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Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing DoD 20 Aug 2024
• DoD Releases Five Awards for Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program DoD 20 Aug 2024 -- The Department of Defense recently announced seven additional awards to bioindustrial firms via the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP). This announcement brings the DBIMP to 13 awards to date totaling $23 million.
• National Guard Bureau's Acting Chief Aims to Maintain Stability During Transition DoD News 20 Aug 2024 -- Army Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs, acting chief of the National Guard Bureau, today said he is intent on maintaining stability in that branch of service until a successor to the previous chief is confirmed by Congress.
• Biden Reportedly Approved New Nuclear Strategy Refocusing on 'Chinese Threat' Sputnik 20 Aug 2024 -- President Joe Biden approved a classified nuclear strategy earlier this year that directed US forces to refocus on potential threats from China, the New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing US officials.
• USS San Diego Departs for Japan US Navy 21 Aug 2024 -- The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) left San Diego, Aug. 14, for Sasebo, Japan.
• Visit to the Russian Special Forces University President of Russia 20 Aug 2024 -- The President visited the Russian University of Special Forces in Gudermes. He inspected the training complex, observed classes, and briefly talked to commanders of special units, instructors, and volunteers being trained there.
• Large anti-submarine ship Admiral levchenko of Northern fleet takes the sea Russia MoD 20 Aug 2024 -- Today, the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Levchenko of the Northern Fleet set a course to the Barents sea in order to have planned combat training.
• Joint planning of upcoming practical activities during international Selenga exercise is carried out at Choibalsan training ground in Mongolia Russia MoD 20 Aug 2024 -- Assistant to the commander of the Eastern MD colonel Ivan Taraev, chief of the Russian units in the exercises Mikhail Nikitin stand alongside with commander of the Mongolian unit Colonel Buyndelger and members of the Selega 2024 joint staff plus COs of the units involved had inspection of the Choibalsan training ground in Mongolia.
• Russia Struggles To Find Role For Reconstituted Wagner Group In Africa, Experts Say RFE/RL 20 Aug 2024 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After the Wagner Group reconstituted itself earlier this year, including renaming itself the Africa Corps, Kremlin officials seem unsure of the group's next steps and its role within Russia's international strategy, experts speaking on August 20 at a Washington think tank said.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov DoD 20 Aug 2024
• DOD, UDCG Continue to Look for Better Ways to Expedite Support to Ukraine DoD News 20 Aug 2024 -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today spoke with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to discuss ongoing war efforts in Ukraine and details of the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in September.
• We Discussed with Partners Our Work on Air Defense - New Systems for Ukraine; We Are Preparing Reinforcement - Address by the President President of Ukraine 20 Aug 2024
• PLA Navy's amphibious assault ship starts far seas drill: report Global Times 20 Aug 2024 -- A Type 075 amphibious assault ship of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has reportedly sailed across the first island chain and entered the Pacific Ocean for an apparent far seas exercise, with analysts on Tuesday highlighting the drill location's strategic significance over the Taiwan question.
• Taiwan launches Sky Bow, PAC-IIs in rare public missile drills CNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Taiwan's military demonstrated its precision missile capabilities on Tuesday by firing its indigenous Tien-Kung III (Sky Bow III) land-based surface-to-air missile and U.S.-made Patriot PAC-II surface-to-air missiles in drills opened to the media.
• Indo-Pac partners maintain freedom of the sea Australia DOD 20 Aug 2024 -- Australia's flagship regional engagement activity - Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) - began with a law of the sea workshop involving the defence forces of Australia and Sri Lanka in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
• Minister Blair visits Inuvik to highlight Our North, Strong and Free and federal investments in defence infrastructure Canada 20 Aug 2024 -- The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, is in Inuvik for a three-day visit to highlight Canada's Arctic-focused defence policy update, Our North, Strong and Free, and to meet with municipal, territorial, and Indigenous officials. Minister Blair is accompanied in Inuvik by the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs..
