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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• May 30 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 30 May 2024 -- Between approximately 3:15 and 5 p.m. (Sanaa time) on May 30, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed eight uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen and over the Red Sea.
• Houthi: Yemen to step up anti-Israeli ops 'in quality and quantity' Press TV 30 May 2024 -- Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi says Yemeni forces will continue their military operations and escalate them "in quality and quantity" in support of Palestinians in Israel's war on Gaza.
• Statement on Air Strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen: 30 May 2024 UK MOD 30 May 2024 -- Royal Air Force participates in operation targeting Houthi military facilities in Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 30 May 2024
• CDAO Announces New Approach to Scaling Data, Analytics and AI Capabilities DoD 30 May 2024 -- Today the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) announced a new approach to scaling data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities called Open DAGIR, which stands for the Open Data and Applications Government-owned Interoperable Repositories.
• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense Dr. William LaPlante's Visit to Brussels, Belgium DoD 30 May 2024
• Army Opens New Munitions Facility DoD News 30 May 2024 -- The Army has inaugurated a new modular metal parts facility in Mesquite, Texas, the Pentagon announced today.
• Harris Calls on Air Force Academy Graduates to Extend U.S. Air, Space Power DoD News 30 May 2024 -- The United States' air and space supremacy is critical to maintaining global peace and security as the nation faces evolving national security challenges, Vice President Kamala Harris said today.
• Michigan Guard, Liberia Conduct Casualty Response Exercise Army News 30 May 2024 -- A joint team of Michigan Army and Air National Guard medical professionals worked with Armed Forces of Liberia staff to create a preliminary mass casualty response plan for the AFL's 14 Military Hospital.
• US Navy Years Behind, Already Over Budget in Designing New Class of Frigates - Report Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- The US Navy is encountering more problems with designing its new proposed force of 20 Constellation-class frigates and even before the first one is properly designed, they are three years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report said.
• Secretary General thanks Czechia for strong contributions to NATO as Foreign Ministers gather in Prague NATO 30 May 2024 -- Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commended Czechia for its vital role in NATO in a visit to Prague on Thursday (30 May 2024). The Czech capital will host an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers on Thursday and Friday.
• Secretary General welcomes NATO's deepening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region NATO 30 May 2024 -- On Thursday (30 May 2024), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the importance of partnerships and global cooperation in a video message to the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in the Republic of Korea. "The challenges we face are global," he said, "they require a global response. For this reason, NATO is working ever more closely with partners around the world".
• NATO Deputy Secretary General meets Cabo Verde State Minister of Defence NATO 30 May 2024 -- Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană met Cabo Verde's State Minister of Defence Janine Lelis at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (29 May 2024) for talks on working toward a partnership between the Alliance and Cape Verde.
• Russian Defence Minister arrives in Almaty to attend CSTO Council of Defence Ministers session Russia MoD 30 May 2024 -- On Thursday, Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Andrei Belousov arrived on a working visit at Almaty (Kazakhstan), where he is going to attend the session of the CSTO Council of Defence Ministers.
• Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Myanmar Air Force Commander Outline Cooperation Prospects Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Col. Gen. Alexander Fomin met with Myanmar Air Force Commander Gen. Tun Aung to outline cooperation prospects, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
• Biden Partially Lifts Ban On Ukraine Using U.S. Weapons In Strikes Inside Russia: Reports RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the go-ahead to use U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia for the limited purpose of defending the eastern city of Kharkiv, according to media reports quoting unidentified sources.
• Washington to let Kyiv use US-supplied weapons for strikes in Russia near Kharkiv VOA 30 May 2024 -- The United States announced Thursday that it has given permission for Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to target Russia, but only near Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.
• White House Edges Closer to Allowing Ukraine to Strike Russia With US Weapons - Reports Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- The push by some NATO allies to untie Zelensky's hands to strike targets on Russian territory comes on the back of panicky assessments of Ukraine's woeful battlefield situation. Such talk in the West reflects desperation and realization that they will not achieve their goals by the "usual honest means," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
• Stoltenberg Floats Talks On Lifting Of Weapons Restrictions As NATO Meets In Prague RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- Ukraine can prevail in its battle to repel Russian forces with the "robust support" of its allies, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said, as foreign ministers from the military alliance's 32 member countries gathered in Prague to discuss a fresh military aid framework for Kyiv.
