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• Statement From Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder on the Release of Private King DoD 27 Sep 2023 -- "U.S. officials have secured the return of Private Travis King from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)."
• Soldier Returned to U.S. Custody After Crossing Into North Korea DoD News 27 Sep 2023 -- Army Pvt. Travis T. King has been released to U.S. custody after a multiweek diplomatic effort to secure his return from North Korea, senior U.S. officials announced today.
• Return of Private Travis King US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2023 -- "The United States has secured the return of Private Travis King from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."
• American Soldier Travis King in US Custody After Fleeing to North Korea VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- The Pentagon says an American soldier who illegally crossed into North Korea in July is now in U.S. custody.
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration and Military Officials on the Return of Private King from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea The White House 27 Sep 2023
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the return of Private Travis King The White House 27 Sep 2023
• KCNA Report on Final Findings of Investigation into American Solider KCNA 27 Sep 2023 -- The investigation into Travis King, a soldier of the U.S. Army who was detained after illegally intruding into the territory of the DPRK in the joint security area of Panmunjom on July 18, has been finished.
• US soldier released by N Korea is on way home Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Travis King, the American soldier who suddenly sprinted into North Korea from a border area in South Korea, is on his way home and "appears to be in good health and spirits," U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
• Defense Official Says Shutdown Worse Than Continuing Resolution DoD News 27 Sep 2023 -- Congress has until the end of this week to fund the federal government or agree on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded. Absent either of those actions, the government will shut down starting Oct. 1.
• DOD to Establish AI Battle Labs in EUCOM, INDOPACOM DoD 27 Sep 2023 -- Two BRAVO AI Battle Labs will be established at U.S. European Command and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, in collaboration with the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office's Algorithmic Warfare Directorate and the Defense Innovation Unit, to expedite learning from Department of Defense (DOD) data.
• First Flight III Ship, Future USS Jack Lucas (DDG 125) Sails Away from Ingalls US Navy 27 Sep 2023 -- The Navy's newest guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), sailed away from the Huntington Ingalls Industries' (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding Division shipyard, Sept 26.
• CTF Sentinel Commander visits USS Indianapolis US Navy 27 Sep 2023 -- The commander of the International Maritime Security Construct's (IMSC) Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel visited USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) Sept. 26 to recognize the crew for its work in responding to maritime awareness calls in support of CTF Sentinel objectives.
• Vermont National Guard Delegation Visits North Macedonia Army News 27 Sep 2023 -- Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general for the Vermont National Guard, and a delegation of Vermont Soldiers and Airmen kicked off their visit to North Macedonia at the U.S. Embassy and Ministry of Defense in Skopje Sept. 25.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meetings With President of Angola João Manuel Goncalves Lourenço and Minister of Defense João Ernersto dos Santos DoD 27 Sep 2023
• DOD Awards $53 Million in Grants Under the National Defense Education Program DoD 27 Sep 2023 -- The Department of Defense, through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) for Research and Engineering (R&E), recently announced grant awards totaling up to $53 million to 13 organizations under the National Defense Education Program.
• A Partnership of Principle and Progress: Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III During a Trip to Africa (As Delivered) DoD 27 Sep 2023
• DOD Is Taking Steps to Shore Up Industrial Workforce DoD News 27 Sep 2023 -- The Defense Department is taking steps to ensure the U.S. industrial base can meet the growing demand for skilled workers well into the future, a senior Pentagon official said today.
• Austin Pledges Aid to African Partners DoD News 27 Sep 2023 -- "Africa matters" was the message that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivered during a speech in Luanda, Angola, this morning.
• US Defense Secretary Completes First Tour Across Africa VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin returns to the United States Thursday after wrapping up his first tour across the African continent as Pentagon chief.
