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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Al-Qaeda Chief Killed In Posh Kabul Neighborhood Largely Built With U.S. Taxpayer Money RFE/RL Gandhara 02 Aug 2022 -- For years, Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahri was believed to be hiding in the remote, mountainous areas straddling Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.
• US, Taliban Exchange Blame after Al-Zawahiri's Killing VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- Hours before U.S. President Joe Biden announced that al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by a U.S. drone strike in central Kabul on July 30, the Taliban accused Washington of violating the February 2020 U.S.-Taliban deal known as the Doha Agreement.
• U.S. Drone Strike Kills al-Qaida Leader in Kabul DoD News 02 Aug 2022 -- Ayman al-Zawahiri, one of the perpetrators of the 9-11 attacks that killed almost 3,000 people in New York, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, was killed by U.S. drone missiles in Afghanistan's capital, President Joe Biden announced yesterday.
• White House: US Has 'Visual Confirmation' of al-Qaeda Chief Zawahiri's Death, But No DNA Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- The United States has "visual confirmation" of the death of the leader of al-Qaeda* Ayman al-Zawahiri, but no DNA proof, National Security Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on Tuesday.
• Pakistani Airspace 'Likely Was Used' in US Drone Strike That Killed al-Qaeda Leader Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- US counter-terrorism operations in the region remain a controversial subject in Pakistan, which has suffered massive collateral damage due to the Bush-era 'War on Terror'. Former PM Imran Khan had vowed that Islamabad won't host any American bases, nor would Pakistan allow the country's airspace to be used for over-the-horizon operations.
• 'This Terrorist Leader is No More': Biden Confirms US Strike Killed al-Qaeda Figure Al-Zawahiri Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- Biden's late Monday address came hours after reports first surfaced detailing that the US military had successfully killed an al-Qaeda* operative over the weekend in Afghanistan.
• U.S. Drone Strike In Afghanistan Kills Al-Qaeda Leader RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden says Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri, one of the world's most-wanted terrorists, was killed over the weekend in a U.S. drone strike in Kabul.
• Biden says U.S. killed al-Qaeda leader al-Zawahiri in drone strike People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- U.S. President Joe Biden announced Monday evening that al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri had been killed in a drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan.
• Biden claims al-Qaeda leader killed in Afghanistan airstrike Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- The al-Qaeda leader has been reportedly killed in a CIA drone strike on a residential area in Afghanistan's capital city, Kabul.
• Oklahoma National Guard supports wildland firefighting Army News 02 Aug 2022 -- Oklahoma Army National Guard helicopter crews dropped nearly 400,000 gallons of water on wildfires in Northwestern Oklahoma July 16-19 and 27-29.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Counter-IED Training with the Uruguayan Army Army News 02 Aug 2022 -- Smiles, laughter, and jokes permeated throughout a room in the Hartford Armory as seven members of the 192nd Engineer Battalion met with state partnership program director, Maj. Nick Raphael, to complete an after-action report for their recent trip to Uruguay.
• MWR breaks ground on 2 new facilities on Fort Wainwright Army News 02 Aug 2022 -- Under a partly cloudy sky with a cool breeze, Fort Wainwright held two groundbreaking ceremonies for new Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities July 29. The aquatic center and community activity center will bring much-needed indoor recreational opportunities to the furthest north military installation in the United States.
• Partner Nation EOD, Divers Build Combined Force Capabilities during RIMPAC 2022 US Navy 02 Aug 2022 -- Divers and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians from six partner nations completed training at Rim of the Pacific 2022 in Pearl Harbor, July 29.
• USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrives in Civitavecchia US Navy 02 Aug 2022 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrived in Civitavecchia, Italy for a scheduled port visit, August 2, 2022.
• U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk crew calls port in The Gambia, Sierra Leone AFRICOM 02 Aug 2022 -- Mohawk's parent command is U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, and is currently forward-deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations to promote maritime security and law enforcement.
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and U.S. military begin planning for Exercise EAGLE RESOLVE CENTCOM 02 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Central Command, along with The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, initiated the Concept Development Conference for the planning of Exercise EAGLE RESOLVE 23 - a scenario-driven command post exercise (CPX) linked with field training exercises (FTX) scheduled for May-June 2023 in Saudi Arabia.
