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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Resumes ISR Flight Operations in Niger DoD News 14 Sep 2023 -- In Niger, the United States has resumed the flying of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as part of its force protection efforts.
• US military resumes drone flights out of Niger bases after coup Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- A top US military commander says Washington has resumed flying drones and other aircraft out of Niger air bases, more than a month after a coup temporarily halted all those activities in the West African country.
• US Gave 'Remote' Help to Somali Military Operation That Killed Civilians VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. military acknowledged providing assistance to a Somali government operation against al-Shabab leaders last week in which five civilians died.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Releases Space Policy Review and Strategy on Protection of Satellites DoD 14 Sep 2023 -- The Department of Defense recently released to Congress a combined response to the Fiscal Year 2022 NDAA requirement for a Space Policy Review and the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA requirement to make publicly available an unclassified strategy for the protection and defense of on-orbit assets.
• Joint Statement on the U.S.-Romanian Bilateral Defense Relationship DoD 14 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Celeste Wallander, met with her Romanian counterpart, Romanian State Secretary for Defense Simona Cojocaru, at the Pentagon today to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues during the annual High-Level Defense Group.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to the Pentagon DoD 14 Sep 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Kingdom of Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa DoD 14 Sep 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III & Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With the Defense Policy Board DoD 14 Sep 2023
• Austin Welcomes Increased Cooperation With Bahrain DoD News 14 Sep 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed increased security ties with Bahrain today in a meeting with the country's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
• Innovation Will Help Shape Future of Military Logistics DoD News 14 Sep 2023 -- Innovation in logistics is key to the nation's ability to deter aggression as it meets new and growing threats, a leader from the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment said on the anniversary of 9/11.
• 15th MEU Completes Exercise Across Southwestern United States USMC News 14 Sep 2023 -- The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted its first exercise as a composited Marine Air-Ground Task Force across the Southwestern U.S., Aug. 17-28, 2023.
• Indo-Pacific commander: US military to seek access to more Philippine bases Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- The United States is seeking access to more bases in the Philippines on top of nine sites already included under an expanded pact, military chiefs said Thursday, amid heightened regional tensions with China.
• Ready to compete, fight, win: AMC, PACAF, AFSOC commanders address AFA attendees US Air Force 14 Sep 2023 -- Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, participated in a panel titled, "Ready to Compete, Fight, and Win in the Indo-Pacific" with Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, and Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, Sept. 13 at the Air and Space Forces Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor.
• 4 Air National Guard locations chosen for next C-130H to C-130J upgrades US Air Force 14 Sep 2023 -- The Department of the Air Force selected 103rd Airlift Wing (Hartford, Connecticut), 120th Airlift Wing (Great Falls, Montana), 133rd Airlift Wing (Minneapolis), and 182nd Airlift Wing (Peoria, Illinois), as the preferred locations to receive C-130J Super Hercules to replace their aging C-130Hs, pending the outcome of environmental assessments.
• USS Shoups' Congressional Visit US Navy 14 Sep 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) had six Congressman tour the ship and meet with the sailors on August 06, 2023.
• Saildrones Set Sail in Support of U.S. 4th Fleet's Operation Windward Stack US Navy 14 Sep 2023 -- Commercial operators began deploying 10 Saildrone Voyager Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) out to sea today, a critical first step in U.S. 4th Fleet's Operation Windward Stack.
• USS Florida arrives in Tromsø US Navy 14 Sep 2023 -- The Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) arrived in Tromsø, Norway for a regularly scheduled visit September 14, 2023.
• MSWG - A focus on Blue Africa and interoperability between partners and NAVAF US Navy 14 Sep 2023 -- Service members from 24 African nations, alongside U.S. Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines, joined together for a Maritime Security Working Group (MSWG) at the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) Headquarters, in Naples, Italy, Sept. 12-14, 2023.
