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News Reports

Current Operations

• White House Proposes Slight Boost in Aid for Afghan Forces VOA 28 May 2021 -- The United States is hoping more money will help make up for the absence of U.S. combat troops on the ground in Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan Asks Pakistan to Take 'Practical Steps' Against Taliban Ahead of US Pullout VOA 28 May 2021 -- The Afghan government's media spokesperson has said his country wants Pakistan to take "practical steps" to close the Taliban bases and end its support for the insurgent group in the wake of the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
• U.S. 'Rapidly' Developing Plans To Evacuate Afghans Who Worked For U.S. Forces RFE/RL Gandhara 28 May 2021 -- The U.S. government is formulating plans to evacuate interpreters and others who worked for U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan over the past two decades, a top general said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Press Briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Budget for the Missile Defense Agency DoD 28 May 2021 -- Navy Vice Admiral Jon A. Hill, director, Missile Defense Agency; Michelle C. Atkinson, director for operations
• Department of Defense Press Briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Budget DoD 28 May 2021 -- Anne McAndrew, Performing The Duties Of Under Secretary Of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer; Navy Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Director, Force Structure, Resources And Assessment, Joint Staff
• Deputy Secretary Of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks Remarks on President Biden's Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Budget Request DoD 28 May 2021 -- Dr. Kathleen Hicks, Deputy Secretary Of Defense
• DOD Announces $226.3 Million in Industrial Base Expansion Actions DoD 28 May 2021 -- Over the last 2 days, the Department of Defense (DOD), on behalf of and in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded $226.3 million in contracts and contract modifications to increase domestic production capacity of nitrile gloves and SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests.
• The Department of Defense Releases the President's Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Budget DoD 28 May 2021 -- The Biden-Harris Administration today submitted to Congress the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget request of $752.9 billion for national defense, $715 billion of which is for the Department of Defense (DOD). The FY 2022 Defense Budget submission reflects President Biden's priorities to end the "forever wars," invest in cutting-edge capabilities for our military and national security advantage in the future, and revitalize America's unmatched network of alliances and partnerships.
• DOD Budget Request Boosts Research, Nuclear Modernization and Includes 2.7% Pay Raise DoD News 28 May 2021 -- The fiscal year 2022 Defense Department budget request includes the largest-ever research, development, test and evaluation request — $112 billion, which is a 5.1% increase over fiscal 2021. It also includes $27.7 billion for nuclear triad modernization.
• DAF releases FY22 budget proposal, journeys to the Air and Space Forces of 2030 US Air Force 28 May 2021 -- The Department of the Air Force released its Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal, May 28, focusing on investing in people and capability, building the future force and delivering joint lethality and effectiveness.
• Biden Budget Substantially Boosts Foreign Aid, Diplomacy, but Raises Defense by 1.7% VOA 28 May 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden sent his first formal budget request to Congress on Friday afternoon, detailing a proposal to spend nearly $6 trillion in 2022 that includes significant increases in funding for foreign aid, diplomacy and climate change while providing a modest increase in Defense Department spending.
• Nakasone Says U.S. Works to Stay Ahead of Cybersecurity Curve DoD News 28 May 2021 -- Twenty years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the great threat to the nation has evolved into cyberspace — a new strategic environment where cyber actors can increase their power, degrade the power of others, and gain a strategic advantage, said Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone.
• AMC debuts first large-scale virtual command center during MG21 US Air Force 28 May 2021 -- Air Mobility Command premiered a proof-of-concept for a next-generation all-domain command and control platform during exercise Mobility Guardian 2021, May 25.
• Essex ARG, 11th MEU Conduct Integrated Training US Navy 28 May 2021 -- Sailors and Marines of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed integrated training off the coast of Southern California, May 27.
• Lebanese Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Complete Resolute Union 21 US Navy 28 May 2021 -- The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in exercise Resolute Union (RU) 21, a bilateral explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and maritime security operations exercise in Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea, May 17-28.
• PATFORSWA receives 2 new Sentinel-class U.S. Coast Guard fast response cutters CENTCOM 28 May 2021 -- U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) arrived at their new homeport onboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, May 25.
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl's Call with Singaporean Permanent Secretary for Defence, Chan Heng Kee DoD 28 May 2021
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III Meeting With Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar DoD 28 May 2021
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin "Benny" Gantz DoD 28 May 2021
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg DoD 28 May 2021
• Russia Deplores U.S. Decision Not To Rejoin Open Skies Treaty RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- Russia says Washington's decision not to rejoin an arms control deal that has allowed unarmed aerial flights over dozens of participating countries clouds the outlook for arms control discussions during next month's planned summit between the presidents of the two countries.
