GOVERNMENT INTELLIGENCE

• VIETNAM - To Lam wants to further condense public security hierarchy

• IRAQ/IRAN - Qassem Al Araji defuses Sulaymaniyah security issues before return to Tehran

• FRANCE/VIETNAM/ROMANIA - Olivier Brochet tipped to succeed ambassador Warnery in Hanoi

• RUSSIA - FSB's new technical director settles in

• RUSSIA - FSO regulates military service

• FRANCE - Former COS liaison chief ordered to return extra pay

• TAIWAN - NATO slows down rapprochement with Taipei

• UNITED STATES - All drone policies point to the DNI

Hanoi's highly political investigation spills over into Geneva 

Switzerland has found itself at the heart of a power-struggle at the highest echelons of the Vietnamese government, which is playing out in the Swiss capital and other European countries.

Japan launches closed-door debate on nuclear strategy 

Prime minister Fumio Kishida wants to start a new national discussion on Japan's military nuclear strategy, yet officials are sceptical of being able to find a common ground anytime soon.

• CANADA/CHINA - CSIS at heart of tensions between Ottawa and Beijing

• RUSSIA - Telegram channel close to military intelligence is hiring

• UKRAINE/EUROPE - NATO boosts cooperation with security teams

• TAIWAN - CCP sees ex-police officer Hou Yu-ih as best shot at presidency
  

• IRAQ - Lahur Talabani throws spanner in election plans
  

Seoul's nuclear goals spark intense talks between China and US 

By raising the idea of a new nuclear autonomy strategy, South Korea has forced Washington and Beijing to quietly seek common ground over the issue.

Military pushes pro-Chinese approach on eve of election 

The Thai prime minister has renewed his trust in Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the general running the Public Relations Department. The latter has been promoting a Chinese-style control of information, while the military has been advocating for a strategic alliance with Beijing.

Beijing tries to reopen dialogue with Vatican as they compete for Ukraine mediation role 

Beijing has refused to accept the Vatican as a mediator in the war in Ukraine but the two parties are nevertheless trying to normalise their relations. The Chinese Communist Party could, therefore, take a more flexible approach on certain issues important to the Holy See.

Washington ups the pressure on Five Eyes allies to act on Chinese 'entryism' 

US prosecutors in New York have arrested two men for running a "secret police station" in Manhattan. They are hoping that other countries will follow their example.

Russian and Chinese coast guards draw closer in North Pacific 

Moscow and Beijing are coordinating their North Pacific border security efforts, and in doing so are stoking the flames of Russia and Japan's unresolved dispute over the four Kuril Islands.