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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Federal Government of Somalia engages al-Shabaab with support from U.S. Forces AFRICOM 07 Jan 2025 -- At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al-Shabaab on Dec. 31, 2024.
• General Saree: Yemen targets USS Harry Truman IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The spokesman of the Yemeni armed forces, General Yahya Saree, announced that the USS Harry Truman was targeted by Yemen's armed forces.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Awards $14.3 Million to Expand Sources of Solid Rocket Motors DoD 07 Jan 2025 -- The Department of Defense announced today a $14.3 million award to Anduril Industries, Inc. (Anduril) in Costa Mesa, California, via Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA).
• Navy awards $3.5B contract to Northrop Grumman to develop successor to E-6B Mercury aircraft US Navy 07 Jan 2025 -- The U.S. Navy announced today that it has awarded Northrop Grumman Corp. a $3.5 billion 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.
• US relocates 11 detainees from Guantanamo to Oman after over 2 decades without charge Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The United States has transferred 11 Yemeni detainees from its notorious Guantanamo Bay detention center to Oman, after holding them for more than two decades without charge or trial as part of Washington's so-called "war on terror."
• Operational C2 centers take center stage in Space Flag 25-1 United States Space Force 07 Jan 2025 -- The U.S. Space Force's premier space exercise, Space Flag 25-1, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the exercise with the participation of Operational Command and Control (C2) centers, mostly from U.S. Space Forces - Space, as full players.
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to Travel to Ramstein Air Base to Host 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group DoD 07 Jan 2025
• Austin to Convene Ukraine Coalition Group to Map Country's Future Defense Needs, Objectives DoD News 07 Jan 2025 -- Two senior defense officials told the media this morning that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III intends to gather the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's eight capabilities coalition leaders during the upcoming 25th meeting of the UDCG at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, in order to map out Ukraine's defense capabilities in support of building a credible deterrent force through 2027.
• Trump Acknowledges Russia's Concerns Over Ukraine's Possible Entry Into NATO Sputnik 07 Jan 2025 -- US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed understanding of Russia's position, which opposes Ukraine accession to NATO.
• DOD Releases List of Chinese Military Companies in Accordance with Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 DoD 07 Jan 2025 -- Today, the Department of Defense released an update to the names of "Chinese military companies" operating directly or indirectly in the United States in accordance with the statutory requirement of Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
• China's commerce ministry slams US' addition of 11 Chinese firms to 'Entity List' Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Tuesday expressed firm opposition to the US' addition of 11 Chinese companies to its "Entity List" citing so-called military-related reasons, urging the US to immediately stop its wrongdoing and vowing to take necessary measures to protect Chinese entities' rights and interests.
• Chinese FM urges US to lift sanctions on Chinese firms after Pentagon list Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday urged the US to immediately correct its wrong practices and lift illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on Chinese companies, after several Chinese tech companies including Tencent and battery maker CATL were added to a list of firms allegedly working with China's military.
• US urged to promptly rectify its wrongful actions, says Chinese FM on Chinese tech giants listed over allegations of working with Chinese military Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- We urge the US to immediately correct its wrong practices and lift illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on Chinese companies, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• Taiwan may consider introducing foreign migrants into army Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- Introducing foreign migrants into the armed forces may be considered in the future to overcome a military staffing shortage, Taiwanese politicians and scholars have said.
• DPRK: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest missile launch European External Action Service (EEAS) 07 Jan 2025 -- The EU condemns the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile, which Pyongyang claims was equipped with a hypersonic warhead.
• N Korea successfully tests new hypersonic ballistic missile to 'deter rivals' in Pacific Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says the country's new hypersonic ballistic missile will bolster its deterrent strength against adversaries in the Pacific region.
• North Korea's claim of hypersonic missile launch likely 'deception': Seoul Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- South Korea's military said North Korea's claim of successfully launching a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, or IRBM, tipped with a hypersonic warhead is likely to be a "deception."
