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Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• Stoltenberg to Lead NATO for Another Year VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- NATO announced Tuesday that Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will remain the alliance's chief for another year, extending a term that was due to expire at the end of September.
• North Atlantic Council extends mandate of the NATO Secretary General NATO 04 Jul 2023 -- NATO Allies agreed on Tuesday (4 July 2023) to extend the mandate of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg by a further year, until 1 October 2024. The decision will be endorsed by NATO Heads of State and Government at the Vilnius Summit.
• NATO Extends Stoltenberg's Term Until October 2024 Sputnik 04 Jul 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that he will remain in the office until October 1 next year.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg's Extension The White House 04 Jul 2023
• Deputy Secretary General welcomes President of the Moldovan Parliament to NATO NATO 04 Jul 2023 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană welcomed the President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Grosu, to NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (4 July 2023).
• German Defense Minister Says Poland Does Not Need Additional NATO Troops Sputnik 04 Jul 2023 -- Poland does not need additional NATO troops, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.
• Sweden cannot join NATO while inciting Islamophobia, Erdogan hints Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- "These are hate crimes fueled by Islamophobia," he then emphasized, insisting that attacks on people's sacred values cannot be described as freedom of thought.
• The National Centre for State Defence Control of the Russian Federation hosts joint session of the Russian Defence Ministry Board and Ministry of Industry and Trade Russia MoD 04 Jul 2023 -- Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, heads of defence industry enterprises, central military administration bodies, and public authorities.
• Pacific Fleet corvette Gremyashchiy undergoes antisubmarine drills with Ka-27PL helicopter in the Peter the Great Gulf Russia MoD 04 Jul 2023 -- The Pacific Fleet corvette Gremyashchiy underwent antisubmarine warfare drills jointly with Ka-27PL helicopter.
• MiG-31 Crashes During Drill Flight in Russian Far East Sputnik 04 Jul 2023 -- A MiG-31 fighter-interceptor crashed during a planned flight without carrying munitions over the Avachinskiy Zaliv in the Russia's Kamchatka region. Search and rescue forces are looking for the crew of the aircraft, the Russian Pacific Fleet said on Tuesday.
• Kallas Says NATO Membership 'Only Security Guarantee' For Ukraine But Rules Out Offer While Fighting Continues RFE/RL 04 Jul 2023 -- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on July 4 said that NATO membership "is the only security guarantee" for Ukraine and said it is important that NATO member countries agree during their upcoming summit in Vilnius on "practical steps" on how Ukraine gets into the alliance.
• Zelenskiy Looks Forward To More 'Fruitful Cooperation' After NATO Chief's Mandate Extended RFE/RL 04 Jul 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during a telephone call on July 4 that he looks forward to "continuing our fruitful cooperation" after Stoltenberg's contract to lead the military alliance was extended by one year.
• President of Ukraine had a phone call with NATO Secretary General President of Ukraine 04 Jul 2023
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed defense support for Ukraine and coordination on the path to NATO with the Prime Minister of Sweden President of Ukraine 04 Jul 2023
• Nigerian Experts Weigh In on Chinese Navy's Visit to Nigeria VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- The Chinese navy is making a port call in Nigeria this week in a rare visit to West Africa, where Beijing has been seeking to expand its influence.
• Chinese naval hospital ship sets sail for humanitarian mission People's Daily 04 Jul 2023 -- Chinese naval hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail on Monday for a humanitarian medical mission in Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and East Timor.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining that the "CCP carried out combat readiness and patrol joint cruises" ROC MND 04 Jul 2023
• Army conducts Stinger missiles firing drill in southern Taiwan CNA 04 Jul 2023 -- Taiwan's Army held a drill in southern Pingtung County on Tuesday to train soldiers on firing Stinger missiles and test its troops' asymmetrical warfare capabilities.
• KMT presidential candidate could change 1-year military service policy CNA 04 Jul 2023 -- Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said Monday that if elected he would restore the length of compulsory military service to four months as long as he was sure there was stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait.
• Contract awarded to deliver Aeronautical Life Support Equipment across the ADF Australia DOD 04 Jul 2023 -- Defence has awarded a contract to Airflite Pty Ltd deliver Aeronautical Life Support Equipment (ALSE) to be used in aircrafts and helicopters that will operate across the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
• Self-propelled howitzer a game-changer Australia DOD 04 Jul 2023 -- Tests of Army's incoming AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer, with its three-round burst and automated loading capabilities, are nearing completion in South Korea.
