Tag Archives: Pakistan

China: Daily Scan, November 17, 2022

Historical document collection boosts China’s confidence in national rejuvenation: Xinhuanet
November 16, 2022

Three volumes of the Revitalization Library, a major cultural project approved by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, were recently published. The five-volume library is themed on the great revival of the Chinese nation and keeps track of the history of thought. It systemically recounts the Chinese nation’s glorious journey from weakness and poverty to national rejuvenation. Click here to read…

Senior Tibet legislator under investigation: Xinhuanet
November 16, 2022

Ji Guogang, a vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Regional People’s Congress, has been placed under investigation for suspected severe violations of Party discipline and laws, an official statement said Wednesday. Ji is being investigated by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision, according to the statementClick here to read…

China to continue working with G20 members on global digital economic paradigm: China Military
November 16, 2022

China will continue to work with the Group of 20 (G20) members to foster a balanced, coordinated and inclusive global digital economic paradigm that brings benefits to all and features win-win cooperation and shared prosperity, President Xi Jinping said here on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China displays advanced weapons, equipment at Pakistani defense expo: Global Times
November 16, 2022

China is displaying many advanced weapons and equipment, including drone and anti-drone systems, at an ongoing defense expo in Pakistan, a move analysts said on Wednesday indicates that the two countries’ defense cooperation will continue to deepen under their ironclad friendship, with Pakistan’s armed forces already operating advanced main battle equipment of Chinese origin. Click here to read…

NDRC official meets with US firms over economic, trade issues: Global Times
November 16, 2022

The deputy director of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the top economic planner, Lian Weiliang, met with a delegation of US companies’ representatives led by Craig Allen, president of the US-China Business Council (USCBC) on Wednesday, to discuss a wide range of economic and trade issues. Click here to read…

Chinese authorities call on retired soldiers to help Foxconn iPhone plant: Reuters
November 16, 2022

Local authorities in China’s Henan province are urging retired soldiers and government workers to take on stints at Foxconn’s iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, the official Shanghai Securities News reported on Tuesday. The plant, the world’s largest iPhone manufacturing facility, has been hit by discontent over government mandated measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, which required the company to isolate many workers but also prompted many others to flee in recent weeks. Click here to read…

China’s ambassador to India Sun Weidong named as new foreign vice-minister: South China Morning Post
November 16, 2022

China’s former ambassador to India Sun Weidong, whose three-year spell in New Delhi coincided with a sharp deterioration in relations as a result of a deadly border stand-off, has been promoted to foreign vice-minister. Sun is the third Chinese ambassador to India in a row to be promoted to a vice-ministerial role, underlining the importance Beijing attaches to its increasingly fraught relationship with New Delhi.

The appointment was announced on Tuesday, the same day that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted each other in public for the first time since a deadly clash along the disputed Himalayan border in June 2020.
At least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand fighting in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, the deadliest confrontation between the two sides for five decades. Click here to read…

Full text: Joint Statement between The People’s Republic of China and The Republic of Indonesia: Xinhuanet
November 17, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo here Wednesday evening, in which the two heads of state reached important consensus on striving towards building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future. Xi and Widodo agreed to take the 10th anniversary of the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership next year as an opportunity to forge a new paradigm of high-level cooperation. Click here to read…

China-CEEC cooperation intensifies amid global changes: Xinhuanet
November 17, 2022

The cooperation mechanism between China and the Central and East European Countries (CEEC) has brought immense benefits, which encourages them to further intensify exchanges in the context of today’s complex global situation, speakers said at an online event held on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Tibet sets up first airborne emergency rescue team: Xinhuanet
November 17, 2022

Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region has set up its first airborne rescue team for emergency response. The 20-member team, co-established by the administration of emergency management in the city of Nyingchi and the city’s forest fire brigade, will mainly be responsible for rescue and relief work in case of natural disasters and accidents in Nyingchi, according to the brigade. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 2,328 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
November 17, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 2,328 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Thursday. Altogether 20,804 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Demonstration zones sign of higher level of opening-up: Qiushi
November 17, 2022

The central government has recently issued a notice on the establishment of 29 more national demonstration zones for innovative development of the import trade, raising the number of such zones in China to 43. This marks China’s renewed efforts to expand imports and promote higher-level opening-up. Click here to read…

Former senior provincial legislator of Sichuan prosecuted: China Daily
November 17, 2022

Wang Minghui, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People’s Congress, has been indicted on suspicion of accepting bribes and abusing power.
The Foshan Municipal People’s Procuratorate in Guangdong province recently filed a lawsuit against Wang with the Intermediate People’s Court of Foshan, an official statement said Wednesday. Click here to read…

28 Chinese provinces adopt optimized measures to COVID-19 response; six cities cancel mass testing: report: Global Times
November 17, 2022

A total of 28 provinces, including South China’s Guangdong Province which is hit hardest in the latest COVID-19 flare-up, announced adoption of newly optimized measures to COVID-19 response in the past five days. Moreover, six cities, including Shanghai and Sanya scrapped mass nucleic acid testing, in an effort to implement the new measures, media reported. Click here to read…

NDRC issues report on digital transformation, targets core technology breakthroughs: Global Times
November 17, 2022

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner, released a report on development of the digital economy on Wednesday, reviewing the past achievements in digital reforms while providing a clear vision and guidelines for the future as China aims for breakthroughs in “bottleneck” technologies. Click here to read…

NDRC push to speed up steps for stability: People’s Daily
November 17, 2022

China’s top economic regulator will continuously promote the implementation of a package of policies to stabilize the economy, further expedite the financing of projects via policy-based and developmental financial instruments, accelerate infrastructure projects and proactively expand effective investment, said an official with the National Development and Reform Commission on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, November 4, 2022

Pakistan, China have shared destiny, says Pakistan’s PM: Xinhuanet
November 3, 2022

Pakistan will work with China to promote a shared destiny of achievements and progress, and foster peace and harmony in the region and the world at large, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday. Sharif began his first official visit to China on Tuesday, among the first foreign leaders to visit China after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Click here to read…

Thailand, China co-host investment forum to further enhance cooperation: Xinhuanet
November 3, 2022

The Thailand-China Investment Forum was held here on Thursday to further enhance economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. The forum, with the theme of “Connected Growth, Greener Boosts,” was co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand. The event attracted more than 800 online and offline participants from the two countries’ business associations and enterprises. Click here to read…

Chinese FM calls for building maritime community with shared future: Xinhuanet
November 3, 2022

China is ready to work with other countries to uphold the spirit of building a maritime community with a shared future, coordinate maritime development and security, and advance maritime cooperation and governance, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Nation to continue promoting protecting heritage, traditions: Qiushi
November 3, 2022

China will continue to stress efforts to inherit and enhance the influence of traditional culture. According to a report delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, at the opening session of the CPC’s 20th National Congress on Oct 16, China will put more efforts into the protection of cultural relics and cultural heritage, and into strengthening the protection and inheritance of history and culture in urban and rural construction. Click here to read…

Central authorities publish guideline on environmental compliance: China Daily
November 3, 2022

Eighteen central departments jointly published a guideline on Thursday to ensure government bodies earnestly fulfill their duties in environmental protection. The guideline was made public after it was approved by the Central Committee for Deepening Overall Reform, according to a media release from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists create new detailed map of moon rocks: China Daily
November 3, 2022

Chinese scientists have created a high-resolution map of moon rocks, providing detailed information about the composition and distribution of lunar surface materials. Released at a 1:2,500,000 scale, the map of the entire moon is the result of a 10-year study undertaken by researchers from Shandong University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other institutions. It captures the lithologic features of 17 lunar rock types. Click here to read…

Chinese energy firms step up special bond issues to ensure supply, security:
Global Times
November 3, 2022

Chinese energy companies are accelerating issues of special-purpose bonds, in a move that experts say will help companies amid a volatile global energy market and ensure sufficient domestic energy supply during the upcoming winter season. Click here to read…

Xi holds talks with Tanzanian president: Xinhuanet
November 4, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Beijing on Thursday. The two presidents announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 704 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
November 4, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Thursday reported 704 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Friday. Altogether 3,167 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Full Text: China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System in the New Era: China Military
November 4, 2022

The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a white paper titled “China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System in the New Era” on Friday. Please see the attachment for the document.

