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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• VOA Exclusive: CENTCOM Chief Says US Can Do Job in Iraq with Fewer Forces VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States can keep pressure on the Islamic State terror group and build Iraq's military capacity with fewer U.S. troops on the ground, the top commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East told VOA in an exclusive interview.
• Warlord Accused Of Rights Abuses Awarded Afghanistan's Highest Military Rank RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- A powerful Afghan warlord accused of kidnapping and raping a political opponent and of committing rights abuses for decades has been given the country's highest military rank.
• Afghan Warlord Accused of Rights Abuses Gets Highest Military Rank VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- A powerful Afghan warlord who was accused of kidnapping and raping a political rival, in addition to other accusations of rights abuses dating back decades, was promoted to the highest military rank of marshal Wednesday in a special ceremony in Jawzjan province.
• Pentagon announces US withdrawal from 5 bases in Afghanistan Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- The Pentagon has announced withdrawal of US forces from five bases in Afghanistan.
• USS Pinckney Freedom of Navigation Operation Challenges Venezuela's Excessive Maritime Claim NNS 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) challenged Venezuela's excessive maritime claim in international waters during a successful freedom of navigation operation in the Caribbean Sea.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DISA Boosts Telework Connections in Response to Pandemic DoD News 15 Jul 2020 -- The Defense Information Systems Agency plans for a lot of different situations to provide network capability to the joint force and to protect that capability. A pandemic was not in DISA's strategic plan, but the coronavirus hasn't stopped the agency from carrying out its mission or doing additional work to keep the rest of the department working, DISA's director said.
• US military networks vulnerable to cyberattacks: Top commander Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- A top US military official says that American computer networks, including Pentagon communications, are prone to cyberattacks as their outmoded architecture cannot provide enough visibility and control options.
• Secretary Mark T. Esper Provides Update on Department Efforts to Address Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity in the Military Services DoD 15 Jul 2020 -- Recently, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper issued a memorandum directing a three-pronged approach to take the initiative against discrimination, prejudice and bias in all ranks of the Armed Forces. Each of the efforts aimed to identify actions the Department can take within policies, programs and processes to improve diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all Service members:
• U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli Joins the Fleet DoD 15 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Tripoli (LHA 7), today, July 15, 2020.
• Blaze continues on US Navy ship in San Diego for third day Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- Hundreds of sailors and civilian fire crews are continuing to quell the blaze on amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard for the third day in a row Tuesday at Naval Base San Diego in California as authorities said the ship is currently "stable and the structure is safe."
• VP-47 Participates in Breeze 2020 Black Sea NNS 15 Jul 2020 -- Two P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 participated in the Bulgarian Navy-led exercise Breeze 2020, July 15.
• USS Roosevelt, Regional Partners Exercise ASW Capabilities NNS 15 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) demonstrated the newest capabilities in U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) during exercise Dynamic Mongoose 2020, a NATO-led anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise held in the northern Atlantic Ocean, June 29-July 10.
• First Ship from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Returns from Deployment NNS 15 Jul 2020 -- The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are returning from deployment this month, marking the end of a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet.
• U.S. 4th Fleet and Ecuador Navy Plan UNITAS 2020 NNS 15 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet and Ecuadorian maritime planners held a virtual Initial Planning Conference (IPC) July 14-17 in support of the upcoming UNITAS LXI exercise, which will occur in November in Ecuador.
• U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli Joins the Fleet NNS 15 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Tripoli (LHA 7), today, July 15, 2020.
• AFMC releases updated strategic plan US Air Force 15 Jul 2020 -- The Air Force Materiel Command has released an updated strategic plan identifying four key focus areas as the organization continues to ensure the Air and Space Forces remain ready to fly, fight and win today and into the future.
• General Praises U.K.'s Partnership With U.S. in Space Operations DoD News 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States doesn't go to war alone on land, on the sea, in the air, in cyberspace and most certainly in the space domain, the Space Force's top officer said, citing the United Kingdom as a key ally in effective space defense over the last 50 years.
