This week sectarian violence erupted between Buddhists and Muslims in the central Myanmar town of Meiktila, leaving at least 20 dead, though the tally is likely much higher, and includes men, women, and children. The clashes, triggered by a dispute between a Muslim gold shop owner and a Buddhist customer, quickly escalated into riots, arson, and ransacking of homes, shops, and mosques. The Myanmar central government declared a state of emergency in Meiktila as hundreds of Muslims took refuge in makeshift camps and a stadium. If the violence continues or spreads, it could threaten Myanmar’s reform efforts.
Cyber disruption pervaded the Korean peninsula throughout the week during a time of heightened North – South tensions. Initially, certain North Korean media and government websites were down, followed by a much larger malware attack against South Korean banks and media websites. CSIS’s James Lewis discusses the challenges of attribution behind those responsible for the attack on specific South Korean networks here.
The Indian government formally voted in favor of a U.S.-sponsored U.N. resolution against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council, resulting in some political falling out among India’s governing United Progressive Alliance coalition. Sri Lanka’s government is still closing wounds from a decades long civil war with Tamil separatists. Read India’s statement at the council prior to the vote here.
North Korea expanded its regional threats this week to include U.S. territories including Guam, after threatening neighbors Japan and South Korea with conventional and nuclear attacks. U.S. officials announced an heightened missile defense posture in the region in conjunction with its allies. To get the latest developments, readers can watch the video of the March 21 event at CSIS, “What should President Obama do about North Korea?” hosted by Korea Chair Victor Cha. Former Six Party Talks envoy Ambassador Joe Detrani and retired General Walter Sharp, former Commander of U.S. Combined Forces Command & USFK analyzed the current military and political situation.
In China, the 12th National People’s Congress came to a close with a series of appointments for foreign policy officials: including a new Ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, a new Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, and the confirmation of Yang Jiechi’s promotion to succeed Dai Bingguo as the state councilor responsible for advising senior leadership on foreign policy. All three will face immediate diplomatic challenges due to tension between China & Japan over islands in the East China Sea, frigid relations on the Korean peninsula, and the expanding U.S.-Chinese row over cyber espionage and cybersecurity.
