• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Exclusive: US Drone Flights Limited Since Niger Coup VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Two U.S. officials have told VOA that military drone flights from bases in Niger have been "limited" since the July coup, a restriction experts believe is likely hindering the international counterterrorism mission in West Africa.
• U.S. Shifting Forces Inside Niger, Pentagon Official Says DoD News 07 Sep 2023 -- U.S. forces based in Niger are shifting from Airport 101 near the capital of Niamey to Airport 201 in Agadez, Pentagon officials announced today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 07 Sep 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Trilateral Phone Call with Japan and Republic of Korea DoD 07 Sep 2023
• Matching China Means Letting U.S. Industry Iterate, Develop Technologies DoD News 07 Sep 2023 -- The best way for the U.S. to meet the pacing challenge posed by China is to let U.S. industry do what it does best: develop new technologies. The government's role there, said the deputy under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, is to create the best conditions possible to allow those technologies to scale.
• Growth in Partnerships Signals U.S. Success in Indo-Pacific DoD News 07 Sep 2023 -- The increased appetite among allies and partners to participate in multinational exercises throughout the Indo-Pacific is a key indicator that the United States' strategy in the region is paying off, said Gen. Charles A. Flynn, commander of U.S. Army Pacific.
• Hicks Discusses Replicator Initiative DoD News 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States military must capitalize on the country's greatest asset - the unparalleled innovation of its people, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said yesterday.
• Wargaming Towards Victory in the Indo-Pacific USMC News 07 Sep 2023 -- Three years into Force Design 2030, the United States Marine Corps has evolved into a leaner, more agile force designed to fight and win against the nation's stated adversaries, with a strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific.
• Pentagon Nixes Test of First-Ever US Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- Seeking to catch up to Russia and China, the Pentagon's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon has a reported range of over 1,725 miles and travels at roughly five times the speed of sound.
• USAFE-AFAFRICA demonstrates breakthrough mobile MQ-9A satellite launch, recovery package US Air Force 07 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa achieved a significant technological proof of concept for the MQ-9A Reaper's Satellite Launch and Recovery Package, or SLR-P, at the 12th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Air Base in Mirosławiec.
• USS Shiloh Departs Yokosuka, Japan After 17 Years of Forward-Deployed Service US Navy 07 Sep 2023 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) departed Yokosuka, Japan, on Sept. 5 to transit to its new homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of a planned rotation of forces in the Pacific.
• Navy Accepts Upgraded E-6B Mercury, Delivering Enhanced Capabilities to the Fleet US Navy 07 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Navy in June accepted the first E-6B Mercury upgraded by Northrop Grumman Corp. in Lake Charles, Louisiana, delivering enhanced airborne strategic communication capabilities to the warfighter.
• Electronic Attack Systems Program Using Digital Twins to Impact Naval Aviation US Navy 07 Sep 2023 -- Naval Air Systems Command's Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office is turning to digital technology to improve readiness, explore new capabilities and expedite training.
• Cooperation Across DOD, Private Sector Critical Amid Emerging Cyber Threats DoD News 07 Sep 2023 -- Maintaining a robust defense against emerging cyberthreats requires collaboration and cooperation throughout the Defense Department and across industry partners, a top Pentagon information security executive said today.
• Washington National Guard, Royal Thai Army Share Experience Army News 07 Sep 2023 -- The Washington National Guard and Washington Emergency Management Division were recently activated for fire support; a Royal Thai Army Civil Affairs Division delegation visited Camp Murray to conduct a Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief subject matter expert exchange.
• Wargaming Towards Victory in the Indo-Pacific USMC News 07 Sep 2023 -- Three years into Force Design 2030, the United States Marine Corps has evolved into a leaner, more agile force designed to fight and win against the nation's stated adversaries, with a strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific.
• USS Shiloh Departs Yokosuka, Japan After 17 Years of Forward-Deployed Service US Navy 07 Sep 2023 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) departed Yokosuka, Japan, on Sept. 5 to transit to its new homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of a planned rotation of forces in the Pacific.
• Deputy Secretary General reaffirms NATO's close partnership with Israel NATO 07 Sep 2023 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană is visiting Israel this week to meet with Israeli leaders and high-level officials.
