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News Reports

Current Operations

• Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia AFRICOM 22 Feb 2023 -- At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike on Feb 21, 2023.
• U.S. Central Command supports humanitarian assistance, disaster relief efforts in Syria and Türkiye CENTCOM 22 Feb 2023 -- To support ongoing U.S. assistance led by the U.S. Agency for International Development, CENTCOM moved U.S. military tents from Bahrain to Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye for onward movement to affected areas in Syria and Türkiye.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 22 Feb 2023
• JB San Antonio Airmen support Türkiye, Syria earthquake relief efforts US Air Force 22 Feb 2023 -- Airmen assigned to Joint Base San Antonio's 502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, in coordination with the Air Force Medical Readiness Agency, prepared approximately 68 short tons of medical equipment for movement to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, in less than 48 hours.
• USS Farragut (DDG 99) Arrives in the 4th Fleet AOR US Navy 22 Feb 2023 -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) arrived in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations for a scheduled deployment, Feb. 15. Embarked with the ship is U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 406 to conduct counter narcotic operations in the region.
• As Climate Shifts, U.S. Navy Focuses on Bolstering Arctic Ocean Operations US Navy 22 Feb 2023 -- First in a two-part series on how the Navy and its partners are working to improve Arctic operations as the sea ice melts due to warming temperatures. The Arctic is the next frontier for U.S. military operations, where the physical environment poses a major threat to achieving strategic dominance, managing assets and ensuring freedom of the seas.
• NAVWAR Discusses the Need to Capitalize on Commercial Capabilities for the Future Fight US Navy 22 Feb 2023 -- Key leaders from Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Enterprise and its affiliated Program Executive Offices (PEOs) came together to discuss "Capitalizing on Innovation" at the Department of Navy Information Technology (DON IT) West Coast Conference, Feb. 13, at the San Diego Convention Center.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at the 25th Annual Expeditionary Warfare Conference US Navy 22 Feb 2023
• CNO Visits Philippines to Discuss Regional Security, Importance of the Navy US Navy Press Release 22 Feb 2023 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday, and his wife Linda, traveled to Manila, Philippines, Feb. 21-22, to meet with military and government officials.
• Army Advisor Teams accompany African Partners at Justified Accord Army News 22 Feb 2023 -- A team from the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade deployed to Kenya with their Djibouti Armed Forces partners as part of the U.S. Africa Command exercise Justified Accord, Feb. 13-23.
• II MEF Prepares for Humanitarian Assistance as Deployed Marines Conduct the Aid Mission USMC News 22 Feb 2023 -- As Marines and sailors provide earthquake relief in Türkiye, 1,200 II Marine Expeditionary Force Marines and sailors simultaneously trained in Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 23, on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 8-17, 2023.
• U.S. 7th Fleet Hosts Japan, Republic of Korea Counterparts for Trilateral Discussions US Navy 22 Feb 2023 -- Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet hosted a trilateral meeting with Fleet commanders from Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy on board USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Feb. 22.
• U.S., Japan, Republic of Korea Conduct Trilateral Ballistic Missile Defense Exercise US Navy 22 Feb 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Barry (DDG 52) conducted a trilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in the Sea of Japan Feb. 22, alongside Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Atago-class guided missile destroyer JS Atago (DDG 177), and Republic of Korea Navy destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG 991).
• US, South Korea, Japan Hold Joint Drills Amid North Korea Threats VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- U.S., South Korean, and Japanese warships participated in a ballistic missile defense drill in the waters east of the Korean Peninsula Wednesday, a relatively rare display of trilateral defense cooperation that has become more frequent as North Korea becomes more aggressive.
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with the Leaders of the Bucharest Nine Eastern Flank NATO Allies The White House 22 Feb 2023
• Remarks by President Biden Before Meeting with the Leaders of the Bucharest Nine The White House 22 Feb 2023
• Biden, Stoltenberg Meet Bucharest Nine Leaders Anxious About Moscow's Expansionist Ambitions VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday attended the summit of the so-called Bucharest Nine, or B-9, countries on NATO's easternmost flank; Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
• Biden meets NATO allies, labels Putin's suspension of arms pact 'big mistake' Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- US President Joe Biden met leaders of NATO's eastern flank in Warsaw on Wednesday in an exhibition of support for the military alliance's war in Ukraine, labeling Moscow's suspension of a key nuclear arms control treaty as a "big mistake".
