SlashAsia » Politics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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