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News Reports

Current Operations

• Two American soldiers injured as military bases housing US occupying forces attacked in Syria Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- Two American soldiers have been injured when an indirect fire attack targeted a military base housing forces from the US-led military coalition purportedly formed to fight the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in eastern Syria, marking the third assault this year on occupation troops in the area.
• U.S. Tri-maritime Services and Cabo Verde Authorities interdict large trans-oceanic cocaine shipment CENTCOM 07 Apr 2022 -- U.S. Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines embarked aboard U.S. Navy Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), with support from the Environmental Security Programme of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), assisted Cabo Verde authorities with the interdiction of a vessel smuggling approximately 6,000 kilograms of suspected cocaine, April 1.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction in Poland reassures allies and supports regional security Army News 07 Apr 2022 -- When Area Engineer Augie Carrillo first came to the Polish military base here several years ago with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District there wasn't a lot of modern infrastructure in place.
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl Meeting With Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defence Margiris Abukevicius DoD 07 Apr 2022
• Austin Lays Out Reasoning Behind DOD Budget Request DoD News 07 Apr 2022 -- At $773 billion, the fiscal 2023 Defense Budget Request is huge, but that doesn't mean that painful choices are not necessary, defense leaders told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
• Novel, Breakthrough Warfighting Capabilities Discussed by DOD Officials DoD News 07 Apr 2022 -- Defense Department officials yesterday described current and future game-changing warfare capabilities that will ensure national security for the U.S., allies and partners.
• AWACS demonstrates historic firsts, receives, processes in-air EW updates in minutes US Air Force 07 Apr 2022 -- An airborne E-3G Sentry, operated by the Airborne Warning and Control System, or AWACS, Combined Test Force updated its electronic support measures, or ESM, database in flight over central Texas with a file transmitted from its reprogramming center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, using an existing beyond line-of-site satellite communications system.
• USS Porter Visits Nassau, The Bahamas US Navy 07 Apr 2022 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted a scheduled port visit in Nassau, The Bahamas, April 3-7. The ship's arrival marked the first time a U.S. Navy vessel has visited The Bahamas since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
• Department of the Army announces updated COVID-19 vaccination statistics US Army 07 Apr 2022 -- The U.S. Army announced updated COVID-19 vaccination rates and exemption requests as of Apr. 6, 2022.
• NATO sharpens technological edge with innovation initiatives NATO 07 Apr 2022 -- NATO Allies are launching a ground-breaking initiative to sharpen the Alliance's technological edge.
• NATO Secretary General participates in G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting NATO 07 Apr 2022 -- On Thursday (7 April 2022), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in the meeting of G7 Foreign Ministers (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States) to discuss the international response to Russia's brutal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Organised by Germany, the meeting was held at NATO Headquarters, on the margins of NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting.
• Former NATO Commander Says Western Fears Of Nuclear War Are Preventing A Proper Response To Putin RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- A former top NATO commander has said Western fears "about nuclear weapons and World War III" have left it "fully deterred" and Vladimir Putin "completely undeterred" as the Russian leader pursues his increasingly brutal invasion of Ukraine.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Press Availability at the Meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022
• US, NATO seek united front with Asia-Pacific allies to isolate Russia, pressure China over Ukraine crisis Global Times 07 Apr 2022 -- South Korean and Japanese foreign ministers were invited to join the high-profile NATO session on Thursday for the first time as NATO seeks to gain cooperation from Asia to isolate Russia and pressure China over the Ukraine crisis. But analysts said the US is coercing more countries to choose sides in the crisis and using it as an opportunity to help NATO's global expansion.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukraine's Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov DoD 07 Apr 2022
• Fact Sheet: U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine DoD 07 Apr 2022 -- The security assistance the Biden Administration is providing to Ukraine is enabling critical success on the battlefield against the Russian invading force.
• Blinken Reaffirms U.S. Commitment To Send More Weapons To Ukraine RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Washington will not let anything stand in the way of sending Ukraine more of the weapons it needs in its fight against Russia.
