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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• March 21 USCENTCOM Conducts Humanitarian Airdrops into Gaza CENTCOM 21 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Central Command conducted an air drop of humanitarian assistance into Northern Gaza on March 21, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
• March 21 Daily Red Sea Update CENTCOM 21 Mar 2024 -- On March 21, between 8:50 a.m. and 11:40 a.m. (Sanaa time), a coalition aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed one unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 21 Mar 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina to the Pentagon DoD 21 Mar 2024
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia DoD 21 Mar 2024
• Readout of Senior Defense Sustainment and Logistics Leaders' Trip to the Indo-Pacific DoD 21 Mar 2024
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Remarks and Fireside Chat at the 2024 National Security Innovation Base Summit Hosted by the Reagan Foundation in Washington, D.C. DoD 21 Mar 2024
• Austin Welcomes Micronesia's President to Pentagon DoD News 21 Mar 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the close ties between the U.S. and Micronesia as he met today with Micronesian President Wesley Simina.
• DOD Leaders Detail Conditions in Middle East, Africa to House Committee DoD News 21 Mar 2024 -- The situation in the Middle East and Africa has changed dramatically over the past year, and the Defense Department has moved with speed and agility to address the challenges in these vital areas, said Celeste Wallander, the assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, in testimony today before the House Armed Services Committee.
• Austin Shares His Views on Gaza With Israeli Defense Minister DoD News 21 Mar 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday regarding the negotiations for the release of hostages and a temporary ceasefire, according to a Pentagon news release.
• Louisiana National Guard Conducts Premobilization Training Army News 21 Mar 2024 -- Approximately 85 Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 139th Regional Support Group, conducted annual premobilization training March 2-16.
• Military leaders hold strategic talks, one hundred miles north of Arctic Circle EUCOM 21 Mar 2024 -- Military leaders from 11 European and North American nations wrapped up military strategic and joint operational discussions focused on Arctic security during the annual Security Forces Roundtable in Kiruna, Sweden, March 19-21, 2024.
• Emerald Warrior tests air commandos' mettle US Air Force 21 Mar 2024 -- Air Force Special Operations Command's 17th annual Emerald Warrior exercise concluded recently, having exercised in three extreme cold weather environments throughout the midwestern U.S. with many firsts.
• 95th FS, FGS complete first TDY US Air Force 21 Mar 2024 -- Airmen from the 95th Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadron recently went on their first temporary duty assignment at Truax Field, Wisconsin Air National Guard Base, March 1-16.
• Bataan ARG, 26th MEU(SOC) Return from 8-month Deployment US Navy 21 Mar 2024 -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) returned to Hampton Roads following an eight and a half-month deployment to the U.S. 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, March 21.
• Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command, Naval Special Warfare Conduct Joint Combined Training Exchange US Navy 21 Mar 2024 -- A West Coast-based U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Unit conducted joint combined exchange training (JCET) with members of the Royal Thai Navy Special Warfare Command (RTN SWC) from Jan. 28 - Feb. 29, 2024.
• Iraqi resistance strikes forced US back to negotiating table: Nujaba IRNA 21 Mar 2024 -- Iraq's Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba has declared that the resistance group supports any action towards the expulsion of American forces from Iraq.
• Secretary General thanks Slovenian Prime Minister for contributions to NATO and Ukraine NATO 21 Mar 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Prime Minister of Slovenia Robert Golob to NATO Headquarters on Thursday (21 March 2024).
• Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspects the fulfilment of state defence order at defence industry enterprises in Nizhny Novgorod region Russia MoD 21 Mar 2024 -- Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu inspected fulfilment of state defence order at defence industry enterprises in Nizhniy Novgorod region.
• Pacific Fleet Marines conduct air defence exercise in the Arabian Sea Russia MoD 21 Mar 2024 -- A detachment of the Pacific Fleet's warships made up of the missile cruiser Guards Order of Nakhimov Varyag and frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov neutralised the simulated air target in the Arabian Sea during an air defence exercise.
• Russia Starts Mass Production of Three-Tonne FAB-3000 Aviation Bombs - MoD Sputnik 21 Mar 2024 -- Russia started the mass production of three-tonne FAB-3000 high-explosive aviation bombs, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
• Finland to contribute EUR 30 million to Czech ammunition initiative Finnish MoD 21 Mar 2024 -- An additional EUR 30 million of funding will be allocated to the administrative branch of the Ministry of Defence in the Government's first supplementary budget for 2024.
