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News Reports

Current Operations

• Administration Officials Hold A News Briefing Via Teleconference On Humanitarian Assistance To Gaza DoD 23 May 2024 -- Daniel Dieckhaus, Director, USAID's Levant Response Management Team; Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, Deputy Commander, United States Central Command; Chris Mewett, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Partnerships; Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary
• More Than 1 Million Pounds of Aid Moved Into Gaza Via DOD's Temporary Pier DoD News 23 May 2024 -- U.S. forces have facilitated the transfer of more than 1 million pounds of humanitarian assistance into Gaza via the Defense Department's Joint Logistics, Over-the-Shore pier, a senior military official said today.
• Houthis Expand Attacks on Israeli-Linked Ships Onto Mediterranean Sea Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, has started operations against Israeli-linked vessels in the Mediterranean Sea by attacking a ship earlier this week, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday.
• Yemen's Houthis using weapons that reach the Mediterranean Sea, US says IRNA 23 May 2024 -- Yemen's Houthis have weapons that can reach as far as the Mediterranean Sea, a senior US defense official said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. Needs Sea-Based Nuclear Capability to Ensure Second-Strike Capability DoD News 23 May 2024 -- The U.S. needs all three legs of its nuclear triad, including the land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles maintained by the Air Force, as well as the sea-based weapons that are the domain of the Navy.
• Hicks Establishes SBIR/STTR Due Diligence Policy and Implementation Guidance DoD 23 May 2024 -- Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks signed a memorandum to establish policy and provide implementation guidance for the Defense Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Due Diligence Program May 13.
• U.S. Conducts Large-Scale Logistics Exercise With Saudi, Emirati Partners DoD News 23 May 2024 -- U.S. and partner forces from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are set to conclude this year's large-scale exercise showcasing the three countries' combined logistics capabilities.
• Marine Mammal Program Contributes to National Security DoD News 23 May 2024 -- The Navy's Marine Mammal Program uses bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to detect, locate and recover objects and threats in harbors and at sea for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
• USEUCOM hosts counter-drone workshop with Allies and partners in Poland EUCOM 23 May 2024 -- U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and the Polish Ministry of National Defense co-hosted a regional counter-drone workshop with experts from Great Britain, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania and Ukraine in Poznan, Poland, from May 20-24, 2024.
• SECNAV Del Toro Announces Name of a Future Constellation-class frigate - FFG-66 US Navy 23 May 2024
• SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Guided Missile Frigate USS Hamilton (FFG 66) US Navy Press Release 23 May 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that a future Constellation-class Guided Missile Frigate (FFG 66) will be named USS Hamilton. Secretary Del Toro made the announcement, May 23, while joining New York Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion for the New York City Mayor's Fleet Week Welcome Breakfast.
• Baiba Braže: key topics at the Washington summit will be strengthening of NATO's defence capabilities and support to Ukraine Latvia MFA 23 May 2024 -- On 23 May 2024, the meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, and the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg focused on the priorities of the NATO summit to be held in Washington between 9 and 11 July, the development of NATO's deterrence and defence capabilities, comprehensive support for Ukraine, as well as the need to develop a strategy to rein in Russia.
• Secretary General welcomes Latvian Foreign Minister to NATO Headquarters NATO 23 May 2024 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže at NATO Headquarters on Thursday (23 May 2024) to discuss stepping up support for Ukraine and preparations for the upcoming Washington Summit.
• NATO holds first meeting of Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network NATO 23 May 2024 -- Leading experts from across the Alliance met at NATO Headquarters on Thursday (23 May 2024) for the first meeting of NATO's new Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network.
• Ukraine and Greece Will Sign a Security Agreement in the Near Future President of Ukraine 23 May 2024
• Senior Russian Military Official Held As Kremlin Continues Corruption Sweep RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- A military court in Moscow has sent to pretrial detention Lieutenant General Vadim Shamarin, who is the latest top military official arrested in what the Kremlin has called its ongoing fight against corruption.
• Russian Military Court Arrests Deputy Chief of General Staff Shamarin in Bribery Case Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff and head of the Russian armed forces' main communications directorate Vadim Shamarin has been arrested in a bribery case, the 235th garrison military court told Sputnik on Thursday.
• Deputy chief of Russian military's general staff arrested on bribery charges VOA 23 May 2024 -- Russian media reports on Thursday say a deputy chief of the Russian military's general staff has been arrested on charges of large-scale bribery.