• NATO Secretary General meets Latvian Prime Minister: welcomes Allies' significant contributions to Ukraine NATO 27 Sep 2023 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (27 September 2023) to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine and follow up on decisions taken at the recent NATO Summit in Vilnius.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General meets Colombian Defence Minister NATO 27 Sep 2023 -- On Wednesday (27 September 2023), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană met Colombian Defence Minister Iván Velásquez Gómez at the NATO Headquarters.
• Russian Defence Minister inspects fulfilment of the state defence order at a defence industry enterprise in Moscow region Russia MoD 27 Sep 2023 -- Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu has inspected the fulfilment of the state defence order at Tactical Missiles Corporation defence industry enterprise in Moscow region.
• What are Kalibr and Kh-101 Cruise Missiles and What's Made Them Effective in Ukraine? Sputnik 27 Sep 2023 -- NATO countries continue to climb up the escalation ladder with Russia, suppling Kiev with ever deadlier and more advanced weapons. Kiev reportedly now wants Western analogues of Russia's best cruise missiles, the Kalibr and Kh-101. What are the missiles' characteristics? Why does Ukraine's military want them? Sputnik explains.
• International Anti-Terrorist Drills Kick Off in Russia's Primorye Sputnik 27 Sep 2023 -- Servicemen from Russia, ASEAN countries, and partners in the ADMM-Plus format have started combat alignment at the international anti-terrorist drills at a training range in Primorye, located in the Far East region of Russia, the press service of the Eastern Military District reported.
• The World Bank, the Army of Drones, the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation: the Ministry of Defence appointed new Deputy Ministers of Defence Ukraine MOD 27 Sep 2023
• Lithuania's Foreign Minister Landsbergis: "Sweden's immediate accession to NATO and continued support for Ukraine are among our top priorities" Lithuania MFA 27 Sep 2023 -- On 27 September, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis met with the new Ambassador of Sweden to Lithuania Lars Wahlund to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation, strengthening regional security and collaboration, and supporting Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.
• Latest Lithuania's assistance package to Ukraine - radiolocation equipment sets for the Ukrainian Navy Lithuania MND 27 Sep 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces continuously ensure delivery of assistance to Ukraine. Tuesday the Lithuanian Navy handed over radiolocation sets to the Ukrainian Navy.
• National Armaments Directors Meet in Support of Ukraine DoD News 27 Sep 2023 -- National Armaments Directors from more than 40 countries, the European Union, and NATO gathered Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group to further ongoing efforts aimed at collaboratively solving industrial base and sustainment challenges in support of Ukraine. Led by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante, the session was the sixth meeting to date.
• Our warriors need more means of Russian missiles, combat drones and aircraft destruction - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 27 Sep 2023
• Ingenuity wins the day Australia DOD 27 Sep 2023 -- More than 100 soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines participated in Exercise Carabaroo in Darwin alongside soldiers from Australia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste and the United States Marine Corps in August and September.
• INDO-PACIFIC ARMIES CHIEFS CONFERENCE (IPACC), India PIB 27 Sep 2023 -- A three day event, IPACC, IPAMS and SELF-2023, organised by the Indian Army with the US Army as the co-host culminated today in New Delhi
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions Aimed At Iranian Drone-Procurement Network RFE/RL 27 Sep 2023 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on entities in Iran, Hong Kong, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates that the U.S. Treasury Department says comprise a network for the procurement of parts for Iran's drone program.
• United States Imposes Sanctions on Transnational Procurement Network Supporting Iran's One-Way Attack UAV Program US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2023 -- Today, the United States is designating a network linked to the U.S.-designated Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• Treasury Sanctions Transnational Procurement Network Supporting Iran's One-Way Attack UAV Program US Treasury 27 Sep 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned five entities and two individuals based in Iran, the People's Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involved in the procurement of sensitive parts for Iran's one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program.
• US imposes sanctions on several entities, individuals for aiding Iran's drone program Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- The US has placed sanctions on entities and individuals based in Iran and three other countries for what it called aiding Iran's drone program, repeating its unsubstantiated claim of Tehran's support for Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
• China blasts Iran-related US sanctions, vows to defend own interests Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- Beijing has censured a recent move by the US administration to impose a new round of sanctions against a number of Chinese individuals and entities over accusations of providing Iran with drone production materials.
