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• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 31 Mar 2022
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing, March 31, 2022 DoD 31 Mar 2022
• Combined federal, state, local effort fights Fort Hood wildfires Army News 31 Mar 2022 -- Hoping to provide information on the wildfires that, to date, have consumed more than 33,175 acres, Fort Hood officials met with local community leaders and media members, March 28, to discuss firefighting strategies and to update the public on their efforts to contain the fire.
• Initial operational test begins on Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense System Army News 31 Mar 2022 -- Air Defense Artillery Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas here are testing a new equipment system linking sensors with shooters across the battlefield.
• Department of Defense Releases 2021 On-Site Installation Evaluation Report DoD 31 Mar 2022 -- Today, the Department released the 2021 On-Site Installation Evaluation (OSIE) Report, which provides senior Department leadership with greater visibility at the local level that can be scaled enterprise-wide. The OSIE Report will also allow the Department to better tailor the continued implementation of the Independent Review Commission's recommendations.
• Attendees of Caribbean Security Conference Aim to Improve Regional Ties DoD News 31 Mar 2022 -- The Caribbean Nations Security Conference kicks off next week in Bridgetown, Barbados, as participants look for ways to improve the Caribbean "zone of peace."
• Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability Award Planned for December DoD News 31 Mar 2022 -- The award of the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability procurement is planned for December, DOD Chief Information Officer John Sherman said in Washington today.
• 1/12 conducts Twenty-First Century Foraging USMC News 31 Mar 2022 -- U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division experimented Twenty-First Century Foraging concepts during Spartan Fury 22.1 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, March 2022.
• Hill AFB's 388th OSS exploring agile communications options for F-35A US Air Force 31 Mar 2022 -- The 388th Fighter Wing's Operations Support Squadron cyber Airmen are currently exploring high-speed communications options to support F-35A Lightning II Agile Combat Employment - operating from remote or austere locations.
• Salvage Planning Efforts are Underway for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye That Crashed Near Wallops Island, Virginia US Navy 31 Mar 2022 -- Salvage planning efforts are underway for the Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye attached to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 120 that crashed in the vicinity of Wallops Island and Chincoteague, Va, March 30. The crash, which left one service member dead and two injured remains under investigation.
• Keel Authenticated for Future USS Patrick Gallagher US Navy 31 Mar 2022 -- The keel for the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), was ceremonially laid at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW), March 30. The ship is named for Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, who received the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War when he managed to jump on and throw an enemy grenade into a river. He was killed in action
• Vermont Guard, Senegalese Air Force conduct aviation exchange Army News 31 Mar 2022 -- Vermont Army National Guard rotary-wing representatives with 86th Troop Command took part in an aviation exchange with Senegalese Air Force helicopter pilots as part of the State Partnership Program in Dakar, Senegal, March 13-19.
• Department of the Army announces updated COVID-19 vaccination statistics US Army 31 Mar 2022 -- The U.S. Army announced updated COVID-19 vaccination rates and exemption requests as of Mar. 30, 2022.
• NATO Secretary General launches his Annual Report for 2021 NATO 31 Mar 2022 -- NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg launched his annual report for 2021 on Thursday (31 March 2022), which covers all aspects of the work of the Alliance over the past year.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General participates in meeting of B9 countries NATO 31 Mar 2022 -- On Thursday (31 March 2022), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană participated in a Foreign Ministers meeting of the Bucharest 9 Initiative, which includes Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
• Poland Turning into NATO's Front Line, Becoming Dangerous for Europe Itself - Medvedev Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- On Saturday, Russian Ambassador to Poland Sergei Andreev suggested Russia might be forced to temporarily close its embassy in Warsaw, leading to a similar step by Poland, after Warsaw announced it was expelling 45 Russian diplomats suspected of spying.
• Why US, Philippines Are Staging Large-Scale Military Exercises VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- An unusually large joint military exercise being held by the United States and the Philippines answers what Manila regards as a growing threat from China, according to some analysts.
• China, Solomon Islands ink security cooperation, deriving from need to 'quell Honiara riots' in past year Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- China and the Solomon Islands signed a bilateral security cooperation framework agreement on Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed, which focuses on social security, safeguarding people's lives and properties, human rights aid and other fields.
