VIF Information Alerts - 31st October 2018

Beijing engages with Pakistan's Uighurs in 'charm offensive'

Published: Nikki Asian Review
31 Oct 2018

China is quietly launching a "charm offensive" to win over the Muslim Uighurs in Pakistan, where Beijing has invested billions of dollars through its Belt and Road Initiative.

In an unprecedented development, the Chinese embassy in Islamabad recently invited a group of Uighurs in the South Asian country to meet with officials. About a dozen Uighurs attended the meeting with Chinese diplomats, based on an image in a news release issued by the embassy.Click here to read.... [2]

Sri Lanka’s political crisis triggers major economic concerns

Published: Daily Mirror
31 Oct 2018

A decision by Sri Lanka’s President to fire the Prime Minister has raised doubts among global investors and credit analysts about the near-term economic health of a country already grappling with slow growth and a falling currency. Among key concerns for investors are Sri Lanka›s ability to repay its massive external debt amid the reduced likelihood of continued economic reforms.Click here to read.... [3]

U.S. Accuses Chinese Spies of Campaign to Steal Jet Engine Tech

Published: Bloomberg
31 Oct 2018

The U.S. unveiled charges against two alleged Chinese spies for orchestrating a conspiracy to steal prized jet engine technology from private companies, as the Trump administration raises pressure on Beijing to address its trade grievances.

The U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday the Chinese intelligence officers worked with hackers and “co-opted company insiders” to acquire commercial aviation technology in a campaign of computer intrusions that lasted more than five years. They sought to obtain intellectual property and confidential business data, including information related to a turbofan engine used in commercial airliners, the government said.Click here to read.... [4]

Chinese Military May Gain From Western University Ties, Report Warns

Published: The New York Times
30 Oct 2018

The Chinese military is expanding its collaborations with foreign universities, sometimes concealing its scientists’ military ties, according to an Australian report published Tuesday. The report raises questions about whether countries wary of China’s rising power are in fact directly contributing to its military advancement.Click here to read.... [5]

US slams removal of Pakistan's ban on JuD, FIF

Published: The Economic Times
30 Oct 2018

The US on Tuesday said the recent removal of the ban on Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation runs counter to Pakistan's commitment to the FATF and would jeopardise the country's ability to meet its commitments to fight terrorism under the UN Security Council resolution.

Mumbai attack mastermind Saeed's JuD and FIF are no longer on the list of banned outfits in Pakistan as the ordinance that proscribed them under a UN resolution has lapsed and the new Imran Khan-led government did not extend it, a media report said last week.Click here to read.... [6]

France warns on Russian arms and advisers in Central African Republic

Published: The Telegraph
29 Oct 2018

France has warned that the growing presence of Russian military advisors and weapons in the Central African Republic could exacerbate tensions in the war-torn nation. The statement comes after a rebel leader demanded Russia explain the presence of its “mercenaries” in the country.Click here to read.... [7]