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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• CENTCOM Forces Capture ISIS Operative in Helicopter Raid CENTCOM 12 Apr 2023 -- U.S. Central Command forces conducted a helicopter raid in eastern Syria late on the evening of April 8, capturing Hudayfah al Yemeni, an ISIS attack facilitator, and two of his associates. No civilians were killed or injured.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Russia says US intel leaks may be fake, part of 'hybrid war' against Moscow Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- The leak of a trove of highly sensitive documents online could be a move by the United States to "deceive", Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying Wednesday.
• US probes leak of documents People's Daily 12 Apr 2023 -- US officials are trying to identify who leaked dozens of classified Pentagon documents that appeared online with details that include secret assessments of Ukraine's combat power and intelligence gathering on America's allies, including South Korea, Canada and Israel.
• Leaked US documents cast doubt on Ukraine's military capacity Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- A batch of US classified documents leaked on social media shows Washington has serious concerns about Ukraine's capacity to defend against Russia, according to a Tuesday report and documents reviewed by AFP.
• Defense Department to Assess Strengths and Challenges of Military Relationships DoD 12 Apr 2023 -- The Defense Department recently launched a survey to help inform policies that improve the quality of life for military couples and families.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Enhancing U.S. Navy, NATO Capabilities US Navy 12 Apr 2023 -- An MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by the 89th Attack Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD, conducted Operation Jackpot Hooligan III during Operation Neptune Strike 23.1, February 23, 2023.
• USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Earns Battle Effectiveness "E" Award US Navy 12 Apr 2023 -- The flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), was announced as the Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic (CNAL) calendar year 2022 Battle Effectiveness "E" Award recipient, March 29, 2023.
• Partnership in Action: Tunisian and U.S. Naval Forces Train Together as Military Leaders Meet Aboard George H.W. Bush US Navy 12 Apr 2023 -- Tunisian Air Force Brig. Gen. Tarek Akremi, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Tunisian Air Force, and Natasha Franceschi, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Tunisia, along with military and civilian staff, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), March 22, 2023.
• The Partnership Between the OICC PNSY and the New Hampshire Army National Guard Proves to be a Win for Each US Navy 12 Apr 2023 -- When you think of Army and Navy, you often think of a storied college football rivalry, but in New England, these sister services are very much on the same team, despite different playbooks.
• Task Force 76/3 Hosts Commanders Conference US Navy 12 Apr 2023 -- Expeditionary Strike Group 7 hosted a commanders conference April 6-7 at ESG 7 Det Sasebo headquarters to synchronize U.S. Seventh Fleet unit and warfare commanders with current and evolving situations and concepts in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Iowa Guard CH-47 Delivers Historic F-80 via Sling Load Army News 12 Apr 2023 -- An Iowa Army National Guard CH-47 helicopter flew to Sioux City this week to pick up a Korean War-era F-80 fighter jet from the Air National Guard paint facility.
• Driving Simulator Boosts Readiness for Connecticut Guard Army News 12 Apr 2023 -- The Connecticut National Guard's 103rd Airlift Wing at Bradley Air National Guard Base is using computer-generated imagery to enhance readiness.
• Air Force releases Global Futures Report: Joint Functions in 2040 US Air Force 12 Apr 2023 -- The Air Force published its Global Futures Report April 12, assessing four potential operating environments Airmen may have to navigate in before the turn of the century.
• AFIMSC team delivers growing MILCON program to counter threats US Air Force 12 Apr 2023 -- Delivering a growing, multibillion dollar worldwide Department of the Air Force military construction program in sync with supported weapon systems is a key focus for the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center.
