03 December 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Defense Policy / Programs

Exercise Forest Light Middle Army begins USMC News 03 Dec 2019 -- U.S. Marines and Soldiers from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct training exercise Forest Light Middle Army at Aibano Training Area in the Shiga Prefecture of Japan from Dec. 1 to Dec. 13, 2019.
USS New Orleans Arrives in Sasebo NNS 03 Dec 2019 -- San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) joined the U.S. 7th Fleet amphibious force in Sasebo Dec. 1, after transiting the Pacific Ocean from its former homeport of San Diego.
US Navy places order for 9 nuclear subs worth $22bn Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- The US Navy has signed a $22 billion contract for the building and delivery of nine nuclear-powered attack submarines.
Navy Approves Massive $22 Billion Contract for 9 Submarines to Boost US 'Lethality' Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- The US Navy announced Tuesday that it has signed and dotted a massive, $22.2 billion contract for the construction of nine new Virginia-class submarines, a move the service claims will help to boost the US' strength at home and abroad.
53rd WRS reflect on 2019 Hurricane season US Air Force 03 Dec 2019 -- Andrea, Barry, Dorian, Fernand, Humberto, Jerry, Karen, Lorena, Nestor and Olga. At first glance one may think this is a list of popular baby names for the year, but in fact, they're the names of 10 storms the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew into during this year's hurricane season.
Fairchild AFB aircrews refuel Oregon ANG partners, complete oceanic training US Air Force 03 Dec 2019 -- Fairchild Air Force Base aircrew members from the 97th, 93rd and 384th Air Refueling Squadrons conducted an air refueling training mission with Oregon Air National Guard 142nd Fighter Wing F-15C Eagles Nov. 23 over Oregon.
Repaired Carrier USS Truman Deploys to European Waters Months Behind Schedule Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- The US Navy's aging aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman entered European waters on Sunday en route to the Middle East. The warship attempted to depart months ago, but an electrical failure forced it back into port for repairs.
Senate Democrats Fear New START Treaty Could 'Blow Up' If Trump Makes China Participation Essential RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- Senate Democrats have warned that failing to extend the last remaining nuclear arms treaty with Russia would hurt U.S. national security and lead to an arms race, which could widen the already large federal deficit.
State Department Says US May Announce Plans on New Start Treaty With Russia Soon Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- Last month, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the extension of the Russian-US Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) is the only way to avoid further erosion of arms control and 'prevent strategic stability degradation.'

Uncertainty as US, S. Korea Enter New Round of Defense Cost-Sharing Talks VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- The United States and South Korea will begin its fourth round of negotiations over military defense cost-sharing in Washington, D.C. Tuesday after a breakdown in talks last month.

Trump, Macron Air Differences at NATO Summit VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- Differences between U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron were on full display as NATO leaders gathered for a summit in London.
Trump Begins NATO Summit with Criticism, Promises VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump began his London visit with a promise to stay out of Britain's general election, scheduled to be held on December 12.
Questions and answers by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the ''NATO Engages: Innovating the Alliance'' conference NATO 03 Dec 2019
Speech by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at the ''NATO Engages: Innovating the Alliance'' conference NATO 03 Dec 2019
Trump touts NATO member spending increase before summit as allies hold their breath People's Daily 03 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump touted defense spending increase by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), after years of pressuring allies with a combination of criticism and threats.
Macron's NATO comments were insulting, nasty: Trump Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for describing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as "brain dead".
On Sidelines Of NATO Summit, Macron Calls For 'Strategic Dialogue' With Russia RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has called for comprehensive talks with Russia on the sidelines of a summit in London marking NATO's 70th anniversary.
Trump Set to Announce Cut to US NATO Contributions in 'Message' to Allies - Report Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- US concern about burden-sharing in respect of NATO typically centres on the amount of money each country spends on its own defence. While the alliance suggests budgets amount to two percent of GDP, several countries have been reticent to up their contributions.
Remarks by President Trump and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg After 1:1 Meeting | London, United Kingdom The White House 03 Dec 2019
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada Before Bilateral Meeting | London, United Kingdom The White House 03 Dec 2019
Defence Secretary's speech at NATO Engages UK MOD 03 Dec 2019 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace outlines the future of NATO in the Alliance's 70th year.
Remarks by President Trump and President Macron of France Before Bilateral Meeting | London, United Kingdom The White House 03 Dec 2019

