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News Reports

Current Operations

• MEDIA ADVISORY: Camera footage release from U.S. Air Force MQ-9 interaction with Russian SU-27 in Black Sea EUCOM 16 Mar 2023 -- U.S. European Command released declassified footage of a Russian Su-27 aircraft conducting an unsafe/unprofessional intercept of a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 in international airspace over the Black Sea, March 14. In addition to the footage, a storyboard of the events with declassified stills from the MQ-9 footage is also released.
• U.S. Releases Footage From Drone Incident Over Black Sea RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- The United States on March 16 released a video showing an encounter between one of its surveillance drones and two Russian fighter jets over the Black Sea that resulted in the loss of the U.S. aircraft, further heightening tensions between Washington and Moscow.
• US Releases Video of Encounter Between Russian Fighter Jets and US Drone VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- The U.S. military released a video Thursday of a Russian military intercept that resulted in the downing of a U.S. surveillance drone Tuesday over the Black Sea.
• Russian, US defense ministers discuss drone incident, hinting at little possibility of escalation Global Times 16 Mar 2023 -- Communications between the Russian and US defense ministers over the incident in which a US drone crashed into the Black Sea hinted that both sides are trying to avoid an escalation of the situation despite showing no compromise on words, and the following encounter may focus on retrieving and dealing with the wreckage, analysts said.
• Russia seeks to retrieve remains of U.S. drone from Black Sea People's Daily 16 Mar 2023 -- Russia will try to retrieve the wreckage of a U.S. surveillance drone that crashed into the Black Sea on Tuesday, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Flintlock 2023 opens with ceremonies across Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire AFRICOM 16 Mar 2023 -- Participants from 29 countries kicked off the command post and field training portion of Exercise Flintlock 2023 with opening ceremonies at four sites across Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire on March 7, 2023.
• DASD Blyden shares update on Department of Defense strategy in Africa Army News 16 Mar 2023 -- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Africa Affairs Chidi Blyden provided keynote remarks to delegates of the African Alumni Symposium on Feb. 27, 2023, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
• Chosen Co. travels to Kenya for JA23 Army News 16 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Army paratroopers with Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (The Rock), 173rd Airborne Brigade, recently traveled to Kenya to participate in exercise Justified Accord 23 (JA23). JA23 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa.
• International Maritime Exercise 2023 Ends during Ceremony in Oman CENTCOM 16 Mar 2023 -- The Middle East region's largest maritime exercise, International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2023, concluded during a final briefing and ceremony in Muscat, Oman, March 16.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting on Red Hill Defueling, Closure and Health Response Plan DoD 16 Mar 2023
• Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an On-Camera Press Briefing DoD 16 Mar 2023
• DOD Announces Next Steps on Suicide Prevention in the Military DoD 16 Mar 2023 -- Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memorandum on the Next Steps on Suicide Prevention in the Military.
• DOD Integral in Western Hemisphere Combating Climate Change DoD News 16 Mar 2023 -- While the Western Hemisphere is a vast area with many different peoples, environments, cultures, resources and concerns, all have one overarching concern: climate change, Daniel P. Erikson, the Defense Department's point man for the region, said.
• Austin Presses Ahead With Recommendations From Suicide Prevention Committee DoD News 16 Mar 2023 -- Last year Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III established the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee, or SPRIRC, to investigate ways to address and prevent suicide in the military. Today, the Defense Department announced that the secretary has implemented the first of the recommendations by the committee.
• Committee Presents Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Recommendations to Austin DoD News 16 Mar 2023 -- Defense Department officials recognize that suicide prevention is not a one solution issue and are launching a new effort to address recommendations to help prevent these tragedies.
• Official Discusses Research, Engineering Endeavors DoD News 16 Mar 2023 -- The Defense Department enjoys a technological advantage over potential adversaries, said Heidi Shyu, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, who spoke yesterday at a McAleese-sponsored event in Washington, D.C.