• Joint Press Statement for the 22nd Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue DoD 12 Apr 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of National Defense (MND) held the 22nd Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) from April 11-12, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
• South Korea to Supply US With 500,000 Artillery Shells 'On Loan', Reports Say Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Earlier, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said that the United States aims at substantially increasing its production of 155mm artillery and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions over the next few years.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Welcomes Carlito Galvez Jr., Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines, to the Pentagon DoD 12 Apr 2023
• U.S., Philippine Leaders Vow Further Alliance Progress DoD News 12 Apr 2023 -- The United States and the Philippines have made rapid strides in upgrading their alliance, and are charging ahead to do more, defense leaders from both countries said at the Pentagon today.
• US, Philippines Agree to Modernize Bilateral Alliance Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- The United States and the Philippines have agreed to modernize the alliance between the two countries by intensifying high-level joint exercises and other related activity, Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said.
• New Directions Set for Closer PH-US Economic Engagement at the Third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue Philippines DFA 12 Apr 2023 -- The Third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue set new directions for closer economic engagement between the Philippines and the United States for the next decades, as it tapped synergies in the agenda of Manila and Washington on energy security, resilient global supply chains, digital connectivity, environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.
• China firmly opposes US-Philippines statement for distorting and smearing nation's legitimate maritime law enforcement activities: Chinese FM Global Times 12 Apr 2023 -- China expresses serious concerns and strong dissatisfaction with the joint statement issued by the US and the Philippines for distorting and smearing China's legitimate and lawful maritime law enforcement activities, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday in response to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's remarks on the so-called intimidation and coercion in the South China Sea.
• Polish-American training strengthens security on NATO's eastern flank Republic of Poland 12 Apr 2023 -- On April 12 at the training ground in Nowa Dęba, the head of the Ministry of Defense observed the training of Polish and American troops. Soldiers from the United States practiced on ABRAMS tanks and BRADLEY combat vehicles, while Polish soldiers from the 18th Mechanized Division exercised using KRAB cannon howitzers, ROSOMAK transporters, RAK self-propelled mortars and POPRAD anti-aircraft sets.
• TOS-1A: Russia's Fearsome Thermobaric 'Solntsepyok' Heavy Flamethrower Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Since their appearance in the Donbass, Russia's 'heavy flamethrower' thermobaric artillery quickly gained a reputation for their ability to inflict devastating damage against enemy fortifications, vehicles and anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in their zone of fire. Where do these weapons originate and how do they work? Sputnik explains.
• Russian Su-27 Fighter Escorts German Patrol Plane Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet escorted a German patrol plane over the Baltic Sea on Wednesday to make sure it does not enter Russia's airspace, the Defense Ministry said.
• Moscow Notified US About Test-Launch of ICBM From Kapustin Yar Firing Range Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Russia has notified the United States about the test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Kapustin Yar firing range in the Astrakhan region, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Wednesday.
• Russia says successfully test-fired 'advanced' intercontinental ballistic missile Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- Russia says it has successfully test-launched an "advanced" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), weeks after the suspension of the country's participation in an arms control treaty with the United States.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Hosted Bilat Meeting With Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine at the Pentagon DoD 12 Apr 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal DoD 12 Apr 2023
• U.S., Ukraine Leaders Discuss Ongoing Needs, Continuing Support DoD News 12 Apr 2023 -- Ukraine's battle against the Russian invaders continues to inspire Americans with the daily examples of Ukrainians' courage and resilience, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal today.
• PM Shmyhal Meets U.S. Defense Chief As Ukraine Prepares For Expected Counteroffensive RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on April 12 made another major push for modern and sophisticated U.S. weapons in a meeting at the Pentagon with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
• Poland Aims to Host Production of Depleted Uranium Ammo for US Abrams Tanks Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Poland wants to host production of ammunition containing depleted uranium for US Abrams tanks, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday.
• Serbian Defense Minister Denies Reports on Country's Arms Supply to Ukraine Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Media reports that Serbia is supplying weapons to Ukraine are not true, Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Seoul Stands Firm on Not Sending Lethal Weapons to Ukraine VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- Seoul has reiterated its decision not to send lethal weapons to Kyiv following the leak of Pentagon documents reportedly showing top South Korean officials deliberating whether to sell artillery shells to the U.S. because of worries that the ammunition could end up in Ukraine.
