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News Reports

Current Operations

• Alaska National Guardsmen Assist with Flood Recovery Army News 24 May 2023 -- Nine members of the Alaska Organized Militia deployed to Bethel and Circle May 22-23 to support flood recovery efforts in Western and Interior Alaska.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Final DEFENDER 23 exercise, Saber Guardian 23, begins Army News 24 May 2023 -- Exercise Saber Guardian 23, the third and final connected exercise making up the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness 2023 exercise, or DEFENDER 23, begins May 29.
• DoD Announces $10 Million Defense Production Act Title III Agreement With Six Sigma to Strengthen the Domestic Microelectronics Industrial Base DoD 24 May 2023 -- As part of the nation's effort to sustain the microelectronics manufacturing capability necessary for national and economic security, and in support of Executive Order 14017, America's Supply Chains, the Department of Defense recently entered a $10 million agreement with Six Sigma utilizing Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities.
• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities Dr. Mara Karlin's Remarks at the Third Annual Middle East Institute CENTCOM Conference (As Prepared) DoD 24 May 2023
• Unified Support for our Ally Türkiye USMC News 24 May 2023 -- Marines and Sailors from Task Force 61/2, commanded by Brig. Gen. Andrew Priddy, operating under U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Sixth Fleet, and U.S. European Command supported the U.S. Department of Defense's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Türkiye for over ten weeks, standing up a 24-hour crisis center, delivering hundreds of tons of aid, and standing up a field hospital.
• Enduring PACE exercise bolsters communications readiness throughout South Korea US Air Force 24 May 2023 -- In modern warfare, the ability to communicate rapidly and effectively can be the difference between victory and defeat. To effectively maintain Fight Tonight readiness and provide the best possible defense of the of South Korea, servicemembers must function test their capabilities and identify ways to improve their procedures, which is exactly why they conduct routine training exercises.
• First U.S. Aircraft Carrier to Visit Norway in 65 Years US Navy 24 May 2023 -- U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), arrived in Oslo, Norway, for a scheduled port visit, May 24.
• French Warship Seizes $108 Million in Drugs during Indian Ocean Seizures US Navy 24 May 2023 -- A French warship operating in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 conducted four illegal drug seizures between April 19 and May 18 worth a total estimated U.S. street value of $108 million from fishing vessels transiting international waters in the Indian Ocean.
• CNO Participates in Council on Foreign Relations Robert B. McKeon Endowed Series on Military Strategy and Leadership US Navy 24 May 2023
• Environmental analysis clears Sentinel missile infrastructure construction for takeoff US Air Force 24 May 2023 -- The construction phase of Sentinel, the Air Force's multi-billion-dollar missile modernization effort, was cleared to begin May 19 as Robert Moriarty, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for Installations, signed the project's environmental record of decision.
• Washington Guard Prepares for Hanuman Guardian 23 Army News 24 May 2023 -- This summer, more than 500 Washington National Guard members will take part in Hanuman Guardian 23, an annual, bilateral exercise hosted by the Royal Thai Army at the Cavalry Center in Saraburi, Thailand. Before they arrive, their large equipment needs to get to Thailand.
• 28th ECAB Participates in Extreme Weather Exercise Army News 24 May 2023 -- Aircrews from the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade trained with specialty rescue teams May 18 as part of an extreme weather exercise.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With the Kingdom of Denmark Acting Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen DoD 24 May 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With the Kingdom of the Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren DoD 24 May 2023
• NATO task group strengthens high-end capabilities with French Navy ahead of Toulon port visit US Navy 24 May 2023 -- During a busy period in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) flagship, USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), carried out a series of exercises and activities with FS Languedoc (D653) of the French Navy.
• Secretary General thanks Latvia for commitment to NATO NATO 24 May 2023 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Latvian Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (24 May 2023), thanking the Prime Minister for Latvia's contributions to the Alliance, including leadership on defence spending, and deployments to maritime operations and missions in Kosovo and Iraq.
• NATO Secretary General outlines "The Road to Vilnius" at Brussels Forum NATO 24 May 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg outlined preparations for the Vilnius Summit in July at the Brussels Forum on Wednesday (24 May 2023).
