Cambodia’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party said in a newly adopted resolution that Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has ruled for over three decades, will remain its candidate as it remains “necessary” to get rid of what the party calls “extremist politics and activities.” The CPP held an extraordinary congress from Jan. 28-29, less than six months before the National Assembly elections in July, and chose to nominate the strongman Hun Sen for upcoming elections. Ruling party spokesperson Chhim Phalvarun confirmed at a Jan. 29 news conference that the ruling party…
Month: January 2023
China attacks ‘unscrupulous’ US after reports of further crackdown on Huawei
China has reacted angrily to reports that the United States has stopped approving licences for American companies to export most items to China’s hi-tech company Huawei, accusing the US of deliberately targeting Chinese companies under the pretext of national security. US officials are creating a new formal policy of denial for shipping items to Huawei that would include items below the 5G level, including 4G items, wifi 6 and 7, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing and cloud items, according to a Reuters report that quoted unnamed sources. Another source told…
Former Shanghai Bookseller’s Wife Hit With ‘Exit Ban’
Advertisement Chinese police have prevented a woman from returning to her home in Florida in an effort to compel her husband to return to China, she wrote in a letter he made public. The case appears to be the latest example of Chinese authorities placing an “exit ban” on a person’s relatives to pressure them to return. In an appeal to authorities, Fang Xie, 51, wrote that the police have told her that she is “innocent” but that she cannot leave until her husband, a former bookseller who left China…
Myanmar’s junta views opposition party as existential threat that must be eliminated
Two years into Myanmar’s coup, members of the country’s deposed National League for Democracy are being hunted down and killed or imprisoned in what observers say is a bid by the junta to retain power. The party of imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi overwhelmingly won Myanmar’s November 2020 general election before it was sidelined by the military three months later and sources told RFA Burmese that the junta views the still popular group as an existential threat ahead of new polls it has planned for later this year. “The…
US Ups Sanctions Targeting Myanmar’s Military Junta
The United States has been increasing the pressure on Myanmar’s military junta in part by targeting their financial resources. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports that two years after the military seized power from Myanmar’s elected leaders, the sanctions are still escalating but the generals remain in charge. VOA
China urged to ensure ‘predictable’ policies as regional economic engines unveil pro-investment measures to kick-start economy
Shanghai’s Pudong district launched a new plan to attract talent with subsidies last weekend, aiming to lure academics, postdoctoral researchers and top international scientific and tech talent. The focus will be on biomedicine, semiconductor chip manufacturing and integrated circuits. Shanghai’s provincial-level government has also introduced 32 measures to alleviate difficulties experienced by companies, boost consumer confidence and attract investment, while promising to create a first-class international business environment. Advertisement On January 18, the eastern province of Jiangsu announced 42 initiatives, including tax relief for small businesses in the restaurant, retail…
All countries must help prevent ‘catastrophic’ war amid China-US tensions, Australian minister says
The Australian foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, will call on all countries to play their part to prevent a “catastrophic” war in the Indo-Pacific region. Amid increasing tensions between the United States and China, Wong will use a speech in London on Tuesday to warn that the region is becoming “more dangerous and volatile”. She will also welcome the United Kingdom’s increased involvement in the Indo-Pacific despite the ongoing focus on the conflict in Ukraine. The UK’s stance recognises that a war in the region would have far-reaching impacts across…
China’s Covid Tsunami Recedes, Bringing Relief, Grief and Anxiety
When China abruptly abandoned “zero Covid,” accelerating an onslaught of infections and deaths, many feared a prolonged tide rippling from cities into villages. Now, two months later, the worst seems to have passed, and the government is eager to shift attention to economic recovery. Doctors who were mobilized across China to treat a rush of Covid patients say in phone interviews that the number of patients they are now seeing has fallen. Towns and villages that had hunkered down under the surge of infections and funerals are stirring to life.…
Australia and France to Supply Artillery Shells to Ukraine
Sydney — France and Australia have agreed to join forces to produce thousands of artillery shells to help Ukraine push Russian forces out of its country. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong are in Europe for talks with key allies. French and Australian officials say several thousand 155 millimeter artillery shells will be manufactured jointly by French arms supplier Nexter, while Australia will supply the gunpowder. The first supplies are expected to be delivered to Ukraine by the end of April. The announcement was made…
Leaked EU plan reveals response to US and Chinese green subsidies
The EU executive will loosen state aid rules and propose a new “European sovereignty fund” later this year, in response to the controversial US Inflation Reduction Act and China’s “unfair” green subsidies. A leaked European Commission plan underscores the global green subsidy race is under way, although EU member states remain divided on how to respond. EU leaders are due to meet next week in Brussels to discuss the bloc’s response to Joe Biden’s $369bn (£300bn) Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to subsidise a vast expansion of green technology, from…