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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• March 22 Red Sea Update CENTCOM 22 Mar 2024 -- On March 22, between approximately 4:22 a.m. and 11:10 p.m. (Sanaa time), United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense.
• West Virginia Guard Fighting Wildfires From the Air Army News 22 Mar 2024 -- Two West Virginia National Guard UH60M and HH60M Black Hawk helicopters and personnel helped the West Virginia Division of Forestry and local government and emergency management officials battle large-scale wildfires in Hardy County March 22.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army awards Next Generation Squad Weapon ammunition facility construction contract US Army 22 Mar 2024 -- The U.S. Army awarded a contract on March 5 to Olin Winchester, the operating contractor of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, for construction of a facility to manufacture ammunition for the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon. This contract supports modernization activities at LCAAP, a key government-owned, contractor-operated Army ammunition plant in Independence, Missouri.
• Promising Experiment Signals Future Integration of Advanced Tech Into Army Units DoD News 22 Mar 2024 -- The Army is moving toward a future where soldier formations will be more efficient and lethal thanks to the integration of advanced technology both on the ground and in the air, according to the service's chief of staff.
• To Meet Security Challenges, DOD Makes Investments in Strategic Forces DoD News 22 Mar 2024 -- The Defense Department is making investments in strategic force capabilities in the fiscal 2025 budget in order to meet the security challenges posed by competitors, such as nuclear-capable China and Russia, as well as Iran and North Korea, a DOD official said.
• Pentagon Technology Officials Focus on Maintaining U.S. Edge DoD News 22 Mar 2024 -- The Pentagon's senior technology officials provided an update to Congress today on the Defense Department's steps to ensure warfighters maintain the information and technology edge into the future.
• NMCB 11 Seabees complete Norwegian Cold Weather Survival Course US Navy 22 Mar 2024 -- U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 completed a cold weather survival training course in the Harstad Municipality of Norway, Feb. 22, 2024.
• Lithuanian Soldiers Train Pennsylvania Guard on Weapon System Army News 22 Mar 2024 -- Soldiers from the Lithuanian Armed Forces recently trained Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers on the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor/Anti-Personnel Weapon System.
• CENTCOM chief says 'very concerned' about Iran-China-Russia alliance Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- The head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has expressed concerns about the growing alliance between Iran, China and Russia.
• President of the Republic decides on Finland's accession to NATO Status of Forces Agreement and Paris Protocol Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 22 Mar 2024 -- The President of the Republic of Finland approved the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and the Paris Protocol on 22 March 2024. The President of the Republic confirmed the acts for acceptance and bringing into force of the agreements as well as related amendments to certain national acts.
• Russia Reportedly Plans New Wave Of Military Mobilization RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- The Vyorstka Telegram channel on March 22 cited four sources close to the presidential office and Defense Ministry as saying that Moscow plans to soon announce a new wave of military mobilization that would seek to enlist up to 300,000 people to bolster its troops involved in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
• Pacific Fleet's submarine Volkhov launches Kalibr cruise missile at coastal target Russia MoD 22 Mar 2024 -- The Pacific Fleet's diesel-electric submarine Volkhov crew carried out the Kalibr cruise missile launch from the submerged position in accordance with the combat training plan in the Sea of Japan.
• FAB-3000: Russia Turns Deadly Dumb Bomb Into Standoff Smart Munition Sputnik 22 Mar 2024 -- Russia's military factories have begun churning out the FAB-3000 - a three-ton high-explosive aerial bomb with a 1,400 kg warhead. What will the development mean for the ongoing proxy war in Ukraine?
• Latvia supports Czech ammunition initiative for artillery shells to Ukraine Latvia MOD 22 Mar 2024 -- On Tuesday, March 19, at the meeting of the Ukrainian Defence Contact Group in Ramstein, Germany, the Defence Ministries of Latvia and the Czech Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of military-technical assistance to Ukraine, which provides for the purchase of large-caliber ammunition for Ukraine's needs.
• Drone jamming equipment handed over to Ukraine Lithuania MND 22 Mar 2024 -- Lithuania continues rendering incessant military assistance to Ukraine: on March 22 Ukraine received Lithuania's donation of drone jamming equipment.