• U.S. and Saudi Arabia Conduct Combined Counter-UAS Exercise CENTCOM 14 Sep 2023 -- Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command, and Gen. Fayyad al-Ruwali, Chief of General Staff, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with other leaders from both militaries, observed the second exercise iteration by the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center. Red Sands 23.2 highlighted the significant progress the two nations have made toward defeating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) that pose a threat from adversaries.
• Iran frowns on US-Armenia 'Eagle Partner' war games Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian considers war games currently underway between the US and Armenia to be counterproductive to solving current tensions in the region.
• Deputy Secretary General welcomes NATO's deepening partnership with Moldova NATO 14 Sep 2023 -- From 14 to 15 September 2023, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană is visiting Chişinău to discuss NATO's deepening partnership with the Republic of Moldova.
• Joint press conference by NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean NATO 14 Sep 2023
• NATO surveillance drone conducts first mission over Finland NATO 14 Sep 2023 -- RAMSTEIN, Germany - On September 13, 2023, a NATO surveillance drone concluded a flight over Finland, the Alliance's newest member. The unmanned aircraft, traveling at high altitudes above Allies' territories and in international airspace, collected data for Allies to support their collective deterrence and defence.
• Norway's Armed Forces Chief Says NATO Running Short of Ammunition Sputnik 14 Sep 2023 -- NATO's ammunition stockpiles are running dangerously low, with demand outstripping supply, head of the Norwegian armed forces Eirik Kristoffersen said on Thursday.
• Northern Fleet arctic grouping arrives at New Siberian Islands Russia MoD 14 Sep 2023 -- The Arctic expeditionary ship grouping of the Northern Fleet, which operates in the Arctic Ocean under the command of Deputy Commander of the Northern Fleet Vice-Admiral Oleg Golubev arrived at the New Siberian Islands archipelago in the Laptev Sea.
• Taiwan defense expo returns after 4-year hiatus; U.S. joins for first time CNA 14 Sep 2023 -- The biennial Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Expo (TADTE) opened Thursday in Taipei, after a four-year break, and for the first time included a United States pavilion.
• Australia's Defence Force leads multinational team to support Nauru Australia DOD 14 Sep 2023 -- As part of Operation Render Safe, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) led a multinational team to safely dispose of dangerous explosive remnants of war on the Pacific island of Nauru.
• ADF successfully completes interoperability training in Indonesia Australia DOD 14 Sep 2023 -- The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has successfully concluded its role as a key participating nation on Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 in Indonesia.
• US approves $5bn sale of top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to South Korea Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- The United States has approved the $5 billion sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to its key regional ally, South Korea.
• UK reiterates support for integrity of Bosnian state during meeting of defence ministers UK MOD 14 Sep 2023 -- The UK has underlined its support for the integrity of the Bosnian state during a meeting today between defence ministers from both countries.
• United States Announces Donation of Helicopters to Zambia Air Force AFRICOM 14 Sep 2023 -- On September 11, the United States announced an $80 million (1.6 billion Kwacha) grant to Zambia that will supply four Bell 412EP helicopters to the Zambia Air Force with three years of service, parts, and training for the helicopters.
• Latvia and Estonia Take a Step Closer to the Historically Largest Investment in Their Air Defence with the Signing of an Umbrella Agreement Latvia MOD 14 Sep 2023 -- On Monday, September 11, in the city of Rötenbach, Germany, Latvian Defence Minister Inara Murniece and Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur signed the umbrella agreement on the purchase of the IRIS-T medium-range air defence system manufactured by the German company Diehl Defence.
• Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in his political statement to parliament: We must continue to stand together for Estonia's foreign policy and security Estonia MFA 14 Sep 2023 -- Today 14 September, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna made a political statement at the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), emphasising that the main task of Estonia's foreign policy is to make sure with our Allies and partners that Russia ends its aggression in Ukraine and compensates the damage it has caused.
