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News Reports

Current Operations

• May 6 Red Sea Update CENTCOM 06 May 2024 -- At approximately 10:47 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 6, 2024, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) launched by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists over the Red Sea.
• DOD Continues Work on Temporary Pier for Gaza After High Seas Force Move DoD News 06 May 2024 -- The Defense Department is moving forward with plans to assemble a temporary pier for delivery of humanitarian aid despite relocating the construction site due to weather conditions, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an Off-Camera, On-the-Record Press Briefing DoD 06 May 2024
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks Announces First Tranche of Replicator Capabilities Focused on All Domain Attritable Autonomous Systems DoD 06 May 2024 -- Deputy Secretary Hicks announced today some of the capabilities and one of the systems selected for accelerated fielding as part of the first tranche of the Replicator initiative, which is focused on fielding all-domain attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems.
• 21st TSC gives convoy safety top billing during DEFENDER 24 Army News 06 May 2024 -- Convoys moving personnel and cargo through Norway, Sweden and Finland during the large-scale global exercise DEFENDER 24 underscores the U.S. Army's ability to rapidly maneuver forces anywhere in the European theater. They also demonstrate the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's commitment to safety and environmental protection.
• 405th AFSB completes issue of APS-2 set to National Guard cavalry unit at DEFENDER 24 Army News 06 May 2024 -- Less than 24 hours after touching down in Czechia via a commercial airline flight from the U.S., West Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers - some running on just a couple of hours of sleep - fell in on Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 at the Libava Training Area in Czechia at the start of DEFENDER 24.
• Astral Knight 24 to exercise U.S. EUCOM's Integrated Air and Missile Defense EUCOM 06 May 2024 -- with measures including camouflage, concealment, and deception -- and actively, by integrating multiple air and missile kinetic and non-kinetic defense systems, such as defensive counter air, Patriot, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, Aegis, and European-based assets.
• U.S. Navy Hosts Australian Navy, Holds Bilateral Strategic Dialogue US Navy 06 May 2024 -- Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Gene Black, hosted Rear Adm. Jonathan Earley, Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, for a bilateral strategic dialogue at the Pentagon, Apr. 9, 2024.
• USS Hershel "Woody" Williams arrives in Libreville, Gabon to commence Exercise Obangame Express 2024 US Navy 06 May 2024 -- The Gold military crew (MILCREW) of the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) and the ship's Military Sealift Command Civilian Mariners (CIVMARs) arrived in Libreville, Gabon for a scheduled port visit to begin the multinational naval exercise, Obangame Express 2024, May 5, 2024.
• SECNAV Del Toro Delivers Remarks at the Fleet Week Miami Kick Off Press Conference US Navy 06 May 2024
• US, Filipino forces thwart 'beach attack' by enemy force in annual military drills Radio Free Asia 06 May 2024 -- American and Filipino troops on Monday thwarted an attack of an imagined enemy force from waters in the northern Philippines across from Taiwan, as the two military allies staged live-fire drills against the backdrop of regional tensions with China.
• Federal Chancellor visits the Baltic - "Standing resolutely at the side of the Baltic states" Germany - Federal Government 06 May 2024 -- Germany is resolute in its determination to defend every last square centimetre of NATO territory. "The security of our Baltic allies is our security too," said Federal Chancellor Scholz at a meeting of Baltic heads of state and government in Latvia.
• Statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in connection with the holding of exercises by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to develop skills in the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 May 2024 -- "In connection with the upcoming Russian military exercise to develop skills in the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, we note that this event should be considered in the context of recent bellicose statements by Western officials and sharply destabilizing actions taken by a number of NATO countries aimed at building forceful pressure on the Russian Federation and creating additional threats to the security of our country in connection with the conflict in and around Ukraine."
• Russia announces nuclear drills in response to perceived Western threats VOA 06 May 2024 -- Russia plans to perform drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, in response to what it called "provocative statements and threats from France, Britain and the United States regarding the Russian Federation," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement, a warning that tensions with the West are deepening over the war in Ukraine.
• Russian Missile Drills Linked to NATO Threat of Troop Deployment to Ukraine - Kremlin Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- Statements by the French President, UK officials and a representative of the US Senate about their readiness and intention to send military personnel to Ukraine require special attention and special measures, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday, commenting on military drills announced by the Russian Defense Ministry.
