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Defense Policy / Programs

• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Statement on General Officer Nominations DoD 21 Feb 2025 -- This evening the President announced that he intends to nominate Lieutenant General Dan "Razin" Caine, USAF, for the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation's highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.
• DoD Probationary Workforce Statement DoD 21 Feb 2025 -- As the Secretary announced yesterday, the Department of Defense is re-evaluating our probationary workforce, consistent with the President's initiative to reform the Federal workforce to maximize efficiency and productivity.
• CENTCOM Partners with Over 30 Nations, International Organizations for International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025 CENTCOM 21 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, the Middle East region's largest multinational maritime exercise, February 9-20.
• Socom Laser-Focused on Winning, Readiness, Modernization DoD News 21 Feb 2025 -- Special Operations Command follows the defense secretary's top three priorities of warfighting to win, readiness of its people and lethality through modernization, said Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, Socom commander, speaking yesterday at the National Defense Industrial Association's 35th annual Special Operations Symposium in Washington.
• Exercise Cutlass Express 2025 Concludes in Tanzania US Navy 21 Feb 2025 -- U.S. 6th Fleet and the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) hosted the closing ceremony for Exercise Cutlass Express 2025, concluding the exercise's 15th iteration since 2011, on February 21, 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
• Kentucky National Guard adapts to shifting weather threats Army News 21 Feb 2025 -- The Kentucky National Guard continues its response efforts for the ongoing severe winter storm crisis, deploying 256 service members — mostly on state active duty — to assist communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• Indiana National Guard Aids Kentucky Flood Response Army News 21 Feb 2025 -- Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division's combat aviation brigade helped their southern neighbors in Kentucky with flood relief efforts.
• NATO launches the Resilience Reference Curriculum NATO 21 Feb 2025 -- At a meeting of its Resilience Committee on 14 February 2025, NATO introduced its first Resilience Reference Curriculum (RRC) to support efforts by NATO Allies and partners to strengthen their resilience against military and non-military threats and challenges to the Alliance's security and to their own national security. These can include natural disasters, disruption of critical infrastructure, or hybrid or armed attacks.
• Kremlin Denies It Asked NATO To Withdraw Troops From Eastern Flanks RFE/RL 21 Feb 2025 -- The Kremlin has denied reports that Russian officials requested that the United States seek the withdrawal of NATO troops from countries near or bordering Russia.
• Russia warns of NATO threats against port infrastructure Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- Russia's Security Council has warned of increasing threats from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) against Russian port infrastructure.
• EU weighting new aid package to Ukraine 'to show support' amid rift with US Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- A senior European Union official says that the bloc will deliver a "very strong message" through an aid package for Ukraine, as Russia and the United States appear to be nearing efforts to resolve the conflict in the region.
• FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON OF INDIAN NAVY ARRIVED AT CAM RANH BAY, VIETNAM India PIB 21 Feb 2025 -- Building Bridges of friendship whilst training young minds, the ships of First Training Squadron - INS Sujata and ICGS Veera arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on 20 Feb 25
• N. Koreans' high casualties in Ukraine blamed on inexperience VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- North Korean troops that joined Moscow's forces about four months ago in Russia's border region of Kursk are estimated to have suffered considerable casualties in the war against Ukraine, which analysts attribute to their lack of front-line combat experience.
• Xi signs orders to revise military rules Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed orders to publish three regulations on the military's interior order, code of conduct and military formation.
• Taiwan-made fighter jet tests air-launched HF-3 missile: Source CNA 21 Feb 2025 -- An Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) jet recently conducted an exercise equipped with an air-launched variant of the Hsiung Feng-III (HF-3) missile, a source familiar with the matter told CNA on Friday.
• Trump defense spending demands stress 'peace through strength': Experts CNA 21 Feb 2025 -- Defense and foreign policy experts on Friday said that military strength is essential for maintaining peace following U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for NATO nations and Taiwan to increase defense spending.
• Flights between Australia, New Zealand diverted because of Chinese drills Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2025 -- Several commercial flights between Australia and New Zealand had to divert on Friday because of a live-fire exercise conducted by Chinese warships, according to media reports.
• Chinese FM responds to Australian concerns over live-fire drills by Chinese warships off its east coast Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on concerns raised by Australia's Foreign Minister regarding live-fire drills conducted by three Chinese warships sailing off the country's east coast, as well as the Australia's Defense Department's monitoring of the Chinese navy vessels since they were spotted in international waters last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that a Chinese fleet organized by the PLA Southern Theater Command is conducting far seas exercise. The drill was carried out in a safe, standard and professional manner and in accordance with relevant international law and international practice.