• Lithuania commits not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests Lithuania MND 04 Jul 2023 -- In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on all States to pledge not to conduct destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests (DA-ASAT). Co-sponsored by Lithuania and adopted by a very large majority, the resolution is a milestone in protecting a safe and stable space environment.
• Advanced £870 million radar contract sustains 600 UK jobs UK MOD 04 Jul 2023 -- An £870 million five-year contract has been awarded to upgrade radar capabilities on the RAF Typhoon, fittingone of the world's most advanced radars.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany The White House 04 Jul 2023

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• Human Rights Council Hears that at the End of 2022, over 71 Million People Worldwide Were Internally Displaced Due to Conflict, Violence, Disaster, Climate Change and Human Rights Abuses UN Human Rights Council 04 Jul 2023 -- Council Concludes Dialogue on the Adverse Impact of Climate Change on the Full Realisation of the Right to Food, Hearing that Businesses Should Be Accountable for Remediation, Equivalent to Responsibility, Regarding Climate Change
• INTERVIEW: Building bridges between Afghanistan and the world because 'isolation is not an option' UN News 04 Jul 2023 -- When the Taliban surged back into power in August 2021, Afghanistan was virtually cut off from the rest of the world, and decisions by the de facto authorities to further restrict human rights have only deepened the country's isolation.
• Internal review criticizes insufficient preparation in U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan: media People's Daily 04 Jul 2023 -- The U.S. "chaotic" withdrawal from Afghanistan and the quick collapse of the Afghan government were results of insufficient "senior-level" considerations, Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported Friday.
• Taliban Ban Women's Beauty Salons in Afghanistan VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban administration has ordered hundreds of female-run beauty salons to close within a month, the latest in a series of curbs blocking women's access to work and public spaces in the poverty-stricken country.
• INTERVIEW: Beijing's 'gray zone' tactics in the South China Sea Radio Free Asia 04 Jul 2023 -- Radio Free Asia sat down for a chat with Raymond Powell, a 35-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force who retired in 2021 and now runs Project Myoushu. Part of Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, the project seeks to develop tools to counter Beijing's "gray zone" tactics in the South China Sea.
• Countries should not link the South China Sea issue with normal cultural exchanges: Chinese FM Global Times 04 Jul 2023 -- Relevant country should not link the South China Sea issue with normal cultural exchange, stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday, in response to reporters' inquiries regarding Vietnam's prohibition of commercial screenings of the film Barbie.
• France Repatriates 35 People From Syria VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- France said Tuesday it repatriated 25 children and 10 women from a camp in northeastern Syria holding people linked to Islamic State fighters.
• Israeli Forces Withdraw After West Bank Raid VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- Israeli troops pulled out from a West Bank refugee camp on Tuesday after conducting searches for members of armed Palestinian groups that began Monday and included more than 1,000 Israeli soldiers.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on the ongoing escalation of violence European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Jul 2023 -- The European Union is deeply concerned about the grave escalation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
• Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories Germany Federal Foreign Office 04 Jul 2023
• Israel's deadly raids in West Bank draw wide int'l criticism People's Daily 04 Jul 2023 -- Israel's airstrikes and ground raids in the West Bank on Monday have drawn criticism from the United Nations, the Arab League, and regional countries, as the death toll from the large-scale military operation continues to mount.
• UN agencies 'alarmed' at scale of Israeli assault on Jenin Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- UN aid agencies have voiced alarm at the scale of the ongoing deadly Israeli military ground and aerial attacks on the occupied West Bank town of Jenin, where a dozen Palestinians have been killed over the past two days.
• Netanyahu Announces End of Israeli Operation in Jenin Sputnik 04 Jul 2023 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have ended their counter-terrorism operation in the West Bank town of Jenin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday.
• Statement by Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa on the escalation of violence in Jenin, Palestine UNICEF 04 Jul 2023 -- "UNICEF is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence in Jenin, in the West Bank. According to the latest reports, at least three children were killed yesterday, and many others were injured, while hundreds of families have been displaced by the ongoing fighting. In the local refugee camp, critical utilities, such as water and electricity, are interrupted.
• Jenin: UN concerned over ongoing Israeli military operation UN News 04 Jul 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern about the developments in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli airstrikes have hit the densely populated refugee camp there.
