INR | APAC : Weekly Updates

 

Australia strikes US$118 million policing deal with China-friendly Solomon Islands

• Australia is confirmed to help boost the police force of Solomons Island with an infrastructure package, multi-year funding, and training for the Pacific nation with close ties with China. 

• It represents a new foundation for Australia’s security partnership with the Solomon Islands, according to Prime Minister Antonio Albanese.

• The Solomons police announced on the same day that it had received a modest donation from China as well, a sign of the competition Australia faces from Beijing.

Read ahead:

Australia announces $118 million deal to enhance policing in the Solomon Islands

An ethnic group claims to have captured a regional army headquarters

• The latest in the long series of regional talks held in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, it has made no headway in restoring peace to the war-torn Southeast Asian nation. 

• Myanmar has been wracked by violence ever since its army overthrew the elected government in the year 2021. They violently repressed the pro-democracy protests, lasting to the arms resistance movement. 

• The military government has used harsh tactics to suppress its opponents, including air strikes, but the war has only become fiercer, especially in the past year. 

Read ahead:

An ethnic armed group in western Myanmar claims to have captured a major regional army headquarters | AP News

Pakistan Denounces US Sanctions on Its Missile Programmes

• Pakistan denounces the US sanctions on the country's missile program as “discriminatory” that puts the region's peace and security at risk.

• Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the sanctions “have dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond.”

•  It also accused the U.S. of “double standards” for waiving licensing requirements for advanced military technology to other countries.

Read ahead:

Pakistan denounces US sanctions on its missile program as ‘discriminatory’ | CNN

US arms manufacturers could help boost Vietnam's military capabilities, said US ambassador

• US manufacturers could help build up Vietnam’s armed forces by working with Vietnamese counterparts

• The US Ambassador Mark Knapper said, “Our goal is to ensure that vietnam has what it needs to defend its interests”.

• Vietnam has been trying to increase its domestic arms manufacturing instead of being dependent on Russia for weapon imports.

• Read ahead:

US ambassador to Vietnam says US arms manufacturers could help Vietnam build up its armed forces - The Economic Times

102 Rohingya refugees were rescued by the Sri Lankan navy

• A Sri Lankan navy spokesperson said that more than 100 people believed to be Rohingya refugees were spotted by a fisherman on the Sri Lankan northern coast.

• The refugees include 25 children and 30 women. Later they were escorted to the eastern coast where they were given medical care, food, and water.

• The navy has not yet confirmed if the refugees are Rohingya because of the communication difficulties but the group is believed to be from Myanmar according to the navy.

Read ahead:

Sri Lanka's navy rescues 102 Rohingya refugees found adrift aboard a fishing trawler | AP News

China criticizes Phillippine’s plan to deploy mid range missiles

• The Philippines has announced their plans to acquire midrange missile systems to strengthen its territorial defence amidst tensions with China in the South China Sea.

• China has marked this move as "extremely irresponsible," claiming it could provoke geopolitical confrontations and an arms race.

• The United States has reaffirmed their commitment to mutual defence and advocated for the typhoon as a necessary defence against China’s growing military presence.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/china-philippines-deploy-missile-system-95a5d4b923b262f400c540e1b6926b0e

Violence in Manipur leads to widespread displacement

• Ethnic violence in Manipur has led to a humanitarian crisis, causing thousands of people to be displaced from their homes due to ongoing standoff.

• The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, is causing concerns over the region's stability and human rights violations.

• The Indian government has been criticized for its slow response, with calls for immediate action to restore peace and provide assistance to the displaced populations.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/india-manipur-ethnic-violence-displacement-9153549db3852e7f34a3ef70b7bdb349

India marks tsunami anniversary with reflection on earthquake’s impact

• On the anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, India mourns the devastating loss of life, with thousands of families still in pain of their lost loved ones in Tamil Nadu.

• The scars left by the tsunami and the earthquake remain, as survivors are still facing the harsh reality of rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the tragedy.

• For many, the trauma of that day is still raw, and the anniversary serves as a painful reminder of the immense cost of human lives due to natural disasters.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/india-tsunami-anniversary-earthquake-tamil-nadu-9b0f71ec5cb2135747f349208bf5beb2

Japan’s former Emperor Akihito marks his 91st birthday

• Japan’s beloved former Emperor Akihito marked his 91st birthday on Monday, as he continues to pursue his lifetime research into goby fish, care for his wife and pray for peace.

