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News Reports

Current Operations

• Chaotic US Withdrawal from Afghanistan is Trump's Fault, Biden Review Says VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- The White House pinned most of the blame for the chaotic U.S. military exit from Afghanistan in 2021 on the previous administration in a publicly released summary of classified reports sent to Congress on Thursday by the departments of State and Defense.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Defense Department's Afghanistan After Action Review DoD 06 Apr 2023 -- "The Department of Defense is a learning organization that routinely conducts After Action Reviews to make our brave troops safer in the future. In December 2021, I directed an independent AAR to provide a detailed assessment of DoD implementation of U.S. Afghanistan policy from January 2020 through August 2021."
• After Action Review on Afghanistan US Dept. of State 06 Apr 2023 -- "In December of 2021, I asked Ambassador Dan Smith to lead an After Action Review of the Department of State's execution of its duties related to ending the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan."

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Celebrates Advancements in Microelectronics Packaging Capabilities DoD 06 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) today celebrated a milestone achievement for the State-of-the-Art (SOTA) Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging (SHIP) Program with the delivery of the first SHIP prototype devices.
• DOD Official Discusses Strengthening the Industrial Base DoD News 06 Apr 2023 -- The National Defense Strategy mentions the pacing challenge of China and the acute threat from Russia.
• Yokota AB supports JPMRC 23-02 Alaska US Air Force 06 Apr 2023 -- The 374th Airlift Wing from Yokota Air Base, Japan, provided airlift support for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability exercise, March 21-April 2, and successfully conducted multiple joint exercises with the U.S. Army and Royal Canadian Air Force out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
• Undersecretary of the Navy, Vice Chief of Naval Operations visit PSNS & IMF US Navy 06 Apr 2023 -- Under Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Erik Raven, and Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, visited Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility March 29, 2023, to discuss implementation of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program and Naval Sustainment System - Shipyards, and to assess ongoing seismic upgrades to the shipyard's dry docks.
• Naval Station Everett Updates 2023 Five-year Environmental Plan US Navy 06 Apr 2023 -- Naval Station Everett recently updated its five-year natural resources strategy that will guide Navy operations on base and at the Navy support complex in Marysville. The document, called the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP), includes major environmental projects that support habitat restoration; invasive plant control; and marine mammal, fish, and sea bird monitoring and studies.
• Canada, India, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. Complete Multilateral Guam-Based Exercise Sea Dragon 2023 US Navy 06 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Navy and four allied and partner nations concluded operations for the annual, multi-national exercise Sea Dragon 2023, March 29.
• US Should Maintain Air Superiority to Avoid 'Bloodbath' Similar to Ukraine: Air Force Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The United States must develop the ability to attain and maintain air superiority to avoid a "bloodbath" situation similar to the one in Ukraine, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs Lt. Gen. Richard Moore Jr. said on Thursday.
• II Marine Expeditionary Force Completes Humanitarian Operations Training USMC News 06 Apr 2023 -- JHOC taught students how to support USAID during the planning and execution of humanitarian support to foreign nations and across a wide variety of humanitarian missions. JHOC is also part of the Joint Task Force training continuum as II MEF prepares for an upcoming JTF exercise later in 2023. Foreign humanitarian assistance is among the list of tasks that a JTF certified headquarters may be called upon to execute.
• FRCSW Ally Support Strengthens Royal Australian Air Force US Navy 06 Apr 2023 -- Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) successfully completed a first of its kind reconfiguration of a U.S. Navy EA-6B Growler for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, Mexican Navy and Royal Canadian Navy participate in North American Maritime Security Initiative US Navy Press Release 06 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Coast Guard, along with the U.S. Navy, Mexican Navy (SEMAR) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) participated in the North American Maritime Security Initiative (NAMSI) exercise off the coast of Manzanillo, Mexico March 27-31.