• Three New Projects for DOD's Innovate Beyond 5G Program DoD 02 Aug 2022 -- The Department of Defense's Innovate Beyond 5G (IB5G) Program recently kicked off three new projects that continue to advance DoD collaborative partnerships with industry and academia for 5G-to-NextG wireless technologies.
• Readout of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Chidi Blyden's Meeting With Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Defence Muana Massaquoi and Chief of Defence Staff Lt. GEN Sullay Sesay DoD 02 Aug 2022
• DOD Office Focuses on Effects of Climate Change on Department DoD News 02 Aug 2022 -- Earth's temperature is rising, and, as everyone must adjust to the new climate realities, the Defense Department must do its part to combat this rise.
• U.S. Marines provide aviation delivered ground refueling to U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone USMC News 02 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764 provided aviation delivered ground refueling to a remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper drone from the 163rd Attack Wing of the California Air National Guard during Integrated Training Exercise 4-22 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., July 20 and 21, 2022.
• Nuclear arms should never be unleashed: Putin Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against a nuclear war breaking out, saying nuclear arms should "never be unleashed."
• Russian Foreign Ministry: Hybrid War Against Moscow Could Lead to a Conflict Between Nuclear Powers Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- The UN Headquarters in New York is currently hosting the Review Conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the participants of which, in the current extremely tense global situation, are discussing a strategy for preventing nuclear war.
• Nuclear war must never be initiated: Putin People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 02 Aug 2022 -- This list provides an overview of lethal and non-lethal German military support for Ukraine. It contains deliveries from the German Armed Forces, as well as deliveries from German industry financed by German funds for security capacity building.
• China to Test-Launch Missile With Non-Nuclear Warhead, PLA Eastern Command Says Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- The announcement comes amid the arrival of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan - the self-ruled island that China considers an inalienable part of its territory. The lawmaker's trip has put the military of the island, as well as Chinese and US forces in the region on high alert.
• China is Not Ready to Take Part in Discussions on New START Treaty Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- China is not ready to participate in discussions on the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) with the United States and Russia as its nuclear arsenal is much lower, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Tuesday.
• Xi Focus: PLA striving to build world-class military under Xi's leadership People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- Monday marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• Foreign officials appreciate Chinese military's contribution to safeguarding world peace PLA Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- As Monday marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Chinese embassies and diplomatic missions abroad have held events to celebrate the day.
• Pakistan Military Says Helicopter Wreckage Found, Six Dead, Including Army General RFE/RL Gandhara 02 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's military says the wreckage of a helicopter that went down on August 1 in the country's flood-stricken southwest has been found. An army general and five other members of the military onboard were killed, it said.
• Pakistan Military Confirms Top General, 5 Others Killed in Helicopter Crash VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan said Tuesday rescue teams had found the wreckage of a military helicopter that crashed overnight due to bad weather in flood-hit southwestern Baluchistan province, killing all six senior officers on board.
• United Arab Emirates - Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System Missiles and THAAD Fire Control and Communication Stations DSCA 02 Aug 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System Missiles, THAAD Fire Control and Communication Stations, and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.245 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Saudi Arabia - PATRIOT MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical Ballistic Missiles (GEM-T) DSCA 02 Aug 2022 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of PATRIOT MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical Ballistic Missiles (GEM-T) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.05 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Amid Rising Global Tensions, UN Chief Warns About Nuclear Annihilation RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on nations around the globe to "put humanity on a new path" that is free of nuclear weapons as rising geopolitical tensions have put the planet just "one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation."
• UN secretary-general warns of 'nuclear annihilation' Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has warned that the world is in danger with humanity being only one misstep away from "nuclear annihilation."
• Sri Lanka Brushes Aside Indian 'Spying' Concerns Over Chinese Ship Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- Colombo defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt in April, exacerbating months of political turmoil which culminated in the fleeing of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Singapore last month. During this time, India backed the country, extending more than $3 billion in loans and credit lines. Colombo also owes China over $7 billion.
• State Department Prepares New Focus on Cyber Diplomacy VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- President Joe Biden's nominee to become the first U.S. ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy faces a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday as the administration pushes forward with an effort to assert U.S. leadership in the development of global standards and best practices for the modern internet.
