• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Committed to Reducing Risk of Nuclear War, Says Official DoD News 05 Aug 2022 -- The Defense Department would like nothing better than the total elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide, the undersecretary of defense for policy said.
• Cavalry troopers explore future of robotics at Fort Hood Army News 05 Aug 2022 -- Robotic Combat Vehicles, or RCVs, will become the future for combat operations.
• First Team troopers moving into newly-renovated Fort Hood barracks Army News 05 Aug 2022 -- Soldiers are beginning to move into a $17.1 million renovated barracks on the east side of the installation, the 62nd barracks to be renovated here since 2011.
• Austin Launches New Round of Discussions With Hemispheric Partners DoD News 05 Aug 2022 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III enjoyed the opportunity to meet with fellow hemispheric security leaders at the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas last week, defense officials said.
• SecAF visits Nellis AFB, touts Warfare Center's role in future fight US Air Force 05 Aug 2022 -- Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited Nellis Air Force Base to see the culmination of exercise Red Flag-Nellis 22-3, July 28.
• RIMPAC 2022 Concludes US Navy 05 Aug 2022 -- The world's largest international maritime exercise concluded Aug. 4 following more than a month of realistic, relevant combined operations training conducted in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.
• RIMPAC 2022: Building Relationships and Warfighting Readiness US Navy 05 Aug 2022 -- The old saying goes that 'practice makes perfect,' but at Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, practice makes capable, adaptive partners of Sailors and service members from around the world.
• Kearsarge ARG-22nd MEU visits Baltic Sea allies and partners US Navy 05 Aug 2022 -- The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in multiple Baltic Sea ports for scheduled port visits to allied and partner nations, August 5, 2022.
• USS Frank Cable Visits Visakhapatnam, India US Navy 05 Aug 2022 -- The Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) hosted several engagements with Indian Navy partners and outreach events during a scheduled port visit in Visakhapatnam, India, Aug. 1-4, 2022.
• U.S. and Australian Forces Combine to Enhance Interoperability and Lethality across Long Ranges and in Austere Environments USMC News 05 Aug 2022 -- KOOLENDONG historically served as the culminating exercise for MRF-D and highlighted large-scale, combined arms capabilities of the Marine Air Ground Task Force along with allied and joint forces. This year's exercise was similar as KOOLENDONG 22 featured a combined and joint force of MRF-D Marines and Sailors, U.S. Soldiers and Airmen, and soldiers, sailors, and airmen from the ADF.
• Department of the Army updates Total Army COVID-19 vaccination statistics US Army 05 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. Army announced updated COVID-19 vaccination rates and exemption requests for the Total Army as of August 4, 2022.
• Indo-Pacific Allies Seek NATO Solidarity Amid China's Show of Force Over Taiwan VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- Western allies in the Indo-Pacific region have voiced alarm at China's military exercises surrounding Taiwan and are seeking to bolster links with the United States, Europe and NATO in response to Beijing's actions.
• U.S.-Australia-Japan Trilateral Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Secretary and Foreign Ministers of the United States of America, Australia, and Japan.
• ASEAN Regional Forum Statement on reiterating commitment to preserve Southeast Asia as a Nuclear Weapon-free zone European External Action Service (EEAS) 05 Aug 2022 -- The 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was held in Phnom Penh on 5 August 2022 under Cambodia's 2022 ASEAN Chairmanship.
• Blinken Urges Transparency From Cambodia on China-Funded Naval Base VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday urged the Cambodian government to open the naval base it is modernizing with Chinese funds, saying use of the site would pose a threat to Southeast Asia if used for China's defense.
• PLA's 'Taiwan lockdown' drills stun secessionists, external forces as precision strike, area denial capabilities proved Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday commenced the second phase of its large-scale military exercises that completely locked down the island of Taiwan, and began to use live fire following the first phase of preparations starting Tuesday evening when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island, seriously violating China's sovereignty.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command launches unprecedented live-fire joint exercises around Taiwan Island People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday conducted joint combat exercises and training around the Taiwan Island on an unprecedented scale.
• ADF caps off the biggest RIMPAC yet Australia DOD 05 Aug 2022 -- The Australian Defence Force's (ADF) participation in the world's largest international maritime exercise has come to an end.
