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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US troops begin construction of controversial pier off Gaza Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- The US military has started the construction of a controversial maritime pier off the coast of Gaza, claiming that it seeks to bring aid into the besieged strip.
• Royal Navy ship joins international effort to build pier for aid delivery into Gaza by sea UK MOD 26 Apr 2024 -- RFA Cardigan Bay will support the US military as it builds a new temporary pier to deliver aid directly into Gaza
• April 25 Red Sea Update CENTCOM 26 Apr 2024 -- At 9:52 a.m. (Sanaa time) on April 25, one anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) was launched from Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.
• Yemeni armed forces strike British oil tanker, shoot down US MQ-9 drone Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces says it has carried out new operations against American and British targets in retaliation for their aggression on the country.
• US & UK Reduced Naval Presence in Red Sea - Houthi Leader Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- The United States and the United Kingdom have scaled down their naval presence in the Red Sea despite lack of abatement in the intensity of attacks carried out by Yemen's Houthis rebels on Israeli-linked ships, the rebel movement's leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, said on Thursday.
• Royal Navy warship shoots down Houthi missile UK MOD 26 Apr 2024 -- HMS Diamond has shot down a missile fired by the Iranian-backed Houthis from Yemen.
• US to Reposition Some Troops From Chad as Part of Cooperation Review - Pentagon Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is planning to reposition some of its forces from Chad as part of an ongoing review of security cooperation with the country, Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder said on Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• IKE Carrier Strike Group Arrives in the Eastern Mediterranean US Navy 26 Apr 2024 -- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean while on a pre-announced Department of Defense deployment, April 26.
• US Army's 5-4 ADAR lights up the sky in DEFENDER 24 NATO Exercise - Saber Strike Army News 26 Apr 2024 -- In a display of precision and coordination, the 5-4 Air Defense Artillery Regiment (ADAR) and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment participated in a combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX) during Saber Strike 2024 at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, April 8 - 30.
• Saber Strike: An Exercise in Foundational Partnership Army News 26 Apr 2024 -- Saber Strike 24, a multilateral NATO exercise spanning nearly one month, demonstrated the capability and interoperability of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), V Corps, and NATO Allied forces through increasingly complex training events. The exercise ends as participants and equipment begin the long journey home with more experience, knowledge, and more than a few international patches traded between them.
• U.S. military, diplomatic leaders in Europe gather to discuss regional security EUCOM 26 Apr 2024 -- U.S. European Command hosted its annual Chiefs of Mission conference at the command's headquarters April 25-26 to discuss unified support to U.S. foreign policy and national security efforts in Europe.
• US, France to Send Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carriers to Souda Base in Greece - Reports Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- The United States and France are expected to deploy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers at the Souda naval base located on the Greek island of Crete in the next few days, Greek media reported on Friday.
• NATO Secretary General in Berlin: Germany makes major contributions to our shared security NATO 26 Apr 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Friday (26 April 2024), thanking him for Germany's leading role in NATO and its support to Ukraine. "Germany makes major contributions to our shared security," said Mr Stoltenberg.
• Russian Defence Minister meets with Chinese Defence Minister Russia MoD 26 Apr 2024 -- Moscow-Beijing military interaction, joint operational and combat training of the servicemen of the two countries make a significant contribution to the maintenance of global and regional stability according to Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
• Russian and Kyrgyzstan's defence ministers sign agreements on information exchange and cooperation in field of nuclear, biological and chemical protection in Astana Russia MoD 26 Apr 2024 -- Russian and Kyrgyzstan defence ministers Sergei Shoigu and Baktybak Bekbolotov signed two interdepartmental agreements on information exchange and cooperation in detecting and assessing the radiological, chemical and biological situation during the Astana meeting.
