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News18
14-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
How India's Kinetic Action On Myanmar Terror Groups Struck At China's Shadow Theatre
Insurgent groups, armed by Chinese grey market arms networks, have long acted as proxies for Beijing in Myanmar—guarding critical infrastructure linked to Belt & Road Initiative The drone strikes reportedly carried out by the Indian Army on insurgent camps in Myanmar mark a direct challenge to China's 'deniability model", where Beijing has relied on non-state actors—such as insurgent groups and private security contractors—to exert influence in neighboring countries while maintaining plausible deniability, CNN-News18 has learnt. Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that India's decisive action has not only exposed this model but also 'strategically undermined China's reach into key areas, particularly Myanmar's border regions and parts of India's north-eastern states like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh". India's strikes focused on the Naga Self-Administered Zone, hitting locations such as ULFA(I)'s Eastern Command headquarters at Hoyat Basti and 779 Camp in Waktham Basti. Additionally, camps of the NSCN-K, PLA, and RPF were also struck by Indian drones. The ULFA(I), in a press statement, said Nayan Asom alias Nayan Medhi, who was the 'chairman' of its 'lower council', was killed in the attacks. It said two other senior leaders, 'brigadier' Ganesh Asom and 'colonel' Pradip Asom, were killed in the second round of attacks during Nayan Asom's funeral. At least 19 others were injured, it added. However, when contacted, a defence spokesperson said there 'are no inputs of such an operation". The timing and execution of these strikes are no accident. India's operation goes far beyond targeting insurgent groups. By dismantling the leadership of ULFA-I and NSCN-K in Myanmar's Sagaing region, India has effectively neutralised a key component of China's regional security apparatus. Intel sources said these insurgent groups, armed by Chinese grey market arms networks operating in Yunnan, have long acted as proxies for Beijing in Myanmar—guarding critical infrastructure linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Kyaukpyu–Mandalay corridor, a vital stretch of infrastructure that connects China to the Indian Ocean, has been one of the primary areas where China has used these insurgent groups to ensure the safety of its energy and logistics supply chains. With Myanmar's Sagaing region now facing increased instability, China's ambitions to bypass the Malacca Strait and secure its energy routes through Myanmar are at risk. By targeting these camps, India has struck a blow deep within China's informal security buffer in the region. The damage is not just to insurgent forces but to a wider strategic framework designed to safeguard Beijing's investments in Myanmar, including nickel mining zones, future rail projects, and other BRI-linked ventures. Myanmar's Junta Under Pressure For Myanmar's military junta, which has been struggling to maintain control over large parts of the country, particularly in Sagaing, Chin, and Magway regions, the timing of India's airstrikes could be a mixed blessing. The junta, already facing fierce resistance from the People's Defence Forces (PDF), has been losing ground to the ethnic militias. Additionally, Myanmar's increasing dissatisfaction with Chinese interference has brought the country closer to New Delhi in recent months, the sources added. While the junta may not have officially aligned itself with India, the attacks on ULFA-I and NSCN-K may shift Myanmar's stance. The junta has shown signs of frustration with Chinese influence in its internal affairs, and this new pressure from India could push Myanmar to recalibrate its relationship with Beijing. Sources confirmed that ULFA-I and NSCN-K have been integral to China's shadow operations in Myanmar. These insurgent groups have not only been armed by China but have also provided covert security and logistical support to BRI projects in the region. In essence, these groups have acted as private militias, securing vital infrastructure for Chinese interests while indirectly working for Chinese private security contractors (PSCs). India's precision strikes have severely disrupted these networks, and now, as the conflict escalates in the region, China may be forced to reassess its security arrangements. The destabilisation of BRI supply lines in Sagaing is particularly significant, as it raises the costs for Chinese private security firms. This comes at a time when China has enjoyed relatively low-cost security advantages in Myanmar, allowing it to expand its footprint without heavy investment. The ongoing ethnic clashes, triggered by the actions of Myanmar's military junta and the increasing reach of India's strikes, threaten to further disrupt this crucial security apparatus. With these new developments, China faces mounting challenges in maintaining a secure environment for its BRI projects in Myanmar, and the cost of ensuring stability in the region could soon prove untenable. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt urged to bring Gorakh Hill under renewed focus