• Head of State met with Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Defense of Denmark President of Ukraine 22 Mar 2024
• First Ukrainian pilots graduate from RAF flight training UK MOD 22 Mar 2024 -- The first Ukrainian pilots to have undergone intensive training under the guidance of Royal Air Force instructors have graduated from flight school.
• AUKUS build and sustainment partners announced Australia DOD 22 Mar 2024 -- The Albanese Government is ensuring local jobs and Australian industry are at the heart of our next generation submarines with the announcement today of Australia's Sovereign Submarine Build Partner and Sovereign Submarine Sustainment Partner.
• Australian industry and jobs front and centre of AUKUS submarines Australia DOD 22 Mar 2024 -- Today's announcement of Australia's sovereign submarine build and sustainment partners demonstrates the Albanese Government's focus on maximising Australian industry involvement and jobs in the build and sustainment of Australia's next generation conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
• Iran Armed Forces have achieved high defense, combat power: Cmdr. IRNA 22 Mar 2024 -- Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani says the Iranian Armed Forces have achieved high capabilities in defense, military equipment, and combat power.
• Iran's Armed Forces enjoy high combat, defense power: Navy chief Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- A high-ranking Iranian military commander says the Armed Forces of Iran have succeeded in developing high combat and defense power and acquiring state-of-the-art military equipment.
• Japan eyes dangerous trilateral partnership with US, Philippines to contain China in diplomacy paper Global Times 22 Mar 2024 -- In the annual Japanese foreign policy paper, details of which were revealed by Japanese media on Thursday, the country looks set to continue its hawkish tone toward China, while focusing more on boosting trilateral ties with the US and the Philippines in an attempt to contain China's peaceful development.
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker's Meeting with U.K. Director General for Security Policy Paul Wyatt DoD 22 Mar 2024
• "Each day we achieve yet another success in defense industry" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 22 Mar 2024 -- Addressing citizens in Çankırı, President Erdoğan said: "Each day we achieve yet another success in defense industry. While once we were unable to manufacture even pistols, today we have become capable of producing our own vessels, tanks, missiles and warplanes."
• Tobias Billström's speech in Berlin on European Security Government Offices of Sweden 22 Mar 2024 -- Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at Hertie School in Berlin, Germany, 21 March 2024.
• The Foreign Minister: membership of the EU and NATO is the best decision taken by Latvia since the establishment of the state Latvia MFA 22 Mar 2024 -- On 22 March 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is hosting a conference "Twenty years of Latvia's membership of the European Union and NATO".
• Vice Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Japan, and the US in Tokyo for the Inaugural Session of the Trilateral Vice Foreign Ministers Meeting Philippines DFA 22 Mar 2024 -- Undersecretary for Bilateral and ASEAN Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro joined her Japanese and US counterparts Vice Minister OKANO Masataka and Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Tokyo on 21 March 2024 for the inaugural Trilateral Meeting of Vice Ministers for Foreign Affairs.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President-elect Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia The White House 22 Mar 2024
• Joint Statement on the PSI Western Hemisphere 2024 Workshop and Tabletop Exercise US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Government of the Republic of Chile and the Government of the United States of America on the occasion of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Western Hemisphere 2024 Workshop and Tabletop Exercise.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 22 March 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Mar 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israeli army admits Al-Qassam commander in Gaza not arrested IRNA 22 Mar 2024 -- The Israeli army and the Shin Bet spy agency have jointly admitted in a statement that they made a mistake in announcing the arrest of Raed Saad, the commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades unit in Gaza.
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 22 Mar 2024
• Mar. 21: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 22 Mar 2024/li>
• Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza nears 32,000: ministry People's Daily 22 Mar 2024 -- The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 31,988, the Hamas-run Ministry of Health in Gaza announced Thursday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #93 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 19 - 20 March 2024, is valid as of 20 March 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 22 Mar 2024
• Security Council Fails to Adopt Resolution on Imperative of Immediate, Sustained Ceasefire in Gaza, Owing to Vetoes Cast by China, Russian Federation UN Security Council 22 Mar 2024 -- The Security Council today failed to adopt a resolution that would have determined the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza due to a veto cast by two permanent members of the Council — China and the Russian Federation — while some speakers criticized the text for being ambiguous and lacking attribution to the Israeli authorities in several key areas.