• Head of Russian Defence Ministry addresses defence ministers meeting of the SCO defence ministers in Astana Russia MoD 26 Apr 2024
• Russia Never Threatened NATO, Has No Interests in Attacking Member States - Shoigu Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- Russia has never threatened NATO and has neither geopolitical nor military interests to attack the states of the alliance, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Air Force General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hold A News Conference Following Virtual Meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group DoD 26 Apr 2024
• Biden Administration Announces Historic New Security Assistance Package for Ukraine DoD 26 Apr 2024 -- Today, as we commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group led by Secretary Austin, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced a historic new security assistance package to address Ukraine's ongoing battlefield needs and demonstrate unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine. This package, provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) using funding appropriated by the national security supplemental which the President just signed into law, includes equipment to augment Ukraine's air defenses, fires, and artillery, and to sustain capabilities previously committed by the United States.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Opening of the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 26 Apr 2024
• 2-Year Anniversary of Ukraine Defense Contact Group Comes With Billions in New Aid DoD News 26 Apr 2024 -- At the conclusion of the 21st meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said the $95 billion security supplemental bill signed into law Wednesday is already providing benefit to Ukraine, which has for two years now been fighting off an illegal invasion by Russia.
• US defense secretary announces $6 billion aid package for Ukraine VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Friday a military aid package for Ukraine valued at up to $6 billion that will allow the U.S. to help build up Ukraine's defense industry. Austin said the U.S. would send the anticipated aid "as soon as possible."
• U.S. Announces $6 Billion Aid Package Including Patriot Air-Defense Missiles RFE/RL 26 Apr 2024 -- The United States will provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles for its air-defense systems as part of a massive $6 billion additional aid package, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on April 26 after a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
• US Military Leaders Decline to Comment on Reports Kiev Moved Abrams Tanks From Frontlines Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Charles Brown on Friday declined to comment on reports that the Ukrainian armed forces moved Abrams tanks from the frontlines due to threats from Russian drones.
• New US $6Bln Aid for Ukraine Includes Munitions for NASAMS, Patriot, HIMARS Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- The United States' newly announced $6 billion security package for Ukraine includes additional munitions for NASAMS, Patriot, and HIMARS systems, the Pentagon said Friday in a release.
• US Cluster Munition Coalition Slams US Decision to Transfer New Batch of Munitions to Ukraine Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- The US Cluster Munition Coalition said it was shocked by Washington's decision to transfer its cluster munitions to Ukraine for the fifth time, citing the long-term humanitarian consequences such weapons could have.
• Minister Blair announces additional military assistance for Ukraine at the 21st meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Canada 26 Apr 2024 -- Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, hosted by United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The meeting was held virtually on the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and brought together representatives from more than 50 countries.
• China Hopes US Will Stop Deploying Mid-Range Missiles in Asia-Pacific Region - Wang Yi Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- China hopes that the United States will stop deploying intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.
• China firmly opposes recent U.S.-Japan-Philippines joint statement: defense spokesperson People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday said a recent joint statement issued by Japan, the Philippines, and the United States disregards facts, confuses right with wrong, and makes groundless accusations against China.
• China, North Korea denounce Japan's involvement with AUKUS Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- China has expressed "grave concern" about the possibility of Japan joining the AUKUS security pact, saying it would undermine peace and stability in the region and the world.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Watches Test-fire of 240 mm Shell of Multiple Rocket Launcher KCNA 26 Apr 2024 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, watched the evaluation test-fire of 240 mm shell of a multiple rocket launcher produced at a newly established national defence industrial enterprise under the Second Economy Commission on April 25.
• Targeting threats in the wider frontiers Australia DOD 26 Apr 2024 -- The ADF's space and cyber capabilities will be bolstered by up to $32 billion in the coming decade under the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
• Undersea robots set to patrol and protect Australia DOD 26 Apr 2024 -- Navy is on course to acquire the most advanced undersea autonomous vehicles in the world.
• Guardian a blessing in the skies Australia DOD 26 Apr 2024 -- Australia's watchful 'guardian-from-above', the E-7A Wedgetail, has returned home after providing critical early-warning protection for the military and humanitarian logistic hubs supporting Ukraine.
