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Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Releases the President's Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Budget DoD 13 Mar 2023 -- "The FY 2024 budget is the most strategy-driven request we've ever produced from the Department of Defense. And as our National Defense Strategy makes clear, the People's Republic of China (PRC) is our pacing challenge. This budget seeks to meet this critical challenge today, tomorrow, and into the future by providing the resources today to continue to implement our National Defense Strategy and keep our nation safe while delivering a combat credible Joint Force that is the most lethal, resilient, agile, and responsive in the world."
• Deputy Secretary Hicks and Vice Chairman Adm. Grady Hold a Press Briefing on President Biden's Fiscal 2024 Defense Budget DoD 13 Mar 2023
• Comptroller Michael J. McCord and Vice Adm. Sara A. Joyner Hold a Press Briefing on President Biden's Fiscal 2024 Defense Budget DoD 13 Mar 2023
• Department of Defense Releases 2024 Military Intelligence Program Budget Request DoD 13 Mar 2023 -- On March 13, 2023 the Department of Defense released the Military Intelligence Program (MIP) top line budget request for fiscal year 2024. The total is $29.3 billion and is aligned to strategic priorities of the Secretary of Defense.
• US Defense Budget Funds $170 Billion Procurement, Largest in History: Pentagon Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The US Defense Department's fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget request includes $170 billion for procurement, marking the largest such investment in its history, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Monday.
• Department of the Air Force 2024 budget proposal invests in modernization, transformation US Air Force 13 Mar 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force unveiled a $259.3 billion budget request March 13 designed to continue modernizing the Air Force and Space Force to meet evolving threats while also nourishing current needs that include training, readiness and fostering new technology.
• Lethal, Resilient, Agile Joint Force Basis for Defense Budget Request DoD News 13 Mar 2023 -- The fiscal 2024 defense budget request is driven by the requirements of the National Defense Strategy and fully enmeshed with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's move to take care of the people of the department.
• Air Force Officials Hold a Press Briefing on President Biden's Fiscal 2024 Air Force Budget DoD 13 Mar 2023
• Army Officials Hold a Press Briefing on President Biden's Fiscal 2024 Army Budget DoD 13 Mar 2023
• Navy Officials Hold a Press Briefing on President Biden's Fiscal 2024 Navy Budget DoD 13 Mar 2023
• Department of the Navy FY 2024 President's Budget US Navy Press Release 13 Mar 2023 -- The Department of the Navy's (DON) FY 2024 President's Budget (PB24) request is $255.8B, an increase of $11.1B or 4.5% from the FY 2023 enacted budget.
• Digital Press Briefing on Exercise Flintlock in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire US Dept. of State 13 Mar 2023
• Agile Flag 23-1 brings together ACC, AMC, total force partners for Lead Wing certification US Air Force 13 Mar 2023 -- Agile Flag 23-1 concluded March 7, which tested the 366th Fighter Wing's, ability to act as a Lead Wing and conduct agile combat employment operations in a flag-level contributing certifying exercise.
• U.S. Marines, Japanese forces conclude first Japan-based Iron Fist Exercise USMC News 13 Mar 2023 -- Today, members of the Japan Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit completed the first Japan-based Iron Fist exercise. Iron Fist is an annual exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This iteration of Iron Fist included ships from the JMSDF for the first time, which conducted rehearsals and integration with the 31st MEU and 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment throughout the exercise.
• US to Make Significant Investment in Patriot, Tomahawk Missiles: Army Official Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The United States will make a significant investment in the procurement of Patriot and Tomahawk missile quantities as part of the Pentagon budget request for 2024, Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo said on Monday.
• A Clash of Doctrine: VBSS in the Western Indian Ocean US Navy 13 Mar 2023 -- Within the Bandari Maritime Academy of Mombasa, Kenya, participants in exercise Cutlass Express 2023, hailing from Djibouti, Georgia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, United Kingdom, and the United States, gathered to address a common challenge - Visit, Board, Search and Seizure.
• NAVCENT Hosts Ukraine Delegation for Tour of Unmanned and AI Task Force US Navy 13 Mar 2023 -- Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, welcomed a Ukrainian delegation to the U.S. Navy's regional headquarters in Bahrain, March 13.