Full Text: China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System in the New EraClick here to read…

Chinese fugitive on Red Notice at large for 27 years repatriated to China: Global Times
November 4, 2022

A Chinese fugitive with Red Notice from Interpol at large for 27 years was arrested overseas and repatriated to China thanks to the close cooperation between the Chinese and overseas law enforcement agencies, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) announced on Thursday. Click here to read…

Chinese energy firms step up special bond issues to ensure supply, security:
Global Times
November 3, 2022

Chinese energy companies are accelerating issues of special-purpose bonds, in a move that experts say will help companies amid a volatile global energy market and ensure sufficient domestic energy supply during the upcoming winter season. Click here to read…

China’s ICT giant launches fund to develop innovation leaders in Zambia: People’s Daily

November 4, 2022

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei on Thursday launched an information communication technology (ICT) fund to develop innovation leaders to accelerate Zambia’s digital transformation agenda. Click here to read…

China’s high-tech industry gets more love from overseas investors: People’s Daily
November 4, 2022

China’s high-tech industry is gaining international popularity despite the deteriorating global investment backdrop, as overseas investors are eying huge growth opportunities it offers. Click here to read…

Xi tells Scholz China and Germany should work together during ‘times of change and turmoil’: Reuters
November 4, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday that as big nations with influence, China and Germany should work together all the more during “times of change and turmoil” for the sake of world peace, according to state media.

Scholz kicked off his one-day visit to China, the first by a G7 leader in three years, by meeting with Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Click here to read…

China tells women to ‘respect family values’ in revision: Taipei Times
November 4, 2022

China has told women to uphold “family values” in an updated gender law, the latest sign females are facing growing pressure to adopt domestic roles in the world’s second-largest economy. An amendment to the Women’s Rights and Interests Protection Act passed by the nation’s top legislative body on Sunday introduced a list of moral standards for women to observe. Click here to read…

CBC bureau to shut after China ignores request for visa: Taipei Times
November 4, 2022

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) on Wednesday said that it was shutting its news bureau in Beijing after waiting two years in vain for a work permit for its journalists. The publicly owned news outlet had numerous exchanges with Chinese officials in Canada over the past two years about visas, but without a resolution, CBC News editor-in-chief Brodie Fenlon said in a blog post. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists’ new gel filling could triple lifespan of lithium batteries for EVs, drones: South China Morning Post
November 4, 2022

Chinese scientists have developed a new technology that could triple the lifespan of a traditional lithium-ion battery and reduce its risk of catching fire. The technology, which replaces the battery’s chemical solution with a new substance of gel-like consistency, could be scaled up to find immediate application in China’s booming electric vehicles industry, the researchers saidClick here to read…

China: Daily Scan, November 3, 2022

China striving to control new COVID outbreaks: Reuters
November 2, 2022

China is striving to control the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 infections in the shortest possible time, the health commission said on Wednesday in its first comments since the 20th Communist Party Congress as cases rise across major cities. China should unwaveringly stick to its dynamic zero-COVID policy, the National Health Commission said. Click here to read…

Symposium held to foster understanding of key CPC congress: Xinhuanet
November 2, 2022

Diplomatic envoys to China, think tank experts and journalists from nearly 80 countries exchanged their views on the guiding principles of the recently concluded 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at a forum on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Xi meets Pakistani PM: Xinhuanet
November 2, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan on his official visit to China at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday. Xi welcomed Sharif and thanked him for his congratulatory letter right after the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Click here to read…

Full text: Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan: Xinhuanet
November 2, 2022

The attachment is the full text of a joint statement released by China and Pakistan on Wednesday. Full text: Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of PakistanClick here to read…

China, Pakistan sign memorandum on RMB clearing in Pakistan: Xinhuanet
November 2, 2022

China’s central bank has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the State Bank of Pakistan to establish renminbi (RMB) clearing arrangements in Pakistan. These arrangements will help enterprises and financial institutions in the two countries conduct cross-border transactions using the RMB, according to a statement on the People’s Bank of China website on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China-Pakistan ironclad ties consolidated; key CPEC projects to advance as ‘BRI, Chinese modernization benefit all’: Global Times
November 2, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held talks with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and Sharif is one of the world leaders that has visited China right after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Experts said Sharif’s visit showed that the China-Pakistan ironclad friendship will be further deepened and will bring more certainty and stability to the region amid the profound changes that the world is experiencing. Click here to read…

Over 200 Chinese CH-4 drones sold on international market; new facility to expand production capacity: Global Times
November 2, 2022

Production of China’s CH series unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is running at maximum capacity thanks to heavy market demand, with the bestselling CH-4 drone having sold more than 200 units on the international market, the Global Times learned from the drone manufacturer on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese official urges financial institutions to take main responsibility in tackling risks: Global Times
November 2, 2022

Yi Gang, governor of People’s Bank of China, the central bank, has urged financial institutions and shareholders to take main responsibility in tackling risks, according to media reports on WednesdayClick here to read…

Full text: Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: People’s Daily
November 2, 2022

The following is the translation of the full text of the speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held Tuesday.

Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation OrganizationClick here to read…

China launches 2023 postgraduate enrollment plan for demobilized college student soldiers: China Military
November 2, 2022

China’s Ministry of Education recently released a postgraduate enrollment plan in 2023 customized for the demobilized college student soldiers, covering an enrollment quota of 7,261 persons. This plan is to be undertaken by 513 universities and colleges, including Beijing University, Renmin University of China, and Tsinghua University. Click here to read…

Premier reaffirms pledge on peaceful nuclear use: China Daily
November 3, 2022

Premier Li Keqiang has reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting progress in nuclear technology and the growth of nuclear industries, and deepening international nuclear cooperation to facilitate socioeconomic transitioning so as to usher in more benefits for people in different nations. Click here to read…

Rice from space promises robust new varieties: China Daily
November 3, 2022

Mutated rice seeds brought from space may provide new species on Earth and result in higher yields than their terrestrial counterparts. At a scientific research demonstration base in Wuhan, Hubei province, workers from Hubei Jinguang Agricultural Technology Co recently completed harvesting space rice from 20 hectares of paddies where they had planted seeds from China’s Shenzhou-12 manned space mission. Click here to read…

First human blood virome of Chinese population mapped by Chinese researchers : Global Times
November 3, 2022

Chinese researchers have investigated and mapped the first human blood virome of the Chinese population and analyzed the prevalence, abundance and genome coverage of 14 viruses in human blood, which could provide critical information for epidemiology and prevention of viral infections, vaccine development, and virus genomic investigations. Click here to read…

