Accused Russian ransomware hackers arrested in Phuket

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Experience extradition to US, Switzerland in$ 16m event

PUBLISHED: 10 Feb 2025 at 16: 51

Police search the villa of one of the accused hackers in Phuket on Sunday. (Police photo)
On Sunday, authorities searched one of the accused thieves ‘ homes in Phuket. ( Police photo )

Four Russians who reside in Phuket are wanted in Switzerland and the United States on suspicion of using ransom to demand payment worth US$ 16 million. &nbsp,

The people aged 27 to 39 were taken into custody on Sunday from individual apartments, villas with swimming pools, in Muang and Thalang regions of the southern island state, Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwpan, mind of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, said on Monday.

Police also seized about 40 things as facts, including laptop computers and cellular phones. &nbsp, Police withheld the four people’s titles

Between April 30 and October 26, 2024, according to Pol Lt. Gen. Trairong, the four suspects reportedly used ransomware to strike 17 businesses in Switzerland. In change for the code needed to unlock the stolen computer systems, they demanded money.

Additionally, they allegedly threatened survivors who refused to pay via email and phone calls. Threats to introduce or offer stolen data were among the messages.

Pol Lt Gen Trairong said the four suspects reportedly attacked about 1, 000 events global and caused about US$ 16 million in restitution, more than 500 million baht, in full.

Officials in the US and Switzerland requested that the attacks and prosecutions be carried out. The four people will be required to appear in court in the two nations to answer the costs. &nbsp,

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East Ventures, SV Investment announced the first close of its Southeast Asia – South Korea investment corridor fund

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  • Plans to invest in revenue-generating companies, commonly at Series A to B levels
  • Targeting high-potential technology companies in SEA &amp, South Korea weighting across both regions

Sang Han, partner for East Ventures South Korea fund, Roderick Purwana, managing partner at East Ventures, Wonho Hong, CEO at SV Investment, David Junghun Bang, managing partner at SV Investment

The first close of East Ventures ‘ joint fund, known as the” East Ventures South Korea Fund in Partnership with SV Investment,” has been announced by SV Investment, a publicly listed venture capital and private equity firm with a headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.

Both events stated in a joint statement that this first final is supported by leading buyers from Korea and Indonesia. The bank is committed to expanding on the track record and enormous effectiveness delivered by both East Ventures and SV Investment to time, they added, adding that with anchor funds from the Korea Development Bank, Korea’s state-owned development bank, and a corporate commitment from one of the world’s leading neobanks.

The bank is prepared to build its capital in collaboration with the leading venture capital firms in both countries. East Ventures and SV Investment are constantly working to identify high-potential software companies in Southeast Asia and South Korea that want to level their firms across both areas. The fund expects to invest in revenue-generating startups, ideally raising Series A to B funding, with cheque sizes ranging from US$ 1million ( RM4.4 million ) to US$ 3 million ( RM13.4 million ) as the lead investor in high-conviction opportunities driven by exceptional founders.

This second nearby is a major step in our shared responsibility to encouraging investment and cross-border cooperation between Southeast Asia and South Korea. Our first Albums gave us a lot of encouragement, and we’re looking forward to new possibilities. Along with SV Investment, we are committed to forging a productive and healthy Southeast Asia for today, tomorrow, and for years to come”, said Roderick Purwana, Managing Partner at East Ventures.

The bank may be crucial in bridging the gap between Southeast Asia and South Korea by promoting friendship and building bridges. According to David Junghun Bang, Managing Partner at SV Investment, we are firmly committed to creating important collaboration for both regions because South Korea may include increased opportunities to develop into one of the fastest-growing and largest markets and Southeast Asia will benefit from the implementation of innovative technology from South Korea, which will help propel its economy to the next level.

The account is on record to close by the middle of 2025 and continues to engage with buyers.

Founded in 2009 in Indonesia, East Ventures has raised nine money focusing on Southeast Asia. The company has made investments in over 300 early- and late-stage technology companies, resulting in positive social and environmental effects and powerful financial results. Additionally, it has maintained a top-tier VC status in Southeast Asia, having been named by Preqin as the most consistently top-performing account worldwide and the most effective investment in Southeast Asia by numerous media stores.

