accessibility of information and raising awareness among women and children, one focuses on policy and legislation amendments in compliance with national and international commitments, another aims at strengthening the skills and abilities of those involved in child protection, and the last project aims to reduce child and family poverty in the country. [Vientiane Times $]
Lao girls forced sold to sex labor
(bs) A Chinese firm in the Golden Triangle, a casino area in Bokeo province in the North of Laos, allegedly forces women into prostitution if they do not reach the high sales quota in their jobs as “chat-girls.”
The area has gained the reputation of a center of heroin production and human trafficking over the past ten years, and the Chinese network, head of the casinos in the region, was sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department as a transnational criminal organization operating in Laos, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
The Lao government defended its inactivity by declaring that since 80 percent of the quota is from Chinese investors, the local anti-human trafficking department cannot access the Golden Triangle area. “The Golden Triangle SEZ is under Chinese control.” [Radio Free Asia]
Laos appealed to investigate on Lao civil society leader’s enforced disappearance
(hh) Human rights organizations reiterated their appeal to the Lao government on the ninth anniversary of the enforced disappearance of a Lao civil society leader, Sombath Somphone.
A group of human rights defenders condemned the Lao government’s refusal to provide updates on Sombath’s enforced disappearance and failure to solve the case. The Lao government also received concerns from the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council’s Special Procedure mandate holders on the lack of progress on the investigation.
The government’s last remarks on Sombath’s case were made during a UN Human Rights Council’s adoption of the third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Laos on 28 September 2020. The government did not accept all five recommendations for an adequate investigation.
Sombath was last seen on 15 December 2012 at a police checkpoint in Vientiane, and no updates on his case were provided to his family since 2017. [International Federation for Human Rights]
Malaysia: Center-right wing wins 2021 Sarawak's election
(dw) Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), a center-right wing political party, officially won Sarawak’s state election after securing 76 out of 82 states seats. [The Borneo Post] [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
GPS’s victory, which aligned its coalition to United Malays National Organization (UMNO), is considered to help consolidate power after the pro-Malay party returned to the top seat of government, in August, and could bring forward the next General Elections in 2023.[Bloomberg]
Malaysia: Parliament agrees to amend agreement related to the status of Sabah and Sarawak
(dw) On December 14, the ruling coalition of the Malaysian Parliament secured two-thirds support to amend clauses in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) on restoring the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners to the peninsular states after the proposal in November. [see AiR No. 49, December/2021,1].
Sabah and Sarawak are now included in the federation as an autonomous bloc with special status through the amendments. One of the key changes is Sabah and Sarawak now have control over their immigration borders, natural resources, and their judicial commission. [Malay Mail]
However, Sarawak’s local party argued that this constitutional amendment did not specifically spell out an equal partnership or allocation of one-third of Parliament seats each to Sabah and Sarawak. The Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), a Sarawakian political party, stated that the MA63 was built as a consensus between the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak, and should now be considered null and void since Singapore left. PBK said that this amendment is just a gimmick being used in the current Sarawak election. [The Borneo Post]
Malaysia: Sabah regional party goes national
(dw) On December 17, Parti Warisan, a regional political party in the Borneon state of Sabah, launched its national chapter in Kuala Lumpur. The party aims to unite Malaysia’s diverse culture under one banner, by expanding its wing to Peninsular Malaysia and changing its status to that of a national party. The party president explained that Warisan would participate in Malaysia’s political contest with the aim to reduce inequality and promote multiculturalism and unity among the people. Warisan hopes to join and contest all 222 seats in the next general election. [Malay Mail]
Malaysia: Muda registration officially accepted as a political party
(dw) A Malaysian youth-based party, The Malaysian United Democratic Alliances (Muda), won its lawsuit in the High Court securing an order from the Home Minister to register itself as a political party within 14 days from the decision.
The party aims to promote a political norm built on efficiency, integrity, multi-racial, and multi-religious with democratic values. It was the third lawsuit Muda had to file to be registered as a political party, after being rejected two times earlier in January and April [see AiR No. 33, August/2021, 3]. [Malay Mail] [MalaysiaKini]
Malaysia: Health Ministry to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act
(dw) The Malaysian Ministry of Health is pushing to amend the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342) by increasing sanctions for the violators of Covid-19 prevention rules to a maximum of RM50,000 ($12,000) fine, a three-year prison sentence, or both. [The Star].
Opposition leaders strongly disagree and oppose the implementation of the amendment
arguing that it was better to educate, mitigate and focus on recovery rather than punishing citizens with heftier fines. [Malay Mail]
Experts also said that education is essential to raise awareness before implementing the Bill within society. With this system, honest mistakes could be addressed with warnings and creating awareness, while repeat offenders or those who deliberately disobey the law could then be punished.
However, lawmakers suggested that the bill be first sent to the bipartisan parliamentary special select committee to discuss each clause regarding the high fines on individuals and companies to ensure protection from government abuse or oppression of the people, with the poorer parts of society being especially vulnerable. [Malay Mail]
Malaysia: Parliament passed the Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Smuggling Bill
(dw) The Malaysian Parliament passed the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill 2021 on December 15, aimed at targeting syndicates and agents involved in human trafficking or migrant smuggling to Malaysia.
The Bill increases prison sentences up to 20 years for human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. The amendments also saw increases in punishment for several other offenses dictating 30 years to life in jail, including whipping punishment, for crimes involving public servants discharging their duties and repeat offenders.
Under the amendments, the numbers of members to the Anti-Human Trafficking and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Council are to be increased from three to five. [The Star]
Malaysia: MCA Youth formed Undi18 special task force
(dw) The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Youth wing has set up a special task force working with the government in the framework of the movement for a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age from 21 to 18, Undi18. [see AiR No. 13, March/2021, 5]
The special task force aims to supervise and ensure the smooth implementation of Undi18.
The MCA Youth chief said that Undi18 would give more opportunities for young Malaysians to express their right to vote and fulfill their responsibilities as citizens. The special task force will cooperate with other youth groups, gather information, and have two-way communication with the government’s decision-making unit. [The Star]
Myanmar sentenced to death over 90 people in 2021
(bs) On December 16, a military court sentenced to death five young Burmese youths for allegedly murdering a local administrator. Other two people received their death sentence on December 3.
Myanmar’s military courts sentenced to death 28 people only between November and mid-December. Since the February coup, 92 people has entered the death row in the country. [Radio Free Asia]
Myanmar photographer dies in custody after anti-coup protest
(nm) Seo Naing, a Myanmar photographer, has died in custody, according to friends, media reports and an advocacy group, after documenting demonstrations since the military seized power. The photographer was arrested on December 10 for taking photographs of deserted streets during the silent strike protest [see AiR No.50, December/2021, 2].
Press freedom in Myanmar is under attack from the junta, amid an ongoing crackdown on the media. A reporter told Radio Free Asia that what happened to Soe Naing was inevitable, as the junta continues to cover up its human rights abuses. [Radio Free Asia] [The Star]
Myanmar: Former democratically elected leader’s walkie-talkie verdict postponed
(nm) The two verdicts concerning the alleged illegal possession by detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi of communication devices, known as walkie-talkies, are adjourned for one week, however, the junta judge did not disclose the reasoning behind the delay.
The rulings are now expected to be delivered on December 27. Suu Kyi was charged under the Export and Import Law and the Telecommunications Law, under which she can face up to four years in prison for the offence alone.
Five people testified at the hearing for the charges; four confirmed the walkie-talkies being found inside Suu Kyi’s home, however, the fifth said the walkie-talkies were confiscated by her security team at the gate leading up to the place of residence. Suu Kyi is still awaiting decisions on 10 cases, including six that involve alleged corruption. [Myanmar Now]
Myanmar junta clash with anti-coup fighters
(nm) Myanmar junta soldiers launched helicopter raids on a "people’s defence forces" (PDF) meeting in the country’s central Sagaing region in the past week. They also used jet fighters during the raid and fired on local villages. [Bangkok Post]
A secret jungle camp in Myanmar’s eastern Karen state houses a training camp led by the Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s largest ethnic armed groups. Their ultimate objective is to fight back against the country’s military junta.
In the camp, recruits are living in makeshift tents near the Thai border, learning how to load rifles and set detonates for homemade bombs. Many left their jobs in the city to become guerrilla fighters after mass demonstrations against the coup failed to deter the new coup leaders. [Reuters]
Since the military coup took control in February, Myanmar soldiers have clashed continuously with anti-coup armed groups that are in loose coalition calling themselves PDF, across the country. [see also AiR No.50, December/2021, 2]
More than 2,500 Myanmar people flee to Thailand to seek refuge
(nm) Thai authorities and an aid group confirmed more than 2,500 people including 545 children have fled Myanmar and taken refuge across the border in Tak, a northern Thai province that shares a border with Myanmar.
The displaced escaped a flare-up of tensions between the Myanmar army and the Karen National Union (KNU), an ethnic minority rebel group. The deputy governor of the western Tak province told a news conference that the displaced had also taken refuge at Mae Sot, a western Thai province that also shares a border with Myanmar.
