标签： Asia

The recent state visit by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida to China has marked a historic milestone in Sino-Thai relations, according to Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei. This visit, the first of its kind since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations, underscores the deepening bilateral relationship and sets a robust foundation for future collaboration. During their five-day visit, the royal couple explored key institutions in Beijing, including the China Academy of Space Technology and the Beijing Aerospace City, where they engaged with cutting-edge advancements in space technology and held a groundbreaking conversation with Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station. Ambassador Zhang emphasized that this visit highlights the significant priority Thailand places on strengthening ties with China. Both nations have committed to expanding cooperation across various sectors, including the Belt and Road Initiative, digital economy, green industry, and agricultural trade. The visit has also sparked renewed enthusiasm for cultural and people-to-people exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and trust. As the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, China and Thailand are poised to chart a new chapter in their partnership, aiming for a shared future of prosperity and peace.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks suggesting potential military intervention in the Taiwan Strait have ignited widespread condemnation and economic repercussions. Speaking in parliament earlier this month, Takaichi labeled any Chinese military action against Taiwan as a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, marking the first time a Japanese leader has publicly entertained such a possibility. Her comments, made during the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, have drawn sharp criticism from U.S. peace activists and Chinese officials alike. Julie Tang, co-founder of Pivot to Peace and a retired judge, accused Takaichi of reviving militarism and fascism, stating, ‘She’s clearly not ready for the world stage.’ The backlash has already impacted Japan’s tourism sector, with major Chinese airlines offering full refunds for flights to Japan following Beijing’s advisory against travel to the country. Chinese tourists, a vital component of Japan’s tourism economy, have been urged to reconsider their plans. Economically, Japan is already grappling with a 1.8% contraction in third-quarter GDP and a staggering debt-to-GDP ratio of 230-260%, raising questions about the feasibility of Takaichi’s stance. Retired judge Lillian Sing, co-founder of the ‘Comfort Women’ Justice Coalition, criticized Takaichi’s judgment, noting Japan’s weak economic position and declining population. China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, emphasized that any Japanese military involvement in the Taiwan Strait would be deemed an act of aggression. The timing of Takaichi’s remarks, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, has intensified the backlash, with critics accusing her of ignorance about Japan’s wartime history and its implications for regional stability.

The Trump administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Myanmar citizens has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, who argue that the move disregards the ongoing civil war and widespread human rights abuses in the country. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem justified the decision by citing Myanmar’s “notable progress in governance and stability,” including plans for “free and fair elections” and “successful ceasefire agreements.” However, critics have dismissed these claims as baseless, given the military junta’s brutal crackdown on dissent and the imprisonment of democratically-elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Phil Robertson of Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates likened the decision to Noem’s infamous act of shooting her family’s dog, stating that it would send Myanmar citizens back to “prisons, brutal torture, and death.” The military, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, seized power in 2021 and has since been accused of war crimes, including the indiscriminate use of landmines, targeting of civilians, and forced conscription. The upcoming elections, which exclude Suu Kyi’s party, have been widely condemned as a sham. The National Unity Government (NUG), formed by ousted lawmakers, expressed dismay at the decision, emphasizing that the reasons for revoking TPS do not reflect the dire reality in Myanmar. The State Department’s own human rights report and travel advisory highlight the country’s ongoing violence and instability, further undermining Noem’s claims. Human Rights Watch’s John Sifton called the decision “egregious,” noting that it could affect up to 4,000 people and is based on assertions contradicted by extensive reporting.