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14 July 2020 Military News

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Statement From Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman on 135 Days Since the Signing of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement DoD 14 Jul 2020 -- July 13, 2020 marks 135 days since the signing of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement on February 29, 2020. As stipulated in the agreement, the United States agreed to reduce its forces in Afghanistan to 8,600 and withdraw from five bases. We have met this obligation. U.S. forces in Afghanistan remain in the mid-8,000s and five bases formerly occupied by U.S. forces have been transferred to our Afghan partners.
North Atlantic Council statement on Afghanistan NATO 14 Jul 2020
US says deal with Taliban enters 'next phase' Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The United States says its deal with Taliban has entered the "next phase," even as the militant group ramps up violence in Afghanistan.
US Troops Withdraw From Five Bases in Afghanistan as Part of Taliban Deal Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Since the United States first began its occupation of Afghanistan in 2001, remaining troops have had to aid the Kabul government in its fight against the Taliban regime. Washington is now prioritising an agreement with the Islamist group in an effort to end ongoing violence.
Afghan Civilian Casualties High as 1st Phase of US-Taliban Deal Ends VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Nearly 3,000 civilians, around 16 per day, have been killed or wounded in the conflict in Afghanistan in the first six months of this year, according to the country's official human rights body.
Afghan Watchdog: Average Of 16 Civilians Killed, Wounded Every Day In Past Six Months RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) says that on average 16 civilians have been killed or wounded every day across the country in the first half of 2020.

San Antonio Military Health System expands COVID-19 critical care capabilities Army News 14 Jul 2020 -- San Antonio Military Health System is expanding its ability to care for critically injured and ill community members to help ease the COVID-19 burden on the local healthcare system.

Defense Policy / Programs

Fire Continuing to Burn Aboard Navy Ship Docked in California VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Firefighting teams continue to battle a massive fire more than two days after its eruption onboard a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship docked at Naval Base San Diego in the U.S. state of California.
Fire Suppression Was Not Working When USS Bonhomme Richard Went Up in Flames Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The USS Bonhomme Richard, which is docked at Naval Base San Diego, caught fire on Sunday; the battle to eliminate the blaze has continued aboard the warship for almost 40 hours now. The cause of the conflagration remains unknown.
US Military Networks Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks, Commander Says Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- US computer networks, including Pentagon communications, are vulnerable to cyber attacks as their obsolete architecture fails to provide sufficient visibility and control options, US Army Cyber Command head Stephen Fogarty said at a virtual conference.
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 Steadfast for 9 Months on Indo-Pacific Deployment NNS 14 Jul 2020 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5's originally planned six-month deployment was extended due to COVID-19, and the U.S. Navy Seabees continue to press on in the Indo-Pacific region.
Navy Awards Contact for Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle Prototype NNS 14 Jul 2020 -- The Navy on July 13, 2020 awarded a $34,999,948 to L3 Technologies, Inc. for the development of a single Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) prototype, with options to procure up to eight additional MUSVs. The award follows a full and open competitive procurement process.
NPS Faculty Help Princeton Undergrad Explore Missile Defense Tactics NNS 14 Jul 2020 -- In August 2019, Princeton ROTC student MIDN 1/C Kara Dowling visited the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to conduct research with members of the university's Operations Research (OR) department for her senior year capstone project. The midshipman then returned on May 11th – via teleconference – to brief NPS faculty on her findings.
US Air Force Prepares to Test 'Golden Horde' Bomb Networking Technology Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is preparing for its first test of a new technology that would allow munitions to communicate with one another mid-flight, making decisions about how best to attack their assigned targets.
In Russia's Footsteps? Pentagon Orders Upgraded Fourth-Gen Jets to Carry Hypersonic Missiles Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia became the first country to arm an upgraded Cold War-era aerial platform with a hypersonic missile, fitting the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ('Dagger') aboard a workhorse Mikoyan MiG-31K interceptor jet in 2017, with the platform's existence first revealed to the world in early 2018.
Pilot successfully ejects at Holloman AFB US Air Force 14 Jul 2020 -- An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 49th Wing crashed during landing at Holloman Air Force Base at approximately 6 p.m. MDT July 13.
Tougher US action urged in Okinawa People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- The governor of Japan's Okinawa island demanded a top US military commander take tougher prevention measures after officials were told more than 60 Marines at two bases have been infected with the coronavirus in the past few days.

