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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Counterterrorism Operation in Somalia AFRICOM 23 May 2023 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM conducted an airstrike against the al-Shabaab militant network in Somalia on May 20, 2023.
• US Says Al-Shabab Leader Injured in Airstrike in Somalia VOA 23 May 2023 -- Al-Shabab's head of external operations was the target of the latest U.S. airstrike against the militant group, two sources, including an al-Shabab defector, told VOA Somali.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Transcript: ACOET media roundtable with 21st TSC, May 19, 2023 US Army 23 May 2023
• America's Contingency Corps leverages data to advance joint force readiness Army News 23 May 2023 -- For the joint force to win battles in a rapidly changing landscape, they need to leverage technology and do it fast, said XVIII Airborne Corps' commanding general.
• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 23 May 2023
• Defense Policy Board: June Meeting Topic and New Member Announcement DoD 23 May 2023
• US 'vulnerable' to foreign attacks with missile system in tatters: Government report Press TV 23 May 2023 -- A US government agency has sounded the alarm about the dilapidated condition of its national missile systems, warning that the country is vulnerable to "threats from foreign adversaries."
• Pacific Air Forces Airmen test Next Generation Aircrew Protection equipment US Air Force 23 May 2023 -- If you've spent time in the Indo-Pacific region, you've likely heard the term "Fight Tonight" more than once and for good reason. Pacific Air Forces Airmen are on the forefront of operations in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, and these operations come with a need to be ready, diverse, innovative and lethal.
• USNMRTC Yokosuka Conducts, Large-scale, Multi-day, Joint-partner Exercise to Promote Interoperability and Readiness US Navy 23 May 2023 -- United States Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Yokosuka conducted a large-scale, multi-day, joint-partner exercise in response to a simulated large magnitude earthquake.
• Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and STRIKFORNATO visit USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) with Norwegian Distinguished Visitors US Navy 23 May 2023 -- Vice Adm. Thomas E. Ishee, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) embarked the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), May 22.
• U.S., Czech Defense Leaders Sign Security Agreement DoD News 23 May 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Jana Cernochova, defense minister of the Czech Republic, today signed a security cooperation agreement that is meant to further strengthen defense ties, enhance NATO operations, advance transatlantic security, and protect shared interests and values between the two nations.
• Defence Minister Jana Černochová signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement in the Pentagon Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 23 May 2023 -- Defence Minister Jana Černochová with her counterpart U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in Washington DC today.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Czech Republic Defense Minister Jana Cernochova to the Pentagon DoD 23 May 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With the Czech Republic Minister of Defence Jana Černochová DoD 23 May 2023
• Extension of UK commitment to NATO's Kosovo Force announced during ministerial visit to Western Balkans UK MOD 23 May 2023 -- The UK will continue its commitment to NATO's Kosovo Force until at least 2026, bolstering security in the region
• Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov pays official visit to Iran Russia MoD 23 May 2023 -- Commander-in-Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov of the Russian Navy, paid an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. In the course of the visit, Nikolai Yevmenov met with the Commander of the Iranian Navy Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, as well as several other senior military officials.
• Russia intercepts two US military aircraft over Baltic Sea Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Russia has intercepted two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea.
• Who's Who Among Russia's Mercenary Companies RFE/RL 23 May 2023 -- Never one to mince words, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the brash founder of the notorious Russian mercenary company Wagner Group, offered the latest in a series of often profane criticism of Russian military commanders in a video published on May 9.
• NATO Gunning to Destroy Russia Through Proxy War in Ukraine - Medvedev Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- There is nobody in the so-called collective West that Russia could negotiate with to defuse the dangerously escalating conflagration in Ukraine, as Washington and its NATO allies don't want peace, they don't want cooperation, they want confrontation, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev told RT.
• Russian Foreign Ministry: US Manipulates Data Published Under New Start Treaty Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- The United States is manipulating data it published under the under the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), and the information shared by the US State Department does not comply with the treaty's rules for counting, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Monday.
• The key task of our state is to strengthen Ukraine and enhance our defense capabilities - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 23 May 2023
• F-16 Training, Aircraft, to Fill Ukraine's Mid-Term, Long-Term Defense Needs DoD News 23 May 2023 -- Last week in Japan during a meeting of G7 leaders, including those from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, President Joe Biden said the U.S. will support an effort with partners and allies to train Ukrainian fighter pilots on the F-16 aircraft.
