Wednesday, 30 April 2025

South Asian Update
South Asian Update
Xi Jinping says tariffs and trade wars hurt world economic order

Xi Jinping says tariffs and trade wars hurt world economic order

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that tariffs and trade wars undermine the global economic system, damage multilateral trade, and infringe upon the legitimate interests of all nations. 

Xi Jinping urges regional unity amid rising US-China tensions

Xi Jinping urges regional unity amid rising US-China tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for regional solidarity under the concept of an "Asian family" during his tour of Southeast Asia, a move seen as a response to increasing pressure from the United States on nations to reduce economic ties with China.

EU lists Bangladesh among 7 ’safe’ countries, tightening asylum rules

EU lists Bangladesh among 7 ’safe’ countries, tightening asylum rules

The European Union on Wednesday unveiled a proposed list of seven countries it classifies as `safe,` aiming to streamline asylum procedures and accelerate the return of migrants from those nations.

Asian countries seek negotiations with US on Trump’s tariffs

Asian countries seek negotiations with US on Trump’s tariffs

In response to sweeping new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, several Asian nations are preparing to engage in trade negotiations with Washington to mitigate the potential impact on their economies.

Rohingya armed groups kill 219 Rohingyas in Bangladesh camps in four years
Rohingya armed groups kill 219 Rohingyas in Bangladesh camps in four years

Thailand-based human rights group Fortify Rights in a report said that Rohingya armed groups killed at least 219 Rohingyas in the camps in Bangladesh in four years between 2021 and 2024 as killings.

Myanmar village air strike kills at least 12
Myanmar village air strike kills at least 12

An airstrike carried out by Myanmar`s military on a village controlled by anti-junta resistance fighters has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals. The strike reportedly targeted civilian-populated areas.

Myanmar junta chief announces election for December or January

Myanmar junta chief announces election for December or January

Myanmar`s military government will hold a general election in December 2025 or January 2026, state media said on Saturday, citing the junta chief, who provided the first specific time frame for the long-promised polls in the war-torn nation.

China’s defense budget remains 3 times higher than India

China’s defense budget remains 3 times higher than India

China on Wednesday announced a 7.2 per cent hike in its annual defence budget to take it to over $245 billion.

Drone warfare escalates in South Asia: India, Pakistan and China engage in high-tech rivalry

Drone warfare escalates in South Asia: India, Pakistan and China engage in high-tech rivalry

The skies above the borders of India, Pakistan, and China have increasingly become a stage for high-tech conflicts, with drones playing a crucial role in surveillance and military operations. The use of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), many enhanced with artificial intelligence, has surged, raising security concerns in the region.

UN envoy urges early political settlement in Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation

UN envoy urges early political settlement in Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation

The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, has called for a swift political resolution in Myanmar to facilitate the safe return of the Rohingya refugees to their homeland.

Myanmar’s junta calls for elections amid civil war

Myanmar’s junta calls for elections amid civil war

Four years after overthrowing Myanmar’s democratically elected government in a 2021 coup, the military regime is intensifying efforts to legitimize its rule by advancing plans for a 2025 election. 

China supplies eight new aircraft to Myanmar military in 2024

China supplies eight new aircraft to Myanmar military in 2024

In 2024, China’s state-owned aerospace company Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), provided the Myanmar military with eight new aircraft, according to a report by Burma Campaign UK.

India-China agree to resume air travel after nearly 5 years

India-China agree to resume air travel after nearly 5 years

India and China have reached an agreement to resume direct air travel between the two countries after a gap of almost five years, according to a statement from India`s Ministry of External Affairs on Monday. This development marks a positive shift in relations between the two neighbors following heightened tensions over a deadly border clash in 2020.

FM Wang Yi calls on China, India to promote mutual understanding

FM Wang Yi calls on China, India to promote mutual understanding

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on China and India to take meaningful steps to enhance mutual understanding and support. His remarks came during a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Beijing on Monday.

Myanmar’s continues genocidal practices against Rohingya despite ICJ order

Myanmar’s continues genocidal practices against Rohingya despite ICJ order

The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) released a detailed report on Wednesday, exposing ongoing systematic persecution of the Rohingya ethnic group in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The report comes five years after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) directed Myanmar to take measures to prevent genocide against the Rohingya population.

China and India compete for strategic influence in Myanmar

China and India compete for strategic influence in Myanmar

China and India are locked in a strategic competition over access to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, as the Arakan Army (AA) continues to expand its control over the crucial Bay of Bengal coastline.