• Spain takes command of NATO Mission Iraq NATO 24 May 2023 -- Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez of Spain assumed command of NATO Mission Iraq on Wednesday (24 May 2023) at a change of command ceremony in Baghdad.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg US Dept. of State 24 May 2023
• Pacific Fleet corvette Gromky passes the Singapore Strait Russia MoD 24 May 2023 -- During the assigned missions in the Asia-Pacific Region, the corvette Gromky of the Pacific Fleet has traveled across the Singapore Strait and into the Strait of Malacca.
• National Centre for State Defence Control hosts Defence Ministry Board Session chaired by General of the Army Sergei Shoigu Russia MoD 24 May 2023 -- General of the Army Sergei Shoigu started is address with a few words regarding another terrorist attack carried out by the Kiev regime against unarmed civilians. On 22 May 2023, a unit of a Ukrainian nationalist formation attacked Russian territory close to the Kozinka border crossing in Belgorod region.
• Russian fighter escorts U.S. bombers over Baltic Sea People's Daily 24 May 2023 -- A Russian fighter jet was scrambled on Tuesday to accompany two U.S. strategic bombers over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• Ukraine - National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) DSCA 24 May 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $285 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
• Pentagon: State Dept Approves $285 Million Sale of NASAMS Air Defense Systems to Ukraine Sputnik 24 May 2023 -- The US Department of Defense said on Wednesday that the State Department had given its approval to the pending sale of another surface-to-air missile system to Ukraine.
• Zelenskiy Urges Expedited Delivery Of F-16 As British Defense Minister Visits Kyiv For Talks RFE/RL 24 May 2023 -- British Defense Minister Ben Wallace met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksiy Reznikov, during a surprise visit to Kyiv on May 24, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called in a video address for allies to speed delivery of promised F-16 fighter jets.
• The first Ukrainian F-16 will be one of the strongest signals from the world that Russia will only lose - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 24 May 2023
• VOA Interview: Ukrainian Air Forces Command Spokesperson Ihnat VOA 24 May 2023 -- Ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's participation at the Group of Seven Summit in Japan, the G-7 leaders announced last week that it would provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the training for Ukrainian pilots to fly them.
• NATO Not Ready to Give Security Framework to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict Sputnik 24 May 2023 -- NATO is not ready to provide security frameworks for Ukraine in relation to its potential accession to the alliance amid the ongoing military conflict, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday.
• UK Defense Minister Arrives in Kiev on Unannounced Visit Sputnik 24 May 2023 -- UK Defense Minister Ben Wallace came to Kiev on an unannounced visit to discuss military cooperation, including arms supplies, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Wednesday.
• Ukraine will win. Russia is denying the reality of its horrific war of choice: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 24 May 2023 -- UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says Russia repeatedly underestimates the strength of the Ukrainian people and our unwavering resolve to support them in defending their homeland.
• Ukraine to set up Marine Corps: president People's Daily 24 May 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that his country will create the Marine Corps.
• EU defense ministers fail to agree on new military aid to Ukraine People's Daily 24 May 2023 -- The defense ministers of the European Union (EU) member states have failed to reach an agreement on new military aid to Ukraine, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said here on Tuesday.
• PLA Navy's Type 055 10,000 ton-class large destroyer leads intensive drills in South China Sea amid rising tensions Global Times 24 May 2023 -- A flotilla of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy led by a Type 055 10,000 ton-class large destroyer has carried out a combat-oriented exercise in the South China Sea amid rising tensions in the region stirred up by the US.
• PLA Navy in second rescue operation in a month, reflecting rapid response capability Global Times 24 May 2023 -- China's Ministry of Transport announced that starting from 3 am on Tuesday, the rescue operation for the capsized vessel Lupeng Yuanyu 028 has been scaled down to a 48-hour small-scale investigation following a large-scale maritime search and rescue. Three Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels participated in this sea rescue operation, marking another non-war military action following the emergency evacuation of Chinese personnel from Sudan by PLA naval vessels on April 26.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release in response to media reports that "F-16 BLK 70 fighter jets newly purchased by our country will be delayed due to "technical obstacles", but Bahrain has already obtained its first F-16 BLK 70 ahead of us" ROC MND 24 May 2023
• Diesel engine contract ensures capability is always ready to deploy Australia DOD 24 May 2023 -- Defence has signed a contract with Penske Australia, which will ensure local industry support for diesel engine sustainment activities to enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to deploy where and when needed.
• Chief of General Staff Discusses Defense Cooperation with Bangladesh Army Chief of Army Staff SPA 24 May 2023 -- The Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, met with the Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff, General Sheikh Mohammad Shafiuddin Ahmed, currently on an official visit to the Kingdom.
