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Defense Policy / Programs

• US: Africa Needs Tailored Strategies to Fight ISIS Groups VOA 18 May 2022 -- African countries are being encouraged to use both soft and hard power to counter the growing threat posed by Islamic State on the continent. The U.S. government is giving more than $100 million to African states to overcome terrorism. Top U.S. security officials say African leadership and voices are needed to ensure security assistance is targeted to where it's needed most.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks' Engagement During First Meeting of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) Reform DoD 18 May 2022
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Sweden's Minister for Defense Peter Hultqvist DoD 18 May 2022
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Peter Hultqvist, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden, to the Pentagon DoD 18 May 2022
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup DoD 18 May 2022
• R&D Program Yields New Sources for Obsolete Parts, Raw Materials DoD News 18 May 2022 -- Defense Logistics Agency Small Business Innovation Research program managers Vaibhav Jain and Denise Price are always seeking opportunities to match America's small businesses with research and development projects that address critical supply chain gaps and security threats. They work with small businesses striving to source parts, raw materials and manufacturing solutions through the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. In fiscal year 2021, DLA awarded 75 projects worth over $43 million through SBIR and STTR.
• 13th MEU Conducts ACV LoadEx USMC News 18 May 2022 -- U.S. Marines and sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit continued to innovate their combat capabilities while conducting a load exercise with the amphibious combat vehicle aboard the USS Portland, Naval Base San Diego on May 10, 2022.
• 35th FW, joint allies participate in ACE exercise at Misawa, Yokota AB US Air Force 18 May 2022 -- Airmen assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing showcased their Agile Combat Employment, or ACE, capabilities during readiness exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-04, at Misawa Air Base, and Yokota AB, May 7-13.
• Marines showcase NATO command and control capabilities US Navy 18 May 2022 -- Estonian Brig. Gen. Rauno Sirk, Estonian Air Force commander, and Col. Dainius Guzas, Lithuanian Air Force commander, visited Siauliai Air Base, Apr. 26. They met with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to observe the unique aviation command and control capabilities of Marine Air Control Group 28.
• U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Executes Operation Cyber Dragon US Navy 18 May 2022 -- The U.S. Navy's unclassified computer networks are better protected from outside threats. U.S. Fleet Cyber Command just completed the first phase of operation Cyber Dragon where nearly 30 active and reserve Sailors resolved thousands of vulnerabilities.
• Finland and Sweden submit applications to join NATO NATO 18 May 2022 -- Finland and Sweden on Wednesday morning (18 May 2022) simultaneously handed in their official letters of application to join NATO.
• Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg with Klaus Korhonen (ambassador of Finland accredited to NATO) and Axel Wernhoff (ambassador of Sweden accredited to NATO) NATO 18 May 2022
• Sweden, Finland Apply for NATO Membership DoD News 18 May 2022 -- Finland and Sweden officially applied to join the 30 members of the NATO alliance earlier today.
• Statement by President Biden on the Applications to NATO by Finland and Sweden The White House 18 May 2022
• Biden Expresses Strong Support For Finland, Sweden NATO Bids RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has strongly backed the bids of Finland and Sweden to join NATO in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and said the United States will remain vigilant against any threats to their security.
• NATO Secretary General meets with the Prime Minister of Georgia NATO 18 May 2022 -- On Wednesday (18 May 2022) NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili for a bilateral meeting.
• Statement by the Prime Minister on Finland and Sweden's application to join the NATO Alliance Prime Minister of Canada 18 May 2022 -- The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Finland and Sweden's application to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance:
• Finland signs NATO admission request People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto on Tuesday signed the letter informing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) about his country's interest in engaging in accession talks.
• NATO Chief Says Finland, Sweden Have Officially Applied For Membership RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- Finland and Sweden have handed in their official applications for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), ending their longtime neutrality status amid growing concerns over Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• US carrier group, amphibious assault ship placed under NATO command NATO 18 May 2022 -- The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group and other US naval vessels have come under NATO command as part of a series of major military drills in the Baltic, Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.
