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News Reports

Current Operations

• Major General Kenneth Hara Off-Camera, On-The-Record Press Briefing On The Defense Department's Ongoing Response To The Maui Wildfires DoD 31 Aug 2023

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 31 Aug 2023
• 2nd Infantry Division Soldiers test new Army command post tech Army News 31 Aug 2023 -- Soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord are testing new gear that aims to achieve the Army's top priority in communications — to reduce its command post battlefield footprint while improving mobility and agility.
• The Department of Defense Launches the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office Website DoD 31 Aug 2023 -- Today the department launched a website on the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office to provide the public with information concerning AARO and its efforts to understand and resolve unidentified anomalous phenomena.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Marking Two Years Since the End of the Afghanistan War DoD 31 Aug 2023
• DOD Finance Chief Says Delayed Budgets Present a Challenge DoD News 31 Aug 2023 -- Last year, the Defense Department's financial management community demonstrated remarkable agility in developing four supplemental budgets — an unprecedented feat — in addition to DOD's regular, baseline budget.
• DOD Remembers Afghan Vets, Details Disaster Aid, Announces Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Site DoD News 31 Aug 2023 -- DOD leaders marked the second anniversary of the end of the war in Afghanistan today praising the valor, patriotism and courage of those who fought there and remembering those troops who died in the 20-year war.
• Air Force, Army Battle Labs work with DARPA on ASTARTE, new C2 capability US Air Force 31 Aug 2023 -- The 805th Combat Training Squadron's Shadow Operations Center-Nellis, also known as the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Battle Management System Battle Lab, recently experimented with joint partners that helped evolve a new joint airspace management and joint fires capability at Nellis Air Force Base. Working with the U.S. Army's Mission Command Battle Lab and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the ShOC-N hosted and collaborated on a joint experiment of the Air Space Total Awareness for Rapid Tactical Execution, or ASTARTE, system, an advanced warfighting innovation project.
• Micro-reactor pilot program reaches major milestone US Air Force 31 Aug 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force, in partnership with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, reached a critical milestone Aug. 31, in piloting advanced nuclear energy technology with the issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award a contract to Oklo Inc.
• Pacific Partnership 2023 Concludes Second Stop in Philippines US Navy 31 Aug 2023 -- Pacific Partnership has concluded its mission stop in San Fernando, August 30, at a closing ceremony hosted by provincial leadership at La Union High School. In addition to mission leadership, the City Mayor, Vice Mayor and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff were also in attendance.
• New Navy Medicine Capability Delivered to Support Missions in the Pacific US Navy 31 Aug 2023 -- Trauma and surgical supplies arrived at Guam in July to support staging for quick deployment of the Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS) in the Pacific region.
• Agile Spartan 23.2: RJ's Stay on Watch US Navy 31 Aug 2023 -- Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, provided operational and logistical support to the crew of a U.S. Air Force Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, Aug. 18-23, 2023, as the unit participated in Operation Agile Spartan.
  
• Information Warfare Team Trainer Continues to Effectively Ready Teams for Deployment US Navy 31 Aug 2023 -- The Afloat Watch-station Intelligence Course (AWIC) Teams, formally known as Information Warfare Team Trainer, in both Virginia Beach and San Diego are continuing to efficiently and effectively prepare afloat Information Warfare teams from the fleet for deployment.
• Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Leadership Host Futures Wargame at U.S. Naval War College US Navy Press Release 31 Aug 2023 -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti hosted the CNO Futures Wargame at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, Aug. 29-30.
• DIANA, NATO's innovation accelerator, attracts cutting-edge ideas from across the Alliance NATO 31 Aug 2023 -- the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic - has received proposals from over 1,200 applicants as part of its pilot challenge call to innovators and entrepreneurs. DIANA's first challenges - which closed at the end of last week (25 August 2023) - focus on three priorities: energy resilience; sensing and surveillance; and secure information sharing.
