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04 February 2021 Military News

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US developing military base in northern Iraq despite parliament's call for troops pull-out: Report Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- The US military is reportedly expanding its base in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, despite a resolution adopted by the Iraqi parliament on the expulsion of US-led foreign forces from the Arab country.

EU claims half of Afghans need humanitarian aid amid rising violence Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- A senior European Union (EU) official has claimed that half of the Afghan civilian population is in need of humanitarian aid amid rising violence in Afghanistan.
U.S. Panel Urges Biden To Extend Deadline For U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 04 Feb 2021 -- A new report by a group created by the U.S. Congress has called on the Biden administration to extend the May deadline for the U.S. military to withdraw remaining troops from Afghanistan.
Iran Defends Hosting Taliban Delegation Despite Decades-Old Attacks In Afghanistan RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Iran is defending its hosting of a senior Taliban delegation for an entire week in a move that analysts say is aimed at highlighting its influence and cultivating ties with the potential future government of Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

Remarks by President Biden on America's Place in the World The White House 04 Feb 2021
Biden Promises US Re-engagement with the World VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- President Joe Biden promised Thursday that the United States would sharply increase its engagement around the world during his White House tenure, ending what he contended was the "past few years of neglect and abuse" of foreign relations by former President Donald Trump.
China's Rise Complicates Biden's Mideast Policy Plans VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- As the Biden administration contemplates a return to Obama-era policies in the Middle East – from the Iran nuclear deal to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations -- it is finding those policies complicated by China's rising role as an influential political player throughout the region.
Biden Says Defense, State Will Work Together to Rebuild U.S. Foreign Policy DoD News 04 Feb 2021 -- The Defense Department and the State Department will work closely and in tandem to better represent to the world the power of American values and ideals, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. said today during a speech at the State Department.
Biden touches on Saudi war, Russia, China among other issues in his 1st foreign policy speech Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- US President Joe Biden delivered a speech during his first visit to the State Department on Thursday, touching upon a range of issues pertaining to Saudi Arabia, Russia and China among others.
Biden Says 'America Is Back' In Major Foreign Policy Speech RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden outlined his foreign policy vision in a speech at the State Department on February 4, vowing to confront "authoritarianism" in China and Russia while reengaging with the world and allies.
Secretary Blinken's Call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Introductory Remarks for President Biden US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021
Secretary Antony J. Blinken Introductory Remarks for President Biden and Vice President Harris's Meeting with State Department Employees US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Initiation of a Global Force Posture Review DoD 04 Feb 2021 -- President Biden's call today for American leadership on the world stage, and in particular his belief that diplomacy should be our first tool of choice, is reassuring not only to the men and women of the Department of Defense, but to our fellow citizens as well. It means the United States, never afraid to fight when we must, will also never be afraid to engage in difficult discussions and negotiations.
Army commander of Europe, Africa touts strategic impact of consolidation Army News 04 Feb 2021 -- The recent consolidation of two commands under the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command provides flexibility in handling strategic objectives across both continents, its commander said Wednesday.
USS Ohio Conducts Joint Operations with Marine Corps Element Near Okinawa US Navy 04 Feb 2021 -- The Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) made a brief stop near Okinawa, Japan today as part of her deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, giving the crew a rare opportunity to integrate with a III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) force reconnaissance element in the area.
Lightning Strikes Again Onboard USS America US Navy 04 Feb 2021 -- USS America (LHA 6), the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, is at sea this month operating with F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121.
Southwest Regional Maintenance Center Completes Emergent Maintenance Availability on USS O'Kane US Navy 04 Feb 2021 -- Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) completed an emergent maintenance availability for USS O'Kane (DDG 77) five days early on Jan. 22. The work repaired failures that prevented the ship from getting underway to conduct a mission essential exercise.
DOD Announces Use of Masks and Other Public Health Measures DoD 04 Feb 2021 -- Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed a memo that, effective immediately, directs all individuals on military installations and all individuals performing official duties on behalf of the Department from any location other than the individual's home, including outdoor shared spaces, to wear masks in accordance with the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Spartan Warrior 21-1 enhances joint interoperability capabilities US Air Force 04 Feb 2021 -- Spartan Warrior 21-1 finished at the Distributed Training Center, at Einsiedlerhof Air Station, Germany Jan. 25-28. Spartan Warrior is the DTC's premier tactical-level virtual Large Force Employment exercise.
Nimitz Carrier Group Sails Into Indo-Pacific Command US Navy 04 Feb 2021 -- The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is departing the Central Command area of responsibility and moving into the U.S. Indo-Pacific region, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby announced Feb. 2.
U.S., U.K., Saudi Navies Complete Exercise Nautical Defender 21 US Navy 04 Feb 2021 -- Forces assigned to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC) and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) conducted tri-lateral maritime exercise Nautical Defender 21 (ND 21) in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 20-29.
Biden Announces US Stopping Any Planned Troop Withdrawals From Germany Sputnik 04 Feb 2021 -- US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that the United States is halting any planned removal of forces from Germany.
Pentagon chief ousts hundreds of advisers in sweeping purge of Trump loyalists Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- New Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has fired hundreds of members of the Pentagon's advisory boards as part of efforts to oust nominees and officials appointed to the posts at the end of former president Donald Trump's administration.

