• 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

• USCENTCOM Conducts Combined Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza CENTCOM 07 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Northern Gaza on March 7, 2024, at 3:20 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict.
• US: Stopping Iran's Resupply of Houthis 'Most Important' to Secure Red Sea VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- As attacks by Iran-backed Houthis continue in the Red Sea, the commander in charge of U.S. military operations in the Middle East says the U.S. needs to stop Iran from providing the militants with weapons.
• Yemen: Statement by the Spokesperson on Houthis deadly attack against a vessel in the Gulf of Aden European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Mar 2024 -- The European Union strongly condemns Wednesday's attack on the Barbados-flagged and Liberian-owned bulk carrier 'True Confidence' while transiting the Gulf of Aden, resulting in reported tragic losses of life and multiple injuries among crew members.
• Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels Germany Federal Foreign Office 07 Mar 2024
• Houthi attacks in Red Sea reports first fatalities as regional conflict escalates Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- A Houthi missile attack on a merchant ship in the Gulf of Aden killed at least three seafarers, the first fatalities reported since the Yemeni military group began attacking Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea, media reported on Wednesday. Chinese experts said the root cause for the conflict overspill fundamentally lies with the US and its suppression of Palestine's legitimate rights and interests.
• Yemeni missiles hit US ship in Gulf of Aden ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- The Yemeni army said on Wednesday that it had struck an American ship with missiles in the Gulf of Aden earlier in the day in yet another retaliatory operation for the ongoing US-UK aggression against Yemeni.
• First fatality: Yemeni army attack on bulk carrier transiting Gulf of Aden kills three mariners, US military confirms Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that a missile attack by Yemen's Armed Forces on a merchant ship transiting the Gulf of Aden has left at least three seafarers dead, the first fatalities since the Arab country launched retaliatory attacks on vessels in the area.
• 3 Killed, 4 Hurt in Houthi Strike on Commercial Ship VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- An anti-ship ballistic missile launched Wednesday from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen killed three crew members on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden, U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks of President Joe Biden — State of the Union Address As Prepared for Delivery The White House 07 Mar 2024
• Biden Calls for Defending Democracy in State of Union Address VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden concluded his State of the Union address Thursday night as he began it: highlighting the importance of defending democracy at home and around the world.
• Hokanson Announces new State Partnership Program Nations Army News 07 Mar 2024 -- A program that pairs the National Guard in the states and territories with foreign allies and partners is set to grow by several nations this year, the National Guard's top officer announced March 7.
• South Carolina National Guard Hosts Colombia Defense Chief Army News 07 Mar 2024 -- The South Carolina National Guard hosted Colombian military leaders from Feb. 28 to March 1 during two State Partnership Program events.
• West Virginia National Guard, Gabon Announce State Partnership Army News 07 Mar 2024 -- The West Virginia National Guard has been selected as the U.S. partner to the nation of Gabon in central Africa for the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, Gov. Jim Justice announced March 6.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's and Senior Leaders' Meetings With Defense Policy Board DoD 07 Mar 2024
• General Says Centcom Area Facing 'Volatile Security Situation' DoD News 07 Mar 2024 -- Just a year ago the U.S. Central Command area was on the verge of "improbable, unprecedented and transformative progress," said Army Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of Centcom.
• Commission Recommends Changes to DOD Planning, Budgeting Processes DoD News 07 Mar 2024 -- A congressionally chartered commission has recommended changes to bring the Defense Department's planning, programming, budgeting and execution process into the 21st century.
• DOD Acquisition Official Underscores Importance of Production in Keeping U.S. Edge DoD News 07 Mar 2024 -- The Pentagon's top acquisition official today underscored the importance of the defense industry's ability to produce new capabilities amid a rapidly changing technology landscape.
• Pentagon Official Underscores Imperative of On-Time Defense Appropriation DoD News 07 Mar 2024 -- A senior Pentagon official stressed the importance today of on-time, full-year defense appropriations for maintaining national security.
• DAF delivers lethality at the speed of data during Project Convergence Capstone 4 US Air Force 07 Mar 2024 -- More than 4,000 service members and civilians from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force, as well as members from United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France and Japan, participated in Project Convergence Capstone Four at Camp Pendleton and Fort Irwin in February and March.
