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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Time may be running out on US temporary pier to Gaza VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- The temporary pier set up to deliver needed humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza may have already made its last delivery.
• July 12 U.S. Central Command Update CENTCOM 12 Jul 2024 -- In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DoD 12 Jul 2024
• Defense Official Says U.S.-Philippines Alliance Is Making Remarkable Progress DoD News 12 Jul 2024 -- The U.S.-Philippines alliance is a key to stability and progress in the Indo-Pacific, and it's on track to build on the progress made over the past three years, said Ely Ratner, the assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, yesterday.
• USEUCOM senior leader visits Finland EUCOM 12 Jul 2024 -- During the trip's stopover at the nation's Air Force Academy, located in Jyväskylä, Finland -- central Finland's regional capital city - discussions covered the effects of the new F-35 fifth-generation fighter pilot training.
• Multinational Undersea Warfare Experts Gather for RIMPAC 2024 Integration US Navy 12 Jul 2024 -- Planners and Liaison Officers (LNOs) from multiple partner nations met at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to stand up a Commander, Task Force (CTF) 174 theater undersea warfare integrated watch team, marking the beginning of the at-sea phase of exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, July 8.
• Logistics Workshop Held During RIMPAC 2024 US Navy 12 Jul 2024 -- Supply officers and logistic specialists from 29 countries came together at the Ford Island Conference Center, Hawaii, during Exercise Rim of Pacific to coordinate the different phases of RIMPAC, June 29, 2024.
• Chief of Naval Operations, Master Chief Pettry Officer of Navy Attend Largest Maritime Exercise in the World, Emphasize Interoperability with Allies and Partners US Navy Press Release 12 Jul 2024 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea traveled to Hawaii, July 10-12, 2024, to meet with Sailors and visit Allies and partners participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2024.
• US Coast Guard says Chinese warships spotted off Alaska Press TV 12 Jul 2024 -- The American Coast Guard says it has spotted multiple Chinese military warships in the US exclusive economic zone off the coast of Alaska, in what is viewed as a prelude to subsequent rows between Washington and Beijing.
• NATO summit concludes with security guarantees for Ukraine VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- NATO leaders headed home Friday after a three-day summit in which they celebrated the alliance's 75th anniversary and made long-term commitments of military support for Ukraine, promising its future is in NATO. The leaders also called out China, Iran and North Korea for enabling Russia in its war against Ukraine.
• Former US ambassador discusses NATO summit VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- The 2024 NATO Summit hosted all 32 international allies in Washington this week, from Tuesday to Thursday.
• NATO's Washington Summit And Its Real Legacy RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- Ukraine may have inched closer to NATO at the military alliance's summit in Washington this week, but it's hard to escape the feeling that despite all the headline-grabbing pledges and promises, things aren't actually as rosy as they are being made out to be, especially from Kyiv's point of view.
• Biden Positions Himself As Defender Of NATO And Ukraine Following 'Putin' Gaffe At Summit RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in a highly anticipated news conference following the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington on July 11, stressed his efforts building partnerships to oppose Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and said he would "keep NATO strong."
• Former Georgian Officials Rue Near-Exclusion From NATO Declaration RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- A former Georgian defense minister and Tbilisi's former ambassador to the United States have lamented the reduced language devoted to Georgia in the declaration that emerged from this week's NATO summit in Washington.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Russian Minister of Defense Andrey Belousov DoD 12 Jul 2024
• State trials of newest icebreaker Evpatiy Kolovrat built for the Pacific Fleet completes in Kamchatka Russia MoD 12 Jul 2024 -- In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, factory tests of the multifunctional icebreaker Evpatiy Kolovrat for the detachment of auxiliary vessels of the Troops and Forces in the North-East of Russia have been completed.
• U.S. Announces Latest Security Package for Ukraine DoD News 12 Jul 2024 -- As the NATO summit in Washington concluded yesterday, the U.S. announced its latest security package for Ukraine.
• U.S. Diplomat Says Kyiv's Drive Toward Western Norms Will Thwart Moscow's Aggression RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- Ukraine's position in its battle to repel invading Russian troops has improved recently and Kyiv's drive to integrate with Western democratic structures will ultimately triumph over Moscow's aggression, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien told RFE/RL in an interview.
