(June 16-30, 2016)

Pakistan

Killing & Kidnapping in Karachi

The murder of renowned Qawwal, Amjad Sabri, and the kidnapping of the son of the Chief Justice of Sindh High Court has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the nearly three year old operation being carried out in Karachi under the control, direction and supervision of the Pakistan Army.

Although the crime figures have come down significantly, the high profile nature of the two incidents have taken the sheen of the claims of the military and its acolytes. Amidst a flurry of visits to Karachi by the Army Chief and the Interior Minister, there is talk of an intensified crackdown post-Eid in the city.

There are insinuations that the Sabri killing might have been the result of the rivalry between the MQM and its breakaway faction, Pak Sarzameen Party led by the former mayor, Mustafa Kamal. Allegedly, despite warnings by the MQM, Sabri had participated in a fund raiser for PSP in the US. His killing is being linked to this incident. Meanwhile, the law enforcement agencies are apparently in the dark over who could be behind the Chief Justice’s son’s kidnapping. But the incident has shaken the judiciary and is being seen as a move to browbeat the judiciary.

NSG: Govt claims success, everyone else says failure

There was a sense of triumphalism in Pakistan over the failure of India to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Although government officials touted this as a success of the lobbying done to prevent India’s entry, analysts have scoffed at these claims and pointed to China’s veto as the only positive to emerge from the entire NSG saga. It was also pointed out that Pakistan’s application was not even considered.

The NSG episode has turned the spotlight on the state of foreign affairs of Pakistan. If one were to go by the constant criticism of the government’s detractors, the appointment of a full-time foreign minister would solve all the ills of foreign policy making in Pakistan. But more realistic analysts blame the civil-military disconnect and the fact that Pakistan’s relations with three of its closest neighbours – India, Iran and Afghanistan – as well with the US are in a bad state for its growing international isolation. The possibility of a course correction in how Pakistan conducts its foreign relations, however, is slim. This is so because the appetite for necessary reform and a realistic appraisal of the international scene by those who make foreign policy is virtually non-existent.

Disqualification References against Nawaz Sharif & family

The political temperature went up a couple of notches after the PPP walked out of the bi-partisan committee constituted to frame the Terms of Reference for the Judicial Commission that is to investigate the Panama Papers revelations of offshore companies owned by members of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s family. Both the opposition PTI and the PPP have filed separate references with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif and his close family members (including Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif and finance minister Ishaq Dar) on grounds of concealment of assets, loan defaults and money laundering. The PPP reference includes charges against Nawaz Sharif’s deceased father as well, something that is believed to signal the end of the political détente between the ruling PMLN and the PPP. Meanwhile, another reference is expected to be filed by the cleric Dr Tahirul Qadri in the days ahead.

But while the temperature is rising, the ruling party doesn’t quite appear to be feeling any big pressure. One reason for this is that the ECP is currently in a limbo after the retirement of four Election Commissioners. Until new Election Commissioners are appointed, the ECP is in no position to take up the references against the Prime Minister. Some analysts also believe that a favour has been done to the PM by filing the references as this has shifted the focus from the judicial commission on Panama Papers. Nevertheless, the political grapevine is that the political temperature will rise after the return of the PM to Pakistan around Eid.

The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa came under a lot of criticism for allocating Rs 300 million to the Darul Uloom Haqqani madrassa, which is infamous as the University of Jihad since it counts many top jihadist and Taliban leaders among its alumni. After initially defending the decision, the PTI chief Imran Khan has tried to distance himself from the decision of his party’s government in K-P. Some analysts have questioned the wisdom of trying to mainstream the jihadists and have expressed concern that by funding the madrassa, the government might end up radicalising the mainstream.

Afghanistan

Peace Deal with Hizb-e-Islami stillborn

Afghan government efforts to stitch up a peace deal with the warlord and former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hizb-e-Islami came a cropper over the issue of withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and the refusal of the Hizb to accept the security pacts signed between Afghanistan the US.