• At UN, Russia and China Veto US Effort at Gaza Cease-Fire VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- The U.N. Security Council failed again Friday to demand a Gaza cease-fire after Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution supporting a halt to the fighting.
• Russia and China veto US resolution stating imperative of 'immediate and sustained ceasefire' in Gaza UN News 22 Mar 2024 -- A draft resolution tabled by the United States was vetoed in the UN Security Council on Friday by China and Russia.
• Gaza: UN aid team reaches stricken north, confirms 'shocking' disease and hunger UN News 22 Mar 2024 -- Amid reports of ongoing bombardment across Gaza on Friday, UN humanitarians highlighted "shocking levels of disease and hunger" after visiting an overwhelmed hospital in the north of the enclave.
• UN Security Council rejects US draft resolution for Gaza IRNA 22 Mar 2024 -- The UN Security Council has rejected a draft resolution by the United States for Gaza, noting the need for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire that would allow humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave.
• Russia, China veto US-drafted UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- Russia and China have vetoed a US-drafted resolution calling for, but not directly demanding, a ceasefire in the Israeli campaign of death and destruction in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli President Herzog US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli War Cabinet US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2024
• Israel caught in 'Gaza quagmire', Netanyahu at 'end of line': Iran FM Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- The Iranian foreign minister says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has led the regime into a quagmire in the Gaza Strip and now he has reached "the end of the line".
• EU Leaders to Urge 'Sustainable Gaza Ceasefire' in Brussels Summit Conclusions, Borrell Says Sputnik 22 Mar 2024 -- EU leaders will demand a "sustainable ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip in official statement on the results of the European Council's summit in Brussels, moving forward from just humanitarian pauses called for previously, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday.
• EU leaders call for 'immediate humanitarian pause' in Gaza Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- Twenty-seven leaders of the European Union have called for an "immediate humanitarian pause" in the Gaza Strip leading to a sustainable ceasefire.
• Finland continues funding UNRWA— funds directed to prevention of misconduct Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 22 Mar 2024 -- Finland's support for the UNRWA is EUR 5 million annually. Ten per cent of the support will be directed for strengthening the organisation's oversight activities.
• QA-7, 22 March 2024, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Öncü Keçeli in Response to a Question Regarding a Social Media Message Posted by the Israeli Foreign Minister Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Mar 2024
• We voted yes on the need for an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians in Gaza: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Mar 2024 -- Explanation of Vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• Egyptian, U.S. FMs call for ceasefire in Gaza People's Daily 22 Mar 2024 -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday called for a peace agreement between Hamas and Israel in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
• Seven soldiers injured in clashes as Israel raids West Bank with helicopters Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- Seven Israeli soldiers have been injured in armed clashes with a Palestinian resistance fighter west of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.
• 'No Hamas member among people arrested at Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital' IRNA 22 Mar 2024 -- A Hamas security official has dismissed the Israeli regime's allegations that tens of members of the Palestinian resistance movement have been arrested during the ongoing attack and siege of the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
• Hamas: Israel's claim of arresting resistance commanders 'psychological warfare' Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- A security official of the Hamas resistance group has rejected Israel's latest claim of capturing Palestinian resistance commanders during a deadly raid on the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.
• Houthi: Yemen plans more 'effective' strikes in solidarity with Gaza Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- The leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has vowed more "effective" retaliatory strikes in support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip who are subjected to genocide by Israel and the US.

Other Conflicts

• US military ramps up activities in S.China Sea, risking conflicts: report Global Times 22 Mar 2024 -- The US continued to strengthen its military activities on China's doorstep in the South China Sea and surrounding areas in 2023, including deploying aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and bombers, holding intensified close-in reconnaissance operations, and holding joint exercises, which posed growing risks to China-US relations, according to a newly released think tank report.
• Tension rises between Beijing and Manila over disputed reefs Radio Free Asia 22 Mar 2024 -- China has protested against a marine research expedition launched by Filipino scientists in Sandy Cay, a group of rocks seen as strategically important for both countries within the Spratly islands in the South China Sea.
