COVID-19 - Daily News

28 July 2020 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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US forces asked to stay in bunkers as Iran fires missiles amid drills: Reports Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- US military forces deployed to the Persian Gulf kingdoms were reportedly asked to stay in bunkers as Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles during normal military drills off the strategic Hormuz Strait.
U.S. Bases In The Persian Gulf Go On Alert After Iranian Missiles Hit Nearby Radio Farda 28 Jul 2020 -- Fox News correspondent Lucas Tomlinson says U.S. forces went on high alert after three missiles hit the waters near their military bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Persian Gulf.

Afghan Peace Talks Set to Start as Taliban Announce Eid Cease-Fire VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced his government would soon complete the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners, thus paving the way for the start of long sought-after peace negotiations with the insurgent group.
As US Backs Out of Afghan War, UN Records Lowest Civilian Casualty Rate Since 2012 Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- A new United Nations report has found that civilian casualties are at their lowest rate in Afghanistan in eight years, largely because of the February ceasefire signed between the Taliban and US forces enabling the latter to begin withdrawing from the country.
Taliban, Afghan Government Declare Three-Day Cease-Fire During Eid Holiday RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- The Taliban and Afghan government have announced a three-day cease-fire for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday starting on July 31, as the United States presses for the start of delayed intra-Afghan peace talks.
Afghan president expects talks with Taliban 'in one week's time' Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says negotiations between his government and the Taliban militant group are expected to begin "in a week's time," following the completion of a prisoner exchange between the two sides.

U.S. Africa Command Civilian Casualty Assessment Third Quarter Report AFRICOM 28 Jul 2020 -- This is the second civilian casualty assessment report since U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) began releasing quarterly reports in April. As part of the command's commitment to improving transparency and accountability in our assessment and reporting of civilian casualty allegations, USAFRICOM has made several procedural improvements this quarter.
AFRICOM Says Civilian Killed in Airstrike in Somalia VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) says an airstrike that was intended to target al-Shabab fighters in Somalia earlier this year killed one civilian and wounded three others, in a rare admission by the Command.

Defense Policy / Programs

Nominees for Northcom, Spacecom Posts Testify at Confirmation Hearing DoD News 28 Jul 2020 -- Air Force Lt. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck and Army Lt. Gen. James H. Dickinson testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee as part of the confirmation process to be U.S. Northern Command commander and commander of the U.S. Space Command, respectively.
How U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa is finding and stopping the spread of COVID-19 USMC News 28 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Navy health professionals and Marines have been working around the clock to effectively trace and stop the spread of COVID-19 here, keeping service members ready to support the United States' allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific.
U.S. assists in rescuing migrants stranded in Mediterranean AFRICOM 28 Jul 2020 -- Migrants stranded in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya were rescued after U.S. military personnel heard their distress signal, July 21.
Final Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Ship Returns from Deployment NNS 28 Jul 2020 -- The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) returned to Naval Station Mayport [DATE], the final ship from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) to return home after completing a nearly eight-month deployment that began in December.
End of Exercise Sea Breeze 2020 NNS 28 Jul 2020 -- This year marks the 20th iteration of Sea Breeze, which brought together eight sovereign nations who share U.S. 6th Fleet's (C6F) commitment to security and stability in the Black Sea. The 27 ships and 19 aircraft all working together toward our common goal of strengthening cohesion across the Black Sea region, and improving the capabilities of all participants. They did this while adhering to all protocols required to keep sailors healthy and safe.
Hershel "Woody" Williams Departs for Inaugural Deployment NNS 28 Jul 2020 -- The Blue Crew of the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) and the ship's Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Jul. 27, on the ship's inaugural deployment following its commissioning in March.
Joint Statement on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2020 DoD 28 Jul 2020 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper hosted Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne and Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds on July 28 in Washington for the 30th Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN 2020).
U.S., Australian Officials Reaffirm Strong Alliance DoD News 28 Jul 2020 -- The United States and Australia share a deep and enduring bond, forged by common values and decades of shared sacrifice, having fought together in every major conflict since World War I, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
US Coast Guard to Deliver Plans for Nuclear Icebreaker Fleet to White House, Reports Say Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- The US Coast Guard is on track to present plans for a new generation of nuclear powered icebreakers by 10 August, two months after the Trump administration issued a surprise directive to do so, Breaking Defense reported on Tuesday.
Hurricane Hunters fly first Pacific hurricane US Air Force 28 Jul 2020 -- The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrews flew five weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Douglas, the season's first hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, July 24-27, collecting data to assist Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters.
Missile Defense Becomes Part of Great Power Competition DoD News 28 Jul 2020 -- All aspects of the military are engaged in great power competition, but while most analysts focus on developments in offensive missiles, Chinese and Russian defense leaders are developing even more capable missile defenses, Defense Department officials said.
U.S. Space Effort's Future Hinges on Private Industry DoD News 28 Jul 2020 -- When the United States sent men to the moon in the 1960s, the effort was largely driven by the government. But the future of the U.S. space effort will be agile innovators in the private sector who partner with the government, the Space Force's chief scientist said.

