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• Army Announces Korea Rotational Force Transition DoD 30 Jun 2022 -- The Department of the Army announced today that beginning in Fall 2022, the Korea Rotational Force will transition from an armored brigade combat team (ABCT) to a Stryker brigade combat team (SBCT). This transition will enable the U.S. to maintain capabilities on the Korean peninsula to rapidly respond to any acts of aggression.
• DOD Accelerating Innovative Technologies, Enabling Manufacturing Workforce DoD News 30 Jun 2022 -- Groundbreaking technologies were on display in May when the Defense Department's nine Manufacturing Innovation Institutes demonstrated advanced materials, engineering and manufacturing.
• Red Team: Reserve Marines simulate cyberspace attackers in exercise Cyber Yankee 22 USMC News 30 Jun 2022 -- Cyber warfare is defined as the use of computer technology to disrupt the activities of a state or organization, especially the deliberate attack or defense of information systems for strategic or military purposes.
• Latest Test of US Hypersonic Missile Fails in Hawaii, Pentagon Spokesman Says Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- The newly conducted test of a US hypersonic missile in the state of Hawaii has failed because of a malfunction during the launch, Pentagon spokesman Tim Gorman said on Thursday.
• George H. W. Bush CSG Certified to Deploy US Navy 30 Jun 2022 -- The Sailors, ships, squadrons and staffs of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group successfully completed the final deployment certification exercise, June 30.
• USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) arrives in Brest, France for mid-deployment voyage repair US Navy 30 Jun 2022 -- The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), flagship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), arrived in Brest, France, on June 30, 2022, to complete a scheduled maintenance availability period and to strengthen relations with a key NATO ally. The strong relationship between the French and American navies goes back to the American War of Independence, and the Kearsarge is honored to be able to commemorate Independence Day with our French allies.
• USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. and USCGC John Scheuerman arrive in Rota, Spain US Navy 30 Jun 2022 -- The Sentinel-class fast response cutters, USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1147) and USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146), arrived in Rota, Spain for a scheduled port visit, June 29, 2022.
• USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) arrives in Lisbon, Portugal US Navy 30 Jun 2022 -- The Famous-class medium endurance cutter USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal for a scheduled port visit, June 29, 2022.
• Bomber Task Force mission supports African Lion 2022 and counter-illicit maritime efforts in Mauritania AFRICOM 30 Jun 2022 -- The mission, which lasted more than 25 hours, supported the culminating live fire exercise for African Lion 2022, and then went on to support counter illicit maritime tracking efforts in Mauritania before returning to Texas.
• Remarks by President Biden in Press Conference | Madrid, Spain The White House 30 Jun 2022
• NATO Ends Summit with Strengthened Posture Against Russia, China VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO leaders concluded their three-day meeting in Madrid Thursday with the Western security alliance strengthening its defense against Russian aggression, warning of global challenges posed by China and inviting neutral countries Finland and Sweden into the group.
• Biden Says NATO Meets Challenges of Today, Prepares to Counter Threats of Tomorrow DoD News 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO's Madrid Summit has been about meeting the challenges of today and preparing for the challenges of the future, President Joe Biden said at the conclusion of the alliance meeting today.
• Stoltenberg Sums Up Results of Transformative Madrid Summit DoD News 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO leaders ended a two-day summit in Madrid after changing the strategic concept for the alliance, inviting Sweden and Finland to join, and agreeing to do all it takes to support Ukraine in opposing an unprovoked Russian invasion.
• Madrid Summit ends with far-reaching decisions to transform NATO NATO 30 Jun 2022 -- The NATO Summit in Madrid drew to a close on Thursday (30 June 2022) with decisions to transform and strengthen the Alliance. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "The decisions we have taken in Madrid will ensure that our Alliance continues to preserve peace, prevent conflict, and protect our people and our values. Europe and North America, standing together in NATO."
• Secretary General wraps up "transformative" NATO Summit NATO 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday (30 June 2022) said NATO leaders signed off on key decisions, including a fundamental strengthening of NATO's deterrence and defence, an invitation to Finland and Sweden to join NATO and long-term support to Ukraine.
• Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and Government (2022 NATO Summit) NATO 30 Jun 2022
• NATO launches Innovation Fund NATO 30 Jun 2022 -- On Thursday (30 June 2022), at a signing ceremony hosted by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Leaders and Ministers from 22 Allied countries* launched NATO's Innovation Fund, the world's first multi-sovereign venture capital fund.
• Minister Rau attends NATO summit in Madrid Republic of Poland 30 Jun 2022 -- On 28-30 June 2022, Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau accompanied President Andrzej Duda during the meeting of NATO heads of state and government in Madrid.
• More risks, conflicts ensue as NATO formally invites Finland, Sweden to join after Turkey lifts veto Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO formalized its invitation to Sweden and Finland to join the alliance on Wednesday after the last minute agreement was made between Turkey, Finland and Sweden to allow the two Nordic countries to join the bloc. Analysts said that the negotiations are a bargain for Turkey but will not bring security assurance to Finland and Sweden as NATO's expansion will bring more risks and conflicts to the region with less buffer zone with Russia.
• NATO steeply downgrades Russia from 'strategic partner' to 'most direct threat' Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO has officially declared Russia the "most significant and direct threat" to the security of its members, marking a radical strategic shift spurred by the Russian military offensive against Ukraine.
• Leaders of 22 NATO Allies Launch Defense Innovation Fund Worth $1.05Bln Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- The leaders of 22 countries out of NATO's 30 allies signed a commitment document under the alliance's 1 billion euro ($1.05 billion) Innovation Fund at the summit in Madrid, the alliance said in a statement on Thursday.
• NATO Summit Marks Beginning of Creation of Permanent Вases in Eastern Europe, Polish FM Says Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- The decisions taken during the NATO summit in Madrid mark the beginning of the creation of permanent bases for the alliance in Eastern Europe, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said on Thursday.
• More risks, conflicts ensue as NATO formally invites Finland, Sweden to join after Turkey lifts veto Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO formalized its invitation to Sweden and Finland to join the alliance on Wednesday after the last minute agreement was made between Turkey, Finland and Sweden to allow the two Nordic countries to join the bloc. Analysts said that the negotiations are a bargain for Turkey but will not bring security assurance to Finland and Sweden as NATO's expansion will bring more risks and conflicts to the region with less buffer zone with Russia.
• Prime Minister and NATO Leaders strengthen transatlantic security Prime Minister of Canada 30 Jun 2022 -- The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded a pivotal North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit where he met with Allied Heads of State and Government to advance transatlantic security particularly in the face of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö Prime Minister of Canada 30 Jun 2022 -- Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, on the margins of the NATO Summit.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Sweden Magdalena Andersson Prime Minister of Canada 30 Jun 2022 -- Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Magdalena Andersson, on the margins of the NATO Summit.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol Prime Minister of Canada 30 Jun 2022 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, on the margins of the NATO Summit.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen Prime Minister of Canada 30 Jun 2022 -- Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of the Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, at the margins of the NATO Summit.
• PM meeting with President Yoon: 30 June 2022 Gov.UK 30 Jun 2022 -- The Prime Minister met with South Korean President Yoon at the NATO Summit in Madrid today.
• PM's press conference remarks at the NATO Summit: 30 June 2022 Gov.UK 30 Jun 2022 -- This has been a highly successful and historic NATO Summit in which we have once again exceeded expectations in the unity and single mindedness with which this alliance is confronting Putin's illegal and barbaric invasion of Ukraine.
• Defence Minister Anand concludes visit to Madrid, Spain, for the NATO Summit Canada 30 Jun 2022 -- Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, on the margins of the NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain.
• NATO's new Strategic Concept Germany Federal Foreign Office 30 Jun 2022 -- The new Strategic Concept adopted at the NATO Summit is designed to ensure NATO remains fit for the future. It deals with the threat posed by Russia as well as with further issues such as the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of gender perspectives for the security of us all.
• Scholz at the NATO summit in Madrid - "NATO has not been this important for many years" Germany - Federal Government 30 Jun 2022 -- Two key outcomes of the NATO summit in Madrid were the adoption of a new Strategic Concept and agreement on accepting Finland and Sweden as members. Federal Chancellor Scholz emphasised the importance of the alliance for security in Europe and peace around the world. Scholz stressed how the allies were firmly united, and this had been evident in Madrid.
