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• Army begins deployment of units to Europe US Army 07 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Army has begun unit deployments in support of our European allies and partners. This follows a Jan. 21 Army announcement that elements from the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters and the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, were preparing to replace units that are currently in Europe.
• Tennessee National Guard Prepares for Joint Bulgarian Exercise Army News 07 Mar 2023 -- The Tennessee National Guard will conduct the international joint readiness exercise Thracian Sentry 2023 throughout Bulgaria June 12-30.
• Office of Strategic Capital, Small Business Administration to Sign Memorandum of Agreement DoD 07 Mar 2023 -- The DoD's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) announced intent to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) March 10 at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin.
• Special Ops Community Transforming to Meet Current, Future Challenges DoD News 07 Mar 2023 -- The Special Operations community is making progress in its transformation to focus more on the challenges of China and Russia while maintaining the expertise to mount counterterrorism operations worldwide, Chris Maier, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
• Physician Says DOD Focused on Improving Mental Health of Force DoD News 07 Mar 2023 -- Defense Department health leaders provided testimony today at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing.
• Saltzman outlines 'theory of success' guiding Space Force in fulfilling its essential missions US Air Force 07 Mar 2023 -- Offering familiar themes refined with his personal prescription for ensuring superiority in space, Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, told an influential audience March 7 that an evolving but clear-eyed "theory of success" is required to guide the still young Space Force and position it properly to carry out its essential missions.
• Brown says Airmen must be comfortable with 'discomfort' to drive change the Air Force needs US Air Force 07 Mar 2023 -- Already well known for insisting that the U.S. Air Force modernize and "accelerate" to meet today's evolving security threats, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., March 7, added another requirement during his keynote address at the Air and Space Forces Association 2023 Warfare Symposium.
• Kendall outlines clear path for modernizing Air, Space Forces & confronting peer competitors US Air Force 07 Mar 2023 -- Reporting progress but conceding that "hard choices" remain, Department of the Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall offered a report card March 7 during a major address at the 2023 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium, emphasizing the need to modernize and reshape the Air Force and Space Force to confront China and other emerging powers.
• Air Force announces Future Operating Concept US Air Force 07 Mar 2023 -- The Air Force chief of staff announced March 7 a key component in how Airmen will Accelerate Change or Lose by successfully delivering airpower to deter and, if necessary, prevail.
• DAF Leaders discuss force retention, resilience at AFA panel US Air Force 07 Mar 2023 -- Senior leaders from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force gathered to provide their perspectives on the Department of the Air Force's abilities to build and maintain forces during a panel titled "Warfighting on the Homefront" at the 2023 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium March 6.
• FRCE Selected as Depot Source of Repair for New Air Force Combat Rescue Helicopter US Navy 07 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Air Force recently selected Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) as the stateside depot source of repair (DSOR) for the HH-60W Jolly Green II, the air service's new combat rescue platform. FRCE will conduct all helicopter airframe programmed depot maintenance for Jolly Green II aircraft located within the continental United States, which represents about 70% of the platform's total expected workload.
• FRCE Secures Future Components Workload for Air Force MH-139A Grey Wolf US Navy 07 Mar 2023 -- Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently secured designation as the Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) for 81 major structural and dynamic components of the U.S. Air Force MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, the planned replacement for the UH-1N Huey. FRCE performs maintenance, repair and overhaul of the legacy UH-1N platform at its North Carolina Global TransPark detachment in Kinston. Current projections place the start date for the new work in fiscal year 2028.
• CNO Delivers Remarks at Navy League Hampton Roads Dinner US Navy 07 Mar 2023
• Head of US Army Pacific Names Challenges Posed by Beijing VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- The top U.S. Army commander in the Indo-Pacific recently gave a ground-up view of the challenges posed by China's military buildup in the region, citing munitions shortage as among the areas the United States should strengthen to effectively deter potential Chinese aggression.
• California, Idaho, Colorado CSTs Collaborate for Exercise Army News 07 Mar 2023 -- The HAZMAT-suited men make their way down the crumbling staircase, their breathing amplified by their gas masks.
