COVID-19 - Daily News

09 April 2020 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Afghanistan frees 100 more militants after Taliban leave talks with govt. Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- The Afghan government says it will release another 100 Taliban inmates after the militant group accused Kabul of foot-dragging and recalled its team from week-long meetings on a much-awaited prisoner swap between the two sides.
Kabul To Release More Taliban Prisoners Even As Swap On Verge Of Collapse RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- The Afghan government has vowed to move forward with the release of dozens of Taliban militants it is holding behind bars, even though a swap between the two sides appears to have collapsed.
Major US airbase in Afghanistan comes under Daesh attack: NATO Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan say five rockets have hit a major American airbase in the country and that the attack, claimed by the Daesh terrorist group, left no casualties.
No Casualties In Rocket Attack On Largest U.S. Afghan Base RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Several rockets have been fired at a U.S. military base in Afghanistan in an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
Five Rockets Hit NATO Air Base in Eastern Afghanistan - Resolute Support Mission Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- The NATO Resolute Support Mission said on Thursday that five rockets were launched towards Bagram military base in the eastern Afghan province of Parwan, adding that there were no casualties during the incident.
Pakistan Calls On Kabul To Hand Over Jailed Head Of IS-Linked Group RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- The Pakistani government has called on Afghanistan to hand over the captured leader of the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), an affiliate of the extremist group Islamic State (IS).
Pakistan Demands Afghanistan Hand Over Detained IS Leader VOA 09 Apr 2020 -- Pakistan demanded Thursday that neighboring Afghanistan hand over the captured regional Islamic State chief for plotting terrorist attacks against Pakistani targets.

Guardsmen Remain Adaptable in Face of Coronavirus DoD News 09 Apr 2020 -- More than 28,000 National Guardsmen are helping to fight the coronavirus across America, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said.

Defense Policy / Programs

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón Colón-López Hold a Virtual Town Hall DoD 09 Apr 2020-- Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper; Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley; Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chief Master Sergeant Ramon "CZ" Colón-López
Despite COVID-19, U.S. Military Remains Ready to Fight DoD News 09 Apr 2020 -- The Defense Department is doing a lot to combat the spread of COVID-19 across the nation, but its primary mission – the defense of the nation and its interests – continues unabated, Deputy Defense Secretary David L. Norquist said.
US Navy's First-in-Class Ford Aircraft Carrier Wraps Combat Systems Testing Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) has completed testing of its vital combat systems and has provided the service with details on the first-in-class carrier's capabilities and the implementation of new technology.
Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 09 Apr 2020 -- In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:
DOD's Top Leadership Conducts Town Hall Meeting on COVID-19 DoD News 09 Apr 2020 -- The Defense Department has provided medical equipment to federal agencies in need, and DOD's top-tier research scientists and medical professionals are working with the private sector to develop a vaccine, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said in a live-streamed town hall meeting from the Pentagon.
Message From Acting Secretary of the Navy James E. McPherson NNS 09 Apr 2020
'More Cases to Come': Pentagon Frets at Deploying Carrier Nimitz as Roosevelt's Outbreak Worsens Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- As roughly 10% of the USS Theodore Roosevelt's crew has now tested positive for COVID-19, Pentagon leaders are questioning the wisdom of deploying another aircraft carrier. The USS Nimitz is scheduled to sail later this month, but at least one case has already been detected among her crew.
US Marines Weigh Converting JLTV Trucks Into Anti-Air Weapons Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- In the Pentagon's latest move to thwart the rising threat posed by enemy drones, the US Marine Corps has proposed converting some of its Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV), a Humvee replacement, to carry anti-air missiles, autocannons, and jamming technology.
US Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Antisubmarine Aircraft Off Alaska Coast - NORAD Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- US F-22 fighter jets intercepted two Russian antisubmarine airplanes in international airspace near the Alaska coast, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said in a statement on Thursday.
Air Force suspends Futurewei from government contracting US Air Force 09 Apr 2020 -- On April 1, the U.S. Air Force suspended Futurewei Technologies, Inc. from government contracting and from directly or indirectly receiving the benefits of federal assistance programs.
Mobility Airmen transport medics, supplies to aid in fight against COVID-19 US Air Force 09 Apr 2020 -- U.S. Air Force Reserve mobility Airmen from California answered an urgent request April 5, deploying medical personnel to the state of New York to help combat COVID-19.

