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Defense Policy / Programs

• USS Curtis Wilbur Arrives in Homeport San Diego, California US Navy 16 Sep 2021 -- USS Curtis Wilbur Arrives in Homeport San Diego, California.
• USS New Mexico Returns to Norfolk US Navy 16 Sep 2021 -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after successfully completing a scheduled deployment, Sept. 15.
• USS Hershel "Woody" Williams Arrives in Namibia US Navy 16 Sep 2021 -- The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) arrived in Walvis Bay, Namibia for a regularly scheduled port visit, Sept. 15, 2021.
• Hangar 47 Renovations Starting Soon at NAS Corpus Christi US Navy 16 Sep 2021 -- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi's Public Works Department gives the greenlight to begin renovations later this year to a hangar being used as a maintenance facility for Corpus Christi Army Depot.
• USS The Sullivans Conducts Port Visit in Yokosuka, Japan US Navy 16 Sep 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) made a scheduled port visit to Yokosuka, Japan as part of their deployment with the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG 21).
• Press Conference with Adm. Mike Gilday US Navy 16 Sep 2021
• Pentagon Contract Seeks Alternate GPS Using Low Earth Orbit Satellites Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- A US Defence Department research unit awarded a contract to develop an alternate global positioning system (GPS) using satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that would operate independent of the present GPS, Northrop Grumman aerospace and defence company said on Thursday.
• Australia to pursue nuclear-powered submarines through new trilateral enhanced security partnership Australia PM 16 Sep 2021 -- Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have agreed to the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership – AUKUS.
• Joint Statement on Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021 US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Australia on the occasion of the 31st Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021.
• Key naval projects confirmed for South Australia Australia PM 16 Sep 2021 -- South Australia will spearhead a major expansion of Australia's naval capabilities, supporting thousands of jobs and advancing the state's shipbuilding expertise.
• Address: AUKUS - Canberra, ACT Australia PM 16 Sep 2021
• Joint Leaders Statement on AUKUS Australia PM 16 Sep 2021 -- As leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, guided by our enduring ideals and shared commitment to the international rules-based order, we resolve to deepen diplomatic, security, and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including by working with partners, to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. As part of this effort, we are announcing the creation of an enhanced trilateral security partnership called "AUKUS" -- Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton At a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2021
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton At a Joint Press Availability DoD 16 Sep 2021
• Australia, U.S. Alliance Is Stronger, Deeper Than Ever, Officials Say DoD News 16 Sep 2021 -- The Australia-U.S. alliance is stronger today than it ever has been, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today, and the steps taken during the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations at the State Department are aimed at keeping it that way.
• Australia Signs New Defense Accord with US and Britain VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- Australia has signed a new security partnership with the United States and Britain to share defense technologies in what analyst say is an effort to counter the potential threat from China.
• Biden stabs France in the back on Australia nuclear deal: French foreign minister Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- France has accused US President Joe Biden of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after the Biden administration pushed Paris aside and signed a lucrative multi-billion nuclear deal with Australia for submarines.
• Nuke sub deal could make Australia 'potential nuclear war target' Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- The US, UK and Australia have announced a new alliance named "AUKUS" to target China, and they even made a deal to provide nuclear submarines to Australia. Chinese military experts warned that such a move will potentially make Australia a target of a nuclear strike if a nuclear war breaks out even when Washington said it won't arm Canberra with nuclear weapons, because it's easy for the US to equip Australia with nuclear weapons and submarine-launched ballistic missiles when Australia has the submarines.
• AUKUS to bring 'nuclear-powered submarine fever' across globe: Global Times editorial Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison almost announced simultaneously on Wednesday that the three countries will form an enhanced trilateral security partnership called "AUKUS." This has been regarded as an effort of the US to build a new alliance against China. The pact will support Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines and enabling patrol of nuclear-powered submarines in the Indo-Pacific region.
• China Accuses US of Intensifying Arms Race by Creating AUKUS Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The newly-formed AUKUS (Australia-UK-US) defence alliance threatens stability in the region and provokes an arms race, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on 16 September.
