• 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

• June 4 Red Sea Update CENTCOM 04 Jun 2024 -- In the past 24 hours, Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or commercial ships.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin Ill's Meetings With Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senior Cambodian Officials DoD 04 Jun 2024
• Austin Discusses Range of Important Issues With Cambodian Leaders DoD News 04 Jun 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he met with Prime Minister Hun Manet; Defense Minister Tea Seiha; and Hun Sen, president of the senate.
• US defense secretary visits Cambodia amid concern about China Radio Free Asia 04 Jun 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday for a brief visit, days after Cambodia and China wrapped up their biggest ever military exercise.
• US defense secretary meets with top Cambodian officials VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with top Cambodian officials Tuesday to discuss resuming joint military training programs, amid growing concerns about the Southeast Asian country's ties with China.
• New 'Overlays' Provide Guide on Path to Zero Trust DoD News 04 Jun 2024 -- The Defense Department's chief information officer today released the nearly 400-page "Zero Trust Overlays" document designed to serve as both a road map and guide for helping the department achieve goals set forth in a 2021 executive order signed by President Joe Biden.
• Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of US nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent US Air Force 04 Jun 2024 -- A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen supported by Space Force Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with one re-entry vehicle June 4 at 12:56 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• HSC-2 supports NMCP to Conduct a Mass Casualty Exercise US Navy 04 Jun 2024 -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2 supported Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) to conduct a mass casualty exercise May 21 to practice interoperability between the two units in the event of a large-scale disaster.
• Former SECDEF Mattis Talks About Leadership, Democracy During NPS Guest Lecture US Navy 04 Jun 2024 -- Service to country, selfless leadership, and personal integrity define the character and career of retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, 26th Secretary of Defense, who visited the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) last week and addressed the NPS community in the school's Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture series on May 28.
• Readout of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti's Meeting with Kingdom of Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa US Navy Press Release 04 Jun 2024 -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with the Kingdom of Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, June 4.
• AFSBn-Poland issues nearly 100 Bradleys to 1st Cav, supporting Army modernization efforts Army News 04 Jun 2024 -- There's no doubt Soldiers on the frontlines need support. Recently, Soldiers from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division received exceptional support from Army Field Support Battalion-Poland when the battalion issued nearly 100 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to the cavalry Soldiers at two locations in Poland and one in Lithuania, May 20-31, 2024.
• China: US nuclear weapons in South Korea would undermine its security VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- China said it opposes a deployment of nuclear weapons to South Korea as it would pose danger to regional countries. Beijing was reacting to a report suggesting the United States should take such a measure to enhance deterrence against threats from North Korea.
• NATO Draws Up Potential Plans to Move Troops From US to Europe - Reports Sputnik 04 Jun 2024 -- In theory, US soldiers could arrive at one of five designated ports and then be transported along predetermined logistics routes on the continent should a European war break out.
• U.S. Official Previews NATO's Washington Summit DoD News 04 Jun 2024 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is marking its role of 75 years of peace and how it will position itself for the future at the Washington summit next month, said Julianne Smith, the U.S. permanent representative to NATO.
• Northern Fleet conducts anti-submarine exercise in Barents Sea Russia MoD 04 Jun 2024 -- Today, as part of combat training, the Northern Fleet kicked off a planned anti-submarine exercise in the Barents Sea.
• Russia: French military instructors in Ukraine are 'legitimate targets' VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- Russia's foreign minister said Tuesday that any French military instructors in Ukraine training Ukraine soldiers would be a "legitimate target" for Russian strikes.
• Treasury: the West should stop China from supplying Russia's war machine VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- The Ukrainian government continues to find Western-made components in Russian missiles and drones retrieved from the battlefield in Ukraine.
• Australian Defence Force opens recruitment to non-Australian citizens Australia DOD 04 Jun 2024 -- As one of the Albanese Government's initiatives to grow the Australian Defence Force (ADF), New Zealanders who call Australia home will soon be able to apply to join the ADF.
