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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Russian Fighter Strikes U.S. Unmanned Aircraft DoD News 14 Mar 2023 -- A Russian Su-27 aircraft struck a U.S. Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle's propeller, causing U.S. forces to bring it down into international waters of the Black Sea early this morning, according to U.S. Air Force Gen. James B. Hecker, commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa in a statement today.
• Russian Fighter Collides With US Drone Over International Waters VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. military says a Russian fighter jet collided Tuesday with a U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drone operating within international airspace over the Black Sea, causing the drone to crash.
• Russian MoD on US Drone Incident: UAV Fell Into Black Sea Due to Own Sharp Maneuvering Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- US drone MQ-9 fell into the Black Sea on Tuesday morning due to its own sharp maneuvering, Russian fighters did not come into contact with it and did not use weapons, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• EUCOM Claims US Lost MQ-9 Drone in Black Sea Int'l Waters After Colliding With Russian Su-27 Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- The US European Command (EUCOM) claimed in a release on Tuesday that a Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of an unmanned MQ-9 drone during an "unsafe and unprofessional intercept" over the Black Sea.
• Russian fighter jet collides with US Reaper drone over Black Sea: US military Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet has collided with a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea, the US military says, claiming that the incident occurred in international airspace.
• U.S. Blames 'Reckless' Intercept By Russian Jets For Crash Of Drone Into Black Sea RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- The United States on March 14 blamed Russia for an "unsafe and unprofessional" intercept by its fighter jets with a U.S. spy drone that resulted in the crash of the aircraft into the Black Sea.
• Russian Ambassador: Moscow Not Seeking Confrontation With US After Black Sea Drone Incident Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said Russia is not seeking a confrontation with the United States after a Russian jet was alleged to have downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea.
• Rocket Attack Targets Mission Support Site Green Village, Northeast Syria CENTCOM 14 Mar 2023 -- On March 13, at 8:23 pm local time in Syria, two rockets landed near Coalition Forces at Mission Support Site Green Village in northeast Syria.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DNI Releases FY 2024 Budget Request Figure for the National Intelligence Program Director of National Intelligence 14 Mar 2023 -- The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is disclosing the aggregate amount of $72.4 billion in requested appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2024 National Intelligence Program (NIP).
• Missile Defense Agency Officials Hold a Press Briefing on President Biden's Fiscal 2024 Missile Defense Budget DoD 14 Mar 2023 -- Vice Adm. Jon A. Hill, director, Missile Defense Agency; Michelle C. Atkinson, director for operations, Missile Defense Agency
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl's Meeting With Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, François Bausch DoD 14 Mar 2023
• U.S. Marines join Republic of Korea Marine Corps Allies for Exercise Freedom Shield 23 USMC News 14 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Marines deployed from Japan and the United States ahead of large-scale combined exercise with their Republic of Korea Marine Corps counterparts.
• US, Philippines to launch biggest annual military exercises Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- The Philippines and the United States have announced plans to hold their largest-ever joint military exercises next month amid growing tensions with China charged by territorial disputes.
• US, 29 African Partners Hold Military Drills for Tactical Special Operations, Pentagon Says Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- The United States and its partners from 29 African countries are holding military exercises, dubbed Flintlock, in Ghana and the Ivory Coast focused on tactical training for special operations, US Special Operations Command Africa's commander Rear Adm. Jamie Sands said on Monday.
• USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Receives Service Life Extension US Navy 14 Mar 2023 -- OPNAV N96 recently approved a five-year service life extension for USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).
• NRL to Launch First In-Space Laser Power Beaming Experiment US Navy 14 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is set to launch the Space Wireless Energy Laser Link (SWELL) to demonstrate laser power beaming in space as part of the scheduled U.S. Department of Defense Space Test Program (STP) H9 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) March 15.
• America Amphibious Ready Group Completes Exercise Iron Fist US Navy 14 Mar 2023 -- Sailors assigned to the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), along with members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), celebrated the completion of the 17th iteration of Exercise Iron Fist in a ceremony held on the flight deck of JMSDF landing ship tank JS Ohsumi (LST 4001), March 12.
• Visit to Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant President of Russia 14 Mar 2023 -- During his working trip to the Republic of Buryatia, the President learned about the activities of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, visited the unit assembly and final assembly shops and inspected the finished products.