• Iran pres. pick for defense minister: World rejects US-led unipolar order Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, who has been picked by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, to run the Ministry of Defense, says the world has rejected the US-led unipolar world order, and looks forward to the formation of a new order, amid the emergence of new powers.
• The Nagel Commission on Evaluating the Security Budget and Force Building Requests Proposals from the Public Israel - Prime Minister 20 Aug 2024 -- The Nagel Commission chaired by Prof. Jacob Nagel, which was established on the directive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approximately two weeks ago, is formulating recommendations on the force building needs and the security budget in the coming decade.
• Denmark - Excalibur Projectiles DSCA 20 Aug 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Denmark of Excalibur Projectiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $121 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Tunisia - 65' SAFE Archangel Boats DSCA 20 Aug 2024 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Tunisia of 65' SAFE Archangel Boats and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $110 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Letter of Intent signed between Sweden and Moldova Government Offices of Sweden 20 Aug 2024 -- On Tuesday, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin signed a Letter of Intent on strengthened defence cooperation between Sweden and Moldova.
• House ratifies PH maritime zones bill Philippine News Agency 20 Aug 2024 -- The House of Representatives on Tuesday ratified the bicameral conference version of the proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which is a priority measure identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks to the press, in Doha, Qatar, on August 20, 2024. US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 20, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 20 August 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Aug 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 20 Aug 2024 -- "Overnight our forces returned the bodies of six of our hostages that had been held by the murderous Hamas terrorist organization:"
• Israel Wants to Build Wall Between Egypt, Gaza to Hinder Hamas Tunnels-Digging - Reports Sputnik 20 Aug 2024 -- Israel insists on building a wall near the Philadelphia Corridor on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt to prevent Palestinian movement Hamas from building tunnels, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Arab mediators in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
• Israeli war minister concerned about Iran, Hezbollah retaliation IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Israel's Minister of War, Yoav Gallant has expressed fear that the probability of retaliatory by Iran and Hezbollah against the regime's target will increase in case of the failure to a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
• Lapid demands deal on Israeli captives 'before they all die' in Gaza Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has renewed his call for an agreement for a Gaza truce and the release of captives in the besieged Palestinian territory.
• PM call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel: 20 August 2024 Gov.UK 20 Aug 2024
• Aug 19: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 20 Aug 2024
• Fresh Israeli attack leaves at least 14 martyrs, 16 injured in Gaza IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Media have reported that at least 14 Palestinian citizens were martyred and 16 others were injured in the Zionist regime's army attack on the center and south of the Gaza Strip.
• Gaza death toll of journalists from Israeli onslaught hits 172 IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- The death toll of journalists from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza Strip reached 172 since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, local Palestinian media reported.
• 9 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on market in central Gaza Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- At least nine Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a crowded marketplace in Deir al-Balah.
• At least 12 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City school Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- At least 12 Palestinians have been killed and dozens of others injured as the Israeli military attacked a Gaza City school, the eleventh deadly strike against schools in the war-wracked territory in August alone.
• Targeting civilians against rules of wars: UN official IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- As Israel presses ahead with its genocidal war on Gaza and attacks on civilian areas in southern Lebanon, a senior UN official has criticized the regime's killing of innocent people, saying "even wars have rules and that civilians should not be targeted".
• UN: Israel's evacuation orders deteriorating situation in Gaza Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- The United Nations humanitarian office has warned that Israel's frequent evacuation orders are deteriorating the catastrophic humanitarian situation that already plagues the Gaza Strip.
• Blinken visits Egypt, Qatar for Gaza cease-fire talks but end to fighting still elusive VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited with mediators Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday in search of a cease-fire deal to halt the war in Gaza.
• Blinken in Egypt: President Sisi warns of regional war, urging Gaza ceasefire Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt warns US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that a catastrophic war could break out in the region unless Israel ends its atrocities against the Palestinians in Gaza.