• PC-21 aircraft deploying to New Zealand for Exercise Raven Kahu Australia DOD 05 Aug 2022 -- The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will deploy aircraft and personnel to New Zealand for Exercise RAVEN KAHU which will occur from 8 to 19 August 2022.
• Counter-terrorism event wraps up in the north Australia DOD 05 Aug 2022 -- Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium has played host to a counter-terrorism training activity, conducted jointly by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Queensland Police Service (QPS).
• Research and Development in Defence Manufacturing India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- The steps taken by the Government to enhance Research and Development in defence manufacturing are as follows:
• Defence Research Institutes India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- As on date, there are 46 Labs/Estts including five Young Scientists Laboratories of DRDO in the country. The Government has taken following initiatives for promoting research in the defence sector:
• Procurement of Defence Equipment India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- Proposals for capital acquisition are progressed through a detailed process that commences with Ten years Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP), Five Years Defence Capability Acquisition Plan (DCAP) and two year roll over Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP). Approved plans are followed by Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) accorded by Services Procurement Board (SPB) chaired by CISC for cases upto Rs. 300 crore, Defence Procurement Board (DPB) chaired by Defence Secretary for cases having value more than Rs. 300 crore and upto Rs. 500 crore and Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Raksha Mantri for cases beyond Rs. 500 crore. Post accord of AoN, tendering and contracting is undertaken by the Services/Ministry of Defence as per the delegated financial powers. In the period 2020-21 to 2022-23 (till 30th June, 2022), 59 AoNs amounting to Rs. 1,83,778.34 crore. have been accorded and 91 Contracts amounting to Rs. 1,19,045.3 crore have been concluded.
• Performance and Efficiency Audit of Armed Forces India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- The Government has set up an apex committee to conduct "performance and efficiency" audit of the armed forces. The members of the committee include the Defence Secretary as Chairman, Vice Chiefs of the three Services, Secretary Defence (Finance)/FA(DS), Chief of Integrated Staff Committee (CISC), Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Director General (Acquisition) and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Performance /Efficiency Audit will be aimed at providing valuable inputs to the Top Level Management by way of providing reliable, objective and independent information, highlighting shortcomings in planning, implementation, systems affecting outputs/outcomes in specific and quality of expenditure/management in general.
• Application of Science and Technology in Defence Sector India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- The Government has undertaken a number of policy initiatives for indigenous manufacturing of state-of-the-art defence products by utilising the applications of science and technology in defence sector. These initiatives, inter-alia, include: -
• Production of Defence Products India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- Government has taken several steps to enhance self-reliance in indigenous design, development and manufacturing of defence products. Three Positive Indigenisation lists comprising of 310 (101, 108 and 101 respectively) items have been promulgated by Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Ministry of Defence on 21st August 2020, 31st May, 2021 and 07th April 2022, respectively with the timelines indicated against them beyond which the items would be procured from indigenous sources. The products have been offered to the industry to come forward for design & development.
• Expenditure on Salaries India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- The total number of pensioners in Defence Services as on 1st April, 2022 is 35,21,876. Actual Estimates of pension payout from 2012 to 2022 is stated below:-
• INS Sumedha visits Bali, Indonesia India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- As part of the Indian Navy's Long Range Deployment in the South Eastern Indian Ocean, INS Sumedha, is on a visit to Port Tanjung Benoa, Bali, from 04 Aug to 06 Aug 2022. The ship is en route to Perth, Australia, to coincide with India's Independence Day and celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The visit to Bali is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing military cooperation and improving interoperability with the Indonesian Navy. During her stay at Bali, the ship's crew will engage in professional interactions, cross-deck visits and sports fixtures with their Indonesian Navy counterparts.
• Exercise Skylight: India Conducts War Games to Test Satellite-Based Systems Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- India has established the new Defense Space Agency to enhance its military capabilities in space warfare. The Indian Army will get a dedicated satellite by 2025.
• Tejas Fighter Aircraft India PIB 05 Aug 2022 -- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence responded to a Request for Information (RFI) received from Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Malaysia in February, 2019 for LCA class aircraft. Subsequently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited responded in October, 2021 to Request for Proposal (RFP) issued against tender released by Royal Malaysian Air Force, Malaysia for 18 nos of Fighter Lead In Trainer - Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT - LCA) and HAL offered LCA Tejas twin seater variant. Other countries which have evinced interest in LCA aircraft are: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA, Indonesia, and Philippines.
