Diplomat Risk Intelligence, The Diplomat’s consulting and analysis division. Over the past two decades, China has risen to prominence in the semiconductor industry in the areas of assembly, testing, and packaging of electronics, but it presently lags in the design and manufacture of the semiconductor integrated circuits (“chips”) which require great technological sophistication to produce. At the national level, participating in the generated by the industry is a source of economic power on its own, but the industry also drives innovations in disparate sectors such as telecommunications,...…Diplomat Risk Intelligence, The Diplomat’s consulting and analysis division. Over the past two decades, China has risen to prominence in the semiconductor industry in the areas of assembly, testing, and packaging of electronics, but it presently lags in the design and manufacture of the semiconductor integrated circuits (“chips”) which require great technological sophistication to produce. At the national level, participating in the generated by the industry is a source of economic power on its own, but the industry also drives innovations in disparate sectors such as telecommunications,...WW…

Get first-read access to major articles yet to be released, as well as links to thought-provoking commentaries and in-depth articles from our Asia-Pacific correspondents.…Get first-read access to major articles yet to be released, as well as links to thought-provoking commentaries and in-depth articles from our Asia-Pacific correspondents.WW…

In May 2020, NASA announced a sweeping new set of principles designed to safeguard the use of outer space titled . Seeking to ensure transparency and peace in outer space, facilitate international cooperation, and encourage sustainable lunar resource extraction, the Accords “establish a common set of principles to govern the civil exploration and use of outer space.” These principles also include requirements that space activities are interoperable, scientific data is shared, nations commit to providing emergency assistance, and that are preserved as artifacts.In contrast to the (OST) and...…In May 2020, NASA announced a sweeping new set of principles designed to safeguard the use of outer space titled . Seeking to ensure transparency and peace in outer space, facilitate international cooperation, and encourage sustainable lunar resource extraction, the Accords “establish a common set of principles to govern the civil exploration and use of outer space.” These principles also include requirements that space activities are interoperable, scientific data is shared, nations commit to providing emergency assistance, and that are preserved as artifacts.In contrast to the (OST) and...WW…

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a two-day visit to Mongolia on September 15 and 16, holding meetings with Mongolian President , Prime Minister , and Foreign Minister . What would have been a fairly straight forward diplomatic exchange between neighbors, however, took on added significance amid Mongolian anger over a new language policy unveiled earlier this month in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia.The policy, announced just ahead of the start of the new school year on September 1, , replacing Mongolian language books. That sparked outrage among ethnic Mongolians in China, who...…China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a two-day visit to Mongolia on September 15 and 16, holding meetings with Mongolian President , Prime Minister , and Foreign Minister . What would have been a fairly straight forward diplomatic exchange between neighbors, however, took on added significance amid Mongolian anger over a new language policy unveiled earlier this month in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia.The policy, announced just ahead of the start of the new school year on September 1, , replacing Mongolian language books. That sparked outrage among ethnic Mongolians in China, who...WW…

Some years ago, both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang showed a fondness for referencing popular American television shows including “” and “.” While they seen to display a firm grasp on Western pop culture, they seem to lack a thorough understanding of European politics. Chinese Foreign Minister was a vivid case in point.While his tour was designed to improve China’s post-pandemic image in Europe, some of Wang’s statements only made things worse for China. In Norway, while answering a question about the Nobel Peace Prize and Hong Kong, Wang said that China won’t allow the...…Some years ago, both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang showed a fondness for referencing popular American television shows including “” and “.” While they seen to display a firm grasp on Western pop culture, they seem to lack a thorough understanding of European politics. Chinese Foreign Minister was a vivid case in point.While his tour was designed to improve China’s post-pandemic image in Europe, some of Wang’s statements only made things worse for China. In Norway, while answering a question about the Nobel Peace Prize and Hong Kong, Wang said that China won’t allow the...WW…

