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Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing, March 16, 2022 DoD 16 Mar 2022
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With the Quint: France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom DoD 16 Mar 2022
• Readout of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs at Algeria Joint Military Dialogue DoD 16 Mar 2022
• APS afloat equipment issued to Soldiers for use in Salaknib 22 Army News 16 Mar 2022 -- Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division drew equipment from Army Prepositioned Stock-3, also known as APS afloat, for use during Salaknib 22, which kicked off March 5. Salaknib is an annual bilateral exercise led by the Philippine Army and sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific designed to enhance U.S. and Philippine Army capacity and interoperability.
• Guam Air Defenders deploy first THAAD remote launch capability Army News 16 Mar 2022 -- In a first-ever operation, the air defenders of the E-3 Air Defense Battery used the newly developed Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, remote launch capability to expand their ability to defend the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
• US Army Soldiers earn their spurs at 1-4 Cav Spur Ride 2022 Army News 16 Mar 2022 -- Soldiers assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division had their tenacity tested during the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Spur Ride on March 9, 2022.
• US Marines and Airmen Performs Hot-Pit Refueling Training on Kadena Air Base USMC News 16 Mar 2022 -- U.S. Marines, with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and Airmen with the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducted hot-pit refueling training on Kadena Air Base, March 9.
• Pentagon wants fewer Lockheed F-35 warplanes in next budget: Report Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- The Pentagon will ask for 61 F-35 stealth fighters from the security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin Corp in its next budget, 33 less than the original plan, according to a Bloomberg report.
• People are key to defending installations, missions from small UAS threats US Air Force 16 Mar 2022 -- Tiny in size, low cost and increasingly abundant, small unmanned aircraft systems pose a big threat to military operations and installations worldwide.
• U.S. Naval Forces Africa Kicks Off African Lion 22 Crisis Action Planning US Navy 16 Mar 2022 -- U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) commenced crisis action planning for African Lion 22, U.S. Africa Command's (AFRICOM) premier joint annual exercise, March 14-18, 2022.
• USS Fitzgerald Pulls into Trincomalee, Sri Lanka US Navy 16 Mar 2022 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) pulled into Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, for a port visit March 13, 2022.
• Fleet Battle Problem 2022-1 Underway in the Atlantic US Navy Press Release 16 Mar 2022 -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command will conduct Fleet Battle Problem (FBP) 22-1 from March 16-21 ashore and off the coast of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to develop integrated maritime capabilities with the U.S. Marine Corps and Naval Special Warfare community.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Participation in the NATO Defense Ministerial DoD 16 Mar 2022
• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Opening Words at NATO Defense Ministerial, March 16, 2022 DoD 16 Mar 2022 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg; U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
• NATO Defense Ministers Urge Changes to Alliance Collective Defense DoD News 16 Mar 2022 -- Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine has changed the security environment, and the North Atlantic Alliance will change, too, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at the conclusion of a meeting of alliance defense ministers in Brussels.
• Secretary General: NATO is responding to this crisis with speed and unity NATO 16 Mar 2022 -- NATO defence ministers met on Wednesday (16 March 2022) to address the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including Allies' support for Ukraine and measures to strengthen NATO's collective defence for longer-term security.
• Secretary General welcomes US Secretary of Defense to NATO Headquarters NATO 16 Mar 2022 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at NATO headquarters on Wednesday (16 March 2022) ahead of an extraordinary meeting of NATO Defence Ministers.
• NATO Mulls Deploying 'Substantially More Forces' To Eastern Flank, Says Stoltenberg RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has said that the alliance is looking to deploy "substantially more forces" to its eastern flank in light of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Defence Secretary meets NATO Defence Minister in Brussels UK MOD 16 Mar 2022 -- The Defence Secretary Ben Wallace met NATO Defence Ministers today (16 March) to reaffirm the United Kingdom's support for Ukraine and commitment to NATO
• Poland proposes establishment of NATO force in Ukraine Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- Poland has called for a NATO peacekeeping mission "protected by armed forces" to be sent to Ukraine to provide humanitarian and peaceful aid to the country, as Russia's military campaign against its neighbor continues.