• U.S. Senate Approves Bill On Lend-Lease For Arms Supplies To Ukraine RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a bill that will help President Joe Biden send weapons and other supplies to Ukraine as it tries to defend itself from an invasion by Russia.
• Ukraine's Agenda for NATO Talks: 'Weapons, Weapons and Weapons' VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Thursday dismissed the reluctance of some countries fulfill Ukrainian requests for arms due to fears of being drawn into the conflict with Russia, saying that by giving Ukraine what it needs, Ukrainians will do the fighting so no one else has to.
• Ukraine Presses NATO For Weapons As Moscow Faces More Sanctions For Alleged Atrocities RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- Ukraine is pressing NATO for more weapons amid expectations that Russia is repositioning its forces before launching a major offensive in southeastern Ukraine.
• Ukraine calls on NATO allies to give Kiev 'all weapons it needs' Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- Ukraine has called on members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to provide Kiev with all the weaponry it needs to fight Russia, as Moscow continues a military offensive against the country.
• NATO Allies agree to further strengthen and sustain support for Ukraine NATO 07 Apr 2022 -- NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels this week (6-7 April 2022) agreed to sustain and further strengthen support for Ukraine, and step up cooperation with partners, given the global implications of President Putin's unprovoked war on Ukraine.
• Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs NATO 07 Apr 2022
• Doorstep statements by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba NATO 07 Apr 2022
• Finland Bolsters Defence Spending as Survey Discloses Massive NATO Support Among MPs Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- The $2.4 billion hike is earmarked for the purchase of anti-tank weaponry, various kinds of missiles and ammunition, as well as acquisition and deployment of new aircraft, along with intelligence capabilities.
• South Korea's president-elect wants return of US nuclear assets Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- South Korea's President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has sought the redeployment of US strategic assets, such as nuclear bombers and submarines, to the Korean Peninsula, after North Korea warned of a nuclear response to the South if provoked.
• Chinese Tests Explode Myth of Nuclear Bunker Buster-Proof Facilities Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Recent scale model tests by Chinese military scientists have called into question many of the assumptions about subterranean fortifications being immune from nuclear strikes, finding that rather than dissipate shockwaves, solid rock could amplify them.
• China's ambassador for disarmament affairs: Banning biological weapons, US should set example rather than exception PLA Daily 07 Apr 2022 -- On April 4, local time, Li Song, China's ambassador for disarmament affairs, led the Chinese delegation to attend the second meeting of the preparatory committee for the Ninth Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). He pointed out that the US, as a depository state of the BWC, should set an example rather than an exception in the field of strict implementation of all the obligations under the BWC.
• Chinese military force against Taiwan will see response: U.S. officials CNA 07 Apr 2022 -- Any military action taken by China against Taiwan will be met with a response from the United States and the international community as has been the case with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the U.S. hopes the People's Republic of China (PRC) takes the "right lessons" from the current situation in Ukraine, U.S. officials said Wednesday.
• China strongly opposes latest US arms sales to Taiwan island, vows to take powerful measures Global Times 07 Apr 2022 -- China expressed firm opposition to the latest US arms sales to the island of Taiwan and has lodged solemn representations with the US, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
• Defense spokesperson: US arms sales to Taiwan gravely undermine China's sovereignty and security interests PLA Daily 07 Apr 2022
• China Protests Over US Approval of Taiwan Deal on Patriot Air Defence Systems Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- On Wednesday, the US said Taiwan would be able to use the proposed training and equipment as a "deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defense."
• Australia to Develop Hypersonic Missile Capability VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Under an updated timetable, Australian fighter jets would be armed with advanced U.S.-manufactured air-to-surface missiles by 2024, three years earlier than planned. Its navy frigates and destroyers would be equipped with Norwegian-made missiles by 2024, five years ahead of schedule.
