COVID-19 - Daily News

19 November 2020 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Major Iraqi parliamentary bloc wants full withdrawal of US troops, not partial drawdown Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- A powerful political coalition in Iraq's parliament says Washington must withdraw all its troops from the Arab country instead of partial drawdown its forces.
Iran-backed Militias Resume Rocket Attacks Toward US Embassy in Iraq VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Weeks of continued calm in and around Baghdad's Green Zone were disturbed Tuesday when several rockets were fired toward the U.S. Embassy, located in the fortified area that houses key government offices and other diplomatic facilities.

Chief of Army statement - IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry findings Australia Department of Defence 19 Nov 2020 -- Statement from the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, on actions following the IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry findings
Report Uncovers Evidence Of 'Unlawful Killing' Of 39 Afghans By Elite Australian Troops RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Nov 2020 -- A four-year investigation has uncovered "deeply disturbing" allegations that elite Australian troops killed 39 Afghan prisoners during the troops' deployment in the country as part of the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Taliban.
Australia admits troops involved in murder of unarmed Afghan civilians Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- Australia has admitted that its military forces unlawfully killed dozens of civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.
Australian War Crimes Report Shows Young Soldiers Were Encouraged to Shoot Afghanistan Prisoners to Get First Kill VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- A four-year inquiry into Australian special forces in Afghanistan has found "credible evidence" of the "murder" of 39 prisoners, farmers or other civilians. Australian Defense Force Chief Angus Campbell released the final report Thursday.

Emboldening The Taliban? Accelerated U.S. Troop Pullout Risks Increased Violence In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Nov 2020 -- The accelerated U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan announced by Washington this week could plunge the war-wracked country deeper into violence and undercut fragile peace talks aimed at ending the war, analysts say.
Pakistan Vows to Help Afghanistan Achieve Cease-Fire VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan assured leaders of war-torn neighboring Afghanistan Thursday his government will do its utmost to help them in their bid to seek a reduction in Taliban-led violence.
Pakistan's Khan lands in Kabul to discuss bilateral ties, militancy Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has arrived in Kabul where he is expected to discuss bilateral ties and militancy, which is plaguing the both counties.
In 'Historic' First Visit to Kabul, Pakistan's PM Vows To Help Stem Bloodshed RFE/RL Gandhara 19 Nov 2020 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 19 visited neighboring Afghanistan, where he vowed to help reduce escalating violence and push for a cease-fire between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
UK to Cut Troops in Afghanistan After US Drawdown, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Thursday that his country would follow the United States in reducing its forces in Afghanistan after the US unveiled its drawdown plan.

Somalis Worry About Potential US Troop Withdrawal From Their Fragile Country VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Lawmakers and military officials in Somalia say the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country, as reportedly proposed by President Donald Trump, would be disastrous and could embolden al-Shabab and other terrorist groups.

New York National Guard Soldiers return from Middle East Army News 19 Nov 2020 -- One hundred and fifty New York Army National Guard Soldiers who deployed to the Middle East in March are returning to New York after out processing at Fort Hood, Texas.

North Carolina Guard continues COVID-19 response efforts Army News 19 Nov 2020 -- For some Americans, life is slowly getting back to normal with more people returning to work and school across the country.
Nevada Guard continues to fight COVID during surge of cases Army News 19 Nov 2020 -- Over 50 Guardsmen joined with the Clark County Fire Department mobile surge command to help Las Vegas during this uptick in coronavirus cases. According to staff reports, over 1,900 people were screened on the first day of operations at newly opened Texas Hotel and Casino.

