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• No U.S. Injuries Following IRGC Navy Lazing Incident at Sea US Navy Press Release 28 Sep 2023 -- "Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) interacted in an unsafe and unprofessional manner with a U.S. AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), as the aircraft was conducting routine operations in the international airspace of the Arabian Gulf, Sept. 27."

Defense Policy / Programs

• AI Security Center to Open at National Security Agency DoD News 28 Sep 2023 -- National Security Agency Director Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone today announced the creation of a new entity to oversee the development and integration of artificial intelligence capabilities within U.S. national security systems.
• Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary, Holds an On-Camera Press Briefing DoD 28 Sep 2023
• American Soldier Travis King Back in US After Fleeing to North Korea VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- An American soldier who illegally crossed into North Korea in July arrived back in the United States early Thursday, according to a U.S. defense official.
• Released From North Korea, U.S. Soldier Now in Texas DoD News 28 Sep 2023 -- This week, Army Pvt. Travis T. King was released from North Korean custody and returned to American authorities. King is now back in the U.S., in San Antonio, Texas, said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
• Joint Statement from Department of Defense Chief Information Officer John Sherman and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Alan Davidson on the Emerging Mid-Band Radar Spectrum Sharing (EMBRSS) Feasibility Assessment DoD 28 Sep 2023 -- Spectrum is foundational to our economic prosperity and global technological leadership, from high-speed wireless internet access, to connected vehicles and smart manufacturing, to the next generation of space-based innovation.
• DOD Announces Release of 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction DoD 28 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Department of Defense released the unclassified version of its 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD).
• DOD Announces New Actions to Prevent Suicide in the Military DoD 28 Sep 2023 -- On September 28, 2023, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin released a memo directing urgent actions to address suicide in the military community, building upon two years of significant work towards suicide prevention across the Department of Defense (DoD).
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks' Meeting With NATO Permanent Representatives DoD 28 Sep 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa DoD 28 Sep 2023
• DOD Sparks Innovation and Resilience Across the Defense Microelectronics Industrial Base DoD 28 Sep 2023 -- The Department of Defense's Office of Industrial Base Policy, through its Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office, has awarded a combined $17.5 million in contracts to support two initiatives that will strengthen the resilience of the defense microelectronics industrial base. Both projects introduce new, agile industrial capacities to better produce and manage microelectronic parts.
• Cooperation Is Key to U.S. Success in 'Decisive Decade' DoD News 28 Sep 2023 -- Teamwork and cooperation are key to success in this "decisive decade," President Joe Biden's nominee for undersecretary of defense for policy told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
• SETAF-AF Soldiers maintain their own training and readiness Army News 28 Sep 2023 -- Each year, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) engages in hundreds of theater security cooperation activities, events and exercises in Africa. These initiatives encompass a wide spectrum of training activities across various warfighting domains, reinforcing partner capabilities and fostering improved interoperability.
• USCENTCOM commander and Uzbekistan Chief of Defense host Central and South Asia Chiefs of Defense Conference CENTCOM 28 Sep 2023 -- Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, along with the Chiefs of Defense from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee from Pakistan and the Turkmenistan Defense Attaché to Uzbekistan participated in the Central and South Asian States Chiefs of Defense Conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 26 - 27 September.
• MSRON 11 Leads Djiboutian Navy in Groundbreaking Navigation Training US Navy 28 Sep 2023 -- From plotting coordinates on a map to physically navigating a patrol boat off the coast of Djibouti, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 11 developed a three-week groundbreaking advanced navigation training for Djiboutian Navy members that started August 21, 2023.
• U.S., Korean Navies Hold Bilateral Exercise Ahead of 70-year Milestone US Navy 28 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Navy and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy concluded a multi-domain bilateral exercise on Sept. 27, nearing the 70-year anniversary of the two countries' Oct. 1, 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty.
• FRCE marks first with new F-35 component US Navy 28 Sep 2023 -- Fleet Readiness Center East successfully assembled F-35B Lightning II aircraft component outside the original manufacturer's facility.