• South Korea to Supply US With 500,000 Artillery Shells 'On Loan', Reports Say Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Earlier, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said that the United States aims at substantially increasing its production of 155mm artillery and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munitions over the next few years.
• Taiwan to stage the year's first civil defense drill in Taichung CNA 12 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan will stage the first civil defense drill this year in Taichung on Thursday and will focus more on wartime preparation and key infrastructure protection, according to the All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency under the Ministry of National Defense.
• U.S. defense contractors to visit Taiwan, discuss weapons production: Experts CNA 12 Apr 2023 -- A reported visit by a group of United States defense contractors to Taiwan in May would involve discussions of the stockpiling of weapons needed to enable Taiwan to hold out in the event of an attack and blockade by China's military as well as the possibility of producing U.S. weapons on the island, local experts said on Wednesday.
• North Korean Missile Launch Temporarily Prompts Evac Order for Japan's Hokkaido Region Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- North Korea revealed it tested on Thursday a new Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, a feat which drew widespread condemnation in the region.
• EXERCISE COPE INDIA 2023 India PIB 12 Apr 2023 -- The next phase of the Exercise Cope India 23 will commence at Air Force Station Kalaikunda on 13 April 2023. This segment of the exercise will witness participation of B1B bombers of the United States Air Force (USAF). F-15 fighter aircraft of the USAF will also join the exercise subsequently. The Indian Air Force (IAF) element will include the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft.
• Robust defence finance system backbone of strong military; Need to maximise the value of money spent on security needs: Raksha Mantri at International Conference on Defence Finance & Economics in New Delhi India PIB 12 Apr 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has stressed on the need to devise innovative methods to maximise the value of money spent on the security needs of the country, terming a robust defence finance system as the backbone of a strong military.
• Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď meets Brazilian Defence Minister Jóse Múcio Monteiro Filho for talks on cooperation in military-technical fields and between defence industries Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 12 Apr 2023 -- Slovakia is very much interested in advancing cooperation in the field of security and defence with Brazil, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď has confirmed after his bilateral meeting with Brazilian Defence Minister Jóse Múcio Monteiro Filho during the LAAD Defence & Security 2023 Trade Show in Rio de Janeiro today.
• Joint Expeditionary Force Chiefs of Defence meet in Helsinki UK MOD 12 Apr 2023 -- The Chiefs discussed Baltic Sea and the High North security, the future development of the joint force and the groups' commitment to wider regional stability.
• PM meeting with US President Joe Biden: 12 April 2023 Gov.UK 12 Apr 2023
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom The White House 12 Apr 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting With President Abinader and FM Álvarez of the Dominican Republic US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 12, 2023
• Man Sentenced for Bribery Schemes Involving Millions of Dollars in U.S.-Funded Military Contracts and Visa Fraud US Dept. of Justice 12 Apr 2023 -- A Georgia man was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison for his roles in two bribery conspiracies - one related to a U.S. military contracts fraud scheme and one related to a Department of State visa fraud scheme.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 12 April 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Apr 2023
• Rural Afghanistan Faces Humanitarian Crisis, FAO Official Says VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- Rural Afghanistan is "facing a very concerning situation," where households live in a "quite desperate'" situation facing extreme food shortages and acute malnutrition, said a U.N. official who visited Afghanistan in recent weeks.
• CURTAIN RAISER: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to represent Pakistan at 4th Meeting of Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan - 13 April 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Apr 2023 -- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, will lead the Pakistani delegation in the 4th Meeting of the Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan, to be held in Samarkand on 13 April 2023.
• Pakistan Will Hit Terror Hideouts Inside Afghanistan, Defense Minister Warns Kabul VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- Pakistan's defense minister, Khawaja Asif, has said that Islamabad has warned the Afghan Taliban it will strike terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan if the de facto rulers in Kabul are unable to rein in anti-Pakistan militants.