• Maritime Collaboration: RCOC's Support to Cutlass Express 2024 US Navy 07 Mar 2024 -- Countering illicit trafficking, combating piracy, fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, counter-narcotics - these are some of the focus areas of this year's Cutlass Express exercise, held Feb. 25-March 8 throughout East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.
• CNO Delivers Remarks at 15th McAleese Defense Programs Conference US Navy 07 Mar 2024
• SECNAV Delivers Remarks at 2024 McAleese Defense Programs Conference US Navy 07 Mar 2024
• VCNO Visits Newport News; Discusses Maintenance, Quality of Service US Navy Press Release 07 Mar 2024 -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby visited HII's Newport News Shipbuilding, in Virginia, to discuss submarine and aircraft carrier maintenance and Quality of Service in the shipyard, March 5.
• Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro Speaks at 15th Annual McAleese Defense Programs Conference US Navy Press Release 07 Mar 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro spoke at the McAleese Defense Programs Conference in Washington, D.C., March 7.
• Warfield ANGB transitions to cyber mission US Air Force 07 Mar 2024 -- The Department of the Air Force selected Warfield Air National Guard Base, Maryland, as the preferred location to transition from an A-10 to a cyber wing mission.
• US Navy Looking to S. Korean, Japanese Shipbuilders to Revive American Shipyards VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- The United States is looking to Korean and Japanese shipbuilders to help revive its dormant naval shipyards and boost maritime competitiveness in the face of China's accelerated naval buildup.
• Sweden Joins NATO as 32nd Member, Ending Decades of Neutrality VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Sweden on Thursday ended decades of post-World War II neutrality and became the 32nd member of NATO, as the West's key military alliance confronts the third year of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Statement from President Joe Biden Welcoming Sweden to NATO The White House 07 Mar 2024
• Sweden officially joins NATO NATO 07 Mar 2024 -- Sweden became NATO's newest member on Thursday (7 March 2024), upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the Government of the United States in Washington DC. With Sweden's accession, NATO now counts 32 countries among its members.
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Sweden's Accession to NATO DoD 07 Mar 2024
• Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's address to the nation Government Offices of Sweden 07 Mar 2024 -- Address to the nation by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson as regards Sweden's NATO membership, Washington, Thursday 7 March 2024.
• Sweden is a NATO member Government Offices of Sweden 07 Mar 2024 -- Just before 17.30 CET, Sweden's instrument of accession was deposited with the United States Government, as depositary of the North Atlantic Treaty. Therefore, Sweden is now a member of NATO.
• Deposition of Sweden's instrument of accession Government Offices of Sweden 07 Mar 2024 -- All NATO member countries have now approved Sweden's application for membership. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is in Washington DC to deposit Sweden's instrument of accession.
• Statement by the Prime Minister on Sweden's accession to NATO Prime Minister of Canada 07 Mar 2024 -- The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
• Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Mar 2024 -- Poland welcomes Sweden as the member state of the North Atlantic Alliance. It is a major event that strengthens the unity of the Euro-Atlantic community.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Receives Sweden's NATO Instruments of Accession Before Meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2024
• Meeting with graduates of the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School President of Russia 07 Mar 2024 -- Ahead of March 8, the President visited the Krasnodar Higher Military Aviation School, named after Hero of the Soviet Union Anatoly Serov, and met with its graduates.
• NATO Preparing for New Wars, Drills in Europe Increase Tensions - Russian Security Council Sputnik 07 Mar 2024 -- NATO is preparing for new wars, and drills conducted by the alliance in Europe increase tensions in the world, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said on Thursday.
• UK to supply more than 10,000 drones to Ukraine UK MOD 07 Mar 2024 -- The announcement was made today by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps as he met President Zelenskyy in Kyiv
• Minister Blair welcomes Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds to Canada and joins Drone Coalition to aid Ukraine Canada 07 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, welcomed Latvia's Defence Minister, Andris Sprūds, to Canada. This is Minister Sprūds' first visit to Canada since his appointment as Latvia's Minister of Defence.
• Norway participates in air defence coalition to support Ukraine Government of Norway 07 Mar 2024 -- Norway joins the letter of intent on support to Ukraine in air defence against aircraft and missiles. Air defence is one of the areas of special focus among the countries that provide military support to Ukraine.