• NATO agrees to provide extensive support to Ukraine Government of Norway 12 Jul 2024 -- The NATO countries have agreed to increase military support to Ukraine significantly. Measures approved by the Allies at the Washington Summit include EUR 40 billion in support within the next year, a greater coordinating role for NATO in training and weapons support, and the appointment of a NATO Senior Representative to head the NATO Representation to Ukraine.
• Landsbergis in Washington, D.C.: "Only our brave steps to accelerate Ukraine's NATO membership will protect Ukrainian children from deadly missiles" Lithuania MFA 12 Jul 2024 -- The NATO-Ukraine Council, established during the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius, met in Washington, D.C., for the second time at the leadership level, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participating.
• China, Russia announce joint naval exercises VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- China and Russia announced Friday that they are conducting joint naval exercises in the waters and airspace near Zhanjiang city in the south of China.
• China signals defiance to NATO with military drills in Belarus VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- Military exercises under way this week between China and Belarus are seen by experts as a response to NATO's growing interest in the Asia-Pacific region and a signal that China's involvement in Europe will continue to grow.
• China warns Japan not to act as NATO 'vanguard' Global Times 12 Jul 2024 -- China urged Japan to play a constructive role in maintaining and promoting peace, stability, development, and not act as a "vanguard" of NATO's Asia-Pacific expansion, following Japan's new defense white paper, which delivers its strongest words yet on Taiwan island.
• Taiwan, U.S. sign US$345 million deal for F-16V tracking systems CNA 12 Jul 2024 -- Taiwan has signed an NT$11.25 billion (US$345 million) contract with the United States to procure infrared search and track systems that, according to a military source, will be used for F-16V fighter jets.
• Changes to annual Han Kuang defense drills cause mixed reactions CNA 12 Jul 2024 -- For 40 years, Taiwan's annual Han Kuang exercises have tested the nation's combat readiness in the face of a possible Chinese invasion.
• Philippines lands a first at Pitch Black Australia DOD 12 Jul 2024 -- The arrival of Philippine Air Force aircraft to Exercise Pitch Black marks the first time the Philippines has deployed air assets to an international exercise outside of their own country.
• Brunei forces learn from ADF special ops Australia DOD 12 Jul 2024 -- Members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Special Forces Regiment attended a human performance optimisation (HPO) exponents course at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney in late June.
• Fast jets fill the northern skies Australia DOD 12 Jul 2024 -- Air power has been on display in North Queensland, with additional flying activity taking place through the region, including on the recent Exercise Crimson Dawn in Cairns and Townsville.
• Federal Chancellor Scholz' press conference at the NATO Summit Germany - Federal Government 12 Jul 2024 -- "The alliance is strong and united, and it therefore remains true that NATO is indispensable to our security," said Federal Chancellor Scholz on Thursday night, at the concluding press conference of the NATO Summit in Washington.
• Defence Minister Blair concludes productive visit to Washington, D.C. for NATO Summit Canada 12 Jul 2024 -- Yesterday, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence concluded a productive visit to Washington, D.C., where he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, and Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Leaders' Summit - including meetings of the North Atlantic Council and NATO-Ukraine Council.
• Commander hails Air Defense Force's rapid development of indigenous weapons, equipment Press TV 12 Jul 2024 -- The chief commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force says the development of locally-made weapons and military equipment is one of the top priorities of the Air Defense Force, hailing the rapid progress made.
• South Korea looks to NATO in face of North Korea-Russia military threat VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- At the NATO summit this week, South Korea found narrow options to deal with security threats it faces from Russia-North Korea military cooperation, but concrete actions to boost Pacific security are likely to follow, analysts said.
• PM's remarks at the NATO Summit press conference: 11 July 2024 Gov.UK 12 Jul 2024
• NATO's 75th Anniversary Washington Summit brings important conclusions even for Slovakia Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 12 Jul 2024 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák along with President Peter Pellegrini and Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár attended NATO's 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: NATO will reinforce its cooperation with partners to counter the axis of evil Estonia MFA 12 Jul 2024 -- Yesterday 11 July, as part of NATO's Washington summit, Allies held a joint session with partners in the Indo-Pacific region and the European Union, and a session of the NATO-Ukraine Council with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending.
• Sweden has taken part in NATO Summit for the first time as full member Government Offices of Sweden 12 Jul 2024 -- On 9-11 July, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson took part in the NATO Summit in Washington DC together with Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström and Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. The
• Sweden enters into partnership with the state of New York Government Offices of Sweden 12 Jul 2024 -- On 12 July, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson signed a Letter of Intent concerning security cooperation between Sweden and the U.S. state of New York.
