Author: Stuart White

What Was Achieved in 2024 During China’s Two Sessions?
14Mar By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
China, World

What Was Achieved in 2024 During China’s Two Sessions?

The Center for China Analysis (CCA) is pleased to publish short perspectives on key outcomes of the Two Sessions by Asia Society experts Neil Thomas (Xi Jinping's Activities), Christopher K. Johnson (Elite Politics), Guonan Ma (Economic and Financial Policy), Lizzi C. Lee (Technology Policy), Li Shuo (Climate and Environmental Policy), Lyle Morris (Foreign Policy and National Security), and Rorry Daniels (Taiwan Policy). Policy outcomes broadly aligned with the forecasts made by Neil Thomas and Jing Qian in a CCA preview article published on February 29, although any personnel movements were delayed and the cancellation of the premier’s press conference was unexpected. Readers can view the recording of a CCA event held on March 6, “What Does the Two Sessions Mean for the Economy, Polit
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<strong><u>Terror stalks Hindu community in Sindh</u></strong>
12Mar By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
Asia

Terror stalks Hindu community in Sindh

In Sindh, Pakistan, Hindu community lives under constant fear of being accused of blasphemy by radical Muslims and extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), all of which enjoy patronage from the Islamic state. Even for those who have been discharged by the court for being wrongly accused of blasphemy, there is constant danger of being lynched. Take the case of Notan Lal, Principal of a private school and a resident of Ghotki, Sindh. In 2019, some of his students accused him of blasphemy. It was not an ordinary accusation--the charges would lead to life imprisonment or even a death sentence under the most heinous penal clauses in the world. Pakistan, over the years, has made the law against blasphemy so retrogressive that more often than not people charge others, especi...
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<strong>Korean students and companies stay away from China as sentiments continues to remain negative</strong>
19Feb By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
Asia, China

Korean students and companies stay away from China as sentiments continues to remain negative

The adverse sentiments about China in South Korea have shown no signs of improvement as the overall attitude toward the Chinese is becoming more and more negative every passing day. The effects can be gauged from the reports of the dwindling number of Korean students and Korean companies in China. The number of Korean students studying in China has declined by a significant 78 percent in the past six years.[1] According to the Korean Education Ministry, the fall in 2023 was 6.5 percent. Now Korean students prefer Japan over China for higher studies while the US remains the top destination.[2] The controversial 'Zero Covid' policy of the Xi Jinping government, the economic slowdown, not-up-to-par education facilities and bullying by Chinese are to be blamed for it.[3] Soong-Chan Park...
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Maldives’ Turmoil: Muizzu’s Leadership Challenges
13Feb By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
Asia

Maldives’ Turmoil: Muizzu’s Leadership Challenges

Maldives' parliament saw a low turnout for President Mohamed Muizzu's inaugural address, with only 24 members out of 81 attending, according to local news outlet Adhadhu. The main opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, boycotted the session entirely, citing concerns about the government's democratic practices. This resulted in an absence of 56 MPs, with 44 belonging to the MDP and 13 from the Democrats. Only 24 MPs were in attendance when the session commenced. Earlier, on 23, December 2023, the two main opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, in a joint press statement strongly condemned the government's recent shift towards an "anti-India" foreign policy. They issued a joint statement labelling this move as "ext...
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<strong>India-Bangladesh Friendship: A Beacon of Solidarity and Cooperation</strong>
12Feb By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
Asia

India-Bangladesh Friendship: A Beacon of Solidarity and Cooperation

The bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh has witnessed a reaffirmation of warmth and mutual cooperation, as emphasized by Dr. Hasan Mahmud, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, during his inaugural visit to India in January 2024. Expressing gratitude towards the people and government of India, Dr. Mahmud highlighted India's steadfast support for ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process in Bangladesh, thereby safeguarding democracy.[1] The relationship between India and Bangladesh stands as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and collaboration between two neighboring nations. Established immediately after Bangladesh's independence in December 1971, India was the first country to recognize Bangladesh as a separate and independent state, setting the s...
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As it transpired: Hong Kong will amend Article 23 drastically to target foreign influence and state secrets; a one-month consultation period will begin.
30Jan By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
World

As it transpired: Hong Kong will amend Article 23 drastically to target foreign influence and state secrets; a one-month consultation period will begin.

