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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Federal Government of Somalia engages al Shabaab with support from U.S. Forces AFRICOM 27 Feb 2025 -- At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on Feb. 25, 2025.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Releases Digital Content Refresh Memorandum DoD 27 Feb 2025 -- "In alignment with President Trump's Executive Orders and Secretary Hegseth's directives, this memorandum mandates a digital content refresh across all DoD public platforms."
• US Navy at a 'crossroads,' Trump's Navy secretary nominee warns VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Trump administration's nominee for secretary of the Navy says the military service branch is at a "crossroads" and must course correct to expand and improve its maritime capabilities.
• Military Sealift Command Continues Support to Operation Deep Freeze 2025 US Navy 27 Feb 2025 -- The Military Sealift Command chartered ship MV Ocean Gladiator is conducting a cargo offload of supplies at McMurdo Station, Antarctica in support of the annual resupply mission Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2025.
• Navy and Marine Corps Installations Increase Mission Readiness Through Expanded Use of Title 10 Authorities US Navy 27 Feb 2025 -- The Department of the Navy (DON) kicked of its second year of Title 10 Authorities workshops for Navy and Marine Corps Installation Management personnel at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Feb. 24, to explore creative solutions to today's installation and infrastructure challenges.
• APS-2 Italian host nation employee: 'what U.S. Army has achieved in 250 years is incredible' Army News 27 Feb 2025 -- Come next month, Andrea Chidini will have worked at the Leghorn Army Depot and Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Livorno for 16 years. The logistic management specialist and Italian host nation Army employee said he's seen many battalion commanders, Soldiers and U.S. Army civilians come and go during his time supporting the APS-2 mission there, but without fail the mission and the Army "keeps rolling along."
• NATO Secretary General call with President Trump NATO 27 Feb 2025 -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke with Donald Trump, President of the United States, today. He thanked the President for his commitment to a strong NATO Alliance and a lasting peace in Ukraine.
• North Korea Has Sent More Troops To Russia, Says South Korean Intelligence RFE/RL 27 Feb 2025 -- North Korea has sent more soldiers to Russia and redeployed several to the front line in the Kursk region bordering Ukraine, Seoul's intelligence agency said on February 27.
• Greetings to the military personnel and veterans of the Special Operations Forces of the Russian Armed Forces President of Russia 27 Feb 2025
• Trump says Ukraine can "forget about" joining NATO People's Daily 27 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday Ukraine could "forget about" joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and he would try to get Ukraine as much land as possible from Russia.
• Trump says Ukraine can 'forget about NATO' ahead of meeting with Zelensky Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- US President Donald Trump says Ukraine can "forget about" joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), dealing a blow to the European country's long-running aspiration that was supported by former President Joe Biden.
• Experts: Europe could not replace US as guarantor of Ukraine's security VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- Friedrich Merz, who is set to become Germany's chancellor after his Christian Democratic Union party won the country's Feb. 23 parliamentary elections, has said that Europe may have to establish an "independent" defense capability because the U.S. has become "largely indifferent" to Europe's fate.
• China flexes military muscle in Indo-Pacific, testing US and allies VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- China has held a series of live-fire military drills across the Indo-Pacific region over the past week, from the Taiwan Strait to the Tasman Sea. Analysts say the exercises, which included "extremely capable" weapons systems, were aimed at testing the United States and regional countries' responses to military threats.
• Will Australia make notification in advance of military ops near China? Chinese Defense Ministry asks in return Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- In response to four questions raised by journalists on the recent exercises by Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships in international waters near Australia and New Zealand, including the two countries' claims that China did not notify them in time, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson on Thursday reiterated that the PLA Navy flotilla's activities completely conform to international law. He responded by asking if Australia would send notifications in advance when it conducts military operations near China.
• China willing to strengthen communication with NZ regarding 'live-fire drill concerns' raised by visiting NZ deputy PM Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- Responding to question regarding Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters' meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, during which Peters raised concerns over China's recent live-fire drills in the Pacific Ocean, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that China has previously introduced situation and elaborated its positions on relevant issues multiple times. "We are willing to strengthen communication with the New Zealand, enhance mutual understanding, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations," Lin said.
