Grasp the pattern, read the trend
No. 6, February/2023, 1
Brought to you by CPG
Dear Readers,
The Asia in Review (AIR) team is pleased to present you this week´s AiR issue with the latest events, developments and trends in domestic politics, international relations and geopolitics in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
I wish you an informative read and extend special greetings to everyone celebrating Grenada’s and the Vatican City’s Independence Day, Japan’s National Foundation Day and New Zealand’s Waitangi Day this week.
Henning Glaser
Editor in Chief
Webpage: www.cpg-online.de, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPGTU
Main Sections
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
Announcements
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in East Asia
China: Plans for loosening of IPO regulations unveiled
(ms) The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced on February 1 a planned relaxation of regulations regarding Initial Public Offerings (IPO) for the entire Chinese stock market.
The CSRC plans to replace the existing approval-based system, which requires strict control by the CSRC for each IPO, resulting in long waiting periods and a certain degree of uncertainty, with a registration-based IPO system. The registration-based IPO system is similar to the US stock exchange and is much more transparent and relaxed in the listing procedure, which would speed up the process and make it more accessible to smaller companies. However, it relies on stricter controls after listing and works with information-disclosure requirements. Likewise, under a registration-based IPO system, the strict capping of IPO prices by institutional hands would be eased, bringing them more in line with free market standards.
Similar approaches have already been tested at individual stock exchanges in China but are now to be introduced uniformly throughout the country.
Alcohol and tutoring companies will continue to be excluded from listings, and financial and Internet companies must obtain confirmation from the relevant security authorities before listing to qualify. The CSRC also advises companies involved in COVID testing companies not to sell their shares in these companies. [Bloomberg] [Global Times]
Bankers and financial experts, however, have doubts about the extent to which the regulations will actually deliver on the promises of a more inclusive and market-oriented stock market, saying they expect the Chinese government to continue to influence the registration process and regulate as it sees fit.
The CSRC is now awaiting public feedback until February 16 and will then decide on its next course of action. [Reuters]
China: Increase of retirement age shall begin 2025
(ms) An increase in the retirement age in China is expected to be announced this year, according to a report by a Chinese state-owned investment company, and will come into effect in 2025, gradually raising the retirement age for men and women to 65 by 2055, which would be the first increase in 40 years.
The CITIC Group's report presents an implementation that was already expected by experts, especially after the publication of the Economic Year Report for 2022, which shows China's first population decline since the Great Chinese Famine under Mao Zedong [see AiR No. 4, January/2023, 4]. According to the report, starting in 2025, the retirement age for women will be set at 55, which is already the retirement age for female white-collar workers, while female blue-collar women are allowed to retire at 50. The retirement age for men, which is currently 60, is to be increased by four months per year and for women by two months per year until it reaches 65.
Already in 2012 and at least superficially in 2020, the Chinese government planned similar reforms in the face of the aging population but dropped them due to great displeasure among the population, this proposal also led to discontent on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. But with a further declining population, the Chinese government will probably not get around it, if they do not want to accept a further weakening economy. [Deutsche Welle]
In view of the plans, however, doubts about the actual added value of an increased retirement age are arising in addition to resentment among the population. According to a study, three quarters of all working men are already continuing their jobs after retirement age. An increase would primarily counteract unemployment among women shortly before retirement age, but the added value of this would be negligible, according to forecasts. [Bloomberg] [Caixin Global] [South China Morning Post]
China: New Home prices decline despite end of Zero-COVID
(ms) Despite the end of the zero-COVID policy, new-home prices continued to fall in January, the seventh consecutive month of declines.
CAXIN Global reports that prices fell by an average of 0.02 percent, mainly in the country’s second-tier cities, although a noticeable increase in prices in first-tier cities such as Shanghai and Beijing could indicate that the negative trend will soon come to an end. However, this would not mean the end of the Chinese real estate crisis, argues at least the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to the IMF, the easing and announced support of the Chinese government to the real estate sector are good beginnings, but there is a need to expand the support for the completion of already paid properties, which continues to be a major problem and in particular harms the confidence of the Chinese people in the real estate sector. [Caixin Global] [CNBC]
China: All COVID curbs to Hong Kong and Macao lifted
(ms) Following the first border openings between the mainland and the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) in early January [see AiR No. 2, January/2023, 2], all remaining restrictions were lifted, according to an announcement by the State Council on February 6.
As a result, all borders between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao are now open, and the former requirement to test and register before crossing the border has been scrapped. [State Council of the PRC] [South China Morning Post]
This comes shortly after China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced that Beijing had achieved “temporary herd immunity,” adding that the worst phase of the outbreak was over. [VOA News]
China: Twitter alternative banned after two days
(ms) Apple has removed the new social media app Damus from the Chinese app store just two days after it was first approved by the US company, following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
Damus is like e.g. Mastodon a Twitter alternative which gained popularity after the takeover of Twitter by Elon Musk and is based on the open and decentralized social network protocol Nostr. Unlike other social media, Damus does without content moderation and rather serves as a foundation on which the users are responsible for the content.
This lack of moderation was the reason why the app needed several attempts to be approved for the Apple Store and is most likely also the reason why the CAC ordered the ban.
Online platforms in China require an internet content provider license, but this is denied to companies that the CAC believes are capable of “disrupting public order” or circumventing censorship or refuse or are unable to collect private information such as clear names or IP addresses of their users and pass them on to the Chinese government in case of possible requests. [Radio Free Asia] [Tech Crunch]
China: Hong Kong government plans to give away half a million plain tickets
(ms) Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced on February 2 that the city will give away 500,000 airline tickets to foreigners in a campaign to attract much-needed tourists into the city.
The USD 272 million ticket giveaway is aimed at boosting tourism, which has been severely damaged by the almost three-year-long zero-COVID policy, and thus boosting consumption and thereby the city's economy. The first 80,000 tickets are to be distributed on March 1 through various Hong Kong travel agencies and will initially be distributed to South Asian countries.
The tickets are part of the "Hello, Hong Kong" campaign for which the Hong Kong government wants to provide around USD 2 billion. The money will be used to invite celebrities and journalists to the city to generate positive publicity. In addition, the city is planning more than 200 events and festivals to make the city more attractive to foreigners again.
Besides the gifts to foreigners, another 80,000 tickets will be given away to Hong Kong citizens to travel abroad “to let Hong Kong people share the same joy that this campaign would bring about,” Lee said. [Bloomberg] [Hong Kong Free Press] [Radio Free Asia]
China: Trial begins against the "Hong Kong 47"
(ms) On February 6, the largest national security trial in Hong Kong began against 47 former members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo), activists and journalists accused of “conspiracy to commit subversion” by holding unofficial pre-election primaries in July 2020 [see AiR No. 28, July/2020, 2].
The 2020 Hong Kong pro-democracy primaries were held in mid-July just days after the National Security Law was introduced as response to the 2019 anti-government protests. The elections were aimed at selecting pro-democracy candidates for the LegCo elections that were scheduled for September and ultimately postponed by the city government. The elections were held despite warnings from the government that they would be in violation of the National Security Law.
Of the 47 defendants, 29 had already pleaded guilty before the trial began, and at the start of the trial ex-district councillor Ng Kin-wai and merchant Mike Lam also pleaded guilty.
The trial is estimated to last about 90 days. The defendants face sentences up to life imprisonment. [Al Jazeera] [Hong Kong Free Press] [The Guardian]
China: Suppression of communication against Tibetans
(ms) The local government of Drago County, located in southwestern Sichuan Province, bordering Tibet and therefore historically heavily populated by Tibetans, began imposing communication restrictions against them at the beginning of the year, according to a report released by Free Tibet, a London-based non-profit, non-governmental organization.
Since early January, Tibetans have been asked to stop communicating with people outside Tibet and, according to local information, random cell phone checks have been conducted by local security authorities to monitor compliance.
The Drago County is particularly targeted by the government as it was the location of resistance movements by Tibetans against the Chinese government in 2008, in response to which the Chinese government carried out heavy crackdowns against the local population in 2009 and 2012. [Free Tibet] [Radio Free Asia]
China: Actress punished for supporting white paper protests
(ms) The name of Chinese actress Chun Xia has been removed from film credits and she has been uninvited from Chinese film festivals after she was reported voicing support on social media for the so-called “white paper” protests that erupted in late November last year.
The nationwide protests broke out in response to a late November fire in Urumqi, the capital of the northwestern Xinjiang region, and were directed against the Chinese government and its zero-COVID policy [see AiR No. 48, November/2022, 5].
Chun’s case is seen as an example of the Chinese government’s hard line against political dissent among celebrities. In January, reports emerged on social media showing that the Chinese government had secretly detained protesters and reports of torture against them emerged [see AiR No. 4, January/2023, 4]. [Ming Pao News, in Chinese]
China: Trial against disbanded Hong Kong newspaper Stand News adjourned again
(ms) The sedition trial against high-ranking former employees of the Hong Kong pro-democracy news agency Stand News, which was disbanded in 2021 after several raids by Hong Kong police, has been adjourned for a second time.
Stand News is accused of distributing “seditious publications” during the anti-government protests in Hong Kong in 2019. The prosecution is citing the city’s Sedition Law, which dates back to British colonial times and had little or no application in Hong Kong in the past decades. It was re-invoked amid protests.
The trial began in October last year and was expected to last only about three weeks but was adjourned in November because the prosecutors did not provide the defense with 1500 pages of evidence until the morning of the trial, making it impossible for her to review them [see AiR No. 45, November/2022, 2].
In the latest development, on February 3, after the trial resumed at the end of January, the prosecutors added to the evidence 17 articles of the newspaper which they considered to contain seditious content, but to those another four boxes of documents were added which they had withheld from the defense until then. The defense accused the prosecutors of unfair practices and was given time until February 8 to review the new evidence. Until then the trial is being halted. [Hong Kong Free Press]
China: Promotional video shows sixth-generation fighter jet
(ms) State-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) released a promotional video on January 31 probably showing, among other things, computer animated images of the anticipated sixth-generation fighter jet under development [see Twitter].
The main content of the video was the presentation of an airborne radar under development, but it ended with a short clip showing three unknown aircraft. According to experts and the Chinese state broadcaster Global Times, it is most likely the sixth-generation fighter jet of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, as the aircrafts show a distinctive diamond shape that matches the concept model exhibited at the Chinese Airshow in Guangdong province late last year.
However, the development of the fighter jet is still likely to be in its early stages, with sixth-generation jets not expected to be in service until 2030 at the earliest. [Air Data News] [Global Times]
China: New nuclear powered attack submarine launched
(ms) New satellite images are believed to show the launch of a new Type 093 Shang-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN).
The satellite images show the Huludao shipyard in the northeastern Liaoning province in mid-January and show the transport of the SSN from the graving dock to a floating transfer platform. The shape of the submarine clearly points to the Type 093, which would make it the eighth of its kind. [Janes]
Military analysts even assume that it is the Type 093B, of which the first and so far only one was launched at the end of April last year. The Type 093B is a guided-missile nuclear attack submarine that, according to the U.S. Department of Defense’s 2021 Annual Report, "will enhance the PLAN's anti-surface warfare capability and could provide a land-attack option if equipped with land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs)." [Tom Shugart via Twitter] [U.S. Department of Defense]
China: Plans to build satellite ground station in Antarctica
(ms) The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation has announced the construction of a ground station in Antarctica to support and expand the network of ocean observation satellites.
The site of the construction will be China's Zhongshan Station in Antarctica and its goal is to support the Haiyang series ocean observation satellites, which monitor the oceans and its condition over time. China has eight of these satellites so far, but plans to launch more in the coming years.
Japan and the U.S. already have such ground stations in Antarctica. [Global Times] [Space News] [VOA News]
Japan: City to penalize hate speech
(cc) On January 31, a draft report that included suggestions for penalties over hate speech was agreed upon by the Sagamihara Municipal Government deliberation council.
The draft report stated that the city would ban and punish discriminatory actions on the basis of race, sexual orientation, disability, and other factors. The punishment will either be an administrative fine or a criminal penalty. The preamble of the draft report refers to the 2016 massacre at the care home Tsukui Yamayuri En, stating that the incident was a hate crime against disabled people.
Earlier in 2019, the Kawasaki Municipal Government issued a similar rule that imposed a criminal penalty for discriminatory actions. But the Sagamihara Municipal Government claimed that its plan was the first to introduce administrative fines as a punishment.
After receiving the draft report, the city now plans to discuss the details of the proposal further and gather public opinions. [The Mainichi]
Japan: 30-month sentence sought for ex-chairman for Olympic bribery
(cc) On February 1, prosecutors called for a 30-month sentence for Hironori Aoki, a former chairman of a clothing retailer, who is charged with bribing the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee executive with JPY 28 million for a sponsorship deal.
The case is part of the bribery scandals involving Haruyuki Takahashi, a former organizing committee executive of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Aoki, his brother, and several others are accused of bribing Takahashi for a favor during the sponsorship selection process. Overall, Takahashi has been indicted four times on charges of bribery related to the Olympics.
The ruling will be made on April 21. [Japan Today]
Japan: Crime rises for the first time in 20 years
(cc) According to police data, the number of recorded crimes in Japan in 2022 has risen for the first time in two decades. In 2022, there were 601,389 reported criminal incidents in Japan, a 5.9 percent increase from 2021, when the rate was the lowest in the postwar period. Domestic violence, child abuse, cyberattack, and murder are among those crimes that have been rising. [Japan Times]
Japan: Oppositions criticize Kishida for his son's action
(cc) During a parliamentary committee session on January 31, the opposition criticized Prime Minister Fumio Kishida over a report that Shotaro Kishida, the prime minister's son who also served as his secretary, spent tax money on a private trip while on official overseas business.
In January, Kishida visited other G7 countries in preparation for the upcoming G7 summit in Japan. According to weekly Shukan Shinzo, Shotaro went along on the trip and visited several major tourist spots using an official vehicle. The government asserted that the action was not problematic, citing that the secretary could use an official car.
Kishida also faced criticism in an affair related to his son in October 2022 after he appointed Shotaro as his secretary, with the opposition condemning the move as an act of nepotism. [Japan Today]
Japan: Kishida fires executive secretary for his anti-LGBT comments
(cc) On February 4, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida fired Masayoshi Arai, his executive secretary, for his discriminatory comments against LGBT people.
Arai made remarks showing his disdain toward sexual minorities to reporters off-record on February 3, stating that he does not want to live near or see an LGBT couple. He apologized and tried to retract his statements later that day after the media made them public.
Kishida explained that comments made by Arai completely contradicted the government's stance on the issue that calls for prudence [See AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5], thus forcing the administration to rethink Arai's future. [The Mainichi]
Mongolia: President vetoes social media law
(sw) The President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh vetoed the Law on Protecting Human Rights on Social Media citing that it failed to ensure public participation in the legislative process, in violation of the Constitution.
Late January, the Parliament passed the social media law within only two working days without involving the public and stakeholders.