• Kiev Claims Netherlands May Become First Country to Supply F-16 Fighters to Ukraine Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- The Netherlands may become the first country to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Kiev, Yuriy Sak, an adviser to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, said.
• VOA Exclusive: Ukrainians' Abrams Tanks Training Expected to Start in Days VOA 23 May 2023 -- U.S. forces are expected to start training Ukrainians on M1A1 Abrams tanks "in the next week or so," Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder told VOA on Tuesday.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 23 May 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.
• Hungary and Germany Quarrel Over Blocked Ukraine Military Aid - Reports Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- Budapest has vehemently opposed Europe's arms supplies to Kiev, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban cautioning the European Union in February that it could sleepwalk into an armed conflict with Russia by sending increasingly deadly weapons to Ukraine.
• EU Defence Ministers discussed acceleration of military support to Ukraine and supply of necessary ammunition Lithuania MND 23 May 2023 -- May 23, Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus attended a EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on defence in Brussels. The meeting addressed possibilities to accelerate the military support to Ukraine and ensure manufacturing and supply of the ammunition required.
• Support for fuel transportation of the Ukrainian army "Government of Iceland 23 May 2023 -- The Government of Iceland has responded swiftly to Ukraine's request for increased capacity for fuel transportation, by purchasing ten fuel trucks for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, two of which were delivered in the past week.
• Ukrainian recruits fast learners Australia DOD 23 May 2023 -- The third rotation of Ukrainian recruits has commenced initial training with Australian Army soldiers as part of Operation Kudu in the United Kingdom.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov DoD 23 May 2023
• NATO Secretary General addresses support to Ukraine with EU Defence Ministers NATO 23 May 2023 -- On Tuesday (23/05/2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a meeting of the European Union defence ministers in Brussels.
• China's Type 052D destroyer, J-10C fighters show openness, attract foreign interests at Malaysian expo Global Times 23 May 2023 -- Two types of main combat equipment of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Air Force, the Type 052D destroyer and the J-10C fighter jet, are participating in an international maritime and aerospace exhibition in Malaysia that kicked off on Tuesday.
• A rendezvous at sea and above Australia DOD 23 May 2023 -- HMAS Anzac recently rendezvoused with US Navy destroyer USS Chung-Hoon, sailing in company and conducting flying operations in the South China Sea.
• Ship's mileage is out of this world Australia DOD 23 May 2023 -- It's equivalent to a trip to the moon and back and 23 times around the circumference of the Earth.
• French Parliament Begins Considering Bill on Record Military Budget Increase Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- French National Assembly lawmakers on Monday began consideration of a draft law on military planning for 2024-2030, which implies a record increase in the military budget to 413 billion euros ($446 billion).
• Iran army ground force equipped with precision guided weapons: Cmdr. IRNA 23 May 2023 -- The Iranian army's ground force has achieved a very high level of power to carry out assigned missions by equipping them with military precision-guided weapons, a senior commabder announced.
• 'Dena destroyer, symbol of Iran's scientific capability' IRNA 23 May 2023 -- An Iranian deputy minister of defense has described the home-grown Dena destroyer as a symbol of the technical and scientific capability of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• Iran MPs hail Navy as source of pride after 86th flotilla completes round-the-globe voyage Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Iranian lawmakers have hailed the country's 86th naval fleet, which returned to the country last week after a round-the-world voyage, saying the Islamic Republic's Navy is a source of pride for the nation.
• Russia terminates bilateral agreement between Finland and Russia on military evaluation visits Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 23 May 2023 -- On 23 May, Finland was informed by Russia that Russia will terminate the bilateral agreement between Finland and Russia on additional military evaluation visits as of 1 June.
• Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Begin Joint Security Exercise 'Haris' SPA 23 May 2023 -- The Saudi Royal Guard and the Bahrain Royal Guard have begun the joint security exercise "Haris" in Riyadh. The joint exercise is part of the continuous cooperation between the Saudi Royal Guard and the Bahrain Royal Guard. The exercise is conducted under the direct supervision of Lieutenant General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahraini National Security Advisor, Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council and Royal Guard Commander, and General Suhail bin Saqr Al-Mutairi, Saudi Royal Guard Commander.