• People's Liberation Army-Navy vessels operating near Australia Australia DOD 27 Feb 2025 -- People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) Task Group 107, comprised of the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, is operating approximately 296 nautical miles (548 kilometres) west of Hobart, entering the Great Australian Bight.
• Chinese Naval Task Group New Zealand Defence Force 27 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.
• HMAS Hobart completes first ADF Regional Presence Deployment for 2025 Australia DOD 27 Feb 2025 -- The Australian Defence Force has completed the first Regional Presence Deployment for 2025, demonstrating the Australian Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.
• IRGC receives advanced warship, missile-launching vessels IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Naval Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has taken delivery of an ocean-going warship and nine missile-launching speed vessels in the Persian Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas, southern Iran.
• IRGC adds homegrown warship, fast attack craft to naval fleet Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has taken delivery of a range of domestically designed and manufactured military equipment, including Martyr Rais Ali Delvari warship and dozens of fast attack craft equipped with missile launching systems.
• Tactical vehicles, drones, audio surveillance systems join Iran Army Ground Force Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Force has received a range of military hardware, including super heavy tank transporters, tactical vehicles and cutting-edge audio surveillance systems, designed and developed by Iranian experts.
• Ground Force takes delivery of heavy military vehicles, drones IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Iranian Army's Ground Force has taken delivery of different types of domestically-built heavy machinery and drones during a ceremony on Thursday.
• Iranian flotilla makes port call in India with 'friendship message' Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- The Iranian Navy's 100th flotilla of warships has docked at Mumbai Port on the western coast of India as the Islamic Republic is expanding its naval presence in international waters.
• North Korea fires cruise missiles as leader Kim orders war preparations Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- North Korea launched "strategic" cruise missiles off its west coast this week, state media said on Friday, in a test supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, who called on the military to be prepared for war.
• Gitanas Nausėda had a telephone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister President of the Republic of Lithuania 27 Feb 2025 -- On Thursday evening, President Gitanas Nausėda and Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands discussed by telephone the most relevant security and defense issues.
• Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski meets Japanese Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2025 -- Chief of Polish diplomacy Radosław Sikorski met with Japan's Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani in Tokyo today.
• PH, Malaysia reaffirm robust defense ties Philippine News Agency 27 Feb 2025 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday announced that the Philippines and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defense relations.
• British PM Starmer seeks to project unity with Trump despite differences on Ukraine VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he and President Donald Trump discussed achieving an agreement to end the war between Ukraine and Russia that would involve Kyiv and be backed by European peacekeeping forces.
• Starmer Tells Trump U.K. Ready To 'Put Boots On Ground,' Doesn't Get Backstop Commitment RFE/RL 27 Feb 2025 -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought to demonstrate strong U.S.-U.K. ties during a White House meeting with President Donald Trump amid growing fault lines in the transatlantic relationship over Ukraine and trade.
• Prime Minister's remarks at the White House Press Conference: Thursday 27 February Gov.UK 27 Feb 2025
• Growth and security at heart of Prime Minister's meeting with President Trump Gov.UK 27 Feb 2025 -- The Prime Minister will be focused on delivering prosperity and security for the British people, when he meets President Trump today (Thursday 27 February) in Washington D.C.
• PM meeting with President Trump: 27 February 2025 Gov.UK 28 Feb 2025
• Starmer Seeks To Sway Trump On Ukraine, NATO As Transatlantic Tensions Mount RFE/RL 27 Feb 2025 -- Two days prior to his pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to the floor of Parliament to announce the country's largest increase in defense spending since the end of the Cold War.
• Starmer visits US amid intensifying diplomatic game in transatlantic alliance Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- Europe is ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure continued US support for Ukraine, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, closely following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. However, some analysts said that ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict is not a mere impulse for Trump administration but a key step in foreign policy, adding that this situation highlights intensifying diplomatic game and deepening rifts in the transatlantic relations.
• The new US administration must recommit to human rights at home and abroad: UN experts OHCHR 27 Feb 2025 -- UN human rights experts* today expressed concerns about the new US administration's recent actions that undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms at both domestic and international levels and harm the UN Charter-based international order, and called on the United States as well as the international community to recommit to human rights. They issued the following statement:
• February 27 Meeting in Istanbul US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2025 -- Following the agreement between Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Lavrov to initiate talks on issues affecting the operations of our respective diplomatic missions, delegations from both countries met on February 27 in Istanbul, Turkey.