• A look at the Defence news 15- 21 May Netherlands Ministry of Defence 24 May 2023 -- Last week, HNLMS Tromp launched two missiles into the Norwegian Sea as part of a military exercise. The large-scale maritime Exercise Formidable Shield was conducted both there and in the Atlantic Ocean. The Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel also took part in the exercise.
• Denmark Joins EU Military Cooperation as It Drops Historic Opt-Out Sputnik 24 May 2023 -- Pundits have described the move as a signal of Denmark moving closer to the EU, as the US and UK, its traditional security and military partners, have become increasingly unreliable.
• Egypt, Saudi Arabia Reportedly Looking to Buy Chinese Weapons Sputnik 24 May 2023 -- China is reportedly currently in talks with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to sell the two Arab states a variety of new weapons, including the Chengdu J-10C, the fighter jet that forms the backbone of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi US Dept. of State 24 May 2023
• Department Press Briefing - May 24, 2023 US Dept. of State 24 May 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 24 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 24, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 24 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 May 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks at the OCHA High-level pledging event on the Horn of Africa UN Secretary-General 24 May 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks at the Africa Dialogue Series High-Level Policy Dialogue: "Market and Scale: Unlocking Industrialization through Intra-Africa Trade" UN Secretary-General 24 May 2023
• Taliban Guidelines for Women's Work 'Nearly Complete' VOA 24 May 2023 -- Months after banning Afghan women from work for the United Nations and other aid agencies, Taliban authorities have told aid workers that new guidelines allowing women to return to humanitarian work are almost complete.
• Afghanistan Restarts Direct Flights to China After 3 Years VOA 24 May 2023 -- The Taliban have announced the resumption of direct flights between Afghanistan and China after a gap of three years, saying it would help boost bilateral economic and political relations.
• China places buoys in Nansha Islands in South China Sea, 'demonstrating sovereignty, jurisdiction' Global Times 24 May 2023 -- China announced on Wednesday that it has recently placed three buoys in some reefs of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, a move experts said serves to not only provide navigation safety, but also shows that China is safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, demonstrating it is the true owner of South China Sea islands.
• Türk appeals to Sudan's warring generals; calls out 'dangerous anti-rights tendencies' worldwide UN News 24 May 2023 -- The "senseless" fighting in Sudan must stop now, and the warring generals have to insist on zero tolerance for sexual violence among their troops, the UN rights chief said on Wednesday.
• Targeted attacks on humanitarian assets threaten the humanitarian response in South Sudan UNOCHA 24 May 2023 -- The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim (ai) in South Sudan, Mr. Peter Van der Auweraert, strongly condemns a targeted attack and looting of humanitarian assets outside the UN Compound in Bor, Jonglei State.
• Fighting persists in Sudan despite new truce as UN urges halt to violence Press TV 24 May 2023 -- Sudan's shaky ceasefire has remained in force as the rank-and-file members continue to fight, prompting the United Nation's rights chief to urge the nation's top generals to stop the "senseless violence."
• Saudi Arabia and US Reaffirm Importance of Agreement on Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan SPA 24 May 2023 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America reaffirm the importance of the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan signed in Jeddah on May 20, 2023 by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. After five weeks of continued conflict, the Sudanese people badly need the humanitarian assistance and restored essential services that the short-term ceasefire is intended to enable.
• Myanmar's junta increasingly relying on airstrikes, research group says Radio Free Asia 24 May 2023 -- Myanmar's junta is increasingly relying on airstrikes in its war against groups opposed to its rule, according to tallies compiled by Nyan Lynn Thit Analytica, an independent local research group, because its troops have faced fierce resistance on the ground.
• Myanmar troops raid Chin state hospital, arresting doctor and nurses Radio Free Asia 24 May 2023 -- Junta troops have raided a hospital in Myanmar's northwestern Chin state, arresting a doctor and four nurses, according to a local resident.
• 'No time to spare': Israel-Palestine ceasefire holds, but hunger, tensions mount UN News 24 May 2023 -- Swift action is needed to prevent flare ups of Israeli-Palestinian violence and avert a looming food crisis, the top UN official in the Middle East told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on settlements expansion and housing demolitions European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 May 2023 -- The European Union is gravely concerned by and condemns the decision of the Israeli authorities to allow Israeli citizens to establish permanent presence in the outpost in Homesh in the occupied West Bank. The EU urges the Israeli government to reverse this and its decisions taken on 17 May to advance plans for more than 600 housing units in existing and new settlements in the West Bank.
