INR | APAC : Weekly Updates

The Taiwan question: 'Strategic ambiguity' and U.S. foreign policy

• Premier Li Qiang in a government report delivered at the opening of the congress emphasized only "unification,"
  dropping the mention of "peaceful" used in the previous year. 
  By "peaceful unification," China means that Taiwan would willingly accept and adopt the Chinese political system.
   it is unlikely that the people of Taiwan, who currently enjoy a democratic system, would agree to this.
  Which ultimately leads taiwan questioning USA’s foreign policy and ‘strategic ambiguity’ .

Read More At  -

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2024/06/11/world/china-national-peoples-congress/

South Korea fires warning shots after North Korea soldiers briefly cross border

• South Korean soldiers fired warning shots after North Korean troops briefly violated the tense border earlier this week 
   South Korea’s military said Tuesday, as the rivals are embroiled in Cold War-style campaigns like balloon launches and propaganda broadcasts.
  Bloodshed and violent confrontations have occasionally occurred at the Koreas’ heavily fortified border, called the Demilitarized Zone.
  North Korea has said its balloon campaign was in response to South Korean activists’ launches of their own balloons to drop propaganda leaflets critical of leader Kim Jong Un’s authoritarian rule
  

Read More At  - https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/06/11/asia-pacific/south-korea-warning-shots-border/

Japan, Philippines to hold 2-plus-2 security talks in July

• Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara are expected to agree with their Philippine counterparts, Enrique Manalo and Gilberto Teodoro
  Japan and the Philippines agreed in November to start RAA talks.
  It would be the second two-plus-two talks for Japan and the Philippines after their launch in Tokyo in April 2022.
  The two nations' ministers will discuss cooperation on maritime security and cyber defense, as well as the export of Japanese communication antennas for warships

Read More At  -https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/06/11/japan/politics/japan-philippines-two-plus-two/

China warns against Dutch naval ‘intrusion’, disputes East China Sea encounter

• China’s defence ministry has “sternly warned” the Dutch navy against “provocative” actions and urged restraint
  In a statement last week, the Dutch defence ministry said two Chinese fighter jets circled above its frigate several times on Friday.
  Two Chinese jets and a PLA helicopter then approached the ship’s NH90 maritime combat helicopter while it was on a patrol, the statement said

Read More At  -https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3266181/china-warns-against-dutch-naval-intrusion-disputes-east-china-sea-encounter?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage

As China-backed Brics mulls Thailand membership, more countries could soon join the club

• The Thai cabinet approved a government draft letter that indicated Bangkok’s intention to become a member of Brics
• The next Brics summit to be held in Kazan, Russia in October will be an opportunity for Thailand to accelerate its accession, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said on May 28.
• In pursuing Brics membership, Bangkok is also seeking accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), another group of developed countries, and is expected to conclude negotiations for the Thai-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) within this year.

Read More At  -https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3265213/china-backed-brics-mulls-thailand-membership-could-more-countries-soon-join-club?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage

Four US college instructors stabbed in public park in China

• The Iowa Cornell College instructors were taken to hospital after a "serious incident" during the daytime attack in the northern province of Jilin
• China's foreign ministry said that none of those injured were in a life-threatening condition.
• A US state department spokesperson had earlier told the BBC they were aware of reports of a stabbing incident in Jilin, but could not provide more information.
• Amid tense diplomatic relations, Beijing and Washington have sought to re-establish people-to-people exchanges in recent times.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled a plan to invite 50,000 young Americans to China in the next five years, while Chinese diplomats say a travel advisory by the US State Department has discouraged Americans from going to China.

Read More At  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c844q27v732o

'Becoming a totalitarian state': UK judge on why he quit Hong Kong court

• A high-profile British judge who resigned from Hong Kong’s highest court last week has warned the city is “slowly becoming a totalitarian state” 
• Further said , judges are being compromised by an “impossible political environment created by China
• Lord Sumption’s comments on Monday came as a third senior foreign judge in the past week resigned from the Court of Final Appeal.