• US Supports Israel's Refusal to Completely Leave Gaza's Border With Egypt Sputnik 20 Aug 2024 -- The US agrees with Israel's approach, according to which it cannot completely withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor on the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, media reported, citing an Israeli official familiar with the details of the meeting between Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
• Israel's Netanyahu supports new bridging proposal for Gaza truce: Blinken People's Daily 20 Aug 2024 -- Israel has accepted a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Iran pursuing Haniyeh's assassination through legal channels: Judiciary IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Iran's Judiciary spokesman says the Islamic Republic is pursuing the Israeli assassination of Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran through international legal channels.
• IRGC: Iran will choose timing of its response, keeping Israel in limbo Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran will decide the timing of its response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, keeping the Israelis in limbo.
• Palestinians launch major attacks on Israeli positions in Gaza IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Palestinian resistance groups have launched several major attacks on the Zionist regime's positions in the Gaza Strip, inflicting more losses upon the Israeli occupation forces.
• US, Zionist regime seeking to prolong Gaza war: Hamas IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the new US proposal for a Gaza ceasefire is nothing but to fulfill Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conditions, which aims to thwart the efforts of mediators and prolong the war.
• Hamas decries Israel's attack on Gaza school, holds US accountable Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- Hamas says Israel's strike on another school housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza City demonstrates the regime's criminal approach toward the people of the besieged territory.
• Biden's 'misleading' claim about ceasefire status 'green light' for Israel to continue war: Hamas Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has denounced as "misleading" US President Joe Biden's claim that the group is backing away from a Gaza ceasefire deal, calling his remarks a "green light" for Israel to continue the genocidal war on the besieged enclave.
• Lebanon: Crisis deepens amid escalating conflict and funding shortfalls UN News 20 Aug 2024 -- The urgency of deescalating tensions along the frontier that separates Lebanese and Israeli armed forces, "cannot be overstated", a senior UN humanitarian official said on Tuesday.
• Hezbollah conducts fresh drone, missile attacks on occupied Galilee, Golan IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Heavy drone and rocket attacks were launched by the Lebanese Hezbollah on the positions of the Zionist regime's army and Zionist settlements in the north of occupied Palestine, media sources reported.
• Hezbollah launches fresh attacks on headquarters of Zionist regime IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Lebanon's Islamic resistance announced that it carried out several new attacks against the positions of the Zionist military in the north of the occupied territories.
• Hezbollah pounds Israeli positions with 60 missiles IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Various news sources reported on Tuesday that the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, fired 60 missiles from southern Lebanon towards the north of the occupied territories and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
• Zionist regime's warplanes pound southern Lebanon again IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Israeli warplanes have bombed several areas of southern Lebanon as the Zionist regime intensifies its attacks on civilian targets in the Arab country.
• Hezbollah hammers Israeli targets after eight wounded in regime's attacks on Bekaa Press TV 20 Aug 2024 -- Tensions between the Israeli regime and Hezbollah have escalated as the Lebanese resistance group targeted Israeli military positions in response to the regime's overnight strikes on Lebanon's Bekaa region.
• Iraqi resistance Targets Ain Al-Assad IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- A member of the political office of the Iraqi 'Al-Nujba' movement said that a few days ago its fighters targeted the "Ain al-Asad" base, where American soldiers are stationed.

Other Conflicts

• Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año of the Philippines The White House 20 Aug 2024
• Renewed tensions test effort to maintain calm in South China Sea VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Analysts say the latest collision between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels near a disputed reef in the South China Sea is part of a campaign by Beijing to force Manila to soften its position. They say it also raises questions about whether the two can maintain calm, despite reaching a temporary agreement to avoid clashes in July.
• PH mulls expanding Ayungin Shoal 'provisional arrangement' with China Philippine News Agency 20 Aug 2024 -- The Philippines is studying the possible expansion of the coverage of the "provisional arrangement" in rotation and resupply (RORE) missions in Ayungin Shoal with China to cover other areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
• PH Navy sees no full blown war amid heightened WPS tensions Philippine News Agency 20 Aug 2024 -- China's increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is not expected to result in a full-blown conflict, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday.
