VIF Information Alerts - 28 Feb 2018

US seeks robust involvement in EU defence pact - sources
Published: Channel NewsAsia
28 Feb 2018

The U.S government has told EU states that it and other non-EU NATO allies should play a key role in a European defence pact, diplomatic sources said on Tuesday. The message, sent to defence and foreign ministries, was meant to underscore Washington's worries that the pact could duplicate NATO efforts and possibly shut out U.S. arms makers from future European defence contracts, the sources told Reuters. Click here to read... [2]

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin floats rejoining Trans-Pacific Partnership, trade deal Trump shelved
Published: The Straits Times
28 Feb 2018

More than a year after President Donald Trump abruptly pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), saying it was a bad deal for the United States, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday (Feb 27) that the US is discussing rejoining the multilateral trade agreement.

Mnuchin, speaking at an investment summit meeting sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce, said that renegotiating the trade agreement was "on the table" and that he had been in talks with other countries about what it would take for the US to reverse course. Click here to read... [3]

'Big data' predictions spur detentions in China's Xinjiang: Human Rights Watch
Published: Reuters
27 Feb 2018

Chinese authorities in the far western region of Xinjiang are detaining suspects flagged by predictive software that combines data on everything from security camera footage to health and banking records, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Tuesday.

A subsidiary of China Electronics Technology Group announced in 2016 that it would start working with the Xinjiang government to combat extremism by collating data on the behavior of citizens and flagging unusual activity to the authorities. Click here to read... [4]

Singapore proposes measure to bar communications from terror attack sites
Published: AsiaOne
27 Feb 2018

Singapore on Tuesday (Feb 27) proposed a new law to deal with terror attacks by preventing people in the area from taking photos or videos of the incident and communicating about police operations.

Ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, Singapore has been stepping up efforts to deter terrorism in recent years. The proposals, which the Straits Times said would apply to journalists and carry punishments such as fines or prison, were part of a Public Order and Safety (Special Powers) Bill 2018 introduced in parliament. Click here to read... [5]

Thailand sets up technological center for B&R Initiative
Published: The Nation (Thailand Portal)
28 Feb 2018

The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) together with Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announced Tuesday the establishment of an international center for the Digital Belt and Road (DBAR) project.

The Digital Belt and Road (DBAR) International Center of Excellence Bangkok will focus on cooperation on climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental research and capacity building. Professor Sirirurg Songsivilai, secretary-general of NRCT, said during the opening ceremony that the center is a pioneering one in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in connection with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Click here to read... [6]

Countering Jihadist Militancy in Bangladesh
Published: International Crisis Group
28 Feb 2018

With political polarisation reaching historic highs and local jihadist groups forging links with transnational movements, new forms of militancy threaten security and religious tolerance in Bangladesh. The government should reinforce the capability of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, and build political consensus on tackling the menace. Click here to read... [7]

Thousands rally over mounting debt in northern Sri Lanka
Published: The Hindu
27 Feb 2018

Months after Sri Lanka’s Central Bank vowed action on mounting household debt in the war-affected north, thousands gathered in Jaffna on Tuesday, protesting against the government’s inaction.

‘Our home and country are indebted, what is the solution?; ‘Stop loans, give employment’ and ‘Strengthen people’s organisations’, read the banners held by participants, who marched from the iconic Veerasingham Hall — named after a former MP who pioneered the northern cooperative movement — to the office of the Government Agent (GA corresponds to the district collector in India). Click here to read... [8]

Maldives declines India's invite for naval exercise: Navy chief Sunil Lanba
Published: The Economic Times
28 Feb 2018

Maldives has declined India’s invitation to participate in the eight-day-long mega naval exercise Milan beginning March 6.

“Maldives was invited to join the Milan exercise but they have declined,” Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba told reporters, and indicated that the country may have taken the decision possibly due to the current situation there Click here to read... [9]

Jammu & Kashmir: After ISIS claims killing cop, state police chief confirms presence of terror outfit
Published: Financial Express
27 Feb 2018

After terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the killing of a policeman Farooq Ahmad in Srinagar on Saturday (February 24) evening, Jammu Kasmir police have confirmed the presence of the dreaded terrorist group in the Valley. Speaking to NDTV, state police chief SP Vaid admitted to the presence of the terrorist group and added that it is a big cause of worry as ISIS foothold in Kashmir will have a ‘different meaning’. Click here to read... [10]