• US, Russian diplomats meet to discuss embassy operations VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- U.S. and Russian diplomats met Thursday in Istanbul, looking for ways to smooth their embassy relationships in Moscow and Washington after frequent expulsion of each other's diplomats and three years of American opposition to Moscow's war on Ukraine.
• Russia's Putin says first contacts with U.S. inspire hope IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- President Vladimir Putin has expressed optimism about contacts between Russia and the United States as diplomats from the two countries met in Turkiye for talks on restoring diplomatic presence.
• Putin 'Hopes' Meeting Between U.S., Russian Officials Helps Thaw Relations RFE/RL 27 Feb 2025 -- Diplomats from Russia and the United States have ended their talks on resolving disputes over their respective diplomatic missions in Washington and Moscow that Russian President Vladimir Putin said "inspire certain hopes."

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 27, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 27 February 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Feb 2025
• UN chief calls for peace and justice as Ramadan begins UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- As Muslims around the world prepare to mark the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a call on Thursday for compassion, empathy and generosity, urging people everywhere to embrace their common humanity and work towards a more just and peaceful world.
• From Protecting Civilians to Combating Crime, Preventing Conflict, United Nations Police Play Vital Role in Peacekeeping, Security Council Told UN Security Council 27 Feb 2025 -- United Nations police are a critical part of the Organization's peacekeeping architecture and must be adequately prepared, equipped and resourced to meet current and future challenges, the Security Council heard today, as it met to discuss UN support to conflict-affected countries.
• Police units need strong support says UN peacekeeping chief UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- The head of UN peacekeeping operations on Thursday called for more investment in the UN Police service, highlighting the mounting challenges officers face in conflict affected regions.
• We must ensure UN policing has the capabilities it needs to effectively deliver mandates and tackle emerging challenges: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 27 Feb 2025 -- Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on UN Peacekeeping Operations

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 27 Feb 2025
• Israel releases hundreds of Palestinians after Hamas hands over 4 bodies IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- Israel has released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners after Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli prisoners to the Red Cross, marking the final exchange under the first phase of a ceasefire deal that took effect on January 19.
• Hamas affirms commitment to ceasefire, says negotiations only path to free Israeli captives Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- The Palestinian Hamas resistance group has expressed its "full commitment" to a ceasefire deal, emphasizing that negotiations are the only way to secure the release of the remaining Israeli captives.
• Palestinian prisoners freed as Hamas releases bodies of Israeli captives Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- A number of Palestinian prisoners have been freed by the Israeli regime as the Gaza Strip-based resistance movement Hamas hands over the bodies of four Zionist captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross for transfer to the regime.
• Israel launches fresh drone attack on east Lebanon IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Zionist regime's drones have attacked a car in the city of Al-Harmal in northeastern Lebanon, the Lebanese news sources reported.
• Over dozen settlers injured in anti-Israel operation near Haifa Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- More than a dozen Israeli settlers have been injured, three of them in critical condition, after a Palestinian carried out a retaliatory car-ramming operation in the occupied territories.
• UNRWA Situation Report #161 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information updated for 19- 25 February 2025 UNRWA 27 Feb 2025
• The Gaza Strip: as phase one of lifesaving ceasefire draws to an end, UNRWA reaches 2 million people in Gaza with relief and assistance UNRWA 27 Feb 2025 -- Since the ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip on 19 January, UNRWA has made unparalleled progress in providing humanitarian assistance to people in need there.
• Gaza: Despite challenges, UNRWA says 'unparalleled progress' made during ceasefire UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- Since the ceasefire began in Gaza on 19 January, "unparalleled progress" has been made in providing desperately needed aid to families across the devastated enclave, said UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, on Thursday.
• Human Rights Council: Türk calls out 'dehumanizing' narratives on Gaza UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Thursday called for an end to the "abhorrent, dehumanizing narratives" that continue to hamper a positive outcome to the Middle East crisis.
• Israel showing 'unprecedented disregard' for human rights in Gaza: UN Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- The UN Human Rights chief says the Israeli regime has been demonstrating an "unprecedented disregard for human rights" in the Gaza Strip, calling the humanitarian situation there a "catastrophe."