• Baltic Fleet surface action group train to search for and eliminate ships and vessels of mock enemy at sea Russia MoD 23 May 2024 -- The Baltic Fleet surface action group made up of the small missile ships Odintsovo and Naro-Fominsk of the Baltic Naval Base, have undergone training for detecting ships and vessels of a mock enemy in the Baltic Sea.
• Pacific Fleet's corvette Gremyashchy conducts anti-submarine exercise off Kamchatka Russia MoD 23 May 2024 -- The corvette Gremyashchy of the Pacific Fleet conducted an anti-submarine exercise off the coast of Kamchatka in the Pacific Ocean.
• Russian frigate Admiral Gorshkov conducts air defence exercise in Atlantic Ocean Russia MoD 23 May 2024 -- The frigate Admiral Gorshkov being on the long-distance sortie in the Atlantic Ocean conducted a training exercise to protect the Northern Fleet detachment from the air attacks of a mock enemy.
• Russia to Take Security Measures If Japan Repeals Article 9 of Constitution - Diplomat Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Russia will take countermeasures if Japan repeals Article 9 of its constitution, which implies the prohibition of the maintenance of armed forces, Director of Second Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Lyudmila Vorobyova told Sputnik.
• U.S. Pushes Back On British Claim That China Sending Lethal Aid To Russia RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- In a split with Britain, U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan said he had not seen evidence that China was directly sending lethal military assistance to Russia for its war against Ukraine.
• UK's accusation on China providing 'lethal aid' to Russia slammed by China, questioned by US Global Times 23 May 2024 -- China condemned on Thursday the UK's accusation that it was providing "lethal aid" to Russia amid the Ukraine crisis, noting the claims made by the UK's defense secretary have even been questioned by its major ally, the US. Given that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party badly lags in the polls ahead of July elections, the Conservatives will undoubtedly seize every opportunity to take a strong stance against China, experts said.
• UK's accusation of China providing lethal aid to Russia totally groundless: Chinese Embassy Global Times 23 May 2024 -- The Chinese Embassy in the UK called Britain's Defense Secretary Grant Shapps' accusation against China of "providing or preparing to provide Russia with lethal aid" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict totally groundless, the embassy said in a statement issued early Thursday.
• Call for innovative pitches to optimise the soldier for littoral operations Australia DOD 23 May 2024 -- The Australian Army is calling on defence industry and academia to pitch innovative capabilities to optimise the soldier for littoral operations as part of Army Innovation Day 2024 (AID24).
• 2024 U.S.-Australia Defense Policy and Strategy Talks DoD 23 May 2024 -- Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities Madeline Mortelmans co-chaired the U.S.-Australia Defense Policy and Strategy Talks (DPST) at the Pentagon today.
• INDIAN NAVAL SHIPS DELHI, SHAKTI, AND KILTAN COMPLETED THEIR VISIT TO MANILA, PHILIPPINES AS A PART OF THE OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE EASTERN FLEET TO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA India PIB 23 May 2024 -- Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti and Kiltan visited Manila, Philippines as part of Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to South China Sea
• Minister Radosław Sikorski takes part in London Defence Conference 2024 Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2024 -- Visiting London today, Poland's top diplomat delivered an address during a Defence Conference hosted by King's College.
• Pevkur at Northern Group meeting: Russian aggression is increasing in both Ukraine and the nordic region Estonia MoD 23 May 2024 -- Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said at the Northern Group meeting held in Palanga, Lithuania, on Thursday that all Allies must consider the increasing Russian aggression against NATO and the faster recovery of its military power than previously expected.
• We are united by the common threat of Russia, says L. Kasčiūnas after the Norther Group Defence Ministers' meeting Lithuania MND 23 May 2024 -- On May 23 Lithuania for the first time hosted a meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the Norther Group. Ministers of Defence of the twelve European countries and their representatives discussed security situation in the Baltic Sea and the North Atlantic regions, assistance to Ukraine and the agenda of the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington.
• Solidarity of the Baltic states is stronger than ever in the face of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, says L. Kasčiūnas Lithuania MND 23 May 2024 -- At a meeting in Palanga on May 22 Ministers of Defence of the Baltic states agreed that in the face of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, it was critical to continue the trilateral cooperation thus strengthening collective deterrence and defence, while the Baltic solidarity had to be stronger than ever before.
