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Defense Policy / Programs

• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 21 Mar 2022
• Pentagon: 'Clear Evidence' of Russian War Crimes in Ukraine VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- The Pentagon on Monday accused Russian forces of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
• Pentagon Accuses Russia Of 'War Crimes,' Vows To Assist With Evidence Collection RFE/RL 21 Mar 2022 -- The U.S. military accused Russian forces of committing war crimes in their bloody invasion of Ukraine, echoing comments made by President Joe Biden and by European Union and Ukrainian officials.
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 21 Mar 2022
• DoD Announces $2.1 Million Defense Production Act Title III Agreement with Nalas Engineering Services to Strengthen the Domestic Critical Chemicals Industrial Base DoD 21 Mar 2022 -- As part of the nation's effort to sustain the critical chemicals manufacturing capability necessary for national and economic security, and in support of Executive Order 14017, America's Supply Chains, the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded $2.1 million to Nalas Engineering Services (Nalas).
• Wearable Sensors May Be Future Option for Assessing Toxin Exposures DoD News 21 Mar 2022 -- The Defense Department, military services and Veterans Affairs are doing a lot now to assess the effects of airborne hazards, including open burn pits, on the health of current and veteran service members who may have been exposed while deployed overseas in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
• JADC2 Implementation Plan Finalized, Signed by Defense Leadership DoD News 21 Mar 2022 -- Last week, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks signed the implementation plan for Joint All Domain Command and Control, or JADC2. It's the final step needed before moving forward on delivering JADC2 capabilities to the warfighter, which will bring a better way to sense, make sense of and act on the volumes of information generated into today's joint, all-domain warfighting environment.
• Obangame Express brings a multinational approach to security in African waters AFRICOM 21 Mar 2022 -- The exercise featured an in-port training period followed by an at-sea portion that tested the participating ships' and maritime operation centers' abilities to conduct maritime interdiction operations.
• OKNG visits Azerbaijan as part of State Partnership Program Army News 21 Mar 2022 -- Four members of the Oklahoma National Guard (OKNG) visited the Peacekeeping Brigade of Azerbaijan Armed Forces during a State Partnership Program (SPP) engagement March 1-4.
• Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces Lead Joint Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations During Fleet Battle Problem 22-1 US Navy 21 Mar 2022 -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces (NECF) operated alongside the United States Marine Corps (USMC) off the coast of Camp Lejeune to conduct Fleet Battle Problem (FBP) 22-1 March 16-21.
• Exercise Obangame Express 2022 Concludes US Navy 21 Mar 2022 -- Exercise Obangame Express 2022, the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western Africa concluded its 11th iteration with a closing ceremony in Dakar, Senegal, March 18. 2022.
• Navy Tests New, Force Multiplying Technology US Navy 21 Mar 2022 -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4 and United States Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill, evaluated the Unmanned Diesel Greenough Advanced Rescue Craft (UD-GARC) in the Chesapeake Bay, Feb. 8, during Exercise Solid Curtain 2022.
• Seventh Fleet Sailors take the lead in LCS maintenance, display teamwork and resilience US Navy 21 Mar 2022 -- Sailors aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) and the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) worked together to demonstrate expeditionary combat repair capability to fix an essential ship system.
• USS Jason Dunham Visits Egypt US Navy 21 Mar 2022 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) completed a three-day port visit to Berenice, Egypt, Feb. 7.
• Whirlwind Crew Marks End of Ship's U.S. Navy Service at Decommissioning US Navy 21 Mar 2022 -- The Navy ended the active service of its fifth patrol coastal ship stationed in Bahrain, March 21, marking the completion of a series of decommissioning ceremonies held the past month.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks' Meeting With Mr. Benedikt Zimmer, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, Federal Republic of Germany DoD 21 Mar 2022
• UK hosts NATO Multi-Domain Operations conference UK MOD 21 Mar 2022 -- Strategic Command and NATO Allied Command Transformation led discussions on the future of integrated military operations.
• Sweden to Modernise Its Renowned 'Stealth' Submarine Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- Swedish-made Gotland-class submarines are known for their exceptionally quiet Stirling engines and have been described as the submarine equivalent to stealth aircraft.
