#SecurityScan 52: China's new appointment for PLA Rocket Force Chief and more
Though Hong Kong is an APEC member, Lee is banned from entering the U.S. for his role in crackdowns against pro-democracy protests under a stringent national security law enacted by Beijing in 2020.
NewsBharati 08-Aug-2023 15:59:47 PM
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This article is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting India's national security .
Countering Chinese Multi domain War
Taiwan boosts counter-espionage effort after suspected China infiltration
Taiwan's military is intensifying counter-espionage efforts as it investigates several former and present officers suspected of spying for China. China, which regards Taiwan as its own, has reportedly been aggressively attempting to undermine the leadership of the democratically-governed island through spying.
China exposure to US dollar ‘weaponisation’ demands rethink
On yuan internationalization as geopolitical woes intensify, Yu Yongding warns that Securing China’s overseas assets has become more difficult in a time rife with geopolitical wrangling that has altered the world’s currency-use landscape.
While the yuan is positioned to play a ‘bigger role on the international stage’, international monetary system looks to remain dominated by US dollar.
US to Give Taiwan $345 Million in Arms Over China Protest
Weapons to come from existing stocks to speed delivery. China has criticized previous US assistance packages.
The US will supply Taiwan with $345 million in defense equipment, services and training, using the fast-track authority that it has relied on to speed arms to Ukraine.
The package will include “critical defensive stockpiles, multi domain awareness, anti-armor and air-defense capabilities,” said a Defense Department spokesperson.
Chinese coastguard ships sent on fisheries patrol mission to the northern Pacific
The Qushan and the Haimen head to distant waters with the power to board and inspect vessels. The effort is part of China’s international obligations, according to state media.
Europe Avoids China’s Belt and Road Forum, Keeping a Distance From Xi and Putin
Russia’s president has confirmed his attendance at planned summit, deterring Western countries that Beijing wants to win over. After three years of COVID isolation, Chinese leader Xi Jinping is planning a blowout bash for his signature Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
U.S. bars Hong Kong leader from APEC summit
Beijing hits back against 'unreasonable sanctions' targeting John Lee. The U.S. government has decided to bar Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee from attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit set for November in San Francisco.
Though Hong Kong is an APEC member, Lee is banned from entering the U.S. for his role in crackdowns against pro-democracy protests under a stringent national security law enacted by Beijing in 2020. The U.S. decided not to allow Lee to attend the upcoming summit due to the sanctions he faces.
US Senate Targets China, Voting to Restrict Farmland Purchases and U.S. Investment
Senators voted overwhelmingly to block Chinese businesses from buying farmland and mandate that American investment in the country’s national security industries be tracked.
Half of Americans polled see China as the biggest threat to the U.S., says Pew Research
Half of Americans widely consider China as the biggest threat facing their nation, a new Pew Research Center survey revealed.
In an open-ended question, asking Americans to name any country as the greatest threat to the U.S. — 50% said China. This was almost three times more than the share who named Russia (17%).
China's Xi calls for combat readiness as PLA marks founding anniversary
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the country's armed forces to quicken its modernization and broaden its combat capabilities and readiness, according to state news agency Xinhua. Several military exercises have increasingly showcased China's new aircraft carrier and long-range stealth jet fighter as the country ramps up drills amid increased external threats and deteriorating external environments.
German military struggles to find new recruits
Germany's armed forces are facing major problems in attracting new recruits, the defence minister said Wednesday, as Berlin seeks to overhaul its creaking military following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Bundeswehr has long suffered from a lack of resources and funding but the start of the Ukraine war prompted Chancellor Olaf Scholz to pledge to boost spending.
India to attend Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan in Russia on September 29
India will attend the new Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan in the Russian city of Kazan on September 29 eyeing to safeguard its strategic interests and push for an inclusive government that serves rights of all sections of the society. The meeting will call for creation of an inclusive government in Kabul that represents the interests of all sections and ethnic groups of Afghan society, according to the host Russia. India will be part of the meeting.
Kremlin says Russia will return to Black Sea grain deal when its interests are upheld
The Kremlin on Wednesday restated its position on the Black Sea grain deal, saying Moscow was ready to return to the accord that allowed for export of Ukrainian grain by sea once the part that concerns Russia was implemented.
China names General Wang Houbin as new PLA Rocket Force chief after former commanders snared in corruption scandal
An unusually sweeping shake-up will see the force responsible for the country’s nuclear arsenal get a new commander and political commissar at the same time. The force’s former head Li Yuchao and other senior commanders have been placed under investigation.
Xi is leaning on old friends to enforce party discipline in China's military. Chinese leader has stressed loyalty, fight against corruption ahead of PLA anniversary.
China using families as 'hostages' to quash Uyghur dissent abroad
China is pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners by threatening families back home, researchers say. Refugees and activists tell the intimidating tactics are tearing communities apart.