• Remarks by President Biden on the Assistance the United States is Providing to Ukraine The White House 16 Mar 2022
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 16 Mar 2022
• Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 The White House 16 Mar 2022
• Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine The White House 16 Mar 2022
• Biden Announces $800 Million in New Ukraine Assistance, Calls Putin 'a War Criminal' VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden answered Ukraine's plea for help on Wednesday with an $800 million assistance package that includes a range of weapons and defensive gear — a response that falls short of the no-fly zone Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks as his country faces continued attacks from Russia.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 16 Mar 2022The United States, together with our Allies and partners, stand resolutely with the Ukrainians as they fight for their future. And today, President Biden has taken yet another step to support that effort.
• Biden Signs Order Transferring Arms to Ukrainian Defenders DoD News 16 Mar 2022 -- President Joe Biden signed an order to transfer $800 million worth of equipment to help the people of Ukraine defend their freedom.
• U.S. Announces 'Unprecedented' New Weapons Aid To Ukraine RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has announced $1 billion in new security aid and the deployment of longer-range weapons and drones to Ukraine, while expressing "unprecedented" support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.
• Biden to announce $800m in military assistance for Ukraine, official says Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- US President Joe Biden is expected to announce an additional $800 million in new military assistance to Ukraine on Wednesday, says a White House official.
• Secret CIA Training Program Helped Ukraine Prepare for Russia Military Operation, Report Suggests Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- A secret training program in Ukraine run by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) helped Ukrainians prepare for Russia's special military operation in the country, Yahoo News reported on Wednesday.
• Biden Announces $800Mln in New US Security Assistance for Ukraine Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced an additional $800 million in new security assistance for Ukraine that includes anti-aircraft and anti-armor systems.
• Welcoming the International Court of Justice's Order Directing the Russian Federation to Immediately Suspend Military Operations in Ukraine US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2022 -- The International Court of Justice today issued a significant ruling in Ukraine's case against the Russian Federation under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The ruling clearly and unequivocally ordered Russia to immediately suspend the military operations Russia commenced last month and further directed Russia to ensure that anyone subject to its direction, including military or irregular armed units, take no steps in furtherance of such military operations.
• $1 Billion in New U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine This Week US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2022 -- In recent days, Russia has escalated its premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified war on Ukraine, striking hospitals, demolishing schools, leveling civilian infrastructure, and killing hundreds of civilians. As Ukrainian forces bravely continue to combat Russia's renewed invasion, the United States and its Allies and partners stand steadfast in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we continue expediting security assistance to Ukraine. This includes $1 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine this week.
• RAF's first synthetic fuel drone flight UK MOD 16 Mar 2022 -- First successful drone flight for RAF using alternative to fossil fuel, Project Vermeer marks international collaboration between UK and US.
• Taiwan holds live-fire military drills on islands close to mainland Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2022 -- Taiwan held live-fire drills Wednesday on two of its islands not far from mainland China, part of a series of exercises to be held to boost combat readiness.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Meeting With Turkish Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar DoD 16 Mar 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2022
• Turkey's Ukraine Stance Boosts Hopes for a Reset With the West VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met in Moscow with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Wednesday. Cavusoglu pledged that Turkey would continue its diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Ukraine. Cavusoglu is also visiting Kyiv.
• US to sell Egypt advanced F-15 fighter jets despite rights concerns Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- A top US general says the United States will sell advanced F-15 fighter jets to Egypt in spite of concerns about Cairo's human rights record.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's call with National Security Advisor Thanos Dokos of Greece The White House 16 Mar 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, March 16, 2022 The White House 16 Mar 2022
• Department Press Briefing – March 16, 2022 US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 16, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 16 March 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Mar 2022
• UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict UK FCDO 16 Mar 2022 -- The UK's Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivered the statement reiterating that the UK remains deeply concerned about the sustained and alarming number of grave violations committed against children.
• Taliban Resurrects Gender Segregation In Public Offices, Transport In Afghanistan RFE/RL Gandhara 16 Mar 2022 -- Gender segregation was a hallmark of the Taliban's brutal regime in Afghanistan in the 1990s, when unrelated men and women were barred from mixing in public places.
• 23 mln acute hunger cases in Afghanistan: UN People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- Hunger haunts Afghanistan, with acute cases increasing from 14 million in July 2021 to 23 million in March 2022, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.
