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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Trucks carrying humanitarian assistance begin moving ashore via a temporary pier in Gaza May 17 CENTCOM 17 May 2024 -- Today at approximately 9 a.m. (Gaza time), trucks carrying humanitarian assistance began moving ashore via a temporary pier in Gaza. No U.S. troops went ashore in Gaza. This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature, and will involve aid commodities donated by a number of countries and humanitarian organizations.
• Yemen downs US MQ-9 Reaper drone IRNA 17 May 2024 -- Yemen's Army has successfully downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone in Yemen's northeast, according to the media sources.
• Yemen downs advanced $30 million US spy drone over Ma'rib Press TV 17 May 2024 -- Yemen's army says it has shot down an American spy drone by "a locally-made missile" in the province of Ma'rib, amid escalating tensions in the region over Israel's US-backed genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Sierra Leone to Partner with Michigan National Guard, Liberia Army News 17 May 2024 -- The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) is joining the State Partnership Program as an additional member of the existing partnership between the Michigan National Guard and the Armed Forces of Liberia.
• DOD Awards $20 Million to Enhance Domestic Manganese Supply Chain DoD 17 May 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today a $20 million award to South32 via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program.
• Eucom Commander: NATO Is Transforming to Defend Every Inch of the Alliance DoD News 17 May 2024 -- The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the largest war on the European continent since World War II, but NATO is still the answer, said Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
• DOD Report: Prevalence of Sexual Assault Declined Across Services in 2023 DoD News 17 May 2024 -- The prevalence of sexual assault in the active-duty force declined compared with levels last measured in 2021, marking the first decrease in nearly a decade.
• ACC Commander: Dominance in electromagnetic spectrum is not optional US Air Force 17 May 2024 -- The Crows of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing welcomed the Air Combat Command leadership team and their spouses to Eglin Air Force Base, recently, where they saw firsthand the wing's role in providing joint and coalition partners with electromagnetic warfare capabilities needed to dominate the spectrum.
• USS Leyte Gulf Returns from Final Deployment US Navy 17 May 2024 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, May 10, 2024, marking their final deployment.
• Navy to Christen Future Littoral Combat Ship Pierre (LCS 38) US Navy Press Release 17 May 2024 -- The Navy will christen the future USS Pierre (LCS 38) as the newest, and final, Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) during a 10:00 a.m. CST ceremony on Saturday, May 18, in Mobile Alabama.
• National Security Memorandum on United States Policy on the Antarctic Region The White House 17 May 2024
• NATO Deputy Secretary General: we must be big on cyber defence ambitions NATO 17 May 2024 -- Speaking at NATO's 2024 Cyber Defence Pledge Conference in the Hague on Friday (17 May), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană said that Allies "must be big on ambition" on cyber defence and called for "a new mindset" to strengthen our resilience against cyber threats.
• U.S. Ambassador To NATO Calls On Western Balkan Countries To Increase Defense Spending RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- The United States hopes that by the upcoming NATO summit in Washington, nearly all 32 alliance members will meet the pledge made 10 years ago to increase defense spending to 2 percent of GDP, said U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith.
• Northern Fleet detachment led by frigate Admiral Gorshkov goes on long-distance mission Russia MoD 17 May 2024 -- Today, a Northern Fleet detachment has left the roadstead of Severomorsk and went on a long-distance mission. The detachment's ships set course to the Atlantic through the designated areas of the Barents Sea.
• Lithuania transferred ammunition, drone jamming equipment and UAVs to Ukraine Lithuania MND 17 May 2024 -- Lithuania continues rendering military assistance to Ukraine on a steady basis - 5.56×45 mm ammunition, anti-drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, 100 Kw power generators and folding field beds.
• Zelensky Signs Law Allowing Ukrainian Convicts to Join Army - Parliament Sputnik 17 May 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed into law a bill on the mobilization of jailed convicts in the country as it battles against Russia, the parliamentary database showed on Friday.
• Taiwan urged to speed up military reform, demonstrate self-defense ability CNA 17 May 2024 -- Taiwan should expedite its military reforms and send a clear message to China about what the costs of potential aggression would be, China expert Amanda Hsiao (蕭嫣然) told a panel discussion Friday, while noting the increasing challenge the country faces in responding to Chinese pressure.
