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15 September 2021 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

Blinken unsure whether US drone strike killed Afghan aid worker or Daesh member Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he still does not know who the Pentagon targeted in a drone strike in the Afghan capital of Kabul last month -- a civilian aid worker or a terrorist member of Daesh.

Reserve C-130 aerial firefighting teams fly during second busiest wildfire season US Air Force 15 Sep 2021 -- The 302nd Airlift Wing has three C-130 Hercules aircraft flying sorties out of McClellan Air Tanker Base this year in Sacramento County, California, performing an aerial firefighting mission unique within the Air Force Reserve.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 15 Sep 2021
USS Germantown completes forward-deployment to Japan, sails for San Diego US Navy 15 Sep 2021 -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) detached from Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and departed U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo Sept. 15, after a decade of being forward-deployed to Japan.
White House Defends Top General Who Voiced Trump Concerns VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- The White House on Wednesday defended the top U.S. military commander, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley, against calls for his resignation following disclosures in a new book by Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa.
General Mark Milley Facing Increased Scrutiny From Lawmakers Over Secret Calls to China Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking military official in the United States, reportedly usurped the chain of command during the Trump presidency.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Milley Defends His China Interactions After Revelations Made in Woodward Book Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- An upcoming book titled "Peril", penned by Washington Post journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, has claimed, according to some excerpts, that US Army Gen. Mark Milley twice contacted his Chinese counterparts, assuring them that former President Donald Trump would not order an attack against China.

DOD Awards $3.2 Billion in Contract Modifications for Monoclonal Antibodies DoD 15 Sep 2021 -- On Sept. 14, 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded two contract modifications totaling $3.2 billion to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company to purchase additional doses of monoclonal antibodies to block the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
DOD Taking Measures to Protect Nuclear Weapons, Space Assets DoD News 15 Sep 2021 -- The Defense Department relies on nuclear-armed bombers, submarines and intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as space-based sensors, to provide a strategic deterrence umbrella for the homeland and to protect deployed forces, allies and partners.
Official Says Domestic, Partner Nation Industrial Capability Critical to Security DoD News 15 Sep 2021 -- Every day, people across America are designing, building and producing critical materials and technologies to ensure that the armed forces have every advantage and capability they need, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for industrial policy said.
Army Field Artillery, Infantry Soldiers test newest dismounted GPS devices Army News 15 Sep 2021 -- Airborne Soldiers from Fort Campbell, Kentucky tested two new GPS navigation systems here that could allow the Army to better shoot, move and communicate in a GPS degraded environment.
B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Damaged in Emergency Landing at US Air Force Base in Missouri Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber was recently seen flying above the Atlantic Ocean with fellow US Air Force F-15s and Eurofighter Typhoons of the British Royal Air Force during a training mission that sought to build NATO relationships and mitigate certain "security risks" present in the European theater.
US, Slovenian armed forces partner in bilateral exercise US Air Force 15 Sep 2021 -- U.S. Air Force and Slovenian armed forces leaders met to discuss bilateral operations and interoperability during a visit at Cerklje ob Krki Air Base, Slovenia, Sept. 9.

Secretary Blinken's Call with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2021

PLA flotilla returns from far sea voyage, breaks island chains Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- A naval flotilla belonging to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) that crossed multiple strategic sea lanes near Japan and sailed near US waters since August has reportedly returned to the East China Sea recently, displaying the PLA Navy's strong far sea capabilities that can break the so-called island chains that the US hoped to contain China, observers said on Wednesday.
China shows off defense diplomacy with multinational peacekeeping exercise Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- China has highlighted its role in United Nations peacekeeping operations by hosting multinational exercises called "Shared Destiny 2021."
China, Singapore hold eighth defense policy dialogue PLA Daily 15 Sep 2021 -- Lieutenant General Shao Yuanming, vice chief of the Joint Staff Department under China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and Chan Heng Kee, permanent secretary of Singapore's Ministry of Defense, co-chaired the eighth China-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue (DPD) between the defense ministries of the two countries via video link on September 14.
Int'l peacekeeping drill concludes in central China PLA Daily 15 Sep 2021 -- "Shared Destiny-2021," a multinational peacekeeping live exercise organized by the Chinese military, concluded at a training base in Queshan County of central China's Henan Province on Wednesday.
SCO "Peace Mission-2021" joint exercise kicks off first in-situ joint training PLA Daily 15 Sep 2021 -- The "Peace Mission-2021" joint anti-terrorism military exercise of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) kicked off on September 14, local time. The Chinese participating troops and their counterparts jointly implemented the first in-situ joint training on the same day.

