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International News (6893)
November
Singapore, Malaysia to open land border for vaccinated travelers
Written by Nur Yasmin
Singapore and Malaysia will next week launch a quarantine-free travel lane at their land border crossing, one of the world's busiest, for people vaccinated against COVID-19, the two countries said on Wednesday.
The plan, effective Nov. 29, expands an already announced move to start a travel lane for flights between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport from next week.
The land travel lane in the first phase will apply to citizens, permanent residents or long-term pass holders of the country they are entering, to allow people to visit families on the other side of the border, the office of Singapore's prime minister said in a statement.
The lane will be progressively expanded.
Malaysia announced the creation of the land border travel lane separately on Wednesday.
Singapore, with a population of 5.45 million, relies heavily on Malaysians living in the southern state of Johor to staff businesses ranging from restaurants to semiconductor manufacturing.
Many Malaysians used to commute daily from across the border prior to the pandemic. (Reuters)
November
U.S. envoy on Afghanistan to return to Doha to meet Taliban -State Department
Written by Nur Yasmin
The U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan will visit Doha next week for two weeks of meetings with leaders of the Taliban, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Tuesday.
"They’ll discuss ... our vital national interests when it comes to Afghanistan," said Price. "That includes counterterrorism, that includes safe passage for U.S. citizens and for Afghans to whom we have a special commitment and that includes humanitarian assistance and the economic situation of the country.”
The U.S. envoy, Tom West, earlier this month attended a meeting of the so-called extended Troika, comprising Pakistan, China, Russia and the United States to discuss Afghanistan. The group had also met with senior Taliban representatives.
West was also part of the U.S. delegation in meetings with Taliban officials in Doha in October, the first such talks between Washington and the Taliban after United States' chaotic end to its two decade-long war in Afghanistan on Aug. 31.
An abrupt withdrawal of most foreign development support after the Taliban seized power on Aug. 15 from Afghanistan's Western-backed government has sent the economy into freefall. There is a shortage of hard cash and Taliban leaders are under Western sanctions.
With winter approaching, deeply impoverished Afghanistan has emerged from all-out war into a humanitarian crisis. Millions face growing hunger amid soaring food prices and a drought. (Reuters)
November
U.S. invites Taiwan to its democracy summit; China angered
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Biden administration has invited Taiwan to its "Summit for Democracy" next month, according to a list of participants published on Tuesday, a move that infuriated China, which views the democratically governed island as its territory.
The first-of-its-kind gathering is a test of President Joe Biden's assertion, announced in his first foreign policy address in office in February, that he would return the United States to global leadership to face down authoritarian forces led by China and Russia.
There are 110 participants on the State Department's invitation list for the virtual event on Dec. 9 and 10, which aims to help stop democratic backsliding and the erosion of rights and freedoms worldwide. The list does not include China or Russia. read more
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the government would be represented by Digital Minister Audrey Tang and Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's de facto ambassador in Washington.
"Our country's invitation to participate in the 'Summit for Democracy' is an affirmation of Taiwan's efforts to promote the values of democracy and human rights over the years," the ministry added.
China's Foreign Ministry said it was "firmly opposed" to the invite.
"U.S. actions only go to show democracy is just a cover and a tool for it to advance its geopolitical objectives, oppress other countries, divide the world and serve its own interests," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing.
The invite for Taiwan comes as China has stepped up pressure on countries to downgrade or sever relations with the island, which is considered by Beijing to have no right to the trappings of a state. read more
Self-governed Taiwan says Beijing has no right to speak for it.
Sharp differences over Taiwan persisted during a virtual meeting earlier this month between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While Biden reiterated long-standing U.S. support for the "One China" policy under which it officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, he also said he "strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the White House said.
Xi said that those in Taiwan who seek independence, and their supporters in the United States, were "playing with fire", according to state news agency Xinhua.
Rights groups question if Biden's Summit for Democracy can push those world leaders who are invited, some accused of harboring authoritarian tendencies, to take meaningful action.
The State Department list shows the event will bring together mature democracies such as France and Sweden but also countries such as the Philippines, India and Poland, where activists say democracy is under threat.
