India’s Teesta River funding: ambition or illusion? – Asia Times

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Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra made a attend to Dhaka on May 8 and 9, and he expressed India’s involvement in funding the Teesta River project, which represents a major change in India’s relationship with Bangladesh regarding this long-discussed water source.

China’s continued involvement and plan to finance the exact project are coincide with this expression of interest. China’s due engagement and perceived political challenge led India to invest in the Teesta River project. India’s funding of the project aims to counter China’s influence and maintain its geographical dominance, which highlights the complex interplay between strategic interests in South Asia.

However, India’s latest appearance of interest in financing the Teesta task seems less a true responsibility and more a move to counter China’s effect. Given India’s sincerity and ability to finance the project properly, especially given its current financial challenges and the controversial reliability of its lines of credit, is raised by this late expression of attention.

The schedule of India’s attention, juxtaposed with China’s now continued presence, suggests a sensitive rather than proactive stance. India’s hesitant and obtuse deeds in negotiating a Teesta water-sharing deal with Bangladesh have enabled China to gain traction in a crucial infrastructure project that could substantially increase its influence in Bangladesh and the South Asian region as a whole.

India’s reticence and Bangladesh’s switch to China

India’s persistent reticence and flagrant disregard for the Teesta water-sharing convention show a disturbing routine of broken promises. India has stifled its foot for decades, putting Bangladesh in a terrible position and making it look for other options out of despair.

An initial contract for equal water sharing between India and what was next East Pakistan was reached in the Teesta River dispute, which dates back to 1951. This partnership, like many others, was not implemented.

India has consistently broken its commitments, despite the establishment of the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission in 1972 and an ad hoc arrangement in 1983, where 39 % of the water was given to India and 36 % to Bangladesh.

The importance of resolving the Teesta problem was more emphasized by the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty. However, following discussions have been ineffective.

In a draft agreement from 2011 that proposed distributing 42.5 % of the Teesta water to India and 37.5 % to Bangladesh during the crucial dry season. The objections of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, which exposed India’s domestic discord and lack of local responsibility, immediately derailed this arrangement.

India’s condescending and indifferent approach has been reacted to by Bangladesh’s persistent and urgent pleas for the completion of the long-awaited Teesta River waters sharing treaty. India has chosen to worsen the situation by planning to distract the Teesta River through the construction of two more rivers, rather than address Bangladesh’s legitimate concerns. This reckless move threatens to destroy Bangladeshi crops, worsening the liquid crisis, and heightening local conflicts.

Moreover, the absence of a Teesta water- sharing treaty has significant negative impacts on Bangladesh, affecting its economy, agriculture, and general societal properly- being. According to the Washington- based International Food Research Institute ( IFPRI), Bangladesh annually loses about 1.5 million metric tons of Boro rice, or 8.9 % of its total rice production, due to water shortages in the Teesta barrage area, with projected declines of 8 % by 2030 and 14 % by 2050 due to reduced river flow.

According to projections, these losses will only get worse, with significant declines in agricultural productivity expected by 2050 as a result of decreased river flow. This causes poverty and hunger to worsen, as well as destabilize the rural economy, whose main source of income is agriculture.

Bangladesh has turned to China in response to India’s persistent refusal to cooperate, becoming a member of the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ). This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding in 2016 and scheduled for completion by 2025, aims to address the prolonged water crisis caused by India’s inaction.

The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ) addresses Bangladesh’s losses by ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation. To increase agricultural productivity and protect livelihoods, the project incorporates flood control and drought management techniques. Additionally, it concentrates on creating strong water management infrastructure and fostering local capacity for sustainable water use.

Additionally, by collaborating with China, the TRCMRP reduces Bangladesh’s dependence on India’s inconsistent policies, promoting regional cooperation and ensuring long- term economic stability.

Why does India want to contribute money to the TRCMRP project?

India’s willingness to contribute to the TRCMRP is fueled by a number of strategic and geopolitical factors. Primarily, India aims to counter China’s growing influence in Bangladesh, which is seen as part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative. India aims to maintain its regional dominance and strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh, a nation that is crucial to its geopolitical interests, by funding the TRCMRP.

Additionally, India’s involvement in the TRCMRP is a strategic move to secure its interests in transboundary water management. By taking a lead role, India aims to make sure that water-sharing agreements are managed fairly, reducing the chance of water shortage in its own regions. Moreover, India sees the project as a way to promote sustainable development and environmental management, which aligns with its broader regional objectives.