• DPRK Missile Administration Succeeds in Test-fire of New-type Intermediate-range Hypersonic Ballistic Missile KCNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The Missile Administration of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully conducted a test-fire of new-type intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile on January 6.
• French Defense Minister Says Drone Development Main Challenge for 2025 Sputnik 07 Jan 2025 -- The development of unmanned aerial vehicles and technologies is the major challenge for the French defense industry in 2025, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday.
• First India-Malaysia Security Dialogue India MEA 07 Jan 2025 -- The first India- Malaysia Security Dialogue was co-chaired by Shri. Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of India and Raja Dato Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin, Director General of the National Security Council of Malaysia on 07 January 2025 in New Delhi, India.
• INS TUSHIL COMPLETES ITS VISIT TO DAKAR, SENEGAL India PIB 07 Jan 2025 -- INS Tushil, the Indian Navy's latest guided missile stealth frigate, has completed its inaugural port visit to Dakar, Senegal, enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations
• DELIVERY OF YARD 132 (LSAM 22) India PIB 07 Jan 2025 -- Induction ceremony of eighth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 22 (Yard 132) was held on 06 Jan 25 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
• IRGC Aerospace Force launches 'Eqtedar 1403' drills near Natanz nuclear facility Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched a large-scale military exercise in the central province of Isfahan.
• First stage of 'Eqtedar 1403' drills kicks off near Natanz nuclear facility in Central Iran IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The first stage of the military exercise, codenamed Eqtedar (Authority) 1403, in the air defense zone of the Natanz nuclear facility, has commenced under the order of Brigadier General Qader Rahimzadeh, commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base.
• Israel signs deal with Elbit to manufacture bombs domestically Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli regime has signed a deal with local arms manufacturer Elbit Systems to produce bombs in a bid to wean itself off imports from the United States and Britain.
• ECDI Signed Contract for Design and Construction of Miinisadam´s Quays and Breakwater Estonia CDI 07 Jan 2025 -- The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and BauEst OÜ have signed a contract for the design and construction of two quays and a breakwater at Miinisadam. The new quays will enable the reception of allied vessels at any time, while the constructed breakwaters will tackle dangerous waves within the harbor.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on December, 2024-January 5, 2025 Lithuania MND 07 Jan 2025
• Why Ivory Coast, Senegal asked French troops to leave VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- In a major shift in West Africa's security landscape, Ivory Coast and Senegal, regional economic powerhouses, have ordered France to remove its troops from their territories.
• Navy assures PH strategic passages under tight watch Philippine News Agency 07 Jan 2025 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday said it is sparing no effort to safeguard strategic passages in the country in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
• PH Navy: Drone found off Masbate possibly launched by surface ship Philippine News Agency 07 Jan 2025 -- The submersible drone recovered off Masbate province last month could have been launched by a surface ship, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday.
• Israeli Company Says Will Supply Anti-Drone Systems to NATO Country Sputnik 07 Jan 2025 -- Israeli defense company Elbit Systems has said it will supply anti-drone systems to a European NATO member state for a total of $60 million.
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2025
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2025
• Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2025
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2025
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 7, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 7 January 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Jan 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Palestinian health officials say Israeli strikes kill 17 in southern Gaza VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Palestinian health officials said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 17 people late Tuesday in the southern Gaza Strip.
• Jan. 6: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 07 Jan 2025
• Hamas says ball in Netanyahu's court over truce deal IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The representative of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in Lebanon says the ball is in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's court concerning a ceasefire agreement between the occupying regime and Hamas.
• More Zionist military personnel killed, injured in Gaza IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli media reports confirm the death of two more officers and the injury of two other soldiers during a battle with Palestinian resistance fighters in the northern Gaza Strip.
• Gaza health ministry warns of 'real disaster' amid Israel's barbarism in hospitals Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The Gaza Ministry of Health has warned that a "real disaster" is sweeping hospitals, oxygen stations, medicine refrigerators, and nurseries in all health facilities still partially operational in the besieged Palestinian territory.