• China ramps up production of JF-17 fighter jet Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China has ramped up production of JF-17 fighter jet, which was jointly developed with Pakistan. In the first half of 2020, the number of aircraft delivered was the most in the past five years, according to industry reports.
• New 'world-leading' helicopter missile tested Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China recently test launched a new type of helicopter-based air-to-ground missile, which is at a world-leading level, according to the weapon's developers.
• Nearly 30,000 troops participate in cross-provincial flood rescue and disaster relief PLA Daily 15 Jul 2020 -- Ordered by the Central Military Commission (CMC), the PLA Eastern Theater Commandon July 14 dispatched additional 16,000 soldiers with rescue equipment from Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui and Fujian Provinces to carry out rescue and disaster relief operations in flood-stricken cities including Shangrao, Jiujiang and other areas of Jiangxi Province.
• India Delegates Powers to Armed Forces to Buy Weapons Up to $40 Mln Amid Standoff With China Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- Tensions have run high after clashes erupted along the de facto border or Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, leading to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an unverified number on the Chinese side in skirmishes on 15 June.
• Iran Has 'Smart, Pinpoint, Electronic Weapons', is Ready for Wars of the Future, Top Commander Says Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- Cut off from its traditional Western arms suppliers following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Iran has since built up a major domestic defence industry, producing everything from small arms to ballistic and cruise missiles.
• Sanctions leave no impact on Iran's defense achievements, defense minister says IRNA 15 Jul 2020 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always made progress despite sanctions, as they have had no impact on the country's defense accomplishments.
• Taiwan Navy fires live torpedo during drill for first time in 13 years CNA 15 Jul 2020 -- A live torpedo was fired from a Taiwan Navy submarine off the southeast coast of the island during a military drill Wednesday, marking the first time in 13 years that such weapons were deployed as part of the country's annual Han Kuang exercises.
• Two Chinese spy ships spotted near Taiwan during military drill CNA 15 Jul 2020 -- Two Chinese reconnaissance vessels were seen off the east coast of Taiwan on Wednesday, during a live-fire exercise by Taiwan's armed forces, a military source told CNA.
• Arms sales to Taiwan government-to-government deals: Lockheed Martin CNA 15 Jul 2020 -- U.S.-based weapons supplier Lockheed Martin has described arms sales to Taiwan as government to government deals, in response to China's threat to impose sanctions on the company for selling weapons to Taiwan.
• China firmly opposes US arms sales to Taiwan: military spokesperson Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese defense ministry on Wednesday voiced strong dissatisfaction and opposition as to the recent approval by the US Department of State of a $620 million upgrade package for the Lockheed Martin-built PAC-3 missile system to Taiwan.
• MOD signs £65 million contract for Protector aircraft UK MOD 15 Jul 2020 -- A £65 million contract to build the UK's first three Protector aircraft, the first UK operated system capable of strike missions anywhere in the world, has been signed.
• Firearms trafficking, 'enabler and multiplier of violence' worldwide UN News 15 Jul 2020 -- Firearms trafficking poses a "grave threat" to human life and international security, the UN crime fighting chief said on Wednesday, launching a new report from her agency that sheds light on the dangers of illicit firearms flows.
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020
• Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 15 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 15, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 15 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Jul 2020
• USS Ralph Johnson Conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation in South China Sea NNS 15 Jul 2020 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) operated in the Spratly Islands, July 14. This freedom of navigation operation upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea, recognized in international law, by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
• Philippine, Chinese Foreign Secretaries Meet after US Warning on South China Sea Radio Free Asia 15 Jul 2020 -- Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met this week to talk about managing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a day after a stern warning from the United States.
• South China Sea: Malaysia Urges Nations to Stand Down from 'Military Posturing' Radio Free Asia 15 Jul 2020 -- Malaysia on Wednesday called for countries to refrain from "military posturing" amid tensions in the South China Sea, two days after Washington announced a tougher stance on Beijing's territorial claims in the contested waterway.