• Pevkur in Kyiv: Estonia to send Ukraine artillery ammunition and other military aid worth 20 million euros Estonia MoD 21 Mar 2024 -- Today in Kyiv at a meeting with his Ukrainian colleague Rustem Umerov, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur announced that Estonia will send the next package of military aid to Ukraine, in the worth of 20 million euros. The newest package includes artillery ammunition rounds that are critically needed to counter Russian aggression.
• France's support for Ukraine could go beyond arms supplies: Army chief Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- A senior French army general says Russia should not expect the West to limit its support for Ukraine to arms supplies only.
• First F-16s Should Be In Ukraine This Summer, Says Dutch Defense Minister RFE/RL 21 Mar 2024 -- Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren says Ukraine should receive its first F-16 fighter jets this summer as Europe pushes to aid Kyiv amid complications sparked by a stalled aid package in the U.S. Congress.
• U.S. admiral refutes report of special forces permanently stationed in Kinmen CNA 21 Mar 2024 -- The head of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral John Aquilino, said Wednesday that contrary to a recent news report, there are no American special forces personnel permanently stationed on Taiwan's outlying Kinmen Island.
• AUKUS Trilateral Statement DoD 21 Mar 2024 -- One year ago, on 13 March 2023 in San Diego, the Leaders of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced the Optimal Pathway. The Optimal Pathway outlines an ambitious plan to deliver a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability (SSNs) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) - a plan that will strengthen our three countries' combined military capabilities, boost our collective industrial capacity, set the highest non-proliferation standard and enhance our ability to promote stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
• AUKUS Trilateral Statement 21 Mar 2024
• UK firm appointed to build Australian AUKUS submarines UK MOD 21 Mar 2024 -- The partnership between British firm BAE Systems and ASC Pty Ltd could be worth billions of pounds, in a major boost to the UK's defence industry
• Australia and the United Kingdom commit to modernising our defence relationship Australia DOD 21 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP, and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, signed a new defence and security cooperation agreement at Parliament House, Canberra, updating the partnership to meet contemporary challenges.
• Australia Signs Security Accord with Britain VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- Australia and the United Kingdom signed a new defense and security cooperation agreement Thursday that deepens the strategic relationship between the two nations, makes it easier for their defense forces to operate together in each other's countries, and boosts a fledgling nuclear-powered submarine program with the United States.
• Australian-made armoured vehicles to be exported to Germany Australia DOD 21 Mar 2024 -- The Albanese Government has entered the single largest defence export agreement in our nation's history, to supply Australian-made armoured vehicles to Germany.
• Advanced future military laser achieves UK first UK MOD 21 Mar 2024 -- A military laser which could boost the UK Armed Forces with greater accuracy while reducing the reliance on high-cost ammunition has reached its next milestone.
• Minister Blair introduces legislation to modernize the military justice system and advance culture change in the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Canada 21 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, introduced legislation to amend the National Defence Act that proposes a suite of targeted changes to modernize the military justice system. The proposed amendments address key recommendations made in independent and external reviews conducted by former Supreme Court Justices Louise Arbour and Morris J. Fish.
• Introduction of the Military Justice System Modernization Act Canada 21 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, introduced legislation in Parliament to amend the National Defence Act (NDA) that would modernize the military justice system and advance culture change within the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) by addressing key recommendations made by former Supreme Court Justices Louise Arbour and Morris Fish.
• INDIA - MOZAMBIQUE - TANZANIA TRILATERAL EXERCISE IMT TRILAT- 2024 India PIB 21 Mar 2024 -- INS Tir and INS Sujata will participate in the forthcoming second edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise, a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24
• Government proposes additional funding for border security Finnish Government 21 Mar 2024 -- In the first supplementary budget for 2024, the Government proposes over EUR 91 million in additional funding for the administrative branch of the Ministry of the Interior.
• Fostering U.S.-Lithuanian defence industry cooperation Lithuania MND 21 Mar 2024 -- On March 21 Vice Minister of National Defence Greta Monika Tučkutė had a meeting with Director of the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) James Hursch on the Lithuanian and U.S. acquisitions, as well as possibilities for defence industry development.