Agency awards Firefly contract for deployable communications and information systems NATO Communications and Information (NCI) 04 Feb 2021 -- The NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Agency has awarded the Firefly contract to Thales Six-GTS France valued at 42 million EUR for deployable communications and information systems (DCIS).
NATO Chief Admits to 'Challenging' and 'Difficult' Relationship With Trump VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg admitted Thursday the alliance had a "challenging" relationship with the Trump administration and that he had some "difficult" conversations with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
NATO Secretary General and the Belgian Prime Minister discussed strengthening the transatlantic bond NATO 04 Feb 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo today (4 February) at the Prime Minister's office in Brussels to discuss the strong links between Europe and North America and the opportunity to renew and reenergise the transatlantic bond.

US, Russian Officials Hail START Treaty Extension VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- The United States and Russia have agreed that their five-year extension of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as START, will enhance national and international security. The treaty limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles each side can maintain.
U.S., Russia Extend Arms Reduction Treaty DoD News 04 Feb 2021 -- The United States and the Russian Federation have agreed to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty for five years, U.S. officials announced.
U.S. extends nuclear arms control treaty with Russia for five years People's Daily 04 Feb 2021 -- The United States on Wednesday extended the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with Russia for five years, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

China conducts mid-course antiballistic missile test, system 'becomes more mature, reliable' Global Times 04 Feb 2021 -- China successfully conducted a land-based, mid-course antiballistic missile (ABM) technical test on Thursday in a move experts said showed China's mastery of the technology as the country's antiballistic missile system gradually matures and becomes more reliable.
China conducts land-based mid-course missile interception test PLA Daily 04 Feb 2021 -- According to a written statement by China's Defense Ministry on Thursday, China conducted a land-based mid-course missile interception test on February 4, 2021 and achieved the desired test objective. The test is defensive in nature and not targeted against any country.
China's Type 99A main battle tank deployed in high-altitude border defense frontier: reports Global Times 04 Feb 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed its most powerful tank, the Type 99A, in the high-altitude border frontier at Karakoram Mountain, with supplies to celebrate the Spring Festival arriving in the hands of PLA border defense troops, recent media reports said.
PLA Air Force turns desert into oasis through 39 years' efforts PLA Daily 04 Feb 2021 -- The news that the Mu Us Desert will disappear in northwest China's Shaanxi Province became hot news in 2020. Behind this 'green miracle' created by the Chinese people is a team from the PLA Air Force. They flew China's first-generation independently-developed Y-5 transport aircraft in western China to sow tree seeds and grass seeds to the desolate land.
Spokesperson for Chinese embassy in ROK: China's Coast Guard Law complies with international conventions PLA Daily 04 Feb 2021 -- Wang Wei, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the Republic of Korea (ROK), said on February 2 that the Coast Guard Law of the People's Republic of China fully complies with the international law and conventions, when answering the ROK reporters' questions.

