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July
Taiwan presidential front-runner vows to speed up defence reforms
Written by Nur Yasmin
Leading Taiwan presidential candidate William Lai said on Thursday he would hasten military reforms to make the armed forces agile and capable of withstanding conflict, but stick to the objective of ensuring that war was an "unthinkable option".
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up its military threats against the island, such as staging war games in April in which it practiced blockades and precision strikes.
Taiwan's vice president and a candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lai has consistently led the majority of opinion polls ahead of the January election. President Tsai Ing-wen cannot run again after two terms in office.
Tsai is overseeing a modernisation programme, focused on "asymmetric warfare" to make the island's forces more mobile, agile and harder to attack, while developing longer-range missiles and building stealth warships and a fleet of drones.
Meeting foreign diplomats in Taipei, Lai said building up Taiwan's deterrence was key, and pointed to Tsai's policies, including greater defence spending.
"I will continue to expedite these crucial reforms, with the understanding that a strong national defence reduces risks of armed conflict he said, in comments made available by the DPP.
"We will transition to an asymmetric fighting force with greater survivable, agile and cost-effective capabilities," he added.
"My objective is clear: We must always ensure that war remains an unthinkable option for all parties involved."
Hou Yu-ih, the presidential candidate of Taiwan's main opposition party, said this week he would reverse an extension of compulsory military service set for January, adding that he would ease tension with China, making the extension unnecessary.
As premier in 2018, Lai angered China by telling parliament he was a "Taiwan independence worker" whose position was that Taiwan was a sovereign, independent country - a red line for Beijing.
He reiterated to the diplomats that he would "work tirelessly to support the peaceful cross-Strait status quo".
He added, "We must maintain a steady hand as we navigate increasingly turbulent waters." (Reuters)
July
Hong Kong slashes number of directly elected council seats
Written by Nur Yasmin
Hong Kong's legislature unanimously voted on Thursday to overhaul district-level elections by drastically reducing the number of directly elected seats, which critics said would further shrink democratic freedom in the Chinese-ruled city.
Under the amendment, only 88 seats would be directly elected by the public, down from 452 in an election that saw a landslide victory for the democracy camp in 2019.
The overall number of seats would also be reduced from 479 to 470. No date has been set for the next election.
The amendment will further stifle the remnants of democratic opposition in the former British colony, where a national security law that China imposed in 2020 has already led to the arrest of former lawmakers and district councillors and the break-up of several political parties.
Candidates who want to run in the next election will have to pass a national security background check and secure at least three nominations from several committees, effectively barring most democracy advocates from running.
"The pro-democracy camp are obviously gone in the election," Lemon Wong, the vice chairperson of Tuen Mun District Council and one of the few remaining democrats, told Reuters.
"I will try my best to enjoy the remaining six months of my career as a councillor, because it would be difficult to have a next time," Wong said.
Following months of anti-government protests in 2019, China imposed the national security law to criminalise what it considers subversion, secessionism, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with penalties of up to life imprisonment.
Critics say the law is used to stifle dissent in the city that returned to Chinese rule under a "one country, two systems" formula meant to safeguard its freedoms for 50 years.
City authorities and the Beijing government deny cracking down on dissent but say it is vital to preserve the law and order that underpins the financial hub's economic success.
Although Hong Kong's district councils (DC) are mainly focused on community issues, such street sweeping and bus stops, Beijing and Hong Kong authorities say they want to ensure only "patriots" can be elected to them.
The city leader, John Lee, hailed the amendment as an important milestone in improving governance.
"We must plug the institutional loopholes and completely exclude those anti-China and destabilising forces," he said in a statement.
"This legislative exercise implements the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' ... DCs are firmly in the hands of patriots."
China had promised universal suffrage as an ultimate goal for Hong Kong in its mini-constitution, the Basic Law.
A spokesperson for the EU said in a statement that it was calling on "the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in Hong Kong’s democratic processes, and to pursue the establishment of universal suffrage that is enshrined in the Basic Law".
Pro-democracy politicians won 388 out of 452 district council seats during the last district council election in 2019, taking almost 90% of the seats and humiliating the pro-Beijing camp. (Reuters)
July
Philippines accuses China of more 'harassment' near disputed reef
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Philippines on Wednesday accused China's coast guard of harassment, obstruction and "dangerous manoeuvres" against its vessels, after another incident near a strategic feature of the South China Sea that has become a flashpoint between them.
Philippine coast guard boats were assisting a naval operation on June 30 when they were "constantly followed, harassed, and obstructed by the significantly larger Chinese coast guard vessels", Philippine coast guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, said in a Tweet.