Slow payment of line of credit as a contributing factor

India’s slow payment of its$ 7.362 billion line of credit, with only 20 % of it used over 13 years, raises important questions about its willingness to fund the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ) funding. Bureaucratic hurdles and restrictive conditions, such as mandatory sourcing from India, have hampered effective fund utilization.

This track record undermines confidence in India’s commitment to the TRCMRP, especially when compared with China’s prompt investment proposals. India’s funding strategy’s slow pace and stringent conditions severely impair its ability to fulfill its promises and manage crucial regional projects effectively.

India must address its past shortcomings and take decisive action to regain Bangladesh’s confidence in its commitment to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project ( TRCMRP ).

Firstly, India should make the Teesta water-sharing treaty final, demonstrating a sincere commitment to equitable resource management. India needs to streamline the administration of its line of credit, making sure that procedures are transparent and efficient without introducing bureaucrat barriers.

India can strengthen its bilateral ties with Bangladesh by working with them in a proactive and trustworthy manner and counteract China’s growing influence in the area. This entails completing financial commitments on time as well as engaging in sustainable and collaborative water management practices that benefit both countries. For India to reestablish trust and strengthen its position strategically in South Asia, these actions are crucial.

Md. The Department of Law at the University of Dhaka is where Jahid- Al- Mamun lectures. He frequently writes about the state of the region’s current affairs and has a keen interest in South Asia’s geopolitical dynamics.

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Asian central banks to continue gold purchasing | FinanceAsia

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Annual demand of gold in 2023 fell by 5 %, compared to that in 2022, to 4, 448 tonnes, excluding over the counter ( OTC ) transactions. According to data from the World Gold Council ( WGC), central banks contributed to 1, 037 tonnes of the gold demand last year, which is the second-highest on record.

In the first fourth of 2024, world gold demand, including OTC, was off 3 % year- on- year to accomplish 1, 238 tonnes, marking the strongest second quarter since 2016. Excluding OTC, first quarter’s demand fell by 5 % to 1, 102 tonnes.

China, India and Singapore were among the Asian markets that added the most to their golden getting during the first quarter, with an increase of 27.06, 18.51 and 6.57 kilograms both. These include both key banks and financial transactions.

The story is also about the skyrocketing metal price, which rose by as much as$ 2,300 per ounce in April and remained at its all-time high despite a minor decline at the beginning of May.

One of the main causes of a rising interest rate in gold is Shaokai Fan, mind of central bankers at WGC, who quoted Shaokai Fan as saying, is because of the confidence in the US Fed’s future rate cuts.

” Gold has reached a new all-time higher thanks to a number of different things. Although interest rate reduction anticipation are most definitely raising interest, he said there is a solid real demand for silver underlying this.

Fan claimed that the central banks that have purchased “historic levels” of silver over the past two centuries have remained significant customers this time. For instance, the curiosity in China is related to the landscape of investors ‘ attempts to expand in response to weak performance in other asset classes.

Retail traders now have greater access to the business. Using distributed ledger technology ( DLT), HSBC in Hong Kong has created the first bank-issued tokenized gold. It is supported by vaults in London that are owned by HSBC.

Flee for surety

At the end of next year, market was first expecting nearly six 25- basis- point cuts within a 12- month timeframe. Christian Scherrmann, US economist at DWS, expects two rate cuts by the US Fed by the end of the year. Curbing inflation in the world’s largest economy has proved to be slower than expected, with the consumer price index ( CPI ) for March seeing a 0.4 % month- over- month core inflation increase.

Lower interest rates generally benefit the gold market because they lower the opportunity cost of holding gold, according to Fan. In a more volatile environment, the team anticipates inflows into gold exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ).

In Q1 2024, the global gold ETF holdings dropped by 114 tonnes, primarily as a result of an outflow from European and North American funds.

Asian gold ETFs, on contrast, witnessed an increase in assets under management by 16 % to$ 11 billion, mainly generated by participants in China, due to a weakening yuan and other domestic assets.

Meanwhile, global geopolitical risks are rising: tensions between China and the US are stillrounding, and global supply chains and general market sentiment are being affected by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Gold, as a’ safe have n’, has therefore attracted wide interest.

The People’s Bank of China purchased more gold from the central bank in Asia in 2023, according to Fan. The PBOC currently has 2, 262.45 tonnes of gold reserves, followed by Japan and India, which have each over 800 tonnes.

