• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Feb. 29 Red Sea Update CENTCOM 29 Feb 2024 -- On Feb. 29, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted two self-defense strikes against six mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to launch towards the Red Sea.
• Houthi: Yemen to introduce 'military surprises' in Red Sea operations Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- Yemen's armed forces will introduce "military surprises" in their Red Sea operations, Ansarullah leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi says.
• Increased support for strike action against Houthi rebels Australia DOD 29 Feb 2024 -- Australia is increasing its contribution of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to support United States and United Kingdom actions targeting the capabilities used in Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 29 Feb 2024
• Statement From Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on the U.S. Marine Corps Audit DoD 29 Feb 2024
• Austin Tells Congress There Was No Lapse in Authority, Command, Control During Hospital Stay DoD News 29 Feb 2024 -- When the secretary of defense was admitted last month to the hospital for complications related to surgery in December, his authorities and responsibilities were temporarily transferred to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.
• Hicks to See Joint, Combined Command and Control Capabilities in Action During Project Convergence Experiment DoD News 29 Feb 2024 -- Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks is scheduled to travel to California next week where she will receive an in-depth look into the department's advanced joint, all domain command and control, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.
• Military Leaders Say Maintaining U.S. Strategic Edge Requires Continued Investment DoD News 29 Feb 2024 -- Senior military officials told lawmakers today that the United States remains ready to deter strategic and space-based threats, but continued investment is critical amid increasing competition.
• US Army's 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment extends deployment in Poland Army News 29 Feb 2024 -- The 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1-62 ADA BN), based out of Fort Cavazos, Texas, has seen its deployment in Poland extended for three additional months. This decision underscores the unit's critical role in bolstering NATO's defense posture in Eastern Europe. "This deployment has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. I have learned so much about myself and my teammates," shared 1st Lt. Julia Cooke, the HHB executive officer, reflecting on the personal growth and team cohesion developed during this time.
• CTF-63 Welcomes USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) Arrival in Naples US Navy 29 Feb 2024 -- The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) arrived in Naples, Italy Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, for a scheduled port visit.
• USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) begins African deployment US Navy 29 Feb 2024 -- The Blue military crew (MILCREW) of the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) and the ship's Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain to begin a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) and U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, today.
• Deputy Secretary General in Spain: NATO is in a new era of strategic and industrial transformation NATO 29 Feb 2024 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană concluded his trip to Madrid on Thursday (29 February 2024) with an address to the students and staff of IE University.
• Pacific Fleet corvettes Gromky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov train to neutralise uncrewed surface vehicles Russia MoD 29 Feb 2024 -- The Pacific Fleet corvettes Gromky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov crew trained to wipe out uncrewed surface vehicles during drills in the Peter the Great Bay.
• Sarmat, Kinzhal, Zircon: Which Top-Notch Missiles Did Putin Mention in Parliamentary Address? Sputnik 29 Feb 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his State of the Nation to the Russian Federal Assembly (parliament) on Thursday, touching upon several pressing domestic and internal issues, including the special military op and new and advanced weapons.
• Russia's Strategic Nuclear Forces in State of Full Readiness - Putin Sputnik 29 Feb 2024 -- Russia's strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full readiness, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
• US Sees No Sign Russia Preparing to Use Nuclear Weapons - State Dept. Sputnik 29 Feb 2024 -- The United States does not currently have any sign that Russia is planning to use nuclear weapons but will continue to monitor the situation carefully, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Thursday.
• PLA Navy's routine escort operations not related to regional situation: spokesperson Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's routine escort operations in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia are a practice of implementing the China-proposed Global Security Initiative, and are not related to the current situation in the region, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
• Taiwan military issues public tenders for new anti-ship missile bases CNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan's military issued two public notices this week to invite tenders for the building of new military bases in southern Taiwan to house anti-ship missile squadrons that will be established after the military takes delivery of Harpoon missiles from the United States.
• China launches satellite-carrying rocket; no threat to Taiwan: MND CNA 29 Feb 2024 -- China on Thursday launched a satellite-carrying rocket that posed no threat to Taiwan, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• 2 military officers get jail time for faking intelligence to claim bonuses CNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Two military officers were sentenced on Thursday to six and seven years in prison after they were found guilty of making up intelligence to claim performance bonuses totaling over NT$10 million (US$316,147).
