Amaravati Today - Asia News Daily Roundup for February 2, 2024

Australia to Conduct Thirteenth Round of Surveillance Operations Targeting Illicit Maritime Activities Australia will conduct monitoring and surveillance operations against illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels, from early to mid-February. These actions align with United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and will be carried out using aircraft from Kadena Air Base under the Agreement Regarding the Status of the United Nations Forces in Japan. This marks the thirteenth such operation since 2018. Japan supports these efforts to enforce UNSCRs, aiming to ensure the complete dismantlement of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. Japan Coast Guard and Maritime Self-Defense Force will also gather information on suspected violators. Collaboration with Australia and other international entities continues. Chinese and Swedish Envoys Discuss Korean Peninsula Situation for Peaceful Resolution  Chinese Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs, Liu Xiaoming, met with Sweden’s Special Envoy for the Korean Peninsula, Peter Semneby, discussing the Korean Peninsula situation. Both sides exchanged views with the presence of Swedish Ambassador to China, Per Augustsson. Liu Xiaoming shared China’s perspective and principled stance on the issue, urging Sweden to maintain its constructive role in achieving a political settlement. Peter Semneby acknowledged China’s significant role and endorsed the idea of a political resolution. He also expressed Sweden’s willingness to enhance communication and coordination with China, emphasizing collaboration in addressing Korean Peninsula concerns. China Affirms Commitment to Strengthen Comprehensive Partnership with Iran on Revolution Anniversary Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li attended a reception marking the 45th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Deng Li conveyed holiday greetings to Iranian Ambassador Mohsen Bakhtiar and highlighted the strong China-Iran relations guided by Presidents Xi Jinping and Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi. Both nations have seen significant cooperation across various sectors, and China is committed to implementing common agreements and enhancing the long-term growth of their strategic partnership. Ambassador Bakhtiar expressed Iran’s commitment to deepening exchanges and cooperation with China. Additionally, both sides discussed mutual concerns on regional and global matters during the event. ASEAN-Japan Summit Marks 50 Years of Friendship with Vision for Future Cooperation The Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, held in Tokyo in December 2023, resulted in significant outcomes. A Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation was adopted.The statement, titled “Trusted Partners,” focuses on three pillars: “Heart-to-heart partners across generations,” “Partners for co-creation of economy and society of the future,” and “Partners for peace and stability.” Japan announced three measures, including a project to benefit over 10 million people, strengthening public-private partnerships for connectivity and climate change, and launching an initiative for the next-generation automotive industry. The summit emphasized cooperation for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan and South Korea Forge Stronger Science and Technology Collaboration for Global Impact Japan and South Korea are intensifying their collaboration in advanced science and technology, recognizing the importance of mutual cooperation. In November 2023, leaders from both nations held an event at Stanford University in the United States, highlighting their desire to enhance bilateral and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. in advanced science and technology fields. Prime Minister Kishida emphasized that innovation requires contributions from multiple countries and cited semiconductors, quantum technology, and AI as crucial areas. They also discussed quantum technology cooperation through an MOU between Japanese and Korean national institutes and the significance of global collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.  Furthermore, both leaders addressed climate change and the need for responsible AI development. Japan and South Korea aim to use their partnership in science and technology to address global challenges and enhance security.  Rwandan President and Qatar Prime Minister Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation President Paul Kagame of Rwanda met with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Washington. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed conveyed greetings and well-wishes from Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to President Kagame, while President Kagame sent his regards and best wishes to the Amir and the people of Qatar. The discussions centered on enhancing cooperation between the two nations and finding ways to further support and develop their relations, along with addressing shared concerns and interests. Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Italian Envoy to Discuss Syrian Crisis and Girls' Education in Afghanistan Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation, Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, held a meeting with Italian Special Envoy for the Syrian Crisis and the anti-Daesh Coalition, Stefano Ravagnan, during his visit to Qatar. The discussions primarily revolved around the Syrian crisis, emphasizing cooperation in developmental initiatives between both nations. Additionally, they touched upon the Afghan issue, with a particular focus on supporting girls' education. The meeting reflects the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Qatar and Italy to address regional challenges and foster international cooperation in areas like education and conflict resolution.. Qatar's Prime Minister Holds Talks with US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to Strengthen Strategic Ties and Discuss Regional Issues Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, held a meeting with members of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington. The discussions centered on bolstering and enhancing the strategic relations between the two countries. They also addressed current developments in the Gaza Strip and occupied Palestinian territories, emphasizing the need for a fair and enduring resolution to the Palestinian issue. Additionally, the talks touched on the consistent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and regional developments, with a focus on de-escalation measures. The meeting underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote regional stability. Iran Expresses Willingness to Resume Talks with Kuwait Over Arash Field Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, has responded to the joint statement by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait after the Kuwaiti emir's visit to Riyadh. Kanaani reiterated Iran's readiness for bilateral negotiations with Kuwait regarding the Arash field and maritime border