• Russia announces drills involving nuclear weapons after West's 'provocative' threats Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Russia has announced military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons after top European leaders made "provocative" threats against Moscow.
• Russia's General Staff Preparing for Drills to Practice Use of Non-Strategic Nuclear Weapons Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- The training exercises for Russian Southern Military District missile units will be held in response to "provocative threats by Western nations against Russia," Moscow underscored.
• 'Russia's Not Bluffing': Tactical Nuke Drills are Deafening Warning to NATO to Stay Out of Ukraine Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- Russia's military has parried bellicose statements by officials and lawmakers in Washington, Paris and London about deploying troops in Ukraine by announcing drills involving battlefield nuclear weapons. Sputnik asked Earl Rasmussen, a 20-year veteran of the US Army-turned independent military and foreign affairs observer, what it all means.
• Russia May Take Measures If US Deploys Missiles in Asia-Pacific Region - Diplomat Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- Wahington's plans to deploy medium- and short-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region will inevitably provoke a missile arms race, and Russia will be forced to respond to new security threats, including in the field of nuclear deterrence, Russian Ambassador-at-Large Grigory Mashkov told Sputnik.
• Russia Will Treat F-16s in Ukraine as Nuclear-Capable Aircraft - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- Russia will treat F-16 multi-role fighter jets operated by Ukraine as nuclear-capable assets, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
• Ukraine: EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum bolsters cooperation between Ukrainian and European defence industries European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 May 2024 -- Today, the EU-Ukraine Defence industries Forum took place in Brussels. The event, the first organised by the European Union (EU), was hosted by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) Josep Borrell and European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, and Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr Kamyshin, with support from the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD).
• Ukraine: Press remarks by High Representative upon arrival at the EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 May 2024
• Ukraine: Opening remarks by High Representative at the EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum European External Action Service (EEAS) 06 May 2024
• Poland Not Preparing, Will Not Send Troops to Ukraine — Defense Minister Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- Poland is not preparing to send troops to Ukraine and will not do so, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz insisted on Monday.
• Royal Navy seizes more than £500m of drugs in Caribbean Sea UK MOD 06 May 2024 -- HMS Trent seizes £204m of cocaine in latest drugs bust. It takes the total value of drugs seized in their Caribbean operation to more than half a billion.
• North Korea tests liquid propellant rocket engine: research group Radio Free Asia 06 May 2024 -- North Korea tested a liquid propellant rocket engine last month and bolstered construction resources and funding for its satellite launching station as it aims for more launches in defiance of U.N. sanctions, U.S.-based researchers said.
• General Assembly debates Russia's veto of space arms race resolution UN News 06 May 2024 -- The UN General Assembly on Monday debated Russia's veto in the Security Council which blocked a draft resolution aimed at preventing a new extraterrestrial arms race.
• The detonation of even a single nuclear weapon in space could destroy a significant proportion of satellites in orbit around Earth: UK statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 06 May 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN General Assembly debate on the Outer Space Treaty.
• Finland to look into adoption of secure satellite connections Finnish Government 06 May 2024 -- The European Union will begin providing secure satellite connections to its Member States at the end of this year. The plan is to offer Members States high-speed broadband connectivity in areas where no terrestrial connections are available. In April, the Ministry of the Interior launched a preliminary study on the adoption of secure satellite connections.
• Malaysia - Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods DSCA 06 May 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Malaysia of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods and related equipment for an estimated cost of $80 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Commander Allied Air Command General James B. Hecker visited the Czech Republic Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 06 May 2024 -- Commander of the Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) General James B. Hecker visited the Czech Republic on April 29-30th. The Czech Air Force Commander Major General Petr Čepelka accompanied him during his visit of the 21st Tactical Air Force Base Čáslav on Monday.
• New F-35 pilots to start training in the U.S., continue in the Czech Republic Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 06 May 2024 -- The initial training of the future Czech F-35 pilots will take place at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas. The objective is to train a sufficient number of instructors and pilots who will be in charge of forming the squadrons and will kick-start the training system, as was mentioned during the visit of General James B. Hecker, the Commander of the Allied Air Command, in the Czech Republic.