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at NRL 100th Anniversary Ceremony US Navy 28 Sep 2023
• SECNAV Takes Accountability Actions Following Red Hill Investigation US Navy Press Release 28 Sep 2023 -- Secretary Del Toro issued Secretarial Letters of Censure (SLOCs) to three Navy flag officers who were in leadership roles connected to the fuel spills at Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility and subsequent contamination of the water distribution system at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
• Readout of U.S. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with Romania's Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Daniel Petrescu US Navy Press Release 28 Sep 2023
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru DoD 28 Sep 2023
• Washington Army Guard to get new Firefighting Unit Army News 28 Sep 2023 -- Beginning next fiscal year, the Washington Army National Guard will have a new unit primarily focused on firefighting.
• USS Louisiana Proves Readiness of Unmatched Strategic Weapons System US Navy 28 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs conducted a scheduled, missile test flight of an unarmed life-extended Trident II (D5LE) missile from USS Louisiana (SSBN-743), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, on the Western Test Range off the coast of San Diego, California, at approximately 2:10 p.m. Sept. 27, 2023.
• NATO Secretary General welcomes contracts worth 2.4 billion euros to strengthen ammunition stockpiles NATO 28 Sep 2023 -- At their meeting in Paris this week, NATO Allies and partners in the Land Battle Decisive Munitions framework drove forward efforts to increase ammunition stocks.
• NATO nuclear experts discuss global challenges in Lisbon NATO 28 Sep 2023 -- NATO's annual Nuclear Policy Symposium kicked off in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday (27 September 2023). Held annually since 1992, the Symposium brings together experts, diplomats and senior officials, to discuss some of the biggest nuclear challenges facing the Alliance.
• NATO deploys AWACS surveillance jets to Lithuania NATO 28 Sep 2023 -- NATO will temporarily deploy Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveillance planes to Šiauliai, Lithuania. The first of two aircraft will arrive on Thursday (28 September 2023) and will fly missions to monitor Russian military activity near the Alliance's borders.
• Meeting with Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov President of Russia 28 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov.
• Chechen Leader Kadyrov Assures Putin That Special Op Fighters Will Fully Fulfill His Orders Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Ramzan Kadyrov in the Kremlin, where the president and the head of Chechnya discussed the situation in the republic, the social sphere, and the participation of Chechen fighters in the special military operation.
• Russia to closely monitor U.S. plans to deploy INF-banned weapons in Europe People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- Moscow will closely monitor U.S. steps to deploy weapons systems previously banned by the arms-control Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in Europe, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.
• Russian Aerospace Force Receives New Su-57 Multirole Fighter Jets Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- In August, during a meeting with Rostec chief executive Sergei Chemezov, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for an increase in the share of production of the latest weapons, noting that the Su-57 and Su-35 fighters had "proved themselves perfectly".
• Russia Needs to Boost Defense Spending to Counter Hybrid War - Kremlin Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- An increase in defense spending is necessary for Russia, as the country is living in a state of hybrid war deployed against it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
• Baltic Fleet's anti-submarine ships launch planned exercise Russia MoD 28 Sep 2023 -- A hunter-killer task force has proceeded to an exercise to search for and destroy an enemy submarine at the Baltic Fleet's maritime training range.
• Baltic Fleet's ships conduct air defence exercise in naval station Russia MoD 28 Sep 2023 -- Ships of the Baltic Naval Base and the Baltic Fleet's surface formation conducted a planned air defence exercise in the Baltiysk home station.
• ADMM Plus exercise: participants prepare concept and plan of joint counterterrorism operation Russia MoD 28 Sep 2023 -- The first stage of a joint international anti-terrorist exercise between military formations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the armed forces of the member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ADMM Plus dialogue partners has been completed in Primorsky Krai.
• Russia's Harsh Prison System Is 'A Bottomless Reservoir Of Mercenaries,' Says Rights Advocate RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- In the summer of 2022, Wagner mercenary group head Yevgeny Prigozhin - who was killed in a suspicious plane crash in August, exactly two months after leading a brief mutiny against Russian military authorities - began recruiting convicts in Russian prisons to fight in Ukraine. Within weeks, he had sent tens of thousands of them into some of the bloodiest fighting of Moscow's invasion, particularly in the area around the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
• More weapons, military-technical cooperation projects, and training of the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Rustem Umerov and Sébastien Lecornu discussed further cooperation in the defence sector Ukraine MOD 28 Sep 2023
• Rustem Umerov and the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom discussed further military partnership and assistance to Ukraine Ukraine MOD 28 Sep 2023
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with Minister of the Armed Forces of France President of Ukraine 28 Sep 2023
• President meets with Secretary of State for Defenсe of the United Kingdom President of Ukraine 28 Sep 2023
• British, French defense ministers in Ukraine to discuss further military aid to Kiev Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- Defense ministers of the United Kingdom and France have gathered in Kiev to discuss further military aid to Ukraine, which is striving for more weapons to boost its slowed counteroffensive against Russian forces.