• US Bolstering Philippines Amid Increasing Assertiveness by China VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- The U.S. and Philippines will for the first time venture outside Manila's territorial waters when they begin joint annual combat drills in April, a Philippines government spokesman said Thursday.
• With Acute Hunger at 'Record Levels,' US Considers Aid Cuts VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- Facing potential budget cuts this year, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) — the world's leading humanitarian donor — says it may need to curtail its response to global crises.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Okano and Philippine Undersecretary Lazaro US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 21, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 21 March 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Mar 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, March 21, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 21 Mar 2024
• Israeli Army Says $3Mln in Cash Uncovered During Operation in Shifa Hospital Sputnik 21 Mar 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have found 11 million shekels ($3 million) in US dollars and Jordanian dinars during a search at the Shifa hospital in the north of Gaza City.
• Prime Minister's Office Statement Israel - Prime Minister 21 Mar 2024 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this evening, approved the departure of an Israeli delegation, led by Mossad Director David Barnea, tomorrow, for Qatar to meet with CIA Director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abd Al Thani and Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel in order to advance the release of the hostages.
• Mar. 20: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 21 Mar 2024
• Israel gave 'negative' response to Hamas' proposal for Gaza truce: Official Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- A senior Hamas official says the resistance group showed "flexibility" in formulating its latest proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but Israel provided a "negative" response to the offer.
• Truce remains elusive in Gaza as talks fall flat People's Daily 21 Mar 2024 -- The latest round of contentious cease-fire talks in Qatar ended without a deal, even as Israel is accused of weaponizing starvation as it prepares to attack the city of Rafah in Gaza.
• Nearly 89,000 Gaza structures either destroyed or damaged by Israel: UN data Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- Satellite images from the United Nations Satellite Center's analysis show 35 percent of the buildings in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged due to the Israeli bombardment of the besieged Palestinian territory.
• Siege, hunger, and disease to be 'main killer' in Gaza, warns UN agency for Palestinians Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- Siege, hunger, and diseases will soon become the main killer in Gaza, says commissioner- general of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
• More than half of Gaza's population on brink of famine: World Bank Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- Palestinians in Gaza are at an imminent risk of famine as food shortages approaching catastrophic levels are projected to hit more than a million people, the World Bank warned.
• Blinken: New US ceasefire resolution conditioned with captive release ISNA 21 Mar 2024 -- US Secretary of State gives more details regarding the new draft resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, which calls "for an immediate ceasefire tied to the release of hostages."
• US circulates UN resolution seeking immediate Gaza truce Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Washington has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council that calls for "an immediate ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip tied to the release of Israeli captives held in the Palestinian territory.
• Blinken Holding Egypt Talks Seeking Gaza Cease-Fire, Humanitarian Aid VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds talks Thursday in Egypt focused on efforts to secure a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, gain release of hostages held in Gaza and move more humanitarian aid into Gaza to help Palestinian civilians who are badly in need of assistance.
• Leader: Axis of Resistance has thwarted US regional schemes ISNA 21 Mar 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has praised the anti-Israel operations by resistance factions in Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq.
• Iran: World must urgently free UN from US, Israel stranglehold ISNA 21 Mar 2024 -- Iran says the United States and Israel have taken the United Nations and its Security Council hostage, urging the international community to immediately free the two world bodies.
• Statement of the Chair on Cyprus Maritime Corridor Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus 21 Mar 2024 -- Further to the Joint Statements of March 8 and March 14, 2024, a senior officials' meeting for technical discussions was convened earlier today in Cyprus, aiming to accelerate the "Amalthea Plan" to deliver much-needed additional amounts of humanitarian assistance by sea to Gaza.
• Τhe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Constantinos Kombos, attends the opening session of the Senior Officials Meeting for the Cyprus Maritime Corridor ("Amalthea" Plan) Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus 21 Mar 2024 -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Constantinos Kombos, participated at the opening session of the Senior Officials Meeting for the Cyprus Maritime Corridor, which is taking place today at the Zenon Coordination Centre in Larnaka.
• Iraqi resistance targets electricity generation station in Tel Aviv Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has said its fighters have launched a new attack against Israeli targets in the occupied territories in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
• Israel desperate due to unremitting Hezbollah attacks: Reports IRNA 21 Mar 2024 -- The continued attacks by Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement on the northern Israeli-occupied territories have made the regime severely distressed, media reports have said.