• Hamas seeks formation of 'national consensus government' in Gaza: Hamdan Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- A senior leader of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the group seeks the formation of a national consensus government in the Gaza Strip.
• Lebanese PM calls for setting Israeli troop withdrawal deadline IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The Prime Minister of the Caretaker Government of Lebanon calls for a specific timetable for the complete withdrawal of Zionist forces from southern parts of the Arab country before the end of the 60-day period stipulated in the November ceasefire agreement.
• Beirut's message clear; Israel must leave southern Lebanon: PM Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The prime minister of Lebanon says Beirut has sent a "clear message" to the international overseers of the truce deal with Israel that the regime has to completely withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon before the end of January.
• Lebanon: Appeal for $371.4 million to boost life-saving support UN News 07 Jan 2025 -- The UN and the Government of Lebanon unveiled a $371.4 million extension of the Lebanon Flash Appeal on Tuesday aiming to provide life-saving assistance to civilians affected by the recent conflict and ongoing humanitarian crisis.
• Gaza: Humanitarians assist families impacted by recent airstrike in Deir Al-Balah UN News 07 Jan 2025 -- UN teams in Gaza have carried out a rapid needs assessment in two makeshift sites in Deir Al-Balah following a recent airstrike, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
• United Nations and Lebanese Government Announce $371.4 Million Extended Flash Appeal to Address Growing Humanitarian Needs UNOCHA 07 Jan 2025 -- Today, the United Nations and the Government of Lebanon issued a $371.4 million extension of the Lebanon Flash Appeal, aiming to provide life-saving assistance to civilians affected by the recent conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
• UNRWA chief says Israel sees no distinction in massacre in Gaza IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has said that اumanitarian workers have been regularly a target in Gaza and the Israeli regime sees no distinction in this regard.
• UN World Food Program condemns Israel's attack on its aid convoy in war-torn Gaza Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The World Food Programme (WFP) has strongly condemned the horrifying Israeli attack on its "clearly marked" convoy in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Trump: 'All hell will break out' if Hamas hostages not returned VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday held an omnibus press conference at his Florida estate, where he explained his stances on key foreign policy issues as he prepares to take office in two weeks.
• Palestine, Jordan slam map showing Arab lands as part of 'greater Israel' Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- Palestinian and Jordanian officials have condemned an Israeli map that claimed territories of several Arab countries as part of the so-called "greater Israel."
• Israeli military says it killed 3 militants in West Bank raids VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Israel's military said Tuesday it carried out raids in the occupied West Bank, killing at least three militants and arresting 18 others.
• Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in West Bank IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli regime's military forces have raided several areas in the West Bank, killing two Palestinians in the cities of Tubas and Nablus.
• Palestinian resistance fighters conduct 17 anti-Israel operations in occupied West Bank IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- Palestinian resistance fighters have carried out 17 operations against Israel in the West Bank over the past 24 hours, media outlets have reported.
• Resistance warns Palestinian Authority over Jenin siege as PA seeks US aid for crackdown Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- Palestinian resistance groups have denounced the military operations conducted by the Palestinian Authority (PA) against residents in the Jenin refugee camp, which coincides with the PA's appeal for increased military assistance from the United States.
• Israeli settlers, protected by occupation troops, raid West Bank villages, torch homes, vehicles Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- Israeli settlers shielded by the occupation troops have stormed several villages in the West Bank, setting Palestinian homes, farms and vehicles on fire.
• Palestinian Authority crossed all red lines: Hamas, Fatah IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, a Fatah-aligned coalition of Palestinian armed groups in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, have warned that the Palestinian Authority has crossed all red lines by killing innocent Palestinians.
• Hamas says may appoint new leader soon IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, has said that the resistance group is mulling the appointment of a new leader and may come to a final conclusion in the near future.

Other Conflicts

• Palace concerned about China's monster ship presence in PH territory Philippine News Agency 07 Jan 2025 -- Malacañang on Tuesday expressed concern over the presence of the China Coast Guard's (CCG) "monster ship" in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
• What future awaits Syria's Christian minority? VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- De facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa — whose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters drove President Bashar al-Assad from power last month — recently met with the Mideast nation's Christian leadership after a string of menacing attacks on religious minorities, giving some observers hope the sanctioned militants are ushering in an era of greater inclusion and tolerance, though others remain skeptical.
