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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Pelosi Accuses White House of Trying to 'Con' US Public on Intelligence VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Leading Democratic lawmakers are slamming the White House, one of them accusing the president and his aides of trying to trick the American public into believing intelligence on an alleged Russian plot to pay for attacks on U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan is not serious.
• Top Intelligence Officials Brief Congress on Alleged Russian Bounties VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Top U.S. intelligence officials briefed key members of Congress Thursday on what is known – and what is not known – about an alleged Russian plot to pay militants for attacks on American and coalition forces in Afghanistan.
• U.S. Intelligence Officials To Hold Classified Briefing On Allegations Russia Offered Bounties To Taliban RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is due to be briefed on July 2 by senior intelligence officials following reports alleging Russia paid the Taliban bounties to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
• US Senate kills bill to end war on Afghanistan, repeal 2001 'War on Terror' authorization Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The US Senate has overwhelmingly voted against a bipartisan bill that would have directed the Pentagon to begin an "orderly withdrawal" of US troops from Afghanistan and finally end the war in the conflict-ridden country within a year.
• Over 800 civilians killed or wounded in attacks in Afghanistan during first half of 2020: UN Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Over 800 people have been killed or wounded in "deliberate attacks" targeting civilians across war-torn Afghanistan during the first half of this year, the UN says, voicing concerns the rising violence was aimed at derailing planned peace talks between the Kabul government and Taliban.
• Taliban Dismiss Pentagon Report Claiming Movement Maintains Ties With Al-Qaeda Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- The Taliban* reject a report by the US Department of Defen?e saying that the Islamist movement still maintains ties with an affiliate of Al-Qaeda*, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Thursday, accusing US military officials of continuing to "seek war in Afghanistan" for their own vested interests.
• Protect ordinary Afghans ahead of peace talks, urges UN Mission chief UN News 02 Jul 2020 -- Ahead of hoped-for peace talks between Afghan Government and Taliban negotiators, UN peacekeepers in Afghanistan have urged parties to "redouble" their efforts to keep civilians safe.
• US builds new air base in Syria Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The United States has built a new military base, including an airport for military aircraft, for its occupying forces in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah.
• Syrian army forces in Syria's Hasakah stop US convoy, force it to return Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Syrian government forces have block a US military convoy in the country's northeastern province of Hasakah and forced it to turn back amid seething resentment of locals over the presence of American troops in the region.
• Fresh US military convoy enters northeast Syria from western Iraq Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The US military has sent a new convoy of trucks loaded with military hardware and logistical gears to Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah as Washington seeks to control and loot crude resources in the war-torn country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Trans-Atlantic Leaders Gather for Fourth Battle of the Atlantic Tabletop Exercise NNS 02 Jul 2020 -- Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) newest operational level warfighting headquarters, in partnership with U.S. 2nd Fleet, held the Fourth Battle of the Atlantic tabletop exercise (TTX) virtually for leaders from multinational commands to discuss the future warfighting strategy in the Atlantic.
• Spartan Engineers Train to Clear Obstacles on the Battlefield CENTCOM 02 Jul 2020 -- Operating breach vehicles with a hundred meters of C4 explosive is a rare opportunity in the world of engineers.
• US Strategic Partners Urge More Attention to Black Sea VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Top diplomats from Ukraine, Georgia and Romania are urging the United States and NATO to step up their presence in the Black Sea region to discourage Moscow from advancing its aggressive agenda.
• DOD Awards $13.5 Million Contract to Lydall, Inc. to Increase Domestic Production of Meltblown Filtration Media DoD 02 Jul 2020 -- On June 19, the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, signed a $13.5 million contract award with Lydall, Inc. to increase domestic capacity of meltblown filtration media.
• No Sign of Operations Tempo Slowing, National Guard Bureau Chief Says DoD News 02 Jul 2020 -- Some 120,000 members of the National Guard have responded this year to natural disasters – floods in Michigan, wildfires in Kansas and tornadoes in Tennessee, just to name a few; – and have participated in global military operations and responded to civil disturbances and to COVID-19, the chief of the National Guard Bureau said.