Evergrande chairman’s Hong Kong mansion seized by bank : Reuters
November 3, 2022

A mansion belonging to embattled China Evergrande Group’s chairman in Hong Kong’s prestigious The Peak residential enclave has been seized by lender China Construction Bank (Asia), local online news outlet HK01 reported on Thursday. The report did not say when the 5,000 square-foot (465 square-metre) mansion, which HK01 said was valued at HK$700 million ($89 million), was taken over by the bankClick here to read…

Top Chinese political advisor reiterates need to study key CPC congress: Xinhuanet
November 3, 2022

Wang Yang, China’s top political advisor, at a Wednesday meeting reiterated the necessity of studying and implementing the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 581 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
November 3, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 581 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Thursday. Altogether 2,669 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, November 2, 2022

Chinese vice premier stresses water conservancy, agricultural production: Xinhuanet
November 1, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Tuesday stressed efforts to boost the construction of water conservancy facilities during the coming winter and spring seasons, and to promote agricultural production. Click here to read…

Full text: Speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Xinhuanet
November 1, 2022

The following is the translation of the full text of the speech by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held TuesdayClick here to read…

China’s top political advisor meets with Vietnam’s communist party chief: Xinhuanet
November 1, 2022

China’s top political advisor Wang Yang on Tuesday met with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee. Wang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, noted that China received Trong’s official visit to China right after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He said this shows that China attaches great importance to the special relationship of “comrades and brothers” between China and Vietnam and cherishes the traditional friendship between the two peoples. Click here to read…

China pledges further efforts to support self-employed businesses: Xinhuanet
November 1, 2022

Chinese officials on Tuesday pledged more efforts to support self-employed businesses amid difficulties as the country unveiled a new regulation on advancing the development of self-employed businesses. Click here to read…

China unveils plan on VR development: Xinhuanet
November 1, 2022

China on Tuesday unveiled a plan to boost the development of the virtual reality (VR) industry. By 2026, the total scale of China’s virtual reality industry, including related hardware, software, and applications, will exceed 350 billion yuan (about 48.56 billion U.S. dollars), according to the plan jointly issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and four relevant departments. Click here to read…

Senior political advisors meet to share views on key Party congress spirit: China Daily
November 1, 2022

The 24th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee held a plenary meeting on Tuesday. Wang Yang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the meeting. Click here to read…

US and Chinese officials working to set up Biden-Xi meeting: Reuters
November 1, 2022

U.S. and Chinese officials are still working to arrange a face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Bali later this month, the White House said on Tuesday. National security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that staff-level work is ongoing to set up a potential meeting. “Staffs are still working through the modalities,” he said. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 409 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
November 2, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Tuesday reported 409 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Wednesday. Altogether 2,346 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identifiedClick here to read…

China’s upcoming import expo attracts 145 countries, regions, int’l organs: Qiushi
November 2, 2022

Representatives from a total of 145 countries, regions and international organizations will participate in the upcoming fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the organizer said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

More investment made in roads to stabilize economy: Qiushi
November 2, 2022

China has increased the construction of highway infrastructure in order to maintain and increase investment and stabilize the economy, according to the Ministry of Transport. From January to September, construction began on 299 new expressway and national and provincial highway projects with a total length of 9,645 kilometers and 882 billion yuan ($121 billion) in investment, Gu Zhifeng, deputy chief of the highway bureau of the Ministry of Transport, said at a news conference on Monday. Click here to read…

World faces risk of combined epidemic of influenza and COVID-19 in the coming winter: Global Times
November 2, 2022

The world still faces the risk of a combined pandemic of COVID-19 and influenza, especially this winter, Zhong Nanshan, top Chinese respiratory diseases expert, said on Tuesday in The World Flu Day 2022 Symposium that more efforts are needed to tackle the scientific problems of influenza prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

India may let Chinese firms enter via JVs with local companies: Reuters
November 2, 2022

The Indian government is open to letting Chinese companies enter the country’s high-tech electronics sector should they set up manufacturing plants in partnerships with local companies, the Economic Times newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing officials. A joint venture (JV) proposal could be cleared if the Indian partner holds a majority stake and controls the board, according to the report, although it said no conditions have been finalized. Click here to read…

US and Chinese officials working to set up Biden-Xi meeting: Reuters
November 1, 2022

U.S. and Chinese officials are still working to arrange a face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Bali later this month, the White House said on Tuesday. National security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that staff-level work is ongoing to set up a potential meeting. “Staffs are still working through the modalities,” he said. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s Sharif lands in Beijing to discuss economy, debt: Reuters
November 2, 2022

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Beijing on Tuesday to meet Chinese leaders and discuss plans for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $65 billion investment in the South Asian nation. The major investment in development and energy projects in Pakistan is part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to improve China’s road, rail and sea routes with the rest of the world. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, October 25, 2022

Chinese ‘artificial sun’ marks new breakthrough: Global Times
October 21, 2022

The new generation of artificial sun HL-2M in the Southwestern Institute of Physics Photo: Courtesy of the Southwestern Institute of Physics. A new breakthrough has been made in the scientific research of the new generation of “artificial sun” in China with its HL-2M plasma current exceeding 1 million amperes, creating a new record for the operation of controllable nuclear fusion device in the country, the Global Times learned from Southwestern Institute of Physics under the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) on Thursday. Click here to read…

‘Party’s self-reform being a journey to which there is no end’ added to amended CPC Constitution: Global Times
October 22, 2022

A resolution on the revised Constitution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) approved on Saturday agreed to add statements on the Party’s self-reform being a journey to which there is no end, and on making integrated efforts to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity, or desire to become corrupt. Click here to read…

(CPC Congress) List of members of 20th CPC Central Committee: Xinhuanet
October 22, 2022

The following is a list of the 205 members of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) elected at the closing session of the 20th CPC National Congress in Beijing on Saturday (listed in the order of the number of strokes in their surnames):
Ding Xuedong, Ding Xuexiang, Wan Lijun, Xi Jinping, Ma Xingrui, Ma Xiaowei, Wang Ning, Wang Kai (Henan), Wang Kai (PLA), Wang Yong, Wang Hao, Wang Qiang, Wang Peng, Click here to read…

(CPC Congress) List of alternate members of 20th CPC Central Committee: Xinhuanet
October 22, 2022

The following is a list of the 171 alternate members of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) elected at the closing session of the 20th CPC National Congress on Saturday (listed in the descending order of ballots and, if their ballots are the same, the number of strokes in their surnames): Ding Xiangqun (f.), Ding Xingnong, Yu Lijun, Yu Jihong (f.), Yu Huiwen (Manchu), Ma Hancheng (Hui), Wang Jian, Wang Xi, Wang Liyan, Wang Yonghong, Wang Kangping, Wang Tingkai, Wang Xinwei, Wang Jiayi, Wei Tao (Zhuang Click here to read…

(CPC Congress) Full text of resolution on 19th CPC Central Committee report: Xinhuanet
October 22, 2022

The following is the full text of the Resolution of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the Report of the 19th Central Committee adopted at the closing session of the 20th CPC National Congress Saturday. Resolution of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on the Report of the 19th Central Committee Click here to read…

(CPC Congress) Full text of resolution on Party Constitution amendment: Xinhuanet
October 22, 2022

The following is the full text of a resolution on an amendment to the Constitution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) adopted Saturday at the closing session of the 20th CPC National Congress. Resolution of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on the Revised Constitution of the Communist Party of China. Click here to read…