• UK special forces operated secretly in 19 countries since 2011: Report Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Britain's special forces have carried out secret operations in 19 countries over the past 12 years, according to a report.
• Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Remarks by the High Representative Josep Borrell at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 May 2023
• Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 May 2023
• Civilian CSDP Compact Q&A European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 May 2023
• Minister of Defence Pevkur at Northern Group meeting: Ukraine's victory will strengthen security for us all Estonia MoD 23 May 2023 -- At the Northern Group defence ministers' meeting yesterday in Legionowo, Poland, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur stressed that Russia is capable of restoring its pre-war status in our region within a matter of years, so it is important to support Ukraine consistently and vigorously, because Ukraine's victory strengthens security for us all.
• Pevkur in Brussels: We have to considerably speed up defence procurements Estonia MoD 23 May 2023 -- Today in Brussels at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, EU defence ministers discussed the continuing military aid to Ukraine during Russia's war of aggression, as well as progress in sending artillery ammunition to Ukraine.
• Minister of Defence Pevkur at Northern Group meeting: Ukraine's victory will strengthen security for us all Estonia MoD 23 May 2023 -- At the Northern Group defence ministers' meeting yesterday in Legionowo, Poland, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur stressed that Russia is capable of restoring its pre-war status in our region within a matter of years, so it is important to support Ukraine consistently and vigorously, because Ukraine's victory strengthens security for us all.
• Pevkur in Brussels: We have to considerably speed up defence procurements Estonia MoD 23 May 2023 -- Today in Brussels at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, EU defence ministers discussed the continuing military aid to Ukraine during Russia's war of aggression, as well as progress in sending artillery ammunition to Ukraine.
• Chairman of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Meets with Saudi Defense Minister SPA 23 May 2023 -- Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Rashad Muhammad Al-Alimi, on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has received at his residence Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of Defense.
• Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the Visit of Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark The White House 23 May 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 23 May 2023
• Department Press Briefing - May 23, 2023 US Dept. of State 23 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 23, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 23 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 May 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict UN Secretary-General 23 May 2023
• UN Chief: Warring Nations Must Protect Civilians VOA 23 May 2023 -- The U.N. Secretary-General said Tuesday that the world is failing to live up to its commitments to protect civilians, an obligation that is preserved in international humanitarian law.
• Uphold promise to protect civilians caught in conflict: Guterres UN News 23 May 2023 -- The world is failing to live up to its commitment to protect civilians during wartime, Secretary-General António Guterres told the UN Security Council on Tuesday, urging greater respect for international humanitarian law.
• 'Civilians caught up in conflict need protection, food, and dependable essential services, and they need them right now': Lord Ahmad statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 23 May 2023 -- Statement by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon at the UN Security Council open debate on the protection of civilians.
• Riyadh can secure peace for itself by stopping hostilities against Yemen: Houthi Press TV 23 May 2023 -- The leader of Yemen's popular resistance Ansarullah movement says Saudi Arabia can only secure peace for itself by stopping its hostilities against Yemen and lifting a blockade that it has been exercising alongside its allies against the impoverished country.
• Yemeni PM warns of US-Israeli plot seeking breakup of Arab country Press TV 23 May 2023 -- The prime minister of Yemen's National Salvation Government has warned of a fiendish project developed by certain Western countries and the occupying Israeli regime targeting the unity and territorial integrity of the war-wracked Arab country.
• The United States Announces $245 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to Sudan and Neighboring Countries US Dept. of State 23 May 2023 -- Last week the United States announced $245 million in additional support to the people of Sudan and neighboring countries experiencing the impacts of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
• Seven-Day Cease-Fire in Sudan Fails to Hold VOA 23 May 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that cease-fire violators in Sudan will be held accountable as the latest agreement between the country's two warring factions failed to hold hours after going into effect.
• 6 Pakistani Security Forces Killed in Attack on Oil, Gas Plant VOA 23 May 2023 -- Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Tuesday that a predawn militant attack near an oil and gas extraction plant killed at least six security guards.