• Landmark policy decision to indigenise 101 more weapons and platforms to speed up 'Aatmanirbharta' in Defence India PIB 07 Apr 2022 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh released the third positive indigenisation list of 101 items, comprising major equipment/platforms, in New Delhi on April 07, 2022.
• U.S. - India to Conduct 2+2 Ministerial DoD 07 Apr 2022 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will welcome Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar for the fourth U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington, D.C., April 11.
• U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Press Announcement US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022 -- On April 11, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will welcome Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar and Indian Minister of Defense Rajnath Singh to Washington, D.C. for the fourth U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
• Lack of engine could sink Thai purchase of Chinese submarine Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- Thailand's long-planned purchase of three Chinese submarines, which a former top Bangkok diplomat described as "an insult to the Thai-U.S. treaty relationship," could run into trouble, officials and analysts said.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Momen US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, April 7, 2022 The White House 07 Apr 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 7, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 7 April 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Apr 2022
• US Women Try to Convince Taliban That Banning Girls From Secondary School Was 'Very Bad Decision' VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Seven American women from various organizations visited Kabul last week despite a State Department advisory warning U.S. citizens against traveling to Afghanistan because of "civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, terrorism, kidnapping and COVID-19."
• Welcoming Saudi Arabia and the UAE's Economic and Humanitarian Support for Yemen US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022 -- The United States welcomes the pledge by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to provide $2 billion in economic support for the Central Bank of Yemen, as well as the pledge by Saudi Arabia to provide $1 billion for development projects and fuel support.
• Yemen's Hadi Steps Down in Favor of Presidential Council Amid Riyadh Peace Talks Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Amid ongoing peace talks in Riyadh, Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi has agreed to relinquish power in favor of a Presidential Council, as his government continues peace talks that the Houthis have so far refused to join.
• Russia Welcomes Creation of Presidential Governing Council in Yemen, Foreign Ministry Says Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Russia welcomes the creation of a presidential governing council in Yemen, to which Yemeni President Abdrabuh Mansour Hadi ceded his authority, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
• The United States Welcomes Government Reform in Yemen US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022 -- "The United States welcomes the announcement of the formation of a Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen."
• Armenia, Azerbaijan Make Progress Toward Peace Deal RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to start drafting a bilateral "peace treaty" and set up a joint commission on demarcating their common border during fresh talks in Brussels hosted by European Council President Charles Michel.
• Ethiopia to Examine Rights Groups' Report on West Tigray VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Ethiopia's government has said it will carefully examine a scathing report by international rights groups that accuses its military and allied forces of gross rights abuses in Tigray region. But it also poured doubt on the report, which alleges ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, as having "ethnic undertones" and being one-sided.
• Mali: The reports from Moura underline the extent of Russia's malign activity globally: UK at UN Security Council UK FCDO 07 Apr 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Mali
• More resources need to help secure Mali, peacekeeping mission head tells Security Council UN News 07 Apr 2022 -- The UN's peacekeeping chief in Mali on Thursday, made an urgent call for adequate resources for the mission to carry out its mandate, and meet the growing demand to address a deteriorating security situation across the north and centre of the restive country.
• 28 years after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, 'stain of shame endures' UN News 07 Apr 2022 -- The UN paid tribute on Thursday to the one million people who were murdered in 100 days during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, during which moderate Hutu, Twa and others who opposed the genocide, were also killed.

News Reports

• Member of Hacking Group Sentenced for Scheme that Compromised Tens of Millions of Debit and Credit Cards US Dept. of Justice 07 Apr 2022 -- A Ukrainian man was sentenced today in the Western District of Washington to five years in prison for his criminal work in the hacking group FIN7.
• Japanese gangster, 3 Thais 'brokered' heroin, meth deals for missiles, US alleges Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday announced the arrests of a suspected Japanese organized crime leader and three Thais who allegedly tried to sell large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine internationally to arm rebel groups in Myanmar and Sri Lanka with surface-to-air missiles and other weapons.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's response to a media question about Russia's alleged preparations for cybersecurity attacks against the United States Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Apr 2022
• Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council President of Russia 07 Apr 2022 -- The President held a briefing session, via videoconference, with permanent members of the Security Council.