• Norway contributes to Czech procurement of artillery ammunition for Ukraine Government of Norway 07 Mar 2024 -- 'Ukraine has an urgent need for large quantities of artillery ammunition to defend themselves against Russia's war of aggression. Norway already supports Ukraine with artillery ammunition both from its own stocks and directly from the industry.
• Lithuania handed over to Ukraine another military assistance package with the precious ammunition Lithuania MND 07 Mar 2024 -- The Ministry of National Defence and the Lithuanian Armed Forces continue the unceasing military assistance to Ukraine with the delivery of yet another package of military assistance: 15mm artillery ammunition.
• Zelenskiy Hails Sweden's NATO Entry, Eyes Day Ukraine Might Also Join RFE/RL 07 Mar 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Sweden's entry into the NATO military alliance, largely viewed as a reaction to Russia's invasion of his country in 2022, saying the Scandinavian country was a "strong ally and a country that can be trusted."
• At a time of Russian aggression, everyone sees how important it is to maintain alliances, to strengthen our own security and to take care of the security of neighbors - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 07 Mar 2024
• Some Taiwanese conscripts to be trained by U.S. military personnel: Minister CNA 07 Mar 2024 -- Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) said Thursday that American military personnel are being rotated to provide training to the armed forces in Taiwan, including conscripts, and Taiwanese soldiers are also receiving training in the United States.
• Taiwan to counter 'first moves' by Chinese aircraft and vessels: Minister CNA 07 Mar 2024 -- The military's definition of a "first shot" by People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces has evolved to a "first move" involving Chinese aircraft or vessels "crossing the boundary," which will be "countered" by the armed forces, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) said Thursday.
• Keynote Address by Minister of National Defence Bill Blair to the CDA Institute Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence Canada 07 Mar 2024
• Minister Blair announces investments in Canadian innovation and launches Artificial Intelligence Strategy at Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence Canada 07 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, delivered a keynote speech at the 92nd annual Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence and discussed Canada's national defence priorities - including growing and reconstituting the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), modernizing NORAD and continental defence, supporting NATO Allies and standing with Ukraine, and promoting peace and stability around the world.
• Canada investing $211.6 million in Calgary's Arcfield Canada to sustain the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fleet Canada 07 Mar 2024 -- Today, George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, visited Arcfield Canada in Calgary, Alberta to announce an important investment that will support Canada's fleet of CF-18 fighter jets, and ensure that it is operationally ready and able to deliver for Canada.
• Canada - Mobile User Objective System Access DSCA 07 Mar 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of Mobile User Objective System Access and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $138 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• US Coast Guard Ship Bertholf visits Port Blair for the joint exercise "Sea Defenders-2024" with Indian Coast Guard India PIB 07 Mar 2024 -- Marking a significant step in bolstering bilateral cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the USCG Ship Bertholf reached Port Blair on 07 Mar 2024, for joint exercise with Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
• India's defence stronger than ever as the Govt is bolstering it with Indianness: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh India PIB 07 Mar 2024 -- "India's defence apparatus is today stronger than ever as the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is focusing on bolstering it with the sentiment of Indianness," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at a Defence Summit organised by a private media organisation in New Delhi on March 07, 2024
• Joint Statement of the 20th U.S.- India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2024 -- The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of the United States of America and India on the occasion of the 20th meeting of the U.S.-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and 6th Designations Dialogue on March 5, 2024 in Washington, D.C.
• Republic of Korea - Subsonic Sea-Skimming Aerial Targets for KDX-III Batch-II AEGIS Class Destroyers DSCA 07 Mar 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of Subsonic Sea-Skimming Aerial Targets for KDX-III Batch-II AEGIS Class Destroyers and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $170.6 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Minister of Defence issues directive to end the sales of products in the ministry's area of government that continue to be available in Russia Estonia MoD 07 Mar 2024 -- Goods from manufacturers who continue to operate in Russia and thereby contribute to the financing of the Russian war machine will be removed from sale outlets on the territory of the Estonian Defence Forces and other locations under the governance of the Ministry of Defence.
• Fiji takes delivery of Guardian-Class Patrol Boat Australia DOD 07 Mar 2024 -- Fiji has today taken delivery of its second Guardian-class Patrol Boat, the RFNS Puamau, at a handover ceremony at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia.