• Horn of Africa: Over 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia UNICEF 23 May 2023 -- Children in the Horn of Africa are living through an unprecedented large-scale crisis of hunger, displacement, water scarcity, and insecurity. More than 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished and in need of urgent nutrition support, and over 1.9 million children are at risk of dying from severe malnutrition.
• India's Hosting of G20 Meeting in Disputed Kashmir Raises Questions of International Acceptance VOA 23 May 2023 -- Tranquil rides on the scenic Dal Lake in intricately carved wooden shikara boats. Traditional dance to the beat of local music. A performance by actor Raj [Ram] Charan to "Naatu Naatu," this year's Oscar-winning song featuring the Indian movie star.
• China makes getting a tourist visa to Tibet tougher for foreign visitors in Nepal Radio Free Asia 23 May 2023 -- China has put in place stricter visa rules and conditions for foreign tourists who want to visit Tibet via neighboring Nepal, according to two travel agencies operating in the Nepalese capital.
• Gaza: Over a quarter of UNRWA centre patients needing mental health support UN News 23 May 2023 -- More than one in four patients screened in violence-afflicted Gaza at UN-run health centres, require mental health and psychosocial support, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Tuesday, publishing its annual overview.
• Pashinyan: Yerevan Willing to Concede Nagorno-Karabakh if Armenian Population Respected Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- After two years of armed hostilities, leaders on both sides of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are expressing hope that a peace treaty will soon be signed.
• WFP plan aims to prevent further food aid diversion in Ethiopia UN News 23 May 2023 -- Following widespread diversion of lifesaving food aid in Ethiopia last month, the World Food Programme (WFP) has strengthened safeguards and controls in a bid to prevent further misuse, the UN agency said on Tuesday.
• WFP Statement on strengthened actions to address food diversion in Ethiopia WFP 23 May 2023 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) is rolling out comprehensive, systemic measures to prevent further misuse of life-saving aid in response to the discovery of widespread diversion of humanitarian food assistance in Ethiopia last month. WFP paused food distributions in the Tigray region after finding evidence of significant food aid sales in local markets. WFP immediately began an investigation and is enhancing safeguards and controls to ensure that necessary assistance reaches the most vulnerable women, men, and children.

News Reports

• As Interpol Turns 100, Criticism Persists Over Abuse of Its Red Notice System VOA 23 May 2023 -- Interpol, the international police organization founded in 1923 to promote cooperation among law enforcement agencies, has transformed into a formidable crime fighting force in recent years.
• New Jersey Man Sentenced To 12 Years in Prison for Receiving Military-Type Training From Hezbollah, Marriage Fraud and Making False Statements US Dept. of Justice 23 May 2023 -- The Justice Department today announced that Alexei Saab, aka Ali Hassan Saab, aka Alex Saab, aka Rachid, 46, was sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for receiving military-type training from Hezbollah, marriage fraud, and making false statements.
• Türkiye busts Mossad cell spying on people linked to Iran IRNA 23 May 2023 -- Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has busted an Israeli Mossad cell and arrested 11 agents found to be gathering intelligence on individuals with trade ties to Iran.
• Iran busts spying network collaborating with foreign intel agency Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Iran's Intelligence Ministry has arrested members of a spying network who were engaged in a project run by a foreign spy agency to extract information about the Iranians travelling abroad.
• Meeting with President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik President of Russia 23 May 2023 -- The President of Russia met with President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik in the Kremlin.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question in connection with remarks by Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Alexander Schallenberg Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2023
• Moscow Court Extends Pretrial Detention For U.S. Journalist Held On Spying Charges RFE/RL 23 May 2023 -- A court in Moscow has extended the pretrial detention of Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. reporter for The Wall Street Journal, arrested in Russia in March on spying charges that he, his newspaper, and the U.S. government have strongly denied.
• Russian Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention for US Journalist Evan Gershkovich VOA 23 May 2023 -- The United States has called for Russia to immediately release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich after Moscow sought to extend his pre-trial detention by three months.
• Russia PM visits China to deepen Moscow-Beijing economic ties Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has started a two-day visit to China, in an effort to deepen trade and business ties between Moscow and Beijing amid intensifying US economic warfare against the two nations.
