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Defense Policy / Programs

• Hegseth Welcomes Saudi Defense Minister to Pentagon, Underscores Partnership DoD News 24 Feb 2025 -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today highlighted the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia while hosting that country's defense minister during a bilateral engagement at the Pentagon.
• 405th AFSB's LOGCAP-Africa supports validation mission in Uganda Army News 24 Feb 2025 -- Several cooperative security locations are scattered across multiple countries and locations on the continent of Africa. In place to serve as power projection platforms, CSLs can be used when the U.S. State Department needs assistance, or combatant commanders need additional capabilities during joint and allied operations.
• Stormbreaker 25.1: 7th Communication Battalion Enhance Their Combat Effectiveness and Job Proficiency USMC News 24 Feb 2025 -- Stormbreaker 25.1 was designed to enhance Marines' combat readiness by establishing, maintaining, and defending communication networks and services, enabling commanders to effectively command and control their forces. The training also gave 7th Comm. Bn.'s noncommissioned officers the opportunity to teach and mentor their junior Marines with the intent to increase their knowledge in field craft and setting up communication assets.
• Mission And Purpose On Full Display As Truman Returns To Sea US Navy 24 Feb 2025 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is underway conducting routine flight operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, Feb. 24, after departing Souda Bay, Greece, on Feb. 23, following completion of an emergent repair availability (ERAV).
• U.S. Navy, Marines, JMSDF Complete Joint Mine Warfare Exercise US Navy 24 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) concluded their participation in the bilateral mine warfare exercise (MIWEX) 1JA, Feb. 11, 2025.
• USS Stockdale returns home after seven-month deployment to 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet US Navy 24 Feb 2025 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) returned to homeport at Naval Base San Diego after a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, Feb. 21.
• CTF153 and USS Stout 'Ready Together' for Red Sea Maritime Security US Navy 24 Feb 2025 -- Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 153 and the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) have remained 'ready together' as they safeguard maritime security in the Red Sea.
• Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. participate in Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint 25-71 (Resilient Shield) US Navy 24 Feb 2025 -- Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. forces launched Fleet Synthetic Training - Joint (FST-J) 25-71 (Resilient Shield), at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), Japan, and other command centers throughout the region, Feb. 24-27, 2025.
• The Navy's carrier airwing flies further with Hercules' new tanker approval US Navy 24 Feb 2025 -- The Navy Reserve's KC-130T Hercules fleet, upgraded with the NP200 propeller system, is cleared to aerially refuel a significantly wider range of aircraft across the carrier airwing following envelope expansion testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) which concluded in early 2025.
• Top US general in Asia begins 2-day visit to Cambodia VOA 24 Feb 2025 -- The top U.S. Army officer for the Asia-Pacific region began a two-day visit to Cambodia Monday in a trip designed to expand and improve frayed ties between the two nations.
• Exclusive: Russian Defector Leaks Files Revealing Shocking Scale of War Casualties RFE/RL 24 Feb 2025 -- Less than a year before his bloodied corpse was found sprawled on a snowy Moscow sidewalk, assassinated by an exploding electric scooter, the Russian general overseeing the country's nuclear defense forces was shot.
• Komodo 2025 international naval exercise involving Russian Navy ships enters final stage off Indonesian coast Russia MoD 24 Feb 2025 -- The Komodo 2025 international naval exercise involving Russian Navy ships entered the final stage off Indonesian coast.
• NATO Secretary General's statement on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine NATO 24 Feb 2025
• Ceremony at NATO Headquarters marks three years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine NATO 24 Feb 2025 -- Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska stressed the importance of continued support to Ukraine during a 24 February 2025 ceremony marking three years since Russia's full-fledged invasion of Ukraine.
• This Year Must Be the Year When Lasting Peace Begins, Which Should Be the Result of Clear Security Guarantees for Ukraine - Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 24 Feb 2025
• Estonian and French Defence Ministers discussed the future of European and Ukrainian security in Tallinn Estonia MoD 24 Feb 2025 -- Today, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur hosted French Minister of Defence Sébastien Lecornu in Tallinn.
