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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US Airstrike Targets 'High-Ranking' Al-Shabab Commander VOA 18 Dec 2023 -- The Somali government has reported that a high-ranking al-Shabab commander in the south of the country was targeted in collaboration with the United Sates military.
• Statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Ensuring Freedom of Navigation in the Red Sea DoD 18 Dec 2023-"The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law. The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade."
• US reported maritime protection force in the Red Sea to have limited effect in curbing conflict spillover Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is reportedly set to announce an expanded maritime protection force involving Arab states in the Red Sea in response to the escalating attacks against Israel-bound cargo ships by Yemen's Houthi rebel group. Chinese analysts said by doing so, Washington aims to force its regional allies to become more involved in curbing the spillover of current Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but predicted that the move would play only limited role in pacifying the situation.
• US deploys carrier group to Gulf of Aden over Yemen resistance ISNA 18 Dec 2023 -- "The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential US response to attacks," one of the sources told Politico.
• Austin Reveals Multinational Operation to Secure Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in a statement announced the establishment of a multinational operation to secure the Red Sea amid a surge of Yemeni Houthis' attacks on cargo ships.

Defense Policy / Programs

• The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Naval Support Facility Redizkowo, Poland, Transfers Ownership from Missile Defense Agency to the U.S. Navy US Navy 18 Dec 2023 -- The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) located in Redzikowo, Poland, will be accepted by the U.S. Navy on Dec. 15, 2023, where AAMDS will enter a planned maintenance period to upgrade the network and computer systems. Once finalized, AAMDS Poland will be a fully integrated and tested element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System, and made ready to operate under NATO command and control. The official transfer to NATO is scheduled to occur spring to summer of 2024.
• USS The Sullivans Transits the Strait of Gibraltar US Navy 18 Dec 2023 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), transited the Strait of Gibraltar and enters the Mediterranean Sea to conduct operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, Dec. 17, 2023.
• MAGTF Stand-In Force Exercise Empowers Small-Unit Leaders USMC News 18 Dec 2023 -- The Marines of 3d Marine Division demonstrated their tactical proficiency and readiness while conducting Stand-in Force Operations in the first island chain during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Stand-In Force Exercise 24, Nov. 15 - Dec. 15. 2023.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Defense Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2023
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs: Sweden's early accession to NATO will make the Baltic Sea more secure Latvia MFA 18 Dec 2023 -- On 18 December 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Krišjānis Kariņš, in continuation of his working visits to the Nordic countries, visited Sweden, where he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billström, for a discussion on bilateral between Latvia and Sweden and regional cooperation, including the matters of expanding cooperation, in particular in business and the defence sector.
• US Lawmakers Still Negotiating Ukraine Aid Deal as Holidays Near VOA 18 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Congress is running out of time to pass a new aid package for Ukraine, as Senate lawmakers worked through the weekend to negotiate a deal for border security funding in return for Republican votes.
• Letter of Intent between Swedish and Danish defence ministers on support to Ukraine regarding combat vehicles Government Offices of Sweden 18 Dec 2023 -- On 18 December, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson travelled to Copenhagen for talks with Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen. Matters discussed during the visit included support to Ukraine, current NATO issues and the upcoming Danish Chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) in 2024.
• First UK Trade Mission to Kyiv Boosts Defence Cooperation UK MOD 18 Dec 2023 -- UK Government and UK defence industry conduct their first trade mission to Ukraine.
• PLA Air Force pursues fast equipment development with future air combat in mind Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force is pursuing fast equipment development with the aim of adapting to future air combat, which could involve vastly expanded battlefield boundaries, highly dynamic games, greatly enhanced unmanned combat and main battle elements characterized by high altitude and fast speed, said an official recently.
• Taiwan passes law to tighten security at military facilities CNA 18 Dec 2023 -- The Legislative Yuan on Monday passed a bill to tighten the security of military bases around Taiwan, after legal reviews found existing regulations to be insufficient to maintain an adequate level of security.
• US Would Exhaust Munitions Within Week in Conflict With China Over Taiwan - Congressman Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- US Congressman Mike Gallagher sent a letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks pointing out that recent war-gaming had shown the United States would deplete its supply of long-range, precision-guided munitions within a week in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan.