Border spat ends but issue remains on table

After a few diplomatic twists and turns, Afghanistan and Pakistan finally managed to strike an agreement on a high-level mechanism to tackle the issue of border management between the two countries. The stand-off following the skirmishes between the security forces at the Torkham border crossing eased after both sides pulled back their forces and re-opened the border. Earlier, the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad had rejected the contention of the Pakistan military’s spokesman that he had agreed to construction of the border gates at Torkham. After initially rejecting Pakistani invitation to the Afghan NSA and Foreign Minister to come to Islamabad to discuss and defuse the border situation, the Afghan side sent the Deputy Foreign Minister to hold discussions on border management with the Pakistani side. Later, on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tashkent, the two countries set up the bilateral mechanism to mend their relations. Meanwhile, the Pakistanis have continued to build the structures to regulate the flow of people and goods to and from Afghanistan.

Security situation remains tenuous; US support to continue

Amidst reports that the Taliban control more territory in Afghanistan than any time since 2001, the US and its allies are expected to give around $ 15 billion to Afghanistan through 2020. The US alone is expected to give around $ 3 billion to the Afghan Army and another $ 1 billion to the Afghan government every year till 2018. The funding of the Afghan state is critical for the survival of the government. In addition, the US is expected to keep current troop levels in Afghanistan till at least 2017. Meanwhile the US Special Envoy for the Afpak region, Richard Olson, has debunked Pakistani propaganda against Indian role in Afghanistan as ‘over-estimated’. He called India a ‘supportive partner’ for Afghanistan.

On the war front, the Afghan forces reportedly killed over 20 Taliban terrorists in operations in the Baghlan province. Clashes were also reported in the east between the Afghan forces and Islamic State terrorists. Over 30 IS terrorists were killed in the eastern province of Nangarhar after they attacked local police checkpoints. Drone attacks and ground operations against the IS terrorists also inflicted heavy damage on the terrorist gang, which according to the Afghan NSA is receiving assistance from ‘abroad’, a euphemism for Pakistan. A bulk of the IS terrorists are believed to be Pakistanis, many of them Pakistani Punjabis.

Bangladesh

Dhaka Terror Attack:

On July 1, around 9:20 pm (BST) a group of 7 well armed terrorists stormed into the popular Holey Artisan Bakery/restaurant in the up scale suburb of Gulshan in the heart of Dhaka. They took the staff and customers hostage even though a few, managed to quietly escape through the back door They seemed fairly well trained, certainly well briefed and rehearsed in that they quickly secured the front door, asked staff to switch off the lights and covered CCTV cameras with clothes. In the process, they had taken 33 hostages comprising some locals and more foreigners.

A stunned Bangladesh that has always believed in and practiced moderate and tolerant Islam just could not come to terms with the dastardly act of senseless violence and brutal killing of so many innocent people, ostensibly in the name of Islam and that too in the holy month of Ramadan. A visibly disturbed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said so in as many words, "It was an extremely heinous act. What kind of Muslims are these people? They don't have any religion. “

The hostage takers had no demands to make and therefore no negotiations to participate in. They simply kept slitting throats through the night! In the process, they killed 20 hostages comprising 9 Italians, 7 Japanese,2 Bangladeshis, 1 American and a 19 year young Indian girl who had come from Berkley USA to spend her holidays with parents.

After over 10 hrs of high drama and intense tension, the final storming of the restaurant by the Special Forces took place in the morning of Saturday. Six terrorists were killed and significantly one was captured alive. 13 hostages including some Indians, Japanese and 2 Sri Lankans were rescued.

International community was quick to rally behind Sheikh Hasina’s government. Indian Prime Minister Modi spoke to her and condemned the ' despicable act’. President Pranab Mukherjee also sent message of sympathy and support. US President wanted to be kept briefed while State Department expressed abiding solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in their fight against terrorism. In a statement, EU also expressed similar sentiments. His Holiness Pope Francis described the senseless violence as an offence against God and humanity.