• NATO Secretary General meets Ms Osmani of Kosovo to discuss tensions in northern Kosovo NATO 07 Sep 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Ms Vjosa Osmani of Kosovo at NATO Headquarters on Thursday (7 September 2023) to discuss the recent tensions in the north of Kosovo and the importance of NATO's KFOR peacekeeping mission under its UN mandate.
• NATO Expects Members to Increase Defense Spending by Over 8% This Year Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- NATO expects its member states to increase their defense spending by more than 8% this year, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday.
• NATO Chief Says No Sign Drone Debris In Romania Was Result Of 'Intentional Attack By Russia' RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- NATO has no information that the drone debris found on the territory of alliance member Romania was caused by a deliberate Russian attack, NATO's secretary-general has said.
• Biden Administration Announces Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine DoD 07 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a new security assistance package to support Ukraine's battlefield needs and demonstrate unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine. This package provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) includes equipment to augment Ukraine's air defenses, artillery munitions, and other capabilities.
• US Sends Another $600M in Military Aid to Ukraine VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States is providing up to $600 million in additional military aid for Ukraine, in a package that includes weapons for air defense, artillery munitions and other capabilities.
• U.S. announces 1 bln USD in new aid for Ukraine as Blinken visits Kiev People's Daily 07 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Department of State announced 1 billion U.S. dollars in new aid for Ukraine on Wednesday while Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit to Kiev to show support.
• Pentagon Unveils New $600Mln Ukraine Package, Includes Equipment to Augment Air Defenses Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States announced a new $600 million security package for Ukraine to include munitions in addition to equipment augmenting air defenses, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said on Thursday.
• NATO Secretary General at the European Parliament: we must support Ukraine for as long as it takes NATO 07 Sep 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Members of the European Parliament on Thursday (7 September 2023), welcoming progress in NATO-EU cooperation and stressing the importance of supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. He took part in a meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE).
• Zelenskyy Praises Military Units, but Slow Counteroffensive Could Hamper US Aid VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday lauded three military units for "very, very effective" action against Russian troops on the front in eastern and southern Ukraine as part of Kyiv's counteroffensive.
• Russia Objects to US Supply of Depleted Uranium Rounds to Ukraine VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Russia is criticizing a new U.S. aid package for Ukraine that includes depleted uranium tank ammunition, saying the decision to send the rounds "is a clear sign of inhumanity."
• US to provide controversial depleted uranium weapons to Ukraine Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States says it is sending depleted uranium ammunition to Kiev, despite global concerns about serious health problems caused by such ammunition.
• US aircraft spies on China before military drill in East China Sea Global Times 07 Sep 2023 -- The US sent a spy plane to China's coastal region for close-in reconnaissance just hours before the launch of a Chinese military exercise in the East China Sea on Wednesday, a move experts said on Thursday was provocative and could have led to misjudgments.
• Proposed Naval Drills Signal Closer Military Cooperation Among Moscow, Beijing, Pyongyang VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- South Korean officials say North Korea has likely been invited to join Russia and China for the first time in trilateral naval exercises that experts see as a response to the newly cemented strategic cooperation among South Korea, Japan and the United States.
• Aussie lightning strikes in Japan Australia DOD 07 Sep 2023 -- A warm welcome greeted 75 Squadron on arrival at Komatsu Air Base in Japan for the bilateral air combat activity Exercise Bushido Guardian.
• North Korea warns of underwater nuke attack as new submarine unveiled Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a fresh warning to the U.S. and its allies of a preemptive underwater nuclear strike, as he commissioned the authoritarian state's first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine" into waters that divide the Koreas and Japan.
• INS SUMEDHA AT ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT FOR EX- BRIGHT STAR- 23 India PIB 07 Sep 2023 -- INS Sumedha arrived at Port Alexandria, Egypt on 06 September 2023 to participate in 'Exercise BRIGHT STAR- 23'
• DELIVERY OF SECOND ACTCM BARGE, LSAM 16 (YARD 126) India PIB 07 Sep 2023 -- Contract for construction and delivery of Eleven Ammunition Barges was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, a MSME, in consonance with "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives of the Government of India
• The Design Workshop of the Multi-Year Program "Ascent" (Ma'alot) Israel Defense Forces 07 Sep 2023
• £90 million contract equips Armed Forces with advanced new rifle UK MOD 07 Sep 2023 -- British troops will soon be more lethal on the battlefield, as a new £90 million contract delivers modern, high precision rifles.
