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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Niger Leaves Open Continued Military Engagement With U.S. DoD News 20 May 2024 -- U.S. service members will withdraw from the West African nation of Niger no later than Sept. 15, U.S. officials said yesterday following five days of negotiations in Niamey, Niger.
• American MQ-9 drone crashes in Yemen: Report IRNA 20 May 2024 -- An American MQ-9 drone has crashed in central Yemen, Arab media has reported.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. Hold an On-Camera Press Conference DoD 20 May 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III; Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• USCENTCOM conducts weeklong hackathon CENTCOM 20 May 2024 -- The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) concluded a weeklong hackathon featuring 20 expert hackers in partnership with Defense Digital Service, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps, and the Defense Information Systems Agency.
• USS Warrior Departs Hakodate, Japan, Following Scheduled Port Visit US Navy 20 May 2024 -- The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10) departed Hakodate, Japan, after a scheduled port visit, May 18.
• SURFOR Establishes Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three US Navy 20 May 2024 -- Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) established Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron (USVRON) Three at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado during a ceremony, May 17.
• USS Jacob Jones Bell Conservation Efforts Begin Following London Turnover Ceremony US Navy 20 May 2024 -- Naval History and Heritage Command archaeological conservators have begun treatment assessments on the ship's bell of USS Jacob Jones (DD 61) in the Conservation, Research, and Archaeology Laboratory on the Washington Navy Yard.
• Wasp Amphibious Ready Group Conducts Live-Fire with a Purpose US Navy Press Release 20 May 2024 -- The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG) conducted a Live-Fire with a Purpose (LFWAP) exercise while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, May 16, 2024.
• Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the US "subcritical" experiment at the Nevada National Security Site Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024
• Baltic Fleet's Bal missile systems fight against mock enemy ships Russia MoD 20 May 2024 -- The Baltic Fleet's Bal coastal missile crews conducted a planned tactical exercise to launch a missile strike against mock enemy ships on training grounds in Kaliningrad region.
• Russia to Conduct Military Drills to Test Tactical Nuclear Weapons in Due Timeframe - Kremlin Sputnik 20 May 2024 -- Military exercises for practicing the use of tactical (or non-strategic) nuclear weapons will be conducted at the appropriate time; the exact dates should be clarified with the Russian Ministry of Defense, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
• Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 22nd Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered) DoD 20 May 2024
• Austin Underscores Unity Among US-led Ukraine Defense Coalition Amid Russian Offensive DoD News 20 May 2024 -- The U.S.-led coalition backing Ukraine will not waver in the face of Russia's recently launched offensive, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today.
• Chairman of Joint Chiefs Says No Plans at Present to Deploy US Trainers Into Ukraine Sputnik 20 May 2024 -- The United States has no plans at present to deploy US trainers into Ukraine, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Charles Brown said on Monday.
• Pentagon Chief Says Opposes Use of US-Supplied Ukrainian Weapons for Strikes Inside Russia Sputnik 20 May 2024 -- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Monday that he opposes the expanded use of US-supplied Ukrainian weapons for strikes into Russian territory.
• 22. Meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Poland - Ministry of National Defence 20 May 2024 -- On May 20th, the 22. meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group was held remotely, chaired by the US Defence Secretarly Lloyd Austin. Over 50 delegations from partner countries, as well as NATO and EU representatives, took part in the meeting.
• First China-Mongolia joint army drill wrapped up with live-action featuring 100+ armored vehicles Global Times 20 May 2024 -- As the armies of China and Mongolia on Sunday wrapped up their first joint drill with a live-action exercise featuring more than 100 armored vehicles, experts said on Monday that the large-scale exercise could be just a start for more similar drills to in the future.
• China, South Africa Agree to Strengthen Military Ties Sputnik 20 May 2024 -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun hosted South Africa's Navy Chief, Monde Lobese, in Beijing on Monday, with the sides agreeing to bolster military ties between their countries, media reported.
• HMAS Anzac farewelled after 30 years' service Australia DOD 20 May 2024 -- Navy frigate HMAS AnzacIII, the first of her class, was decommissioned on Saturday, May 18 after nearly three decades in service.