With departments in Shanghai and Shenzhen in China and Boston in Singapore, SV Investment makes investments worldwide. One of the most effective separate Asian venture capital firms in Southeast Asia has been SV Investment.

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China’s health regulator defends quality of local generic drugs

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SHANGHAI: China’s healthcare regulator on Sunday ( Feb 9 ) defended the efficacy of off-patent medicines it had approved to be distributed through the country’s public hospitals, saying an investigation into quality concerns had found them to be unsubstantiated. The National Healthcare Security Administration ( NHSA ) stated in anContinue Reading

Japan PM Ishiba’s Donald Trump study sessions pay off at talks

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24 days before
Shaimaa Khalil

Tokyo journalist

Reporting fromTokyo

It received that and some other assurances if Japan needed to be assured that the US was still its principal ally and friend in the increasingly unpredictable Asia-Pacific.

What was striking about the Trump-Ishiba gathering at the White House was the absence of any surprises.

This was neither provocative nor aggressive, as opposed to the majority of the domestic and global dynamics currently affecting Trump.

” On broadcast, he is quite frightening”, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters after Friday’s meeting.

” But when I met him, he was very earnest, quite powerful and strong bequeathed”, he added.

There’s a ton that ties Washington and Tokyo. Japan has been the major foreign investment in the US for five straight years, generating thousands of jobs. And there are 54, 000 US military officers stationed in Japan.

But President Donald Trump has given his friends and foes a lot to worry about: from tariff wars against China, Canada and Mexico to his US “ownership” of Gaza proposal and his sanctions against the International Criminal Court.

” Trump has made some chaotic decisions towards countries that believed themselves to be America’s buddies”, said Jeffrey Hall, professor at Japan’s Kanda University of International Studies.

There was a concern in Tokyo that the same situation might occur: that Trump may impose massive levies on Japan or scuttle a trade dispute. But that didn’t happen”, he added.

Trump’s” research lessons”

While Trump didn’t rule out levies against Tokyo, it wasn’t the main function of this meeting.

Ishiba went to Washington prepared. He’d studied. Absolutely. he held” research lessons” with staff and sought counsel from his father, Fumio Kishida.

On the golf course, he also had some assistance from the wife of the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who had a close relation with Trump during his first administration.

Ishiba’s coursework paid out.

There weren’t many eye-raising moments like the numerous other US president’s presentations, aside from the one where Trump incorrectly called Nippon Steel” Nissan.”

In reality- as far as Japan is concerned- this conference was reassuring.

Getty Images US President Donald Trump, right, and Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's prime minister, shake hands during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House.Getty Images

Both officials seemed to have met eye-to-eye on their locations ‘ strategies to increase business and military ushering in a “golden-era” of Japan-US relationships.

Ishiba announced his country’s plans to increase investment in the US to$ 1tn ( £806bn ), as the two economic powers rebalance trade relations.

Ishiba predicted that Japanese automakers would increase investment while Tokyo would increase imports of US-licensed liquefied natural gas ( LNG ).

This would have been tunes to Trump’s ear and a boost to his “drill, child, drilling” news from his opening statement.

In addition, the two men were able to agree on a contentious Nippon Steel matter.

Trump said Nippon would “invest heavily” in the Pennsylvania-based US Steel without taking a majority stake.

President Joe Biden had earlier rebuffed the Asian company’s attempt on national security grounds.

Keeping speaks easy

Japan could breathe easy knowing that there were enough boxes checked, but Ishiba’s primary goal was to meet with him for a specific reason.

The Japanese PM has been in a fraught political position at home – with his minority government keeping a weak grip on power after it was humiliated in October’s general elections when they lost their ruling majority.

Ishiba longed for victory.

The guy hasn’t really gained much confidence in his ability to perform well in front of a famous Trump.

According to Mr. Hall, “local media for weeks pumped up the notion that Trump would never achieve politely, that he was awkward, unlikable, and that he would take his lunchtime if he made it to Washington.”

However, Ishiba is leaving with what appears to be a lot of victory.

The former Chinese defense secretary is a seasoned politician known for lengthy speeches in parliament. Some Spectators claim that his statements confound some of his rivals and bore others.