'Turkey to veto NATO plan if allies fail to recognize terror threats' Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to reject NATO's so-called defense plan for the Baltic states and Poland if the Western military alliance fails to recognize groups that Ankara deems terrorists.
'Technically This is Not Possible': Macron Claims NATO Members Can't Buy S-400 Systems From Russia Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- This year, Russia completed the delivery of all components of the S-400 air defence missile systems to Turkey which is a NATO member. According to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the S-400 will be fully operational in April 2020.
Turkey Will Not Support NATO in Poland If Bloc Ignores Ankara's Interests - Erdogan Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- Earlier, Ankara had vetoed NATO's defence plan for Poland and the Baltic states, supposedly over the US refusing to support the same for Turkey, after Ankara suggested declaring Syria's YPG Kurdish militia a terrorist organisation.

'Time For Patience Has Long Expired': US Senators Urge Pompeo to Sanction Turkey Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- Last week, Turkey conducted radar testing for its newly-acquired Russian-made S-400 air defence systems, even as the United States urges Ankara to abandon the missile systems by "destroying, returning or somehow getting rid of them."

The President of the Republic announces the order of 6 overseas patrollers 03 Dec 2019 -- In front of the Assises of the maritime economy that are held today in Montpellier, the President of the Republic has announced the order of six new patrol boats for overseas.

China to improve service, support system for military retirees Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- The Central Military Commission has issued an official document calling for greater efforts to ensure that China's military retirees are well taken of.

India to Sign $2 Bln 'Romeo' Helicopters Deal with US: Indian Navy Chief Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- The Indian Navy has been waiting for years to replace its decades-old multi-role naval SeaKing helicopters which it acquired in 1978.

Iran, Russia, China to hold joint naval drills on Dec. 27: Iran Navy chief Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi says Iran will hold joint naval drills with Russia and China in the Indian Ocean later this month.
Three surveillance aircraft join Iran's naval fleet IRNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Three Chakavak surveillance aircraft joined Iran's Navy on Tuesday in a ceremony held in Hormuzgan province in the presence of Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi.
3 surveillance-training Chakavak aircraft join Iran's naval fleet ISNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Three surveillance-training Chakavak aircraft joined Iran's naval fleet on Tuesday.
Iran Navy destroyers to be equipped with electronic warfare systems IRNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Navy commander announced on Tuesday that Iranian Navy destroyers are to be equipped with indigenous electronic warfare systems in the near future.
Iran moving path of Army's naval development forward IRNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Iran's Navy Commander said in a meeting with the deputy chief of the International Relations Department of the Chinese Army that today the Iranian Navy is building all kinds of destroyers and submarines and is moving toward the development of the Navy.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Dec. 3, 2019

Other Conflicts

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

Trump Reveals US List of Daesh Donors From Raid That Killed Leader Al-Baghdadi Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- Data captured in the US raid that killed Daesh* chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi allowed the United States to compile a list of donors who supported the deadly terrorist group, President Donald Trump told reporters in London on Tuesday.

Rockets hit Iraq military base gatecrashed by Trump, Pence Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- A rocket barrage has hit a western Iraqi airbase accommodating American forces, which has notoriously hosted surprise visits by the US president and his second-in-command.

Indian Navy Drives Out Chinese Vessel Near Port Blair – Reports Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- The Chinese vessel was said to have been carrying out research activities in the Indian waters in the Bay of Bengal several weeks ago.