• Have US military deployments brought turmoil or security? Chinese FM comments on US moves in Philippines Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- Given the long list of turmoil, division and devastation left behind by the US military around the world, countries around the South China Sea should think carefully about what consequences the increased US military deployments in the region could have, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in response to the additional US military deployment in the Philippines.
• Kremlin: NATO's Expansion Towards Russian Borders Causes Concerns for Country's Security Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The expansion of NATO towards Russia's borders causes trouble and anxiety for the country's security, Kremlin spokesman Dmirty Peskov said on Thursday.
• Putin Announces Plans to Create Security Concept of Union State Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that there are plans to create a security concept of the Union State against the background of growing tensions.
• Security Concept of Russia and Belarus Union State Seeks to Thwart NATO Threat Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The creation of a security concept of the Union State of Russia and Belarus is a logical response to NATO's military buildup, Vladimir Kireev, deputy director of the Center of Social and Integration Studies on the Union State and Eurasian Integration, told Sputnik. He added that the time is ripe to develop algorithms to overcome the challenge.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs on April 4-5, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 Apr 2023
• Finland's accession to NATO poses national security threat to Russia: Kremlin People's Daily 06 Apr 2023 -- Russia views Finland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as an additional threat to Russia's national security, local media reported Wednesday, citing Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
• Russia to Respond Appropriately to Deployment of US Nuclear Weapons in Europe Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- Russia will respond accordingly to the deployment of US nuclear weapons in Europe, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
• Belarusian, Russian Military Units Ready to Defend Union State at Any Time, Minsk Says Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The Belarusian and Russian units of the regional grouping of armed forces are ready to defend the Union State of Belarus and Russia at any time, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
• U.S. Charges Estonian National With Helping Russian Military Procure U.S. Technology RFE/RL 06 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. government has charged an Estonian national with conspiracy related to the receipt of U.S.-made electronics by Russia's government and military that endangered citizens in Ukraine and the United States.
• UK Defense Ministry Says Trained Over 10,000 Ukrainian Soldiers During Operation Interflex Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The Defense Ministry of the United Kingdom said on Thursday that it had already trained over 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers on the UK territory as part of operation Interflex and planned to train a total of 20,000 recruits this year.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 06 Apr 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.
• Ukraine, Poland Agree on Joint Tank Shells Production Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- Kiev and Warsaw have agreed on the joint manufacturing of 125 mm tank shells, with the relevant agreement signed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Poland, Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries Alexander Kamyshin said on Thursday.
• China, Cambodia wrap up joint exercise with comprehensive live-fire phase Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the armed forces of Cambodia recently wrapped up the Golden Dragon-2023 joint exercise after a comprehensive live-fire phase simulating a terror attack on a major international event, with experts saying on Thursday that the drills consolidated military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and contributed to regional security, peace and stability.
• Boxers light up with live fire Australia DOD 06 Apr 2023 -- Troopers from of 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) tested the capability of the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) against notional real-world threats using live fire at Wide Bay Training Area in March.
• Canada Deploys CP-140 Aurora Aircraft to Japan to Support Implementation of Sanctions Against North Korea Canada 06 Apr 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, announced the deployment of a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora Air Detachment under Operation (Op) NEON, to Japan.
• Japanese Coast Guard Searching for Military Helicopter VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- Japan's Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations for a military helicopter that disappeared from radar Thursday off the nation's southwest islands near Taiwan.
• Turkiye's First Main Battle Tank to Be Supplied to Armed Forces in 2-3 Weeks Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- First Turkish-made main battle tank Altay is planned to be delivered to the country's armed forces in 2-3 weeks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.
• Why Two Ailing Democracies Missed US Democracy Summit VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- It was an international summit of democracies, but several democratic countries in Asia and Africa were absent; some were not invited and some turned down the invitation.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Chilean Foreign Minister van Klaveren US Dept. of State 06 Apr 2023
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials Previewing the Vice President's Trip to Dalton, Georgia The White House 06 Apr 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 06 Apr 2023
• Department Press Briefing - April 6, 2023 US Dept. of State 06 Apr 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 6, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 6 April 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 Apr 2023
• 'The world cannot abandon the people': Top humanitarian official in Afghanistan UN News 06 Apr 2023 -- A Taliban decision banning women from working for the UN inside Afghanistan, will have devastating consequence for aid delivery, the UN's top humanitarian official in the country warned on Thursday.