HAL signs MoU with MIDHANI to develop and manufacture composite raw materials India PIB 04 Feb 2021 -- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for development and production of composite raw materials during the Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru on February 04, 2021.
Major Upgrade of Naval Environmental Test Facility Inaugurated by Deputy Chief of Naval Staff India PIB 04 Feb 2021 -- The Defence Testing Infrastructure required for realisation of 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' in Defence sector, got a major boost with inauguration of the upgraded Naval Environmental Test Facility (NETF) by Vice Admiral MS Pawar, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff on 04 Feb 21.
HAL receives Request for Proposalfor 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from Indian Air Force at Aero India 2021 India PIB 04 Feb 2021 -- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Indian Air Force for their Basic Trainers requirement at the Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru on February 04, 2021.
Raksha Mantri's keynote address at IOR Defence Ministers' Conclave stresses on Prime Minister's 'Five S' vision to tackle global challenges India PIB 04 Feb 2021 -- The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Defence Ministers' Conclave began with a keynote address from Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on 4th February on the sidelines of Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru. Several Defence Ministers, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and senior officials from IOR countries have attended the event physically or in virtual mode.

Pakistani, Chinese navies play important roles in maintaining maritime order of Indian Ocean: Exclusive with Pakistan Navy chief Global Times 04 Feb 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is scheduled to participate in the Multinational Exercise AMAN-2021 hosted by Pakistan in February as dozens of navies around the world are about to gather in Karachi.

West uses OPCW as weapon to serve its agenda against Syria: Damascus Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- Syria's Permanent Representative to the UN Bashar al-Ja'afari has lambasted Western countries for their continued use of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the so-called "chemical file" of the Arab country as a weapon in a war imposed on the Syrian nation.
Urging Syria's cooperation with the UN and OPCW UK FCDO 04 Feb 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Syria chemical weapons
End impunity for use of chemical weapons in Syria, UN disarmament chief urges Security Council UN News 04 Feb 2021 -- The United Nations top disarmament official, on Wednesday, stressed the urgent need to not only identify those who have used chemical weapons in Syria, but also hold them accountable for their deeds.

Rebuilding and Enhancing U.S. Refugee Resettlement Programs US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021 -- "President Biden's Executive Order sends a message loud and clear: refugees are welcome in the United States of America. Today, the United States is recommitting to treating all individuals applying for U.S. refugee programs with dignity and respect, and free from discrimination."
Secretary Blinken's Call with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with ASEAN Ambassadors The White House 04 Feb 2021
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, February 4, 2021 The White House 04 Feb 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For Feb. 4, 2021

Other Conflicts

4 February 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Feb 2021

China, Japan agree to manage differences, promote cooperation in maritime affairs PLA Daily 04 Feb 2021 -- China and Japan have agreed to properly manage their differences through dialogue and pragmatically promote cooperation in maritime affairs, making the East China Sea a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship.

Syria demands Security Council take firm measures against Israeli acts of aggression Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- Syria has once again called on the United Nations Security Council to assume its responsibilities within the framework of the UN Charter, and to adopt prompt and practical measures to stop Israeli acts of aggression against the Syrian territory.
Syrian air defenses intercept Israeli missiles coming from occupied Golan Heights Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- The Syrian Army's air defenses have intercepted Israeli air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missiles coming from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, state media say.
Report: Israeli Missiles Hit Syrian Army, Pro-Iranian Militia Positions Along Golan Heights VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- Syrian state TV showed government anti-air defense systems intercepting Israeli missiles along the Golan Heights near the town of Quneitra. Arab media reported that some of the Israeli missiles hit their intended targets.