Here's When Russia's Military Will Get Giant New 'Flying Radar' AEW Aircraft Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- Russia began development of the Beriev A-100 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft in late 2014, with flight testing kicking off in late 2017. The aircraft is based on a heavily modified Ilyushin Il-76 strategic airlifter.

Live-fire drills by stealth missile boats enhance China's coastal combat capability Global Times 09 Apr 2020 -- Type 022 stealth missile boats affiliated with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command Navy recently held live-fire combat-oriented drills that featured guns being fired, shooting of jamming rounds and the release of smoke, showing what analysts said the ships' new support role in coastal combat.
Anti-pandemic fight tests PLA's emergency response capability PLA Daily 09 Apr 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health emergency with the fastest spread, the widest infection range, and the most difficult prevention and control measures since the foundation of the People's Republic of China (PRC). For the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the battle against the pandemic is a test of its emergency response capability.

UK Navy Launches State-of-the-Art Nuclear Sub Bristling with Spearfish Torpedoes, Tomahawk Missiles Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- Images taken on 7 April showed the HMS Audacious submarine departing Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, on a brief maiden voyage to Naval Base Clyde, with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Sir Stephen Lovegrove lauding the defence industry's effort during the difficulties the country is facing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Canada improves terms of light armored vehicles contract, putting in place a new robust permits review process Government of Canada 09 Apr 2020 -- “In 2014, a contract was signed between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown corporation, for the sale of light armoured vehicles manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. This contract is governed exclusively by Saudi law and subject to the Saudi judicial system."
Canada resuming arms exports to Saudis despite criticism Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Canadian authorities say they have found a way around bans on the controversial weapons exports to Saudi Arabia despite growing calls for a full halt to sales of arms to a regime involved in numerous cases of human rights violations.

Briefing With Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker On Iraq and Middle East Issues US Dept. of State 09 Apr 2020

Defense Industry

Contracts For April 9, 2020
U.S. Air Force Awards Lockheed Martin Avionics Tech Refresh Contract to Advance U-2's Capabilities for the Future Battlespace Lockheed Martin 09 Apr 2020 -- Lockheed Martin Skunk Works continues to evolve the U-2 Dragon Lady to support future battlespace needs under a recent contract award from the U.S. Air Force valued at $50 million.

Other Conflicts

9 April 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 09 Apr 2020

China Sends Coast Guard Ship to Scarborough Shoal Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2020 -- China has deployed a patrol vessel from its Coast Guard to the Scarborough Shoal, the latest salvo in its sustained pressure campaign against Philippine-claimed features in the disputed South China Sea, ship-tracking data shows.
China Coast Guard Sinking of a Vietnam Fishing Vessel DoD 09 Apr 2020 -- The Department of Defense is greatly concerned by reports of a China Coast Guard vessel's collision with and sinking of a Vietnam fishing vessel in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea.

