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Defense Policy / Programs

• USEUCOM Hosts Command and Control Summit EUCOM 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. European Command at Patch Barracks recently held a three-day Command and Control (C2) Summit designed to build a shared understanding of C2 innovation and transformation efforts among a broad group of stakeholders.
• 388th Fighter Wing participates in Bamboo Eagle 25-1 US Air Force 13 Feb 2025 -- Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill Air Force Base deployed here over the weekend with a number of F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft as part of Bamboo Eagle 25-1.
• USS Harry S. Truman Involved in Collision at Sea US Navy Press Release 13 Feb 2025 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time, Feb. 12, while operating in the vicinity of Port Said, Egypt, in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Top Northcom, NORAD Officer Highlights Trio of Homeland Security Concerns During Senate Testimony DoD News 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command's most senior leader pointed out three topics that have "direct implications for homeland defense" during a posture hearing today before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill.
• Tennessee Aquatic Rescue Team Upgrades Helicopters Army News 13 Feb 2025 -- Tennessee's Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team continues to strengthen its lifesaving capabilities with advancements in aviation technology, including a recent upgrade to the UH-60V Black Hawk.
• Pennsylvania Guard Civil Support Team Polishes Skills Army News 13 Feb 2025 -- Soldiers and Airmen from the Pennsylvania National Guard's 3rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team trained Feb. 3-7 at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center.
• Space Force leaders visit Japan to strengthen partnership United States Space Force 13 Feb 2025 -- Senior leaders from U.S. Space Force's Space Operations Command visited Japan Feb. 9-11, to engage with U.S. Space Force personnel and bolster an alliance with one of the U.S. Space Force's closest allies, the Japanese Self-Defense Force.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Press Conference Following NATO Ministers of Defense Meeting in Brussels, Belgium DoD 13 Feb 2025
• Hegseth Tells NATO Hard Power Provides Deterrence, Defense DoD News 13 Feb 2025 -- Following a meeting today of NATO defense ministers, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that America's allies must do more to defend Europe. And that "doing more" means spending more money, contributing more guns, missiles, troops and hardware, and taking more leadership responsibility.
• Pentagon chief calls on NATO partners to increase role in Europe's defense VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has called for NATO's European members to increase their role in the defense of Europe as the United States focuses on defending the alliance's Pacific flank.
• NATO Defence Ministers conclude meeting, focus on defence spending and support for Ukraine NATO 13 Feb 2025 -- Defence Ministers from NATO nations concluded their meeting in Brussels today (13 February 2025), setting the stage for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague in June. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed his shock and sadness at what appears to have been a deliberate attack in Munich, where many people were injured.
• NATO releases policy on Integrated Air and Missile Defence NATO 13 Feb 2025 -- NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence Policy governs the protection of Alliance territory, populations and forces against any air or missile threat or attack.
• NATO launches two new multinational air defence initiatives, strengthens existing projects NATO 13 Feb 2025 -- On Thursday (13 February 2025), NATO launched two new multinational High-Visibility initiatives to further enhance the protection of its airspace and strengthen its deterrence and defence. At a signing ceremony held at NATO Headquarters, 15 Allies committed to developing more efficient solutions to lower-level air threats - that is, threats flying below 500 feet/150 meters, which is less than half the height of the Eiffel Tower.
• France says NATO members facing 'moment of truth' on alliance's future Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- France's defense minister has told members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that NATO is facing a "real moment of truth" which will determine the military alliance's global influence in upcoming years.
• NATO F-35s enhance readiness and interoperability during Spartan Lightning exercise NATO Allied Air Command 13 Feb 2025 -- On February 6-7, 2025, Service members from the Royal Netherlands, Royal Norwegian and United States Air Forces demonstrated readiness, interoperability and maintenance proficiency during Spartan Lightning at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
• US allies seek clarity on Ukraine support at Munich Security Conference VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- Hundreds of world leaders and delegates are set to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany this weekend, with conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo high on the agenda, alongside simmering tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Russia and Sudan finalize agreement on Red Sea naval base Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- Sudan has confirmed its agreement with Russia to establish a naval base on the Red Sea coast, stating that there are "no obstacles" to its implementation.
