25 September 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US Airstrike in Libya Kills 11 IS Fighters VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- An airstrike Tuesday on an Islamic State target in Libya killed 11 IS fighters, the U.S. military said.

Afghans Prepare for Election Amid Fears of Attacks, Fraud, Chaos VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- Amid concerns about violence, fraud and possible post-election chaos, candidates wrapped up their 60-day campaigns in Afghanistan on Wednesday, ahead of Saturday's presidential polls.
Ghani, Abdullah Facing Off In Two-Horse Afghan Presidential Race RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- A bitter, fraud-marred presidential election in 2014 pushed Afghanistan to the brink of civil war before a power-sharing deal was reached between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, who became president and chief executive officer.

Defense Policy / Programs

Secretary of Defense Esper Press Briefing in Norfolk, Virginia DoD 25 Sep 2019 -- Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper
US, Bahrain Participate in Neon Defender 19 CENTCOM 25 Sep 2019 -- U.S. and Bahrain armed forces participated in exercise Neon Defender 19 in Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 15-19. ND 19 is a bilateral surface and maritime security exercise between the U.S. Navy and Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) to enhance interoperability and warfighting readiness.
CNO Visits Republic of Korea NNS 25 Sep 2019 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited the Republic of Korea (ROK) to engage with U.S. Sailors and ROK national and naval leadership, Sept. 25.
MARMC Production Team Completes USS Bataan Repairs NNS 25 Sep 2019 -- Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center's (MARMC) outside machine shop recently completed repairs to USS Bataan's (LHD 5) Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) recovery winch, Aug 29.
Mahan Returns to the Fleet, Completes ESRA NNS 25 Sep 2019 -- The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) officially returned to the fleet Sept. 13, after completing an 18-month Chief of Naval Operations availability.
Carter Hall Returns to Little Creek After Participating in UNITAS LX (60) NNS 25 Sep 2019 -- The dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) arrived at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Sept. 23, 2019, after participating in UNITAS LX (60) in the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) area of operations.
US military increase exacerbates tensions in the Middle East People's Daily 25 Sep 2019 -- The US Department of Defense (DoD) said on September 20 that President Trump approved the deployment of additional troops to the Gulf region and will deploy air defense forces including the missile defense system to strengthen the defensive capabilities of its regional allies after the attack on Saudi oil facilities. On the same day, the US also announced sanctions against three Iranian entities, including the Central Bank of Iran, saying it was a response to the attack on Saudi oil facilities.
US Navy Hits 80% Super Hornet Readiness Goals Ahead of Schedule Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- US Navy officials announced Tuesday the mission-capable (MC) rate of the service's mainstay aircraft, the F/A-18 Hornet in its many variants, had been brought up to 80%, just days ahead of schedule.
815th Airlift Squadron support Bahamas relief efforts following Hurricane Dorian US Air Force 25 Sep 2019 -- The 815th Airlift Squadron returned Sept. 17 from a humanitarian mission supporting Hurricane Dorian relief efforts in the Bahamas for a week.
Lask AB runway reopens, increases US, Polish military abilities in region US Air Force 25 Sep 2019 -- Leaders from the 52nd Fighter Wing and U.S. Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa had the privilege of joining their Polish allies in a ceremony celebrating the reopening of an upgraded runway at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 21.

India, US, Japan Set for 'Malabar' Naval Exercise Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- The navies of India, Japan, and the US are set to begin trilateral war games off the coast of Japan from Thursday amid a growing Chinese military presence in the disputed South China Sea.

NATO Says Russian Proposal on Intermediate-Range Missile Deployment Ban Not Credible Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- NATO confirms receiving a letter from Russia on the introduction of a moratorium on the deployment of short- and medium-range missiles in Europe, but does not consider this proposal credible because of the Russian SSC-8 cruise missile, spokesperson Oana Lungescu said Wednesday.

Report: Putin Sends NATO Proposal For Moratorium On Missile Deployment To Europe RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- The Russian newspaper Kommersant is reporting that President Vladimir Putin has sent a proposal to NATO calling for a moratorium on deploying short- and medium-range missiles in Europe.

