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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Pro-Iran militias launch 60 attacks on U.S. bases in Syria to avenge Gaza conflict: monitor People's Daily 22 Dec 2023 -- Pro-Iran militias have launched 60 attacks on American bases in Syria since Oct. 19 in retaliation for the United States' backing of Israel during the Gaza conflict, a war monitor reported Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Statement from President Joe Biden on H.R. 2670, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 The White House 22 Dec 2023
• After Tough Year, Military Recruiting Is Looking Up DoD News 22 Dec 2023 -- It's no secret that 2023 was a tough year for military recruiting, but that situation is looking up, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder during a news conference yesterday.
• Japan MoD, US DoD sign joint agreement for AI, UAS research US Air Force 22 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Defense and the Japanese Ministry of Defense signed a project arrangement for joint research on Overwhelming Response through Collaborative Autonomy, Dec. 22.
• SECNAV Del Toro Meets With Industry on V-22 Osprey US Navy Press Release 22 Dec 2023 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro met with the chief executives of Bell Boeing earlier this week to discuss the V-22 Osprey program following the Dec. 6 grounding of the V-22 fleet.
• U.S. Department of Defense Statement on Japan's Decision to Transfer Patriot Missiles to the United States DoD 22 Dec 2023 -- The United States welcomes Japan's announcement that it will transfer Patriot interceptor missiles to the United States to replenish U.S. inventories.
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Japan's Decision to Transfer Patriot Missiles to the United States The White House 22 Dec 2023
• NATO Expands in 2023, but Timing of Ukraine's Membership at Issue VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- 2023 saw NATO welcome its 31st member, as Finland joined the alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Sweden's application is still being held up by Turkey, whose approval is expected in the coming weeks, while Ukraine's path to NATO accession remains uncertain.
• NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) - C-17 Maintenance DSCA 22 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency of C-17 Maintenance and related equipment for an estimated cost of $150 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) - Stinger Missiles DSCA 22 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency of Stinger missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $780 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Issuance of a New Executive Order to Expand Russia Sanctions Authorities US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2023 -- The United States, alongside our allies and partners, is committed to curtailing Russia's use of the international financial system to advance its war in Ukraine.
• Statement from Secretary Yellen on President Biden's Executive Order Taking Additional Steps With Respect to Russia's Harmful Activities US Treasury 22 Dec 2023 -- Today, to further strengthen the U.S. Department of the Treasury's tools to disrupt and degrade Russia's war machine, President Biden issued a new Executive Order (E.O.) amending E.O. 14024 and E.O. 14068. This E.O. further targets Russian sanctions evasion and solidifies the U.S. commitment to the G7 Leaders' Statement, making clear to foreign financial institutions that facilitating significant transactions relating to Russia's military-industrial base may expose them to U.S. sanctions.
• Letters to the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate on Taking Additional Steps With Respect to the Russian Federation's Harmful Activities The White House 22 Dec 2023
• Executive Order on Taking Additional Steps With Respect to the Russian Federation's Harmful Activities The White House 22 Dec 2023
• Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Expanding Sanctions Authorities Against Russia's Military Industrial Base The White House 22 Dec 2023
• Background Press Call on Upcoming Action to Continue Holding Russia Accountable The White House 22 Dec 2023
• Biden Signs Order Expanding U.S. Authority To Punish Banks For Facilitating Russian Defense Procurement RFE/RL 22 Dec 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on December 22 signed an executive order paving the way for Washington to impose sanctions on financial institutions that help Russia evade sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine.
• Biden Signs New US Sanctions Targeting Russia's Defense Industry VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday to bolster U.S. sanctions against financial institutions that aid Russia's defense industry in its war against Ukraine. The order allows the U.S. Treasury to target banks in countries like China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere that may be helping Russia evade sanctions.
• New US Sanctions Target Banks to Prevent Aiding Russia's Defense Industry VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- Most major financial institutions are adhering to U.S. sanctions aimed at preventing Russia from acquiring materials needed for its war effort, according to U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo in a TV interview Friday on CNBC.