• Russia's energy exports to China will rise 40% this year amid sanctions: Deputy PM Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Russia's energy exports to China will climb by 40 percent this year, Russian deputy prime minister has said as the two countries seek to further expand ties and avert impacts of persisting US-led sanctions.
• Russia's top banker in Tehran to boost mutual trade Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Governor of the Central Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina has held a key meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Reza Farzin to discuss ways to improve trade payment and settlement services between the two countries.
• Russia's Detractors Failed to Break Country's Economy - PM Mishustin Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- The West has rolled out a massive sanctions campaign against Russia after it started its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 23, 2023 PRC MofA 23 May 2023
• Washington's sincerity 'in question' for improving China ties amid report about new Chinese envoy Global Times 23 May 2023 -- After US President Joe Biden hinted at a "thaw" in the frosty US-China relations, US-based media outlet Politico reported that China's new ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, will arrive in Washington as early as Tuesday to take up his post, although it has not been confirmed by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of press time on Tuesday.
• China Has Nothing to Offer on Possible High-Level Contacts With US - Embassy Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- China has nothing to share at present about possible contacts between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden amid statements from Washington about ongoing preparations for a top-level meeting, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• US Won't Accept China's Preconditions While Pursuing Talks VOA 23 May 2023 -- The United States would not accept preconditions set by the People's Republic of China while pursuing open lines of communication with Beijing, a senior State Department official told VOA on Tuesday.
• Key US Official Says China's Spy Balloons 'Not Highly Consequential' VOA 23 May 2023 -- A top U.S. defense official is dismissing China's use of surveillance balloons as a distraction, calling them inconsequential when compared to the larger problem posed by Beijing's increasing ability to militarize space.
• China, Russia eye $200 billion of trade this year amid Russian PM's visit Global Times 23 May 2023 -- Visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin attended a high-level business forum in Shanghai on Tuesday, and expected that bilateral trade between China and Russia could hit the $200 billion goal by this year and cooperation will expand beyond traditional areas.
• Thousands of Hong Kongers cancel organ donation, prompting order for police probe Radio Free Asia 23 May 2023 -- Hong Kong's leader John Lee ordered a police probe into a large number of withdrawals from the city's organ donor register following government plans to share organs with facilities in mainland China.
• Beijing's Latest Strike in US-China Chip War May Hurt China, Experts Say VOA 23 May 2023 -- Just after the G7 Hiroshima Summit ended, China's Cyberspace Administration of China, or CAC, issued a statement requesting that "operators of critical information infrastructures in China should stop purchasing products made by Micron Technology" due to "national security risks."
• Firm support of core interests key to smooth development of China-DR Congo ties: FM Qin Gang Global Times 23 May 2023 -- President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi will pay a state visit to China between May 24 and 29 and it is expected that the two countries' leaders will make a top-level plan and clarify the strategic direction for the development of China-DRC relations in the next stage, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said during a meeting with DRC Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula in Beijing on Monday.
• Vice President Lai pledges to uphold cross-strait status quo CNA 23 May 2023 -- Vice President and presidential hopeful Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday there were "no winners in war," as he underlined his continued support for the Taiwan Strait "status quo."
• 7 countries use WHA addresses to speak up for Taiwan CNA 23 May 2023 -- A total of seven countries spoke on behalf of Taiwan's inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO) during the second day of the U.N. agency's annual decision-making meeting in Geneva Monday.
• NSB warns of threat posed by China's overseas police stations CNA 23 May 2023 -- The National Security Bureau (NSB) has warned Taiwanese citizens to remain alert to the threat of covert surveillance by illegal Chinese overseas police stations.
• China warns US over trade ties with Taiwan after agreement reached Press TV 23 May 2023 -- China has warned the United States over "economic and trade relations with Taiwan," after Washington reached an agreement with Taipei to boost trade ties despite Bejiing's strong objections.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 23, 2023 ROC MND 23 May 2023
• Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson comments on WHA rejecting Taiwan-related proposal People's Daily 23 May 2023 -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday made remarks regarding that the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) has once again refused to include a proposal on "Taiwan's participation at the WHA as an observer" in its agenda.