• Chinese Defense Ministry confirms launch of first Type 054B frigate Global Times 31 Aug 2023 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has launched a new type of frigate, the Type 054B, China's Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Thursday.
• U.S. approves 1st-ever funds for Taiwan under Foreign Military Financing program CNA 31 Aug 2023 -- The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has approved the first-ever tranche of funds for Taiwan under Washington's Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program traditionally reserved for sovereign, independent states.
• RAAF engineers build strong links in Mongolia Australia DOD 31 Aug 2023 -- Seven aviators from the Royal Australian Air Force deployed on a civil-engineering program in central Mongolia as part of Exercise Pacific Angel 23 this month.
• First contacts in Indonesian skies Australia DOD 31 Aug 2023 -- For the first time, RAAF has conducted air-to-air refuelling with Indonesia.
• Common ground reinforces bonds Australia DOD 31 Aug 2023 -- As Australia hosted key partners India, Japan and the United States for Exercise Malabar, the four navies were reminded of how much they have in common.
• KPA General Staff Releases Report KCNA 31 Aug 2023 -- The General Staff of the Korean People's Army released the following report on August 30:
• North Korea Holds Tactical Nuclear Strike Drill Simulating Strikes Against South Korea Sputnik 31 Aug 2023 -- North Korea, in response to the US-South Korea drills, has carried out a tactical nuclear strike drill simulating nuclear strikes at the territory of South Korea, the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) said Wednesday.
• North Korea conducts 'nuclear strike' drill in response to South-US joint drills Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- North Korea has staged a simulated "scorched-earth" nuclear strike drill on potential targets across South Korea in response to joint military exercises by the US and South Korea off the Korean peninsula.
• Fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel delivered to The Royal Canadian Navy Canada 31 Aug 2023 -- Today, the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall, was delivered to the fleet.
• LAUNCH OF 'DSC A 20 (YARD 325)' FIRST SHIP OF 05 x DIVING SUPPORT CRAFT (DSC) PROJECT 31 AUG 23 AT M/S TITAGARH RAIL SYSTEMS (TRSL), KOLKATA India PIB 31 Aug 2023 -- 'DSC A 20' (Yard 325), the first ship of Five (05) Diving Support Craft (DSC) project being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata (formerly known as M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd (TWL)) for Indian Navy, was launched on 31 Aug 23 at Titagarh, Kolkata (WB) onto Hooghly River
• INDIAN NAVY STEPS UP PREPARATIONS FOR SAGAR PARIKRAMA IV India PIB 31 Aug 2023 -- The Indian Navy signalled the formal commencement of its preparations for Sagar Parikrama IV at Goa on 27 Aug 23
• Iran's Army is self-sufficient in defense equipment: Cmdr. IRNA 31 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi has said that Iran's Army in supplying defense equipment enjoys self-sufficiency and it is not dependent on any foreign country.
• Iran enjoys domestic air defense system: Commander IRNA 31 Aug 2023 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force enjoys domestic systems and does not require the knowledge of other countries, the Iranian army commander says.
• "We have corrected to a large extent our technology-related deficiencies in defense industry" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 31 Aug 2023 -- Addressing the Air War College Commencement and Flag Handover Ceremony, President Erdoğan said: "We have corrected to a large extent our technology-related deficiencies in defense industry with the important moves we have made in the recent period."
• Ben Wallace formally resigns as British defense secretary after 4 years in role Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- Ben Wallace has formally resigned as the United Kingdom's secretary for defense after serving four years in the role.
• UK Defense Minister Wallace Resigns After Four Years in Office Sputnik 31 Aug 2023 -- Wallace was appointed the UK's defense chief in 2019 under the government of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
• M. Blaszczak: We are preparing the second phase of Polish-Korean cooperation involving the production of military equipment in Poland Republic of Poland 31 Aug 2023 -- On 31 August, talks between Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak and Lee Jon-sup, Minister of Defence of South Korea, took place in Warsaw. The main topic of the talks was the further strengthening the bilateral cooperation.