The KNU is seeking self-determination and said in a social media post that four Myanmar soldiers were killed and four were wounded during the clash on December 15. The spokesman for Myanmar’s junta did not answer a call seeking comment. [Reuters]
On December 19, Thailand sent back 600 refugees to Myanmar despite the continuous clashes. [The Straits Times]
The Philippines: Poll watchdog rejects petition to postpone 2022 elections
(lt) Kontra Daya, one of the major poll watchdogs in the Philippines, urged the Commission on Elections to reject the petition to postpone the 2022 polls filed by a pro-democratic-reforms party deeming it unconstitutional. The petition mentioned the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to postpone the elections. [Manila Bulletin]
The Philippines: Bill to allow more foreign investors in Philippines
(lt) The Philippine Senate approved a bill allowing for the increased presence of foreign investors in the Philippines. Known as Senate Bill 2094, the legislation amends the 85-year-old Public Service Act and aims to mitigate the restrictions on foreign investments in public services. The amendment also aims to expand the Philippine economy and provide broader choice to Filipino customers.
In order to ensure national security, Senate Bill 2094 contains safety measures which prevent foreign state-owned companies from owning capital in “critical infrastructures.” Moreover, the National Security Council will review any foreign investments in the country. [Manila Times]
The Philippines: Release of final list of 2022 electoral candidates delayed
(lt) The Commission on Elections announced that the release of the final list of electoral candidates running in the 2022 elections has been delayed. The constitutional commission cited the numerous unresolved nuisance bets as reasons for the delay, with a spokesman stating that the list’s finalisation could take up to two weeks.
The definition of a nuisance bet is discussed in the Omnibus Election Code. A candidate without “bona fide” intention to run for public office, who causes confusion due to the similarity of names with other candidates or makes a “mockery” of the electoral process can be declared a nuisance bet. The Commission on Elections stated that over half of the 97 presidential candidates participating in the 2022 elections have been declared nuisance bets, hence the delay in releasing the final list of aspirants. [CNN Philippines] [Inquirer.net] [Sunstar]
The Philippines: Communist rebels kill civilians during typhoon evacuation processes
(lt) Members of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Philippines’ Communist Party, gunned down three civilians during typhoon evacuation processes occurring in the south of the Philippines in Surigao del Sur on 15 December 2021. Although the ambush was aimed at military officials in the area, communist insurgents instead killed three civilians, and injured another in the process.
Officials have simultaneously denounced the attack and appealed to the New People’s Army to cease all militant operations due to the severity of the typhoon. The Provincial Governor also pleaded that the New People’s Army instead assist government bodies in evacuating affected civilians.
The armed group primarily operates in the Philippine’s countryside, the insurgent body has been in conflict with the federal government since the late 1960s. [Benar News]
The Philippines: Senate, House of Representatives agree on budget for anti-communist insurgency task force
(lt) The Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives have come to an agreement regarding the budget for the nation’s national anti-communist insurgency task force, the latter known as the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The Senate and the House of Representatives have ultimately agreed to allocate to the anti-communist insurgency task force a total budget of 17 billion pesos ($341 million). This is a slight reduction from the task force’s 2021 budget, which totalled 19 billion pesos ($381 million).
Also, government representatives discussed the need to allocate aspects of the task force’s budget to other sectors of society, namely healthcare. With the medical sector of the nation struggling to contain the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bicameral panel has allocated 50 billion pesos dedicated to securing COVID-19 booster shots. [Philippine Star]
The Philippines: Two communist rebels killed amidst clash in Agusan del Norte
(lt) Two members of the New People’s Army, a militant communist group operating in the South of the Philippines, were killed in an armed confrontation with military forces on December 15, 2021. This occurred during a military operation initiated by the 68th Infantry Battalion, after civilians reported to authorities the activity of armed groups in the region. Military forces also recovered numerous weapons and firearms at the scene following the clash with the communist insurgents. [Manila Times]
Singapore government systems vulnerable to hackers
(nm) Singapore authorities are checking and repairing the government system software, known as Log4j, against critical vulnerabilities, said the Minister for Communications and Information on December 17.
The United States (US) cybersecurity agency alerted that there was an increase of hackers exploiting the gap in the logging software. Log4j is used as a tool to track website activity such as site visits, clicks and chats.
The minister said in a post on social media that security researchers have flagged it as one of the most serious cyber vulnerabilities. [The Straits Times]
Singaporean Air Force showcases new helicopter capabilities for more demanding missions
(nm) On December 15, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) unveiled its latest H225M medium-lift helicopter designed to carry heavier loads, fly further and last longer than the previous model, known as the Super Pumas. The latest design allows RSAF to take on more demanding missions in terms of both national and international disaster response and security, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to medical evacuation and search and rescue operations.
The H225M helicopter can carry more than 20 personnel, 11 stretchers with medial support or up to 4,750kg of cargo attached underneath and has a range of over 4000 nautical miles, which is 20% more than the Super Pumas. [The Straits Times]
Thailand: Corruption allegations against Mayor of Khlong Luang Municipality
(ay) A member of the Khlong Luang Municipality Council in Pathum Thani Province wrote to the chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), requesting an investigation into the alleged corruption in Mayor’s performance of duties.
The council member claimed the mayor enriches himself by overseeing council projects as a cover for corruption, citing as example the procurement of medical supplies and survival bags, as well as the construction of two field hospitals and a sculptural overpass roof from which he is suspected to have received between 200 and 300 million Baht in bribes. [Matichon, in Thai] [Thai PBS, in Thai]
Thailand: Lower House rejected draft bills to repeal NCPO decrees
(ay) The House of Representatives voted against two draft bills aimed at overturning the decrees issued by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) that governed Thailand from 2014 to 2019.
The rejected proposals attempted to repeal rules restricting freedom of expression, assembly, and land rights and remove directives allowing military
According to iLaw, a law reform advocacy group, over a hundred orders issued by the 2014 military junta remain legally binding to date. [Kaosod English]
Thailand: New independent committee to overlook criteria for royal pardon
(bs) The Thai Prime Minister ordered the creation of an independent committee to overlook the Department of Corrections’ criteria for selecting those who could receive reduced prison terms via royal pardon.
The committee is expected to be formed by ten people, including a former attorney-general and the chair of the committee on national reform in justice affairs.
The decision came after the national dispute over the department’s inclusion of convicts involved in major corruption cases among those who had their sentences reduced by royal pardons. [Bangkok Post]
Thailand: Political activist and frequent hunger striker dies of heart attack
(sd) Political activist Chalard Worachat, well-known for his political hunger strikes, died of a heart attack at his home at 78 years-of-age.
Chalard was originally the Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) for the province of Trat in 1979, then later for Bangkok, afterwards quitting to assume the role of deputy leader for the Mass Party. After his political activity, Chalard became famous for staging hunger strikes to protest political activity, including protesting against former Prime Minister Suchinda Kraprayoon in 1992, and against the coup in 2006. Chalard undertook a hunger strike in 2014 against another coup, which lasted 45 days during which he only consumed honey and water. He ended this hunger strike due to poor health. [The Thaiger] [Thai PBS World]
Thailand: Report highlights discrimination against transgender people
(sd) A recent report of Human Rights Watch highlights how vulnerable transgender people are in Thailand.
The report, released on December 15, found that the lack of legal gender recognition, unequal legal protection and the social stigma in Thailand leaves the transgender members of the population unprotected by society.
The country is well-known internationally for its transgender surgeries and healthcare, but Human Rights Watch said it fails to protect transgender people at home.
An LGBT rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, and co-author of the report, said the government of Thailand should make legal gender recognition in Thailand a reality.
Thailand’s legislation on issues affecting transgender persons is limited, but currently included the Persons’s Name Act, which allows transgender people to change their name but not their legal gender. It also has the Gender Equality Act, which criminalizes discrimination based on gender, but Human Rights Watch said this was not implemented well enough.
Transgender people interviewed by Human Rights Watch said they were discriminated throughout their lives, starting from school dress codes and gender policies, then at jobs where they would often get automatic rejections due to not fitting the dress code or outright refusing to hire transgender people. The people interviewed also stated they struggle to access healthcare due to their gender and sex-segregated wards. [Human Rights Watch]
Thailand: Protesters agree to end rally after Chana project halted
(ay) The Chana Rak Thin group, a group of protesters from the Chana community, agreed to call off a rally and return to Songkhla on December 15.
The decision came after the cabinet decided to postpone a contentious industrial estate project in Songkhla until a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) was completed, and the prime minister authorized a fact-checking commission. [Bangkok Post]
The conflict came after the proposal of a government project that would convert parts of the Chana district, an area in the south east of Songkhla Province, into an industrial zone. The protesters believed that this would eradicate the livelihoods of the Chana people and harm the environment. This then led to a 10-day rally that took place at Chamai Maruchet Bridge, until the government declared a halt to the project. [TheStar] [Kaosod English] [see also AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
Timor-Leste enacts law on food aid to disadvantaged families
(bs) The President of Timor-Leste announced the enactment of the decree-law for the implementation of food safety measures provided for in Law n. 8/2021, adopted on May 3.