• Joint Statement by the Ministers of Defence of the Northern Group Government of Norway 23 May 2024 -- Today, Ministers of Defence of the Northern Group - comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom - met in Palanga and gave the following statement:
• US elevates security relationship with Kenya at state visit VOA 23 May 2024 -- President Joe Biden said Thursday that he would designate Kenya as the first major non-NATO U.S. ally in sub-Saharan Africa, as he welcomed President William Ruto for the first state visit to the U.S. by an African leader in nearly 16 years.
• Remarks by President Biden and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 23 May 2024
• Remarks by President Biden and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya at Arrival Ceremony The White House 23 May 2024
• United States-Kenya Joint Leaders' Statement The White House 23 May 2024
• Remarks by President Biden and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya at State Dinner The White House 23 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 23, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 23 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari's Comments on Our Ongoing Operations in Gaza Israel Defense Forces 23 May 2024
• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari-May 23, 2024 Israel Defense Forces 23 May 2024
• Israel Abandons Major Invasion of Rafah in Favor of Targeted Raids - Report Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Israel has allegedly abandoned its plans for a major invasion of Rafah in the Gaza Strip in favor of targeted incursions after talks with the United States, The Telegraph has reported, citing a senior US official.
• Statement from the Prime Minister's Office Israel - Prime Minister 23 May 2024 -- " The claim that Prime Minister Netanyahu received early warning from IDF Intelligence about a possible attack from Gaza is the opposite of the truth. Not only was there no warning of any kind about a Hamas intention to attack Israel from Gaza, but a completely opposite assessment was provided."
• PM Netanyahu at IDF Northern Command HQ: "We are constantly in action on the northern front. We have detailed, important, and even surprising plans." Israel - Prime Minister 23 May 2024 -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today , visited IDF Northern Command Headquarters where he received an operational briefing - by the head of Northern Command, Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin - on the wide-ranging offensive and defensive activity in the sector.
• Israel hasn't achieved any 'strategic goals' of war on Gaza: Top official Press TV 23 May 2024 -- A ranking Israeli official has admitted that the regime has fallen short of realizing all the "strategic goals" that it has been seeking to achieve through its months-long genocidal war against the Gaza Strip.
• May 22: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 23 May 2024
• At Least 16 People Killed in IDF's Strike on Mosque in Northern Gaza City - Reports Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- At least 16 people have been killed, with 10 of them children, in an air strike on the Fatima al-Zahra Mosque in northern Gaza City by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera reported on Thursday.
• Israel kills 62 Palestinians, injures 138 others in Gaza in 24 hours: Medical sources Press TV 23 May 2024 -- Israeli forces have launched fresh massacres in separate regions in the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing at least 62 Palestinians in a single day.
• Humanitarian aid arrives in Gaza VOA 23 May 2024 -- Humanitarian aid is beginning to enter Gaza through a U.S.-built pier, according to U.S. officials.
• Increasing disease and humanitarian strain in Gaza amid aid shortages UN News 23 May 2024 -- Living conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with reports of an increase in diarrhoea and suspected cases of Hepatitis A, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
• Biden dismisses International Criminal Court's call for arrests of Israeli, Hamas officials VOA 23 May 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday dismissed calls by the International Criminal Court for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three top Hamas officials in Gaza, for alleged war crimes in connection with the ongoing seven-month conflict.
• US, EU Negotiating Possible Transfer of Control Over Rafah Crossing to EU Mission - Reports Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- The Biden administration and an EU organization have been negotiating a possible transfer of control over the Rafah border crossing management to an EU mission amid Israel's ground operation in the Gaza Strip city, the Politico online newspaper reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
• U.S. pushes back on recognition of Palestinian state by European nations People's Daily 23 May 2024 -- The U.S. government on Wednesday pushed back on the decision by Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognize the Palestinian state, saying that Palestinian statehood should not be realized through "unilateral recognition."
• EU's Borrell: All bloc member states should find 'common position' on Palestinian statehood recognition Press TV 23 May 2024 -- European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has urged the 27-member bloc to seek a "common EU position" on recognizing the Palestinian state, after Spain and Ireland joined Norway in recognizing the Palestinian statehood.
• Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia welcome European trio's decision to recognize State of Palestine Press TV 23 May 2024 -- Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have both issued statements, expressing their support for recent decisions made by three European countries to recognize the State of Palestine.
• Norway, Ireland, Spain announce formal recognition of Palestine People's Daily 23 May 2024 -- Norway, Ireland and Spain announced on Wednesday that they would officially recognize Palestine as a state.
