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Defense Policy / Programs

• Brown: Build the Force by Being Seen DoD News 18 Feb 2025 -- The military has no plans to bring back conscription as the all-volunteer force has served the United States well for decades, said Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• Bamboo Eagle 25-1 tests forces in a combat representative environment US Air Force 18 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center recently wrapped up Bamboo Eagle 25-1, concluding a series of coordinated, multi-domain operations that involved more than 10,000 personnel from multiple Air Force major commands, the joint force and allied air forces.
• U.S. Navy Joins Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo in Indonesia US Navy 18 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Navy joined more than 20 navies for the opening ceremony of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK), hosted by the Indonesian Navy in Bali, Indonesia, on Feb. 16.
• US, Japan Conduct Combined Operations US Navy 18 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Asahi-class destroyer JS Asahi (DD 119) conducted combined operations in the Sulu Sea, Feb. 9-10.
• U.S. Navy EOD Conducts Arctic Warfare Exercise 'Arctic Specialist' with NATO Allies in Norway US Navy 18 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians from EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, assigned to Commander Task Force (CTF) 68 at Naval Station Rota, Spain, completed Exercise Arctic Specialist in Kristiansand, Norway, Feb. 3-13, 2025.
• CENTCOM Conducts Bomber Task Force Mission in Middle East CENTCOM 18 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted a Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, Feb. 17, to demonstrate force projection capabilities in the region.
• North Atlantic Council meets members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly NATO 18 Feb 2025 -- On Tuesday (18 February 2025) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA) to NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
• Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin meets with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India Vinay Kumar Russia MoD 18 Feb 2025 -- On 18 February 2025, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India Vinay Kumar
• International security symposium is held in Indonesia in framework of Komodo 2025 Naval Exercise Russia MoD 18 Feb 2025 -- Denpasar (Republic of Indonesia) is hosting the International symposium on security in the framework of the Komodo 2025 Multilateral International Naval Exercise. Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Vladimir Vorobyov spoke on behalf of the Russian delegation.
• The Second Round of the EU-Ukraine Security and Defense Dialogue Was Held in Brussels President of Ukraine 18 Feb 2025
• China sends 2 more ships to Cambodia's Ream naval base Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- China appeared to have sent two more warships to the Ream naval base in southwest Cambodia, indicating that transfer of two vessels to Cambodia may be imminent.
• China, Australia hold defense dialogue; move important to avoid miscalculation, experts say Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- China and Australia held the 23rd China-Australia Defense Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Monday, with the two sides exchanging in-depth views on relations between the two countries, their militaries, regional security and other issues of common concern, according to a statement released by China's Ministry of National Defense.
• Taiwan negotiating new arms deal with US: media Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan is in the process of negotiating a new arms deal worth billions of dollars with the United States, Reuters news agency reported, citing unidentified sources.
• MND declines to comment on U.S. arms deal report CNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Tuesday declined to comment on a report that Taiwan is pursuing a multibillion-dollar weapons purchase from the United States.
• DPP authorities reportedly mull arms purchase from US Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan authorities are considering an arms purchase package worth billions of dollars from the US, according to a Reuters report, which Chinese mainland experts regard as a proactive move of the island authorities aimed at currying favor with the Trump administration in terms of both easing tariff pressure and attempts to "resist reunification by force."
• Tendering process to recover crashed advanced trainer jet underway: MND CNA 18 Feb 2025 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Tuesday it was seeking a private contractor to recover the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer that crashed into the sea in waters off eastern Taiwan on Feb. 15.
• NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA II INSV TARINI REACHES PORT STANLEY - THE THIRD PORT OF CALL India PIB 18 Feb 2025 -- The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini entered Port Stanley at about 0515 h IST on 18 Feb 25 thus completing the third and most challenging phase of Navika Sagar Parikrama II, a pioneering expedition showcasing the resilience, courage, and skill of the Indian Navy's women officers
• Centre for Joint Warfare Studies releases two critical publications on Contemporary Security Challenges India PIB 18 Feb 2025 -- The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), Ministry of Defence, in a significant step towards advancing strategic thought and policy discourse, unveiled two critical publications on 18 February 2025
• IRGC unveils artillery support drone in military drill: Cmdr. IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has deployed drones for surveillance and precise fire control in its artillery units during an ongoing military exercise, a senior commander said.