• Baiba Braže: NATO Summit was successful - the decisions taken will strengthen Latvia's security and pave the way for Ukraine to NATO Latvia MFA 12 Jul 2024 -- It is essential that NATO leaders agree on Russia as the most direct and serious long-term threat to the security of the Euro-Atlantic space.
• Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz: Poland is mentioned in several places in the decisions of the Summit and this is proof how important a partner we are today. Poland - Ministry of National Defence 12 Jul 2024 -- The operational capability of the base in Redzikowo has been confirmed. It becomes not only an American system, but also a NATO one, and the declaration made today and yesterday at the NATO summit reaffirm it.
• PCG joins task force to boost West Mindanao maritime security Philippine News Agency 12 Jul 2024 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has joined the Joint Task Force (JTF) Poseidon to boost maritime security in the southwestern Philippines, particularly Western Mindanao, following the deactivation of JTF Tawi-Tawi.
• FA-50PH jets, pilots to focus on 'Pitch Black' combat tactics Philippine News Agency 12 Jul 2024 -- Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PHs light jet fighters and their pilots will focus on fighter combat tactics in this year's "Pitch Black" exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the airspace of Australia's northern city of Darwin.
• Slovenian and French ministries of defence sign a letter of intent on the procurement of Caesar and Mistral systems Republic of Slovenia 12 Jul 2024 -- The State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Dr Damir Črnčec, and the National Armaments Director at the Ministry of Defence of the French Republic, General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta, have signed a Letter of Intent on the European joint procurement of Caesar artillery and Mistral air defence systems (hereinafter referred to as the "Letter of Intent").
• Deputy Secretary Campbell's Meeting with Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Knutsson US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For July 12, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 12 July 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Jul 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• July 11: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 12 Jul 2024
• Dozens of bodies recovered from rubble in Gaza VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- Civil defense workers have recovered about 60 bodies from collapsed buildings and streets covered in rubble in a Gaza neighborhood following days of Israeli bombardment.
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the Situation in the Middle East UN Secretary-General 12 Jul 2024
• Gaza: There is no alternative to UNRWA, Guterres declares UN News 12 Jul 2024 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres, standing alongside top officials in New York on Friday, underscored the essential need to bolster the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees (UNRWA) across the Middle East amid continued attacks on its mandate, staff, premises and operations.
• UN humanitarians report severe displacement and critical needs in Gaza City UN News 12 Jul 2024 -- Humanitarians from the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) witnessed severe civilian displacement, a lack of fuel and dire humanitarian needs in three areas in Gaza City while on a mission trip on Friday, according to Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric.
• UNRWA Situation Report #119 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - All information from 8-10 July 2024, is valid as of 10 July 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 12 Jul 2024
• Statement by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the Opening of the UNRWA Pledging Conference (12 July 2024, New York) UNRWA 12 Jul 2024
• 'Circles of hell': UN chief warns time to end Israel 'terrible' war on Gaza Press TV 12 Jul 2024 -- The United Nations secretary-general has appealed once again for immediate termination of the Israeli regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip that has left an unspeakable trail of death and destruction.
• "Global peace and stability cannot be addressed without a lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 12 Jul 2024 -- Holding a press conference following the NATO Summit, President Erdoğan said: "During all my talks, I drew attention to the ongoing massacre in the occupied Palestinian territories, Gaza in particular. I stressed that global peace and stability cannot be addressed unless a lasting solution is found to the Israel-Palestine issue."
• No: 132, 12 July 2024, Regarding the Social Media Post by the Israeli Foreign Minister Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Jul 2024
• The UK recognises the importance of UNRWA's mandate: UK statement at the UNRWA Pledging Conference UK FCDO 12 Jul 2024 -- Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UNRWA Pledging Conference 2024.
• Hezbollah decimates Israeli military, espionage sites as retaliatory strikes continue apace Press TV 12 Jul 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement says it has targeted the Israeli military forces and equipment in the northern part of the occupied Palestinian territories during fresh pro-Palestinian operations.