• Humanitarian Coordinator Appeals for the World Not to Abandon the People of Afghanistan at this Precarious Moment UNOCHA 06 Apr 2023 -- Already the world's largest and most severe humanitarian crisis, Afghanistan is rapidly moving towards a cliff-edge due to severe under-funding and bans on female aid workers which are disabling aid delivery at a time when 28.3 million people need life-saving assistance to survive.
• UN Tells Afghan Staff to Stay Home Until Taliban Clarifies Ban on Female Aid Workers VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- Afghan women and men who work for the U.N. Mission in Afghanistan stayed home Thursday while the United Nations sought clarification on the Taliban's statement ordering all local female employees to be fired because of their sex.
• Yemeni Authorities, Houthis Reach Agreement on New Truce - Source Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen and the Houthi movement, known officially as Ansar Allah that controls north of the country, with the mediation of Oman, reached an agreement to extend the truce for six months, a Yemeni diplomatic source has told Sputnik.
• CENTCOM Welcomes Recent Repatriation Efforts CENTCOM 06 Apr 2023 -- Over the past week, Norway and Canada repatriated residents from the al-Hol and al Roj camps for internally displaced persons in northeast Syria. A total of 19 residents - six women and 13 children - were repatriated back to their countries of origin.
• U.S. Welcomes Canada's Repatriation from Northeast Syria US Dept. of State 06 Apr 2023 -- The United States appreciates Canada's repatriation today of 14 women and children from displaced persons camps in northeast Syria.
• Government of Canada repatriates Canadians from northeastern Syria Canada 06 Apr 2023
• Iran: UN Security Council must end Israel's 'criminal' acts against Syria Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the UN says the Security Council needs to condemn Israel's ongoing violations of fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter, and take a decisive action to put an end to the regime's unlawful and criminal acts.
• More than 4,000 people flee into Thailand after fighting in Kayin state intensifies Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2023 -- Intense fighting in southeastern Myanmar's Kayin state has prompted more than 4,000 people to flee across the Thai border, where many have crowded together in makeshift camps on goat and cattle farms, aid workers said.
• Tensions mount in Middle East as UN reiterates need for 'maximum restraint' UN News 06 Apr 2023 -- The UN on Thursday condemned the multiple rockets fired into Israel from across its northern border with Lebanon, urging "all actors to exercise maximum restraint", following several days of rising tension and violence, centred around Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque.
• Israeli warplanes attack Gaza after retaliation over al-Aqsa raid Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- The Israeli regime's warplanes reportedly attack targets inside the Gaza Strip following the firing of retaliatory rockets from the direction of the coastal strip over the regime's savage attacks on Palestinian worshippers inside the al-Aqsa Mosque's compound in the occupied city of al-Quds.
• Rocket barrages fired from Lebanon as Hezbollah warns Israel over Aqsa Mosque raids Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- At least 30 rockets have reportedly been launched from southern Lebanon into the Israeli-occupied territories in retaliation for raids by Israeli forces that stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound overnight and attacked Palestinian worshipers as they were observing the holy month of Ramadan.
• Israeli Forces Confirm Retaliatory Strikes Across Gaza After Rocket Barrage Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- Israeli forces earlier confirmed on Thursday that 34 rockets had been launched from Lebanon by Palestinian forces, with 25 projectiles having been intercepted. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has rejected any escalation from Lebanon into Israel following the strikes.