• Special Online Briefing with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations US Dept. of State 02 Aug 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Estonian Foreign Minister Reinsalu US Dept. of State 02 Aug 2022
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Secretary General of Japan's National Security Secretariat Akiba Takeo The White House 02 Aug 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby, August 2, 2022 The White House 02 Aug 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 2, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 2 August 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Aug 2022
• Statement by President Biden on the Extension of the UN-Mediated Truce in Yemen The White House 02 Aug 2022
• The United States Welcomes the Extension of the UN-Brokered Truce in Yemen US Dept. of State 02 Aug 2022 -- The United States welcomes today's announcement by the UN on the extension of the truce in Yemen. This truce has brought respite from conflict to millions of Yemenis and saved thousands of lives, providing Yemen the longest period of calm since the war began.
• Yemen: Statement by the Spokesperson on the truce extension European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Aug 2022 -- The European Union welcomes the announcement by UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg that the parties have agreed to a further extension of the truce in Yemen until 2 October 2022.
• Yemen Truce Renewed Until October VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The United Nations said Tuesday that the parties to the Yemen war have agreed to extend a truce in place for the past four months for an additional two months, a move humanitarians welcomed.
• Foreign Secretary welcomes extension of truce in Yemen UK FCDO 02 Aug 2022 -- The Foreign Secretary has welcomed the two-month extension of the truce in Yemen, which has been agreed today 2 August 2022.
• UNICEF welcomes extension of truce in Yemen and calls for more action to protect children from violence and remnants of war UNICEF 02 Aug 2022 -- "UNICEF welcomes the announcement that the parties to the conflict in Yemen have agreed to the United Nations' proposal to renew the current truce for an additional two months. Since it started in April 2022, the truce led to a significant reduction in the intensity of the conflict and the number of victims.
• Yemen truce renewed for another two months UN News 02 Aug 2022 -- The landmark truce in Yemen, which has been holding since April, has been renewed for an additional two months through 2 October, UN Special Envoy for the country, Hans Grundberg, announced on Tuesday.
• Yemen truce extended for another 2 months: Envoy Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- A direly-needed truce between Yemen's aggressors and the impoverished country's popular resistance Houthi Ansarullah movement has been renewed for another two-month-long period.
• Will Al-Zawahiri's Killing Have Impact on Al-Qaida Affiliates in Syria? VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The killing of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a U.S. strike in Afghanistan will likely have little impact on the terror group's affiliates in war-torn Syria, analysts say.
• Junta troops kill 5 in raid on school run by Myanmar shadow government Radio Free Asia 02 Aug 2022 -- Junta troops killed five people and detained more than 110 others during a raid on a village school run by Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government (NUG) in embattled Sagaing region, residents and state media said Tuesday.
• Thai natural gas project suspended after pipeline explosions in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 02 Aug 2022 -- A pipeline carrying gas from Myanmar to Thailand has exploded twice in three days, according to locals.
• Over 1.2 mln people remain displaced in Myanmar: UN People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- More than 1.2 million people are now displaced across Myanmar, including over 866,000 people displaced by the conflict and insecurity since the military takeover in February 2021, said a UN spokesman on Monday.
• Aid Cuts Threaten DRC's Internally Displaced VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The U.N. refugee agency says it will be forced to cut aid programs for millions of internally displaced people and refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo without an immediate injection of money.
• Funding shortfall forces UNHCR to cut vital programmes in DR Congo UNHCR 02 Aug 2022 -- Due to insufficient funding, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is unable to adequately respond to the rising humanitarian needs of refugees and internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• DR Congo says 36 killed in recent anti-UN protests Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo says at least three dozen people were killed during recent demonstrations against a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the troubled east of the country.
• DR Congo Says 32 Civilians Killed in Protests Against UN Peacekeepers Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- At least 32 civilians died during protests against the UN peacekeeping mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an inquiry by the Congolese authorities foun
• 'Not a square meter': Lebanon rejects Israeli offer on border demarcation Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Lebanon has rejected an Israeli proposal on the demarcation of the country's southern maritime border with the occupying regime, reaffirming its right to maritime oil and gas fields.
• US, EU Officials Urge Talks to Settle Ethiopia's Tigray Conflict VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- U.S. and European Union special envoys for the Horn of Africa have called on Ethiopian authorities to restore basic services to the Tigray region in order to encourage peace talks with rebels. The envoys have just completed their first trip to the region.