• NATO debating whether to let Ukraine strike inside Russia as Kiev begging for long-range missiles Press TV 30 May 2024 -- Member states of the US-led NATO may decide to let Ukraine strike inside Russia with Western-donated arms, as Kiev is begging for long-range missiles from its Western allies.
• Macron Seeks to Form EU Coalition for Sending Military Instructors to Ukraine - Reports Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to establish a European coalition for sending military instructors to Ukraine, French newspaper Le Monde reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
• Italy's Meloni Says Better to Boost Ukrainian Defenses Than to Allow Strikes Into Russia Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued in an interview out Thursday that bolstering Ukrainian air defenses was preferable to allowing strikes deep into Russian territory.
• Ukraine Can Use Danish F-16 to Hit Targets in Russia - Danish Foreign Minister Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- Ukraine can use F-16 fighter jets supplied by Denmark to hit targets on the Russian territory, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Thursday.
• China's J-20 stealth fighter jet receiving upgrades; next generation coming soon: test pilot Global Times 30 May 2024 -- An ace test pilot of China's J-20 stealth fighter jet recently revealed that the J-20 is receiving constant upgrades, and a next generation warplane is expected to make its debut soon.
• China, Russia Armies to Further Be Active in Ensuring Regional, Int'l Stability Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- The armed forces of Russia and China will continue to play an active role in protecting common interests and ensuring regional and global peace and stability, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Thursday.
• US Submarine tender anchors in Australia Australia DOD 30 May 2024 -- Australia has welcomed the United States of America's submarine tender, the USS Emory S. Land to Darwin for a port visit.
• Airborne aid arrives in Papua New Guinea Australia DOD 30 May 2024 -- The ADF has delivered much-needed supplies of humanitarian aid to Papua New Guinea in the aftermath of the deadly landslide that occurred in the north of the country on May 24.
• Defiant North Korea tests missiles, jams South Korean GPS Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- North Korea test-fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Thursday while launching GPS jamming attacks against the South, the South Korean military said.
• Establishment of 7 Wing (Space)'s Commercial Integration Cell Canada 30 May 2024 -- Today, Colonel Catherine Marchetti, Commander of 7 Wing (Space) and Director of the Canadian Space Operations Centre, alongside industry partners, announced the establishment of the Canadian Commercial Integration Cell (CIC) at 7 Wing (Space). Industry partners Mike Greenley, Chief Executive Officer at MDA Space, and Michèle Beck, Senior Vice President, Canadian Sales at Telesat, were present at the announcement, which took place at this year's CANSEC Defence Trade Show in Ottawa.
• Minister Joly meets with Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs Canada 30 May 2024 -- At a time when the world faces geopolitical and economic uncertainty, Canada and Sweden, two like-minded and trusted partners, are deepening relations to advance shared priorities for the benefit of our people and in the interest of global stability.
• On the DPRK's Recent Launches Using Ballistic Missile Technology US Dept. of State 30 May 2024 -- The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) May 27 and May 29 launches using ballistic missile technology in direct violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs).
• North Korea ballistic missile launches on 30 May 2024: FCDO statement UK FCDO 30 May 2024 -- Following North Korea's ballistic missile launches on 30 May, a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson gave a statement.
• Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on reports of attempted satellite launch by North Korea Germany Federal Foreign Office 29 May 2024
• Taiwan condemns North Korea for firing ballistic missiles CNA 30 May 2024 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday condemned North Korea for firing multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast, which it said has destabilized stability in the region again.
• Condemns North Korea's failed satellite launch Government of Norway 30 May 2024
• North Korea fires at least 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters Press TV 30 May 2024 -- North Korea has launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters, as the country develops its military weaponry in defiance of sanctions.
• North Korea Used 'Ultra-Large Caliber' MLRS to Launch Missiles - Reports Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan early Thursday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Toward Sea of Japan - Reports Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- North Korea launched an unspecified ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan early on Thursday, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, citing the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• F-35 to take over nuclear role of the Netherlands within NATO from F-16 Netherlands Ministry of Defence 30 May 2024 -- The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) is set to take a next step in the transition from the F-16 to the F-35. On 1 June 2024, the advanced fighter aircraft will fully take over the nuclear role of the Netherlands within NATO from the F-16.
• Government proposal on Defence Cooperation Agreement between Finland and the United States submitted to Parliament Finnish Government 30 May 2024 -- Finnish Government submitted to Parliament a proposal on the acceptance and bringing into force of the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Finland and the United States on 30 May.