• Zelenskyy rejects bilateral US-Russia pact to end Moscow's war against Ukraine VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that his country would not accept any agreement on its fate decided bilaterally by Russia and the United States on how to end Moscow's three-year war on Ukraine without Kyiv's involvement.
• No Deals Without Us, Zelenskyy Says In Response To Trump-Putin Call On Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Feb 2025 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted sharply to U.S. President Donald Trump's agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin negotiations to end the war with Ukraine, saying he won't accept any deals made without Ukraine's involvement.
• Analysis: Why U.S.-Russia Talks On Ukraine War Are A Concern For Kyiv RFE/RL 13 Feb 2025 -- In the space of a few hours on February 12, U.S. President Donald Trump took his first major public steps toward keeping his promise to end the war in Ukraine, phoning Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy days ahead of a prominent international conference in Germany.
• The Ramstein Group debated support to Ukraine, growth of Ukrainian defence industry Czech Republic Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces 13 Feb 2025 -- In Brussels, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) discussed further support to Ukraine, both through the supplies of necessary military materiel and in the form of increasing the capacity of the Ukrainian defence industry.
• Pevkur in Brussels: Let's not make negotiations easy for Putin Estonia MoD 13 Feb 2025 -- At the NATO Defence Ministers' meeting held today in Brussels, discussions focused on strengthening Allied defence capabilities and increasing defence spending to bolster NATO's Deterrence and Defence posture ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague this June.
• Norway confirms readiness to join the international Drone Coalition Latvia MOD 13 Feb 2025 -- On Wednesday, February 12, during the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting in Brussels, Norwegian Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik signed Norway's declaration of readiness to join the Latvian-UK led international Drone Coalition in support of Ukraine.
• Pevkur in Brussels: Estonia will continue supporting Ukraine with at least 0.25% of its GDP Estonia MoD 13 Feb 2025 -- At today's meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels, NATO defence ministers discussed continued support for Ukraine.
• U.S. defense chief rules out NATO membership for Ukraine in peace settlement with Russia People's Daily 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday ruled out Ukraine's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as part of a negotiated settlement to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Trump says U.S., Russia to immediately begin negotiations toward ending Ukraine conflict People's Daily 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a phone conversation earlier in the day that Washington and Moscow will immediately engage in direct negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Foreign media hype of alleged Chinese laser-armed warship undue: expert Global Times 13 Feb 2025 -- Some foreign media hyped that a Chinese warship that recently sailed into the Pacific Ocean was suspected of being armed with a laser weapon. A Chinese expert said on Thursday that laser is a type of defensive weapon being developed by multiple countries, and there is no need to make an undue fuss over this potential development.
• Statement on unsafe and unprofessional interaction with People's Liberation Army-Air Force Australia DOD 13 Feb 2025 -- The Australian Government has expressed its concerns to the Chinese Government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a People's Liberation Army - Air Force (PLA-AF) aircraft.
• Statement on People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating to the north of Australia Australia DOD 13 Feb 2025 -- Defence is aware of a People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) task group operating to the north east of Australia.
• China's expulsion of Australian military aircraft intruding into Xisha Qundao territorial airspace legitimate: FM Global Times 13 Feb 2025 -- In response to Australian defense ministry's claim on Thursday that an Australian air force patrol aircraft experienced an "unsafe and unprofessional" interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the Australian military aircraft deliberately intruded into China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without China's permission, infringing on China's sovereignty and endangering China's national security.