Bangladesh’s relationship with China is in the headlines again.As China-India relations deteriorated following their border skirmishes, journalists and think tanks zeroed-in on a new trade agreement between China and Bangladesh. Some called it “,” a “,” or a “.”Unfortunately, this is nothing new.China hawks, particularly in South Asia, routinely malign Bangladesh for trade and investment from China. The problem is that critics overlook the relationship’s limits and, ultimately, Bangladesh’s capacity. These paternalistic narratives are steeped in an outdated view of Bangladesh, which...…Bangladesh’s relationship with China is in the headlines again.As China-India relations deteriorated following their border skirmishes, journalists and think tanks zeroed-in on a new trade agreement between China and Bangladesh. Some called it “,” a “,” or a “.”Unfortunately, this is nothing new.China hawks, particularly in South Asia, routinely malign Bangladesh for trade and investment from China. The problem is that critics overlook the relationship’s limits and, ultimately, Bangladesh’s capacity. These paternalistic narratives are steeped in an outdated view of Bangladesh, which...WW…

A delegation from Czechia concluded a visit to Taiwan on Friday and vowed to overcome threats by China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, who said this week Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil would pay a “heavy price” for his visit to the country.In a speech to Taiwanese lawmakers on Tuesday, Vystrcil channeled U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 visit to Berlin in saying “I am Taiwanese,” prompting Wang to say the Senate president had “crossed a red line” by visiting Taiwan and challenging Beijing’s “one China policy.”Kennedy, Vystrcil said, had “used the phrase ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ to...…A delegation from Czechia concluded a visit to Taiwan on Friday and vowed to overcome threats by China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, who said this week Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil would pay a “heavy price” for his visit to the country.In a speech to Taiwanese lawmakers on Tuesday, Vystrcil channeled U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 visit to Berlin in saying “I am Taiwanese,” prompting Wang to say the Senate president had “crossed a red line” by visiting Taiwan and challenging Beijing’s “one China policy.”Kennedy, Vystrcil said, had “used the phrase ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ to...WW…

Sri Lanka’s August 5 parliamentary election results are being interpreted by some as an indication that the Tamils of the country are away from regional Tamil-nationalist parties — focused on ethnic rights, wartime accountability, and power-sharing — to political groups with a countrywide presence that emphasize economic development. But similar election results in the past did not blunt their demand for rights and justice.The Tamils fought a in the Indian Ocean island for secession, accusing the majority Sinhalese of using state machinery to discriminate and deny them their rights. The...…Sri Lanka’s August 5 parliamentary election results are being interpreted by some as an indication that the Tamils of the country are away from regional Tamil-nationalist parties — focused on ethnic rights, wartime accountability, and power-sharing — to political groups with a countrywide presence that emphasize economic development. But similar election results in the past did not blunt their demand for rights and justice.The Tamils fought a in the Indian Ocean island for secession, accusing the majority Sinhalese of using state machinery to discriminate and deny them their rights. The...WW…

Qelbinur Sedik has witnessed wanton cruelty, gratuitous violence, humiliation, torture, and death meted out to her people on an unimaginable scale — but has been forced to keep the crushing secret until now.When she first arrived in Europe, she was so traumatized she could barely speak about her ordeal. Then she found the Dutch Uyghur Human Rights Organization (DUHRO), where people patiently listened through her many tears. The DUHRO wrote down her story, calling it “Qelbinur Sidik: A Twisted Life.” Through it, she now feels ready to tell the world what she saw in the internment camps of...…Qelbinur Sedik has witnessed wanton cruelty, gratuitous violence, humiliation, torture, and death meted out to her people on an unimaginable scale — but has been forced to keep the crushing secret until now.When she first arrived in Europe, she was so traumatized she could barely speak about her ordeal. Then she found the Dutch Uyghur Human Rights Organization (DUHRO), where people patiently listened through her many tears. The DUHRO wrote down her story, calling it “Qelbinur Sidik: A Twisted Life.” Through it, she now feels ready to tell the world what she saw in the internment camps of...WW…

Get first-read access to major articles yet to be released, as well as links to thought-provoking commentaries and in-depth articles from our Asia-Pacific correspondents.…Get first-read access to major articles yet to be released, as well as links to thought-provoking commentaries and in-depth articles from our Asia-Pacific correspondents.WW…