• US allows transactions with HTS administration in Syria but keeps sanctions in place Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- The United States has issued a sanctions exemption for transactions with the ruling Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration in Syria for six months, as part of efforts purportedly seeking to ease the flow of humanitarian assistance following the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad's government.
• "We will realize our ideal of a terror-free Türkiye" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 07 Jan 2025 -- Speaking at the Administrators' Day event in Ankara, President Erdoğan underscored that they have started to reap the fruits, at home and abroad, of their strategy to eliminate terror at its source, and said: "We will inshallah realize our ideal of a terror-free Türkiye by using all the means of our state. We will selflessly work with you until we make the Century of Türkiye also the century of brotherhood, development and peace."
• Clashes in northwest Pakistan kill 19 militants, 3 soldiers, military says VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Pakistan's armed forces said Tuesday that 19 militants and three soldiers were killed during counter-terrorism operations in its northwestern province bordering Afghanistan.
• Myanmar's junta answers rebel proposal for talks with week of deadly airstrikes Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- Myanmar's junta has rebuffed a New Year's proposal for political dialogue by rebels in Rakhine state with a week of deadly airstrikes, residents say.
• Genocide Determination in Sudan and Imposing Accountability Measures US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2025 -- On April 15, 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a conflict of unmitigated brutality that has resulted in the world's largest humanitarian catastrophe, leaving 638,000 Sudanese experiencing the worst famine in Sudan's recent history, over 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, and tens of thousands dead. (...) The RSF and allied militias have systematically murdered men and boys—even infants—on an ethnic basis, and deliberately targeted women and girls from certain ethnic groups for rape and other forms of brutal sexual violence. Those same militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies. Based on this information, I have now concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan.
• Treasury Sanctions Sudanese Paramilitary Leader, Weapons Supplier, and Related Companies US Treasury 07 Jan 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Mohammad Hamdan Daglo Mousa (Hemedti), the leader of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, "Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition." For nearly two years, Hemedti's RSF has engaged in a brutal armed conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces for control of Sudan, killing tens of thousands, displacing 12 million Sudanese, and triggering widespread starvation.
• 9 killed after Naxals blow up police vehicle in India's Chhattisgarh People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- At least nine people, mostly policemen, were killed Monday after Naxals detonated an improvised explosive device to destroy their vehicle in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.
• More than 5,600 killed in Haiti gang violence in 2024 UN News 07 Jan 2025 -- At least 5,601 people were killed in gang violence in Haiti last year, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday, appealing for greater efforts by the authorities and the international community to address the root causes.
• Haiti: Over 5,600 killed in gang violence in 2024, UN figures show OHCHR 07 Jan 2025 -- At least 5,601 people were killed in Haiti last year as a result of gang violence, an increase of over 1,000 on the total killings for 2023, according to figures verified by the UN Human Rights Office. A further 2,212 people were injured and 1,494 kidnapped.
• UN report: Haitians face 'unremitting violence,' such as kidnapping, lynching VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Haiti's residents are subjected to "unremitting violence," according to Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• 9 million children in Ethiopia out of school; hijab ban in Tigray adds tension VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Over nine million children are currently out of school across Ethiopia due to conflict, violence and natural disasters, with more than 6,000 schools shut down, according to the United Nations.
• Russian gas shipments through Ukraine end; creating trouble for Transnistria VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- With temperatures dipping below freezing this week in Moldova's Russian-backed breakaway region of Transnistria, the end of an agreement to ship natural gas from Russia through Ukraine has led to rolling blackouts, idle factories and a lack of hot water.

News Reports

• First human bird flu death in U.S. reported People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- A patient in the U.S. state of Louisiana has become the first person dead of bird flu, or H5N1, in the United States, authorities said on Monday.
