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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Central Command conducts 11th Humanitarian Airdrop into Gaza CENTCOM 15 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Central Command conducted the 11th air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on March 15, 2024, at 12:12 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
• Yemeni forces attack oil tanker off Hodeida coast IRNA 15 Mar 2024 -- Media sources reported on Friday that an oil tanker was targeted in the Red Sea.
• Two vessels attacked off Yemen's Hodeidah: UKMTO IRNA 15 Mar 2024 -- The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has said that two vessels have been attacked west and southwest of the coastal Yemeni city of Hodeidah, with one merchant vessel having been damaged as a result of the attacks, Al Mayadeen reported.
• Ansarallah says will target Zionist ships in Indian Ocean IRNA 15 Mar 2024 -- Ansarallah spokesman Mohammad Abdussalam has said the Yemeni movement will target Zionist-linked ships sailing through the Indian Ocean towards the Cape of Good Hope.
• Yemen says launched first strike against US, Israeli vessels in Indian Ocean Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- Yemen's Armed Forces announce starting their pro-Palestinian operations in the Indian Ocean by targeting several Israeli and American ships in the body of water in protest at the Israeli regime's US-backed genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.
• US, UK carry out new aerial aggression against Yemen Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- The US and UK have conducted new airstrikes on Yemen, as tensions remain high in West Asia over the Israeli war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Yemeni military to expand operations against Israel-linked ships to Indian Ocean: Houthi Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- The leader of Yemen's Houthis has said that the Yemeni armed forces will continue their retaliatory operations against Israeli-affiliated commercial vessels, preventing the passage of the ships even through the Indian Ocean and through the Cape of Good Hope.
• Houthis Attack Three US, Israeli Ships in Indian Ocean Sputnik 15 Mar 2024 -- Yemen's Houthis said on Friday that they have attacked three US and Israeli vessels in the Indian Ocean.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Awards $7 Million to Enhance Domestic Nickel and Cobalt Supply Chains DoD 15 Mar 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today an award of $7 million to The Doe Run Resources Corporation (Doe Run) via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program to complete a demonstration-scale hydrometallurgical plant for separation of cobalt and nickel at their facility in Viburnum, Missouri.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call with Spanish Minister of Defense Margarita Robles DoD 15 Mar 2024
• Navy to Christen Submarine Idaho DoD 15 Mar 2024 -- The Navy will christen its newest Virginia-class attack submarine, the future USS Idaho (SSN 799), during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony March 16, at General Dynamics Electric Boat, in Groton, Connecticut.
• DACOWITS Releases 2023 Annual Report DoD 15 Mar 2024 -- The Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) released its 2023 annual report on March 15, 2024.
• Virginia National Guard Takes Over Poland Sustainment Mission Army News 15 Mar 2024 -- The Virginia National Guard's 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion unfurled its organizational colors and took responsibility for logistics, maintenance and supply missions from the Army Reserve's 787th CSSB March 11 at Forward Operating Site Powidz.
• Hawaii National Guard, Philippines Strengthen Partnership Army News 15 Mar 2024 -- The Hawaii National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines strengthened their partnership during the 2025 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board standing committee meeting in Quezon City March 6-7.
• USEUCOM hosts Japanese Joint Staff director for security talks EUCOM 15 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, director for U.S. European Command plans, policy, strategy and capabilities, hosted Japan Joint Staff Maj. Gen. Nobutaka Minamikawa, director of defense plans and policy department, at USEUCOM's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on March 11, 2024.
• USS Gunston Hall arrives in Harstad, Norway for a scheduled port visit US Navy 15 Mar 2024 -- The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) arrived in Harstad, Norway, 13 March, as maritime operations conclude for NATO's largest exercise in decades, exercise Steadfast Defender 24.
  Gunston Hall's return to Harstad is a milestone in the training objectives for Steadfast Defender, highlighting the ship's ability to embark NATO forces and conduct Allied-integrated amphibious operations.
• USS Truxtun Pulls into Boston for Port Visit US Navy 15 Mar 2024 -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer, USS Truxtun (DDG 103), arrived in Boston for a scheduled port visit, Thursday, Mar. 14.
• USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) Arrives In Narvik, Norway After Successful Participation In Steadfast Defender US Navy 15 Mar 2024 -- USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) arrived in Narvik, Norway, March 15, 2024, following its participation in the largest NATO exercise since World War II, Steadfast Defender.