Defense Policy / Programs

Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Rath Hoffman on Lithuanian Defence Minister Visit and Subsequent COVID Diagnoses DoD 19 Nov 2020 -- The department was made aware by the Lithuanian Embassy today that Lithuanian Minister of Defence Raimundas Karoblis has tested positive for COVID-19.
No 'easy-button' in Army modernization, says G-8 Army News 19 Nov 2020 -- The Army's G-8 said he has high hopes for modernization efforts heading into the next year, despite potential budget cuts that could impact them as well as future end strength and force readiness.
DOD Awards $12.38 Million Contract to Siemens Healthineers to Increase Domestic Production Capacity of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Tests DoD 19 Nov 2020 -- On Nov. 19, 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD), in coordination with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a $12.38 million contract to Siemens Healthineers to expand U.S. based industrial production capacity of its SARS-CoV-2 antigen test, run on the ADVIA Centaur® and Atellica® testing platforms.
Department of the Air Force selects six candidate locations for US Space Command Headquarters US Air Force 19 Nov 2020 -- The Department of the Air Force, on behalf of the Office of Secretary of Defense, has selected six candidate locations for the U.S. Space Command Headquarters.
AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal AFRICOM 19 Nov 2020 -- U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal.
15th Annual U.S.-Chilean Army Staff Talks concludes with optimism for 2021 training opportunities Army News 19 Nov 2020 -- Despite the pandemic that has affected the global environment, U.S. Army South as the Army's Executive Agent, has maintained its role of conducting bilateral staff talks with partner nations in the U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility to strengthen the command's professional relationships and create training opportunities in the Western Hemisphere.
Readout of Acting Defense Secretary Christopher C. Miller's Meeting With Uzbekistan Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov DoD 19 Nov 2020
Bold Quest Event Builds Interoperable Fires for Tomorrow DoD News 19 Nov 2020 -- BY Despite coronavirus, the Joint Staff's Bold Quest event at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, allowed the services and partners to demonstrate and assess U.S. and coalition interoperability.
US Navy Secretary Wants New Fleet at Indo-Pacific 'Crossroads' in Case of 'Dust-Up' With China Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- A new proposal to recreate a defunct US Navy fleet in the western Pacific could provide the US with another way to confront China in the South China Sea, but could also alienate regional partners at the same time.
12th Combat Training Squadron supports joint air-to-ground operations US Air Force 19 Nov 2020 -- With the turn of a key, the engine is ignited and the silence surrounding the 12th Combat Training Squadron at Fort Irwin is broken.
Fairchild AFB, Wyoming ANG support aeromedical evacuation across Pacific US Air Force 19 Nov 2020 -- Airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base's 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, 93rd ARS, 384th ARS, 97th ARS and 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, conducted an aeromedical evacuation mission Nov. 7-13, bringing 18 patients in need of medical care across the Pacific Ocean back to the United States.
Under Secretary Makes First Visit to North Africa US Navy 19 Nov 2020 -- Gregory J. Slavonic, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, made his first visit to North Africa while serving in this capacity Nov. 8-12.
Air Defense Commander Integrates Into Ford Strike Group US Navy 19 Nov 2020 -- Off the Coast of Virginia, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and its embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW)-8 are conducting the first-ever, fully integrated carrier strike group operations for a Ford-class carrier, under the leadership and operational control of Carrier Strike Group (CSG)-12.
NAVCENT Commander Participates In Manama Air Power Symposium US Navy 19 Nov 2020 -- Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces participated in the 3rd Manama Air Power Symposium (MAPS 2020) Nov. 17.

Oral statement to Parliament - PM statement to the House on the Integrated Review: 19 November 2020 Gov.UK 19 Nov 2020 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement to the House of Commons on the Integrated Review.
Defence secures largest investment since the Cold War UK MOD 19 Nov 2020 -- The Prime Minister has announced the biggest investment in the UK's Armed Forces since the end of the Cold War, confirming an injection of £16.5 billion over four years.
Britain's Johnson Proposes $21.8B Military Spending Increase VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Britain has announced a $21.8 billion increase in military spending over the next four years, its largest such investment since the end of the Cold War. The government said it was needed to counter the multitude of threats the country faces.
Pentagon Praises Record UK Defense Budget Hike, Urges Other 'Free Nations' to Follow Suit Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- The British military is Washington's primary partner in some of its most important missions around the globe, and London's planned exit from the European Union is likely to push the two nations even closer.
US Applauds UK for Announcing Significant Defense Spending Boost, Acting Pentagon Chief Says Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- The United States has praised the United Kingdom's announcement to substantially increase its military spending and efforts to reaffirm its NATO commitment, according a statement from the acting US Secretary of Defense, Christopher Miller.

