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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• US forces destroy six Houthi drones in Red Sea VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- The U.S. military's Central Command, or CENTCOM, says its forces destroyed six drones operated by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, the same day it was confirmed the rebels sank their second merchant vessel in the region.
• Yemen says makes rapid headway in drone production, will cease operations if Gaza war ends Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- A spokesman for Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement says the country's drone industry and military capabilities have rapidly advanced, vowing that the retaliatory operations conducted in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip will continue until the Israeli aggression stops.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William LaPlante and Ms. Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Engagements at the 22nd Australia - United States Ministerial Defense Advanced Capability Committee DoD 21 Jun 2024
• USEUCOM-Lithuania hold first-ever military staff talks EUCOM 21 Jun 2024 -- The trip underscored USEUCOM's commitment to security throughout the Baltics, notably Lithuania, a frontline NATO Ally on Europe's eastern flank.
• MCA training program launches at Holloman AFB US Air Force 21 Jun 2024 -- The 29th Aircraft Maintenance Unit launched a Multi-Capable Airmen training program in March of 2024. The program allows Airmen to train on the skills of crew chiefs, avionics and weapons troops, helping prepare Airmen for the broader scope of capabilities necessary to give the Air Force the advantage in the Great Power Competition.
• SECNAV Names Future Guided Missile Frigate USS Galvez (FFG 67) US Navy Press Release 21 Jun 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced that a future Constellation-class Guided Missile Frigate, FFG 67, will be named USS Galvez, June 21.
• New Jersey Guard's 177th Fighter Wing Hosts Partner Cyprus Army News 21 Jun 2024 -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team technicians with the 70th Combat Engineer Battalion of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus visited the 177th Fighter Wing as part of the State Partnership Program June 4-14.
• 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Getting Upgraded Strykers Army News 21 Jun 2024 -- The 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team is getting more than 300 upgraded Stryker vehicles.
• 3d MDTF demonstrates ability to operate in the Indo-Pacific Army News 21 Jun 2024 -- 3d Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) continued to demonstrate its ability to operate in the INDOPACOM theater through its participation, experimentation, and innovation in Valiant Shield 24. 3MDTF deployed teams of soldiers across the Pacific while executing distributed command and control and employing emerging concepts and capabilities partnered with Department of Defense agencies and commercial industry.
• Treasury Issues Proposed Rule to Implement Executive Order Addressing U.S. Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern US Treasury 21 Jun 2024 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) today issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement Executive Order 14105 of August 9, 2023, "Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern" (the Outbound Order). The NPRM builds on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) issued by Treasury last August and provides the full draft regulations and explanatory discussion regarding the intent of the proposal, and solicits comment from the public.
• Secretary General concludes visit to United States and Canada, preparing for NATO's Washington Summit NATO 21 Jun 2024 -- On Friday (21 June 2024), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrapped up his trip to the United States and Canada, in preparation for the upcoming Summit in Washington D.C. in July.
• Russia-Friendly Radev To Co-Lead Bulgaria At NATO Summit In Washington RFE/RL 21 Jun 2024 -- Caretaker Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev and Russia-friendly President Rumen Radev will jointly represent Bulgaria at the NATO summit in Washington next month that is likely to discuss plans for further aid to Ukraine in its fight against the Kremlin's forces.
• Putin Announces Plans for Further Development of Nuclear Triad Sputnik 21 Jun 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday plans to further develop the Russian nuclear triad.
• Putin says Russia ramping up nuclear arsenal to preserve global balance of power Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- President Vladimir Putin of Russia says Moscow will continue to develop its nuclear weapons to preserve the balance of power in the world.
• Meeting with graduates of higher military schools President of Russia 21 Jun 2024 -- In the Grand Kremlin Palace's St George Hall, Vladimir Putin met with top graduates of Russia's higher military schools under the Defence Ministry, Emergencies Ministry, Federal Security Service, Federal Guard Service and National Guard, as well as the higher education institutions under the Interior Ministry, Investigative Committee and Federal Penitentiary Service.
• Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov congratulates best graduates of military universities in Kremlin Russia MoD 21 Jun 2024 -- Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov spoke at a ceremony honoring the best graduates of military universities in the St. George Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace.