In Asia, some U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea were invited, while others like Thailand and Vietnam were not. Other notable absentees were U.S. allies Egypt and NATO member Turkey. Representation from the Middle East will be slim, with Israel and Iraq the only two countries invited. (reuters)
November
Stabbing sparks debate in S.Korea over passive policing and female officers
Written by Nur Yasmin
A policewoman's failure to intervene in a stabbing incident has re-ignited a debate over passive policing in South Korea, with some leading conservatives saying the campaign to increase the number of female officers in the force has gone too far.
Stepping into storm caused by last week's incident in the city of Incheon, lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party called on the national police chief on Tuesday to express their misgivings.
"The Police Act stipulates that the top priority is to protect people's lives and health, as well as to prevent and suppress crimes, but the Incheon incident was a complete retreat (by the officer)," lawmaker Oh Yeong-hwan said, according to Yonhap news agency.
On Monday, President Moon Jae-in said it was not a gender issue, but rather a matter of duty for the police to serve and protect the public.
According to reports, police had been responding to a complaint over a noisy neighbour. The man accused of being too noisy then stabbed a woman, who had complained about him, in the neck as she spoke to the female officer.
Rather than seeking to subdue the man, the policewoman, who was armed with at least a Taser, ran downstairs to seek help from her male partner, according to the reports.
The partner then used his Taser to subdue and arrest the man. Police would not confirm if either officer had a gun. The victim of the attack has remained in hospital after receiving emergency surgery, media reports said.
A petition launched by the victim's family calling for punishment of the police gathered more than 230,000 signatures in three days, passing a threshold needed to trigger a government response.
Such controversies have plagued South Korea's police for years. In 2018, officers armed with guns and batons were filmed standing by as seven people assaulted a man who eventually lost the sight in one eye from his injuries.
While excessive use of force by police can be a problem in some countries, like the United States, police in South Korea have been criticised for taking a passive approach despite manuals that empower them to use force if necessary, said Lee Yung-hyeock, a professor of police science at Konkuk University.
"There is a clear lack of field training," he said, adding that the potential for criminal liability is also deterrent for officers using force, like Tasers.
National Police Commissioner General Kim Chang-yong apologised for the incident on Sunday and removed the head of the regional police station. An internal investigation has been ordered into the conduct of the two officers.
Lee Jun-seok, the head the conservative People Power Party, seized on the case on Monday, saying gender equality measures may be weakening the force.
Hiring practices adopted to boost the number of female recruits should be ended to help ensure that police officers are hired only on merit, said Lee, who has loudly criticised feminism and equality programs, saying they had gone too far.
South Korea aims to raise the number of policewomen to 15% of the 130,000-strong force in 2022, up from 13.4% as of December 2020.
The police announced plans in June to upgrade assessment for physical fitness when hiring policewomen and match the standards for men after criticism of double standards. (Reuters)
November
Taiwan says it will respect Honduras vote outcome, warns again on China
Written by Nur Yasmin
Taiwan will respect the outcome of the Honduras election but the country should be aware of getting sucked in by China's "false" promises, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday ahead of a vote which could see Taipei lose a steadfast ally to Beijing.
Honduras is one of only 15 countries that still maintain formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan. The two have a relationship dating back to 1941, before the Republic of China government fled to Taiwan after losing the Chinese civil war.
But poll leader Xiomara Castro, of the leftist opposition Libre Party, says she plans to open relations with China if elected, giving Beijing another foothold in what is traditionally the U.S. back yard.
Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou told reporters that based on democratic principles they would respect the outcome of the election, but would also strengthen communication with all sides in Honduras including the opposition.
"We will continue to explain, and let them know, that only Taiwan is a partner worthy of trust for Honduras. At the same time we will remind Honduras to pay attention to China's flashy and false promises."
Outgoing Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez visited Taiwan earlier this month and met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, saying he hoped his country would continue its friendship with Taiwan.
China has been gradually whittling away at Taiwan's remaining allies, especially in its former stronghold of Central America, where Taiwan now only has official relations with Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Belize.
China's efforts have alarmed and angered Washington, which is concerned about Beijing's growing international influence.
Pacific island nations Kiribati and the Solomon Islands were the last countries to cut ties with Taipei in September 2019.
China views democratically ruled Taiwan as one of its provinces with no right to the trappings of a state.