• Security Council Press Statement on Afghanistan UN Security Council 22 Mar 2024 -- The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Yamazaki Kazuyuki (Japan):
• The Azadi Briefing: Deadly Bombing In Taliban's De Facto Capital Deals A Blow To Militants RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024
• Pakistan Threatens To Close Vital Afghan Trade Corridor With India RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- Amid escalating tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, Pakistan's defense minister has warned Afghanistan's Taliban rulers that his country could block a corridor it provides to allow trade with India.
• Pakistan Strongly Condemns the Terrorist Attack in Kandahar Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Mar 2024 -- Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Kandahar on 21 March 2024 and resulted in the loss of valuable lives and injuries to many others.
• Airstrikes and shelling have killed 70 civilians in Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 22 Mar 2024 -- More than 70 civilians were killed in seven western Myanmar townships during the first three weeks of March as the junta sent airstrikes and artillery fire into communities where it recently lost control, local residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Junta troops flee flighting into Thailand from Myanmar's Kayin state Radio Free Asia 22 Mar 2024 -- Two groups of junta soldiers crossed into Thailand from Myanmar's Kayin state this week to escape fighting with ethnic Karen rebels, several sources told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• Myanmar junta returns bodies of Rohingya conscripts to families Radio Free Asia 22 Mar 2024 -- The bodies of seven conscripts forced to join Myanmar's junta army were returned to their families, residents told Radio Free Asia on Friday. The recruits were members of the Rohingya community, which has been frequently persecuted by the military for its heritage and Islamic faith.
• Gangs Gain Ground in Haiti's Capital as Transitional Government Falters VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- As Haiti's transitional government struggles to take shape, the island nation's powerful gangs have continued to make advances in the capital Port-au-Prince, a United Nations official said Thursday.
• How is the UN supporting Haiti's struggle to overcome violence and instability? UN News 22 Mar 2024 -- Haiti is in the grip of widespread gang violence, the country's institutions are on the verge of collapse and its citizens are facing a daily fight for survival. Yet, in the midst of this catastrophic security and humanitarian crisis, the UN continues to provide critical assistance to the beleaguered population.
• Gangs advance in Haitian capital as talks to form interim government drag on Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- Gangs in Haiti have made advances in Port-au-Prince, worsening conditions in the capital as talks drag on to form a transition government in the troubled Caribbean nation.
• New IPC data confirms record levels of hunger in Haiti WFP 22 Mar 2024 -- Amid a deepening security crisis, hunger has reached unprecedented levels in Haiti, a new assessment reveals. Nearly five million people - almost half of the country's population - is now facing acute food insecurity and struggling to feed themselves, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released today.
• Explosion injures four children in Minova, UNICEF fears massive rise in displacement in eastern DR Congo will expose children to increased violence UNICEF 22 Mar 2024 -- A major upsurge in violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that has seen at least 400,000 people displaced in North Kivu since the beginning of the year risks exposing children to further violence unless their protection can be reinforced.
• DR Congo Facing Alarming Levels of Violence, Hunger, Poverty, Disease VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- The World Health Organization warns that hunger, poverty, malnutrition, and disease have reached alarming levels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in the east, where a resurgence of fighting between armed groups and government forces has uprooted millions of people from their homes.
• DRC's hunger crisis deepens as families once again flee fighting WFP 22 Mar 2024 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo's conflict-driven hunger crisis is worsening as violence in the eastern provinces surges, forcing families to flee again. While more and more people arrive in already overcrowded camps, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is struggling to feed those most in need, because humanitarian funding fails to keep pace.

News Reports

• Deputy Secretary Adeyemo Announces New Treasury Sanctions Against Sinaloa Cartel Fentanyl Network US Treasury 22 Mar 2024 -- Today, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo announced, alongside local leaders and law enforcement in Arizona, that the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned operatives in a Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE) scheme to launder millions in illicit fentanyl proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel.
• The President is being informed on the developments at the Crocus City Hall and measures being taken in this regard President of Russia 22 Mar 2024
• Islamic State Group Claims Attack on Moscow Concert Hall; 60 Dead VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- Assailants opened fire at a large concert hall in Moscow on Friday, killing more than 60 people, injuring more than 100 others, and setting fire to the venue.
