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Defense Policy / Programs

• Hegseth Visits Guantanamo Bay, Engages With Troops DoD News 26 Feb 2025 -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, yesterday, where he took time to speak to service members who are currently supporting the illegal alien holding operations being led by the Department of Homeland Security.
• 'Zero Trust' Architecture Could Prevent Adversary Data Theft, Protect Warfighters DoD News 26 Feb 2025 -- Without the right level and right kind of cybersecurity architecture in place, adversary nations will continue to infiltrate U.S. military and partner networks, including contractors within the defense industrial base, and steal important information, which may include details on weapons systems.
• Trump Nominates Dan 'Razin' Caine to be Joint Chiefs Chairman DoD News 26 Feb 2025 -- President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of Dan "Razin" Caine for the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Feb. 21, 2025.
• Deputy Defense Secretary Nominee Talks DOD Audit, Strengthening Industrial Base DoD News 26 Feb 2025 -- A war room may serve as a nerve center for Defense Department efforts to pass an audit, said Stephen A. Feinberg, who testified yesterday before the Senate Armed Services Committee after he was nominated by President Donald J. Trump to the position of deputy defense secretary.
• Deputy Commander Strengthens Partnerships in Tanzania AFRICOM 26 Feb 2025 -- Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U S. Africa Command Deputy Commander, traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 20-21 to meet with the Chief of Tanzanian People 's Defence Forces Gen. Jacob John Mkunda, and to be the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony for Exercise Cutlass Express.
• 250 years! APS-2 QA expert says Army is world's strongest, most lethal fighting force Army News 26 Feb 2025 -- After more than 10 years at U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command headquarters in Warren, Michigan, Ron Louallen took a job with the 405th Army Field Support Brigade and uprooted his family and himself from the U.S. to Central Europe.
• Joint Maritime Information Center Meets with Cruise Ship Industry Officials to Discuss Red Sea Security US Navy 26 Feb 2025 -- The director of the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) met with representatives of the cruise ship industry in both Bahrain and Dubai in February to discuss JMIC operations and purpose and to reassure industry officials of JMIC partner nations' commitment to regional maritime security.
• U.S. 5th Fleet Reserve Sailors Integrated in the International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025 US Navy 26 Feb 2025 -- Reserve Sailors from the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet enterprise developed and tested their warfighting readiness from Feb. 9-20 during International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, in Bahrain and Jordan and their immediate waterways.
• JMIC's Role Expands to Entire CMF Operating Area US Navy 26 Feb 2025 -- The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), an information sharing and coordination construct established under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) to counter Houthi threats in the Red Sea region, recently expanded its responsibilities to include the entire CMF operating area.
• NATO ships strengthen ties with Baltic Allies during port visit to Copenhagen NATO Allied Maritime Command 26 Feb 2025 -- Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) reinforced NATO's cooperation and military ties with Denmark during a port visit to Copenhagen between February 21 - 24. The visit included high-level engagements, operational milestones, and cultural experiences for the crew in one of Europe's historic naval cities.
• North Korea sending more troops to Russia, South confirms Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- South Korea's main spy agency said North Korea had deployed more troops to Russia, with media reports estimating the number at more than 1,000.
• Roiled By Desertions And Scandal, Can Ukraine's French-Trained 155th Brigade Redeem Itself? RFE/RL 26 Feb 2025 -- The French-trained 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine's armed forces will only have existed for a year this coming spring. It is already well-known for all the wrong reasons.
• Ukraine, U.S. Reach Deal On Rare Earth Minerals, No Security Guarantees RFE/RL 26 Feb 2025 -- Washington and Kyiv have reached a framework agreement that includes access to rare earth elements, critical minerals, and other natural resources -- but without security guarantees -- as diplomatic moves to end Russia's war on Ukraine, which has entered its fourth year.
• Ukraine, US reportedly agree to terms of minerals deal Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Wednesday that Kiev and Washington have finalized a partnership agreement on minerals, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.
• Exclusive: RFE/RL Obtains Copy Of U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal RFE/RL 26 Feb 2025 -- Ukraine has agreed a deal to allow the United States access to its natural resources, a major agreement that comes amid rapid diplomatic efforts to end Russia's three-year full-scale war against Kyiv.
