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• B-52 Stratofortresses return to Indo-Pacific for BTF missions US Air Force 12 Jul 2023 -- U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, landed at Andersen AFB, July 5.
• Structural Upgrades Complete on Dry Dock 5, USS Connecticut Docks for Availability US Navy 12 Jul 2023 -- Interim seismic mitigation efforts, which began March 29 on Dry Dock 5, have been completed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton. The dry dock has been tested and re-certified and USS Connecticut (SSN 22) was docked for its Extended Docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) July 12.
• Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206) US Navy 12 Jul 2023 -- The Navy accepted delivery of fleet replenishment oiler, USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), from shipbuilder General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) on July 11.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at UNITAS LXIV Opening Ceremony US Navy 12 Jul 2023
• Unprecedented Interchangeability: U.S. Marines and Aussie Aviators Fly, Maintain and Operate Joint Strike Fighters Together USMC News 12 Jul 2023 -- U.S. Marines and Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, have been training with Allies at Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown, New South Wales, Australia for three weeks. Upon arrival following their trans-Pacific flights, and after a year in the making, these Marines, also known as the "Black Knights," and RAAF aviators with RAAF No. 3 Squadron began a series of unit-level and bilateral training events designed to sustain and enhance aviation capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Region.
• Biden Hails NATO Unity, Commitment as Ukraine Conflict Deepens VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- President Joe Biden capped what he described as a historic NATO summit with optimistic resolve for Ukraine and a stern warning to Moscow. The two-day meeting in Lithuania's capital saw renewed support for Ukraine to join the alliance but stopped short of a specific timeline that Ukraine sought.
• NATO Not Expanding Eastward Into Asia, Says US Ambassador VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- The United States is defining the limits of NATO's outreach in the Indo-Pacific region, saying its focus on challenges posed by China does not signal an intention to invite Asian nations to join the bloc.
• Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to vulnerable partners: we can address security issues better through joint efforts Estonia MFA 12 Jul 2023 -- 11 July, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended the informal meeting of foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Council as part of the NATO summit in Vilnius, reaffirming Estonia's continued support for NATO's reinforced defence packages adopted at the Madrid summit last year with the aim of helping vulnerable partners (Georgia, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina).
• Minister Rau attends NATO summit in Vilnius Republic of Poland 12 Jul 2023 -- On 11-12 July 2023, Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau accompanied President Andrzej Duda during the meeting of NATO heads of state and government in Vilnius.
• Secretary General concludes historic NATO Summit in Vilnius NATO 12 Jul 2023 -- Wrapping up the Summit in Vilnius on Wednesday (12 July 2023), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed that NATO leaders took major decisions to adapt the Alliance for the future.
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, with Sweden, Indo-Pacific Partners, and the EU NATO 12 Jul 2023
• Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida NATO 12 Jul 2023
• Neutral Moldova Vows 'Intensified, Accelerated Cooperation' With NATO RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu says his country's prosperity and security can only be guaranteed through its eventual membership in the European Union and through "intensified, accelerated cooperation with NATO," amid discussion on whether the current policy of neutrality is insufficient.
• Russian Foreign Ministry: Vilnius Summit Shows NATO Back to Cold War Era Behavior Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- The results of the NATO summit in Vilnius showed that the alliance is back to the Cold War era behavior for good, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, adding that Moscow will carefully analyze the outcomes of NATO's decisions.
• PM statement to leaders at NATO Summit in Lithuania: 12 July 2023 Gov.UK 12 Jul 2023 -- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's press statement at NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
• Sweden moves closer to NATO entry after Turkiye deal People's Daily 12 Jul 2023 -- Sweden cleared the biggest hurdle to its NATO membership on Monday when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan removed his veto following a trilateral meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Vilnius, Lithuania.
• Australia gifts further Bushmasters to Ukraine Prime Minister of Australia 12 Jul 2023 -- Australia will provide 30 additional Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to Ukraine, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to their defence against Russia's aggression.
• France Plans to Train About 7,000 Ukrainian Soldiers by End of 2023 Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- France has already trained 5,200 Ukrainian soldiers, and it plans to train a total of 7,000 military by the end of 2023, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Wednesday.
• Prime Minister announces additional measures to support Ukraine and strengthen transatlantic security at NATO Summit Prime Minister of Canada 12 Jul 2023 -- In the face of Russia's ongoing, brutal invasion of Ukraine - an attack on democracy, human rights, freedom, and security everywhere - North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies are standing together, and with the Ukrainian people, for as long as it takes.