• Landmark strategy to maximise support for Defence industry Australia DOD 29 Feb 2024 -- The Albanese Government has today released a master plan that defines the strategic rationale for a sovereign defence industrial base and sets out pathways for maximising support for Australian industry and its critical contribution to national security.
• KEEL LAYING OF CADET TRAINING SHIP India PIB 29 Feb 2024 -- Keel Laying Ceremony of the first Cadet Training Ship (Yard-18003) was held at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, on 29 Feb 24
• DRDO successfully flight tests Very Short Range Air Defence System India PIB 29 Feb 2024 -- DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile on 28th & 29th Feb 2024 from a ground based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur
• India launches air base in Mauritius amid China's regional sway Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- India and Mauritius have jointly inaugurated an Indian-financed air base on the island of Agalega in Mauritius.
• UK Statement at Conference on Disarmament: High-level Segment UK FCDO 29 Feb 2024 -- Conference on Disarmament: High-level Segment. Statement by the United Kingdom, as delivered by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon at the United Nations on 28 February 2024.
• Opinion poll finds NATO Allies in Lithuania deter aggression Lithuania MND 29 Feb 2024 -- The Russian war in Ukraine is a threat to the Euro-Atlantic security, therefore additional Allied capabilities reinforcing the eastern flank of NATO remain.
• Lithuanian contingent back from Iraq awarded for maintaining international commitments Lithuania MND 29 Feb 2024 -- On February 29 the Force protection Unit (FPU) formed by King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion, Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf, was welcomed home after six months in the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) at a ceremony in Panevėžys.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Call with Italian MFA Secretary General Guariglia US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024
• U.S. Department of State Concludes $51 Million Settlement Resolving Export Violations by The Boeing Company US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024 -- The U.S. Department of State has concluded an administrative settlement with The Boeing Company (Boeing) to resolve 199 violations of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), 22 U.S.C. § 2751 et seq., and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR parts 120-130.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024
• Readout of President Biden's Call with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar The White House 29 Feb 2024
• Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure The White House 29 Feb 2024
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas En Route Brownsville, TX The White House 29 Feb 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with ROK Foreign Minister Cho US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker's Meeting With Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister H.E. Masrour Barzani DoD 29 Feb 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Call with German State Secretary Bagger US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 29, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 29 February 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Feb 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, February 29th, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 29 Feb 2024
• 24h Operational Update: Terrorist Cells Were Eliminated in Zaytun and Troops Continue To Eliminate Terrorists and Dismantle Terrorist Infrastructure in Khan Yunis Israel Defense Forces 29 Feb 2024
• Israeli war minister horrified by troop casualties in Gaza IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Minister of Military (War) Affairs has said the regime, since its creation, has not seen a war like the one it launched against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in early October.
• Israeli war minister admits regime's military paying 'high price' in Gaza Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli minister of military affairs has highlighted the heavy toll the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip is inflicting on the regime's army, while making the case for amending the conscription law to draft ultra-Orthodox Jews amid manpower shortages.
• Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 29 Feb 2024 -- "Since October 7, we have been conducting two campaigns: A military campaign and a diplomatic campaign. The military campaign is designed to destroy Hamas, return all of our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel. The diplomatic campaign is designed to provide the military campaign with the time and resources to achieve these goals - until total victory is achieved."
• Israel marks over 600 acres of seized Palestinian land for settlement expansion Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- Israel plans to seize hundreds of acres of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank to expand a settlement. It is viewed as one of the regime's biggest land-grab schemes.
• Feb. 28: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 29 Feb 2024
• More Than 100 Palestinians Killed, Scores Injured During Gaza Food Distribution VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- At least 112 Palestinians seeking humanitarian aid were killed in Gaza City early Thursday and scores more were injured in what witnesses and Gazan health officials said was the result of Israeli fire. Israel disputed that, saying scores of people trampled each other and were run over by fleeing aid trucks.
• Gaza Health Ministry Says Israeli Fire Killed More Than 100 People at Aid Delivery Point VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- Gaza's health ministry said Israeli fire killed at least 104 people and wounded hundreds more as a crowd of Palestinians waited for humanitarian aid in Gaza City.