• Foreign National Sentenced for Kidnapping and Assaulting U.S. Army Soldiers in Colombia US Dept. of Justice 30 May 2024 -- A Colombian national was sentenced today to 48 years and nine months in prison for his role in kidnapping and assaulting two U.S. Army soldiers who were on temporary duty in Bogota, Colombia.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Czech President Pavel US Dept. of State 30 May 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky At the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Foreign Disinformation Between the U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic US Dept. of State 30 May 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Czech Foreign Minister Lipavský US Dept. of State 30 May 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova At the 24th Air Transportation Base at Prague-Kbely Airport US Dept. of State 30 May 2024
• United States Welcomes Slovakia's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 30 May 2024 -- Slovakia became the 42nd signatory to the Artemis Accords today at a ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
• United States Welcomes Peru's Signing of the Artemis Accords US Dept. of State 30 May 2024 -- Peru became the 41st signatory to the Artemis Accords today at a ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
• Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer's Call with Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso The White House 30 May 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 30, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 30 May 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 May 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel gains operational control of Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza-Egypt border: spokesman People's Daily 30 May 2024 -- The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that it has gained full operational control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land along the border between Egypt and the southern Gaza Strip.
• Israeli group reports unprecedented surge in conscription refusals amid Gaza war Press TV 30 May 2024 -- An Israeli group has reported an unprecedented rise in the number of Israelis refusing to serve in the military due to ethical and ideological objections amid the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.
• Netanyahu 'sowing false illusions' about Rafah onslaught: Israeli war cabinet minister Press TV 30 May 2024 -- A member of Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet says the Israeli prime minister is sowing false illusions about the occupying regime's proclaimed victory in the ongoing military aggression on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah.
• PM Netanyahu in French in TF1 Interview Israel - Prime Minister 30 May 2024
• Zionists continue crazy attacks, bombardment of Gaza IRNA 30 May 2024 -- Palestinian sources have reported the insane attacks of the Zionists on different areas of Gaza on the 237th day of the Gaza war.
• More Zionist troopers killed, wounded in Gaza: Resistance groups IRNA 30 May 2024 -- A number of Zionist soldiers are reportedly killed and wounded in separate operation launched by the Al-Qassam Brigades, military wing of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade of the Fatah Movement.
• Amid ongoing Israeli incursions into Gaza, aid facilities shut 'one after another' UN News 30 May 2024 -- With no let up in reported street battles and Israeli bombardment across Gaza on Thursday, UN humanitarians warned that the flow of vital lifesaving aid into the enclave has fallen by more than two thirds since the Israeli military stepped up its campaign in Rafah and seized the key aid conduit.
• Aid flow into Gaza dropped by two-thirds since Israel's Rafah assault: UN Press TV 30 May 2024 -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says the amount of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip has dropped by two-thirds since Israel began its incursion into the territory's southern Rafah city.
• Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense (Policy) Amanda Dory's Meeting With Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Eyal Zamir DoD 30 May 2024
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant DoD 30 May 2024
• Egypt calls for immediate flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza VOA 30 May 2024 -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi called on the international community Thursday to stop the war in Gaza.
• Slovenian government endorses recognition of Palestinian state VOA 30 May 2024 -- The Slovenian government approved a motion to recognize an independent Palestinian state, according to Prime Minister Robert Golob. The decision is awaiting approval from the parliament, a vote that likely will be a formality due to Golob's party majority.
• Two Israeli forces killed in car-ramming op. in northern West Bank: Reports Press TV 30 May 2024 -- Two Israeli forces have reportedly been killed in a car-ramming operation targeting a checkpoint in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.
• No Signs Israel Will Reopen Rafah Crossing for Humanitarian Aid - Palestinian Minister Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- There are no signs that Israel will reopen the Rafah crossing to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan said in Geneva.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah crushes gathering center of Zionist military IRNA 30 May 2024 -- The Islamic resistance of Lebanon once again targeted the gathering center of the Zionist regime's military in the north of occupied Palestine.

Other Conflicts

• Statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to the United Nations Security Council UNHCR 30 May 2024
• Global Refugee Crisis Growing Worse, with Aid Workers near Breaking Point, Little Respect for Basic Rules of War, High Commissioner Warns Security Council UN Security Council 30 May 2024
• Vietnam protests Chinese hospital ship deployed in South China Sea VOA 30 May 2024 -- Vietnam protested what is said was China's violation of its sovereignty after Beijing dispatched a navy hospital ship to the Paracels, a group of small coral islands and reefs in the South China Sea currently occupied by China but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.