KARACHI: Expressing concern over very poor infrastructure and facilities at Gorakh Hill, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday demanded of the government to give it a serious focus to make it a key tourist destination. He said reaching Gorakh Hill is a really uphill task due to a single lane road that too is not in a good condition. He said ideally this hill station needs an expressway like the Murree Expressway, but at least the government could convert this single track road into a double-track highway. He said better road connectivity would boost local tourism and help the growing economy of Sindh. He said that installing solar-powered lights on this road would ensure night travel safety. He said a cable car system from a base station (e.g., Wahi Pandi) could be a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative, in the pattern of Patriata (New Murree) Cable Car. It could also boost tourism without heavy road construction. He suggested a comprehensive development of Gorakh Hill through CPEC funding under Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) for infrastructure. He said that developing Gorakh Hill into a modern hill station requires a well-planned strategy that balances tourism, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and local community development. He said that besides an all weather double-track road, Gorakh Hill needs electricity & water supply. The government should install solar/ wind energy solutions and sustainable water storage systems. It should also ensure high-speed internet and mobile network coverage for tourists and businesses. He said there is also a need to develop eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and lodges with modern amenities while preserving natural beauty. He said Gorakh Hill is an ideal place for adventure tourism. The government could promote trekking, paragliding, camping, and stargazing (due to clear skies). It should also develop nature trails, botanical gardens, and wildlife observation points. It may also showcase local Sindhi culture through festivals, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine. He said Gorakh Hill as the only place in Sindh with occasional snowfall, and this an ideal site for winter tourism. Altaf Shakoor said Gorakh hill needs a lot of trees. The Sindh forest department should plant native trees to prevent soil erosion and enhance greenery. He said the Sindh government should also encourage private investors to develop hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. He said the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) must play a key role to promote Gorakh Hill as a key destination, through government funding and grants or loans from environmental and tourism development organisations. It could offer tour packages in collaboration with travel agencies. He said the Sindh culture department could organise annual events like music festivals, winter carnivals, or adventure sports competitions at Gorakh hill. The government should encourage local entrepreneurs to set up cafes, souvenir shops, and transport services. It should also set up tourist police and emergency response units, as well as medical facilities like a basic health center or mobile medical units. Altaf Shakoor said that with proper planning, investment, and sustainable practices, Gorakh Hill can become a premier hill station in Pakistan, attracting domestic and international tourists while preserving its natural beauty. The key is balanced development —modernizing without overexploiting the environment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
China Market Update: Baidu Releases New AI Model, Week In Review
CLN KraneShares Asian equities mostly followed Wall Street higher overnight as Japan and Taiwan outperformed, while India and Singapore underperformed. The Politburo issued a press release reiterating that it is willing to step in and support the market through its various mechanisms. These include the 'National Team', which refers to investment firms associated with sovereign wealth. It also mentioned supporting consumption, cutting rates at opportune times, and lowering some regulatory barriers. We are likely to see a cut to the reserve requirement ratio (RRR), though we may have to wait for more clarity on tariffs or for the People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank, to gain the confidence necessary to make the cut. Baidu unveiled a new AI model, ERNIE 4.5 Turbo, overnight. The new large language model (LLM) is being offered at an even lower price point than previous versions. Combined with upgrades, it could offer Baidu a new edge in the ongoing price war between China's LLM and cloud providers, chiefly Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu. Baidu shares were up in Hong Kong overnight and are trading slightly higher in the US this morning. Electric vehicle names struggled overnight after Tesla's disappointing earnings, though the China-based players are in a very different situation. Xpeng led declines and is down -3% this morning in US trading. Mainland media reported that certain semiconductor and technology imports from the US were to be exempted from retaliatory tariffs. Bloomberg reported that China is