• Latest National Security Threat Assessment: what is the security status quo? Lithuania MND 07 Mar 2024 -- On March 7 the Defence Intelligence and Security Service under the Ministry of National Defence and the State Security Department presented trends of Lithuania's security situation in the 9th Security Threat Assessment.
• Moldova's Sandu Signs Defense Deal With France, Warns West That Russia Will Not Stop RFE/RL 07 Mar 2024 -- Moldovan President Maia Sandu warned Moscow will not stop if it wins in Ukraine and will threaten the rest of Europe as she signed a key bilateral defense and cooperation pact with France on March 7.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 7, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 7 March 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Mar 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM Netanyahu: "The IDF will continue to operate against all of Hamas's battalions throughout the Strip - and this includes Rafah, Hamas's last stronghold. Whoever tells us not to operate in Rafah, is telling us to lose the war - and that will not happen." Israel - Prime Minister 07 Mar 2024
• Mar. 6: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 07 Mar 2024
• Hamas Negotiators Leave Cairo, Say Talks to Resume Next Week VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Hamas said Thursday its delegation negotiating a proposed six-week cease-fire and hostage release in the Gaza war with Israel has left Cairo, but that talks would resume next week.
• Palestinian death toll in Gaza from Israeli attacks rises to 30,717: ministry People's Daily 07 Mar 2024 -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 30,717 with 72,156 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday.
• Gaza: Starvation claims more young lives as UN advocates for new aid routes UN News 07 Mar 2024 -- Days from the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and with no ceasefire agreement in sight for Gaza, UN humanitarians reiterated deep concerns on Thursday that a growing number of children are dying of starvation.
• 'They destroyed us': North Gazans flee homes in search of food and shelter UN News 07 Mar 2024 -- Life is rapidly being choked out of northern Gaza. After enduring nearly five months of bombing, starvation, illness, pain and suffering, many of the last survivors have finally had enough, according to some of the displaced who have been speaking to UN News.
• Biden Ordering US Military to Build Port in Gaza to Facilitate Aid VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- President Joe Biden will use his State of the Union address late Thursday to announce that he has directed the U.S. military to build a port in Gaza to facilitate delivery of critically needed aid for Palestinians displaced and suffering amid Israeli's military campaign against Hamas.
• US military to set up 'port' in Gaza: Report Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- The US military is reportedly ordered to set up a port in the Gaza Strip amid fears that such a facility could be used to further boost Washington's already ample military support for Israel, which is waging a genocidal war against the coastal sliver.
• Background Press Call on Humanitarian Aid for Gaza Ahead of the State of the Union The White House 07 Mar 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 07 Mar 2024
• Gaza war nothing but embarrassment for US: IRGC cmdr. ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami has said that the enemy is bombing the oppressed Palestinians, who are living without food, water, and weapons, in a tiny strip, so it is an embarrassing issue for the US, the UK, and the Israeli regime.
• Gaza aid being spoiled due to Israeli regime restrictions: Iran Red Crescent ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society Pir-Hossein Koulivand has said that international aid bound for war-hit Gaza is being spoiled in warehouses as the Israeli regime is preventing assistance from reaching the besieged Palestinian territory.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on further settlement expansion European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Mar 2024 -- 07.03.2024
  EEAS Press Team
• EU makes major step forward in the delivery of 2024 humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza* European Commission 07 Mar 2024 -- The Commission has now contracted €81 million out of the overall humanitarian aid allocation of €125 million and is working on its disbursement to humanitarian partner organisations.
• Two-State solution only way to break vicious cycle of Israel-conflict, eliminate the breeding ground of extremist ideologies: Wang Yi Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- There is no distinction between noble and humble lives, and people should not be unfavorably labeled according to their race or religion. The failure to end the humanitarian disaster caused by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict today in the 21st century is a tragedy for humanity and a disgrace for civilization, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.
• China's FM calls Gaza war a 'tragedy and disgrace', urges immediate ceasefire Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has described Israel's war in Gaza as a tragedy for human kind and a "disgrace for civilization," reiterating Beijing's calls for an "immediate ceasefire."