• Eurasian security framework faces threats from NATO, warns Russia FM Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says NATO is intervening in efforts to create a Eurasian security framework that would rival the US-led military alliance.
• Russia-North Korea defense pact moves military cooperation out of shadows VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- A new defense pact signed between Russia and North Korea this week publicly laid out Moscow's willingness to engage in full-fledged military cooperation with Pyongyang, in contrast to their denials prior to the summit, analysts said.
• Statement by the foreign ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation member states on the current issues related to the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2024
• Ukraine and Poland Held the Final Round of Negotiations on the Bilateral Security Agreement President of Ukraine 21 Jun 2024
• President of Ukraine's Greetings on the Graduation of 2,138 Officers from Higher Military Educational Institutions President of Ukraine 21 Jun 2024
• Ukraine says over 52,000 troops trained by EU People's Daily 21 Jun 2024 -- More than 52,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained under the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM), the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency reported Friday.
• Pentagon changes rhetoric on Ukraine crossfire into Russia VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- The Pentagon says Ukraine can use U.S.-provided weapons to strike back against any cross-border attack from inside Russia, so long as it does not use long-range munitions to strike deep inside Russian territory.
• U.S. to prioritize Ukraine's need for advanced missiles by redirecting arms sales from other countries People's Daily 21 Jun 2024 -- The United States will redirect near-term arms sales planned for other countries to Ukraine to "reprioritize" Kiev's need for advanced missile systems, a senior U.S. national security official said Thursday.
• Hungary Opts Out of NATO's Planned Military Mission in Ukraine - Orban Sputnik 21 Jun 2024 -- NATO will conduct a military mission in Ukraine in which Budapest will not participate, announced Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
• Putin warns South Korea sending weapons to Ukraine would be 'big mistake' Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned South Korea that sending weapons to Ukraine would be a "very big mistake" after South Korea said it would consider doing so in response to a pact between Russia and North Korea to come to each other's aid if attacked.
• Seoul reconsiders arming Ukraine as Russia, North Korea align VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- For more than two years, Western countries have urged South Korea to directly arm Ukraine, insisting that South Korean weapons could play a pivotal role in helping Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion.
• U.S. says reprioritizing missile deliveries to Ukraine won't affect Taiwan CNA 21 Jun 2024 -- The United States has decided to prioritize the delivery of Patriot missiles and National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) to Ukraine, but the decision will not affect orders placed by Taiwan, a White House official said on Thursday.
• First step in boosting Navy's undersea warfare and strike capability Australia DOD 21 Jun 2024 -- Today, the Albanese Government has taken another significant step in delivering Navy's enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet with construction commencing on the first Hunter Class Frigate.
• AUKUS Shines Spotlight on Power of Partnerships, Pentagon Official Says DoD News 21 Jun 2024 -- The security partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, known as AUKUS, is aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and represents a tangible example of the Defense Department's longstanding commitment to deepening alliances, a senior Pentagon official said today.
• U.S.-India INDUS-X Initiative Marks One-Year Anniversary DoD 21 Jun 2024 -- On June 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) during Prime Minister Modi's official state visit to Washington, D.C.
• India's pursuit for Aatmanirbharta in Defence crucial for achieving Strategic Independence: CDS India PIB 21 Jun 2024 -- India's pursuit of defence indigenisation and self-reliance is crucial for achieving strategic independence in the defence sector
• Guardians of the sky: Iran says Air Defense Force monitoring enemy's slightest movement Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- The commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Defense Force (IRIADF), a branch of the country's Army, has hailed the force's strong stewardship of the country's airspace.
• PH's 1st missile corvette launched in S. Korea Philippine News Agency 21 Jun 2024 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. led the launch of the Philippines' first guided missile corvette built in South Korea.
• PH Navy to operationalize anti-submarine capabilities this year Philippine News Agency 21 Jun 2024 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) is bent on operationalizing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities as it is now integrating its most modern naval and air assets to ensure development by this year.
• Philippines Gets 1st Batch of BrahMos Cruise Missiles Sputnik 21 Jun 2024 -- The first batch of Russian-Indian cruise missiles BrahMos have already been delivered to the Philippines, the co-director of the BrahMos Aerospace missile maker, Alexander Maksichev, told Sputnik on Friday.