Other Conflicts

• Manila urged to stop abusing arbitration, disrupting South China Sea Global Times 12 Jul 2024 -- Despite the fallacies of the illegal South China Sea Arbitration Award released on July 12, 2016 being exposed, the Philippines continues to ignore the truth and instead celebrated the so-called "8th anniversary"of the illegal arbitration award with Western allies on Friday. Analysts called it a "political show" that is simply a way to perpetuate the "China threat" rhetoric and manipulate international perception in order to constrain China on the South China Sea issue.
• Marking the 8th Anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitral Award Australia DFAT 12 Jul 2024 -- Eight years ago today, an Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), made a unanimous, clear, and binding ruling in the South China Sea arbitration between the Philippines and China.
• Statement on the 8th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea Philippines DFA 12 Jul 2024 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs joins the nation and the international community in commemorating the eighth year of the promulgation of the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. The Award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Over the years, the Philippines has continued to demonstrate this commitment to peace even in the face of the unlawful actions which have caused serious incidents in the South China Sea, without ever diminishing our resolve to protect and promote our people's interest and the full and responsible enjoyment of our legally settled maritime entitlements and its accompanying rights and jurisdictions.
• NSA: PH firm on protecting sovereignty vs. encroachment, coercion Philippine News Agency 12 Jul 2024 -- The Philippines will remain steadfast in standing against any territorial encroachments that undermine its sovereignty.
• PH vows to pursue peace in SCS as Arbitral Award marks 8 years Philippine News Agency 12 Jul 2024 -- The Philippines will pursue a "course anchored on peace" as it secures its rights over the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday as the country marks the 8th anniversary of the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.
• New UK government raises question of change in South China Sea policy Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2024 -- Britain's new ruling party has pledged a thorough audit of U.K.-China relations to establish a clearer long-term China policy, including its dealings with Beijing over the South China Sea and Taiwan, but analysts say little change is likely in the near future.
• Russia warns Israel of 'dramatic consequences' over its strikes on Syria Press TV 12 Jul 2024 -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warns that the Israeli regime's strikes against Syria will escalate tensions in the region and push it to a "dangerous abyss."
• Ethnic rebels close in on 2 towns in Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2024 -- Ethnic minority rebels fighting to take over western Myanmar's Rakhine state reported on Friday advances in two areas where its forces have been making significant gains against the military junta that seized power in a 2021 coup.
• Myanmar resistance captures strategic town near Mandalay VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- Anti-junta forces captured a vital town near Myanmar's heartland this week, bolstering their position against the military junta. The offensive, in northern Shan state, involved a coordinated effort by various resistance groups, including the People's Defense Forces (Mandalay) and the Three Brotherhood Alliance.
• Thailand considers action to stop Myanmar acquiring weapons Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2024 -- Thailand's commercial banks, regulators and the anti-money laundering office are considering measures to stop Myanmar acquiring weapons via Thailand's banking system, a Thai lawmaker said at a meeting with a U.N. special rapporteur.
• Congress moves to create special US rep for Rohingyas Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2024 -- Two senior U.S. lawmakers are pushing legislation that would create a special envoy in the State Department dedicated to the displaced Rohingya population in Myanmar and Bangladesh and provide an annual budget of $10 million for "atrocity crime investigations."
• Moldova Encouraged By NATO's Call For Withdrawal Of Russian Troops From Transdniester RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said it is encouraging to Moldova that a declaration issued at the NATO summit in Washington calls on Russia to withdraw all its forces from Moldova and also welcomes Moldova's reform efforts.
• Top aid officials call for greater solidarity and support for Haiti UN News 12 Jul 2024 -- Three senior humanitarians appealed on Friday for more support for Haiti, where ongoing gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, is affecting the entire population.
• Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti for One Year, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2743 (2024) UN Security Council 12 Jul 2024 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) until 15 July 2025, requesting all Haitian stakeholders to urgently establish a Provisional Electoral Council and reach an agreement on a sustainable, time-bound and commonly accepted road map for elections.
• Top official warns of weakened regional security following withdrawal from West African economic bloc by Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger UN News 12 Jul 2024 -- Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger's decision to pull out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) "even as terrorism and transnational organized crime remain a pervasive threat", will be damaging to regional relations all round, said the UN's top official in the region on Friday.
• Lack of Coordinated Regional Responses in West Africa 'Increases Risk of Further Terrorist Expansion in Central Sahel Region', Delegate Tells Security Council UN Security Council 12 Jul 2024 -- Measures to address insecurity, humanitarian crises, shrinking civic spaces and other threats must place people at the forefront and will be more effective if done collectively, the head of UN efforts in West Africa and the Sahel told the Security Council today, as he reported on the state of a region that — while notching certain successes — is grappling with profound challenges.
