Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Navy Ship Takes Down Drug Vessel, Seizes 1.5 Tons of Cocaine DoD News 22 May 2020 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney, with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment team, seized an estimated 3,000 pounds of cocaine in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Navy, Army Partner for 3D Printing of COVID-19 Test Swabs DoD News 22 May 2020 -- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, and the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity at Fort Detrick, Maryland, finalized a memorandum of agreement to support the production and delivery of 3D-printed nasopharyngeal test swabs needed to support diagnostic testing for COVID-19.
• Future USS Oakland Completes Successful Acceptance Trials NNS 22 May 2020 -- The future USS Oakland (LCS 24) successfully concluded acceptance trials May 22 following a series of in-port and underway demonstrations in the Gulf of Mexico.
• USS Portland Conducts Laser Weapon System Demonstrator Test NNS 22 May 2020 -- Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) successfully disabled an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a Solid State Laser - Technology Maturation Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) MK 2 MOD 0 on May 16.
• US Air Force Tries Once Again to Replace its B-52 Bombers' Engines Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The US Air Force (USAF) has issued a new solicitation request for defense contractors to replace the engines on its huge B-52 Stratofortress bombers. However, this is far from the first attempt to do so: the Pentagon has been trying to find suitable, affordable replacements since the mid-1970s.
• USS Portland's High-Powered Laser Disables Drone in Weapon's First At-Sea Test Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The US Navy's recent downing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) via its Solid State Laser - Technology Maturation Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) signals advancement in Washington's decades-long development of directed-energy weapons.
• US Tests New High-Velocity Cannon on USS Zumwalt, World's Largest Destroyer Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- After years of being defenseless, the US Navy's futuristic USS Zumwalt destroyer has test-fired its new high-velocity gun off the California coast.
• White House Official: Trump To Seek Extension Of New START Arms Treaty With Russia RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- A top U.S. official said President Donald Trump was expected to seek an extension of the New START treaty with Russia, a major nuclear arms agreement set to expire next year.
• US Ready for 'Good Faith' Negotiations on New START Treaty With Russia, O'Brien Says Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien's statement follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump on the country's plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, a multilateral international agreement comprising 34 nations, facilitating transparency and bolstering security in Europe.
• US Officially Notifies Russia of Its Withdrawal From Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The day before, US President Donald Trump said that he had a good relationship with Russia but Moscow did not adhere to the Open Skies Treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries.
• U.S. says pulling out of Treaty on Open Skies People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States is withdrawing from the Treaty on Open Skies, the latest move to abandon a major international arms control agreement.
• Foreign Ministry statement on the US decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 May 2020 -- US senior government officials – President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Michael Pompeo – have announced a decision to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. This decision is a deplorable development for European security.
• Finnish Parliament to Reproach Ministries for Keeping Mum About NATO Cooperation Deal – Reports Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- It took Finnish MPs two years to find out about a secret agreement concerning strengthened defence cooperation with neighbouring Sweden and NATO. A senior MP has described it as thing that "should not be repeated".
• Coronavirus response: Poland delivers medical aid to Kosovar authorities in response to global pandemic NATO 22 May 2020 -- Today, the Polish military contingent operating with the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) has distributed sanitary and personal protection equipment to the Health Institutions in Kosovo, as part of NATO Allies' response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This delivery represented a donation from the office of the President of the Republic of Poland. It included 50,000 face masks and 1000 liters of disinfectant fluid that were transported on the 18th of May, with a C-295M Casa transport plane of the Polish Air Force.
• Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the Open Skies Treaty NATO 22 May 2020
• Russia censures US for planning to withdraw from Open Skies Treaty Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Russia says a planned move by the United States to withdraw from a major international treaty on unarmed surveillance flights would undermine global security.
• Russia Accuses U.S. Of Undermining Security With Open Skies Treaty Move RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- A top Russian diplomat has accused the United States of seeking to undermine international security after President Donald Trump gave notice on withdrawing from the Open Skies treaty, citing what U.S. officials said were repeated Russian violations.
