VIF Information Alerts - 18 September 2018

China's second-in-command: We're facing 'greater difficulties' in economy

Published: CNBC
19 Sep 2018

As U.S.-China trade tensions are escalating, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday his government is able to help the domestic economy withstand challenges. “China is confronted with a host of difficulties and challenges in economic development,” Li acknowledged during an address speaking at a World Economic Forum conference in Tianjin, China.

“Deeply integrated into the world economy, the Chinese economy is inevitably affected by notable changes in the global economic and trade context,” he said. “Indeed, we’re facing greater difficulties in keeping stable performance of the Chinese economy.” Click here to read.... [2]

Putin Calls Downing of Russian Plane in Syria ‘Tragic’ and Absolves Israel

Published: The New York Times
18 Sep 2018

Syrian forces accidentally shot down a Russian military plane after an Israeli airstrike on Syrian territory, Kremlin officials said Tuesday, the worst case of friendly fire for Russia in the Syrian war. The accident on Monday night briefly caused a crisis in Russia-Israel relations as the Kremlin blamed the Israelis, underscoring the risks of escalation from unintended consequences among the different forces operating in Syria. Click here to read.... [3]

With a Submarine, Japan Sends a Message in the South China Sea

Published: The New York Times
18 Sep 2018

A Japanese submarine participated in war games in the South China Sea last week and is now visiting Vietnam, signaling a more assertive pushback by Japan against China’s territorial claims in the region. Japan took the unusual step on Monday of announcing that it had carried out the drills, which also involved two destroyers and a helicopter carrier. The Ministry of Defense said the exercises were not targeting a particular nation, but analysts said they were an unequivocal message to China. Click here to read.... [4]

China says military ties "backbone" to relations with Pakistan

Published: The Economic Times
19 Sep 2018

Military ties between China and Pakistan are the "backbone" of relations between the two countries, a senior Chinese general told Pakistan's visiting army chief, days after a Pakistani minister stirred unease about Chinese Silk Road projects.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa is the most senior Pakistani figure to visit ally China since the new government of Prime Minister Imran Khan took office in August, and his trip comes a week or so after a senior Chinese diplomat visited Islamabad. Click here to read.... [5]

Afghanistan going through tough period, hope for India’s help with helicopters: Envoy

Published: The Hindu
18 Sep 2018

Afghanistan is seeking India’s support for its peace process, as well as for military hardware like helicopters, says Ambassador to India Dr. Shaida Abdali, ahead of President Ashraf Ghani’s visit to Delhi and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Click here to read.... [6]