I am a journalist for more than 26 years and specializes in politics, foreign affairs, defense and national security issues.

Military confirms arrest of leftist leader Eric Jun Casilao in Malaysia

18 Apr 2023  |  businessmirror.com.ph  |  English  |  International Relations

Eric Jun Casilao, an alleged member of the CPP's Central Committee and secretary of its Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, was arrested in Malaysia on April 1 by joint forces from Malaysia and the Philippines. He was considered the most wanted leader in Southeastern Mindanao, with warrants for murder, kidnapping, and other crimes. Casilao was detained for immigration violations before being deported to the Philippines.

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Bureau of Immigration National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Communist Party of the Philippines Armed Forces of the Philippines Philippine National Police Department of Foreign Affairs Royal Malaysian Police Malaysian Immigration

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Claude Arpi is a writer based in Auroville near Puducherry, India.

How rehabilitation of two villages along India-China border is Sardar Patel’s dream fulfilled

10 Oct 2023  |  www.firstpost.com  |  English  |  Historical Events

The rehabilitation of the border villages of Nelang and Jadung in Uttarakhand, directed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, is seen as the fulfillment of Sardar Patel's vision. These villages were abandoned during the 1962 Indo-China war. The article also commemorates the 74th anniversary of Maj Bob Khathing's arrival in Tawang, highlighting his role in establishing Indian civil administration there. The events are linked to the Himmasinghji Border Defence Committee's decisions in 1950, which aimed to secure India's northern borders following the Chinese invasion of Tibet. The article underscores the historical significance and the strategic foresight of Indian leaders in securing border areas.

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Intelligence Bureau Indian Army Assam Rifles Ministry of External Affairs

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Career spot and breaking news reporter (CBS, CNN), now freelance in a chronically undercovered region.  I started my career in radio, but now I've added a full array of tools for "backpack reporting."  Mostly in Tijuana and San Diego, California, but extremely mobile.

Soy "periodista mochilera" ...

La Mesa Man, Ex-Government Employee, Pleads Guilty in Sexual Abuse of Multiple Women

17 Nov 2023  |  Times of San Diego  |  English  |  Legal Proceedings

Brian Jeffrey Raymond, a former U.S. government employee, pleaded guilty to drugging and sexually abusing dozens of women over 14 years, often recording or photographing them while unconscious. Employed most recently at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, Raymond admitted to committing these acts in his embassy-leased housing and elsewhere. The investigation began after a woman was found screaming for help on his balcony in 2020. Raymond faces 24 to 30 years in prison, supervised release for life, and mandatory restitution to his victims.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation Central Intelligence Agency U.S. Embassy Department of Justice

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Seth Bokpe is an investigative journalist focusing on anti-corruption, environmental and health environmental reporting. 
A multiple award-winning journalist, he is a versatile writer with eye for details. He is passionate about Environmental, Health and Anti-Corruption reporting. He Fact-checks ...

Dr Adutwum’s claims against GES Director-General completely false

17 Feb 2023  |  www.fact-checkghana.com  |  English  |  Investigative Reporting

Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, denied allegations of corruption in the Computerised School Placement System on Peace FM's Kokrokoo show, accusing former GES Director-General Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa of being behind the accusations. Fact-Check Ghana found Dr Adutwum's claims to be false, as both he and Prof Opoku-Amankwa had full access to school placements and should bear responsibility for any fraud. Prof Opoku-Amankwa admitted his part in the scam and reported the corruption to the National Intelligence Bureau and the Criminal Investigations Department, contrary to Dr Adutwum's claims.

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National Intelligence Bureau Ghana Education Service Criminal Investigations Department

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I'm an Irish journalist, based in Asia. I'm currently in Kuala Lumpur. I specialise in environmental, health, and human rights issues and have my own website, Changing Times (****). I have been a journalist for more than 45 years and am a skilled editor, proofreader, and French-to-English ...

