03 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US officials divided over CIA's future role in Afghanistan Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Senior US presidential advisers have proposed a secret expansion of the CIA's role in Afghanistan as the American military may begin a troop pullout per a potential peace deal with Taliban militants in the country, prompting concerns from officials of the spy agency and the Pentagon.
Following week of bloodshed, 'suffering of the Afghan people must end': UN mission chief UN News 03 Sep 2019 -- In the wake of a surge in violent strikes by Taliban extremists in Afghanistan over the past week, the country's top UN envoy has pleaded for an end to the fighting through a negotiated peace settlement, and an end to the "indescribable loss" suffered by victims' loved ones
Former U.S. Envoys Warn Hasty Afghan Pullout Could Trigger 'Total Civil War' RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- Nine former U.S. ambassadors have warned that Afghanistan could collapse in a "total civil war" if the United States withdraws its forces before a "real" peace deal involving the Kabul government is reached with the Taliban.
Taliban Attack Shakes Kabul, Killing Five As Peace Deal Reached 'In Principle' RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- The Taliban took credit for killing at least five civilians in a car bombing in Kabul on September 2 as the Afghan-based militant group agreed "in principle" to a deal to end the 18-year conflict, the longest war in which the United States has been embroiled.
US to Withdraw 5,000 Troops from Afghanistan, Close Bases under Draft Taliban Peace Deal - Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- The US would reportedly withdraw nearly 5,000 troops from five bases in Afghanistan within five months under a draft peace deal with the Taliban, yet the Trump administration and military officials reportedly remain in disagreement over whether to keep a CIA presence.

DOD Ramps Up Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts DoD News 03 Sep 2019 -- As Hurricane Dorian sat offshore from Florida's southeast coast, the Defense Department had already deployed some assets to the area.
South Carolina National Guard prepares to respond to Dorian's impact Army News 03 Sep 2019 -- South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from units across the state prepare to respond as needed Sept. 1, 2019, in support of the potential impact of Hurricane Dorian to the state.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Briefing on Use of 2808 MILCON Funds for Construction of the Border Wall DoD 03 Sep 2019 -- Acting Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Elaine McCusker; Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security Ken Rapuano; Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman; Lieutenant General Andrew Poppas, J3, Joint Staff

DOD Briefing on Hurricane Dorian Preparations DoD 03 Sep 2019 -- Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman; General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Commander, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command; Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Joseph Lengyel; Major General Scott Spellmon, Deputy Commanding General For Civil Works and Emergency Operations, U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
CNATTU Norfolk Emphasizes Hands-on Training with New MQ-8C Fire Scout Trainers NNS 03 Sep 2019 -- Instructors at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU), Norfolk completed their first MQ-8C Fire Scout pilot course using one of two new custom-built maintenance trainers Aug. 29.
Insider Threat Awareness Safeguards National Security DoD 03 Sep 2019 -- The Department of Defense has partnered with interagency stakeholders, including the National Insider Threat Task Force, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security, to increase awareness about the risks posed by insider threats and designated September 2019 as "National Insider Threat Awareness Month."
30th Armored Brigade Combat Team conducts driver training to expand flexibility Army News 03 Sep 2019 -- Flexibility and mobility are key components to successful military operations. During deployment training to support Operation Spartan Shield, Soldiers who primarily drive the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank in the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team have been conducting driver training using the MaxxPro Mine Resistance Ambush Protected (MRAP) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
TIGERCOMP XVI USMC News 03 Sep 2019 -- The hot California sun beamed, drawing beads of sweat, but the U.S. Marines, Vietnam veterans and members of the local community were heedless. Hands holding phones, binoculars and video cameras hovered as they anxiously waited for another ground shaking explosion.
Navy Establishes 'Tech Bridges' to Boost Agility, Collaboration NNS 03 Sep 2019 -- To help the Navy harness technological innovation, James Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, today announced a plan to rapidly expand collaboration with industry by setting up five regional offices around the country.
Navy, Marine Corps Conduct Arctic Exercise in Alaska NNS 03 Sep 2019 -- About 3,000 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel are participating in Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise (AECE) 2019 in the Aleutian Islands, South Central Alaska and Southern California Sept. 1-28.
Navy prepares for Hurricane Dorian in Hampton Roads NNS 03 Sep 2019 -- Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet ordered all U.S. Navy ships and aircraft in the Hampton Roads area to be prepared to transit to safety within 24 hours, if necessary, as a precautionary measure due to the approach of Hurricane Dorian, thereby setting Sortie Condition Bravo.
NAVSUP Deploys Defense Compliant Logistics Solution NNS 03 Sep 2019 -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC) deployed the Navy Logistics Management Standards (NLMS) system, a logistics information technology (IT) solution that ensures compliance with Department of Defense (DOD) standards across the NAVSUP Enterprise, August 6.
NIWC Atlantic Team Giving Warfighters 'Second Sight' NNS 03 Sep 2019 -- A Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic team is developing a computer vision-based system in which a four-rotor drone follows a warfighter to provide 360-degree situational awareness from above.
Secretary of Defense Esper Tells U.S. Naval War College Students His Focus is Great-Power Competition NNS 03 Sep 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke to students and faculty of the U.S. Naval War College on Aug. 27, his first address at a military academic institution since taking office July 23.