• General Outlines Transcom's Mission, Challenges DoD News 16 Mar 2023 -- Providing global logistics to sustain the force and provide humanitarian aid over air, land and sea is a capability the Defense Department enjoys, unmatched by any other nation, said Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, who spoke yesterday at a McAleese-sponsored event in Washington, D.C.
• Africa Command Chief Looks to Help Nations Find African Solutions DoD News 16 Mar 2023 -- Africa is a tremendously diverse continent with many cultures, languages, threats and opportunities that U.S. planners need to consider, said Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command during an interview.
• Official Says Just-In-Time Deliveries Fail in High-End Competition DoD News 16 Mar 2023 -- Fostering a resilient and robust industrial base is a priority for the Defense Department's acquisition and sustainment community, said William A. LaPlante, undersecretary of defense for A&S, who spoke yesterday at a McAleese-sponsored event in Washington, D.C.
• NIWC Pacific Cohosts International Underwater Vehicle Competition US Navy 16 Mar 2023 -- Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific will cohost the 26th international RoboSub competition in its Transducer Evaluation Center with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) July 31-Aug. 6.
• MQ-4C Triton Concludes U.S. 7th Fleet Deployment, Looks to the Future US Navy 16 Mar 2023 -- Operated by Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19, the MQ-4C is a high-altitude, long-endurance maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (MISR&T) platform that complements the P-8A Poseidon's capabilities.
• USS Charleston Participates in Exercise La Pérouse 2023 US Navy 16 Mar 2023 -- Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) participated in joint training exercise La Pérouse 2023 with six Allied and partner nation navies in the Bay of Bengal, March 13-14.
• NMFP Augments Casualty Receiving Treatment Ship, Enhances Capabilities US Navy 16 Mar 2023 -- Members of various commands and amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) medical department participated in a medical exercise implementing a Casualty Receiving Treatment Ship (CRTS) mission aboard Boxer at Naval Base San Diego, California, March 6-10.
• US holding joint drills with Canada, Japan, South Korea, India Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- The United States has launched anti-submarine drills with Canada, India, Japan, and South Korea, according to the US Navy.
• Launch of the EU-NATO Task Force: Strengthening our resilience and protection of critical infrastructure European Commission 16 Mar 2023 -- The challenges to the European Union's security and resilience are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic. A range of actors constantly test our resilience, seeking to exploit the openness, interdependence and connectivity of our societies and economies.
• NATO and European Union launch task force on resilience of critical infrastructure NATO 16 Mar 2023 -- Senior officials from NATO and the European Union met on Thursday (16 March 2023) to launch a new NATO-EU Task Force on Resilience of Critical Infrastructure.
• Erdogan says Turkey may ratify Finland's NATO membership bid Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country may soon approve Finland's application to join the NATO military alliance, fulfilling its pledge to the Nordic country following months of negotiations.
• Earthquake response: NATO Allies and partners continue to provide aid to Türkiye NATO 16 Mar 2023 -- NATO Allies and partners continue to respond to calls for assistance following the devastating earthquakes in February.
• Don't Call It Mobilization: Across Russia, Military Recruiters Send Out New Orders RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- In Voronezh, south of Moscow, military recruiting offices are sending out orders to draft-age men, telling them to update their contact information.
• Russia's Wagner Mercenary Group Turns To Pornhub For Ukraine War Recruits RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- The Russian mercenary group Wagner has placed advertisements on Pornhub, the world's largest pornographic website, as it tries to recruit fighters to reinforce its troops fighting as part of the Kremlin's war against Ukraine.
• Poland's Transfer of MiG-29s to Ukraine Does Not Change US Stance on F-16s: White House Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- Poland's transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine does not affect the United States' position on the transfer of its F-16 jets to Kiev, National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said on Thursday.
• Canada to send more ammunition, missiles to Ukraine Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- Canada says it will send thousands of rounds of combat and training ammunition and air defense missiles to Ukraine in the coming weeks.
