Asia – Page 4 – The Singapore Post

<strong>Sino-Japanese relations continue to deteriorate amid Chinese aggression</strong>

24Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Sino-Japanese relations continue to deteriorate amid Chinese aggression

Japanese people’s sentiments toward China worsened in 2023 and they are expected to deteriorate further as the tension between the two countries is expected to rise. Beijing’s latest decision to patrol the Senkaku Islands around the clock is going to add to the already strained relations. Both countries witnessed friction on a few issues in 2023. Now, the tension is set to escalate further as Japan has started taking measures to counter Chinese aggression and coercion. Under President Xi Jinping's rule, there have been increased military activities across Indo-Pacific region. Tokyo has a reason to worry as Beijing is flexing its military muscles to lay its claim on the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Islands. Recently, Xi asked the Chinese naval forces to

<strong>Maldives must vary of Chinese friendship: Lessons from South Asia’s experiences</strong>

20Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia, China

Maldives must vary of Chinese friendship: Lessons from South Asia’s experiences

The recent events in India-Maldives bilateral relationship have taken a turn that can potentially disrupt some long-term objectives of the decades old partnership between the two countries. These tides however in India-Maldives ties must not be seen as one that should remain disrupted for short-term gains, especially within Indian political circles. The escalation in the bilateral relationship began with the election of the current President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu who won the election based on his ‘India Out’ campaign. Under Muizzu’s regime, collaboration and cooperation with India in terms of bilateral engagements have significantly reduced. Nevertheless, a greater worry for the Maldivian population and policymakers should be the tilt towards Beijing that the current government i

<strong>Bad news for Beijing from Thimphu</strong>

19Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia

Bad news for Beijing from Thimphu

Beijing will not relish the result of the National Assembly election in Bhutan. The People’s Democratic Party has come back to power for the second time. Its leader Tshering Tobgay who is known to be friendly to India is the Prime Minister of Bhutan again. It will now be all the more difficult for China to push through in the Himalayan kingdom its agenda of gaining control of strategic territories on the Indian border. King of Bhutan Jigme Kheshar Namgyel Wangchuk who is the final authority in his kingdom being a firm friend of India, there is little chance that Chinese designs in Bhutan will succeed. PDP has won the election with a thumping majority, securing 30 of the 47 seats in the National Assembly for which elections were held on January 7, 2024. The rival Bhutan Tendrel Pa

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...

<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...

Sheikh Hasina’s Fifth Term And The Transformative India-bangladesh Partnership

10Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia, Politics

Sheikh Hasina’s Fifth Term And The Transformative India-bangladesh Partnership

Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has etched her name in history by securing a fifth term in office after her Awami League swept the recent national elections. At the age of 76, Hasina once again reaffirmed her status as the world's longest-serving female head of government. She clinched her fifth term in power with a decisive victory in Sunday's general election, marking a remarkable journey that includes four consecutive terms. With 223 seats secured out of 299, her Awami League party achieved a comfortable majority, cementing her dominance in the country's political sphere. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasted no time in congratulating his Bangladeshi counterpart on this landmark victory, celebrating both her personal achievement and the successful conduct of the electi...

<strong>China may be liking Hamas-Israel conflict for geopolitical gains</strong>

8Jan

By Grace TsoiNo Comments

Asia, China, Politics

China may be liking Hamas-Israel conflict for geopolitical gains

As the international community struggles to put an end to the ongoing Hamas-Israel war amid chaotic and complex global political moves, China’s role in the entire conflict is becoming clearer as it deepens. While China’s stand has been ambiguous, some emerging evidence suggest Beijing may desire the Gaza conflict continues for geopolitical reasons. China offered to work on a plan to end the Hamas-Israel conflict even as it vetoed the resolution for UN action on the Gaza conflict.[1][2] “China is looking to play a diplomatic role by calling for calm and de-escalation and – at the same time – showing strong support for Palestine,” said Sanam Vakil, Middle East expert at London-based Chatham House. “This should be seen sort of opportunistically.”[3] Beijing appears to have tried to inc

India-russia Relations: Historic Ties, Navigating Challenges, And Future Collaborations

8Jan

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Asia, Politics

India-russia Relations: Historic Ties, Navigating Challenges, And Future Collaborations

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar initiated a five-day visit to the Russian Federation on December 25th, 2023. On December 27, Dr. Jaishankar held separate meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. His visit falls within the framework of the frequent high-level exchanges between the two nations, covering the full spectrum of the two countries' bilateral relations, with a special focus on key areas like trade, energy, defence, and connectivity. The visit, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs, offered a valuable platform to review ongoing collaborations across various domains, ranging from trade and economics to energy and defence. Highlighting the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" that binds India and Russia

<strong>The Struggle for Democratic Equilibrium: Pakistan’s Ongoing Election Conundrum</strong>

8Jan

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

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>

3Jan

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

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

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