12 events that marked 2008

2008 was a busy year for the Asia-Pacific: an earthquake with tragic consequences, attacks, the outbreak of a new economic crisis and various multilateral events marked the year, which we will review through twelve milestones that occurred during the year that ends today.

Australia reconciles with its aboriginals after 50 years

February 13, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made news around the world, after apologizing for the kidnapping of more than 100,000 Aboriginal children who were forcibly separated from their families. They were then placed in the homes of Anglo-Saxon families as part of a state “assimilation” policy, which also prevented them from having contact with their original families.

The measures were taken between 1910 and 1970. Despite the many criticisms raised from various sectors, no government official had ever offered any apologies. "As Prime Minister of Australia, I ask forgiveness. On behalf of Government of Australia, I ask forgiveness. On behalf of the Parliament of Australia, I ask forgiveness. And I offer this apology without reservation,” stated Rudd to the aboriginal peoples of Australia.
"This is the most significant moment for our people since I was born. This is like knocking down the Berlin Wall," said Aborigine Darryl Towney to the international news agencies, representing a sector of the population that views the gesture as a true milestone in Australian history.

Events in Tibet

March 2008 was the most violent month in the last 20 years in Tibet. The region and the Chinese central government experienced upheaval, which left hundreds dead and thousand detained. The events caused uproar worldwide, and in Chile views were divided.

We spoke to Senator Jaime Naranjo, who as president of the Human Rights Commission of the Senate, and having asked Chilean authorities to condemn Chinese repression in Tibet, said that "China is violating human rights and unfortunately there is no condemnation of these outrages aimed at a systematic restriction of freedom and of the right to organize." He also requested that our country take action at the United Nations in order to "have clear and accurate information about the situation which obviously seems unfair, seeking an end to the repression of the Tibetan people and a harmonious solution between China and Tibet so that this region can achieve its autonomy and independence.”

As an official response, the Ambassador of China in Chile, Liu Yuqin, told our website that "no democratic country can consider these peaceful demonstrations," adding that “the Dalai Lama has no right to talk about Human Rights.” Violent incidents continued until the start of the Olympic Games.

Pratibha Patil visits Chile

The Head of India, Patibha Devisingh Patil, arrived to our country in late April. During her stay she met with President Michelle Bachelet, to sign three agreements complement and "happily attest to", said the Chilean president, the similarities in the views of both governments.

Later, she met with the chairmen of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, along with other parliamentarians. N this occasion, the leader of the Upper House, Adolfo Zaldivar, said that "we now have a close relationship in the economic sphere with India and we believe that this visit will be significant for what lies ahead."

Before leaving, Patil received a "Doctor Honoris Causa” at the main campus of Universidad de Chile for her leadership and social contributions. A gold medal, a diploma and the book "Las caracolas de Pablo Neruda" traveled in the suitcase of the president headed to Asia, as evidence of the recognition she received in Chile. Victor Perez Vera had praise for, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India, and saluted her efforts in the name of the state-run institution.

The Sichuan earthquake

On May 12, a violent 7.8 earthquake shook the Chinese province of Sichuan. Five schools and several villages completely destroyed, leaving over 60,000 dead.

On this occasion, Minister Alejandro Foxley expressed Chilean solidarity with the government of China: "We know very well what the effects of natural disasters are. We know that this event has left many dead, injured and homeless. As such, our ambassador Fernando Reyes Matta is expressing our support."

This was the second most catastrophic earthquake in the history of China after Tangshan, which killed some 250,000 people in 1976.

A new scenario for China and Taiwan

During the third week in May, Ma Ying-jeo was sworn in as the new president of Taiwan Province of China. Only a week later, he visited China, saying that his intention was to open "a new chapter of peace" between the two sides.

"Finding peace on both sides of the strait and maintaining regional stability is our aim," was one of the principal statements made on May 19, when the president was sworn in as President of Taiwan. For Veronica Barrios, an International Affairs analyst here at the Library, "as far the new government in Taiwan is concerned, it is clear that relations will gradually improve."