Foreign Minister Zalkaliani of Georgia meets with the Deputy Secretary General and addresses the NATO – Georgia Commission NATO 14 Jul 2020 -- Visiting the NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (14 July 2020) the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia David Zalkaliani met with the NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana for an exchange of views on cooperation between NATO and Georgia and on Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration and reform efforts. During his visit, Mr. Zalkaliani also addressed the North Atlantic Council in the NATO-Georgia Commission.

Russia Scrambles Fighters as US, Norwegian Spy Planes Detected Near Borders Over Barents, Black Seas Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The incident follows a string of similar occurrences along Russia's borders in recent weeks, with the air force repeatedly scrambling jets to intercept US reconnaissance planes and other military aircraft probing Russian air defences from the Black Sea in the west to the Sea of Japan in the east.

Maiden voyage of China's first amphibious assault ship coming soon: report Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy 's first Type 075 amphibious assault ship, which is believed to be built to play a vital role in island seizing operations, is expected to soon make its maiden voyage, as outfitting work is progressing smoothly, media reported on Tuesday, at a time when Taiwan island is holding its annual Han Kuang exercises.
7,000 army soldiers deployed to fight floods in east China PLA Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- Over 7,000 army soldiers have been deployed to the eastern part of China for flood control and emergency rescue operations, according to the Chinese military.

'Imminent Threat': Tokyo's Defense White Paper Frets at Rising DPRK, Chinese Military Power Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- A new defense white paper published by the Japanese Ministry of National Defense takes aim at Chinese expansionism and North Korean weapons tests, claiming they pose major threats to Tokyo. The paper claims Beijing is taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to further its regional ambitions.
Japan Notes Advancing Military Cooperation Between Russia, China in Fresh Defence Paper Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Japan's 2020 Defence White Paper published on Tuesday contains assessments of growing Russian-Chinese military cooperation, highlighted in a separate chapter.

Taiwan scrambles jets against simulated enemy attack in war games CNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan Air Force jets took to the skies Tuesday in an exercise to intercept a simulated air attack by hostile forces, on the second day of the annual live-fire Han Kuang war games.
Cross-strait military balance tilting in China favor: Tokyo report CNA 14 Jul 2020 -- The military balance in the Taiwan Strait is tilting in China's favor, and the gap is widening as the Chinese military modernizes its arsenal, according to an annual defense white paper released by Japan's defense ministry Tuesday.
Taiwan condemns China over threat to sanction U.S. arms dealer CNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned China after Beijing earlier in the day threatened to impose sanctions on a U.S. company over its involvement in selling weapons to the country.
Lockheed Martin faces China's sanctions over Taiwan deal Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China will impose sanctions on US-based arms producer Lockheed Martin, the main contractor of the recertification of its Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) air defense missiles of the island of Taiwan.
China to slap sanctions on Lockheed Martin over Taiwan arms sale Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China says it will slap sanctions on major US military contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. in response to a deal to sell weapons to the self-ruled Chinese territory of Taiwan.
China Threatens Sanctions on Lockheed Martin Amid Planned US Arms Sales to Taiwan Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- On Thursday, the United States approved a $620mln recertification package to Taiwan for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 air defence missiles. The deal comes less than two months after the US approved a sale of torpedoes to the breakaway province.

UK to deploy new aircraft carrier to the Far East to 'counter' China Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- In the latest sign the UK is determined to adopt a belligerent approach against China, it is being reported that military chiefs have drawn up plans to deploy one of Britain's new aircraft carriers to the Far East.
UK Reportedly Plans to Send Aircraft Carrier to Asia Pacific as Tensions With China Rising Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The UK military intends to send new aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth to the Asia Pacific as tensions with Beijing continue to rise, The Times newspaper reported, citing sources.

Merkel: EU Has to Reconsider Defence Policy as US Assistance is 'No Longer Self-Evident' Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Last week, Berlin expressed its "regret" after the Pentagon approved the withdrawal of 9,500 US troops from Germany over its alleged failure to commit a significant enough portion of its GDP to defence spending.