• DOD, Base Officials Closely Monitoring COVID-19 Situation DoD News 02 Jul 2020 -- Defense and local military officials are closely watching the COVID-19 situation and will make adjustments as needed, Defense Department officials told reporters at a Pentagon news conference.
• US Armed Service Committee Approves Legislation to Make Pentagon Strip Confederate Names From Bases Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- Earlier, US President Donald Trump tweeted that would veto the defence authorisation bill if it contains an amendment calling for changing the Confederate-related names of US military bases.
• Readout of Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With German Federal Minister of Defense Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer DoD 02 Jul 2020
• USS Fitzgerald Arrives at San Diego Homeport NNS 02 Jul 2020 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived at its homeport in San Diego, July 02, following more than two years of restoration and modernization after the warship was damaged during a collision in 2017.
• VP-16 Welcomes U.S. Ambassador to Iceland NNS 02 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Ambassador to Iceland, Jeffrey Ross Gunter, joined Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 onboard Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, to discuss the role of the squadron in northern European theater, June 23, 2020.
• USS McCampbell Returns to U.S. for Modernization NNS 02 Jul 2020 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) departed Yokosuka, Japan, July 2, for Portland, Oregon, to complete a scheduled a 17-month Depot Modernization Period (DMP).
• VAW-124 Aviators Teaming with U.S. Coast Guard to Safeguard Mariners NNS 02 Jul 2020 -- While the nation is battling with COVID-19 naval aviators assigned to Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 124 aboard Naval Station Norfolk were assisting the U.S. Coast Guard to respond to a potential mariner in distress in the waters off the Atlantic Ocean, June 24.
• Goldfein describes the future of the Air Force US Air Force 02 Jul 2020 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein presented an optimistic and confident portrait of the service's future July 1, telling an influential audience at the Brookings Institution the service is fulfilling all missions with excellence and ingenuity despite an array of challenges.
• Coronavirus response: Turkey delivers critical aid to Iraq NATO 02 Jul 2020 -- On 30 June 2020, as part of Allied support in response to COVID-19, Turkey delivered critical medical supplies to the Iraqi people as a sign of solidarity between two neighbouring countries.
• China 'prepared against military provocation from Australia' Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- Australia released two papers on Wednesday that define the country's future defense strategy and military development. According to the papers, Australia will invest heavily in the development and procurement of weapons and equipment, including aggressive, long-range items.
• China's helicopter carrier expands capability with drone Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- China's Type 075 amphibious assault ships, the largest warships second only to aircraft carriers, are receiving drone helicopters that can significantly expand their combat capability by providing strong situational awareness, reports suggest, after a full-scale model for an unknown type of drone helicopter was recently spotted on a Type 075 in Shanghai.
• China' s top military disciplinary organ establishes special supervisor system PLA Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- A total of 50 service members, including elite officers, soldiers, military experts and scholars were recently appointed as the first batch of special supervisors of the Commission for Discipline Inspection under the Central Military Commission (CMC).
• PLA garrison in Hong Kong says to firmly support implementation of national security law in HKSAR PLA Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said on Wednesday it firmly supports the promulgation and implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• China to optimize reserve forces structure for future combat need: spokesperson PLA Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- China will reduce the number of ground reserve troops and increase the size of reserve forces belonging to other services and arms, a military spokesperson said Wednesday.
• DAC approves capital acquisition of various platforms & equipment worth Rs 38,900 crore; India PIB 02 Jul 2020 -- In the current situation and the need to strengthen the Armed Forces for the defence of our borders and in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's clarion call for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in its meeting of today held under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh accorded approval for capital acquisition of various platforms and equipment required by the Indian Armed Forces.
• India Agrees To Multibillion-Dollar Russian Jet Deal Amid Standoff With China RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- India has green-lighted the purchase of 33 Russian fighter jets and upgrades to 59 others worth $2.4 billion at a time of rising border tensions with China.
• India Approves Purchase of 33 Fighter Jets, Including Su-30MKI, Worth $2.5 Billion From Russia Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- As the Indian Air Force has faced a shortage of fighter jets since its old fleet of aircraft retired, the government has adopted a two-pronged strategy for a midlife overhaul of existing planes and the induction of new ones.