• India Offers to Sell 18 Fighter Jets to Malaysia, Says 6 Other Nations Interested Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, India has sharpened its focus on exporting defense equipment. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the South Asian nation's defense exports have seen a six-fold jump in the last five years - from $191 million in 2017 to $1.06 billion in 2021.
• Nuclear weapons not in Iran's defense doctrine, belief: AEOI chief Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has underscored the country's commitment to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), saying there is no place for a nuclear weapons program in the Iranian defense doctrine or belief.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin "Benny" Gantz DoD 05 Aug 2022
• From Hiroshima, UN chief calls for global nuclear disarmament UN News 05 Aug 2022 -- It is totally unacceptable for states in possession of nuclear weapons to admit the possibility of a nuclear war, António Guterres underscored early on Saturday in Japan at a ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
• Nuclear-free world is possible, test-ban treaty chief says UN News 05 Aug 2022 -- Nuclear weapons will continue to pose a risk to humanity unless countries fully adhere to the treaty that prohibits their testing, a senior UN official said at a press conference in New York on Friday.
• VOA Interview: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- Amid soaring tensions over China's military drills in the Taiwan Strait, VOA's Khmer Service Reporter Sun Narin interviewed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Friday. Blinken told VOA that China's reaction to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan this week is "disproportionate and dangerous." He said the United States will not respond with any provocative actions of its own. Blinken also discussed ways to address the worsening situation in Myanmar, including possible additional sanctions. Blinken said the U.S. wants a positive relationship with Cambodia, and that he discussed the importance of strengthening democracy in the country with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, with elections set for next year.
• VOA Interview: National Security Council Spokesman, Adm. John Kirby VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- As the Russian war in Ukraine rages on, the Biden administration is seeking to build alliances and partnerships with an eye on two other adversaries—China in the Indo-Pacific and Iran in the Middle East. Siamak Dehghanpour of VOA's Persian Service recently spoke with Admiral John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, on what the Biden doctrine looks like in the Middle East, where the president seeks to bolster security for key ally Israel and reengage Saudi Arabia—a country that remains a U.S. strategic partner despite its human rights record.
• US Diplomat Visits Uganda, Week After Lavrov Visit VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told reporters that her visit to Kampala on August 4 was to reaffirm and strengthen the U.S. relationship with Uganda, not to compete with Russia. Her trip came just days after one by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022
• Humanitarian Assistance for Africa US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022 -- On August 5, 2022, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced in Ghana more than $127 million in humanitarian assistance for Africa through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Tongan Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Siaosi Sovaleni and Foreign Minister Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Tupou VI, King of Tonga US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022
• Readout of the National Security Advisor to the Vice President's Meeting with Leadership of the Partnership for Central America The White House 05 Aug 2022
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, August 5, 2022 The White House 05 Aug 2022
• Special Online Briefing with Gabriel Escobar, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 5, 2022

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 5 August 2022 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 05 Aug 2022
• At Least Eight Killed In Bomb Blast In Shi'ite Neighborhood Of Kabul; Islamic State Claims Responsibility RFE/RL Gandhara 05 Aug 2022 -- The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for a blast in a Shi'ite residential area in Kabul that killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others.
• Afghan security forces seize dozens of weapons in eastern Nangarhar province People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- The Afghan security forces have seized more than two dozens of assault rifles, including 26 pieces of AK-47, in different parts of eastern Nangarhar province, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported Friday.
• Islamic State Bombing Kills 8 Afghan Shiite Mourners in Kabul VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- A powerful bomb exploded Friday near a Shiite Muslim religious gathering in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing at least eight civilians and wounding 18 others.
• Dengue Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Afghanistan, WHO Says VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- The World Health Organization announced that a new wave of dengue fever has been confirmed in Afghanistan with a total of 64 cases being reported between June 12 and July 30 from Nangarhar province.
• Several IS militants killed near Afghanistan's Kabul People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- Several Islamic State (IS) militants were killed and one arrested in a security forces operation near the Afghan capital of Kabul on Wednesday evening, Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran said on twitter Thursday.