The United States and Russia Hold Space Security Exchange US Dept. of State 28 Jul 2020 -- Officials from the Departments of State, Defense, and Energy, as well as the National Security Council, met with Russian Federation officials in a Space Security Exchange under the framework of the Strategic Security Dialogue.
U.S., Russia Begin Three Days Of Nuclear Arms-Control Talks RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- U.S. and Russian officials have opened three days of nuclear arms-control talks in Vienna less than a year before a treaty covering about 90 percent of the world's atomic weapons expires.

Russia claims it intercepted U.S. spy plane over Black Sea Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- The Russian defense ministry said in a statement that it had sent a Su-27 fighter plane on Monday to intercept a U.S. surveillance plane over the Black Sea that it said was approaching the Russian border.
Russia intercepts another US spy plane over Black Sea Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Russia has intercepted a US spy plane over the Black Sea, the third such incident in less than a week, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
Russia Deploys S-400 to Arctic Only to Ensure National Security, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- The deployment of S-400 missile systems on Russia's Arctic islands is a logical step, needed exclusively for national defence, and it should not raise concerns, Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large Nikolai Korchunov stated in an interview.

Chinese aircraft carriers get power boost by fighters' nighttime buddy refueling capability Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- China's aircraft carrier-based J-15 fighter jets have now become capable of conducting nighttime buddy refueling, one of the most challenging tactical moves by carrier-borne fighter jets, the PLA Navy revealed after recent successful exercises.
PLA's first field modular camping and supporting system puts into use PLA Daily 28 Jul 2020 -- Recently, the first modular camping and supporting system, which was piloted by the Joint Logistic Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), has passed the procedure of evaluation and been officially distributed to the military.
205 Chinese peacekeepers depart for Lebanon PLA Daily 28 Jul 2020 -- A total of 205 Chinese peacekeepers Tuesday left Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, for Lebanon on a one-year United Nations peacekeeping mission.
China's Defence Attache to the UK: PLA unswervingly promotes world peace and development PLA Daily 28 Jul 2020 -- This year marks the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China. Over the past 93 years, under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, the PLA has made its mark in history with splendid achievements.

DPRK leader says nuclear deterrence to firmly guarantee national security Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un stressed the importance of nuclear deterrence on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the armistice of the 1950-53 Korean War, according to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Tuesday.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Makes Speech at Sixth National Conference of War Veterans KCNA 28 Jul 2020 -- The following is the full text of the speech "The Feats Performed by the Great Victors Will Remain for Ever" made by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un at the Sixth National Conference of War Veterans on July 27, Juche 109 (2020):
North Korea's nuclear weapons deter another war on country: Leader Kim Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un says the country now has "absolute might" thanks to its nuclear weapons, which he says guarantee the country's security in the face of threats of war.
Kim Jong-un Boasts of 'Reliable, Effective' Nuclear 'Deterrent' Aimed at Preventing War on Peninsula Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- Monday 27 July marked the 67th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the Korean War (1950-53). North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered a speech in front of war veterans in Pyongyang to mark the date.

Second draft of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 placed in the public domain inviting suggestions India PIB 28 Jul 2020 -- Second draft of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020, which has now been titled as 'Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020', has been uploaded on the website of Ministry of Defence (MoD) inviting suggestions/comments from the various stakeholders and general public.
India Imposes Prohibitive Orders Around Ambala Airbase Ahead of Rafale Jets' Arrival Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- The much-anticipated first batch of five Rafale jets took off from France on Monday, beginning their 7,000 km journey to India. The three single-seater and two twin-seater fighter jets will touch down at the Ambala Airbase in Punjab, close to Ladakh and the Pakistani border, on Wednesday.
Modi Govt Gives Access to Indian Army in Jammu & Kashmir to Acquire Land Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- Inching towards the first anniversary of scrapping Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)'s special status on 5 August, the Narendra Modi government has taken a string of steps. The steps involve new domicile rules which allow outsiders to purchase land and get government jobs in J&K.