• Albanese Government delivers jobs boost in supporting naval capability Australia DOD 26 Apr 2024 -- The Albanese Government is supporting almost 300 Australian industry jobs as part of a $130 million contract for the sustainment of naval capabilities critical to securing Australia's sea lines of communication and maritime trade.
• How Russian Nuclear Umbrella Shields Belarus From NATO and Minions Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- Minsk is concerned about emerging security threats while Belarus' new military doctrine describes the deployment of Russian nuclear weapons as key to strategic deterrence amid growing geopolitical instability.
• Belarus Opposes NATO Expansion, Ready for Pragmatic Dialogue - Military Doctrine Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- Belarus stands against NATO expansion and the militarization of the alliance's member states, but Minsk is ready for a pragmatic dialogue, the country's revised military doctrine said.
• Indian Air Force ushers in Digital Transformation with DigiLocker Integration India PIB 26 Apr 2024 -- Indian Air Force (IAF) embarked on a transformative digital journey by integrating with the DigiLocker platform, a flagship initiative under the Digital India programme, here on April 26, 2024.
• Iran, Russia need to boost defense cooperation to improve regional security: Minister Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani says Iran and Russia should promote defense and military cooperation to improve regional security and stability.
• Iran, China discuss military cooperation; Beijing backs Tehran's 'legitimate' strikes against Israel Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- Iran and China's defense chiefs discussed ways to enhance military cooperation, also conferring on regional issues.
• China describes Iran as 'strategic partner' in West Asia Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- China's special envoy to the Middle East says Iran is a "special partner" of Beijing in West Asia, appreciating Tehran's measures in the region.
• The Lithuanian and Polish Presidents observed a joint military brigade-level exercise President of the Republic of Lithuania 26 Apr 2024 -- On Friday morning, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with Polish President Andrzej Duda, observed the international brigade-level tactical exercise Brave Griffin 24-II of Lithuanian and Polish troops.
• Swedish Defence Commission submits final report on military defence: Strengthened defence capability, Sweden as an Ally Government Offices of Sweden 26 Apr 2024 -- On Friday, 26 April 2024, the Swedish Defence Commission submitted its final report on the development of the military defence, Strengthened defence capability, Sweden as an Ally, to Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Steve Inskeep of NPR US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 26, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News



Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel Has Timeline for Rafah Operation, Will Not Allow Hamas to 'Drag Its Feet' - Reports Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- Israel has a clear timeline for carrying out an operation in the Gaza Strip's southernmost city of Rafah and it will not allow Palestinian movement Hamas to conduct "another round of pointless talks for the purpose of fraud," the Axios news portal reported on Friday, citing senior Israeli officials.
• Israeli military says preparations for ground operation in Rafah completed People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi informed Israel's wartime cabinet on Thursday that the army had completed preparations for a ground attack on Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, state-owned Kan radio reported.
• April 25: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 26 Apr 2024
• Israeli attack on relief team in Gaza leaves eight aid workers martyred: Report IRNA 26 Apr 2024 -- An Israeli strike against the relief team in Gaza has left eight aid workers martyred, media outlets have reported.
• Israel Has Carried Out Deadly Strikes in Gaza That It Marked as Safe Zones - Reports Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- Israel has carried out deadly strikes in areas of Gaza that it marked as safe zones for Palestinian civilians, NBC News reported, citing an investigation it conducted on this matter.
• Gaza's unexploded ordnance could take 14 years to clear UN News 26 Apr 2024 -- Making Gaza safe again from unexploded bombs could take 14 years, UN demining experts said on Friday.
• UN updates on probe into allegations of staff collusion during 7 October attacks UN News 26 Apr 2024 -- A UN office investigating Israeli accusations that 12 staff members from UN Palestine relief agency UNRWA were involved in the 7 October Hamas-led attacks has closed one of the cases because Israel had not provided any supporting evidence, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Friday.
• UNRWA Situation Report #104 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 22-24 April 2024, is valid as of 24 April 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 26 Apr 2024
• It could take 14 years to remove debris left by Israel war on Gaza: UN Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- A United Nations official says Israel's genocidal war on Gaza has left dozens of tons of rubble, including unexploded ordnance, which could take nearly 14 years to remove.
