Category Archives: NEWS DIGEST

EXSE FOCUS

Cambodia Charges Opposition Leader Kem Sokha With Treason  – New York Times The president of the Cambodia National Rescue was formally charged with treason after being accused by the country’s authoritarian government of plotting to overthrow its leaders with the backing of the United States. He faces jail term of up to 30 years and his party could be dissolved.

Related: Cambodia Arrests Opposition Leader, Accusing Him of Treason – New York Times

Related: Why the Cambodian government arrested our father in the middle of the night – Washington Post

Related: Cambodia’s government is preparing for elections with repression – The Economist

Related: Cambodia says opposition party could be barred from election – Reuters

The Cambodia Daily to Close (After Chasing One Last Big Story) – New York Times The Cambodia Daily was ordered by the government to close its doors over allegations that it had not paid millions of dollars in taxes as the country is becoming more autocratic. The Daily scrambled through the night to cover the arrest of the opposition leader Kem Sokha on charges of treason before it shut down.

Related: Cambodia Daily publishers banned from leaving the country – Sea Globe Editorial

Related: Hun Sen’s closure of Cambodia Daily a major blow to freedom of expression – Asian Correspondent

Desperate Rohingya Flee Myanmar Crackdown in Growing Numbers, U.N. Says – New York Times At least 123,000 Rohingya have fled from western Myanmar into neighboring Bangladesh since late last month, marching through muddy fields, the United Nations said as a military crackdown has destroyed villages and killed hundreds.

Related: ‘Endless Stream’ of Rohingya Flee Military Offensive – New York Times

Related: Violence in Myanmar Pushes at Least 18,500 Rohingya Into Bangladesh – New York Times

Aung San Suu Kyi defends her handling of Myanmar violence – The Guardian In her first spoken remarks since the crisis started in Rakhine state, Suu Kyi said her government was facing its “biggest challenge” and needed to “take care of everybody who is in our country, whether or not they are our citizens”
   Related: Aung San Suu Kyi faces global outcry over Rohingya crisis – Sea Globe Editorial

Related: Washington begins to sour on Aung San Suu Kyi amid mounting ethnic violence in Burma – Washington Post

REGIONAL RELATIONS

China brushes off Vietnam protests over South China Sea drills – Reuters China on Wednesday dismissed Vietnamese condemnation of its military live-fire exercises in the disputed South China Sea, saying it was acting within its sovereign rights, and asked “relevant side to regard the drills calmly and reasonably”.

Indonesian envoy to urge Burma to halt violence against Rohingya Muslims – DVB Indonesian President Joko Widodo has sent his foreign minister to Burma to urge its government to halt violence against Rohingya Muslims after a petrol bomb was thrown at the Burmese Embassy in Jakarta.

Thousands take to Jakarta’s streets in anti-Burma rally – DVB Thousands of Indonesians, led by Islamist groups, held a rally near the Burmese embassy in Jakarta to protest against the treatment of Rohingya Muslims and demand the snapping of ties between the two countries.

Thailand, Cambodia to open more checkpoints, bolster trade – Bangkok Post Thailand and Cambodia agreed to open four more border checkpoints and vowed to achieve their bilateral trade target, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Cambodian Premier Hun Sen in Phnom Penh.

         Related: Cambodia’s Hun Sen greets Prayut with a hug – The Nation

Thailand signs four agreements with China on development of high speed train project – PBS Thailand and China have signed four agreements on the national high-speed rail project connecting Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima which is scheduled to begin construction in October. In the meantime, Thailand will be carrying out studies to gauge the environmental impact the project will have.

 Cambodia to help legalise workers in Thailand – Khmer Times The Cambodian government will send 360 officials to Thailand to implement a 100-day campaign to give illegal migrant workers proper documents, the labour minister said while also accusing an opposition lawmaker and an NGO leader of swaying migrant workers’ votes.

The Truth About China’s Indonesia South China Sea Tantrum – The Diplomat Indonesia’s stance following run-ins with Chinese vessels, its upgrading of facilities in the Natunas, visits by Jokowi to the area, and Jakarta’s North Natuna Sea renaming are specific actions designed to signal to China and other states that Indonesia intends to secure its own interests with respect to this issue even as it, like other Southeast Asian states seeks closer ties with Beijing in other areas.

Myanmar plays diplomatic card with ‘friend’ China to avert UN censure over Rohingya crisis – SCMP Myanmar said it was negotiating with China and Russia to ensure they blocked any UN Security Council censure over the violence that could force an exodus of 300,000 Rohingya. In a rare letter to the UN Security Council.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

Prayut puts Cambodia hydropower deal on hold – Bangkok Post Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered authorities to delay investment in the Stung Nam hydropower project and buying power from Cambodia, amid mounting criticism over unusually high prices in the proposed contract.

Related: Ample reason to put Stung Nam plans on hold – The Nation

Related: PM on defensive over Stung Nam dams – Bangkok Post

Towards a Resource Efficient and Pollution Free Asia-Pacific – The Diplomat Senior government officials from across Asia and the Pacific will meet in Bangkok for the first-ever Asia-Pacific Ministerial Summit on the Environment to discuss how they can work together towards a resource efficient and pollution-free Asia-Pacific.

China Recalibrates Carbon-Trading Plan – RFA China plans to launch a nationwide carbon-trading system in November to help curb greenhouse gas emissions, but full implementation still faces further delays. The program aims to manage carbon emissions by major energy users in eight key industrial sectors.

Vietnam moving from energy exporter to importer: workshop – Mekong Eye Under the national energy development strategy until 2020 with a vision to 2050, Vietnam aims to produce and import 100-110 million TOEs of primary energy by 2020 and 310-320 million TOEs by 2050 so as to meet socio-economic development demand.

Sales of rooftop solar power to begin in Thailand – SCMP The Thai government will end the decade-long restriction on households and commercial buildings selling power generated by their solar rooftops to state utilities in the fourth quarter of the year.

CHINA

A Communist Party gathering in China will test Xi Jinping’s power – The Economist The 19^th Party Congress will give Mr Xi his first chance to implement sweeping changes of personnel at the very top of the party. It is widely expected that this gathering will offer clues as to how effectively Mr Xi has consolidated his power and what he plans to do with it.

Student caught tearing down Hong Kong independence posters branded hero in mainland China, vilified in city – SCMP A mainland Chinese student captured on film tearing down posters advocating Hong Kong independence has been branded a hero on mainland social media. But the female student said she had been living in fear after becoming a target of cyberbullying in Hong Kong, with some internet users in the city warning her “not to step out of her room”.

Hong Kong’s Autonomy Is Slipping Away – New York Times Neutering judicial independence, turning the legislative into a servile tool of the government by eliminating veto power and the filibuster and appointing people loyal to Beijing to top jobs are possible steps Beijing will take to tighten its grip on Hong Kong.

China’s Rights Crackdown Is Called ‘Most Severe’ Since Tiananmen Square  – New York Times China’s human rights record is the worst in many years but the lengths to which China goes to prevent criticism of that record of oppression by people outside China, particularly those at the United Nations, is even worse, Human Rights Watch warned.

China tightens control of chat groups ahead of party congress – SCMP China issued new rules on instant messaging chat groups, tightening control over online discussions ahead of a sensitive leadership reshuffle. Internet chat service providers must now verify the identities of their users and keep a blog of group chats for no less than six months.

China Communist Youth League boss faces demotion, sources say, as influence of once powerful group wanes – SCMP If confirmed, the departure of Qin Yizhi, first secretary at the league, would deal a further blow to the beleaguered faction of the party that was the power base of former president Hu Jintao and current Premier Li Keqiang. Qin has been told to move to another lower ranking job.

Can China Fix Its Housing Bubble? – The Diplomat A spree of policies were released to develop a rental market. From local to central, the government has pledged to equalize the rights of renters with homeowners. However, there are concerns that the government will return to stimulation again when growth slides further.

China’s People’s Liberation Army May Have a Civil-Military Relations Problem – The Diplomat The PLA remained well-connected at a number of levels with different economic enterprises. The government crackdown in some ways merely increased the incentives for corruption by moving the economic relationships underground. Corruption among the officer corps is a serious problem both for civilian control of the military, and for military effectiveness.