(CPC Congress) Full text of resolution on work report of 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection: Xinhuanet
October 22, 2022

The following is the full text of the Resolution of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on the Report on the Work of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection adopted Saturday at the closing session of the 20th CPC National Congress. Click here to read…

Xi presents new CPC central leadership: Xinhuanet
October 23, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presented the Party’s new central leadership when meeting the press Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He presented the other six newly elected members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee: Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi.Click here to read…

Xi stresses self-reform of Party: Xinhuanet
October 23, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Sunday said the Party should always press forward with self-reform on the journey ahead. “A political party can only become invincible if it remains committed to self-reform, even though it has had a glorious past,” Xi made the remarks when meeting the press at the Great Hall of the People. Click here to read…

China’s GJ-11 stealth drone on display in Beijing, ‘capable of seizing air superiority’: Global Times
October 23, 2022

At a time when China’s latest armed reconnaissance drone, the stealth-capable GJ-11, is on display at an ongoing expo in Beijing, official media reported that the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is capable of conducting missions to size air superiority. Military analysts said that while the report seems counter-intuitive, it might indicate some new combat concepts. Click here to read…

China, India should move ahead amid positive momentum in challenging intl landscape: Chinese envoy to India: Global Times
October 23, 2022

China and India should bring benefit to the two countries’ 2.8 billion people and properly handle divergence and sensitive issues amid positive momentum of the bilateral relations in the current challenging international landscape, said Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong as his more-than-3-year unforgettable tenure came to an end. Click here to read…

Hu’s dramatic China congress exit fuels speculation, official silence: Reuters
October 24, 2022

In a country where events are planned to minute detail and politics is cloaked in secrecy, former President Hu Jintao’s dramatic escorted exit from the closing of the Communist Party Congress sent speculation among China-watchers into overdrive. As per tradition, Hu, 79, had been seated on Saturday to the left of his successor, Xi Jinping, who was in the process of securing a third leadership term that was confirmed on Sunday. Click here to read…

China’s new political elites and their connection to Xi: Reuters
October 24, 2022

Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a third term as leader of China’s ruling Communist Party and unveiled a new leadership team dominated by his allies, including the entire seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, which he heads. Most of the wider Politburo, made up of 24 members, all of them men, also have some sort of connection to Xi. Since coming to power in 2012, Xi has promoted numerous people who worked for or with him when he held various senior roles in Shanghai and the provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang. Click here to read…

Communique of the first plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee: Xinhuanet
October 24, 2022

The following is the full text of the communique of the first plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China: Communique of the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Click here to read…

China’s State Council appoints, removes officials: Xinhuanet
October 24, 2022

The State Council, China’s cabinet, on Monday announced the appointment and removal of officials. Dong Baotong was appointed deputy head of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and head of the National Nuclear Safety Administration. Dong no longer serves as deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence. Click here to read…

China welcomes FATF’s removal of Pakistan from its grey list: Xinhuanet
October 24, 2022

China welcomes the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove Pakistan from its grey list, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday. “China congratulates Pakistan on this,” spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular news briefing. Click here to read…

Brief introductions of members of CPC central leading bodies: China Military
October 24, 2022

The following are the brief introductions of the members of the central leading bodies of the Communist Party of China: Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping, male, Han ethnicity, was born in June 1953 and is from Fuping, Shaanxi Province. He began his first job in January 1969 and joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in January 1974. Xi graduated from School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tsinghua University where he completed an in-service graduate program in Marxist theory and ideological and political education. He holds a Doctor of Law degree. Click here to read…

Xi stresses implementing guiding principles of key Party congress in armed forces: China Military
October 24, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday instructed the armed forces to study, publicize and implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, and strive to achieve the goal set for the centenary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 205 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
October 25, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Monday reported 205 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Tuesday. Altogether 875 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

How the CPC’s new central leadership was formed: Qiushi
October 25, 2022

The new central leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been elected, as the Party of over 96 million members and the Chinese people it leads embark on a new journey in China’s modernization drive. Xi Jinping was unanimously elected general secretary of the 20th CPC Central Committee at the committee’s first plenary session held on Sunday. He was also named chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission (CMC). Click here to read…

Senior officials explain key report at Party congress: Qiushi
October 25, 2022

The report of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), adopted at the recently concluded 20th CPC National Congress, serves as a political manifesto and a guideline for action to achieve new victories on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, a senior official said Monday. Click here to read…

Xi urges military to focus on its centenary goals: China Military
October 25, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged the Chinese military on Monday to continue to be focused on the goals set by the CPC Central Committee for the armed forces to accomplish by 2027, the year marking the centenary of the People’s Liberation Army. Click here to read…

China won’t export devt model, opposes imposition on others: Global Times
October 25, 2022

The just-concluded 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) elaborated on Chinese modernization, which offers a path for other countries to seek inspiration, senior Party officials at a Monday press conference reiterated that China will not export its model to other countries, nor will it import models from other countries; every country should explore its own way to modernization that suits its own situation, in response to questions and concerns from the West about whether “China might export its ideology or development model.” Click here to read…

China’s top disciplinary watchdog vows to bar officials from serving as proxies for interest groups: Global Times
October 24, 2022

At a news conference to interpret the report on the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), officials reiterated that the scourge of corruption could wreck the Party if not properly addressed, and they doubled down on the importance of fighting corruption in the future, saying that a high-handed posture on the issue should not be changed, and officials should be barred from serving as proxies for interest and power groups. Click here to read…

China ADRs tumble as Xi’s new team sparks worries over economy’s path: Reuters
October 25, 2022

U.S.-listed shares of Chinese companies slumped on Monday after President Xi Jinping’s new leadership team sparked investor concerns that ideology-driven policies would be prioritized at the cost of private sector growth. Click here to read…

High-quality development given priority: People’s Daily
October 25, 2022

Economic growth to remain at core of policies, say officials and experts. China will prioritize high-quality development and keep economic development at the core of policies in the next five years while refining regulations to narrow income gaps, officials and experts said on Monday. Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers to deliberate draft revisions to laws: People’s Daily
October 25, 2022

Chinese lawmakers will deliberate a draft amendment to China’s Legislation Law, which highlights strengthened enforcement and supervision of the Constitution, later this week.
The draft amendment also aims to improve the system and mechanism for better cohesion between legislative and reform decisions, Zang Tiewei, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China’s top legislature, said Monday. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature, State Council, top political advisory body study guiding principles of 20th CPC National Congress: People’s Daily
October 25, 2022

Chinese lawmakers will deliberate a draft amendment to China’s Legislation Law, which highlights strengthened enforcement and supervision of the Constitution, later this week.
The draft amendment also aims to improve the system and mechanism for better cohesion between legislative and reform decisions, Zang Tiewei, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China’s top legislature, said Monday. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest – October 7, 2022

Afghanistan
University Entrance Exams Held Around Country: Tolo News

University entrance exams were begun on Thursday in 33 provinces of the country. The Ministry of Higher Education said that the university entrance exams will continue for three days. “University entrance exams were held in 33 provinces of the country and this exam will continue for three days,” said Ahmad Taqa, a spokesman for the MoHE. Click here to read…