• Foreign Ministry's statement on personal sanctions against New Zealand's senior government officials and members of parliament Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Apr 2022
• Foreign Ministry statement on personal sanctions on senior officials and MPs of Australia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Apr 2022
• Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the opening for signature of the Biological Weapons Convention Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Apr 2022
• US Has Unilaterally Closed Channel of Communication With Russia on Cybersecurity, Moscow Says Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Cybersecurity was one of the few areas where Russian and US officials managed to forge some progress in recent years. After his summit with Joe Biden in Geneva last summer, President Putin said it was "critically important" for the two nations to work together to "combine our efforts to fight cybercrime instead of barking at one another like dogs."
• PM Mishustin says Russia facing most difficult situation in three decades Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says his country is facing the most difficult situation in three decades due to waves of sanctions over Ukraine, stressing that foreign attempts to isolate Moscow from the global economy are doomed to failure.
• Moscow Warns States That Expelled Russian Diplomats Against Shutting Country's Embassies Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Earlier this week, the European Union and individual countries, including Germany, France, Spain and Italy, decided to expel Russian diplomats.
• Foreign Ministry statement on the early termination of the Russian Federation's membership in the UN Human Rights Council Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Apr 2022
• Russia Suspended From UN Human Rights Body VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- The U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from the body's Human Rights Council over atrocities it has been accused of committing in Ukraine.
• UN General Assembly votes to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council UN News 07 Apr 2022 -- The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Thursday calling for Russia to be suspended from the Human Rights Council.
• Russia's Suspension from the UN Human Rights Council US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022 -- "By suspending Russia from the UN Human Rights Council, countries around the world chose to hold Moscow to account today for gross and systematic violations of human rights in its premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified war of choice against Ukraine."
• UN suspends Russia from human rights council over Ukraine, Moscow says will defend interests Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- The United Nations General Assembly has voted to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over what it called the "gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights" by Russian troops in Ukraine.
• Russia Suspended From UN Human Rights Council For 'Systematic Abuses' RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- The UN General Assembly has voted to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council over reports of "gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights" by invading Russian troops in Ukraine.
• UN General Assembly Suspends Russia's Membership in Human Rights Council Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield called Russia's membership in the Human Rights Council a "farce," but a study by the Costs of War Project found the US War on Terror was responsible for the deaths of 364,000 civilians, and the US still sits on the same council.
• Senate Votes Unanimously on Two Bills to Punish Russia VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- The U.S. Senate Thursday unanimously passed two bills it says will add pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine in February.
• Statement of President Joe Biden on the UN Vote Suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council The White House 07 Apr 2022
• Further Targeting Russian State-Owned Enterprises US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022 -- The United States and over 30 allies and partners across the world have levied the most impactful, coordinated, and wide-ranging economic restrictions in history in response to the Russian government's war against Ukraine.
• Additional State Department Designations Targeting Russian State-Owned Defense Shipbuilding Enterprise US Dept. of State 07 Apr 2022 -- Today, in its latest action to impose severe costs on Russia's defense establishment in response to Putin's war of choice, the Department of State is designating 29 entities and eight individuals pursuant to E.O. 14024.
• The United States Sanctions Major Russian State-Owned Enterprises US Treasury 07 Apr 2022 -- Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Alrosa, a Russian state-owned enterprise (SOE) and the world's largest diamond mining company, which is also responsible for 90 percent of Russia's diamond mining capacity.
• Blinken Says US May Follow in EU Footsteps in Expelling Russian Diplomats Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- The United States may follow in the European Union's footsteps in expelling Russian diplomats, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.
