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Defense Policy / Programs

• 'A Time for American Leadership': Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Reagan National Defense Forum (As Delivered) DoD 01 Dec 2023
• DOD Plans Indo-Pacific Innovation Challenge DoD News 01 Dec 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today announced the start of a series of defense innovation challenges beginning early next year and involving industry partners in AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
• Defense Officials Report Progress on Replicator Initiative DoD News 01 Dec 2023 -- The Defense Department is currently making significant progress in accelerating the delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter as part of the recently announced Replicator initiative, senior officials with the Defense Innovation Unit said today.
• EUCOM increases cyberspace interoperability in annual NATO-hosted cyber defense exercise EUCOM 01 Dec 2023 -- U.S. European Command participated in NATO's annual Cyber Coalition exercise, which hosted 35 participant countries, the largest number to date, from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.
• Vipers and Heavy Haulers Return Home from Indo-Pacific Deployment USMC News 01 Dec 2023 -- The Marines and Sailors of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, returned from deployments in support of the Unit Deployment Program and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to their home stations of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton and MCAS Miramar, California, respectively, earlier this month.
• Japan refutes US claims on V-22 Osprey aircraft after fatal crash Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Japan has hit out at the US military for continuing to fly its V-22 Osprey aircraft despite its previous request to suspend all non-emergency flights of this kind over its territory.
• USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) Completes Second Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe Patrol US Navy 01 Dec 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) returned to Rota, Spain, on November 28, 2023, following a six-month deployment throughout the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations and marking the completion of its second Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol.
• Navy to Christen Amphibious Assault Ship Bougainville US Navy Press Release 01 Dec 2023 -- The Navy will christen its newest America-class amphibious assault ship, the future USS Bougainville (LHA 8), during a 9 a.m. CST ceremony Saturday, Dec. 2, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence, the Right Honorable Grant Shapps DoD 01 Dec 2023
• Secretary General at COP28: climate change matters for our security, and therefore it matters to NATO NATO 01 Dec 2023 -- Attending the COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai on Friday (1 December 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg underlined that "climate change matters for our security, and therefore it matters to NATO".
• NATO's flagship cyber exercise concludes in Estonia NATO 01 Dec 2023 -- From 27 November to 1 December, Allied and partner cyber defenders tested their ability to protect networks and critical infrastructure against realistic and complex cyber threats and attacks.
• Executive Order on establishing staffing levels of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation President of Russia 01 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order On Establishing the Staffing Levels of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
• Maximum Size of Russian Armed Forces Increased by 170,000 - MoD Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- A presidential decree established the strength of the armed forces at 2,209,130, including 1,320,000 military personnel, according to the Kremlin.
• Opening statement by Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation General of the Army Sergei Shoigu at Defence Ministry Board Session Russia MoD 01 Dec 2023
• Russian Aerospace Forces to Train Pilots on Using 'Smart Bombs' in Special Op Zone Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- Guided bombs, also known as precision-guided munitions, are weapons that combine the accuracy of a missile with the destructive power of a bomb.
• NATO Allies: joint statement to the OSCE Ministerial Council 2023 UK FCDO 01 Dec 2023 -- NATO Allies condemn Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and destructive behaviour in the OSCE. Allies reiterate that Ukraine's future is in NATO.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 01 Dec 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.
• Zelensky discusses defense cooperation with UK, German leaders People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed defense cooperation in separate phone talks with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday, the presidential press service reported.
• Zelenskiy Says Changes Needed In Ukraine's Mobilization System As Putin Signs Decree On Troop Increase RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says changes must be made to improve mobilization as the Ukrainian military and the country's civilian leadership work to improve conditions for troops on and off the battlefield.
• Listened to reports on ammunition and weapons supply; preparing requests for talks with partners - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 01 Dec 2023
• Xi inspects command office for East China Sea area of China Coast Guard Global Times 01 Dec 2023 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday inspected the command office for the East China Sea area of the China Coast Guard under the People's Armed Police Force.