• French FM 'Angry' With Australia's Decision to Terminate Submarine Contract, Expects Explanations Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The French Foreign Ministry has described Australia's withdrawal from the agreement with the Naval Group as a deplorable move that is not in line with the spirit of Franco-Australian cooperation.
• Morrison Touts Tomahawk Missile Procurement, Says Nuclear Subs Will Be 'in the Water' in 10 Years Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- As leaders from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States unveiled their new trilateral security partnership for advanced defense-tech sharing on Wednesday, it was also revealed that the first initiative of the endeavor would be the delivery of Australia's first nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
• Australia Withdraws From Agreement on Submarines With French Naval Group – Ministers Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Australia has decided to leave the $90-billion agreement on submarines with the French company of Naval Group to prefer the cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines under the newly established AUKUS alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom.
• EU Not Informed About New US, UK & Australia Alliance, Plans 'to Assess Implications' Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- On Thursday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured that the new alliance between Australia, the UK, and the US is not directed against other countries, insisting that AUKUS just reflects the high level of trust and cooperation among the nations.
• France May Demand Compensation From Australia for Submarine Deal Breach, Defence Minister Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Paris may demand compensation from Canberra for its withdrawal from the $66 billion submarines agreement with France's Naval Group shipbuilder, French Defence Minister Florence Parly said on 16 September.
• AUKUS Not Intended to Be Adversarial to Other Countries, UK PM Johnson Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The new alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS) is not directed against other countries, it just reflects a high level of trust and cooperation, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured on Thursday.
• 'Cold War mentality' in US, British, Australia pact: China Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- China has reacted to a new trilateral security alliance announced by the United States, Britain and Australia aimed at addressing defense and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, calling on the three countries to shake off their 'Cold War' mentality.
• China Slams 'Irresponsible' Three-Way Security Pact on Nuclear-Powered Submarines Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2021 -- China hit out on Thursday at a trilateral security pact between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia that will help Canberra develop nuclear submarines, calling it "severely damaging" to regional peace and stability.
• China Warns Against Exclusionary Blocs After AUKUS Launched Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- China opposes the creation of exclusionary blocs that may harm the interests of third parties, Embassy in Washington spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a statement to Sputnik when asked to respond to the newly-launched Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) defense pact.
• Russia-led alliance to hold massive military exercises on Afghan border Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- A Russia-led military alliance plans to hold large army drills in October in Tajikistan, near the border of Taliban-held Afghanistan, where the humanitarian situation has been described by the United Nations as alarming.
• Russia completes tests of S-500 air defense system, starts supplying equipment to forces Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- Russia has successfully completed tests of its new S-500 air defense missile systems and started supplying the advanced antiaircraft equipment to the country's armed forces, according to Russian media.
• Pak Jong Chon Guides Test Firing Drill of Railway-borne Missile Regiment KCNA 16 Sep 2021 -- Pak Jong Chon, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, guided a test firing drill of a railway-borne missile regiment.
• North Korea Touts Its Railway-Borne Missile System to Deal 'Harsh Blow to Threat-Posing Forces' Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Last week, Pyongyang announced it had successfully tested a new long-range cruise missile that was described by the North Korean media as a "strategic weapon of great significance".
• Why North Korea Launched Its Latest Missiles from a Train VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- North Korea said the ballistic missiles it launched Wednesday were fired from a train, the first time the nuclear-armed country has tested a railway-based launch system.
• North Korea Tests First Ballistic Missiles Since March Radio Free Asia 15 Sep 2021 -- North Korea's test firing of two ballistic missiles Wednesday, which coincided with three other major regional security events, is an attempt by Pyongyang to grab international attention, analysts told RFA.
• North Korea ballistic missile tests: FCDO statement UK FCDO 15 Sep 2021 -- A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson responds to ballistic missile tests carried out by North Korea.
• China urges India to stick to UNSC resolution to refrain from engaging in nuclear tests: FM Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- China hopes all parties in South Asia, including India, will make constructive efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday in response to India's plan to conduct a trial of intercontinental-range ballistic missile that covers Beijing and other Chinese cities, citing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1172. The resolution condemned India's nuclear bomb tests in 1998 and demanded it to refrain from engaging in further tests.
