标签： Asia

The resumption of direct flights between India and China, after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic, is a significant but limited step toward rebuilding trust between the two Asian giants, according to Sudheendra Kulkarni, a former aide to Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Kulkarni emphasized that this development should be expanded into broader economic, cultural, and educational exchanges to foster deeper bilateral relations. He suggested increasing the number of direct flights to 100 across 20 cities in both countries to normalize people-to-people interactions, which have lagged behind trade and diplomatic ties. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India, with civilizational ties spanning over two millennia. Kulkarni stressed that renewed people-to-people relations are not just symbolic but strategic, as trust is the foundation of enduring bilateral relationships. However, opportunities for engagement have been limited in recent years, with India banning 59 Chinese mobile apps, including WeChat, and restricting channels for Indians to learn about China. Kulkarni urged India to ease visa rules for Chinese scholars, entrepreneurs, and tourists, highlighting the importance of cross-border learning in rebuilding trust. Despite the absence of direct flights and the suspension of tourist visas for Chinese nationals, bilateral trade has remained resilient, reaching $138.5 billion last year, a 1.7% increase year-on-year. Kulkarni, a veteran advocate of India-China friendship and founder of the Forum for a New South Asia, has visited China over two dozen times and is currently writing a book on China’s success in eradicating extreme poverty. He also praised China’s Global Governance Initiative, along with its global initiatives on development, security, and civilization, as frameworks for a more democratic and inclusive multipolar world order. Kulkarni called for closer cooperation between India and China, emphasizing their shared responsibility as leading voices of the Global South to promote peace, stability, progress, and prosperity globally. Reflecting on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), he noted its focus on self-reliance and international engagement, particularly in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and aerospace.

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have intensified following a recent skirmish that resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to three others. An ASEAN Observer Team visited the conflict zone in Banteay Meanchey Province on Thursday to assess the situation, facilitated by the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence. The team also paid respects to the deceased civilian, as reported by the Cambodian state news agency, Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP).

Both Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other of instigating the clash, though both nations have expressed a commitment to upholding previous border control agreements. China, a close neighbor and ally to both countries, has urged restraint and peaceful resolution. During a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian emphasized the importance of leveraging existing bilateral mechanisms to prevent further escalation.

The incident occurred late Wednesday afternoon in Thailand’s Ban Nong Ya Kaew, Sa Kaeo Province, and Prey Chan Village, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia. Reports from Thai media indicated the exchange of gunfire lasted approximately 10 minutes, while Cambodian sources claimed it extended to half an hour. The Cambodian defense ministry accused Thai forces of provocative actions aimed at inciting conflict, while Thailand maintained its actions were defensive and in line with international law.

Both nations have called for transparent investigations, with Cambodia advocating for international involvement to ensure accountability. Despite the tensions, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international treaties and agreements.

A surprising incident unfolded at a Japanese airport on Wednesday when a bear unexpectedly wandered onto the tarmac, causing a temporary suspension of flights. The unusual occurrence disrupted airport operations as authorities swiftly responded to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Wildlife experts were called in to safely capture and relocate the bear, which had strayed from its natural habitat. The incident highlights the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in urbanized areas and the need for effective wildlife management strategies. Airport officials later confirmed that normal operations resumed after the situation was resolved, with no injuries reported.

China has commenced sea trials for its cutting-edge amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan Type 076, marking another significant milestone in its ambitious naval modernization program. The vessel, which departed from Shanghai’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard on Friday, represents a hybrid design, combining features of an aircraft carrier and traditional amphibious assault ships. It is capable of launching both aircraft and landing craft equipped with troops, enhancing its operational versatility. The Sichuan is approximately half the size of China’s latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which was commissioned on November 7, with a displacement of around 40,000 tons. Both vessels were domestically designed and constructed, underscoring China’s growing self-reliance in advanced military technology. While specific technical details remain undisclosed, amphibious assault ships are generally faster than carriers, offering greater flexibility, though they are more vulnerable to attacks and carry fewer aircraft. China’s navy, already the largest in the world by ship count, continues to expand its capabilities under President Xi Jinping’s vision of achieving a fully modernized force by 2035 and a world-class military by mid-century. The Sichuan’s development is particularly significant in the context of potential military operations involving Taiwan, as amphibious assault ships would play a crucial role in any invasion scenario. Equipped with an advanced electromagnetic catapult system, similar to that on the Fujian, the Sichuan surpasses its U.S. counterparts, the America-class and Wasp-class ships, which lack such technology. The trials will test the vessel’s ability to launch fixed-wing aircraft, including drones and potentially crewed fighter jets, further solidifying China’s position as a formidable naval power.