ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 01 November 2024

ASLI is back with more ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked!

Stay tuned for more top news in Asia handpicked by ASLI and for our curated weekly roundup!

This week’s Asia top news:

1) Indonesian peacekeepers injured in Israeli attack on UNIFIL in Lebanon

Two Indonesian peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured due to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) tank fire while on duty in Naqoura. The soldiers received minor injuries and were hospitalised but are in stable condition. Indonesia condemned the attack, calling for accountability and highlighting that it violates international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. UNIFIL reported ongoing Israeli fire at its positions, which has drawn international condemnation, with multiple countries, including Italy and Ireland, deeming the attacks unacceptable. Israel claimed the strikes were defensive actions against perceived threats near UN positions.

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2) Japan’s Ruling Coalition Loses Majority in Snap Elections

In Japan's recent general election, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition, comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, lost its majority for the first time since 2009, securing only 215 of 465 seats. This defeat stemmed from public discontent over a political funding scandal and rising living costs. The main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), gained 148 seats, reflecting widespread voter frustration with the LDP. Analysts suggest Ishiba’s rapid call for a snap election was a miscalculation. Moving forward, the LDP will seek coalition partners to regain legislative control, while Ishiba's leadership remains under scrutiny amid internal party dissent.

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3) Papua New Guinea’s Bold Boycott of UN Climate Summit Signals Discontent

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has announced a boycott of the upcoming UN climate summit, COP29, in Azerbaijan, labeling the negotiations a "total waste of time." Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko criticized the annual meetings for failing to produce meaningful outcomes, especially from major polluting nations that make promises without delivering real support. PNG, home to significant rainforests and vulnerable to climate change, plans to pursue bilateral climate agreements, starting with Singapore. Tkatchenko’s stance reflects growing frustration among Pacific nations over the perceived ineffectiveness of the UN climate talks, which he argues have not led to substantial progress on climate action.

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4) PTI Warns of Nationwide Shutdown in Pakistan Over Imran Khan’s Jail Treatment

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has threatened a nationwide shutdown if authorities continue to allegedly mistreat its founder, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August last year. PTI leader Ali Amin Gandapur claimed Khan is denied proper food, electricity, and visits. As PTI plans protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it also seeks to oppose a recent constitutional amendment that empowers parliament to appoint the top judge of the Supreme Court. However, analysts question the party's strategy, suggesting its claims may be aimed more at maintaining internal morale than initiating effective action. The government denies allegations of mistreatment and maintains that Khan's health is stable.

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5) China Advocates Enhanced ASEAN Collaboration on Biosecurity Threats

China has called for closer collaboration with Southeast Asian nations to enhance biosecurity and govern bioweapons effectively. This appeal was made during a recent workshop in Shenzhen, attended by representatives from 12 countries, including the 10 ASEAN members, East Timor, and global organizations like the WHO. Chinese officials emphasized the need to strengthen communication and implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), aimed at prohibiting the development of such weapons. They highlighted shared biosecurity challenges, including infectious diseases, and underscored the importance of regular workshops for deepening cooperation. China aims to contribute to global bioweapons control while addressing regional health vulnerabilities.

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