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• Remarks by President Biden Announcing His Intent to Nominate the Next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff The White House 25 May 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on President Biden's Nomination of a New Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff DoD 25 May 2023
• Biden Nominates 'Top-Notch Strategist' as Next Joint Chiefs Chairman DoD News 25 May 2023 -- President Joe Biden has nominated Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. to succeed Army Gen. Mark A. Milley as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• Kingsley Field to host F-35A Formal Training Unit US Air Force 25 May 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force plans to convert the F-15C Eagle Formal Training Unit at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, into a third F-35A Lightning II FTU, providing additional training capacity to the fifth-generation aircraft.
• Navy Releases Investigation into Naval Special Warfare Basic Training US Navy 25 May 2023 -- The Navy released on May 25 the command investigation into Naval Special Warfare Command's (NSWC) Basic Training Command (BTC) oversight of Basic Underwater Demolition/Sea, Air, and Land (BUD/S) Class 352 as it results to Seaman Kyle Mullen's death.
• USS Truxtun Returns from Deployment US Navy 25 May 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, May 25, 2023, following an eight-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, George H.W. Bush CSG, to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation.
• Allies Maintain, Sustain in the North Atlantic and High North US Navy 25 May 2023 -- "An Army marches on its stomach." Napoleon Bonaparte is credited with this oft-quoted aphorism of the importance of logistics in military operations. While armies may indeed march on their stomachs, navies sail on their stomachs, their fuel reserves, and their critical parts.
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard Partners with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences to Showcase Cutting Edge Shipbuilding Technology US Navy 25 May 2023 -- Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) co-hosted its first Technology Showcase for contractors and civilians from May 10-11 with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS).
• Wreck Site Identified as World War Two Destroyer USS Mannert L. Abele (DD 733) US Navy 25 May 2023 -- Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) confirmed the identity of a wreck site located in Japanese waters as USS Mannert L. Abele (DD 733) May 25.
• U.S. Partnership With U.K., Australia Enhances Security DoD News 25 May 2023 -- In September 2021, the U.S., Australia and the U.K. announced a new partnership, AUKUS, meant to strengthen alliances and security, especially in the Indo-Pacific. In March, plans for moving forward on the first pillar of that new partnership were announced. This involves delivering a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability to Australia.
• US to launch multiple construction projects at Philippine military bases Radio Free Asia 25 May 2023 -- The U.S. military plans to construct more than a dozen projects at four Philippine sites, including bases it will use under a newly expanded defense deal, a Filipino armed forces spokesman said Thursday.
• Special Online Briefing with Rear Admiral James Morley, Deputy Commander, STRIKFORNATO, and Captain Jonathan D. Lipps, USN Commander, Task Force SIX FOUR US Dept. of State 25 May 2023
• Russian and Belarusian defence ministers sign on non-strategic nuclear weapons Russia MoD 25 May 2023 -- Western nations have basically been waging an undeclared war against Moscow and Minsk, according to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who was speaking on 25 May 2023 with his Belarusian colleague Viktor Khrenin. Sergei Shoigu stated, 'Today we are facing the collective West, which is virtually waging war against our countries'.
• Russia to Relocate Some Tactical Nuclear Weapons to Belarus VOA 25 May 2023 -- Russia and Belarus signed a pact Thursday allowing Moscow to relocate an undisclosed number of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus as Russia's invasion of neighboring Ukraine enters its 16th month.
• Moscow, Minsk Sign Documents On Placing Russian Tactical Nuclear Weapons In Belarus RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- Russia and Belarus have signed documents allowing for the placement of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus, a move that has increased already strained tensions between the Kremlin and the West.
• Russia Maintains Control over Nukes Stationed in Belarus - Defense Minister Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- The control over the decision to use nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus will be carried out by Russia, the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said.
• Russia, Belarus Define Procedure for Maintaining Non-Strategic Nuclear Arms - Minsk Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin and Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu have signed documents defining the procedure for maintaining Russia's non-strategic nuclear weapons at a special storage facility on the territory of Belarus, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
• Russia's upper house supports denunciation of European armed forces treaty People's Daily 25 May 2023 -- The upper house of the parliament of Russia announced on social media that its senators approved on Wednesday a bill on the denunciation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE).
