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Defense Policy / Programs

• US Navy: Sailors Who Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Discharged VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- U.S. Navy sailors who refuse to get vaccinated for COVID-19 will be separated from the force and could lose some of their veterans' benefits, according to Navy policy released Tuesday.
• Defense Secretary Has Authority to Order Mandatory COVID-19 Shots DoD News 16 Nov 2021 -- The secretary of defense has the authority needed to order all members of the military - including the National Guard - to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said during a news conference today.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Norwegian Minister of Defense Odd Roger Enoksen to the Pentagon DoD 16 Nov 2021
• Joint Statement on 10-Year Anniversary for the Australia-United States Force Posture Initiatives DoD 16 Nov 2021 -- Today marks another milestone for the "Unbreakable Alliance" with the ten-year anniversary of the Australia - United States Force Posture Initiatives.
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds an Off-Camera Press Briefing DoD 16 Nov 2021
• Results of DOD Financial Statement Audit Supports Focus on People DoD News 16 Nov 2021 -- The Defense Department has completed the fourth annual departmentwide financial statement audit, and the results were released Monday evening.
• U.S., Norwegian Defense Leaders Discuss High North Strategy, Dealing With Russia DoD News 16 Nov 2021 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Norwegian Defense Minister Odd Roger Enoksen for meetings at the Pentagon today, following up on discussions they held during the NATO Defense Ministerial last month.
• Air Force discusses modernization of operational C2 systems US Air Force 16 Nov 2021 -- The 505th Command and Control Wing recently hosted a team from the 700th Air Support Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to familiarize the wing's units to the Kessel Run All-Domain Operations Suite (KRADOS), operational command and control tools and discuss the modernization of operational C2 systems at Hurlburt Field.
• DAF completes 4th Annual Financial Statement Audit, demonstrates significant audit progress US Air Force 16 Nov 2021 -- The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is flying high after the completion of its fourth year under full financial audit. While the Independent Public Accountant (IPA) issued a "Disclaimer of Opinion" again for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), significant progress was made to move closer toward a clean audit opinion.
• USS Hershel "Woody" Williams Hosts Women, Peace, and Security Event in Djibouti US Navy 16 Nov 2021 -- Maj. Gen. William L. Zana, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and guests from Djibouti, France, Italy, Kenya, Spain and the United States participated in a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) conference, Nov. 15, 2021.
• USS Porter Departs Black Sea, Arrives in Istanbul US Navy 16 Nov 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) departed the Black Sea, arriving in Istanbul, Turkey for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 16.
• Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship Supports Bilateral Exercise with Indonesia US Navy 16 Nov 2021 -- Military Sealift Command's Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3) took part in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia, in the Java Sea, Nov. 6.
• Readout of U.S.–Turkey High Level Defense Group Meeting DoD 16 Nov 2021
• Diplomacy Is Critical to Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula, DOD Official Says DoD News 16 Nov 2021 -- The way to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula lies in exploring diplomacy with North Korea in a calibrated approach, a Defense Department official said today.
• Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Council of the EU NATO 16 Nov 2021
• NATO Deputy Secretary General addresses disinformation at NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Center seminar NATO 16 Nov 2021 -- On 16 November, NATO's Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană spoke at a hybrid seminar on strategic communications and countering disinformation organized by the NATO - Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre (NIRC) in Kuwait.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General highlights 15 years of NATO-Serbia partnership NATO 16 Nov 2021 -- On 15 November 2021, NATO's Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană spoke virtually at the 2021 edition of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly's Rose-Roth Seminar in Belgrade.
• Commentary on a number of aspects of space activities in Russia and other states Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Nov 2021 -- In the light of numerous media appeals, it is necessary to give some clarifications in connection with the successful November 15 of this year. The Russian Ministry of Defense by a test, as a result of which the inoperative Russian spacecraft "Celina-D", which had been in orbit since 1982, was struck.
• China Remains 'Pacing Challenge' for U.S., Pentagon Press Secretary Says DoD News 16 Nov 2021 -- The secretary of defense believes that China is a pacing challenge for the Defense Department, the Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said during a news conference today.
• CURTAIN RAISER India PIB 16 Nov 2021 -- November would be a landmark month for the Indian Navy with Commissioning of 'Visakhapatnam', the first stealth guided missile destroyer ship of the Project 15B in the presence of Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on 21 Nov 21.