• Resilient Sky 2023: Czech Air Force launches key national air defence exercise Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 31 Aug 2023 -- The two-week home air defence exercise Resilient Sky has kicked off. It will verify and enhance operations planning and control and the very command and control systems through the involvement of more than four hundred service members from all units of the Czech Air Force with dozens of air assets and ground vehicles. It will also see the participation of the national Integrated Emergency System that comprises of the blue light services.
• Improved Relations Won't Signal Vietnam Alignment with US, Experts Say VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- When U.S. President Joe Biden visits Vietnam in early September, experts say Washington and Hanoi are likely to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, an important step for bilateral relations. Experts add, however, that this should not be misinterpreted as Vietnam aligning with the United States.
• Deputy Secretary of State Verma Meeting with Costa Rican President Chaves US Dept. of State 31 Aug 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 31, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 'Illogical And Inhumane': Taliban's Ban On Women Entering National Park Sparks Widespread Anger RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- Thousands of families flock every year to the crystal-blue lakes and soaring cliffs in Band-e Amir, one of the most popular national parks in Afghanistan.
• Taliban Sign Multibillion-Dollar Afghan Mining Deals VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban announced Thursday they have signed more than $6.5 billion worth of mining contracts with local and foreign companies from China, Iran, Turkey and Britain.
• China's neighbors reject new territorial map Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- Southeast Asian countries and Taiwan on Thursday objected to China's latest version of its territorial map because of new boundaries that reach waters they claim as well in the South China Sea.
• Chinese Coast Guard water cannon attack on Vietnamese fishing boat leaves 2 injured Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- Two Vietnamese fishermen were injured when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel fired a water cannon at their boat near the contested Paracel Islands, the latest casualties in China's aggressive campaign to expand its control in the South China Sea.
• Yemen to give harsh response to slightest mistake by US, British forces: Top official Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- The head of Yemen's Supreme Political Council has warned that US and British military forces will receive a crushing response in case of making the slightest mistake against the Arab country, and attempting to plunder its energy reserves and other natural assets.
• Yemen: Alarming surge in measles and rubella cases, reports WHO UN News 31 Aug 2023 -- The UN World Health Organization (WHO) issued a stark warning on Thursday over rising cases of measles and rubella among children in Yemen, as a vaccination campaign there faces cutbacks due to insufficient funding.
• Suicide Bomber Attacks Security Convoy In Northwestern Pakistan, Killing Nine Soldiers RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- At least nine Pakistani soldiers have been killed and 20 more injured in a suicide attack that targeted a security convoy in northwestern Pakistan.
• Suicide Bombing Kills 9 Pakistani Soldiers VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- Pakistani officials said Thursday that a "motorcycle-borne" suicide bomber struck a military convoy in a remote northwestern region, killing at least nine soldiers and wounding several others.
• Syria, Iran warn against U.S. military buildup along Syrian-Iraqi border People's Daily 31 Aug 2023 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad and his Iranian counterpart Hussein Amir-Abdollahian jointly warned on Wednesday the United States against its reported military buildup along the Syrian-Iraqi border.
• U.S. Applauds the Kyrgyz Republic's Repatriation of its Nationals from Northeast Syria US Dept. of State 31 Aug 2023 -- The Kyrgyz Republic's repatriation of 95 people from al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps in northeast Syria marks another important step towards resolving the humanitarian and security challenges in the region.
• Karabakh Leader Announces Impending Resignation Amid Political Turmoil RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- Arayik Harutiunian, the ethnic Armenian leader of Nagorno-Karabakh, has announced that he will be resigning from his post amid rising political tensions over a continuing blockade by Azerbaijan and apparent differences over how to deal with the situation.
• The Humanitarian Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh US Dept. of State 31 Aug 2023
• Norwegian Embassy in Mali to close Government of Norway 31 Aug 2023 -- On 30 June, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution terminating the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) , and requesting MINUSMA to start the withdrawal process, to be completed by the end of the year.
