Monthly regional updates
Update
Regional Overview: Asia-Pacific | February 2023
Overview of tensions and conflict updates in Asia-Pacific regions in February 2023.
Afghanistan and Pakistan: Tensions persist along shared border
Tensions persisted along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in February. Taliban and Pakistan forces clashed in Nangarhar province on 19 February, reportedly leading to the death of one Taliban fighter.1 Taliban and Pakistan border guards exchanged fire the next day, leaving one Pakistan soldier injured. Amid the violence, the Torkham border crossing, a key trade route, was closed before eventually re-opening on 25 February. Meanwhile, Pakistan warned the Taliban against providing a safe haven for the Tahreek-e Taliban-Pakistan (TTP), a group allied with the Taliban, in Afghanistan.2 The warning comes ahead of a potential TTP “spring offensive” in the coming month.3
Myanmar: Fighting between the military and resistance forces intensifies in Chin state
The two-year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar was marked on 1 February, with the military extending the state of emergency for another six months. Several townships were placed under martial law the next day. Thantlang township in Chin state, one of the townships placed under martial law, saw a rise in conflict activity in February. Chin resistance forces have been carrying out Operation Tilim in the area since late December.4 On 8-9 February, Chin resistance forces seized the police station in town and claimed to have control over most of the township with the exception of a hill occupied by the military.5 Subsequently, the military carried out multiple airstrikes – including on Chin National Army and Chinland Defense Force camps – in an attempt to retake the township.6
Myanmar: Women political prisoners face abuse in Mandalay’s Obo prison
Dozens of women political prisoners in Myanmar in Mandalay’s Obo prison were seriously injured after being attacked by prison guards during an argument while they were in line for hot water on 4 February. They were later placed in solitary confinement. The report of prison abuse follows the death of two prisoners in Pathein prison in January.7 Since the coup, political prisoners across the country have endured torture and ill-treatment. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, over 16,000 people remain in detention after being arrested following the coup.8
China and the Philippines: Escalating tensions in the South China Sea
Amid increased tensions in the South China Sea, on 6 February, the China coast guard aimed a laser at a Philippine coast guard ship in the Second Thomas Shoal.9 Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned the Chinese ambassador after the incident. The incident came amid several strategic announcements between the Philippines and its allies. During United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit on 2 February, the Philippines and the US agreed to establish four new Agreed Locations – sites where US troops can set up and operate facilities – as provided for by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.10 The US and the Philippines plan to hold the largest joint military drills since 2015 during the annual Balikatan exercises later in the year.11 On 22 February, during a visit by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, the Philippines and Australia announced that they were exploring the potential for joint sea patrols in the West Philippine Sea.12
India: Electoral violence in the northeast
Electoral violence continued in northeast India in the run-up to legislative assembly elections in Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. Elections were held on 16 February in Tripura, with clashes reported between members and supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress – Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) alliance. A number of cases of the BJP targeting CPI (M) members and supporters were reported. In one incident, suspected BJP supporters reportedly killed a supporter of the CPI (M) in Khowai district following the election.13 In Nagaland, a student leader for Janata Dal (United) was abducted and reportedly killed by unidentified assailants prior to the 27 February elections. Elections were held on the same day in Meghalaya, with clashes reported between members of the National People’s Party (India) and Trinamool Congress Party. Vote counting results were announced on 2 March with the BJP now in position to form the government in Tripura and Nagaland while Meghalaya will face a hung assembly.14 The elections are a precursor to the general elections to be held next year.
Methodology
Methodology
See the Codebook and the User Guide for an overview of ACLED’s core methodology. For additional documentation, check the Resource Library. Region-specific methodology briefs can be accessed below.
Links:
- Methodology and Coding Decisions for Political Violence and Demonstrations in Afghanistan
- Methodology and Coding Decisions for Political Violence and Demonstrations in China
- Methodology and Coding Decisions for Political Violence and Demonstrations in Myanmar
- Methodology and Coding Decisions for Political Violence and Demonstrations in North Korea
- Methodology and Coding Decisions for the Philippines Drug War