• US Conducts Static Fire Test of LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- The United States conducted its first full-scale static fire test of the Sentinel stage-one solid rocket motor at Northrop Grumman's test facility in Promontory, Utah, the Air Force said in a statement on Tuesday.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and Commander in Chief of the Peshmerga Forces Nechirvan Barzani DoD 07 Mar 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani of Iraq DoD 07 Mar 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Addresses Media in Erbil, Iraq, on March 7, 2023 DoD 07 Mar 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Addresses Media in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 7, 2023 DoD 07 Mar 2023
• US Defense Chief Makes Unannounced Iraq Visit VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday during an unannounced visit to Iraq that U.S. forces operating in the country are focused on supporting Iraqi forces and defeating the Islamic State group, while highlighting the need for security to carry out that mission.
• Pentagon chief vows to continue US military presence in Iraq Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- The Pentagon chief on Tuesday made an unannounced visit to Iraq where he announced Washington's intent to maintain the military presence that began with the US invasion in 2003 and continued for the 20 years since, leaving hundreds of thousands of people dead.
• Secretary General in Stockholm: time to welcome Finland and Sweden as NATO Allies NATO 07 Mar 2023 -- The time has come to welcome Sweden and Finland into NATO, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday (7 March 2023) at the start of a two-day visit to Stockholm.
• NATO Secretary General: Albania plays a key role promoting stability in the Western Balkans NATO 07 Mar 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Albania for its contributions to NATO in a meeting with President Bajram Begaj at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (7 March 2023).
• NATO Deputy Secretary General: resilience requires close cooperation with partners like Ireland NATO 07 Mar 2023 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană underlined the importance of NATO's partnership with Ireland in remarks delivered online to the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) on Monday (6 March 2023).
• Finland to participate in NATO Crisis Management Exercise 2023 Finnish Government 07 Mar 2023 -- As a NATO invitee, Finland will participate in NATO Crisis Management Exercise 2023 (CMX23) to be held between 9 and 15 March. CMX is NATO's regular consultation and decision-making exercise.
• Swedish Foreign Ministry Vows Not to Host Nuclear Weapons in Country After Joining NATO Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom on Tuesday pledged not to deploy nuclear weapons in the country after Sweden joins NATO, following the example of other Scandinavian states.
• US Ambassador to Estonia on Russian Threats, NATO Expansion VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- Weeks after U.S. Ambassador to Estonia George Kent took up his new post in the country, he spoke to VOA about the future of U.S.-Estonia relations, how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has affected attitudes toward defense spending, and military cooperation, as well as NATO expansion.
• VOA Interview: Estonian President Alar Karis VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- Estonia's president has long said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is not only an attack on a neighboring country but a war on transatlantic values and democracy itself.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 07 Mar 2023 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• Poland is ready to service and repair tanks supplied to Ukraine Republic of Poland 07 Mar 2023 -- On Tuesday, March 7, a press conference of Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense, was held at the Okęcie Military Airport before his departure for a meeting with the German Defense Minister and a session of the informal EU defense ministers' meeting in Stockholm.
• Minister Joly announces new multifaceted support for Ukraine Canada 07 Mar 2023 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly announced new multifaceted support for Ukraine to help address its critical energy and security needs as it defends itself against Russia's full-scale invasion. The announcement was made during the official visit to Canada of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
• Canada deploys medical trainers to Operation UNIFIER and extends engineer training in Poland Canada 07 Mar 2023 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada has deployed seven Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Medical Technicians and Medical Assistants from Canadian Forces Health Services units to Poland, where they will train members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the skills needed to save lives effectively in combat situations.
• China has not provided weapons to any party involved in the Ukraine crisis, and will never accept criticism or sanctions thrown at it: FM Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- China is neither initiator of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, nor an involved party. The country did not provide weapons to any party involved in the crisis and will never accept criticism, pressure or sanctions thrown at it,Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said at Tuesday's press conference.
• Chinese people commemorate death of radar, early warning aircraft pioneer Wang Xiaomo, hailing his great contribution to nation Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- Chinese public commemorated Wang Xiaomo, a renowned radar expert and the father of China's early warning aircraft, who passed away on Monday in Beijing due to illness at the age of 84, hailing Wang's outstanding contributions to the country.