• US Diplomat Likens Placing China on Law of Sea Panel to 'Hiring an Arsonist' Amid Waterway Dispute Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- A senior US diplomat has asked other countries to vote against the candidate for the People's Republic of China (PRC) seeking a judge's seat at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in upcoming elections, saying the country's actions in the South China Sea should disqualify it.
• China fears no US sanctions over S.China Sea Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China is not afraid of any sanctions that the US might impose over the South China Sea issue and the US attempt to convince ASEAN countries to confront China and turn itself into a referee in the region will end up in failure, as those countries see no interest in siding with a hegemonic power like the US, Chinese officials and observers said Wednesday.
• China fears no US sanctions over South China Sea: FM Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China is not afraid of any sanctions that the US might impose over the South China Sea issue and US officials' recent remarks regarding the issue only expose the US plot of creating discord between China and countries in the region and destabilizing the region, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying on Wednesday.
• China, India make progress in border troops disengagement: Chinese FM Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- The border troops of China and India held their fourth commander-level talks on Tuesday, with the two sides making positive progress in further disengaging the frontline troops in the western section of the border, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Answer of Spokesperson for DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 15 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on July 15 with regard to a statement of Pompeo, U.S. secretary of State, which denounces China over the issue of South China Sea:
• Concerns and hopes of Yemenis at heart of UN plans for better future UN News 15 Jul 2020 -- In a wide-ranging interview for UN News on Wednesday, Martin Griffiths, the UN's Special Envoy in Yemen, addresses the protracted peace process in the country, and the enormous challenges that still need to be overcome.
• Yemen oil tanker wreck: Time running out to avert 'looming environmental, economic and humanitarian catastrophe' UN News 15 Jul 2020 -- Time is fast running out for getting a UN team of experts aboard the Yemeni oil storage vessel Safer, before it spills its cargo of 1.148 million barrels of light crude oil into the Red Sea, triggering what would likely be a massive environmental and economic catastrophe, the Security Council heard on Wednesday.
• Yemen bombardment: Saudi-led warplanes target residences, kill civilians Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- Saudi-led military aircraft have carried out fresh deadly strikes in Yemen, this time targeting a residential area in the northern province of al-Jawaf, as part of the Riyadh regime's ongoing aerial bombardment campaign against its crisis-hit southern neighbor.
• New Airstrikes in Yemen Kill at Least 7 Civilians VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- Airstrikes in Yemen's northern al-Jawf province killed least seven civilians on Wednesday, according to residents and an official with the Houthi rebel group who put the death toll at nine.
• UN Warns of Environmental Time Bomb Off Yemen's Coast VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- The United Nations warned Wednesday that an old, neglected oil tanker moored off Yemen's Red Sea coast is at risk of causing an environmental "catastrophe" if its experts cannot immediately attend to the deteriorating vessel.
• Russia, Wagner Group complicating Libyan ceasefire efforts AFRICOM 15 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has clear evidence that Russian employed, state-sponsored Wagner Group laid landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in and around Tripoli, further violating the United Nations arms embargo and endangering the lives of innocent Libyans.
• U.S. Accuses Russian-Backed Mercenaries Of Mining Libya In Violation Of UN Arms Embargo RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States military command in Africa has accused the Kremlin-connected military contractor Vagner Group of violating a United Nations arms embargo and endangering the lives of innocent Libyans by laying land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in and around Tripoli.
• Grisly Death Highlights Increasing Civilian Detentions in Myanmar's Rakhine Conflict Radio Free Asia 15 Jul 2020 -- A family in western Myanmar's Rakhine state was ordered to collect the battered body of a 37-year-old man, days after he was detained by the army for suspected ties to the rebel Arakan Army – a victim of what rights workers say is a rising tide of arrests that has swept up hundreds of mostly young men.