• China's Wing Loong drones to see more applications, become more intelligent: chief designer Global Times 01 Dec 2023 -- China's domestically developed Wing Loong unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are expected to expand their applications and become more intelligent, the aircraft's developer recently told the Global Times.
• Air Force facility launched to train F-16V pilots CNA 01 Dec 2023 -- The Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) Air Force Flight Training Command was launched Friday in Kaohsiung's Gangshan District with the aim of facilitating the training of pilots for the country's flagship F-16V fighter jets.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meeting With Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles DoD 01 Dec 2023
• AUKUS Defense Ministers Meeting Joint Statement DoD 01 Dec 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted the Honourable Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia, and the Right Honourable Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom, at the Defense Innovation Unit Headquarters in California today to discuss the AUKUS enhanced defense and security partnership.
• Australia - AUKUS Pillar I Training and Training Devices DSCA 01 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of AUKUS-related Training and Training Devices and related equipment for an estimated cost of up to $2.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Partnerships strengthened in the Philippines Australia DOD 01 Dec 2023 -- The Philippines and Australia share a longstanding and deep defence relationship - working side by side for more than 70 years.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Pays Congratulatory Visit to KPA Air Force Command and Air Force Regiment of 1st Division KCNA 01 Dec 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, visited the Air Force Command of the Korean People's Army (KPA) on the Thursday morning on the occasion of the Day of Airmen and congratulated all the service personnel of the heroic people's air force.
• North Korean 'stormtroopers' are ill-equipped for harsh winter weather Radio Free Asia 01 Dec 2023 -- North Korean soldiers who were sent to rugged rural areas to build homes in the summer and fall are staying on to do more work in the winter, but the army is not equipping them with adequate clothing to brave the harsh winter elements, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: iDEX-DIO signs 300th contract for Defence Innovation in the niche field of Design and Development of Advanced Gallium Nitride Semiconductors India PIB 01 Dec 2023 -- Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Department of Defence Production, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 300th contract
• Navy commander: Iran, Russia, China to hold joint naval exercise IRNA 01 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani announced the holding of a joint naval exercise between Iran, Russia and China.
• Iran, Oman stage joint naval exercise in Strait of Hormuz Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Iranian and Omani military forces have staged a day-long joint naval rescue and relief exercise in the Hormuz Strait and the northern tip of the Indian Ocean as the two neighbors move to build stronger relations.
• Iran rejects E3 statement on Fattah-2 missile IRNA 01 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani termed the statement of France, Germany, and England regarding the Fattah-2 missile as misleading, lacking any legal basis, and having specific political goals and motives.
• Iran dismisses 'misleading' E3 statement on its missile program Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Iran has dismissed a "misleading, politically motivated" statement issued by Britain, France, and Germany regarding the unveiling of the Fattah-2 missile.
• Outsiders in Strait of Hormuz after regional discord: IRGC Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- The presence of extra-regional countries in the Strait of Hormuz merely aims to bring about friction among the Muslim nations of the region, says the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy.
• Korea - F-35 Munitions DSCA 01 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of F-35 Munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $271 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Second Place: South Korea Puts First Spy Satellite in Orbit Following North's Launch Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- The South Korean Defense Ministry is preparing to place its first reconnaissance satellite in Earth's orbit, an official told reporters on Friday. The launch comes just days after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), their rivals to the north, launched their own spy satellite.
• EU defense spending hits historic high in 2022 People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- European Union (EU) member states have collectively allocated a record-breaking 240 billion euros (262.4 billion U.S. dollars) for defense expenditure in 2022, as disclosed in the latest European Defense Agency (EDA) report released on Thursday.
• 2nd U.S.-EU Security and Defense Dialogue US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023 -- The United States and the European Union (EU) held the second U.S.-EU Security and Defense Dialogue December 1 in Washington, D.C.
• Bangkok's Plan to Buy High-Cost Warship from China Raises Alarm VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Thailand's new civilian-led administration is facing criticism over its plan to go forward with the purchase of a high-cost navy frigate from China in a deal first negotiated by the previous military government.