Iran Conducts Military Exercise With Mock U.S. Aircraft Carrier In Persian Gulf RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has fired a missile from a helicopter targeting a mock U.S. aircraft carrier during military exercises in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, local media reported.
Iran's IRGC holds massive aerial, naval drills off Hormuz Strait Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) is conducting large-scale aerial and naval drills off the strategic Strait of Hormuz and in the Persian Gulf, with the country's first domestic multi-purpose satellite monitoring the process.
Iran Fires Missile At Replica Of US Aircraft Carrier In Persian Gulf Amid Tensions Radio Farda 28 Jul 2020 -- Iranian media on Tuesday reported that a Revolutionary Guard helicopter has fired a Cruise missile at the replica of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf during military exercises dubbed as The Great Prophet-14 (Payambar-e Azam 14).
Long-range ballistic missiles used in Prophet Mohammad 14 drills IRNA 28 Jul 2020 -- Spokesman for Prophet Mohammad 14 drills Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan said ballistic and cruise missile defense operations have been conducted and some surprising weapons and equipment like long-range ballistic missiles were used during the military exercise.
IRGC launches final stage of joint military exercise in southern Iran ISNA 28 Jul 2020 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday launched the final stage of a large-scale and joint military exercise named "Payambar-e Azam 14" in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's weapons development based on enemy's weaknesses, strengths: IRGC cmdr IRNA 28 Jul 2020 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami said on Tuesday that the development of Iran's armament matches the threat and recognition of the enemy's weaknesses and strengths.
IRGC commander: Iran won't initiate aggression, but is fully offensive in tactics Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran will never initiate any offensive, but assumes a fully offensive mode when it comes to tactical and operational performance.

US allows South Korea to use solid fuel in space launch vehicles, missiles Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- South Korea says it has reached an agreement with the United States to use solid fuel for space launch vehicles, a move that would facilitate Seoul's plans to enhance surveillance capabilities over the Korean Peninsula and build more powerful missiles.
South Korea Allowed to Develop Own Rocket Fuel VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- South Korea said Tuesday it has reached an agreement with the United States that will allow it to use solid rocket fuel for space vehicles, a change that will enable the country to launch its first military surveillance satellites and develop the technology to build more powerful missiles.

Taiwan military hopes to be invited to 2020 RIMPAC as observer CNA 28 Jul 2020 -- Taiwan is still hoping to receive an invitation to participate as an observer in the world's largest international maritime drill to be staged next month, a Ministry of National Defense (MND) spokesman said Tuesday.
Control Yuan orders corrective measures over Black Hawk crash CNA 28 Jul 2020 -- The Control Yuan on Tuesday made public its demands that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) under the transportation ministry take steps to correct major errors that contributed to a helicopter crash in January in which eight military officers were killed.

Turkey Can Address US Concerns About S-400/F-35 Compatibility Issues, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- The United States should reconsider its decision to suspend Turkey from the F-35 aircraft programme and stands ready to address any issues related to the S-400 air defence system's and F-35 jet's compatibility, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Tuesday.
Turkish Military Sees Opportunity in Vulnerable and War-Torn Places VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- A Turkish government decision earlier this month to turn back Istanbul's historic Hagia Sophia into a mosque after more than 80 years as a museum has renewed debate over the direction of the Muslim country, with some experts saying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, through his expansionist policies at home and abroad, is attempting to revive a new Ottoman Empire.

