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Defense Policy / Programs

• Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfers Announced DoD 18 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense announced today the repatriation of Mohammed Farik bin Amin (ISN 10021) and Mohammed Nazir bin Lep (ISN 10022) from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Malaysia.
• Assistant Secretary of Defense Dr. Celeste Wallander Chairs Virtual G7 Defense Political Directors' Working Group DoD 18 Dec 2024
• Army considers microreactors to increase installation readiness and resilience US Army 18 Dec 2024 -- The U.S. Army is engaging with the advanced nuclear energy industry to explore potentially siting a microreactor on one or more Army installations by 2030, in furtherance of the Army's commitment to installation resilience and mission readiness.
• Army's top sustainer, top operations officer in Europe visit APS-2 site in Mannheim Army News 18 Dec 2024 -- With just a few months in the seat, the top operations officer from U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted a site visit to the Coleman Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite Dec. 11.
• Strengthening partnerships under the waves: URC and UUVRON 1 practice undersea rescue fundamentals with the Peruvian Navy US Navy 18 Dec 2024 -- On the surface, Sailors assigned to the Undersea Rescue Command (URC) and Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Group ONE (UUVGRU-1) received a notification of a disabled submarine (DISSUB) in need of assistance.
• United States Naval Test Pilot School graduates Class 165 US Navy 18 Dec 2024 -- NASA astronauts delivered the keynote address during the graduation ceremony for the United States Naval Test Pilot School.
• NATO Allies and the U.S. Navy Strengthen Interoperability in Denmark and France with VLS Reloads US Navy 18 Dec 2024 -- Naval Cargo Handling Battalions 10 and 1 reload vertical launching systems for USS Gettysburg (CG 64) in Skagen, Denmark and USS Stout (DDG 55) in Brest, France.
• Navy Awards $3,459,276,000 Contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation to Develop Successor to E-6B Mercury Aircraft US Navy Press Release 18 Dec 2024 -- The U.S. Navy announced today that it has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation a $3.549B contract to conduct the mission-systems integration for the E-130J, which will be the successor to the E-6B Mercury for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission.
• DOD Releases Chemical and Biological Defense Program Enterprise Strategy DoD 18 Dec 2024 -- The Department of Defense released today, the 2024 Chemical and Biological Defense Program (2024 CBDP) Enterprise Strategy. It replaces the 2020 CBDP strategy and positions the Department to ensure the total force to carry out its missions in the face of advanced chemical and biological threats.
• Senior leaders chart the future of the Space Force at CSIS United States Space Force 18 Dec 2024 -- In the midst of the U.S. Space Force's fifth anniversary week, the service's senior leaders touted Guardian and service accomplishments during the Center for Strategic and International Studies' "Celebrating the U.S. Space Force and Charting Its Future" event in Washington, D.C., Dec. 17.
• National Space Defense Center spearheads NACE experiments United States Space Force 18 Dec 2024 -- The National Space Defense Center has created the NSDC Advanced Concept Experimentation to innovate and optimize the NSDC's ability to execute the protect and defend mission.
• U.S. Navy completes final testing milestone for Unmanned Surface Vessel Program US Navy 18 Dec 2024 -- The U.S. Navy completes a 720-hour power demonstration on a USV engine system, testing the capability and resilience of engine systems to operate autonomously for extended periods.
• The President: NATO Summit in The Hague requires concrete actions, not just words President of the Republic of Lithuania 18 Dec 2024 -- President Gitanas Nausėda, during the meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, emphasized that Lithuania expects concrete decisions at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, which should aim to strengthen NATO, enhance support for Ukraine, and deter Russia.
• Remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with the Chair of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Presidency, Željka Cvijanović NATO 18 Dec 2024 -- President Cvijanović, dear Željka, welcome again to NATO headquarters. Thank you for being here today as chairwoman of Bosnia Herzegovina's presidency.
• NATO Secretary General commends Lithuania for defence production, support to Ukraine NATO 18 Dec 2024 -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Lithuania's President Gitanas Nausėda to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (18 December 2024), to discuss NATO's deterrence and defence and support to Ukraine.
• Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - First Deputy Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Valery Gerasimov held a briefing for military attaches of foreign states Russia MoD 18 Dec 2024 -- Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - First Deputy Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Valery Gerasimov held a briefing for military attachés of foreign states in Moscow. The briefing with the participation of foreign military attachés was devoted to the results of the Russian Defence Ministry's activities in 2024.
• US Withdrew From Arms Treaties to Develop New Weapons - Russian General Sputnik 18 Dec 2024 -- The US pulled out of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM), Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) and Open Skies treaties so it could build more destructive weapons, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov has said.
• Defense Official Outlines Continued Support for Ukraine DoD News 18 Dec 2024 -- The Defense Department is committed to helping Ukraine prevail amid Russia's ongoing war of aggression and will continue sending key capabilities to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs in the weeks to come, a senior defense official said Monday.
• Zelenskyy: Ukraine lacks military strength to recover its Russian-occupied land VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- Ukraine's president told a French newspaper Wednesday that his country does not have the military might to take back its Russian-occupied territories.
• Zelenskyy to meet with NATO, European leaders in push to bolster defenses VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Wednesday with NATO chief Mark Rutte and European leaders in Brussels as Ukraine seeks to bolster its defenses against Russian forces.
• JEF Leaders' Summit Emphasizes Continued Support for Ukraine Government of Iceland 18 Dec 2024 -- Security developments in Europe, support for Ukraine, and increased defence cooperation were among the topics discussed by the leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) at their summit in Tallinn, Estonia, which concluded today.
• Senior Defense Official Briefs on 2024 China Military Power Report DoD 18 Dec 2024
• Report: Despite Corruption Problems, China Progresses Toward Modernization DoD News 18 Dec 2024 -- The Defense Department today released the annual "Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China" report, a congressionally mandated annual report that offers insight into the capabilities, strategies and goals of China and its military.
• China now has more than 600 nuclear warheads, Pentagon says Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- China's military is now in possession of more than 600 operational nuclear warheads, according to a new report from the Pentagon, tripling its estimated arsenal in just four years.
• China Military Power Report (CMPR) Fact Sheet DOD 18 Dec 2024 -- A fact sheet detailing the highlights of the 2024 China Military Power Report.
• China conducts military drills near Vietnam Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- China began on Wednesday military drills in an area overlapping with Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, in the South China Sea, the Sanya Maritime Safety Administration said in a navigation warning.
• Lawmakers agree on domestic submarine prototype budget CNA 18 Dec 2024 -- Lawmakers across party lines agreed on a budget proposal for the building of an indigenous submarine prototype despite the fact that opposition lawmakers had previously threatened to slash the budget.
• Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - First Deputy Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Valery Gerasimov held a briefing for military attaches of foreign states Russia MoD 18 Dec 2024 -- Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation - First Deputy Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Valery Gerasimov held a briefing for military attachés of foreign states in Moscow. The briefing with the participation of foreign military attachés was devoted to the results of the Russian Defence Ministry's activities in 2024.
• Albanese Government to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in Rockingham Australia DOD 18 Dec 2024 -- The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments will deliver a series of studies to inform future infrastructure and transport requirements around HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia.
• ACCIDENT IN MUMBAI HARBOUR INVOLVING INDIAN NAVY CRAFT AND CIVIL FERRY NEEL KAMAL India PIB 18 Dec 2024 -- At about 1600 h on 18 Dec 24 a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry Neel Kamal off Karanja, Mumbai
• Raksha Rajya Mantri presides over Commissioning of Indian Navy's 2nd State-of-the-Art Survey vessel INS Nirdeshak India PIB 18 Dec 2024 -- INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of Survey Vessel (Large) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy, in a ceremony presided over by Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth on 18 December 2024 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
• Norway and Germany sign agreement on space cooperation Government of Norway 18 Dec 2024 -- During a visit to Haakonsvern on 2 December, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed a letter of intent aimed at strengthening space cooperation and the partnership between Norway and Germany.
• Norway switches on Arctic Broadband Network Government of Norway 18 Dec 2024 -- With two Norwegian satellites launched this summer, the Armed Forces can now communicate more effectively and operate with greater efficiency in the High North.
