SlashAsia

AIDS campaign in Laos to promote awareness about transgender group

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:13:35 +0000

A new government campaign in Laos is targeting HIV/Aids high risk group of transgender males called Katheoys. According to a report by the BBC, a government survey last year showed 5.6% of men have sex with other men, a number which is considered high in Laos. The katheoy culture is vibrant but stigmas attached make it hard for the group to find employment.

Laos tackles transgender taboos, BBC News

China tightens Internet security, Google takes a hit

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:07:47 +0000

Under the guise of cleaning the Internet, the government suspended Google’s Chinese portal for linking to pornographic sites, and implemented regulation requiring computers sold after July 1 contain Green Dam Internet filter software. Xinhua reports an “army of tens of thousands of volunteers” will be registered officially and tasked with the responsibility of reporting questionable content and “uncivilized behavior”. Several conspiracy stories are afoot as to the severity of Google’s punishment, questioning ties between Baidu, Google’s biggest China competitor, and state run media CCTV, which lambasted Google in three different news programs this week. Baidu has reportedly invested large sums into CCTV ads.

China filters Google in war on “uncivilized behaviour”, Bloomberg

Who profits from Google’s misfortunes?, ChinaStakes

Beijing to recruit tens of thousands of “Internet surveillance volunteers”, Xinhua News

Analysis of the Green Dam Censorware system, University of Michigan

Japan to sign on to International Renewable Energy Agency

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:06:04 +0000

The Japanese government has announced its intentions to follow the US lead and become a member of the new intergovernmental agency IRENA. The body, set up earlier this year to facilitate research and promotion of renewable energy, has 100 states on its board to date. Other regional signatory states include the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia and now Japan. The first IRENA meeting will convene next week in Egypt. Japan’s Yomuiri has reported the Foreign Minister saying the body could be key to promoting renewable energy around the globe.

Japan to join international renewable energy body, The Daily Yomuiri

Cambodia becomes 94th member of International Renewable Energy Agency, Xinhua News

West shuns Myanmar while Asian countries compete for trade deals

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 04:04:34 +0000

Western calls for human rights in Myanmar fall on deaf ears while Asian money talks. As Western countries continue to impose trade sanctions on Myanmar and press for the release of Nobel prize winning Aung Sun Suu Kyi, Asian countries have jumped in to trade with the military junta. According to the Wall Street Journal, over the last five years trade with China has more than doubled, and other Asian countries including India, Thailand and Singapore are in competition for Myanmar’s resources. Business is good and the profits are high, as South Korean company Daewoo recently testified to when it forecast a US $10 billion profit over 25 years with a proposed 1100 km natural gas pipeline to be built from Myanmar to southwest China, reports The Irrawaddy. The main buyers of this gas will be state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation. Other countries in the bid included South Korea, India, Thailand and Japan. China continues to press for closer economic ties with the military junta, echoed in Chinese media last week during Burmese Vice Senior General Maung Aye’s visit to China and talks with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping.

Myanmar second top leader Maung Aye leaves on official visit to China, Xinhua News

Skirting Western sanctions, Myanmar prospers, The Wall Street Journal

Weekly business roundup, The Irrawaddy

North Korean ship suspected of carrying missiles defies UN ban

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:50:18 +0000

The US Navy is monitoring a North Korean shipping vessel suspected of carrying missile parts towards Myanmar, heightening tension days after the UN imposed financial sanctions on the Stalinist state. A UN resolution adopted last week bans the shipment of North Korean arms, nuclear material or missiles. The Kang Nam vessel left North Korea on Wednesday and is said to be heading to Myanmar via Singapore. The US is preparing for a potential confrontation and analysts say how events proceed will be very important. Pyongyang has threatened a military strike if any country tries to impose a naval blockade. US authorities cannot forcibly search the Kang Nam, a move North Korea has said it will interpret as an act of war. North Korean state media, KCNA said last week, “the DPRK will deal merciless and just retaliatory blows at the provocateurs and wipe them out to the last man to achieve the historic cause of national reunification”. The only power the US Navy has under UN sanctions is to ask the North Korean vessel to anchor at a nearby port for local inspection.

Q+A What might happen with momtored North Korean ship?, Reuters

Ship carrying arms?, The Straits Times

US Navy prepares to intercept North Korean ship, The Guardian

Lee Myung Bak group accused of its moves to implement UN “Resolutio on Sanctions” against DPRK

China tells Vietnam it has ‘indisputable’ sovereignty over South China seas

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:26:20 +0000

Over the last few weeks Hanoi has voiced its concern about increased Chinese naval patrols in the South China Sea, and extension of a fishing ban which Vietnam argues is a violation of its territorial rights. According to the Vietnamese foreign ministry Vietnamese fishermen have been fined and arrested in large numbers by Chinese patrols lurking in Vietnamese waters. China has enforced annual fishing moratoriums in the South China Sea since 1999, but this year’s tougher measures are being met with opposition and the conflict has sparked new tension over territory which is already contested. In an official response to a complaint made by the Vietnamese government on June 4, Chinese spokesman for the ministry of foreign affairs claimed that China has ‘indisputable’ sovereignty of the South China Seas.

FM: South China Sea fishing ban ‘indisputable’, Xinhua News Agency

Vietnam asks China not to obstruct fishermens’ normal fishing, VietNamNet

Vietnam protests Chinese fishing ban, UPI

Hanoi protests fishing ban, BBC News

Hong Kong to vaccinate 2.5 million people for H1N1

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:23:51 +0000

The Hong Kong government has announced plans to spend US $ 90 million on H1N1 flu vaccines, available by October this year, to vaccinate 2.5 million people for free. The aim is to cover all private and public health care workers, young children, seniors and patients with high risk of contracting disease.

Hong Kong to give free H1N1 shots to 2.5 million people, AHN

IIF in Beijing, discusses new global financial order

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:20:11 +0000

All eyes were one China at an international finance association this week in Beijing. The International Institute of Finance held its Spring meeting in the capital where global financial powers gathered to discuss how to reshape the global financial system and define what a new one would look like. Lui Mingkang, China Banking Regulatory Commission Chairman, highlighted the key to China’s development will be the “scientific development” of capital markets. In response to several members’ comments that the financial system has simply detoured at the moment but will return to the old financial blueprint, Lui was blunt: the response to the crisis is not enough, a new road map has to be drawn up. The IIF predicted a more optimistic 7.5 percent GDP growth for China this year, as compared with the World Bank forecast of 6.5 percent.

China’s GDP will grow 7.5 % this year, finance association forecasts, The Wall Street Journal

China a new architect for global finance?, Beijing Briefs

China refuses binding caps but pledges higher solar, wind power targets

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:16:21 +0000

Chinese leaders this week highlighted praise for green policies from visiting US climate change envoy Todd Stern while upping the ante on solar and wind power by pledging to reach the European target for 2020 in solar and wind power. Following Stern’s four-day visit during which the two countries discussed cuts on greenhouse gas emissions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced it would be impossible for China as a developing country to accept any “binding or compulsory target”. The government has pledged, however, to ensure constructive negotiations in December climate policy talks in Copenhagen. Earlier in the week Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice-chairman of China’s national development and reform commission, told The Guardian that Beijing would be capable of surpassing previous targets for wind and solar power, hitting a 20 percent renewable target. The Chinese government has also promised to allocate US $30 billion for low carbon energy projects.

China launches green power revolution to catch up with the west, The Guardian

US envoy speaks highly of China’s measures to contain green house gases, Xinhua News Agency

China says no to greenhouse gas cuts, Agence France-Presse

NKorea increasingly belligerant, UN members increasingly intolerant

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:03:56 +0000

As North Korea continues to spew provocative threats, members of the UN security council and regional allies are responding with increasingly less tolerance. China’s policy towards North Korea, once favorable, is turning tough as some analysts like Peking University’s Zhu Feng point out that China always believed that the Stalinist state would give up nuclear weapons in exchange for economic and security interests. The US has also taken a stronger stance, with President Obama announcing on the weekend that the administration would take a “very hard look” at how to proceed with North Korea, calling its actions “extraordinarily provocative.” South Korean president Lee Myung-bak has also declared South Korea will not back down. Meanwhile, North Korea is holding two American journalists hostage, for allegedly illegally entering the country, and will use them as bargaining chips. The only glimmer of hope currently is a two Korea discussion next week, to take place in an industrial park they jointly own.

A changing Chinese tune on North Korea?, Pomfret’s China blog

Obama is taking a “hard look” at how to handle North Korea, The Wall Street Journal

S. Korea says no compromise against North’s threats, Reuters

Obama says North Korea has been ‘extraordinarily provocative’, Bloomberg

Central bank head says the Philippines may avoid recession

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:59:23 +0000

The head of the Philippines central bank has announced the economy will not go into recession, unlike neighboring countries Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The central bank has slashed rates a total of 175 basis points since last December in an attempt to boost the economy, and analysts now say inflation is finally slowing down, despite the economy having contracted at its fastest pace in 20 years. The country’s inflation rate is now at an 18- month low of 3.3 percent. The bank will likely execute one final rate cut.