• Russia Rejects 'Ultimatum' After US Move to Quit Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- Russia will not accept any ultimatums and is determined to engage in dialogue based on equal terms, the Foreign Ministry warned Friday, after the United States said it will exit the Open Skies Treaty.
• China Defence Spending to Hit Three-Decade Low Amid COVID-19 Pandemic-Driven Uncertainty Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- On Friday, at the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, a government work report from Premier Li Keqiang revealed that Beijing will not set a numerical target for its gross domestic product for 2020, for the first time in years, due to cited uncertainties about the economy and trade amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• China further lowers defense budget growth to 6.6 pct PLA Daily 22 May 2020 -- China will continue to lower its defense budget growth rate to 6.6 percent in 2020, according to a draft budget report Friday.
• China slows defense budget growth to 6.6 % in 2020 Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China set its 2020 defense budget growth target at 6.6 percent, resulting in a draft budget of 1.268 trillion yuan ($178.2 billion), lower than the 7.5 percent growth in 2019.
• Military deputies to NPC talk about advancing actual combat training PLA Daily 22 May 2020
• China's defense budget stays moderate and restrained: NPC spokesperson Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China pursues defensive policies and the defense budget is moderate and restrained in regards to the total amount of the budget, per capita spending and the rate of GDP, Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) told a press conference on Thursday.
• UAE Military Pilots Conduct Landing Qualifications aboard USS Lewis B. Puller CENTCOM 22 May 2020 -- The expeditionary landing base ship USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3), assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), conducted combined naval and air integration operations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Joint Aviation Command (JAC) in the central Arabian Gulf, May 11-12.
• 'We Are Ready for Whatever': Venezuelan Missiles Deployed on Island Against US Forces Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- As several Iranian tankers approach the Caribbean Sea, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has dispatched anti-air missiles and long-range rocket artillery to several islands off the Venezuelan coast amid fears the US may try to intercept the vessels, which are carrying much-needed fuel.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 22, 2020
• New Tiny Torpedo Unveiled for US Navy Attack Subs Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The prorotype is said to be just 2.15 meters long and weigh less than 100 kilograms, 16 times lighter and almost 3 times smaller than the traditionally-sized torpedoes currently employed by the US Navy.

Other Conflicts

• 22 May 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 May 2020
• US Navy Makes Splashy Pivot Back to Contested South China Sea VOA 22 May 2020 -- The U.S. Navy is sending an increasingly obvious number of ships into a disputed Asian sea to prove that COVID-19 won't stop it from resisting China's maritime expansion, observers say.
• Philippine Defense Chief: Repairs on South China Sea Island Not Yet Finished Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- The Philippines has made significant progress in upgrading facilities in an island it controls in the South China Sea, but it will "take another year at least" to finish all the construction work, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.
• India Voices Unusual Criticism of China's Conduct in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- India has voiced a rare note of criticism of China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, amid a tensions between the two Asian powers on their long land border.
• UN says Yemen's health system 'has in effect collapsed' as COVID-19 spreads Press TV 22 May 2020 -- The United Nations warns that urgent funding is needed to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak in Yemen, where the healthcare system has collapsed as a result of the Saudi-led coalition's devastating campaign.
• Two Daesh Regional Leaders Killed in Joint SDF, Coalition Raid Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The leader of the Daesh terrorist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was claimed to have been killed in October 2019 during a US Special Forces operation in the Syrian province of Idlib, according to US President Donald Trump.
• Hezbollah says Palestinian land should return to its rightful owners Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Hezbollah's stance on the Palestinian cause has not changed in the face of recent developments in the occupied territories, says the Secretary General of the Lebanese resistance movement, insisting that the Palestinian land should return to its rightful owners.
• Jordan threatens to review relations with Israel over West Bank annexation plans Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Jordanian Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz says his country would review its relationship with Israel in case the Tel Aviv regime proceeds with its controversial plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.