China launches first amphibious assault ship Global Times 25 Sep 2019 -- A launch ceremony was held for China's first amphibious assault ship, the Type 075, on Wednesday in a move that represents a new era for China's warship development, Chinese military experts said.
China launches first home-made amphibious assault ship People's Daily 25 Sep 2019 -- China's first amphibious assault ship, the Type 075, was launched in Shanghai on Sept. 25.
China Launches First Type 075 Helicopter Carrier Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- China's first helicopter carrier, the Type 075 landing helicopter dock (LHD), was declared complete in a Wednesday ceremony in Shanghai. While largely ignored by the international press, the warship rivals the larger aircraft carriers of most navies.
China Christens 14,000-ton Medical Rescue Ship to Shore up its International Image VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- China has finished work on a 14,300-ton medical vessel, dubbed the "Peace Ark," that can rescue distressed foreign boats, possibly in Asia's most heavily disputed sea, and help improve Beijing's tattered reputation among regional governments.
Xi stresses carrying forward role models' spirit of patriotism, tireless struggle Global Times 25 Sep 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed carrying forward the spirit of patriotism and tireless struggle of the country's role models of dedication to create a powerful source of strength for realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commissions Indian Coast Guard Ship 'Varaha'; To further strengthen coastal security India PIB 25 Sep 2019 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called for a proactive coordination among all agencies and stakeholders involved in coastal security to achieve the common goal of national security. He was addressing a gathering at the Commissioning Ceremony of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) 'Varaha' in Chennai today.
India Boosts Its Coastal Strength Amid Rising Threat of 'Sea-Borne Terror' Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- India is set to rapidly increase the number of patrol vessels and aircraft available to the Coast Guard, the country's smallest armed force. The defence ministry aims to equip its coast guards with over 200 ships and 110 aircraft by 2022.
Indian Air Force Fighter Jet Crashes in City of Gwalior Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- According to reports, a MiG-21 has crashed in Gwalior in Central India. Both pilots, a Group Captain and a squadron leader, managed to eject safely.
Indian Forces Fully Prepared to Tackle Threat Emanating From Pakistan, Defence Minister Warns Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has indicated the possibility of another anti-terror operation to destroy terror infrastructure inside Pakistan that has reportedly been rebuilt after being destroyed in an air strike earlier this year.

IRGC to give crushing response to all perpetrators IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami said on Wednesday that Tehran doesn't seek any disruption but will firmly stand against all perpetrators, referring to the European troika's recent accusations against Iran.
Iran defense minister says promoting missile power nat'l consensus IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Wednesday that there is a national consensus on promoting defensive capabilities, particularly missile power.

Saudi Crown Prince, Pentagon Chief Discuss US Troop Deployment in the Kingdom - SPA Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper on Wednesday spoke by phone about ongoing arrangements to send US troops to the kingdom, state-run media reported.

Finland Sees 'Clear Need' to Conduct Extra Drills for Reservists Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- Finland, which maintains the largest army in Northern Europe, is poised to increase the number of volunteers who will undergo refresher training three times in a single year, from today's 4,000 to 12,000.

Remarks by President Trump in Press Conference The White House 25 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe of Japan in Signing of Joint Trade Agreement | New York, NY The White House 25 Sep 2019
Remarks by President Trump and President Zelensky of Ukraine Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 25 Sep 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 25, 2019

Other Conflicts

Yemen repeats peace offer, warns Saudi against aggression Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Yemen has once again reiterated its willingness to end hostilities with Saudi Arabia provided that the kingdom stops its years-long aggression against the impoverished country.
Two million Yemeni children out of school: UNICEF Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimates that two million children are out of school in Yemen, which has been the subject of a destructive Saudi-led military campaign for more than four years.
Kingdom announces completion of payment of its pledge announced this year at donors' conference for Yemen at United Nations worth $ 500 million SPA 25 Sep 2019 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today announced the completion of its pledge of $ 500 million announced this year at United Nations Donors' to Yemen Conference.