• Russia to respond if NATO deploys troops, sets up infrastructure in Finland, Sweden: Putin Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed NATO's decision to approve the applications of Sweden and Finland, saying his country would respond in kind if the US-led military alliance deployed troops and infrastructure in the two Nordic countries after they join the 30-member bloc.
• Putin: If NATO Infrastructure is Deployed to Finland & Sweden, Russia Will Respond in 'Mirror Way' Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- Amid the ongoing events in Ukraine, on May 18, Finland and Sweden submitted applications to join NATO. Although Turkey initially blocked the initiatives, the three nations signed a memorandum on Tuesday addressing Ankara's concerns, paving the way for the two Northern European countries to join the military bloc.
• Biden: US will send $800 million in more military aid to Ukraine Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- US President Joe Biden has said that the United States plans to send an additional $800 million in military aid to Ukraine, including advanced air defense systems and other "offensive" weapons.
• US sends $1.3 billion to Ukraine in economic aid: Treasury Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- The United States has announced the delivery of $1.3 billion in economic aid to Ukraine, as the first part of the initial $7.5 billion approved by Congress last month.
• Biden Pledges Allied Support For Ukraine For 'As Long As It Takes' RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- President Joe Biden says the United States and its allies will continue to support Ukraine in its war against Russia for "as long as it takes" to make sure it is victorious.
• Biden: US to Announce $800+ Million in New Funding Package for Ukraine, Including Air Defense Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- Earlier in the week, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that a new defense package for Ukraine, that includes advanced medium and long-range air defense capabilities, was in the works.
• NATO warns of 'full-scale war' with Russia Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- NATO has warned that the current conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has been conducting a special military operation, could turn into an unrestrained battle between the Western military alliance and Moscow.
• NATO Summit: What New Weapons Have Been Pledged to Ukraine? VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- As NATO leaders met in Madrid this week, Ukraine demanded new heavy weapons to defeat Russia's invasion. Here's a look at what Ukraine says it needs and what other countries have promised and delivered.
• Ukrainian president urges more defense, financial aid at NATO summit People's Daily 30 Jun 2022 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday addressed a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit via a video link, urging more defense and financial assistance for Ukraine, the presidential press service reported.
• China's future aircraft carrier program 'depends on security needs': defense ministry Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- China will take national security needs and the development of equipment technology into consideration for the country's future aircraft carrier program, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday, after China's 80,000 ton-class, electromagnetic catapults-equipped third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, was launched earlier this month.
• Beijing on New Strategic Concept of NATO: Alliance Must Stop Slandering China Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Thursday, commenting on the new strategic concept of NATO, that the alliance must stop smearing the Asian country.
• China-Cambodia Ream Naval Base upgrading project completely legitimate, neutral: Defense Spokesperson PLA Daily 30 Jun 2022 -- "Certain media have been continuously hyping up the normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Cambodia with ulterior motive," said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
• FET completes trials of advanced submarine rescue vehicle Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2022 -- U.S. firm Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has completed sea trials of an advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV), the main component of a submarine rescue vessel, for the Vietnamese Navy, reports said.
• UK deploys military experts to counter Russian malign influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina Gov.UK 30 Jun 2022 -- UK military specialists will be sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina to reinforce the NATO Mission and promote stability and security in the country.
• ADF joins world's largest international maritime exercise Australia DOD 30 Jun 2022 -- Approximately 1600 Australian Defence Force personnel have joined 26 international partners to undertake the world's largest international maritime exercise.
• Defence Secretary & Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Defence for Strategic Affairs discuss ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation India PIB 30 Jun 2022 -- Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Defence for Strategic Affairs Mr Ahmed A Aseeri called on Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar in New Delhi on June 30, 2022. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The Deputy Minister briefed the Defence Secretary about the 5th meeting of India - Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) that was held on June 29, 2022.