• S Africa asks ICJ to act to prevent Israel from afflicting famine on Gaza Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to try to mount pressure on the Israeli regime to prevent it from afflicting famine on the Gaza Strip, which is enduring a genocidal war by Tel Aviv.
• South Africa urges urgent ICJ measures against Israel ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to take more emergency measures against the Israeli regime, which it says is breaching the court ruling issued before.
• Al-Houthi: US first culprit in Israeli genocide in Gaza Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- Yemen's Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi says the silence of the international community on Israeli crimes in Gaza, in which the US plays a main role, is a source of shame.
• 'Resistance won't be defeated, era of Israeli regime over' ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- Osama Hamdan, one of the leaders of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has denounced the United States and the Zionist regime for pushing for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that the resistance will not be defatted and that the end of the Israel regime is imminent.
• Resistance front could still surprise Israel, commander suggests Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- The commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) suggests that the regional resistance front could still face the Israeli regime with more surprises by fielding more of its capabilities.
• US, Israel responsible for any ceasefire deal failure: Hamas ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- A senior official of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement said on Wednesday night that the positions of the United States and the Zionist regime are the reason for the failure of any agreement to establish a ceasefire in Gaza.
• Hamas: Israel thwarted all mediation efforts for Gaza ceasefire Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Israel has thwarted all efforts by mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• US, Israel seek temporary ceasefire in Gaza to 'buy time' to continue war: Hamas official Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- A senior official of the Hamas resistance group says the US and Israel are pursuing a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in a bid to "buy time" to prolong their genocidal war on the Palestinian territory.
• Hezbollah shells military headquarters in Israeli-occupied territories ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, conducted an artillery attack on a newly established military headquarters in the Western Galilee, northern Israeli-occupied territories.
• Iraqi resistance vows to target Israel until Gaza truce ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance of Iraq has pledged to continue it attacks on Israeli targets until the Zionist regime agrees to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Other Conflicts

• Focus on cyber operations that cause physical damage is not enough ICRC 07 Mar 2024 -- Statement by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), delivered by Tilman Rodenhauser, Legal Advisor, at the 7th substantive meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021-2025, New York, 6 March 2024
• China announces 'excessive' baseline in Gulf of Tonkin Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- China has announced the baseline that defines its territory in the northern part of the Gulf of Tonkin that it shares with Vietnam.
• Beijing condemns Manila's Maritime Zones Act Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- China has protested against the passage of a draft law on maritime zones in the South China Sea by the Philippine Senate.
• Chinese Foreign Minister urges countries outside the region not to stir up trouble in South China Sea Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday urged countries from outside the region to not stir up troubles in the South China Sea, as he vows to take justified actions to defend China's rights and respond with prompt and legitimate countermeasures.
• Afghanistan's economy has 'basically collapsed': UNDP UN News 07 Mar 2024 -- The Afghan economy and especially regions affected by the devastating earthquakes in October last year, "are still hurting", the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said on Thursday, as restrictions on women and girls continue to thwart basic rights and economic progress.
• Afghanistan's situation needs to be reviewed: UN official ISNA 07 Mar 2024 -- The representative of the UN Secretary General for Afghanistan affairs has demanded another meeting in Qatar with the presence of representatives of the interim Taliban government to assess the situation on the ground in Afghanistan.
• Russian Military Destroys 2 Militant Bases, 20 Terrorists in Syria's Idlib Province Sputnik 07 Mar 2024 -- On March 5, Russian aerospace forces destroyed two bases of militants involved in the shelling of Syrian military positions in the Syrian province of Idlib, Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Thursday.
• Protests Grow Against Powerful Jihadist Group in Syria Enclave VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Protests have continued in a northwestern Syrian enclave, a sign seen by analysts as a rare sign of defiance of a powerful jihadist group.
• Junta bombardment strands 1,000 civilians in Shan state township Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- More than 1,000 civilians are trapped amid heavy clashes between Myanmar's military and ethnic Pa-O rebels in southern Shan state's Hsiheng township, which the junta has been trying to retake since Monday, according to residents.
• Myanmar's Arakan Army draws closer to region's capital Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- An ethnic rebel army captured a city near the capital of western Myanmar's Rakhine state, locals told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• Myanmar's junta imposes multiple death sentences on activists Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- Lawyers and human rights experts in Myanmar have condemned the junta's liberal use of the death penalty, including several recent cases where anti-junta activists received multiple death sentences.
