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Defense Policy / Programs

• Service Members Must Be Vaccinated or Face Consequences, DOD Official Says DoD News 21 Dec 2021 -- Defense Department officials are making it excruciatingly clear that no matter the status, if you wear the cloth of the military, you must get vaccinated.
• DAF COVID-19 Statistics - Dec. 21, 2021 US Air Force 21 Dec 2021
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds an Off-Camera Press Briefing DoD 21 Dec 2021
• US Army hosts mountain warfare course in Djibouti Army News 21 Dec 2021 -- Five U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School instructors with the Vermont Army National Guard travelled to Djibouti to teach a five-day Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course to service members from France's 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment (5e RIAOM) at the Arta Range Complex, Dec. 12-16, 2021.
• Pentagon Struck New Contract Seeking Ways to Counter Russian & Chinese Hypersonics, Report Says Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- The Pentagon is lagging behind Russia and China in terms of hypersonic weapons and countermeasures, according to American generals. The US has embarked on new programmes to catch up with its competitors, admitting, however, that the Army is unlikely to field its first hypersonic missiles until 2024.
• MacDill AFB named preferred location for next KC-46A Pegasus US Air Force 21 Dec 2021 -- The Department of the Air Force selected MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, as the preferred location to host the next active duty KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, Dec. 21.
• Memorandum on the Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended The White House 21 Dec 2021
• A Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense on Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended The White House 21 Dec 2021
• Bulgaria's Defense Chief Says No Need For NATO Troop Deployment RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- Bulgaria's defense chief says there is no need to deploy NATO troops in the Southeastern European nation in response to Russia's troop build-up near the border with Ukraine.
• Putin: Russia to 'respond toughly' to further eastward expansion by NATO Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of military-technical measures and a tough response if NATO expands further toward Russia's borders as tensions escalate between Washington and Moscow over the situation in Ukraine.
• Russia Introduces Regulations To Expedite Mass Burials Of Those Killed During Military Conflicts RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- Russian authorities have published new regulations on the expedited mass burial of humans and animals who die as a result of military conflicts or noncombatant emergencies, stoking already heightened tensions that the country may be preparing to invade Ukraine.
• Russia Reportedly Tests Cruise Missile From Sea Of Japan RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- A Russian submarine has successfully launched a Kalibr cruise missile from the Sea of Japan at a land target more than 1,000 kilometers away, Russian news agencies reported on December 21.
• U.S. Sees Talks With Russia On Security In January As Putin Ramps Up Rhetoric RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- The United States and Russia will likely hold bilateral talks to discuss Moscow's security proposals next month as the Kremlin ramped up is rhetoric by again warning it was prepared to take military measures if the West launched "unfriendly" actions with regard to Ukraine.
• Russia Considers NATO's Further Expansion to Its Borders a 'Red Line', Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- Any further movement of NATO toward Russian borders would be a "red line" in dialogue with Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
• Russian Army is Global Leader in Modernity, Defence Minister Shoigu Says Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- Russia's national security spending envisaged for 2021 was estimated at 3.1 trillion rubles (some $41 billion). When it comes to the country with the largest military budget in the world, it remains the United States with some $778 billion in defence spending.
• US Ready to Work on Russia's Security Proposal, Despite Some 'Unacceptable' Items, Top Diplomat Says Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- The United States is willing to work on some things outlined in Russia's security proposals, but there are other items in them that are unacceptable, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said on Tuesday.
• Moscow on Nukes in Belarus: All Options on Table if NATO Refuses to Discuss Security Proposals Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- Earlier in the month, Russia rolled out a set of security proposals to the West in order to de-escalate the situation near the Ukrainian border. Among these proposals are guarantees from NATO not to deploy offensive weapons in Eastern Europe and especially Ukraine.
• Under No Circumstances Will Russia Allow NATO Infrastructure in Ukraine and Georgia, Diplomat Says Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- Moscow previously warned Washington that it is waiting for an urgent answer, because the situation between the two sides continues to deteriorate.