Among others, the law stipulates that any information in an online group of more than three people will be inspected. Civil rights groups heavily criticized the law over concerns of limiting freedom of speech.[AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]
The Parliament can override the veto if two-third of the members vote for it in an extraordinary session that is planned for this month. [Montsame]
Mongolia: Cabinet approves Cybersecurity Council
(sw) The Mongolian Cabinet has approved organizational structure, council rules and working procedures of the new Cybersecurity Council which will be headed by the Prime Minister.
Headed by the Prime Minister, the members of the new agency will consist of representatives of organizations involved in combating cyber-attacks and violations. [Montsame]
Mongolia: Women entrepreneur growth fund program launched
(sw) Mongolia is set to implement the “Funding Program for Digital Solutions to Enhance Women Enterprise Recovery and Growth”. The program is supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the Women Enterprise Recovery Fund.
Applicants propose projects with innovative digital solutions in order to get funding. While enterprises submitting proposals to the program do not have to be led by women or have women employees, they have to support women enterprises that have been hit economically by COVID-19. [Montsame]
North Korea: Satellite imagery evidences second solid-fuel rocket test
(ge) On January 31, Voice of America broadcaster (VOA) reported that North Korea likely conducted a second solid-fuel rocket test in the Magun-po test site in the South Hamgyong Province. The test was revealed by a satellite image released by senior researcher David Schmerler of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation. In the interview with VOA Schmerler declared that this test has to be considered as part of North-Korea’s ballistic missile development program .[Kyunghyang Shinmun, Korean]; [Atlas News; Dave Schmerler]
North Korea: Law on the protection of state secrets adopted
(ge) On February 3 North Korean official state media published a statement concerning the 24th Meeting of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly in which the Standing Committee approved laws for the protection of state secrets. Details of the laws have not been disclosed yet. [KCNA]
North Korea to hold ruling party meeting on agriculture in late February
(ge) On February 5, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) has decided to hold a plenary meeting in late February at which radical changes in the agricultural sector will be discussed. The ruling party plans to examine last year’s rural development programme achievements and to discuss issues and long-term goals in the farming and agricultural sectors.
North Korea is widely believed to suffer from chronic food shortages that have been amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. [The Korea Times] [KCNA Watch]
South Korea: Main opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung caught up in corruption investigations
(ge) On January 30, Lee Jae-Myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) agreed to show up for a second round of questioning over corruption and bribery allegations. Lee has been already questioned for two separate corruption cases concerning a development project when he was mayor of Seongnam, Gyeonggi province. [The Dong-A Ilbo, Korean]
On January 31, following the arrest of ex-Ssangbangwool group tycoon Kim Seong-Tae, Lee was caught up in another suspected corruption case. The Suwon District authorities in Seoul have issued an arrest warrant for the ex-chaebol chairman who is believed to have delivered USD 8 million to North Korea in 2019, when Lee was serving as Gyeonggi province governor.
On February 6, Lee attended another court hearing during which he was questioned about a phone conversation he allegedly had with Kim in January 2019, declaring that at the time he was attending a court meeting. [The Korea Times]
In all instances the Democratic Party leader rejected all allegations, claiming that he is being persecuted over political grounds. [Yonhap], [The Korea Times]
South Korea: Candidate drops out the PPP leadership race as candidate registration opens
(ge) On January 31 ex People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Yoo Seung-Min, who has been critical of President Yoon’s government, decided to withdraw from the party leadership race. [The Korea Herald]
As the candidate registration opened on February 2, the two main contenders remain Yoon’s loyalists Ahn Cheol-Soo and Kim Gi-Hyeon, with the latter in the lead, according to latest polls.
The ruling PPP will elect a new leader at a national convention on March 8. [Yonhap] [The Korea Times]
South Korea: Democratic Party submits impeachment motion against interior minister
(ge) On February 6, the opposition Democratic Party (DP) initiated an impeachment motion against Interior Minister Lee Sang-Min over the inadequate response to the Itaewon crowd crush incident during which nearly 160 people were killed and almost 200 others were injured [see AiR, No. 45, November/2022,2].
The impeachment motion was taken after a general meeting of lawmakers held by the DP and reported to the National Assembly with the joint participation of the two minor opposition parties, the Basic Income Party and the Justice Party. In the motion the opposition parties argued that Lee failed to take preventive measures to avoid the disaster and when notified, failed to organize a rapid and effective response to the emergency. [Kyunghyang Shinmun, in Korean].
If the motion is approved during the National Assembly’s plenary session scheduled for February 8, Lee will be suspended from his duties until a judgment from the Constitutional Court. [SBS, in Korean]
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) responded to the motion maintaining that Lee’s case does not meet the requirements for impeachment and that investigations have already ruled out the ministry’s accountability in the case. The PPP also added that the motion has political purposes. [Yonhap]
South Korea: IMF forecasts shrinking of economy
(ge) On January 30 the IMF published the 2023 World Economic Outlook Update forecasting South Korea’s economy growth rate in the 1-percentage range, lagging behind Japan. According to IMF’s forecasting, the shrinking of the South Korean economy is due to the plunge of global trade which is particularly affecting Asian countries. [The Dong-A Ilbo] [The Korea Times]
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Kyungho Choo had bilateral talks with Gita Gopinath, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s First Deputy Managing Director, to discuss economic global trends and South Korea's economic policies as well as cooperation between Korea and the IMF.
Choo also presented South Korea’s policy measures to ensure future growth. These concern labor, pension and education reforms and the boosting of private sector exports and investments. [Ministry of Economy and Finance]
During an interview with South Korean news agency Yonhap, Gopinath affirmed that though growth prospects are weaker, South Korea is not facing any risk of financial crisis. [Yonhap]
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy disclosed that the country’s exports declined by 16.6 percent in January compared with January a year before, while the trade deficit reached a record high at USD 12.7 billion. Data, presented by the ministry, showed that the main cause of the deficit are the fall in semiconductor exports and in exports to China, which plunged 44.5 percent and 31.4 percent respectively. Both mark the worst rates of decline since the global financial crisis in 2008/2009.
In light of these numbers, analysts warn that the country might be approaching the first recession in three years. [Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy] [Reuters]
Taiwan: Controversy around power plant
(sw) The Taiwan Power Company plans to build two new natural gas power plants in the major port city of Keelung has drawn strong resistance from local Mayor George Hsiehm who demands a referendum on this matter.
However, Taiwan’s government had declared last summer that the matter was under the purview of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
Proponents of the plan say that the new power plants reduce air pollution and provide energy to nearly five million people. Opponents state that the project harms the environment and livelihood of fishermen. [Taiwan News]
Taiwan: Historic high of women’s participation in Taiwanese politics
(sw) After the 2022 local elections, the number of female local government leaders in Taiwan increased to an all-time high of 56.3 percent, according to findings of the 2023 Gender at a Glance report of the Taiwanese government.
The percentage of female lawmakers also saw a record high of 42.5 percent in Jan. 2022 after a legislative by-election that month.[Focus Taiwan]
Taiwan: Missile that can reach China tested
(dql) The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Taiwan’s government-funded top weapons manufacturer, tested on February 7 has test-fired the new surface-to-surface Hsiung Sheng missile that is said to have a range up to 1,200 km and thus, be able to hit targets in China.
Taiwan is expected to obtain around 100 Hsiung Sheng missiles by 2025. [South China Morning Post]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in South Asia
Bangladesh: Stockpiling of gas creates an artificial crisis in the market
(az) Buyers in different parts of Bangladesh complain about the traders’ stockpiling of natural gas and creating an artificial gas crisis in the market. In addition to the increasing energy cost, families are under the financial pressure of buying gas at a cost higher than the government-declared price. Complaints also came against some shops that even refused to sell gas to the customers.
In Barishal, while the distributors blame the companies for the increase in gas price, the Assistant Director of Barisal District Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, Sumi Rani Mitra, says that the gas price is affected at the consumer level rather than the company-level distribution. In Rajshahi, there were gas cylinder shortages right after the government declared the price hike. The sellers informed that the companies are failing to deliver the desired amount of gas for the consumers, and consequently, for the profits, the sellers need to increase the price. On the other hand, each gas cylinder is sold at a higher price than the government-announced official price, while the sellers also claim the retail price to be higher than usual. The companies informed that they sometimes could not supply cylinders at a lower cost because of the dollar crisis and increasing raw material prices. [Prothom Alo 1] [Prothom Alo 2] [Prothom Alo 3]
Bangladesh: Dhaka residents protest for protection of nature, as authorities cut trees for road expansion
(az) After the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) felled around 300 trees to expand the median strip from Zigatola to Shankar's Saat Masjid road in Dhanmondi, locals immediately protested by forming a human chain near the area. Even after the cabinet division made it mandatory to ask for the permission of the forest department to cut down any single tree, the DSCC recklessly used the cranes to cut down the thirty-year-old trees. Although the locals and experts fear a significant impact on the local ecosystem, the zonal executive officer (zone-1) of DSCC went against and claimed that the trees had little to do for the environment and they were planted there only for beautification. [The Daily Star]
Bangladesh: Local government, authorities assist in destruction of mangrove forest, communities allege
(az) Locals from Bangladesh’s southern Patuakhali District have alleged that the forest department is assisting in destroying the mangrove forest by permitting the construction of houses and fisheries by cutting trees. Locals fear more vulnerability from natural disasters if the trees are uprooted and cut at this rate. [The Daily Star]
Bangladesh: Government issues directives to prepare COVID-19 hospitals for Nipah virus
(az) In light of a recent spread of the deadly Nipah virus across several districts in Bangladesh, the Directorate General of Health Services has asked the authorities of COVID-19-dedicated hospital to prepare for receiving Nipah virus-affected patients. Furthermore, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control, and Research issued an urgent notice banning the selling of raw date juice anywhere in the country. [New Age]
The virus is carried by bats and spread into the human body through date juice, which is a popular drink in the country areas in Bangladesh during the winter. The percentage of death among the patients is 62.8 so far.
Bangladesh: Food exports face drawbacks for failing to maintain international standards, expert says
(az) A former chairman of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a body established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, has informed that despite the twofold increase in global food export, Bangladesh could not benefit so much due to the non-participation in the international meetings and the standard maintenance of food safety.
The expert highlighted several challenges against food safety, including the use of cheap garment colors instead of food colors and the lack of developed technologies for food production. He also suggested the massive production of mustard oil instead of soybean oil to fulfill the demand in the market. [The Business Standard]
Bhutan: Government aims to modernize the agricultural sector
(az) The government of Bhutan is adopting new technologies and tools to increase production and sustainability in the agricultural sector. As part of the plan, the government will provide the farmers with drones and GPS devices to monitor crops and soil health and reduce waste.
For the modernization process, many information centers are already set up to train the farmers about using modern technologies for more efficiency. The country already utilizes the process of hydroponic gardening to ensure more crops and food security with less water. [Writeups24]
India: Government likely to clear the names of recommended Supreme Court judges
(wr) Five names that were recommended by a collegium of senior judges of the India’s Supreme Court for the appointment of judges at the apex court are likely to be cleared, government sources conveyed.
The collegium recommended the list to the government for approval in December of last year. However, the matter of appointment remains standstill due to government’s reservations and consistent objections to the suggested list. More recently, the collegium released, for the first time, statements citing the government’s reasons against their choice of candidates [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]. [Times of India] [Press Trust India]
India: Supreme Court directs WhatsApp to publicize its 2021 privacy policy undertaking
(wr) The Indian Supreme Court’s five-judge constitution bench has asked WhatsApp to “advertise” its undertaking to the Centre regarding the petitions challenging privacy concerns. The petitioners challenged the updated, 2021 privacy policy of WhatsApp for potential breach of data privacy rights and sharing with its parent company, Facebook. In response, the application gave assurances to the government that its users’ activity would not be halted in India even if they decline the policy. The Supreme Court has asked the application to advertise in five national newspapers its 2021 undertaking. [ThePrint] [The Indian Express] [Press Trust India]
India: Andhra Pradesh state moves capital to Visakhapatnam
(wr/lm) India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh has chosen the coastal city of Visakhapatnam to be its new capital, effectively shelving the development of Amaravati, despite ongoing litigation in the Supreme Court. [The Straits Times] [Hindustan Times] [Indian Express]
The Amaravati development project was backed by Singapore in 2014, when Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated and lost its erstwhile capital city Hyderabad to the newly created state of Telangana. In 2020, then, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddyannounced plans to have three capital centers – Amaravati, Visakhapatnam and Kurnool – for Andhra Pradesh.
However, the plan was rejected by the High Court, and Amaravati was assigned to be built as the sole capital in 2022. But the verdict was challenged in India’s Supreme Court by the state’s government; however, the hearing could not happen.
India: A matter of hope and pride, Prime Minister Modi remarks on first day of Budget Session
(mk) Addressing the media preceding the first day of the Budget Session of the Parliament, India’s Prime Minister Modi on January 31 said that the country’s budget is a ray of hope for the world, which is currently grappling with global economic turmoil. This was in light of International Monetary Fund data projections showing India’s growth as the world’s fastest economy in the year 2023-24. [The Hindu] [Deccan Chronicle]
He also remarked that it was a moment of pride to have President Droupadi Murmu, a woman from India’s tribal community, address the Houses of the Parliament, both for the Constitution of India and the idea of women empowerment. [the Hindu]
India: Farmers’ union protests over Union Budget 2023-24; discontent over allocations to agriculture
(mk) The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an organization of around 300 farmers’ groups in India, on February 1, declared the Union Budget 2023 as “the most anti-farm budget in the history of the nation”. This was in response to the decreased allocations in the Budget for the agricultural sector as well as various schemes related to food and nutritional security. [Mainstream Weekly] [The Hindu]
In addition to the reduced allocations to flagship schemes such as PM Annadata Aay Sangrakshan Abhiyan (AASHA), the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, and the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which was supposed to protect farmers from crop losses due to natural calamities, the SMK asserts that none of the critical issues related to the farmers’ agitations were addressed by the Budget.
The demands for a MSP (Minimum Support Price) guarantee have not been heeded, nor has the farmers’ debt been written off. Besides these, farmers arrested under false cases have still not been released. Consequently, the SKM has decided to hold a public march in Delhi in the second week of March in order to build pressure on the government to accept all remaining demands. [Tribune]
India: Progress in Sustainable Development Goals, finance minister says
(wr) India’s finance minister has commended his country’s significant progress in achieving the collection of 17 interlinked objectives formulated as the so-called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to provide a pathway for mutual peace and human prosperity.
While appreciating the country’s economic growth, the minister said the government ensured better quality of life for citizens to meet SDGs agenda 2030. However, in the global Sustainable Development Report, 2022 India was ranked 121 out of the 163 countries slipping three spots from previous year’s 117. [Outlook India] [Times of India]
India: Anti-Christian violence in Narayanpur intensifies
(wr) The district of Narayanpur in central India witnessed mobs inflicting violence upon local Christian communities. The confrontation has intensified for about a month; however, anti-Christian violent campaigns by right-wing Hindu nationalists plagued the region through last year.