• The situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to deteriorate: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 24 May 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
• UN: Substantial Funds Still Needed for Drought-Stricken Horn of Africa VOA 24 May 2023 -- Donors raised around a billion dollars Wednesday in new commitments for the drought-stricken Horn of Africa during a pledging conference held at the United Nations, but failed to close the gap on an appeal seeking $7 billion.
• Hunger emergency far from over in crisis hit Horn of Africa WFP 24 May 2023 -- Millions of people in the Horn of Africa are trapped in a hunger emergency as the region lurches from crisis to crisis: the longest drought in recorded history has given way to rains and flash flooding, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned today. Food and energy prices remain stubbornly high and the impact of the conflict in Sudan reverberates around the region.
• UK pledges support for over a million people in East Africa UK FCDO 24 May 2023 -- The UK Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell has announced a new package of humanitarian support for people affected by food insecurity, drought, conflict and climate change in East Africa.

News Reports

• US Issues New Domestic Threat Warning VOA 24 May 2023 -- Simmering grievances, political divides, a steady proliferation of online neo-Nazi propaganda, and the approach of the 2024 presidential election are keeping the United States stuck in a "heightened threat environment," according to the latest warning from U.S. homeland security officials.
• DHS Issues National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin DHS 24 May 2023 -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the continued heightened threat environment across the United States.
• U.S. and International Partners Release Advisory Warning of PRC State-Sponsored Cyber Activity CISA 24 May 2023 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Communications Security Establishment's Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ), and the United Kingdom National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK) are publishing a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory today that shares technical details regarding malicious activity by a People's Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber actor.
• Terrorist Designation of al-Shabaab Leaders US Dept. of State 24 May 2023 -- The United States continues to support Somalia and our other East African partners in their efforts to disrupt al-Shabaab's operations.
• Treasury Designates Terror Operatives and Illicit Charcoal Smugglers in Somalia US Treasury 24 May 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted 26 individuals and entities connected with the terrorist group al-Shabaab, including 15 financial facilitators and operatives, four charcoal smugglers, and seven of their associated companies. This action targets key regional leaders, affiliates, and members of the terrorist group in Somalia who are involved in a wide range of activities in support of al-Shabaab, including financial facilitation, business activities, collection of funds on behalf of the terrorist group, proliferation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and illegal charcoal smuggling from Somalia, all of which have exacerbated local conflicts and suffering.
• Video address to the participants of the 11th International meeting of high representatives in charge of security issues President of Russia 24 May 2023
• Putin says Russia, its allies bound to achieve 'a more just world' Press TV 24 May 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has given an assurance that Russia and its allies across the globe will be successful in achieving "a more just world".
• Plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum President of Russia 24 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 24, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 11th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, Moscow, May 24, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 May 2023
• Moscow-Beijing Relations at Unprecedentedly High Level - Russian PM Mishustin Sputnik 24 May 2023 -- The head of the Russian government arrived in the PRC earlier today for the Russian-Chinese Business Forum, meeting with business executives and top officials.
• Russian Prime Minister Praises Ties with China VOA 24 May 2023 -- Visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has praised his country's ties with China, saying relations "are at an unprecedented high level."
• Interview: The 'War Of Clans For Putin's Throne Has Begun' RFE/RL 24 May 2023 -- Roman Anin is a Russian investigative journalist who worked for Novaya gazeta and was among the founders of the independent iStories outlet in 2020.
• Date Set For Trial Of Siberian Missile Scientist Charged With High Treason RFE/RL 24 May 2023 -- Anatoly Maslov, the first of three Russian hypersonic missile scientists from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk to be charged with treason, will go on trial on June 1, the St. Petersburg City Court said.
• Russian intelligence chief advises US, UK to leave Iran alone, mind own business Press TV 24 May 2023 -- The head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) says the US and the UK should leave Iran alone and mind their own business.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 24, 2023 PRC MofA 24 May 2023
• China's new ambassador assumes office amid resumption of high-level re-engagement between Beijing and Washington Global Times 24 May 2023 -- China's new ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, a former Vice Foreign Minister who is widely known as a specialist in US-related affairs for his vast experiences in the field over the past decades, arrived in New York on Tuesday to assume office. His appointment comes as bilateral relations face "serious difficulties and challenges," the Chinese envoy said.