• Liaoning aircraft carrier group holds drills in 'strategically important' West Pacific Global Times 21 Dec 2021 -- After entering the Pacific Ocean through the Miyako Strait last week, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier battle group reportedly conducted drills involving fighter jet and helicopter operations in waters east of Japan's Okinawa, a location Chinese analysts said on Tuesday is of strategic importance in safeguarding China's territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
• PLA reveals details of Z-10 attack helicopter, 'superior to foreign counterparts' Global Times 21 Dec 2021 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) revealed many details of the country's domestically developed Z-10 attack helicopter in a recent program aired by the state broadcaster, introducing its outstanding, unique capabilities in modern warfare against tanks, infantry and other choppers.
• France - Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) DSCA 21 Dec 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.321 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED ARMOURED ENGINEER RECONNAISSANCE VEHICLE INDUCTED INTO INDIAN ARMY India PIB 21 Dec 2021 -- The first set of indigenously developed next generation Armoured Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle was inducted into the Corps of Engineers of Indian Army in a solemn function attended by Gen MM Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff at Pune today
• Raksha Mantri witnesses multi-agency HADR exercise PANEX-21 in Pune India PIB 21 Dec 2021 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh witnessed a Multi-Agency Exercise (MAE) and inaugurated an equipment display on the second day of PANEX-21, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise for BIMSTEC member nations, organised at College of Military Engineering in Pune, Maharashtra on December 21, 2021
• India Deploys 1st Squadron of Its Newly Acquired S-400 Triumf System Along Pakistani Border: Report Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- Indian defence experts say that the S-400 "Triumf" surface-to-air defence systems' "long-range" capabilities could cover the "entire width" of Pakistan, which would mean that New Delhi could target objects in Pakistani airspace in the event of potential hostilities between the two.
• Two guided missile destroyers rejoin Iranian navy IRNA 21 Dec 2021 -- Iranian Navy redeployed two guided missile destroyers on Tuesday after overhauling them.
• Iran unveils first home-grown marine diesel engine ISNA 21 Dec 2021 -- The first Iranian-made marine diesel engine was unveiled on Tuesday while two overhauled destroyers joined the army naval forces.
• Advanced destroyers rejoin Iranian Navy after complete overhaul Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- Two advanced missile destroyers have rejoined the Iranian Navy after undergoing a complete overhaul process performed by experts at home.
• Latest drill proved enemies will be obliterated before nearing Iran islands: IRGC Navy cmdr. Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says the elite military force's latest drill sent a warning to the enemies that the country will annihilate them before they can even get close to its southern islands in the Persian Gulf.
• IRGC Precision-strike drones hit fixed, mobile targets on 2nd day of massive drill Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- Precision-strike combat drones as well as sophisticated ballistic and cruise missiles have played a major role in the large-scale military exercises that Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) is holding in an area stretching along the southern shores of the country.
• Iraqi Air Force airlift capability supports defeat Daesh mission CENTCOM 21 Dec 2021 -- The Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) completed a strategic airlift mission from Kuwait to Iraq, carrying critical cargo for Iraq Ministry of Defense agencies Dec. 13, 2021.
• Taipei holds live-fire drill amid tensions with mainland China Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- Chinese Taipei has conducted a live-fire military exercise to test the combat readiness of the self-ruled Island's troops and the firepower of its armored divisions, in a show of force amid heightened tensions with Beijing.
• Lithuania - Javelin Missiles DSCA 21 Dec 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Lithuania of Javelin Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $125 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 21 Dec 2021
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Lithuanian Prime Minister Simonyte US Dept. of State 21 Dec 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, December 21, 2021 The White House 21 Dec 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 21, 2021
• Austal USA awarded contract for design studies for U.S. Navy's Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program Austal 21 Dec 2021 -- Austal USA was awarded a contract to perform design studies for the U.S. Navy's Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program on December 20, 2021. This contract requires Austal to develop a new baseline design and perform specific trade studies for the Navy's newest logistics ship. Austal, as the shipbuilder and design agent, will be the prime contractor.