• Air defence is our main and key priority, Minister of National Defence says meeting Dutch counterpart Lithuania MND 06 May 2024 -- Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren. L. Kasčiūnas thanked the Netherlands for the country's contribution to the Baltic security. According to him, security and defence cooperation between our nations is steadfast and unbreakable, and it is vital for the Baltic security.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on April 29-May 5, 2024 Lithuania MND 06 May 2024 -- On April 29-May 5 fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment were scrambled once to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.
• The President: Permanent stationing of the German brigade in Lithuania is our top priority President of the Republic of Lithuania 06 May 2024 -- On Monday, President Gitanas Nausėda, together with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, visited the German troops serving in the NATO forward presence battlegroup in Lithuania in Pabradė and observed the German Armed Forces' large-scale exercise Grand Quadriga.
• Nigerian coalition warns against possible defense pacts with US, France VOA 06 May 2024 -- The warning notice, signed by five civil society groups and a former chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission, came in an open letter Friday to Nigeria's president and the National Assembly
• Readout of President Biden's Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan The White House 06 May 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 06 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 6, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 6 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, May 6, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 06 May 2024
• Israel signals rejection of ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas Press TV 06 May 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal in Gaza, where it has fought a seven-month Israeli aggression that has left tens of thousands dead.
• Israeli army urges Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah ahead of planned offensive People's Daily 06 May 2024 -- The Israeli army on Monday ordered Palestinian residents to evacuate the eastern neighborhoods of Gaza's southernmost city Rafah, ahead of a planned offensive in the area.
• Israeli army carries out airstrikes on eastern Rafah: sources People's Daily 06 May 2024 -- The Israeli army carried out on Monday airstrikes on areas in eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, said Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses.
• Israel orders 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate Rafah ahead of ground invasion Press TV 06 May 2024 -- The Israeli regime is forcibly evacuating Palestinians from the eastern part of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip amid the prospect of its widely-discouraged ground invasion.
• IDF Calling on Palestinians to Evacuate Eastern Rafah Ahead of Offensive - Reports Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has started calling on Palestinians to leave the eastern part of the Gazan city of Rafah ahead of the planned military operation, The Times of Israel newspaper reported on Monday.
• PM Netanyahu at the 'Unto Every Person There is a Name' Ceremony: "The magnitude of the killing in the Holocaust is unbelievable. It amounts to 5,000 October 7's." Israel - Prime Minister 06 May 2024 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, opened Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day with the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Yad Vashem. He then lit a memorial candle upon entering the Knesset, where he participated in the "Unto Every Person There is a Name". He read the names of the members of his father-in-law's family, the late Shmuel Ben Artzi, all of whom perished in the Holocaust.
• PM Netanyahu's Address to the Opening Ceremony for Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day Israel - Prime Minister 06 May 2024 -- Following is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address, this evening, at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, to the opening ceremony for Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day [translated from Hebrew except where noted:
• Israel carries out strikes in Rafah, vows to continue hostage talks VOA 06 May 2024 -- Israel's military said Monday that it was carrying out strikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, shortly after Hamas announced it had accepted a cease-fire proposal to halt its war with Israel.
• May 5: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 06 May 2024
• US again fails to bring cease-fire to Gaza, 'more civilian casualties unavoidable if Israel attacks Rafah' Global Times 06 May 2024 -- The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is set to continue, as Israel warned Palestinians to evacuate from Rafah and the Israeli military prepared for an attack on the southern city on Palestine's border with Egypt. Experts said on Monday this will surely cause large numbers of civilian casualties, and the latest development in the situation proves that the US-dominated mediation has failed once again.
• UNICEF: 'Nowhere safe to go' for 600,000 children in Rafah VOA 06 May 2024 -- A ground incursion by Israeli forces would pose 'catastrophic risks' to hundreds of thousands of children taking shelter in Rafah, the head of the United Nations Children's Fund warned Monday.
• There is 'nowhere safe to go' for the 600,000 children of Rafah, warns UNICEF UNICEF 06 May 2024 -- With hundreds of thousands of children in Rafah injured, sick, malnourished, traumatized or living with a disability, UNICEF calls for children to not be forcibly relocated, and the vital infrastructure on which children rely to be protected
• UN pledges to stand with Gazans in Rafah; Guterres says ceasefire opportunity 'cannot be missed' UN News 06 May 2024 -- UPDATED: Amid reports that 100,000 Palestinians have been told to leave Rafah ahead of an anticipated Israeli military operation there and that Hamas has accepted the latest Israeli ceasefire proposal, UN humanitarians on Monday insisted that they had no intention of quitting the vital aid hub.