• Which Countries Have Relations With The Taliban's Unrecognized Government? RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- No country in the world formally recognizes the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, where the extremist group seized power in 2021.
• Iran calls on Afghan authorities to act according to int'l conventions IRNA 30 May 2024 -- The officials of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs are expected to act in accordance with the 1963 Vienna Convention and in accordance with internationally recognized methods for any changes and transformations in their consular staff, says Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani.
• Russia Won't Link Afghan Policy to Taliban Forming Inclusive Government Sputnik 30 May 2024 -- Russia is not linking its policy on Afghanistan to the fact that the Taliban* must fulfill their promises of forming an inclusive government, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said on Thursday.
• The UK has committed up to $264 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria this year: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 30 May 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.
• Top UN officials urge comprehensive approach to Syria's protracted crisis UN News 30 May 2024 -- Syria remains plagued by a severe and complex security and humanitarian situation, against a backdrop of broader political impasse, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Thursday, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach that involves all key stakeholders.
• Absent Political Progress, Ongoing Violence Putting Syria, Global Community at 'Terrible Risks', Special Envoy for Syria Warns Security Council UN Security Council 30 May 2024 -- With absent political progress, ongoing violence and a worsening humanitarian situation in Syria, terrible risks could be on the horizon for that beleaguered country and the global community, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy warned the Security Council, as he called for a de-escalation of hostilities, starting in Gaza, and a comprehensive engagement among all stakeholders to arrive at a lasting solution to the 14-year Syrian conflict.
• Young Rohingya men abducted, forced into 'human shield' roles by Myanmar military VOA 30 May 2024 -- On a February evening, a group of Myanmar junta government soldiers detained Jan Mohammad, who is not using his real name, from Maungdaw Township in Myanmar. When they took the 24-year-old Rohingya man to a nearby military compound, he knew he was being forcibly conscripted by the Myanmar Army.
• Mass arrest in Myanmar's Rakhine State ends in interrogations, beatings Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- Myanmar's junta detained hundreds of villagers in Rakhine State, including children, over suspected links to ethnic minority insurgents and beat at least three people to death, residents told Radio Free Asia on Thursday.
• Security Council Extends Sanctions Regime on South Sudan for One Year, Adopting Resolution 2731 (2024) by Vote of 9 in Favour, 6 Abstentions UN Security Council 30 May 2024 -- The Security Council today extended for one year the sanctions regime — including asset freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo — imposed on South Sudan, reiterating its readiness to review arms embargo measures through modification, suspension or progressive lifting, in light of progress achieved on critical established benchmarks, as numerous speakers highlighted that the text fails to acknowledge Juba's positive achievements and, instead, hinders its efforts to peace and stability.
• Sudan: 'Noose of war' tightens on civilians in El Fasher, UN official warns UN News 30 May 2024 -- The top UN aid official in Sudan warned on Thursday that "the noose of war is tightening its stranglehold" on civilians in El Fasher, expressing her profound distress at the dire humanitarian situation there.
• Sudan's children trapped in critical malnutrition crisis, warn UN agencies WHO 30 May 2024
• Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on the situation in Al Fasher, North Darfur State UNOCHA 30 May 2024
• UN warns of nutrition crisis for women, children in Sudan VOA 30 May 2024 -- United Nations aid agencies warn that an entire generation of children in war-torn Sudan is at risk of malnutrition, disease, and death without urgent action.
• Haitian Transitional Presidential Council Nominates Interim Prime Minister US Dept. of State 30 May 2024 -- The United States congratulates the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council on its nomination of an interim prime minister.
• Leak Suggests Bulgarian PM Tried To Pull Support For Srebrenica Genocide Resolution At UN RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- Leaked documents of a back-and-forth between Sofia and its UN envoy have sparked accusations that caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev succumbed to "external pressure" over a widely followed UN vote in an effort to appease neighboring Serbia or Russia.

News Reports

• ODNI Releases IC Information Technology Roadmap Director of National Intelligence 30 May 2024 -- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) today released its inaugural Vision for the IC Information Environment: An Information Technology Roadmap.
• Naval Commander Sentenced for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Retaining Classified National Defense Information US Dept. of Justice 30 May 2024 -- Gregory Edward McLean, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced today to 160 months for distributing child sexual abuse material and 120 months for unlawfully retaining classified national defense information. The sentences will be served concurrently.