• US AFRICOM Says Chinese Base in West Africa Would Change Geostrategic Calculus Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- The United States Africa Command warned on Thursday that if China was able to establish a military base in West Africa, it would change the whole geostrategic calculus of protecting the United States.
• China's Speed in Selling Arms Prompt US Partners to Buy From Beijing, Say Officials VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- China's ability to move quickly on military sales is costing the United States in two key regions and could have even more dire consequences in the years to come, top U.S. military officers are warning lawmakers.
• Chinese troops set out for China-Cambodia joint exercise amid intensive foreign military exchanges Global Times 16 Mar 2023 -- A Type 071 comprehensive landing ship is carrying Chinese troops on their way to participate in a large-scale joint exercise with Cambodia, marking yet another major event in a busy month of foreign military exchanges by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• Taiwan Navy finds missing rifle actions CNA 16 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan's Navy said Thursday it has found two T91 assault rifle actions that could not be located during an inventory check earlier this month.
• Australia - Tomahawk Weapon System DSCA 16 Mar 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of Tomahawk Block V and Block IV All Up Rounds
• China firmly opposes AUKUS' coercing IAEA to endorse its nuclear submarine cooperation: FM Global Times 15 Mar 2023 -- China is gravely concerned about the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General's latest statement in relation to the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation and firmly opposed to the US, the UK and Australia's coercing the IAEA Secretariat into endorsement on the safeguards issues, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Yoon Lands in Japan, as North Korea Launches ICBM VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- South Korean President Yoon Seok Yeol has landed in Japan for a rare summit with his Japanese counterpart, hours after a North Korean long-range missile launch demonstrated the countries' shared security concerns.
• North Korea Says ICBM Launch a Response to US-South Korea Drills VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- North Korea says its Thursday intercontinental ballistic missile launch was a response to ramped up U.S.-South Korea military exercises that began this week.
• North Korea test-fires long-range missile: South Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- North Korea has test-launched a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) toward the East Sea, the South Korean military says.
• North Korea Reveals Thursday Launch Was Overseen by Kim Jong-un, Involved Hwasong-17 ICBM Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- North Korea has repeatedly blasted the US and South Korea for escalating tensions in the region, taking issue with continued joint military drills that Pyongyang sees as a threat to its sovereignty.
• RCAF fighter squadrons take part in Exercise Cougar South in New Orleans Canada 16 Mar 2023 -- Several Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) tactical fighter squadrons and support units are participating in a major exercise at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans, Louisiana until late April.
• CDAI Ottawa conference on security and defence - a Canadian Armed Forces ready for tomorrow Canada 16 Mar 2023
• Global Combat Air Programme takes centre stage at DSEI Japan UK MOD 16 Mar 2023 -- The UK, Japan and Italy joined forces at DSEI Japan to showcase the new Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
• British Army announces new artillery deal with Sweden UK MOD 16 Mar 2023 -- The British Army will receive modern artillery platforms to replace those supplied to Ukraine, as part of an agreement struck with Sweden.
• Royal Saudi Air Force Continues Participation in Exercise Cobra Warrior 2023 in the UK SPA 16 Mar 2023 -- Royal Saudi Air Force continues participating in Exercise Cobra Warrior 2023 in the United Kingdom along with the forces of six friendly counties.
• SEMINAR ON EMERGING DISRUPTIVE AND FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGIES India PIB 16 Mar 2023
• Two-day workshop on 'Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms' organised by DRDO concludes in New Delhi India PIB 16 Mar 2023 -- The two-day workshop on 'Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms', organised by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in New Delhi, concluded on March 16, 2023. The workshop was organised by Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, a DRDO laboratory, to address the need and future roadmap for implementation of Human Factor Engineering in product life cycle of indigenous products.
• Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth Rs 70,500 crore for the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category India PIB 16 Mar 2023 -- A meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held on March 16, 2023 under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition amounting to over Rs 70,500 crore under Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}. Out of the total proposals, Indian Navy proposals constitute more than Rs 56,000 crore, which largely includes indigenous BrahMos missiles, Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, Utility Helicopters-Maritime etc.
• EXERCISE LA PEROUSE - 2023 India PIB 16 Mar 2023 -- Indian Navy's indigenously built guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker, INS Jyoti participated in the third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse conducted from 13 - 14 March 2023. The exercise was conducted in the Indian Ocean Region, and was aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and optimising maritime coordination amongst the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific Region.
• Border Roads Organisation opens strategic Zoji La Pass after a closure of only 68 days India PIB 16 Mar 2023 -- Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened strategic Zojila Pass on the Greater Himalayan Range on 16 March 2023. The pass at 11,650 feet which acts as a gateway between Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir was kept open for traffic till January 06, 2023 through relentless snow clearance operations amidst tough weather conditions, ensuring that the Pass remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears.
• EXERCISE SEA DRAGON 23 India PIB 16 Mar 2023 -- A P8I aircraft of the Indian Navy arrived at Guam, USA on 14 Mar 23 to participate in 'Exercise Sea Dragon 23', the third edition of the coordinated multi-lateral ASW exercise for Long Range MR ASW aircraft, conducted by the US Navy.
• Poland - Hellfire Missiles DSCA 16 Mar 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Buenos Aires Considers Buying Chinese-Pakistani F-17 Thunder Fighter Jet Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- Argentina could soon buy China's JF-17 "Thunder," an advanced fighter jet jointly developed with Pakistan and designed for export.
• European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure in support of the army of North Macedonia EC/CEU 16 Mar 2023 -- The Council today adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth €9 million to the benefit of the army of North Macedonia (ARMK). This decision is part of the EU's efforts to further strengthen its security engagement with its Western Balkan partners.
• Hun Sen lashes out against naval base critics Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen accused unnamed foreigners of "a campaign to slander" his country amid claims a Chinese-funded expansion of a prominent southern naval base is in fact establishing a foreign base for Chinese forces.
• Cambodia's Hun Sen Rejects Concerns China Will Station Forces at New Seaport VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday publicly pushed back on criticism of a large seaport construction project, saying that China's military and forces from other nations will only be visitors at Ream Naval Base.
• Norway Goes on Arms Buying Spree Replacing NH90s With US-Made Military Helicopters Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- Over the past five years, European countries in the US-led NATO bloc have beefed up their arms imports by 65%, with Washington being the main provider. This contrasts with international arms transfers that dropped by 5.1% in the corresponding period.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with African Union Commission Chairperson Faki US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Moussa Yahaya of TeleSahel US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Yonathan Yosef of Fana Broadcasting US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Nigerien Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with Republic of Korea 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with French Foreign Ministry Secretary General Descôtes US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with German State Secretary Michaelis US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meetings with Democratic Unionist Party Leader Jeffrey Donaldson and Sinn Féin Party Leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill The White House 16 Mar 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 16 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 16, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 16 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 16 Mar 2023
• Security Council: Despite progress on reforming global security, 'our work is not done' UN News 16 Mar 2023 -- The world's new security sector reform plan can achieve even further progress by developing the first-ever global study on women in defence, trimming reporting periods, and galvanizing Member States' support, the UN's top Rule of Law and Security Institutions official said on Thursday.
• US General: Islamic State Afghan Affiliate Closer to Attacking Western Targets VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- One of the Islamic State terror group's most dangerous affiliates has its sights set on the West and could launch an attack before the year is out, according to a top U.S. military official.
• Chinese ships 'swarming' Vietnamese waters, think-tank says Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- After finishing with the Philippines, Chinese maritime militia and fishing boats apparently swarmed inside Vietnam's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, according to a Vietnamese research organization citing vessel-tracking data.