According to the decree-law, the National Logistic Center (NLC) will sign multiple agreements with local producers or commercial operators to purchase and manage the food supply to be distributed to low-income families. Also, the law provides that each household, registered in a family book, with a daily income equal or lower to 2 US dollars is entitled to receive a monthly food subsidy of 30 US dollars. [E-Global, in Portuguese]
Timor-Leste signs two agreements for national development
(bs) The government of Timor-Leste has approved two four-year agreements, one with the Asian Development Bank to improve electricity supply and financial performance of Timor-Leste's Electricity, and another with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to strengthen prevention measures against hunger, and the overuse of tobacco, sugar, and alcoholic beverages in schools. [E-Global, in Portuguese]
Case study shows Timor-Leste’s institutional capacity in disaster management
(bs) World Vision, a humanitarian aid organization, released a case study on Timor-Leste’s approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) providing a list of opportunities for the country to improve current policies and community support mechanisms.
Among the informal recommendations, the document includes improving community awareness on DRR, ensuring sustainable and effective response mechanisms, making accessible the national early warning system, and strengthening community resilience to disasters.
Led by the Humanitarian Advisory Group, World Vision supported the research and drafted the document in collaboration with multiple partner organizations in the framework of a five-year (2017-2022) regional initiative. The partner organizations include Humanitarian Partnership and Disaster READY which aim at strengthening the humanitarian response to disasters across the Pacific, especially in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. The project includes ensuring the protection of the rights of women, children, and people with disabilities in times of disaster response. [Reliefweb]
Vietnam sentenced three human rights campaigners in one week
(hh) The Vietnamese courts have jailed four human rights campaigners for ‘anti-state’ speech and spreading dissent under Article 117 of the Penal Code, three of them within a period of one week.
The latest conviction came against an activist accused of taking part in pro-environment and anti-China protests. The man was charged with “spreading materials against the State” and sentenced to 10 years in jail. This is the second arrest for the activist, who has previously spent 14 months in prison after being arrested in 2014. [Financial Times] [Radio Free Asia 1]
On December 15, two land rights activists were sentenced respectively to six and ten years imprisonment after being accused of posting articles and videos to Facebook that incite protests and slander authorities. They were arrested on 24 June 2020 after 3,000 police officers raided a protester’s home where one person was killed. No family members were allowed in their trial. [Radio Free Asia 2] [Reuters]
Journalist and writing award winner Pham Doan Trang, known for publishing articles relating to human rights in Vietnam was also sentenced by the same court for “conducting propaganda against the state.”
Several human rights organizations condemned Vietnam for the repressive policy against activists and journalists for anti-state propaganda. The United Nations rights agency, on December 17, expressed concerns over the sentences and demanded immediate release of those arbitrarily detained. [Channel News Asia] [CNN] [TheStar] [see also AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
Vietnam: Criminal charges filed against Chinese company for slave labor and human trafficking
(hh) Serbian human rights activists have filed criminal charges against a Chinese tire factory and a Vietnamese employment agency for alleged slave labor and human trafficking.
Earlier this year, Serbian and Vietnamese human rights groups accused a Vietnamese labor agency and a Chinese tire factory in Serbia of human trafficking and labor exploitation after over a hundred Vietnamese workers were found working on the constructions of the tire factory in poor living conditions with low pay, limited food, living facilities lacking heat and hot water. [Radio Free Asia] [see also AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
New US trade restrictions and legislation against China
(pm) Last week, the US has taken several measures targeting China.
On 16 December, the US Commerce Department imposed new sanctions on Chinese surveillance companies and government entities, citing their involvement in human rights abuses in Xinjiang over human rights abuses. Among the targeted institutions is China’s Academy of Military Medical Science along with its 11 research institutes specialising in biotechnology to support the Chinese military.
A day later, the Treasury Department announced to add eight more Chinese companies to an investment blacklist for alleged involvement in the surveillance of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang Among them are DJI Technology, the world’s leading commercial drone maker, and Megvii, anartificial intelligence (AI) giant. [South China Morning Post] [Tech Crunch]
The US Congress approved a bill – the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act – that requires companies to prove that goods imported from the Xinjiang region were produced without using forced labour. [BBC]
In response, China announced sanctions against four members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that monitors freedom of religion outside the United States and makes policy recommendations for the president, the secretary of state and Congress. [AP News]
The Institute for Central Asia Studies of Lanzhou University, meanwhile, released a report titled “The Conspiracies and Approaches of the Crisis Politics under the ‘Containing China through Disrupting Xinjiang’ Strategy of the U.S’,” accusing the US of systematically fabricating under the pretext of forced labor and violations of human rights a governance and economic crisis in Xinjiang aimed at separating and subvert China. [ECNS] [Urdu Point]
Moroccan court extradites Uygur man to Xinjiang
(pm) A Moroccan court extradited a Uygur man to Xinjiang, meeting a request from China which accuses him of being linked to extremist groups. The Turkish resident from Xinjiang was detained in the city of Casablanca in Morocco and was on Interpol’s red notice.
Human rights groups appealed to the United Nations Committee Against Torture demanding that it take steps to suspend the extradition. [South China Morning Post]
China blames US for anti-Beijing interference in Solomon Islands
(pm) Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeremiah Manele held a phone conversation on December 16 to discuss the importance of bilateral relations between both states. During the conversation, Wang also accused “forces with ulterior motives” of inciting riots in the capital Honiara in November, in an apparent reference to the US. [Xinhua]
The conversation came shortly after deadly social unrest in the Chinatown area of Honiara in November and also after pro-Beijing Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare earlier this month survived a no-confidence vote in the run up to which he was criticized for his decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in 2019, among others, and of having a Beijing lackey since then. Sogavare, in turn, accused Daniel Suidani, his political arch rival and Premier of the province Malaita of serving as agent for Taiwan. The province had opposed the central government’s diplomatic switch and continued maintaining ties with Taiwan and accepting aids from Washington [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].
For a critical discussion of the US negligence of the strategic importance of the Solomon Islands for the US Indo-Pacific strategy, see Alexander B. Gray and Cleo Paskal in [The Diplomat].
China condemns impunity for US military’s killing of civilians during Kabul drone attack
(pm) China has expressed sharp criticism against the US after Washington announced that none of the military personnel involved in the airstrike on Kabul in August which killed ten civilians would face any administrative action. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the “intolerable” decision that “exonerates the murderer with impunity,” and called for an investigation into war crimes committed by the U.S. military of killing innocent civilians across the globe. [Xinhua]
China, US military exercises in the South China Sea amid rising tensions in the region
(dql/pm) China has reportedly recently deployed both of its active aircraft carriers on exercises in the South China Sea, with the Liaoning, the People’s Liberation Army’s first carrier, on a routine exercise in the Pacific Ocean, which is believed to include drills in the South China Sea and near Taiwan, while the Shandong, the second carrier, was sent last week to an undisclosed location on a multi-disciplinary exercise to boost combat readiness. [Radio Free Asia]
The Beijing-based South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative stated that an American spy plane flew near the Guangdong coastline and Hainan Island on December 14, marking a record of 94 sorties over the South China Sea near the Chinese coast in November. [South China Morning Post].
The US Department of Defense, meanwhile, revealed that is has developed a software program to predict how China’s reaction to specific military and political actions, such as arms sales and bilateral meetings with allied countries, by calculating “strategic friction” and referring to relevant information since 2020 to evaluate events that affected US-China relations. The program is said allow the US military to plan as much as four months in advance and to ensure that the US does not inadvertently upset China with its military actions. [VoA]
Xi and Putin reassure close China-Russia relations at virtual meeting
(dql) In a latest sign of increasing closer China-Russia relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin hailed strong relations between the two countries during a video meeting on December 15. The meeting marked their 37th bilateral virtual summit. While Putin described Sino-Russian cooperation as the model of “interstate cooperation for the 21st century,” characterised by “non-interference in internal affairs, respect for each other's interests, and determination to turn our common border into a ‘belt’ of eternal peace and good neighbourliness,” Xi reassured China’s commitment to support Russia in maintaining long-term stability and opposition to any attempts “to drive a wedge between our countries.”
Both leaders also agreed to step up cooperation in the field of de-dollarization by establishing an independent trade network to reduce reliance on the current international financial system led by the US. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [CGTN] [RFE/RL] [South China Morning Post]
The meeting comes at a time of both countries’ increasingly tense relations with the West, with Moscow being in a tense stand-off with the European Union and NATO over its build-up of troops on the border with Ukraine.
China-EU summit postponed
(pm) In a latest sign of strained China-EU relations, the annual EU-China summit has been postponed, with sources familiar with the situation citing insufficient common ground for making progress in key areas, in particular with regards to the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment which had been signed by leaders on both sides in December 2020. The European Parliament, however, has stalled over accusations of human rights violations in Xinjiang. [South China Morning Post].