• 'No legal prohibition' on sale of Shahed drone: Iran's UN mission Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations has stressed that there is "no legal prohibition" on the sale of the country's Shahed drone to other countries after some US reports alleged it was used by Russia in its war on Ukraine.
• 'New generation of smart weapons': Iran Army to launch massive joint drills in southern waters Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Army is set to launch massive joint Zolfaghar 1403 drills on Saturday as the country is bolstering its growing defensive capabilities.
• Exclusive: IRGC chief says Iran ready to confront any attacks Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says Iran's advanced weapons and skilled armed forces enable the country to confront any attacks by enemies.
• Finnish Navy to supplement recognised maritime picture together with US Marine Corps Finnish MoD 21 Feb 2025 -- Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has decided that the United States Marine Corps will participate in supplementing the recognised maritime picture in the Gulf of Finland in cooperation with the Finnish Navy.
• Letter of Intent between Sweden and Poland on deepened cooperation in civil defence and emergency preparedness Government Offices of Sweden 21 Feb 2025 -- On 19 February 2025, a Letter of Intent was signed between Sweden and Poland to work further on the strategic partnership agreement between Sweden and Poland.
• Lithuania and Croatia strengthen defence cooperation Lithuania MND 21 Feb 2025 -- Croatia is deploying a Howitzer artillery battery to the NATO Multinational Battle Group Lithuania in the beginning of next year at the latest.
• AFP: Aircraft carrier's visit shows growing PH-France defense ties Philippine News Agency 21 Feb 2025 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday welcomed the visit of the 42,500-ton French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle and its escorts, which are expected to arrive in the country on Saturday.
• French aircraft carrier to make stops in Subic, Manila Philippine News Agency 21 Feb 2025 -- French carrier strike group (CSG), composed of aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort, is set to arrive in Subic Bay and Manila as part of its Clemenceau 25 mission in the Indo-Pacific region, the French Embassy in Manila said Friday.
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Kenyan President Ruto US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Saidov US Dept. of State 21 Feb 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 21, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 21 February 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Feb 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 21 Feb 2025
• PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 21 Feb 2025
• Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari-February 21, 2025 Israel Defense Forces 21 Feb 2025
• Counterterrorism Activity of the IDF in Judea and Samaria Israel Defense Forces 21 Feb 2025
• Israeli cabinet calls for Shin Bet chief's dismissal after bus blasts near Tel Aviv IRNA 21 Feb 2025 -- The Israeli cabinet has called for the dismissal of Ronen Bar, the director of Shin Bet (Israel's internal security agency) following the explosion of three buses in the settlement of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv.
• Israel prepares to receive 6 more hostages as fragile ceasefire appears to hold VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- Israel prepared Saturday to receive six more hostages, the latest exchange to take place under a fragile ceasefire that was threatened this week by the return of a misidentified body.
• Hamas says it released body of hostage after misidentifying Shiri Bibas VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, said it released a body Friday that it claimed was Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas, whose misidentification had threatened the ceasefire deal.
• Hamas says Netanyahu delaying 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire IRNA 21 Feb 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for intentionally stalling the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
• Hamas names 6 captives set for release, raps Netanyahu's threat over Shiri Bibas as PR stunt Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has announced the names of six Israeli captives, who are set to be released on Saturday as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
• Netanyahu 'procrastinating' over next phase of Gaza ceasefire: Hamas Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "procrastinating" on negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire deal in Gaza.
• 3 empty buses explode in suspected terror attack near Tel Aviv People's Daily 21 Feb 2025 -- Three empty buses exploded simultaneously Thursday night in Israel's Tel Aviv area, while explosive devices were found on at least two others before they could detonate, in what police said was a "suspected terror attack."
• Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the deaths of Ariel and Kfir Bibas UNICEF 21 Feb 2025
• UNRWA Situation Report #160 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information updated for 12- 18 February 2025 UNRWA 21 Feb 2025
• Nearly 148,000 in Gaza receive cash aid UN News 21 Feb 2025 -- Aid operations in the Gaza Strip continue to reach people from north to south with critical assistance, including cash, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on Friday.
• Arab leaders meet in Saudi Arabia to counter Trump's Gaza depopulation plan Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- Arab leaders have gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss a reconstruction plan for Gaza aimed at countering President Donald Trump's scheme for a US takeover of the strip and the forced displacement of its Palestinian people.
