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Defense Policy / Programs

• US Senate Approves Annual Military Spending Bill VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- The Democratic-majority U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act 86-11 on Thursday, setting up a confrontation later this year with the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives over competing priorities in the massive annual military spending bill.
• Alaska National Guard Soldiers Test Readiness in Exercise Army News 27 Jul 2023 -- More than 40 Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers from the 297th Regional Support Group are participating in Pershing Strike 23 and its associated Mobilization Exercise Level II July 7-Aug. 4.
• CENTCOM Commander Visits Israel CENTCOM 27 Jul 2023 -- On Jul. 25-27, Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Israel to visit the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, the IDF Intelligence Directorate, and other specialized units.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the 70th National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day DoD 27 Jul 2023 -- Seventy years ago today, on July 27, 1953, after more than three years of war on the Korean Peninsula, military leaders from the United States, North Korea, and the People's Republic of China signed the Korean Armistice Agreement to "insure a complete cessation of hostilities."
• Upcoming Strategy to Outline Agency's Supply Chain Security Approach DoD News 27 Jul 2023 -- The 2021 cyberattack that shut down the Colonial Pipeline for days sent Defense Logistics Agency Energy officials scrambling for new ways to get fuel to East Coast customers and underscored the need for supply chain resilience.
• Marine Infantry Packs a Logistics Punch on Australian Beach DoD News 27 Jul 2023 -- Several hundred U.S. Marine Corps infantrymen of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit landed yesterday on the beach at Midge Point in Queensland, Australia.
• Back to the Future: MRIC and the rebirth of the Corps' air defense capability USMC News 27 Jul 2023 -- As global tensions continue to rise, the Marine Corps once again finds itself at the forefront of a strategic transformation—shifting its focus from a decades-long, land-locked War on Terror to addressing increasing great power competition in the South China Sea.
• US Armed Forces Order $490Mln Package to Fix More Deficiencies in F-35 Fighters Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics has received nearly $490 million US Navy contract extension to provide product engineering, retrofits and engineering changes on F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to correct deficiencies, the US Department of Defense said Wednesday.
• USAF, allies accelerate logistics interoperability US Air Force 27 Jul 2023 -- Air forces from five allied nations consisting of the United States Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and Canadian Air Force partnered to advance combined logistics support for agile operations during a forum at the Pentagon July 20.
• JCREW Counter IED Program Achieves Full Operational Capability US Navy 27 Jul 2023 -- The Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC) announced that the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW) Increment One Block One (I1B1) program has achieved full operational capability ahead of schedule.
• Multinational Task Force Completes Exercise in P-8 Flight over Arabian Gulf US Navy 27 Jul 2023 -- A multinational naval coalition that monitors and patrols key waterways in the Middle East completed a naval exercise over the Arabian Gulf, July 26, with representatives from Bahrain, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• SECNAV Names Future Expeditionary Sea Base Ship USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8) US Navy Press Release 27 Jul 2023 -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro announced today that the future expeditionary sea base ship ESB 8 will be named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and Korean War veteran Hector A. Cafferata Jr.
• Austin, Papua New Guinea Leaders Discuss Plans for Defense Cooperation DoD News 27 Jul 2023 -- The Indo-Pacific is the priority theater for the United States, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's visit to Papua New Guinea is all about keeping the region free and open.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape Hold Joint Press Briefing, July 27 DoD 27 Jul 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meetings With Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister and Defence Council DoD 27 Jul 2023
• US not seeking permanent military base in PNG, says defense secretary Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Washington was not seeking a permanent military base in the Pacific island nation under a new defense deal.
• Papua New Guinea Pushing for More From the US VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- Papua New Guinea's leadership is promising "cascading" benefits from growing military and security cooperation with the United States following the first visit by a sitting U.S. defense secretary, while downplaying any risk to the country's close economic ties to China.