• Israeli attack on Gazans waiting for humanitarian aid kills 150, injures hundreds Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- At least 70 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured in an attack by Israeli military forces on the northern Gaza Strip, on people waiting for humanitarian aid.
• Israel-led operation airdrops aid, medical equipment to Gaza People's Daily 29 Feb 2024 -- Some 160 packages of food and medical equipment have been airdropped into the southern Gaza Strip and the Jordanian field hospital in Khan Younis in an Israel-led multilateral operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Wednesday.
• No medicine, no hope: Doctors describe life under Israeli attack in Gaza UN News 29 Feb 2024 -- No communications, no medicine and little hope. That's what operating a hospital in a war zone has become in Gaza, according to a team of doctors trapped for weeks inside the besieged Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis.
• US urges Israel not to restrict worshippers to Al-Aqsa IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- The US State Department on Wednesday called on Israel to refrain from restricting Palestinian worshipers from their access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
• Gaza wound will not be erased from memory of world's free people: Iran FM spokesman IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that The wound of Gaza will not be erased from the memory of the free people of the world, and the shame of supporting and silence towards mass killing and genocide will not be erased from the foreheads of the false claimants of human rights.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during a meeting with representatives of Palestinian political parties, Moscow, February 29, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Feb 2024
• No: 37, 29 February 2024, Regarding Israel's Attack on Civilians Waiting for Humanitarian Aid Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Feb 2024
• The Palestinian Authority has received crucial financial transfers from Israel Government of Norway 29 Feb 2024 -- As a result of the temporary scheme between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, facilitated by Norway, the first transfer from Israel to Norway was made on Monday.
• Hezbollah targets Zionists' military position: Report IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah has reported that it targeted a Zionist military site in occupied northern Palestine, media outlets have reported.
• Israel uses white phosphorous bombs in Lebanon attacks IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- The Israeli military has reportedly once again used US-supplied white phosphorous munitions in its latest attack on southern Lebanon.
• 'Starvation as method of warfare': Gaza facing 'mass killing of children in slow motion' Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- The international charity organization "Save the Children" has voiced concern over the high death toll of children in the Gaza Strip, saying the besieged territory is facing a "mass killing of children in slow motion" as Israel continues to block safe delivery of aid.

Other Conflicts

• Philippines will not yield 'one square inch' of maritime territory, Marcos says Radio Free Asia 29 Feb 2024 -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday vowed to resist any effort by a foreign power to infringe upon the Philippines' sovereignty, in a strongly worded address to the Australian Parliament amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea.
• Marcos adopts tough China stance in Canberra, 'to drag ally into provocative strategy' Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. adopted a tough stance over the South China Sea disputes against China and sought greater security cooperation with allies during his visit to Australia on Thursday, a move that Chinese experts regarded as aiming to drag Australia into the Philippines' provocative and confrontational strategy.
• UN 'Appalled' by Taliban-Ordered Public Executions in Afghanistan VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations is urging the Taliban government in Afghanistan to immediately cease "inhuman" public executions and floggings of individuals convicted of murder and other crimes.
• Afghanistan: UN appalled at revival of public floggings, executions UN News 29 Feb 2024 -- A revival of Taliban-ordered public executions by gunfire taking place in sports stadiums in several cities in Afghanistan "must cease immediately", the UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Wednesday.
• Afghanistan: UN expert calls on international community to prioritise human rights of Afghans in any 'normalisation' OHCHR 29 Feb 2024 -- The deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan two and a half years on is causing unacceptable suffering, a UN expert said today. He called for urgent action by the Taliban and the international community to halt this downward spiral and give hope to Afghans.
• Israeli strikes hit southern Damascus People's Daily 29 Feb 2024 -- Israeli aerial attack hit areas south of the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday night, according to the Syrian Defense Ministry.
• Who Is Syrian Christian Militia Targeted in Turkish Drone Attacks? VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- Local officials in northeastern Syria said a series of Turkish drone strikes on Wednesday killed and wounded several people in a Kurdish-controlled town near the border with Turkey.
• Myanmar junta kills 12 after firing into crowded market Radio Free Asia 29 Feb 2024 -- Junta shelling of a crowded market in western Myanmar killed 12 people and critically injured 18 more on Thursday morning, rescue workers told Radio Free Asia.