The PBOC has added gold for the first 18 months in a row, but the price increase has slowed as the price rises have slowed.

The Reserve Bank of India’s ( RBI ) gold reserves, as of March this year, saw a 34 % increase compared to that in March 2019, reaching a total holding of 822 tonnes of gold. In addition, the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s ( MAS ) gold reserves increased by 2 tons in the first quarter.

The shift in geopolitical attitudes following the Russian’s attempted invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions placed on Russia’s foreign exchange reserves have resulted in a significant increase in central bank gold buying, according to Fan.

” We anticipate that central banks will continue to be gold’s main sources of income this year,” he continued. The US Fed’s rate cuts decisions, however, will still have the biggest immediate impact on the price of gold.

¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Joe Biden calls US allies India and Japan ‘xenophobic’

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Joe Biden on 2 MayGetty Images
By Bernd Debusmann Jr.
BBC News, Washington

US President Joe Biden has called Japan and India” xenophobic”, grouping them together with Russia and China as countries that “do n’t want immigrants”.

His censure of Japan comes only days after he called the US-Japan empire “unbreakable” during a state visit from Fumio Kishida.

Despite US concerns about animal rights and spiritual freedoms there, India is also a significant US partner.

According to the White House, Mr. Biden allegedly did not offend either nation.

At a fundraising event for a largely Asian-American crowd on Wednesday night, Mr. Biden stated that the US election in November was about “freedom, America, and democracy.”

” Why? Because we welcome newcomers”, he added. ” Think about it. Why is China stalling but hard financially? Why is Japan having difficulties. Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re prejudiced. They do n’t want immigrants”.

The BBC has contacted the US embassies of Japan, India, China and Russia for reply, but did not receive an instant reply.

The responses, however, have drawn criticism from watchers in the US.

On X, previously Online, Elbridge Colby, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defence in the Trump presidency, wrote that Japan and India “are two of our very stoutest and significant friends”.

” We may talk to them with respect, which they prompt and deserve”, he added. It is foolish to use religious liberal ideas against our allies.

National surveillance spokesman John Kirby claimed he was making a more important point about US immigration policy, despite the White House denying that the remarks were intended in a disparaging manner.

” Our allies and partners know also in visible way how President Biden values them, their connection, their co- activity” Mr Kirby said. They are aware of how deeply ingrained in his mind is the concept of relationships and partnerships.

According to Sadanand Dhume, a South Asia specialist at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC, Mr. Biden’s comments are likely to be disregarded negatively in India as it is experiencing a “nationalist uptick.”

” It may ensure the perception that Mr. Biden is not pleasant to India,” he said. They wo n’t like it if they are associated with authoritarian nations like China.

A US Department of State report from late April found” important” human rights violations in India, which the country’s government alleged is “deeply biased and reflects a very poor understanding of India.”

In the longer term, yet, Mr Dhume said that notes are a “tempest in a cup” and “unlikely to significantly alter US- American relationships”.

Japan has long had some of the most stringent immigration laws in the world, but it has recently attempted to address a rapidly dwindling people by facilitating the access of foreign workers.

In response to common outcry- from both sides of the political spectrum- about Mr. Biden’s management of the US-Mexico border, he has adopted an extremely restrictive approach to immigration. He has repeatedly called former US President Donald Trump xenophobic during his 2020 campaign.

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Herbert Smith Freehills hires partner in Thailand; six make counsel in Asia | FinanceAsia

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Law firm Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has appointed Pariyapol Kamolsilp as a partner in Bangkok. Kamolsilp (pictured) will join the firm on May 2, according to a company announcement. 

In Thailand, HSF is led by managing partner Warathorn Wongsawangsiri. The practice handles large litigation, class actions and arbitration matters for Thai, regional and international clients.

Kamolsilp has over 16 years of experience in domestic and international arbitration, with expertise in construction disputes and insolvency and bankruptcy matters. He began his legal career in 2007, focussing on commercial disputes, including securities matters and M&A.

“Thailand’s economy is growing and Bangkok is also a business hub for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam investment, so client demand for our services is rising,” said Wongsawangsiri in the announcement. “Pariyapol’s skills will help us meet that demand, particularly in construction, energy, consumer goods and TMT disputes.”
 
Asia managing partner Graeme Preston added: “Bangkok is essential to the growth of our Southeast Asia business, as it attracts investors across sectors and is a hub for onward investment.” 

