Asia

U.S. Trade Deal with Japan May Cost Canadian Farmers a Tariff Edge

Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien comments on the US farm lobby ‘pressuring’ Trump to get agreement that will help boost exports into key Asian market.

Will Dominic Barton’s Experience in China Help or Hurt Him as Canada’s New Man in Beijing?

The Associated Press quoted SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien on the recent appointment of Dominic Barton as ambassador to China. This story was featured on Yahoo, KSL and Financial Post.

UN Denies Endorsement of India in Nuclear Suppliers Group

SPPGA Professor Ramana speaks to IDN-InDepthNews regarding the recent UN denial of endorsing Indian nuclear supplier groups.

Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong: Toward a BRI 2.0?

SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien addresses the upcoming Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong amidst continuing political unrest. This article was published on Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Canada Names New China Envoy Amid Damaged Relations

SPPGA Visiting Professor Faculty Wenran Jiang speaks to The Associated Press about the recent appointment of Dominic Barton as ambassador to China.

New Canadian Ambassador to China

SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien speaks on the new Canadian ambassador to China for CBC.

G7 Leaders Brace for Tense Summit

Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien comments on tensions between the US and the international community as President Donald Trump’s inflammatory tweets set the stage for the highly anticipated G7 Summit.

Power Distribution and Decentralisation in New Malaysia

SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald just published a memo on power distribution and decentralization in Malaysia under Pakatan Harapan. Access the memo at ResearchGate.

Surprising Momentum but Meagre Outcomes from the G7

Despite fears of a repeat of last year’s turbulent G7 summit, talks between member nations ended cordially this time around. SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien speaks to some of the outcomes.

‘Good Momentum’ Is All We Have from G7 So Far

Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien speculates that any trade progress made at the G7 summit may be short lived amid the U.S.-China trade war and Iran tensions.

What Asia Can Expect from the G7

Will the G7 meeting have a positive impact for Asia? Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien doesn’t think so, citing the forum’s shortcoming in addressing key issues like climate change, a looming financial crisis and US-Iran tensions.

Having Young Canadians in China is Valuable as Tensions Rise

Amidst US and China tensions, Darren Touch (MPPGA alumnus and Schwarzman Scholar) and Dongwoo Kim say that “we can’t afford to let political and economic challenges compromise long-term opportunities in China for young Canadians.”

Reconstructing Nepal: Post-Earthquake Experiences from Bhaktapur, Dhading and Sindhupalchowk

Professor Sara Shneiderman (SPPGA, Anthropology) is pleased to announce that members of the “Expertise, Labour and Mobility in Nepal’s Post-Conflict, Post-Disaster Reconstruction” research team at Social Science Baha have just published their new working paper.

Where do the Hong Kong Protests Go from Here?

As demonstrators mark the 11th week of taking to the streets, where will the Hong Kong demonstrations go from here? Professor Wenran Jiang weighs in on what may happen in the region’s future.

Canadians in Hong Kong Urged to Vote in Federal Election with an Eye on Party Policies Toward Territory and China

Canadians in Hong Kong are being urged to vote in the Canadian federal election based on policies towards the Asian region. Professor Paul Evans says many in Hong Kong see limited options for impact from foreign countries.

Rajnath Singh’s Nuclear Tweet Suprises Few Experts

SPPGA Professor Ramana has argued that India’s NFU policy is neither stable nor a reliable predictor of how the Indian military or political leadership might actually use nuclear weapons, in response to defence minister Rajnath Singh’s recent tweet.

Chinese Army Mobilized to the Border of Hong Kong as Unrest Escalates

Regional tensions flare as the Chinese army mobilizes at the Hong Kong border. Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien weighs in on the complex situation and says that a possible military operation is unlikely at this point in time.

B.C. Residents Fear for Relatives in Kashmir as Phones, Internet in Region Go Dead

Professor Ramana comments on the unrest and increased military presence in the Indian-occupied area of Jammu and Kashmir, after a region-wide lockdown began last week.

Hong Kong Protests Create Potential Problems for Ottawa

SPPGA Professor Paul Evans talks freedom, democracy and Hong Kong’s autonomy. Read more from the Vancouver Sun.

2019 IAR Report

The 2019 IAR Report looks at the rich past and current activities of the Institute of Asian Research (IAR), as part of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. The report is intended to support UBC colleagues, new partners, and Canadians understand the opportunities and challenges of working together to leverage resources on Asia at UBC.

Is There Hope for US-China Talks?

US and China trade representatives have begun two days of talks in Shanghai, the first meeting since negotiations between the two broke down in May. SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien discusses hopes for talks this time around and the implications for Canada’s economy in this CBC Early Morning interview.