also mulling exemptions for medical equipment and chemicals, including methane. This makes sense and mirrors the US' move to exempt electronics, as no one wants to pay $2,000 or more for an iPhone. This is more evidence that tariffs will not be sustainable and are likely still opening gambits for negotiations, albeit very strong ones. Alternatively, tariffs could be in place long-term, but with so many exemptions as to make their overall impact. Any long-term tariffs are likely to target specific industries. After Xi's recent visit to Kenya, China will finance the country's construction of roads and railways. China's Belt & Road Initiative has expanded China's trade with African nations. Trade tensions could give China a new zeal to make deals and increase trade with Africa, which could benefit the infrastructure industry. New Content Read our latest article: New Drivers For China Healthcare: AI Med-Tech Innovation, Cancer Treatment, & Favorable Balance of Trade Please click here to read Chart1 KraneShares Chart2 KraneShares Chart3 KraneShares Chart4 KraneShares Chart5 KraneShares Chart6 KraneShares
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tariff hearing held for Thar Block-1 mine
The report notes that excessive levels of selenium, arsenic, mercury, chromium, and lead are of recent origin and associated with coal activities in the Thar coalfields. PHOTO: file Listen to article The Thar Coal & Energy Board (TCEB) held a public hearing on Thursday to review the tariff petition filed by Sino Sindh Resources Pvt Ltd (SSRL) for its 7.8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) lignite mine at Block-1 of the Thar Coalfield. The session, conducted at a local hotel in Karachi, was attended by stakeholders, experts, and the public. According to a statement, TCEB MD Tariq Ali Shah, along with Ammar Habib Khan, Member Finance/Power, and Dr Fahad Irfan Siddiqui, Member Mining, led the hearing. SSRL CEO Li Jigen presented details of the project, highlighting its significance as a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative under the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI). Developed by Shanghai Electric under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, the project represents a $3 billion investmentthe largest single Chinese investment in any country. The Thar Block-1 Integrated Energy Project includes two 660MW supercritical coal-fired power plants, supported by an open-pit mine spanning 150 km² with coal reserves of 2.6 billion tonnes. Positioned favourably in the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) merit order, it offers electricity at Rs5.52/KWh ($0.02/KWh), making it a cost-effective alternative to hydropower. SSRL has proposed a levelised COD Stage Coal Tariff of $48.71 per tonne, reflecting necessary cost adjustments. The total project cost is estimated at $949.54 million, with projected operational costs of $13.72 per tonne for variable O&M and $12.74 per tonne for fixed O&M. TCEB reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stating that stakeholder feedback would be considered before finalising the tariff decision.
AllAfrica
03-03-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Ukraine debacle signals the death of Atlanticism
The public spat between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House last week sent shockwaves through Europe, and rightly so. With Trump advocating for an end to the Ukraine war and signaling a hard shift in US policy, Europe finds itself caught in a geopolitical non-man's land. It alienated China, severed economic ties with Russia and failed to anticipate Trump's historic strategic shift. Making matters worse, Europe disqualified itself as a reliable interlocutor after EU leaders publically admitted that the Minsk negotiations were used to buy time for Ukraine's military buildup. In a few short years, Europe managed to isolate itself on the world stage. Henry Kissinger once said that the US has no permanent friends, only interests. The war in Ukraine is a case in point. Starting about 30 years ago, most European countries, influenced by a neoliberal wave in the US, elected a slew of Atlanticist-minded political leaders who agreed with US neoliberal policies. Consecutive US administrations, including Bush, Clinton and Obama, supported NATO expansion. The pretext was the spread of democracy and freedom, which obscured the geopolitical and economic reasons that can be traced to the colonial era. The Heartland Theory, developed by British geographer Halford Mackinder in the early 20th century, argued that Western hegemony relied on a divided Eurasian continent. Mackinder addressed the battle as one between emerging maritime powers (mostly Western European) and land-based powers (Russia, China, India). The development of railroads challenged the maritime hegemonic power of the West. From Halford Mackinder's Heartland Theory. Railroads changed military logistics. In the 1980s, American geopolitical strategist Zbigniew Brzezinski updated the Heartland Theory and identified Ukraine as the pivotal nation in the battle for the Eurasian continent. NATO's expansion since the 1990s was orchestrated by Brzezinski's proteges, and championed by successive US administrations. Only