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov DoD 25 May 2023
• Defence Minister Sklenár discusses assistance to Ukraine with Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) partners Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 25 May 2023 -- In a video conference with other defence leaders, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár today attended a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). The discussion sought to address the operational needs of Ukraine's Armed Forces in its defence against Russia's aggression.
• Finland to send another package of defence materiel to Ukraine Finnish MoD 25 May 2023 -- Russia has consented to extend the Black Sea Initiative on Ukrainian food exports by two months. As a result, the agreement will remain in effect until the end of the planned 120-day cycle (through July 17), whereupon, as it is stipulated in the document, it can be terminated by an objecting party (Russia, Türkiye, or Ukraine).
• Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 12th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 25 May 2023
• Defense Contact Group Remains Steadfast on Ukraine Support DoD News 25 May 2023 -- Unity in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion remains the touchstone of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today at the conclusion of the 12th meeting of the group.
• Top U.S. General Says Russia Won't Win In Ukraine, But Fight Will Be Long And 'Bloody' RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- The top U.S. commander, General Mark Milley, has said Russia will not achieve a military victory in Ukraine, forecasting a "hard" and "bloody" fight going forward, as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) of countries supporting Kyiv in its fight against Russia conducted an international virtual meeting.
• Report: US Intel Agencies Assess Ukraine Was Behind Kremlin Drone Attack Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- US intelligence agencies assess that Ukraine was likely behind the drone attack on the Kremlin in Moscow earlier this month, US media reported Wednesday.
• US approves $285 million sale of NASAMS air system, related equipment to Ukraine Press TV 25 May 2023 -- The United States has approved a $285 million sale of an air defense system and related equipment to Ukraine to bolster Kiev's ability against Russia as the military conflict in the ex-Soviet nation enters its 15th month.
• NATO-Ukraine Commission meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine NATO 25 May 2023 -- The NATO-Ukraine Commission held a virtual meeting on Thursday (25 May 2023) with Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister of Ukraine. Participants discussed Ukraine's needs and reconstruction plans, at a critical phase in Ukraine's fight against Russia's full-fledged invasion and with the NATO Summit in Vilnius in just over six weeks.
• UK May Host First Phase of Ukrainian Fighter Pilots' Training on F-16s - Reports Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- The first phase of training of Ukrainian fighter pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets will be held in the United Kingdom, US media reported on Wednesday, citing a UK government spokesperson.
• Ukraine thanks UK for continued military aid during defence secretary's visit to Kyiv UK FCDO 25 May 2023 -- Ben Wallace held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Oleksii Reznikov, in which they discussed priorities for arming Ukraine to achieve victory against Russia
• Chinese War Simulation Finds Top US Carrier Group Could Be 'Destroyed With Certainty' Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- War games conducted by Chinese researchers found the US military's most prized aircraft carrier could be reliably sunk with relative ease in the event of a hot war in the South China Sea.
• Software Problems Delay US F-16 Deliveries, Taiwan Says VOA 25 May 2023 -- Taiwan's order of 66 advanced new F-16V fighter jets from the United States will not be completed until 2026 because of software problems, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said Thursday, marking the latest delay in U.S. weapons deliveries since manufacturers turned their attention to Ukraine after Russia invaded last year.
• US F-16 Deliveries to Taiwan Delayed Due to 'Complex Developmental Challenges' Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- US deliveries of new F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan have been delayed due to "complex developmental challenges," an Air Force official said in a statement to Sputnik on Thursday.
• U.S. House committee proposes improving combined military training with Taiwan CNA 25 May 2023 -- A U.S. House committee on Wednesday recommended expediting weapons sales and improving combined military training with Taiwan as part of a 10-point policy blueprint to deter Chinese military aggression.
• U.S. to help Taiwan obtain NATO Link-22 radio system: Defense official CNA 25 May 2023 -- The United States will help Taiwan obtain the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) Link-22 secure data link system, according to a Ministry of National Defense (MND) official on Thursday.