• Navy holds ceremony to mark progress in indigenous submarine program CNA 16 Nov 2021 -- The Navy on Tuesday held a "keel laying" ceremony for an indigenously built submarine prototype a year after work began to signal the completion of the vessel's first construction phase.
• Joint statement by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Ukraine Defence Minister Oleksii Yuriyovych Reznikov UK MOD 16 Nov 2021 -- A joint statement during the visit of Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to Ukraine on 16 November 2021.
• Phnom Penh Rebuffs US Sanctions of Cambodian Military Leaders VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- The United States announced sanctions against two high-level Cambodian military officials last week, setting off a storm of invectives from Phnom Penh and ratcheting up tensions related to Chinese development around the strategically located Ream Naval Base.
• US moving forward with F-35 stealth fighter jet sales to UAE: State Department official Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- A US State Department official has said the administration of President Joe Biden has planned to move forward with the sale of 50 F-35 stealth fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a deal that could be worth $10 billion.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Nov. 16, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 16 November 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Nov 2021
• Overcoming the silos of UN system for UN conflict prevention UK FCDO 16 Nov 2021 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security.
• Conflict prevention means tackling economic, social, institutional drivers of strife UN News 16 Nov 2021 -- Preventing conflicts requires closing development gaps, shrinking inequality and bringing hope to people around the globe, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Tuesday.
• 'No Water And Nothing To Eat': Afghans Suffer Extreme Shocks From Global Climate Change RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Nov 2021 -- When Qudratullah lost his family's farm in northern Afghanistan earlier this year, it was not because of war.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with #AfghanEvac Representatives US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2021
• WHO warns: 75% of Yemeni kids 'chronically malnourished', Yemeni population engulfed in food insecurity Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that 75 percent of Yemeni children suffer from acute malnutrition, as Saudi Arabia keeps bombing the southern impoverished neighbor in defiance of international calls to end its bloody war.
• Kyiv Blasts Putin Decree On Trade With Separatists In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- Kyiv has assailed Moscow over a presidential decree allowing goods produced in areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by Kremlin-backed separatists to be sold more easily in Russia, calling it "gross interference" in the country's internal affairs and a violation of international law.
• Local Tibetans, Chinese officials in scuffle over land grab Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2021 -- Tibetan villagers and Chinese officials clashed this month over the failure of authorities to pay compensation for land taken for a construction project, with at least one scuffle breaking out at the worksite, local sources said.
• Fighting Between Armenia and Azerbaijan US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2021 -- The United States is deeply concerned about reports of intensive fighting today between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• Armenia asks Russia to protect its sovereignty against Azerbaijan: Report Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- Russian media say Armenia has asked Moscow to help defend its territorial sovereignty against attacks by Azerbaijani forces, amid renewed border clashes between the two sides.
• Armenia Announces Truce With Azerbaijan After Deadly Clashes RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- Armenia has announced a Russian-mediated cease-fire with Azerbaijan after asking for Moscow's assistance amid deadly hostilities that erupted earlier in the day along their shared border.
• Armenian Opposition Boycotts Parliament After Incidents Along Azerbaijan Border RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- The two opposition factions in Armenia's parliament have announced a boycott of a regular session of the legislature on November 16, accusing the pro-government majority of scuttling their attempt to discuss the situation at the border with Azerbaijan.
• Despite Lack Of Progress In Talks, Kosovo's Kurti Sees 'Shift For Good' With Serbia RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti says that talks on the normalization of ties with Serbia are stalling despite of what he called a "tectonic shift for good" in bilateral relations.
• Balkan Fears Grow as Western Countries Mull Sanctions VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- Threats by the leader of the Serb-majority Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, to break his mini-state away from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country shakily balanced between Croats, Bosniaks and Serbs, is adding to growing regional and international dismay at unfolding developments in the Balkans.
• Investing in UNRWA is 'an investment in peace and hope' UN News 16 Nov 2021 -- At a "critical conference" supporting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Secretary-General António Guterres outlined on Tuesday, the "essential role" it continues to play in generations of lives.
• 'We cannot lose hope', UN chief tells media seminar on peace in the Middle East UN News 16 Nov 2021 -- Sensitizing public opinion to the question of Palestine, and promoting a peaceful settlement to the decades-long conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, are among the goals of the 2021 UN International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East, which began on Tuesday.
• Rebel commander in Libya submits bid to run for president Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- The commander of Libyan rebels, Khalifa Haftar, has registered to run in Libya's presidential election due next month.