• Large Bipartisan Majority Approves US Military Aid to Ukraine Program for Public Consultation (PPC) - School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland 27 Jul 2023 -- A bipartisan majority of seven-in-ten voters favor the US continuing to provide significant military aid to Ukraine to help in their ongoing war with Russia, according to an in-depth study by the Program for Public Consultation together with the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy.
• Ukraine's Grinding Counteroffensive Still Has 'Options,' Pentagon Chief Says VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- U.S. defense officials watching Ukraine's slow-moving counteroffensive against Russia are not yet ready to sound any alarms, despite the lack of a major breakthrough.
• Readout of Fifth Meeting of the Ukraine Donor Coordination Platform Steering Committee The White House 27 Jul 2023
• China floats joint military drills with Philippines Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- The Philippines will weigh a proposal from China for joint military exercises, the Filipino armed forces chief said about the prospect of drills between the two countries with a longstanding territorial dispute.
• 131st joint patrol on Mekong River begins People's Daily 27 Jul 2023 -- Law-enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand joined forces on Tuesday to begin the 131st Mekong River joint patrol.
• Anti-amphibious landing drills staged on day 4 of military exercises CNA 27 Jul 2023 -- Taiwan's military on Thursday held an anti-amphibious landing drill near a northern port, which is considered a critical location for repelling a Chinese attack, on the fourth day of the live-fire phase of the annual Han Kuang military exercises.
• Exercise Talisman Sabre underway in north Australia Australia DOD 27 Jul 2023 -- The Top End provides a world-class airspace for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, where Australian and United States aviators can continue to build upon partnerships and interoperability in an agile, high-end and multi-domain environment.
• Redback to bring Army some sting Australia DOD 27 Jul 2023 -- The Army will receive 129 new infantry fighting vehicles in response to Australia's changing strategic environment.
• Air and missile defence practice in Guam Australia DOD 27 Jul 2023 -- A small group of Navy personnel made a big impact recently during Exercise Pacific Vanguard in Guam.
• Multilateral battle group seizes the objective Australia DOD 27 Jul 2023 -- The 3rd Brigade conducted its first major assault at Line Creek Junction, Townsville Field Training Area, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23.
• Russian Defence Minister meets with head of DPRK Russia MoD 27 Jul 2023 -- Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, during his visit to Pyongyang, was received by President of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un.
• Kim Jong-un shows off ICBMs to Russian defense minister Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday showed off his country's ICBMs and previously unseen drones to visiting Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as a showcase of North Korea's military might.
• North Korean MQ-9 Reaper? Kim Jong-un Shows New Mystery Drone Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- The photographs of the unmanned aerial vehicles were presented at the "Weaponry Exhibition-2023" in Pyongyang, which was attended by Sergei Shoigu and Kim Jong-un within the framework of the Russian Defense Minister's visit to North Korea.
• Macron Says France Aims to Increase Military Presence in Indo-Pacific Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- France will increase its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region by sending an additional 200 military personnel, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.
• Poland, US Sign Agreement to Establish Maintenance Center for Abrams Tanks Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- Polish defense company Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and US company General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), which, among other things, produces Abrams tanks, have signed an agreement to establish a maintenance center for Abrams in the western Polish city of Poznan, the Polish company said on Wednesday.
• Heads of CSTO defence communications management bodies hold a working meeting Russia MoD 27 Jul 2023 -- From 25 to 27 July, a working meeting of the heads of the CSTO member states defence communications management bodies took place in Moscow on the basis of the CSTO Joint Staff.
• Romania - Assault Amphibious Vehicles DSCA 27 Jul 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of sixteen (16) Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Uganda Wants to Discuss Defense Equipment Maintenance Hub With Russia Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- Uganda intends to discuss with Russia development of the regional hub for maintenance of the military equipment in the African country, Ugandan Defense Minister Vincent Ssempijja told Sputnik.
• US, Italy Reaffirm Partnership as Rome Looks Away From Beijing VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- President Joe Biden met with Italy's new leader Thursday at the White House, where the two reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and talked of countering Beijing's growing ambitions - a particularly salient point for Rome as it mulls quitting China's Belt and Road Initiative.
• Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni of the Italian Republic Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 27 Jul 2023
• Joint Statement from President Biden and Prime Minister Meloni The White House 27 Jul 2023
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Call with President Tinubu of Nigeria The White House 27 Jul 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 27 Jul 2023
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Trip to Saudi Arabia The White House 27 Jul 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 27, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 27 July 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Jul 2023
• Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Worry as Their Refugee Cards Expire VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- The residency cards of more than a million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan have not been extended, causing concern among the migrants about their refugee status.
• Taliban to Urge US to Unfreeze Afghan Assets, End Sanctions VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban said Thursday their forthcoming negotiations with the United States will be centered on lifting sanctions on the country, unfreezing its central bank assets, and removing Taliban leaders from a so-called U.N. blacklist.
• Shi'ite Scholars Ask Mourners To Tone Down Muharram Observance After Taliban Imposed Restrictions RFE/RL 27 Jul 2023 -- The Council of Shi'ite Scholars of Afghanistan on July 26 published a declaration calling on mourners to scale back their activities during ceremonies to mark the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
• Health Threats Surge in Sudan, Regionally, as Conflict Escalates VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- The World Health Organization on Thursday warned that health threats are surging as the war in Sudan escalates and millions of people, many sick and wounded, flee for safety within Sudan and across borders to neighboring countries where health services are fragile and hard to reach.
• Sudan health crisis reaches 'gravely serious levels': WHO UN News 27 Jul 2023 -- The conflict in Sudan has sparked a health crisis for the 3.4 million people forced to flee to safety, whether within the country or across its borders, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
• Sudan: Statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on the ongoing conflict European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Jul 2023 -- The European Union is appalled by the brutality and total disregard shown by the warrying parties towards civilians in the conflict in Sudan, raging for more than 100 days. Over 1 100 people, among them 435 children, are known to have been killed, and another 12 000 injured. More than 3 million people have been displaced and sexual and gender-based violence is prevalent.
• Hamas-affiliated battalion fires rocket toward Israeli settlement near Jenin Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- A battalion affiliated with the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says it has fired a rocket toward an Israeli settlement in the vicinity of the northern occupied West Bank city of Jenin.
• No: 187, 27 July 2023, Press Release Regarding the Storming by the Israeli Minister of National Security of the Al-Aqsa Mosque Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jul 2023
• All Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in peace: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 27 Jul 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
• 'Urgent steps' needed to end surge in violence across West Bank UN News 27 Jul 2023 -- Insecurity and violence increased rapidly in the occupied West Bank over the last month, punctuated by one of the most intensive Israeli military operations in nearly two decades, the Security Council heard on Thursday.
• Azerbaijan Blocks Armenian Convoy To Nagorno-Karabakh, Accuses Yerevan Of 'Provocation' RFE/RL 27 Jul 2023 -- Azerbaijan has refused to allow through the Lachin Corridor a convoy of trucks that Armenia said were delivering emergency food aid to the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• US Sanctions Malian Officials Over Wagner VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- The United States imposed sanctions on several top Malian officials this week, saying they facilitated activities of the Wagner Group, the Russian mercenary unit that recently staged a brief mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts say the sanctions are meant to send a message to the Malian government.
• The UK encourages the Government of CAR to redouble efforts to implement benchmarks agreed by the Security Council: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 27 Jul 2023 -- Explanation of Vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Central African Republic.

News Reports

• Analysts: Niger Coup by Elite Presidential Guard Might Be Short Lived VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- Analysts say the apparent coup attempt in Niger was not totally surprising, given the West African nation's history of political upheaval. There have been four successful coups and numerous attempted coups since Niger won independence from France in 1960. But analysts say because President Mohamed Bazoum comes from a minority group within Niger and was elected on a platform of pursuing many reforms, he may have encountered resistance from the more dominant ethnic groups.