Six promotions 
 
HSF has also promoted six of their team to counsel in Asia as part of a global promotion of 34 new counsel at the law firm, according to another company announcement. 

The six lawyers are: capital markets lawyer Maisie Ko, who is based in Hong Kong; commercial litigation laywer Saornnarin Kongkasem in Bangkok; Chee Hian Kwah, a specialist in financial services regulation at HSF’s network partner Prolegis in Singapore; Junyeon Park, who is a corporate crime and investigations lawyer based in Tokyo; Hong Kong-based Marcus Wong, who works in debt capital markets; and Yida Xu, also based in Hong Kong, who works in energy. 

They will all be promoted from May 1 and the move follows the promotion of six HSF lawyers in Asia to partners, also from the beginning of May. 


¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Climate, demography and a new green generation – Asia Times

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Demography and culture are quickly emerging as two of the most interconnected issues in the twenty-first era. And the world’s people are more worried about climate troubles than ever.

The earth people is also growing fast, reaching eight billion in 2022 from only one billion in 1800.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ) predicts that the situation will continue to get worse in the coming years because it is well known that human activities have a negative impact on climate dynamics.

We had better know the connections between rising population expansion and weather given the strong correlation between human populace and weather.

The rise in human population has been attributed to a combination of declining child deaths, extreme poverty, and an increase in life expectancy, among other things. In change, this has led to the increased use of tools, many of which are fixed.

Additionally, since 1990, people have been consuming a whole new aspect with modernization, which has taken on a whole new dimension for their well-being.

Whereas previously, large consumer spending was generally confined to Europe and America, already Middle East, East Asia and South Asia individuals also have great client spending, according to Statista.

Regions ‘ perceptions of population growth vary. Growing population growth can present drastically different challenges, depending on the country.

For example, increasing community rates are a result of rising environmental footprints in developed nations like Germany or Singapore compared to developing nations like Mozambique or Colombia. have more effects in developed nations than in developing nations.

The latest natural imprint of Germany is 4, according to the World Population Review. 70, whereas Mozambique’s is 0. 80, meaning European citizens have   an ecological effects about six days higher  than people in Mozambique.

However, increasing community can also be very helpful in some places. Increased delivery rates for populace growth are now essential for the sustainability of European society, especially in Italy, which is already known as the West’s fastest-shrinking nation.

Spiritual and/or historical factors can also affect whether someone has children or not. However, in some nations or religious views, having children is seen as very significant. For some, having a big family is socially well-regarded, and for others, it brings “rezeki/fortunes, ” as in the Muslim world.

Children play a significant role in sustainable societies despite the association between people growth and natural impact.

Our World in Data predicts that the population growth will stop at the end of the 21st centuries and maintain at about 10 %. 5 billion, so the earth people may never grow indefinitely.

Since fewer than two societies does have a community that will start to decline. 1 kids per woman ( population thresholds ), children are essential for sustainable societies.

Additionally, research shows that younger generations appear to be more aware of economic issues and conservation in general. With more children in the world today, having a “green labor” for the future will enable people to take action to combat climate change and improve cultures.

The effect of having kids on the planet is a multidimensional problem, influenced by factors such as demography, climate change, socio-economic position and cultural beliefs.

While reducing birth may seem like a solution to the environment issue, it overlooks the crucial role that children play in maintaining cultures.

Instead, the emphasis should be on achieving a balance between people growth and economic conservation, while fostering a culture of responsibility and creativity.

In the fight against climate change, youngsters have the potential to become good influencers. So, the key lies in finding homeostasis, where humanity and the world can coexist perfectly.

At Sustainable Development Solutions Network Southeast Asia, a non-profit institution established by the UN, are Israruddin, Moch Ridwan, and Alexandre Desmyttere, both, Manager, Assistant Manager, and Partnerships Intern.

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Maldives votes in the shadow of India-China rivalry

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In a parliamentary election likely to test President Mohamed Muizzu’s tilt toward China and away from India, the luxury tourism hotspot’s traditional benefactor, the voting started on Sunday ( Apr 21 ). Muizzu, 45, who cast his vote at the Tajuddin class in Male, one of the first to castContinue Reading

China-India-US power balance at stake in 2 elections – Asia Times

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The rectangular balance of power between China, India, and the US may change after two elections this time.

After the American elections, which are scheduled for April 19 to June 1, Prime Minister Narenda Modi is expected to be reelected. Donald Trump, who is vying for re-election as US senator in November, and Modi have a close connection.