Last year in December, a mob of Hindu fundamentalists attacked the local church and were accompanied by the BJP’s party district leader. As per reports, such attacks have escalated since the BJP came to power in 2014. According to activists, the Hindu nationalist party BJP continues to accuse forced conversions without providing any evidence or survey, and its efforts to pass anti-conversion legislation are widely perceived as unfair by religious minorities.
The mob forces religious minorities in the villages to flee or convert. Christians make up 2.4 percent of India’s population as per the 2011 census and one fifth of the Narayanpur district. [The Washington Post]
India: Police in Assam state arrest 1,800 men in crackdown on underage marriage
(wr) Police in India’s eastern Assamt state have arrested more than 1,800 men for for marrying or arranging marriages to underage girls, launching what the state's chief minister said on February 3 was the start of a “sustained crackdown” on the practice. As per India’s law, marriage under 18 remains illegal but practiced widely in society. The United Nations estimates nearly 1.5 million underage girls are married every year, the highest figure in the world. [South China Morning Post] [The Straits Times]
India: Adani crisis spills over into street protests as losses top USD 110 billion over fraud claims
(wr/lm) The crisis engulfing beleaguered Indian conglomerate Adani Group is growing, with hundreds of members of India’s opposition parties taking to the streets to demand a probe into allegations by a United States-based short-seller against the conglomerate which triggered its stock rout. [Hindustan Times] [Press Trust India] [The Straits Times]
Since the publication of a critical report by Hindenberg Research on January 24 Adani has lost about USD 115 billion from its listed entities, representing well over half its value [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]. On February 7, the conglomerate won a rare reprieve after it repaid more than USD 1.1 billion in loans earlier than expected, easing some concerns over its debt load. [The Guardian]
Both houses of India's parliament were adjourned on February 6, the third consecutive day, amid sloganeering and demands to launch an inquiry. [Reuters]
‘We demand full Statehood’, Education Reformer Wangchuk says ins response to Centre’s policy for Ladakh
(mk) Amid growing protests demanding the proper implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in Ladakh, Education reformer Sonam Wangchuk on February 2 remarked that the Centre’s policy in the region was alienating the youth and sowing seeds of militancy. Unemployment, as well as harsh police action against the civilians for the use of the phrase “sixth schedule”, according to Wangchuk, has contributed to this sentiment. [The Hindu]
In 2019, Ladakh was carved out from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and turned into a union territory. Initially welcoming of this decision, Ladakh’s leadership and civilians are now protesting this status and demanding statehood. [NDTV]
In December 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formed a high-powered committee headed by the Union minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai to look into the matter. Members of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, an amalgam of the different political parties of Ladakh, refused to be party to the committee, since its agenda did not include the four demands they had set out during the protests. These covered not just full statehood for Ladakh, but constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the protection of the tribal people of Ladakh, reservation of jobs, and the creation of distinct parliamentary constituencies for Leh and Kargil. [Outlook]
The resentment and discontent among the people of the region with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had made the Sixth Schedule a part of its manifesto for the 2019 general elections, seems to be growing.
Wangchuk, a popular voice from Ladakh, says that with the revocation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, the special protection ensured to Ladakh thus far has gone. This presents an existential threat to its unique culture, language, and environment. [NDTV]
India: Journalist Siddique Kappan walks out of prison after two years
(mk) Indian journalist Siddique Kappan has been granted bail more than two years after he was arrested in Uttar Pradesh state while traveling to report on an alleged rape of a Dalit woman by four upper-caste men. [BBC] [The Indian Express]
Back then, Uttar Pradesh state police arrested Kappan on account of attempting to incite violence and create law and order trouble. He was booked under charges of an anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Kappan was granted bail twice, in September 2022 as well as December 2022, but was kept imprisoned on technicalities. [The Guardian]
India: Prime minister unveils Asia’s largest helicopter factory in new defense push
(wr/lm) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled on February 6 Asia's largest helicopter factory, which can turn out at least 1,000 aircraft a year, as part of a defense self-reliance push to counter China's growing assertiveness. The manufacturing facility, located in southern Karnataka state, will initially produce Indian-designed and developed Light Utility Helicopters. [Hindustan Times] [The Indian Express] [Tribune India]
Furthermore, on his visit to Karnataka, Modi inaugurated the India Energy Week 2023 at Bengaluru which aims at global energy transitions, along with other developmental initiatives including E20 fuel, ‘Unbottled’ Recycling, Indian Oil's Indoor Solar Cooking System and Tumakuru Industrial Township. [PM’s Office]
Maldives: Jailed ex-President Yameen will be free in March, lawyer says
(lm) The Maldives’ former President Abdulla Yameen, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined USD 5 million last December, will be released in March, his lawyers said in a press conference on January 31, adding that they are planning to appeal the conviction in the High Court. [The Edition]
In fact, the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress coalition has already announced the former President as their candidate for the upcoming presidential election. However, as long as the conviction of corruption and money laundering related to receiving kickbacks from a private company remains in force, Yameen will lose his chance to contest in the presidential election to be held on September 9. Furthermore, to be able to contest the elections, Yameen must be released before August 3, the last date for the submission of a candidacy to the country’s Election Commission.
Yameen's lawyers, which include the country’s former minister of justice, Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, have previously said that the appeal is being delayed because the Criminal Court has not issued the trial report [see AiR No. 2, January/2023, 2]. The court issued the report on January 15.
Nepal: Key party in ruling coalition quits government over rift concerning home minister portfolio
(lm) The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the fourth largest party in Nepal’s ruling coalition, announced on February 5 that it has decided to withdraw from the government and has recalled its ministers over a a rift concerning the home minister portfolio. [Anadolu Agency]
The chairman of the RSP, Rabi Lamichhane, who was also the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, was stripped of his lawmaker status after the country's Supreme Court ruled on January 27 that Lamichhane had stood for the November elections with invalid citizenship papers [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]. The RSP said that the home minister portfolio was not allocated to the party again after the top court’s ruling, despite an alliance agreement.
Pakistan: Government postpones all-party conference on terrorism; opposition leader Khan rejects invite
(fm/lm) Pakistan’s government announced on February 6 that an all-party conference to discuss the issue of terrorism and evolve a joint strategy to combat a surge in violence would be held on February 9, two days later than the scheduled date. [DAWN] [The Hindu] [Voice of America]
The announcement came a week after a suicide bomber killed 101 people at a mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar, the country’s bloodiest bombing in years, drawing nationwide condemnation [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]. It also came after opposition leader Imran Khan rejected an offer from Prime Minister Sharif to attend the all-party conference. [Bloomberg]
Prior to the suicide attack on January 31, two months had passed since the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) unilaterally ended a truce and gave orders for its fighters to launch operations throughout Pakistan. Since then, there have been several violent attacks.
Against this backdrop, the civil and military leadership of Pakistan seems to hold that the former strategy of talking to the TTP may have contributed to the issue. Additionally, the plan to disarm the group with the aid of the Afghan Taliban is believed to be unsuccessful, in part Islamabad understands that there is a disconnect between the words and actions of the Afghan Taliban. [The Diplomat]
The Afghan Taliban, for their part, condemned attacks on worshippers as contrary to the teachings of Islam.
Pakistan: Ex-President Pervez Musharraf dies in United Arab Emirates
(fm/lm) Pervez Musharraf, a former Pakistani president who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1999, died in Dubai on February 5 after a prolonged illness. Both the president and prime minister expressed their condolences. [CNN] [Dawn] [The News]
Musharraf left Pakistan for Dubai in 2016 to seek medical treatment and had been living in exile in the country ever since. Islamabad last year said Musharraf would not be arrested if his family wanted to bring him back home. But his doctors and family said his treatment was not available in the South Asian nation.
His body was flown back from the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan on a special flight after his family submitted an application to do so. [Voice of America]
Sri Lanka: Independence Day coincides with protests against celebration
(sn) On February 4, Sri Lanka celebrated its 75th Independence Day, overshadowed by protests in the capital against the government’s decision to organize a pompous military parade at a time when the country is experiencing a dire economic crisis. [Al Jazeera]
In his speech Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed the need to modernize the economy with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), so the nation can open up to the world. He said that the state will continue pursuing its new reform program and that Sri Lanka can achieve the status of a developed country by 2048 with national reconciliation.
Since many local and international dignitaries attended the celebration in Galle Face Green, the Fort Police requested the Fort Magistrate's Court to prohibit demonstrations during that day in the event area. The court announced constraining orders accordingly. It also issued individual writs to the 29 conveners of preceding demonstrations, including recently released Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) leader Wasantha Mudalige and Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin.
Furthermore, 588 prisoners were granted pardons in the matter of independence commemoration and released on February 5. The Additional Commissioner General of Prisons said that the total number of inmates eligible for amnesty still needs evaluation and will be announced later. [News First] [Colombo Today] [News First] [Daily FT] [Sri Lanka Guardian] [Colombo Today]
Sri Lanka: PUC rejects CEB-assigned power cuts until February 17; HRC files contempt case vs CEB, power secretary
(sn) The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) rejected the power cuts requested by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) for February 1–2. It also expressed that it will not approve any assigned power cuts until mid-February to protect the rights of students taking the Advanced Level Examination from January 23 to February 17.
CEB requested approval from the Public Utilities Commission to impose cuts for approximately 2 and a half hours on February 1, 2023, for the present and the following day. The request was influenced by the fact that Water Management Secretariat restricted hydropower generation since there was no anticipated rainfall.
At the end of January 2023, the Human Rights Commission (HRC) filed a Content of Court case against the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Chairman of CEB, and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Chairman. The contempt case filed to the Supreme Court alleges the defendants failed to abide by an agreement to provide continuous power supply during the Advanced Level Examination period. It further notes that CEB admitted there are meaningful ways of supplying electricity but still decided to go ahead with the power cuts.
At the same time, 2 CPC officials reported to the secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy being threatened with jail sentences at the meeting with the HRC. The officials allege that the Human Rights Commission pressured them to sign a document for an uninterrupted power supply. The Minister of Power and Energy promised to facilitate legal action against the HRC and the PUCSL Chairman by informing Constitutional Council and the President.
In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers and CEB ordered PUCSL to increase national electricity tariffs, while Electricity Consumers Association and Environmental Justice Center signed a writ petition against the order to the court of Appeal. PUCSL urged taking legal action against CEB if it goes ahead with power cuts during the exam period and announced its plans to consult the Attorney General to decide on the cabinet order. [AiR No. 5 January/2023, 5], [ADA derana 1], [ADA derana 2], [News First]
Sri Lanka: Ports Authority trade union members staged protests against the president’s tax policy
(sn) Sri Lankan Port workers and the members of the Ports Authority trade unions protested against the tax policy announced by their government in response to the IMF demands and urged continuing strikes until the taxes are reduced.
The Finance Ministry reported that many CEB, CPC, ports, and health sector workers were free from paying income taxes as state employees. As a result – thousands of state workers observed their income reduced by taxes for the first time. Administration under President Ranil Wickremesinghe raised personal income tax to 36% and reduced the tax-free threshold from LKR 250,000 to LKR 100,000. The IMF recommended the tax-free boundary of LKR 41,667.
Demonstrators suggest that the tax burden hits them disproportionately compared to the ruling class and their associates. They warn that Ceylon Electricity Board and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will join them if current governors do not cancel the tax amendments. Forming a prudent tax policy is a long-standing issue for the Sri Lankan successive governments due to the continuous backlash from the public that leads to a loss of authority. [Daily Mirror], [Economy Next]
Sri Lanka: Catholic Church responds to former president’s apology for Easter Sunday attacks
(sn) On February 1, 2023, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka responded to the apologies to the religious community of the former Kingdom’s President – Maithripala Sirisena. The church said it would have forgiven the former governor if he had admitted the failure on his behalf and resigned in response to the accident as soon as possible.
The former President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, apologized to the Catholic community and the Easter Sunday 2019 terror victims for the tragedy that happened during his term on January 31, 2023.
Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness, proposing that he was unaware of the attacks beforehand. The former president said: “The Catholic community does not hold a grudge against me...” and noted that he is ordered to pay LKR 100 million to the people who suffered from the Easter Sunday explosions. [Daily Mirror 1], [Daily Mirror 2], [ADA derana]
Constitutional Law and –Politics, Human Rights and National Security in Southeast Asia
Cambodia: Opposition leader Rainsy warns against prime minister’s intentions amid CPP’s Extraordinary Congress
(sn) The state administration conducted a “Nationwide General Assembly” congress in Phnom Penh from January 28, 2023, to January 30, 2023. On the final day, the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) finalized the Extraordinary Congress dedicated to the upcoming National Election by emphasizing its commitment to remain in power for the next 5 years.
Following the dissolution of the main opposition in 2017, the CPP secured 76.85% of the popular vote. As such, it won all 125 National Assembly seats. The ruling party predicts gaining at least 104 assembly seats in the upcoming National Election, based on the June 5, 2022, data of Commune elections, where the CPP won 74.32% of the popular vote.
On the same day, the leader of the former main oppositional Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), Sam Rainsy, made a statement examining the plans of the current governor for the nearest future. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Hun Sen, remained in power for 38 years, making him one of the most long-standing autocrats in contemporary politics. Sam Rainsy notes that the plans of the Prime Minister are not limited to his lifelong ruling term but also to preserve the power of his family dynasty. As such, many observers expect the Prime Minster to push through his son, Hun Manet, in the elections scheduled for July.
The former CNRP leader notes that following the 1993 elections organized by the UN, the royalist opposition party founded by Norodom Sihanouk won in the polls. Yet, Hun Sen warned of a 2nd civil unrest threat if he will not remain in power as the “2nd prime minister”. The constitution drafted amid these UN-sponsored elections states that Cambodia is a liberal democracy, multi-party, legitimate regime. Nonetheless, media outlets observe that after the establishment of the Cambodian Constitution in 1993, it was amended 10 times for the year 2022. [The Diplomat], [Cambodia Daily], [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: Deputy Prime Minister debriefs National Assembly commission on assigned foreign policy principles
(sn) The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prak Sokhonn, briefed the Cambodian commission on Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Information and Media of the National Assembly on “Cambodia's Foreign Policy in the New Context of World Order.”
The Minister, Prak Sokhonn, highlighted policies to which the Kingdom shall continue to adhere in the growing occurrence of uncertainties within international relations around the world. Accordingly, the core principles of the Kingdom of Cambodia should remain in compliance with the constitution, proactive diplomacy to guarantee sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, socio-economic development, and implementation of policies in line with ASEAN and UN principles. [Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation]
Cambodia: Cambodia Mine Action Centre (CMAC) launched clearance operations in five provinces
(sn) Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), Heng Ratana, announced the beginning of mine clearance operations in five Kingdom provinces. On February 1, the launching ceremony was held in Siem Reap with 600 CMAC units including, – mine search & clearance teams, dogs, mine squadrons, and a machine platoon. The demining operation of the Cambodian Mine Action Fund 2025 will cover 10,600 hectares across Kampong Thom, Pailin, Preah Vihear, Pursat, and Siem Reap provinces. [Khmer Times]
Cambodia: 111 NagaWorld employees continue protesting, while 4 accepted redundancy
(sn) Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training reported that on January 31, 2023, 4 more former NagaWorld employees accepted severance payments and agreed to give up their working positions. At the same time, 111 more workers continue protesting.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Labour Alliances and Human Rights (CENTRAL) expressed that some laid-off employees had to accept the compensation due to substantial delay in finding a resolution to the dispute. He then suggested that the company may discriminate against the union and particularly its conveners.