• US review of Israeli military units over alleged rights violation in West Bank is 'ongoing' VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- A U.S. review will decide whether certain Israeli military units violated the human rights of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank before the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel, making them ineligible to receive U.S. military assistance.
• Blinken criticizes protesting students' 'silence' on Hamas VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- As student protests against Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza continue at more than three dozen American universities, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the demonstrations were "a hallmark" of American democracy. At the same time, he criticized the students for their "silence" on Hamas.
• US Will Not Sanction IDF Units Despite Human Rights Violations - Reports Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- The Biden administration has decided against cutting off military aid for three military battalions with the Israel Defense Forces, despite determining that they committed "gross human rights violations" against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, ABC News reported on Friday.
• Iran urges Security Council to address 'belligerent' Israeli atrocities in Gaza, region Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- Iran's permanent ambassador to the United Nations has denounced Israel's destabilizing activities in West Asia, urging the UN Security Council to hold the Israeli regime accountable for its atrocities in Gaza and elsewhere.
• EU steps up humanitarian assistance for Palestinians European Commission 26 Apr 2024 -- In light of the continued deterioration of the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the steady rise of needs on the ground, the Commission is stepping up its funding to support Palestinians affected by the ongoing war.
• "We will continue to stand by Palestine with all means at our disposal" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 26 Apr 2024 -- Addressing the 5th Conference of the League of Parliamentarians for Al-Quds, President Erdoğan said: "We should endeavor together to make sure the tragedy of our Gazan brothers and sisters is not put on the back burner. As Türkiye, we will continue to stand by Gaza and Palestine with all means at our disposal."
• No: 72, 26 April 2024, Regarding the Social Media Message Posted by the Israeli Foreign Minister Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Apr 2024
• Palestinian presidency holds U.S. responsible for possible Rafah attack People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- The Palestinian presidency said the U.S. administration should be held responsible for any potential Israeli attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
• Two commanders of Lebanon's Islamic group martyred in Zionist army attack IRNA 26 Apr 2024 -- News sources announced on Friday night that two commanders of the Lebanese Jamaat-e-Islami were martyred in an attack by the Zionist regime.
• 30 rockets fired from southern Lebanon to northern occupied Golan IRNA 26 Apr 2024 -- The Zionist regime announced on Friday night that about 30 rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards the northern areas of the occupied Golan.
• Hezbollah strikes Israeli military positions near border with rockets, drones Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have conducted a series of operations, targeting several Israeli military positions in the northern part of the 1948 occupied territories with various munitions, including explosive-laden combat drones.

Other Conflicts

• Scarborough Shoal was a refuge for Filipino fishermen. Then Chinese boats moved in Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- One day in early April 2012, a Philippine naval surveillance plane spotted eight Chinese fishing boats inside Scarborough Shoal, a triangular chain of reefs around 125 nautical miles (232 kilometers) from Luzon, the Philippines' main island.
• The Azadi Briefing: Afghans Protest Taliban's Decision To Abolish Pension System RFE/RL 26 Apr 2024
• Pakistan extends registered Afghan refugees' stay VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- Pakistan's decision earlier this week to extend the term of a key document that allows Afghans to live in the country legally has created some breathing room for refugees who fear they would be sent back to Afghanistan.
• Condemning the Attacks on Civilians and Energy Infrastructure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2024
• UNICEF commends the Government of Tajikistan on the repatriation of 47 children and women from Syria UNICEF 26 Apr 2024 -- "UNICEF welcomes the repatriation of 32 children and 15 women from Syria on 25 April.
• Myanmar closes border checkpoint amidst conflict Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- Myanmar shut a main border crossing with Thailand early on Friday as junta forces carried out airstrikes in nearby areas, Thai officials and residents of the area told Radio Free Asia.
• Myanmar junta attack on hospital kills 4, many injured Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- A Myanmar junta airstrike on a hospital in the west of the country has killed four people, including patients and staff, and wounded 15, a rebel group told Radio Free Asia on Friday.