• Unexploded ordnance leaves dark legacy for Gaza, warn mine action experts UN News 06 May 2024 -- UN mine action experts warned on Monday that even when current hostilities end, the risk remains lethally high for civilians in Gaza from unexploded weapons and contaminated rubble throughout the devastated enclave.
• UNRWA chief: Israel continues to deny humanitarian access to UN in Gaza Press TV 06 May 2024 -- The commissioner general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, says the Israeli regime continues to bar the world body's humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.
• UNICEF warns Rafah invasion to put 600,000 children at risk of catastrophe Press TV 06 May 2024 -- UNICEF says an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza's southern city of Rafah would pose "catastrophic risks" to the hundreds of thousands of children taking shelter there.
• Biden hosts Jordan's King Abdullah for White House talks VOA 06 May 2024 -- Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday urged President Joe Biden to "take urgent action to prevent a new catastrophe" as Israel prepares a ground operation on the Gaza city of Rafah.
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel The White House 06 May 2024
• "I call on all Western actors to put pressure on the Israeli administration" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 06 May 2024 -- Delivering remarks following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Erdoğan said: "We welcome Hamas' announcement that it has agreed to the ceasefire. Now the same step should be taken by Israel. I call on all Western actors to put pressure on the Israeli administration."
• Statement from Minister for Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide on ceasefire negotiations: 'Expect more from both parties' Government of Norway 06 May 2024
• Hamas Chief Informs Mediators of Acceptance of Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Sputnik 06 May 2024 -- The chairman of the political office of Palestinian movement Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, has informed Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Abbas Kamel, the chief of Egypt's intelligence, of acceptance of a proposal to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Hamas said on Monday.
• Ball in Israel's court over Gaza ceasefire, Hamas chief tells Iran FM Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh briefed him on the Palestinian resistance movement's response to a proposed ceasefire for the Gaza Strip.
• Hamas: Looming invasion of Rafah will have serious consequences for Israel Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Hamas warns Israel that any ground operation in Rafah would have serious consequences for the regime as the Palestinian resistance movement is fully prepared to defend its people in the southern Gaza city.
• Hamas says seeks 'comprehensive truce' as Israel hell-bent on war, blockade Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Hamas has said it would only settle for a deal that encompasses all of the Palestinian resistance movement's demands from the Israeli regime amid the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.
• Rockets from Lebanon hit N. Israel, causing power outages People's Daily 06 May 2024 -- About 20 rockets were launched from Lebanon at northern Israel on Sunday, damaging facilities and causing power outages in the city of Kiryat Shmona, Israeli sources said.
• Hezbollah targets Israeli military command base in occupied Golan Heights Press TV 06 May 2024 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has targeted an Israeli military command base in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights with dozens of Katyusha rockets.
• Iraq's Islamic resistance hits two Israeli military bases with drones Press TV 06 May 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has targeted two Israeli military bases in the occupied Palestinian territories using drones.

Other Conflicts

• Statement on unsafe and unprofessional interaction with PLA-Air Force Australia DOD 06 May 2024 -- The Australian Government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese Government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a People's Liberation Army - Air Force (PLA-AF) fighter aircraft.
• Australia condemns Chinese interception of Seahawk helicopter over international waters VOA 06 May 2024 -- Analysts say China continues to undertake "incredibly aggressive'" military actions after an Australian navy helicopter in international waters was targeted by flares dropped by a Chinese fighter jet.
• Philippines cannot deny the existence of gentlemen's agreement: Chinese FM Global Times 06 May 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Monday reiterated China's consistent commitment in managing maritime disputes with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation, including those concerning Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef), responding to Philippine officials' denial of any "gentlemen's agreement" between China and the Philippines regarding the area, including a proposed "new model."
• UN and partners issue urgent funding appeal for Yemen UN News 06 May 2024 -- Donors must continue to support humanitarian efforts to assist millions in need in Yemen, UN agencies and dozens of other aid partners said on Monday.