Kuwait - M1A2K Training Ammunition DSCA 28 Jul 2020 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of various M1A2K training ammunition and related equipment for an estimated cost of $59.6 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Ranking Member Menendez Publishes New Report Documenting Trump Administration's Decimation of the State Department US Senate Foreign Relations Committee 28 Jul 2020 -- The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democratic Staff today published a new report documenting the Trump administration's decimation of the State Department. Commissioned by Ranking Member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the report is a comprehensive examination of the Trump administration's assault on U.S. diplomacy.
SFRC Democratic Staff Report Release - "Diplomacy in Crisis: The Trump Administration’s Decimation of the State Department" - Remarks by Ranking Member Menendez Office of Senator Menendez 28 Jul 2020
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Availability with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds US Dept. of State 28 Jul 2020

Defense Industry

Contracts For July 28, 2020

Other Conflicts

28 July 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 Jul 2020

China hits back at Australia, defends sovereignty in South China Sea Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Beijing has defended its sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea after Australia joined the United States in rejecting China's territorial claims over a disputed group of islands in the strategic waterway, saying its rights have been historically established.

Yemen: Crisis reaches new low, top UN officials tell Security Council UN News 28 Jul 2020 -- The humanitarian crisis in Yemen has never been worse, with conflict escalating, famine on the horizon, the economy in tatters and COVID-19 out of control, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Tuesday as they issued a fresh call for an immediate ceasefire.
Yemen Faces New Famine Threat VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- The United Nations warned Tuesday that its humanitarian operation in Yemen is vastly underfunded and "on the verge of collapse," as COVID-19 ramps up and millions of people face extreme hunger in a matter of weeks.

China, India complete troops disengagement in most border locations: FM Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- Chinese and Indian border troops on the frontline have completed disengagement in most locations following close communications between the two sides via military and diplomatic channels, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Chengdu Consulate Closure Likely to Slow US Information Gathering on Tibet Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2020 -- China's closing on Monday of the U.S. consulate in Chengdu, a move taken in retaliation for Washington's shutdown last week of a Chinese consulate in Houston, will now hamper U.S. efforts to gather data on human rights violations in Tibet and other Tibetan-populated areas of western China, sources said.

Lebanon Calls for Caution After Israel-Hezbollah Clashes VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab said Tuesday that Israel had violated his country's sovereignty with what he called a "dangerous military escalation" after Israeli and Hezbollah forces traded cross-border fire Monday.
Lebanon PM: Israel tried to change battle rules with border attack Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Lebanon's prime minister warns sternly about potential escalation in the aftermath of a recent Israeli border incursion, saying the occupying regime is trying to manipulate the rules of engagement with the country.
Lebanon Blames Israel for Violating Country's Sovereignty, Conducting Hostilities Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- Israel has violated the sovereignty of Lebanon and conducted "dangerous" military operations at the border between the two countries, Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced on Tuesday following the recent security incident.
Israeli Army Reports Detecting Suspicious Activity on Border With Lebanon Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday they had detected individuals deemed suspicious on the border with Lebanon, dubbed the "Blue Line" to mark the color of helmets of UN peacekeepers who were deployed there after Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000.

Kuchma Quits As Presidential Envoy In Group For Resolving Conflict In Ukraine RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has left the post of presidential envoy in the trilateral contact group on resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian armed forces in the country's east.

Ethnic Karens Press Myanmar Army to Remove Troops Over Killing of Civilian Radio Free Asia 28 Jul 2020 -- Thousands of ethnic Karens rallied in southeastern Myanmar's Kayin state on Tuesday, adding a demand that the government withdraw troops from their district to previous calls for justice for a woman shot dead by two soldiers in her home this month.

Five Pakistani Commandos, Two Suspected Militants Killed In Early Morning Raid RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- Police say five Pakistani counterterrorism commandos and two suspected militants were killed in a raid on a militant hideout in northwestern Pakistan.

Turkey suspends Mediterannean oil research plan as goodwill gesture to Greece Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Turkey says it has suspended plans for seismic research for oil in the eastern Mediterranean Sea as a goodwill gesture amid ongoing talks with neighboring Greece.

Dozens Killed in Sudan, South Sudan Inter-Communal Fighting VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Armed men suspected of being from South Sudan's Greater Pibor Administrative Area stormed a village Monday in Bor County, killing roughly 17 people according to eyewitnesses and state authorities – the latest attack in a wave of deadly inter-communal clashes across the region.

UN-African Union mission condemns recent spate of deadly attacks in Darfur UN News 28 Jul 2020 -- The joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur, UNAMID, is calling for the Sudanese Government to arrest those responsible for the recent spike in violent attacks against peaceful protestors, civilians and displaced persons in various locations across the province.