• Russia's aerospace force wipes out US-trained militants in Syria: Moscow Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says it has eliminated a group of US-backed militants in Syria as they were hiding in shelters in the country's Badia deserts near the Iraqi border, from where they carried out sabotage attacks against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure in the Arab country.
• Kremlin calls on Turkey to keep it calm in northern Syria ahead of Putin-Erdogan summit Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- The Kremlin's spokesman has called on Turkey not to carry out a military offensive in northern Syrian regions, saying such an action will be destabilizing.
• PM Lapid Holds Security Assessment on the Situation in the Area adjacent to the Gaza Strip Israel - Prime Minister 05 Aug 2022 -- Prime Minister Yair Lapid, this morning held a security assessment on the situation in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip.
• Israel targets Islamic Jihad center in Rafah, commander killed Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- Twelve people, including a senior commander of the Islamic Jihad and a five-year-old child, have been killed in an airstrike by Israel on a center affiliated with the resistance movement in a residential area in the besieged Gaza Strip, only days after the regime arrested a senior figure of the group.
• Israel's Prime Minister Holds Security Council on Gaza Strip Border Situation Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid held a meeting with heads of security agencies on Friday to assess the security situation near Gaza Strip as the sides continue to exchange airstrikes after the start of an Israeli counterterrorist operation.
• Israeli Army Says Strikes at Weapons Shops, Positions of Islamic Jihad Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- The Israeli army is striking at the weapons shops and firing positions of the Islamic Jihad group, the Israel Defense Forces said.
• Joint Statement by PM Lapid and Defense Minister Gantz Israel - Prime Minister 05 Aug 2022 -- A short while ago, the IDF struck Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip, The goal of this operation is the elimination of a concrete threat against the citizens of Israel and the civilians living adjacent to the Gaza Strip, as well as the targeting of terrorists and their sponsors. The IDF is acting in operational coordination with the ISA and intelligence bodies.
• Israeli Defense Minister Gantz Pre-Approves Call-Up for 25,000 Reservists After Gaza Bombing Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes at the Gaza Strip on Friday, killing at least 10 people and wounding at least 55. The IDF said it was targeting senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commander Tayseer al-Jabari, who was killed in the attack.
• Palestine calls for help to stop Israeli settlement expansion, protect two-state solution People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- Palestine on Thursday called for international intervention to stop the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and protect the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Hundreds killed, thousands forced to flee since coup in Myanmar Tanintharyi region Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- At least 214 civilians have been killed and 89 injured in southern Myanmar's Tanintharyi region in the 18 months since the country's military seized power in a coup, according to local research group Southern Monitor.
• Refugee camps short of food, medicine in Myanmar's Kayah state Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- Villagers displaced by fighting in Myanmar's war-torn Kayah state are running short of badly needed food and medicine, with children and the elderly hardest hit in the camps set up to shelter them, sources in the region say.
• Five militia members killed in accidental mine explosion Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- A hand-made mine exploded as it was being planted, killing five members of the Wetlet Township People's Defense Force (PDF) in Sagaing region, according to a militia member who declined to be named for security reasons,
• Blast kills 1, injures 14 in SW Pakistan People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- At least one person was killed and 14 others were injured when a blast went off in Pakistan's southwest Quetta city, according to hospital and police sources on Friday.
• Azerbaijan's President Accuses Armenia of Not Fulfilling Obligations Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has held phone talks with President of the European Council Charles Michel and has accused Armenia of not fulfilling its obligations under the Moscow-brokered agreement, according to Aliyev's press service.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan US Dept. of State 05 Aug 2022
• India, China Hold Military Talks Amid Alleged Airspace Agreement Violations Near Ladakh Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- Over 50,000 Indian and Chinese troops remain deployed on each side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, where 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a hand-to-hand fight in June 2020. In recent weeks, India has observed an increased level of air activities of the PLA in Ladakh.
• Rwanda Denies Reports of Military Intervention in DRC VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- Rwanda's government has rejected a United Nations report that said Rwandan troops have been conducting military activities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and are supporting M23 rebels there.
• Senegalese Separatists Sign Peace Deal With Government VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- Some rebels involved in one of Africa's longest-running separatist conflicts have agreed to lay down their arms.