• Kashmir Prospered Since Its Special Status Was Revoked, Says India's Modi VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Indian Kashmir for the first time since his government stripped the Himalayan region of its semiautonomous status nearly five years ago.
• India's Modi visits Kashmir to 'win hearts' ahead of national elections Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says he is working to "win hearts" in the Indian-controlled Kashmir ahead of national election in May, on his first visit to the region since the abrogation of its special status in 2019.
• Direct Baku-Yerevan talks, durable peace will promote development in Caucasus: Iran's defense minister Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani says Tehran supports sustainable peace and direct negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia to resolve the disputes in the Caucasus region.
• UN Chief Calls for Sudan Ramadan Cease-Fire VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Thursday for a cease-fire in Sudan for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, saying it is time for rival generals there to lay down their weapons as the country's humanitarian crisis reaches "colossal proportions."
• UN chief appeals for Sudan ceasefire, now: 'Values of Ramadan must prevail' UN News 07 Mar 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and unhindered humanitarian access as the country teeters on the brink of further disintegration.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on Sudan UN Secretary-General 07 Mar 2024
• Honor Values of Ramadan in Sudan through Cessation of Hostilities, Secretary-General Urges Security Council, Warning 'Hunger Is Stalking', Millions Need Life-saving Aid UN Security Council 07 Mar 2024 -- April will mark one year since the outbreak of brutal fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council today, calling on all parties in Sudan to "honour the values of Ramadan" by observing a cessation of hostilities during the holy month.
• As we approach Ramadan, the UK calls for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and for all parties to allow unhindered humanitarian access: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 07 Mar 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.
• Joint UN mission to sound alarm on humanitarian crisis in Somalia UNOCHA 07 Mar 2024 -- With nearly 7 million people in Somalia - or two out of every five people - in need of life-saving assistance in Somalia this year, and 1.7 million children likely to suffer from acute malnutrition, the deputy heads of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) arrived in the country today to urge continued global support for Somalis suffering the effects of hunger, conflict and climate change.
• UN Condemns Mass Abduction of Displaced Persons in Nigeria VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- The United Nations is condemning the reported mass abduction of over 200 internally displaced persons, or IDPs, in Nigeria's Borno state last week. The U.N. Office for the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria said the incident occurred while the victims, mostly women and children residing in government-run camps, went into the forest in search of firewood.

News Reports

• U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst Arrested and Charged with Conspiracy to Obtain and Disclose National Defense Information, Export Control Violations and Bribery US Dept. of Justice 07 Mar 2024 -- Korbein Schultz, a U.S. Army soldier and intelligence analyst, was arrested today at Fort Campbell following an indictment by a federal grand jury charging him with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, exporting technical data related to defense articles without a license, conspiracy to export defense articles without a license, and bribery of a public official.
• Chinese-Made Surveillance Cameras At Romanian Military Sites Raise Security Concerns RFE/RL 07 Mar 2024 -- A seemingly mundane purchase by the Romanian military on January 16 for Chinese-made surveillance equipment could have far-reaching national-security implications.
• NATO Preparing for New Wars, Drills in Europe Increase Tensions - Russian Security Council Sputnik 07 Mar 2024 -- NATO is preparing for new wars, and drills conducted by the alliance in Europe increase tensions in the world, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said on Thursday.
• Former Delegates Call China's People's Congresses 'Rubber Stamps' VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Ongoing plenary sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) offer an annual refresher course in how democracy is practiced under the guidance of the Chinese Communist Party.
• China's FM Reveals Trade With Russia Hit Record High Sputnik 07 Mar 2024 -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi held a news conference Thursday on the sidelines of a political gathering in Beijing.
• FM's presser highlights China's role as responsible global force Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- In a press conference on Thursday that lasted about one and a half hours, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered 21 questions, covering a wide range of issues related to China's foreign policy and foreign relations, which according to Chinese experts has increasingly shown the maturity of China's major-power diplomacy and Chinese wisdom.
• Making Asia a better place shared hope of all regional countries: Chinese FM Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- Addressing a question raised by a Global Times reporter during the news conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with its neighbors toward building a community with a shared future for Asia and for mankind, so that Asia can continue to contribute to world peace and provide impetus to global growth.