• Security experts highlight pros, cons of Ukraine-US minerals deal VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- Ukraine and the United States are set to sign a landmark minerals agreement, marking a significant step toward strengthening economic ties between the two nations. However, security experts tell VOA that concerns persist about the broader implications of the deal.
• Chinese Naval Task Group New Zealand Defence Force 26 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.
• MND rejects report about submarine prototype testing delay CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Navy Command has rejected a media report that it is likely to miss the scheduled April 2025 timeline to begin sea acceptance tests (SAT) for the country's indigenous defense submarine (IDS) prototype.
• China seriously concerned about reports of US unfreezing military assistance to Taiwan region: FM Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- Responding to an inquiry regarding reports that Trump administration released $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, which included $870 million in military assistance to the Taiwan region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China is seriously concerned about relevant reports.
• Virginia class submarine moors in Australia for the first US submarine visit of 2025 Australia DOD 26 Feb 2025 -- US Virginia class submarine, USS Minnesota (SSN 783) has arrived at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on 25 February for a routine port visit, the first of several planned US SSN submarine visits to Australia in 2025.
• Albanese Government backs local manufacturing with $100 million contract for underwater life support systems for ADF Australia DOD 26 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has further invested in local manufacturing and jobs, by securing local maintenance and support of diving and hyperbaric equipment for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through a $100 million investment.
• Albanese Government invests in the safety of our Collins class submarines and a future made in Australia Australia DOD 26 Feb 2025 -- The Albanese Government has signed a four-year contract extension with James Fisher Defence (JFD) Australia, valued at over $90 million, to provide submarine escape and rescue services in support of the Collins class submarines.
• Foreign Minister Baerbock on Europe's defence capabilities Germany Federal Foreign Office 26 Feb 2025
• DRDO & Indian Navy successfully conduct flight-trials of first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile India PIB 26 Feb 2025 -- Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy carried out successful flight-trials of first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR) from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on February 25, 2025
• INDIAN ARMY PROCURES CRITICAL CBRN DEFENCE EQUIPMENT India PIB 26 Feb 2025 -- Indian Army has signed a contract on 25 February 2025 for procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems with M/s L&T Ltd at a cost of Rs 80
• The President at EU leaders' meeting: We need to work together to seek peace only through strength President of the Republic of Lithuania 26 Feb 2025 -- On Wednesday, President Gitanas Nausėda participated in a conference call with EU leaders to discuss French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Washington.
• A look at the Defence news 18-23 February Netherlands Ministry of Defence 26 Feb 2025
• Philippines Urges Disarmament Body to Take Decisive Steps in Nuclear Disarmament, Space Security, and Arms Control Philippines DFA 26 Feb 2025 -- The Philippines called on the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to take decisive action in advancing disarmament goals, urging member states to deliver meaningful progress in disarmament to strengthen global security mechanisms.
• French suppliers ready to support AFP modernization: envoy Philippine News Agency 26 Feb 2025 -- The French defense industry is ready to hold talks with the Philippines over the government's plan to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under its Re-Horizon 3 program, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said.
• DND: No data breach, systems secure Philippine News Agency 26 Feb 2025 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday denied claims it sustained a data breach over the weekend.
• AFP: No country can dictate on PH's defense upgrades Philippine News Agency 26 Feb 2025 -- No other country or foreign entity can dictate how the Philippines must improve its defense capabilities, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said on Wednesday.
• Malaysia calls for ASEAN defense industries to become inter-linked Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- Building up and linking supply chains across Southeast Asian defense industries is crucial to becoming self-reliant in safeguarding the region from security threats, Malaysia's defense chief said as he hosted a meeting of his ASEAN counterparts.
• British PM Starmer to meet Trump at the White House VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and bilateral trade ties, amid the U.S. leader's tariff threats on Europe and demands that the continent rely less on Washington for its security.
• REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP BEFORE CABINET MEETING The White House 26 Feb 2025
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio With Brian Kilmeade of Fox News US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud US Dept. of State 25 Feb 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 26, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 26 February 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 Feb 2025
• Greatest threat to UN Peacekeeping is divisions between nations, says UN Peace Operations Chief UN News 26 Feb 2025 -- Peacekeeping efforts by the United Nations are being challenged by growing disunity between Member States, the UN head of Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix said in an interview with UN News, during the Conference for Women Peacekeepers in New Delhi.