• Expanding air-to-air refuelling support Australia DOD 18 Dec 2023 -- The Royal Australian Air Force has conducted air-to-air refuelling clearance trials with two United States Air Force (USAF) airframes.
• Advancing naval capabilities Australia DOD 18 Dec 2023 -- Another significant milestone for naval sustainment under Defence's Maritime Sustainment Model has been achieved.
• Minister Blair meets with Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz Canada 18 Dec 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, met with his Polish counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
• Royal Canadian Navy ships return from deployment to the Indo-Pacific region Canada 18 Dec 2023 -- Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ships (HMCS) Ottawa and Vancouver, along with Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix, returned to Esquimalt, B.C. after a deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
• North Korea test-fires ballistic missile capable of reaching US: Seoul Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- South Korea says the North has test-fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), theoretically capable of reaching anywhere in the United States.
• N Korea confirms ICBM launch, vows 'assertive' nuclear stance Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2023 -- North Korea confirmed Tuesday it test-fired a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) the previous day.
• North Korea Commemorates Death of Kim Jong Il With Ballistic Missile Launch Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has ramped up its defensive capabilities in recent years as the United States has sought an expanded presence in the region.
• Iran to begin mass production of home-made training jet IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Once the flight tests and final standard tests are completed, Iran will begin mass production of its home-made training jet, according to a senior official with the Ministry of Defense.
• Iran Army drones, missiles lined up on borders to repel threats: Ground Force commander Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- The Iranian Army's Ground Force has deployed missile, drone and artillery units along the country's northeastern border areas to give a "rapid and timely" response to any possible threat, says commander of the force.
• Iran deploys troops at northeastern borders to counter threats: Commander IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Forces has deployed drone, missile, and artillery units in northeastern border areas to react to any threat rapidly and in a timely manner, an Iranian commander said.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on December 11-17, 2023 Lithuania MND 18 Dec 2023
• Signature of the implementation Roadmap of the German Brigade deployment sends a signal to those who threaten the security of Europe Lithuania MND 18 Dec 2023 -- December 18, Vilnius, Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas and Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius signed a Roadmap Action Plan laying out the intents of both countries on the permanent stationing of a German Brigade in Lithuania and further sequence of actions until the Brigade is deployed in full volume and capability.
• The President and the German Defense Minister discussed preparations for the stationing of the brigade in Lithuania President of the Republic of Lithuania 18 Dec 2023 -- On Monday, President Gitanas Nausėda met with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to discuss preparations for the stationing of a German brigade in Lithuania, strengthening air defense in the region, and support for Ukraine.
• The Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak - Kamysz met with the Minister of Defence of Canada. The development of military cooperation and security in the region were discussed. Poland - Ministry of National Defence 18 Dec 2023 -- - We have agreed to strengthen the relations between Poland and Canada in the areas of defence, security and exchange of experiences even further - the Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak - Kamysz said after his meeting with the Minister of Defence of Canada.
• Poland Receives 18 Self-Propelled Howitzers From South Korea Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- Poland has received 18 South Korea-made K-9A1 self-propelled howitzers, the Polish Defense Ministry's Armament Policy Department announced.
• Japan, ASEAN step up security cooperation amid South China Sea tensions Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2023 -- Japan and Southeast Asian nations have agreed to "promote a rules-based Indo-Pacific region that is free and open" amid China's growing assertiveness.
• Press Release: Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Serious Human Rights Abuse and Corruption The White House 18 Dec 2023
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby The White House 18 Dec 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 18, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 18 December 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Dec 2023

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 18th, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 18 Dec 2023
• 24h Recap: December 18th, 2023, 10:00 Israel Defense Forces 18 Dec 2023
• Hezbollah Fires at Israel From Areas Near UN and Lebanese Armed Forces Posts Israel Defense Forces 18 Dec 2023
• Terrorists Detained and Interrogated in School in Gaza's Rimal Neighborhood Israel Defense Forces 18 Dec 2023
• Statement by the Prime Minister's Office on behalf of the Mossad Israel - Prime Minister 18 Dec 2023
• PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Ceremony to Extend the Term of Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron Israel - Prime Minister 18 Dec 2023
• Day 73 of Gaza war; Palestinian death toll tops 19,450 IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- The death toll from the Israeli war on Gaza has reached 19,453 since the regime began its attacks in the besieged Palestinian territory 73 days ago.
