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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US Airstrike in Somalia Kills Five Militants VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- The U.S. military command in Africa has said it conducted an airstrike in central Somalia that killed five al-Shabab militants.
• U.S. Forces provide assistance to Somalia National Army AFRICOM 20 Jul 2023 -- At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Hareeri Kalle, approximately 15 kilometers south of Galcad, Somalia against al-Shabaab terrorists.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. Central Command Increases Forces in the Region CENTCOM 20 Jul 2023 -- In response to recent attempts by Iran to seize commercial ships in the CENTCOM area of operations, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of an Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) into the CENTCOM area of responsibility, in addition to the recently approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116). The ARG/MEU brings additional aviation, maritime assets, and U.S. Marines, providing even greater flexibility and maritime capability in the region.
• Department of Defense to Deploy Forces to CENTCOM to Bolster Maritime Security DoD 20 Jul 2023 -- In response to recent attempts by Iran to threaten the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters, the Secretary of Defense has ordered the deployment of a portion of the BATAAN Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU) comprised of the USS Bataan, USS Carter Hall, and its associated personnel and equipment into the USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR), in addition to the recently approved forces comprising F-35s, F-16s, and a guided missile destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116).
• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 20 Jul 2023
• Navy SEALs Enhance Maritime Dominance with Partner Forces in Colombia US Navy 20 Jul 2023 -- East-Coast-Based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEAL) showcased their capabilities and strengthened international partnerships during their participation in the multinational exercise UNITAS 64. As part of the exercise, SEALs trained alongside partner nation special operations forces in submarine operations, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), and close quarters combat (CQC), reaffirming the importance of collaboration in maritime defense strategies.
• New Supercomputer at Navy DoD Supercomputing Resource Center Adds Over 17 petaFLOPS of Computing Power to DoD Capability US Navy 20 Jul 2023 -- The HPE Cray EX4000 system will address physics, AI, and ML applications for thousands of DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program Users
• USS Ramage (DDG 61) Arrives in Durrës, Albania US Navy 20 Jul 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) - part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Gerald R. Ford CSG, arrived in Durrës, Albania for a regularly scheduled port visit July 20, 2023.
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Meets With House Armed Services Committee Military Quality of Life Panel DoD 20 Jul 2023
• U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy Showing Results, Ratner Tells Congress DoD News 20 Jul 2023 -- The Defense Department is clear-eyed about the challenge to the international rules-based order from the People's Republic of China, Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs told the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party today.
• DOD Official Highlights Importance of Pacific Island Nations DoD News 20 Jul 2023 -- The islands nations of the Pacific play a critical role in the U.S. strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region, said Siddharth Mohandas, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia.
• Leveling Up Fuel Operations During QLLEX DoD News 20 Jul 2023 -- Army Reservists took their training to the next level establishing real-world petroleum distribution support sites during the 2023 Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise, June 12-24.
• A Multinational Staff Operating as One US Navy 20 Jul 2023 -- U.S. Navy Sailors operate alongside partner nation sailors as a multinational staff during the underway portion of UNITAS LXIV, successfully conducting drills, maneuvers, and exercises from the Peruvian Navy flagship, BAP Pisco (AMP 156).
• USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) Arrives in Klaipėda US Navy 20 Jul 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) arrived in Klaipėda, Lithuania, for a scheduled port visit, July 20, 2023.
• France Assumes Command of Multinational Naval Task Force Patrolling Middle East US Navy 20 Jul 2023 -- France assumed command of a multinational naval task force that patrols the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean, during an indoor ceremony at the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, July 20.
• U.S. Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Canberra in Australia US Navy Press Release 20 Jul 2023 -- The U.S. Navy will commission its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Canberra (LCS 30), during an international commissioning ceremony, at 10:00 a.m. AEST on Saturday, July 22 (8:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, July 21) at the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Base East in Sydney, Australia.
• Space Integral to the DOD Way of War, Policy Chief Says DoD News 20 Jul 2023 -- Space is integral to the way the United States military fights, and that is why DOD took a top-to-bottom look at the domain, said John F. Plumb, the assistant secretary of defense for space policy yesterday.
• Inaugural U.S.-UK Strategic Sanctions Dialogue US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023 -- Building on the unique economic and security partnership between our two nations, the U.S. Department of State hosted a senior UK government delegation for the inaugural U.S.-UK Strategic Sanctions Dialogue in Washington, D.C., on July 19.