• Arizona Guard, Oman Partner in State Partnership Program Army News 13 Mar 2023 -- The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Arizona National Guard, and the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Defense signed a State Partnership Program agreement March 13, becoming partners in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau program.
• Major exercises demonstrate NATO Allies readiness NATO 13 Mar 2023 -- Troops from NATO Allies and partners are taking part in a series of long-planned major military exercises stretching from the High North to the Mediterranean to enhance the readiness of NATO forces.
• China warns Philippines not to give US more access to bases Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2023 -- Granting the United States greater access to Philippine military bases will drag the Southeast Asian nation into "geopolitical strife," China's embassy here has warned, claiming the move is part of a plot to contain its growing regional influence.
• Philippines, US Kick Off Joint Military Drills With Up to 3,000 Soldiers Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The Philippines and the United States began a three-week long Salaknib (Shield) large-scale military exercise at the largest military reservation in the Philippines, Fort Magsaysay, on Monday, involving about 3,000 personnel, Philippine Army Commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov DoD 13 Mar 2023
• Russia's Global Arms Exports Suffer As War Takes Toll; Ukraine's Imports Surge, Says New Report RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- Russia's share of global arms exports declined sharply in the most recent five-year period, as Western sanctions against Moscow and the Kremlin's own need to conserve weaponry for its ongoing war effort in Ukraine limited sales abroad, new data from an influential research group showed.
• Xi Jinping ends annual congress with calls to strengthen military Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2023 -- China's rubber-stamp parliament closed on Monday after appointing a new premier and four vice premiers - two of whom have close ties to the military-industrial complex - as Communist Party leader Xi Jinping called repeatedly for a "world-class" technological upgrade for the People's Liberation Army.
• China's Xi Jinping urges greater self-reliance amid trade, military tensions with US Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese president has called for speeding up science and technology development to ensure greater self-reliance and strengthening the country's military amid rising tensions with the US.
• China's 3rd aircraft carrier Fujian 'makes smooth progress' in mooring trials ahead of expected maiden voyage Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- China's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has made smooth progress in mooring trials ahead of its expected maiden voyage later this year, analysts said on Monday, after the latest reports showed the ship has seemingly already tested its auxiliary power systems.
• MAC confirms Taiwanese missing soldier is in China CNA 13 Mar 2023 -- A Taiwanese professional soldier who went missing from his post in outlying Kinmen County last Thursday is in China, but it is too early to make a conclusion as to whether he deserted, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Monday.
• Taiwan Planning to Prepare Armament for Possible Blockade by Beijing in 2023, Media Reports Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan, as part of its military spending in 2023, will focus on preparing weapons and equipment, including parts for F-16 fighters, in anticipation of a "total blockade of the Taiwan Strait" by China, British media reported on Monday, citing a report prepared by the Taiwanese Defense Ministry.
• North Korea Fires Two Ballistic Missiles Toward Sea of Japan - South Korean Military Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- North Korea fired two ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, the South Korean military revealed in a statement.
• North Korea Continues Launches Amid US-South Korea Drills VOA 13 Mar 2023 -- North Korea conducted a ballistic missile launch Tuesday, South Korea's military said, the latest in a flurry of North Korean weapons tests and condemnations over U.S.-South Korea joint military drills that began this week.
• Underwater Launching Drill of Strategic Cruise Missiles Conducted KCNA 13 Mar 2023 -- An underwater launching drill of strategic cruise missiles was staged at dawn of March 12.
• North Korea test-fires submarine-launched 'strategic' cruise missiles ahead of US-South Korea drills Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- North Korea says it has test-fired two "strategic" cruise missiles from a submarine ahead of large-scale military drills by the country's archenemies, the United States and South Korea.
• PM announces major defence investment in launch of Integrated Review Refresh Gov.UK 13 Mar 2023 -- The Prime Minister has announced that the UK will ramp up investment in defence to meet the challenges of an increasingly volatile and complex world, as the Government launches an update to the 2021 Integrated Review.
• UK's Rishi Sunak Pledges to Boost Defense Budget by $6Bln Over 2 Years Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, announced the increase of 5 billion pounds ($6 billion) in the country's defense budget over the next two years amid the growing challenges for the national security.