• US offers support for potential sale of F-16 jets to Turkey Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden has expressed support for Turkey's delayed purchase of F-16 fighter jets after Ankara dropped its opposition to Finland and Sweden's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Palestinian President Abbas US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Kenyan President Kenyatta US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 30, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 30 June 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 Jun 2022
• Taliban's Hand-Picked 'Grand Gathering' No Place For Diverse Opinions -- Or Women RFE/RL Gandhara 30 Jun 2022 -- Thousands of influential Afghans have gathered in Kabul to discuss pressing national issues, but the Taliban organizers of the meeting have shown that women and beleaguered minorities are not welcome in shaping Afghanistan's future.
• EU Envoy For Afghanistan Says Taliban Has Still Not Explained Decision On Girls' Education RFE/RL Gandhara 30 Jun 2022 -- The European Union's special envoy for Afghanistan says girls' access to secondary education has been on the agenda in recent talks he's had with members of the Taliban-led government, but they have not explained why girls have been excluded or indicated when schools might reopen for girls.
• US, Taliban Agree to Continue Talks VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- The United States and Afghanistan's ruling Taliban concluded a two-day meeting in Doha, Qatar, Thursday, the first in-person talks between the two sides in more than three months.
• Taliban Hold Islamic Scholars' Huddle to Show Strength, Legitimacy VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban arranged Thursday a men-only conference of about 3,500 mostly clerics and tribal elders from across the country in an apparent bid to demonstrate their hold on power and domestic legitimacy.
• Airstrikes target anti-junta forces in Myanmar's Kayin state for 5th day Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2022 -- Five days of intense clashes between Myanmar's military and joint anti-junta forces near the Thai border in Kayin state have left more than a dozen coalition fighters dead and several wounded on both sides of the conflict, sources in the region said Thursday.
• UN Investigator Warns of Increased Violence in Myanmar VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- U.N. investigator Thomas Andrews is warning that Myanmar's military junta is increasing its brutal campaign of violence, resorting to massacres, and widespread human rights violations to maintain its iron grip. The report has been submitted to the U.N. human rights council.
• International Court Issues Warrants For Three War Crimes Suspects Linked To Russia-Georgia War RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued arrest warrants for three people wanted on suspicion of committing war crimes during the 2008 Russia-Georgia War.
• Ethiopia still in grip of spreading violence, hate speech and aid crisis UN News 30 Jun 2022 -- UN-appointed rights investigators announced on Thursday that they've launched a probe into an alleged massacre of at least 200 people in Ethiopia's Oromia region.
• International Commission Calls on Ethiopia to End Violations on Its Territory VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- A U.N. investigative panel is calling on the government of Ethiopia to end conflict-related rights violations on its territory and bring the perpetrators of crimes to justice. The commission has submitted its first report to the U.N. Human Rights Council.
• Landmines Add to Drought Woes of Ethiopian Herders VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- The battles between Ethiopian government-aligned troops and Tigrayan forces may have stopped, but herders in western Afar region are left fighting for survival.

News Reports

• US Capitol Riot Panel Hints at Criminal Referrals for Witness Tampering VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- Lawmakers investigating the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol last year are signaling they could send referrals to the Justice Department for prosecution of illegal tampering with witnesses who have testified to the panel.
• U.S. House committee subpoenas former White House counsel as Capitol riot inquiry continues People's Daily 30 Jun 2022 -- The U.S. House select committee investigating the Capital riot last year has subpoenaed former White House counsel Pat Cipollone for the inquiry.
• Rewards for Justice - Reward Offer for Information on Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2022 -- The U.S. Department of State's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on foreign interference in U.S. elections.
• New Zealand Designates US Proud Boys Terrorist Group VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- New Zealand has designated the U.S. right wing groups the Proud Boys and The Base as terrorist organizations, making it illegal for New Zealand residents to fund or support either organization.
• Statement by President Biden on Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response Fund at the World Bank The White House 30 Jun 2022
• Canadian Man Admits To Hacking Spree With Russian Cybergang RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- A former Canadian government IT worker has admitted to taking part in a hacking spree with a Russian cybercrime group.
• Australian Spy Chief Discusses Geopolitical Threats in First-Ever TV Interview VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- The head of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, in a rare television interview, has outlined concerns about China's economic and military ambitions.