• Saeima approves the participation of the National Armed Forces in the international operation in Kosovo until the end of 2025 Latvia MOD 07 Sep 2023 -- On Thursday, 7 September, the Saeima approved the participation of the National Armed Forces in NATO's international operation in Kosovo until 31 December 2025.
• Defence Minister Martin Sklenár at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.: SVK-U.S. defence cooperation continues with generational replacement of Slovak Armed Forces equipment Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 07 Sep 2023 -- As part of his official visit to the United States of America, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár held a bilateral meeting with Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., today (Thursday 7 September 2023). The main themes of the bilateral agenda were SVK-U.S. defence cooperation, assistance to Ukraine defending itself against Russia's aggression, and the strengthening of the Alliance's Eastern Flank.
• First F-16 Block 70 fighter jet for Slovakia is built, others are in the process of production at Lockheed Martin's Greenville site Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 07 Sep 2023 -- On Wednesday 6 September 2023, Defence Minister Martin Sklenár visited Lockheed Martin's Greenville site in South Carolina, the home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon production line, where the first F-16 Block 70 aircraft carrying the Slovak national emblem and the emblem of the Slovak Air Force was officially unveiled and presented to the SVK MOD delegation.
• Poland's Defense Spending Quadruples to $36Bln Since 2015 Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- Poland's defense spending has quadrupled to 155 billion zlotys ($36 billion) since 2015, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Thursday.
• Two People Killed While Trying to Infiltrate French Base in Chad - Source Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- Two people were killed and about 15 were injured while trying to enter the French military base in the Chadian city of Faya-Largeau after the incident with the death of a soldier, a local informed source told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• Telephone conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Sep 2023 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephone conversation on Thursday, September 7, at the initiative of the American side, on the consequences for Romania of the Russian attacks on Ukrainian river ports.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Romanian Foreign Minister Odobescu US Dept. of State 07 Sep 2023
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Trilateral Meeting with President Marcos of the Philippines and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Ethiopia The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Letters to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Ethiopia The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Readout of Vice President Harris's Participation in the East Asia Summit The White House 07 Sep 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 7, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 7 September 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Sep 2023
• The Security Council must continue to ensure UN peacekeeping is fit for modern challenges: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 07 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on UN peacekeeping.
• Growing national divisions 'a formidable challenge' to UN peacekeeping UN News 07 Sep 2023 -- The head of peace operations on Thursday underscored the need for stronger, more consistent and unified support from Member States for the UN to achieve its key peacekeeping goals.
• Taliban Sell Afghanistan's Mines Despite Sanctions VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- The Taliban, facing international sanctions and a dire economic outlook at home, have intensified efforts to leverage Afghanistan's vast natural resources.
• Army strikes in Sudan's Omdurman leaves at least 32 killed Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- An airstrike by the Sudanese army in the Ombada neighborhood in western Omdurman left at least 32 civilians killed and dozens injured, says an activist group, as violence continues unabated across the African country.
• Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on President Abbas' remarks on Jews and anti-Semitism European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Sep 2023 -- The speech delivered by President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas to Fatah's 11th Revolutionary Council in late August contained false and grossly misleading remarks about Jews and anti-Semitism.
• Bahrain stabbed Palestine in back: Hamas says after Israeli embassy inauguration Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- The Hamas resistance movement has condemned Bahrain's recent move to allow the opening of the Israeli embassy in Manama as "a stab in the back" of the Palestinians.
• OIC slams Papua New Guinea's embassy in occupied al-Quds as 'unlawful' Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned Papua New Guinea's decision to open an embassy in the occupied city of al-Quds, stressing that the step is unlawful and constitutes a violation of international law as well as relevant UN resolutions.
• Revolt Halted, but US-Backed Forces Still Face Challenges in Eastern Syria VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Kurdish-led Syrian forces have announced the end of a weeklong operation in eastern Syria to put down an attempted revolt by elements of a local affiliate, though analysts say the U.S.-backed group still faces major challenges in the Arab-majority region.
• Canada Shows Scant Interest in Bringing Home IS Fighters VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Canadian officials have so far shown little interest in repatriating any of the Canadian nationals still imprisoned among the former Islamic State fighters in Kurdish-run prisons in Syria, illustrating the wider problem confronting their U.S.-backed captors.