• Akihito, who abdicated in 2019 and handed over the Chrysanthemum throne to his son, Emperor Naruhito, now holds the title of Emperor Emeritus.

Read Ahead: https://apnews.com/article/japan-akihito-emperor-empress-birthday-abdication-monarchy-58cca340fee8f2353e826620f5a8ee66

Pakistani Taliban claims responsibility for a deadly military checkpoint attack in the northwest

• The Pakistani Taliban on Saturday claimed responsibility for a deadly military checkpoint attack in the country’s northwest.

• The militant group said it killed 35 soldiers and injured 15 others in an early morning raid. It also claimed seizing equipment including a night vision device and weapons. 

• It’s Pakistan Taliban’s latest assault on troops in the restive province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan. They made the claims in one of their WhatsApp chat groups.

Read ahead: https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-taliban-checkpoint-attack-waziristan-fff19247b8a3f72b10b12554527ea039

Drafted by:

Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year) (Region Head)

Gouri Kapoor (BA IR, 1st Year)

Nripan Babu (BA IR, 1st Year)

Published by:

Varsha Das (B.A. I.R., 3rd Year)

INR | APAC: WEEKLY UPDATES

South Korean tanker capsizes off coast of Japan, Seven dead 

• A South Korean chemical tanker named Keoyoung Sun capsized off the coast of Yamaguchi prefecture in western Japan due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in seven confirmed deaths.

• The tanker was carrying 980 tonnes of acrylic acid, but no spillage was reported at the time of the incident.

• Out of the 11 crew members on board, seven were confirmed dead, two were rescued, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining two individuals.

Link - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/tanker-capsizes-off-coast-of-japan-seven-deaths-confirmed-media-reports-yamaguchi-prefecture/articleshow/108644012.cms

Chinese professor at Japan university missing after visiting homeland

• Hu Shiyun, a Chinese professor at Kobe Gakuin University in Japan, went missing after returning to China following the end of summer school courses.

• The professor's disappearance has raised concerns as he became unreachable after arriving in China.

• The incident has sparked attention both in Japan and internationally, highlighting the mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

• Hu Shiyun's case underscores the complexities and uncertainties surrounding his whereabouts, prompting efforts to locate him and ensure his safety.

Link - https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/03/19/japan/politics/chinese-professor-missing/

Australia jumps to defend Kevin Rudd after Trump issues scathing warning to its ‘nasty’ ambassador

• Former US President Donald Trump insulted Australia’s Ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, calling him “not the brightest bulb” and suggesting his tenure would be short if he was hostile towards him.

• Kevin Rudd, who has been critical of Trump in the past, was defended by the Australian government, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong praising him for his effective work as an ambassador and his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in the United States.

• Trump's remarks came during an exclusive interview with GB News' Nigel Farage where he criticized Rudd for being "nasty" and implied that he would not last long in his position if Trump were re-elected.

• Despite Trump's comments, Australia expressed its support for Rudd, indicating that they would retain him as the US ambassador if Trump won the 2024 White House race, emphasizing his excellent job performance.

Link - https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/australia-jumps-to-defend-kevin-rudd-after-trump-issues-scathing-warning-to-its-nasty-ambassador-101710924250271.html

Indonesia's Batik Air faces probe after pilots fall asleep mid-flight

• Batik Air, an Indonesian airline, is under investigation after pilots fell asleep mid-flight.

• The airline has stated that it follows an adequate rest policy and is committed to implementing safety recommendations.

• This incident occurred in Asia, specifically in Indonesia, raising concerns about aviation safety.

• The article highlights the importance of ensuring pilot alertness and adherence to safety protocols during flights

Link - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68488416

A wooden boat carrying dozens of Rohingya Muslim refugees capsizes off Indonesia’s coast

•  A wooden boat carrying dozens of Rohingya Muslims capsized off Indonesia’s northernmost coast on Wednesday, according to local fishermen who rescued six people. The survivors said more people were still on the boat.

• There were no immediate reports of casualties.

• The six, four women and two men, were moved to a temporary shelter in the Samatiga sub-district. 