• Which Feature Allows Russia's Yasen-Class Submarine to Outpace its American Rival Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- Canberra is due to receive three Virginia-class submarines under the aegis of the Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) pact, according to the US State Department. Vasily Dandykin, captain of the 1st rank of the reserve and a military expert, has sat down with Sputnik to discuss the US underwater craft and its Russian competitor.
• Joint Leaders Statement On AUKUS Prime Minister of Australia 14 Mar 2023 -- "In September 2021, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States announced AUKUS - a new security partnership that will promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable."
• AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarine Pathway Prime Minister of Australia 14 Mar 2023 -- Today's significant AUKUS announcement about Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines is the single biggest investment in our defence capability in our history and represents a transformational moment for our nation, our Defence Force and our economy.
• AUKUS Submarine Workforce And Industry Strategy Prime Minister of Australia 14 Mar 2023 -- The Albanese Government is developing a comprehensive AUKUS Submarine Workforce and Industry Strategy to support delivery of advanced conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines to the Australian Defence Force.
• AUKUS Remarks Prime Minister of Australia 14 Mar 2023
• Bilateral Meeting With President Biden Prime Minister of Australia 14 Mar 2023
• Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder and PTDO DUSD(Policy) Dr. Mara Karlin Hold a Press Briefing DoD 14 Mar 2023
• DOD Official Says Sub Agreement Will Help Guarantee Free, Open Indo-Pacific DoD News 14 Mar 2023 -- U.S. defense officials believe the Australia-United Kingdom-United States enhanced security partnership will go a long way to guaranteeing stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
• AUKUS Plan Looks to Shore up Deterrence, Promote Stability DoD News 14 Mar 2023 -- The leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States announced a pathway that will increase the ability of the nations to deter aggression and contribute to stability in the Indo-Pacific, and globally.
• Special Online Briefing With Mark Lambert, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs; Anthony Wier, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation; Douglas Jones, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs; and Abraham Denmark, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense for AUKUS US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2023
• Director General Statement in Relation to AUKUS Announcement IAEA 14 Mar 2023
• China expected to prepare for AUKUS nuclear submarine program with underwater buildups Global Times 14 Mar 2023 -- The leaders of Australia, the UK and the US announced details of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program in California on Monday, a move that experts said on Tuesday is a part of a threatening underwater encirclement designed by the US to militarily confront China, and that China will need to prepare to defend itself.
• China, Russia say deal on Aukus submarines totally disregards Intl. concerns, raises proliferation questions Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- China says a tripartite deal among the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia on the production of nuclear-powered Aukus submarines totally disregards international concerns while Russia slams the pact for raising questions about nuclear proliferation.
• US, UK unveil plan to arm Australia with nuclear-powered subs, eyeing China Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- The Biden administration has unveiled details of a joint agreement with Britain and Australia to supply Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines as part of a trilateral security pact between the three countries.
• Military research unit unveils Taiwan-made 'suicide drone' CNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan's top military research unit unveiled nine domestically developed drones in Taichung Tuesday, including a loitering munition, or "suicide drone," similar to the U.S.-made AeroVironment Switchblade 300.
• Military to adjust deployments after missing soldier found in China CNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan's defense chief on Tuesday said the military will adjust its military deployments on a frontline islet amid security concerns after a missing Taiwanese soldier was later confirmed alive in China.
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William LaPlante's meeting with the Republic of Korea's Minister of Defense, Acquisition Program Administration, Mr. Eom Dong-hwan DoD 14 Mar 2023
• China expresses concerns over large-scale joint military exercise by US, South Korea Global Times 14 Mar 2023 -- China on Tuesday expressed serious concerns over joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the US, urging relevant parties to do more to contribute to peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, instead of fueling the tension.
• North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles as South, US continue 'war provocations' Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, two days after Pyongyang accused the South and the United States of "war provocations" through their joint military drills.
• Raksha Mantri reviews progress in construction of various infrastructure projects along northern border during a high-level meeting in New Delhi India PIB 14 Mar 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on March 14, 2023 to review the progress in construction of various infrastructure projects on the northern border areas. The Raksha Mantri called for expediting all pending projects on top priority, stating that 'whole of nation' approach should be adopted in matters of national security. To fast-track the pending projects, it has been decided to set up a committee of Secretaries which will meet at frequent intervals.