• US lawmakers urge Blinken to ban travel to China's Xinjiang Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- Two members of the U.S. Congress have sent a letter urging Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to ban American citizens from traveling China's far-western region of Xinjiang so as not to "perpetuate and conceal atrocity crimes" that China is committing against Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities living there.
• China lashes out at US for 'unimaginable level' of incrimination Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- China's top diplomat has slammed the United States for failing to hold up its end of the bargain to improve bilateral relations.
• China Criticizes US for Suppressing Its Rise While Touting Partnership With Russia VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday criticized the United States for trying to suppress China's rise through sanctions and reiterated Beijing's commitment to uphold the multipolar world order with partners such as Russia.
• US-China Science, Tech Pact Is Renewed for Another Six Months VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- The United States and China have agreed to extend a science and technology agreement for another six months, the U.S. State Department said Thursday.
• China-Russia Trade in January-February 2024 Up to $37.01Bln Sputnik 07 Mar 2024 -- The China-Russia trade in January-February of 2024 has increased by 9.3% year-on-year and amounted to $37.01 billion, data of the Chinese General Administration of Customs showed on Thursday.
• China, Russia forged a new paradigm of major-country relations different from obsolete Cold War approach: Wang Yi Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- China and Russia have forged a new paradigm of major-country relations that differs entirely from the obsolete Cold War approach, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, adding that the relation is of great value in maintaining global strategic stability.
• Malaysian PM defends China again, says hindering its ascent will raise tensions Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- Malaysia's leader warned on Thursday that any actions to impede the economic rise of China would upset Beijing enough that it would heighten tensions in the region.
• Malaysia warns against attempts to undermine China's regional sway Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned against attempts to block China's military and economic rise in the Asia-Pacific region and denying its "legitimate place in history."
• Attacks on HK's international financial hub status 'groundless': political advisor Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- The assertion that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has become a "ruin of an international financial center" is groundless, as the basic elements underpinning Hong Kong's status as a global financial center have not changed, and the region has been further leveraging its role as a super connector between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world, Brian David Li Man-bun, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and co-chief executive of the Bank of East Asia (BEA), told the Global Times on Thursday.
• Hong Kong pushes ahead with 'Article 23' security law Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- Hong Kong's government announced on Thursday it will push ahead with stringent new security legislation known as "Article 23," aiming to pass it as soon as possible -- a process that could still take weeks.
• Certain foreign smearing against China's GDP target 'misses the big picture' Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- China has set its 2024 GDP growth target at around 5 percent, which has been viewed as a signal of strong confidence that the world's second-largest economy could navigate through multifaceted pressure and boost a steady expansion this year.
• Chinese Woman Detained on Spying Charges After Working for US Company VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Family members say they are still seeking answers more than two months after China's detention on spying charges of a Chinese citizen who had tried to help an American company find office space in the country.
• Xi calls on political advisors to build consensus for Chinese modernization People's Daily 07 Mar 2024 -- President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on Chinese political advisors to build broad consensus to contribute to Chinese modernization, when he participated in a joint group meeting during the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
• Chinese leaders join NPC deputies, political advisors in deliberation, discussions People's Daily 07 Mar 2024 -- Senior Chinese leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi on Wednesday attended deliberation at the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and group discussions at the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
• China to firmly be force for peace, stability, progress: FM People's Daily 07 Mar 2024 -- Faced with the complex and volatile international environment, China will firmly be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday.
• Chinese FM raises four questions for US, urging Washington to fulfill its commitments Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- When talking about the China-US relations, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi raised four questions to the US during a press conference on Thursday, urging the US to view China's development objectively and rationally, and act to fulfill its commitments.
• EU labeling China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival at the same time causes distractions for bilateral ties: Chinese FM Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- Labeling China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival at the same time is neither consistent with reality nor viable, Chinese Foreign Minister said in reference to Europe's China policy, noting that such labeling only caused distractions and created obstacles for China-Europe ties.
• China lays plans to beef up stable development of capital market Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- In his first public appearance before media since taking his new post, Wu Qing, head of China's securities watchdog, outlined on Wednesday his plan to ensure the stable development of the capital market, the world's second largest, and vowed to beef up institutional buildup and to better ensure investor protection.
