• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Roadside bomb attacks hit US-led coalition convoys in southern Iraq, Anbar Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Four roadside bombs have separately gone off near convoys of trucks carrying equipment belonging to US-led coalition forces in Iraq's southern provinces of al-Qadisiyah and al-Muthanna as well as the western province of Anbar.
• New Push For Peace Tests International Cooperation, Afghan Unity RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Mar 2021 -- A new push by the United States to reinvigorate the Afghan peace process ahead of a looming deadline for the withdrawal of its forces is testing the level of cooperation among Kabul's neighbors and the ability of Afghan factions to unite over a shared political future.
• US, Regional Powers Call on Taliban to Forego Spring Offensive at Moscow Conference VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States, Russia, China, and Pakistan have called on all parties in Afghanistan to reduce violence and the Taliban to forego their Spring offensive, the yearly renewal in attacks after a winter lull, in order to facilitate peace negotiations.
• Afghan Special Forces Helicopter Crash Lands in Maidan Wardak, 9 People Dead Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- An Afghan special forces' helicopter has crash-landed in the central province of Maidan Wardak, leaving nine people dead, the Defence Ministry confirmed on Thursday.
• Joint Statement on Extended "Troika" on Peaceful Settlement in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Russia, China, and Pakistan on the occasion of the Extended "Troika" on Peaceful Settlement in Afghanistan.
• Joint Statement of extended "Troika" on peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, Moscow, 18 March 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2021 -- On 18 March 2021, Moscow hosted a regular meeting of the extended "Troika" comprising representatives of Russia, China, the USA and Pakistan, which focused on making progress in the intra-Afghan process to reach a negotiated settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
• Afghan Gov't Preparing for Whatever Decision US Takes on Troop Pullout, Official Says Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- The Afghan government believes that only the United States can decide when to pull troops from the country and leave Kabul in charge of its own security, a senior presidential adviser told Sputnik on Thursday.
• U.S., Russia, China, And Pakistan Urge Afghan Cease-Fire RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States, Russia, China, and Pakistan have jointly called on Afghanistan's warring sides to reach an immediate cease-fire just six weeks before a deadline for the United States to pull out troops who have been in the country for nearly 20 years.
• President Ghani: Military helicopter shot down in central Afghanistan, killing all on board Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- At least nine people have been killed after an Afghan military helicopter was shot down in central part of the country, President Ashraf Ghani says.
• 4 killed, 11 wounded in roadside bomb attack in Afghan capital Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- At least four people have been killed and nearly a dozen wounded in a roadside bomb explosion in the Afghan capital of Kabul, officials say.
• Afghan Peace Conference Opens In Moscow Amid Continued Violence RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Mar 2021 -- Representatives of the Afghan government, the Taliban, and several major countries have gathered in Moscow to push for a reduction in violence to advance the peace process in Afghanistan.
• Nine Members Of Afghan Military Killed In Helicopter Crash RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Mar 2021 -- Nine members of the Afghan security forces, including special forces personnel, were killed in a helicopter crash in central Afghanistan, the Afghan Defense Ministry said.
• Kabul Bombing Kills At Least Three Ahead Of Moscow Conference To Revive Afghan Peace Process RFE/RL Gandhara 18 Mar 2021 -- Afghan officials say at least three people were killed and 11 wounded when a roadside bomb hit a vehicle carrying government employees in Kabul on March 18, as representatives of the Afghan government, the Taliban, and key countries gather in Moscow to push for a reduction in violence to advance the peace process in Afghanistan.
• Russia hosts Afghanistan peace conference, urges speedy deal to end violence Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Russia has urged both the Afghan officials and the Taliban leaders during talks in Moscow to reach an speedy agreement to put an end to years of violence as the deadline for US troops to withdraw from the war-torn country draws near.
• Oklahoma National Guard assists with COVID-19 vaccinations Army News 18 Mar 2021 -- The Oklahoma National Guard is supporting Oklahoma's whole-of-government response to COVID-19, shifting its mission and focus to serve the community better.