Tensions between China and EU over human rights issues have steadily increased in this year since in March, the EU imposed sanctions against Chinese officials and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Public Security Bureau for human rights abuses in Xinjiang. It was the first time in more than three decades that the EU was placing sanctions on Beijing following the EU arms embargo in 1989 in the wake of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. They signalled a substantial hardening in the EU’s policy towards China [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4].
China-Germany relations: Beijing accused of pressuring German car part maker over dispute with Vilnius
(dql) China is reportedly exerting pressure on Continental, German car parts giant, to stop using components made in Lithuania. Continental produces electronic parts in production facilities in Lithuania.
The claim, which reflects Beijing’s economic leverage in an era of global supply chains, comes amid a dispute between Beijing and the Baltic state over the status of Taiwan, triggered by Vilnius decision to allow Taiwan to open a representative office bearing the name “Taiwan”. In a recent response, China expelled the Lithuanian ambassador and downgraded its diplomatic relations with the Baltic state which. In a latest development, Lithuania closed its embassy and pulled its last diplomat out of Beijing. [Reuters] [The Economist] [See AiR No. 47, November/2021, 4]
Belarus turns to China for support
(dql) Facing mounting pressure from Western sanctions, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has turned to China for support, with an order signed on December 3 which underscored that Belarus was ready to deepen its ties with China in areas such as politics, security and economics – including the Belt and Road Initiative.
The order came on the heels of fresh sanctions which were imposed by the US, the European Union, Britain and Canada over Belarus’s role in the migrant crisis on the EU’s borders with Belarus. Lukashenko has been accused of orchestrating it.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed in a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei the order and stressed the “ironclad friendship between both countries.” [South China Morning Post] [Republic World]
China and Belarus signed comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013.
China signs deals to build schools in Iraq
(dql) China and Iraq signed on December 16 more than a dozen contracts under which state-owned Power Construction Corporation of China and Sino Tech will build 1,000 schools across Iraq.
The deals come two weeks after the US announced the formal ending of its combat mission 18 years after the US invaded Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein and reflect Beijing’s efforts to play a bigger role in the Middle East in the wake of the US retreat from the region.
In a phone conversation in August between Iraqi President Barham Salih and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the latter reassured China’s continued support for the country’s reconstruction efforts. Iraq has become a major destination for Chinese investment in the Middle East, predominantly in the oil industry, with China being the largest buyer of oil produced in Iraq. Furthermore, Chinese companies are in negotiations on more infrastructure building in the country. [South China Morning Post]
China-Panama relations: Deepening cooperation
(pm) During a phone conversation on December 14, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Panamanian Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes confirmed to work together to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation, with the letter announcing that Chinese Lunar New Year will be made a national holiday in Panama from 2022 on.
Panama, which has diplomatic ties with China since 2017 after severing relations with Taiwan, was among the first countries of Latin American region to join the Belt and Road Initiative. China has become the country’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade and Panama’s export to China seeing an increase by 27.2 percent and 187 percent respectively in the first 10 months of this year. [Xinhua]
China waives tariffs for agricultural products from least-developed countries
(pm) In a latest sign of China’s deepening engagement with Africa, the Chinese Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced on December 15 a zero-tariff treatment on 98 percent of taxable items such as agricultural productions from least-developed countries to advance bilateral relations with countries from the African continent. [Xinhua 1]
China and Rwanda, meanwhile, signed on December 16 an agreement on the “Smart Education Project” under which Beijing will provide a 30 million USD loan for improving the African country’s education ICT infrastructure. The project will connect more than 60 universities and higher learning institutions, and over 1,400 primary and secondary schools and will three main areas, covering dedicated education network, education data center as well as mart campus and school network. [Xinhua 2] [The New Times]
China: Advancing space technology
(pm) China is reportedly now close to be able to launch spaceplanes like regular commercial planes, signalling China’s advancement of space travel technology surpassing the US. The Chinese military magazine Naval and Merchant Ships claims that China is now able to launch space-planes – known as Tengyun – without rocket fuel, meaning that space-planes will be able to take off and land at airports as they won’t need typical launch sites, which would give them an advantage over the US equivalent, the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), which is rocket-launched. [South China Morning Post]
Meanwhile, China successfully conducted its 50th orbital launch in 2021 sending the Tianlian 2 (02) data relay satellite into an orbit which is supposed to more effectively transmit data from the national space station. [Space.com]
China: Tennis player Peng Shuai denies allegations of sexual assault against former Vice Premier
(dql) In a turn of events, Chinese female tennis player and former no. 1 declared on Sunday, December 19, that she had never accused anyone of a sexual assault on her, adding that a social media post she had made in November had been misunderstood.
Peng’s safety has been a matter of concern among the global tennis community and rights groups after she posted on social media allegations that former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her in the past and then was absent from public view for weeks.
Her statement, made during a cross-country skiing event in Shanghai, marked the first time she had addressed the matter in public. While not denying the posting of the allegations, Peng insisted that it was meant as a private matter.
Observers believe that the statement was made under pressure, such as the World Tennis Association which had recently suspended all tournaments in China and announced in response to Peng’s remark to continue demand a transparent investigation into the allegation. [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]
Japan: Kishida announces visit to Beijing Olympics is not on his agenda
(la) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared he has no intention to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics that will take place in February.
His remark comes after weeks of pressure from countries such as the US, Canada, and the UK for Japan to join an international diplomatic boycott of the Games as a protest to China’s human rights record. Kishida had earlier refrained from taking a clear position, arguing it was important to wait for the right time to make a decision in light of Japan’s national interest [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2].
While it is clear that Kishida will skip the Games, he seems to take a softer approach than his Western counterparts that have declared a diplomatic boycott, and it is unclear whether other Japanese government officials might still attend. Japan has expressed growing concerns about potential Chinese security threats and human rights violations occurring within the nation’s borders, its economic reliance on its neighbor, however, could be a reason for Japan to steer clear from the uncompromising stance of its U.S. ally. [The Asahi Shimbun]
Japanese ex-prime minister warns “suicidal” invasion of Taiwan
(zh/ec) Addressing a virtual keynote speech at the 2021 Taiwan-US-Japan Trilateral Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue, former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has warned China of a “suicidal” invasion of Taiwan. He underscored the importance of the three countries in building capabilities in all domains and described the threat to Taiwan and its democracy as “a dire challenge to all of us, especially Japan”. He also expressed his personal support for the island to join the Tokyo-led trade bloc Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). During the security forum titled “Mapping the Democratic Agenda for the Next Generation”, the US representative praised Taiwan’s journey to democracy as a “wonderful story” and reiterated Washington’s commitment to strengthen cooperation between two sides. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has stressed Taiwan’s determination to contribute to regional development, which is “fully demonstrated” by its application for CPTPP. [Focus Taiwan] [South China Morning Post] [Taipei Times]
Abe’s address follows similar appearances on December 1 and 13. A recent dispatch of Chinese aircraft to Taiwan led the former Prime Minister to declare that a Chinese military adventure would prove economically suicidal for that country and provoke military involvement from both Japan and the United States, by virtue of said attack fermenting a situation threatening Japan’s sovereignty. He cited the proximity of Japan to Taiwan via Yonaguni as tying the country’s security to events concerning the ongoing dispute between Beijing and Taipei. [Al Jazeera] [Kyodo News] [The Japan Times]
On the other side, China’s state-backed tabloid Global Times has described Abe “turned into the chief anti-China politician in Japan”, calling his remarks “extremely erroneous” and “a serious violation of basic norms of international relations and the principle of the China-Japan four political documents”. The Japanese government has stated that it is not their role to explain the former Prime Minister’s beliefs or intentions, as Abe is no longer a member of government. Abe is considered one of Japan’s leading war hawks and holds significant influence within the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). [Global Times] [Reuters] [The Diplomat] [See AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1]
For additional perspective, consider reading this article from the East Asia Forum, in which Madoka Fukuda discusses the factors influencing incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s policies concerning China. [East Asia Forum]
Japan and the US to hold two-plus-two talks
(ec) On Wednesday, December 15, Japanese officials confirmed that Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi will meet with their US counterparts on January 7, 2022, with space, cybersecurity, and Japan’s annual budget for hosting US troops likely to be priority subjects. It is presumed that Hayashi will attend a UN review conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to be held in New York from Jan. 4 to 28, as per Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s preparations. Hayashi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken previously met on the sidelines of the G7, where it was agreed that Kishida would visit the United States. [The Japan Times] [See AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
The planned meeting is reflective of Tokyo’s growing concerns over Chinese moves in the South and East China Seas, particularly towards Taiwan, as well as North Korea’s ongoing nuclear program and ballistic missile tests, and Russia’s deployment of Bastion coastal missile system crews to the Kuril Islands. [Kyodo News] [See AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
Japan and France start unofficial talks as security meeting delayed
(ec) The French Ambassador to Japan Philippe Setton confirmed on Monday, December 13, that unofficial talks have started on the signing of a Reciprocal Access Agreement, which would enable shared military training and military operations between the two. Japan currently has Reciprocal Access Agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. [Kyodo News]
This announcement was followed by the postponement of planned two-plus-two talks due to unnamed scheduling conflicts. The last Franco–Japanese two-plus-two talks took place in 2019, with subsequent meetings pushed back by the COVID19 pandemic. [The Mainichi]
France has been seeking new partners for its Indo-Pacific strategy since the formation of AUKUS. There is growing concern amongst the member states of the European Union over the instability the growing rivalry between China and the United States could cause. In early November, the German frigate Bayern became the first European military vessel to make port in Japan in 20 years, having participated in joint exercises with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force. Japan is increasingly regarded as vital to upholding the established international order in the region. [The Independent] [See AiR No. 45, November/2021, 2]
Japan refuses to comment on South Korean moves to join CPTPP
(ec) At a press conference on Tuesday, December 14, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno refused comment on South Korean prospects for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), stating that it is currently unclear if South Korea can meet the Partnership’s standards. Entry into the CPTPP, which is a renegotiated version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, requires approval from all 11 signatories, with Japan widely considered a leading voice. South Korea regards the CPTPP as a potential boost to its trade portfolio and its planned implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RECEP), which goes into effect next year. [Kyodo News] [Yonhap News Agency]
Japanese–Korean relations are complicated by the Liancourt Rocks dispute and the Japanese colonization of Korea in the 20thcentury. A Japanese deal to resolve the issue of Korea comfort women was abrogated by South Korean President Moon Jae-in 2017, and protested the seizure of Japanese corporate assets to compensate colonial-era forced laborers as averting the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Genjiro Kaneko also refused to comment, in a move many believe representative of the concerns Japanese farmers have over tariff-free South Korean agricultural exports undercutting them domestically. [Asia Times]
Japan: Government to donate large sum to World Bank fund
(la) The Japanese government has announced it will contribute a record of 376.7 billion yen ($3.4 billion) to the International Development Association (IDA) – the World Bank’s fund for the poorest nations – in a call for “global solidarity” during the corona crisis. The money is used in a bid to help 74 low-income countries in tackling the economic consequences of the pandemic, according to Japan’s Ministry of Finance. Forms of aid will include the delivery of vaccines, the creation of job opportunities to counter unemployment consequent to the corona crisis, and assistance in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Together with the contributions of other donors, the amount donated to the IDA amounts to a total of $23.5 billion this time. [Mainichi]
South Korea, Uzbekistan hold summit talks on cooperation in rare metal trade, energy infrastructure
(aml) From December 16-18, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to South Korea. In a joint statement, Mirziyoyev and South Korean President Moon Jae-in pledged to strengthen their countries’ cooperation in fields such as rare metal trading and energy infrastructure.