Iran, Russia, Turkey issue joint statement on Syrian constitutional committee ISNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian, Russian and Turkish foreign ministers held a joint meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, United States, during which they discussed holding the first session of Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva tasked with drafting Syria's new constitution.
Lebanon's President Aoun urges world leaders to work on safe return of Syrian refugees Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun has calls on world leaders to work on safe return of Syrian refugees, stressing that addressing the issue is "not the sole responsibility of Lebanon."
Syrian displacement poses 'serious threat' to Lebanon's development goals, President tells UN Assembly UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- While the "heated" wars in the Middle East over the last decade have recessed, the President of Lebanon told the United Nations General Assembly's annual general debate on Wednesday that Syria's displacement crisis has had repercussions on his country's "security, political, social, economic and environmental spheres".

UNGA 2019: Israel irked as Erdogan takes UN podium to rap occupation Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accusing him of "lying" after he drew the world's attention to the Tel Aviv regime's occupation of Palestinian territories during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

UNGA 2019: Qatar, Egypt leaders butt heads over Libya Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- The leaders of Egypt and Qatar have traded accusations of backing rival groups in Libya, during their speeches at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
UN Warns Libya Moving Toward Full-Scale Civil War VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- The United Nations warns escalating violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Libya is pushing the country closer toward a return to the full-scale civil war that overthrew former dictator, Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

US Offers New Aid Package for Rohingya; Bangladeshi, Malaysian PMs Push for Repatriation Radio Free Asia 25 Sep 2019 -- The United States has announced more than $127 million in new humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees, while the leaders of Bangladesh and Malaysia called on Myanmar to create conditions for repatriating the stateless people.
House Approves Bill to Aimed at Holding Myanmar Leaders Accountable for Atrocities VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at advancing efforts to hold senior Myanmar leaders accountable for crimes committed against Rohingya and other ethnic minorities.

Ukraine's Zelenskiy Seeks Global Support Amid 'Russian Aggression' RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy kicked off the second day of speeches at this year's UN General Assembly, warning world leaders about the dangers of "Russian aggression" in Ukraine.
Zelenskiy Says 'Russian Aggression' Holds Back Ukraine's Nation Building RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- Ukrai
UN chief urges scaled up response for peace, across troubled Sahel's region UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- Humanitarian and development responses for Mali and Africa's wider Sahel region "are falling short", and support must be scaled up to ensure a hopeful future for its people, the Secretary-General told world leaders at a special high level meeting inside UN Headquarters on Wednesday.

At UN, Colombia's Duque stands behind peace process, vows to stamp out narco-terrorists UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- Vowing to carry forward Colombia's peace process, President Iván Duque outlined for delegations gathered for the UN General Assembly's annual debate, his country's efforts to disarm ex-combatants, protect the Amazon and root out drug traffickers and narco-terrorists.

News Reports

Trump exposed to 'national security risks' while seeking Ukraine's help Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- US President Donald Trump might have exposed himself to "serious national security and counter-intelligence risks" while pressuring Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, says the intelligence community's inspector general.
Trump Prodded Zelenskiy To Look Into Biden, Called Dismissed Ukraine Prosecutor 'Very Good' RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate his political rival Joe Biden during their call that is at the heart of a House impeachment inquiry.
'We Were Dragged Into This': What Ukrainians Think About The Trump Scandal RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- On September 24, in Washington, Speaker Nancy Pelosi stepped up to a podium and announced that the U.S. House of Representatives would start formal impeachment procedures against President Donald Trump, accusing him of betraying his oath of office and national security by pressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to investigate a political rival.
Phone Call Summary Shows Trump Asked Ukraine President to Investigate Biden VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- A summary of a July phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shows that Trump asked for Ukrainian officials to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden.
Nine Things to Know About Trump Impeachment Controversy VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced a "formal impeachment inquiry" into President Donald Trump, escalating a long-running clash between Democratic lawmakers and the White House over alleged presidential malfeasance. The announcement followed disclosures that Trump in a July 25 call to Ukraine's president asked him to investigate front-running Democratic candidate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.
Acting US DNI Debunks WaPo Report Saying He Threatened to Resign Over Whistleblower Complaint Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- The report said that the acting Director of National Intelligence threatened to resign if the White House attempted to stonewall him from testifying on the whistleblower complaint issue which led to the impeachment move announced this Tuesday.
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 25 Sep 2019
White House Whistle-Blower Seeks Protection As Pelosi Orders Impeachment Probe Of Trump RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- Lawyers are seeking guidance on how to protect a whistle-blower if that person wants to meet with congressional intelligence committees regarding a complaint that at least partly involves U.S. President Donald Trump's interactions with Ukraine's president.