At a time when U.S.-China relations seemingly plunge to new successive lows every day, with Washington and Beijing exchanging tit-for-tat responses in shuttering consulates and with President Donald Trump pursuing an all-out assault on Chinese tech, the European theater in the emerging Cold War is reaching an equally escalatory albeit quieter inflection point.In recent weeks, the United Kingdom has made substantial moves to shift its China policy, first by inviting Hong Kong British Overseas passport holders to apply for permanent residency, and second by excluding Huawei from its 5G...…At a time when U.S.-China relations seemingly plunge to new successive lows every day, with Washington and Beijing exchanging tit-for-tat responses in shuttering consulates and with President Donald Trump pursuing an all-out assault on Chinese tech, the European theater in the emerging Cold War is reaching an equally escalatory albeit quieter inflection point.In recent weeks, the United Kingdom has made substantial moves to shift its China policy, first by inviting Hong Kong British Overseas passport holders to apply for permanent residency, and second by excluding Huawei from its 5G...WW…

Myanmar’s leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, will be a candidate in this November’s general election, a spokesman for her National League for Democracy (NLD) party said Tuesday.NLD spokesman Zaw Myint Maung announced after a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee that Suu Kyi and President Win Myint will run in the November 8 polls.Suu Kyi will provide more details of her plans on Thursday, he said.Suu Kyi was barred from becoming president by a clause in the constitution that was enacted under a previous military government. The post of state counsellor was created by her party as a...…Myanmar’s leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, will be a candidate in this November’s general election, a spokesman for her National League for Democracy (NLD) party said Tuesday.NLD spokesman Zaw Myint Maung announced after a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee that Suu Kyi and President Win Myint will run in the November 8 polls.Suu Kyi will provide more details of her plans on Thursday, he said.Suu Kyi was barred from becoming president by a clause in the constitution that was enacted under a previous military government. The post of state counsellor was created by her party as a...WW…

On August 4, China’s Global Times that SU-30MKK Flanker fighter jets belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) had conducted a 10-hour patrol over the South China Sea, breaking the air force’s previous record of 8.5 hours.Although the report suggested only one SU-30 had made the 10-hour flight, an online showed five to six fighter jets had been involved in the mission.The fighter aircraft departed from an air base in southern China and were refueled twice by Ilyushin-78 aerial refueling tankers. The Global Times described the operation as “technically and mentally”...…On August 4, China’s Global Times that SU-30MKK Flanker fighter jets belonging to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) had conducted a 10-hour patrol over the South China Sea, breaking the air force’s previous record of 8.5 hours.Although the report suggested only one SU-30 had made the 10-hour flight, an online showed five to six fighter jets had been involved in the mission.The fighter aircraft departed from an air base in southern China and were refueled twice by Ilyushin-78 aerial refueling tankers. The Global Times described the operation as “technically and mentally”...WW…

This week the ASEAN Joint Task Force on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) will meet via video conference, with the COVID-19 pandemic escalating just as some countries in the disaster-prone Indo-Asia Pacific enter their cyclone, drought, heatwave, or monsoon seasons. The overlaying of the pandemic with existing complex challenges is a timely reminder that planning for HADR capacities – and regional security – needs to be attuned to the increasing likelihood of multiple, overlapping hazards and converging security risks, especially in a future where climate change alters the...…This week the ASEAN Joint Task Force on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) will meet via video conference, with the COVID-19 pandemic escalating just as some countries in the disaster-prone Indo-Asia Pacific enter their cyclone, drought, heatwave, or monsoon seasons. The overlaying of the pandemic with existing complex challenges is a timely reminder that planning for HADR capacities – and regional security – needs to be attuned to the increasing likelihood of multiple, overlapping hazards and converging security risks, especially in a future where climate change alters the...WW…

On April 1, government officials arrived at a remote rural monastery in Markham, Tibet, where local people were completing the construction of a small building in the temple compound to house around 16 monks. It was built of rammed earth in the traditional style using the collective labor of local people, unlike so many other new religious buildings in the area, which tend to be constructed from concrete by imported workers.The officials told monks that the building was not allowed. The next day, April 2, police arrived with a bulldozer and razed it to the ground. When the abbot of the...…On April 1, government officials arrived at a remote rural monastery in Markham, Tibet, where local people were completing the construction of a small building in the temple compound to house around 16 monks. It was built of rammed earth in the traditional style using the collective labor of local people, unlike so many other new religious buildings in the area, which tend to be constructed from concrete by imported workers.The officials told monks that the building was not allowed. The next day, April 2, police arrived with a bulldozer and razed it to the ground. When the abbot of the...WW…