• PH eyes case vs. China after Escoda Shoal collision Philippine News Agency 20 Aug 2024 -- The Philippines is eyeing to file a case before an international body against China after two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels were damaged after being subjected to "unlawful and aggressive maneuvers" by China Coast Guard (CCG) ships in the waters adjacent to Escoda Shoal at the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
• Chinese Embassy in the Philippines condemns US statement on Xianbin Jiao collision as 'sowing discord, fueling tensions' Global Times 20 Aug 2024 -- Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday urged the Philippines to earnestly observe the understandings and arrangement reached with China in terms of South China Sea disputes, refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation following the recent clashes in Xianbin Jiao (also known as Xianbin Reef). The Chinese embassy also demanded the US to stop provoking confrontation in the South China Sea and cease actions that undermine regional stability and exacerbate tensions.
• U.S. has no right to intervene in maritime issues between China, Philippines: spokesperson People's Daily 20 Aug 2024 -- The United States, as a non-party to the South China Sea issue, has no right to intervene in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• CCG restricts repeated Philippine vessel intrusions near South China Sea reefs Global Times 20 Aug 2024 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday took legitimate, professional and restrained restrictive measures on Philippine Coast Guard ships when they consecutively intruded into waters adjacent to two Chinese reefs in the South China Sea, with experts slamming the Philippine' dangerous moves of brinkmanship that violate China's territorial sovereignty.
• DFA Statement on the U.S.-Philippine Agreement Regarding the Processing of U.S. Special Immigrant Visa Applicants from Afghanistan Philippines DFA 20 Aug 2024 -- The Philippines and the United States have agreed on allowing a limited number of Afghan nationals to transit to the Philippines to complete their visa processing for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and resettlement to the United States. The U.S. government is supporting necessary services for those Afghans temporarily in the Philippines, including food, housing, security, medical, and transportation to complete visa processing. The agreement is currently undergoing the final domestic procedures required for effectivity. END
• Myanmar rebels capture last junta base in township on China border Radio Free Asia 20 Aug 2024 -- One of Myanmar's most powerful insurgent armies has taken full control of a strategically important township in Kachin state on the border with China, its information officer told Radio Free Asia.
• Myanmar fighting blocks key trade route with China, impacting economy VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Ethnic and resistance forces in Myanmar have completely blocked a key trade route to China, halting cross-border commerce and further damaging Myanmar's already struggling economy.
• Status quo 'not sustainable' in increasingly unstable Libya, Security Council hears UN News 20 Aug 2024 -- Recent "unilateral acts" by rival sides in Libya have led to a rapid deterioration in political and economic stability coupled with rising insecurity, a senior UN official in the country told the Security Council on Tuesday.
• Amid Rapidly Deteriorating Political, Economic Situation, Ordinary People in Libya Fear Re-emergence of War, Top UN Official Warns Security Council UN Security Council 20 Aug 2024 -- As the political, economic and security situation in Libya deteriorates, ordinary people live in fear of war erupting again, even as they prepare for local elections, the Organization's senior official in the country reported to the Security Council today.
• Libya's leaders must protect their people's rights: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Aug 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.
• Statement by Minister Kristiansen Tvinnereim on the reopening of the Adre crossing into Sudan Government of Norway 20 Aug 2024 -- 'Norway welcomes the announcement by Sudan's Sovereign Council on the reopening of the Adre border crossing between Sudan and Chad. We urge this to be made permanent', said Minister of International Development, Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim.
• CIA Chief In Bosnia To Emphasize U.S. Support And 'Worrying' Rhetoric Of Republika Srpska President RFE/RL 20 Aug 2024 -- SARAJEVO -- CIA Director William Burns was in Sarajevo on August 20 to discuss the "worrying secessionist rhetoric and actions" of the pro-Russian president and government of Bosnia-Herzegovina's Serb entity, a U.S. government official told RFE/RL.

News Reports

• COVID-19 to be renamed in Taiwan with new definition for reported cases CNA 20 Aug 2024 -- The official name of COVID-19 in Taiwan will be changed to "Severe Complicated COVID-19" starting in September, with a revised definition for COVID-19 cases that need to be reported, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday.