• Macron Says Niger's Bazoum 'Reachable,' in 'Good Health' VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum early Friday, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna told Agence France-Presse. According to Colonna, Macron said Bazoum is "reachable" and "in good health."
• Niger: UN chief demands president's immediate and unconditional release UN News 27 Jul 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General on Thursday demanded the release of Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum "immediately and unconditionally", as military officers continue to hold the democratically-elected leader captive after declaring a coup.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question from Channel One, St Petersburg, July 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jul 2023
• Federal Foreign Office statement on the latest developments in Niger Germany Federal Foreign Office 27 Jul 2023
• Niger's army supports coup group but president defiant Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- Niger's army has officially backed a group of soldiers in their coup attempt, despite a defiant stance by the overthrown president, Mohamed Bazoum.
• Niger's president says democracy will be restored after coup attempt Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum has taken to social media to say that democracy will be "safeguarded" across the country, a day after he was seized by members of the presidential guard in a military coup attempt.
• No: 188, 27 July 2023, Press Release Regarding the Developments in Niger Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jul 2023
• Guterres condemns coup attempt in Niger People's Daily 27 Jul 2023 -- In a short statement released by his spokesperson, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday strongly condemned the coup attempt in Niger.
• New Charges Added to Trump Mar-a-Lago Case as Special Counsel Names Third Defendant Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- Former US President Donald Trump and two others are facing new charges as part of US special counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the mishandling of classified documents at the former president's Florida residence.
• Sweden accuses Russia of spreading 'disinformation' over Qur'an desecration Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- Sweden has accused Russia of running a disinformation campaign to damage the image of the Nordic country over the recent acts of desecration against the Holy Book of the Qur'an in the capital city of Stockholm.
• Designating Senior ISIS-Somalia Financier US Dept. of State 27 Jul 2023 -- The United States is designating Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, the head of finance for ISIS-Somalia, an ISIS affiliate in Africa that generates revenue ISIS distributes across the continent.
• Treasury Designates Senior ISIS-Somalia Financier US Treasury 27 Jul 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf, the head of the finance office of the Somalia-based affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), designating him as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf has played a key role in the delivery of foreign fighters, supplies, and ammunition on behalf of ISIS-Somalia, which serves as a hub for disbursing funds and guidance to ISIS branches and networks across the continent. ISIS-Somalia generates much of its revenue through extortion, specifically targeting local communities for money and recruits, often under the threat of violence.
Joint Statement from Canada, Mexico, and the United States Following the Second Trilateral Fentanyl Committee Meeting The White House 27 Jul 2023
• Meeting with President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.
• Working breakfast with heads of African regional organisations President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a working breakfast with the heads of Africa's regional organisations.
• Meeting with President of the Republic of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit at the Expo Forum.
• Meeting with Chairperson of the African Union, President of the Union of the Comoros Azali Assoumani and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a trilateral meeting with Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Union of the Comoros Azali Assoumani and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat at the Expoforum Centre.
• Plenary session of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address to participants in the second Russia-Africa Media Forum of top managers of Russian leading news agencies, July 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jul 2023
• Meeting with President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Expoforum venue.
• Gala reception for participants in the second Russia-Africa Summit President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the gala reception hosted in honour of the participants in the second Russia-Africa Summit.
• Interview: Kirby Discusses US Dismissal of Russia's Offer of Free Grain to Africa VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- The Biden administration is dismissing Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer to supply free grain to several African nations whose leaders are attending a summit in St. Petersburg, and calling instead for a full Russian return to the agreement that allowed Ukraine to send products from their Black Sea ports.
• Putin Promises Russian Grain Shipments to Africa VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin told leaders and officials from African countries on Thursday that Moscow would provide grain for sale or free to the neediest countries to avert the uncertainty in the global food supply caused by Russia's refusal to guarantee safe passage for Ukrainian grain exports across the Black Sea.
• Putin promises African leaders free grain, blasts 'hypocritical' Western sanctions Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told a summit of African leaders he would gift them tens of thousands of tons of grain within months despite sanctions by the United States and other Western states.