• PLA's expulsion of Australian warplane violating China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao 'justified, legitimate, professional' Global Times 13 Feb 2025 -- In response to Australian defense ministry's claim on Thursday that an Australian air force patrol aircraft experienced an "unsafe and unprofessional" interaction with a Chinese Air Force aircraft in the South China Sea on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Thursday that the Australian military aircraft deliberately intruded into China's territorial airspace of Xisha Qundao without China's permission, infringing on China's sovereignty and endangering China's national security, and China's measures to expel the aircraft were legitimate, professional and exercised with restraint.
• Canadian Army to train with US and Finnish allies in Sodankylä, Finland Canada 13 Feb 2025 -- From February 17 to 28, 40 members of the Canadian Army's 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) will join 850 Finnish and United States (US) military personnel on Exercise ARCTIC FORGE 25 in Sodankylä, Finland to further strengthen our ability to operate with our Arctic allies.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's Meeting With German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius DoD 13 Feb 2025
• Iran manufactures over 90% of its own defense equipment: Military official IRNA 13 Feb 2025 -- Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says Iran produces over 90% of its own defense equipment.
• Iran launches new indigenous coastguard vessels as Pezeshkian visits oil rig manufacturing company Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- Iran has launched 10 homegrown coastguard and guide vessels during a visit by President Masoud Pezeshkian to the Persian Gulf port city of Bushehr.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's Meeting With the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence John Healey DoD 13 Feb 2025
• Minister of Defence Häkkänen signs Letter of Intent on Slovenian procurement of 8 x 8 Armoured Vehicles Finnish MoD 13 Feb 2025 -- Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen signed a Letter of Intent between Slovenia and Finland on support for the procurement of 8 x 8 Armoured Modular Vehicles on Thursday 13th February 2025 in Brussels. On the Slovenian side the Letter of Intent was signed by Minister of Defence Borut Sajovic.
• U.S. Congressmen see the Baltic states as exemplary Allies, says Vice Minister of National Defence Lithuania MND 13 Feb 2025 -- Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa conducted a visit to the United States where he met with Director of the Joint Staff, Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) Brigadier General Mark A. Goodwill.
• Russia's border stops only where it is stopped forcefully, says D. Šakalienė in Brussels Lithuania MND 13 Feb 2025 -- On February 12-14 Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė joins NATO counterparts at the NATO Defence Ministerial in Brussels and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group Ramstein format meeting held together at the NATO Headquarters on February 12.
• Norway condemn Russian drones violating Moldovan airspace Government of Norway 13 Feb 2025
• Head of State Rumen Radev Holds a Session with Representatives of the National Defence University of the United States President of the Republic of Bulgaria 13 Feb 2025 -- The Head of State Rumen Radev held a meeting in Sofia with representatives of the National Defence University of the United States, who are visiting as part of a regional tour and as part of the military training programme CAPSTONE.
• Speech by President von der Leyen at the Munich Security Conference 2025 European Commission 13 Feb 2025
• NATO rapid response capabilities plan accepted Poland - Ministry of National Defence 13 Feb 2025 -- On February 13th deputy prime minister W. Kosiniak - Kamysz attended a session of the North Atlantic Council in NATO's Headquarters in Brussels, where ministers of defence met.
• Brawner: Military readiness crucial for security, disaster response Philippine News Agency 13 Feb 2025 -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reiterated the need to beef up the country's military readiness to allow it to better respond to external security challenges and disaster response missions.
• AFP: Multilateral maritime drills with allies uphold regional security Philippine News Agency 13 Feb 2025 -- The Philippines' multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) with allies such as Canada and the United States is helpful in fostering regional security, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday.
• Trump issues order to ensure U.S. diplomatic personnel follow his agenda People's Daily 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday to revamp the foreign service to ensure "faithful and effective implementation" of his foreign policy agenda.