• Palestinians Stop Sharing Intelligence With CIA Over West Bank Land Grab Plans Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- Palestinians in the West Bank have ceased all security cooperation with both the United States and Israel, while Palestinian security forces have reportedly withdrawn from most of the West Bank, paving the way for a new spike in violence.
• UNICEF Calls For Cease-Fire In Eastern Ukraine, Says Children 'Urgently Need Peace' RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- The UN children's agency is calling for all parties to the deadly conflict in eastern Ukraine to commit to a cease-fire and end more than six years of fighting, as an increase in shelling has resulted in numerous child casualties and damaged schools since the beginning of the year.
• Vietnamese Military Shelters Remain in Disputed Border Area Despite Cambodian Diplomatic Protest Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- Vietnam has yet to dismantle a string of military shelters set up in a disputed area along its border with Cambodia more than a week after Phnom Penh lodged a diplomatic protest through its embassy in Hanoi, Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Kuy Kong said Friday.

News Reports

• FBI Director Orders Internal Review of Investigation Into Ex-Trump Adviser Flynn Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- Christopher Wray, director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, has called for an after-action review of the agency's investigation into former Trump administration national security adviser Michael Flynn.
• U.S. Participates in the International Donors Conference in Solidarity with the Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants US Dept. of State 22 May 2020 -- Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Carol Thompson O'Connell will lead the U.S. delegation to the May 26 International Donors Conference in Solidarity with the Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants, hosted virtually by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Spain in coordination with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) Amy Tohill-Stull will join.
• The United States Sanctions Nicaraguan Army General Aviles and Finance Minister Acosta US Dept. of State 22 May 2020 -- Today, the United States announces new financial sanctions against Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo (Aviles) and Ivan Adolfo Acosta Montalvan (Acosta). This new action furthers United States policy to hold accountable those individuals and entities who are key enablers of Ortega's misrule and who perpetrate serious human rights abuse and seek to silence pro-democracy voices in Nicaragua.
• Treasury Sanctions Senior Nicaraguan Government Officials, Increasing Pressure on President Ortega's Regime US Treasury 22 May 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two senior Nicaraguan government officials, Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo and Ivan Adolfo Acosta Montalvan for supporting the corrupt Ortega regime. Since April 2018, the Ortega regime has cracked down on political opposition, leading to more than 300 deaths, 2,000 injuries, hundreds of political and civil society actors imprisoned, and over 100,000 refugees fleeing the country.
• The Week In Russia: Coffee, Tea, And High Technology RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- Coffee has won Russia's hot-drink Cold War, outpouring tea for the first time in a major shift in traditional values. President Vladimir Putin says the country needs to do better at high-tech to preserve its status as a "separate civilization," while an expert calls it a "declining power" that must be watched warily by the West. And Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov is hospitalized as COVID-19 marches on.
• Russian Court Bans Prominent Group Promoting Ethnic Bashkir Rights RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- The Supreme Court of the Russian Republic of Bashkortostan has banned the Bashqort group, which for years has promoted the Bashkir language and culture as well as equal rights for ethnic Bashkirs.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 22, 2020 PRC MofA 22 May 2020
• Report: Chinese Construction Projects Create Opportunity to Spy on African Leaders VOA 22 May 2020 -- A new report is warning that China may be spying on African government officials from within their own buildings.
• Hong Kong Law Could Stifle Press Freedom, Rights Groups Say VOA 22 May 2020 -- China's plan to impose national security laws on Hong Kong could have serious implications for civil liberties and press freedom, rights groups say.
• Commerce Department to Add Two Dozen Chinese Companies with Ties to WMD and Military Activities to the Entity List US Dept. of Commerce 22 May 2020 -- The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced it will add 24 governmental and commercial organizations to the Entity List for engaging in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States. The entities, based in China, Hong Kong, and the Cayman Islands, represent a significant risk of supporting procurement of items for military end-use in China.