The government has recognised the phenomenon of rapidly increasing radicalisation in the country and has also initiated measures to deal with the same at different levels. But the virus is growing rapidly and it seems Bangladesh has not yet reached a definitive conclusion on the identity of forces or groups behind the killing of secular, progressive campaigners. After each such incident, including the latest one, a couple of well identified radical extremist such as Jama'at ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), or Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), also called Ansar Bangla or Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent(AQIS) or ISIS claim responsibility for the event. On this occasion ISIS claimed direct responsibility. However, government immediately countered this and held home-grown terrorists responsible.

For the present, pending results of the investigation, one would like to go by the government view that the despicable incident was the handiwork of ‘home grown’ terrorists. None the less, the incident needs to be viewed as a significant shift in the agenda and modus operandi of the terrorists. Their agenda does not seem to be limited to keeping the ruling dispensation on the edge. It is likely to be much more sinister with long term objective of promoting radical Islam in the country and beyond; certainly impacting India. It is therefore, imperative for the intelligence and security establishments in India and Bangladesh to take the Dhaka incident as a serious wake up call and evolve a joint mechanism to deal with the emerging challenges in an effective manner. India has decades of experience in dealing with terrorism and has fairly well developed counter-terrorism capabilities. Bangladesh has a done a great deal for India in the recent years. It’s India’s turn to reciprocate.

(Extract from a detailed report earlier uploaded on the VIF website)

Radicals continue to target minorities:

During the fortnight a number of incidents involving attacks on Hindus by Islamic radicals, were reported from different parts of the country. Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka received a letter on June 15 stating,” Bangladesh is an Islamic State you can’t preach your religion here. It you continue preaching, you’ll be hacked to death with machetes between the 20th and 30th.

In another incident, Ripon Chakrabarty, a lecture at Government Najimuddin College was attacked, on June 22 at his home. He was rushed to hospital with head and hand injuries, Locals caught one of the attackers and handed him over to police.

An attendant, Shyama Nanda Das Babajee, of Modhupur Kastsagra Radha Madan Gopal Moth at North Kastasagra village in Sadar Upzila, was attacked and killed on June 1 by three bike riding miscreants.

According to the police, Pradip Malik, a caretaker of Swami Bhaskar Ananda Ashram Temple in Kathaltala of the Upzila, had gone to Gurighona Bazar, on June 4, for buying medicine and did not return. His brother Basudeb Malik, lodged a complaint with Keshabpur police station, on June 16.

These incidents have led to a growing fear of a possible Hindu migration from Bangladesh since the Bangladeshi Islamists have warned the Hindu community of the possible consequences if they practice and preach their religion.

Kajal Debnath, the Head of the Bangladeshi Hindu, Buddhist, Christians Unity Council is of the view that initially the crime against the community was restricted to torching of the temples, loots and arson. Now it is hacking and decapitation.

The Bangladesh authorities have been taking action against the attackers and even carried out a major operation in which over 8,500 suspected militants. Drug peddlers, criminals and transnational Islamists were picked up last month. The government is determined to take firm measures against the radical elements.

PM Seeks People’s Help to Curb Militancy:

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on June 23, sought help from the people of the country to curb militancy and maintain peaceful atmosphere. In an unscheduled discussion in parliament on the 67th founding anniversary of the ruling Awami League, she said that AL had cemented democracy in the country and ensured socio-economic development braving and foiling all sorts of conspiracies. The Prime Minister said that some people always hatched conspiracy against Bangladesh but all such dirty design must be foiled to ensure peace and development.

Protest Against Assassinations And Terrorism:

The ruling 14-party alliance organized a human chain in Dhaka, on June 19, to protest against assassinations, conspiracy and terrorism by BNP-Jamaat. Leaders of the 14-party alliance at the event alleged that BNP Chief Khaleda Zia had been leading assassinations with the co-operation of its ally Jamaat-e-Islami. They said that Khaleda Zia had been patronizing assassinations to stop development and mar the country’s image in the world.