• Iran rejects 'unsubstantiated' US election campaign hacking claims IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations has roundly rejected allegations about Tehran's interference in the 2024 US presidential election, calling the claim "unsubstantiated".
• Sanctions on Former Haitian President Michel Martelly for Drug Trafficking US Dept. of State 20 Aug 2024 -- Today, the United States is designating Haitian President Michel Martelly for his role in the global illicit drug trade.
• Treasury Sanctions Former Haitian President for Drug Trafficking US Treasury 20 Aug 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the former President of Haiti, Michel Joseph Martelly (Martelly), pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 of December 15, 2021, "Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade."
• Europe can defeat mpox, must support Africa in getting vaccines: WHO UN News 20 Aug 2024 -- Mpox is "not the 'new COVID'" and European governments need to show strong political commitment to eliminate it, while standing in solidarity with Africa, a top official of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.
• Botswana begins mpox screening at entry points VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Health officials in Botswana have started screening travelers for mpox at the country's entry points.
• UN chief highlights 'unimaginable grief' stemming from terror attacks UN News 20 Aug 2024 -- The UN Secretary-General has paid tribute to victims and survivors of terrorism just ahead of the international day which spotlights the issue each year.
• Working meeting with Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov President of Russia 20 Aug 2024 -- The Head of the Chechen Republic updated the President on the region's socioeconomic development.
• China's state security authorities expose espionage cases involving postal deliveries Global Times 20 Aug 2024 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday disclosed several cases in which foreign espionage and intelligence agencies used postal deliveries to carry out espionage activities, including mailing alligator snapping turtles, American bullfrogs, and other species to China, with the aim to disrupt local ecosystem and biodiversity.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on August 20, 2024 PRC MofA 20 Aug 2024
• Vietnam, China sign 14 agreements during top leader's visit to Beijing Radio Free Asia 20 Aug 2024 -- As Vietnam's new leader To Lam wrapped up a three-day visit to China on Tuesday, the two nations agreed to cooperate on building three cross-border rail links, the most prominent of 14 agreements between the two countries.
• Chinese, Fijian leaders hail devt of bilateral ties Global Times 20 Aug 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka in Beijing on Tuesday, after the leader from the Pacific Island country (PIC) has traveled in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, and in East China's Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.
• Uyghurs sentenced to cumulative 4.4 million years in prison: study Radio Free Asia 20 Aug 2024 -- All told, Uyghurs imprisoned by China in the far-western region of Xinjiang have been sentenced to a cumulative 4.4 million years, a report by Yale University's Genocide Studies Program says.
• China mulls making marriage easier as rates plummet Radio Free Asia 20 Aug 2024 -- The Chinese government is considering cutting red tape around marriage registrations in a bid to encourage more young people to tie the knot.
• CAS' new liquid rocket Kinetica-2 nails key test, aims maiden flight by 2025 Global Times 20 Aug 2024 -- Kinetica-2, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Space's new liquid propellant rocket that is designed to support China's large-scale satellite constellation networks, has successfully completed its stage separation test, marking a milestone achievement toward its maiden flight scheduled for 2025, the Global Times learned from the rocket developer on Tuesday.
• Democrats include U.S.' 'Six Assurances' in policy platform for 1st time CNA 20 Aug 2024 -- The Democratic National Convention in Chicago approved the party's 92-page policy platform Monday, including an unprecedented commitment to the U.S.' "Six Assurances" to Taiwan.
• 2 indicted for stealing trade secrets for Chinese company CNA 20 Aug 2024 -- The Taiwan Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has indicted two men for allegedly stealing technology from their former Japan-based employer on behalf of a Chinese company, the office said.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 20 Aug 2024
• Researchers: Iran's scientific modeling likely influenced US assessment of Tehran's nuclear program VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Researchers have provided new insights to VOA about Iranian scientific work that seems to have influenced a revised U.S. assessment that Tehran is better positioned to weaponize its nuclear program.