• North Dakota National Guard marks year of COVID-19 response Army News 18 Mar 2021 -- The North Dakota National Guard marked its one-year anniversary of COVID-19 response operations in support of state and community health agencies. The first North Dakota Guard members were activated for COVID-19 duty on March 16, 2020.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Egyptian, U.S. navies hold joint exercise in Red Sea People's Daily 18 Mar 2021 -- The Egyptian and the U.S. naval forces have conducted a drill in the Red Sea, Egypt's armed forces said in a statement on Wednesday.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony Blinken Conduct Press Conference With Their Counterparts After a U.S.-ROK Foreign and Defense Ministerial ("2+2"), Hosted by the ROK's Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong and Minister of Defense Suh Wook DoD 18 Mar 2021
• SEAC: DOD Will 'Move Fast' Against Extremism After Completion of Stand Downs DoD News 18 Mar 2021 -- The services have just two weeks left to complete a military-wide stand down to conduct training on and discussion of extremism in the ranks with every service member, a task assigned in early February by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.
• Egyptian ENS Sharm El-Sheikh, USS Somerset Perform Passing Exercise US Navy 18 Mar 2021 -- The Egyptian guided-missile frigate ENS Sharm El-Sheikh (FFG 901) and U.S. amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX), March 14.
• USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Conducts Passing Exercise with Turkish Navy US Navy 18 Mar 2021 -- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group conducted a passing and communication exercise with the Turkish Navy in the Mediterranean Sea, March 16-17, 2021
• Joint Statement of the 2021 Republic of Korea – United States Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting ("2+2") US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States and the Republic of Korea:
• Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin's Meeting with Republic of Korea President Moon US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021
• U.S.-Korean Alliance is Key to Peace, Stability in Northeast Asia DoD News 18 Mar 2021 -- The American commitment to the U.S.-Republic of Korea Treaty remains ironclad, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today following the ROK-US Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting in Seoul.
• S. Korea, U.S. defense, foreign ministers hold "2+2" talks about Korean Peninsula, regional issues People's Daily 18 Mar 2021 -- Defense and foreign ministers of South Korea and the United States held the so-called "two plus two" talks in Seoul on Thursday about the Korean Peninsula and regional issues.
• S. Korean, U.S. defense chiefs reaffirm goal of Korean Peninsula's denuclearization People's Daily 18 Mar 2021 -- South Korean and U.S. defense chiefs reaffirmed the common goal of the Korean Peninsula's complete denuclearization during their talks on Wednesday, according to the South Korean defense ministry.
• US, South Korea Plan to Hold More Joint Wargames Despite North's Criticism Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States and South Korea pledged to enhance their combined deterrence posture and keep up joint military exercises, despite Pyongyang's criticism of the drills, the two countries said in a joint statement after high-level talks on Thursday.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, and Republic of Korea Defense Minister Suh Wook at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021
• NATO AWACS provides area surveillance during Red Flag 21-2 US Air Force 18 Mar 2021 -- Service members from seven NATO member nations are at Nellis Air Force Base, supporting Red Flag 21-2 to test and sharpen their abilities in countering threats while building a cohesive protocol for real-world events.
• Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană discusses NATO's approach to emerging technologies at CYBERSEC NATO 18 Mar 2021 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stressed the importance of strong interoperability between Allies in order to keep NATO's technological edge at the 4th European Cybersecurity Forum – CYBERSEC Brussels Leaders' Foresight – on Thursday (18 March 2021).
• Speech by NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoană, at the Transformative Potential of the Euro-Atlantic Process in Bosnia and Herzegovina event NATO 18 Mar 2021
• NATO Deputy Secretary General advocates for gender equality and women's leadership NATO 18 Mar 2021 -- In a NATO-led online conference on Gender equality and leadership: are today's leaders leading enough? on 18 March 2021, NATO's Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană called for more women in leadership positions, including at NATO.
• Russia's Corvette Stoikiy Arrives at Port Sudan – Sources Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- Russia's corvette Stoikiy has entered Port Sudan, two high-ranking sources at the port told Sputnik.
• PLA commissions new type of infantry fighting vehicle Global Times 18 Mar 2021 -- A new type of infantry fighting vehicle was recently spotted in service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), official reports show. This new tracked armored vehicle will likely be used to transport troops and replace some of the less capable and obsolete equipment, analysts said.
