标签： Asia

In a bold move that has escalated regional tensions, Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has suggested that a Chinese military action against Taiwan could warrant a Japanese military response. This statement, made during a parliamentary committee session on November 7, marks a significant departure from the more cautious rhetoric of her predecessors. While previous Japanese leaders have expressed concerns over China’s aggressive posture toward Taiwan, they have refrained from explicitly outlining potential military responses. Takaichi’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory and considers any foreign intervention a violation of its sovereignty. Despite the backlash, Takaichi has refused to retract her comments, though she has indicated a willingness to avoid discussing specific scenarios in the future. The incident has further strained Japan-China relations, with both countries summoning each other’s ambassadors and issuing stern warnings. China has also taken economic measures, advising against travel to Japan and highlighting safety concerns for Chinese nationals. The situation is further complicated by Japan’s post-World War II constitution, which limits its military actions to self-defense, and its alliance with the United States, which could play a pivotal role in any regional conflict. Analysts warn that Takaichi’s stance could have long-term implications for Japan’s foreign policy and its delicate balancing act in the Indo-Pacific region.

Bangladesh’s interim government has intensified security measures across the nation, particularly in Dhaka, as the country braces for a highly anticipated verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who has been in exile in India, faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s violent uprising that claimed hundreds of lives and ended her 15-year rule. The Awami League, her political party, has called for a nationwide shutdown to protest the verdict, labeling the tribunal a “kangaroo court.”

The prosecution in the special tribunal has sought the death penalty for Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, both of whom are being tried in absentia. A third suspect, a former police chief who turned state witness, is expected to receive no penalty. The tribunal’s verdict, set to be delivered Monday, has already sparked unrest, with reports of crude bomb explosions and arson attacks disrupting daily life.

Paramilitary border guards and police have been deployed nationwide to maintain order. Dhaka’s police chief has issued a “shoot-on-sight” order for anyone attempting arson or bomb attacks, following nearly 50 arson incidents and dozens of explosions in the past week. Authorities have also requested military deployment around the tribunal premises to ensure security.

The violence stems from a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, during which the United Nations estimated up to 1,400 deaths, while Bangladesh’s health adviser reported over 800 fatalities and 14,000 injuries. Hasina, who has survived 19 assassination attempts, urged her supporters in an audio message to remain calm ahead of the verdict.

Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government, has vowed to hold elections in February, excluding the Awami League from participation. The political climate remains tense, with limited signs of stability as Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture.

The National Commission for Palestinian Popular Action has issued a strong condemnation of US proposals to establish an externally imposed transitional administration in Gaza, labeling the move as ‘a new colonialism.’ In a statement released on Sunday, the commission argued that such a plan violates the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and merely repackages old forms of domination under modern terminology. The commission emphasized that decisions regarding Gaza’s future must originate from Palestinians themselves, ensuring the unity of their land, the legitimacy of resistance to Israeli occupation, and the rights to freedom and self-determination as enshrined in international law. A US draft resolution, set to be presented to the UN Security Council on Monday, has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and Palestinian groups. They argue that the proposal seeks to institutionalize Israel’s actions in Gaza within an international framework. The resolution endorses the Trump Peace Plan, known as the ‘Comprehensive Plan,’ and proposes the creation of two new bodies: the Board of Peace, a civilian transitional administration, and an ‘International Stabilisation Force.’ Critics contend that the Board of Peace would wield extensive powers, including governance oversight, reconstruction, economic recovery, and humanitarian coordination, effectively normalizing foreign control over Gaza. The commission warned that if passed, the resolution would undermine international law and strip Palestinians of their right to self-determination. While acknowledging the potential benefits of a limited international presence to monitor ceasefires and protect civilians, the commission insisted that such a force must not assume administrative or political roles. It called on Palestinian political movements, institutions, and communities worldwide to reject external control and oppose proposals that undermine national decision-making. The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of its commitment to unified action in defense of Palestinian rights and steadfastness until full freedom is achieved. Meanwhile, Israel continues its assault on Gaza, despite a so-called ceasefire, blocking aid convoys, restricting humanitarian access, and conducting daily bombings that result in civilian casualties.

Bangladesh is on the brink of significant political unrest as a Dhaka court prepares to deliver a verdict on ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity. The verdict, expected to be televised, could result in a death sentence for Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since August 2024. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has warned that if the ban on her Awami League party is not lifted, supporters will disrupt the upcoming national election in February, potentially escalating into widespread violence. Wazed emphasized that Hasina is safe in India, where she is being treated ‘like a head of state,’ and that the verdict is a ‘foregone conclusion’ due to what he describes as a politically motivated trial. The charges stem from a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024, which a UN report estimated resulted in up to 1,400 deaths and thousands injured. The political climate in Bangladesh has already turned volatile, with multiple crude bomb explosions reported in Dhaka and heightened security measures in place. Wazed has vowed that the Awami League will not allow elections to proceed without their participation, warning of increased protests and potential confrontations. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has yet to comment on the situation. Hasina, who has been credited with transforming Bangladesh’s economy but also accused of rights abuses, remains determined to fight back against what she views as an unjust verdict.