• Further support for Ukraine promised as Defence Secretary meets President Zelenskyy in Kyiv UK MOD 28 Sep 2023 -- The Defence Secretary met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his counterpart Rustem Umerov and promised further military support from the UK.
• Taiwan launches first Indigenous Defense Submarine 'Narwhal' CNA 28 Sep 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Thursday presided over the launch of Taiwan's first Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) "Narwhal" at a ceremony in Kaohsiung and labeled the event a crucial moment in Taiwan's mission to produce domestic subs and achieve "defense autonomy."
• Taiwan unveils homegrown 'sea monster' sub Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday presided over a naming ceremony and launch of Taiwan's first domestically assembled submarine amid concerns in expert corners that the effort was "too little, too late."
• Taiwan Launches Its First Submarine for Testing in Face of China's Threats VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen launched the self-governing island's first domestically made submarine Thursday for testing after seven years of design and construction and increasingly aggressive moves by China.
• Major changes to Army announced Australia DOD 28 Sep 2023 -- The Government has outlined key changes to Army's units and formations - as well as changes to equipment locations - to boost capabilities, preparedness and projection.
• Going from strength to strength Australia DOD 28 Sep 2023 -- There were a lot of big smiles and hugs in the small receiving terminal at RAAF Base Darwin as the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR) didn't just welcome a visiting company of soldiers for an exercise, but old friends from Indonesia's 412 Raider Battalion Kostrad (412Bn) back to the Northern Territory.
• Warsaw Denies Belarus Claim That Polish Helicopter Violated Its Airspace RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- Belarus said on September 28 that a Polish helicopter violated its airspace, but Warsaw said none of its helicopters had crossed the border between the two countries.
• 9th Session of 14th SPA of DPRK Held KCNA 28 Sep 2023 -- The reporter said that the SPA is to discuss and adopt the amendment to the Constitution in order to stipulate the position of the nuclear force in the national defence and the principle of state activities on the building of the nuclear force in the Socialist Constitution, the basic law of the Republic and the great political charter for building a powerful socialist country.
• DPRK incorporates nuclear force policy into constitution People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has incorporated the state nuclear force policy that was codified a year ago into the country's constitution, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Thursday.
• North Korea amends constitution to boost nuclear power status, calls US, allies 'worst threat' Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- North Korea has amended its constitution in a bid to update its nuclear doctrine and boost its nuclear power status, citing "provocations" from the United States.
• North Korea Unanimously Amends Constitution on 'Accelerated Development' on Nuclear Weapons Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- North Korea develops nuclear weapons to guarantee the country's rights to existence and development, deter war and protect peace and stability in the region, North Korean state-run news agency reported Thursday, citing Choe Ryong Hae, the chairman of the Standing Committee of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly.
• Israel to Sell Germany Cutting-Edge Missile Defense System VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Israel finalized a $3.5 billion deal on Thursday to sell its cutting-edge Arrow 3 missile defense system to Germany as the nation seeks to protect itself from the types of air assaults that have ravaged Ukraine.
• Iran Navy plans permanent base in Antarctica for military, scientific missions Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- Iran's Navy chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani has outlined his force's plans in Antarctica, including establishing a permanent base for military and scientific missions.
• A. Anušauskas discussed assistance to Ukraine with Ambassador of Estonia inviting to join the demining coalition Lithuania MND 28 Sep 2023 -- September 28, minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas met with Ambassador of Estonia to Lithuania HE Kaimo Kuusk to discuss bilateral cooperation and mutual efforts in support of Ukraine.
• Level of ambitions set for next year for the EU Cyber Rapid Response Teams in Vilnius Lithuania MND 28 Sep 2023 -- The Lithuanian-initiated and coordinated EU Cyber Rapid Response Team (CRRT) has set forth an ambitious plan for 2024 which encompasses three different directions with assistance from EU partners: assessment of national cyber vulnerability, strengthening the capability, and testing and approval of the multifunctional cybersecurity toolkit developed by the CYBER4DE Consortium under Lithuanian business leadership.
• Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on U.S. - EU Summit The White House 28 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg at The Atlantic Festival US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Sept. 28, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 28 September 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 Sep 2023
• Taliban Undertake Speedy Overhaul of Afghanistan's Justice System VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- In cities and villages across Afghanistan, men with no formal legal training but with membership in the Taliban and a rudimentary grasp of 8th-century Islamic jurisprudence wield unprecedented power over the fate of defendants and the resolution of civil disputes.
• Pakistan's Plan to Expel Illegal Afghan Migrants Alarms UN VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Pakistan's caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani confirmed Thursday that his government has decided to force out all Afghans and other foreign nationals living unlawfully in the country.
• China's South China Sea Tactics Push Manila to Become More Assertive VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- A bold move by the Philippine coast guard this week to publicly cut loose a floating barrier installed by China near a disputed South China Sea lagoon highlights how Beijing's actions are fueling forceful responses, analysts say. It also could help rally other countries in the region to stand up to Beijing.
• Philippines' claim about removing Chinese blocking nets at Huangyan Island fabricated: China Coast Guard Global Times 28 Sep 2023 -- The Philippines' claim about having removed blocking nets set by the China Coast Guard (CCG) at Huangyan Dao (Huangyan Island) in the South China Sea is purely fabricated, said a CCG spokesperson.
• Pakistan Welcomes Efforts for Peace in Yemen Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Sep 2023 -- Pakistan welcomes positive outcome of the dialogue, held in Riyadh from 14 to 18 September 2023, between the officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at achieving a road map for the peace process in Yemen.
• Nagorno-Karabakh Separatist Government Says It Will Dissolve VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- The head of the self-declared separatist state in Nagorno-Karabakh said Thursday the entity will dissolve itself and cease to exist by the end of the year, as thousands more ethnic Armenians flee the region to Armenia.
• Nagorno-Karabakh Announces Cessation of Existence of Unrecognized Republic - Statement Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- The Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh will cease to exist from January 1, 2024. President of the unrecognized republic Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree dissolving all state institutions.
• Karabakh Armenians announce end of breakaway republic Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- Ethnic Armenian separatists in Karabakh agree to dissolve their government by the end of the year and become a full part of Azerbaijan.
• Australian Lawmakers Urge Outside Help for Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Refugees VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Seven Australian lawmakers have toured a refugee camp in Armenia, as thousands of ethnic Armenians flee their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh. Forces from Azerbaijan took control of the contested region last week.
• Pashinian Accuses Baku Of Ethnic Cleansing As Exodus From Karabakh Continues RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- Thousands more people poured into Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh on September 28, prompting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian to accuse Azerbaijan of "ethnic cleansing" and warn that no Armenian will remain in the breakaway region following a lightning military offensive that gave Baku total control over the ethnic-Armenian populated territory.
• As Armenia And Azerbaijan Seek Peace, Proposed Zangezur Corridor Could Be Major Sticking Point RFE/RL 28 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.
• Military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh risks jeopardising peace: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 28 Sep 2023 -- Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown says Azerbaijan's decision to commence a military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh put at risk efforts to find a lasting peace settlement.
• Canada provides humanitarian assistance funding in response to Nagorno-Karabakh crisis Canada 28 Sep 2023 -- Canada is deeply concerned by the rapid increase in humanitarian needs arising from the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh that has forced more than 70,000 people to flee to Armenia since last week, a number that is increasing daily.
• Support to people affected by conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh Government Offices of Sweden 28 Sep 2023 -- The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is increasingly critical following recent developments, and a large number of people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
• Iran says Israeli attacks on Syria smokescreen for Tel Aviv's crimes against Palestinians Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- Iran's UN ambassador has said the Israeli regime's recurrent violence against Syria serves as a smokescreen for Tel Aviv's daily aggression targeting the Palestinians.
• Troops kill 2 locals and militia member in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- Junta troops killed a People's Defense Force member and two civilians in Sagaing region's Pale township this week, Pale People's Administration Group told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• US Aims Sanctions at Anti-Democracy Actors in Sudan VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on an ousted Sudanese politician and two companies, one of which is based in Russia, accusing them of intensifying instability and opposing democracy in the North African country.