• Taliban Defend Ban on Female UN Staff as 'Internal Issue' VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- The Taliban on Wednesday said their decision to forbid local women from working for the United Nations in Afghanistan is an internal matter that all parties should respect.
• Rural Afghanistan Faces Humanitarian Crisis, FAO Official Says VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- Rural Afghanistan is "facing a very concerning situation," where households live in a "quite desperate'" situation facing extreme food shortages and acute malnutrition, said a U.N. official who visited Afghanistan in recent weeks.
• 'Nothing Left' For Herat Shopkeepers After Taliban Bans Music, Foreign Films, Video Games RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- Twenty-eight-year-old Humayun invested his entire savings of $10,000 to open his own arcade in the western Afghan city of Herat nearly four years ago.
• China releases position paper on Afghan issue to help reconstruction Global Times 12 Apr 2023 -- China released an 11-point paper to fully elaborate its position on the Afghan issue and express firm support for the reconstruction of the war-torn country on Wednesday - the same day as Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang started a two-day visit to Uzbekistan where he will also attend the fourth Foreign Ministers' Meeting among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan in Samarkand.
• Ansarullah says 'optimistic' about Oman's mediation in Yemen-Saudi peace talks Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- An Ansarullah member has praised Oman for efforts to close the gaps between the Yemeni resistance movement and Saudi Arabia, saying Sana'a is "optimistic" about the prospects of Muscat's role to broker peace between the two sides to the eight-year conflict.
• Remarks by President Biden Marking the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement The White House 12 Apr 2023
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by NSC Senior Director for Europe Amanda Sloat Previewing the President's Trip to Northern Ireland The White House 12 Apr 2023
• Military stymies rescue efforts at scene of Myanmar strike that killed at least 80 Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- Efforts by workers to rescue the injured and collect the remains of mangled bodies at the scene of a junta air strike that killed at least 80 civilians in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region have been hampered by troops in the area, sources said Wednesday.
• Military budget boost will lead to more civilian deaths in Myanmar: Observers Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- An increase in Myanmar's defense budget of nearly U.S.$1 billion will fuel the country's brutal civil war and lead to more civilian deaths, observers said Wednesday, calling for urgent action by the international community to cut off the junta's access to income.
• Junta troops torch over 100 homes in a Mandalay village Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- Myanmar's military has torched more than 100 homes in a Mandalay region village as it continues to target civilians thought to be harboring People's Defense Forces.
• Myanmar Confirms It Struck Rebel Village in Deadly Attack on 'Terrorists' Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Tuesday's airstrike was the latest violent episode in a civil war that has stretched for over two years and since devolved into inter-ethnic bloodshed.
• Armenia/Azerbaijan: Spokesperson statement on the latest incidents at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border European External Action Service (EEAS) 12 Apr 2023 -- The EU deplores the armed clashes that yesterday led to several Armenian and Azerbaijani servicemen being killed or injured on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in the area of Tegh.
• UK urges Malian authorities to take steps towards Peace Agreement implementation: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 12 Apr 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council briefing on Mali
• Secretary-General's opening remarks press conference in Somalia UN Secretary-General 12 Apr 2023
• Guterres delivers message of 'hope and renewal' for Somalia UN News 12 Apr 2023 -- UN chief António Guterres on Wednesday reaffirmed the world body's commitment to supporting the Horn of Africa country as it continues on its path to establishing lasting peace and stability.
• The Humanitarian Community in Ethiopia condemns the killing of two humanitarian workers UNOCHA 12 Apr 2023 -- The humanitarian community in Ethiopia strongly condemns the killing of two humanitarian colleagues in the Amhara Region earlier this week.
