标签： Asia

In a significant move ahead of next month’s election, Myanmar’s military junta has announced the release of over 3,000 political prisoners and the dismissal of charges against more than 5,500 individuals. State media reported on Wednesday that the amnesty aims to ensure eligible voters can participate freely and fairly in the December 28 multi-party democratic general election. An official from Yangon’s Insein Prison, speaking anonymously, confirmed that releases began on Thursday, though specific details about the inmates were not disclosed. Outside Insein Prison, which has long been a detention center for political dissidents, crowds gathered to welcome freed relatives and friends. It remains unclear whether former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been held incommunicado since the 2021 military coup, is among those released. The amnesty, granted by Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission, covers prisoners convicted under Section 505(A) of the penal code, which criminalizes incitement to public unrest or fear. Critics argue the election will lack fairness due to the absence of free media and the imprisonment of key opposition leaders. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, over 22,700 political detainees, including Suu Kyi, remain in custody. Suu Kyi, 80, is serving a 27-year sentence following what supporters describe as politically motivated prosecutions. The 2021 military takeover sparked widespread nonviolent resistance, which has since escalated into an armed struggle.

The Chinese mainland has strongly criticized Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te for his public endorsement of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on Taiwan, labeling his actions as ‘disgusting.’ During a press conference, Peng Qing’en, spokesperson for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, accused Lai of ‘courting Japan’s favor and betraying Taiwan.’ Peng emphasized that Lai’s behavior revealed his ‘shameful betrayal of the motherland and disregard for heritage.’ He further warned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that any reliance on external forces would lead to disgrace and that traitors would face justice. Peng’s comments came in response to Takaichi’s statements, which have sparked widespread protests in Taiwan. Lai defended Takaichi and shared a photo of himself enjoying Japanese cuisine on social media, claiming it symbolized the ‘strong friendship’ between Taiwan and Japan. Peng asserted that Takaichi’s remarks constituted gross interference in China’s internal affairs, violated international law, and undermined the post-war international order. He urged Japan to reflect on and correct its mistakes, demanding the withdrawal of all ‘erroneous statements’ regarding Taiwan.

A spokesperson from mainland China issued a stern warning on Wednesday, cautioning that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan are heading toward self-destruction by pursuing ‘independence’ through military means. Peng Qing’en, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made these remarks in response to an opinion piece by Lai Ching-te, published in The Washington Post. In the article, Lai outlined plans to increase Taiwan’s ‘defense’ budget to 3.3% of its GDP next year and to 5% by 2030, alongside a proposed $40 billion supplementary ‘defense’ package. Peng criticized the DPP for diverting resources that could otherwise improve livelihoods and economic development, instead allocating funds to arms purchases aimed at ‘currying favor with external forces.’ Lai’s article also emphasized investments in cutting-edge technologies, expansion of Taiwan’s ‘defense’ industrial base, and strengthened collaboration with international partners. Peng reiterated that such actions would only push Taiwan toward disaster, emphasizing that the trend toward reunification is unstoppable. He warned that relying on the United States for ‘independence’ is doomed to fail, and pursuing it through military means would result in self-destruction.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with King Tupou VI of Tonga in Beijing on Wednesday. The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to deepen their bilateral relations and enhance cooperation across various sectors. Zhao emphasized China’s readiness to work closely with Tonga to implement the key agreements reached by their respective leaders. He highlighted the importance of mutual support on core issues, advancing high-quality and mutually beneficial cooperation, and fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges to ensure the steady growth of China-Tonga relations. Zhao also expressed the NPC’s willingness to strengthen multi-level exchanges with Tonga’s parliament, providing legal frameworks to support practical collaboration between the two countries. King Tupou VI reaffirmed Tonga’s steadfast adherence to the one-China policy and expressed eagerness to expand pragmatic cooperation with China. He emphasized the need to deepen legislative exchanges and further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between Tonga and China. The meeting reflects the enduring and robust friendship between the two nations, setting a positive trajectory for future collaboration.

The diplomatic relationship between India and Israel remains robust, with both nations actively working to reschedule Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to India. Originally planned for December, the trip was postponed following a tragic blast in Delhi two weeks ago. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the strong bilateral ties and expressed full confidence in India’s security measures under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a statement on X, the Israeli PM’s office emphasized the deep bond between the two leaders and their nations, highlighting ongoing coordination for a new visit date. Netanyahu had previously visited India in 2018, marking the second visit by an Israeli Prime Minister, following Modi’s historic trip to Israel in 2017. The relationship has since expanded, with recent discussions focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, and strategic sectors. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently met with Netanyahu, conveying Modi’s warm wishes and updating him on progress in bilateral trade and innovation initiatives. The two nations are also advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to further boost economic and technological collaboration. The partnership between India and Israel continues to grow, with both countries committed to deepening their engagement across multiple domains, including agriculture, water, defense, and science.