• DRDO conducts two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System missile off Odisha coast India PIB 14 Mar 2023 -- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on March 14, 2023. The flight tests were carried out from a ground-based man portable launcher against high speed unmanned aerial targets, mimicking approaching and receding aircraft. The targets were successfully intercepted, meeting all mission objectives.
• Maiden successful flight-test of DRDO's indigenous Power Take off Shaft conducted on LCA Tejas in Bengaluru India PIB 14 Mar 2023 -- Maiden successful flight-test of Power Take off (PTO) Shaft was conducted on Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Tejas) Limited Series Production (LSP) - 3 aircraft in Bengaluru on March 14, 2023. The PTO shaft is indigenously designed and developed by Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• INDIAN ARMY TAKES LEAD IN AWARDING FIRST CONTRACT FOR IDEX PROJECT AS PER THE REVISED PROCEDURE India PIB 14 Mar 2023 -- The Indian Army has taken a lead in awarding the first ever procurement order of an Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) project as per the revised procedure.
• CURTAIN RAISER AWARD OF PRESIDENT'S COLOUR TO INS DRONACHARYA India PIB 14 Mar 2023 -- INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery School of the Indian Navy, is being awarded the prestigious President's Colour on 16th March 23 by the Hon'ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. The President's Colour or the Nishan is considered the highest honour that the Supreme Commander, President of India, bestows on a unit for its exceptional service to the Nation.
• JOINT INDIA SINGAPORE EXERCISE 'BOLD KURUKSHETRA' CONCLUDES AT JODHPUR India PIB 14 Mar 2023 -- The Singapore Army and Indian Army participated in the 13th edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, a bilateral armour exercise from 06-13 March 2023 at Jodhpur Military Station, India.
• 'IRGC speedboats to become multiple times faster than US models' IRNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri says the force will further upgrade its speedboats to make them several times faster than rival models operated by the US army.
• IRGC equips new warship with kamikaze drones, warns of 'firm response' to any offensive Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says the elite military force has outfitted its new homegrown Shahid Mahdavi warship with different kinds of drones, including the kamikaze ones.
• £83 million investment at RAF Lossiemouth creates more than 100 UK jobs UK MOD 14 Mar 2023 -- Scottish business McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Limited have been awarded a contract to build a new facility ready for the arrival of the UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet at RAF Lossiemouth.
• Slovakia's air defences to be strengthened by a SAMP/T tactical air defence system from Italy MOD - Slovak Republic 14 Mar 2023 -- At Kuchyňa Air Base, home to the Slovak Air Force's 46 Wing, the installation of an Italian SAMP/T tactical air defence system is being completed to replace the U.S. Patriot missile system at the operational site. The entire Air Defence (AD) Battery rotation is taking place without disrupting the continuity of strengthening Slovakia's air defences in any way.
• Romania - M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) DSCA 14 Mar 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of ninety-five (95) Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $104.0 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• U.S. Approves Sale Of Tactical Vehicles To Romania As Broad Cooperation Talks Take Place RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of 95 tactical vehicles and related equipment to Romania, the Pentagon said on March 14, as officials held the eighth round of the U.S.-Romania Strategic Dialogue in Bucharest.
• Joint Statement on the Eighth Round of the Strategic Dialogue between Romania and the United States US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2023 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Romania and the United States of America.
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2023
• U.S. and North Macedonia Co-Host Proliferation Security Initiative Workshop US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2023 -- The United States and the Republic of North Macedonia co-hosted a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Workshop from March 7-9, 2023, in Skopje, North Macedonia.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Mexican Foreign Secretary Ebrard US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2023
• PM meeting with US President Joe Biden: 13 March 2023 Gov.UK 14 Mar 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Dr. Ibrahim Kalin, Spokesperson and Chief Advisor to the President of Türkiye The White House 14 Mar 2023
• Digital Press Briefing with Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Grant Schneider, Director, National Security Council US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2023
• Department Press Briefing - March 14, 2023 US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 14, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 14 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Mar 2023
• UNHCR launches new appeal for Afghan refugees and hosts, urging partners to stay the course UNHCR 14 Mar 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and humanitarian partners have launched a response plan to support 7.9 million people: 5.2 million Afghans —including refugees— as well as 2.7 million of their local hosts across the region.