• China has accelerated legislation relating to national security: top legislator Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- China has accelerated legislation relating to national security, and has for the past few years improved the legal system for opposing foreign sanctions, interference, and long-arm jurisdiction, and provided legal protection for the interests of our country and our people, said China's top legislator.
• Defense chief affirms military would fire at PLA within territorial space CNA 07 Mar 2023 -- Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) reiterated his ministry's stance on Tuesday that Taiwan's military would fire at People's Liberation Army's (PLA) forces, including drones and aircraft, once they have entered the nation's territorial space.
• Experts hold mixed views on U.S. contingency stockpile in Taiwan CNA 07 Mar 2023 -- Taiwanese military experts on Tuesday expressed mixed views on the possibility of the United States establishing a "contingency stockpile" of munitions and other defense articles in Taiwan, a provision in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden in December last year.
• Teamwork key to submarine rescue exercise Australia DOD 07 Mar 2023 -- Navy's submarine abandonment, escape and rescue (SAER) system was certified for another year as part of the annual Exercise Black Carillon, which ran from February 13-24.
• Australia - Javelin FGM-148F Missiles DSCA 07 Mar 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Javelin FGM-148F missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $60.18 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Contracts for procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft from HAL & three Cadet Training Ships from L&T signed in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi India PIB 07 Mar 2023 -- Ministry of Defence, on March 07, 2023, signed contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for procurement of 70 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft & three Cadet Training Ships respectively in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
• Japan - E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft DSCA 07 Mar 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.381 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Pakistan - US Counter Terrorism Dialogue (6-7 March 2023) Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Mar 2023
• Defense Minister and Korea's National Defense Minister Review Bilateral Relations and Discuss Ways of Enhancing Military and Defense Cooperation SPA 07 Mar 2023 -- Lee Jong-Sup, the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, received Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Defense, at a military parade field in the headquarters of the Korean Ministry of National Defense in Seoul today.
• European Peace Facility: Council adopts an assistance measure to support the Nigerien Armed Forces in conjunction with the EU military partnership mission in Niger EC/CEU 07 Mar 2023 -- The Council adopted today an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to strengthen the military capacities of the Nigerien Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Niger and to better protect the civilian population against the mounting terrorist threat.
• The President: Permanent presence of allies on the territory of Lithuania is crucial for us President of the Republic of Lithuania 07 Mar 2023 -- On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Trinidad and Tobago's Foreign Minister Browne US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Trinidadian and Tobagonian Foreign Minister Amery Browne Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Romanian Foreign Minister Aurescu US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2023
• Department Press Briefing - March 7, 2023 US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2023
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France The White House 07 Mar 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with National Security Advisor Kim Sung-han of the Republic of Korea The White House 07 Mar 2023
• Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the State Visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee of the Republic of Korea The White House 07 Mar 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 07 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 7, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 7 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Mar 2023
• Joint Statement on Afghanistan US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2023 -- The text of the following joint statement was agreed upon by the Special Representatives and Envoys for Afghanistan of Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States following their meeting in Paris held February 20, 2023.
• ILO: Afghan Women Bear Brunt of Job Losses After Taliban Takeover VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- The International Labor Organization said Tuesday that female employment levels in Afghanistan had fallen steeply since the Taliban took over the war-ravaged country.
• Holding of the first India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan India MEA 07 Mar 2023 -- In pursuance of the decisions made during the India-Central Asia Summit in 2022, India hosted the first India-Central Asia Joint Working Group on Afghanistan on 07 March 2023.
• US Envoy Says International Community Remains United for Women's Rights in Afghanistan VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls and Human Rights says the international community continues to be united around the necessity of Afghan women's rights.
• Manila: Chinese boats have not left area near Philippine-occupied island Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- Scores of Chinese boats have ignored repeated radio challenges to leave waters near a Philippine-occupied island in the South China Sea after being spotted there in recent days, the Philippine Coast Guard said Tuesday.
• Israeli airstrike on Aleppo airport constitutes gross violation of international law: Syrian FM Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- Syria has strongly condemned the latest Israeli airstrike that targeted the international airport in the northwestern city of Aleppo, saying the attack is a gross violation of international law.