• The Foreign Minister's meeting with the President of the Italian defence company Leonardo focuses on growth and innovation in Lithuania's defence sector Lithuania MFA 04 Jun 2024 -- On 3 June in Vilnius, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabrielius Landsbergis, met with Stefano Pontecorvo, President of the Italian defence industry company Leonardo. The meeting focused on the development of the defence industry in Lithuania, innovations in defence technologies and opportunities for cooperation with Lithuanian defence industry companies.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with UN Secretary-General Guterres US Dept. of State 04 Jun 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud US Dept. of State 04 Jun 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Algerian Foreign Minister Attaf US Dept. of State 04 Jun 2024
• Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President López Obrador of Mexico The White House 04 Jun 2024
• On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby Previewing President Biden's Travel to France The White House 04 Jun 2024
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route White Plains, NY The White House 04 Jun 2024
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan En Route Paris, France The White House 04 Jun 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 4, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 4 June 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 04 Jun 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM Netanyahu Speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron Israel - Prime Minister 04 Jun 2024
• June 3: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 04 Jun 2024
• Israel bombed 15,000 children into smithereens in Gaza since October Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- More than 15,000 Palestinian children have been killed since October, when the Israeli regime launched its genocide against the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Ministry of Education says.
• Feature: Israeli military operation wreaks havoc on Jabalia camp in Gaza People's Daily 04 Jun 2024 -- Days after the Israeli army withdrew from Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip after nearly three weeks of military operation, Mohammed Omran, who returned to the camp, is still in shock due to the scale and intensity of destruction in his neighborhood.
• Occupied Palestinian Territory: Türk condemns over 500 West Bank killings, calls for accountability OHCHR 04 Jun 2024 -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today issued a renewed call for an end to the sharp rise in deadly violence in the occupied West Bank since 7 October, and urged accountability for the killing of over 500 Palestinians by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) and settlers.
• Continuing restrictions hamper humanitarian access inside Gaza UN News 04 Jun 2024 -- The UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) on Tuesday warned that lifesaving aid for hundreds of thousands in need across Gaza remains limited due to access constraints.
• More than 500 Palestinians killed in occupied West Bank: UN rights chief UN News 04 Jun 2024 -- Violence in the occupied West Bank linked to the war in Gaza passed a deadly milestone with more than 500 Palestinians killed since 7 October, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights chief Volker Türk said on Tuesday.
• Wrap-up on the month of May in Gaza UNRWA 04 Jun 2024
• Talks on Algerian resolution for Gaza ceasefire continue: UNSC head IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- South Korea's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations says the discussion on a draft resolution proposed by Algeria regarding the Gaza ceasefire are still continuing in the Security Council.
• Israel must stop 'unprecedented bloodshed' in West Bank: UN Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has reiterated calls for an end to Israel's violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
• Biden softens comment on Netanyahu, Gaza war VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden, increasingly critical of Israel's conduct of its war against Hamas militants in Gaza and a mounting Palestinian death toll, said in an interview published Tuesday that there is "every reason" to believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dragged out the conflict to save himself politically.
• White House pushes cease-fire deal despite lack of enthusiasm from Israel, Hamas VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- Despite Israeli leaders pledging to continue military operations until Hamas is destroyed and Hamas saying it cannot accept a deal without Israeli commitment to a permanent cease-fire, mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar continue to push through a cease-fire proposal that President Joe Biden said last week had been agreed to by Israel.
• Biden admits Netanyahu 'prolonging' Gaza bombardment for political gains Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- US President Joe Biden says there is "every reason" to conclude Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is prolonging the savage military offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip due to his own political considerations.
• US House Passes Bill to Authorize Sanctions on ICC for Israeli Leader Arrest Warrants Sputnik 04 Jun 2024 -- The US House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday to authorize sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to an ICC prosecutor's request for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.
• Doubts prevail amid contradictory US statements on Gaza plan IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- The US State Department has issued a controversial statement on Hamas despite using different channels to force the Palestinian resistance movement agree to a new Gaza ceasefire proposal, which President Joe Biden claimed, was forwarded by the Zionist regime.
• US seeks additional support for Gaza cease-fire deal VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- The fate of a proposal to temporarily halt fighting in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid and set free some hostages held by Hamas remained uncertain Tuesday, with Hamas yet to respond to the proposal, Israeli officials questioning some of the details and the United States seeking U.N. Security Council support for the deal's acceptance and implementation.