• The UN Interim Force in Lebanon plays a critical role in maintaining peace and stability: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 31 Aug 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Lebanon.

News Reports

• Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Georgia Election Interference VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- Former U.S. president Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to allegations that he illegally tried to upend his 2020 election loss in the southern state of Georgia. He also waived his scheduled arraignment in the case that had been set for next week.
• Two Leaders of the Proud Boys Sentenced to 17 and 15 Years in Prison on Seditious Conspiracy and Other Charges Related to U.S. Capitol Breach US Dept. of Justice 31 Aug 2023 -- Two former leaders of the Proud Boys organization were sentenced today for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes necessary to certify the 2020 presidential election.
• Man Pleads Guilty to Election-Related Threat Toward Georgia Public Officials US Dept. of Justice 31 Aug 2023 -- A Texas man pleaded guilty today in the Northern District of Georgia to posting a message online threatening several Georgia public officials following the 2020 election.
• Man Pleads Guilty to Making Threats to Arizona State Election Official US Dept. of Justice 31 Aug 2023 -- An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to sending threatening communications to an election official with the Arizona Secretary of State's Office.
• U.S. and International Partners Release Report on Russian Cyber Actors Using "Infamous Chisel" Malware CISA 31 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Agency (NSA), and agencies in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and New Zealand today published a joint report on a malware campaign conducted by Russian cyber actors against the Ukrainian military.
• Refusal to waive IP rights for COVID-19 vaccines violates human rights: Experts UN News 31 Aug 2023 -- UN rights experts called on States in the global North on Thursday to forgo intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in the name of human rights.
• Regional Bloc Calls for 'Return of Constitutional Order' in Gabon VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- The Central African regional bloc ECCAS Thursday condemned the use of force to resolve political conflicts as it called for a rapid return to constitutional order in Gabon.
• China calls for peace, order to be restored in Gabon while West expresses concerns over self-interest Global Times 31 Aug 2023 -- After media reported that a group of senior military officers in Gabon seized power on Wednesday, some Western countries condemned the military coup. The coup in Gabon, which comes a month after Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum was taken hostage by the troops of presidential guard, showed that the overall influence of Western countries, which have been promoting political system reforms and governance models in Africa, have largely failed, some Chinese experts said.
• Gabonese military declare coup, Brice Oligui Nguema named as transition leader People's Daily 31 Aug 2023 -- Brice Oligui Nguema, commander-in-chief of the Gabonese Republican Guard, was named as the transition leader of the central African country on Wednesday night following a coup.
• Niger's military rulers orders police to kick out French ambassador after ultimatum Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- Niger's military rulers have revoked the diplomatic immunity of France's ambassador and ordered police to expel him from the African country, according to a statement.
• Niger Leadership Reportedly Suspends UN, NGO Work in Military Zones Sputnik 31 Aug 2023 -- The government of Niger, currently under command of military leadership, announced Thursday that the work of international organizations and UN agencies is prohibited in the areas of military operations.
• Coups only make crises worse: Guterres UN News 31 Aug 2023 -- Highlighting the "succession of military coups" unfolding across Africa, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday emphasized the need for durable democratic governance and the rule of law.
• Experts: Democracy Failing in Africa Due to Poor Governance VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- As Nigeria joined a growing number of nations criticizing Africa's latest coup, this time in Gabon, experts said Thursday that democracy is endangered on the continent because elected leaders are failing to deliver.
• Meeting on the socioeconomic development of the Krasnoyarsk Territory President of Russia 31 Aug 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting on the socioeconomic development of the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answer to a media question at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan, Moscow, August 31, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Aug 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's interview with ANSA Italian news agency Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Aug 2023
• Moscow says Russia will deepen relations with North Korea Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- Russia says it will further deepen its bilateral relations with North Korea as the United States expresses concerns about advancing alleged arms negotiations between Moscow and Pyongyang.