• Kyrgyzstan Faces Challenges In Repatriating Islamic State Women, Children From Syrian Camps RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- Kyrgyzstan recently repatriated 95 wives and children of Kyrgyz Islamic State (IS) militants from Syria, in the second such operation this year.
• Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Shutdown Stalls Trade Convoys VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Pakistan's main border crossing with landlocked Afghanistan was closed for a second day Thursday after deadly clashes between security forces from the two countries.
• Junta troops kill 7 defense force members in Sagaing region raid Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- Seven members of a local defense force were killed during a raid by junta troops on a Sagaing region base, a People's Defense Force information officer told Radio Free Asia.
• Two years on, Myanmar's resistance is a formidable adversary to the junta Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- Two years after Myanmar's National Unity Government called for armed rebellion against the leaders of a coup, anti-junta forces are well-organized and making gains against the country's military, the head of the shadow administration said Thursday.
• Iran rejects Japanese-Arab statement, says Persian Gulf islands its 'eternal territory' Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has censured a joint statement from the ministerial meeting of Arab-Japan Political Dialogue about Abu Musa, the Greater Tunb, and the Lesser Tunb, emphasizing that the three islands in the Persian Gulf are an eternal part of the Iranian territory.
• In a first, Vietnam admits government accountability in Dak Lak attacks Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- State mismanagement was among the causes of deadly attacks on government facilities in Vietnam's Dak Lak province, a top security minister said, in the first official acknowledgement that reasons other than "incitement" by hostile forces were to blame for the incident.
• Armenia's Pashinian Accuses Azerbaijan Of Troop Buildup On Border RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has accused Azerbaijan of concentrating forces near the border between the two countries amid a fresh spike in tensions between the longtime rivals.
• Ethiopia Arrests 3 Journalists Under New State of Emergency VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Three journalists have been arrested in Ethiopia in the month since the government declared a state of emergency in early August.

News Reports

• Former Trump Trade Adviser Convicted of Contempt of Congress VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Former trade adviser Peter Navarro was found guilty Thursday of contempt of Congress for not complying with a subpoena from the House of Representatives committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
• Press Release: Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Foreign Interference in or Undermining Public Confidence in United States Elections The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Letters to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Foreign Interference in or Undermining Public Confidence in United States Elections The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Ukraine, US Intelligence Suggest Russia Cyber Efforts Evolving, Growing VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Russia's cyber operations may not have managed to land the big blow that many Western officials feared following Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but Ukrainian cyber officials caution Moscow has not stopped trying.
• U.S., U.K. Impose New Sanctions Against Russian Hacking Group RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States and Britain have expanded sanctions on members of a Russian hacking gang known as Trickbot, targeting people involved in management and procurement for the group.
• Designating Members of the Russia-Based Trickbot Cybercrime Network US Dept. of State 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom, is taking action today against the Trickbot group, a Russia-based cybercrime network that has targeted the U.S. Government and U.S. companies, including hospitals.
• United States and United Kingdom Sanction Additional Members of the Russia-Based Trickbot Cybercrime Gang US Treasury 07 Sep 2023 -- Today, the United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom, sanctioned eleven individuals who are part of the Russia-based Trickbot cybercrime group. Russia has long been a safe haven for cybercriminals, including the Trickbot group. Today's action was taken by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is concurrently unsealing indictments against nine individuals in connection with the Trickbot malware and Conti ransomware schemes, including seven of the individuals designated today.
• UK sanctions members of Russian cybercrime gang UK FCDO 07 Sep 2023 -- UK sanctions members of Russian cybercrime gang responsible for attacks on hospitals and critical infrastructure.
• US, Britain Sanction 11 Linked to Russian Cybercrime Group VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States and Britain on Thursday sanctioned 11 people who were part of the Russia-based Trickbot cybercrime hacking group, accusing it of targeting critical government infrastructure and businesses, along with hospitals, during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Multiple Foreign Nationals Charged in Connection with Trickbot Malware and Conti Ransomware Conspiracies US Dept. of Justice 07 Sep 2023 -- Three indictments in three different federal jurisdictions have been unsealed charging multiple Russian cybercrime actors involved in the Trickbot malware and Conti ransomware schemes.