Russia to Consider Norway's Growing Militarisation in Own Defence Plans, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- Russia will take Norway's growing militarisation into account when making its own defence plans, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said Thursday.

Z-20 to be China's most-delivered military helicopter, multiple variants expected Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- China's latest commissioned and fully domestically made tactical utility helicopter, the Z-20, is expected to become the country's most-delivered chopper by entering service with not only the Chinese army, but also the nation's air, naval forces and armed police, with additional prospects of export sales, said the chief designer of the helicopter.
US conducts ICBM interception test; 'tech won't work against advanced missiles' Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- The US recently conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) interception test with a missile launched from a warship. US media said on Wednesday the move could harm the mutual deterrence between major nuclear powers and force China and Russia to expand their capabilities.
PLA makes breakthrough by drilling wells to draw water from permafrost in alpine areas Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army has successfully drilled wells to draw water from the permafrost in alpine areas at altitudes of more than 4,000 meters, allowing border troops to drink fresh water, and marking a breakthrough in constructions in permafrost.
Unmanned helicopters fit for high-altitude combat aid China's Tibetan military command at the border with India Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- The most cutting-edge Chinese self-produced unmanned helicopters were recently equipped to People's Liberation Army (PLA) Tibet Military Command troops at the border with India. The command had ordered smart weapons and customized equipment - from portable oxygen generators to a multi-purpose dining car - from 22 domestic manufactures, CCTV reported on November 3.
PLA troops in Tibet successfully drill water well over 200 meters deep PLA Daily 19 Nov 2020 -- Recently, service members of a radar station assigned to a brigade of the PLA Air Force stationed in Tibet successfully drilled a well over 200 meters underground, ending their 57-year history of water supply shortage.
Over 500 border defense posts connected to state power grid PLA Daily 19 Nov 2020 -- Through the joint efforts of the Logistic Support Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA), more than 500 frontier defense outposts of the PLA are connected to the national power grid after more than four years of efforts, according to the CMC Logistic Support Department. A safe and stable power supply is guaranteed at all times and all days. It indicates that the combat readiness training and support capabilities of China's border and coastal defense troops have been further improved.

Taiwan-made UAV to enter production by 2024: vice defense minister CNA 19 Nov 2020 -- A long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Taiwan will go into production by 2024, Vice Defense Minister Chang Che-ping (張哲平) said Thursday.
Black box signal from missing F-16 detected off eastern Taiwan CNA 19 Nov 2020 -- A signal from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of a missing F-16 fighter jet was detected on Wednesday about 9 nautical miles off eastern Taiwan, Defense Minister Yen De-fa (嚴德發) confirmed Thursday.

Capacity Building of BDA with Assistance by BRO: Road Infrastructure India PIB 19 Nov 2020 -- The Border Roads Organisation has acquired a leading role in the arena of infrastructure development in hilly terrain traversing from high altitude snow peaks in Leh Ladhak to low mountains in the state of Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland. The Organisation has been an ambassador of peace and prosperity through developmental works in several neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Tazakistan, Myanmar and Bhutan.