• Sudan: Civilians trapped in El Fasher as UN warns of imminent attack UN News 26 Apr 2024 -- Escalating violence in Sudan's North Darfur state has left dozens dead and people trapped in El Fasher city, which is home to around 800,000 people, many displaced due to fighting.
• UN warns of fighting around major Darfur city VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations says Sudan's warring parties appear headed toward major clashes in the northern Darfur city of El Fasher, home to 2 million people and about a half-million internally displaced.
• Calls grow for proof of whereabouts of Tibet's missing Panchen Lama Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- Global leaders joined Tibetans across the world this week to mark the 35th birthday of a revered Tibetan religious leader taken into custody 29 years ago and missing ever since.
• The story of one of Buddhism's most revered figures, long missing, explained Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- The young boy who was abducted as a 6-year-old turned 35 this week.
• Burkina Faso: UN rights office deeply alarmed at reported killing of 220 villagers UN News 26 Apr 2024 -- The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday raised alarm over the situation in northern Burkina Faso, where several hundred civilians, including children, were reportedly killed amidst fighting between security forces and armed groups.

News Reports

• Alleged Chinese spy 'held key roles' in overseas democracy groups Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- A European parliamentary aide arrested in Germany for spying for China was a familiar presence in the overseas pro-democracy movement, had visited the Dalai Lama, and was well-placed to convey sensitive information back to Beijing, activists told Radio Free Asia in recent interviews.
• British officials charge 2 with spying for China VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- British officials formally charged two men Friday with spying on behalf of China in the latest in a series of European arrests of suspected Chinese intelligence agents.
• Department of Commerce Restricts Export of All Firearms to Non-Government Entities in High-Risk Countries US Dept. of Commerce 26 Apr 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released an interim final rule (IFR) amending the Department's licensing policy for exports of firearms, ammunition, and related components under its jurisdiction. The changes being announced are intended to reduce the risk of legally exported firearms and related items being diverted or misused to fuel regional instability, drug trafficking, human rights violations, political violence, and other activities that undermine U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
• Hacker Group Claims It Penetrated Belarusian KGB Network RFE/RL 26 Apr 2024 -- A group known as Cyberpartisans claims it has infiltrated the network of Belarus's main security agency and accessed the personnel files of thousands of employees.
• 'Just in case' antibiotics widely overused during COVID-19, says UN health agency UN News 26 Apr 2024 -- Antibiotics saw "extensive overuse" globally among hospitalised COVID-19 patients during the pandemic without improving clinical outcomes, while also potentially increasing the already serious and growing threat of antimicrobial resistance from "superbugs", the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
• WHO reports widespread overuse of antibiotics in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 WHO 26 Apr 2024
• Meeting with St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov President of Russia 26 Apr 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Apr 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions during a joint news conference following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Celinda Sosa Lunda, Moscow, April 26, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Apr 2024
• Russia, Europe Will Not Be Able to Build Relations as Before - Kremlin Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- Russia and Europe will no longer be able to build relations as before, and Moscow will take into account the existing experience, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
• After Historic Floods, Some In Southern Russia Now Living In Tents RFE/RL 26 Apr 2024 -- Over 48 hours on April 17-18, the village of Malye Yarki in Russia's southern Tyumen region was inundated after the Ishim River burst its banks amid widespread flooding that hit several regions of southern Russia and northern Kazakhstan.
• Another Tajik Detained In Russia Connection With Crocus Attack RFE/RL 26 Apr 2024 -- Russian authorities have reportedly arrested another Tajik national in connection with the March 22 terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow that left 144 people dead and hundreds more injured.
• United Nations Has No Added Details on Nord Stream Explosions, Security Council Hears, as Members Underscore Need to Protect Critical Infrastructure UN Security Council 26 Apr 2024 -- Nineteen months on, the United Nations is not in a position to verify claims or reports made regarding attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea, two senior officials told the Security Council today, as many delegates — while condemning attacks against civilian infrastructure and calling for accountability — cautioned that any politicization or speculation on this case is detrimental to revealing the truth.