• IRGC launches large-scale military exercise in southwest Iran IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- The Ground Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has started a large-scale military exercise, dubbed "The Great Prophet 19" in southwest Iran.
• IRGC Ground Force launches largest-ever operational readiness exercise in SW Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has launched its largest-ever operational readiness exercise in the southwestern flank of the country, as part of attempts to raise its combat preparedness in the face of enemies' potential threats.
• Iranian military bolsters ground communications with advanced tactical vehicles for IRGC units Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has officially integrated two types of advanced tactical communication vehicles into its grassroots-level forces as a means of ensuring more secure and efficient communication on the battlefield.
• Defence Secretary's speech on Defence Reform UK MOD 18 Feb 2025 -- Transcript of the Defence Secretary's address on defence reform at the Institute for Government.
• Tsahkna meeting with the CEO of Rheinmetall: Investments from the German defense industry are welcome in Estonia Estonia MFA 18 Feb 2025 -- On 17 and 18 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is joined by a business delegation on a visit to the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where the agenda included a meeting with Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna to NRW's Minister-President: We are moving forward with specific defence cooperation Estonia MFA 18 Feb 2025 -- On 17 and 18 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna is joined by a business delegation on a visit to the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), where the agenda today included a meeting with the state's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst to discuss specific steps to boost defence cooperation between Estonia and NRW.
• Estonian Minister of Defence in Abu Dhabi: Interest towards Estonia's defence industry is strong in the Gulf States Estonia MoD 18 Feb 2025 -- Yesterday and today, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur participated at the IDEX defence industry exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to support Estonian defence industry companies in establishing connections.
• Romania - GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs DSCA 18 Feb 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs and related equipment for an estimated cost of $84 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies The White House 18 Feb 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 18, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 18 February 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Feb 2025
• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance UN Secretary-General 18 Feb 2025
• Amid 'clear' threat of nuclear war, Guterres tells Security Council multilateral off-ramp is essential UN News 18 Feb 2025 -- Strengthening international cooperation and delivering on a UN pact that calls for reforming global governance, among other measures, was the focus of debate in the Security Council on Tuesday.
• In Day-Long Security Council Debate, Speakers Offer Divergent Views on 'New' World Order, Stress Need to Update Global Governance UN Security Council 18 Feb 2025 -- During a day-long Security Council debate on practicing multilateralism and reforming global governance today, speakers stressed the urgent need to update the United Nations — founded 80 years ago — including reforms to the Council itself and to the global economic order to better address twenty-first-century challenges.
• Peacekeeping is one of the UN's most valuable tools to support global peace and security: UK statement on Peacekeeping Operations UK FCDO 18 Feb 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34).
• The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 18 Feb 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on practising multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance.

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 18 Feb 2025
• PM Netanyahu Meets with US Congressional Delegations Israel - Prime Minister 18 Feb 2025
• Far-right Israeli minister: Trump's plan to displace Gazans to begin within weeks Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- A far-right Israeli minister says the controversial scheme by US President Donald Trump to displace residents of the war-torn Gaza Strip after taking over the war-wracked Palestinian territory will start within weeks.
• Hamas says it will release 10 more hostages, six of them living VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- A top Hamas leader says that the militant group plans to release six more living Israeli hostages from their Gaza captivity on Saturday and the bodies of four others on Thursday.
• Hamas to hand over four bodies, release six other Israeli captives Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- The deputy chief of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the group will hand over the bodies of four Israeli captives on Thursday as part of the current Gaza ceasefire deal.
