News Report: India’s New Combat Intelligence Service to Track Activities in Nepal, Bhutan

The Indian government had been receiving inputs of an increased presence of Chinese and Pakistani spies in Nepal and Bhutan who could foment trouble in India with the help of local elements in those countries.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — India’s armed border force, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), has operationalized its new intelligence unit to track the activities of China and Pakistan along its visa-free stretches of Nepal and Bhutan. The combat-ready intelligence wing has 650 trained field agents and other staff members who will gather actionable information.

Due to centuries-old cultural and economic linkages among peoples across the border, the Indian government has been in agreement with Nepal and Bhutan to allow visa-free trans-border movement of people across the frontier areas that mainly comprise densely populated foothills and plains as well as thick jungles, underdeveloped regions and inhospitable terrains, making it easy for criminals and rogue entities to move freely in the areas.

“There is trans-border movement of criminals and anti-national elements which pose a major challenge on the border in the context of the visa-free regime,” a senior official of the SSB said.

News Story: Aussie FM to discuss challenges related to terrorism, modern slavery at UN General Assembly

Image: Flickr User - UN Geneva

CANBERRA, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Saturday declared the changing face of terrorism and modern slavery to be two of her key talking points at the upcoming 72nd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

The UN General Assembly will take place in New York on Sept. 16-24. In a statement detailing her trip, Bishop said there were a number of talking points which Australia will seek to raise.

"The United Nations continues to be an important forum for maintaining the international rules-based order, which is vital for the pursuit of every nation's interest," Bishop said on Saturday.

"I will highlight Australia's leadership and experience in tackling important challenges, including modern slavery, malaria, climate change and terrorism. I will participate in the Global Counter Terrorism Forum and speak with partners about our joint efforts to counter (Islamic State) including in our region."

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Sri Lanka, Australia sign agreement to counter human trafficking

COLOMBO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling a closer cooperation to counter human trafficking in the region, the Australian High Commission in Colombo said in a statement.

The MoU, inked on Thursday, will facilitate the return to Sri Lanka of people who are involved in human trafficking activities.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: India Seeks More Maritime Support From Neighbors to Oust China From Indian Ocean

India has been pushing for a collective security mechanism with its maritime neighbors to prevent China from making further inroads into the Indian Ocean region where India has its strategically most important economic zone.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – In view of the increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean Region, India is lobbying hard for a consensus among other countries of the region to support India. India’s foreign minister, Sushma Swaraj is in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, where she addressed the inaugural session of the second Indian Ocean conference. She called for the development of a security architecture for collective action.

“We will use our capabilities for the collective well being, and the mutual benefit of our maritime neighbors and island states in building their capabilities. As we envisage the Indian Ocean as an engine for growth and prosperity in our region and beyond, it is of utmost importance that these waters remain safe and secure. We consider it an imperative that those who live in this region bear the primary responsibility for the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indian Ocean,” Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said. 

News Story: Japan's anti-conspiracy law takes effect amid civil rights concerns

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese law penalizing the planning of a range of crimes took effect Tuesday, with the government insisting that it will help thwart terrorism even as concerns linger among the public that enhanced police power could lead to suppression of civil liberties.

Under the law, which the ruling parties rammed through the Diet last month, terrorist groups or other criminal organizations will be punished for planning and preparing to commit 277 crimes. It brings a major change to Japan's criminal law system that had basically applied penalties only after crimes had actually been committed.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has framed the law as an essential tool for tackling terrorism in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and necessary to ratify a U.N. treaty on international organized crime. Japan is the only country among the Group of Seven countries that has yet to ratify the convention despite signing it in 2000.

But opponents including legal experts have warned that the definition of terrorist groups and other organized criminal groups is vague, leaving room for anyone to be punished. They also criticized that the law's application on offenses included those that seem to be unrelated to organized crimes, such as forestry product theft.

The government has denied arbitrary punishment by investigative authorities, saying that what constitutes a crime is specified under the law and is also checked by courts.

The bill deliberated at the Diet was more commonly known as the "conspiracy bill" in a reference to three similarly worded bills that had sought to introduce a conspiracy charge.

Read the full story at The Mainichi

News Story: Thailand prepares anti-human trafficking plan for second half

Bangkok (VNA/NNT) - The Social Development and Human Security Ministry of Thailand has been preparing its anti-human trafficking plan for the second half of this year. 

Social Development and Human Security Minister Pol. Gen. AdulSaengsingkaew attended a meeting on July 6 with representatives of both public and private agencies to discuss developments in advancing the clampdown on human trafficking. 

The meeting was also in response to the US government’s Trafficking in Persons Report for 2017, which still maintains Thailand’s Tier 2 ranking, and to formulate an operational plan for the second half of 2017. 

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Ex-CIA chief - China only card for resolving N. Korea problem

WASHINGTON, July 6 (Yonhap) -- China is still the only card the U.S. can use to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis, a former CIA chief said, despite calls for tougher measures against Pyongyang in the wake of its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

James Woolsey, who served as CIA director during the administration of Bill Clinton, made the remark in an interview with AOL.com, saying regime change isn't likely going to work for the North.

