Daily Brief: Trump's National Security Plan to Focus on China, Russia

Council on Foreign Relations Newsletter If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view. December 18, 2017 Daily News Brief   TOP OF THE AGENDA Trump's National Security Plan to Focus on China, Russia U.S. President Donald J. Trump will present his national security strategy in a Monday speech, during which he is expected to stress a need to confront China and Russia (NYT) as they pursue unfair economic practices and tactics to control information to repress their citizens. Trump is also expected to address the countries' efforts to bolster their militaries and expand their influence globally (WaPo). An administration official cited China's island-building in the South China Sea and Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 as moves that challenge U.S. interests. Ahead of the speech, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster referred to China and Russia as "revisionist powers" (RFE/RL). ANALYSIS "The [National Security Strategy] isn't a strong enough document to constrain the president's actions, therefore I don't expect it will shape behavior, either of the administration or other countries toward us," Kori Schake said in an interview with Politico. "The inclusion of the tough language on China heralds a rockier period for Sino-U.S. relations next year. It also marks a departure from previous national security strategies, which did not incorporate trade and economic issues so prominently," Demetri Sevastopulo and Shawn Donnan write for the Financial Times. "While the document's description of pushing back against China on trade is familiar from the campaign, its description of the challenge posed by Russia seems at odds with Mr. Trump's own refusal to criticize President Vladimir Putin for his seizure of Crimea, efforts to destabilize Ukraine and his violations of a key nuclear treaty with the United States," David E. Sanger and Mark Landler write for the New York Times. PACIFIC RIM Myanmar Razed Rohingya Lands, HRW Says Buildings were razed in forty villages home to Rohingya Muslims (AP) days after the government signed a refugee repatriation deal with neighboring Bangladesh, according to Human Rights Watch. The rights group called Myanmar's stated commitment to ensure the safe return of Rohingya "a public relations stunt" (Al Jazeera). This CFR Backgrounder looks at the Rohingya crisis. INDONESIA: Authorities have recaptured an American man charged with drug offenses (BBC) who escaped from Bali's Kerobokan Prison. The prisoner had reached the nearby island of Lombok. SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA Nine Dead in Attack on Pakistan Church Two suicide bombers attacked a Methodist church in Quetta (Dawn) on Sunday, killing at least nine people and wounding thirty others. The self-proclaimed Islamic State (NYT) said it was behind the attack. AFGHANISTAN: Three gunmen were killed in an attack on the Afghan intelligence agency in Kabul (Tolo) on Monday. No civilians or security forces died in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State (RFE/RL). Benjamin Bahney and Patrick B. Johnston discuss in Foreign Affairs whether the Islamic State can resurrect itself in Iraq and Syria. MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA Security Council to Vote on Jerusalem Resolution The UN Security Council will vote on Monday on a resolution drafted by Egypt (Reuters) that declares actions by any country to alter the status of Jerusalem "null and void." The United States, which recognized the city as Israel's capital earlier this month, is expected to veto the resolution (VOA). This CFR Backgrounder looks at what's at stake with the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem. SAUDI ARABIA: A French chateau that sold for $300 million in 2015 and is believed to be the world's most expensive house is owned by an investment firm managed by the personal foundation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, according to a new report by the New York Times.  SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA South Africa's ANC to Elect New Party Leader More than 4,700 party delegates voted early Monday to elect President Jacob Zuma's successor as leader of the ruling African National Congress. The winner of the vote, which pitted Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa against Zuma's former wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is expected to lead the country after 2019 elections (DW). SOMALIA: Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said on Saturday that the Somali government requested the United States temporarily suspend aid to its armed forces (VOA) so the country could address corruption concerns.  EUROPE CIA Intel Foils St. Petersburg Plot Information the U.S. intelligence agency shared with Moscow (BBC) thwarted a plot to attack a cathedral in St. Petersburg on Saturday, according to the Kremlin and White House. Russian President Vladimir Putin called his U.S. counterpart to thank him. PORTUGAL: The ratings agency Fitch has upgraded Portugal's investment grade from junk status, becoming the second agency to back the country's economic recovery (FT) under the ruling socialist government.  AMERICAS Chile's Pinera Wins Second Term Former President Sebastian Pinera, a billionaire businessman, will lead Chile for a second time (LAHT) after winning a runoff election on Sunday with roughly 55 percent of votes. HONDURAS: The electoral tribunal declared President Juan Orlando Hernandez the winner (AP) of a disputed election last month with 43 percent of votes. At least seventeen people have died in three weeks of protests over the contested result.  UNITED STATES Trump Says No Plan to Fire Special Counsel President Trump said on Sunday that he does not intend to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading a probe into Russian efforts to influence the last U.S. presidential election. Trump's statement came a day after a lawyer for his transition team accused Mueller of unlawfully obtaining communications (WaPo) sent and received by White House officials before the president's inauguration. This CFR Backgrounder lays out the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election.         Council on Foreign Relations — 58 East 68th Street — New York, NY 10065 CFR does not share email addresses with third parties. 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From: dailybrief@e.cfr.org

Date: December 18, 2017 at 10:57PM