Asia Pacific

What does the unveiling of new ballistic missiles indicate about Kim Jong-un's nuclear programme?

A Westminster Hall debate on ‘Progress on the Bishop of Truro’s independent review of persecution of Christians and freedom of religion or belief’ has been scheduled for Wednesday 21 October 2020 from 9.30am to 11.00am. The debate will be led by Rehman Chishti MP

This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.

A Westminster Hall debate on E-petition 300146 relating to China’s policy on its Uighur population will be held in Westminster Hall on Monday 12 October 2020 at 6.00pm. The debate will be led by Chris Evans MP

A Westminster Hall debate on China's rapid expansion of the labour programme in Tibet has been scheduled for Wednesday 7 October 2020 from 9.30-11.00am. The debate has been initiated by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP and will consider reports co-published by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.

A general debate on the Rohingya humanitarian crisis and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been scheduled for Thursday 24 September 2020 in the Main Chamber. This debate was selected by the Backbench Business Committee.

This paper provides a timeline of notable events in relations between the UK and China.

The government has announced it will not proceed with plans to introduce a new combat compensation scheme for armed forces personnel and veterans. This paper briefly explains the original proposals, concerns raised and the government's announcement.

In recent months the largely cordial relationship between the UK and China has deteriorated sharply. This has happened after over two decades when, regardless of the political complexion of successive UK governments, the trend was towards closer engagement and cooperation. This briefing looks at why and how this has happened.

Belarus held a presidential election on Sunday 9 August 2020. In the weeks leading up to the election there were large rallies against the incumbent president. In the weeks since the election took place, protests have continued amid allegations of widespread vote-rigging as President Lukashenko secured a sixth term in office.

The Government has created a new visa for people from Hong Kong with British National (Overseas) status. The five year visa will enable BN(O)s and their dependent family members to live, work and study in the UK, and give them a route to permanent settlement and British citizenship. It will launch in January 2021.

With a peace deal signed between the Taliban and the US, what are the prospects for Afghanistan?

The Library has published a series of briefings on international dimensions of the coronavirus pandemic since March 2020, ranging from general surveys of its impact on developing countries to assessments of its effects in specific situations. Links to these briefings can be found here.