• Russia, North Korea Maintain Good Relations, Contacts Occur at Various Levels - Kremlin Sputnik 31 Aug 2023 -- Russia and North Korea maintain good mutually respectful relations, and contacts occur at various levels, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday. Peskov was asked to comment on statements from the US about exchange of letters between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
• Joint Statement on Russia's continued pursuit of weapons from the DPRK UK FCDO 31 Aug 2023 -- The United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea have issued a joint statement following Russia's negotiation of potential deals with North Korea for significant quantities and multiple types of munitions, to be used against Ukraine.
• MFA statement on closing of Polish Consular Agency in Smolensk Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Aug 2023 -- A ceremony was held on 31 August to close the Consular Agency in Smolensk.
• Russian-German National Arrested for Illegally Exporting to Russia Sensitive U.S.-Sourced Microelectronics with Military Applications in Violation of U.S. Export Controls US Dept. of Justice 31 Aug 2023 -- Arthur Petrov, 33, a dual Russian-German citizen who has resided in Russia and Cyprus, is charged by criminal complaint, unsealed today, with export control violations, smuggling, wire fraud, and money laundering offenses based on his alleged participation in an ongoing scheme to procure U.S.-sourced microelectronics subject to U.S. export controls on behalf of a Russia-based supplier of critical electronics components for manufacturers supplying weaponry and other equipment to the Russian military.
• Books To Boots: Critics Say New Russian History Textbook Is Propaganda, Preparation For War RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- As schools across Russia and the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine prepare for the start of the school year on September 1, some 650,000 copies of a brand-new history textbook for students in 11th grade - the final year of high school - are being distributed.
• A Man's Hobby Becomes a Crucial Tool in Global Efforts to Enforce Sanctions on Russia VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- It started as one man's hobby, but watching Russian cargo ships on the Bosphorus Strait and spotting those that are busting sanctions by carrying illegal cargo from occupied ports in Ukraine has become a crucial resource for global media and others who monitor compliance.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on August 31, 2023 PRC MofA 31 Aug 2023
• China, US trade ministers to meet at least once a year, talk directly on 'key matters': MOFCOM Global Times 31 Aug 2023 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has given a further explanation on the results of the latest trade talks amid US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's visit to China, saying the two nations' trade ministers have agreed to meet at least once a year, and will talk directly on "key issues" in a prompt, timely manner.
• China, US trade ministers to maintain regulator communication, talk directly over 'important matters': MOFCOM Global Times 31 Aug 2023 -- China and the US have agreed to establish a multi-level communication mechanism to strengthen talks on economic and trade affairs, and Chinese Minister Wang Wentao and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo agreed to maintain regular communication, discuss important issues directly in a timely manner, and meet at least once a year, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
• China to hold BRI summit in October, celebrating the initiative's 10th anniversary: FM Global Times 31 Aug 2023 -- The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) will be held in Beijing in October, China's Foreign Ministry (FM) announced during a regular press conference on Thursday, with 2023 marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• HRW Says China Continues To Crush The Rights Of Uyghurs, Turkic Muslims RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said that China is continuing to violate the rights of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in its northwestern region of Xinjiang, saying the offenses constitute crimes against humanity.
• China Issues New Requirements for Religious Groups VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- New measures handed down by the Chinese Communist Party that it says will strengthen the regulation and management of religious venues appear to be further restrictions on religious freedom and go into effect Friday.
• Safe-as-houses Country Garden posts record loss Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- Long considered safer than its embattled property-developer rivals, Chinese property developer Country Garden has revealed a record U.S.$6.7 billion loss for the first six months of this year.
• China cuts down payments, mortgage rates, aiming to further boost sector's sustainable development Global Times 31 Aug 2023 -- China's top financial regulators on Thursday issued a notice to lower down payments for both first- and second-time homebuyers, while further cutting interest rates on existing mortgages, aiming to better meet housing demand and promote the healthy and steady development of the real estate market.