But in a” Trump plan meeting” with his team, the biggest piece of advice he apparently got was:” Conclusion second. Keep it simple”.

Instead of confronting him,” Ishiba followed a playbook to impress Trump personally and provide him financial assets in the US,” said Mr. Hall.

Avoiding fight

There are several issues that Japan and the US could disagree on. Not least Trump’s proposal of a US takeover of the Gaza Strip, which sparked fierce criticism around the world.

Japan reiterated its long-standing position of supporting a two-state answer.

” We didn’t alter our stance”, said Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya last year.

Tokyo is also watching Trump’s trade war with China nervously.

However, Hall claimed that if Japan had help in the US-China trade war, it would not be drawn into it.

When it comes to China, Japan needs to hit a good compromise.

Beijing is Tokyo’s largest buying lover. One of the biggest expense destinations for Chinese companies is China.

Both the US and Japan are at odds with China’s growing control and confidence both domestically and internationally.

Not least with Chinese military’s now frequent and provocative moves in waters near Taiwan which Beijing sees as a renegade province.

In 2022, Japan, a pragmatist state, announced it would increase its military saving by 2027, citing challenges posed by China and North Korea, and saying it would acquire the ability to reach army bases.

The modifications made the most significant change to Japan’s protection method since it instituted a pragmatist law after World War Two.

With North Korea continuing its nuclear programme, South Korea in social collapse, and the continuous US-China conflict, Japan has yet again presented itself as America’s least challenging and even unobjectionable friend in the region.

Japan did prevent resembling Trump as much as possible. It will most likely be a’ yes’ friend”, said Hall.

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Pharmaceuticals become a battlefield in the Sino-US trade war  – Asia Times

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American media has been carefully watching whether the trade conflict did harm China’s supply of drugs to the United States and lead to rate increases as a result of Beijing and Washington’s taxes on each other’s goods this quarter.

China announced that it would impose a 15 % tariff on eight different US energy products, including coal, liquified natural gas, and coking coal, after US President Donald Trump imposed a 10 % tariff on all Chinese goods on February 4. It also imposed a 10 % tax on 72 forms of US products, including agricultural devices, simplistic oil, large displacement trucks and electric cars, from February 10.

Trump stated that he is “in no rush” and will communicate with Chinese President Xi Jinping when necessary.

The American Hospital Association informed Trump on February 4 in a notice to him that the new US tariffs will have an impact on the supply of Chinese medicines, including cancer and heart treatments and antibiotics like antibiotic, according to Reuters. According to the organization, China produces almost 30 % of the raw materials needed to produce essential medicines. &nbsp,

Four lobbyists and one medical professional reportedly contacted the Trump management to request that vital drugs be free from fresh tariffs a few weeks ago according to the Reuters report.

Karen Andersen, a Morningstar scientist, was quoted as saying in the statement that although major drug manufacturers typically produce their biggest hits in the US or Europe, they typically make their basic hit items in the US or Europe. &nbsp,

She claimed that if the US imposed tariffs on Europe, it would be more disturbing for the biggest drug manufacturers in the world. &nbsp,

But, Alex Telford, a San Francisco-based biology writer, holds a different perspective. Next December, he published an article titled,” May all our medicines come from China”?

Telford claims that while many people believe that the main ingredient in China’s medical industry is the natural chemical materials, there is a steady increase in Taiwanese companies sourcing really novel drugs.

He points out that Chinese companies are now responsible for 28 % of new trial starts, compared with 34 % in the US and 23 % in Europe, and that they are particularly active in making drugs for early-stage ( phase I ) clinical trials, oncologt and cell and gene therapy. &nbsp,

Citing a Bloomberg statement, he says that: &nbsp,

  • US pharmaceutical firms AbbVie Inc. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. have collaborated with Chinese firms in Shanghai.
  • Roche Holding AG from Switzerland, Bayer AG from Germany and Eli Lilly &amp, Co. from the US have opened or may open incubators for Chinese businesses,
  • Over the next five times, Pfizer may spend US$ 1 billion in China. &nbsp,

He claims that the key factors are:

  • regulation measures,
  • returning skills,
  • business evolution, and
  • opportunity financing.