• Fighters Take Weapons From Police Station Amid Clashes With Ethiopia's Military VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- Residents in northern Ethiopia's Amhara region say local fighters briefly took over a police station and seized weapons amid ongoing clashes between protesters and the military.

News Reports

• Report: 'Chinese Spies' Slipping Into UK Using Citizenship of Third Countries Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- MI5, the Security Service of the United Kingdom, has reportedly warned cabinet ministers that "Chinese spies" are slipping into the country by obtaining citizenship in third countries and using their visa-free access to the UK.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, April 12, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Apr 2023
• Gala event to celebrate Cosmonautics Day President of Russia 12 Apr 2023 -- The President attended a gala event to mark Cosmonautics Day at the State Kremlin Palace.
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on decision against EU-Russia Civil Society Forum European External Action Service (EEAS) 12 Apr 2023 -- The European Union strongly condemns the decision of the Russian authorities to declare the activities of EU-Russia Civil Society Forum as "undesirable". This decision further intensifies the crackdown on independent civil society and media in Russia, taking place against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
• Further Curbing Russia's Efforts to Evade Sanctions and Perpetuate its War against Ukraine US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2023 -- The United States will continue to take action against Russia and those supporting its war in Ukraine, including further implementing the G7's commitment to impose severe consequences on third country actors who support Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Further Curbing Russia's Efforts to Evade Sanctions and Perpetuate its War Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 12 Apr 2023 -- Today, the Department of State and the Department of Treasury are imposing sanctions on more than 120 entities and individuals across more than 20 countries and jurisdictions in connection with the Russian Federation's unlawful and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, including facilitators of sanctions evasion.
• Treasury Targets Russian Financial Facilitators and Sanctions Evaders Around the World US Treasury 12 Apr 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is further curbing Russia's access to the international financial system through facilitators and their businesses. The United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom, is targeting the facilitation network of Alisher Usmanov, who is subject to sanctions in multiple jurisdictions. Today's action also includes designations to reinforce existing measures and further disrupt Russia's importation of critical technologies used in its war against Ukraine. In total, OFAC is designating 25 individuals and 29 entities with touchpoints in 20 jurisdictions.
• New Sanctions Imposed by U.S., Britain Target 'Facilitators' For Russia RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on more than 100 people and entities in a move aimed at further curbing Russia's access to the international financial system through facilitators and their businesses.
• UK sanctions Abramovich and Usmanov's financial fixers in crackdown on oligarch enablers UK FCDO 12 Apr 2023 -- New sanctions announced target those who have knowingly assisted sanctioned Russia oligarchs to hide their assets in complex financial networks.
• Foreign Ministry statement on personal sanctions against Canadian citizens Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Apr 2023
• Switzerland will not block more Russian assets: Official Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- The Swiss government has said it will not block more Russian assets other than the funds already frozen - due to a lack of evidence they fall under sanctions, in response to US accusations that it is not doing enough in terms of sanctioning Moscow.
• Russian National Sofia Sapega, Who Was Jailed In Belarus After Forced Landing Of Jet, Agrees Extradition To Russia RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- Sofia Sapega, a Russian citizen who is serving a six-year prison term in Belarus on charges related to civil disturbances that followed a disputed 2020 presidential election, has agreed to be extradited to Russia.
• Meeting with head of Roscosmos Yury Borisov President of Russia 12 Apr 2023 -- On Cosmonautics Day, Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with General Director of the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities Yury Borisov.
• Russian Emergency Ministry, Roscosmos Building Third Space Data Reception Center in Arctic Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- The Russian Emergencies Ministry and Roscosmos space corporation are working on creating a third space data reception center in the Arctic to monitor natural and man-made disasters, the ministry's press service told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Putin: Russia Needs to Increase Production of Satellites Sputnik 12 Apr 2023 -- Russia has its own unique solutions for defending itself and space exploration, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 12, 2023 PRC MofA 12 Apr 2023
• China, Brazil deepen cooperation on yuan settlement as the alternative to US dollar aids cross-border trade, investment Global Times 12 Apr 2023 -- China's largest commercial bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), has processed the first cross-border yuan settlement in Brazil at its local branch there, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday, marking another significant step in the yuan's globalization.