• Ethiopia: Mass arbitrary arrests target Tigrayans, says UN rights office UN News 16 Nov 2021 -- Over the past week, mass arrests of people reportedly of Tigrayan origin have continued in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa and elsewhere, the UN rights office said on Tuesday.

News Reports

• CISA Releases Incident and Vulnerability Response Playbooks to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Federal Civilian Agencies CISA 16 Nov 2021 -- Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released the Federal Government Cybersecurity Incident and Vulnerability Response Playbooks. Produced in accordance with Executive Order 14028, "Improving the Nation's Cybersecurity," the playbooks provide federal civilian agencies with a standard set of procedures to respond to vulnerabilities and incidents impacting Federal Civilian Executive Branch networks.
• Uganda Police Say Three Killed, 33 Injured in Twin Suicide Bombings VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- Ugandan police say suicide bombers carried out twin attacks near the capital's central police station and parliament Tuesday. Three civilians were killed and 33 others were injured in the attacks.
• Debris Clouds, Endangered Astronauts: What The Fallout From A Russian Anti-Satellite Test Means For Space RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- In December 2020, pilots were warned by the Russian authorities: Stay away from a vast swath of airspace in the Laptev Sea off Russia's northern coast during the second week of the month. The reason? "Hazardous operations, rocket launching."
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint news conference with Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat following talks, Moscow, November 16, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Nov 2021
• EU Prepares Fresh Sanctions On Russian Mercenary Group RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- The European Union is planning to draw up a list of possible sanctions against a Russian mercenary group involved in multiple global conflicts, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.
• German Agency Suspends Certification Of Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Over Technicality RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- The German federal energy regulator says it is temporarily halting the approval process for the controversial Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline aimed at bringing Russian gas to Germany.
• Xi, Biden trade barbs but vow to improve communication at virtual meet Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- In a highly anticipated summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Joe Biden on Monday, there were no breakthroughs and no signs of détente between the two sides.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on November 16, 2021 PRC MofA 16 Nov 2021
• Readout of President Biden's Virtual Meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China The White House 16 Nov 2021
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on President Biden's Virtual Meeting with President Xi of the People's Republic of China The White House 16 Nov 2021
• President Xi Jinping Had a Virtual Meeting with US President Joe Biden PRC MofA 16 Nov 2021 -- On the morning of 16 November, President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden. The two sides had thorough and in-depth communication and exchanges on issues of strategic, overarching and fundamental importance shaping the development of China-US relations and on important issues of mutual interest.
• Xi bares 3 principles, 4 priorities in growing ties in new era to Biden in virtual meeting Global Times 16 Nov 2021 -- A rare extended virtual meeting between the top leaders of the world's two major powers concluded on Tuesday and the leaders agreed on two consensuses in principle such as rejecting a new cold war and reaffirming the importance of China-US relations. During the meeting, which came at the request of the US, Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out three principles and four priorities for growing bilateral ties in the new era, demonstrating Beijing's high-minded manner and full confidence in pushing Washington to correct mistakes that have led the bilateral relationship to deviate in recent years, experts said.
• Xi stresses mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation in China-U.S. relations PLA Daily 16 Nov 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday highlighted mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation as three principles in developing China-U.S. relations in the new era.
• US-China video summit could help rival powers 'manage their differences': analysts Radio Free Asia 16 Nov 2021 -- The three-hour remote summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday will likely enable the two rival powers to better manage competition and prevent escalation of tensions over trade, Taiwan and geopolitics, commentators said.
• US, Chinese Officials Laud Progress in Inaugural Presidential Meeting VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- Officials in Washington and Beijing said Tuesday that the inaugural meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping was "candid" and could pave the path for progress in their tense relationship on a range of issues of global importance.
• Takeaways from Biden-Xi Meeting VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a virtual meeting Monday. Here are a few of the key takeaways from their talk.
• US Congress Restarts Push for China Legislation by Year's End VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are renewing a push to pass legislation that would boost U.S. competition with China, amid rising concerns about the global supply chain.
• House prices keep falling but at slow, steady rate Global Times 16 Nov 2021 -- Prices of commercial housing and second-hand homes in most of China's 70 large and medium-sized cities continued to fall in October compared with September, and the price in all-tier cities for both housing types kept declining year-on-year, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Monday.
• Cornyn Calls for Congress to Support Taiwan After Leading Delegation to Southeast Asia Senator Cornyn 16 Nov 2021 -- Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the congressional delegation (CODEL) he led to Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) countries, including Taiwan, and the need for Congress to help combat China's overreach in the region by passing the National Defense Authorization Act. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn's remarks are below, and video can be found here.