• 17 soldiers killed in Hezbollah attacks: Israeli media IRNA 21 Mar 2024 -- Since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza in early October, the regime has lost 17 of its troopers in the attacks launched by Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement on Zionist targets in the occupied territories, an Israeli media report says.

Other Conflicts

• Amid ongoing strife in Gaza and Ukraine, UN chief reiterates peace call UN News 21 Mar 2024 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres doubled down on his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and peace in Ukraine on Thursday, taking aim at the "chaotic" global outlook and any country or armed group that thinks "it can do whatever it wants because there is no accountability".
• Nearly 80% of Indonesians see Beijing's South China Sea actions as threat Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2024 -- A majority of Indonesians perceive China's activities in the South China Sea as a threat to their country's sovereignty, with nearly half favoring a defense alliance with Southeast Asian nations to strengthen its position, a new survey has revealed.
• 34 Philippine personnel land on China's Tiexian Jiao, handled lawfully by Chinese coast guard: CCG Global Times 21 Mar 2024 -- Thirty-four Philippine personnel have landed on Tiexian Jiao (Tiexian Reef) in the South China Sea on Thursday, ignoring warning and dissuasion from the Chinese side, said China Coast Guard (CCG). Regarding such violations, the Chinese coast guard lawfully landed on the reef to investigate and handle the situation.
• Suicide Bomber Hits Taliban's Political Base in Southern Afghanistan VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- A rare suicide bombing in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar, known as the Taliban's political headquarters, killed at least three people and injured more than a dozen early Thursday.
• Deadly Suicide Bombing Strikes Outside Bank In Kandahar As Taliban Employees Wait For Pay RFE/RL 21 Mar 2024 -- A suicide bomber detonated his explosive belt outside a bank in the Afghan city of Kandahar early on March 21 as Taliban employees waited for their salaries.
• Over 20 killed in bombing blamed on Daesh in Afghanistan Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- At least 21 people have been killed and 50 others injured in a bomb attack in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar.
• Syria: Political deadlock and violence fuels humanitarian crisis UN News 21 Mar 2024 -- After thirteen years of conflict in Syria, a continuing political stalemate threatens to prolong the suffering of millions and hinder efforts to bring about peace, the UN Special Envoy for the country said on Thursday.
• At Security Council Briefing on Syria, Speakers Express Alarm Over Grave Situation in Country, Underscore Need for Sustained, Unrestricted Humanitarian Assistance UN Security Council 21 Mar 2024 -- As the conflict in Syria entered its fourteenth year, the "tragic reality" was that developments are going in the wrong direction across all fronts, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the country warned the Security Council today, as members echoed his urgent calls on Damascus and other actors to unblock the persisting political impasse.
• To achieve sustainable peace in Syria, the Assad regime must engage in the political process: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Mar 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• Israel's illegal attacks on Syria must end immediately: Iran UN envoy IRNA 21 Mar 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani emphasized that there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis and said that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers the Israeli regime's military and illegal attacks in Syria provocative and strongly condemns them.
• Iran calls for immediate lifting of sanctions on Syria, withdrawal of US troops Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- Iran has called for an immediate lifting of unilateral sanctions on Syria which is marking this month the 13th anniversary of the start of a destructive war on the country.
• Myanmar's junta shuts down public hospital in wartorn township Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2024 -- Junta authorities closed a public hospital and several private clinics in a wartorn area of Myanmar's western Rakhine state and ordered doctors and other medical personnel to relocate to the state capital, leaving residents without access to healthcare.
• Junta navy arrests around 80 Rohingya off Myanmar coast Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2024 -- Myanmar's junta navy arrested around 80 Rohingya attempting to flee the country by boat, residents who witnessed the event told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• Security Council Press Statement on Haiti UN Security Council 21 Mar 2024
• Gangs and Funding Shortages Impede Relief to Haitians VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- Amid gunfire and a shortage of resources, humanitarians are reaching as many of the 5.5 million Haitians in need as they can with food, water and other life-saving assistance, but more access and money are required, the United Nations said.
