COVID-19 - Daily News

08 July 2020 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Top US general predicts limited military presence in Iraq Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- The head of US Central Command says he is confident that the Iraqi government wants a small amount of US troops to remain in the Arab country for the foreseeable future.

U.S. Commander 'Not Convinced' Russian Bounties Led To Killing Of U.S. Soldiers In Afghanistan RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- The head of U.S. Central Command says he is "not convinced" that any Russian bounties paid to Taliban militants resulted in the deaths of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Top US general says not convinced Russian cash led to US deaths in Afghanistan Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- A top US general says he is not convinced Russia had incentivized Taliban-linked militants to kill coalition forces, including American troops, in Afghanistan.
Russian, US Officials Discussed Afghan Bounty Allegations - Russian Envoy Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The New York Times newspaper published an article in late June citing unnamed intelligence officials as saying the US President had been presented with an intelligence report claiming Russia could have paid bounties to Taliban*-linked militants to assassinate US troops in Afghanistan.
At Least Six Police Officers Killed In Afghanistan Bomb Blasts RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- At least six Afghan police officers have been killed in two separate Taliban bombings amid a surge in attacks across the war-torn country.
Afghan government says will not release 'too dangerous' Taliban prisoners Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Afghanistan has reiterated that it will not release certain militants it deems 'too dangerous,' as demanded by the Taliban.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD Official Briefs Reporters on Artificial Intelligence Developments DoD 08 Jul 2020 -- Nand Mulchandani, Acting Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
Secretary of Defence: US Deterred in Past Year Aggressive Activities by N Korea, Iran, Russia, China Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The US Department of Defense has in the past year deterred aggressive activities by North Korea, Iran, Russia and China, Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said in a Message to the Force on Accomplishments in Implementation of the National Defence Strategy.
Pandemic Revealed Supply Chain Vulnerability, Pentagon Official Says DoD News 08 Jul 2020 -- One of the biggest lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic is that the supply chain is vulnerable to offshore suppliers, particularly adversaries such as China, a senior Pentagon official said.
US military's frequent close-up air recons on China's coastal area 'dangerous' Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- US military aircraft reportedly conducted close-up reconnaissance operations on China's southern coast for three consecutive days, which is a dangerous sign, as the moves could let the US grasp the technical parameters, locations and movements of the Chinese military's weapons and equipment over the South China Sea and Taiwan island, Chinese military experts warned on Wednesday.
Bunker Hill, Russell Return From Deployment NNS 08 Jul 2020 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) returned to San Diego July 8 after a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
Oceana F/A-18 Squadrons Return from Historic Deployment NNS 08 Jul 2020 -- Two F/A-18E "Super Hornet" squadrons with a total of 20 aviators returned to their home base at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., July 7, following their six-month deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
Spangdahlem AB hosts USAFE large force exercise US Air Force 08 Jul 2020 -- Multiple wings from across U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa participated in a large force exercise hosted by Spangdahlem Air Base over Germany, July 1.
Air Force, Navy exercise Dynamic Force Employment in Indo-Pacific US Air Force 08 Jul 2020 -- A B-52 Stratofortress bomber from the 96th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, took off from its home station and participated in a maritime integration exercise with the USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups in the South China Sea before landing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

NATO Policy Directors discuss strengthening resilience and preparations for second wave in the COVID-19 pandemic NATO 08 Jul 2020 -- NATO Policy Directors for Civil Preparedness met by secure video conference on Wednesday (8 July 2020), to exchange views and best practices in their response to the COVID-19 crisis and how to strengthen national resilience.
NATO Deputy Secretary General meets the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross at NATO Headquarters NATO 08 Jul 2020 -- The NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana met with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Ambassador Peter Maurer at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (8 July 2020) for an exchange of views on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and on the activities of both organisations. Mr. Geoana noted that during the COVID-19 crisis there have been regular contacts between NATO and the ICRC at multiple levels.
Secretary General welcomes Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister to NATO Headquarters NATO 08 Jul 2020 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg held talks on Wednesday (8 July 2020) with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna.