• Russia uses drones to deliver supplies, ammunition to frontlines People's Daily 22 Dec 2023 -- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used to deliver supplies and ammunition to the special military operation zone, the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Friday.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 22 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.
• In a phone call with Mark Rutte, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the Dutch Government for the decision to prepare the first F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine President of Ukraine 22 Dec 2023
• Defence to make first 18 F-16 fighter aircraft available to Ukraine Netherlands Ministry of Defence 22 Dec 2023 -- The Netherlands will make at least 18 F-16 fighter aircraft available to Ukraine. Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren informed the Netherlands House of Representatives of this today.
• INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) - 2023 India PIB 22 Dec 2023 -- The 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) was conducted by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand from 19 - 22 Dec 23
• SUBROTO MUKHERJEE SEMINAR CONDUCTED BY CAPS ON "INDIA & THE GLOBAL SOUTH: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES India PIB 22 Dec 2023 -- The Centre for Air Power Studies conducted the 20th Subroto Mukerjee Seminar at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi today
• MINISTRY OF DEFENCE - YEAR END REVIEW 2023 India PIB 22 Dec 2023 -- 2023 was a landmark year for Ministry of Defence (MoD) as giant strides were made towards realising the vision of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to create a strong, secure, self-reliant, and inclusive India
• Saudi Arabia - Blanket Order Training DSCA 22 Dec 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Blanket Order Training and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Syria's chemical weapons remain a threat to international peace and security: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Dec 2023 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Tom Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria chemical weapons.
• Announcement on the Türkiye and US High Level Defence Group Meeting Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 22 Dec 2023 -- The U.S. High Level Defense Group meeting was held in Wasington DC on 21 December 2023 with the participation of delegations from Turkish Ministry of National Defence and the US Department of Defense.
• Government decided to expand the Sirgala training area Estonia MoD 22 Dec 2023 -- The Government of Estonia decided to expand the Sirgala training area, which is necessary for the development of military capabilities. The Sirgala training area will be expanded only at the expense of state land.
• The Lithuanian Armed Forces gets new optical sight Lithuania MND 22 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of National Defence acquires new Canadian-manufactured Raytheon Elcan Optical Technologies to further upgrade the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
• Readout of President Biden's Call with President Pedro Sanchez of Spain The White House 22 Dec 2023
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Løkke Rasmussen US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 22, 2023

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Troops Destroyed a Tunnel Network Serving as an Underground Post and Buildings Used as Hamas Headquarters Israel Defense Forces 22 Dec 2023
• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 22nd, 20:15 Israel Defense Forces 22 Dec 2023
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Israel War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz Prime Minister of Canada 22 Dec 2023 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's War Cabinet.
• Elite Israeli forces give up 'death trap' Gaza quarter after heavy losses: Report Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- Elite Israeli forces waging the occupying regime's ongoing genocidal war against the Gaza Strip have reportedly given up control of a neighborhood in the Gaza City after suffering heavy losses there.
• Israel killed hundreds in Gaza in 48 hours: Health ministry Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- Israeli forces have killed hundreds of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in the past two days, bringing the total number of people killed in the territory to more than 20,000, says the Gaza Health Ministry.
• Israel vows to continue fighting in Gaza amid ceasefire talks People's Daily 22 Dec 2023 -- Israel announced on Thursday its determination to continue its military operations in the Gaza Strip, effectively rejecting Hamas' statement that the release of hostages would only occur if Israel agrees to end the war.
• WHO chief warns no functional hospital exists in north Gaza People's Daily 22 Dec 2023 -- The last hospital that can perform surgery in northern Gaza stopped functioning, the World Health Organization's (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said on Wednesday.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2023
• US Abstains, Allowing UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza to Pass VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- After days of intense negotiations on a humanitarian pause and the delivery of aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip, the United States abstained Friday on a United Nations Security Council resolution, allowing its adoption by the 15-member body.