Requirement of dams on Kabul river for the better management of Afghanistan’s water: Opinion: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan has abundant water resources. 80% of such resources come from surface water that flows from snowfields and glaciers in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountains. The country with a total of 75 billion cubic meters of water per annum, surface water capturing 55 billion cubic meters, and groundwater making 20 billion cubic meters, is able to consume 27% of its water and the remaining 73% flows to the neighboring countries. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
PM Hasina on way to her village home in Tungipara: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana have started for Tungipara by road from her official residence Ganabhaban. They left Ganabhaban at 7:15am on Friday, according to a message from PM’s press wing. Click here to read…

Dhaka, Tokyo launch cooperation for improved sewerage services: Dhaka Tribune

To promote improved sewerage services, the Asian Development Bank facilitated a high-level dialogue between Bangladesh and Japan, and launched a new partnership between Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) and Bureau of Sewerage, Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Assam’s advantage in Bhutan-Bangladesh trade – Sentinel Assam

Bangladesh opening six new ports of call for using its waterways and seaports by Bhutan is good news for Assam as it will make the Brahmaputra River route a growing hub of trade and commerce between India’s two neighbouring countries. The development of multimodal transport facilities along the Brahmaputra will attract more Bhutanese traders to make optimal use of the improved connectivity through Assam for the expansion of their export-import business. The amended Standard Operating Procedure signed by Bangladesh and Bhutan on September 15 in Dhaka on the use of inland waterways designates Aricha, Chilmari, Sirajganj, Mongla, Chittagong and Payra Port as the new ports of call for use by Bhutan. Click here to read…

Bhutan fee funds happiness – TTR Weekly

A daily USD200 sustainable development fee is being tagged onto the cost of visiting Bhutan following the reopening of the mountain kingdom’s borders last month. It’s all about funding Gross National Happiness. Click here to read…

Maldives
Maldives: the legacy of Islamic State – Lowly Institute

From 2014 to 2018, more people departed the Maldives to join with Islamic State than from any other country. In total, this figure is estimated at 250 men and women from a country of only 500,000. Most who went died. The surviving women and children, around 50, are today detained in the Al Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria. Click here to read…

MoUs signed between Maldives, Bahrain, prove commitment to further solidify bilateral ties – Raajje

He said this during a joint press conference held alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He reaffirmed that the Maldivian government is committed to solidifying the relationship between both countries, to new heights. The foreign minister also thanked the respective dignitaries for bringing the two countries together. The key agreements signed between the government of Maldives and the Kingdom of Bahrain have proved the commitment of both countries to further solidify bilateral ties, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. Click here to read…

Myanmar
US Announces Sanctions on Myanmar Military-Linked Arms Broker – The Diplomat

The United States has announced a further round of sanctions on Myanmar’s military government, targeting three individuals and one entity “for their roles related to the procurement of Russian-produced military arms from Belarus for the Burmese regime.” Click here to read…

Indonesia told to prioritise Myanmar, Indo-Pacific: Analysts – Asia News Network

Amid preparations for November’s ASEAN Summit less than 40 days away, when the baton of the chairmanship is set to pass from Cambodia to Indonesia, calls are mounting for Jakarta to take decisive steps to address the Myanmar political crisis while juggling an abundance of other challenges that will test the Southeast Asia bloc’s unity. Click here to read…

Nepal
Nepal faces constitutional crisis – Greater Kashmir

Nepal has a history of the Rana regime (1901-1948), coup d’état led by King Mahendra who dismissed the elected government of B.P. KoiralaiIn 1960 and then imprisoned him which had been responsible for the launch of the democracy movement thereby finally restoring the parliament in 1991. Click here to read…

16 killed, 35 injured as bus falls into river in Nepal’s Bara – India Today

A bus skidded off the road and fell into a river in Nepal’s Bara district, killing 16 people, PTI reported, quoting media reports. As many as 35 people were also injured in the mishap in Nepal’s Madhesh province. The bus was heading towards Birgunj from Narayangadh when the incident happened. An initial probe conducted by the police revealed that the accident took place due to high speed. About 50 people were on board, police said. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Govt to use ‘full force of law’ to counter PTI march: Dawn

A meeting of the party leaders was chaired by PM Sharif wherein the participants termed the PTI’s plan of the long march a “conspiracy” against the state and decided that the government would crush its designs through the power of law, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House. “It will not be a political long march of PTI but a march for a conspiracy,” the PML-N leaders agreed as they gave full authority to Prime Minister Sharif to take appropriate measures to tackle the situation. Click here to read…

Govt unveils big power relief for exporters: The Express Tribune

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday struck a deal with exporters under which subsidised electricity at nearly Rs20 per unit would be provided to them in a move that will restore the trader community’s confidence in the government but would not stop misuse of the subsidy for domestic production. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
New resolution on SL adopted at HR Council with 20 votes in favour: Daily Mirror

The new resolution on ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ A/HRC/51/5, that was presented at the 51st regular session of the Human Rights Council has been adopted with 20 voting in favour while 7 voted against the resolution and 20 abstained from voting. Click here to read…

Debt Restructuring and Implementation of Deep Reforms Critical for Sri Lanka’s Economic Stabilization: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is deepening with unsustainable debt and a severe balance of payment crisis on top of lingering scars of the COVID-19 pandemic. Debt restructuring and the implementation of a deep reform program are critical for Sri Lanka’s economic stabilization, says the World Bank in its twice-a-year update, underscoring the need for Sri Lanka to build resilience. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: October 06, 2022

Afghanistan
University Entrance Exams Held Around Country: Tolo News

University entrance exams were begun on Thursday in 33 provinces of the country. The Ministry of Higher Education said that the university entrance exams will continue for three days. “University entrance exams were held in 33 provinces of the country and this exam will continue for three days,” said Ahmad Taqa, a spokesman for the MoHE. Click here to read…

Requirement of dams on Kabul river for the better management of Afghanistan’s water: Opinion: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan has abundant water resources. 80% of such resources come from surface water that flows from snowfields and glaciers in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountains. The country with a total of 75 billion cubic meters of water per annum, surface water capturing 55 billion cubic meters, and groundwater making 20 billion cubic meters, is able to consume 27% of its water and the remaining 73% flows to the neighboring countries. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
PM Hasina on way to her village home in Tungipara: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana have started for Tungipara by road from her official residence Ganabhaban. They left Ganabhaban at 7:15am on Friday, according to a message from PM’s press wing. Click here to read…

Dhaka, Tokyo launch cooperation for improved sewerage services: Dhaka Tribune

To promote improved sewerage services, the Asian Development Bank facilitated a high-level dialogue between Bangladesh and Japan, and launched a new partnership between Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) and Bureau of Sewerage, Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Assam’s advantage in Bhutan-Bangladesh trade – Sentinel Assam

Bangladesh opening six new ports of call for using its waterways and seaports by Bhutan is good news for Assam as it will make the Brahmaputra River route a growing hub of trade and commerce between India’s two neighbouring countries. The development of multimodal transport facilities along the Brahmaputra will attract more Bhutanese traders to make optimal use of the improved connectivity through Assam for the expansion of their export-import business. The amended Standard Operating Procedure signed by Bangladesh and Bhutan on September 15 in Dhaka on the use of inland waterways designates Aricha, Chilmari, Sirajganj, Mongla, Chittagong and Payra Port as the new ports of call for use by Bhutan. Click here to read…

Bhutan fee funds happiness – TTR Weekly

A daily USD200 sustainable development fee is being tagged onto the cost of visiting Bhutan following the reopening of the mountain kingdom’s borders last month. It’s all about funding Gross National Happiness. Click here to read…