• Stockholm says Iran uses gangs to target Israeli, Jewish interests in Sweden VOA 30 May 2024 -- Sweden's domestic security agency accused Iran on Thursday of using gangs in the country to target Israeli or Jewish interests.
• Zambian authorities arrest five on espionage charges VOA 30 May 2024 -- Police in Zambia have arrested five people on espionage charges following their earlier allegations via social media that the government was involved in the apparent abduction of independent lawmaker Jay Jay Banda last week.
• 6th Meeting of India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism India MEA 30 May 2024 -- The 6th Meeting of India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi on 29 May 2024.
• China unveils national disease control action plan for 2024-25 People's Daily 30 May 2024 -- China has released a comprehensive national disease prevention and control action plan for 2024-25, detailing 10 specific measures aimed at enhancing the country's public health system.
• Chinese 'botnet' admin arrested in Singapore Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- A Thailand-based Chinese man who created a cybercrime operation that seized control of Americans' computers and led to $5.9 billion in fraudulent claims from the U.S. COVID-19 relief program was arrested in Singapore, according to the Justice Department.
• Coordinated effort leads to arrest of Chinese national for cyberattacks VOA 30 May 2024 -- A 35-year-old Chinese national is facing charges related to committing cybercrimes that FBI Director Christopher Wray described as "likely the world's largest botnet ever."
• Excerpts from the briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 30, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with Rossiya Segodnya, May 30, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with heads of diplomatic missions of the Arab States Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2024
• US sanctions two Central African Republic companies linked to Russian Wagner Group VOA 30 May 2024 -- The U.S. imposed sanctions Thursday on two companies in the Central African Republic that support Russia's Wagner Group, the Treasury Department said.
• Imposing Sanctions on Entities Supporting Russia's Malign Activities in Africa US Dept. of State 30 May 2024 -- The United States is today designating two entities based in the Central African Republic (CAR) for their efforts in supporting destabilizing activities by the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group in Africa.
• Treasury Sanctions Wagner Group-linked Companies in the Central African Republic US Treasury 30 May 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) continues to counter Russia's destabilizing activities in Africa by sanctioning two companies that are linked to the Private Military Company "Wagner" (Wagner Group). Mining Industries SARLU and Logistique Economique Etrangere SARLU are being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14024 for enabling Wagner Group security operations and Wagner Group-linked illicit mining endeavors in the Central African Republic (CAR).
• Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna comments on the law adopted by the president allowing the use of frozen assets Estonia MFA 30 May 2024
• Was Zelenskiy Right About Central Asian Leaders 'Fearing' The Kremlin? RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- "I'm not criticizing anyone," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told reporters in Kharkiv on May 24.
• Putin Boasts Of Russia's Hypersonic Weapons, But A Dozen Scientists In The Field Face Treason Charges RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- When 75-year-old Russian scientist Anatoly Maslov, a specialist in high-speed aerodynamics, was arrested on treason charges in June 2022, his colleagues were alarmed.
• China's state security authority warns against foreign espionage threat to rare-earth industry Global Times 30 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security on Thursday issued an article warning of foreign espionage agencies targeting China's rare-earth industry, engaging in theft and sabotage, posing threat to the country's natural resource security. Authorities vowed to crack down on illegal activities to protect national security and promote the sustainable development in the industry.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 30, 2024 PRC MofA 30 May 2024
• Readout of Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer's Meeting with People's Republic of China Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu The White House 30 May 2024
• US, China hold diplomatic talks to try to defuse tensions, advance cooperation VOA 30 May 2024 -- Senior officials from the United States and the People's Republic of China held diplomatic talks in Washington on Thursday to try to defuse tensions, to discuss efforts to maintain military-to-military communication, and to advance cooperation.
• Chinese Vice FM kicks off US visit amid moderate expectations Global Times 30 May 2024 -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu kicked off a visit to the US on Thursday at the latter's invitation, which is a continuation of bilateral high-level exchanges and interactions at various levels, observers said.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's video address to the 9th international conference Russia and China: Cooperation in a New Era, May 30, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2024
• China to build relations with Arab a model for maintaining world peace and stability: Xi Global Times 30 May 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Thursday that China is ready to work with the Arab side to put in place "five cooperation frameworks" to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future. The Chinese president also said that the war in Gaza should not continue indefinitely and reaffirmed China's stance to promote lasting settlement for the Palestinian issue.
• Xi holds talks with UAE president People's Daily 30 May 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Beijing on Thursday.