News Reports

Portland Riots Read-out: July 28 DHS 28 Jul 2020
Barr Defends Tough Federal Response to Protests VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- U.S. Attorney General William Barr staunchly defended sending hundreds of federal agents to Portland, Oregon, and elsewhere to quell violent protests, while opposition Democrats accused him of violating the civil rights of peaceful protesters.
US federal forces brutally clamp down on Portland protesters Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Brutal US agents have once again clamped down on pro-justice protesters staging daily rallies in Portland, Oregon, as more groups join the lines of protesters there.
US mayors urge Congress to block Trump federal deployment against protesters Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Several US mayors have urged Congress to halt President Donald Trump's deployment of federal forces to their cities, saying the move has escalated tensions at anti-racism protests in the country.
US Federal Agents in Portland for Protests Reportedly Expected to Stay Until Mid-October Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- US federal agents that are currently in Portland to quell violence are expected to stay in the city until mid-October, CNN reported on Tuesday citing an email it obtained from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Portland Mayor Calls For 'Immediate Meeting' With DHS Chiefs to Discuss 'Cease-Fire', Fed Removal Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- As civil unrest in Portland continues amid massive anti-racism protests spanning the United States, President Donald Trump has reportedly deployed 100 additional federal officers to the region as a means of quelling the protests.

The United States Designates Two ISIS Facilitators US Dept. of State 28 Jul 2020 -- Today, the United States continued its efforts to disrupt the financial and logistical support networks that sustain ISIS operations in the Middle East and around the world by designating two ISIS facilitators.
Treasury Designates Key ISIS Financial Facilitators in the Middle East US Treasury 28 Jul 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) financial facilitators located respectively in Syria and Turkey for providing financial support to ISIS.