China's Rival to GPS Navigation Carries Big Risks VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- After more than 20 years of effort, China completed its satellite navigation system last Tuesday when the last of BeiDou's 35 satellites reached geostationary orbit.
Huge gap between Chinese and US nuclear arsenals causes concerns Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- US officials have been making a lot of noises about China joining the US-Russia negotiation on nuclear arms reduction, but China has no interest in joining, given the huge gap between the nuclear arsenal of China and those of the US and Russia, and China has the need to improve its military capabilities, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Wednesday.
Chinese Navy's first comprehensive supply ship Poyanghu decommissioned PLA Daily 08 Jul 2020 -- A combat support ship flotilla under the Chinese PLA's Eastern Theater Command held a decommissioning ceremony for the comprehensive supply ship Poyanghu (Hull 882) at a naval port in Ningbo City on July 6 to bid farewell to the old buddy which has served for over 40 years.
China says will join arms control talks if US reduces nuclear arsenal Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- China says it would be happy to participate in negotiations on arms control with the United States if Washington was willing to reduce its nuclear arsenal to the same level as Beijing.
Moscow Will Not Press China to Join US-Russia Arms Control Talks, Russian Ambassador Says Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia respects China's reluctance to join the arms control talks with the United States and Moscow will not exert pressure on Beijing to change its stance, Russian Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov said during an online briefing hosted by the National Interest think tank.
US Beginning to See Positive Evolution in China's Position on Arms Control, Envoy Says Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The United States is seeing some positive development in the Chinese position on arms nonproliferation, US Special Representative for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea said on Wednesday.
Beijing to Join US-Russia Talks If US Cuts Nukes to Chinese Level, China's Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- China is ready to join the disarmament talks with the United States and Russia if Washington agrees to reduce its nuclear arsenal to the Chinese level, Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Arms Control Department Fu Cong said.

Saab Fighter Jet Plant Starts Operations in Brazil Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The factory in São Bernardo do Campo for manufacturing Gripen E/F fighter jets is Saab's first outside of Sweden's borders. The parts produced there will be used for aircraft to be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force, which is en route to becoming one of the leading Gripen users.

Berlin 'Regrets' US Decision to Withdraw Troops From Germany, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- Berlin regrets Washington's decision to pull out US troops from Germany, but believes that redeploying the troops within Europe would show the United States' commitment to the Transatlantic partnership, German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said on Wednesday.

Chinese materials indispensible to Indian Army's armor equipment despite boycott campaign Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- It may come as a surprise to many that amid the current fanfare of India's "boycott China" campaign and other animosity toward Chinese goods and companies, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has admitted to the country's parliament that there was "no embargo" on imports of raw materials from China for the manufacturing of protective jackets for the army.
Indian Navy Completes "Operation Samudra Setu" India PIB 08 Jul 2020 -- Operation Samudra Setu, which was launched on 05 May 2020 as part of the national effort to repatriate Indian citizens from overseas during the COVID-19 pandemic has culminated after successfully bringing 3,992 Indian citizens back to their homeland by sea.

Ankara Testing Russian-Bought S-400s on US-Made Fighter Jets in Turkey, Report Says Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- Moscow and Ankara signed a $2.5 billion agreement on the sale of S-400s to Turkey in late 2017, with delivery of the system beginning in July 2019. The deal prompted Washington to kick Turkey out of the F-35 fighter jet program and threaten the country with sanctions.
Analysts See Thaw in US-Turkish Relations VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Analysts say Turkey's deepening involvement in the Libyan conflict could be the catalyst for a reset in relations with the United States, in recent years strained by regional policy differences and mutual distrust.