• 'Extremely alarming' conditions worsen in Haiti's capital: UN coordinator UN News 21 Mar 2024 -- The situation in the gang-ravaged capital of Haiti has gone from worrying to "extremely alarming" as conditions in Port-au-Prince continue to worsen amid growing hunger and serious shortages in hospitals to treat gunshot victims, said the UN Humanitarian Coordinator there on Thursday.
• Political agreement in Haiti is a positive step Government of Norway 21 Mar 2024 -- On 11 March in Jamaica, CARICOM announced that important progress has been made in the political dialogue in Haiti. A broad-based transitional governance arrangement will be established with the aim of paving the way for a peaceful transition of power and free and fair elections.
• Armed groups continue terror campaign across Burkina Faso UN News 21 Mar 2024 -- Large parts of Burkina Faso are being terrorized by armed groups and the rampant insecurity is "beyond alarming", said the UN human rights chief on Thursday following a brief visit to the country.

News Reports

• Gangster Disciples and Sisters of the Struggle Members Sentenced for Gang-Related Murders US Dept. of Justice 21 Mar 2024 -- A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples and a leader of its parallel female organization, the Sisters of the Struggle (SOS), were sentenced yesterday for their roles in a murder conspiracy stemming from gang-related retribution that resulted in the shooting deaths of three men.
• Fentanyl Precursor Scheduling at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024 -- This week at the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, Austria, the international community came together and agreed to new controls for multiple precursor chemicals used in the illicit manufacturing of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.
• Address to Russian citizens on the outcome of the presidential election President of Russia 21 Mar 2024
• Partner of Russian Businessman Accused of Violating Sanctions May Also Be In Violation VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- When the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a complaint last month for forfeiture of a Russian businessman's U.S. real estate, it was taking action against an alleged violator of U.S. sanctions.
• Telephone conversation with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi President of Russia 21 Mar 2024
• Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia Ivica Dacic, Moscow, March 21, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Mar 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview for the documentary series Oil, Moscow, March 21, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Mar 2024
• UK condemns Russia's failure to uphold OSCE commitments: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 21 Mar 2024 -- UK condemns electoral violations in Russia as well as breaches of Ukrainian sovereignty in conducting illegal elections on Ukrainian territory.
• Russia is conducting a brutal campaign of human rights violations and resorting to disinformation to justify its aggression: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 21 Mar 2024 -- As Ambassador Holland marks 10 years since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia's repressive measures in Crimea have become a blueprint for its actions in the temporarily Russian controlled territories.
• Russian Groups Document 'Dirty' Vote As Election Commission Certifies Putin Win RFE/RL 21 Mar 2024 -- Observers continue to document irregularities in Russia's presidential election as the Central Election Commission (TsIK) announced Vladimir Putin had officially won a landslide victory in a vote that the international community has called a "sham" and not "free and fair."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on March 21, 2024 PRC MofA 21 Mar 2024
• US intensifies provocative actions to 'build tensions, contain China' Global Times 21 Mar 2024 -- The US has recently ramped up its trouble-stirring moves in at least three directions around China to build regional tensions and reinforce its containment of China. Analysts said that Washington has always taken advantage of regional conflicts to serve its selfish geopolitical interests and warned of the consequences of serving as Washington's proxies and cannon fodder.
• US crackdown on Chinese companies is economic bullying, violates intl trade rules: MOFCOM spokesperson Global Times 21 Mar 2024 -- China urges the US not to take the wrong approach and says it will take the necessary measures as appropriate to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday, reiterating China's clear and firm stance regarding intensified US moves targeting Chinese companies.
• HK officials, lawmakers confront West's attacks on Article 23 legislation, ready to fight back Global Times 21 Mar 2024 -- Despite the rising criticism and concerns from some Western countries on the Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong, local officials and lawmakers are confronting those misunderstanding and the ill-intentioned slandering and smearing campaign at the global stage, and some told the Global Times on Thursday that they have been ready to "bite the bullet" as some Western officials are calling for the fresh sanctions and other countermeasure against the passage of the law.
• Bid to smear new HK security law criticized People's Daily 21 Mar 2024 -- Officials strongly condemned some Western politicians on Wednesday for criticizing Hong Kong's new national security law, saying the attacks cannot stop the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from achieving greater success.