• Norway has delivered the first F-16's to Romania Government of Norway 01 Dec 2023 -- Three pilots from Romania will take off from Rygge Airfield this week with three overhauled F-16 back home to Romania. The purchase of F-16 will aid in the modernization and defence of Romania, an allied nation in NATOs eastern flank, that also share boarders with Ukraine.
• Poland's Killer 'Orka' Subs: What Will Their Capabilities and Targets Be? Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- A major shipbuilding and naval power in the second half of the 20th century with over a dozen submarines in its arsenal, Poland's capabilities have since shrunk down considerably to just one operational sub, with Warsaw looking for help from abroad to build up its fleet after gutting its major shipyards. Here's what we know about Poland's plans.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the UN Climate Conference, COP 28, Leaders Event: Transforming Food Systems in the Face of Climate Change US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 1, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 1 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 01 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 1st, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 01 Dec 2023
• IDF Provides Gazan Residents With Information Regarding Movement for Their Safety in the Next Stage of the War: This Is the Division of Evacuation Areas in Gaza. Israel Defense Forces 01 Dec 2023
• The body of the hostage Ofir Tzarfati z"l was located in Gaza and was brought to Israel. Israel Defense Forces 01 Dec 2023
• Following Hamas' violation of the pause: combat has resumed in Gaza; Israel Defense Forces 01 Dec 2023
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 01 Dec 2023 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, at his press conference at the Kirya in Tel Aviv:
• Statement by the PM's Office Israel - Prime Minister 01 Dec 2023
• PM meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog: 01 December 2023 Gov.UK 01 Dec 2023
• Report: Israel Obtained Hamas' Battle Plan Over a Year Before October Attack Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- The failure by the Israeli government to stop the October 7 attack by Hamas has shaken the populace's faith in the Netanyahu government. A poll taken at the end of October showed that only 20% of Israelis expressed faith in the government, the lowest level in at least two decades.
• Israel seeks to assassinate Hamas leaders around the world: WSJ Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli regime's top spy agencies reportedly seek to "assassinate" Hamas leaders around the world after its brutal war on the Gaza Strip that has already killed more than 15,000 Palestinians ends.
• Israel loosened rules to bomb 'non-military' targets after failure in Gaza war: Report Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- A new investigation has revealed that the Israeli regime expanded the occupation army's authorization for bombing "non-military targets" in the besieged Gaza Strip after failing to overcome the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.
• Gaza Fighting Enters Second Day After Collapse of Truce VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Renewed fighting in Gaza entered a second day after the collapse of a weeklong truce between Israel and Hamas.
• Israel resumes fighting Hamas, explosions heard in Gaza People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- Israel has resumed fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.
• Zionist regime resumes Gaza bombing after truce expires IRNA 01 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli military says operations have restarted in Gaza after the truce expired, and launches air raids and artillery fire.
• Talks on Exchange of Hostages in Gaza Continue Despite Resumption of Hostilities - Reports Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- Negotiations on the exchange of hostages in the Gaza Strip continue despite the resumption of hostilities, media reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the talks.
• Hamas Fails to Fulfill Commitments, Israel Plans to Reach War Goals - Netanyahu's Office Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- Hamas has not fulfilled its commitment to release more women from captivity, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday, adding that Israel intends to achieve war goals in the Gaza Strip.
• IDF Says Resumed Combat Against Hamas in Gaza Strip as Movement Violated Truce Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it had resumed fighting against Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as the latter violated the humanitarian pause by opening fire on Israeli territory.
• Israel Releases Seventh Group of 30 Palestinian Prisoners - Reports Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- Israel has released the seventh group of 30 Palestinian prisoners as a part of the humanitarian pause agreement with Palestinian movement Hamas, the Al Jazeera broadcaster reported Friday.
• Israel-Hamas ceasefire holds amid more hostage releases, diplomatic efforts People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continued on Thursday for the seventh day as more hostages were freed from the Gaza Strip and mediators pressed ahead with the efforts to further extend the fragile truce.