Xi Jinping’s top graft-buster back in the public eye for tribute to father-in-law – SCMP Anti-graft chief Wang Qishan has appeared in public for a second day in a row after roughly a month out of the state media spotlight. Wang attended a seminar in Beijing honouring his late father-in-law and former vice-premier Yao Yilin. The appearance came a day after CCTV showed footage of Wang on a provincial visit and at a discipline inspection meeting.

Taiwanese rights activist to stand trial in mainland China – SCMP A Taiwanese rights activist held in mainland China will soon face trial after he was held incommunicado for more than 170 days. NGO worker Lee Ming-cheh went missing during a visit to the mainland in March and the Chinese authorities later confirmed he was under investigation for suspected activities “endangering national security”.

Mao Zedong’s grandson among the ‘princelings’ not invited to China’s party congress – SCMP A grandson of Mao Zedong is among the “princelings” from China’s People’s Liberation Army who have not been invited to the upcoming 19th party congress. Major General Mao Xinyu is one of five senior military figures descended from or with close family ties to revolutionary generals or former state leaders who will miss out on China’s most important political event.

China Is Risking the Lives of Political Prisoners by Denying Them Medical Care – China File Dozens of political detainees and prisoners have reported being deprived of adequate medical treatment. Deliberately depriving prisoners of medical care is a life-threatening form of torture, and appears to be commonly used against political prisoners on China.

Chinese Police Detain Associate of Poet Who Tried to Commemorate Liu Xiaobo – RFA Authorities in the province of Guangdong have detained a second person linked to a poetry anthology in honor of Liu Xiaobo. Peng Heping was detained in Guangzhou in connection with his friend’s “illegal business activity” charge brought by police.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Boats Carrying Rohingya Fleeing Myanmar Sink, Killing 46 – New York Times At least 46 people, including 19 children and 18 women,  believed to be Rohingya fleeing violence in western Myanmar have been found dead on the banks of a river along the boundary with Bangladesh because their boats capsized when they were coming by boat from Myanmar.

Why Aung San Suu Kyi’s Nobel Peace Prize Won’t Be Revoked – New York Times Nobel Committee has never rescinded a prize and will not in Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi’s case although the Nobel laureate has stirred controversy for not speaking out on the Rohingya refugee crisis. The Nobel Committee will not issue condemnations or censure her either.

BBC cuts ties with Burmese state broadcaster, citing ‘interference’ – DVB The BBC’s Burmese-language news service has severed ties with Burma’s MNTV, with the former citing “interference” from the state broadcaster, saying it had constituted “a serious breach of trust with our audiences.”

New Rakhine Police Chief Appointed – Irrawaddy Myanmar’s Ministry of Home Affairs replaced chief of Rakhine State Police Force Police Col Sein Lwin with deputy chief of Shan State Police Force Police Col Aung Myat Moe.

Cambodia’s Hun Sen Vows to Lead For One More Decade – RFA Speaking to around 10,000 garment industry workers at a factory in the capital Phnom Penh, Hun Sen, 65, said he would run for two more terms as prime minister to defend the stability of the nation before considering whether to step aside, a day after a court charged the head of the country’s opposition party with treason for allegedly trying to topple the government.

Related: Cambodian PM: I’ll rule 10 more years; ‘don’t be jealous’ – Globe and Mail

Armed Thugs Invade Church in Vietnam – RFA Men in plain clothes and armed with pistols, batons, and pepper spray descended on a Catholic church in southeast Vietnam’s Dong Nai province on Monday to confront the parish priest over a Facebook post the priest had made urging political reform in the one-party communist state.

Laos looks to step up from LDC status by ’30 – Mekong Eye Laos is aiming to achieve an upgrade from its least developed country (LDC) status at the United Nations to a middle income country by 2030 through strengthening international economic partnerships, including the promotion of tourism.

Vietnamese log poacher shot dead in clash with forestry rangers – PBS One Vietnamese log poacher was shot dead and one forestry ranger was injured in a gunfight at Mae Wong national park in Nakhon Sawan province .The rangers were on a patrol in the national park when they encountered a group of log poachers illegally entering the park to cut the protected eaglewood.

Vietnam seizes over 1 ton of ivory smuggled in from Africa – AP Authorities have seized more than a ton of smuggled ivory at a Vietnamese port where some 6 tons were seized last year. The ivory was smuggled from Africa and was transiting through Vietnam to its destination in neighboring Cambodia.

Over 10 million people pay respect to late King in front of royal urn at Grand Palace – PBS  People from across the country continue to visit the Grand Palace’s Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall to pay respects before the Royal Urn of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej today, with latest figure showing over 10 million people have visited  in the past 305 days after the King passed away.

 Thai police probe teen’s claim that 40 men raped her – CNN Police in Thailand are investigating the alleged gang rape of a 14-year-old student last year. The victim from Koh Raed, a small island in Thailand’s Phang Nga province told authorities she was attacked multiple times between May and December of 2016 and claimed that up to 40 men were involved in the series of rapes.

 YUNNAN

Urban re-greening effort to include 37 new Kunming parks – Go Kunming The Kunming Municipal Landscaping Bureau announced details for the creation of 37 new parks and public spaces as part of the effort to turn the Spring City into a “Garden City”. The project also includes measures to improve 37 existing parks. The ambitious plan covers nearly every corner of Kunming and is expected to cost upwards of seven billion yuan (US$1.07 billion).

This week’s news digest was curated by Le Nguyen Ngoc.

EXSE FOCUS

Climate Shifts Aren’t Limited to the Weather – NYT Globalization and technology are changing the world, too.

As Washington Tries to Protect Tech, China Could Fight Back – NYT As the Trump administration takes on Beijing over intellectual property, global trade rules could favor China.

At Mekong Forum, a focus on US disengagement and China’s rise – Mekong Eye As keynote speakers at this year’s Mekong Forum repeatedly underscored the rise of China amid growing unpredictability of U.S. policies, the sole U.S. representative in the half-filled ballroom of the Pullman Hotel in Khon Kaen, Thailand, cut a lonely figure.

Interview: Brian Eyler on Baihetan, China’s second largest dam –GoKunming  Eyler also keeps keenly abreast of dam and hydropower issues inside of China. We asked for his thoughts about Baihetan, its implications for the region and China’s ongoing hydropower strategy.

As Trump Unnerves Asia, China Sees an Opening – NYT Mr. Trump’s threat to bring “fire and fury” to North Korea has Beijing hoping to emerge as the sober-minded power in the region.

REGIONAL RELATIONS

US, Singapore Conclude Biggest Army Exercise – NYT The latest iteration of their oldest army drills were by far the largest to date.

Vietnam, Yielding to Beijing, Backs Off South China Sea Drilling – NYT A gas project at the edge of Vietnam’s economic zone has been called off, an apparent victory for China at a time when the Trump administration is distracted.

Rex Tillerson: risk of ‘open conflict’ if US-China relations continue to grate – The Guardian Secretary of state touts cooperation and compromise on North Korea, South China Sea and trade – but says difficulties are at a ‘pivot point’

Can ASEAN Work Together to Fight Regional Terrorism? – The Diplomat As the grouping turns 50, it needs to confront the region’s biggest threat.

US-Vietnam Defense Relations Under Trump Get a Boost With First Aircraft Carrier Visit – The Diplomat The move represents yet another step forward for security ties under the Trump administration amid lingering concerns.

Trump’s Bilateralism and US Power in East Asia – The Diplomat How best to make sense of the Trump administration’s preference for bilateralism in Asia?

US, Australia, Japan Jointly Challenge China on South China Sea Issue – The Diplomat The three countries jointly called for China and the Philippines to abide by last year’s arbitral ruling.

How Much Trade Transits the South China Sea? Not $5.3 Trillion a Year – The Diplomat How much trade actually transits the South China Sea every year?

Assessing ASEAN’s Geopolitical Relevance After 50 Years – The Diplomat As ASEAN nears its 50th anniversary, what challenges does it face as a regional organization?

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

 Vietnamese smallholders help end deforestation – photo essay – The Guardian Growth has come at a cost. Vietnam’s forests, significantly damaged by war, have now been degraded or destroyed by logging and agricultural land clearance to the point where there is almost no untouched primary forest left.

Legal framework, roadmap needed for Vietnam’s wind power – Mekong Eye The Vietnamese government has approved several programmes to encourage the development of renewable energy in the country. However, a number of regulatory and market barriers as well as the lack of capacity have been identified as obstacles for investors in wind projects, according to Cossen.