As Tensions With Iran Rise, Israel Asks Pentagon to Speed Up Aerial Refueler Deliveries Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- Israel has reportedly asked the US Department of Defense to speed up delivery of two KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft, even though the deal is not yet complete. The request comes as rumors swirl that Jerusalem, which has boasted of its air force's long strike range, was behind a recent explosion in Iran.

Deputy Minister of Defense Receives Telephone Call From UK Secretary of State for Defense SPA 08 Jul 2020 -- Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Minister of Defense, received yesterday a phone call from Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defense of United Kingdom.

Iran's top cmdr., Syria's defense minister sign agreement to boost military, security cooperation Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Iran will boost Syria's air defenses, as part of a wider military security agreement between the two countries.

Venezuela's Air Force Says 'Neutralizes' Unidentified US Plane Used for Drug Trafficking Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The Strategic Command Operations of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces said on Wednesday it had "neutralized" an aircraft with a US serial identification number as it violated the country's airspace.

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 08 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

Contracts For July 8, 2020
American Contractor Pleads Guilty to Stealing Government Equipment on U.S. Military Base in Afghanistan US Dept. of Justice 08 Jul 2020 -- An American military contractor pleaded guilty today to his role in a theft ring on a military installation in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Other Conflicts

8 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Jul 2020

Australia, Japan, U.S. Take Tough Joint Stance on South China Sea Radio Free Asia 08 Jul 2020 -- Australia, Japan, and the United States have taken a thinly veiled verbal swipe at China's provocative conduct in the South China Sea, decrying what they called "dangerous or coercive" use of coastguard vessels and maritime militia and efforts to disrupt oil exploration.
After Show of Military Might, China Offers to Restart S. China Sea Talks VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- China has agreed to restart talks with worried Southeast Asian countries on a maritime code of conduct to restore its image abroad after COVID-19 and months of reminders that it's the waterway's most militarily powerful country.

Yemeni Military Says Houthis Sustained Losses in Air Raid by Saudi-led Coalition on Sanaa Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The Shia Houthi rebels have suffered significant losses in an airstrike launched by the Saudi-led coalition on Yemen's Houthi-held central province of Sanaa, the press service of the Yemeni Armed Forces said.
Joint Incidents Assessment Team issues a statement regarding allegations against Coalition Forces SPA 08 Jul 2020 -- The official spokesman of the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) in Yemen Legal Counsellor Mansour Al-Mansour refuted a number of claims raised by global bodies, international organizations on errors allegedly committed by the Coalition Forces for the Support of Legitimacy in Yemen during their military operations inside Yemen.

At UN, Russia Fails to Push Through Syria Resolution Cutting Aid Access VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia failed on Wednesday to push a draft U.N. resolution through the U.N. Security Council that would have cut aid access from Turkey into northwest Syria, leaving the humanitarian operation and millions of needy Syrians in limbo as the mandate's expiration approaches on Friday.
Russian, Chinese Vetoes at UN Potentially Cut Off Millions of Syrians from Aid VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Tuesday, potentially shutting down a six-year-old cross-border aid operation that assists millions of Syrian civilians in the northwestern part of the country.

Russia, Turkey working on ceasefire in Libya Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow and Ankara are working on an immediate ceasefire agreement in Libya.
Time is running out for Libya, UN chief warns Security Council UN News 08 Jul 2020 -- With battle lines shifting, foreign interference growing, thousands fleeing their homes and COVID-19 cases on the rise, time is running out for bringing a peaceful end to the conflict in Libya, Secretary-General António Guterres says.
UN Chief: 'Unprecedented Levels' of Foreign Interference in Libya VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- The U.N. Secretary-General warned Wednesday that "time is not on our side" in Libya, saying the conflict has entered a new phase, with foreign interference reaching "unprecedented levels."
United Nations Says Explosive Devices Kill 138 in Libya VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- In a video posted widely in early June, a man sits on the ground with blood on his face and one leg splayed to the side.