• Hamas releases 8 more captives in seventh phase of swap deal with Israel Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has freed eight more captives as part of a swap deal with the Israeli regime, which is expected to release 30 more Palestinians in exchange.
• Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the resumption of fighting in Gaza UNICEF 01 Dec 2023 -- "Today, the Gaza Strip is once again the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. After seven days of respite from horrific violence, fighting has resumed. More children will surely die as a result.
• The war on children resumes - Geneva Palais briefing note UNICEF 01 Dec 2023 -- "Today those in power decided that the killing of children would recommence in Gaza.
• Shock and terror in Gaza as bombardment of shattered enclave resumes UN News 01 Dec 2023 -- As Secretary-General António Guterres spoke of his deep regret about the resumption of military operations in Gaza on Friday, UN humanitarians vowed to stay and help all those in need, while reiterating "nowhere is safe from attacks" in the war-shattered enclave.
• Statement by Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, on Gaza UNOCHA 01 Dec 2023
• Spreading unsubstantiated claims about UNRWA must immediately stop UNRWA 01 Dec 2023
• Israel Forces Out UN Official in Palestinian Territories VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Israel has told the United Nations that it will not renew the visa of its resident and humanitarian coordinator in the Palestinian territories, effectively kicking her out. It comes amid strained relations between Israel and the world body over the war in Gaza.
• UN deplores 'catastrophic' resumption of Israel's war on Gaza Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations has deplored the "catastrophic" resumption of Israel's genocidal war on the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• WHO says 'extremely concerned' as Gaza hospitals like a 'horror movie' Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- The World Health Organization warns that the Gaza Strip cannot afford to lose more hospitals as the health care system there was already "catastrophic," with hospitals resembling a "horror movie" even before Israel resumed its attacks on the besieged Palestinian territory.
• US Secretary of State, Arab Leaders Discuss Gaza's Future Governance VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday met with Israel's Arab neighbors to discuss the future of Gaza, as Israel resumed bombardments on the Palestinian enclave after the collapse of the Israel-Hamas seven-day truce.
• Iran FM calls for immediate cessation of strikes on Gaza IRNA 01 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has warned the US and Zionist regime about the harsh consequences of returning to war and urged stopping attacks on Gaza immediately.
• Radev Discusses Mounting Tensions in the Middle East with King Abdullah II of Jordan President of the Republic of Bulgaria 01 Dec 2023 -- President Rumen Radev today held a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Dubai after the opening of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Foreign Minister Baerbock on the situation in the Middle East Germany Federal Foreign Office 01 Dec 2023
• Utilising the humanitarian pause - Germany has increased its assistance for people in Gaza Germany Federal Foreign Office 01 Dec 2023 -- The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is disastrous. In order to alleviate the suffering, Germany is yet again increasing its humanitarian assistance for people in the Palestinian territories. You can find out more here.
• Deeply regret that the ceasefire in Gaza is not continued Government of Norway 01 Dec 2023 -- 'There has been unimaginable suffering for far too long in Gaza. The extensive warfare we have witnessed has taken a severe toll on the civilian population', said Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide.
• PM meeting with His Highness Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar: 01 December 2023 Gov.UK 01 Dec 2023
• PM meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan: 01 December 2023 Gov.UK 01 Dec 2023
• PM meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi: 01 December 2023 Gov.UK 01 Dec 2023
• Resistance vows to give Israel harsher response if Gaza war resumes: Iran Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian cites the regional resistance leaders as pledging to confront the Israeli regime more decisively if Tel Aviv resumed its war against the Gaza Strip.
• Palestinian, Lebanese resistance hit back as Israel resumes bombing Gaza Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- The Al-Qassam Brigades has fired barrages of missiles at Tel Aviv and other cities in the Israeli-occupied territories in response to the Israeli bombing of civilians in Gaza, as its fighters engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli troops inside the strip.
• Islamic Jihad, Hamas say responding to Israeli aggression as truce expires Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Several explosions and gunfire have been reported in northern Gaza as Israel said it has resumed its attacks on the besieged strip after a temporary ceasefire expired.