• Minister of National Defence D. Šakalienė met with a Swedish manufacturer about tracked CV-90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles Lithuania MND 18 Dec 2024 -- Today Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė met with representatives of the Swedish manufacturer BAE Systems Hägglunds to discuss acquisition of the CV-90 tracked infantry fighting vehilces and closer cooperation with the Lithuanian Defence industry.
• Minister Budrys: Lithuania is interested in expanding cooperation with Norway on security and defence Lithuania MFA 18 Dec 2024 -- 17 December, Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys had a phone conversation with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, Espen Barth Eide.
• A look at the Defence news 9 - 15 December Netherlands Ministry of Defence 18 Dec 2024
• Poland and Canada will soon sign a cooperation agreement for 2025-2026 Poland - Ministry of National Defence 18 Dec 2024 -- On 18 December, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz met with Canada's Minister of Defence, Bill Blair, in Warsaw.
• Reports on Turkish Military Base in Azerbaijan 'Political Speculations' - Aliyev Sputnik 18 Dec 2024 -- Media reports about Turkiye's alleged plans to establish a military base in Azerbaijan are political speculations, as there is no need for its creation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told Sputnik on Wednesday.
• New Zealand Defence Force Support to Vanuatu New Zealand Defence Force 18 Dec 2024 -- The New Zealand Defence Force is providing assistance to Vanuatu following yesterday's 7.3 magnitude earthquake and is establishing an air bridge taking emergency workers, equipment and supplies to Port Vila.
• P17-B earmarked in 2025 for soldiers' subsistence allowance -solon Philippine News Agency 18 Dec 2024 -- Congress has approved an allocation amounting to PHP17 billion in the proposed 2025 national budget to fund the PHP10,500 monthly subsistence allowance for soldiers, a lawmaker said on Wednesday.
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken in a Conversation at the Council on Foreign Relations US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Daniel Kurtz-Phelan of The Foreign Affairs Interview US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Foreign Minister Lipavský US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024
• Remarks by APNSA Jake Sullivan in a Conversation with Ian Bremmer on the State of National Security The White House 18 Dec 2024
• PM call with President-elect Trump: 18 December 2024 Gov.UK 18 Dec 2024

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Dec. 18, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 18 December 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Dec 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Dec. 17: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 18 Dec 2024
• Gaza ceasefire talks underway with resolved contentious issues: Hamas official IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- A Hamas official has announced that ceasefire talks in Gaza are underway, noting that most contentious issues have been resolved.
• Hamas says hostage deal possible if Israel sets no new conditions People's Daily 18 Dec 2024 -- Hamas said on Tuesday that reaching an agreement for a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges is possible if Israel stops setting new conditions.
• Hamas has recruited 4,000 new fighters: Israeli regime commanders IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- The Israeli regime's military commanders have said that the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has recruited nearly 4,000 new fighters despite the regime's devastating campaign of attacks against Gaza, where Hamas is based.
• Occupied Palestinian Territory: Security Council hears of ongoing violence, 'relentless' Israeli settlement expansion UN News 18 Dec 2024 -- The United Nations continues to voice major concern over hostilities and Israeli settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), the Security Council heard on Wednesday.
• Winter rains and aid obstacles worsen ordeal for one million Gazans UN News 18 Dec 2024 -- Nearly one million Gazans risk spending winter without adequate shelter as UN agencies struggle to provide cold weather assistance, amid ongoing Israeli bombardment, repeated evacuation orders and restrictions on aid deliveries, they warned on Wednesday.
• Noting More than 45,000 Palestinians Have Been Killed in Gaza, Assistant Secretary-General Tells Security Council 'Ceasefire Is Long Overdue' UN Security Council 18 Dec 2024 -- The collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the relentless bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces is horrific and unjustifiable, a high-level United Nations official told the Security Council today, which also heard from the brother of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas, who implored the 15-member organ not to let his brother's life to be "used as a bargaining chip".
• Israel must stop demolition of Palestinian homes in occupied West Bank: OCHA Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- Israel is accelerating steps to consolidate the annexation of the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds; replacing Palestinian communities with settlers in violation of international law.
• UN relief chief: Gaza 'apocalyptic'; almost impossible to deliver aid amid Israeli siege Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- The United Nations has raised the alarm about the "apocalyptic" situation in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli regime's 14-month genocide and tightened siege in the Palestinian territory.
