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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• French-Led Combined Task Force 150 seized more illegal narcotics in the Arabian Sea CENTCOM 20 Sep 2023 -- On September 7, UK warship HMS Lancaster (F229), operating in support of the French-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 seized more than 450kg of illegal drugs including heroin and hashish in the Arabian Sea.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Confirmation of General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff DoD 20 Sep 2023
• Army announces upcoming unit deployments in support of European allies and partners US Army 20 Sep 2023 -- The Department of the Army announced today the fall deployment of two units to support European and NATO allies and partners. The deployments are one-for-one unit replacements and will not change the overall U.S. force posture in the region.
• Multinational forces unify to fight at Saber Junction 23 Army News 20 Sep 2023 -- Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment crammed into blacked-out armored vehicles for a jarring ride through the rough terrain of "the box," the nickname used for the training area at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC). Their vehicles and packs were loaded down with combat gear, communication equipment, computers, cables, weapons, and more.
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Dr. David A. Honey Hold a Press Briefing on Don't Ask, Don't Tell and Innovation Hubs DoD 20 Sep 2023
• DOD Represented at Five Eyes Technology Principals Meeting DoD 20 Sep 2023 -- Last week, Dr. Steven G. Wax, performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology, presented the National Defense Science and Technology Strategy at the Technology Cooperation Program (TTCP) Principals Meeting.
• Background Media Roundtable on Don't Ask, Don't Tell Records Review Resources Update DoD 20 Sep 2023
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Announces $238M CHIPS and Science Act Award DoD 20 Sep 2023
• Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Twelfth Anniversary of the Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' DoD 20 Sep 2023
• DOD Names 8 Locations to Serve as New 'Microelectronics Commons' Hubs DoD News 20 Sep 2023 -- Under the CHIPS and Science Act, the Defense Department today announced the award of nearly $240 million dollars to eight regional "innovation hubs" around the United States which will be a part of the Microelectronics Commons, and which will benefit both the department and the United States by spurring development of a domestic microelectronics manufacturing industry.
• DOD to Upgrade Discharges From 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy DoD News 20 Sep 2023 -- Today marks the 12th anniversary of the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that was effective from Feb. 28, 1994, to Sept. 20, 2011.
• US, Canadian forces sharpen abilities in austere Alaskan region US Air Force 20 Sep 2023 -- Air, ground and naval forces from the United States and Canada under the authority of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command successfully completed maneuvers near Shemya, Attu and St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Sept. 10, as part of a long-planned, bi-national operation to detect, deter and safeguard against potential threats to North America and the Arctic region.
• French-Led Combined Task Force 150 seized more illegal narcotics in the Arabian Sea US Navy 20 Sep 2023 -- On September 7, UK warship HMS Lancaster (F229), operating in support of the French-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 seized more than 450kg of illegal drugs including heroin and hashish in the Arabian Sea.
• Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti Delivers Keynote Address at ISS-25 US Navy 20 Sep 2023
• Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti Delivers Opening Remarks at the International Seapower Symposium US Navy 20 Sep 2023
• AFRICOM Commander visits Tunisia AFRICOM 20 Sep 2023 -- U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), traveled to Tunisia, September 19, to further cooperation between the United States and Tunisia.
• Nevada Guard CERFP Showcases Emergency Response Prowess Army News 20 Sep 2023 -- The Nevada Guard's 92nd Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package recorded a perfect score during its external evaluation in Utah Sept. 11-14.
• NATO appreciates Slovak Defence Ministry's progress in delivering its priorities and Alliance commitments Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 20 Sep 2023 -- At the Slovak Defence Ministry in Bratislava today, Deputy Defence Minister Marian Majer met Karl Ford, Director Defence Planning at NATO, who is visiting Slovakia as he leads regular Reviews of the member nations' defence programmes and plans under the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP).