Since the labor authority does not do enough to ensure that firms respect their staff, the union workers keep protesting to attain the reinstatement of their leaders. [AiR No. 5 January/2023, 5], [Phnom Penh Post]
Cambodia: Detained NagaWorld union leader, Chhim Sithar, receives Human Rights Defender Award
(sn) On February 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of State announced the union leader of Cambodian NagaWorld workers, Chhim Sithar, as 1 of 10 recipients of the annual Human Rights Defender Award for justice activists around the globe. Ms. Sithar is the first Cambodian national that receives this award.
Chhim Sithar was arrested in November 2022 for failing to comply with the court order to remain in the Kingdom in response to the charges from the NagaWorld business management. Multiple non-governmental organizations and international observers called the Cambodian government to release the union leader. Yet, she remains detained to date, with more than 100 union members protesting in demand of her reinstatement to this date. On February 2, 2023, the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Cambodia made a public press statement: “An award is not the lawful means of defense in the courts of any country.”
Primarily, the ministry directed its letter to the U.S. Department of State in response to their announcement of granting Chhim Sithar the Human Rights Defender Award. Notably, the spokesperson said that the recognition of public service by the defendant doesn’t represent the perspective of the Cambodian public majority. He also elaborated that this case is not about human rights but a violation of the court supervision order. [U.S. Embassy in Cambodia], [Radio Free Asia], [AiR No. 5 January/2023, 5], [Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation]
Indonesia: Debate on possible presidential term extension still ongoing
(os) The discussion about a possible extension of President Joko Widodo’s (Jokowi) term in office seems to not have ended yet. A former minister expressed his alleged knowledge about a certain group that plans to push for a term extension. [The Jakarta Post]
Former minister Denny Indrayana made known to the public that an unnamed group has informed Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD about its plans to call for a special meeting of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Indonesia’s legislative branch, with the view to keeping Jokowi in office.
Calls for a term extension have been persistent, in particular since in 2022 pro-government parties suggested that the 2024 elections should be set back. Just recently, a petition was filed with the Constitutional Court to amend the 2017 Election Law to allow presidents to run for more than the currently allowed two terms. The petition was filed by the small Berkarya Party and was rejected.
The government, however, seems to hold on to the planned elections in 2024. Mahfud MD emphasized that calls for a delay of the elections do not emanate from the government. Also, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has presented a preliminary figure of around USD 1.7 billion that has been allocated from the state budget for the elections. [Antara News 1] [Antara News 2]
Indonesia: Despite speculations, cabinet reshuffle hasn’t been announced
(os) Although there have been speculations of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) conducting a cabinet reshuffle, there haven’t been any announcements of such a move yet. [The Jakarta Post]
Last week, news reports suggest that Jokowi might be considering a minor cabinet reshuffle in the near future [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]. However, the speculations have now been denied with State Secretary Pratikno stating that although the president is considering a reshuffle, it is not imminent.
Experts contemplate that Jokowi’s opinion on the matter might have changed after meeting with the chairman of the National Democratic Party (NasDem) Surya Paloh. Initially, the speculations that three ministers belonging to NasDem might be replaced, have emanated from NasDem’s nomination of Anies Baswedan as presidential candidate for the 2024 elections. Anies is a popular opposition figure to Jokowi.
Indonesia: Government’s plan to double hajj costs draws criticism
(os) The Indonesian government plans to nearly double the costs a person has to pay for performing the Muslim hajj pilgrimage in 2023. This has sparked widespread criticism, also in the wake of an alleged lack of transparency in the hajj management process. [Jakarta Globe] [The Jakarta Post]
The Religious Affairs Ministry has proposed to double the hajj costs for each person, which would result in costs of around USD 4600. The ministry explained that the price hike would be necessary in order to ensure the liquidity of state funds for subsidizing the pilgrimage. In the past year, the government covered around 60 percent of the hajj costs for each person. This year, the subsidy provided should be decreased to only 30 percent.
The proposal drew a lot of flak among pilgrims that now fear not being able to afford the pilgrimage. One of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organizations, the Muhammadiyah, acknowledged that an increase in the price is needed to prevent the state funds from running out. However, a near doubling of the costs might be too much for many pilgrims. Also, Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy said he would prefer a gradual increase in the prices.
The criticism is fuelled by recent allegations of Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). An investigation by the KPK found that the management of the hajj funds has been lacking transparency. Allegedly, the Religious Affairs Ministry and Hajj Fund Management Agency have been too generous regarding the number of recruited hajj officers.
Indonesia: Corruption agency receives 15 new officers
(os) Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has received 15 officers from the national police to support the current personnel in countering corruption. [Antara News]
In the wake of the annual personnel transfer, 15 police officers have passed the selection process as KPK investigators and will be working for the KPK at least for the next four years. The transfer is aimed to be mutually beneficial for both organizations. It should not only provide the KPK with an enhanced workforce but also increase the police’s expertise in corruption eradication after the term of the officers at the KPK has ended.
Laos: Prime Minister calls for duty fulfillment as two new ministers assume office
(ts) Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Chansamone Chanyalath have called for duty fulfillment from two newly appointed ministers as they presided over the inauguration ceremony.
The two assuming office are Santiphab Phomvihane, former Governor of Savannakhet province, and Phoxay Sayasone, former Governor of Saravan province. The former now heads the Ministry of Finance whilst the latter takes up the position of Energy and Mines Minister.
On this occasion, the prime minister emphasized the importance of economic stabilization pointing out that immediate action is required to tackle inflation, rising fuel prices, narcotic drugs, debt issues and so on while development agendas wait to be fulfilled by ministry contribution. [Vientiane Times]
Malaysia: Mixed views on 2023 economic outlook
(ldm) In line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) projection, Malaysia’s prime minister and finance minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expects the country’s GDP to grow 4-5 percent in 2023. The government is interested in gradually reducing the fiscal deficit below 5.5 percent of GDP in 2023 while maintaining the quality of public welfare. Anwar further stated that the goods and services tax (GST) would only be reimplemented should the country’s average income level rise. [Mkini] [The Edge]
Malaysia’s International Trade Minister further reaffirmed that Malaysia will not slide into recession in 2023. [Malay Mail] [Mkini 2]
However, in the Malaysia Economic Monitor, The World Bank states that Malaysia’s economy will only grow 4% in 2023, contributed mainly by the domestic private sector. As for government revenue, the World Bank expects it to decline due to moderating crude oil prices, resulting in a 2.2% and 2.1% in terms of export growth and import growth respectively. Capital spending by the government is projected to be directed to the upgrading of public infrastructure. [The Star]
In contrast to Malaysia’s current means of reducing spending such as cuts to the development allowance for Members of Parliament (MPs) [The Star 2] [The Sun], the World Bank recommended the government to enhance consumption tax and personal income tax frameworks (e.g., GST) [see Malay Mail 2], phase out blanket subsidies as well as reassess the country’s poverty line income and multidimensional poverty index as more sustainable approaches for fiscal consolidation. [FMT] [FMT 2] [Malay Mail 3] [Mkini 3]
The Malaysia Budget 2023, scheduled to be re-tabled on Feb 24, should be based on the current global and domestic state of affairs. [NST] This includes especially the country’s collapsing public healthcare sector, as cautioned by the The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy. [FMT 3][Malay Mail 4][NST 2]
Malaysia: Anti-Corruption Commission freezes BERSATU’s accounts
(ldm) A major component party of Malaysia’s opposition bloc, BERSATU, had two of their accounts frozen by MACC more than a fortnight ago. The account suspension was part of MACC’s investigation into the alleged embezzlement of COVID-19 stimulus packages [FMT] when the party was in government. [Malay Mail] Since December 2022 when the investigation was first initiated, the Commission has raided eight government agencies, nine companies [Straits Times], recorded statements from more than 15 individuals [The Star], and launched investigations on at least five people who reputedly acted as masterminds or middlemen in directly negotiating with the government for projects to their companies’ benefit. [The Star 2]
In response to the suspension of the accounts, the leader of opposition, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin accused the government of using MACC as a political tool [NST] [The Star 2] and a strategy to divert public attention away from the government’s failures and accusations of nepotism. [MalaysiaNow] These accusations were denied by prime minister and finance minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. [Malay Mail 2] While the party’s president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has requested MACC to unfreeze their accounts, the party has agreed to cooperate in investigations. [The Star 3]
A political analyst stated that the suspension would affect Perikatan Nasional (PN), the opposition bloc’s funding for the upcoming state elections and delegitimize its advocacy for a “clean and stable” government. [Malay Mail 3]
Malaysia: Ex-Prime Ministers to file defense in Malaysia-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) suit
(ldm) The High Court of Malaysia ordered former prime ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to file their defense in a lawsuit related to the terminated Kuala Lumpur - Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) project. The bilateral agreement between Malaysia and Singapore signed on December 13, 2016 was terminated on January 1, 2021 due to a failure to accord on changes proposed by Malaysia before the expiry of the project agreement on December 31. Malaysia then proceeded to compensate USD 76 million to Singapore in March 2021. [FMT] [Malay Mail] [NST]
Malaysia: Proposal to amend Insolvency Act
(ldm) The Malaysian cabinet will soon study the Amendments to the Insolvency Act 1967 (Act 360) proposed by the Insolvency Department, which aims to hasten the process of lifting the bankruptcy status of qualified individuals. Among the many suggestions to better administer bankruptcies are fixing deadlines for creditors to file their proofs of debt, streamlining the threshold for small bankruptcies, managing bankruptcy cases remotely using information technology, and providing bankrupts who are mentally ill and/or more than 70 years old to discharge from bankruptcies without objection from creditors. [FMT] [NST] [The Star]
Myanmar: “Silent strike” to mark two years of military coup
(dql) Pro-democracy activists in Myanmar staged a “silent strike” to mark the second anniversary of the military.
Many cities turned into quiet places as people followed the call of the protesters to stay indoors and close their businesses, while the military government extended the nationwide state of emergency for another six months. This effectively delays the elections which the military government had vowed to hold by August.
Meanwhile, the UK, US, Canada and Australia have imposed fresh sanctions against army-linked firms. [BBC] [The Guardian]
Myanmar: Military declare martial law in 37 additional townships
(dql) Myanmar’s military has reportedly imposed martial law in 37 more townships, all of them being strongholds of anti-coup resistance.
Under martial law, no appeals will be allowed for convictions handed down by military tribunals. The only exceptions are cases where the sentence is the death penalty and which requires approval by military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The military tribunals will decide criminal cases ranging from high treason to disseminating false news. [Al Jazeera]
Myanmar: Military regimes kills more than 110 in January, NUG reports
(dql) According to the National Unity Government (NUG), nearly 120 civilians including 10 children were killed by military forces in January. At least 37 more people were injured.
The highest number of casualties with 80 dead was recorded for the resistance stronghold of Sagaing Region. In addition, nearly 5,100 civilian houses in Sagaing, Magwe, Mandalay and Tanintharyi regions and Chin, Mon and Kayin states were burned down. [The Irrawaddy 1]
On the other side, at least 42 regime forces including pro-regime militia members were killed over the last four days, following increased attacks of People’s Defense Forces (PDF) on regime targets across the country. [The Irrawaddy 2]
Philippines: Supreme Court disbars lawyer for violating oath through Facebook post
(jd) The Supreme Court of the Philippines has disbarred a lawyer for posting on Facebook a draft plunder complaint where he accused a group of government officials of corruption.
The disbarment originates from a complaint filed in 2019 by a social welfare officer, who was one of those accused of plumber by the former lawyer and wrongfully defined by the latter as chair of the bids and awards committee of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region XII during a case of alleged overpriced relief food packs at the time of the Marawi war.
The Court found the attorney guilty of violating the Lawyer’s Oath and the Code of Professional Responsibility through his Facebook posts as they were defamatory, and stated that, although the Court respects the Constitutional right of freedom of expression, the proper thing to do for him as lawyer was to file the complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman. [Abs-cbn] [CNN Philippines]
Philippines: Department of Social Welfare and Development commits to fight against child labor
(jd) The Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has identified and intervened in 1400 cases of victims of child labor in 2022. The agency, through strategic help desks for information, education, livelihood, and other developmental interventions (SHIELD), was able to provide the necessary and immediate services and interventions to deal with the cases of child labor at the community level. These interventions often include educational assistance and case referrals to other government agencies. [Philippine News Agency]
Philippines: Philippine National Police drug war data in January
(jd) The Philippine National Police chief has stated that in January approx. USD 25 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated, 4632 anti drug operations were led, 6248 drug related personalities were arrested, and 4 drug suspects were killed.
According to observations from the Third World Studies Center of the University of the Philippines and the Development Studies of Ghent University in Belgium, the victims caused by drug operations in January were 19. [Inquirer]
Singapore: Bill on carrier bag charge table in parliament
(dql) A bill to amend the Resource Sustainability Act has been tabled in parliament on February 6.
In an attempt to reduce packaging and food waste in Singapore, the bill introduces a carrier bag charge of five Singapore cents, starting from mid-2023 and applying to two-thirds of all supermarket outlets in the country.
In 2021, only six percent of all plastic waste was recycled. [The Straits Times]
Thailand: Court grants bailed sedition activists EM tag removal
(ts) The Criminal Court has granted five anti-establishment activists released on bail permission to remove their electronic monitoring (EM) tags.
Among the five are Chonthicha Jaengrew, Panupong Jadnok, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, Weha Saenchonchanasuek and Nawapon Ton-ngam. They all have been charged with lèse-majesté and sedition. [Thai PBS World 1] [Thai PBS World 2]
Thailand: National Parks Department chief removed from office
(ts) The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Chief Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya has been dismissed from his post over bribery allegations.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reasoned the dismissal was to pave the way for a transparent investigation into the allegations. [Thai PBS World] [Bangkok Post]
Rutchada was arrested in his office in late December 2022. During the arrest envelopes containing cash worth around THB 5 million (USD 140,000) were found [see AiR No. 52, December/2022, 4].
Thailand: Election Commission gives instructions for constituency proposal
(ts) On February 3, the Election Commission (EC) has officially given provincial EC offices across the country full instructions on the designation of constituency boundaries, three months ahead of the general elections, scheduled for May 7.
The provincial offices have three days to provide relevant complete details, proposing three options for electoral maps to be put for a 10-day public hearing within which the designated constituency must be finalized.
This time, the total constituency reaches 400, 50 units more than in the last election. This number is based on the total population of 66,090,475 in which each constituency covers an average of 165,226 residents. [Bangkok Post] [The Nation Thailand]
Thailand: Prime Minister prioritizes subsidy program for election campaign
(ts) Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana of the United Thai Nation Party (UTN) stated that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha is setting the subsidy program as core election campaign under the party’s banner.