• China calls ship's passage in Philippine waters 'safe, standard' Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2022 -- A Chinese navy reconnaissance ship's trip through Philippine territorial waters in the Sulu Sea did not break international law, Beijing said in responding to a protest by Manila, which had called it an "illegal incursion."
• United Nations to Hold Pledge Conference to Support Yemen Humanitarian Efforts VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- The United Nations is holding a virtual pledge conference among its member states Wednesday to raise at least $4.2 billion to fund its humanitarian effort in war-torn Yemen this year.
• United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Yemen US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2022 -- During today's 2022 High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen, I announced nearly $585 million in humanitarian assistance from the United States to the people of Yemen.
• Addressing the ongoing humanitarian situation in Yemen UK FCDO 16 Mar 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on Yemen
• Pledging conference for Yemen: the international community's fundraising effort for life-saving emergency aid Germany Federal Foreign Office 16 Mar 2022 -- A civil war has been raging in Yemen since 2014. Fighting and war-induced poverty threaten the lives of millions of people. There is still no end in sight to the fighting. The aim of today's conference was to collect pledges and continue providing life-saving aid. Germany pledged 110 million euro.
• Millions of Yemenis at risk of catastrophe amid lack of funding, UN warns Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that millions of people in Yemen are at risk of catastrophe after nearly seven years of the Saudi aggression and siege, amid a lack of funding for humanitarian assistance.
• Yemeni forces liberate 26 square kilometers of land in Hajjah Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- Yemen's army troops and allied fighters from popular committees have purged 26 kilometers of land in Hajjah Province of Saudi-backed militants.
• $4.3 billion needed to help over 17 million people across Yemen UN News 16 Mar 2022 -- A "funding crunch" has put millions of people in Yemen at risk of catastrophe, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday, in support of an urgent appeal to donors to fund the humanitarian response in the war-torn country.
• UN relief chief warns against inertia on Yemen's humanitarian situation People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths on Tuesday warned against inertia and fatigue on the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.
• World should not forget suffering in Syria: UN People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Tuesday issued a global appeal for the plight of Syrians displaced by the 12-year war in the country not to be forgotten.
• UN: Dueling Governments in Libya Could Lead to More Instability VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- A senior U.N. official warned Wednesday that the current political standoff in Libya could lead to instability and two parallel governments in the country.
• Facilitating a path towards fair and independent elections in Libya UK FCDO 16 Mar 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Libya
• Tensions rise in Libya as risk of 'parallel governments' grows, Security Council hears UN News 16 Mar 2022 -- Amid a political impasse that threatens to see Libya fractured again by two parallel governments, the priority must be maintaining hard-won gains and fulfilling the electoral aspirations of nearly three million registered voters, the UN political affairs chief told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• Myanmar military engaged in widespread abuses: UN human rights chief Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- The UN rights chief says Myanmar's military has engaged in widespread human rights violations and abuses, calling on the international community to take concerted, immediate measures to stem the spiral of violence in the Southeast Asian country.
• 4 men arrested for Rohingya leader's killing claim to be ARSA members Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2022 -- Four of 15 people arrested by Bangladesh police in recent months on suspicion of ties to the murder of Rohingya leader Muhib Ullah have confessed to the crime and say they belong to the ARSA insurgent group, police told BenarNews on Wednesday.
• Report Claims Half-Million Killed by War in Ethiopia's Tigray, But Ignores Amhara, Afar Deaths Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- A new report by researchers at Belgium's Ghent University claims that as many as half a million people have died in Tigray since the region's government launched an armed uprising against the Ethiopian government in late 2020. However, it does not mention victims outside Tigray state.

News Reports

• Executive order on measures to ensure socioeconomic stability and protection of the population in Russia President of Russia 16 Mar 2022 -- Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order On Measures to Ensure Socioeconomic Stability and Protection of the Population in the Russian Federation.
• Meeting on socioeconomic support for regions President of Russia 16 Mar 2022 -- The President held a meeting, via videoconference, on socioeconomic support for the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
• Western 'economic blitzkrieg' doomed to failure, Putin says Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- President Vladimir Putin says the sanctions imposed against Russia over its offensive in Ukraine are doomed to failure.