• China seeks to rename 11 places in disputed Arunachal Pradesh, also claimed by India Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2023 -- In a bid to deepen claims to territory also claimed by India, China this week announced that it had standardized the names in Chinese and Tibetan of 11 place names in the rugged, disputed area that India calls Arunachal Pradesh and Beijing calls South Tibet.
• In Somalia's War With Al-Shabab, Media Access an Issue VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- As Somalia gears up for the second phase of its war with al-Shabab militants, there is a tussle between the independent media and the government over how much access journalists should have to the front lines, liberated areas and combat operations.
• Reflecting on genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Guterres urges all nations to stand firm against rising hate, intolerance UN News 06 Apr 2023 -- As the world marks the grim anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, during which Hutu and others who opposed the massacre were also killed, the UN Secretary-General has said that a generation since those horrific events, "we must never forget what happened - and ensure future generations always remember."
• Gunmen Abduct 25 Cameroonians on Nigeria Border VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- Security forces in Cameroon are searching for at least 25 villagers that gunmen abducted along its border with Nigeria. Locals are calling on the governments to stop armed gangs operating on both sites of the border.

News Reports

• Fiji Investigates Allegations of Chinese Spying VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- Fiji's prime minster has raised concerns about allegations of Chinese espionage.
• Leaders Say TikTok Is Potential Cybersecurity Risk to U.S. DoD News 06 Apr 2023 -- TikTok is a "potential threat vector" to the United States, said John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy and principal cyber advisor to the secretary of defense.
• FBI Targets Users in Crackdown on Darknet Marketplaces VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- Darknet users, beware: If you frequent criminal marketplaces in the internet's underbelly, think again. Chances are you're in the FBI's crosshairs.
• With secret contract, U.S. uses spyware to supervise world: NYT People's Daily 06 Apr 2023 -- Under the secret contract finalized on Nov. 8, 2021, the Israeli firm, NSO Group, gave the U.S. government access to one of its most powerful weapons -- a geolocation tool that can covertly track mobile phones around the world without the phone user's knowledge or consent, reported The New York Times (NYT) on Sunday.
• Microsoft to Pay Over $3.3M in Total Combined Civil Penalties to BIS and OFAC to Resolve Alleged and Apparent Violations of U.S. Export Controls and Sanctions US Treasury 06 Apr 2023 -- Today, as part of a coordinated enforcement effort, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS") and the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") imposed a combined $3.3 million in civil penalties against Microsoft Corporation ("Microsoft") for alleged and apparent violations of U.S. export controls and sanctions laws. Microsoft voluntarily self-disclosed the alleged violations to both BIS and OFAC, cooperated with the joint investigation conducted by BIS's Office of Export Enforcement and OFAC, and took remedial measures after discovering the conduct at issue, which predated the export controls and sanctions imposed in connection with the current Russian war in Ukraine.
• Meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State President of Russia 06 Apr 2023 -- Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko chaired a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State at the Kremlin.
• Putin says Russia-U.S. ties in "deep crisis" People's Daily 06 Apr 2023 -- Relations between Russia and the United States are experiencing "a deep crisis," Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.
• Sunset For Baikonur? A Contract Dispute With Kazakhstan Flashes Warnings For Russia's Legendary Spaceport RFE/RL 06 Apr 2023 -- For nearly seven decades, Baikonur has been synonymous with the Soviet and Russian space programs.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on April 6, 2023 PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023
• Statement by President von der Leyen with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping following the trilateral meeting European Commission 06 Apr 2023
• Statement by President von der Leyen following the trilateral meeting with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and French President Macron European Commission 06 Apr 2023
• Statement by President von der Leyen ahead of the trilateral meeting with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and French President Macron European Commission 06 Apr 2023
• Statement by President von der Leyen ahead of the meeting with Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang European Commission 06 Apr 2023
• Xi holds talks with French president Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing on Thursday.
• President Xi Jinping Holds China-France-EU Trilateral Meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023 -- On the afternoon of 6 April, President Xi Jinping held a trilateral meeting of China, France and the European Union (EU) with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People.