• China's Investments in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Seen as 'Blow' to India VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- Pakistan and close ally China have formally launched construction at a multibillion-dollar dam in the Pakistan-administered part of the disputed Kashmir region, ignoring rival India's objections to the project.
• Abbas says ready to resume peace talks if Israel stops annexation plan People's Daily 15 Jul 2020 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Tuesday that the Palestinians are ready to resume the stalled peace talks if Israel stops its plan to annex parts of the West Bank.
• Somali General Survives Suicide Bomb Attack, One other Person is Killed At Least Two Injured VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- Security likely tightens around Somalia's army commander, General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, following a car bomb attack on his convoy, which he survived, but the attack killed at least one person and injured two others.
• Armenia-Azerbaijan border clashes: Iran ready to help ease tensions Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- Iran has expressed its readiness to help soothe tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the wake of deadly border clashes between the two South Caucasus countries, calling on both sides to engage in dialog.
• Explainer: Armenian-Azerbaijani Violence A Deadly Reminder Of Stalled Peace Efforts RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Three days of fighting on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has alarmed the international community and stoked deep national resentments in both countries.
• Azerbaijani Forces Destroy One More Military Facility of Armenian Military Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- The Azerbaijani Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday about the destruction of one more military facility of the Armenian armed forces near Tovuz in the light of resumption pf border clashes between the two countries.

News Reports

• The United States and Six Member States of TFTC Target ISIS-Linked Financial Network US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States works closely with its allies in the Middle East and around the world to combat the scourge of terrorism.
• Terrorist Financing Targeting Center Sanctions Network of ISIS-Linked Financial Facilitators and Money Services Businesses US Treasury 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the seven member nations of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) jointly designated six targets affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Three entities and one individual located in Turkey and Syria have provided a critical financial and logistical lifeline to ISIS, its branches, and its global facilitation networks. Additionally, an Afghanistan-based organization, Nejaat Social Welfare Organization, and the organization's director, Sayed Habib Ahmad Khan, abused the goodwill of the international community under the auspices of charitable giving to facilitate the transfer of funds for and to support the activities of ISIS's branch in Afghanistan, ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).
• 'A Vehicle to Strike Back': Secret Trump Orders Gave CIA Wide Authority to Wage Cyberwar - Report Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- A new report by Yahoo News claims the Trump administration has given almost unprecedented leeway to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to wage cyberwar against US adversaries like Russia, Iran, China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The powers came via a secret 2018 order that has now come to light.
• Report: IS Supporters Continue to Evade Facebook Detection VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- The Islamic State (IS) terror group is still capable of finding ways to avoid detection on social media platforms such as Facebook, a new report said.
• The Department of Justice Announces Takedown of Key MS-13 Criminal Leadership US Dept. of Justice 15 Jul 2020 -- Joint Task Force Vulcan is a Coordinated Effort to Dismantle and Destroy MS-13
• Trump Administration Announces MS-13 Gang Arrests VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- More than two dozen alleged leaders and members of the violent gang MS-13 have been arrested and charged, officials announced Wednesday, part of a federal law enforcement operation aimed at disrupting the criminal group's leadership.
• Treasury Targets Financier's Illicit Sanctions Evasion Activity US Treasury 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took further action as part of its ongoing sanctions efforts regarding financier Yevgeniy Prigozhin (Prigozhin), by targeting entities located in Sudan, Hong Kong, and Thailand that have enabled his ability to evade U.S. sanctions. The actors targeted today have directly facilitated Prigozhin's global operations and attempted to suppress and discredit protestors seeking democratic reforms in Sudan.
• The United States Imposes Sanctions on Russian Financier's Global Sanctions Evasion Network US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the United States took action to further limit Yevgeniy Prigozhin's destabilizing global activity by designating entities that have enabled his ability to evade sanctions – this time, in Sudan.
• U.S. Slaps More Sanctions On Kremlin-Linked Businessman Prigozhin For 'Destabilizing Global Activity' RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on the interests of an influential Russian businessman close to President Vladimir Putin.