• NATO Secretary General thanks US and B9 leaders for their strong support for NATO and Ukraine NATO 22 Feb 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today (22 February 2023) thanked US President Joe Biden and the leaders of the Bucharest 9 (B9) countries for their strong support for Ukraine and commitment to NATO collective defence.
• Gitanas Nausėda in Warsaw: NATO's eastern borders must be as secure as possible President of the Republic of Lithuania 22 Feb 2023 -- NATO allies need to do their utmost to help Ukraine win the war against Russia as soon as possible, because time is critical at the moment, President Gitanas Nausėda underscored in Warsaw today, addressing US President Joe Biden and the leaders of NATO's eastern flank countries, the so-called Bucharest Nine.
• Biden to Meet with NATO Eastern Flank Leaders VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden meets Wednesday with leaders from NATO's eastern flank to show support for their security.
• Statement from the trilateral meeting between Finland, Norway and Sweden at Harpsund, Sweden, 22 February 2023 Government Offices of Sweden 22 Feb 2023
• Hypersonic Missiles & Modernization: Putin Vows to Strengthen Russia's Nuclear Triad Sputnik 22 Feb 2023 -- During an address on Defender of the Fatherland Day, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to continue strengthening the country's strategic missile systems, including the development of hypersonic weapons.
• Russia's State Duma endorses Putin's move to suspend nuclear pact with US Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- Russia's State Duma, the lower house of the country's parliament, on Wednesday unanimously passed a law endorsing President Vladimir Putin's move to suspend Moscow's participation in a key nuclear pact with the US.
• Russian Lawmakers Approve Putin's Suspension Of New START Nuclear Treaty RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- Both houses of Russia's legislature on February 22 backed President Vladimir Putin's proposal to suspend participation in the last nuclear arms treaty between Russia and the United States, one day after the Kremlin leader announced the move in a major speech to the nation.
• Russian Senators Approve Bill on New START Suspension Sputnik 22 Feb 2023 -- The Russian Federation Council unanimously approved at a meeting on Wednesday the bill on the suspension of Russia's participation in the Strategic Offensive Arms Treaty (New START).
• Russian Parliament Approves Putin's Suspension of Nuclear Pact with US VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- Both houses of Russia's parliament on Wednesday endorsed President Vladimir Putin's suspension of Moscow's participation in the 2010 New START nuclear arms treaty with the United States, casting it as a rebuke to the U.S.-led Western alliance arming Ukraine in its bid to fend off Russia's year-long invasion.
• Biden on Putin's New START Pullout Says Confident They 'Will Be Able to Work It Out' Sputnik 22 Feb 2023 -- US President Joe Biden said he is confident the United States and Russia will be able to work out issues related to arms control regardless of Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to suspend Russia's participation in the New START treaty.
• Russia Says No Firing Hypersonic Missile at South Africa War Games VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- Russia has said it will not test fire a hypersonic missile during joint naval drills with China and South Africa, contradicting earlier reports in Russian state media.
• Russia's Rostec Ramps Up Deliveries of Advanced Weapons to Russian Military Sputnik 22 Feb 2023 -- The Moscow-headquartered defense conglomerate consists of over 800 subsidiaries and scientific research institutes, and is involved in the production of everything from military aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-57 and advanced drones to Armata tanks and electronic warfare equipment.
• Prigozhin Calls On Russians To Pressure Army Over Ammunition Supplies RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- Kremlin-linked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, a co-founder and owner of the Wagner mercenary group, has called on Russians to pressure the army to give his fighters more ammunition amid Defense Ministry denials that it is holding back supplies for artillery and missile-launchers in Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia suspends participation in New START treaty: Putin People's Daily 22 Feb 2023 -- Russia is suspending its participation in rather than withdrawing from the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday.