• Simplified Procedure for confirmation of Bank Guarantees of Foreign Banks in Capital Acquisitions under Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)- 2020 India PIB 16 Sep 2021 -- The Acquisition wing of Ministry of Defence has promulgated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to facilitate clarity in procedure to be followed by the Buyer in respect of Bank Guarantees (BGs) submitted by the bidders from international banks. This will facilitate timely conclusion of contracts in procurement cases involving BGs from foreign banks.
• S. Korea Plans to Launch Solid-Propellant Space Launch Vehicle in 2024, Defence Ministry Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- South Korea's Institute for Defense Analyses managed to carry out successful firing tests of a solid-propellant engine for a new space launch vehicle already on 29 July, paving way for commercial launches of this type of rockets to start as early as in 2024, the defense ministry said on 16 September.
• Saudi Arabia - Continuation of Maintenance Support Services (MSS) DSCA 16 Sep 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Continuation of Maintenance Support Services (MSS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Nationwide anti-landing drills held on Day 4 of annual wargames CNA 16 Sep 2021 -- Anti-landing drills were held at beaches across the country on Thursday during day four of the live-fire component of the Han Kuang exercises, to test the ability of local armed forces to repel an enemy invading by sea.
• Cabinet approves special bill for domestic arms procurement CNA 16 Sep 2021 -- Taiwan's Cabinet on Thursday approved a draft defense bill that would authorize a special allocation of up to NT$240 billion (US$8.66 billion) for the purchase of indigenous weapons over a five-year period.
• £110m investment for frontline radio communications UK MOD 16 Sep 2021 -- A £110 million contract has been awarded to deliver the new Defence Strategic Radio Service (DSRS) to critical military operations.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, September 16, 2021 The White House 16 Sep 2021
• Background Press Call on the Administration's Climate Policy The White House 16 Sep 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 16, 2021
• STATEMENT Naval Group 16 Sep 2021 -- Naval Group takes note of the decision of the Australian authorities to acquire a fleet of nuclear submarines in collaboration with the United States and the United Kingdom following their comprehensive capability review.

Other Conflicts

• 16 September 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Sep 2021
• Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan urge formation of inclusive Afghan govt. Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, China, and Pakistan urge the formation of an inclusive government in the now-Taliban-ruled Afghanistan that serves to represent all Afghan ethnicities.
• More Than 100 Afghan Evacuees Leave Kosovo For Britain RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Sep 2021 -- A group of 117 Afghans who had been recently evacuated to Kosovo have left for Britain.
• EU Criticized Over Lack Of Support For Afghan Refugees RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Sep 2021 -- Human rights and refugee groups are urging to the European Union to step up its protection for Afghans trying to flee their country following the Taliban's takeover last month.
• Leaders Of Russia, China-Led Security Blocs Meet To Discuss Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Sep 2021 -- Russia and its Central Asian allies have launched two days of talks in the Tajik capital to discuss the situation in Afghanistan a month after Taliban militants entered Kabul and seized power in the war-torn country.
• IMF Warns Of 'Looming Humanitarian Crisis' In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Sep 2021 -- The International Monetary Fund says it is deeply concerned with economic conditions in Afghanistan -- warning that the country faces a "looming humanitarian crisis" just a month after Taliban militants toppled the internationally backed government in Kabul.
• Aid Groups In Afghanistan Face New Challenges Under The Taliban RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Sep 2021 -- A doctor in central Afghanistan says surviving the conflict in her war-torn country was her biggest worry as she helped women through pregnancy and childbirth in a rural region.
• Will Afghan Taliban honor its promise to China to make clean break with ETIM? Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- "Where have the members of the 'East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM)' gone after leaving Afghanistan? How many of them are staying in the country?" These are the questions people are asking after the Afghan Taliban spokesperson said in an exclusive interview with the Global Times that many ETIM members had been told to leave Afghanistan. The topic has drawn broad attention in both China and overseas. The Chinese government has reiterated its concerns over the terrorist group as it has been posing a direct threat to China's national security.
• NATO Afghan evacuees begin journey to resettlement NATO 16 Sep 2021 -- Over 100 former NATO Afghan employees and family members began their journey to resettlement in the United Kingdom on Thursday (Sept. 16, 2021).