• The President: Ukraine's future is in NATO President of the Republic of Lithuania 12 Jul 2023 -- On Wednesday, President Gitanas Nausėda participated in the inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
• Ukraine sets up coalition with 11 countries to train F-16 pilots People's Daily 12 Jul 2023 -- Ukraine signed a memorandum with 11 countries to create a coalition for training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said Tuesday.
• President: Ukraine must prepare for the NATO Summit in 2024 in Washington President of Ukraine 12 Jul 2023
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy: There is certainty that Ukraine will be in NATO President of Ukraine 12 Jul 2023
• NATO Summit Removed Any Doubts About Ukraine's Future Membership In Alliance, Zelenskiy Says RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine "removed any doubts and ambiguities about whether Ukraine will be in NATO" during the alliance's two-day summit in Vilnius that ended on July 12.
• Kuleba Says Ukraine's NATO Path Shorter Despite 'Mixed' Feelings Over Declaration RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- Despite failing to receive a detailed plan or timeline to join NATO, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says the military alliance's members have made the country's path to joining the alliance "shorter" and "absolutely irreversible" at a summit in Vilnius.
• NATO Leaders Meet With Zelenskyy at Vilnius Summit VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- NATO leaders met Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Lithuania's capital as they close a summit that has included emphasis on supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion and discussion of Ukraine's future within the alliance.
• Secretary General welcomes President Zelenskyy to the NATO Summit ahead of inaugural NATO-Ukraine Council NATO 12 Jul 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to the Vilnius Summit on Wednesday (12 July 2023) ahead of the inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, with Sweden NATO 12 Jul 2023
• NATO Allies Sign Pact on F-16 Jet Training for Ukraine Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- NATO allies and Sweden signed a declaration that formalized a coalition for teaching Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, the Romanian Defense Ministry Said on Wednesday.
• NATO fails to give timetable for Ukraine membership at summit People's Daily 12 Jul 2023 -- Leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Tuesday failed to set a timetable for Ukraine's membership of the alliance, following the first day of the NATO summit in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 12 Jul 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.
• MoD needs some time to prepare its second military aid package for Ukraine Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria 12 Jul 2023 -- The Ministry of Defense (MoD) needs some time to assess what to put into the second military aid package for Ukraine. This is what Defense Minister Todor Tagarev said as he spoke to media after the NATO Summit in Vilnius.
• Press release on the results of the NATO summit in Vilnius, July 11-12, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Jul 2023
• 'Readiness For Service': Russia's Schools Continue Marching Toward Militarization RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- As Moscow's war against Ukraine rages on, children at schools across Russia can expect to see significant changes to the academic curriculum starting in September - alterations with a militaristic bent.
• Pacific Fleet's major amphibious ship Admiral Nevelskoy and minesweeper Yakov Balayev undergo joint drills Russia MoD 12 Jul 2023 -- The minesweeper Yakov Balayaev of the Russian troops and forces in the Northeast ensured safe passage of the Pacific Fleet's major amphibious ship Admiral Nevelskoy from the base of operations in Kamchatka during joint tactical drills.
• The Pacific Fleet's corvettes Gromkiy and Soversheniy left Chinese Shanghai Naval Base after a business call Russia MoD 12 Jul 2023 -- The Pacific Fleet's ships detachment, including corvettes Gromkiy and Sovershenniy, completed the week-long stay at the People's Liberation Army Navy's Shanghai Naval Base.
• Russian Military Completes Receiving Wagner's Weapons, Equipment Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- The Russian armed forces have completed receiving weapons and military equipment from the Wagner group according with the plan, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
• China slams NATO's 'eastward expansion' into Asia-Pacific: Chinese Mission to EU Global Times 12 Jul 2023 -- China firmly opposes NATO's "eastward expansion" into the Asia-Pacific region, a spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the European Union (EU) said on Tuesday in light of a joint communique issued earlier in the day by NATO leaders, which called China a "systemic challenge," at their two-day summit in Vilnius in Lithuania.
• China warns NATO against destabilizing Asia-Pacific Global Times 12 Jul 2023 -- The NATO Summit communiqué released on Tuesday mentioned China much more than past summit declarations and accused the China-Russia relationship of challenging the so-called rules-based order, which shows a greater level of hostility toward China, Chinese analysts said.
