Shinawatra's Uneasy Path

Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s rise to the premiership was marked by compromise and controversy. Backed by the influential yet polarising Shinawatra name, she took office under a fragile coalition with conservative and military-aligned parties. Less than a year later, her suspension by the Constitutional Court has cast fresh doubt on the durability of both her leadership and the once-dominant political dynasty she represents.

'Beijing: A Shopaholic's Guide 

Margaret Agnew's guide to navigating some of the biggest shopping destinations in the Chinese capital,where markets aren’t just retail hubs, they’re full-blown cultural adventures taking bargain hunting to an art form. From silk scarves to sneakers, and flat whites to handbags, Margaret gives us a newbie’s guide to navigating the city’s iconic markets.

What interesting stories about our region are being reported? Here's a roundup from the past week:

COUNTRIES WITH LARGE TRADE IMBALANCES WITH US HAVE BEEN MAJOR THREATS | THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD

Donald Trump has warned 14 countries—mainly in Asia—that higher US import tariffs will begin on August 1 unless trade deals are reached. This follows a previous 90-day delay granted in April. Key targets include nations with major trade surpluses with the US, such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. 

CHINESE CONSULATE ASKS NZ FILM FESTIVAL TO CAN PHILIPPINE DOCO | 1NEWS

Chinese officials have asked that a Filipino documentary be removed from future screenings at the New Zealand Doc Edge Festival, saying doing so would be in the interest of Chinese-New Zealand relations. Corazon Miller reports. 

HOW DO NEW ZEALANDERS' VIEWS OF THE INDO-PACIFIC COMPARE TO AUSTRALIANS' IN 2025?

Two recent surveys reveal how Australians and New Zealanders view the Indo-Pacific, defence and security, and threats to vital interests. In this article, the Asia New Zealand Foundation's research programme manager Alex Smith looks at how the results compare. 

2036 OLYMPICS: INDIA OFFICIALLY ENTER RACE TO HOST SUMMER GAMES, AHMEDABAD NAMED IN BID AS HOST CITY | THE TIMES OF INDIA

An Indian delegation officially presented Ahmedabad's bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The bid emphasises the oppotunity for young Indians to experience the Olympics at home, promoting the principle of global unity. However, the IOC has paused the host selection process for review due to members' concerns about involvement. 

The Dalai Lama celebrated his birthday on Sunday; meanwhile, questions remain about his successor and how they will be chosen.

The Buddhist world stands at a spiritual and political crossroads as discussions intensify around the future succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso — a global icon of non-violence and Tibetan leader who is 90 years old this weekend.

However, the question of who becomes the 15th Dalai Lama extends way beyond the spiritual significance, with Beijing eager to control the centuries-old reincarnation process and thus the future of Tibet.

A Role Rooted in Rebirth

The Dalai Lama is, in Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be a tulku — a reincarnated being who chooses to be reborn to serve others. The lineage began in the 15th century, and the current Dalai Lama, the 14th in this line, was born Lhamo Thondup in 1935 in Amdo (now part of Qinghai Province in China) and identified as the reincarnation when he was two years old.

Dalai Lamas have served as both spiritual and temporal leaders of Tibet. That part of the role ended in 2011 when the current Dalai Lama passed his political power to an elected Tibetan exile government based in India.

The question of who will identify the 15th Dalai Lama has been a question of serious debate in Tibet. The Dalai Lama himself has this week confirmed that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will in due course choose his successor. He has also suggested that the next Dalai Lama could be found in the “free world” outside of Tibet — and could even be a woman.

Traditionally, the search for the Dalai Lama’s next reincarnation begins with the death of the current one. Aged monks consult oracles and investigate every corner of the region for a sign, or a small child that shows the requisite qualities to lead the Buddhist world. The process can take some time.

Beijing Wants Control

Meanwhile, the Chinese government has made it clear it intends to play a central role, and that the next reincarnation must be found somewhere in mainland China.

In 2007, Beijing passed laws asserting its authority over all reincarnations of Tibetan lamas, positioning the process as a matter of national sovereignty.

Beijing has also used the Panchen Lama process to select its own candidate for the top role. The Panchen Lama is second only to the Dalai Lama, and is charged with selecting the appropriate individual to continue in the top position.

In 1995 the Dalai Lama named Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama; however, Beijing rejected this, installing their own selection.

To select a new Dalai Lama Beijing claims it will use the "Golden Urn" lottery system, a Qing-era practice used historically by imperial China to select high-ranking lamas (including the Dalai Lama).

The urn holds names of potential reincarnations and is used to draw lots — a method now cited by the CCP to give legitimacy to their selection.

The current Dalai Lama continues to be described as a “separatist” by Beijing, and an obstacle to the Chinese Communist Party's desire to take some sort of control of Tibetan Buddhism.

continue reading on Asia Media Centre

ASIA AFTER FIVE: PERCEPTIONS OF ASIA RESEARCH

Join the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono for a series of ‘Asia After Five’ discussions and presentations, featuring findings from the latest New Zealanders' Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples research report.

The Foundation has been tracking New Zealanders' perceptions of Asia since 1997. Now in its 28th year, the annual Perceptions of Asia survey offers comprehensive insights into New Zealanders' awareness, knowledge of and interest in Asia.

The thematic survey spans a wide range of topics including which countries we see as friends, what issues New Zealanders are most worried about, trust in major powers, as well as media and entertainment consumption.

In-person briefings will be held in:

• Christchurch: 14 July at 5pm, Level 3, BNZ Centre West, 101 Cashel Street
• Auckland: 7 August at 5pm, MFAT Auckland Office, level 6/139 Quay Street

These Asia After Five events are interactive. You will have a chance to ask questions, network with others and learn from informed experts on Asia.

This event is free to attend, but please RSVP for catering purposes.