• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• 27 May Red Sea Update CENTCOM 27 May 2024 -- At approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time) on May 27, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one uncrewed aerial system (UAS) over the Red Sea, launched from an Iranian-backed Houthi controlled area of Yemen.
• HMS Duncan deploys to the Red Sea to protect shipping routes UK MOD 27 May 2024 -- The Type 45 destroyed sailed from Portsmouth today to relieve her sister ship, HMS Diamond
• Yemen hits cargo vessels, warships in Red Sea and Indian Ocean Press TV 27 May 2024 -- Yemen has launched fresh attacks on Israeli and US-linked ships sailing in regional waters as part of a campaign to support Palestinians in their struggle against Israel's aggression on Gaza.
• Yemen attacks Israeli, US ships and destroyers in Red Sea and Indian Ocean IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Yemen has launched fresh attacks on ships, including US destroyers, in the Red Sea and in the Indian Ocean as part of a campaign by the Arab country to support Palestinians in the face of the Israeli onslaught in Gaza.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery (As Delivered) DoD 27 May 2024
• Pentagon Seeks to Establish Army Drone Corps as US Lags Behind Russia and China Sputnik 27 May 2024 -- Russia's special military operation has revealed a brand new method of waging war. Drone combat has proven to be among the most impactful and cost-efficient on the battlefield, pulverizing expensive military equipment with a few high-precision strikes.
• Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev: Bulgaria's NATO membership provides security guarantees Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria 27 May 2024 -- "Bulgaria's NATO membership provides the strongest security guarantees to Bulgarian citizens. It was a civilizational choice that was a source of inspiration and motivation to several generations of Bulgarians; it was a powerful incentive to effect important reforms and to promote democratic values and it contributed to the development, peace and prosperity of the country." This was stated by Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev at the opening of the plenary sitting of the Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia.
• Secretary General outlines key issues for Washington Summit at NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Bulgaria NATO 27 May 2024 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in the 2024 Spring Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria on Monday (27 May 2024), focusing his remarks on preparations for the upcoming Washington Summit.
• Zelenskyy urges allies to allow Ukraine to use western longer-range weapons inside Russia VOA 27 May 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged western allies Monday to allow Kyiv to strike military targets inside Russia with Western-supplied longer-range weapons in self-defense.
• NATO: Ukraine's defense hampered by limits on using Western arms against Russia Press TV 27 May 2024 -- NATO says Ukraine's Western allies are hampering its defense against Russia by restricting the use of Western arms and munitions to strike targets on Russian soil.
• Ukraine, Spain Sign $1 Billion Bilateral Security Deal RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have signed a bilateral security agreement that provides for Madrid to provide Ukraine with 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in military aid this year.
• Joint Projects in Arms Production and Technology Development Will Add to the Strength of Both Ukraine and Spain - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 27 May 2024
• Ukraine Has Signed a Bilateral Security Agreement with Spain President of Ukraine 27 May 2024
• Agreement on Security Cooperation between Spain and Ukraine President of Ukraine 27 May 2024
• Paris Says Issue of Sending Military Instructors to Ukraine Still Under Consideration Sputnik 27 May 2024 -- The issue of sending French military instructors to Ukraine is still under consideration, the French Defense Ministry said on Monday.
• J-20 stealth fighter jet can easily reach supercruise, PLA confirms Global Times 27 May 2024 -- The Chinese military has confirmed that its J-20 stealth fighter jet can easily reach supercruise, which experts said on Monday can bring significant tactical advantages and reflect the power of China's domestically developed engines.
• KCNA Report on Accident in Launch of Military Reconnaissance Satellite KCNA 27 May 2024 -- The Korean Central News Agency made public the following report on May 27 as regards an accident occurred during the launch of military reconnaissance satellite:
• Baltic defence ministers are committed to make major investments in region's combat capabilities Latvia MOD 27 May 2024 -- Baltic defence leaders' meeting took place on Wednesday, 22 May in Palanga. Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian defence ministers confirmed continued and ever closer cooperation to strengthen the defence of the Baltic region.