• 31 US senators ask E3 to prevent expiry of UN's anti-Iran missile bans Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- A bipartisan group of US senators have asked the United Kingdom, France and Germany to take action to prevent the expiration of UN bans targeting Iran's missile and drone activities, which are set to end next month.
• South Korea's Dilemma: Is North Korea the Only Threat? VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- Seoul should be ready to deal with threats beyond North Korea as Beijing's belligerence toward Taiwan and Pyongyang's threats to South Korea keep growing, analysts said.
• Pevkur on Estonia´s Defence Budget: We must contribute more of our common wealth to defence Estonia MoD 27 Sep 2023 -- In 2024, Estonia´s defence budget will exceed three per cent of GDP for the first time, including an additional EUR 350 million being directed by the new state budget strategy toward ammunition stocks, meaning that Estonia will be purchasing EUR 1.35 billion worth of ammunition in the coming years.
• A look at the Defence news 18 - 24 September 2023 Netherlands Ministry of Defence 27 Sep 2023
• Philippines to craft more assertive strategy for sea territories Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- The Philippines is in the process of crafting a more assertive strategy for waters it claims in the disputed South China Sea, a Navy commander said on Wednesday.
• Philippines, US to Hold Maritime Drills in South China Sea From October 2-13 Sputnik 27 Sep 2023 -- The Philippines and the United States will hold annual maritime military drills dubbed Samasama from October 2-13 in the southern part of the island of Luzon, the Philippine armed forces said on Wednesday.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador The White House 27 Sep 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 27, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 27 September 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Sep 2023
• Taliban: 200 Anti-Pakistan Militants Arrested in Afghanistan VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban says it has captured 200 suspected militants for staging deadly cross-border attacks against Pakistan and has implemented other "concrete steps" to "neutralize" the terrorist activity, VOA learned from Pakistani officials privy to the process.
• Exiled Afghan Professors Say No Return Without Women In Universities RFE/RL 27 Sep 2023 -- When the Taliban seized power, it soon launched a purge of Afghanistan's universities in a bid to promote its radical Islamic values.
• Department of Defense Statement on Saudi Arabia/Yemen Border Violence DoD 27 Sep 2023
• Houthi: Yemen will use all legal means to end Saudi-led war if peace talks fail Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement says the Sana'a-based National Salvation Government will employ all available legal means to end the Saudi-led aggression and occupation of the Arab country in case the ongoing talks in Riyadh fail to bear any fruit.
• UAE seeking to obstruct Saudi-Yemen peace talks: Report Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- The United Arab Emirates has been trying to hinder the negotiations between Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement and Saudi Arabia aimed at bringing an end to the Riyadh-led coalition's war on the Arab world's poorest nation.
• Envoy calls on US, Europe to end 'economic terrorism' against Syria Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- Syria has called for the lifting of sanctions imposed by the United States and its European allies on other countries, describing them as "economic terrorism," which must end.
• A more sustainable approach is needed for lifesaving cross-border aid into Syria: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 27 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• Confidence building critical to break Syria political deadlock UN News 27 Sep 2023 -- A comprehensive solution to the Syrian conflict remains elusive, the UN Special Envoy for the country said on Wednesday, calling for "concrete moves" and confidence-building measures to break the impasse.
• Joint Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Mr Adam Abdelmoula, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Mr Muhannad Hadi, on the strike on Mehkan water station UNOCHA 27 Sep 2023
• Ms. Edem Wosornu, OCHA Director of Operations and Advocacy, on behalf of Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martin Griffiths UNOCHA 27 Sep 2023 -- Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria
• Myanmar's resistance says it has cracked junta's anti-drone jammers Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Resistance fighters in Myanmar are increasingly relying on drones to attack Myanmar military forces now that they have cracked the junta's anti-drone jammers, rebel groups and drone operation groups said.