• Yemen's Houthi rebels warn Israel against resuming fighting in Gaza People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Thursday vowed to resume missile attacks on Israel and hijack Israeli ships in the Red Sea, if Israel resumes fighting in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza Strip.
• 'Fully prepared': Yemen says ready to resume anti-Israeli attacks as truce expires Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Yemeni Armed Forces have pledged to resume their operations against targets deep inside the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories, noting that they will stop attacks as soon as the Israeli aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip comes to a "complete halt."

Other Conflicts

• The Azadi Briefing: Many Afghans Forced From Pakistan Are Homeless RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023
• More Than 400 People Punished Under Shari'a Law In Afghanistan, Rights Group Says RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban-led government announced punishments handed out to 417 people under Shari'a law during a recent 12-month period, according to a report issued this week by Afghan Witness, an organization that monitors human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
• Afghan Taliban Says China Becomes First Nation to Accept Its Ambassador VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Afghanistan's Taliban government announced Friday that China had formally accepted its ambassador to Beijing, hailing the move as an "important chapter" in growing ties between the two neighboring countries.
• Pakistani Top Court Seeks Government Response on Afghan Expulsion Policy VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court asked the government Friday to respond to questions raised over its policy of expelling Afghans residing illegally in the country, observing that Islamabad must abide by United Nations' resolutions protecting refugees.
• Statement by the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria ad interim, Mr Sudipto Mukerjee, on the militarization of Ebreha water plant, Deir-ez-Zor Governorate UNOCHA 01 Dec 2023
• Tens of thousands flee intensifying clashes in Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 01 Dec 2023 -- An intensification of fighting between ethnic Arakan Army fighters and junta troops in western Myanmar's Rakhine state has caused tens of thousands of villagers to flee four major townships in anticipation of additional clashes, residents said Friday.
• Myanmar junta arrests minors, elderly and disabled villagers Radio Free Asia 01 Dec 2023 -- Junta troops arrested nearly 50 villagers in central Myanmar, locals told Radio Free Asia on Friday. After a junta officer was killed in a clash Wednesday, officials from the battalion entered the village in Sagaing region.
• Chinese military 'highly concerned' over situation in northern Myanmar: defense ministry Global Times 01 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese military is highly concerned and will be prepared for all kinds of possible emergencies that might occur along the China-Myanmar border, a Chinese defense ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, urging relevant parties to stop the fighting in northern Myanmar as soon as possible and resolve differences through dialogue.
• China, India agree to promote resolution of border issues Global Times 01 Dec 2023 -- China and India agreed on Thursday to hold the 21st round of commander-level talks at the earliest opportunity to promote the resolution of border issues, with the agreement being reached during the 28th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on China-India Border Affairs.
• Chad's Opposition, Civil Society Ask French Troops to Leave VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Chad's opposition and civil society groups are asking France to immediately withdraw troops who arrived in Chad after being ordered to depart neighboring Niger by that country's military junta.
• The UK has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Somalia in building a freer and more secure country: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 01 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.
• OSCE Group of Friends of Georgia: joint statement to the OSCE Ministerial Council 2023 UK FCDO 01 Dec 2023 -- The UK and friends reaffirm full support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity at the OSCE Ministerial Council 2023.

News Reports

• Iran Still Top Terror Sponsor; IS Still A Threat In Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan, U.S. Says RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- Iran remained the leading state sponsor of global terrorism last year, involved in backing terrorist recruitment, financing, and plotting across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the U.S. State Department said in its 2022 Country Reports On Terrorism released on December 1.
• Reviewing our Venezuela Sanctions Relief US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023 -- The United States welcomes the steps taken to implement the electoral roadmap agreement between the Unitary Platform and representatives of Nicolas Maduro, in particular the November 30 announcement defining the timeline and process for the reinstatement of all candidates. This is an important development.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions following the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting, Skopje, December 1, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Dec 2023
• Article by Alexey Drobinin, Director, Foreign Policy Planning Department, Russia's Foreign Ministry "Why is the choice of traditional values so important?", the Journal "The International Affairs", December 1, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Dec 2023
• FM Lavrov says Blinken, Borrell 'chickened out' of talking to Russia Press TV 01 Dec 2023 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "chickened out" of talking to Russia.