Philippine inflation at 18-month low in May, Business Week

Philippine c.bank signals rate cut, could be last, Forbes

Philippines spared recession, The Straits Times

China, Japan hold bilateral talks

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:57:04 +0000

The world’s number two and three economies Japan and China met Sunday in a rare show of bilateral cooperation to boost global economic lag. The two rivaling countries agreed to cooperate in 11 areas including agriculture, environment, technology, aid and energy saving policies. China and Japan will jointly launch aid assistance programs to developing countries, and both countries pledged to curb Intellectual Property violations. They will also seek a US leadership role in global trade liberalization talks. This could take place as soon as next month, when the three countries plan to hold the first trilateral policy dialogue on the Asia situation, as well as larger global issues.

Japan, China vow to promote world economic recovery, Kyodo News

China, Japan seek closer cooperation on various economic, trade issues, Xinhua

US, Japan, China trilateral powwow, The Japan Times

China to cut gas mileage 18% by 2015

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:50:59 +0000

China has drafted rules for tighter control of gas mileage to improve fuel economy 18 percent, or 42.2 miles per gallon by 2015. The regulations, which are stricter than US president Obama’s recently announced standard of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, will likely come into effect early next year. China’s average fuel economy is already higher, at 35.8 miles per gallon, because small cars are more common, with only a one percent sales tax to sport utility cars’ 40 percent. The concerns about China’s fuel economy go beyond basic environment ones, ranging from the geopolitical and strategic realities of oil imports dependence, to increasing the competitiveness of car imports. These regulations are set to benefit Chinese car makers most.

China to impose stricter gas mileage rules than the US, EcoGeek

China is said to plan strict mileage rules, The New York Times

China tightening its fuel standards, The Business Insider

South Korean protestors blame President Lee for Roh’s suicide

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:03:29 +0000

The suicide of former president Roh Moo-hyun last week has spurred growing unrest and criticism of the current Lee administration. A rally and vigil held for Roh late Saturday was met with close to 20,000 police ready to round up those protesting against president Lee Myung-bak. Protesters are angry at the Lee administration for harassing Roh in a messy corruption scandal. Some see the corruption investigation against Roh as politically motivated, and analysts have been predicting his death might garner support for his more liberal policies, fundamentally opposite to Lee’s conservative ones.

Police break up anti-govt rally, Straits Times

Asia day ahead: Roh suicide raises stakes for South Korea’s Lee, Bloomberg

Roh’s death leaves South Korea tense, The Wall Street Journal

US and regional powers discuss how to deal with North Korea

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:50:10 +0000

Days after North Korea detonated an underground nuclear device and launched a series of short-range missiles, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates met with his counterparts from Japan, South Korea and China to discuss how to collectively deal with the increasingly belligerent Stalinist state. Washington has declared it will hold North Korea “fully accountable” if it pursues nuclear proliferation, and has urged a continuation of six-party talks, but has indicated it will respond quickly to any security threat to allies. Both Japan and South Korea have criticized North Korea; each country has a Cold War-era defense treaty with the US. Even China, North Korea’s old ally has condemned the recent nuclear tests. But China has taken a more nuanced stance because its ultimate goal is ensuring the regime doesn’t collapse. Beijing fears millions of refugees fleeing the border, amongst other concerns. China supplies 90 percent of the country’s energy and 40 percent of its food. That Russia and China are beginning to engage in current discussions reveals that they are “getting serious with peace in Korea Peninsula, and their patience is running thin”, according to an article in Chinese state-run People’s Daily. Unfortunate for all involved in negotiations, the “Cold War still persists” in the region in the eyes of the North Koreans, and the regime maintains “self-confidence and grit that it is a politically and militarily strong country”, according to North Korean state news agency KCNA.

DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman clarifies its stand on UNSC’s increasing threat , KCNA

China committal to Northeast Asia peace, People’s Daily Online

Gates signals tougher approach to NKorea, Financial Times

North Korea’s nuclear test puts China in a tough sport, The Guardian

Why China won’t do more with North Korea, Pomfret’s China - Post Global

Chinese government issues green measures for overseas investment

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Two government bodies have drafted a list of mandatory environmental measures for Chinese outbound investment, state media reported last week. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Commerce have outlined a set of requirements that Chinese firms will have to observe, along with international environmental treaties. This comes as the amount of Chinese investment abroad has seen a steep increase; last year overseas investment reached US $40.7 billion. According to state-run China Daily, corporations are expected to uphold Chinese environmental standards in countries where rules are lax.

Green rules eye Chinese firms abroad, China Daily

Investors look to Indonesia as slowdown bottoms out

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:32:26 +0000

With inflation decreasing and a key interest rate cut expected next week, Asia’s strongest economic performer next to China and India may be a new hot spot for foreign investment, according to the Financial Times. This coming week the central bank is expected to cut the interest rate 25 basis points to seven percent and Indonesian GDP growth, less dependent on exports, is doing well next to neighboring countries like Singapore and Malaysia . Upcoming elections look set to keep President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the leader’s spot, which is seen as a good thing by investors, because of his success with implementing stable economic reform. Some analysts speculate Indonesia’s economic slowdown may be bottoming out, and suggest high returns on investments in mineral and coal sectors.

Indonesia a hot spot for investors, Financial Times

Indonesia’s central bank sees scope for rate cuts, Alibaba News Channel

Guest Post: Indonesia - a must own emerging market, Forex Hound

China-Taiwan cautious detente?

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:21:17 +0000

The 15-member Taiwan delegation arrived in Geneva for the World Health Assembly over the weekend, the first time the island has participated in 38 years. This comes just a week after 100,000 Taiwanese protested President Ma Ying-jeou’s China friendly policies. Since the start of his presidency a year ago Ma has made it his priority to ease cross-strait trade relations, encouraging mainland tourism on the island and easing trade barriers for investment. This has not been met well and polls show 85 percent of the Taiwanese population oppose a communist leadership. Democratic Progressive Party official Lai Ching-Te says mainland acceptance of Taiwan’s participation at the WHA is a positive sign, but it has weakened Taiwan’s sovereignty, because the island is attending as an observer rather than a sovereign state. This is a view shared by much of the island. Meanwhile, a recent bid by China Mobile for a 12 percent stake of Taiwan’s Far EasTone Telecommunicatons will likely fall through as officials cite security reasons.

A health turn for Taiwan-China ties, Asia Times

Pres. Ma pledges to push for rapprochement with China, The China Post

Former South Korean President Roh commits suicide

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:15:50 +0000

Former South Korean President and human rights lawyer Roh Moo Hyun jumped off a mountain to his death Saturday, amidst allegations of bribery. Roh admitted last month that his wife took money from a businessman accused of insider trading and tax evasion to pay family debt, but denied allegations that he took bribes. Known as “Mr. Clean”, Roh won the 2002 elections based on a platform to fight corruption and improve relations with North Korea. In his suicide note he apologized for the pain he had caused and said, “My remaining life could only become a greater burden for others.” Current president Lee Myung-bak said, “This is a truly unbelievable, lamentable and deeply sad event.” Some see the corruption investigation against Roh as politically motivated, and analysts say his death might garner support for his more liberal policies, fundamentally opposite to Lee’s conservative ones. More than 13,000 mourners have made pilgrimage to Roh’s hometown, Gimhae, over the weekend.

A president remembered, The Korea Herald

South Korean president Roh jumps to death amid bribery probe, Bloomberg

S Korea stunned by Roh’s suicide, BBC

SKoreans mourn death, pay respects to ex-president, Associated Press

Beijing to release new renewable energy projections, announces its stance on climate policy

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:12:35 +0000

The Chinese government issued a statement Thursday saying rich nations should cut emissions 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, and provide 0.5 to 1 percent of economic wealth to help other countries curb carbon emissions. The statement was issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, and indicates China’s climate stance ahead of the UN Climate Conference in December. About 80 percent of energy power still comes from coal and the government projects greenhouse emissions will keep growing until 2035. But it is also trying to make headway in its own capacity to curb global warming; a new plan for renewable energy is said to have raised targets from a previous 2007 plan in areas such as wind power, biomass power and solar power. For example, a previous target for wind energy of 30 million kilowatts will be raised to 100 or even 150 kilowatts.

China to announce renewable energy blueprint, Caijing Online

China tells rich nations to cut emissions by 40 percent, Planet Ark

Singapore’s gay community holds rally

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:08:24 +0000

Close to 2500 activists donning pink rallied for gay rights on Saturday in nanny-state Singapore, just one week after the government rescinded an NGO sex education program. The reason cited for stopping the program, organized by women’s rights NGO Aware (Association for Women for Action and Research), was that it promoted alternative lifestyles unpalatable to mainstream Singaporean society. While sodomy is still illegal and homosexuality is not recognized, the government has become more tolerant of gays and lesbians in recent years. It has also become more tolerant of protests, which were once essentially banned. The one-party state, led by People’s Action Party, recently encouraged Singaporeans to hold public demonstration in a previously empty and quiet Speakers’ Corner park. The catch is they cannot air grievances related to race, religion or language. According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, law, order and security are all priorities for the small and ethnically diverse city-state community. “One incident could undermine our racial harmony”, Lee was recently quoted as saying in the Straits Times.