• Climate Change Exacerbating Sudan's Instability, Experts Say VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Environmental experts are ringing alarm bells, saying decades-long climate and environmental changes in Sudan have exacerbated social and political instability, fueling the monthslong conflict in the country centered around access to land, water and other vital resources.
• Designating Actors Undermining the Peace, Security, and Stability of Sudan US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023 -- The United States is taking action against two entities and one individual for their roles in undermining the peace, security, and stability of Sudan. The Department of State is imposing visa restrictions against other individuals, including Islamists and former regime officials, complicit in undermining Sudan's democratic transition.
• Treasury Designates Entities and Individual Exacerbating Sudan's Instability US Treasury 28 Sep 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted two entities and one individual for their role in undermining the peace, security, and stability of Sudan. Since the Sudanese people peacefully ousted Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, various actors, including the individual being designated today, have taken steps to undermine Sudan's efforts to establish civilian, democratic governance. His actions have obstructed efforts to reach a ceasefire to end the current conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and opposed Sudanese civilian efforts to resume Sudan's stalled democratic transition. The two entities designated today are RSF-affiliated companies generating revenue from, and contributing to, the conflict in Sudan.
• Draft Law On Foreign Agents Passes Republika Srpska's Legislature RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- The National Assembly of Republika Srpska has adopted a controversial draft law that would require nonprofit organizations funded from abroad and active in Bosnia-Herzegovina's Serb entity to register and report on their work.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Statement by the Spokesperson on the "foreign agent" law in Republika Srpska European External Action Service (EEAS) 28 Sep 2023 -- The EU is seriously concerned about the recent legislative initiatives and announcements in the Republika Srpska (RS) entity that run counter to the EU path of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the draft Law on the Special Registry and Publicity of the Work of Non-Profit Organisations labelling NGOs as "foreign agents" which has been now adopted in first reading by the Republika Srpska National Assembly.
• Implications of a MONUSCO withdrawal on civilians in the DRC must be considered: UK statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 28 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• DR Congo: Children killed, injured, abducted, and face sexual violence in conflict at record levels for third consecutive year - UNICEF UNICEF 28 Sep 2023 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is on track to have record levels of verified grave violations against children for a third consecutive year in 2023.
• DR Congo: UN mission still disinformation target, as withdrawal speculation grows UN News 28 Sep 2023 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains mired in insecurity, characterized by volatility and tensions that show no signs of abating, the head of the UN's peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) there, said on Thursday.
• Suicide Car Bomb Kills 6 as Somali Forces Foil 2 Others in Central Somalia VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- At least six people were killed and more than 10 injured in a car bombing Thursday in the central Hirshabelle state in Somalia, according to officials.

News Reports

• Stopping war, stepping up climate action: Francis wraps up UNGA78 UN News 28 Sep 2023 -- Ending the war in Ukraine, promoting climate action and ramping up efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) topped the agenda of the High Level Week of the UN General Assembly, the man at the helm of the global platform for dialogue said on Thursday.
• How the People's Republic of China Seeks to Reshape the Global Information Environment US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023 -- Today, the Department of State released a landmark report on how the People's Republic of China, or PRC, seeks to reshape the global information environment to its advantage. Beijing has invested billions of dollars to construct a global information ecosystem that promotes its propaganda and facilitates censorship and the spread of disinformation.
• US diplomat: 'We're in an undeclared information war' Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- China spends billions of dollars each year in efforts to achieve "dominance" in global information flows, a new U.S. government report says, with the aim of furthering its propaganda so countries "subordinate their economic and security interests to Beijing's."
• US Warns of China's Plans for Information Domination VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- China is pouring billions of dollars into efforts to reshape the global information environment and, eventually, bend the will of multiple nations to Beijing's advantage, according to a new assessment from U.S. officials.
• Joint Statement from Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, the United States, and the Organization of American States Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism Following the Department of Homeland Security Western Hemisphere Cyber Conference DHS 28 Sep 2023 -- On September 27-28, 2023, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas hosted representatives from 21 nations at a Department of Homeland Security Western Hemisphere Cyber Conference, held in person at the Organization of American States (OAS).