• North Korea Will Increase Readiness for Nuclear Deterrence Amid US Subcritical Test Sputnik 20 May 2024 -- North Korea was forced to increase its overall nuclear deterrence readiness after the US conducted another subcritical nuclear experiment at the Nevada National Security Site, a spokesperson for the North Korean Foreign Ministry said.
• EU Terminates Military Training Mission in Mali, Withdraws All Personnel - Borrell Sputnik 20 May 2024 -- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that the European Union closed the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM), aimed at training Malian armed forces units and providing consultative aid, and withdrew its personnel from the African country.
• L. Kasčiūnas discussed bilateral cooperation with Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs C. Wallander Lithuania MND 20 May 2024 -- Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas met with Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander who was in Lithuania on a visit last week. Minister yet again expressed gratitude for the recent U.S. decision to maintain the uninterrupted rotational force presence in the Baltic states.
• Security Council Fails to Adopt Resolution on Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space UN Security Council 20 May 2024 -- Explanation of Vote by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on non-proliferation.
• This resolution was not a serious attempt to address the security of space: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 May 2024 -- Explanation of Vote by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on non-proliferation.
• Finnish soldiers conclude EU training mission in Mali Finnish MoD 20 May 2024 -- Finland's military participation in the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM) has ended and the remaining four Finnish soldiers serving in the training mission have returned home.
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby The White House 20 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 20, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 20 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 20 May 2024 -- "The outrageous decision by the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, to seek arrest warrants against the democratically elected leaders of Israel is a moral outrage of historic proportions. It will cast an everlasting mark of shame on the international court."
• May 19: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 20 May 2024
• Death toll rises to 31 in Israeli raids on central Gaza People's Daily 20 May 2024 -- At least 31 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip while the Israeli army announced the killing of two of its soldiers in battles in the enclave.
• Speakers in Security Council Urge Israel to Stop Military Incursions into Rafah UN Security Council 20 May 2024 -- Saving lives and ensuring humanitarian access in Rafah and across the Gaza Strip are urgent priorities, senior United Nations officials told the Security Council today, as delegates urged Israel to stop its military offensive in Rafah.
• UNRWA Claims Versus Facts (May 2024) UNRWA 20 May 2024
• With Gaza on the brink, hostage talks must resume, Security Council hears UN News 20 May 2024 -- Gaza stands at "yet another precipice of further catastrophe" as the latest round of hostage negotiations in Cairo failed to reach an agreement, a senior UN official warned the Security Council on Monday.
• Rafah exodus passes 810,000, says UNRWA UN News 20 May 2024 -- At least 810,000 people have fled Rafah in just two weeks, UN humanitarians said on Monday amid reports of ongoing Israeli military operations in the southern city and in the north of Gaza.
• UN: Israeli operation displaces over 800,000 Palestinians in Rafah VOA 20 May 2024 -- A senior U.N. humanitarian official said Monday that more than 800,000 Palestinians have been displaced from the southern Gaza city of Rafah since Israel began its ground offensive there two weeks ago.
• UN special rapporteur welcomes ICC arrest warrant against Israeli officials Press TV 20 May 2024 -- The UN special rapporteur on the right to housing has welcomed an arrest warrant against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• Supplies of essential medicines, fuel into Gaza 'very low,' says WHO chief Press TV 20 May 2024 -- World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has deplored the appalling conditions in the Gaza Strip, stating that supplies of essential medicines and fuel in the territory are very low since the Israeli army has seized and closed the Rafah border crossing.
• Statement of ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC: Applications for arrest warrants in the situation in the State of Palestine ICC 20 May 2024
• ICC seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leaders and Israel's Netanyahu UN News 20 May 2024 -- Arrest warrants are being sought for the leaders of Hamas and Israel for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the war in Gaza, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said on Monday.
• ICC Prosecutor Seeks Warrants For Top Israeli, Hamas Leaders RFE/RL 20 May 2024 -- The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on May 20 that he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and senior figures in Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
• Explainer: The ICC and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza VOA 20 May 2024 -- The head prosecutor at the International Criminal Court said Monday he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, for their actions in the war in Gaza.
• ICC seeking to arrest Netanyahu, Gallant IRNA 20 May 2024 -- Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Ahmad Khan says he is filing applications for warrants of arrest for Israeli regime's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and war minister Yoav Gallant.
• ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Israeli prime minister Press TV 20 May 2024 -- The chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has applied for arrest warrant against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the regime's war crimes and systematic attacks against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meeting with Palestinian Officials The White House 20 May 2024
• Statement from President Joe Biden on the Warrant Applications by the International Criminal Court The White House 20 May 2024
• Warrant Applications by the International Criminal Court US Dept. of State 20 May 2024 -- The United States fundamentally rejects the announcement today from the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that he is applying for arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials, together with warrants for Hamas terrorists.
• Biden Calls ICC Prosecutor's Application For Arrest Warrants Against Israel 'Outrageous' Sputnik 20 May 2024 -- US President Joe Biden on Monday called the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders "outrageous" and promised that the United States will stand with Israel.
• Biden furious over ICC seeking arrest warrants of Netanyahu Press TV 20 May 2024 -- Reiterating his support for Israel, US President Joe Biden has slammed the International Criminal Court prosecutor's application for arrest warrants against Israeli war criminals, including prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Meetings in Israel The White House 20 May 2024
• World reacts to court's request for arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leadership VOA 20 May 2024 -- The head prosecutor at the International Criminal Court announced Monday that he was seeking arrest warrants for Israel's prime minister and defense minister and three Hamas leaders in Gaza for war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Israel-Hamas war.
• Palestine: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič on attacks on medical and civilian infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 May 2024 -- Since the start of the conflict in Gaza, following the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October, 31 out of 36 hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Among the destroyed is the Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, which remains today completely out of service.
• We urge Israel to let humanitarian aid enter Gaza through all crossings, including by reopening Rafah: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 May 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Rafah.
• Accusations against UNRWA proven false: Jordan FM People's Daily 20 May 2024 -- Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Sunday that anyone claiming the situation in the Gaza Strip is improving is not telling the truth, and accusations against the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) have been proven false.
• U.S.-installed pier in Gaza infringes on Palestinian sovereignty: official People's Daily 20 May 2024 -- The U.S.-installed pier in the Gaza Strip is an infringement on Palestinian sovereignty, a senior Palestinian official said on Sunday.
• Hamas still capable of manufacturing missiles: Israeli media IRNA 20 May 2024 -- Channel 12 of the Israeli regime reported that the Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, remains active in manufacturing weapons and missiles.
• Islamic Resistance of Iraq targets southern occupied Palestine IRNA 20 May 2024 -- The Iraqi Islamic Resistance has announced a drone attack on a sensitive and important position in southern occupied Palestine.
• Iraqi resistance conducts Kamikaze drone attack against 'vital' Israeli target Press TV 20 May 2024 -- Iraqi resistance fighters have launched a drone strike against a strategic target in the southernmost part of the 1948 Israeli-occupied territories in response to the Tel Aviv regime's unrelenting onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza.

Other Conflicts

• Philippine side should reflect on its own actions when it comes to possible environmental problems in Zhongye Dao: Chinese FM Global Times 20 May 2024 -- The Philippine side should most certainly reflect on its own actions for the potential environmental problems around Nansha Qundao (also known as Nansha Islands), over which China holds an indisputable sovereignty including Zhongye Dao (also known as Zhongye Island), instead of blaming the Chinese side for no reason, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday.
• Deadly bomb hits de facto capital of Taliban-governed Afghanistan VOA 20 May 2024 -- Authorities in Afghanistan said Monday that a bomb blast had killed at least one person and injured three others in the southern city of Kandahar, the political headquarters of the country's hardline Taliban rulers.
• Rebel Chin forces in Myanmar capture town on Indian border Radio Free Asia 20 May 2024 -- Armed ethnic Chin rebels have captured the town of Cikha in northwestern Myanmar near the border with India in the latest setback for the military junta.
• Myanmar now requires biometric 'smart card' to exit country by border Radio Free Asia 20 May 2024 -- New restrictions requiring Myanmar nationals to obtain a special "smart card" before they can cross into a neighboring country have led to long lines at checkpoints and a thriving black market for the cards in border towns, applicants said Monday.
• Haiti: Multinational mission and the 'inexorable requirement to restore security conditions' UN News 20 May 2024 -- The establishment of a multinational security support mission for Haiti is moving closer as the Caribbean nation continues to face a crisis of violence and insecurity caused by entrenched criminal gang activity.
