COVID-19 - Daily News

16 September 2020 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

Exclusive: Taliban's Expanding 'Financial Power' Could Make It 'Impervious' To Pressure, Confidential NATO Report Warns RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- The Taliban's burgeoning financial might could make the militant group immune to pressure from the international community as it negotiates a role in postwar Afghanistan, according to a confidential report commissioned by NATO and obtained by RFE/RL.
Taliban Says Ending Decades-Long Afghan War in 1 Hour 'Makes No Sense' Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- Ending the war in Afghanistan which has been ongoing for the last 20 years in just one hour makes no sense, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said on Wednesday, adding that the movement will not agree to a ceasefire with the Kabul administration until sides will discuss the main causes of the conflict.
Taliban Attacks Continue as Peace Negotiations Progress VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Multiple Taliban attacks in three provinces across northern Afghanistan since Tuesday killed at least 17 people, including six civilians, and wounded scores of others even as a Taliban political team was negotiating peace with Afghan government representatives in Doha, Qatar.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Administration Releases COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Strategy DoD 16 Sep 2020 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) today released two documents outlining the Trump Administration's detailed strategy to deliver safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses to the American people as quickly and reliably as possible.
Defense Experience, Capabilities Further 'Herculean' Operation Warp Speed Efforts DoD News 16 Sep 2020 -- Since announced in May the "Operation Warp Speed" program has worked to develop, manufacture and distribute medical countermeasures for COVID-19. Along with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Defense Department is an integral part of that effort, said the DOD's chief of supply and distribution for OWS.
US Government Releases Plan to Distribute Free COVID-19 Vaccines to All Americans Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- The US Department of Defense and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have outlined a plan to make a future COVID-19 vaccine available for free to all Americans.

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. James Anderson Co-Chairs the 11th Strategic Security Policy Dialogue in Singapore DoD 16 Sep 2020 -- Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. James Anderson and Singapore Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Heng Kee co-chaired the 11th Strategic Security Policy Dialogue in Singapore today.
Strengthening Partnerships: UK and U.S. Navies Conduct Mine Hunting and Countermeasures Exercise CENTCOM 16 Sep 2020 -- UK Royal Navy and U.S. Navy forces participated in a mine countermeasures (MCM) interoperability exercise in the Arabian Gulf Sept. 9-17.
PDO Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Dr. Michael Cutrone Conducts Virtual Discussion With Members of the Defeat-ISIS Global Coalition DoD 16 Sep 2020
Secretary of Defense Engagement at RAND Corporation (Complete Transcript) DoD 16 Sep 2020
Technology Proliferation, Influence Ops May Be as Disruptive as COVID-19 DoD News 16 Sep 2020 -- The COVID-19 pandemic has been globally disruptive in nearly every facet of life. But other things may prove as disruptive in the future, said leaders of the military intelligence community.
Esper Describes Steps to Maintaining Future Maritime Superiority DoD News 16 Sep 2020 -- In this era of great power competition, the Defense Department has prioritized China, then Russia as its top strategic competitors, the defense secretary said.
Esper: Air Force, Space Force Leading Charge to New Technologies DoD News 16 Sep 2020 -- New technologies are fundamentally changing the character of war and the two Air Force services are leading that charge, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said at the Air Force Association's Virtual Air, Space & Cyber Conference today.
The Wake Island Avengers have Arrived USMC News 16 Sep 2020 -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 deployed for training to Royal Air Force Marham in the early evening of 03 September, 2020.
Pentagon Seeks to Boost Funding for New Navy Ships Amid China's Buildup - Esper Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- The Department of Defense seeks to increase funding for shipbuilding in the Navy budget from 11 percent to 13 percent, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said during an event hosted by RAND Corporation on Wednesday.
US Amphibious Assault Ship Joins Destroyer for Operations in Black Sea Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- The Russian military has reported a major spike in NATO military activity in the Black Sea in recent weeks, with Russia repeatedly scrambling fighter jets to intercept bombers, spy planes and reconnaissance drones, and tracking warships traversing the body of water.
Acquisition chief calls for disruptive agility, new digital paradigm US Air Force 16 Sep 2020 -- Addressing the Air Force Association's 2020 Virtual Air, Space and Cyber conference, Sept. 15, Dr. Will Roper, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, heralded the need for acquisition agility through digital engineering to disrupt the nation's adversaries.
U.S. Navy Conducts Follow-on Joint Operations with NATO in the Black Sea US Navy 16 Sep 2020 -- Following operations in the Adriatic Sea, U.S. Navy and NATO units again conducted a joint maritime and air training mission in the Black Sea, Sept. 15, 2020.