• Israeli Airstrike on Jabalia Camp in Northern Gaza Claims Lives of 90 People - Reports Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- At least 90 people were killed on Sunday as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia refugee camp in the north of the Gaza Strip, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported on Sunday, citing the enclave's Health Ministry.
• Israeli military says four more soldiers killed in Gaza IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli regime's military has announced the death of four more soldiers in the ongoing war in Gaza.
• More than 100 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza's largest refugee camp Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli military has conducted aerial assaults on Jabalia, the largest refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 100 Palestinians and injuring dozens.
• Children, women make up 70% of Palestinians killed in Israeli war on Gaza: Health ministry Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Health Ministry says women and children comprise 70 percent of nearly 18,800 people killed in the Gaza Strip during Israel's bloody aggression against the besieged territory.
• Intensified bombardments in Gaza raise urgent calls for ceasefire People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- Israel was stepping up bombardments on the Gaza Strip amid increased calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has claimed the lives of more than 18,800 Palestinians in Gaza.
• Gaza hospital destroyed, WHO chief reiterates ceasefire call UN News 18 Dec 2023 -- The head of the UN health agency Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has spoken out against the "effective destruction" of a hospital in northern Gaza by Israeli forces over the weekend, leading to the deaths of eight patients including a nine-year-old child.
• UN Security Council set to vote on ceasefire resolution ISNA 18 Dec 2023 -- The latest draft of the resolution urges a prompt and lasting halt to the war to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.
• UN Security Council anticipates key vote on Gaza aid access People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- The UN Security Council is gearing up for a crucial vote, possibly on Monday, on a draft resolution calling for the facilitation of aid access to Gaza through various routes, diplomatic sources said Sunday.
• UN Says Fighting in Gaza Continues to Hinder Full Scale Distribution of Aid Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- Humanitarian aid has arrived into Gaza via both Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings but it still does not meet the needs of the people because of continued fighting, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.
• WHO says appalled by Israel's destruction of Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm about Israel's destruction of a hospital in the northern Gaza Strip amid reports that the regime's forces buried Palestinians alive at the facility's courtyard during the operation.
• US Defense Secretary Talks to Israel About More 'Surgical' Approach in Gaza VOA 18 Dec 2023 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stressed the importance of Israel's curbing of civilian casualties in densely populated Gaza and has reiterated the "unshakable" U.S. commitment to supporting Israel in its war against Hamas.
• Austin, Gallant Discuss Continuing Operations Against Hamas DoD News 18 Dec 2023 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III discussed the goals and objectives of Israel's campaign against the Hamas terror group in Gaza with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv today.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Visit to Israel DoD 18 Dec 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Joint Press Conference With Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv, Israel DoD 18 Dec 2023
• Statements by PM Netanyahu and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Israel - Prime Minister 18 Dec 2023
• Russian Emergencies Ministry Transports Final Group of Russian Citizens Evacuated From Gaza Strip Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- A special aircraft of the Russian Emergencies Ministry (EMERCOM) has delivered the final group of Russian citizens evacuated from the Gaza Strip: 73 people have arrived at Domodedovo, the ministry reported.
• Palestinian resistance inflicted 'resounding' defeat on Israel: Syria's President Assad Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the Palestinian resistance groups have inflicted a "resounding" defeat on Israel despite the West's unwavering support for the occupying regime in its genocidal war against the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Israeli forces kill four, including two teenagers, in occupied West Bank Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- Israeli forces have shot dead four Palestinians, including two teenagers, during a military raid on a refugee camp near the West Bank city of Tubas, taking the toll in the occupied territory to over 300 since the war in Gaza began.
• 5 Palestinians killed in Israeli raids in West Bank People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- Five Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarm on Sunday, said the Palestinian Health Ministry.
• Palestine, U.S. reach agreement to resolve PA funds held by Israel: source People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Authority (PA) reached an agreement with the United States to address the issue of Palestinian funds detained by Israel, a senior Palestinian official said Sunday.