• Africa defense chiefs to gather in Botswana for US military conference VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Defense chiefs from 30 African countries will gather in Botswana next week for a two-day military conference to discuss the continent's security and stability challenges. The meeting, organized by the United States Africa Command, or AFRICOM, will be the first to be held in Africa since the inaugural conference in 2017
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu At the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding On Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2024
• The United States of America and Romania Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Foreign State Information Manipulation US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2024 -- Today, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Romania on countering foreign state information manipulation.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Romanian Foreign Minister Odobescu US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Mexico's Foreign Secretary-designate Juan Ramón de la Fuente US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Cho US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For June 21, 2024
• Sikorsky Support Services Inc. and Derco Aerospace Inc. Agree to Pay $70M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Improper Markups on Spare Parts for Navy Trainer Aircraft US Dept. of Justice 21 Jun 2024 -- Sikorsky Support Services Inc. (SSSI), a Delaware corporation headquartered in Stratford, Connecticut, and Derco Aerospace Inc. (Derco), a Wisconsin corporation headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have agreed to pay $70 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they overcharged the Navy for spare parts and materials needed to repair and maintain the primary aircraft used to train naval aviators.

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 21 June 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jun 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israeli forces continue pounding central, southern Gaza VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Israeli military forces pounded central and southern Gaza on Friday, according to residents and the Israeli army. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said at least 25 people were killed and 50 were injured in an attack on tents housing displaced people in Mawasi in western Rafah.
• Israel bombs tents in Rafah humanitarian zone, kills 25 Palestinians Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- Another indiscriminate attack by the Israeli regime on a "humanitarian zone" in the besieged Gaza Strip has killed at least 25 Palestinians and injured 50 others.
• UNRWA Situation Report #114 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 10-19 June 2024, is valid as of 19 June 2024 at 22:30 (local time) UNRWA 21 Jun 2024
• Humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza continues to be constrained UNRWA 21 Jun 2024
• Secretary-General's opening remarks at press encounter on the Middle East UN Secretary-General 21 Jun 2024
• 'World cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza': Guterres UN News 21 Jun 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General on Friday voiced profound concern over escalating violence and "bellicose rhetoric" between Israel and Hezbollah militants across the frontier with Lebanon, warning that one false move could trigger a catastrophe for the whole region and beyond.
• Gaza is more than two million stories of loss: UN agencies UN News 21 Jun 2024 -- Gaza is "a world of devastation" and still in the grip of war after nearly nine months of conflict, UN humanitarians just back from the enclave reported on Friday, as they described widespread destruction and stories of pregnant mothers forced to request preterm C-sections out of desperation and fear.
• UN chief warns Lebanon must not become 'another Gaza' as tensions rise Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned against a wider conflict in West Asia after Israeli officials threatened to launch an invasion of Lebanon.
• Armenia recognizes a Palestinian state VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Armenia said Friday it is officially recognizing a Palestinian state, the latest country to do so despite criticism from Israel.
• No: 116, 21 June 2024, Regarding Armenia's Decision to Recognize the State of Palestine Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2024
• Cuba to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- Cuba has announced its participation in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which accuses the regime of committing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.
• Hamas hails Arminia's recognition of Palestine IRNA 21 Jun 2024 -- The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Hamas Movement has appreciated an announcement by Yerevan to recognize Palestine as a sovereign country.
• Hamas welcomes UN inquiry results as 'another' confirmation of Zionist crimes in Gaza IRNA 21 Jun 2024 -- The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Hamas Movement has welcomed the results of a UN Commission of Inquiry on the occupied
• ICC prosecutor biased towards Israel: Hamas Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- Hamas has strongly criticized the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for applying for arrest warrants against the senior leaders of the Palestinian resistance movement out of bias in favor of the Israeli regime.
Palestinian territories, which has concluded that the Zionist regime has committed war crimes in Gaza.
• Hezbollah fires squadron of kamikaze drones with 'pinpoint accuracy' at Israeli naval base Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says it has fired a squadron of attack drones on an Israeli maritime site as its anti-Israel operations escalate.
• US daily says 'Israel Caught off guard' by Hezbollah drones Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- The Israeli air defense systems were "caught off guard" by simple and low-tech drones used by Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement and its allies in the region, an American newspaper reports.
