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Defense Policy / Programs

• Large Caliber Product Office has Army modernization priorities in its sights Army News 04 Oct 2024 -- The U.S. Army's Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS), located on Picatinny Arsenal, recently traveled to the Aberdeen Proving Ground on September 5, 2024, to successfully test the XM1204 High Explosive Airburst with Tracer (HEAB-T) prototype.
• Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at U.S. Transportation Command's Change of Command Ceremony DoD 04 Oct 2024
• Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks Travels to Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division and Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division DoD 04 Oct 2024
• Austin Praises Transcom for Enabling DOD to Project Power Globally DoD News 04 Oct 2024 -- U.S. Transportation Command provides the Defense Department with the means to project, maneuver and sustain its forces anywhere in the world, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, who spoke today at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois during a Transcom change of command.
• Brown Underscores Commitment to Maintaining Warfighting Edge DoD News 04 Oct 2024 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., underscored the indispensable role the U.S. military plays throughout the globe as he met yesterday with the soldiers behind the Defense Department's Joint Logistics Over the Shore mission to flow humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
• Austin Says DOD Fully Engaged at Home and Abroad DoD News 04 Oct 2024 -- Following a U.S. Transportation Command change of command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a news briefing to provide updates about the Middle East, Hurricane Helene response, Ukraine and the trilateral security partnership that the United States participates in with the United Kingdom and Australia.
• Brown Highlights Critical Role of Logistics at Transcom Change of Command DoD News 04 Oct 2024 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., underscored the foundational role logistics plays in maintaining the U.S. military's edge as the world's foremost fighting force as he welcomed Air Force Gen. Randall Reed as the 15th commander of the U.S. Transportation Command today.
• AFGSC activates provisional 95th Wing at Offutt AFB US Air Force 04 Oct 2024 -- As part of the Air Force reoptimatization for Great Power Competition, Air Force Global Strike Command activated the 95th Wing (Provisional) at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, effective October 1. In provisional status, the 95th Wing (P) will immediately begin leading planning efforts for the 95th Wing to stand-up, receive personnel and use facilities at Offutt starting in 2025.
• USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrives in Limassol, Cyprus for mid-deployment voyage repair US Navy 04 Oct 2024 -- After nearly six months of continuous operations at sea, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and embarked Marines of 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (Special Operations Capable) arrived in Limassol, Cyprus, Oct. 4, 2024, to conduct a scheduled mid-deployment voyage repair (MDVR).
• CNO Defense Writers Group Press Briefing US Navy 04 Oct 2024
• SECNAV Del Toro Advances Maritime Statecraft, Strengthens Maritime Dominance during Visit to Raytheon US Navy Press Release 04 Oct 2024 -- Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Raytheon Technologies (RTX) to receive updates and provide feedback on advanced naval capabilities and programs today. Discussions with Raytheon leadership addressed production timelines, industrial base health, and future technology development.
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on an Agreement Between the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom on the Status of the Chagos Archipelago DoD 04 Oct 2024 -- The Department of Defense commends yesterday's historic agreement between the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom on the status of the Chagos Archipelago.
• UK gives back Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius but maintains key US base Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- Britain has said it would hand a remote Indian Ocean archipelago over to Mauritius after they reached a deal that the UK said was aimed at securing a key military base there that it shares with the United States.
• 19th NATO Conference on Arms Control, Disarmament and Weapons of Mass Destruction Non-Proliferation Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024 -- This year's Conference was launched by Polish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Kupiecki and NATO Acting Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Javier Colomina.
• NATO explores ways to better protect commercial partners in space NATO 04 Oct 2024 -- On Wednesday (2 October), NATO, Allied space experts and space industry representatives gathered at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to address how to increase the protection of commercial partners against hybrid threats.
• Despite obstacles, new NATO leader aims to increase support for Ukraine VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- With an escalating war in the Middle East, uncertainty over Western military aid for Ukraine, and the U.S. presidential election looming next month, new NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has no time to settle in.
• Overcharge by U.S. arms vendor to be refunded to Taiwan: Defense head CNA 04 Oct 2024 -- The amount that United States defense contractor RTX Corp. overcharged Taiwan for weapons will be fully compensated, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said Friday.