• Exercise Balikatan turns up the heat Australia DOD 17 May 2024 -- An extreme heatwave added to the challenge for members of the ADF deployed to the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan 2024 from April to May.
• North Korea dismisses 'absurd rumor' of arms exports to Russia Press TV 17 May 2024 -- The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has dismissed outside speculation about arms dealings with Russia and military exports for use against Ukraine as "the most absurd paradox".
• SECOND INDIA - AUSTRALIA - INDONESIA TRILATERAL MARITIME SECURITY WORKSHOP (TMSW) CONDUCTED AT KOCHI FROM 15 - 17 MAY 24 India PIB 17 May 2024 -- The 2nd edition of India - Australia - Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop (TMSW) was conducted from 15 - 17 May 24, at INS Dronacharya, Kochi, India
• BEML secures Rs 250 crore order from Northern Coal Fields Limited for 28 BH100 Rear Dump Trucks India PIB 17 May 2024 -- BEML Limited has secured an order from Northern Coal Fields Limited (NCL) for the supply of 28 units of BH100 Rear Dump Trucks
• 12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting to bolster bilateral defence ties held in Ulaanbaatar India PIB 17 May 2024 -- The 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia took place in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, 2024
• Working group completes report on prohibition of foreign real estate transactions Finnish MoD 17 May 2024 -- A working group, appointed by Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, has completed its report on additional restrictions on real estate acquisitions in Finland by parties outside the EU and the EEA.
• Executability of the regional NATO defence plans is among our top priorities, says Minister of National Defence L. Kasčiūnas after meeting with Latvian counterpart Lithuania MND 17 May 2024 -- Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas is on a formal visit to Riga today: he has met with Minister of Defence of Latvia Andris Sprūds to discuss NATO and EU agenda, priorities ahead of the oncoming NATO Summit in Washington and nationally important topics.
• Stationing of the German Brigade in Lithuania is past the point of no return, Minister L. Kasčiūnas is assured by Federal Minister of Defence Lithuania MND 17 May 2024 -- On May 16 Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with Federal Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius in Berlin.
• Senegalese PM blasts French military presence, raises possibility of closing bases Press TV 17 May 2024 -- Senegal's prime minister has vehemently denounced the French military presence in his country and raised the possibility of closing its bases amid a growing move by the neighboring states to expel foreign occupation troops from the Sahel region.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho US Dept. of State 17 May 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino at the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on a Framework of Understanding Between the Argentine Republic and the United States of America to Establish a High-Level Strategic Dialogue US Dept. of State 17 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Tuggar US Dept. of State 17 May 2024
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Foreign Minister Diana Mondino and Chief of Cabinet Nicolás Posse of Argentina The White House 17 May 2024
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 17 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 17, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 17 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, May 17 Israel Defense Forces 17 May 2024
• 5 Israeli soldiers killed, 7 injured in Gaza by errant Israeli tank shelling People's Daily 17 May 2024 -- Five Israeli soldiers were killed and seven others injured, three of them seriously, by errant Israeli tank fire in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Thursday.
• Israeli military confirms death of another occupation force in northern Gaza Press TV 17 May 2024 -- The Israeli regime's military has confirmed the death of one of its forces in Friday's heavy armed clashes with Palestinian resistance groups in the northern Gaza Strip.
• May 16: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 17 May 2024
• Humanitarian aid rolls into Gaza through newly assembled floating pier VOA 17 May 2024 -- Israeli forces battled Hamas militants in both the north and south Gaza Strip on Friday as trucks began delivering aid shipments through a U.S.-built temporary pier off the embattled enclave.
• Gaza death toll climbs to 35,303 IRNA 17 May 2024 -- A recent update by the Palestinian Ministry of Health has put the total number of Palestinian deaths in the Gaza war at 35,303.
• Hamas commander martyred by Israeli regime in Lebanon IRNA 17 May 2024 -- The al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas movement, announced the martyrdom of one of the commanders of this movement in Lebanon on Friday night.
• 4 Palestinian students martyred in Israeli attacks in Gaza IRNA 17 May 2024 -- The Zionist regime has martyred four Palestinian students in the latest heinous attacks on schools in Gaza Strip, according to the media sources.