• UN Chief Urges Israel, Lebanon to Immediately Return to Cessation of Hostilities Sputnik 21 Jun 2024 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on Israel and Lebanon to immediately renew their commitment to Security Council resolution 1701 and return to a cessation of hostilities.

Other Conflicts

• Record levels of displacement amid global conflict and natural disasters UN News 21 Jun 2024 -- There are twice as many internally displaced people today as there were ten years ago - the largest numbers ever recorded, said Special Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement Robert Piper, on Friday.
• Philippines did not consider invoking US pact over South China Sea clash VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- The Philippines says it did not consider a confrontation with China's coast guard in the South China Sea earlier this week that saw one sailor lose a thumb as an armed attack or a reason to invoke a 1951 mutual defense treaty with the United States.
• Exclusive: Philippine personnel ram Chinese boats, spray unknown liquids at China Coast Guard during illegal intrusion near Ren'ai Jiao Global Times 21 Jun 2024 -- More details about Philippine vessels' illegal intrusion into waters near China's Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef) in the South China Sea on Monday have been unveiled. Contrary to Manila's accusations and smears, the actual situation was that, in the face of normal law enforcement actions by the China Coast Guard (CCG), Philippine military personnel engaged in repeated aggressive actions, such as ramming CCG enforcement boats and spraying unknown liquids at CCG enforcement personnel, the Global Times has learned.
• PCG: China harassment delayed rescue of AFP personnel in Ayungin Philippine News Agency 21 Jun 2024 -- Due to "dangerous maneuvers and harassment" by the China Coast Guard (CCG), it took the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) about 12 hours to rescue Filipino troops during the June 17 ramming incident in Ayungin Shoal, an official said on Friday.
• Vietnam asks Philippines to respect its interests and consult on sea boundary Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2024 -- Vietnam has asked that the Philippines discuss with it an extended continental shelf claim that Manila sent to the United Nations last week.
• UN confirms Doha talks with Taliban will exclude Afghan rights defenders VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- The United Nations confirmed Friday that a rare meeting of global envoys with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers this month will not address concerns about Afghan civil society and women human rights defenders.
• UN documents surge in anti-Taliban attacks in Afghanistan VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- A quarterly report on the situation in Afghanistan by the United Nations has documented a surge in attacks by armed groups fighting Taliban rule. It also noted "persistent" internal tensions among de facto Afghan leaders.
• Doha Meeting on Afghanistan Provides Critical Opportunity to Discuss Women's Rights, Speaker Tells Security Council UN Security Council 21 Jun 2024 -- With preparations under way for a United Nations-hosted meeting between the Taliban, Member State envoys and other stakeholders, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, briefing the Security Council today, called for greater flexibility while stressing that engagement is not normalization.
• Officials highlight massive poverty, humanitarian despair in Afghanistan UN News 21 Jun 2024 -- The humanitarian needs in Afghanistan are "alarmingly high" and the international community is in "crisis management mode", the UN Security Council heard on Friday.
• The Azadi Briefing: Sharp Rise In The Number Of Afghans Executed In Iran RFE/RL 21 Jun 2024
• The Taliban must reverse policies restricting human rights: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Jun 2024 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.
• Analysts worried by report of Sahel militants crossing into Nigeria VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Regional security analysts are warning Nigerian authorities to take caution following a new report that armed militants operating in Africa's volatile Sahel region have a found their way into northwest Nigeria through the borders of the Republic of Benin.
• ICC unseals warrant for Malian militant leader on war crimes charges VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- The International Criminal Court published an arrest warrant for one of the Sahel's top Islamist militant leaders Friday.
• Canada imposes sanctions against Haitian gang leaders Canada 21 Jun 2024 -- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations to address the escalating gang violence in Haiti, which continues to have devastating effects on the Haitian population.
• Backgrounder: Canada announces sanctions against Haitian gang leaders Canada 21 Jun 2024
• In Tibetan region, Xi Jinping calls for ethnic unity Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping this week visited Tibetan-populated areas of western China, where he called for national unity, state media reported, asking Tibetans there to help promote religious, social and ethnic harmony and advance China's modernization.

News Reports

• US sanctions 12 Kaspersky Lab leaders VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- The United States sanctioned 12 people Friday in executive and leadership positions at the cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab, a major international vendor of antivirus software.