• President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with French President Emmanuel Macron PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023 -- On the afternoon of 6 April, President Xi Jinping held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron who is on a state visit to China at the Great Hall of the People. 
• Xi Jinping: China Ready to Issue a Joint Call with France for Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023 -- On the afternoon of 6 April, President Xi Jinping held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and they met the press afterwards.
• President Xi Jinping Holds Trilateral Meeting with French President Macron and European Commission President von der Leyen PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023 -- On the afternoon of 6 April, President Xi Jinping had a trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Great Hall of the People.
• President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron Jointly Meet the Press PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023 -- On the afternoon of 6 April, President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly met the press after their talks.
• President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with French President Emmanuel Macron PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023 -- On the afternoon of 6 April, President Xi Jinping held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron who is on a state visit to China at the Great Hall of the People.
• Report: China Helped With Africa Pandemic Debt Relief VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- A new report by researchers from Johns Hopkins University is giving China better than expected marks for its performance in helping to restructure the crippling debt loads carried by some African countries.
• US Senate Probes Alleged Chinese Forced Labor in Auto Supply Chain VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- The Senate Finance Committee is investigating U.S. and foreign auto manufacturers and suppliers for potential links to forced labor practices in China's Xinjiang region, where Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities are allegedly being coerced into working in factories.
• RMB's role grows globally as dollar alternatives sought People's Daily 06 Apr 2023 -- The rising global use of the Chinese renminbi will accelerate the world's shift toward a multipolar international currency system, a process critical for global financial stability as the drawbacks of the dollar-centred system can no longer be ignored, experts said.
• China sanctions two institutions advocating 'Taiwan independence' Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- China announced sanctions on two institutions - the Prospect Foundation and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats - which used "democracy," "freedom" & "cooperation" as excuses to advance "Taiwan independence" and collude with anti-China forces.
• U.S. House committee chair arrives in Taiwan CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Michael McCaul, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the United States House of Representatives, on Thursday said his visit to Taiwan is meant to send a signal to China that Taiwan has U.S. support.
• US Delegation Led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair on Visit to Taiwan Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- A bipartisan group of US lawmakers led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul has arrived in Taiwan on a visit, the committee said.
• Taiwan leader's visit lays bare US-China schism Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2023 -- Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen departs the United States on Thursday after an eventful trip that appeared to shore up her island's relationship with Washington but prompted threats of a "confrontation" from Beijing.
• Tsai-McCarthy meet reflects bipartisan support for Taiwan: Analysts CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- The meeting between Republic of China (Taiwan) President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California on Wednesday reflected bipartisan support for Taiwan by U.S. lawmakers amid efforts not to anger China based on Washington's "one China policy," analysts said on Thursday.
• Taiwan politicians across party lines view Tsai-McCarthy meeting positively CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Politicians across party lines in Taiwan expressed positive views Thursday about the meeting between President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and they all said they supported efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
• Ma Ying-jeou hails mainland's development, calls for cross-Strait cooperation People's Daily 06 Apr 2023 -- Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, has spoken highly of the mainland's development during his recent visit.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan April 6, 2023 ROC MND 06 Apr 2023
• China Will Not Make Any Concessions on Taiwan Issue, Xi Jinping Says Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- Anyone who expects China to make concessions on the Taiwan issue is thinking unrealistically, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.
• US asks China to choose 'diplomacy' after Beijing sent warships near Taiwan Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- The United States called on China to choose diplomacy over military pressure against Chinese Taipei. The call came after Beijing deployed warships following a meeting by the self-ruled island's leader with the US House speaker.
• Taiwan Military Says Chinese Aircraft Carrier Shandong Enters Waters Close to Island Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong has entered waters about 200 nautical miles east of Taiwan's southernmost point, launching military exercises in the vicinity of the island, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry said.