• Taliban Counterterrorism Commitments Face Growing Doubts VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- Despite conspicuous differences with the United States over many issues, Russia, China and Iran appear to share Washington's concerns about terrorism threats from Afghanistan as they call on the de facto Taliban regime to fulfill counterterror promises.
• Pakistan Suffers Record Terror-Related Deaths, Afghanistan Registers 58% Drop VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- Pakistan recorded the second largest increase in terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2022, with the toll rising significantly to 643, a 120% rise from the 292 deaths the previous year, a new report said Tuesday.
• Iran supporting UN's efforts to solve Yemeni crisis ISNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has, in a meeting with UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg, reaffirmed Iran's views about the peaceful settlement of the Yemeni crisis.
• Iran says supports UN efforts to bring peace to war-wracked Yemen Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Islamic Republic supports intra-Yemeni talks to find a political solution to the crisis in the war-wracked Arab country.
• Press release on the joint briefing by permanent representatives of Russia and Syria to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on the inconsistencies, omissions and discrepancies in the Third Report by the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team titled Addressing the Threat from Chemical Weapons Use in Douma, Syria, on April 7, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Mar 2023
• More than half of all Syrians going hungry: WFP UN News 14 Mar 2023 -- More than half of the population in Syria is facing hunger as the country grapples with 12 years of war and recent devastating earthquakes, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported on Tuesday.
• Half of Syria's population faces hunger as conflict passes 12-year milestone and earthquakes deepen economic woes WFP 14 Mar 2023 -- An average monthly wage in Syria currently covers about a quarter of a family's food needs, the UN World Food Programme said today, highlighting an urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance as the country grapples with the devastating impact of recent earthquakes and a 12-year-long conflict.
• Nearly 10,000 Bago region residents forced to flee ahead of junta raids Radio Free Asia 14 Mar 2023 -- Nearly 10,000 residents of Myanmar's central Bago region have fled their villages as junta troops continue their scorched-earth operations in an attempt to flush out local People's Defense Forces and ethnic Karen fighters.
• Activists wary of project that would return 1,000 Rohingya refugees to Myanmar Radio Free Asia 14 Mar 2023 -- Activists and refugees are doubting that a pilot project to repatriate about 1,000 Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar will be successful.
• UN Security Council Urged to Refer Myanmar to International Criminal Court VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- Human rights activists are pushing for the United Nations Security Council to refer Myanmar junta officials to the International Criminal Court, citing what the activists say are ongoing abuses in the Southeast Asian nation.
• On Lhasa riot anniversary, Chinese authorities search Tibetans, keep up surveillance Radio Free Asia 14 Mar 2023 -- Chinese authorities have maintained their interrogations of Tibetans living in Lhasa to determine if they have contacted people outside Tibet and stepped up surveillance measures to prevent such communication for another politically sensitive anniversary in March, according to sources inside the vast western region.
• EP Plenary: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on the situation in Israel and Palestine European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Mar 2023
• Aremian PM Says His Country's External Security Remains 'Unresolved' RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian says the issue of his country's external security remains "unresolved," calling the situation "a major challenge for the country."
• Russian Defense Ministry Reports Breach of Ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday that the ceasefire monitored by Russian peacekeepers in Nagoron-Karabakh on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan had been violated, without specifying which side was responsible for the violation.
• Pentagon Says Al-Qaeda, Daesh Expanding Presence in Sahel Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- Terrorist groups are expanding their presence in the Sahel region, Special Operations Command Africa's commander, Rear Adm. Jamie Sands said on Monday.
• Officials Warn Against Underestimating Al-Shabab and IS in Somalia VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- Somali officials are warning the federal and regional governments of Somalia not to underestimate the strength of militant groups al-Shabab and Islamic State as authorities plan new military operations against them.
• Al-Shabab Bombing Targets Regional Officials VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- In Somalia multiple casualties have been reported following a suicide bombing in Bardhere in the southern Gedo region.