Maldives
Maldives: the legacy of Islamic State – Lowly Institute

From 2014 to 2018, more people departed the Maldives to join with Islamic State than from any other country. In total, this figure is estimated at 250 men and women from a country of only 500,000. Most who went died. The surviving women and children, around 50, are today detained in the Al Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria. Click here to read…

MoUs signed between Maldives, Bahrain, prove commitment to further solidify bilateral ties – Raajje

He said this during a joint press conference held alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He reaffirmed that the Maldivian government is committed to solidifying the relationship between both countries, to new heights. The foreign minister also thanked the respective dignitaries for bringing the two countries together. The key agreements signed between the government of Maldives and the Kingdom of Bahrain have proved the commitment of both countries to further solidify bilateral ties, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. Click here to read…

Myanmar
US Announces Sanctions on Myanmar Military-Linked Arms Broker – The Diplomat

The United States has announced a further round of sanctions on Myanmar’s military government, targeting three individuals and one entity “for their roles related to the procurement of Russian-produced military arms from Belarus for the Burmese regime.” Click here to read…

Indonesia told to prioritise Myanmar, Indo-Pacific: Analysts – Asia News Network

Amid preparations for November’s ASEAN Summit less than 40 days away, when the baton of the chairmanship is set to pass from Cambodia to Indonesia, calls are mounting for Jakarta to take decisive steps to address the Myanmar political crisis while juggling an abundance of other challenges that will test the Southeast Asia bloc’s unity. Click here to read…

Nepal
Nepal faces constitutional crisis – Greater Kashmir

Nepal has a history of the Rana regime (1901-1948), coup d’état led by King Mahendra who dismissed the elected government of B.P. KoiralaiIn 1960 and then imprisoned him which had been responsible for the launch of the democracy movement thereby finally restoring the parliament in 1991. Click here to read…

16 killed, 35 injured as bus falls into river in Nepal’s Bara – India Today

A bus skidded off the road and fell into a river in Nepal’s Bara district, killing 16 people, PTI reported, quoting media reports. As many as 35 people were also injured in the mishap in Nepal’s Madhesh province. The bus was heading towards Birgunj from Narayangadh when the incident happened. An initial probe conducted by the police revealed that the accident took place due to high speed. About 50 people were on board, police said. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Govt to use ‘full force of law’ to counter PTI march: Dawn

A meeting of the party leaders was chaired by PM Sharif wherein the participants termed the PTI’s plan of the long march a “conspiracy” against the state and decided that the government would crush its designs through the power of law, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House. “It will not be a political long march of PTI but a march for a conspiracy,” the PML-N leaders agreed as they gave full authority to Prime Minister Sharif to take appropriate measures to tackle the situation. Click here to read…

Govt unveils big power relief for exporters: The Express Tribune

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday struck a deal with exporters under which subsidised electricity at nearly Rs20 per unit would be provided to them in a move that will restore the trader community’s confidence in the government but would not stop misuse of the subsidy for domestic production. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
New resolution on SL adopted at HR Council with 20 votes in favour: Daily Mirror

The new resolution on ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ A/HRC/51/5, that was presented at the 51st regular session of the Human Rights Council has been adopted with 20 voting in favour while 7 voted against the resolution and 20 abstained from voting. Click here to read…

Debt Restructuring and Implementation of Deep Reforms Critical for Sri Lanka’s Economic Stabilization: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is deepening with unsustainable debt and a severe balance of payment crisis on top of lingering scars of the COVID-19 pandemic. Debt restructuring and the implementation of a deep reform program are critical for Sri Lanka’s economic stabilization, says the World Bank in its twice-a-year update, underscoring the need for Sri Lanka to build resilience. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 29, 2022

Afghanistan
Potzel Expects Further ‘Fragmentation’ if Needs of Afghans Not Met: Tolo News

Speaking to the UN Security Council session on the Afghanistan situation, the deputy head of UNAMA, Markus Potzel, said that if the Islamic Emirate does not respond to the needs of all elements of Afghan society and constructively engage within the very limited window of opportunity with the international community, “it is unclear what would come next.” Click here to read…

Taliban and Russia Agree to ‘Special Discount’ on Purchase of Gas, Oil, and Wheat: The Khaama Press

The Taliban Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that an agreement was inked to purchase and import wheat, gas, and oil from Russia to Afghanistan. According to Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada, a spokesman for the Taliban Ministry of Commerce and Industry, products including gasoline, diesel, gas, and wheat will be purchased at a “special discount” in Russian currency. Click here to read…

Afghan Envoy at UNSC: ‘Systematic’ Exclusion of Women Under Taliban: The Khaama Press

Speaking at the UN Security Council convened to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Afghan Permanent Mission to the UN, said that Afghan women are denied their fundamental freedoms and rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
PM Hasina in Washington: Election Commission is free to hold fair polls: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the Election Commission in Bangladesh is completely free and independent, and a system has been established through an independent EC to hold free and fair elections in the country. Click here to read…

Cabinet approves India-Bangladesh MoU on withdrawal of water from Kushiyara river: The Print

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh on withdrawal of upto 153 cusecs of water each from common border river Kushiyara, a government press release read. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Govt allows import of 17,000 ton/yr green areca nut without MIP condition from Bhutan – Economic Times

The government on Wednesday allowed the import of 17,000 tonnes of green areca nut without minimum import price (MIP) condition from Bhutan every year. In 2017, the government imposed MIP at Rs 251 per kg with an aim to safeguard domestic farmers. In 2018, the imports of areca nut in any form were allowed if the price is over Rs 251 per kilogram. Click here to read…

Maldives
Japan-Maldives Foreign Ministers’ Meeting -Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

On September 28, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, who is visiting Japan to attend the state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe as Special Envoy of President of the Maldives. The two ministers concurred that Japan and the Maldives, as countries which share the fundamantal values such as the rule of law and the freedom of navigation, will cooperate even more closely to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Click here to read…

Myanmar
In Myanmar, the Tatmadaw’s Frustration Fuels a Cycle of Violence – Foreign Policy

Officials from the United States and Malaysia met on the sidelines with representatives from Myanmar’s National Unity Government, a cabinet formed by elected lawmakers ousted when the military seized power in February 2021. As diplomacy sputters, violence in Myanmar is spiraling. At least 11 children were killed on Sept. 16 when military helicopters fired on a school in Sagaing region, a resistance stronghold. The killing of students was shocking, but extreme violence has come to characterize the junta. Last month, the military allegedly rampaged through a village in Kachin State, burning down homes and killing civilians. These attacks followed a trend: The monitoring group Data for Myanmar said the military has torched more than 28,000 civilian homes since the coup, and August was the worst month on record. Click here to read…

Chinese envoy, acting FS discuss early Rohingyas repatriation, border incidents – TBS News

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has met acting foreign secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Md Khurshed Alam and discussed the ways for early repatriation of the Rohingyas and the recent incidents along Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Talking to a small group of reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the meeting on Monday, Ambassador Li said they discussed a lot of issues including “early repatriation” of the Rohingya people and cooperation in other areas between the two countries. There is a tripartite mechanism among Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to discuss and find ways to resolve the Rohingya issue. Click here to read…

Over 6,000 Myanmar children enrolled in Mizoram schools – Eat Mojo

More than 6,000 children of Myanmar nationality taking refuge in Mizoram are currently enrolled in various schools across the state, an official said on Wednesday. State school education department director Dr H. Lalthlangliana said a majority of the Myanmar children are studying in government schools, while several are also enrolled in private schools. Click here to read…

