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News Reports

Current Operations

• US, Russian Defense Chiefs Talk for First Time Since October VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke to his Russian counterpart Wednesday concerning a Russian military intercept that resulted in the downing of a U.S. surveillance drone Tuesday over the Black Sea.
• Washington Says Drone Intercept Was Intentional As U.S., Russian Defense Ministers Hold Call RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023 -- U.S. military officials said on March 15 that the intercept of a U.S. spy drone over the Black Sea by Russian fighter jets was intentional and part of a pattern of "aggressive and unsafe" actions by Russian pilots in international airspace as Washington and Moscow ratcheted up their rhetoric over the incident.
• US warns Russia to operate military aircraft with caution Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned Moscow to operate its military aircraft with caution after Washington accused one of Russia's jets of allegedly downing an American military drone in international airspace.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu DoD 15 Mar 2023
• After drone incident, Russia vows to retaliate against 'all US provocations' Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- Hot on the heels of the crashing of a US spy drone near the Russian territory in the Black Sea, Russia warns the United States that it will retaliate "proportionately" to all future American provocations.
• Russia calls on US to halt 'hostile' flights after incident Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- Russia's ambassador to the United States says the US military's "unacceptable actions" close to Russian territory are "a cause for concern," urging Washington to stop "hostile" flights near the country's borders.
• U.S. surveillance drone crashes into Black Sea after its own sharp maneuvers: Russian Defense Ministry People's Daily 15 Mar 2023 -- The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday that a U.S. MQ-9 drone fell into the Black Sea due to its own sharp maneuvering.
• Russian Defense Ministry: Flights of US Global Hawk Drones Near Crimea Create Ground for Escalation Sputnik 15 Mar 2023 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday during a phone conversation with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, that the flights of US strategic drones Global Hawk off the coast of Crimea were creating the preconditions for an escalation, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Five Indo-Pacific Nations begin Exercise Sea Dragon US Navy 15 Mar 2023 -- Two U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 "Red Lancers" and VP-45 "Pelicans" join the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), India Navy (INN), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) to begin multinational exercise Sea Dragon 23, March 15.
• Agile Reaper 23-1 wraps up successful ACE exercise in Guam, Tinian US Air Force 15 Mar 2023 -- Agile Reaper 23-1, an Agile Combat Employment exercise that took place on Guam and Tinian, recently came to a close with a constructive and positive conclusion.
• White Stag exercise prepares AMC Airmen for Mobility Guardian 2023 US Air Force 15 Mar 2023 -- The 305th Air Mobility Wing conducted the first iteration of their annual training exercise, White Stag, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, March 8-9.
• USS Makin Island Participates in Cobra Gold 2023 US Navy 15 Mar 2023 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) finished operation Cobra Gold 2023 while ported in Thailand, March 10.
• 13th MEU Conducts Expeditionary Strike Force Operations in the South China Sea US Navy 15 Mar 2023 -- The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group conducted Expeditionary Strike Force operations with the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the South China Sea. ESF operations combines the ARG/MEU amphibious capabilities with the naval combat power of a Carrier Strike Group, forming an Expeditionary Strike Group. Together, these Navy and Marine Corps forces can create unmatched global impacts.
• 405th AFSB LOGCAP provides base life support services to Flintlock 2023 exercise in Africa Army News 15 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Africa Command's largest annual special operations exercise wrapped up today after more than two weeks, but the work to support the exercise isn't over. As the program management office for the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program on the African continent, the 405th Army Field Support Brigade was tasked with supporting about 1,300 exercise participants from 29 participating nations in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire during Flintlock 2023, March 1-15.
• Sultanate of Oman joins growing State Partnership Program CENTCOM 15 Mar 2023 -- A relationship formed almost two centuries ago - when the Sultanate of Oman became the first Arab Gulf state to sign a bilateral accord with the United States - deepened this week, with the signing of a security cooperation agreement with the Arizona National Guard.
• Emphasis in DOD 2024 Budget Includes Munitions DoD News 15 Mar 2023 -- The Defense Department fiscal year 2024 budget request is still focused on the National Defense Strategy, said Michael J. McCord, undersecretary of defense (comptroller) and chief financial officer, who spoke today at a McAleese-sponsored event in Washington, D.C.
• Navy Secretary Reaches Out to Caribbean Nations in Fight Against Climate Change DoD News 15 Mar 2023 -- Climate change in the United States is a matter of concern with droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires and more happening with greater severity and more often.