• Fighting rages in Rafah as Israel steps up invasion despite intl. outcry Press TV 17 May 2024 -- Fighting between the Palestinian resistance forces and Israeli troops have raged in Gaza after Tel Aviv vowed to intensify its ground invasion in Rafah.
• Gaza: Aid delivery via floating dock welcomed, but land routes 'more important' UN News 17 May 2024 -- Trucks carrying desperately needed aid into Gaza have started moving ashore on the temporary floating dock built by the United States military, but this is not enough to meet the needs of civilians, UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Friday.
• Israel refutes South Africa's accusations at UN world court UN News 17 May 2024 -- The UN International Court of Justice (ICJ), on Friday, heard the response from Israel on the case brought forward by South Africa requesting emergency provisional measures to immediately halt Israeli military operations under way in Rafah, in southern Gaza, where over one million Palestinians were sheltering after having been displaced from elsewhere in the enclave.
• UN court holds hearing on South Africa's plea against Israel's operations in Gaza People's Daily 17 May 2024 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) opened its two-day hearings on Thursday regarding South Africa's request to halt Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
• U.S. House passes bill seeking to undo Biden's pause on arms transfer to Israel People's Daily 17 May 2024 -- The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to pass a bill that seeks to undo President Joe Biden's temporary suspension of arms transfer to Israel.
• EU mobilises assistance for Gaza via Cyprus Maritime Corridor European Commission 17 May 2024 -- A new aid shipment from Cyprus to Gaza via the Maritime Corridor and the newly constructed US pier is taking place today, carrying EU supplies.
• No: 85, 17 May 2024, Regarding the Conclusions on Palestine of the Bahrain Declaration Issued at the 33rd Summit of the League of Arab States Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2024
• UK aid delivered to Gaza shore UK MOD 17 May 2024 -- The first shelter coverage kits have arrived using the US-built temporary pier today (17 May 2024).
• Government increases humanitarian support to Gaza Government Offices of Sweden 17 May 2024 -- In view of the extensive humanitarian needs in Gaza, the Government has presented a new humanitarian aid package amounting to SEK 120 million. The support will be distributed to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
• Canada sanctions Israeli settlers as attacks on Palestinians soar in West Bank Press TV 17 May 2024 -- The Canadian government has imposed sanctions on four Israeli extremist settlers over their involvement in violent attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
• Spain bans ships carrying weapons for Israel from docking at its ports Press TV 17 May 2024 -- Spain has decided to ban ships carrying weapons for Israel from docking at its ports, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares says, a day after the country denied a vessel permission to call at a southeastern port.
• Hamas: 70% of Zionist captives killed in Israeli attacks IRNA 17 May 2024 -- A senior Hamas official has stated that the Israeli enemy aims to release its captives through military force, but has already killed 70 percent of them in the bombings.
• Israeli aggression has killed 70 percent of Zionist captives: Hamas Press TV 17 May 2024 -- Hamas says the Israeli regime's bombing of the Gaza Strip, which is enduring a genocidal Israeli war, has killed 70 percent of the Zionist captives, who have been held by the Palestinian resistance movement since an October operation.
• Hamas rejects US floating pier for Gaza aid as publicity stunt Press TV 17 May 2024 -- The Hamas government in Gaza has rejected America's establishment of a temporary floating pier designed to increase the amount of aid getting into the besieged strip as a publicity stunt "to beautify its ugly face."
• Palestinian resistance groups hit Israeli positions IRNA 17 May 2024 -- Palestinian resistance groups have targeted the Zionist regime's positions with rockets.
• Hezbollah uses new type of Kamikaze drone IRNA 17 May 2024 -- Hezbollah has for the first time ever used a Kamikaze drone that fires S5 air-to-surface missiles at the designated targets and then itself continues it's path towards a target and explodes in it.
• Hezbollah fires scores of missiles at Zionist regime's positions IRNA 17 May 2024 -- Over 30 missiles were fired from Lebanon in a recent attack toward Al-Jalil and Golan Heights in northern occupied Palestine, according to media sources.
• Hezbollah targets Israeli command headquarters with drones IRNA 17 May 2024 -- Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has hit the command headquarters of the 411th battalion of the Zionist enemy with suicide drones.
• Israeli airstrikes kill Hezbollah fighter, 2 children in S Lebanon Press TV 17 May 2024 -- The Israeli regime has carried out airstrikes against two villages lying far from Lebanon's border with the occupied territories, killing a fighter with the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah and two children.
