COVID-19 - Daily News

09 July 2020 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US general: American forces to stay in Iraq for foreseeable future Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- A top US general says American forces will remain in Iraq for the foreseeable future amid calls for their expulsion from the Arab country.

Spokesman: US violated basic principles of intl. law by assassinating Gen. Soleimani Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry says the US' assassination of Iran's top anti-terror commander, Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, took place in absolute disregard for fundamental legal, humanitarian, and moral principles, belying Washington's claim of fighting terrorism in the region.
Coward assassination of Gen. Soleimani clear violation of UN charter, Iran says IRNA 09 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Thursday that the assassination of anti-terror commander General Soleimani was a flagrant violation of the United Nations' charter.
UN report on General Soleimani's assassination draws US ire Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- A conclusion by the United Nations (UN) that the US's assassination of Iranian commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani was "unlawful" has drawn Washington's ire.
U.S. Blasts UN Expert's Conclusion That Strike On Iran General Was Unlawful RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States has accused a UN expert of "giving a pass to terrorists" after she concluded that a U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and nine other people in Iraq early this year was "unlawful."
UN Investigator: Drone Killing of Top Iranian General Unlawful VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- A U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top general, Qassem Soleimani, at Baghdad International Airport in January is a violation under international law, according to U.N. report Thursday.

Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabaab AFRICOM 09 Jul 2020 -- "Al-Shabaab are using checkpoints to threaten, extort and restrict the movement of innocent people in Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle region," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. "Al-Shabaab's actions continue to impede much needed economic development and progress."
US AFRICOM Confirms Airstrike Against al-Shabaab Killed Militant, Civilian Casualties Unclear Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on Thursday it had carried out an airstrike in coordination with the Somali government against a checkpoint used by the militant group al-Shabaab.

Pentagon Chief Esper Confirms Probe in Progress Over 'Taliban Bounties' Intel's Leak to Press Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The New York Times' story citing 'anonymous intelligence' on alleged Russian cash rewards to Taliban*-linked militants for the killing of US and coalition troops in Afghanistan sparked a major scandal in Washington, prompting denials from the White House, Moscow and the Taliban itself, and demands by Democrats for new sanctions against Russia.

Taliban Deny Prisoner Release Progress VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- The Taliban denied news reports Thursday that they have agreed to an alternative list of prisoners to break a deadlock over prisoner exchange which is holding back the start of negotiations to reach a political settlement.

Guardsmen Protected Americans' Rights of Speech and Assembly, Esper Says DoD News 09 Jul 2020 -- Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper told the House Armed Services Committee today that National Guardsmen protected Americans' right to peaceably assemble and petition the government in the wake of some violent protests following the death of George Floyd. A Minneapolis police officer has subsequently been charged with his murder.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Navy Wants Eight Warships Equipped With ODIN Laser Defense by 2024 Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- A senior US Navy figure working on directed energy weapons let slip recently that the service aims to put seven more laser defense systems on its warships by 2023. The Navy mounted its first such device on an active-duty destroyer earlier this year.
Strengthening Partnerships: Saudi, UK and U.S. Navies Conduct Mine Hunting and Countermeasures Training CENTCOM 09 Jul 2020 -- Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Royal Navy and U.S. Navy forces participated in mine countermeasures (MCM) interoperability training in the Arabian Gulf June 06-21.
Saudi, UK, U.S. Navies Conduct Mine-Hunting Countermeasures Training NNS 09 Jul 2020 -- Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Royal Navy and U.S. Navy forces participated in mine countermeasures (MCM) interoperability training in the Arabian Gulf June 6-21.
Where it Counts, U.S. Leads in Artificial Intelligence DoD News 09 Jul 2020 -- When it comes to advancements in artificial intelligence technology, China does have a lead in some places – like spying on its own people and using facial recognition technology to identify political dissenters. But those are areas where the U.S. simply isn't pointing its investments in artificial intelligence, said director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center. Where it counts, the U.S. leads, he said.
Theodore Roosevelt Returns From Deployment NNS 09 Jul 2020 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to San Diego July 9, marking the end of their deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
USS Ross Completes Availability Early at Repair Maintenance Center Detachment Rota NNS 09 Jul 2020 -- On July 1, Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) detachment Rota completed the USS Ross (DDG 71) Surface Incremental Availability (SIA) two days early, ensuring the ship's readiness for continued operational tasking.