• Finnish President Suggests Closer Defence Ties With US, Sweden as Alternative to NATO Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- Amid the NATO debate that has flared up anew in both nations, opinion polls in both Finland and Sweden suggested a historic paradigm shift, with a majority of the popular vote now being in favour of joining the alliance. In both countries, though, the leadership has been considerably more cautious.
• A Strategic Compass for a stronger EU security and defence in the next decade Council of Europe 21 Mar 2022 -- Today the Council has formally approved the Strategic Compass, at a time when we witness the return of war in Europe. The Compass gives the European Union an ambitious plan of action for strengthening the EU's security and defence policy by 2030.
• First Australian built uncrewed combat aircraft named Australian Government - Department of Defence 21 Mar 2022 -- The first Australian-made uncrewed combat air vehicle has successfully completed its test flights, and has officially been named at a ceremony at RAAF Base Amberley. Working under the title, 'Loyal Wingman' Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton MP, today unveiled the aircraft's official service name, "MQ-28A Ghost Bat."
• Longer compulsory military service 'necessary': DPP legislator CNA 21 Mar 2022 -- A senior lawmaker from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said Monday that the country needed to extend its mandatory military service period, while raising the possibility that conscription could eventually be expanded to include women.
• As Ukrainians resist Russian troops, Taiwan looks to its own defenses Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2022 -- Calls are growing for the government of Taiwan to focus on homeland defense in order to better prepare the democratic island for a possible Chinese invasion.
• RECRUITMENT OF FEMALE CANDIDATES India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- The details of female candidates recruited are as follows:
• Defence Exports India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- Many reforms/steps have been taken up by the Government to boost Defence exports and enhance ease of doing business in recent times. These are as follows:
• Defence Corridor Projects In Tamil Nadu India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- The Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with an aim to attract over Rs 10,000 crore investment in each of the two Defence-Industrial Corridors. As per information received from Government of Uttar Pradesh, for Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), 63 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed as on date with potential investment of Rs 8,764 crore. Current actual investment in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor is Rs 1,552 crore. Further, as per information received from Government of Tamil Nadu, in Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC), arrangements have been made through MoUs etc. for potential investment of Rs 11,103 crore by 39 industries. Current actual investment in Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor is Rs 2,217 crore. The respective State Governments provide and support development of infrastructure facilities like connecting Roads, Electricity, Water and Sewage systems etc. for the development of the corridors.
• MARITIME COOPERATION WITH REGIONAL PARTNERS India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- Government has developed maritime cooperation with regional partners in consonance with Government's vision of Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR). Indian Navy (IN) ships and aircraft are regularly deployed in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to enhance maritime security and to address contingencies that may arise. In consonance with the Prime Minister's vision of 'SAGAR', IN has undertaken 08 missions to 16 Friendly Foreign Countries for transshipment of HADR relief materials, COVID supplies and food assistance. To enhance maritime cooperation, initiatives are being undertaken in the field of training, technical support, hydrography and conduct of maritime security operations.
• Private Participation in Defence Industry India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation in May, 2001. So far, Government has issued a total of 568 Defence Industrial Licenses to 351 companies. Out of these, a total of 113 companies covering 170 Defence Industrial Licenses have conveyed commencement of production.
• Setting up of New Defence Undertakings India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- Seven new Defence Public Sector Undertakings have been set up with effect from 1st October 2021, by converting 41 production units of erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), for manufacturing of modern weapons and armament indigenously, during the last five years. Further, the Defence Industry Sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation in May 2001. In the last five years, Government has issued a total of 214 Defence Industrial Licenses to the private sector as well, out of them 43 industries have reported commencement of production.
• EXPANSION ACTIVITIES IN BEL India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- As part of expansion of the existing unit, BEL has taken up establishment of an Advance Night Vision Products Factory in Nimmaluru Village, Pamarru Mandal, Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh in an area of around 50 acres, to cater to the futuristic requirements for Night Vision Products. The new factory is likely to create direct and indirect employment for around 500 people.
• INDIAN MILITARY CONTINGENT ARRIVES AT SEYCHELLES FOR JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE LAMITIYE - 2022 India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- The 9th Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2022 between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) is being conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Seychelles from 22 March to 31 March 22. An Infantry Platoon strength each from both the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) along with Company Headquarters will be participating in this exercise which is aimed at sharing experiences gained during various operations against hostile forces in Semi-Urban environment and enhance capability to undertake joint operations.