• Fate of Russia, Its Place in the World Being Decided Today, Russian Foreign Intelligence Chief Says Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- Russia's military operation in Ukraine has given rise to cracks in the US-dominated "rules-based international order," with the US and its allies slapping Moscow with crushing sanctions and promising to spend hundreds of billions of dollars more on their militaries.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu, Moscow, March 16, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Mar 2022
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions following talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu, Moscow, March 16, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Mar 2022
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 16 Mar 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of the Russian Security Council The White House 16 Mar 2022
• U.S. Departments of Treasury and Justice Launch Multilateral Russian Oligarch Task Force US Treasury 16 Mar 2022 -- Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today met virtually with representatives from Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission, to launch the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) multilateral task force. The task force was first announced by leaders on February 26.
• U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasury Launch Multilateral Russian Oligarch Task Force US Dept. of Justice 16 Mar 2022 -- Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen today met virtually with representatives from Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission, to launch the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) multilateral task force. The task force was first announced by leaders on Feb. 26.
• U.S. President Joe Biden Calls Vladimir Putin 'A War Criminal' RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has for the first time called Vladimir Putin a "war criminal" over the Russian president's bloody invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
• UK Security Services to Look for Alleged Putin's Assets in London - Reports Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- UK National Crime Agency (NCA) will cooperate with the country's intelligence services to identify assets allegedly kept by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his associates in London, the Telegraph newspaper reported overnight to Wednesday, citing NCA sources.
• The Russian Federation can no longer be a member State of the Council of Europe, PACE says Council of Europe 16 Mar 2022 -- The Russian Federation "committed grave violations of the Council of Europe Statute incompatible with the status of a member State, does not bear its undertakings before the Council of Europe and does not comply with the commitments before it".
• The Russian Federation is excluded from the Council of Europe Council of Europe 16 Mar 2022 -- In an extraordinary meeting this morning, the Committee of Ministers decided, in the context of the procedure launched under Article 8 of the Statute of the Council of Europe, that the Russian Federation ceases to be a member of the Council of Europe as from today, after 26 years of membership.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with RBC TV channel, Moscow, March 16, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Mar 2022
• Russia No Longer a Council of Europe Member VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- Russia is no longer part of the Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights monitor organization, following its invasion of Ukraine.
• Russian Foreign Ministry Calls Council of Europe NATO's Propaganda Tool Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- The Council of Europe turned into a NATO propaganda tool a long time ago, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, commenting on Russia's withdrawal from the organization amid the military operation in Ukraine.
• Council Of Europe Officially Expels Russia After 26 Years Of Membership RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- The Council of Europe says its Committee of Ministers has officially decided to expel Russia from the human rights body, the first time a member state has been kicked out of the group.
• The War In Ukraine And The Western Response Could Destroy Russia's Civil Aviation Industry RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- In November 2006, nine months after signing a decree creating United Aircraft Manufacturing Corp (UAC), Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the state-controlled conglomerate's newly chosen CEO, Aleksei Fyodorov, and top cabinet officials overseeing the industry to the Kremlin to discuss future plans.
• Russia's Sovereign Debt Payment Sent, Awaiting Clearance, Finance Minister Says Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- Moscow has all the necessary funds to fulfill its sovereign debt obligations and has already made the scheduled transaction, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Tuesday, adding that at this point the ability to pay in foreign currency does not depend on Russia due to sanctions.
• Fitch Says Would Classify Russia's Payment on Dollar Bonds in Rubles as Sovereign Default Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- The international rating agency Fitch said that it would classify Russia's repayment in rubles of dollar-denominated government bonds due on Wednesday as a sovereign default.
• Russia launches procedure to quit Council of Europe People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- Russia on Tuesday sent a notice of withdrawal from the Council of Europe to the organization's Secretary General Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Russian Foreign Ministry said.
• Russia imposes sanctions on top U.S. officials, including Biden, Blinken People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday announced sanctions on top U.S. officials, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
• Russia bans entry of top Canadian officials People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that 313 Canadian officials have been barred from entering Russia, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• 'Wrong side of history': US warns India against crude imports from Russia Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- In a veiled warning, the US government has asked India to consider its place in "history books" as the Narendra Modi government in New Delhi mulls Russia's offer for discounted crude oil.
• India May Import About 15Mln Barrels of Crude Oil From Russia in 2022 - Reports Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- India may import from Russia around 15 million barrels of cheap crude oil in 2022, media reported.