Congressmen urge action over allegations that CIA analysts were given a ‘significant monetary incentive’ to change stance on the origin of Covid-19

26 Sept 2023  |  changingtimes.substack.com  |  English  |  US Congress

US congressmen Brad Wenstrup and Mike Turner are calling for action over allegations that CIA analysts were given monetary incentives to change their stance on the origin of Covid-19. The whistleblower claims that six out of seven members of the CIA's Covid Discovery Team believed the virus originated from a Wuhan lab, but were incentivized to change their position. The congressmen have requested documents and information from the CIA and other federal agencies. The article also discusses the release of a report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which did not fully comply with the 2023 COVID-19 Origin Act. Various officials, including former CIA chief operating officer Andrew Makridis and former NIAID director Anthony Fauci, are mentioned in the context of the investigation.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation Office of the Director of National Intelligence CIA US Congress Wuhan Institute of Virology People’s Liberation Army Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases EcoHealth Alliance

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Rob Garver is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

US Warrantless Surveillance Law Up for Renewal Amid Calls for Reform

11 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Legislation

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows warrantless surveillance of non-U.S. persons abroad, is set to expire at the end of the year. Privacy activists demand significant reforms, citing abuses and privacy violations, while law enforcement officials argue that the provision is essential for national security. Competing reauthorization proposals are being considered in Congress, with varying degrees of restrictions on law enforcement's use of FISA data. Civil liberties organizations endorse stricter reforms, while some lawmakers propose narrower changes.

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House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Federal Bureau of Investigation National Counterterrorism Center American Civil Liberties Union Electronic Privacy Information Center House Committee on Homeland Security

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

Cars to fruit: The goods set to get pricier under Trump’s tariff plans

29 Nov 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Economic Impact

President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing issues like undocumented workers and drug flows. Economists warn these tariffs could raise prices on goods such as vehicles, fruits, vegetables, meat, alcohol, crude oil, and electronics. The tariffs may lead to a trade war, affecting US consumers and companies like Stellantis, General Motors, Ford, and retailers like Walmart and Best Buy. The article highlights the potential economic impact and concerns from industry experts and trade organizations.

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US Census Bureau Economist Intelligence Unit UN Comtrade US Department of Agriculture Produce Distributors Association Distilled Spirits Council of the United States US Energy Information Administration Atlantic Council

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Maham Javaid is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Ukraine News: Zelensky Fires Two Top Law Enforcement Officials

17 Jul 2022  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Russian Invasion

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine dismissed Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova and Security Service of Ukraine leader Ivan Bakanov, citing numerous treason investigations within law enforcement agencies. Vasyl Malyuk was appointed as the acting head of the security service, and Oleksiy Symonenko was named acting prosecutor general. The dismissals come amid ongoing Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Mykolaiv, and continued fighting in the Donetsk region. U.S. intelligence agencies have been providing significant support to Ukraine, and President Zelensky continues to call for increased international assistance.

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U.S. intelligence agencies National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine Security Service of Ukraine

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jean-marc manach is a french investigative & OSINT (data)journalist based in Paris, France, working on surveillance, privacy and intelligence issues (among other things) since the late 90s.

He has written numerous information security manuals explaining how to protect ones sources and ...

The 'clandestine communications system' of the CIA that betrayed its spies

11 Oct 2022  |  Next  |  French  |  Cybersecurity

A defective CIA covert communication system (covcom) led to the arrest or execution of numerous Iranian and Chinese spies. Investigations by Reuters journalists traced the covcom, revealing a significant intelligence breach between 2010 and 2012, with 18 to 20 sources imprisoned or executed in China. A joint FBI-CIA task force suspected former CIA agent Jerry Chun Shing Lee of leaking information to China. The communication system's compromise began in Iran, where the CIA's internet-based system experienced crippling failures since 2009, resulting in over two dozen sources' deaths in China by 2011-2012. The system, initially designed for special forces in the Middle East, was not equipped to withstand sophisticated counterintelligence efforts by state actors like China or Iran. Whistleblower John Reidy warned the CIA of the impending disaster as early as 2006, but his concerns were ignored, and he faced retaliation. The CIA's failure to act on Reidy's warnings and the subsequent compromise of its communication systems represent one of the most catastrophic intelligence failures since 9/11.