• OIC Condemns Israeli Prime Minister's Storming of Tulkarm Camp Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 21 Feb 2025 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the storming of the Tulkarm camp by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, considering it an extension of the ongoing Israeli military aggression against the Palestinian people.

Other Conflicts

• Embassies air concern over Chinese chopper incident in Scarborough Philippine News Agency 21 Feb 2025 -- Several foreign missions in the Philippines have conveyed concern over the recent incident at the Scarborough Shoal involving a Chinese Navy helicopter that flew as close as 3 meters from a Filipino aircraft on Feb. 18.
• Philippines overestimates own capabilities in staging illegal intrusions, underestimates China's resolve to safeguard rights: expert Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command on Friday revealed that two C-208 aircraft and one N-22 aircraft of the Philippines illegally entered the airspace near China's Nansha Qundao on Thursday. The Chinese military monitored the whole process, warned and expelled them.
• Philippine urged to resolve deep-rooted offshore gambling issues; China is willing to jointly combat criminal activities: FM Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese government is committed to cracking down on gambling and related crimes and consistently requires Chinese citizens abroad to strictly abide by local laws and regulations, refraining from engaging in illegal activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Friday in response to an inquiry about reports that Philippine police raided an offshore gambling operator in Manila on Thursday, arresting over 450 people, including 137 Chinese citizens.
• PLA expels Philippine aircraft from airspace near China's Nansha Qundao People's Daily 21 Feb 2025 -- China's military expelled three Philippine aircraft that illegally entered the airspace near China's Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea on Thursday, according to a military spokesperson.
• How ASEAN nations shape South China Sea policies around China Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2025 -- Tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea have been making more headlines in 2025 after escalating alarmingly last year.
• Rubio highlights emerging terror threat in Afghanistan VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested late Thursday there are ungoverned regions in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan that provide opportunities for extremist groups to operate.
• Several injured as Israeli airstrikes target Lebanon-Syria border crossing Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- An unspecified number of people have sustained injuries after Israeli warplanes carried out a string of airstrikes against several border crossings between Syria and Lebanon, in the latest act of aggression since the collapse of the government of Bashar al-Assad.
• UN: Syria economic recovery needs more than 50 years Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- The United Nations has issued an alarming report on the economic impact of years of armed militancy in Syria.
• UN Security Council demands rebels withdraw from captured Congolese cities VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Friday demanding that the M23 rebels in eastern Congo immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from territories they have seized. The council also threatened sanctions on those who prolong the conflict.
• Motivations, ambitions of Congo's M23 rebels unclear, analysts say VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- A Rwandan government minister and the spokesperson of the M23 rebel group were sanctioned Thursday by the United States for alleged involvement in the recent conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Security Council Strongly Condemns Ongoing Offensives by M23 Rebel Movement in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2772 (2025) UN Security Council 21 Feb 2025 -- The Security Council today strongly condemned ongoing offensives by the 23 March Movement, or M23, in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, deciding that M23 shall immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from areas it controls and fully reverse the establishment of illegitimate parallel administrations in that country's territory.
• Security Council urges Rwanda to stop supporting M23 in eastern DR Congo UN News 21 Feb 2025 -- The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Friday that strongly condemned the ongoing offensive and advance of M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• DR Congo crisis: Occupation blocks UN mission from protecting civilians UN News 21 Feb 2025 -- The continued occupation of North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the M23 armed group has "severely constrained" the UN stabilisation force's ability to protect civilians and carry out lifesaving operations, the mission chief Bintou Keita told reporters on Friday.
• Urgent appeal launched as DR Congo crisis fuels mass displacement to Burundi UN News 21 Feb 2025 -- The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has launched a $40.4 million appeal to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its impact on neighbouring countries, particularly Burundi, where thousands are arriving daily in desperate conditions.
• Democratic Republic of Congo: Parties to conflict must treat dead bodies with dignity OHCHR 21 Feb 2025 -- Parties to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must ensure bodies of the deceased are treated with respect and dignity and are properly documented before burial to prevent them from becoming missing persons, UN experts* said today.