Singapore’s gay community holds first-ever rally, Associated Press

Hong Lim park turns pink, The Straits Times

Speakers’ Corner: protests ok, The Straits Times

Mandarin-speaking Republican governor to be US ambassador to China

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:56:13 +0000

US President Barack Obama has nominated a Republican governor of Utah with strong ties to China as ambassador, signaling the importance of improving relations with China above bipartisan politics. Jon Huntsman Jr. is known to be an advocate of strong trade relations with China, and has talked about the need for the two countries to work together on environmental issues. In a message to Chinese leadership, Obama said that there are many issues which both countries have yet to agree upon and improving relations will require “candor and open discussion” so that “our nations play by the rules.” The current relationship between China is precarious for the US; China is one of the largest buyers of American debt, with a record US $767.9 billion. Strained relations could see China pull out of its US Treasury bond purchases, causing Americans to feel serious hikes in interest rates. A former ambassador to Singapore, Hunstman has been described as a “problem-solver, not a dogmatist”. The Utah governor’s family owns chemical company Hunstman Corp, which operates in China, and he has a daughter who was adopted from China.

Obama names Republican governor as envoy to China, Reuters

Potential Obama rival chosen as China envoy, The Washington Post

Obama taps Utah governor as China Ambassador, Wall Street Journal

Speaking out: Zhao Ziyang’s memoir

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:34:13 +0000

The memoir of a former head of the Chinese Communist Party who spoke out against 1989 brutality in Tiananmen, entitled ‘Prisoner of the State: The Secret Journal of Zhao Ziyang’, will be released next week, four years after his death. Zhao Ziyang called the CCP’s use of martial law in 1989 during protests in Tiananmen illegal, and wrote that there could have been a peaceful solution. He criticized the conservative ‘old guard’ within the CCP leadership, in particular Deng Xiaoping who is touted as the man who changed the lives of millions ordinary Chinese through his economic reform. During and after the harsh crushing of Tiananmen in 1989, Zhao Ziyang spoke out and was relegated to house arrest where began to audio record his memoir. At the end of his memoir he arrives at some radical conclusions for such a high level official. He argues that the CCP will have to give up it’s tight control on power, that parliamentary democracy is necessary and that China needs a free press, an independent judiciary and the freedom to organize. It remains to be seen when, if ever, his reform agenda and ideas of touming du, or transparency, will resonate in the top echelons of the party.

Zhao’s memoirs revive Tiananmen, CNN

In posthumous memoir, China’s Zhao Ziyang details Tiananmen debate, faults party, The Washington Post

From the inside, out, The Washington Post

Protests in Taiwan could stall China trade

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:17:28 +0000

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Taiwan, protesting President Ma Ying-jeou’s recent trade initiatives they see as too China-friendly. They held placards that said “Say No to China! Say Yes to Taiwan”, and voiced their concerns that recent rounds of trade talks with China will compromise Taiwanese sovereignty. The agreements, such as opening of trade barriers for mainland companies to invest in Taiwan, is helping to ease 60 years of tension between Taiwan and China and is boosting a flagging economy. While Ma has promised every cross-strait agreement will be “mutually beneficial”, many Taiwanese see China’s intentions as zero sum.

Taiwanese vent anger at Ma policies, Taipei Times

Taiwan protests target leader’s pro-China policies, Associated Press

On Chinese zero-sum policy, Taipei Times

Mao revival and a return to the iron rice bowl?

enrico — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:03:56 +0000

Economic woes have caused a Maoist revival for little red books and iron rice bowl jobs. The Asia Times quoted Hong Kong daily Ta Kung Pao figures of close to 30,000 visitors flocking to Mao’s hometown on April 2, days before China’s Chenming festival when Chinese worship their ancestors. University students are rethinking economic reforms amidst an extremely tough job market, while hundreds of thousands of graduates are jobless. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences estimates China’s unemployment rate is 9.4 percent, which is almost double the government’s earlier March figure of urban unemployment.

Tough times breed nostalgia for Mao, Asia Times Online

IMF says “Severe recession”, Vietnam expected to be best performer

enrico — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:03:56 +0000

The IMF slashed its growth outlook for Asia from last year’s 2.7 percent to a new 1.3 percent, saying chances for immediate economic rebound are “weak”. It advised “forceful” fiscal and monetary policies, and encouraged countries to focus on jump starting domestic demand. The severe drop in growth forecasts is a stark contrast with 2008 Asian growth of 5.1 percent. Growth in China for 2009 is expected to be 6.5 percent, 4.5 percent for Hong Kong, a stark 10 percent for Singapore, and 6.2 percent for Japan. Despite a low predicted growth of 3.3 percent, Vietnam is expected to be one of the top Asian performers for this year. Signs of hope are showing in its construction and retail sectors.

IMF sees Vietnam strength, even after cutting growth forecast, Bloomberg
Asia to grow 1.3% in 2009, Wall Street Journal
IMF slashes Asia forecast, expects ’sever recession’, The Taipei Times

ASEAN+3 health ministers draft an A/H1N1 plan

enrico — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:03:56 +0000

Health ministers from the ten nation ASEAN countries, as well as Japan, China and South Korea drafted a response plan to the A/H1N1 influenza. So far the region has been relatively unscathed, with the first four cases confirmed in Japan at the end of the week. The ASEAN + 3 statement detailed supply and information sharing between nations, as well as setting up hotlines between national health officials in the region. Meanwhile, China has made it harder for US citizens to get visas to China, requiring six processing days as opposed to the previous one day. According to Xinhua, Undersecretary-General of the United Nations Zha Zukang, was quoted saying,”the Chinese government has learned a lesson from the SARS crisis in 2003 and has established an effective and efficient health emergency response mechanism.” Some question whether countries like China are too confident, keen to prove they are far more prepared than during the SARS crisis. Just days after Zukang’s statement, the government jumped the gun, quarantining70 Mexicans around the country, many of whom were not on flights coming from Mexico.

China changes visa rules for US citizens, AP
Anger as 70 Mexicans quarantined in China , AFP
China develops diagnostic method for possible H1N1 virus, Xinhua
ASEAN + 3 releases joint ministerial statement on A/H1N1, ChinaDaily

Malaysian parliament gets physical, democracy in peril

enrico — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:03:56 +0000

New rifts in Malaysia’s political system were exposed this week, three months after Malaysia’s opposition party lost its majority standing in Perak state to the National Front coalition. Parliament recommenced for the first time since the staged take-over, with the former speaker of assembly physically removed from the building by plain-clothes police. At least a dozen anti-government protestors calling for new elections were also arrested. The country’s March 2008 elections marked the first time since 1957 that the ruling UMNO lost two-thirds majority, and until the take-over, the state of Perak was among five Malaysian states where the opposition had won a majority in the elections. Political tension has been brewing in Malaysia for some time now, with increasing numbers of Malaysians discontent with ruling United Malays National Organization, and their coalition hold on political power. Deep divides in Malaysia’s political system are based on race, and outsiders argue that Malaysia’s economic competitiveness is held back by an often corrupt system that favors ethnic Malays. It doesn’t seem likely that current Prime Minister Najib Razak, who many believe to be behind the Perak take-over, will make the necessary reforms any time soon.

Q+A What does the Malaysian standoff in Perak mean?, Reuters
Political struggle in Malaysia heats up, The New York Times
Dozens held at Malaysian protest, BBC News

NGO showdown brief, but breath of fresh air in stuffy Singapore

enrico — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:03:56 +0000

Last weekend a showdown within Singaporean women’s rights NGO, Aware, exposed rifts in the typically apathetic society. The outcome was mixed; the old Aware liberal guard was successfully restored, but the NGO’s sex education programs were rescinded this week. The issues at hand were homosexuality, which Singapore does not acknowledge officially, and religious secularism. Recently a group of conservative Chinese Christian women took power of Aware’s executive, with the mission to change Aware’s supposedly pro-gay agenda. Members of Aware, displeased with what they saw as an infringement of religious values in a secular NGO, staged a vote of no confidence, forcing the new guard to step down. While this was a success, the Ministry of Education this week suspended Aware’s sex education program in schools, citing the NGO’s discussion of alternative lifestyles as a major concern. The Straits Times quoted the Ministry saying, ‘They [Aware] should also adhere to social norms and values of our mainstream society.’

Taken unawares, The Economist
Live: Aware showdown at Suntec, The Straits Times Blog
Aware sex guide suspended, The Straits Times
Excerpts from Aware press conference, AsiaOne News
New Exco of Aware given a vote of no confidence, ChannelNewsAsia

Green investment boom in Asia?

enrico — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:19:03 +0000

Renewable energy and environmental sectors in Asia are expected to boom as analysts predict green-related investments, like energy efficient power grids, will account for $272 billion, or 20 percent, of economic stimulus spending in Asia. Regional governments have sprinkled incentives for investment, particularly in solar and wind power industries. If forecasts are accurate, Asia will surpass both the US and Europe in being the largest market for renewable projects. Analysis comes as governments encourage environmentally friendly investment alongside stimulus budgets that focus on efficient energy, low carbon technology and infrastructure development. China alone has allotted $200 billion of its $584 billion recovery plan to development of waterways infrastructure, low carbon vehicles and energy efficient building. The situation is more urgent in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines. An Asian Development Bank report issued this week emphasizes the importance of green investment in these countries, which could see economic contraction of six percent by 2100 due to the impact of environmental change on their agriculture-driven economies and dense populations in coastal areas.