Personal Feud Turns Public as Singapore PM’s Brother Backs Opposition

As family feuds enter national politics ahead of Singapore’s general elections, SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald was quoted in an article about regional and global factors that may pose a threat to the PAP party, who have been in power since 1959.

Minorities Matter: Malaysian Politics and People

SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald’s chapter in “Minorities Matter: Malaysian Politics and People,” covers local elections, decentralization, and institutional reform in the aftermath of the 2018 Malaysian federal elections.

Russia-US Power Competition In Mideast Grows As Moscow Unveils Gulf Security Concept

Can Russia’s proposed security plan bring peace to the Gulf Region? Professor Ramana predicts that the US won’t enter negotiations with Russia while US sanctions on Iran continue.

Brand Confusion Could Undermine Boycott of Japanese Goods

Brand confusion is complicating a South Korean boycott on Japanese goods. SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien says that it has become nearly impossible to disentangle the production networks between Japanese and Korean products.

S-400 Deal Sows Turbulence Within NATO as Erdogan Wins Points At Home, Trust From Russia

Turkey’s purchase of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems is set to weaken its relationship with its NATO allies, says SPPGA Professor Ramana on the implications of Turkey’s more independent policy.

Encouraging Signs from the Osaka G20

Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien picks out encouraging signs from the Osaka G20 summit despite disappointing media narrative.

Is Xi Jinping’s Heavy Hand Just What China Needs?

Is an iron-fisted ruler what China needs? Check out the Ear to Asia podcast for Professor Timothy Cheek’s analysis on Xi Jinping’s political actions and leadership.

China Unlikely To Join Multilateral Arms Control Talks Unless Russia, US Curb Arsenals

What would it take to curb global nuclear build-up? China states it won’t sign arms control agreements unless the US and Russia do first. Professor Ramana says global agreements likely won’t be reached before the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty expires in 2021.

Local Chinese Groups Take Out Pro-Communist Party Ads Amidst Hong Kong Protests

Yves Tiberghien, faculty associate and executive-director of the China Council at UBC, comments on pro-Communist party ads published by local Chinese groups amidst Hong Kong protests. He says the ads “may be a way [of building] good faith with the Chinese government”.

Can Trudeau Solve Canada’s Beef with China (Podcast)

China suspends Canadian meat imports based on quality control but the Canadian government suspects foul play. Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien speaks on the potential links between this situation and the ongoing Canada-China political disputes.

China Jets “Buzz” Canadian Ships in Taiwan Strait, Adding New Layer to Dispute

On June 18 Chinese fighter jets “buzzed” Canadian warships in the Taiwan Strait – causing another rift in increasingly tense Canada-China relations. Professor Brian Job comments on implications of this as the dispute is set to take center stage in G20 summit.

Meat Producers Uncertain After Removal From Chinese Market (French)

The suspending of Canadian meat imports by China worries British Colombians. Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien tells Radio-Canada there is reason to believe that Chinese political pressure is linked with the US extraterritoriality sanctions on Iran.

China Halts Meat Exports From Canada

With China cutting meat imports from Canada ahead of the G20 summit, SPPGA Professor Paul Evans predicts that things are likely to get worse for Canada in dispute over arrest of Huawei CFO (Paywall).

‘The Age of Impulse’: G20 Leaders Meet as World Order is Rocked by a Clash Between Giants

SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien is featured in CBC news, discussing the severe effects on Canada should the US impose punitive tariffs on Chinese goods. See full article for details on this “clash between giants,” ahead of the G20 summit.

Himalayan Indigenous Languages

There are hundreds of Indigenous languages in the Himalayan region, although some have only recently been acknowledged as such. SPPGA Associate Professor Tsering Shakya discusses the contested Indigenous status of languages in one of the world’s most remote regions, Tibet.

UBC Hosts Scholarly Panel on the Hong Kong Extradition Bill

Hong Kong continues to make international headlines, after millions of young people took to the streets in protest last week. On June 18, UBC SPPGA hosted a round-table regarding a bill that Professor Leo Shin calls the latest clampdown on the region’s freedom.

The Steady Attack on Freedom in Hong Kong

The Tyee recaps last week’s roundtable, where UBC faculty broke down the controversial extradition bill and what would need to happen for tensions to de-escalate.

Trump-Xi Meeting to ‘Break Down, Break Through or Muddle Through,’ Says Expert

SPPGA Professor Yves Tiberghien discusses what’s in store for Canada at the upcoming G20 Summit, amidst US-China and China-Canada tensions.

