Author: Ms. Somavattey Pen, Junior Research Officer, TYS Cambodia
Media Coordinator: Mr. Bun Vattana HENG, Media and Digital Communications Officer, TYS Cambodia
UN chief ‘strongly condemns’ Myanmar military attacks on civilians
UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned recent attacks by Myanmar’s military that reportedly killed scores of civilians in Rakhine state. The Arakan Army (AA), fighting for more autonomy, clashed with junta forces, breaking a ceasefire from 2021. Guterres called for an end to the persecution of the Rohingya minority, trapped in the conflict and facing displacement and forced recruitment. Reports indicated over 70 civilians were killed in Byain Phyu village, but verification is difficult due to communication blackouts. Guterres also condemned attacks in Sagaing region, where an airstrike killed around a dozen people. He urged accountability for the ongoing violence, which has displaced 2.7 million people since the 2021 coup.
China taps ‘wolf warrior’ diplomat as Cambodia ambassador
Wang Wenbin, a former Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson known for his combative rhetoric, has been appointed ambassador to Cambodia. Confirmed by the China International Development Cooperation Agency, Wang previously served as ambassador to Tunisia. China and Cambodia have strong ties, with several Belt and Road projects like Xi Jinping Boulevard and the Funan Techo Canal. They recently held joint military exercises, and Cambodia supports China in South China Sea disputes. The U.S. expressed concerns about China’s military presence in Cambodia during a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Indonesian president in damage control over new capital
Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo faces challenges over his $32 billion new capital city project in Borneo after the resignation of two key officials. Despite the president’s efforts to reassure investors and bureaucrats, doubts persist about the project’s future, especially with zero foreign funding committed and concerns over land issues, water supplies, and diseases like malaria. Widodo’s term ends soon, and his successor, Prabowo Subianto, has his own priorities, potentially slowing down the project’s progress. Civil servants are reluctant to move to the new city due to inadequate facilities and health concerns. While foreign investment interest is increasing, challenges remain, including malaria risks and infrastructural development.
Chinese solar firms suspend some production in Southeast Asia after US tariff holiday expires
China’s Longi Green Energy Technology and Trinasolar have suspended some production in Southeast Asia following the expiration of a U.S. tariff reprieve. Longi halted production at a Vietnam battery plant, while Trinasolar announced maintenance shutdowns in Thailand and Vietnam. The U.S. tariffs, aimed at companies finishing panels in Southeast Asia to avoid duties on Chinese goods, are expected to significantly impact solar imports, which constitute over 80% of the U.S. market. U.S. buyers have already slowed purchases from the region, forcing manufacturers to redirect supplies to other markets. Trinasolar is expanding operations in Indonesia, unaffected by the tariffs. Additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports are anticipated to have minimal impact.
—————————————————————————————————
Sup SEAkers is a weekly roundup of news from different regions that aims to inform and educate the general public. Follow us every Sunday to stay updated about what happens in our region. This week, we are highlighting four major news that happened in ASEAN.
theyoungseakers.wordpress.com 