Why Resilient Cities Are Important to ASEAN’s Future – The Diplomat To sustain ASEAN’s economic progress over the next 50 years, its leaders must commit to focusing on climate change.// To enhance the accountability of ASEAN in the region, it is important to consider sustainable development into ASEAN’s countries policy. The role of ASEAN is critical on this issue.

Asean to give infrastructure a big push – Mekong Eye ASEAN governments are set to speed up implementation of large infrastructure projects by taking advantage of the fast growth in the region and the ample liquidity in the global financial market.

Harsh sentence for blogger may haunt Vietnam’s environmental movement – Mekong Eye Condemnation from organizations like Human Rights Watch over Quỳnh’s arrest has had no impact, and there is fear that Mother Mushroom’s harsh sentence may deter other activists from speaking up on the environment, which is seen as one of the few sensitive subjects which citizens can openly discuss in Vietnam.

From Fossil Fuel to Clean Energy in ASEAN: Diversification is key – Mekong Eye Whether globally or within the ASEAN region, the pathway to an efficient and sustainable energy landscape is paved with diverse sources.

Cambodian farmers find reasons to stay on the land – ADB Blog In Cambodia, farmers are gaining access to the technology, markets, credit, and knowledge that they need to earn better incomes.

ASEAN, Beijing Agree to Talks on South China Sea Code– Radio Free Asia China and ASEAN said they both agreed Sunday to a framework for talks on a “code of conduct” in the disputed South China Sea, but the Southeast Asian side indirectly criticized Beijing’s territorial expansion there in an unusual statement.

Will the Dawei Special Economic Zone benefit the people of Myanmar? – Mekong Common Is the Dawei Special Economic Zone paving the way to environmental disaster?

Cambodia and Viet Nam Discuss Bilateral Coordination Mechanisms to Address Transboundary Water Issues – Mekong River Commission Team members of the Mekong Delta and Sesan-Srepok projects between Cambodia and Viet Nam discuss way forward to set up cross-border coordination mechanisms to address transboundary water issues.

HydroCalculator: New, Free, Online Tool Helps Citizens Assess Dams | Mongabay – International River With mega-dams planned globally, especially in the Amazon and Mekong, the Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF), an NGO, has developed a new free tool for evaluating a planned dam’s economic viability, greenhouse gas emissions and more.

In Cambodia, Holdouts Fight a Rising Tide | Devex – International River Late one night last week, scores of people packed into a wooden home located just meters from the Srepok river. As the rain pounded down, the water rose slowly up the bank. Inside the house, more than a hundred people watched as Yun Lorang spoke.

CHINA

Apple’s Silence in China Sets a Dangerous Precedent – NYT Apple’s decision this weekend to give in to China’s demand to remove unregistered VPN apps is a blow for the liberties of its customers.

Trump Administration Is Said to Open Broad Inquiry Into China’s Trade Practices – NYT The investigation, focused on alleged intellectual property violations, marks a shift in policy toward Beijing after President Trump had emphasized greater cooperation.

Strong Yuan Could Open Door to Relaxing Currency Curbs – NYT China’s foreign exchange reserves have stabilized and capital flight has been stemmed. And Beijing wants to attract more foreign money into its stocks and bonds.

China Struggles to Control Coal Prices and Production – Radio Free Asia Last September, a sudden surge in coal prices caught China’s government by surprise, forcing it to boost production at a time when it had ordered the industry to cut back.

Xi shores up power with demand for army obedience and foreign respect – NYT President warns that China will not ‘swallow bitter fruit’ of threats to sovereignty, while telling military: ‘The Communist party commands the gun’.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

What Did the New Asia Terrorism Meeting in Indonesia Achieve? – The Diplomat The engagement reflected growing alarm about the terrorism threat and ongoing subregional cooperation to combat it.

Is Media Biased Against Ethnic Armed Organizations? – Irrawaddy The inaccurate depiction by many media on the ethnic conflict, in most cases is unhelpful for the advancement of the peace process. In Myanmar, where the peace process involves a multitude of stakeholders, the role of the media and a need for precise, accurate reporting is imperative.// The role of media in peace negotiations seems critical as ethnic groups do not have many platforms to share its stance to the public. At least, media shouldn’t fuel the negotiation goes wrong by conveying vague or incorrect information.

Sinking feeling for Asean fisheries – Mekong Eye Escalating tensions over fishing rights in the South China Sea may be a harbinger of stormy seas ahead as more of Southeast Asia’s trawler fleet casts its half-empty nets in contested waters.

Global outcry over Thai Junta’s charges against award-winning journalist – Southeast Asia Globe Pravit Rojanaphruk, who has been detained twice for ‘attitude adjustment’ sessions since the 2014 military coup, stands charged under the Thai Sedition Act for Facebook posts, some of which reportedly date back more than a year.

Malaysia detains 400 foreigners in ‘terrorism’ sweep ahead of SEA Games – Southeast Asia Globe Many remain detained over suspected immigration violations, but police say none of the suspects had ties to terrorism.

Asean at 50: will the regional bloc overcome its midlife crisis? – Southeast Asia Globe Opinion: Sustained peace and sunny economic predictions are worth celebrating, but Asean can’t afford to ignore its problems, argues the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Miguel Chanco.

Analysis: The Peace Process and an Unattainable Plan – Irrawaddy Since the May conference in Naypyitaw, peace talks and national dialogues have stalled. The convening of national political dialogues in NCA-signatories’ controlled areas—in the case of the Restoration Council of Shan State and the Arakan Liberation Party—have not yet been able to be held due to the military and government objections over the venue and security, respectively.

Human Rights Watch Calls on Laos to Investigate Missing Thai Activist – Radio Free Asia Officials in Thailand and Laos said Tuesday they had no information about a missing activist linked with the Thai pro-democracy Red Shirts, while Human Rights Watch called for a full investigation into his alleged abduction in Vientiane over the weekend.

Islamic State and Climate Change Seen as World’s Greatest Threats, Poll Says – WSJ A Pew survey finds that while global warming is a top concern around the world, more Americans are more concerned about cyberwarfare than climate change.

How to Get Ahead in Politics in the Philippines – NYT Chronic dysfunction and selfish ambition across the political spectrum prevent the changes Filipinos deserve.

Big thanks to Riyoung Ko for curating this summer’s news digests. 

EXSE FOCUS

In China, Despair for Cause of Democracy After Nobel Laureate’s Death – NYT Some activists say the movement is now at its weakest point since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989.

Climate change will force mass migration of 1 billion by 2100 – Mekong Eye Massive migration is foreseen all over the world by the end of the century, with the Asia-Pacific region identified as the most vulnerable if the current climate change scenario does not improve.

Climate change pushing Asia towards doom – The Third Pole Much of Asia may see 50% more rainfall due to climate change, although countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan may experience a decline in rainfall by 20-50%, says a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

REGIONAL RELATIONS

Vietnam stops drilling in South China Sea after threats from Beijing – Southeast Asia Globe One week after China threatened to attack its bases in the Spratly islands, Hanoi has ordered a private oil company to stop drilling in the contested territory.

Trump Warns China on North Korea – WSJ In a pair of posts on Twitter, President Donald Trump signaled frustration with what he described as China’s inaction on North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic-missile ambitions.

How Should the US and China Approach the Next Economic Dialogue? – The Diplomat How to interpret the outcome of the first Comprehensive Economic Dialogue for future China-U.S. economic relations.

China-Vietnam South China Sea Spat in the Spotlight – The Diplomat Reports indicate Beijing’s coercive efforts continue even as it plays up a cooling down period in the South China Sea.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Switch to electric vehicles will not be enough to give us clean air | Letters – The Guardian Readers respond to Britain’s latest clean air plan and the ban on all new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040. So, the government is committed to banning all diesel and petrol cars by 2040 (Report, 26 July). Has it considered the wider impacts?

 Chinese firms urged to invest responsibly – Mekong Eye Chinese companies yesterday met with the government and NGOs in an attempt to resolve conflicts caused by investment projects in Cambodia.

Under the Radar: Forget the South China Sea, this is Asia’s real water war – Mekong Eye While tensions in the South China Sea have the potential for limited skirmishes far out to sea, the competition over the resources of the Mekong River is putting millions at risk of natural disasters, famine and regional instability.