• NATO Begins Vigilance Activity Neptune Shield 22 US Navy 18 May 2022 -- NATO is conducting vigilance activity NEPTUNE SHIELD 2022 (NESH22), which integrates high-end maritime expeditionary strike capabilities of Sea, Air and Land assets. The activities will take place in the Baltic, Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas, from 17-31 May.
• First meeting of NATO national cyber coordinators NATO 18 May 2022 -- Senior cyber coordinators from all NATO Allies met in Brussels today (18 May 2022) for the first time.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister Sanna Marin of Finland Prime Minister of Canada 18 May 2022 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, to express Canada's support for Finland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance.
• Turkey's Erdogan says Sweden, Finland 'harboring terrorists', opposes NATO bid Press TV 18 May 2022 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he cannot endorse the bid of Sweden to join the NATO military alliance as long as the two Nordic countries continue to lend support to terrorist groups against his country.
• EU to defend Finland, Sweden in event of Russian attack amid NATO bids Press TV 18 May 2022 -- European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has voiced the bloc's readiness to defend Finland and Sweden in the event of a Russian attack even before the two countries become NATO members.
• Biden: US to Help Finland & Sweden 'Deter, Confront Any Threats' as Their NATO Bids Being Considered Sputnik 18 May 2022 -- The Nordic nations formally filed bids for NATO membership earlier on Wednesday. Ankara has threatened to block their entry amid a spat with Stockholm and Helsinki over their harbouring of independence and autonomy-seeking Turkish Kurdish groups, whom Turkey considers "terrorists".
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on attempts to accuse Russia of preparing and carrying out chemical provocations Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 May 2022
• Meeting Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov President of Russia 18 May 2022 -- CEO of Rostec State Corporation Sergei Chemezov reported to the President on the corporation's performance in 2021.
• Russia to Start Serial Production of Checkmate Fighters in 2027 - Rostec CEO Sputnik 18 May 2022 -- Russia to start serial production of the fifth-generation light fighter Checkmate in 2027, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov said Wednesday at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
• Russia Tests Combat Laser Capable of Burning Drones at Distance of Some 3 Miles, Official Says Sputnik 18 May 2022 -- Russia has tested a combat laser, which is capable of burning drones at a distance of five kilometres (3.1 miles) in five seconds, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said on Wednesday.
• Senior Defense Official Holds a Background Briefing DoD 18 May 2022
• Additional $100 Million in Howitzers, Tactical Vehicles, Radars Headed to Ukraine DoD News 18 May 2022 -- The Pentagon announced today that another tranche of presidential drawdown support is headed to Ukraine. The latest package is worth $100 million and mostly includes more of the same items the U.S. has sent to Ukraine in the past.
• Defence: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the press conference on the EU defence investment gaps and measures to address them European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 May 2022
• EU steps up action to strengthen EU defence capabilities, industrial and technological base: towards an EU framework for Joint defence procurement European Commission 18 May 2022 -- "Today, in response to the European Council tasking at the Versailles Summit, the Commission and the High Representative present an analysis of the defence investment gaps, and propose further measures and actions necessary to strengthen the European defence industrial and technological base."
• Press statement by President von der Leyen on the Commission's proposals regarding REPowerEU, defence investment gaps and the relief and reconstruction of Ukraine European Commission 18 May 2022
• Questions and Answers: Defence Investment Gaps and measures to address them European Commission 18 May 2022
• DRDO & Indian Navy conduct successful maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile off Odisha coast India PIB 18 May 2022 -- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully conducted maiden flight-test of indigenously-developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile launched from a Naval Helicopter from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on May 18, 2022. The mission met all its objectives. It is the first indigenous air launched anti-ship missile system for the Indian Navy.
• Arms purchases determined by needs, not dealers: Taiwan military CNA 18 May 2022 -- Taiwan's decisions on acquiring weapons from the United States will not be influenced by individual arms dealers, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday after U.S. business groups objected to a U.S. official's comment on arms sales to Taiwan.