• Is South Sudan's Peace Deal Holding? VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- A surprise government shakeup by South Sudan's President Salva Kiir this month has raised new concerns about the country's stability. The opposition in Juba's transitional unity government has called on the president to reverse the moves or risk the country's fragile peace. Vice President Riek Machar says if Kiir does not heed the demand, his "options are open."
• Advocates Call on Blinken to Demand Accountability for Atrocities in Ethiopia VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- In his first stop on a two-country visit to Africa, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.

News Reports

• Too many nations failing to investigate torture cases, UN expert says UN News 14 Mar 2023 -- States must be "primary responders" in torture cases, to end impunity and bring justice on behalf of victims, a UN independent expert told the Human Rights Council on Tuesday.
• Counter-terrorism 'rhetoric' used to justify rise of surveillance technology: human rights expert UN News 14 Mar 2023 -- Some countries and private companies are using "counter-terrorism and security rhetoric" to justify a major increase in the deployment and use of cutting-edge surveillance technology, with no regulation, and at an "enormous cost" to human rights, said an independent UN expert on Tuesday.
• Counter-terrorism and Security Are Frequently Used To Cover for the Adoption of High-risk and Highly Intrusive Technologies, Special Rapporteur Tells the Human Rights Council OHCHR 14 Mar 2023 -- The Human Rights Council this morning started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
• Russian Woman Arrested For Spying In Albania Requests Asylum, Citing Fear Of Persecution In Russia RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- Svetlana Timofoeva, a Russian national who was arrested and charged with spying in Albania, requested asylum in the Western Balkan nation on March 13, saying she fears persecution should she return to Russia.
• 55 countries face a health worker crunch linked to COVID-19: WHO UN News 14 Mar 2023 -- No less than 55 countries are struggling with serious health worker shortages as they continue to seek better paid opportunities in wealthier nations that have stepped up efforts to recruit them amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
• Meeting with Head of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov President of Russia 14 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Head of the Republic of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov.
• Putin: Nord Stream blasts staged by a state-level actor Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says last year's blasts targeting the Nord Stream gas pipelines were carried out on a state level, not by a pro-Ukraine group.
• Putin on Alleged Involvement of Ukrainian Activists in Nord Stream Explosions: It's Nonsense Sputnik 14 Mar 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed claims that Ukrainian activists may be responsible for the destruction of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the opening of the founding congress of the International Russophile Movement, Moscow, March 14, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Mar 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Mar 2023
• UK addresses Security Council meeting on 'Russophobia': UK at the UN UK FCDO 14 Mar 2023 -- Statement by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the Security Council meeting on 'Russophobia'
• Kazakhstan Impounds Property Of Russian Cosmodrome Operator In Baikonur RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- Kazakh authorities have impounded the property of Russia's main operator of spacecraft launching sites in Baikonur (Baiqonyr) in the Central Asian nation's southern region of Qyzylorda.
• President sets out major tasks for nation People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- President Xi Jinping said on Monday that the people's trust is the biggest motivation that drives him to march on and is a great responsibility that he shoulders.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 14, 2023 PRC MofA 14 Mar 2023
• China's experience in resuming Tehran-Riyadh ties helps mediation for other conflicts worldwide Global Times 14 Mar 2023 -- China's effort to help the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran has been praised by the UN and the vast majority of the international community, and it was especially welcomed by Middle East and Islamic countries that will be directly affected by the development of the situation, with experts saying that the experience China gained from this case is helpful for its mediation in conflicts and tensions worldwide, including the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
• Return of the wolf warrior. China's foreign ministry bares its teeth Radio Free Asia 14 Mar 2023 -- Chinese social media have been buzzing with information about the recently "demoted" former spokesperson Zhao Lijian, who was arguably the most recognizable "wolf warrior diplomat" of the pack.
• US Intelligence Officials See China Preparing for Fight 'They Don't Want' VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- China's growing pessimism over relations with the United States has Beijing preparing for a war it would rather not fight, according to an assessment by a top U.S. defense intelligence official.
• China steps up measures to boost 'insufficient' demand; 'deflation' claims baseless People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- As various socioeconomic development goals were determined at the just-concluded two sessions and government officials across the country are moving swiftly to implement relevant policy measures, expectations are growing within China and around the world that China's economic recovery will continue to strengthen.