Over 40 ships begin exercise Northern Coasts in the Baltic Sea NATO 03 Sep 2019 -- Around 3,000 troops and more than 40 vessels from 18 nations are taking part in the annual Northern Coasts naval exercise that starts on 3 September in Copenhagen harbour. Northern Coasts will take place near the Danish straits connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea, as well as between Kiel and Bornholm. It will run until 19 September.
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark take up NATO air-policing duties NATO 03 Sep 2019 -- Starting in September, Belgian, Czech and Danish fighter aircraft will take up responsibility for patrolling the skies over the three Baltic countries as part of NATO's air policing mission.
Pence says US military to expand presence in Poland; NATO allies yet to hit spending goals Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- The United States is planning to expand its military presence in Poland, Vice President Mike Pence says, praising the NATO ally for being among the few members of the Western military alliance who are trying to meet Washington's spending requirements.
NATO Chief Meets Pompeo, Backs U.S. Afghan Peace Efforts RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the Western security alliance "fully supports" U.S. efforts to clinch a peace deal in Afghanistan.

Angry Villagers, Beached Pontoons, Irradiated Flotsam: More Clues To Mysterious Russian Explosion RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- At the meeting in the White Sea village of Nyonoksa, the focus of the anger was again the mysterious explosion last month at a Russian naval test range, an explosion that killed at least five people, sent a plume of radiation drifting over ? nearby city, and sent analysts from Washington to Brussels to Oslo scrambling to figure out what was going on.
Sukhoi Su-25 Jet Crashes in Russia's Stavropol Region - Defence Ministry Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- According to the Russian military, the warplane crashed in a desolate area, causing no damage on the ground. Emergency services are currently searching for the aircraft's two pilots.
Russia to Launch Production of New Mi-171A3 Helicopter for Shelf Operations Soon Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- Russia will soon launch production of a new Mi-171A3 helicopter for shelf operations, Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (part of Russian Helicopters) Managing Director Leonid Belykh said in an interview.
New Borei-Class Attack Submarine to Join Russian Pacific Fleet - Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- The submarine was originally destined to operate in the Russian Northern Fleet, but the Russian Defence Ministry later changed the decision, re-tasking it to the Pacific Ocean.

Video shows largest J-20 formation Global Times 03 Sep 2019 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force for the first time showcased seven J-20 stealth fighter jets, the largest J-20 formation ever publicly shown, on Tuesday, leading experts to say China's military is already operating a considerable number of J-20s, which could achieve regional aerial superiority and destroy the enemy's strategic facilities deep in hostile territory.