• China aircraft carrier 200 nautical miles off Taiwan on training mission: Defense chief CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- A Chinese aircraft carrier named the Shandong (山東艦) is currently on what is expected to be a long-range training exercises about 200 nautical miles east of Taiwan, and Taiwanese naval frigates are keeping close tabs on its every move, Taiwan's Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) said Thursday.
• China sends warships near Taiwan before Tsai-McCarthy meeting Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- China has sent warships through waters around Chinese Taipei in a "resolute response" to the meeting of the self-governed island's president and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California.
• China Firmly Opposes US-Taiwan Contacts Following Meeting Between McCarthy, Tsai Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that Beijing firmly opposes and strongly condemns official contacts between the United States and Taiwan.
• China promises resolute response after Tsai-McCarthy meeting Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2023 -- China vowed Thursday to take "strong and resolute measures" after a meeting between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California, as a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed near Taiwan, putting the island's military on guard.
• China's countermeasures in gear against Tsai-McCarthy's sneaky meeting Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- China will adopt firm and resolute measures to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity in responding to the latest meeting between the regional leader of the Taiwan island and the US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy - an erroneous move that delivered a heavy blow to the already strained US-China relations, damaging the political foundation of the two countries and making the cross-Straits situation more intense.
• Meeting with President Tsai not meant to escalate tensions with China, McCarthy says CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy said Wednesday that his meeting with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) was not meant to escalate tensions between Beijing and Washington.
• House Speaker McCarthy States 'Unwavering' US Support for Taiwan VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy pledged "resolute, unwavering and bipartisan" support for Taiwan after he held talks Wednesday with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in California.
• House Speaker McCarthy Praises Taiwan Leader as 'Great Friend to America' VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met Wednesday with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in California, calling her "a great friend to America."
• Remarks by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tsai Ing-wen's 'transit' trip through US Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- Spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday delivered remarks regarding Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's "transit" trip through the United States. The following is the full text of the remarks:
• Chinese defense ministry delivers remarks on Tsai Ing-wen's 'transit' trip through US Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- Spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense delivered remarks on Thursday concerning the "transit" trip of Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen through the United States. The following is the full text of the remarks:
• China's top legislature issues statement on meeting between US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Tsai Ing-wen Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- The Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, on Thursday issued a statement in response to the meeting between U.S. congressional members including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen in the United States. The following is the full text of the statement:
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Statement on Tsai Ing-wen's "Transit" Through the United States PRC MofA 06 Apr 2023 -- "Through the past few days, in disregard of China's serious representations and repeated warnings, the United States deliberately greenlighted the transit of Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the Taiwan region, through the United States. US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the number three in the US government, had a high-profile meeting with Tsai."
• Tsai, McCarthy reaffirm strong Taiwan-U.S. bond after historic meeting CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reaffirmed the strong partnership between Taiwan and the United States and their commitment to safeguarding regional stability, following their historic meeting in California on Wednesday (U.S. time).
• No reason for China to overreact to Tsai-McCarthy meeting: White House CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- The White House said Wednesday there is no reason for China to overreact to Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's (蔡英文) meeting with United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California that day.
• President Tsai meets U.S. speaker McCarthy in California CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) met with United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a historic meeting in California on Wednesday morning (U.S. time) despite Beijing's repeated protests.
• Tsai to set milestone in meeting with U.S. house speaker CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) is set to become the first Republic of China (Taiwan) president to meet with a United States House speaker on U.S. soil when she meets with Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday morning U.S. time.
• Tensions rise as China says it will check Taiwan's vessels CNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan has asked locally-flagged vessels to not cooperate with Chinese maritime police attempting to make on-board inspections of commercial ships in the wake of President Tsai-Ing Wen's (蔡英文) meeting with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
• China vows to take resolute response to Tsai-McCarthy meeting; US' insidious manipulation on Taiwan question will ignite more conflicts with China: experts Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- Multiple Chinese authorities including China's top legislature, the Taiwan Work Office of CPC Central Committee, Chinese defense ministry and Chinese foreign ministry firmly opposed and condemned the latest meeting between the regional leader of China's Taiwan island and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday in California, vowing to take resolute and effective measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, in response to the seriously erroneous acts of collusion between the US and Taiwan secessionist authorities.