• US sends Patriot missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia amid Yemen retaliation Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- The United States has sent a significant number of Patriot antimissile interceptors to Saudi Arabia upon an urgent request from Riyadh, reports say, amid intensified Yemeni retaliatory attacks on the kingdom.
• Biden Admin. Sends Patriot Missiles to Saudis Per Urgent Request Despite Apparent Tensions - Report Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- The defensive munitions are reportedly needed to fight off drone and missile attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, with the latest attack taking place on Sunday and targeting critical energy facilities.
• International Community Trains Ivorian Forces in Preparation for Terror Threat VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- While much of the world is focused on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, analysts warn that nations should not ignore Islamist militants, who are increasing attacks in Africa's Sahel region and spreading to West Africa's coastal states.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Draghi of Italy, Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom The White House 21 Mar 2022
• PM call with the leaders of the US, France, Germany and Italy (the Quint): 21 March 2022 Gov.UK 21 Mar 2022 -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to the leaders of the Quint - the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany and Italy - this afternoon.
• Department Press Briefing – March 21, 2022 US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 21, 2022
• Boeing's Australian-Produced Uncrewed Aircraft to be Named 'MQ-28A Ghost Bat' Boeing 21 Mar 2022 -- Boeing Australia congratulates the Australian Government and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on their selection of 'MQ-28A Ghost Bat' as the military designator and name for the first Australian-produced military combat aircraft in over 50 years.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 21 March 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Mar 2022
• Is Afghanistan a Republic of NGOs? VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- There is a proverb in Afghanistan that says, "The one who feeds, commands."
• HRW Says Donors Should Link Afghan Aid To Taliban's Observing Rights For Girls, Women RFE/RL Gandhara 21 Mar 2022 -- International aid should be tied to the Taliban respecting human rights, in particular women's and girls' right to education, Human Rights Watch said in a new report as the militant group pledged to reopen all girls' secondary schools on March 23.
• US says 3 China bases in South China Sea now fully militarized Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2022 -- China has fully militarized at least three of its artificial islands in the South China Sea, equipping them with missile systems and fighter jets, a top U.S. commander has said.
• US admiral hypes 'China militarization' in S.China Sea Global Times 21 Mar 2022 -- A top US military commander on Sunday again hyped the so-called militarization by China in the South China Sea by personally participating in an aerial close-in reconnaissance on Chinese islands and reefs in the region together with journalists, which is a move that Chinese analysts said on Monday could be a political farce attempting to copy the Ukraine crisis in the Asia-Pacific, rallying allies, partners and other countries in the region to confront China.
• US Navy Admiral Claims China Has Turned Three Islands in South China Sea Into Military Bases Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- The vast waters of the South China Sea, including the Spratly archipelago and the Paracel Islands, have long been a bone of contention in the Asia Pacific. The area, claimed by China, is valued for its rich bioresources, strategic location at the crossroads of sea routes to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and potential reserves of oil and minerals.
• Yemen to continue retaliatory attacks until Saudi-led coalition stops war: Army spokesman Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- The Yemeni army has released more details of its latest retaliatory operations against Saudi Arabia dubbed 'Breaking the Siege', and other similar military actions, emphasizing continuation of such operations until the Riyadh regime stops its aggression against Yemen.
• 'Unjustified' Saudi siege on Yemen complicating conflict: Foreign ministry Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- The Yemeni foreign ministry has slammed the ongoing Saudi siege imposed on Yemen as "unjustified", warning that it would complicate the situation in the war-wracked Arab country.
• Saudi Arabia Blames Any Possible Oil Supply Disruption on Houthi Attacks Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- Saudi Arabia is laying the blame for any possible disruption of its global oil exports at the feet of Yemen's Houthi movement, following recent attacks on facilities of state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco, the country's foreign ministry said on Monday.
• Yemen's Houthis launches drones attacks against Saudi Aramco oil facilities People's Daily 21 Mar 2022 -- Yemen's Houthi militia on Sunday claimed responsibility for a fresh attack against a Saudi Aramco oil facilities in the Saudi Red Sea port city of Jeddah and other vital energy facilities in the Saudi southwestern city of Jazan, the second of such cross-border missile attacks against Saudi Arabia in less than 24 hours.
