VIF Information Alerts - 22 Mar 2018

China provides tracking system for Pakistan’s missile programme
Published: South China Morning Post
22 Mar 2018

China has sold Pakistan a powerful tracking system in an unprecedented deal that could speed up the Pakistani military’s development of multi-warhead missiles. News of the sale – and evidence that China is supporting Pakistan’s rapidly developing missile programme – comes two months after India tested its most advanced nuclear-ready intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range long enough to hit Beijing or Shanghai. Click here to read... [2]

Civilian-oriented troops withdrawn from armed police force, enhancing CPC management
Published: Global Times
21 Mar 2018

In a move to enhance the Communist Party of China's management of the country's armed forces, Beijing on Wednesday announced the complete withdrawal of civilian-oriented, firefighting and frontier defense troops from the People's Armed Police Force. The withdrawal of armed police force units engaged in civilian affairs would disentangle the previous complicated chain of command, Chinese military analysts said.

Troops that were formerly part of the armed police and managed by institutes of the State Council have now officially withdrawn from this system in a bid to fully implement the Party's absolute leadership over the People's Liberation Army, and other national armed forces, according to an article published by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s official WeChat public account on Wednesday. Click here to read... [3]

What next for Pakistan after second currency devaluation?
Published: The Economic Times
22 Mar 2018

Pakistan has allowed the rupee to weaken twice in a space of four months as it attempts to mend its deteriorating finances before elections due in July. But loosening the grip on managed-float operated currency hasn’t prevented the country’s current and trade deficits from widening, while dollar reserves have slumped to the lowest in almost three years, prompting analysts to ask what next. Click here to read... [4]

Maldives, fast becoming a pawn in the new Great Game
Published: The Economic Times
22 Mar 2018

One after the other, the countries around India are falling prey to China's predatory economics. After Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Maldives has become the latest victim of it, according to US-based think tank Atlantic Council's analysts. Click here to read... [5]

Delhi & Dhaka go into huddle as boat carrying ‘Chinese Arms’ seized in Bangladesh
Published: The Economic Times
19 Mar 2018

In a sensational development, top Bangladeshi military officials have come under scanner of the Sheikh Hasina government after Chinese boats carrying arms entered Bangladesh waters and arms were smuggled into the country allegedly for local extremist groups and insurgent outfits in northeast India. Click here to read... [6]

Sri Lankan President in Pakistan for a three-day visit
Published: The Express Tribune
22 Mar 2018

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena arrives in Islamabad today on a three-day visit to Pakistan. President Sirisena will be the Guest of Honour at the Pakistan Day parade being organised to celebrate Pakistan Resolution Day on Friday. He will be meeting President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The leadership will be discussing matters of mutual interest. Click here to read... [7]

Maldives Prez Yameen lifts state of emergency after 45 days
Published: The Tribune
22 Mar 2018

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen lifted a 45-day state of emergency on Thursday imposed amid political upheaval on the Indian Ocean island chain.

“Though there still exists a diminished threat to national security, because the nation can now continue without further losses incurred, and upon the advice of the Security Services and in an effort to promote normalcy, the President has decided to lift the the state of emergency,” his office said in a statement. Reuters. Click here to read... [8]