• PLA establishes POL consumption standard system PLA Daily 18 Mar 2021 -- The Logistic Support Department of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) has recently issued two documents on the standards of petrol, oil and lubricants (POL) consumption, one for ships attached to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and the People's Armed Police Force (PAP), the other for the military's ground equipment. This marks that the military standard system on POL consumption has been preliminarily established.
• China's foreign investment security reviews concentrate on military, areas concerning national security: MOFCOM Global Times 18 Mar 2021 -- China's new rules on foreign investment security reviews, which were enacted in January, concentrate security reviews on two types of foreign investment, including military, and other areas concerning national defense and security, as well as major agricultural, energy and resources areas that are critical to national security, according to China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).
• Indigenously built Indian Naval Landing Craft Utility L58 Commissioned at Port Blair; The ship adds fillip to Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat programme India PIB 18 Mar 2021 -- Indian Naval Landing Craft Utility (LCU) L58, the eighth and last ship of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mark IV Class, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on March 18, 2021.
• Iran resolved to pursue 'high goals' in missile, defense sectors: Defense chief Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says Iran will muster all its strength to continue on the path towards achieving "high goals" in the missile and defense sectors.
• Iran Will Keep on 'Moving Towards Great Objectives' in Missile Production, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- Last month, Army Ground Force Commander Kiomars Heidari said that the Iranian Army had successfully tested a new advanced missile with a range of 300 kilometres (186 miles).
• Japan Sets Up New Electronic Warfare Unit to Boost Defence Capabilities, Reports Suggest Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- Japan has created a new electronic warfare unit in Kumamoto prefecture as part of efforts to boost national defence capability in this field, Sankei Shimbun reported on Thursday.
• Navy holds mast-stepping ceremony for indigenous landing platform dock CNA 18 Mar 2021 -- Taiwan's Navy on Thursday held a mast-stepping ceremony for the nation's first indigenous landing platform dock (LPD) that is expected to enter into service next year to support amphibious operations and transport missions.
• British Army to Launch New Unit to Assist SAS, SBS in 'Cyber, Electronic Warfare', Report Says Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- According to media reports, part of the plan for the army's renewal is to lose 10,000 soldiers as the nation's Ministry of Defence invests in cutting-edge advanced weapons such as lasers and high-speed missiles.
• Department Press Briefing – March 18, 2021 US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021
• Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Senator Christopher Coons (D-DE) Travel to Ethiopia The White House 18 Mar 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge, March 18, 2021 The White House 18 Mar 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 18, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 18 March 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Mar 2021
• Yemeni combat drone hits military target at Saudi Arabia's Abha airport: Army Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces says a combat drone has successfully destroyed an important target at Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's ongoing military aggression and blockade against the war-torn Arab country.
• US-proposed ceasefire plan for Yemen offers nothing new: Ansarullah spokesman Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- The spokesman for Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, says the US-proposed plan for a nationwide ceasefire in the conflict-stricken Arab country does not offer anything new, stressing that the policies of the administration of new US President Joe Bidemn are not much different from those of his predecessor Donald Trump.
• Yemeni army liberates Ma'rib area from grip of Saudi-led terrorists Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Yemeni army soldiers and allied fighters from Popular Committees have managed to establish full control over a neighborhood in the central province of Ma'rib as they continue to push against Saudi-led mercenaries and terrorists in the strategic region.
• Syria, Russia slam US for supporting terrorists, pledge safe return of Syrian refugees Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Syria and Russia say the United States has been obstructing the return of the displaced Syrians to their homeland by financing foreign-sponsored mercenaries and igniting conflict across the Arab country.
• Meeting on socio-economic development of Crimea and Sevastopol President of Russia 18 Mar 2021 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the Republic of Crimea and the city of federal significance Sevastopol, via videoconference.
• Meeting with public representatives of Crimea and Sevastopol President of Russia 18 Mar 2021 -- The President held a meeting, via videoconference, with public representatives of the Republic of Crimea and the city of federal significance Sevastopol.
• G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Ukraine US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
• G7 Blasts Russia's 'Temporary Occupation' Of Crimea On Annexation's Seventh Anniversary RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The G7 group of nations has marked the seventh anniversary of Russia's forcible annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula by reaffirming their "unwavering support" for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
• U.S. Denounces Repression In Russian-Controlled Crimea After Journalist Arrested On Spying Charge RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States has called the arrest of a journalist in Russian-annexed Crimea for allegedly spying on behalf of Kyiv "another attempt to repress those who speak the truth about Russia's aggression in Ukraine."