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) National Security Agency (NSA)

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Abhinandan Mishra is a print journalist based in Delhi, India who has an experience of more than 12 years. He specialises in investigative issues, matter relating to terrorism, intelligence. He has covered three general elections and multiple assembly elections across the country. He is also a ...

NIA under Dinkar Gupta rejigs policies, shows results

01 Oct 2023  |  sundayguardianlive.com  |  English  |  Law Enforcement

Dinkar Gupta, appointed as the head of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in June last year, has implemented significant policy changes that have led to improved effectiveness in counter-terrorism efforts. Gupta brought in specialized officials from premier organizations like R&AW and IB, and initiated actions against the Popular Front of India and gangsters in Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana. The Home Ministry has supported these initiatives by augmenting the NIA's strength. Gupta's leadership has resulted in a more proactive and efficient NIA, with a focus on tackling terror cells and reducing the influence of criminal gangs.

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Intelligence Bureau National Investigation Agency Research and Analysis Wing Home Ministry Popular Front of India CRPF BSF

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Simon Mkina is an award winning investigative reporter, editor and under cover journalist based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Phantom Tanzanian company flagged moving $620 million

21 Sept 2020  |  JamiiForums  |  English  |  Corruption

A Tanzanian company, Landfall Universe Limited, has been flagged for channeling over $620 million through its account over three years, raising suspicions of money laundering. Investigations reveal that the company is not registered in Tanzania and may be fictitious. Standard Chartered Bank in Tanzania and Hong Kong deny any involvement with the company. The Financial Crime Enforcement Network and Tanzania’s Financial Intelligence Unit are investigating. The article highlights the potential loss of tax revenue for the Tanzanian government and the need for stronger financial regulations to combat money laundering.

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Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau Tanzania’s Financial Intelligence Unit Financial Crime Enforcement Network Tanzania Revenue Authority Bank of Tanzania

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Alberto Payo is a journalist based in Mérida and Madrid, Spain. Graduated in Audiovisual Communication by Universidad Complutense and in Journalism by Universidad Carlos III is a very skilled and 360 professional. He can write articles and reports, make interviews, take pictures and video, edit ...

Finland points to Chinese hackers as authors of the attack on its parliament

01 Oct 2023  |  www.escudodigital.com  |  Spanish  |  Espionage

Finnish law enforcement has confirmed that the advanced persistent threat group APT31, linked to China's Ministry of State Security, was responsible for a breach of the Finnish parliament revealed in March 2021. The hackers accessed various email accounts, including those of Finnish MPs. A joint criminal investigation with Finnish intelligence and international partners has been ongoing, uncovering a complex criminal infrastructure. The crimes are suspected to have occurred between autumn 2020 and early 2021. This week, the US and UK announced sanctions against two APT31 members, Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, who worked as contractors for Wuhan XRZ, a cover company for critical operations against the US.

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Finnish Intelligence and Security Service National Bureau of Investigation Ministry of State Security (MSS)

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I'm a journalist. editor and marketing communications professional based in Bengaluru, India. Over the past quarter century, I've written extensively on diverse subjects ranging from air shows to defence expos, parenting to politics, rock stars to religion, and reviewed cars, books and gadgets. But ...

The deadly cyber line of actual control

02 Oct 2023  |  Free Press Journal  |  English  |  Ransomware Attacks

The article discusses the increasing threat of cyber attacks on Indian institutions, highlighting recent incidents such as the ransomware attack on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the potential for widespread disruption. It underscores the vulnerability of India's digital infrastructure to cyber threats, particularly from China and Pakistan, and the need for robust cyber defenses. The piece also references historical cyber incidents, including a significant power outage in Mumbai, and emphasizes the strategic implications of cyber warfare in modern conflicts.