• Small boats, big gesture of friendship Australia DOD 18 May 2022 -- Two new vessels have been handed over to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Division to support maritime capability and assist patrol and response operations.
• New defence BattleLab to drive innovation UK MOD 18 May 2022 -- A new hub designed to spark innovation and push the boundaries of technology used by UK Armed Forces has been officially opened in Dorset today.
• EU Vows to Step Up Its Security Role in Asia-Pacific Amid Concerns Over Sino-Solomon Pact Sputnik 18 May 2022 -- Around 40 percent of the EU's trade passes through the South China Sea. The "EU Strategy for Cooperation in Indo-Pacific" was launched in April 2021 with the aim of recommitting Brussels "politically to the region to contribute to its stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development".
• USAID Chief Discusses Efforts to Counter Actions by Russia, China VOA 18 May 2022 -- U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power highlighted to lawmakers Tuesday a number of areas of concern, including the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on those displaced by the conflict, resulting shocks to global energy and food markets, the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of climate change.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with African Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• Joint Statement on the Meeting of Secretary Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister Cho US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Pakistani Foreign Minister Bhutto Zardari Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti The White House 18 May 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, May 18, 2022 The White House 18 May 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 18, 2022
• Seven South Korean Companies Agree to Pay Approximately $3.1 Million to Settle Civil False Claims Act Allegations for Bid Rigging on U.S. Department of Defense Contracts US Dept. of Justice 18 May 2022 -- Seven South Korea-based companies have agreed to pay $3.1 million to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act by engaging in a bid-rigging conspiracy that targeted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) contracts for construction and engineering work on U.S. military bases in South Korea.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 18 May 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 May 2022
• Taliban's Most Wanted Mostly in Plain Sight VOA 18 May 2022 -- He regularly meets foreign diplomats and speaks in public but is also the FBI's most wanted man in Afghanistan.
• US-Taliban deal, chaotic exit triggered collapse of Afghan forces: Report Press TV 18 May 2022 -- Washington's deal with the Taliban and the subsequent botched exit of US troops from Afghanistan was "the single most important factor" in the rapid collapse of the war-ravaged country's military last year, according to a report by a US oversight agency.
• US Study Blames Rapid Troop Exit for Collapse of Afghan Forces VOA 18 May 2022 -- An official U.S. agency report has blamed the sudden demise of Afghan security forces in August 2021 mainly on Washington's decision to rapidly withdraw the American military, leading to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.
• Report tracks China's assertiveness at sea over the decades Radio Free Asia 18 May 2022 -- China is the source of destabilization in the South China Sea and has been for the last couple decades, but Beijing's assertiveness has less to do with its rivalry with the United States than is commonly assumed, a new report says.
• UN envoy says truce has significantly reduced fighting in Yemen, hopes for extension Press TV 18 May 2022 -- The United Nations' envoy to Yemen hopes that a UN-brokered ceasefire in the Arab country would be extended, saying the two-month truce, of which only two weeks are left, has significantly reduced fighting in Yemen.
• For first time, Russian military fires S-300 missiles at Israeli warplanes over Syria's Hama Press TV 18 May 2022 -- The Russian military has reportedly used advanced S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to fire at Israeli warplanes during a recent strike in Syria, signaling a major shift in Moscow's attitude to the Israeli regime.
• The world must not grow numb to the suffering of the Syrian people UNOCHA 18 May 2022 -- Joyce Msuya, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, today concluded a three-day visit to Syria, her first official mission to the region since she assumed her functions. During the visit, Msuya met with affected families and renewed the United Nations' commitment to helping those in need, urging donors to not let Syria become a forgotten crisis.
• Afghan Taliban brokers peace talks between Pakistan, Pakistani Taliban Press TV 18 May 2022 -- Afghanistan's Taliban group says it is hosting peace negotiations between the Pakistani government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in an attempt to end more than two decades of deadly conflict between the two sides.