• Türkiye summons U.S. envoy over top general's visit to Kurdish-held Syria People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- Türkiye's Foreign Ministry on Monday summoned the U.S. ambassador to Ankara for the visit of a top U.S. commander to a Kurdish-held area in northeastern Syria, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported.
• New Israeli airstrike targets intl. airport in Syria's Aleppo, putting it out of service Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- Israeli aircraft have carried out a new strike against Syria, this time targeting the international airport in the northwestern city of Aleppo.
• No: 66, 7 March 2023, Press Release Regarding the Increased Aggression and Acts of Violence in the West Bank Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Mar 2023
• Myanmar army arrests 50 villagers in Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- Junta troops have arrested around 50 locals after raiding a village in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region, locals told RFA.
• Bangladesh investigators probe cause of fire that left 12,000 Rohingya homeless Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- Bangladesh inspectors are investigating the cause of a massive fire at a Cox's Bazar camp that destroyed about 2,000 makeshift homes and left 12,000 homeless over the weekend, an official said Monday.
• UNHCR, partners seek $876m for Rohingya refugees facing 'chilling fog of uncertainty' and for Bangladeshi hosts UNHCR 07 Mar 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners are calling on the international community to redouble efforts for sustained financial support and solutions for Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities that are hosting them as the dire situation enters its sixth year.
• 2023 Rohingya Joint Response Plan: UK statement UK FCDO 07 Mar 2023 -- The UK's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Simon Manley, delivered this statement during the 2023 Rohingya Joint Response Plan.
• UNHCR teams and partners rush assistance to some 100,000 newly arrived Somali refugees in hard-to-reach area of Ethiopia UNHCR 07 Mar 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners are scaling up in Ethiopia's Somali region to support and assist recently arrived refugees fleeing clashes in Somalia.
• Somali Government Forces 'Repulse' Al-Shabab Attack, Official Says VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- Officials in Somalia say an al-Shabab attack on a military base in the south of the country has been "repulsed."
• UNHCR Seeks Support for Somalis Fleeing Las Anod Fighting Into Ethiopia VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- The United Nations Refugee Agency is calling for urgent support to help tens of thousands of Somalis who fled fighting in a disputed border town in Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland.

News Reports

• Key US Intelligence Official Casts Shade on TikTok, Chinese Tech VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- Add a top U.S. intelligence official to the list of Americans expressing concern about Chinese-made technology and Chinese social media platforms like TikTok.
• White House backs TikTok ban bill Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- The White House has announced its support for a new bipartisan bill to allow the U.S. secretary of commerce to ban foreign-owned technology like TikTok. The announcement came Tuesday as the bill was being introduced by a group of eight senators from both parties.
• US Bracing for Bolder, More Brazen Russian Cyberattacks VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- Repeated failures by Russian cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to inflict lasting damage during the Kremlin's ongoing war against Ukraine is unlikely to dampen Moscow's resolve and could instead spur a new wave of riskier efforts against a wider set of targets.
• Statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the Attack on Four American Citizens in Matamoros, Mexico US Dept. of Justice 07 Mar 2023 -- The Justice Department today issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the attack on four American citizens in Matamoros, Mexico:
• Meeting with Sberbank Management Board Chairman German Gref President of Russia 07 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Sberbank German Gref to discuss the company's ongoing operations under external pressure.
• West Tightens Sanctions Compliance As Russia's Economy Avoids Worst-Case Scenario RFE/RL 07 Mar 2023 -- Days before Russia launched its full-blown invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Boris Livshits ordered a military-grade spectrum analyzer from a Florida-based company for delivery to a suburban home in New Hampshire.
• US intelligence suggests 'pro-Ukraine group' bombed Nord Stream: Report Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- A US media report claims new intelligence reviewed by American officials suggests that a "pro-Ukrainian group" bombed the Nord Stream gas pipelines last year.
• China's national legislature sets work plan for this year People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, has set a plan for the legislative work this year, according to a report presented to the ongoing NPC session for deliberation on Tuesday.