• Intl. community, Taliban must reconcile to restore stability in Afghanistan: UN refugee chief Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The UN refugee chief has urged the international community and the Taliban to come to a common ground to help restore the desperately-needed stability in Afghanistan and to prevent a humanitarian crisis there.
• Afghans long for better life as Taliban government manages to run country with calls for international aid People's Daily 16 Sep 2021 -- While the security situation in Afghanistan has remained stable since the Taliban takeover in mid-August, the Central Asian country is now facing economic and humanitarian challenges, with its people longing for better life and the Taliban new government calling for international assistance.
• Taliban Seeks to Build Good Relations With World Through Diplomacy, Spokesman Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Taliban interim government intends to build good relations with the international community through diplomacy, spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told Japanese NHK TV channel.
• Taliban Not Ruling Out Holding Elections VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- During their two-decade-long insurgency, the Taliban cast aspersions on democratic elections, describing them as un-Islamic, and frequently attacked Afghan election workers and rallies.
• Chinese FM stresses efforts in safeguarding peace in S.China Sea after rejecting port visit of German warship Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- China urges non-regional countries to respect regional countries' efforts in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea, and to play a constructive role on the issue, a spokesperson for Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday in response to China's decision to decline a German warship from docking at a Chinese port.
• China urges stepped up efforts aimed at improvement of Syria's humanitarian situation Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- China has called on the international community to step up efforts aimed at considerable improvement of the humanitarian situation in war-ravaged Syria.
• Syrian army forces make fresh gains in Dara'a, raise flag in another town Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- Syrian army troops and security forces have raised the national flag in another town in the country's southwestern province of Dara'a, as government soldiers continue their push to retake full control of areas that Takfiri militants once held.
• Kurdish Authorities Release 324 Syrian Nationals From al-Hol Camp VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- Kurdish-led authorities in northeast Syria have released 324 Syrian nationals from a refugee camp that houses thousands of people, including families of Islamic State fighters.
• Russia decision to close OSCE Observer Mission at 2 Russian border checkpoints: UK statement UK FCDO 16 Sep 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush says that the UK deplores Russia's decision to unilaterally close the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk.
• Human rights in illegally annexed Crimea: UK statement UK FCDO 16 Sep 2021 -- UK Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown condemns human rights violations by Russia in illegally annexed Crimea, including the recent detention of 5 Crimean Tatars.
• Head of Islamic State in Greater Sahara 'Neutralized' by French Forces, Macron Reveals Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Emmanuel Macron reveals that French forces have neutralized Adnan Abou Walid al-Sahraoui, leader of the terrorist group Islamic State* in the Greater Sahara.
• Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo: UK response UK FCDO 16 Sep 2021 -- UK Ambassador Neil Bush commends the work of OSCE's Mission in Kosovo on democratisation, gender, law enforcement, and inter-ethnic relations.
• Nigerian Air Force Confirms Civilian Deaths in Strike Against Extremists VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- The Nigerian air force confirmed Thursday an airstrike against suspected Islamic extremists that killed civilians in the northeastern state of Yobe.

News Reports

• Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 16 Sep 2021 -- A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty today to one count of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
• Designation of Al-Qa'ida Supporters US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2021 -- The United States remains committed to combatting al-Qa'ida and other terrorist groups around the world, including by countering their financing.
• Treasury Designates al-Qa'ida Financial Network in Turkey US Treasury 16 Sep 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions against five al-Qa'ida supporters operating in Turkey who provided a range of financial and travel facilitation services to al-Qa'ida. These designations are being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. On September 23, 2001, the President signed E.O. 13224, which designated al-Qa'ida under its authorities.
• US Sanctions al-Qaida Supporters Working From Turkey VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned five al-Qaida supporters for allegedly helping the militant group with financial assistance.
• Treasury Sanctions Significant Drug Trafficking Organization US Treasury 16 Sep 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) identified Zulma Maria Musso Torres (Musso Torres) as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act).
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 16, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2021
• A 'Single Voting Day' In Russia...Held Over Three Days RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- As the old joke goes, the Soviet Union was heralded for producing the world's largest microchips and the fastest watches. But Russia alone can lay claim to having a "single voting day" over a span of three days.