• Arakan Army says it will investigate and try captured junta soldiers Radio Free Asia 29 Feb 2024 -- Myanmar military personnel captured by the Arakan Army as part of its campaign against the junta will be investigated and tried — and could be sentenced to death for war crimes, sources told RFA this week.
• Was The Exceptional Separatist 'Congress' A Swing And A Miss For Transdniester's Breakaway Elite? RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- A breakaway "congress" in Moldova's Transdniester eyed as a possible portent of escalation in a decades-old frozen conflict came and went on February 28, with Chisinau seemingly dodging a bullet aimed by pro-Russian separatists at its ramped-up effort to reassert economic influence in the renegade region.
• Breakaway Transnistria asks Russia for 'protection' against Moldova Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- Pro-Russian officials in the Moldovan breakaway region of Transnistria have called for help from Moscow to protect them in the face of increased pressure from Moldova's government.
• Promoting Accountability for Transnational Repression Against South Sudanese Nationals Abroad US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024 -- The Department of State is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on multiple South Sudanese nationals directly responsible for the kidnappings of South Sudanese activists abroad and for their involvement in transnational repression.

News Reports

• Indicted former U.S. diplomat admits spying for Cuba People's Daily 01 Mar 2024 -- A former senior U.S. diplomat charged with spying for Cuba admitted Thursday the criminal counts he was accused of by federal prosecutors, U.S. media reported citing his remarks in court.
• With Back-to-Back Actions, Biden Spotlights China Data Security Threat VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- The Biden administration launched a series of actions against China in recent days, sustaining pressure against the United States' key strategic rival even as it focuses on more urgent fronts, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.
• Statement from President Biden on Addressing National Security Risks to the U.S. Auto Industry The White House 29 Feb 2024
• Citing National Security Concerns, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Inquiry into Connected Vehicles US Dept. of Commerce 29 Feb 2024 -- U.S. Department of Commerce Begins Regulatory Process to Consider National Security Risks Posed by ICTS Integral to Connected Vehicles
• US Investigating Potential Security Threats From Connected Cars VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- The United States announced Thursday it is launching an investigation into potential security threats posed by connected vehicles that utilize technology from countries of concern such as China.
• Biden restricts US data flows to 'hostile countries' IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- US President Joe Biden has issued a new executive order limiting the transfer of personal data of American citizens to countries Washington deems hostile such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela.
• US smearing China on data security 'absurd'; Washington urged to listen to market concerns instead of blind suppression Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the US to stop slandering and smearing China on data security, and maintain an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment, after the Biden administration on Wednesday unveiled an executive order barring genomic data transfers to China over the repeatedly cited claim of national security.
• US asked to stop smearing China on data security, to promote orderly flow of global data Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- China's Foreign Ministry urged the US to stop slandering and smearing China on data security, and maintain an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment, spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference on Thursday.
• China urges U.S. to formulate universal data security rules to enable orderly, free data flows People's Daily 01 Mar 2024 -- China firmly rejects the U.S. false accusation that China purchases American personal and sensitive data for malicious activities, and urges the United States to work with others to formulate universal data security rules to enable orderly and free data flows around the world, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.
• CISA, U.S. and International Partners Warn of Ongoing Exploitation of Multiple Ivanti Vulnerabilities CISA 29 Feb 2024 -- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Center (ASD's ACSC), United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre), a part of the Communications Security Establishment, and New Zealand's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ) and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-NZ) released a Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) today in response to the active exploitation of multiple vulnerabilities within Ivanti Connect Secure and Ivanti Policy Secure gateways.
• Artificial Intelligence Is Game Changer for Election Interference, FBI Warns VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- U.S. security officials are bracing for an onslaught of fast-paced influence operations, from a wide range of adversaries, aimed at impacting the country's coming presidential election.
• Readout of Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary Canegallo's Participation in the U.S.-India Homeland Security Dialogue DHS 29 Feb 2024
• Iranian National Charged for Multi-Year Hacking Campaign Targeting U.S. Defense Contractors and Private Sector Companies US Dept. of Justice 29 Feb 2024 -- The Justice Department unsealed an indictment charging an Iranian national with involvement in a cyber-enabled campaign to compromise U.S. governmental and private entities, including the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and State, defense contractors, and two New York-based companies.