The two countries’ diplomatic relations were established in 1991 and upgraded in April 2019 to a special strategic partnership. South Korea is Uzbekistan’s 4th-largest trading partner, and they cooperate in the agriculture machinery and energy sector, with 910 Korean companies in the automobile, electronics, communication, and finance industry currently operating in Uzbekistan. [The Korea Times 1]
During the summit, both leaders agreed on a cooperation in rare metal supplies which is important for South Korea since it is heavily dependent on global supply chains. The Korea-Uzbekistan research center on rare metals was established in April 2019 and will continue to play a huge role in linking “Uzbekistan’s natural resources such as copper, tungsten and molybdenum with Korea’s advanced processing technologies”.
Furthermore, they acknowledged the importance of South Korea’s support for Uzbekistan in the Covid-19 pandemic and Moon expressed his wishes to further support Uzbekistan’s health care programs. [The Korea Times 2]
US-South Korea relations: any change to USFK troops will be subject to joint decision
(aml) The US Pentagon assured on Friday, December 17, that there aren’t any plans at the moment to change the US troop level in South Korea, which is currently around 28,5000, and that any future changes will be subject to an “alliance decision” and done in cooperation with South Korea.
The statement came after the US Senate passed the bill for the defense budget for 2022. Although the bill calls for a consistent troop level, it does not limit the use of defense spending to reduce US troops in South Korea anymore, unlike in the past bills from 2019-2021. The explanation was that the limit wasn’t any longer needed since only former President Donald Trump had used the USFK as a bargaining tool in discussions with South Korea over the splitting of the maintenance costs of the troops. [The Korea Herald]
South Korea, African countries discuss cooperation
(aml) The Korea-Africa Foundation, which is affiliated with the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote partnerships with African countries, hosted several Forums to discuss economic, cultural, and academic cooperation.
The Korea-Africa Business Forum on December 9 treated the African Continental Free Trade Area, a free trade agreement between 54 members of the African Union that took effect in January this year, and the changing market situation. Several speakers emphasized the importance of Korea-Africa cooperation in the new and changing environment, especially in fields like climate change and healthcare.
In his opening speech for the Seoul Dialogue on Africa on December 10, former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon called for a “multilateral cooperation between Korea and African countries” in consideration of an increasing “global interdependence”. One major topic during the forum was the risk of infectious diseases in Africa due to population growth and accelerated urbanization. [The Korea Times]
South Korea-Australia relations: Moon meets with Australian business leaders, joint statement on South China sea
(aml) South Korean President Moon Jae-in met with Australian business leaders in Sydney on Tuesday, December 14, as part of his four-day state visit.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Australia’s critical minerals industry and Moon stated that a strong and trusting cooperation between the two countries will “contribute greatly to stabilizing supply chains and accelerating carbon neutrality”. Australia is of crucial importance in the global supply chain, being the 6th most resource-rich nation in the world. South Korea is its 3rd-biggest importer, receiving half of its minerals from Australia. [The Korea Times] [The Korea Herald 1]
The day before, Moon and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a joint statement on territorial disputes in the South China Sea. This marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean is mostly claimed by China despite a ruling of the ICC in The Hague in 2016 that decided that there is no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waterway. In their statement, the two leaders called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. [The Korea Herald 2]
US Congress passes bill inviting Taiwan to RIMPAC
(zh) The United States Senate has passed its next year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes recommendations to invite Taiwan to the 2022 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) and strengthen cooperation between the US National Guard and Taiwan.
The bi-annual US-led RIMPAC exercise is the world’s largest maritime war game that helps cultivate and manage the relationship between the US and its allies. [Taiwan News]
Taiwan summons Korean diplomat over speech cancellation
(zh) Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned a senior Korean diplomat in Taipei to lodge a protest over Seoul’s last-minute “rude and inappropriate” cancellation of a virtual speech by Digital Minister Andrey Tang at the 4th Industrial Revolution held by the South Korean Presidential Committee on December 16. Tang’s scheduled speech titled “Taiwan’s digital social innovation” was canceled hours before the event, citing considerations of “various aspects of cross-Strait issues.” [Focus Taiwan]
Similarly, Tang’s video feed at last week’s US Summit for Democracy was cut after a map showed Taiwan and China in different colors. US State Department had cited “technical issues” over the “honest mistake” of cut-off, saying the slide caused “confusion” [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2].
French lawmakers visit Taiwan
(zh) A six-member delegation of the French National Assembly has arrived in Taiwan on December 16 for a five-day visit, marking the second visit by French lawmakers this year after the first visit in October [see AiR No. 41, October/2021, 2]. The group was led by the chair of France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group Francois de Rugy.