• Integrated Review Refresh 2023: Foreign Secretary's statement to Parliament UK FCDO 13 Mar 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly updated the House of Commons on the 2023 Integrated Review Refresh.
• New fund announced to support UK's national security priorities UK FCDO 13 Mar 2023 -- The new UK Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) will help keep the UK safe and address global sources of volatility and insecurity.
• AUKUS pact makes waves with submarine deal Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2023 -- Australia will buy up to five U.S. nuclear-powered submarines with delivery by the "early 2030s," and then switch to British submarines by the end of that decade, according to a deal unveiled by the leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on Monday.
• US, Australia, UK Forge Landmark Nuclear Submarine Deal VOA 13 Mar 2023 -- Australia will buy three nuclear-powered attack submarines from the United States as part of a three-nation, multi-decade deal with Great Britain that is aimed at strengthening the allies' presence in the Asia-Pacific region as China grows bolder militarily.
• AUKUS Leaders' Announcement US Dept. of State 13 Mar 2023 -- "Today, President Biden, British Prime Minister Sunak, and Australian Prime Minister Albanese announced the optimal pathway for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) under the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) partnership."
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on AUKUS Optimal Pathway Announcement DoD 13 Mar 2023
• British-led design chosen for AUKUS submarine project Gov.UK 13 Mar 2023 -- The first generation of AUKUS nuclear submarines will be built in the UK and Australia, based on the UK's world-leading submarine design.
• Opening Remarks - Bilateral Meeting Prime Minister of Australia 13 Mar 2023
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Australia Prime Minister Albanese The White House 13 Mar 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 13 Mar 2023
• Remarks by President Biden, Prime Minister Albanese of Australia, and Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom on the AUKUS Partnership The White House 13 Mar 2023
• FACT SHEET: Trilateral Australia-UK-US Partnership on Nuclear-Powered Submarines The White House 13 Mar 2023
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on the AUKUS Announcement The White House 13 Mar 2023
• PM statement at AUKUS trilateral press conference Gov.UK 13 Mar 2023
• PM meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 12 March 2023 Gov.UK 13 Mar 2023
• Australia may 'pay expensive price' as AUKUS nuke sub deal only serves US hegemony: experts Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- Australia is "planting a time bomb" for its own peace and that of the region, and it would bear the cost of the "expensive mistake" of following the US, Chinese experts warned, as the AUKUS leaders of the US, UK and Australia are expected to meet in San Diego, California and announce a mega nuclear submarine deal to arm Australia.
• Biden Unveils New Joint Nuclear Sub Program for AUKUS Following Sale of Virginia-Class Boats Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- In remarks at the 32nd Street Naval Station in San Diego, California, US President Joe Biden laid out the process by which Washington will deliver at least three nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia in the coming years under the aegis of the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) pact.
• US, UK to Rotate Nuclear-Powered Submarines Into Australia in 2027 - US Official Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The United States and the United Kingdom will deploy a rotational force of their nuclear-powered submarines in Australia as early as 2027 as part of the AUKUS partnership to bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, a senior Biden administration official said during a press briefing.
• Australia to Receive 3 Virginia-Class Subs in Early 2030s, US National Security Adviser Says Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- Australia will receive three Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines in the early 2030s with the possibility to buy two more, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday.
• German Troops Suffering From Shortfalls of 'Everything': Commissioner Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The German armed forces are suffering from a severe "lack of everything," from weapons to fitting helms, their parliamentary commissioner said on Monday.
• MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE (MPX) WITH JAPANESE MARITIME SELF DEFENCE FORCE India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- Continuing with the conduct of Maritime Partnership Exercises (MPX) with Friendly Foreign Countries, INS Sahyadri exercised with Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ship JS Suzutsuki, an Akizuki Class Destroyer in the Arabian Sea on 11 March 2023.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 900 crore contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- In another boost to achieve 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', Ministry of Defence, on March 13, 2023, signed a contract for Normal Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam at an overall cost of Rs 934 crore. Sindhukirti is 3rd Kilo Class Diesel Electric Submarine. After completion of refit, Sindhukirti will be combat worthy and will join the active submarine fleet of the Indian Navy.