• Commerce Department to Add Nine Chinese Entities Related to Human Rights Abuses in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region to the Entity List US Dept. of Commerce 22 May 2020 -- The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced the impending addition of the People's Republic of China's Ministry of Public Security's Institute of Forensic Science and eight Chinese companies to the Entity List, which will result in these parties facing new restrictions on access to U.S. technology. These nine parties are complicit in human rights violations and abuses committed in China's campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, forced labor and high-technology surveillance against Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR). This action will supplement BIS's first tranche of Entity List designations in October 2019 involving 28 parties engaged in the XUAR repression campaign in Xinjiang.
• Huawei Says 'Survival' at Stake After New US Sanctions VOA 22 May 2020 -- Once poised to become a global leader in the coming advent of 5G wireless networks, Chinese tech giant Huawei warns its survival is at stake following the latest U.S. decision to cut it off from semiconductor suppliers.
• China Vows to Fight Back if US Tries to Oppress Beijing Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- Last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned China that the United States could change its view of Hong Kong's status in light of what it sees as interference with a free press.
• Highlights of 2020 Government Work Report People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- Premier Li Keqiang delivered the Government Work Report to the third session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing on Friday morning. Here are the highlights:
• China's national legislature starts annual session PLA Daily 22 May 2020 -- China's national legislature started its annual session Friday morning in Beijing.
• China's "two sessions" presents world with confidence, vitality People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- The world is casting its eyes toward China as the country convenes its "two sessions" - the annual sessions of the country's top legislature and political advisory body.
• China takes decisive moves amid risks Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China on Friday offered the most comprehensive and pragmatic assessment of the extraordinary circumstances for the country's social and economic development created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and made rare, decisive adjustments in a wide range of areas - from its overarching development goals to specific government spending - to minimize losses and secure social and economic stability amid lingering risks.
• China Sets No 2020 GDP Goal Due to Coronavirus-Caused Economic Challenges Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The year 2020 has become the first in decades in which the Chinese economy has retracted, shrunk primarily by the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic that has plunged business and industry in the nation into crisis.
• China scraps numerical GDP growth target for 2020 for the first time in decades Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China has scrapped a numerical economic growth target this year for the first time in decades, reflecting the profound challenges the Chinese economy faces, while injecting confidence that China is able to achieve its targets.
• Public health, national and economic security top agenda for two sessions Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China's top political advisory meeting opened its annual session on Thursday in Beijing, making arrangements for work in 2020 regarding six aspects and addressing the most pressing issues including public, national and economic security.
• Chinese lawmakers deliberate draft civil code People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- Chinese lawmakers started deliberating a draft civil code Friday at the annual session of the country's national legislature.
• China aims to add over 9 mln new urban jobs in 2020 People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- China will prioritize stabilizing employment and ensuring people's livelihood this year, aiming to create more than 9 million new urban jobs, according to a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Friday.
• China keenly aware of challenges, problems: report People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- China is keenly aware of the difficulties and problems it faces while recognizing the achievements, according to a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Friday.
• China firm on achieving development goals of 2020, though setting no specific growth target People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- China will work to ensure achieving the development goals of winning the battle against poverty and completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects this year, though setting no specific economic growth target for 2020, according to a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Friday.
• Chinese govt ready to tighten belt, guarantees key investment Global Times 22 May 2020 -- The Chinese government is ready to tighten belt to optimize government spending, reflecting "unprecedented" challenges the economy faces due to the COVID-19 epidemic, while reaffirming the central government's commitment to achieving this year's economic and social development targets.
• China raises opening-up level to foreign investment amid challenges Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China will raise the opening-up policy level and stabilize foreign trade amid rising challenges, according to a government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Friday.
• Post-epidemic recovery scheme to accelerate Wuhan revival Global Times 22 May 2020 -- Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, the worst-affected city by COVID-19 outbreak, is mulling over a slew of latest measures to accelerate its revival, as the city gradually returns to normalcy.