• Beijing lashes back at NATO's anti-China communiqué, says it will protect its rights Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- China has categorically opposed NATO's eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region, warning it will give a resolute response to any threat to its legitimate rights.
• Beijing Accuses NATO of Discrediting China, Misrepresenting Its Policies Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- NATO member countries misrepresented China's policies in their joint statement and deliberately discredited the country, announced China's diplomatic mission to the European Union.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release refuting reports by United Daily News saying that "the United States urges our country to invest in the construction of a new P4 laboratory for the development of biological warfare agents" and its incorrect citation of military language (July 12, 2023) ROC MND 12 Jul 2023
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining reports "the implementation of joint sea-air joint training outside the response area southeast of our country " (July 12, 2023) ROC MND 12 Jul 2023
• Military stages rehearsal for anti-takeover drill at Taoyuan airport CNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Taiwan's military on Wednesday morning held a rehearsal for an anti-takeover drill at Taoyuan International Airport, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• Taiwan Navy forms unit to take delivery of domestic submarine: Source CNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Taiwan's Navy has recently formed an ad hoc unit as it prepares to take delivery of the country's first domestically built submarine, a source familiar with the matter told CNA on Wednesday.
• U.S. Senate committee files annual defense bill with Taiwan provisions CNA 12 Jul 2023 -- The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday filed its draft of an annual defense policy bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), that contained provisions to strengthen defense and cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan.
• U.S. denies report of requesting Taiwan to produce bio-weapons CNA 12 Jul 2023 -- The U.S. State Department on Tuesday denied a recent Taiwanese report that the United States asked Taiwan to develop weaponized biological agents.
• Exercise wraps with a full-on attack Australia DOD 12 Jul 2023 -- Pinned down in a deep creek line in the Townsville Field Training Area, soldiers from the 7th Brigade's Battle Group Ram drew some deep breaths as the US Marine opposition force from the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin held high ground.
• Press conference - Vilnius, Lithuania Prime Minister of Australia 12 Jul 2023
• Doorstop - Vilnius, Lithuania Prime Minister of Australia 12 Jul 2023
• Press Conference - Vilnius, Lithuania Prime Minister of Australia 12 Jul 2023
• Statement from NSC Spokesperson Adam Hodge on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Ballistic Missile Test The White House 12 Jul 2023
• N Korea launched long-range missile days after US recon. flights Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- North Korea has launched a long-range ballistic missile off its east coast days after it threatened the US with "shocking" response over conducting reconnaissance flights while violating the country's airspace.
• North Korea Fires Long-Range Ballistic Missile Toward Sea of Japan Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- The Wednesday launch marks the first in nearly a month after North Korea last fired off a missile in mid June. To date, it marks the 12 such launch in 2023 alone.
• North Korea ICBM Had Longest Flight at 74 Minutes, Says Tokyo VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- North Korea has fired a single long-range ballistic missile off its east coast, as leaders of Japan and South Korea are in Lithuania for NATO meetings and are due to hold a bilateral summit later Wednesday.
• North Korea Fires Long-Range Ballistic Missile VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- North Korea has fired a single long-range ballistic missile off its east coast, according to South Korea's military, as leaders of both Japan and South Korea are in Lithuania for NATO summit meetings.
• Germany to Withdraw From Project on Leopard Tank Maintenance Hub in Poland Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- Germany will withdraw from the project for the construction of a maintenance hub for Leopard 2 tanks in Poland due to Warsaw's inflated expectations regarding maintenance payment, German newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing sources.
• Joint Statement by the Defence Ministers of the United Kingdom and Estonia UK MOD 12 Jul 2023 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur signed a joint statement, deepening defence cooperation.
• Pevkur and Wallace agreed on an action plan for integrating British units into the Estonian division Estonia MoD 12 Jul 2023 -- At the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Minister of Defence of Estonia Hanno Pevkur and UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace met bilaterally to discuss the implementation of the new regional plans and to sign a joint declaration outlining the bilateral steps between Estonia and the United Kingdom.
• Multi-role Oshkosh 4x4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to represent a new quality for Slovak Armed Forces Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 12 Jul 2023 -- After years of various proposed solutions to the Slovak Armed Forces' 4x4 Multi-Purpose Combat Vehicle Programme, the most advantageous project - the procurement of one hundred sixty (160) Oshkosh 4x4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) for nearly $190m in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) - is now on the table as a pathway to modernisation.