• Statement on the inaugural UK-US strategic sanctions dialogue UK FCDO 20 Jul 2023 -- Written statement by British Ambassador to the USA Karen Pierce on the inaugural UK-US strategic sanctions dialogue, which took place on 19 July.
• U.S. Announces New Sanctions Aimed At Curbing Russia's Ability To Buy Weapons Technology RFE/RL 20 Jul 2023 -- The United States has imposed new sanctions targeting 18 individuals and more than 120 entities based in Russia and Kyrgyzstan in a move aimed at inhibiting Moscow's access to products and technology that support its war efforts.
• Treasury Sanctions Impede Russian Access to Battlefield Supplies and Target Revenue Generators US Treasury 20 Jul 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action to further implement the commitments that G7 Leaders made on February 24, 2023 and May 19, 2023. The designations announced today by OFAC and the Department of State take measures to inhibit Russia's access to products that support its military and war efforts; reduce Russia's revenue from the metals and mining sector; undermine its future energy capabilities; degrade Russia's access to the international financial system; and starve Russia of G7-produced technology needed for its technology, aerospace, and defense sectors.
• Imposing Additional Sanctions on Those Supporting Russia's War Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023 -- The Departments of State and Treasury are imposing sanctions on nearly 120 individuals and entities today to further hold Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine and degrade its capability to support its war efforts.
• Imposing Additional Sanctions on Those Supporting Russia's War Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023 -- Today, the United States is imposing sanctions on individuals and entities in order to degrade Russia's current and future military capabilities, reduce Russia's revenue by targeting its future energy projects, and curb sanctions evasion by targeting those who help Russia procure sensitive material, and curtail Russia's use of the international financial system to further its war.
• Russia restricts movements of British diplomats in response to 'hostile actions' Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- Moscow has announced that British diplomats working in Russia will need to notify authorities in advance about their movements around the country.
• UK sanctions Wagner Group leaders and front companies responsible for violence and instability across Africa UK FCDO 20 Jul 2023 -- Thirteen new UK sanctions announced targeting individuals and businesses linked to the actions of Wagner Group in Africa.
• Belarus Announces Joint Military Maneuvers With Russia's Wagner Mercenaries RFE/RL 20 Jul 2023 -- Belarus says its soldiers have begun holding joint military maneuvers with fighters from Russia's Wagner mercenary group in the city of Brest, which lies on the border with NATO member Poland.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 20 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.
• US Senate Rejects Bill to Avoid Pentagon Valuation Errors After Ukraine Aid Mishap Sputnik 20 Jul 2023 -- The US Senate rejected an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to rework the Pentagon's accounting methods for aid sent to Ukraine to avoid future valuation errors.
• Russia, China kick off joint military drills in Sea of Japan Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- China and Russia have begun joint naval and air drills in the Sea of Japan aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries' navies and maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
• China, Russia kick off joint military exercise in Sea of Japan Global Times 20 Jul 2023 -- With a Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy destroyer designated as the command ship, the China-Russia Northern/Interaction-2023 joint military exercise kicked off in the Sea of Japan on Thursday.
• Analysts See China-Russia Exercise as Sign of Deepening Cooperation VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- As the war in Ukraine rages on, China and Russia are hosting joint military exercises in the Sea of Japan that analysts say are the latest sign of deepening cooperation between the two military powerhouses. The drills are also part of an effort to counter growing partnership of the U.S. and its allies in the region, they add.
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release to explain that "a civilian whose surname is Lu was lured to contact current and retired Armed Forces personnel and create a network" (July 20, 2023) ROC MND 20 Jul 2023
• The Ministry of National Defense issues a press release explaining "the combat readiness and patrol cruises by the CCP" (July 20, 2023) ROC MND 20 Jul 2023
• Taiwan Drills Draw on Lessons From Ukraine, China Threats VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- Next week, Taiwan will host military exercises and drills that include defending the island's main international airport from an attack, stopping amphibious landings, and ensuring sea lanes stay open in response to a mock blockade by China.
• Transport controls to be imposed in Greater Taipei for Wanan air drills CNA 20 Jul 2023 -- All transportation in the Greater Taipei area will be required to stop for 30 minutes on July 24, with drivers and passengers evacuated from their vehicles and public transport, as part of the Wanan air defense exercise scheduled to take place in northern Taiwan that day, Taipei's Department of Transportation said Thursday.