• EXERCISE LA PEROUSE - 2023 India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- The third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region from 13 to 14 March 2023. This edition will witness participation of personnel, ships and integral helicopters of Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Navy and the United States Navy.
• OFFSET AGREEMENTS IN DEFENCE DEALS India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- There are 15 Offset Agreements in defence deals signed during the last five years, details of which are tabulated below:
• COMMON COMMUNICATION PLAN FOR COASTAL SECURITY India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- A Common Communication Plan (COMPLAN) for Coastal Security has been promulgated by Department of Border Management (BM-II Division)/Ministry of Home Affairs for coordination among various agencies for the coastal security of the country. Under this COMPLAN, following agencies are coordinating:
• DEFENCE EXPORTS India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- Department of Defence Production issues authorisation for export of Munitions List items covered in Category 6 of Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET). The major defence equipment exported during last 05 years include Weapon Simulators, Tear Gas Launcher, Torpedo Loading Mechanism, Alarm Monitoring & Control, Night Vision Monocular & Binocular, Light Weight Torpedo & Fire Control Systems, Armoured Protection Vehicle, Weapons Locating Radar, HF Radio, Coastal Surveillance Radar etc. At present, the exports are being made to more than 80 countries all over the world. Names of the countries cannot be divulged due to strategic reasons. The details of export value during the last five years is as under:
• INNOVATION IN DEFENCE PRODUCTION PROJECTS India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia to promote self-reliance.
• FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HAL India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had concluded a contract with Government of Mauritius on 17th January, 2022 for export of one Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk III and associated deliverables. The total contract value is 17.670 million USD (around Rs 141.52 crore). As per the contract, the delivery was to be completed by 18 months, whereas HAL completed delivery ahead of schedule.
• REDUCTION IN IMPORT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTS DUE TO INDIGENOUS PROJECTS India PIB 13 Mar 2023 -- Many significant projects including 155mm Artillery Gun system 'Dhanush', Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas', Surface to Air Missile system 'Akash', Main Battle Tank 'Arjun', T-90 Tank, T-72 Tank, Armoured Personnel Carrier 'BMP-II/IIK', Su-30 MK1, Cheetah Helicopter, Advanced Light Helicopter, Dornier Do-228, High Mobility Trucks, INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Chennai, Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette (ASWC), Arjun Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle, Bridge Laying Tank, Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS) for 155mm Ammunition, Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle (MBPV), Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), Software Defined Radios (SDR), Lakshya Parachute for Pilotless Target Aircraft, Opto Electronic Sights for Battle Tanks, Water Jet Fast Attack Craft, Inshore Patrol Vessel, Offshore Patrol Vessel, Fast Interceptor Boat, Landing Craft Utility, 25 T Tugs, etc. have been produced in the country during the last few years.
• UAE halts military purchase from Israel amid political crisis facing Netanyahu Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly halted the purchase of advanced surface-to-air missile system from Israel amid political turmoil facing embattled prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as anti-Palestinian remarks by two extremist Israeli ministers.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom The White House 13 Mar 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 13 Mar 2023
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan En Route San Diego, CA The White House 13 Mar 2023
• Department Press Briefing - March 13, 2023 US Dept. of State 13 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 13, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 13 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Mar 2023
• Johnson South commemoration signals apparent shift in Vietnam government policy Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2023 -- Vietnam marks the 35th anniversary of the Johnson South skirmish in the South China Sea this week with a series of commemorations indicating an apparent shift in the domestic approach to the historical event.
• Epicentre of Neglect: Protection of Civilians in Syria Remains an Illusion says UN Syria Commission of Inquiry OHCHR 13 Mar 2023 -- Parties to the conflict in Syria committed widespread human rights violations and abuses in the months leading up to the most devastating earthquakes to hit the region in more than a century, continuing a decade-long pattern of failures to protect Syrian civilians, the UN Syria Commission of Inquiry said Monday after launching their latest report on the country's crisis.
• Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 13 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, at the Armenian side's initiative.
• Myanmar army kills 21 people sheltering in Shan state monastery, rebels say Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2023 -- Junta troops killed 21 locals, including three monks, in a raid on a monastery in Shan state's Pinlaung township, according to the Karenni and Pa-O National Defense Forces.
• Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, to hold Public Hearings in Geneva from 20 to 24 March OHCHR 13 Mar 2023 -- As part of its mandate and its investigations, the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, will hold a second series of public hearings from 20 to 24 March 2023, in Geneva. The Commission of Inquiry held a first series of public hearings from 7 to 11 November 2022.
• Amnesty International Calls for End to Sectarian Attacks in Northern Nigeria VOA 13 Mar 2023 -- Human rights groups have called on Nigerian authorities to end sectarian attacks that left at least 35 people dead in northern areas over the weekend.

News Reports

• Exclusive: Expelled Russian Diplomats With Spy Links Resurface In Serbia RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- In the months following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine last year, hundreds of Russian diplomats were expelled or blacklisted by European Union member states, several of which cited alleged espionage by the banished emissaries.
• UK to Continue Developing Capabilities of Intelligence Agencies, Deploy More Personnel Abroad Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The United Kingdom will continue to develop the capabilities of its intelligence agencies and deploy more personnel abroad to strengthen cooperation with partners, according to the country's updated defense strategy document Integrated Review Refresh 2023.
• CISA Establishes Ransomware Vulnerability Warning Pilot Program CISA 13 Mar 2023 -- Recognizing the persistent threat posed by ransomware attacks to organizations of all sizes, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announces today the establishment of the Ransomware Vulnerability Warning Pilot (RVWP) as authorized by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) of 2022.
• Remarks on Illicit Finance by Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Elizabeth Rosenberg in Sydney, Australia US Treasury 13 Mar 2023 -- Today, Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Elizabeth Rosenberg spoke at a roundtable of banks in Sydney, Australia to discuss illicit finance issues.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on progress in the work on the UN Security Council draft resolution submitted by Russia on investigating the act of sabotage at the Nord Stream gas pipelines Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Mar 2023
• Interview with Director of the Foreign Ministry's Foreign Policy Planning Department Alexey Drobinin published in the journal "National Strategy Issues" of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISS), No 1, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Mar 2023
• Meeting with Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov President of Russia 13 Mar 2023 -- Ramzan Kadyrov briefed the President on Chechnya's socioeconomic achievements in 2022.
• Kremlin: Russia, India Oil Cooperation to Be Based on Contacts With Contractors Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- Russia will base its oil cooperation with India on contracts with contracting parties and not on media reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
• The Nord Stream Mystery: What We Know About The Baltic Sea Pipeline Blasts RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- In the first half of September 2022, a Greek-flagged tanker sailed eastward from the Dutch port of Rotterdam, into the Baltic Sea and a busy channel plied by dozens of ships weekly en route to major German, Russian, and other Baltic ports.
• First Closed-Door Session Held In Treason Case Against Kremlin Critic Kara-Murza RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- In a closed-door session, a Moscow court on March 13 began to consider the treason case against jailed opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who faces nearly 25 years in prison for high treason after making comments critical of the Kremlin.
• In Russia, Censors Take On Truth Online VOA 13 Mar 2023 -- As Russia tries to control the narrative on the war in Ukraine, online news providers and aggregators find themselves in tricky territory.
• Xi's Consolidation of Power Equals Suppression in China, Conflicts Abroad, Analysts Say VOA 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's latest move to bolster the power of the Communist Party and tighten its grip on society is a manifestation of the Communist ideology and will likely result in increased suppression at home and intensified conflicts with the West, according to analysts.
• Chinese Premier's down-to-earth approach at first press conference inspires confidence Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- On March 13, 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of the United States announced an arrangement for Australia to acquire a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) capability through the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) enhanced security partnership.
• China to march on new journey with full confidence, energy, as annual 'two sessions' successfully conclude Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Monday. His remarks comprehensively covered key topics, including the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), national rejuvenation, national reunification, development and security, as well as building a community with a shared future for humanity.
• China adopts revision to Legislative Law, a significant step in practicing whole-process people's democracy Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- China's national legislature adopted on Monday a revision to the Legislation Law, which has been hailed by Chinese lawmakers and political advisors as a significant step in enhancing the full-scale leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) over legislation work and developing whole-process people's democracy with innovative moves that keep up with the times.