• A look at the Defence news 3-9 July Netherlands Ministry of Defence 12 Jul 2023
• A. Anušauskas and Minister of National Defence of Greece discussed prospects of military cooperation Lithuania MND 12 Jul 2023 -- On July 12 Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas had a meeting with Minister of National Defence of Greece Nikolaos Dendias, Ministers discussed prospects of military cooperation between the countries, regional security and other relevant topics.
• Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Vilnius, Lithuania The White House 12 Jul 2023
• Remarks by President Biden on Supporting Ukraine, Defending Democratic Values, and Taking Action to Address Global Challenges | Vilnius, Lithuania The White House 12 Jul 2023
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by NSC Senior Director for Europe Amanda Sloat on the President's Trip to Europe The White House 12 Jul 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Azerbaijani President Aliyev US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 12, 2023 DoD 12 Jul 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 12 July 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Jul 2023
• Funding Shortages Crippling Aid Efforts in Afghanistan VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Lack of donor funding is the No. 1 problem hindering humanitarian response efforts in Afghanistan, where 28 million people are in dire need of assistance, aid experts say.
• Statement of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo on the 7th Anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration Philippines DFA 12 Jul 2023 -- The Philippines today commemorates the 7th Anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration.
• UK statement on the South China Sea UK FCDO 12 Jul 2023 -- A UK government spokesperson statement issued on 12 July on the South China Sea
• Syria: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič on the cross-border humanitarian deliveries European External Action Service (EEAS) 12 Jul 2023 -- The European Union deplores the veto by the Russian Federation in the UN Security Council on 11 July 2023 on the renewal of the United Nation Security Council Resolution 2672 (2023) regarding cross-border delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in Northwest Syria.
• Militants Raid Pakistan Army Base; 12 Soldiers, Civilian Die in Clashes VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Authorities in Pakistan said Wednesday that an insurgent assault on a military base and clashes elsewhere in the turbulent southwestern Baluchistan province killed 12 soldiers and a civilian.
• Four Soldiers, Civilian Killed In Attack On Pakistani Army Base In North Balochistan RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- Four soldiers and at least three gunmen were killed when a group of suspected militants attacked a Pakistani Army outpost in the restive Balochistan region of Pakistan, while a woman bystander caught in the cross fire has also died, the army and a regional administration chief said on July 12.
• UK sanctions businesses funding Sudan war UK FCDO 12 Jul 2023 -- New sanctions have been announced which will target the businesses associated with the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
• Sudan's foreign ministry rejects deployment of peacekeeping forces as conflict deepens Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- Sudan's foreign ministry on Tuesday rejected a regional summit's proposal to consider the deployment of peacekeeping forces to protect civilians, amid early hopes the meeting may help efforts to end the three-month-old war.
• Junta airstrikes kill 2, injure 4 in Myanmar's Kayah state Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2023 -- A junta fighter jet repeatedly strafed a village in Myanmar's Kayah state, killing an 11-year-old boy and injuring two more locals, local People's Defense Force Officials told RFA Wednesday.
• Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on ICRC activities in Southern Caucasus European External Action Service (EEAS) 12 Jul 2023 -- The EU strongly supports the activities of the ICRC as the only major humanitarian organisation present in the South Caucasus. It is providing crucial humanitarian assistance and protection to those in need, in accordance with the humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence and impartiality.
• UN agency: 900 Palestinian homes damaged in Israeli aggression on Jenin Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) says some 900 Palestinian houses have been damaged and many of them have become uninhabitable in the wake of the Israeli military's two-day raid on the Jenin refugee camp that killed at least 12 Palestinians and wounded dozens more.
• Palestinian PM slams U.S. inaction on reviving Palestinian-Israeli peace process People's Daily 12 Jul 2023 -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye on Tuesday slammed the United States for not presenting any initiative to revive the Palestinian peace process with Israel, which has remained stalled since 2014.
• Russia's envoy summoned over statement about Iranian islands IRNA 12 Jul 2023 -- The director-general for the Persian Gulf affairs at the Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned Russia's Ambassador in Tehran Alexey Dedov to protest against a statement issued by Moscow and Arab countries of the Persian Gulf that allegedly disputed Iran's sovereignty over three islands in the region.