• Statement by UNICEF on the risk of famine in the Gaza Strip UNICEF 22 Dec 2023 -- "Yesterday, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned the world of the very high risk of famine in the Gaza Strip, increasing every day if the situation persists. Specifically, the IPC report said at least 1 in 4 households in the Gaza Strip, or more than half a million people, are facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity, the highest level of warning.
• Security Council adopts key resolution on Gaza crisis UN News 22 Dec 2023 -- The Security Council has adopted a resolution on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with 13 votes in favour, and the US and Russia abstaining. The resolution, among others demands immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip.
• Humanitarian ceasefire only way to end Gaza 'nightmare': Guterres UN News 22 Dec 2023 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that a Security Council resolution to get more aid into Gaza, adopted on Friday, could pave the way to a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• Gaza crisis: Starvation must never be allowed to happen, says UN rights chief UN News 22 Dec 2023 -- As the Security Council prepared to meet once again in New York on Friday for a long-delayed vote on a pause in fighting to allow more aid into Gaza, UN rights chief Volker Türk added his voice to deep concerns over the rising threat of famine across the Strip.
• UN Security Council passes resolution demanding more Gaza aid deliveries Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- The United Nations Security Council has finally passed a resolution on the ongoing Israeli onslaught against Gaza, demanding increased aid deliveries to the besieged region but stopping short of calling for an immediate halt to the genocide.
• Gaza: Joint Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič on the risk of famine European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 Dec 2023 -- We are deeply shocked by the results of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessment for Gaza released on Thursday.
• Gaza: Joint Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič on the risk of famine European Commission 22 Dec 2023
• European Commission provides over €118 million to the Palestinian Authority European Commission 22 Dec 2023 -- The European Commission has adopted a €118.4 million assistance package to support the Palestinian Authority (PA) as part of the annual allocation for Palestine in 2023.
• The UK supports Security Council resolution 2720 on aid to Gaza UK FCDO 22 Dec 2023 -- Today, 22 December 2023, the UK voted in favour of United Nations Security Council resolution 2720 calling for expanded humanitarian access in Gaza.
• The UK is doing everything we can to get more aid into Gaza: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Dec 2023 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• Telephone conversation with President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas President of Russia 22 Dec 2023 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas.
• Israeli soldier killed, another seriously injured in Hezbollah rocket barrage Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- The Israeli military has announced the death of one of its occupation forces and the serious injury of another in a retaliatory strike by the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah on the north of the occupied territories.
• Iraqi resistance hits target in Israeli settlement of 'Eilat' in response to regime atrocities Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has stricken a target in the city of Umm Rashrash, also known as Eilat, in the southern part of Occupied Palestine in retaliation for Israel's genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Israel's targeting of Palestinian medical facilities 'unprecedented' in history Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) has denounced Israel's persistent attacks on Palestinian health workers and facilities in the besieged Gaza Strip as "unprecedented major crimes" in the history of warfare.
• Bahrain joining US-led maritime coalition betrayal of Palestinian cause, says al-Wefaq Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- Bahrain's main opposition group, the al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, has strongly criticized the Al Khalifah regime's decision to join a US-led maritime task force in the Red Sea to protect passage of Israeli-owned and Israel-bound merchant vessels, slamming the move as a "betrayal of the Palestinian cause."
• More shipping firms avoid Red Sea despite US promises to safeguard Israel-linked vessels Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- More shipping firms have decided to avoid the Red Sea although the US has created a naval coalition purportedly aimed to safeguard shipping after Yemen's retaliatory attacks on Israel-linked vessels.
• Yemen attacks cripple Israeli port's operations: Report Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- Attacks by Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement in protest at the Israeli regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, have reportedly crippled operations at the port of Eilat at the southern tip of the occupied Palestinian territories.