Remarks by President Trump in Press Conference The White House 14 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

Contracts For July 14, 2020

Other Conflicts

14 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Jul 2020

South China Sea Tensions Rise as Militaries Conduct Regional Drills VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- China reacted strongly Tuesday to the Trump administration's rejection of China's broad territorial claims in the South China Sea, calling Washington "a troublemaker and a disruptor of regional stability."
Senior US Official Hints at Sanctions on Chinese Firms in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- The United States may level sanctions against Chinese state-owned enterprises that are involved in land reclamation, dredging, and illegal oil exploration in the South China Sea, a senior U.S. diplomat said Tuesday.
Philippines Welcomes Forceful US Statement on South China Sea Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- The Philippines on Tuesday backed Washington's tougher stance on the South China Sea while Indonesia described it as "normal," a day after America's top diplomat declared that the world would not allow Beijing to treat the contested waterway as "its maritime empire."
Taiwan backs U.S. opposition to use of force in South China Sea CNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday indicated its support for a statement issued by United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo opposing attempts to use coercion or force to settle disputes in the South China Sea.
US Navy Warship Navigates Through Contested Waters in South China Sea, Statement Says Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The US Navy destroyer Ralph Johnson on Tuesday navigated through contested waters in the South China Sea, the US 7th Fleet said in a statement.
Philippines Strongly Supports US Position on South China Sea, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The Philippines has expressed strong support for the latest position voiced by the United States regarding the territorial claims in the South China Sea, the country's Department of National Defence said in a statement on Tuesday.
Inciting confrontations in S.China Sea part of US 'isolate China' strategy Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- Following a rare move to send two aircraft carriers to the South China Sea, the US threw down the gauntlet to China again by issuing a statement on Monday that alleged most of Beijing's claims in the sea are "completely unlawful," in an apparent attempt to sow discord between China and littoral countries, and undermine the hard-won stability in the region.
US the peace destroyer, South China Sea troublemaker: Chinese FM Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China has never sought to establish a "maritime empire" in the South China Sea, and has always treated its neighbors in the region equally and exercised maximum restraint in safeguarding its sovereignty, rights and interests in the region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, following the US State Department's statement on South China Sea.
US is largest manipulator, biggest threat to stability in South China Sea: analysts Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- While China is working with ASEAN members to advance consultations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and has made visible progress, the US has been flexing its muscles in the region with despicable moves aimed at sowing discord between China and ASEAN members and undermining the hard-won stability in the region, Chinese analysts said, following the US State Department's latest statement on the South China Sea.
US' statement on South China Sea distorts facts, aims to sow discord in the region: Chinese embassy Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China is firmly opposed to the US State Department's statement on the South China Sea, which deliberately distorted facts, exaggerate the situation in the region and attempted to sow discord between China and other littoral countries, the Chinese Embassy in the US said.
US threatens China with sanctions over South China Sea claims Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The United States has threatened to slap sanctions on China over accusations of Beijing's exploitation of offshore resources in most of the South China Sea.
U.S. accusation on South China Sea issue "completely unjustified": Chinese embassy People's Daily 14 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. accusation against China on the South China Sea issue is "completely unjustified," and the Chinese side is "firmly opposed to it," a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in the United States said on Monday.
PM China rejects Japan's accusation of using pandemic to advance interests Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China has dismissed an accusation by Japan that it is using the COVID-19 pandemic to advance its interests, including territorial claims in the East and South China Seas.
Beijing 'Firmly Opposes' US Statement on South China Sea, Accuses DC of 'Distorting Intl Law' Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The response comes after the US State Department rejected the maritime claims of Beijing in the South China Sea, labeling them "unlawful" and asserting that these territories cannot be legally claimed by any nation.

In Yemen, thousands of Ethiopian migrants stranded, COVID-19 likely widespread UN News 14 Jul 2020 -- Tens of thousands of Ethiopian migrants have been stranded in war-ravaged Yemen where they continue to be subjected to arbitrary detention and exposure to COVID-19 infection, forcible relocation and abuse, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
Zarif slams continuation of cruel blockade in Yemen IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the continuation of aggression and cruel blockade by the Saudi coalition in Yemen and confiscating vessels carrying food and fuel is not acceptable.
Spox advises PGCC chief to halt coalition attacks on Yemeni citizens, avoid false anti-Iran claims IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi on Tuesday advised the newly-appointed Secretary-General of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC), Nayef Al-Hajraf to seek to stop attacks by the coalition forces on Yemeni children and women instead of making allegations against Iran.
Zarif: Iran will keep trying to send Yemen relief aid despite Saudi siege Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Despite the ongoing restrictions and setbacks, Iran will keep up its efforts to transfer humanitarian aid to Yemen, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says, denouncing continuation of the Saudi-led war and siege against the impoverished country as "unacceptable."
Yemen war: Ansarullah says to unveil new ballistic missile after striking Saudi sites Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Just a day after striking sensitive oil installations and military sites inside Saudi Arabia in a retaliatory operation, Yemeni armed forces say they will soon unveil a new type of domestic ballistic missile.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Terrorist Houthi Militia Launches Ballistic Missile Targeting Civilians in (Ma'rib) Governorate SPA 14 Jul 2020 -- Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki

Russian UN envoy slams exploitation of aid delivery mechanism for Syria Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia has condemned the exploitation of a cross-border mechanism for aid deliveries to Syria by some members of the UN Security Council, and their disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the war-ravaged Arab country.
Roadside bomb hits Russian-Turkish patrol in Syria, injuries reported Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Several Turkish and Russian soldiers have been wounded after a roadside bomb planted by militants in Syria went off near a joint Moscow-Ankara patrol in the Arab country's northwestern province of Idlib.
Russia-Turkey Joint Patrol Hit By Bomb Attack In Syria RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's Defense Ministry said on July 14 that a roadside bomb planted by militants hit a joint Russian-Turkish patrol in Syria, wounding three Russian soldiers, Russian news agencies reported.
Syria: Three Russian Soldiers, Turkish Troops Injured in Explosion During Joint Patrol Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- In December 2019, three Russian servicemen were also injured in a blast from an improvised explosive device during a routine patrol in Syria. Russian and Turkish forces are currently carrying out joint patrols along a key highway in the restive Syrian proince of Idlib.

Turkish military forces deployed over dozen kilometers into northern Iraq: Top lawmaker Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The head of the security and defense committee at the Iraqi parliament has condemned Ankara's ongoing cross-border operation in the country's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region against hideouts of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, stating that Turkish forces are now deployed more than a dozen kilometers into the area.

Haftar Parliament Authorizes Egyptian Military Intervention in Libya VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Libya's eastern-based parliament has passed a resolution approving Egypt's direct military intervention to counter Turkey's backing of the internationally recognized government in Tripoli.
Libya headed for conflict: Pro-rebel parl. invites Egypt intervention; Turkey gives ultimatum Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Libya's conflict seems to be headed for escalation, with the pro-rebel parliament "approving" Egyptian military intervention in the country, and Turkey conditioning an earlier ceasefire to the handing over of Sirte city and Jufra airbase to the government.
Libyan Parliament Speaker Calls for Peace Talks, Despite Giving Egypt Green Light to Intervene Militarily VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- As tensions between Libya's two rival governments and their international backers continue to worsen, the eastern Libya-based parliament has authorized Egypt to intervene militarily if the security of either country is threatened. At the same time, the speaker of the eastern parliament is calling for the U.N. to continue its mediation efforts.

Terrorists kill 3 Pakistani security personnel in Balochistan IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Three soldiers were killed while eight others were injured when their patrolling party came under attack of terrorists near Pakistan-Iran border in southwestern Balochistan province, a military statement said.
Three Pakistani Soldiers Killed In Balochistan Ambush RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- The Pakistani military says three soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded in an ambush in the restive southwestern province of Balochistan.
Militant Ambush Kills 3 Pakistani Troops in Baluchistan VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Suspected separatist militants in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province Tuesday ambushed a military convoy, killing at least three soldiers and injuring eight others.

Russian Lawmakers Approve In Initial Reading Expanded 'Extremism" Law Aimed At Crimea RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Russia's lower chamber of parliament, the State Duma, has approved the first reading of 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.

Any Israeli desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque will ignite armed struggle, Hamas warns Tel Aviv regime Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The Palestinian Islamic resistance movement, Hamas, has warned Israeli authorities against violations at al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied Old City of Jerusalem al-Quds, emphasizing that any provocative move against the sacred site will infuriate Palestinians and subsequently ignite an armed struggle.
Ministers urge EU to formulate possible responses to Israeli annexation plan Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- A group of European foreign ministers have called on the European Union (EU) – Israel's largest trade partner – to take concrete and timely steps to "deter" the Tel Aviv regime's unlawful plan to annex large parts of the occupied West Bank
EU Foreign Ministers Seek Measures to 'Deter' Israel From Expanding Its Sovereignty Over West Bank Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Earlier this month, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Tel Aviv would postpone the 1 July deadline for the beginning of a sovereignty expansion over large parts of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, arguing that the Defence Ministry is still "weighing the risks in the field of security, as [the move] will have serious repercussions".