Israel to build 240 illegal settler units in central al-Quds Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- The Israeli regime has awarded a tender for the construction of 240 illegal settler units in the central area of the occupied holy city of Jerusalem al-Quds amid continued global uproar over Tel Aviv's disregard for international law through its incessant building up of the occupied Palestinian territories.
Hezbollah: US policy of starving Lebanon serves Israel's interests Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- A senior official with the Hezbollah resistance movement has said US President Donald Trump's administration is pursuing a policy of starvation against the Lebanese nation, noting that Washington's agenda serves the interests of the Israeli regime in the region.

China to impose visa restrictions on US officials who act maliciously on Tibetan issue Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- China will impose visa restrictions on some US personnel who have behaved badly on Tibet-related affairs, Chinese Foreign Ministry said, following a statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the US will restrict visas for some Chinese officials over Tibet
U.S. Visa Restrictions Over Tibet Access Draw Threat of Tit-For-Tat Chinese Response Radio Free Asia 08 Jul 2020 -- China said on Wednesday it plans to implement visa restrictions on U.S. citizens, a day after the U.S. issued travel bans on Chinese officials who restrict foreign access to Tibet.
China to Impose Visa Restrictions on US Citizens Over Tibet Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States would restrict visas for some Chinese officials because Beijing obstructs travel to Tibet by US diplomats, journalists and tourists.
US, China Impose Reciprocal Visa Restrictions Over Tibet VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Tibet has become the latest flashpoint in worsening relations between the United States and China.

Photos: New Satellite Images Confirm 2-Kilometer Pullback by Chinese Troops From Galwan Valley Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- New satellite images taken from over the Galwan Valley - the site of last month's clashes between China and India that killed 20 Indian Army personnel - show Chinese troops are honoring recent disengagement discussions with India and have withdrawn around 2 kilometers from the area of conflict.

Myanmar Army Actions in Rakhine State Should be Tried as 'War Crimes,' Says Amnesty Radio Free Asia 08 Jul 2020 -- Myanmar's army has shelled villages and burned homes in Rakhine state in recent months, killing and displacing civilians in "attacks that amount to war crimes" that should be tried by the top United Nations court, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
Myanmar Military Kills Civilians in Indiscriminate Attacks, Amnesty Says VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- The Myanmar military has killed civilians, including children, in indiscriminate bombings in the nation's Rakhine and Chin states, Amnesty International said Wednesday.

War Crimes Prosecutors to Interview Kosovo President VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Kosovo President Hashim Thaci will go to The Hague on Monday to be interviewed by international war crimes prosecutors.
Kosovo's Thaci To Go To Hague For Interview With War Crimes Prosecutor RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Kosovar President Hashim Thaci has said that he will travel to The Hague next week to be interviewed by a special prosecutor whose office was set up to pursue allegations of war crimes committed during and after Kosovo's war of independence in the late '90s.

News Reports

Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Legend US Dept. of Justice 08 Jul 2020 -- Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight the sudden surge of violent crime, beginning in Kansas City, MO.

Facebook Takes Down 'Inauthentic' Social-Media Pages Connected To Ukraine Ad Agency RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Facebook said it has taken down a network of "coordinated, inauthentic" Ukrainian social-media pages tied to a digital advertising agency in the nation's capital as it seeks to combat the spread of disinformation.