• Hamas hails Axis of Resistance for 'wise, effective' support in Gaza Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- A senior official with the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has hailed the Axis of Resistance for carrying out operations in a "wise and effective" manner in support of the Palestinian fighters battling the Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
• No prisoner exchange deal under fire: Senior Hamas official Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- A senior Hamas official has reaffirmed that the movement will not enter into talks over a new prisoner swap deal with Israel until the regime's ongoing genocidal war on the Gaza Strip comes to an end.
• Islamic Jihad: US support for Israel 'brazen blessing for regime's Nazi crimes' Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement has strongly blasted the United States' unfaltering support for Israel in its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, saying Washington's backing encourages the regime to continue its crimes against Palestinians.
• Red Sea attacks intensify, major global shippers avoid Suez Canal Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- Several global shipping lines plan to steer clear of the Suez Canal, while the escalating situation in the Red Sea, coupled with attacks on cargo ships, has heightened concerns in the global shipping industry.
• Iran says Yemen acting independently on operations against ships IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs Ali Bagheri Kani has said that Yemen is acting independently regarding its operations against Israeli-linked ships in the Red and Arabia seas over the regime's war in Gaza.
• Yemeni army targets two Zionist-related ships IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- The Yemeni Army says it has targeted two Zionist-related ships in the Red Sea.
• BP halts all oil shipments in Red Sea amid Yemeni strikes IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- British oil company BP has stopped all oil and gas transits through the Red Sea following an increase in attacks on ships in the strategic waterway.
• Hamas: Israeli occupation has only three options ISNA 18 Dec 2023 -- In light of that, Hamdan stressed, "Our position is firm, which is that there is no talk of negotiations before stopping the aggression."
• Yemen's Houthis claim fresh drone attacks at Israeli targets in Eilat People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saturday said they have launched cross-border drone attacks on several targets in Israel's southern city of Eilat.
• Shipping firms avoid Red Sea amid Yemen's attacks on Israel-bound vessels Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- A growing number of international companies have decided to pause shipments through the strategic Red Sea as Yemen's Armed Forces step up their attacks on vessels bound for the Israeli-occupied territories in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Yemenis hit two more ships in Red Sea amid pro-Palestine campaign Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- The Yemeni armed forces have launched attacks on two Israeli-bound ships sailing in the Red Sea amid a campaign to pressure Israel and allies to end their bloody aggression on Gaza.
• Yemen's Houthis Claim Attacks on Two Ships Linked to Israel Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed two new attacks on ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to a statement posted on social media on Monday.
• Yemeni army's operations have left significant economic impact on Israel: Ansarullah Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- The spokesman for Ansarullah resistance movement says the Yemeni army's operations against the vessels that are owned by Israel or bound for the occupied Palestinian territories have taken a big toll on the regime's economy.

Other Conflicts

• Manila 'seriously misjudges situation' as Marcos hypes 'China's challenge' Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- The Philippines has seriously misjudged the situation, which will harm its own interests, future cooperation with China, as well as the common aspirations of regional countries for peace, stability and prosperity, analysts said on Monday, following Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr stating that the Philippines and China remain deadlocked over the joint oil exploration and accused China of posing a "regional challenge."
• 'Pakistan terror groups using US weapons smuggled from Afghanistan' IRNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Pakistan has expressed concern over terrorist groups' use of US military equipment left behind from Washington's years-long war in neighboring Afghanistan, blaming it for a surge in terror attacks on Pakistani soil.
• Six Israeli Guided Bombs Strike Infrastructure Near Damascus - Russian Military Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes using six guided bombs on targets near Damascus, having wounded two Syrian soldiers, Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Monday.
• UN envoy to Libyan leaders: Resolve impasse, do not fail the people UN News 18 Dec 2023 -- Despite recent legislative progress, Libya's political landscape remains fraught with power struggles, as key figures attach conditions to taking part in crucial talks, the UN envoy to the north African nation said on Monday.
• The UK will continue to support work across Libya's divides to deliver for the Libyan people: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.
• UN report: More than 2.6 million people displaced across Myanmar Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2023 -- Myanmar's civil war has displaced more than 2.6 million people, including 660,000 who recently fled their homes after intensified fighting since October between junta troops and armed ethnic groups, the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.