• Joint Statement by 190 Humanitarian Organisations in Yemen: Humanitarian partners urge donors to remain committed to the millions in need in Yemen UNOCHA 06 May 2024 -- Ahead of the Sixth Senior Officials Meeting on 7 May in Brussels, the United Nations, international NGOs and Yemeni Civil Society Organisations urgently appeal for sustained support for the 18.2 million people in need in Yemen. Five months into 2024, just US $0.4 billion of the 2024 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan requirement of $2.7 billion has been received.
• Security Council Press Statement on Libya UN Security Council 06 May 2024 -- The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Pedro Comissário Afonso (Mozambique):
• INTERVIEW: Ex-UN rights rapporteur on Argentina's Rohingya genocide case Radio Free Asia 06 May 2024 -- In an interview with Radio Free Asia's Ye Kaung Myint Maung, international human rights attorney Tomas Ojea Quintana spoke about a case filed in a court in Argentina in 2019 that alleges genocide and crimes against humanity committed by senior Myanmar officials against Rohingya Muslims.
• Hundreds of Myanmar junta troops surrender near Bangladesh border Radio Free Asia 06 May 2024 -- At least 200 Myanmar junta troops have surrendered after an ethnic minority army captured their headquarters in Rakhine State, near the Bangladesh border, the anti-junta organization said on Monday.

News Reports

• US-Israeli espionage cell dismantled in Yemen Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Yemen's security forces have dismantled a major espionage network operating for the US and Israeli intelligence services amid a campaign by the Arab country to defend the people of Palestine in their struggle against the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
• Canada stands with Germany to condemn malicious cyber campaign Canada 06 May 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs of Canada and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 06 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Government members.
• Press Release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with President of the National Assembly of Serbia Ana Brnabić, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Serbia Ivica Dačić and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 May 2024
• Russia Detains U.S. Soldier In Far East On Criminal RFE/RL 06 May 2024 -- A U.S. soldier has been arrested in Russia and accused of stealing after traveling there without informing his superiors, adding to a list of Americans being detained by Moscow amid deteriorating relations with Washington.
• US, most of EU boycott Putin inauguration VOA 06 May 2024 -- The United States and most European Union countries said they will skip Russian President Vladimir Putin's swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.
• Six More Years For Putin. Five Things To Watch For. RFE/RL 06 May 2024 -- After being declared the victor of a presidential election in March, an outcome that was never in doubt, Vladimir Putin starts a new six-year term with an inauguration ceremony in the Kremlin on May 7.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on May 6, 2024 PRC MofA 06 May 2024
• China's President Xi begins state visit to France VOA 06 May 2024 -- China's President Xi Jinping is on a rare state visit to France, which started with trilateral talks with French President Emanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
• Press statement by President von der Leyen following the trilateral meeting with French President Macron and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping European Commission 06 May 2024
• Opening statement by President von der Leyen ahead of the trilateral meeting with French President Macron and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping European Commission 06 May 2024
• Xi says there is no such thing as "China's overcapacity" People's Daily 06 May 2024 -- Whether viewed from the perspective of comparative advantage or global market demand, there is no such thing as "China's overcapacity problem," Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Monday.
• Belgrade Lays Out Welcome For Xi Visit Aimed At Raising Economic, Political Ties RFE/RL 06 May 2024 -- The Serbian capital has been adorned with Chinese flags and banners ahead of President Xi Jinping's May 7-8 visit to the country, as the Chinese leader seeks to gain economic and political influence during a rare European trip.
• Gallup report: US ahead of China in global leadership approval VOA 06 May 2024 -- Global approval of U.S. leadership is higher than China's, according to a Gallup analysis Monday. The report says that although more countries have a higher net support for U.S. leadership, global support for both the U.S. and China decreased in 2023.
• China recruits Mandarin-speaking teachers to move to Inner Mongolia Radio Free Asia 06 May 2024 -- Chinese authorities in the northern part of Inner Mongolia are hiring teachers from across China, offering attractive packages to encourage fresh graduates who are native Mandarin speakers to settle in the region, according to recent recruitment notices.
• Counter-espionage regulations effectively safeguard security in 3 years: Ministry of State Security Global Times 06 May 2024 -- China's state security authorities have successfully prevented national security risks across a number of authorities, organizations, and enterprises, in accordance with the regulations on counter-espionage security work issued three years ago, safeguarding the national security and interests, China's Ministry of State Security said in an article released on Monday.