Climate change hits Vietnam’s poorest areas , Bernama
RP, 3 other Asian countries face costly climate change risks , ABS-CBN news
Asia govts dangle carrots to attract green money , The Economic Times
Clean energy pitched, Business Mirror

Anti-dumping charges slow export in Vietnam

enrico — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:19:03 +0000

Foreign investment into Vietnam could move to other countries as the number of overseas anti-dumping lawsuits rack up against the country. The Vietnamese government has denied allegations that it has subsidized any industry, such as the plastics industry which has been under attack most recently by US plastic bag companies Hilex Poly Co., LLC and Super Corporation. In the shoe sector, Canadian Association of Shoe Producers and a Brazilian shoe industry group, Abicalcado have also pressed charges for imported soles. India charged the highest anti-dumping tax rates on fibre imported from Vietnam, Thailand and China. Anti-dumping charges are based on accusations that imports are priced suspiciously low so that local industry is protected from unfair competition.

Anti-Dumping Lawsuits Hampering Exports
Vietnam rejects US’s claims for plastic bags, Vietnam

China can have its Green cake and eat it too

enrico — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:19:03 +0000

Cutting back on greenhouse gases doesn’t have to mean limiting China’s economic development, says a report submitted to Chinese officials this week. The report, written by economists at British Tyndall Center for Climate Development, argues that low carbon development is a realistic goal for China, but that the country needs to focus on energy efficiency. The authors also argue that a limit must be placed on China’s carbon emission peak, at the very latest by 2030, otherwise the world’s largest carbon emitter will have a far greater challenge to deal with. Large investments into renewable energy are urged and foreign countries will have to contribute. The report offers four possible scenarios for a low carbon future, all of which involve nuclear energy. Three involve carbon capture and technology to reduce coal-burning energy.

CO2 need not slow China’s growth , China Dialogue Blog

China can achieve low carbon growth, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research

Burmese situation still dire; hundreds of thousands jobless, homeless

enrico — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:19:02 +0000

One year after devastating Cyclone Nargis ripped through Myanmar last May 2 killing nearly 140,000 and leaving 800,00 homeless, hundreds of thousands still have no jobs or housing. The situation is particularly urgent given the monsoon season ahead. Immediately after the cyclone the international community donated $315 million for food and assistance, initially blocked by the miliary junta that rules the country. International organizations say that hundreds of millions more in funding is still needed for infrastructure projects. So far the Tripartite Core Group, comprised of the Myanmar government, the UN, and ASEAN, have estimated the country still needs another $700 million. New issues have arisen as the military junta is beginning to make it hard once again for foreign aid groups to remain in the country and for new relief workers to get visas.

Nargis survivors burdened by debt , The Irrawaddy
Burma still recovering from Cyclone Nargis , Voice of America
Will Nargis make it easier for aid groups to work in Myanmar?, Reuters AlertNet

The tightrope act of China-Taiwan relations

enrico — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:19:02 +0000

China’s acceptance of Taiwan’s participation at a WHO meeting, as well this week’s cross-straits trade talks, are the latest in warming relations since Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou took office. It will be the first time since 1972 that Taiwan will participate in a WHO world health assembly. The newest rounds of trade talks included the possibility of a China Mobile purchase of 12 percent stake in Taiwanese Far EasTone Telecommunicatons.The easing of trade barriers for Taiwanese businesses comes as a relief for those already part of the $100 billion invested in mainland sectors. New agreements may be a necessary boost for Taiwan’s economy, which saw big gains in the stock market at the end of the week. The Weighted Price Index of the Taiwan Stock Exchange rose 6.7 percent, the highest rise in nearly 18 years. While all this looks good for now, some analysts question how many Beijing concessions will be ceded before the question of Taiwan independence arises. Some continue to warn, Beijing may offer non-zero sum cooperation in tactical matters, but as a means for a zero sum strategic end.

Taiwan stocks on fire on China Mobile-Far EasTone deal plan , Market Watch
China Mobile to buy stake in Taiwanese operator , PC World
Regulations on Chinese investment to be released late May, The China Post
On Chinese zero sum diplomacy , The Taipei Times
Taiwan shares end sharply up on China invest hopes,2Q outlook, The Wall Street Journal

US confident about North Korea dialogue

enrico — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:31:39 +0000

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that the United States remains committed to diplomatic resolution of the nuclear weapons issue on the Korean peninsula. Last week Pyongyang abandoned six-party talks on denuclearization, and announced that it has begun reprocessing of fuel rods at its Yongbyon nuclear facility. Mrs Clinton believes that the UN’s response to blacklist three North Korean firms suspected of involvement in the trading of missiles will cause Pyongyang to seek a return to the talks and resume nuclear disarmament. Despite such optimism, North Korea appears to be serious about turning its back on the talks, potentially moving towards the production of weapons-grade plutonium. This development is certainly cause for concern, particularly given Pyongyang’s well-documented unpredictability, and with intelligence and defense experts suggesting that the North’s nuclear capability may be significantly greater than previously thought. Mrs Clinton – and much of the world – will be hoping that she is right.

North is fully fledged nuclear power, experts agree, Times UK
North Korea urged back to talks, BBC
U.S. not to be ‘blackmailed’ by North Korea, Korea Herald

Landmark Malaysian ruling on child conversion

enrico — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:29:29 +0000

Just one day after the Malaysian government announced a ban on the religious conversion of children without mutual parental consent, a potentially landmark court ruling took place. Indira Ghandhi, a Malaysian Hindu, was granted custody of her three children after her husband recently tried to convert them to Islam. Malaysia traditionally uses a two-tier legal system which employs both secular and Islamic courts to resolve family matters, with jurisdiction determined by the religious affiliation of the family in question. In inter-faith familial issues, however, it has been unclear where jurisdiction should lie, with non-Muslims frequently complaining of discrimination by Islamic courts typically ruling in favour of Muslims.The ruling concerning Ms. Ghandhi, combined with Law Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz’s assertion that cases where one of the spouses later converts to Islam should be decided in civil courts, has been met with enthusiasm by a number of religious and non-governmental organizations as a stepping stone to the easing of ethnic-religious tensions in the country.

Sources:
Malaysia tackles child conversion, BBC
Religious Council lauds decision, New Strait Times

Court Grants Custody to Hindu Mother, WSJ

New Chinese English paper launches

enrico — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:26:44 +0000

Hoping to increase its global news presence, the Chinese government has launched a new English language newspaper, The Global Times. An editorial in the first edition claims it “strive[s] to reveal a complete and true picture” of China, but the paper is published by state-owned People’s Daily. The cover story may say it all; “Chinese call for stronger naval presence” according to 81.7 percent of Chinese polled online who want to see a blue-water navy. The launch came at the start of celebrations for Chinese navy’s 60th anniversary, and over a month after a confrontation between US Navy ship and Chinese vessels in the South China Sea which brought up issues of territorial sovereignty (See: China-US Military Relations Challenged). Without any details, the article claims “experts are also dismissing foreign speculation about China’s intent” to build a strong navy to settle maritime disputes. While unlikely, it remains to be seen if this new publication will push any boundaries in the Chinese media.

Just another media mouthpiece

Indonesia great potential for green energy

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:55:48 +0000

As the world’s largest crude oil producer and fourth biggest rice producer, Indonesia has great potential for green energy. This is according to World Bank’s International Finance Corporation. IFC has helped to set up the Indonesian Sustainable Energy Finance Project, and has offered to help companies through technical expertise and arranging domestic project funding. IFC claims palm oil and rice waste are both greener and cheaper options; the cost of generating electricity through such biomass waste could cost US 5 cents per kilowatt hours, as opposed to state electricity selling price of US 6 cents per KWH.

Palm oil, rice waste potential for generating electricity, Jakarta Post

Asian stocks continue to rally 6 weeks on

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:47:07 +0000

The longest stretch in over two years, Asian stocks continue to gain, providing increasing confidence in the region. While China’s Wen Jiabao announced a significant drop in growth to 6.1 percent this year, officials like Zheng Xinli say this may be the bottom. And it may be, as stocks rally for a sixth week. Regional investors echo this claim, and the MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 2%, the longest run of gain since 2006, according to Bloomberg. Asian markets have shown growth in corporate markets, leading some to believe it will help boost tech and finance sectors. The good news isn’t just coming from regional analysts either. A JPMorgan Chase & Co report shows emerging markets will jump another 39 % this year. The MSCI Index for emerging markets is also up 36% since March.

SE Asia stock-markets rise, even Thailand despite violence, Reuters

Asian stocks rally for sixth week as recession concern eases

China lodges first trade complaint against US to WTO

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:45:02 +0000

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced the Chinese government has filed a complaint to the WTO about the nature of a US ban on Chinese poultry. The US Senate Tuesday passed an act which included a ban of chicken parts from China. The Chinese government claims this ban violates global commerce rules and Ministry of Commerce Yao Jian called it “discriminatory”. Trade of poultry resumed in 2004 after a suspension during the bird flu outbreak.