Putin 'supports dialog between Venezuela government, opposition' Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country supports dialog between the Venezuelan government and opposition.
Russian, Venezuelan Leaders Hold Talks In Moscow RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, in Moscow amid the ongoing political crisis in the South American country.
Remarks by President Trump in a Multilateral Meeting on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela | New York, NY The White House 25 Sep 2019
Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding a Democratic Transition in Venezuela The White House 25 Sep 2019

'Milestone agreement' paves the way for new UN Human Rights Office in Sudan UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- "With this milestone agreement, we are poised to accompany Sudan through an important moment in its history" – the words of UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday, as she signed a deal between the UN and the newly-constituted Government of Sudan to open a Human Rights Office in the capital, Khartoum.

Banker Linked To Russian Money-Laundering Case Found Dead In Estonia RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- The missing former chief of Danske Bank in Estonia, who was at the center of a 200 billion-euro ($220 billion) money-laundering scandal involving Russian money, has been found dead.
IAAF Votes To Extend Russia's Suspension From World Athletics Body RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- The governing body for world track and field has voted to keep a ban on Russian athletes amid concerns the country may have manipulated data from its Moscow anti-doping laboratory.

Chinese Government Employees Gripe About Forced Travel to North Korea Radio Free Asia 25 Sep 2019 -- Sources in China alleged last week that Chinese authorities are forcing government employees to take tours to North Korea several times per year, as part of an initiative to improve Sino-Korean friendship and provide Pyongyang with economic assistance.

Iran's violations of international law: Foreign Secretary's statement UK FCO 25 Sep 2019 -- Speaking in the House of Commons, Dominic Raab called upon Iran to respect the basic principles of the rules-based international system.
Rouhani: Iran's response to negotiations under sanctions is "No" IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said that Iran's response to any calls for negotiations while the sanctions are still going on will be negative.
President urges compliance with UNSC Resolution 2231 IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani in a message addressing the US officials wrote that they can return to the multilateral nuclear deal they had withdrawn from and show their abidance to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231.
Rouhani conveys Iranian nation's message of peace, commitment in UNGA IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has delivered his speech at the 74th United Nations General Assembly session outlining the Islamic Republic's peace initiative as Hormuz Peace Initiative.
Pres. Rouhani presents Hormuz Peace Initiative in UNGA IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in his speech at the 74th United Nations General Assembly session on Wednesday afternoon showcased the Islamic Republic's stance on the latest regional and international developments.
Iran, 4+1 call for total fulfilling of JCPOA IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Foreign ministers of Iran and the five signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal one more time urged complete and effective compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action at the end of the JCPOA joint commission meeting in New York through issuing a declaration.
Gov't spox says EU3 accusations not acceptable IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Government spokesman Ali Rabiei said on Wednesday that the statement of the leaders of the three European countries EU3 (France, Germany, and the UK) to implicate Iran in Yemeni drone attacks on Saudi refineries is unacceptable.
Rouhani urges Europe to comply with its JCPOA commitments IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani strongly rapped the EU/3 for the statement to implicate Iran in Yemeni drone attacks on Saudi refineries, urging them to complying with their commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Gov't spokesman blasts Trump for statements in UN IRNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Government spokesman Ali Rabiei slammed US President Donald Trump for his remarks in the UN General Assembly, saying that he tried to hijack discourse of peace and introduces Iran as a hostile country.
Europe must live up to its JCPOA commitments: President Rouhani ISNA 25 Sep 2019 -- In a meeting with the British Prime Minister, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran slammed the recent statement by three European countries as baseless accusations, stressing that they must live up to their commitments under the JCPOA.
Rouhani tells US to leave region, as neighbors not outsiders can ensure own security Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the US has no business and is not welcome in the region and must leave it, stressing that the security of the Persian Gulf can be ensured only by neighbors not outsiders.
Iran ready to help break deadlock if US rejoins nuclear deal: Govt. spokesman Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Tehran is ready to help "break the deadlock" surrounding a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal if the United States agrees to rejoin the accord and lift its sanctions against Iran, the Iranian government's spokesman says.
Eyes on Iran to open Mideast's largest flare gas plant Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Iran is on track to open the Middle East's largest refinery around March 2020 to process gas flared at oil and gas production sites, Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says.
Iran's Rouhani: Wherever US goes, terrorism expands Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has blasted the United States for sponsoring the terrorists who have been wreaking havoc across the Middle East, saying terrorism has only expanded in every country Washington has set foot.
World leaders trying to push Iran, United States to negotiation Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says Iran, the United States, the remaining parties to the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as well as Persian Gulf states should engage in talks, demanding preservation of the atomic agreement.
Iran's Rohani Accuses U.S. Of 'Economic Terrorism' RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has told the UN General Assembly that Iran won't negotiate on its nuclear program as long as it remains under sanctions, and accused the United States of "merciless economic terrorism."
Word Leaders Call For Meeting Between Trump, Iran's Rohani RFE/RL 25 Sep 2019 -- Britain, France, Germany, and Japan have tried to get the leaders of the United States and Iran to revive diplomacy while attending the annual UN General Assembly in New York this week.
US to Continue Imposing New Sanctions on Iran - Pompeo Sputnik 25 Sep 2019 -- The United States will continue to impose new sanctions against Iran, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday after the Treasury Department designated five Chinese nationals and six entities in China for alleged involvement in transporting Iranian petroleum.
At UN, Iran proposes 'coalition for hope' to pull Gulf region from 'edge of collapse' UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- The Gulf region is "on the edge of collapse", Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told world leaders on Wednesday at the annual high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly, saying that "a single blunder can fuel a big fire".
Iran's Rouhani Vows No Talks With US as Long as Sanctions Remain VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told world leaders Wednesday that there would be no negotiations with the United States as long as economic sanctions remained in effect.
US sanctions China over Iran oil purchase Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- The Unites States has imposed new sanctions on Chinese firms and individuals over violation the US illegal sanctions on Iran.
US Imposes Fresh Iran-Related Sanctions on Chinese Entities VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- The United States is announcing new sanctions on Chinese entities for "knowingly transporting oil from Iran contrary to United States sanctions," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in New York on Wednesday.