• Chinese Military Presence in Solomon Islands Will Affect Australia's Ops, Warns General Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- The Solomon Islands said on Thursday that its officials had "initialled" elements of the security cooperation agreement with China, despite reservations expressed by its regional partners such as Australia and New Zealand. It also said that the final agreement would be signed between the two foreign ministers in the coming days.
• Businessman Sentenced to a Year and a Day for Illegally Brokering Sales of Embargoed Defense Articles from China and Filing False Income Tax Return US Dept. of Justice 31 Mar 2022 -- A southern California businessman was sentenced yesterday to one year and one day in prison for illegally brokering the sales of embargoed defense articles from the People's Republic of China (PRC) and filing a false corporate tax return.
• China, Pakistan to further promote military cooperation in various fields: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- The military-to-military relations, serving as the mainstay of the China-Pakistan friendship, have played an important role in the development of bilateral relations for a long time, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
• South Korea successfully test-fires first solid-fuel space rocket: Ministry Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- South Korea has successfully test-fired its first solid-fuel space rocket, the South's Defense Ministry says, days after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
• North Korea May Be Preparing for Possible Future Nuclear Missile Tests, US Officials Claim Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- Last week, North Korea launched its twelfth missile since the start of the year, later confirming it was the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile. According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, the missile has a range enough to reach the whole US on a typical trajectory.
• Thai-China Submarine Deal Runs Aground on EU Arms Embargo VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- China has paused construction of an attack submarine earmarked for Thailand's navy following Germany's refusal to export the top-end engines the plans call for, a Thai naval official confirmed.
• Agile and lethal capabilities on show Australia DOD 31 Mar 2022 -- Aviators from Royal Australian Air Force's No. 1 Security Forces Squadron participated in Exercise Pacific Defender earlier this year at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
• French Military Intel Chief Sacked Over 'Lack of Understanding of the Issues' Amid Ukraine Crisis Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- France joined its NATO allies in providing military support to Ukraine, committing 300 million euros in "defensive aid", equipment and fuel. In the weeks leading up to the crisis, French President Emmanuel Macron held a series of back-and-forth talks with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in an apparent attempt to defuse tensions.
• India- Seychelles Joint Military Exercise Lamitiye Concludes at Seychelles India PIB 31 Mar 2022 -- The 9th edition of India - Seychelles Joint Training Exercise LAMITIYE-2022, which commenced on 22 March 2022 at Seychelles Defence Academy, Seychelles culminated on 31 March 2022 with a 48 hours validation exercise.
• 20TH EDITION OF INDIA FRANCE NAVAL EXERCISE VARUNA - 2022 India PIB 31 Mar 2022 -- The 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies - 'VARUNA' is being conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar - 03 Apr 22.
• Two RSAF F-15SA Aircraft Escort a US B-52 Bomber as It Crosses Saudi Arabia's Airspace SPA 31 Mar 2022 -- Two Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15SA Aircraft escorted a US B-52 strategic bomber, during its transit through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's airspace on Tuesday 29/3/2022.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Omani Foreign Minister Al-Busaidi US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2022
• Press Briefing by Director of Communications Kate Bedingfield and NEC Director Brian Deese The White House 31 Mar 2022
• Department Press Briefing – March 31, 2022 US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 31, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 31 March 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Mar 2022
• United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Afghanistan US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2022 -- During today's High-Level Pledging Event on Supporting the Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan, the United States announced we are providing nearly $204 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help the people of Afghanistan, bringing the total amount to more than $720 million since August 2021.
• Donors Pledge $2.4 Billion for Afghan Relief VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- International donors stepped up Thursday with more than $2.4 billion to keep Afghanistan from a humanitarian collapse, despite misgivings about the country's Taliban government.
• China-hosted Grouping Backs Afghanistan, Urges Taliban to Protect Rights of Afghans VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- Foreign ministers from Afghanistan's neighbors met in China on Thursday to reaffirm support for the war-torn country and stress how important it is for Taliban rulers to protect rights of all Afghans, including women's rights to an education.
• UN Requesting Record $4.4 Billion for Afghan Relief VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- The United Nations said Thursday it is asking for a record $4.4 billion for assistance for millions of Afghans who need food, shelter, medical care, and other essentials, its biggest-ever appeal.
• Help in an emergency: International donor conference for Afghanistan Germany Federal Foreign Office 31 Mar 2022 -- The humanitarian hardship in Afghanistan has worsened with the seizure of power by the Taliban. Millions of people are at risk of famine. Together with the United Nations, the UK and Qatar, Germany is hosting an international donor conference for Afghanistan today.