Don’t Believe Everything We Say

Professor Yves Tiberghien is featured in CBC Radio Montreal in a lively debate regarding rising concerns on Canada-China relations. Full interview (French) here:

Nuclear Submarines in South Asia: New Risks and Dangers

Professor Ramana writes on the risks, dangers, and new developments as South Asia’s foremost nuclear powers, India and Pakistan, are taking the nuclear race to sea.

Chrétien Suggests Huawei Executives Extradition Case Should End (paywall)

SPPGA Professor Wenran Jian is featured in The Globe and Mail, as he discusses relations with China amidst Meng Wanzhou’s recent extradition case. Full article (paywall):

How Vancouver Was Forever Changed by the Tiananmen Square Massacre

We remember the Tiananmen Square massacre and how its impact changed Vancouver forever. Professor Yves Tiberghien is featured in this Daily Hive story.

Canada-China Relations in the Lead up to the G20 Summit

Professor Yves Tiberghien speaks to the Cable Public Affairs Channel on Canada-China relations in the lead up to the G20 Summit. Interview is in French.

Thirty Years After Tiananmen: It’s Time to Face Facts and Join Forces

In a thought-provoking piece for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Professor Timothy Cheek writes that the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Incident is a reminder and invitation for us to review the 30 years of our relations with China.

Canada in the Crosshairs: Yves Tiberghien on The Arlene Bynon Show

Professor Yves Tiberghien is interviewed by SXM Canada Talks on Canada’s extradition treaty and how CFO Meng Wanzhou’s arrest falls within the purview of US foreign policy rather than rule of law.

Why Canada Should Better Understand Made in China 2025

“At this turbulent moment in Canada-China relations, it is critical for Canadians to have a deeper understanding of the origins, ambitions and dimensions of Made in China 2025” writes Professor Paul Evans for the Institute for Research on Public Policy.

No Windfall for Canada in U.S.-China Trade Fight: Experts

“The tariffs would mean a trade war that could put us in an economic situation we haven’t seen since at least the 1930s,” comments Professor Yves Tibergien on the fallout for Canada from the US-China trade fight. Read more:

The Canada-China Crisis is a Game of Chess

Professor Yves Tiberghien is interviewed by The Globe and Mail on the chess game between China and Canada, and says Ottawa needs to stop playing it with checker pieces.

The Country That Exiled McKinsey

Professor Julian Dierkes speaks to Propublica about a dubious project undertaken by consulting firm McKinsey & Co. and about its involvement in Mongolia.

Huawei CFO House Arrest Contrasts with Canadians Detained in China

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou described her house arrest in a multi-million dollar Vancouver home as “restricted to a limited space”. This is a stark contrast from the situation of the two Canadians detained in China, Professor Paul Evans tells Reuters.

Regard vers l’Asie avec Yves Tiberghien

Professor Yves Tiberghien is interviewed by Radio-Canada on the state of world relations in the midst of the great poker game between the US, China and Canada, as well as on the North Korea missile reprieve.

Students and Staff at Vancouver School Say Goodbye to 104-Year-Old Building

Can Nepal’s earthquake help Vancouver elementary school kids understand why their school must be demolished? At 104 years old, Bayview Elementary is one of the oldest brick buildings in BC, and the decision to demolish can be hard to accept, SPPGA Professor Sara Shneiderman tells CBC.

Relations Between Canada and China at ‘Worst Since Tiananmen Square’

Relations between Canada and China are the iciest they’ve been since Tiananmen Square in the 1970s, SPPGA Professor Paul Evans tells Global News.

Defense Argues Meng Wanzhou’s Arrest is Unlawful

Defense lawyers for Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou claim in court that her arrest and detention in Canada is unlawful. Professor Yves Tiberghien calls the case “unfortunate” despite the extradition treaty with the US tying Canada’s hands.

Trump says Deal With China Still Possible

Could US tariffs on Chinese goods more than double? Professor Yves Tiberghien talks high-stakes repercussions on the price of goods as the two countries enter endgame tariff negotiations for CTV News.

Huawei Executive Gets New Bail Term: Staying in a $16 Million Home

Visiting SPPGA Professor Wenran Jiang comments on the New York Times piece on Canada, China and the U.S. tensions following the detention of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou.

What is China’s Strategy for the Polar Regions?

A panel of experts featuring Professor Wenran Jiang discuss China’s race towards the Arctic and what it means for the rest of the world. Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds here:

Radio Canada: The Trade War Between the US and China (French Only)

Professor Yves Tiberghien is featured in Radio Canada’s L’heure du Monde, discussing the growing trade war between the US and China and the impacts on Canada.