• Finval exercise: the corvette Gremyashchy hit a ship of a mock enemy 300 km away by Kalibr missile in Anadyr Bay Russia MoD 20 Sep 2023 -- The Pacific Fleet's forces (troops) are involved in the Finval 2023 tactical exercise in the Chukchi and Bering seas as well as on the Chukotka Peninsula aimed at protecting the Northern Sea Route.
• Baltic Fleet's corvette Stoikiy conducts missile firing in Baltic Sea Russia MoD 20 Sep 2023 -- The corvette Stoikiy carried out a series of scheduled practice firings using the Redut shipboard vertical launch system at surface and air targets in the Fleet's maritime training zone.
• Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu: 'Moscow and Tehran are reaching a new level of interaction' Russia MoD 20 Sep 2023
• Defense chief Shoigu: Ties with Iran 'reaching new highs' despite sanctions Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says relations with Iran are "reaching new highs" in defiance of the West's pressure campaign targeting both countries.
• Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu gets a close look at Iranian-made missiles and UAVs at an exhibition in Tehran Russia MoD 20 Sep 2023 -- The Russian Defence Ministry visited an exhibition of the Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday, where he saw products of the Republic's military-industrial complex.
• Russia-Iran Cooperation Reaching New Level - Shoigu Sputnik 20 Sep 2023 -- The interaction between Moscow and Tehran is reaching a new level, with the countries set to implement the entire range of planned activities, despite opposition from the United States and its allies, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 20 Sep 2023 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• China, Pakistan successfully wrap up joint air exercise Global Times 20 Sep 2023 -- With the return of participating Pakistani forces to their home country on Tuesday, China and Pakistan successfully wrapped up the Shaheen-X joint air exercise in Northwest China, with observers on Wednesday predicting more military interactions and exchanges that will further deepen pragmatic cooperation between the "Iron Brothers."
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS, SUBMARINE & LRMP AIRCRAFT REACH SINGAPORE TO PARTICIPATE IN SIMBEX 23 India PIB 20 Sep 2023 -- Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti and submarine INS Sindhukesari arrived in Singapore to participate in the 30th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), an annual bilateral Naval exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), which is being conducted since 1994
• Next U.S. rotation begins service in Lithuania Lithuania MND 20 Sep 2023 -- On September 21 the U.S. rotational battalions will change over during a ceremony at General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area at Pabradė.
• Kuwait - Repair and Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles DSCA 20 Sep 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of Repair and Recertification of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missiles and support for an estimated cost of $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Poland and Lithuania counter hybrid attacks on the border Poland - Ministry of National Defence 20 Sep 2023 -- On Wednesday, September 20, Mariusz Blaszczak, Minister of National Defense, met with Arvydas Anušauskas, Minister of Defense of Lithuania, in Gruszki.
• Foreign Ministry's draft budget for 2024 focuses on support for Ukraine and Finland's NATO membership Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 20 Sep 2023 -- The Finnish Government proposes EUR 1.3 billion in appropriations for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Ministry will continue to support Ukraine in 2024, as outlined in the Government programme.
• A look at the Defence news 11 - 17 September Netherlands Ministry of Defence 20 Sep 2023
• Biden Stresses Central Asian Nations' Integrity After 'Historic' Meeting With Regional Leaders RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the "territorial integrity" of five Central Asian nations - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - after meeting with the countries' leaders in New York late on September 19 amid the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the High-Level Dialogue on the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention In State-to-State Relations US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2023
• Joint Statement on the Principles of the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of Canada, Costa Rica, Malawi, and the United States.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With CBS Mornings with Tony Dokoupil and Nancy Cordes US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With The Today Show on NBC with Savannah Guthrie US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With George Stephanopoulos of Good Morning America on ABC US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2023
• Remarks by President Biden and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 20 Sep 2023
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil The White House 20 Sep 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 20, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• UN Records Torture And Deaths Of Detainees In Taliban Custody RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- The United Nations said it had documented hundreds of cases of torture and other "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment" committed by the Taliban de facto authorities in Afghanistan during the arrest and subsequent detention of individuals.