The United States Welcomes the Saudi-led Coalition Announcement of a Unilateral Ceasefire in Yemen US Dept. of State 09 Apr 2020 -- The United States welcomes the announcement by the Saudi-led Coalition of a unilateral ceasefire in Yemen and commends Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for supporting this decision.
Saudi-led coalition's ceasefire in Yemen nothing but political, media maneuver: Ansarullah Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- The spokesman for Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has dismissed a two-week ceasefire announced by the Saudi-led coalition waging a bloody military onslaught against the impoverished country as a publicity stunt.
UN Secretary General Welcomes Announcement by Coalition to Restore Legitimacy of Ceasefire in Yemen SPA 09 Apr 2020 -- Secretary General António Guterres of the United Nations welcomed the announcement by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen of a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen for two weeks, effective on Thursday 9, April, 2020.
Arab League welcomes announcement of ceasefire in Yemen SPA 09 Apr 2020 -- The Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, has welcomed the announcement of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, on a two-week ceasefire in all areas of operations in Yemen, calling on the Houthi militia to demonstrate commitment and responsiveness to this initiative, which represents a rare opportunity to stop the bloodshed in Yemen.
UN envoy to Yemen welcomes announcement by Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen on ceasefire in Yemen SPA 09 Apr 2020 -- The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, welcomed the announcement by the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen of a two-week unilateral ceasefire covering all ground, maritime and air operations in Yemen starting on Thursday, April 9, 2020 AD.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen declares a comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen for a period of two weeks, starting on Thursday, April 9, 2020. at 12:00 KSA time. The two-week period is subject to extension. SPA 09 Apr 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki
GCC Secretary General welcomes announcement of ceasefire in Yemen SPA 09 Apr 2020 -- Secretary General of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for Arab States, Dr. Naif Al-Hajraf has welcomed the announcement of the Command of Joint Forces of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen for a two-week comprehensive ceasefire in Yemen, starting from today, Thursday, April 9, which can be extended.
Yemen Army dismisses Saudi claim of suspension of hostilities Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces has categorically dismissed a claim by Saudi-led military coalition that it was observing a two-week ceasefire and suspension of hostilities in its devastating war against Yemen.
Over dozen ships carrying fuel, food impounded in Djibouti: Yemeni official Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- A Yemeni maritime official says the Saudi-led coalition has impounded more than a dozen ships carrying energy derivatives and food destined for the conflict-plagued and impoverished Arab country, despite the fact that the vessels had earlier acquired necessary permits from the United Nations.
Saudi declares ceasefire in Yemen, then promptly breaches it with airstrikes Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- The Saudi-led coalition, which had declared what it called a "ceasefire" in its devastating war against Yemen a few hours ago, targeted several Yemeni positions shortly after the announcement.
COVID-19 in Yemen: Saudi coalition ceasefire declared in bid to contain coronavirus UN News 09 Apr 2020 -- A ceasefire declaration by Saudi Arabia in war-shattered Yemen that was due to come into effect on Thursday has been welcomed by United Nations chief António Guterres as a way to promote peace and slow the advance of COVID-19.
Saudi-Led Coalition Adopts Coronavirus Cease-Fire in Yemen VOA 09 Apr 2020 -- The Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen for five years declared a two-week cease-fire starting Thursday in response to United Nations calls for peace as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic.

Comment by the Information and Press Department on the Release of the first report by the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team ("Syrian Chemical Dossier") Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Apr 2020-- Established by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) as a result of targeted political and legal manipulations by Western countries, the "attributive" Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) released, on April 8, the findings of its first, pilot report on the three alleged chemical incidents in the Syrian village of Ltamenah on March 24, 25 and 30, 2017.
Turkey sends another convoy of military vehicles into Syria's Idlib Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- A Britain-based war monitor says Turkey has dispatched another military convoy to Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, as Ankara beefs up its military presence in the embattled region following a ceasefire reached earlier this month with Moscow to halt an escalation of violence there.
Syria rejects OPCW report on chemical attacks as misleading, fabricated Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Syria has roundly dismissed a recent report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) about a series of toxic attacks in the country's western Hama region as misleading, and based on fabricated information provided by Takfiri terrorists and the so-called civil defense group, White Helmets.
OPCW report on Syria chemical attack unreliable: Russia Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Russia has censured as "untrustworthy" a recent report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) – tasked with probing a series of suspected "chemical attacks" on a Syrian town in 2017, saying the watchdog has violated the basic principle of its work by conducting a remote investigation without visiting the sites.
Watchdog Blames Syria For Chemical-Weapons Attacks RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- The global chemical-weapons watchdog has for the first time directly blamed the Syrian government for three chlorine and sarin nerve-gas bomb attacks in late March 2017 on the central town of Lataminah.

Iraq's PMU, army launch major anti-terror operation Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and army troops have started a joint, full-scale anti-terrorism military operation in the Arab country's western province of Anbar.

Libya rebels claim to have downed two Turkish drones Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Rebel militia under the command of Libya's renegade general Khalifa Haftar claim to have shot down two Turkish drones in the skies over the North African country.

On The Front Line In Ukraine, Soldiers Brace To Fight A Silent, Deadly Enemy RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Ukraine's war-weary soldiers have fought a grinding trench war against Russia-backed forces for six years. By now, said Bohdan Petryk, a soldier in the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade based near the eastern city of Volnovakha, they know their enemy's tricks, they can sense when an assault is coming, and they know how to defend themselves.
Ukraine, Russia-Backed Separatists Agree On Pre-Easter Prisoner Swap RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in the east of the country have agreed to another prisoner swap ahead of Orthodox Easter celebrations.