• Iran says 55% of Gaza buildings bulldozed or hit due to int'l passivity IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has censured the international bodies' passivity towards the developments in Gaza, saying 55% of the buildings in the enclave have been annihilated or hit due to the silence and passivity kept by the international institutions and the world countries.
• Israel/Palestine: Statement by the HR on behalf of the EU in support of the three-phase roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and release of hostages EC/CEU 04 Jun 2024 -- The European Union gives its full support to the comprehensive roadmap presented by President Biden, that would lead to an enduring ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
• Lebanon/Israel: Statement by the Spokesperson on the rising tensions at the border between Israel and Lebanon European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Jun 2024 -- The European Union is increasingly concerned about the rising tensions across the Blue Line, the ever-growing destruction and the forced displacement of civilians on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border.
• Arab League urges swift end to humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit has urged a swift end to the current humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Israel concedes to Hamas demands in Gaza ceasefire deal: Official IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- A senior Palestinian resistance official has said that the Israeli regime has accepted the legitimate demands of Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
• UN human rights office condemns Israel's action in West Bank VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk called Tuesday for an end to violence in the occupied West Bank, condemning the Israeli security forces and settlers for the deaths of more than 500 Palestinians since October 7.
• Hamas: Agreement must contain a permanent ceasefire, Israel's positions not consistent with Biden's IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Osama Hamdan, a senior official of Hamas movement, pointed out that the recent positions of the leaders of the Zionist regime regarding the achievement of a ceasefire agreement are not consistent with the recent statements of US President Joe Biden in this regard, and emphasized that "we agree with the permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of the occupiers from this area and the conclusion of the prisoner exchange agreement.
• Israel not serious about clinching truce deal in Gaza: Hamas Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- A high-ranking member of the Hamas political bureau says Israel is not serious about reaching a ceasefire deal with the Palestinian resistance movement in the besieged Gaza Strip, slamming the regime for maneuvering under the cover of the United States.
• Hamas fundamental part of Gaza political landscape, says top official Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- A high-ranking member of Hamas political bureau says the Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movement is an inseparable part of the Gaza political landscape.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah launches artillery attack on Zionist military positions IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah announced on Tuesday night that it targeted the positions of the Zionist military in the north of occupied Palestine with an artillery attack.
• Hezbollah hits Israeli targets in multi-pronged strikes IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Hezbollah has carried out separate rocket, drone and missile attacks targeting Israeli army positions in northern occupied Palestine and the occupied Golan Heights in Syria.
• Barrage of Hezbollah missiles puts Israel on edge Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- Israeli residents and officials in the occupied Palestinian territories are on alert for extensive blazes that could be caused by the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah's firing of missiles as part of a campaign to force the regime to end its aggression on Gaza.
• Hezbollah leader thanks Iran for supporting regional nations, resistance groups Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- The secretary general of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has expressed his gratitude to Iran for its "steadfast" support for peoples and resistance movements in the region.
• Massive fire rages in northern occupied territories after Hezbollah's reprisal attacks Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has launched a series of rocket and drone strikes on northern part of the Israeli-occupied territories, sparking intense fires there.
• Iraqi resistance drone attack on occupied Palestine IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance of Iraq announced on Tuesday night that it targeted a sensitive and important target in occupied Palestine with a drone attack.

Other Conflicts

• Top UN humanitarian laments lack of dialogue to resolve conflict UN News 04 Jun 2024 -- The UN's top aid official said on Tuesday he was leaving office at the end of the month with "some important pieces of wisdom" but also a feeling of frustration because many crises no longer make the headlines, while humanitarian operations face a dire lack of funding.
• Philippines denies its troops pointed guns at Chinese coast guard personnel Radio Free Asia 04 Jun 2024 -- The Philippines on Tuesday rejected Beijing's allegations that Filipino troops had pointed guns at Chinese coast guard personnel after they "dangerously approached" a military outpost in the disputed South China Sea.