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Mexican Foreign Secretary de la Fuente US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2025
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Swedish Foreign Minister Stenergard US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 13, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 13 February 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Feb 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• The Counterterrorism Operation in Northern Samaria Continues Israel Defense Forces 13 Feb 2025
• Activity of the 769th Brigade in Southern Lebanon Israel Defense Forces 13 Feb 2025
• Hamas expresses commitment to ceasefire with Israel VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- The militant group Hamas expressed its commitment to a ceasefire with Israel on Thursday, as mediators worked to preserve the halt in fighting amid accusations of violations of the agreement and threats of a return to war.
• Hamas: Efforts underway to remove all obstacles to implement ceasefire deal Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- The Hamas resistance movement has reiterated that it is ready to implement the Gaza ceasefire deal, including the exchange of prisoners, per the text of the agreement.
• Hamas says to conduct captive-prisoner exchange as planned if Israel honors commitments Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says will proceed with the sixth phase of captives-prisoner exchange on Saturday, contingent upon "Israel honoring its commitments."
• Israel is forced to allow over 800 aid trucks into Gaza after Hamas' warning IRNA 13 Feb 2025 -- The Israeli regime has been forced to allow as many as 801 trucks carrying humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip following a warning by Hamas.
• Hamas says in talks with mediators to implement Gaza ceasefire People's Daily 13 Feb 2025 -- Hamas said Wednesday that contacts are underway with mediators to finalize the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
• Israel mounts West Bank raids; 44,000 Palestinians displaced in military offensive since Jan. 21 Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- The Israeli military has conducted more raids in several cities and refugee camps across the occupied West Bank, firing indiscriminately at Palestinians and violently forcing them out of their homes.
• UNRWA Situation Report #159 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information updated for 5-10 February 2025 UNRWA 13 Feb 2025
• 'No time to lose' in Gaza, as ceasefire offers fragile respite UN News 13 Feb 2025 -- The UN is racing against time to expand humanitarian relief and prepare for the monumental task of rebuilding Gaza, as a fragile ceasefire holds but tensions loom over a potential resumption of fighting.
• Aid surge into Gaza continues, UN teams prioritize immediate needs UN News 13 Feb 2025 -- Lifesaving aid continued to reach Gaza on Thursday while UN humanitarians warned that needs remain enormous after 15 months of constant Israeli bombardment.
• Israel must stop killing civilians returning to their homes in South Lebanon: UN experts OHCHR 13 Feb 2025 -- Israel must respect the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, immediately end housing demolitions, ensure the safety of civilians returning to their homes, and fully withdraw its military from South Lebanon, UN experts* said today.
• Humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues despite ceasefire: UN Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- The head of the United Nations infrastructure agency has warned that a humanitarian catastrophe continues in the Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire agreement that brought a "much-needed respite."
• Israel still restricting vital aid to Gaza Strip as 801 trucks enter: UN Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- Israel is still severely restricting the amount of essential humanitarian aid deliveries to the blockaded Gaza Strip, aid organizations warn, in violation of a ceasefire in place between Tel Aviv and the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement.
• Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Has a Phone Call with EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans PRC MofA 13 Feb 2025 -- On February 13, 2025, Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue had a phone call with EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans, and they had an exchange of views on hotspot issues in the Middle East, especially the situation in Gaza.
• Yemen threatens military action if US starts forced displacement of Palestinians: Ansarullah IRNA 13 Feb 2025 -- Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement, says Yemen will resort to military intervention if the United States initiates the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Other Conflicts

• Syria: Thousands of displaced head home, but many refugees still wary UN News 13 Feb 2025 -- More than 825,000 people who were displaced within Syria have returned to their areas of origin since December, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Thursday.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with interim President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau 13 Feb 2025 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the interim President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
• Update on UK Syria sanctions regime: Minister Doughty statement UK FCDO 13 Feb 2025
• Taliban chief claims Afghan governance rooted in divine commands VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- The leader of Afghanistan's governing radical Taliban has defended his policies, including banning female access to education and employment, asserting that they are derived from the "commands of Allah."
• Suicide bombing at Afghan ministry kills 1, injures several VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- Taliban officials said Thursday a suicide bomb explosion outside a ministry building in the Afghan capital of Kabul killed at least one person and injured several others.