The subsidy programs, e.g., Kon La Kreung or “half-half program” and Rao Thiew Duay Kan or “We travel together”, have seen success throughout Prayut’s government. In particular, the former, which helped people with a daily maximum of THB 150 (USD 4.5) pay for goods half the price, enjoyed wide popularity. [The Nation Thailand]
Thailand: Pheu Thai’s Paetongtarn tops the PM choice poll in bellwether province of Korat
(ts) The poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA Poll) shows Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Pheu Thai Party PM candidate to be, is the most popular PM choice in the bellwether province of Korat, where PM Prayut Chan-ocha was born.
She received 37.80 percent of the respondents’ votes, followed Pita Limcharoenrat of the Move Forward Party who garnered 12.40 percent. Both parties rank likewise first and second respectively with similar percentage gaps for the question of preferred choices in constituency-based voting and party-list voting. [NIDA Poll]
Worth noting is that Korat, or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast (E-sarn) region, is the second most populous province after Bangkok with around 2.6 million people and also has the second-highest number of MPs with 16 constituencies. It is claimed that Korat’s preference could represent the rest of the region. And to a greater extent, according to the records, the winning party for the Northeast usually wins the countrywide election on grounds of demographics. [The Nation Thailand] [National Statistical Office]
International Relations, Geopolitics and Security in Asia
32nd ASEAN Coordination Council Meeting and Foreign Ministers Retreat in Jakarta
(sn/os) Indonesia hosted the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 3 to 4. All foreign ministers of ASEAN members attended the meeting, except for Myanmar. In Jakarta, also the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting and the 32ndASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) took place on February 2 and 3, respectively.
The ASEAN 2023 Chair and the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, debriefed the congregation on the annual action plan. The members of the ACC meeting agreed that the key priorities remain peace maintenance, stability, and prosperity. After the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration follow-up, the committee members agreed to establish an ASEAN Blue Economy Framework.
Notably, it was the first meeting with the presence of the Timor-Leste Foreign Minister, Adalijiza Magno. In turn, the ministers assigned the ACC Working Group on the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to draft the criteria-based objective requirements for its full membership in ASEAN.
The ministers also commended a High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision and considered establishing a Working Group to reinforce the efficiency of ASEAN’s crisis response-ability. In discussions of the Five-Point Consensus, the assembly members acknowledged difficulties with overcoming the political crisis in Myanmar and concerns about conflicts in Ukraine, Korean Peninsula, and the South China Sea.
Although representatives of the Myanmar junta haven’t been invited to latest high-level ASEAN meetings since the military seized power in February 2021, Indonesia said that they would welcome a non-political representative of Myanmar at the gathering. An invitation, that was declined by Myanmar.
In hopes it would fuel the democratization process in Myanmar, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has announced recently that he plans to send a high-ranking military officer to Myanmar to talk with the junta. Indonesia also expressed that they want to establish an office of an ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar in order orchestrate ASEAN’s management of the crisis.
Even though the Myanmar crisis was one of most dominating topics during the meeting, ASEAN chair Indonesia has previously warned that the bloc could be “held hostage” by the topic. Indonesia tries to also turn to other issues. One of its priorities as chair is the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo Pacific. Main part of that will be negotiations on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, which is aimed at settling territorial disputes in the region. A first round of negotiations this year is set to commence in March 2023. [Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation 1] [Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation 2] [Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Jakarta Globe] [Reuters] [The Diplomat] [The Jakarta Post]
2022 Corruption Perception Index reveals neglect of anti-corruption efforts in Asia Pacific
(lm) More than two-thirds of countries in the Asia Pacific region rank below 50 on the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero points (highly corrupt) to 100 points (very clean). On a global average, countries score just 43 points – a level that has been unchanged for the past 11 years. [Transparency International]
As per the report released on January 31 by Berlin-based Transparency International, New Zealand (87), Singapore (83), Hong Kong (76) and Australia (75) lead the Asia Pacific, while Afghanistan (24), Cambodia (24), Myanmar (23) and North Korea (17) are the lowest in the region.
Significant improvers are South Korea (63), Vietnam (42) and the Maldives (40); three countries declined over this time: Malaysia (47), Mongolia (33) and Pakistan (27).
New low for global democracy, annual survey by Economist Intelligence Unit finds
(lm) Global democracy continued its precipitous decline in 2021, according to the latest edition of the Democracy Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a survey which rates the state of democracy across 167 countries on the basis of five measures. The scores of more than half of the countries measured by this year’s survey either stagnated or declined. [Economist Intelligence Unit]
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs visits India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
(mk/lm) Victoria Nuland, the United States undersecretary of state for political affairs, visited Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka last week. New Delhi is a U.S. strategic partner, and Washington is working to assist Colombo with its ailing economy. But Kathmandu has also quietly become a target of high-level U.S. engagement, thanks to U.S.-China competition. [U.S. Department of State]
Nepal
During her visit to Nepal on January 30, met the South Asian nation’s senior leadership, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, with talks centering on keeping the USD 500 million Millennium Challenge Corporation infrastructure grant on track for formal implementation in August.
Nuland is the most senior foreign official to travel to Nepal since Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal took office in December. Her visit follows one last July by Donald Lu, the top South Asia official at the U.S. State Department, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with then-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba last March.
It is important to note that Nuland’s visit will be followed by a visit to Kathmandu by another two senior US officials: The Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power, started her two-day Nepal visit on February 7; she will be followed by Afreen Akhter, a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs for Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives, as well as the Office of Security and Transnational Affairs. [The Kathmandu Post]
India
In India, Nuland met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on January 31. The discussion pertained to the deepening of the U.S.-India strategic relationship in 2023, with a focus on regional developments in South Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Indo-Pacific. Nuland also co-chaired the annual India-US foreign office consultations together with her Indian counterpart Vinay Kwatra. [Hindustan Times] [The Wire]
Notably, Nuland was quoted as saying that part of her role was to help India find alternatives to its decades of military and energy dependence on Russia. [The Hindu]
Sri Lanka
Nuland arrived in Sri Lanka on February 1, her second visit to the island nation within a year. Accompanied by Washington’s envoy to Colombo, Nuland met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, ongoing US assistance to Sri Lanka and other aspects of bilateral cooperation. [ColomboPage]
IMF expects India, China to account for half of global growth in 2023
(wr) With China’s economy reopening and growth rebounding to 5.2 percent in 2023 and India’s resilient economic growth jumping to 7 percent in 2023, both are expected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to account for half the global growth in fiscal year 2023. On the contrary, the United States and Europe will only account for 10 percent, as per the IMF’s World Economic Outlook Report released on January 31. [MSN] [IMF] [UN News]
In separate developments, China’s finance minister and its central bank governor are expected to participate in a roundtable with other creditors and some borrowing countries later this month in India. The conversations will likely center on policies for low-income, debtor countries while considering providing them debt relief. [Reuters]
UN General Assembly President Korosi calls on Indian prime minister, holds talks with external affairs minister
(mk) The President of the 77th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (GA), Csaba Korosi, has called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on what was his first bilateral visit to a country since assuming office. One of the major issues discussed at the meeting was the reform of the UN Security Council to reflect a more multilateral world order and changed geopolitical reality. [pmindia.gov.in] [The Hindu]
While lauding India’s efforts at transforming the landscape for communities in the areas of water resource management and conservation, Korosi also recognised its frustrations at the delay in implementing reform in the UN Security Council.
During his visit to New Delhi, Korosi also held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, with the discussion entailing not just UN reform but the Ukraine Conflict and the G20 agenda as well. The UN GA President stated to a media briefing that the focus of these meetings was on the way the world should look like and the role of India in achieving the same. [idrw.org]
India upheld its stance as being a staunch supporter of multilateralism, and an advocate of a reformed UN. President Korosi positively remarked on India’s plans for its G20 presidency, and felt they were promising for the Global South and the World. [India Blooms]
Bhutan works to graduate from Least Development Countries list this June
(az/lm) Bhutan is working to graduate from the United Nations (UN) list of developing countries that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development, the so-called Least Development Countries (LDC) list, by June, according to government officials. [ThePrint]
Although Bhutan will remain eligible for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and Global Environment Facility (GEF) trust fund, however, the removal of LDC status will also seize the benefits from LDC-specific preference schemes and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, provided by the developed countries. Bhutan also has assured that despite the negative impacts of graduation from LDC, the country will continue to contribute UN’s regular budget.
Islamabad to ask Iran, Afghanistan to rein in militants in Pakistan
(tj) Islamabad will send delegations to Iran and Afghanistan to ask both countries to rein in militants in Pakistan, following a blast in Peshawar which killed 101 people inside a fortified police headquarters, and against the larger backdrop of a surge in attacks in regions bordering Afghanistan. [Voice of America]
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation through increased connectivity
(az) Bangladesh and Sri Lanka plan to strengthen bilateral cooperation by increasing shipping and air connectivity, operating pharmaceuticals trade, and increasing partnerships in the IT sector. During the recent Colombo visit of the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, the issues of mutual interests between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were discussed with the Sri Lankan premier Dinesh Gunawardena. [The Business Standard]
Bangladeshi delegations to visit Russia as Dhaka continues diplomatic balancing act
(az/lm) A Bangladeshi delegation is set to visit Moscow after Russia urged Dhaka to pay the interest payment on the loan for the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Russian Ruble - the latest episode in an ongoing balancing act that poses a test to Dhaka’s non-aligned foreign policy. While Russia insists on the repayment of USD 100 million in Rubles, Bangladeshi experts suggested not to take any action that may put the South Asian nation’s financial institutions under global sanctions. [Prothom Alo 1] [Prothom Alo 2]
Last December, a Russian ship carrying parts for the Moscow-funded Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was scheduled to dock at a port in Bangladesh, but the United States notified Dhaka that the ship was sanctioned because of its links to companies that do business with the Russian military. In light of this, Dhaka prevented the ship from docking, triggering protests from the Russian Embassy, but it said it will ensure the Russian products are conveyed to the port on a different ship [see AiR No. 1, January/2023, 1]. The ship later unloaded its cargo at Haldia Port in India. [Anadolu Agency]
Argentine foreign minister to visit Bangladesh later this month
(az/lm) The Argentine minister of foreign affairs and worship, Santiago Cafiero, will likely be visiting Bangladesh later this month after he announced last December that his government intends to reopen an embassy in Dhaka. Both countries are expected to sign multiple MoU during Cafiero’s visit. [The Business Standard] [The Daily Star]
Bangladesh opened a diplomatic mission in Argentina in the 1970s, but it closed in 1978. At present, neither country has a resident diplomatic mission in each other's territories; the Bangladesh ambassador in Brazil is accredited to Argentina, while the Argentine ambassador in India is accredited to Bangladesh.
Bhutan to add more solar capacity to reduce reliance on imports from India, minister says
(az/lm) Bhutan will add around 300 to 400 megawatts (MW) of solar energy generation capacity in the next two to three years to reduce its dependency on electricity imports from India, the kingdom's minister for economic affairs said on February 6. [Reuters]
Bhutan produces most of its electricity from hydro projects. Therefore, production falls sharply during the wintertime.
Cambodia hosts the 3rd round of bilateral consultations with Switzerland
(sn) On February 3–4, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation in Phnom Penh hosted the 3rd round of Bilateral Political Consultations with the Swiss Confederation. The Cambodian Secretary of State of the Foreign Affairs Ministry co-chaired the assembly with the Ambassador & Assistant State Secretary for the Asia Pacific Region of Switzerland, Heinrich Schellenberg.
The sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of affairs and proposed widening areas of collaboration while enhancing mutual efforts in the United Nations and ASEAN–Switzerland cooperation. The ambassador reassured the Cambodian State Secretary of future support for Kantha Bopha Hospital and the 2022–2025 New Cooperation Program in Mekong Region.
The Cambodian Foreign Affairs State Secretary urged the Swiss Ambassador to conduct business forums between the counterparties’ chambers of commerce to enhance trade volume further. The officials also organized cultural events to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Cambodia and Switzerland. [Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation]
China-Russia: President Xi Jinping expected to visit Moscow in February
(vp) Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as part of his visit to Russia from February 2 to 3 to exchange views on bilateral and multilateral cooperation and to discuss international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern. During the meeting both sides agreed to further advance the relations between the two countries and “maintain close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.” [Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China]
Ma’s visit came as Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Russia this month, according to TASS cited the Russian foreign ministry. If confirmed, it would be Xi’s first official visit to Moscow since 2019.
Former Foreign Minister and current Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist PartyWang Yi is expected to arrive in Moscow earlier to prepare for the trip, which might be during the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. [Atalayar] [The Guardian]
China-US: Department of Defense shoots down Chinese airship
(vp/dql) U.S. fighter jets have shot down a Chinese balloon that flew over U.S. territory for several days last week.
The U.S. Department of Defense reasoned that the balloon was a surveillance balloon that sought to spy on military sites across the US. It condemned the move as an “unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.” [Department of Defense, USA] [BBC]
In an immediate response, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his visit to China that was scheduled for last weekend and that would have been the first trip to China by a secretary of state in more than four years. In a conversation with the Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, Blinken called China’s act “irresponsible” and “a clear violation of U.S. sovereignty and international law,” that undermined his intended trip to Beijing.[Department of State, USA] [CNN]
While China admitted that the balloon was Chinese, it rejected the claim that it was a spy balloon, insisting that it was a civilian unmanned airship that strayed into US airspace by accident due to force majeure. It has lodged stern representations with the U.S. Embassy in China accusing the U.S. of overreacting and seriously violating “the spirit of international law and international practice,” and reserving its own rights to make further responses in similar situations. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China]
China-US: US Politicians nominate six Hong Kong human rights activists for Nobel Peace Prize
(ms/vp) A group of bipartisan US politicians announced on February 2 the nomination of Jimmy Lai, Cardinal Joseph Zen, Tonyee Chow Hang-tung, Lee Cheuk-Yan, Gwyneth Ho and Joshua Wong, for the Nobel Peace Prize.
“The nominees are representative of millions of Hong Kongers who peacefully opposed the steady erosion of the city’s democratic freedoms by the Hong Kong government and the government of the People's Republic of China," the U.S. politicians said in their official press release. [Congressional-Executive Commission on China] [South China Morning Post]
Jimmy Lai is a Hong Kong entrepreneur and founder of the now-closed pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and was sentenced to five years in prison last December [see AiR No. 50, December/2022, 2].
Cardinal Joseph Zen, along with five others, established the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which provided medical and financial support to protesters through donations during the 2019 anti-government protests, for which he was fined for failing to register as a corporation in late November last year [see AiR No. 48, November/2022, 5].
Tonyee Chow Hang-tung and Lee Cheuk-Yan were, among others, vice-chairwoman, and chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which is well known for organizing and holding vigils for the victims of the violent crackdown on the protest at Tiananmen Square in 1989.
Gwyneth Ho and Joshua Wong are both human rights activists who were part of the 2020 Hong Kong pro-democracy primaries aimed at stopping mainland China's encroachment on Hong Kong, for which they are facing trial along with 45 other defendants for "conspiracy to commit subversion" (see entry above).