N. Korea Tests Ballistic Missiles, Amid Korean Arms Race VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- North Korea test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles Wednesday, its second launch in less than a week and latest apparent attempt to increase diplomatic pressure on the United States.
North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into sea: South military Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- North Korea has reportedly fired two ballistic missiles off its east coast amid a prolonged deadlock in denuclearization talks with the United States.
North Korea Missile Tests Pose Threat to Neighbors, Int'l Community, US State Dept. Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- The United States considers the recent North Korean missile launch to be a threat to the country's neighbours and the international community, and urges Pyongyang to return to dialogue on denuclearization, a US State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Tokyo Confirms North Korean Ballistic Missiles Landed in Japanese Waters Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- The developments come as North Korea has intensified its ballistic missile programme and test-fired multiple projectiles over the course of a week.
North Korea Reportedly Launches Two Ballistic Missiles Towards Sea of Japan Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- North Korean authorities earlier claimed they had successfully tested new long-range cruise missiles. The US and its allies condemned the action.
DPRK fires unidentified projectile into east waters: media People's Daily 15 Sep 2021 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired an unidentified projectile into eastern waters, Yonhap news agency reported Wednesday citing South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

EXERCISE ZAPAD-2021 CULMINATES AT NOVGOROD, RUSSIA India PIB 15 Sep 2021 -- Exercise ZAPAD-2021, a seven day long Multilateral 'Joint Strategic Exercise' which saw participation from seven countries culminated today at Mulino in the Novgorod Region of Russia.
Indian Military Contingent Participates in the 6th Edition of Exercise SCO Peaceful Mission 2021 at Orenburg, Russia India PIB 15 Sep 2021 -- Joint Counter Terrorism Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION is a Multilateral Exercise, which is conducted biennially as part of military diplomacy between Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.

[Ministry of National Defense] 2022-2026 mid-term defense plan ROK MND 15 Sep 2021 -- The 2022~2026 mid-term defense plan includes the aim of making rapid progress in strengthening both ‘sword and shield’ to take the initiative in responding to omnidirectional threats, such as nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Government earmarks 55.2 trillion won for 2022 defense budget, an increase of 4.5 percent compared to 2021 ROK MND 15 Sep 2021 -- The government has earmarked 55 trillion and 227.7 billion won for the 2022 defense budget, an increase of 4.5 percent compared to the 2021 budget, which it plans to submit to the National Assembly on September 3
South Korea fires first submarine-launched ballistic missile: Blue House Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- South Korea says it has successfully test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) for the first time, becoming the seventh country in the world with the advanced technology.
S. Korea Becomes 7th Country to Launch Its Own Ballistic Missile From Submarine, Seoul Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- This comes as North Korea reportedly test-fired two ballistic missiles earlier today, hitting an area close to the Sea of Japan.

Taiwan warplanes conduct first landing drill on provincial highway CNA 15 Sep 2021 -- A military aircraft emergency landing and take-off drill was held on a standard highway for the first time early Wednesday as part of Taiwan's major annual war games to test the ability of pilots and aircraft to land on the narrow road in the event airstrips are damaged by enemy forces.
Taiwanese Jets Land on Highway in Pineapple Field Amid Annual Drills on Defence Against China Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- The authorities on the island, claimed by China as a part of its territory but which maintains de-facto independence, have intensified contacts with the US in recent years, seeking to buy military equipment and weapons despite objections from Beijing.

PM Statement on AUKUS Partnership: 15 September 2021 Gov.UK 15 Sep 2021
Remarks by President Biden, Prime Minister Morrison of Australia, and Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom Announcing the Creation of AUKUS The White House 15 Sep 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Australian Minister of Defence Peter Dutton Opening Remarks at Bilateral Meeting DoD 15 Sep 2021
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Payne US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2021
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2021
Poseidon fleet modifications complete Australia DOD 15 Sep 2021 -- A significant capability milestone has been achieved for Air Force's P-8A Poseidon platform.
UK, US AND Australia launch new security partnership Gov.UK 15 Sep 2021 -- 'AUKUS' partnership will work to protect our people and support a peaceful and rules-based international order.
Australian, U.S. Defense Leaders Discuss Future of Alliance DoD News 15 Sep 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III thanked Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton for his country's steadfast support over the long course of the conflicts sparked by the 9/11 attacks, and said the two nations must work even more closely together for the future.