• Norway to increase support for Ukrainian defence industry and procurement of drones for Ukraine Government of Norway 24 Feb 2025 -- The Government is planning to provide NOK 3.5 billion for the procurement of military equipment for Ukraine from the Ukrainian defence industry.
• Norway to contribute equipment and training for a Ukrainian brigade Government of Norway 24 Feb 2025 -- The Nordic-Baltic countries will provide equipment and training for a Ukrainian brigade-sized unit. This is in response to a request by Ukraine.
• Sweden donates air defence systems to Ukraine worth SEK 1.2 billion Government Offices of Sweden 24 Feb 2025 -- The Government intends shortly to authorise the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to procure RBS 70 and Tridon Mk2 air defence systems for donation to Ukraine.
• Minister of National Defence is visiting Ukraine in demonstration of solidarity on the anniversary of the invasion Lithuania MND 24 Feb 2025 -- Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė has departed for Ukraine in delegation of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda where the third anniversary of the wide-scale war is marked.
• The President and First Lady, Together with Foreign Leaders, Honored the Memory of Fallen Warriors President of Ukraine 24 Feb 2025
• Chinese Naval Task Group New Zealand Defence Force 24 Feb 2025 -- The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), in conjunction with Australian authorities, are monitoring a People's Liberation Army - Navy (PLA-N) Task Group in the Tasman Sea, in international waters about 350 nautical miles northeast of Australia's Bass Strait.
• The MND released a press statement to explain "the open call of the National Defense Innovation Task Force." ROC MND 24 Feb 2025
• New research grants awarded to bolster Defence capability Australia DOD 24 Feb 2025 -- Five cutting-edge research projects have received a funding boost to deliver real-world technologies to address some of Defence's most challenging problems.
• India's technological sector is on rise & is expected to reach $300-350 billion in next five years: Raksha Mantri at 16th Foundation Day of IIT Mandi India PIB 24 Feb 2025 -- "India's technological sector is on the rise and is expected to reach 300-350 US billion dollars in the next five years
• Iran summons Polish envoy over 'baseless, biased' drone claims Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Polish chargé d'affaires to Tehran to protest Warsaw's "biased and baseless" remarks regarding military cooperation between Iran and Russia in the Ukraine war.
• Iran puts advanced jet into operation for first time during major joint drills Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- The Iranian Army has debuted a new advanced jet during major joint maneuvers enlisting the force's various divisions in the country's southern coastline and waters as well as part of the Indian Ocean.
• Iran Ground Force deploys live firepower to back up Navy during major maneuvers Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- The Iranian Army's Ground Force conducts extensive live-fire drills in support of the Navy during the underway Zolfaqar 1403 military maneuvers, deploying a wide range of light and heavy weaponry to bolster maritime defense.
• Iran Army's hovercrafts fitted with advanced long-range missiles: Navy chief Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- The commander of Iran's Navy has announced that the force's hovercraft fleet has been equipped with long-range missiles and that the domestically developed Pirouzan-class hovercraft would soon join operational naval units.
• Japan, Philippines eye closer security ties; two sides exploit each other, undermining regional peace: expert Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- Japan and the Philippines plan to establish a high-level defense consultation mechanism to expand Japan's defense exports, Kyodo News reported Sunday during Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani's visit to the Philippines. Meanwhile, Japanese media hyped Japan's intent to help the Philippines monitor the South China Sea. A Chinese expert told the Global Times that their defense cooperation is a mutual exploitation which however undermines regional peace and stability.
• Israel's WMDs 'serious threat' to global security, Iran warns UN disarmament conference IRNA 24 Feb 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tells the UN disarmament conference in Geneva that the Israeli regime's weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including its nuclear weapons, continue to pose a "serious threat" to regional and global peace and security.
