tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24592026901436914332010-09-09T12:08:44.727-04:00News and Analysis of Emerging and Under-noticed Strategic Developments in the Asia-PacificAdminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13055525422704944072noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-15202502454826647882010-09-09T12:05:00.005-04:002010-09-09T12:08:44.736-04:00

This week, China welcomed Burma's reclusive dictator Than Shwe for a high profile state visit, which included meetings with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. Than Shwe was reportedly accompanied by a prominently featured delegation of family members, as well as a retinue of newly minted senior military officials, who ascended to the upper echelon of junta leadership just last week when

Kelley Curriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11344179765035067697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-50057061814813605622010-09-07T11:57:00.017-04:002010-09-07T12:49:04.226-04:00

A look back the Project 2049 Institute's August publications 8/3 Second Artillery Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile Brigade Facilities Under Construction in Guangdong? What are the implications of China's new Second Artillery missile brigade? 8/13 ECFA and Beyond Is ECFA a sign of warming cross-Strait relations? How will Taiwan's economic relations with the region shape up? 8/30 Zeroing in on China –

Alexandra Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178280970215252077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-31385132130107823522010-09-03T11:52:00.014-04:002010-09-03T12:13:31.075-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaAs Myanmar’s first elections in twenty years approach, exorbitant registration fees are levied on aspiring candidates despite junta leaders claiming that the elections are an attempt to shift power back to civilian rule.Despite warming cross-Strait relations, both sides continue to bolster their military capabilities. Taiwan’s Ministry of

Alexandra Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178280970215252077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-79234980109983632212010-08-30T16:39:00.000-04:002010-08-30T16:39:23.104-04:00

China’s burgeoning trade relationship with Africa was boosted by last month’s announcement that a zero-tariff scheme has been expanded tenfold to include 4762 products and commodities from 26 least developing African countries. This preferential treatment applies to approximately 60% of current imports and there are plans to broaden it to 90% of imports from all of China’s diplomatic allies in

Tiffany Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808635308151315818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-17618238465377347922010-08-27T12:40:00.020-04:002010-08-27T13:20:01.046-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaThe United States approved sale of radar equipment to Taiwan to upgrade the island's air defense radar systems. The sale will be carried out through a direct commercial sales program, a move welcomed as a sign toward normalizing arms sales.Japan is turning its attention to developing economies and plans to send 100 diplomats to countries

Alexandra Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178280970215252077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-83991226086184296222010-08-20T11:49:00.021-04:002010-08-20T12:45:10.828-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaA consortium of Chinese and Australian companies will develop three Iranian oil fields, which are expected to eventually produce 20,000 barrels of oil per day. China has been a strong economic supporter of Iran, which has the world’s third largest oil reserves.The Presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan met at a summit in

Alexandra Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178280970215252077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-49423943831095184162010-08-13T11:09:00.004-04:002010-08-16T11:04:09.815-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaIndian 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

Steve Gummohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452833709652068116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-60769661865362745402010-08-13T14:39:00.000-04:002010-08-13T16:49:44.419-04:00

The political whirlwind surrounding the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between Taiwan and China left many questions still spinning in the air. Many pundits continue to debate Taiwan’s ultimate gains from this preferential trade agreement particularly whether it opens doors to other trade opportunities.Many are hopeful that ECFA will transform Taiwan into an economic hub in the

Tiffany Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03420238088527342743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-60821814033828234432010-08-12T11:20:00.001-04:002010-08-12T11:22:02.968-04:00

AsiaEye, the official blog of the Project 2049 Institute, will now occasionally feature longer “Insight” pieces that examine strategic trends and developments in the Asia-Pacific in greater depth. Insight #1: Asia's Turbulent Waters: Blue Water Tensions in the Yellow Sea Naval tensions mounting over recent months in Asia have unfolded in a blue water drama featuring almost every seafaring

Tiffany Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808635308151315818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-70012442605307385992010-08-06T15:38:00.018-04:002010-08-06T16:45:12.880-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaMalaysia will receive $591 million worth of rail vehicles from China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corp, by 2012. The new vehicles are expected to reduce operating costs by 15 percent annually.Indian Defense Minister, A.K. Anthony, reported that the country's three defense services are short 14,244 officers.Japan plans to launch a

Alexandra Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178280970215252077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-74708712814652829072010-08-03T19:45:00.003-04:002010-08-03T20:01:47.877-04:00

By Mark Stokes and Tiffany Ma As the PRC’s Ministry of National Defense seems to be warming to the notion of discussing a possible withdrawal of missiles opposite Taiwan, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) primary strategic strike force, the Second Artillery, is continuing to beef up its arsenal despite the cross-Strait political détente following the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement

Mark Stokeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13626110819309242581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-55919990227657795422010-07-12T13:58:00.001-04:002010-08-02T15:40:53.724-04:00

As Spain clinched its first soccer World Cup victory, China’s green power also emerged as a winner on the field in South Africa. For 8 minutes of every game, spectators and television audiences around the world witnessed the rising profile of China’s burgeoning solar energy sector. The displays of “Yingli Solar” (in English) and “China Yingli” (in Mandarin) were sponsored by Yingli Green Energy