Competition Heats Up to Host US Troops in Europe VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- There may be some additional competition for the thousands of U.S. troops that could soon be on their way out of Germany.

Deputy Secretary General Geoană addresses the EU Defense Washington Forum NATO 09 Jul 2020 -- Speaking at an online discussion on "EU defense and the present and future of EU-NATO cooperation" on Thursday (9 July 2020), the NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană said that the COVID 19 pandemic shows that NATO needs to join forces with the EU and other international organisations as well as with like-minded nations to tackle this crisis and that no organisation can respond to today's challenges alone. He stressed that throughout the COVID-19 crisis NATO and the EU have strengthened cooperation.
Secretary General welcomes the Prime Minister of Slovenia to NATO HQ NATO 09 Jul 2020 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Prime Minister Janez Janša of Slovenia at NATO Headquarters on Thursday (9 July 2020). They discussed NATO's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, fairer burden sharing across the Alliance, and NATO missions and operations.

On Arms Control Negotiations with China US Dept. of State 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States welcomes China's commitment to engage in arms control negotiations. As such, prudent next steps will need to include face-to-face meetings between the United States and China.
PLA holds mock air defense battles amid frequent US aerial reconnaissance Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is holding mock air defense battles in the coastal region of South China's Guangdong Province, a location that has seen frequent aerial close-in reconnaissance operations by US military aircraft in the past few days.
Department of Arms Control and Disarmament Holds Briefing for International Arms Control and Disarmament Issues PLA Daily 09 Jul 2020 -- On June 8th, 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press briefing for Chinese and international media outlets. Mr. FU Cong, Director General of the Department of Arms Control and Disarmament, elaborated China's position on current international arms control and disarmament issues, including China's accession to the Arms Trade Treaty, the so-called China-US-Russia trilateral arms control negotiation, and the Compliance Report on arms control agreements issued by the US State Department.
China reiterates it will not join so-called China-U.S.-Russia arms control negotiations PLA Daily 09 Jul 2020 -- China on Wednesday stressed that it has no plans to join the U.S. and Russia in their talks to renew a nuclear arms control treaty.
China Should Meet Russia to Consider Next Steps for Arms Control Talks, US State Department Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States recommends that China and Russia hold a meeting soon to discuss next steps in order to launch trilateral discussions on arms control, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement on Thursday.

Germany - MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT) DSCA 09 Jul 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Germany of sixty-four (64) MK 54 All Up Round Lightweight torpedoes, ten (10) MK 54 Conversion Kits and related equipment for an estimated cost of $130 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh e-inaugurates six strategic bridges in Jammu & Kashmir India PIB 09 Jul 2020 -- Ushering in a new revolution in the connectivity of roads and bridges in sensitive border areas close to the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh dedicated six major bridges to the nation through video conferencing from here today. These bridges of strategic importance were completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in a record time.
India Cuts Troop Deployment Time in Strategically Important Areas of Jammu & Kashmir With 6 Bridges Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The Border Roads Organisation, responsible for infrastructure development in India's border areas, has been constructing 61 roads in regions ranging from Arunachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian Army Asks Soldiers to Delete Tinder, Facebook and 87 Other Apps to Plug Information Leak Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- India has been tightening its noose on foreign mobile apps, citing a threat to national security. There have been incidents where soldiers have been honey trapped by foreign intelligence agencies and coaxed into divulging information. The country recently banned 59 Chinese apps following the border standoff in Ladakh.