• Rwanda deploying another 2,500 soldiers to help Mozambique fight Cabo Delgado insurgency VOA 20 May 2024 -- Rwanda is deploying an additional 2,500 soldiers to help Mozambique fight resurgent attacks by Islamic State insurgents in the oil-rich Cabo Delgado province. Attacks have been on the rise in the area as a force known as SAMIM, deployed by the Southern African Development Community, prepares to withdraw.

News Reports

• Wikileaks' Assange can appeal US extradition on freedom of speech grounds VOA 20 May 2024 -- The United States government's attempts to extradite Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from Britain on charges of espionage took another legal twist Monday, as a British court ruled he must be given the right to a full appeal against the order on freedom of speech grounds.
• EPA Outlines Enforcement Measures to Help Prevent Cybersecurity Attacks and Protect the Nation's Drinking Water EPA 20 May 2024 -- Today, May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an enforcement alert outlining the urgent cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities to community drinking water systems and the steps these systems need to take to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Senate Plans to Vote on the Bipartisan Border Security Agreement The White House 20 May 2024
• Meeting on fuel and energy complex development President of Russia 20 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting on developing the fuel and energy complex.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during a meeting with Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi, Astana, May 20, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024
• We urge North Korea and Iran to cease all support to Russia: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 May 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Astana, May 20, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, Astana, May 20, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 20, 2024 PRC MofA 20 May 2024
• Message to President of China Xi Jinping President of Russia 20 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin sent a message of gratitude to President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, thanking him for the warm welcome and hospitality.
• Head of embattled Hong Kong journalists' union to step down Radio Free Asia 20 May 2024 -- Ronson Chan, an outspoken critic of diminishing press freedom who currently chairs the embattled Hong Kong Journalists' Association, has said he won't run again for office in union elections at the end of next month, saying he had been told that the organization would continue to be targeted by the authorities if he didn't step down.
• US imported cars tied to Uyghur slave labor, Senate report says Radio Free Asia 20 May 2024 -- BMW, Volkswagen and Jaguar Land Rover purchased car parts made by a Chinese company blacklisted by the U.S. government due to their use of Uyghur forced labor, according to a new congressional report.
• Report: Vehicles shipped to US used parts made in China with forced labor VOA 20 May 2024 -- BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen have used parts from a Chinese supplier banned in the United States for using forced labor, according to a U.S. congressional investigation.
• China probes rural minister Tang Renjian for 'serious violations' Radio Free Asia 20 May 2024 -- Authorities in China investigate Tang Renjian, minister for agriculture and rural affairs, for "serious violations of discipline and law," the latest in a string of high-ranking officials to be targeted by Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, according to the ruling Communist Party's disciplinary arm.
• Asian neighbors wary of China's plans to deploy floating nuclear plants VOA 20 May 2024 -- China's planned deployment of floating nuclear reactors to the disputed South China Sea may risk ramping up tensions with other claimants and undermining regional security, and claimants should work through a multilateral framework to counter China, say experts.
• Full text of President Lai Ching-te's inaugural address CNA 20 May 2024 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) was sworn into office on Monday. The following is the full text of his inaugural address as released by the Presidential Office:
• Lai underscores democracy, 'four-pillar plan' for defense, diplomacy CNA 20 May 2024 -- Taiwan will continue engaging with democratic countries around the world as it works to bolster its defense capabilities under a "four-pillar plan" for peace, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said on Monday in his inaugural address.
• U.S., Japan congratulate Lai on his inauguration as president CNA 20 May 2024 -- The United States and Japan extended their congratulations to President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on his inauguration Monday as Taiwan's president and expressed the hope that efforts to enhance bilateral relations will continue under the new administration.
• Opposition raises concerns over Lai's cross-strait stance CNA 20 May 2024 -- The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) raised concerns over President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inaugural address on Monday, saying that his "two country doctrine" and ideology could further stall cross-strait relations.
• MAC urges Beijing to be receptive to Lai's overture CNA 20 May 2024 -- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has called on Beijing to be receptive to an overture expressed by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) in his inaugural speech on Monday, which Beijing criticized as an attempt to promote Taiwanese independence.