• Department of Defense Announces New Director for Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency DoD 15 Mar 2024
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker's Meeting With German State Secretary, Ministry of Defense Benedikt Zimmer DoD 15 Mar 2024
• USS Rafael Peralta Conducts Port Visit in Ishigaki, Japan US Navy 15 Mar 2024 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) concluded a visit to Ishigaki in the southern Japanese island prefecture of Okinawa, Mar. 13.
• Readout of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg DoD 15 Mar 2024
• Canadian test centres and accelerators join NATO DIANA network Canada 15 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo; Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax; and Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour congratulated two Canadian accelerators and 13 test centres that have joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network.
• France to 'make sure Russia never wins Ukraine war': Macron Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says his nation is prepared to make sure that Russia does not emerge victorious in the conflict in Ukraine, noting that sending troops to Ukraine was "possible."
• The Rebuilding Of Kyiv's Navy, Far From Ukraine RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- Despite having no large naval vessels on active duty, Ukraine has taken out around a third of the Kremlin's Black Sea fleet, mostly with missile and marine drone strikes amid Russia's ongoing invasion.
• Iceland supports the training of Ukrainian naval cadets "Government of Iceland 15 Mar 2024 -- Iceland has undertaken training of Ukrainian naval cadets who will receive training in practical seamanship including navigation, maritime surveillance, and operations, including search and rescue.
• German Bundestag rejects providing Taurus missiles to Ukraine People's Daily 15 Mar 2024 -- Germany's lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, on Thursday once again vetoed a motion of sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine.
• China-Russia-Iran Maritime Drills Send Signal to West VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- China conducted joint military drills this week with Russia and Iran in the Gulf of Oman, a critical water conduit near the entry to the Persian Gulf.
• China Gives Warnings on Vietnam-Australia Strategic Relationship VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- A new, closer diplomatic relationship between Australia and Vietnam is drawing warnings from China against forming "exclusive circles" in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Regiment sharpens its gunnery skills Australia DOD 15 Mar 2024 -- Gunners from the 4th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, have been hard at work sharpening skills on the M777 howitzer in the Townsville Field Training Area.
• MoD signs contract worth over Rs. 2,890 cr with HAL for Mid Life Upgrade of 25 Dornier Aircraft of Indian Navy India PIB 15 Mar 2024 -- The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 15, 2024 for Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) of 25 Dornier Aircraft along with associated equipment for the Indian Navy at a cost of Rs
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates the newly-constructed Headquarters of the Indian Navy 'Nausena Bhawan' at Delhi Cantt. India PIB 15 Mar 2024 -- Nausena Bhawan, the newly-constructed Headquarters of the Indian Navy, located at Delhi Cantt
• FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON ENHANCES BILATERAL RELATIONS DURING VISIT TO PORT LOUIS India PIB 15 Mar 2024 -- The First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir and CGS Sarathi, concluded visit to Port Louis, Mauritius, as part of their Long Range Training Deployment
• Italy - AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles DSCA 15 Mar 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Italy of AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $90.6 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• We hope for Greek support for the practical implementation of the Rotational NATO Air Defence Model, says A. Anušauskas Lithuania MND 15 Mar 2024 -- Meeting Minister of National Defence of Greece Nikolaos Dendias in Vilnius today Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas addressed bilateral defence cooperation, security situation and NATO agenda. The Ministers were particularly focussed on air defence.
• Contract for new submarines provisionally awarded to Naval Netherlands Ministry of Defence 15 Mar 2024 -- The French company Naval will build new submarines for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. This provisional award decision was made following a careful tendering process. On behalf of the Dutch government, State Secretary for Defence Christophe van der Maat announced the winning shipyard today at Den Helder Naval Base.
• Estonian Ministry of Defence to invite companies to support reservist week Estonia MoD 15 Mar 2024 -- For the first time, the Ministry of Defence of Estonia is organising a reservist week from April 28 to May 5 ahead of the Spring Storm annual exercise, to highlight the role of reservists as a key force in Estonia's national defence.
• Pevkur the first minister of defence to visit newest NATO member Sweden Estonia MoD 15 Mar 2024 -- Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur visited Sweden this week to meet with the Minister of Defence of Sweden Pål Jonson and discuss defence cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region with NATO's newest member. The Minister also visited the Karlskrona Naval Base and the SAAB shipyard, attended defence industry business seminars and opened the Estonian Honorary Consul in Karlskrona.