Ocean-going, aircraft carrier warship joins IRGC Navy IRNA 19 Nov 2020 -- Shahid Roudaki ocean-going, aircraft carrier warship joined the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy in a ceremony on Thursday.
Iranian-made ocean-going warship joins IRGC's naval fleet Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- The naval fleet of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has received a domestically-built ocean-going warship capable of carrying aircraft, drones and missile defense systems.
Iran Launches Huge Oceangoing Warship With Cutting-Edge Missile System Onboard – Photos, Video Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- Iran's Navy and the Revolutionary Guard Navy have traditionally limited the scope of their operations to protecting the country's vast coastlines. Its ships have held drills in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, as well as the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, but have yet to embark on missions in the Western Hemisphere.

Bipartisan Senate Effort Seeks to Block Proposed $23 Billion Weapons Sale to UAE, Including F-35s Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- If approved, the weapons could potentially be used in the war in Yemen or spark an arms race in the region. However, US President Donald Trump, who touted the sale of F-35s alongside his negotiated peace deal between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, is almost certain to reject the resolutions.
US senators seek to stop Trump arms sales to UAE over Israel's military edge Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- Several US senators have said they would introduce legislation to block the sale of more than $23 billion of weapons to the United Arab Emirates, voicing concern over the deal seen as a reward for the Persian Gulf Arab country's recognition of Israel.

Defense Industry

Contracts For Nov. 19, 2020
American Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Government Equipment on U.S. Military Base in Afghanistan US Dept. of Justice 19 Nov 2020 -- An American military contractor was sentenced today to more than three years in prison for his role in a theft ring on a military installation in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Other Conflicts

19 November 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 Nov 2020

Refugee resettlement numbers fall to lowest in two decades: UNHCR UN News 19 Nov 2020 -- Refugee resettlement numbers will be at a "record low" this year, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Wednesday, with only 15,425 people resettled in the first nine months of 2020, compared to more than 50,000 in 2019.

Libyans charting way to secure and prosperous future, but challenges lie ahead UN News 19 Nov 2020 -- Following years of political instability and conflict, Libya is making substantial progress on the path to peace, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council on Thursday.
Welcoming a nationwide ceasefire in Libya UK FCDO 19 Nov 2020 -- Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen, UK Chargé d'Affaires to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on Libya

Pompeo Visits Israeli Settlement in West Bank, Denounces International Boycott of Israel VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today became the first senior U.S. official to visit a Jewish settlement in the West Bank. He also announced that from now on, goods made in Jewish settlements in the West Bank will be labeled Made in Israel. The visit is expected to be his last before President-elect Biden is inaugurated.
Syria, Arab League condemn Pompeo's visit to occupied West Bank, Golan Heights Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- The Arab League and the government of Syria have categorically condemned US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to the occupied territories of Palestine in West Bank and the occupied portion of Syria's Golan Heights, describing it as a clear violation of international law.
Pompeo makes controversial visit to an Israeli settlement Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterates Washington's support for Israel's settlement activities as he pays a visit to a settlement project in the occupied West Bank.
Arab League Condemns Pompeo's Visit to West Bank Jewish Settlement and Golan Heights Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned on Thursday the unprecedented visit by the top US diplomat to the Golan Heights and a Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
Goods Made in Israeli West Bank Settlements to Be Branded 'Made in Israel' by US, Pompeo Says Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- The new policy also involves separate labeling for goods made in areas of the West Bank administered by the Palestinian Authority and for goods made in Gaza.
Pompeo Pays First Visit to West Bank Jewish Settlement, Golan Heights as US State Secretary Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- Earlier this year, Israel had to suspend its plans to extend its sovereignty over parts of the West Bank as part of the US-mediated accord that stipulates the normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE.
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2020
Marking of Country of Origin US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2020 -- "Today, the Department of State is initiating new guidelines to ensure that country of origin markings for Israeli and Palestinian goods are consistent with our reality-based foreign policy approach. In accordance with this announcement, all producers within areas where Israel exercises the relevant authorities – most notably Area C under the Oslo Accords - will be required to mark goods as "Israel", "Product of Israel", or "Made in Israel" when exporting to the United States."
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2020
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo and Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2020

Put Myanmar Army Back on UN Child Violations 'Shame' List, HRW Says Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2020 -- Myanmar's military should be put back on the United Nations secretary-general's "list of shame" for grave violations against children in the conflict in Rakhine state between the government military and a rebel ethnic army, Human Rights Watch said.