HRW: Bangladesh denying education to 400,000 Rohingya children Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the Bangladeshi government has been depriving nearly 400,000 Rohingya Muslim refugee children in the South Asian country of the right to education.
Bangladesh Bars Rohingya Children from Education, Human Rights Watch Says Radio Free Asia 03 Dec 2019 -- Bangladesh has prohibited humanitarian aid groups from teaching Rohingya children a formal curriculum and barred school-age refugees from accessing education outside their camps to block them from integrating with local communities, Human Rights Watch said in a report Tuesday.
Rights Group: Bangladesh Blocking Rohingya Refugee Education VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- Bangladesh is risking a "lost generation" by blocking international efforts to improve on the meager education available to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says in a new report.

The Crimea Circumvention: How EU Firms Are Sidestepping Sanctions And Making Money On The Peninsula RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- In December 2014, Serhiy Khodko, a local official under Moscow-installed authorities in Crimea, received a medal from Russia's Defense Ministry "for the return" of the Ukrainian peninsula to Russian control.
Dutch Prosecutors Accuse Moscow Of Letting MH17 Suspect Flee RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) has accused Russia of allowing a suspect to evade its investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 by not arresting him and letting him return to separatist-held territory in eastern Ukraine.

Kashmir's Special Status, a Mess Created by Congress, Say Prime Minister Modi Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- In August, the Indian government scrapped the special quasi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, which had allowed the state's local legislature to make its own laws in certain areas.
India Claims, Terrorist Violence Declined, Cross Border Infiltration Increases after Kashmir Action Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in early August after stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status that: "Article 370 and 35A have given nothing but secessionism, terrorism, nepotism and widespread corruption…."

Cameroon Says 250 Ex-Militants Surrendered in 2019 VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- Cameroon says over 250 former militants, including Boko Haram terrorists and anglophone separatists, have surrendered in the past year and are being rehabilitated. But former rebels say lack of trust in Cameroon's military is preventing more militants from dropping their weapons.

Kenya to Remain with AU Mission in Somalia Amid Tensions VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- Kenya's president has said his forces will remain part of the African Union Mission in Somalia and leave the country when it's secure and stable. The president's statement came at a time Kenya's forces are facing hostility in parts of Somalia for their support of the Jubaland administration, which the Somali government has refused to recognize.

News Reports

House Intelligence Committee Releases Draft Report As Part of Impeachment Inquiry US HPSCI 03 Dec 2019 -- Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released the draft report – "The Trump-Ukraine Impeachment Inquiry Report" – to all Members and the public. The Committee will vote tonight to issue the report, before the Chairman of the Committee transmits it and any accompanying materials to the House Judiciary Committee consistent with H.Res. 660.
US Lawmakers Formally Accuse Trump of Misconduct, Obstruction VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- Lawmakers are formally accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of misconduct and obstruction, based on a months-long effort by him "to use the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference on his behalf in the 2020 election."
Impeachment Report Summary: Panels Find 'Significant Misconduct' by Trump VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- The House Intelligence Committee's impeachment inquiry report is 300 pages long, but the report includes a single page executive summary that concisely sums up the Democrats' case against President Donald Trump.
House Intelligence Committee Releases Impeachment Report VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. House Intelligence Committee has publicly released Tuesday a report on its findings and recommendations in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
What Happens Next with the US House Impeachment Inquiry VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- After two weeks of public hearings on U.S. President Donald Trump's dealings with Ukraine, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are moving closer to formally impeaching the president on yet-to-be determined charges.
House Intelligence Committee Concludes Trump Abused Power Of Office RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- The Democrat-led House Intelligence Committee has concluded that President Donald Trump abused his power of office by pressuring a foreign government to investigate his political opponent.
Law Professors Called For Next Phase Of Trump Impeachment Hearing RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee has named the four witnesses who will testify this week at a public hearing in the impeachment probe of President Donald Trump as a new phase starts in the proceedings.
House Intel Report: Trump Obstructed Impeachment Inquiry, Intimidated Witnesses Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has released its report on what it calls US President Donald Trump's "months-long effort" to use his powers of the office "to solicit foreign interference on his behalf in the 2020 [presidential] election."