• Palestinians welcome European nations' state recognition People's Daily 23 May 2024 -- The Palestinian presidency on Wednesday welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Norway and Ireland.
• Zionist army withdraws from Jenin Camp after 2-day military genocide IRNA 23 May 2024 -- The Zionist army withdrew Thursday from the Jenin Refugee Camp in the northern occupied West Bank following a two-day military genocide.
• Death toll from Israeli assault on Jenin climbs to 12 Press TV 23 May 2024 -- The death toll from an Israeli assault on the city of Jenin in the northern part of the occupied West Bank has climbed to 12.
• Al-Qassam Brigades: Netanyahu abandoned commanders in captivity IRNA 23 May 2024 -- The Izz al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, has announced the capture of a senior Israeli military commander who has remained in captivity amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to reach a deal with Hamas to release captives in Gaza.
• Hezbollah conducts retaliatory attack on Israeli positions IRNA 23 May 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has carried out an attack on the Israeli regime's military positions in retaliation for a deadly drone strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon.
• Iraqi Resistance conducts fresh drone attacks at occupied Eilat Port IRNA 23 May 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has announced that its forces have conducted a fresh drone attack on the Israeli-occupied port of Eilat.

Other Conflicts

• Africa home to nearly half of global displaced population, IDMC reports VOA 23 May 2024 -- A record 75.9 million people are living in internal displacement due to conflict, and nearly half that number is in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a recent report.
• 'Now is the time to unleash Africa's peace power' Guterres tells Security Council UN News 23 May 2024 -- Peace is the key to unlocking Africa's future and for strengthening the continent's voice and influence in building peace globally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.
• Security Council Calls for Strengthening Africa's Role in Addressing Global Security, Development Challenges, Adopting Presidential Statement ahead of Day-long Debate UN Security Council 23 May 2024 -- The Security Council today unanimously adopted a presidential statement aimed at strengthening the role of African countries in addressing global security and development challenges, as speakers debated the intricate and complex dynamics between peace and development in those States and across their continent.
• Time to Unleash Africa's Peace Power, Embed Continent's Leadership into Global Governance, Development Architecture Secretary-General Urges Security Council UN Security Council 23 May 2024 -- Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres' remarks to the United Nations Security Council debate "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Strengthening the Role of the African State in Addressing Global Security and Development Challenges", in New York today:
• Afghanistan is 'not a hopeless crisis', top UN aid official says UN News 23 May 2024 -- The international community cannot abandon Afghanistan, a senior UN aid official said on Thursday, urging continued engagement and support for the population.
• UN warns of more flooding in Afghanistan VOA 23 May 2024 -- As the United Nations warns of more "intensive" floods affecting food security in Afghanistan in the coming months, experts say the country needs long-term planning to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
• 20,000 civilians trapped by fighting in western Myanmar Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- Around 20,000 civilians are trapped in western Myanmar's Rakhine state amid fierce fighting between ethnic rebels and the military for control of Maungdaw township on the border with Bangladesh, residents said Thursday.
• Myanmar junta detains dozens, including 3 pastors, in village raid, witnesses say Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- Junta troops raided a village in northern Myanmar's Kachin State on Thursday and detained more than 30 people, including Christian leaders and teenagers on suspicion of supporting a rebel group, residents told Radio Free Asia.
• Junta targeting aid groups, social workers in Myanmar's Sagaing region Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- Myanmar's junta is targeting welfare groups assisting people displaced by conflict and social volunteer workers in the country's northern Sagaing region, where armed clashes between the military and rebel groups are intensifying, aid workers said.
• UN designates annual day to commemorate Srebrenica genocide VOA 23 May 2024 -- The United Nations General Assembly voted Thursday to designate July 11 annually as an international day of reflection and commemoration of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim boys and men by Bosnian Serb forces. Serbia and Bosnian Serbs strongly opposed its adoption.
• UN establishes International Day of reflection for Srebrenica genocide UN News 23 May 2024 -- The UN General Assembly on Thursday designated 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, in which at least 8,372 people were killed, thousands displaced and whole communities destroyed.
• Serbia defiant as UN creates Srebrenica genocide memorial day Press TV 23 May 2024 -- The United Nations General Assembly has voted in favor of creating an annual memorial day in remembrance of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide despite fierce opposition from the Serbs.