Read More At  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c722094n135o

News bits collected and drafted by: 

Deepanjali Singh (BA IR 2nd year) (Region Head)

Gungun Thakur (BA IR 1st year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 2nd year)

INR | APAC: Weekly Updates

Singapore Minister Quits After Biggest Graft Case Since 1986

Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran resigned after being charged with corruption, the latest development in the biggest political scandal to hit the city-state in close to four decades.

https://bloom.bg/3tWTemC

Pakistan to buy Chinese FC-31 fighter jets, says air chief

Pakistan is set to acquire the Chinese FC-31 Gyrfalcon fifth-generation fighter, according to head of the Pakistan Air Force.

https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/01/04/pakistan-to-buy-chinese-fc-31-fighter-jets-says-air-chief/

Four of six passengers rescued as plane bound for Russia crashes in Afghanistan 

A Russian private jet carrying six people is believed to have crashed in a remote area of rural Afghanistan, authorities said on January 21. 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/plane-crashes-in-afghanistans-badakshan-province-report/article67761959.ece

Pakistan says 'minor irritants' with Iran would be overcome mutually through dialogue and diplomacy

Pakistan's top civil-military leadership at a high-level huddle on January 19 concluded that the “minor irritants” with Iran would be overcome by the two countries mutually through dialogue and diplomacy.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pakistan-says-minor-irritants-with-iran-would-be-overcome-mutually-through-dialogue-and-diplomacy/article67758963.

Explain Hong Kong’s Article 23 to show government has ‘nothing to hide’

Scholars urge clarity on security law to avoid ‘conspiracy theories.

https://sc.mp/7etb

At NAM summit, Jaishankar pitches for two-state solution for Gaza crisis

The External Affairs Minister says “this humanitarian crisis requires a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected”

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/at-nam-summit-jaishankar-pitches-for-two-state-solution-for-gaza-crisis/article67757593.ece

India becomes first Vice Chair of COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management

India has been elected as the First Vice Chair of the FAO COFI (Food and Agriculture Organisation Committee on Fisheries) Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management, said the Indian embassy in Italy.

https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-becomes-first-vice-chair-of-cofi-sub-committee-on-fisheries-management-13635002.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=whatsapp

Japanese robotic spacecraft successfully set down on the moon on Friday

With this achievement, Japan is now the fifth country to send a spacecraft that made a soft landing on the moon.

https://nyti.ms/3vJQJorA

India says it hopes to resolve issue of troops in Maldives

India on Thursday said it continues to hope for a resolution of the tussle with the Maldives over stationing of Indian troops in the islands, despite the Maldivian government setting a deadline of March 15 for their removal.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-says-it-hopes-to-resolve-issue-of-troops-in-maldives/article67753263.ece

"Tensions Rise: Kim Jong-un's Military Moves Spark War Fears Amid Diplomatic Doubts and Russian Ties, China as Potential Deterrent"

Kim Jong-un's recent military actions raise fears of a shift towards war. Doubts about diplomacy, ties with Russia, and possible miscalculations heighten concerns, with China possibly acting as a deterrent.

https://nyti.ms/3SB9raV

"Prabowo Subianto Surges in Polls for Indonesia's Presidency, Revamped Image Sparks Hope and Concerns Over Democratic Setbacks"

Controversial figure Prabowo Subianto vies for Indonesia's presidency, despite past human rights accusations. Leading in polls, his revamped image resonates with some, but critics worry about democratic setbacks and a return to a troubling era if he wins. 

https://nyti.ms/3HoJFjE

"Switzerland and India Ink Historic Free-Trade Deal After 16-Year Talks, Prioritizing Job Creation"

After 16 years of talks, Switzerland and India strike a free-trade deal, says Economy Minister Guy Parmelin. The initial agreement is in place, with a focus on job creation and employment security in both nations.