• Australian and Malaysian jets train together at Exercise Elangaroo Australia DOD 04 Oct 2024 -- Australian and Malaysian jet fighters have concluded training together during Exercise Elangaroo 24, from 30 September to 4 October 2024.
• DELIVERY OF AMMUNITION CUM TORPEDO CUM MISSILE BARGE, LSAM 21 (YARD 131) India PIB 04 Oct 2024 -- The delivery of 'Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 21', 7th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 04 Oct 24 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai for NAD(Karanja)
• India's vision for Indo-Pacific is based on fostering partnerships through sustainable development, economic growth & mutual security: Raksha Mantri at Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2024 India PIB 04 Oct 2024 -- "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's idea of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as we believe in fostering partnerships that prioritise sustainable development, economic growth and mutual security," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2024 in New Delhi on October 04, 2024
• Govt is committed to make defence industry export-oriented with India as a global manufacturing hub, says Raksha Mantri at 7th annual session of SIDM India PIB 04 Oct 2024 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to empower India's defence industry by working hand-in-hand with them, and realise Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of making the country a global manufacturing hub
• Analysts: Japan's new prime minister may seek nuclear consulting body with US VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- Japan's new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, who began his term this week, may advocate for forming a nuclear body with the United States that is similar to an arrangement between the U.S. and South Korea aimed at planning for nuclear warfare contingencies.
• Lithuania strengthens air defence Lithuania MND 04 Oct 2024 -- Lithuania takes national defence very seriously which is reflected in the continued building up of air defence capabilities.
• PH, Japan air forces hold disaster response drills in Cebu Philippine News Agency 04 Oct 2024 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) kicked off the "Doshin-Bayanihan 2024" exercises focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) in Cebu, in line with the two nations' joint efforts to enhance disaster response capabilities.
• Any foreign navy can visit Ream naval base: Cambodia's deputy PM Radio Free Asia 04 Oct 2024 -- Cambodia's Chinese-funded Ream naval base would be open for visits by all foreign navies, including the U.S. Navy, when its construction is finished, said Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol.
• Finland Will Take Part in NATO Nuclear Weapons Drills Steadfast Noon - Reports Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- Finland will take part in the NATO nuclear drills Steadfast Noon for the first time this year, Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported on Friday, citing sources.
• ROK Special Measures Agreement Consultations US Dept. of State 04 Oct 2024 -- After eight rounds of consultations, the United States and the Republic of Korea have reached consensus on the proposed text of a new five-year Special Measures Agreement (SMA).
• Press Briefing by President Biden, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard The White House 04 Oct 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Oct. 4, 2024

Other Conflicts

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

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• The IDF eliminated Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, Head of the Hezbollah terrorist organization's communication networks IDF Announcement 04 Oct 2024 -- Yesterday (Thursday), the IAF conducted a precise, intelligence-based strike in the area of Beirut, eliminating Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, responsible for the Hezbollah terrorist organization's communication networks.
• Israel Says 11 Key Hezbollah Commanders Killed in 9 Months of Fighting Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has killed 11 key Hezbollah commanders, including Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, during the nine months of fighting, the Israeli military said on Friday.
• US daily verifies major damage inflicted on Israeli bases by Iran missiles Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- The Washington Post confirms that several Israeli military and "security" facilities were seriously damaged by missiles fired by Iran during a recent retaliatory operation.
• Israel Prepares 'Serious and Significant' Response to Iran's Missile Strikes Sputnik 05 Oct 2024 -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is planning a serious and major retaliation to Iran's attack and hopes for assistance from partners in the region, the Israeli Army Radio broadcaster reported on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
• Biden: Israel has not yet decided on response to Iran VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Friday that Israel has not yet decided how it will respond to Iran's missile attack, adding it should consider not hitting Iran's oil fields.
• Oct. 3: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 04 Oct 2024
• Who Is Hashem Safieddine, The Senior Hezbollah Leader? RFE/RL 04 Oct 2024 -- Hashem Safieddine is a cousin and potential successor to Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader assassinated by Israel.