China slashes US measure of banning poultry import, Isria

China hauls US to WTO in 1st case vs. Obama admin, Jakarta Post

China sees 40% drop for iron ore

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:42:26 +0000

Despite global slowdown in demand for iron ore, China has imported 131 million tons in the first quarter, up 18.8% from last year. As Japan, South Korea and China engage in price negotiations with BHP Billiton, Vale and Rio Tinto, it appears that iron ore prices will drop 30%, 50% and 40% respectively. China is now relying mainly on imported iron ore, with 70% of China’s own mining capacity out of commission. Domestic mines that tend to be small scale and produce low grade iron can’t compete with significant price drops in materials and freight cost. Analysts say China could import as much as 100 million additional tons for the current listed price.

China iron-ore imports hit record 51 Mt, Mining Weekly

China increase China may expect iron ore prices to drop 40%, China Stakes

Indonesian rights groups call election a sham

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:41:02 +0000

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s Democratic Party begins coalition building after a narrow win, while rights groups claim millions were unable to vote. Two civil rights groups filed law suits against the Election Commission for its failure to give every Indonesian to ability to vote. So, while foreign media focuse on Indonesia’s success as a fledgling democracy, and it’s decline of religious paries (polls results suggest religious parties did worse this year than last), some Indonesian-based analysts question whether the winning party and it’s coalition will be able to bypass growing number of claims of an illegitimate election. What’s more, ordinary Indonesians are questioning the coalition building taking place, where, as the Jakarta Post puts it, “the enemies of one’s enemies are one’s friends.”

Pressure mounts on Indonesia’s election commission over fraud allegations, Channel News Asia
Beware who your friends are, Asia Sentinel
Army generals close ranks, Jakarta Post

From US economic model to “Asian values” model?

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:38:30 +0000

China flexed its economic muscle this week at the BOAO Forum for Asia, calling on global monetary diversification and pumping $10 billion into a China-ASEAN infrastructure investment fund. Some Chinese officials claim the economy has “touched bottom” and predict growth to reach 7 percent this quarter (Zheng Xinli), but in an opening speech Premier Wen Jiabao explained that China alone won’t save the world economy. Foreign media has questioned the accuracy of statistics like recent 6.1 percent growth, to which the National Bureau of Statistics has promised “true and credible” future figures. Stats aside, it appears China does plan to influence Asian countries to do things with ‘Asian values’. Just two weeks after China voiced concerns about the current global economic order at the G20 and made calls for a new international reserve currency, state media writes “many countries pin hopes on the recovery of the world’s third largest economy.” It remains to be seen just what this recovery will look like.

China announces $10 billion Asian infrastructure investment, Voice of America

China alone unable to save world: official China Daily

Leaders to seek “Asian value” to tackle financial crisis at BOAO Forum for Asia, Xinhua

China says to improve economic statistics, China Daily

Thailand’s political crisis deepens

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:36:43 +0000

Days after army confrontation with Red Shirt protesters in Bangkok, Yellow Shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul was ambushed in what analysts say may be a politically motivated assassination. Tensions have flared in the country, between Red Shirt protesters calling for PM Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down, and Yellow Shirts, who caused last year’s government to topple five months ago. The Red Shirts support former deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra, and call for democracy, while the Yellow Shirts argue Thaksin’s corrupt policies were not democratic. Last weekend after protesting in thousands in the streets, Red Shirts stormed an ASEAN summit , forcing Abhisit to end the summit. Now exiled Thaksin is accusing the army of killing thousands during last Monday’s confrontation with army, recalling a 1992 crackdown where more than 200 students were killed in an attempt to sway international opinion.

In-depth analysis of Thai crisis and Western media bias in coverage Smoke, mirrors and lies, Asia Times

Thailand’s Yellow Shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul survives assassination attempt, Times UK

North Korea pursues nuclear ambitions

enrico — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:34:32 +0000

In response to a UN Security Council condemnation of its missile launch, Pyongyang withdrew from six-nation talks on nuclear disarmament and expelled UN nuclear experts. The situation intensified after US and allies accused Pyongyang of launching a missile, despite Pyongyang’s assertion it was a satellite. On Sunday, the Stalinist state upped the ante, vowing to “bolster its nuclear deterrent.” Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has campaigned heavily against North Korea, emphasized that he supports bilateral US-North Korea talks while on a visit to Washington. But, he warned, “the North Koreans like to play games.”

N.Korea renews threat to “bolster nuclear deterrent”, AFP

Japan’s Abe open to US-NKorea talks, AFP

Indonesia’s election closes, questions about legitimacy

enrico — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:07:28 +0000

Early election results reveal Sunday the Democrat Party has won 20 percent of the vote, which means reelection for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Results will be confirmed in two weeks. The world’s largest Muslim population has seen strong economic growth and stability under Yudhoyono’s last term. This is the third election since the fall the Suharto dictatorship in 1998 as democracy takes root. But some questions have arisen about the legitimacy of the votes. According to Indonesian media, tens of thousands of citizens have reported campaign violations, and the Election Supervisory Board has reported 400 official reports. More surprising is the clamp down on two whistle blowers, arrested after reporting cash handouts for votes of Yudhoyono’s son. Western media sources like the Economist applaud a new democracy, but sentiment within begs to differ. Tthe Jakarta Post says, “it seems that we may live in a democracy, but one that is dangerously going to be governed like a police state.”

Indonesia’s gentle general eyes second term, Antara
Indonesia ruling part leads poll, BBC
Indonesia, a democracy teetering towards a police state, Jakarta Post

China pledges $40 bln to IMF, vies for greater global presence

enrico — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:06:22 +0000

At the recent G20 summit in England, China promised $40 bln to IMF’s total $750 bln rescue package. China’s premiere business magazine Caijing points out this sum, 5.3 percent of the entire $750 billion pledged, is well above China’s 3.8 voting share in the IMF. This has left some wondering if China is stepping up to the global economic plate.

China Ponies Up Significant Scratch to the IMF
G20 Members to Inject US$750 Bln into IMF, Caijing Magazine

Red shirt Thai protesters disrupt summit, state of emergency called

enrico — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:04:20 +0000

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva canceled a weekend ASEAN summit and has declared a state of emergency for Bangkok and five provinces after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed a summit venue on Saturday. 100,000 red-shirt protesters filled the streets of Bangkok earlier this week, demanding Abhisit step down. Rioters support former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, deposed for corruption, whose populist policies had widespread appeal amongst poor rural voters. Leaders from the ten member ASEAN and Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, India and New Zealand had gathered in Thailand’s south to discuss unified response to economic recession, free trade and North Korea. Just under five months ago rival protesters, Thai royalists, took over airports for a week, forcing the former pro-Thaksin government’s downfall. Some analysts say the two groups of rioters have such opposing views that a low-grade civil war could break out. Commentary in the Thai national paper, The Nation, sums it up as “an-eye-for-an-eye showdown.” “You fight for democracy that rejects corrupt politicians, we can fight for democracy that respects the voices of the poor.”

Round two: everyone loses, The Nation
Thai summit halted amid protests, WSJ
Political turmoil spreads to Asia summit site, Jakarta Post
Thailand declares emergency, cancels Asian summit, AP/Yahoo

TB hot spot Burma in dire need of TB drugs

enrico — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:01:42 +0000

Despite WHO calls that a new strain of TB is “potentially explosive”, Burma is in serious shortage of TB drugs and funding from current national supplier Global Fund Facility will run out at the end of this year. Along with other Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and China, Burma is a WHO “high burden category”. Countries like China have received funding; the Gates Foundation has pumped US $33 million into a TB program in China. An estimated 1.5 percent of Burma’s 55.4 million population are infected by TB each year. Medecins Sans Frontieres is set up in parts of the country to assist, but they rely in part on drugs from the National TB Program, which receives drugs from GFF. Burmese health agencies were given a five year grant from GFF but this is not set to start until 2011, leaving Burma without any international funding for one year.

The challenges of treating TB in Burma - MSF, Reuters AlertNet
Advances made, but battle against TB not over yet, The Nation
Burma faces shortage of drugs in 2010, The Irrawaddy

N Korea defiant of missile launch, world scrambles to muster a unified response

enrico — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:00:21 +0000

As tens of thousands of North Koreans stood proud last week after Pyongyang’s missile launch, UN Security Council members remain deadlocked about a unified response. Pyongyang claims the satellite successfully reached orbit “fully demonstrating the might of science and technology as a leading launcher”. Reports from within the Stalinist state fail to mention the reality that the alleged dummy payload and second stage of rocket crashed into the Pacific. The US says no part of the satellite reached orbit. Meanwhile, over the weekend UN Security Council leaders came to an agreement that North Korea’s actions violated an earlier ban. The resolution, to be voted on next week, is a weaker version of an original binding resolution to ban North Korea from nuclear or missile tests, which China and Russia refused accept. Japan withdrew from the binding resolution, signing the weaker draft circulated by the US because it says a unified response is more important.