Tiffany Mahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09808635308151315818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-52929393522044708992010-07-30T16:52:00.011-04:002010-07-30T18:36:31.468-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in Asia Two Chinese naval warships arrived in Egypt, kicking off a five-day visit to improve military exchange and cooperation between the PLAN and the navies of surrounding the Somali waters. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has unofficially decided to postpone a budget request for fiscal 2011 to procure 50 next-generation F-35 fighter jets

Tiffany Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03420238088527342743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-54884232165824760272010-07-29T17:44:00.000-04:002010-07-29T17:44:40.018-04:00

By Ian Easton and Tiffany Ma Naval tensions mounting over recent months in the Asia-Pacific have unfolded in a blue water drama featuring almost every seafaring nation in the region. First, a South Korean patrol ship was attacked in the Yellow Sea on March 26, an event that triggered international concern and stoked diplomatic tensions. An international inquiry concluded that there was

Guest Contributorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11567403966003408167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-51692614215064588862010-07-23T10:21:00.008-04:002010-07-23T11:08:26.054-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaFilipino 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

Steve Gummohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452833709652068116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-33719756033162289662010-07-22T10:32:00.025-04:002010-07-22T16:51:09.286-04:00

The deaths of over one dozen young Kashmiri citizens in recent weeks mark a departure from a period of relative calm in the volatile region. The region is no stranger to civilian casualties. Cycles of violence and protest, exacerbated by jihadist militancy, have plagued the disputed Kashmir Valley for years. Civilians have often been caught in the clashes between security forces and militants

Alexandra Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178280970215252077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-69986271258720610982010-07-20T17:18:00.010-04:002010-07-20T17:44:41.607-04:00

Indonesia has received much credit for significant inroads in eradicating terrorism after the 2002 Bali bombings that left 202 people dead. Since then, Jakarta’s elite counter-terrorism police unit, Detachment 88, has netted or killed over 400 militants, while several former ‘deradicalized’ terrorists have actually cooperated with the authorities to capture their former comrades. Though several

Prashanth Parameswaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07469079478713287299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-72270577120702883292010-07-16T11:19:00.012-04:002010-07-16T11:56:51.894-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaIn a meeting with Wu Poh-hsiung, honorary chairman of Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, Chinese President Hu Jintao praised the two countries’ signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) last month. The controversial agreement, yet to be approved by Taiwan’s parliament, would reduce trade tariffs on hundreds of

Alexandra Matthewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178280970215252077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-25449293607879854272010-07-02T13:32:00.011-04:002010-07-15T11:46:42.066-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in Asia Japan will release details of “failed” official development assistance programs to bring greater transparency to the nation’s foreign aid.Taiwan and China signed an agreement to create a mechanism for resolving intellectual property rights disputes arising from increasing cross strait business exchanges.China is implementing the

Tiffany Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03420238088527342743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-24688222476183569842010-07-14T10:40:00.010-04:002010-07-14T11:13:36.012-04:00

In the aftermath of the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan, tensions are reigniting between North and South Korea. Amid the freezing of cross-parallel ties, one of the few remnants of past cooperation, the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC), remains a major power piece for both the North and South. The complex began as a joint-economic development project in 2004. Under the arrangement, North Korean

Steve Gummohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452833709652068116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-47891784744289441012010-07-12T11:21:00.003-04:002010-07-12T12:00:27.309-04:00

In order to connect better with our readers, The Project 2049 Institute has now joined the Twittersphere! Follow us now at this address. We will be tweeting about current and under-noticed strategic developments in Asia as they happen, and posting our publications hot off the press! For instructions on how to set up a Twitter account, see here.

Prashanth Parameswaranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07469079478713287299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-13201693996164006702010-07-09T18:01:00.004-04:002010-07-09T18:32:16.836-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in AsiaSouth Korean troops in Afghanistan will start working with the US forces there to conduct daily aerial reconnaissance in an effort to boost its surveillance against possible attacks on South Korean civilian aid workers after a rocket attack last week.Australia has agreed to help Indonesia with people smuggling by providing patrol boats and

Evelyn Kusnawiriantohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01739664087743012832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-1073741423795854152010-07-06T11:36:00.004-04:002010-07-06T11:45:12.080-04:00

The nuclear renaissance in Asia promises to reduce the region’s dependence on fossil fuels and to reduce carbon emissions from its growing economies. However, the growth of nuclear power raises the challenge of safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive waste. Along with the environmental threat posed by radioactive waste, there is also proliferation concerns associated with

Matthew Hallexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10347885107583523268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-82209715729752798692010-06-25T14:47:00.011-04:002010-07-02T11:01:36.713-04:00

A weekly compilation of underreported developments in Asia The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee approved a ten-year educational reform plan aimed at increasing the effectiveness and availability of Chinese educational institutions. As part of the reform, the PRC will increase education-related funding, with the ratio of education expenditure in terms of GDP

Steve Gummohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15452833709652068116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459202690143691433.post-9942187605468483052010-06-28T18:01:00.005-04:002010-06-28T18:48:43.660-04:00

In satisfying the thirst for a basic commodity – water – China is making trade-offs between its short term and long term supplies. Already, its capital is suffering from drying aquifers and low groundwater level – both indicators that water supply is shrinking fast. The gargantuan South-North Water Transfer Project, costing over $62 billion, is underway to supply the parched northern region with

Evelyn Kusnawiriantohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01739664087743012832noreply@blogger.com