• China supports Palestinians to restore legitimate national rights at UN Human Rights Council Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- A senior Chinese envoy voiced firm support for the Palestinian people's just course in restoring their legitimate national rights at a United Nations Human Rights Council meeting on Thursday, calling on the international community to make efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
• Egypt: Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on next phase of ceasefire begin Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- Egypt says negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire have begun.
• UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement on Occupied Palestinian Territories UK FCDO 27 Feb 2025 -- UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Delivered by Eleanor Sanders, Human Rights Ambassador.

Other Conflicts

• Albares expresses Spain's support to the Vice-President of the International Criminal Court Spain MFA 27 Feb 2025 -- He highlights the court's work in the fight against impunity and in maintaining international peace and security
• Despite restrictions, Afghan women provide health care VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- Sana Safi, a young a doctor in Afghanistan, takes pride in her work, for she is among a shrinking group of female health experts in a country where women are banned from pursuing education or working in most sectors.
• UN expert warns of intensifying human rights crisis as repression deepens in Afghanistan OHCHR 27 Feb 2025 -- The Taliban is solidifying its stranglehold on Afghan society and governing through repression and fear, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, said today.
• Iran condemns Israeli attacks on Syria, urges swift action by U.N. IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esma'eel Baqayi has strongly condemned the recent Israeli air and ground assaults on southern Syria and the outskirts of Damascus.
• UN needs to swiftly end Israel's aggression on Syria, breach of global peace Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei censures the Israeli regime's new attacks targeting multiple locations in the Syrian capital Damascus and the southern part of the Arab country.
• Arab states condemn Israel's new aggression against Syria Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan have denounced Israel's new act of aggression against Syria, calling on the international community to stop the regime's destabilizing actions.
• Iraq's al-Sadr warns against Israel's 'colonial moves' in Syria IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- Leader of Iraq's Sadrist Movement Muqtada al-Sadr has warned against Israel's "colonial advance" in Syrian territory, urging the head of the transitional government in Syria to take a stand in the face of continued Israeli acts of aggression on the Arab country.
• Myanmar insurgents strike in junta-dominated central area: NUG Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- Pro-democracy fighters and allied ethnic minority insurgents have captured a string of military positions in central Myanmar, the latest setback for the junta that has lost control of about half the country, a parallel government in exile said on Thursday.
• Kurdish Rebel Leader Ocalan Calls On PKK To Lay Down Arms, Disband RFE/RL 27 Feb 2025 -- Imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his rebel militant group lay down its arms and disband in a momentous announcement that could bring an end to a bloody decades-long conflict with the Turkish government.
• Imprisoned Kurdish leader Ocalan calls on PKK to end war with Turkey Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- Abdullah Ocalan, Turkey's jailed militant leader, has called on his Kurdish group to lay down arms and dissolve in order to end four decades of conflict which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
• Possible Kurdish-Turkish peace could be bad news for Islamic State VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- There is hope in Washington that the decision by the leader of a Turkey-based, U.S.-designated terror group to ask its factions to lay down their arms could ease tensions with Ankara and facilitate efforts to counter remnants of the Islamic State terror group.
• Federal Foreign Office on the comments by Abdullah Ocalan Germany Federal Foreign Office 27 Feb 2025
• OSCE reaffirms its full support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina OSCE 27 Feb 2025 -- The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) reaffirms its full support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A peaceful and prosperous future for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires respect for the rule of law and democratic institutions, stewarded by responsible leadership.
• Cholera surges in Sudan's White Nile State, more than 292,000 children at risk in Kosti UNICEF 27 Feb 2025 -- More than 500 children are among the 2,700 cholera cases, that have been reported in Sudan's White Nile State between 1 January and 24 February 2025, according to health authorities. The outbreak has already killed at least 65 people including ten children. In response, UNICEF, together with the Federal Ministry of Health and humanitarian partners, is scaling up a multisectoral response to prevent further spread of the disease and protect vulnerable children.
• Protect civilians in Sudan, they have suffered enough in nearly two years of conflict - Statement by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami UNOCHA 27 Feb 2025 -- The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) reaffirms its full support for the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• $2.5 billion plan to deliver aid to 11 million people in DR Congo UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- Humanitarians are calling for $2.54 billion to support operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amid ongoing attacks by M23 rebels in the east and a severe funding shortfall.