Japan - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft DSCA 09 Jul 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of one hundred five (105) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $23.11 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Japan's Defense Ministry Announces Next-Gen Fighter Jet to Fly by 2028 Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The Japanese Defense Ministry laid out a timeline on Tuesday for getting the Self-Defense Forces' next-generation fighter jet from drawing board to battlefield. The first flight tests could begin as early as 2028, with the jet entering service by 2035.
US State Department okays possible $23 bln sale of F-35s to Japan Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States has approved the possible sale of 105 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets to Japan worth approximately $23 billion.

United States Applauds Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Condemnation of Syrian Regime Use of Chemical Weapons US Dept. of State 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States is applauding the Executive Council of the world's chemical weapons watchdog, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), for its adoption today of a decision that condemns Syria's use of chemical weapons. This decision brings us one step closer to holding the Syrian regime accountable for its use of chemical weapons.
OPCW Gives Syria 90 Days to Declare Chemical Weapons Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria has until October to declare to the UN chemical weapons watchdog its stockpile of illegal toxins or face "appropriate action," the OPCW executive council agreed Thursday.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - Repair and Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles DSCA 09 Jul 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) of Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles for an estimated cost of $620 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
Taiwan military stages live-fire drill ahead of annual war games CNA 09 Jul 2020 -- A live-fire rehearsal, simulating a Chinese invasion by sea, was staged in Taichung on Thursday, in preparation for the start of the annual Han Kuang war games next week.

Belgium - MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT) DSCA 09 Jul 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Belgium of twenty-nine (29) All Up Round MK 54 LWT Mod 0 and related equipment for an estimated cost of $33.3 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Egypt Holds Military Drills Dubbed 'Resolve 2020' Near Libyan Border Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Egyptian armed forces conducted an exercise near Libya's border on Thursday, including training for the Air Force to face mercenaries of irregular armies and target their hotbeds, a military spokesman said in a statement.

UK loans Estonia four Jackal vehicles to support counter-terror mission in Mali UK MOD 09 Jul 2020 -- Estonian Special Forces deploying to Mali will be loaned four Jackal armoured vehicles by the UK Ministry of Defence, it is today announced.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany The White House 09 Jul 2020
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany | 7/9/2020 The White House 09 Jul 2020
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Briefing on Current U.S. Foreign Policy US Dept. of State 09 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

Contracts For July 9, 2020
American Contractor Charged as Part of Theft Ring Responsible for Stealing Government Equipment from U.S. Military Base in Afghanistan US Dept. of Justice 09 Jul 2020 -- A three-count indictment was returned today in the Eastern District of Virginia, charging an American military contractor for her alleged role in a theft ring on a military installation in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Other Conflicts

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

All drone strikes 'in self-defence' should go before Security Council, argues independent rights expert UN News 09 Jul 2020 -- The growing use of weaponised drones risks destabilising global peace and security and creating a "drone power club" among nations, that face no effective accountability for deploying them as part of their "war on terror", a senior UN-appointed independent rights expert said on Thursday.

Refugees in Africa 'even more vulnerable than ever' amid COVID crisis UN News 09 Jul 2020 -- Millions of refugees across Africa face even greater food insecurity because of aid disruption and rising food prices linked to the COVID-19 crisis, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.

Chinese Defense Ministry slams Pentagon for South China Sea drill accusation Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- By accusing China's military exercises near the Xisha Islands of causing instability in the South China Sea, the US Defense Ministry disregarded the facts, confused right from wrong, and attempted to alienate countries in the region and reap unfair gains, China's Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday.