The meteoric fall of the Myanmar military junta – Global Village Space

The military junta in Myanmar, which took control in February 2021 after overthrowing the elected government, appears to be in serious peril. They disapproved of the outcomes of the national election that took place in 2020 and was organized under their direction. They rewrote Myanmar’s history, in actuality. When the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung Sun Suu Kyi, took office in 2011, they began a limited process of democratization long after their direct military dominance in the nation. Click here to read…

Nepal
Backing India’s bid for permanent membership, Nepal calls for UN Security Council reforms – Economic Times

Backing India’s long-standing demand, Nepal has called for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, making it more representative, inclusive, and transparent. Addressing the general debate of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Nepal’s foreign secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal said, ‘Nepal supports UN reform initiatives, including revitalising the General Assembly and reforming the Security Council, to make it more representative, inclusive, and transparent.’ Click here to read…

Pakistan
Bilawal wants Taliban rulers to use their influence on TTP for peace: Dawn

Speaking at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, the foreign minister also urged the United States to take lead in dealing with the devastating effects of the changing climate, which he called a ‘man-made disaster’Click here to read…

Dar favours currency market intervention: The Express Tribune

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that some changes would be made in the central bank law at “an appropriate time”, advocating intervention in the currency market that signalled a needed shift in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed policies. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
RW, Modi discuss Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in Tokyo: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring when the two held informal discussions in Tokyo last evening, on the sidelines of the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Click here to read…

Colombo port set to lose out from new direct container shipping service between Chattogram and Dubai: Daily Mirror

A direct container shipping service is to be launched between Chattogram, Bangladesh and Dubai avoiding the Colombo Port, a Bangladeshi media report said. Imports from Dubai now come to Chattogram via Sri Lanka’s Colombo port. The consignments are unloaded from the mother vessel and then loaded into smaller feeder vessels in Colombo. Export consignments are also sent to Dubai via Colombo. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 28, 2022

<h5>Afghanistan </h5>

<h5>Islamic Emirate Signs Deal for Russian Oil Products, Gas and Wheat – Tolo News </h5>

The Islamic Emirate has signed a provisional deal with Russia to supply gasoline, diesel, gas and wheat to Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi told Reuters. Azizi said his ministry was working to diversify its trading partners and that Russia had offered the Islamic Emirate administration a discount to average global commodity prices. The move, the first known major international economic deal struck by the Islamic Emirate since they returned to power more than a year ago, could help to ease the Islamist movement’s isolation that has effectively cut it off from the global banking system. <a href=”https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-180048” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>UN issues warning on warfare and increase poverty in Afghanistan – The Both Side News </h5>

The Taliban’s attack on the rights of girls and women, according to a senior U.N. official, demonstrates disregard for more than 50% of Afghanistan’s population and a willingness to risk international isolation, as well as a potential internal conflict and deepening poverty in the country. Some of the Taliban’s “claimed and recognised achievements,” Markus Potzel, the U.N. deputy representative for Afghanistan, told the Security Council, are also deteriorating. <a href=”https://thebothsidenews.com/un-issues-warning-on-warfare-and-increased-poverty-in-afghanistan/world/09/28/2022/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Bangladesh</h5>

<h5>Bangladesh wants to mark March 25 as International Genocide Day – The Print </h5>

Describing the horrors of the 1971 genocide by the Pakistani military, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that Bangladesh is working to get recognition of March 25 as International Genocide Day by all the countries in the world. “The Genocide of Bangladesh committed in 1971 by the Pakistani military is one of the most heinous crimes in human history … we do not know of another instance of such barbarism of such intensity and mayhem,” he said, reported The Daily Star. <a href=”https://theprint.in/world/bangladesh-wants-to-mark-march-25-as-international-genocide-day/1144656/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Bangladesh aims for yuan trade as cushion against mighty dollar- Nikkei Asia </h5>

Hit by a strong dollar and fearful of shrinking foreign reserves, Bangladesh is turning to alternative currency arrangements including the use of the Chinese yuan in international transactions. Bangladesh Bank, the central bank, in mid-September said that authorized dealer banks (ADs) can carry out transactions in yuan for trade with China. <a href=”https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Bangladesh-aims-for-yuan-trade-as-cushion-against-mighty-dollar

 

<h5>Bhutan </h5>

<h5>BoB imposed Nu 6.2M for system failure – Kuensel Online </h5>

The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) has imposed Nu 6.2 million (M) on Bank of Bhutan (BoB) for the system failure for about three days earlier this month. An official from the bank said that the bank is still negotiating the penalty amount with the authority. The bank’s both offline and online banking services could not be accessed because of the system failure. <a href=”https://kuenselonline.com/bob-imposed-nu-6-2m-for-system-failure/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Maldives </h5>

<h5>India Supports Hanimaadhoo Airport Project In Maldives – The WatchDog </h5>

After the contract for the largest infrastructure project to be undertaken outside the Greater Male’ region in the history of Maldives was signed, the High Commission of India in the Maldives on September 26 stated that it supports the nation in the project. The aim of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project is to transform the economic image of the North Maldives. An Indian company named JMC Projects Limited has signed the pact with the Maldives government to develop the Hanimaadhoo International Airport. <a href=”https://thewatchdog.news/national-e/india-supports-hanimaadhoo-airport-project-in-maldives/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Myanmar </h5>

<h5>The Two Hands of Washingtons Myanmar Policy – The Irrawaddy </h5>

Bilateral relations from the perspective of the Department of State are well-described by Murphy, the occupant of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Burma desk from 2007-12. As she relates this, US policy is about democracy, humanitarianism and free-market values that both nations share. And citizens pass on information in exchange for cash and vague promises of a US visa should things become difficult. <a href=”https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/the-two-hands-of-washingtons-myanmar-policy.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Intensifying pressure on Myanmar military – New Age BD </h5>

NOLEEN Heyzer, the special envoy of the UN secretary general, claimed that she would not return to Myanmar unless she could meet with former leader Aung San Suu Kyi during her brief visit there for discussions with the military leadership. According to Reuters, Suu Kyi has been detained since the February 1 coup last year and has been kept in solitary confinement since June. She has not been permitted visitors, and in August, a military spokesperson declared that the dictatorship would not permit anyone to meet with those who were charged with crimes. Suu Kyi is currently on trial for charges ranging from corruption to the disclosure of state secrets. The total maximum sentence for the crimes she is charged with is more than 190 years. <a href=”https://www.newagebd.net/article/182228/intensifying-pressure-on-myanmar-military” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Myanmar-Thailand border point where 150 Indian techies are trapped in control of rebel group – New Indian Express </h5>

The software engineers, mostly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, were entrapped in a job racket that four companies, primarily managed by some Dubai-based Chinese nationals, ran The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), a heavily-armed Myanmar rebel group fighting the military junta in that country, is suspected to be providing “protection” to an organised Malayasian-Chinese gang which continues to hold at least 150 Indian IT professionals trapped at a location on the Myanmar-Thailand border. <a href=”https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2022/sep/27/myanmar-thailand-border-point-where-150-indian-techies-are-trapped-in-control-of-rebel-group-2502492.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Nepal </h5>

<h5>Energising India-Nepal ties, the hydropower way – The Hindu</h5>

Nepal’s move to involve India in completing the West Seti and Seti River (SR6) joint storage project has the potential to enhance much-needed cross-border power exchanges. On August 18, 2022, the Investment Board Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited to develop the West Seti and Seti River (SR6) projects — a total of 1,200 MW. <a href=”https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/energising-india-nepal-ties-the-hydropower-way/article65943114.ece?homepage=true” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Nepal President Blocks Citizenship Law – Human Rights Watch </h5>