• EU releases €140 million to support the Afghan people, in particular women and girls European Commission 20 Sep 2023 -- The European Union has agreed to release €140 million of basic needs and livelihoods assistance in the fields of education, health, agriculture and women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan.
• UN Urges Afghan Taliban to Stop Widespread Torture, Abuse of Detainees VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- The United Nations said Wednesday that Afghanistan's Taliban had committed more than 1,600 human rights violations during arrests and detentions of people, including women, and it urged the de facto authorities to cease the abuses.
• China installs satellite network on disputed reefs as ASEAN launches drills Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- China has built two ground stations for its BeiDou satellite system on disputed South China Sea reefs, according to state media.
• Saudi Arabia hails 'positive' peace talks with Yemenis Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Saudi Arabia has welcomed the "positive results" of talks with a delegation from Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement aimed at bringing an end to the kingdom's eight-year war on its southern neighbor.
• UN chief welcomes resumption of aid delivery into Syria through key border crossing People's Daily 20 Sep 2023 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed on Tuesday resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries from Türkiye into northwest Syria through the Bab al-Hawa crossing, a UN spokesman said.
• War in Sudan: 'Brutal fight' must end as civilian suffering intensifies UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- Civilians continuing paying a heavy price as the "senseless violence" between rival militaries continues in Sudan, the UN's political affairs chief said on Wednesday.
• Informal Consultations on Supporting Libya's Political Process on the Margins of the U.N. General Assembly US Dept. of State 20 Sep 2023 -- Representatives from Algeria, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Qatar, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, the UN, and the United States held informal consultations yesterday, with participation of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya Abdoulaye Bathily, focused on promoting the political consensus needed for successful Libyan elections.
• With New Offensive, Azerbaijan Tightens Grip On Nagorno-Karabakh RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- For months, the negotiations over the fate of Nagorno-Karabakh seemed to be going in Azerbaijan's favor. Armenia's government had publicly and explicitly said it recognized the breakaway territory -- which is the center of the two countries' decades-long conflict -- as part of Azerbaijan. All that was to be worked out, in essence, were the details. So why did war break out again?
• Cease-Fire Appears To Hold In Nagorno-Karabakh As Separatists Lay Down Arms, Agree To 'Reintegration' Talks With Azerbaijan RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- A cease-fire agreed to by Azerbaijani and ethnic Armenian sides in Nagorno-Karabakh appeared to be holding late on September 20 after the de facto leadership of the mostly ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan accepted a proposal by the Russian peacekeeping mission there and agreed to talks on the territory's "reintegration" into Azerbaijan.
• Telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan President of Russia 20 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the initiative of the Armenian side.
• Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 20 Sep 2023 -- Ambassador Neil Holland says that Azerbaijan's use of force is unacceptable and states that the UK is encouraged by today's announcement of a ceasefire.
• Foreign Ministry statement on the situation in and around Nagorno-Karabakh Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Azerbaijani side and representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh reach agreement through the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping force Russia MoD 20 Sep 2023 -- The Russian Defence Ministry visited an exhibition of the Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday, where he saw products of the Republic's military-industrial complex.
• Russian peacekeepers continue their missions in Nagorno-Karabakh despite worsening circumstances Russia MoD 20 Sep 2023 -- All possible assistance is being provided to the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. There are currently 2,261 civilians, including 1,049 children, in the peacekeepers' base camp, where the medical detachment is also located.
• Russian peacekeeping troops continues to evacuate civilians population of Nagorno-Karabakh from the most dangerous areas and to provide medical assistance to the victims Russia MoD 20 Sep 2023 -- A total of more than 2,000 civilians have been evacuated, including 1,049 children. All evacuated residents are provided with temporary accommodation and hot meals.
• Putin Welcomes End of Hostilities in Karabakh During Conversation With Pashinyan - Kremlin Sputnik 20 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the agreement to end hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh during a phone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday, the Kremlin stated.