US Bans Marine Scientific Research in its Waters Without Consent Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2020 -- The United States has updated its policy on marine scientific research, requiring foreign ships to request permission before entering U.S. waters. It is the latest step by Washington to align U.S. law with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as it seeks to champion a rules-based order despite criticism from China for not ratifying the convention.
On Presidential Revisions to the U.S. Marine Scientific Research Policy by the President of The United States US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020 -- To improve our ability to explore, map, and inventory waters under U.S. jurisdiction and ocean resources, increase our maritime domain awareness, and enhance maritime security, the United States has updated its policy on marine scientific research (MSR).

Secretary General welcomes Iraqi Foreign Minister at NATO Headquarters NATO 16 Sep 2020 -- Today (16 September 2020), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Foreign Minister of Iraq Mr. Fuad Mohammad Hussein, at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

Two Russian Strategic Missile Carriers Tu-160 Fly Over Baltic Sea, Escorted by Foreign Aircraft Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- Recently, the United States has intensified reconnaissance flights near the Russian border, namely over the Baltic and the Black Seas, the Russian military said.

PLA Xizang Military Command sends first detachment for UN peacekeeping operations PLA Daily 16 Sep 2020 -- The PLA Xizang Military Command held a ceremony in Lhasa to see off the 24th Chinese peacekeeping medical detachment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on September 10. The medical detachment departed Lhasa on Monday for the DRC to join the 24th Chinese peacekeeping force to the DRC. It is the first time that the Xizang Military Command has dispatched servicepersons for international peacekeeping mission.

Third marine dies from injuries sustained in July drill CNA 16 Sep 2020 -- A Marine sergeant who was seriously injured after falling overboard during a military drill in July passed away on Wednesday after being hospitalized for two months, according to the Navy.

Pyongyang May Resume Submarine-Launched Missile Tests Amid Soured Negotiations - Seoul Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) ongoing repairs to one of its shipyards signal the possible resumption of underwater ballistic missile testing, according to recent remarks issued by the top general of South Korea's air force.

Modernisation of Armed Forces India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- The details of Budget Estimates (BE), Revised Estimates (RE) and Actual Expenditure (Actuals) on the modernization(Capital Acquisition) of Armed Forces, under Defence Services Estimates (DSE), for the last five years and the current year are as under:-
New Initiative in Defence Sector India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- First batch of five Rafale aircraft has been inducted and operationalised at Air Force Station Ambala. Induction ceremony was conducted on 10th September, 2020.
Defence Capital Procurement India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- During last financial year (2019-20), 38 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors and 32 contracts have been signed with Foreign vendors. During current Financial Year 2020-21 (Upto July, 2020), 10 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors and 6 contracts have been signed with Foreign vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment for Armed Forces.
Indian and U.S. Defense Delegations conduct Virtual Discussion on Defense Cooperation India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- The 10th Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Group Meeting was held virtually on September 15, 2020.

Kazakhstan Says Military Drills In Belarus Separate From Political Situation There RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- Kazakhstan's Defense Ministry says military maneuvers scheduled to be held in Belarus in October by the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have nothing to do with ongoing protests against Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

UK's Air Chief Warns Arms Race in Space Could End in Disaster Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- States, including Russia, have expressed concerns before about the militarisation of space and how it could potentially lead to the destruction of the existing security balance they have been trying to maintain over the last several decades.