• Finland achieves its EU ammunition funding goal Finnish MoD 15 Mar 2024 -- China urges the Philippines not to further walk down the wrong path, and to immediately stop any provocative actions that may escalate the disputes or complicate the situation at the South China Sea, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday, also suggesting some non-regional countries to stop supporting the provocative and risky acts of the Philippines and refrain from being a disruptor in the South China Sea.
• The Commission allocates €500 million to ramp up ammunition production, out of a total of €2 billion to strengthen EU's defence industry European Commission 15 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Commission allocated the €500 million foreseen under the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). This will allow the European defence industry to ramp up its ammunition production capacity to 2 million shells per year by the end of 2025.
• Questions and Answers on the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and on the Instrument for the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement (EDIRPA) European Commission 15 Mar 2024
• EU Allocates $545Mln to Ramp Up Ammo Production Sputnik 15 Mar 2024 -- The European Union allocated 500 million euros ($545 million) in budget funding on Friday to address bottlenecks in ammunition production in order to meet the 2-million-rounds-per-year target.
• Federal Council in favour of participating in US State Partnership Program Swiss Government15 Mar 2024 -- The Federal Council wants Switzerland to participate in the State Partnership Program of the National Guard of the United States of America. This was decided at its meeting on 15 March. Participating in the programme will offer the Swiss Armed Forces the opportunity to further expand international cooperation and enhance its own defence capabilities.
• Yemeni war drills simulate potential US-British ground attack IRNA 15 Mar 2024 -- Yemeni Army forces have simulated a potential US-British ground attack on the country.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with IAEA Director General Grossi US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
• Joint Statement by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Minister for Foreign Affairs Javier González-Olaechea US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Peru.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Austrian President Van der Bellen US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg At a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
• Joint Statement on US-Ecuador High-Level Dialogue US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024 -- The text of the following joint statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Ecuador on the occasion of the High-Level Dialogue held at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., March 13-14, 2024.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
• Remarks by President Biden and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 15 Mar 2024
• Remarks by President Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of the Republic of Ireland at the Annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon The White House 15 Mar 2024
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland The White House 15 Mar 2024
• Remarks by Vice President Harris and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland During a St. Patrick's Day Celebration Breakfast The White House 15 Mar 2024
• Deputy Secretary Kurt M. Campbell at the 11th U.S.-EU Energy Council Meeting US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
• Joint Statement on the 11th United States-European Union Energy Council US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Government of the United States and the European Union.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 15, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 15 March 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Mar 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• First Ship to Use New Humanitarian Corridor Delivers Aid to Gaza VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- The Israeli military says a ship carrying 200 tons of humanitarian supplies for Gaza reached the enclave Friday and unloaded its cargo, inaugurating a sea route from Cyprus meant to help ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Mar. 14: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 15 Mar 2024
• Dozens of Palestinian aid-seekers killed in Israeli attacks Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- Dozens of Palestinians have been killed in the latest Israeli attacks on people waiting for humanitarian aid in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Acute malnutrition has doubled in one month in the north of Gaza strip: UNICEF UNICEF 15 Mar 2024 -- 31 per cent - or 1 in 3 children under 2 years of age - in the Northern Gaza Strip suffer from acute malnutrition, a staggering escalation from 15.6 per cent in January.
• Gaza: 23 million tonnes of debris 'will take years to clear'; acute malnutrition doubles in a month UN News 15 Mar 2024 -- The war in Gaza has left a staggering almost 23 millions tonnes of rubble and unexploded weapons scattered across the enclave, UN humanitarians said on Friday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #90 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 12-13 March 2024, is valid as of 15 March 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 15 Mar 2024
• Iran takes US responsible for crimes in Gaza IRNA 15 Mar 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that the US is responsible for the violations of all kinds of human rights and humanitarian laws due to its participation in equipping and arming the Zionist regime.
• Israel has failed to achieve any objectives in war on Gaza: Iran Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says the Israeli regime has failed to achieve any of its stated goals after more than 160 days of a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, stressing that the signs of the occupying regime's historic defeat have become conspicuous.
• Irish Anger Over Gaza Overshadows White House St. Patrick Celebration VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Friday for the annual St. Patrick's Day reception at the White House, amid calls to boycott the event by many in Ireland who are outraged by staunch U.S. support of Israel in its war against Hamas.
• Australia Resumes Aid to UN Palestinian Aid Agency VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Friday the government will resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which is providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. In January, Australia joined several Western nations in suspending funding to UNRWA after Israeli intelligence suggested a dozen of its workers had been linked to the October 7 attack by Hamas militants. Australia is also being criticized for canceling the visas of several Palestinians fleeing the conflict with Israel in Gaza. The Australia Greens party says the move "shows a lack of humanity."