• Ukrainian soldiers continue training on Challenger 2 tanks UK MOD 22 Feb 2023 -- UK trains Ukrainian soldiers to operate Challenger 2 tanks as part of ongoing support to Ukraine.
• Ukraine Appeals for International Support One Year Into Russia's Invasion VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- Ukraine's foreign minister appealed to the international community Wednesday to stand by his country one year into Russia's war against his nation.
• EU, NATO, Ukraine to ramp up arms production, procurement People's Daily 22 Feb 2023 -- Ukraine, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will jointly launch a mechanism to coordinate arms supplies to Ukraine, officials said here after the first meeting of the three sides' high-level representatives.
• Italy rejects Ukraine's request for fighter jets Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request to supply Kiev with its old fighter jets.
• U.S. is biggest source of weaponry for battlefield in Ukraine: FM spokesperson People's Daily 22 Feb 2023 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday refuted a false claim by certain U.S. officials, saying there are more than enough facts to show the true nature of the United States as a source of trouble rather than "defender of peace" for the world.
• Chinese unmanned vessels, Type 052D destroyer make debut at Middle East defense expo Global Times 22 Feb 2023 -- Advanced Chinese naval platforms including unmanned combat vessels and a Type 052D guided missile destroyer are on show at an influential defense expo in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time, with analysts saying on Wednesday that China's shipbuilding and associated industries have reached a very high level, and they can confidently display their capabilities and offer trend-leading products for export.
• Japan and China Hold First Security Talks Since 2019, Reports Say Sputnik 22 Feb 2023 -- Japan and China expressed their concerns over a number of security issues to each other on Wednesday as part of their first security dialogue since 2019, with a view to boosting mutual trust, Japanese media reported.
• China, Japan hold formal security dialogue after 4 years to diffuse tension Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- China and Japan on Wednesday kicked off their first formal security dialogue in four years in Tokyo in a move aimed at diffusing tension.
• US, Taiwan Officials Conclude Substantial Talks on Security Issues VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- Senior officials from the United States and Taiwan have concluded discussions on a range of "security and diplomatic" issues, including the situation across the Taiwan Strait, tensions between the U.S. and China amid Russia's invasion in Ukraine, high-level visits between Washington and Taipei, and Taiwan's outreach to European nations that also face threats from Russia, a diplomatic source told VOA on Wednesday.
• Taiwan's plan to send battalion to U.S. shows progress in exchanges CNA 22 Feb 2023 -- Taiwan's reported plan to send a combined arms battalion to the United States for training in the second half of this year shows the two countries are significantly bolstering military exchanges, military experts said Wednesday.
• Publicly 'announced' Taiwan-U.S. security meeting significant: experts CNA 22 Feb 2023 -- Local experts on Wednesday said it was significant that the latest security dialogue between Taiwan and the United States, held at the American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) Washington headquarters Tuesday, was made public before it was held given the current geopolitical climate.
• Taiwan, U.S. hold annual security meeting at AIT headquarters CNA 22 Feb 2023 -- Taiwan and the United States held an all-day annual security dialogue Tuesday at the American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) Washington headquarters attended by top-level officials from the two sides.
• MARITIME SECURITY: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE INFORMATION FUSION CENTRE - INDIAN OCEAN REGION (IFC-IOR) AND REGIONAL COORDINATION OPERATIONS CENTRE (RCOC) India PIB 22 Feb 2023 -- In order to further the existing cooperation in the realm of maritime safety and security, IFC-IOR signed an MoU on 21 Feb 2023 with Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), Seychelles..
• UK leads Western Europe's largest cyber warfare exercise UK MOD 22 Feb 2023 -- The largest Western Europe-led cyber exercise has taken place in Tallinn with 34 teams from 11 countries, including Ukraine, taking part in a live-fire cyber battle.
• Philippines and Australia advance defense cooperation in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2023 -- The Philippines and Australia have agreed to formalize their "strategic" defense engagement through an annual meeting, their defense chiefs said Wednesday, as both countries look to counter Beijing's growing military influence especially in the South China Sea.