• Ethiopia: EU and US Special Envoys Visit to Mekelle, Tigray European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Aug 2022 -- On Tuesday, 2nd August 2022, the respective EU and US Special Envoys for the Horn of Africa, H.E. Annette Weber and H.E. Mike Hammer travelled on their first joint mission to Mekelle, Tigray, to encourage the launch of talks between the Federal Government of Ethiopia (FGoE) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) under the African Union's auspices.
• Nagorno-Karabakh Military Accuses Azerbaijan Of Attacks; Baku Denies Cease-Fire Violations RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- Nagorno-Karabakh's military on August 1 accused Azerbaijani forces of launching attacks on its positions in the territory's north and northwest.
• Cameroon Separatists Killed and Captured in Days of Fighting Military Forces VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The streets of the Batibo district in western Cameroon were deserted Tuesday following three days of clashes between government forces and separatist fighters. Both sides say they inflicted significant losses on the other, while witnesses report seeing the bodies of troops, rebel fighters and civilians.

News Reports

• Al-Qaida Succession Plan Being Put to Test VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The death of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a U.S. airstrike is likely to test the terror group's resolve and coherence - and possibly strain long-crafted succession plans - just as it was seemingly positioned to be the world's preeminent jihadist threat.
• Justice Department Investigating More Than 100 Cases of Threats Against Election Workers VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. Justice Department is investigating more than 100 cases of threats made against local election officials over the past year, most of them in states that former President Donald Trump lost to President Joe Biden during the 2020 election.
• President Biden Announces Team to Lead Monkeypox Response The White House 02 Aug 2022
• US Illinois Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Monkeypox Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- An emergency regime has been imposed in the US state of Illinois over the spread of monkeypox, Governor Jay Robert Pritzker said.
• Monkeypox concern heightened after becoming a 'northern' disease, says WHO UN News 02 Aug 2022 -- Countries need to work more together to stop the rapidly spreading outbreak of monkeypox, "no matter the nationality, skin colour or religion of the affected population," the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
• India Reports First Death Due to Monkeypox VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- India is accelerating action against the monkeypox virus after reporting its first death due to monkeypox in the southern state of Kerala, that of a 22-year-old man who had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates.
• Tajik Biochemist In Australia Pleads Guilty To Charge Of Inciting Terrorism Abroad RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- A Tajikistan-born former researcher at the University of Western Australia has pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting terrorism abroad.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, August 2, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Aug 2022
• G7 Accuses Russia Of Weaponizing Energy, Pledges To Minimize Supply Disruptions RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- The Group of Seven (G7) wealthy Western nations has accused Russia of trying to "weaponize" its energy exports and pledged to work to ensure Moscow doesn't "exploit" its position as an energy producer "to profit from its aggression at the expense of vulnerable countries."
• US Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Elites, Including Putin's Reported Lover VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. imposed new sanctions Tuesday targeting Russian elites, including oligarchs and a woman — one-time Olympic rhythmic gymnast champion Alina Kabaeva — often named in news reports as Russian President Vladimir Putin's lover and mother of four of his children.
• Treasury Sanctions Elites and Companies in Economic Sectors that Generate Substantial Revenue for the Russian Regime US Treasury 02 Aug 2022 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed a new round of sanctions targeting Kremlin-connected elites, a major multinational company, and a sanctions evasion operation, as well as one yacht pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024. These elites and businesses operate in economic sectors that generate substantial revenue for the Russian regime, including from sources outside of Russia.
• Imposing Additional Costs on Russia for its Continued War against Ukraine US Dept. of State 02 Aug 2022 -- As Ukrainians continue to valiantly defend their homeland in the face of President Putin's brutal war, Russia's elite are running massive revenue-generating companies and funding their own opulent lifestyles outside of Russia. Today, the United States is taking additional actions to ensure that the Kremlin and its enablers feel the compounding effects of our response to the Kremlin's unconscionable war of aggression.
• Imposing Additional Costs on Russia for Its Continued War Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 02 Aug 2022 -- The United States is committed to working alongside our allies and partners to further impose severe consequences on President Putin and his enablers for Russia's unconscionable war against Ukraine.