Meanwhile, Ding Jiaxi, a Chinese lawyer and human rights defender linked to the New Citizens Movement, was awarded the U.S. State Department’s 2023 Global Human Rights Defender Awards as one of ten awardees for their contributions to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. [South China Morning Post]
The New Citizens Movement and Ding Jiaxi had been targets of China’s crackdown on human rights’ advocates. In June 2022, the Chinese activist, being part of the movement since 2013, was jailed and tried in secret under the charge of ‘subversion of State power’. However, the trial has not yet led to a verdict. [Frontline Defenders]
China-Australia: Trade ministers meet virtually as countries’ relations seem to improve
(vp) Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a virtual meeting on February 6 to discuss bilateral trade and investment issues. The discussion included the need for resumption of unimpeded trade for Australian exporters, according to a statement of Farrell following the 90-minute conversation.
It was the first meeting between an Australian trade minister and a Chinese commerce minister in three years which have seen a massive deterioration of diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries which begun with Canberra’s call for an independent international inquiry into China’s handling of the coronavirus in to which China responded with far-reaching punitive trade restrictions.
Farrell also revealed that he will travel to China in the near future on Wang’s invitation extended during the meeting, indicating willingness on both sides to work for an improvement of their countries’ relations. [The Guardian]
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce cited Wang calling the meeting “an important step for us to jointly push China-Australia economic and trade relations back on track.” [Ministry of Commerce, China, in Chinese]
In another sign of thawing ties, a Chinese order of 80,000 tonnes of Australian coking coal was made in January. Import of Australian coal has been banned since late 2020. [South China Morning Post 1]
China-Tanzania: Bilateral trade increases
(vp) According to Tanzanian Ambassador to Beijing Mbelwa Kairuki trade between China and the African country stood at USD 8.31 billion in 2022, marking a nearly 24 percent year-on-year increase. While Tanzania imported especially electronics, machinery and vehicles from China, its exports to China were dominated by food and copper.
This comes after Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 15 strategic agreements in November in Beijing. The agreements included a commitment to upgrade the Chinese-built Tanzania-Zambia railway, reflecting growing relations between the two countries. [South China Morning Post]
China-South Africa: Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu visits
(vp) On January, 31, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with South African President’s Special Advisor on International Relations Maropene Ramokgopa and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Candith Mashego-Dlamini, to exchange views on the two countries’ relations of “comradeship and brotherhood”.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their countries’ strategic partnership. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China]
The meeting came as South Africa is scheduled to hold joint naval drills with China and Russia in the port cities of Durban and Richards Bay on the east coast later this month. [South China Morning Post]
India bans a further 200-plus apps, mostly with Chinese links
(wr/lm) India has issued orders to block a further 232 betting and loan lending apps and websites, most of which were linked to China, the latest such move since the border clash in 2020. The orders remain confidential however, the ban comes under the section 69 of IT laws that allows blocking content in the interest of national security. [Bloomberg] [Reuters] [South China Morning Post]
Deputy-Commander of Cambodian armed forces meets Indian top officials in New Delhi
(wr) The deputy-commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and eldest son of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Lieutenant General Hun Manet, met with the Indian defense and external affairs ministers and his Indian counterpart on February 3 in New Delhi. [Economic Times] [Hindustan Times]
India reaffirmed its support to Cambodia for defense and security connectivity and by offering customized training modules. Both sides exchanged views on geopolitical challenges and emphasized cooperation of “independent-minded” nations.
Cambodia is a key partner in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and shares strong security ties under bilateral defense cooperation agreement of 2007. Therefore, the visit was regarded as “a milestone in Army-to-Army relations” by the Indian Defense Ministry. [Ministry of External Affairs] [Press Information Bureau]
India, United States launch technology initiative with eye on China
(mk/wr/lm) India and the United States have agreed to deepen cooperation in areas in areas like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, 5G wireless networks and semiconductors - a move aimed at tightening bilateral relations while at the same time countering China and reducing New Delhi’s dependence on Russian weapons, according to analysts. [Financial Times]
Senior officials from both countries met in Washington DC on January 31 for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies, which was announced by US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last May on the sidelines of a Quadrilateral Security Dialoguesummit held in Tokyo, Japan. [The White House] [Voice of America]
In separate developments, the two countries are working towards an early conclusion of a USD 3 billion MQ-9B predator armed drones deal, which will help New Delhi strengthen its overall surveillance apparatus along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Indian Ocean. In the works for more than five years, the “ball is now in India’s court”, officials familiar with the development said February 1, without elaborating further. [The Hindu]
Canada foreign minister visits India to discuss reset in ties with Indo-Pacific strategy
(wr) Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly arrived India for a two-day visit on February 6 and held “wide-ranging” talks with her counterpart S Jaishankar. Both sides discussed the avenues to boost bilateral ties and expressed confidence in cooperation in Indo-pacific and mutual concerns regarding China's growing assertiveness in the region. Joly’s visit is seen as an attempt by both sides to put bilateral ties back on track, after several turbulent years. [Tribune India] [Outlook India] [The Hindu]
Canada released its comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy last year in November and identified India as a key partner in promoting peace, resilience and security of the region. It also seeks greater economic ties and trade volumes with India as a major player in building resilient supply chains. [Government of Canada]
It is worth noting that India’s press release made no mention of recent tensions over vandalism by suspected pro-Khalistani groups in Canada.
India, United Kingdom national security advisors meet in London; Prime Minister Sunak joins talks
(wr/lm) India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on his way back from the United States met with his British counterpart Tim Barrow during a brief stopover in London on February 5. The two officials discussed the state of bilateral relations, global strategic environment, the Russia-Ukraine war and terrorism. As a “special gesture” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak joined the dialogue and assured his government’s fullest support to strengthen bilateral trade and defense partnership. [Indian Defence Research Wing] [Hindustan Times] [ThePrint]
India’s occupation of Kashmir South Asia’s biggest conflict pending for 74 years, Pakistan minister says
(fm) Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s federal minister for climate change, stated in her speech on Kashmir Solidarity Day that the 74-year-old Indian occupation of Kashmir is the largest conflict in South Asia. The federal minister emphasized that the United Nations and the rest of the world must respect freedom, human rights, and legitimate right to self-determination of Kashmiris. [Pakistan Today]
Indonesian Muslim organization hosts congress on Islamic jurisprudence
(os) Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is holding the first International Congress of Islamic Jurisprudence on Civilization. [Antara News] [Jakarta Globe] [The Jakarta Post]
Inviting 79 clerics from 40 countries, the congress is set to discuss the role of Islamic jurisprudence, or fiqh, in the modern world. Talks will include topics such as the concept of the nation-state, relations non-Muslims, and the global political order. In particular, it will be discussed to what extent the UN Charter can be brought in line with Islamic Jurisprudence.
The congress was opened on February 6 by Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. It is part of NU’s centenary ceremony on February 7. Speaking at the event, Indonesian President Joko Widodo lauded the NU as deserving to contribute to the international community since it is the world's largest Muslim group.
Indonesia, Canada work together to counter online radicalization
(os) Indonesia’s National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) and Canada have increased their cooperation in countering online radicalization. [Antara News]
The BNPT has pointed out that terrorist groups increasingly leverage online channels to disseminate propaganda and attract possible new members. This was discussed during a joint working group on counter-terrorism cooperation between Indonesia and Canada.
Indonesia and Canada signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on anti-terrorism cooperation in November 2022 [see AiR No. 47, November/2022, 4]. Both countries have emphasized their continuing commitment to the MoU.
Indonesia, US conduct boat operation training
(os) Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) in conjunction with the US Coast Guard Mobile Training Team has conducted a small boat operation training. The training was aimed at improving Bakamla personnel’s skills in operating small boats, such as boat handling, safe boat mooring and release, and person overboard rescue, among others. [Antara News]
Indonesia, UK talk about cooperation in maritime security systems
(os) Indonesian National Development Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa has held a meeting with UK Minister for Exports Andrew Bowie. They discussed cooperation regarding mainly two projects. These are Indonesia’s National Maritime Security System and Multifunctional Satellite 2 projects. [Antara News]
Indonesia, Türkiye sign defense cooperation plan
(os) Indonesia and Türkiye have signed a defense cooperation action plan to enhance cooperation in the defense industry and military training. The action plan was inked by Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar in Ankara, Turkey on February 3.
Akar expressed that he is confident the cooperation will be beneficial for both countries' national interests and regional security. [Antara News]
Indonesia, Australia continue cooperation in capacity-building, state civil apparatus management
(os) Indonesia and Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in capacity-building and management of state civil apparatus (ASN). [Antara News] [VietnamPlus]
The MoU will renew cooperation first signed in 2013 and then extended in 2018. The cooperation is now set to run until 2026.
The cooperation is supposed to be acting as a forum for Indonesia and Australia to share knowledge and experiences to aid bureaucratic reform programs. In addition to that, the MoU is planned to help increase the capabilities of Indonesia’s ASN. The areas covered encompass among others human resources, leadership, governance, and digital management.
Indonesia to support Palestine in employment sector
(os) Indonesia expressed its plans to support Palestine regarding the employment program of the Palestinian government. [Antara News]
Indonesian Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah has held a meeting with Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun. The meeting put forward Indonesia’s plans on how to support Palestine’s national employment strategy. In particular, Indonesia wants to cooperate in manpower placement, internship programs, technical assistance for the organization of vocational training, and human resource capacity building.
The talk was held with the view to a meeting that will be conducted later in February 2023 named “Partners Meeting to Support the Implementation of Palestinian National Employment Strategy”.
Japan to set up G7 meeting on Russia-Ukraine War
(cc) Japan plans to organize a conference between the foreign ministers of the G7 countries in Germany in February to discuss the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The meeting will be held between February 17 and 19, at the same time as the Munich Security Conference. The discussion will focus on the continuation of sanctions against Russia and the provision of support for Ukraine. [NHK]
Japan, China agree to improve ties
(cc) The Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers, Yoshimasa Hayashi and Qin Gang, agreed on February 2 to maintain close contact between the two nations. They promised to build constructive and stable Japan-China relations. It was the first conversation between the two foreign ministers after Qin took the post in December 2022.
According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, in the conversation, Hayashi emphasized the significance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and expressed concerns toward issues of the South China Sea, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang. He also called for China to lift the import ban on Japanese food products imposed after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.
As for Qin's responses, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, he hoped that Japan would be cautious in interacting with China and dealing with the matters of Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands, called Daiyou in Chinese. He also pointed to China's concern toward Japan releasing water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.
The talk, which came after China resumed issuing ordinary visas for Japanese citizens [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5], also touched upon Japan's reaction to Chinese travelers, with Qin demanding the strict measures to be removed. Hayashi reportedly replied that Japan will respond in a flexible manner while also taking into account the pandemic situation in China. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan] [Japan Times] [South China Morning Post]
Japan to introduce tech export control
(cc) According to several government sources, the Kishida administration plans to implement export control measures to hinder the use of semiconductor technology for military purposes. In codifying the restrictions, the government will revise the ministerial ordinance of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act to allow the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry to control the export of equipment related to the production of semiconductors. The measures will be introduced in spring after the government discusses the matter with other relevant actors.
The move came after Japan is said to be close to concluding an agreement to join the United States to restrict China's access to materials needed for producing semiconductors in January 2023 [see AiR No. 5, January/2023, 5]. Nevertheless, the new regulation will not explicitly mention China to avoid diplomatic incidents. [Japan Times] [The Economic Times] [The Guardian]
Japan-U.S.: Disaster drill on radiation leak held
(cc) On February 2, Japan and the U.S. conducted a joint disaster drill at the U.S. naval base in Kanazawa Prefecture, using a scenario of a radiation leak from the USS Ronald.
The exercise aimed to bolster collaborations between Japan, the U.S., and other institutions related to the Japan-U.S. partnership and radioactive issues, an effort that has been ongoing since 2007. [The Mainichi]
The U.S. accused of allowing Japanese company to pay the Myanmar firm despite the sanction
(cc) According to an anonymous Japanese official, the U.S. government allowed a Japanese construction company to pay a Myanmar military-owned firm despite the sanction against the Myanmar Junta regime. The payment was between Yokohama Bridge Corporation and the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), as they were working together on a construction project in Yangon that was approved before the coup. The source said that Yokohama Bridge Corporation could continue working on the project after the sanction was in place due to an exception made by the U.S. authorities.
According to an analysis from Human Rights Watch, approximately USD 1.3 million was transferred from Yokogawa Bridge Corporation to MEC through Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
An official from the U.S. Treasury stated that they could neither confirm nor deny the exemption. Yokogawa Bridge Holdings Corp, a parent company to the Japanese firm, and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. declined to comment on the situation. [Japan Today]
Japan, Pacific Islands Forum delegations meet
(cc) On February 6, Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese foreign minister, met with representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum. The talk focused on the environmental aspect of their relations, with Japan and Pacific Islands nations agreeing to collaborate in dealing with issues related to climate change.
Japan also assured the island countries that the release of treated water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant would be done in accordance with international standards and bear no harm to the environment or human health. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]
Japan-Qatar: Foreign ministers meet for strategic dialogue
(cc) On January 21, Japanese and Qatari foreign ministers met for the second Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue meeting. The talk concerned varied topics surrounding the countries’ relations, such as political, economic, and security matters.
Politically, Japan and Qatar expressed their willingness to collaborate in dealing with global issues, especially problems related to North Korea and the war in Ukraine. Economically, apart from deepening their ties in the energy sector, the two countries agreed to continue working on introducing investment plans and visa waiver systems to bolster transnational economic activities. For the security aspect, they welcomed the initiation of the Military-Military Dialogue that would improve their defense cooperation. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]
Japan-Brunei: Defense memorandum signed
(cc) On February 3, the Japanese Deputy Defense Minister met with Brunei's Deputy Minister of Defense for a signing ceremony of a memorandum for defense cooperation and exchange between Japan and Brunei.
In their meeting, they agreed to promote bilateral communications and military partnership between the two countries through various initiatives, including a Defense Policy Dialogue that was included in the memorandum’s provisions. They also discussed regional and global security issues, ranging from the tensions in the South China Sea and the conflict in Ukraine. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan]
Japan-Micronesia: Summit meeting
(cc) On February 2, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with David W. Panuelo, the President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), to discuss the relations between the two countries and issued a joint statement.
In the statement, they declared that Japan and the FSM enjoyed long-standing friendship with deep historical ties and that Japan will continue to help FSM develop. With regards to concerns surrounding the discharge of treated water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into an ocean, Kishida affirmed that the process would be done in an environmentally-friendly and transparent manner.
Panuelo applauded the plan and stated that, after seeing Japan's transparency and capability in handling the matter, the FSM is no longer concerned about the potential environmental impact the water release might cause.
They also stressed that nations with shared values of democracy and the rule of law should unite against threats to the international order, such as Russia's aggression in Ukraine. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan] [NHK]
Laos receives new humanitarian aid platform from FAO
(ts) The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MoLSW) of Laos together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a meeting discussing the strategic approach that aims to break the cycle of humanitarian aid associated with disaster. The gist of the meeting saw the establishment of an Anticipatory Action Technical Working Group (AA TWG) for the first time in the country.
