A weekly compilation of underreported developments in Asia
Filipino soldiers were deployed in Manila Thursday in an effort to protect pipelines and prevent rioting over water shortages. The shortages have left some 1,120,000 Filipinos without water. In response to international pressure, Thailand repealed their nationwide “state of emergency” decree in approximately 1/5th of the country. 60 of the 75 remaining provinces continue to be in a state of martial law due to the presence of anti-government protesters. The USS George Washington, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, has been deployed to the Korea Strait to participate in a joint military exercise designed to showcase US support for the Republic of Korea. Japanese Self-Defense Forces are reportedly observing the exercises.The United States announced further sanctions against North Korea, specifically targeting their ability to purchase and/or acquire materials for nuclear weapon production. The General Logistics Department of the People’s Liberation Army recently called for the PLA to increase funding for disease prevention and control programs. The PLA recently announced a three-tier system for combating infectious diseases. The US and Japan abandoned the previously set August deadline to find a location for construction of a facility designed to replace the Futenma US Marine Corps Air Station. Local Okinawan opposition has been cited as a primary factor in stalling the bilateral negotiations. Relations between the United States and Indonesian Special Forces have resumed after a ten year freeze. The US initially broke ties after alleging human rights abuses on behalf of the ISF.A meeting between the Japanese Foreign Minister and his Chinese counterpart has resulted in an agreement to proceed with negotiations concerning the building of a joint gas field in the East China Sea, according to Japanese officials.
