China’s “Informationised Warfare”: Impact on the Region
By Richard A. Bitzinger
Synopsis
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken many significant reforms in recent months to better fight and win “informationised wars”. This is coupled with an aggressive behaviour driven by a sense of victimisation, as seen in Beijing’s posture over maritime territorial disputes. This invites offsetting actions on the part of the region.
Resuming the Six-Party Talks?: Bleak Prospects
By Tan Ming Hui
Synopsis
The Six-Party Talks to resolve North Korea’s nuclear crisis continues to be stalled after nearly seven years. China’s favoured diplomatic approach to deescalate regional tensions temporarily will do little to resolve the crisis if Beijing hesitates to wield a firm hand and rein its neighbour in.
Saudi Strategy in Syria: Rewriting Mideast’s Political Map?
By James M. Dorsey
Synopsis
Saudi Arabia has raised the ante in its battle with Iran by publicly committing to send ground troops to Syria. This latest move by the Saudis is aimed at drawing the US into a more direct involvement to confront Islamic State as well as the de facto alliance of Russia and Iran to keep Syrian President Bashar Al Assad in power.
Growing Uighur Militancy: Challenges for China
By Nodirbek Soliev
Synopsis
With the emergence of a new generation of Uighur militants drawn to conflict in the Middle East, there has been a shift in the threat landscape of China. Chinese investments and citizens in conflict-ridden countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq may become a potential target for the current transnational network of Uighur militants.
Religious Fundamentalism and Social Distancing: Cause for Concern?
By Kumar Ramakrishna
Synopsis
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam recently warned of “social distancing” as a threat to Singapore’s multi-religious and multi-cultural harmony. Social distancing is in fact evidence of religious fundamentalism, which in tandem with other drivers, could potentially produce extremist violence downstream.