Rayong Bay a ‘dead sea’ for fishermen – Mekong Eye PEOPLE in Rayong, especially fishermen, are still suffering the consequences of a major oil spill in Rayong Bay four years ago, because fish have not returned. However, PTT Global Chemical PLC (PTTGC), which took control of the cleanup, insists that the marine ecosystem has recovered to its normal state.

Stopping climate change may be harder than scientists thought – Monga Bay As nations attempt to hedge against the worst effects of global warming by scaling back their carbon emissions, a new study is questioning the accuracy of a pivotal “pre-industrial” measurement used as a baseline in pursuit of this goal.// This question seems critical as it also allows us to think further what measures should be taken over the course of period under the scenario that we cannot meet our goal.

Civil society groups denounce new environment bill – Mekong Eye Environmentalists have called on the authorities to rethink changing Thailand’s environmental protection law, because the process lacks public oversight.//  An example of strong environmental civil movement in Southeast Asia

Vietnam’s major cities choking as pollution exacerbates – Mekong Eye Air pollution has been getting worse across Vietnam over the past five years, breaching acceptable levels in the country’s major cities, according to a government report released on Thursday.

Thailand spearheads regional push towards organic agriculture – Investvine Thailand is establishing itself as a driving force for a push towards organic agricultural products within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, by starting initiatives to bring its regional neighbours together to develop respective strategies.// A great example of how regional organization can initiate programs that promote sustainable development in its region.

CHINA

China and Russia Hold First Joint Naval Drill in the Baltic Sea – NYT As part of a budding military partnership, China and Russia hold joint military exercises in the strategic European sea for the first time, monitored by NATO.

Anti-Chinese Posters at Melbourne Universities Are Tied to White Supremacists – NYT The posters were found as Chinese enrollment at schools in Australia grows and as the country confronts concerns about Chinese influence in its politics and economy.

For China’s Global Ambitions, ‘Iran Is at the Center of Everything’ – NYT Iran’s strategic location makes it a focus, and Chinese investments and entrepreneurs are pouring into the country.

Can Jack Ma, Asia’s richest man, create 1m jobs in the US? – The Guardian The founder of Alibaba, one of the world’s biggest online retailers, made the promise at a pre-inauguration meeting with Donald Trump.

China Investment Lags in Belt And Road Countries – Radio Free Asia While China invests heavily in developed countries, it has relied mainly on construction contracts to expand its presence in the developing world, analysts say.

Liu Xiaobo Wasn’t China’s Only Prisoner of Conscience – The Diplomat The best way to honor his memory is to press China to end torture and free other dissidents.

To Be a Global Leader, China Needs a New Refugee Policy  – The Diplomat To be seen as a leader, China will need to help share burdens — including by hosting refugees.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Malaysia’s PM offers millions to farmers ahead of crucial election – Southeast Asia Globe The offer from the incumbent Najib Razak, embroiled by scandal in the halls of power, highlights the importance of winning the rural vote

Duterte confronts protesters following blunt State of the Nation Address – Southeast Asia Globe The Philippine leader doubled down on his war on drugs, confronted US colonial influence and defended his handling of Communist peace talks, prompting outrage among thousands of protesters, who he then approached

China Showers Myanmar With Attention, as Trump Looks Elsewhere – NYT Myanmar’s opening had been considered an American victory, but Beijing is bringing it into its fold with money and diplomacy.

Vietnam plans multi-billion smart cities across the country – Investvine Vietnam seems to become the driving force for smart cities in Southeast Asia with several plans for such developments on the table.

US Firms Lobby for Removal of Myanmar Trade Restrictions  – Irrawaddy American businesses based in Myanmar are urging their government to remove sections 311 and 312 of the USA Patriot Act which prohibit US banks from trading in Myanmar.

Silencing Media Has No Place in A Democracy – Irrawaddy During my 15 years as a journalist, I never thought I could be arrested for meeting insurgent groups.

Blood and Silk: Power and Conflict in Modern Southeast Asia – Irrawaddy Southeast Asia is undoubtedly one of the world’s economically fastest growing regions and the home of sophisticated cultures – but it’s also where decades-long ethnic and political rebels are still active.

ISIS’ Core Helps Fund Militants in Philippines, Report Says – NYT The Islamic State’s central command in Syria has sent tens of thousands of dollars to groups that seized a southern Philippine city, a research group said.

In the Philippines, Duterte breaks his vow to reform labour laws – The Economist AS A presidential candidate, Rodrigo Duterte had strong views about “contractualisation” and “endo”—big firms’ habit of hiring employees indirectly, via temping agencies, often on renewable five-month contracts. He agreed with labour activists that corporate giants use these practices to avoid providing health care and other benefits, and said they should be banned.

Malaysia’s government harasses opponents as an election looms – The Economist “UNDEMOCRATIC”, “gerrymandered” and “fix-up” are good words to describe Malaysian politics, dominated since independence by a single party. So it was a bit rich for the prime minister’s spokesman to employ them when smearing a big opposition group this month.

ASEAN Deploys Terror Aid to Philippines Amid Marawi Crisis – The Diplomat The regional grouping joined a list of actors doling out assistance to Manila.

This week’s news digest was curated by Riyoung Ko.

EXSE FOCUS

Thailand plans to sign electricity accord with Laos and Malaysia – Mekong Eye THAILAND is preparing to sign a tripartite electricity-trading agreement with two neighbouring countries at the upcoming ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting.

Reasons to be cheerful, despite Trump withdrawing from the Paris Agreement – The Guardian The US has dropped out of the Paris Climate Agreement, but India, China and the EU are stepping up to be the new global leaders on climate change.

China’s AIIB Is About to Face 2 Major Tests – The Diplomat The bank’s directors will vote on a new energy sector strategy and a risky financing model.

China-backed AIIB touts growth – Mekong Eye Leaders of the China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank touted its growing membership and commitment to sustainable development at its annual meeting, even as environmental groups were disappointed by its openness to investing in coal projects.

Asia faces challenges attracting infrastructure investment – ADB Blog Public-private partnerships are key to development projects, but inherent risks hinder private zeal. // Despite the public nature of infrastructure development, the necessity of private sector should be still stressed considering a huge financial gap between total infra needs and available public funding. This article is well-described; the importance of PPP and the collaboration among multilateral institutions to enhance PPP in Asia-Pacific region.

China’s Trump Honeymoon: Unexpected, and at Risk of Ending – NYT President Trump said that Beijing had failed to rein in North Korea, an assertion that could lead to tougher American stances on trade, currency and the South China Sea.

REGIONAL RELATIONS

Making the US Navy’s South China Sea Presence Count – The Diplomat FONOPs may generate a bit too much buzz for their own good.

What’s in the First US-Philippines Downgraded Naval Exercise Under Duterte? – The Diplomat A closer look at the significance of the maritime training activity both sides launched this week

Thai-Chinese railway expected to yield stock gains – Bangkok Post The long-delayed Thai-Chinese high-speed railway line, soon to break ground after the invocation of Section 44 to clear technical and legal hurdles, is expected to help construction stocks outshine others this week.

China Cancels Military Meeting With Vietnam Over Territorial Dispute – NYT The public sign of discord is highly unusual for the two Communist neighbors, and it comes as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in the South China Sea.

2nd US Navy Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Asia Pacific – The Diplomat A second supercarrier has entered the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet area of operations.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Climate Change as a Design Problem – NYT In his “Changing Climate, Changing Cities” series, our architecture critic shows how metropolises, and residents, are preparing for the future.

Indonesian coal mining firm gets its license reinstated despite a history of violations– MongaBay As Indonesia proceeds with its campaign to stamp out illegality in the palm oil and mining sectors, canceling thousands of permits nationwide, a Sumatran court has restored a coal company’s license after the governor revoked it.

Air pollution in Vietnam threatens economic growth – Mekong Eye People in Hanoi and throughout the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam are starting to wake up and realize the gravity of the country’s air pollution problem, Nguy Thi Khanh told an air quality panel this past May.

Coal-Powered Cement Plant Starts Production Despite Local Opposition – The Irrawaddy A 500-ton cement factory has started commercial operations in Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State, despite opposition from locals over the coal-fired plant that will fuel it. Mon State Chief Minister Dr. Aye Zan confirmed on Thursday the US$400 million project, run by Mawlamyine Cement Limited (MCL)—a joint venture between Thai firm Siam Cement Group (SCG) and Pacific Link Cement Industries—will be fueled by a coal-fired power plant built within the compound.