Russia: West inciting Azeri, Armenian nationalists to disrupt Karabakh truce Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- A senior Russian official says a number of Western countries are trying to reignite armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, following a Russian-brokered ceasefire agreement that ended weeks of fighting between the two countries over the disputed region.
EU Hails End Of Nagorno-Karabakh Fighting, Urges Parties To Stick To Cease-Fire RFE/RL 19 Nov 2020 -- The European Union has welcomed the end of fighting in and around the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh and called on all sides to "strictly respect" the Moscow-brokered cease-fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to prevent further loss of life.

Briefing With Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Tibor P. Nagy and U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Michael A. Raynor on the Situation in Ethiopia's Tigray Region US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2020
UN: 200,000 Refugees Could Flee Ethiopia for Sudan Over Next 6-12 Months VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- The United Nations says up to 200,000 refugees could cross into Sudan from Ethiopia in the next six to 12 months, fleeing conflict in the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray.
Ethiopian troops advancing toward capital of rebel-held region: Report Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- Ethiopian government forces have reportedly liberated two towns in the rebel-held northern region of Tigray and are further advancing to retake the regional capital, Mekelle, as violence continues to rage in the East African country for a second week.
Heartbreaking stories from refugees fleeing Ethiopia violence UN News 19 Nov 2020 -- In a briefing to journalists on Thursday, a senior UN humanitarian official in Sudan recounted moving testimony from refugees who are crossing the border from Ethiopia in their thousands, fleeing fighting in Tigray province.

'The United States Stands With Tibet': US Special Coordinator for Tibet Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2020 -- The State Department's new Special Coordinator for Tibet Issues on Thursday underscored U.S. support for fuller autonomy for Tibetan areas of China and for the preservation of Tibet's traditional culture and religion, telling youth leaders '"the United States stands with Tibet and with Tibetans."

News Reports

China Calls Canadian Intel Report Alleging Cyber Threat From Beijing, Moscow 'Absurd' Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- China has condemned a report by Canadian intelligence naming Beijing and Moscow as cybersecurity threats and claiming that state-sponsored actors are invested in developing cyber tools to disrupt the nation's electricity grid, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.

New UK National Cyber Force to Combine Assets From Multiple Agencies, Ministry of Defence Says Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- The United Kingdom's proposed new National Cyber Force (NCF) will bring together assets and personnel from multiple intelligence agencies, including MI6, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release on Thursday.

Mexican Government Threatened to Expel US Agents Over Arrest of Ex-Defence Chief - Reports Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- The reason the United States dropped charges against Mexico's former defence secretary is because the country's government threatened to expel US federal drug enforcement agents, The New York Times reported.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 19, 2020 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Nov 2020
Amnesty Slams Russian Proposal To Label Individuals As 'Foreign Agents' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2020 -- Amnesty International has slammed a bill circulating in the lower house of Russia's parliament that would identify individuals receiving funds from abroad as "foreign agents," saying the proposed legislation signals a "new witch hunt of civil society groups and human rights defenders."
Obama Targets Putin In New Memoir, Says Russia 'To Be Feared, Perhaps, But Not Emulated' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2020 -- Former U.S. President Barack Obama has targeted Vladimir Putin for criticism in a new book, suggesting that the Russian president has put the thirst for power over scruples and calling him the leader of a government that resembled a "criminal syndicate."
Diplomats: Biden Administration Likely to 'Sharpen Bite' of Russia Sanctions VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Western diplomats say they expect Joe Biden, the projected winner of the U.S. presidential election, to mount an early review of the effectiveness of current sanctions on Russia.