• Marine Littoral Regiment concludes historic exercise, set to join Stand-in Forces: 'From this point forward, we are integrating them into our operations' USMC News 15 Mar 2023 -- MLR-TE marked the first field training exercise featuring a MLR with all of its subordinate battalions integrated into a Marine Air-Ground Task Force operating as a Stand-in-Force.
• Space Force Focuses on Partnerships, Spirit, Combat Readiness DoD News 15 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Space Force's $30 billion budget request for Fiscal Year 2024 is about $3.9 billion over what was enacted for the service in FY2023. More than 60% of the Space Force budget, about $19.2 billion worth, is aimed at research, development, testing and evaluation.
• NRL to Launch First In-Space Laser Power Beaming Experiment US Navy 15 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.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 15 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.
• Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Tenth Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 15 Mar 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark A. Milley Hold a Press Conference Following Ukraine Defense Contact Group Virtual Meeting DoD 15 Mar 2023
• What Happens in Ukraine Matters to the World, Austin Says DoD News 15 Mar 2023 -- "Ukraine matters," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III flatly said during a Pentagon news conference today. The secretary and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to the media following the 10th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group — a group of nations working to supply Ukraine what it needs to combat Russia's invasion of the country.
• Defence Minister Anita Anand announces additional military donations to Ukraine at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting Canada 15 Mar 2023 -- Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand participated virtually in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, where she announced additional military assistance to Ukraine.
Wednesday (15 March 2023), chaired by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley.
• NATO Secretary General takes part in virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting NATO 15 Mar 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on

• RAF and German Air Force Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft in first joint NATO air policing scramble UK MOD 15 Mar 2023 -- The British and German fighters escorted a Russian IL78 Midas air-to-air refuelling aircraft, which was not responding to communications, near Estonian airspace
• 'Taiwanese Switchblade' could be mass-produced next year: Developer CNA 15 Mar 2023 -- A domestically developed "suicide drone," also known as loitering munition, will undergo an operational test and evaluation in July and could enter mass production next year, Taiwan's state-run weapons developer said Wednesday.
• British MP urges Taiwan to study Finnish reservist model CNA 15 Mar 2023 -- The chair of the U.K. House of Commons' Defense Select Committee has urged Taiwan to study Finland's reservist model as it looks to bolster its population's readiness amid a heightened military threat from China.
• North Korea Fires Long-Range Ballistic Missile Toward Sea of Japan Ahead of Yoon-Kishida Meeting Sputnik 15 Mar 2023 -- Earlier Tuesday, North Korea confirmed it had launched a pair of ballistic missiles that flew a distance of about 620 kilometers over the Sea of Japan. The launch had been preceded by another launch that took place before the start of the Foal Eagle military drills.
• North Korea Confirms It Fired Two Medium-Range Ground-to-Ground Ballistic Missiles Sputnik 15 Mar 2023 -- North Korea has confirmed it fired two medium-range ground-to-ground ballistic missiles during its early Tuesday launch.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's ICBM Test The White House 15 Mar 2023
• North Korea Launches Missile Ahead of Japan-South Korea Summit VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile Thursday, hours ahead of a major Japan-South Korea summit that will focus in large part on the threat posed by Pyongyang.
• North Korea Fires Long-Range Ballistic Missile Toward Sea of Japan Ahead of Yoon-Kishida Meeting Sputnik 15 Mar 2023 -- Earlier Tuesday, North Korea confirmed it had launched a pair of ballistic missiles that flew a distance of about 620 kilometers over the Sea of Japan. The launch had been preceded by another launch that took place before the start of the Foal Eagle military drills.
• Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on reports that North Korea has been testing ballistic missiles since 9 March Germany Federal Foreign Office 15 Mar 2023
• North Korea confirms firing two ballistic missiles, says will 'annihilate enemy' if needed Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- North Korea has confirmed that it has fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast, saying the launches were a "demonstration drill" designed to train sub-military units to "annihilate the enemy" if necessary.
• Missile Launching Drill Conducted in DPRK KCNA 15 Mar 2023 -- A missile unit of the Korean People's Army in charge of an important operational task on the western front of the DPRK conducted a demonstration drill to teach its sub-units on March 14.