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Central Bureau of Investigation Intelligence Bureau People’s Liberation Army All India Institute of Medical Sciences Indian Council of Medical Research Indian Computer Emergency Response Team Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre National Investigation Agency Recorded Future

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Ajay Kumar Shukla is a journalist.

PM Modi picks UP IAS officer Parameswaran Iyer as next NITI Aayog chief, Tapan Kumar Deka to head IB

24 Jun 2022  |  ETGovernment.com  |  English  |  Indian Bureaucracy

The Union government has appointed senior Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer Parameswaran Iyer as the next NITI Aayog chief, succeeding Amitabh Kant. Additionally, senior Himachal-cadre IPS officer Tapan Kumar Deka has been named the new Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief, replacing Arvinda Kumar. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved these appointments. The government also extended the service tenure of Punjab cadre IPS officer Samant Kumar Goel as Secretary of the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) for an additional year.

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Intelligence Bureau NITI Aayog Research & Analysis Wing Union Government Appointments Committee of the Cabinet

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Jerome is The Times Africa Correspondent, based in Nairobi. Before that he lived in Afghanistan and worked for various newspapers and broadcasters.

British volunteer in Ukraine was tortured and killed by fellow Brit fighter, investigators fear

17 Sept 2023  |  The Sun  |  English  |  International Relations

British volunteer Jordan Chadwick, 31, was found dead in Ukraine with signs of torture and his hands tied, leading investigators to suspect another British fighter. Chadwick served in Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence's 50/50 unit. His body was returned home for an inquest scheduled for next year. A second British casualty, Daniel Burke, 36, was found buried outside Zaporizhzhia, with Nourine Abdulfetah being a prime suspect. Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation is probing the case.

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Ukraine’s State Bureau of ­Investigation Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence

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I am a versatile correspondent who has worked with global media brands for over five years. My reporting is engaging, concise, and always thought-provoking. 

I have a comprehensive grasp of international politics, business and finance which I cover from across Europe  for North American TV ...

Senate AI Working Group Releases Long-Anticipated Roadmap for AI Policy

15 May 2024  |  Lexology  |  English  |  US Senate

The Senate AI Working Group, led by Chuck Schumer and other senators, released a comprehensive roadmap for AI policy in the U.S. Senate, aiming for bipartisan consensus on AI legislation. The roadmap emphasizes innovation, federal investment, and collaboration among Senate committees and the Biden Administration. It outlines recommendations for sector-specific AI policy issues, including workforce impacts, high-impact AI uses, elections, privacy, and national security. The roadmap supports existing legislation and proposes new reforms to drive AI innovation, address workforce challenges, and safeguard against AI risks. The Senate plans to address AI-related issues through rolling legislation rather than a single omnibus bill.

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Office of the Director of National Intelligence U.S. Intelligence Community Bureau of Labor Statistics National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence Senate AI Working Group Biden Administration Senate Appropriations Committee National Institute of Standards and Technology U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Department of Labor National Institutes of Health Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services U.S. Election Assistance Commission Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency U.S. Copyright Office U.S. Patent and Trademark Office U.S. Department of Defense

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Koen Verhelst is a journalist based in Brussels, covering EU topics for Politico.

He was previously stationed in Riga, covering the Nordics and the Baltics.

The West tried to crush Russia’s economy. Why hasn’t it worked?

05 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  International Relations

Despite extensive economic sanctions from the West aimed at crippling Russia's economy following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia's economy has shown resilience. Factors such as political will, enforcement challenges, and international cooperation complexities have contributed to the limited impact of these sanctions. The article highlights the uneven enforcement of sanctions, the role of secondary sanctions, and the challenges in controlling exports to Russia. It also discusses the deepening economic ties between Russia and countries like China and India, which have helped Russia circumvent some sanctions. The effectiveness of measures like the oil price cap and the exclusion of Russian banks from SWIFT is still uncertain, with long-term impacts yet to be fully realized. Key stakeholders emphasize the need for patience and continued pressure to make the sanctions more effective over time.