• Hamas says ready to begin 2nd phase of ceasefire negotiations with Israel IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Hamas's chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya has said the Palestinian resistance group is ready to begin the second phase of ceasefire negotiations with the Israeli regime.
• Israeli forces escalate West Bank raids, injure and abduct several Palestinians Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Israeli forces have conducted new raids in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, shooting and firing tear gas at local Palestinians, which caused injuries among them.
• Israel keeping troops in 5 southern Lebanon locations VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- Israeli troops remained in some areas of southern Lebanon on Tuesday, despite a deadline for their withdrawal as part of a ceasefire with the militant group Hezbollah.
• Lebanon says Israeli presence on its soil constitutes 'occupation' Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Lebanon has condemned the presence of the Israeli military on its soil, saying it constitutes the "occupation" of the Lebanese territory.
• Israel defies withdrawal deadline, keeps some troops in Lebanon IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- The Israeli regime has decided to keep its troops at five locations, missing Tuesday's deadline for a complete withdrawal from the Arab country, a Lebanese security source reported.
• Withdrawal deadline lapses: Israel says troops will stay at 5 key posts in south Lebanon Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Israel has missed the Tuesday deadline for its withdrawal from Lebanon, announcing it would remain in five occupied "strategic" locations within Lebanese borders.
• Experts urge humane treatment and immediate release of Israeli hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians OHCHR 18 Feb 2025 -- Human rights experts* have repeatedly condemned the mistreatment of Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages. Today they denounced the degrading public display by Hamas of Israeli hostages released in Gaza on 8 and 15 February 2025.
• Weeks into ceasefire, Gaza children still suffering from humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli genocide: UNICEF Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) says children in the Gaza Strip are continuing to suffer from a humanitarian crisis caused by Israel's genocidal war on the besieged Palestinian territory.
• UNRWA vows continuation of Gaza operations 'despite risks, hostile environment' Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- The head of the United Nations' agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) says the organization will continue to operate in the Gaza Strip despite the Israeli regime's expulsion of its staff from the occupied West Bank and enactment of laws banning the relief agency.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff with Jennifer Hansler of CNN and Matthew Lee of the Associated Press US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2025
• IRGC commander: Operation True Promise III against Israel will be carried out soon Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- A high-ranking commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has said that Iran "must be ready for war, so that there is no war."
• Israel achieved none of its war objectives in Gaza: Iran FM Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's foreign minister has congratulated the Palestinian people and their resistance for their historic victory over Israel in Gaza, saying the regime failed to achieve any of its objectives in the territory.
• Iran's top security official calls for establishing peace, stability in Sudan Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Akbar Ahmadian has emphasized the need for establishing peace and stability in Sudan, rejecting any foreign interference in the country.
• Leader dismisses US displacement plan for Gaza as 'foolish, futile' Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has dismissed the US-Israeli plan to displace Gazans as "foolish," saying it will fail just like their attempts to eliminate resistance in Gaza.
• 'Foolish' American plan for Gaza will lead nowhere: Ayatollah Khamenei IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the United States' "foolish plan" for Gaza will lead nowhere.
• Iran will implement decisions to stop U.S.'s Gaza scheme: Minister IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's government has made and will soon implement decisions to stop a scheme by U.S. President Donald Trump to permanently displace the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.
• Egypt Developing Alternate Plan To Rebuild Gaza Without Forcing Out Population RFE/RL 18 Feb 2025 -- Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip that would not entail forcing Palestinians out of the territory, as Arab nations scramble to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to move out residents and allow the United States to take control.
• Palestinians must decide Gaza's future, says mediator Qatar Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Qatar, one of the key mediators of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has said the people of Palestine must decide the future of Gaza, not outsiders.

Other Conflicts

• Manila: Chinese helicopter came within 3 meters of Philippine aircraft Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- A Chinese military helicopter flew dangerously close to within 3 meters (10 feet) of a Philippine aircraft in the skies above the contested Scarborough Shoal, a Filipino coast guard spokesman said.