• We share our positive experience with colleagues in Germany, says Commander of the Initial Element of the Litauen Brigade Lithuania MND 27 May 2024 -- Work in the Initial Element of the German Brigade Litauen that deployed in Lithuania in early April is gathering pace. Commander of the Initial Element Col André Hastenrath sat down to share his thoughts on the primary tasks, challenges and his personal mission as the next phase of stationing the German brigade is approaching.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on May 20-26, 2024 Lithuania MND 27 May 2024
• EUMPM Niger: Council decides not to extend the mandate of the mission EC/CEU 27 May 2024 -- The Council today decided to not extend the European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM) beyond 30 June 2024, in view of the grave current political situation in the country.
• United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral Vice Foreign Minister-Level Dialogue US Dept. of State 27 May 2024 -- Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell will host Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Okano Masataka and Republic of Korea (ROK) First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong-kyun for a trilateral dialogue in historic little Washington Virginia on May 31.

Defense Industry

• Estonian Drone Maker Expands Unmanned Ground Vehicle Production Sputnik 27 May 2024 -- Robotic vehicle manufacturer Milrem Robotics has announced the opening of its new ground drone production facility.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• IDF Eliminated Head of Hamas Headquarters in West Bank - Statement Sputnik 27 May 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Monday that it had eliminated the head of Palestinian movement Hamas in the West Bank, Yassin Rabia, as well as another senior official, in an airstrike in the northwestern part of the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli army admits to death of 636 personnel since Oct. 7 IRNA 27 May 2024 -- The Israeli regime's army has acknowledged the death of 636 officers, soldiers, and reservists in Gaza since October 7 last year, when Palestinian resistance movements launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.
• Excerpt from PM Netanyahu's Knesset Remarks Israel - Prime Minister 27 May 2024 -- "The repeated false claims that we are the obstacle are not only harmful to the families - that much is obvious, and I sympathize with them. But it goes beyond that: it delays the release of the hostages and undermines negotiations. Instead of focusing pressure on Sinwar, who holds the hostages in his dungeons, the pressure is misdirected at the Israeli government."
• May 26: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 27 May 2024
• Netanyahu: Deadly Israeli airstrike in Rafah was 'tragic mistake' VOA 27 May 2024 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that it was a "tragic mistake" that an attack targeting Hamas militants in the southern Gaza city of Rafah killed 45 Palestinians sheltering in a refugee camp there and wounded another 200.
• 40 killed in Israeli bombing on camp in Gaza's Rafah People's Daily 27 May 2024 -- At least 40 people were killed and some others injured on Sunday evening in Israel's bombing of tents in northwestern Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.
• Gaza: UN officials condemn Israeli airstrikes on camp for displaced UN News 27 May 2024 -- Senior UN officials have condemned Israeli air strikes on Sunday that hit a camp for displaced people in Rafah, southern Gaza, reportedly claiming over 35 Palestinian lives, including women and children.
• The scenes coming out of Rafah last night are harrowing UNRWA 27 May 2024
• Press Conference (Transcript as Delivered) UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini (27 May 2024) UNRWA 27 May 2024
• Israelis' senseless killing of Rafah children must stop: UNICEF Press TV 27 May 2024 -- UNICEF has called on the Israeli regime to stop its senseless killing of the innocent children who fled to the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, seeking refuge from the Zionist attacks.
• ICC prosecutor defends plea for arrest warrants for Zionist leaders IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) defended on Sunday his recent decision to request arrest warrants for the leaders of the Zionist regime for committing war crimes in Gaza.
• Iran, Oman insist on sending urgent aid to Gaza, stopping genocide of Zionist regime IRNA 27 May 2024 -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasized the pursuit of sending urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and intensifying political pressure against the Zionist regime to stop the genocide.
• Iran says Zionist attack on Palestinian tents violates ICJ order IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nassar Kanaani has said that the Zionist regime's bombardment of tent camps housing displaced Gazan people in Rafah was a clear example of war crimes and a blatant violation of an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for provisional measures.