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 26 Feb 2025
• Hamas: Deal reached with Israel to release 620 Palestinians following delay Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Days after Israel failed to release hundreds of Palestinians in exchange for Israeli captives, Hamas says it has reached a new agreement with mediators in Egypt to bring the abductees home.
• Hamas: Deal reached with Israel to release more than 600 Palestinians IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Hamas has confirmed that Israel will release the 620 Palestinian prisoners, whose release was postponed by the regime, while the resistance group will simultaneously hand over the bodies of four Israeli prisoners.
• West Bank security situation remains alarming, warn UN aid agencies UN News 26 Feb 2025 -- Weeks of deadly Israeli military raids in the occupied West Bank have turned Palestinian communities into "battlefields" and left 40,000 people homeless, UN humanitarians warned on Wednesday.
• Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists UN News 26 Feb 2025 -- UN human rights chief Volker Türk issued a strong appeal on Wednesday for the fragile ceasefire in Gaza to hold, amid delays to talks between Hamas and Israel on extending the truce into the second phase.
• The West Bank is undergoing an alarming spillover of the Gaza war UNRWA 26 Feb 2025
• West Bank becoming 'battlefield,' over 50 killed in 5 weeks: UNRWA Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- The occupied West Bank has become a "battlefield" as Israel is repeating its genocidal actions in Gaza there, says Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
• Iran's parliament speaker, foreign minister meet Hezbollah chief in Beirut Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have held talks with the secretary general of Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah in Beirut.
• Egypt rejects Israel's 'unacceptable' proposal to run Gaza Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Egypt has rejected a proposal made by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid that Cairo, instead of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, temporarily run the Gaza Strip, dismissing such plans as "unacceptable."
• Russia's Lavrov: Trump's Gaza displacement plan 'time bomb' for region Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says US President Donald Trump's scheme to take over the besieged Gaza Strip would not resolve the long-standing Palestinian issue, but would rather be a "time bomb" in West Asia.

Other Conflicts

• Chinese, Philippine social media users at odds over claim on Palawan Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- Outraged Philippine citizens have been taking to social media to dispute online Chinese claims that Palawan province, where Beijing and Manila are at loggerheads over a disputed reef, was historically part of China.
• PN to protect PH territory despite China's illegal actions: Navy spox Philippine News Agency 26 Feb 2025 -- No amount of aggressive and illegal actions by the Chinese will deter the Philippines from conducting operations designed to protect the country's territorial integrity, according to a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official.
• Syria: UN scales up aid deliveries as regional fighting continues UN News 26 Feb 2025 -- UN humanitarians on Wednesday reported a scaling up of humanitarian aid into northwest Syria, even as hostilities continue to impact civilians and limit access in different parts of the country.
• Aboul Gheit condemns Israeli raids on Syria, describes them as reckless provocation League of Arab States 26 Feb 2025 -- Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, vehemently condemned the Israeli occupation's raids and attacks on Syrian territory in the past few hours, describing them as a reckless provocation and a dangerous escalation aimed at exploiting Syria's political transition to impose an illegal and illegitimate reality.
• 'Provocative escalation': Arab League censures Israeli strikes in Syria Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has decried recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria as a "provocative and reckless escalation."
• Hamas condemns Israeli strikes on Damascus, southern Syria Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned in the strongest terms Israeli attacks targeting multiple locations in the Syrian capital Damascus and the southern part of the Arab country.
• Israel strikes targets in southern Syria after pressing for 'demilitarization' Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Israeli warplanes have carried out multiple airstrikes on military targets across southern Syria, attacking areas outside the capital Damascus and the southern province of Dera'a after a call by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for "demilitarization" of the region.
• Myanmar military bombs insurgents attacking key Chinese investment area Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- Myanmar's military bombed insurgents attacking the cornerstone of China's investment in the country on Wednesday, killing some civilians, residents said, as the rebels pressed on with an offensive on the west coast township of Kyaukpyu.