• Israel's Strike on Lebanese-Syrian Border Checkpoint Cuts Off Path for Refugees - Damascus Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- Israel's strike on a checkpoint on the Lebanese-Syrian border has cut off the main passage way for refugees, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
• Hezbollah launches barrages of missiles at Haifa amid Israeli strikes on Lebanon-Syria border Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has launched barrages of missiles at Haifa in the northern part of occupied territories.
• Lebanon files formal complaint with UN against Israel IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- Lebanon has submitted a formal complaint to the UN Security Council and Secretary-General António Guterres regarding Israel's violation of its territory.
• Israel's fresh airstrikes close Lebanon-Syria evacuation route IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- The recent airstrikes by the Zionist Regime in Lebanon have blocked an important evacuation route between Lebanon and Syria.
• Israeli Airstrike Targets Hezbollah Bunker With 73 Tons of Bombs Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- While Hezbollah has remained silent on the results, Israeli officials believe everyone inside the bunker was likely affected. The strike is part of Israel's broader effort to cripple Hezbollah's military capabilities, targeting smuggling tunnels and supply lines along the Lebanon-Syria border.
• UNRWA Situation Report #141 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information from 27 September - 3 October 2024, valid as of 3 October 2024 at 22:30 UNRWA 04 Oct 2024
• UNRWA Situation Report #4 on the Lebanon Emergency Response. All Information from 30 September - 3 October 2024, Valid as of 3 October 2024 at 14:00 UNRWA 04 Oct 2024
• UNHCR: As crisis deepens in Lebanon, more flee to Syria and beyond to escape bombs UNHCR 04 Oct 2024 -- Intensifying airstrikes have forced yet more people from their homes in Lebanon in search of safety.
• "Bloodied, bruised and broken" - more than 690 children reportedly injured in Lebanon in last six weeks UNICEF 04 Oct 2024 -- More than 690 children have reportedly been injured in Lebanon as the conflict has dramatically escalated in recent weeks.
• Lebanon: Medical aid arrives in Beirut amid intensifying Israeli strikes UN News 04 Oct 2024 -- As Lebanon suffered another night of heavy Israeli bombing, UN humanitarians and partners described how people desperate to flee the violence found the country's main border crossing into Syria cut by a new dawn strike, forcing them to skirt "a huge crater" and rubble on foot, to reach the other side.
• UN condemns deadly West Bank airstrike, attacks on Gaza schools UN News 04 Oct 2024 -- The UN chief has strongly condemned the killing of several Palestinians, including women and children, who died when a residential building in Tulkarem camp in the West Bank was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Thursday night.
• Peacekeepers in southern Lebanon staying in place: UN peacekeeping chief Global Times 04 Oct 2024 -- UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon are currently staying in their positions and continue to do their best to implement their Security Council mandate in very difficult conditions, the UN peacekeeping chief said on Thursday.
• Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement Marking One Year Since Hamas's October 7 Terrorist Attacks in Israel US Dept. of Justice 04 Oct 2024 -- The Justice Department issued the following statement marking one year since Hamas's October 7 Terrorist Attacks in Israel:
• United States Provides Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Escalating Crisis in Lebanon US Dept. of State 04 Oct 2024 -- The United States will provide nearly $157 million in new U.S. humanitarian assistance to support populations affected by conflict in Lebanon and the region.
• Iran urges regional states to fully back Lebanon amid Israeli aggression: FM IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the regional countries to support the Lebanese nation amid the Israeli aggression against the Muslim country.
• Iran backs efforts for simultaneous truce in Gaza, Lebanon: FM IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Islamic Republic supports efforts made in line with a simultaneous truce in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
• Iran's FM arrives in Beirut IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his entourage have arrived in the Lebanese capital of Beirut.
• Why has Syria stayed out of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict? VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- At a time of escalating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah, analysts say the Syrian government has been noticeably quiet to avoid getting drawn into the conflict.
• India faces tough balancing act amid escalating Middle East conflict VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a Cabinet meeting on security Friday to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East. According to Press Trust of India, the meeting focused on the implications on trade and the supply of petroleum products.
• Year-old Gaza conflict takes toll on neighboring Egypt VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- The war unleashed by Israel after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has ravaged not only the people of Gaza but also taken a toll on neighboring Egypt, keeping its government officials busy and straining its economy -- while also bringing some benefits.