• BIS Takes Enforcement Actions Against Three Russian Airlines Operating Aircraft in Violation of U.S. Export Controls US Dept. of Commerce 07 Apr 2022 -- Today, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod issued orders denying the export privileges of three Russian Airlines - Aeroflot, Azur Air, and UTair - due to ongoing export violations related to comprehensive export controls on Russia imposed by the Commerce Department. These three Temporary Denial Orders (TDOs) terminate the right of these airlines to participate in transactions subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including exports and reexports from the United States. Today's TDOs are issued for 180-days and may be renewed.
• Austria Becomes Latest EU Country To Expel Russian Diplomats RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- Austria has become the latest EU member to expel Russian diplomats.
• Russia set to punish Google over YouTube 'fake news' Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- The Russian government is set to ban US internet firm Google from advertising its services in the country, after it accused Google-owned YouTube of spreading "fake news" about Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
• Russia adopts measures against UK media Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- Russia has planned to take further measures against UK media based in the country, after London imposed new sanctions targeting Russian state media outlets, including Sputnik news agency.
• Russia Accuses Google Of 'Fake' News On YouTube, Bans Advertising RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor has accused Google of violating Russian law and said it will take punitive measures against the giant tech company, including an advertising ban on the platform and its information resources.
• Polls Show Russians Support Putin And The War On Ukraine. Really? RFE/RL 07 Apr 2022 -- These days, the nightly newscasts on Russian state TV are more triumphant proclamations about the "special military operation" in Ukraine than actual newscasts. There's virtually no public mention of the rising death toll among Russian soldiers. Russia media are banned from using the words "war" or "invasion" in describing the war and the invasion. President Vladimir Putin's March 18 call-to-arms to roaring, flag-waving crowds in a stadium was carried live on national TV.
• US sanctions on banks 'direct attack' on ordinary people: Russia Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- Russia has condemned the United States' fresh sanctions on two of its largest banks, saying they are a direct blow to the Russian population and ordinary citizens.
• Biden wants Russia to be expelled from G20 Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- US President Joe Biden wants Russia to be expelled from the Group of 20 major economies forum over its military operation in Ukraine, says US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
• Chinese National Sentenced for Economic Espionage Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 07 Apr 2022 -- A Chinese national formerly residing in Chesterfield, Missouri, was today sentenced to 29 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a $150,000 fine for conspiring to commit economic espionage.
• Jury Convicts University of Kansas Researcher for Hiding Ties to Chinese Government US Dept. of Justice 07 Apr 2022 -- A former University of Kansas (KU) professor was today convicted by a federal jury on three counts of wire fraud and one count of false statements after he deliberately concealed that he was also employed by a government-affiliated university in the People's Republic of China (PRC), while working on U.S. government funded research at KU.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on April 7, 2022 PRC MofA 07 Apr 2022
• China's Tolerance for Russia Comes at Cost to Relations With EU VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- China's patience with Russia over the war in Ukraine has set back its prized ties with the European Union despite tentative gains late last year, analysts say.
• Concerns grow over sale of UK's largest semiconductor plant to Chinese company Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- are growing over plans by a state-backed Chinese company to acquire the U.K.'s largest semiconductor plant for U.S. $82 million, amid reports that the British government has "quietly" approved the sale despite ordering a review a year ago.
• US Doesn't Want a Trade 'Divorce' From China VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- The United States is trying to be strategic about how it "realigns" its trade relationship with China, but is not interested in a large-scale "decoupling" or a trade "divorce," U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in an interview this week.
• Chief secretary for administration of HKSAR gov't tenders resignation People's Daily 07 Apr 2022 -- John Lee, chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, tendered his resignation on Wednesday, saying he plans to run for the upcoming election of the HKSAR's sixth-term chief executive.
• U.S lawmaker proposes bill to punish Chinese threats against Taiwan CNA 07 Apr 2022 -- Oklahoma Republican Rep. Frank Lucas has proposed a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would force Chinese banks out of certain international financial mechanisms should Beijing threaten Taiwan.