"Historic Partnership: Rangsons Aerospace Secures Five-Year Contract with Boeing, First Indian Supplier in Landmark Deal"

In a historic move, Rangsons Aerospace secures a five-year contract with Boeing, marking the first such collaboration between Boeing and an Indian supplier. The deal cements Rangsons Aerospace's pivotal role in the aviation supply chain.

"Possible Putin Visit to Pyongyang: Kim Jong-un's Invitation Sparks Speculation, Signaling Shared Concerns on North Korea's Sovereignty"

Vladimir Putin considers visiting Pyongyang, appreciating Kim Jong-un's invitation. If it happens, it'll be Putin's first trip to North Korea in over two decades, emphasizing shared concerns about actions affecting North Korea's sovereignty.

https://toi.in/NorKaor

"China's Research Vessel Raises Eyebrows: Xiang Yang Hong 03's Deployment to Maldives Sparks Concerns Amid Regional Tensions and Strategic Engagements"

China's research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 raises concerns as it heads to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Despite officials calling it routine, its timing amid regional tensions and China's strategic engagements with the Maldives aligns with a broader pattern of increased naval presence since 2008.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/after-sri-lanka-bars-entry-of-research-vessels-chinese-ships-heading-to-maldives/article67765743.ece

"India's Stock Market Surges to Fourth-Largest Globally at $4.33 Trillion, Outpacing Hong Kong: Attractive Growth and Reforms Position India as a Long-Term Investment"

India's stock market now ranks as the world's fourth-largest at $4.33 trillion, surpassing Hong Kong. Attracting global capital with economic growth and investor-friendly reforms, India emerges as a top long-term investment, contrasting with China's recent stock challenges.

https://bloom.bg/3StQkyf

"India Repatriates 184 Myanmar Soldiers from Mizoram Amidst Ongoing Tensions: Total Refugees Reach 635"

India repatriates 184 Myanmar soldiers who sought refuge in Mizoram after clashes with insurgents. Most returned on Myanmar air force planes, bringing the total number of Myanmar soldiers seeking shelter in Mizoram to 635.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-sends-back-184-myanmar-soldiers-who-fled-to-mizoram/article67767857.ece

"Myanmar Air Force Plane Overshoots Runway in Mizoram Evacuation, Breaks into Two: Incident Adds to Challenges for Soldiers Seeking Refuge in India"

A Myanmar Air Force cargo plane evacuating soldiers overshoots the runway in Mizoram, breaking into two. Eight crew members are injured. The incident compounds challenges for Myanmar soldiers seeking refuge in India amid internal unrest.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/myanmar-plane-for-repatriation-of-soldiers-overshoots-runway-crashes-at-mizoram-airport-three-injured/article67768245.ece

"Hong Kong Braces for Lunar New Year Rush: Lo Wu Checkpoint Anticipated as Busiest Amid Extended Hours and Collaborative Efforts with Shenzhen"

Hong Kong expects Lo Wu to be the busiest checkpoint during Feb 10-13 holidays. City leader John Lee applauds collaboration with Shenzhen. Extended hours aim to ease passenger flow, particularly for Lunar New Year events.

https://sc.mp/sza6

"Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Faces Trial Over Alleged Collusion: Accused of Orchestrating Anti-Beijing Campaign, Denies Charges as Former Publisher Testifies"

Media tycoon Jimmy Lai faces trial for orchestrating a campaign urging Hongkongers to petition Trump against Beijing's security law. Lai denies collusion charges, and former Apple Daily publisher Cheung Kim-hung testifies on Lai's pro-protester stance during 2019 unrest.

https://sc.mp/v83k

"Powerful 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Western China Near Kyrgyzstan Border: Seismologists Monitoring Aftershocks and Assessing Potential Damage"

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake hits western China near Kyrgyzstan border at 2:09 a.m. Seismologists may adjust the magnitude. Aftershocks pose ongoing risks, potentially causing additional damage in the region.