AA TWG, as a collaborative platform, is expected to help enhance self-reliance and anticipatory capacity, which will lessen the dependence of Lao people on humanitarian aid when experiencing disasters such as drought. The platform is also supported by the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations while the meeting is reportedly attended by several other UN agencies. [Lao News Agency]
Laos, Mongolia see greater chance of cooperation through transport
(ts) Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone hosted a talk welcoming Yo Paatarbileg, President of the Lao-Mongolia Parliamentary Friendship Committee and member of Mongolian State Great Khural on his visit to Laos. Both sides valued their long relations enhanced through regular visits and cooperation in trade and various fields of development. In this regard, the visitor has indicated a wider window of cooperation between the two countries can be created using transportation, that is making greater use of the Laos-China railway and opening up a direct flight. [Lao News Agency]
Laos enjoys showing Timor-Leste Minister land-linked logistics progress
(ts) Timor-Leste Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Joaquim Amaral visited Laos’ Thanaleng Dry Port and Logistics Park in Vientiane with the intent to learn from Laos’ becoming a land-linked logistics hub connecting the region with China and Europe. Lao investors showed the minister success in terms of the cost-effectiveness of freight operation and trade connectivity while offering future prospects.
Two sites visited are part of the Lao Logistics Link (LLL) project. The project has been carried out to complement the Belt and Road Initiative in the region and to outweigh the disadvantage of being a landlocked country by extending to cover the area of Vung Ang Port in Vietnam. [Vientiane Times]
Spanish Constitutional Court reaffirms annulment of Stampa as arbitrator in Sulu Dispute
The Spanish Constitutional Court upheld the annulment of Gonzalo Stampa as arbitrator in a dispute between self-proclaimed heirs of the Sulu Sultanate and the Malaysian government, which is part of a century-long controversy over compensation related to the cession of Sabah. [Malay Mail]
Prior to this reaffirmation by the Spanish court, the French court which was involved in 2022 stayed the enforcement of an alleged “final award” on the basis that it may threaten Malaysia’s sovereignty over Sabah. In addition, the Luxembourg Courts have recently overruled the attachment obtained by the claimants due to Stampa’s purported awards. [The Edge] [The Star]
Stampa was first appointed as dispute arbitrator by the High Court of Justice of Madrid (HCJM) when the descendants of the sultan of Sulu made their claims through an international arbitration proceeding in Madrid, Spain. In June 2021, the invalidation of Stampa’s appointment nullified his actions as arbitrator, including an alleged “preliminary award” rendered in favor of the claimants in Madrid. However, even after the annulment of Stampa’s appointment, he presented a “final award” granting the claimants USD 14 billion in compensation for the territory of Sabah. [The Edge 2] [The Star 2]
The Sulu descendants have been accused of “forum shopping”, pursuing the case in multiple foreign jurisdictions apart from Spain, including the French Tribunal de grande instance de Paris, the courts of Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. [Malay Mail 2] [The Diplomat]
The initial rulings of the French and Luxembourg courts were in favor of the descendants of the Sulu sultan, on the basis of the 1878 Deed of Cession between the then sultan of Sulu, the then maharaja of Sabah, and British North Borneo Company. The agreement stipulated that the heirs of the sultan would receive an annual payment of 5000 Mexican dollars in exchange for sovereignty over large parts of Sabah. [FMT] [NST]
Malaysia, who had taken up the payments since Sabah joined in 1963, discontinued the compensation in 2013 without any official statements. The former Attorney General of Malaysia, Tommy Thomas, stated that the halt in payments may be linked to an armed foray into Lahad Datu which involved more than 200 militants allegedly connected to the Sulu Sultanate, seen by the then Malaysian government as a violation of the 1878 agreement. [The Edge 2]
Malaysia, Singapore affirm cooperation in building digital economy, green economy
(ldm) Under the Malaysia-Singapore Framework on Cooperation in Digital Economy and Green Economy, the two countries have agree to collaborate in terms of the regulation of electric and autonomous vehicles, the development of new renewable energy and low carbon solutions as well as advancement of environmental social governance (ESG) and the carbon credits industry. [Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia]
As for cooperation in personal data protection, cyber security and digital economy, the two countries have agreed to share information, expertise, and best practices in managing online fraud as well as work on improving data as a significant commodity resource for both countries. [FMT] [Mkini] [The Star 2]
Malaysia’s International Trade Minister is optimistic that the framework can set an example for other ASEAN countries in terms of pursuing sustainable development both in the private and public sector. [Bernama] [NST] [The Star]
Indonesia’s human rights commission condemns migrant workers’ raid in Malaysia
(ldm) In response to a raid in Malaysia which led to the detainment of 67 undocumented migrants, Indonesia’s national human rights commission (Komnas HAM) criticized the Malaysian Immigration Department for not adhering to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). [MKini]
These detained illegal immigrants consisted of 31 men and 36 women, with 36 being children and a 2-month-old baby. The school-aged children from East Nusa Tenggara were undergoing classes in a makeshift learning center in the settlement as part of preparations to integrate with the Indonesian national school system. [MKini 2] [Malay Mail]
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has also called for counseling support for the 36 children placed at the Lenggeng immigration depot and recommended that the children be put under the Alternative to Detention (ATD) programme. [FMT] [Malay Mail 2] [MKini 3]
Mongolia-US: Economic Policy Dialogue held
(sw) Mongolia and the United States held the 4th Economic Policy Dialogue in Washington DC. on February 2.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevate their economic cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership. Further, they agreed on increasing commercial relations regarding food security, agriculture, renewable energy, critical minerals, open skies, and the digital economy. [Montsame]
Mongolia-Vatican: Pope’s visit in September
(sw) Pope Francis announced that he plans to visit Mongolia in September. This would be the first time ever that a pope visits the country.
The country has less than 1500 Catholics, but it is strategically important, because of its borders with China where the Vatican tries to improve the situation of Catholics. [Reuters]
Myanmar-Russia: Agreement of joint development of nuclear power plants
(dql) Myanmar and Russia have signed an Intergovernmental Agreement under which the two countries will cooperate in the implementation of small nuclear power plants (SNPP).
Both sides hailed the agreement as a “logical step” in deepening bilateral relations that provided “solid foundation” for further cooperation. [Power Technology]
North Korea-South Korea: Pyongyang rules out return to negotiations
(ge) On February 2, the North Korean Foreign Ministry condemned the joint air military drills held by the US and South Korea on February 1, declaring that there is no interest on the part of their government to open the dialogue with the US and pledging to take countermeasures in response to declarations made on January 31, by the US Secretary of Defense concerning the deployment of military strategic assets against the DPRK. [KCNA Watch]
According to the South Korean Ministry of National Defense, the drills, which took place over the Yellow Sea and involved South Korean F-35A and US Air Force B-1B strategic bombers, F-22 and F-35B stealth figures, fall within the two countries’ strategy of deterrence against North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats.[Ministry of National Defense, Korean]
US Secretary of Defense Austin stated that the deployment of military assets will continue as part of US’s engagement in maintaining stability in the region. [Yonhap, Bloomberg]
United States to expand military presence in the Philippines
(jd) The United States and Philippines have announced an agreement that will give Washington an expanded access to the military bases in the Southeast Asian country to strengthen their regional security relations in response to China’s increased military presence in the South China Sea, and its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea.
The deal was announced during a visit paid by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Philippines’ President Marcos Jr. and grants to the US access to four additional military locations under a 2014 defense pact called Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA.)
The EDCA, which previously granted five military camps and now allows the US military to rotate in a total of nine bases through the Philippines, supports combined training and exercises and the two nations claimed that progress has already been made in the previous five camps.
No specific details were given, including those related to the location of the new bases, however officials said that the US has previously tried to gain access to camps in the northern region of the Philippines, closer to Taiwan and China. [CNN] [The Star]
Philippines to bring home eight Filipinos detained in Myanmar
(jd) The Philippine government is working through the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring back to the country eight Filipinos detained in Myanmar for immigration violation. Among the eight there are alleged human trafficking victims and Filipinos who were promised a job by recruiters if they pretended to be tourists.
Myanmar authorities assured cooperation with the Philippines for this matter and confirmed that following the completion of the process of law enforcement agencies they should be able to exit the country and repatriate. [Philippine News Agency]
Philippines’ president receives ambassador of Oman's credentials
(jd) Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the credentials of newly appointed Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Philippines
During the meeting the new ambassador conveyed greetings from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Philippine president, which expressed his admiration for the sultan and his keenness to strengthen the level of cooperation between the two nations. [Times of Oman]
Philippines’ sex slavery victims from WWII urge war crimes acknowledgment from Japan
(jd) Filipino women who survived the sexual slavery inflicted by the Japanese military forces during World War II demanded for the Japanese government to acknowledge its crimes and to stop ignoring the issue of comfort women.
During World War II thousands of Asian women from Southeast Asia, China, and Korea, were abused and sexually enslaved by Japanese military soldiers; despite the several calls made by the survivors of the countries involved, Japan has always chosen to stay silent about the case, omitting it even in its latest human rights report submitted to the UN Human Rights Council for the country’s Universal Periodic Review.[The Star]
The Department of Foreign affairs of the Philippines said that the issue of comfort women will not be part of the president’s agenda during his state visit to Japan, as the two countries have already signed a reparation agreement in 1956. [Philippine News Agency]
South Korea-US: Enhancing collaboration
(ge) On February 2, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met with key US officials and lawmakers of the US Congress.
The foreign minister discussed his country’s concerns about the US Inflation Reduction Act, that provides USD 370 billion for sweeping investments, subsidies and tax cuts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and - affecting the South Korean car industry -gives tax advantages to EV makers who assemble their cars in the US [see AiR, No.3, January/2023,3]. Park requested non-discriminatory conditions for South Korean companies. [Foreign Ministry 1,in Korean]. He also exchanged views on South Korea-US cooperation on semiconductor and battery supply chains. [Foreign Ministry, Korean]
US lawmakers, meanwhile, expressed continuous support for the ROK–US alliance and unanimously agreed to strengthen military and security collaboration. [Foreign Ministry 2, Korean]
Park arrived on February 1 for a visit on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the two countries. On the same day he had a meeting in New York with UN Secretary General Guterres. The two had talks about Korea–UN cooperation, the situation of the Korean Peninsula and the Ukraine War.
Park held an additional meeting with the UN diplomatic corps in order to secure support for South Korea’s entry in the UN Security Council ahead of the 2024-2025 UN Security Council elections. [Foreign Ministry, Korean] [Foreign Ministry, Korean]
On February 3, Park had bilateral talks on a variety of topics with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the Department of State in Washington. The two signed an amended version of the 1992 bilateral Science and Technology Agreement to step up collaboration in the field.
During the joint press conference Blinken reaffirmed the strategic partnership with South Korea, promising to boost deterrence against North Korean threats while stressing that the achievement of the peninsula’s denuclearization remains a top priority. He also affirmed support for South Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategy launched last year.
Both foreign ministers also agreed on enhancing US and South Korea’s engagement in the region through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
The two also discussed maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait, agreeing on boosting trilateral security cooperation with Japan. In this regard, they affirmed the need to cooperate with Japan also in countering North Korea’s cyber attacks. [Yonhap][US Department of State]
South Korea-US: Alliance to counter North Korea to be strengthened
(ge) On January 31, US Secretary of Defense Austin and his Korean counterpart Lee Jong-Sup met at the Seoul Ministry of Defense complex to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ROK–US alliance and to discuss the strengthening of US military commitment to counter North Korea’s threats.[Ministry of National Defense 1 , Korean]
During the joint press conference the ministers agreed on expanding the deployment of US strategic assets such as F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Austin, for his part, affirmed that the US and South Korea will intensify the number and scope of joint military drills and promised that the US will provide South Korea a Nato-style security guarantee. [The Korea Times]
The ministers also concurred on enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Japan and to develop a joint information sharing system for the monitoring of North Korean missile launches. In this regard the security chiefs decided to hold South Korea-US-Japan security talks at the earliest possible date. [The Diplomat] [Ministry of National Defense 2, in Korean]
South Korea, Australia renew currency swap deal
(ge) On February 6, South Korea and Australia signed the renewal of the Bilateral Local Currency Swap Agreement first signed in 2014. The agreement is valid for a five year term and sets the exchange of local currencies between the countries’ central banks to up to AUD 12 billion or KRW 9.6 trillion (USD 8.1 billion).
The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Korea declared in official statements that the agreement aims at promoting financial stability and trade for economic development between the two countries. [Ministry of Finance, in Korean] [Bank of Korea] [Reuters]
South Korea-China: Easing of Covid visa restrictions under consideration
(ge) On January 31, Prime Minister Han Duck-Soo declared that South Korea is considering to lift by the end of February the visa restrictions for short term travels imposed in early January on travelers from China, if the infection rates will remain steady.
The announcement was made on the same day the Civil Aviation Administration of China notified the South Korean and Chinese aviation industry that starting from February 1, travelers from South Korea will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival in China. [The Straits Times] [Seoul Shinmun, in Korean]
South Korea, Finland discuss enhancing cooperation in industry, economy, nuclear energy
(ge) South Korea’s Trade Minister Ahn Deok-Geun and Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka discussed during a meeting in SeoulOn January 31 the enhancement of the two countries' cooperation in the economy, industry and nuclear power plant sectors.
Ahn said that the two countries will cooperate in the IT and digital power field and work together to strengthen cooperation for high-level radioactive disposal.
Lastly, Ahn called for Finland’s support for the 2030 Busan World Expo through the launching of direct flights connecting Helsinki and the second south korean major city.
The meeting was part of a visit to the Scandinavian country of a 37-member delegation, that consisted of corporate officials from space, quantum technology and other advanced industries. [Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, in Korean] [Yonhap]
Sri Lanka receives a USD 17,550 donation from the Chief of Aung Za Bu Monastery of Myanmar
(sn) On January 26, the Chief of Aung Za Bu Monastery of Myanmar donated to the government of Sri Lanka USD 17,550 to purchase essential medicines and food supplies for the people of the South Asian nation. The monastery chief handed over the monetary donation directly to the Ambassador of Sri Lanka as a gift on the 60th birthday eve of the Most Venerable Aung Za Bu Saydaw in Myanmar, Yangon. The ambassador expressed gratitude and his best wishes to the Aung Za Bu Monastery Chief. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka]
Sri Lanka: Defence Secretary welcomes Saudi Arabia Defence Attachè to enhance existing cooperation
(sn) The Defence Attachè of the Saudi Arabia Embassy to Sri Lanka and India, Staff Brigadier General Mohammad Essa H Alhibri, paid a courtesy call to the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary at the Island’s Ministry on February 2, 2023. The state officials discussed the reinforcement of existing defense cooperation and the development of training opportunities. A Sri Lankan Military Liaison Officer took part in the negotiations. [Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka], [Sri Lanka Army]
Thailand-Japan: MoU on industrial cooperation with 23rd Japanese prefecture signed
(ts) The Thai government has disclosed that the Industry Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture earlier last month. The agreement seeks to further expand links between local Japanese and Thai businesses as Ishikawa marks the 23rd of Japan’s 47 prefectures to sign an MOU with Thailand. [Royal Thai Government] [The Nation Thailand]
Thailand hosts the 6th committee meeting with BIMSTEC countries
(ts) The 6th Meeting of the Permanent Working Committee of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), hosted by Thailand, was held on February 1-2. It ended with the conclusion of four key documents, namely Rules of Procedure for Core BIMSTEC Mechanisms, BIMSTEC Sectoral Mechanisms, BIMSTEC’s External Relations, and Draft Terms of Reference for Eminent Persons’ Group on the Future Directions of BIMSTEC.