• China's legislature urged to safeguard national sovereignty, interests People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- China's top legislator on Tuesday urged the National People's Congress (NPC) to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
• China to establish national data bureau Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- China will establish a national data bureau, according to a reform plan submitted Tuesday to the national legislature for deliberation.
• China to downsize staff of central-level state institutions by 5 percent People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- China's state institutions at the central level will downsize their staff by 5 percent, according to a plan on reforming State Council institutions made public Tuesday.
• China puts national administration handling public petitions directly under State Council People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- The National Public Complaints and Proposals Administration will become an institution directly under the State Council from one under the general office of the State Council, according to a plan on reforming the State Council institutions.
• Beijing's New FM Qin Gang: China's Rise 'Busts Myth That Modernization is Westernization' Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- At his debut press conference as China's new foreign minister, Qin Gang hailed the country's development path, saying it had proven nations can industrialize and develop without colonial plunder and war, as the West has.
• Chinese FM: US Needs to 'Hit the Brakes' Before Conflict Becomes Inevitable With Beijing Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- China and the United States have the world's third and second-largest nuclear stockpiles, respectively. Tensions have been increasing between the two countries over economic issues and the US repeated accusations that Beijing is supporting Russia, as well as matters over Taiwan.
• China's Leaders Sharpen Rhetoric Toward US VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- Public remarks from senior Chinese leaders, delivered during the annual meeting of the National People's Congress, which began Sunday, suggest that Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the Communist Party that he controls are adopting a more confrontational approach to dealing with the United States.
• China FM says conflict unavoidable if US pursues 'wrong path' in relations Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- The United States and China are destined for conflict if Washington refuses to "hit the brakes" as it "speed[s] down the wrong path" of engagement with Beijing, China's new Foreign Minister Qin Gang said Tuesday during his first media appearance in the role.
• China to firmly counter illegal sanction, "long-arm jurisdiction" People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- Chinese courts will unswervingly counter illegal sanctions and "long-arm jurisdictions" to firmly safeguard China's judicial sovereignty and people's interests.
• President Xi calls out US-led 'containment, encirclement and suppression' of China Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has strongly rebuked the US in a speech at an annual summit of the ruling Communist Party, saying Washington is leading a "containment, encirclement and suppression of China."
• US, Lithuania in Talks Aimed at China VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- In March 1990, Lithuania became the first republic to break away from the Soviet Union by declaring itself an independent state, a decision the White House applauded.
• Beijing special envoy, on Pacific charm offensive, says China is the future Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- Beijing's newly appointed special envoy to the Pacific has underlined China's investment in infrastructure during his first official trip to the region, as Australia and the United States step up efforts to keep island nations in their orbit.
• BRI builds broad path for common development: Chinese FM Qin Gang Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a high-quality public good initiated by China and jointly built by all partners, whose benefits are shared by the world. It has attracted the participation of more than three-fourths of the countries in the world and 32 international organizations, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang stressed on Tuesday at a press conference during the ongoing two sessions.
• BRI is pragmatic and open; 'debt trap' label not relevant China: FM Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is pragmatic and open, and China should be the last one to be blamed for debt problems in BRI countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang stressed on Tuesday at a press conference of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.
• Top Chinese Official Tells Hong Kong to Nip National Security Risks in the Bud VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- A top Chinese official has told Hong Kong to "nip in the bud" any potential risks that might threaten national security and be vigilant of "destructive forces lurking in society," according to the city's Beijing-appointed leader.
• HK's NPC deputies called on to take lead in safeguarding national security Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- Chinese senior officials on Hong Kong affairs met a delegation of Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Tuesday, pointing out that the city has entered a crucial development period following its transition from chaos to order and expecting those deputies to play a backbone role in safeguarding national security and helping the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to roll out policies.
• International Women's Day march in Hong Kong canceled amid police threats Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- A women's labor organization in Hong Kong canceled a march last weekend to mark International Women's Day amid threats from police that they would arrest key activists.
• Global currency should not be used as a trump card in unilateral sanctions: Chinese FM Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- "Which currency should China and Russia use in bilateral trade? Whichever currency that is safe, efficient and credible," Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing Two Sessions on Tuesday when asked by a Russian news agency on the state of currency settlement for trade between China and Russia.