• Philippines' grounding warship illegal, escalating tensions unacceptable: Chinese FM Global Times 04 Jun 2024 -- The Philippines' act to run aground a warship at Ren'ai Jiao is an illegal act in itself. It is unacceptable that the Philippines repeatedly provokes, exacerbates tensions, and escalates the situation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday, in response to Philippine military officials denying that personnel on a grounded Philippine warship pointed guns in the direction of the China Coast Guard (CCG) previously.
• Chinese FM slams remarks by Marcos on South China Sea, urging Philippines to stop maritime provocations Global Times 04 Jun 2024 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday slammed remarks of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, saying the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal, null and void and China will continue to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
• Rights group urges UN to demand Taliban include women in talks about future VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- As the United Nations and the Taliban prepare to discuss Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar, on June 30, a New York-based global women's rights advocacy nongovernmental organization has urged the U.N. to demand the Taliban ensure full and equal participation of Afghan women, peacebuilders and human rights defenders in all discussions about Afghanistan's future.
• With Pensions Scrapped, Afghan Retirees Forced To Work As Street Vendors RFE/RL 04 Jun 2024 -- Atel hauls a wooden cart every day around the Afghan capital, Kabul, selling vegetables.
• Iranian Officer Killed in Suspected Israeli Air Strikes In Syria RFE/RL 04 Jun 2024 -- An Iranian officer described as a military adviser has been killed in suspected Israeli air strikes near the Syrian city of Aleppo, nearly two months after the Islamic republic warned it would retaliate against attacks on its interests.
• Myanmar beach town rocked by heavy clashes Radio Free Asia 04 Jun 2024 -- Fighting has intensified over the weekend near one of Myanmar's premiere resort beaches in Rakhine state after ethnic rebels attacked three junta outposts and the military responded with multiple airstrikes, residents said.
• No: 104, 4 June 2024, Regarding the Law Adopted by Uruguay on the Events of 1915 Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Jun 2024
• DR Congo: The ICRC suspends food aid for displaced people in Kanyabayonga ICRC 04 Jun 2024 -- On 30 May 2024, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) suspended food aid to displaced people living between Kanyabayonga and Burangiza, and in Bulindi, which are located in the province of North Kivu. The food distribution had begun on 24 May 2024 and was supposed to last for about ten days but had to be discontinued when armed clashes around Kanyabayonga between government forces and the March 23 Movement led many civilians to flee.

News Reports

• H5N1 bird flu detected in U.S. San Francisco People's Daily 04 Jun 2024 -- Two chickens at a live bird market in San Francisco, U.S. state of California, tested positive for H5N1 bird flu last month, authorities announced on Monday.
• Remarks by President Biden on Securing Our Border The White House 04 Jun 2024
• Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on Additional Actions to Secure the BorderBackground Press Call by Senior Administration Officials The White House 04 Jun 2024
• A Proclamation on Securing the Border The White House 04 Jun 2024
• Statement of Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Biden-Harris Administration's Executive Action to Strengthen Border Security DHS 04 Jun 2024 -- Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued the following statement on President Biden's Proclamation to suspend and limit entry of individuals at the southern border and the accompanying joint regulation of the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice:
• President Biden signs executive order limiting number of asylum seekers at US-Mexico border VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday sharply limiting the number of people requesting asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
• New asylum restrictions at US-Mexico border explained VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden announced an executive order on Tuesday that will temporarily restrict asylum eligibility at the U.S.-Mexico border whenever the number of migrants crossing unlawfully or without authorization reaches a daily average of 2,500.
• Terror attacks headline threats to upcoming Paris Olympics VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- There are new warnings about potential attacks aimed at disrupting the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris, including the potential for more terror plots like the one disrupted last week by French officials.
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 04 Jun 2024 -- Vladimir Putin held a videoconferencse meeting with Government members.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's working visit to the Republic of the Congo Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Jun 2024
• Foreign Minister Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad of the Republic of Congo Jean-Clause Gakosso following talks, Oyo, Republic of the Congo, June 4, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Jun 2024
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 4, 2024 PRC MofA 04 Jun 2024
• On the 35th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square US Dept. of State 04 Jun 2024 -- "Today, on the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, we remember the tens of thousands of peaceful Chinese pro-democracy protestors who were brutally assaulted for standing up for freedom, human rights, and an end to corruption."