• Cameroon PM Says Peace Returning To Separatist Regions; Residents Not So Sure VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- Cameroonian separatists have rejected the prime minister's declaration that their fight for independence has been largely crushed. Joseph Dion Ngute said federal troops have brought peace to conflict areas, and said life is returning to normal. But analysts say it's too early to declare victory and rebels have vowed to keep fighting to carve out an English-speaking state from Francophone-majority Cameroon.
• Ethiopia Accuses US, EU of 'Indulging' Tigray Rebels VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- Ethiopia's government has rebuked U.S. and European envoys who visited Tigray rebel leaders this week, accusing them of siding with the rebels.
• Central African Republic: Militias spreading 'terror, insecurity', must lay down arms UN News 05 Aug 2022 -- Armed groups in the Central African Republic (CAR) must lay down their arms and engage in political dialogue, a UN-appointed independent human rights expert said on Friday, urging the international community to strengthen efforts to restore State authority and end impunity there.

News Reports

• U.S. declares public health emergency over monkeypox People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. government on Thursday declared monkeypox a public health emergency in the country, more than a week after the World Health Organization qualified the outbreak as a global emergency.
• US declares monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- The United States has declared monkeypox a public health emergency as nationwide cases exceed 6,600.
• Alleged Russian Cryptocurrency Money Launderer Extradited to United States US Dept. of Justice 05 Aug 2022 -- Defendant Extradited from Greece to Face Charges Stemming from the Operation of BTC-e, an Illicit Bitcoin Exchange Alleged to Have Received Deposits Valued at Over $4 Billion
• Greece Extradites Russian Suspected In Bitcoin Fraud To U.S. RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- Greece has extradited a Russian national to the United States where he is wanted for allegedly being involved in a massive bitcoin theft scheme.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions following ASEAN ministerial meetings, Phnom Penh, August 5, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Meeting with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 05 Aug 2022 -- Vladimir Putin held talks with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi.
• Putin, Erdogan Agree on Ruble Payment Scheme for Part of Russian Gas Exports to Turkey: Deputy PM Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- The Russian and Turkish presidents met in Sochi, Russia on Friday to discuss a range of pressing issues, including the implementation of the Turkish and UN-mediated Russian-Ukrainian grain deal, the situation in Syria, trade, and other matters.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, Phnom Penh, August 5, 2022 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's conversation with Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Russian Federation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam Dato Erywan Yusof Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meetings with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Statement by Mr. Andrey Belousov, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation at the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (Cluster I, Nuclear Disarmament) Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Putin, Erdogan Agree To Boost Economic Ties At Sochi Meeting RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed during a meeting on August 5 to boost cooperation in the transport, agriculture, and construction industries.
• Russia, U.S. Say They're Ready For Talks On Prisoner Swap After Griner Sentenced RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- Moscow and Washington appeared ready to discuss a possible prisoner exchange after U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was found guilty of drug smuggling and sentenced to nine years in prison, a punishment that U.S President Joe Biden called "unacceptable."
• European Commission Rejects Russian Claim That Sanctions Are Holding Up Gas Turbine RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- A European Commission says Western sanctions against Moscow are not an impediment to the delivery of a gas turbine from Germany to Russia.
• Press release on countermeasures in relation to declaring employees of Russian diplomatic missions in Bulgaria personae non gratae Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05 Aug 2022
• Russia Expels 14 Bulgarian Diplomats In Tit-For-Tat Move RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- Russia says it is expelling 14 Bulgarian consular and embassy staff in response to Sofia's "unfounded" decision to expel Russian diplomatic personnel as tensions rage over Moscow's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
• Putin Signs Ban Keeping Investors From 'Unfriendly' Countries From Selling Stakes In Key Companies RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that bans investors from so-called "unfriendly countries" from selling shares in certain strategic enterprises until the end of the year.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on August 5, 2022 PRC MofA 05 Aug 2022
• China halts military, climate change talks, sanctions Pelosi in 'unprecedented' countermeasures, showcases 'resolve in protecting core interest' Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- China on Friday announced eight countermeasures in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's highly provocative visit to the island of Taiwan, including canceling China-US theater commanders talk, defense policy coordination talks, military maritime security consultative mechanism and suspending cooperation on illegal immigration repatriation, drug control and climate change.