• Canada stopped non-lethal military exports to Israel: Report Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- Canada stopped non-lethal military exports to Israel due to growing concerns over human rights violations in its war against the people of Palestine in Gaza, according to a Canadian newspaper report.
• Funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and Additional Support for Gaza Australia MFA 15 Mar 2024 -- Australia will lift its temporary pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), following steps to strengthen the integrity of UNRWA operations.
• Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on the appointment of the new Prime Minister European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2024 -- We congratulate Mohamed Mustafa on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, at this critical moment of great suffering for the Palestinian people.
• Hamas condemns inaction of international community against genocide in Gaza IRNA 15 Mar 2024 -- Hamas has condemned the inaction of the international community and the United Nations in the face of Zionist crimes in Gaza which it says serves as a green light for committing more heinous crimes.
• Hamas presents 'comprehensive' Gaza truce proposal Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has presented a ceasefire proposal that includes prisoner exchange and delivery of aid to the people in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Hezbollah attacks military base of Zionist regime IRNA 15 Mar 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah announced on Friday night that another military base of the Zionist regime in the north of the occupied Palestinian territories has been targeted once again.

Other Conflicts

• Press Release: Launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan for Community Priorities 2024-25 UNOCHA 15 Mar 2024 -- The Humanitarian Country Team and the Government of Colombia are pleased to announce the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan for Community Priorities (RPCP). This plan is specifically designed to address the most critical needs of 1.7 million people requiring urgent humanitarian protection and assistance in a complementary and coordinated manner.
• Philippines urged to stop provocations that may escalate tensions at South China Sea Global Times 15 Mar 2024 -- China urges the Philippines not to further walk down the wrong path, and to immediately stop any provocative actions that may escalate the disputes or complicate the situation at the South China Sea, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said on Friday, also suggesting some non-regional countries to stop supporting the provocative and risky acts of the Philippines and refrain from being a disruptor in the South China Sea.
• Hanoi asks Beijing to abide by law while drawing baseline in Gulf of Tonkin Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2024 -- Vietnam has requested that China respect international law and bilateral agreements with Hanoi after Beijing drew a new baseline in the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2727 (2024) UN Security Council 15 Mar 2024 -- The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 March 2025, expressing its appreciation for the Organization's long-term commitment to support the people of that country and stressing the need for a continued field presence.
• The Azadi Briefing: Taliban's Investment In Iranian Port Signals Shift Away From Pakistan RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024
• Joint Statement on the Occasion of the 13th Anniversary of the Syrian Uprising US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024 -- The following statement was released by the Governments of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on the occasion of the 13-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising.
• Joint Statement by UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi, on the 13 years' Anniversary of the Syria Crisis UNOCHA 15 Mar 2024 -- Thirteen years of the crisis in Syria have taken an unimaginable toll on the people of the country.
• Blood Money launches campaign to ban aviation fuel to Myanmar junta Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2024 -- Myanmar civil society organization Blood Money has launched a campaign to stop the global sale of aviation fuel to the country's junta, citing the deadly impact of military airstrikes on the civilian population.
• Junta regains control of still-smoldering city in Myanmar Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2024 -- A 10-day battle in central Myanmar has left one city in ashes, residents told Radio Free Asia on Friday.
• Military conscription poised to start in Myanmar's Yangon Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2024 -- In the clearest sign yet that a military draft will soon go into effect in Myanmar, junta authorities are summoning draft-eligible youths and taking information door-to-door throughout the largest city of Yangon, residents said Friday.
• U.S. Envoy Frustrated With Kurti's Refusal To Reverse Serbian Dinar Ban RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- Frustration is growing among Kosovo's Western backers, a senior U.S. diplomat told RFE/RL's Balkan Service, because of Prime Minister Albin Kurti's refusal to reverse a ban on the use of Serbia's dinar in the country's ethnic-Serb dominated north.
• Ban On Serbian Dinar Has Created Challenges In U.S. Relations With Kosovo, Envoy Says RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- A senior U.S. diplomat on March 14 said a regulation on the use of the Serbian dinar in northern Kosovo has caused problems for some citizens in the region and challenges for the U.S.-Kosovo relationship.
• 3 Soldiers, 5 Militants Killed in Al-Shabab Attack on Mogadishu Hotel VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- Police in Somalia say security forces have ended a siege by al-Shabab militants who attacked a heavily guarded hotel close to the country's presidential palace.