• US Black Knights mix with Air Force's best Australia DOD 20 Jul 2023 -- Known as the 'Black Knights', the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) made RAAF Base Williamtown their home from June 20 to July 17.
• Aussie expertise a boost for aircraft engine fleet Australia DOD 20 Jul 2023 -- An Australian-owned company will be working with the ADF to provide expert advice on effectively and efficiently managing military aircraft engines.
• French Military Faces Shortage of Recruits Due to Low Pay Sputnik 20 Jul 2023 -- The French military has been facing under-recruitment in recent years due to unattractive service conditions and lower pay compared to private sector, local radio reported on Thursday, citing army sources.
• Canada will double the number of troops deployed in Latvia Latvia MOD 20 Jul 2023 -- On Monday, 10 July, Defence Minister of Latvia Ināra Mūrniece and Canada's Minister of National Defence Anita Anand signed a road map taking stock of previous achievements and detailing further steps in upgrading Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia from battalion to brigade level. Signing took place at Camp Ādaži.
• Headquarters Multinational Division North has reached full combat readiness Latvia MOD 20 Jul 2023 -- On Friday, 7 July, Defence Minister Ināra Mūrniece, acting Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and General Major Flemming Mathiasen, Commander of the Headquarters Multinational Division North, located at Camp Ādaži, hosted a ceremony to celebrate Headquarters Multinational Division North reaching its full combat readiness.
• Polish-Czech cooperation strengthens regional security Poland - Ministry of National Defence 20 Jul 2023 -- Mariusz Blaszczak, Minister of National Defense, took part in Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations chaired by the prime ministers of Poland and the Czech Republic on Thursday, July 20 in Katowice.
• Ministry of Defence confirms the acquisition of 160 Oshkosh 4x4 JLTVs, Slovak Armed Forces will thus get the required capability after 10 years Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 20 Jul 2023 -- The Slovak Defence Ministry has officially accepted the U.S. offer of one hundred sixty (160) Oshkosh 4x4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) worth nearly $190m in Foreign Military Financing (FMF).
• Next shipment of cargo trucks and multipurpose cars delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces Lithuania MND 20 Jul 2023 -- A batch of 53 multirole Peugeot Rifter vehicles have been transferred to the use of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The total procurement includes 235 of such vehicles and is worth almost EUR 6.5 million.
• Interview: Kirby Discusses US Soldier in North Korea, Grain Deal, Infighting in Congress VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- The Biden administration says it will do "everything we can" to bring home Pvt. Travis King, the junior soldier crossed into North Korea earlier this week "willfully and without authorization."
• State Department Officials on the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Al-Zayani US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Call with European External Action Service Secretary General Sannino US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023
• The United States Announces More Than $380 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Africa US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023 -- The United States will provide an additional $380 million in humanitarian assistance for Africa.
• Joint Statement on the U.S.-Arab League Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023 -- The United States and the Arab League concluded successful talks July 19 in Washington, D.C. on topics ranging from reducing tensions in regional conflicts, climate change and health security, information and communications technology infrastructure, universal values spelled out in the United Nations Charter, women's economic empowerment, and countering terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms.
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton En Route Philadelphia, PA The White House 20 Jul 2023
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with President Isaac Herzog of Israel The White House 20 Jul 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 20, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 20 July 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Jul 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks at the launch of the Policy Brief on a New Agenda for Peace UN Secretary-General 20 Jul 2023
• UN chief unveils new vision for peace across a 'multipolar world' UN News 20 Jul 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General on Thursday launched a new policy brief outlining his vision of a more robust multilateral framework to boost peace and security, for a world in flux.
• UN Chief Outlines Peace Agenda for Multipolar World VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres offered proposals Thursday to deal with what he says is an emerging multipolar world order that is characterized by rising geopolitical tensions, conflicts and emerging technologies.
• US Body Reports 'Horrific Information' About UN Operations in Afghanistan VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- A U.S. watchdog says it has disclosed to Congress information about diversion and control of international humanitarian assistance by de facto Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.
• Four Pakistan Police Killed In Two Separate Attacks By Taliban RFE/RL 20 Jul 2023 -- Two police officers were killed and at least 10 others were wounded in northwestern Pakistan on July 20 when two suicide bombers attacked a security and administrative compound in the Bara Tehsil neighborhood of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.