Bangladesh Clerics’ Fatwa Against Terrorism:

The Islamic clerical community in Bangladesh through a Fatwa issued, on June 18, declared to fight against militancy. The Islamic clerical community in Bangladesh has been facing criticism in both inside and outside the country for its inaction against the rampant extremist activities that harmed the country badly in recent times. Therefore, this fatwa has been applauded by all and considered a landmark declaration in the fight against militancy. This breakthrough initiative drew attention of the society as a whole as 100,000 muftis, ulema and Islamic scholars from all across the country made a pledge to fight violent extremism and gave a call to the sympathizers of radical elements to stop violence.

India Welcomes Clerics’ Fatwa Against Terrorism:

Responding to a media query about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said in New Delhi, on June 19, described these incidents as unfortunate and painful. She said that the Indian government had been raising such issues at the highest level and the Bangladesh government was doing its best in this regard. They were taking tough steps against terrorists, she said. The Indian Minister said that the fatwa issued by Bangladesh’s religions scholars and Ulemas was heartening. If the religious scholars and ulemas issued an edict against such violence against non-Muslims, it showed that both public and government there were against such acts of violence and terror, she added.

The US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue:

Bangladesh and USA concluded their fifth Partnership Dialogue, on June 26, in Washington, DC reiterating their commitment to enhance Dhaka-Washington bilateral co-operation. The two-day dialogue was led by Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and from US side by Tom Shannon, US under Secretary of State for political Affairs. The US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue, established in 2012, is a regularly planned policy consultation designed to advance the common agenda and opportunities for co-operation across the full range of bilateral and regional issues. During the deliberations that started on June 23 the two sides emphasized on enhancing bilateral relations and reiterated their commitments to work together on issues of national, regional and global interests. The two sides also agreed to enhance co-operation in the areas of counter terrorism and

Nepal Wants to Use BD Ports:

Nepal has expressed its keenness to expand trade with Bangladesh using the land and seaports. The interest was shown at a high-level meeting between the representatives of Bangladesh and Nepal held at the Shipping Ministry in Dhaka, on June 21. At the meeting, Nepal expressed its interest to use the maritime ports of Chittagong and Mongla to expand trade with Bangladesh. Bangladesh assured Nepalese delegation of constituting a technical committee with the representatives of both the countries in this regard.

Nepal

NC President Deuba Expresses Solidarity With Gathbandhan’s Protest:

President of main opposition Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba, on June 23, expressed solidarity with the leaders of Sanghiya Gathbandhan who have been staging relay hunger strike against the new constitution. Deuba said that his party was ready to address the legitimate demands of the alliance. The Gathbandhan — an alliance of 29 Madhesi and Janjati Parties — started nationwide protest on April 19, saying that the new constitution promulgated on September 20, last year was discriminatory against the Madhesi people.

UDMF Sets Conditions for Talks:

Responding to the Prime Minister’s call for talks, the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front has set out seven-point conditions including implementation of past agreements (22-point agreement and eight-point deal forged at different times) between the then governments and the Madhes-based parties following Madhes movement of 2007 and the agitations carried out by various ethnic communities. The parties also demanded that those who lost their lives during recent Madhes agitations should be declared martyrs and the government should bear the medical expenses for those injured in the protests. They have also demanded that cases filed against their cadres in connection with the protests should scrapped. In their letter to the government the UDMF said that they were ready for talks only if the government addressed the above mentioned issues.

Govt Spells Plan to Implement Statute:

The Cabinet, on June 16, approved a roadmap for the implementation of the constitution, aiming to hold three elections-local, state assembly and federal parliament over the next 18 months. In the proposed roadmap, the government plans to hold the local body elections by December 2016, state assembly elections in April-May 2017, and elections to the federal parliament by December 2017. While Madhesi parties have opposed any step towards constitution implementation before their demands are addressed, the main opposition Nepali Congress, and the CPN (Maoist Centre), a key partner in the incumbent government, have also voiced their concerns, saying the local elections will not be possible without demarcation of provincial boundaries, local body restructuring and addressing the grievances of the agitating Madhes-based parties.

