Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56398001 Myanmar’s military has expanded martial law into more districts across the country. This specifically has been done throughout Yangon and Mandalay to discourage the growing protests. The advantage of this is that by expanding martial law the military will be able to try protestors in military courts. This comes right after the deadliest protest since the coup began… Read more »
Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56399267 This Monday China was hit with what is being referred to as “the worst sandstorm in a decade”. There was an extreme spike in pollution levels at 160 times the recommended limit. The storm caused flights to be cancelled, outdoor activities to be halted, and many individuals reported feeling unable to breath. Beijing issued a yellow warning in… Read more »
Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56356046 The former British Colony, Hong Kong, has been under a policy known as “one country, two systems” since territorial control was transferred to China. This agreement has preserved a few democratic values for the citizens of Hong Kong, but has also merged with influences from China. This leaves Hong Kong in a precarious position between the UK and… Read more »
Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56222987 The military rulers that recently overthrew the democratic government in Myanmar have fired Kyaw Moe Tun, the ambassador to the United Nations, after he spoke out against the military. He had urged the international community to do whatever is necessary to restore power to the democratically elected government. Kyaw Moe Tun’s removal was announced with the statement that… Read more »
Article: https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/02/26/vietnam-strengthens-fortifications-in-disputed-south-china-sea-satellite-images-reveal/ Steadily over the past two years, Vietnam has been improving infrastructure and fortifications on their outposts in the disputed South China Sea. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative has reported recent improvements. The most drastic changes have been to the West Reef and Sin Cowe Islands, but there have been smaller updates to Pearson Reef, Namyit, and Spratly as… Read more »
Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56147309 India and China are in the process of withdrawing their troops from a section of the disputed Himalayan border. The states expect to see all troops removed from Pangong Lake by this Saturday. The states are insisting that the intention is to decrease tension on the shared border known as the Line of Actual Control. The border has… Read more »
Article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/03/national/china-senkakus-east-china-sea-katsunobu-kato/ After a video meeting to discuss maritime issues, Japanese officials expressed their concerns to Chinese officials in regards to the new legislation that allows the Chinese coast guard to use military force in their shared waters. China claims that the uninhabited Senkaku Islands located in the East China Sea are part of their territory; however, Japan currently holds… Read more »
Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55906536 In Myanmar, the military took over the government in response to Aung San Suu Kyi’s recent election win; that they claim to be fraudulent. The military, under commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing, has since declared a year-long state of emergency. Meanwhile, San Suu Kyi and members of her party are thought to be under house arrest. Her National League… Read more »
Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55847572 Analysis: British National (Overseas) passport holders in Hong Kong are now eligible to submit visa applications to the United Kingdom. Those individuals who are able to secure a visa will apply for settlement after five years and British citizenship a year later. The UK predicts approximately 300,000 of the 2.9 million eligible applicants to utilize this offer. The… Read more »