• India in Talks with Russia to Buy Discounted Crude Oil VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- India is exploring the possibility of buying oil from Russia amid sanctions imposed by Western countries in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.
• Five Individuals Charged Variously with Stalking, Harassing and Spying on U.S. Residents on Behalf of the PRC Secret Police US Dept. of Justice 16 Mar 2022 -- Two complaints were unsealed, and one amended complaint was authorized today in federal court charging five defendants with various crimes related to efforts by the secret police of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to stalk, harass and spy on Chinese nationals residing in Queens, New York, and elsewhere in the United States.
• Justice Department indicts 5 people for allegedly spying for China Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2022 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday accused five people, including two Chinese citizens, of attempting to suppress criticism of the Chinese government, including by trying to thwart the campaign of a candidate for Congress.
• US Charges 5 Chinese Nationals With Harassing Chinese in US Critical of Beijing VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- U.S. authorities announced charges Wednesday against five people who were allegedly working for the Chinese secret police to spy on and harass Chinese nationals living in the U.S. who had been critical of Beijing.
• Naval Flight Officer Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Conspiring to Violate Firearms Law and Lying During Security Clearance Background Investigation US Dept. of Justice 16 Mar 2022 -- A Florida man was sentenced today to four years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to violate U.S. firearms laws, making false written statements to federally licensed firearms dealers during the purchase of two firearms, and making false written statements as part of a security clearance background investigation.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on March 16, 2021 PRC MofA 16 Mar 2022
• China to take strong countermeasures if US enforces sanctions against China while seeking support: Chinese FM Global Times 16 Mar 2022 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that it will not work for the US when it seeks China's support and cooperation while brandishing the big stick of sanctions against China, urging the US not to undermine China's legitimate rights. If the US insists on going its own way, China will take strong countermeasures, the spokesperson said.
• Spanish Newspaper Criticizes China for Pressuring Reporters VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- Tensions increased between one of Spain's largest newspapers and China this month, when police in Beijing visited the home of one of the media outlet's correspondents.
• Report: Saudi Arabia mulls ditching dollar in favor of China's yuan Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- Saudi Arabia is considering ditching the US dollar in favor of yuan in its oil sales to China, something which stands to profoundly affect the energy market, The Wall Street Journal reports.
• Turkey Turns Down Citizenship for Some Uyghurs VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- Turkish authorities have rejected the citizenship applications of some Uyghur refugees, telling them they were suspected risks to Turkey's "national security" or "social order," some of the Uyghurs told VOA.
• Taiwan question is fundamentally different from Ukraine issue: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 16 Mar 2022 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority recently has been hyping up the situation in Ukraine and the so-called threat from the Chinese mainland, deliberately increasing cross-Straits confrontation and preaching wars, which exposes their hypocricy, Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said on Wednesday.
• Taiwan's future cannot rely on "empty promises" from external forces: spokesperson People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said that the future of China's Taiwan region, as well as Taiwan compatriots' security and wellbeing, lies in the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait and national reunification, rather than "empty promises" from external forces.
• China's Anti-Secession Law to continue playing vital role deterring "Taiwan independence": spokesperson People's Daily 16 Mar 2022 -- A Chinese government spokesperson on Wednesday warned that the crackdown on separatist elements advocating "Taiwan independence" will be intensified through the power of law.
• China: Taiwan Using Ukrainian Crisis for 'Political Manipulations' Sputnik 16 Mar 2022 -- Taiwan is taking advantage of the situation in Ukraine for political manipulations, Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of China's State Council, said on Wednesday, adding that such actions are bound to fail.
• North Koreans turn fuel coupons into cash as gas prices soar Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2022 -- Citizens in North Korea are cashing in by trading fuel coupons and mixing gasoline with cheaper fuels as prices surge in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sources in the country told RFA.
• Experts: North Korea's New ICBM Poses Challenges to US Missile Defense VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- Experts say the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system may be inadequate to defend against a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) under development by North Korea that could potentially carry multiple nuclear warheads.
• North Korean Launch Fails, Raining Debris Near Pyongyang, Reports Say VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- North Korea tried but apparently failed to launch an unidentified projectile early Wednesday, South Korea's military said, with reports adding that the weapon exploded mid-air and rained debris near Pyongyang.