• Arrests, detentions in Hong Kong on 35th anniversary of 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- Hong Kong police arrested four people and detained five others Tuesday as authorities sought to stamp out commemorations of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in mainland China on its 35th anniversary.
• Diaspora community holds Tiananmen commemorations despite crackdowns in Hong Kong, China VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- Authorities in China and Hong Kong are tightening control over civil society as people in more than a dozen cities around the world commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre on Tuesday.
• US lawmakers remember Tiananmen Square massacre Radio Free Asia 04 Jun 2024 -- U.S. lawmakers and Chinese democracy activists marked the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre on Tuesday with a message that Congress had always stood together with Chinese dissidents, even if some presidential administrations had not.
• Tiananmen Square massacre protest torch passes to the next generation Radio Free Asia 04 Jun 2024 -- Thirty-five years after the Tiananmen Square massacre took place, the commemorative torch appears to be passing to a younger generation of activists in cities around the world, including in democratic Taiwan.
• Mothers of Tiananmen Square massacre vow victims 'will not be forgotten' Radio Free Asia 04 Jun 2024 -- Family members of victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre called on the world to remember the night 35 years ago when People's Liberation Army troops entered Beijing and fired on unarmed civilians - despite attempts by the Chinese government to erase the bloodshed from the official record.
• China: Statement by the Spokesperson on the 35th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square events European External Action Service (EEAS) 04 Jun 2024 -- Today marks the 35th anniversary of the violent suppression of peaceful pro-democracy protests of 1989 in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. Remembering the events and honouring those who were killed, detained, or went missing is crucial for future generations and the collective memory.
• Statement by Foreign Affairs Minister on 35th anniversary of Tiananmen Square Canada 04 Jun 2024
• Scale and severity of '35-plus' political plot highlight that risk to national security is real: HKSAR CE Global Times 04 Jun 2024 -- The verdict on some defendants involved in the infamous "35-plus" political plot that aimed to subvert state power indicated the scale and severity of the criminal plan, highlighting that the risk to national security is real, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday, warning that "we cannot forget the pain once the wound has healed."
• Trial of Apple Daily's Jimmy Lai adjourned over health concerns VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- The national security trial of pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong was adjourned Monday after his legal team told the court that he felt unwell.
• China's top political advisory body holds meeting on high-level socialist market economy Global Times 04 Jun 2024 -- China's top political advisory body on Tuesday opened the seventh session of its standing committee in Beijing, which focuses on consultations and discussions on building a high-level socialist market economy.
• Remarks from US, SK, Japanese military officials on South China Sea and Taiwan question malicious smear and blatant interference on China's domestic affairs: FM spokesperson Global Times 04 Jun 2024 -- China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition against the remarks made by military officials from the US, Japan and South Korea to criticize China on issues regarding South China Sea and the Taiwan question, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, noting that such criticism is blatant interference in China's domestic affairs, maliciously attacking and smearing China on maritime issues, deliberately provoking China's relations with neighboring countries, seriously violating the basic principles of international relations.
• China firmly opposes U.S. abusing visa restrictions on Chinese officials: FM People's Daily 04 Jun 2024 -- China expressed firm opposition to U.S. blatant interference in China's internal affairs, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on Monday.
• Chinese lunar probe returning to Earth VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- Chinese state-run media say an uncrewed spacecraft is headed back to Earth after blasting off from the far side of the moon Tuesday.
• U.S. lawmakers propose US$500 million in military aid for Taiwan CNA 04 Jun 2024 -- The United States House Appropriations Committee on Monday introduced a bill which would provide US$500 million in foreign military financing for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait.
• U.S. defense contractors, retired general, in Taiwan for forum: Source CNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Steven Rudder, a retired United States Marine Corps officer, and representatives of 27 American defense contractors have arrived in Taiwan to meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and attend a forum to strengthen cooperation on defense technologies.
• Biden does not rule out possibility of using forces to defend Taiwan CNA 04 Jun 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said he does not rule out the possibility of using military force to defend Taiwan if China unilaterally tries to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jun. 4, 2024 ROC MND 04 Jun 2024
• South Korea to restore border military activities, after North's balloon launches VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- South Korea fully suspended an agreement meant to reduce tensions with North Korea, defense officials said Tuesday, allowing Seoul to resume all military activities along the inter-Korean border.