• North Korea Has Developed Almost Entire Set of Ballistic, Cruise Missiles - Russian Envoy Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- North Korea has developed almost an entire set of ballistic and cruise missiles, but Pyongyang is not planning to attack the United States, Japan or South Korea, Russian Ambassador to North Korea Aleksandr Matsegora has said in an interview with Sputnik.
• Readout of the Inaugural U.S. - India Advanced Domains Defense Dialogue DoD 25 May 2023
• NIGHT TRAPS OF MIG-29K ONBOARD VIKRANT India PIB 25 May 2023 -- INS Vikrant, the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier and the most complex warship ever built in our country by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, has undergone extensive Sea trials since her maiden sailing on 04 Aug 21. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 02 Sep 22 in the presence of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, the Carrier is a big boost to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision of the Government of India.
• Raksha Mantri says technologically advanced military is crucial to protect the interests of the country India PIB 25 May 2023 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has said that technologically advanced military is crucial to protect the interests of the nation. Inaugurating a two day DRDO- Academia conclave in New Delhi on 25 May, 2023, Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that for a country like India, it becomes vital to have such military as it faces double threat on borders.
• Iran unveils 2,000km Khorramshahr ballistic missile IRNA 25 May 2023 -- Marking the 41st anniversary of the Liberation of Khorramshahr in Iraq's war of aggression against Iran, Tehran has unveiled the fourth generation of its Khorramshahr ballistic missile under the name Kheibar.
• Unveiling of Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile testament to Iran's defensive might: Kan'ani Press TV 25 May 2023 -- The unveiling of Iran's latest Khorramshahr-class ballistic missile marks yet another testament to the nation's defensive might, Tehran's foreign ministry spokesman has declared.
• Iran launches new precision-guided Kheibar ballistic missile Press TV 25 May 2023 -- Iran has successfully test-launched its most advanced Khorramshahr-class ballistic missile called Kheibar, a medium-range precision-guided missile that can carry a 1,500 kg warhead.
• Photos: Iran Unveils Advanced Kheibar Medium-Range Ballistic Missile Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- The Iranian military announced the introduction of a new and improved medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) on Thursday, described as one of the most advanced missiles Iran has ever produced.
• South Korea, US launch 'largest' live-fire drills near North borders Press TV 25 May 2023 -- South Korean and US forces have begun live-fire exercises in what they said were the biggest such drills.
• Czech Republic to Buy Nearly 250 Combat Vehicles From Sweden in Huge Deal Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- Contrary to its self-professed image as a "humanitarian superpower," Sweden is one of the world's largest arms exporters with an outsized defense industry that churns out a surprising list of arms for a relatively small country of 10 million.
• UK and Czechia strengthen defence export prospects UK MOD 25 May 2023 -- The UK and Czechia discuss future defence export prospects, building on the PM's priority to grow the UK economy.
• Department Press Briefing - May 25, 2023 US Dept. of State 25 May 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 25 May 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 25, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 25 May 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 May 2023
• The changing nature of conflict in Africa requires adaptation to respond to evolving peace and security challenges: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 25 May 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Africa.
• Isolated Taliban Find Active Diplomacy With China VOA 25 May 2023 -- Among a small number of ambassadors who remain in Kabul, Wang Yu, Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan, appears the busiest.
• Taliban Effort To Resurrect Afghan Air Force Runs Into Turbulence RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- Afghanistan's hard-line Islamist Taliban rulers are keen on showcasing their government's military prowess by frequently displaying repaired helicopters and planes from the country's inventory of aging aircraft.
• 'Iran not recognize incumbent ruling body in Afghanistan' IRNA 25 May 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian says Iran does not recognize the incumbent ruling body in Afghanistan, urging the Taliban to form an inclusive government.
• FM: Iran does not recognize Taliban, wants inclusive govt. in Kabul Press TV 25 May 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reiterated the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Afghanistan while clarifying that Tehran does not recognize the ruling faction in Kabul.