• Statement by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the High Level Ministerial Event on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan Germany Federal Foreign Office 31 Mar 2022
• First Diplomat Of Taliban-Led Afghanistan Accredited In Moscow RFE/RL Gandhara 31 Mar 2022 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has accredited the first diplomat from Taliban-led Afghanistan even though Russia has labeled the militant group a terrorist organization and most of the world has shunned the hard-line regime.
• Afghanistan's Neighbors Call On Taliban To Ensure Rights; Donor Conference Falls Short Of $4.4 Billion Goal RFE/RL Gandhara 31 Mar 2022 -- A conference involving seven countries that border Afghanistan has called on the Taliban-led government in Kabul to adopt further measures to improve living conditions and guarantee the basic rights of all Afghan people, including women and ethnic minorities.
• China hosts Russian, US officials at same table, urges Washington to return Afghan assets, lift sanctions Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- Two key meetings on the Afghan situation convened in China's Anhui Province on Thursday, with one, the Troika Plus meeting, the first occasion where representatives from Russia and the US sat together since the start of the Ukraine crisis. Observers said that while global attention has been diverted to Eastern Europe, China, with diplomatic efforts, pushed crucial parties to help solve the problems of Afghans and offered a platform for major powers to seek cooperation in certain fields despite frictions in others.
• China, Afghanistan, Pakistan can jointly build BRI, extend China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan: Wang Yi Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- China, Afghanistan and Pakistan can jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative, extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, and help Afghanistan participate in regional connectivity, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the foreign ministers' meeting between the three countries in Tunxi, East China's Anhui Province.
• FM Amirabdollahian highlights need for inclusive government in Afghanistan IRNA 31 Mar 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in the meeting of Taliban's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in China highlighted the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of all parties and groups.
• President Xi Jinping Delivers Written Remarks at the Third Foreign Ministers' Meeting Among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan PRC MofA 31 Mar 2022 -- On March 31, President Xi Jinping delivered written remarks at the third Foreign Ministers' Meeting among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's address at a plenary session of a meeting between Afghanistan's neighbouring countries (Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), Tunxi, March 31, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2022
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Tunxi, March 31, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2022
• World can end 'downward humanitarian spiral' of Afghanistan UN News 31 Mar 2022 -- As the world focuses its attention on the war in Ukraine, the UN reminded the international community on Thursday to remember Afghanistan as it kicked off a pledging conference to save the lives and livelihoods of those in the landlocked country. As the conference drew to a close, it was announced that a total amount of $2.44 billion had been promised.
• Chinese president stresses neighboring countries' role in supporting Afghanistan PLA Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the neighboring countries of Afghanistan to do their best to support the Afghan people to create a brighter future.
• Militarization of South China Sea should be blamed on US, not China: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- "Militarization of the South China Sea" should not be blamed on China, but on the US, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) at a regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
• China Has Every Right to Deploy Equipment on South China Sea Islands, Defenсe Ministry Says Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- China's deployment of the necessary equipment for national defence on islands in the South China Sea is its legitimate right as a sovereign country, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Thursday.
• State Security: Designation of 25 Individuals and Entities Involved in Facilitating Financing Activities of the Terrorist Houthi Militia SPA 31 Mar 2022 -- The Presidency of State Security issued a press statement today, designating 25 individuals and entities involved in facilitating financing activities of the terrorist Houthi militia.
• 15th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting positive and constructive: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- China and India sides have agreed to properly handle the border issue through negotiation and consultation, firmly opposing interference from a third party, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) at a regular press conference in Beijing today.
• Rights Group, War Victims Welcome Trial of Darfur Militia Leader VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- Years after atrocities took place in Sudan's Darfur region, one of the key suspected perpetrators is about to face trial.
• Civilians killed in army operation in Colombia Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- Colombia's armed forces have killed at least three civilians in a military operation against drug trafficking on the southern border of the Latin American country, according to a human rights group.
• Telephone conversations with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 31 Mar 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had telephone conversations with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.