Taiwan says it is an independent country called the Republic of China, its official name, and that Beijing has no right to speak for it. (Reuters)
November
Myanmar opposition raises $6.3 mln on launch of 'revolution' bonds
Written by Nur Yasmin
A shadow government in Myanmar said it has raised $6.3 million on the opening day of its inaugural bonds sale, in its biggest move yet to generate funds for its "revolution" to topple the ruling military junta.
Myanmar has been in bloody turmoil since the military's Feb. 1 coup and movements that have sprang up to challenge the junta have been mainly supported by public donations.
The National Unity Government (NUG), an alliance of pro-democracy groups, ethnic minority armies and remnants of the ousted civilian government, said bonds went on sale on Monday to mainly Myanmar nationals overseas in denominations of $100, $500, $1,000 and $5,000, with two-year tenures.
Even though the bonds will generate no interest income for buyers, $3 million worth were sold in the first three hours, the NUG said, increasing to $6.3 million by the end of the day. Its overall target is $1 billion.
"From this, I witness the enthusiasm of people in the case of uprooting the fascist military," NUG spokesman, Dr. Sasa, said on Facebook.
The junta has outlawed the NUG and designated it a "terrorist" movement.
The NUG has not disclosed how the funds would be used.
A spokesperson for the junta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Opposition groups have been trying to stifle the military's efforts to consolidate power by encouraging people not to pay taxes and to join protests, a civil disobedience campaign and boycotts of army-linked businesses and a national lottery.
Buyers of the bonds made payments via international transfers to an account in the Czech Republic, the NUG said.
A 27-year-old Myanmar citizen, who asked not to be named for security reasons, said she invested $500 in the bonds.
"We do not expect to get money back after two years. We are buying it because we want to contribute to the revolution," she said. (Reuters)
November
Post-AUKUS, France turns to Indonesia, eyes Rafale jet sale
Written by Nur Yasmin
France will try to cement deeper ties in the Indo-Pacific region when its foreign minister arrives in Indonesia on Tuesday as it counters the loss of a strategic defence deal with Australia in September.
Paris accused its allies of stabbing it in the back when Australia opted for nuclear-powered submarines to be built with U.S. and British technology instead of a multi-billion dollar French submarine programme.
Canberra pressed ahead with a trilateral alliance (AUKUS) excluding France, which it said was crucial to tackle the perceived Chinese threat in the region.
France's partnership with Australia dating back to 2016 was considered the cornerstone of its Indo-Pacific policy and since losing that deal, Paris has been on the offensive to strengthen its ties in the region with high-level meetings ranging from Japan to India and Vietnam.
"This trip is about reaffirming France's commitment to the Indo-Pacific ... and to intensify the relationship with Indonesia," a French diplomatic source told reporters in a briefing ahead of Jean-Yves Le Drian's two-day visit.
Key to developing that relationship will be closer military cooperation. Indonesia wants to boost its defence capabilities, including with the possible purchase of submarines, warplanes and warships, amid ongoing tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea.
France has been negotiating with Jakarta for several months the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets. It signed a letter of intent in June, although officials do not expect a deal to be agreed before the end of the year due to financing issues.
"The French are doubling down on other Indo-Pacific relations, including Indonesia, in a sense to compensate for losing the Australians," an Indo-Pacific diplomat said.
Highlighting just how angry Paris is with Canberra, a two-minute video announcing Le Drian's trip to Indonesia outlined its Indo-Pacific strategy naming numerous regional countries with the exemption of Australia. (Reuters)
November
Taiwan talks chips, Chinese 'coercion' in U.S. meeting
Written by Nur Yasmin
Taiwan and the United States discussed chip shortages and how to respond to China's economic "coercion" during the second session of an economic dialogue launched last year, Taiwan Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said on Tuesday.
The talks came a week after a virtual meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. After that meeting, Xi warned that supporters in the United States of Taiwanese independence were "playing with fire". read more
China claims fiercely democratic Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure eventual unification.
Speaking to reporters in Taipei after five hours of online talks, led on the U.S. side by Under Secretary of State for economic growth, energy and the environment, Jose Fernandez, Wang said they discussed supply chain collaboration, including on semiconductors.
"The semiconductor portion included the present short-term supply chain bottleneck problem. Even more important is the future long-term collaboration," she added.