Other Conflicts

• 21 December 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Dec 2021
• Hundreds Call For Release Of Afghan Assets In Taliban-Sanctioned Protest RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Dec 2021 -- Hundreds of Afghans have marched in Kabul demanding the release of billions of dollars of assets held in the United States in a protest sanctioned by the ruling Taliban as the country grapples with a growing economic crisis that threatens to turn into a humanitarian disaster.
• Protests Erupt in Afghanistan Over US Freezing of Funds VOA 21 Dec 2021 -- Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Kabul on Tuesday to demand the United States unfreeze Afghanistan's financial assets.
• US Lawmakers Urge Biden to Unlock Afghan Central Bank Reserves VOA 21 Dec 2021 -- A group of 46 mostly Democratic lawmakers Monday wrote a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, pressing him to "conscientiously but urgently" take steps to help avert a looming humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan.
• China urges Japan to respect territorial sovereignty and stop complicating maritime situations Global Times 21 Dec 2021 -- China urged Japan to respect China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, and avoid actions that could complicate the Diaoyu Islands issue and other issues. The Chinese side made the remarks during the 13th round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs held between China and Japan via video link on Monday, which was the first of its kind after Fumio Kishida took office in October.
• Stalemate in Syria proves military solution still 'an illusion', says UN envoy Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has brushed aside the so-called military solution to the decade-long conflict in Syria as "an illusion," stating that the warring parties are locked in a "strategic stalemate" on the ground for the past 21 months.
• Libya's election committee dissolved ahead of polls Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- Days before Libya's presidential and parliamentary elections, authorities have ordered the dissolution of the electoral committee, a move that is expected to postpone the vote.
• Libya: Tensions as armed groups mobilize in Tripoli UN News 21 Dec 2021 -- The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Tuesday expressed concern over the unfolding security situation in the capital, Tripoli, where forces affiliated with different armed groups have been deploying.
• NATO Secretary General discusses situation in and around Ukraine with the Prime Minister of Romania NATO 21 Dec 2021 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Prime Minister of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă, to NATO headquarters on Tuesday (21 December).
• Sullivan Tells Russian Counterpart That U.S. Is Ready For Dialogue On Troop Buildup RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has told his Russian counterpart that Washington is ready to engage in diplomacy over Russia's buildup of troops near Ukraine, but that any dialogue must take place in coordination with its allies and partners in Europe.
• Only Buk Missile System Could Have Downed Flight MH17, Dutch Prosecutor Says Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- The prosecution previously insisted that the plane was targeted by a missile from the Pervomayskoye settlement.
• US has no role to play in China's Xizang affairs, as Washington appoints new 'Special Coordinator for Tibet' Global Times 21 Dec 2021 -- The US has no legitimacy and influence in China's Xizang affairs and its act to appoint a new "special coordinator for Tibet" is an awkward move, and since the current development in Xizang has received a huge amount of achievements, the US and the separatist Dalai Lama clique don't stand any chance of meddling in the peace and stability in the region, said a senior Chinese expert.
• US names senior diplomat as Tibet coordinator, tasked with opening Sino-Tibetan talks Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. on Monday appointed Uzra Zeya, a high-ranking diplomat, to serve as Washington's Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, charged with trying to open long-stalled dialogue between Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and China.
• Opposition Protests In Georgia's Breakaway Abkhazia Turn Violent RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- Opposition protesters in the Abkhaz capital, Sukhumi, have attempted to force their way through a security perimeter of buses and other obstacles surrounding the de facto parliament of the breakaway Georgian region.
• Middle East: Positive steps needed to restore calm UN News 21 Dec 2021 -- The deteriorating security situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, took centre stage at the Security Council on Tuesday as the UN Special Coordinator for the peace process in the region, expressed his "continued concern" over recent developments.
• Thousands head home voluntarily from Zambia to DR Congo UN News 21 Dec 2021 -- Nearly 5,000 refugees who fled violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) four years ago, are opting to head home voluntarily from Zambia over the coming months, with the first 100 people setting out on Tuesday.