Diplomat Risk Intelligence, The Diplomat’s consulting and analysis division. The strategy of “infrastructure-led growth” (growth, not economic and social development) seems to be showing its limits in Africa, where China has largely been instrumental in promoting it.This strategy is based on the Keynesian multiplier theory whereby any increase in aggregate demand would result in a more than proportional increase in GDP. In other words, any investment in infrastructure would induce growth, regardless of its true economic and social profitability. The implementation of this theory greatly...…Diplomat Risk Intelligence, The Diplomat’s consulting and analysis division. The strategy of “infrastructure-led growth” (growth, not economic and social development) seems to be showing its limits in Africa, where China has largely been instrumental in promoting it.This strategy is based on the Keynesian multiplier theory whereby any increase in aggregate demand would result in a more than proportional increase in GDP. In other words, any investment in infrastructure would induce growth, regardless of its true economic and social profitability. The implementation of this theory greatly...WW…

Taiwan’s legislature on Wednesday passed two proposals that could see the flagship carrier China Airlines be renamed and the word “Taiwan” highlighted on the country’s passports.The resolutions do not mandate any immediate changes but ask the executive branch to emphasize the word “Taiwan,” part of an effort by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and “pan-green” affiliated parties to move away from Taiwan’s official name, the Republic of China (ROC).The resolutions both passed by unanimous votes as they were boycotted by legislators from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), whose...…Taiwan’s legislature on Wednesday passed two proposals that could see the flagship carrier China Airlines be renamed and the word “Taiwan” highlighted on the country’s passports.The resolutions do not mandate any immediate changes but ask the executive branch to emphasize the word “Taiwan,” part of an effort by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and “pan-green” affiliated parties to move away from Taiwan’s official name, the Republic of China (ROC).The resolutions both passed by unanimous votes as they were boycotted by legislators from the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), whose...WW…

Diplomat Risk Intelligence, The Diplomat’s consulting and analysis division. Vietnam has agreed to pay around a billion dollars to two international oil companies after cancelling their South China Sea operations following pressure from China. A well-placed oil industry source has told The Diplomat that Vietnam’s state-owned energy company PetroVietnam will pay the money to Repsol of Spain and Mubadala of the United Arab Emirates in “termination” and “compensation” arrangements. In a statement, a Repsol spokesman said he “would not be willing to confirm or deny the figures” but an analysis...…Diplomat Risk Intelligence, The Diplomat’s consulting and analysis division. Vietnam has agreed to pay around a billion dollars to two international oil companies after cancelling their South China Sea operations following pressure from China. A well-placed oil industry source has told The Diplomat that Vietnam’s state-owned energy company PetroVietnam will pay the money to Repsol of Spain and Mubadala of the United Arab Emirates in “termination” and “compensation” arrangements. In a statement, a Repsol spokesman said he “would not be willing to confirm or deny the figures” but an analysis...WW…

The rift between the United States and China threatens to become a chasm. Barely a day passes without some tit-for-tat exchange of barbs, accusations, or actions designed to make life difficult for the other country or to trumpet the superiority of their respective political systems.The United States has castigated China for the forced sterilization of Uyghur women; lobbied Europe to ban Chinese security screening firm Nuctech; imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials held responsible for Hong Kong’s new national security law; and placed 90-day limits on work visas for Chinese...…The rift between the United States and China threatens to become a chasm. Barely a day passes without some tit-for-tat exchange of barbs, accusations, or actions designed to make life difficult for the other country or to trumpet the superiority of their respective political systems.The United States has castigated China for the forced sterilization of Uyghur women; lobbied Europe to ban Chinese security screening firm Nuctech; imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials held responsible for Hong Kong’s new national security law; and placed 90-day limits on work visas for Chinese...WW…