'Next-Generation Technology': UK Plans to Test Laser Weapons on Board a Warship for First Time Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- In July 2019, the UK Defence Ministry launched a novel weapons programme, saying that laser technology has "the potential to revolutionise the battlefield".
British Army outlines battlefield of tomorrow UK MOD 15 Sep 2021 -- The British Army will integrate Robotics and Autonomous Systems as well as electric vehicles on the battlefield as part of its future vision.

Quad summit will see limited concrete outcomes as US, Japan, India, Australia are 'four ward mates with different illnesses': experts Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- The US is reorganizing its allies and partners to fix its image as "the leader" when it found increasing difficulties worldwide such as the Afghan issue, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Quad summit next week is another try made by US President Joe Biden, but Chinese experts said on Tuesday that the summit will make no big change on its hostility against China though the statement released by the White House about the summit didn't mention China.

Taliban say mulling creation of regular army in Afghanistan Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- The Taliban are considering the creation of regular armed forces in Afghanistan in the near future.
Taliban Mulling Creation of Regular Army in Afghanistan, Army Chief of Staff Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- According to US officials, the Afghan Army had more than 300,000 service members, in addition to an Air Force and other US-supplied equipment, before it collapsed.

Japan's massive drills intend to challenge China's sovereignty militarily Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) on Wednesday started nationwide exercises involving all units for the first time in nearly 30 years in an attempt to boost deterrence and strengthen its capabilities. Japanese media said such a massive move is to deal with "China's ramped-up regional assertiveness." But Chinese experts noted that Japan is trying to display its hard power to serve the US Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China militarily.

EU President Calls on Member Countries to Develop Defense Capabilities Without US VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- The European Union's chief executive called on member nations to develop its defense capabilities without U.S. support, an appeal that came after the Taliban's recent seizure of Afghanistan.

Tanzania's Female President Appoints Woman as Defense Minister VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- Tanzania's first female president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, this week named a woman as defense minister — the latest in a number of appointments of women to top government posts.

Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Landsbergis US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2021
Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Al-Thani US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2021
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2021
Department Press Briefing – September 15, 2021 US Dept. of State 15 Sep 2021

Defense Industry

Contracts For Sept. 15, 2021
Naval Group starts the deconstruction of a third French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine in Cherbourg Naval Group 15 Sep 2021 -- The deconstruction program for France's former nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (ex-SSBNs) which was launched in September 2018 at the Naval Group site in Cherbourg passed a new milestone on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Other Conflicts

15 September 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Sep 2021

Civilian casualties rise, despite progress in eliminating cluster bombs UN News 15 Sep 2021 -- Casualties caused by lethal cluster munitions continued to increase in 2020, despite progress in efforts to eliminate these weapons, a UN-backed civil society report said on Wednesday.
Report Points to Success in Global Campaign Against Cluster Bombs VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- Authors of the Cluster Munition Monitor 2021 report say great progress toward the elimination of these lethal weapons has been made since the Cluster Ban Treaty came into force in 2010.

Readout of Senior White House Meeting with Faith Leaders on Efforts to Relocate Afghan Allies The White House 15 Sep 2021
Top Taliban Figure Baradar Denies Internal Feud, Refutes Rumors Of Death RFE/RL Gandhara 15 Sep 2021 -- Taliban co-founder and acting Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar appeared in a video to deny speculation he was hurt or killed in a clash with a rival faction of the fundamentalist group.
One Month In Power: Taliban Failing To Transform From Insurgency To Functional Government RFE/RL Gandhara 15 Sep 2021 -- It has been just a month since Taliban militants seized control of Kabul and declared Afghanistan as an "Islamic emirate" that will uphold the militant movement's interpretation of "Islamic rules and Shari'a law."
US Envoy, Taliban Blame Ghani for Scuttling Peaceful Transfer of Power Plan VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- The U.S. peace envoy for Afghanistan says he secured a last-minute deal with the Taliban in mid-August to keep the insurgents outside Kabul while they negotiated a political transition. But, he says, President Ashraf Ghani's decision to flee the country scuttled that plan.
EU To Step Up Afghan Humanitarian Aid, Announces Defense Summit In 2022 RFE/RL Gandhara 15 Sep 2021 -- The European Union says it will step up its jointly financed humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan by a further 100 million euros ($120 million) as part of a new support package to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
FAO Says Rural Afghanistan In Critical Need For $36 Million In Aid RFE/RL Gandhara 15 Sep 2021 -- The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says $36 million is urgently needed in war-torn and drought-stricken Afghanistan's rural areas for the coming months to ensure the planting of winter wheat, feed for livestock, and cash assistance for vulnerable families.
Iran's first humanitarian flight since Taliban takeover lands in Kabul Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- An Iranian plane carrying humanitarian aid has landed in Kabul airport, in the first flight from the Islamic Republic to the Afghan capital since the Taliban takeover of the conflict-ridden country.
Taliban Leaders Reportedly Clash Over Division of Power in New Government Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- On 7 September, the Taliban* announced an interim government in Afghanistan, declaring the country an "Islamic Emirate", several weeks after the militant group seized power in the country.