• Hezbollah launches drone strike, rocket barrages in retaliation to Israeli strikes Press TV 17 May 2024 -- Fighters from the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah have launched a drone strike and a series of rocket barrages against Israeli military positions in the northern sector of the 1948 occupied territories in retaliation.
• Islamic Resistance in Iraq vows all-out support for Palestinian struggle against Israel Press TV 17 May 2024 -- The secretary general of the Iraqi anti-terror Kata'ib Hezbollah group has stressed that his fellow resistance fighters and members of other factions are determined to provide the oppressed Palestinian nation with unwavering support.

Other Conflicts

• Philippines blasts Beijing's new trespass rule in contested waters as 'illegal' Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- The Philippines hit back Friday against what it called China's "illegal" new order authorizing its coast guard to detain foreign boats and people suspected of trespassing into Beijing-claimed waters in the disputed South China Sea.
• China urges Philippines to stop serving as pawn, following US missile deployment Global Times 17 May 2024 -- China urges the Philippines to abide by the basic norms of international communication, and stop spreading false narratives, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a press briefing on Friday. Following the US' deployment of medium-range ballistic missiles, China also urges the Philippines not to serve as a pawn and a tool of hegemony, Zhang said.
• China urges Philippines to settle maritime differences through negotiation People's Daily 17 May 2024 -- China urges the Philippines to face the facts, honor its word, stop infringement and provocations at once and return to the right track of properly settling maritime differences through negotiation and consultation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday.
• Gunmen kill 3 Western tourists, translator in central Afghanistan VOA 17 May 2024 -- Taliban authorities in Afghanistan said Friday that unknown assailants fatally shot three Western tourists and their local translator in the central city of Bamiyan.
• At Least 4 Killed In Attack On Foreign Tourists In Afghanistan RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- At least four people were killed in an armed attack on a group of foreign tourists at a market in Bamiyan Province in central Afghanistan on May 17, according to government and security sources.
• Afghanistan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest attack European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 May 2024 -- We condemn in the strongest terms the armed attack against a group of foreign tourists visiting Bamyan, Afghanistan.
• The Azadi Briefing: New Leaks Reveal The Luxury Dubai Properties Of Ex-Afghan Officials RFE/RL 17 May 2024
• Intense Border Clashes Between Taliban, Pakistan Cause Deaths, Destruction RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- At least one Taliban border guard and one Pakistani soldier have been killed and several more injured in the latest border clashes between them.
• Indian authorities in Manipur state force Myanmar refugees out of border villagers Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- Myanmar refugees who fled civil war and sought refuge in border villages in neighboring India's Manipur state said they are are being deported by local authorities and a paramilitary group.
• Gas nears US$50 per gallon amid clashes in Kachin state Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- Fighting between ethnic rebels and the military has cut off access to the district of Puta-O in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, trapping more than 100,000 civilians and sending the price of food and fuel skyrocketing, residents said Friday.
• Talks between Myanmar rebel alliance and junta focus on Chinese interests Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- Representatives of a Myanmar ethnic minority insurgent alliance met junta officials for a fifth round of Chinese-brokered talks, with key issues being Chinese border trade and stability in western Myanmar, where China has big investments, a source close to the rebel alliance said on Friday.
• U.S. Ambassador to UN Agencies in Rome Calls for Urgent and Sustained Support for Rohingya Refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh WFP 17 May 2024 -- After a week-long mission in Bangladesh, visiting projects of the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Ambassador Jeffrey Prescott, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, called on the international community to continue its support to the Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi host communities for a crisis that shows no signs of abating.
• Armenia/Azerbaijan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the progress in the border delimitation European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 May 2024 -- The EU welcomes progress made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process, based on the 1991 Almaty agreement, and more specifically the protocol signed during the 9th meeting of the border commissions of Armenia and Azerbaijan on Wednesday 15 May, leading to an agreement on several sections of the border.
• Marking 29 Years Since the Panchen Lama's Disappearance US Dept. of State 17 May 2024 -- Today marks 29 years since the People's Republic of China (PRC) abducted the 11th Panchen Lama, one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism, as a six-year-old child.