It has remained to be seen whether US manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and ingredients may experience price increases brought on by Trump’s taxes or whether they can obtain the goods from markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. &nbsp,

In 2023, the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical exporters were Germany ( US$ 120 billion ), Switzerland ( US$ 99 billion ), the US ( US$ 90 billion ), Belgium ( US$ 83 billion ) and Ireland ( US$ 72 billion ).

In 2024, China’s full imports of northern drugs amounted to US$ 54 billion, up 5.7 % from the past month, according to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products. &nbsp,

China’s exports of pharmaceutical goods ( drugs and tools ) to the US grew 11.7 % to US$ 19 billion last year from 2023. China even exported US$ 8.4 billion of medical products to India, US$ 5.5 billion to Japan and US$ 4.8 billion to Germany. &nbsp,

Biosecure Act&nbsp,

Now, the US does not stop American pharmaceutical companies from forming partnerships with Taiwanese counterparts. Additionally, it does not forbid US businesses and individuals from funding Chinese biotech companies. &nbsp,

In earlier 2023, the Biden administration considered banning US purchases from entering China’s biotech industry, alongside with silicon, AI and quantum areas. However, it removed biotech from the list of targeted industries in August 2023 because it believed that single China’s chip, AI, and quantum sectors do pose a threat to the country’s national security. &nbsp,

Last September, the US House of Representatives passed the Biosecure Act, which would necessitate the US national government and its firms not to use products or service provided by five Chinese firms, which include BGI, MGI, WuXi Biologics, Wu Xi AppTec and Complete Genomics. &nbsp,

The legislation would also prevent federal funds from going to biotech companies linked to five foreign adversaries: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and Cuba. The Senate is still discussing the legislation. &nbsp,

In a letter to then-Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on January 9 this year, John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, wrote that” we think your organization should look into enforcing an export control requirement for US biopharmaceutical entities seeking to work directly with the People’s Liberation Army ( PLA ).” &nbsp,

According to Moolenaar, the fierce biotechnology battle between China and the US will have effects on both the future of healthcare and the security of American medical data. &nbsp,

Yong Jian contributes to the Asia Times. He is a Chinese journalist who specializes in Chinese technology, economy and politics. &nbsp,

Read: Beijing criticizes US Embassy for hawkish” China week.”

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Could US forcing Panama to exit China’s Belt and Road set pattern? – Asia Times

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Following Donald Trump’s repeated says that the US needs to “take up” the Panama canal from Foreign power, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, visited Panama to require the state lower China’s effect. On the surface, it seems Rubio has succeeded.

On February 3, the Nicaraguan authorities withdrew from China’s international system software, the Belt and Road Initiative. Panama becomes the first Latin American nation to support Belt and Road and to stop assistance in the process.

Local attorneys urged the nation’s highest court on February 4 to revoke the agreement granted to Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Port Holdings, which grants it the right to work two slots at either end of the Panama Canal. They claim that it violates the constitution of the nation because it gives the port company considerable landholdings and exudes extreme tax breaks. This is still being looked at by the Filipino officials, according to reports.

But what is the fact of China’s appearance in the river, and what does increased US investigation mean for Xi Jinping’s personal project?

US defense and business rely heavily on the Panama Canal. The US accounts for 74 % of canal cargo. But, while Trump’s worries of losing the canal does get natural, his assertions about China’s impact are exaggerated.

The Panama Canal Authority serves as the administration’s representative. Since 1997, CK Hutchison Port Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong-listed company with passions in over 53 ships in 24 states, has operated the Port of Balboa and Port of Cristobal on either end of the river. Out of the five nearby slots, these two are the most important.

One of the top slot traders in the world is CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which is owned by businessman Li Ka-shing. No direct relationships exist between the business and the jobs with Belt and Road.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s (CCP ) potential to control the canal and” shut it down” is one of the biggest risks that China’s influence over the canal poses, as the US has suggested.

Washington has also expressed concern that the CCP can gather information about US boats, such as shipping patterns and maritime routes, thanks to its accessibility to dual-use port technology. Additionally, it worries that China might “economic chokehold” the US by imposing rate increases on travel expenses.

The second two points cover possible marine usage by China in ships. But while the People’s Liberation Army army has access to Chinese-owned ships under local laws and policies, they require host nation permission to use Chinese-operated international ports. These ships are also often ill-suited for defense aid and activities.