• Pakistan, Militants Call Truce in Afghanistan-Hosted Peace Talks VOA 18 May 2022 -- Afghanistan's ruling Taliban confirmed Wednesday they hosted fresh peace negotiations between Pakistan and fugitive leaders of an outlawed militant group waging cross-border terrorist attacks against Pakistani forces out of Afghan sanctuaries.
• Russian Soldier Accused Of War Crime Pleads Guilty At Trial In Kyiv RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- The first Russian soldier to stand trial on accusations of committing a war crime in Ukraine has pleaded guilty at a hearing in a Kyiv court.
• Russian Soldier Pleads Guilty to Killing Ukrainian Civilian VOA 18 May 2022 -- A 21-year-old Russian soldier pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing an unarmed Ukrainian civilian in the first war crimes case Kyiv has brought since the Russian invasion three months ago.
• An uneasy truce is under threat in Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 18 May 2022 -- Tensions between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army (AA) insurgent group are rising in the restive western state of Rakhine, although an uneasy ceasefire remains in effect for now, residents in the area told RFA.
• Conflict between Myanmar's proxy forces may outlast a political resolution Radio Free Asia 18 May 2022 -- Pro-military Pyu Saw Htee militiamen and anti-junta People's Defense Force (PDF) paramilitaries are engaged in what will likely become a protracted conflict in Myanmar with no formal process in place to mediate between the two civilian proxy armies, an analyst said Wednesday.
• US government's special coordinator for Tibetan issues to meet with Dalai Lama Radio Free Asia 18 May 2022 -- A top U.S. official on Tibet will meet with the Dalai Lama on Thursday morning during a two-day official visit to Dharamsala, India, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
• Nine Dead In 'Anti-Terrorist Operation' As Protests Roil Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- Tajik authorities say nine people, including a police officer, have been killed in "an anti-terrorist operation" in the volatile Gorno-Badakhshan region as the government tries to quell protests sparked by anger over the lack of an investigation into the 2021 death of an activist while in police custody.
• What's Behind The Tumult In Tajikistan's Restive Gorno-Badakhshan Region? RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- The latest deadly unrest in the Tajik region of Gorno-Badakhshan came after authorities rejected a list of protesters' demands, though problems in the remote area have a long history.
• War Crimes Court Sentences Kosovo Veterans To Prison For Witness Intimidation RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- A war crimes court in The Hague has sentenced two Kosovo war veterans to 4 1/2 years in prison each after finding them guilty of witness intimidation, obstructing the administration of justice, and violating the secrecy of court proceedings.
• Supporting holistic efforts to stabilise the Sahel through security, governance, and development UK FCDO 18 May 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on peace and security in Africa (G5 Sahel)
• Mali's withdrawal from G5 Sahel, Joint Force 'a setback' for the region UN News 18 May 2022 -- Mali's decision on 15 May to withdraw from the G5-Sahel group and its Joint Force is "unfortunate" and "regrettable", a senior United Nations official told the Security Council on Wednesday, as she urged countries in the region to redouble efforts to protect human rights, amid protracted political and security crises.
• New Somali President Hopes to Secure Capital from Al-Shabab VOA 18 May 2022 -- Somalia's newly-elected president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, says his government will focus on urgent issues including security, economic recovery, political stability, and debt relief during his first 100 days in office.
• Tigray War Costing 1 Million Children a Third Year of School, UN Says VOA 18 May 2022 -- A total of 1.39 million children in the Tigray region are currently missing out on education because of Ethiopia's civil war, according to the United Nations.
• Report: Jihadi-Linked Violence on Rise in Burkina Faso VOA 18 May 2022 -- A report by Human Rights Watch finds civilians in Burkina Faso are suffering from an increase in attacks by armed Islamist groups and government security forces. The conflict has displaced millions and increased recruitment into armed groups.