• Top donor Germany signs major contribution to WHO for health emergencies; signs host agreement for WHO pandemic hub WHO 28 Sep 2023
• Meeting with newly elected regional heads President of Russia 28 Sep 2023 -- The President had a videoconference with 26 newly elected heads of Russian regions.
• Russia-South Sudan talks President of Russia 28 Sep 2023 -- Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir, now paying an official visit to Russia.
• Rosatom Says Fulfilling Obligations Under Contracts on Uranium With Foreign Customers Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom told Sputnik on Thursday that it is fulfilling obligations under contracts with foreign customers on the supply of uranium in full.
• Payments in National Currencies Between Russia, India Up 5 Times in 2023 Year-on-Year - Sberbank Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- Settlements in national currencies between Russia and India have grown five-fold in monetary terms in 2023 year-on-year, while the average transaction amount in the first half of the year has increased by 83%, deputy chairman of Sberbank's executive board Anatoly Popov said.
• Kazakh President Assures Germany His Country Follows Sanctions Regime Against Russia RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev says his country will not help Russia circumvent Western sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine amid suspicions that Moscow is still receiving goods via Central Asian nations.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 28, 2023 PRC MofA 28 Sep 2023
• Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink's Meeting with the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice Foreign Minister for Asia Sun US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023 -- Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink met with People's Republic of China (PRC) Vice Foreign Minister for Asia Sun Weidong in Washington, D.C. The two sides held a candid, in-depth, and constructive consultation on regional issues as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication.
• Analysis: Xi and Putin to Meet as Allies Despite Differences VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in October on the sidelines of China's Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
• China builds roads, provisions its ships - in US ally Micronesia Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- George, who said he arrived on this lush island in Micronesia six months ago, lives with two other Chinese men and fierce guard dogs at an isolated site in the jungle that was used to make asphalt for a Chinese-funded road upgrade.
• HKSAR fights back against UK's baseless slander on 'media freedom' and glorifying anti-China disruptors Global Times 28 Sep 2023 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday slammed baseless remarks, slander and smears from the UK and other Western countries through the so-called event on "media freedom in Hong Kong" against the safeguarding of rights and freedoms, including media freedom, in the city.
• Desperate for More Children, China Urges Soldiers to Procreate VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- As China faces a demographic dilemma with a ballooning number of elderly citizens and fewer newborns, the country's leader, Xi Jinping, has given soldiers and their spouses a new order — lead the charge in childbearing.
• Disciplinary inspections key for Party governance People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee convened a meeting on Wednesday to deliberate a report on the first round of disciplinary inspections launched at the end of March by the 20th CPC Central Committee.
• CPC leadership reviews disciplinary inspection report People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee convened a meeting on Wednesday to deliberate a report on the first round of disciplinary inspections launched by the 20th CPC Central Committee.
• Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi calls on Hungary to promote EU's more proactive, open policy towards China Global Times 28 Sep 2023 -- Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China's Foreign Minister, held a phone conversation with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Wednesday, during which the Chinese top diplomat expressed hope that Hungary could continue to push the European Union (EU) to adopt more proactive and open policy towards cooperation with China.
• FTZ reforms to boost trade, data flows People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- China will introduce a series of pioneering integrated reforms at its pilot free trade zones to improve areas like trade, investment, finance and cross-border data flows, government officials said on Wednesday.
• China's negative lists for foreign investment shrink 80 pct over decade: official People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- China's negative lists for foreign investment have been reduced by more than 80 percent since 2013, when the negative list approach was first adopted in China's inaugural pilot free trade zone (FTZ) in Shanghai, according to an official from the Ministry of Commerce.
• Visiting Australian parliamentarian touts bipartisan support for Taiwan CNA 28 Sep 2023 -- A member of a visiting Australian parliamentary delegation said on Wednesday that the bipartisan group is sending an important signal about the importance of the Australia-Taiwan relationship.
• TPP's Ko gives rumored KMT pact preconditions the cold shoulder CNA 28 Sep 2023 -- Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential nominee Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on Wednesday dismissed the idea of unconditionally accepting the junior role in a prospective joint ticket with Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜).