• China ramps up pressure on Taiwan ahead of presidential inauguration VOA 06 May 2024 -- China has initiated a series of influence campaigns against Taiwan ahead of the island's inauguration of president-elect Lai Ching-te on May 20. Beijing has increased the scale and frequency of military activities near Taiwan while partially relaxing travel and import restrictions.
• 3 Taiwanese found guilty of illegally working for Chinese firm CNA 06 May 2024 -- Three Taiwan nationals have been found guilty of engaging in business with a Chinese firm not permitted by the competent authority in Taiwan, according to the Hsinchu District Court which handed down its verdict in late April.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 6, 2024 ROC MND 06 May 2024
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Has Photo Session with Participants in 5th National Conference of Heads of Branch Public Security Stations KCNA 06 May 2024 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, had a photo session with the participants in the 5th National Conference of Heads of Branch Public Security Stations on May 5.
• UN atomic watchdog chief seeks tougher nuclear checks in Iran VOA 06 May 2024 -- The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi flew to Iran on Monday to improve his agency's oversight of the Islamic Republic's rapidly advancing nuclear program.
• Grossi says proposed 'concrete practical measures' to boost Iran-IAEA cooperation Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi says he has put forth a series of proposals to senior Iranian officials aimed at enhancing cooperation between Iran and the agency and resolving safeguards issues.
• IAEA chief arrives in Iran for high-level talks, international nuclear conference Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi has arrived in Iran to attend an international nuclear conference and hold high-level talks with senior nuclear and political officials.
• Iran nuclear conference: Tehran ready to fight arrogant countries' dominance in nuclear field Press TV 06 May 2024 -- Iran's nuclear chief says the country is prepared to confront arrogant countries' dominance in the field of nuclear energy.
• Iranian Cyberpolice To Ratchet Up Crackdown On Social Media Critics RFE/RL 06 May 2024 -- Iran's cyberpolice are launching a plan to combat "moral and social crimes that violate Islamic, social, and cultural norms in cyberspace," in another sign of the curbing of freedoms by authorities following a renewed crackdown on the wearing of head scarves and the blocking of several social media sites.
• Analysts assess implications of Iran-Israel tensions VOA 06 May 2024 -- Despite an unprecedented direct attack on Israel last month, Iran has been careful not to engage in an all-out war with Israel at this time. But analysts say other radical elements in Iran might be willing to take more risk in the future.
• Cambodia rejects UN spokesman's call for release of union leader Radio Free Asia 06 May 2024 -- A U.N. spokesman's call for the immediate release of a prominent union leader "amounts to contempt for Cambodian judiciary's competency and integrity," a statement from Cambodia's diplomatic mission to the United Nations in Geneva said.
• Wider Europe Briefing: Ukraine Is Edging Closer To The EU (Along With Moldova) RFE/RL 06 May 2024
• Joint Statement on the 2024 U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission US Dept. of State 06 May 2024 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Government of Nigeria on the occasion of the sixth U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission in Abuja on April 29-30, 2024.
• Congratulations to Panama's President-Elect Mulino US Dept. of State 06 May 2024 -- Congratulations to José Raúl Mulino on his victory as President-elect of the Republic of Panama. I look forward to continuing our strategic partnership and advancing our shared goals of democratic governance and inclusive economic prosperity.
• World News in Brief: Human rights in Haiti, 750,000 hit by East Africa floods, Namibia health milestone UN News 06 May 2024 -- UN independent human rights experts on Monday issued a stark warning about the ongoing severe violations of women and girls' rights in Haiti, highlighting the near total impunity of armed gangs amid the ongoing crisis there.
• Georgia poised to adopt 'foreign influence transparency' law akin to Russia's VOA 06 May 2024 -- Independent journalists in Georgia are speaking out against a proposed "foreign influence transparency" law that closely mimics Russian legislation and, they fear, will be used to limit press freedom in the country.
• Chad's presidential elections underway in peace, but with tension VOA 06 May 2024 -- Chad's presidential election concludes Monday with civilians going to the polls, a day after members of the military cast their ballots. Transitional President General Mahamat Idriss Deby is facing nine challengers, including his current prime minister. The election, designed to end three years of a military government, has been peaceful so far. However, there is tension over a ban on taking pictures of election result sheets at polling stations.