ADB-Supported ‘Green Financing Platform’ Launched for Better Air Quality in Greater Beijing Area – ADB The Green Financing Platform (GFP) supported by ADB was launched today by the China National Investment and Guaranty Corporation (I&G) to promote air pollution-reduction investments in the greater Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH).

The Batteries Are Coming, Are Energy Planners Paying Attention? – Mekong Eyes For two decades now, energy planners in the Mekong region have referred to the hydropower potential of its river systems as untapped “batteries” ready to be exploited for economic development. But at every step of the way, local and international opposition have raised countless concerns about the social, environmental and economic merits of these “renewable” energy projects—only to see most of them built regardless.

Asia and the Fall of Coal – The Diplomat Asia’s sudden shift away from coal and toward renewable energy will have a global impact.

What Will It Take to Clean China’s Air? – The Diplomat Local governments and industries continue to skirt new regulations designed to limit air pollution.

The War on Southeast Asia’s Natural Environment – The Diplomat Southeast Asia’s infrastructure boom threatens to destroy he few remaining wilderness sanctuaries in the region.

CHINA

Some Global Investors See Fresh Worries in an Old Problem: China – NYT Two years after a Chinese stock market crash, a weakened currency and rising debt sent jitters around the world, some investors are getting nervous again.

Alibaba’s Jack Ma Heads to Detroit to Impress Entrepreneurs—and Trump – WSJ The chairman of Alibaba is hosting a two-day event where he will try to make good on a jobs pledge to President Trump and convince U.S. sellers it is worthwhile to use the Chinese e-commerce giant to market their wares.

Q&A | China’s growing water scarcity challenge – Global Water Forum Over the past several years addressing water scarcity has become central to the research agenda of science and policy-making in the Peoples Republic of China.

China freezes 1,000 bank accounts – Asia News Network Over 1,000 accounts of Burmese traders frozen by Chinese banks.

China Pushes Belt and Road Despite Domestic Concerns – The Radio Free Asia While China promotes its ambitious “Belt and Road” program for investment abroad, it faces increasing signs of economic pressure at home.

China Marks South China Sea Claims With Coast Guard, Marine Militias – Radio Free Asia China’s growing use of non-conventional means to assert control over the South China Sea is raising concerns among neighboring countries and regional military planners.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Vietnam, Japan Coast Guards Hold First-Ever South China Sea Drill on Illegal Fishing – The Diplomat The exercises took place near Danang and is the first of its kind.

A Closer Look at the Philippine Peace Process With Communist Rebels – The Diplomat The crisis in Marawi has eclipsed another critical front in the government’s struggle against domestic threats.

Property disputes are Vietnam’s biggest political problem – The Economist An annual survey published by the UN finds that the total number of land seizures has fallen over the past three years. But a third of those affected still report receiving no compensation, and another quarter think their pay-outs unfair.

Suicide rate ‘alarming’ at Myanmar refugee camp – Bangkok Post The number of recorded suicides and attempted suicides has soared at the Mae La refugee camp in Tak province, Thailand’s largest camp for refugees from Myanmar.

Destroying a Philippine City to Save It From ISIS Allies – NYT In Marawi, which was seized by Islamic State-aligned rebels, the military and the militants have dug in for the long haul.

Hun Sen sets Senate elections for January – The Phnom Penh Post The next Senate elections will be held on January 14, according to a directive issued on Friday and ordered by Prime Minister Hun Sen, who noted earlier this month that his party’s performance at the June 4 commune elections means it will almost definitely win the chamber.

Fishery industry faces acute labour shortage – Thai PBS English News Members of the fishery industry have lamented a labor shortage of up to 74,000 people with as many as 4,000 ships docked due to a lack of workers, saying discussions are to be held with Myanmar to attract immigrant laborers, the National News Bureau of Thailand reported Monday.

Bangladesh Minister: Rohingya Who Fled Myanmar Pose Security Threat – Radio Free Asia A Bangladeshi minister on Thursday warned of potential security threats as the country grapples with crimes brought about by the influx of thousands of Rohingya refugees.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Mocks Former Opposition Party Leader as ‘Coward’ – Radio Free Asia Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday called on exiled former opposition party leader Sam Rainsy to return to the country, mocking him as a cowardly politician for reneging on a statement that he would return if an order prohibiting his entry was lifted.//Another layer of election and upcoming election in Cambodia

Hundreds Flee Mining Area in Myanmar’s Kachin State to Comply With Army Evacuation Order – Radio Free Asia About 400 people who work in the Tanaing gold and amber mining region of northern Myanmar’s Kachin state arrived on Tuesday night in the town of Hkamti to comply with a national military order to evacuate the resource-rich area by June 15, local officials said.

Myanmar Contributes to Increasing Global Displacement – The Irrawaddy Myanmar’s internal conflicts left 490,000 refugees and 375,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) by the end of 2016, according to the UN’s refugee agency in Asia spokesperson Vivian Tan, adding to increasing global displacement worldwide.

Suicide Rate “Alarming” in Thai Camp for Myanmar Refugees—Study – The Irrawaddy The number of recorded suicides and attempted suicides has soared at Thailand’s largest camp for refugees from Myanmar, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Monday as it called for urgent action to treat high levels of distress.

The Failed UN Mission in Myanmar – The Irrawaddy This week we saw two news headlines related to a failed UN mission in Myanmar.The first read that Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, would be leaving her post prematurely, before the end of the typical five-year term.// The critical article about the United Nations’ role in Myanmar. What are the purpose of UN and what are their mission while locating in Myanmar. According to this article, UN hasn’t really focused on real issues in the region but rather follow the fame of what they are seen to be. This question has been addressed in many parts of the world.

Rakhine Protesters Demand UN Protect Buddhist Chakma in Bangladesh – The Irrawaddy The Arakan National Party (ANP) led 300 people, including Buddhist monks and local Arakanese, in a protest outside the UN offices in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State on Wednesday, urging the agency to protect the Buddhist minority Chakma in Bangladesh.// Following the previous article, it is still interesting to see despite decades of failure of UN’s mission in Myanmar, people still hope that UN would provide the shelter for them.

What’s Behind Vietnam’s Rising Violence? – The Diplomat The rise of physical violence committed against activists is a troubling trend.

This week’s news digest was curated by Riyoung Ko.

The Trump administration is slowly  coming around to see the importance of US-ASEAN relations, but will downplaying human rights and democratization produce unintended consequences? The Philippines hosted the thirtieth ASEAN summit last weekend. Despite the opposition in China, THAAD became operational. Today, the MRC holds its second regional consultation on the Pak Beng Dam.

 EXSE FOCUS

The Thirtieth ASEAN Summit: Winners – Asia Unbound Over the weekend, the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations held the Thirtieth ASEAN Summit, in Manila—the Philippines is the chair of ASEAN this year. As has become usual, much of the discussion before the summit centered on a potential joint statement about the South China Sea, which has become one of the most divisive issues in Southeast Asia. Countries growing closer to China, like Cambodia and Thailand (which also have no direct claims in the South China Sea), and those that have direct claims and are increasingly suspicious of Beijing’s activities, like Vietnam, have faced off over South China Sea statements at many ASEAN meetings. In addition, the summit provided an opportunity for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to play up his role as a statesman and host.

Related: Duterte stresses non-interference policy at ASEAN summit (full speech) – Invistine

Philippines Sends Defense Chief to Disputed South China Sea Island – NYT Even before officials reached the island, which is also claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan, the Chinese challenged the flight on the radio several times.

Related: The Truth About Duterte’s ASEAN South China Sea Blow – The Diplomat

Related: After Summit, ASEAN Remains Divided on South China Sea – The Diplomat

Tillerson urges ASEAN to cut North Korea funding, minimize ties – Reuters U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged Southeast Asian foreign ministers on Thursday to do more to help cut funding streams for North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and to minimize diplomatic relations with Pyongyang. In his first ministerial meeting with all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Tillerson also called on nations with competing claims in the South China Sea to cease all island building and militarization while talks aimed at creating a maritime code of conduct were under way.