• China jails economics professor who highlighted government's personnel costs Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- A Chinese court on Thursday handed down a four-and-a-half-year jail term to an outspoken economics professor who had estimated the high personnel costs of the Chinese government, finding him guilty of "incitement to subvert state power," according to rights website.
• Crisis in China's 'Shadow Banking' Sector Leads to Defaults VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- A growing crisis in China's "shadow banking" sector is threatening further damage to an economy reeling from multiple problems, even as a new report questions the ability of the government in Beijing to come to the rescue via fiscal stimulus.
• China's State Council appoints, removes officials People's Daily 31 Aug 2023 -- The State Council, China's cabinet, announced the appointment and removal of several officials on Wednesday.
• Pursuing Taiwan unification high on Xi's third term agenda: MND CNA 31 Aug 2023 -- Pursuing unification with Taiwan is likely to be high on the agenda during Chinese President Xi Jinping's (習近平) third five-year term that began earlier this year, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a new report.
• Only DPP firmly defends Taiwan's sovereignty: VP Lai CNA 31 Aug 2023 -- Vice President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential nominee Lai Ching-te (賴清德) sought to assure voters in Taiwan that the DPP is the best choice to maintain the country's sovereignty and democracy during a party meeting in Taipei on Thursday.
• US 'keeps creating tension' over Taiwan with new arms funding Global Times 31 Aug 2023 -- The US intends to keep creating the tension of the Taiwan question to provoke China rather than to ease the tension, analysts said on Thursday, as US President Joe Biden's administration has approved a military transfer to the island of Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing, or FMF, which is normally used for sovereign states.
• US approves first arms to Taiwan under foreign aid program amid rising tensions with China Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- US President Joe Biden's administration has approved its first-ever arms aid to Taiwan under a foreign military assistance program typically used for sovereign nations, infuriating China which views the self-ruled island as part of its territory.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Aug. 31, 2023 ROC MND 31 Aug 2023
• Mainland's Taiwan affairs official meets with KMT vice chairman People's Daily 31 Aug 2023 -- Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, on Wednesday met with Andrew Hsia, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, in the city of Yuncheng, Shanxi Province.
• South Korea issues unilateral sanctions on North Korean firm, 5 individuals Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- South Korea on Friday imposed unilateral sanctions on a North Korean company and five individuals involved in illicit financing for weapons of mass destruction programs in an effort to curtail Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions, which have posed threats to the United States and its regional allies.
• US issues sanctions over North Korean missile program Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned two individuals and a company accused of helping the North Korean regime raise funds for its ballistic missile program, according to a statement released on Thursday.
• Designating Two Individuals and One Entity in Response to the DPRK's Failed Satellite Launch US Dept. of State 31 Aug 2023 -- The United States is today imposing sanctions on two individuals and one entity that have engaged in revenue generation activities that support the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. We are taking this action in close coordination with the Republic of Korea and Japan.
• Treasury Targets Individuals and Entity Supporting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Weapons of Mass Destruction Program US Treasury 31 Aug 2023 -- In coordination with the Republic of Korea and Japan, the United States sanctioned two individuals and one entity—Jon Jin Yong, Sergey Mikhaylovich Kozlov, and Intellekt LLC—involved in generating revenue for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) unlawful development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles. Today's action by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is being taken in response to the DPRK's August 23 attempted launch of a reconnaissance satellite into orbit, marking its second failed attempt to do so in three months.
• North Korea's ballistic missile launches on 30 August 2023: FCDO statement UK FCDO 31 Aug 2023 -- Following the ballistic missile launches by North Korea on 30 August 2023, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office released a statement.
• Official Notice on Convening Session of DPRK SPA Issued KCNA 31 Aug 2023 -- The 9th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK will be convened here on September 26, Juche 112 (2023).
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Training Command Post of KPA General Staff KCNA 31 Aug 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 (DPRK), visited the training command post of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on August 29 to learn about the state of the command drill involving the whole army.