• World has 'embarrassingly failed to stop Israel amid incessant US support': FM Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has deplored the international community's abject failure to stop the Israeli regime's violations amid untrammeled support provided for Tel Aviv by the United States, its biggest ally.
• Iran FM calls for Israel's immediate withdrawal from occupied lands IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for an immediate withdrawal of the Israeli regime from the occupied territories in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
• "Lebanon's security cannot be assessed separate from the region's stability" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 18 Dec 2024 -- Holding a joint press conference with Prime Minister Mikati of Lebanon, President Erdoğan said: "Lebanon's security cannot be assessed separate from the region's stability. And our region cannot find peace unless a ceasefire and permanent peace is established in Gaza."
• The UK calls on Israel to stop illegal settlement expansion on Palestinian land: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Other Conflicts

• Sweden in Afghanistan 2001-2021 Government Offices of Sweden 18 Dec 2024 -- Summary of the Report of the All-Party Committee of Inquiry on Sweden's Engagement in Afghanistan 2001-2021 (SOU 2024:92).
• New details emerge on Israel's actions in Syrian buffer zone, change in US position VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- New details have emerged of Israel's occupation of a Golan Heights buffer zone since Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad fell from power this month. Assad's fall also coincided with a change in U.S. language on Israeli activity in the zone from several weeks prior, VOA has learned.
• Israeli troops won't withdraw from Syria's Jabal al-Shaykh: Netanyahu IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israeli troops will not withdraw from a "buffer zone" in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
• UN condemns Israel for violating 1974 Syria truce deal after seizing 'buffer zone' Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- The United Nations has denounced Israel for violating a 50-year-old ceasefire agreement with Syria after Israeli troops captured a buffer zone, as the occupying regime continues its efforts to claim more Syrian territory following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
• Netanyahu says Israeli troops will remain in Syrian territory until 'another arrangement' Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- The Israeli prime minister says the regime's troops will remain stationed at a so-called "buffer zone" inside the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, seized following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, until another arrangement is found that will "ensure the usurping regime's security."
• Syria: UN envoy concludes talks in Damascus, citing hope for democratic future UN News 18 Dec 2024 -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria concluded talks in Damascus on Wednesday, expressing optimism that the fall of the Assad regime could mark the start of a peaceful and democratic transition for the shattered country, while acknowledging challenges remain.
• Peace must prevail for Syria's children UNICEF 18 Dec 2024 -- Statement by UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edouard Beigbeder
• Analysts: Syrian rebels adopt approach similar to Taliban's to seek international recognition VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- While the international community is setting conditions for the new rulers in Syria, the leading rebel group has taken a conciliatory approach, similar to one the Taliban adopted in Afghanistan, to seek international recognition, say analysts.
• Senior Iranian diplomat warns of Syria's disintegration, spread of insecurity to Iraq Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- A high-ranking Iranian diplomat says destruction of Syria and rendering it weak in the face of the Israeli regime's aggression have always formed part of the United States and the regime's agenda, warning that the Arab country could fall apart amid the conflicting foreign interests that have come to affect it.
• China ready to play constructive role to help Syria restore peace, stability: envoy Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- China hopes Syria will achieve peace and restore stability as soon as possible, and is ready to play a constructive role to that end, a Chinese envoy said on Tuesday.
• Myanmar military defends Bhamo with bombing blitz, residents say Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- Myanmar's ruling military battled to defend a major northern town on Wednesday as its forces also came under pressure in the west and the east and its most important ally China worked to stop the onslaught by insurgents determined to end the generals' rule.
• WFP Statement on humanitarian assistance in Northern Rakhine State WFP 18 Dec 2024 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is aware of media reports indicating that WFP marked food bags which were allegedly found in a building previously used by border guard forces in Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar.
• 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question reaches six points of consensus Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- The 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question was held on Wednesday in Beijing where six points of consensus were reached.
• 23rd Meeting of the Special Representatives of India and China India MEA 18 Dec 2024 -- The 23rd Meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China, respectively Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India, and Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was held in Beijing on 18 December 2024.