• Taking Additional Actions to Uphold Coalition Price Cap Policy US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023 -- The United States imposed sanctions today on three entities and identified as blocked property three vessels that used Price Cap Coalition services while carrying Russian crude oil above the Coalition-agreed price cap.
• Treasury Imposes Additional Price Cap-Related Sanctions US Treasury 01 Dec 2023 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is imposing sanctions on three entities and identifying as blocked property three vessels that used Price Cap Coalition services while carrying Russian crude oil above the Coalition-agreed price cap. These sanctions build on Treasury's previous actions in October and November of this year and represent once again Treasury's commitment, alongside its Coalition partners, to responsibly reduce oil revenues that the Russian government uses to fund its war against Ukraine.
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Three Tankers And Their Owners For Shipping Russian Oil Above Price Cap RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- The United States on December 1 imposed additional sanctions related to the price cap on Russian oil agreed by the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations, the European Union, and Australia to curtail Russia's revenue from seaborne oil shipments.
• Russia: Statement by the High Representative on outlawing "international LGBT public movement" European External Action Service (EEAS) 01 Dec 2023 -- The European Union strongly condemns the decision of the Russian Supreme Court to outlaw what it calls the "international LGBT public movement" as "extremist" and to ban its activity on the territory of the Russian Federation.
• Finland Closes Russian Border Over Migrant Influx; Estonia May Follow VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Finland has closed its entire 1,340 kilometer-long border with Russia after accusing Moscow of "instrumentalizing" asylum-seekers by sending them across the frontier in a hybrid attack, in retaliation for Finland's joining of NATO. Russia denied the accusation and warned that the deployment of any military units at the border would be seen as a threat by Moscow.
• The Week In Russia: A 'Monstrous' Sign Of The Times RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023
• Imprisoned Kremlin Critic Kara-Murza Fined For Failing To Follow 'Foreign Agent' Requirement RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- A court in Moscow on December 1 fined imprisoned Russian opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza for a "violation of the law on foreign agents" because while incarcerated he failed to report every three months to the Justice Ministry about his activities due to his designation as a "foreign agent."
• Navalny Says A New Criminal Case Has Been Opened Against Him RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who is serving a total of 19 years in prison on extremism and other charges that he rejects as politically motivated, said a new criminal case has been brought against him.
• Russia's 15th Launch in One Year: Progress MS-25 Soars to ISS From Baikonur Sputnik 01 Dec 2023 -- This first winter launch of 2023 is the fourth Russian cargo ship to reach the ISS this year and the 15th Russian rocket launched this year.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 1, 2023 PRC MofA 01 Dec 2023
• Congress hears of Beijing's 'discourse power' Radio Free Asia 01 Dec 2023 -- The Chinese Communist Party leverages the profit motive of U.S. businesses operating in China to force them to side with it on sensitive political issues, experts told Congress on Thursday.
• Rules Would Bar EV Tax Credits if Batteries, Minerals Linked to China VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. proposed new guidelines Friday spelling out which electric vehicles will be eligible for tax credits, ruling out those that contain batteries or minerals sourced from China and other nations that have fallen out of favor with the U.S.
• China, Vietnam reach consensus on pushing cooperation in next level Global Times 01 Dec 2023 -- Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on Friday met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi during a two-day visit as part of frequent bilateral interactions.
• In China, 1 in 5 could face severe drought, UN data says Radio Free Asia 01 Dec 2023 -- Droughts intensified by global warming, described as "an unprecedented emergency on a planetary scale," will impact billions of people with dire consequences, including food shortages and famine, said a U.N. report released Friday at the outset of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
• China's factory activities slow, expectations unwavering People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- China's factory activities slowed in November as the foundation for economic recovery still needs to be consolidated. However, there are still bright spots and expectations for further economic expansion that remain unabated.