A 'Hard Rain': Five Takeaways From A Treason Charge In Russia RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Prominent former defense reporter Ivan Safronov has been arrested and jailed in Moscow on a charge of treason, accused of passing state secrets to a NATO country that his lawyer says is the Czech Republic. Safronov denies the allegation, and former colleagues say it's absurd. Here's a look at possible motives and meanings behind the latest prosecution to rock Russia.
'Pandora's Box Is Open': After Journalist's Arrest, Russian Civil Society Fears Crackdown By Emboldened Security Services RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- The last time a journalist in Russia was arrested on suspicion of treason - before the detention of Ivan Safronov on July 7 - was November 20, 1997. On that day, environmental journalist Grigory Pasko was returning from a reporting trip in Japan when agents of the Federal Security Service (FSB) met him in Vladivostok and accused him of spying.
Russia Accuses Former Military Reporter Of Supplying Arms-Trade Data To Czech Republic RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Russia has arrested a former journalist on a charge of high treason for allegedly passing military secrets to a NATO government in what some are calling a clear attack on press freedom.
Ex-Journalist Appeals Detention As Russian Media Demand Transparency In Treason Case RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Lawyers for Ivan Safronov, a former reporter and adviser to the chief of Russian space agency Roskosmos, say they have appealed their client's pretrial arrest on a high-treason charge he rejects.
Russia Charges Former Journalist with Treason VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- A former Russian journalist currently employed by the country's space agency has been arrested and charged with state treason for passing secrets to the West – punishment, his supporters argue, for his past coverage of sensitive Russian military and political affairs.

China Targets Chinese Overseas, Including Foreign Nationals, in Pressure Campaign: FBI's Wray Radio Free Asia 08 Jul 2020 -- China has been targeting its own nationals living in other countries, especially those involved in rights activism or who are critical of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, with threats, often made by agents of the state in person on U.S. soil, the head of the FBI has warned.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 8, 2020 PRC MofA 08 Jul 2020
Five Years of Injustice Following China's 709 Crackdown US Dept. of State 08 Jul 2020 -- On July 9, five years ago the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a nationwide offensive targeting hundreds of defense lawyers and human rights defenders for detention, interrogation, and politically motivated criminal charges.
Threat of Lawsuit Shows China 'Losing The Battle' in Propaganda War Over Xinjiang: Adrian Zenz Radio Free Asia 08 Jul 2020 -- Adrian Zenz, a senior fellow in China Studies at the Washington-based Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, has emerged as a leading expert on the mass incarceration of Uyghurs in internment camps in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
Britain in Huawei Dilemma as China Relations Sour VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- There is growing speculation that Britain may be about to reverse course and ban Chinese firm Huawei from Britain's rollout of 5G mobile telecoms technology.
China Opens New Hong Kong Security Agency Headquarters VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- China opened its national security office in Hong Kong Wednesday, a key part of the mainland's tough new oversight of the semi-autonomous financial hub.
China Takes Over Hong Kong Hotel For State Security Police Headquarters Radio Free Asia 08 Jul 2020 -- Authorities in Hong Kong commandeered a tourist hotel in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay, closing off nearby streets overnight, and installing an emblem of the ruling Chinese Communist Party on a building that will serve as temporary headquarters for Beijing's feared state security police.
Central gov't office for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong inaugurated PLA Daily 08 Jul 2020 -- The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was inaugurated here on Wednesday morning.
Hong Kong's leader hails opening of new national security office Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Hong Kong's leader has praised as a "historic moment" the inauguration of China's new security office in the semi-autonomous city, which will be operating there for the first time in more than two decades.
New law helps HK's future with economic recovery eyed in Q4: financial chief Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- With the implementation of the national security law for Hong Kong, which will restore normalcy and end riots, the city is expected to see signs of an economic recovery in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) financial chief told the Global Times on Wednesday.
HK government suggests new civil servants sign on to support Basic Law, pledge allegiance to SAR Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Wednesday suggested to legislators that new civil servants who joined after July 1 should sign documents to confirm their support of the Basic Law, and pledge allegiance to the SAR.
UPDATE: Central govt's natl security office in HK inaugurated, hailed as 'envoy, gatekeeper' for security Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- The central government's office for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was inaugurated on Wednesday morning.
Collecting DNA samples from people arrested for violating security law in HK 'normal practice' Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- Is it necessary to collect DNA samples from people arrested for violating the national security law for Hong Kong?
China Lawyer Crackdown Enters 6th Year with Fears for the Same Fate in Hong Kong VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Thursday marks the anniversary of the start of a sweeping purge involving more than 300 rights lawyers and activists in China that began on July 9, 2015. The ongoing sweep known as the 709 Crackdown is named for the date.
DPP's plot to meddle in HK affairs slammed People's Daily 08 Jul 2020 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson Tuesday said Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has once again exposed its evil intentions to interfere in Hong Kong affairs, create chaos in Hong Kong and seek "Taiwan independence."
Chinese Foreign Ministry Calls Strategic Cooperation With Russia 'Excellent' Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- China and Russia maintain constant contact on strategic security issues, bilateral cooperation on this issue is excellent, Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Arms Control Department Fu Cong said.
Canadian Justice Grinds Slowly for Detained Huawei Executive VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- The extradition case of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese tech firm Huawei, is winding its way through the Canadian legal system. For Meng, it means confinement to her Vancouver mansions and conferences with high-priced lawyers. For two Canadians, it means more uncertainty and more time in a Chinese jail. Throw in a U.S. presidential election and a rift in Canada-Chinese trade relations and it creates the makings of an international soap opera.
US Officials Warn Americans Against Using TikTok VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- U.S. officials and lawmakers are warning Americans against using Tiktok, a popular video-sharing application owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance, citing privacy and security concerns.
Article 43 rules clarified Global Times 08 Jul 2020 -- After the implementation rules for Article 43 of the national security law for Hong Kong, which aims to further provide legal guarantees for police to apply the law and safeguard national interests, were gazetted Monday evening and took effect on Tuesday, misunderstandings and vicious instigations have flooded the internet, to which the HKSAR Chief Executive and experts clarified that the rules conform to the city's legal system, while safeguarding human rights.