• Rebels assassinate 2 officials over junta recruitment drive in Myanmar's Bago region Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- Rebels in Myanmar's Bago region assassinated two local administrators who forcibly recruited civilians for military service, residents and other sources said Wednesday, bringing the number of officials killed for their involvement in carrying out the draft to at least 110.
• Reports of grave violations against children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo tripled in last month - UNICEF UNICEF 26 Feb 2025 -- UNICEF is deeply concerned by the significant increase in reports of grave violations against children in parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The number of incidents has tripled since the latest escalation of violence which began on 24 January 2025.
• UN voices concern over Sudan paramilitary's 'charter' VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- U.N. Security Council members expressed deep concern Wednesday over the announcement earlier this week by the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that it plans to establish a parallel governing authority in parts of the country under its control.
• Amid 'Hellscape', Uptick in Violence in North Darfur, Senior Humanitarian Official Urges Security Council to Take Immediate Action to Protect Civilians in Sudan UN Security Council 26 Feb 2025 -- The "already catastrophic" situation in Sudan has worsened in recent weeks, a senior United Nations humanitarian official warned today, as she outlined alarming developments in North Darfur, and urged the Security Council to take immediate action to ensure all actors abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilians in Zamzam camp and beyond.
• WFP forced to pause food distributions in Sudan's Zamzam camp as fighting intensifies WFP 26 Feb 2025 -- Intense fighting in Zamzam camp in Sudan's North Darfur region has forced the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to temporarily pause the distribution of life-saving food and nutrition assistance in the famine-hit camp for displaced people. Over the past two weeks escalating violence left WFP's partners with no choice but to evacuate staff for safety.
• Conflict has turned parts of Sudan 'into a hellscape,' Security Council hears UN News 26 Feb 2025 -- A senior UN aid official has called on the Security Council to ensure better protection for civilians in Sudan together with unhindered humanitarian access, as the brutal war between rival militaries approaches a second year.
• Sudan war: Any peace deal must respect national sovereignty, UN envoy says UN News 26 Feb 2025 -- As the war in Sudan approaches a second year, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the country has emphasized the need to re-double and coordinate efforts towards a peace agreement that respects national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity - and ending the world's largest humanitarian crisis.
• Respect for Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity is vital for a sustainable end to this war: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 26 Feb 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.
• Somalia faces escalating crisis amid drought, conflict and price hikes UN News 26 Feb 2025 -- The humanitarian situation in Somalia is worsening as drought, conflict and soaring food prices push millions toward extreme hunger, UN agencies warned on Wednesday.
• Drought, conflict and high food prices risk pushing 4.4 million people into hunger, Federal Government of Somalia and UN warn UNOCHA 26 Feb 2025 -- New data from Somalia shows that 4.4 million people could face hunger by April 2025, driven by worsening drought conditions, conflict and high food prices.
• Bosnian Serb Leader Dodik Sentenced To Prison, Banned From Politics RFE/RL 26 Feb 2025 -- A court in Sarajevo sentenced Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik to a year in prison and banned him from politics for six years for his defiance of an international peace envoy's orders, a ruling Dodik warned would radicalize the situation in the country.

News Reports

• Trump $5 million 'gold card' plan sparks immigration confusion VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- Immigration law experts expressed confusion on Wednesday, the day after President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would begin selling a gold card visa for $5 million that would allow wealthy foreigners to live and work in the U.S. and provide them with "a route to citizenship."
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers to discuss the Canada-U.S. relationship and Canada's fight against fentanyl Prime Minister of Canada 26 Feb 2025 -- Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met virtually with Canada's premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and Canada's fight against fentanyl. The Prime Minister was joined by the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, the Minister of Public Safety, David J. McGuinty, and Canada's Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau. The Prime Minister and the premiers welcomed the new Premier of Prince Edward Island, Rob Lantz, to the First Ministers' table and thanked the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey, for his contributions.
• Nigeria's counterterrorism center warns of threats, launches review of strategy VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- Nigeria's National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) warns that terrorist groups are getting more sophisticated — using new technologies and exploiting political and economic grievances to expand their operations. In response, authorities have launched a review of the national anti-terrorism strategy to address emerging threats.
• Tajik National Arrested in Brooklyn for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 26 Feb 2025 -- Mansuri Manuchekhri, 33, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York, was arrested today for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), possessing firearms while unlawfully in the United States, and immigration fraud. Manuchekhri was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon in the Eastern District of New York.
