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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Turkey continues its efforts for Afghanistan's lasting security, through the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission NATO 31 Mar 2021 -- On 30 March 2021, Turkish Brigadier General Selçuk Yurtsizoğlu assumed command of the NATO-led Train, Advise, Assist Command-Capital, receiving his flag from Lieutenant General Nicola Zanelli, Deputy Commander of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. Brigadier General Yurtsizoğlu replaced Brigadier General Ahmet Yaşar Dener.
• Afghanistan Recognizes Long Forgotten Ethnic Tatar Community RFE/RL Gandhara 31 Mar 2021 -- MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan -- Ethnic Tatars have lived for centuries in what is now the territory of Afghanistan. But they were never officially recognized among the dozens of ethnic and linguistic groups in the country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Awards $53.7 Million Contract to Ortho Clinical Diagnostics DoD 31 Mar 2021 -- On March 31, 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD), on behalf of and in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a $53.7 million contract to Ortho Clinical Diagnostics to increase production capacity of COVID-19 antigen and antibody test kits and associated VITROS® Systems test analyzers.
• U.S. COVID-19 deaths top 550,000: Johns Hopkins University People's Daily 31 Mar 2021 -- U.S. COVID-19 deaths surpassed 550,000 on Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
• NYS COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 4,715, positivity rate 4.28 pct: governor People's Daily 31 Mar 2021 -- COVID-19 hospitalizations in New York state rose to 4,715 on Monday, compared with 4,575 one day earlier, tweeted Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday.
• CDC: COVID-19 Third Largest Cause of US Deaths in 2020 VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported Wednesday that COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the United States during 2020, and it boosted the overall U.S. death toll by nearly 16% from the previous year.
• Press Briefing by White House COVID-19 Response Team and Public Health Officials The White House 31 Mar 2021
• Partnership Expands Opportunities for New and Small Businesses to Work With the Department of Defense, Expand National Security Innovation Base DoD 31 Mar 2021 -- The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on small business matters, and the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), an innovation unit within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, signed a memorandum of agreement on March 5 to collaborate on expanding the national security innovation base.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Conducts Briefing for Reporters DoD 31 Mar 2021 --Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby; Stephanie Miller, Director of Accession Policy
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III Phone Call With Indonesian Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto DoD 31 Mar 2021
• IKE Supports Operation Inherent Resolve from Eastern Mediterranean US Navy 31 Mar 2021 -- Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group began flight operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, March 31, 2021.
• NATO delivers IT equipment to the Republic of Moldova NATO 31 Mar 2021 -- On 29 March 2021, an online event marked the delivery of information technology (IT) equipment from NATO to Moldova's Ministry of Defence. The IT equipment will be installed in the Ministry's Transformation Directorate. It will contribute to move the Moldovan defence transformation effort forward.
• PLA commissions new-type robot for bomb disposal Global Times 31 Mar 2021 -- A new robot type has entered service, as it demonstrated its capacity in a recent bomb disposal exercise by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The commissioning of such a device is an example of the PLA's modernization as machines have replaced humans in dangerous missions and increased combat efficiency, analysts said on Wednesday.
• China, Japan hold defense consultation: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 31 Mar 2021 -- The defense authorities of China and Japan held the third annual meeting of maritime and air liaison mechanism and the fifth round of working-level consultation on defense affairs via video link on March 29. The two sides exchanged views on such topics as maritime and aerial security policies, regional security situation, operation of the Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism, and defense exchanges.
• Taiwan to buy upgraded PAC-3 missiles, to be deployed by 2026 CNA 31 Mar 2021 -- Taiwan's military has decided to buy an upgraded version of the Patriot missile from the U.S. to counter China's growing threat against the country, according to a Ministry of National Defense (MND) report on Wednesday.
• Indian Army Formally Closes Down Military Farms India PIB 31 Mar 2021 -- Military Farms were set up with sole requirement of supplying hygienic cow's milk to troops billeted in various garrisons across British India.