Donald Trump builds relations with authoritarian Asian leaders – The Guardian US president invites controversial leaders of Thailand and Philippines to the White House amid growing North Korean tensions. Donald Trump has revived US relations with two of Asia’s most authoritarian heads of state – the leader of Thailand’s junta and the president of the Philippines – by inviting them to the White House.

Related: After Trump’s Phone Call to Philippines Leader, China’s President Calls Him – NYT

It’s Official: THAAD Missile Defense Is Up and Running in South Korea – The Diplomat The controversial missile defense system has become operational, days ahead of South Korea’s 2017 presidential election.

Striking a Fair Balance on Mekong Dams – Bangkok Post This Friday, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) will hold their second Regional Stakeholder Forum under the Prior Consultation procedure for the Pak Beng dam, the third hydropower project proposed for the lower Mekong River mainstem. For Pak Beng, the information put forward by the developers for the Prior Consultation process is similarly inadequate to assess environmental and social impacts on the Mekong. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) and supporting documents demonstrate major gaps in baseline data, which is essential in designing mitigation measures targeted to the local context. Much of the data is taken from studies conducted in 2011 and earlier, failing to take account of the projects along the Mekong that are now under construction. That the Prior Consultation process was initiated on the basis of this limited information is in itself questionable.

REGIONAL RELATIONS

ASEAN and North Korea: Strange Bedfellows? – The Diplomat North Korea asked ASEAN to take its side against the United States.

China ready to mediate between Burma, Bangladesh over refugees row – DVB China offered on Tuesday to help tackle a diplomatic row between Bangladesh and Burma over the flight of minority Rohingya Muslims from the latter, two Bangladesh foreign ministry officials said.

More Signs of Refugee Repatriation on the Thai-Burma Border – The Irrawaddy Community workers are busy with meetings, travel, and workshops as Burma prepares for the repatriation of some 98,000 refugees living on the Thai-Burma border.

Belt and Road Initiative bringing tangible benefits to Laos: Official – China Economic Net Laos strongly supports China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the initiative has been producing tangible benefits for the country, a high-ranking Lao official has said.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Make or break time for the Mekong – SEA Globe As drought lingers and unfettered dam construction plugs the Mekong river, managing the life-giving waterway becomes ever more crucial. All eyes are now on a new China-led initiative that claims to have the region’s best interests at heart

Blackening the Mekong Delta – Mekong Commons Up to 14 coal fired-power plants are set to be built in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta as part of Vietnam’s Power Development Plan (PDP). Nguyen Thi Ha looks at how the coal plants already operating in the delta area are affecting the health, salt and fish farms, and local livelihoods of thousands of communities living in the delta.

Smooth flows: some benefits of dams, water diplomacy –Vietnam News Viet Nam News published an article titled “Mekong water diplomacy vital”. The article quoted several statements by Dr Lê Anh Tuấn, Deputy Director of the Research Institute for Climate Change at Cần Thơ University. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat takes this opportunity to respond to some of the statements in the article and highlight where water diplomacy is influencing outcome.

Hydropower boom in China and along Asia’s rivers outpaces regional electricity demand – The Third Pole For the past two decades, China has been in the midst of an unprecedented dam-building boom, developing over 300 gigawatts (GW) of hydropower. But coal-fuelled development in many of its cities has left them choking from air pollution and lent urgency to alternatives such as solar, wind, nuclear and hydropower. China has the world’s largest potential hydropower resource and could develop around 540 GW, as part of efforts to decarbonise the country’s economy.

ADB dedicates $4.2B to water resource projects – Phnom Penh Post The Asia Development Bank (ADB) raised it water operations budget to $4.2 billion for projects mitigating effects of rapid population growth and climate change in the Asia Pacific region, the bank said yesterday. The new budget nearly doubles last year’s $2.4 billion allocated to water management.

CHINA

Thousands Protest Chemical Plant Pollution in China’s Hebei – RFA Thousands of people protested in the northern Chinese province of Hebei on Wednesday after a leak at a chemical plant releases toxic gases into the air.

Trump’s indifference to climate change has not changed China’s view – The Economist RESIDENTS have found something else to blame for the toxic smog that envelops many Chinese cities for much of the year. Until recently the culprits that were usually fingered were the obvious ones: emissions from coal-fired power plants, exhaust fumes from cars and dust from building sites. This year, however, reports began to appear in state-run media that climate change is now reckoned to be a factor, too. Chinese scientists say that in eastern China global warming is resulting in less rain and wind to clear the pollutants. The government’s weather bureau illustrated its online account of the discovery with a picture of zombie-looking figures in hazmat suits shrouded by haze.

China’s Environmental Woes, in Films That Go Viral, Then Vanish – NYT Wang Jiuliang’s documentaries on topics like unregulated garbage dumps are internet sensations in China, but they are short-lived online.

The Silk Roads, Past and Future – The Diplomat If China’s ambitious initiative can recapture the magic of the ancient Silk Roads, it will change the world.

Chinese economy cools as key sectors continue to slow – The Guardian Manufacturing and services fall as Beijing tries to rein in property and credit boom. China’s economy has shown more signs of cooling with key barometers from its manufacturing and services sectors dipping in April. The latest data comes as Beijing attempts to rein in a booming property market and rapid credit growth.

China bans religious names for Muslim babies in Xinjiang – The Guardian List of banned baby names released amid ongoing crackdown on religion that includes law against veils and beards. Many couples fret over choosing the perfect name for their newborn, but for Muslims in western China that decision has now become even more fraught: pick the wrong name and your child will be denied education and government benefits.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Thailand

Egat looks to ride renewable wave – Bangkok Post The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) plans to overhaul its long-term business strategy to tap into the rising renewable energy trend, says its chairman of the board. The plan is due to be discussed by the company’s executives next weekend, said chairman Areepong Bhoocha-oom. Egat, which is focused on generating power mostly from fossil resources, will start diversifying into other energy fields and businesses, he said.

Govt allays concerns over China’s Mekong channel – Bangkok Post

It is too early to worry about China’s survey of the Mekong River in Thailand in connection with a plan to facilitate its cargo boat navigation there, authorities said on Tuesday. Chinese officials are surveying the Thai section of the Mekong River in Chiang Rai province for a feasibility study and no decision has been made nor has any action been taken that should justify public concerns.

China’s Silk Road push in Thailand may founder on Mekong row – DVB China’s plan to blast open more of the Mekong River for bigger cargo ships could founder on a remote outcrop of half-submerged rocks that Thai protesters have vowed to protect against Beijing’s economic expansion in Southeast Asia.

Chinese Environmental Protester Seeks Refuge in Thailand Ahead of Earth Day – RFA A Chinese rights activist involved in recent environmental protests in the southern province of Guangdong has fled the country to seek political refugee status in Thailand. Wang Xili had been giving help and advice to residents of Junpu village near Guangdong’s Chaozhou city who were protesting pollution from a battery recycling plant near their homes and plans to build other factories nearby. But the February protests ended in violent suppression by police, who detained 12 people. A string of formal arrests on public order charges followed earlier this month.

PM accepts Trump’s invitation to Washington – Thai PBS Government deputy spokesman Lt Gen Weeracon Sukhothapatipak said today that President Trump talked on the phone with the prime minister yesterday and invited him to Washington to discuss the regional situation and economic cooperation.

Related: Thai-American ties to be the ‘closest’ – Bangkok Post

Myanmar

Environmental Challenges Confronting Northern Chin State – The Irrawaddy TEDIM and FALAM TOWNSHIPS, Chin State — Chin State is considered one of Burma’s least-developed and most impoverished areas, but it is also a region of great natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Locals protest copper company’s building of fences – Myanmar Times The unhappy locals, who were already having disputes with the company, staged a protest over the matter on Sunday. A local Ko Tint Aung Soe said the locals had already asked for the fences to be removed via Hluttaw representative U Thein Naing. The company, which was expanding its premises, had been told early last week in a meeting with regional government officials not to build the fences without solving the land issue with the locals.

China is raring to move ahead with the Kyauk Phyu SEZ – BNI China is eager to get the Kyauk Phyu Special Economic Zone off the ground as soon possibly and is waiting only for Myanmar’s green light, an official from the Communist Party of China’s central committee told Rakhine State residents this week.During a local consultation in Kyauk Phyu on April 24, Wang Yajun, assistant minister of the CPC central committee’s international department, said, “China is ready to implement this project. We will start as soon as Myanmar is ready.”