• China aims to create 9 million jobs in 2020, keep CPI at 3.5% Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China is planning to create 9 million jobs in 2020, the lowest since 2014, as the country seeks to control rising unemployment, which is essential to social stability, amid serious pressure from the #COVID19 pandemic, the Government Work Report said on Friday.
• P.R.C. Proposal To Impose National Security Legislation on Hong Kong US Dept. of State 22 May 2020 -- "The United States condemns the People's Republic of China (PRC) National People's Congress proposal to unilaterally and arbitrarily impose national security legislation on Hong Kong."
• US-China Tensions Rise as Beijing Signals Tightening Controls on Hong Kong VOA 22 May 2020 -- China's decision to propose new legislation tightening control over Hong Kong has sparked a wave of condemnation from American lawmakers and officials, in yet another sign of worsening relations between the economic superpowers.
• China's Push to Impose National Security Law in Hong Kong Draws Fire from Critics, Locals VOA 22 May 2020 -- China's plan to impose a national security law on Hong Kong to prevent and punish acts of "secession, subversion or terrorism activities" that threaten national security has drawn fire from critics and ordinary Hong Kongers alike, with many lamenting this is the end of the free and open city that the world has known.
• Pompeo decries China's security law as 'death knell' for Hong Kong autonomy Press TV 22 May 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blasted China for the imposition of a new security law on Hong Kong, claiming that the measure could be a "death knell" for the city's autonomy.
• China proposes security law to restore calm to Hong Kong Press TV 22 May 2020 -- China has proposed new legislation to impose a national security law on Hong Kong as part of measures aimed at restoring calm to the semi-autonomous city after seven months of fierce anti-government protests last year.
• Trump warns of strong reaction over China new Hong Kong move Press TV 22 May 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has warned the United States would react "very strongly" against what he calls an attempt by China to impose new national security legislation on Hong Kong.
• China to Crack Down on Dissent, 'Foreign Interference' in Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- China's National People's Congress on Friday revealed plans to send its feared state security agents into Hong Kong to pursue people suspected of "sedition," "subversion," or to be doing the work of 'foreign forces' during the city's months-long protest movement.
• China's Plan to Impose Draconian Law on Hong Kong Sparks International Outcry Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- China's announcement it will bypass Hong Kong's legislature to impose draconian security laws on the city to quell "subversion" and "foreign interference" during the year-long protest movement sparked criticism and concern on Friday from the U.S., U.K., and international rights organizations.
• Chinese FM blasts US warning on HK natl security law, WH anti-China report Global Times 22 May 2020 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson refuted US President Donald Trump's response to the Chinese central government's proposed national security law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, mentioning the word "unswervingly" three times to show China's determination to safeguard national sovereignty and interests.
• HK national security law 'almost ready to be enacted' Global Times 22 May 2020 -- After a draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security was submitted to China's top legislature on Friday, the work of formulating the national security legislation would be accelerated, which would be signed into the law as early as in the coming weeks considering the urgency, some national lawmakers, top political advisors and lawyers said, as the central government prepared to set up national security agencies in Hong Kong to enhance information collecting and evidence to deal with acts like splitting the country, subverting state power, organizing and perpetrating terrorist activities.
• 'Imperative' to plug national security loopholes in HK: spokespersons Global Times 22 May 2020 -- Safeguarding national security does not contradict the principles of "one country, two systems," and deliberations on improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the ongoing legislature session are imperative, said the liaison office of the central government in HKSAR and the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office on Friday.
• Draft decision on HK national security law submitted to top legislature, stresses zero tolerance to secessionism, foreign interference Global Times 22 May 2020 -- A draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security was submitted to China's top legislature for deliberation on Friday.
• China unconcerned by US threat over HK security legislation: experts Global Times 22 May 2020 -- A government work report submitted to the national legislature for deliberation on Friday stressed that China must comprehensively and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy, which gives a high degree of autonomy to Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) while establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanism to safeguard national security in the SARs as well as implementing the constitutional obligations of SAR governments.