• Jailed media mogul Jimmy Lai challenges Hong Kong government over British lawyer Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- Jailed pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai, who is awaiting trial under a strict national security law, has launched a legal challenge against the Hong Kong government over its refusal of a work visa to his British barrister.
• Dissident sentences spark international outcry amid fears for third lawyer's health Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- The jailing of Chinese dissidents Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi to more than a decade apiece for "subversion" on Monday has sparked international condemnation, amid fears another lawyer may be in line for an equally harsh sentence.
• China leads, as wind and solar reach record power generation in 2022 Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- Wind and solar reached a record 12% share of global electricity generation in 2022, up from 10% in 2021, with China leading in both sectors, a report by an independent think tank said Wednesday.
• Survey: Americans hold increasingly negative views of China Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- An overwhelming majority of Americans hold negative views about China and think Beijing's ties with Moscow and tensions over Taiwan are "serious" problems for the United States, a new survey says.
• Senior Chinese Official in Australia on Landmark Visit VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- The most senior Chinese government official to visit Australia in six years has arrived for talks in Sydney.
• Australia-China Senior Officials' Talks Australia DFAT 12 Apr 2023 -- Australia and China held bilateral talks between senior officials in Canberra on 12 April. These were led by the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, and the Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Ma Zhaoxu.
• Taiwan aware of recent French warship Taiwan Strait transit CNA 12 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's military is aware of the recent Taiwan Strait transit by a French warship, a senior official said Wednesday, after local and international media reported the rare transit by a Naval vessel from the European country.
• French office says position on Taiwan 'not changed' CNA 12 Apr 2023 -- France's position on Taiwan "has not changed," the French representative office in Taipei told local media on Wednesday, just days after French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned against Europe being dragged into a war between the United States and China over Taiwan.
• VP Lai picked as DPP's candidate for 2024 presidential election CNA 12 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Wednesday officially selected Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) as its candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
• 2024 election a choice between 'democracy and autocracy': DPP nominee Lai CNA 12 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's 2024 presidential election is not a matter of "war and peace" but a choice between "democracy and autocracy," Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday, after being named as the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
• China reduces duration of no-fly zone after Taiwan protest: MOTC CNA 12 Apr 2023 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) said Wednesday that it protested to China over its plan to impose a no-fly zone north of Taiwan from April 16-18, adding that in response, Beijing decided to reduce the duration of the closing to 27 minutes on April 16.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan April 12, 2023 ROC MND 12 Apr 2023
• Provocations of DPP authority seeking "independence" biggest threat to Taiwan Strait peace: mainland spokesperson People's Daily 12 Apr 2023 -- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority's provocative actions to seek "independence" in collusion with external forces have posed the biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.
• Tsai's transit through US reveals DPP's selfishness in sacrificing public welfare for political purposes: Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council Global Times 12 Apr 2023 -- Former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party Ma Ying-jeou's visit to the mainland fully demonstrates that the 1992 Consensus is the key plank for the peaceful development of both sides of the Taiwan Straits, a spokesperson of Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council said on Wednesday, while the transit of Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen through the USonly reveals the essence of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is to sacrifice the public welfare for their own political aims.
• Ministry launches probe into Taiwan authorities' trade restrictions against Chinese mainland Global Times 12 Apr 2023 -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Wednesday launched a trade barriers investigation into the Taiwan region's trade restrictions imposed on more than 2,000 imports from the Chinese mainland, after reviewing a request made by three industry associations.
• Ma Ying-jeou's mainland visit shows cross-Strait kinship: spokesperson People's Daily 12 Apr 2023 -- A spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office noted that the visit of Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, to the Chinese mainland showed that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese and of one family.