Indian Air Force Fortifies Pakistani Border With American Apache Attack Choppers Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- Apache attack helicopters will replace the ageing fleet of Mi-35s that have played such a crucial role in the western border region for years. Air Force Chief Marshal Birendra Singh Dhanoa said at the induction ceremony that these aircraft have been modified to suit the exacting standards demanded by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Pakistan will not initiate armed conflict with India: Khan Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan says his country would not pull the trigger first in a potential armed conflict with India over the disputed Kashmir region.
Pakistan Clarifies There Is 'No Change in Nuclear Policy' Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- Hours after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said his country will not initiate a nuclear war with India, his foreign ministry has clarified that the statement was taken out of context and there's been no change in its nuke policy.

Remarks by Vice President Pence in a Press Gaggle | Dublin, Ireland The White House 03 Sep 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence and Taoiseach Varadkar of Ireland in Joint Press Statement | Dublin, Ireland The White House 03 Sep 2019
Readout of Vice President Mike Pence's Meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar The White House 03 Sep 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence and Tánaiste Coveney of Ireland in Meeting | Shannon, Ireland The White House 03 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 3, 2019
Raytheon to Build Control System for US Army Hypersonic Glide Weapons Programme Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- US Army efforts to build and field a hypersonic weapon will include series of assemblies to control the glide built with subcontract issued the primary developer Dynetics, Raytheon said in a press release on Tuesday.

Other Conflicts

3 September 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Sep 2019

UN: Violations Committed By Armed Groups in Yemen May Amount to War Crimes VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- U.N. investigators say an array of human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law committed by Yemen's warring parties over the past five years may amount to war crimes.
Nowhere is safe to hide in war-torn Yemen, say UN-appointed rights experts UN News 03 Sep 2019 -- The people of Yemen have been subject to "numerous" possible war crimes in recent years including forced recruitment of children and sexual abuse in detention, UN-appointed senior rights experts said on Tuesday, in an appeal to the international community to do more to end the conflict.
UN investigators: US, Western allies may be complicit in Yemen war crimes Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- The United Nations' investigators say they suspect the US and its chief Western allies, the UK and France, of complicity in "war crimes" in Yemen, citing their provision of arms, logistics, and intelligence to a Saudi-led coalition invading the country.
US lawmakers launch new bid to end Saudi war on Yemen, stop US role Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the US Congress have joined forces to end Saudi Arabia's deadly war against the people of Yemen, amid international outrage over the Riyadh regime's bombing of a Yemeni prison that killed over 100 people.
Yemen targets Saudi airport with ballistic missiles Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Yemeni forces have launched ballistic missiles at an airport in Saudi Arabia's southwestern province of Najran to retaliate military strikes by a Saudi-led coalition.
Joint Coalition Forces Command "Coalition to Support Legitimacy, in Yemen": Drone Launched by Iran-backed Houthi Terrorist Militia, form Imran targeting KSA, Intercepted, Shot down SPA 03 Sep 2019 -- Colonel Turki al-Maliki, the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, in Yemen, said that the coalition forces managed to intercept and shoot down a drone launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militia from Imran towards civilian targets, in Khamis Mushayt, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Command of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Intercepts and Shoots Down a Drone Launched by Houthi Militia in Yemen From Imran Towards KSA SPA 03 Sep 2019 -- The Official Spokesman of Coalition Forces ''Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen'' Colonel Turki Al-Maliki stated that on Tuesday morning, the coalition forces managed to intercept and shoot down a drone Launched by Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia from Imran towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Syria repels militant drone attack on Hmeimim airbase in Latakia Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Syrian air defense forces have reportedly managed to foil an attack by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants against the country's strategic Hmeimim air base in Syria's western coastal province of Latakia.
US hindering efforts to set up post-war Syrian constitutional body: Zarif to UN envoy Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the United States is throwing a wrench in efforts to form a UN-backed constitutional committee in Syria, which would seek to pave the way for a political solution to the Arab country's eight-year conflict.
Despair, Extremism Fester Among Islamic State Wives VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- Five years ago, Sara left her home in Iraq with her husband to join what was then, for many, a hopeful idea: a new country of the faithful, the Islamic State.