It took place near the Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef over which the Philippines stakes a claim to sovereignty via a handful of troops who live aboard a rusty World War Two-era American ship that was intentionally grounded in 1999.
China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment and the issue was not mentioned at a regular briefing on Wednesday by the foreign ministry in Beijing.
Tarriela said the vessels had to reduce speed to prevent a collision.
He not say what the naval operation entailed. The Philippine military conducts regular resupply missions for the troops on the U.S. ship, the Sierra Madre, including in February, when it accused China of aggression and directing a "military-grade laser" at of its vessels.
The shoal is located inside the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. Tarriela described as "alarming" what he said was the presence of Chinese navy ships in the area, adding that raised "greater concerns".
China has previously said its coast guard were conducting regular operations in what are Chinese waters.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea via a "nine-dash line" on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said that line has no basis under international law. (Reuters)
July
Taiwan presidential front-runner says he can keep peace with China
Written by Nur Yasmin
Leading Taiwan presidential candidate William Lai wrote in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that he could keep the peace with China if elected, reiterating his willingness for talks without preconditions and a pledge to boost defences.
Lai, Taiwan's vice president and the candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has consistently led the majority of opinion polls ahead of the January election. President Tsai Ing-wen cannot run again after two terms in office.
In a commentary piece, Lai said that despite the military and economic challenges from China, including China's almost daily aerial incursions near the island, his top priorities remained pragmatism and consistency.
"I will support the cross-strait status quo - which is in the best interests of both the Republic of China, as Taiwan is formally known, and the international community. I will never rule out the possibility of dialogue without preconditions, based on the principles of reciprocity and dignity," he added.
Lai said he would continue with Tsai's plan to boost Taiwan's defences, such as spending more on the military, adding that these measures reduce the risk of war by raising the stakes and costs for Beijing.
"I will seek greater cooperation with partners and allies, particularly in training, force restructuring, civil defence and information sharing," he wrote.
Lai is expected to visit the United States next month, according to diplomatic sources, as presidential candidates traditionally do, to discuss their policy agenda.
The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier.
Tsai has repeatedly offered talks with China but been rebuffed. Beijing views her as a separatist for refusing to accept the Chinese position that Taiwan and China are part of "one China". She says only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
Lai angered China in 2018 while he was premier, telling parliament he was a "Taiwan independence worker" and that his position was that Taiwan was a sovereign, independent country - a red line for Beijing.
Both Tsai and Lai say that the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name, is already an independent state, despite only 13 countries formally recognising it.
The defeated republican government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, who established the People's Republic of China. (reuters)
July
Pakistan PM hopes for bailout approval from IMF board on July 12
Written by Nur Yasmin
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that he hoped the $3 billion short-term bailout for Pakistan would be given final approval by the International Monetary Fund board when it meets on July 12.
After eight months of negotiations, both sides signed a staff-level agreement on Friday, to avert a imminent default on sovereign debt. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan will receive a first installment of $1.1 billion, but the IMF board's approval is needed before funds can be disbursed.
"The agreement will go through, God willing," Sharif said during a ceremony in Islamabad.
Sharif also thanked longtime allies China, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates for their support while his government was in negotiations with the IMF.
The allies had pledged bilateral financing or rolled over debts to help slow the drain on Pakistan's foreign currency reserves, which by the end of last month were down to just a little below $4 billion, barely enough to pay for a month of controlled imports.
Dar said on Friday that the IMF deal would unlock bilateral lending from friendly governments and other multilateral lenders, and Pakistan's reserves could rise up to $15 billion by the end of this month.
Pakistan is due to hold a general election by early October, though Sharif's coalition government only came to power in April last year, after former prime minister Imran Khan lost a confidence vote in parliament.
The government desperately needed the IMF bailout to avoid the deepening balance of payments crisis, while dealing with an economy suffering record high inflation, running at 38% annually in May.
Sharif has had to take unpopular policy decisions demanded by the IMF since February. It has already announced an increase in the petroleum levy, and it will be raising electricity prices too.
The government has also committed to raise more than 385 billion rupee ($1.34 billion) in new taxation, and in recent days the central bank raised the policy interest rate 22%. (Reuters)
July
Australia PM says Hong Kong bounty on overseas activists 'unacceptable'
Written by Nur Yasmin
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday it was "unacceptable" that Hong Kong has put bounties on two Australian residents who are among eight overseas democracy activists wanted under a national security law.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday eight overseas-based Hong Kong activists who were issued with arrest warrants for alleged national security offences would be "pursued for life".