Chip powerhouse Taiwan has said it is doing all it can resolve the global shortage of semiconductors, and has been especially keen to show the United States, its most important international backer, that it takes the problem seriously.
How to respond to China's economic "coercion" also came up, Wang said, focused on Lithuania which has faced pressure from Beijing for allowing Taiwan to open a de facto embassy in its capital Vilnius.
"We all share the belief that all countries, all economies, should not be subject to this kind of external coercion," she added.
China downgraded ties with Lithuania on Sunday over the spat.
Taiwan hopes the dialogue may lead eventually to a free-trade agreement with the United States and hailed last year's inaugural meeting as a step forward.
It was part of increased U.S. engagement with Taipei under former President Donald Trump that the Biden administration has continued, to the anger of Beijing.
The two sides held long-delayed talks on a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement virtually in July, and Taiwan said it hoped it would be possible to sign an FTA one day. (Reuters)
November
Anger among Philippine victims' families as ICC suspends war on drugs probe
Written by Nur Yasmin
Relatives of people killed in the Philippines' war on drugs have accused the government of attempting to evade accountability by asking the International Criminal Court (ICC) to defer its investigation.
The ICC, which in September approved an investigation into President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs in which thousands of people have died, on Saturday temporarily suspended the probe at Manila's request.
"I am gripped by anger. I almost threw my cellphone when I read the news," said Normita Lopez, 57, whose son died in the anti-drugs campaign, her voice cracking with emotion.
"They are obviously scared of being investigated" she said.
The government, which previously refused to cooperate with the ICC, told the court on Nov. 10, that its legal system was more than capable of addressing suspected rights abuses.
"The Court may only exercise jurisdiction where national legal systems fail to do so, which is certainly not the case in the Philippines," its letter to the ICC said.
Governments can ask the ICC to defer a case if they are implementing their own investigations. A few weeks after ICC judges approved its probe, the Philippines said it had reviewed 50 cases that indicated foul play.
Still, Kristina Conti, who represents Lopez and other relatives of victims, expects the ICC to resume its probe.
"Our bet is that the ICC will determine the investigation is not genuine," Conti told Reuters.
Philippine Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he had encouraged the victims' families to file complaints directly with the ministry and make use of a witness protection programme.
The release of details of the 50 drug war deaths marked a rare admission by the state that abuses may have taken place.
"Why is the government only doing this now? Is it because they were rattled by the ICC?," asked Llore Pasco, 67, whose two sons were killed in the crackdown. "They should have started investigating soon as the killings began in 2016."
Since Duterte unleashed his drugs war, security forces say more than 6,000 suspected drug dealers have been killed because they fought back violently. Rights groups say authorities summarily executed them.
Among those killed was high-school student Kian delos Santos, whose death in 2017 led to the first convictions of police officers in the drug war, and featured in a report by a former ICC prosecutor.
"The families look at the ICC as a source of hope," said delos Santos' uncle, Randy. (Reuters)
November
Australian government playing dangerous game over Taiwan - opposition
Written by Nur Yasmin
The government of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is deploying a "dangerous election tactic" with its comments about joining the United States in any war over Taiwan, the opposition party's foreign affairs spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Australia's Minister for Defence Peter Dutton earlier this month said it was "inconceivable" that Canberra would not join the United States in military action should China attack Taiwan, the democratically ruled island Beijing views as a wayward province. read more
Penny Wong, the foreign affairs spokesperson for the opposition Labor party, said Dutton's comments were part of the government's strategy for an election that must happen before May 2022.
"Amping up the prospect of war against a superpower is the most dangerous election tactic in Australian history – a tactic employed by irresponsible politicians who are desperate to hang on to power at any cost," Wong said in a speech to the Australian National University on Tuesday.
Wong said Morrison's government has in recent weeks sought to portray Labor as pro-China.
Relations with China, already rocky after Australia banned Huawei from its nascent 5G broadband networking in 2018, cooled further after Canberra in 2020 called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, first reported in central China in 2019.
China responded by imposing tariffs on Australian commodities, including wine and barley and limited imports of Australian beef, coal and grapes, moves described by the United States as "economic coercion".
Wong said Taiwan is the greatest risk to stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and any conflict there would be "catastrophic for humanity". (Reuters)