• Royal Saudi Naval Forces Launches His Majesty's Ship Hail into Water in Spain SPA 31 Mar 2021 -- The Royal Saudi Naval Forces has launched His Majesty's Ship Hail into water at Navantia's shipyard in San Fernando, Kingdom of Spain, which is the third ship in the Sarawat project, that includes five ships of Corvette Avante 2200.
• UK Carrier Strike Group to sail with Netherlands Frigate on 2021 deployment UK MOD 31 Mar 2021 -- The Netherlands will be fully integrated into the UK sovereign Carrier Strike Group's maiden operational deployment later this year, Defence ministers have confirmed today.
• Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with National Security Advisor Hermogenes Esperon of the Philippines The White House 31 Mar 2021
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Aboard Air Force One en route Pittsburgh, PA The White House 31 Mar 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2021
• Department Press Briefing – March 31, 2021 US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 31, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 31 March 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Mar 2021
• Philippines Amplifies Demand for Chinese 'Maritime Militia' Ships to Leave EEZ Waters Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- China has not withdrawn all of its vessels moored at a reef within Manila's exclusive economic zone, the Philippines said Wednesday, as it amplified its demand that Beijing pull out "Maritime Militia" ships from disputed South China Sea waters.
• UN chief regrets lack of progress in work of Syria's Constitutional Committee People's Daily 31 Mar 2021 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday regretted the lack of progress in the work of Syria's Constitutional Committee.
• Authorities in western Libya free 120 captured fighters loyal to Haftar Press TV 031 Mar 2021 -- Several years into a battle for power in Libya, authorities in the western part have now moved toward reconciliation by realeasing 120 captured fighters loyal to the eastern-based renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar.
• Interview: 'I haven't seen airstrikes in Karen state for over 20 years.' Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- David Eubank is the director of Free Burma Rangers. Self-described as a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement working to bring help, hope and love to people in the conflict areas of Burma, the organization trains "Ranger teams" to work together with pro-democracy groups to deliver emergency medical care, food, shelter and clothing to those in need.
• UN agencies ramp up response for Rohingya refugees in wake of 'unprecedented' fire UN News 31 Mar 2021 -- United Nations agencies have stepped up their efforts to assist thousands of Rohingya refugee families left homeless after last week's devastating fire at the Kutupalong refugee camp in southern Bangladesh.
• U.S. General Calls Ukrainian, Russian Counterparts Over Reported Russian Troop Movements RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- A top U.S. general called his counterparts in Russia and Ukraine on March 31 amid reports of a buildup of Russian troops along Ukraine's border and in Crimea, the Pentagon confirmed on March 31.
• Central African Republic: Rights experts concerned over 'Russian advisers' and close contacts with UN peacekeepers UN News 31 Mar 2021 -- UN-appointed independent rights experts on Wednesday raised concerns over the recruitment and use of private military and foreign security contractors by the Government of the Central African Republic, and their apparent close contacts with UN peacekeepers there.
• UN Experts Describe Reports Of Major Abuses By Russian Mercenaries In Central Africa RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- UN experts have voiced concern over reports of "grave human rights abuses" by Russian mercenaries in the Central African Republic (CAR), where they have been backing the government's military in the country's ongoing civil war.
• ICC Upholds Acquittal of Former Ivory Coast President VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- Judges at International Criminal Court in The Hague have upheld the acquittal of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and youth minister Charles Ble Goude, paving the way for both to return home.

News Reports

• Capitol Riot Exposed QAnon's Violent Potential VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- Many followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory see themselves as digital warriors battling an imaginary cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles who rule the world from the convenience of their keyboards.
• Working With Allies on Human Rights a 'High Priority For This Administration': Interview Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- In an annual human rights report released on Tuesday, the U.S. State Department pointed to what it called significant human rights issues in China, including Tibet, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang. Abuses noted in the report included arbitrary arrests and detentions, the torture of prisoners, restrictions on the freedom of expression and freedom of movement, forced labor, and restrictions on religious freedoms.
• More climate action needed during 'make-or-break year' for people and planet UN News 31 Mar 2021 -- The world needs "a major breakthrough" to slow the pace of climate change and build resilience to protect the most vulnerable from increasingly severe and frequent climate impacts, the deputy UN chief told a crucial high-level meeting on Wednesday, looking ahead to November's COP26.
• Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary Among States With Highest Number Of ECHR Cases RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- The Council of Europe says states across the continent last year continued to make "progress" on implementing judgments from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) despite the coronavirus pandemic.
• 'Coup attempt' thwarted in Niger amid elections dustup Press TV 31 Mar 2021 -- In Niger, a 'coup attempt' has been thwarted only two days before President-elect Mohamed Bazoum is to be sworn in.
• Niger's Government Says Military Coup Attempt Thwarted VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- Niger's government says an attempted military coup was stopped Wednesday, two days before the new president is due to take office.
• Former Intelligence Analyst Pleads Guilty to Disclosing Classified Information US Dept. of Justice 31 Mar 2021 -- A former intelligence analyst and former military servicemember pleaded guilty today to illegally obtaining classified national defense information and disclosing it to a reporter.
• Italy Expels Russian Officials As 'Extremely Serious' Spy Case Escalates RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Rome has ordered the expulsion of two Russian officials over an escalating espionage case that Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called an "extremely serious incident" between the NATO member state and Russia.
• Italy Expels Two Russian Diplomats Accused of Espionage VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- Italy says it expelled two Russian diplomats and arrested an Italian navy captain Tuesday for their alleged involvement in espionage.
• Russia 'regrets' Italy's expulsion of diplomats on 'espionage' charge Press TV 31 Mar 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has expressed its regret for Italy's decision to expel two Russian diplomats on the grounds that they were 'spies.'
• Italy arrests navy captain for alleged spying for Russia Press TV 31 Mar 2021 -- Italy has arrested a navy captain on suspicion of spying for Russia, according to Italian police.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the introduction of new anti-Russia sanctions by Australia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2021 -- "We noted a statement by Foreign Minister of Australia Marise Payne on the introduction of financial sanctions and a ban on the entry of one Russian citizen and four companies linked with the construction and maintenance of the Kerch Bridge."
• Macron, Merkel Discuss Navalny, Possible Vaccine Cooperation With Putin RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have discussed possible cooperation on vaccines with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the French Presidency said on March 30.
• Merkel Ally Breaks Ranks, Calls For Halt To Nord Stream 2 RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Germany's coordinator for transatlantic relations has called for a moratorium on construction on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, a project that is fiercely opposed by the United States.
• Kremlin Critic Navalny Threatens Hunger Strike Over Lack of Medical Care VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- A week after his lawyers claimed he was in poor health, jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny says he will go on a hunger strike until he is given proper medical care, according to a post on his Instagram account.
• Jailed Kremlin Critic Navalny Announces Hunger Strike To Protest Treatment In Russian Prison RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has declared a hunger strike saying he is being deprived of proper medical treatment as fear among his associates grows over his state of health just months after being in a coma following a poison attack.
• Boris Nemtsov Was One Of Putin's Harshest Critics. So Why Is His Young Son In An Ad For Russia's Ruling Party? RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- The Moscow branch of the ruling United Russia party has raised eyebrows with a social media video that features the 7-year-old son of former Deputy Prime Minister and opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was shot dead outside the Kremlin in February 2015.
• In Suez Canal Blockage, Russia Spies An Arctic Seaway Marketing Opportunity RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Last week, as the gargantuan container ship Ever Given stood wedged in the Suez Canal, blocking the artery carrying around 15 percent of the world's cargo ship trade and giving the global economy palpitations, the state company that runs Russia's Arctic icebreakers had a different reaction: mockery.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on March 31, 2021 PRC MofA 31 Mar 2021
• China's Ministry of Education to support national security education in HK Global Times 31 Mar 2021 -- China's Ministry of Education will give full support to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in promoting curriculum reforms and carrying out national security education in schools, in response to some people's doubts and rejections of national education in recent times.
• Chinese authorities slam US, UK, Japan over comments on HK electoral reform Global Times 31 Mar 2021 -- Chinese authorities on Wednesday slammed foreign countries' accusations against China over the electoral system reform plan for Hong Kong, following their comments on the issue the previous day, when the plan was approved by China's top legislature.