• Lai urges Beijing to recognize ROC, calls for dialogue at inauguration (update) CNA 20 May 2024 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) called on Beijing to acknowledge Taiwan's government and engage in dialogue with Taipei in his inaugural address on Monday, saying that both sides are responsible for promoting peace in the Taiwan Strait.
• China likely to reject Lai's cross-strait exchange proposal: Scholars CNA 20 May 2024 -- Beijing is likely to reject or even respond with "fire and fury" to President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) proposal of resuming cross-Taiwan Strait exchanges in tourism and education, according to scholars.
• Chinese scholars pessimistic about Lai's inaugural address CNA 20 May 2024 -- Chinese scholars were pessimistic about President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) stance and approach to relations between the two sides across the Taiwan Strait outlined in his inaugural address on Monday.
• Two Taiwanese given suspended sentences in Chinese recruiting case CNA 20 May 2024 -- Two Taiwanese men have been given suspended sentences after being found guilty of illegally recruiting personnel for a Chinese high-tech company in Taiwan, the Hsinchu District Court said Monday.
• Mainland slams Lai in sending 'dangerous signal' in speech Global Times 20 May 2024 -- The Chinese mainland on Monday reiterated its firm opposition to "Taiwan independence" and emphasized its unwavering stance against any form of separatist activities, following Lai Ching-te's speech upon assuming the role of Taiwan region's new leader on Monday.
• One-China principle general consensus of the international community: Chinese FM Global Times 20 May 2024 -- Many political dignitaries from countries that have diplomatic relations with China, friendly figures from various political parties and heads of major international organizations issued a voice of justice that adheres to the one-China principle and demonstrates their firm stance against Taiwan independence and separatism and opposition to external forces interfering in the Taiwan question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday.
• Fact of both sides of Taiwan Strait belonging to one China will not change: spokesperson People's Daily 20 May 2024 -- No matter how the political situation on the Taiwan island changes, it will not change the historical and legal facts that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, and the historical trend that China will eventually be reunified and will inevitably be reunified, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.
• Mainland says Lai sends "dangerous signal" in speech as Taiwan's new leader People's Daily 20 May 2024 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson said Lai Ching-te has sent "a dangerous signal" of seeking "Taiwan independence" and making provocations to undermine cross-Strait peace and stability in his speech upon assuming the role of Taiwan region's new leader on Monday.
• China slaps sanctions on US companies over weapons sales to Taiwan Press TV 20 May 2024 -- China has announced sanctions against three US military companies over arms sales to the self-ruled island of Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1900hr(UTC+8), May 20, 2024 ROC MND 20 May 2024
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 20, 2024 ROC MND 20 May 2024
• Lai Ching-te sworn in as Republic of China president (update) CNA 20 May 2024 -- Lai Ching-te (賴清德) of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was sworn in Monday as the fifth popularly elected president of the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name.
• Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry Issues Press Statement KCNA 20 May 2024 -- A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea released the following press statement on May 20:
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Visits Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in Sinmi-ri KCNA 20 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, visited the Patriotic Martyrs Cemetery in Sinmi-ri on Sunday afternoon on the occasion of the second anniversary of demise of Hyon Chol Hae, his most respected revolutionary comrade-in-arms.
• State media says Iranian president, foreign minister found dead at helicopter crash site VOA 20 May 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other officials were found dead Monday at the site of a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran, state media said.
• Iranian President, Foreign Minister Die In Helicopter Crash RFE/RL 20 May 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash in northwest Iran.
• Ebrahim Raisi, The Hard-Line Iranian President Tipped As Next Supreme Leader, Dead At 63 RFE/RL 20 May 2024 -- Ebrahim Raisi, the ultraconservative Iranian president who was widely tipped to become the country's next supreme leader, has died at the age of 63.
• Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, The Iranian Foreign Minister Close To Revolutionary Guards, Dead At 60 RFE/RL 20 May 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, a conservative figure who enjoyed the support of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), has died at the age of 60.
• Russia dispatches aircraft, professional rescuers to Tabriz IRNA 20 May 2024 -- An aide to the Russian president has announced that two advanced aircraft with special helicopters and 50 professional mountain rescuers will join Iranian teams in their ongoing search operations for a crashed chopper carrying the Iranian president and his entourage.