• Foreign Secretary statement on Iran: 16 March 2022 UK FCDO 16 Mar 2022 -- Foreign Secretary Liz Truss issues a statement following the departure from Iran of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, and the release of Morad Tahbaz from prison.
• Two British-Iranians Leave Tehran After Years In Prison RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- Two British-Iranians who have been held in Iran for years have left the country as Tehran and London settled a long-standing debt owed to Iran.
• Iran frees two dual British nationals jailed for espionage Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- Iran has released two dual British-Iranian nationals jailed for involvement in espionage activities against the Islamic Republic, with the pair leaving the country for the UK.
• Iran's judiciary confirms release of Zaghari, Ashouri IRNA 16 Mar 2022 -- Iran's judiciary spokesperson Zabiollah Khodaian said on Wednesday that Nazanin Zaghari has been freed after serving her jail term in Iran and Anousheh Ashouri has been released after serving half of his sentence in the Islamic Republic.
• China willing to push forward Iranian nuclear issue in a direction conducive to regional peace and stability: Chinese FM Global Times 16 Mar 2022 -- China is willing to push forward the Iranian nuclear issue to develop in a direction conducive to regional peace and stability, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi over a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Tuesday, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Vienna agreement with Iran in making: IAEA chief IRNA 16 Mar 2022 -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has declared that achieving an agreement with Iran in the Vienna talks is about to happen.
• Final steps in Vienna talks approached: Iranian FM ISNA 16 Mar 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced on Wednesday that the United Kingdom paid its debt to Tehran a few days ago.
• Vienna talks: Iran says strong agreement possible if Americans are 'realistic' Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- Iran's foreign minister says that a good strong agreement can be reached on restoring the US-abandoned Iran deal through the Vienna talks if the American side is realistic.
• Russia to cooperate with Vienna talks until the end: FM Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says Russia has reassured the Islamic Republic about its cooperation towards the conclusion of a final agreement in Vienna.
• Kazakh President Pledges Reforms In Wake Of Deadly Protests RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- NUR-SULTAN -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has pledged constitutional reforms to limit the powers of his office two months after deadly public protests in the oil rich nation prompted him to call in troops from Russia and other countries in the region to restore order.
• Kazakh Tycoon Related To Nazarbaevs Reportedly Detained RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- Media reports in Kazakhstan say that tycoon Qairat Boranbaev, whose daughter was the wife of the late grandson of ex-President Nursultan Nazarbaev, has been detained in the city of Almaty.
• US-Pakistan Relations Ebb After Afghanistan Withdrawal VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- The last time U.S.-Pakistan relations turned cold was in the early 1990s, after Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan and the U.S. no longer needed Pakistan's support and regional intelligence. Following last year's U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, after two decades of costly war that forced the countries to work closely, Washington and Islamabad again appear to be distancing from each other on major issues.
• Hezbollah's presence in government, parliament essential: Nasrallah Press TV 16 Mar 2022 -- Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has underlined the need for the presence of the resistance movement in the Lebanese government and parliament.
• Kyrgyz Supreme Court Upholds Prison Sentence For Ex-President Atambaev RFE/RL 16 Mar 2022 -- Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court has upheld the lengthy prison sentence handed to former President Almazbek Atambaev in the case of the illegal release of a notorious crime boss in 2013, rejecting his appeal for a retrial.
• Additional Visa Restrictions for Undermining the Democratic Process in Somalia US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2022 -- Following the government of Somalia's failure to meet another self-established deadline of March 15 for the completion of its parliamentary electoral process, the United States is expanding the number of Somali individuals subject to visa restrictions.
• Judge Rules in Favor of Extraditing Former Honduran Leader to US VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- A judge in Honduras has granted a U.S. request to extradite former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez to face drug trafficking and weapons charges.
• Cambodia Convicts Exiled Opposition Leader VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- A Cambodian court on Thursday convicted exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy and 20 other opposition figures and activists of treason and other charges.
• For First Time, Indian Cargo Travels Via Pakistan, Afghanistan to Uzbekistan VOA 16 Mar 2022 -- A private trader in India has exported commercial goods to landlocked Uzbekistan for the first time through Pakistan and Taliban-governed Afghanistan in landmark trade activity linking the four countries.