• The Nordic and Baltic security policy directors meet in Riga Latvia MFA 14 Sep 2023 -- On 14 September 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting of the directors of security policy departments from the Nordic countries and Baltic States (Nordic-Baltic Eight, NB8), who had gathered to discuss topical issues of regional security, NATO and the European Union.
• Vietnam, US Upgrade Partnership; Activists Critique Silence on Human Rights VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- Hanoi and Washington have announced an upgrade in bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the top designation in Vietnam's diplomatic hierarchy. A U.S. strategy of noninterference into Vietnam's domestic politics has been crucial to Hanoi agreeing to the deal, experts say, but activists and rights groups are frustrated by the lack of focus on human rights as the crackdown on civil society worsens in the Southeast Asian country.
• Biden, Harris Visits Highlight Rising Global South, Increasingly Pragmatic Washington VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- September engagements by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in India, Vietnam and Indonesia underscored a trend in international affairs — that countries in the Global South are seeking a more multipolar world in which they can chart their own courses independent of great powers agendas.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with the National Security Advisors of Japan and the Republic of Korea The White House 14 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Outgoing Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi US Dept. of State 14 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa US Dept. of State 14 Sep 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 14, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 14 September 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Sep 2023
• High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Human Rights Council: Sanctions that Threaten People's Lives and Health Need to be Halted UN Human Rights Council 14 Sep 2023 -- imposed outside the framework of the Security Council, under the United Nations Charter -- could impact on the enjoyment of human rights, including the right to development. In a number of cases, exemptions had been made to sanctions regimes to authorise the passage of essential goods. Yet in practice, over-compliance by banks, insurance companies, financial institutions and businesses - whether located in the sanctioning State, or based elsewhere - could impede financial transfers to humanitarian actors and the delivery of essential items, jeopardising legitimate and essential activities.
• Joint Statement on Yemen Humanitarian Situation and Funding Gap UNOCHA 14 Sep 2023 -- Already exhausted by more than eight years of war, over 21.6 million people, 75 percent of the Yemeni population, are grappling with humanitarian needs. The people of Yemen need and want to look into the future and move away from humanitarian assistance towards self-reliance and rebuilding their country.
• Report: Ansarullah officials head to Riyadh for ceasefire talks with Saudis Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Representatives of Yemen's Ansarullah movement and members of a meditation team from Oman have left for Riyadh to negotiate a permanent ceasefire with Saudi officials, news agencies say.
• Officials: Pakistan Gets Taliban Security Assurances, Will Reopen Afghan Border Gate VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- Pakistan is set to reopen the main Torkham border crossing with landlocked Afghanistan on Friday following a nine-day closure because of terrorism and other security concerns, according to officials in both countries.
• Israeli airstrike on Syria's west coast kills two soldiers, Syria air defense systems intercept most of missiles Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Israel has launched new airstrikes against Syria's west coast, near the ancestral home region of President Bashar al-Assad, killing two Syrian soldiers and leaving six others injured.
• Third Anniversary of the Signing of the Abraham Accords US Dept. of State 14 Sep 2023 -- Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the signing of the historic Abraham Accords. Normalization between our allies in the region has been transformational for Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
• Norwegian statements in the interactive dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights oral update on Sudan Government of Norway 14 Sep 2023 -- Norway in Geneva partook in two statements in the interactive dialogue with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights oral update on Sudan.
• Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell after the High-Level meeting with Prime Minister Kurti and President Vučić European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Sep 2023
• Serbian, Kosovar Leaders Fail To Reach Agreement Amid Worsening Relations RFE/RL 14 Sep 2023 -- The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo failed to reach an agreement for improving bilateral relations during EU-mediated talks in Brussels on September 14.
• China bars Tibetans from attending Buddhist Kalachakra sermon Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- Chinese authorities have barred Tibetans from attending a key Buddhist event called the Kalachakra out of fear that the gathering of more than 100,000 people could pose a threat to the government, according to Tibetans in the region.