• Rising Red Sea tensions rattle global shipping industry, spark concerns of spillover from Gaza conflict People's Daily 22 Dec 2023 -- Yemen's Houthi rebels are escalating their attacks on "Israel-related" ships in the Red Sea, demanding retribution for Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Other Conflicts

• The Azadi Briefing: Taliban's Hydropower Plans Raise Concerns In Pakistan RFE/RL 22 Dec 2023
• Taliban Bans Books From Minority Muslim Sects In Private University Libraries RFE/RL 22 Dec 2023 -- In its latest restriction on religious freedom, the Taliban's Ministry of Higher Education has ordered all private universities in Afghanistan to remove religious books that do not conform to the Sunni Hanafi sect it follows.
• US defense bill spends big against China's maritime claims Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday signed into law an $886 billion defense bill that includes US$16 billion to deter China's expansive maritime claims and approves exemptions for Australia and the United Kingdom to buy American defense technology without licenses.
• Beijing, Manila to hold consultation on South China Sea 'soon' Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- Foreign ministers of China and the Philippines have agreed to hold a meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea as soon as possible as the two countries are at loggerheads over several reefs in the contested waters.
• Tehran slams Arab-Russian statement on Iranian trio islands as interference in internal affairs Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- Tehran has condemned a joint statement from several Arab countries and Russia about Iran's three Persian Gulf islands of Abu Musa, the Greater Tunb and the Lesser Tunb as an interference in its internal affairs, stressing that it will not hesitate to preserve its territorial integrity.
• Tehran Appears To Criticize Moscow's Stance On Persian Gulf Islands RFE/RL 22 Dec 2023 -- Ali Akbar Velayati, the senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has apparently criticized Russia's position on the long-standing dispute over Iran's sovereignty of three strategic islands in the Persian Gulf.
• Myanmar junta kills 7-year-old in northern airstrike Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- A junta airstrike on a village in Myanmar's northern Sagaing region killed a seven-year-old girl, residents told Radio Free Asia Friday.
• Nagorno-Karabakh Separatist Leader Says Dissolution Decree Not Valid RFE/RL 22 Dec 2023 -- The leader of Nagorno-Karabakh separatists ousted from the breakaway Azerbaijani region in September said on December 22 that a decree he signed on the dissolution of separatist institutions was no longer valid.
• Joint Statement on Multinational Security Support Mission Pre-Planning Conference US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2023 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Republic of Kenya the Republic of Haiti, and Jamaica on the occasion of the Multinational Security Support Mission Pre-Planning Conference, 14th to 15th December 2023.
• QA-13, 22 December 2023, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Öncü Keçeli, in Response to a Question Regarding the "Maritime Spatial Planning" Approved by the Council of Ministers of the Greek Cypriot Administration on 20 December 2023 Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2023

News Reports

• United States Hosts Quad Counterterrorism Working Group in Honolulu, Hawaii US Dept. of State 22 Dec 2023 -- The Department of State hosted representatives from Japan, Australia, and India for the Quad Counterterrorism Working Group meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii December 19-21, 2023. Gregory LoGerfo, Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism, led the U.S. interagency delegation.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the General Meeting of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, December 22, 2023 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye Hakan Fidan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2023
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2023
• Russia warns US of breakdown in diplomatic relations Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- Russia says it may decide to cut diplomatic relations with the United States "completely" if Washington confiscates the billions of dollars' worth of Russian foreign assets held in US financial institutions to assist Ukraine in the war.
• US, Europe plan to seize Russia's $300 billion in assets for Ukraine war: Report Press TV 22 Dec 2023 -- The United States and Europe have devised schemes to take possession of Russian assets for utilization of funds in the Ukraine war, according to a report in the US media.
• 'Tens Of Millions Of Tragedies': Russian Woman Faces Psychiatric Confinement Over Uncompromising Anti-War Stance RFE/RL 22 Dec 2023 -- "This war is the destruction of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty," Viktoria Petrova said in her final courtroom speech on December 21, calling Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine "a crime against humanity."
• Putin Signs Decree On Temporary State Takeover Of Russia's Biggest Auto Dealer RFE/RL 22 Dec 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 22 signed a decree on temporarily putting Rolf, the country's largest auto dealership, under state management.