Successful satellite launched, KNCA
Dear Leader is back with a bang, Asia Times
Japan, China near deal on North Korea message, Reuters/Yahoo
Key nations ‘agree N Korea draft’, BBC

Singapore prepares for growth in Compressed Natural Gas market

enrico — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:56:52 +0000

With one of the world’s largest refueling centers for CNG, and government rebates for greener cars (GVRs), gas supplier Union Energy has pumped $1 million (SGD) into the CNG market. The city-state has more than 500 CNG taxis, and is expected to expand to another 2000 over the next two years. Estimates say the city-state already has more than 3000 CNG vehicles. Hybrid cars have gained recent popularity too, with close to 2100 cars on the island, but they are more expensive. Analyists are predicting another ten refueling stations need to be set up to accomodate a projected 30,000 new CNG cars in the future. Singapore’s population is just over 4.6 million.

Singapore holds largest refueling center for Compressed Natural Gas, Today Online
Singapore’s hybrid highway, Asia One

Asian markets showing optimism?

enrico — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:55:50 +0000

A drop ease in figures for China’s trade and South Korean growth have spurned optimism that markets may be bottoming out. Chinese exports in March fell 17 percent from last year, but the fall is significantly softer than February’s 25.7 percent drop. South Korea’s central bank said the economy managed a 0.2 sequential growth in the first quarter, good news after last year’s rapid contraction by 5.1 percent in the fourth quarter. In Beijing, government measures like cutting tax for exporters and clamping down on a yuan currency rising against the US dollar may have contributed to recent figures. In South Korea, i massive fiscal spending and severe interest rate cuts may have contributed to a new optimistic Bank of Korea forecast of 3.5 percent growth for the next year. The economy is still expected to contract by 4.2 percent in the first half of the year compared with a year ago. Japan’s Nikkei looked good at the close of this week, up 3.7 percent, after a new US $150 billion stimulus package was announced. New optimism came as a recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report dispelled any notions of global recovery. It didn’t, however, take into account take into account most recent figures.

China’s trade decline eases in March, AP
China, Korea data add signs of optimism
S korean economy set to contract

China auto sales at a pitch?

Internet in China becomes a platform for muckracking

enrico — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:26:46 +0000

Recently a group of Chinese Internet users went on a witchhunt to expose a local government official at a media watchdog, posting uploaded receipts adding up to nearly $7000 in dining, entertainment and massage expenses. Dubbed the Liuyang Scandal, Internet users started asking how such a lowly public servant could be living such a lavish lifestyle. Analysts point to the Internet as a content firehose that officials will have trouble controlling in the future. An estimated 3000 websites are created daily and while the government can limit some websites by setting up campaigns in the name of ridding pornography, for example, many say online communities are tuned in to updates on new sites before they catch the attention of officials. And the muckracking is not just limited to corruption. In another recent case, the mother of a young man executed for killing six police officers last year has used the Internet as a platform to tell her harrowing story.

China Web users turn keen eye back on government - Reuters
The Story of Cop-Killer Yang Jia’s Mother - Beijing Briefs

Poll: As world views of China decline, China’s own opinion rises

enrico — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:23:42 +0000

According to a recent poll by GlobeScan and University of Maryland, views that China’s global influence is negative have risen, for the most part. China’s view of itself has risen to 92% positive of it’s role abroad. In France 70% polled had negative views on the rising power, while Italy showed 68%, Germany 69% and Spain 54%. Meanwhile in Australia, a major trading partner for China, positive attitudes about China decreased to 47% from 60%. Postitive attitudes about China have risen in some areas of the world, mainly in developing countries with resources that China is pouring money into. 75% of people polled in Ghana had positive views of China, Nigeria 72%, those in Central America came to 62%.

Views of China and Russia Decline in Global Poll - BBC World Service Poll
Pomfret’s China: China’s Far Too Rosy Self Image - The Washington Post/Newsweek

Bill Gates gives US $33 million to Chinese government to fight TB

enrico — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:21:15 +0000

A WHO conference convened in Beijing this week to discuss international efforts to fight an increasingly virulent strain of tuberculosis in developing countries. The new drug-resistant strain could have a major impact globally, according to WHO director-general Margaret Chan, who calls the situation “potentially explosive”. Currently, 5% of cases of the virulent strain are predicted in China, and less than 3% are treated. Gates announced that China has the scale of patients and a “political commitment to public health” that makes the country a testing lab and potential model for developments. Plans involve treating 20 million people initially, eventually covering 100 million people within 5 years.
Bill Gates joins Chinese government in tackling TB ‘timebomb’ - The Guardian
WHO: World must fight drug-resistant TB threat - AP/Google

New Malaysian PM Najib steps in, little political change

enrico — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:18:54 +0000

Malaysian Prime Minister Ahmad Badawi resigned on March 26, making way for new leader Najib Razak to become premier, and reinforcing 52 year-old rule by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Abdullah leaves with low ratings, having failed to follow through on government reform and corruption eradication pledges. Najib takes over with plunging support for the government and his leadership, and questions about the democratic nature of this takeover. In the lead up to Najib’s transition opposition was shut down. Today, both a senior member and the leader of the opposition party face trials. Two opposition newspapers were recently suspended. In addition, Najib has had to reject accusations that his recent decision to release 13 people detained under the Internal Security Act - equivalent to the US Patriot Act - was a ploy to win new votes in upcoming by-elections.The Abolish ISA movement has called the move “political collateral” used by Najib to demonstrate the PM cares.

Najibs ISA step a ploy? - Straits Times
Malaysian PM resigns -New Kerala
Saviour of Malaysia’s Ruling Party? - BBC

Asia stocks still rally, now time to invest?

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:08:02 +0000

For the fourth week in a row, Asian stocks seem to be doing well as governments increase spending and G20 summit concludes with US$ 1 trillion pledge to help economies globally. The Indonesian government has cut interest rates to 7.5%, and the Malaysian government recently pumped an additional US$2.70 billion into a second stimulus package. The Shanghai composite closed down 0.23%, Taipei up 1.02%, Seoul’s Kospi up 0.53%, Bangkok closed 0.70% higher, Jakarta 0.1% and Manila 2.3%. Japan’s Nikkei saw it’s best finish in nearly 3 months, closing up 0.34%. Some analysts say now is time to invest in small Asia companies.

Links and sources:
Asian Small Caps: A Real Deal?, Brett Arends of the Wall Street Journal advises.
Asia roundup: stock marts climb modestly, Business Times

Region tense as belligerent North Korea launches possible missile

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 03:30:14 +0000

North Korea launched it’s Taepodong-2 satellite on Sunday morning at 11:30 Pyongyang time from the Musandan-ri base. Japan did not intercept the launch with its own missiles, after vowing to do so if the rocket were to threaten Japanese territory. Two booster stages fell into the Pacific and it remains unclear if the satellite was launched into space successfully. America and South Korea, who kept destroyers on close watch near North Korea, said they would not stop the launch but strongly condemned it. China, the Year of DPRK-China Friendship host and a key broker in negotiations with the rogue state, has chosen not to take a strong stance, urging ‘close communication and coordination’ instead. Analysts now wait to see how regional powers and UN Security Council will deal with potential ensuing instability. An emergency meeting convened on Sunday for 3 hours, reaching deadlock as countries like China, Russia, Libya and Vietnam voice concern of alienating the rogue state.

DPRK premier leaves for Beijing for official visit, Xinhua News

Defiant N Korea launches rocket , BBC News
Launch, What Launch?, Analysis from Asia Times
Pyongyang’s account of events according to state propaganda KNCA

China-US military relations challenged

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:03:55 +0000

China and the US are flirting with military conflict after last week’s confrontation between US Navy Impeccable and Chinese vessels in the South China sea. The Defense department says the US Impeccable was operating legally according to international law, 120 km off China’s Hainan island in international waters. The Chinese Defense Ministry says the vessel was in China’s economic zone and needed permission. The issue here is not just two different definitions of territory, but also an indication of China’s growing military capabilities and willingness to safeguard its national interests, according to an Asia Times article. The US, among other countries, considers the area in the South China Sea to be part of international waters and China claims an economic zone extending 200 nautical miles from its coast. The incident recalls a similar 2001 incident which occurred in the same territory at the start of the Bush presidency when a US spy plane collided with a Chinese fighter. The Chinese claim the US Impeccable was spying, the Americans say the vessel had civilian workers who were surveying the ocean floor. Hainan island has a submarine base where China’s most sophisticated navy vessel rests.

Despite potential for a larger spat, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Wednesday, and US President Barack Obama met with Yang on Thursday. Neither side has retracted statements but it seems that both countries value cooperation over confrontation at the moment.

Links and sources:

Naked aggression, The Economist

China-US spat a drop in the ocean , Asia Times

North Korea: In withdrawal from carrots

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:57:56 +0000

Pyongyang announced to two UN agencies plans to conduct a space launch planned for sometime between April 4-8 that will pass over Japan. The US and other countries responded with condemnation, and Japan said it will shoot down any vehicle flying overheard in accordance to Japanese national self defense law. Earlier in the week, Pyongyang also expressed anger at routine yearly US-South Korean military exercises by shutting off the inter-Korean border and withholding hundreds of South Koreans in the jointly-owned Kaesong complex. South Korean analysts, well versed in Kim Jong Il’s strange ways look at the past to offer analysis. In an article in South Korean Chosunilbo argues that Pyongyang is going through Sunshine ‘withdrawal symptoms’, now completely cut off from free aid under the Lee administration, an abrupt change of pace from the 8.38 trillion won the Stalinist state was given under both Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. According to the article, North Korea’s GDP was 24 trillion won in 2007. Shifting from a policy of carrots to one of sticks, Lee’s principle to give aid only after the nuclear issue is resolved has left North Korea stumbling with only one tactic ‘extreme brinksmanship.’