• Chinese VP meets India's national security adviser Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Shri Ajit Doval, India's national security adviser and special representative for the India-China boundary question, in Beijing on Wednesday.
• South Sudan: Arbitrary arrests and detentions remain serious concern OHCHR 18 Dec 2024 -- Arbitrary arrests and ensuing detention of civilians remain a serious human rights concern in South Sudan, according to a joint report by the UN Human Rights Office and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Some 1,140 civilians were arbitrarily arrested and then detained for varying periods between January 2023 to May this year - among them at least 162 women and 87 children, according to the report.
• South Sudan set to hold elections in 2026, but will it be ready? VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- South Sudan is due to hold long-delayed general elections in December 2026, and some wonder if the world's youngest nation will be ready.
• More than 2 million Nigerians kidnapped in one year, survey finds VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- Security officials in Nigeria are raising concerns after a National Bureau of Statistics survey revealed that more than 2 million people were kidnapped in the West African nation between May 2023 and April 2024, and that Nigerians paid a cumulative $1.42 billion to kidnappers within the same period.

News Reports

• Former Member of Congress Charged with Acting as an Unregistered Agent of a Venezuelan National US Dept. of Justice 18 Dec 2024 -- A grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment yesterday charging David Rivera, 59, of Miami, with a scheme to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and to launder funds to conceal and promote his criminal conduct.
• New York Resident Pleads Guilty to Operating Secret Police Station of the Chinese Government in Lower Manhattan US Dept. of Justice 18 Dec 2024 -- Chen Jinping, 60, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to act as an illegal agent of the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), in connection with opening and operating an undeclared overseas police station, located in lower Manhattan, for the PRC's Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
• New York man pleads guilty to helping run 'secret Chinese police station' Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- Manhattan resident Chen Jinping has pleaded guilty to a charge in federal court related to running a secret Chinese police station in New York.
• CIDG files cybercrime raps vs. alleged Chinese spy Philippine News Agency 18 Dec 2024 -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed cases for violation of cybercrime laws against a Chinese national suspected of being a spy who was arrested in Makati City in May.
• Bird flu spillover to other species poses global health threat, experts warn VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- International human and animal health experts warn the H5N1 avian influenza is evolving quickly and posing a global health threat as the virus is increasingly crossing species barriers and infecting a wide range of domestic and wild mammals.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 18, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Dec 2024
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Dec 2024
• U.S., U.K. Say Medvedev's Comment Calling NATO Officials 'Legitimate Targets' Irresponsible RFE/RL 18 Dec 2024 -- The U.K. and U.S. governments on December 18 said the comments of Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev following the assassination of a high-ranking Russian general by Ukrainian security services were irresponsible and yet another sign of Moscow's desperation.
• Re-Imposing Sanctions on Certain Entities Involved in Nord Stream 2 US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024 -- Fact Sheet
• FSB Arrests Ukraine-Recruited Terrorist For Deadly Blast That Killed General Kirillov Sputnik 18 Dec 2024 -- Russian chemical defense chief Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov and his assistant were killed on Tuesday morning by an explosion of a device planted on an electric scooter at the entrance of his apartment building in Moscow.
• Russia arrests suspect 'recruited by Ukraine' over killing of top general Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- Russian authorities say they have arrested a suspect in connection with the assassination of top General Igor Kirillov, head of the country's army's chemical weapons division, adding that he was recruited by Ukraine.
• Migrants On Edge As Russia Arrests Uzbek Over Ukraine's Assassination Of General RFE/RL 18 Dec 2024 -- Russia accused Kyiv of "terrorism" after authorities said they had detained an Uzbek citizen who confessed to planting an explosive device that killed a high-ranking Russian officer on the instruction of Ukrainian intelligence.
• Fear And Economic Uncertainty Weaken Russia's Pull For Central Asian Migrants RFE/RL 18 Dec 2024 -- Aktilek, an entrepreneur from Kyrgyzstan, worked in Russia for a decade as a street-cleaner, cook, and taxi driver before returning to his homeland due to illness.