• Foreign Ministry statement on the US decision not to return to the Open Skies Treaty Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 May 2021
• China urged to increase sea-based nuclear deterrent amid US intensified strategic threat Global Times 28 May 2021 -- Facing a serious strategic threat from the US, China was urged to increase the number of nuclear weapons, especially its sea-based nuclear deterrent of intercontinental submarine-launched ballistic missiles, to deter potential military action by US warmongers, Chinese military experts said on Friday, after reports that the US' new defense budget will modernize its nuclear arsenal to deter China.
• Pakistan Stops Official Contact with Afghan National Security Chief VOA 28 May 2021 -- Pakistan has conveyed to the leadership in Afghanistan it will no longer conduct official business with Kabul's top national security chief because of his recent "abusive outburst" against Islamabad, highly placed officials and diplomatic sources confirmed to VOA Friday.
• China's military firmly opposes planned U.S. arms sales to Taiwan People's Daily 28 May 2021 -- China firmly opposes arms sales to Taiwan by any country and military ties with the island in any form, in light of the fact that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair, a military spokesperson said on Thursday.
• RSNF Commander Patronizes Ceremony of His Majesty King Saud's Ship Keel Laying SPA 28 May 2021 -- Under the patronage of Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) Lieutenant General Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghafili, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces has celebrated the laying of the keel of Royal Saudi Navy first ship of the Tuwaiq project, which was officially named His Majesty King Saud Ship (HMS Saud). The keel laying ceremony was held in Marinette, Wisconsin, USA
• Special Briefing with Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Brian P. McKeon, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Principal Advisor to the Administrator Mark Feierstein, and Experts On the Administration's Budget Proposal for the Department of State and USAID for Fiscal Year 2022 US Dept. of State 28 May 2021
• State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) FY 2022 Budget Request US Dept. of State 28 May 2021 -- The President's FY 2022 Budget requests $58.5 billion for the State Department and USAID. The funding request invests in the core foundations of our country's strength and delivers for the American people, including by working with allies and partners to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis, promote and defend our democratic values, and engage China in the Indo-Pacific and globally from a position of collective strength.
• The President's Fiscal Year 2022 Budget US Dept. of State 28 May 2021 -- "The Administration has submitted to Congress the President's Budget for Fiscal Year 2022. As we continue to make progress defeating the pandemic and getting our economy back on track, this budget makes historic investments that will help us build back better, leaving us stronger at home and on the world stage."
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Colombian Vice President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 28 May 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar US Dept. of State 28 May 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Colombian Vice President Ramírez US Dept. of State 28 May 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 28 May 2021
• On-the-Record Press Call by OMB Acting Director Shalanda Young and CEA Chair Cecilia Rouse on the President's Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 The White House 28 May 2021
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Aboard Air Force One En Route Hampton, VA The White House 28 May 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 28, 2021
• Naval Group submits a new offer for the modernisation of the Hellenic surface fleet Naval Group 28 May 2021 -- Naval Group submitted as part of the French Team with MBDA and Thales a new offer for the modernisation of the surface fleet of the Hellenic Navy.

Other Conflicts

• 28 May 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 May 2021
• Analysts: Philippine Leader's Inconsistent Policy on South China Sea Hurts Manila Radio Free Asia 28 May 2021 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's mixed messages and "wild swings" in policy-making on the thorny South China Sea issue have cost Manila opportunities to make headway over its territorial claims in the waterway during his five years in power, analysts say.
• Relations Between China, Philippines Seen Smoothing After Upbeat Talks VOA 28 May 2021 -- Upbeat talks this month between China and the Philippines after a maritime flare-up should improve a relationship that is considered pivotal to the broader, stickier South China Sea sovereignty dispute, analysts believe.
• New Head of Tibetan Exile Government Vows to 'Reach Out' to Recalcitrant China Radio Free Asia 28 May 2021 -- Tibetan exile political leader Penpa Tsering was sworn in Thursday as Sikyong, or head of Tibet's India-based government-in-exile, the Central Tibetan Administration, vowing to uphold the Dalai Lama's "Middle Way" in helping his people cope with harsh Chinese rule.