• Commander of Defence speech for Estonia's 107th Independence Day Estonia Defence Forces 24 Feb 2025
• Four pillars of Slovak-Polish cooperation Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 24 Feb 2025 -- On his visit to Poland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák met with his Polish counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw on Monday 24 February 2025.
• Japan to deepen 'bilateral cooperation' with PH in 3 fields Philippine News Agency 24 Feb 2025 -- To ensure that peace and stability will prevail in the Indo-Pacific Region, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani on Monday said his country would further deepen its "bilateral cooperation" with the Philippines in the areas of operational cooperation, people-to-people exchange, and defense equipment and technology cooperation.
• Japanese-supplied radar helps PH air defense Philippine News Agency 24 Feb 2025 -- The Japanese-supplied surveillance radar to the Philippines is providing an important contribution to Philippine air defense, Japan Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said on Monday.
• PH, Japan defense ties growing stronger - Teodoro Philippine News Agency 24 Feb 2025 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday said the country's defense and security relations with Japan have grown stronger through the years.
• US notifies PH of security aid exemption in financing freeze - DFA Philippine News Agency 24 Feb 2025 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday confirmed that the United States has exempted its security aid to the Philippines from its pause on global foreign aid.
• US exempts $336-M security aid to PH from freeze — report Philippine News Agency 24 Feb 2025 -- The United States has exempted USD336 million for the modernization of Philippine security forces in its foreign aid freeze, a report said.
• Aircraft carrier 1st visit seen to broaden PH-France military ties Philippine News Agency 24 Feb 2025 -- France hopes to see broader military cooperation with the Philippines following the historic visit of its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
• Tokyo, Manila plan to expand defense co-op; move 'essentially mutual exploitation': expert Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- Japan and the Philippines on Monday agreed to establish a new high-level framework to help expand defense equipment and technology exports from Tokyo, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced during a meeting with his counterpart in Manila, the Japan Times reported. Chinese expert described the strengthening of defense cooperation between Tokyo and Manila as "mutual exploitation."
• Nuclear weapons are 'one-way road to annihilation' warns Guterres UN News 24 Feb 2025 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday warned that the risk of nuclear conflict is rising - as global security arrangements unravel and military spending soars - urging governments to push for total disarmament.
• Secretary-General's remarks to Conference on Disarmament [as delivered] UN Secretary-General 24 Feb 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 24, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 24 February 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Feb 2025
• World's 'warmongers' must end disdain for global order, UN chief insists UN News 24 Feb 2025 -- With no end to numerous protracted conflicts - not least in Ukraine, three years to the day since the full-scale Russian invasion - UN chief António Guterres on Monday scorned the world's "warmongers" for trampling on people's most fundamental rights.
• Secretary-General's Remarks to the Human Rights Council [as delivered] UN Secretary-General 24 Feb 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel sends tanks to West Bank for first time in 23 years as 40,000 displaced IRNA 24 Feb 2025 -- The Israeli military has deployed tanks in the occupied West Bank for the first time in over two decades, in a move that Palestinian groups condemned as an attempt to "annex" the occupied territory by force.
• Israel demolishes 120 homes in West Bank, plans 1,200 illegal settlement units Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- Israeli forces have destroyed 120 Palestinian-owned homes in the Jenin refugee camp in the West bank as the regime is scrambling to approve more illegal settlements in the occupied territory.
• Hamas condemns escalation as Israel deploys tanks into West Bank for first time in decades Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- The Hamas resistance movement has denounced Israel's decision to expand its military offensives in the northern West Bank, saying the crackdown reveals the occupying regime's dangerous intentions to persist with its genocidal war against Palestinian people.
• WFP reaches one million people in Gaza as ceasefire allows more food deliveries and distributions across the Strip WFP 24 Feb 2025 -- The World Food Programme today announced that the ceasefire in Gaza has allowed it to bring in more than double the monthly average of food it delivered prior to the ceasefire being in place. This has enabled the agency to provide full food rations, restock and reopen bakeries, and reach families across the entire Gaza Strip.