News Reports

• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Food Security Ministerial US Dept. of State 18 May 2022
• Food security is now top of our agendas since Russia's invasion of Ukraine: UK at the UN UK FCDO 18 May 2022 -- Statement delivered by Victoria Prentis MP, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at the UN Ministerial Meeting on Global Food Security
• Nations must 'act together, urgently and with solidarity' to end crisis of food insecurity UN News 18 May 2022 -- Hunger levels around the world are at "a new high", the UN chief said on Wednesday, in a call to action to fight the current surge in global food insecurity.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Global Food Security Call to Action Ministerial UN Secretary-General 18 May 2022
• The war against hunger Germany Federal Foreign Office 18 May 2022 -- Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is not only causing immeasurable suffering for the people in the region. All over the world, the number of people suffering from hunger is increasing due to the lack of food exports from Ukraine and Russia as well as rising prices.
• Remarks by President Biden Before Briefing on Interagency Efforts to Prepare for and Respond to Hurricanes The White House 18 May 2022
• Chinese Officials, American Accused in Scheme to Silence Dissent Against Beijing VOA 18 May 2022 -- A U.S. citizen and four officials from China's State Security Ministry have been accused of conspiracy and espionage in a scheme to silence dissent against Beijing, the U.S. Justice Department announced.
• U.S. Citizen and Four Chinese Intelligence Officers Charged with Spying on Prominent Dissidents, Human Rights Leaders and Pro-Democracy Activists US Dept. of Justice 18 May 2022 -- A U.S. citizen and four officials from China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) were charged in an indictment, unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn yesterday, with conspiracy and other charges related to an espionage and transnational repression scheme.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 18, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 May 2022
• Russia withdraws from Council of Baltic Sea States People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- Russia announced on Tuesday that it has decided to pull out of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).
• Russia Expels Dozens Of European Diplomats In Reciprocal Move RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- Russia has announced the expulsion of dozens of European diplomats in a "retaliatory" move for similar actions taken across the continent as part of a coordinated campaign over Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• U.S. Unlikely To Extend License Allowing Russia To Pay Bond Debt, Increasing Possibility Of Default RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- The United States is unlikely to extend a license that allows Russia to pay U.S. bondholders, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on May 18.
• Russia Closes Moscow Bureau Of Canadian Public Broadcaster RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- Russia has announced that it will close the Moscow offices of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in retaliation for Ottawa's ban of Russian state media outlet RT.
• Official: US planning to block Russian debt payments Press TV 18 May 2022 -- The United States is planning to block Russia's ability to make payments to its American bondholders by allowing a key waiver to expire next week, as Washington ups the ante in its economic warfare against Moscow over the conflict with Ukraine.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 18, 2022 PRC MofA 18 May 2022
• Chinese FM slams US Treasury Secretary's remarks of united approach against China Global Times 18 May 2022 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday slammed US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's remarks urging Western countries to form an united approach against China's business practices, saying it is the US that is abusing its economic, financial and technological hegemony to crack down on other countries.
• Senior diplomats warn US, Japan over Taiwan question before QUAD summit Global Times 18 May 2022 -- Chinese senior diplomats on Wednesday stressed China's position and sent firm warnings on US and Japan's negative moves against China, following reports that Japan and the US were set to affirm boosting cooperation over the Taiwan question and compare it to the Ukraine crisis in a joint statement of an upcoming bilateral summit.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Phone Call with Politburo Member Yang Jiechi The White House 18 May 2022
• Xi talks with Philippine president-elect over phone on ties PRC MofA 18 May 2022 -- On May 18, 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with Philippine President-elect Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Wednesday morning on bilateral ties and regional development.
• HKSAR ExCo endorses reorganisation of gov't structure People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- The Executive Council (ExCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday considered and endorsed a package of proposals to re-organize the structure of the HKSAR government, upon the request of the sixth-term chief executive designate.
• Hong Kong could move to block Telegram app, citing 'privacy violations' Radio Free Asia 18 May 2022 -- Authorities in Hong Kong could move to block the popular Telegram messaging app, amid fears that the city could gradually be moving towards mainland China-style internet censorship.