• Seven killed in gun battles in Indian-controlled Kashmir Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- At least seven people have been killed in two separate gunfights between the Indian security forces and gunmen in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
• Cameroon, CAR Blame Rebels for Kidnappings VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- Government officials in Cameroon and the Central African Republic say the number of civilian kidnappings has spiked along their borders, with armed gangs and rebels demanding as much as $50,000 in ransom.

News Reports

• DHS Continues to See High Risk of Foreign and Domestic Terrorism in 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment DHS 14 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA), which continues to identify a high risk of foreign and domestic terrorism in 2024. The HTA provides the public and the Department's partners with a detailed report on the most pressing threats to the United States as part of the Biden Administration's continuing effort to assist them in preparing for, preventing, and responding to the diverse and dynamic threat environment.
• US Sees 'High Risk' from Foreign, Domestic Terrorists VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- U.S. officials are warning of a "high risk" from domestic and foreign terrorists for the coming year, part of a new threat assessment released Thursday by the Department of Homeland Security.
• MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy US Dept. of Justice 14 Sep 2023 -- A Maryland man was sentenced yesterday to 28 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang.
• Statement by Konstantin Vorontsov, Deputy Director of the Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, at the UNIDIR Outer space Security Conference, Panel III - Preparing for success in future multilateral space security initiatives, Geneva, September 13, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Sep 2023
• Press release on declaring employees of the US Embassy in Moscow persona non grata Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Sep 2023
• Russia Expels 2 US Diplomats for 'Illegal Activity' VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry said Thursday it has expelled two U.S. Embassy employees from the country, accusing them of working with a Russian national that Moscow had previously accused of spying.
• Russia expels two US diplomats, summons American ambassador Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Russia has summoned the US ambassador to Moscow and expelled two American embassy diplomats accused of working with a Russian spy.
• Russia Declares Two US Embassy Employees Personae Non Gratae Sputnik 14 Sep 2023 -- Russia declared two employees of the Embassy of the United States in Moscow personae non gratae on Thursday, and they have to leave the country within seven days, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
• Imposing Further Sanctions in Response to Russia's Illegal War Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 14 Sep 2023 -- The Departments of State and the Treasury are imposing further sanctions on over 150 individuals and entities in connection with Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine.
• Imposing Further Sanctions in Response to Russia's Illegal War Against Ukraine US Dept. of State 14 Sep 2023 -- Today the Department of State is designating individuals and entities to impose further costs in response to Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine. All targets are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024, which authorizes sanctions with respect to specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the Russian Federation.
• With Wide-Ranging New Sanctions, Treasury Targets Russian Military-Linked Elites and Industrial Base US Treasury 14 Sep 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is imposing nearly 100 sanctions on Russian elites and Russia's industrial base, financial institutions, and technology suppliers as the United States continues to leverage sanctions and economic restrictions to undermine Russia's capacity to wage its war against Ukraine. The Department of State also designated more than 70 persons. Today's sanctions focus on persons benefiting from, supporting, and sustaining Russia's brutal war of choice against Ukraine.
• US Targets 150 Entities With New Russia Sanctions VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. on Thursday sanctioned more than 150 businesses and individuals in Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Georgia to try to crack down on evasion of trade restrictions aimed at blocking funding for Russia's 19-month war against Ukraine.
• Moscow Requests Moldova Stop Political Persecution of Russian-Language Media Sputnik 14 Sep 2023 -- Moscow has demanded that Kishinev cease politically motivated persecution of Russian-language media resources and observe international obligations in the field of freedom of speech and media after Moldova expelled the head of the Sputnik desk in Moldova, Vitaly Denisov, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
• Tsahkna to representatives of border states: we should implement the ban on Russian vehicles together Estonia MFA 14 Sep 2023 -- Today Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna had a video meeting with representatives of Finland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to discuss additional sanctions on Russia and the entry ban on Russian vehicles.