• Vietnam Bans Dissidents at Remembrance of '88 Spratly Islands Battle With China VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- Thirty-five years ago this week, Vietnamese fighters aboard ships HQ 604, HQ 605 and HQ 505 and stationed on three reefs in the Spratly Island archipelago faced off against the Chinese navy defending Beijing's claim to the South China Sea outcroppings.
• Syria: Statement by the High Representative on the 12th anniversary of the beginning of the conflict European External Action Service (EEAS) 16 Mar 2023 -- This week marks the 12th anniversary since peaceful protests began throughout Syria and were brutally repressed by the Assad regime, provoking a conflict which continues to this day.
• Assad: US military base in Syria's strategic al-Tanf serves as base for training terrorists Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says US occupation forces have turned their military base in the Arab country's strategic al-Tanf region near the borders with Iraq and Jordan into a bastion for Takfiri terrorists.
• Assad Says Ready to Meet With Erdogan Only After Withdrawal of Turkiye's Troops From Syria Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with Sputnik that he was ready to meet with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, only after the withdrawal of Turkiye's troops from the territory of Syria.
• Joint Statement on the Occasion of the 12th Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising UK FCDO 16 Mar 2023 -- The UK, US, France, and Germany have issued a joint statement on the occasion of the 12-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising.
• UN Security Council reaffirms strong support for the Libyan people UN News 16 Mar 2023 -- The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a presidential statement calling on the international community to support ongoing efforts to forge a lasting peace in Libya.
• In 'lucky' lottery, men forced to join junta militia terrorizing villages in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- It was a "lucky" lottery, the men assembled were told.
• UNHCR: Rakhine not safe for Myanmar's Rohingya repatriation pilot project Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- The United Nations refugee agency said Wednesday that conditions in Myanmar's Rakhine state were not favorable for the safe return of 1,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh whom Myanmar wants to repatriate under a China-mediated program.
• The worsening situation in Myanmar means conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya are not in place: UK Statement at the UN UK FCDO 16 Mar 2023 -- Statement by Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN General Assembly debate on Myanmar
• Meeting with President of South Ossetia Alan Gagloyev President of Russia 16 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met in the Kremlin with President of the Republic of South Ossetia Alan Gagloyev who is paying a working visit to Russia.
• Tibetan speaker repeatedly interrupted by Chinese delegates at UN session in Geneva Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- Chinese delegates repeatedly interrupted the Tibetan representative of the Dalai Lama as she spoke Wednesday about cultural rights violations in Tibet on behalf of a humanitarian group during a meeting of the U.N.'s Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Western Balkans Can Celebrate 'Big Step' If Kosovo, Serbia Agree On Document, Borrell Says RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says the entire Western Balkans region will benefit from Serbia and Kosovo implementing an EU normalization proposal they agreed on in Brussels last month.
• German Ambassador To Kosovo Upbeat On Prospects Of Normalization Plan Between Kosovo, Serbia RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- The German ambassador to Kosovo has predicted that all European countries that have not recognized Kosovo will do so if there are results in normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
• $150 Million in New Humanitarian Assistance for the Sahel Region and West and Central Africa US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023 -- "Today I am announcing $150 million in new humanitarian assistance for Niger and other countries throughout the Sahel region through the Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and the U.S. Agency for International Development's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance."
• Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken at a Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Reconciliation Event US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2023
• US Pledges Humanitarian, Economic, Security Aid to Niger VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- In a first for a U.S. secretary of state, Antony Blinken was in the African nation of Niger Thursday to offer humanitarian, economic and security aid.

News Reports

• Cocaine trafficking surges following COVID-19-related slowdown UN News 16 Mar 2023 -- Routed through new hubs and expanded criminal networks, cocaine trafficking has made a dramatic comeback following an initial slowdown caused by the emergence of COVID-19, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime said on Thursday in a hard-hitting new report.