• Expert: Several African governments unaware of young workers in Russian drone factories VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- They were promised a chance to earn money, get an education abroad, and gain work experience. Instead, they found themselves assembling military drones in Russia and, in one case, subjected to a Ukrainian drone strike.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on December 18, 2024 PRC MofA 18 Dec 2024
• Sanctioned by China, Rubio confident in engaging Beijing as US top diplomat VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a "substantive" face-to-face meeting Wednesday morning with Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump as his nominee for the next U.S. secretary of state. The meeting comes as Trump's team prepares for the transition process.
• Chinese FM responds to upcoming vote in the US on legislation to restrict American investments in China Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- Regarding the upcoming vote in the US on legislation to restrict American investments in China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday that China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial and serves the interests of both peoples.
• China firmly opposes certain US politicians smearing China's anti-drug efforts, says Chinese FM on US lawmakers proposing bills targeting 'China's role in fentanyl crisis' Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- In response to an inquiry regarding a bipartisan group of US lawmakers proposing three bills aimed at addressing "China's role in the US fentanyl crisis," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said China certainly won't accept it when some US politicians distort the facts and use disinformation to smear China's counternarcotics efforts.
• Xi Jinping arrives in Macau to mark 25 years of Chinese rule Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the former Portuguese colonial city of Macau on Wednesday to mark the 25th anniversary of its handover to Chinese rule amid tight security and a clampdown on dissidents, including those living overseas.
• 'One Country, Two Systems' practice with Macao characteristics has achieved remarkable success in past 25 years: FM spokesperson Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- In response to Macao's upcoming celebration of the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland on December 20, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Wednesday that over the past 25 years, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics has achieved remarkable success. With the strong support of the central government, Macao has actively engaged in foreign exchanges and cooperation, significantly expanding its network of international connections.
• China, US can achieve 'great things' if they join hands: FM Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that as long as China and the US join hands, great things can be accomplished, while stressing that China firmly safeguards its sovereignty, security and development interests, and resolutely opposes the illegal and unreasonable suppression of China by the US.
• Shenzhou-19 crew members complete first extravehicular activities, setting new record for EVA duration by taikonauts Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- Shenzhou-19 crew members aboard China's orbiting space station on Tuesday completed the first extravehicular activities (EVAs) of their mission.
• China's commercial aerospace sector builds full industrial chain People's Daily 18 Dec 2024 -- At 10:25 p.m. (Beijing Time), Nov. 30, a Long March-12 carrier rocket blasted off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Dongjiao township, Wenchang, south China's Hainan province, and sent two experimental satellites into their planned orbits. The launch mission achieved complete success at 10:48 p.m., according to Hainan provincial authorities.
• Cases of minors endangering national security in China on the rise: MSS Global Times 18 Dec 2024 -- The Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) disclosed several typical cases involving minors engaging in activities that endanger national security. These cases reveal a rising trend that minors are targeted and recruited by foreign espionage and intelligence agencies, causing serious social concerns, according to the MSS WeChat account on Wednesday.
• Taiwan defense chief sees call for more transparency as a 'dilemma' CNA 18 Dec 2024 -- An American scholar's recent call for greater transparency in reporting China's military incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) presents a difficult choice, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said Wednesday.
• Taiwan urges China not to attach political strings to cross-strait travel CNA 18 Dec 2024 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Wednesday urged Beijing not to politicize cross-strait travel and to lift all restrictions, reiterating that Chinese tourists are welcome to visit Taiwan.
• Ex-President Ma departs for 'bridge of peace' trip to China CNA 18 Dec 2024 -- Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said Wednesday he aims to build a "bridge of peace," as he embarked on his second visit to China this year.
• Mainland slams DPP for obstructing mainland participation in Shanghai-Taipei City Forum People's Daily 18 Dec 2024 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday condemned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for deliberately blocking mainland participation in the 2024 Shanghai-Taipei City Forum that resulted in the exclusion of several delegates and journalists from the event.
• US finalizes $406 million subsidy for Taiwan semiconductor part maker Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- The United States finalized a $406 million grant for GlobalWafers, a key Taiwanese semiconductor component manufacturer, amid concerns that President-elect Donald Trump might overturn a law promoting U.S. semiconductor production through subsidies, including to foreign companies.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Dec 2024
• Tensions escalating over DPR Korea, political affairs chief warns Security Council UN News 18 Dec 2024 -- The UN's top political affairs official on Wednesday expressed grave concern over rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, urging the Security Council to uphold the objective of preventing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) - more commonly known as North Korea - from becoming a nuclear armed State.