• UN Approves Srebrenica Genocide Resolution, As Some Serbs Remain Defiant RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- The UN has approved a resolution to commemorate the 1995 Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia-Herzegovina annually, over strong opposition from Serbs.
• Republika Srpska to Propose Bosnia and Herzegovina Division Plan Within 30 Days - President Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Republika Srpska will propose an agreement on a peaceful division of Bosnia and Herzegovina within 30 days, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik said on Thursday.
• US Senate unanimously passes bill urging China to resolve Tibet dispute Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- The U.S. Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a bill urging the Chinese government to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama or Tibetan leaders, without any preconditions, to resolve the China-Tibet dispute.

News Reports

• IS turns to artificial intelligence for advanced propaganda amid territorial defeats VOA 23 May 2024 -- With major military setbacks in recent years, supporters of the Islamic State terror group are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to generate online propaganda, experts said.
• First human case of bird flu detected in Australia People's Daily 23 May 2024 -- The health authority in the Australian state of Victoria issued a public health alert on Wednesday, as the country recorded its first ever human case of avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
• U.S. confirms another human H5 bird flu case tied to dairy cow outbreak People's Daily 23 May 2024 -- A new human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5 bird flu) virus infection in the United States has been identified, U.S. health authorities said on Wednesday.
• Vladimir Putin arrives in Minsk President of Russia 23 May 2024
• Executive Order establishing the procedure for compensating damages caused to Russia and its Central Bank by the US' hostile actions President of Russia 23 May 2024 -- The President signed the Executive Order On Special Procedure for Compensating Damages Caused to Russia and the Bank of Russia by Unfriendly Actions of the United States.
• Putin Signs Decree on Compensation for US Damage to Russia, Central Bank Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday that outlines steps for claiming compensation from the United States for the damage done to Russia and its central bank.
• Putin signs decree allowing authorities to seize US property in Russia Press TV 23 May 2024 -- President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree which allows authorities to seize American property in the Russia Federation as compensation for any seizure of Russian assets in the United States.
• Russian-Bahraini talks President of Russia 23 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who arrived in Russia on an official visit.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement at a reception on the occasion of Africa Day, Moscow, May 23, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's greetings to the organisers and participants of the International Workshop on International Law dedicated to the 80th anniversary of MGIMO University Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2024
• Amid Reports Kadyrov Is Ill, Kremlin Mulls What's Next For Chechnya RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- It was apparently business as usual on May 22 when Ramzan Kadyrov reportedly stopped by the Kremlin for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• With Russian Nuclear Fuel Ban, U.S. Also Tries To Fix A (Self-Inflicted) Problem RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- It was one of the marquee U.S. disarmament programs of the post-Soviet era: Get Russia to downgrade tons of highly enriched uranium, turn it into power-plant fuel, sell it to the United States, keep weapons-grade uranium off the black market -- and potentially out of terrorists' hands.
• Potential Northern Sea Route Projects With India Under Discussion, Rosatom Says Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said on Thursday it was discussing potential joint projects on the Northern Sea Route with New Delhi, with a focus on the use of the corridor in the interests of the Indian economy.
• South Korea, China, Japan to hold trilateral talks on May 26-27 in Seoul Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet on May 26-27 in Seoul for their first trilateral talks in more than four years, South Korea's presidential office said on Thursday.
• Premier Li to attend China-Japan-S.Korea trilateral summit meeting Global Times 23 May 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang will be attending the 9th trilateral summit meeting between China, Japan and South Korea in Seoul from May 26 to 27, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday. The resumption of the meeting after over four years' suspension is "an encouraging sign," experts said, while noting that risks brought by geopolitical games and external interference remain. They warned Japan and South Korea not to step on China's red line regarding the Taiwan question.
• China's state security authorities unveil espionage case involving military expert, sentenced to 15 years in prison Global Times 23 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security on Thursday unveiled details of an espionage case involving a military expert who was compromised while participating in an international conference. Initially denying accusations, he eventually admitted to his illegal activities when faced with irrefutable evidence, leading to a 15-year prison sentence.
• Chinese Embassy refutes fake news of Le Monde about Chinese intelligence agents' operations in France Global Times 23 May 2024 -- The Chinese Embassy in France refuted the fake news published in the French daily Le Monde alleging so-called Chinese intelligence department's actions against dissidents in France. The embassy said that the two cases cited by the newspaper are clearly fabricated and some French journalists' true intention lies in smearing China.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 23, 2024 PRC MofA 23 May 2024
• China sharpens response, as US sets date for tariff hikes, pushes EU to follow suit Global Times 23 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday reaffirmed the country's commitment to green development and slammed "certain countries and regions" mulling to take restrictive measures against Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), in response to reports of a prominent Chinese expert calling for a temporary tariff hike on imported cars with large engines.