Saudi-Led Coalition Reportedly Destroys Pair of Explosive-Laden Boats Off Yemen Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The operation comes a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that 'US and partner forces' had seized an arms shipment containing nearly two dozen air and land attack missiles destined for the Houthi militia, and claimed that the shipment came from Iran. Tehran did not immediately respond, but has previously denied similar claims.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Targeting and Destruction of (2) Bomb-laden Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) of the Terrorist, Iran-backed Houthi Militia Which Pose An Imminent Threat On International Navigation SPA 09 Jul 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki
Iran's Ahmadinejad 'Mediates' To End Yemen War, Report Says Radio Farda 09 Jul 2020 -- An Iranian news website has quoted an "informed source" as saying that former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to Saudi and Houthi leaders as well as the U.N. Secretary-General in an attempt to mediate an end to Yemen's conflict.
Iran says US is telling lie, dismissing alleged violation of UN arms embargo IRNA 09 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday that the US is telling lie, dismissing alleged violation of UN arms embargo.
Tehran Denies Seizure Of Iranian Weapons Shipment To Yemeni Rebels RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Iran has rejected a U.S. claim that a boat carrying Iranian weapons to Huthi rebels in Yemen had been seized, saying the "baseless" accusation was aimed at extending a UN arms embargo on Tehran.

UNSC failure behind use of drones by some states for terrorist acts: Syria's envoy Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria says the UN Security Council's silence has emboldened some hostile states and foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants to make vast use of unmanned aerial vehicles to launch acts of terrorism and aggression across the Arab country.
Syria to Face First Severe Bread Shortages Since Start of War VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria could face the worst bread shortages since the outbreak of its decadelong civil war, a U.N. official said.
UN Security Council rejects Russian-backed resolution on aid delivery to Syria Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- The UN Security Council has rejected a Russian-drafted resolution that would extend a cross-border aid delivery mechanism for a six-month period after Russia – along with China – vetoed a relevant Western-drafted document, which Moscow argued ignored the realities on the ground in the Arab country.
UN Security Council Rejects Russia-Backed Bid To Reduce Cross-Border Aid To Syria RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- The UN Security Council on July 8 voted down a Russian resolution calling for humanitarian aid access to Syria's mainly rebel-held northwest to be reduced to one crossing point from Turkey.
Militants Continue to Shell Settlements in Syria's Idlib, Aleppo and Latakia, Russian Military Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham* terrorist group shelled settlements in the Syrian provinces of Idlib, Aleppo, and Latakia, head of the Russian centre for Syrian reconciliation Alexander Shcherbitsky said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
Iran, Syria sign agreement to expand "comprehensive" military cooperation Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- Iran and Syria signed an agreement on Wednesday to expand "comprehensive" military and security cooperation, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
Syrian president: Iran-Syria military accord rooted in years of anti-terror cooperation Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad says the recent military agreement signed by Damascus and Tehran is the result of years of cooperation in fighting against terrorism in the Arab country.

Iraqi president censures Turkish 'military violation' of Iraqi soil Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih has censured Turkey's ongoing cross-border operation in the Arab country's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region against hideouts of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, describing the offensive as a "military violation" of Iraqi soil.

Foreign meddling in Libya at unprecedented levels: UN chief Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- The United Nations (UN) secretary-general warns that foreign interference in the conflict in Libya has reached "unprecedented" levels.

Russian Lawmakers Propose Expanded 'Extremism' Law Aimed At Crimea RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- A group of Russian lawmakers has proposed an expanded extremism bill aimed at further quelling opposition activists and politicians as well as anyone questioning Moscow's forcible seizure of the Crimean Peninsula.

China, India to hold new round of commander-level talks: Chinese FM Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- The border troops of China and India have been taking effective measures in disengagement, and the two sides will hold a new round of commander-level talks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
India, China Agree to Continue Dialogue to De-Escalate Border Row, New Delhi Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Indian and Chinese negotiators have agreed to continue holding frank and open dialogue to de-escalate border tension along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh region, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said on Thursday.

Some 20 Soldiers Died in Suspected Boko Haram Attack in Northeastern Nigeria - Reports Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- At least 20 soldiers have been killed and a few injured as insurgents ambushed an army convoy in northeastern Nigeria, Daily Trust newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing its sources.