• The threat of terrorism is growing in the Sahel: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 12 Jul 2024 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel.
• Sudan's warring parties in 2nd day of UN-mediated cease-fire talks VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- The United Nations on Friday said delegations from both of Sudan's warring parties turned up for a second day of cease-fire talks in Geneva aimed at protecting civilians and providing humanitarian aid to millions of people devastated by the conflict.
• Sudan: UN-hosted talks on aid relief and civilian protection to continue in Geneva UN News 12 Jul 2024 -- UN-led talks between Sudan's warring parties were set to continue in Geneva on Friday to advance discussions on humanitarian aid and civilian protection, with "possible local ceasefires" being a means to that end.
• Statement from President Joe Biden on S. 138, the "Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act" The White House 12 Jul 2024

News Reports

• Statement on arrest of an Australian Defence Force member Australia DOD 12 Jul 2024 -- Defence is aware an Australian Defence Force (ADF) member has been arrested and charged with an espionage-related offence.
• Australia accuses Russian-born couple of espionage VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- Two Russian-born Australian citizens have been accused of spying for Russia. Australian federal police arrested the married couple at their home in Brisbane on Thursday, accusing them of accessing documents related to national defense.
• Joint Communique on the 2024 U.S.-Canada Cross Border Crime Forum DHS 12 Jul 2024 -- Canadian and U.S. officials deepen strong and collaborative partnership on issues of mutual concern, including law enforcement information sharing, malign foreign interference, combating gun and drug trafficking, and online and hate crimes
• Readout of Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen's Trip to The Hague US Dept. of Justice 12 Jul 2024
• Concern Rises Over Racial Extremism After Arrest Of Alleged White Supremacist Headed To Ukraine RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- The U.S. Justice Department on July 12 said ethnically motivated attacks were becoming a serious global threat and suggested the global community take them more seriously, a day after announcing the arrest of an 18-year-old New Jersey man who is accused of plotting to attack a U.S. electrical substation to advance his white-supremacist views.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question on prospects of Russian-British relations following the parliamentary elections in the UK Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Jul 2024
• China slams U.S. for spreading disinformation People's Daily 12 Jul 2024 -- China firmly opposes the continued spread of ungrounded false information by the United States about Russia's so-called "defense industrial base fueled by China," foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.
• Chinese premier holds talks with Solomon Islands' prime minister People's Daily 12 Jul 2024 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks with the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Beijing on Thursday, calling for further development of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.
• Xi meets PMs of Solomon Islands, Vanuatu; visits deepen bilateral ties Global Times 12 Jul 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele and Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai in Beijing on Friday.
• CPC navigates China to realizing economic blueprint through deepening reform and opening-up Global Times 12 Jul 2024 -- As the Communist Party of China (CPC) is expected to convene a crucial reform-themed meeting next week, a look back on China's remarkable achievements in comprehensively deepening reform and opening-up over the past decade, which underpinned China's high-quality development against a complex global geo-economic situation, offers a critical window into what to expect from the upcoming meeting.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on July 12, 2024 PRC MofA 12 Jul 2024
• Hong Kong sees a sharp fall in the number of schoolchildren Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2024 -- Hong Kong is expecting a sharp fall in the number of primary-school-aged children following a mass exodus of middle-class families fleeing a crackdown on political dissent.
• US lawmakers rally for Lai's release amid Hong Kong repression VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- A top U.S. House member has pledged to work with a coalition of rights groups to be a special advocate for Jimmy Lai, the founder of Hong Kong Next Media, and is urging the Hong Kong government to release Lai from prison as soon as possible.
• Pursuing Visa Restrictions to Address Repression of Religious and Ethnic Groups in the People's Republic of China US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2024 -- The United States continues to promote accountability in defense of human rights in China. Today, the State Department is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on People's Republic of China (PRC) officials for their involvement in repression of marginalized religious and ethnic communities.
• China hosts meeting amid concerns over weak consumption, overcapacity VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- As China prepares to hold its Third Plenum to discuss economic and political policy measures for the next 5-10 years, there are growing concerns about the impact the world's second-largest economy is having on global trade.
• China's state security authorities release case of using campus loans to force student to steal national secrets Global Times 12 Jul 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) released on Friday a case involving a foreign spy intelligence agency using campus loans to pressure and threaten a student borrower through high-interest loans, violent debt collection, and intimidation in order to steal national secrets from China.