• China reaffirms support for core interests amid Russian PM's visit Global Times 24 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said China is willing to promote mutual support with Russia in the fields that involved their respective core interests and enhance coordination on multilateral arenas during a meeting with visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing on Wednesday. Experts said the stable development of China-Russia relations is crucial for world peace and the process of multilateralism to withstand the threat of hegemony and unilateralism.
• Chinese president says Beijing, Moscow to continue to back each other on 'core' issues Press TV 24 May 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping says Beijing will give Moscow "firm support," assuring Russian leaders that his administration would be backing them on "core" issues of mutual interest despite pressure by the West.
• China, Russia sign deals as ties at 'unprecedented high level' Press TV 24 May 2023 -- China and Russia have signed several deals to expand Beijing's cooperation with Moscow despite the West's pressure on broadening ties.
• China special envoy meets with French official in Paris Global Times 24 May 2023 -- The Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, held talks with Frederic Mondoloni, the director general of political and security affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France in Paris, France on Tuesday. The two sides exchanged views on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, China-France relations, and other issues, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
• BRI acts as pathway toward common development: FM Global Times 24 May 2023 -- The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as demonstrated by fruitful cooperation outcomes, could be compared to a pathway toward common development, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
• Hong Kong leader slams Cathay Pacific over treatment of mainland Chinese passengers Radio Free Asia 24 May 2023 -- Hong Kong leader slams Cathay Pacific over treatment of mainland Chinese passengers
• US House panel urges further action Uyghur forced labor Radio Free Asia 24 May 2023 -- The U.S. Congress should remove a loophole allowing apparel websites to sell clothes in the United States made by Uyghur slaves and create a list of foreign manufacturers known to exploit forced labor, the House Select Committee on China said in a report released Wednesday.
• Xi stresses unique role of auditing in Party's self-reform People's Daily 24 May 2023 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday stressed the unique role of auditing in the Party's self-reform and called for efforts to promote the high-quality development of auditing work in the new era.
• China's new ambassador to the US arrives in New York, vowing to defend China's interests and enhance dialogue Global Times 24 May 2023 -- China's new ambassador to the US Xie Feng vowed to face up to the current difficulties within China-US relations and live up to his mission when he arrived in New York on Tuesday, assuming the position as the country's 12th envoy to the US.
• China's new ambassador to U.S. urges to bring bilateral relations back to right track People's Daily 24 May 2023 -- Xie Feng, China's new ambassador to the United States, on Tuesday urged Washington to work with China to enhance dialogue, manage difference and promote cooperation, so as to bring China-U.S. relations back to the right track.
• Health Minister vows to promote WHA inclusion by expanding global links CNA 24 May 2023 -- Despite failing to secure admission this year, Taiwan will not give up efforts to attend the World Health Organization's annual assembly and will continue to expand links with the international community, Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) said in Geneva Tuesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 24, 2023 ROC MND 24 May 2023
• China's commerce ministry slams US 'trade initiative' talks with island of Taiwan Global Times 24 May 2023 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) strongly criticized the United States for engaging in so-called "trade initiative" talks with Taiwan, asserting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory and the one-China principle is the prerequisite for China's Taiwan region to participate in external economic cooperation.
• IRGC dismantles terrorist group in SE Iran IRNA 24 May 2023 -- A terrorist group has been dismantled by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the intelligence forces in southeastern Iran, in a statement announced that
• Enemies' withdrawal from Islamic lands 'result of resistance': IRGC chief Press TV 24 May 2023 -- The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has highlighted the value of resistance in defending Muslim countries, saying the enemies' withdrawal from Islamic lands is the result of resistance and struggle against adversaries.
• Rights Group Urges Global Governments To 'Radically' Increase Pressure On Iran Over Executions RFE/RL 24 May 2023 -- The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) says it has sent a letter to 75 governments around the world asking them to "radically increase" pressure on Tehran to cease the "flagrantly unlawful executions" of protesters and others that are surging in the country.
• The Farda Briefing: Appointment For Powerful Policy-Shaping Post Is 'Sign Of Growing Influence' Of The IRGC RFE/RL 24 May 2023
• UN Rights Chief Urges Iran to Decriminalize 'Mandatory Veiling Laws' VOA 24 May 2023 -- The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights is urging Iran to decriminalize mandatory veiling laws, warning that the harassment of women, including what they do or do not wear, appears to have intensified as street protests have died down.