• Satellite photos show expansion of Chinese-funded naval base in Cambodia Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2023 -- Recent satellite images taken of the coastal area around Sihanoukville, Cambodia, show a significant development of a China-funded naval base that would help Beijing boost its power projection not only in Southeast Asia but also the Taiwan Strait.
• Department Press Briefing - February 22, 2023 US Dept. of State 22 Feb 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Brazilian Secretary General da Rocha US Dept. of State 22 Feb 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 22, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 22 February 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Feb 2023
• Visit of a High Level Pakistan Delegation to Afghanistan Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2023 -- A high level Pakistan delegation led by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif visited Kabul on 22 February 2023.
• Pakistan's Defense Minister In Kabul For Talks With Taliban Amid Tensions RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- A high-level delegation led by Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif is holding talks with Taliban rulers in Kabul amid tensions prompted by Islamabad's accusations that Afghanistan is harboring Pakistani militants and the recent closing of a key border crossing between the two neighbors.
• 26th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs India MEA 22 Feb 2023 -- The 26th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on 22 February 2023 in person in Beijing.
• Secretary-General's remarks at Opening of the 2023 Session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People UN Secretary-General 22 Feb 2023
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the events in Nablus European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 Feb 2023 -- Today, in Nablus, in the occupied Palestinian territory, during a military operation by the Israeli Security Forces, at least 10 Palestinians, including one minor were killed and nearly 100 were injured.
• All Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory 'must stop': UN chief Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- The United Nations secretary-general has called for an end to the Israeli regime's settlement activities, stressing the illegality of all the occupying regime's structures in the Palestinian territory.
• 'Time is working against us', UN chief says, calling for action to end clashes, restore credible Israeli-Palestinian political horizon UN News 22 Feb 2023 -- Regional and international partners must collectively work with greater urgency and determination to help Palestinians and Israelis break chronic cycles of violence and restore a credible political horizon, the UN chief said on Wednesday.
• U.S. Ambassador Condemns Bosnian Serb Leader 'Reprehensible' Genocide Denial RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- The U.S. ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina has issued a scathing condemnation of longtime Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik's latest denial of a genocide in the massacre of 8,000 men and boys at Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia in 1995, calling such efforts "reprehensible," illegal, and destabilizing.
• UN Court Orders Azerbaijan To Unblock Lachin Corridor Amid Armenian Accusations Of 'Ethnic Cleansing' RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- The UN's top court has ordered Azerbaijan to allow free passage through the Lachin Corridor, which extends between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, a part of Azerbaijan clawed back from ethnic Armenians in 2020 in a six-week intensification of a decades-old conflict between the post-Soviet foes.
• UK encourages Somalia's leadership to translate agreements into tangible outcomes: UK Statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Feb 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on Somalia
• Welcoming the African Union Peace and Security Council Communiqué on Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo US Dept. of State 22 Feb 2023 -- The United States welcomes the February 17 Communiqué of the 1140th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• 10 million people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023 UNOCHA 22 Feb 2023 -- The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the humanitarian community today launched the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan, which aims at raising USD2.25 billion to support the critical needs of 10 million vulnerable people in the country.
• Mali IED Attack Kills Three UN Peacekeepers VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali, MINUSMA, says a roadside bomb has killed three peacekeepers and seriously injured five others.

News Reports

• U.S. to Sanction Sinaloa Cartel Network of Fentanyl Suppliers Contributing to the U.S. Opioid Crisis US Dept. of State 22 Feb 2023 -- The United States is determined to disrupt the global production and supply chain of illicit fentanyl, including by denying the criminal actors who engage in this activity access to the international financial system.