• Bangladesh Trashes Report Alleging Rohingya Were Promised Citizenship to Move to Island Radio Free Asia 28 May 2021 -- A new report by an international NGO alleges that Dhaka has falsely promised Bangladeshi citizenship to Rohingya refugees who move to Bhashan Char, a remote and flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal, a claim that the government on Thursday rejected as untrue.
• Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Geneva, 28 May 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 May 2021 -- The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) released the following statement today:
• Azerbaijan Claims Soldier Wounded In Armenia Shelling, Yerevan Denies RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- Azerbaijan says one of its soldiers was wounded after Armenian forces opened fire along the two South Caucasus neighbors' border, an accusation Yerevan rejects.
• Grave concerns over 'dire' and deteriorating situation in war-torn Tigray region UN News 28 May 2021 -- UN humanitarians expressed deep concern on Friday about serious and ongoing abuses carried out against displaced civilians who are also facing dire food insecurity in Ethiopia's Tigray region, after months of conflict.
• Intercommunal Clashes in South Sudan Kill 18 VOA 28 May 2021 -- At least 18 people were killed and dozens more were injured this week in two days of intercommunal clashes in South Sudan's Warrap state, according to local authorities.
• Morocco Threatens More Reprisals Over Western Sahara VOA 28 May 2021 -- Morocco's ambassador to Spain has threatened more reprisals against Madrid over its decision to allow a Western Sahara independence leader to be treated in a Spanish hospital.

News Reports

• DNI Releases FY 2022 Budget Request Figure for the National Intelligence Program Director of National Intelligence 28 May 2021 -- The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is disclosing the aggregate amount of $62.3 billion in requested appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Intelligence Program (NIP).
• Statement by Secretary Mayorkas on the President's Fiscal Year 2022 Budget DHS 28 May 2021 -- The Biden-Harris Administration today submitted to Congress the President's Budget for fiscal year 2022. As the Administration continues to make progress defeating the pandemic and getting our economy back on track, the Budget makes historic investments that will help the country build back better and lay the foundation for shared growth and prosperity for decades to come.
• US Senate Votes to Block Panel to Probe Capitol Riot VOA 28 May 2021 -- Republicans in the U.S. Senate blocked legislation Friday that called for the creation of a bipartisan panel to investigate the deadly January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump to prevent the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's presidential victory.
• STATEMENT ON SPEARPHISHING CAMPAIGN TARGETING GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS, IGOS, AND NGOS CISA 28 May 2021 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released the following statement regarding a spearphishing campaign targeting government organizations, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs):
• Microsoft Says Russia-Based Hackers Launch New Cyberattack Through U.S. Aid Agency E-Mail RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- Microsoft says Russian hackers have launched a new assault on government agencies and think tanks using an e-mail marketing account of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
• Report: Prosecutors Investigating Whether Ukrainians Interfered In 2020 U.S. Election RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- U.S. prosecutors are investigating whether Ukrainian officials interfered in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, The New York Times reported on May 27.
• The Week In Russia: A Parallel Universe RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- A persistent crackdown makes a grim backdrop for talk of freedom and democracy, and the Kremlin puts on a straight face to defend Alyaksandr Lukashenka by suggesting there was nothing suspicious about the diversion of a passenger jet to Minsk, where authorities arrested a blogger and critic of the Belarusian strongman along with his girlfriend.
• Senior Russian Official Says No Talks Taking Place On Prisoner Swap With U.S. RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- A senior Russian officials says Moscow is not in talks with Washington over a possible prisoner swap involving Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine jailed in Russia for spying.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Anze Logar, Moscow, May 28, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 May 2021
• Russia Refuses to Allow 2 EU Airline Flights to Land VOA 28 May 2021 -- Russia refused to allow two EU-based airlines to land flights in the country to avoid Belarusian airspace days after Belarus scrambled a fighter jet and used a false bomb alert to divert an Irish passenger jet to Minsk and arrest a dissident Belarusian journalist.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 28, 2021 PRC MofA 28 May 2021
• CBP Issues Withhold Release Order on Chinese Fishing Fleet DHS 28 May 2021 -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order against Dalian Ocean Fishing Co., Ltd. based on information that reasonably indicates the use of forced labor in the entity's fishing operations.
• On Withhold and Release Orders (WROs) for Seafood Products Imported from the Dalian Ocean Fishing Company US Dept. of State 28 May 2021 -- Today, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, issued Withhold Release Orders (WROs) for seafood products imported from the Dalian Ocean Fishing Company, a firm in the People's Republic of China (PRC) for which there is credible evidence of the use of forced labor to harvest its seafood, primarily tuna.