• UN Mediator Hedging Bets on Outcome of Syrian Constitutional Talks VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- Syria's government, opposition and civic society representatives are set to begin a seventh round of U.N.-mediated talks this week to draft a new constitution for the battle-scarred country.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2022
• US declares Myanmar's 2017 atrocities against Rohingya a 'genocide' Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2022 -- The United States has declared as a genocide the Myanmar military's 2017 deadly crackdown against the Rohingya Muslim minority that killed thousands and forced an exodus to neighboring Bangladesh, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monday.
• US genocide declaration seen as a 'way forward' to justice for Rohingya Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2022 -- Rights groups on Monday welcomed the U.S.'s declaration that the Myanmar military committed genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya in 2017, but some advocates said the alleged perpetrators must actually be punished to deter more atrocities in the country.
• UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar UK FCDO 21 Mar 2022 -- The UK's Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered the UK statement on the human rights situation in Myanmar.
• UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's Report on Myanmar UK FCDO 21 Mar 2022 -- Ambassador Simon Manley, UK Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, delivered the UK's statement at the Human Rights Council on the situation in Myanmar. He strongly condemned the military regime's human rights violations, including against Rohingya and other ethnic and religious minorities.
• Human rights in Myanmar face 'profound crisis' - Bachelet UN News 21 Mar 2022 -- The UN's top rights official said on Monday that amidst a "profound crisis" facing access to basic human rights in Myanmar following the coup in February last year, hundreds of localized armed resistance groups have now formed across the country, triggering "widespread violence in areas that were previously stable".
• UN: Myanmar is in a State of Profound Humanitarian Crisis VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- In her report, the U.N. human rights chief presents a dismal picture of a country whose economy, security, freedoms, human rights, and future are systematically being destroyed. Thirteen months after a military coup overthrew Myanmar's democratically elected government, Michelle Bachelet says the human rights of the people are in profound crisis and the country is in total disarray.
• US concludes atrocities against Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims was genocide: Report Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden will formally declare that the Myanmar military's atrocities against the Rohingya Muslim minority constituted genocide and crimes against humanity, according to a report.
• Foreign Ministry statement on measures in response to the decisions of the Government of Japan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Mar 2022
• Russia Breaks Off WWII Peace Talks Over Japan's Stance On Ukraine Invasion RFE/RL 21 Mar 2022 -- Russia said it was withdrawing from negotiations with Japan aimed at signing a formal World War II peace treaty because of Tokyo's tough stance against Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia Refuses to Discuss Peace Treaty With Japan Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- Russia is refusing to continue negotiations on peace treaty with Japan over Tokyo's sanctions against Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
• BORDER DISPUTE BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN India PIB 21 Mar 2022 -- The situation along Line of Control remains stable post the Directorate General of Military Operations (DGsMO) Understanding of February 2021. Both the Armies have exercised restraint in the interest of maintaining peace along the LC. However, the situation is being closely monitored and Indian Army remains prepared to thwart any threat from inimical elements as also to respond in case of any escalation along the Line of Control.
• UN launches project to support internally displaced people in Somalia People's Daily 21 Mar 2022 -- The United Nations and its partners on Sunday launched a four-year project to provide durable solutions for people displaced by conflict and climate change in Somalia.
• UNHCR condemns deadly attack on displaced people in DR Congo UNHCR 21 Mar 2022 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, condemns in the strongest terms the most recent attack against displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which took place on 19 March in the village of Gudda, Ituri Province.
• South Sudan: 'hellish existence' for women and girls, new UN report reveals UN News 21 Mar 2022 -- Widespread sexual violence against women and girls in conflict is being fueled by systemic impunity, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said on Monday.

News Reports

• Biden Warns U.S. Private Sector Of Russian Cyberattacks, Citing 'Evolving Evidence' RFE/RL 21 Mar 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has warned the nation's businesses and nongovernmental organizations to immediately "harden" their defenses against potential cyberattacks by the Russian government, citing "evolving intelligence" of such plans by the Kremlin.