• Designating Kaspersky Lab Leadership in Response to Continued Cybersecurity Risks US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury is designating 12 executives or senior leaders of AO Kaspersky Lab, a Russian cybersecurity and anti-virus company.
• Treasury Sanctions Kaspersky Lab Leadership in Response to Continued Cybersecurity Risks US Treasury 21 Jun 2024 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated twelve individuals in executive and senior leadership roles at AO Kaspersky Lab (Kaspersky Lab).
• Commerce Department Prohibits Russian Kaspersky Software for U.S. Customers US Dept. of Commerce 21 Jun 2024 -- Today, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced a Final Determination prohibiting Kaspersky Lab, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of a Russia-based anti-virus software and cybersecurity company, from directly or indirectly providing anti-virus software and cybersecurity products or services in the United States or to U.S. persons.
• Russian Citizen Detained In Montenegro At U.S. Request Over Alleged Election Interference RFE/RL 21 Jun 2024 -- A Russian citizen has been detained in Montenegro at the request of U.S. authorities on suspicions of having illegally interfered in the 2020 U.S. election, according to Russian and Montenegrin media on June 21. The person detained was identified only as "A.M." Montenegro's Justice Ministry declined to comment on the matter when contacted by RFE/RL. The DAN media portal of Montenegro reported that Justice Minister Andrej Milovic approved the "temporary detention" of the Russian citizen for alleged illegal interference in the U.S. election and unlawful financing in the United States.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions following the meeting of the CSTO Foreign Ministers Council, Almaty, June 21, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2024
• Kremlin Calls West's Reaction to Putin's Visits to North Korea, Vietnam Predictable Sputnik 21 Jun 2024 -- The reaction of the West to the state visits of Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea and Vietnam was predictable, as any foreign policy activity of Russia is perceived by the West with hostility, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2024
• Statement by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation member states in connection with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's participation in the meeting of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jun 2024
• Vietnam, Russia pledge to deepen bilateral ties People's Daily 21 Jun 2024 -- Vietnam and Russia signed multiple cooperation documents and agreed to further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership on Thursday during Russian President Vladimir Putin's state visit to Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency reported.
• The Week In Russia: A Performance In Pyongyang RFE/RL 21 Jun 2024 -- Full of over-the-top pomp and propaganda, Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to North Korea was a strange but predictable spectacle - emblematic of his trajectory over a quarter-century in power, his focus on the war in Ukraine, and his pursuit of confrontation with the West.
• EU To Open Accession Negotiations With Ukraine, Moldova On June 25 RFE/RL 21 Jun 2024 -- The European Union will start accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova next week, the EU's Belgian presidency announced on June 21, a move that will mark a watershed moment for the two countries' aspirations to eventually join the bloc.
• Ukraine to begin negotiations to join European Union VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- The European Union has approved starting membership talks with Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address that the negotiations will begin next week.
• EU to formally launch Ukraine membership talks next week Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- European Union counties have approved launching accession talks with Ukraine next week, a move that will officially pave the country's path toward joining the bloc.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on June 21, 2024 PRC MofA 21 Jun 2024
• China Imposes Sanctions Against Lockheed Martin Over Arms Sale to Taiwan Sputnik 21 Jun 2024 -- China has imposed sanctions against the US military-industrial company Lockheed Martin over the sale of weapons to Taiwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
• China takes countermeasures against Lockheed Martin Global Times 21 Jun 2024 -- China's Foreign Ministry on Friday announced countermeasures against US arms dealer Lockheed Martin, including its senior executives, following the company's arms sales to Taiwan island.
• Analysts see Putin's visit to North Korea as a problem for China VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Analysts say China has been placed in an awkward position by the warming ties between Russia and North Korea, which signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit this week to Pyongyang.
• Cities, provinces across China join global propaganda push VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Each year, China's government spends billions on foreign propaganda and until recently those efforts were largely driven by departments in the central government and state media. Now, a growing number of cities are joining that effort, with the China Media Project, an independent research group, recently documenting at least 23 foreign propaganda centers at China's city and provincial levels.