BC couple recalls being wrongly imprisoned in China: ‘Hopelessness and hope, they battle within you’

Professor Yves Tiberghien speaks on the imprisonment of Canadians in China and comments that Canada has “become a pawn” for its detaining of individuals on behalf of the US. Featured in The Province newspaper. This story also ran in The Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal.

Amplifying a Voice Displaced

Marking the 8th year since the March 11th Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, UBC hosts documentarian Hitomi Kamanaka and her film, Little Voices from Fukushima. The Source spotlights event organizer, Professor MV Ramana in their article.

A Decade After the Nuclear Deal

What effects does nuclear power have on the economic and democratic well-being of citizens? SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana discusses the state of nuclear politics a decade after the brokering of the Indo-US nuclear deal, writing for the India Forum Journal.

Activists Say New Canadian Group Supporting China’s Control of Tibet is a Front for Beijing

A new Canadian group supporting China’s control of Tibet is a threat, says SPPGA Professor Tsering Shakya, for politicians and others who do not look closely at what it really represents.

Geopolitics of Mongolia & Move Toward Authoritarian Rule?

What does President Battulga’s new amendments to the judiciary mean for Mongolia? SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes offers his assessment of current political developments in Mongolia on the Geopolitics & Empire podcast.

China and Europe Join Hands to Promote Global Governance

Yves Tiberghien speaks on this month’s groundbreaking China-EU summit, where both nations confirmed their joint commitment to a number of issues, which included support for the Paris Agreement, the Iran deal, and the G20. Read the article (Chinese) from the Social Sciences in China Press.

Global Energy Transition & Phasing Out Coal in Mongolia

Is global coal use on the rise? SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes and Liu Scholar, Sandeep Pai, discuss the urgency of the global energy transition and phasing out of coal in Mongolia in the Sustainable Mongol podcast.

Can a New Political Party Shake Things Up in Singapore?

In Singapore, Tan Cheng Bock’s new political party could pose a threat to the People Action Party, which has been in power for much of the country’s history. SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald evaluates whether this new party is what Singapore’s opposition needs in the World Politics Review.

Canada Pulls Back Welcome Mat for China

How likely is a full-scale war between the US and China? The Asia Times sits down with SPPGA Professor Paul Evans to find out why Canadians aren’t rolling out the welcome wagon for China this year.

Rematch: Islamic Politics, Mobilisation, and the Indonesian Presidential Election

Conservative segments in Indonesia have mobilized to garner more support in the 2019 election. Observers should expect significant changes. SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald discusses why the country’s Islamic vote has previously been under-mobilized.

Why It’s So Hard to Keep the World Focused on Tibet

International salience of the chokehold that remains on Tibetan autonomy continues to deteriorate as times goes on. SPPGA Professor Tsering Shakya comments on China’s ability to sweep Tibetan struggle under the global radar in this Quartz News article.

B.C. Targets Asian Alternatives in Diversification Plan

“This is the year to do business with Japan.” In a time of shifting loyalties, SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien discusses the opportunities that the Trans-Pacific Partnership has opened up between Canada and Japan in Business in Vancouver. This story also appeared in Richmond News.

How Canada Gets Squeezed Between China And The U.S.

The extradition of Meng Wanzhou is a process that could last for months, possibly years. According to SPPGA Professor Paul Evans, who was recently interviewed by NPR, many Canadians feel that Canada has been unwittingly dragged into the conflict between the U.S. and China

Canadian Perceptions of China After the Meng Wanzhou Case

Canada-China tensions might have led to a deterioration of Canadian opinions of China, but Canadians still support free trade agreements between the two nations. SPPGA Professor Paul Evans was recently featured in a Ming Pao article (Chinese only).

Freeland Thanks U.S. Lawmakers for Support on Arrest of Huawei Executive

SPPGA Professor Paul Evans and Political Science Professor Xiaojun Li’s 2019 report on Canadian perspectives on China was mentioned in the Globe and Mail.

Extradition Case of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou Carries Wider Political Concerns

Following the start of the extradition process for Huawei Executive, Meng Wanzhou, SPPGA Professor Paul Evans comments on Canada’s fear of being pulled into the vortex of the US-China “Cold War”.

Yves Tiberghien on CBC: The Huawei Case and Canada-China Relations

With the beginning of the Meng Wanzhou hearings, tensions between Canada and China continue to run high. SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien discusses the current situation with CBC RDI Economie and CBC Radio Canada.

2019 UBC National Opinion Poll on Canadian Views of China

Read the February 2019 UBC Report on Canadian Public Attitudes on China & Canada-China Relations here.