• Azerbaijan Arrests Former Head of Nagorno-Karabakh Government VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijan on Wednesday arrested the former head of Nagorno-Karabakh's separatist government as he tried to flee into Armenia following Azerbaijan's military offensive in the region.
• US, Germany Call for Observers in Nagorno-Karabakh VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- The United States and Germany added to calls for international observers to be allowed into the Nagorno-Karabakh region, as Azerbaijan said Wednesday that 192 of its soldiers were killed in an operation to retake the area from ethnic Armenian separatists.
• U.S. Pledges To Work With Partners On Monitoring Mission As Tens Of Thousands Arrive In Armenia RFE/RL 27 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. State Department says it will work with allies and partners on an international monitoring mission after nearly half the population of Nagorno-Karabakh fled following an offensive by Azerbaijan that gave Baku complete control of the breakaway region.
• As Armenia And Azerbaijan Seek Peace, Proposed Zangezur Corridor Could Be Major Sticking Point RFE/RL 27 Sep 2023 -- Negotiations over a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan are continuing, even as refugees continue to stream into Armenia following Azerbaijan's military assault on the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh last week.
• Baku Detains Former Russian Businessman Vardanian, Who Briefly Served As Nagorno-Karabakh's De Facto PM RFE/RL 27 Sep 2023 -- Azerbaijan's State Border Service (DSX) said on September 27 that it has detained billionaire Ruben Vardanian, a former Russian citizen of Armenian descent, who served as prime minister in the de facto government of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh for less than four months before he was dismissed from the post in February.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Sep 2023
• Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with TASS information agency, Moscow, September 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Sep 2023
• Nagorno-Karabakh: Foreign Minister Baerbock calls for the deployment of international observers and increases humanitarian assistance Germany Federal Foreign Office 27 Sep 2023
• Erdogan: Azerbaijan-Nakhchivan corridor can pass through Iran IRNA 27 Sep 2023 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed Iran's proposal regarding the so-called Zangezur corridor connecting Azerbaijan to Armenia, saying the corridor can pass through Iran in the event Armenia does not allow it to pass through its territory.
• Nearly half of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh flee in fear: Armenia Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- Nearly half of ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh have fled the enclave in fear of reprisal from Azerbaijan, Armenia says, as part of an exodus caused by a military operation that brought the mountainous region back under Azerbaijan's control.
• Karabakh: Azerbaijan must 'guarantee the rights of ethnic Armenians' UN News 27 Sep 2023 -- A UN-appointed independent human rights expert on Wednesday called on Azerbaijan to "guarantee the rights of ethnic Armenians" in the Karabakh region and ensure that civilians who remain "are respected and protected in line with its international obligations."
• Normalization of ties with Israel amounts to accepting occupation of Palestine: Hamas IRNA 27 Sep 2023 -- A leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has criticized the normalization of ties and reconciliation between certain Arab states and the Zionist regime, underlining that the presence of occupiers in Saudi Arabia means accepting the occupation of Palestinian territories.
• Hamas: Israel's acts of terror will not demoralize Palestinian nation Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has denounced the latest Israeli airstrikes against its positions in the besieged Gaza Strip, stressing that the Palestinian nation will resolutely continue their struggle against the occupying regime.
• The UK calls for a de-escalation of tensions between Israel and Palestine: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 27 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Middle Eastern Peace Process.
• Israeli settlements 'systematically erode' viability of Palestinian State UN News 27 Sep 2023 -- The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

News Reports

• No time for finger pointing; we must work together to tackle pressing challenges, says Canada UN News 26 Sep 2023 -- The health of our planet, its people, institutions, and the global economy are at serious risk, and such deep challenges cannot be tackled in isolation, Robert Rae, Ambassador of Canada to the United Nations, told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate on Tuesday.