• Vladimir Putin congratulated current staff and veterans of the Foreign Intelligence Service on the centenary of illegal intelligence President of Russia 30 Jun 2022 -- The President laid flowers at the Fatherland, Valour Honour monument at the Foreign Intelligence Service headquarters in Moscow and congratulated the Service's current staff and veterans on the centenary of illegal intelligence.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei following talks, Minsk, June 30, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2022
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus Vladimir Makei, Minsk, June 30, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2022
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's comment for the Belarusian media following talks with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Minsk, June 30, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2022
• Meeting with President of Indonesia Joko Widodo President of Russia 30 Jun 2022 -- Vladimir Putin is holding talks in the Kremlin with President of Indonesia Joko Widodo, who is on a visit to Russia.
• Address to participants of 10th St Petersburg International Legal Forum President of Russia 30 Jun 2022 -- Vladimir Putin gave a video address to greet the participants of a plenary session of the 10th St Petersburg International Legal Forum. This year's plenary session was themed Law in a Multipolar World. The video address was recorded during the President's recent visit to St Petersburg.
• Russian FM says new 'iron curtain' descending between Russia, West following Ukraine war Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that a new "iron curtain" is descending between Russia and the West, just a day after NATO branded Russia as the US-led bloc's "most significant and direct threat" to the security of its members.
• With 70 Russian Diplomats Leaving Bulgaria, Moscow's Controversial Ambassador Is Staying RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- If ambassadors are tasked with fostering warm ties between their home country and host nation, then Eleonora Mitrofanova is not doing her job.
• Press release on UK ambassador to Russia Deborah Bronnert being summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2022
• Russia Deeply Offended By Johnson's 'Toxic Masculinity' Comment On Putin's Decision To Invade Ukraine RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- Russia summoned Britain's ambassador to Moscow to protest Prime Minister Boris Johnson's remarks about President Vladimir Putin and the remarks of another British official about top Russian government figures.
• Press statements following Russian-Indonesian talks President of Russia 30 Jun 2022 -- Vladimir Putin and Joko Widodo made statements for the press following Russian-Indonesian talks.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 30, 2022 PRC MofA 30 Jun 2022
• China: Ukraine war takes heavy toll on Europe; US benefits from it Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- Beijing has lashed out at NATO for calling China in its new blueprint a "challenge" for the US-led military bloc's "interests, security and values", blaming the United States for Russia's military offensive against Ukraine.
• Liz Truss' 'unjustified' comments on China lack common sense: Chinese FM Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss' declaration that China would be making "a catastrophic miscalculation if it invaded Taiwan" is self-righteous, unjustifiable and completely devoid of common sense, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Thursday.
• Beijing Seeks Mediator Role in Turbulent Horn of Africa VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- China is offering to help "silence the guns in the Horn of Africa," an ambitious undertaking given the multiple conflicts in the region, and an indication that Beijing may be moving away from its traditional "non-interference" stance towards more active diplomatic engagement.
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on Hong Kong 25 Years After Handover The White House 30 Jun 2022
• Hong Kong 25 Years After Handover US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2022 -- On July 1, we mark the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China. This date was envisioned as the halfway point of 50 years of promised autonomy under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. Yet it is now evident that Hong Kong and Beijing authorities no longer view democratic participation, fundamental freedoms, and an independent media as part of this vision.
• Hong Kong Restricts Coverage of Xi Visit, Major Celebration VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- Journalists in Hong Kong were left frustrated and bemused after reporters from several media outlets were banned from covering the city's biggest political event of the year.
• President Xi's visit to Hong Kong underscores trust, confidence Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong by train on Thursday afternoon, launching his visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland.
• 'Reassured, proud, no regrets:' Lam concludes 'most challenging' term Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- "Reassured, proud and without regrets," was how incumbent Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam described her tenure as she prepared to leave her post on Thursday, thus completing a term recognized as "the most turbulent five years" and officially concluding her 42 years as a civil servant.
• Xi extends congratulations, best wishes to Hong Kong compatriots Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated Hong Kong compatriots and extended his best wishes on the occasion marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.
• President Xi arrives in Hong Kong for anniversary celebrations PLA Daily 30 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong by train on Thursday afternoon.
