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Budding partnership. China and Iran signed a vague, 25-year cooperation agreement during a visit by China’s foreign minister to Tehran on Saturday. Few details on the accord have been released, but it’s reasonable to assume that the main focus is going to be on energy and investment. China needs a lot of energy and isn’t particularly reluctant to defy international sanctions on Tehran if it means getting it on the cheap. It’s also worth watching for hints of growing Chinese-Iranian cooperation in other areas, particularly security. But don’t expect Beijing to do anything that jeopardizes its relationship with the other Gulf countries.
Things just keep getting worse in Myanmar. Hundreds of protesters were killed in military crackdowns on anti-coup demonstrations over the weekend. The international community (Russia being a major exception) is still trying to muster a coherent response. The U.S. and U.K. imposed new sanctions on military-backed companies, for example. But we’re past the point where fear of spooking investors and foreign donors could serve as a check on the new junta’s actions.
Iran’s nuclear power. Iran’s only nuclear power plant may be forced to shut down due to sanctions and currency fluctuations that have made it difficult to transfer payments and procure equipment, according to an official from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
Mexican energy reforms. Over the weekend, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador proposed a series of reforms to the country’s hydrocarbon law that would give the state greater control over the energy sector. The changes would empower the government to suspend permits given to private companies over national security concerns and to terminate permits if the holders are found to have engaged in crimes.
Belarus protests continue. Dozens of protesters were arrested in Belarus on Saturday as demonstrations over the country’s disputed elections last August continue. President Alexander Lukashenko justified the strong-arm tactics by accusing the opposition of “taking up arms.” Meanwhile, the offices of imprisoned ex-presidential candidate Viktor Babariko launched a new party.
Defense cooperation. Russia and South Korea signed an agreement to boost defense cooperation following talks between their deputy defense ministers. At a press briefing on Monday, the South Korean minister called on Russia to play an active role in the Korean Peninsula’s denuclearization process.
Gathering in Central Asia. Tajikistan and Afghanistan are hosting a meeting this week of the so-called Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process, a regional initiative launched by Turkey and Afghanistan in 2011. The meeting will also include several Middle Eastern states and South, East and Central Asian countries. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Tajikistan one day early to meet with Turkish business leaders in the country.
Cutting off funds. Romania decided not to extend an agreement to provide 100 million euros ($120 million) in financial assistance to Moldova after the Moldovan government refused to sign on to a number of requirements to receive the remaining funds. Bucharest had already doled out 40 million euros through the deal, which expired on Sunday.