• Watchdogs Say Google Docs Temporarily Blocked In Russia After Navalny Releases Smart Voting List RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- Independent Internet monitors say access to Google Docs has been restored after a temporary outage that coincided with the publication by associates of jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny of a list of election candidates voters should cast ballots for to topple ruling party incumbents in elections later this week.
• Russia Needs Strong, Influential Parliament - Putin Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Russia needs a strong authoritative parliament so that new State Duma members act in the interests of the country and its people, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
• Russia Threatens to Take Measures Against US Over Interference in Elections, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Moscow has repeatedly voiced concerns regarding what it sees as interference by western nations in its upcoming parliamentary elections.
• Kremlin Regrets European Parliament's Russia Report Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The Kremlin regrets the European Parliament's report on Russia which contains no plans for a dialogue with Moscow, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on 16 September, mentioning that the document is only a recommendation.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the four-party meeting with the ministers of foreign affairs of the People's Republic of China, Pakistan, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Dushanbe, September 16, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2021
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Dushanbe on September 16, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Sep 2021
• Russia Uses 'Best Suited' Internet Regulation, Kremlin Says Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- As a sovereign country, Russia uses the kind of internet regulation that suits it best, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on 16 September, commenting on China's internet regulation practices.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on September 16, 2021 PRC MofA 16 Sep 2021
• China Envoy Banned from Visiting Britain's House of Commons VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- The speaker of the British House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, has banned China's ambassador to Britain, Zeguang Zheng, from entering Parliament until Beijing lifts sanctions it imposed six months ago on five Conservative lawmakers and two peers.
• Hong Kong Police Order Tiananmen Vigil Organizers to Take Down Online Content Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2021 -- Hong Kong's national security police have ordered the organizers of a now-banned candlelight vigil for the victims of the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen massacre to delete all of their online posts, the group said via its Facebook page on Thursday.
• 9 Hong Kong Activists Sentenced for Taking Part in Banned Vigil VOA 16 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.
• Civil servants who refuse to swear allegiance to HKSAR leave posts, paving way to smooth elections Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- A hundred twenty-nine Hong Kong civil servants refused to swear allegiance to the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a majority of whom have left their post, which would help the government run more smoothly and create a more positive political environment for the upcoming elections, experts said.
• Evergrande related stocks plunge as liquidity crisis deepens Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- Stocks related to China's second-largest property developer Evergrande Group closed lower on Thursday as worries deepened that the company's debt crisis could have spillover effects on the country's financial market and real estate sector.
• China Plans to Launch Experimental Reactor That May Revolutionise Atomic Energy Industry Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- Should the experiment prove to be successful, it might give a strong impulse to President Xi Jinping's declared plans to make China's energy generation carbon neutral by 2060.
• Apple Daily's printing factory ordered to freeze under the national security law: HK Secretary for Security Global Times 16 Sep 2021 -- Chris Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security in Hong Kong, said on Wednesday that he had issued a freezing order for Apple Daily's printing factory located in Tseung Kwan O (TKO), in accordance with the rule of the national security law for Hong Kong.
• European Parliament voices support for EU-Taiwan investment agreement CNA 16 Sep 2021 -- The European Parliament adopted a resolution during a plenary session on Thursday in which it urged the European Union to negotiate a bilateral investment agreement (BIA) with Taiwan.
• Mainland vows countermeasures against "Taiwan independence" moves People's Daily 16 Sep 2021 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday voiced resolute opposition to any attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" through so-called "constitutional amendments."
• U.S. attempts to make issue out of Taiwan futile: mainland spokesperson People's Daily 16 Sep 2021 -- U.S. attempts to make an issue out of Taiwan so as to contain China would be futile, said a Chinese mainland spokesperson Wednesday, criticizing the United States' cold-war mentality and obsession with a zero-sum game.
• N Korean leader's sister warns of 'destruction' of S Korean ties Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has denounced as "inappropriate" the recent comments by South Korean president following his country's ballistic missile test.
