News
Ex-Xinjiang official under investigation by China’s top anti-corruption watchdog. Li Pengxin, former education chief in Xinjiang, is under investigation by China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. Previously serving as the party chief in a Qinghai prefecture, Li has been involved in purges of education officials in Xinjiang and Qinghai, regions that have experienced corruption and environmental scandals. This investigation is part of China's broader anti-corruption efforts, targeting high-ranking officials for alleged misconduct. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, December 11
India's top court upholds end of special status for Kashmir, orders polls. India's Supreme Court has affirmed a 2019 decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, setting a deadline for local elections by September 30, 2024. The region, historically at the center of disputes with neighboring Pakistan, had its status revoked and was subsequently divided into two federally administered territories. The court's unanimous decision, addressing numerous petitions against the revocation, reinforces the government's strategy and paves the way for the region's integration into India's electoral process. Arpan Chaturvedi and YP Rajesh, Reuters, December 11
Japan, ASEAN to map out "new vision" at Tokyo summit: gov't. Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to develop a "new vision" for cooperation across various sectors, as announced at a Tokyo summit. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will co-host this event, celebrating 50 years of Japan-ASEAN relations. The summit will also feature a separate meeting under the Asia Zero Emission Community initiative, aimed at promoting decarbonization in Asia. Notably, Myanmar, under military rule, is excluded from the summit, while East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao will attend as an observer. Kyodo News, December 11
Yoon, Modi exchange messages marking 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and India, President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged congratulatory messages. Yoon emphasized the advancement of their "special strategic partnership" in multiple sectors, including the supply chain, arms industry, and science, as well as their collaboration on global challenges and regional stability. Modi expressed his belief in the countries' continued cooperation for Indo-Pacific peace and stability. The two nations elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership in 2015. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, December 11
Taiwan again reports Chinese carrier group in Taiwan Strait as election looms. Taiwan observed a Chinese naval formation, led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, sailing through the Taiwan Strait, as reported by Taiwan's defence ministry. This activity, occurring approximately a month before Taiwan's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, is part of ongoing Chinese military pressure. The Shandong, commissioned in 2019, maintained its course on the Chinese side of the strait's median line, a point of contention between China, Taiwan, and the United States. Taiwan's military, while preparing for potential conflict, stated its intent to focus on self-defense and regional stability. This development underscores Taiwan's heightened vigilance against Chinese military and political maneuvers perceived as attempts to influence the upcoming elections. Reuters, Reuters, December 11
China says moves on Philippine ships in South China Sea 'professional, restrained'. China defended its Coast Guard's actions against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea as "professional" and "restrained", according to Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. The statement came after China lodged a formal protest with Manila over the incidents. The Philippines responded by summoning China's envoy and considering his expulsion following confrontations at disputed South China Sea reefs. Video evidence from the Philippine Coast Guard showed Chinese vessels using water cannons on Philippine boats, highlighting tensions in the region. Mao blamed the Philippines for the confrontations, citing their refusal to remove a grounded warship at Second Thomas Shoal. Channel NewsAsia, December 11
PH files diplomatic protest vs China. The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed a diplomatic protest against China for its Coast Guard's use of water cannons on Philippine vessels during resupply missions to Scarborough and Ayungin Shoals in the disputed South China Sea. Following these incidents, the DFA summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to Manila, indicating the possibility of expelling him due to the heightened tensions. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that Chinese ships fired water cannons at two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels, and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Filipino civilian boat. DFA Undersecretary Teresa Lazaro delivered a formal diplomatic note, with spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza suggesting the consideration of declaring Huang "persona non grata" in the Philippines. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, December 12
Việt Nam, India launch joint military exercise for UN peacekeeping operations. The Vietnamese and Indian defence ministries commenced VINBAX 2023, a joint military exercise dedicated to United Nations peacekeeping, in Hà Nội. This fourth iteration of the exercise, running from December 11-19, involves 577 personnel, including medical and engineering officers. This event, following the success of VINBAX 2022 in India, emphasizes deploying engineering and medical units for UN missions, thereby enhancing military cooperation and the comprehensive strategic partnership between Việt Nam and India. VINBAX is the sole bilateral training activity in UN peacekeeping between the Vietnamese army and an international partner. Vietnam News, December 11
Cambodia, Vietnam strengthen ties during Manet’s landmark visit. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's recent official visit to Vietnam, marked by a document signing ceremony, represents a significant step in reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two countries. The visit, which included meetings with senior Vietnamese officials and investors, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as education, trade, investment, and border affairs. According to Kin Phea of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, this visit is crucial for maintaining good relationships founded on mutual respect and benefits, especially considering the historical tensions between Cambodia and Vietnam. Vong Daravady, Phnom Penh Post, December 11
Taiwan's new US envoy arrives in Washington ahead of island's election. Taiwan's newly appointed de facto ambassador to the United States, Alexander Yui, has arrived in Washington, D.C., signifying a crucial diplomatic move just before Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections on January 13. Yui, who has previously served as Taiwan's representative to the European Union, was welcomed by American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) officials. This appointment comes at a sensitive time, as China views the leading candidates from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party as separatists, heightening tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of stability in the region while maintaining a neutral stance on the election candidates. Michael Martina, Reuters, December 11