Taiwan passport 33rd most powerful in the world: survey CNA 08 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's passport has been ranked the 33rd most powerful globally, as it allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 146 destinations around the world, according to a survey released Tuesday by the London-based citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners.
China finding ways to block U.S. officials' visits to Taiwan: FBI CNA 08 Jul 2020 -- China is using all means at its disposal to prevent American government officials from visiting Taiwan as part of its efforts to influence Washington, a top United States intelligence official said Tuesday.

Trump Says He'd Meet with Kim Jong Un Again VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he is open to another summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, even as Pyongyang signals it is uninterested in resuming stalled nuclear talks.
U.S. "strongly supports" S. Korea-DPRK cooperation: U.S. nuke envoy People's Daily 08 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun said here on Wednesday that his country strongly supports cooperation between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
China says US holds key to breaking stalemate in North Korea talks Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- China says the United States holds the key to breaking the stalemate in negotiations with North Korea, amid renewed tensions on the Korean Peninsula due to stalled demilitarization talks.
US Defence Secretary, Japanese, Australia Ministers Urge North Korea to Return to Negotiations Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- US Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Japanese and Australian defence ministers Taro Kono and Linda Reynolds urged North Korea to return to the negotiating table on denuclearization, according to their joint statement circulated by the Pentagon.
DPRK leader visits Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on memorial day of grandfather People's Daily 08 Jul 2020 -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), paid a visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the demise of former President Kim Il Sung, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Wednesday.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Visits Kumsusan Palace of Sun KCNA 08 Jul 2020 -- All the people and service personnel across the country pay the noblest respect and wishes for eternal life towards the sacred temple of Juche with ardent yearnings and in boundless reverence for the father of the nation on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of demise of President Kim Il Sung.