• Palais Briefing on the First UN mission to Khartoum State since war broke out in Sudan UNICEF 15 Mar 2024 -- This is a summary of what was said by Jill Lawler, Chief of Field Operations and Emergency for UNICEF in Sudan, to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
• WFP Palais briefing note: A deepening humanitarian crisis in Mozambique as resources shrink and needs increase WFP 15 Mar 2024 -- This is a summary of what was said by Antonella d'Aprile, WFP Country Director in Mozambique to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

News Reports

• U.S. judge in Florida denies Trump's motion to dismiss classified documents case People's Daily 15 Mar 2024 -- The U.S. district judge in Florida overseeing the federal criminal case regarding former President Donald Trump's handling of classified documents on Thursday rejected one of his two motions to dismiss the case.
• CIA covert campaign against China shows 'necessity of counter-espionage efforts' Global Times 15 Mar 2024 -- A Reuters report on the US' covert influence operations against China and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief's pledge of more China-targeted resources corroborated each other and again demonstrated the US' continuous disinformation campaign and cognitive warfare against China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Friday's routine press briefing.
• Finland and the United States intensify their cooperation on cybersecurity Finnish Government 15 Mar 2024 -- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will facilitate exchange of information on cybersecurity between the Finnish Ministry of Finance and the US Treasury Department.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Side Event "Protecting Global Public Health and Safety: Mounting a Unified International Response to Synthetic Drugs and Their Precursors" US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024
• READOUT: Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson's Travel to Japan US Treasury 15 Mar 2024 -- On March 13 and 14, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson held meetings in Tokyo, Japan to continue close coordination between the two G7 allies on pressing national security issues, including countering Russian attempts to evade multilateral sanctions and export controls particularly through third countries; protecting maritime shipping from illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi attacks; and on cyber threats and ransomware.
• Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council President of Russia 15 Mar 2024 -- The President held a meeting with permanent members of the Security Council via videoconference.
• About One-Third Of Voters Turn Out On First Day Of Election Set To Extend Putin's Rule RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- More than a third of Russia's eligible voters cast ballots in person and online on the first day of the country's three-day presidential election, the Central Election Commission (TsIK) said after polls closed on March 15 in the country's westernmost region of Kaliningrad.
• Six More Years For Putin. Five Things To Watch For. RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- This we can say with high confidence: Vladimir Putin will be declared the victor of the now ongoing three-day election, ushering in another six years as Russia's president.
• Several Russians Vandalize Polling Stations In Protest On First Day Of Presidential Vote RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- About a dozen Russians, defying threats from authorities of long prison sentences, have vandalized ballot boxes and polling stations across the country in protest of a presidential election that is almost certain to hand Vladimir Putin six more years as president.
• Russia holds presidential election amid rising tension with the West Global Times 15 Mar 2024 -- Russia began voting Friday in a three-day presidential election. Analysts believe the Russian election will be a high-turnout and high-vote one, and with incumbent president Vladimir Putin aiming to win a sixth term in office, the new government, even with a possible cabinet reshuffle, will be largely in line with current domestic and foreign policies, which means confrontation between Russia and the West will continue after the election, and that will also make Moscow "keep looking eastward" and enhance ties with emerging powers.
• Russians vote in presidential election amid escalating border attacks Press TV 15 Mar 2024 -- Russians have begun voting in a three-day presidential election amid an ongoing conflict and a barrage of deadly attacks on border regions.
• The Week In Russia: Flowers On The Grave RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- The Kremlin will cast the March 15-17 election as a powerful popular endorsement of President Vladimir Putin and the war against Ukraine. The long lines of citizens who came out to support a would-be rival and to pay their respects at the funeral of Putin's most prominent opponent tell a different story.
• Unfriendly Countries Tried to Disrupt Voting of Russians Abroad - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 15 Mar 2024 -- Unfriendly countries have tried to do everything to disrupt the process of voting of Russians abroad in the presidential election but they have failed, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik.
• Committee of Ministers condemns Russia for Alexey Navalnyy's death, calls for independent international investigation Council of Europe 15 Mar 2024 -- The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has strongly condemned the Russian authorities for the recent death of Alexey Navalnyy.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on March 15, 2024 PRC MofA 15 Mar 2024
• China will remain staunch force for peace, stability, progress of world People's Daily 15 Mar 2024 -- During the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also known as the "two sessions," the international community showed great interest in and gave positive evaluations on China's foreign policy and future international relations.