• Hostile activities of MI6, Saudi intelligence thwarted in Yemen: Statement IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The security services in Yemen have issued a statement regarding the foiling of activities of the British Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Saudi Intelligence Service.
• Anchor allegedly involved in cable ruptures on Christmas day recovered in Gulf of Finland Police of Finland 07 Jan 2025 -- An anchor has been recovered from the Gulf of Finland in connection with the criminal investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
• Authorities Find Anchor Believed To Be Linked To Damaged Cables In Baltic Sea RFE/RL 07 Jan 2025 -- Finnish police say an anchor has been recovered from the bottom of the Baltic Sea as part of an investigation into an incident last week in which undersea power and telecommunications cables were damaged.
• Underwater investigation of the cable ruptures nearly complete Police of Finland 03 Jan 2025 -- The underwater investigation is almost complete in terms of investigating the seabed. The Helsinki District Court has upheld the decision made by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the seizure of the Eagle S tanker.
• First US Death From Mutated H5N1 Bird Flu Sparks Fears of New Pandemic Sputnik 07 Jan 2025 -- The first death from the H5N1 bird flu was registered in the United State — in the state of Louisiana, local health department said.
• Avian flu risk still 'low' after first US patient dies from H5N1 virus: WHO UN News 07 Jan 2025 -- A day after the United States reported its first human death from avian flu, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) insisted on Tuesday that the risk to the wider population remains "low".
• Justice Department Secures Forfeiture of Two Miami Condos for Violations of Russia-Related U.S. Sanctions US Dept. of Justice 07 Jan 2025 -- The Department of Justice announced today that, pursuant to a court-ordered default judgment and final order of forfeiture entered on Jan. 7, it has secured the forfeiture of two luxury Miami condominiums that were maintained, transferred, and leased in violation of U.S. sanctions against Russian national Viktor Perevalov. The forfeited properties have a combined value of approximately $1.8 million.
• Chinese govt insists on promptly releasing transparent information about infectious diseases in accordance with the law, says Chinese FM Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- Responding to an inquiry related to respiratory diseases in China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that the Chinese government insists on promptly releasing transparent information about infectious diseases in accordance with the law.
• Foreign spies use pretense of collecting phone numbers and accounts for espionage communication: MSS Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) revealed multiple cases on Tuesday, including foreign espionage agencies using social media platforms under the pretense of "collecting unique numbers" to search for and purchase various software accounts and phone numbers, which are then used for espionage communications and fund transfers.
• Xi calls for winning tough anti-graft battle People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized on Monday the importance of exercising rigorous Party governance with the spirit of reform, reiterating that the battle against corruption is an unceasing endeavor.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 7, 2025 PRC MofA 07 Jan 2025
• Chinese vice premier, US treasury secretary hold video talks, agreeing to stabilize ties during transition period Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Tuesday held talks via video link with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, with both sides agreeing to maintain communication, manage differences and continue stabilization of China-US economic relations during the political transition period in the US, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
• China's social media awash with talk of Sino-US friendship Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- Comments on the U.S. Embassy's Weibo social media account are striking an overwhelmingly positive note about Sino-U.S. ties, suggesting the Chinese Communist Party's "public opinion management" system that governs and manipulates online comments wants to send a kinder message ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, analysts told Radio Free Asia.
• Critical minerals, waning Western influence a focus of Chinese FM's African tour, analysts say VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Critical minerals and oil, a renewed focus on the Atlantic coast, and the West's loss of influence in the Sahel are some of the reasons analysts believe Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has chosen the Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Chad and Namibia as the stops on his visit to Africa this week.
• Chinese firms supporting Russia pose as Taiwanese to dodge sanctions: activist Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- Chinese firms supporting Russia are presenting themselves as if they are from Taiwan not only to avoid sanctions but also to discredit the self-ruled island, said a Ukrainian activist.
• Xi stresses winning tough, protracted battle against corruption People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday called for resolutely winning the tough, protracted and all-around battle against corruption.