Allegations of Human Rights Violations and Abuses in the Sahel US Dept. of State 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States is deeply concerned by the growing number of allegations of human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by state security forces in the Sahel, including those documented by Human Rights Watch in its July 8 report, as well as those reported by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
US Warns Sahel Governments About Alleged Extrajudicial Killings VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. State Department, saying it was "deeply concerned" about alleged human rights violations by state security forces in West Africa's Sahel region, warned Thursday that inaction by governments there could jeopardize Washington's support.

UN chief underscores need for reconciliation 25 years after Srebrenica genocide UN News 09 Jul 2020 -- Twenty-five years after the Srebrenica genocide, peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fragile, underscoring the need for true reconciliation in the region, the UN Secretary-General said on Thursday in a video message marking the anniversary of the worst atrocity crime in Europe, since the Second World War.

South Sudan President Admits Inter-Communal Fighting Threatens Country VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- On South Sudan's ninth independence anniversary, President Salva Kiir acknowledged that months of deadly intercommunal fighting threatens to rip the country apart. In a wide-ranging televised speech to the nation, the president Thursday called on all South Sudanese to work for peace and reconcile communities whose social fabric has been "torn apart by war."

Intercommunal violence, terrorist attacks inflame tensions in West Africa UN News 09 Jul 2020 -- Intercommunal violence and persistent attacks by extremists, continue to undermine peace and security across West Africa, the UN's top official in the region warned the Security Council on Thursday, calling for sustained engagement with all partners to urgently advance a holistic approach to peace.

New to Myanmar's Rakhine Conflict, Landmines Claim Rising Toll Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- A 66-year-old man who died after stepping on a landmine while tending cattle in western Myanmar's Rakhine state last week joined a growing list of mine victims in the 19-month armed conflict between government forces and the rebel Arakan Army.

News Reports

Joint Statement for the Press on C5+1 High-Level Dialogue US Dept. of State 09 Jul 2020 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Government of the United States of America and the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the occasion of a C5+1 meeting of the Secretary of State and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the C5 states.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 9, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 09 Jul 2020
Russian Governor Who Beat Kremlin Candidate Arrested On Suspicion Of Ordering Murders RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Russian investigators have arrested the governor of a Far Eastern province, who two years ago won a surprise victory over the Kremlin favorite, on suspicion of ordering the murder of businessmen.
United Russia's Revenge? Far Eastern Governor's Arrest Raises Suspicions RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Locals in Russia's Far Eastern Khabarovsk region woke up on July 9 to television images of their popular governor being manhandled into a black SUV by a group of burly law enforcement officers in masks and camouflage.
Russian Police Raid Homes Of Opposition Group Coordinators, Independent Lawmakers RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Police in Russia have searched the homes of coordinators of the Open Russia opposition group, the editor in chief of the independent MBKh Media online publication, and independent municipal candidates.
Russian Foreign Ministry Sees UK's 'Magnitsky' Sanctions as Another Unfriendly Step Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The UK's new sanctions against Russian nationals under the Magnitsky Act are another unfriendly step, as well as an attempt to put pressure on justice and interfere in Russia's domestic affairs, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

Employee of Angela Merkel's Press Office Suspected of Spying for Egypt - Report Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- An employee at German Chancellor Angela Merkel's press office is suspected of spying for Egypt's intelligence service, AFP reported Thursday, citing a police report.