Turkey Bracing for New Jihadi Threat VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- Thousands of jihadis are set to seek sanctuary in Turkey with Damascus' forces laying siege to Idlib, the last Syrian rebel enclave. With Damascus determined to take control of all of Syria, analysts warn it's only a matter of time before Turkey faces an exodus of not only refugees, but also the arrival of extremist fighters, posing a significant security threat to the country.

Army troops, Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters launch anti-Daesh offensive in western Iraq Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Iraqi army soldiers, backed by fighters from pro-government Popular Mobilization Units, have launched a major operation to hunt down the remnants of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in an area of the country's western province of Anbar.

Israeli Military Uncovers Alleged Hezbollah Missile Production Site in Eastern Lebanon Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- The Israeli Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that they uncovered an alleged site that belongs to the Hezbollah movement in the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon that consists of several complexes set up to produce engines and warheads for precision-guided missiles.

Russia Military Deployments in Kurils Not Discussed at Peace Deal Talks With Japan - Moscow Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- Russia does not discuss possible military deployments on the Kuril Islands during its peace treaty negotiations with Japan, Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said on Tuesday.

Fierce Fighting in Shan State Forces Hundreds to Seek Shelter in Monasteries Radio Free Asia 03 Sep 2019 -- Myanmar forces launched aerial attacks during a fierce battle with the Northern Alliance of ethnic armed groups in northern Shan state on Monday, forcing hundreds of villagers in two communities to seek shelter in local Buddhist monasteries, area residents said.
Myanmar Must Restore Rohingya Citizenship, Abandon Verification Cards, Rights Group Says Radio Free Asia 03 Sep 2019 -- The government of Myanmar must restore full citizenship rights to Rohingya Muslims living in Myanmar and in refugee camps in Bangladesh, and abandon the issuing of National Verification Cards (NVCs) that describe them as "foreigners," a rights group said on Tuesday at a press conference in Thailand.
Bangladesh Orders Cellphone Operators to Block Internet Services in Rohingya Camps Radio Free Asia 03 Sep 2019 -- Bangladesh has ordered cellphone operators to block internet access to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees sheltering at camps in the southeast, government officials said, citing national security and a need to maintain law and order.
Myanmar forcing Rohingya to accept 'foreigner' label Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- A human rights organization says Myanmarese authorities are forcing members of the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority to accept identity cards that strip them of the chance to become citizens.
UN experts decry torture of Rakhine men and boys held incommunicado by Myanmar's military UN News 03 Sep 2019 -- Allegations of torture and ill-treatment leading to the death of ethnic Rakhine men and boys being held in incommunicado detention by Myanmar's military, has prompted three independent UN rights experts to call for an end to the practice and for "credible, independent" investigations.

Insecurity and violence turn Nigeria into a 'pressure cooker' that must be addressed, says UN rights expert UN News 03 Sep 2019 -- Nigeria is a pressure cooker of internal conflicts and generalized violence that must be addressed urgently, an independent United Nations expert said on Tuesday, following a fact-finding visit to the country.

News Reports

Image of Iran's Rocket Failure Tweeted by Trump Claimed to be Taken by US Top-Secretive Spy Satellite Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- On Monday, Iranian authorities, for the first time, confirmed that a rocket had exploded at the country's Imam Khomeini Space Centre on Thursday due to a malfunction at a test site. The statement was made a few days after US President Donald Trump taunted Tehran on Twitter by sharing a photo of the apparent explosion at the site.