• Pelosi 'tests positive, postpones Asia trip' after China warns resolute, forceful measures over reported Taiwan visit Global Times 07 Apr 2022 -- If US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits the island of Taiwan, as some media have reported, China will definitely respond with "resolute and forceful measures," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. Chinese experts said China will and must retaliate; otherwise the US will make more provocations in the future, and the consequences that could be caused by the potential visit would bring a "disruptive impact" on the foundation of China-US relations.
• China warns of 'strong measures' if US House speaker visits Chinese Taipei Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- China has expressed firm opposition to any form of official contact between the United States and Chinese Taipei, warning that Beijing would take "strong measures" if US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taipei as part of planned trip to the self-ruled island.
• China 'Resolutely Opposes' Now-Canceled Trip by US House Speaker Pelosi to Taiwan, FM Says Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Ahead of an Asia trip by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) rumored to include a stop off in Taiwan, China has lodged strong objections. However, later on Thursday, the senior lawmaker tested positive for COVID-19, and her trip was postponed.
• U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan on Sunday: reports CNA 07 Apr 2022 -- United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is scheduled to arrive in Taiwan on Sunday, in a show of support for Taipei amid concerns over cross-strait relations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to media reports Thursday.
• Spokesperson slams Taiwan's DPP for exploiting Ukraine issue People's Daily 07 Apr 2022 -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority for exploiting the Ukraine situation to mislead the island's residents and international public opinion.
• North Korea issues high-denomination money voucher, photo evidence shows Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- North Korea's Central Bank has printed a 50,000 won (U.S. $8.30) money voucher worth 10 times its highest currency denomination, photo evidence obtained exclusively by RFA has revealed.
• Experts: North Korea's Nuclear Warning Likely to Toughen Washington-Seoul Stance VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- South Korea and the United States are bracing for a possible North Korean nuclear test amid heightened tensions after this week's warning from Pyongyang that it is prepared to use nuclear weapons against its southern neighbor.
• $7b of Iran's frozen funds to be released via bank transactions IRNA 07 Apr 2022 -- Seven billion dollars of Iran's frozen funds abroad will be released via banking transactions into Iran's accounts.
• Iran says stories on UN nuclear watchdog report inaccurate IRNA 07 Apr 2022 -- Iran's Acting Representative to the Vienna-based International Organizations called media stories on the International Atomic Energy Agency's recent report on verifying Iran's implementation of the nuclear deal as inaccurate, incorrect, and biased.
• Iran: Foreign media claims on IAEA report 'inaccurate, biased' Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- A senior Iranian diplomat says some foreign media claims about the latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the verification of the implementation of the 2015 Iran deal are "inaccurate, incorrect and biased."
• Deputy governor of Myanmar central bank shot by gunmen at her Yangon home Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- The deputy governor of Myanmar's central bank was shot by unknown assailants on Thursday, according to sources and media reports, amid a public outcry over a new directive ordering the sale of all U.S. dollars and other foreign currency at a fixed rate to licensed banks.
• Meeting may signal warmer relations between Myanmar and China Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- A recent meeting between the Myanmar junta's foreign minister and his Chinese counterpart may signal China's softening to the military rulers who came to power in a coup last year and an eagerness to revive its own economic initiatives in the war-torn country, analysts said.
• Prolonged Myanmar Blackouts Causing Major Problems for People, Businesses VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Prolonged power blackouts and soaring fuel prices in Myanmar are hitting people in cities hard and increasing uncertainty for the country's businesses, according to interviews with people in Yangon and elsewhere in the country.
• Over 80 Terrorist Attacks Made Against Belarus Railway Infrastructure, State Media Report Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Over 80 terrorist attacks targeting the Belarusian railroad infrastructure have been carried out recently, Belarus 1 TV channel reported on Thursday, citing law enforcement officials.
• Pakistan's Supreme Court Rules Khan's Move To Stay In Power Was Unconstitutional RFE/RL Gandhara 07 Apr 2022 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has blocked a bid by Prime Minister Imran Khan to stay in power, ruling on April 7 that a move to stymie a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly was unconstitutional.