• Vanuatu PM visits HMAS Canberra Australia DOD 15 Mar 2023 -- Shortly after HMAS Canberraarrived in Port Vila, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau Ma'aukora received a tour of the ship.
• New patrol boat strengthens border protection Australia DOD 15 Mar 2023 -- Defence's fifth evolved Cape-class patrol boat (CCPB) has been launched in Henderson, Western Australia, bringing Australia a step closer to an enhanced border protection capability.
• China Condemns Trilateral AUKUS Nuclear-Powered Submarine Deal VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- China's Foreign Ministry has accused Australia of breaching global rules on the spread of nuclear weapons, following the announcement Monday of details of nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral AUKUS security accord among Australia, the United States and Britain.
• 407 Squadron seeking another victory in Exercise Sea Dragon Canada 15 Mar 2023 -- For the third consecutive year, a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora aircraft with crew from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron and personnel from 19 Wing Comox will participate in Exercise Sea Dragon at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Running from March 15 - March 30, 2023,
• Indian Coast Guard Region (North East) organises 4th Table top exercise in Kolkata under Colombo Security Conclave to discuss maritime challenges in Indian Ocean Region India PIB 15 Mar 2023 -- Indian Coast Guard Region (North East) is conducting the fourth edition of Table top exercise under the aegis of Colombo Security Conclave in Kolkata from March 14 to 16, 2023.
• Argentina is considering procurement of JF-17 fighter jets: embassy Global Times 15 Mar 2023 -- The Argentine Embassy in China said on Tuesday that the South American country is considering procuring the JF-17 aircraft, with Chinese analysts saying on Wednesday that the fighter jet jointly developed by China and Pakistan is the best choice for Argentina in terms of performance and availability.
• Ministry of the Interior proposes use of State's pre-emption right in real estate transaction in Imatra Finnish Government 15 Mar 2023 -- The Ministry of the Interior proposes that the Ministry of Finance exercise the State's pre-emption right in a real estate transaction carried out in Imatra at the start of the year.
• China, Iran, Russia hold joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman, safeguarding maritime security Global Times 15 Mar 2023 -- The navies of China, Iran and Russia are holding a joint maritime exercise starting Wednesday in a move to enhance cooperation as well as to safeguard maritime security and regional peace.
• Iran, China and Russia kick off naval drills in Sea of Oman Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- The naval forces of Iran, China and Russia have started a joint exercise in the Sea of Oman, as the three countries are teaming up to deepen exchanges and cooperation among their navies.
• China, Iran, Russia starting joint drills in Sea of Oman IRNA 15 Mar 2023 -- China, Iran and Russia are to launch four days of joint drills in the Sea of Oman starting on March 15, according to a statement from China's Ministry of National Defense.
• Iran, Russia, China kick off joint naval drills in Sea of Oman ISNA 15 Mar 2023 -- The naval forces of China, Russia and Iran kicked off joint naval drills in the waters of the Sea of Oman.
• Space: EU tests its response mechanism to threats European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2023 -- The European Union enhances its response mechanism in view of new threats in space: Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA) 2023 and PSC Space Table-Top 2023 exercises
• Britain Tackling Russia-China Threats Amid Economic Woes at Home VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- Britain has published an updated defense strategy, prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the challenge posed by China, as Britain tries to balance strategic threats with financial constraints at home.
• Norway orders six Seahawks for the Armed Forces Government of Norway 15 Mar 2023 -- -The Norwegian government has decided to buy six new maritime helicopters. The first delivery will be in place as early as 2025. This will strengthen national control, the Armed Forces' preparedness and presence in the northern regions, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Japanese Vice Minister Mori US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 15, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 15 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Mar 2023
• Those Undermining Taliban 'Deserve Death,' Says Taliban Minister VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- A high-ranking Taliban official told a gathering of Afghan judges this week that the group outlaws any public opposition to the Taliban or its policies.
• US Continues Yemen Diplomacy Following Chinese-Brokered Saudi-Iran Deal VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- With the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan beginning March 22, U.S. Special Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking is in Saudi Arabia and Oman this week, aiming to extend the U.N.-mediated truce in the Yemen conflict.
• Diplomacy in Yemen reaches new pitch following year of relative calm, Security Council hears UN News 15 Mar 2023 -- With the holy month of Ramadan fast approaching, warring parties in Yemen must build on relative calm across the country and the April 2022 truce - which is largely holding, despite its official lapse in October - to negotiate a nationwide ceasefire and address the dire humanitarian needs there, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• Momentum toward peace in Yemen spurred by Iran-Saudi rapprochement: UN Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg says momentum to end the conflict in Yemen has been renewed by a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume ties.
