Thailand-Cambodia tensions grow over classification of border temple; 35th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China; India-Malaysia to set up a task force to address issues concerning higher education
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  • Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia grew over the classification of the border temple of Preah Vihar. While the UNESCO has already decided to formally list the ancient temple, the Cambodian government has warned of military action against Thailand in case of a outbreak of clashes over the issue1.

    Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, during his visit to China during the week marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties, expressed the hope that the two countries can “walk faster and further” in strengthening their bilateral relationship2.

    Reports indicated that India and Malaysia will set up a task force to address issues concerning higher education. After the Task Force will submit a report within three months, future courses of action will be decided3.

    Meanwhile, the import of Burmese goods to Mizoram will become possible from June 20 after the dispute between the Zokhawthar Welfare Committee (ZWC) and Champhai Transport Union (CTU) was finally resolved. However, in order to prevent the spread of Swine flu, import of pigs will not be allowed by the Mizoram government4. India and Burma have also stepped up efforts to prevent the spread of this disease along the Indo-Myanmar border5.

    The sea boundary dispute among India, Bangladesh and Myanmar has intensified further with Dhaka’s recent decision to approach the UN Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS) to object territorial claims made by India and Myanmar over certain areas in the Bay of Bengal. India and Myanmar claim jurisdiction over 29,000 and 22,000 square nautical miles respectively of the continental shelf in the Bay of Bengal. While India and Myanmar have already submitted their claims on the issue to the UN, Bangladesh will do so by May 20116. Dhaka has also decided to submit a formal complaint to the UN against Myanmar over 22,000 square miles of sea territory which has been a bone of contention between them7.

    Reports indicated that India’s ambitious plan to open up land trade links with China via the country’s northeast through Myanmar have suffered a setback as Myanmar’s military authorities have not been forthcoming with their cooperation. This was on the pretext that improved roads will be used by rebels and transportation of weapons will also become easier8.

    During the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to Myanmar, two agreements to ease visa restrictions and strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector were signed9.

    In other developments, China’s Vice President Xi Jinping met with the visiting Burmese Vice-Senior Gen. Maung Aye and expressed his country’s willingness to help bring about stability and prosperity in Myanmar10.

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