• Majority of Americans support recognizing Taiwan if China invades: Poll CNA 01 Dec 2023 -- A majority of Americans would support recognizing Taiwan as an independent country if China were to invade, but fewer than half would support the United States sending troops to defend Taiwan, the annual Reagan National Defense Survey has found.
• US, allies impose sanctions on N Korea following satellite launch Radio Free Asia 01 Dec 2023 -- The United States has announced that it imposed fresh sanctions on North Korea following its launch of a spy satellite last week and on designated foreign-based agents it accused of assisting Pyongyang in evading sanctions in order to acquire technology and revenue for its weapons of mass destruction program.
• Spanish Police Arrest Man Wanted by US in North Korean Crypto Case VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Spanish police said Friday that they had arrested a Spaniard wanted by U.S. officials for working with an American to provide cryptocurrency and blockchain technology services to North Korea in violation of U.S. sanctions against the rogue state.
• Iran: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest executions European External Action Service (EEAS) 01 Dec 2023 -- There are credible reports that a minor, Hamidreza Azari, and a protester, Milad Zohrevand, were executed in Iran on November 24 and 23 respectively.
• Rights Group Says Iranian Political Prisoner From 1980s Has Been Executed RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- An Iranian human rights group has reported the execution of Geda Ali (Hormoz) Saber Motlaq, a political prisoner from the 1980s, and Kamran Rezaei, who was detained during nationwide protests in 2019, amid a jump in capital punishment by authorities in Tehran following unrest triggered by the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
• Belarus ratifies memorandum on joining Shanghai Cooperation Organization People's Daily 01 Dec 2023 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a memorandum on the country's commitment to becoming a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to a document published on the National Legal Internet Portal of Belarus on Wednesday.
• Former Kazakh Security Chief's Cousin's Appeal Against 10-Year Prison Term Rejected RFE/RL 01 Dec 2023 -- A court in Kazakhstan has rejected an appeal filed by a cousin of the jailed former head of Kazakhstan's Committee of National Security (KNB) against his conviction and 10-year prison term on charges of bribery and embezzlement.
• Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by Spokesperson Friday 1 December 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01 Dec 2023
• Hun Manet says he's fine with 'authoritarian' label, cites stability Radio Free Asia 01 Dec 2023 -- Just a little more than three months ago, Cambodia's newly sworn-in National Assembly formalized what had been planned for many years.
• Presidential Elections in Madagascar US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023 -- The United States commends the Malagasy people for exercising their civil and political rights in Madagascar's November 16 presidential elections
• Sanctioning Former Guatemalan Official for Public Corruption in Defense of the Democratic Transition US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2023 -- The United States continues to take action to counter public corruption and ongoing efforts to undermine the democratic transfer of power in Guatemala.
• Treasury Sanctions Former Guatemalan Government Official for Engaging in Public Corruption US Treasury 01 Dec 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Luis Miguel Martinez Morales(Martinez) for his role in corruption in Guatemala wherein he engaged in widespread bribery schemes, including schemes related to government contracts. Martinez is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.
• Unprecedented drought emergency demands urgent action UN News 01 Dec 2023 -- A new report by the UN team combatting desertification reveals alarming trends over the past two years which have resulted in an unprecedented emergency due to human-induced droughts.
• World News in Brief: Gaza aid, support for Afghan returnees, end modern slavery, SDGs disabilities promise UN News 01 Dec 2023 -- Any continuation in the recent increase in aid delivery to the Gaza Strip is uncertain now that fighting has resumed, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York on Friday.
• Argentina Not Joining BRICS Despite Xi's Personal Letter to Milei VOA 01 Dec 2023 -- Argentine President-elect Javier Milei's foreign minister-designee has announced that Argentina will not be joining BRICS, an international grouping of countries increasingly seen as being led by Beijing in its bid to challenge initiatives led by Western, democratic nations.