• Chinese cities cut housing down payment ratios, lower mortgage rates following sweeping policy package Global Times 23 May 2024 -- Several Chinese cities have cut down payment ratios and lowered mortgage rates for homebuyers following the nation's sweeping measures in the real estate sector to boost sales and reduce housing inventories.
• China holds consistent attitude on welcoming foreign investment; Unreliable entities list only targets foreign firms jeopardizing China's national security Global Times 23 May 2024 -- China will unswervingly promote high-level opening-up, and the Chinese government holds a consistent attitude on welcoming foreign companies to invest and creating a fair and predictable environment for them, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday, while stressing that foreign companies that operate in accordance with the law "absolutely have nothing" to be concerned about in relation to the unreliable entities list, which only targets those entities that endanger national security.
• China begins military drills around Taiwan as 'punishment' for new leader VOA 23 May 2024 -- China kicked off a two-day large-scale military exercise in the water and airspace around Taiwan on Thursday, emphasizing that it is "a strong punishment for the separatist acts of 'Taiwan independence forces'" and "a stern warning" against provocation by external forces.
• China Starts Military Drills Around Taiwan as 'Warning' to Meddling 'External Forces' Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- After a US-backed pro-independence candidate won the local election in Taiwan at the start of the year, China reiterated that it would continue to push back on the island's independence in 2024, while also promoting cooperation and peaceful reunification under the "one country, two systems" policy.
• No PLA live-fire exercises detected in Taiwan Strait: Taiwan military CNA 23 May 2024 -- Taiwan's military said Thursday evening that it has detected no signs of live-fire activities during the ongoing two-day exercises conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan, which are being held three days after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Monday.
• President Lai pledges to safeguard Taiwan despite 'external threats' CNA 23 May 2024 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) pledged to stand side by side with the military and safeguard Taiwan during a visit to a Marine base on Thursday afternoon, just hours after China launched two days of military exercises surrounding Taiwan.
• China's military intimidation only escalates cross-strait tensions: MAC CNA 23 May 2024 -- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) strongly protested the military exercises launched by China surrounding Taiwan on Thursday, stating that intimidation only escalates tensions in the Taiwan Strait and destabilizes the region.
• Chinese military drills around Taiwan could be first in series: Expert CNA 23 May 2024 -- China's military exercises around Taiwan, launched just three days after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), whom Beijing has labeled a "separatist," could mark the beginning of a series of such drills, a military expert said Thursday.
• Taiwan's political parties criticize Chinese military drills CNA 23 May 2024 -- The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) criticized China after Beijing announced military exercises around Taiwan on Thursday, with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) noting that China is seeking to intimidate Taiwan and poses a global threat to its democratic allies.
• Taiwan expels China Coast Guard boats near Matsu, Kinmen CNA 23 May 2024 -- Taiwan's Coast Guard drove China Coast Guard vessels away and dispatched patrol boats to gather evidence on Thursday morning after the Chinese ships entered restricted waters around the Taiwan-controlled outlying islands of Dongyin in Matsu and Wuqiu in Kinmen.
• PLA drills 'irrational provocation' after Lai's inauguration: Taiwan MND CNA 23 May 2024 -- Taiwan's defense ministry said Thursday that China was engaging in "irrational provocation" by surrounding Taiwan during its current military exercises days after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).
• Taiwanese fugitive in China stripped of citizenship CNA 23 May 2024 -- A Taiwanese fugitive in China, who allegedly has become a member of a political organization there, has lost his citizenship in his home country, according to Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).
• Taiwan: Statement by the Spokesperson on China's military drills European External Action Service (EEAS) 23 May 2024 -- China's military activities that started today around Taiwan increase cross-strait tensions.
• PLA holds joint drills surrounding Taiwan island to punish secessionist forces Global Times 23 May 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday morning launched a military exercise surrounding the island of Taiwan in a move aiming to punish "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces and to send a warning to external interference forces following Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's separatist inaugural speech on May 20.
• PLA launches justified joint drills around island of Taiwan with warns against foreign interference: Chinese FM Global Times 23 May 2024 -- It's fully legitimate and justified for Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s Eastern Theater Command to launch joint drills around the island of Taiwan, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Thursday, in response to a US General's remarks calling the drill "concerning."