• Trump's plan to take over Gaza 'unacceptable': Iran's speaker IRNA 24 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has said that U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to forcibly displace residents of Gaza and take over the Palestinian land is not acceptable.
• 'Act of terror': Iran FM slams Israeli violation of Lebanese sovereignty with Nasrallah funeral flyover Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denounced Israeli jets low flyby over a Lebanese stadium, where a funeral ceremony for martyred Hezbollah leaders was taking place, as an "act of terror" meant to terrify mourners.
• IRGC: Nasrallah funeral 'global resonance of resistance'; 'Heroic Hezbollah' to dismantle Israel Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah and resistance will resolutely continue the path of ending the occupation.
• Israel: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the EU-Israel Association Council European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Feb 2025
• Burial procession held in south Lebanon for Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hashem Saffieddine IRNA 24 Feb 2025 -- The body of the late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hashem Saffieddine has been transferred to the village of Deir Qanoun an-Naher in southern Lebanon for a funeral and burial ceremony attended by a large crowd of people, officials, and foreign dignitaries.
• Beirut funeral for Nasrallah, Safieddine shows Hezbollah is vibrant: IRGC IRNA 24 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a statement, saying that the historic funeral of Hezbollah leaders Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine in Beirut showed that the Lebanese resistance movement is vibrant.

Other Conflicts

• China conducts live fire drills in Tonkin Gulf as Vietnam draws sea border Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese military has announced a live-fire exercise in an area in the Gulf of Tonkin from Monday to Thursday this week, warning ships not to enter the zone.
• Syria: EU suspends restrictive measures on key economic sectors EC/CEU 24 Feb 2025 -- The Council decided today to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. This decision is part of the EU's efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation.
• Iraq conveys concerns to Syria over security threats posed by Daesh remnants Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- Head of Iraq's National Intelligence Service Hamid al-Shatri says Baghdad has conveyed concerns to Damascus about the security threats posed by remnants of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group as they have re-emerged in some areas of neighboring Syria.
• Taliban continues corporal punishment, flogging 20 Afghans over alleged adultery VOA 24 Feb 2025 -- Afghanistan's hard-line Taliban authorities publicly flogged 20 men and women Monday on charges of adultery, rape, and engaging in "illegitimate relations."
• Junta blockade on medicine leaves Myanmar's displaced reeling Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2025 -- Junta restrictions on the transport of medicine in Myanmar's war-torn regions of Rakhine, Chin and Sagaing in the north and west have led to shortages for displaced civilians dealing with outbreaks of disease, sources told RFA Burmese.
• Eastern DR Congo: Crisis deepens as crime and insecurity surges UN News 24 Feb 2025 -- The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening as M23 rebel attacks continue to drive tens of thousands from their homes and claim hundreds of lives, UN humanitarians warned on Monday.
• 7,000+ killed in eastern DR Congo since January: PM Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- More than 7,000 people, many of them civilians, have been killed in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo since January, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka said on Monday.
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Sudan UN Secretary-General 24 Feb 2025
• Colombia - UN report urges State to protect civilians and their rights amid ongoing violence by armed groups OHCHR 24 Feb 2025 -- Violence perpetrated by non-State armed groups and criminal organisations in Colombia continues to blight people's lives and rip apart the social fabric of communities across the country, according to a report published today by the UN Human Rights Office.

News Reports

• Barrio Azteca Gang Leader and Member Extradited from Mexico to the United States to Face Charges Related to 2010 U.S. Consulate Murders in Juarez US Dept. of Justice 24 Feb 2025 -- Two alleged members of the Barrio Azteca (BA), a transnational criminal organization allied with the Juarez Cartel, were extradited from Mexico to the United States to face charges related to the March 2010 murders of U.S. Consulate employees in Juarez, Mexico.