• Armenian, Azerbaijani Leaders To Meet In Brussels Next Week RFE/RL 31 Mar 2022 -- Leaders from Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to meet in Brussels on April 6 as tensions rise over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• South Ossetian Leader Says Breakaway Georgian Region Seeks Vote To Join Russia RFE/RL 31 Mar 2022 -- The leader of Georgia's Moscow-backed separatist region of South Ossetia, Anatoly Bibilov, says the de facto independent territory is looking to hold a referendum on joining Russia, a move Tbilisi called "unacceptable."
• Japan to Again Describe Southern Kurils as Occupied Areas in Diplomatic Bluebook - Reports Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- The Japanese government will again describe the Southern Kuril islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, as an inherent part of the country claimed to be illegally occupied by Russia, in its Diplomatic Bluebook, the Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday.
• South Sudan: $1.7 billion plan launched to meet humanitarian needs UN News 31 Mar 2022 -- The UN and partners on Thursday launched a $1.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for South Sudan, to meet the needs of some 6.8 million vulnerable people this year.
• Ethiopia, Rebel Group Blame Each Other for No Aid Reaching Tigray VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- Ethiopian authorities and rebels in the Tigray region are accusing each other of blocking aid deliveries to Tigray that had been agreed to a week ago. The ongoing fighting comes as the U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia visited the Afar region, where the aid trucks have been held up.

News Reports

• US to Release 1 Million Barrels of Oil a Day From Strategic Reserves Over Next Six Months Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- Earlier in March, the Biden administration announced a total boycott of petroleum products from Russia, the world's largest exporter, in retaliation for Russia's special operation in Ukraine.
• Memorandum on Finding of a Severe Energy Supply Interruption The White House 31 Mar 2022
• Memorandum on Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended The White House 31 Mar 2022
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on President Biden's Plan to Respond to Putin's Price Hike at the Pump The White House 31 Mar 2022
• FACT SHEET: President Biden's Plan to Respond to Putin's Price Hike at the Pump The White House 31 Mar 2022
• Readout of U.S.-U.K. Joint Contact Group DHS 31 Mar 2022
• National Security Agency Employee Indicted for Willful Transmission and Retention of National Defense Information US Dept. of Justice 31 Mar 2022 -- A Maryland man is charged with willful transmission and retention of National Defense Information (NDI) in an indictment unsealed today in the District of Maryland.
• Director GCHQ's speech on global security amid war in Ukraine GCHQ 31 Mar 2022 -- Director GCHQ Sir Jeremy Fleming's full speech from the Australian National University (Thursday 31st March 2022)
• Putin, Scholz in telephone call discuss gas payment issues, Russia-Ukraine talks People's Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed gas payment issues and Russia-Ukraine talks during a telephone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday.
• Meeting on development of air transport and aircraft manufacturing President of Russia 31 Mar 2022 -- The President held a videoconference on the development of air transport and aircraft manufacturing.
• Executive order on special procedure to allow foreign buyers to meet their commitments to Russian natural gas suppliers President of Russia 31 Mar 2022 -- Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order On the Special Procedure to Allow Foreign Buyers to Meet their Commitments to Russian Natural Gas Suppliers.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Store President of Russia 31 Mar 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway Jonas Gahr Store.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 31, 2022 PRC MofA 31 Mar 2022
• China Announces Visa Restrictions on US Officials VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- China on Thursday said it would impose visa restrictions on U.S. officials in retaliation for the U.S. restriction of visas for Chinese officials.
• China to impose visa restriction on US officials as reciprocal countermeasure: Chinese FM Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- China decided to take reciprocal countermeasures on US officials in response to the US' imposing of visa restrictions on Chinese officials over issues related to "human rights," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
• Foreign ministry: US uses human rights to concoct malicious lies against China, interfere in Beijing's affairs Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- China has announced the imposition of sanctions against an unspecified number of American officials who "concocted lies" about human rights violations in the country's far-western region of Xinjiang.
• EU, Chinese Leaders Meet Amid Backdrop of Ukraine Conflict VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- Plans for a European Union-China summit were already laid before Russia invaded Ukraine last month — although Beijing's formal announcement it would attend only came this week. On the agenda are issues like climate change, trade and what the EU describes as "universal values." But the Ukraine conflict tops it.
• Closed-door trial of Australian Cheng Lei legitimate, involves China's state secrets: FM Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- It is lawful for China's court to hold a closed-door trial over a case that involves state secrets, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, responding to a question over the court trial of Australian national Cheng Lei suspected of illegally providing China's state secrets to a foreign country.