• Biden Calls on US Firms to Boost Cyber Defenses Amid Claims of Potential Russian Attack Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- This is not the first time that top US officials have reported new cyberattacks against US companies by hacker groups said to be directly or indirectly supported by Moscow. Russia has consistently denied allegations of cyberattacks against sovereign states.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Deputy NSA for Cyber and Emerging Technologies Anne Neuberger, March 21, 2022 The White House 21 Mar 2022
• Statement by President Biden on our Nation's Cybersecurity The White House 21 Mar 2022
• Statement from CISA Director Easterly on Potential Russian Cyberattacks Against the United States CISA 21 Mar 2022 -- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly released the following statement today:
• Statement from Secretary Mayorkas on Cybersecurity Preparedness DHS 21 Mar 2022 -- Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on cybersecurity preparedness:
• Remarks by Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Elizabeth Rosenberg at the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) Hollywood Conference US Treasury 21 Mar 2022 -- how quickly the private sector has met the moral clarity of the moment, too. Major financial institutions and financial service providers have joined the hundreds of companies that are suspending or outright withdrawing from Russia. It's an enormous, very rapid wave of de-risking. You can't buy a Big Mac in Moscow anymore. Or Russian oil in Florida. The world's largest country has become an economic island.
• Analysis: Ukraine Crisis Reshaping Global Energy Flows VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- As the Ukraine crisis continues, the West is rethinking its dependence on Russian energy, analysts say.
• Soviet Echoes of Deportations Alarm Historians VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- Forced civilian deportations from Ukraine's besieged port town of Mariupol to Russia are "unconscionable," U.S. officials said Sunday after authorities in Kyiv and Mariupol's mayor accused Moscow of transporting thousands of people against their will.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Bulgaria's unfriendly actions Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Mar 2022
• Russia to Retaliate Against Expulsion of 10 Diplomats From Sofia, Ambassador Says Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- Russia will retaliate against the expulsion of ten diplomats from the Bulgarian capital city of Sofia, Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Eleonora Mitrofanova said on Monday.
• Telephone conversation with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of Russia 21 Mar 2022 -- At the initiative of the Uzbek side, Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
• Russia summons US ambassador, warns ties on verge of collapse Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has summoned US Ambassador John Sullivan, warning that Moscow-Washington relations are on the verge of entire collapse as the Russian military operation in Ukraine enters its 26th day.
• Russia Summons U.S. Ambassador After Biden Calls Putin A 'War Criminal' RFE/RL 21 Mar 2022 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has summoned U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan over recent comments by President Joe Biden calling Russian President Vladimir Putin "a war criminal" for Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• US Threatens to Expand Sanctions Against Russia, Says 'Nowhere Near' Lifting Restrictions Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- The United States could impose more sanctions on Russia and the White House is "nowhere near" lifting any of the restrictions, Daleep Singh, the deputy national security adviser for international economics, said.
• EU Ministers Discuss Further Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 21 Mar 2022 -- Foreign and defense ministers from the European Union are meeting in Brussels to discuss more sanctions on Russia for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The ministers from the bloc's 27 members are also discussing emergency aid and military cooperation during their March 21 meeting.
• EU scrambles to shake off dependence on Russian energy amid Ukraine conflict People's Daily 21 Mar 2022 -- Oil prices in Europe have been surging since the start of the conflict in Ukraine amid fears that the European Union (EU) may ban the energy imports from Russia, a sign that the proposed embargo will inevitably backfire on its own economy.
• India May Increase Investment in Russian Oil and Gas Fields If West Leaves Market, Oil Minister Says Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- Energy firms such as British Petroleum, Shell, Centrica, and others have announced their withdrawal from Russian oil and gas fields in response to Moscow's military action in Ukraine. Energy has become an important pillar of India's special and privileged relationship with Russia during the Narendra Modi era.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 21, 2022 PRC MofA 21 Mar 2022
• Promoting Accountability for Transnational Repression Committed by People's Republic of China (PRC) Officials US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2022 -- The Department of State is taking action against PRC officials for their involvement in repressive acts against members of ethnic and religious minority groups and religious and spiritual practitioners inside and outside of China's borders, including within the United States.
• US Sanctions Chinese Officials 'Involved in Repressive Acts' in Xinjiang Region Sputnik 21 Mar 2022 -- Washington has pressured Beijing to speak out against Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, threatening to sanction China if the latter is found to be aiding its northern neighbor. So far, Beijing has only expressed support for ongoing talks between diplomats from Kiev and Moscow.
• China 'won't be coerced by US' on its ties with Russia Global Times 21 Mar 2022 -- After the video call between Chinese and US top leaders, the US side and Western media are trying to hype a narrative that Washington is warning Beijing that any attempt "to provide military support" to Moscow would bring consequences. However, Chinese experts said such a ridiculous approach is an arrogant and useless coercion that is doomed to fail, and China has strong confidence in its foreign policy on the Ukraine issue and it will not be coerced by anyone.