Former U.S. Army Green Beret Pleads Guilty To Spying For Russia RFE/RL 19 Nov 2020 -- A former officer in the U.S. Army's elite Green Berets has pleaded guilty to spying for Russia, the Justice Department says.

Xi: China welcomes cooperation with everyone People's Daily 19 Nov 2020 -- President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Dialogues via video link in Beijing on Thursday. Here are some highlights.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on November 19, 2020 PRC MofA 19 Nov 2020
US document depicting China as threat doomed to end up in dustbin of history: FM Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- A recent document released by the US State Department's Office of Policy Planning depicting China as a threat is another collection of anti-China lies concocted by some "living fossils of the Cold War," and is doomed to end up "being consigned to the dustbin of history," a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Beijing Hopes US to Get More Rational About China's Development, Foreign Minister Said Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday his country expects the United States to change its stance on China's pursuit of development, taking a more objective and rational approach.
Aussie provocation 'root cause' of frosty China ties, new US govt's China policy 'will determine Canberra's stance' Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- After Australia's erroneous China policy deteriorated ties with China, the Australian prime minister's denial that Australia acted at the behest of the US in crafting its foreign policy is not convincing, as Chinese experts pointed out that Australia's China policy is the result of consultations with the US and division of labor and collusion with the US to contain China.
Australia should squarely face crux of current setback: Chinese FM Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- China is firmly opposed to Australia's action of undermining the interests of other countries under the pretext of safeguarding its own national interests, Chinese Foreign Minister spokesperson Zhao Lijian warned Thursday following Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's statement that Australia will not change its policies.
China to accelerate establishing laws on foreign parties to counter suppression during globalization Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- China has vowed to accelerate the establishment of laws on matters involving foreign parties amid the US' suppression on Chinese companies and Western countries' smearing of China during the COVID-19 pandemic, which experts said is a necessary and helpful move to better protect the interests of China and Chinese companies during globalization.
'Five Eyes' could be poked blind if China's sovereignty and security harmed, warns Chinese FM spokesperson Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- Rebutting the Five Eyes' joint statement stigmatizing the recent decision by China's top legislature to disqualify four unpatriotic lawmakers of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to repeated external interference in China's internal affairs, warning the Five Eyes alliance not to harm China's sovereignty and security.
Foreign forces meddling in HK affairs 'doomed to failure': Chinese FM on Five Eyes' statement Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- Foreign forces meddling in Hong Kong affairs are "doomed to failure," said the Chinese Foreign Ministry, condemning the Five Eyes Alliance's announcement stigmatizing China's top legislature's decision to disqualify four unpatriotic Hong Kong lawmakers, and urged the countries to stop their double standards.
Hong Kong Police Breaking Rights Law With Complaints System, Lack of ID: Court Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2020 -- Hong Kong's High Court ruled on Thursday that the city's police force is in breach of human rights protections by refusing to allow an independent body to examine complaints against officers.

DPP shutting anti-secessionist TV station 'political suppression' Global Times 19 Nov 2020 -- The island of Taiwan is entering its "darkest time" for freedom of speech as media organizations, observers and ordinary people criticized Taiwan's regional authority, which decided to suspend the operation of a TV station that has an anti-secessionist stance — a move observers described on Thursday as being vindictive, dictatorial and politically motivated.

US Imposes New North Korea Sanctions Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- Although the US and North Korea have made several attempts in the past two years to engage in negotiations, last year talks between the two countries stalled, with Washington refusing to lift sanctions against Pyongyang and reduce its military presence in South Korea unless Pyongyang denuclearises.
Treasury Sanctions Entities Involved in Exporting Workers from North Korea US Treasury 19 Nov 2020 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on two entities involved in the exportation of forced labor from North Korea.
US Sanctions Two Russia-based Entities Over North Korean Forced Labor VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury slapped sanctions on two companies operating out of Russia on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the exploitation of forced labor from North Korea.