• Russia to Replace Ukrainian Grain at No Expense for African Countries - Putin Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- A total of 32.8 million tonnes of cargo was exported from Ukraine over the year of the grain deal, with more than 70% going to high-income countries, mainly the European Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
• Putin says West weaponizing dollar, urges establishment of new monetary system Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed the West over its abuse of the US dollar and weaponizing it as a tool in international affairs to put pressure on other nations.
• Russia's FSB Says Found Another Ship With Explosives Going to Russia for Grain Sputnik 27 Jul 2023 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Thursday that it had detected another foreign ship that was going from Turkiye to Russia's Rostov-on-Don to ship grain and could have also been used to deliver explosive materials to Ukraine.
• Meeting with President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republic of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit.
• Minister of Foreign Affairs Tsahkna: Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot be allowed to participate in the Olympics under the veil of neutrality Estonia MFA 27 Jul 2023 -- Yesterday, on 26 July, with one year remaining until the Paris Olympic Games, the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian foreign ministers made a public appeal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to stress that restrictions on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions must remain in place as long as the war against Ukraine continues.
• Himes Statement on ODNI Report Regarding Chinese Support to Russia HPSCI - Democrats 27 Jul 2023 -- Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released an unclassified assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) on the support provided by the People's Republic of China to Russia in their war against Ukraine.
• US intel report claims China giving economic lifeline to Russia amid sanctions Press TV 27 Jul 2023 -- A declassified US intelligence report claims China's economic ties with Russia have helped limit the effect of anti-Mocow sanctions imposed by the West over Russia's military operation in Ukraine.
• US intelligence: Beijing has increased Russia support Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- Beijing has become "an even more critical economic partner" for Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine, a new report by the U.S. intelligence community says, with China buying more Russian oil and gas than before and helping the country skirt U.S. sanctions.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on July 27, 2023 PRC MofA 27 Jul 2023
• China's former foreign minister Qin Gang replaced then erased Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- No sooner had former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang been replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi on Tuesday, after a mystery disappearance of a month, than he began to be erased, in a move evocative of the Mao Zedong era.
• Global survey: China viewed in more negative light Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- Majorities of people across the world view China in an increasingly negative light but believe the country's technological achievements are beyond those of other wealthy countries, according to a new survey.
• Global Survey Reports Historically High Negative Views of China VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- A survey examining people's views of China across 24 countries has reported that 67% of adults hold unfavorable views of the country and less than 28% of respondents speak favorably of China. In most high-income countries, negative views of China are at or near historic highs.
• Ambassador: China Will Respond in Kind to US Chip Export Restrictions VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- If the United States imposes more investment restrictions and export controls on China's semiconductor industry, Beijing will respond in kind, according to China's ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, whose tough talk analysts see as the latest response from a so-called wolf-warrior diplomat.
• Hong Kong police arrest two activists with links to 'wanted' activist Nathan Law Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- National security police in Hong Kong on Thursday arrested two more people on suspicion of funding overseas activists via an app designed to promote pro-democracy businesses.
• Chinese Citizen Appears in US Court for Hearing on Cyberstalking Allegations VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- A Chinese man who allegedly cyberstalked and threatened a pro-democracy Chinese classmate appeared in Boston federal court for a pretrial hearing on Wednesday as part of the preparations for a trial scheduled to begin in January.
• Taiwanese man arrives in Japan after serving time in China for spying CNA 27 Jul 2023 -- Taiwanese businessman Lee Meng-chu (李孟居), who was banned from leaving China for two years after completing a sentence for spying in 2021, arrived in Japan on Monday.