• Russian Peacekeepers Die From Gunfire in Nagorno-Karabakh - Defense Ministry Sputnik 20 Sep 2023 -- A car with Russian peacekeepers came under gunfire in the area of Canyataq in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian military were killed, the Russian Defense Ministry stated on Wednesday.
• Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh Agree on Ceasefire Through Coordination of Russian Peacekeepers - MoD Sputnik 20 Sep 2023 -- On September 19, Baku announced the launch of "local-level anti-terrorist activities" in Nagorno-Karabakh aimed at "restoring the constitutional order."
• Azerbaijan Announces Agreement to Suspend Anti-Terrorist Measures in Nagorno-Karabakh Sputnik 20 Sep 2023 -- On September 19, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said that Baku had launched "local-level anti-terrorist activities" in Nagorno-Karabakh aimed at "restoring the constitutional order."
• Azerbaijan, Karabakh separatists announce Russia-brokered ceasefire Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijan and Armenian-backed separatists in Karabakh have agreed to a Russian proposal for a ceasefire, a day after Baku launched a military operation there.
• Iran FM urges dialog between Armenia, Azerbaijan IRNA 20 Sep 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has stressed the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, urging the two neighboring nations to resolve their disputes through dialogue.
• OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani calls for de-escalation and return to dialogue after meeting Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Azerbaijan OSCE 20 Sep 2023 -- OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, held separate meetings yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
• Peace process in Colombia: Switzerland to serve as guarantor state in negotiations between government and rebels Federal Council - Swiss Government 20 Sep 2023 -- As part of its long-standing peace policy in Colombia, Switzerland is taking on an official mandate at the request of the Colombian government and the rebel group EMC (Estado Mayor Central) as guarantor of the new peace process due to begin in the near future. The mandate is a signal of recognition of Switzerland's commitment to peace and its diplomatic efforts.
• Cameroon Sees More Attacks on Schools, Civilians After Rebel Leader Killed VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- Cameroon officials say separatists resumed attacks on civilians and schools after a notorious insurgent leader and four of his collaborators were killed during a raid this week.
• DR Congo President sets early withdrawal of UN peacekeepers, country will take reins of its destiny UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- After the decades-long presence of a large UN peacekeeping mission, the Democratic Republic of the Congo will, by the end of the year, aim to take full control of its destiny and become the primary actor in its own stability, the country's President told the General Assembly on Wednesday.

News Reports

• Secretary-General's opening remarks at the Climate Ambition Summit UN Secretary-General 20 Sep 2023
• UN Chief Underscores Little Time Left to Avert Climate Crisis VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned a climate summit of world leaders on Wednesday there is not much time left to avert an environmental catastrophe.
• On UNGA margins, world leaders bolster bedrock of international law UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- At the heart of global diplomacy within the iconic UN Headquarters in New York, another significant yet often less featured deliberation is unfolding this week: the Treaty Event.
• Secretary-General's remarks at the General Assembly High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development UN Secretary-General 20 Sep 2023
• Address by Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly President of the Republic of Lithuania 20 Sep 2023
• At UN Assembly, Bosnia and Herzegovina slams 'foreign influence' on its institutions UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- Zeljko Komsic, the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, railing against the impact of larger countries' allegedly selective and exploitative immigration policies, a government defined by ethnic divisions, and the intentional undermining of his nation's stability by its "western and eastern neighbours."
• Cyprus President to UN Assembly: 'Do we have the resolve to make peace our top priority?' UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, emphasized the need for the UN to live up to its founding principles to ensure respect for the sovereignty of all States, and discussed steps to tackle the climate crisis during his address to the annual General Assembly debate in New York.
• Debt crisis in developing countries weighing down SDG push, Rwanda's Kagame warns UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- In his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, Rwandan President Paul Kagame discussed the lack of progress toward achieving Sustainable Deveopment Goals (SDGs), reducing conflict around the globe, and finding ways to boost international cooperation.