• US Slaps Sanctions on Three Russian Nationals and Five Companies Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- Last year, the US Treasury accused Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin of being involved in meddling with US elections in 2016.
• Updated Public Guidance for Section 232 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- Today, the Department of State updated the public guidance for Section 232 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which allows for the imposition of sanctions on persons making certain investments or engaging in certain other activities with respect to Russian energy export pipelines. By
• U.S. Threatens To Expand Sanctions On Nord Stream 2 As Russia Moves To Complete Pipeline RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States has threatened to sanction any individual or company helping Russia build a controversial natural gas pipeline to Germany as the Kremlin moves to complete the last kilometers of the nearly $11 billion project.
• Hundreds Protest In Moscow Against Constitutional Changes That Could Extend Putin's Rule RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Several hundred people turned out in Moscow on July 15 to protest recently approved constitutional changes that could allow President Vladimir Putin to serve two more terms until 2036.
• Rights Campaigners: Treason in Russia Can Mean Almost Anything VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- Treason in Russia can almost mean anything these days, say rights campaigners.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on July 15, 2020 PRC MofA 15 Jul 2020
• US Mulls Ending Deal Underpinning Trading in Chinese Companies VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- The Trump administration is prepared to terminate a 2013 agreement between U.S. and Chinese auditing authorities in a move aimed at increasing pressure on Chinese-listed companies in the United States to comply with U.S. auditing standards.
• 'Zero chance' for US to isolate China Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- Although China has tried to stabilize its ties and ease tensions with the US, the current situation showed that Washington is unwilling to stop its confrontations with Beijing. Chinese experts on China-US ties said on Wednesday that regardless of what the US did or will do to China, as long as China doesn't make a mistake and keeps on the right track of development, the possibility for the US to crack down on China is "zero."
• Trump Toughens Talk and Action on China VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- Amid rising concerns that Beijing and Washington are drifting toward a Cold War, U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that China's rise is not a positive development for the United States.
• On the President's Announcement on Hong Kong US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- "Over the past two weeks, the world has watched as the Chinese Communist Party smothers Hong Kong's freedom."
• Hong Kongers Vow to Continue Pro-Democracy Pursuits Despite New Security Law VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- Residents in Hong Kong say an atmosphere of trepidation has permeated the Asian financial hub since the enactment of a sweeping national security law imposed by China. But activists say despite new concerns of a clampdown on certain freedoms they will continue their pro-democracy pursuits.
• Beijing Denounces US 'Hong Kong Autonomy Act', Vows to Retaliate With Sanctions Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- Earlier on Tuesday, Trump signed legislation to suspend US preferential treatment for Hong Kong and envisaged sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for the implementation of the new Hong Kong national security law.
• China Vows Retaliation For US Sanctions Over Hong Kong Security Law Radio Free Asia 15 Jul 2020 -- China hit out on Wednesday at U.S. President Donald Trump's signing of a new law removing Hong Kong's special status and imposing sanctions on officials linked to the implementation of a draconian new security law.
• HK Act descends into 'hand-to-hand combat' Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- Signing into law the so-called Hong Kong Autonomy Act indicates that the game between China and the US has turned into a "hand-to-hand combat" on Hong Kong affairs, which will force China to be more resolute in countering the US, and more intolerant to Hong Kong opposition forces' actions that may violate the national security law for Hong Kong, analysts said.
• China summons US ambassador in protest over 'HK Act' Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang on Wednesday summoned US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad, and lodged solemn representations over the US signing of the so-called Hong Kong Autonomy Act and related executive orders.
• Chinese officials, observers 'not surprised, but prepared' for US sanctions over HK Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- Top Chinese legislators and veteran observers of Hong Kong affairs said they are not surprised to see the US president sign the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, which is considered "a piece of scrap paper" by the Chinese government. Observers said that Washington is shooting itself in the foot through the move, which only has "symbolic effect," adding that the top authority in China has made full consideration of the worst case scenarios amid deteriorating China-US ties.