• Chinese authorities censor funeral of military doctor who broke silence on SARS Radio Free Asia 14 Mar 2023 -- Authorities in Beijing have placed tight restrictions on the funeral arrangements for Jiang Yanyong, a retired military doctor who blew the whistle on the ruling Chinese Communist Party's cover-up of the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, outbreak, and who criticized the Tiananmen massacre as a "crime" in a letter to supreme leader Xi Jinping.
• Xi pools mighty force for building great country, national rejuvenation People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called for forming a mighty force for building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation as the curtains closed on the annual "two sessions," which started a new chapter of Chinese modernization with a competent leadership and detailed policies.
• China's new premier confident in economy, pledges greater opening up People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- China's new premier on Monday voiced full confidence in the country's economic outlook despite challenges and pledged to further expand opening up regardless of external changes.
• President sets out major tasks for nation People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- President Xi Jinping said on Monday that the people's trust is the biggest motivation that drives him to march on and is a great responsibility that he shoulders.
• China's national legislature concludes annual session People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, concluded its first session Monday morning.
• Congratulations to FM of China KCNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on March 12 sent a congratulatory message to Qin Gang upon his appointment as state councilor and foreign minister of the People's Republic of China.
• Congratulations to Chairman of NPC Standing Committee of China KCNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Choe Ryong Hae, chairman of the Standing Committing of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on March 10 sent a congratulatory message to Zhao Leji on his election as chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
• Congratulations to Premier of China KCNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Kim Tok Hun, premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on March 11 sent a congratulatory message to Li Qiang upon his appointment as premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
• U.K. report supports Taiwan Strait stability, voices China concerns CNA 14 Mar 2023 -- The latest edition of the United Kingdom's security and international policy report, the Integrated Review 2023 (IR23), has stressed support for stability across the Taiwan Strait and urged Taipei and Beijing to resolve their issues through dialogue.
• No information on Guatemala-initiated Taiwan allies summit: MOFA CNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan has not received any details on a planned summit of all of its diplomatic allies proposed by Central American ally Guatemala last year, according to a Taiwanese diplomat in charge of Caribbean and Latin American affairs.
• China opposes UK's Integrated Review hyping Taiwan question Global Times 14 Mar 2023 -- China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the updated Integrated Review of Security, Defense, Development and Foreign Policy released by the British government, which portrays China as an "epoch-defining challenge" and hypes up the Taiwan question.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 14, 2023 ROC MND 14 Mar 2023
• North Korea ballistic missile test, 14 March 2023: FCDO response UK FCDO 14 Mar 2023 -- The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a statement following reports that a missile has been launched by North Korea.
• DPRK Premier Inspects South Hwanghae Province KCNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Kim Tok Hun, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and premier of the Cabinet, inspected various sectors of South Hwanghae Province of the DPRK.
• Statement with regard to the death penalty against detained Swedish citizen Habib Chaab Government Offices of Sweden 14 Mar 2023 -- Yesterday, 13 March, Iran's ambassador was summoned to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to receive Sweden's protest against the death penalty issued against detained Swedish citizen Habib Chaab.
• Kamalvandi: 15 IAEA reports indicate Iran had not slightest violation of commitments IRNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Spokesman of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said 15 IAEA reports have indicated that Iran had not had the slightest violation of its JCPOA commitments.
• Iran, Russia FMs discuss latest developments in Ukraine, Iran's agreement with IAEA ISNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov held talks on the phone over different issues.
• Iran, Iraq negotiate on fortifying of borders security IRNA 14 Mar 2023 -- Commander of Iraqi Border guards announced on Tuesday, March 14, in coordination with Iranian Border Guards shared border security is increased to prevent both smuggling and illegal penetration of people.
• Iran, Iraq agree to speed up construction of key rail line Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Iran and Iraq have agreed to speed up construction of the Shalamcheh-Basra railway and the restart of the Tehran-Karbala combined train, CEO of Iran's railway company Miad Salehi says.
• Statement on the resumption of diplomatic relation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran Republic of Poland 14 Mar 2023 -- Poland welcomes the agreement announced on the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran and appreciates the efforts that led to this important step.