demarcation, in line with previous discussions held in March 2023. Emphasizing good neighborly relations and the importance of cooperative dialogue, he believed that a mutually beneficial agreement could be achieved through constructive cooperation. Kanaani cautioned against making unilateral claims in statements and media, stating that such actions hinder the issue's progress. Iran remains open to friendly technical talks for a mutually acceptable resolution. China Aims for Stable Relations with the US, Hopes to Implement APEC Summit Consensus. China aims to cultivate stable and predictable relations with the United States, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin. He emphasized the importance of implementing the consensus reached by the leaders of both nations during the November 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit in San Francisco. Wang expressed China's desire to enhance bilateral relations, overcome challenges, eliminate interference, and ensure steady progress in communication. However, he did not provide information about the timing of a potential telephone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, as discussions between the two countries continue. BRICS New Development Bank Issues Record 5-Year Panda Bonds Worth $844.5 Million. The BRICS New Development Bank has issued a record-breaking 6 billion yuan (about $844.5 million USD) worth of five-year panda bonds in the China Interbank Bond Market. This marks the largest-ever five-year panda bond issuance and the first panda bond issuance this year by a multilateral development bank in the Chinese market. Leslie Maasdorp, the bank's vice president and CFO, stated that this success reflects strong market interest in the bank's mission to finance infrastructure and sustainable development. The BRICS New Development Bank has now issued a total of 47.5 billion yuan in panda bonds, further strengthening its role in supporting member countries' sustainable development and economic growth. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate Commonwealth Legal Conference on Cross-Border Justice Challenges.  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA) - Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference (CASGC) 2024 on February 3, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan. The theme of the conference is "Cross-Border Challenges in Justice Delivery," focusing on topics like judicial transition, ethical aspects of legal practice, executive accountability, and modern legal education. The event will host Attorney Generals and Solicitors from Commonwealth nations across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean, as well as international delegations. The conference serves as a platform for dialogue within the Commonwealth legal community, with a special roundtable discussion addressing challenges in legal education and transnational justice delivery. Indian Navy Vigilant Against Pirate Hijackings, Reports Seven Incidents in Three Years India has reported seven hijacking incidents of vessels by pirates in the last three years, including one involving the Merchant Vessel "Lila Norfolk" with 15 Indian nationals on board in January 2024. Two other hijackings involved Fishing Vessels "IMAN" and "AI Naeemi" in the same month, but without Indian crew members. The Indian Navy has been actively engaged in promoting maritime security, deploying units in the Gulf of Aden and East Coast of Africa since 2008. They have safely escorted over 3,440 ships and 25,000 seafarers. Enhanced security measures, aerial surveillance, and coordination with national and international agencies are ongoing efforts to combat piracy in the region. Indian Navy Vigilant in Enhancing Maritime Security in Indian Ocean Region The Indian Navy is actively involved in enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). They conduct Mission-Based Deployments and surveillance to boost Maritime Domain Awareness and respond to potential contingencies. Since 2008, the Indian Navy has patrolled the Gulf of Aden and East Coast of Africa, safely escorting over 3,440 ships and 25,000 seafarers to combat piracy. They also engage with regional and extra-regional navies, conducting bilateral/multilateral exercises, Joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance, and Coordinated Patrols (CORPATs). The Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) facilitates real-time information exchange with 25 partner nations and over 40 multinational organizations. Indian Navy units are stationed off Djibouti/Gulf of Aden, North/Central Arabian Sea, and East Coast of Somalia for protecting Merchant Vessels and providing assistance when necessary. They also collaborate with friendly foreign countries for intelligence sharing and security cooperation. India Initiates Comprehensive Measures to Strengthen Its Defense Ecosystem The Indian government is taking significant steps to bolster the country's defense ecosystem. It encourages both public and private sectors to participate in designing, developing, and manufacturing defense systems under the 'Make Procedure' outlined in the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020. A Green Channel Policy expedites procurement of defense stores and spares for firms with predefined financial and quality credentials. Two Defense Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu aim to attract investment, strengthen the supply chain, and bolster domestic defense manufacturing. Other initiatives include the Defense Testing Infrastructure Scheme, Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX), technology transfer agreements, and engagement with academia and startups in defense-related projects. Indian Army Plans Phased Induction of Electric Vehicles for Peace Stations The Indian Army is planning to introduce a limited number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in "Peace Stations" across the country. This initiative aims to embrace technological advancements, promote green energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The EVs to be inducted include electric light vehicles, buses, and motorcycles. This move aligns with India's broader push toward sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions while modernizing the military's vehicle fleet. India and Portugal Hold 4th Foreign Office Consultations to Strengthen Bilateral Ties The 4th India-Portugal Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were conducted in New Delhi, co-chaired by Shri Sanjay Verma from the Ministry of External Affairs, India, and Ambassador Rui Vinhas from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Portugal. The discussions revolved around strengthening bilateral relations, trade, investment, defense, science, technology, energy, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Both sides emphasized the early implementation of the pilot project for recruiting Indian citizens to work in Portugal. They also reviewed ongoing cooperation in developing the Maritime Heritage Complex in Gujarat. The meeting addressed global and regional issues, with a commitment to continued cooperation in multilateral forums.