• UN General Assembly begins general debate People's Daily 20 Sep 2023 -- The General Debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, focusing on restoring global trust and solidarity in current challenging time.
• Head of State Rumen Radev from the UN Rostrum: Priority of the 78th UNGA Session Should Be to Find Modalities That May Pave a Way towards Restoring the Peace in Ukraine President of the Republic of Bulgaria 20 Sep 2023
• Speech by Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany on the occasion of the open debate on Ukraine in the United Nations Security Council Germany - Federal Government 20 Sep 2023
• US Warns Cases of Transnational Repression Mounting VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- High-level allegations this week that India was involved in the killing of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil are renewing fears that governments worldwide are no longer afraid to cross boundaries to silence dissenting voices.
• Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Opening Statement Before the House Judiciary Committee US Dept. of Justice 20 Sep 2023
• Global Counterterrorism Forum: Opening speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the Ministerial meeting co-chaired with Egypt European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Sep 2023 -- New York, 20/09/2023
• Report: Increase in Chinese-Language Malware Could 'Challenge' Russian Dominance of Cybercrime VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- For decades, Russian and eastern European hackers have dominated the cybercrime underworld. These days they may face a challenge from a new contender: China.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Honduras Eduardo Enrique Reina Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the working meeting of CSTO foreign ministers Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, New York, September 20, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the BRICS ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly session Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Media statement following the meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations on the margins of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, 20 September 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Putin accepts formal invitation from Xi to visit China next month Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted a formal invitation by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to visit China in October during the Belt and Road Summit.
• Putin Accepts Xi's Invitation to Visit China in October Sputnik 20 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that he had accepted the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to visit the Asian country in October as part of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
• Sierra Leone's Top Diplomat Says Positive Ties With Russia Will Remain Despite Sanctions Sputnik 20 Sep 2023 -- Freetown's good relations with Moscow will remain unchanged regardless of Western sanctions, Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba told Sputnik on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: What's Driving Beijing's Leadership Turbulence? RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 20, 2023 PRC MofA 20 Sep 2023
• China's Ministry of State Security reveals US' infiltration of Huawei traced back to 2009 Global Times 20 Sep 2023 -- The US' infiltration of Huawei headquarters' servers can be traced back to 2009, China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) said in an article released on Wednesday. The Chinese ministry disclosed despicable methods of cyber espionage adopted by US intelligence agencies, which include establishing cyberattack arsenals, coercing technology companies to cooperate, and distorting the truth to accuse others.
• China, Russia and Mongolia agree to cooperate further, jointly maintain regional stability Global Times 20 Sep 2023 -- Northeast Asia is one of the most dynamic regions in the world and also one of the regions with concentrated global security hotspots, which offers important development opportunities as well as severe challenges, said Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, in a high-level representatives' meeting on security affairs with Russia and Mongolia in Moscow on Tuesday.
• Europe 'Risks Dependence' on Chinese Batteries, EU Report Finds VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- Europe is in danger of becoming as reliant on China for batteries and fuel cells as it was on Russia for energy before Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, according to a European Union report obtained by the Reuters news agency.
• Chinese FM, embassy, HKSAR govt slam UK's distorted six-monthly report on HK Global Times 20 Sep 2023 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Chinese embassy in the UK and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government have slammed UK's recent so-called six-monthly report on Hong Kong, for distorting facts and interfering in China's internal affairs based on well-worn rhetoric.
• China slams UK report on Hong Kong, says London's plans 'doomed to fail' Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- China has strongly condemned a recent report by the United Kingdom on Hong Kong as being riddled with "irresponsible and non-factual accusations," saying London's "plans to disrupt" the financial hub "are doomed to fail."
• Hong Kong no longer 'world's freest economy' Radio Free Asia 20 Sep 2023 -- Hong Kong has lost its status as the world's freest economy due to ongoing curbs on its civil and political freedoms, according to the Fraser Institute, a Canadian think tank, while its container ships are bypassing the once-bustling port in favor of neighboring Shenzhen.