• Britain Vows to Find Terror Suspect Who Escaped London Jail VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- The United Kingdom pledged on Thursday to find the former army soldier suspected of terrorism who escaped from prison by hiding under a food delivery van.
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Letters to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Letters to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks The White House 07 Sep 2023
• Gabon Military Junta Frees Ousted President, Creates Transitional Constitutional Council VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Gabon military leader General Brice Oligui Nguema says former president Ali Bongo, who was toppled in an August 30 coup, has been freed from house arrest.
• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press conference at ASEAN UN Secretary-General 07 Sep 2023
• Secretary-General's remarks at the ASEAN-UN Summit UN Secretary-General 07 Sep 2023
• UN chief hails SE Asia for vital role 'building bridges of understanding' UN News 07 Sep 2023 -- Amid rising geopolitical tension, Southeast Asia is fulfilling a "vital role in building bridges of understanding" worldwide said the UN chief on Thursday.
• Indonesia's Widodo Implores US, China, Russia to Avoid 'New Wars' VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Amid sharpened geopolitical rivalry between the United States, China and Russia, Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivered a forceful call for leaders to ease tensions and avoid conflict in the region.
• Meeting with Head of the Republic of Mordovia Artem Zdunov President of Russia 07 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Head of the Republic of Mordovia Artem Zdunov in the Kremlin to discuss the socioeconomic development of the region.
• Press release on the participation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the 18th East Asia Summit Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Sep 2023
• Remarks by the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Ryabkov at the Regional seminar "Strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime", Bishkek, September 7, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Sep 2023
• Readout of Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force Deputies Meeting US Dept. of Justice 07 Sep 2023 -- Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Marshall Miller and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo convened deputies of the REPO Task Force to enhance sanctions enforcement efforts and bolster ongoing oligarch asset forfeiture initiatives.
• READOUT: Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Deputies Meeting US Treasury 07 Sep 2023 -- Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo and Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Marshall Miller convened Deputies of the REPO Task Force to enhance sanctions enforcement efforts and bolster ongoing oligarch asset forfeiture initiatives.
• U.S., U.K. Call For Kremlin Critic's Release As He Spends Second Birthday Behind Bars RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States and United Kingdom have strongly condemned the "politically motivated" case against Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza as he spent a second birthday in detention after being moved to a new prison that has not been disclosed.
• Moscow, Dhaka Discuss Russian LNG, Oil Supplies to Bangladesh - Lavrov Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- Moscow and Dhaka are discussing practical aspects of establishing regular large-scale supplies of liquefied natural gas and oil to Bangladesh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 7, 2023 PRC MofA 07 Sep 2023
• Xi's Absence at G20 Summit Both Missed Opportunity and Tactic, Analysts Say VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Analysts say that when the G20 summit kicks off in New Dehli Saturday, the absence of China's leader Xi Jinping is likely to overshadowefforts to address pressing global issues such as climate change and Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the US's Unwarranted Accusations Against China at the East Asia Summit PRC MofA 07 Sep 2023
• Report: China Using AI to Mess With US Voters VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- China is turning to artificial intelligence to rile up U.S. voters and stoke divisions ahead of the country's 2024 presidential elections, according to a new report.
• Chinese Premier May Attend Indonesia's Showcase Rail Debut VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- A Chinese-financed high-speed rail project is set for a showcase trial run Friday — coinciding with this week's ASEAN summit with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in attendance — unless a series of setbacks that have plagued the project force another delay.
• Hong Kong leader's 'public' meetings lack criticism of his policies Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- Hong Kong leader John Lee has been holding "public consultation" meetings ahead of his annual policy address in October, with one catch - nobody who attends appears to take issue with government policy or criticize his performance.
• UN labor organization discussed forced labor during Xinjiang visit Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- A delegation from the U.N.'s International Labor Organization made an unannounced visit to China's Xinjiang region last week, saying it discussed the issue of Uyghur forced labor but drawing criticism from rights groups that said it should have consulted with them beforehand.
• 'Hurting the feelings of the Chinese people' could be punished by jail time Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- -- "Hurting the feelings of the Chinese people." It's a stock phrase frequently used by Chinese officials and state media to criticize speech or actions by outsiders that Beijing disapproves of. But now it could be turned against the Chinese people themselves.