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's ICBM Test The White House 12 Apr 2023
• 25th Plenary Meeting of 14th SPA Standing Committee KCNA 12 Apr 2023 -- The 25th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK was held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Tuesday.
• US was after buying heavy water from Iran: AEOI spokesman IRNA 12 Apr 2023 -- Spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the United States was once trying to buy heavy water from Iran because of the high quality of isotope which is a byproduct of the nuclear enrichment process.
• Azerbaijani official calls Iran 'important neighbor' for Baku as tensions ease Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- Azerbaijan's government has underlined the significance of diplomacy with the Islamic Republic of Iran and described Tehran as an "important neighbor" for Baku amid efforts by the two sides to iron out differences.
• Imprisoned Iranian-British National Raouf Slams Tehran For Taking Foreign Bargaining Chips RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- Iranian-British dual national Mehran Raouf, imprisoned at Tehran's Evin prison, has criticized Tehran's treatment of prisoners who hold foreign passports and accused it of using them as bargaining chips.
• The Farda Briefing: Iran, Saudi Arabia Move To Implement Agreement On Restoring Ties RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023
• Q&A: Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- The U.N. special rapporteur for Myanmar says the international community, including the U.N. Security Council, is still failing to provide protection against the Myanmar junta's violent attacks on the people of Myanmar.
• Syrian FM visits Saudi Arabia first time in 11 years amid regional diplomacy drive Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in a significant move toward the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries as the regional diplomacy drive intensifies.
• Syria, Tunisia to reopen embassies, resume diplomatic ties after a decade Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- Syria and Tunisia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations after a decade, with the Syrian government planning to reopen its embassy in Tunis after the North African country announced the appointment of a new ambassador to Damascus.
• GCC to discuss Syria return to Arab League in light of Saudi-Iran detente Press TV 12 Apr 2023 -- Qatar says that the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has sent invitations to member states to attend a meeting next Friday in the Saudi city of Jeddah to discuss the possibility of Syria's return to the Arab League.
• Despite Government Promises To Be More Responsive, Kazakhstan's Protesting Oil Workers Are All But Ignored RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- After traveling 2,500 kilometers and spending the night outside the Energy Ministry, the unemployed oil workers, some still wearing their coveralls, were met by just three lawmakers from Kazakhstan's newly elected parliament.
• Kazakh Police General Kudebaev Flees Country To Evade Trial RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- The former chief of police of Kazakhstan's southern region of Almaty, General Serik Kudebaev, has fled the country to evade a trial on charges of abusing his office in a case related to the deadly mass unrest that rocked the nation in January last year.
• Kazakh Politician Altaev Jailed Over Support For Protesting Oil Workers RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- A court in the Kazakh capital, Astana, has sentenced opposition politician Nurzhan Altaev to 15 days in jail over his support for protesting oil workers from the Central Asian nation's volatile town of Zhanaozen.
• Millions of Quake Survivors Still Living in Tents as Turkey Election Looms VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- More than two months after the February 6 earthquake in Turkey and Syria that killed more than 50,000 people, millions of survivors are still living in tents with little hope of returning home anytime soon.
• Opposition says police haven't investigated attacks on them Radio Free Asia 12 Apr 2023 -- Two attacks on opposition activists over the last week have prompted leaders of the opposition Candlelight Party to renew calls for police investigations into suspected political violence, which appears to be increasing ahead of July's parliamentary elections.
• Several Kyrgyz Activists Jailed Over Border Deal Protest Moved To House Arrest RFE/RL 12 Apr 2023 -- Several Kyrgyz activists jailed over their protest against a border demarcation deal with Uzbekistan have been transferred to house arrest.
• Bangladesh Criticized for Use of Digital Security Act to Punish Media Error VOA 12 Apr 2023 -- When Shamsuzzaman Shams walked out of prison on bail last week, his colleagues draped garlands around the Bangladeshi journalist's neck.