• Taiwan Work Office of CPC Central Committee issues statement on Tsai Ing-wen's 'transit' trip to US Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- The spokesperson of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Thursday issued a statement on the meeting between Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and Kevin McCarthy, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The following is the full text of the statement:
• Rodong Sinmun Calls for Unconditionally Implementing Party's Resolutions KCNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Rodong Sinmun Thursday in an editorial says:
• North Korea: US-South Korea drills driving tensions to 'brink of nuclear war' Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- North Korea says joint military drills by the United States and South Korea are pushing tensions on the Korean Peninsula to the "brink of a nuclear war," vowing to respond with "offensive action."
• Press Statement of DPRK Permanent Representative to UN Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva KCNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Han Tae Song, permanent representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the United Nations office and other international organizations in Geneva issued the following statement on April 6:
• Expansion of U.S.-led War Drills for Aggression Is Trigger for Driving Situation on Korean Peninsula to Point of Explosion KCNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Choe Ju Hyon, an international security analyst, released the following article titled "Expansion of the U.S.-led war drills of aggression is a trigger for driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to the point of explosion" on April 6:
• Protesters In Tehran Mark Birthday Of Teen Killed In Crackdown RFE/RL 06 Apr 2023 -- Protesters took to the streets of the Shahr-e Ziba neighborhood west of the Iranian capital, Tehran, late on April 5 to mark the birthday of Hamid Reza Ruhi, who was killed in the brutal state crackdown on anti-government protests sparked by the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini following her detention by the morality police.
• Iran security chief had extensive de-dollrization talks with Putin: Report Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- Iran's top security official Ali Shamkhani and Russian President Vladimir Putin had extensive talks on de-dollrization of trade between the two sanction-hit countries during Shamkhani's visit to Moscow earlier this year, according to a report by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, which is the Arabic service of the London-based website The New Arab.
• Azerbaijan Expels Four Iranian Embassy Employees Amid Souring Relations RFE/RL 06 Apr 2023 -- Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has expelled four Iranian Embassy employees amid escalating tensions between the two neighbors.
• Tehran-Riyadh ties creates positive atmosphere in region: Saudi FM IRNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has said that the new relationship between Tehran and Riyadh has created a positive atmosphere in the whole region.
• Saudi Arabia, Iran resume official relations IRNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has announced that Riyadh and Tehran resumed official diplomatic ties on Thursday.5
• Saudi, Iranian FMs meet in Beijing IRNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have met in the Chinese capital city of Beijing.
• Joint Statement Issued Following Discussions by Saudi, Iranian Foreign Ministers in Beijing SPA 06 Apr 2023 -- A joint statement was issued following the discussions held by the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers in Beijing. The statement reads as follows:
• Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran Meet in Beijing Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, have met in Beijing.
• Iran, Saudi Arabia formally restore diplomatic relations: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced the official restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after top diplomats from the two countries held a landmark meeting in the Chinese capital city of Beijing and issued a joint statement.
• Chinese FM witnesses resumption of Saudi Arabia-Iran diplomatic ties in Beijing Global Times 06 Apr 2023 -- Saudi Arabia and Iran announced the resumption of diplomatic ties with immediate effect on Thursday in Beijing after the first formal meeting between the two countries' top diplomats in more than seven years. The amplification of China's mediation between the two countries has been remarkable over the past month, showing that the diplomatic philosophy advocated and practiced by China is being recognized worldwide, experts said.
• Iranian, Chinese FMs meet in Beijing IRNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang met on Thursday in the Chinese capital Beijing.
• Iran FM terms talks with Saudi counterpart as positive IRNA 06 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has described a meeting and negotiation with his Saudi counterpart as positive.