• US sanctions North Korean crypto operations Radio Free Asia 23 May 2023 -- The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday sanctioned four North Korean entities and one person for their role in a fundraising scheme that uses cryptocurrency to funnel stolen money and salaries "fraudulently" earned abroad back to Pyongyang for its weapons program.
• Taking Joint Action with the Republic of Korea to Combat the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Illicit Revenue Generation US Dept. of State 23 May 2023 -- The United States is steadfast in our commitment to combat the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) illicit activities to generate revenue by stealing funds from global financial institutions and other entities.
• Treasury Targets DPRK Malicious Cyber and Illicit IT Worker Activities US Treasury 23 May 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four entities and one individual involved in obfuscated revenue generation and malicious cyber activities that support the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Government. The DPRK conducts malicious cyber activities and deploys information technology (IT) workers who fraudulently obtain employment to generate revenue, including in virtual currency, to support the Kim regime and its priorities, such as its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.
• Food shortage spreads in North Korea, with some starving farmers unable to work Radio Free Asia 23 May 2023 -- A food shortage in North Korea appears to be spreading, with sources inside the country telling Radio Free Asia that as many as 30% of farmers in two northern provinces are unable to work on collective farms because they're weak from hunger.
• Joint U.S.-ROK Symposium on Countering DPRK Sanctions Evasion Involving DPRK IT Workers US Dept. of State 23 May 2023 -- The U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) will co-host a U.S.- ROK Joint Symposium: Stopping DPRK Sanctions Evasion in the Remote IT Work Industry in San Francisco, CA, on May 24, 2023, as part of our ongoing efforts to both curb the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) attempts to earn revenue for its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and to raise awareness of DPRK workers' rights.
• Iran appoints ambassador to Saudi Arabia amid warming ties Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Iran has appointed a senior diplomat as its ambassador to Saudi Arabia in line with the China-brokered March agreement between the two countries to revive relations after years of estrangement.
• Iran President Raeisi in Indonesia on key visit to boost ties with Asia Press TV 23 May 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has arrived in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on an official two-day visit that aims to enhance the Islamic Republic's relations with the Asian countries in political and economic arenas.
• 2 Iranian Journalists Who Reported on Mahsa Amini's Death to Go on Trial VOA 23 May 2023 -- Two jailed Iranian journalists, who helped break the story of the case of a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody last September, will go on trial later this month, according to Iranian authorities.
• Nearly 1,000 NLD-affiliated properties seized by Myanmar's junta since coup Radio Free Asia 23 May 2023 -- It was December 2022 when junta troops under the leadership of Major Aye Chan Aung raided the homes of deposed National League for Democracy lawmaker Hla Hla Win and her son, making off with valuables and the deed to her son's property.
• New weapons law leads to roundup of activists and fighters in Myanmar cities Radio Free Asia 23 May 2023 -- A new weapons law introduced by Myanmar's military has led to a junta roundup of people accused of belonging to, or financing, anti-junta People's Defense Forces, according to Saya Kyaung, an official of Yangon Underground Association People's Defense Force.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister's visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia (May 23, 2023) India MEA 23 May 2023
• No progress in Saudi-Israel détente as MBS rejects Netanyahu's request to meet Press TV 23 May 2023 -- A foreign diplomatic source says there has been no progress in the normalization of diplomatic ties between the Tel Aviv regime and Saudi Arabia, as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has rejected a request from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet.
• JOINT DECLARATION FOLLOWING THE FIRST TRILATERAL MEETING BETWEEN THE MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND, ROMANIA, AND THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN Republic of Poland 23 May 2023
• Vietnamese prisoner of conscience accuses jailers of giving him contaminated water Radio Free Asia 23 May 2023 -- A political prisoner serving an 11-year sentence at a jail in southern Vietnam's Dong Nai province has accused staffers of contaminating the drinking water in the prison canteen after he fell ill with abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Hungary Signs Gas Purchase Agreement With Qatar Sputnik 23 May 2023 -- Hungary has signed an agreement with Qatar on the purchase of natural gas, the countries plan to develop economic cooperation, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said after talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the 2023 ECOSOC Operational Activities for the Development Segment UN Secretary-General 23 May 2023