• 'Spying' trial of Australian national, state TV anchor Cheng Lei held in secret Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2022 -- Australian national and Chinese state TV anchor Cheng Lei stood trial behind closed doors at a Beijing court on Thursday for alleged breaches of the national security law.
• Hong Kong's Diminishing Freedoms US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2022 -- Over the past year, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has continued to dismantle Hong Kong's democratic institutions, placed unprecedented pressure on the judiciary, and stifled academic, cultural, and press freedoms.
• Resignation of 2 British judges won't affect HK's judicial independence Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- The resignation of two UK judges from Hong Kong's top court is a political decision and won't affect the city's judicial independence as the special administrative region (SAR) is ensured by the Basic Law, officials and legal experts said. Experts also refuted the groundless accusations made by some foreign politicians over the matter in an attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs.
• HKSAR gov't vehemently opposes British parliament's allegations on national security law, legal system in Hong Kong People's Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday expressed vehement opposition to the British parliament making up unfounded allegations against the national security law and the legal system in Hong Kong.
• Critics see 'scary reality' as China touts Xinjiang police high case clearance rates Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2022 -- Police in China's far-western Xinjiang region ranked first in the country in 2021 for solving all homicide cases, while the region's High People's Court was hailed as a model for concluding the greatest number of cases last year, according to a Chinese state media report that prompted political and legal analysts outside the country to raise questions about the results.
• Denmark commission finds Copenhagen illegally silenced anti-China demonstrators Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2022 -- A commission appointed by the government of Denmark this week criticized the country's Foreign Ministry for giving into Chinese pressure and preventing anti-Beijing demonstrations during state visits in 2012 and 2013.
• Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft re-enters atmosphere, most parts burnt up: CMSA Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- With the precise control and close monitoring of ground controllers, China's Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft made its re-entry to Earth's atmosphere at 6:40 pm on Thursday after detaching from the Tianhe space station core module earlier this week, the Global Times learned from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
• Former CPPCC official expelled from Party for serious violations of discipline Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- Fu Zhenghua, a member of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and former deputy chairman of the social and legal affairs committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was expelled from the CPC and dismissed from public office for serious violations of Party discipline and the law, China's top anti-corruption authorities announced on Thursday.
• China launches three satellites People's Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- China has successfully sent three satellites into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Wednesday.
• HK govt refutes inaccurate statements on the independence and impartiality of judges after two UK magistrates resign Global Times 31 Mar 2022 -- The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) refuted on Wednesday the inaccurate statements that questioned the independence and impartiality of judges after the resignation of the President and the Deputy President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom who served as non-permanent judges (NPJs) of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (CFA), stressing that the judicial independence in the region is constitutionally guaranteed by the Basic Law.
• 200 U.S. House members call for Taiwan's inclusion in planned IPEF CNA 31 Mar 2022 -- A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives has petitioned for Taiwan to be included in the planned U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
• Taiwan looking to deepen ties with Paraguay: Tsai CNA 31 Mar 2022 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Thursday expressed hope that Taiwan and Paraguay would further their bilateral ties in trade and other areas in the years to come, during a meeting with a visiting Paraguayan delegation.
• 11 Chinese warplanes seen near southern Taiwan amid U.S.-Philippines exercises CNA 31 Mar 2022 -- Eleven Chinese military aircraft flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) Thursday, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said, as the United States and the Philippines hold their largest-ever joint exercises in nearby waters.
• China Uses Multiple Fronts to Block Taiwan at UN: Report VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- China is making efforts to block Taiwan from the United Nations that run deep into the organization's bureaucracy, systematically blocking Taiwanese from engaging with the international organization, according to a German Marshall Fund report.
• Chinese mainland decries DPP's "two states" comments as provocation People's Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said the latest attempt by certain Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politicians in China's Taiwan to describe ties between the mainland and Taiwan as one between "two states" was nothing short of a provocative and impetuous action.
• Struggling North Koreans say they are in no mood to celebrate missile launch Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2022 -- Following North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch last week, its first since 2017, the country's media has been lauding it as evidence of Kim Jong Un's leadership and bravery, sources in the country told RFA.