• The Federal Foreign Office on the Iranian authorities' action against the German Language Institute in Tehran Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 Aug 2024 -- A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (20 August 2024) on the Iranian authorities' action against the German Language Institute in Tehran (Deutsches Sprachinstitut Teheran, DSIT):
• Iranian Police Shut Down German Cultural Institute RFE/RL 20 Aug 2024 -- Iranian police have shut down Germany's Das Deutsche Sprachinstitut Teheran (DSIT) -- the German Language Institute Tehran -- for allegedly "violating the country's laws," prompting Berlin to summon Iran's ambassador.
• Iran shuts down German language institute VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Iran on Tuesday shut down the sole language institute recognized by the German Embassy, following the closing of Islamic religious centers in Germany.
• Iran's Judiciary closes two German-linked centers in Tehran IRNA 20 Aug 2024 -- The Iranian Judiciary has announced the closure of two branches of an institution linked to the German government in Tehran.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by Secretary (East) on the State Visit of Prime Minister of Malaysia to India (August 20, 2024) India MEA 20 Aug 2024
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & his Japanese counterpart Mr Kihara Minoru hold delegation-level talks in New Delhi India PIB 20 Aug 2024 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defense, Japan Mr Kihara Minoru held a bilateral meeting, on the sidelines of India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, in New Delhi on August 20, 2024
• Press Statement by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh after 3rd India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue India PIB 20 Aug 2024
• Junta dispels rumors of putsch as support for chief wanes Radio Free Asia 20 Aug 2024 -- Rumors of a putsch swirled around Myanmar last week ahead of Chinese Prime Minister Wang Yi's visit to Naypyidaw where he obliquely rebuked junta chief Senior Gen.l Min Aung Hlaing. Given the scale of recent military losses there were reasons for both.
• Thai King appoints Paetongtarn Shinawatra as new PM People's Daily 20 Aug 2024 -- Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn has appointed Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the country's prime minister, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Arpath Sukhanunth announced on Sunday.
• How will Japan's new leader tackle Indo-Pacific security threats? VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- During his term, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has transformed Japan's defense posture amid growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea.
• Venezuelan National Pleads Guilty to Sanctions Evasion Scheme US Dept. of Justice 20 Aug 2024 -- George Semerene Quintero (Semerene), 60, of Venezuela, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for his role in a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions imposed on Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), a Venezuelan state-owned oil company.
• EXPLAINED: The impact of climate change on the Tibetan plateau Radio Free Asia 20 Aug 2024 -- The snow-covered mountains, expansive grasslands and crystal waters that cover the vast Tibetan plateau make this stretch of Earth a stunningly beautiful place.
• Wider Europe Briefing: Leveraging Russian Assets And Armenia's Road To Going Visa-Free RFE/RL 20 Aug 2024
• EU Rejects Accusation That West Played Role In Recent Anti-Mining Protests In Serbia RFE/RL 20 Aug 2024 -- EU officials on August 20 again firmly rejected Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's claim that Western countries were behind recent protests against his government's lithium mining plans.
• World News in Brief: Ukraine alert over new attacks, more Nicaragua NGO closures, disinformation in DRC UN News 20 Aug 2024 -- The UN's top humanitarian official in Ukraine on Tuesday condemned "yet another attack" carried out by Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region.
• Thailand's Shinawatra dynasty back on top, but for how long? VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Promoted to the prime minister's office after a court ruling took out her predecessor, experts say Thailand's youngest ever leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, may be the last card her political dynasty has to play as it seeks to win back the Thai electorate.
• Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party says police will now release activists VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Human rights organizations reacted angrily Tuesday after Zimbabwe's ruling party acknowledged that more than 100 activists were detained to keep them from protesting during a Southern Africa Development Community summit held over the past weekend.
• In Bangladesh, religious minorities targeted during political unrest VOA 20 Aug 2024 -- Since student-led opposition protests led Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down and flee Bangladesh on August 5, religious minorities say their communities have suffered violent attacks in the power vacuum.