• Iranian Defense Minister lauds Yemeni resilience, support for Palestinians ISNA 27 May 2024 -- The Iranian Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Mohammed Reza Ashtiani, praised the resilience of the Yemeni people and their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
• Statement by the Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, on the recognition of Palestine Slovenia 27 May 2024
• Palestine: Joint statement by the EU and Norway on International Partners Meeting in Brussels European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 May 2024 -- The EU as the host and Norway as the chair issued this joint statement after the ministerial meeting held in Brussels on Sunday 26 May:
• EU's Borrell 'Horrified' At Israeli Strikes That Killed 45 In Rafah RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has decried the latest Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah that killed at least 45 Palestinians, including children and people living in tents after being forced from their homes.
• Israeli disregard of ICJ orders risks EU credibility: Borrell IRNA 27 May 2024 -- EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell says that the Israeli regime's disregard of the International Court of Justice's rulings to stop military operations in Rafah endangers the credibility of the 27-nation bloc.
• Chief Egypt, EU diplomats discuss Gaza war, call for ceasefire, aid delivery Press TV 27 May 2024 -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell have underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and an end to the Israeli military's offensive on Rafah in the southern part of the coastal sliver.
• Humanitarian disaster in Gaza - Germany is providing assistance Germany Federal Foreign Office 27 May 2024 -- The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains disastrous. In order to alleviate this suffering, Germany has repeatedly and significantly increased its humanitarian assistance. Read on to find out more.
• ICJ ruling binding, Israel must implement: Spanish FM IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Spain's Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, has said that a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) located in The Hague is binding and everyone must follow it.
• Israel takes 'punitive measures' against Spain for recognizing Palestinian state Press TV 27 May 2024 -- The Israeli regime has taken "punitive measures" against Spain over Madrid's decision to recognize the Palestinian state.
• Pakistan Strongly Condemns the Israeli Attack on a Refugee Camp in Rafah Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 May 2024 -- Pakistan condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli bombardment and targeting of a refugee camp in Rafah in the Gaza Strip that has resulted in multiple casualties. Targeting of individuals who were displaced earlier because of Israeli bombardment and were sheltered in a refugee camp, is yet another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation forces.
• French president calls for ceasefire in Gaza People's Daily 27 May 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron called for a ceasefire in Gaza and opposed Israeli operations in Rafah as he received an Arab delegation here on Friday.
• World horrified by Israel's attack that set ablaze Rafah tent camp Press TV 27 May 2024 -- The Israeli military has carried out yet another heinous attack on the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• No: 99, 27 May 2024, Regarding the Social Media Message Posted by the Israeli Foreign Minister Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 May 2024
• Israeli forces kill Egyptian 'security personnel member' on Gaza border Press TV 27 May 2024 -- Israeli troops have killed an Egyptian security personnel member during a shooting on the border between Egypt and the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Two Egyptian soldiers killed in exchange of fire with Israeli forces IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Two Egyptian soldiers have been killed in an exchange of fire with the Israeli regime forces at the Rafah border crossing on Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip, according to media reports.
• Palestinian groups hold US responsible for Israeli Rafah massacre ISNA 27 May 2024 -- Palestinian Resistance factions held Washington responsible for the horrific massacre committed by the Israeli occupation in Rafah against forcibly displaced families residing in a tent city.
• Hamas says it will not participate in any negotiations after Rafah massacre IRNA 27 May 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas, has announced that they will not participate in any negotiations after heinous crimes committed by the Zionist regime in a refugee camp in Rafah.
• Hezbollah launches missile attack against Zionist strategic base IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has carried out a missile attack against the Zionist strategic Meron base in the northern parts of the Palestinian Israeli-occupied territories, local media reported.
• Hezbollah launches air strike on northern settlement in occupied Palestinian territories IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement has carried out missile attacks on the Israeli positions in the northern settlement of Margaliot.
• Yemen blames US for Israel's massacre in Gaza's Rafah IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has condemned Israel's massacre of Palestinians in northwest of Rafah, holding the United States fully responsible for the regime's atrocities in the city.