Department of Justice Announces Indictment Charging Russians, Italians and Others With Attempting to Evade Security Sanctions US Dept. of Justice 03 Dec 2019 -- A newly unsealed superseding indictment has charged Russian and Italian nationals, a U.S. citizen and various companies in a conspiracy to evade international trade sanctions.
Putin Signs 'Foreign Agents' Law That Threatens Website Closures RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill that amends an existing law on media outlets deemed "foreign agents" that critics say is used to muzzle dissent, limit news plurality, and discourage the free exchange of ideas.

Germany Suspects 'Russia Link' To Ethnic Chechen's Killing In Berlin RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- German federal prosecutors are preparing to take over the case related to the slaying of an ethnic Chechen Georgian national in Berlin this summer, according to media reports, amid suspicions that Russian intelligence was involved in the killing.

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Looks Round Revolutionary Battle Sites in Mt Paektu Area KCNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, looked round the revolutionary battle sites in the area of Mt Paektu.
Ministries, National Institutions of DPRK Render Support to Coal Mines KCNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Support for coal mines is brisk among ministries and national institutions of the DPRK.
With Nuclear Talks Stalled, N. Korea Says Up to US to Select 'Christmas Gift' VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- North Korea issued its latest warning Tuesday that its end-of-year deadline for the United States to offer concessions in nuclear talks is approaching.
DPRK Vice Foreign Minister for U.S. Affairs Issues Statement KCNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Ri Thae Song, vice minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK in charge of the U.S. Affairs released the following statement on Tuesday:
North Korea says US aiming to drag out dialog for own benefit Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- North Korea says the United States administration is aiming to drag out dialog with North Korea all the way to the 2020 presidential election to use it as an advantage, reminding Washington of a deadline set by Pyongyang for the end of this year to take real action.