• Tycoon Gou pushes on despite undermining opposition unity CNA 28 Sep 2023 -- When tech billionaire Terry Gou (郭台銘) announced with great fanfare on Aug. 28 that he would run for president as an independent candidate, his goal was to unite a splintered opposition against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its candidate Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Sep. 28, 2023 ROC MND 28 Sep 2023
• Q&A: Taiwan's Digital Minister Audrey Tang on AI and Censorship VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- On the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, Taiwan's Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang delivered a speech at the Concordia Annual Summit on digital democracy and artificial intelligence. VOA spoke with Tang about how AI might help break through China's censorship and the challenges and opportunities the technology brings to global democracy.
• Report Finds China Exploiting Taiwan Voter Doubts About US VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- In the run-up to Taiwan's highly competitive presidential and legislative elections in January 2024, China is exploiting doubts voters may have about the United States and its intentions toward Taiwan, according to political experts in the self-governing island that Beijing considers its territory.
• Prospects on mainland are rosier for Taiwan compatriots: spokesperson People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- A mainland spokesperson said Wednesday that by getting actively engaged in the Chinese mainland's high-quality development, compatriots and businesspeople from Taiwan will surely enjoy more opportunities, broader space and ever rosier prospects.
• DPP always goes against interests, well-being of Taiwan compatriots: mainland spokesperson People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- It has been proved once again that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities always stand on the wrong side of history and go against the interests and well-being of people in Taiwan, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Makes Speech at 9th Session of 14th SPA KCNA 28 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, made an important speech at the 9th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK.
• Members of DPRK Cabinet Newly Appointed KCNA 28 Sep 2023 -- Members of the Cabinet newly appointed at the 9th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK are as follows:
• Iranian, Pakistani atomic chiefs discuss cooperation in civilian nuclear energy Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has met and held negotiations with his Pakistani counterpart over development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various spheres of civilian nuclear energy.
• Iran president hails Nour-3 satellite launch as national success proving failure of sanctions Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raeisi has hailed the successful launch of the Nour-3 satellite into orbit as both a national triumph and a testament to the failure of the enemy's sanctions and threats.
• Iran's Raisi Says Successful Satellite Launch Shows Futility of 'Threats and Sanctions' Sputnik 28 Sep 2023 -- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched the third of its Noor ('Light') series satellites into orbit on Wednesday aboard a Qased ('Messenger') carrier rocket. The satellite will engage in intelligence collection, according to the IRGC.
• Iran foils serial assassination plot against clerics, judges, IRGC members Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- Iran's intelligence minister has announced that the country has managed to foil a plot aimed at the serial assassination of several Sunni clerics, judges, and members of the country's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).
• Iran, Venezuela, Syria deal envisages construction of oil refinery in Homs: Official Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- A senior official with the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum has said a tripartite agreement, signed among the Islamic Republic, Venezuela, and Syria, envisages the building of a new oil refinery in the Arab country's Homs Province.
• Swiss Court Acquits Former Belarusian Security Force Member In Disappearance Case RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- A former member of Belarusian authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka's special security forces was acquitted in Switzerland on September 28 of involvement in the disappearances of prominent opposition figures more than two decades ago.
• Soaring palm oil prices prompt long lines in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- The price of edible palm oil in Myanmar has soared in recent months to more than five times what it was prior to the February 2021 military coup, leading to long lines around the country.
• Hope Fades for India's Historic Moon Lander After It Fails to 'Wake Up' VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- India's moon lander and rover, which made a historic landing on the south pole of the moon, have not "woken up" after being put in sleep mode earlier this month to survive the freezing lunar night temperatures.
• Observers Raise Concerns About Potential US-Brokered Saudi-Israel Normalization VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- As the Biden administration presses to advance a potentially historic Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization deal, observers see problems if the U.S. promises too much to make the deal happen.
• Macron proposes form of 'autonomy' for France's Mediterranean island of Corsica Press TV 28 Sep 2023 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed to grant a form of "autonomy within the French Republic" to the Mediterranean island of Corsica, a region that mostly seeks autonomy from mainland France.
• More than 16,000 children are displaced following Libya floods - UNICEF UNICEF 28 Sep 2023 -- More than 16,000 children are displaced in eastern Libya following Africa's deadliest storm in recorded history, UNICEF warned today. Their psychosocial wellbeing is at stake. Many more children are affected due to lack of essential services, such as health, schooling and safe water supply.