• Democratic People's Republic of Korea Faces Security Council Scrutiny Over Military Aid to Russian Federation amid Reports of Troop Deaths UN Security Council 18 Dec 2024 -- Following reports of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's troops killed in the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, the Security Council today examined growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amid ongoing disputes over sanctions on the North-East Asian country.
• Expert: North Korea accelerating production, transfer of arms to Russia VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- An independent weapons expert told the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday that North Korea is procuring parts for missiles from third countries and producing and transferring them to Russia faster than previously thought, for use in its war against Ukraine.
• DPRK must cease its support for Russia's illegal war in Ukraine: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Dec 2024 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea.
• US sanctions 2 Chinese nationals over money laundering to support North Korea Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- The United States announced Tuesday sanctions against two Chinese nationals and one entity over money laundering to support North Korea, a day after it blacklisted 19 individuals and entities for ties to the North's missile program and deployment of troops to Russia.
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Contributors to Iran's UAV and Missile Programs US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024 -- The United States is imposing sanctions on one individual and two Iran-based entities that support proliferation of Iran's ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which continues to destabilize the Middle East and enables Russia's war against Ukraine.
• U.S. Sanctions on Two Iran-Based Entities Pursuant to E.O. 13949 and One Iranian Individual Pursuant to E.O. 13382 US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024 -- Fact Sheet
• Treasury Targets Facilitators for Procuring Sensitive Navigational Systems for Iran US Treasury 18 Dec 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning two entities and two individuals for their role in developing and procuring components for sensitive navigational systems for the Iranian military. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization (IRGC ASF SSJO) and other Iranian organizations rely on these strategic components that are necessary for the production and proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles.
• US sanctions 3 individuals, 4 entities over links to Iranian military Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- The United States has announced new sanctions on Iranian and non-Iranian individuals and entities that it claims have been linked to Iran's military programs to design and develop legal weapons.
• Iran rejects Canada-sponsored UNGA resolution as baseless, political Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry has rejected the Canadian-sponsored anti-Iran resolution by the UNGA, calling it legally baseless and fundamentally invalid due to its reliance on unfounded claims and flawed generalizations.
• AEOI chief urges IAEA to maintain neutrality IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) has stated that it is unacceptable for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to provocatively address Tehran's commitments without mentioning the failure of the other party to fulfill its obligations.
• Deputy FM slams IAEA chief for drawing hypothetical scenarios about Iran nuclear program IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry's Deputy for Legal and International Affairs has slammed UN atomic chief for drawing hypothetical scenarios for Iran's nuclear program.
• Troika renews anti-Iran accusations ahead of UNSC meeting IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- As the UN Security Council convened Tuesday to review Resolution 2231 and the 2015 nuclear deal, three European countries - Britain, France and Germany- once again repeated their false accusations against Iran's peaceful nuclear program.
• UNSC members call for diplomacy with Iran, talks on JCPOA IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- The UN Security Council (UNSC) periodic meeting to review Resolution 2231 and the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA) saw representatives of several countries stressing the need for diplomacy and efforts to implement the hard-fought 2015 agreement.
• Iran warns E3 against misusing JCPOA snapback mechanism IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while emphasizing his country's commitment to diplomacy and dialogue, has warned Europe that the misuse of the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), will be met with a decisive and proportionate response from Iran.
• Iran nuclear chief urges IAEA to uphold impartiality, refrain from provocations Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) urges the United Nations nuclear agency's Director General Rafael Grossi to preserve the body's impartiality by taking other parties' non-commitment to their obligations towards the Islamic Republic into account.
• Iran warns E3 against misusing JCPOA snapback mechanism Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- Iran has warned that invoking the so-called snapback by three European members of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will be reciprocated by a firm and proportionate response.
• Gharibabadi: Iran's nuclear enrichment program has no military objectives Press TV 18 Dec 2024 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs says the Islamic Republic's nuclear enrichment program has no military objectives and the development of its nuclear program is in line with technical needs.