• Dozens Dead After Gunmen Storm Moscow Concert Hall; Islamic State Claims Responsibility RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- Camouflage-clad gunmen killed at least 62 people and injured scores of others when they opened fire at a crowded concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow in an attack quickly condemned around the world as an act of terrorism.
• 60 Russians killed, 150 injured in Moscow terrorist attack; Iran condemns Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- A terrorist attack at a concert hall in a Moscow suburb has left dozens of Russians dead and injured. Iran and several other countries have condemned the deadly incident.
• 40 people killed, over 140 wounded in terror attack in Moscow IRNA 22 Mar 2024 -- At least 40 0eople have been killed and 140 wounded according to unofficial reports in the worst terror attack in Russia in years, as gunmen in combat fatigues opened fire and detonated explosives in a big concert hall in Moscow.
• Ukraine Denies Role In Deadly Attack On Russian Concert Venue RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- A senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late on March 22 that Kyiv was not involved in the attack on a Moscow-area concert hall the same evening that left dozens dead and many more injured after gunmen stormed in and fired at concertgoers.
• Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council President of Russia 22 Mar 2024 -- The President held a briefing with permanent members of the Security Council via videoconference.
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question about the results of the EU summit held on March 21-22 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Mar 2024
• Foreign Ministry statement on the introduction of personal sanctions against Canadian citizens Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Mar 2024
• Western banks warn of consequences if EU seizes Russian assets Press TV 22 Mar 2024 -- Several Western banks are actively opposing the EU's plans to appropriate billions of euros in interest accrued from frozen Russian assets, Reuters news agency has reported.
• UK and others invoke Vienna Mechanism on political prisoners in Russia: Joint Statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 22 Mar 2024 -- UK and 40 other countries invoke the OSCE Vienna Mechanism in respect of serious human rights concerns including arbitrary detention and political repression as well as torture and mistreatment of prisoners.
• President Putin is creating a Russia that is geared for constant war: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Mar 2024 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Thomas Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.
• Death of Alexei Navalny: EU sanctions 33 individuals and two entities under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime EC/CEU 22 Mar 2024 -- Today, the Council decided to impose restrictive measures against 33 persons and two entities linked to the sudden death in a strict penal colony of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. This decision was taken in the framework of the European Union's Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
• EU Sanctions Russian Officials, Prison Guards Over Navalny's Death RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- The European Union has sanctioned dozens of Russian officials and two correctional colonies over the death last month in prison of opposition politician and outspoken Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny.
• The Week In Russia: The 87 Percent Solution RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- Putin claims a landslide victory in what a monitoring group calls Russia's "dirtiest, most falsified" election ever. The predictable vote was dominated by the death of the Kremlin's biggest foe, Aleksei Navalny, and the defiance of the citizens who turned out to mourn him.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on March 22, 2024 PRC MofA 22 Mar 2024
• Hong Kong's New National Security Law US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2024 -- "The United States expresses deep concern over Hong Kong authorities' enactment of national security legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. "
• Commissioner's Office of China's FM in HK refutes WSJ editorial, calling it double standards Global Times 22 Mar 2024 -- Since the public consultation period for the Article 23 legislation of the Basic Law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the central government's authorities on Hong Kong affairs, the HKSAR government and some local lawmakers have been tirelessly refuting the smears and attacks on the law by the US-led Western media. In a fresh blowback, the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR refuted an editorial of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), saying that labeling the new law as "sweeping" and "conveniently vague" is downright double standards.
• HKSAR CE John Lee signs Safeguarding National Security Ordinance Global Times 22 Mar 2024 -- HongKong SAR Chief Executive John Lee has signed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance passed by the Legislative Council, which will take effect on March 23. It signifies that the HKSAR has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility as stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law to enact local legislation to safeguard national security, and accomplished a historic mission, living up to the trust placed in the HKSAR by the central authorities and the country, Lee said.
• Victor Li 'prays' Hong Kong can keep global financial center status Radio Free Asia 22 Mar 2024 -- Victor Li, chairman of Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Holdings, says he "prays" that the city will not lose its international financial center status, as the international backlash mounts with the passing of the more expansive second national security law this week.