Indonesia Sends Navy Ship to Tail Chinese Survey Ship, Data Show Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2021 -- Indonesia has dispatched one of its naval ships close to a Chinese survey vessel that is operating in its exclusive economic zone, BenarNews has learnt.

Report: UAE establishes intelligence center for Israeli air force on Yemeni Socotra Island Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- The UAE is helping Israel set up a center for military and maritime reconnaissance on the strategic Yemeni island of Socotra, Yemen News Agency reports.

Concern for Syria's civilians amid escalation of violence UK FCDO 15 Sep 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council Briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Russia: US seeking 'de facto partition' of Syria through occupation Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has denounced the illegal US military presence in Syria, warning that Washington is actually seeking to disintegrate the Arab country.

Seven Pakistani Soldiers Said Killed In Attack Claimed By TTP RFE/RL Gandhara 15 Sep 2021 -- Seven soldiers have been killed in an attack claimed by the Pakistani Taliban in the country's North Waziristan tribal region, military sources told RFE/RL.
Clash With Militants Kills 7 Soldiers in Pakistan VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- Pakistan military officials on Wednesday said at least seven soldiers were killed in a gunfight with militants in a remote district bordering Afghanistan.

'Brutalized And Tortured': Kosovo War Crimes Court Starts Case Against Former UCK Commander RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- The first case at a special court investigating alleged atrocities by ethnic Albanian separatists during the 1998-99 Kosovo War has begun in the Netherlands, with prosecutors saying they have irrefutable evidence of a former rebel commander's guilt in murdering and torturing suspected collaborators.
KLA Rebel Commander Accused of War Crimes in Kosovo Compares Trial in the Hague to 'Gestapo' Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- Between February 1998 and June 1999 the Kosovo Liberation Army fought the forces of Yugoslavia in a bid to throw off direct rule from Belgrade. A NATO air bombing campaign in support of the KLA led to Yugoslavian troops withdrawing from Kosovo.

Germany Echoes French Concerns About Reported Russian Mercenary Deal With Mali's Junta RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- Germany joined France on September 15 in expressing concern about reports of an agreement between Mali's new military rulers and the Vagner Group, a Russian military contractor with ties to the Kremlin.

Putting fundamental building blocks in place for South Sudan's future UK FCDO 15 Sep 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Security Council briefing on South Sudan.
New South Sudan Parliament can 'infuse urgency' into peace process UN News 15 Sep 2021 -- South Sudan has made history with the appointment of two women to senior leadership positions within its Transitional National Legislature, the top United Nations official in the country told the Security Council on Wednesday, as he encouraged parties to build on these gains in efforts to overcome significant political and security headwinds.