• Iranian officials emphasize sovereignty, territorial integrity ISNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi separately emphasized that Iran is strongly serious about its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Iran summons Russian ambassador over Moscow's support for Arab stance on Persian Gulf islands ISNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to Tehran on Wednesday to lodge a strong protest against a joint statement by Russia and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council about the three Persian Gulf islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.
• Iran pulls no punches over its territorial integrity: Amir-Abdollahian on Persian Gulf islands Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister has rejected a recent joint statement issued by Russia and the Arab Persian Gulf countries about the three islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, saying Tehran will not soften its stance over its territorial integrity.
• Iran summons Russian ambassador over joint statement on Persian Gulf islands Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the contents of a joint statement issued by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Russian Federation about three islands in the Persian Gulf.
• The UK is committed to supporting Colombia along its path to peace and security for all its people: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 12 Jul 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.
• Kosovo Announces Reduction Of Police Presence In Serb-Majority North, Fresh Elections RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- Kosovo's government has announced that it will reduce by one-quarter the number of special police deployed around administrative buildings in the ethnic Serb-majority north and organize fresh mayoral elections in four northern municipalities as part of measures to de-escalate simmering tensions with neighboring Serbia.
• Cameroon Hosted Sahel Cross-Boundary Pastoralists Forum Proposes Peacekeeping VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Ministers from eight of Africa's Sahel region countries are meeting in Cameroon to try to end conflicts between farmers and nomadic herders. The ministers say seasonal movement of livestock north from the Sahel is fueling clashes between the communities and say a peacekeeping effort is needed.

News Reports

• Chinese hackers breached US email servers for a month Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2023 -- A breach of Microsoft-hosted U.S. government email servers by a Chinese hacking group was detected and fixed "fairly rapidly," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday, despite Microsoft saying that the breach was only discovered after a month.
• Targeting of State Department, Others in Microsoft Hack 'Intentional' VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Hackers, possibly linked to China's intelligence agencies, are being blamed for a monthlong campaign that breached some unclassified U.S. email systems, allowing them to access to a small number of accounts at the U.S. State Department and a handful of other organizations.
• Treasury Sanctions Illicit Fentanyl Network Run by Key Sinaloa Cartel Family Members US Treasury 12 Jul 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 10 individuals, including several Sinaloa Cartel members and fugitives, as well as one Mexico-based entity, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059. Those sanctioned today are associated with Sinaloa, Mexico-based precursor chemical suppliers and brothers Ludim and Luis Alfonso Zamudio Lerma and ultimately operate under the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
• MONEYVAL calls on North Macedonia to improve investigation and prosecution for combating money laundering and financing of terrorism Council of Europe 12 Jul 2023 -- In a new report the Council of Europe's anti-money laundering body MONEYVAL calls on North Macedonia's authorities to further strengthen its measures to combat money laundering (ML), financing of terrorism (FT) and financing of proliferation (FP), in particular in the investigation and prosecution fields.
• European Investigators Say Traces Of Subsea Explosives Found On Yacht Linked To Nord Stream Blasts RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- Investigators trying to solve last year's unexplained blasts that destroyed the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea say they have found traces of undersea explosives on a German yacht that is linked to the incident.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Wang Yi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, and Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Jul 2023
• Press release on the Foreign Ministry's report on the violation of children's rights in the international adoption process in the United States Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Jul 2023
• China, Russia and Indonesia Hold Trilateral Meeting PRC MofA 12 Jul 2023 -- On July 12, 2023 local time, China, Russia and Indonesia held a trilateral meeting in Jakarta.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 12, 2023 PRC MofA 12 Jul 2023
• Extension of China-Pakistan Corridor to Afghanistan Presents Challenges VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- The Taliban may have achieved a diplomatic win in an agreement to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan, analysts said, but implementation of the project still faces challenges.
• Communist Party takes direct charge of the running of Hong Kong Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2023 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party has taken over responsibility for running the day-to-day affairs of Hong Kong from China's cabinet, the State Council, in a move commentators said is likely linked to a recent bid to pursue the city's democracy activists overseas and to harass their families.
• New China-Solomon Islands Police Deal Trigger Concerns VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare of Solomon Islands kicked off his trip to China this week with a clear goal — to deepen bilateral ties with Beijing, causing alarm among some Western nations.
