CAMBODIA
The Cambodian government has appointed the daughter of former opposition leader Kem Sokha, as the Prime Minister’s special envoy – a role equivalent to that of a minister – in a move that could mark a significant shift in Cambodian politics. The decision to appoint Kem Monovithya was requested by Prime Minister Hun Manet and approved by King Norodom Sihamoni. It comes following signs of a rapprochement between the government and Kem Sokha’s family. Her father, sentenced to 27 years for treason, was pardoned in May. His party, which was dissolved in 2017, had been persecuted by the government. Hun Manet has described Monovithya as a ‘sister’, whilst Hun Sen recently met with Kem Sokha, suggesting a possible political and diplomatic opening.
MIDDLE EAST
With the 60-day ceasefire agreed in June between the United States and Iran now officially expired, the situation in the Middle East remains fraught with uncertainty. Iran claims to be close to an agreement with Oman on the management of the Strait of Hormuz, whilst US President Trump has warned Muscat and even threatened air strikes, adding that the United States has no intention of extending the ceasefire with Tehran. Meanwhile, the number of ships passing through daily has fallen to single figures, and one of these was even hit by a projectile today. Meanwhile, on the Gaza front, the lengthy meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and White House envoy Jared Kushner has ended with positions remaining deadlocked: Israel has no intention of halting its raids on the Strip and continues to make its withdrawal conditional on Hamas’s disarmament, which must be preventive rather than contingent.
MYANMAR
In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, 500 people have been hospitalised since the start of August with severe diarrhoea, the main symptom of cholera. Rapid tests have detected 149 positive cases, whilst nine have been officially confirmed as infections caused by Vibrio cholerae. The outbreak is unfolding in a country already severely affected by over five years of civil war, deteriorating infrastructure and a fragile healthcare system.
INDIA
As many as 14 of the 28 heads of local governments in the Indian federal states are currently under investigation for offences considered serious. This emerges from data cited by lawyer Vijai Hansaria during a hearing at the Delhi High Court on proceedings against politicians. The record for the highest number of cases open with the public prosecutor’s office is held by Telangana’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, who has as many as 89. As for parliamentarians, 170 members of the Lok Sabha (31 per cent of the members of the Indian Lower House) are under investigation for serious offences, in addition to 40 members of the Rajya Sabha (18 per cent of the Upper House).
CHINA
Some major Chinese platforms such as Meituan, JD Food Delivery and Taobao Flash are introducing and trialling timers that exclude waiting at red traffic lights from riders’ delivery times. The system, already in use in some districts of Beijing and in Suzhou, utilises real-time data on traffic lights, location and route. Strict delivery times previously encouraged delivery riders to run red lights to avoid penalties. The new rules also allow for extra time in the event of bad weather, difficult road conditions or the handover of an order between riders, thereby reducing pressure and promoting safety.
RUSSIA
The Russian Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the pacifist Yabloko party against its exclusion from the September parliamentary elections. Yabloko, the only registered political party openly opposed to the war in Ukraine, argues that the ban further weakens Russian democracy and deprives millions of citizens of a political option opposed to the conflict. The appeal had been lodged following legal action by Rodina, a pro-government nationalist party, which accused Yabloko of receiving Western support and undermining Russia. On the same day, Yabloko’s deputy leader, Lev Shlosberg, was sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison for his anti-war stance.
PAKISTAN–KAZAKHSTAN
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is to pay a state visit to Astana, as announced by the Akorda Palace, citing a congratulatory telegram from the President of Kazakhstan, Kasym-Žomart Tokaev, on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The message highlights the significant achievements made by the country in the field of sustainable development and reaffirms the commitment to strengthening cooperation on bilateral and international issues, whilst extending wishes for well-being and prosperity to the Pakistani people.