Hong Kong police have offered rewards of HK$1 million ($127,656) for information leading to the arrest of the eight, including Melbourne lawyer and Australian citizen Kevin Yam, and former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui, who has lived in Australia since 2021.
"It's just unacceptable," Albanese said of the Hong Kong announcement in a Nine television interview. "We will continue to cooperate with China where we can, but we will disagree where we must. And we do disagree over human rights issues."
Australia's opposition leader Peter Dutton said it was "completely unacceptable that Australians should be tracked down or hunted down".
The Hong Kong activists are accused of asking foreign powers to impose sanctions on Hong Kong, and are wanted under a national security law that Beijing imposed on the former British colony in 2020.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia is concerned by the broad application of the national security law to arrest or pressure pro-democracy figures and civil society.
Chinese and Hong Kong authorities say the law has restored the stability necessary for preserving the Asian financial centre's economic success. China's foreign ministry said countries should "stop providing a safe haven for fugitives".
In a radio interview on Wednesday, Hui said Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had contacted him to offer protection. Yam confirmed to Reuters he had also been offered protection.
Australia suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in 2020, and a foreign interference law makes it illegal for foreign powers to monitor dissidents or silence community members from exercising freedom of speech.
The other dissidents facing Hong Kong bounties, living in the U.S. and Britain, have had bank accounts frozen, Hui told ABC radio.
"Some of them can be frightened, but they are assured that there is no immediate or imminent threat against them personally. But in terms of travel, in terms of bank account, in terms of financial support they are a bit worried now," he said.
Yam, who migrated to Australia as a 10 year old, said on Twitter: "I am not a fugitive. I left Hong Kong through its international airport openly in 2022. I am an Australian citizen now living in Australia." (Reuters)
July
IAEA head Grossi vouches for safety of water release at wrecked Fukushima plant
Written by Nur Yasmin
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, after surveying the site of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Wednesday and meeting with locals, vouched for the safety of Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water from the power plant into the ocean.
In a major milestone for the decommissioning of the power plant, destroyed in a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the IAEA said on Tuesday that a two-year review showed Japan's plans for the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment.
Japanese fishing unions have long opposed the plan, saying it would undo work to repair reputational damage after several countries banned some Japanese food products for fear of radiation. Japan regularly tests seafood from the Fukushima area and has found it to be safe.
Grossi said there were no pending issues, after surveying the wrecked power plant and feeding flounder raised in the treated radioactive water as proof of its harmlessness.
He also inaugurated an IAEA office on site that will monitor the release of the water, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years.
Still, the reality for people, the economy, and social perceptions may be different from the science, Grossi said, acknowledging the fears surrounding the water release.
"I don't have a magic solution for the doubts and concerns that may exist, but we do have one thing ... we are going to stay here with you for decades to come ... until the last drop of the water has been safely discharged," he said.
The Japanese government is looking to start releasing water as early as August, the Nikkei reported on Wednesday.
The plan still needs official approval from the national nuclear regulatory body, which is expected on Friday.
CRITICISM ABROAD
Some neighbouring countries have also raised concerns over the threat to the environment, with Beijing emerging as the biggest critic.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Wednesday criticised the move towards discharging the water and threatened action if the plan should move ahead.
"The relevant Chinese government departments will strengthen the monitoring of the ocean environment and inspection of marine products import, so as to ensure the health and food security of the public," he said, but declined to give specific details on what sort of action the government would take.
China bans seafood imports from 10 prefectures in Japan, including Fukushima and the capital Tokyo. Seafood imports from other prefectures are allowed but must pass radioactivity tests and have proof of being produced outside the 10 banned prefectures.
To assuage international concerns, Grossi said he will follow up his visit to Japan with a tour of South Korea and the Pacific Islands to explain the water will have no negative impact on the environment.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday his country would aim to gain acceptance both domestically and internationally with the IAEA's endorsement.
Kishida may meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to explain the water release, when attending the NATO summit meeting in Lithuania next week, the Mainichi newspaper said on Wednesday.
Japan's foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, is also preparing to meet his Chinese and South Korean counterparts mid-July on the sidelines of a South-East Asia group summit, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Japan says the water has been filtered to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, an isotope of hydrogen that is difficult to separate from water. The treated water will be diluted to well below internationally approved levels of tritium before being released into the Pacific. (Reuters)
July
Myanmar's top court hears Suu Kyi's appeals to cut jail term
Written by Nur Yasmin
Myanmar's Supreme Court heard on Wednesday the latest in a series of appeals by former leader Aung San Suu Kyi against a slew of convictions, a source familiar with the case said, as she seeks to reduce her 33 years of jail time.