• Iranian, Russian central banks call for using nat'l currencies IRNA 24 May 2023 -- Governors of the central banks of Iran and the Russia have emphasized strengthening trade exchanges and using their national currencies in bilateral trade.
• Lukashenka's 'Hostage': Son Of Former Belarusian Presidential Hopeful Stays Stoical As He Faces Decades In Prison RFE/RL 24 May 2023 -- In what seems like a previous life, Eduard Babaryka co-created a Belarusian crowd-funding website called Uley that, among other humanitarian projects, funded the publication of a five-volume collection in Belarusian of the works of Nobel Prize-winning writer Svetlana Alexievich.
• Looting and destroying, junta declares war on Myanmar's cultural sites and artifacts Radio Free Asia 24 May 2023 -- In Myanmar, junta troops aren't just terrorizing villages and committing atrocities - they're looting and destroying historical sites and cultural artifacts, villagers say.
• State Department Engages Partners on Burma Sanctions Coordination US Dept. of State 24 May 2023 -- On May 24, the Sanctions Coordinators for the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and the services in charge of sanctions policy and implementation of the European Commission and the European External Action Service met to continue to assess and align ongoing efforts related to sanctions on Burma (Myanmar).
• Turkish anti-migrant party leader backs Erdogan's rival in runoff vote Press TV 24 May 2023 -- The leader of Turkey's anti-immigrant Victory Party has endorsed opposition presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, potentially boosting the challenger as he seeks to defeat incumbent President Tayyip Erdogan in the upcoming runoff vote.
• Türkiye gears for runoff presidential election People's Daily 24 May 2023 -- Türkiye's landmark presidential election is heading for a runoff on Sunday, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan predicted to have a clearer edge in the upcoming showdown against Kemal Kilicdaroglu, after a third-place candidate said he would endorse the incumbent president.
• Netanyahu draws outrage after hinting at resumption of judicial scheme Press TV 24 May 2023 -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted he may resume his controversial judicial reform plan after his budget bill was approved by the Knesset (the Israeli parliament), sparking angry reactions from opposition politicians.
• 1000s protest Israeli PM's plan to 'loot' public money Press TV 24 May 2023 -- Thousands of Israeli settlers rally in the occupied holy city of al-Quds in protest at the Israeli prime minister's plan to use public funds to buy the support of his extremist political allies.
• Opening remarks - Bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of India Prime Minister of Australia 24 May 2023
• Celebrating Australia-India ties with Prime Minister Modi Prime Minister of Australia 24 May 2023 -- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met today in Sydney for bilateral discussions that deepened the friendship between our two nations.
• Prime Minister's meeting with Prime Minister of Australia India MEA 24 May 2023
• Prime Minister's meeting with Governor-General of Australia India MEA 24 May 2023
• Leader of Opposition of Australia called on Prime Minister India MEA 24 May 2023
• Pakistan considering banning ex-PM Imran Khan's party: Minister Press TV 24 May 2023 -- Pakistan's defense minister says the government is considering banning former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for what he described as attacking the "very basis of state," which could not be tolerated.
• Pakistan Government Mulls Banning Khan's PTI Party As Khan Appears To Ease Demands RFE/RL 24 May 2023 -- Defense Minister Khawaja Asif says Pakistan's government is mulling a ban on former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, which he accused of attacking the basis of the state amid a deepening political crisis in the South Asian nuclear power.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announces Restoration of Diplomatic Relations between Saudi Arabia, Canada to Previous State on the Basis of Mutual Respect and Common Interests SPA 24 May 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces that, in the light of what has been discussed between His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and The Right Honorable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada on the sidelines of the summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Bangkok on November 18th 2022, and the desire of both sides to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect, and common interests; it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Canada to its previous state.
• Canada and Saudi Arabia Agree to Restore Diplomatic Ties Sputnik 24 May 2023 -- Canada and Saudi Arabia have agreed to restore their diplomatic ties and appoint ambassadors, ending the fallout from a 2018 row, Global Affairs said on Wednesday.
• Between Migration And Low Wages: Can Uzbekistan Solve Its Poverty Problem? RFE/RL 24 May 2023 -- Having spent most of his adult life working construction and other jobs in Russia, Rustam, 47, decided to set up a small business a short drive from the Uzbek city of Samarkand.