• Russia Expects That Regular Dialog, Contacts With Gabon Be Maintained Sputnik 14 Sep 2023 -- The military takeover in Gabon should not affect multifaceted ties between Moscow and Libreville, the Russian Foreign Ministry has told Sputnik, adding that Moscow expects that regular dialog and contacts with Gabon be maintained.
• US hits five Turkish firms with sanctions over trade with Russia Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- The administration of US President Joe Biden has blacklisted five Turkish companies and a Turkish national as part of new sanctions aiming to hamstring the Russian economy over the Ukraine war.
• Russia, DPRK to strengthen good-neighborly relations, promote regional peace: Putin People's Daily 14 Sep 2023 -- Moscow and Pyongyang will strive to strengthen good-neighborly relations and promote regional peace, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday during his meeting with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• Kim Jong Un, Putin hold talks People's Daily 14 Sep 2023 -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had a historic meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in the Russian Far East, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday.
• Russia's Putin agrees to visit North Korea on formal invitation by North's leader Kim Jong-un Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted a formal invitation by Kim Jung-un to visit North Korea for more talks on their "far-reaching plan" to promote a deeper partnership, as the North Korean leader continues his tour of eastern Russia following his summit with Putin.
• Putin may visit North Korea, as Kim boasts of 'unbreakable' bilateral ties Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin may pay a reciprocal visit to North Korea to crow about the "unbreakable strategic partnership" between Moscow and Pyongyang, on the back of the united front that both had pledged against democracies spanning from Asia to Europe.
• The Other Side of Putin-Kim Summit: Looking Beyond Arms Deal VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to be using this week's much-heralded summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to tighten his control over a country struggling with international sanctions and a pandemic-stricken economy, analysts said.
• New Milestone for Development of DPRK-Russia Relations Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Has Historic Meetingwith President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putinat Vostochny Spaceport KCNA 14 Sep 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, had a historic meeting with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, at the Vostochny Spaceport in Amur Oblast of the Far Eastern Region on September 13.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Has Talks with Russian President KCNA 14 Sep 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, had talks with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on September 13.
• President Putin Hosts Reception in Welcome of Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un KCNA 14 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, hosted a reception on Wednesday in welcome of the Russia visit by Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
A Wary China Eyes Ties With Russia, North Korea VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- China, watching this week's historic Russia-North Korea summit from the sidelines, is likely to welcome a boost for President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine but worry that its longtime client state in Pyongyang could be slipping from its grasp, experts say.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 14, 2023 PRC MofA 14 Sep 2023
• Upcoming G77+China Summit to enhance voice of Global South Global Times 14 Sep 2023 -- The upcoming Group of 77 plus China (G77+China) Summit in Havana, which aims to tackle some of the core development challenges that the Global South countries are facing, is set to issue a final declaration that will include the purposes and principles of the bloc and address the needs of developing countries, while the unity of the Global South countries in facing major challenges is of great importance, diplomats and experts said.
• US, China Lay Out Vision for New World Order Amid Human Rights Differences VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- As global leaders converge in New York for the 78th U.N. General Assembly this month, the United States and China, already embroiled in a fierce contest for expanded global influence, have unveiled distinctive visions for the next era of international order.
• Identity of NSA hacker behind cyberattack on China's leading aviation university identified; to be disclosed in due course: source Global Times 14 Sep 2023 -- During the investigation of the cyberattack against Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), a leading Chinese aviation university, China has successfully extracted multiple samples of the spyware named SecondDate, and with the collaborative efforts of partners in various countries, the real identity of the US' National Security Agency (NSA) personnel responsible for launching the cyberattack on NPU has been successfully identified, Global Times learnt from National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC) and Chinese internet security company 360 on Thursday.
• Italy Mulls Quitting China's 'Belt and Road' but Fears Offending Beijing VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- Italy is considering whether to leave the Belt and Road Initiative, Beijing's multibillion-dollar global trade and infrastructure program, by the end of the year. The dilemma comes amid geopolitical pressures from Western allies and domestic disappointment that the program has not delivered the economic benefits that the country hoped for.