• "Two sessions" muster consensus, strength for China's modernization drive People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- For any China observer, the "two sessions" provide a chance not to be missed to get a glimpse of how its grand blueprint for modernization turns into policies and actions.
• Chinese premier vows to further improve gov't conduct People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday pledged further efforts to improve the conduct of the government and vowed zero-tolerance for corruption.
• Highlights from Premier Li's news conference People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- Premier Li Qiang met reporters at home and abroad at a news conference on Monday at the end of the annual meeting of the National People's Congress.
• UK's provocative moves to negatively impact ties with China: experts Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- The UK government has announced it will "ramp up investment in defense" in its 2023 Integrated Review, which pledges to "respond to emerging geopolitical threats" including "China's economic coercion", by significantly raising UK's military spending in the coming two years, which experts said to be mainly catering to US' strategic goals.
• UK announces increased funding for China Capabilities Programme Gov.UK 13 Mar 2023 -- The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is increasing funding to further boost skills and knowledge for government staff on China.
• China Eyes Larger Middle East Role After Sealing Iran-Saudi Deal RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- A surprise deal brokered by China to reestablish diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia has paved the way for Beijing to expand its influence in the Middle East and shore up its broader ambitions on the global stage.
• Pushing economic, social development gains 'unprecedented' focus during this year's two sessions Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- Promoting economic and social development has gained an "unprecedented" focus and emphasis during this year's two sessions, as China stands at a crucial phase of implementing plans set at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and entering a new development journey, national legislators and political advisors said, as most motions and proposals submitted this year focused on economic growth.
• China's new cabinet lineup decided at top legislature Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- With key positions of Chinese central government being endorsed at the national legislature, Chinese observers believed that the major agenda of the central government will be steering the economy recovery and boosting market confidence.
• Xi stresses advancing One Country, Two Systems, national reunification Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- President Xi on Monday stressed solid efforts in advancing the practice of One Country, Two Systems, and the cause of national reunification.
• Xi stresses upholding leadership of CPC People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday stressed upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee.
• Xi stresses building human community with shared future People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- China will make efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, President Xi Jinping said Monday.
• Xi stresses advancing "one country, two systems," national reunification People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday stressed solid efforts in advancing the practice of "one country, two systems" and the cause of national reunification.
• Xi stresses better coordinating development, security People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday stressed better coordinating development and security.
• Xi emphasizes putting people first on new journey People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- It is a must to put the people first on the new journey of building China into a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday.
• Xi stresses unswervingly advancing high-quality development People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- China will unswervingly advance high-quality development on the new journey of building a great modern socialist country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, President Xi Jinping said Monday.
• Xi stresses contributing to building great country, national rejuvenation People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for due contributions to building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation.
• Xi says people's trust is biggest motivation for him to forge ahead People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that the people's trust is the biggest motivation that drives him to march on and a great responsibility he shoulders.
• China's national legislature holds closing meeting People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held the closing meeting of its first session Monday morning.
• New leadership navigates China on right course People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- China has ushered in new leadership of its State bodies in accordance with the procedures of the annual session of the national legislature, fueling expectations that the new lineup will shore up the recovery of the world's second-largest economy and advance reform and opening-up amid global headwinds.
• China's top political advisory body holds standing committee meeting People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, on Sunday afternoon held a standing committee meeting.
• China's national legislature decides on new cabinet lineup People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- China's national legislature on Sunday decided on the new lineup of the State Council, or the cabinet, at its ongoing annual session.
• "Two sessions" muster consensus, strength for China's modernization drive People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- For any China observer, the "two sessions" provide a chance not to be missed to get a glimpse of how its grand blueprint for modernization turns into policies and actions.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 13, 2023 ROC MND 13 Mar 2023
• Taiwan envoy meets with U.S. lawmaker to discuss security CNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan's top envoy to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) met with Chris Smith, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, last week to discuss a number of issues relating to Taiwan's security needs and the Chinese Communist Party's security threats.
• Saint Lucia foreign minister seeks to strengthen relations with Taiwan CNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Visiting Saint Lucia External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation Minister Alva Baptiste said Monday that the current trip seeks to strengthen his country's commitment to bilateral relations with Taiwan.