• Rwanda: Statement by the Spokesperson on the summoning of Rwanda's ambassador to the EU European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 Feb 2025 -- The European Union has today summoned the ambassador of Rwanda to the EU due to the ongoing offensive of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and M23 in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• This resolution makes clear that M23 must withdraw from Goma and Bukavu: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Feb 2025 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution on Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• UNHCR launches appeal as dire situation in DR Congo impacts Burundi UNHCR 21 Feb 2025 -- This is a summary of what was said by Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, UNHCR Representative in Burundi- to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
• Colombia: Fleeing the thunder of violence in Catatumbo UN News 21 Feb 2025 -- Around 80,000 people in northeastern Colombia are suffering the devastating consequences of an armed conflict that escalated on 15 January of this year. Caught in the crossfire between armed groups, thousands have been forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs while others remain trapped in their homes.

News Reports

• National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a preliminary inquiry into suspected cable damage in Baltic Sea Police of Finland 21 Feb 2025 -- The National Bureau of Investigation has started a preliminary inquiry into the suspected cable damage which was discovered in Sweden's exclusive economic zone on 19 February 2025.
• US states push back against possible election security changes VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- Moves by U.S. President Donald Trump to potentially gut programs aimed at supporting election security are not sitting well with key state election officials, who are now asking the Trump administration to reconsider.
• In CPAC remarks, White House national security adviser pledges crackdown on Mexican cartels VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- Politicians, media personalities and conservative activists gathered outside Washington on Friday for the second day of a conference featuring a range of political allies of President Donald Trump.
• Armed Drug Cartel Member Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Hundreds of Kilos of Cocaine and Methamphetamine US Dept. of Justice 21 Feb 2025 -- A Mexican national and armed member of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 20 years and 10 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy that distributed large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine destined for the United States.
• Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Removes One Entry from Its Sanctions List UN Security Council 21 Feb 2025 -- On 21 February 2025, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al‑Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities removed the entry below from the ISIL (Da'esh) and Al‑Qaida Sanctions List after concluding its consideration of the de-listing request for this name submitted through the Office of the Ombudsperson established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1904 (2009), and of the Comprehensive Report of the Ombudsperson on this de-listing request.
• Plenary meeting of the Future Technologies Forum President of Russia 21 Feb 2025 -- Vladimir Putin took part in a plenary meeting of the Future Technologies Forum, underway at the International Trade Centre in Moscow.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions following the G20 Ministerial Council meeting, Johannesburg, February 21, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the G20's objectives in 2025, a discussion of planned results of South Africa's Presidency and an assessment of the forum's activities, Johannesburg, February 21, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2025
• Trump-Putin Summit Depends On Progress On Ending War, Rubio Says RFE/RL 21 Feb 2025 -- A possible meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will depend on whether progress is made on ending the war in Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on February 20.
• Joint Statement 4th Shadow Fleet Expert Group Meeting 19-20 February 2025 Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 Feb 2025 -- Joint statement by the coastal states of the Baltic Sea and North Sea - Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom - following the fourth expert-level meeting in Stockholm 19-20 February 2025.
• The EU Foreign Affairs Council to approve the 16th package of sanctions against Russia Latvia MFA 21 Feb 2025 -- On the third-year mark of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council, at its meeting in Brussels on Monday, 24 February 2025, is expected to formally approve the 16th package of sanctions against Russia.
• Israeli Freight Forwarder Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Violating Export Restrictions Imposed on Russia US Dept. of Justice 21 Feb 2025 -- Gal Haimovich, 49, of Israel, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to illegally ship aircraft parts and avionics from U.S. manufacturers and suppliers to Russia, including for the benefit of sanctioned Russian airline companies. In addition, Haimovich paid the full forfeiture amount of $2,024,435.44 at today's sentencing.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil Mauro Vieira Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2025
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Feb 2025
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on February 21, 2025 PRC MofA 21 Feb 2025
• Be the Driving Force for the Progress of History PRC MofA 21 Feb 2025 -- Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China At Session Ⅲ of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting
• Top US, Chinese officials talk about tariffs on video call Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng discussed President Donald Trump's plans for sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports during an introductory video call on Friday morning, according to readouts from both sides.
• READOUT: Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent's introductory call with China's Vice Premier He Lifeng US Treasury 21 Feb 2025 -- Earlier today, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent had an introductory call with Vice Premier He Lifeng of the People's Republic of China to exchange views on the bilateral economic relationship.
• Chinese vice premier, US treasury secretary hold video talks Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- He Lifeng, Chinese vice premier and Chinese lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, held a video call on Friday night with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the latter's request. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the implementation of consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone talks, and on important issues between China and the United States in the economic field.