Tripping Out? Finland Tightens Rules For Russians Getting Visas RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- For Russians hoping to travel to Finland, the road just got a little bit more bumpy.
Russia, Mongolia Sign New Treaty To Bring Partnership To 'Whole New Level' RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Mongolian counterpart, Khaltmaagiin Battulga, have signed a permanent treaty on friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership during the Russian leader's visit to the East Asian country.
Senator Cruz Says U.S. Has Ability To Halt Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- U.S. Senator Ted Cruz said that the United States still has the ability to halt construction of a planned pipeline to send Russian natural gas to Germany even as the project nears completion.

North Korea Issues New Lapel Badge Featuring Kim Jong Il Radio Free Asia 03 Sep 2019 -- North Korean authorities are distributing among the country's elite a newly issued lapel badge featuring the portrait of former leader Kim Jong Il, father of current leader Kim Jong Un. The newest badge is replacing the more common double-portrait badge, which features Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il together, leading some to speculate that Kim Jong Un is attempting to deemphasize his grandfather in favor of his father, thereby boosting his own importance.

United States Imposes New Sanctions Designations on Iran's Space Program as Tehran Continues to Use Civilian Space Agencies to Advance its Ballistic Missile Programs US Dept. of State 03 Sep 2019 -- "Today, the Department of State designated the Iran Space Agency and two of its research institutes under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 for engaging in proliferation-sensitive activities. This is the first time the United States is designating Iran's civilian space agency for activities that advance its ballistic missile program."
New Sanctions Designations on Iran's Space Program US Dept. of State 03 Sep 2019 -- "Today, the Department of State designated the Iran Space Agency and two of its research institutes under Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and WMD delivery systems and their supporters – the first time the United States is publicly designating Iran's civilian space agency."
US Imposes Sanctions on Iran Space Agencies VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- The United States has imposed its first-ever sanctions against Iran's space agency, accusing it of disguising a missile program.
US new sanctions target Iranian Space Agency Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran this time to target its space program.
U.S. Slaps Sanctions On Iran Space Program Over Missile Work RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on Iran's civilian space agency and two of its research institutes, saying they are being used to advance Tehran's missile program.
Rouhani Rules Out Bilateral US Talks VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday his country would not hold bilateral talks with the United States.
Iranian President Rules Out Bilateral Talks With U.S. RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rohani has ruled out bilateral talks with the United States, though the removal of sanctions against it would allow for multilateral talks including those who signed a nuclear accord in 2015.
Iranian President Rouhani Rules Out Bilateral Talks With US Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- The comments by the Iranian president come just weeks after his US counterpart, Donald Trump, signalled his readiness to hold a bilateral meeting in the future under the "correct" circumstances.
Turkish Businessman Sentenced to 27 Months Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Violate U.S. Sanctions by Exporting Marine Equipment from the United States to Iran US Dept. of Justice 03 Sep 2019 -- Resit Tavan, a Turkish Businessman and owner of the Istanbul-based Turkish business Ramor Dis Ticaret Ltd. (also known as the "Ramor Group") was sentenced on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Federal District Court in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to 27 months imprisonment in connection with his conviction for conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions by exporting specialized marine equipment from the United States to Iran between 2013 to 2015.
Rouhani: Iran has no intention to talk with US IRNA 03 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that Iran opted for national resistance to the US maximum pressure and active diplomacy and that has not decided to negotiate with the US despite some suggestions from many states.
Rouhani reaffirms strategy of resistance to US maximum pressure IRNA 03 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday reaffirmed strategy of resistance to the US maximum pressure, saying that Iran follows active diplomacy as well.
Finnish top diplomat confirms talks on credit facility for Iran in exchange for oil sale Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto has confirmed reports that Iran would be able to resume its oil sale under a new initiative by France, which seeks to provide Tehran with a crucial credit facility to help save a nuclear deal that has suffered as a result of US sanctions.
France: Saving Iran deal hinges on 'US waivers' from bans Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- France says efforts aimed at saving a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal on the Iranian nuclear program hinges on the United States' provision of waivers from the sanctions it has unilaterally and illegally re-imposed on Tehran.
Iran oil products expose frailty of US sanctions web Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Oil products are emerging as Iran's mainstay in a grueling battle with the United States which is bent on wiping out the country's revenues.
President Rouhani rules out bilateral talks with US under sanctions Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Iran has never had any plan to enter bilateral negotiations with the US, reiterating that talks will be possible within the framework of the P5+1 group of world states if Washington agrees to lift all sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Iran, France hold intensive expert-level talks on ways to save nuclear deal Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- Iranian and French experts have held intensive talks aimed at salvaging an international nuclear deal, which has been at risk of unraveling since the US withdrew from it last year.
It's Necessary to Find Way to Counter US, Otherwise Nuclear Deal Won't Be Only Loss, Iranian FM Says Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said on Monday that Washington's actions regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action are a blow to international law, and if the accord is not preserved, the nuclear deal "will not be the only loss".
Secret Dutch Mole Aided Stuxnet Virus Attack on Iranian Nuclear Program – Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- An Iranian mole recruited by Dutch intelligence was reportedly instrumental in helping the US and Israel install the Stuxnet virus on Iran's nuclear centrifuges in Natantz, according to sources.