More HK lawmakers support anti-mask law Global Times 25 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong's law authority is studying the anti-mask law as more pro-establishment legislators and officials in Hong Kong called for invoking the law to forbid the use of masks in public gatherings to end the violence.
Xi stresses modernizing China's governance system, capacity People's Daily 25 Sep 2019 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday stressed continuously pushing the modernization of China's governance system and capacity.
Find a way out for Hong Kong People's Daily 25 Sep 2019 -- Hong Kong has been put in chaos for about 100 days. While many of the arguments of the violent protesters become increasingly invalid, the truth gradually comes out in the wash. What actually happened in Hong Kong? Where is the way out?
What Trump says about Hong Kong is untrue: China Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- China says President Donald Trump of the United States has made "untrue" remarks about the issue of Hong Kong and Chinese trade practices.
Riot Police Arrest Protesters Who Surrounded Hong Kong Subway Station Radio Free Asia 25 Sep 2019 -- Authorities in Hong Kong on Wednesday once more shut down a major regional subway station after protesters gathered there, local media reported.
Chinese FM urges Washington to avoid picking 'wrong fight,' offers path for China-US ties Global Times 25 Sep 2019 -- China's top diplomat hit back at US criticism of China on issues like bilateral relations, trade and China's policies in Hong Kong and Xinjiang on Tuesday, pointing right direction for China-US ties and urging the US to avoid picking another wrong fight with the wrong country.
Beijing hits back at Trump over China-bashing at UN Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- China has struck back at US President Donald Trump over his rebuke of Chinese trade and development models, warning Washington against making trade threats or meddling in Chinese internal affairs.
China Mobilizes The 'Masses' to Join Nationwide Security Ops Ahead of Oct. 1 Radio Free Asia 25 Sep 2019 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party has mobilized hundreds of thousands of its citizens as part of a massive nationwide security operation ahead of the Oct. 1 National Day celebrations in Beijing, local residents said.

China launches new satellite for air, ocean study Global Times 25 Sep 2019 -- China successfully launched a new satellite on Wednesday that will study the earth's atmosphere, monitor the marine and space environment, help prevent and reduce disasters and conduct scientific experiments.