• UK commends political progress in Yemen and urges for sustained efforts to address economic instability: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 15 Mar 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Yemen
• UNICEF warns of looming child nutrition crisis in Syria amid 12 years of conflict and deadly earthquakes UNICEF 15 Mar 2023 -- Twelve years of conflict, and the recent deadly earthquakes, have left millions of children in Syria at heightened risk of malnutrition, UNICEF warned today.
• UN officials call for durable solution to end the war in Syria UN News 15 Mar 2023 -- Three senior UN officials underscored the need for a political solution to end the war in Syria, in statements marking the 12th anniversary of the conflict on Wednesday.
• EP plenary: EU-Azerbaijan relations European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• EP plenary: EU-Armenia relations European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• U.S. Envoy To Kosovo Says EU Plan For Normalizing Relations With Serbia Is 'Significant Step' RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier said on March 15 that a proposal by the European Union on the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia marks "significant" progress and that a comprehensive agreement appears within reach.
• Blinken Urges Ethiopians to Follow Through on Peace Commitments, Accountability VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as well as other government officials and civil society leaders, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the first stop of his visit to the African continent.
• Blinken, in Ethiopia, Highlights Importance of Tigray Peace Deal VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on Wednesday as part of his one-day working visit to the country.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) Signatories US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Before Meeting with Ethiopian Civil Society Leaders US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023
• $331 Million in New Humanitarian Assistance for Ethiopia US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023 -- Today I am announcing more than $331 million in new humanitarian assistance for Ethiopia in FY 2023 through the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mekonnen US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023
• Attacks by armed groups displace more than 100,000 in DR Congo UN News 15 Mar 2023 -- More than 100,000 people have been displaced, and dozens killed, following a string of armed group attacks in North Kivu province in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN reported on Wednesday.
• Fresh Fighting with Boko Haram Displaces Thousands on Cameroon-Nigeria Border VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- At least 3,000 people have been displaced in fresh fighting along the Nigerian-Cameroonian border, according to forces battling Boko Haram militants.
• Somalia Executes Islamist Militant 'Doctor,' 'Soldiers' VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- A military court in Somalia has ordered the executions of three al-Shabab militants it said pretended to be a doctor and soldiers to carry out bombings and shootings.

News Reports

• Justice Department Investigation Leads to Takedown of Darknet Cryptocurrency Mixer that Processed Over $3 Billion of Unlawful Transactions US Dept. of Justice 15 Mar 2023 -- The Justice Department announced today a coordinated international takedown of ChipMixer, a darknet cryptocurrency "mixing" service responsible for laundering more than $3 billion worth of cryptocurrency, between 2017 and the present, in furtherance of, among other activities, ransomware, darknet market, fraud, cryptocurrency heists and other hacking schemes.
• Meeting with Vladislav Kuznetsov President of Russia 15 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with Vladislav Kuznetsov, via videoconference. The President issued an executive order appointing Kuznetsov acting Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Area after previously serving as first deputy head of the government of the Lugansk People's Republic.
• Press release on the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Finance Ministry's initiative to suspend double taxation avoidance agreements with unfriendly countries Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Mar 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from the Moscow.Kremlin.Putin TV show, March 15, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Mar 2023
• Putin alleges U.S. behind "terrorist attack" on Nord Stream pipelines People's Daily 15 Mar 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said the theory that Ukrainian activists were involved in the Nord Stream pipelines blast last year is "complete nonsense," alleging the United States is behind what he called a "terrorist attack."
• Expanded meeting of the Prosecutor General's Office Board President of Russia 15 Mar 2023 -- The President spoke at an expanded meeting of the Russian Federation Prosecutor General's Office Board.
• Relations with US in 'lamentable state,' says Russia, after drone incident Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- The diplomatic relations between Russia and the United States have plunged into a "lamentable state" amid a row between the two countries over a drone incident, Moscow says.
• Meeting with President of Syria Bashar al-Assad President of Russia 15 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Syrian Arab Republic Bashar al-Assad in the Kremlin.
