A weekly compilation of underreported developments in Asia
Indian police forces have arrested two members of the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) after unearthing an elaborate terror plot in the Bangalore region. The plot attempted to destabilize the government by engaging and supporting native Maoist rebels.The Japanese government is refusing a US$435 million loan to Guam for a sewage renovation project necessary for the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma relocation. Following difficult negotiations and other complications, the move may not be completed until 2020.The PRC plans to invest over US$15 billion (100 billion Yuan) over a ten-year period to develop “green” automotive technology. China is expected to produce 15 million green automobiles annually by 2020, with a focus on the production of electric vehicles.Taiwan, possessing Asia’s fourth-largest stock market, is in discussion with Japanese authorities to list exchange-traded funds in Japan. This move is part of Taiwan's aspiration to become an international fund-raising center.Japan’s national debt has reached over 900 trillion yen, or US$10.6 trillion; 1.9 times the GDP of the island nation for the 2009 fiscal year. Government officials project that the Japanese debt will cap at 973 trillion yen in March 2011.General Liu Yazhou, a two star general in the People’s Liberation army, released a pointed commentary in Hong Kong’s Phoenix magazine stating that the PRC must either adopt U.S.-style democracy or face a collapse similar to that of the former Soviet Union. Due to budgetary constraints, Tokyo considers cutting the Japan Exchange and Teaching program - an initiative viewed by others as a key element of its public diplomacy program, particularly in promoting U.S.-Japan relations.Chinese authorities have arrested a Uyghur farmer who attempted to file a complaint against the seizure of his property by local governmental officials.Thailand’s High Court rejected an appeal request on behalf of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra concerning the 2006 government seizure of his personal assets.