• Hong Kong: Statement by the Spokesperson on the verdict in the "Hong Kong 47" case European External Action Service (EEAS) 30 May 2024 -- The conviction under the National Security Law (NSL) of pro-democracy politicians and activists in the case commonly known as "Hong Kong 47" on 30 May marks a further deterioration of fundamental freedoms and democratic participation in Hong Kong. Of the 16 defendants who had pleaded not guilty, 14 have been convicted.
• Statement on verdict of Hong Kong pro-democracy politicians and activists Canada 30 May 2024 -- Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement on the verdict on the "Hong Kong 47" trial:
• Verdict demonstrates HKSAR's judicial independence, serves as strong deterrent to destabilizing forces Global Times 30 May 2024 -- Fourteen of the 16 defendants who pleaded not guilty over the infamous "35-plus" political strategy that aimed to subvert state power were found guilty on Thursday. Some experts said this highlights the powerful role of the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong in safeguarding national security, Hong Kong's political system, and its political order.
• In Xinjiang, China's security chief calls for normalization of counterterrorism steps Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- In a visit to the far-western region of Xinjiang, China's security chief Chen Wenqing called for the normalization of counterterrorism policies, which experts said could signal renewed efforts to suppress the more than 11 million Uyghurs who live there.
• China's central bank vows to speed up yuan internationalization, high-level financial opening-up Global Times 30 May 2024 -- The People's Bank of China (PBC), the central bank, has vowed to further strengthen coordination between the yuan and foreign currencies and improve basic institutional arrangements for the cross-border use of the yuan, in a bid to accelerate the internationalization of the yuan and enhance the high-level opening-up of the financial sector, according to a report released on the official website of the PBC on Thursday.
• US official, Chinese counterpart holds talks amid effort to avert unintended conflict VOA 30 May 2024 -- Deputy U.S. Secretary of State Kurt Campbell is hosting China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu in Washington on Thursday. The talks are aimed at maintaining open communication channels to prevent miscalculations and unintended conflicts, especially during times of tension.
• China grants private aerospace firm license for satellite constellation radio business Global Times 30 May 2024 -- China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced on Thursday the granting of a license for space radio business via satellite constellation to Beijing-based commercial aerospace firm Guodian Gaoke, after it sent four satellites into orbit on Wednesday. The move will further support the nation's commercial aerospace development.
• China suspends tariff arrangements on 134 items under Taiwan trade deal Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- China announced on Friday a suspension of some preferential tariff arrangements from next month under its only trade pact with Taiwan, accusing the island of "discriminatory" restrictions on Chinese products.
• Over 75% Taiwanese support Lai's cross-strait approach: MAC survey CNA 30 May 2024 -- Over 75 percent of Taiwanese support President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) stance on cross-strait relations as outlined in his inaugural address, according to the results of the first survey announced Thursday by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) following Lai's inauguration on May 20.
• Cross-Strait exchange event calls for efforts to advance national reunification People's Daily 30 May 2024 -- A cross-Strait exchange event that opened in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, on Wednesday has called for concerted efforts across the Taiwan Strait to advance China's reunification.
• Mainland spokesperson slams DPP authorities' collusion with U.S. People's Daily 30 May 2024 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday denounced the collusion between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan and external forces including the United States, commenting on the U.S. Department of State spokesperson's remarks on the debut speech of Taiwan's new leader.
• China says objectives of drills circling Taiwan accomplished Press TV 30 May 2024 -- China's military has announced the accomplishment of "expected goals" during a two-day military drill circling Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan May 30, 2024 ROC MND 30 May 2024
• Analysts see signs of strain in North Korea-China ties VOA 30 May 2024 -- Tensions between North Korea and China surfaced publicly this week for the first time in years, after Pyongyang lashed out at a joint statement signed by Beijing mentioning the possibility of denuclearization.
• After 7-year hiatus, US groups resume humanitarian aid to North Korea Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- After a seven-year hiatus, U.S. organizations began exporting humanitarian aid to North Korea last year - much of it medical and laboratory equipment and supplies, according to data from U.S. Department of Commerce's Census Bureau.
• Press Statement of Vice Foreign Minister of DPRK KCNA 30 May 2024 -- Kim Son Gyong, vice-minister for International Organizations of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, released the following press statement on May 30:
• Press Statement of Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Kim Yo Jong KCNA 30 May 2024 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following press statement under the title "The ROK is not entitled to criticize the freedom of expression of the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" on Wednesday:
• Iran, Russia envoys in Vienna meet ahead of IAEA meeting IRNA 30 May 2024 -- Iranian and Russian ambassadors have met and consulted with each other in Vienna on Wednesday ahead of an upcoming meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) where Britain, France and Germany are pushing for yet another anti-Iran motion.