Links and sources:

N.Korea suffers withdrawal of Sunshine Policy , Digital Chosunilbo

North Korea: Space launch set to go April 4-8

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:16:06 +0000

As Pyongyang’s intentions to conduct a space launch between April 4-8 are questioned, US intelligence head says the difference in technology between a space launch and an intercontinental ballistic missile is minimal. Speaking at a Senate Arms Services Committee, US Director of Intelligence Dennis Blair also added that if the three-stage space launch worked it could have the potential to reach the US mainland. Analysts say the Stalinist state is ramping up the rhetoric in an attempt to leverage aid, but in it’s own news sources like KCNA, it calls US an ‘imperialist’ and South Korean ‘puppet warmongers.’

Links and sources:

US intel chief says N. Korea launching a ’space vehicle’ , Digital Chosunilbo

Japan protests N Korea’s rocket launch plan , AP

Madcap exercises targeted against DPRK go on in S. Korea , Korean Central News Agency

Asia: Markets rally, currencies at 2009 high

Alexandra Stevenson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:01:56 +0000

Asian currencies strengthened this week following an announcement that American banks could stand without government buyout, and optimism about new Chinese and Japanese stimulus packages. Japan’s Nikkei rose 5.15%, South Korea’s Kospi 6.7%, while Singapore’s Strait Times Index rose 5.6%. The Malaysian ringgit increased by 0.3% after the government announced a US $16 billion stimulus plan. The Taiwan dollar rose 0.8%, and the Thai baht 0.4%. Despite a regional rally, the Philippines peso and Vietnam dong were unaffected, and China’s Shanghai Composite actually dropped by 0.2%, after Wen Jiabao expressed concern about the stability of US Treasuries.

The Bank of America Corp., JP Morgan Chase & Co. and Citigroup Inc. announced this week that they do not need government support and may even see profits this year, boosting confidence in the Asia region as well as Europe. While analysts say this is just a temporary respite, things may be looking up in Southeast Asia. Citigroup has indicated it’s confidence that Southeast Asian countries will come out of the crisis soon, announcing plans to start equity brokerage business in Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia

Links and sources:

Citigroup to boost Asian equity trade , Gulf Daily News

Nikkei surges 5% as US bank hopes lift Asian markets , CNBC News

Asian stocks lifted , The Straits Times

Asian currencies best of week 2009, led by won, rupiah , Bloomberg

Asia: Internet-nanny states on rise

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:55:50 +0000

According to a recent article in Asia Times Online, the 2007 Computer Crime Act in Thailand had made the use of proxy servers punishable by law and more recently 2, 300 websites have been shutdown for insulting the monarchy. The Justice Ministry has sought court orders to shut down an additional 3000. In Singapore the government, wary of any criticism, frequently sues publications like The Economist and the Far Eastern Economic Review for referring to the one-party government rule as ‘authoritarian’. The government, which uses economic success as legitimacy for it’s hold on power, harassed an Asia Times contributor for discussing financial trouble in the city-state. In Malaysia last year, local ISPs were told to block renowned blogger and critique of the government, Raja Petra Kamarudin, from accessing the Internet. He was later arrested under the Internal Security Act. The Burmese government is taking lessons from Russian and Chinese officials on how to tighten it’s grip in cyberspace too, in a more sophisticated way than has previously done.

Links and sources:

An opening in cyberspace closes, Asia Times Online

China’s Internet censorship explained, China you ren website

Myanmar: Weapons, colonialism and Buddhist Imagery in Burmese art

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:51:32 +0000

Paintings that depict a revolver with lipstick, and a grenade encasing a fetuses is part of a recent exhibit by Burmese artist San Minn, on display at the Suvannabhumi Art Gallery in Chiang Mai. The artist’s ‘weapon’ series is loaded with images that seem to be motivated by a strong sense of anti-violence. According to a review in Irrawaddy Magazine, the painting ‘Equal Reaction’ shows San Minn’s own spiritual influence and Buddhist beliefs - a revolver with two ends pointing in opposite directions, the ultimate visual for karma. San Minn tells journalist Kyaw Zwa Moe that a “lack of modernization was a turning point for our country.” Much of his subject matter juxtaposes this lack of modernity with imagery of British colonialism.

To see more on artist and a slide show of his work:

Explosive art from Burma, The Irrawaddy

Indonesia: New regulation to protect domestic steel industry

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:48:24 +0000

In a move stimulate more growth in its domestic steel sector, the Indonesian government has issued a regulation requiring steel manufacturers and importers to register with the Ministry of Industry of Trade. This is part of what could be a larger “Buy Indonesian” trend, after a recent government order required civil servants to buy local-made products. Officials deny the policy is protectionist, but director general of the steel sector at the industry ministry, Ansari Bukhari, has argued that an over-dependence on foreign imported raw materials has caused Indonesia’s steel industry to lag behind. According to reports, local property developers and other consumers said they prefered cheaper and better quality imported steel, a reality that has resulted in imported raw materials being purchased in U.S. dollars and later sold in Indonesian currency, the rupiah.

Imported steel products such as hot-rolled coil and plate, wire rod, cold-rolled coil and coated steel products will now be subject to new regulations.

“Buy Indonesian” policy, Straits Times

Indonesia clamps down on steel import to protect local market, Reuters/Forbes

New trade regulation on steel to protect RI steel, Jakarta Post

China: One in every four women have abortions

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:38:43 +0000

The Shanghai Daily has reported findings from an unnamed women’s health conference that took place this week. According to conference findings, 27.3 percent of women in their 20s have abortions in mainland China, and just 2.6 percent of Chinese women use oral contraceptives, indicating a serious gap in education about contraceptives.

The result of China’s one-child policy, abortions and sterilization are common practice in China, raising concerns abroad about the practice, which is often forced. Now may be the right time to consider new education program initiatives; Obama recently agreed to give U.S. funding to the UN Population Fund, which helps countries in Africa, Asia and South America to create family planning programs. Proceeding with this will prove to be tricky, as pro-life advocates in the U.S. criticizes the Chinese method of population control and see UNPFA as forgiving to policies that ignore women’s rights.

Links and sources:

Flap over China’s 1-child policy stirs Washington Times

One in four women in their 20s have abortions, Shanghai Daily

Asia: ASEAN countries to demonstrate self-sufficiency and open trade

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:35:08 +0000

Finance ministers in the Asia region are holding bilateral talks in the lead up the 14th Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) summit, in a show of greater strategic cooperation to prevent trade protectionism. Malaysia held bilateral talks with Indonesian and Chinese finance ministers this weekend, to promote trade. Officials from Japan, China and Korea met Saturday afternoon to discuss counter-measures to economic slowdown. Finance chiefs from Asean countries and Japan, China and South Korea will gather at the summit on February 27 in Thailand to discuss concrete and collective response to financial woes.

Asean will speak out against using trade protectionism as a way to cope with the current financial crisis, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said. Mr. Abhisit has encouraged Asean countries to seek aid from other regions, acknowledging that the IMF ” simply does not have the resources, money and time to look into the various problems in different regions.” The Asia Development Bank will participate in the summit as Asean members determine the details of a foreign reserve fund pool agreed upon last May. Contributing countries will discuss management and size of fund.

Links and sources:

Asean to resist protectionism, Straits Times

China, Indonesia and China trade talks, Malaysia Star

Asea foreign reserve pool, Xinhua

China: Clinton encourages China to buy U.S., China promises security and liquidity when using foreign reserves

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:20:40 +0000

U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton encouraged China to continue investing in U.S. treasury bonds, after meeting with Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi on the weekend. Mrs. Clinton maintained that U.S. debt was still a sound investment. The Chinese foreign minister responded with a promise to ensure security and liquidity when investing with foreign reserves. In September 2008 China became the biggest holder of U.S. debt, with a total of 585 billion dollars.

Links and sources:

China stresses security, liquidity when deploying foreign reserves, Xinhua

Clinton urges China to keep buying Treasury bonds, Associated Press

Malaysia: Prime Minister Badawi to step down, political environment tense

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:59:10 +0000

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdulla Ahmad Badawi is expected to step down on March 31 after five years in power as leader of United Malays National Organisation, according to an official close to the PM. The move has not been publicly announced, likely because political tension is in the air: just this week Badawi’s coalition BN (National Front) staged a take-over in the northern state of Perak , one of four northern states where an opposition-led coalition has power. Opposition lawmakers switched parties, giving the Front majority power in Perak, and government officials have seized 20,000 copies of a widely distributed local newspapers, in a move one of the opposition parties is calling ‘politically motivated’ and an attempt to restrict information flow.