Defense Ministry dismisses 'speculation' about new U.S. arms sales CNA 16 Sep 2020 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday that a foreign news report about the United States planning to sell seven major weapons systems to Taiwan was nothing more than "media speculation."

Foreign Secretary statement in Washington DC, 16 September 2020 UK FCDO 16 Sep 2020 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave a statement at a press conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the US.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020
Briefing With Senior State Department Official On the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, and Texas US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany | 9/16/20 The White House 16 Sep 2020

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 16, 2020

Other Conflicts

UN war crimes panel urges Turkey to rein in allied militants in N Syria Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- A panel of United Nations war crimes investigators has called on Turkey to rein in allied militants in northern Syria, who may have committed a range of war crimes against civilians, including hostage-taking, rape and torture.

Rocket hits Baghdad's high security Green Zone Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- A Katyusha rocket has hit an area in Baghdad's Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, including the US embassy, an Iraqi security source says.

Libya's Prime Minister Sarraj to resign soon: Report Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj will announce his resignation soon, a report says, amid ongoing negotiations with a rival power camp about the political future of the country.
Head of Libya's GNA Sarraj Says Will Transfer Powers to Executive Authority by End-October Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- The head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Sarraj, announced his intention to transfer his powers to a new executive authority by the end of October.

Myanmar's Rakhine War Produces Grim Child Casualty Toll Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2020 -- The intensifying war in Rakhine state between Myanmar government troops and rebel Arakan Army soldiers, often fought in populated civilian areas, is killing and maiming increasing numbers of children, international and domestic NGOs say.
Myanmar army admits to 'possible wider patterns' of violence against Rohingya Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Myanmar's military has for the first time admitted to "possible wider patterns of violations" against Rohingya Muslims, who are a minority in the Buddhist-majority country.

India boasts winter war supplies, but its logistics are 'not as good as it claims' Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- India is engaging in psychological warfare by claiming that its army is preparing for winter as tensions between China and India rise, observers said, noting that neither the transportation nor the supplies of the Indian army in the glacier-covered region is as good as India claims.
Foreign ministers' meeting to provide political impetus to ease border situation: Chinese envoy PLA Daily 16 Sep 2020 -- The recent bilateral meeting between foreign ministers of China and India will provide political impetus to ease the border situation and promote bilateral relations, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong said Monday.
India Denies Chinese Infiltration Despite Ladakh Ingress, '100-200 Rounds of Warning Shots' by PLA Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- The security situation along India's border with Pakistan and China have become tense: New Delhi has accused Islamabad of violating their ceasefire on the western border, and claimed that the China's People's Liberation Army has made multiple incursion attempts on the loosely-demarcated Line of Actual Control.
India Ramps Up Stockpiles in Ladakh Region for the Long Haul to Address Chinese Threat, Sources Say Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- India was caught by surprise by Chinese aggression in Ladakh in May this year, which led to a violent face-off by mid-June which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers. While New Delhi, through diplomatic and military channels urged the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to pull back, it remains entrenched at two friction points in eastern Ladakh.
China Deploys 10,000 Additional Troops Along Ladakh Border, Indian Gov't Sources Claim Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- Both India and China have been amassing troops in the Himalayan territory of Ladakh, where the two rivals have been engaged in a stand-off for five months. The heavy deployment of artillery and military logistics continues while diplomatic talks are underway to diffuse tensions.

Cases of Infiltration from Pakistan and China India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- The number of cases of attempted infiltration along Indo-Pakistan border during the last six months are as under:

Indian Soldier Killed, Two Injured After Pakistani Troops Open Fire on Kashmir Border Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- India continues to face a two-front threat on its border, with tensions intensifying with China on the Line of Actual Control and with Pakistan at the Line of Control in contested Jammu and Kashmir. This year has seen the highest number of Pakistani ceasefire violations in 17 years, India alleges, claiming there have been 3,186 such incidents.
Infiltration by Pakistani Militants/ Terrorists India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- The details of infiltration by Pakistani militants in Jammu and Kashmir during the last two years and the current year (upto July, 2020) are as under: -
Steps to Restore Peace in Kashmir India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- The number of civilians killed and security personnel got martyrdom during the period 05.08.2019 to 10.09.2020 in Jammu and Kashmir are as under: -

Steps to Check Maoist/Naxal Activities India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- There has been a steady decline in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) related violence and geographical spread of LWE influence in the country.