• The stronger the commitment to one-China principle, the greater the guarantee for peace across the Taiwan Straits: Wang Yi Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- The stronger the commitment to the one-China principle is, the greater the guarantee for the peace across the Straits will be. The whole international community will uphold the one-China principle one day, it is only a matter of time, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress on Thursday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Mar. 7, 2024 ROC MND 07 Mar 2024
• China calls for moving out of the spiral of escalating confrontation on Korean Peninsula issue Global Times 07 Mar 2024 -- The Korean Peninsula issue has been lingering for years. It has a clear root cause. That is, Cold war vestiges persist, a peace mechanism remains absent and the security issue is yet to be fundamentally resolved, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a press conference on Thursday on the sidelines of the ongoing second session of the 14th National People's Congress.
• North Korea's leader orders heightened military preparation amid South Korea-US military drills Press TV 07 Mar 2024 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered heightened readiness for potential war, during his visit to a military training base in the country's western region amid recent joint South Korea-US military drills.
• Oil Tanker Caught Up In Iran-U.S. Dispute Over Sanctions RFE/RL 07 Mar 2024 -- When Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker last year, Tehran said the transporter had collided with and damaged an Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman.
• Baha'is Say Iranian Security Forces Destroyed 30 Graves At Tehran Cemetery RFE/RL 07 Mar 2024 -- Officials from Iran's Baha'i community say Iranian security forces have destroyed more than 30 graves at the Golestan Javid, a cemetery dedicated to Baha'is in Tehran, in what they characterized as an attempt to erase the existence of the deceased because of their religious beliefs.
• Non-Proliferation Treaty Safeguards Agreement with Iran: E3 statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency, March 2024 UK FCDO 07 Mar 2024 -- On Wednesday 6 March, France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the IAEA Board of Governors on Iran's implementation of its obligations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement.
• Iran's Claimed 41% Election Turnout 'Golden' for Authoritarian Uncompetitive Votes VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Iran's claimed 41% turnout for its March 1 elections, while a record low, is typical of figures used by authoritarian regimes to legitimize uncompetitive votes, the head of a European nonprofit group that researches the Iranian public's attitudes told VOA this week.
• Iran confiscates crude oil of U.S.-bound oil tanker People's Daily 07 Mar 2024 -- An Iranian court has ordered to confiscate the crude oil worth 50 million U.S. dollars aboard an oil tanker that Iran seized in the Sea of Oman last year, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Wednesday.
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 07 March 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Mar 2024
• Press statements - Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 07 Mar 2024
• Joint statement on the elevation to a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia Prime Minister of Australia 07 Mar 2024
• A new era for Australia Vietnam relations Prime Minister of Australia 07 Mar 2024
• Venezuela slams U.S. for extending sanctions People's Daily 07 Mar 2024 -- Venezuela denounced the U.S. government Wednesday for maintaining sanctions against the South American country.
• Saudi Arabia: Statement by the Spokesperson on recent executions European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Mar 2024 -- The European Union deeply regrets the latest reported executions of 12 individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Haiti's Main Port Closes as State of Emergency, Curfew Extended VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Haiti's main port was closed on Thursday after an attack by armed gangs, said the port operator, Caribbean Port Services.
• World News in Brief: Israeli settlement plan condemned, abductions in northern Nigeria, alarm over reported pre-election attacks in India UN News 07 Mar 2024 -- The plan by Israel's Government to build more than 3,400 housing units in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank was condemned on Thursday by the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.
• Chinese mining companies must process minerals in Laos before export Radio Free Asia 07 Mar 2024 -- Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has directed the Ministry of Energy and Mines to require mining companies to process raw minerals in Laos before export - a demand aimed at the country's numerous Chinese-funded mining projects.
• Zimbabwe Responds to Narrowing of US Sanctions VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Zimbabwe's government criticized the modification of U.S. sanctions this week that renew measures against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and some senior leaders while removing others from the list.
• Botswana Says Partial Lifting of Sanctions Against Zimbabwe 'Encouraging' VOA 07 Mar 2024 -- Botswana, which supported calls for the removal of targeted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, has described the United States' move to partially lift the restrictions as "encouraging."