• Enough Space for Everyone? US, China Target Africa VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- As a new space race between the United States and China takes off, Africa is increasingly an arena for competition between the two superpowers. And so far, analysts say, China is ahead.
• China's Xi Jinping to pay homage at Mao mausoleum amid fears of new personality cult Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- As authorities in Beijing announced the temporary closure of the Mao Zedong mausoleum on Tiananmen Square, reportedly to allow Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping to pay homage on Mao's 130th birth anniversary, state media moved to elevate Xi's revolutionary father's role in the past four decades of economic reform, eclipsing their key architect Deng Xiaoping.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on December 22, 2023 PRC MofA 22 Dec 2023
• Questions Raised Over China's 'Consular Volunteers' VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- The deployment of so-called "consular volunteers" by China's diplomatic missions overseas is raising concerns among some analysts and watchdogs who see them as part of the Communist Party's "long arm" abroad and fear they could be used to monitor dissent - something Beijing denies.
• China-US high-level military talk shows willingness to stabilize ties, manage risks despite persisting uncertainty Global Times 22 Dec 2023 -- Senior military officials from China and the US held a virtual meeting on Thursday night, marking the first high-level military dialogue for more than a year. According to readouts from both sides, senior officers stressed the importance of exchanges and dialogue during the video call, but the Chinese side also stressed that the premise of healthy, stable and sustainable military ties is for the US to "genuinely respect China's core interests and major concerns."
• Drug control departments of China, US gradually resume regular communication: FM Global Times 22 Dec 2023 -- Recently, China has been promoting special campaigns against fentanyl and its precursors, cracking down on illegal activities such as smuggling, production, trafficking, and abuse of fentanyl and its precursors. And the drug control departments of China and the US are gradually resuming regular communication, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday.
• Hong Kong court rejects bid to get Jimmy Lai's sedition charge dropped Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- A court on Friday rejected a bid by Hong Kong media magnate Jimmy Lai's legal team to get one of the charges in his national security trial dismissed, saying the "sedition" charge hadn't exceeded its time limit.
• Taiwan question, South China Sea issue stressed in virtual meeting between Chinese, US senior military officials Global Times 22 Dec 2023 -- A senior Chinese military official on Thursday stressed China's stance on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue in a virtual meeting with a US' senior military official, as the two militaries started to resume talks following the recent meeting between the two countries' top leaders.
• China will maintain 'reasonably abundant liquidity' to bolster economic recovery: central bank Global Times 22 Dec 2023 -- China will maintain "reasonably abundant liquidity," to create a favorable monetary and financial environment for the sustained improvement of the economy, Pan Gongsheng, governor of China's central bank said on Thursday.
• KMT, DPP vice presidential candidates exchange fire over China CNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The vice presidential candidates of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) sparred over their approaches to China at a televised policy presentation forum on Friday evening.
• China's resumption of grouper imports 'politically motivated': MOA CNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) blasted China Friday for lifting a ban on Taiwanese grouper imports in a politically selective manner, calling the move a tactic intended to divide Taiwanese fishermen.
• Taiwan Presidential Candidates Sharpen Cross-Strait Relations Rhetoric VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- Weeks before Taiwan's January 13 presidential and legislative election, the three presidential candidates - Hou Yu-ih, Lai Ching-te, and Ko Wen-je - have increased efforts to sharpen rhetoric on cross-strait relations, an issue long dominating Taiwan's politics.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Dec. 22, 2023 ROC MND 22 Dec 2023
• Mainland resumes grouper import from Taiwan after review of quality improvement: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times 22 Dec 2023 -- Chinese mainland has resumed imports of groupers from the island of Taiwan starting from Friday after review of product quality improvement, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Zhu Fenglian announced.
• N Korea's second nuclear reactor seems operational: IAEA Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, has found that a new nuclear reactor is apparently operational at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex, suggesting the country's acquisition of additional means to obtain plutonium for nuclear weapons.