• Chinese, Saudi, Iranian senior diplomats hold talks IRNA 06 Apr 2023 -- A tripartite meeting among foreign ministers of China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran has been held in the Chinese capital Beijing.
• Iran, Saudi FMs seek implementation of reconciliation deal to boost regional security Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- The top Iranian and Saudi diplomats underscore the need to implement a landmark China-brokered reconciliation agreement in an attempt to enhance mutual trust and help boost regional security.
• Iran, Saudi FMs meet in China for first time in seven years Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, met in China a month after the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic relations under a China-brokered deal.
• Foreign Ministers of Iran, Saudi Arabia Meet as Relations Thaw VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- China hosted a meeting Thursday between the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia as the Middle East nations work to restore ties after seven years of tensions.
• Junta court sentences 4 people to life for 'funding terrorism' Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2023 -- A military court in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region has sentenced four people to life imprisonment under the junta's anti-terrorism laws, locals told RFA.
• Canberra Presses China Over Australian Journalist Detained Since 2020 VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- One year after Beijing put an Australian journalist on trial in a closed-door hearing, China has still not revealed the verdict in the case.
• Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, presently FDI in space sector is allowed up to 100% in the area of Satellites-Establishment and Operations through Government route only India PIB 06 Apr 2023 -- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, presently FDI in space sector is allowed up to 100% in the area of Satellites-Establishment and Operations through Government route only.
• Türkiye quake aftermath: Funding needed to stave off risks to millions of children UN News 06 Apr 2023 -- Two months after devastating earthquakes hit Türkiye and northern Syria, 2.5 million children in Türkiye remain in need of humanitarian support and are at risk of falling into poverty, child labour or under-age marriage, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Thursday.
• Anti-junta protests hit Sudan again on key coup anniversary Press TV 06 Apr 2023 -- Pro-democracy activists in Sudan have held protests against the military rule.
• Sudan Reportedly Postpones Civilian Rule Agreement Over Military Reform Issues Sputnik 06 Apr 2023 -- After the army toppled a civilian administration in October 2021 that had deposed longtime leader Omar al Bashir in 2019, Sudan has been experiencing political unrest. The military decided on a roadmap for transferring authority to civilians in December of last year.
• U.S. Embassy says it doesn't support opposition - only 'multi-party democracy' Radio Free Asia 06 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Embassy said Thursday it doesn't "support any particular individual, institution, or political party" in Cambodia, and only wants the country to have "an inclusive, multi-party democracy."
• Türkiye quake aftermath: Funding needed to stave off risks to millions of children UN News 06 Apr 2023 -- Two months after devastating earthquakes hit Türkiye and northern Syria, 2.5 million children in Türkiye remain in need of humanitarian support and are at risk of falling into poverty, child labour or under-age marriage, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Thursday.
• Serbia urged to uphold freedom of expression while also countering hate speech UN News 06 Apr 2023 -- Legal reforms in Serbia must be accompanied by the effective implementation of laws to counter dangerous rhetoric against minorities, journalists and activists, UN independent human rights expert Irene Khan said on Thursday, concluding an official visit to the country.
• Nigeria Secures $800 Million Ahead of Fuel Subsidy Removal VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- Nigeria has secured an $800 million relief package from the World Bank to help cushion the impact of a plan to remove in June a long-held fuel subsidy.
• Zimbabwe Freezes Assets of 4 Who Said They Aided Gold Smuggling, Money Laundering VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- Zimbabwe's central bank has frozen the assets of four individuals who said they assisted a long-running gold smuggling and money laundering ring.
• Kenya Calm After Two Weeks of Anti-Government Protests; Opposition Demands 'Meaningful Engagement' VOA 06 Apr 2023 -- The situation in Kenya is calm after two weeks of anti-government protests called by the opposition. While both parties have decided to give dialogue a chance, President William Ruto has yet to say how his administration will fight the high cost of living, one issue that sparked the demonstrations.