• Hong Kong 'reborn of fire': Xi says as ex-UK colony marks return to China Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- China's president has said Hong Kong had been "reborn of fire" as he visits the city to mark the 25th anniversary of the former British colony's return to Beijing's rule.
• China's Xi Jinping says Hong Kong 'risen from the ashes' amid crackdown on dissent Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2022 -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday ahead of the 25th anniversary of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rule, saying the city had "risen from the ashes" under a draconian national security law that left former opposition lawmakers under house arrest and journalists shut out of official events.
• 'One country, two systems': Hong Kong loses freedoms after 25 years of Chinese rule Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2022 -- On July 1, 1997, the British flag came down for the last time in Hong Kong, as the city returned to Chinese rule.
• Report Alleges Global Companies 'Unknowingly' Support China's Use of Uyghur Forced Labor VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- Some global companies could be "unknowingly supporting" China's use of Uyghur forced labor from the Xinjiang region by importing goods from Chinese companies headquartered in other parts of China, according to a new report.
• US surveillance satellite probe poses big security threat: experts Global Times 30 Jun 2022 -- US media reported a recent event in which a pair of Chinese satellites evaded a probe attempt by a US space surveillance satellite, with Chinese experts saying on Wednesday that the US spying activities in space pose enormous security threats to many countries including China. They said the US media's hyping of Chinese satellites' defensive measures is a vile trick.
• China urges G7 to cease all attacks, smears against country People's Daily 30 Jun 2022 -- China on Wednesday urged the Group of Seven (G7) to stop attacking and smearing it, and to cease all forms of meddling in China's internal affairs, following a recent statement issued at a G7 summit making wanton accusations on China-related issues.
• US Believes China Still Hoping to Take Taiwan Without Force VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- Fears that Russia's invasion of Ukraine would spur China to take a similar approach to Taiwan do not appear to be playing out, at least not yet, according to the top U.S. intelligence official.
• North Korea military celebrates 'Anti-U.S. Joint Struggle Month' Radio Free Asia 30 Jun 2022 -- North Korea's military has designated the end of June and most of July as "Anti-U.S. Joint Struggle Month" as a means to foment greater hostility toward the U.S. in retaliation for the Biden administration's lack of interest in negotiating with Pyongyang, military sources told RFA.
• Efforts Concentrated on Flood Damage Prevention KCNA 30 Jun 2022 -- Officials and workers in the agricultural sector of the DPRK are waging a dynamic campaign to prevent crops from flood damage and ensure the increased grain production this year.
• Proactive Efforts Made in DPRK to Minimize Damage by Flood to Crops KCNA 30 Jun 2022 -- Officials and working people across the country are striving to minimize the damage by disastrous abnormal weather to the crops.
• Construction of Power Stations Promoted KCNA 30 Jun 2022 -- A general offensive is vigorously waged at the construction sites for army-people power stations in Kangwon Province of the DPRK to surely attain this year's goals.
• FATF Censured for Following U.S. Hostile Policy toward DPRK KCNA 30 Jun 2022 -- Ri Jong Chol, section chief of the National Coordination Committee of the DPRK for Anti-money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism on Thursday made public an article titled "The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering should not follow the U.S. hostile policy toward the DPRK".
• Diplomats: Iran Making New Demands in Nuclear Talks VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- A day after indirect talks between the United States and Iran on a return to the 2015 nuclear deal ended unsuccessfully, diplomats said Thursday that Tehran has brought new demands to the table.
• Iran Tells UN Security Council It's Ready For More Indirect Talks With U.S. On Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- Iran says it is ready for more indirect talks with the United States to overcome the last hurdles to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
• FM Spox rules out unfounded allegations against Iran IRNA 30 Jun 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Thursday ruled out the baseless allegations made in a joint statement by two Arab officials in Manama, Bahrain against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Iranian President Wants Increased Trade With Russia To Bypass Western Financial Systems RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that he wants to expand bilateral trade with Moscow and make it independent of the Western financial exchange system.