• Russian elites, billionaires targeted by US sanctions Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- The Biden administration has imposed new sanctions, targeting Russian elites and billionaires in the fallout of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine's Donbas.
• Latest Round Of U.S. Sanctions Targets Metals Company, Former Olympic Gymnast Tied To Putin RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- A new round of U.S. sanctions announced on August 2 targets a major Russian metals company and a woman closely linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Minister Joly announces additional sanctions on Russian military officials and defence entities Canada 02 Aug 2022 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing further sanctions in relation to Russia's illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.
• Russian Embassy: Canada's New Sanctions Demonstrate 'Thoughtless' Position on Ukraine Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- New sanctions by Canada against Russia show Ottawa's thoughtless stance on the Ukrainian conflict, the Russian Embassy said in a statement.
• Britain, U.S. Broaden Sanctions On Russian Oil Company, Airlines RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- Britain and the United States on August 2 further expanded their sanctions on Russian individuals and companies over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia Bars Entry To 39 Britons, Including Politicians, Journalists RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- Russia has announced sanctions against 39 British politicians, business leaders, and journalists, barring them from entering Russia.
• Former Russian President's Controversial Online Post Attributed To 'Hackers' RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- A nationalist, pro-imperial post calling Georgia and Kazakhstan "artificial" creations briefly appeared on the VKontakte (VK) social network account of former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev before being taken down and attributed to hackers.
• Moscow blacklists 39 Brits, including Labor leader Starmer, ex-PM Cameron Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Russia has said it is blacklisting nearly 40 British individuals over what Moscow described as hostile activities targeting the Russian nation.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on August 2, 2022 PRC MofA 02 Aug 2022
• Germany to Unveil New China Strategy in 2023, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- Germany is reviewing its strategy on China and will make the new posture public sometime next year, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in New York on Tuesday.
• China's Belt And Road Grapples With Mounting Debt Crisis, Impacting Central Asia, Pakistan, And Beyond RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- A few weeks before the Sri Lankan president fled the country amid growing protests triggered by its debt-laden economy's default and financial crisis, a top Kyrgyz official issued a warning about the Central Asian nation's own dire forecast as the turmoil unfolded.
• China strives to maintain momentum of economic growth, aiming for best possible results People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- After China managed to secure positive economic growth in the second quarter amid challenges from home and abroad, the country is striving to consolidate the growth momentum and aims for the best possible results in the second half of the year.
• Renminbi gets global currency basket upgrade People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- The enhanced standing of the renminbi as a key global reserve asset will further boost the Chinese currency's accelerated march toward playing a more central role in the international financial governance system, officials and experts said.
• China to see population shrink by 2025 People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- China's population growth is set to turn negative by 2025, as low fertility rates and aging will bring long-term challenges, the National Health Commission, the country's top health authority, said in an article published on Monday.
• US Speaker Pelosi arrives in Taiwan to welcoming crowds, China military drills Radio Free Asia 02 Aug 2022 -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taiwan late on Tuesday for a visit amid angry denunciations and heightened threats from Chinese officials, who unveiled plans to hold days of military drills in the seas around the self-governing island by China's People's Liberation Army.
• Pelosi visit renews debate in Taiwan over best approach to greater self-determination Radio Free Asia 02 Aug 2022 -- Lawmakers in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan expressed cross-party support for U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit, rejecting threats from Beijing amid an ongoing debate on the democratic island about the strength of its ties with the United States.
• Pelosi Arrives in Taiwan, Defying China VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- A U.S. congressional delegation led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed late Tuesday in Taiwan, despite warnings by China, which has threatened a military response to the visit.
• Pelosi makes stop in Taiwan, disregards China's threats CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who embarked on an Asian tour Sunday, made an unannounced stop in Taiwan late Tuesday, in what was considered a show of support for Taiwan, despite Beijing's warnings not to do so.
• Taiwan's military heightens combat readiness ahead of Pelosi visit CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan's military heightened its combat readiness from 8 a.m. Tuesday in response to Chinese live-fire military exercises held amid rumors U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi will visit Taipei, according to a source familiar with the matter.
• Pelosi has the right to visit Taiwan: White House CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- A White House spokesman on Monday said that House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi had "the right to visit Taiwan" as part of a tour of the Indo-Pacific.
