PART I: IRISL in Asia

Published on Oct 20, 2011 by Luke Hunt

AsiaWATCH — In the first installment of a four part series Luke Hunt examines Iran’s national shipping company and the perils of sanctions to the company’s in East Asia. International efforts to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions have heralded a change in strategy by the United Nations Security Council with an increased focus on financial services and the world’s shipping lanes that deliver Tehran the materials needed to pursue its disputed nuclear program. Heading the list of targets is the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). With perhaps the biggest fleet in the Middle East the carrier is struggling with banks foreclosing on mortgaged vessels and insurers refusing to underwrite its operations. This has resulted in IRISL ships being arrested....

Ma Feeling the Heat

Published on Oct 19, 2011 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — A new poll shows Taiwan President Ma Ying-jou trailing his DPP opponent. Inequality, unemployment and close ties to China are complicating his bid for re-election next year. A crack team of Taiwanese paratroopers hurtled to Earth from 5,000 feet this month. Their mission was simple: land in a targeted area in front of nationalist Kuomintang President Ma Ying-jou as he received military units marking the Republic of China’s 100th anniversary. Read more from Cain Nunns in The Diplomat. .

“I am English teach”

Published on Oct 16, 2011 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — A couple of years ago I was on a mini bus on Vietnam’s Cat Ba Island, a popular tourist spot near Ha Long Bay. I got talking to the woman next to me. “What you do?” “I’m a journalist… ah, nha bao,” I said. “What about you?” “I am English teach,” she replied. Read more in The Economist. .

Return of the Haze

Published on Oct 12, 2011 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Typhoons in the Philippines and heavy rains that have caused major flooding in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have failed to head south where rain is sorely needed to douse forest and possibly peat fires that have ensured the annual re-run of the dreaded haze. Eye tingling and occasionally gut retching, the inability of Indonesia to end the burning off that creates the haze is an unfortunate testament to the centralized powers of Jakarta and a reality check for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in particular Singapore and Malaysia where it is felt most. Read more in The Diplomat. .

Rescued from Slavery

Published on Oct 10, 2011 by Luke Hunt

FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT  — TWENTY-THREE children and young adults rescued from slave labour in a garment factory by Vietnamese authorities with the help of an Australian-run children’s charity have arrived in Hanoi. Vietnamese government officials and police from the victims’ home region, with help from the charity Blue Dragon, raided the factory in Ho Chi Minh City. The owners have been arrested and are awaiting trial. Read more From Helen Clark of AAP in the Herald Sun. .