• The Controversial Company That Opened The Door For China's Growing Influence in Georgia RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- A stint several years ago by the Georgian prime minister as an adviser to a controversial Chinese company has caught the attention of Western observers as Georgian-Chinese ties continue to tighten.
• Representatives from over 90 countries confirm participation in 3rd Belt and Road Forum: FM Global Times 07 Sep 2023 -- Representatives from more than 90 countries have confirmed their participation in the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), which will be held in Beijing in October, Mao Ning, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a press conference on Thursday.
• China widens ban on iPhones among government officials Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- Chinese authorities have reportedly banned the use of foreign-made electronics including Apple's iPhone for government business, while insisting that ordinary citizens install a government anti-fraud app on their phones amid complaints that it tracks users' activities.
• Huawei Phone Kicks off Debate About US Chip Restrictions VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- It started with an image of U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on her China trip last month, reportedly taken on what the Chinese tech giant Huawei is touting as a breakthrough 5G mobile phone. Within days, fake ad campaigns on Chinese social media were depicting Raimondo as a Huawei brand ambassador promoting the phone.
• China's four largest lenders plan to cut mortgage rates in September to bolster property sector growth Global Times 07 Sep 2023 -- Four state-run banks on Thursday announced adjustments for rules governing first-home mortgage rates, as widely expected by the market, part of the country's ramped-up efforts to bolster the stagnant property sector.
• China's forex reserves drop 1.38% in end August to $3.16 trillion Global Times 07 Sep 2023 -- China's foreign exchange reserves decreased by $44.2 billion to $3.16 trillion as of the end of August 2023, representing a decline of 1.38 percent compared with the end of July.
• Current impasse in drug enforcement cooperation the result of US' arbitrary and unilateral action: Chinese officials Global Times 07 Sep 2023 -- The current impasse in drug enforcement cooperation between China and the US is the result of the arbitrary and unilateral action taken by the US, while China in response is against unilateralism and politicization of drug enforcement cooperation and is keen to review cooperation with the US on the basis of equality and mutual trust, an official of China National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) said on Wednesday.
• Ministry holds meeting with private firms, vows to take new measures to optimize employment Global Times 07 Sep 2023 -- China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security hosted a meeting on Tuesday, aiming to solve enterprises' problems in attracting talent, and aiming to optimize employment and balance the labor-capital relationship. The meeting is part of a series of measures taken by the central government to support private enterprises.
• Meeting with China's Premier Li Qiang Prime Minister of Australia 07 Sep 2023
• Opening Remarks - Bilateral meeting with Premier of the People's Republic of China Prime Minister of Australia 07 Sep 2023
• China's upcoming live-fire military drill unlikely to impact Taiwan: MND CNA 07 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan's defense ministry said Thursday it will closely monitor a planned live-fire military exercise by China later this month off that country's east coast, but the drill is not expected to have any direct impact on Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 7, 2023 ROC MND 07 Sep 2023
• South Korea, China grapple with different priorities amid regional tensions Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- China and South Korea's leaders have met Thursday amid a slightly tense climate, with differing priorities - Seoul emphasizing the need for Beijing's cooperation in the security domain, while Beijing prioritizing economic collaboration.
• Yoon: North Korea's Nuclear Program Is 'Existential Threat' to Indo-Pacific VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- North Korea's nuclear and missile programs pose "an existential threat" to the Indo-Pacific region and a direct threat to regional peace, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Thursday during the East Asia Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Chinese delegation led by non-Politburo-member to visit Pyongyang, state media says Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- China will send a delegation led by a non-Politburo-member to North Korea to take part in the celebration of the country's founding day later this week, a move that may expose its intricate position amid Pyongyang and Moscow's efforts to strengthen military ties with Beijing.
• Chinese Party and Government Delegation to Visit DPRK KCNA 07 Sep 2023 -- On the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), a party and government delegation of the People's Republic of China headed by Liu Guozhong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and vice-premier of the State Council of China, will visit the DPRK to participate in the celebrations of the 75th birthday of the DPRK. -0-
• Iran to Construct 1st Space Navigation Satellite Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- The Iranian Space Research Center is planning to hold a public tender for the construction of its first space navigation satellite, the country's space agency said on Thursday.