• Forbes Russia journalist detained for criticizing military, lawyer says VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- A journalist with the Russian edition of Forbes magazine has been detained on charges of spreading what Moscow views as false information about the Russian army, his lawyer said Friday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on April 26, 2024 PRC MofA 26 Apr 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Visit to the People's Republic of China US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2024 -- Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken traveled to Shanghai and Beijing, the People's Republic of China, for meetings with President Xi Jinping, Director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining from April 24-26.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with People's Republic of China Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And People's Republic of China Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 26 Apr 2024
• Blinken warns China over support for Russia's war efforts VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed "serious concern" about China's support for Russia's defense industry on Friday, warning Chinese leaders that Washington could impose sanctions over the matter.
• Blinken meets Xi amid warning of 'downward spiral' in ties Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a three-day visit to China on Friday with talks with President Xi Jinping and a vow that the recent dialogue between the rival powers was reducing the risk of "misunderstanding and miscalculation" that could cause conflict.
• Update: China, US reach five points of consensuses following Wang-Blinken meeting Global Times 26 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday in Beijing. Wang pointed out that although positive interactions in the bilateral relations have been increasing, negative factors in China-US relations continue to build up as China's core interests are challenged, warning that the US should not cross China's red lines on issues related to its sovereignty, security and development interests.
• Xi meets Blinken, says China hopes US can view its development in a positive light Global Times 26 Apr 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday in Beijing. Xi said China is willing to cooperate with the US, but cooperation should be a two-way street.
• China hopes U.S. can view China's development in positive light: Xi People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday that China is happy to see a confident, open, prosperous and thriving United States, and hopes the United States can also look at China's development in a positive light.
• US Should Stop Interfering in China's Domestic Affairs - Chinese Foreign Minister Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- The United States should not interfere in China's domestic affairs or suppress its development, nor should it cross China's "red lines," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday at a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
• Shenzhou-18 taikonauts start journey to space station for more sci-tech experiments People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- China on Thursday launched the Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship that will send three taikonauts to the orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission.
• Lawmaker proposes changing authority to demarcate prohibited waters CNA 26 Apr 2024 -- A lawmaker has proposed a legal amendment to transfer authority to demarcate prohibited and restricted waters off Taiwan proper and Taiwan-controlled outlying islands from the defense ministry to the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), arguing that it would augment law enforcement in those areas.
• KMT caucus whip heads to Beijing to discuss cross-strait ties CNA 26 Apr 2024 -- Kuomintang (KMT) legislative caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) led a delegation of 17 KMT lawmakers to Beijing on Friday for a three-day visit, aiming to foster peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait.
• How to achieve national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people on the two sides of the Taiwan Straits: Wang Yi Global Times 26 Apr 2024 -- The Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affairs, and how to achieve national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people on the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a written interview with Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera on Thursday.
• China demands U.S. strictly abide by one-China principle: Wang Yi People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday in Beijing, saying that China demands that the United States strictly abide by the one-China principle.
• Blinken Tells Wang Yi That US Not Supporting Taiwan Independence - China Foreign Ministry Sputnik 26 Apr 2024 -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the United States does not support Taiwanese independence, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Apr. 26, 2024 ROC MND 26 Apr 2024
• Annual hunger crunch: North Koreans scour fields for leftovers Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- It's April, hunger crunch time in North Korea.
• Iran: US lacks competence to comment on human rights, freedom of expression Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- American officials do not have the moral competence to make any comment about human rights, rights of women and the freedom of expression, the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says.
• UN denounces enforcement of mandatory hijab law in Iran VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday condemned reports from Iran of increasingly strict enforcement of the state's strict mandatory hijab laws for women and girls, and a report of new draft bill that would impose severe punishments on those found guilty of violating the law.