Public skips meeting on Tigyit coal-fired power plant – BNI Slamming the government for a lack of transparency, local residents boycotted an April 29 meeting to discuss the Tigyit coal-fired power plant. The southern Shan State locals said only a small number of people were invited to take part in the last minute, closed-door meeting. “The invitation was sent on the 27th. Thirty-nine villages will be affected by the Tigyit project but only 70 people were invited,”

Rampant nationalism in Myanmar leaves Rohingya without allies – SEA Globe Nearly 100,000 people, overwhelmingly from the long-suffering Muslim Rohingya community, have been displaced in the five months since a security operation began in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine State. The tens of thousands who streamed across the border to take refuge in Bangladesh have offered harrowing testimony of killings and mass rapes allegedly committed by security forces, while a review of satellite footage commissioned by Human Rights Watch appears to implicate soldiers in the razing of entire Rohingya villages.

Aung San Suu Kyi rejects UN inquiry into crimes against Rohingya – The Guardian Myanmar leader says resolution for the investigation is ‘not in keeping with what is happening on the ground’

Media Experts Say Access to Information ‘More Difficult’ Under Current Govt – The Irrawaddy RANGOON — Members of the Burmese media on Wednesday urged the government to avoid complacency in trying to advance press freedom in the country after it climbed 12 places on a recently released Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) index, but dropped 3.66 points in comparison to 2016.

Cambodia

Dam to bring power, pain – The Phnom Penh Post Set Nhal, 89, remembers when the French colonisers ruled in Stung Treng, when the Vietnamese invaded in the late 1970s after the bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge.  But soon, Nhal’s whole life, and his traditions, will be quite literally washed away. The Lower Sesan II hydropower dam, a 400-megawatt hydropower project, lies on the Sesan River, a tributary of the larger Mekong River just 25 kilometres from Stung Treng.

Lack of Incentives Leaves Low Carbon Energy in Question – The Cambodia Daily Cambodia’s possible pursuit of lower carbon-emitting energy sources appears to have waned after government officials this week cited a lack of incentives and higher-priority energy goals, a stance that a researcher and an activist respectively said was “short-sighted’ and the “wrong decision.”

ADB gives Kingdom $9.2M loan for solar farm – The Phnom Penh Post The Asia Development Bank (ADB) announced yesterday that it will provide a $9.2 million loan to Singapore-based energy provider Sunseap Group for the construction of Cambodia’s first large-scale solar farm.

General Electric signs sales agreement for 135Mw coal plant – The Phnom Penh Post Us-based energy giant General Electric (GE) signed a sales agreement yesterday to outfit the new 135-megawatt coal-fired plant in Preah Sihanouk province that is being constructed by a subsidiary of Japanese electronics manufacturer Toshiba.

Pulling the plug on power in Cambodia – Bangkok Post A crop of modern buildings has sprung up in the past five years in Phnom Penh. The construction of roads, malls and high-rise residences has become a ubiquitous sight. According to the Council for Development of Cambodia, China is the country’s biggest source of foreign direct investment. Despite a global economic slowdown, the country’s gross domestic product has grown at a rapid average of 7% since 2011. The tourism market is growing rapidly too, with the number of tourist arrivals tripling between 2006 and last year.

Power to the provinces – Khmer Times People in Svay Rieng, Prey Veng and Kandal provinces are to benefit from stable electricity supplies after a $75 million project to expand the national grid went online yesterday. Under the project, 115 kilovolt transmission lines will link Phnom Penh to Bavet in Svay Rieng province via a sub-station in Prey Veng orovince’s Preah Sdach district. The power will travel along a network of power lines, able to transmit 150 megawatts at first. The lines will later be upgraded to transmit up to 300MW.

Vietnam

Vietnam Turns to Technology to Solve Energy Dilemma –VOA Vietnam is facing a power dilemma, with officials in Hanoi trying to figure out how to supply all of its surging energy needs without destroying its environment in the process. Southeast Asia in general will see energy use jump 80 percent in the next two decades, according to Trilliant, a software firm for electricity grids. But for Vietnam, that number is closer to 200 percent. Some stakeholders believe the remedy is a combination of technology, renewable power, and greater energy efficiency. But the answers aren’t so simple to decision makers in Hanoi.

Vietnam Delta faces erosion threat –  Vietnam Net Dr Dao Trong Tu from the Vietnam River Network said climate change was not the main and only cause of the erosion in the Mekong Delta. He blamed rapid urbanisation in coastal areas and bad practices. “The three and four-storey houses that weigh tens of tonnes put huge pressure on the land. The hydropower plants prevent alluvial soil from getting downstream. Moreover, illegal sand exploitation in this area is worsening the situation,”

PM applauds Binh Thuan development plan – Vietnam News Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc lauded plans to develop the southern coastal province of Bình Thuận into a green, clean and sustainable economy during a local investment promotion conference yesterday. In his speech to more than 240 local and foreign businesses and investors, he said the province’s progress in infrastructure, export-import, vocational training and investment climate have attracted more businesses and investors to the locality.

Laos

Lao Government Should Grant Concession Leases Based on Investments: Former Official – RFA The Lao government must grant land leases based on type of investment, according to a former official, who said a recently amended law that limits leases to 50 years would do little to curb the ill effects of gambling at concessions where casinos are located. He said that while economic zones with factories, such as Savan-Seno, bring employment opportunities, those featuring casinos do more damage than good to local communities.

Chinese company to build modern agricultural industrial park in Laos  – Mekong Eye Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s Xuanye (Lao) Co., Ltd/AVIC International Beijing Co., Ltd on a modern agricultural industrial park project in Laos.

Nam Ou 7 Hydropower Project 10% Complete – Lao News Agency The ongoing Nam Ou 7 Hydropower Project in the northern province of Phongsaly is reportedly 10 percent complete since the project was launched in May 2016. The dam is being constructed by Sinohydro, a Chinese contractor. The progress of the project construction was reported last week to Deputy Prime Minister Mr Sonexay Siphandone as he was on a working visit joined by Phongsaly Governor Mr Khamchen Vongphosy. The project is expected to divert the river to pave the way for the construction of a barrage by the end of this year.

ADB Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment, Partnership with Lao PDR – ADB ADB, through its Lao PDR Resident Mission, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organized an event to celebrate 50 years of development partnership between the country and ADB.

YUNNAN

Dam-building threatens endangered green peacock – The Third Pole It only took a feather to send my team flying to Yunnan in southern China. Specifically, a tail feather from a green peacock spotted in a image taken by an amateur wildlife photographer. Peacocks in general aren’t rare. Those seen in China are usually blue peacocks (pavo cristatus), which originate in India. But the green peacock (pavo muticus) is a different species and much less common. So much so that it’s listed on the IUCN Red List as endangered. There are less than 20,000 worldwide.

Bigger fish to fry: Yunnan looks to supply world tilapia craze – GoKunming People familiar with Yunnan may be surprised to find the province is in the process of nurturing an aquaculture industry. The niche market increasingly involves raising tilapia in reservoirs originally created to produce hydropower. While still in its infancy, farming of the freshwater fish is being hailed as an industry for the future, one that can help diversify local economies and help supplement the incomes of poor farmers.

Scientists show rising mountains compel and incubate plant evolution – GoKunming As a region, western Sichuan and Yunnan encompass one of the most spectacular repositories of wildlife remaining in China. This environment is partly a product of historical remoteness, but a study published earlier this month links species diversification in alpine areas to the geological age of mountains. Of specific focus was the Hengduan range (横断山脉), a sprawling collection of peaks significantly younger and more biodiverse than its towering neighbor to the west, the Himalayas.

 This week’s news digest was curated by Sonya Zhao

Last week, China resumed a survey of blasting rocks in the Mekong river more than 200 kilometers from its border – and aroused protests. An Indian court has recognized the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers as living entities. Could the Mekong receive similar official recognition? Also, complexities ensure for the China- N. Korea-U.S. relationship. Finally, Blackwater’s Erik Prince is opening a forward base in China’s Yunnan province.

EXSE FOCUS

Chinese survey boats arrive in Chiang Rai to resume survey of Mekong river – Thai PBS Chief of the Chinese survey team, Mr Lieu Jian, said the team would survey 15 points in the Mekong river from the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen district downstream to Wiang Kaen district. The entire task would take 55 days.