• Ansar Allah holds US responsible for Rafah "holocaust" ISNA 27 May 2024 -- Ansar Allah's political bureau condemns the massacre committed by the Israeli occupation against forcibly displaced people in Rafah, holding the US fully responsible for the massacre.

Other Conflicts

• Press Release on China's Fishing Moratorium Over the South China Sea Philippines DFA 27 May 2024 -- The Philippines protested the People's Republic of China's imposition of a unilateral, four-month-long fishing moratorium on 01 May 2024 in areas of the South China Sea north of the 12 degrees North latitude. The 2024 fishing ban is expected to last until 16 September 2024.
• China 'can claim the South China Sea': former Malaysian PM Radio Free Asia 27 May 2024 -- Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that China can claim the South China Sea, but that doesn't mean that other countries with overlapping claims should accept it, a view that differs from the Malaysian government's official line.
• Diplomat: Russia moving closer to delisting Afghanistan's Taliban as terrorist group VOA 27 May 2024 -- A senior Russian diplomat says Russia's foreign and justice ministries have told President Vladimir Putin that Afghanistan's ruling Taliban "can be removed" from the list of Moscow-designated terrorist organizations.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answer to a question from Izvestia, Tashkent, May 27, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 May 2024
• Yemen's Houthis unilaterally release 113 detainees: ICRC People's Daily 27 May 2024 -- Yemen's Houthi group unilaterally released 113 detainees in the Houthi-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said.
• Attack on Pakistani outpost near Afghan border kills 5 soldiers, 7 militants VOA 27 May 2024 -- Heavily armed militants attacked a Pakistani security outpost near the border with Afghanistan early Monday, resulting in the deaths of five soldiers and seven assailants in the ensuing firefight.
• High Commissioner's statement at the Brussels Syria Conference UNHCR 27 May 2024
• Switzerland supports future of Syria and neighbouring countries with CHF 60 million Federal Council - Swiss Government 27 May 2024 -- The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
• EU pledges €2.12 billion in support of the future of Syria and the region, during Brussels Eight Conference European Commission 27 May 2024 -- At the 8th edition of the Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region', the EU pledged €2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025. This assistance will support both Syrians inside Syria and those in neighbouring countries, as well as their host communities in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
• Syria crisis demands continued attention Government of Norway 27 May 2024 -- 'The crisis in Syria must not be forgotten, even at a time of many ongoing conflicts and wars. 90 per cent of the Syrian population live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Norway will therefore provide NOK 500 million in support to the work by our partners in Syria in 2024,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
• Canada reiterates its commitment to people of Syria amid ongoing crisis Canada 27 May 2024 -- March 2024 marked 13 years of the Syrian crisis, and humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels. Over 16 million people, approximately 70% of the country's population, urgently require assistance. Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye collectively host more than 6.8 million Syrian refugees.
• United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for Syria US Dept. of State 27 May 2024 -- Today, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power announced nearly $593 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance for Syria at the Brussels VIII Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region."
• Northern Myanmar residents caught up in fighting, dozens hurt Radio Free Asia 27 May 2024 -- Fighting in northern Myanmar trapped 40 people and wounded dozens, witnesses told Radio Free Asia on Monday, as the war between the junta that seized power in 2021 and its enemies trying to end military rule takes an increasing toll of civilians.
• Dozens Detained In Yerevan At Protest Calling For Pashinian's Resignation RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- Armenian police detained dozens of people in the capital, Yerevan, early on May 27 as demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian resumed their anti-government protests over a border demarcation deal with Azerbaijan.
• As Land In Northern Armenia Ceded To Azerbaijan, Protests Spread In Yerevan RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- Protests were seen throughout Yerevan on May 27 as demonstrators blocked traffic as part of a planned civil disobedience campaign aimed at putting pressure on Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. More than 270 people have been detained at demonstrations across the Armenian capital.