• Syria's Assad says his visit to Moscow heralds 'new stage' in bilateral relations Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is in Moscow on an official visit, has told his Russian counterpart that the trip heralds a new stage in Syria-Russia relations.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 15, 2023 PRC MofA 15 Mar 2023
• Xi proposes Global Civilization Initiative, stressing inclusiveness Global Times 15 Mar 2023 -- Just two days after the closing of the annual two sessions, the Communist Party of China (CPC) held a dialogue with other political parties from across the world on Wednesday via video link, with the event, under the theme of "Path towards Modernization: The Responsibility of Political Parties," gathering leaders of political parties and political organizations from many countries.
• China EximBank, Saudi National Bank achieve first loan cooperation in yuan Global Times 15 Mar 2023 -- The Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank), a major policy bank in China, announced on Tuesday that it has achieved the first loan cooperation with Saudi National Bank, the largest bank in Saudi Arabia, in yuan, facilitating financial cooperation under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• Nearly $500 million in US imports blocked due to Uyghur forced labor Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has already blocked nearly $500 million worth of imports from entering American ports this year because it was made "wholly or in part" by Uyghur forced labor, the agency's acting head said at an event in Washington on Tuesday.
• US Arrests Chinese Billionaire in Alleged Massive Fraud Scheme VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- A U.S.-based exiled Chinese businessman with ties to former Trump White House adviser Steve Bannon has been arrested on charges of bilking thousands of social media followers out of more than $1 billion.
• Full text of Xi Jinping's speech at first session of 14th NPC People's Daily 15 Mar 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech Monday morning at the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's national legislature.
• Profile: With popular mandate, Xi Jinping spearheads new drive to modernize China People's Daily 15 Mar 2023 -- About five months after his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Xi Jinping won his third term as Chinese president at the annual session of the national legislature, which concluded on Monday.
• Honduras President Announces Plan to Seek Formal Ties with China VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- President Xiomara Castro of Honduras says her country will seek to establish formal diplomatic relations with China.
• Honduras to establish diplomatic relations with China Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- Honduras' President Xiomara Castro has announced Tegucigalpa's decision to establish diplomatic ties with China, in a move that would end its official relationship with Taipei.
• Honduras president plans to seek official ties with China CNA 15 Mar 2023 -- Honduras President Xiomara Castro said on Tuesday that she has instructed the country's foreign minister to begin the process of opening official diplomatic ties with China.
• Taiwan voices 'grave concern' over potential split with Honduras CNA 15 Mar 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Wednesday it had expressed "grave concern" to the government of Honduras after its president, Xiomara Castro, tweeted Tuesday that it will pursue official diplomatic relations with China.
• U.S. congressional delegation arrives in Taiwan CNA 15 Mar 2023 -- A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday on a two-day visit that will include meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and other senior government officials, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 15, 2023 ROC MND 15 Mar 2023
• EP plenary: The situation in Iran, in particular the poisoning of hundreds of schoolgirls European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question in connection with annulment of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges with Iran Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Mar 2023
• Moscow Says Disappointed by Decision of France, Germany, UK to Terminate INSTEX Sputnik 15 Mar 2023 -- Moscow is disappointed by the decision of France, Germany and the United Kingdom to terminate the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) with Iran, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
• Iranian Government Proposes New Measures To Enforce Hijab Law, Including Surveillance RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023 -- Iranian authorities have proposed new measures to enforce the compulsory wearing of the hijab in the country, including the use of surveillance cameras to identify and punish women who fail to comply with the dress code amid months of nationwide unrest sparked by the death of a young woman while in police custody for allegedly not wearing her head scarf properly.
• Observers Welcome Saudi-Iran Rapprochement VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- Middle Eastern analysts are divided on the news of the surprise diplomatic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran brokered by China. Some view the development as potentially positive for Lebanon and perhaps Yemen, where Tehran exerts great influence, but other observers are cautious, with some speculating that Iran is simply trying to alleviate the current pressure it is facing.
• The Farda Briefing: Under Pressure At Home And Abroad, Tehran Gets 'Breathing Space' From Iran-Saudi Deal RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023
• Raeisi reaffirms his government's obligation to defend rights of Iranians abroad Press TV 15 Mar 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi says the Iranian government feels obliged to defend the rights of all Iranians who are living outside the country, reaffirming the need to safeguard their Iranian identity.
• Tehran-Riyadh agreement "fine example" of dialog as solution: Beijing IRNA 15 Mar 2023 -- The spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry has described the recently-announced agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia as a "fine example" of solving disagreements through dialog.