• China to sanction relevant US personnel and entities over Hong Kong Autonomy Act: FM Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China will impose sanctions against related US personnel and entities in response to the Hong Kong Autonomy Act signed by the US government, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• HK official slams extradition moves Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- It is a highly irresponsible move that undermines the rule of law for countries to drop extradition agreements with the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) in opposing the national security law for Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-chiu, Hong Kong Secretary for Security, told the Global Times in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
• No capital exodus from HK over new law: SAR official Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- A senior official with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Wednesday debunked fear-mongering narratives pushed by some foreign officials and media outlets that the new national security law for the SAR could lead to a capital exodus from the city and even end its status as an international financial center, arguing that the law will boost the city's financial sector.
• China summons US envoy to protest Hong Kong sanctions Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has summoned the US ambassador to Beijing over its unilateral sanctions against Hong Kong.
• China to reciprocate US sanctions after Trump ends Hong Kong special status Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- China says it will slap retaliatory sanctions on the United States over President Donald Trump's decision to end Hong Kong's special status and impose sanctions on Chinese officials in relation to the semi-autonomous city.
• Pro-Democracy Activists in Hong Kong Vow to Keep Fighting China's Draconian New Law Radio Free Asia 15 Jul 2020 -- Opposition activists in Hong Kong on Wednesday vowed to keep up the political fight against a draconian security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party, which they blamed for Washington's revoking of the city's special status.
• Manipulating Hong Kong LegCo election won't be allowed: spokesperson People's Daily 15 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said Tuesday that it will never allow any illegal manipulation in the Legislative Council (LegCo) election in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
• China Summons US Ambassador Over Move to Strip Hong Kong of Preferential Trade Status Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- President Trump enacted two Hong Kong-related measures on Tuesday, stripping the city of its preferential trade status and sanctioning Chinese officials responsible for implementing a new national security law in the autonomous city. Beijing immediately blasted the moves, promising a tit-for-tat response.
• U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on Certain Employees of Chinese Technology Companies that Abuse Human Rights US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- "The United States of America has long been a beacon of hope for the world's most oppressed peoples, and a voice for those who have been silenced. We have been especially vocal about the Chinese Communist Party's human rights abuses, which rank among the worst in the world."
• US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Chinese Tech Companies' Employees VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States is imposing visa restrictions on certain employees of Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, for providing "material support to regimes engaging in human rights violations and abuses globally."
• Uyghur Exile Groups Seek International Criminal Court Probe of Chinese Officials For 'Genocide' Radio Free Asia 15 Jul 2020 -- Two Uyghur exile groups have filed a dossier of evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, accusing top Chinese officials–including President Xi Jinping–of "genocide" and "crimes against humanity" related to a crackdown on the Muslim ethnic minority group in northwestern China.
• U.S. To Impose Visa Bans On Chinese Tech Firms Over Rights Abuses In Xinjiang, Elsewhere RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States says it is imposing travel bans on employees of the technology giant Huawei and other Chinese companies Washington has accused of facilitating human right violations around the world, including in China's western province of Xinjiang.
• China strongly opposes claim from US business advisory on Xinjiang supply chain Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China has strongly refuted and condemned a statement from the US' Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory, saying the statement is a lie aimed at suppressing Chinese business under the name of human rights and that it will disrupt the global supply chain.
• US imposes visa bans on Huawei employees citing human rights abuses Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has announced visa restrictions on a number of employees of Huawei Technologies Co. and some other Chinese companies over what he described as complicity with their government's human rights abuses.
• Pompeo Says US Will Impose Sanctions on Some Huawei Employees Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- On Tuesday, the US Secretary of State said that the UK's decision to ban the Huawei 5G network protects transatlantic security.
• Huawei readies for 'war'; shift in overseas strategy expected: insider Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China on Wednesday harshly criticized the UK's decision to ban Huawei from the UK's 5G development, painting London as an accomplice in the US' politically driven crackdown on the Chinese telecom giant based on fabricated "national security risks," and vowed to take "all necessary" measures to protect the legitimate interests and rights of Chinese businesses.