https://nyti.ms/3vMJBrr

"Chinese Moviegoers Snub Hollywood: No American Films in China's Top 10 Grossing List for 2023, Tensions Lead to Industry Adjustments"

Chinese moviegoers shift away from Hollywood films, impacting box office rankings. In 2023, no American films made China's top 10 grossing list. Tensions and rising popularity of Chinese-produced films prompt Hollywood studios to adjust budgets and marketing strategies.

https://nyti.ms/3HvSs3h

"Musk Slams UN Structure: Calls India's Exclusion from Permanent UNSC Seat 'Absurd,' Urges Reform Amid Chinese Resistance"

Elon Musk criticizes India's absence as a permanent UNSC member, deeming it "absurd." He calls for UN reform, pointing out India's exclusion despite being populous. China's veto power poses resistance.

http://tinyurl.com/53p44eh6

"Alibaba Co-Founders Jack Ma and Joe Tsai Boost Confidence: Emerge as Top Shareholders Amid Stock Decline and Regulatory Hurdles"

Alibaba's co-founders, Jack Ma and Joe Tsai, show confidence in the company's future by becoming the two largest shareholders. Despite stock decline and regulatory challenges, they aggressively acquire shares, reshaping Alibaba's market value dynamics.

https://sc.mp/xglv

"China's Central Bank Bolsters Market Confidence: Cuts Reserve Requirement Ratio, Injects $140 Billion to Stabilize Amid Economic Uncertainties"

China's central bank takes action to boost market confidence, cutting the reserve requirement ratio by 50 basis points, injecting $140 billion. The move aims to stabilize markets amid fears of a stock market decline and economic uncertainties. Analysts anticipate additional supportive measures.

https://sc.mp/rx2w

News bits compiled by:

Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Drafted by:

Deepanshi Pathak (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Deepanjali Singh (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year) 

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

INR | ASIA PACIFIC: Weekly Updates

The Asia-Pacific region should be a highland for peaceful development instead of a battleground for major power rivalry, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95qD8H6mqhQ

Taiwan's Defense Ministry Causes Panic with Mistaken Missile Alert Amid Election Tensions

• Taiwan's Defense Ministry mistakenly warned of a missile launch by China instead of a satellite, causing alarm ahead of the island's elections.

• The alert, issued in English, prompted an apology and clarification from the ministry.

• Chinese state media reported a successful satellite launch, emphasizing it was not a missile.

• Taiwan's Foreign Minister assured journalists, urging responsibility to avoid conflict with China.

• President Tsai Ing-wen advised the public not to worry amid heightened tensions between Taiwan and Beijing.

https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-air-raid-alert-satellite-0657f4c4297d69d86eb1917b0b67bbe4

Hong Kongers in Taiwan Rally Behind Pro-Independence DPP in Election, Fueled by Shared Concerns Over China's Pressure

• Many Hong Kongers in Taiwan, after witnessing freedoms erode at home, are supporting the pro-independence DPP in Saturday's election.

• Taiwan's open society attracts Hong Kongers, but residency hurdles for some create frustration.

• Despite limited voting power, Hong Kongers are influencing Taiwan's political scene, even running for office.

• Shared concerns about China's pressure unite Hong Kongers and Taiwanese, regardless of party preference.

https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-taiwan-election-vote-immigrants-china-acd858e0f58c9a7d30f0ce95e95e2e09

Amid Economic Crisis, Sri Lanka Commits to US-Led Red Sea Operation, Facing Opposition Criticism Over Prioritizing Global Role

• Sri Lanka will join US-led Red Sea operation despite debt crisis and public criticism.

• Opposition leader opposes sending ships to fight Houthi rebels for financial reasons.

• Government defends move as fulfilling global responsibility and fighting terrorism.

• Joining operation incurs no extra costs as ships already patrol Indian Ocean.

• Sri Lanka in worst economic crisis, declared bankruptcy in April 2022.

• IMF bailout agreed in March, public dissatisfaction with tax hikes remains.