• President meets with lawmakers from Balkan states CNA 13 Mar 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Monday met with visiting lawmakers from three states in the Balkan Peninsula -- Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Romania -- who are in Taiwan to participate in a forum on parliamentary openness.
• China Warns West Not to Cross Red Line on Taiwan Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The Communist Party of China's strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue must be implemented and the One-China principle upheld, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged in his first speech since being elected for a third term on Monday.
• UK urged not to cater to US with new defense review reportedly to mention Taiwan question, take tougher statements against mainland Global Times 13 Mar 2023 -- A new comprehensive review of UK's security, defense and foreign policy will mention the Taiwan island and hype the "China threat," according to UK media, which an expert believes would be a tougher approach to China that the UK takes to cater to US' strategic goals and enhance its relationship with the US.
• Statement of DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 13 Mar 2023 -- The Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Sunday issued the following statement:
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Mar 2023
• President Raisi welcomes Belarus's Lukashenko for state visit IRNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has welcomed his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko for an official state visit.
• Iran, Belarus have potentials to boost trade: Iranian minister IRNA 13 Mar 2023 -- An Iranian minister says the country and Belarus have created the potentials needed for expansion of their bilateral trade ties.
• Iranian, Belarusian Presidents visit exhibition of knowledge-based capabilities of Iranian companies ISNA 13 Mar 2023 -- On the sidelines of their meetings and consultations, the Presidents of Iran and Belarus visited the exhibition of knowledge-based capabilities and achievements of Iranian companies.
• Signing MoUs in various fields shows determination of Tehran, Minsk for all-round development of ties: Raisi ISNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President described the relations between Iran and Belarus as good and constructive in the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, emphasizing on the use of existing capacities to accelerate the strengthening of relations between the two countries.
• Fundamental steps taken to improve ties with Belarus: Iranian President ISNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Referring to the valuable agreements between Iran and Belarus in various fields, especially in the fields of industry, mining, trade, agriculture and roads, the President expressed hope that the adherence and implementation of these agreements will strengthen the relations between the two countries and secure the interests of the two nations.
• Iran, Belarus ink comprehensive cooperation roadmap, 7 pacts ISNA 13 Mar 2023 -- The comprehensive cooperation roadmap and seven cooperation documents in various commercial, transportation, agricultural and cultural fields were signed between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus.
• Iran, Belarus stress need to facilitate consular services for business people, transit drivers ISNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held talks with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Aleinik over a broad range of issues of cooperation in political, economic, scientific, cultural and consular areas.
• Iranian President officially welcomes Belarusian counterpart ISNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi officially welcomed the President of Belarus at Sa'dabad Historical-Cultural Complex on Monday.
• Iran-Belarus cooperation roadmap will change the future: Raeisi Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says a cooperation roadmap agreed between Iran and Belarus during a state visit to Iran by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will change the future of relations between the two countries.
• Iran, Belarus See Breakthrough in Relations Over Past 2 Years Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that the visit of his Belarusian counterpart, Alexander Lukashenko, to Iran would contribute to the development of relations between the two countries, which had already experienced a breakthrough in the past two years.
• Maldives to resume diplomatic ties with Iran: Statement IRNA 13 Mar 2023 -- The government of the Republic of Maldives has announced that it will resume diplomatic ties with Iran days after Iran and Saudi Arabia reached a deal in China to restore their political ties.
• Iran appreciates Baghdad's role in diplomatic deal with Saudi Arabia IRNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Iran's Ambassador to Iraq Mohammad-Kazem Al-e Sadeq has appreciated Baghdad's role in talks that led to an agreement last week on the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after seven years.
• Obtaining verifiable guarantees from US necessary: FM Spox IRNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has underlined that given the United States' non-compliance to its commitments, Iran needs to request verifiable guarantees in any new nuclear agreement.
• Kanaani says US reaction to prisoners swap agreement surprising ISNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Following the US side's surprising reaction to Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's comments about prisoner exchange between Tehran and Washington, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said from March 2022, an agreement in writing was signed to swap prisoners through a mediator.