• China to 'comprehensively assess' UK's decision to remove Huawei 5G gear by 2027 Global Times 15 Jul 2020 -- China is seriously concerned about UK government's latest decision to remove Huawei gear from its 5G network rollout by 2027, and will "comprehensively assess" the decision by London, and take "necessary measures" to protect legitimate interests of Chinese companies, China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
• 'America's dupe:' China slams UK over ban on Huawei Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- China says the remark by US President Donald Trump that he personally convinced the UK government to ban Chinese technology giant Huawei's 5G network equipment shows that the ban is politically motivated and has nothing to do with security.
• Huawei blasts UK ban decision 'disappointing, politicized' Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- Chinese technology giant Huawei has censured as "disappointing and politicized" a decision by the UK to ban the company's 5G network equipment.
• China Says UK's Ban on Huawei is About 'Politicisation of Commercial Issues' Not 'National Security' Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- The United States has been pressuring its NATO partners for some time to abstain from buying 5G tech from Huawei amid concerns that the company could engage in espionage, something the company denies. The UK announced at the start of the year that it will allow Huawei to participate in its 5G rollout, but soon backtracked on its earlier decision.
• North Korean Teen Selected to Train as Kim Jong Un's Bodyguard Allegedly Kills Own Father Radio Free Asia 15 Jul 2020 -- Authorities in North Korea arrested a teenager who was to begin training for the elite military unit that serves as personal security for Kim Jong Un, after the teen allegedly murdered his father, sources in the country told RFA.
• Answer of Spokesperson for DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 15 Jul 2020 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on July 15 with regard to the fact that the Japanese authorities made an issue of the DPRK in its "2020 Defence White Paper."
• Japan Should Draw Lesson from Its Defeat in War: KCNA Commentary KCNA 15 Jul 2020 -- Secrets about the Korean war are revealed one after another even today seeing the passage of 70 years since the outbreak of the war.
• Iranian Port Hit By Fire, Latest In String Of Incidents At Military, Civilian Sites RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Several vessels caught fire on July 15 at Iran's port of Bushehr on the Persian Gulf, local media reported.
• Seven Vessels Reportedly Catch Fire at Bushehr Port in Iran - Videos Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- Iran has seen a wave of explosions and fires around its military and industrial facilities since last month.
• Iran reaffirms commitment to JCPOA, warns of reciprocity to irresponsible parties IRNA 15 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reaffirmed commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of action and warned of reciprocity to the irresponsible parties to the international agreement endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
• EU foreign policy chief: Preserving JCPOA is urgent need IRNA 15 Jul 2020 -- High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security Affairs in his Op-ed underlined the fact that Iran nuclear deal is under pressure, adding that it is urgent need to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
• End of arms embargo an attempt to preserve int'l law, multilateralism, value of int'l pacts: President Rouhani ISNA 15 Jul 2020 -- Iran's President called the end of the arms embargo on Iran a move to protect international law, multilateralism and value international agreements, emphasizing, "Tehran has been closely monitoring developments in this area".
• Iran turned tables, proved America to blame in JCPOA case: Rouhani Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the country maneuvered with political skill following the United States' withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal to prove that "American lawbreakers" are to blame for any shortfalls with regard to the agreement.
• 5th JCPOA anniv.: Iran urges European parties not to toe US line Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- Iran has urged the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal to live up to their obligations under the agreement, which has been the target of the US's "illegal" and "destructive" moves, stressing Tehran's resolve to take "decisive" action against any "irresponsible behavior" undermining the UN-endorsed document.
• Putin and Merkel Say There is 'No Point' in Sanctions Pressure Against Iran - Kremlin Sputnik 15 Jul 2020 -- On Wednesday, Russian president Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a phone conversation, during which they discussed various issues, including resolving the conflict in Ukraine and efforts to maintain the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in relation to Iran's nuclear program.