Israel normalizes ties with UAE, Bahrain, but Mideast peace still in question People's Daily 16 Sep 2020 -- Israel signed on Tuesday normalization accords with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, but Palestine claimed they will not achieve peace in the Middle East.
Qatari Envoy to US Says Normalizing Ties With Israel First Requires Two-State Solution VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Qatar has no objection to normalizing ties with Israel if "the conditions are proper" and there is a commitment to a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, Qatar's ambassador to Washington Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani told VOA.

Since Ethiopia-Eritrea Peace Deal, Little to Show: Analysts VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Analysts say a peace deal reached between Eritrea and Ethiopia in July 2018 has brought few tangible benefits, with trade routes still blocked and tension on the border still rife. They note that regional strong men in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which borders Eritrea, have yet to forge a lasting peace deal with the leadership in Asmara. The border has yet to be demarcated and heavily armed soldiers still man disputed areas.

Cyprus president says ready for talks with Turkey 'without threats' Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades says his country is ready to engage in dialogue with Turkey on the eastern Mediterranean dispute but only 'without blackmail and threats.'
Turkey complains Greece militarizing Chios; extends drilling activity off Cyprus Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Turkey complains that Greece has been militarizing the island of Chios in a move that runs counter to a historic treaty, while at the same time, Ankara has announced the extension of drilling activity in the disputed Mediterranean waters.

South Sudan: Progress on peace agreement 'limps along', UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 16 Sep 2020 -- Although the transitional government in South Sudan continues to function, with state governors now appointed, among other developments, progress on the 2018 peace agreement "limps along", the top UN official in the country told a virtual meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday.

Nine Bosnian Serbs Arrested Over Wartime Killings, As Serb Officials Honor Convicted War Criminal RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- Authorities in Bosnia-Herzegovina say they have arrested nine ethnic Serbs suspected of involvement in the killings of 44 Muslim Bosniak civilians during the 1992-95 Bosnian War.

News Reports

Anarchist Groups Tied to Riots in 4 US Cities VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Far-right groups in America such as the anti-government Boogaloo Boys have long used a host of tactics and platforms to incite violence, including dehumanizing memes, online forums and organized militias.

No Signs of Cyberattacks Targeting US Election Systems VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Top U.S. law enforcement, military and intelligence officials are expressing confidence in their ability to maintain the security of the upcoming presidential election, despite mounting evidence that several countries remain intent on meddling with the vote.
FBI Has Not Detected Any Foreign Attacks on US Election Infrastructure - Director Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has not identified any foreign attacks on US election infrastructure since the start of the year, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in an address to the National Cybersecurity Summit.

FBI Strategy Addresses Evolving Cyber Threat FBI 16 Sep 2020 -- Director Wray Emphasizes Closer Partnerships to Combat Cyber Threats and Impose Greater Costs to Cyber Actors
Cuccinelli Condemns House Homeland Security Committee Majority for Ignoring Worldwide Threats DHS 16 Sep 2020 -- On Wednesday, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) refused DHS's multiple offers to have a senior department official present at a hearing on worldwide threats.

FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich's Remarks at Press Conference on China-Related Cyber Indictments FBI 16 Sep 2020 -- FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich delivered the following remarks during a press conference in Washington, D.C. with Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and other officials announcing charges against seven international cyber defendants, including APT 41 actors, in connection with computer intrusion campaigns against more than 100 victims globally. (Remarks as delivered)
Remarks by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen at an Announcement of Charges and Arrests in Computer Intrusion Campaigns Related to China US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2020
US Charges 5 Chinese, 2 Malaysians in Global Computer Intrusion Campaign VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- U.S. prosecutors announced criminal charges on Wednesday against five suspected Chinese hackers and two Malaysian businessmen in connection with cyber intrusions in recent years on more than 100 companies and other entities in the United States and in other countries.