• Two Killed In Botched Suicide Bombing Attack On Taliban Ministry RFE/RL 13 Feb 2025 -- A suicide bombing attack on the Taliban-led Ministry for Urban Development office in the Afghan capital, Kabul, has killed two people and injured three more.
• Deadly bombing attack targets Taliban ministry building in Kabul Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- A bombing attack on a government building in the Afghan capital of Kabul has left one person dead and three others injured, the second such incident in a week.
• Taliban Divisions Laid Bare As Power Struggle Intensifies RFE/RL 13 Feb 2025 -- The Taliban has for years presented a united front to the outside world and kept a tight lid on dissent within its ranks.
• Myanmar militia hosting scam centers says it will deport 8,000 foreigners Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2025 -- A pro-junta Myanmar militia hosting extensive online fraud operations in its zone on the Thai border has said it will deport 8,000 scam center workers, most of them Chinese, from its area as it seeks to close down illegal activities.
• As Tentative Reduction in Hostilities Opens Door for More De-escalation, Sustainable Resolution to Yemen Conflict 'Still Possible', Special Envoy Tells Security Council UN Security Council 13 Feb 2025 -- Yemen is standing at another critical juncture, and the choices made today will determine its future, the Organization's senior official told the Security Council today, underscoring the collective responsibility to create the space for a mediated solution.
• Political solution to end war in Yemen is achievable, UN envoy says UN News 13 Feb 2025 -- A lasting peace is still possible in Yemen but requires commitment, courage, and action from all sides, the UN Special Envoy for the country told the Security Council on Thursday.
• Houthi vows Yemen's military action if Trump's Gaza displacement plan proceeds Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- Yemen's Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi has promised a "military action" if Israel or the US proceed with a plan to depopulate the Gaza Strip of its inhabitants and resettle them in other countries.
• NPA leadership vacuum to worsen with Sularte's death Philippine News Agency 13 Feb 2025 -- The neutralization of ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader Myrna Sularte, alias Ka Maria Malaya, has created a major leadership vacuum in the ranks of the communist insurgents, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Thursday.
• Death of NPA leader in Caraga to bring peace to Mindanao Philippine News Agency 13 Feb 2025 -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Thursday said the death of ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader Myrna Sularte, alias Maria Malaya, will help bring peace and progress not only to Mindanao but also to the rest of the country.
• China expels 1,000 monks and nuns from Larung Gar Buddhist Academy Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2025 -- Chinese authorities have expelled over 1,000 Tibetan monks and nuns from the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in the latest blow to the major center of Tibetan Buddhist learning, sources inside Tibet with knowledge of the situation said.
• UNICEF sounds alarm over child crisis in eastern DR Congo UN News 13 Feb 2025 -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday issued a stark warning over escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where hundreds of civilians have been killed and tens of thousands displaced as M23 rebels continue to attack and seize control of towns and villages.
• DR Congo: Shortage of humanitarian routes threatens aid operation, top UN official warns UN News 13 Feb 2025 -- As M23 rebels continue to gain ground in South Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the country's top UN humanitarian official has told UN News that increasing "complexity and needs" are fuelling a crisis which had already left more than a million people displaced before the latest surge in fighting.
• Children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo increasingly exposed to sexual violence, abduction and recruitment - UNICEF UNICEF 13 Feb 2025

News Reports

• U.S. Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence People's Daily 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who ran for president as a Democrat in 2020, as director of national intelligence.
• INTERPOL WASHINGTON AND CANADA SIGN HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP TO COMBAT TREN DE ARAGUA US Dept. of Justice 13 Feb 2025 -- INTERPOL Washington Director Jeffrey A. Grimming and National Central Bureau Ottawa Director Marie-Josee Homsy have signed a historic Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to strengthen cross-border law enforcement collaboration against Tren de Aragua (TdA), one of the world's most dangerous transnational criminal organizations.