"My dearest son," said Alim's mother as she flickered into view. "I didn't think I'd see you before I died."Alim - not his real name - says he was overcome by the moment. The reunion over a video call was their first contact in six years, since he fled as a refugee to the UK.
Like all Uyghurs - a mostly Muslim minority from north-western China - Alim's mother lives under intense surveillance and control. They could never call each other directly.But Alim says he knew this contact with his mother would come at a cost - because the man brokering the call was a Chinese police officer.
Italy minister: Joining China's Belt and Road was 'atrocious' decision
Italy made an "improvised and atrocious" decision when it joined China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) four years ago as it did little to boost exports, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said in an interview published on Sunday.
Italy signed up to the BRI under a previous government, becoming the only major Western country to have taken such a step. Crosetto is part of an administration that is considering how to break free of the agreement.
U.S. Hunts Chinese Malware That Could Disrupt American Military Operations
American intelligence officials believe the malware could give China the power to disrupt or slow American deployments or resupply operations, including during a Chinese move against Taiwan.
China wants to mobilise entire nation in counter-espionage
China wants to encourage its citizens to join counter-espionage work, including creating channels for individuals to report suspicious activity as well as commending and rewarding them, the state security ministry said on Tuesday.
A system that makes it "normal" for the masses to participate in counter-espionage must be established, wrote the Ministry of State Security, the main agency overlooking foreign intelligence and anti-spying, in its first post on its WeChat account, which went live on Monday.
EU ready to strengthen maritime security cooperation with the Philippines
The European Union is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday, as she stressed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.She was speaking after a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila where the two leaders discussed a range of issues from security and trade to climate change.
Internal Security
Two 'hybrid' terrorists arrested in J-K's Baramulla
Security forces have arrested two "hybrid terrorists" affiliated with banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. The individuals, identified as Faisal Majeed Ganie and Nurul Kamran Ganie, were arrested with arms and ammunition, including a pistol, magazine, four rounds and a grenade, which they meant to use for terrorist activity ahead of Independence Day.
ATS arrests three Al-Qaeda 'associates' from Rajkot
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday said it has arrested three suspected Al-Qaeda operatives from Rajkot. "They were working in gold polishing units in Rajkot," one of the trio was in touch with a Jamatul Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) operative Abdulla Talha, who was arrested by the Bangladeshi counter terrorism agency some days back.
External Security
Indian Army implements common uniform for Brigadier and above ranks
The Indian Army has introduced a uniform regulation for senior officers with Brigadier and above ranks, aimed at promoting a common identity and character within the Army. The new step will see headgear, shoulder rank badges, gorget patches, belt, and shoes standardised. By ensuring a common identity through a uniform, officers will be better able to approach service matters beyond the boundaries of regiments.
Missing Army jawan found
Javaid Ahmad Wani, who was supposed to return to work in Ladakh on 21 April, had disappeared after going out to buy meat.
Police and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have found an army soldier who went missing in Kulgam district on 18 April.
Indian navy ships dock in Papua New Guinea as interest in Pacific sharpens
Two Indian navy ships, the INS Kolkata and the INS Sahyadri, have docked in the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, for two days. The visit aims to “enhance maritime cooperation and security in the region”. The ships will go on to join naval exercises with Japan, Australia, and the US, known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad. The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in May and comes amid rising concern about China’s increasing influence in the Pacific region. China is PNG’s largest trading partner.
Technology Wars-
Modi pitches India as 'reliable' base for chipmaking
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday vowed to make the country a "reliable" base for the semiconductor industry, as the U.S.-China confrontation reshapes global chip supply chains.
"As India moves forward on the path of reform, new opportunities will be created," Modi said in a speech to open SemiconIndia, a chip industry event in Gandhinagar, in his western home state of Gujarat. "India is becoming an excellent conductor for semiconductor investments.
India can be a bigger winner in the supply chain shift from China.U.S. and allies see the country as a trustworthy alternative sourcing hub.Supply chains are at the center of the latest chapter in India-U.S. relations
Make In India-Apple Supplier Foxconn Plans $500 Million Component Plants in India
Apple Inc.’s main supplier, Foxconn Technology Group, is planning to invest close to $500 million to build two component factories in India as part of a steady diversification from China.
At least one of the factories that the Taiwanese company plans to construct in the southern Karnataka state will produce Apple parts, including for iPhones. A formal announcement is expected as early as this week.
Inside Apple's India dream-Tech giant aims to move at least 20% of iPhone production to India as it accelerates away from China
Expanding production in India is a massive strategic undertaking for Apple, not to mention for the hundreds of companies that make parts for Apple iPhones. Many, like Kevin's employer, are expected to relocate on Apple's whims.
For years, China had been the stable bedrock of slick Apple production. More than 80% of Apple's top 188 suppliers have at least one manufacturing facility in China, a Nikkei analysis shows.