• Germany Disbands Elite Army Unit With 'Toxic Leadership Culture' Amid Far-Right Sympathy Uptick Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- Germany's defense minister revealed on Wednesday that a unit of the Kommando Spezialkraefte (KSK), the country's elite commando force, would be disbanded. The dissolution follows a report published in January revealing that hundreds of soldiers may embody far-right extremist ideologies.
• Pakistan rules out Chinese military presence on its soil IRNA 02 Jul 2020 -- Pakistani military on Thursday dismissed reports about presence of Chinese troops in the country and their use of its air bases terming them irresponsible and baseless.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Announces New Armored Military Vehicle Production SPA 02 Jul 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues, at local, regional, and international arenas.
• Taiwan stages drill simulating response to an invasion by China CNA 02 Jul 2020 -- A large-scale anti-landing drill simulating Taiwan's response to a Chinese invasion was staged in central Taichung City on Thursday, in a live-fire rehearsal ahead of the annual Han Kuang military exercises.
• France should apologize over 'false claims' about naval incident in Mediterranean: Turkish FM Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Turkey says France should apologize for making "false claims" about a naval incident between the warships of the two NATO allies in the Mediterranean last month that prompted Paris to ask for a NATO investigation.
• Turkey Wants France to Apologise Over Mediterranean Warships Incident That Led to NATO Probe Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- Turkish frigates confronted French naval forces in the Mediterranean Sea as they tried to inspect a ship, purportedly carrying weapons to Libya in violation of the UN ban. The incident took place amid Ankara's attempts to help the UN recognised government of national accord in its fight against the army of General Haftar.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 2, 2020

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Jul 2020
• UN Security Council adopts resolution on COVID-19 People's Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution on COVID-19, demanding a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all situations on its agenda.
• UN Security Council adopts resolution on immediate ceasefire in conflict zones Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution calling for an immediate halt to conflicts worldwide in an attempt to facilitate the fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic.
• US Again Patrols Near Chinese Survey Ship In South China Sea Radio Free Asia 02 Jul 2020 -- An American Navy combat ship this week conducted "routine operations" near a Chinese geological survey ship in the South China Sea, U.S. officials said, after the Chinese vessel in June entered an area where Vietnam has shown interest in exploring for oil.
• US Worried About Chinese Military Drills in Contested Waters in South China Sea – Pentagon Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- The United States is concerned about China's decision to conduct military exercises in contested waters and territory in the South China Sea, the Pentagon said in a press release.
• People's Republic of China Military Exercises in the South China Sea DoD 02 Jul 2020 -- The Department of Defense is concerned about the People's Republic of China (PRC) decision to conduct military exercises around the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on July 1-5.
• Taiwanese fishermen's rights unaffected by islands' renaming: JTEA CNA 02 Jul 2020 -- The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA) assured Taiwan on Thursday that the renaming of an administrative district which encompassed the disputed Senkaku islands, called Diaoyutai Islands by Taipei, will not affect the fishing rights of Taiwanese fishermen.
• Saudi-led coalition launches new airstrikes on Yemen Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The Saudi-led military coalition waging war on Yemen has intensified its aggression by launching a new round of airstrikes on the country, including in the capital, Sana'a.
• Turkish Drone Strike Leaves Civilian Casualties VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Ceiling and concrete walls are all that is left of a grocery store owned by a young Kurdish couple here in this riverside, tourist village in northern Iraq.
• Iraqi prime minister hails Hashd al-Sha'abi counter-terrorism efforts Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has praised the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), better known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, for their key role in defeating the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the Arab country.
• Ukraine's Foreign Minister Says Russia-Annexed Crimea's 'De-Occupation Is Inevitable' RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says Russia's departure from the Black Sea Crimea Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, is "inevitable."
• Palestinian Hamas, Fatah join hands against Israel's annexation plan Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Two major Palestinian groups, the Hamas resistance movement and Fatah political party, have pledged unity against Israel's annexation of the West Bank, as signs are emerging of a purported rift between Israel and the United States over the much-condemned project.