• General Bajwa urges India, Pakistan to 'bury the past and move forward' Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Weeks after Pakistan and its arch-rival India agreed to strictly observe a ceasefire along the de facto border in Kashmir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has called on both sides to "bury the past" and move towards cooperation.
• China's Panchen Lama: 'Anti-China Forces' Hype Tibet For Political Gain Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- Tibet's Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama in a speech this month slammed what he called foreign interference in Tibetan affairs, saying that "anti-China forces" care nothing for the Tibetan people and only raise issues of religious freedom in order to hinder China's development.
• Clash Between Lao Troops and Armed Group Leaves One Dead in Xaysomboun Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- A member of an unidentified group of gunmen was killed in a clash with Lao government troops this month in the latest of a series of sporadic attacks by anti-government forces in Xaysomboun province, sources close to the Lao military and police said.
• U.S. Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the Tigray Crisis Response US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States is providing an additional nearly $52 million in assistance to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The United States has provided a total of nearly $153 million in humanitarian assistance since the crisis began.

News Reports

• Lawmakers Confirm Former Ambassador as US Spy Chief VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- Another key piece of U.S. President Joe Biden's team moved into place Thursday, with lawmakers in the Senate confirming former Ambassador William Burns to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
• Fourth Circuit Upholds Jury Conviction in Foreign-Agent Prosecution US Dept. of Justice 18 Mar 2021 -- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit today upheld an Eastern District of Virginia jury verdict convicting a man of acting and conspiring to act as an agent of the Turkish government within the United States without disclosing that relationship to the U.S. government. The Fourth Circuit also vacated an order granting a new trial and remanded the case for further proceedings before the district court.
• Russian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Introduce Malware into a U.S. Company's Computer Network US Dept. of Justice 18 Mar 2021 -- Defendant's attempt to recruit employee to transmit malware to exfiltrate data and extort company thwarted by FBI
• Myanmar's ousted leader to face new corruption charges Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi is set to face new corruption charges, as unrest continues over the recent coup d'état in the country.
• Myanmar Protesters Brave Shootings And Beatings as Police Raid Homes Hunting For Coup Opponents Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- Anti-military protesters returned to the streets across Myanmar on Thursday, braving shootings and beatings, while residents living under martial law in the commercial center Yangon endured raids on homes amid police searches for demonstrators and random shootings in urban and residential areas.
• Indonesian Armed Forces Chief 'Deeply Concerned' by Myanmar Situation Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- Indonesia's military chief expressed deep concern Thursday about increasing violence in Myanmar, following futile efforts by officials from his government to influence the crisis through diplomacy.
• UN envoy continues efforts to access Myanmar, amidst increasingly brutal crackdown UN News 18 Mar 2021 -- The UN Special Envoy for Myanmar continues her work towards engaging with officials in the country nearly two months after the military coup, the global Organization said on Thursday.
• Some Exiled Rohingya See 'Rare Opportunity' in Myanmar Coup VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- U.N. and Western criticism of Myanmar's military junta over last month's coup has given hope to some ethnic Rohingya activists living in exile, who have long pushed other nations to help stop persecution of Rohingya in Myanmar.
• To leave or not, Chinese companies are torn in the face of West-incited attacks amid Myanmar political upheaval Global Times 18 Mar 2021 -- While Chinese companies have brought tangible benefits to Myanmar over recent years, the sudden political upheaval in the country since early February has cast a shadow over and brought security concerns to Chinese companies operating there.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 18, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2021
• Putin on Biden's 'Killer' Remark: 'Takes One to Know One' VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin responded Thursday to comments made by U.S. President Joe Biden in which he described the Russian leader as a killer, saying, "It takes one to know one."
• Replying to Biden's 'killer' comment, Putin says 'it takes one to know one' Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has mocked his American counterpart, Joe Biden, for his "killer" comment, but stressed that Moscow will not cut ties with Washington over the growing row.