• E3 circulates anti-Iran draft ahead of IAEA board meeting: Reuters IRNA 30 May 2024 -- Britain, France and Germany, known as the European troika or E3, have circulated an anti-Iran draft resolution ahead of the meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors next week, despite US opposition, three diplomats told Reuters on Wednesday night.
• Ex-nuclear negotiator Jalili registers to run in Iran presidential election Press TV 30 May 2024 -- Five hopefuls have registered to run in an early presidential election next month in Iran, on the first day of registration following the passing of President Ebrahim Raeisi in a helicopter crash.
• Registration begins for Iran snap presidential election after passing of Raeisi in copter crash Press TV 30 May 2024 -- Iran opens a five-day registration process for hopefuls seeking to run in the 14th presidential election to replace Ebrahim Raeisi who lost his life in a helicopter crash earlier this month.
• Prison Sentences Of Iranian Women's Rights Activists Upheld On Appeal RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- Eleven women's rights activists cumulatively sentenced to more than 60 years in prison have lost their appeal, a lawyer for one of the campaigners said on May 29.
• Iran helicopter crash that killed president leaves mysteries unresolved 10 days later VOA 30 May 2024 -- Ten days after Iran's president died in a helicopter crash in the country's north, Iranian authorities have not explained why his was the only helicopter that crashed in dense cloud cover out of three that had been flying officials back to Iran from a visit to the Azerbaijani border.
• Investigation rules out sabotage in Iran's presidential helicopter crash ISNA 30 May 2024 -- The ongoing probe into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran and several other officials has ruled out sabotage as the reason behind the tragic incident.
• Iran rules out sabotage explosion behind Raisi's helicopter crash People's Daily 30 May 2024 -- Iran on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of a sabotage explosion leading to the helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, local media reported.
• Ayatollah Khamenei receives Assad, hails Syria's resistance Press TV 30 May 2024 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has received President Bashar al-Assad who has traveled to Tehran to offer condolences over the loss of President Ebrahim Raeisi and his companions in a helicopter crash.
• Myanmar's junta chief faces growing criticism over military failures: group Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- Unprecedented humiliating defeats for Myanmar's military in its war against ethnic minority and pro-democracy insurgents are putting mounting pressure on junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who is facing widespread criticism and calls to step down, a think tank said in a report on Thursday.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 30, 2024) India MEA 30 May 2024
• China delivers advanced communication satellite to Pakistan following successful launch Global Times 30 May 2024 -- China successfully launched a Pakistani communication satellite, codenamed PakSat MM1, on Thursday via a Long March 3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan Province. Mission insiders hailed the feat as a landmark in technological cooperation between the two countries. They expect the successful deployment of the satellite to significantly boost Pakistan's comprehensive social and economic development, ensure the security of its communications, and enhance its aerospace technology and industrial capabilities.
• Pakistan Successfully Launches PakSat-MM1: A Milestone in National Space Endeavours Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 30 May 2024 -- In a historic event today, Pakistan successfully launched the Pakistan Multi Mission Communication Satellite (PakSat-MM1), marking a significant milestone in the nation's space and communication capabilities. This advanced geostationary satellite, equipped with state-of-the-art communication technologies, reinforces Pakistan's presence in geostationary orbit and aims to enhance satellite-based communication services across the country.
• Pakistan Says 4 Citizens Killed After Iranian Border Guards Open Fire RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- Iranian border guards opened fire on a vehicle carrying Pakistani citizens near the border village of Mashkel in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province, killing four people and injuring two others.
• Killings, disappearances, new law rock Pakistan's media VOA 30 May 2024 -- The shadow of five journalist killings since the start of the year is hanging over Pakistan's media.
• Pakistan arrests 11 militants in deadly attack on Chinese engineers VOA 30 May 2024 -- Eleven militants accused of being involved in carrying out the deadly March suicide attack on Chinese engineers are in custody, according to Pakistani officials.
• Pakistan shares probe findings with Afghan Taliban on attack against Chinese nationals VOA 30 May 2024 -- A high-level Pakistani delegation met with Afghanistan's Taliban authorities on Thursday and urged "decisive action" against militants who allegedly used Afghan soil to orchestrate cross-border attacks, including a recent suicide car bombing that killed five Chinese engineers.