During the visit, President Tsai Ing-wen has expressed the hope that France, who will chair the Council of European Union (EU) next year, will push for an EU-Taiwan Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA). The EU had included Taiwan on its trade partner list for a potential BIA in 2015, a year before Tsai was elected, but the discussion has yet to discuss the issue since then. The French group also met with Premier Su Tseng-chang, Cabinet minister Huang Chi-ta, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu, and Minister of Science and Technology Wu Tsung-tsong. [Aljazeera][Taipei Times][CNA, in Chinese]
In opposition to the visit, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing “firmly opposed any official and political exchange between Taiwan and other countries”, calling on relevant parties to “stop sending false signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces”. [France 24]
Philippines, Canada to deepen economic cooperation with Taiwan
(zh) Philippines de facto ambassador to Taiwan Wilfredo B. Fernandez has expressed Manila’s interest to be Taiwan’s “partners in progress” at a trade conference, hoping to deepen bilateral ties on trade and investment. Meanwhile, in a rare move, Philippines Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has virtually joined the conference under Fernandez’s invitation and welcomed Taiwanese companies to cooperate with Filipino firms. According to Fernandez, Lopez’s address in the conference “broke the protocol” as top government officials are not supposed to attend such an event due to the country’s internal regulations. [Focus Taiwan 1]
Canada, meanwhile, also pledged to strengthen cooperation with Taiwan in the fields of supply chain, trade, and investment during the 17th annual Canada-Taiwan Economic Consultations. The two sides also discussed organizing roundtables beginning next year on areas including electric vehicles, 5G, and advanced manufacturing. [Focus Taiwan 2]
Mongolia, Russia adopt targets of deepened cooperation
(dql) During talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Mongolian counterpart Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on December 16, Russia and Mongolia adopted a declaration which clearly outlines targets of boosting cooperation between the two countries, as part of a follow up to the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in 2019. Putin stressed that both sides were ready to sign a number of intergovernmental and interagency documents covering a number of areas of cooperation, including the economy and trade. [TASS]
India hosts foreign minister of five Central Asian nations, seeks cooperation to help Afghanistan
(lm) Against the larger backdrop of looming mass starvation and economic collapse in Afghanistan, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on December 19 met with his counterparts from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan at the third India-Central Asia Dialog in New Delhi. [The Straits Times]
Discussions held during the gathering centered around Chabahar Port, a seaport jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. Located on Iran’s energy-rich southern coast, it is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean, and thus, is increasingly seen as a fulcrum of connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
New Delhi has backed regional infrastructure projects, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, a 7,200-kilometers-long multi-mode network seeking to connect Chabahar Port with Russia to reduce the time of shipments between Europe and Central Asian markets. That infrastructure project featured prominently in talks between India, Iran and Uzbekistan held on December 14, the second virtual meeting of the trilateral working group on the joint use of Chabahar Port. [Hindustan Times]
In a joint statement issued after the India-Central Asia Dialog, the foreign ministers also listed the needs for an inclusive government in Afghanistan – fighting terrorism and drug trafficking, providing unhindered humanitarian assistance and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities – as priorities for the Taliban. [The Indian Express]
Crucially, the meeting in New Delhi coincided with Pakistan hosting an extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Council (OIC) of Foreign Ministers, at which Islamabad’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed hope for “a consensus on measures to improve the situation in Afghanistan”. Significantly, the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries are also members of the OIC grouping, and they skipped the meeting in Islamabad to attend the dialogue in New Delhi. [see entry in this edition]
Since 2012, India has engaged actively with the five Central Asian countries in its “extended neighbourhood”. Jaishankar visited Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan this year, and met with his counterpart from Turkmenistan in October. In November then, senior security officials of all five Central Asian countries along with representatives from Iran and Russia attended regional talks on Afghanistan hosted by India [see AiR No. 46, November/2021, 3].
Foreign ministers of OIC nations meet in Pakistan, pledge fund to prevent Afghanistan economic collapse
(az/lm) At a special meeting in Pakistan, the foreign ministers of the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on December 19 pledged to set up a fund to help Afghanistan which is facing mass starvation and economic collapse since the Taliban seized power from the Western-backed government. [Al Jazeera]
The promised fund will provide humanitarian aid through the Islamic Development Bank, which would provide a cover for countries to donate without dealing directly with the Afghan Taliban. [Arab News]
The delegates also resolved to work with the United Nations to try to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in frozen Afghan monetary assets, largely held in the United States Federal Reserve. Washington, however, said the same day the status of these funds was subject to ongoing legal proceedings brought by the victims of 9/11 and other terrorist attacks. [Bloomberg]
The meeting was the biggest international conference on Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul in August on the heels of a US-led foreign troop exit after 20 years. It was also attended by representatives of the Afghan Taliban, Russia, China, France, United Kingdom, United States, United Nations, and European Union. [The News International]
Delivering a keynote address at the session, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan urged that in the absence of quick action, Afghanistan could potentially become the biggest “man-made crisis in the world”. He also urged caution in linking recognition of the new government to Western ideals of human rights. [Al-Monitor]
The U.S. Treasury decided earlier this month to allow personal and non-personal remittances to be made to Afghans while donors agreed to transfer $280 million from the World Bank-administered Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will receive $100 million for health services, while the rest of the money will go to the World Food Program to assist 2.7 million people with food aid.
France backs India amid China’s growing maritime aggression, offers top defense technology
(rs/lm) While on an official visit to India last week, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said Paris stood with New Delhi and the other nations in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure freedom of navigation was respected amid China “getting more and more aggressive.” [Asian News International] [La Prensa Latina]
Parly arrived in India for a two-day visit on December 17 to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for talks on increasing future collaboration and co-production of defense equipment between their countries. [Military.com]
The following day, Singh confirmed that France had agreed to jointly manufacture aero engines in India under the government’s strategic partnership model to boost self-reliance in the defense manufacturing sector. The project is expected to boost New Delhi’s plans to have its own medium-range helicopters, which are supposed to replace the Russian Mi-17 transport helicopters in the coming years. [Hindustan Times] [The Print]
France describes India as its “main partner” in the Indo-Pacific region shaken by concerns over the growing influence of China. Paris expressed its resolve to expand strategic cooperation with New Delhi after it was angered by being left out of a nuclear submarine deal with Australia, which in September announced a new a trilateral security partnership with the United Kingdom and the United States, known by the acronym AUKUS [see AiR No. 39, September/2021, 4].
France is helping India in building six Scorpene submarines, four of which have been inducted so far. The executing company on the Indian side is Mazgaon Docks Ltd, and on the French side is the Naval Group. A $3.75 billion contract was signed between the two nations in 2005 for building the submarines.
Moreover, France has delivered 33 out of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft so far and the remaining ones will be delivered by April of 2022. [Livemint]
India, Russia veto UN Security Council draft resolution linking climate change and security
(sr/lm) India and Russia on December 13 vetoed a first-of-its-kind United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution formally linking climate change and international peace and security, a vote that sank a years-long effort to make global warming a more central consideration for the UN's most powerful body.
Spearheaded by Ireland and Niger, the proposal called for “incorporating information on the security implications of climate change" into the council's strategies for managing conflicts and into peacekeeping operations and political missions, at least sometimes. The measure also asked the UN secretary-general to make climate-related security risks “a central component” of conflict prevention efforts and to report on how to address those risks in specific hotspots. [Euronews]
The text won support from 12 of the council’s 15 members.
India’s envoy contended that the issue should remain with broader UN groups, such as the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to discuss issues of climate change and stated that passing the resolution would create discord among the UN members while also undermining the efforts of the consensus reached at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in October [see AiR No. 45, November/2021, 2]. [CNBCTV18]
New Delhi also harboured an objection stating that taking away the controls of the UNFCC would effectively dilute the standing position of the developing nations in the discussion of climate change and allow power to be concentrated at the hands of the five permanent Security Council members. [The Hindu]
India approves $10 billion plan to push for semiconductor makers
(lm) India’s cabinet has approved a $10 billion incentive scheme to attract semiconductor and display manufacturers over the next six years as part of a deepening push to reduce the South Asian nation’s reliance on China, which accounts for more than one-third of New Delhi’s total electronic imports. [Reuters]
Under the plan, India's government will extend fiscal support of up to 50 percent of a project's cost to eligible display and semiconductor fabricators. The cabinet also approved an incentive plan to support 100 local firms working on integrated circuit and chipset designs. [The Hindu]
To present itself as a rival chip-making destination to China, India is also in talks with Taiwan – which controls the lion’s share of the world’s semiconductor manufacturing supply – over a bilateral investment agreement that could bring chip manufacturing to the South Asian nation, along with tariff reductions on components for producing semiconductors by the end of the year. [AiR No. 41, October/2021, 2] [Hindustan Times]
Bangladesh’s foreign minister completes official visit to Turkey
(ap) Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen last week completed a three-day visit to Turkey, the latest in series of signs that the two countries are keen to deepen bilateral relations, particular in the fields of economic and defense cooperation.
While in Ankara, the Bangladeshi top diplomat attended a roundtable discussion on the economic and political relations between Bangladesh and Turkey. He also attended the inauguration ceremony of a bust of Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Speaking at the event, Momen called the bilateral relations between the two countries “fraternal”, and stated that the inauguration ceremony was a clear manifestation of deepening friendship. [Daily Sabah]
Momen’s trip to Turkey comes after Ankara’s ambassador to Dhaka last month had expressed his country’s interest in a long-term trade and defense partnership, saying that Turkey wants to be a “solution partner” to Bangladesh in military cooperation [see AiR No. 48, November/2021, 5]. These remarks came after an eight-day visit to Turkey by Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff (CAS), General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, which saw top military officials from both sides discussing possible areas of defense cooperation [see AiR No. 35, August/2021, 5].
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected in Bangladesh next year, but a date has not been decided due to the latest travel concerns over the new omicron variant of coronavirus. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will also visit Turkey, according to Momen.
United States offers bounty for militants in 2015 Bangladesh killing of secularist writer
(lm) The United States on December 20 announced a bounty of up to $5 million for information on two absconding convicts in the murder of Avijit Roy, a Bangladesh-American blogger critical of religious fundamentalism, six years ago. [South China Morning Post]
In February, a special tribunal in Bangladesh sentenced to death five members of an Islamist militant group for the killing of Roy. The court also jailed one man for life in the attack, which was part of a string of deadly attacks between 2013 and 2016 targeting secular activists, bloggers and atheist writers. Two of the convicts, including the mastermind behind the killing, were tried in absentia and are absconding. [AiR No. 8, February/2021, 4]
The six convicts belong to the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a militant group believed to be a local affiliate of al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent (AQIS), which police say was behind the murders of more than a dozen atheist bloggers. In 2016, the US designated AQIS as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. This allows authorities to sanction terrorists and those who support terrorists or terrorist acts.