• South Korean President Asks China for Assistance in Returning N. Korea to Dialogue Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed hope that China will continue to support the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and efforts to denuclearise North Korea, the South Korean presidential administration said.
• Russia: IAEA board calls for resumption of Vienna talks, Iran's increased cooperation with agency Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The Russian ambassador to international organizations in Vienna says during its latest session in the Austrian capital, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called for the resumption of talks on the revival of Iran's nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• US ceaselessly briefs Israel over JCPOA talks, sees 'eye to eye' with it over Iran strategy Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The United States has briefed the Israeli regime before, during, and after different rounds of negotiations in Vienna aimed at reviving the US-ditched Iran nuclear agreement, said State Department Spokesman Ned Price, adding that the US and Israel "see eye to eye" with regard to Iran's nuclear program.
• Myanmar Troops Massacre 24 in Village Attacks in Magway Radio Free Asia 17 Sep 2021 -- Myanmar military forces killed at least 24 civilians in attacks this month on three villages in the country's central Magway region, murdering eight after taking them alive as prisoners, sources in the region said, with rights groups calling the killings war crimes.
• Anti-Junta Townships in Myanmar Fear Internet Shutdowns Signal Imminent Military Offensive Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2021 -- Residents of townships in Myanmar where authorities have shut down access to the internet say they fear an imminent military offensive amid an information lockdown and increase in arrests since the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) declared war on the junta last week.
• Myanmar Villagers Destroy Chinese Fence Amid Border Dispute Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2021 -- Residents of Myanmar's northern Shan state have destroyed a fence built by Chinese authorities they say encroaches on their country's territory, prompting observers to warn that if the dispute goes unresolved it could seriously damage relations between communities living along the two nations' shared border.
• Recent developments in Belarus: UK statement, 16 September 2021 UK FCDO 16 Sep 2021 -- UK Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown reiterates demand for Belarus to stop the crackdown against civil society, human rights defenders and independent media.
• Who Will Succeed Angela Merkel as Germany's Chancellor? VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- On September 26 Germans will go to the polls in a federal election to apportion seats in the Bundestag and decide who will succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor. Marking the end of the Merkel era, many view this electoral contest as Germany's most important election in decades.
• UK set to launch post-Brexit review of EU laws Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The UK government is set to carry out a far-reaching review of the EU-era legislation which it plans to abandon in the post-Brexit period.
• UK PM reshuffles cabinet with Raab removed as foreign secretary People's Daily 16 Sep 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson carried out a reshuffle of his cabinet ministers on Wednesday, with Dominic Raab removed as foreign secretary among other changes.
• UK prime minister demotes foreign secretary in cabinet revamp Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- Lizz Truss has replaced Dominic Raab as the new foreign secretary as part of a sweeping cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
• British PM Continues Shake-up of Cabinet with Reassignment of Junior Ministers VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson continued reshuffling his Cabinet Thursday with two junior ministers taking on new roles.
• India Feels the Squeeze in Indian Ocean with Chinese Projects in Neighborhood VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- From a new rail and road link that gives China overland access for the first time to the Indian Ocean via Myanmar to infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka's east and north, concerns are running high in India as its rival, China, edges closer to its coast, analysts have told VOA.
• Car Explosion Kills Local Emergencies Service's Spokeswoman, Companion In Ukraine's Dnipro RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- A car explosion killed the spokeswoman of a regional emergencies service and her companion in Ukraine's southeastern city of Dnipro, the country's National Police said on September 15.
• Western Diplomats Express Concern About Ukraine's Judicial Reforms After Delay RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- Western diplomats have expressed concern over Ukraine's delay in implementing recently passed judicial legislation that is seen in Washington and Brussels as crucial to improving the nation's rule of law and cleaning up corruption.
• Judicial Reform in Ukraine US Dept. of State 16 Sep 2021 -- The United States, together with the Government of Ukraine, civil society, and other international partners, all recognize that judicial reform is critical to strengthening the rule of law and attracting foreign investment to Ukraine.
• Russian Gov't Allocates $60Mln to Produce Soyuz Spacecraft for Tourist Flights Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The Russian government has allocated more than 4.4 billion rubles ($60.6 million) to space company Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Roscosmos state corporation, for the production of a rocket and spaceship for tourist flights by 2024.