• CISA, NSA, FBI and Japan Release Advisory Warning of BlackTech, PRC-Linked Cyber Activity CISA 27 Sep 2023 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Japan National Police Agency (NPA), and Japan National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) published a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) today about malicious activity by People's Republic of China (PRC)-linked cyber actors known as BlackTech, which have demonstrated capabilities to modify router firmware without detection and exploit routers' domain-trust relationships.
• US, Latin America Seek to Boost Cybersecurity VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- Countries up and down the Western Hemisphere are looking to eliminate weaknesses in their cyber infrastructure that could give potential adversaries, including China and Russia, the ability to do extensive damage by exploiting a single vulnerability.
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 27 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconference meeting with Government members.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Sep 2023
• Terrorist Attack on Nord Stream De Facto Organized by US, UK - Kremlin Sputnik 27 Sep 2023 -- The terrorist attack on the Nord Stream pipelines was somehow organized by the United States and the United Kingdom, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov opening remarks at the opening ceremony of the Literary Salon: Ambassadors of Russian Culture event dedicated to Fyodor Tyutchev, Moscow, September 27, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Sep 2023
• Press release on personal sanctions against members of Britain's military and political establishment, media and academic community Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Sep 2023
• Russia must end disinformation and return to mature diplomacy and multilateralism: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 27 Sep 2023 -- UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says that Russia continues to use the OSCE as a platform to push its disinformation campaign to cover over the strategic setbacks in its war of aggression.
• Navalny Says He Will Be Transferred To Strictest Prison Cell For 12 Months RFE/RL 27 Sep 2023 -- Jailed Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny says he was informed a day after a court rejected his appeal against a 19-year sentence that he will be transferred to the strictest possible prison cell for one year.
• Greetings on the launch of international drill of quick response teams handling sanitary and epidemiological emergencies President of Russia 27 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants in the international drill of quick response teams handling sanitary and epidemiological emergencies with the use of mobile labs, which is taking place in Russia for the second time.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on September 27, 2023 PRC MofA 27 Sep 2023
• China stresses need for WTO reform, high-level opening-up Global Times 27 Sep 2023 -- China's top leadership has stressed efforts to actively participate in the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and improve the ability to handle high-level opening-up.
• Setting Sights on a Biden-Xi Meeting, a Softer US Tone on China? VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- While remaining noncommittal about who will represent China at a coming economic gathering, Beijing is hinting that Chinese President Xi Jinping's attendance — and thus a possible summit with U.S. President Joe Biden — depends on Washington's creating the right environment.
• China, US maintain engagement via diverse channels, 'but still far from cooperation' Global Times 27 Sep 2023 -- China and the US are maintaining communication in different channels after a series of visits by cabinet members of President Joe Biden's administration, as former US treasury secretary Henry Paulson, who represents the interests of Wall Street elites to some extent, met with senior Chinese officials during a trip to Beijing.
• China opposes US' blacklisting three more Chinese companies over 'forced labor' accusation Global Times 27 Sep 2023 -- The purpose of the US banning imports from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is never to protect the human rights of ethnic groups but to suffocate the development of the Xinjiang region and contain China, analysts said. They criticized the latest move by the US of adding three more companies to its entity list under the excuse of "forced labor" is only "shooting itself in the foot," and said it will additionally pose a negative impact on global supply chains and American companies.
• UN experts: Xinjiang expanding forced separation of Uyghur children Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Experts from the United Nations have expressed "grave concern" over allegations that Chinese officials in Xinjiang have expanded a government-run boarding school system that forcibly separates Uyghur and other minority Muslim children from their families and communities.
• Mainland activist jailed in Hong Kong tested crackdown 'red lines' Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Zeng Yuxuan, a doctoral student from mainland China found in possession of posters depicting the "Pillar of Shame" sculpture commemorating the Tiananmen massacre, was recently handed a six-month jail term under colonial-era sedition laws.
• China welcomes more U.S. companies to invest in China People's Daily 27 Sep 2023 -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng Tuesday met with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in Beijing, saying China welcomes more U.S. companies to invest and do business in China to share development opportunities.
