Aung San Suu Kyi turns 81. Still no ‘proof of life’

Today’s headlines: On the sidelines of the G7 summit, Trump told Modi that he will be visiting India; Indonesia has suspended its free school meals programme for children during the school holidays; The first round of talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland has been cancelled; The Russia-ASEAN summit marking 35 years of partnership is taking place in Kazan.

MYANMAR

Today, Aung San Suu Kyi turns 81; this is the sixth consecutive year she has spent in detention. A month ago, she was transferred from prison to house arrest in the capital, Naypyidaw, but her state of health and whereabouts remain unknown. In fact, her son Kim Aris is not even certain that she is still alive and has launched a campaign urging the military regime in power in Myanmar to provide ‘proof of life’. She is serving an 18-year sentence.

INDIA – UNITED STATES

Trump promised to visit India for a bilateral meeting with Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in France, signalling a thaw in relations between the two countries. Trump stated that the visit would take place “in the future”, adding that India and the US are close to a trade agreement. Relations had soured after Trump announced his intention to impose tariffs on India. The killing of three Indian sailors by US forces in the Gulf of Oman last week further complicated relations. Trump may visit India as part of a Quad meeting with Japan and Australia.

INDONESIA

Indonesia is suspending its flagship programme providing free meals for children during the school holidays and will also scale back its scope to ease pressure on the state budget. The programme will be suspended from 22 June to 13 July; last year, meals were distributed during the break. Furthermore, meals for around 39,000 pupils in 76 schools in areas deemed economically stable have been suspended, with these resources being redirected to pupils in remote areas.

IRAN – UNITED STATES

The first round of talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland has been cancelled, with prospects for a lasting truce becoming increasingly uncertain. The announcement comes after the White House had stated that Vance would not be travelling to Burgenstock; according to Axios, the postponement may be due to Iranian objections to Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The meeting was cancelled despite the signing of the memorandum having triggered 60 days of negotiations.

ASEAN – RUSSIA

Putin opened the inaugural Russia–ASEAN summit in Kazan, Russia, calling for closer ties between Russia and the countries of South-East Asia. The summit, which marks the 35th anniversary of relations between Russia and ASEAN, is being held in Kazan from 17 to 19 June. ASEAN currently comprises 11 South-East Asian nations; Russia has been a full dialogue partner of the organisation since 1996. Putin emphasised that cooperation between Russia and ASEAN spans sectors such as trade, investment, energy and agriculture. He also welcomed the participation of East Timor – set to join ASEAN in 2025 – at its first Russia–ASEAN summit. According to the Kremlin, discussions in Kazan are focused on analysing the development of the Russia–ASEAN strategic partnership, identifying new areas of cooperation in the political, economic and humanitarian fields, and exchanging views on regional and international issues.

CHINA

Using a number of mirrors, solar panels and a microwave transmitter, a team of scientists from Xidian University has managed to transmit energy through the air for over 100 metres. But their dream is far more ambitious: to send their equipment into orbit. The team at the university in Xi’an, in north-western China, is testing equipment that could one day be used to generate energy in space and relay it back to Earth.

ARMENIA

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that Armenia has the right to restrict the opposition’s activities in the new parliament, as “it is a political union born of completely illegal activities”. He made the remarks whilst addressing parliament, adding that for this reason “appropriate measures must be taken, and we assumed this responsibility during the election campaign” to complete the “process of eradicating the criminal-oligarchic regime” amid external pressure.

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