• Conflict and economic crisis drive food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen UNICEF 25 May 2023 -- The food security situation in Yemen's districts under the control of the Government of Yemen (GoY) slightly improved during the first five months of this year, while acute malnutrition increased, compared to the same period in 2022. However, the outlook for the period between now until the end of 2023 indicates the need for more programme investments, as the modest improvements may be eroded, UN agencies have warned.
• Sudan: UN and partners scramble to supply aid amid fragile ceasefire UN News 25 May 2023 -- The UN and humanitarian partners are mobilizing to reach as many people as possible while the stuttering ceasefire between warring military factions is being respected, said the UN Spokesperson on Thursday.
• Sudan's week-long ceasefire threatened by intensified fighting Press TV 25 May 2023 -- Fighting has intensified between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the past hours.
• EU envoy calls on Israel to reconsider illegal settlement plans in West Bank Press TV 25 May 2023 -- A European Union representative has condemned the Israeli regime's plans for the construction of nearly 600 new illegal settler units in the occupied West Bank, calling on Tel Aviv to reconsider the decision.
• Promoting Accountability for Human Rights Abuses and Violations in Moura, Mali US Dept. of State 25 May 2023 -- In March 2022, elements of the Malian Armed Forces with the support of members of the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group - a transnational criminal organization - conducted a military operation in Moura, Mali, which killed more than 500 people according to the UN Human Rights Office.
• Treasury Sanctions the Head of the Wagner Group in Mali US Treasury 25 May 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov (Maslov), the head of Russian Private Military Company 'Wagner' (Wagner Group) paramilitary units and its principal administrator based in Mali. The Wagner Group and its leader, Yevgeniy Viktorovich Prigozhin, are sanctioned under multiple authorities, including for support of Russia's war against Ukraine. The Wagner Group may be attempting to obscure its efforts to acquire military equipment for use in Ukraine, including by working through Mali and other countries where it has a foothold. The United States opposes efforts by any country to assist Russia through the Wagner Group.
• Meeting with President of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister of Armenia President of Russia 25 May 2023 -- Trilateral talks between President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan took place in the Kremlin.
• Meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev President of Russia 25 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met in the Kremlin.
• Armenian, Azerbaijani Leaders Mix Optimistic Talk With Angry Discourse In Moscow RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- The leaders of bitter Caucasus rivals Armenia and Azerbaijan mixed words of conciliation and with angry disagreements over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in a Moscow meeting on May 25 in front of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Putin: Nagorno-Karabakh Situation Developing Towards Conflict Resolution Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is developing towards conflict resolution, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at a trilateral meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Moscow.
• Arrest of top Rwandan genocide fugitive shows 'justice will be done' UN News 25 May 2023 -- One of the world's most wanted genocide fugitives has been arrested after being on the run for more than two decades, the UN tribunal prosecuting war crimes committed in Rwanda announced on Thursday.
• US Sanctions 5 Al-Shabab Commanders, 4 Charcoal Smugglers VOA 25 May 2023 -- The United States has targeted mid-level al-Shabab commanders and multiple junior finance officers with new sanctions.

News Reports

• Court Sentences Two Oath Keepers Leaders on Seditious Conspiracy and Other Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Breach US Dept. of Justice 25 May 2023 -- Elmer Stewart Rhodes III, 58, of Granbury, Texas, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, and Kelly Meggs, 54, of Dunnellon, Florida, the leader of the Florida chapter of the organization, were sentenced today for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.
• Oath Keepers Leader Sentenced to 18 Years for Role in January 6 Attack VOA 25 May 2023 -- Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the anti-government Oath Keepers militia, and a former top lieutenant were sentenced on Thursday to 18 and 12 years in prison respectively for their roles in the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
• Probe Reveals Dozens Targeted By Pegasus Spyware In Armenia, Including Two RFE/RL Journalists RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- A joint investigation involving researchers from several Internet watchdogs and rights groups has revealed that at least a dozen public figures in Armenia, including two Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalists based in Yerevan, as well as hundreds of phone numbers in Azerbaijan, were targeted with Pegasus spyware.