News Reports

• Information manipulation in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists two individuals and one entity EC/CEU 27 May 2024 -- Today the Council decided to impose restrictive measures against two individuals and one entity responsible for conducting propaganda actions targeted at civil society in the EU and its neighbouring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts in order to justify and support Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
• Prime Minister's Office-Mossad Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 27 May 2024 -- Mossad Director David Barnea, today, announced the appointment of A as Mossad Deputy Director. A. will replace H., who has been serving as Mossad Deputy Director since June 2021.
• Russia-Uzbekistan talks President of Russia 27 May 2024 -- Vladimir Putin is in Tashkent on a state visit at the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
• Press statement following Russia-Uzbekistan talks President of Russia 27 May 2024
• Council of Regions of Russia and Uzbekistan President of Russia 27 May 2024 -- President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the first meeting of the Council of the Regions of the two countries.
• Russia To Build 'Vital' Nuclear Power Plant In Uzbekistan RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- Russia and Uzbekistan have signed an agreement for Moscow to build a small nuclear power plant in the Central Asian country.
• Russia: EU sets up new country-specific framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations, and lists 20 persons EC/CEU 27 May 2024 -- The Council today established a new framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia.
• Tsahkna in Brussels: Russia's hybrid actions require a response Estonia MFA 27 May 2024 -- Today Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where he gave an overview of Russia's activities on Estonia's eastern border, and the ministers discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East and Georgia.
• EU imposes new sanctions in response to Alexei Navalny's death while imprisoned Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 27 May 2024 -- On 27 May 2024, the European Union imposed new sanctions related to the case of opposition politician Alexei Navalny and set up a new sanctions regime linked to the internal situation in Russia. Navalny died in a penal colony in Russia on 16 February 2024. The joint message of EU Member States is that Russia is responsible for Navalny's death.
• U.S. Soldier Faces New Charge In Russia RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black, who was arrested in the Far East city of Vladivostok in early May on suspicion of theft, has been additionally charged with threatening to kill his partner, a Russian woman, according to Russian media.
• FM spokesperson Hua Chunying appointed as vice foreign minister Global Times 27 May 2024 -- Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying was appointed as the vice foreign minister, according to an official announcement on Monday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 27, 2024 PRC MofA 27 May 2024
• China Coordinator Mark B. Lambert's Virtual Meeting with the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang US Dept. of State 27 May 2024 -- U.S. Department of State China Coordinator and Deputy Assistant Secretary for China and Taiwan Mark B. Lambert met virtually with People's Republic of China (PRC) Director-General for Boundary and Ocean Affairs Hong Liang on May 23.
• West's discriminatory acts indeed non-market behavior: FM spokesperson Global Times 27 May 2024 -- China's economic achievements over the past four decades were the success of reform and opening-up, and the effective combination of market mechanisms and the government's role. So-called Chinese non-market behavior coined by the G7 unilaterally is unacceptable, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a regular press briefing on Monday.
• Xiconomics in Practice: Xi chairs meeting that reviews provisions to defuse financial risks Global Times 27 May 2024 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presided over a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday, which deliberated on trial provisions concerning accountability for failing to prevent or defuse financial risks, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
• US accusation of Chinese company 'engaging in undersea cable espionage' is groundless, another bid to discredit China: FM Global Times 27 May 2024 -- China's Foreign Ministry (FM) blasted the unfounded accusations by US officials regarding Chinese repair ships' alleged espionage on Monday. The ministry called the US accusation groundless, constituting a deliberate smearing against Chinese companies.
• Former China politics lecturer slams curbs on university research Radio Free Asia 27 May 2024 -- Since he published an open letter criticizing "Cultural Revolution-style" ideological controls of China's higher education system, former Tsinghua University politics lecturer Wu Qiang has found it a little harder to move around Beijing.
• Dozens of Taiwanese celebrities endorse Beijing's claim on island Radio Free Asia 27 May 2024 -- Dozens of artists and actors from Taiwan have been lining up on social media to endorse Beijing's territorial claim on the island by retweeting a Chinese state media post in support of eventual "unification."
• US lawmakers vow to help Taiwan strengthen defense against growing Chinese aggression VOA 27 May 2024 -- A bipartisan congressional delegation from the United States met Taiwan's new president in Taipei Monday, and reiterated Washington's strong support for the democratic island.