• Among Uyghurs, China aims to 'meld Islam with Confucianism' Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- In late July, a group of Chinese government officials and academics met in Urumqi to discuss how Xinjiang was implementing a national plan to "Sinicize" Islam.
• The long arm of Chinese law is getting longer in Southeast Asia Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- For years, Chinese criminal organizations have been setting up shop across Southeast Asia, built on the proliferation of Chinese-dominated Special Economic Zones like Boten in Laos, Shwe Kokko in Myanmar, or the casinos in Cambodia's Sihanoukville.
• Beijing Drafts Law to Punish Those Who Wear Clothes 'Detrimental' to Others VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- In what appears to be the latest of Beijing's crackdowns on freedom of expression, China is circulating a draft version of a law that would punish people for wearing clothes that "are deemed detrimental or hurtful to China's spirit or sentiments."
• Xi, Maduro announce elevation of China-Venezuela ties People's Daily 14 Sep 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro Moros, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday.
• Ko Wen-je reiterates China policy based on 'deterrence & communication' CNA 14 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) said Taiwan has no choice but to maintain the cross-strait status quo, and as such, must prioritize "deterrence and communication" in its approach to Beijing.
• Presidential aspirant Terry Gou announces running mate CNA 14 Sep 2023 -- Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. founder and aspiring presidential candidate Terry Gou (郭台銘) on Thursday announced veteran singer-actress Tammy Lai (賴佩霞) as his prospective running mate for Taiwan's 2024 election.
• KMT's Hou departs for U.S., to meet with AIT chair, lawmakers CNA 14 Sep 2023 -- The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) embarked on a week-long trip to the United States Thursday for what his campaign office characterized as a journey to boost dialogue and friendship.
• DPP's smearing of latest mainland policy reveals bigotry, shortsightedness Global Times 14 Sep 2023 -- With the release of a new circular, the Chinese mainland is slated to take specific measures to rev up integration and connectivity for Fujian Province and the island of Taiwan, including accelerating construction of a highway that connects people from across the Straits. Experts say such integration will bring visible benefits to both people, and bind them closer together, which will offset the smearing and demonizing of mainland preferential policies hyped by Taiwan secessionists.
• Mainland spokesperson expresses confidence in cross-Strait relations People's Daily 14 Sep 2023 -- Mainland spokesperson Chen Binhua expressed confidence in the future development of cross-Strait relations at a Wednesday press conference.
• China ratchets up 'carrot and stick' pressure on Taiwan Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- The Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee this week issued a planning document on turning Fujian Province - the Chinese province closest to Taiwan - into a demonstration zone for "integrated development" with Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 14, 2023 ROC MND 14 Sep 2023
• Senate finance committee approves Taiwan tax bill Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- The Senate Finance Committee voted 27-0 on Thursday to approve legislation that would allow people and businesses operating in both Taiwan and the United States to only be taxed in one jurisdiction.
• Hypocritical? Christening of new North Korean submarine raises eyebrows Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- With supreme leader Kim Jong Un looking on, the foreign minister smashed a bottle of champagne against the hull of North Korea's latest nuclear submarine, prompting the crowd of sailors and factory workers to erupt in thunderous cheers and applause.
• 13 September ballistic missile launches by North Korea: statement UK FCDO 14 Sep 2023 -- Following North Korea's ballistic missile launches on 13 September 2023, an FCDO spokesperson made the following statement.
• South Korea Concerned About Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- South Korea has expressed regret that Russia and North Korea discussed military cooperation during their leaders' meeting, as Seoul is closely monitoring the possibility of joint military drills between Pyongyang and Moscow.
• JCPoA: Statement by the High Representative as Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 Sep 2023 -- Today I have received a letter by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom related to the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).
• Iran slams E3's decision to retain sanctions in violation of JCPOA Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Iran has denounced a decision by Britain, France, and Germany to retain their ballistic missile- and nuclear-related sanctions against the Islamic Republic in violation of a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world countries.