• Joint Statement by Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the postponement of provisional measures hearings at the International Court of Justice to halt Syria's torture practices Canada 20 Jul 2023
• Iran stands ready to help Syria with post-war reconstruction: UN envoy Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations has voiced Tehran's readiness to help Syria with its reconstruction process in the aftermath of a destructive Western-sponsored campaign of militancy.
• Destructive blasts in towns across Myanmar, but no one claims responsibility Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- Myanmar is experiencing a rising number of explosions in cities and towns across the country, but no group is claiming responsibility.
• Funding 'simply not enough' for Rohingya refugees, UN agencies report UN News 20 Jul 2023 -- Current funding for critical aid efforts supporting Rohingya refugees living in camps in southern Bangladesh is simply not enough, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has said, as dwindling resources have forced the second ration cut in three months.
• Heavy fighting between warring factions shakes Sudan's capital Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- Heavy fighting between the warring factions of the Sudanese defense forces has shaken the country's capital.
• Council extends the mandates of the EU Special Representatives for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo* and South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia for one year EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- The Council has today adopted a series of decisions extending the existing mandates of following three EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) for one year, until 31 August 2024:
• Press statement following the 5th meeting of the EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilisation and Association Council EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between the European Union (EU) and Bosnia and Herzegovina held its fifth meeting on 19 July 2023 in Brussels.
• Joint UN, OSCE, CoE and EU in BiH statement regarding the Republika Srpska Criminal Code amendments re-criminalizing defamation OSCE 20 Jul 2023 -- The United Nations, the OSCE Mission, the Council of Europe and the EU Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina are dismayed that the Republika Srpska National Assembly today re-criminalized defamation.
• European Peace Facility: Council adopts an assistance measure in support of the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- The Council today adopted an assistance measure, worth €20 million, under the European Peace Facility to support the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
• Chinese police stop Tibetan Buddhist gathering, prevent lama from preaching Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- Tearing down tents and destroying a colorful sand mandala, Chinese authorities on Wednesday stopped a gathering where a Tibetan Buddhist lama was scheduled to preach - and tried to block online photos and descriptions of the incident, two Tibetans with knowledge of the situation said.
• "Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriots have never shied away from negotiation" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 20 Jul 2023 -- Speaking at a ceremony held for the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day in the TRNC, President Erdoğan said: "Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriots have never shied away from negotiation or reconciliation. Despite knowing the oppression, we have neither pursued revenge nor held grudges. We have sincerely sought ways for the two elements of the Island to live together in peace."
• Address by the Foreign Minister of Armenia: UK response, July 2023 UK FCDO 20 Jul 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Holland says the UK remains deeply concerned about ongoing disruptions to the Lachin corridor and hopes momentum will be maintained towards an historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• Cameroon English-Speaking Civilians Say Economic Activity at Standstill Following Separatist Roadblocks VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- In Cameroon, authorities say separatists have set up roadblocks to at least 20 western districts to protest what they call excessive brutality by government troops. The rebels accuse Cameroon's military in the past week of killing at least 27 people and burning scores of homes. Cameroon's military denies the allegations and blames separatists for the killings.

News Reports

• Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. Delivers Remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies US Dept. of Justice 20 Jul 2023
• Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri Delivers Remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies US Dept. of Justice 20 Jul 2023
• Council renews EU's terrorist list for a further six months EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- The Council today renewed, without changes, the so-called EU terrorist list, which sets out persons, groups and entities subject to restrictive measures with a view to combatting terrorism.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, July 20, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Jul 2023
• Meeting with Murmansk Region Governor Andrei Chibis President of Russia 20 Jul 2023 -- At the end of his working trip to the Murmansk Region, the President met with region Governor Andrei Chibis.
• Meeting on closed administrative territorial units and towns in the Arctic President of Russia 20 Jul 2023 -- In Murmansk, the President held a meeting on closed administrative territorial units and towns in Russia's Arctic.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's address at a ceremony for the commemorative cancellation of a postage stamp dedicated to the 225th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Gorchakov, Moscow, July 20, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Jul 2023
• Russian Prosecutors Seek 20 More Years For Jailed Oppositionist Navalny RFE/RL 20 Jul 2023 -- State prosecutors have requested that a Russian court sentence jailed opposition politician Aleksei Navalny to another 20 years in a penal colony on charges that include extremism.
• Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Faces Additional 20-Year Prison Term VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- Russian prosecutors asked a court to sentence jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny to 20 years in prison on a slew of extremism charges, his ally Ivan Zhdanov said Thursday.
• Putin to attend BRICS summit via video link: Kremlin People's Daily 20 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the upcoming BRICS summit via video link, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday.
• Putin not to attend BRICS summit in Johannesburg: S. African president People's Daily 20 Jul 2023 -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Wednesday that by mutual agreement, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the BRICS summit set to be held here in South Africa in August.
• Career Boost or Emigration Problem? China's Communist Party Keeps Growing Despite Doubts About Why VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- Membership in the Communist Party of China, once considered a true patriot's badge of honor, now appears to be a resume-building affiliation for younger people and a problem for older members considering emigration to the United States.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 20, 2023 PRC MofA 20 Jul 2023
• Climate change is a global challenge which needs all countries to jointly contribute with: Chinese FM Global Times 20 Jul 2023 -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson highlighted China's contribution to climate change and improving environment, reiterating that climate change is a global challenge and requires every country to contribute, in response to US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry's saying that "productive" conversations were held in Beijing.
• China, US have candid, constructive dialogue on global climate governance: Ministry of Ecology and Environment Global Times 21 Jul 2023 -- China and the US have had candid, in-depth and constructive dialogue on promoting global climate governance, communication and cooperation during the talks between China's special envoy for climate change Xie Zhenhua and visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said on Thursday.
• US, China Dig In Despite Hopes for Thaw VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- The United States and China appear no closer to easing mounting tensions despite a recent flurry of diplomatic activity ahead of upcoming trips by high-profile U.S. officials to the Indo-Pacific region.
• Xi hails Kissinger's role in ties, says China and US can prosper together Global Times 20 Jul 2023 -- In a meeting with revered former US diplomat Henry Kissinger on Thursday in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed him as an "old friend" whom the Chinese people never forget for his historic contributions to promoting China-US ties and stressed that China and the US can help each other succeed and prosper together. The Chinese president also expressed hope that Kissinger and other people of foresight in the US will continue to play a constructive role in restoring China-US ties to the right track.
• Kissinger meets China's President Xi Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with veteran diplomat Henry Kissinger in Beijing, in what some see as a snub to U.S. climate envoy John Kerry, who left the Chinese capital the previous day.
• US Tech Leaders Aim for Fewer Export Curbs on AI Chips for China VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- Intel Corp. has introduced a processor in China that is designed for AI deep-learning applications despite reports of the Biden administration considering additional restrictions on Chinese companies to address loopholes in chip export controls.
• China rejects 'Iron Curtain' or 'Silicon Curtain' imposed by the US upon the world, warns against 'an eye for an eye': Chinese Ambassador to the US Global Times 20 Jul 2023 -- The Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive matter in China-US relations. The pressing issue at hand is to resolutely block the so-called transit of Taiwan separatist William Lai Ching-te through the US, which is akin to a "grey rhino" charging toward us, Xie Feng, the Chinese Ambassador to the US, said at the Aspen Security Forum on Wednesday.
• First man tried in Hong Kong for insulting national anthem sentenced to 3 months in jail Global Times 20 Jul 2023 -- A man has been sentenced to three months in prison in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday for replacing the national anthem with a song associated with the 2019 Hong Kong riots in a video showing a Hong Kong athlete celebrating his victory at the Tokyo Olympics.
• Hong Kong man jailed 3 months for insulting China's national anthem Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- A Hong Kong court on Thursday imposed a three-month jail term on a man for insulting China's national anthem after he paired footage of a Hong Kong athlete winning a medal with audio of the banned protest song, "Glory to Hong Kong," and posted the clip to YouTube.
• Hong Kong police question more family members of exiled pro-democracy activists Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- Hong Kong police on Thursday took away for questioning several family members of exiled pro-democracy activists wanted for "collusion with foreign forces" for campaigning against an ongoing crackdown on dissent in the city.
• China mulls supportive package to spur private economy following top-design 31-point guideline Global Times 20 Jul 2023 -- China will mull providing more supportive measures for the private economy in recent days, including policy documents on facilitating the development of the private economy and driving private investment, as well as a new version of a negative list for private investors, the country's top economic planner said on Thursday, as part of a concrete, multi-pronged package built upon a top-design policy guideline issued on Wednesday night.