• No change in policy, says China's forex regulator despite claims from US investor: report Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- China's top forex regulator, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), said that it has noticed claims made by US billionaire investor Mark Mobius that he cannot get his money out of the country. But SAFE said there has been no change in China's policy for cross-border remittance of funds, online news portal cls.cn reported on Monday.
• China to set up national financial regulatory administration People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- China will set up a national financial regulatory administration, according to a plan submitted Tuesday to the national legislature for deliberation.
• 'Red Guards' song and dance for model worker prompts shock, anger over Mao's legacy Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- High school students dressed as Red Guards from the Cultural Revolution took to the streets in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangxi over the weekend to sing the praises of model worker Lei Feng, in a move that shocked many who were reminded of the decade of political violence under late supreme leader Mao Zedong.
• Chinese modernization not pursued by war, colonization or exploitation, busting the myth that modernization is westernization: FM Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- Achieving modernization for a country with a population of more than 1.4 billion will be an unprecedented feat in human history, and Chinese modernization offers solutions to many challenges facing human development, and dispels the myth that modernization is westernization, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang during a press conference Tuesday on the sidelines of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress.
• Chinese leaders participate in discussions with political advisors People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- Senior Chinese leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday attended group discussions with national political advisors at the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
• Foreign Minister Qin Gang briefs the media: Highlights People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- Foreign Minister Qin Gang answers questions about the country's foreign policy and diplomatic relations at a press conference on Tuesday during the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.
• China's foreign minister warns 'reckless' US of 'conflict and confrontation' Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- China's foreign minister Qin Gang has warned that "conflict and confrontation" with the United States is inevitable if Washington continues its "reckless" approach to relations with Beijing.
• China-Europe ties not targeted at, subjugated to or controlled by any third party: FM Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- The China-Europe relationship is not targeted at any third party nor is it subjugated to or controlled by any third party, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told a press conference on Tuesday during the ongoing two sessions.
• China, Russia set good example for intl relations, target no third party: Chinese FM Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- China and Russia have found a path of major country relations featuring strategic trust and good neighborliness, setting a good example for international relations and such relations are based on no alliance and no confrontation and it doesn't target any third party, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told a press conference on Tuesday.
• Developing countries should have greater voice in international affairs: Chinese FM Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- Developing countries should have greater voice in international affairs and people from these countries should be entitled to enjoy better lives, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said when attending a press conference on Tuesday at the two sessions.
• Decoding China's economic recovery at "two sessions" People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- While a recession risk still hangs over the global economy, the ongoing "two sessions" in China reassured investors and businesses that the world's second-largest economy is bouncing back from COVID-19 shocks and will continue to serve as a strong growth driver for the globe.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 7, 2023 ROC MND 07 Mar 2023
• Tsai-McCarthy meet switched to US from Taiwan, reports say Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- A highly anticipated but also highly sensitive meeting between the U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is reportedly to take place in California instead of Taiwan after Tsai "convinced" the U.S. side of China's possible angry response.
• Reports: US House Leader to Meet Taiwan's President During Her Upcoming Visit to US VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- Media reports say U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan during her scheduled visit to the United States in the coming weeks.
• Taiwan says no concrete plans for a Tsai trip to U.S. CNA 07 Mar 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently has "no concrete plans" for an overseas trip by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Tuesday, amid reports she will visit Taiwan's allies in April with stopovers in the United States.
• Analysts warn of more tensions if McCarthy meets Tsai Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reportedly is planning to meet Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen in the US in coming weeks. Chinese analysts warned of more tensions should the US continues to violate the one-China principle.
• U.S., Lithuania seek to boost Taipei-Vilnius economic partnership CNA 07 Mar 2023 -- The United States and Lithuania will seek to boost the Baltic state's economic partnership with Taiwan, both countries said on Monday as they expressed support for Taipei's international participation.
• Unification an irresistible trend and common aspiration for Chinese people: CPPCC member Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- Unification is an irresistible trend and common aspiration, and people across Taiwan Straits will work together for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people. People in the mainland can take high-speed railway to Taipei and compatriots in the island can also fly directly to Wudang Mountain in Hubei Province in Central China, according to Jiang Liping, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and also vice chairman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League in comments made on Tuesday.
• Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter of China's own internal affairs: Qin Gang Global Times 07 Mar 2023 -- At a press conference Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang responded to the Taiwan question with the Chinese Constitution in hand, saying that the island of Taiwan is a part of China's sacred territory. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter of China's own internal affairs, and no foreign country has the right to interfere.
• China to continue showing utmost sincerity, making utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification: FM People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- China will continue to show the utmost sincerity and make the utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification, but it will reserve the option of taking all necessary measures, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang said Tuesday.
• No country should interfere in Taiwan affairs: FM People's Daily 07 Mar 2023 -- No country has the right to interfere in Taiwan affairs as resolving the Taiwan question is China's own business, said Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Tuesday at a press conference.
• Nikkei voices 'regret' on Taiwan veterans spy story CNA 07 Mar 2023 -- A Japanese newspaper on Tuesday voiced "regret" over any confusion caused by a controversial story it published on Feb. 28 in which it suggested that many discharged military personnel in Taiwan later serve as spies for China.
• Spokesman for KPA General Staff Issues Statement KCNA 07 Mar 2023 -- A spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) released the following statement on Tuesday:
• Kim's Sister: Pyongyang to View US Attempt to Shoot Down North Korean Missiles as Declaration of War Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- North Korea will consider any potential military response by the United States to Pyongyang's strategic tests a declaration of war, Kim Yo-jong, the deputy head of the North Korean Workers Party Central Committee and the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said on Monday.
• Press Statement by Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK KCNA 07 Mar 2023 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following press statement on Tuesday:
• Press Statement by Chief of Foreign News Section of Department of Press and Information of DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 07 Mar 2023 -- The chief of the Foreign News Section of the Department of Press and Information of the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued the following press statement on Monday:
• North Korea warns US, says any military action against its weapon tests amounts to 'declaration of war' Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- North Korea has issued a stern warning to the United States and South Korea about taking military action against Pyongyang's weapon tests, saying any such move would amount to "declaration of war."
• President Raeisi asks intel agencies to confront hybrid warfare health threats in schools Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi described the latest poisoning incidents in a number of schools across the country as a part of hybrid warfare against the Islamic Republic and called on all intelligence agencies to confront any health threats to the educational institutions.
• Iran arrests several people over mysterious poisonings of schoolgirls Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- Iran's deputy interior minister says several people have been arrested in connection with the recent suspected poisonings of schoolgirls in several cities across the country.
• Iran Charges Several As More Than 5,000 Students Fall Ill RFE/RL 07 Mar 2023 -- Iran's judiciary has made its first arrests in what some officials have called a series of "poisonings" that have left more than 5,000 students, mainly schoolgirls, around the country ill.
• Iran trying to finalize JCPOA revival talks while maintaining nat'l interests: FM IRNA 07 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that the Islamic Republic is steadfastly pursuing diplomacy and negotiations as it tries to revive the 2015 nuclear deal while also trying to protect its national interests at the same time.
• China hails Iran- IAEA agreement for further cooperation IRNA 07 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has said that Beijing appreciates efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran to consolidate their collaborations.
• Myanmar's school system in shambles since coup as high school exam-takers plunge 80% Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2023 -- Battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the military coup and an ensuing civil war, Myanmar's school system is in shambles. The number of high school students taking a key exam has plunged 80%, parents, teachers and educational experts say.
• HRC52: UK Statement on Myanmar UK FCDO 07 Mar 2023 -- During the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Rita French, the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, delivered a statement on the situation in Myanmar.