• UK to bring UN sanctions on Iran into UK law UK FCDO 14 Sep 2023 -- The UK, France and Germany (E3) announce they will transfer UN sanctions on Iran into domestic regimes and maintain EU/UK sanctions beyond October deadline.
• E3 statement on the JCPoA - September 2023 UK FCDO 14 Sep 2023 -- The UK, France and Germany have issued a joint statement ahead of JCPoA Transition Day on 18 October 2023.
• International Joint Statement at IAEA Board of Governors on NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran UK FCDO 14 Sep 2023 -- 63 Countries sign a joint statement expressing concern at Iran's lack of cooperation on NPT Safeguards Agreement
• Quad statement at IAEA Board of Governors on the Safeguards Agreement with Iran - September 2023 UK FCDO 14 Sep 2023 -- Germany, France, the US and the UK (the Quad) gave a joint statement to the IAEA Board of Governors on 13 September.
• Iran warns European states against imposing new arms sanctions IRNA 14 Sep 2023 -- Iran's foreign ministry in a statement warned the European countries against their alleged intention to impose new arms embargo against the Islamic Republic.
• Iran summons Australian chargé d'affaires to protest sanctions, interference in internal affairs Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Australian chargé d'affaires to Tehran to protest meddlesome remarks by the country's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and the fresh round of sanctions against Tehran.
• US to transfer Iran's unfrozen assets to bank accounts in Qatar IRNA 14 Sep 2023 -- Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, has said the US administration expects Iran's released funds in South Korea to be transferred to bank accounts in Qatar in the coming days.
• Wiring Iran's unfrozen funds to Qatar to finish next week: Qatari FM Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, has said that the process of wiring Iran's unfrozen funds in South Korea to bank accounts in Qatar under a prisoner exchange deal with the US will compete next week.
• US expects Iran's released assets to move to Qatar 'in coming days': State Department spokesperson Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says Iran's frozen assets will expectedly be transferred to the "final destination" in Qatar in the "coming days or so."
• IRGC intelligence forces dismantle sabotage team in northern Iran Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) intelligence forces have disbanded a team planning to carry out acts of sabotage and terrorist operations in the northern Iranian province of Gilan.
• IRGC chief to Tel Aviv: Threats against Iran will only shorten Israel's life Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned Israel that threats against the Islamic Republic will only shorten the Israeli regime's life.
• Raeisi: Iran cannot tolerate presence of terrorist groups on its border with Iraq Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi has asserted that Iran cannot tolerate the presence of terrorist groups on the country's common border with Iraq.
• Iran: On one-year anniversary of Jina Mahsa Amini's death in custody, heightened repression of women and girls and reprisals against protesters and victims' families is deeply troubling, UN Fact-Finding Mission says UN Human Rights Council 14 Sep 2023 -- One year after nationwide protests began in Iran following the death in custody of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini, State harassment of women and girls is on the rise. Authorities are exacerbating punitive measures against those exercising their fundamental rights, including freedom of religion, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran warned today.
• Activists in Iran Prepare to Protest on Amini Anniversary in Defiance of Crackdown VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- International rights activists tell VOA that their counterparts in Iran are preparing to mark Saturday's first anniversary of the death in police custody of women's rights icon Mahsa Amini with new protests in defiance of Tehran's preemptive crackdown on peaceful dissent.
• Saudi king, crown prince receive separate letters from Iran's president Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have separately received letters from Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, which underscored the development of bilateral relations between Tehran and Riyadh in various sectors.
• Cash-Starved Iraqi Kurds See Iran's Hand in Budget Crisis VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- Unable to pay its employees for two months and grappling with the threat of a cross-border attack from Iran, the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq is facing what its leaders acknowledge is one of the most challenging periods since its establishment in 1991.