by keeping the Eurasian continent divided, the reasoning was, could the maritime powers of the West remain global hegemony. China's Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), which stretches across the Eurasian continent, also concerned the Atlanticists. China's Belt & Road Initiative will ultimately integrate the Eurasian continent. From an Atlanticist perspective, the Ukraine war accomplished its mission: cutting Europe off from the Eurasian continent. Blowing up the Nord Stream pipeline connecting Russia and Europe was part of the program. But the Atlanticists could not have foreseen that Trump would so drastically change the strategic chess board. The old adage 'Follow the money' still holds true. The US is facing a growing and unsustainable national debt, a perennial budget deficit and ever-growing trade deficits. These triple deficits can only be sustained as long as the dollar is the world's reserve currency. The US earns trillions as the 'toll booth' of the global dollar system. However, the US government has now borrowed US$36 trillion to cover its budget deficits. Interest payments on the national debt are larger than the defense budget, and rising. On the current trajectory, the US is heading for default or hyperinflation. Trump's priority is restoring the fiscal health of the US, and to make sure the dollar remains the world's reserve currency. It explains both his ruthless cost-cutting and why he threatens sanctions on countries that try to de-dollarize. The West was never able to convince Russia that NATO expansion to the Russian border was no threat to it. Unconcerned about the possible Russian reaction, they framed NATO expansion as an exercise of democracy and freedom. Ideology trumped pragmatism. But the climb down will be painful. Early on in the war, Western media depicted Russia as weak and corrupt, with a dying economy and an inefficient military. Overly confident or historically naive, the West relied on three pillars that crumbled one after another: – Sanctions to weaken or collapse the Russian economy and cause an uprising against Putin failed – Isolating Russia from the Global South, including China and India, failed – Inflicting strategic defeat on Russia with superior NATO weapons failed Convinced that Russia could be brought to its knees, the West did not bother to formulate a backup plan. When it became clear Russia was not to be defeated, the West flipped the script. Russia was no longer a weak state with an impotent military, it was an existential threat to Europe. Russia has an economy the size of Spain, less than one-third of the European population, and a quarter of the European defense budget (about $84 billion vs Europe's $326 billion). But Europeans are now told that if they don't defend Ukraine, they may have to fight the Russians at their own borders. Fully in denial that the end game has begun and incapable of offering peace proposals, the Europeans are doubling down on their strategic folly. They are discussing a collective European defense fund, and building up a defense industry that does not rely on the US. Experts predict that it could take ten years for Europe to reach military self-sufficiency, not to mention that a growing number of countries in Europe are expressing dissatisfaction with the Ukraine policy. Most EU leaders have approval ratings of under 30%. Europe's weakness is intrinsic and can't be papered over. A Chinese geopolitical analyst recently described the dilemma: 'Europe consists of small countries and countries that don't realize they are small (in the context of geopolitics).' Should the US, Russia, and China discuss a postwar architecture – a Yalta II – Europe may find itself relegated to the sidelines. When the chips are down, Europe lacks the strategic leverage that can be yielded by the 'Big Three.' The biggest challenge for the EU elite is to manage public opinion during the unavoidable climb-down from their ideological crusade. Since 2014, when Russia regained control of Crimea, the Western media has served as the propaganda arm of the Atlanticists, some sponsored by USAID. They demonized Putin and Russia 24/7. Anyone uttering a word of critique of Zelensky or Ukraine was depicted as a Russian asset. The non-stop barrage of anti-Russian propaganda was highly effective. A recent poll in Britain indicated 80+% in favor of boots on the ground in Ukraine. Never mind that the entire British army would fit in Wembley Stadium. The Atlanticist virus that infected Europe in the past three decades has transformed the ideological landscape. Today, the proverbial right, like the AfD in Germany, calls for peace, while the proverbial left, including the 'Greens', are the cheerleaders for continuing the war. This historic role reversal is hardly discussed in Europe. Europe's Green Parties have roots in the student uprisings of 1968 and the anti-Vietnam war protests in the early 1970s. The Dutch Green Party resulted from the merger of pacifists and environmentalists, yet the 'Green' major of Amsterdam displayed a burned-out Russian tank in the center of Amsterdam as a war trophy. When peace returns to Ukraine, Europe would do well to analyze the ideological role reversal that contributed to the Ukraine tragedy.