• Government Work Report stresses high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong, Macao Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China must comprehensively and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy, and the policy that brings a high degree of autonomy to Hong Kong and Macao SARs; establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanism for the safeguarding national security in SARs, and implement the constitutional obligations of the SAR govts.
• Government, opposition condemn China plans for new HK security laws CNA 22 May 2020 -- Taiwan's government and leading opposition party spoke out Friday against plans by the Chinese government to enact new national security laws in Hong Kong.
• China warns DPP for 'baseless accusations' at HK national security law Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to stop baseless accusations and slandering the newly proposed national security law in Hong Kong, and warned secessionists on the island of Taiwan and Hong Kong against colluding.
• 'Imperative' to plug national security loopholes in HK: spokespersons Global Times 22 May 2020 -- Safeguarding national security does not contradict the principles of "one country, two systems," and deliberations on improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the ongoing legislature session are imperative, said the liaison office of the central government in HKSAR and the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office on Friday.
• National security legislation for HKSAR "highly necessary": spokesperson People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- It is highly necessary for China's national legislature to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security, a spokesperson said Thursday.
• Draft to safeguard national security in HK People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- National legislators will review a draft decision on establishing and improving a legal system for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that would safeguard national security, Zhang Yesui, spokesman for the 13th National People's Congress, said at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday.
• National security legislation for HKSAR to lay solid foundation for steady, enduring growth of "one country, two systems": spokesperson People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- Establishing and improving at the national level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security will lay a solid institutional foundation for the steady and enduring growth of the cause of "one country, two systems," said a central government spokesperson on Friday.
• Liaison office of China's central gov't in HKSAR says national legislative session's agenda on HKSAR imperative People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said Friday that the ongoing national legislative session's agenda on the HKSAR is an imperative move to close the legal loopholes in the SAR concerning national security.
• Central gov't to support HK, Macao in developing economies, improving living standards People's Daily 22 May 2020 -- The Chinese central government will support the country's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in developing the economies and improving living standards, said a government work report submitted Friday to the national legislature for deliberation.
• Liaison office of China's central gov't in HKSAR says national legislative session's agenda on HKSAR imperative PLA Daily 22 May 2020 -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said Friday that the ongoing national legislative session's agenda on the HKSAR is an imperative move to close the legal loopholes in the SAR concerning national security.
• National security legislation for HKSAR to lay solid foundation for steady, enduring growth of "one country, two systems": spokesperson PLA Daily 22 May 2020 -- Establishing and improving at the national level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security will lay a solid institutional foundation for the steady and enduring growth of the cause of "one country, two systems," said a central government spokesperson on Friday.
• Draft decision on HK national security legislation submitted to NPC PLA Daily 22 May 2020 -- A draft decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to safeguard national security was submitted to China's national legislature for deliberation on Friday.
• Public health, national and economic security top agenda for two sessions Global Times 22 May 2020 -- China's top political advisory meeting opened its annual session on Thursday in Beijing, making arrangements for work in 2020 regarding six aspects and addressing the most pressing issues including public, national and economic security.
• Few mentions of Taiwan in annual speech by Chinese premier: scholars CNA 22 May 2020 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (李克強) made scant mention of Taiwan in an important annual speech Friday, reflecting China's focus on its economy as it juggles a trade war with the United States and the ongoing impact of COVID-19, according to scholars of cross-strait relations.
• North Korea Executes Couple For Trying to Escape to South During COVID-19 Emergency Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- North Korean authorities earlier this month executed a husband and wife for attempting to flee the country during the COVID-19 national emergency quarantine, sources in the country told RFA.
• North Korean Founder Kim Il Sung Did Not Have the Ability to Teleport, State Media Admits Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- North Korean state media have issued a report denying that the country's leaders have mythical powers, a possible signal that current leader Kim Jong Un is attempting to undo the deification of his predecessors.