• Despite Push for 'Common Prosperity,' China's Income Gap Widens VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- Beijing's latest annual income data from the National Bureau of Statistics tell a tale of two Chinas, revealing an income gap that is the widest it has been since data collection began in 1985.
• Exchange rate of yuan against dollar is not sole indicator of the yuan's value: official Global Times 20 Sep 2023 -- The exchange rate of the yuan against the US dollar is important, but it is not the sole indicator of the yuan's value, an official of the People's Bank of China (PBC) told a press conference on Wednesday in response to questions related to the yuan's recent weakening against the greenback.
• China intensifies measures against money laundering crimes People's Daily 20 Sep 2023 -- Chinese authorities have released a guideline to strengthen cooperation between supervisory, procuratorial and police departments in combating money laundering in the handling of embezzlement and bribery crimes.
• Taiwan to roll out updated Moderna COVID vaccine starting Sept. 26 CNA 20 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan will roll out Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine against the Omicron subvariant XBB starting Sept. 26, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director General Chuang Jen-hsiang (莊人祥) at a press conference on Wednesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 20, 2023 ROC MND 20 Sep 2023
• Allies call for Taiwan's U.N. inclusion during General Debate CNA 20 Sep 2023 -- The leaders of three Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies, Guatemala, Paraguay and Palau, voiced support on Tuesday for the nation's inclusion in the United Nations on the first day of the General Debate held in New York.
• Terry Gou kicks off signature campaign for independent presidential run CNA 20 Sep 2023 -- Independent presidential contender Terry Gou (郭台銘) kicked off a signature drive throughout Taiwan on Wednesday in his bid to gather at least 289,667 backers by Nov. 2, and subsequently secure his place on the ballot as a presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
• KMT's Hou meets U.S. lawmakers, speaks at think tank in Washington CNA 20 Sep 2023 -- New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜), the opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) presidential candidate, met 11 American lawmakers after speaking at a Washington, D.C. think tank on Tuesday, Hou's final day in the United States capital city.
• China Rolls Out Carrot-and-Stick Strategy to Influence Taiwan Ahead of Key Election VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- China launched a series of influence campaigns against Taiwan last week, unveiling a plan to promote integrated development across the Taiwan Strait while at the same time conducting large-scale military incursions near the island.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Arrives in Pyongyang KCNA 20 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, arrived in the capital city of Pyongyang by his private train on Tuesday evening.
• S Korean leader warns Russia, N Korea against military cooperation Radio Free Asia 20 Sep 2023 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a fresh warning to Russia and North Korea in an address to the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, declaring that Seoul and its allies would respond collectively should the two authoritarian states pursue military cooperation.
• Republic of Korea: Russia providing weapons tech to DPRK 'will be a direct provocation' UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- President Yoon Suk-Yeol of Republic of Korea on Wednesday said that if Russia helps the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) enhance its weapons programmes "the deal will be a direct provocation" and Seoul and its allies "will not stand idly by".
• Iran: High Representative Borrell meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Sep 2023 -- High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell met today with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian in the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. The High Representative raised the most urgent issues affecting EU-Iran bilateral relations and the recent developments on the JCPOA, in his role as the Coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission.
• E3 statement on JCPOA fresh sign west cannot be trusted: Iranian lawyer IRNA 20 Sep 2023 -- Member of Iran's Guardian Council Abbas Ali Kadkhodaee has criticized the recent joint statement by the three European countries namely France, the UK, and Germany, asking "West can be trusted?"
• Top Iran, EU diplomats discuss JCPOA revival in New York Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Iran's foreign minister and the EU foreign policy chief have discussed ways to continue talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which have been stalled for over a year over lingering differences between Iran and the US.
• Supreme Leader calls Sacred Defense prominent part of Iran's history IRNA 20 Sep 2023 -- Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has termed the era of the eight-year imposed war of Iraq on Iran in the 1980s, a period known as the Sacred Defense, as a prominent part of Iranian history.