• Belarus: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the sentencing of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other key figures of the democratic forces in exile European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Mar 2023
• Belarus arrests individuals over 'attempted sabotage' at air base Press TV 07 Mar 2023 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says Belarus has detained a number of people over attempted sabotage at an airfield last month.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said The White House 07 Mar 2023
• Between opportunities and challenges: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock travels to Iraq Germany Federal Foreign Office 07 Mar 2023 -- Nowhere in the Middle East do dangers and opportunities collide as they do in Iraq. On the one hand, there is the fight against terrorism, tensions between Shiites and Sunnis, the climate crisis. On the other, a cultural diversity, the cradle of civilisation, a young population and democracy.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Baerbock on her arrival in Baghdad Germany Federal Foreign Office 07 Mar 2023
• Islamabad Court Temporarily Halts Arrest Warrant for Ex-PM Khan, Media Reports Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- The Islamabad High Court has suspended until March 13 the non-bailable arrest warrant for former Pakistani PM Imran Khan, issued for failure to appear in court four times for a hearing in the case of the alleged illegal sale of state gifts, also known as the Toshakhana case, Pakistani media reported Tuesday.
• UN continues to support Pakistan flood response UN News 07 Mar 2023 -- Six months after the devastating floods in Pakistan, humanitarians have reached more than seven million people with food and other essential services, the United Nations has reported.
• South African President Reshuffles Cabinet, Picks New VP, Ministers Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- With just over a year left before South Africa's next general election in 2024, in which President Cyril Ramaphosa will seek re-election to a second five-year term, the reshuffle comes amid several ongoing challenges facing the nation, including an energy crisis that is overshadowing South Africa's economic growth.
• South Africa's ANC Received Big Donation from Russian Oligarch-Linked Firm VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- South Africa's ruling ANC party has brushed aside criticism of a large donation it accepted from a mining company linked to a Russian oligarch under U.S. sanctions.
• Secure space-based connectivity programme: Council gives its final approval EC/CEU 07 Mar 2023 -- The Council has today adopted a regulation on the EU's secure connectivity programme for 2023-2027. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure.
• Japan's New Flagship Space Rocket H3 Fails Test Flight, Self-Destructs Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- The H3 rocket is designed to replace the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) current workhorse, the H-IIA rocket. It has been in development by JAXA and its commercial partner, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, for more than a decade.
• Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Saudi Arabia Republic of Poland 07 Mar 2023 -- Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met in Riyadh, capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
• Georgia: Statement by the High Representative on the adoption of the "foreign influence" law European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Mar 2023 -- On Tuesday, the Georgian Parliament adopted the new law on "transparency of foreign influence" in a first reading. This is a very bad development for Georgia and its people.
• Thousands Clash With Police In Georgia After Parliament OKs First Reading Of 'Foreign Agents' Law RFE/RL 07 Mar 2023 -- Thousands of Georgians took to the streets of central Tbilisi after the parliament passed the first reading of a controversial "foreign agent" law that critics, including the United States and EU, say will impact freedoms in the South Caucasus nation.
• Georgian President Backs Protesters in Tbilisi, Vows to Veto Foreign Agents Bill Sputnik 07 Mar 2023 -- Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who is now on a trip to the United States, expressed support for the protesters in Tbilisi and announced that she would veto the law on foreign agents.
• Nigeria: Statement by the Spokesperson on the elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Mar 2023 -- The EU welcomes the Nigerian people's commitment to democracy and the announcement of the results of the 25 February elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring Mr Bola Tinubu aspresident-elect.
• Un experts tell Human Rights Council that violence against civilians persists in South Sudan, fuelled by pervasive impunity OHCHR 07 Mar 2023 -- Impunity is a major driver of the human rights and humanitarian crises in South Sudan, which continue to cause immense trauma and suffering for civilians in the country, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has found in its latest report. Commission members Andrew Clapham and Barney Afako presented the report today to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.*
• Statement on report of Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan UK FCDO 07 Mar 2023 -- Rita French, the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, delivers a statement on the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.
• Statement on report by Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua UK FCDO 07 Mar 2023 -- Rita French, the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, delivers a statement on behalf of the UK on the report from the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua.
• Crises Eroding Human Rights Around World, UN's Türk Says VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- The United Nations' top human rights official says the proliferation of crises brought on by conflict, climate change, poverty and discrimination are eroding people's fundamental rights and freedoms and threatening the stability of nations worldwide.
• 18 Killed in Bangladesh Building Explosion, Dozens Injured VOA 07 Mar 2023 -- A massive explosion inside building in a busy neighborhood in Bangladesh's capital has killed at least 18 people and injured dozens, officials said Tuesday, after two other similar fatal explosions in the country recently.