• Unprecedented CCG-PLA joint operation around Taiwan 'clear intent to deter' Global Times 23 May 2024 -- A coast guard fleet of East China's Fujian Province on Thursday conducted law-enforcement drills in the waters near Wuqiu and Dongyin islands, the China Coast Guard (CCG) confirmed on Thursday.
• Beijing launches surprise 'punishment' drills encircling Chinese Taipei Press TV 23 May 2024 -- Beijing has launched a two-day military drill in the waters and airspace around the self-governing island of Chinese Taipei, as "punishment" for what it called the "separatist acts" of holding an election and inaugurating a new president.
• Bill giving sweeping powers to lawmakers sparks protests in Taiwan Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- A controversial move by Taiwan's Kuomintang nationalist party to push ahead with legislation that would boost the power of lawmakers at the expense of the executive branch has sparked protests demanding it be tabled amid fears it could boost Chinese influence over the democratic island's government and threaten national security.
• China conducts military drills around Taiwan Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- The Chinese military on Thursday launched large-scale drills around Taiwan, three days after new President Lai Ching-te took office, as "punishment" for the democratic island's "separatist acts."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 23, 2024 ROC MND 23 May 2024
• PLA conducts joint military drills surrounding Taiwan Island Global Times 23 May 2024 -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) started joint military drills surrounding the island of Taiwan from 7:45 a.m. Thursday.
• PLA conducts joint military drills surrounding Taiwan Island People's Daily 23 May 2024 -- The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) started joint military drills surrounding the island of Taiwan from 7:45 a.m. Thursday.
• Lai playing word games shows he's blind to the fact he's building a castle on sand People's Daily 23 May 2024 -- The inauguration speech Lai Ching-te delivered in Taipei on Monday on taking office as the new leader of Taiwan island has unequivocally shown him to be just as much of a diehard separatist as his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen.
• Tokyo, Seoul target North Korea-Russia arms deal with sanctions Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- Japan and South Korea have separately imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the arms trade between North Korea and Russia, they announced on Friday, the latest steps aimed at ending help for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Has Photo Session with Soldier-builders, Designers and Artistes KCNA 23 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, on May 22 had a photo session with the soldier-builders, designers and artistes who contributed to the building of the Central Cadres Training School of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and its grand inauguration ceremony.
• Iranian President's Death Could Trigger 'Power Competition' For Next Supreme Leader RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- The sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi has thrown a wrench in the succession plans of Iran's elderly supreme leader.
• Iran Armed Forces release 1st report on Raeisi, companions copter crash Press TV 23 May 2024 -- The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has released its first report on the aspects to and reasons behind a recent helicopter crash that led to the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raeisi and his accompanying delegation.
• Iran General Staff Found No Traces of Bullets on Crashed Helicopter of Raisi Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- The General Staff of the Iranian armed forces published on Thursday the preliminary results of the investigation and found no bullet marks were found on the crashed helicopter of late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
• Late President Ebrahim Raisi laid to rest at Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad IRNA 23 May 2024 -- Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi was laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad that hosts the holy shrine of the eighth Shia imam, Imam Reza (AS).
• President Raeisi laid to rest at Imam Reza (AS) Shrine Press TV 23 May 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has been laid to rest, concluding days of funeral attended by several millions of mourners after his "martyrdom-like passing" in a helicopter crash.
• Iran Buries President Raisi In His Hometown RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was laid to rest in his home city of Mashhad on May 23 as many thousands of mourners packed the streets ahead of the burial ceremony.
• Raisi buried in Iran's holiest Islamic site VOA 23 May 2024 -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was interred Thursday in a tomb in the gold-domed Iman Reza Holy Shrine, Iran's holiest Islamic site.
• Macron says he will not force voting reforms in New Caledonia VOA 23 May 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday in New Caledonia that he would not force through any voting reforms on the Pacific territory.
• French president arrives in New Caledonia to urge calm VOA 23 May 2024 -- France's President Emmanuel Macron arrived Thursday in the violence-wracked Pacific territory of New Caledonia.
• 'Lukashenka's Revenge': Nearly Four Years After Mass Protests, State Crackdown Still Reshaping Belarus RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- Belarusian opposition politician Ihar Lednik was arrested in Minsk on April 18, 2022. After two weeks in custody, he was charged with "slandering the president of the Republic of Belarus." He was held for months in pretrial custody, with lawyers complaining that his health was deteriorating.