Ex-Malaysian PM to Appeal Conviction on Corruption Charges, Prison Sentence VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said Tuesday he will appeal his conviction of seven criminal charges in connection with the looting of state-owned 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) investment fund and the 12-year prison sentence imposed on him.
Ex-Malaysian PM Convicted for Looting State-owned Investment Fund VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was convicted Tuesday of seven criminal charges in connection with the looting of state-owned 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Berhad) investment fund.
Malaysia's ex-PM Najib Razak found guilty on all corruption charges Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak has been found guilty of corruption over the misappropriation of state funds.
Ex-Malaysian Prime Minister Sentenced to 12 Years in Jail in Corruption Case Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- Malaysian English-language newspaper The Star earlier reported that former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had been found guilty of all seven charges in the graft trial linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 28, 2020 PRC MofA 28 Jul 2020
Xi renews China's support for multilateralism Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reiterated China's support for the global multilateral system and commitment to pursue development with the rest of the world in the spirit of openness and mutually-beneficial cooperation, in what Chinese analysts called an apparent rebuttal of a rising tide of unilateralism and anti-globalization amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Xi calls for making AIIB new platform for building community with shared future for mankind PLA Daily 28 Jul 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for making the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) a new platform that promotes development for all its members and facilitates the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
China to make firm response against outrageous, unreasonable US: FM Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said that China will make firm and rational responses against the US whose behaviors are outrageous and unreasonable.
As China 'will definitely retaliate' military provocation, experts warn US not to escalate tensions Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- The increasing tensions between China and the US, the worsening COVID-19 epidemic situation, as well as the declining approval ratings of US President Donald Trump have raised concerns, among strategists and experts, of a military conflict between the two nuclear-armed powers caused by the dangerous US attempts.
China will take 'all measures necessary' after 11 Chinese entities added to US entity list: MOFCOM Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- China will take "all measures necessary" to safeguard the legitimate interests of Chinese businesses, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in response to the US' export restrictions on a list of 11 Chinese entities. The US has damaged the global trade order, MOFCOM said on Tuesday.
U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu ordered to close People's Daily 28 Jul 2020 -- At 10 a.m. on Monday, as required by China, the U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu was closed. Relevant Chinese authorities then entered through the front entrance and took over the premises, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on its website.
Beijing Blasts US 'Reckless Provocation of Confrontation' After Consulate Closures Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- The US Consulate General in the Chinese city of Chengdu was shut down on 27 July following an order from Beijing, according to the country's Foreign Ministry.
China Encourages India to Join Forces Against 'Hegemon' US After Pompeo Proposes Coalition Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in an address in London last week proposed an international coalition against China. Meanwhile, considering India's border conflict with Beijing, Washington has offered steadfast support and cooperation to New Delhi over the past few weeks.
As US, Australia Hang Tough on China, Singapore Seeks Stability Radio Free Asia 28 Jul 2020 -- Singapore's leader on Tuesday appealed for stability in the increasingly tense relationship between the United States and China relations, expressing concern that either the two world powers could clash, or that the U.S. could turn its back on the region.
NZ should not be hijacked by Five Eyes, observers warn after Wellington suspends extradition treaty with HK Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- New Zealand on Tuesday announced the suspension of its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, the fourth country to do so in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, but Chinese analysts warned on Tuesday Wellington not to play petty tricks, hoping to show loyalty to the anti-China coalition without damaging bilateral ties with Beijing.
China reserves right to further respond to NZ suspension of extradition treaty with HKSAR Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- China on Tuesday expressed strong opposition to New Zealand's wrong move of suspending its extradition treaty with the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR), which is based on the wrong interpretation of the national security law for Hong Kong, and reserves the right to further respond.
China decides to suspend HKSAR's extradition treaties with Canada, Australia, UK: FM Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- China on Tuesday announced the suspension of extradition treaties and agreements on mutual assistance for criminal matters between the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) and Canada, Australia and the UK in response to the three countries' interference in China's domestic affairs.
EU to limit technology exports to Hong Kong over security law: Sources Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- The European Union (EU) has decided to restrict the export of technology to Hong Kong that might be used for what the bloc calls surveillance and repression, sources say, after China introduced a uniform national security law in the semi-autonomous city.
China suspends Hong Kong's extradition treaties with UK, Canada, Australia Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- China has announced the suspension of extradition treaties between Hong Kong and Canada, Australia, and Britain, in response to similar moves by those countries.
Hong Kong Mulls Postponing Election Amid Ongoing Crackdown on Dissent Radio Free Asia 28 Jul 2020 -- Amid an ever-widening crackdown on opposition voices and activism in Hong Kong, city leaders met on Tuesday to discuss postponing September's legislative elections, as the University of Hong Kong (HKU) fired a democracy activist and prominent legal scholar for "misconduct."
Germany to Stop Exporting Weapons, Dual-Use Products to Hong Kong, Foreign Minister Maas Says Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- Germany, as part of the European Union's reaction to China's national security law for Hong Kong, will stop exporting weapons and dual-use goods to the region, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said.
Expelled from China's Communist Party, Tycoon Ren Ziqiang Faces Criminal Prosecution VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Disappeared for calling China's authoritarian leader Xi Jinping a "clown," Chinese property tycoon Ren Ziqiang has been kicked out of the Communist Party and now faces a criminal investigation that could end with prosecution.
China receives data from newly-launched mapping satellite Global Times 28 Jul 2020 -- Remote sensing satellite ground stations in China have received data from the newly-launched mapping satellite Ziyuan III 03, sources with the Chinese Academy of Sciences said on Monday.

6th National Conference of War Veterans Held KCNA 28 Jul 2020 -- The 6th National Conference of War Veterans was held splendidly in Pyongyang at the April 25 House of Culture on Monday.
Human rights report details 'heartbreaking' accounts of women detained in DPRK UN News 28 Jul 2020 -- Women forcibly returned to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are subjected to torture, ill treatment, sexual abuse, and other violations, according to a report published on Tuesday by the UN Human Rights office.
Report: Women Forcibly Deported by China to North Korea Suffer Appalling Abuse VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- The U.N. human rights office says North Korean women, who escaped to China and were subsequently forcibly deported to their home country, are subjected to horrific abuse, including imprisonment, torture and sexual violence.