• Chinese-Australian Writer Could Face Harsh Sentence Amid Worsening Ties Radio Free Asia 28 May 2021 -- Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun could face a lengthy jail term following his trial behind closed doors for "espionage" in Beijing this week.
• HK police reject request for candlelight vigil in early June after similar decision of Macao police that cited risks of secessionism Global Times 28 May 2021 -- The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has rejected a request to hold a candlelight vigil at Victoria Park on June 4, and an assembly and parade on May 30, citing COVID-19 concerns, according to Hong Kong media report.
• Pro-Democracy Activists Jailed Again as New Law Slashes Elected Seats Radio Free Asia 28 May 2021 -- Authorities in Hong Kong on Friday handed down additional jail terms to veteran rights activists and pro-democracy politicians for taking part in an "illegal assembly" on Oct. 1, 2019.
• Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Sentenced for 2019 Protests VOA 28 May 2021 -- Several of Hong Kong's pro-democracy activists were again under the strain of the city's judicial system on Friday, after a court sentenced eight to prison for their role in protests two years ago.
• Huawei's Global Cloud Strategy May Give Beijing 'Coercive Leverage' VOA 28 May 2021 -- A new report suggests that Chinese telecommunication firm Huawei has successfully secured contracts to provide cloud infrastructure in emerging economies in Asia, Africa and Latin America — a strategy that could allow Beijing to harvest important and sensitive information for "coercive leverage."
• Las Vegas Woman Arrested and Charged with Illegally Exporting Goods to Iran US Dept. of Justice 28 May 2021 -- A Las Vegas woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to export goods from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.
• Some 120 Celebrities Arrested, in Hiding Face Charges of 'Defamation' Against Military Junta Radio Free Asia 28 May 2021 -- Nearly 20 celebrities have been arrested and more than 100 are in hiding after taking part in anti-coup protests against Myanmar's military junta, which seized power from the country's democratically elected government on Feb. 1, according to family members and lawyers.
• Myanmar's Youth Lose Their Dreams for the Future Amid Junta Crackdowns Radio Free Asia 28 May 2021 -- Myanmar's youth are being forced to give up their dreams of careers and a productive future as they resist an assault by the military on their country's democracy and crackdowns on protests that have crippled thousands of civilians and killed hundreds, sources say.
• Statement by Press Secretary Jen Psaki on the United States Response to Belarus's Forced Diversion of Ryanair Flight and Continuing Attack on Fundamental Freedoms The White House 28 May 2021
• Belarus Threatens West as EU Debates Severe Sanctions VOA 28 May 2021 -- President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has threatened to retaliate for any European Union sanctions imposed on him for detaining two opposition activists after forcing their plane to land in Minsk earlier this week.
• Lithuania Expelling Two Belarusian Diplomats Amid Uproar Over Plane Arrests RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- Lithuania says it is expelling two Belarusian diplomats accused of conducting activities "incompatible with their diplomatic status" amid international outrage over Belarus's forced landing of a Vilnius-bound passenger flight in Minsk and the detention of a dissident journalist.
• EU Earmarking Billions Of Euros In Aid For Belarus, Once Democracy Takes Root RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- The European Union is aiming to provide at least 3 billion euros to Belarus once the country starts on a democratic path with a focus on rule of law and justice reform, restructuring state-owned enterprises, and spending on infrastructure, according to a proposal seen by RFE/RL.
• Russian Authorities Tell Airlines To Expect Delays Due To Belarusian Airspace Ban RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- Russia's state air transport agency says changes to routes from Europe to Russia as a result of the dispute between the West and Belarus over the forced diversion of a Ryanair flight to Minsk may result in longer clearance times.
• Lukashenka, Putin Meet Amid Outrage Over Diversion Of Plane RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- Belarusian authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka met in the Russian Black Sea resort city of Sochi with Russian President Vladimir Putin as EU foreign ministers debate possible targets for new economic sanctions against Minsk in response to its diversion of a commercial plane and the arrest of a journalist on board.
• Iran's Rohani Congratulates Assad On Syria Election Victory RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has congratulated Syria's Bashar al-Assad on winning a fourth seven-year presidential term, according to an Iranian presidential website.
• British PM Johnson Meets Hungarian Counterpart Amid Criticism RFE/RL 28 May 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on May 28 amid criticism for inviting the hard-line Central European leader to 10 Downing Street.