• Answers to questions from journalist Pavel Zarubin President of Russia 24 Feb 2025
• Meeting on developing the rare-earth metals industry President of Russia 24 Feb 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting on extraction and processing of rare and rear-earth metals.
• Telephone conversation with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon President of Russia 24 Feb 2025 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon.
• Council of Europe marks third anniversary of start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine Council of Europe 24 Feb 2025 -- To mark the third anniversary of the start of the Russian Federation's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the Ministers' Deputies (ambassadors) have held an extraordinary meeting focusing on Ukrainian civilians held prisoner by the authorities of the Russian Federation.
• 16th package of sanctions on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists additional 48 individuals and 35 entities EC/CEU 24 Feb 2025 -- As part of the comprehensive sixteenth package of sanctions adopted earlier today, the Council decided to impose targeted restrictive measures on an additional 48 individuals and 35 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
• Three years of Russia's full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts its 16th package of economic and individual measures EC/CEU 24 Feb 2025 -- On the third year mark of the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Council adopted today a wide-ranging 16th package of economic and individual restrictive measures.
• European Union ramps up sanctions against Russia and Belarus Estonia MFA 24 Feb 2025 -- On Monday 24 February, the European Union adopted a new package of sanctions, ramping up restrictive measures imposed against Russia and Belarus.
• EU adopts 16th sanctions package against Russia on third anniversary of full-scale invasion of Ukraine Government Offices of Sweden 24 Feb 2025 -- On the third anniversary of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has adopted the 16th sanctions package since the launch of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
• EU imposes new sanctions on Russia on third anniversary of Ukraine war Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- On the anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, the European Union (EU) has imposed its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors of its economy and "military-industrial complex".
• New package of sanctions against Russia Germany - Federal Government 24 Feb 2025 -- The EU states have agreed on a 16th package of sanctions against Russia. By adopting the package, the European Union is sending Russia another signal of its determination.
• UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022 UK FCDO 24 Feb 2025 -- Three years on from President Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.
• Kremlin-linked elites face exclusion from UK UK MOD 24 Feb 2025 -- Elites with known links to the Kremlin may be subject to exclusion from the UK in show of steadfast support for Ukraine on 3 year anniversary of invasion.
• EU's 16th sanctions package bans imports of aluminium from Russia and cracks down on shadow fleet Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 24 Feb 2025 -- The 16th sanctions package adopted by the European Union on 24 February bans imports of primary aluminium and extends export prohibitions. The package also imposes new sanctions on shadow vessels and those who support the operations of the shadow fleet.
• Dace Melbārde: the EU's 16th package of sanctions targeting Russia further undermines the crumbling Russian economy Latvia MFA 24 Feb 2025 -- Three years into the brutal war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine, on 24 February 2025, ministers at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council approved the 16th round of EU sanctions on Russia, reinforcing the restrictive and anti-circumvention measures.
• Former chairman of Chinese Aviation Industry Corporation expelled from CPC Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- Tan Ruisong, former board chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd., has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, the country's anti-graft body said Monday.
• Chinese officials get derisory 'Snail Awards' for lying down on the job Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Communist Party officials who lie down on the job could find themselves publicly named and shamed as recipients of "Snail Awards" amid growing concern over "inaction" and "irresponsibility" among the country's nearly 60 million-strong bureaucracy.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on February 24, 2025 PRC MofA 24 Feb 2025
• Pushing for the Reform and Improvement of Global Human Rights Governance to Uphold the Right Approach to Human Rights PRC MofA 24 Feb 2025 -- Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee And Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China At the High-Level Segment of the 58th Session of The United Nations Human Rights Council
• China opposes and lodges solemn representations against US tightened curbs on investments with China: FM Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- China deplores and firmly opposes the US memorandum on investment policy which, citing alleged national security concerns, calls China a "foreign adversary" and adopts various discriminatory measures to tighten restrictions on two-way investments with China, and China has lodged serious protests with the US side, Lin Jian, a spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, said on Monday.