• Russia Reacts Sharply To Biden's 'Unprecedented' Comment About Putin Being A Killer RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The Kremlin has accused U.S. President Joe Biden of not wanting to improve bilateral ties after "unprecedented" comments in which he said believed Vladimir Putin is a killer.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in connection with the latest anti-Russia remarks from Washington Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Mar 2021 -- "The current US administration never ceases to surprise us with its absurd public statements. It's not just about the unseemly attacks against Russia's top officials, but also the absurd accusations of Russia's interference in last year's presidential election in the United States, in which, as you are aware, Joe Biden was the winner."
• Kremlin: Biden's Remarks on Putin 'Clearly' Show Lack of Desire to Improve US-Russia Ties Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov qualified US President Joe Biden's recent comments about Russian President Vladimir Putin as "very bad statements" and noted that Russia assumes that the US leader certainly does not seek mending ties.
• White House Says US Will Not Rely on Sanctions Alone to Deal With Russia, Has More Tools Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- The US administration will not rely on sanctions alone in trying to influence Russia's behavior, as President Joe Biden has a range of alternative tools at his disposal, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Thursday.
• Moscow Court Prolongs House Arrests Of Four Navalny Supporters RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- A Moscow court has extended the house arrest of Kira Yarmysh, a spokeswoman of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.
• Chechen Police Regiment Urges Putin To 'Protect' It From Newspaper's 'Defamation' RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- A special police regiment in Russia's North Caucasus region has urged President Vladimir Putin "to protect" them from "defamation" by the Moscow-based independent investigative newspaper Novaya Gazeta after it published a report about alleged extrajudicial killings and torture by law enforcement in the region.
• U.S. Warns Entities Involved In Nord Stream 2 They Face More Sanctions RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- The United States has called for "any entity involved" in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany to disengage "immediately" or face U.S. sanctions.
• US Secretary of State Warns Any Entity Working on Nord Stream 2 Risk Being Slapped With Sanctions Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- German authorities have been in talks with the US for months in a bid to convince Washington to discard the idea of slapping new sanctions on the joint megaproject of Russia's Gazprom and European energy giants.
• Nord Stream 2 and Potential Sanctionable Activity US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- As the President has said, Nord Stream 2 is a bad deal — for Germany, for Ukraine, and for our Central and Eastern European allies and partners. The Department is tracking efforts to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and is evaluating information regarding entities that appear to be involved.
• Russia recalls ambassador from US after Biden calls Putin 'a killer' Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Russia has called its ambassador to the US to come back home for consultations on the future of Moscow-Washington relations after US President Joe Biden called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "a killer".
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on March 18, 2021 PRC MofA 18 Mar 2021
• US, China Diplomats Meeting in Alaska VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are meeting Thursday in Anchorage, Alaska, in what will be the first bilateral meeting between Chinese and American officials since June.
• China, US kick off Alaska talks amid tensions, attach great importance Global Times 18 Mar 2021 -- China and the US, the two biggest major powers in the world that have been at loggerheads, are set to kick off a high-level meeting in Alaska after a series of contests and frictions.
• Sino-US Talks Come Amid Sea Change in Bilateral Ties Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- Rights abuses against Uyghurs in China's northwestern Xinjiang region, an ongoing crackdown on freedom of speech and political participation in Hong Kong, and military threats against the democratic island of Taiwan were among the issues affecting Sino-U.S. ties as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed towards Anchorage, Alaska for talks with his Chinese counterpart on Thursday.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Invites Russia's Lavrov to Beijing After Alaska Summit Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- In the face of mutual pressure from the United States, Russia and China have grown increasingly close in recent years, although both nations continue to strictly adhere to the principles of non-alignment.
• China urges U.S., Japan to stop interfering in China's internal affairs People's Daily 18 Mar 2021 -- China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the recent U.S.-Japan joint statement, which maliciously attacked China's foreign policy, seriously interfered in China's internal affairs and attempted to damage China's interests, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.
• NPC Standing Committee strongly condemns US sanctions on 14 Chinese officials Global Times 18 Mar 2021 -- A spokesperson for the NPC Standing Committee strongly condemned US sanctions on 14 senior Chinese officials, saying that using Hong Kong as an excuse to recklessly interfere in China's domestic affairs is "unreasonable."