• Kiev disagrees with Iran's theory on Ukrainian jet crash: Ukrainian FM People's Daily 15 Jul 2020 -- Ukraine does not agree with Iran's claim that the downing of the Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane was due to human error, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Tuesday.
• Iran oil revenue dips but future holds bright promises Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says Iran's revenue from total crude oil exports and oil products in 2019 was just over $19 billion, less than a third of the previous year.
• Rouhani Vows To Stay On As President Despite Pressures By Iran Hardliners Radio Farda 15 Jul 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani Wednesday implicitly rejected any talk of an early departure from his post, promising to remain as president "to the last moment" without paying attention to "controversies".
• Iran's Zarif Insists Talks With China Are On Track For 'Strategic Pact' Radio Farda 15 Jul 2020 -- The Islamic Republic and China are holding talks on finalizing their 25-year "Cooperation Roadmap" Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif insisted on Tuesday, July 14.
• Spectacle Of Justice: How Iran's Executions Highlight Its Perverse Social System Radio Farda 15 Jul 2020 -- As Sadegh Khalkhali was beginning what would be a long career of executions, he got his hands on Azar, the white horse of Iran's former Shah. In an act of extreme cruelty, he publicly paraded with the horse, then broke his legs, blinded him, cut off his tongue before shooting him through the head. This total disregard for innocent life would follow him through the rest of his career and cast a shameful shadow over Iran's new history of turning executions into a public spectacle. .
• Lukashenka Vows Not To 'Give Our Country To Anyone' After Violent Dispersal Of Demonstrators In Belarus RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has dismissed Western criticism after police across the country violently dispersed thousands of demonstrators following the exclusion of a top challenger from the country's election next month.
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet's Virtual Session SPA 15 Jul 2020 -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired today the Cabinet's virtual session.
• Department of Justice Seeks Recovery of Approximately $3.5 Million in Corruption Proceeds Linked to Ex-President of The Gambia US Dept. of Justice 15 Jul 2020 -- The Department of Justice filed a civil forfeiture complaint seeking the forfeiture of a Maryland property acquired with approximately $3,500,000 in corruption proceeds by the ex-president of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, through a trust set up by his wife, Zineb Jammeh.
• Tunisia's Ennahda to 'withdraw confidence from government' Press TV 15 Jul 2020 -- The biggest party in Tunisia's parliament, Ennahda, has reportedly decided to withdraw confidence from the government, amid suspicions that Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh has benefited financially from government deals.
• Azerbaijani Authorities Launch Probe Over Rally Amid Military Conflict With Armenia RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Azerbaijani authorities have launched a criminal case against some participants of a large rally supporting the South Caucasus nation's armed forces amid an escalation of the military conflict with neighboring Armenia.
• Virus-Hit North Macedonia Votes In Poll Seen As Crucial To EU Hopes RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Voting took place in North Macedonia on July 15 in parliamentary elections that may determine the pace of the Balkan state's Euro-Atlantic trajectory.
• Bulgaria's Borisov To Sack Three Ministers Amid Anti-Graft Protests RFE/RL 15 Jul 2020 -- Bulgaria's prime minister has asked his finance, economy, and interior ministers to step down amid nationwide anti-corruption protests that have rocked the country for a week.
• U.S. Department of State Imposes Visa Restrictions on Guyanese Individuals Undermining Democracy US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2020 -- On March 2 the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana held national elections, but it has still not declared a winner.
• Venezuela: amputation, extortion and death amidst booming gold mining racket UN News 15 Jul 2020 -- The Human Rights Council on Wednesday heard damning reports of serious exploitation and abuse of children and indigenous communities in Venezuela, where mining for gold and other minerals is booming.
• UN: Venezuela Doing Little to Stop Criminal Groups' Abuses VOA 15 Jul 2020 -- The Venezuelan government has done little to clamp down on the violent, brutal behavior of criminal groups who control mining in a region largely inhabited by indigenous communities, according to a U.N. report submitted Wednesday.