• Article 23 legislation to create stable, prosperous future for Hong Kong: official People's Daily 22 Mar 2024 -- Article 23 legislation will bring about a stable and prosperous future for Hong Kong, Cheung Kwok-kwan, deputy secretary for justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said on Wednesday.
• TikTok classified in Taiwan as national security threat: Minister CNA 22 Mar 2024 -- The social media platform TikTok, which is owned by a China-based company, has been deemed as a dangerous product in Taiwan, according to Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang (唐鳳).
• 1 Taiwanese held, 1 released by China after rescued at sea: Lawmaker CNA 22 Mar 2024 -- One of the two anglers from Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Island continues to be held by Chinese authorities after the pair went astray during a fishing trip and were rescued by Chinese coast guard earlier this week, opposition Kuomintang Legislator Jessica Chen (陳玉珍) said Friday.
• Eswatini PM's Taiwan visit a grave provocation to one-China principle and China's sovereignty: Chinese FM Global Times 22 Mar 2024 -- We have noticed that the recent visit to Taiwan made by Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, which is a grave provocation to the one-China principle and China's sovereignty, China is firmly opposed to this behavior, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Friday.
• Taiwan Faces Sovereignty Dilemma in South China Sea Amid Chinese Pressure VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- Taiwan has been grappling with debates over the last week about a potential visit to an island in the disputed South China Sea by its outgoing president.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Mar. 22, 2024 ROC MND 22 Mar 2024
• High level North Korean delegation visits China Radio Free Asia 22 Mar 2024 -- A North Korean diplomatic delegation is in China for talks on strengthening cooperation, marking the highest-ranking official talks between the two nations since Pyongyang lifted COVID-19 lockdown.
• Sanctions turned into strong point for Iran nuclear industry: AEOI official IRNA 22 Mar 2024 -- The spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Behrouz Kamalvandi, has said that Western-imposed sanctions against the Islamic Republic have turned into a strong point for the country and its nuclear industry.
• Iran Among Countries Facing High Water Scarcity VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- The United Nations said in its yearly report on water access that the world is "facing a water crisis" and listed Iran as one of the countries experiencing "extremely high water stress."
• Critics Complain of Harassment After India Revokes Visa Privileges VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- Dozens of Indian-origin academics, journalists and others say they have been denied the right to visit India because of their criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Hindu nationalist government.
• Arrest of Delhi chief minister triggers protests ahead of India's elections People's Daily 22 Mar 2024 -- Workers and supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), or Common Man Party, on Friday protested against arrest of its chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his alleged role in the controversial Excise Policy Scam in 2021.
• Arrest of Modi Political Rival Slammed by Opposition VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- In India, the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has triggered an outcry from opposition parties that accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of targeting the opposition weeks before the country heads into a national election.
• To Some In Belgrade, Serbia Risks Loss Of 'Crown Jewel' In Kushner Deal RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- Serbs in Belgrade and close followers of their memorialization of the Balkan wars of the 1990s are responding coolly to word that Serbian officials are surprisingly advanced in talks for Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to redevelop one of the most recognizable symbols of Western military might targeting Serbs.
• Ex-Prime Minister Of Bosniak-Croat Federation Begins Jail Term RFE/RL 22 Mar 2024 -- Fadil Novalic, the former prime minister of the Bosniak-Croat federation, one of Bosnia's two entities, has started serving a four-year prison sentence for corruption in a case regarding the purchase and importing of Chinese ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Unjustified Arrests of Venezuelan Democratic Opposition US Dept. of State 22 Mar 2024 -- The decision by Maduro and his representatives to detain two members of the leading opposition candidate's campaign and issue warrants for seven others represents a disturbing escalation of repression against Venezuela's opposition parties.
• World News in Brief: Sex trafficking and child recruitment in Sudan, new mass grave in Libya, children at risk in DR Congo UN News 22 Mar 2024 -- Independent UN human rights experts on Friday expressed alarm over increased reports of sexual slavery and trafficking in Sudan, especially of women and girls.
• Uganda's Museveni Appoints Son as Military Chief VOA 22 Mar 2024 -- Just hours after Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, made minor changes to his cabinet, he also appointed his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to be head of the military. Analysts say the appointment puts Museveni's son in line to be president - but only if Museveni, in power for nearly four decades, is unable to continue.