• Taiwan legislators welcome Pelosi's visit despite China's threats CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan legislators across the political spectrum on Tuesday welcomed reports of an expected visit by United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi later in the day, and they called on China not to overact.
• Forceful China response to Pelosi could backfire: Academic CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- U.S.-based China researcher M. Taylor Fravel said Monday that a forceful show by Beijing in response to a reported visit to Taiwan by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi could backfire.
• Presidential Office website returns to normal service after cyber attack CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- The website of Taiwan's Presidential Office has returned to normal service after being temporarily taken offline following an overseas cyber attack earlier Tuesday, according to Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵).
• Chinese rhetoric on Pelosi, Gingrich visits markedly different CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- China's rhetoric ahead of a reportedly imminent visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan Tuesday has differed dramatically from the language used when her predecessor Newt Gingrich visited the nation in 1997.
• Taiwan has no comment on China's threats ahead of Pelosi's expected visit CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday that it had no comment on the military threats made by China regarding an expected visit to Taipei by Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
• Two Chinese military vessels seen off Taiwan's Lanyu Island: Source CNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Two Chinese warships -- a missile destroyer and a frigate -- were spotted in international waters off the coast of Lanyu Island in eastern Taiwan early Tuesday morning, according to a military source.
• Pelosi's potential visit to Taiwan dangerous, provocative: China's UN envoy Global Times 02 Aug 2022 -- Amid escalating cross-Straits tensions due to possible visit of US House Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, China's top official to the UN warned that the visit is dangerous and provocative, as the one-China principle is a red line in China's relations with other countries, and China allows no one to cross this red line.
• Wang Yi has no plan to meet Blinken during ASEAN meetings amid tensions caused by Pelosi's trip to Taiwan island Global Times 02 Aug 2022 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has no plans to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken although both are attending the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings in Phnom Penh this week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Tuesday, as tensions rise over Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan island.
• Tension escalates hours ahead of Pelosi's potential Taiwan visit as PLA remains fully prepared for any crisis Global Times 02 Aug 2022 -- The intensity of the situation across the Taiwan Straits has drastically escalated as the military deployment from the Chinese mainland, US and the island of Taiwan continues creeping up, after US and Taiwan-based media disclosed that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to visit the island on Tuesday night, a serious provocation and violation to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity which would be met with severe countermeasures from the Chinese military.
• PLA's two aircraft carriers move out from homeports amid Pelosi's alleged imminent Taiwan visit, satellite images and reports show Global Times 02 Aug 2022 -- Both of aircraft carriers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy have reportedly moved out from their homeports respectively amid US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's possible visit to the island of Taiwan, which media reported could happen Tuesday evening.
• Russia backs China on Taiwan as sanctions, incursions expected during Pelosi visit Radio Free Asia 02 Aug 2022 -- Russia on Tuesday backed Beijing's disapproval of an expected visit by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the democratic island of Taiwan, calling it a "provocation," as China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) engaged in live-fire military exercises across the Taiwan Strait.
• Russian Foreign Ministry statement on US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Aug 2022
• Russian Foreign Ministry Calls Pelosi's Visit to Taiwan US Provocation to Contain China Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- Moscow sees the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan as a clear provocation in the spirit of the US aggressive line on the comprehensive containment of China, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
• Iran reacts to Pelosi's visit to Taiwan IRNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Tuesday reacted to a visit to Taiwan by Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and said that respect to other country's national sovereignty is among key principles of the UN Charter.
• Iran condemns US meddling in China's affairs as Pelosi visits Taiwan Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Iran condemns Washington's meddling in the domestic affairs of China and violation of the Asian state's territorial integrity, as the US House speaker makes a provocative visit to Chinese Taipei, severely increasing tensions with Beijing.
• Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian's remarks on Pelosi's visit to Taiwan PLA Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- On August 2, Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited China's Taiwan region. The Chinese side strongly condemns and firmly opposes this visit.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command conducts joint military operations around Taiwan Island PLA Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- "The PLA Eastern Theater Command will conduct a series of joint military operations around the Taiwan Island from the evening of August 2," said Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in a written statement on Tuesday evening.