"Regime change in North Korea is very difficult, and I don't know what leverage we've got," Woolsey said. "It's very hard to figure out how to do that, and Kim Jong-un doesn't seem like the type of leader that can be persuaded to step down by sweet reason."

"I think our only card is China," Woolsey said . "We have to convince China to work with us and to continue its economic pressure and enhance its economic pressure... I think China is the ballgame."

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed growing frustration after months of fruitless effort to persuade China to exercise more of its influence as the North's economic lifeline to rein in the regime. China accounts for nearly 90 percent of the North's total trade.

Read the full story at YonhapNews

News Story: Trump questions sincerity of China's efforts to rein in N. Korea

By Chang Jae-soon

WASHINGTON, July 5 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday questioned the sincerity of China's efforts to pressure North Korea, pointing out a sharp increase in the country's trade with the communist neighbor.

"Trade between China and North Korea grew almost 40% in the first quarter. So much for China working with us -- but we had to give it a try!" Trump said in a Twitter posting.

It was Trump's latest expression of frustration after months of fruitless efforts to persuade China to exercise more of its influence as the North's economic lifeline to rein in the regime. China accounts for nearly 90 percent of the North's total trade.

Trump's frustration appears to have deepened after the North stunned the world with its first test Tuesday of an intercontinental ballistic missile apparently capable of striking the United States.

Read the full story at YonhapNews

News Report: After Pyongyang's Missile Launch, Trump Signals He May Give Up on China’s Xi

The Trump administration, following what Washington officials are saying was North Korea’s first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, has suggested that Washington may go it alone on Pyongyang, unless China makes a “heavy move” toward disarming the isolated country.

US President Donald Trump and his advisors have suggested, in light of Pyongyang's suspected ICBM launch on Monday, that unless China takes the kind of action his administration demands, Washington will act alone against a consistently belligerent People's Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) that has steadfastly refused to scale down its nuclear weapons program.

Trump's Sunday night phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping preceded the missile launch, and was cordial but blunt, according to the New York Times, as the US president warned that the White House would act alone, if need be, to stop Pyongyang's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons program.

The announcement of Washington's willingness to act alone is seen as a clear indication that any honeymoon between Trump's administration and Beijing is over, as the US has recently completed a large sale of weapons to Taiwan, threatened Beijing with trade sanctions, and accused China of widespread human trafficking.

News Story: Chinese envoy warns of 'disastrous' consequences unless talks reopen with N. Korea

NEW YORK, July 3 (Yonhap) -- China's ambassador to the United Nations warned Monday that tensions with North Korea could get out of control and lead to disastrous consequences unless negotiations reopen as early as possible.

Ambassador Liu Jieyi made the remark to reporters during a news conference he held as China took over this month's presidency at the U.N. Security Council.

"Currently tensions are high and we certainly would like to see a de-escalation," the envoy said. "If tension only goes up ... then sooner or later it will get out of control and the consequences would be disastrous."

Liu called for resuming talks with the North at an early date.

"We cannot afford to wait for too long without dialogue taking place," he said.

Read the full story at YonhapNews

News Story: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia to tighten noose on IS allied terrorists

MANILA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia closed ranks on Thursday, committing to tighten the noose on Islamic State (IS) militants in Southeast Asia like tightening the flow of funds to finance the terror cells operating in the region.

The three Southeast Asian countries also vowed "to work together to jointly develop and implement counter-terrorism measures and strategies" to ensure that the IS militants will not gain foothold in the region.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman attended the meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation to nip in the bud efforts of IS terrorists to establish a caliphate or base in the region.

High-level officials from the countries respective armed forces, national police and intelligence agencies also attended the meeting.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Malaysia, Australia join hands to fight transnational crime

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia and Australia have committed to working together to tackle transnational criminals, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said during his visit to Australia on May 8-10.

The two countries also talked about handling illegal migrants though border patrol trainings, intelligence exchanges and closer cooperation, he added.

During his visit, Zahid met with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton, Justice Minister Michael Keenan and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Vietnam urges ASEAN, Canada to boost cooperation in priority areas

Ottawa (VNA) – ASEAN and Canada need to promote cooperation in priority fields such as maritime and cyber security, fighting human trafficking, coping with climate change and ensuring water security, especially the Mekong River lower reaches, a Vietnamese official has said. 

Head of the Vietnam delegation Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung made the suggestion at the 14th ASEAN-Canada Dialogue in Ottawa, Canada, on May 7-8. 

He proposed that the two sides continue utilising effectively existing mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN-Canada consultative meeting, urging Canada to bring into full play its role as an important member of major groupings such as the G7 and the G20, and back the ASEAN in building a rule-based regional security structure.

The delegate called for promoting education cooperation through increasing the number of Canada’s scholarships for Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, and closer links between ASEAN and Canada in tourism and people-to-people exchange, along with joint efforts to narrow development gap. 

He also asked Canada to encourage its firms to invest in infrastructure projects, development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-up activities in ASEAN member nations. 