News Reports

U.S. Lawmakers Make Last-Ditch Effort To Reverse Biden's Waiver Of Nord Stream 2 Sanctions RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- A group of bipartisan lawmakers is seeking to undo U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to waive sanctions on the Russian-owned operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in a last-ditch effort to stop it from pumping gas to Europe.
Nord Stream 2 Launch Will Balance Gas Price Parameters on European Market, Kremlin Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- The launch of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will balance the price parameters on the European gas market, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, as gas futures prices keep surging to record highs.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following the joint meeting of CSTO Foreign Ministers Council, Defence Ministers Council and Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils, Dushanbe, September 15, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Sep 2021
Moscow Awaiting US Response Regarding Interference in Russia's Domestic Affairs, Lavrov Says Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- Moscow is awaiting a response from Washington regarding its interference in Russia's domestic affairs, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on 15 September, noting that the facts to substantiate the claims, which were recently communicated to the US ambassador, were quite serious.
Russia demands answers from US over election interference Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has demanded answers from the US ambassador over 'election interference,' as Moscow says it has proof of 'serious' sabotage efforts.
Navalny's 'Smart Voting' Backs Communist Candidates In Bid To Loosen Grip Of Ruling United Russia RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- The Smart Voting system created by jailed Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny has heavily backed Communist Party candidates to oust their Kremlin-backed opponents as Russians prepare to vote for a new lower house of parliament.
Investigative Group OCCRP Leaves Russia To Protect Journalists RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- The investigative journalism group Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) says it has halted its operations in Russia to shield its journalists from an ongoing government crackdown on independent media in the country.
'From Restraint To Destruction': Russian Vote Overshadowed By 'Foreign Agent' Repressions RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- "The funny thing is that I have never traveled abroad, and I don't have a passport," said Tatyana Rumyantseva, a paramedic, a council member in the Novgorod region town of Okulovka, and a candidate from the liberal Yabloko party for the regional legislature in elections on September 17-19. "I don't know any foreigners."

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on September 15, 2021 PRC MofA 15 Sep 2021
China, US Tug-of-War Tightens as Both Try to Cement Friendships around Asia VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's Asia tour this month following visits to the same region by two U.S. officials will intensify a superpower tug-of-war. Analysts say smaller countries can get a bounty of assistance from both China and the United States as long as they avoid offending Beijing.
Chinese FM Wang Yi urges the US to take an objective attitude toward China's development Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, urged the US on Tuesday to take an objective attitude toward China's development and seek peaceful co-existence, cooperation and win-win relations.
Chinese FM meets S.Korean president, wraps up four-nation visit Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- In the final stop of his four-nation Asia trip, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday, with both sides agreeing to boost ties, and Moon called on China to continue to play a constructive role in the Korean Peninsula issue.
Wang Yi's talk with Singapore PM 'productive, candid,' hedges US' negative influence: expert Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday and had a "productive and candid discussion on international and regional developments," according to Lee's Facebook message.
China blasts 'despicable action' to ban its envoy from UK parliament Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- The British parliament has banned Chinese Ambassador to London Zheng Zeguang from attending the country's legislature over Beijing's sanction against a number of UK MPs in March for spreading "lies" about China's internal affairs. Beijing has reacted to the move by calling it 'despicable.'
Hong Kong Court Jails Nine Over Banned Tiananmen Massacre Vigil Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2021 -- A Hong Kong court on Wednesday jailed nine former opposition lawmakers and democracy activists for up to 10 months after they pleaded guilty to charges linked to "illegal assembly" in connection with a banned vigil marking the June 4 anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre last year.
Nine Hong Kong Activists Sentenced for Taking Part in Banned Vigil VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- Nine Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were sentenced to several months in jail for taking part in an unauthorized candlelight vigil in observance of the brutal 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on student protesters.
Evergrande crisis' impact on China's housing market remains to be seen: senior official Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- The impact of real estate giant Evergrande's liquidity crisis on China's property market remains to be seen, a senior official at the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Wednesday, vowing to ensure that there was no spillover into the real estate industry.
Protests Spread As China's Real Estate Giant Evergrande Mired in Debt Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2021 -- Protesters have been gathering outside the offices of Chinese property giant Evergrande in recent days to demand their money back, as the company struggles to repay debts of more than U.S.$300 billion amid a liquidity crisis.
China to Sell Over 7 Million Barrels of State Reserve Crude Oil in First-Ever Auction Sputnik 15 Sep 2021 -- Beijing's intention to sell its crude oil was unveiled earlier in September by the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, but without providing any details on the time or the amount of barrels to be sold.

Swiss lower house passes motion for deeper ties with Taiwan CNA 15 Sep 2021 -- The lower house of Switzerland's parliament, the National Council, has passed a motion calling for deeper relations with Taiwan, which in turn expressed its gratitude for the support.
Fanning flames: Taiwan's DPP authority to send trade delegation to Lithuania, Czech, Slovakia Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan is scheduled to send a 65-person economic and trade delegation to Lithuania, Czech and Slovakia in October to "show ties between democratic friends," an obvious provocation and an attempt to "fan the flames" amid the current spat between Chinese mainland and Lithuania.

S.Korea hopes China to play constructive role in Korean Peninsula issue, Moon Jae-in tells Wang Yi Global Times 15 Sep 2021 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said South Korea hopes China will continue to play a constructive role in Korean Peninsula issue when he met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday.