• Iran Risks Further Backlash for Death Sentence of Dissident Rapper, Says German MP VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- Iran's handing of a death sentence this week to dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi has drawn outrage from the Islamic republic's domestic and international critics, including a German lawmaker who says Tehran risks fueling the backlash if it moves toward executing the artist.
• Myanmar: EU restrictive measures renewed for a further year EC/CEU 26 Apr 2024 -- The Council has today prolonged the EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Myanmar for one year, until 30 April 2025. The decision was taken on the basis of the annual review of the restrictive measures and in view of the continuing grave situation in Myanmar, including actions undermining democracy, as well as serious human rights violations
• Lithuania expresses strong protest to Belarus over disinformation spread Lithuania MFA 26 Apr 2024 -- On 26 April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania summoned Yaroslav Khmyl, chargé d'affaires ad interim of Belarus, and handed him a diplomatic note, expressing a strong protest over the statements made on 25 April 2024 by Belarus' KGB chief Ivan Tertel, about alleged threats to Belarus rising from Lithuania
• Severe heat wave hits India as phase 2 of polling begins Press TV 26 Apr 2024 -- India is preparing for "severe heatwaves" during its mammoth election, with public health experts cautioning that millions of voters could be in danger and local authorities expressing concerns that voter turnout might be impacted.
• Cuba: Political and sectoral dialogues held under the EU-Cuba political dialogue and cooperation agreement European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 Apr 2024 -- Over the past week, the EU and Cuba have held a series of meetings under their Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA).
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 26 April 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Apr 2024
• Pakistan Rejects the 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices issued by the US State Department Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Apr 2024 -- Pakistan categorically rejects the recently released 2023 Country Report on human rights practices issued by the US State Department. The contents of the report are unfair, based on inaccurate information and are completely divorced from the ground reality.
• Pakistan rejects U.S. report on human rights practices People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- Pakistan has "categorically" rejected a report by the U.S. State Department over the alleged human rights violations in the country last year, saying that only a politically motivated report can ignore the alarming situation in Gaza.
• David Cameron's Very Central Asian Week: More Than Just A Jaunt? RFE/RL 26 Apr 2024 -- Cameron's visit to the region came several months after the publication of a report by the U.K. parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee titled Countries At Crossroads: U.K. Engagement In Central Asia.
• Moldova: Joint press statement following the third High-Level Political and Security Dialogue with the EU European External Action Service (EEAS) 26 Apr 2024 -- The third EU-Republic of Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue was held in Chișinău on 25 April 2024.
• Bangladesh denounces U.S. State Department's 2023 human rights report People's Daily 26 Apr 2024 -- A Bangladeshi foreign ministry spokesperson Thursday denounced the U.S. State Department's 2023 Human Rights Report released recently, saying the report mostly relied on assumptions and unsubstantiated allegations.
• Vietnam's National Assembly chairman relieved of duties Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- Vietnam's ruling party relieved one of the country's top lawmakers of his post as chairman of the National Assembly on Friday, media reported, citing his violations of regulations affecting the party and the state.
• Ouster of parliament chief bares Vietnam corruption, power struggle Radio Free Asia 26 Apr 2024 -- The ouster this week of Vietnam's National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, the latest in a series of high-level officials to be removed in a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign, sets the stage for more infighting at the top of the communist nation.
• World News in Brief: Support for Haiti mission, challenge of 'commodity dependence', Iran's 'strict' hijab law UN News 26 Apr 2024 -- Following the installation of a transitional council in Haiti, seven countries officially notified the UN Secretary-General on Friday of their intention to contribute personnel to the Security Council-backed support mission for the crisis-wracked Caribbean nation.
• Somalia reports food diversion involving US-trained soldiers VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- The Somali government has admitted that rations for the elite Somali soldiers trained by the United States have been diverted within a unit of its forces.
• Bipartisan group of US senators warns Georgia over foreign agent law VOA 26 Apr 2024 -- A bipartisan group of 14 U.S. senators on Friday sent a letter to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressing concern over his government's decision to reintroduce and advance a "Russian-style foreign agents' law" similar to one they were forced to withdraw a year ago.