Bangladesh slams United States for sheltering convict in assassination of father of the nation
(ap/lm) Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has sharply criticized the United States for granting asylum to a convict in the assassination of Bangladesh’s founder while also placing sanctions on the country’s elite police force. [Dhaka Tribune 1] [The Daily Star]
Rashed Chowdhury, a former army officer who was granted asylum in the US in 2004, was tried in absentia for his participation in the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in 1975. In 2009, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court upheld the High Court verdict that in 2005 had given death sentences to Chowdhury and eleven other people.
Foreign Minister Momen’s remarks came after the US Treasury Department on December 10 announced sanctions on an elite Bangladesh paramilitary force, citing “serious human rights abuses.” It also sanctioned the current director of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and five former senior RAB officials, including a travel ban on Benazir Ahmed, now Bangladesh’s top police chief. [AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2]
The new sanctions came on International Human Rights Day, and marked the first time Washington ever sanctioned Dhaka, which it has described as a key partner. Crucially, for Bangladesh, sanctioning the RAB amounts to an attack on an institution that has carried out successful counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations.
Against this backdrop, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a call with Momen on December 15, and a State Department spokesperson on December 18 insisted Washington still seeks cooperation with Dhaka. [Dhaka Tribune 2] [U.S. Department of State]
Chinese investment in Bangladesh should not concern India, Bangladesh official says
(ap) Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs in an interview last week stated that India should not view Chinese investments in Bangladesh as a “matter of concern”, arguing that the “time-tested” relations between Dhaka and New Delhi cannot be compared to relations with any other country.
The Bangladeshi official also alleged that there are misconceptions about Chinese investment in Bangladesh, noting that projects by independent Chinese contractors do not receive Chinese government funding. He stated that Bangladesh's foreign policy stands for "friendship with all and malice to none". [Daily Star]
Only small fraction of natural gas projects in seven emerging Asian countries to be viable, report finds
(sk) Only a small fraction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) related infrastructure proposals in seven Asian countries will be viable, according to recent report by an international institute. [IEEFA]
In a newly published analysis, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) looked at the proposed LNG-to-power pipeline in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Pakistan, tracking 139 million tons per annum (mtpa) of proposed LNG import terminal projects and 99 gigawatts (GW) of proposed gas-fired power projects.
IEEFA estimates that 33 percent of total LNG investments are feasible in Bangladesh, 98 percent in Pakistan, 22 percent in Vietnam, 64 percent in Thailand, 29 percent in the Philippines, 11 percent in Cambodia, and 14 percent in Myanmar.
Overall, 62 percent of anticipated LNG import terminal capacity and 61 percent of gas-fired power capacity are unlikely to be viable due to fundamental project and country-level considerations. The IEEFA discovered that an additional 5 percent of power projects in the region are unlikely to receive financing after taking into account commercial project finance lending market restrictions.
The increasing reliance on imported LNG has larger macroeconomic and financial risks including commodity price volatility, foreign exchange volatility, higher power tariffs for end-users, higher government subsidy burdens, limited project financing available for fossil gas assets, stranded asset risk for LNG-to-power investments, imported fossil fuel lock-in limits renewables penetration, fuel supply insecurity, and growth of sustainable investing that makes long-term LNG financing unreliable.
Bangladesh to loan $200 million to Maldives; Prime Minister Hasina to visit Male
(ap) In the lead-up to a visit to the Maldives by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina later this week, Dhaka has confirmed that it will lend $200 million to Male. [The Business Standard]
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had sought the loan earlier in March when he visited Bangladesh to attend celebrations commemorating the birth centenary of the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of independence from Pakistan [see AiR No. 12, March/2021, 4]. Over the past few months, the two countries have been enchanting bilateral ties through a series of diplomatic meetings, including a visit by the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen to the Maldives, and by the Maldivian Vice-President Faisal Naseem to Dhaka [see AiR No. 49, December/2021, 1].
The Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is due to travel to the Maldives on December 22, hoping to sign agreements on prison transfer and health sector cooperation. At present, over eighty Bangladeshi convicts are in the Maldives; an agreement drafted by the Bangladeshi Cabinet this week would allow prisoners to be transferred from both countries. A second draft agreement on health cooperation would extend a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, under which Bangladeshi health professionals work in the Maldives. [The Daily Star]
Sweden donates $12.5 million for projects in Bangladesh
(ap) Sweden has donated $4 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to improve water safety, sanitation, and hygiene for local communities and to empower adolescents from marginalized communities in Bangladesh. Stockholm also donated $8.5 million to the World Health Organization’s office in Bangladesh to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through a project on strengthening the country’s health system. [Business Standard] [Dhaka Tribune]
A $2 million UNICEF grant builds on prior support from Sweden that developed arsenic-free water systems in Bangladesh. Through further improvement and extension of this support, the grant will improve water safety for 20 million people in arsenic-affected rural areas. A second $2 million grant to UNICEF will support a program for the health, nutrition, protection and life skills of adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds, including sex and reproductive health education, mental health services, and programs to address the local impact of climate change. [Dhaka Tribune]
Sweden’s donation to WHO Bangladesh will amplify Dhaka’s capacity to detect and contain antimicrobial resistance, improve mental health care, maintain quality health services in Cox's Bazar district, and ultimately reach Universal Health Coverage. [Business Standard]
Japan donates $4.4 million to UNHCR to support access to healthcare for Rohingyas
(sk) The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, has signed an agreement with Japan for a donation of $4.4 million to boost healthcare access for Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh’s district of Cox’s Bazar over the next three years. [Daily Sun]
Japan has been a longstanding supporter of UNHCR and the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing some $150 million to international organizations and NGOs in Bangladesh to assist both refugees and host communities since the beginning of the emergency in 2017. Earlier this year, Tokyo contributed $10 million to improve access to clean water for vulnerable host and refugee communities.
Bangladesh, Russia discuss trade, economic cooperation
(ap) Bangladesh and Russia have discussed potential cooperation in trade and economic sectors including atomic energy, aviation, fishing and livestock, geological research, cyber security, space, and satellite, during the third session of their Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation.
The session, which was held virtually on December 15, and was followed by two days of expert meetings. A protocol was formulated during the session, to be signed upon agreement by both countries.
The fourth session of the meeting will be held in December 2022 in Russia. [Business Standard]
Bangladesh, Nepal trade chambers discuss ties, sign memorandum of understanding
(ap) At a meeting between the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
The CNI requested barrier-free and low-tax entry for Nepali products in Bangladesh, and stated Nepal is willing to supply daily essential goods to Bangladesh. The CNI also named agriculture, tourism, energy, education, and IT as potential sectors for investment. The DCCI stated that a preferential trade agreement between Bangladesh and Nepal is almost complete, with pending approval from Nepal. [Dhaka Tribune] [My República]
United States Secretary of States’ visit to Southeast Asia
(gl/dw/nm) During his visit to Jakarta on December 13, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken re-emphasized US commitments to Indonesia’s economy, infrastructure, and maritime cooperation.
In terms of economic relations, the Indonesian government is hoping that the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) facility will remain in place in US-Indonesia bilateral trade. The GSP is a US preference initiative aiming to promote developing countries’ economic opportunities by eliminating duties on their exports. [Jakarta Globe 1] [The Jakarta Post]
Blinken stated that the US will cooperate with Indonesia in terms of building a supply chain in the semiconductor and other minerals industrial sector. [Tempo] [Jakarta Globe 2] Moreover, the existing US-Indonesia Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on maritime cooperation deal will be renewed to be in effect until 2026. The deepened cooperation will include maritime issues such as maritime security, maritime navigation, fisheries conservation, resources management, and illegal fishing. The maritime bilateral cooperation will also likely include regional issues such as the ASEAN Outlook in the Indo-Pacific. Specifically, Blinken emphasized the importance of Indonesia’s democratic leadership in maintaining a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific highlighting Indonesia’s role in securing freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. [Jakarta Globe][The Jakarta Post] [The Straits Times] [Stars and Stripes]
On December 14, Blinken arrived in Malaysia, his second stop after Indonesia. According to the Malaysian government, this visit would provide Malaysia and the US with an excellent opportunity to further strengthen their multifaceted cooperation and explore new joint initiatives. [Malay Mail] [Free Malaysia Today]
During his trip to Malaysia, Blinken said that the US was considering taking additional steps against Myanmar’s junta and invited other Southeast Asian leaders to discuss at a summit with President Joe Biden.
Blinken said the US was actively looking at whether Myanmar’s situation might constitute as genocide. He noted that the additional steps and measure taken individually and collectively should pressure Myanmar back onto a democratic trajectory. [Channel News Asia] [Reuters 1] [Reuters 2]
Cambodian Foreign Minister appointed as new ASEAN envoy to Myanmar
(nm) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen officially named Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair’s new special envoy to Myanmar on December 15.
The special envoy’s responsibility is to enforce the implementation of the five-point consensus that was reached in April by all ASEAN leaders regarding the situation in Myanmar. This includes facilitating mediation of the dialogue process and providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar.