• Treasury Sanctions Sinaloa Cartel Network of "Super Lab" Suppliers and Fentanyl Operators US Treasury 22 Feb 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated six Mexican nationals and Sinaloa Cartel members involved in the illicit methamphetamine and fentanyl trade as well as six Mexico-based entities pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059. Led by brothers Ludim Zamudio Lerma and Luis Alfonso Zamudio Lerma, this network is responsible for diverting illicit precursor chemicals directly into the hands of Sinaloa Cartel members and laboratory operators, further bolstering the Sinaloa Cartel's role as the preeminent facilitator of illicit fentanyl and other deadly drugs being trafficked into the United States.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 22, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2023
• Concert Glory to Defenders of the Fatherland President of Russia 22 Feb 2023 -- Ahead of February 23, the President spoke at a rally-concert dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day at the Luzhniki Stadium.
• Russia, China Forge Closer Ties VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- Russia and China forged closer ties Wednesday, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying relations between the two countries had reached "new frontiers," even as the U.S. has expressed concern that Beijing could supply weapons to Moscow to help its war effort against Ukraine.
• Meeting with Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Wang Yi President of Russia 22 Feb 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met in the Kremlin with Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee Wang Yi.
• Putin, China's top diplomat vow to bolster cooperation for 'multipolar' world Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- In his meeting with China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said relations between the two countries are "reaching new milestones" amid tensions with the US.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the CPC Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with member of the CPC Politburo, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, Moscow, February 22, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Feb 2023
• Two Senior U.S. Lawmakers Chide Austria For Granting Visas To Russian Deputies For OSCE Meeting RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- Two senior U.S. lawmakers say Austria erred by issuing visas to the Russian delegation -- all of whom are under European Union sanctions due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine -- for this week's meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna, but it's unlikely a massive boycott of the meeting by the group's 57 nations will occur.
• West unwilling to cooperate on Nord Stream probe: Russian diplomat Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has once again accused the United States of being behind the explosions on Nord stream gas pipelines in September last year, saying the national investigations of Germany, Denmark, and Sweden into the sabotage are aimed at protecting Washington.
• Full text: 20th CPC Central Committee to hold second plenary session People's Daily 22 Feb 2023 -- The second plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee will be held from Feb. 26 to 28 in Beijing, according to a decision made at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Tuesday. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on February 22, 2023 PRC MofA 22 Feb 2023
• ASEAN members should not be forced to take sides: Foreign Minister Qin Gang Global Times 22 Feb 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Wednesday stressed that a Cold War or big power competition should not emerge in the Indo-Pacific region, and ASEAN members should not be forced to take sides, after meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi.
• China appoints special envoy to Pacific island countries Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2023 -- China has named a special envoy to Pacific island countries, adding to its diplomatic arsenal in a region where Beijing increasingly vies with the United States for influence.
• China urges U.S. to resolve damage its abuse of force has done to bilateral ties People's Daily 23 Feb 2023 -- China urges the U.S. side to demonstrate sincerity, rectify its wrongdoing, and acknowledge and resolve the damage its abuse of force has done to China-U.S. relations, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• China, Russia relations are mature, resilient and stable, Wang Yi says in meeting with Putin Global Times 23 Feb 2023 -- During the meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, in Moscow on Wednesday, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on the Ukrainian issue. Wang said China appreciates Russia's reiteration of its willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue, noting that China will, as always, uphold an objective and fair position in the political settlement of the crisis.
• Localities across China further explain health insurance reform Global Times 22 Feb 2023 -- More provinces and cities across China, including Southwest China's Sichuan and Northeast China's Heilongjiang provinces as well as Wuhan in Central China's Hubei Province, Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, have published their detailed interpretation of the health insurance reform in a bid to dispel public misgivings as the reform has sparked heated discussion since details of implementation were published recently.
• Mainland urges DPP to resume normal operations of more direct cross-Straits flights Global Times 22 Feb 2023 -- With the epidemic being well controlled on the Chinese mainland at present, the mainland has urged the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan to resume normal operations of direct cross-Straits flights to benefit compatriots on both sides, according to Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, on Wednesday.
• FM urges US to stop official exchanges with Taiwan island, implement Biden's commitment Global Times 22 Feb 2023 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged the US to abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official exchanges between the US and China's Taiwan region and stop creating new factors of tension across the Taiwan Straits, in response to the recent US senior officials' meeting with members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities.