US must put end to illegal, unlawful measures: Iran gov't spox IRNA 28 Jul 2020 -- Iranian Government spokesman Ali Rabiee on Tuesday said that the US must terminate its illegal and unlawful moves before it is too late.
Iran urges other countries not to be deceived by US over arms embargo ISNA 28 Jul 2020 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Mohsen Baharvand has urged other countries not to be deceived by the US, which is trying to have the UN's arms embargo on Iran extended.
President Rouhani receives successive requests from American officials for negotiation ISNA 28 Jul 2020 -- Iran's President described the producers and activists of the petrochemical and steel industries as soldiers at the forefront of the country's important economic and export front, and said that in the petrochemical and steel sectors we have passed crude sales, emphasizing that the products of all steel and even petrochemical chain links in the country have almost doubled in the government of Prudence and Hope, which is a great development in these two fields.
South Korea must abandon illegal policies on Iran frozen assets: Government spokesman Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Government spokesman Ali Rabiei has called on South Korea to abandon its "illegal" policies and release the Iranian assets that it has frozen due to the US sanctions so that Tehran can step up its fight against a deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Iran imposes fresh limit on cash withdrawals from banks Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has ordered a new limit on withdrawal of cash from banks amid toughening of rules on money laundering and also concerns about hoarding money because of the new coronavirus pandemic.
While China Says No Oil From Iran In June, Three Tankers Arrived In Recent Weeks Radio Farda 28 Jul 2020 -- While the latest customs data from China show no imports of Iranian oil in June, data intelligence firm Kepler told Radio Farda Iran has shipped oil to the Asian economic giant.
A Newspaper In Iran Is Censured For Interview Defending People's Right To Revolt Radio Farda 28 Jul 2020 -- Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which oversees censorship in the clergy-dominated country, has cnesured Etemad, a local pro-reform daily for an interview touching upon the sensitive issue of revolt against the regime.
Iranian Delegation To Visit Ukraine To Discuss Compensation For Shooting Down Passenger Jet RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- An Iranian delegation will visit Ukraine later this week to discuss compensation for a Ukrainian jet shot down by Iran on January 8, the Ukrainian foreign minister has said.
Fuel Trucks Catch Fire In Western Iranian City Of Kermanshah RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- Several fuel tankers have caught fire at a truck park near the western Iranian city of Kermanshah, sparking panic among local residents.
Blast Reported in Western Iranian Province of Kermanshah Sputnik 28 Jul 2020 -- Over the past few weeks, a series of fires and explosions have hit sensitive Iranian facilities. In early July, a blaze swept through a uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, and a blast was reported at a gas storage tank east of Tehran. In mid-July, a fire broke out at a plant producing liquefied natural gas in the city of Fariman.

Iraqi PM orders swift investigation into deadly Baghdad protest Press TV 28 Jul 2020 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has ordered police to launch a swift probe into the deaths of two protesters during clashes with security forces in the capital Baghdad on the weekend.

Tajikistan Limits Power Due To Low Water At Hydroelectric Dam RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- Tajikistan's national energy company Barqi Tojik says it will impose restrictions on the supply of electricity due to a dramatic drop in water levels in a reservoir used to generate hydroelectric power.

Erdogan Seeks to Tame Social Media, Again VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Turkey is poised to introduce drastic measures to control social media platforms.

Journalists Detained Near KGB Building In Minsk Amid Crackdown On Press RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- Belarusian police have detained at least 11 journalists near the KGB security service building in the capital, Minsk, in the latest crackdown on the press ahead of the country's upcoming presidential election.

Turkmenistan Squeezes Students Abroad, Pressuring Them To Return Home RFE/RL 28 Jul 2020 -- A crowd of people lining up at the foreign-transfer desk is a familiar scene at Dashoguz's state-run Senagat Bank, one of the few places locals can use to send money to their relatives abroad.

Briefing With Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams On Recent Developments in U.S.-Venezuela Policy US Dept. of State 28 Jul 2020
Public Designation of Former Officials of the Illegitimate Maduro Regime Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption US Dept. of State 28 Jul 2020 -- Today, I am announcing the designation of former Venezuelan Minister of Electric Power and President of Corpoelec, Luis Alfredo Motta Dominguez, and former Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Finance, Investment, and Strategic Alliances for the Ministry of Electric Power and Director of Procurement of Corpoelec, Eustiquio Jose Lugo Gomez.

Mali Opposition Rejects Proposed Compromise, Demands President Resign VOA 28 Jul 2020 -- Opposition leaders in Mali are rejecting a plan by ECOWAS, a grouping of West African governments, to end the country's spiraling crisis, and are insisting that Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resign. This announcement came as West African leaders on Monday called for the creation of a unity government in Mali and a fresh vote after disputed elections, but warned of sanctions against those opposing efforts to end the crisis.

Lao Villagers Displaced by Dams in Luang Prabang Still Wait for Promised Land Radio Free Asia 28 Jul 2020 -- More than 600 families displaced by the construction of two dams in a northern Lao province five years ago are still waiting for land on which to farm and permanently settle, and are calling on authorities for help, Lao sources say.

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