• Myanmar court lowers bid price on democracy icon Suu Kyi's home Radio Free Asia 23 May 2024 -- Jailed democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's brother on Thursday won an appeal to lower the bidding price for their family's historic home in Myanmar's Yangon region, after a court-ordered auction in March concluded with no one willing to pay 315 billion kyats, or about US$90 million, for the property.
• Myanmar refugees in Thailand start interviews for US resettlement VOA 23 May 2024 -- Interviews have begun with Myanmar refugees living in Thailand who are eligible for a new resettlement program in the United States, the Thai government said.
• Populist parties push for gains in South African elections VOA 23 May 2024 -- Many South African political parties are using populist rhetoric ahead of what is being described as the most important election in 30 years.
• Iran's interim president pledges Tehran's full support for resistance axis, Syria Press TV 23 May 2024 -- Interim Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber assures the Syrian leader that Tehran will continue its full support for the resistance axis, particularly Syria.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Mekdad Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2024
• Former Venezuelan Military Official Sentenced for Money Laundering and Bribery Scheme US Dept. of Justice 23 May 2024 -- A former officer in the Venezuelan National Guard was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for participating in a money laundering scheme that involved bribes to foreign officials and defrauding foreign financial institutions.
• Statement of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the border incident on the Estonian-Russian border in the Narva River Estonia MFA 23 May 2024 -- On 23 May at 3 a.m., Russian Border Guard unilaterally removed the light buoys placed by Estonia to demarcate the border with Russia on the Narva River.
• Russia's representative summoned to explain media reports about legislative amendments planned in Russia, related to state maritime boundaries Lithuania MFA 23 May 2024 -- On May 22, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania summoned a representative of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Lithuania and requested a full explanation of media reports about legislative amendments planned in Russia related to state maritime boundaries.
• Announcement of a Visa Restriction Policy for Undermining Democracy in Georgia and Comprehensive Review of All U.S.-Georgia Cooperation US Dept. of State 23 May 2024 -- Over the past few months the ruling Georgian Dream party has developed and passed a "foreign influence" law that would stifle the exercise of freedoms of association and expression, stigmatize organizations that serve the citizens of Georgia, and impede independent media organizations working to provide Georgians with access to high quality information.
• Georgian PM Says EU Commissioner Threatened Him, Mentioning Shooting Of Slovak Premier RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said he was warned by a European commissioner that if his government goes ahead with a controversial "foreign agent" law, he should be "very careful" in light of the recent assassination attempt of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
• New U.S. Legislation Aims To Dissuade Democratic Backsliding In Georgia RFE/RL 23 May 2024 -- U.S. lawmakers are set to unveil a bill this week that seeks to persuade Georgia's government to kill a controversial "foreign agent" law widely viewed as rolling back democratic achievements.
• Joint statement on minimization of highly enriched uranium Government of Norway 23 May 2024 -- Joint statement between the National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department of Energy of the United States of America and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway concerning minimization of highly enriched uranium.
• Venezuela Hopes to Join BRICS in 2024 - Vice President Delcy Rodriguez Sputnik 23 May 2024 -- Venezuela hopes to join the BRICS association in 2024, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said.
• World News in Brief: 'Appalling' attacks in Kharkiv, plea to aid Myanmar civilians, maritime tribunal boosts climate action, civilian protection UN News 23 May 2024 -- The UN's Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine on Thursday said she was "deeply disturbed" at the relentless attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv which have been continuing virtually non-stop for nearly two weeks.
• European Parliament group expels far-right delegation VOA 23 May 2024 -- The European Parliament's hard-right Identity and Democracy Group (ID) has expelled Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) delegation.
• Thousands of Pakistani students flee Kyrgyzstan amid attacks on universities, hostels VOA 23 May 2024 -- Hoor Mehtab, a Pakistani medical student in Kyrgyzstan, was among the first students to return to Pakistan following Kyrgyzstani mob attacks on foreign students, including Pakistanis and Indians, in various Bishkek universities and hostels May 17.
• Chad transitional ruler inaugurated amid legitimacy concerns VOA 23 May 2024 -- Newly inaugurated Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby said Thursday he will preserve national unity and territorial integrity; respect his country's constitution; promote democracy, freedoms and liberties of all Chadians; and make sure all citizens have equal access to justice.