Credit Risk for Canadian Schools Over Tense Canada-China Relations Exaggerated, UBC Experts Say

In the midst of tense China-Canada relations, some fear that fewer Chinese students will choose to enroll in Canadian universities. SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien and Professor Paul Evans say that credit risk worries over Chinese citizens studying at Canadian universities are unwarranted. This story also appeared in the Ming Pao (Chinese only).

Frenzy of Interest Descends on Meng Wanzhou’s Court Appearance

Supporters of Meng Wanzhou and critics of China’s response to the case are both in disbelief as Meng’s extradition hearing is underway. SPPGA Professor Paul Evans was quoted in the Vancouver Sun about the mixed emotions concerning China.

UBC Professor Believes that Canada-China Retaliations Will Escalate

With the Meng Wanzhou extradition case in progress, SPPGA Professor Paul Evans discusses the possibility of mounting retaliation amidst the currently tense Canada-China relations (Chinese only).

How Tensions Grew between India and Pakistan

SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana, reports on the significance of this week’s escalated tensions between nuclear states, India and Pakistan.

‘Now’ Episode 10: Yves Tiberghien on China’s Leadership and the Growing U.S.-China Tensions

The latest Global Summitry Podcast features SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien, who tackles the rising role of the Chinese Communist Party in China’s economic development, and examines the course of China-US relations.

Canada Caught in the Vortex of US–China Techno-Nationalism

The arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a US extradition request has triggered the biggest shock wave in Canada–China relations since the events at Tiananmen Square, says SPPGA Professor Paul Evans. Read more on the trouble brewing between Ottawa and Beijing in the East Asia Forum.

Cambodia’s Democracy and EU Trade Privileges: Taking a Long-Term View

The EU recently announced that it would suspend the Everything but Arms trade scheme with Cambodia. MPPGA student Darren Touch argues that, while it is unclear how this would unfold, the EU should support Cambodia in the long-term.

Reconstruction Conundrums

SPPGA Professor Sara Shneiderman was a part of a research team that looked into Nepal’s reconstruction after the devastating 2015 earthquakes. This research has been ongoing since March 2017, during which the team has been conducting interviews with earthquake-affected citizens on their struggles with recovery and reconstruction.

Connecting Myanmar Researchers to Canadian Universities

UBC and Yangon University of Economics, Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding that solidified their collaboration in support of evidence-based policy development in Myanmar. UBC was represented by SPPGA Professor Kai Ostwald at the signing.

The Widespread Corruption Brings Mongolian Folks to a Boil

Mongolia has seen an unhealthy mixture of frustration, corruption and a duopoly of two parties that have been dividing power for years, says SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes in an article for NZZ News.

2019 Registration for Nepali and Tibetan Open Soon!

The UBC Himalaya Program offers intensive Nepali and Tibetan language & community-engaged learning opportunities each summer. They are two-week, intensive language courses that blend classroom instruction with experiential learning off-campus from April 29 – May 10, 2019. Visit the Himalaya Program website for more details. Tibetan Poster | Nepali Poster

Dr. Brian Job Wins Japan’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation

Congratulations to Brian Job, Professor of Political Science and SPPGA Faculty Associate on receiving a Foreign Minister’s Commendation 2018 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Should Canada Follow Australia’s Lead on China?

The Australian government has been standing up to China’s demands. Should Canada follow suit?

Arrest of Meng Wanzhou

In this episode of Policy Round table Talks, Josh Tafel sits down with Chengkun Lv to discuss the political aftermath of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou’s arrest, and the impact it has had on Sino-Canadian relations.

UBC China Expert: At Present, Sending Special Envoys to China Does Not Help Canada

Sending governmental envoys to China may not be the most productive way to repair Canada-China relations, in light of the Meng Wangzhou case. SPPGA Professor Paul Evans explains the situation to Fairchild Radio (Cantonese only).

A Fraying Canada-China Relationship

Professor Wenran Jiang discusses the ongoing diplomatic crisis happening between Canada and China, as well as Meng Wangzhou’s arrest and upcoming extradition.

Frustrations Arise in Mongolia

SPPGA Professor Julian Dierkes penned an article in the East Asia Forum to outline the uncertainty that the country now faces.

Uneasy Year of the Pig Arrives for China-Dependent B.C. Companies

“A large part of the nervousness among local players in the Chinese-Canadian field is a symptom of the lack of control Canada has over the situation.” SPPGA Faculty Associate Yves Tiberghien speaks on how Canada-China relations could affect local businesses with Business in Vancouver.