During his first term as president, Modi established a close connection with Trump. Both men have powerful political credentials, own larger- than- living personas and concentrate on immigration policies. If Trump and Modi are elected, India-US relationships are most likely to be stronger than ever.

However, the China- US connection is not doing well. Trump’s taxes, which remained in place throughout Biden’s president, may be increased if Trump re-enters the White House. Trump stated in an interview with Fox News ‘ Sunday Morning Futures that tariffs on Chinese products may rise to 60 % if he is re-elected.

But that’s not all. Trump wants to increase US dependence on the Chinese business by doing so.

Additionally, it is likely that Trump will do the same under his second administration because he prohibited US companies from funding Chinese companies that may compromise US stability during his first presidency.

China needs foreign aid to strengthen its ailing business and boost exports as the country’s children poverty rate is still high at 14.9 % and the economy’s is weakening. However for Beijing, Trump’s plan would not only harm China’s economic treatment, but US restrictions on American tech companies from investing in China may also harm Beijing’s efforts to become a world leader in synthetic knowledge by 2030.

Fall of India

The high tariffs imposed on Chinese goods offer enormous trading options for India, despite Trump’s intentions to impose a baseline tax of 10 % on all imports. US businesses will look to expand their supply chains by sourcing products from abroad as the US economy becomes more disconnected from the Chinese market.

India is poised to become China’s solution for three factors:

Given how Beijing’s influence in southern Asia has increased as a result of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s effort to build a global business networking, advancing ties with the US would be well received by Delhi.

The US has always been interested in supporting India as a” counter to China,” and it works with the security organization the Quad, which has four people: the US, India, Japan, and Australia, to halt China’s effect.

The price issue

Trump imposed a 25 % tariff on Chinese imports in January 2018, starting an unprecedented trade war with China. Beijing retaliated by imposing its personal taxes on US products, and Sino-US relationships deteriorated culminating in the 2019 recalls of Chinese giant panda from the San Diego zoo in California ( a highly symbolic sign by the Chinese government ).

The taxes, which duty Chinese imports, were supposed to protect American interests. However, US consumers and businesses have had to spend more for items because the US economy depends heavily on Chinese exports. By 2019, Trump’s taxes cost the US an estimated 300, 000 tasks. The US business shrank, and in 2020 the taxes cost the US a staggering US$ 316 billion.

Beijing is worried about a second Trump presidency. Since 2018, China has sought to minimize the effects of Trump’s trade conflict by adopting a plan of self- reliance. This resulted in a decrease in China’s imports of production inputs into the high tech, electric, and automotive sectors.

However, China’s ability to minimize its dependence on the international community is highly limited. According to experts, the Chinese leadership is aware of this, and Xi’s main motivation for attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in San Francisco was to rekindle ties with the West and entice much-needed foreign investment.

The Taiwan problem

The phrase” The Supreme Art of War is subdue the enemy without fighting” was a well-known line from the Chinese classic Sun Tzu’s Art of War in 2012. But if he had read the rest of Sun Tzu’s work, he would be aware of the following:” When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Avoid pressing a desperate opponent too hard.

Trump should realize that Washington’s increased aggression towards China may only undermine Taiwan’s security. Beijing’s desire to unite with Taiwan was largely a nationalistic exercise meant to legitimize the “one China policy.” Given the island state’s advancement in semiconductor technology and China’s current economic problems, the need to acquire Taiwan has transcended historical fervor to economic desire.

Artificial intelligence is important because it will confer major economic, technological, and military benefits to China. China needs to acquire semiconductor chips if it wants to be the world’s AI leader by 2030. China may forcefully occupy Taiwan if it ca n’t access that through trade.

Chee Meng Tan is a visiting assistant professor of business economics at the University of Nottingham in Malaysia.

The Conversation has republished this article under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Belt & Road: Chinese techno-nationalism in Maldives – Asia Times

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The Maldives ‘&nbsp, current turn toward China and apart from India&nbsp, has boosted Beijing’s lengthy- term push for local control and disrupted New Delhi’s ambition to match Chinese proper competitiveness in the Indo- Pacific.

On&nbsp, March&nbsp, 12, &nbsp, the Island began setting in motion the expulsion of American forces on the island, ordered by President Mohamed Muizzu.

China’s diplomatic ties with the Maldives and China’s strengthening also mean that Beijing is well on its way to become local supervisor.

