VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: June 3, 2019

PAKISTAN

India says diplomats, embassy guests 'harassed' by Pakistani security in Islamabad: Dawn
June 3, 2019

India on Sunday accused Pakistani security services of "widespread harassment" outside an event hosted by the Indian embassy in Islamabad a day earlier, saying that "hundreds" of guests were turned away and some of New Delhi's diplomats were "threatened". The allegations came after similar reports a few days earlier from New Delhi, where guests arriving at a High Commission of Pakistan event were allegedly harassed by Indian security personnel. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Khalilzad In Pakistan To Advance Afghan Peace: Tolo News
June 3, 2019

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, visited Pakistan Sunday at the beginning of his 16-day multi-nation trip which will also take him to Qatar for another round of peace talks with the Taliban. Khalilzad held delegation-level talks at the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan before meeting with other senior Pakistani civilian and military leaders during his day-long stay in Islamabad. The US Embassy in Pakistan said in a statement that Ambassador Khalilzad met Prime Minister Imran Khan, MFA Additional Secretary Aftab Khokher and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa. Click here to read... [3]

NEPAL

Contrary to government claims, latest Indo-Pacific Strategy report includes Nepal in its State Partnership Program: Kathmandu Post
June 3, 2019

Even though the Nepal government categorically rejected any role and engagement in US-led Indo-Pacific Strategy, a recent report from the US Department of Defense states that the United States seeks to “expand” its defence relationship with Nepal under the ‘State Partnership Program in the Indo-Pacific.’ According to the ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy Report: Preparedness, Partnership, and Promoting a Networked Region’, released on Saturday, Nepal, along with Sri Lanka, has been “recently added”--in 2019--to the US’ ‘State Partnership Program in the Indo-Pacific’. Click here to read... [4]

CHINA

Wei underlines PLA's commitment to peace: China Daily
June 3, 2019

The People's Liberation Army will adamantly support regional and world peace, but will not be "bullied or preyed upon" by foreign powers into giving up national sovereignty and legitimate interests, State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe said on Sunday in Singapore. Click here to read... [5]

Xinhua Headlines: China publishes white paper on trade consultations, revealing U.S. backtracking: Xinhuanet
June 2, 2019

China published a white paper Sunday denouncing U.S. unilateral and protectionist measures, criticizing its backtracking on Sino-U.S. trade talks, and demonstrating China's stance on trade consultations and pursuit of reasonable solutions. The white paper, "China's Position on the China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultations," was issued by the State Council Information Office. Click here to read... [6]