• Uganda's open-door policy for refugees strained by arrivals from Sudan, DRC, and South Sudan UNHCR 17 May 2024 -- Uganda is welcoming increasing numbers of Sudanese arrivals - over 33,000 people, 19,000 of whom have arrived in Kampala since the start of 2024 - seeking safety from a war that has raged for more than a year.
• UN rights office urges Sri Lanka to reveal fate of the disappeared UN News 17 May 2024 -- The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Friday urged the Sri Lankan Government to take decisive action to uncover the fates and locations of tens of thousands of individuals subjected to enforced disappearances over the years and to hold those responsible accountable.
• Humanitarian crisis in Sudan spins out of control as famine looms VOA 17 May 2024 -- As U.N. agencies warn of a looming famine in Sudan, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights says U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk held separate phone calls with Sudan's rival generals this week to try to deescalate the conflict.
• UN's rights chief says horrified by Sudan escalation as famine draws nearer UN News 17 May 2024 -- The UN's top human rights official has personally intervened to try to stop spiralling violence in Sudan that's having a terrifying impact on millions of civilians, who humanitarians say are "staring famine in the face".
• Residents worry as DRC rebels frantically exploit coltan mine VOA 17 May 2024 -- Reputed to be the coltan capital of the world, the mining town of Rubaya, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has fallen into the hands of rebels. The fall of Rubaya is causing a stir among local residents who fear M23 will use profits from the coltan mines to fund their war against the DRC government.
• Report: China's taste for 'blood timber' may be fueling Mozambique conflict VOA 17 May 2024 -- Africa has long been known for its so-called "blood diamonds," a term for mineral wealth that fuels violent conflict. In the Southern Africa country of Mozambique, a report finds "blood timber" largely fueled by market demand from China is financing an insurgency in northern Mozambique. But security analysts disagree on how much the militants are profiting from the wood sales.

News Reports

• David DePape Sentenced after Conviction on Assault and Attempted Kidnapping Charges US Dept. of Justice 17 May 2024 -- DePape Attempted to Kidnap Nancy Pelosi and Assaulted Paul Pelosi on Account of Her Official Duties as Then-Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: Council bans broadcasting activities in the European Union of four more Russia-associated media outlets EC/CEU 17 May 2024 -- The Council today decided to suspend the broadcasting activities in the European Union of four additional media outlets, which spread and support the Russian propaganda and war of aggression against Ukraine: Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
• Russia Vows to Retaliate Against EU Over Media Ban Sputnik 17 May 2024 -- The Council of the EU has decided on Friday to suspend the broadcasting activities of four more Russia-associated media outlets Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta in the European Union.
• Statement of President von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and Commissioner Simson on the 2nd anniversary of the REPowerEU Plan to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports European Commission 17 May 2024
• The Week In Russia: The War Is His Everything RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- Over a two-week period that has encompassed an inauguration, a military shake-up, a new offensive in Ukraine, and a trip to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin's words and actions underscore the extent to which the war he started will be Russia's main focus for years to come.
• Russia's representative handed a diplomatic note expressing strong protest over illegal actions against Lithuanian citizens Lithuania MFA 17 May 2024 -- On May 16, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania summoned a representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Lithuania and handed a diplomatic note expressing strong protest over the Russian Federation's decision to include Lithuanian politicians in the list of wanted persons for decisions taken in the performance of their direct duties.
• Scholar called 'Putin's brain' attacked on Chinese internet VOA 17 May 2024 -- Aleksander Dugin, a Russian nationalist ideologue and strong supporter of President Vladimir Putin, has been bombarded with attacks on Chinese social media, where netizens criticized and mocked his Russian expansionist views that had once included the dismembering of China.
• Answers to media questions following the visit to China President of Russia 17 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin replied to questions from Russian media representatives on the outcomes of his two-day state visit to the People's Republic of China.
• Meeting with students and faculty at Harbin Institute of Technology President of Russia 17 May 2024 -- During his state visit to China, Vladimir Putin visited Harbin Institute of Technology and met with Chinese and Russian students and faculty at the university.
• Conversation with Vice President of China Han Zheng President of Russia 17 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin had a conversation with Vice President of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng.
• Opening of the Russia-China EXPO and the Russia-China Forum on Interregional Cooperation President of Russia 17 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin took part in the opening ceremony of the 8th Russia-China EXPO and the 4th Russia-China Forum on Interregional Cooperation together with Vice President of China Han Zheng.