• Essential shortages largely abated but discontent over economic recovery efforts.

https://apnews.com/article/sri-lanka-red-sea-us-houthi-patrol-45017350a24ce5b680419d26e91f8cc9

People's Democratic Party Triumphs in Bhutan's Parliamentary Elections; King Unveils Vision for Sustainable Megacity to Tackle Economic Challenges

• Bhutan held parliamentary elections with new government to form.

• People's Democratic Party won most seats and will lead the country.

• Economy a major concern with slow growth and youth exodus.

• King announced plans for megacity with foreign investment to boost economy.

• City will have zero-carbon industries and blend with Bhutanese culture.

https://apnews.com/article/bhutan-himalayas-election-parliament-1068baf263c938fc5faa641c29886e89

Pakistan's Supreme Court Lifts Lifetime Ban, Clearing Path for Nawaz Sharif's Fourth Term Bid in Upcoming Elections

• Pakistan's Supreme Court overturned a lifetime ban on politicians with convictions from contesting elections.

• This means former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif can run for a fourth term in the February 8 elections.

• The court's decision also paves the way for other convicted politicians to run for parliament.

• Sharif's party said he will seek a fourth term after returning from self-exile in London.

• His main rival, Imran Khan, is also planning to run in the elections despite serving a prison term.

https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-lifetime-ban-convicted-politicians-7be0a6e8b95dcd05a564170582515191

Tensions Escalate as China Detains Foreign Consultant, Accusing Them of Espionage for MI6 Amidst Strained UK-China Relations

• China claims to have detained a foreign consultant for spying on behalf of Britain's MI6.

• The individual, surnamed Huang, allegedly collected state secrets for several years.

• Britain declined to comment, citing its policy on intelligence matters.

• This comes amid tensions between China and UK over investments and Hong Kong.

• In September, UK arrested two men suspected of spying for China.

https://apnews.com/article/china-britain-spying-allegations-00c40f78738ca7b13e86273c299595dc

Australia Criminalises Nazi Symbols and Salute in Effort to Combat Hate Crimes Amidst Growing Anti-Semitic Incidents

• Australia made Nazi salute and symbols illegal to fight rising hate crimes.

• New law bans displaying/selling Nazi symbols and glorifying terrorism.

• This follows recent rise in anti-Semitic incidents and pro-Nazi activities.

• Law also bans symbols of designated terrorist groups like Hamas.

• Australia's spy agency warns of rising far-right groups posing security threat

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/8/australia-outlaws-nazi-salute-and-symbols

South Korea holds live-fire drill after North's shelling near islands

• South Korea carried out a live-fire exercise in response to what it called a "provocation" after shelling by the North spurred evacuation of two frontline South Korean islands in the Yellow Sea on Friday.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/South-Korea-holds-live-fire-drill-after-North-s-shelling-near-islands

Almost all Maldives govt websites are down now

• Websites of Maldives President, Foreign ministry & Tourism Ministry are down & unreachable in a suspected cyber attack according to Maldives' media.

https://x.com/sidhant/status/1743705253269446703?s=46&t=LaYkzNLkpZjJ0O4jGK9Jdg

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wins fifth term

• Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a fifth term in office in a controversial general election on Sunday. 

• The voting took place in a tense atmosphere with the military and police heavily guarding each polling station.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240108_14/

Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa pledges $37 mil. aid for Ukraine drone detection

• Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has met her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, pledging a contribution of 37 million dollars for providing the country with a drone detection system.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240108_01/

Hamas using North Korean weapons, S.Korea's intelligence agency says

• South Korea's intelligence agency says it believes the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas is using a type of rocket-propelled grenade launcher made by North Korea.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240109_07/

Tokyo consumer prices hit four-decade high in 2023

• Consumer prices in Tokyo rose at the fastest pace in about four decades last year. Residents of the Japanese capital have been hit especially hard by soaring food costs.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240109_16/

News bits compiled by:

Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Drafted by:

Deepanshi Pathak (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Deepanjali Singh (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year) 

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)