Researcher Charged with Illegally Using U.S. Grant Funds to Develop Scientific Expertise for China US Dept. of Justice 09 Jul 2020 -- A rheumatology professor and researcher with strong ties to China has been ordered held without bond to face a charge of grant fraud for not disclosing that he was engaged in a sophisticated scheme to use approximately $4.1 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop China's expertise in the areas of rheumatology and immunology.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 9, 2020 PRC MofA 09 Jul 2020
Failure to remove information harmful to national security brings legal liability: HK security chief Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- Publishers, network and service providers who fail to remove information that threatens national security should be held accountable, said Hong Kong's security head, after social media giants, such as Facebook, Twitter and Telegram decided to "pause" the sharing of data with Hong Kong authorities.
HK government suggests new civil servants sign on to support Basic Law, pledge allegiance to SAR Global Times 09 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.
China condemns Aussie's HK-related moves as interference in internal affairs Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- China deplores and opposes the groundless accusations made by the Australian government on Hong Kong issue, calling it a violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations and gross interference in China's internal affairs.
Central gov't firmly supports office for safeguarding national security in HKSAR People's Daily 09 Jul 2020 -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday voiced firm support for the office for safeguarding national security of the central people's government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
China says Australia's decision on Hong Kong meddling in internal affairs Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- China says Australia is meddling in its internal affairs by suspending an extradition treaty with the government of semi-autonomous Hong Kong and extending visas for those of the city's residents who are currently in Australia.
China Says Reserves Right to Respond to Australia's New Polices on Hong Kong Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- China reserves the right to respond to Australia's new policies of extending immigration options for Hong Kong residents and halting its extradition agreement with the region, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.
Australia Offers Safe Haven to Hongkongers in Wake of Draconian Security Law Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- Australia on Thursday said it was suspending its extradition agreement with China and extending stays for visa-holders from Hong Kong, after the ruling Chinese Communist Party imposed a draconian security law on the city that threatens anyone criticising the authorities or showing support for the protest movement.
Australia Suspends Extradition Treaty with Hong Kong VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- Australia is suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to the new national security law imposed on the city by China.
US, Allies Increasingly Agree on Need to Confront China VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- U.S. allies are growing increasingly vocal about their willingness to push back against China on the global stage, falling in line with Washington's desires to rein in Beijing despite continued differences on how to move forward.
China hopes for 'reasonable' US Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- China continues to try its best to convince the US to stop dangerous approaches to deal with the ties, and to be sincere at dialogues to solve problems, said Chinese foreign minister in a speech at an online forum with more than 30 top diplomats and experts around the world on the direction of China-US relations.
Pompeo's 'nonsense' remarks on China bore audience: FM Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday urged US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to stop talking about credibility, truth or responsibility, as the US is the biggest troublemaker and has been morally bankrupt.
China-US relations face most serious challenge since establishment of ties: FM Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- China-US relations are facing their most serious challenge since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday, noting that he hoped that the US will build a more objective understanding of China, and a more rational policy toward the country.
China says relations with US facing most serious challenge ever Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- China says its relations with the United states are facing the most serious challenge since their establishment, urging the two countries to send out more "positive energy."
China-US Relations Face Biggest Challenges Since Establishment of Ties, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Beijing-Washington relations are at the lowest level since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday during a China-US think tank media forum.
'It's Been Years, But There's Been No News': Uyghur Missing 35 Family Members in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- Memetrusul Hesen an ethnic Uyghur from Kashgar (in Chinese, Kashi) prefecture, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) who is currently living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, has not had any form of contact with 35 members of his family, all of whom live back in Kashgar's Kargilik (Yecheng) county, for more than four years.
Treasury Sanctions Chinese Entity and Officials Pursuant to Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act US Treasury 09 Jul 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one Chinese government entity and four current or former government officials in connection with serious rights abuses against ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
The United States Imposes Sanctions and Visa Restrictions in Response to the Ongoing Human Rights Violations and Abuses in Xinjiang US Dept. of State 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States will not stand idly by as the CCP carries out human rights abuses targeting Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and members of other minority groups in Xinjiang, to include forced labor, arbitrary mass detention, and forced population control, and attempts to erase their culture and Muslim faith.
US Levels Long-Awaited Sanctions on Chinese Officials For Abuses in Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's administration leveled long-awaited sanctions Thursday against several top Chinese officials deemed responsible for internment camps and other human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
U.S. Sanctions Chinese Officials Over 'Horrific' Abuse Of Uyghurs, Ethnic Kazakhs RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on senior Chinese officials for "horrific and systematic" human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minority groups in the western Xinjiang region.
US Sanctions Xinjiang Public Security Bureau, 4 Chinese Officials Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States has imposed Global Magnitsky sanctions on the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (XPSB) and four current or former Chinese officials, the US Department of the Treasury said in a press release on Thursday.
Chinese Lawyers Mark 5th Anniversary of July 9 Crackdown Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- China's embattled legal profession on Thursday marked the fifth anniversary of a nationwide crackdown targeting more than 300 law firms, human rights attorneys and associated activists that began with the arrest of lawyers Wang Yu and Bao Longjun and colleagues at the now-shuttered Beijing Fengrui law firm on July 9, 2015.
China to Further Use Panama Canal as Important Means to Encourage Global Trade, Beijing Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- China, which actively promotes economic globalization, will further develop friendly relations with Panama and use the Panama Canal to encourage global trade, the office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said ahead of the centenary anniversary since the canal's official opening to commerce, marked on 12 July.

