ALSO, IN THE NEWS
By Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok
China: Tech scrutiny over unfair competition tightened
On 17 August, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) issued a draft regulation to ban unfair competition and restrict the use of user data, in the tech sector. The draft stated, “operators must not implement or assist in the implementation of unfair competition on the Internet, disrupt the order of market competition, affect fair transactions in the market.” On the same day, Reuters reported: “the Chinese government has also taken ownership stakes in the domestic entities of social media giants ByteDance and Weibo,” citing corporate filings.
China: Astronauts complete second spacewalk
On 20 August, two Chinese astronauts conducted a second spacewalk at the new space station. The astronauts installed a platform for extravehicular activity on the space station’s robotic arm, a thermal control pumping set, and a bracket to the panoramic camera. According to CCTV news, astronauts returned back to the module one hour ahead of the time schedule. Three astronauts are expected to stay for three more months in the space station.
Hong Kong: Pro-democracy activist found guilty; four arrested on suspicion of terrorism
On 19 August, Andy Li, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy activist, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit collusion with a foreign country in a national security case. The court determined that Li “was instructed by Jimmy Lai” to lobby countries to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. On 18 August, Hong Kong Police arrested, “four students on suspicion of advocating terrorism.” In July, their student union passed a motion for the mourning of the death of a 50-year-old who stabbed a policeman before killing himself. Secretary for Security Chris Tang had described it as a terrorist act by a “lone wolf.”
Australia: Police arrests anti-lockdown protestors
On 21 August, Australian police arrested hundreds of anti-lockdown protestors in Melbourne and Sydney. On the same day, the country saw its highest single-day rise of COVID-19 cases. The State Health Minister said, “We are in a very serious situation here in New South Wales.” He further added, “There is no time now to be selfish, it’s time to think of the broader community and your families.” Police blocked private and public transport in order to reduce people gathering for the unauthorized protests.
Pakistan: First MILGEM ship inaugurated; nation strengthens relation with Turkey
On 15 August, Pakistan’s President, Dr Arif Alvi while addressing the inauguration of 1st MILGEM Ship, PNS Babur, appreciated Turkey’s support. He said, “The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey was a force for regional peace and stability with their exemplary support towards co-existence and cooperative multilateralism.” As per the agreement, four MILGEM ships will be constructed. President Alvi also congratulated the Turkish Defence Ministry for making progress under President Erdogan’s leadership.
Germany: Chancellor visits Russia and discusses evacuation of Afghans from Kabul
On 20 August, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged him to pressure the Taliban in Afghanistan to ensure the safe evacuation of citizens who align themselves to the West. She said: “I have given information that we in Germany consider it most important to evacuate people who have worked for over 20 years for us. Those citizens of Afghanistan should receive a place to stay in Germany.” Putin urged the world to prevent the further collapse of the country by accepting the reality where Taliban controls Afghanistan.
The US: President Joe Biden’s statements on developments in Afghanistan
On 16 August, US President Joe Biden addressed the crisis in Afghanistan at a press conference. He used the opportunity to reiterate the US’ objectives in Afghanistan and said: “We went to Afghanistan almost 20 years ago with clear goals: get those who attacked us on 11 September 2001, and make sure al Qaeda could not use Afghanistan as a base from which to attack us again.” He stated that the US objectives were never aimed at nation-building or creating a unified and centralized democracy.
About the Authors
Dincy Adlakha is a postgraduate scholar from Christ (Deemed-to-be-University). Vaishnavi Iyer and Harsimran Singh Sondhi are research interns in the School of Conflict and Security Studies at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Sukanya Bali and Avishka Ashok are Research Associates at NIAS.
The report has been modified by India News due to space considerations.