• Fourth Round of Pakistan-Japan Counter-Terrorism Consultations Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Feb 2025 -- The 4th Round of Pakistan-Japan Counter-Terrorism Consultations was convened in Tokyo on 26 February 2025. The Pakistan delegation was led by Additional Secretary (UN), Nabeel Munir, while the Japanese side was led by Ambassador in charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organized Crime of Japan, Minami Hiroyuki.
• Russia, US diplomats to meet in Istanbul to discuss restoration of embassies: Lavrov Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Russian and US diplomats will hold a meeting in Istanbul to discuss issues related to the operation of the two countries' embassies.
• Russian-Bissau talks President of Russia 26 Feb 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held talks at the Kremlin with President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who is in Russia on a state visit.
• Press release on Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov's participation in the meeting of BRICS sherpas/sous-sherpas Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Feb 2025
• Press Release on Russian-Nicaraguan Consultations on Biological Security Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Feb 2025
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to the State of Qatar Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26 Feb 2025
• Foreign Minister Baiba Braže on the EU's 16th package of sanctions against Russia Latvia MFA 26 Feb 2025 -- "With the 16th round of sanctions adopted today, we are precisely targeting the sectors that still generate the highest revenue for Russia."
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on February 26, 2025 PRC MofA 26 Feb 2025
• Chinese VP meets with New Zealand deputy PM Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters in Beijing on Wednesday.
• China In Eurasia Briefing: Is There A New Opening In Europe For China? RFE/RL 26 Feb 2025
• Hong Kong to cut 10,000 civil service jobs, freeze pay amid deficit Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- Hong Kong plans to eliminate 10,000 civil service jobs and freeze public sector salaries as part of an effort to curb a growing fiscal deficit, its top finance official announced on Wednesday, as the city grapples with its third year of budget shortfalls.
• EXPLAINED: Why is China so worried about food security? Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- China has unveiled its rural "revitalization" plan for 2025, listing "ensuring the supply of grain" and overall food security as its top priority.
• China urges Canada to stop wrongful sanctions on Chinese firms allegedly supporting Russia: MOFCOM Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- In response to Canada's announcement that it had imposed sanctions on 76 foreign entities and individuals for providing dual-use items to Russia, including more than 20 Chinese entities, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Wednesday that China is strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposed the move of Canada.
• China's anti-graft chief urges rule-based discipline inspection, supervision work People's Daily 26 Feb 2025 -- Li Xi, China's top anti-graft official, on Tuesday urged persistent efforts to make discipline inspection and supervision work more procedure-based, law-based and standardized.
• China to cement legal protection for private sector Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- Chinese lawmakers advanced the draft private economy promotion law during a recent National People's Congress Standing Committee session, in a move aimed at dismantling barriers, unlocking the sector's full potential and creating a fairer and more dynamic business environment.
• Taiwan to increase monitoring of 52 ships using flags of convenience CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's government indicated it will step up the monitoring of 52 ships sailing under flags of convenience after recent incidents in which submarine cables in the Taiwan Strait were damaged, Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said Wednesday.
• China sets up live-fire exercise zone near Taiwan 'without warning' Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- China has set up a live-fire exercise area 40 nautical miles (75 kilometers) off the coast of the Taiwan port city of Kaohsiung without warning in a provocation to the region's security that posed a risk to air and sea transport, Taiwan's ministry of defense said Wednesday.
• The MND released a press statement to explain the situation of "P.R.C. delineating an exercise zone to conduct gunnery training." ROC MND 26 Feb 2025
• The MND released a press statement to explain "the unannounced gunnery training conducted by the P.R.C." ROC MND 26 Feb 2025
• Taiwan decries China's sudden establishment of 'shooting zone' CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has "strongly condemned" China for setting up a zone near Taiwan for "shooting exercises" without prior notice, similar to a recent incident that occurred near Australia.
• U.S. lawmakers reintroduce bill on Taiwan engagement guidelines CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Members of the United States House of Representatives reintroduced a bill on Tuesday that asks the State Department to review established guidelines on how America engages with Taiwan.