• Libya floods: 'Tragedy is not over' warns UNICEF UN News 28 Sep 2023 -- More than 16,000 children are displaced in eastern Libya following Africa's deadliest storm in recorded history the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Thursday, highlighting the urgent need for psychosocial care.
• Libya: High Representative Josep Borell met with UN Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily European External Action Service (EEAS) 28 Sep 2023 -- Today, EU High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with Abdoulaye Bathily, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
• The UK calls for political solutions to end the exploitation and abuse of migrants and refugees in Libya: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 28 Sep 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Thomas Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on international peace and security.
• 'Fear And Anxiety': Pakistan's Minority Sikhs Flee Restive Province In Face Of Rising Violence RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- Radesh Singh Tony survived three assassination attempts in 2018, forcing him and his family to flee their home in Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar.
• Gabon PM Says Sanctions Could Be Damaging, Military Junta Needs Time VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Gabon's prime minister says international sanctions and pressure for a return to constitutional order could be devastating to the country's economy. He also says the military junta needs time to carry out reforms and a national dialogue before a projected return to civilian rule.
• Haiti: International community asked to act fast 'in name of victims' of gang violence UN News 28 Sep 2023 -- The establishment of a multinational security support mission for Haiti is being discussed this week by the UN Security Council as the Caribbean nation continues to face a crisis of violence and insecurity caused by entrenched criminal gang activity
• Uzbekistan: Gulnara Karimova and the former director of a telecommunications company indicted in the Federal Criminal Court Federal Council - Swiss Government 28 Sep 2023 -- Following its criminal investigation, the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) on 28 September 2023 filed its indictment in the Federal Criminal Court (FCC) against Gulnara Karimova, daughter of the former President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, and the former general director of the Uzbek subsidiary of a Russian telecommunications company.
• Solomon Islands PM calls on U.S. to respect Pacific leaders: local media People's Daily 28 Sep 2023 -- Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Wednesday called on the United States to show more respect to Pacific leaders at the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum Summit, according to Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.
• US won't say why it reversed $18M aid cut to Cambodia Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- The U.S. State Department won't say why it unfroze US$18 million in aid to Cambodia suspended after the country's election two months ago, which an official at the time called "neither free nor fair."
• Thai Park Officers Acquitted of Murder of Indigenous Rights Activist VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- A Thai court Thursday found four national park officers not guilty of abducting and murdering an Indigenous rights activist who disappeared nine years ago while aiding a lawsuit against park officials.
• Thailand's Bruised 'Move Forward' Party Vows to Make Waves From Opposition VOA 28 Sep 2023 -- Lawmakers in Thailand's Move Forward Party say they will be a serious parliamentary opposition force despite being blocked from leading the government and losing their party leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, to a legal charge. And they insist that the long-term "tug of war" for greater democracy is theirs to be won.
• Thai court dismisses charges over disappearance of Karen activist Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- A Thai court on Thursday dismissed a murder charge against a former chief park ranger and his subordinates over the disappearance of an ethnic Karen activist, following nearly a decade of proceedings that have put a spotlight on judicial integrity.
• Warsaw Format discusses future of Arctic cooperation Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 28 Sep 2023 -- On 28 September, Head of the Foreign Service Piotr Rychlik opened another meeting of representatives of the Observer States at the Arctic Council and the Norwegian Chairship of the Council.
• El Niño, India rice export ban cause food security fears in SE Asia Radio Free Asia 28 Sep 2023 -- In many Southeast Asian languages the word "rice" is used to mean "to eat" or "have a meal" because it is the lifeblood of the region.
• One Killed, More Than 160 Injured In Blast At Warehouse Close To Tashkent Airport RFE/RL 28 Sep 2023 -- A powerful explosion struck a warehouse near the main airport in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, overnight, killing a 16-year-old youth, injuring at least 160, and causing extensive damage.
• U.S. Department of State Announces Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Offer for As Yet Unknown Co-Conspirators Responsible for the Assassination of Fernando Villavicencio US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023 -- "Today, I am announcing a reward offer under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of co-conspirators and masterminds behind the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio."
• On the Conviction and Sentencing of Vietnamese NGO Leader Hoang Thi Minh Hong US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2023 -- The United States is deeply concerned by the conviction and sentencing of prominent environmental activist and NGO leader Hoang Thi Minh Hong to three years' imprisonment.