• China Clamps Down on Software Used to Disguise Voiceprints Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- China internet regulator has announced it is taking steps to stem the use of voice-changing software, a technology that has been used by activists on the audio chatroom app Clubhouse to disguise their voices from government agents monitoring the app.
• China Aims to Close Urban-Rural Income Gap After Declaring Poverty Vanquished VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- For more than four decades, China has been among the world's fastest-growing economies, which the World Bank has described in a widely quoted phrase as "the fastest sustained expansion by a major economy in history."
• France defies Beijing over legislator's planned visit to Taiwan CNA 18 Mar 2021 -- French legislators have the freedom to travel wherever they wish, France's foreign ministry said Wednesday after news broke that China's ambassador in Paris had demanded that a French senator not visit Taiwan.
• China warns US against sailing warships in Taiwan Strait Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- China has warned the United States against sailing warships in the Taiwan Strait, which separates self-ruled Taiwan from mainland China.
• N.Korea stresses no intention to hold talks Global Times 18 Mar 2021 -- A top diplomat of North Korea has vowed that Pyongyang will ignore the US' outreach until Washington "rolls back its hostile policy," the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday.
• Statement of First Vice Foreign Minister of DPRK KCNA 18 Mar 2021 -- Choe Son Hui, first vice minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), issued the following statement on Wednesday:
• DPRK's History of Self-reliance (1) KCNA 18 Mar 2021 -- Self-reliance is a proud tradition of the Korean revolution.
• North Korea rules out new talks with US, citing 'hostile policy' Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- North Korea has dismissed the possibility of holding fresh talks with the United States on the demilitarization of the Korean Peninsula, saying it will ignore all efforts by Washington to foster contact or dialog as long as it pursues a "hostile policy" toward Pyongyang.
• Blinken Urges China to Pressure Pyongyang to Denuclearise in 'Self-Interest' Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- The US has reaffirmed its commitment to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and reducing the threat posed by North Korea, and urged China to pressure Pyongyang in "clear self-interest" and using their "unique relationship", US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday following "two plus two" talks in Seoul.
• North Korean Workers in China Hit With Demand for 'Loyalty Funds' for Late Leader's Birth Anniversary Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- North Korea has ordered trade workers dispatched to China to pay "loyalty funds" ahead of a major national holiday, but few are able to pay because their work dried up when both countries closed the border early last year to combat the spread of coronavirus, sources familiar with trade issues told RFA.
• Iran begins uranium enrichment with second type of advanced IR-4 centrifuges at Natanz site: IAEA Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iran began enriching uranium at its Natanz nuclear facility with a cascade of advanced IR-4 centrifuges.
• Macron Urges Iran to Stop Violating JCPOA Nuclear Deal, Demands Tehran to Act Responsibly Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called on Iran to cease violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), during a joint press conference with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Paris.
• Govt spokesman: Removal of sanctions, fight against COVID-19 on top agenda of Govt for new year IRNA 18 Mar 2021 -- Spokesman for Government said on Thursday that removal of the sanctions and national campaign to contain COVID-19 pandemic are on top agenda of the Government for the new year.
• Rights experts demand Iran release academic 'nearing death' in solitary confinement UN News 18 Mar 2021 -- United Nations independent human rights experts on Thursday called on Iran to immediately release Iranian-Swedish academic Ahmadreza Djalali, reported to be in a "near death" condition after months of prolonged solitary confinement.
• Iranian Proxy Attacks on Americans 'Not Helping Climate in US' for Reviving Iran Talks, US Envoy Says VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley has indicated that recent attacks by Iranian proxies on U.S. forces in Iraq are making it tougher for the Biden administration to build domestic support for its new diplomatic initiative to resolve U.S.-Iran tensions.
• Iran reacts to PGCC joint statement: 'Unrealistic' IRNA 18 Mar 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh on Thursday slammed the final communique of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) foreign ministers meeting, describing it as "unrealistic" which comes as the result of Saudi pressure on other members of the body.
• Tsikhanouskaya Asks U.S. To Widen Belarus Sanctions To Include Lukashenka's 'Wallets' RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called on the United States to put more pressure on authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka by expanding sanctions to bring maximum pressure on the Belarusian regime and force it to answer the opposition's calls for dialogue.