China’s broad Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, presents Beijing as the Indo- Pacific’s strong power, with the Maldives having been one of the primary countries to visit.

The Sinamalé Bridge in the Island, built by China as part of the Belt and Road system, connects the investment Malé with Hulhumalé and Hulhulé. Photo: Women’s Daily

The&nbsp, Digital Silk Road, a premier task of Belt and Road, epitomizes Beijing’s purpose to lead the development of international communication, led by Chinese technology companies and telecommunications networks.

The Maldives are a key component of the online strategy. The islands ‘ geostrategic site is&nbsp, essential to China’s plan&nbsp, to create a maritime route linking China’s maritime areas to Southeast Asia, the Indo- Pacific, Africa and above. The International Community is exposed to a significant security and espionage risk from the Digital Silk Road, which could allow China to sing king of the castle in one of the world’s most proper locations.

China’s new stirring of discussion, over its usage of&nbsp, maritime patrols near Taiwan as well as a&nbsp, continued standoff&nbsp, with the Philippines, has generated local security issues. Against this backdrop of confrontation, the Maldives remains an ambitious partner of Beijing.

Over a decade ago, when Belt and Road was announced, a subsidiary of Huawei&nbsp, signed an agreement with the Maldives&nbsp, to build technological infrastructure in the archipelago, in a project called” SMART Maldives”.

This enormous initiative is slated for completion on the island of Hulhumalé, a region of the North Malé Atoll. With investment from the&nbsp, China Development Bank, the&nbsp, Maldivian Housing Development Corporation – a state- owned enterprise – is set to bring the smart city to life.

Without massive investment from China’s state banks, in the billions of dollars, the SMART Maldives project would not be possible. While there is little mention of China’s involvement by the Housing Development Corporation, China’s heavy influence in the project cannot be masqueraded. Despite being&nbsp, advertised by the Maldivian government&nbsp, as an eco- friendly and fully sustainable city, Hulhumalé is in its essence another means for China to extend its network of influence across the region and the greater world.

In February, a Chinese research vessel&nbsp, made a stop at a Malé port, &nbsp, raising concerns about China’s potential future use of the Maldives as a waypoint for conducting intelligence- gathering missions in the region. The ship, &nbsp, Xiang Yang Hong 03, spent weeks &nbsp, patrolling waters near India and Sri Lanka as well as the Maldives.

Malé, capital of the Maldives. Photo: US Department of State

In 2021, during a previous voyage, &nbsp, Indonesian authorities claimed&nbsp, the same ship turned its tracking system off multiple times.

On X ( previously Twitter ), the independent, open-source intelligence analyst known as “WLVN” on X ( formerly Twitter ) made a warning on March 6 that China planned to provide the Maldives with maritime surveillance systems. A defense pact signed by Beijing and Malé on March 4 approved sending non-lethal military equipment to the Maldives, despite its difficult to verify this claim.

Collaboration in military exercises and the sharing of bilateral maritime intelligence may be a result of the Maldives ‘ continued use as a Chinese maritime hub along the Digital Silk Road.

For China, the Digital Silk Road offers multifaceted benefits. Through extensive market capture, it is a means of expanding Beijing’s national tech corporations in terms of both influence and revenue.

Companies like Alibaba and Huawei, which already have significant footholds in Southeast and West Asia, have agreements with their host countries for servicing and operation, bringing money into China. With this money, Beijing is able to increase its domestic technological potential.

China will also gain a foothold in an increasingly strategic geopolitical area thanks to its increased connectivity in the Indo-Pacific. Chinese companies are investing in and financing the development of Indo-Pacific information and communications technology, which consists of various types of physical infrastructure, in the name of the Digital Silk Road.

Beijing has participated in the development of artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology, as well as the installation of fiber optic cables and the export of 5G technology to the region.

The&nbsp, Maldives- Sri Lanka Cable, built by&nbsp, HMN Technologies&nbsp, ( formerly Huawei Marine Networks ) cost$ 22 million and&nbsp, uses Hulhumalé&nbsp, as a landing station. HMN has, since 2020, &nbsp, completed 16 undersea cable projects&nbsp, across 27 countries in the Indo- Pacific, valued at$ 1.6 billion total.

Maldives- Sri Lanka Cable. Map: Submarine Cable Networks

Thus, the Maldives is a growing main market for China for fiber-optic communications in the Indian Ocean region. Beijing’s looming presence as overman in the Indo-Pacific is evidenced by China’s dominance in the regional information and communications tech sector.