• Wang Yi meets Namibian leaders, says tradition of Chinese foreign minister making Africa the first overseas visit never changing or wavering Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- The Chinese Foreign Minister's first overseas visit each year is always to Africa, which is a fine tradition and a distinctive feature of China's diplomacy. This practice has remained consistent for 35 years, never changing or wavering, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during his visit to Namibia on Monday.
• China launches test satellite for orbital refueling People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- China successfully sent a test satellite, Shijian-25, into space on Tuesday morning, using a Long March-3B rocket for the launch.
• Ministry of National Defense Press Release on "Chinese Communist Party Launching Carrier Rocket" ROC MND 07 Jan 2025
• Ministry of National Defense Press Release on "Chinese Communist Party Conducting Joint Combat Readiness Patrols" ROC MND 07 Jan 2025
• China satellite launch no threat to Taiwan: MND CNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Tuesday said a satellite launched by China that flew over Taiwan posed no threat given its altitude.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 07 Jan 2025
• Chinese vessel suspected of damaging undersea cable near Taiwan VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan is investigating a Chinese-owned ship suspected of severing an undersea fiber-optic cable north of the island. While the incident caused minimal disruption to internet services, analysts say it reflects the vulnerability of Taiwan and its undersea infrastructure in the event of a Chinese military attack or blockade.
• Efforts Paid to Successfully Complete Five-Year Plan KCNA 07 Jan 2025 -- The Cabinet and the economic guidance organs of the DPRK organize in detail the economic work for successfully completing the five-year plan and developing the overall national economy, true to the decisions of the Eleventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
• Iran rejects Macron's 'baseless, contradictory' remarks Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- Tehran has strongly rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's recent anti-Iran allegations, calling them "baseless and contradictory."
• Iran: Rise in executions deeply troubling - UN Human Rights Chief OHCHR 07 Jan 2025 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday said he was deeply troubled by the marked increase in executions in Iran last year. At least 901 people were reportedly executed in 2024, including some 40 in one week alone in December. At least 853 people were executed in 2023.
• UN calls for halt to all executions in Iran as numbers surge VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk expressed alarm Tuesday at the sharp increase in executions in Iran and called on the Islamic Republic to halt all further executions of people facing the death penalty for a range of crimes.
• President Pezeshkian: Iran is ready for all parties' return to agreement and mutual obligations IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian while refering to the 2018 US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the failure of the European parties to the deal to compensate for the pullout despite Iran's living up to its commitments said that the Islamic Republic is ready for the return of all parties to the agreement and fulfilling mutual obligations.
• Iran ready for nuclear talks within framework of JCPOA: Deputy foreign minister IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- Iran is prepared to negotiate with Western powers within the framework of a nuclear deal it signed in 2015 to lift the economic sanctions imposed on the country over its nuclear program, says Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.
• FM Araghchi: Iran looking to have its frozen assets released IRNA 07 Jan 2025 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the release of the country's frozen funds is a constant priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant institutions.
• Resistance 'growing' despite enemy's plots, remains 'impervious' to bombardment: Araghchi Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the resistance school of thought has been developing in recent months in defiance of attempts by the enemies to weaken and upend it.
• Trump doubles down on Canada merging with U.S. after Trudeau resigns as PM People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reacted Monday to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation announced earlier in the day, doubling down on his notion that Canada should be absorbed into the United States as the latter's 51st state.
• Death of French far-right leader draws tributes, denouncements VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Praise and sharp criticism are flooding in for far-right French leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, who died Tuesday at the age of 96. A pugnacious veteran of the colonial wars, Le Pen was a five-time presidential candidate who helped to shape the rising power of Europe's far right.
• Transcript of Joint Special Briefing by MEA and Government of Odisha on 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 India MEA 07 Jan 2025
• Protests over power outages block Pakistan's trade route with China VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Thousands continued their blockade of a crucial Pakistani trade route with China for a fifth day on Tuesday, protesting chronic, prolonged power outages in the mountainous region.