• Belarus Opposition Leader Renews Battle Against Lukashenka RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has made good on promises to reignite the effort to topple Alyaksandr Lukashenka, calling for renewed protests over a disputed presidential election, announcing a nationwide online vote on possible mediated negotiations to end the crisis, and more sanctions from the United States to pressure the authorities.
• Gaganyaan programme envisages sending humans in space: Dr Jitendra Singh India PIB 18 Mar 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 that the Gaganyaan programme envisages sending humans in space.
• Saudi Arabia is on the Verge of New Phase in Space Industry, With its Global Investments are Estimated at More Than $350 Billion SPA 18 Mar 2021 -- For humanity, space flights were more like stories of Greek mythology until 1961 when man carried out the first Russian space flight, triggering an international competition to ascend and explore space until the present time, during which, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia became the first Arab country to take part in the 1985 Discovery space flight.
• Saudi Space Commission Sings Executive Program with China Manned Space Agency SPA 18 Mar 2021 -- Saudi Space Commission signed today an executive program with China Manned Space Agency to implement a Saudi scientific mission on board the Chinese Space Station (CSS) in 2022.
• Britain, EU Trade Barbs as Vaccine Rancor Adds to Post-Brexit Ill-Feeling VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- Like some divorced couples, Britain and the European Union are struggling to adjust to their rancorous separation. But the former partners appear to be picking fights with each other, which isn't helping them forge an amicable post-breakup relationship, say analysts.
• Hariri says Lebanon has to re-engage IMF to avoid collapse Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri says the only way to stop the country's economy from total collapse is to form a cabinet that can re-engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Lebanon's president asks PM-designate Hariri to form new government or leave Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun has called on Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri to make way for someone else if he is unable to form a government.
• Armenian prime minister announces early parliamentary poll on June 20 Press TV 18 Mar 2021 -- Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has announced an early parliamentary election on June 20, amid high tensions with the country's army which called for his resignation last month.
• Embattled Armenian PM Announces Early Parliamentary Elections In June RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has agreed to hold early general elections in June in an effort to defuse a political crisis sparked by the war with Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.
• Armenia to Hold Snap Parliamentary Elections on 20 June, Prime Minister Says Sputnik 18 Mar 2021 -- Armenia will hold snap parliamentary elections on 20 June, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday.
• Cambodia Issues Guidelines to UN on Conduct of Rights Expert Radio Free Asia 18 Mar 2021 -- Cambodia's representative to the United Nations has issued guidelines on how its new expert on human rights in the country should do his job in the authoritarian country, highlighting years of antagonism between Phnom Penh and U.N. over rollbacks of democracy by Prime Minister Hun Sen's government.
• Bulgaria's Powerful 'Potbelly' Vanishes From Political Scene Ahead Of Elections RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- A controversial oligarch and media mogul in Bulgaria's parliament has disappeared from the forefront of the country's political scene ahead of general elections on April 4.
• Hungary's Ruling Fidesz Party Quits European Center-Right Bloc RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- Hungary's ruling nationalist Fidesz party led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban has quit the main pan-European center-right bloc, two weeks after leaving its grouping in the European Parliament.
• Political Prisoners Among Individuals Pardoned By Azerbaijani President RFE/RL 18 Mar 2021 -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has issued pardons for hundreds of people, including almost 40 who have been identified by rights groups as being behind bars for political reasons.
• Central African States Say COVID-19, Conflicts Halt Integration VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) says armed conflict and the coronavirus pandemic have seriously damaged the economies of the six member-countries and put a halt to regional integration. The economic block, one of the least developed on the African continent, marked its 27th anniversary this week in Cameroon.
• Rutte's Ruling Party Appears to Cruise to 4th Term in Netherlands Election VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his ruling People's Party for Freedom (VVD) will begin negotiations on a new ruling coalition government Thursday as voters sent them to victory for a fourth consecutive term.
• Samia Hassan Poised to Become Tanzania's First Woman President VOA 18 Mar 2021 -- Following Wednesday's death of Tanzanian President John Magufuli, attention is shifting to his successor.
• Tanzanian President John Magufuli dies aged 61 People's Daily 18 Mar 2021 -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli has died of heart disease at the age of 61, the country's Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on Wednesday.