• Prime Minister announces Independent Special Rapporteur to help protect the integrity of Canada's democracy Prime Minister of Canada 15 Mar 2023 -- The Government of Canada takes any attempts at undermining our democracy very seriously and will continue to take action to protect our institutions and uphold Canadians' confidence in our democracy.
• Burkina Faso Arrests Frenchman Suspected of Espionage, ICG says Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- Soon after the arrest, the French consultant for the International Crisis Group (ICG) operating in Burkina Faso was released and able to leave the country. The arrest took place nearly three months after Burkinabe authorities expelled two French citizens suspected of spying for Paris.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 16, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Mar 2023
• Plenary session of RSPP Congress President of Russia 16 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the annual congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.
• Russian, US defense ministers discuss drone incident, hinting at little possibility of escalation Global Times 16 Mar 2023 -- Communications between the Russian and US defense ministers over the incident in which a US drone crashed into the Black Sea hinted that both sides are trying to avoid an escalation of the situation despite showing no compromise on words, and the following encounter may focus on retrieving and dealing with the wreckage, analysts said.
• Russia seeks to retrieve remains of U.S. drone from Black Sea People's Daily 16 Mar 2023 -- Russia will try to retrieve the wreckage of a U.S. surveillance drone that crashed into the Black Sea on Tuesday, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said Wednesday.
• Statement by Committee of Ministers President on the anniversary of the expulsion of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe Council of Europe 16 Mar 2023 -- The Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs and President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, has made the following statement on the anniversary of the expulsion of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe:
• US, Canada, EU Demand Africa Stop Contacts With Russia - Russian Foreign Ministry Sputnik 16 Mar 2023 -- Delegations from the United States, Canada and the EU, in anticipation of the upcoming second Russia-Africa summit, are demanding that African leaders in fact stop cooperation with Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Oleg Ozerov told Sputnik.
• Russia slams Denmark over Nord Stream investigation 'fraud' Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- Russia has slammed Denmark for not giving Moscow access to investigations about the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, describing an earlier probe on this matter as a fraudulent "scam".
• Former Mayor Of Yekaterinburg Detained Again On Extremism Charge RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- The former mayor of the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, Yevgeny Roizman, who is under investigation on a controversial charge of discrediting the armed forces involved in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has been sentenced to 14 days in prison on a separate charge of distribution of extremist symbols.
• Russian Uranium Company Appeals Namibian Government Decision VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- A court in Namibia is hearing an appeal by the local branch of Russia's state-owned atomic energy agency, Rosatom, which is seeking water permits needed for uranium mining.
• China says US 'suppressing' TikTok as UK also bans it Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- China has urged the United States to stop "unreasonably suppressing" TikTok, after Washington and its allies took a hard approach to the app, which is owned by the Chinese firm Bytedance.
• China hits back after US calls for TikTok sell-off Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused the Biden administration of targeting foreign-owned companies with unfair standards after it called for the Chinese owners of the popular social media platform TikTok to sell their stake or face a ban on the app.
• White House Voices Support for Bipartisan Push to Ban TikTok VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- Time may be running out in the U.S. for Chinese-owned entertainment platform TikTok, with the White House on Thursday supporting proposed legislation that would effectively ban the app over concerns about the safety of the data of the 100 million Americans who use the trendy video platform.
• China yet to close two overseas police stations in Germany after official request Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- China has yet to shut down its much-criticized overseas police stations in Germany, despite Berlin's insistence they are a violation of German sovereignty, according to a German newspaper and publicly available parliamentary records.
• China warns Japan's return to path of militarization 'dangerous' Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- China has warned that Japan's tendency to return to the path of militarization is "very dangerous," urging Tokyo to "learn from history" and act with care in the field of military security.
• Xi Jinping Attends the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting and Delivers a Keynote Speech PRC MofA 16 Mar 2023 -- On March 15, 2023, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President Xi Jinping attended the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting in Beijing and delivered a keynote speech titled Join Hands on the Path Towards Modernization.