HK activist calls for rally in Taiwan before China's National Day CNA 03 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong student activist and secretary- general of pro-democracy party Demosistō Joshua Wong (黃之鋒) urged the Taiwanese public Tuesday to take to the streets before China's Oct. 1 National Day to show support for those Hong Kong people fighting for freedom and democracy.
Hong Kong Leader's Withdrawal Pledge is 'Too Little, Too Late': Protesters Radio Free Asia 03 Sep 2019 -- High-school students in Hong Kong on Tuesday swelled the ranks of the anti-extradition movement by forming human chains on school campuses on the second day of a general strike, amid a renewed storm of criticism over police violence against protesters.
Hong Kong Activist Agnes Chow Wins Appeal Overturning Election Ban Radio Free Asia 03 Sep 2019 -- A political activist who was barred from running in elections to Hong Kong's legislature on political grounds has won an appeal against the administrative decision.
Hong Kong Leader Denies Resignation Talks With Beijing VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong's struggling chief executive has denied that she discussed resigning with Chinese officials amid growing pro-democracy protests, despite having been heard in a leaked audio recording saying she would step down if she had a choice.
Hong Kong Leader Says She Would Quit 'If I Had a Choice' VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- Embattled Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam said Tuesday she has no intention of stepping down in order to end the heated anti-government demonstrations that have shaken the city for three months, and rejected reports that China's leaders had stopped her from quitting, saying she wanted to solve the city's political quagmire herself.
Britain refuses to give full passports to its supporters in Hong Kong Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- As tensions rise in Hong Kong after months of protests and unrest, growing calls for the UK to grant the right of abode to citizens of its former colony have added a new twist to the unfolding drama.
Hong Kong Leader Refutes Reports About Plans to Resign Amid Ongoing Protests Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Tuesday refuted the reports about her plans to resign in light of ongoing protests, which have been raging on in the city since June.
Central govt reaffirms strong support for Lam Global Times 03 Sep 2019 -- The Chinese central government on Tuesday reiterated its firm support for Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's efforts to put an end to violence, and said the situation in Hong Kong has improved but remained grim.
HK Chief Executive Carrie Lam rebuts Reuters report, claims she never submitted resignation to central government Global Times 03 Sep 2019 -- Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Tuesday that she has never submitted any resignation to the central government, and she is confident that she can lead the city out of its current crisis.
Hong Kong mob gets harsh warning Global Times 03 Sep 2019 -- Chinese State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office on Tuesday issued harsh warnings to radical protesters, saying some of the radical protesters have shown clear signs of color revolution and terrorism.
FM refutes Pompeo's groundless accusations Global Times 03 Sep 2019 -- China firmly opposes repeated hyping and groundless accusations about the vocational education and training centers in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, in response to recent Twitter comments on Xinjiang by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Joshua Wong arrives in Taiwan, calls for wider support of HK protests CNA 03 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong student activist Joshua Wong (黃之鋒) on Tuesday called for wider support from the Taiwanese government and its people for Hong Kong's ongoing democratic movement, as he arrived in the country to meet with government representatives and some independence-supporting local politicians.
China's nuclear power development maintains high-level safety: white paper Global Times 03 Sep 2019 -- China's nuclear power development has been safe and efficient in terms of nuclear technology use, nuclear material control, public health and environment protection, according to a white paper released by the State Council Information Office Tuesday.
China issues white paper on nuclear safety People's Daily 03 Sep 2019 -- China on Tuesday issued a white paper to introduce its approach to nuclear safety.
Xi emphasizes "struggles" to achieve national rejuvenation People's Daily 03 Sep 2019 -- President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on officials, particularly young officials, to maintain a fighting spirit and strengthen their ability to struggle, to strive for achieving the two centenary goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
Trump Warns China Against Delay in Reaching Trade Pact VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump warned China on Tuesday against delays in reaching a new trade agreement in hopes he is defeated for re-election in 2020, saying that if he wins he will be "MUCH TOUGHER" in setting the terms of a deal.
China files case at WTO against U.S. tariffs: MOC People's Daily 03 Sep 2019 -- China on Monday announced that it had filed a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the United States following its implementation of the additional 15-percent tariffs imposed on 300 billion U.S. dollars worth of Chinese imports on Sept. 1.