• Microsoft Claims Malicious Chinese Cyber Actor Detected Targeting Critical US Infrastructure Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- Microsoft on Wednesday issued a warning about a Chinese state-sponsored cyber actor, Volt Typhoon, who is allegedly using stealthy techniques while targeting critical infrastructure and conducting information gathering in the United States.
• US critical infrastructure hacked, Chinese government-backed group blamed Press TV 25 May 2023 -- The United States and its cybersecurity allies blame a Chinese government-backed hacking group for spying on critical US infrastructure organizations, including the one in the island territory of Guam, which is home to strategic military bases.
• FM spokesperson refutes Five Eyes' reports against China People's Daily 26 May 2023 -- It's widely known that the Five Eyes is the world's biggest intelligence association, and the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) is the world's biggest hacking group. It is ironic that the Five Eyes jointly released a report filled with disinformation, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
• Accusing China of spying on US infrastructure a US-initiated 'disinformation campaign': Chinese FM Global Times 25 May 2023 -- It is obviously a collective disinformation campaign launched by the US through the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to serve its geopolitical agenda, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday as some Western countries and Microsoft alleged on Wednesday that a Chinese hacking group is "spying on a wide range of US critical infrastructure organizations."
• Meeting with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 25 May 2023 -- Vladimir Putin holds talks with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the Kremlin.
• Meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council President of Russia 25 May 2023 -- The meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in an expanded format took place at the Grand Kremlin Palace.
• Press release on presenting a diplomatic demarche to the ambassadors of Germany, Denmark and Sweden over the investigations into the sabotage attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 May 2023
• Press release on retaliatory measures against Sweden Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 May 2023
• Statement on the Russian decision to expel Swedish diplomats and close Consulates-General Government Offices of Sweden 25 May 2023 -- The Swedish Ambassador in Moscow has today attended a meeting at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Russia closes Swedish consulate, expels diplomats in retaliatory move Press TV 25 May 2023 -- In diplomatic countermeasures, the Kremlin says it will shutter its consulate in Sweden and informed Stockholm that it will also close Swedish consulate in Russia, declaring five Swedish diplomats persona non grata.
• Blow for Putin as UK marks one year free from Russian gas UK FCDO 25 May 2023 -- New figures published today show the UK did not import any Russian gas in the 12 months to end of March 2023, while UK gas exports to Europe tripled over the same period.
• The Foreign Minister: Employment of citizens of the Russian Federation in the Council of Europe's institutions is unacceptable Latvia MFA 25 May 2023 -- On 25 May 2023, in Riga, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, met with the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Martinus Josephus Maria (Tiny) Kox, and the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, to reaffirm the preparedness of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers for close cooperation with PACE on the strengthening of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and the Presidency's commitment to working on the implementation of decisions taken at the CoE Summit in Reykjavik.
• Russia, N.Korea Working on System of Settlements in Rubles Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- Moscow and Pyongyang are working on creating a system of settlements in rubles, this will help boost trade, Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora said in an interview with Sputnik.
• Georgian Airways Announces Controversial Plan For Transit Flights For Russians Via Tbilisi RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- Georgian Airways plans to launch transit flights for Russians via Tbilisi to several destinations in Europe, a move likely to raise the ire of Washington and Brussels, which have banned Russian airlines from entering their airspace as they look to isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
• New Russian Case Registered Against Navalny RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- The Moscow City Court on May 25 registered a new criminal case against jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 25, 2023 PRC MofA 25 May 2023
• China's new ambassador to Washington starts work amid moribund bilateral ties Radio Free Asia 25 May 2023 -- China's new ambassador to the United States, Xie Yang, started his tenure by stating baldly that he is there to look after his country's interests, first and foremost.