• HK, Macao work office of CPC Central Committee to be formed in key move to support and guide SARs' integration into national development plan Global Times 16 Mar 2023 -- A Hong Kong and Macao work office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee will be formed on the basis of the existing Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, according to a plan on reforming Party and state institutions released on Thursday.
• Chinese FM and HKSAR govt urge US politicians to stop interfering in HK affairs Global Times 16 Mar 2023 -- The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKSAR government on Thursday expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to a so-called Hong Kong-related resolution of the US Senate on March 15, which sugarcoated anti-China forces in Hong Kong and maliciously smeared the Hong Kong national security law.
• Hong Kong to more actively integrate into overall national development: HKSAR chief executive People's Daily 16 Mar 2023 -- John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Wednesday that Hong Kong will more actively integrate itself into the overall development of the country.
• Hong Kong plummets in rights index as Jimmy Lai's lawyers testify at United Nations Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- An international rights group that monitors civil society around the world has downgraded Hong Kong in its global monitor citing a "systematic crackdown on dissent" under a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in 2020.
• China's renewed coal addiction threatens the globe's climate ambition, report says Radio Free Asia 16 Mar 2023 -- China rapidly accelerated plans for new coal power plants in the second half of last year, derailing the overall progress made in the global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a group of environmental analysts said this week.
• China Reorganizing Science and Tech Ministry for Self-Sufficiency VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- China has announced a plan to reorganize its Ministry of Science and Technology in the face of U.S.-led efforts to restrict Beijing's access to advanced technologies, especially those with potential military applications.
• Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi 'provides hope to heal the world in turbulence' Global Times 16 Mar 2023 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, proposed the Global Civilization Initiative. Experts said following the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, China is trying to share its wisdom and plans to bring new hope for all nations to consider together on how to escape the trap of the "Clash of Civilizations" and find a path that can help the world sail through the current turbulence.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 16, 2023 PRC MofA 16 Mar 2023
• Taiwan will do utmost to preserve Honduras ties: MOFA CNA 16 Mar 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday Taiwan would continue to do everything within its means "until the last minute" to maintain diplomatic relations with Honduras after the country announced it would seek official ties with Beijing.
• U.S. claims China makes false promises as Honduras plans diplomatic switch CNA 16 Mar 2023 -- A U.S. State Department spokesperson claimed Thursday that promises made by China often went unfulfilled, after Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced her government's intention to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 16, 2023 ROC MND 16 Mar 2023
• DPRK Papers Call for Accelerating Victorious Advance of Juche Revolution KCNA 16 Mar 2023 -- Leading newspapers of the DPRK on Thursday dedicate articles to the centenary of President Kim Il Sung 's 250-mile journey for learning.
• Enlarged Plenary Meeting of Party Committee of DPRK Cabinet KCNA 16 Mar 2023 -- An enlarged plenary meeting of the Cabinet Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) took place on March 15 to implement the resolutions of the Seventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the WPK.
• Iran's largest refinery restoring output to pre-war years Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- Iran is to launch a new expansion phase in its flagship refinery in Abadan to restore output in the facility to levels seen before the Iran-Iraq war of 1980s.
• Fresh Protests Break Out In Western Iran Amid Reports Of Man Dying In Custody RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- The death of a man while in the custody of security forces has sparked fresh anti-government protests in the northwestern Iranian city of Bukan.
• Iranian-Born Belgian MP: EU Ministers Working Toward IRGC Terrorist Designation VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- The only European Union lawmaker of Iranian origin who lived in Iran until adulthood says EU foreign ministers are working to resolve obstacles to designating Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
• Blinken Welcomes Iran-Saudi Agreement VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism Wednesday about the re-establishment of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
• More than two years on, impact of Myanmar military coup 'devastating' UN News 16 Mar 2023 -- Violence resulting from the brutal military coup is continuing inside Myanmar on an "alarming scale" the UN Special Envoy told a meeting of the General Assembly on Thursday.