• Background Press Call By Senior Admin Officials On National Security Advisor Sullivan's Upcoming Travel To The State Of Israel And The West Bank The White House 21 Dec 2021

News Reports

• Harvard University Professor Convicted of Making False Statements and Tax Offenses US Dept. of Justice 21 Dec 2021 -- The former Chair of Harvard University's Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department was convicted by a federal jury today in connection with lying to federal authorities about his affiliation with the People's Republic of China's Thousand Talents Program and the Wuhan University of Technology (WUT) in Wuhan, China, as well as failing to report income he received from WUT.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions during a joint news conference following talks with Deputy Chairperson of the Council of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bisera Turkovic, Sochi, December 21, 2021 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Dec 2021
• Sanctions on Russia Still Being Debated as Europeans Fear Costs VOA 21 Dec 2021 -- Poland and Lithuania have backed Ukraine in urging Western powers to immediately impose sanctions on Russia over its military buildup along the Ukrainian border.
• US: Talks with Russia Could Occur in January VOA 21 Dec 2021 -- The United States believes bilateral talks with Russia over its massive troop buildup along the Ukrainian border could start in January, said the State Department's top diplomats, even as Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the U.S. and its allies for tensions in the region.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on December 21, 2021 PRC MofA 21 Dec 2021
• US sanctions on Chinese officials after HK LegCo election 'illegal, invalid and ridiculous': Chinese FM Global Times 21 Dec 2021 -- China on Tuesday expressed firm opposition and strong condemnation over US sanctions on five Chinese officials after the Hong Kong Legislative Council (LegCo) election under the pretext of the so-called Hong Kong Autonomy Act of 2020, slamming such sanctions as "illegal, invalid, ridiculous and disgusting."
• China condemns 'Five Eyes', EU, G7 smears on HK LegCo election, calling it staged political farce Global Times 21 Dec 2021 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry's commissioner officer in Hong Kong, the Chinese embassy in the UK, the liaison office of the central government in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government condemned the smears and irresponsible remarks made by Five Eyes countries, the EU and G7 on Hong Kong's Legislative Council election, urging them to stop any form of interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs.
• HKSAR gov't pledges sincere cooperation with new LegCo People's Daily 21 Dec 2021 -- Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said Monday that the HKSAR government will cooperate sincerely with members of the new term of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the HKSAR to jointly promote Hong Kong's development.
• Hong Kong SAR elects new legislature under improved electoral system People's Daily 21 Dec 2021 -- China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday unveiled its new lawmaker lineup after successfully holding its first legislative election under an improved electoral system.
• Pro-Beijing candidates sweep Hong Kong Legislative Council election Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- Pro-Beijing candidates have claimed a sweeping win in overhauled Legislative Council (LegCo) elections for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday despite record low turnout.
• Hong Kong Brushes Aside Western Concerns About Its Parliamentary Elections Sputnik 21 Dec 2021 -- The Hong Kong government on Tuesday condemned attempts by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States to denigrate the Administrative Region's recent parliamentary elections.
• China to impose reciprocal sanctions on four US individuals Global Times 21 Dec 2021 -- China decided to impose sanctions on four US individuals as a reciprocal countermeasure against US' sanctions on officials from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region over groundless accusations of so-called human rights issue in the region, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• China slaps sanctions on four US citizens in retaliatory measure Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- China has slapped sanctions on four American citizens in retaliation for similar measures adopted by Washington against Beijing over the western autonomous region of Xinjiang.
• China bans entry to 4 US religious freedom advisors in retort to Xinjiang sanctions Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2021 -- China on Tuesday slapped an entry ban on four members of a U.S. federal commission on religious freedom, in retaliation for U.S. sanctions on its officials over rights abuses against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang.