External Relations:

13 Nepalese Killed in Kabul Suicide Attack:

Taliban suicide bomber killed 13 Nepali security guards in an attack on June 20 on a minibus in Kabul. They were on their way to Canadian Embassy where they worked as guards. A chartered Nepal Airlines plane, on June 22, brought back the bodies of the Nepalis killed in the Kabul blast. Nepal has decided to seek compensation from the Canadian government and the British security consultancy firm, Sabre International, for the families of 13 Nepalis killed in the incident.

Nepal Seeks AIIB Funds for infrastructure Development:

In the first annual meeting of the Chinese-led AIIB held in Beijing, Nepal submitted proposals for five infrastructure projects – two energy projects, two road projects and one urbanisation project. The AIIB initially insisted on being a co-financier with other institutions such like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank and wanted to know if other financiers were also interested in financing these projects.

Chinese President Likely to open Culture Centre in Kathmandu:

The People’s Republic of China is opening China Culture Centre in Nepal this year to coincide with 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Yin Kunsong, Director of the China Culture Centre hinted at the possibility of President Xi inaugurating the Centre during his visit to Nepal. The Centre aims to use the facility to hold events such as free learning centre, library, exhibition hall, musical programme,

India to Supply More Electricity to Nepal:

Expressing its readiness to provide additional 120 MW of electricity to Nepal through Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar trans-border transmission line, India has called on Nepal to complete the construction of a substation at Dhalkebar at the earliest. During a meeting of the Joint Steering Committee in New Delhi, on June 27, the Indian side accepted the request from the Nepali side to export more electricity to Nepal. Nepal is currently importing 80 MW of electricity through the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar transmission line. Nepal plans to import 600 MW of power from India through the transmission line that was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, on February 21, during PM Oli’s visit to India.

Bhutan

Assembly Approves BBIN Agreement Amid Resistance:

The Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) transport agreement passed its first parliamentary hurdle, on June 21, when Bhutan’s National Assembly endorsed the sub-regional agreement amid stiff resistance from the opposition. Out of total 41 MPs present, 28 voted in favour of the agreement; 10 voted against and three abstained. The BBIN agreement will now be discussed in the National Council.

Bhutanese transport operators have filed a petition to the Council’s Chairperson, requesting Parliament to block the BBIN agreement.

Sri Lanka

Re-appointment of Arjuna Mahendran as Governor of Central Bank Divides Ruling Coalition:

Soon after the Sirisena government assumed power in January 2015, Arjuna Mahendran, a Singapore based economist and banker was appointed as the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Currently he is serving the remainder of the term of his predecessor, which is expiring on June 30, 2016. His name was embroiled in two major controversies, one being the infamous bond scam of February 2015 and the other one that erupted three months back. There have been demands from different quarters against Mahendran’s re-appointment for a new term as the Governor.

President and the Prime Minister have been approach in this regard. This entire issue seems to have divided the ruling coalition with SLFP apparently not in favour of a fresh term and UNP trying to back him. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe agreed not to re-appoint Arjuna Mahendran until the investigation launched by the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) against him is concluded. Finally President Maithripala Sirisena announced from his official Twitter account on June 29 that a new Central Bank Governor would be appointed over the next few hours.

Modi- Sirisena Jointly Inaugurate Jaffna Durayappah Stadium:

India has completed renovation of Jaffna Durayappah Stadium which was jointly inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Modi along with President Maithripala Sirisena through videoconferencing on June 17. The stadium, in disuse since 1997, has been renovated by India at a cost of over Rs. 7 crore. PM Modi assured Sri Lanka that India would “walk side by side” with Sri Lanka as it charted its own path to progress and prosperity for all its citizens. Sri Lankan President Sirisena thanked the Indian government for its assistance and support for Sri Lanka’s development.

