A summary of Key Events from this week's Daily Quick-Looks. Click on the headings or pictures below to be taken to the Quick-Look for that particular day, which also includes the day's other key events. All Quick-Looks can also be found on the Intelligence Stream.
05 October 2020: New Caledonia Rejects Independence From France Again
Political // BLUF: The people of the French territory of New Caledonia have rejected independence from France for a second time in a referendum.
In what was a narrow 'no' vote, secessionists say they will continue to fight for independence.
With the unofficial results at 53.3% to 46.7%, up from 43% from the 2018 referendum, the push for independence could see a third and final referendum in 2022.
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06 October 2020: Victorian Premier Seeks Chinese Tech Precinct For Melbourne
Political // BLUF: The Premier of the Australian state of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, reportedly asked the Chinese government last year to set up a technology research and development centre in Melbourne, known as a 'Torch Centre'
This request prompted warnings of intellectual property theft and potential national security implications.
Andrews signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Victoria to join China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2018. Australia's Home Affairs Minister described BRI as a “a propaganda initiative from China” that brings an “enormous amount of foreign interference”.
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07 October 2020: No Quick-Look Today
08 October 2020: The US Warns China Over Taiwan Invasion
Security, Political // BLUF: The US National Security Adviser has warned China on Wednesday against taking Taiwan by force.
Robert O'Brien had commented at the University of Nevada that China is currently engaged in a massive naval buildup.
O'Brien also commented that there was a lot of ambiguity on how the US would respond to an amphibious invasion by China.
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09 October 2020: Spanish Government Threatens Madrid Administration Over Lockdown
Security, Political // BLUF: The Spanish government has threatened the administrative authorities of Madrid, after demanding that if Madrid does not enforce travel restrictions it will declare a state of emergency that would force it to comply.
Madrid authorities reluctantly barred all 'non-essential' travel last Friday, however a Madrid regional court annulled the measures on Thursday, ruling that the government overstepped its mandate and interfered with fundamental human rights.
A state of emergency would effectively allow the Spanish government powers to restrict movement, with the country's Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez threatening to impose one unilaterally.
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10 October 2020: Swiss Hostage Killed In Mali
Security // BLUF: Swiss hostage Beatrice Stoeckli has reportedly been killed by her Islamic militant captors in Mali.
Switzerland had been trying to secure her release for the past four years.
The Swiss foreign minister had commented that information of the death came from a French hostage who, along with several other hostages, was recently released.
Islamic extremist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam Muslimeen is reported to be responsible.
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The reporting period for this Daily Quick-Look is the previous 24 hours (unless stated otherwise). This Daily Quick-Look is comprised of reports from agencies around the world, and are referenced where possible. Deciport LLC is in no way associated with any agency listed. This Daily Quick-Look is for information purposes only. This Daily Quick-Look is not intended for planning purposes. The comments that comprise the 'Why It Matters' do not represent the opinions, viewpoints or assessment of the agency from which the linked source report originated, and is intended to add context for the reader as part of a summary.