• China's Border Realignment Aimed at Gaining Tactical Advantage Before India Gets S-400: IAF Vet Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- For over two months, Indian and Chinese armies have been locked in border stand-off that included a violent skirmish on 15 June in Ladakh. Experts have compared the air power of the two countries as a military build-up has picked up speed along the loosely demarcated 4057-kilometre Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Indian military killed 229 in Kashmir in first half of 2020: Group Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- A rights group says 229 people have been killed during military operations in the Indian-administered Kashmir so far this year.
• Delhi Calls on Pakistan to Vacate 'Illegally Occupied' Indian Territories Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- Earlier, in May of this year, India issued a strong notice to Islamabad against the Supreme Court of Pakistan's order on the country's de facto Northern Areas, also known as Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistani President Arif Alvi issued a notification earlier this month to hold elections in 24 constituencies in the region on 18 August.
• Pakistani Army Refutes Reports About Extra Troop Deployment to Gilgit-Baltistan Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- The Pakistani armed forces' spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar, refuted on Thursday media reports claiming that Pakistan had deployed additional troops along the line of control (LOC) in Gilgit-Baltistan area in the disputed Kashmir region, and that China was using the Skardu Air Base located there.
• Massive Shelling Begins Between India and Pakistan Day After Terrorists Kill Soldier, Civilian Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- On Wednesday, a paramilitary forces officer and a civilian were killed, with three other security personnel injured after a group of terrorists attacked a convoy in the Sopore area of Kashmir. According to police officials, a three-year old boy, a relative of the dead civilian, was rescued in the attack.
• Cameroon English-Speakers Claim Harassment After Government Declares Security Alert VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Cameroon's displaced Anglophones, who fled from the separatist war in western regions to the capital, are accusing authorities of harassment. Last week, the government declared a security alert following two explosions in Yaounde and began raids on houses in English-speaking majority neighborhoods.
• How Extremist Groups Are Reacting to COVID-19 VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- In Nigeria, Boko Haram's leader has called it part of the "global war" against Islam. In Iraq and Syria, Islamic State leaders say it's punishment for "crusaders," at the same time Iran-backed Shiite militias hand out public health information and free face masks.
• UN Peacekeepers Test Positive for Coronavirus in South Sudan VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- The top United Nations official in South Sudan says 57 workers with the U.N. mission there have tested positive for COVID-19 since April.

News Reports

• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 2, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Jul 2020
• Prominent Russian Expert On Mercenary Groups Convicted Of Treason RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- The St. Petersburg City Court has sentenced military analyst Vladimir Neyelov to seven years in prison after convicting him of treason.
• EU Calls For Investigation Into Irregularities In 'Triumphant' Vote For Putin RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- The European Union has called on Russia to probe reports of irregularities in a national, nonbinding plebiscite that approved a sprawling package of constitutional amendments that, among other things, would open the possibility for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.
• Nyet In Nenets: A Northern Russian Region Just Said No To Putin's Constitution RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- The official returns on Russia's plebiscite on constitutional amendments showed a solid block of 'Yes' votes across the nation for a package of changes that, first and foremost, allow President Vladimir Putin to seek a 12-year extension of his reign.
• Putin Thanks Russians for Taking Part in Vote on Constitutional Amendments Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Russians on Thursday for taking part in the vote on constitutional amendments.
• Kremlin Sees Results of Russia's Constitutional Amendments Vote as Triumph Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- The result of the all-Russian vote on constitutional amendments is a clear sign of the Russian people's trust in the president, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday.
• Kremlin Lauds Russia's Constitutional Reform Vote VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Russia overwhelmingly embraced changes to the country's constitution in a weeklong national vote that ended Wednesday and was held during the coronavirus pandemic, scoring a controversial victory for President Vladimir Putin amid complaints of vote rigging and a constitutional coup by Kremlin critics.
• Russian Voters Clear Path for Putin to Remain in Power Until 2036 VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Voters in Russia have approved a package of constitutional reforms that includes opening the possibility that President Vladimir Putin can remain president until 2036. 
