ASIA TODAY Lhasa, Tibetans protest in the streets against Beijing’s ‘zero Covid’ policy

Today’s news: Israel begins gas extraction in Karish, and maritime border agreement with Lebanon is expected to be signed today; ASEAN summit on Myanmar opened; with “honorary citizenship”, Vientiane tries to get wealthy foreigners to boost its economy; the Japanese coast guard uses sophisticated drones to patrol the coasts; Cases of racial and religious hatred are on the rise in the Russian Armed Forces.

TIBET – CHINA

Tibetans took to the streets of the capital, Lhasa, to to protest against the ironclad “Zero Covid” policy imposed by the Chinese central government, characterized by rigorous closures (and massive swabs). These are the first demonstrations since the 2008 revolt, which was put down bloodily, leaving many dead. The videos and images broadcast by Radio Free Asia they show dozens of demonstrators in the streets, ready to immolate themselves.

INDONESIA-MYANMAR

Today began in Jakarta (Indonesia) the meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers to discuss the peace process in Myanmar. However, the meeting was not attended by any representative of the ruling coup junta in Naypyidaw. There is little hope that concrete initiatives will be taken to stop the repression and violence, which continues to leave dozens of victims between civilians and fighters from rebel groups.

ISRAEL – LEBANON

Israel began today the tasks of extraction in the Karish field, located off the coast and subject to the agreement to define borders and exploit resources reached in recent days with Lebanon. Today awaits signature of the document that will formalize the agreement between the two countries. Industry giant Energean confirms gas production “from Karish Main-02 well”. Beirut will have access to the Qana field.

LAOS

Following in the footsteps of Thailand and Indonesia, another Southeast Asian country is looking to wealthy foreigners to boost its economy. Laos offers the honorary citizenship to those who are willing to pay 1.5 million euros to acquire it and invest in the country. Critical voices fear a massive invasion of wealthy Chinese businessmen, with the consequent purchase of land and property.

JAPAN

The Japanese Coast Guard deploys sophisticated drones American-made to patrol its territorial waters. Among them are the SeaGuardians, designed to fly up to 40 hours in all kinds of weather conditions to protect their exclusive economic zone. The planes are equipped with high-definition cameras and can identify approaching planes.

RUSSIA

The place ISW, devoted to war research, points to various cases of racial and religious hatred within the Russian armed forces. In one video, a Russian officer is seen attacking and savagely beating a Muslim soldier who was trying to pray at the appointed time. Experts comment that there are “numerous similar cases”, and report several testimonies.

KYRGYZSTAN – SOUTH KOREA

A delegation from South Korea arrived in Kyrgyzstan, invited by the Ministry of Economy in Bishkek to evaluate the “K-City Network” project at the level of territory, infrastructure and transport for the realization of the “Smart City” of Issyk-Kul. The goal of the project is to improve “the population’s quality of life” and increase “the country’s tourist appeal.”