• Iran's South Pars development extraordinary amid sanctions: Official IRNA 07 Sep 2023 -- The development of phase 11 of the South Pars gas field is exceptional because the relocation of a platform at Phase 11 of the project helps Iran save nearly $800 million, an Iranian official said.
• Prisoner swap with US unrelated to frozen funds release: Iran rights official Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- Iran's top human rights official says a recent agreement between Tehran and Washington on the exchange of prisoners has nothing to do with the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad.
• Rights Groups Say Iranian Security Forces Killed, Tortured Protesters In Kurdish City RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- Human rights activists say that at least eight people, including a child, were killed in the violent suppression of protests in the western Iranian city of Javanrud, while dozens of others were beaten and arbitrarily detained by security forces.
• Iran backs OPCW-Syria dialog, impartial probe into chemical file Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- Iran's UN envoy says the Islamic Republic backs dialog between Syria and the world's chemical watchdog as well as an impartial probe into alleged chemical incidents in the Arab country towards eventual closure of the country's chemical file.
• Syria FM warns against West attempts to impose will on nations, urges joint Arab action Press TV 07 Sep 2023 -- The Syrian foreign minister has warned that the West seeks to impose its will on other nations, urging Arab countries to take their joint action to put an end to challenges facing the Arab world.
• Syria's chemical weapons remain a threat to international peace and security: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 07 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria Chemical Weapons.
• Belarus Condemned By U.S., EU For Depriving Citizens Abroad Of Fundamental Right RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States and European Union have condemned a decree signed by authoritarian Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka prohibiting the renewal of passports by Belarusians living abroad.
• Condemnation of the Lukashenka Regime's Prohibition on Renewing Passports for Belarusians Abroad US Dept. of State 07 Sep 2023 -- The Lukashenka regime's decision to stop providing overseas passport services harms thousands of Belarusians living abroad and is the latest in a long line of cynical rejections by the regime of its basic obligations to its people.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Prime Minister of Canada 07 Sep 2023
• Netanyahu Implies He Will Not Accept Israeli Supreme Court's Repeal of Judicial Reform Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- Benjamin Netanyahu gave a tacit support to parliamentary speaker Amir Ohana's warning to the country's Supreme Court against interfering with Israel's fundamental laws, in an indication that he would not accept a possible court ruling to repeal one of the clauses of the controversial judicial reform during a hearing next week.
• OSCE Permanent Council No. 1438 Vienna, 7 September 2023 European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Sep 2023 -- EU Statement in Response to the Address by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Ms Pia Kauma
• Malawi and the European Union hold Political Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Sep 2023 -- The Political Dialogue addressed a series of topics relating to priority areas of the EU 2021-2027 Multi-annual Indicative Programme, namely green and resilient economic transformation, democratic and economic governance and human development and social inclusion.
• Interview with Josep Borrell, EU High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Sep 2023
• Georgia: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell upon arrival in the country European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Sep 2023
• As The EU Pushes Georgia To End Political Polarization, The Government Impeaches The President RFE/RL 07 Sep 2023 -- When the European Union cracked open its door to Georgia last year, it made its invitation to formal candidate status conditional on the country reducing the polarization that has long vexed its domestic politics.
• Candlelight Party asks to meet interior minister in attempt to regain status Radio Free Asia 07 Sep 2023 -- Hoping to regain its ability to run in future elections, the main opposition Candlelight Party asked Cambodia's newly appointed interior minister for a meeting to clear a bureaucratic hurdle - reissuing the party's original certificate of registration - that kept it out of July's parliamentary vote.
• Independent Audit of Gazprom's Debt Claims Against Moldovagaz US Dept. of State 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States welcomes the completion of the independent audit commissioned by the government of Moldova and conducted by an outside firm to examine Gazprom's debt claims against Moldovagaz.
• US Considers Eliminating Nigerien Military Leadership - Russia's Foreign Intel Sputnik 07 Sep 2023 -- The United States is considering an option of physically eliminating some African leaders, including representatives of the military leadership in Niger, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Thursday.
• Opposition Parties Reject Nigeria's Presidential Election Court Verdict VOA 07 Sep 2023 -- Opposition parties and their supporters in Nigeria are rejecting Wednesday's judgment by Nigeria's presidential election tribunal that upheld President Bola Tinubu's election. Tinubu's main political rivals asked the court to invalidate February's election, alleging irregularities and fraud.