Effect of Brexit on Sri Lanka and Its Proposed Plan of Recovery:

The Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee of intellectuals comprising Charitha Ratwatte, Professor Saman Kelegama, Arjun Mahendran, the Treasury Secretary and several others to study the global economic situation especially on the impact on Britain's exit from EU and to recommend mid and long term plan to face the global economic situation. Earlier, Sri Lanka had decided to go for a trade pact with UK but now government will wait and watch the situation in UK. Briton's exit is likely to affect Sri Lanka's foreign reserves as ten per cent of it comprises Sterling pounds. Current uncertainty in UK will also affect Sri Lanka as 40 per cent of its exports go to UK.

To deal with this UK fallout from EU, Lanka has decided to move towards Asia. The government has already planned to sign Economic Technology Cooperation with India, a free trade agreement with China, negotiations with Singapore for a free trade agreement are about to commence shorty and the government is also thinking of signing such agreement with South Korea and Japan as well.

Maldives:

Major changes in PPM, Deputy Leader Stripped of his Powers:

Major changes were brought to People’s Party of Maldives (PPM) overnight, with PPM Leader and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom stripping the party Deputy Leader Abdul Raheem of his powers and taking over the management of the party himself. Abdul Raheem was elected Deputy Leader of PPM by the Council in 2013 after the previous Deputy Leader – Ilhaam Ahmed left the party. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has ordered that no meeting by any official body of the party – including any committee – should be held without his permission. This move has been criticized from within the party and is an attempt to hijack party leadership with iron fist.

Door Closes for Nasheed and Nazim to Contest Presidential Election 2018:

The door has closed for former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed and former Minister of Defense Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim to participate in the upcoming presidential elections as they lost the last stage of appeal, and Supreme Court ruled to uphold their prison sentences for criminal offenses. Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years and Nazim to 11 years in prison after he was found guilty of importing and possessing a firearm. The Supreme Court upheld the sentence.

Abdulla Jihad Appointed as the New Vice President:

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Abdulla Jihad has been appointed as the Vice President. Mr. Jihad is the third Vice President in the Presidency of Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Myanmar

Rohingya Controversy-What is in a name?

Suu Kyi has stated that her government would only use the term “Muslim community in Arakan State,” and avoid both “Rohingya” and “Bengali” when referring to the group. The objective was to address the image of the government and reduce the conflict with the Rohingyas. But the Rohingyas of Arakan state are not happy with the use of this term. would like to be identified as Rohingyas. They also maintain that if the government accepts Rohingyas as a minority, there was no need for obtaining citizenship certificate under the 1982 Citizenship Law as they would automatically become citizens.

Aung San Suu Kyi Visits Thailand:

Suu Kyi visited Thailand in the third week of June. This was her first official outing in the new role in the government. Thailand is one of the most important neighbours of Myanmar that hosts almost three million Myanmar refugees and migrant labour. With the opening of Myanmar economy Thailand has also invested heavily in Myanmar.

There are also issues relating to drugs and human trafficking, development of economic zones in border areas, activities of insurgent groups like Karen National Union, connectivity projects linking both the countries. Thailand has been keen to reinvigorate Dawei mega project which involves construction of a port and Special economic Zone. However, the Myanmar’s current leadership is still reassessing the project as it was given a go ahead by the previous government. Further, Thai and Chinese companies are also involved in Thanlwin River dam projects which are opposed by ethnic groups.

During her visit, agreements on cross border affairs and the employment of workers, and a memorandum of understanding on labour cooperation, labour and refugees were signed between the two countries.

China

Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan

Chinese President Xi Jinping under took three nation tours to Serbia, Poland and Uzbekistan from 17-24 June, 2016. The underlying theme of the visit was Silk Road Diplomacy and to strengthen Belt and Road initiative. Notably, all these three countries are important from the One Belt One Road (OBOR) perspectives in their own way. The recent map released by Xinhua on 24 June 2016 now clearly shows all these three countries on the route.