• DFA Statement on Iranian Missile Barrage on Israel Philippines DFA 04 Oct 2024 -- The Philippines expresses grave concern over the increasing tensions in the Middle East region.
• DFA Statement on the Israeli Ground Operation in Lebanon Philippines DFA 04 Oct 2024 -- The Philippines expresses grave concern over the increasing tensions in the Middle East region marked by Israeli ground operations in Lebanon.
• No: 205, 4 October 2024, Regarding the Israeli Attack on the Occupied West Bank City of Tulkarm Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024
• 'Brutal massacre': At least 18 Palestinians killed in Israeli air raid on Tulkarm Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- At least 18 people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Tulkarm refugee camp in the West Bank, marking the deadliest aerial assault in the occupied territory since the Tel Aviv regime launched its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip last October.
• US-British strikes will not stop Yemen's anti-Israel operations: Govt. spokesman Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- The spokesperson for Yemen's government has downplayed the US-British strikes on his country, saying they will not stop Sana'a from conducting operations in support of Palestine and Lebanon.
• Two Israeli troopers killed in Iraqi drone attack, 24 others injured Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- The Israeli military says an Iraqi drone attack on an Israeli base in the occupied Golan Heights on has killed at least two soldiers and injured 24 others.
• Iraqi resistance carries out separate drone attacks on Israeli-occupied territories Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- Iraq's Islamic Resistance says it has carried three separate drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories in support of the Muslim nations of Palestine and Lebanon.
• 25 Zionist soldiers killed, injured in drone attack of Iraqi Islamic resistance IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- As a result of the Iraqi Islamic Resistance's drone attack on a military base of the Zionist regime in the occupied Golan region, 25 soldiers of this regime were killed and wounded.
• Iraqi Islamic resistance hits 3 targets in occupied Palestine: Report IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance of Iraq says it has launched drone attacks on locations in occupied Palestine, media outlets have reported.
• Iraqi resistance launches advanced drone attack on occupied lands IRNA 04 Oct 2024 -- The Islamic Resistance of Iraq announced targeting a point in the south of the occupied territories by an advanced drone for the first time.

Other Conflicts

• PH denounces use of force vs. Vietnamese fishers in Paracels Philippine News Agency 04 Oct 2024 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it opposes the use of force in the South China Sea after a clash between Chinese maritime authorities and Vietnamese fishermen in the Paracel Islands resulted in four injured fisherfolk on Sept. 29.
• Philippines slams alleged Chinese attack on Vietnamese fishermen Radio Free Asia 04 Oct 2024 -- Manila on Friday joined Hanoi to denounce an alleged Chinese attack on a Vietnamese fishing boat in the South China Sea, saying such violence had no place in territorial disputes that embroil several countries.
• The Azadi Briefing: U.S. Scraps Afghan Envoy Post RFE/RL 04 Oct 2024
• Moscow Pushes For Lifting Sanctions On Taliban-Led Afghanistan, U.S. Remains Cautious RFE/RL 04 Oct 2024 -- Russia has urged the West to lift sanctions on Taliban-led Afghanistan and called for the inclusion of its government in discussions about the country's future in direct opposition to the U.S. position of keeping sanctions against the regime in place.
• Press release on the meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at the sixth meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan, Moscow, October 4, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024
• Rebels battle for Myanmar junta's western military headquarters Radio Free Asia 04 Oct 2024 -- Ethnic minority insurgents in Myanmar are battling hard to capture a major military headquarters in Rakhine state, residents told Radio Free Asia on Friday, the loss of which would deal the junta a serious setback in the western-most state.
• Chinese envoy urges Somali parties to stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue Global Times 04 Oct 2024 -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on all Somali parties to keep up the momentum, strengthen dialogue and unity, and stay committed to resolving differences through dialogue.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meetings with Foreign Minister of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba and Foreign Minister of South Ossetia Akhsar Dzhioev Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Abkhazia Sergey Shamba, Moscow, October 4, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Ossetia Akhsar Dzhioev, Moscow, October 4, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024
• UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement on South Sudan UK FCDO 04 Oct 2024 -- UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the OHCHR on technical assistance for South Sudan. Delivered by the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.