• Two dead, 3 injured in airstrikes on central Myanmar village Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2023 -- A junta jet dropped bombs and opened fire with machine guns on civilians in three townships killing two women and injuring three more, locals and People's Defense Force members told Radio Free Asia.
• 'Visible signs of hope' for Haiti, Assembly President Francis insists UN News 18 Dec 2023 -- "Haiti is not hopeless", the President of the UN General Assembly said on Monday during a meeting addressing the multiple crises besetting the Caribbean nation, alongside the presidents of the UN Security Council and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

News Reports

• ODNI Releases Intelligence Community Assessment of Foreign Threats to the 2022 U.S. Elections Director of National Intelligence 18 Dec 2023 -- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) today released the declassified Intelligence Community Assessment of Foreign Threats to the 2022 U.S. Elections.
• Joint Statement from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security Assessing the Impact of Foreign Interference During the 2022 U.S. Mid-Term Election US Dept. of Justice 18 Dec 2023 -- The Department of Justice, including the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), released today a report with key findings and recommendations from a classified joint report to the President issued earlier this year on addressing the impact of foreign governments and their agents on the security and integrity of the infrastructure relied upon in the 2022 U.S. federal elections.
• Arizona Man Arrested for Making Online Threats Against Federal Agents and Employees US Dept. of Justice 18 Dec 2023 -- Michael Lee Tomasi, 37, of Rio Verde, Arizona, was arrested on Friday after a grand jury indicted him on three counts of threats against a federal official and three counts of making interstate threats.
• Centre issues advisory to States in view of a recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases and detection of first case of JN.1 variant in India India PIB 18 Dec 2023 -- In view of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in some States/UTs in India and the detection of the first case of the new JN
• COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 case detected in India's Kerala People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- A case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1 has been detected in India's southern state of Kerala, the Indian government said.
• Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts 12th package of economic and individual sanctions EC/CEU 18 Dec 2023 -- The Council adopted today a twelfth package of economic and individual restrictive measures in view of the continued Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. These measures deliver a further blow to Putin's ability to wage war by targeting high-value sectors of the Russian economy and making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions.
• EU adopts 12th package of sanctions against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine European Commission 18 Dec 2023 -- The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of a 12th package of sanctions against Russia. The focus of this package is to impose additional import and export bans on Russia, combat sanctions circumvention and close loopholes.
• Questions and Answers: twelfth package of restrictive measures against Russia European Commission 18 Dec 2023
• EU Approves 12th Anti-Russia Sanctions Package Targeting Over 140 People and Entities Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- The European Union (EU) has adopted another package of sanctions against Russia, among which are 140 additional individuals and entities subject to asset freezes, the European Commission said on Monday.
• European Union ramps up sanctions against Russia Estonia MFA 18 Dec 2023 -- On 18 December, the European Union adopted a new package of sanctions, stepping up restrictive measures against Russia.
• Hungary: Russia is no threat to NATO ISNA 18 Dec 2023 -- No one would risk attacking "the strongest... defense alliance in the world," Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto has said
• Russia-China Trade Reaches Over $200 Billion During 2023 Sputnik 18 Dec 2023 -- Trade between Russia and China in January-November reached over $200 billion and could hit as much as $220 billion by the end of the year, the acting head of the Russian Customs Service, Ruslan Davydov, said on Monday.
• Vladimir Putin submitted documents to Central Election Commission President of Russia 18 Dec 2023
• Russia's Navalny Still Missing As Court Hearings Again Postponed RFE/RL 18 Dec 2023 -- Two courts in the Russian city of Vladimir have postponed hearings into complaints filed by imprisoned opposition politician Aleksei Navalny "until his whereabouts are ascertained."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 18, 2023 PRC MofA 18 Dec 2023
• The limits of a Russia-China partnership that claims to have none Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2023 -- Three weeks before Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine last year, President Vladimir Putin traveled to Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping - an event shunned by Western leaders.
• China, Russia hold 9th Financial Dialogue, vow to enhance cooperation in audit supervision Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- The ninth China-Russia Financial Dialogue was held on Monday in Beijing, according to China's Ministry of Finance. The two sides exchanged points of view on questions of common interest, achieved results in multiple sectors, and issued a joint statement.