• Lai meets with 1st U.S. congressional delegation since inauguration CNA 27 May 2024 -- The first United States congressional delegation to visit Taiwan following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) reiterated Washington's long-term support for Taiwan on Monday, stressing that the U.S. will continue to be Taiwan's "reliable partner."
• Taiwan asks for WHA inclusion under name of Taiwan or ROC CNA 27 May 2024 -- A Taiwanese delegation in Geneva called for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) under the name of Taiwan or the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan's official name) just before the opening of the annual meeting on Monday.
• WHA rejects Taiwan-related proposal again; 'one-China principle must not be challenged' Global Times 27 May 2024 -- The 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday refused to include in its agenda a proposal on Taiwan's participation in the annual assembly as an observer, the eighth year in a row that the WHA has rejected the so-called proposal concerning Taiwan. This fully demonstrates that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and the arc of history bends, and must not be challenged, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
• Proposal on Taiwan region's participation as an observer in the WHA seen to be inappropriate and unrealistic: Chinese delegation to the WHA Global Times 27 May 2024 -- It is inappropriate and unrealistic for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the Taiwan region to have incited a very small number of countries to put forward a proposal related to Taiwan island at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the Chinese delegation to the WHA said the proposal to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in WHA was made due to political manipulation.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on the 77th WHA's Rejection of the Proposal on Taiwan PRC MofA 27 May 2024 -- On May 27, the General Committee and the Plenary Session of the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) respectively decided to reject the so-called proposal of "inviting Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer" submitted by certain countries
• Reckless move to push for "Taiwan independence" will inevitably lead to severe punishment People's Daily 27 May 2024 -- In a speech on May 20, the leader of the Taiwan region trumpeted separatist fallacies such as "sovereign independence," "non-subordination between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait," and "self-determination of Taiwan residents."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 27, 2024 ROC MND 27 May 2024
• Proposal on Taiwan region's participation as an observer in the WHA seen to be inappropriate and unrealistic: Chinese delegation to the WHA Global Times 27 May 2024 -- It is inappropriate and unrealistic for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the Taiwan region to have incited a very small number of countries to put forward a proposal related to Taiwan island at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the Chinese delegation to the WHA said the proposal to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in WHA was made due to political manipulation.
• Chinese premier urges China, Japan, S. Korea to reject external disruption People's Daily 27 May 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Monday that China, Japan and South Korea should strive to reject external disruption and stay committed to harmonious coexistence and mutual support.
• China, South Korea, Japan revive dialogue in Seoul VOA 27 May 2024 -- Senior leaders from China, South Korea, and Japan pledged greater "practical cooperation" and danced around areas of disagreement as they met in Seoul Monday, reviving high-level dialogue for the first time in almost five years.
• Chinese premier urges China, Japan, S. Korea to stick to original aspiration for cooperation People's Daily 27 May 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Monday that China, Japan and South Korea should stay committed to the original aspiration for cooperation and make joint efforts to resume and accelerate China-Japan-South Korea cooperation so as to make greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability.
• Press Statement of Spokesperson of DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 27 May 2024 -- A spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Monday issued the following press statement "Hostile acts of infringing upon our inviolable national sovereignty will never be tolerated":
• Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo reaffirm Korean Peninsula denuclearization commitment Radio Free Asia 27 May 2024 -- Leaders of South Korea, Japan and China reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula during a summit in Seoul on Monday, hours after the North announced a plan to launch a satellite.
• Iranian Authorities Ratchet Up Crackdown On Critics After Raisi's Death RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- Rights groups say Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on posts made by social media users following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19.
• The main contenders to replace Raisi in Iran's snap presidential election VOA 27 May 2024 -- With a month to go before Iran's snap presidential election to replace ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi following his death in a May 19 helicopter crash, a clearer picture is emerging of other conservatives who may become the only approved candidates in the race.
• Iran's enriched uranium stockpile grows, IAEA reports VOA 27 May 2024 -- Iran has amassed more highly enriched uranium, increasing its stockpile to near weapons-grade levels, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said Monday in a confidential report.