ICRC Voices Concern Over Renewed Fighting in Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is voicing concern about the humanitarian consequences of the Armenia-Azerbaijan clash as the two nations remain mired in conflict after two days of border clashes.
Nine more troopers killed in new clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- At least nine more troopers have been killed on the third straight day of clashes between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia on their border.
Eleven Soldiers Killed In Third Day Of Armenia-Azerbaijan Clashes RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Seven Azerbaijani servicemen, including an army general, and four Armenian soldiers were reported killed on July 14 in the third day of border clashes involving heavy artillery amid international calls for an immediate de-escalation.
Armenian Military Says Shot Down Azerbaijani Drone Amid Border Escalation Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The Armenian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that the country's air defence forces shot down an Azerbaijani drone in the border area amid the recent escalation.
Azerbaijan, Armenia Report Deaths in Border Row Amid Growing Tensions Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- The Azerbaijani Defen?e Ministry reported on Tuesday, amid escalation with neighbouring Armenia, that Maj. Gen. Polad Gashimov and Col. Ilgar Mirzyaev were killed in firing by the Armenian armed forces in the Tovuz region at the border.

Seven Tajik Men Get Prison Terms Over Deadly November Attack On Border Post RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- A court in Dushanbe has sentenced seven Tajik citizens to prison terms of between two and 27 years for a deadly attack on a post along the Tajik-Uzbek border in November.

African Union Cargo Plane Carrying Food, Medicine Reportedly Crashes in Central Somalia Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- A chartered plane carrying food and medical supplies and operated by the African Union (AU) crashed in the central Somalian region of Hiran on Tuesday, media reported.

UN-African Union mission working to restore calm after recent Darfur violence UN News 14 Jul 2020 -- The joint UN-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) is working with Sudanese and local authorities to de-escalate tensions following recent violent incidents in two nearby towns, including a deadly attack on a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Militia Fires on Darfurians Demanding Better Security VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- A group of armed men killed 10 people and injured 17 others in the Fataborno village of Sudan's Northern Darfur state on Monday, according to local residents.

Colombia: Killing of rights defenders, social leaders, ex-fighters, most serious threat to peace UN News 14 Jul 2020 -- The killing of former combatants, human rights defenders and social leaders of communities devastated by decades of conflict, remains the most serious threat to peace in Colombia since the signing of a landmark peace agreement in 2016, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Tuesday, meeting in-person at UN Headquarters in New York, for the first time in four months.

War Crimes Trial Begins Against Malian Jihadist VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- The ex-chief of Timbuktu's Islamic police went on trial Tuesday in The Hague for a number of alleged war crimes and crimes against humanities charges including rape, sexual slavery and destroying irreplaceable shrines in the ancient Malian city.

News Reports

Navalny Summoned For Questioning In Libel Case RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has been summoned for questioning in a criminal case launched over comments he made on social media.
Protesters In Russian Far East Continue Push For Release Of Governor Charged With Murders RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of demonstrators have renewed their peaceful protest in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk, demanding the release of the region's governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested last week on charges of attempted murder and ordering the killings of two businessmen in 2004-2005.