• China to send taikonauts to moon for lunar research, technology verification before 2030 using two rockets: CMSA official Global Times 12 Jul 2023 -- As China plans to realize a manned moon landing before 2030, the country will attempt to build a moon-based scientific research station, in a bid to carry out long-term, systematic lunar research and verify relevant technology, Zhang Hailian, deputy chief engineer with the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), revealed on Wednesday.
• State-owned aerospace giant to build 300-satellite constellation at Very Low Earth Orbit by 2030 for better, more economic remote sensing services Global Times 12 Jul 2023 -- China unveiled plans to build a new satellite constellation at the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) that would comprise 300 satellites orbiting the globe by 2030 and provide ultra-fast remote sensing and communication services, with the first satellite to be launched December this year , the Global Times learned from developers on Wednesday.
• Paraguay to stand with Taiwan: Visiting president-elect CNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Paraguayan President-elect Santiago Peña said during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in Taipei on Wednesday that his administration would continue to stand with Taiwan and strive to boost bilateral relations.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jul.12, 2023 ROC MND 12 Jul 2023
• Enlarged Plenary Meeting of C.C., SWUK Held KCNA 12 Jul 2023 -- The 8th Enlarged Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Socialist Women's Union of Korea (SWUK) was held on Tuesday through video conferencing.
• China: NATO Ignoring 'Crux' of Korean Nuclear Issue by Blaming North Korea for Tensions Sputnik 12 Jul 2023 -- China accused NATO on Wednesday of ignoring the "crux" of the Korean nuclear problem after the alliance pinned the blame for tensions in the peninsula on North Korea.
• US resorting to proxy attacks on Iran since direct military action would prove suicidal: IRGC chief Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has hailed Iran's formidable defensive power, noting that the US is resorting to waging proxy attacks on since they are well aware that direct military action against us would spell into a "major suicide" for them.
• Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Kicks Off Africa Tour in Kenya VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Kenyan President William Ruto welcomed Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi to Nairobi on Wednesday. This is the first leg of a trip that will take Raisi to Uganda and Zimbabwe and aims to bolster Iran's political, economic and trade ties with the African nations.
• President Raeisi departs Iran on three-nation tour of Africa Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi has departed Iran on a three-nation tour of Africa that will take him to Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe at the respective invitation of the African countries' heads of state.
• Iran seeks to work in synergy with Africa: Raisi IRNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says that, unlike colonial powers, the Islamic Republic wishes to work in synergy with African countries.
• Iran ready to share its experiences with Kenya: President Raisi ISNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Welcoming and expressing satisfaction with the development of Iran-Kenya relations, Iranian President noted, "In the consultations we had with the President of Kenya today and in the meetings that were held in the morning, we saw the will of the two countries to develop economic, commercial, political and cultural relations between the two countries".
• In Uganda, Iranian President Attacks West On LGBT Rights RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on July 12 launched into a condemnation of Western attitudes on homosexuality during a visit to Uganda, which has just introduced some of the harshest anti-gay laws in the world.
• Iran in midst of global fight against arrogant powers: Ayatollah Khamenei Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the country is in the midst of a "civilizational and global" fight against "lying" arrogant powers hiding behind the labels of liberalism and democracy.
• Founder Of Prominent Iranian Charity Fled Into Exile After 'Months Of Torture' RFE/RL 12 Jul 2023 -- For over 20 years, the Imam Ali's Popular Student Relief Society has worked on combating poverty and helping vulnerable children in Iran.
• Iran, Iraq barter black oil for gas ISNA 12 Jul 2023 -- Iranian ambassador to Baghdad, Mohammad Kazem Ale-Sadegh signed a deal which allows Iran and Iraq to barter black oil for gas.
• Iraq to pay for Iranian gas with crude oil: PM Press TV 12 Jul 2023 -- Iraq has reached an understanding with Iran to trade its crude oil for Iranian natural gas supplies, according to Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani who says the mechanism would settle a long-running dispute with Tehran over Iraq's failure to pay debts related to previous imports of energy.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on Prime Minister's visit to France and UAE (July 12, 2023) India MEA 12 Jul 2023
• Pro-India Political Parties in Indian Kashmir Optimistic as Indian Top Court Orders Hearing on Special Status Restoration VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- The Supreme Court of India Tuesday ordered a hearing on multiple petitions challenging the government of India's revocation four years ago of the special status of the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir or J&K.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Prime Minister of Canada 12 Jul 2023
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda Prime Minister of Canada 12 Jul 2023
• IMF Approves Much-Awaited $3 Billion Bailout for Pakistan VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- The International Monetary Fund approved a $3 billion bailout program for Pakistan on Wednesday to help the cash-starved nation address its short-term, acute balance of payments crisis and avert a potential default.