• China eyes Trump's Ukraine strategy, strengthens ties with Russia VOA 24 Feb 2025 -- Three years into Russia's aggression in Ukraine, China is closely monitoring U.S. President Donald Trump's strategy to end the war, as Beijing calculates its moves to position itself as a strategic partner for Ukraine while maintaining a no‐limits partnership with Russia, according to experts and former officials.
• President Xi Jinping Speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Phone PRC MofA 24 Feb 2025 -- In the afternoon of February 24, President Xi Jinping took a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Telephone conversation with President of China Xi Jinping President of Russia 24 Feb 2025
• Xi talks to Putin, says China happy to see positive efforts to defuse Ukraine crisis Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that China is happy to see Russia and relevant parties make positive efforts to defuse the Ukraine crisis. Xi made the remarks when talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin over phone.
• China willing to promote common devt with PICs including Cook Islands, FM responds to recently signed China-Cook Islands agreements Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on the agreements signed by the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands with the Chinese government, including on access to port facilities on the island, undersea mining and a few other things, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday that the Chinese side previously shared relevant information on the bilateral cooperation documents recently signed with the Cook Islands, and this is the normal friendly exchange and cooperation between China and the Cook Islands. 
• Beijing police detain petitioners ahead of annual parliament Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2025 -- Police in Beijing have been raiding suburban neighborhoods where out-of-town petitioners stay while they lodge lengthy complaints against their local governments, petitioners told Radio Free Asia.
• China's trade promotion agency opposes US' expansion of 'national security' concept, urges to lift two-way investment curbs Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese business community firmly opposes the US' repeated expansion of the concept of "national security," which continuously hinders economic and trade exchanges between the industries of the two countries, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) stated on Monday, urging the US to lift restrictions on two-way investment related to the "America First Investment Policy" memorandum, which tightens security reviews targeting investments from China.
• Chinese tech firm employee punished for leaking confidential information to overseas spy agency: MSS Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday disclosed a case involving an employee at a major domestic technology company, who switched jobs multiple times within three years, disclosed a substantial amount of classified information to foreign intelligence agencies in exchange for personal financial benefits.
• Taiwan severs academic ties with Chinese universities, citing propaganda links Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan barred the island's universities from collaborating with three mainland Chinese institutions, citing their ties with Beijing's overseas propaganda arm, in what Taiwan opposition lawmakers said was a blow to cross-strait exchanges that have historically served as a bridge for dialogue despite geopolitical rifts.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 24 Feb 2025
• DPRK Premier Inspects North and South Hamgyong Provinces KCNA 24 Feb 2025 -- Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, made a field survey of various sectors in North and South Hamgyong provinces.
• Press Statement of Chief of External Policy Office of DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 24 Feb 2025 -- The chief of the External Policy Office of the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued on Feb. 23 the following statement "Illegal anti-DPRK sanctions-breeding moves will prompt the DPRK's behavioral counteraction to defend its sovereign right":
• Sanctions on Iran's Oil Trade to Reimpose Maximum Pressure US Dept. of State 24 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Department of State is today designating 16 entities and vessels for their involvement in Iran's petroleum and petrochemical industry.
• Sanctioning Entities That Have Traded in Iran's Petroleum US Dept. of State 24 Feb 2025 -- The Iranian regime continues to destabilize global security with its nuclear threat, ballistic missile program, and support for terrorist groups. Iran's oil exports are enabled by a network of illicit shipping facilitators in multiple jurisdictions who, through obfuscation and deception, load and transport Iranian oil for sale to buyers in Asia.
• Treasury Imposes Additional Sanctions on Iran's Shadow Fleet as Part of Maximum Pressure Campaign US Treasury 24 Feb 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the U.S. Department of State are imposing sanctions on over 30 persons and vessels in multiple jurisdictions for their role in brokering the sale and transportation of Iranian petroleum-related products. Among those sanctioned today are oil brokers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Hong Kong, tanker operators and mangers in India and People's Republic of China (PRC), the head of Iran's National Iranian Oil Company, and the Iranian Oil Terminals Company, whose operations help finance Iran's destabilizing activities.