UK Bans Huawei From 5G Rollout, Risking China's Wrath Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- Britain on Tuesday announced it has banned Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G telecom network, a sharp policy shift that angered Beijing and was seen as a win for the Trump administration, which has argued that the company threatens national security.
Britain Bans China's Huawei from New 5G Network VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- The British government has banned China's Huawei telecommunications equipment company from playing a limited role in Britain's new high-speed mobile phone network.
Welcoming the United Kingdom Decision To Prohibit Huawei From 5G Networks US Dept. of State 14 Jul 2020 -- "We welcome news that the United Kingdom plans to ban Huawei from future 5G networks and phase out untrusted Huawei equipment from existing networks."
UK orders all mobile providers to cut ties with Huawei by 2027 Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- As widely expected, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to end the Chinese technology giant Huawei's role in the development of the UK's 5G network.
Britain's Huawei Ban Resets Relations With China VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- British officials are bracing for fierce Chinese government reaction and possible retaliation to Britain's decision Tuesday to block Chinese tech giant Huawei from playing any role in the development of Britain's next generation 5G phone network.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 14, 2020 PRC MofA 14 Jul 2020
China issues five 'self-defense' countermeasures in two weeks amid US provocations Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- China on Tuesday announced sanctions on US arms dealer Lockheed Martin Corp, the major contractor of US arms sales to the island of Taiwan, which is the fifth reciprocal countermeasure against the US since June 29 in response to US moves that took the initiative in deteriorating bilateral relations and escalating tensions.
Experts warn of further crackdown measures if US exits audit deal with China Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The US government reportedly plans to scrap a 2013 agreement between the US and Chinese auditing authorities, a move that could foreshadow a more direct crackdown on Chinese firms listed in US stock markets.
Trump Signs Order to End Hong Kong Status over China-Imposed Security Law Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- President Donald Trump issued an executive order Tuesday ending Hong Kong's preferential trade treatment and signed a bill that would sanction individuals and banks who abet the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, in the latest U.S. response to a harsh new security law Beijing imposed on the city.
Think Tank and Researcher on Uighurs Condemn China for Lawsuit Threat Against Them VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- After China threatened to sue them for their research on the Uighur crackdown, a think tank and a scholar say they stand by their work on the human rights violations against the Muslim minority in China's northwest region of Xinjiang.
Statement by the President The White House 14 Jul 2020
Trump Signs Measures Holding China Accountable for 'Repressive' Hong Kong Actions Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- US President Donald Trump signed a bill and an executive order on Tuesday related to Hong Kong in the aftermath of Beijing passing a new national security law. The measures end the city's preferential treatment by Washington and levy sanctions against Chinese individuals responsible for implementing the security law.
On the Pan-Democratic Primary Election in Hong Kong US Dept. of State 14 Jul 2020 -- "I warmly congratulate Hong Kong's pan-democrats for their successful primary election. More than 600,000 Hong Kongers cast ballots in the first territory-wide, pan-democratic primary election."
China Warns Weekend Vote May Have Violated Hong Kong's New National Security Law VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- China is warning the recent vote by pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong to choose candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections there may have violated the new national security law imposed on the financial hub.
British Lawmakers Demand Sanctions on Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- British lawmakers are asking that so-called "Magnitsky-style" sanctions be used against Chinese officials, including Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's chief executive, in response to Beijing's recent imposition of a security law on Hong Kong.
HK opposition 'primaries' challenge natl security law, illegal acts may become 1st major case on security in HK: analysts Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) on Tuesday accused the "primaries" organized by the opposition camp and extreme anti-government forces, as well as separatists in Hong Kong, of violating the law and said it will not tolerate any act of manipulating the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) elections of Hong Kong in September.
HK 'opposition camp primaries' 'a political farce' Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The "Hong Kong pan-democracy camp" or opposition camp's so-called primary election is a political farce and mobilization for disrupting Legislative Council (LegCo) elections in September, mainland analysts said.
Central govt's liaison office condemns HK opposition camp for holding illegal 'primaries' Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday condemned the Hong Kong opposition camp for orchestrating illegal "primaries," saying that such political activity is suspected of violating the national security law for Hong Kong and the local election rules.
EU's China measures only 'symbolic' Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- In what seemed more like a move to "walk through pressure from the US and the UK," the EU announced on Monday it would take countermeasures against China over the new national security law for Hong Kong. Observers believe members of the bloc, divergent in views and interests, would find it hard to reach consensus in practice.
Opposition primary in Hong Kong may violate security law: China Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China has described an official vote held by Hong Kong's opposition parties as a "serious provocation," warning that the campaign could be found illegal under the new national security law in the semi-autonomous city.
China Says Hong Kong Primaries Show Attempt at 'Color Revolution' Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- China on Tuesday said last weekend's democratic primaries were an attempt at a "color revolution" in Hong Kong, citing a draconian security law recently imposed on the city by its National People's Congress.
London's Huawei decision 'turning point' for China-UK ties: analyst Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- The UK's move to ban Huawei may further sour strained China-UK political ties, largely reduce personnel exchanges, and most likely prompt Beijing to take reciprocal measures against London's discriminatory policy, Chinese observers said.
China's Tsinghua University Fires Outspoken Lecturer Xu Zhangrun Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- Outspoken Chinese professor Xu Zhangrun has been fired from his post at Beijing's prestigious Tsinghua University after being released from police detention, RFA has learned.
Central govt's liaison office says HK opposition camp "primaries"suspected of violating natl security law Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday condemned the Hong Kong opposition camp for orchestrating illegal "primaries," saying that such political activity is suspected of violating the national security law for Hong Kong and the local election rules.
Beijing announces targeted countermeasures against anti-China US hawks Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- "Symbolic" US sanctions against several Chinese officials over Xinjiang-related issues may be harmless, but China's countermeasures directed at some of the US' most "rancorous" China hawk senators will "rain pain" upon them, Chinese experts said after China announced sanctions against certain US officials, including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, and warned that more US officials may be targeted by further countermeasures if the wrestle continues.
Private Chinese rocket firm Galactic Energy completes key engine test Global Times 14 Jul 2020 -- Private Chinese rocket firm Galactic Energy Co has successfully conducted a hydraulic test of the turbine pump of its liquid-fueled Welkin engine, domestic news portal thepaper.cn reported on Tuesday.