The Vietnamese diplomat stated that Vietnam always attaches importance to ASEAN-Canada relations and hopes the two sides will have more practical activities to fully tap the cooperation potential

Read the full story at VietnamPlus

News Story: Pakistan, Iran to enhance border security, revive hotline

ISLAMABAD, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan and Iran agreed on Wednesday to boost border security and revive hotline between border security forces of the two countries.

The agreement came one week after 10 Iranian border guards were killed in clashes with militants in southeastern Iran near the Pakistani border.

Iranian leaders had alleged that the gunmen had "used Pakistani soil for the attack."

A militant group called "Jaish ul-Adl" had claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria had stated that the incident had occurred inside the Iranian territory. He condemned the attack and sent condolences to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, held talks with Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on various issues, including border security.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Philippines, Thailand strengthen defense, economic ties

By Alexis Romero

BANGKOK – Leaders of the Philippines and Thailand have vowed to strengthen defense and economic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to address common concerns.

In a bilateral meeting described as “productive and fruitful,” President Duterte and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stressed that they have a joint responsibility to uphold the interests of their countries and the region.

“I am glad that our discussions today were productive and fruitful. The discussions point to a keen interest in moving forward to a future of greater peace, progress and prosperity,” Duterte said on Tuesday night.

“Among other issues, we resolved to use our consultative mechanisms to the fullest. This will ensure that issues of common concern are addressed and that we continue to build on the commitments that we have made,” he added.

The two leaders cited the need to address traditional and emerging threats to their collective security and stability, including transnational crimes like terrorism and violent extremism, piracy, as well as human and drug trafficking.

“We vowed to do more, our utmost to strengthen cooperation in bilateral, regional and international levels to effectively address these scourges and menace to our societies,” Duterte said.

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Story: Philippines, Thailand eye stronger defense, economic ties

By Alexis Romero

BANGKOK – The leaders of the Philippines and Thailand have vowed to strengthen their defense and economic cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to work together to address common concerns.

In a bilateral meeting described as “productive and fruitful,” President Rodrigo Duterte and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stressed that they have a joint stake in keeping their ties strong to uphold the interests of their countries and the region.

“I am glad that our discussions today were productive and fruitful. The discussions point to a keen interest in moving forward to a future of greater peace, progress and prosperity,” Duterte said.

“Among other issues, we resolved to use our consultative mechanisms to the fullest. This will ensure that issues of common concerns are addressed and that we continue to build on the commitments that we have made,” he added.

The two leaders cited the need to address traditional and emerging threats to their collective security and stability, including transnational crimes like terrorism and violent extremism, piracy, human and drug trafficking.

“We vowed to do more, our utmost to strengthen cooperation in bilateral, regional, and international levels to effectively address these scourges and menace to our societies,” Duterte said.

Read the full story at PhilStar

News Story: Thailand, Philippines vow to boost military cooperation to address security issues

BANGKOK, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Thailand and the Philippines pledged here Tuesday to boost military cooperation between the two countries to address security issues like terrorism and illegal drugs.

The pledge was made at a joint press conference after the meeting between Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha and visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

"We stress the need to address traditional and emerging threats to our collective security and stability. This includes transnational crimes such as terrorism and violent extremism, piracy at sea as well as the trafficking of persons and illicit drugs," Duterte told the press.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: Afghan Army Casualties Hit 10-Year High in 2016 - Presidential Adviser

The Afghan Army suffered more casualties in combat operations against insurgents last year than in any comparable period in the past decade, President Ashraf Ghani, said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Afghan Army and related security forces suffered more than 18,500 casualties during 2016 according to official figures from the Kabul government.

“The level of casualties in 2016 ended up far higher than in the previous decade,” Qayoumi stated on Friday.

Qayoumi also said the Afghan armed forces continue to fight more than 20 “global terrorist organizations” including recruits from many other countries that conduct massive illicit activity including the drug trade, human trafficking, terrorism and antiquities.

Afghanistan had been facing instability for many years with the government troops fighting against the Islamist terror organization Taliban seeking to establish a strict Sharia law in the country. The turmoil resulted in the rise of other terrorist groups such as the Islamic State, outlawed in Russia.

The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, as well as the Afghanistan-based US forces are currently conducting joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Story: Eight arrested in Sri Lanka for attempting to flee to New Zealand by boat

COLOMBO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Police arrested eight people on Friday, for attempting to flee illegally to New Zealand by boat, the police media unit said.

The police said the asylum seekers were arrested from Negombo, in the outskirts of Colombo.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Sri Lanka, Australia reaffirm commitment to countering illegal people smuggling trade

COLOMBO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka and Australia have agreed to further strengthen their commitment to countering the illegal people smuggling trade, a joint statement released by the Prime Minister's Office said here Wednesday.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull, have underlined the importance of continuing to counter the illegal people smuggling trade, which puts vulnerable peoples' lives at risk and enriches criminal networks.

Both leaders emphasized their pledge to detect and deter people smuggling ventures and to strengthen the close working relationship between agencies, the joint statement said.

Wickremesinghe who is currently on a four-day official visit to Australia, urged compatriots who are being held in Australian-run immigration detention centers to come home.

Read the full story at Xinhua