• Iran's daily sweet gas production peaks at 870 mcm: NIGC Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- Iran has reported a new record in its daily production of sweet gas amid a cold wave that has pushed up demand for heating across the country.
• Germany's Merz 'Hopeful' On U.S. Ties Despite Recent Trump Moves RFE/RL 24 Feb 2025 -- Friedrich Merz, the presumptive next German chancellor and a longtime supporter of transatlantic ties, said he now seeks security "independence" from the United States and expressed doubts about the future of NATO, the alliance that has underpinned Western defense interests since World War II.
• Conservatives win German election as far right sees historic surge in support IRNA 24 Feb 2025 -- The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have won the snap elections in the German parliament, securing approximately 28 percent of the vote.
• Conservatives win German parliamentary elections amid surge in far-right support Press TV 24 Feb 2025 -- The right-wing German parties have clinched a major victory, as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) won the snap elections in the German parliament (Bundestag), defeating Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats.
• Germany's Merz Eyes 'Independence' From U.S., Airs Worries About NATO's Future RFE/RL 24 Feb 2025 -- Friedrich Merz, the presumptive next German chancellor and a longtime supporter of transatlantic ties, said he now seeks security "independence" from the United States and expressed doubts about the future of NATO, the alliance that has underpinned Western security since World War II.
• Germany's conservative bloc claims election victory, faces domestic and foreign challenges ahead, expert says Global Times 24 Feb 2025 -- Germany's conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), won German federal election, according to preliminary results, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday morning.
• Conservative CDU/CSU leads German federal election: exit polls People's Daily 24 Feb 2025 -- Germany's conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), has taken the lead in the country's 2025 federal election, according to exit polls released by broadcaster ARD on Sunday evening.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez Prime Minister of Canada 24 Feb 2025
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer Prime Minister of Canada 24 Feb 2025
• Doorstop interview - Melbourne Prime Minister of Australia 24 Feb 2025
• Gitanas Nausėda held a telephone call with the President of Poland President of the Republic of Lithuania 24 Feb 2025 -- President Gitanas Nausėda had a phone call with Polish President Andrzej Duda following Duda's conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Conservative Political Action Conference.
• South African Cabinet says U.S. executive order "riddled with misinformation" People's Daily 24 Feb 2025 -- The South African government has rejected the claims made in an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, calling it "riddled with misinformation."
• Pakistan, Azerbaijan sign agreements, MOUs on trade and energy VOA 24 Feb 2025 -- Pakistan and Azerbaijan have signed agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs), chiefly about trade and energy, during a visit to Azerbaijan by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
• "Only Türkiye can save the European Union from the deadlock it has fallen into" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 24 Feb 2025 -- Delivering remarks following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President Erdoğan said: "Only Türkiye can save the European Union from the deadlock it has fallen into, ranging from economy to defense and from politics to international prestige. It is only Türkiye that can throw a lifeline to Europe, whose economy and demographic structure are aging rapidly."
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to the Republic of Turkiye Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 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 Türkiye Hakan Fidan, Ankara, February 24, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Feb 2025
• Foreign Affairs Council: remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas at the press conference European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Feb 2025
• Foreign Affairs Council: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 24 Feb 2025
• Deputy Minister Prawda takes part in Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Feb 2025 -- Held in Brussels, the meeting focused on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situation in the Middle East, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Georgia.
• World News in Brief: Famine in Sudan, Gaza polio campaign continues, West Bank update, Kenyan officer killed in Haiti UN News 24 Feb 2025 -- Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern on Monday following the announcement by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and affiliated groups, of a political charter proposing the establishment of a rival governing authority in RSF-controlled areas to the transitional Government.