• Guatemala defense minister meets with President Tsai CNA 27 Sep 2023 -- Visiting Guatemalan Defense Minister Henry Yovani Reyes Chigua met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Wednesday and said he looked forward to bilateral ties between the two countries continuing to deepen.
• DPP 'stands against interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots,' stigmatizing mainland's policy Global Times 27 Sep 2023 -- Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan have always stood on the wrong side of history and against the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said in response to the DPP's smearing of the mainland's latest document to facilitate integrated development across the Taiwan Straits.
• China says military drills near Taiwan aimed at targeting 'arrogance' of separatists Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- China says it recent series of drills near Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) are aimed at combating the "arrogance" of separatist forces.
• An island encircled as China practices beach landings Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan's minister of national defense and military analysts are calling recent Chinese military drills "abnormal" and "out of control" amid reports that civilian ferries are being harnessed to carry out beach landing drills on the Chinese side of the Taiwan Strait.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 27, 2023 ROC MND 27 Sep 2023
• Syria supports one-China principle: senior official People's Daily 27 Sep 2023 -- Syria supports the one-China principle and recognizes China's right to defend its sovereignty, said Syrian Vice Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh on Tuesday.
• Greetings to DPRK Foreign Minister KCNA 27 Sep 2023 -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), received messages of greeting from her counterparts of different countries on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the DPRK.
• North Korea orders diplomatic staff to donate $100 each for new subs Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Kim Jong Un has submarine envy, so every North Korean attached to diplomatic missions abroad has been ordered to "donate" US$100 to a new fund that will go toward the construction of "cutting-edge" submarines and other warships, sources in China told Radio Free Asia.
• US, Iran Deny Secret Talks VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- The United States and Iran are denying reports that the two sides are engaged in secret negotiations following a prisoner exchange deal earlier this month that included the unlocking of billions of dollars of frozen Iranian funds.
• 31 US senators ask E3 to prevent expiry of UN's anti-Iran missile bans Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- A bipartisan group of US senators have asked the United Kingdom, France and Germany to take action to prevent the expiration of UN bans targeting Iran's missile and drone activities, which are set to end next month.
• Iran starts tapping newly-unfrozen funds in Qatar totaling $6 billion Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- Iran and Qatar have agreed a mechanism that allows Tehran to tap funds recently unfrozen and deposited into bank accounts in the Arab country as part of a deal with the United States.
• Iran slams Netanyahu's nuclear threat, vows to respond resolutely Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- Iran has vehemently condemned Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's threat to use nukes, saying it reserves the right to deliver a resolute response to the occupying entity under international law.
• Iran: World should stand up to Israel's 'nuclear rhetoric' Press TV 27 Sep 2023 -- Iran has called on the international community to stand up to "nuclear rhetoric" by the Israeli regime, which recently called for a "nuclear threat" against the Islamic Republic.
• Nearly 2,000 NLD party members jailed under Myanmar junta Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Myanmar's military regime has arrested and jailed nearly 2,000 members of the deposed National League for Democracy, or NLD, since seizing power in a coup d'etat, the party said Wednesday in a statement to mark the 35th anniversary of its founding.
• Construction in ancient city of Bagan goes unchecked under junta Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- When Chinese conservation teams began working on the That Bin Nyu Temple in Myanmar's ancient city Bagan, local residents noticed something out of place. Less than 300 meters (yards) away, they also began constructing an office.
• Junta threatens prison terms for unregistered SIM card users Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- Myanmar's junta-controlled Ministry of Transport and Communications is threatening mobile phone service sellers and users with six months in prison if they don't register, or fraudulently register, SIM cards, state controlled newspapers said Wednesday.
• RMAFC Aims to Strengthen Energy Sector Ties Between Russia and Myanmar Sputnik 27 Sep 2023 -- In their apparent effort to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, the Russia-Myanmar Association for Friendship and Cooperation (RMAFC) led by its president Anatoly Bulochnikov, exchanged views on opportunities and issues with Myanmar's Union Minister for Electric Power and Union Minister for Energy yesterday.