• Gang attacks Haitian town, killing more than 70 VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- The United Nations secretary-general joined the Haitian prime minister Friday in strongly condemning a horrific overnight gang attack on a town outside Haiti's capital that killed at least 70 people, including at least 10 women and three infants.
• UNHCR calls for continued international solidarity to address displacement and insecurity in Haiti UNHCR 04 Oct 2024 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for increased and urgent attention, support, and solutions for Haitians affected by violence and insecurity, including those who have been forcibly displaced.
• Gang attack in Haiti's Pont Sondé leaves 70 dead UN News 04 Oct 2024 -- An attack by a notorious gang in the town of Pont Sondé, Haiti, left at least 70 people dead on Thursday, after gunmen armed with automatic rifles opened fire, a spokesperson for the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday.
• Somalia-Ethiopia tensions escalate; UN urges diplomatic resolution VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- In a crucial week for Somalia's security plan, discussions in Washington and New York have underscored the urgent need for preparation for the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a maritime agreement Ethiopia signed with Somaliland raised concerns among international stakeholders.

News Reports

• Angara System to Play Key Role in Providing Russia With Independent Access to Space- Putin Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that Russia's Space Forces will continue to make a unique contribution to strengthening the combat capabilities of the country's Armed Forces and enhancing its defense capacity.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's article for Russia in Global Affairs magazine «The UN must recover its central role in coordinating actions by nations», October 4, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Oct 2024
• At Security Council Meeting on Sabotage of Nord Stream Pipeline, Many Speakers Condemn Attacks on Critical Infrastructure, Stress Need for Accountability UN Security Council 04 Oct 2024 -- Several Members Call Out Russian Federation for Wasting Organ's Time, Resources while Moscow Destroys Ukraine's Infrastructure
• The Week In Russia: 'So Many Red Lines' RFE/RL 04 Oct 2024 -- President Vladimir Putin rattles Russia's nuclear sabers once again, but analysts say it's more signals than substance. And as Moscow's war against Ukraine heads toward winter, the Kremlin seeks to fill the ranks amid grinding territorial gains and massive human losses.
• China-connected spamouflage networks spread antisemitic disinformation VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- Spamouflage networks with connections to China are posting antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media, casting doubt on Washington's independence from alleged Jewish influence and the integrity of the two U.S. presidential candidates, a joint investigation by VOA Mandarin and Taiwan's Doublethink Lab, a social media analytics firm, has found.
• US adds 2 more Chinese companies to Uyghur slavery blacklist Radio Free Asia 04 Oct 2024 -- The United States has banned imports from two more Chinese companies suspected of using Uyghurs for forced labor, bringing the number of entities on the blacklist to 75.
• EU backs tariffs on Chinese EVs despite concerns about Chinese retaliation VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- European Union countries voted Friday to adopt tariffs of up to 45% on electric vehicles, or EVs, imported from China.
• China's National Day holiday subdued amid sluggish economy VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- China's weeklong celebration of its National Day, from October 1, is known as the "golden week" because it's the Asian giant's biggest week for travel, tourism and leisure spending. However, some Chinese who spoke to VOA Mandarin described this year's National Day as a national day of mourning because of higher costs while the economy is struggling.
• 'We are a sovereign country,' Lai says at National Day event CNA 04 Oct 2024 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Saturday at a National Day event that Taiwan is a sovereign country that should be loved by its people, and he urged them to protect its freedoms and democracy.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 04 Oct 2024
• North Korea to use all forces including nuclear if attacked: Kim Jong Un Radio Free Asia 04 Oct 2024 -- North Korea would use nuclear weapons "without hesitation" if its territory was attacked by the United States and its ally South Korea, leader Kim Jong Un said, days after South Korea warned that North Korea's regime would be finished it it tried to use its nuclear weapons.
• Solving North Korean abduction issue 'most important task': Japan's new PM Radio Free Asia 04 Oct 2024 -- Solving the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea is the "most important task" for the government, said newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
• Nuclear stalemate sparks debate over information campaign aimed at North Korea VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- As a nuclear standoff between the United States and North Korea continues with no diplomatic off-ramp in sight, some experts in Washington say an information campaign aimed at pressing North Korea should be considered as an alternative strategy, while others caution against such an approach.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Training Base of Special Operation Units of KPA in Western Area KCNA 04 Oct 2024 -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, inspected the training base of the special operation units of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in the western area on October 2 to learn about the drills of combatants.