• UN HRC53: Joint Statement on human rights situation in Sudan UK FCDO 04 Jul 2023 -- Interactive Dialogue with the Special Adviser to the Secretary General on the Prevention of Genocide. Joint Statement by Sudan Core Group, delivered by the UK.
• Fresh violence grips Sudan's capital as army calls for volunteer fighters Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- Explosions have once again rocked Sudan's capital city of Khartoum as the army renewed its call on civilians to join its ranks and fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Somali Official Says Drawdown of AU Force Hasty, Ill Conceived VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- As the African Union Transition in Somalia force, known as ATMIS, reduces troop numbers, a Somali official is warning the plan is ill-conceived and raises the risk of al-Shabab militants retaking areas they lost.

News Reports

• Secretary-General's remarks to Shanghai Cooperation Organization UN Secretary-General 04 Jul 2023
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 04 Jul 2023 -- The President held a videoconference meeting with members of the Government.
• Meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin President of Russia 04 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
• Putin Thanks SCO Countries for Supporting Russia During Aborted Wagner Mutiny Sputnik 04 Jul 2023 -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a Eurasian economic and security bloc and the largest regional alliance in the world in terms of geographic scope and population. The SCO represents roughly 20% of global GDP.
• Putin Assures Asian Allies of Russia's Unity VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin told a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Tuesday that the Russian people are "consolidated as never before."
• SCO Heads of State Council meeting President of Russia 04 Jul 2023 -- The President took part in a videoconference meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council.
• Kremlin: US, Russia Discussing New Prisoner Swap VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- The U.S. and Russia are discussing a possible new prisoner swap that could involve jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is being held in a Moscow prison on espionage charges that he denies, and a Russian detained in the U.S. on cybercrime charges, the Kremlin said Tuesday.
• Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson on continued repression against critical voices and disregard for human rights European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Jul 2023 -- Russian authorities continue their systematic oppression and disregard of human rights of their own citizens.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding Rosselkhozbank's possible reconnection to SWIFT Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Jul 2023
• Russian Economy Keeps Recovering Despite Sanctions - Prime Minister at Meeting With Putin Sputnik 04 Jul 2023 -- The Russian economy keeps recovering despite sanctions, GDP growth for the first five months of 2023 totaled 0.6 percent, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's reply to a media question regarding the anniversary of the decision of the UN International Court of Justice in The Republic of Nicaragua v. The United States of America case delivered on June 27, 1986 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Jul 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 4, 2023 PRC MofA 04 Jul 2023
• Staying True to Our Founding Mission and Advancing Unity and Coordination to Realize Greater Development PRC MofA 04 Jul 2023 -- Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, At the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State Of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
• Full text of Xi's address at SCO summit People's Daily 04 Jul 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) via video conference here on Tuesday.
• Xi attends SCO summit, calls for unity, coordination People's Daily 04 Jul 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) must rise to the call of the times, keep in mind its founding mission, and stay in unity and coordination to bring more certainty and positive energy to world peace and development.
• Xi calls for enhanced solidarity, mutual trust among SCO members Global Times 04 Jul 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to follow the right direction and enhance solidarity and mutual trust, while stressing that the historical trend of peace, development and win-win cooperation is unstoppable.
• Hong Kong warrants spark fears of widening 'long-arm' political enforcement by China Radio Free Asia 04 Jul 2023 -- Concerns are growing that China could start using the Interpol "red notice" arrest warrant system to target anyone overseas, of any nationality, who says or does something the ruling Communist Party doesn't like, using Hong Kong's three-year-old national security law.
• Hong Kong Activists Undeterred by Arrest Warrants, Bounty VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- Hong Kong police on Monday issued arrest warrants for eight self-exiled pro-democracy activists, charging them with national security offenses and offering a bounty of $127,635 each for information leading to their arrests.
• HK chief executive backs arrest warrants for eight fugitives Global Times 04 Jul 2023 -- Local authorities in Hong Kong vowed on Tuesday to "do whatever they can" to crack down on the activities endangering national security as a local court approved the issuance of arrest warrants for eight people including infamous anti-China rioters Nathan Law Kwun-chung and Ted Hui Chi-fung.
• 'If not surrender, they can only worry about being arrested every day, living in fear,' HKSAR chief on arrest warrants for 8 fugitives Global Times 04 Jul 2023 -- Endangering national security is a serious offence. Law enforcement must be strict and, regardless of where in the world these individuals go, all legal means will be used in a lifelong pursuit, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday, expressing full support for the latest arrest warrants issued for eight anti-China rioters who absconded abroad.