FM: Iran to firmly pursue Gen. Soleimani assassination case IRNA 15 Sep 2021 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will do its inherent responsibility to pursue Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani's assassination case legally, politically, and internationally.
E3 Statement at the IAEA Board of Governors on verification and monitoring in Iran (JCPoA), September 2021 UK FCDO 15 Sep 2021 -- Delivered on behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, 14 September 2021
IAEA-Iran consensus to reopen diplomatic avenue IRNA 15 Sep 2021 -- The recent consensus between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Islamic Republic of Iran following two years of disagreement indicates that the West is determined to pave the way for the reopening of diplomatic path and resume meaningful nuclear negotiations.
Cameras installed at Iran's nuclear sites under JCPOA deactivated: AEOI head Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the cameras installed at the country's nuclear sites as part of the 2015 nuclear deal were deactivated due to the failure of the other parties to live up to their commitments.
Iran says not indebted to any JCPOA parties, calls on US to drop addiction to sanctions Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- Iran says the US needs to cease its violations of the 2015 nuclear deal signed between Tehran and world powers without preconditions and drop its addiction to sanctions, stressing the Islamic Republic is not indebted to the other parties as it was fully committed to the agreement although it did not reap the benefits of the accord.
Security measures at Iran's nuclear sites 'reasonably tightened', says top negotiator Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- Iran's governor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says security measures at the country's nuclear facilities have been reasonably tightened after the UN agency claimed inappropriate security checks of its inspectors at one of Iran's nuclear facilities.

Electricity Bill Boycott Denies Myanmar Military US $1 Billion in Power Revenues Since Coup Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2021 -- Myanmar's junta has lost some 2 trillion kyats (U.S. $1 billion) in revenue from its military-operated power company since seizing power seven months ago amid a widespread public boycott of the paying of electricity bills, according to the country's shadow National Unity Government (NUG).

Belarusian Opposition Leader Urges 'Decisive Action' To Resolve Standoff RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya has called on French President Emmanuel Macron to take "decisive action in solving the Belarus crisis."

Germany Vows 'No Repeat' of 2015 Refugee Influx as Election Looms VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- Campaigning to elect a new German leader this month is being clouded by concerns that the country will face a new influx of refugees — this time those fleeing Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

Controversial Kazakh Bill Allowing Blocking Of Social Networks Passes First Hurdle RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- Kazakhstan's lower chamber of parliament, the Mazhilis, has approved the first reading of a bill that would allow the blocking of social networks and messaging apps if their owners fail to establish local offices in the Central Asian country.

British PM Demotes Foreign Secretary in Cabinet Reshuffle VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday demoted Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to justice secretary and deputy prime minister as part of a cabinet reshuffle seen by some as an attempt to refocus on rebuilding an economy still reeling from COVID-19 lockdowns.

Haiti's Chief Prosecutor Dismissed After Alleging Prime Minister Played Role in Moise Assassination VOA 15 Sep 2021 -- Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has fired and replaced the chief public prosecutor who was seeking charges against him as a suspect in the July assassination of President Jovenel Moise.
Haiti's top prosecutor says evidence found linking acting premier to president's US-linked assassination Press TV 15 Sep 2021 -- Haiti's chief prosecutor says there is evidence that purportedly connects acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry to the US-linked killing of President Jovenel Moise, banning the premier from leaving the island country until he answers questions about the July assassination.

Cambodia's Ruling Party Denies Hun Sen Crashed Banned Opposition Party's Online Meeting Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2021 -- Cambodia's ruling party has denied that prime minister Hun Sen crashed a meeting of his political rivals from the country's banned opposition party, saying that viral video and audio of meeting was edited to appear real, RFA has learned.

As Expected, Bulgarian President Calls Third Parliamentary Vote For November 14 RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has officially set the country's third parliamentary elections of 2021 for November 14, the same day voters will cast ballots in a presidential election.

Millions From Uzbek Wealth Fund Paid To President's Relative, Investigation Shows RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- A corporation linked to a relative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has received tens of millions of dollars from the country's sovereign wealth fund, an investigation by RFE/RL's Uzbek Service has revealed.

EU Chief Says Bloc To Press Poland, Hungary On Democratic Values RFE/RL 15 Sep 2021 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the bloc will maintain pressure on members Poland and Hungary to uphold democratic values, including possible legal actions and funding cuts.

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