• Ayatollah Khamenei: Everyone must assist in holy struggle to liberate Palestine Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the struggle to liberate Palestine is an obligation and an Islamic goal, adding "everyone must assist the Palestinian nation in this holy struggle".
• White House Condemns Khamenei's 'Anti-Semitic Rhetoric', Threats Radio Farda 22 May 2020 -- In a tweet on Thursday the White House National Security Council condemned "anti-Semitic rhetoric and threats by Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei against Israel".
• Khamenei On Qods Day: Yell At America, Israel Will Be Eliminated! Radio Farda 22 May 2020 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has once again called on Palestinians to continue their struggle against Israel and called the Palestinian question an international problem rather than an Islamic or Arab issue.
• This Week in Iran Policy US Dept. of State 22 May 2020
• Iran's Assassinations and Terrorist Activity Abroad US Dept. of State 22 May 2020
• Iran monitoring US military, to respond to threat to interests anywhere in world: Top general Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Iran's top military commander says Iranian Armed Forces have a full intelligence command of United States military movements in and far beyond the region and will respond to any move that endangers Iranian interests at any location in the world.
• Iraq's New PM Was Once Critical of Country Seen as 'Iran's Backyard' VOA 22 May 2020 -- Before he held political office, Iraq's recently elected Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was a strong critic of his predecessors for turning the country into "Iran's backyard" in the eyes of other nations.
• Jamal Khashoggi's son says family forgives killers Press TV 22 May 2020 -- Salah Khashoggi, son of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has announced in a tweet that his family has decided to forgive their father's killers.
• Family of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi Pardons Murderers of Their Father Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The Saudi journalist was murdered inside the embassy of his own country in Istanbul in October 2018. A Saudi court sentenced five suspects to death and jailed another three for a total of 24 years.
• HRW Denounces 'Wave Of Arrests" In Belarus As Elections Loom RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- Belarus has intensified its crackdown on independent activists and journalists with a "new wave of arbitrary arrests" ahead of presidential elections, Human Rights Watch (HRW) says.
• Norway Bets Millions of Kronor to Win 'European Space Race' Sputnik 22 May 2020 -- The Scandinavian country's ambition is to make the Andøya Space Centre in Nordland County the main location for satellite launches in Europe, edging out its competitors.
• IMF, Ukraine Pencil $5 Billion Deal To Help With Dept Repayments RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ukrainian officials reached a staff-level agreement on a new $5 billion stand-by arrangement to help Kyiv cope with economic shock caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
• Kyiv, Sofia Clash Over Ukraine's Plan To Redraw District Lines In Ethnic Bulgarian Region RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- Ukraine and Bulgaria have clashed over Kyiv's plans to change administrative divisions within a district in the southern Odesa region with a sizeable ethnic-Bulgarian minority.
• Ukrainian Security Service Chief Reportedly Runs Company In Spain, Illegally RFE/RL 22 May 2020 -- The head of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), Ivan Bakanov, holds a top position in a private company registered in Spain, in violation of the anti-corruption law, according to Skhemy (Schemes), a joint project by RFE/RL and UA:Pershy television.
• China's Gas Cuts Raise Pressure on Central Asia Radio Free Asia 22 May 2020 -- As China cuts back on its commitments to import natural gas, it is trying to spread the shortfall among its increasingly hard-pressed suppliers.
• Zimbabwe Welcomes Removal of Its Banks from US Sanctions List VOA 22 May 2020 -- Zimbabwe welcomed the U.S. decision Thursday to remove two of its banks from the sanctions list, saying the move will allow them to easily obtain credit to address the country's moribund economy.
• Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Resigns VOA 22 May 2020 -- The chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Jane Ansah, has resigned just a month before the country conducts fresh elections. Her decision comes after months of protests organized by rights campaigners who accused her of mismanaging last year's elections.