• New Trade Initiative Offers India Major Gains in Middle East VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- New Delhi's bid to expand its economic and diplomatic clout beyond Asia received a major boost with the announcement at this month's G20 summit of ambitious plans to develop a new trade route running from India through the Middle East to Europe.
• Secretary-General's remarks at the Informal Briefing to the General Assembly one year on from the 2022 Pakistan Floods: Resolution 77/1 on Progress in Relief, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Prevention UN Secretary-General 27 Sep 2023
• Pakistan floods a 'litmus test' for climate justice says Guterres UN News 27 Sep 2023 -- Top UN officials pledged support for Pakistan on Wednesday as it continues the painstaking process of rebuilding in the wake of last year's devastating floods.
• Pakistani Ahmadis Face Growing Attacks on Places of Worship VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- On a hot and humid Friday this month in Shahdara Town, a congested neighborhood in Pakistan's second most populous city, Lahore, mosques began blaring calls for Muslims to demolish an Ahmadi place of worship.
• Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary Blinken Announce Designation of Israel into the Visa Waiver Program DHS 27 Sep 2023 -- Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, in consultation with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, announced the designation of Israel into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
• US Admits Israel Into Visa Waiver Program VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- The United States will be admitting Israel into its Visa Waiver Program, or VWP, which will allow the entry of Israeli citizens into the country without a visa for up to 90 days, beginning November 30.
• New strategy adopted: New horizons for space travel Germany - Federal Government 27 Sep 2023 -- From climate protection and research, to navigation and telecommunications: space infrastructure such as satellites are a part of everyday life we could no longer do without. However, space technologies are also key instruments for ensuring the state's ability to act, which is why the Federal Cabinet has adopted a new Space Strategy.
• Two weeks since floods in eastern Libya, UN teams remain on the ground, providing humanitarian assistance and supporting early recovery UNOCHA 27 Sep 2023 -- Two weeks since devastating floods in northeastern Libya claimed several thousand lives and ravaged entire neighbourhoods, the United Nations and its partners remain on the ground and continue to provide critical humanitarian assistance and support to affected people in Derna, Benghazi, Al Bayda, Shahat and Soussa.
• French Ambassador to Niger Leaves as Relations Nosedive After Coup VOA 27 Sep 2023 -- France's ambassador to Niger left the country early on Wednesday morning, around one month after the military government ordered his expulsion and days after President Emmanuel Macron said the diplomat would be pulled out and French troops withdrawn.
• Philippines: first subcommittee on maritime cooperation with the European Union takes place in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Sep 2023
• Huawei's role in Indonesia raises 'digital colonization' concerns Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- BRI-logo-black-background-250.jpgLush green hills and a majestic lake surround a private university here that is training tomorrow's elite Indonesian digital workers with help from a Chinese technological powerhouse reviled by the U.S. government.
• Solomons Prime Minister tells US not to lecture Pacific leaders Radio Free Asia 27 Sep 2023 -- The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, who declined to attend a United States-Pacific islands summit earlier this week, said Washington should show respect to the region's leaders rather than lecturing them.
• Poll Shows Slovaks Split Ahead Of Elections With Ukraine In Spotlight RFE/RL 27 Sep 2023 -- Slovak opposition party Direction-Social Democracy (Smer), led by former Prime Minister Robert Fico, holds a narrow lead over its liberal challenger, Progressive Slovakia (PS), ahead of weekend elections that have revealed stark dividing lines over whether the country should continue to support Ukraine or instead seek closer ties with Russia.
• Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining Democracy in Liberia US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2023 -- The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Liberia and around the world.
• US urged to end detention of Venezuelan Special Envoy UN News 27 Sep 2023 -- The United States must end "the prolonged pre-trial detention" of Alex Nain Saab Morán, a Venezuelan Special Envoy who was arrested in 2020 and extradited to the US on money laundering charges, UN independent human rights experts said on Wednesday.