• Statement by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Pelosi's visit to Taiwan PLA Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday issued a statement on Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi's visit to China's Taiwan region. Following is the full text of the statement:
• China summons U.S. ambassador over Pelosi's visit to Taiwan PLA Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng urgently summoned the U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns late Tuesday night and lodged stern representations and strong protests over Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi's visit to China's Taiwan region.
• China to carry out 'targeted military operations' in response to Pelosi's visit to Taiwan Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese military says it will launch "targeted military operations" in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan amid soaring tensions between Washington and Beijing over the highly-controversial trip.
• US House Speaker Pelosi lands in Chinese Taipei, escalating US tensions with China Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has landed in Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), and the Chinese military vowed to launch "targeted military actions" in response to her visit.
• US deploys warships near Taiwan as Pelosi arrives in Chinese Taipei Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- The American military has deployed four warships, including an aircraft carrier, near Taiwan amid soaring tensions over the US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the self-ruled island, with Beijing warning that Washington will "pay the price."
• In fresh warning, China says Pelosi's potential Taiwan visit 'dangerous, provocative' Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- China has repeated its warning against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's expected visit to Taiwan, calling it dangerous and provocative.
• Taiwan Air Defense Spots 21 Chinese Jets Entering Their Radar Zone After Pelosi's Arrival Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- The arrival of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island has put the military of Taiwan, China and the US in the region on high alert amid fears of provocations and miscalculations. The visit was strongly objected by China, which sees the island as its territory.
• China Slams Pelosi's Taiwan Trip as 'Very Dangerous Act' Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday criticized US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan as a "very dangerous act of playing with fire."
• Chinese Army Begins Military Exercises in South China Sea Amid Escalation Over Taiwan Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is starting military exercises in the South China Sea on Tuesday amid regional escalation over a potential visit to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
• China sternly warns Biden admin not to arrange Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, PLA 'will not sit idly by' Global Times 02 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) are keeping up the pressure on the US over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's potential visit to the island of Taiwan, urging the US to honor US President Joe Biden's promise to not support "Taiwan independence," while media outlets from the US and Taiwan reported that Pelosi is expected to visit the island shortly.
• Pelosi's potential visit to Taiwan dangerous, provocative: China's UN envoy Global Times 02 Aug 2022 -- Amid escalating cross-Straits tensions due to possible visit of US House Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, China's top official to the UN warned that the visit is dangerous and provocative, as the one-China principle is a red line in China's relations with other countries, and China allows no one to cross this red line.
• PLA not to sit idly by if Pelosi visits Taiwan: Chinese spokesperson People's Daily 02 Aug 2022 -- China on Monday once again warned the United States that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will not sit idly by if U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan.
• Beijing warns: China's military will "not sit idly by" if Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- China has once again warned that its military will "not sit idly by" if US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi pays a visit to the Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), as tensions continue to soar between Beijing and Washington over the potential visit.
• Nationwide Effort to Minimize Intense Heat Damage KCNA 02 Aug 2022 -- The temperature is rising in the overall areas of the DPRK, with persistent fierce heat witnessed in some areas.
• Power Production Plan for July Fulfilled KCNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Officials and workers in the electric power industry of the DPRK over-fulfilled their national economic plans for July while simultaneously pushing ahead with the current production and adjustment and reinforcement.
• IAEA Chief: Iran's Nuclear Program Growing VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency said Tuesday that Iran's nuclear program is "growing in ambition and capacity" and his agency needs full access to verify all aspects of it.
• Justice Department Seeks Seizure of Boeing 747 Cargo Plane Grounded in Argentina US Dept. of Justice 02 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. Department of Justice transmitted a request to Argentinian authorities today to seize a Boeing 747-300M cargo plane following the unsealing of a seizure warrant in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
• Argentina releases some crew of grounded plane after Iran's warning Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Argentina has ordered the release of some of the crew members of a Venezuelan cargo plane that was grounded in the country since June after Iran warned Buenos Aires that the Iranian aviation instructors travelling with the plane should be released immediately.
• Iran says it welcomes any initiative that helps reach final agreement Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says Tehran welcomes any initiative that helps pave the way for reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Iran: UK, France should avoid helping culprit of hampering JCPOA IRNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Tuesday that the UK and France should not stand alongside culprits for the current situation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• UK, France must press US to take decisions for lasting, strong agreement: Iran Foreign Ministry Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has reiterated the futility of threats and sanctions against Tehran, urging Britain and France to force the US to take the necessary decisions to pave the way for a revival of the 2015 deal instead of siding with the party responsible for the agreement's troubled condition.