• US arbitrary allegation of 'genocide' in Xinjiang absurd lie of the century: Chinese FM Global Times 31 Mar 2021 -- The US arbitrarily alleged "genocide" in Xinjiang based on lies and false information from some anti-China forces, which is an absurd lie of the century, a grave insult to the Chinese people and a severe trampling on international laws and basic norms governing international relations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, after the US released its annual human rights report criticizing China's Xinjiang policies.
• Uyghur Who Appealed Jail Sentence Charged With Additional Crimes Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- A Uyghur businessman who appealed his prison sentence has been re-tried and accused of additional "crimes" in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) according to sources, while his lawyers received threats from judicial officials demanding they back out of proceedings.
• Hong Kong's New Political System, Controlled by China, Takes Effect Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- A new political system imposed and controlled by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took effect in Hong Kong on Wednesday, as the U.S. said it was "deeply concerned" by the move.
• Hong Kong Policy Act Report US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2021 -- Over the past year, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has continued to dismantle Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, in violation of its obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration and Hong Kong's Basic Law.
• Beijing-Led Electoral Reforms for Hong Kong Redefine 'Democracy,' Critics Say VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- Hong Kong's legislature will undergo major changes to its format and structure as a result of Beijing's approval of a political shakeup that will expand its control over the semiautonomous city.
• Beijing Orders Closure of Chinese Law Firm Tied to Hong Kong Activists VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- A Chinese law firm linked to the defense of one of 12 pro-democracy activists who allegedly attempted to flee Hong Kong for Taiwan has been ordered to disband, a development that reflects tightening constraints on rights lawyers in China.
• BBC Correspondent 'Forced to Leave' China After Smear Campaigns: FCCC Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- The BBC's China correspondent John Sudworth has been forced to leave the country amid threats to his personal safety in a move likely linked to his reporting on human rights abuses in Xinjiang, a group representing foreign journalists in the country said on Wednesday.
• Trade Between North Korea and China Seen Likely to Resume in April Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- After more than a year without trade between North Korea and China, who closed the Sino-Korean border to fight the coronavirus pandemic, there are signs that trade could resume in April, sources in China told RFA.
• Aung San Suu Kyi 'in Good Health,' Says Lawyer After First Meeting Since Coup Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2021 -- Detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is "in good health," said the lead lawyer defending her in court cases brought by the junta that overthrew her elected government two months ago following their first meeting on Wednesday.
• Myanmar: 'Significant action' needed by Security Council to prevent 'bloodbath' UN News 31 Mar 2021 -- Widespread, systemic attacks on civilians in Myanmar orchestrated by leaders of the military coup, demand a "firm, unified and resolute international response", UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener said on Wednesday.
• UN's Myanmar Envoy Warns of 'Bloodbath,' 'Civil War' VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- The U.N. Special Envoy for Myanmar warned Wednesday that "a bloodbath is imminent" and there is an increasing "possibility of civil war" in the country if civilian rule is not restored.
• Myanmar's Descent into Chaos to Further Fuel Mekong Drug Trade: UN VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- The chaos in Myanmar could see a surge in meth production across the' Golden Triangle', the United Nation's organized crime agency said Tuesday, as ethnic militias seek quick cash to firm up their positions in lawless borderlands whose fragile equilibrium has been disrupted by the coup.
• U.S. Signals Special License For State-Owned Belarusian Firms Won't Be Extended RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- The U.S. State Department will recommend against the renewal of a general license authorizing transactions with nine state-owned Belarusian companies, spokesman Ned Price said on March 31.
• Kosovar Foreign Minister Rebuffs Turkish Pressure Over Jerusalem Embassy RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Kosovo's foreign minister has rejected pressure from Turkey over Pristina's recent opening of an embassy in the western part of Jerusalem by calling the move "a done deal."
• UN Envoy Urges New Kyrgyz President To Create Joint Entity For Rights Dialogue RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- Natalia Gherman, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Central Asia, has proposed to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov the establishment of a UN-Kyrgyzstan Human Rights Dialogue.