• China 'Nervous' Over U.S.-Russia Reset, Despite Beijing's Public Support RFE/RL 21 Feb 2025 -- China's top diplomat says that a "window for peace" is opening amid a quickening pace of U.S. diplomacy around ending the war in Ukraine and steps by Washington to normalize relations with Moscow.
• Chinese FM responds to report suggesting UK lines up new ambassador to help rebuild China ties Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- In response to an exclusive Reuter's report suggesting that UK lines up new ambassador to help rebuild China ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that currently China-UK relations are improving, with steady progress in exchanges and cooperation across various fields. The embassy has played an important and positive role in this process.
• Bilateral human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China Federal Council - Swiss Government 21 Feb 2025 -- The 18th round of the human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China took place in Beijing on 20 and 21 February 2025. The talks, which were held in confidence, allowed for a direct, critical and open exchange on international and national human rights issues. The Swiss delegation was led by Christine Löw, deputy head of the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division. Switzerland is firmly committed to the universal protection of human rights - in China and elsewhere in the world. To this end, it uses a number of multilateral and bilateral instrments, including the human rights dialogue.
• Hong Kong's Democratic Party plans to disband amid 'political environment' Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2025 -- Once Hong Kong's biggest opposition party, the Democratic Party has announced plans to disband amid a political crackdown in the city under two security laws.
• Chinese FM urges G20 to act as force for world peace, stability People's Daily 21 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called on Group of 20 (G20) countries to act as a force for world peace and stability.
• Chinese, Russian FMs meet on bilateral ties Global Times 21 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed China-Russia relations with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov Thursday on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• What Does A U.S.-Russia Reset Mean For China? RFE/RL 21 Feb 2025 -- The quick pace of U.S. diplomacy around ending the war in Ukraine and steps by Washington to normalize relations with Moscow have sparked fears in Kyiv and European capitals about being sidelined and saddled with a peace deal that favors Russia.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 21 Feb 2025
• North Korea expected to send many health workers to Russia: think tank Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2025 -- North Korea is expected to send a large number of healthcare workers to Russia for training, a South Korean government-backed think tank said, as it tries to address a lack of in-house capabilities to achieve a goal of modernizing rural health services.
• Official: Iran mastering construction of nuclear power plants Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the United States has failed to prevent the construction of Karun power plant in the southwestern city of Darkhovein, reaffirming that the Islamic Republic continues to pursue its peaceful nuclear activities despite the enemies' plots.
• President Pezeshkian: Iran will negotiate but not at any cost Press TV 21 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran has repeatedly announced that it seeks dialogue but will not hold negotiations "at any cost".
• Iran Watches U.S.-Russia Talks With Apprehension RFE/RL 21 Feb 2025
• FATF Advances Work Combatting Proliferation Financing, Reaffirms Countermeasures Against Iran US Treasury 21 Feb 2025 -- Today, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)—the global standard-setting body for anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction—concluded a plenary in which representatives from the Department of the Treasury participated.
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Meets with Wang Yi PRC MofA 21 Feb 2025 -- On February 20, 2025 local time, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with the President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Feb 2025
• Afghan Attack Suspects Put Migrants At Heart Of German Elections RFE/RL 21 Feb 2025 -- As Germany heads into pivotal federal elections on February 23, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is making unprecedented gains.
• Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (February 21, 2025) India MEA 21 Feb 2025
• Minister Hussen attends 48th CARICOM and announces new support for the Caribbean region Canada 21 Feb 2025 -- Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded a visit to Barbados, where he represented Canada at the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and reinforced Canada's strategic partnerships with the region.
• Minister Hussen announces new funding for multiple countries in the Caribbean Canada 21 Feb 2025
• Doorstop interview - Wollongong Prime Minister of Australia 21 Feb 2025
• Extraordinary Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 21 Feb 2025
• 'Lack of consensus' as G20 meets amid turbulent times VOA 21 Feb 2025 -- The two-day Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting wrapped up in Johannesburg on Friday. Aimed at addressing global problems, the talks between the world's wealthiest countries instead underscored the fault lines in the current geopolitical climate.
• Remarks by Foreign Minister Eide at G20 meeting Government of Norway 21 Feb 2025 -- Remarks by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide at G20 meeting In Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Laos to send soldiers to teach at schools amid teacher shortage Radio Free Asia 21 Feb 2025 -- Faced with a nationwide teacher shortage, the Lao government is turning to the military to solve the problem by training soldiers to teach classes, military and government officials told Radio Free Asia.