• Xi hears work reports from HK, Macao chief executives Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- President Xi Jinping met Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Beijing on Monday as Lee is paying a visit to the country's capital city.
• Hong Kong: Statement by the Spokesperson on the start of the national security trial against Jimmy Lai European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Dec 2023 -- Today marks the beginning of the trial brought against Hong Kong media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai under National Security Law charges. He has faced multiple prosecutions related to his support for free expression and democracy in Hong Kong, notably since the imposition of the National Security Law by Beijing in 2020. He has been imprisoned for over one thousand days.
• Jimmy Lai's security trial begins in Hong Kong amid international uproar Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2023 -- Hong Kong pro-democracy media magnate Jimmy Lai appeared in court Monday on the first day of a weeks-long national security trial, as members of the public and journalists queued for a seat in the gallery, watched over by armed police patrolling the area with bomb-detecting sniffer dogs.
• Silence, inaction enable Hong Kong police bounties, says activist Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2023 -- Hong Kong democracy activist Frances Hui has called for an international effort to combat the threat of Beijing's "long-arm" law enforcement beyond its borders, saying recent bounties on her and other activists' heads are deliberately intended to create a "chilling effect" on activists everywhere.
• Secessionist Jimmy Lai faces trial Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- With the highly watched trial of secessionist media tycoon Jimmy Lai taking place on Monday at West Kowloon Court, some Western politicians and media have exploited this occasion to smear the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong and badmouth the rule of law in the city. Officials from both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong have called these criticisms blatant interference in China's internal affairs, adding that any attempts to slander, disrupt and sabotage the NSL for Hong Kong will never succeed.
• Chinese official dismisses 'foreign capital flight' hype, vows greater efforts to attract, utilize foreign investment Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- China will make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment, with more areas to open wider and more restrictions to be lifted. Utilizing foreign investment is an important part of China's policy of opening-up, said an official from the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in response to external hype that "foreign investors are fleeing China."
• China allocates 237.9b yuan from additional treasury bonds; economy faces more opportunities than challenges in 2024, official says Global Times 18 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of Finance has allocated the first batch of 237.9 billion yuan ($33.38 billion) of proceeds from a sovereign bond issuance to areas such as post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, high-standard farmland construction and meteorological infrastructure construction, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday.
• China's financial institutions see rising assets People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- Assets of financial institutions in China rose to 452.82 trillion yuan (about 63.82 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of the third quarter, up 9.5 percent year on year, according to the central bank.
• Lengthened Long March-5 becomes height benchmark of China's launch vehicles in commission People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- China's newly-launched Long March-5 rocket has for the first time used an 18.5-meter-long fairing, setting a new height benchmark for China's carrier rockets in commission.
• DPP's Lai claims his election will minimize risk of war with China CNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential nominee Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has claimed his election would minimize the risk of a cross-strait conflict -- despite China's repeated warnings that any push for Taiwan independence would "mean war."
• KMT's Hou advocates 'middle-way' approach to governance CNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜), the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) 2024 presidential candidate, said Sunday that one of his main goals is to find a "middle-way approach" to governance in Taiwan, which would avoid extremism and unify the people of the country, regardless of their political affiliation.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 18, 2023 ROC MND 18 Dec 2023
• DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Meets Chinese Foreign Minister KCNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Pak Myong Ho, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK who is on a visit to China met Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and foreign minister of the People's Republic of China, at the Great Hall of the People on Monday.
• KCNA Commentary Lashes out at South Korean Puppets' Anti-DPRK Moves KCNA 18 Dec 2023 -- Recently, the south Korean puppet military warmongers are getting more frantic in their rackets of confrontation against the DPRK.
• North Korea missile tests: Minister Trevelyan's statement, December 2023 UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, responds to North Korea missile tests.
• Effort to restart Iran nuclear deal 'at a standstill' Security Council hears UN News 18 Dec 2023 -- Despite appeals to all those involved in the stalled deal to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons, "diplomatic efforts remain at a standstill", the UN's political affairs chief told the Security Council on Monday.