According to the Thai Foreign Ministry, these documents will guide BIMSTEC's future direction. At the same time they also lay out the mechanism’s standard operating procedures, that will lead to a more streamlined and consistent organizational structure. [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Pattaya Mail]
BIMSTEC members include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.
Chinese military crosses Taiwan Strait median line
(sw) 17 Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) between February 1 and 2 according to the Ministry of National Defense. They were among a total of 23 Chinese military aircraft and four naval ships that the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense tracked on the mentioned dates.
In the latest development, five Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels around Taiwan were spotted between February 6 and 7.
So far this month, China has dispatched 90 military aircraft and 33 naval ships around Taiwan. [Focus Taiwan] [Taiwan News] [Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan 1] [Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan 2]
Taiwan opposition leader visits China
(sw/dql) Andrew Hsia, Deputy Chairman of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), is set to visit China this week to meet Song Tao for talks , the newly appointed head of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office.
According to the KMT, the visit will focus on agriculture and fishery, aimed at promoting the interests of Taiwanese working, studying, or living in China. It will not touch upon politics.
This rare high-level interaction between senior politicians from Taiwan and China comes amid growing military and political tensions between the two sides.
Since President Tsai Ing-wen of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) assumed power in 2016, Beijing has refused to speak with her as she is considered a separatist. [Taiwan News] [Channel News Asia]
Hsia’s trip comes also at a time when Taiwan’s national security authorities have just succeeded in cracking down more than 800 Facebook accounts that are believed to be run by China’s cyber army and that has posted information against the Taiwanese government on the Facebook pages of Tsai and former Premier Su Tseng-chang. [Focus Taiwan]
Czech parliament speaker will visit Taiwan
(sw) The speaker of the Czech parliament Pekaraova Adamova plans to visit Taiwan next month. The goal is to strengthen economic cooperation.
In a video conference with Foreign Minister Jaushieh Wu she assured that her country supports partners, who respect human rights and liberal democracy.
Czech president-elect Petr Pavel announced earlier this week that he favors a stronger partnership with Taiwan. [Taipei Times] [Reuters] [Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan] [Twitter]
Taiwan, China: President Xi Jinping’s orders military to prepare for Taiwan invasion 2027, CIA director says
(sw) According to CIA director William Burn, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027.
Speaking at Georgetown University in Washington, he added that Xi has not yet decided to conduct an invasion and warned not to underestimate Xi’s ambitions toward Taiwan. [news.com.au]
Taiwan, China: Limited ferry services continue
(sw) The Taiwan government continues the limited ferry links between Taiwanese islands and China beyond February 6, when they were scheduled to end.
In January, limited ferry services between the Taiwan-held islands of Kinmen and Matsu and nearby Chinese cities reopened after three years of suspension due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The vice chairman of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises in China accuses Taiwan of limiting the ferry services because of political reasons and not because of Covid-19.
The ferries are only allowed for the island’s residents and their Chinese families, but not for Taiwan residents working or studying in China, Chinese travelers, and business commuters. [Focus Taiwan]
Announcements
Upcoming Events
9 February 2023 @ 8:00-9:00 a.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA
Rating India 2023: Key Opportunities and Risks
This webinar will offer insights into economic trends that will shape India's economic trajectory.
For more information, visit [CSIS].
9 February 2023 @ 9:30-11:30 a.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
E-Launch and Discussion Of The State Of Southeast Asia: 2023 Survey Report
This webinar will feature the E-launch of ISEAS’s fifth edition of “The State of Southeast Asia: 2023 Survey Report” providing the key findings of the survey on the challenges Southeast Asia is facing, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine; Taiwan Strait tensions; Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN; the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF); China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI); the US-China rivalry and its impact on Southeast Asia, levels of trust regarding the major powers; and soft power.
Further information is available at [ISEAS]
10 February 2023 @ 2:00-3:00 p.m. (GMT-5), Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), USA
Recent Visitors to China: Takeaways & Next Steps
This webcast event will shed light on China’s Zero-Covid policy, Chinese society and economy, and Chinese views about the United States.
Find more details at [CSIS].
14 February 2023 @ 3:00-4:30 p.m. (GMT+8), ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
Business and Economic Priorities under Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2023
This webinar will explore Indonesia’s ASEAN Chairmanship priorities, agenda and legacy projects, with a focus on digital transformation, sustainable development, health resilience, trade facilitation and food security.
See [ISEAS] for more details.
Recent Book Releases
Shadi Bartsch, Plato Goes to China: The Greek Classics and Chinese Nationalism, Princeton University Press, 304 pages, published on January 10, 2023, reviewed in [Asian Review of Books].
Tania Branigan, Red Memory: The Afterlives of China's Cultural Revolution, W. W. Norton & Company, 288 pages, to be published on May 9, 2023. For a review, see [The Guardian]
Calls for Papers
The University of East London, UK, invites paper proposal for its conference on “Disruptive Technologies: Innovations & Interdisciplinary Considerations,” to be held on October 10-12, 2023. The deadline for abstract submission is April 13, 2023. For more information, see [University of East London].
The London Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (LCIR) invites paper proposal for its international conference “Somewhere in Between: Borders and Borderlands,” to be held on April 29-30, 2023. Abstract submission deadline is February 15, 2023. More about the call at [LCIR].
Jobs and positions
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Programme Management Specialist to be based in Vietnam. Core responsibility is to provide advice to the management team and review the annual work plan of the programme. Applications are accepted until 8 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Programme Specialist in Inclusive Growth and Financing for Development to be based in Uzbekistan. Core responsibility is to provide policy support and supervise the working team. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks an Innovation Manager to be based in Morrocco. Core responsibility is to coordinate the programme and manage information. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Finance Associate to be based in Yemen. Core responsibility is to support the implementation of operational and financial strategies. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The United Nations Development Programme seeks a Programme Unit Intern to be based in Albania. Core responsibility is to support the review and research related to the programmes and compile relevant information. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNDP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Programme Policy Officer to be based in Bangladesh. Core responsibility is to contribute to the development of a Nutrition programme. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Finance Assistant to be based in Mozambique. Core responsibility is to provide administrative support on the aspect of finance and budget management. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Logistic Officer to be based in Ukraine. Core responsibility is to contribute to the development of logistical plans and analyze data to improve the working performance. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Programme Assistant to be based in Mozambique. Core responsibility is to assist the programme-related activities. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Food Programme seeks a Logistic Officer to be based in Italy. Core responsibility is to build and maintain relationships with the programmes’ partners. Applications are accepted until 26 February 2023. More information is provided at [WFP].
The World Health Organization seeks a Technical Officer to be based in the Philippines. Core responsibility is to contribute to the detection of public health event. Applications are accepted until 22 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Consultant to be based in Egypt. Core responsibility is to develop a framework for monitoring and evaluation. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Procurement Officer to be based in the Republic of Congo. Core responsibility is to contribute to the administration of the programme. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Programme Assistant to be based in Egypt. Core responsibility is to provide administrative support to the organization and follow up on the implementation of the programme. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The World Health Organization seeks a Vaccine Scientist to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to coordinating the review of clinical trial data sent from vaccine manufacturors. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [WHO].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Education Officer to be based in Thailand. Core responsibility is to support the development and planning of the programme and monitor the results. Applications are accepted until 27 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Social Policy Specialist to be based in Thailand. Core responsibility is to improve data on child-related issues and strengthen the social protection coverage for children. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Deputy Representative to be based in Benin. Core responsibility is to coordinate the programme planning and development and monitor the quality of the programme. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Senior Programme Associate to be based in Bulgaria. Core responsibility is to provide support in planning and budget management. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Children's Fund seeks a Nutrition Manager to be based in Nigeria. Core responsibility is to develop and manage programmes and provide advisors to other stakeholders. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNICEF].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Data Officer to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to provide advice and management support to the organization and perform data analysis. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Finance and Budget Assistant to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to assist the preparation of documents and support the finance officers in extracting information. Applications are accepted until 7 March 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Record Assistant to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to perform content analysis and assist the maintenance of database. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Information Management Assistant to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to establish and improve the communication system in the organization. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The United Nations Secretariat seeks a Public Information Intern to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to tracking and analyzing information and compiling data. Applications are accepted until 5 june 2023. More information is provided at [UN].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Early Education Specialist to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to lead the planning and implementation of programme to maximize children’s access to education. Applications are accepted until 5 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Human Resource Director to be based in Libya. Core responsibility is to provide leadership and management to the HR department. Applications are accepted until 7 March 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Mental Health Specialist to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to promote mental health support in the affected communities. Applications are accepted until 6 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Child Protection Caseworker to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to conduct comprehensive assessment on the child-related activites. Applications are accepted until 6 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The International Rescue Committee seeks a Human Resource Manager to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to provide HR policies and oversee the recruitment process. Applications are accepted until 6 April 2023. More information is provided at [IRC].
The Action Against Hunger seeks a Food Security and Livelihoods Programme Manager to be based in Lebanon or Colombia. Core responsibility is to ensure a timely implementation of a programme and lead the development and implementation of food-related activities. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [ACF].
The Action Against Hunger seeks a Country Director to be based in Liberia. Core responsibility is to oversee the development, funding, and implementation of the strategies and programmes in the country. Applications are accepted until 8 March 2023. More information is provided at [ACF].
The Action Against Hunger seeks an Internal Audit Expert to be based in Ukraine. Core responsibility is to conduct internal audit in the Ukranian country office. Applications are accepted until 5 March 2023. More information is provided at [ACF].
The Action Against Hunger seeks an Information Systems Manager to be based in France. Core responsibility is to participate in the development of documentation systems. Applications are accepted until 4 March 2023. More information is provided at [ACF].
The Action Against Hunger seeks a Head of Finance Department to be based in Somalia. Core responsibility is to advise the staff on the financial and budgetary matters. More information is provided at [ACF].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a Senior Food Safety Policy Expert. The work could be done remotely. Core responsibility is to develop action plans for new strategies and participate in public discussion related to the matter. Applications are accepted until 21 February 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks an Office Assistant to be based in Italy. Core responsibility is to draft routine correspondence for the office. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a Procurement Officer to be based in Mozambique. Core responsibility is to plan, develop, and manage the procurement process of the organization. Applications are accepted until 26 February 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a Senior Gender Expert to be based in Ghana. Core responsibility is to undertake policy analysis on measures to address the gender inequality. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Food and Agriculture Organization seeks a National Livestock Specialists to be based in Saudi Arabia. Core responsibility is to lead the livestock breed improvement programme and conduct research on the matter. Applications are accepted until 4 March 2023. More information is provided at [FAO].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Shelter Cluster Co-Coordinator to be based in Ukraine. Core responsibility is to facilitate the promotion of accountability to the affected population. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Advisor to be based in Ukraine. Core responsibility is to provide technical oversight to the relevan field operations of the projects. Applications are accepted until 5 March 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Humanitarian Mine Action Technical Field Manager to be based in Ukraine. Core responsibility is to manage all assets assigned to their department. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Grant Officer to be based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to manage information on the grants module and assist the support service department in preparing documents. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The Danish Refugee Council seeks a Emergency Team Leader to be based in Ukraine. Core responsibility is to lead and manage the team and ensure effective planning and implementation processes of the projects. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [DRC].
The International Organization for Migration seeks a Human Resources Associate to be based in Austria. Core responsibility is to participate in the evaluation of staff and oversee the personnel aspect of the organization. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [IOM].
The International Organization for Migration seeks a Programme Finance Assistant to be based in the Philippines. Core responsibility is to compose financial and statistic reports. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [IOM].
The International Organization for Migration seeks a Project Manager to be based in the Solomon Islands. Core responsibility is to manage the implementation of IOM’s projects in the country. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [IOM].
The International Organization for Migration seeks an Application Architect Consultant to be based in Belgium. Core responsibility is to provide technical expertise and support the application development team. Applications are accepted until 3 March 2023. More information is provided at [IOM].
The International Organization for Migration seeks a Programme Coordinator to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to develop programmes on engagement with Global Goodwill Ambassadors. Applications are accepted until 16 February 2023. More information is provided at [IOM].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Communications Associate to be based in Somalia. Core responsibility is to coordinate development and implementation of a quality communication strategy. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Procurement Associate to be based in Somalia. Core responsibility is to administer the transaction-procurement support activities. Applications are accepted until 28 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Finance Officer to be based in Ukraine. Core responsibility is to ensure the implementation of operational strategies related to budgeting and finance. Applications are accepted until 26 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Security Officer to be based in Jordan. Core responsibility is to reinforce the safety and security of the projects and review new project proposals from the security perspective. Applications are accepted until 20 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Office for Project Services seeks a Communication Senior Officer to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to manage day-to-day media relations of the organization. Applications are accepted until 20 Fenruary 2023. More information is provided at [UNOPS].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Climate Finance Specialist to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to assess and research information related to the relations between the financial sector and the climate actions. Applications are accepted until 19 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Net-Zero Alognemnt Policy Analyst to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to review policy recommendations and develop suggestions to the stakeholders. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Communication Officer to be based in Switzerland. Core responsibility is to develop, implement, and manage communication strategy. Applications are accepted until 25 February 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Programme Management Officer to be based in the United States. Core responsibility is to supporitng the managerial aspect of the work and provide administrative advice. Applications are accepted until 22 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
The United Nations Environment Programme seeks a Programme Management Officer to be based in Kenya. Core responsibility is to develop, implement, and evaluate projects of the organization and research data for the development of new projects. Applications are accepted until 19 March 2023. More information is provided at [UNEP].
Team:
Chanon Atom (ca), Duc Quang Ly (dql), Farhan Maqsood (fm), Gaia Esposito (ge); Henning Glaser (hg), Jennifer Marie Domenici (jd), Loong Dien Min (ldm), Lucas Meier (lm), Manmehak Kaur (mk), Natalie Svinina (ns), Ole Stark (os), Peer Morten Strantzen (ms), Sheikh Afif Bin Zaman (az), Sophia Wesenberg (sw), Thammasorn Sangiamjit (ts), Tomwit Jarnson (tj), Valentina Pellegrino (vp); Venus Phuangkom, Wardah Rehman (wr)
We would greatly appreciate your feedback! Please send any feedback you have regarding this newsletter to: info@cpg-online.de
Also, don't forget to Like CPG on Facebook, and browse our website for other updates and news!