• World Uyghur Congress Leader Discusses Time in China, Uyghur-Han Chinese Tension VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- As head of the World Uyghur Congress, Dolkun Isa runs one of the most prominent organizations in the world advocating for the rights of Uyghurs.
• China has room for further RRR cuts; debt at appropriate level: Chinese officials Global Times 21 Mar 2024 -- Chinese monetary policy has ample space and a rich reserve of tools, with room to further cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR), and debt is at an appropriate level, Chinese officials told an economic-themed press conference on Thursday.
• Chinese censors remove video showing off Tiananmen massacre medal Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2024 -- Chinese censors have deleted a video in which a People's Liberation Army soldier brags about a medal given to her father for participating in the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, highlighting the government's efforts to hide that part of its history, according to media reports and social media posts.
• China urges U.S. to stop poisoning public support for bilateral ties People's Daily 21 Mar 2024 -- China urges the United States to stop poisoning the public support for the bilateral ties, and correct its wrongdoing of harassing, interrogating, and deporting Chinese citizens without just cause, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Article 23 fully aligns with intl laws and practices, protects human rights: HK official at UNHRC session Global Times 21 Mar 2024 -- The Article 23 legislation fully aligns with the principles of international laws and practices. The comments made by some countries and organizations on this are in complete disregard of basic jurisprudence and facts, and demonstrate nothing more than double standards and sophistry, Hong Kong Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan told the 55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Wednesday local time.
• China condemns slander against Hong Kong's Safeguarding National Security Bill People's Daily 21 Mar 2024 -- China strongly deplores and firmly opposes individual countries and organizations' slandering and smear against the Safeguarding National Security Bill of Hong Kong, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• Chinese private rocket company readies 'Falcon 9 equivalent' for maiden flight Global Times 21 Mar 2024 -- Space Pioneer, a Chinese private rocket company founded in 2019, revealed that its new large liquid-propellent reusable rocket model TL-3, also known as the Chinese "Falcon 9 equivalent" for its matching powerful design, has come closer to its maiden flight scheduled for July this year. Its main power system - the 9 Tianhuo-12 variable thrust engines forming the rocket's first stage - completed a hot running test on Thursday, the last stage before final delivery.
• Taiwan calls for speedy return of 2 Kinmen anglers rescued by China CNA 21 Mar 2024 -- Taiwan's agency handling relations with China on Thursday expressed hope that the Chinese authorities will expedite the return of two anglers from Kinmen who they confirmed were rescued in waters off the Fujian coast.
• Taiwanese travelers urged to be cautious after HK passes tough security law CNA 21 Mar 2024 -- Taiwan's government on Thursday reminded Taiwanese people to keep their safety in mind when visiting Hong Kong after the Beijing-controlled Legislative Council passed a new national security law two days ago in the special administrative region (SAR).
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Mar. 21, 2024 ROC MND 21 Mar 2024
• Tensions Simmer Between South Korea and China as Seoul Pivots to Global Role VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- South Korea's increasingly outspoken stands on issues including Taiwan and the South China Sea are raising tensions between Beijing and Seoul.
• 100,000 North Koreans work abroad, earning US$500 million a year: UN Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2024 -- Around 100,000 North Koreans worked overseas in 2023, earning about US$500 million for North Korea, indicating that Pyongyang has the means to get around sanctions, a report by the U.N. Security Council's Panel of experts said.
• Chinese residents of North Korea worry about returning from China Radio Free Asia 21 Mar 2024 -- Chinese residents of North Korea who went to China during the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to return, but some are wondering if they should have stayed in China given all the restrictions on bringing things into the country, sources told Radio Free Asia.
• UN Fact-Finding Mission Seeks Extension, But Tehran's Allies Could Force Termination VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- U.N.-appointed international legal experts who investigated Iran's suppression of a women's rights movement that erupted in September 2022 are appealing for more time to do their work, but objections from Tehran's allies could terminate their mission next month.
• US opposes Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, trying to halt its construction: Official Press TV 21 Mar 2024 -- The US assistant secretary of State for South and Central Asia says the United States opposes the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.
• No Need for US Waiver to Build Gas Pipeline With Iran, Pakistan Says VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- Pakistan said Thursday that it does not need a waiver from U.S. sanctions to build its portion of a pipeline to import natural gas from Iran.