• Applications for Iran's Presidential election to open on Thursday ISNA 27 May 2024 -- Iranian Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, announced that applications for candidates running for the Presidential Elections will be opened for reception starting Thursday.
• Iran's acting president delivers address about Raisi to parliament VOA 27 May 2024 -- Iran's acting President Mohammad Mokhber delivered an address Monday to the country's newly installed parliament.
• Iran determined to boost ties with Islamic nations: Acting president IRNA 27 May 2024 -- Iran's Acting President Mohammad Mokhber has said that the Islamic Republic of Iran will press on with the policy of strengthening its international relations, especially with Islamic and like-minded countries.
• Iran's interim FM: Strong bonds among neighbors will lead to expulsion of outsiders from West Asia Press TV 27 May 2024 -- Iran's Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says stronger bonds and ties among the neighboring states are the only way to expel foreigners from the West Asia region.
• Iran: Countering Israel core of foreign policy; no change in Palestine support Press TV 27 May 2024 -- Iran says it will make no changes in its foreign policy regarding its unwavering support for Palestine and confronting the Israeli regime.
• Iran to keep boosting ties with neighbors, including Pakistan: Top general Press TV 27 May 2024 -- The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has emphasized that the Islamic Republic will continue the policy of enhancing brotherly ties with neighboring countries, including Pakistan.
• Volkswagen's truck unit should cut any Myanmar junta links: groups Radio Free Asia 27 May 2024 -- A human rights group called on German truck manufacturer Traton SE to cut any business ties to the Myanmar military or divest from a Chinese state-owned firm, in which it has a stake, that the group said supplies military trucks to the junta.
• Incumbent President Nauseda wins Lithuania's presidential election: preliminary results People's Daily 27 May 2024 -- Incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda has won Lithuania's presidential election, garnering more than half of votes and beating his rival Ingrida Simonyte in the run-off on Sunday, preliminary data from the country's Central Electoral Commission (VRK) show.
• Saudi Arabia appoints first ambassador to Syria in over a decade Press TV 27 May 2024 -- Saudi Arabia has appointed its ambassador to Syria for the first time since the kingdom closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012, after foreign-backed terrorism and violence gripped the country.
• In Kazakhstan, 'The Floods Are Over But The Problems Have Just Begun' RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- The dozens of residents who held a weeklong protest outside a government building in the flood-hit town of Qulsary have packed up their tents and their banners -- for the moment.
• "Türkiye has the strength and maturity to make a new, civilian constitution" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 27 May 2024 -- Speaking at the Century of Türkiye Constitution Symposium, President Erdoğan said: "That the centenary of our Republic is being observed with a post-coup constitution is already a source of embarrassment for the political establishment. We can no longer inflict this shame on our nation just because otherwise some circles would be disturbed. Today the Turkish democracy has the strength and maturity to cross the threshold of making a new and civilian constitution."
• Wider Europe Briefing: The EU's Hard Choices On Georgia RFE/RL 27 May 2024
• Georgian Parliament Moves Closer To Overriding Presidential Veto Of 'Foreign Agent' Law RFE/RL 27 May 2024 -- A key Georgian parliamentary committee has overruled pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili's veto of the so-called "foreign agent" law, opening the path for lawmakers to put the legislation into effect despite weeks of domestic protests and criticism from the West that the measure is harming Georgia's drive to join the Euro-Atlantic community.
• The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the EU Special Representative welcome the Legal Opinion prepared by the Council of Europe on the draft law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC) European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 May 2024 -- The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the EU Special Representative welcome the Legal Opinion prepared by the Council of Europe (CoE) on the draft law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC).
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 May 2024
• EU partners with Kenya to prosecute suspected maritime crime suspects VOA 27 May 2024 -- Kenya has agreed to help the European Union in dealing with maritime crime suspects in the region, amid a rising threat from pirate activity and attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The EU, which has a force operating in the Indian Ocean, is concerned that the insecurity which is also affecting ship traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, is disrupting international trade.