• Leader: Holy defense helped Iran discover its greatness Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the "the holy defense" of the Iranian nation during eight years of the Iraqi war under former dictator Saddam Hussein on Iran is a prominent moment in the history of the country.
• Iran, Russia stress enhanced regional cooperation can end foreign intervention Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Iran's top security official and Russia's defense minister have slammed the role of external powers in destabilizing the region, calling for enhanced collaboration among regional countries to ensure their collective security.
• Iran, Russia working on long-term military cooperation pact: Top General Press TV 20 Sep 2023 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces says Tehran and Moscow are working to draw up a long-term military cooperation agreement in the near future as the world moves towards an increasingly multipolar order.
• Iranian Deputies Vote To Toughen Penalties For Women Flouting Dress Code RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- Iran's parliament has unveiled the text of a contentious hijab and chastity bill aimed at confronting, detaining, and penalizing women who fail to observe the compulsory dress code amid a fierce debate over the rules, which have drawn criticism both inside the country and abroad.
• US Grants Conditional Clemency to 2 Iranians Staying in US After Prisoner Swap; Status of 3rd Unclear VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- Two days after the U.S. and Iran began a prisoner exchange, VOA has learned that two of the three Iranians who remained in the U.S. after being granted clemency had conditions attached to their clemencies. The legal status of the third individual was unclear.
• Iran slams new U.S. sanctions on media outlets People's Daily 20 Sep 2023 -- Iran on Tuesday criticized the United States for imposing new sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities, including media outlets, calling the move a "trite bid" to suppress transparency and truth.
• As 'Misery' Rises In Iran, So Does People's Determination To Move Abroad RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- Iranians are more miserable than ever, according to recently released figures, at a time when a large segment of the population is reportedly considering leaving their country for good.
• Iran defense minister stresses territorial integrity of regional countries IRNA 20 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier-General Mohammadreza Ashtiani said on Wednesday that Iran attaches prime significance to the respect of the territorial integrity of the regional countries, as well as the maintenance of internationally accepted borders.
• Myanmar's central bank revokes 123 forex licenses Radio Free Asia 20 Sep 2023 -- Myanmar's junta-controlled central bank has revoked the forex licenses of 123 companies, it announced this week.
• 90 feared dead after Myanmar junta boat sinks in rough river waters Radio Free Asia 20 Sep 2023 -- About 90 people, including students and teachers, were missing after a military junta supply boat sank in the Chindwin River in the northern Sagaing region after hitting a rock in the river, local residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Advisory for Indian Nationals and Indian Students in Canada India MEA 20 Sep 2023 -- ​In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution.
• India Issues Canada Travel Advisory Amid Probe of Sikh Activist's Murder VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- India on Wednesday cautioned its citizens, especially students, planning to visit or living in Canada "to exercise utmost caution" after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that India's government may have been involved in the assassination of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil.
• India expels senior Canadian diplomat People's Daily 20 Sep 2023 -- The Indian government on Tuesday expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, asking him to leave the country within the next five days.
• Canada expels Indian diplomat over killing of Sikh leader People's Daily 19 Sep 2023 -- Canada has expelled a top Indian diplomat for his alleged involvement in the assassination of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the Canadian province of British Columbia in June, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Monday.
• Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Wednesday 20 September 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023
• Syrian president's first visit to China in 12 years expected to boost cooperation Global Times 20 Sep 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will travel to China this week, where he is expected to engage in a bilateral summit as well as other high-level meetings. It is the first time the Syrian president has visited China since the start of the Syrian crisis more than 12 years ago.
• Netanyahu Gets Coveted Biden Meeting on General Assembly Sidelines VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden met Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York to discuss Israel's expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and attempts to overhaul Israel's judicial system, which critics said threatens that country's democracy.
• Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel Before Bilateral Meeting | New York, NY The White House 20 Sep 2023
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel The White House 20 Sep 2023
• Israel: High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell meets Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in New York European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Sep 2023 -- The High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell met with Foreign Minister of Israel Eli Cohen in New York, in the margins of the 78th session of the United Nations' General Assembly on 20 September 2023.
• UNHCR scales up humanitarian response in flood-ravaged eastern Libya as tens of thousands are newly displaced UNHCR 20 Sep 2023 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and its teams in Libya are scaling up operations to respond to the fast-growing needs of thousands of internally displaced people, refugees and others affected by the devastating floods caused by Storm Daniel.
• Foreign Secretary meeting with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister, September 2023 UK FCDO 20 Sep 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly held a meeting with Murat Nurtleu, Kazakhstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 19 September 2023 during the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Foreign Secretary meets Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry - 18 September 2023 UK FCDO 20 Sep 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Foreign Secretary meets with UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan - September 2023 UK FCDO 20 Sep 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met with the UAE Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to the UN General Assembly.
• Foreign Secretary meets Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, September 2023 UK FCDO 20 Sep 2023 -- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on 19 September 2023 during his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Council on Foreign Relations: Foreign Secretary's opening remarks, September 19, 2023 UK FCDO 20 Sep 2023 -- Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly's opening remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
• Speech by Foreign Minister Baerbock at the High-Level-Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, a side event of the 78th UN General Assembly Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 Sep 2023
• Chinese reservoirs were fuller than ever as lower Mekong suffered Radio Free Asia 20 Sep 2023 -- In Thailand, farmers complain that their crops won't grow properly. In Cambodia, fishers say their catch is smaller than ever. And in Laos, unexpected water fluctuations have played havoc on livelihoods.
• Uzbekistan Turning Down The Volume On Islam RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- At the start of last week, top Uzbek officials and representatives of pro-government public organizations gathered in the cabinet of ministers building to discuss a vexing problem.
• Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili's Trial Resumes In Tbilisi RFE/RL 20 Sep 2023 -- The Tbilisi City Court on September 20 resumed the trial of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on a charge of violently dispersing an anti-government rally in November 2007, which he and his supporters have reject as politically motivated.
• Participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu at the Quadrilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Croatia on the Margins of the High-Level Segment of the UN General Assembly Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023 -- Minister Luminița Odobescu attended the informal quadrilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Croatia in New York on Tuesday September 19, 2023 on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
• Bilateral meetings of Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu on the second day of the high-level week of the UN General Assembly Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Sep 2023 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu held a series of bilateral meetings on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in the context of her participation in the work of the UN General Assembly in New York, as part of the delegation of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.
• Lebanon faced ongoing insecurity amid regional tensions and weak international cooperation UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- Overlapping crises and regional tensions amid a weakened international system have led to economic, political, and institutional insecurity in Lebanon, the President of the Council of Ministers told the UN General Assembly Wednesday evening.
• Libyans 'rise above old wounds' and divisions after extreme floods, says Youth Minister UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- Fatalla Elzuni, Libya's Minister of Youth, in an address on Thursday to the UN General Assembly, expressed deep sympathy and offered his condolences to Libyans "in the throes of a disastrous tragedy" following the devastating rains and floods that hit the east of the country last week.
• Pacific island leaders hope for more substance from US summit Radio Free Asia 20 Sep 2023 -- Pacific island leaders are calling for tangible outcomes from their summit next week with President Joe Biden - the second in a year - as the United States continues a charm offensive in response to China's inroads in the region.
• World News in Brief: Afghan rights, Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire, road safety campaign UN News 20 Sep 2023 -- Afghanistan's de facto authorities have been using torture as a tool to extract confessions from prisoners, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Wednesday.
• EU Withdrawing Funds for Zimbabwe Elections Body Over Lack of Transparency VOA 20 Sep 2023 -- The European Union says it is withdrawing $5 million in financial support to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission because of what it calls a lack of independence and transparency in the country's disputed August polls.