• Press Release: 23rd Global Counterterrorism Forum Coordinating Committee Meeting Hosted by New Member Kenya Global Counterterrorism Forum 29 Feb 2024 -- The Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) - a platform for multilateral engagement to prevent and counter terrorism - held its 23rd Coordinating Committee Meeting on 29 February in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Biden, Trump Make Dueling Visits to US-Mexico Border VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and former U.S. President Donald Trump visited the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday. While Biden urged Congress to reconsider a bipartisan immigration bill that fell apart in the Senate, Trump focused on crimes committed by migrants.
• Somali Military Court Sentences Six Moroccans to Death for Terrorism VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- A military court in northern Somalia has sentenced six Moroccan nationals to death on terrorism charges, prosecutors and court officials tell VOA.
• Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly President of Russia 29 Feb 2024 -- Vladimir Putin delivered his Address to the Federal Assembly. The ceremony took place in Gostiny Dvor, Moscow.
• In Address To Russians, Putin Warns Of 'Tragic' Consequences If West Sends Troops To Ukraine RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- President Vladimir Putin gave his state of the nation address to Russians on February 29, outlining his view on how the war against Ukraine is progressing and Russia's relations with the West, which he threatened with "tragic" consequences if it sent troops into Ukraine.
• Putin Warns of Nuclear War if West Sends Troops to Ukraine VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Western countries on Thursday that they risk initiating a nuclear war if they send troops into Ukraine, saying Russia has the weapons to strike targets in the West.
• Putin warns West of nuclear war risk over troops in Ukraine Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin says certain Western countries are risking triggering a nuclear war by deploying boots in eastern Ukraine, warning Moscow could strike Western targets.
• Putin 'projects confidence' over war in Ukraine, Russia's economic growth under Western sanctions Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual State of the Nation Address on Thursday. It was a key occasion for him to project confidence about Russia's development under the pressure from the West and Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine before the presidential election in March. Commenting on the speech, analysts said Putin is telling the world that Russia is not concerned at all and is even satisfied with the current situation. Moscow is waiting for the US for talks, the analysts said.
• Threats For The West. Money For Mothers. Help For Veterans: What Putin Did And Didn't Say In His State-Of-The-Nation Speech. RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- Six years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin stood before a joint gathering of Russia's two chambers of parliament, along with dozens of cabinet and other government officials, and boasted that the country was developing a slew of powerful new weapons, a pointed warning to the West.
• Russian International Money Launderer Pleads Guilty to Illicitly Procuring Large Quantities of U.S.-Manufactured Dual-Use, Military Grade Microelectronics for Russian Entities US Dept. of Justice 29 Feb 2024 -- Defendant Participated in Overseas Illicit Procurement Network That, After Russia's Invasion of Ukraine, Illegally Procured Large Quantities of Dual-Use, Military Grade Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) Micro-Displays for Russian End-Users
• U.S.- Russian Citizen's Appeal Against Treason Charge Rejected RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- A court in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on February 29 rejected an appeal filed by Russian-American Ksenia Karelina (aka Khavana) against her arrest on a treason charge.
• Security Beefed Up At Moscow Cemetery Where Navalny To Be Buried RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's funeral service and burial is set to take place in Moscow on March 1 amid heightened security and other tactics that appeared aimed at discouraging people from attending.
• Vucic Says Serbia's Noncompliance With EU Position On Navalny's Death Not A 'Tragedy' RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- Belgrade has not signed on to an EU declaration assigning responsibility for the death of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny to President Vladimir Putin, a move Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said wasn't a "tragedy."
• U.S. 'Too Slow' To See Putin Was 'Different Character' When He Returned To Presidency: Former Obama Adviser RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- A former top adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama says the United States should have been quicker to recognize a change in Vladimir Putin when he returned to the Kremlin as president in 2012 and more outspoken in confronting his corruption.
• Soyuz-2.1b Rocket With Weather Satellite Launched From Vostochny Cosmodrome Sputnik 29 Feb 2024 -- A Soyuz-2.1b rocket with a Fregat upper stage carrying the Meteor-M hydrometeorological satellite, 17 Russian and one Iranian small satellites took off during the first launch from the Vostochny cosmodrome in 2024, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Thursday.