The 78-year-old Nobel peace laureate has been convicted of offences ranging from incitement and election fraud to corruption since the military arrested her during a February 2021 coup against her elected government.
Representatives of Suu Kyi, who was not herself present, made arguments in court on Wednesday about her conviction for a breach of the official secrets act and electoral fraud, said a source who sought anonymity as the matter is sensitive.
The court is expected to take up to two months to deliver its ruling.
A junta spokesperson could not immediately be reached for confirmation.
The 2021 coup plunged Myanmar into political and social chaos, with the junta drawing global condemnation for its heavy-handed crackdown on opponents such as Suu Kyi.
The military says defendants are given due process by an independent judiciary, countering criticism from rights groups over the jailing of members of the pro-democracy movement in secret trials and the resumption of executions after a gap of decades.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear Suu Kyi's appeals against convictions for misuse of state funds and violations of trade and telecoms laws over the next two weeks. (Reuters)
July
Myanmar Supreme Court to hear Suu Kyi appeal this week - source
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Supreme Court in military-ruled Myanmar will hear an appeal this week by former leader Aung San Suu Kyi against two of her convictions, a source familiar with the case said on Monday, as the Nobel laureate seeks to reduce her 33 years of jail time.
The 78-year-old has been convicted of a litany of offences from incitement and election fraud to multiple counts of corruption since the military arrested her during a February 2021 coup against her elected government.
Suu Kyi's allies and Western governments have condemned her incarceration as a junta play to prevent any comeback by the popular figurehead of Myanmar's decades-long struggle for democracy.
The Supreme Court has announced it will hear appeals on Wednesday against Suu Kyi's conviction for a breach of the official secrets act and for electoral fraud. The source, who declined to be identified because of sensitivities over her cases, said a decision could take two months.
A spokesperson for the junta could not immediately be reached for confirmation.
The military insists defendants are afforded due process by an independent judiciary, countering criticism from human rights groups over the jailing of multiple members of the pro-democracy movement in secret trials, and the resumption of executions after a decades-long hiatus.
Myanmar has been locked in conflict since the military seized power on the grounds of unaddressed irregularities in a November 2020 election that Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party swept in a landslide.
The NLD denied fraud and has since been dissolved along with 39 other parties for failure to register for an election for which the generals have yet to set a date.
Activists have urged the junta not to hold the election, warning it could see an intensification of bloody violence between the military and a pro-democracy resistance movement. (Reuters)
July
Thai king inaugurates parliament as Move Forward looks to lead new government
Written by Nur Yasmin
Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn inaugurated the opening of parliament on Monday, setting the stage for an attempt by the progressive Move Forward Party to form a government after its surprise election win six weeks ago.
Move Forward won big support from youth voters and the capital Bangkok, campaigning overwhelmingly on social media on an anti-establishment platform that could complicate its effort to win enough support to form a coalition government.
It will team up in parliament with the populist heavyweight Pheu Thai Party after the two won the lion's share of seats, trouncing parties allied with a royalist military that has controlled government since a 2014 coup.
The two are part of an eight-party alliance and have played down talk of a rift over the house speaker post, which could determine the passage of flagship legislation and timing of key votes.
Late on Monday, in what is being seen as a compromise between Move Forward and Pheu Thai, the alliance nominated veteran politician Wan Muhamad Noor Matha for house speaker and gave a deputy speaker position each to the two main parties.
Wan Noor, 79, of the Prachachart Party has been closely allied with Pheu Thai in the past, and served in its administration led by billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra between 2002 and 2005.
Parliament is expected to endorse the speaker on Tuesday.
Analysts say a Move Forward-led government is still not a certainty.
The speaker is expected later this month to table a joint session of parliament to decide on a prime minister, which requires the votes of more than half of the 750 members of the bicameral legislature.
The alliance is backing Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, to become premier and Pita needs 376 votes to secure the post. He currently has 312.
He will need 64 more votes from either rival parties or members of a conservative-learning Senate that was appointed under the military and has previously locked horns with Move Forward over some of its policies.
Pita last week said he had secured enough support in the Senate. He also faces an investigation for breaching election rules, which could further complicate his bid, Kiatkwankul said.
"Worst-case, they become a formidable opposition ... No matter how it turns out, it is not the end of Move Forward and democratic forces," he added. (Reuters)