• China's export controls on gallium likely to hit US defense industry: experts Global Times 04 Jul 2023 -- China's recently announced export controls on gallium could hit the US defense industry, as this material, with China with China being the leading producer and supplier in the world, is widely used in advanced radar systems installed on warplanes, warships and ground installations, experts said on Tuesday.
• China commits to building closer SCO community with shared future People's Daily 04 Jul 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) via video conference from Beijing on Tuesday.
• Yellen Meets With Chinese Official Ahead of China Visit VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met with China's Ambassador to the United States Xie Fang on Monday, ahead of her travel this week to China as part of the Biden administration's efforts to address strained relations between the two countries.
• In a high-stakes standoff, it's time to talk Radio Free Asia 04 Jul 2023 -- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will travel to Beijing Thursday, making her the second cabinet-level official to visit China this year and signifying that China and the U.S. are talking again - or at least trying to.
• China, Japan, ROK should relaunch cooperation efforts: senior Chinese diplomat People's Daily 04 Jul 2023 -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said on Monday that China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) should relaunch their cooperation efforts.
• Chinese analysts refute rumors on Xinjiang, Xizang at UN meeting Global Times 04 Jul 2023 -- Chinese analysts shared their views on the concept and practices of human rights in China and refuted disinformation spread by anti-China forces in the US and some Western countries on the topics of Tibetan Buddhism's living Buddha reincarnation system and the human rights situation in Xinjiang during a meeting at the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.
• Lithuania cooperation not checkbook diplomacy: MOFA CNA 04 Jul 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday said Taiwan is not engaging in checkbook diplomacy with Lithuania amid controversy surrounding a 10 million euro (US$10.9 million) grant and technology transfers to the Baltic State.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jul.4, 2023 ROC MND 04 Jul 2023
• Major Economic Sectors Over-fulfill First Half-yearly Plans: KCNA Report KCNA 04 Jul 2023 -- The Korean Central News Agency on July 3 reported that major sectors of the DPRK over-fulfilled their first half-yearly plans in the struggle for attaining 12 major goals for the development of the national economy.
• Putin, Xi, Modi welcome Iran as 9th member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have welcomed Iran's accession into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as the ninth full member of the influential security and trade alliance.
• Raeisi at SCO: Ditching dollar key to shaping fair international system Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has warned against the dominance of the dollar in global exchanges, saying de-dollarization is a pivotal necessity to form a just international system.
• Iran gains full Shanghai Cooperation Organization membership Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has officially approved Iran's full-fledged membership in the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population.
• Report criticizes Iran's delay to develop disputed gas field claimed by Kuwait Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- A local Iranian news agency has criticized the country's Oil Ministry for its delay to develop a disputed gas field in the Persian Gulf just after a Kuwaiti minister said that the field belongs to the country and Saudi Arabia and Iran has no right in it.
• Iran manufactures nuclear reactor simulator for first time: AEOI chief Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says Iran has for the first time manufactured a nuclear reactor simulator, applauding the feat as a monumental achievement in the field of high tech.
• Iran, Russia sign contract to start works on railway project Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- Iran and Russia have signed a contract that details the road ahead for construction of a key railway in Iran as part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Iran security chief, Russia presidential aide call for speedy implementation of agreements Press TV 04 Jul 2023 -- The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and Russia's presidential aide call for immediate implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries in various economic and financial fields amid efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
• Pakistan: EU mobilises over €16.5 million in humanitarian aid for most vulnerable European Commission 04 Jul 2023 -- The Commission is providing €16.5 million to assist the most vulnerable people in Pakistan who have been affected by conflict as well as climate-induced disasters.
• Democracy Wins in Senegal as President Agrees Not to Seek Third Term VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- After years of speculation, Senegalese President Macky Sall shocked the nation Monday night when he announced he would not seek a third term in office. The decision is a win for democracy in West Africa where countries have gravitated toward authoritarianism in recent years.
• US Praises Senegal's President for Bowing Out of 2024 Election VOA 04 Jul 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has praised Senegal President Macky Sall's announcement that he would not seek a third term in next year's election.
• Arm-Twisting, State Money Fuel High-Flying Flag Tribute To 'Pure Bulgarian Patriotism' RFE/RL 04 Jul 2023 -- A towering tribute to Bulgarian national identity that is the pet project of President Rumen Radev will be unveiled this month in the country's southern Rhodope Mountains.