Iran conditions resuming JCPOA commitments to lifting sanctions IRNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Iran has conditioned its return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) commitments to lift sanctions imposed by the US.
New EU foreign policy chief calls for survival of Iran's nuclear deal IRNA 03 Dec 2019 -- European Unions' new Foreign Policy Chief Josepp Borrell said on Monday that EU is very interested in saving the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
Iran has no intention to leave nuclear deal: Deputy FM Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister for political affairs says the Islamic Republic has no intention to abandon a nuclear deal it clinched with major world powers in 2015, saying Tehran will resume fulfilling its commitments under the accord if sanctions are lifted.
Iran Does Not Intend to Leave the JCPOA - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- The JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed in 2015 by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. It stipulated that Tehran significantly limit its nuclear programme in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related international sanctions.
Iran identifies, seizes counter-revolutionary gang IRNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Iran's Ministry of Intelligence announced on Tuesday that an anti-Islamic Revolution network was identified and its main members were arrested.
Iran's Intelligence Ministry neutralizes group planning disturbances at universities ISNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Leading members of a group planning disturbances at universities in Tehran and other parts of Iran on the eve of annual students' day on December 7 had been arrested, Iran's Intelligence Ministry announced on Tuesday.
Judiciary: 300 in custody over suspected role in Tehran riots Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- The Iranian Judiciary says around 300 individuals currently remain in custody over their suspected involvement in the deadly riots that recently hit Tehran, and that their fate will soon be decided.
Trump Accuses Iran Of Killing 'Big Numbers' In Protest Crackdown RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of killing "big numbers" of protesters following unofficial casualty numbers in the hundreds that Tehran characterized as "utter lies."
Iranian Intelligence Foils Plot to Cause Unrest at University Campuses - Statement Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- Iranian authorities have arrested key members of a group planning to cause unrest at university campuses in Iran, the country's intelligence ministry said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
US tried to bring Iran to its knees, but nation foiled plot through resistance: Rouhani Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says the United States resorted to "unprecedented" economic pressure to bring Iran to its knees, but the nation successfully thwarted the plot through resistance.
Iran says still selling oil despite US sanctions; global traders agree Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- International energy news providers say Iran's announcement that the country is still selling its oil despite US sanctions is not without foundation.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on December 3, 2019 PRC MofA 03 Dec 2019
China Rolls Out Mandatory Facial Recognition For New Mobile Phone Accounts Radio Free Asia 03 Dec 2019 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party has rolled out plans to require all new smartphone owners to register with facial recognition scans.
Chinese Citizens Express Concern Over the Abuse of Facial Recognition Technology VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- Starting this month, China has made it mandatory that new mobile phone users will have to have their faces scanned before completing their real-name registration with telecom operators.
Bloomberg's Soft-on-China Trade Policy Unique in Democratic Presidential Field VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- In announcing his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination last week, former New York mayor and media tycoon Mike Bloomberg added a new wrinkle to the ongoing debate about President Donald Trump's trade war with China, and perhaps further, to the entire relationship between Washington and Beijing.
Hong Kong to roll out more relief measures: chief executive Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said Tuesday that more relief measures will be rolled out soon to help businesses and residents weather out economic hardship, following three rounds of such policies adopted during the past months.
Recession hits HK economy Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- While black-clad protesters in Hong Kong waved American flags and chanted "President Donald Trump, let's make Hong Kong great again," the city has been plunging into its deepest recession in a decade.
HK will follow central govt sanctions on US Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will act according to requirements of the central government in implementing countermeasures against the US that were announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at the press conference held on Tuesday.
National identity, legislation improvement behind success of Macao Basic Law Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- Against the backdrop of months of social unrest in Hong Kong, a grand forum to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Basic Law in Macao Special Administrative Region was held in Beijing on Tuesday with experts and officials discussing reasons for its success.
Beijing forum explores success of Macao Basic Law amid HK unrest Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- Against the backdrop of months of unrest in Hong Kong, a grand forum to memorialize the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Basic Law in Macao was held in Beijing on Tuesday morning.
HKSAR may see 1st deficit since '04 People's Daily 03 Dec 2019 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is expected to record its first budget deficit in 15 years as the city's general economic environment has been impacted by social unrest as well as ongoing China-United States trade frictions.
Hong Kong's leader lashes out at US over new legislation Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong's leader says recent legislation passed by the United States in support of anti-government protesters in the Chinese city constitutes outright interference and is "most regrettable."
Hong Kong's Leader Hits Out at Washington Over Human Rights Law Radio Free Asia 03 Dec 2019 -- Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam on Tuesday hit back at the United States over its passing of a law aimed at protecting human rights in the city, which is in the grip of a six-month-old protest movement calling for more democracy and the protection of its traditional freedoms and autonomy.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Says New US Law Impacts Business Confidence Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- Last week, US President Donald Trump signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which allows for sanctions on human rights offenders in China's special administrative region and could result in the US revoking the special trading status of the territory.
Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act Passes U.S. House in 407-1 Vote Radio Free Asia 03 Dec 2019 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bill requiring a tougher response from the Trump administration to China's crackdown on Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), including sanctions on officials responsible for abuses.
Exclusive: Xinjiang spokesperson dismisses Western reports Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- Correspondents of Global Times recently interviewed the spokesperson of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, speaking about the ICIJ's organization of multiple foreign media outlets to fabricate and distort reports about Xinjiang. The spokesperson stated that the reports published by the ICIJ and other foreign media are nothing but distortions and concoctions to smear Xinjiang's vocational education and training centers, and its counter-terrorism and de-radicalization work, and that we are resolutely opposed to such reports.
China 'may ban all US diplomats from Xinjiang' Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- China may ban all United States diplomatic passport-holders from entering its western Xinjiang region, the editor-in-chief of a state-run Chinese newspaper says.
Beijing Reportedly Mulls Visa Restrictions on US Officials, Could Ban US Diplomats From Xinjiang Sputnik 03 Dec 2019 -- US lawmakers reportedly intend to vote in support of a "Xinjiang-related bill", new legislation that will allow US authorities to punish Bejing over alleged human rights violations.
Trump: US-China Trade Deal Might Wait Till After 2020 Election VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday a new trade agreement with China might have to wait until after the November 2020 presidential election, with Washington and Beijing stymied in reaching a negotiated end to their two-year trade and tariff conflict.
US threats can't deter China's development Global Times 03 Dec 2019 -- US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will restore tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Brazil and Argentina. On the same day, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced punitive duties on $2.4 billion of imports from France as the country's digital services tax "unfairly targets US companies." The USTR also said similar investigations could be conducted against Italy, Turkey and Austria.
Commentary: China's sanctions a timely warning to US People's Daily 03 Dec 2019 -- Spokesperson Hua Chunying of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Dec. 2 that in response to unreasonable US practice, the Chinese government will suspend reviewing requests of US military vessels and aircraft to visit Hong Kong starting the same day.
China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline operational People's Daily 03 Dec 2019 -- As a landmark project of China-Russia energy cooperation, the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline went into operation Monday, a successful example of China's practice of the concept of "mutual benefit and win-win" in international cooperation.
Xi, Putin witness launching ceremony of China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline People's Daily 03 Dec 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping had a video call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Monday afternoon, as the two heads of state jointly witnessed the launching ceremony of the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline.