• PCG exec: Pro-China vloggers active in WPS 'disinformation warfare' Philippine News Agency 18 Feb 2025 -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela on Tuesday warned that pro-China vloggers are actively spreading disinformation to distort the realities of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and mislead the Filipino people.
• PLA expels Philippine aircraft over China's Huangyan Dao; expert slams Manila's 'riskier' aerial provocations Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Tuesday expelled a Philippine aircraft which illegally intruded into Chinese territorial airspace over Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. A Chinese expert slammed the Philippines' increased provocations from the air, which is riskier and could cause unexpected incidents.
• Inclusivity, economic woes and security challenge Syria post-Assad VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- Syria's top diplomat says the country has gained freedom while managing to avoid another civil war, but observers point to major challenges ahead, such as the dire economy, uncertain security, and including Syria's diverse population in decision-making and governance.
• China holds a serious reservation on lifting UNSC sanctions related to HTS: Chinese FM Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- When asked about how the Chinese side views some countries' suggestion of lifting the UNSC sanctions related to the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that Syria should firmly oppose all forms of terrorism and extremist forces. He then noted that various parties generally believe that, under the current circumstances, the conditions for lifting the sanctions imposed by the UNSC's 1267 Committee on relevant organizations related to Syria and their key members are not met, and China also holds a serious reservation on this matter.
• Men, women experience near daily floggings in Afghanistan VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- Afghanistan's Taliban authorities publicly flogged six individuals on Tuesday after convicting them of offenses such as adultery, sodomy and eloping.
• Pakistan claims 30 militants killed near Afghan border VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- Pakistan reported Tuesday that its security forces killed at least 30 Islamist insurgents during clashes in a volatile region bordering Afghanistan.
• Arakan Army closing in on capital of Myanmar's Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- The rebel Arakan Army is closing in on Sittwe, the capital of Myanmar's western Rakhine state, firing artillery on military junta outposts outside the city and preparing for an assault, residents told Radio Free Asia.
• DR Congo: Children reportedly killed in summary executions by M23 fighters UN News 18 Feb 2025 -- The humanitarian emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has deteriorated sharply with serious human rights violations and abuses, including reported summary executions of children and generalised sexual violence.
• After resolutions on Sudan, DRC at African Union summit, analysts urge swift action VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- Regional analysts are calling for the swift implementation of resolutions made at the recently concluded African Union (AU) Summit in Ethiopia. The summit was dominated by discussions on escalating conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan, as well as concerns over the impact of U.S. aid cuts on the continent.
• Thousands arrive in Burundi within days, fleeing rising tension and violence in eastern DR Congo UNHCR 18 Feb 2025 -- Between 10,000 and 15,000 people have crossed into Burundi over the last few days, fleeing escalating tension and violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Most of those arriving are Congolese, mainly from the Bukavu area in South Kivu province, where the situation continues to deteriorate. A smaller number of Burundian nationals have also returned to their country fleeing clashes.
• Serious human rights concerns as situation in eastern DRC deteriorates further OHCHR 18 Feb 2025 -- The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is deteriorating sharply, resulting in serious human rights violations and abuses, such as summary executions, including of children, and conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. There have also been attacks on hospitals and humanitarian warehouses, as well as threats against the judiciary.
• UK summons Rwandan High Commissioner following advances by Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) UK FCDO 18 Feb 2025 -- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner today (18 February) following advances made by the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern DRC.
• UN rights office warns of 'dangerous tipping point' as abuses surge in Sudan UN News 18 Feb 2025 -- The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Tuesday sounded the alarm over escalating rights abuses in Sudan, warning that impunity is driving violations as fighting spreads and more armed groups become involved.
• Statement on hostilities and attacks against civilians in Sudan Government of Norway 18 Feb 2025 -- Statement by Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust on the escalation of hostilities and attacks against civilians in Sudan
• Sudan: Entrenched impunity fuelling gross human rights violations and abuses OHCHR 18 Feb 2025 -- Entrenched impunity is fuelling gross human rights violations and abuses in Sudan as fighting spreads to more parts of the country and involves additional armed actors, a report by the UN Human Rights Office has found, calling for a broader international effort towards accountability and to stem the flow of arms.