• UN urges JCPOA signatories to remain committed to diplomacy IRNA 18 Dec 2024 -- The Secretary-General of the United Nations has urged the signatories of the 2015 Iran deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) including the United States to remain committed to a diplomatic solution to revive the agreement in order to achieve sustainable peace and security.
• U.S. Announces Additional Sanctions on Entities Contributing to Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Program US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024 -- In light of the continuing proliferation threat of Pakistan's long-range missile development, the United States is designating four entities for sanctions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
• U.S. Sanctions on Four Entities Contributing to Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Program US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024 -- Fact Sheet
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: OPERATIONALISATION OF THE BHARATIYA ANTRIKSH STATION India PIB 18 Dec 2024 -- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) will fulfil the objectives of an orbiting Indian human spaceflight platform in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: REGULATING GROUND STATION AS A SERVICE INDUSTRY India PIB 18 Dec 2024 -- Department of Space (DoS) has successfully established Deep Space Networks and various large antennas to provide ground station segment for various missions
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROMOTION OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN SPACE SECTOR India PIB 18 Dec 2024 -- The following steps are taken by the Government to further promote private sector involvement and the growth of startups in the space sector in India:
• Minister Blair meets with Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz Canada 18 Dec 2024
• Minister Blair meets with Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds Canada 18 Dec 2024
• No: 257, 18 December 2024, Regarding the Conclusions of the European Union General Affairs Council of 17 December 2024 Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Dec 2024
• "We are advancing with firm steps towards the goal of a great and strong Türkiye that leads the age" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 18 Dec 2024 -- Addressing the TÜBA and TÜBİTAK Awards Ceremony in Ankara, President Erdoğan said: "We are advancing with firm steps towards the goal of a great and strong Türkiye that leads the age. As the country and the nation, we stand strong and take our steps decisively."
• EU-Western Balkans Summit: Press remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Dec 2024
• Albania: press statement by High representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas following the Signing of the Security and Defence Partnership European External Action Service (EEAS) 18 Dec 2024
• In Tokyo, Lithuania and Japan agree to strengthen strategic partnership Lithuania MFA 18 Dec 2024 -- On 17 December, Lithuania and Japan held bilateral political consultations in Tokyo to review the Strategic Partnership between Japan and Lithuania for the first time.
• China-backed Ugandan oil project linked to human rights violations Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2024 -- A US$10-billion oil project in Uganda being developed by France's TotalEnergies and CNOOC of China has been linked to human rights violations, with rights groups accusing the local authorities of repression and forced evictions, and citing sexual violence and environmental damage in connection with the project.
• Georgian President Challenges EU To Press Ruling Party On New Vote RFE/RL 18 Dec 2024 -- Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili challenged the European Union to do more to support pro-EU protesters and press the ruling Moscow-friendly Georgian Dream party to hold new elections following its unilateral decision to postpone negotiations with the 27-member bloc.
• Targeting Financial and Political Enablers of Milorad Dodik US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2024 -- The United States is imposing sanctions today on three individuals and four entities that form part of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik's patronage network and enable the Dodik family's continued attempts to evade U.S. sanctions
• Treasury Targets Financial and Political Enablers of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik US Treasury 18 Dec 2024 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating three individuals and four entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) that form part of U.S.-designated Republika Srpska (RS) President Milorad Dodik's (Dodik) financial network and enable the Dodik family's continued attempts to evade sanctions. Today's action also targets a BiH politician who serves as a key enabler of Dodik's corruption and destabilizing political agenda.
• World News in Brief: Migrants Day, hunger in the Arab world, arbitrary arrests in South Sudan UN News 18 Dec 2024 -- Migration patterns continue to be shaped by conflicts, climate disasters, and economic pressures, with 2024 marking record levels of internal displacement, the UN reported on Wednesday, marking International Migrants Day.
• Chadian election officials ask military for protection ahead of vote VOA 18 Dec 2024 -- Chad's electoral commission has asked the central African state's military to help protect election officials and candidates amid a spike in attacks ahead of Dec. 29 elections.
• UN Report: Hunger in the Arab region reaches a new height as challenges intensify WFP 18 Dec 2024 -- Hunger in the Arab region worsened amid deepening crises in 2023, according to a UN report launched today by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).