Natanz incident had no impact on Iran's peaceful nuclear program: Spokesman Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- The Iranian government says nothing can come in the way of the country's peaceful nuclear program and that the recent incident in one of its nuclear sites would not affect Iran's uranium enrichment level.
Iran Lawmaker Accuses IAEA Investigators Of Spying At Natanz Nuclear Facility Radio Farda 08 Jul 2020 -- An ultra-conservative member of Iran's parliament on Tuesday accused the U.N. nuclear watchdog investigators of "spying" and "infiltration" in Iran's nuclear facilities and said the information they collected had contributed to the explosion at Natanz nuclear facility on July 2.
Iran: Enemy propaganda meant to undermine strategic partnership deal with China Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Iran has defended a 25-year strategic cooperation agreement being negotiated with China, saying the enemies will not succeed in obtaining the details of the yet-to-be-finalized roadmap by spreading lies about it.
Controversy Over Iran-China 'Pact' Continues As Text Is Leaked Radio Farda 08 Jul 2020 -- A highly controversial document outlining a proposed long-term pact between and China has been leaked amid strong public criticism of what has been dubbed as Iran's capitulation and a sell-out of national resources.
Iranian railway to provide landlocked Afghanistan with a lifeline Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- A 610-kilometer railway connecting Iran's only ocean port of Chabahar to Zahedan near the eastern border would provide a lifeline to the landlocked Afghanistan, a country where the transport system has been hampered by years of war and a fierce rivalry between two major neighbors of India and Pakistan.
Pompeo Condemns Killing Of Iraqi Expert As Iran Vows To Help Syrian Air Defenses Radio Farda 08 Jul 2020 -- As the burial of a well-known Iraqi jihadism expert turned into a protest in Baghdad against Iran-linked groups on Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded justice over his killing by masked gunmen on Wednesday.
Pompeo Warns Security Council Mideast Will Face More Strife if Iran Arms Embargo Not Extended Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- Washington's bid to extend the international arms embargo against Iran past its October 2020 deadline was rejected last week, with US special envoy for Iran Brian Hook warning that the US would leave the military option "on the table" to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iranian leaders have denied having any such ambitions.
Iranians React Angrily To High Payments To Lawmakers Radio Farda 08 Jul 2020 -- Iranian social media users have strongly reacted to the disclosure of salary and benefits for newly seated lawmakers after the disclosure of their first paychecks.
Saudi Officials Call On International Community To 'Take Firm' Stand Against Iran Radio Farda 08 Jul 2020 -- Saudi Arabia on Tuesday called on the International community to "deal seriously with the nuclear and ballistic programs being developed by Iran" and to take appropriate measures to extend the UN arms embargo on the country.

Iran-linked Militia Accused of Killing Key Iraqi Researcher VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- Weeks before he was fatally shot in Baghdad, Husham al-Hashimi, a prominent Iraqi writer and leading expert on extremist groups, sought advice from a friend after allegedly receiving a chilling message from Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah (KH).
Iraq reopens border to Iranian goods after three months Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- A key border for entry of Iranian goods into Iraq has reopened after more than three months of closure to combat the new coronavirus.

Islamabad Demonstrators Support Construction of Hindu Temple VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- A group of young people demonstrated Wednesday in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, in support of the construction in the city of a Hindu temple that was halted under pressure from various Islamist groups.

Belarusian Opposition Politician Gets Fifth Consecutive 15-Day Jail Term RFE/RL 08 Jul 2020 -- Paval Sevyarynets, a co-chairman of the nonregistered opposition Belarusian Christian Democratic Party, has received his fifth consecutive 15-day jail term for allegedly calling on people to participate in an unsanctioned rally.

Bin Salman preparing new charges to seek $15bn settlement from ex-rival: Report Press TV 08 Jul 2020 -- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is revealed to be preparing a set of corruption and disloyalty charges against his predecessor and onetime rival, Mohammed bin Nayef (MBN), to demand a $15-billion settlement from the detained prince.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Virtual Session SPA 08 Jul 2020 -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired today a Cabinet's virtual session.

Merkel Says Coronavirus Crisis Will Shape Germany's EU Presidency Sputnik 08 Jul 2020 -- The coronavirus outbreak is a historic challenge that will determine Germany's presidency of the European Union in the next six months, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday.

Analysts: Potential for Civil Unrest Rising in Europe VOA 08 Jul 2020 -- As infection rates start rising in some European countries, the potential for civil unrest and political aftershocks is growing as patience wears thin, say analysts.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list