• Iran supports Sudanese government and army against rebels IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Islamic Republic supports Sudan's government and army against rebel forces in the African country.
• At AU summit, Tigray demands full implementation of peace deal VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- The leaders of Ethiopia's Tigray region have called for the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement that ended the conflict between Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray rebels in 2022.
• India boosts security protection for Dalai Lama Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- India has boosted security for the Dalai Lama, adding about 30 police commandos to protect the Tibetan spiritual leader amid reports of potential security threats, according to a person familiar with the matter and Indian media reports.

News Reports

• As Peace Gets Pushed Further from Reach, Dark Spirit of Impunity for Terrorism Spreads, Multilateral Solutions Key UN Security Council 18 Feb 2025 -- Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres' remarks to the UN Security Council open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security: practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance, in New York today:
• Meeting with Government members President of Russia 18 Feb 2025 -- The President held a meeting with Government members. The meeting was held in the videoconference format during the President's working trip to St Petersburg.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to questions from Rossiya 1 television channel, Riyadh, February 18, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Feb 2025
• US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council sparks concerns about China Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- Tibetan and Uyghur groups and other activists have expressed concern over the U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. Human Rights Council, saying the move will remove a key voice speaking out against autocratic countries that don't respect human rights, including China.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on February 18, 2025 PRC MofA 18 Feb 2025
• FM responds to whether China is concerned peace in Europe could lead to more forceful US 'rebalance to Asia' Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- In response to an inquiry about whether China is concerned that a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine issue will free up US military resources to further focus on the "Indo-Pacific region" and whether China is concerned that peace in Europe could lead to a more forceful "rebalance to Asia" of the US, Chinese FM spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China has explained its position on the Ukraine crisis multiple times. "We hope that all parties would work together to address the root causes of the crisis, establish a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture, and achieve long-term peace in Europe," Guo said.
• Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai's 'time is running out,' son says VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- As pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai spoke in his defense at a Hong Kong court Tuesday, his son Sebastien Lai was in Geneva calling for the United States and other world leaders to help secure this father's release.
• Hong Kong seizes assets of exiled former lawmaker, citing 'national security' Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- A court in Hong Kong has seized the assets of exiled former pro-democracy lawmaker Ted Hui, claiming they were "obtained from committing offenses endangering national security."
• Thai court sees merit in bid to free detained Uyghurs, seeks information Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- A Thai court said on Tuesday it saw merit in a petition to free 43 Uyghurs who have spent more than a decade in detention, ordering the head of the country's Immigration Bureau to appear for questioning.
• National security authorities uncover case involving individual sending military secrets to foreign spy agencies Global Times 18 Feb 2025 -- Recently, national security authorities in China uncovered a case involving an individual colluding with foreign espionage agencies to steal military secrets, including information on troop deployment locations, weapon configurations, and barracks conditions, according to an article released on the WeChat account of China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday.
• MAC reviews rules on Taiwanese obtaining Chinese identification documents CNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) is reviewing regulations and legal frameworks to strengthen oversight of Taiwanese citizens obtaining Chinese ID cards, residence cards, and permanent residence cards, as the number of such cases continues to rise, MAC head Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) said Tuesday.
• MND news references of routine press conference for the 3rd week of February 2025 ROC MND 18 Feb 2025
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 18 Feb 2025
• North Korea vows to bolster nuclear force as US, allies push for denuclearization Radio Free Asia 18 Feb 2025 -- North Korea said Tuesday it will stick to its policy of bolstering its nuclear forces, days after the United States, Japan and South Korea reaffirmed their goal of the complete denuclearization of the North.