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Office of the Director of National Intelligence Bureau of Industry and Security White House EU Atlantic Council Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control State Department Center on Global Energy Policy Commerce Department National Security Council G7 Council of the EU RUSI Europe

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Sophia Waterfield is a journalist based in York, United Kingdom.

Fraud contract despite data breaches

15 Jun 2023  |  techmonitor.ai  |  English  |  Cybersecurity

The City of London Police has awarded Capita a contract to provide a new fraud reporting service, despite Capita being under investigation for multiple data breaches. Capita will work with PwC UK to replace the current Action Fraud system, with the new service set to be operational by mid-2024. The Home Office and City of London Corporation are funding the project, which has a total budget of £152m. Concerns have been raised about Capita's cybersecurity adequacy following a recent cyberattack, but the City of London Police expressed confidence in the procurement process and Capita's capabilities. The decision to appoint Capita may be influenced by the extensive time and money already invested in the procurement process.

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National Fraud Intelligence Bureau City of London Police Information Commissioner’s Office Home Office City of London Corporation Public Accounts Committee National Cyber Security Centre Cabinet Office

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Freelance multimedia journalist based out of Bangalore, India with over 8 years of experience. My work has appeared in Mint-Wall Street Journal, Conde Nast, Hindustan Times, Fountain Ink, The New Indian Express, and Deccan Herald. 

Awards: 
2015 Red Ink Award winner for Science and Innovation ...

Inside India’s illegal shark-fin trade

09 Feb 2022  |  scroll.in  |  English  |  Wildlife Crime

In 2018, India's Wildlife Crime Control Bureau intercepted a large illegal shipment of shark fins at Navi Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. Despite a ban on shark fin exports since 2015, the seizure of nearly 12,000 kg of fins from Global Impex Trading Company revealed a thriving black market. Investigations led to the arrest of the company's proprietor and associates, and further raids in Gujarat and Chennai. India, being the third-largest shark catcher globally, faces challenges in curbing the illegal trade due to high international demand, particularly from Hong Kong. The article highlights the discrepancy between reported exports and actual trade volume, the legal loopholes exploited by traders, and the need for stricter enforcement and protection of more shark species. It also touches on community efforts to shift away from shark fishing and government conservation schemes.

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Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Wildlife Crime Control Bureau High Courts of Kerala and Madras

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

Tense Calm In Madyan As Govt Forms JIT To Probe Lynching

24 Jun 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  Tourism

In Swat, a joint investigation team has been formed to probe the lynching of a tourist accused of blasphemy. The incident has led to a tense calm in the region, with markets and hotels reopening. The Swat District Police have registered a case involving multiple charges, including murder and terrorism, but no arrests have been made yet. Local leaders and religious scholars emphasize the need for a transparent investigation and express concerns about the impact on Swat's tourism reputation. The article highlights the challenges in Pakistan's justice system and the potential for increased blasphemy-related incidents if not addressed.

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Intelligence Bureau Swat District Police Joint Investigation Team

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Legu Zhang is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

China Fibs About Progress on U.S. Trade Deal

12 Jan 2022  |  www.polygraph.info  |  English  |  Economic Relations

The U.S. continues to press China for full compliance with the trade deal signed in January 2020, which required China to increase purchases of U.S. goods and services by $200 billion over two years. Despite increased purchases, China fell short of the targets, meeting only 60% of its commitments by November 2021. The shortfall is attributed to both the pandemic and the ambitious nature of the targets. While U.S. exports to China reached record levels, they still did not meet the agreed targets. The article highlights the mixed reactions and ongoing discussions between the U.S. and China regarding the trade deal's enforcement and future extensions.

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Economist Intelligence Unit American Farm Bureau Federation Global Times Peterson Institute for International Economics The New York Times The Wall Street Journal Forbes South China Morning Post

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