• China sanctions US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her immediate family members following her Taiwan visit Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry announced Friday to sanction US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her immediate family members because she disregarded China's serious concern and firm opposition and insisted on visiting China's Taiwan region.
• China's countermeasures after Pelosi's visit are necessary, says Chinese FM in response to Western accusations of 'overreaction' Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- In issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity, China's countermeasures are necessary and valid, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a routine press conference on Friday in response to some Western officials' accusation that China is overreacting to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan island.
• China suspends cooperation with US on several issues, sanctions Pelosi over Taiwan visit Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- China is set to end cooperation with the US on several key issues including climate change, anti-drug efforts, and military dialogue, as the two sides engage in a war of words over Chinese Taipei.
• 'Downward Spiral': China Ends Cooperation With US on Climate Change, Crime, Military Dialogue Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised "those who offend China will be punished" after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) visited Taiwan earlier this week against Beijing's wishes. US support is key to the Taiwanese government maintaining its autonomy from Beijing, which sees it as a Chinese province in rebellion.
• US summons Chinese ambassador over 'irresponsible' actions Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- The White House has summoned China's ambassador to Washington to censure what it called the "irresponsible" behavior of Beijing over Chinese Taipei (Taiwan).
• After Canceling Bilateral Meeting, China's Wang Yi Walks Out of ASEAN Summit During Japan's Speech Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a Japanese reporter on Friday when asked about the incident that Tokyo had been "behaving very badly on Taiwan" and should be careful, as it bears "serious historical guilt" for having colonized the island for 50 years after seizing it from China in 1895.
• Xinjiang officials use China's anti-crime campaign to target 'disloyal' Uyghurs Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- Authorities in China's far-western Xinjiang region used the Chinese government's 100-day crackdown on criminals and fugitives to target Uyghurs deemed "religious extremists" and "two-faced," a police officer in a major city said.
• China launches reusable spacecraft, new step to support peaceful use of space Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- China on Friday successfully launched a reusable experimental spacecraft using a Long March-2F carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwest of the country, the Xinhua News Agency reported, which experts called a new step forward for China's aerospace industry.
• NASA's claims on Chinese rocket challenged People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- China is a responsible spacefaring actor when it comes to dealing with rocket debris, observers said, challenging NASA Administrator Bill Nelson's accusations regarding Chinese rocket debris.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry announces countermeasures in response to Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan PLA Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- In disregard of China's strong opposition and serious representations, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited China's Taiwan region. Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday announced the following countermeasures in response:
• China ends live-fire missile testing near Taiwan early amid protests from Japan, US Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) appeared to have ended live-fire missile tests around Taiwan after just a few hours, amid international criticism and disappointment on domestic social media on Friday.
• PLA continues drills around Taiwan; warplane pilots visually confirm coastline, Central Mountain Range Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- The large-scale live-fire military drills of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) around the island of Taiwan entered their second day on Friday. With warplanes coming so close to the island that pilots could visually confirm its coastline and the Central Mountain Range, analysts said the PLA displayed its control over the island.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command continues joint training exercises around Taiwan Island PLA Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) continued the joint combat training exercises in the northern, southwestern and eastern waters and airspace off the Taiwan Island on August 5 as scheduled, in a bid to test consecutively the joint operation capability of the theater command troops.
• China's military drills around Taiwan 'highly provocative': MND CNA 05 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan on Friday described the military exercises being conducted by China around the island nation as "highly provocative" after some Chinese aircraft and warships crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
• Defense ministry stays quiet on PLA missiles flying over Taiwan CNA 05 Aug 2022 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) remained less than forthcoming on whether missiles launched Thursday by China flew over Taiwan, but said it clearly followed the trajectory and landing site of the missiles and saw that they posed no danger to Taiwan.
• China's Drills Threaten Status Quo of Taiwan Strait, Warns Taipei VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- China sent more warplanes and ships across the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait Friday, according to Taiwanese defense officials, who warned Beijing is jeopardizing the status quo of the strategic waterway.