• Back-to-back patriotic February holidays prove exhausting ordeal for North Koreans Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2023 -- North Koreans have come to dread February because of back-to-back patriotic holidays that require them to attend a seemingly endless stream of propaganda lectures, political events and commemorative performances in the days leading up to them, sources in the country tell Radio Free Asia.
• Press Statement of DPRK Vice Foreign Minister for International Bodies KCNA 22 Feb 2023 -- Kim Son Gyong, vice foreign minister for international bodies of the DPRK, issued the following press statement on Wednesday:
• 'Meat Rebellion': Price Hike Triggers Public Anger In Iran RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- A sudden hike in the price of red meat has triggered widespread public anger in Iran, where the troubled economy has sunk to new lows.
• Activist Handed 18 Years In Prison After Calling For Iran's Supreme Leader To Resign RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- Iranian activist Fatemeh Sepehri, an outspoken critic of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison after calling on him to resign.
• Iran nuclear chief says IAEA officials in Tehran for negotiations IRNA 22 Feb 2023 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami said that the officials of the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have come to Tehran and started negotiations, visits, and investigations yesterday.
• IAEA delegation investigating/ ambiguities getting resolved: AEOI chief ISNA 22 Feb 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami on Wednesday said that the delegation of IAEA is in Tehran and they have started analyzing and investigating since yesterday.
• Iran ready to finalize nuclear talks: FM Amirabdollahian IRNA 22 Feb 2023 -- Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs has underscored that the Islamic Republic welcomes negotiations in line with diplomacy and the incumbent administration is prepared for the finalization of nuclear talks.
• 'Iran, IAEA in process of resolving ambiguities in agency's report' Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- Iran's nuclear body chief says officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are in Tehran and talks are underway to resolve ambiguities related to an "incorrect" report by the agency inspectors about Iran's nuclear program.
• Germany Expels Iranian Diplomats in Response to Death Sentence for German Citizen VOA 22 Feb 2023 -- Germany announced Wednesday it is expelling two Iranian diplomats in response to Iran's sentencing a German national to death.
• Tehran summons UK envoy over 'baseless' anti-Iran charges Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the British interim chargé d'affaires in Tehran to protest the UK government's policy of leveling unfounded accusations against the Islamic Republic and promoting Iranophobia.
• Iran imposes sanctions on entities, individuals from EU, UK IRNA 22 Feb 2023 -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a statement declaring the imposition of sanctions on eight British individuals as well as 13 entities and 15 individuals from the European Union.
• Iran slaps "retaliatory" sanctions on EU, British individuals, entities People's Daily 22 Feb 2023 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry imposed Tuesday new sanctions on several individuals and entities of the European Union and Britain for "supporting terrorism and inciting violence."
• Iran has thwarted US schemes to control West Asia: IRGC Quds Force chief Press TV 22 Feb 2023 -- The commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the country has managed to thwart the United States' attempts to establish a foothold in West Asia and bring nations under its control.
• India is keeping close ties with Myanmar, even transferring weapons, NGOs say Radio Free Asia 22 Feb 2023 -- India, the world's largest democracy, has nurtured closer relations with Myanmar's military junta over the past two years, including providing weapons at least four times since the 2021 coup d'etat, two humanitarian and advocacy organizations in India said.
• Jailed Georgian Ex-President Alleges 'Murder' Plot, Appeals For Help RFE/RL 22 Feb 2023 -- Jailed former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has alleged a widening plot by officials and others to "murder" him and appealed via social media for his country and the world to prevent "this criminal corporation" from carrying out "their evil intentions."
• Israel's new legal proposals pose 'serious risks', UN rights chief warns UN News 22 Feb 2023 -- The UN human rights chief on Tuesday called for taking a measured approach to a package of new laws the Government of Israel is currently considering.
• South Africa continues to experience power outages People's Daily 22 Feb 2023 -- South Africa has continued to experience long hours without electricity after eight generation units broke down, the country's power utility Eskom said Tuesday.