So the most possible threat concerns cleverness. The CCP may use the 2020 national protection laws to collect sensitive data from Hong Kong-based businesses if it deems it necessary.

As for price hikes, there have been new increases in response to floods, repair investments and desire. Following Rubio’s attend, the US has claimed it is allowed to travel without paying taxes.

This has been denied by Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino. Due to the 1977 neutrality principle, which was instituted, the charges are imposed evenly. There is no proof that China participated in these price increases.

Panama’s ‘ BRI-xit’ and Trump’s political spend

In the unlikely event that CK Hutchison’s agreement is canceled, what would that mean for China’s appearance in Panama? China’s opportunities in Panama accompany Belt and Road, yet if they have increased since the project’s start.

Due to its location and function in global commerce, the nation holds geostrategic significance. Therefore, it serves as a crucial component in China’s development of a local hub for its economic and political control.

This includes expanding import capabilities and protecting imports of raw materials and energy resources. China’s engagements in Panama include foreign direct investments ( FDI), which amounted to around 0.8 % in 2023 ( compared with 3.6 % by Spain and 19.6 % by the US), primarily in the logistics, infrastructure, energy and construction sectors.

Most Belt and Road promotions were halted or canceled for several, frequently political, reasons.

Withdrawing from the program is unlikely to lead to significant short-term changes because Belt and Road tasks in the river are already quite minimal. CK Hutchison will only be” somewhat afflicted” in case of a deal withdrawal.

What’s more, as the event of Brazil shows, a country may be affiliated with Belt and Road and also receive Foreign opportunities.

So, Chinese activities will definitely begin outside the Belt and Road model. However, even though China has shown restricted sorrow and argued that Panama has made a “regrettable choice”, Sino-Panamanian relations does great until Trump’s attention has turned abroad.

Trump’s comments regarding the Panama Canal may be exaggerated to a domestic audience who supports a” strong man president.” However, it also reflects US concerns about China’s growing influence from the past.

So the administration’s focus on containing China is hardly surprising. Instead, it demonstrates Trump’s broader “make America great again 2.0″ strategy. Therefore, Panama’s” BRI-xit” may bolster US resolve on “reclaiming” the Americas.

The Panamanian authorities seem caught between US pressure to limit China’s influence and the economic boost provided by Chinese “pragmatic” investments. In the upcoming years, they will have to make difficult choices, just like their counterparts in other Belt and Road nations.

The US has significant influence and economic leverage over Panama because it provides the most foreign direct investment ( US$ 3.8 billion annually ) and is the canal’s biggest customer. Conversely, China’s interests and engagements in the country have increased, and Beijing has made it clear that it is patient and wants to continue cooperation and “resist external interruption”.

Residents of Panama have expressed a strong reluctance to return to US rule, and protests have erupted in Panama over Trump’s “muscular approach.” Therefore, the question remains whether this is the “great step forward” for Panama’s ties with the US that Rubio suggests or whether Trump’s actions will ultimately push Panama closer to Beijing.

Tabita Rosendal is a PhD candidate at Lund University studying China.

The Conversation has republished this article under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Trump delays tariffs on small packages from China

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Natalie Sherman

BBC News

EPA A United States Postal Service (USPS) worker in a red shirt loads a mail car in Miami, Florida, USA, 05 February 2025. EPA

After his sudden order ending duty-free treatment for shipments worth less than$ 800 left the US postal service and other agencies scrambling to comply, US President Donald Trump has suspended tariffs on small packages from China.

As a result of the purchase, the postal services briefly stopped accepting packages from China, only to change course a day later.

Many Americans in the US were left wondering about the death of deals ordered from companies like Shein and Temu, who had used the exemption to allow for low-value packages to grow quickly in the US.

Trump made the change over the weekend as part of a larger plan to increase Chinese border taxes by 10 % starting on February 4.

His revision of the order on Friday stated that tariff-free shipping would continue for packages from China worth less than$ 800 until “adequate systems are in place to fully and expeditely process and collect tariff revenue.”

The action comes as some of Trump’s additional rapid-fire initiatives, including those that he announced last month, have also encountered barriers, including legal challenges.