Related: Mekong survey draws protests – Bangkok Post

What Rivers With Rights Mean for the Mekong | The Interpreter – International River In what should be welcome news for the many concerned about the future of the Mekong, an Indian court has recognised the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers as living entities. The decision means that polluting or damaging these rivers will be legally equivalent to harming a person.

Criticism of Beijing’s North Korea Policy Comes From Unlikely Place: China – NYT A rare challenge by a well-known historian shows the renewed debate over China’s longstanding patronage of its unpredictable neighbor.

Related: China urges North Korea and US to step back from brink of war – The Guardian

The American mercenary behind Blackwater is helping China establish the new Silk Road – Quartz As China pushes ahead with president Xi Jinping’s ambitious $1 trillion One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative—which reimagines a historic trade network as an overland Silk Road Economic “Belt” and a Maritime Silk “Road”—protecting Chinese business executives and other personnel and their rapidly growing investments in the region is more important than ever. Enter Erik Prince.

REGIONAL RELATIONS

Asean’s role with N Korea – Bangkok Post While Thailand has been partying, the first winds of war in years have been stirred in Northeast Asia. US President Donald Trump has effectively warned North Korea that further nuclear or ballistic missile tests will have physical consequences. Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-un has replied with predictable threats of military retaliation.

China Gifts Military Equipment to Laos – The Diplomat Transfer of unspecified equipment typifies the defense relationship between the two countries.

China to Welcome Burma, Other Nations for Biggest Summit of Year on New Silk Road – The Irrawaddy Foreign Minister Wang Yi announces a list of those attending the conference, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Related: China’s biggest Silk Road summit plans omit Thai leaders – Bangkok Post

Cambodian youth: shaping relations with Vietnam – New Mandala Cambodia youth have crucial roles to play in improving and strengthening Cambodia-Vietnam relations, write Kimkong Heng & Sovinda Po.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Climate change is undermining sustainable development in Myanmar. Here is what can be done about it. – Mekong Eye Myanmar’s national government and some international development groups are adopting different but complementary approaches to tackling what many in the country consider to be one of the biggest threats to achieving sustainable development: Climate change. Government officials are working on implementing a new country-wide climate action plan, while several foreign aid groups are going straight to local communities and helping them adapt to the realities of a warming world.

From black gold to wind and solar: How China is turning its back on coal – Mongabay XI’AN, China — On bad air days, Cao Yiyang doesn’t take his 3-month-old daughter out for a stroll. It’s too dangerous. Staying inside, near the air purifier he recently bought, is better. “The air pollution is something my children’s generation will have to live with,” the 27-year-old IT technician said.

CHINA

China’s Economy Grows 6.9%, but Warning Signs Persist – NYT Underlying figures back up the view that Chinese growth is humming along, but a government forecast suggests that economists expect slower growth later in the year.

As Zeal for China Dims, Global Companies Complain More Boldly – NYT International firms still fear retaliation but are escalating their behind-the-scenes rhetoric as China becomes a more difficult business environment.

Ivanka Trump brand secures China trademarks on day US president met Xi Jinping – The Guardian Donald Trump’s daughter sparks ethics concerns after gaining approval in country where US business feels increasingly unwelcome

The US-China Fight Over Trade: The Ultimate Test of the WTO Framework – The Diplomat How the U.S.-China fight over market status and antidumping will test the limits of the WTO framework.

China Plans Winter Smog Shutdowns – RFA China’s government is hoping to avoid another smog-blackened winter in Beijing by cracking down on emissions in surrounding cities and cutting production during the cold weather months.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Thailand Takes Small Steps Forward After Longtime King’s Death – NYT Thais are beginning to accept the king’s disappearance from their lives and the succession of his son to the throne.

‘They Do Not Count Us’: Resisting the Myitsone Dam Beyond China, the US, and Big Geopolitics – The Irrawaddy Laur Kiik talks with a Kachin elder who was at the root of the Myitsone resistance.

Australian Mining Firm Abandons Exploration Bid in Contested Karenni State Area – The Irrawaddy The firm, which is undergoing a restructuring and name change, had been seeking to explore for minerals in an area beset by decades of conflict.

Nearly 170 Houses Relocated As Irrawaddy River Bank Erodes – The Irrawaddy Locals in nearby villages raise concerns as riverbank erosion forces houses and a high school in two villages to move.

Suu Kyi plans visit to Europe, China – DVB Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi will pay official visits to four European countries at the end of April, followed by a trip to China in May, according to Zaw Htay, the deputy director general of the Office of the State Counsellor.

Burmese magazine publisher killed in his office – DVB A Burmese publisher whose magazine has criticised the military, political and business establishment was found stabbed to death in his office at the weekend, police said on Tuesday.

4 killed as Cyclone Maarutha hits Irrawaddy Delta – DVB Four people have been killed and about 60 houses destroyed as storms caused by Cyclone Maarutha wreaked havoc in the Irrawaddy Delta.

Stop the Suu Kyi Blame Game in Myanmar – The Diplomat Don’t rush to judgement on Aung San Suu Kyi just yet.

Tepco, Toshiba to manage power grids in Cambodia – Nikkei Asian Review Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings will team with Toshiba to manage power grids in Cambodia, hoping to secure a new earnings source as the utility grapples with soaring cleanup costs for the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster.

Rice exports show slow growth – Phenom Penh Post Cambodian rice exports declined dramatically in March, causing the average export growth of the Kingdom’s dominant cash crop to increase by only 3 percent during the first quarter of this year, nearly wiping out the double-digit growth seen in January and February.

PM: More roads, bridges – Khmer Times Prime Minister Hun Sen has highlighted his government’s achievements in building new infrastructure as part of a message to commemorate Khmer New Year.

Vietnam’s Quiet Human Rights Crisis – The Diplomat A dearth of coverage, competing global interests, and an omnipresent police state render violations largely unnoticed.

Vietnam Farmers Free 15 Police Detained Amid Land Clash – RFA Farmers involved in a land dispute in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi freed 15 riot police Tuesday held in the aftermath of a clash with authorities over the weekend and said they are preparing to release around 20 additional local officials, according to state media.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister halts $10.6 bln steel plant over questions of demand, pollution – Mekong Eye Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has halted work at a $10.6-billion steel plant that had previously been vouched for by the trade ministry, calling for more studies to be conducted into demand and environmental impacts.

Natural disasters cost Vietnam $1.7 billion – VietNamNet The PM made the statement at a meeting to review disaster prevention and control in 2016 and layout tasks for 2017. Nguyen Xuan Cuong, head of the Central Steering Committee on Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, said, 2016 saw multiple extreme weather phenomena such as droughts, extreme cold weather, floods and storms, causing losses of VND39.7 trillion (US$1.75 billion).

What’s Behind Laos’ China Banana Ban? – The Diplomat Recent reports are yet another testament to the growing scrutiny over Beijing’s influence in the Southeast Asian state.

Field Report on Laos’ Nam Theun 2 Dam – Mekong Eye From 5-7 January 2017, Mekong Watch visited villages affected by the Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project in Lao PDR. We visited and conducted interviews with 16 households in 6 villages relocated from the reservoir area on the Nakai Plateau, as well as 11 households of the 2 villages downstream on the Xe Bang Fai River.

Xamtay to Vietnam road construction expects delays – Vientiane Times Construction of a new road connecting Xamtay district in Huaphan province to Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam will not be finished according to plans, say officials of the project.

Maximum concession period cut to half century in investment promotion overhaul – Vientiane Times A newly-amended Investment Promotion Law has moved to cut by half the maximum investment period for new concession projects to 50 years, down from previous maximum period of 99 years.

YUNNAN

Yunnan’s Myanmar borderlands becoming more accessible – GoKunming There are places which seem so close, but remain hard to reach. Kengtung, the main town in the far east of Myanmar’s most eastern Shan state, is one of those places. It is less than 150 kilometers from Jinghong (景洪), the main city of Yunnan’s Xishuangbanna Prefecture, and it shares many similarities, yet there is one barrier — the border. Currently no foreigners can go across from Dalou (打洛) to Mongla, though there is talk that soon that border might allow access as part of Myanmar’s process of opening up.

This week’s news digest was curated by Sonya Zhao.