• Iran says agreement reached with U.S. on prisoner exchange; Washington denies People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- The Iranian foreign minister said on Sunday Tehran and Washington have reached an agreement on the exchange of prisoners over the past few days, while Washington rejected the comment, according to media reports.
• Ayatollah Khamenei: Countries sanctioned by US, Western states must join hands to shatter those bans Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says those countries that have been put under unilateral sanctions by the United States and its Western allies must join hands to destroy those sanctions.
• Pakistan, Iran sign deal to raise power exchange to 200 MW Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- Iran and Pakistan have signed a new electricity exchange agreement under which the volume of power traded between the two neighbors will rise to 200 megawatts.
• Iran-Saudi deal to strengthen peace, stability in Persian Gulf and beyond: Spokesman Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- Iran says its enhanced relations with Saudi Arabia can not only help secure the interests of both nations but boost joint cooperation and convergence with the aim of consolidating regional peace and stability in the region, and the Persian Gulf in particular.
• President Raeisi: Iran turned threats, sanctions into opportunity to thrive Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi says the Islamic Republic has turned the threats posed by unilateral sanctions into an opportunity to make significant progress.
• Iranian Students Say They've Been Banned From Campuses After Protesting Suspected Poisonings RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- Dozens of Iranian students across the country say they have been banned from entering their universities after they protested the suspected poisoning of pupils that has hospitalized scores, mainly schoolgirls.
• Iranian Reformer Tajzadeh Says Attacked By Prison Guards For Third Time In Month RFE/RL 13 Mar 2023 -- Prominent reformist politician Mostafa Tajzadeh, who is currently being held at Tehran's notorious Evin prison, says he and his cell mates were attacked by guards for their support of recent comments made by opposition figure Mir Hossein Musavi on regime change.
• Top Saudi Diplomat Says Differences With Iran Persist Despite Detente Sputnik 13 Mar 2023 -- The recently signed deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties does not mean there are no outstanding issues between the two regional powers, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said on Monday.
• Saudi FM: Riyadh ready to resume relations with Tehran IRNA 13 Mar 2023 -- Saudi Arabia foreign minister said in an interview with Al Sarq al Awsat newspaper that Riyadh is ready to resume relations with Islamic Republic of Iran, and for meetings with Iranian officials.
• Pragmatism, sincerity key to Beijing's success in mediation People's Daily 13 Mar 2023 -- A low profile in mediation, great pragmatism and having no self-interests are some of the key factors behind Beijing's successful facilitation of the landmark reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran last week, observers said.
• Myanmar: Social media companies urged to stand up to junta UN News 13 Mar 2023 -- UN-appointed independent rights experts on Myanmar have urged social media companies to do more to resist the military junta's "online campaign of terror".
• Talks Underway to Resume Work on Trans-Myanmar Railway Linking China to Bay of Bengal VOA 13 Mar 2023 -- After pandemic-related delays, discussion is now underway about resuming work on the railway project in Myanmar that will connect China's Yunnan province to the Bay of Bengal, according to the Myanmar government.
• The President: Lithuania strongly supports Moldova on its Euro-integration path President of the Republic of Lithuania 13 Mar 2023
• Georgian premier warns Ukraine's Zelensky against meddling in his country's domestic affairs Press TV 13 Mar 2023 -- The Georgian prime minister has accused Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky of meddling in his country's domestic affairs by commenting on ongoing protests against a controversial bill claimed to be inspired by Russia.
• Vietnam accuses lawyers defending Buddhist group of 'abusing democratic freedoms' Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2023 -- Vietnamese police have summoned two attorneys defending members of a Buddhist house church in Long An province, accusing them of violating a law that is widely used to imprison dissidents.
• Activists say top Cambodian official's call for smooth election just empty talk Radio Free Asia 13 Mar 2023 -- A top Cambodian government minister's public appeal for a peaceful, inclusive national election was being met with skepticism by election watchdog and opposition party officials.
• Cameroon's Ruling Party Leads Senatorial Election; Opposition Alleges Fraud VOA 13 Mar 2023 -- Opposition parties in Cameroon have accused the ruling party of vote-buying in Sunday's Senate elections. Early results show the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) winning all seats in the poll which 10 opposition parties contested.