Six Men Caught Trying to Escape North Korea on Memorial Day for Founder Kim Il Sung Radio Free Asia 14 Jul 2020 -- A group of six men arrested in North Korea for trying to flee the country are expected to face harsh punishment for attempting their escape on the July 8 anniversary of national founder Kim Il Sung's death in 1994, sources in the country told RFA.

Rouhani's Former Aide Reportedly Indicted On Trumped-Up Charges Radio Farda 14 Jul 2020 -- A news website in Iran reported Monday that an indictment has been issued for the former Deputy President for Iran for Women's Affairs, Shahindokht Molaverdi.
Iran executes CIA spy; another agent of US, Israel on death row Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The Iranian Judiciary says it has executed a former employee of the Defense Ministry convicted of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and that another agent of American and Israeli spy services is now on death row.
Iran Executes Retired Defense Employee Charged With 'Spying For CIA' Radio Farda 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran says it has executed a retired Ministry of Defense employee on charges of "spying for the CIA," the spokesman for Iran's Judiciary Gholamhossein Esmaili said on Tuesday July 14.
Tehran Says It Has Executed Alleged Iranian Spy For CIA RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran's judiciary says a a former defense ministry worker convicted of selling information to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been executed.
Iran's Former Defence Ministry Worker Executed for Allegedly Spying for CIA Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Tehran has executed a former Iranian Defence Ministry official over charges of alleged espionage for the United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaeili said on Tuesday.
Iran Executes Man Convicted of Spying for CIA VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran has executed a former defense ministry employee who was convicted of selling information to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, Iran's judiciary said Tuesday.
US discredited by JCPOA withdrawal, government spokesman says IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Government Spokesman Ali Rabiee blasted the US for its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and said that Washington has been sidelined in the world by what is had done.
Iran nuclear deal 5th anniv.: EU vows 'to do everything possible' to preserve JCPOA Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The European Union (EU) has pledged "to do everything possible" to preserve the landmark nuclear deal signed between Iran and originally six major world powers in 2015.
China: World must stop US push to reinstate Iran sanctions, kill JCPOA Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- China has reaffirmed its firm support for the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and five other world states, calling on the international community to put pressure on the US – which left the deal in 2018 – to abandon a hostile push to reinstate sanctions against Tehran and deal even more blows to the multilateral accord.
EU foreign policy chief says EU resolved to preserve JCPOA IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security Affairs said in a statement that the EU will do everything possible together with other parties to preserve Iran nuclear deal - the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
US disregard for law, diplomacy threat to own, global security: Iran FM Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- On the anniversary of the 2015 nuclear deal, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of Iran draws attention to the US's unilateral withdrawal from the accord in defiance of international law, saying Washington's "contempt for law and diplomacy" poses a security threat both to America itself and the entire world.
Gov't spokesman: Iran considers South Korea's freezing of assets unfriendly IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Government spokesman Ali Rabiee said on Tuesday that Iran is not looking for tension with South Korea and South Korea's action to block Iran's property is an unfriendly, destructive, and unconstitutional after over decades of trade between the two countries.
China presents its own draft for 25-year co-op plan based on Iran's draft: Zarif ISNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif announced on Tuesday that Foreign Ministry will form a working committee with the industry commission of the parliament to encourage non-oil exports.
Oman, China cooperating on blocked funds belonging to Iran: Zarif Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif say his department would exhaust all means to have the country's blocked funds released, adding that China and Oman have been the most supportive in this regard.
Rouhani says handling economy with least reliance on oil token of Iran's power in economic war IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that administering the economy with the least reliance on oil revenues is token of Iran's power in the economic war.
Iran emerged victorious in US economic war by cutting reliance on oil: Rouhani Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the country has managed to overcome the US sanctions and emerged victorious in Washington's economic war by cutting reliance on oil revenues.
Iranian President Rouhani Declares Victory in Economic War With US Sputnik 14 Jul 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has declared victory in the country's economic war with the United States, adding that Tehran has successfully overcome Washington's sanctions, as reported by domestic media on Tuesday.
Official In Iran Says Sanctions 'Have Broken Economy's Back' Radio Farda 14 Jul 2020 -- A provincial official in Iran has said that ignoring the impact of sanctions on the country's economy is "the wrong approach" and he emphasized that sanctions "have broken the back of the economy."
Iran Drops India From Railway Project As China's Shadow Looms In Background Radio Farda 14 Jul 2020 -- The media in India say Iran has dropped India from a railway project that will connect Chabahar, a would be trading hub in southern Iran to Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchistan Province.
India fully removed from Iranian railway project: Report Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- An Indian newspaper says Iran has decided to remove India from a partnership on a key railway project that is being constructed southeast of Iran along the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Spox: China attaches importance to developing ties with Iran IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying described Iran as a friendly country, saying China attaches importance to deepening relations with Iran.
President Rouhani: Iran to emerge victorious in economic war with US IRNA 14 Jul 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani called for cooperation and solidarity among three branches of government at a time when the people face difficult economic conditions in the wake of sanctions and coronavirus pandemic, and said that victory is near in the economic war that the US has started against Iran.