• 68 Chinese warplane, 13 warship sorties recorded around Taiwan: MND CNA 05 Aug 2022 -- China continued to send military planes and ships into areas around Taiwan on Friday, with 68 warplane and 13 warship sorties recorded as of 5 p.m., with some crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• USS Ronald Reagan strike group monitoring China's military exercises off Taiwan Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- The U.S. is keeping a close watch on China's military drills around Taiwan and may take further action, with the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group remaining on station to monitor the situation, the U.S. National Security Spokesman John Kirby said late Thursday.
• U.S. planning Taiwan Strait transits, condemns China's missile launches CNA 05 Aug 2022 -- Washington on Thursday condemned Beijing for firing 11 ballistic missiles near Taiwan during live-fire military exercises earlier in the day, and said it will conduct air and maritime transits through the Taiwan Strait in the coming weeks, among other actions, to defend international law.
• Taiwan's silence on China missile paths draws mixed views CNA 05 Aug 2022 -- A decision by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) not to issue air raid warnings when China fired a number of ballistic missiles near Taiwan on Thursday has elicited mixed reactions among experts and commentators.
• China holds second day of drills around Taiwan as US tensions flare Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- For the second straight day, China continued its largest-ever military exercises around Chinese Taipei on Friday in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's widely criticized visit to the self-ruled island.
• China's drills a 'new normal' aimed at changing status quo: Experts CNA 05 Aug 2022 -- China's recent firing of missiles into waters near Taiwan are likely not just a one-off series of exercises but a "new normal" aimed at changing the status quo in the region, American scholars said Thursday.
• MOFA reports continued cyberattacks seeking to crash its website CNA 05 Aug 2022 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Friday that cyberattacks aimed at bringing down its website doubled over the past 24 hours compared to three days ago, when it first reported similar operations ahead of a visit to Taiwan by United States House of Representative Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
• U.S. remains committed to one-China policy: Blinken People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday reaffirmed the U.S. government's long-standing one-China policy, and stated that the U.S. does not support "Taiwan independence."
• PLA drills a deterrent to collusion between United States and China's Taiwan: spokesperson People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday said the military exercises around the Taiwan Island are a strong deterrent to collusion between the United States and Taiwan region.
• Chinese Envoy Responds to Escalating Tensions with US Over Taiwan Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Ambassador in Washington Qin Gang has met with White House National Security Council officials and strongly rejected accusations that Beijing is escalating tensions, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States told Sputnik on Friday.
• Pelosi Visit to Taiwan May Prompt More High-Level Visits VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- The impact of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's whirlwind visit to Taiwan is beginning to be felt, experts say, as another group of high-profile politicians solidifies plans to drop in on the self-ruled island that China considers a breakaway province.
• Cross-Strait tensions Australia MFA 05 Aug 2022 -- Australia is deeply concerned about the launch of ballistic missiles by China into waters around Taiwan's coastline.
• Japanese leaders' recent actions on Taiwan question disappoint China very much: FM Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- Japanese leaders' recent actions on Taiwan question are not friendly and have disappointed China very much, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press conference on Friday, noting that some countries are making groundless accusations against China and spreading disinformation and Japan is among those taking "very wrong actions."
• New Zealand adheres to one-China principle; hopes China continues to strengthen cooperation with island countries through forum: NZ FM Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China is ready to work with New Zealand to push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership to yield more fruits, and New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta affirmed NZ's position adhering to the one-China principle and hoped China will continue strengthening cooperation with the island countries through the Pacific Islands Forum.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry summons European, Japanese envoys to protest against G7's wrong statement on Taiwan question, urging countries not to go further down dangerous path Global Times 05 Aug 2022 -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li summoned relevant European envoys and Japanese envoy over the negative statement issued by the G7 and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy over the Taiwan question, which has been slammed as a piece of waste paper that distorted the facts and confused the right and wrong, blatantly interfering in China's internal affairs and sending wrong signal to the secessionists in Taiwan.
• Australia Urges Restraint as Regional Tensions Rise Over Pelosi Taiwan Visit VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed Canberra's commitment to maintaining the "status quo" with Taiwan as China launches "targeted military operations" in response to a visit by the U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
• PLA drills a deterrent to collusion between United States and China's Taiwan: spokesperson People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- A Chinese military spokesperson on Thursday said the military exercises around the Taiwan Island are a strong deterrent to collusion between the United States and Taiwan region.