• UN Envoy Sees 'No Prospect' for Political Settlement in Myanmar VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- The United Nations envoy for Myanmar said Thursday that the prospect for a political settlement to that country's military takeover is not likely.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (March 16, 2023) India MEA 16 Mar 2023
• Mad at Biden's snub, Netanyahu bars ministers from visiting US: Report Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly instructed his cabinet ministers to avoid traveling to the United States and meeting American officials unless he receives an invite to meet with US President Joe Biden at the White House.
• Israeli pres. warns of 'civil war' as Netanyahu hangs onto controversial reforms Press TV 16 Mar 2023 -- The Israeli president warns that the occupying regime is moving down a dangerous path as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains adamant about implementing a set of highly controversial "legal reforms."
• Court Orders Former Kazakh President's Brother To Return Stake In Company To State RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- Kazakhstan's Supreme Court has ordered Bolat Nazarbaev, the younger brother of the Central Asian nation's former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, to return to the state an almost 32 percent stake he holds in the Almaty Heavy Machinery Factory (AZTM).
• Georgian Government Pins Recent Protests On 'Satanists' Funded By The U.S. RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- Smarting from mass protests that led to a government climbdown last week, the Georgian ruling party found a culprit: what it said was a group of anarchists and satanists, operating with a $100 million budget.
• New support for Moldova and Georgia against "threat on their doorstep" as Foreign Secretary visits region UK FCDO 16 Mar 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit Moldova and Georgia and announce new funding to boost regional resilience against Russian malign interference.
• Bad Company: Are Kyrgyzstan's Smuggling Kings Being Legitimized? RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- Just hours after completing a dizzying rise to the presidency from a prison cell amid political turmoil, Sadyr Japarov pledged to get to the bottom of one of Kyrgyzstan's most notorious corruption schemes.
• President Of Montenegro Dissolves Parliament, Clearing Way For Early Elections RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic on March 16 issued a decree dissolving the national assembly, paving the way for new parliamentary elections.
• President Of Montenegro Dissolves Parliament, Clearing Way For Early Elections RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic on March 16 issued a decree dissolving the national assembly, paving the way for new parliamentary elections.
• U.S. Official: Latest Sanctions Against Bosnians Came After Lengthy Investigation RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- A decision to impose sanctions against the former director of Bosnia-Herzegovina's intelligence and security agency and two other individuals associated with the Balkan country was made after a lengthy and thorough investigation, a U.S. official said on March 16.
• U.S. Official: Latest Sanctions Against Bosnians Came After Lengthy Investigation RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- A decision to impose sanctions against the former director of Bosnia-Herzegovina's intelligence and security agency and two other individuals associated with the Balkan country was made after a lengthy and thorough investigation, a U.S. official said on March 16.
• Moldovan Parliament Approves Final Reading Of Romanian Language Bill RFE/RL 16 Mar 2023 -- Moldovan lawmakers have approved the final reading of a bill that will introduce the syntagma "Romanian language" in all official pieces of legislation.
• Criminal Charges Expected in Thailand Over Chinese Immigration VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- More than 100 Thai immigration officers are expected to face bribery-linked charges in the coming weeks after allegedly helping thousands of Chinese enter Thailand illegally to set up criminal businesses.
• Protests in Senegal Turn Violent as Opposition Leader Heads to Court VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- Plumes of smoke and tear gas spilled into the Dakar sky Thursday as police clashed with opposition protesters. It marked the third day of unrest in Senegal's capital where opposition leader Ousmane Sonko is facing trial for alleged defamation.
• Central Africa Calls for Investments to Counter Impact of Russia's War VOA 16 Mar 2023 -- Central African economy ministers are calling for investing in energy and farming as Africa's poorest region struggles to recover from natural disasters, armed conflicts, and fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Heads of state from the six nations of regional bloc CEMAC meet Friday to discuss the challenges.