• Putin: Russia ready to do whatever necessary to help Iran Press TV 20 May 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Iran's Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali and expressed sadness over the helicopter accident carrying President Ebrahim Raeisi, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in northwestern Iran.
• Iran expresses gratitude for global solidarity over copter crash IRNA 20 May 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has expressed gratitude for the solidarity expressed by a large number of governments and nations as well as international organizations with the government and people of Iran following the crash of a helicopter carrying the country's president
• Rescuers race against time to find Pres. Raisi's helicopter IRNA 20 May 2024 -- Despite the adverse weather conditions, rescuers are racing against time to find the site of a missing helicopter that was carrying the Iranian President and his delegation but suffered a "hard landing" in northwestern part of the country.
• Zuma barred from running in South African elections VOA 20 May 2024 -- He's often been dubbed "the Teflon president" for his ability to endure scandal after scandal, but on Monday something finally stuck.
• Belarus: Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell on the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 May 2024 -- On 21 May, we mark the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus. Since the death of political prisoner and activist Vitold Ashurak in prison in May 2021, at least five more political prisoners have died in regime's places of captivity: Mikalai Klimovich, Ales Pushkin, Vadzim Khrasko, Ihar Lednik, and Aliaksandr Kulinich. They were unjustly persecuted for their political opinions and beliefs, and failed to receive adequate medical attention and care.
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Brazilian Secretary General of Foreign Affairs US Dept. of State 20 May 2024
• Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq The White House 20 May 2024
• Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to the Stabilization of Iraq The White House 20 May 2024
• Visit of the Foreign Minister of Turkiye to Pakistan Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2024 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar today held comprehensive talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan. Foreign Minister Fidan is on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart.
• "The Turkish democracy should settle old scores with the tradition of coups by adopting a new and civilian constitution" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 20 May 2024 -- Delivering remarks following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Erdoğan stressed that the current constitution cannot sustain the new Türkiye, and said: "The Turkish democracy should settle old scores with the tradition of coups by adopting a new and civilian constitution."
• Wider Europe Briefing: Estonia's Bold Stand RFE/RL 20 May 2024
• Georgian Parliament Set To Overrule Presidential Veto On 'Foreign Agent' Law RFE/RL 20 May 2024 -- Georgian parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said lawmakers, as expected, will overrule President Salome Zurabishvili's veto of the so-called "foreign agent" bill targeting media and NGOs that are funded by foreign governments.
• Designation of Former Bangladeshi Official for Significant Corruption US Dept. of State 20 May 2024 -- The U.S. Department of State announced today the public designation of former General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to his involvement in significant corruption.
• Dominican Republic Election Results US Dept. of State 20 May 2024 -- The United States congratulates Luis Abinader on his electoral victory as President of the Dominican Republic.
• Cambodia's top court hears appeal from convicted opposition figure Radio Free Asia 20 May 2024 -- Cambodia's Supreme Court on Monday heard an appeal from Candlelight Party Vice President Thach Setha who asked judges to overturn a lower court's false check conviction that resulted in an 18-month prison sentence.
• Some 1,200 Pakistani Students Leave Kyrgyzstan, Fearing For Their Safety RFE/RL 20 May 2024 -- Following unprecedented mob violence targeting foreign students from South Asia in Kyrgyzstan, around 1,200 Pakistani students at the Bishkek-based Kyrgyzstan International University have left the Central Asian nation.
• Five things to know about the catastrophic flooding in the East and Horn of Africa UNHCR 20 May 2024 -- Torrential rains across the East and Horn of Africa have claimed hundreds of lives and washed away homes, uprooting thousands of people including refugees and other previously displaced people.
• World News in Brief: Myanmar violence intensifies, praise for Brazil refugee response, Baháí detainees in Yemen UN News 20 May 2024 -- The UN is continuing to closely follow the deteriorating situation in Myanmar's Rakhine state where intercommunal tensions are being stoked by the military.
• White House welcomes Kenya for first African state visit VOA 20 May 2024 -- The White House says it chose Kenya for its first state visit for an African leader for many reasons — not least because the East African powerhouse has stepped up on the global stage, offering to staff a United Nations peacekeeping mission to Haiti that could see boots on the ground as early as this week.