Reopening of Taiwan office in Guam not military-related: MOFA CNA 09 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's decision to reopen its representative office in Guam was not based on military considerations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday, following analyses to the contrary by security experts.
Taiwan's goal of joining WHO 'unchanged' after U.S. withdrawal: MOFA CNA 09 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's goal of joining the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as attending its annual World Health Assembly (WHA), remains "unchanged" despite the United States' decision to withdraw from the global health body, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reiterated on Thursday.
Taiwan urges citizens to reconsider traveling to China CNA 09 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's top government agency in charge of China affairs on Thursday called on Taiwanese nationals to avoid traveling to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, citing the increased risk of facing prosecution on allegations of violating the newly implemented Hong Kong national security law.

US calls for resumption of stalled talks with North Korea: Seoul Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States has called for resumption of stalled talks with North Korea two days after Pyongyang ruled out returning to negotiation table amid US sanctions, South Korea says.
US Remains Ready to Engage in Dialogue With North Korea, State Department Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The United States continues to be prepared to engage in talks with North Korea, the State Department said in a release following US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun's visit to South Korea.
Summit With Trump Might Not Happen This Year, Kim Jong Un's Sister Says Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- The nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been stalled ever since the fiasco at the Hanoi summit in February 2019.
Spy Satellite Reportedly Spots New Nuclear Site in North Korea Amid Freeze in Trump-Kim Talks Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his US and South Korean counterparts aimed at bringing a formal end to the Korean War and denuclearizing the peninsula have been frozen amid a cooling of relations partially attributed to a South Korean leafleting campaign.
Rich Phone Brokers Caught in North Korean Crackdown Escape Harsh Sentences Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- Authorities in North Korea have unexpectedly released several brokers who facilitate remittance payments from abroad after a crackdown on illegal phone use last month, letting the well-connected brokers off lightly despite government warnings that violators would be severely punished with no exceptions, sources told RFA.