Pakistan shot-down Indian drones as border tension rises IRNA 09 Apr 2020 -- As diplomatic and border tensions between Pakistan and India rise, Pakistan army on Thursday claimed to shoot an Indian drone after it violated country's airspace in Kashmir region.
Pakistan's Army Shoots Down Indian Quadcopter - Reports Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- The quadcopter intruded 600 meters inside Pakistan's territory in order to surveil the Sankh Sector along the Line of Control, according to the Pakistan Army.

Classroom Instruction Switch From Tibetan to Chinese in Ngaba Sparks Worry, Anger Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2020 -- Instruction in Tibetan classrooms in Sichuan's Ngaba prefecture will soon be given exclusively in Chinese, with the students' mother tongue used only in special classes teaching Tibetan as a language, sources in Ngaba say of a an issue that has emerged as a major sore point among Tibetans.

Cameroon's Separatists Relaunch Attacks to Reject State Reconstruction Plan VOA 09 Apr 2020 -- Cameroonian separatist fighters have relaunched attacks after the government announced a reconstruction plan, claiming that peace was returning to the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions of the central African state. The military said attacks were reported in at least seven villages, with about 13 fighters killed, but the fighters say the military had more casualties.

News Reports

"Please quarantine politicizing COVID": WHO chief People's Daily 09 Apr 2020 -- "Please quarantine politicizing COVID. If we want to win, we shouldn't waste time pointing fingers," World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged here on Wednesday, saying "Unity is the only option to defeat this virus."
WHO urges global solidarity as rising COVID-19 infection keeps hitting economy People's Daily 09 Apr 2020 -- As the global tally of COVID-19 cases surpassed 1.5 million on Wednesday, several governments stepped up anti-epidemic measures, notably extended wide-scale lockdown, despite the adverse effect on economy.
UN supports frontline COVID-19 response IRNA 09 Apr 2020 -- As the coronavirus pandemic spreads to more than 200 countries and territories, killing more than 20,000 people, the United Nations is redoubling its support for frontline responders who are working around the clock to save lives.
Chiefs of WHO, UN hit back at Trump's threat People's Daily 09 Apr 2020 -- "Please quarantine politicizing COVID. If we want to win, we shouldn't waste time pointing fingers...Unity is the only option to defeat this virus," World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday.
WHO works hard to ensure supplies of essential medical equipment: Tedros People's Daily 09 Apr 2020 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday that the UN health agency is working hard to ensure supplies of essential medical equipment for front-line health workers.
Trump using coronavirus to score political points: WHO Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- The World Health Organization has hit back at the US president over his handling of the coronavirus crisis, saying Donald Trump is politicizing the virus.
5 reasons the world needs WHO, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic UN News 09 Apr 2020 -- The World Health Organization (WHO), the UN's health agency, has played a crucial role in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, ever since the first cases were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December. At a press conference on Wednesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, outlined five ways the agency is leading the global response.
Living apart, 'we must stand together' to battle coronavirus pandemic – UN rights chief UN News 09 Apr 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic is a "colossal test of leadership", the top UN rights official said on Thursday, underscoring the need for "decisive, coordinated and innovative action from all, and for all".
100 days on from advent of COVID-19, more action is needed: Tedros UN News 09 Apr 2020 -- With Thursday marking 100 days since the World Health Organization (WHO) was first notified about what is now officially known as COVID-19, the agency's chief said the virus has already infected more than 1.3 million people worldwide, and without action now, poor countries could suffer massive devastation.
Trump Takes Aim at WHO in Midst of Pandemic VOA 09 Apr 2020 -- Thursday marks 100 days since China notified the World Health Organization that it was dealing with cases of what would later be identified as COVID-19, the deadly virus that has spread to nearly every corner of the world.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 9, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Apr 2020

Russia, Saudi Arabia To Discuss Cutting Oil Output Amid Glut RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Representatives of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Russia, and other oil-producing countries are set to meet to try to agree to cut output to stabilize the global oil market.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on April 9, 2020 PRC MofA 09 Apr 2020
US senators oppose China's appointment to UN Human Rights Council panel, affecting organization's independence Global Times 09 Apr 2020 -- A recent appointment of a Chinese official from the Chinese mission in Geneva to the consultative group of the UN Human Rights Council has upset some US senators and anti-China forces who have labeled the move "abnormal."