• European Nuclear Alliance Leader's declaration. Élysée - President of France 21 Mar 2024 -- United in diversity - A nuclear renaissance in Europe to pave the way to a climate-neutral, competitive and resilient European Union
• UN: Belarus Runs Campaign of Violence, Repression to Crush Dissent VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- A report by the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights accuses the government of Belarus of running a campaign of violence and repression to crush political dissent and maintain its grip on power.
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday, 21 March 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Mar 2024
• Cuba Faces More Protests as Food Shortages, Power Outages Continue VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- "Down with communism, down with Díaz-Canel," a Cuban woman chants defiantly.
• Delhi Chief Minister Arrested Over Alleged Liquor License Corruption VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of Delhi and a longtime anti-corruption advocate in India, was arrested Thursday by the country's financial crime agency, accused of accepting $12 million in bribes from liquor contractors when allocating liquor licenses.
• South Africa's ANC Pushes to Keep Zuma's Party Out of Elections VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- South Africa's governing party has gone to court to try stop a newly created rival party from contesting May elections.
• Launch of ISS-Bound Russian Rocket Aborted Moments Before Liftoff VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- The launch of a Russian Soyuz rocket with three people on board was aborted 20 seconds before its scheduled liftoff Thursday.
• European Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Mar 2024 -- Check against delivery!
• Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the meeting of the European Council of 21 March 2024 European Commission 21 Mar 2024
• EU Leaders Green-Light Opening Membership Talks With Bosnia RFE/RL 21 Mar 2024 -- EU leaders have agreed to open talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina on joining the bloc but said "hard work" lies ahead for the country to move forward on its membership application.
• EU Agrees to Open Membership Talks With Bosnia-Herzegovina VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- The European Union agreed Thursday to open membership negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina but noted that the talks were conditional on more reforms being made in the Balkan nation.
• Indonesia: Statement by the High Representative on the elections result European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Mar 2024 -- The European Union extends its congratulations to President-elect Prabowo Subianto, following yesterday's publication of the official results of February's elections. The EU also extends congratulations to the Vice-President-elect and all newly elected parliamentarians and acknowledges the efforts of the Indonesian election authorities in ensuring the free conduct of these elections.
• Sanctions on Nicaragua's Attorney General US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024 -- The United States is designating Nicaragua's Attorney General Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina for her role in supporting the ruthless oppression of peaceful opposition members in Nicaragua by President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo.
• Treasury Sanctions Nicaragua's Attorney General US Treasury 21 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina, Nicaragua's Attorney General,for being complicit in the Ortega-Murillo regime's oppression. Today's action, taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13851, as amended, targets a key actor in the Nicaraguan regime's unjust persecution of political prisoners and civil society within the country.
• Consensus Adoption of U.S.-Led Resolution on Artificial Intelligence by the United Nations General Assembly US Dept. of State 21 Mar 2024 -- With today's adoption in the UN General Assembly of the U.S.-led resolution on Artificial Intelligence (AI), UN Member States have spoken with one voice to define a global consensus on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems for advancing sustainable development.
• General Assembly adopts landmark resolution on artificial intelligence UN News 21 Mar 2024 -- The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a landmark resolution on the promotion of "safe, secure and trustworthy" artificial intelligence (AI) systems that will also benefit sustainable development for all.
• At UN, Nations Cooperate Toward Safe, Trustworthy AI Systems VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- The U.N. General Assembly adopted by consensus Thursday a first-of-its-kind resolution addressing the potential of artificial intelligence to accelerate progress toward sustainable development, while emphasizing the need for safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems.
• World News in Brief: Global trade rebound forecast, e-waste mountain grows, 7,000 preventable TB deaths in Europe during COVID-19 UN News 21 Mar 2024 -- After several quarters of decline, international trade is poised for a rebound during the rest of 2024, according to the latest Global Trade Update from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
• Experts See Central Asia Emboldened by Russia's Struggles in Ukraine VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- Two years ago, as Russia invaded Ukraine's heartland, Central Asian countries feared they would be next to feel the impact of President Vladimir Putin's revanchist obsession.
• Observers Concerned Over Purported Vietnamese Directive VOA 21 Mar 2024 -- Experts and activists are voicing concern over a purported internal Vietnamese Politburo directive, which they say could worsen already deteriorating human rights and the toll on the economy caused by increased scrutiny of foreign companies.