US Sanctions 2 Russians in Crypto Theft Scheme VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- The U.S. government announced sanctions Wednesday on two Russian nationals for their role in the theft of at least $16.8 million worth of cryptocurrency.
The United States Sanctions Russian Nationals for Phishing Campaign US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020 -- Today, in a coordinated action with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned two Russian nationals for their involvement in a sophisticated phishing campaign in 2017 and 2018 that targeted customers of two U.S.-based, and one foreign-based, virtual asset service providers, commonly known as cryptocurrency exchanges.
Treasury Sanctions Russian Cyber Actors for Virtual Currency Theft US Treasury 16 Sep 2020 -- Today, in a coordinated action with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two Russian nationals for their involvement in a sophisticated phishing campaign in 2017 and 2018 that targeted customers of two U.S.-based and one foreign-based virtual asset service providers.
Two Iranian Nationals Charged in Cyber Theft Campaign Targeting Computer Systems in United States, Europe, and the Middle East US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2020 -- Two Iranian nationals have been charged in connection with a coordinated cyber intrusion campaign - sometimes at the behest of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran) - targeting computers in New Jersey, elsewhere in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, the Department of Justice announced today.

United States Citizen Who Joined ISIS Charged With Material Support Violations US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2020 -- An indictment and arrest warrant were unsealed today in the federal court of the District of Columbia charging Lirim Sylejmani, a Kosovo-born naturalized U.S. citizen, with conspiring to provide, providing, and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and receiving training from ISIS, in violation of 18 U.S.C. �� 2339B and 2339D.
Minnesota Man Charged with Providing Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2020 -- Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced that Abdelhamid Al-Madioum, 23, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has been charged by indictment with providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Navalny Case Should Not Be Linked To Nord Stream 2 Pipeline, Kremlin Says RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- The Kremlin said on September 16 that there should be no connection between the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany and the case of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, who Berlin says was poisoned in Russia with a nerve agent.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on September 16, 2020 PRC MofA 16 Sep 2020
FM criticizes US sanctions on Chinese company for 'building military base' in Cambodia Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has criticized the US for groundlessly accusing a Chinese company of assisting in the building of a military base in Cambodia.
FM slams US attempts to drive wedge between China and other Mekong countries Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has criticized the US for groundlessly accusing a Chinese company of assisting in the building of a military base in Cambodia.
Cambodia Slams US Sanctions on Chinese Developer as Attack on Sovereignty Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2020 -- Cambodia's government on Wednesday condemned the U.S. Department of Treasury's decision to sanction a Chinese developer building a massive project in the country's Koh Kong province over graft and rights abuses, calling the allegations "false" and saying the jungle resort plan was going ahead.
US firms welcome to increase their investment in China: MOFCOM Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- US firms can share China's development dividends and are welcome to increase their investment in the country, China's vice minister of commerce told US business representatives while urging their government to meet China halfway to maintain bilateral ties.
Aussie spying on Chinese diplomats' communications 'stupid move' Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- Days after it was revealed that Australian police had searched and questioned Chinese journalists and revoked the visas of some Chinese scholars, Australia reportedly accessed the communications of Chinese diplomats using the excuse of foreign political interference.
China strongly opposes 'infiltration' claims against Chinese diplomats in Australia: FM Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- China has expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to certain Australia media outlets' claim of so-called "infiltration" by the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, saying such accusations are totally baseless and nothing but vicious slanders.
Experts: China Renewing Effort to Squelch US Influence in Southeast Asia VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- The Chinese defense chief's whirlwind tour of Southeast Asia this month will start to roll back growing U.S. influence in the region if China follows up with peaceful action, analysts believe.
US Issues Hong Kong Travel Warning Linked to National Security Law Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2020 -- The U.S. State Department has warned Americans that they should reconsider any travel plans to Hong Kong in the wake of a draconian national security law imposed on the city by Beijing, citing a risk of arbitrary arrest on vaguely-defined offenses under the law.
China's Ruling Party Moves to Exert Control Over Private Sector Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2020 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has issued a directive calling on all private companies to accept its direction when doing business and hiring staff, according to a document published late on Tuesday.
Jacksonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Illegally Exporting Maritime Raiding Craft and Engines to China US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2020 -- Yang Yang (34, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to submit false export information through the federal government's Automated Export System and to fraudulently export to China maritime raiding craft and engines in violation of United States (U.S.) law, and also to attempting to fraudulently export that equipment in violation of U.S. law. Yang faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Detainees Endure Forced Labor in Xinjiang Region Where Disney Filmed Mulan Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2020 -- Detainees at an internment camp in an area of northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), where Disney shot part of its blockbuster film Mulan, are being subjected to forced labor making socks and crushing gravel, according to a local official.
UK Parliament Launches Enquiry Into Xinjiang Internment Camps, Questions British Business Ties Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2020 -- Britain's parliament on Wednesday opened an investigation into British business connections with China's internment camps and use of forced labor in its Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, vowing to find ways to end British firms' support of repression in the region, media and other sources said.