• The UK is committed to using all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.
• We remain determined that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon and must reverse its nuclear escalation: E3 at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- Joint statement by UK, France and Germany following the Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231.
• Iran's Climate Migration Crisis Could Turn Into National 'Disaster' RFE/RL 18 Dec 2023 -- Record temperatures, prolonged droughts, and the drying up of rivers and lakes are displacing tens of thousands of Iranians each year, experts say.
• Iran's Water Reserves Plunge Amid Drought, Mismanagement RFE/RL 18 Dec 2023 -- The water level in Iran's reservoirs has seen a steep decline due to an increased production of hydroelectricity amid shortages prompted by high temperatures, drought, and mismanagement.
• Disruption At Iranian Gas Stations Likely Caused By 'Outside Interference' RFE/RL 18 Dec 2023 -- Gas stations across Iran were hit by disruptions on December 18, with Oil Minister Javad Owji saying that foreign interference was the probable cause.
• Iran FM urges Pakistan to ensure border security after terrorist attack Press TV 18 Dec 2023 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian calls for the promotion of bilateral cooperation with Pakistan in order to stop terrorist attacks and ensure security along common borders.
• Foreign Minister's telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Iran Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Dec 2023 -- Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani held a telephone conversation today with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian. They discussed matters of bilateral importance and the regional situation.
• Serbia's ruling party proclaims absolute majority at snap election People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- Coalition around the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) won over 127 out of 250 seats at the snap parliamentary election, announced the country's President Aleksandar Vucic at the headquarters of SNS on Sunday.
• Americas Minister visits Guyana to demonstrate UK support for its territorial integrity UK FCDO 18 Dec 2023 -- The UK will today reaffirm its support for Guyana on the first ministerial visit to the country from a G7 nation since the Venezuelan regime renewed its border claim on the Essequibo region.
• Congratulations to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi President of Russia 18 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin sent a message of congratulations to President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his re-election as President.
• Voters had political alternatives in Serbia's elections but they were marred by overwhelming ruling party advantage, international observers say OSCE 18 Dec 2023 -- Although Serbia's early parliamentary elections offered voters a choice between political alternatives and freedoms of expression and assembly were generally respected, pressure on voters as well as the decisive involvement of the President and the ruling party's systemic advantages undermined the election process overall, international observers said in a statement today.
• Serbian Opposition Supporters Protest Belgrade Election, Claim Nonresidents Voted RFE/RL 18 Dec 2023 -- Hundreds of opposition protesters took to the streets of Belgrade on December 18 after the city's election commission indicated the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) list of President Aleksandr Vucic had won the capital's municipal elections, following results by the national authority that also gave victory to Vucic's coalition in Serbia's concurrent parliamentary vote.
• Bangladesh to deploy army ahead of national polls People's Daily 18 Dec 2023 -- Army troops will be deployed in Bangladesh to assist the civil administration in ensuring security ahead of the country's general election slated for Jan. 7, an Election Commission senior official said.
• The Pro-Kremlin, Far-Right Figure Vowing To Take Down Moldova's Government RFE/RL 18 Dec 2023 -- Alexandr Kalinin has stumped for and aided Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, and now says he's ready to invade his homeland of Moldova with a guerrilla force of thousands to depose the Western leadership of President Maia Sandu.
• Wider Europe Briefing: A Historic EU Enlargement Decision, But Tougher Times Ahead RFE/RL 18 Dec 2023
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the developments around Essequibo Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Dec 2023
• World News in Brief: Wave of 'fear and dread' in Ukraine, UN expert slams Navalny disappearance, youth leaders for nuclear disarmament meet UN News 18 Dec 2023 -- With more than 900 air attacks across Ukraine in just one week, the intensifying Russian bombing campaign is leaving millions of children without sustained access to electricity, heat and water, as winter temperatures plummet.
• Vietnamese Response to Xi Jinping Visit Muted Amid Activism Crackdown VOA 18 Dec 2023 -- Anti-China protests have been a cornerstone of Vietnamese activism, but the response to Chinese President Xi Jinping's December 12-13 visit to Vietnam has been muted as Hanoi has jailed critics, and activists and experts cite an atmosphere of fear among those still free.