China will try to snatch more allies from Taiwan before 2020: NSC CNA 25 Sep 2019 -- China is continuing its efforts to peel off Taiwan's diplomatic allies in an all-out attempt to influence Taiwan's 2020 general elections and may convince other countries to switch sides before the end of the year, following its success with two Pacific nations last week, the National Security Council (NSC) said in report released Wednesday.
China confirms arrest of Taiwanese national a year after the fact CNA 25 Sep 2019 -- Chinese authorities confirmed for the first time on Wednesday the arrest of a Taiwanese scholar for alleged "criminal behavior jeopardizing China's national security," more than a year after his family reported him missing after entering China.

First UAE Astronaut flies to ISS SPA 25 Sep 2019 -- Hazza Al-Mansoori today made his first venture to the sky as United Arab Emirates first astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), a great milestone that catapults his country to the ranks of advanced nations, especially in the space science.

Iraqi president demands international help for reconstruction after victory over terrorism Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih has called for international assistance to rebuild the war-ravaged Arab country in the aftermath of victory over the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.
Iraqi President highlights key role of sustainable development in country's future UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- Ensuring good governance, tackling corruption and creating job opportunities for youth are top priorities for Iraq as the country continues to emerge from war and terrorism, President Barham Salih said on Wednesday.

Israeli President Asks Netanyahu to Try to Form Unity Government VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- Israel's president has asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to try to form a new government after last week's deadlocked elections that have paralyzed the country.

Saudi Aramco seeks $1bn in loans after attacks: Report Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Saudi Arabia's state-run oil company Aramco, the world's largest, has asked banks for loans of up to $1 billion after attacks on its giant oil facilities earlier this month that shut down a bulk of daily production.
Al-Jubeir in a press conference with the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator: Kingdom's way of dealing with the attacks on oil installations will be announced in due course SPA 25 Sep 2019 -- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and member of the Council of Ministers Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir asserted that the kingdom is investigating seriously and consulting with all parties, and will work carefully and precisely and will reach the appropriate options to respond to the attacks against oil installations in Abqaiq and Khurais. He pointed out that the investigation will be conducted first and the kingdom will continue all consultations with its friends and allies, as this behavior is rejected and condemned, and the way the kingdom will deal with it will be announced in due course.

Jury Finds Brooklyn Man Guilty of Conspiracy and Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 25 Sep 2019 -- Defendant Provided Money to Fund Travel of a Co-Conspirator to Fight on Behalf of ISIS

Iran building major power plant in Syria's Latakia: Minister Press TV 25 Sep 2019 -- Iran's energy minister says a private Iranian contractor has started construction for a major power plant in Syria's Latakia.

British PM Johnson Fights for Political Survival After Supreme Court Blow VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is fighting for his political survival following a ruling from Britain's Supreme Court Tuesday that his decision to suspend Parliament earlier this month was unlawful.
Brexit Brings About Political Role Reversal VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- As lawmakers from Britain's main Labour opposition party crowded around televisions in the coastal town of Brighton, where they're holding their annual conference, there was an audible collective intake of breath.

Strong leaders care about all people, not just their own citizens, Ukraine's Zelenskyy says at UN UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- Advances in weaponry have made the world smaller, which means leaders are not only responsible for the fate of their citizens but of everyone else on the planet, the President of Ukraine told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Former Top Algerian Officials Given Prison Terms Amid Scramble to Hold Presidential Election VOA 25 Sep 2019 -- Sentences against four of the once most powerful men in Algeria were handed down in the middle of the night by a military tribunal in Blida after a trial which lasted two days.

Signs DR Congo Ebola outbreak finally 'on the retreat' but risk of international spread, 'still high' UN News 25 Sep 2019 -- The second worst Ebola outbreak in history is "on the retreat" said the UN's health agency chief on Wednesday, warning however that there is no room for complacency, with dozens of new cases each week still being recorded in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Vietnam Closes Bidding on Highway Project, Refusing Investments From China Radio Free Asia 25 Sep 2019 -- Vietnam has closed the bidding for work on a major construction project along its northern coast, restricting participation to domestic firms and refusing offers from Chinese and other foreign investors among public fears of growing Chinese influence in the country.

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