Long March rocket sends 9 satellites into orbit from sea PLA Daily 16 Sep 2020 -- China launched nine satellites on Tuesday with a Long March 11 solid-propellant carrier rocket that blasted off from a ship in the Yellow Sea, achieving the country's first commercial launch at sea.

US to Stop Using Russian Rocket Engine RD-180 in Mid-2020s - United Launch Alliance Sputnik 16 Sep 2020 -- US company United Launch Alliance (ULA) plans to end operation of the Atlas-5 launch vehicle with the Russian RD-180 engine in the mid-2020s, Julie Arnold, an ULA spokeswoman, told Sputnik.

Krach's visit to Taiwan should be punished: expert Global Times 16 Sep 2020 -- The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday urged the US to stop official exchanges with the island of Taiwan, because the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and not open to interference from foreign forces, as the US is planning to send US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach to Taiwan this week for "economic talks" with the authority of the island.
Under Secretary Keith Krach's Travel to Taiwan US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020 -- Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach will travel to Taiwan to attend the memorial service for former President Lee Teng-hui on September 19, 2020.

Recovery Campaign Brisk in South Hwanghae Province KCNA 16 Sep 2020 -- South Hwanghae Province is concentrating efforts on minimizing the damage to crops and eradicating aftereffects of flood by repairing waterways and banks and building new dwelling houses.

US only after destroying Iran econ., ruining lives, UN court told Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's legal advisor in the country's ongoing complaint to the United Nations' top court over US sanctions warns the tribunal about Washington's exclusively destructive ambitions towards Tehran.
US Vows to Restore International Sanctions on Iran VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- The United States vowed to assert a "snapback" of all prior international sanctions on Iran, effective 8 p.m. Eastern Time on September 19, with more announcements to be made this weekend and next week as to exactly how Washington is planning to enforce the "returned U.N. sanctions."
US cannot introduce replacement to JCPOA, Iran's deputy FM says IRNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Mohsen Baharvand said the country will move forward with its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as before.
Rouhani: US failed in snapback invocation IRNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the US administration failed to invoke snapback clause of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) thanks to consensus of the UN Security Council member states terming the US bid as null and void.
Iran won't hesitate to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity against any US' adventurism: Ravanchi ISNA 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi warned that Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right to self-defense to protect its people, defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and secure its national interests against any US' adventurism.
Rouhani congratulates Iranians on assured victory against US over sanctions snapback Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says the United States has suffered a "humiliating defeat" in its push to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism, saying this weekend - the date when Washington claims the UN sanctions will be reinstated against Tehran - will mark a victory for the Iranian nation.
Iran complains to UN over Trump's military threat, stresses right to self-defense Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has complained to the world body over US President Donald Trump's threat to use force against the country, warning that the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to exercise its right to self-defense in the face of any American military adventurism.
Iran's Oil Minister Seeks Help From IRGC Controlled Firm To Export Oil Radio Farda 16 Sep 2020 -- Highlighting his "great efforts to circumvent the sanctions," Islamic Republic Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh disclosed that he had sought assistance from Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters (KAH) to export Iranian oil.