• Taiwan will not accept 'unfair' U.S. chip tariffs: Minister CNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) said Wednesday that the government's bottom line in the negotiations with the United States is that "unfair" tariffs on Taiwan's chips "will not be accepted."
• Senior CPC official urges resolute efforts to advance national reunification People's Daily 26 Feb 2025 -- Wang Huning, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has stressed the importance of maintaining the initiative and the ability to steer in relations across the Taiwan Strait.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 26 Feb 2025
• China firmly opposes Japan allowing individuals from Taiwan region to 'list Taiwan instead of China' as their place of origin Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- China voiced firm opposition on Wednesday to Japan's recent move allowing individuals from the Taiwan region to "list Taiwan instead of China" as their place of origin, stating that such an attempt to create "two Chinas" or 'one China, one Taiwan' seriously violates the one-China principle.
• 'Protection fees' won't protect Taiwan separatists, says Taiwan Affairs Office, as DPP considers US arms purchases Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- "'Protection fees' won't protect 'Taiwan independence' forces, and the 'chess pieces' will inevitably turn into 'abandoned pieces,'" said Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, during a press conference on Wednesday. Her remarks came in response to reports that the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on Taiwan island are contemplating arms purchases from the US, ranging from $7 billion to $10 billion, in an effort to gain favor with the Trump administration.
• Lai's claim 'Taiwan a chess player, not a chess piece' self-deceptive, laughable: spokesperson Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- A spokesperson from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council called a recent claim made by Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te that "Taiwan is a chess player, not a chess piece" as self-deceptive and laughable.
• DPP authorities' excuses to ban exchanges with mainland universities 'nonsense, absurd': spokesperson Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- In response to an inquiry about Taiwan regional education authorities banning exchanges and cooperation with universities in Chinese mainland, including Jinan University and Huaqiao University, citing so-called excuses of "protecting young people from being targeted by the united front," Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the claim by DPP authorities is pure nonsense and utterly absurd.
• True face of so-called US foundations in inciting 'color revolutions' revealed through funding Taiwan civil groups: spokesperson Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- When asked for comments on recent report that Taiwan FactCheck Center said it had received donations from the Open Society Foundations which was created by US investor George Soros, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that such reports have proved that the so-called "support" from the international community, which the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities frequently mention, is simply an illusion brought with money and manufactured by themselves.
• Taiwan Affairs Office responds to DPP's undersea cable damage claims, calls it a 'unpopular political manipulation' Global Times 26 Feb 2025 -- When asked to comment on Taiwan authorities' claims that the Togolese-registered ship Hong Tai, which has a mainland background, was involved in dragging and breaking the No. 3 cable from Taiwan to Penghu, and was stopped on the grounds of the so-called caught-in-the-act, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that about a hundred incidents of damage to submarine optical fibre cables occur globally every year, and these are common maritime accidents.
• UK, allies sanction North Korean officials linked to Russia troop deployment Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- Britain has imposed sanctions on senior North Korean officials linked to their country's support for Russia's war against Ukraine as part of what the United Kingdom said was its largest sanctions package against Russian individuals and institutions since the early days of the war.
• New book says Kim Jong Un was named North Korea's heir at age 8 Radio Free Asia 26 Feb 2025 -- A new book claims North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un was designated as his father's successor at age 8, nine years earlier than most experts and observers previously thought.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Kang Kon Military Academy KCNA 26 Feb 2025 -- The prestigious military academy, which has recorded innumerable brilliant feats in the glorious colors while creditably performing its duty of training the junior commanding personnel, the backbone of basic combat units reliably supporting the immortal mightiness and invincibility of the heroic Korean People's Army, has greeted the glorious moment unprecedented in the proud 80-year history of its development.
• U.S. announces new sanctions targeting Iran's drone program IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has announced new sanctions targeting Iran's drone program as part of a "maximum pressure campaign" restored by President Donald Trump early this month.
• US sanctions alleged network behind Iran's drone program Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- The US Department of the Treasury has announced fresh sanctions targeting an alleged procurement network behind the country's drone production program.
• Iran: New sanctions show US 'hostility to well-being' of Iranians Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Iran has strongly denounced new US sanctions targeting dozens of brokers, tanker operators, and shipping companies for their role in selling and transporting Iranian petroleum.