• SpaceX Launches Crew Dragon Spaceship With First-Ever Fully Civilian Crew on Board Sputnik 16 Sep 2021 -- The SpaceX company has launched the Falcon 9 carrier rocket that will place into orbit the Crew Dragon spaceship with the first-ever fully civilian crew on board.
• SpaceX Crew of Amateurs Orbits Earth VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- The first all-civilian crew of astronauts is now orbiting the Earth after the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched them into space in spectacular fashion late Wednesday.
• Lebanon judge issues arrest warrant for former minister over Beirut blast Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The judge investigating last year's devastating Beirut port blast has issued an arrest warrant for a former minister after he failed to show up for questioning, a judicial source says.
• Iran will continue support for Lebanon resistance, boost all-out ties: FM Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said the dignified resistance of the Lebanese people against the Zionist and Takfiri enemy is "a source of honor and pride for all regional nations and the freedom-seekers," vowing that the Islamic Republic will continue to support the resistance front.
• Convoy of tankers carrying Iranian fuel arrives in Lebanon Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- A convoy of tankers carrying Iranian fuel has arrived in Lebanon, Press TV reports.
• Hezbollah Brings in Iranian Fuel to Ease Lebanon's Energy Shortage VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- As Lebanon struggles with acute fuel and electricity shortages, Iran-backed Hezbollah has arranged for oil tankers carrying Iranian diesel fuel to arrive from Syria Thursday — despite the threat of U.S. sanctions.
• Philippines' Duterte not cooperate with ICC probe into 'drug war', says tribunal lacks jurisdiction Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court's investigation into the so-called "drug war" in the Philippines, his lawyer said, insisting the court does not have jurisdiction in the country.
• Spain, Catalonia resume talks, admit divisions on Catalan independence Press TV 16 Sep 2021 -- The Spanish government and the Catalonia region have resumed talks aimed at sewing up their rifts over the northeastern region's separatist ambitions.
• Another Former Kyrgyz Prime Minister Detained In Kumtor Case RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- Another former Kyrgyz prime minister has been detained as part of a widening investigation into alleged corruption during the development of the Kumtor gold-mine project.
• Kyrgyz Court Sends Two Tajiks To Prison For Life Over April Deadly Ethnic Clashes RFE/RL 16 Sep 2021 -- A court in Kyrgyzstan has handed life sentences to two Tajik nationals over deadly ethnic clashes that erupted earlier this year near a disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.
• 'Tipping point' for climate action: Time's running out to avoid catastrophic heating UN News 16 Sep 2021 -- The temporary reduction in carbon emissions caused by global COVID-19 lockdowns did not slow the relentless advance of climate change. Greenhouse gas concentrations are at record levels, and the planet is on path towards dangerous overheating, a multi-agency climate report published on Thursday warns.
• Torture, killings, lawlessness, still blight Burundi's rights record UN News 16 Sep 2021 -- The people of Burundi continue to endure serious human rights violations including possible crimes against humanity, the majority committed by those with links to the ruling party, UN-appointed independent investigators said on Thursday.
• Bachelet calls for major re-think over impact of sanctions on human rights UN News 16 Sep 2021 -- Unilateral and coercive sanctions imposed by governments can create severe and undue suffering for innocent people who bear no responsibility for alleged misconduct, the UN rights chief warned the Human Rights Council on Thursday.
• Cambodia PM Says He Crashed Opposition Zoom Talk to Warn 'Rebels' Radio Free Asia 16 Sep 2021 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen crashed a Zoom strategy session of Cambodia's banned opposition party "to send a clear message to the rebels" that they are being watched – not to seek political reconciliation, state media quoted him as saying in a report on Thursday.
• Somali President Suspends Prime Minister's Powers VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmajo, has suspended the powers of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble in the latest power struggle between the two leaders.
• Judges in Venezuela Pressured to Punish Government Opponents, UN Reports VOA 16 Sep 2021 -- U.N. investigators report judges and prosecutors in Venezuela are under intense political pressure from high-ranking officials to punish perceived opponents of the government of President Nicolas Maduro.