• Legislature votes down Cabinet's reconsideration request (update) CNA 21 Jun 2024 -- The Legislative Yuan has rejected the Cabinet's request to reconsider amendments recently passed to strengthen the Legislature's investigative powers, setting the stage for a potential constitutional challenge to the measures.
• MAC slams China death penalty for 'diehard' Taiwan independence advocates CNA 21 Jun 2024 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Friday evening denounced a new guideline issued by the Chinese authorities threatening to punish "diehard" advocates of Taiwan independence with the death penalty, calling the move detrimental to bilateral people-to-people exchanges.
• China threatens death penalty for supporters of Taiwan independence Radio Free Asia 21 Jun 2024 -- China on Friday warned that supporters of independence for Taiwan could be tried in absentia and sentenced to death for "splitting the country," in a move designed to step up pressure on the democratic island.
• China threatens death penalty for Taiwan separatists VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- China has published new guidelines for criminal punishments that include the death penalty for certain extreme cases involving what it calls "die-hard" Taiwan independence separatists.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Jun. 21, 2024 ROC MND 21 Jun 2024
• Supreme Court upholds High Court verdict in military espionage case CNA 21 Jun 2024 -- The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the sentences given to two retired Air Force officers who helped or attempted to help a Chinese Ministry of State Security agent recruit intelligence assets in Taiwan.
• Press Statement of Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Kim Yo Jong KCNA 21 Jun 2024 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following press statement on June 21:
• South Korea Summons Russian Envoy Over Defense Deal With Pyongyang RFE/RL 21 Jun 2024 -- Russia's Ambassador to Seoul, Georgy Zinoviev, was summoned to the South Korean Foreign Ministry on June 21 to protest a defense deal signed earlier this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
• S Korea's Military Fires Warning Shots as N Korea's Troops Cross Border - Reports Sputnik 21 Jun 2024 -- The South Korean military have fired warning shots as North Korean soldiers patrolling in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas have crossed the border into the South, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on Friday, citing the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
• Highlights: Third debate in 2024 Iran presidential election Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- The third televised debate in the 2024 Iranian presidential election has taken place, with six contenders presenting their blueprints on the country's cultural and social issues.
• UN report condemns executions, hijab crackdown in Iran VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- A report by the United Nations secretary-general condemns the high number of executions carried out in Iran last year and the government's violent crackdown against women and girls for defying the country's mandatory hijab law.
• Canada's terrorist designation of IRGC 'utter servility' to Israel: Iran Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says Canada's unlawful decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group is "utter servility" to the Israeli regime.
• Iran protests Canada's anti-IRGC measure IRNA 21 Jun 2024 -- Following a hostile measure by the Canadian government in describing IRGC as a terrorist entity, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Italian ambassador in Tehran as Canada's interest section in Tehran.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (June 21, 2024) India MEA 21 Jun 2024
• Modi's electoral setback leaves India's Muslims feeling more secure VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Muslims in India are feeling more secure about their future after last month's national election in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP failed to win an outright majority in parliament, forcing it to form a coalition with other parties.
• Niger cancels French operating permit for major uranium mine Press TV 21 Jun 2024 -- Niger has canceled the operational permit of French nuclear fuel producer Orano at one of the largest uranium mines globally amid the African country's strained relations with the West.
• Former Chairman Of Tajik Parliament Reportedly Detained Amid Arrests RFE/RL 21 Jun 2024 -- The former chairman of Tajikistan's parliament, which was known as the Supreme Council until the early 1990s, has reportedly been detained on unspecified charges.
• World News in Brief: UNHCR rushes support to Rohingyas, end 'normalisation' of prostitution, Zambia's devastating drought UN News 21 Jun 2024 -- Deadly monsoon landslides in southern Bangladesh have destroyed over 1,200 shelters and displaced around 2,000 ethnic Rohingya from neighbouring Myanmar who need urgent assistance, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has said.
• Military paper moves to defend its 1st Amendment rights VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Supporters of the U.S. military newspaper Stars and Stripes are using a public consultation period on the outlet's regulations to try to roll back what they say are restrictive rules.
• Zambia wants SADC, AU to mediate deteriorating relations with Zimbabwe VOA 21 Jun 2024 -- Zambia says it has called on two regional bodies — the African Union and Southern African Development Community — to mediate talks with neighboring Zimbabwe.