• Chiang Kai-shek statute to lose honor guard from July 15 CNA 12 Jul 2024 -- A military honor guard stationed in front of the Chiang Kai-shek (蔣中正) statue in the eponymous memorial hall in Taipei will be removed starting July 15, the Ministry of Culture announced Friday.
• NSB, MOJ investigating case of Xinhua reporter: MAC CNA 12 Jul 2024 -- The National Security Bureau (NSB) and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Investigation Bureau are investigating the case of a reporter from China's state-run media suspected of illegally working on the production of a political TV talk show, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said on Thursday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 12 Jul 2024
• North Korea orders return of workers in China stranded by pandemic Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2024 -- Experts say the order targets women who are needed home for marriage and child-rearing.
• Interview: White House 'extremely concerned' about closer Russia-North Korea ties Radio Free Asia 12 Jul 2024 -- Mira Rapp-Hooper is the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania at the White House National Security Council, or NSC.
• North Korea doubles down on English education amid growing tensions with US VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- In contrast to the open hostility toward the United States, North Korea has been doubling down on English education in its public schools under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, according to North Korea internal documents, textbooks and other educational materials reviewed by VOA's Korean Service.
• United States Imposes Sanctions Targeting Iran's Chemical Weapons Research and Development US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2024 -- The Department of State is today imposing sanctions on Hakiman Shargh Research Company for its involvement in Iran's chemical weapons research and development. These sanctions are being imposed pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters.
• Iran's president-elect: My administration will prioritize bolstering ties with neighbors Press TV 12 Jul 2024 -- Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian says his administration will prioritize bolstering ties with neighbors.
• Iran president-elect: My administration will open up new foreign policy horizons Press TV 12 Jul 2024 -- Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian says his administration will open up new foreign policy horizons in the expansion of cordial relations with other countries.
• UK and others invoke Vienna Mechanism on political prisoners in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 12 Jul 2024 -- UK and 37 other countries invoke the OSCE Vienna Mechanism in respect of serious human rights concerns in Belarus, including torture, physical or sexual violence, lack of basic medical care and privacy, lack of a fair trial, psychological pressure and discrimination.
• Telephone conversation between National Security Adviser and Mr. Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser of the US India MEA 12 Jul 2024
• Pakistan's top court rules former PM Khan's party eligible for reserved seats VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- In a much-awaited decision Friday, Pakistan's top court declared former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party was entitled to its share of reserved seats in the national and provincial assemblies, handing the incarcerated leader's supporters a major legal victory.
• Montenegrin High Court Acquits Alleged 2016 Coup Plotters RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- The 13 Montenegrin, Russian, and Serbian individuals accused of plotting an election-day coup in Montenegro in 2016 were acquitted of all charges by that Balkan country's High Court on July 12, marking the latest twist in a seven-year prosecutorial saga since authorities claimed to have thwarted a last-ditch conspiracy to derail Montenegro's NATO accession.
• Orban Takes Solo 'Peace Mission' To Mar-A-Lago, Says Trump Is 'Going To Solve It' RFE/RL 12 Jul 2024 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with former U.S. President and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in Florida on July 11 after the Central European leader's attendance at NATO's 75th anniversary summit in Washington concluded earlier the same day.
• World News in Brief: Sand and dust storm scourge, Mali humanitarian update, moving education online UN News 12 Jul 2024 -- Dust levels worldwide decreased slightly in 2023 the UN's weather and climate agency said on Friday, but they are still well above the long-term average in the worst-hit areas.
• Nigeria faces surging population amid lagging family services VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- Nigeria's population is on track to hit 377 million people by 2050, highlighting the need for reproductive health services. But cultural and religious barriers often complicate access to contraception, causing economic and maternal health issues.
• Rwandan President Kagame seems to be coasting toward fourth term VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- Three candidates are vying for the presidency in Rwanda, where incumbent President Paul Kagame has won every election since 2000 and is widely expected to win again Monday.
• Malawi former vice president's party pulls out of governing Tonse Alliance VOA 12 Jul 2024 -- A political party led by Vice President Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash last month, is withdrawing from the governing Tonse Alliance led by President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party. Leaders of the United Transformation Movement made the announcement Friday at a news conference at the party's headquarters in the capital, Lilongwe.