MONTH IN BRIEF
KMT leader seeks ‘deeper trust’ with US
Taiwan’s main opposition leader has said she hopes to ‘gain deeper trust’ from the US, before departing for America, where she is expected to be grilled over her party’s stance on China and defence spending. Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s trip comes two months after her ‘peace’ visit to Beijing, where she met Chinese President Xi – the first such meeting in a decade – and weeks after US President Trump’s summit with Xi in the Chinese capital.It also comes after the KMT recently thwarted the Taiwanese government’s plan to spend nearly $40 billion on critical weapons, including US arms and domestically produced drones.
Modi hosts Hlaing to boost India-Myanmar ties
Indian Premier Narendra Modi has hosted Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing’s first foreign trip since the former junta chief became president following a much criticised election.Min Aung Hlaing, whom the US and Western countries have sanctioned for leading a coup in 2021, arrived in India on May 30 and met with Modi in New Delhi on June 1. Modi has become the first foreign leader to meet Min Aung Hlaing in his capacity as president, although Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Myanmar in April.
Duterte to stand trial at ICC
A judge has announced that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, with proceedings starting on November 30. Duterte, 81, will be the first Asian former head of state tried at the ICC, which prosecutes individuals charged with the most heinous crimes. He faces three counts related to his alleged involvement in 76 murders during his war on drugs, although Judge Joanna Korner has ordered a further assessment of Duterte’s fitness to stand trial before proceedings begin.
Second-hand subs
Australia is to receive only used nuclear-powered submarines from the US as part of an agreement to ‘streamline’ the AUKUS deal, with Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles calling the move a ‘cost-effective’ measure.Australia had been expecting to receive two used submarines and one new one, but the countries announced on May 30 that all three will now be in-service vessels from the US Navy stock.The two nations, together with Britain, the third partner in their security pact, met at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together top defence officials and experts from about 45 countries.
Strait of Hormuz attack ‘likely’ due to Iranian missile
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has said that an attack on a cargo ship operated by local shipper HMM in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4 most likely involved an Iranian anti-ship missile, although the Iranian embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The South Korean ministry made the assessment at a briefing to announce the outcome of a government investigation into the attack on the bulk carrier, which caused a fire and damaged the lower stern hull.
Myanmar village explosion
The unexplained detonation of explosives stored by one of Myanmar’s rebel armies has left at least 55 dead as the search for survivors continued amid widespread devastation at the site.The explosion in Kaung Tat village happened around noon on May 31, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) said in a statement, in which it said many had died without giving a specific toll.Residents and media reported the toll of at least 55, with the search at the blast site ongoing.
‘Sikyong’ sworn in for second term
Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama offered up prayers as the ‘sikyong’, or leader, of the elected goverment of Tibetans in exile, Mr Penpa Tsering, was sworn in for a second term on May 27. The India-based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) – condemned by China as ‘nothing but a separatist political group’ – is a key institution for the exiles, especially after the Dalai Lama handed over political power in 2011. Elections took place in February and April in 27 countries – but not in China.
Everest record breakers
Two Nepali climbers have set records for summiting the world’s highest peak. Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, has scaled Mount Everest for a record 32nd time, while Lhakpa Sherpa, 52, broke her own women’s record with an 11th ascent. Mr Sherpa first summited Everest in 1994 while working for a commercial expedition, and has since climbed it almost every year, guiding clients. Ms Sherpa, 52, became the first Nepali woman to successfully reach the top of Everest in 2000. Nepal’s PM Balen Shah hailed their historic achievements as a result of‘unwavering courage’.