Roadside bombs hit US-led coalition convoys in central, southern Iraq: Report Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- Roadside bombs have reportedly struck two separate convoys of trucks carrying logistical equipment belonging to the US-led coalition in Iraq's central province of Babil and the southern province of Basra.

France Said to Be Mulling Sahel Troop Reduction VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- Observers say France is considering downsizing its military presence as the security situation stabilizes in Africa's Sahel region. French troops and African nations have been fighting together against extremist groups there. The size of the French contingent may soon drastically change.

Hamas: Israel's demolitions in Jordan Valley amount to ethnic cleansing Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- Hamas says the recent demolition of Palestinian homes and buildings in the northern Jordan Valley in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and displacing their desperate inhabitants amounts to "ethnic cleansing".
Elections vital to building democratic Palestinian State: UN chief UN News 04 Feb 2021 -- Elections this year in the Occupied Palestinian Territories will be "a crucial step" towards Palestinian unity, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Thursday.

Tigray conflict could stoke insecurity elsewhere in Ethiopia: UN Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- The top humanitarian official of the United Nations (UN) has warned that the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region could trigger broader destabilization in the country as a result of a security vacuum created by the deployment of Ethiopian troops to the war-torn area.
Diplomats Decry Violence, Call for Withdrawal of Eritrean Troops from Ethiopia VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- As the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region rages on, international observers are sounding alarm bells about the involvement of forces from neighboring Eritrea.

International Criminal Court Convicts Uganda Warlord VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- The International Criminal Court in The Hague Thursday convicted a Ugandan child soldier-turned-Lord's Resistance Army commander of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Ugandans Applaud ICC Conviction of Leading LRA Commander VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- Ugandan victims of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) have welcomed the war crimes conviction of the militant group's second-in-command. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has found LRA child soldier-turned commander Dominic Ongwen guilty on 61 charges, ranging from murder and rape to kidnapping and torture.
Welcoming the Verdict in the Case Against Dominic Ongwen for War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021 -- The United States welcomes the verdict in the case against former Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) commander, Dominic Ongwen, for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Warlord found guilty of crimes against humanity in northern Uganda - ICC UN News 04 Feb 2021 -- A former Ugandan warlord whose forces attacked camps for the internally displaced across the country, has been found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, judges ruled on Thursday.

News Reports

US far-right Proud Boys declared as terrorist group in Canada Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- US white supremacist group, Proud Boys – one of the staunch supporters of former president Donald Trump – has officially been declared as a terrorist group in Canada.

Security Council calls for release of Aung San Suu Kyi, pledging 'continued support' for Myanmar's democratic transition UN News 04 Feb 2021 -- The UN Security Council issued a press statement on Thursday expressing "deep concern" over the military takeover in Myanmar, calling for the immediate release of the country's elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and President Win Myint.
UN Security Council calls for release of detainees in coup-hit Myanmar Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- The United Nations Security Council has expressed "deep concern" by the recent military coup in Myanmar, calling for the "release of all detainees", including the Southeast Asian country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
UN chief vows to rally global pressure to ensure Myanmar coup fails Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pledged to increase international pressure on Myanmar to ensure the failure of the recent military coup in the Southeast Asian country.
Myanmar Junta Blocks Facebook, VPNs as The UN Security Council Voices 'Deep Concern' Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's military junta has blocked access to Facebook amid growing civil resistance to the army coup that deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government, telecoms authorities said Thursday, as the U.N. Security Council expressed concern about the takeover and called for the release of those detained.
Myanmar Military Blocks Access to Facebook as Resistance to Coup Grows VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's military government blocked public access to Facebook Thursday amid growing popular resistance to this week's overthrow of the country's civilian government.
Military Coup Sounds Death Knell For Myanmar's Peace Process: Experts Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar's ambitious plan to bring armed ethnic groups under the tent of a nationwide peace accord after decades of conflict appears essentially dead in the water following this week's military coup that unseated Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government, ethnic groups and analysts said.
In Power Grab, Myanmar's Generals Deal Rohingya Coup de Grace Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- Some might find it odd that Myanmar's military, the Tatmadaw, ousted Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup d'etat. After all, how often does a Nobel Peace Prize laureate defend a genocidal military campaign against the Rohingya before the International Criminal Court at The Hague?
Biden Says Myanmar Military Should Relinquish Power, Release Detainees Sputnik 04 Feb 2021 -- Myanmar recently made global headlines after the country's military seized power in a coup d'état and imposed a one-year state of emergency after the top brass alleged general elections were riddled with fraud.
IMF Concerned About Impact of Military Coup in Myanmar, Spokesman Says Sputnik 04 Feb 2021 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is concerned about the effect of the military coup in Myanmar and will follow the guidance of it member states on the issue of recognising the country's government, IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice told reporters on Thursday.
Burma or Myanmar: One Country With Two Names? VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- One coup. One country. Two names?