• Beijing's 'priority is to stop Taiwan's VP and presidential frontrunner's trip to US next month: China's ambassador to Washington Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- China warns about a planned visit to the United States by the vice president and presidential frontrunner of Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), saying Beijing's priority is to stop such a provocative move.
• Philippines: Manila closely monitoring Chinese threat to invade Taiwan Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- Manila monitors and plans every day for the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the new Philippine defense secretary said Thursday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jul.20, 2023 ROC MND 20 Jul 2023
• 5 suspects detained over alleged espionage for China CNA 20 Jul 2023 -- A total of five people, including a diabolo instructor Lu Chi-hsien (魯紀賢), were detained and held incommunicado Thursday on suspicion of recruiting military officers to collect military intelligence for China.
• DOD: Biggest Concern is to Bring Private King Home DoD News 20 Jul 2023 -- On Tuesday, Army Pvt. Travis T. King, while wearing civilian clothing, joined a tour group of the Joint Security Area at the demilitarized zone in Panmunjom, Korea. While on that tour, King crossed into North Korea and has not been heard from since.
• US: No North Korea Response on US Soldier Who Dashed Across Border VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- U.S. officials say that North Korea has yet to respond to their efforts to discuss the fate of the American soldier who dashed across the Koreas' heavily militarized border, even as he had been ordered to return to the United States to face possible discipline and discharge from the military.
• UK Urges North Korea to Return to Dialogue on Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula Sputnik 20 Jul 2023 -- The UK Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that recent North Korea's ballistic missile launches violated UN Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang to return to dialogue on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
• Press Statement of Minister of National Defence of DPRK KCNA 20 Jul 2023 -- Kang Sun Nam, minister of National Defence of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), issued the following press statement on July 20:
• North Korea threatens US with nuclear retaliation amid rising tensions Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- North Korea has warned that the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons by the United States on the Korean Peninsula "effectively meets" the conditions for Pyongyang to use nuclear deterrents.
• Rodong Sinmun on General Secretary Kim Jong Un's Noble View on People KCNA 20 Jul 2023 -- Rodong Sinmun Thursday in an article says that innovative entities showing the development of Juche Korea and its tremendous might have appeared one after another, thanks to the grandiose plan and strenuous practical ability of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), striking the world people with wonder.
• Korean People's Traits of Assisting Army Displayed in War KCNA 20 Jul 2023 -- The Korean people's traits of assisting the army, created in the flames of the great anti-Japanese war, were fully displayed in the grim Fatherland Liberation War (1950-1953), too.
• U.S. military says soldier crosses into DPRK "willfully and without authorization" People's Daily 20 Jul 2023 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that a U.S. soldier crossed the Military Demarcation Line into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) "willfully and without authorization".
• IRGC Navy commander warns against unloading Iranian oil from seized tanker Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has warned that any oil company unloading hundreds of thousands of barrels of seized Iranian oil sitting in a Greek tanker off the coast of Texas would be held accountable.
• Iran: EU adopts new restrictive measures for military support to Syria and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- The Council today established a new framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran's military support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
• US responsible if Iranian oil unloaded from seized tanker: Cmdr. IRNA 20 Jul 2023 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri has warned against unloading Iranian oil from Suez Rajan Tanker, saying the Islamic Republic will hold the United States responsible if that happens.
• Iran has no border problem with Azerbaijan: Top general IRNA 20 Jul 2023 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri has warned the enemies that any aggression will be met with a repentful and crushing response from Iran.
• Return Of 'Morality Police' To Iranian Streets Leaves Women Fearful But Defiant RFE/RL 20 Jul 2023 -- The return of the so-called morality police to the streets of major Iranian cities has brought back fear and stress for women who choose to ignore the requirement that they wear the hair-covering hijab. But it has also been met with resistance by men and women alike, while lawmakers have questioned the effectiveness of the hard-line approach to enforcing compliance.
• Iran's Police Chief Calls Mission to Enforce Veiling Laws 'Irreversible' VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- Five days after Iran's morality police returned to the streets to enforce the country's mandatory veiling laws, Iran's police chief described it as a "well-intentioned" and "irreversible" mission.