• Iran has not tied economy to Vienna talks: President Raisi IRNA 31 Mar 2022 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday evening in Mashad that the Islamic Republic has not tied its economy to the results of the talks in Vienna about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• Iran's President Raeisi: People's livelihood, economy not tied to JCPOA, Vienna talks Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the Islamic Republic has not abandoned talks with the P4+1 group of countries on the revival of the 2015 Iran deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), nor has Tehran tied the people's livelihood and the country's economy to the accord as well as the negotiations in the Austrian capital of Vienna.
• New ill-intentioned sanctions show US misses no chance to pressure Iranians: Foreign Ministry Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- Iran has slammed the newly-imposed US sanctions as yet another sign of Washington's ill intent in treating the Iranian nation, saying the move shows America misses no opportunity to exert pressure on the country.
• U.S. sanctions key actors in Iran ballistic missile program People's Daily 31 Mar 2022 -- The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on an Iran-based person and his network of companies that Washington accused of facilitating Iran in its effort to get materials for its ballistic missile program.
• For Myanmar's youth, college becomes another casualty of country's turmoil Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2022 -- Security concerns led to a dramatic decline in the number of students who registered for the first university entrance exams in Myanmar since the military coup, sources said Thursday, citing ongoing unrest and armed conflict in the Southeast Asian nation.
• Joint Statement - Inaugural Australia-U.S. Strategic Commercial Dialogue (AUSSCD) US Dept. of Commerce 30 Mar 2022 -- Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment Dan Tehan met on March 30 in Washington D.C. for the inaugural Australia-U.S. Strategic Commercial Dialogue (AUSSCD).
• US Will 'Allow' India to Buy Russian Oil, Threatens Sanctions If New Delhi Buys Too Much: Report Sputnik 31 Mar 2022 -- The position taken by India regarding Russia's military operation in Ukraine has provoked disappointment from its former western colonial masters, with New Delhi calling for a cessation of hostilities, but refusing to join the West in condemning Moscow and declining to halt trade.
• Pakistan PM says will not resign before no-confidence vote at parliament, accuses US of meddling Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan says he will never resign his post after a parliament debate on a no-confidence motion, which aims to remove him from office, was postponed until Sunday.
• Pakistan's PM Khan Alleges US Trying to Topple His Government VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- Embattled Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday rejected opposition calls to resign and accused the United States of trying to topple his government as he faces a parliamentary no-confidence vote Sunday.
• Turkish prosecutor requests to move trial for Jamal Khashoggi's murder to Saudi Arabia Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- A Turkish prosecutor has requested to halt the trial for Jamal Khashoggi's murder in Istanbul and transfer it to Saudi Arabia, some four years after the dissident Saudi journalist was gruesomely murdered in Turkey.
• Tunisia's president dissolves parliament Press TV 31 Mar 2022 -- Tunisia's President Kais Saied has dissolved the North African country's parliament, some eight months after he suspended the legislature in a move branded by his critics as a power grab.
• Laos gas crunch shows no sign of easing Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2022 -- Gas stations are closing across Laos as shortages in the Southeast Asian nation enter their sixth month and citizens clamor for government action, sources in the country say.
• Turkmen Authorities Make Moves To Ensure Berdymukhammedov Cult Continues RFE/RL 31 Mar 2022 -- Authorities in Turkmenistan are forcing private taxi drivers to have a portrait of recently elected President Serdar Berdymukhammedov in the windshields of their vehicles.
• Post-Coup Mali Plagued by Self-Censorship, Fake News VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- Mali's military government this month banned popular French radio and TV broadcasts after Radio France Internationale reported on alleged rights abuses by the Malian army and Russian mercenaries. The restrictions come as press freedom advocates cite a worrying trend of pro-Russian propaganda in countries where the mercenaries are working with government forces.
• DRC Joins EAC Regional Bloc to Facilitate Trade VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo this week became the seventh country to join the East African Community. The regional trade bloc, which includes Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, now reaches a quarter of Africa's population, stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic.
• Kenya Supreme Court Rejects President's Bid to Change Constitution VOA 31 Mar 2022 -- In a ruling Thursday, Kenya's Supreme Court blocked changes to the constitution initiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Six of the seven judges ruled constitutional amendments must come from ordinary citizens, not the president.
• War in Ukraine pushes Middle East and North Africa deeper into hunger as food prices reach alarming highs WFP 31 Mar 2022 -- As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, the soaring cost of food staples in import-dependent Middle Eastern and North African countries is creating ever greater challenges for millions of families already struggling to keep hunger at bay, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said today.