He announced last weekend that he would start imposing 25 % tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, before abruptly suspending those duties for a month so that conversations can continue.

Trump had outlined on the campaign trail on Friday that he anticipated he would start imposing “reciprocal taxes” on some nations next week. He had previously stated that the US would levy taxes at the same rates that various nations impose on the similar products produced in the US.

The US had started to re-examine the provision for low-value items, known as de minimis, before Trump entered business.

In September, the Biden administration proposed enforcing regulations that would enable US companies compete and address issues preventing illegal drug supplies.

To facilitate trade and give officials more time to concentrate on higher priority shipments, the US increased the threshold for tariff exemption from$ 200 to$ 800 in 2016.

However, that choice has drawn criticism because e-commerce has rapidly grown and the number of packages entering the US under the$ 800 cap increased from 140 million to over 1.3 billion in the previous year.

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Georgia and Thailand probe human egg trafficking ring

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Georgia questioning “four international immigrants” following revelations from the Pavena Foundation

PUBLISHED: 7 Feb 2025 at 20: 55

Two of the young women allegedly trafficked to Georgia are seen on their return to Thailand earlier this week. Dozens more are still believed to be captives of an “egg farm” in the former Soviet republic, according to the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation.
Two of the young people who are alleged to have been trafficked to Georgia are seen returning to Thailand prior this year. Lots more are also believed to be victims of an “egg land” in the former Soviet state, according to the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation.

Thailand and Georgia announced that they are looking into a human smuggling ring that a Thai non-governmental organization claims is attempting to harvest Thai women’s individual eggs from the South Caucasus nation.

Three Thai people who were alleged to have been working as surrogates in the country were repatriated by Georgia’s internal government on Thursday, according to the interior ministry. Four international citizens were reportedly interrogated as part of the investigation.

Georgia has no established infertility rules. However, there are advertisements for the services they offer, and infertility agreements are regarded as legitimate contracts. The Georgian government has stated that it is preparing to declare it unlawful. &nbsp,

Surapan Thaiprasert, chief of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police, told Reuters on Friday that Thai authorities were investigating.

One of the victims was speaking at a press conference in Thailand this year, without giving a name, and wore a mouth mask and hat.

She claimed to have responded to a social media post calling for surrogate mother to receive money from people and receive a monthly salary of 25, 000 baht. She said that after agreeing, she was brought to Georgia, via Dubai and Armenia, where two Taiwanese citizens escorted her to a home.

” They took us to a home where there were 60 to 70 Thai women. The women there told us there was no ( surrogacy ) contracts or parents”, she said.

The ladies, she said, “would get injected to obtain therapy, anaesthetised and their eggs may be extracted with a system. After we got this knowledge and it was not the same as the ad, we got scared. We made an effort to reach people at home.

The people at the press event claimed they had faked being weak in order to avoid having their eggs harvested. They added that their documents had been taken, and that their captors had informed them that they had the option of being detained in Thailand if they returned house.

The three people were reportedly returned by the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, but it was estimated that there were still around 100 more recruited ladies in Georgia.

Ms. Pavena claimed to have been informed of the activity from a different woman who had been released in September, only to be reimbursed by the group for$ 70,000.

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India-Indonesia near BrahMos missile deal aimed at China – Asia Times

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India and Indonesia are reportedly close to concluding a deal that could allow the original to provide the latter with the BrahMos hypersonic missile, which could have a significant impact on security dynamics in the southeastern approaches of the South China Sea.

During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to India as a guest of honor on Republic Day, a BrahMos weapon deal was officially discussed. During the vacation, Prabowoo met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BrahMos CEO Jaiteerth Joshi.

That was followed by an Indonesian group visit, led by Navy Chief Muhammad Ali, to the Brahmos Aerospace office. India and Russia work together to produce the weapons.

India has indicated that it will be willing to extend a line of credit to Indonesia in order to help the US$ 450 million offer. Indonesia would become the next ASEAN member state to get the fierce 290-kilometer range missile if the deal is approved.

In 2022, the Philippines purchased a$ 375 million anti-ship weapon system from India as fresh water tenses with China arose.