Meanwhile, the international community has grown wary of China’s potential exploitation, for malicious use, of the data transmitted across the infrastructure it develops. Such a concern has &nbsp, been raised&nbsp, by the United States.

China’s” smart cities” concept, which Beijing has offered to partner countries under Belt and Road, includes the deployment of thousands of CCTV cameras, developed by companies Dahua and Hikvision, both Chinese. According to the&nbsp, Observer Research Foundation, 861 cameras have already been erected in the Maldives.

According to reports that Dahua-produced cameras used in European countries to analyze skin color, there are concerns about cybersecurity and espionage related to China’s use of surveillance cameras. Products from both&nbsp, Dahua&nbsp, and Hikvision have been deployed in China’s Xinjiang region and have been linked to&nbsp, human rights violations. These concerns were exacerbated by China’s capacity to deal with the Maldives ‘ nefarious use.

China’s buildup of technological power across the Indo- Pacific region underscores the pace at which Beijing is participating in a&nbsp, global techno- nationalist race&nbsp, for control over the&nbsp, emerging technology industry.

China wants to supplant Western influence in the world’s information and communication technology market by competing with the United States and aiming to do so as much as possible. Beijing’s” Made in 2025” initiative is emblematic of this desire. China is adamant about having a hand in every region of the world, gaining a foothold in physical ICT infrastructure, and promoting the sale of emerging technologies, which it consider to be of great value in terms of geopolitical influence.

There is no better way for Beijing to accomplish this than to invest in Belt and Road flagship projects while also strengthening diplomatic ties with partner governments and moving ahead in the global competition.

There is no reason to reject China’s ambitious projects for small nations like the Maldives, which are dependent on international economic agreements. One of the many nations that China wants to collaborate with is the Maldives. China’s Belt and Road interest, which has risen in intensity over the past few years and will undoubtedly increase, is the emerging Indo-Pacific market.

The Maldives has emerged as a stronghold for Beijing’s expansion as the world’s leading techno-nationalist power, and Chinese technology is a cornerstone of digital authoritarianism. Even if Beijing is ultimately promoted as a hegemonic leader of the Indian Ocean region, Malé is prepared to engage with China to diversify its economic and political agenda.

Joshua Bowes ( [email protected] ) is a research associate at the Millennium Project’s South Asia Foresight Network ( www. southasiaforesight. org ) in Washington, DC, focusing on South Asian security challenges, political conflict and the confluence of extremism and technology.

This article was first published by Pacific Forum. It is republished with permission.

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Ladakh protests in freezing cold for statehood

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Ladakh protestAuqib Javeed

In India’s higher- level Ladakh region, roughly 1, 500 Monks are protesting in thread- zero temperatures. The government made a long-standing requirement for a region split from Indian-administrated Kashmir in 2019 in line with their long-term commitment. But since 2020, they have usually taken to roads, accusing the government of “betrayal” and unkept guarantees. Auqib Javeed reports on what’s changed.

Ladakh, India’s northeastern- most area, is a plain inhabited by 300, 000 persons from the Muslim and Buddhist areas. Buddhists are the main religion in the Leh area, while Shia Muslims live there in the Kargil area.

The Buddhist area has long pleaded for a split place for its citizens, while those in Kargil have long desired to be integrated with the Muslim-majority region of India-administrated Kashmir.

The previous state of Jammu and Kashmir received special status and considerable autonomy under Article 370 of the constitution in the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration in 2019.

Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, which are both officially administered lands, were then divided into two parts.

” We were demanding a separate place with a legislature”, says Chhering Dorjey Lakrook, a former Buddhist president from Leh. ” But we were granted simply a federally controlled country”.

The move also sparked fears that it would have an impact on the country’s culture and identity because it made it simpler for those from outside the area to purchase land in the area. People in Ladakh, who rely mostly on agriculture, were affected by the move.

According to India’s house government, as of 5 April 2023, no American firm had invested in Ladakh in the past three years, nor had everyone from outdoors purchased any property.

However, occupants are still concerned about an flow, as is the case in Jammu and Kashmir, where, according to data, 185 outsiders have purchased land between 2020 and 2020.

In 2020, Kargil and Leh districts joined hands and formed the Leh Apex Body ( LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance ( KDA ), aimed at addressing people’s concerns. Numerous civil society organizations have staged huge demonstrations against the federal government.