• Iran to resume flights with Saudi Arabia after official permits Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) says flights between Iran and Saudi Arabia will resume after the issuance of official permits, after Tehran and Riyadh restored ties after seven years.
• Iran ready to develop cordial relations with all neighbors, including Bahrain: Spokesman Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Tehran says it is ready to develop relations will all regional countries under its neighborliness policy, which led to the restoration of ties with Saudi Arabia last week.
• Iranians Commemorate Festival Of Fire With More Anti-Government Protests RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- Iranian protesters have staged fresh anti-government demonstrations by taking to the streets a night before Chaharshanbeh Suri, the traditional Festival of Fire at which people light small fires and jump over them while making wishes for the upcoming year.
• Lawyer For Amini Family Summoned To Tehran Prosecutor's Office For 'Propaganda' RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- The lawyer for the family of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian woman whose death in mid-September while in police custody has led to months of nationwide unrest, has been summoned to the Islamic Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office at Tehran's Evin prison and accused of "propaganda against the Islamic republic."
• Iran says prisoner swap possible should U.S. acts "realistically" People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday if the United States acts "realistically," the exchange of prisoners between Tehran and Washington will be possible.
• Iran, Belarus ink deals to boost comprehensive cooperation People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- Iran and Belarus on Monday set a roadmap for expanding their comprehensive cooperation and signed seven cooperation agreements in the fields of trade, transportation, agriculture and culture.
• Belarusian KGB Adds Russian National Sofia Sapega To Terrorist Registry RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- Sofia Sapega, a Russian citizen who is serving a six-year prison term in Belarus on charges related to the civil disturbances that followed a disputed 2020 presidential election, has been added to the Belarusian KGB's registry of terrorists.
• Several wounded in Pakistan clashes as police attempt to detain ex-PM Khan Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Several people have been wounded as Pakistani police and supporters of Imran Khan fought pitched battles outside the former prime minister's home in the eastern city of Lahore.
• Several Injured After Clashes Between Pakistan Police, Supporters Of Former Prime Minister RFE/RL 14 Mar 2023 -- Followers of Pakistan's main political party, Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI), clashed with police on March 14 outside the residence of party chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eastern Lahore after police arrived to arrest Khan.
• Pakistan Police Fire Tear Gas in Bid to Arrest Ex-PM Khan VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- Police in Pakistan attempted to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday but were blocked by hundreds of his supporters outside his residence in the eastern city of Lahore.
• Israel lawmakers press ahead with Netanyahu's 'legal reforms' despite weeks of protests Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Israeli lawmakers have taken another step to pass a controversial legal reform package that has triggered mass rallies against the embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's extremist cabinet in recent weeks.
• Saudi Arabia obstructs Israeli foreign minister's planned visit for UN meeting: Report Press TV 14 Mar 2023 -- Saudi Arabia has reportedly ignored requests to "seriously discuss" security details for Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen's planned visit to the kingdom, effectively blocking the trip.
• EP plenary: The challenges facing the Republic of Moldova European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Mar 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• Death toll exceeds 48,000 in Türkiye's deadly quakes People's Daily 14 Mar 2023 -- The death toll from two earthquakes that hit Türkiye on Feb. 6 has risen to 48,448, the Turkish Interior Minister said Monday.
• Venice Commission releases opinions on draft laws aimed at limiting oligarch influence in Georgia and Moldova Council of Europe 14 Mar 2023 -- In two interim opinions on draft laws aimed at limiting the excessive economic and political influence in public life, the Council of Europe's body of constitutional experts, the Venice Commission has called on the Georgian and Moldovan authorities to adopt systemic reforms rather than targeting specific individuals, in order to achieve "de-oligarchisation".
• More than 100 million tons of sand mined from Lower Mekong, experts say Radio Free Asia 14 Mar 2023 -- Sand mining in the Lower Mekong region is taking place at a far greater rate than previously reported, with an estimated 100 million metric tons (100 billion kilograms or 200 billion pounds) of sand extracted each year from Cambodia and Vietnam, experts said.
• Lebanese Currency Sinks to New Low VOA 14 Mar 2023 -- Lebanon's currency fell to a new low Tuesday, with parallel market rates hitting 100,000 Lebanese pounds to the dollar.