Strong barrier

Considering the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea’s liquid corporate and defense dynamics, marked by China’s growing confidence and rising US-China rivalry, the BrahMos missile had also significantly increase Indonesia’s deterrent capabilities.

The BrahMos hypersonic missile, which travels at a speed faster than Mach 2,8 and is mounted on either shore or ship, is a linguistic combination that derives its name from the Indian Brahmaputra River and the Russian Moskva.

It is a mid-range, ramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile that can be launched from all three regions – area, air, and water. While it has a range of up to 800 kilometers, due to Missile Technology Control Regime ( MTCR ) restrictions, the range of export versions is capped at 290 kilometers.

Indonesia’s concerns about its ability to secure its Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) have grown more acute as a result of China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the Natuna Sea, which has recently led to frequent confrontations with the Indonesian Navy.

Largest missiles would inhibit any possible Foreign aggression in the Natuna Sea, but they would also aid Indonesia in achieving its goals for modernizing its defenses.

None of Indonesia’s Surface-to-Air Missile ( SAM ) systems ( French Exocet, Russian P-800 Oniks, and Chinese C-705 and C-802 ) have a range anywhere near the Brahmos ‘ 290-kilometer range.

Additionally, the Philippines ‘ signing of a BrahMos cope with India and Vietnam is likely to bring a similar price shortly, which will rebalance the balance of power between China and rival Southeast Asian applicants in the contested South China Sea.

China is well aware of BrahMos ‘ advanced features, including its dart-like shape for a strong penetration capability, radar-absorbent coating for enhancing stealth, and ramjet engine that slows down adversaries ‘ response times.

Additionally, it has an extremely accurate composite guidance system that includes active and passive radar, satellite navigation systems ( SNS), and inertial navigation systems ( INS ) for advanced targeting.

Underscoring that potency, India deployed BrahMos missiles near India’s Line of Actual Control ( LAC ) in 2021, leading to heated reactions from China.

Indonesia’s Minimum Essential Force ( MEF ) program, launched in 2010, seeks to modernize its aging military hardware while balancing financial constraints. With a projected$ 46.6 billion defence budget for 2024-2029, Indonesia’s focus includes upgrading its air and naval capabilities.

India’s burgeoning defense industry, enabled by initiatives like” Aatmanirbhar Bharat” ( self-reliant India ), is well-positioned to meet Indonesia’s weaponry requirements.

In April 2024, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta hosted the annual India-Indonesia Defense Industry Exhibition-cum-Seminar, showcasing goods from 36 American security firms. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers ( SIDM) and Indonesia’s Pinhantans are expected to sign an MoU to promote joint production and technology sharing in response to the momentum.

Indonesia’s 2012 Defense Industry Law, mandating technology transfers for big purchases, aligns properly with India’s skills in producing cost-effective systems like the Tejas fighter jet, BrahMos weapons and advanced naval arteries.

Despite multi-faceted defense engagements such as security dialogues, Joint Defence Cooperation Committee ( JDCC ) meetings, military exercises, and port visits, India’s defense cooperation with Indonesia has so far been limited. However, a deal involving BrahMos missiles would immediately enhance the defense partnership’s depth and significance.

Brothers in arms

As China’s military ambitions spread in Southeast Asia, India’s role as a reliable security partner and weapons exporter to regional countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam, is becoming increasingly significant.

India’s strategic presence in the region needs to be strengthened, and Indonesia, the largest nation in ASEAN and a major maritime player, needs to do so.

A unique opportunity to give military collaboration with India is provided by President Prabowo’s military background and commitment to enhancing defense capabilities.

Unlike former President Joko Widodo’s economics-focused diplomacy, Prabowo’s agenda emphasizes robust defense policies, making this an ideal juncture to deepen bilateral ties.

The BrahMos deal can thus be a game-changer for India-Indonesia ties, giving rise to more robust defense relations while counterbalancing China’s growing military might and assertiveness in Southeast Asia.

Dr Rahul Mishra is a senior research fellow at the German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence for Public Policy and Good Governance, Thammasat University, Thailand, and Associate Professor at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. He can be reached at rahul. [email protected] and followed on X at @rahulmishr_

Harshit Prajapati is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India. He can be reached at harshi55_is [email protected]. in&nbsp, and followed on X at @harshitp_47

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