• Premier Li calls for increased urgency in taking new measures to keep economy stable Global Times 18 May 2022 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called on local officials to increase the sense of urgency and take as many feasible new measures as possible in May to keep the economy operating in a reasonable range in the first half of the year and the full year, while vowing that the country will safeguard employment and people's livelihood by means of stabilizing market entities, China Media Group reported.
• U.S. official voices support for Taiwan ahead of WHO summit CNA 18 May 2022 -- A United States official on Tuesday reiterated U.S. support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual summit as he said Taiwan would offer "considerable resources" conducive to discussions at the event which will begin this Sunday.
• Taiwan as an Observer in the World Health Assembly US Dept. of State 18 May 2022 -- "Today's unprecedented health threats demand close international cooperation. The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), and its annual meeting is an opportunity to drive cooperation towards ending the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing global health and global health security."
• Meeting of Presidium of Politburo of WPK Central Committee Held KCNA 18 May 2022 -- A meeting of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was held at the office building of the Party Central Committee on Tuesday.
• Nuclear chief: Iran working on producing 60%-enriched fuel Press TV 18 May 2022 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran has announced the country's complete self-sufficiency in the nuclear fuel cycle, saying the Islamic Republic is now working on producing nuclear fuel with 60% purity.
• Iran Slams Brakes On Bus-Drivers' Strike To Keep Protests Off The Streets Of Tehran RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- Authorities in Tehran are attempting to break a strike by bus workers that has hampered transportation in the capital and threatens to merge with separate antigovernment protests around the country calling for the end of Iran's clerical regime amid a worsening economic situation.
• Belarusian Businessman Autukhovich, Associates Begin Trial On Terrorism Charges He Rejects RFE/RL 18 May 2022 -- The high-profile trial of Belarusian businessman and political activist Mikalay Autukhovich, along with 11 others accused of terrorism, has started in the western city of Hrodna.
• Possible Death Penalty against Pro-Democracy Activists and Anti-War Protesters in Belarus US Dept. of State 18 May 2022 -- Amidst Russia's unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine, the Lukashenka regime in Belarus has found new ways to intimidate and punish its own citizens, including by approving legislation to apply the death penalty to pro-democracy activists and those opposing Russia's war in Ukraine.
• UK confirms plan to change N Ireland Protocol amid rising tensions with EU People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- The United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday announced its plan to introduce legislation in the coming weeks to make changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol amid mounting tensions with the European Union (EU) over post-Brexit arrangements.
• EU warns of retaliation if UK presses ahead with plans to ditch NI protocol Press TV 18 May 2022 -- The European Union has threatened to retaliate should the United Kingdom go ahead with its plans to ditch the Northern Ireland protocol.
• Germany pushes towards energy independence from Russia People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- The German government's new plan seeks to encourage all segments of society to use energy more efficiently in order to reduce the country's dependence on Russian fossil fuels by next winter.
• Georgia: High Representative Borrell met with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 May 2022 -- High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in Brussels today. In their talks, he recalled the European Union's support to strengthen Georgia's resilience in the context of the unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also reaffirmed the EU's firm commitment to Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders.
• Moldova: HRVP Josep Borrell met with President Maia Sandu European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 May 2022 -- EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell met with the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu in Brussels today.
• Armenia: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell ahead of the Partnership Council European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 May 2022
• Venezuela confirms U.S. decision to ease oil sanctions People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- Venezuela on Tuesday confirmed a decision by the United States to ease oil sanctions, calling for a total lifting of the U.S. sanctions on the South American country.
• U.S. to ease some sanctions against Venezuela People's Daily 18 May 2022 -- The United States will ease some sanctions against Venezuela as a means to encourage negotiations between the U.S.-backed opposition and the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro, senior administration officials announced Tuesday.
• Global economic growth downgraded due to spillover from Ukraine war UN News 18 May 2022 -- The global economy is expected to grow by only 3.1 per cent this year, down from the 4.0 per cent projected in January, largely derailed by the war in Ukraine, according to the UN's latest World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report, launched on Wednesday.