• South Korea Approves Suspension of Inter-Korean Military Agreement Sputnik 04 Jun 2024 -- The South Korean government approved a motion to suspend a 2018 inter-Korean tension reduction pact, the Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday.
• US reacts to remarks on Tehran-Washington message exchanges IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- The US State Department spokesman, in response to the recent statements by Iran's Acting Foreign Minister regarding the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington, says America has the ability to send messages whenever they are in line with its national interests.
• Iran submits note to IAEA after reports to Board of Governors IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Vienna has issued an explanatory note outlining Iran's views on two recent reports by the IAEA's director general to its Board of Governors.
• Iran calls on IAEA to observe impartiality in its reports Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- Iran has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to observe impartiality in its reports on the country's nuclear activities, emphasizing that Tehran has fully complied with its commitments under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
• Iran's nuclear program within framework of parliament's strategic action law: AEOI chief Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says Tehran's civilian nuclear activities are within the framework of the strategic action law adopted by the Iranian parliament in late 2020 to counter sanctions and promote the country's nuclear program.
• IAEA Board of Governors on the JCPoA, June 2024: E3 statement UK FCDO 04 Jun 2024 -- France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the IAEA Board of Governors on Iran's implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA
• Russia welcomes Iran's bid to gain observer status in EAEU Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk has welcomed Iran's application to join the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as an observer member.
• Russia welcomes Iran's request to join Eurasian Economic Union IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk says Moscow would welcome Iran joining the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as an observer member, which he said could happen by the end of 2024.
• Upcoming local election in northeast Syria raises regional, international concerns VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- A local election in northeast Syria scheduled for next week is raising mounting concerns inside and outside the war-torn country.
• Iran's acting FM holds talks with head of Syria's national security IRNA 04 Jun 2024 -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has held talks with Major General Kifah Moulhem, director of Syria's National Security Bureau.
• Iran's acting foreign minister meets with President Assad in Damascus Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has met with President Bashar al-Assad of Syria in the capital Damascus.
• Modi set to win narrow majority, but his party's numbers slide VOA 04 Jun 2024 -- An alliance led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on course to win a small majority in parliament, but a strong challenge from the opposition significantly reduces his party's numbers, reflecting his waning popularity after a decade in office.
• Modi claims victory with alliance winning only narrow majority Global Times 04 Jun 2024 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed victory for a third term on Tuesday, as he released a statement on social media. Chinese experts said that however Modi's ambition to compete with Chinese manufacturing and improve India's business environment will be difficult to accomplish.
• India elections: Modi lead narrowing as opposition 'doing better than expected' Press TV 04 Jun 2024 -- India begins counting votes for its 2024 general election, with early trends showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alliance may fall short of a majority as the opposition is doing better than expected.
• Turkiye Would Like to Join BRICS - Top Diplomat Sputnik 04 Jun 2024 -- BRICS was established in 2009 as a cooperation platform for the world's largest emerging economies, bringing together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. On January 1, 2024, the bloc was expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
• "We continue our works with 'a fully independent Türkiye in energy' vision" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 04 Jun 2024 -- Delivering remarks following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Erdoğan drew attention to the progress Türkiye has made in the area of energy, and said: "We continue our works with the vision of 'a fully independent Türkiye in energy'. The daily natural gas production in Filyos has exceeded 5.1 million cubic meters. We meet the natural gas need of two million houses from here."
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Prime Minister of Canada 04 Jun 2024 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
• Moldova Cracks Down On Interpol Evasion Scheme With Help From France, U.S., Britain RFE/RL 04 Jun 2024 -- A multinational operation in Moldova has uncovered an international criminal organization with links to people from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine suspected of undermining an Interpol system for identifying fugitives, Moldovan authorities and Interpol said on June 4.
• Georgia's Ruling Party Initiates Bill Cracking Down On LGBT Rights RFE/RL 04 Jun 2024 -- The speaker of Georgia's parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, said on June 4 that the South Caucasus nation's ruling Georgian Dream party has initiated a bill "on family values and the protection of minors," as well as amendments to 18 laws that would limit LGBT rights.