• Taiwan thanks Biden for supporting cross-strait status quo CNA 16 Nov 2021 -- Taiwan's government on Tuesday expressed its gratitude to United States President Joe Biden after he voiced support for the cross-strait status quo in a virtual meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (習近平), in the wake of challenges from Beijing.
• Taiwan mum on reported high-level talks with U.S. after Biden-Xi meet CNA 16 Nov 2021 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refused to confirm a local media report on Tuesday that said Taiwan and the United States would be holding a round of high-level meetings following a virtual summit on Monday between U.S. President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (習近平).
• China will be compelled to take resolute measures should "Taiwan independence" forces cross red line: Xi PLA Daily 16 Nov 2021 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China will be compelled to take resolute measures, should the separatist forces for "Taiwan independence" "provoke us, force our hands or even cross the red line."
• US, Chinese Leaders Share Differing Interpretations on Taiwan VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held "an extended discussion" on Taiwan Monday night, broaching a long-running point of disagreement between the two that many worry remains a flashpoint for conflict.
• President Raisi: Iran is serious in nuclear talks IRNA 16 Nov 2021 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Tuesday that Iran is serious about the upcoming nuclear talks in Vienna and is serious as well to secure the rights of its citizens by ensuring the removal of the sanctions on the country.
• At UNSC, Iran slams use of sanctions as 'blind instruments' to pressure nations Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- A senior Iranian diplomat has slammed the use of sanctions as "blunt and blind instruments" to exert pressure on world states, saying reforms are needed to prevent the United Nations' Security Council (UNSC) from resorting to embargos that merely punish an entire nation but fail to contribute to international peace.
• Raeisi to Putin: Iran absolutely serious about removal of all sanctions in Vienna talks Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi says the Islamic Republic is "absolutely serious" in its pursuit of the removal of all US sanctions in the talks slated to be held later this month in the Austrian capital, Vienna, on the fate of the troubled 2015 multilateral nuclear deal.
• China supports Myanmar in seeking a political solution through dialogue and consultation: FM Global Times 16 Nov 2021 -- China will work with the international community to help restore Myanmar's social stability and play a constructive role in helping it resume its democratic transformation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during Tuesday's regular press briefing.
• US, EU threaten new sanctions against Belarus over migrant crisis Press TV 16 Nov 2021 -- The United States and the European Union (EU) have vowed to slap fresh sanctions against Belarus over simmering migrant crisis on the Belarusian border with Poland.
• U.S. Cybersecurity Researchers Link Belarusian Government To Hacking, Disinformation Campaign RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- U.S. cybersecurity researchers say they have uncovered evidence that the Belarusian government is linked to a hacking and disinformation campaign against Eastern European NATO members.
• Polish Forces, Migrants Clash On Belarus Border; NATO Voices Concern RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- Migrants trapped in Belarus have clashed with Polish soldiers at the border between the two countries, throwing rocks and debris at the heavily armed guards, who responded with water cannons, tear gas, and flash grenades as the situation at the EU and NATO's eastern border continues to worsen.
• Denunciation of Cuban Government's Response to Peaceful Demonstrations US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2021 -- The United States commends the courage and will of the Cuban people who stood in the face of government repression to make their voices heard yesterday. The Cuban regime again blocked the voices of the Cuban people rather than listen to them, forgoing opportunities for dialogue and positive change for the future of Cuba.
• Why Is Central Asia Suffering From Severe Electricity Shortages? RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- Central Asians from western Kazakhstan to southern Tajikistan are suffering from power and energy shortages that have caused hardship and emergency situations affecting the lives of millions of people.
• Turkmenistan Tightens Control Of Information As Economic Situation Worsens RFE/RL 16 Nov 2021 -- For many ordinary residents of the capital of Turkmenistan, a new day starts by standing in a long line for subsidized bread at a state-owned grocery store.
• Turkey Arrests Businessman Suspected in Haitian President's Assassination VOA 16 Nov 2021 -- Turkish authorities arrested businessman Samir Handal, a suspect "of great interest" in the July assassination of Haiti's president, according to Haitian Foreign Minister Claude Joseph.
• A Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Responsible for Policies or Actions That Threaten Democracy in Nicaragua The White House 16 Nov 2021
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Situation in Nicaragua The White House 16 Nov 2021
• A Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Situation in Nicaragua The White House 16 Nov 2021