Qatar wins ICJ case against Saudi Arabia-led states Press TV 14 Jul 2020 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has backed Qatar in a dispute with four regional states that imposed a blockade against the country.
UN top court rules in favour of Qatar in international airspace dispute UN News 14 Jul 2020 -- The UN's top court has ruled in favour of Qatar over an airspace dispute involving four other Middle Eastern countries.

Protests Capture Bulgarian Despair, But Creating Real Change Could Prove Tough RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- Five days of back-and-forth between authorities and angry anti-government protesters from the streets of Sofia to Bulgaria's Black Sea beaches underscores simmering public discontent that often spills over without dramatically reshaping events in this corner of the Balkans.

Fearing Dissent, Egypt Clamps Down on Critics VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Egyptian authorities have ramped up efforts to silence government criticism, issuing orders in recent weeks to restrict media coverage and detain journalists, despite international pressure that's attracted new attention after a journalist arrested in June died of COVID-19.

Hundreds Protest Opposition Candidates' Lockout in Belarus VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds marched in Minsk Tuesday after Belarus' election officials refused to register two top opposition candidates for the August 9 presidential election.
Top Lukashenka Challenger Babaryka Barred From Belarus's Presidential Election RFE/RL 14 Jul 2020 -- A top challenger to Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has been barred from running in the country's election next month amid growing public discontent over the Belarusian authoritarian leader's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Malawi Police Arrest Former President's Aide for Alleged Corruption VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Police in Malawi have arrested a bodyguard of former President Peter Mutharika for allegedly helping him avoid nearly $7 million in import duties. Mutharika has denied knowledge of the scheme, which saw cement for construction of his private property imported duty free.

Tensions Reignite Between Ethiopia and Egypt Over Nile Dam VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- New images captured in the last week by the European Space Agency's Sentinel-1 satellite suggest that Ethiopia may have started filling its massive Nile River dam, as tensions over the project continue.

Amid Protests, Mali President's Son Resigns from Parliament Defense Committee VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- Pressure from protesters has pushed the son of Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to resign from his position as chair of the parliament's Defense Committee.

UN Investigators Skeptical of Reform Promises by New Burundi President VOA 14 Jul 2020 -- The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Burundi is doubting that promises of reform made by Burundi's newly-elected president will result in hoped-for improvements in the country's human rights situation. The commission has submitted its report on prevailing conditions in the country to the U.N. Human Rights Council.

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