• Putin talks tech, energy cooperation in China's Harbin Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- Flanked by goose-stepping Chinese soldiers, Russian President Vladimir Putin laid a bunch of red roses at a World War II memorial to Soviet soldiers in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin — known as China's "Little Moscow" — on Friday.
• China and Russia reinforce partnership to counter US influence VOA 17 May 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day trip to China Friday after Beijing and Moscow reaffirmed their "strategic relationship" by signing a joint statement and vowing to cooperate against "destructive and hostile" pressure from Washington.
• Xi, Putin hold talks in Beijing, charting course for enhanced ties People's Daily 17 May 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday.
• China, Russia embrace new opportunities, prospects at key trade expo Global Times 17 May 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a congratulatory letter to the eighth China-Russia Expo, which opened the same day in Harbin, capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, which borders Russia.
• Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai People's Daily 17 May 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, during which they had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 17, 2024 PRC MofA 17 May 2024
• China's shrinking Arctic ambitions are seen as confined largely to Russia VOA 17 May 2024 -- China's effort to establish itself as a "near-Arctic power" have become increasingly confined to the territory of its close ally Russia as other nations lose interest in cooperating with Beijing, according to Canadian security experts.
• Uyghur rights advocates applaud addition of Chinese companies to US blacklist Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- The U.S. has added 26 Chinese textile "intermediary companies" to its blacklist of entities under legislation that prohibits imports of forced labor products, winning praise from Uyghur human rights advocates.
• China scraps mortgage rate floor, cut down payment ratios in 'unprecedented' policy package to bolster property market Global Times 17 May 2024 -- China on Friday announced a multi-pronged approach concerning every aspect of the real estate market ranging from relaxing down payments and cutting housing loan interest rates to reducing housing inventory. Industry insiders said the sweeping measures mark an "unprecedented" move in the past few decades, which could promptly reverse a property adjustment downturn and fuel a full-fledged rebound across the housing sector.
• China releases 'ground-shaking' measures for property sector, set to boost real estate industry Global Times 17 May 2024 -- China on Friday announced several "ground-shaking" policies for the real estate sector, namely the down payment ratio of home purchases lowered to 15 percent, the interest rate of provident fund loans lowered, the lower limit of mortgage interest rates abolished, and the inventory of commercial housing acquired by local governments as indemnificatory housing.
• China starts selling ultra-long bonds to raise 1 trillion yuan Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- China on Friday sold 30-year treasury bonds as part of a massive 1 trillion yuan (US$138 billion) sale of ultra-long bonds aimed at supporting the world's second-biggest economy at a time when local government coffers have been drained by the pandemic and by the collapse of the real estate bubble, state media reported.
• China remains engine for global growth and attractive destination for investment: FM Global Times 17 May 2024 -- China's stable economic growth and opening-up will continue to make the country an engine for global growth and promising destination for foreign investment. China welcomes foreign enterprises to continue to invest in the country, deepen their presence and be successful, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday.
• Taiwan's incoming president faces tough balancing act, analysts say VOA 17 May 2024 -- When Taiwan's President-elect Lai Ching-te is sworn into office on May 20, he will be facing what is perhaps the toughest first term of any leader the democratically ruled island of 23 million has ever elected since 1996.
• 508 foreign dignitaries to attend Lai's inauguration: MOFA CNA 17 May 2024 -- A total of 51 groups comprising 508 foreign dignitaries will attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and related activities on May 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a statement released on Friday.
• U.S. lawmakers reject China's mischaracterization of U.N. resolution 2758 CNA 17 May 2024 -- U.S. senators across party lines on Thursday proposed a resolution to reject China's mischaracterization of United Nations Resolution 2758, saying Beijing's claim of sovereignty over Taiwan based on the U.N. resolution is not accepted by the world.
• U.S. senators urge WHO to support Taiwan's inclusion ahead of WHA CNA 17 May 2024 -- Four United States senators across party lines wrote to the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this week, calling for its support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in the organization and the annual World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting.