• Press Statement of Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Is It "Boast of Strength" by Group of Curs or Funeral Procession of Colonial Mercenary Army = Impression on Event Marking "ROK Armed Forces' Day" = KCNA 04 Oct 2024 -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, released the following press statement on Thursday:
• U.S. Advises Israel Against Hitting Iranian Oil Fields RFE/RL 04 Oct 2024 -- U.S. President Joe Biden said on October 4 there had been no decision yet on what type of response Israel should mount against Iran but advised against striking Iran's oil facilities.
• US Has No Intention to Participate in Potential Israeli Strikes on Iran - Reports Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- The United States is not expected to take part in Israel's possible retaliatory strikes against Iran, the Financial Times reported on Friday.
• Tehran Will Strike Israeli Refineries, Gas Fields If Israel Attacks Iran - IRGC Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- Tehran will strike Israeli refineries, gas fields if Israel attack Iran, deputy commander in the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ali Fadavi, said on Friday.
• Iran to destroy all Israel gas fields, power plants at once if Tel Aviv makes mistake: Deputy IRGC chief Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- Iran will simultaneously destroy all of Israel's energy facilities if the regime attempts any new aggression against Iran, warns IRGC's deputy-in-command.
• Iran, Qatar reach 'good understanding' on $6bn unfrozen funds, says Pezeshkian Press TV 04 Oct 2024 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran has reached a "good understanding" with Qatar on the $6 billion in Iranian funds that are being withheld by Doha after their release from South Korean banks.
• Iranian Supreme Leader Calls Tehran's Missile Strike on Israel Legitimate Sputnik 04 Oct 2024 -- The Palestinian people have the right to defend their land, and providing them with assistance is lawful, as are the actions of the Iranian armed forces during the recent missile attack on Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said in a rare sermon on Friday.
• Iran's supreme leader defends missile attack on Israel VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- In a rare appearance at Friday prayers, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the country and its regional proxies will not back down against Israel, hours after an Israeli attack on Beirut thought to have targeted the heir apparent to Tehran-backed Hezbollah's slain secretary general.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (October 04, 2024) India MEA 04 Oct 2024
• Government Orders Army To Deploy In Islamabad Amid Standoff With Ex-PM Khan's Supporters RFE/RL 04 Oct 2024 -- The Pakistani government has ordered the deployment of army troops in Islamabad beginning on October 5 amid a tense standoff as Pakistani security forces blocked the main access roads and cut off the mobile phone signal in order to prevent thousands of supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan from entering the city and rallying for his release.
• Pakistan locks down capital, suspends cellphones to thwart opposition rally VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- Pakistan Friday imposed strict security measures in and around Islamabad to deter supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan from marching on the country's capital.
• US tech giants face human rights concerns over Vietnam investments Radio Free Asia 04 Oct 2024 -- Tech giant Meta announced this week it will manufacture virtual reality headsets in Vietnam, creating about 1,000 jobs, but the parent company of Facebook has not commented on whether it discussed freedom of speech with leaders of a government that regularly jails its citizens for expressing even mild dissent on social media.
• UN rights council examines nuclear legacy consequences in the Marshall Islands UN News 04 Oct 2024 -- The UN Human Rights Council held a dialogue on Friday to examine the nuclear testing legacy in the Marshall Islands, which representatives from the Pacific nation said has left their people with some of the highest rates of cancer globally.
• Uganda's military threatens US ambassador with expulsion VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- The chief of Uganda's defense forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has given U.S. Ambassador William Popp until Monday morning to apologize or leave the country.
• Tunisia's president faces little challenge ahead of Sunday's vote VOA 04 Oct 2024 -- On a warm fall evening five years ago, supporters of the moderate Islamist Ennadha party packed one end of Tunis' Habib Bourguiba Boulevard, the iconic landmark of Tunisia's 2011 revolution. The other end hosted a boisterous get-out-the vote for business tycoon Nabil Karaoui — one of 26 candidates running in the North African country's 2019 presidential race.