Authorities map out details of new domestic security law, which they say will apply extraterritorially in some cases, as public consultation gets under wayNine chapters released in consultation paper for residents to offer their views, with activities such as treason, insurrection and theft of state secrets targeted This blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing.Hong Kong’s leader mapped out the details of a public consultation on a domestic national security law on Tuesday, with authorities publishing nine chapters from the proposal and ministers briefing lawmakers on the coming legislation.Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu was joined by Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok and security minist
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27Jan By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
China, World

Leading US and Chinese officials discuss Taiwan and Iran in Bangkok.

Top Chinese and U.S. officials held candid talks in Bangkok aimed at lowering tensions between the superpowers on Taiwan and other subjects, ahead of an expected springtime call between President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan pressed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to use his country's diplomatic influence to convince Iran to curtail support for Houthis attacking Red Sea merchant vessels, according to a senior Biden administration official.The meetings, which spanned more than 12 hours over two days and wrapped on Saturday, are intended to deliver on Biden and Xi's agreement at a California summit in November to restore ruptured diplomatic talks on a range of global security and economic issues like defense and counter-narcotics desp...
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<strong>China’s Export of Communist Ideology to Africa</strong>
16Jan By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
China, World

China’s Export of Communist Ideology to Africa

The export of Communism during the Cold War was a function of the ideological battle between the Soviet Union and the West. Today, it is China which continues to export its Communist ideology and authoritarian rule. This is being done on the African continent, where ‘democratic’ rulers have remained in power for long and seek to continue their political dominance. Evidence of this phenomenon comes from the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Tanzania. At the school, the Communist Party of China (CPC) teaches how it fuses the ruling political party and state. The school, located on 30 miles outside of Dar es Salaam, was funded by a US$ 40 million donation provided by the CPC's Central Party School, which trains China's top party officials, and built by a Chinese construction compan
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PM Tobgay’s Return And The Revitalization Of India-bhutan Relations
14Jan By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
Asia, Politics

PM Tobgay’s Return And The Revitalization Of India-bhutan Relations

In a recent parliamentary election, Bhutanese voters have chosen the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to lead the nation, securing 30 of the 47 National Assembly seats. Led by former Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, the PDP's victory marks a return to power after a five-year stint in opposition. Tobgay's notable conservation advocacy, coupled with Bhutan's commitment to a democratic journey, is evident as voters undertook arduous Himalayan journeys for a two-stage electoral process. This political shift reflects Bhutan's evolving democracy, underscored by strict regulations addressing social media's influence, making Tobgay's return a testament to experienced leadership's enduring appeal. PM Tobgay's Vision for Economic Recovery and Strong Bhutan-India Ties Tshering Tobgay, Bhutan's r...
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<strong>MDP’s Resounding Victory: Charting New Courses Amid Diplomatic Strains in Maldives Politics</strong>
14Jan By Stuart WhiteNo Comments
Asia, Politics

MDP’s Resounding Victory: Charting New Courses Amid Diplomatic Strains in Maldives Politics

In a setback for Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), secured a decisive victory in the Mayoral election in the capital, Male. The electoral landscape further tilted as Azim secured an impressive lead with 5,303 votes after counting 41 ballot boxes, while Aishath Azima Shakoor, Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) candidate, garnered 3,301 votes, according to a report from the Maldives' Sun Online news portal.[1] Aftermath of this dramatic poll, one cannot ignore the glaring impact of the ill-fated statements made by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.[2] These derogatory remarks, which stirred diplomatic tensions and sparked a heated exchange in Maldives, impacting electoral fortunes of M...
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