• Press Statement of Spokesperson for DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 18 Feb 2025 -- A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Tuesday released a press statement "The anachronistic and futile attempt to challenge the inviolable sovereignty and the prestige of the DPRK will entail self-destructive results".
• Chinese influence in South Korea a focus in Yoon impeachment hearings, analysts say VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- South Korea's Constitutional Court is approaching the final phase of proceedings before it decides in March whether to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief martial law bid in December.
• Iran Charges Detained British Couple With Espionage RFE/RL 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran has charged British citizens Craig and Lindsay Foreman with espionage, the country's judiciary spokesman announced on February 18.
• Jailed British couple charged with espionage: Iran's judiciary Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's judiciary spokesman says that two British nationals recently arrested in the country's southeastern city of Kerman have been charged with spying for Western intelligence services.
• Two British nationals detained in Iran charged with espionage: Judiciary IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir has announced that two British nationals detained in Iran have been charged with espionage.
• Iran will never negotiate under threats: Araghchi IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says "maximum pressure" and "resolutions" have never worked against Iran, insisting that Tehran will not negotiate "under threats."
• Iran not to tolerate language of threat, pressure: Foreign Minister Araghchi IRNA 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed the Islamic Republic's readiness to continue negotiations with the European trio (Britain, Germany, and France); however, he said that Tehran will not tolerate the language of threat and pressure.
• FM: Iran won't condone language of threats; maximum pressure doomed to fail Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Islamic Republic does not condone threats, stressing that the US's "maximum pressure" campaign will certainly fail.
• Iran to raise its daily natural gas output by 250 mcm in 5 years Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Iran's natural gas production will increase by a fourth of its existing capacity in the next five years despite US sanctions targeting the country's energy sector, according to an Oil Ministry official.
• Meeting between Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the New York Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 18 Feb 2025 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in the New York today at the sidelines of Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by MEA on the State visit of the Amir of Qatar to India (February 18, 2025) India MEA 18 Feb 2025
• Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 18 Feb 2025
• South Africa open to nuclear cooperation with Iran and Russia despite US threats Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- South Africa could turn to either Iran or Russia to expand its civilian nuclear power capacity, says a senior government official.
• Rubio snubs South Africa's G20 meeting amid diplomatic tensions VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- South Africa will host a meeting of foreign ministers from the G20 group of major economies later this week, but the chief diplomat for the world's largest economy, the U.S., is skipping it.
• Saudi prince proving crucial to Trump efforts to end Ukraine, Gaza wars VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- Top U.S. and Russian officials wrapped up their meetings Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss a pathway to end the war in Ukraine, days before Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to convene a summit with leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to discuss an Arab response to U.S. President Donald Trump's vow to take over Gaza.
• Why Is Saudi Arabia Hosting U.S.-Russia Talks? And Why Now? RFE/RL 18 Feb 2025 -- Saudi Arabia is hosting one of the most important diplomatic meetings between Russia and the United States in years.
• U.S. Secretary of State in Riyadh for talks on Trump's controversial Gaza plan, Ukraine People's Daily 18 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Riyadh on Monday for talks with Saudi officials, focusing on a controversial U.S. proposal for Gaza, as part of his first Middle East tour as the top U.S. diplomat.
• Argentine president facing impeachment threat over crypto scandal Press TV 18 Feb 2025 -- Argentine President Javier Milei is facing threats of impeachment and legal action following his controversial promotion of a cryptocurrency that led to huge financial losses for investors in the Latin American country.
• Uganda under fire for detention of opposition leader VOA 18 Feb 2025 -- Human rights activists, lawyers and medical practitioners in East Africa called on the Ugandan government Tuesday to release opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has spent the past three months in military detention.
• World News in Brief: $53.2 billion needed for Palestinian recovery, UN condemns UNRWA schools raid, Lebanon-Israel tensions continue UN News 18 Feb 2025 -- The reconstruction of Gaza and the occupied West Bank will require an estimated $53.2 billion over the next ten years, according to the latest Damage and Needs Assessment from the UN and partners.