Tsai invites WHO chief to Taiwan amid 'attack campaign' controversy CNA 09 Apr 2020 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Thursday invited World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to visit Taiwan amid growing controversy over his claim the day before that Taiwan is behind a campaign of personal attacks against him.
WHO chief must apologize for accusations against Taiwan: MOFA CNA 09 Apr 2020 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday criticized "baseless" claims by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus that Taiwan is behind a campaign of personal attacks against him and demanded an apology from him.
Taiwan Hits Back at 'Racism' Claims From WHO Chief, Invites Him to Visit Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2020 -- Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has hit out at accusations from the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) that the democratic island's government had instigated "racist attacks" in the international community.
Taiwan Hits Back at WHO Chief for Saying He Received 'Racist' Comments Sputnik 09 Apr 2020 -- Earlier, the World Health Organisation's chief claimed that he has been subject to racial abuse from Taiwanese officials.
Taiwan details aid to Ethiopia in wake of WHO head criticism CNA 09 Apr 2020 -- Following accusations by the World Health Organization (WHO) chief that Taiwan has been behind racially abusive attacks made against him over the past three months amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan's government responded Thursday by detailing its aid to Ethiopia.
MOE suspends Taiwan education programs for mainland students Global Times 09 Apr 2020 -- China's Ministry of Education (MOE) announced on Thursday the Chinese mainland would suspend all programs and work that involves sending mainland students to study in Taiwan, given the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and current cross-Straits relations.

North Korean Workers Remain in Africa Months After Sanctions Deadline to Repatriate Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2020 -- North Korean migrant workers and the companies that dispatch them overseas still have a strong presence in Africa, despite UN sanctions prohibiting the export of North Korean labor past the last month of 2019.

President Rouhani: IMF must fulfill its duties without bias against Iran Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must fulfill its duties toward all member countries, including Iran, without any bias.
Ayatollah Khamenei hails Iranian nation for 'shining' performance in anti-virus battle Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised the Iranian nation's "shining" performance in the fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic, which he described as a "test" facing the entire world.

Iran's Foreign Ministry welcomes nomination of Iraq's new PM-designate Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry felicitates Iraq on the nomination of a new prime minister-designate, calling the move a step in the right direction.
Iraq's Saleh tasks PM-designate Kadhimi with forming new government Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Iraqi President Barham Saleh has officially tasked prime minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi with forming a government after the intelligence chief received the endorsement of the majority of the country's top political figures.
Zurfi withdraws candidacy for premiership as parties endorse Kadhimi Press TV 09 Apr 2020 -- Iraq's Prime Minister-designate Adnan al-Zurfi has withdrawn his candidacy for the post as major political factions endorse intelligence chief Mustafa Al Kadhimi to form a government.

New version of Long March to make its debut PLA Daily 09 Apr 2020 -- China's Long March 5B carrier rocket is scheduled to make its debut flight later this month at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Russian-U.S. Crew Blasts Off For International Space Station RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- A U.S. astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts has blasted off for the International Space Station (ISS) from the Russian-operated Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Kosovo's Kurti Assures EU Of Commitment To Dialogue With Serbia RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Kosovo's caretaker prime minister has assured a European Union special envoy of his commitment to resume dialogue on normalizing ties with neighboring Serbia.
Naming New PM Not A Priority During Pandemic, Kosovo's Kurti Tells RFE/RL RFE/RL 09 Apr 2020 -- Kosovo's outgoing Prime Minister Albin Kurti says he will not immediately respond to President Hashim Thaci's request to nominate a new candidate to form a government because he is busy fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

Malawi Electoral Commission Plans July Vote Despite Coronavirus VOA 09 Apr 2020 -- Malawi's Electoral Commission (MEC) says it is pushing ahead with voter registration for July's presidential election re-run, despite a government-ordered suspension because of the coronavirus.

Cambodian Journalist Charged With Incitement For Reporting Sensitive PM Hun Sen 'Joke' Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2020 -- A Cambodian journalist charged with "incitement" after accurately reporting comments by Prime Minister Hun Sen was arrested because the nation's leader had been "joking" when he said them, a police official said Thursday.

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