Nepal’s ceremonial president, Bidiya Bhandari, has refused to endorse a Citizenship Bill passed by parliament, denying an estimated 500,000 people access to citizenship documents and threatening to plunge the country into a constitutional crisis. A deadline for her to sign the law expired last week. <a href=”https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/09/26/nepal-president-blocks-citizenship-law” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Pakistan </h5>

<h5>Pakistans Vicious IMF Cycle – The Diplomat </h5>

On August 29, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the last remaining $1.1 billion in funds for Pakistan, following a combined seventh and eighth review of the extended fund facility provided to the country. The $6 billion bailout agreed upon in 2019 conditioned the IMF loan to market-determined exchange rate and rebuilding of official reserves in order to reduce public debt, ensure fiscal growth, and increase the country’s per capita income. The fund facility, extended until June 2023, is the 23rd IMF program that Pakistan has received in its 75-year existence. <a href=”https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/pakistans-vicious-imf-cycle/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>After Jaishankar swipe at US over Pakistan F-16s, Antony Blinken says only to fight terror – Indian Express </h5>

Antony Blinken said it was a programme for F-16s that Pakistan already had, and it was Washington’s “obligation” to provide military equipment to ensure that the aircraft are maintained and sustained to bolster Islamabad’s capability to deal with “clear terrorist threats” from Al Qaeda and ISIS. A day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the US decision to provide a $450-million sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet was “not fooling anybody”, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it is not a new programme. <a href=”https://indianexpress.com/article/india/after-jaishankar-swipe-at-us-over-pak-f-16s-blinken-says-only-to-fight-terror-8176851/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>Sri Lanka </h5>

<h5>Asia’s ticking debt bomb: Sri Lanka crisis sounds alarm bells across region – Asia Nikkei </h5>

Every day after 4 p.m., residents in this quiet, leafy village listen for the putt-putting of motorbikes on the sandy road next to their homes. When they hear it, they know to shut their doors and turn off their lights. Their children are instructed to run inside and not let anyone in. A motorbike is the vehicle of choice for local debt collectors, who fan out through places like Chandana Pokuna, some 500 brick-faced, rundown houses in Sri Lanka’s rice-farming north central district of Polonnaruwa. The motorcycle men, agents of microlending companies, start work in the late afternoon, when they know residents will be at home. <a href=”https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Asia-s-ticking-debt-bomb-Sri-Lanka-crisis-sounds-alarm-bells-across-region” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

 

<h5>High-security zones in Sri Lanka to ensure stability – Tribune India </h5>

The Sri Lankan Government on Monday defended its decision to declare several key locations in Colombo as high-security zones, saying the move was aimed at ensuring stability and not curbing freedom of expression. President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday declared several locations, including Parliament, the Supreme Court complex and the President’s Secretariat among others, as high-security zones (HSZs), banning any kind of protest or agitation in their vicinity. <a href=”https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/high-security-zones-in-lanka-to-ensure-stability-435805” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 23, 2022

Afghanistan
Cargo Leaves China For Afghanistan On New Route Bypassing Russia – Oil Price

China has dispatched a first load of freight to Afghanistan on a new road and rail route transiting Central Asia which will cut travel time by several weeks.The multimodal route starts in China’s northwestern Xinjiang province then passes through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan before entering Afghanistan. Click here to read…

21 years after 9/11, where does Afghanistan stand today – Economic Times

On May 2, 2011, the U.S. Special Forces killed Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden in Pakistan’s Abbottabad in operation Neptune Spear. The fact that Bin Laden was hiding out in Pakistan exposed Islamabad’s failure to track down, or failure to reveal the hideout of America’s most wanted terrorist. The U.S. led NATO forces left Kabul in 2021, but the war against terror continues in Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Bangladesh, Cambodia to sign FTA for boosting trade cooperation – New Age BD

During a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and her Cambodian counterpart Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in New York on Thursday night, they agreed to do it, said foreign minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing reporters about the activities of the PM on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Click here to read…

Traders worried as India top bank suspends dollar transaction with Bangladesh – TBS News

The public sector lender State Bank of India (SBI), which has been operating for four decades in Dhaka, has suspended export-import transactions in dollars with Bangladesh, raising concern among the business community of both countries as India is the second highest import source for Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Bhutan Reopens with New Sustainable Tourism Strategy – Travel Pulse

The Kingdom of Bhutan officially reopens to international travelers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic today, September 22, unveiling a new tourism strategy focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades and more. Click here to read…vv

Maldives
Maldives is proud to have demonstrated leadership at the UN General Assembly: FM Shahid – Raajje

Maldives is proud to have demonstrated leadership at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. FM Shahid said this in a message on the 57th Anniversary of the Maldives Membership at the UN, extended on Thursday. As such, FM Shahid highlighted on the fact that Maldives joined the UN at a time a small state joining the UN was questioned, 57 years ago. Click here to read…

Myanmar
US seeks action, possible UN resolution, on Myanmar junta – Channel News

The United States is seeking more pressure on Myanmar’s junta through the United Nations (UN) and is urging the international community not to recognize upcoming elections, a senior official said Thursday. Click here to read…

Mizoram chief minister meets Shah, discusses influx of refugees from Myanmar – Hindustan Times

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Thursday met Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the influx of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar. In an Instagram post, Zoramthanga said Shah took stock of the situation at the meeting. Click here to read…

Tatmadaw, ARSA, Arakan army, Yaba economy – News Age BD

BANGLADESH is in a spot as far as Myanmar is concerned. Not that Myanmar is doing much better having to fight just about every ethnic group in the country. Given the truncated reality of its cartography, Myanmar probably does not qualify as a state, certainly not as a single unit or even a federation. A half of the map is under rebel control. Click here to read…

Nepal
Nepal’s NDC on climate change – Kathmandu Post

The last three decades of the international climate regime have shown positive accomplishments. The establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the goals of mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, the Kyoto Protocol with legally binding emissions targets for developed countries, the Paris Agreement with a temperature threshold of 2 degrees Celsius (and pursue best efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius), and establishment of the net-zero target are three key milestones of past 30 years of climate change negotiation. Click here to read…

Two Nepal projects selected under China’s GDI – Kathmandu Post

At a time when not a single project under the Beijing-led Belt and Road Initiatives has commenced in Nepal, two projects from Nepal have been selected under China’s another initiative called, the Global Development Initiative. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Death toll in devastating Pakistan flooding reaches 1,596

The overall death toll in Pakistan from the devastating floods has increased to 1,596, with 12,863 others injured, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. In the last 24 hours, 20 new fatalities were reported, reports Xinhua news agency citing the NDMA as saying. Click here to read…

China blocks action against Pakistan-based terrorist in ‘favour’ to close ally – Siasat

China has again blocked action in UN Sanctions Committee against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader and 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Sajid Mir, drawing strong criticism from India. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Foreign ambassadors assure support to recover Sri Lanka from the economic crisis – Colombo Page

The foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka have assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe their support to get the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to recover the island nation from the worst economic crisis in its history. Click here to read…

New resolution on Sri Lanka tabled in Geneva – Colombo Gazette

The draft resolution, which was formally handed over to the Human Rights Council Secretariat on Wednesday, has been sponsored by the UK, US, Germany, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Click here to read…