Russia, Iran Among Leading States Practicing Repression Abroad, Says Rights Watchdog RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Russia and Iran are among the top authoritarian states extending their tentacles of repression abroad to target exiles, a new report by Freedom House says.

Biden Says He Warned Putin U.S. Will No Longer Look The Other Way RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden says he has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that the days of the United States "rolling over" with regard to Russia's transgressions have ended.
Secretary Blinken's Call with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021
Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 4, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Feb 2021
Russia slams West's excessive hysteria over Navalny's case Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the West's hysteria over the case of opposition figure Alexei Navalny and the protests held over his detention in Russia has become excessive.
In Navalny Protests, The Kremlin Finds A Familiar Target To Blame: The U.S. And The West RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Just two days before Moscow was roiled by the biggest anti-government protests since the Soviet collapse, Vladimir Putin went public with the target of his blame:
Prosecutor Seeks Five-Year Prison Term For Russian Activist Shevchenko RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- The prosecutor in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don has asked a court to sentence Anastasia Shevchenko, an activist with the Open Russia opposition group, to five years in prison for her involvement in the activities of an "undesirable organization."
Lawyer For Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation Fined For 'Disobeying' Russian Police RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer of Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), has been fined for what a Moscow court called "disobeying police."
U.S. Senators Introduce Bill To Sanction Russian Officials Over Navalny Poisoning RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation to impose fresh targeted sanctions on Russian officials found to be complicit in the poisoning of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny.
From Jail, Navalny Tells Russians To Overcome Fear As EU's Top Diplomat Flies To Moscow RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny is calling on Russians to overcome fear and free the country from "a bunch of thieves in power," in his first major comments since a court this week ordered him to serve a prison sentence.
Continued suppression of protests in the Russian Federation and the sentencing of Alexey Navalny: UK statement UK FCDO 04 Feb 2021 -- Delivered by Ambassador Neil Bush at the OSCE Permanent Council, 4 February 2021.
Counselors Or 'Commissars'? Motive Under Scrutiny As Russia Moves To Protect School Kids From 'Destructive Influence' RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- In late January, as Russia was being rocked by a wave of protests sparked by the January 17 arrest of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, the country's education minister addressed the upper chamber of parliament, the Federation Council.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 4, 2021 PRC MofA 04 Feb 2021
Media Regulator Bans China's CGTN Satellite Channel From Airing in UK Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- The U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Thursday banned Chinese state media giant CGTN from broadcasting in the country, citing violations of its license conditions.
Britain Revokes Chinese State Media's Broadcasting License VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- Citing links to the Chinese Communist Party, Britan revoked China's state TV channel of its license to broadcast Thursday.
U.S. 'Deeply Disturbed' By Reports Of Rape At Camps In China's Xinjiang Region RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- The United States is "deeply disturbed" by reports of systematic rape and sexual abuse against women in internment camps for ethnic Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang region, the U.S. State Department said on February 3.
US State Department Says Disturbed by Reports About Systematic Rape in China's Xinjiang Sputnik 04 Feb 2021 -- The US Department of State has expressed its disturbance over the reports about systematic rape and sexual abuse in camps for Uyghurs and other Muslims in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Chinese Communist Party to Boost Political Indoctrination of Schoolchildren Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has revealed plans to expand the work of its Young Pioneers children's organization to Hong Kong, Macau, and the democratic island of Taiwan, as well as further "cultivating" the nation's children at home.
Tianwen 1 probe set to enter Mars orbit before New Year PLA Daily 04 Feb 2021 -- China's Tianwen 1 Mars probe is set to enter the orbit of the red planet around Feb 10, two days before Chinese New Year, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the nation's leading space contractor.