• Taiwanese businessman allowed to leave China for Japan 'relieved' to be free Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- Taiwan businessman Lee Meng-chu, also known as Morrison Lee, has been allowed to leave China for Japan after serving nearly two years in prison for "spying," on condition that he doesn't go home to Taiwan until after the 2024 presidential elections in January, Radio Free Asia has learned.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jul.27, 2023 ROC MND 27 Jul 2023
• China, N.Korea, Russia commemorate 70th anniversary of Korean War armistice Global Times 27 Jul 2023 -- China, North Korea and Russia commemorated the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War on Thursday, with Chinese and Russian delegations meeting with the country's top leader Kim Jong-un and other senior officials, and attending a series of festive events in Pyongyang.
• Congratulations on the 70th anniversary of victory of the people of Korea in the 1950-1953 Fatherland Liberation War President of Russia 27 Jul 2023 -- Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of victory of the people of Korea in the 1950-1953 Fatherland Liberation War to Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong-un and participants in the celebrations marking this anniversary.
• North Koreans forced to celebrate 70th anniversary of 'victory' in Korean War Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- North Koreans are complaining about being overworked in preparation for Thursday's 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• On 70th anniversary of Korean armistice, Guterres calls for renewed dialogue UN News 27 Jul 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday highlighted the need for a "surge in diplomacy" in the Korean Peninsula, urging the two nations to resume talks towards a lasting peace.
• Russian, Chinese Delegates Take Part in North Korea's 'Victory Day' Events VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally received a visiting Russian military delegation and a Chinese political delegation on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the state's self-proclaimed "Victory Day," utilizing the occasion for diplomacy after years of isolation sealed by strict COVID-19 controls.
• Grand Performance Given to Celebrate 70th Anniversary of Great War Victory Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Enjoys Performance with Goodwill Missions on Visit to Pyongyang KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- A grand celebration performance was given at 00:00 on July 27, adding to the joy and excitement of celebrating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War shining as a symbol of heroism and justice along with its great eminence of victory in the course of the development of the dignified Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as a grand festival of glory and succession to be specially recorded in history.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Visits Weaponry Exhibition House with Sergei Shoigu KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- The "Weaponry Exhibition-2023" is going on under the sponsorship of the Ministry of National Defence of the DPRK to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.
• Steps Taken to Prevent Damage by Disastrous Abnormal Weather KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- The electric power industrial sector of the DPRK directs big efforts to coping with the disastrous abnormal weather.
• Chinese Party and Government Delegation Arrives in Pyongyang KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- A party and government delegation of the People's Republic of China led by Li Hongzhong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, arrived in Pyongyang, the capital city of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on July 26 to participate in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.
• Reception Given for Chinese Party and Government Delegation KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave a reception at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on July 26 in honor of the party and government delegation of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on a visit to the DPRK for participating in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War.
• Choe Ryong Hae Meets Chinese Party and Government Delegation KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), first vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, met the party and government delegation of the People's Republic of China led by Li Hongzhong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, which paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Wednesday.
• Talks between Defence Ministers of DPRK and Russia Held KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- Talks between Kang Sun Nam, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, and Sergei Shoigu, minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, were held in Pyongyang on July 26.
• Reception Given for Russian Military Delegation KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defence of the DPRK gave a reception on Wednesday in welcome of the military delegation of the Russian Federation on a congratulatory visit to the DPRK for the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War.
• Sergei Shoigu Lays Wreath before Liberation Tower KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- Sergei Shoigu, defence minister of the Russian Federation on a congratulatory visit to the DPRK on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War, laid a wreath before the Liberation Tower on Wednesday.
• Russian Military Delegation Visits Mangyongdae KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- A military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu which came to the DPRK for congratulating the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War, visited the time-honored Mangyongdae on Wednesday.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Russian Defence Minister KCNA 27 Jul 2023 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a military delegation of the Russian Federation led by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on a congratulatory visit to the DPRK for the 70th anniversary of the victory in the great Fatherland Liberation War, at the office building of the Party Central Committee on July 26
• Iran Files Case Against Online Retailer Over Failure To Enforce Hijab Rules RFE/RL 27 Jul 2023 -- Iranian media outlets reported on July 27 that a legal case has been filed against the online book retailer Taghcheh because its female employees failed to observe the compulsory hijab law as the government continues to tighten its enforcement of dress code regulations.