• Session of DPRK SPA to Be Convened KCNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The 10th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will be convened in Pyongyang on January 15, Juche 113 (2024).
• G7 Is Club of Bandits: KCNA Commentary KCNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The "Group of Seven" (G7), which has come under worldwide criticism as an exclusive group disturbing international peace and the independent development of other countries at the instigation of the U.S., is going to commit robbery in broad daylight.
• 29th Plenary Meeting of 14th SPA Standing Committee of DPRK Held KCNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The 29th Plenary Meeting of the 14th Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK took place at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on December 21.
• Multiple Rocket Launchers Presented to KPA by Members of GFTUK, UAWK and SWUK KCNA 22 Dec 2023 -- Members of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea (GFTUK), the Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea (UAWK) and the Socialist Women's Union of Korea (SWUK) across the DPRK conducted a brisk do-good-thing movement to present to the Korean People's Army (KPA) the multiple rocket launchers proudly named "Jikmaeng (trade unions)", "Nonggunmaeng (union of agricultural workers)" and "Nyomaeng (women's union)".
• Official Notice on Convening Session of DPRK SPA Issued KCNA 22 Dec 2023 -- The 10th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the DPRK will be convened here on January 15, Juche 113 (2024).
• Anti-junta group: Myanmar receiving fuel shipments even with sanctions Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- Shipping companies continue to transport fuel to Myanmar despite recent sanctions from the United States targeting the military junta's use of jet fuel, an anti-junta group said in a statement.
• More than 40,000 Chinese involved in online scam operations deported from Myanmar Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- More than 40,000 Chinese nationals associated with unlawful online scam groups in Myanmar's northern Shan state were arrested and deported during a three-month period from early September to mid-December, data from relevant groups indicate.
• The Foreign Ministry allocates funding to document human rights violations in Belarus Latvia MFA 22 Dec 2023 -- On 22 December 2023, in solidarity with political prisoners and their family members in Belarus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a decision to make a financial contribution of EUR 35,000 into the European Endowment for Democracy with the aim of the funds to be channelled to the International Accountability Platform for Belarus, which collects and preserves evidence of human rights violations in Belarus, as well as providing support to victims of political repression.
• Syriac Christmas Message Stirs Debate in Turkish Parliament VOA 22 Dec 2023 -- Turkey's parliament erupted in controversy this week when the nation's only Assyrian lawmaker delivered a Christmas message in his native Syriac language, offending other legislators who believe that only Turkish should be spoken in the national assembly.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom David Cameron Prime Minister of Canada 22 Dec 2023 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, David Cameron.
• Three Men Charged in International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme US Dept. of Justice 22 Dec 2023 -- A five-count indictment was unsealed on Wednesday charging a Georgia businessman, a former Honduran government official, and a former Florida resident for their alleged participation in an international scheme to pay and conceal bribes to Honduran government officials to secure contracts to provide uniforms and other goods to the Honduran National Police.
• Finland to provide humanitarian aid to crisis areas Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 22 Dec 2023 -- Finland will provide EUR 17.3 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, Ukraine, Burkina Faso and Lebanon through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
• Uzbekistan 2023 constitutional referendum and early presidential election: ODIHR observation missions final reports OSCE 22 Dec 2023 -- Following the 2023 constitutional referendum and early presidential election in Uzbekistan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has published final reports with recommendations to assist the country in bringing its electoral process closer in line with international standards for democratic elections.
• Cambodia's high court rejects opposition official's conviction appeal Radio Free Asia 22 Dec 2023 -- Cambodia's Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Candlelight Party Vice President Thach Setha on Friday, a decision that means he'll serve the remainder of his 18-month sentence on a bad check conviction.
• World News in Brief: UN chief shocked by Czech mass shooting, UNICEF appeal for West and Central Africa, world leaders urged to heed climate science UN News 22 Dec 2023 -- The UN Secretary-General has reiterated his full solidarity with the people and Government of the Czech Republic in the wake of the mass shooting at the Charles University in Prague on Thursday.