The Cambodian Prime Minister is set to visit Myanmar on January 7 and 8. [The Straits Times] [CGTN]
Russian Security Council Secretary meets with Cambodian Prime Minister
(nm) In efforts to boost cooperation and ties between Cambodia and Russia, Prime Minister Hun Sen and Russian security council secretary Nikolai Patrushev met on December 15. Patrushev, along with his interdepartmental delegation, paid a two-day official visit to discuss Russia-Cambodia security.
Both countries made assessments on their cooperation in relation to critical areas, such as politics, defense, education, the economy, information technology and exchanged information on security developments of the Asia-Pacific region.
There were frank discussions around the supply of Russian machinery and equipment to establish repair workshops in Cambodia, according to the assistant to the Prime Minister. Both parties agreed to increase cooperation to combat international financial crimes linking to money laundering, the drug trade and terrorism funding.
Hun Sen suggested a review of a free trade agreement, in both bilateral and multilateral natures. The Russian delegation also extended greetings from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and awarded the “Order of Friendship” to Hun Sen, which is rarely given to foreigners. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia, China, South Korea to strengthen multilateral cooperation on international trade
(nm) Cambodia and China have established a working group to increase bilateral relations and to boost economic and trade cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the working group was signed by the Minister Attached to the Prime Minister and Secretary General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), Secretary of States at the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce, and Vice Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China Ren Hongbin.
The MoU is set to boost bilateral investment and trade between the two countries. The increase of investment cooperation will help promote and accelerate Cambodia’s socio-economy after the COVID-19 crisis. China is at the top of the list of foreign investors in Cambodia. [Khmer Times]
Furthermore, the Cambodian cabinet ministers submitted the Cambodia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) to the legislative body for approval. The agreement was made on December 18 under the chairmanship of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
The CKFTA will promote trade and investment flow between the two countries with mutual benefits. The agreement is set to enhance and strengthen a long-term economic partnership with trade liberalization. It is expected to come into force by early 2022. [Khmer Times]
Indonesia seeks influence balance in G20
(gl) As Indonesia assumes its new G20 presidency [see AiR No. 50, December/2021, 2], it will attempt to equalize the influence of developing countries and G7 countries in the G20 group. The rationale behind this decision rests on the idea that economic recovery in developed countries often leads to heightened inflation and tightened liquidity; this, in turn, results in a depression in developing countries’ financial markets. [Kompas]
With this mission in mind, the Indonesian presidency is urging the G20 members to reach an agreement in terms of four global taxation matters that so far have proven intractable: a multinational corporation (MNCs) profit tax, a 15% global minimum corporate tax, environmental taxation, and gender-conscious taxation. So far, only the first two issues have gained momentum after discussions started under Italy’s presidency. In terms of environmental taxation, the Government introduced a carbon tax on carbon-containing goods and carbon-producing services in the energy, forestry, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, among others, developing a Carbon Road Map to implement each step of the process from 2022. [Lexology] [The Jakarta Post]
Indonesia: Russia, US compete for Indonesia’s strategic trust
(gl) On December 13, the Russian National Security Advisor participated in security talks in Jakarta and discussed his proposals for Russian-Indonesian bilateral and multilateral cooperation, specifically in the framework of the G20 and ASEAN, while emphasizing Russia’s commitment to preserving the current security architecture in the Asia Pacific region. [TASS]
The meeting coincided with the meetings the Indonesian Foreign Minister had with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, where the parties discussed US-Indonesia bilateral maritime cooperation to ensure a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Although this situation might give the impression that Russia and the US are competing for influence in Indonesia’s security plans, the Indonesian representative commented on the dueling visits by stating that Indonesia will develop strategic trusts with all its partners. [Jakarta Globe] [Stars and Stripes]
Japan urged to cut ties with Myanmar military
(nm) Human Rights Watch has urged the Japanese government to cut ties with the Myanmar military and immediately halt a military study-abroad program that hosts cadets from Myanmar.
The National Defense Academy of Japan, a Defense Ministry facility, was hosting eight Myanmar cadets where the trainees participate in an extensive academic and military training curriculum.
Since the military coup, Japan has called on the Myanmar military to end the violence and cut new aid to the country, however, human rights groups have called for stronger actions to be taken such as economic sanctions. [Human Rights Watch] [Bangkok Post]
Singapore Senior Minister meets with Russian Deputy Prime Minister to boost economic relations
(nm) The Singaporean Senior Minister met with the Russian Deputy Prime Minister to discuss Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance trade and investment and a potential collaboration on low-carbon solutions, infrastructure and transport sectors and a Northern Sea Route.
The EAEU is a five-member bloc made up of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia. Singapore signed the FTA on October 1 along with the Russian-led EAEU to boost economic prosperity between Singapore and the EAEU markets. The FTA is currently undergoing negotiations. [Channel News Asia]
Vietnam, India partners in Fourth Industrial Revolution
(bs) On the fifth anniversary of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), the President of Vietnam’s National Assembly visited India and drafted several agreements to strengthen bilateral cooperation in politics, defense, labor, trade, and investment among other fields.
Vietnam signed 12 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Indian companies during the Vietnam-India Business Forum on December 17. The countries aimed to further develop their diplomatic relations, which started in 1972, by signing agreements in drug and vaccine production, oil and gas, IT, education, tourism, and public health.
Also, the parties signed the first-ever MoU for the promotion of scientific and technical cooperation in marine science and ecology. India is one of the top ten trading partners of Vietnam. [The Economic Times] [Odishatv]
Announcements
Upcoming Online Events
22 December 2021 @ 10:00-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Growth of Indonesia’s E-commerce and Fintech Sector amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
This online forum will highlight and analyze the current development of e-commerce and fintech in Indonesia and the underlying implications from shifting consumer purchasing behavior and the unprecedented increase of loans from sectors not typically served by conventional bank.
If you want to know more about the event, visit [ISEAS]
22 December 2021 @ 2:30-3:45 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS, Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
The Aftermath of the Sarawak State Election: Outcome and Implications
This webinar will explore the results from the Sarawak State election on December 18 and investigate potential implications for the political landscape in Sarawak State after the election.
If you interested in the answers to these questions, register at [ISEAS].
Recent Book Releases
Michael Grothaus, Trust No One: Inside the World of Deepfakes, Hodder & Stoughton, 289 pages, published on November 11, 2021, reviewed in [The Guardian].
Gretchen Friemann, The Treaty: The gripping story of the negotiations that brought about Irish independence and led to the Civil War, Merrion Press, 300 pages, published on November 10, 2021, with a review in [The Guardian]
Amish Raj Mulmi, All Roads Lead North: Nepal’s Turn to China, Context, 320 pages, March 15, 2021. A review is available at [The Asian Review of Books].
Earl A. Carr Jr. (ed.), From Trump to Biden and Beyond: Reimagining US–China Relations, Palgrave Macmillan, 222 pages, published on September 9, 2021. For a review, see [Foreign Policy].
Joseph Fewsmith, Rethinking Chinese Politics, Cambridge University Press, 230 pages, published on June 17, 2021, briefly reviewed in [Foreign Affairs].
Joanna Chiu, China Unbound: A New World Disorder, House of Anansi Press, 304 pages, published on September 28, 2021, with a review in [The Diplomat].
Calls for Papers
Nord University invites paper proposals for its ASANOR Conference 2022 “Appalling Ocean, Verdant Land: America and the Sea”to be held from September 29 to October 1, 2022. Closing date for submission of abstracts is April 8, 2022. For more information, see [Nord University].
Nullcon invites paper proposal for its International Security Conference and Training Berlin 2022 scheduled for April 8-9, 2022. Deadline for submission of manuscripts is January 15, 2022. Further details are available at [Nullcon].
Jobs and Positions
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hiring an Executive Associate to be based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with core responsibility in ensuring effective and efficient functioning of the Country Director/Deputy Country Director office. Closing date for applications is January 4, 2022. Visit [UNDP] for more information.
The Directorate-General for Informatics (DIGIT) of the European Commission (EC) is recruiting a Director, responsible for the Directorate’s overall strategic orientation and management and, in particular, for the improvement of the Commission’s cybersecurity posture and maturity. Deadline for application is January 22, 2022. If you are interested, find more information at [EC].
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is looking for an (Associate) Procurement Lawyer to provide legal support to the administration and operational directorates for legal issues pertaining to procurement of services and goods for the Bank’s own account and for technical assistance to Bank’s clients, among other duties. More details are available at [EIB]
The University of Toronto is offering the position of an Assistant Professor - Political Anthropology of Land Dispossession, Conflict, & Migration in Africa. Applications can be submitted until January 24, 2022. See [University of Toronto] for further information.
Stanford University welcomes applications for new faculty position in the political economy of China. The successful candidate with expertise in China’s history, economic development, and politics, will provide leadership for new research, teaching and training initiatives in the recently established Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (SCCEI). Closing date for application is January 31, 2022. See [Stanford University] for more details.
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