• Number of accused 'high-threat' migrants at Guantanamo Bay rising VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. military is now housing about 68 detainees at its prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of an effort to assist the Department of Homeland Security with mass deportations.
• Baltic Sea region police chiefs strengthen cooperation in the event of maritime incidents Police of Finland 13 Feb 2025 -- Police authorities from the EU Baltic Sea region convened in Helsinki on Wednesday 12 February 2025 to strengthen cooperation in the event of maritime incidents.
• Trump takes tit-for-tat trade action with tariffs VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday took what could become his most consequential action involving international trade early in his second administration.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Feb 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Mukhriddin following talks, Moscow, February 13, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Feb 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Mukhriddin, Moscow, February 13, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Feb 2025
• Ohio-Based Supplier of Aircraft Parts and Three Employees Charged for Illicit Export Scheme Involving Russia US Dept. of Justice 13 Feb 2025 -- Flighttime Enterprises Inc., an American subsidiary of a Russian aircraft parts supplier, along with three of its current and former employees, have been charged federally with crimes related to a scheme to illegally export aircraft parts and components from the United States to Russia and Russian airline companies without the required licenses from the Department of Commerce.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on February 13, 2025 PRC MofA 13 Feb 2025
• The 31st ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation Held in Ningbo PRC MofA 13 Feb 2025 -- On February 13, 2025, the 31st ASEAN-China Senior Officials' Consultation was held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.
• Calls grow for US to counter Chinese control, influence in Western ports Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2025 -- Calls are growing Washington for action to loosen Beijing's influence stemming from Chinese and Hong Kong companies' control over key infrastructure on the Panama Canal and other port facilities in the Western hemisphere.
• Chinese FM responds to Canadian premiers painting China as 'common economic enemy' during US visit Global Times 13 Feb 2025 -- China has always believed that the development of relations between countries should not be directed against any third party, instead it should be conducive to promoting friendly and cooperative relations among countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.
• Chinese diplomat visits UK, restarts dialogue VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Britain for the first time on Thursday, marking the restart of a diplomatic dialogue mechanism that has been paused for nearly seven years.
• UN report: China expands forced labor in Xinjiang, Tibet VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- A newly released report from the United Nations' International Labor Organization states that authorities in China are not only using "vocational skills training and education centers" for forced labor in Xinjiang and Tibet, but also the large-scale transfer of "surplus" rural workers to state-led labor programs across the country.
• China urges Switzerland to recognize sensitivity of Xinjiang and Xizang issues, stop sending misleading messages Global Times 13 Feb 2025 -- When asked to respond to a report by the Swiss government claiming that "ethnic Tibetan and Uygur people living in Switzerland are under pressure from China," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that Xizang- and Xinjiang-related affairs are purely China's internal affairs and brook no interference from external forces. Politicizing these issues to smear and discredit China runs counter to the facts, violates the fundamental principle of mutual respect in China-Switzerland relations, and does not align with the current high level of bilateral ties.
• Chinese public security authorities intensify crackdown on cults, illegal 'spiritual cultivation' training Global Times 13 Feb 2025 -- China's public security authorities intensified efforts to dismantle cult organizations in 2024, focusing on risk prevention, law enforcement, and comprehensive governance. They have worked to curb the growth and spread of cult organizations, mitigating potential threats to national political security and maintaining social stability, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) stated on its WeChat account on Thursday.
• China steps up planetary defense efforts amid asteroid impact concerns Global Times 13 Feb 2025 -- Recent reports of a potential asteroid impact have sparked widespread concern on Chinese social media, with many voicing safety worries. Amid the discussions, public attention has turned to China's recruitment of planetary defense experts. On Thursday, media reported that Shan Zhongde, head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), visited the Earth Observation and Data Center - a move expert says highlights China's growing focus on this critical field.