US tricks worn-out, futile: FM Spox IRNA 09 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi described US tricks as foreseeable but worn-out and useless and mocked the fact that a country with such a long history of piracy is boasting of seizing "a boat loaded with weapons".
Lying, accusations major elements of US foreign policy: Iran Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- Iran dismisses the recent US allegations that American and "partner" forces have seized a vessel taking "Iranian weapons" to Yemen as continuation of Washington's policy of leveling accusations and hatemongering against Tehran, which this time seeks to prolong a UN arms embargo against the Islamic Republic.
President gives upbeat report about Govt performance despite sanctions, pandemic IRNA 09 Jul 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani gave upbeat report about performance of the Government on Thursday in reference to different development projects being inaugurated despite the US sanctions, foreign plots and the coronavirus pandemic.
Suspicions Mount Of Foreign Hand In Fire At Sensitive Iranian Nuclear Site Radio Farda 09 Jul 2020 -- There is growing support among outside security experts for the notion that an "incident" at Iran's main nuclear-enrichment facility last week was an act of sabotage in a shadow war aimed at setting back Tehran's nuclear activities.
Remembering The July 1999 Iran Student Movement; A Forgotten Protest? Radio Farda 09 Jul 2020 -- Friday July 9, 1999 was the hottest day for students in Tahran as their anti-government protests were met by the iron fist of the Revolutionary Guard. It remained in memories as Iran's student movement, but it marked a watershed after which disillusionment with the Islamic Republic gradually deepened and the era of popular protests began.
Chinese Fishing Trawlers Cleaning Out The Persian Gulf, Iran Daily Reports Radio Farda 09 Jul 2020 -- Under the cover of night, Chinese vessels are illegally cleaning out fish resources in the Persian Gulf, a pro-reform Iranian daily, Sharq (Orient) disclosed on Wednesday, July 8.

Roscosmos: Spaceship Progress MS-13 With Waste Cargo From ISS Collapses in Atmosphere Sputnik 09 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Progress MS-13 cargo spaceship that undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) got out of orbit and collapsed in the atmosphere, Russia's space agency Roscosmos said on Thursday.

Rohingya-based Party Urges Myanmar to Allow The Muslim Minority to Vote And Run For Office Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- A political party representing Myanmar's persecuted ethnic Rohingya is pressing election authorities to allow members of the Muslim minority who hold temporary "white card" IDs to vote and to run in November nationwide elections.
Myanmar Leader Triggers Debate With 'Illegal' Reference to Dead Jade Scavengers Radio Free Asia 09 Jul 2020 -- Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi raised eyebrows when she referred to recent victims of a jade mine landslide that killed at least 172 people last week as "illegal" in an online chat in which she lamented the lack of proper jobs in the country.

Germany Sees Right-Wing Extremism as Top Security Threat VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- Germany's interior minister said Thursday right-wing extremism represents the biggest security threat to the nation, as Germany saw a significant increase far-right activities in the past year.

Chinese Embassy warns of unknown pneumonia deadlier than COVID-19 in Kazakhstan Global Times 09 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan on Thursday warned Chinese citizens living in the country of a local pneumonia of unknown cause, which has a "much higher" fatality rate than COVID-19.

Erdogan Faces Backlash Over Plans to Convert Hagia Sophia Into Mosque VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces a growing backlash over his plans to turn Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

Venezuela 'neutralizes' unidentified US-registered aircraft over its airspace Press TV 09 Jul 2020 -- The Venezuelan Air Force says it has "neutralized" an unidentified US-registered aircraft used for drug trafficking after it violated the country's airspace.

Prosecutors' Raids On Offies Of Bulgarian Presidential Aides Spark Protests RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- Thousands gathered in front of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's office in Sofia in support of the presidency after prosecutors raided the offices of two of Radev's staff on July 9.
Surf And Turf Wars As Small Bulgarian Party Kicks Sand In Face Of The Elites RFE/RL 09 Jul 2020 -- When three activists attempted to come ashore on a strip of beach on the Black Sea coast, they knew the law was on their side: All beaches are public property in Bulgaria.

Sudan PM accepts resignation of six ministers, relieves minister of health of his post SPA 09 Jul 2020 -- In his first cabinet reshuffle since assuming office last August, Sudan's Prime Minister Dr. Abdullah Hamdok accepted resignations of six ministers and relieved the minister of health Dr. Akram Ali Altoam of his post after having refused to resign.

As Lebanon Spirals, US Watches From a Distance VOA 09 Jul 2020 -- With its economy continuing a downward spiral and protests reigniting, Lebanon's crisis keeps growing and so are the warnings that the unrest could explode into a major regional crisis.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list