• U.S. should stop "using Taiwan to contain China," take concrete actions to preserve bilateral ties, says Chinese embassy People's Daily 17 May 2024 -- China urges the U.S. side "to stop arming Taiwan and its provocative moves of using Taiwan to contain China," the Chinese Embassy in the United States has said at a press briefing.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 17, 2024 ROC MND 17 May 2024
• Mid-May frost damages crops in northern North Korea Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- A late-spring frost, combined with a severe lack of manpower in rural parts of North Korea, is a major setback this year in a country with yearly chronic food shortages, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Australia sanctions entities linked to North Korea-Russia arms deal Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- Australia has imposed targeted sanctions against entities linked to the unlawful weapons trade between North Korea and Russia.
• Targeted sanctions in response to North Korea's supply of arms to Russia Australia MFA 17 May 2024 -- Australia is imposing targeted financial sanctions, in coordination with international partners, on a further six entities associated with North Korea's supply of arms and related materiel to Russia.
• Military Commentator's Article KCNA 17 May 2024 -- Following is the full text of an article "Provocation to regional peace and security can never be tolerated" issued by a military commentator of the DPRK on Friday:
• Press Statement of Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Kim Yo Jong KCNA 17 May 2024 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following press statement on Friday.
• Iran rejects 'unacceptable' Arab League statement on Persian Gulf islands Press TV 17 May 2024 -- Tehran has dismissed "baseless" and "unacceptable" the Arab League statement on Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs in the Persian Gulf, reiterating its sovereignty over the three Iranian islands.
• Dubai Unlocked: Convicts, Wealthy Iranians With State Ties Implicated In Leaked Property Data RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- Over 7,000 Iranians, including convicts and some with ties to the state, own what experts estimate to be billions of dollars of property in Dubai, according to a report by the Netherlands-based outlet Radio Zamaneh.
• EU Urges Iran To 'Reverse Nuclear Trajectory' As Tehran Threatens To Cross Threshold RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- The European Union has joined the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in urging Iran to abandon suggestions that it might develop nuclear weapons.
• France deploys troops, declares emergency state to quell New Caledonia protests Press TV 17 May 2024 -- France has deployed new troops to New Caledonia and granted its forces more authority to crush unrest in the independence-seeking Pacific archipelago near Australia.
• France Accuses Azerbaijan Of Backing An Online Campaign To Incite Violence On New Caledonia RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- France has again accused Azerbaijan of interfering in the internal politics of New Caledonia by backing a disinformation campaign that Paris says is encouraging deadly riots in the French territory located between Australia and Fiji.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 17, 2024) India MEA 17 May 2024
• Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 17 May 2024 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 May 2024
• Turkish court hands pro-Kurdish politicians lengthy sentences over deadly protests VOA 17 May 2024 -- A Turkish court gave several lengthy prison sentences to pro-Kurdish politicians for instigating protests in southeastern Turkey in 2014 when the Islamic State group attacked the Syrian border town of Kobani.
• Turkey sends Syrian mercenaries to Niger to secure strategic interests VOA 17 May 2024 -- Hundreds of Syrian mercenaries have been sent by Turkey to Niger in recent months to protect Ankara's economic and military interests in the West African nation, a rights group and experts said.
• Georgia's President Vowed To Veto The 'Foreign Agent' Bill. But What Options Does She Really Have? RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- Georgia's fractured political landscape absorbed another blow this month with the swift parliamentary approval of a "foreign agent" bill, which targets media and NGOs despite intense outcry from the public and the Caucasus nation's Western partners.
• Events Marking 'Family Purity Day' In Georgia Contrast Sharply With 'Foreign Agent' Protests RFE/RL 17 May 2024 -- Top officials from the ruling Georgian Dream party joined senior Orthodox clerics and conservative religious groups in rallies across the country on May 17 to mark a new holiday known as Family Purity Day, including a march in central Tbilisi, the scene of weeks of protests against a divisive "foreign agent" bill that was passed by parliament earlier this week.
• Vietnam's ruling party adds 4 new members to top echelon Radio Free Asia 17 May 2024 -- Leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam have appointed four new members to the party's top echelon, the Politburo, to replace members removed in the course of a campaign against graft.
• Russia and Afghanistan Plan to Build Logistics Center For Oil Transit to South Asia Sputnik 17 May 2024 -- Afghanistan plans to launch talks with Russia on a logistics center in the Afghan province of Herat, which, among other things, will facilitate exports of Russian oil to South Asia, acting Afghan Minister of Industry and Trade Haji Nooruddin Azizi told Sputnik.