Ladakh protests

Auqib Javeed

Their needs include independence for Ladakh, work, security of their land and resources, and a political couch each for Leh and Kargil regions.

Additionally, they want the Sixth Schedule to be implemented, a constitutional clause that allows cultural people to form independent organizations that create laws governing area, heath, and agriculture. Nearly 97 % of Ladakh’s community is cultural.

Chhering Dorjey Lakrook, who served as president of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) until 2020, claims that” The Sixth Schedule was intended to protect the rights of indigenous and tribal groups.” This, he adds, may save them from abuse by businessmen.

Locals claim that no progress has been made despite the national home ministry’s establishment of a committee to examine these demands.

Young people in the area are also concerned about the lack of state employment.

Since 2019, there has n’t been a single person hired in a senior government position, according to Padma Stanzin, the head of the Ladakh Students ‘ Environmental Action Forum ( Leaf ). ” We fear our work will be taken over by newcomers”, she adds.

Ladakh’s BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal did not respond to BBC’s ask for opinions.

A man holds up sign demanding implementation of the sixth schedule

Auqib Javeed

Ladakh, which borders both China and Pakistan, two nations that have strongly opposed India’s choice to withdraw Article 370, holds a significant geostrategic significance for the country.

While an ongoing armed rebellion against Delhi’s concept started in the late 1980s in the Indian-controlled Kashmir, the militancy never reached Ladakh.

Residents of Ladakh volunteered their help by providing American soldiers with food and other necessities during the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999.

People are now unsure if they are willing to pay the price for being “loyal.”

” The nature of that voluntarism will not be if the state hurts the sentiments of the people”, says Sonam Wangchuk, an expert, entrepreneur and environment activist, who has worked for years to solve local community needs.

Mr. Wangchuk, who gained notoriety after Bollywood star Aamir Khan starred in a character based on him in the blockbuster Three Idiots in 2009, is fasting for 21 days to remind the government of its commitments to protect Ladakh’s environment and tribal indigenous culture.

People of Ladakh, he says, have offered support to Indian soldiers, including to personnel from the plains who have struggled to adapt to high altitude. ” Any kind of disturbance will impact this spirit”, he adds.

Ladakh educationist Sonam Wangchuk at a protest demanding statehood for the region on February 15, 2023 in New Delhi

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Experts say China and Pakistan would watch for any sign of “weakness” in the region.

” Unrest and discontent, especially if sustained, is something that Beijing and Islamabad could try to exploit”, says Michael Kugelman, director of Washington- based think- tank South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre.

Beijing refused to acknowledge the declaration of Ladakh as a federally administered territory in 2019. The region lies along the disputed 3, 440km (2, 100 mile )- long de facto border along the Himalayas- called the Line of Actual Control, or LAC- which is poorly demarcated.

After their forces clashed in the Galwan river valley in Ladakh, which left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead, tensions between India and China have been high since then.

Both Delhi and Beijing increased troop movement following the clashes and constructed extensive military installations along the LAC. China launched incursions in Ladakh, claiming over 1, 000 sq km of India- claimed territory. India has repeatedly denied China’s claim.

Local grievances have grown worse as a result of Chinese soldiers ‘ incidents en route to Ladakh and preventing residents from grazing their herds.

A group of neighborhood herders were prevented from transporting their cattle to traditional grazing lands close to the LAC in January, sparking a fight between local Chinese People’s Liberation Army ( PLA ) soldiers.

Mr. Kugelman contends that while India cannot afford an unstable Ladakh, it is also impossible to change the things that were changed in 2019.

Delhi has always believed that any disputes and instability in the affected regions would be resolved with the repeal of Article 370 and any related actions.

” Changing the status of Ladakh and granting it statehood would undermine that position and raise questions about the merits of making those moves back in 2019,” he says.” That’s not the impression Delhi would like to convey,” he says.

This is most likely the reason India refuses to grant local government in Ladakh, according to Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group, a Delhi think-tank.

Since the Galwan clash, the LAC has become unstable, he claims, and the government would probably prefer to tread cautiously.

Residents of Ladakh hope that the strength of their unity, which is the collective action by the Muslim and Buddhist communities, will eventually force the authorities to address their grievances.

” Our unity will compel the government to hear us and address our demands”, says Jigmat Paljor, a student- activist in Leh. ” They ca n’t ignore us for too long”.

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