• Bangladesh issues arrest warrant for ex-PM Hasina in enforced disappearances case People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- A special tribunal in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, has ordered an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 other people over incidents of enforced disappearances.
• Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 07 Jan 2025
• Indonesia officially admitted to BRICS bloc of emerging economies as full member Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- Indonesia has officially been granted full membership in the BRICS bloc of emerging economies, says Brazil, the current chair of the intergovernmental organization.
• China warmly welcomes new member as Indonesia becomes a full member of BRICS: FM Global Times 07 Jan 2025 -- China warmly welcomes the new addition to the BRICS family, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, in response to Brazil, as the BRICS chair 2025, releasing a statement on Monday night announcing the official entry of Indonesia as a full member into BRICS.
• China congratulates Indonesia on becoming full member of BRICS People's Daily 07 Jan 2025 -- China welcomes and warmly congratulates Indonesia on becoming a full member of BRICS, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Monday.
• How Carter's covert aid to Afghan rebels redefined his foreign policy record VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- President Ronald Reagan is often credited with defeating the Soviet Union, in part by helping Afghan rebels, but it was the administration of President Jimmy Carter that laid the groundwork.
• Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers: Ceasing gas supplies to Moldova is aimed at undermining political and economic stability in Moldova Estonia MFA 07 Jan 2025 -- In a joint statement today, Nordic and Baltic foreign ministers state that they will work with the European Commission and other key partners to be ready to step up international assistance to Moldova in light of Gazprom's decision to cease gas supplies to Moldova.
• Joint Statement by Nordic Baltic countries on energy situation in the Republic of Moldova Government of Norway 07 Jan 2025
• Venezuela cuts off diplomatic ties with Paraguay over opposition support Press TV 07 Jan 2025 -- Venezuela has broken off its diplomatic relations with Paraguay after the latter expresses support for the Venezuelan opposition, which it claimed to be the winner of the Venezuela's presidential elections.
• Son-in-law of Venezuela's opposition leader kidnapped VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who insists he won the July presidential election against incumbent president Nicolas Maduro, said his son-in-law was kidnapped Tuesday morning in the capital, Caracas.
• Former Vietnamese lawmakers on trial for corruption Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- Two former members of Vietnam's National Assembly went on trial for corruption on Tuesday, state media reported, the latest prosecutions in a sweeping anti-graft campaign known as the "blazing furnace".
• Thai police: Former Cambodian opposition lawmaker fatally shot in Bangkok Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- A former opposition party lawmaker was fatally shot just after arriving in Bangkok from Cambodia's Siem Reap province, apparently by an assassin who fired at him as street vendors and others stood nearby, then casually rode off on a motorbike.
• Former Cambodian MP shot dead in Bangkok VOA 07 Jan 2025 -- A former member of Cambodia's opposition party was shot dead in Bangkok on Tuesday evening.
• China's 'water-industrial complex' set its sights on Tibet Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- The focus of China's sprawling hydropower industry is increasingly shifting to Tibet, according to researchers and a Tibetan advocacy group's study, highlighting the potential for unrest and environmental damage in a region that Chinese officials have long viewed as a source of resources for the industrialized east.
• Dozens killed as 7.1-magnitude earthquake hits Tibet Radio Free Asia 07 Jan 2025 -- At least 126 people were killed and 188 others were injured after a powerful earthquake hit Tibet on Tuesday morning, according to Chinese state media, with the tremors felt in multiple regions in neighboring countries of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
• U.S. Imposes Sanctions On Senior Hungarian Official Over Alleged Corruption RFE/RL 07 Jan 2025 -- The United States has announced sanctions on a senior Hungarian official with a critical role in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government for his alleged involvement in corruption.
• Sanctioning Hungarian Official Antal Rogan US Dept. of State 07 Jan 2025 -- The United States is today designating senior Hungarian government official Antal Rogan under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program for his involvement in corruption.
• Treasury Sanctions Corrupt Hungarian Official US Treasury 07 Jan 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Antal Rogan,a senior Hungarian government official, for his involvement in corruption in Hungary. He is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.