• Putin granted right to extend rule until 2036 in landslide vote Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Russians opened the door to Vladimir Putin staying in power until 2036 by voting overwhelmingly for constitutional changes that will allow him to run again for president twice.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 2, 2020 PRC MofA 02 Jul 2020
• Dispelling Western lies about national security law for HK Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- How the West depicts and interprets the national security law for Hong Kong, which was enacted on Tuesday, fully underscores the bias and double standards of some Western politicians and media on Hong Kong affairs.
• National security law 'makes HK people more secure' Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- Hong Kong celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the return to the motherland on Wednesday, and with the enactment of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, Hong Kong residents and analysts said the people of the city will be more secure and free from harm by rioters and separatists who gang up with foreign forces, and the law is a gift that the motherland presented to the SAR.
• Hong Kong Protest Slogans Break China's New Security Law: Government Radio Free Asia 02 Jul 2020 -- Authorities in Hong Kong on Thursday warned that slogans and speech related to last year's protest movement or calls for independence for the city fall within the scope of draconian security legislation imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party on June 30.
• China 'reserves right to retaliate' UK residency plan for Hong Kong citizens Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- China says it may take countermeasures against a plan by the United Kingdom to grant residency to the citizens of Hong Kong, which London has designed as a response to Beijing's application of uniform national security law to the semi-autonomous city.
• US House passes bill to sanction Chinese banks over Hong Kong Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The US House of Representatives has passed legislation to penalize banks doing business with Chinese officials who implement a new national security law for Hong Kong that has drawn an international condemnation.
• US Senate Passes Bill to Sanction Banks Over Hong Kong Security Law Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- The new national security bill that penalises secession, subversion and terrorism in the special administrative region was adopted by Chinese lawmakers and signed by President Xi Jinping on 30 June.
• US Senate Passes Bill Targeting Entities Over China's Hong Kong Security Law VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Senate approved a bill Thursday that would penalize individuals or companies for conducting business with Chinese officials responsible for implementing Beijing's new national security law on Hong Kong.
• Australia May Offer Safe Haven to Hong Kong Residents After Security Law Enactment Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- Australia is "actively considering" offering safe haven to Hong Kong residents following the enactment of the Chinese law on national security in the special administrative region that has sparked mass protests, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.
• China Hits Back at International Moves Sparked by Hong Kong Security Law Radio Free Asia 02 Jul 2020 -- China on Thursday hit back at international criticism of its draconian new security law for Hong Kong, saying that the city's residents are under its jurisdiction, indicating that may not be allowed to leave.
• Hundreds Arrested as New Security Law Comes into Effect in Hong Kong VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- About 370 demonstrators were arrested in Hong Kong on Wednesday after thousands protested China's new national security law that went into effect that day.
• National security law for HK bolsters anti-riot drive Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- In a move to clarify offenses that may breach the newly enacted national security law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a spokesperson with the HKSAR government said on Thursday that the slogan, "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time," has the implications of secessionism, alienating HKSAR from China, changing HKSAR's legal status or subverting the State power under the current circumstances.
• China appoints secretary general of HKSAR committee for safeguarding national security Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- State Council appointed Eric Chan Kwok-ki as secretary general of Hong Kong committee for safeguarding national security in accordance with newly enacted National Security Law for HK: Xinhua
• Dispelling Western lies about national security law for HK Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- How the West depicts and interprets the national security law for Hong Kong, which was enacted on Tuesday, fully underscores the bias and double standards of some Western politicians and media on Hong Kong affairs.
• Pompeo ignorant on four areas on HK issues: FM Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo fabricates and disseminates rumors so frequently that it reveals his ignorance and prejudice against China, the spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, highlighting four things that embody Pompeo's ignorance.
• HK autonomy bill points gun at UK, US banking giants Global Times 02 Jul 2020 -- The US House's passage of a bill sanctioning banks doing businesses with Chinese officials, the latest bluffing response to China's implementation of the national security law for Hong Kong, is only a piece of waste paper, and the US knows deeply that it can achieve nothing in shaking China's determination to push forward the law, Chinese analysts said.