Russia says satisfied with Iran cooperation with IAEA IRNA 19 Nov 2020 -- Russian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said that Iran provides high-level cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) despite the coronavirus epidemic.
U.S. imposes massive sanctions against Iranian officials, entities People's Daily 19 Nov 2020 -- The United States on Wednesday slapped fresh sanctions against Iranian officials and a patronage network allegedly related to the leadership, the latest action to reinforce its maximum pressure campaign against Tehran.
Iran envoy: Nuclear US not entitled to talk about nonproliferation concerns Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- Iran's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna says the United States, which owns thousands of nuclear warheads and is the sole country to have used nuclear weapons, is in no position to talk about nonproliferation concerns.
Trump administration imposes new sanctions against Iran before Biden takes office Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran in a last-ditch attempt to ramp up economic pressure on the Islamic Republic before he leaves office in January.
Leader's advisor: US attack on Iran could trigger 'full-fledged' regional war Press TV 19 Nov 2020 -- A military advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warns that an act of military aggression by the US against Iran that could lead to an even limited conflict is likely to set off a full-scale war that would afflict other parts of the region too.

EU To Expand Belarus Sanctions To Businesses Over 'Brutal' Crackdown RFE/RL 19 Nov 2020 -- European Union foreign ministers have agreed to expand sanctions on Belarus to include businesses in response to the "brutality of authorities" against weeks of pro-democracy protests triggered by a disputed presidential election in August.
European Commission Recommends EU Scale Back Most Cooperation With Belarus RFE/RL 19 Nov 2020 -- The European Commission is recommending the EU scale back cooperation with Belarus, including in trade and security, but that support for civil society and environmental protection be maintained or even boosted.
EU Top Diplomat Confirms EU Foreign Ministers Agreed to Develop New Sanctions on Belarus Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- EU foreign ministers have agreed to move forward with new sanctions against Belarus, EU foreign policy representative Josep Borrell said Thursday.

New Parties Gain Little Traction in Shadow of Myanmar Ruling Party Radio Free Asia 19 Nov 2020 -- Myanmar's new political parties fared more poorly than they had hoped in this month's elections, winning no seats at the national level in a landslide victory for the ruling party — a showing analysts put down to coronavirus campaign restrictions and the insurmountable influence of leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Cosmonauts Complete Spacewalk To Prepare ISS For Arrival Of Russian Lab RFE/RL 19 Nov 2020 -- Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov have completed a spacewalk to inspect a docking compartment on the International Space Station (ISS) in preparation for the installation of a Russian research module next year.

Turkey's Erdogan Promises Human Rights Reforms VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pledging sweeping human rights reforms, a move that analysts say anticipates increased scrutiny by a new U.S. administration. It also comes as opinion polls indicate plummeting support for Erdogan's party.

Pressure Mounts in Brussels as Hungary, Poland Reject EU's Historic Budget Plans Sputnik 19 Nov 2020 -- Hungary, Poland Receiving Support

Ghana's Corruption Fight Questioned After Prosecutor Quits VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Less than three weeks ahead of Ghana's election, anti-corruption Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has resigned, alleging political interference with his work. Political analysts say Amidu's resignation may affect the December polls.

Ugandan Police Says 16 Killed in Clashes Between Officers, Opposition Protesters VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Gunshots were fired in several parts of Uganda Thursday. In many instances, people screamed as those around them were shot. For others, there were some tense moments as they sought to get away from the violence in the capital, Kampala.

Peru's New Government Leaders Sworn Into Office VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Peru's new president, Francisco Sagasti, has a cabinet in place to help him begin stabilizing the government, which has been the target of angry street protests.

Thai PM Threatens to Use All Legal Avenues Against Pro-Democracy Protesters VOA 19 Nov 2020 -- Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha promised on Thursday to pursue all legal avenues against pro-democracy protestors who are demanding his resignation and changes to the constitution, including limiting the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

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