Whaling Convention: Chile in the world spotlight

During the last week of June, commissioners from nearly 80 members of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) met in Chile to discuss the current state of the conservation of whales. In addition, the event was particularly important because it led to discussion about the future of the polarized and politicized organization, which had a major breakthrough in that the Japanese openly discussed the whaling issue.

Signing of FTA with Australia

One of the most remarkable achievements in 2008, in terms of trade and political agreements, occurred between Chile and an Asia-Pacific country. An FTA was signed with Australia in July. The agreement, signed between the Foreign Minister of Chile, Alejandro Foxley, and the Australian Trade Minister, Simon Crean, will benefit bilateral trade by removing between 97% and 100% of tariffs by 2015. Also, the FTA comes with an agreement on education cooperation expected to be effect as of January 2009.

It is expected that there will be an increase in Australian investment in mining due to the FTA. Also, the FTA should result in increased Chilean exports in the agricultural and services sectors

Beijing 2008: the great goal of China

In August, the world witnessed the most impressive sports festival of the last century: the 2008 Beijing Olympics. China was winning on almost every front, too. It shined in the medals race and in event organizing, not to mention a perception of higher quality in their products.

The Asian giant spent $2 billion to host the games, showing itself to be a highly ordered and high-tech nation, capable of constructing huge stadiums and overcoming a huge logistical challenge.

Taro Aso: Japan's new Prime Minister

With an overwhelming majority of 352 out of 527 votes cast by the leaders of his party, Taro Aso, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party, was elected the new Prime Minister of Japan.

The rise of popular politician Taro Aso was expected by many. This is because the politician, who performed well as Foreign Minister, is also the grandson of a former Prime Minister. During his victory speech, he said "I felt that this is my destiny."

According to Roberto Duran, Universidad Católica professor of International Relations and columnist for this Portal, the new president has many tasks ahead, in a Japan that is more sophisticated and has more varied demands than in years past. "In more than one sense, many policies emanating from the classic Japanese model have been shaken.” Thus, the new leader’s term in office will be challenging.

The financial crisis hits Asia

Although this news story is still developing, October saw international stock exchanges suffering their worst weeks in decades. Asia was no exception. In Japan, the Nikkei dropped 20%. Hong Kong, Seoul, Sydney and Shanghai were also hit hard.

The crisis is rooted in the subprime crisis. The high-risk mortgages bankrupted several US banks. The ensuing shock was felt throughout the entire financial system and chilled credit. The world’s stock markets quickly felt the effects and the major Asian economies fell into recession. 2009 looks to be no easier than its predecessor.

APEC Peru 2008: Chile on display

The Asia Pacific Cooperation Forum (APEC) was held in September in Peru, and our Portal was there to cover it.

President Bachelet said Chile has used the recent boom in copper build a surplus for leaner years. She stated now is the time to increase public spending in the region, generate new jobs and encourage the multilateral financing institutions (IMF, World Bank, among others) to increase the liquidity of markets.

Another significant event involving APEC members was the expansion of the P4, which became the P7. Negotiations with Turkey, Malaysia and Vietnam were also begun.

Terrorist attacks in India: a bad end to the year

The year ended with tragic news: a string of terrorist attacks, claimed by Islamists, caused at least 125 deaths and left over 300 injured in Mumbai, India. The explosions and gunfire occurred during three incidents at the Oberoi Trident hotel and Taj Mahal hotel, which was 105 years old and the scene of arson, and Nariman House, a residential complex where terrorists hid. It is estimated that at least 150 people died and 300 were injured.

Congressman Marco Enriquez-Ominami condemned the attacks through a statement to this website: "In my capacity as Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies’ India-Chile Interparliamentary Group, I wish to express my deepest condolences to all those who have been affected by these horrible acts of violence, for which I express my greatest condemnation, with the belief that the Indian Government and people will be victorious in their arduous struggle against terrorism."