• China pilots paying civil servant salaries in digital yuan cryptocurrency Radio Free Asia 25 May 2023 -- Chinese local governments have started paying public employees in "digital yuan," a move experts say leaves users open to surveillance and instant revocation of their funds if officials see fit.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 25, 2023 ROC MND 25 May 2023
• Korean Peninsula Does Not Welcome European Gentlemen Inciting Confrontation and Hostility KCNA 25 May 2023 -- Pak Myong Chol, an international affairs analyst of the DPRK, released the following article titled "Korean Peninsula does not welcome European gentlemen inciting confrontation and hostility" on May 25:
• Rodong Sinmun on Fundamental Source of Confidence in Sure Victory KCNA 25 May 2023 -- Rodong Sinmun Thursday says in an article that the distinguished leadership of the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un is the fundamental source of the confidence in sure victory cherished by the Korean people.
• South Korea Seeks to Join Efforts to Counter China's Economic Coercion VOA 25 May 2023 -- Even though China is South Korea's top trading partner, Seoul's tightening ties with the U.S. and other wealthy democratic countries reveal its interest in countering Beijing's economic coercion, experts say.
• Iranian Bill Before Parliament Increases Penalties For Defiance Of Hijab RFE/RL 25 May 2023 -- A bill containing Iran's Chastity and Hijab law has been presented to parliament, legislation that many see as a continuation of the government's oppression of women and human rights.
• Chinese company to build Iran-Russia road for new energy facilities IRNA 24 May 2023 -- Shenzhen-listed Jilin Jinguan Electric Co Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a road between Iran and Russia for the construction of new energy facilities, it said on Wednesday.
• Sixteen NLD lawmakers have died in junta custody or evading arrest since Myanmar coup Radio Free Asia 25 May 2023 -- Last June, junta security personnel arrested Kyaw Mo Myin, a lawmaker for the deposed National League for Democracy in central Myanmar's Mon state, along with two other party members and a fourth individual.
• Court in Myanmar's Mandalay imprisons 3 monks for funding terrorism Radio Free Asia 25 May 2023 -- A court in Myanmar's central Mandalay region has handed down 22-year sentences to three Buddhist monks accused of supporting anti-junta People's Defense forces, a local resident told RFA Thursday.
• Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 25 May 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 May 2023
• Pakistan Court Allows Military to Prosecute 16 Supporters of Ex-PM Khan VOA 25 May 2023 -- An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan handed over 16 supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan to the army Thursday for prosecution in military tribunals for their alleged roles in violent protests sparked by his recent short-lived arrest.
• Syria lashes out at France over 'hysteria' on President Assad Press TV 25 May 2023 -- Damascus has lashed out at France over its call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stand trial, describing it as an isolated and detached "hysteria."
• Canada, Saudi Arabia restore full diplomatic relations People's Daily 25 May 2023 -- Canada and Saudi Arabia have decided to restore diplomatic relations and appoint new ambassadors, Global Affairs Canada, which manages the country's diplomatic and consular relations, said in a statement on Wednesday.
• Mergers: Commission clears Viasat's acquisition of Inmarsat European Commission 25 May 2023 -- The European Commission has approved unconditionally, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Inmarsat by Viasat. The Commission concluded that the merger would not raise competition concerns in the European Economic Area ('EEA') or any substantial part of it.
• Undemocratic Actions Ahead of Cambodian Elections US Dept. of State 25 May 2023 -- The United States is deeply troubled that Cambodian authorities are preventing the Candlelight Party - the Kingdom's largest opposition party - from participating in July 2023 national elections.
• Constitutional body rejects Cambodian opposition party's ballot appeal Radio Free Asia 25 May 2023 -- Cambodia's Constitutional Council rejected an appeal from the country's main opposition party to be allowed to register for the upcoming parliamentary elections, a decision on Thursday that leaves the Candlelight Party without options and some observers questioning whether the July vote will have much credibility.
• Report: Asia's 10 major river systems at risk due to climate change Radio Free Asia 25 May 2023 -- Asia's 10 major river systems -- that play a vital role in the economies and energy security of 16 countries -- are facing significant disruptions due to climate change, a new report warns, calling for urgent action to safeguard regional water flow.
• Peru Declares Mexican President Persona Non Grata Over Stance on Boluarte Government Sputnik 25 May 2023 -- The Peruvian Congress declared on Thursday Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador persona non grata.