• State Council appoints secretary-general of Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR People's Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- The State Council on Thursday appointed Chan Kwok-ki as secretary-general of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• Hong Kong national security law helps ensure long-term stability of "one country, two systems" People's Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- On June 30, the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) passed the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and adopted a decision to list the law in Annex III to the HKSAR Basic Law.
• China's State Council appoints HKSAR immigration director People's Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- China's State Council on Thursday announced that Au Ka-wang was appointed director of the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
• Hong Kong's business community backs security law as way to restore stability Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Following months of protests that plunged Hong Kong into turmoil last year, the semi-autonomous city's commercial community has largely embraced new security law as a way to get back to doing business.
• 4 US media outlets told to reveal details of China operations People's Daily 02 Jul 2020 -- China has asked four US media outlets to disclose details about their staff and financial operations in the country within seven days starting from Wednesday, in response to Washington's unreasonable treatment of Chinese media organizations in the United States.
• China's Coal Projects Spur Call for Legal Limits Radio Free Asia 02 Jul 2020 -- As China presses ahead with coal-fired power projects outside its own borders, environmental critics are calling for legal controls.
• Taiwan should continue strengthening ties with U.S. Congress: Bolton CNA 02 Jul 2020 -- Regardless of the outcome of the United States presidential election in November, Taiwan needs to continue working with members of Congress for support, former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said Wednesday.
• Mystery Group Claims Responsibility For 'Operation' Against Iran Nuclear Facility Radio Farda 02 Jul 2020 -- A mysterious group calling itself "Homeland Panthers" on Thursday claimed responsibility for the explosion at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility hours before its announcement by sending emails to a number of BBC Persian journalists.
• Natanz complex not affected by incident, enrichment continues normally, AEOI spox says IRNA 02 Jul 2020 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Thursday that there were no casualties in Shahid Ahmadi Rowshan Natanz Complex as a result of the incident occurred this morning, and the normal process of enrichment continues far from the site of the incident.
• AEOI spox says fire in Iran nuclear enrichment site led no release of radiation IRNA 02 Jul 2020 -- Spokesman for Iran Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said the incident in Natanz nuclear site did not affect its centrifuge operation or cause any release of radiation.
• AEOI: Natanz incident causing no work stoppage, slowdown at facility Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says an incident hitting the country's Natanz nuclear facility early Thursday has caused no stoppage or slowdown of enrichment work at the facility, because the affected shed was actually under construction and not part of the enrichment process yet.
• Official: No evidence to show that Natanz incident was deliberate act Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- An informed Iranian security official says there is no evidence to show that an incident earlier today at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility has been an act of intentional sabotage.
• Iran investigating cause behind Natanz nuclear facility incident: Kamalvandi Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Iran has reported an incident at the Natanz nuclear complex in the central part of the country, but there has been no damage to the main uranium enrichment facility.
• Breaking News: Iran Official Says No Casualties, Serious Damages In 'Accident' At Natanz Nuclear Facility Radio Farda 02 Jul 2020 -- Quoting the Spokesman of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, Behrouz Kamalvandi, local news agencies on Thursday morning reported an "accident" in an "industrial shed" under construction within the grounds of Natanz nuclear facility".
• Iran Says Natanz Nuclear Facility Not Damaged Despite 'Incident' RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- Iran says there has been an "incident" at one of its nuclear facilities monitored by the UN's atomic agency, but there was no damage to the site.
• Iran Nuclear Spokesman Confirms 'Incident' Near Natanz Nuclear Site Sputnik 02 Jul 2020 -- The facility in Natanz in the central Iranian province of Isfahan is the country's primary uranium enrichment facility. Iran began expanding its enrichment programme after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, which curbed the Islamic Republic's nuclear ambitions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
• Russia: US bid to extend Iran embargo compromises JCPOA Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- Russia says the United States' controversial bid to extend an arms embargo on Iran that is expected to expire under Tehran's nuclear deal with world countries jeopardizes the prospect of the agreement's continued preservation.
• US stance against Resolution 2231, a threat to world peace: Iran envoy IRNA 02 Jul 2020 -- The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan says that the US hindrance in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 has endangered world peace urging the United Nations to take notice of the economic terrorism against the Iranian people.