It has been about a year since a nation-wide boycott movement toward Japanese products began in South Korea, triggered by a trade war between the two countries.Contrary to some predictions that the boycott would not last long, it shows no sign of waning. According to a June 29 of 700 people over the age of 18 living across the country by Data Research, 75.9 percent of the respondents said they intend to continue the boycott in the future while 70.2 percent gave a positive view of the movement.In sectors from automobiles to clothing, Japanese products are struggling in South Korea. Some...…It has been about a year since a nation-wide boycott movement toward Japanese products began in South Korea, triggered by a trade war between the two countries.Contrary to some predictions that the boycott would not last long, it shows no sign of waning. According to a June 29 of 700 people over the age of 18 living across the country by Data Research, 75.9 percent of the respondents said they intend to continue the boycott in the future while 70.2 percent gave a positive view of the movement.In sectors from automobiles to clothing, Japanese products are struggling in South Korea. Some...WW…

On Monday, the government of India to ban 59 Chinese mobile applications within its borders. In a statement from the country’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, governing authorities from India accuse these Chinese mobile applications, including TikTok, WeChat, and Weibo, of mining user data and transferring data to servers outside of the country.The ban on Chinese mobile applications was not appreciated by the Chinese government. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the decisions and urged India to “uphold the legitimate rights of international investors.”Despite...…On Monday, the government of India to ban 59 Chinese mobile applications within its borders. In a statement from the country’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, governing authorities from India accuse these Chinese mobile applications, including TikTok, WeChat, and Weibo, of mining user data and transferring data to servers outside of the country.The ban on Chinese mobile applications was not appreciated by the Chinese government. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the decisions and urged India to “uphold the legitimate rights of international investors.”Despite...WW…

Taiwan on Wednesday opened an office to help people fleeing Hong Kong, its strongest response yet to calls to provide humanitarian assistance to Hong Kongers leaving the city due to ongoing pro-democracy protests and a newly imposed national security law.The Taiwan-Hong Kong Services and Exchange Office will serve as a hub for a task force established last month to provide direct assistance to Hong Kongers who wish to stay in Taiwan.“China’s disregard for the will of Hong Kong’s people proves that ‘one country, two systems’ is not viable,” President Tsai Ing-wen . “Taiwan’s commitment to...…Taiwan on Wednesday opened an office to help people fleeing Hong Kong, its strongest response yet to calls to provide humanitarian assistance to Hong Kongers leaving the city due to ongoing pro-democracy protests and a newly imposed national security law.The Taiwan-Hong Kong Services and Exchange Office will serve as a hub for a task force established last month to provide direct assistance to Hong Kongers who wish to stay in Taiwan.“China’s disregard for the will of Hong Kong’s people proves that ‘one country, two systems’ is not viable,” President Tsai Ing-wen . “Taiwan’s commitment to...WW…

In May, the United States’ senior diplomat for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells, repeated her criticism of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In response, offering reassurances about CPEC’s transparency and its perspective contribution toward national development.But on the ground, fears and concerns continue to grow in Gwadar, more than 2,000 kilometers away from the national capital, Islamabad and hundreds of kilometers away from Quetta, the provincial capital.This remote fishing town gained a deep-sea...…In May, the United States’ senior diplomat for South and Central Asia, Alice Wells, repeated her criticism of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In response, offering reassurances about CPEC’s transparency and its perspective contribution toward national development.But on the ground, fears and concerns continue to grow in Gwadar, more than 2,000 kilometers away from the national capital, Islamabad and hundreds of kilometers away from Quetta, the provincial capital.This remote fishing town gained a deep-sea...WW…

The optimism of neoliberalism has been challenged by about China playing a more active role in the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies. Currently, four of the 15 UN specialized agencies are headed by Chinese nationals, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDP), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). And with its contribution rising to of the UN regular budget, passing Japan at 8.5 percent, China is currently the second-largest monetary...…The optimism of neoliberalism has been challenged by about China playing a more active role in the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies. Currently, four of the 15 UN specialized agencies are headed by Chinese nationals, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDP), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). And with its contribution rising to of the UN regular budget, passing Japan at 8.5 percent, China is currently the second-largest monetary...WW…