• New Sanctions Increase Pressure on Iran's UAV and Ballistic Missile Programs US Dept. of State 26 Feb 2025 -- The United States is today sanctioning six entities based in the People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong, that have been involved in the procurement of key components by entities connected to Iran's UAV and ballistic missile programs.
• Treasury Targets Covert Iranian UAV Procurement Network US Treasury 26 Feb 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting six entities based in Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China (PRC), engaged in the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components on behalf of OFAC-designated Iranian firm Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra (PKGB) and its subsidiary Narin Sepehr Mobin Isatis (NSMI). These entities operate as front companies and facilitate the purchase and shipment of key components for the benefit of PKGB and NSMI, which serve as key suppliers for Iran's UAV and ballistic missile programs.
• Iran's nuclear program fully under IAEA supervision, says AEOI chief IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami says the Islamic Republic is cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and that the country's nuclear program is fully under the supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog.
• Gharibabadi says Iran likely to have meeting with European troika in coming weeks Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- A senior Iranian diplomat says Tehran and the European troika - France, Germany and Britain - will likely hold meetings in the coming weeks, stressing that Iran's talks with any country are solely based on national interests and security of the Islamic Republic.
• Russia slams unilateral US sanctions against Iran as illegitimate illegal Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- Russia has reiterated that unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran are illegal, saying that Washington devised such punitive measures against Tehran to bypass the United Nations Security Council.
• US sanctions against Iran are illegal: Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says that the sanctions being imposed bypassing the UN Security Council are illegal, including those imposed on Iran, Russia, or any other country.
• Pezeshkian: Iran, Russia share common views on regional issues IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has highlighted the importance of continued constructive regional interactions between Iran and Russia, noting that the two nations share similar views on regional issues.
• Iran's enemies have yet to receive 'serious' blows: IRGC chief Press TV 26 Feb 2025 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has lauded the defense and military capabilities of the country, underlining that Iran's enemies have yet to receive "serious" blows notwithstanding a number of retaliatory strikes and operations over the past year.
• IRGC chief says Iran's enemies have yet to receive 'major blow' IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned that enemies will receive a "major blow" if they continue with their mischief against Iran.
• Tehran condemns U.S. for imposing fresh sanctions on Iran's oil industry IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the United States for imposing a new round of sanctions targeting some Iranian oil vessels, as well as certain legal or natural persons under the pretext of being involved in selling and transporting Iranian petroleum.
• IRGC arrests 6, eliminates 2 foreign terrorists in Chabahar IRNA 26 Feb 2025 -- The Qods Headquarters of the Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement on Tuesday night that its forces succeeded in eliminating two members of the Jaish al-Adl terrorist group Chabahar, Sistan, and Baluchestan Province, Iran.
• Uzbekistan, Pakistan pledge to advance proposed railway link via Afghanistan VOA 26 Feb 2025 -- Uzbekistan and Pakistan agreed to establish a tripartite committee with Afghanistan to address issues that are hindering the implementation of a proposed railway project connecting the three countries.
• "We cannot escape the responsibility history places on us" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 26 Feb 2025 -- Addressing AK Party's provincial heads, President Erdoğan said: "Türkiye is a country bigger than 783,000 square kilometers. Even if it bothers some, Türkiye is much bigger than Türkiye. We cannot escape the responsibility history, geography, and our civilization place on us."
• Doorstop interview - Sunbury Prime Minister of Australia 26 Feb 2025
• Press Conference by Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 26 Feb 2025
• Europe, Ukraine, multilateralism, BRICS: Federal Council approves Foreign Policy Report 2024 Federal Council - Swiss Government 26 Feb 2025 -- On 26 February 2025, the Federal Council approved the Foreign Policy Report 2024. The report sets out the progress that has been made in achieving the 28 objectives of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024-27. A special thematic focus section examines the influence of the BRICS group of states (including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on the world order and outlines Switzerland's strategy for relations with those states.
• Romanian Police Take Far-Right Presidential Frontrunner In For Questioning RFE/RL 26 Feb 2025 -- Romanian far-right politician Calin Georgescu has been taken in by police for questioning as part of an investigation surrounding last November's presidential election, which was annulled by the Constitutional Court after he won the first round of voting.