• China's secrets law could mean new risks linked to 'work secrets' Radio Free Asia 29 Feb 2024 -- China's latest piece of security legislation will have a further chilling effect on foreign investment and the economy by creating a new category of confidential information called 'work secrets,' analysts said in recent commentaries and interviews with RFA Mandarin.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on February 29, 2024 PRC MofA 29 Feb 2024
• For China, North Korea Is 'Card to Play' in Competition With US, Experts Say VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- Beijing is unlikely to help Washington disrupt military cooperation between North Korea and Russia because China sees that move as undermining itself while bolstering U.S. goals in Europe and Asia, analysts said.
• China slams 'unfounded' comments by British Foreign Secretary Cameron on HKSAR Article 23 legislation Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- China slammed comments made by British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on the Article 23 legislation of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as "unfounded" and kindly reminded UK that it has no sovereignty, no governance, and no supervisory power over Hong Kong after its return to the motherland.
• Public trust dives as Hong Kong accelerates security law legislation Radio Free Asia 29 Feb 2024 -- Public trust of Hong Kong citizens towards the government has dived further on the back of the city's aggressive campaign to legislate its own security laws.
• China reports 'hard-won' economic results for 2023, as two sessions to focus on continued recovery Global Times 29 Feb 2024 -- China on Thursday released the statistical communique on national economic and social development in 2023, reaffirming that the Chinese economy maintained recovery momentum and made solid progress in pursuing high-quality development despite internal and external challenges.
• Chinese premier meets U.S. Chamber of Commerce delegation People's Daily 29 Feb 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday met with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce delegation led by the chamber's President and CEO Suzanne Clark at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
• China pledges effective implementation of pro-foreign investment measures People's Daily 29 Feb 2024 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Wednesday pledged to ensure the expedited and effective implementation of a set of measures aimed at refining the foreign investment environment.
• Taiwan aiming to open more representative offices in Africa: MOFA CNA 29 Feb 2024 -- The Taiwan government is examining the possibility of setting up new representative offices in Africa soon, following a suggestion by a lawmaker earlier in the week that such a move would have multilateral benefits, a senior foreign affairs official said Thursday.
• EP passes foreign, defense policy reports with language backing Taiwan CNA 29 Feb 2024 -- The European Parliament on Wednesday approved two annual foreign policy and defense implementation reports with language supportive of Taiwan, including an assertion denying Taiwan's subordination to China.
• KMT Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia meets with TAO head Song Tao CNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia (夏立言) pledged to urge Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to better handle an incident in which two Chinese fishermen died in waters near Taiwan, during a meeting with the head of China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) in Shanghai Thursday.
• Reunification Alliance Party officials indicted in election graft case CNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Two officials of the Reunification Alliance Party were indicted Thursday for violating Taiwan's election laws and Anti-Infiltration Act, according to the Taiwan Pingtung District Prosecutors Office.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 29, 2024 ROC MND 29 Feb 2024
• KCNA Commentary Censures U.S. Power Politics KCNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Shortly ago, US Secretary of State Blinken stated that "if you're not at the table in the international system, you're going to be on the menu" at the Munich Security Conference (MSC), causing international sensation.
• Exclusive: Kim Jong Un is now 'Great Comrade,' no longer 'Great Leader' Radio Free Asia 29 Feb 2024 -- North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un has received a new title, "Great Comrade," signaling that the leadership wants to emphasize his achievements over his predecessors, father Kim Jong Il and grandfather Kim Il Sung, residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Russia hails Pyongyang for supporting its war against Ukraine Radio Free Asia 29 Feb 2024 -- Russia has expressed its gratitude to North Korea again for supporting its aggression against Ukraine in a show of solidarity as fresh claims of arms trading between the two authoritarian regimes emerged.
• Iran's space program growing fast: Minister IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Iranian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Issa Zarepour says the country's space program is growing rapidly.
• Iran's "Pars 1" research satellite put into orbit IRNA 29 Feb 2024 -- Iran has successfully put a homemade research-measurement satellite into space's orbit, which marks the 12th satellite launch during President Ebrahim Raisi's administration.