Pompeo: US prefers sanctions over military strikes to topple Venezuelan president Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Washington prefers economic sanctions over military intervention in its push for the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The United States Takes Action Against the Movement of Venezuelan Oil to Cuba US Dept. of State 03 Dec 2019 -- On December 3, the United States identified six PDVSA-owned vessels, pursuant to E.O. 13884 or 13850, being used by the former Maduro regime to ship oil to Cuba.
Treasury Applies Further Pressure on Movement of Venezuelan Oil to Cuba US Treasury 03 Dec 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified six vessels as blocked property of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13884, which blocks the property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela.

Protests and civil unrest show 'renewed sense of patriotism' in Iraq, UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 03 Dec 2019 -- After decades of sectarian strife and conflict, "a renewed sense of patriotism has taken hold", the head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) told the Security Council on Tuesday.

Israel prosecution files Netanyahu's indictment with parliament, lists 333 witnesses in graft cases Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- Israel's attorney general has officially submitted his indictment of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Knesset (parliament), laying out a sweeping case in which an estimated 333 witnesses, including wealthy friends and former aides, could be called to testify.

Syrian Currency Plumbs New Lows Against US Dollar VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- The Syrian pound has been hitting new lows against the U.S. dollar in recent days, coming close to a record low of 1,000 pounds to the dollar, before pulling back Tuesday to about 920. Arab analysts are attributing the deteriorating exchange rate to economic and political crises in neighboring states, including Lebanon, Iraq and Iran, all of which have close economic ties to Damascus.

Lao Dam Resettlement Village Out of Water Due to Drought Radio Free Asia 03 Dec 2019 -- More than 100 Lao families who were moved to a resettlement village four years ago to make way for construction of the Nam Tha 1 Dam hydropower project in Luang Namtha province have run out of water amid a worsening drought, local sources say.

Slain Businessman At Center Of Kyrgyz Corruption Scandal Secretly Moved Millions Abroad Via Cash Couriers RFE/RL 03 Dec 2019 -- A self-confessed money launderer who wired nearly $1 billion out of Kyrgyz banks before his murder in Turkey last month also ran a network of informal cash couriers who carried tens of millions of dollars from the Central Asian nation by hand, a new investigation has found.

Public Designation, Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption, of former Guatemalan Minister Alejandro Sinibaldi US Dept. of State 03 Dec 2019 -- The Department of State designates former Guatemalan Minister of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing Alejandro Sinibaldi due to his involvement in significant corruption. Mr. Sinibaldi engaged in and benefitted from public corruption in relation to his official duties and is now a fugitive from justice.

Zimbabwe 'facing worst hunger crisis in a decade' UN News 03 Dec 2019 -- Zimbabwe is facing its worst hunger crisis in a decade with half of the population – 7.7 million people – food insecure, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe's Mugabe Left Behind $10 Million, No Will VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- Zimbabwe's former President Robert Mugabe left behind $10 million, 10 cars, a farm and several homes, but apparently no will, his estate revealed Tuesday.

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