• China, Angola upgrade ties as presidents hold talks Global Times 15 Mar 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Angolan President Joao Lourenco in Beijing on Friday, when the two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Analysts hailed the upgrade of bilateral relations, saying it would further boost China-Angola cooperation, especially in trade and business, and also inject new impetus into China-Africa cooperation this year.
• So-called 'forced labor' in Xinjiang is one of the most notorious laws of the 21st century, aiming to destabilize Xinjiang: FM Global Times 15 Mar 2024 -- The US' so-called Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) is one of the most notorious laws of the 21st century. It is essentially a tool used by US politicians to destabilize Xinjiang and curb China's development, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday, responding to US suspension of garment imports from the Philippines on suspicion that cotton used is involved in "forced labor" in Xinjiang.
• US bill targeting TikTok sparks mixed reactions in China Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2024 -- A U.S. bill that if approved would force the sale of the video sharing platform TikTok has sparked mixed reactions from Chinese commentators, with some drawing parallels with Chinese internet censorship and others marveling at the heated debate around the app.
• China Gives Warnings on Vietnam-Australia Strategic Relationship VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- A new, closer diplomatic relationship between Australia and Vietnam is drawing warnings from China against forming "exclusive circles" in the Indo-Pacific region.
• China stiffens regulation after recent stock market collapse Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2024 -- China's top securities regulator has released new guidelines to strengthen regulation after the collapse of Chinese stock markets in the first two months of the year, wiping off billions of dollars as the economy teeters.
• Witness in Jimmy Lai Trial Mistreated in Custody, Experts Say VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- A key prosecution witness in the trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai took the stand this week despite concerns raised by U.N. officials that the witness may have been mistreated in custody.
• Reporter's Notebook: Is China Really Opening to the World? VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- Over the last few weeks, China has gone to great lengths to give the impression that it is opening up to the world - whether for foreign businesses, tourists or journalists.
• China's commercial space industry embraces rapid growth People's Daily 15 Mar 2024 -- At the beginning of 2024, a carrier rocket developed by Chinese commercial aerospace company OrienSpace blasted off from waters off the coast of Haiyang in east China's Shandong province, sending three satellites into the planned orbit.
• China releases full text of NPC Standing Committee work report People's Daily 15 Mar 2024 -- The report on the work of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) was released in full via Xinhua News Agency on Thursday.
• Targeting Entity and Vessel Shipping Commodities for Qods Force and Houthi-Affiliated Network US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2024 -- The United States is today designating one entity and identifying one vessel as blocked property for involvement in illicit trade on behalf of the Houthis and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF).
• Treasury Targets Vessel Shipping Iranian Commodities for Houthis and Qods Force US Treasury 15 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action against Marshall Islands-registered shipping company Vishnu Inc., whose vessel, the LADY SOFIA, is involved in illicit shipments to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in support of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Houthi financial facilitator Sa'id al-Jamal, who is sanctioned under U.S. counterterrorism authorities.
• Exclusive: Leaked Iranian Government Documents Reveal Orders to Conceal Protester Killings VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- Documents apparently hacked from an Iranian government database and published exclusively by VOA's Persian Service have shed new light on how Iran's Islamist rulers covered up casualties from violent crackdowns on mostly peaceful mass protests and falsely labeled them as riots in recent years.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (March 15, 2024) India MEA 15 Mar 2024
• Blinken Says Haiti Transitional Council Will Take Charge Soon VOA 15 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that the proposed transitional council in Haiti, meant to provide a political transition and bring stability to the troubled Caribbean nation, was still not set, but he expressed confidence it would be in the coming days.
• US: Speech by High Representative Josep Borrell at Georgetown University on current geopolitical challenges European External Action Service (EEAS) 15 Mar 2024
• New Cambodian democracy group says it could 'legitimize' Hun Manet Radio Free Asia 15 Mar 2024 -- A new U.S.-based Cambodian pro-democracy group stands prepared to work with Prime Minister Hun Manet to put the country on a path of reform and thereby "legitimize" his rule, its leader said Thursday.
• Orban Calls For Hungarians To 'Occupy Brussels' In Upcoming Elections RFE/RL 15 Mar 2024 -- Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a nationalist who has held power in Hungary for the past 14 years, has issued a stinging rebuke of the European Union and called on his countrymen to help "occupy Brussels" in elections set for the bloc this summer.
• World News in Brief: Rights chief appalled at Nigeria mass abductions, 'pervasive' hunger in streets of Sudan, Syria child crisis UN News 15 Mar 2024 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday expressed outrage at the recent abductions by gunmen of hundreds of people in Nigeria.