• Iran successfully launches domestically-built Pars 1 research satellite into space Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- Iran has successfully put into orbit the domestically-built Pars 1 research-sensing satellite.
• President: Iran's armed forces reliable sources of security in region Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- President Ebrahim Raeisi says the armed forces of the Islamic Republic have become reliable and trustworthy forces in providing security for Iran and the countries of the region.
• Iran Cracks Down On Calls For Election Boycott RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- Several people have been detained in Iran for allegedly calling for a boycott of parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections scheduled for March 1.
• Pakistan's parliament sworn in as Imran Khan's supporters continue protests Press TV 29 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan's newly elected parliament has been sworn in amid protests on the floor of the house by the supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is in jail.
• Pakistan's Newly Elected Lower House Lawmakers Sworn In After Election Marred By Rigging Claims RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan's newly elected lower chamber of parliament, the National Assembly, convened its first session on February 29 where newly elected lawmakers were sworn in, three weeks after an election marred by widespread allegations of rigging.
• Pakistan Swears In New Parliament After Marred Elections VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- Pakistan's National Assembly swore in newly elected members Thursday amid protests by allies of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who say the general elections were marred by widespread rigging.
• Realising Australia's strategic partnership with the Philippines Prime Minister of Australia 29 Feb 2024 -- Prime Minister Albanese and President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Ferdinand R Marcos Jnr reaffirmed the strong relationship Australia and the Philippines share during the President's first official visit to Australia this week.
• Welcome to President Marcos Prime Minister of Australia 29 Feb 2024
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (February 29, 2024) India MEA 29 Feb 2024
• Tritium level far below Japan's operational limit in fourth batch of ALPS treated water, IAEA confirms IAEA 29 Feb 2024 -- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) experts have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the fourth batch of diluted ALPS treated water, which Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) started discharging yesterday, is far below the country's operational limit.
• Humanitarians launch $674 million appeal urging 'increased solidarity' with Haiti UN News 29 Feb 2024 -- Humanitarians are hoping that donors will robustly support a $674 million appeal for Haiti, where armed gangs continue to terrorize the population, a senior UN official said on Wednesday during a briefing to journalists in New York.
• World News in Brief: Air travel boom erases COVID dip, 'disturbing' new anti-LGBT bill in Ghana, rights abuses in Crimea UN News 29 Feb 2024 -- The UN aviation agency on Wednesday announced that air traffic levels are operating at around two per cent above their high in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic grounded much of the world's population in lockdown.
• Nicaragua's grim reality: Investigation by UN experts reveals crimes against humanity targeting civilians, including children and students, for political ends OHCHR 29 Feb 2024 -- Serious systematic human rights violations, tantamount to crimes against humanity, continue to be perpetrated by the Nicaraguan Government for political reasons, the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua said in their latest report today, detailing how the situation has deteriorated over the last year.
• EU Envoy Urges Faster Reform Pace In Western Balkans, Touts 6 Billion Euro Development Plan RFE/RL 29 Feb 2024 -- European Union Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi on February 29 told a summit of Western Balkan leaders in Tirana that the bloc's six billion euro ($6.5 billion) development plan for the region could double their countries' economic output over the next decade if timely reforms are implemented.
• On the Elections Delay in Mali US Dept. of State 29 Feb 2024 -- The United States is deeply concerned that the Malian transition government chose not to hold an election to restore democracy in February 2024, despite its stated commitment in 2022 to do so.
• Chadian Opposition Leader Killed in Shootout VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- Chadian opposition leader Yaya Dillo was killed Wednesday in a shootout with security forces in the capital, N'Djamena, state prosecutor Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye confirmed Thursday.
• UN Rights Experts: Eritrea Maintains Iron Grip Through Repression, Systematic Impunity VOA 29 Feb 2024 -- Human rights experts warn Eritrea maintains an iron grip on its people through repression and widespread, systematic impunity for grave human rights violations.
• Ukrainian grain donation bolsters WFP's response in northeast Nigeria amidst inflation and food price spikes WFP 29 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomes a generous donation of 25,000 tons of wheat from the Government of Ukraine that will help provide emergency food assistance to 1.3 million crisis-affected people in northeast Nigeria.