• Pakistan's top court rules against PM, restores dissolved parliament Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- Pakistan's top court has ruled that a recent blocking of a no-confidence vote to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan and the subsequent dissolution of parliament was unconstitutional.
• Pakistan's Top Court Allows No-Confidence Vote Against Imran Khan to Proceed, Restores Parliament Sputnik 07 Apr 2022 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has squarely accused the US of nstigating the no-confidence motion against him in order to undermine Islamabad's "independent foreign policy" under his government. Khan has said that Washington was peeved at his visit to Moscow in February and even threatened him through Islamabad's envoy to the US.
• Jamal Khashoggi's Fiancee Vows to Seek Justice After Court Setback VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- The fiancee of slain Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi vowed Thursday to keep fighting for justice.
• Turkish court halts Khashoggi murder trial, transfers case to to Saudi Arabia Press TV 07 Apr 2022 -- A Turkish court has halted the trial of Saudi suspects over the gruesome killing of prominent dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi and approved transfer of the case to Saudi Arabia, a decision that has drawn condemnation from rights groups.
• Turkish Court Suspends Trial of Saudi Suspects in Khashoggi Killing VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- A Turkish court has ended a case against Saudi defendants accused of murdering prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Rights groups have condemned the action, which Ankara took as it seeks to repair diplomatic ties with Riyadh.
• Ukraine war disrupts cereal markets, threatens food security in SE Asia Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- As war rages across Ukraine, farmers have been busy towing captured Russian tanks, artillery, and downed helicopters. In addition to their new calling, is the planting of the spring crop.
• Ukraine war linked to 'massive malnutrition crisis' affecting millions in other emergencies UN News 07 Apr 2022 -- The war in Ukraine has increased the risk of a "massive malnutrition crisis" for millions of children in other emergencies because of its already huge impact on global food prices, the UN said on Thursday.
• Bribes are a common business expense in Laos, a new report says Radio Free Asia 07 Apr 2022 -- Almost 70 percent of businesses that applied for registrations, licenses and permits in Laos paid bribes to government officials to get approval, a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said.
• Somali Prime Minister, President at Odds Over Expulsion of AU Envoy VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Somalia's top leaders are at odds again after Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble ordered the expulsion of an African Union envoy heard criticizing the head of government on leaked audio files. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has called the expulsion an illegal action.
• EU Rights Envoy Condemns Uganda Security Force Abuses VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- The European Union's rights envoy, Eamon Gilmore, in a visit to Uganda, has condemned rights abuses by security forces against critics, including torture and forced disappearances. A Uganda government spokesman has denied the accusation of systemic abuse and says some individual officers found guilty of abuse were punished.
• Analysts Warn Tunisia Risks Drifting Back to Pre-Revolutionary Era VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Political analysts say a quest for ever-greater power by Tunisian President Kais Saied risks sending the nation back to pre-revolutionary times of "strongman" rule.
• Accusations over China creating a 'debt trap' in Sri Lanka an organized smear by the West and India against BRI Global Times 07 Apr 2022 -- As Sri Lanka's economic crisis and Pakistan's political turmoil deepen, the smearing by Western and Indian forces against the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has reached new heights, with some maliciously asserting that the "Chinese strategic trap" under BRI has dragged the South Asian countries into the political and economic abyss.
• Fishy Business: Report Details Chinese Fleet's Illegal Operations in West Africa VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- It's the classic postcard image of Ghana: brightly colored, narrow wooden fishing boats pulling into the dock of seaside village, bringing in the daily catch. But increasingly this way of life is under threat, with a new investigation showing how Chinese vessels engaged in illegal fishing are depleting stocks, sometimes even selling the fish back to the local communities whose livelihoods and food security have been undermined.
• Trolls, Disinformation Make Philippine Election Coverage a Challenge VOA 07 Apr 2022 -- Journalists covering May's presidential election in the Philippines say false news and online attacks are making reporting a challenge.