U.S. warship transits Taiwan Strait, the first in Biden's presidency CNA 04 Feb 2021 -- A United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer on Thursday transited through the Taiwan Strait, the first by a U.S. warship since Joe Biden was inaugurated as president on Jan. 20.
First US warship under Biden sails through Taiwan Strait Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- An American warship has passed through the strategically-sensitive Taiwan Strait, which separates self-ruled Taiwan from mainland China, the US navy says, the first such provocative voyage since US President Joe Biden assumed office last month.
First US Navy Warship Passes Taiwan Strait Since Biden Assumed Office Sputnik 04 Feb 2021 -- While officially adhering to the "One China" policy, the US has provided up to $13 billion in arms to the island state in the past four years, including missiles capable of hitting targets around the Taiwan Strait, and frequently conducts what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations in the region.
US move an old trick to "manipulate" cross-Strait situation: PLA Spokesperson PLA Daily 04 Feb 2021 -- "The US move to send warship to sail through the Taiwan Strait and hype it publicly is an old trick to "manipulate" the cross-Strait situation. China is firmly opposed to that," said Senior Colonel Zhang Chunhui, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, in a written statement published on Thursday.
PLA monitors US warship transiting in Taiwan Straits, opposes US using old tricks to disturb regional stability: spokesperson Global Times 04 Feb 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command said Thursday it tracked and monitored the movements of the USS John S. McCain guided-missile destroyer as it sailed through the Taiwan Straits on Thursday and opposed the US repeating old tricks to deliberately create tensions and disturb regional peace and stability.
Two Chinese military planes enter Taiwan's ADIZ CNA 04 Feb 2021 -- Two Chinese warplanes entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Thursday, the 30th day out of the first 35 days in the year in which Beijing has sent its aircraft into that airspace.
China's efforts toward national reunification won't stop, US should show sincerity through action, not words: expert Global Times 04 Feb 2021 -- US President Joe Biden might not be as provocative as the previous administration led by Donald Trump on the Taiwan question, as the State Department said that the so-called "one China policy" held by the US remained unchanged. Chinese experts noted that the new administration should convince China through actions, not words.

US, South Korea agree to map out 'comprehensive' North Korea strategy Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his new American counterpart, Joe Biden, have agreed to draw up a joint "comprehensive" strategy on North Korea and closely cooperate to bring about the denuclearization of the country.
North Korea Cracks Down on Car Window Tinting to Stop 'Capitalist Influence' Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- North Korean police are cracking down on vehicle window tinting, labeling the practice as part of the "yellow wind of capitalism" when many in the North use the screens to watch South Korean videos, sources in the country told RFA.