Opposition Figure Kalesnikava Charged With Threatening Belarus's National Security RFE/RL 16 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader Maryya Kalesnikava has been officially charged with calling for action aimed at damaging the country's national security.
Belarusian Opposition Leader Denounces Lukashenko Meeting With Putin VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Belarusian opposition leader and human rights advocate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has expressed regret that President Alexander Lukashenko met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as a leading human rights organization accused Belarusian security forces of unlawfully arresting thousands of people and torturing hundreds of others.

New Atomic Power Plants India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- During the last three years and the current year, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of twelve (12) nuclear power reactors - ten (10) indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to be set up in fleet mode & two (02) units of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation to enhance nuclear power capacity in the country.
Investment in Atomic Energy India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- There are presently twenty-two (22) reactors with a capacity of 6780 MW in operation in the country.

Suga set to take office as Japan's next prime minister People's Daily 16 Sep 2020 -- The cabinet of Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday resigned en masse, ahead of the parliament formally appointing Suga, the newly elected ruling Liberal Democratic Party leader, as the new prime minister.
Japanese PM Abe, cabinet resign ahead of Suga's inauguration People's Daily 16 Sep 2020 -- The outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet resigned en masse Wednesday morning, marking an end to Abe's record-long tenure of nearly eight years.
Japan's lower house of parliament elects Yoshihide Suga as prime minister Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- The lower house of Japan's parliament has elected Yoshihide Suga as prime minister, following the resignation of former PM Shinzo Abe over health issues.
Yoshihide Suga To Become Japan's Next Prime Minister VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Yoshihide Suga will officially become Japan's next prime minister Wednesday.

U.S. Seeks to Recover More Than $300 Million in Additional Assets Traceable to Funds Allegedly Misappropriated from Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2020 -- The Justice Department announced today the filing of civil forfeiture complaints seeking the forfeiture and recovery of more than $300 million in additional assets allegedly associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.

Venezuela abuses amounted to crimes against humanity: UN-appointed panel UN News 16 Sep 2020 -- Grave rights violations against anti-government protesters in Venezuela, "amounted to crimes against humanity", UN-appointed rights investigators said in their first report on abuses inside the Latin American nation.
Venezuela says it has downed yet another US drug plane Press TV 16 Sep 2020 -- Venezuela's army has shot down a US-registered aircraft carrying drugs, Interior Minister Nestor Reverol says.
UN Investigators Accuse Venezuelan Government of Crimes Against Humanity VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- U.N. investigators alleged Wednesday that the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has committed crimes against humanity that include murders, torture and other atrocities.
Briefing With Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela Elliott Abrams On Developments in Iran and Venezuela US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2020

Experts Call ECOWAS Mali Deadline Unrealistic VOA 16 Sep 2020 -- Leaders of West African states and Mali's military coup failed to agree on a transfer to civilian rule in talks this week, raising concerns about the political standoff and regional security in that country.

Cases Registered Under Anti-Terror Laws India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- 'Public Order' and 'Police' are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. However, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is the Central Agency which compiles the data on crimes as reported by States and Union Territories and publishes the same in its annual publication "Crime in India".
Islamic Terrorists in Southern States India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- Some instances of individuals from different States, including Southern States, having joined Islamic State (IS) have come to the notice of Central and State Security Agencies.
Terrorist Incidents After Revocation of Article 370 India PIB 16 Sep 2020 -- After 5th August, 2019, the number of terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have reduced significantly as under: -

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