During the visit to Serbia, Xi Jinping described the country as a “milestone” on the new Silk Road. Greater cooperation with Serbia will help China to improve overland connectivity and boost trade with Europe, Asia and Africa. Poland, located at the heartland of Europe where the Amber Road and the Silk Road meet, will help in setting new examples for stronger ties between China and Central and East European countries as Poland is considered to be “bellwether” of Eastern European countries of the European Union. Both countries are pushing forward bilateral cooperation within the framework of Poland’s sustainable development strategy and China’s OBOR. During the visit to Uzbekistan, bilateral relations were elevated to “comprehensive strategic partnership”. President Xi highlighted the historical importance of Uzbekistan and invited them to be part of OBOR. Addressing the Uzbek parliament, the Chinese president highlighted the role of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative that will open many opportunities for Uzbekistan.

China and the Nuclear Suppliers Groups meeting in Seoul

During the NSG Plenary meeting in Seoul on 24 June 2016, China created procedural difficulty for India’s candidature to NSG. Before the meeting India had made a lot of effort to seek China’s support on the issue. Indian PM Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Uzbekistan ahead of the SCO summit and urged him “to make a fair and objective assessment of India’s application on merit.” Earlier, foreign secretary Mr. Jaishankar had flown to Beijing on 16-17 June to discuss the NSG issue with his counterpart.

Despite of all these efforts China has been quite vocal against India’s membership by stating that the NSG should be limited to countries that have signed Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Wang Qun, Director General of the department of arms control of the foreign ministry affirmed that NPT should be the mandatory criteria to join NSG as it represents the cornerstone of the entire non proliferation regime. He said, “Because for admission the NSG has 5 criteria for members, most noticeably the NPT, it is a must. This is not a rule set by China, this is the rule set by the NSG and reaffirmed by the international community”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PRC spokesperson Hua Chunying, stated, “China adheres to two principles when dealing with this issue. First, the rules of the NSG must be followed as they are not targeted at any specific country. Second, consensus should be forged in a creative way of thinking”. Apart from China, Austria, Ireland, Switzerland and a few other countries opposed Indian membership.

After the NSG meeting India released its official statement bringing out harmony between NPT and India’s closer engagement with the NSG. The Ministry of External Affairs in its Press Release stated, “We understand that despite procedural hurdles persistently raised by one country, a three hour long discussion took place” Needless to mention the clear indication is towards China. The Indian position talks about the decision that was taken during the 2008 NSG meeting-“Paragraph 1 (a) of the September 2008 decision states that the decision on India contributes to the "widest possible implementation of the provisions and objectives of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons”. India is still optimistic and understands that it is a process and India will eventually get a place in the NSG.

China suspend official communication mechanism with Taiwan

President Tsai Ing wen assumed office on 20 May 2016. In her speech she said, “The new government will conduct cross-Strait affairs in accordance with the Republic of China Constitution, the Act Governing Relations between People of Republic Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant legislation. The Two governing parties across the Strait must set aside the baggage of history and engage in positive dialogue, for the people on both sides”. China reacted to the speech calling it “incomplete” and has shown signals it would cut contacts with the new government if they did not support “one China principle” and affirmed it as the bottom line for maintaining ties.

China announced it will suspend its official communication mechanism with Taiwan. The sharp statement has come as a reaction to Taiwanese disenchantment over deportation of 25 Taiwanese national to China from Cambodia instead of Taiwan. Tensions have increased especially over the Cambodian issue because Cambodia is believed to be a close ally of China. Also, this has become the third instance in a row wherein China is seeking to prosecute Taiwanese citizens. Earlier Kenya and Malaysia had also deported Taiwanese citizen to China. Taiwan has accused China of ‘kidnapping’ Taiwanese nationals. Seemingly, such sharp decision from China is essentially to create problem for the new government in Taiwan. The announcement has come at a time when President Tsai is on her first overseas visit to Latin America. This suspension of the official communication mechanism is limited only at the official level and is not likely to affect the overall engagement.