• China firmly rejects U.S. blatant provocation, political gamble: FM People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi further expounded here Thursday on China's stance on U.S. act of provocation against China's sovereignty.
• Rail freight service between China and North Korea to resume in days Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- Rail freight shipments between the northern Chinese city Dandong and North Korea's Sinuiju will resume next week, providing a vital lifeline of goods to the pariah state, North Korean sources said.
• South Korean Lunar Orbiter Successfully Enters Flight Path to Moon - Ministry Sputnik 05 Aug 2022 -- South Korea's lunar orbiter "Danuri" has successfully reached its intended flight trajectory to the moon, South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said.
• Iran 's stance in nuclear talks legitimate/US should fulfill commitments: Lavrov IRNA 05 Aug 2022 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday, in support of the Iranian stance on lifting sanctions and nuclear talks, called for a change in the US stance and the return to the international agreement (JCPOA).
• Iran FM: Negotiators bent on safeguarding economic, nuclear interests in Vienna talks Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the negotiators will rigorously observe the country's red lines during the ongoing talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, which was abandoned by the United States three years after its conclusion.
• Vienna talks: Russia backs Iran's position, advises US against pursuing 'altered plan' Press TV 05 Aug 2022 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Tehran's position on the nuclear deal is "absolutely legitimate," calling on the US to return to the original accord instead of pushing for an "altered plan."
• FCDO Minister statement on treatment of Baha'i in Iran UK FCDO 05 Aug 2022 -- FCDO Minister Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon expresses concern following an increase in arrests and persecution.
• Iran says to resume full implementation of nuke commitments if U.S. makes "right decision" People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has said that Iran will resume full implementation of its commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal, if the U.S. makes the "right decision," the official news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.
• Iran says ready to return oil output to pre-sanctions level People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- Iran said on Wednesday that it is ready to return its crude oil production to pre-sanctions levels at the earliest possible time.
• Iran demands IAEA withdraw accusations before reactivating surveillance cameras People's Daily 05 Aug 2022 -- Iran's top nuclear official said on Thursday the Iran will reactivate the surveillance cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at its nuclear sites only if the IAEA withdraws its accusations against Tehran.
• Nazarbaev Fund Sues Parent Company Of Investigative Outlet OCCRP RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- The Kazakhstan-based Nazarbaev Fund has filed a lawsuit against a U.S.-based investigative journalism outlet that runs the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), for libel, claiming a report about the Central Asian nation's former President Nursultan Nazarbaev's multibillion-dollar wealth damaged its reputation.
• Orban Tells U.S. Conservatives His Government Is 'Under Siege By Progressive Liberals' RFE/RL 05 Aug 2022 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on August 4 urged a gathering of U.S conservatives in Texas to join forces with Hungarian conservatives in 2024 to take back institutions in Washington and Brussels from liberals.
• Nearly a Quarter of Sri Lanka Grapples with Food Shortages VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- There is always a long line waiting to enter at the dozens of community kitchens that have been set up in Sri Lanka by nonprofits and charities in recent months.
• Cambodian ex-lawmaker was refused EU passport by Malta Radio Free Asia 05 Aug 2022 -- However much Prime Minister Hun Sen might rail against Cambodian politicians holding dual nationality, a second passport is fast emerging as the must-have status symbol among even his closest allies.
• Somalia: "We cannot wait for famine to be declared; we must act now" FAO 05 Aug 2022 -- More than 900 000 people in Somalia, mostly living in rural areas, have moved to internally displaced persons camps since January 2021 due to the drought and lack of livelihood support.
• Somalia: 'We cannot wait for famine to be declared; we must act now' UN News 05 Aug 2022 -- Rising acute food insecurity in Somalia has caused more than 900,000 people to flee their homes in search of humanitarian assistance since January last year, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned.
• US Official: Sub-Saharan Africa Food Security Hardest Hit by Russia's War VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- A senior U.S. official said Friday that sub-Saharan Africa is the region hardest hit by disruptions to the global food supply due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• DRC Oil Exploration Raises Environmental Concerns VOA 05 Aug 2022 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo opened an auction last week for drilling rights in 30 oil and gas blocks.