• Plenary Meeting of DPRK SPA Standing Committee Held KCNA 31 Aug 2023 -- The 27th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Wednesday.
• Session of DPRK SPA to Be Convened KCNA 31 Aug 2023 -- The 9th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK will be convened here on September 26, Juche 112 (2023).
• Campaign for Preventing Natural Disasters Brisk in DPRK KCNA 31 Aug 2023 -- Ryanggang Province of the DPRK directs efforts to protecting people and national wealth from natural disasters, true to the Party's policy on establishing a well-regulated state crisis management system.
• Iran's Army is self-sufficient in defense equipment: Cmdr. IRNA 31 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi has said that Iran's Army in supplying defense equipment enjoys self-sufficiency and it is not dependent on any foreign country.
• Iran enjoys domestic air defense system: Commander IRNA 31 Aug 2023 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force enjoys domestic systems and does not require the knowledge of other countries, the Iranian army commander says.
• Sabotage attacks cannot stop Iran nuclear program: AEOI chief IRNA 31 Aug 2023 -- Iran's nuclear program cannot be stopped by military attacks or sanctions, says Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami.
• Iran foils 'biggest' sabotage plot against its defense industry Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- Iranian intelligence forces have thwarted a complicated sabotage plot against the country's defense industry.
• FM: Iran to continue strongly supporting Lebanon's govt., nation Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has highlighted the country's close and friendly relations with Lebanon, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic will continue to strongly support the Lebanese government and nation.
• Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal dismissed by junta's high court Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- An appeal filed by lawyers for Aung San Suu Kyi has been rejected by the military junta's Supreme Court - a decision that comes a month after a junta pardon reduced her total prison sentence from 33 years to 27 years.
• Junta arrests 11 civilians in Myanmar's Kachin state Radio Free Asia 31 Aug 2023 -- Junta troops have arrested 11 people in a raid on Myitkyina township in Myanmar's Kachin state, locals told RFA Thursday.
• EU Must Rethink Africa Policy After Military Takeovers in Niger, Gabon - Borrell Sputnik 31 Aug 2023 -- The European Union must review its policy towards the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea following twin military takeovers in Niger and Gabon, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday.
• Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 Aug 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Informal Foreign Affairs Council (Gymnich): Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 Aug 2023 -- Check against delivery!
• Iran FM meets with resistance leaders in Lebanon Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has held an extended meeting with the leaders of the Palestinian resistance movements of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad during a sojourn in Lebanon.
• In a volte-face, PA backs Saudi-Israeli normalization on conditions: Report Press TV 31 Aug 2023 -- The Palestinian Authority (PA) has reportedly announced its conditions for backing any potential normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, despite rejecting the previous agreements between the occupying regime and some Arab states.
• Between Russia, China, And A Warming World: Central Asia's State Of Play RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- Speakers at a conference dedicated to Central Asia this week struggled to find good things to say about the region -- or at least enough good to rival all of the bad.
• Experts Warn of Shrinking Civic Space as BRICS Expands Membership VOA 31 Aug 2023 -- Some analysts warn that the choice of countries selected for induction into the BRICS bloc suggests the grouping as a whole may be headed on a path toward decreased tolerance for public dissent and debate.
• A Common BRICS Currency To Challenge The U.S. Dollar? 'A Very Far-Fetched Notion,' Expert Says RFE/RL 31 Aug 2023 -- The BRICS bloc, a group of developing countries seen as seeking to counter the United States and the West, agreed at a summit last week to admit six new countries -- Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Zimbabwe election 2023: UK Minister for Africa's statement UK FCDO 31 Aug 2023 -- Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell gave a statement following the Zimbabwe elections.
• The humanitarian community in Haiti is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of violence UNOCHA 31 Aug 2023 -- The humanitarian community in Haiti seeks the mobilization of the international community as the country witnesses the continued escalation of violence perpetrated by armed groups in Port-au-Prince and in Artibonite.