• This Week in Iran Policy US Dept. of State 02 Jul 2020
• Central Bank; Where Iran's Foreign Currency Resources Are Plundered Radio Farda 02 Jul 2020 -- The rate of exchange for the U.S. dollar has risen 2,700 times during the past 41 years since the start of clerical rule in Iran under the Islamic Republic system.
• Khamenei Assures Student That Criticism Is OK. But Later He's Sentenced For Criticizing The Iranian Leader RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei assured a doctoral student in a 2016 meeting that there was nothing wrong with criticizing the country's top official.
• Sweden Says Iran Agrees To Compensate Families From Downing Of Ukrainian Airliner RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde says Iran has agreed that it will compensate the families of foreign victims who died when a Ukrainian airliner was shot down after taking off from Tehran's main airport in January, killing all 176 people on board.
• Warrant and Complaint Seek Seizure of All Iranian Gasoil Aboard Four Tankers Headed to Venezuela Based on Connection to IRGC US Dept. of Justice 02 Jul 2020 -- A forfeiture complaint and warrant were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia alleging that all petroleum-product cargo aboard the Bella with international maritime organization (IMO) number 9208124, the Bering with IMO number 9149225, the Pandi with IMO number 9105073, and the Luna with IMO number 9208100 are subject to forfeiture based on the terrorism forfeiture statute.
• U.S. Seeks To Seize Iran Gasoline Shipments Heading To Venezuela RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- U.S. prosecutors have filed a lawsuit to seize the gasoline aboard four tankers that Iran is currently shipping to Venezuela, the latest attempt to increase pressure on the two sanctioned anti-American allies.
• US lawsuit seeks to deter deliveries of Iranian fuel to Venezuela Press TV 02 Jul 2020 -- US prosecutors have filed a lawsuit to seize the much-needed gasoline aboard four tankers that Iran is shipping to Venezuela, the country which is facing fuel shortages due to American economic embargo on it.
• UN Rights Chief Urges Political Dialogue in Venezuela VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- United Nations High Commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet warns Venezuela's social and economic crisis will not go away until its profound political standoff is resolved through government negotiations with political opponents. Bachelet presented her latest update on the human rights situation in Venezuela Thursday to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.
• Venezuela Opposition Leaders Say December Parliamentary Election Rigged to Help Maduro VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- A showdown that could determine if Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will solidify his grip on power is set for early December. The opposition is already rejecting the December 6 poll as a sham, which favors Maduro's ruling Socialist Party.
• Colombia, US Seize Cocaine Valued at More Than $200 Million in Joint Operation VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Colombia says it has seized more than 7.5 tons of cocaine worth $286 million in a joint operation with the United States.
• Ukraine Halts Eurobond Sale, Tries To Reassure Investors After Central Bank Head's Exit RFE/RL 02 Jul 2020 -- Ukraine's government has decided to pause a planned $1.75 billion Eurobond sale in the wake of the resignation of the head of the country's central bank.
• South Sudan Women Demand Equity in Government VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Partners in South Sudan's unity government violated a provision of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement that states that 35% of all government positions should be filled by women, women's groups say.
• Haiti's Prime Minister Suspends Controversial Presidential Pardons VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Haitian Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe is asking Lucmane Delille, Haiti's minister of justice and public security, to suspend the release of 415 prisoners who received a presidential pardon.
• As IMF Talks Drag, Lebanon's Economy Spirals VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Critical bailout talks between Lebanon and the International Monetary Fund may be 'hitting the rocks,' according to a former economy minister and central banker, Nasser Saidi. Infighting between the government and the central bank threatens to derail badly needed emergency funding to prop up the country's faltering economy, analysts say. The IMF says it is still not clear whether Lebanon's leaders and people can unify around reforms needed to stabilize the economy and return it to a growth path.
• Cambodia's Use of Incitement Law Chills Press Freedom VOA 02 Jul 2020 -- Cambodia's use of incitement laws to jail journalists sends a threatening message to news outlets and could result in self-censorship, media experts say.