• US senator: Saudi use of yuan 'big, bad thing', sign that America is weak Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- An American senator warns that China and Saudi Arabia's potential ditching of the dollar in their bilateral oil trade could indicate a global shift away from the United States.
• UN Investigator Calls for End to North Korean Isolation VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- A U.N. investigator is calling for an end to North Korea's international isolation, warning continued exclusion will prolong the country's worsening human rights violations.
• DPR Korea's grip on population has tightened since COVID UN News 21 Mar 2022 -- In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly known as North Korea, human rights violations remain systematic, and the authorities' grip on the population has "tightened", the Human Rights Council heard on Monday.
• Thermal Power Plants in DPRK Boost Production KCNA 21 Mar 2022 -- Officials and workers in the thermal power sector of the DPRK have fulfilled their energy production plans every day in March.
• North Korea investigates farmers for unregistered cattle Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2022 -- North Korean authorities are going from farmhouse to farmhouse to check if farmers are hiding any unregistered cows, threatening to send the contraband cattle to work on collective farms, sources in the country told RFA.
• UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea UK FCDO 21 Mar 2022 -- The UK's Global Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivered the UK's statement thanking the Special Rapporteur for his continued efforts to shine a spotlight on the deeply concerning human rights situation in DPRK.
• Iran FM: Few remaining issues need US good faith to resolve Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says negotiations in Vienna to revive the 2015 nuclear deal are nearing the final stretch, but the US needs to show good faith in order to achieve it.
• Leader: Iran's economy should not be tied to US sanctions, country must become impervious to bans Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned state officials against making development of Iran's economy conditional on the removal of sanctions, saying that the country should be run in a way that it would not be hurt by sanctions.
• Pakistan PM censures West amid looming no-confidence motion at home Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- Facing the biggest test of his eventful political career, Prime Minister Imran Khan has stepped up his criticism of the West as Pakistan's parliament convenes on Friday to take up a no-trust motion against the embattled cricketer-turned-politician.
• Assad's visit to UAE marks significant diplomatic milestone in face of bids against regional peace: Top official Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- A senior Syrian official has hailed President Bashar al-Assad's recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a significant "diplomatic milestone" in the face of plots and conspiracies hatched to undermine peace and stability in the Middle East region and the Arab world.
• UN chief warns against 'sleepwalking to climate catastrophe' UN News 21 Mar 2022 -- The goal to limit future warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, highlighted in the Paris Agreement on climate change, and driven home in last November's COP26, gathering in Glasgow, is now on "life support" and "in intensive care," the UN chief told the Economist Sustainability Summit on Monday.
• Tunisians call for President Saied's resignation amid deepening political crisis Press TV 21 Mar 2022 -- Thousands of Tunisians have taken to the streets of the capital Tunis on Sunday, the country's Independence Day, to protest against President Kais Saied, who is accused of power grab amid a deepening political crisis.
• Japan calls for fair elections in Cambodia after years of crackdowns Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2022 -- The government of Japan has urged Cambodia to hold fair and free elections following five years of brutal crackdowns on political opponents and parties that dare challenge Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).
• The United States Sanctions Security Forces in Sudan for Serious Human Rights Abuses US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2022 -- The United States is designating Sudan's Central Reserve Police (CRP) for serious human rights abuses committed during protests calling for democracy.
• Treasury Sanctions Sudanese Central Reserve Police for Serious Human Rights Abuse US Treasury 21 Mar 2022 -- Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Republic of the Sudan Central Reserve Police (CRP) for serious human rights abuse. The CRP has used excessive force against pro-democracy protesters peacefully demonstrating against the military-led overthrow of the civilian-led transitional government in Sudan.
• READOUT: Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson's Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo US Treasury 21 Mar 2022 -- Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson traveled to Kinshasa, DRC this week as the last stop on his three-country visit to Africa. While in Congo he met with senior officials, including President Felix Tschikedi, to discuss efforts to fight corruption, counter the financing of terrorism, enact systemic AML/CFT reforms, and disrupt the illegal mining trade.
• UNICEF Nigeria Warns Millions at Risk of Water Contamination Ailments VOA 21 Mar 2022 -- On the commemoration of World Water Day, UNICEF is raising concerns about Nigeria, where an estimated 70% of water at the point of consumption is contaminated.