• Amendment grants Myanmar junta sweeping new powers under Anti-Terrorism Law Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2023 -- Myanmar's junta has expanded its ability to target those who seek its removal from power by sharpening the teeth of law that it's already used to jail hundreds of people since seizing power in a coup d'etat two years ago.
• Five parties eligible for general election suggest victory for Myanmar military Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2023 -- None of the five political parties that meet the criteria to take part in a general election in Myanmar can mount a challenge to the military's grip on power, an opposition official said Tuesday, urging the groups to boycott any junta-led ballot.
• Court Pauses Attempt To Arrest Pakistan Ex-PM Imran Khan After Fresh Clashes RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023 -- A Pakistani court has ordered police to halt an operation to arrest Imran Khan after fresh clashes between supporters of the former prime minister and security forces trying to detain him at his residence in the northeastern city of Lahore caused dozens of injuries.
• Pakistan Court Temporarily Bars Police From Arresting Ex-PM Khan After Violent Clashes VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- A court in Pakistan ordered police Wednesday to pause an operation to arrest former prime minister Imran Khan until Thursday, ending more than 24 hours of violent clashes between his supporters and law enforcement personnel outside his residence in the eastern city of Lahore.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Faisal Mekdad, Moscow, March 15, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Mar 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Faisal Mekdad Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 Mar 2023
• EP plenary: Cambodia - The case of opposition leader Kem Sokha European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• Kem Sokha's lawyers told to seek prosecutors' permission before seeing him Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2023 -- Lawyers for opposition leader Kem Sokha, who was sentenced to 27 years in prison for treason earlier this month, have been told to seek permission from prosecutors before they can meet with him, complicating efforts to mount an appeal.
• As Laos builds more hydropower dams, citizens say electricity rates remain too high Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2023 -- Laos, which aims to become "the battery of Southeast Asia," generates plenty of electricity via its many hydropower dams. But rates for its citizens remain high - another burden amid surging inflation for many other products - and some villages still lack electricity.
• EP plenary: The situation in Tunisia European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2023 -- Speech delivered by Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, on behalf of High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell
• U.S. Blacklists Three Individuals For Alleged Ties To Corruption In Bosnia RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023 -- The former director of Bosnia-Herzegovina's intelligence and security agency has been designated for U.S. sanctions along with two other individuals associated with the Balkan country in connection with alleged corruption.
• Sanctioning Individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Corruption, Destabilizing Activity, and Drug Proliferation US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2023 -- As the United States continues to support reform, we are also promoting accountability for the actions of those undermining democratic institutions and furthering their agenda for political and personal gain at the expense of peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
• Treasury Targets Actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina Undermining Stability and Perpetuating Corruption US Treasury 15 Mar 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated three individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) pursuant to Executive Orders (E.O.) 14033 or E.O. 14059. These designations build on other recent OFAC sanctions in the region and, collectively underscore the United States' willingness to hold accountable those who are undermining democratic institutions and furthering their agendas for political and personal gain, at the expense of peace, stability, and progress in the Western Balkans.
• Bulgarian Ex-Lawmaker Accused Of Spying For Russia Elected Chief Of Moscow-Backed Group RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023 -- A former Bulgarian lawmaker accused of spying for Russia and sanctioned by the United States for corruption has been elected head of the International Movement of Russophiles (MDR) -- a group backed by Russia's Foreign Ministry purporting to gather members from 40 countries.
• Uzbek Parliament's Upper Chamber Approves Bill On New Constitution, Opens Path For Mirziyoev's Third Term RFE/RL 15 Mar 2023 -- Uzbek parliament's upper chamber, the Senate, has approved a bill on the Central Asian nation's new constitution that would allow President Shavkat Mirziyoev to run for a third term in office.
• Senegal Opposition Promises More Protests Against Sall VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- Opposition supporters in Senegal are planning a second day of protests Wednesday against what they say are "dictatorial" practices by President Macky Sall, which his government denies. They also accuse Sall's government of arbitrary arrests and his seeking an unconstitutional third term in next year's elections. More than 10,000 people hit the streets of Senegal's capital Tuesday for the first day of protests.
• Argentina's Inflation Rate Exceeds 100% Mark VOA 15 Mar 2023 -- Argentina's annual inflation rate breached the 100% mark for the first time since 1991.