This is just the most recent chapter of a larger narrative that has seen the National Front silence opposition, using Malaysia’s equivalent to American Patriot Act, the Internal Security Act, to strike fear in opposition parties. Last year three political dissidents were incarcerated - blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, reporter Tan Chee Hoon and Democratic Action Party politician Teresa Kok - under the broad-reaching ISA.

The latest Human Rights Watch World Report has accused Malaysia of letting national security concerns override fundamental human rights. On the upcoming elections, blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin recently wrote in Malaysia Today, ” when the rats begin to desert the ship then you certainly know that the ship is about to sink.” Kamaruddin continued that the UMNO way of doing things is to say “Take the money or die. Take the money or get sacked. Take the money or go to jail.”

Link and Sources:

Badawi steps down, The Straits Times

Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Malaysia Today

Reporting on new Human Rights Watch and Malaysia, Asia Sentinel

China: Hotel fire caused by state TV firework show, twelve arrested

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:55:04 +0000

Chinese state news agency Xinhua has confirmed that a massive Beijing hotel fire that erupted Monday night was started by fireworks set off during an illegal light show organized by Chinese state television station CCTV to celebrate the last day of Chinese New Year celebrations. One firefighter died and seven other people were injured. Xinhua has reported the arrest of 12 people - three CCTV workers and eight technicians hired to set the grade A industrial fireworks off. A Beijing government spokesman told Xinhua that CCTV was denied a permit to set the fireworks because they were too powerful to be set off in an urban environment. Policeman were ignored after they tried to stop the show.

The luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel, designed by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren, is located in the new CCTV complex next to the new CCTV station and was unfinished.

Reporting from Xinhua News Agency

For comments from Chinese public and online community: WSJ China Journal blog

Danwei

Beijing Briefs

North Korea: Threats of missile attack could become reality

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:51:13 +0000

Pyongyang is assembling it’s most sophisticated long-range missile in preparation for a possible test-fire, according to South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper. Satellite images from Tokyo and Seoul show the North Korean military moving missile parts to a new base, to assemble an improved Taepodong-2 missile capable of traveling up to 10,000 km. Pyongyang has also threatened to launch a short-range missile near a disputed western maritime border with South Korea. North Korean news agency KCNA has reported a Pan-national Alliance for Korean Reunification statement that accuses South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his government being “hell-bent on scattering leaflets and staging exercises for a war of aggression against the north.” According to the state mouthpiece KNCA, the organization will join “the 70 million Koreans … to resolutely foil the racket of the U.S. imperialists and the Lee group for war and confrontation.” Since coming into power last year South Korean leader Lee cut off previously unconditional aid flowing to Pyongyang, angering the Stalinist state.

Sources and links:

Chosun Ilbo

Korean Central News Agency

JoongAng Daily

North Korea: State news agency calls North Korean elections “superior”

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:46:49 +0000

Pyongyang’s mouthpiece Korean Central News Agency has resolutely declared it’s election system “fair and free” based on a secret voting system that reflects a perfect model of “socialist democracy”. According to KCNA, the secret vote allows voters to freely express their will without being subjected to “surveillance or threats by anyone.” All North Koreans are supposedly included in these ‘elections’ where “the working people” can participate “in the formation of the state power” and “powerfully demonstrate once again the single-minded unity” of a nation. North Korea has been a communist one-man dictatorship since leader Kim Il Sung founded the state in 1948 after gaining independence from Japan.

Sources and link:

Superior election system of DPRK, February 13, 2008 - KNCA

Asia: U.S. Secretary of State first trip abroad to Asia

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:44:07 +0000

Hillary Clinton will travel to Asia on Sunday for her first trip abroad as U.S. Secretary of State, in a diplomatic gesture that shows a shift of priorities in American foreign policy. Speaking at the Asia Society in New York on Friday Clinton announced the Asian region would be a priority for the Obama administration and is “of vital importance” to the U.S. today and in the future. Her first stop will be Tokyo, where local media have claimed, but not verified, Clinton would meet with opposition Democratic Party of Japan leader amidst political tension. Clinton will then travel to Indonesia, South Korea and finally China, where she will push for more engagement and cooperation on economic policies and environmental issues. North Korea will also be a key topic of discussion, as Beijing plays a key role in slowing Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

Links and Sources:

Speech at the Asia Society - State.gov

Japanese papers report Clinton meeting with opposition leader:

Mainichi

Japan Today

Vietnam: Steel exchange e-platform to strengthen distribution

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:18:57 +0000

Vietnam Steel Corporation (VN Steel) announced plans to speed up an electronic steel exchange platform for 2009 to help build up local distribution channels, according to Vietnam News Agency. The e-platform will facilitate transactions between vendors and buyers, getting rid of traditional channels notorious for high investment costs and low efficiency output. VN Steel also plans to streamline logistics through the construction of a central logistics and steel materials center in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese government has just announced it is seeking $12 billion USD to upgrade infrastructure in 15 cities and provinces across the country.

Links and Sources:

Vietnam News Agency

Xinua/AsiaNews.Net

North Korea: The DPRK warns of military action against South Korea

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:57:23 +0000

Pyongyang has stepped up rhetoric, declaring relations between the South and North at “the brink of war”. Pyongyang has threatened to discredit all previous military accords between the two countries and nullify a Western sea border, after s new South Korean unification minister, Hyun In-taek, was appointed last week. Hyun is known for his hawkish stance on North Korea and some analysts believe this is a diplomatic tactic from Pyongyang and not a serious threat. The North has called his designation a “naked provocation.”

Relations between the North and the South have been shaky since President Lee Myung-bak came into presidency eleven months ago. The two Koreas have not yet signed a peace agreement, only a cease-fire agreement decades after the 1950-1953 Korean war split the peninsula.

Sources:

North Korean news agency Korean Central News Agency http://www.knca.co.j

JoongAng Daily http://joongangdaily.joins.com

Yonghap News Agency http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr

Malaysia: Singer Rihanna’s clothes an “insult” to Asian values

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:15:10 +0000

Malaysia’s Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, PAS, has called for a ban on R&B star Rihanna’s concert scheduled for February 13, arguing that her clothes and style are an ‘”insult” to Asian values. “Whether Rihanna realizes it or not, we know that the taxes she has paid also contributed to the war in Gaza,” said PAS member Kamaruzaman Mohamad. He went further, saying the event was “akin to insulting Eastern culture, belittling local artistes, intentionally causing losses to the country’s economy and supporting Israel’s war policy, which is supported by America.”

Via The Star Online

Indonesia: Majority of Muslim clerics reject suicide, support democracy: poll

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:56:29 +0000

Seventy-five percent of 250 senior clerics polled in Jakarta condemn the practice of suicide bombing in jihad or ‘holy war’. The survey, conducted by Jakarta’s Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, also discovered 78 percent of these clerics believe democracy is the best form of government for Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim majority. In addition, only 31 percent supported introducing sharia or Islamic law. Since the fall of dictator Suharto and his 32 year New Order regime the country has seen much volatility and religious extremism.

Source: Antara News Agency http://www.antara.co.id/en

China: Government to launch global media network with Chinese characteristics

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:36:05 +0000

Chinese state run media corporations CCTV, Xinhua news agency and People’s Daily will receive 45 billion yuan (US$6.58 billion) from the central government to expand their news services. It’s part of what party officials call waixuan gongzuo “overseas propaganda”. One project is to develop a 24 hour English news channel modeled on al-Jazeera, providing Western audiences and Asians with the Chinese perspective. Each media entity is set to receive approximately 15 billion yuan each. CCP overseas propaganda division head Chen Wang: “We must strive to set up a top-line global media arm that covers the entire world and which is multi-lingual, enjoys a large viewership, has a large volume of information and is strongly influential.”

Source: Asia Times Online
http://www.atimes.com/

China: Central Bank Warns Against US “Excuses” for Protectionism

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:54:53 +0000

People’s Bank of China vice governor Su Ning responded to US State Treasury accusations that China is manipulating its currency, warning the new Obama government against trade barriers, reported Chinese news agency Xinhua. “These remarks are not only inconsistent with the facts but they are misleading about the reasons for the financial crisis.” The Chinese government fears American trade barriers amidst already slowing demand for Chinese exports.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Japan: Prime Minister Aso pledges $17 bln in aid for Asia region

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:42:46 +0000

Prime Minister Taro Aso announced Japan would pledge over $17 billion in aid to help Asian countries cope with the global financial crisis in an address Saturday at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This move is a break from former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi’s vow in 2006 to cut back on Japanese foreign aid between two and four percent each year. In September of last year Aso offered to donate $100 billion to the International Monetary Fund to assist with the financial crisis.

Source: Kyodo News Agency

Indonesia: Government to pay subsidies to biofuel manfacturers

Alexandra Stevenson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:17:26 +0000

The Indonesian government has announced plans to promote biofuel as an alternative energy source, saying it will pay subsidies in an effort to boost this new industry. The government also plans to make biofuel mandatory over 2009. Crude oil prices are at a current low, making biofuel products significantly higher. Due to large government subsidies petrol diesel in Indonesia is among the cheapest in Asia, making it hard for palm biofuel and bioethanol to compete.

Source: The Business Times http://www.btimes.com.my