Ties with Taiwan in Solomon Islands' interests: MOFA CNA 03 Sep 2019 -- The majority of parliament members of the Solomon Islands and its citizens still support Taiwan, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday, expressing belief that the Solomon Islands' parliament will realize that it is in its best interests to maintain ties with Taiwan.
'Clearly Leaning Toward Beijing': Solomon Islands May Soon Abandon Taiwan Recognition Sputnik 03 Sep 2019 -- The Oceanic country of the Solomon Islands might soon switch its recognition of the legitimate government of China from Taipei to Beijing, leaving the autonomous island with just 16 countries on its side of the dispute. A pro-Beijing Solomon Islands is likely to rile strategists in Canberra and Washington, too.

Ukrainian Parliament Cancels Immunity For Lawmakers RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- Ukraine's parliament has voted in favor of cancelling immunity from prosecution for lawmakers, a step toward President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's pledge to stamp out corruption.

South African Police Arrest 90 as Unrest in Cities Continues VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- South Africa's president condemned days of widespread looting and arson attacks on foreign-owned businesses across Johannesburg and the administrative capital, Pretoria, calling the violence "totally unacceptable."

British PM Johnson Calls for Early Election After Rebel Lawmakers Hijack Brexit VOA 03 Sep 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he has no choice but to call for early elections after a group of rebel lawmakers in Parliament seized control over the issue of Brexit.
"No way will I ask Brussels to delay Brexit", says British PM People's Daily 03 Sep 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday night outside 10 Downing Street that there are no circumstances in which he will ask the European Union (EU) to delay his country's departure from the bloc.

UN official blasts Nigeria's use of 'lethal force' on Muslims Press TV 03 Sep 2019 -- A United Nations rapporteur strongly condemns Abuja's application of deadly violence against the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

Georgian Interior Minister, Focus Of Protester Ire, Nominated For PM RFE/RL 03 Sep 2019 -- Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, has nominated controversial Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia as its candidate for prime minister.

Somalia: worst harvest since 2011, with more than 2 million expected to go hungry UN News 03 Sep 2019 -- Somalia's 2019 cereal harvest is the poorest the country has seen since 2011, when famine strained already scarce resources, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), announced on Tuesday, blaming unreliable weather patterns and "climatic shocks".

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