Author: Stuart White

Maldives’ Turmoil: Muizzu’s Leadership Challenges
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...
<strong>India-Bangladesh Friendship: A Beacon of Solidarity and Cooperation</strong>
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...
As it transpired: Hong Kong will amend Article 23 drastically to target foreign influence and state secrets; a one-month consultation period will begin.
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
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...
<strong>China’s Export of Communist Ideology to Africa</strong>
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
PM Tobgay’s Return And The Revitalization Of India-bhutan Relations
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...
<strong>MDP’s Resounding Victory: Charting New Courses Amid Diplomatic Strains in Maldives Politics</strong>
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...
<strong>The Struggle for Democratic Equilibrium: Pakistan’s Ongoing Election Conundrum</strong>
Asia, Politics

The Struggle for Democratic Equilibrium: Pakistan’s Ongoing Election Conundrum

Pakistan's much-anticipated General Elections awaited after nearly a six-month delay following the dissolution of the National Assembly in August 2023, are yet again marred by political discord. The Senate's recent announcement of an indefinite postponement, citing "security concerns" and the ongoing delineation of constituencies following the latest census, arrives amidst a mere 15 members out of 100 in attendance. This recurring postponement raises serious questions about power dynamics in both Pakistan's internal landscape and its global political standing, potentially brewing a societal crisis. It is notable that the last general elections in Pakistan took place in 2018. The intricate relationship between democracy and hypocrisy is emblematic in Pakistan's tumultuous journey toward...
<strong>BNP is trying to keep Bangladeshi voters away from the polling booth</strong>
Asia, Politics

BNP is trying to keep Bangladeshi voters away from the polling booth

The design is as clear as daylight. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its ally hardline Islamist forces want to sabotage the Parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. They are not participating in the general election scheduled on January 7 and are instead resorting to large-scale violence. The aim is to dissuade voters from exercising their franchise and assume power through the backdoor. Boycotting elections and resorting to violence is an old and preferred twin tactic of the BNP. They adopted this path during the 2014 election as well but without much success. The history may repeat itself in 2024. At a time when the country’s Election Commission (EC) is taking every measure to ensure a  free and fair election, and the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government is extendin
The Boundaries of American Power Over Israel
World

The Boundaries of American Power Over Israel

President Biden’s popularity with the Israeli public gives him leverage, but placing conditions on American aid would likely backfire. The high death toll among Palestinian civilians in Israel’s war with Hamas has triggered repeated calls for placing conditions on American assistance to the Jewish state. “The truth is that if asking nicely worked, we wouldn’t be in the position we are today,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders in a floor speech in late November. “For many years, the United States has provided Israel with substantial sums of money with close to no strings attached…This blank check approach must end.” The reality is that U.S. aid to Israel has never been a blank check. We have often used military assistance as a way to achieve our own policy goals—to encourage Israel to take ri