But the era of exclusive dependence on China is ending -- both for political and commercial reasons. Earlier in 2023, Apple told suppliers to prepare to build at least 20% of total iPhone annual production in India in the coming years. The proportion currently stands at less than 10%.
Apple wants to broaden and deepen production in India, where it is currently weighted more toward routine tasks like assembly. Rather than snapping together already finished components in India, Apple plans to make more intermediate parts, such as metal casings, in the country.
Japan chip equipment supplier Disco eyes India as U.S. chipmakers move in
Japanese chipmaking device supplier Disco wants to establish a center in India that would provide support for clients and serve as a base for marketing to the country's budding semiconductor industry. Disco is one of the world's leading makers of tools for cutting and grinding silicon wafers.
Economic War-
BlackRock, MSCI Face Congressional Probes for Facilitating China Investments
Americans’ retirement funds are unwittingly fueling Chinese firms the U.S. has flagged over security and human-rights issues, lawmakers say
The world’s largest asset manager and a top stock-market-index compiler are being investigated by a congressional committee for facilitating American investment in Chinese companies the U.S. government has accused of bolstering China’s military and violating human rights.
Berlin’s Delicate Balance With Beijing,-Will a Toughened China Strategy Be Enough?
Germany’s new China strategy is an important step toward a more realistic assessment of Germany’s economic vulnerabilities as it becomes dangerously exposed to any disruptions caused by or emanating from China. With its focus on economic risks and only secondary consideration of hard security issues, however, it is in danger of being quickly overtaken in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
Tensions between the Asian rivals will likely prevent the BRICS bloc from ever posing a coherent challenge to the West
For an acronym coined by an investment bank in a decades-old report notable mainly for being wrong, “BRICS” has had a good run. It was once an idea, then a summit, and now, for some at least, a global force. The grouping — originally Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010 — is increasingly described as a counterweight to the existing Western-run multilateral institutions, a sort of G-5 for the Global South.But this Club Isn’t Big Enough for Both India and China.India won’t be satisfied playing second fiddle to China. Hence BRICS will never be a counter to Western world.
In India, it's advantage Tesla as Chinese automakers face heat
Tesla (TSLA.O) has had a red-carpet welcome from India for its proposal to invest in the country, while its largest rival in electric vehicles, China's BYD (002594.SZ), has been stopped cold by increased scrutiny from New Delhi.
The result could be an opening for Tesla to negotiate terms for an entry to the world's third-largest auto market without the competitive threat from BYD that it faces in other emerging markets, like Thailand.
Ukraine War
The Ukraine War That Defied Expectations-What Ukraine Revealed About Military Power
A U.S.-Chinese war, then, would not be fast or straightforward. It would not be decided by a battle here or a battle there, or by which country has the fanciest weapons. Instead, it would be decided by the ability of each side to operate complex military systems and staff its forces with well-trained and motivated personnel—potentially for a very long time. Any state contemplating military action in the region should realize these facts, and then think twice before launching a conflict.
Russian missiles kill at least 6 in Zelenskyy's hometown in central Ukraine
The strike on Zelenskyy's hometown, which has been hit in the past, happened a day after the Ukrainian president seemed to warn of more attacks inside Russia. "Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia - to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process," Zelenskyy said Sunday in his nightly video address.
Drone hits office tower in Moscow: Mayor
On Sunday, Russia said it had downed Ukrainian drones targeting the capital in an attack that damaged two office towers in Moscow-City, a business district. Shortly after the drone attack, Moscow's Vnukovo international airport was briefly closed, TASS state news agency reported. Moscow and its environs, lying about 500 kilometres (310 miles) from the Ukrainian border, had rarely been targeted during the conflict in Ukraine until several drone attacks this year.
Ukraine’s Attacks in Russia are a psychological war ,aimed at Degrading Moscow’s Ability to Wage War. The stepped-up drone and missile attacks show a will to hamper the Kremlin’s military logistics, and to remind ordinary Russians of the cost of war.
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BRIG Hemant Mahajan
Passionate writer on National Security related issues, Brig Hemant Mahajan YSM (Retd) is M Sc, M Phil in Defence Studies. He joined IMA Dehradun in July 1973 and passed out as a Commissioned Officer on 15 June 1975. He was commissioned into 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. He has served extensively in Counter Insurgency Operations in Insurgency and Terrorist prone areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and North East and has taken part in all important operations undertaken by the Army since 1975.
Brig Hemant Mahajan served in Jammu & Kashmir, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in Super High Altitude areas of Kargil and Leh, forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He was deployed in Punjab in ‘Operation Avert’. He was also involved in maintaining peace post ‘Operation Bluestar’ days in Punjab in the worst affected district of Gurdaspur, Taran Taran and Amritsar.He served in the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Sikkim. He commanded his battalion 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in Operation Rakshak in the most difficult areas of Poonch and Rajouri during the times of highest militancy. His unit was responsible for stopping terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was awarded Unit Citation, 18 gallantry awards including YSM (gallantry) for the officer.