EU advises 'maximum diplomacy' instead of 'maximum pressure' in dealing with Iran Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- The European Union says it is high time the former American administration's "maximum pressure" policy towards Iran was jettisoned in favor of diplomatic engagement and interaction, reminding how Washington undermined a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers through the approach.
UN court's ruling shows Iranian nation's power in face of US: Rouhani Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- President Hassan Rouhani has congratulated Iranians on their "shining victory" against the United States at the UN's top court, saying the World Court's recent verdict on Tehran's case against US sanctions demonstrates the Iranian nation's grandeur in the face of the superpower.
US 'disappointed' as UN court takes up Iran's case against sanctions Press TV 04 Feb 2021 -- The new US administration says it is "disappointed" after the UN's highest court rules that it can hear a case brought by Iran against illegal American sanctions, despite President Joe Biden's criticism of his predecessor for reinstating the bans on the Islamic Republic after leaving a 2015 nuclear deal.
Iranian Diplomat Sentenced To 20 Years For Role In Foiled Bomb Attack RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- A diplomat has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court in Belgium over a foiled bombing in the first trial of an Iranian official for suspected terrorism in the European Union since Iran's 1979 revolution.
Belgian Court Hands Iranian Diplomat 20 Years for Terrorism Plot VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- An Iranian who claimed diplomatic immunity from prosecution was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Belgian court on Thursday for an attempted 2018 bombing in Paris.

Former Belarusian Banker, Would-Be Presidential Candidate To Face Trial On February 17 RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Viktar Babaryka, a former Belarusian banker whose bid to challenge Alyaksandr Lukashenka in last year's disputed presidential election was halted by his arrest, is due to go on trial on February 17.

Macron Renews Call For Dialogue With Russia, Floats Himself As Broker In U.S.-Iran Talks RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has renewed his call for dialogue with Russia despite what he called its "huge mistake" in jailing opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, and offered to be an "honest broker" in talks between the United States and Iran.

Kazakh Activist Boqaev Demands New Constitution At Rally Held After His Prison Release RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Maks Boqaev, a well-known Kazakh rights activist and outspoken government critic, has been released from prison and he immediately held a rally demanding a new constitution for the Central Asian nation.

Prime Minister's vision for space technology will create large scale employment opportunities in this sector: Dr Jitendra Singh India PIB 04 Feb 2021 -- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said today that the Prime Minister's vision for space technology is to unlock India's potential in space sector; to transform skill, capacity and creativity to make the country self-reliant and technologically advanced.

Response to Turkish Statements on the 2016 Attempted Coup in Turkey US Dept. of State 04 Feb 2021 -- The United States had no involvement in the 2016 attempted coup in Turkey and promptly condemned it. Recent assertions to the contrary made by senior Turkish officials are wholly false.
Turkey's Erdogan Calls Student Protesters Terrorists, Intensifying Anti-LGBT Rhetoric VOA 04 Feb 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused student demonstrators of being terrorists as Turkish police arrested them for protesting Erdogan's appointment of a new rector at one of the country's top universities this week.

Zelenskiy Defends Decision To Block TV Channels Controlled By Russia-Linked Magnate RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has met with a group of ambassadors from the Group of Seven (G7) and the European Union to defend his government's decision to shut several television channels controlled by a Russia-linked magnate, a move supported by Washington but questioned by Brussels and slammed by Moscow.

Water Levels Drop, Fail to Rise Again on Mekong River Along Thai-Lao Border Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- Water levels on a stretch of the Mekong River along the border of Thailand and Laos, already low because of equipment testing at China's upriver Jinghong Dam, have failed to rise again, raising concerns in communities living downstream, sources say.

Kyrgyz Ex-President Atambaev's Pretrial Detention Extended Until April 7 RFE/RL 04 Feb 2021 -- A court in Bishkek has extended the pretrial detention of former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev until April 7.

Meth Production in Golden Triangle Surges, UN Official Says Radio Free Asia 04 Feb 2021 -- Methamphetamine production has quadrupled in Southeast Asia's Golden Triangle region in recent years, the head of the U.N.'s counter-narcotics office in Bangkok told BenarNews on Thursday, saying illegal manufacturers of synthetic drugs have changed ingredients used to start the process.

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