• The fishermen told The Associated Press the refugees’ boat capsized about 16 miles (25 Kilometers) from the coastline of Kuala Bubon Beach in Aceh province.

Read ahead at: https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-rohingya-muslims-boat-capsizes-4b51073972482f0090893e66a1fca7d7

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong resigns amid anti-corruption campaign

• Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong resigned after a little over a year in the position, the Communist Party said Wednesday, making him the latest senior official to leave office after likely being implicated in an intense anti-corruption campaign.

• The party said it had accepted his resignation, writing in a statement that “violations by Vo Van Thuong have left a bad mark on the reputation of the Communist party.”

• Thuong is the second president to resign in two years, something analysts called a worrying sign for political stability in a country that plays a key role in the middle of the U.S.-China competition and a growing one in global manufacturing.

Read more - https://apnews.com/article/vietnam-president-vo-van-thuong-resigns-790f04b8b0507d73d385e82cd29a1360

Pakistan and IMF reach preliminary deal to release $1.1 billion from bailout fund, IMF says

• Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund reached a preliminary agreement for the release of $1.1 billion from a $3 billion bailout following days-long talks in Islamabad, the IMF said Wednesday.

• Under the deal, Pakistan will receive the final tranche from the bailout that was approved by the IMF in July to save the nation from defaulting on its debt repayments.

• An IMF statement said it “has reached a staff-level agreement with the Pakistani authorities” and noted that approval by the IMF’s executive board “is considered a formality.”

Read more - https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-imf-preliminary-deal-bailout-fund-2160022481d933190a301582eb19f12a

North Korea claims progress in developing a hypersonic missile designed to strike distant US targets

• North Korea successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for its new-type intermediate-range hypersonic missile, state media reported Wednesday, claiming a progress in efforts to develop a more powerful, agile missile designed to strike faraway U.S. targets in the region.

• A hypersonic missile is among an array of high-tech weapons systems that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un publicly vowed to introduce in 2021 to cope with what he called deepening U.S. hostility.

• Outside experts say Kim wants a modernized weapons arsenal to wrest U.S. concessions like sanctions relief when diplomacy resumes.

Read ahead - https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-solidfuel-hypersonic-af9f8c69e4ff004cd04592d2c80cda47

US and Japan seek UN resolution calling on all nations to ban nuclear weapons in outer space

• The United States and Japan are sponsoring a U.N. Security Council resolution calling on all nations not to deploy or develop nuclear weapons in space, the U.S. ambassador announced Monday

• Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a U.N. Security Council meeting that “any placement of nuclear weapons into orbit around the Earth would be unprecedented, dangerous, and unacceptable.”

• The announcement that the U.S. and Japan had circulated a resolution follows White House confirmation last month that Russia has obtained a “troubling” anti-satellite weapon capability, although such a weapon is not operational yet.

Read ahead at: https://apnews.com/article/un-nuclear-weapons-space-us-japan-russia-37daa4642da601e641500299061fd9d8

Drafted by:

Daney Antonio Martin (B.A. I.R., 1st Year) (Region Head)

Jiah Malik (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)

Published by:

Varsha Das (B.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

INR | APAC: Weekly Updates

At least 48 dead in Japan Earthquake on New Year’s Day, ‘Battle Against Time’ to Rescue Survivors.

• At least 48 people were killed after a powerful earthquake hit Japan on New Year’s Day, with rescue teams struggling on Tuesday to reach isolated areas where buildings had been toppled, roads wrecked and power cut to tens of thousands of homes.

• The quake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck in the middle of the afternoon on Monday

Read ahead at: https://sc.mp/8lqn

US Watching Taiwan Elections Closely as China Reiterates Claim to Island

• Last month, Joe Biden and Xi Jinping strolled through the lush gardens of a grand California mansion engaged in a candid, intimate conversation.

• It was their first face-to-face summit in a year and the Chinese president was blunt – Taiwan, Xi told his US counterpart, was the most important and dangerous issue in the two countries’ fractious relationship

Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/2/us-watching-taiwan-elections-closely-as-beijing-reiterates-claim-to-island

Jimmy Lai Pleads Not Guilty to National Security, Sedition Charges

• Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges in his closely-watched trial under the territory’s national security law that could see him jailed for life.

Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/2/jimmy-lai-pleads-not-guilty-to-national-security-sedition-charges

How an Impasse in the South China Sea Drove the Philippines, US Closer

• American troops are returning to the Philippines, in a move that some fear may invite conflict with China.

Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/30/how-an-impasse-in-the-south-china-sea-drove-the-philippines-us-closer

Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen says Island’s Future Must be Decided by its People

• Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has stressed that the self-ruled island’s future and its relations with Beijing must be decided by its people after China’s leader Xi Jinping said “reunification” was inevitable.

• Beijing claims Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve its goal.

Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/1/taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-says-islands-future-must-be-decided-by-its-people

Malaysia Anticorruption Body Probes Ex-Finance Minister for Abuse of Power

• Malaysia’s anticorruption agency has said it was investigating Daim Zainuddin, a former finance minister and key ally of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, under the country’s abuse of power and money laundering laws.

Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/30/malaysia-anticorruption-body-probes-ex-finance-minister-for-abuse-of-power

China Appoints Former Navy Chief Dong Jun as New Defence Minister

• China has named former navy chief Dong Jun as defense minister, taking over from Li Shangfu, whose removal reasons are undisclosed. 

• Dong, 62, steps into a symbolic role amid US-China tensions, focusing on engaging the US military to ease conflicts in Taiwan and the South China Sea.

• Speculation swirls around Li's and other officials' removals, possibly tied to corruption. 

• The recent Rocket Force leadership overhaul comes amid reports of a corruption probe involving its former chief.

Read ahead at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/29/china-appoints-former-navy-chief-dong-jun-as-new-defence-minister

Thailand, China to Waive Visas for Each Other's Citizens from March

• Thailand and China will permanently waive visa requirements for citizens starting March, enhancing bilateral relations. 

• Thailand, heavily reliant on tourism, previously waived entry rules for Chinese tourists until February 2024. 

• In 2023, the country welcomed 28 million foreign tourists, exceeding its target, with China as the second-largest source market. 

Read ahead at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-china-permanently-waive-visas-each-others-citizens-march-thai-pm-2024-01-02/

Opposition Leader Abdul Moyeen Khan Reveals Harrowing Ordeal in Hiding Amidst Government Crackdown as Bangladesh Nears General Elections.

• As Bangladesh braces for general elections, Abdul Moyeen Khan, an opposition leader, shares his ordeal of hiding from a government crackdown.

• His Bangladesh Nationalist Party boycotted the vote, citing nearly 25,000 arrests after anti-government protests.

• Allegations of oppression and electoral interference abound, though the ruling Awami League dismisses them. The political landscape is marked by tension and concerns over democratic processes.

Read ahead at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bangladesh-opposition-run-despite-not-contesting-vote-2024-01-02/

UN's World Food Programme Raises Monthly Food Allowance for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh to $10, Striving to Alleviate Malnutrition Amid Funding Challenges.

• In a positive move, the United Nations, via the World Food Programme, is boosting the monthly food allowance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh by $2, bringing it to $10 per person starting January 1.

• This decision aims to address a funding shortage and tackle increasing malnutrition rates among the refugees in Cox's Bazar.

• However, the WFP still needs $61 million to meet the goal of providing a $12.5 monthly ration, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in supporting this vulnerable community.

Read ahead at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-boost-food-ration-rohingya-refugees-bangladesh-2024-01-02/

Japanese UN Representative Rejects Russian Blame Shifting on Ukraine, Emphasizes Accountability and Global Order Commitment

• Mr. Nagano, representing Japan at the UN, dismisses Russia's effort to deflect blame for the Ukrainian crisis.

• He underscores Russia's clear aggression and calls on them to rectify violations, expressing a strong commitment to maintaining the international order and supporting Ukraine.

Read ahead at: https://www.un.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/nagano122723.html

Concerns Rise Over Alleged China-Houthi Collaboration in Red Sea Attacks.

• Chinese military professor implies collaboration between Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and China.

• Retired Army Col. John Mills rejects coincidence, stating Houthi actions intentionally serve as a proxy for China.

• Mills emphasises the urgency for heightened awareness and a robust response.

Read ahead at: https://www.ntd.com/iran-backed-houthi-attackers-acting-as-a-proxy-of-china-says-analyst_963789.html