• Condition Critical: Desertification Threatens To Turn Iran's Future To Dust RFE/RL 27 Jul 2023 -- Temperatures in Iran are hitting record highs, rivers and lakes are drying up, and prolonged droughts are becoming the norm, highlighting a water crisis that is turning much of the country's territory to dust.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (July 27, 2023) India MEA 27 Jul 2023
• Foreign Minister's Telephone Conversation with the UN Secretary General Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jul 2023 -- Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a telephone conversation with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on 26 July 2023.
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday 27 July 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Jul 2023
• Pakistan Free to Have Ties With China, Senior US Official Says VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- A senior White House national security official has said the United States does not want to coerce Pakistan into choosing between Washington and Beijing.
• Economists Tally Results of Decade of Chinese Investment in Pakistan VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Beijing's massive investment plan to boost trade and economic ties with Pakistan, is 10 years old but has not fulfilled its lofty goals.
• Türk calls on Israeli Government to 'heed the calls of the people' over judicial reform UN News 27 Jul 2023 -- The UN human rights chief issued a statement on Thursday calling on "those in power" in Israel to heed the calls of the broad-based coalition in the country which has been protesting new laws limiting the judicial power of the Supreme Court.
• Japan Imposes Microchip Export Ban, Angering China VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- Japan imposed export controls on advanced microchip technologies this week in a move widely seen as targeting China, mirroring recent restrictions imposed by the United States and the Netherlands, two other major producers of cutting-edge semiconductors.
• Argentina Signs the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 27 Jul 2023 -- In a ceremony hosted by President Alberto Fernández at the Casa Rosada, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Daniel Filmus signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the Argentine Republic.
• Hun Sen promises continued close relations with Beijing in letter to Chinese premier Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- Prime Minister Hun Sen has assured Chinese Premier Li Qiang that Cambodia will continue its close relationship with Beijing after control of the government is handed over to Hun Sen's eldest son next month.
• Policy veterans in charge behind succession of Cambodia's princelings Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- Within days of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) orchestrating a sham election last Sunday, at which it pocketed almost all parliamentary seats and consolidated its authoritarian rule, it quickly moved on to what the bogus ballot was supposed to achieve: an apparent vote of public confidence in the country's new leaders.
• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press conference on climate UN Secretary-General 27 Jul 2023
• Climate change disasters caused US$36B loss in Asia in 2022: Report Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as droughts and large-scale floods, and other climate change impacts are increasing in Asia, which is warming faster than the global average, the World Meteorological Organization said in a report published Thursday.
• Climate-related court cases more than doubled in five years, UN says Radio Free Asia 27 Jul 2023 -- The number of climate change-related court cases has more than doubled in five years and is growing globally, as impacts range from droughts and heat waves to water shortages, a new U.N. report said.
• UNHCR and IOM appeal for urgent solutions for refugees and migrants stranded in Tunisia and Libya borders UNHCR 27 Jul 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of hundreds of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in Tunisia, who remain stranded in dire conditions following their removal to remote and desolate areas near the country's borders with Libya and Algeria. Others have been pushed across the borders to Libya or Algeria.
• Experts: Vietnam May Benefit as US Companies De-risk Supply Chains Now in China VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- Vietnam is well-positioned to draw U.S. investors seeking to de-risk supply chains now in China, but closer economic integration between Hanoi and Washington appears unlikely to lead to political realignment, according to experts.
• Nigerian Analysts Criticize Detention of Central Bank Governor VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- Nigeria's Department of State Services, or DSS, has launched an investigation into the chaotic arrest of Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele.
• Lebanese Cabinet Fails to Avert Central Bank Vacancy VOA 27 Jul 2023 -- The Lebanese Cabinet on Thursday failed to appoint a replacement for the retiring head of its central bank, leaving the country's battered economy with a looming leadership vacuum.