• Iranian Retirees Protest Living Conditions, Lack Of Pension Increases RFE/RL 20 Jul 2023 -- Iranian retirees have renewed protests in several major cities across the country, reiterating calls for more social and economic freedoms, as well as regular adjustments to their pensions in line with inflation as the cost of living soars amid international sanctions.
• Iran aims to join BRICS to uphold multilateralism, counter sanctions: FM People's Daily 20 Jul 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Tuesday that joining the BRICS would be Iran's next step in upholding multilateralism and countering sanctions.
• Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström on the storming of the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad Government Offices of Sweden 20 Jul 2023
• Sweden shuts down embassy in Baghdad IRNA 20 Jul 2023 -- Sweden's embassy in Iraq declared on Thursday that it will suspend all its activities in Baghdad until further notice following an attack by Iraqi people on the diplomatic mission.
• Iraq expels Swedish ambassador, threatens to cut ties over desecration of Qur'an Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- Iraq has ordered the Swedish ambassador to leave and decided to withdraw its envoy from Stockholm for permitting desecration of the Holy Qur'an, a government spokesman says.
• Attack on the Embassy of Sweden in Iraq US Dept. of State 20 Jul 2023 -- The United States strongly condemns the attack on the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad in the early hours of July 20.
• Myanmar/Burma: EU imposes seventh round of sanctions against six individuals and one entity EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- Today, the Council imposed a seventh round of restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar/Burma against six individuals and one entity in response to the continuing escalation of violence, grave human rights violations and threats to the peace, security and stability in Myanmar/Burma.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (July 20, 2023) India MEA 20 Jul 2023
• Modi Promises Tough Action Over Video Showing Mob Parading Naked Women in Violence-Wracked State VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- In India, a video showing two women being paraded naked by a mob in the northeastern Manipur state, which has been wracked by ethnic violence, has sparked widespread outrage.
• Can India's Opposition Alliance Pose a Challenge to Modi in 2024? VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- Nine years after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata party to a spectacular victory, he continues to be India's most popular leader and is expected to win a third term in elections due next year.
• Libya: Rights experts denounce discriminatory travel policy UN News 20 Jul 2023 -- A group of UN independent experts on Thursday expressed grave concern over a discriminatory policy issued by the Libyan Government of National Unity (GNU) which effectively restricts women and girls from travelling abroad without a male guardian.
• South Africa says more than 40 nations expressed interest to join BRICS Press TV 20 Jul 2023 -- More than 40 countries have already expressed their desire to join the BRICS group of nations, South Africa says, as the bloc prepares to hold a summit next month.
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Jul 2023
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Jul 2023
• Human rights violations: EU lists 18 individuals and five entities responsible for gender-based violence and linked to the Navalny and Kara-Murza cases EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- Today, the Council imposed restrictive measures against 18 individuals and 5 entities under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, because of their responsibility for serious human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Ukraine and Russia.
• Lebanon: EU extends framework for targeted sanctions by one year EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- The Council today decided to extend the framework for imposing targeted restrictive measures to address the situation in Lebanon for an additional year, until 31 July 2024.
• Moldova: Council adopts renewal of temporary trade liberalisation measures EC/CEU 20 Jul 2023 -- The Council adopted today a regulation which renews and expands the temporary suspension of all outstanding tariffs and the entry-price system that are still applicable to seven agricultural products for another year, until 24 July 2024.
• Deep-sea mining tussle highlights divide among Pacific island nations Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- Pacific island countries are at the forefront of the global fight over whether mining companies should harvest metals from the seabed.
• Hun Sen returns to Facebook on page managed by aide Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen has reappeared on Facebook, just three weeks after declaring that he was permanently leaving the popular social media site following a disciplinary finding from the company's oversight board.
• Cambodia's economy is running out of steam Radio Free Asia 20 Jul 2023 -- It called itself "a nightclub that takes the Phnom Penh nightlife scene to the next level." It was part-owned by the nephew of a well-connected tycoon, and according to its website, was only for "the most refined clubbers, A-list celebs, and social jet-setters." A plate of french fries cost US$6.
• Kenyan Cost of Living Protests Enter Day 2 VOA 20 Jul 2023 -- Protesters were out in the streets in Kenya again Thursday demonstrating against the high cost of living and recent tax hikes. This comes after opposition leader Raila Odinga called for a three-day demonstration that started Wednesday.