• China condemns US ships in Taiwan transit, conducts drills Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2025 -- The transit through the Taiwan Strait by two U.S. naval vessels, the first such voyage under the new Trump administration, was a threat to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, China said.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 13 Feb 2025
• Former lawmaker indicted over alleged China-led election interference CNA 13 Feb 2025 -- A former Taiwanese lawmaker was indicted for violations of Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act on Wednesday over allegedly helping Beijing interfere in Taiwan's 2024 presidential election, according to prosecutors on Thursday.
• Taiwan authorities lack sincerity in restoring cross-Strait tourism: mainland spokesperson People's Daily 13 Feb 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for using procedural excuses to delay the restoration of cross-Strait tourism.
• North Korea must compensate for killing of South Korean official: Court Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2025 -- A South Korean court has ruled that North Korea must compensate the family of a South Korean official who North Korean forces shot dead in 2020, a killing that inflamed both cross-border tension and anger towards the South Korean government.
• KCNA Report on Successfully Completing First Year's Task for Implementing Regional Development 20×10 Policy Set Forth by WPK Central Committee KCNA 13 Feb 2025 -- The Korean Central News Agency Wednesday released a report on the successful completion of the first year's task for implementing the Regional Development 20×10 Policy set forth by the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
• North Korea demolishes facility for family reunions: Seoul Radio Free Asia 13 Feb 2025 -- North Korea has begun dismantling a facility where families separated by a decades-old war could meet on the border with South Korea, Seoul said on Thursday, the North's latest action to highlight what it says is the permanent division of the peninsula.
• President Pezeshkian orders expansion of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant IRNA 13 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an order to start construction operations at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran.
• Pezeshkian: If our nuclear centers are hit, we will build thousand others Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says if the enemies strike Iran's nuclear facilities, the country's youth will be ready to simply rebuild.
• President: U.S. doesn't want negotiations with Iran, it wants Iran to capitulate IRNA 13 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says the United States doesn't intend to engage in negotiations with Iran and rather wants Iran to submit to its will.
• Pezeshkian asserts 'self-reliant' Iran will resolve problems despite sanctions Press TV 13 Feb 2025 -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian warns that enemies are desperately seeking to subjugate the Iranian people through sanctions and threats but all in vain.
• Report: U.S. intelligence shows Israel is likely to strike Iran in coming months IRNA 13 Feb 2025 -- Intelligence collected by the United States reportedly shows that the Israeli regime is likely to attempt a strike on targets inside Iran in the coming months.
• Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's visit to USA (February 13, 2025) India MEA 13 Feb 2025
• US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz calls on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi (February 13, 2025) India MEA 13 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. National Security Advisor, Mr. Michael Waltz, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
• Trump hosts India's leader, inks US defense and energy sales VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- President Donald Trump hosted India's leader Thursday at the White House, where the two leaders signed a stack of energy and defense deals, including a path for India to acquire the coveted F-35 stealth fighter.
• Joint Declaration of the 7th Session of Pakistan-Türkiye High Level Strategic Cooperation Council: "Further deepening, diversifying, and institutionalizing the strategic partnership" Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Feb 2025 -- Recalling deep-rooted religious, civilizational, cultural, linguistic and historical relations between Türkiye and Pakistan going back centuries;
• Pakistan, Turkey to boost strategic ties VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- Pakistan and Turkey pledged to deepen cooperation in defense, mining, energy and other sectors during the 7th round of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad, Thursday.
• Kyrgyzstan Promotes 'Traditional Names' Amid New De-Russification Drive RFE/RL 13 Feb 2025 -- Journalist-turned-politician Nurlanbek Turgunbekovich Shakiev has been a household name in Kyrgyzstan for more than two decades.
• Thai lawyers' council to investigate alleged killing by soldiers VOA 13 Feb 2025 -- An influential lawyers' association in Thailand said Thursday it is launching an investigation into the alleged killing of a Myanmar man by Thai soldiers last year, a move it says could lead to lawsuits against any officers involved.