• Iran's nuclear escalation is a threat to international peace and security: UK at Security Council UK FCDO 30 Jun 2022 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231
• Iran should take this opportunity to conclude the deal while it is still possible: E3 at Security Council UK FCDO 30 Jun 2022 -- Joint statement by UK, France and Germany ahead of the Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231
• 'Effort and patience' required to restore Iran nuclear agreement UN News 30 Jun 2022 -- Despite diplomatic engagements, restoring the so-called Iran nuclear agreement continues to be hindered by political and technical differences, the UN political and peacebuilding chief told the Security Council on Thursday.
• Iran, Russia, China censure US over impasse after Doha talks Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- Iran has censured the United States for refusing to abandon its wrong path after two-day negotiations in the Qatari capital to discuss how to remove sanctions on the Islamic Republic ended Wednesday.
• Iran says pushing 'strategic ties' with Russia as presidents meet Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that Tehran pursues engagement with Moscow within the framework of a strategic relationship.
• Iran president calls on Caspian states to step up cooperation Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi has told a summit of the Caspian presidents in Ashgabat that cooperation among the littoral states has become increasingly important in light of international developments.
• Beginning of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Minsk, June 30, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 Jun 2022
• Outgoing PM Bennett and Incoming PM Lapid hold Handover Ceremony Israel - Prime Minister 30 Jun 2022 -- Outgoing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and incoming Prime Minister Yair Lapid held a modest handover ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, today. Senior officials from their bureaus and members of the Bennett and Lapid families also attended the ceremony.
• Welcoming Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2022 -- On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer our warmest congratulations to Yair Lapid on assuming the role of Prime Minister of Israel.
• The Harsh Sentencing of Human Rights Defenders in Cuba US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2022 -- The United States is deeply concerned by the ongoing harsh sentencing of political protesters in Cuba, and we will continue to work with our partners around the world to demonstrate our collective support for the rights of Cubans who are unjustly detained.
• Turkey Received Guarantees From Sweden on Extradition of 73 PKK Members, Erdogan Says Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- Turkey has received guarantees from Sweden on the extradition of 73 members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.
• Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Becomes Philippine President VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, became the 17th president of the Philippines Thursday, successfully fulfilling his family's mission to return to power 36 years after a people's uprising toppled his father.
• Xi congratulates Marcos on inauguration as Philippine president PLA Daily 30 Jun 2022 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a congratulatory letter to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on his inauguration as president of the Republic of the Philippines.
• President Xi Jinping Sends Message of Congratulations to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on His Inauguration as Philippine President PRC MofA 30 Jun 2022 -- On June 30, 2022, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on his inauguration as President of the Republic of the Philippines.
• Several Sudan protesters killed in mass rallies against military rule Press TV 30 Jun 2022 -- At least six Sudanese protesters have been killed as security forces sought to quash mass rallies of protesters demanding an end to military rule by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
• Macron Says Compromise Found On EU Membership Talks For North Macedonia RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says he believes a compromise has been found on the framework for negotiations on EU membership for North Macedonia.
• Poland Finishes Construction Of Wall On Belarusian Border To Keep Migrants Out RFE/RL 30 Jun 2022 -- Poland says it has completed a steel wall stretching along the border with Belarus to stop the flow of illegal migrants after tens of thousands, mostly from the Middle East, tried to enter the EU-member state from the Belarusian territory last year.
• President of Sri Lanka Asks Putin to Help With Oil Shortage, Report Says Sputnik 30 Jun 2022 -- President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin asking for assistance in oil purchases, Sri Lankan newspaper The Daily Mirror reported on Thursday, citing a source close to the president's administration.
• Designation of Former Colombian Senator Luis Alberto Gil Castillo for Involvement in Significant Corruption US Dept. of State 30 Jun 2022 -- The United States is designating former Colombian Senator Luis Alberto Gil Castillo for his involvement in significant corruption. Gil Castillo solicited and accepted monetary bribes from a subgroup of the then-U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO) known as the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC).
• Nigerian Experts Praise Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- As Europe seeks to wean itself off Russian natural gas, Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria have revived a decades-old, multi-billion-dollar gas project.
• Following Indonesia's Diplomatic Blitz, Western Leaders Say They'll Attend G-20 Bali Summit VOA 30 Jun 2022 -- Western leaders signaled confirmation of their attendance at the November summit of the Group of 20 in Bali, despite initial boycott threats, and the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin could possibly participate virtually at the gathering.