• Uyghurs see assimilation as China touts investment in Xinjiang preschools Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2021 -- When China announced this month that it has spent some $63 million in recent years to build or renovate kindergartens in Xinjiang, raising the restive region's preschool enrollment rate to 98%, Uyghurs saw more reason for concern than for gratitude, analysts from the ethnic minority said.
• In Tit-For-Tat Move, China Hits U.S. Officials With Sanctions Following Xinjiang Penalties RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- China has imposed sanctions on four members of the U.S. government's Commission on International Religious Freedom in the latest tit-for-tat measure after Washington's penalties last week against Chinese officials and companies over alleged abuses in the country's northwestern Xinjiang region.
• Xi stresses improving Party regulations to safeguard Party's leadership, governance People's Daily 21 Dec 2021 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed the important role of the Party's internal regulations in maintaining the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee.
• What Will Taiwan Do If China Invades? VOA 21 Dec 2021 -- Military flyovers from China and tough talk in Washington have made a possible conflict over Taiwan feel more real over the past month. That is true for Chen Yi-guang, a retired finance professional.
• 'Iran Threat' High On Agenda As U.S. National-Security Adviser Travels To Israel RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan will visit Israel this week for discussions likely to be dominated by a perceived threat from Iran amid U.S. concerns that the time Tehran would need to develop a nuclear weapon has become "unacceptably short."
• UN rights office calls on Belarus, Poland to address refugees' 'appalling situation' Press TV 21 Dec 2021 -- A spokesperson for the UN Human Rights office says Belarus and Poland are pushing refugees back and forth across their border and leaving them without enough food and other basic necessities.
• End 'appalling' Belarus-Poland border crisis, UN rights office urges UN News 21 Dec 2021 -- Belarus and Poland must resolve the migrant and refugee crisis at their mutual border, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday, describing the on-going situation as "appalling".
• UN Calls on Belarus and Poland for Better Migrant Treatment VOA 21 Dec 2021 -- The U.N. human rights office is calling on Belarus and Poland to end what it calls appalling treatment of refugees and migrants stranded along their common border and to live up to their obligations under international human rights and refugee laws.
• Ukraine's Poroshenko Says Treason Accusations Cross 'Red Lines' RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has denounced a decision by the authorities to investigate him for high treason over his alleged financing of Kremlin-backed separatist forces in the country's east, as Kyiv's Western backers called for a fair and transparent probe.
• Planned Lao dam raises concerns in Thailand over impacts on shared border Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2021 -- A hydropower project set to be built in Laos is raising concerns in next-door Thailand, with government officials and environmental experts voicing alarm over forced relocations, impacts on fish stocks and security along the two countries' shared border.
• Indonesia breaks ground on China-backed 'green' industrial zone on Borneo Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2021 -- Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo broke ground Tuesday on a U.S. $129-billion "green" industrial estate on Borneo to be built with investments from China and the United Arab Emirates and electrified by a Chinese-funded hydropower plant.
• IMF Approves $558 Million Recovery Program For Moldova RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- The governing board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $558 million loan program to help Moldova recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
• Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia Deepen Ties At 'Open Balkan' Summit RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia have signed a raft of deals and agreed to further their Open Balkan initiative to promote ties as the three countries' leaders held two days of talks in Tirana.
• Defiant Orban Says Hungary Won't Change Migration Policy, Despite EU Court Ruling RFE/RL 21 Dec 2021 -- Budapest will stick to its immigration laws despite a European court ruling, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on December 21, as his nationalist FIDESZ party is bracing for what promises to be a closely fought national election due early next year.
• Guterres in Lebanon: Fair elections in 2022, an 'essential opportunity' for voices to be heard UN News 21 Dec 2021 -- Having heard and seen for himself the suffering of Lebanon's people, the UN chief told political leaders there on Tuesday that they "do not have the right to be divided", leaving the nation paralysed, amidst multiple crises.
• Sudan protests: Security forces in spotlight over sexual violence allegations UN News 21 Dec 2021 -- In Sudan, reports of serious sexual violence and the use of live ammunition against protesters at the weekend must be investigated immediately, the UN rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.