• Thai top diplomat says he met with Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2023 -- Thailand's foreign minister met secretly over the weekend with Aung San Suu Kyi, he told an ASEAN meeting Wednesday, making him the first known high-ranking foreign official to meet the Burmese leader since Myanmar's military threw her in prison in February 2021.
• ASEAN Foreign Ministers Hold Talks on Myanmar Crisis VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- The chair of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations says diplomacy is the only way to resolve the bloody two-and-a-half year old crisis in Myanmar.
• PM meeting with Prime Minister Støre of Norway: 12 July 2023 Gov.UK 12 Jul 2023
• Gitanas Nausėda: We welcome the U.S. President as a close friend and ally President of the Republic of Lithuania 12 Jul 2023 -- On Wednesday, President Gitanas Nausėda delivered a speech in the Grand Courtyard of Vilnius University, underscoring the contribution of the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, to Lithuania.
• Speech by President Gitanas Nausėda on the occasion of the visit of U.S. President Joe Biden to Lithuania President of the Republic of Lithuania 12 Jul 2023
• The President and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom discussed security situation in the region President of the Republic of Lithuania 12 Jul 2023 -- During the Vilnius NATO Summit, President Gitanas Nausėda met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak.
• The President discussed bilateral cooperation with the Prime Minister of Australia President of the Republic of Lithuania 12 Jul 2023 -- On the sidelines of the Vilnius NATO Summit, President Gitanas Nausėda met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to exchange views on bilateral cooperation, global security issues and NATO cooperation.
• The President met with the Prime Minister of Canada President of the Republic of Lithuania 12 Jul 2023 -- Gitanas Nausėda thanked Justin Trudeau for Canada's significant contribution to strengthening the security of the Baltic region by leading the NATO forward presence in Latvia and deploying troops to the NATO Force Integration Unit in Vilnius, and welcomed Canada's plans to expand its military presence in Latvia.
• 122 million more people pushed into hunger since 2019 due to multiple crises, reveals UN report UNICEF 12 Jul 2023 -- Over 122 million more people are facing hunger in the world since 2019 due to the pandemic and repeated weather shocks and conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, according to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report published today jointly by five United Nations specialized agencies.
• Hunger afflicts one in ten globally, UN report finds UN News 12 Jul 2023 -- As many as 783 million people faced hunger worldwide in 2022 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, repeated weather shocks and conflicts, including in Ukraine, according to a study launched by five United Nations agencies on Wednesday.
• Conflict, Climate Change, Inequality Trigger Surge in Global Hunger VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Hopes of ending hunger by the end of this decade have all but evaporated as multiple crises — climate change, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, including the war in Ukraine — have pushed more than 122 million people into hunger since 2019 to reach an unprecedented high of 735 million.
• 'Crushing' debt crisis spells development disaster for billions: UN chief UN News 12 Jul 2023 -- Half of humanity lives in countries that are forced to spend more on servicing their debt than on health and education, which is nothing less than a development disaster, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Wednesday.
• Threat of Thai Party Leader's Disqualification Triggers Protest Fears VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Thailand's Constitutional Court said Wednesday that it would consider whether to suspend Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as a lawmaker on the eve of a parliamentary vote where the youthful reformist is a leading candidate to become prime minister.
• Future of Uzbek Reforms in Question After One-Sided Election VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- To nobody's surprise, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been returned for a third term with more than 87% of the vote, according to the official tally, in an election that left many Uzbeks questioning Mirziyoyev's long-standing promises of democratic reform.
• Police raid home of opposition party member who refused switch to ruling party Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2023 -- About 30 police officers raided the Phnom Penh home of an outspoken opposition party member in what appears to be retaliation for not defecting to Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling party ahead of the July 23 election.
• Zimbabwe Court Disqualifies Former Ruling Party Official From Elections VOA 12 Jul 2023 -- Zimbabwe's Electoral Court has disqualified a former minister and senior ruling party official who fled the country from running in next month's election. The court ruled Savior Kasukuwere, who left Zimbabwe after the 2017 overthrow of former President Robert Mugabe, hasn't been in the country long enough to be a candidate.