• More than 80 Myanmar junta troops stranded on Thai side of border Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- Between 80 and 100 heavily armed Myanmar junta soldiers have been stranded on Thai soil for over a week after they crossed the border, prompting a Thai lawmaker to demand an explanation from his government for why they were allowed into the country - and why the Thai public hasn't been informed.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a joint news conference following talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Than Swe, Moscow, September 14 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Sep 2023
• Increasingly isolated, Myanmar reestablishes ties with North Korea Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- Increasingly isolated on the world stage, Myanmar's junta re-established ties with North Korea this week, renewing ties that were cut five years ago by the former civilian government in line with U.N. sanctions over the North's nuclear weapons program.
• Labeled An 'Accomplice' To Russian Crimes In Ukraine, Lukashenka To Meet Putin RFE/RL 14 Sep 2023 -- Authoritarian Belarusian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka will meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on September 15 in the resort city of Sochi for talks on closer economic cooperation, as the two countries become further isolated internationally over the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 14 September 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 Sep 2023
• Libyan authorities say floods may have killed 20,000 people Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- Libyan authorities have demanded an investigation to see if the catastrophe that recently unfolded amid floods in the country killing thousands was caused by a human blunder.
• Nearly 300,000 children affected in Libya after Storm Daniel devastates entire communities - UNICEF UNICEF 14 Sep 2023 -- Nearly 300,000 children are estimated to have been exposed to the powerful Storm Daniel across eastern Libya and a growing number of children and families are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance, following significant damage to numerous homes, hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure.
• Search-and-Rescue Crews Work in Flood-Hit Eastern Libya VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- Search-and-rescue teams worked Thursday in eastern Libya, where devastating floods left thousands of people dead and thousands more missing.
• World Food Programme rolls out food assistance to families affected by Storm Daniel in Libya WFP 14 Sep 2023 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun providing desperately needed food assistance to more than 5,000 families displaced by massive flooding in Libya. Entire neighbourhoods in the city of Derna have disappeared, along with many of their residents, after flood waters from Storm Daniel caused two ageing dams to collapse.
• Maduro hails China-Venezuela all-weather strategic partnership: 'a new world has arrived' Global Times 14 Sep 2023 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros held a press conference at the Venezuelan Embassy in China Thursday before concluding his visit and returning to his country, where he outlined his trip, which covered multiple cities in China, and hailed the China-Venezuela all-weather strategic partnership, saying that the 21st century is the end of hegemonism and imperialism and "a new world" of multi-polarization and fairness has arrived.
• Hun Manet arrives in Beijing on first official trip abroad since taking office, to further boost ironclad ties Global Times 14 Sep 2023 -- The new Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet chose China as the first foreign country to visit after taking office, showing his great determination to push forward the ironclad bilateral relationship with China, said Chinese observers as Hun Manet arrived on Thursday for a three-day visit.
• 6 Khmer opposition leaders charged with incitement Radio Free Asia 14 Sep 2023 -- Cambodia has charged six members of the opposition Candlelight Party with incitement for attempting to form a new political party - and after they refused to defect to the ruling party, a senior party official told Radio Free Asia.
• OPEC rejects IEA's forecasts about fossil fuels use Press TV 14 Sep 2023 -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has rejected projections by the International Energy Agency's (IEA) suggesting that the global consumption of fossil fuels will peak in 2030 before dropping to record lows because of an increase in the use of the renewables.
• Central Asians Fight Lack Of Schools, Textbooks, And Teachers. Except For Turkmenistan, Which Struggles To Find Pupils. RFE/RL 14 Sep 2023 -- In Turkmenistan, some teachers in the Mary and Balkan provinces have been going door-to-door looking for kids to fill their classes, many of which are half-empty.
• Dominican Republic to Close Border with Haiti Over Canal Dispute VOA 14 Sep 2023 -- The Dominican Republic's president announced Thursday that he would close all borders with neighboring Haiti beginning Friday morning over a feud about a Haitian canal that would use water from a river along their shared border.