• South Africa's ruling ANC party expected to lose majority after vote Press TV 30 May 2024 -- Preliminary results and projections indicate that South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) is set to lose its majority of 30 years.
• South Africa early election results show ruling ANC losing its majority VOA 30 May 2024 -- South Africa's long-ruling African National Congress party, which gained power under President Nelson Mandela, has received less than 50% of the vote in early election results.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan US Dept. of State 30 May 2024
• "Türkiye has become an indispensable actor in its region" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 30 May 2024 -- Speaking at the Exercise EFES-2024, President Erdoğan said: "Since 2002, we have mobilized all kinds of means to maximize the level of indigenous production in defense industry. Thanks to the progress it has made in defense industry, Türkiye has become one of the indispensable actors in its region."
• After 'Foreign Agent' Law Defeat, Georgian Protesters Set Sights on Elections RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- If Georgia's protesters couldn't force their government to back down by turning out in the streets, could they defeat it at the ballot box?
• Georgian NGOs To Challenge 'Foreign Agent' Law At Constitutional, European Courts RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- Several Georgian NGOs say they will challenge domestically and internationally the so-called "foreign agent" law pushed through parliament by the ruling Georgian Dream party despite a presidential veto and weeks of protests against the law, seen as mirroring a repressive Russian measure and jeopardizing the country's hopes to join the European Union.
• Georgia's "transparency of foreign influence" law incompatible with democratic standards and human rights law: international human rights office ODIHR OSCE 30 May 2024 -- Georgia's newly approved law "on transparency of foreign influence" contains serious deficiencies that make it incompatible with international human rights standards and the country's commitments as an OSCE state, and it should be rescinded, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHIR) concluded today.
• Concern regarding Georgia's Transparency of Foreign Influence Law: Joint statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 30 May 2024 -- Ambassador Holland delivers a statement on behalf of UK and Canada calling on the government of Georgia to withdraw its legislation on the Transparency of Foreign Influence, so that it can pursue its Euro-Atlantic trajectory.
• Pro-Kremlin Forces On Rise In Bulgaria Ahead Of European Elections RFE/RL 30 May 2024 -- Peter Volgin was not shy about using the public airwaves in Bulgaria to spew pro-Russian disinformation.
• Varteressian's opening remarks at the Arctic Congress Government of Norway 30 May 2024 -- To tackle the challenges we face, we need more cooperation in the Arctic, not less, was Maria Varteressian's key message in Bodø. She underlined Norway's efforts as chair to ensure that the Arctic Council remains the most important forum for circumpolar exchange and joint problem-solving.
• Minister Eide's opening remarks at international partner meeting on Palestine Government of Norway 30 May 2024
• Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström at the China Forum in Stockholm Government Offices of Sweden 30 May 2024
• Cambodian canal project to begin in August: prime minister Radio Free Asia 30 May 2024 -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has said that the construction of the Funan Techo canal that has created a rift between the kingdom and neighboring Vietnam will begin in August, media reported.
• Maduro's Decision to Withdraw Invitation to European Union Election Observers US Dept. of State 30 May 2024 -- The United States is deeply concerned by the decision by Nicolas Maduro and his representatives to withdraw an invitation to European Union election observers.
• World News in Brief: Hunger grows in Haiti, Gaza aid blocked, World Potato Day UN News 30 May 2024 -- As people in Haiti continue to deal with growing hunger, UN agencies are striving to deliver goods and services to populations in need.
• Spain's parliament passes amnesty law for Catalan separatists VOA 30 May 2024 -- Spain's parliament approved a controversial law Thursday that grants amnesty to hundreds of Catalan separatists facing prosecution for their involvement in an unsuccessful 2017 secession bid.
• Africa leaders call for reform of 'unjust' debt structure to accelerate growth VOA 30 May 2024 -- Africa has what it takes to transform and grow its economy but faces rigid barriers, including a sometimes unfriendly global financial architecture, say leaders who gathered in Nairobi this week for the African Development Bank's annual summit.
• Kenyan MPs probe alleged British Army crimes VOA 30 May 2024 -- A Kenyan parliamentary committee is visiting central Kenya to hear from locals about the conduct of a British Army training unit that is accused of human rights violations, including the unresolved death of a woman more than ten years ago. The Kenya National Human Rights Commission prompted the inquiry by petitioning parliament to hold the British army accountable for alleged human rights abuses.