• Iran's nuclear chief: Western countries repeat baseless accusations against Iran Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says Western parties to the 2015 nuclear deal continue to level baseless accusations against Iran, which had been already refuted under the landmark agreement.
• Tehran feeding gas into new centrifuges as countermeasure to fresh US sanctions: Iranian FM Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Iran's foreign minister says the recent decision to feed gas into cascades of new centrifuges was a response to the United States' insane obsession with imposing new sanctions against the country.
• Iran to continue enriching uranium: AEOI spokesman ISNA 02 Aug 2022 -- The spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi emphasized, "Iranian Head of Atomic Energy Organization's remarks on Iran's capability to get access to nuclear bomb have been misinterpreted, and Iran is not moving towards building a nuclear bomb".
• Iran will continue enriching uranium to serve national needs: AEOI spokesman Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- As Tehran starts feeding gas into hundreds of advanced IR-1 and IR-6 machines, the spokesman for Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI) of Iran says the process of enriching uranium will continue to fulfill the country's needs.
• Addiction to sanctions features US dominance policy: Spox IRNA 02 Aug 2022 -- The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in response to the new sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran that Washington is addicted to the sanctions and uses them instrumentally, no matter who is in the White House.
• US addiction to sanctions symbol of Washington's arrogant system: Iran ISNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has reacted to some new unilateral sanctions imposed by the US on trade with Iran.
• Iran, Venezuela stress on strengthening of bartering model to increase mutual trade ties ISNA 02 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mahdi Safari held a meeting with Venezuela's transportation minister and the chair of the Iran-Venezuela Joint Economic Commission.
• Iran awards $17.8 billion worth of contracts for building two refineries Press TV 02 Aug 2022 -- Iran has awarded two refinery construction contracts worth $17.8 billion to domestic consortia as it seeks to increase its crude oil refining capacity by 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) within the next five years.
• Pakistan Ex-PM Khan's Party Received Illegal Funding From Abroad, Electoral Body Says RFE/RL Gandhara 02 Aug 2022 -- Pakistan's electoral body has found that former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party received illegal funding from abroad, a ruling that could lead to both Khan and his party being banned from politics. The PTI has denied any wrongdoing.
• Pakistan's Election Commission Rules Against Imran Khan's PTI in Banned Funding Case Sputnik 02 Aug 2022 -- The judgment in the eight-year old case has come at a time when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) part is embroiled in a tussle with the poll conducting body, demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. PTI chief Imran Khan has called a protest march outside the Election Commission's office.
• G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Energy Security European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Aug 2022 -- We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are steadfast in our condemnation of Russia's brutal, unprovoked, unjustifiable, and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We condemn and will not recognise Russia's continued attempts to re-draw borders by force. This constitutes a blatant violation of international law, in particular a serious breach of the United Nations Charter, and seriously undermines the international rules-based system. We reiterate our demand that Russia put an end to this war of choice, immediately and unconditionally cease all hostilities, and withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 02 Aug 2022 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.
• Bulgaria's Caretaker Cabinet Sworn In After Government Collapse RFE/RL 02 Aug 2022 -- A caretaker government was sworn in on August 2 in Bulgaria to run the EU member country until snap elections set for October 2 following the collapse of pro-Western Prime Minister Kiril Petkov's coalition government in late June.
• WHO launches appeal to respond to urgent health needs in the greater Horn of Africa WHO 02 Aug 2022
• Horn of Africa faces most 'catastrophic' food insecurity in decades, warns WHO UN News 02 Aug 2022 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday that the Greater Horn of Africa is experiencing one of the worst hunger crises of the last 70 years.
• Horn of Africa Facing Unprecedented Food and Health Crisis VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- The World Health Organization is urgently appealing for $123.7 million to provide emergency aid for millions of people facing an unprecedented food and health crisis in the Horn of Africa.
• Former Al-Shabab Commander, Al-Qaida Member Named to Somali Cabinet VOA 02 Aug 2022 -- Somalia's prime minister has appointed the former deputy leader of the al-Shabab militant group, Mukhtar Robow, to the cabinet as minister for endowment and religious affairs.