• The humanitarian community in the DRC calls for $2.54 billion to provide lifesaving assistance to 11 million people affected by crises UNOCHA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the humanitarian community today launched the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) to mobilize $2.54 billion.
• Haiti: Over one million displaced by gang violence UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- Ongoing gang violence in Haiti has displaced more than a million people, nearly a tenth of the population, or three times more than last year, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the country said on Thursday.
• Ethiopia PM visits Somalia as neighbors try to improve relations VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu Thursday, as their nations try to mend relations strained by Ethiopia's deal for sea access with Somaliland - a breakaway republic Somalia considers part of its territory.

News Reports

• Trump to hit Canada, Mexico, China with new tariffs VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would impose 25% tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico next week as he originally planned, contending the two neighboring countries are still not doing enough to curb the flow of drugs into the United States.
• EU will 'do the same' if US implements tariff hikes: French finance minister Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- French Finance Minister Eric Lombard has said the European Union will retaliate with tit-for-tat measures if the United States imposes tariffs on European products.
• Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces 29 Wanted Defendants from Mexico Taken into U.S. Custody US Dept. of Justice 27 Feb 2025 -- Today, the United States secured custody of 29 defendants from Mexico who are facing charges in districts around the country relating to racketeering, drug-trafficking, murder, illegal use of firearms, money laundering, and other crimes.
• The Government approved the algorithm for responding to cable damage in the Baltic Sea proposed by the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of the Interior Lithuania MND 27 Feb 2025 -- The Government has approved the algorithm of response to incidents against underwater infrastructure where key role in action against diversion and detention of suspect ships is played by the State Border Guard Service in cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
• Former Navy Sailor Pleads Guilty to Plotting to Attack Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago US Dept. of Justice 27 Feb 2025 -- A former Navy sailor has pleaded guilty in federal court in Chicago to plotting to attack Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois, purportedly on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• North Korean hackers behind largest ever financial theft Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- The largest known financial heist in history has been perpetrated by a North Korean state-backed hacker group, according to experts.
• DR Congo: WHO tracks deadly mysterious illness UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are carrying out further investigations to determine the cause of another cluster of illness and deaths in Équateur province, UN officials reported on Thursday.
• Palace to beef up security after arrest of alleged Chinese spies Philippine News Agency 27 Feb 2025 -- Malacañang is set to heighten security measures following the arrest of alleged Chinese spies supposedly involved in surveillance activities targeting the presidential palace, the military, and the police.
• Meeting of Federal Security Service Board President of Russia 27 Feb 2025 -- Vladimir Putin spoke at a meeting of the board of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 27, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2025
• Statement of the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva G.M.Gatilov at the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament by the right of reply, February 26, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2025
• Statement by H.E. Sergey Vershinin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, at the High Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva, 26 February, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2025
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 27 Feb 2025
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on February 27, 2025 PRC MofA 27 Feb 2025
• Rubio accuses China of 'reverse' Opium War via fentanyl Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday suggested Beijing may be "deliberately" flooding America with the synthetic opioid fentanyl, in a "reverse" form of the mid-1800s Opium Wars that enfeebled China's international standing.
• Chinese FM responds to Rubio's concerns: China-Russia ties unaffected by third parties Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- In response to media inquiries over US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's concerns about China-Russia relations in an interview, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that as two major countries, China and Russia share a relationship with strong endogenous momentum, that is unaffected by any third party.
• US condemns Thailand's deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- The United States condemned longtime ally Thailand for deporting 40 ethnic Uyghurs to China on Thursday, warning that the men risk facing torture when they return to the northeastern region of Xinjiang, which they fled more than 10 years ago.
• On Thailand's Forced Return of Uyghurs to China US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2025 -- "We condemn in the strongest possible terms Thailand's forced return of at least 40 Uyghurs to China, where they lack due process rights and where Uyghurs have faced persecution, forced labor, and torture."
• UN agencies condemn Thailand's deportation of Uyghurs to China UN News 27 Feb 2025 -- The UN human rights office (OHCHR) together with refugee agency, UNHCR, on Thursday strongly condemned Thailand's deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China, calling it a serious violation of international law and the fundamental principle of non-refoulement.
• Sorrow, frustration as US condemns deportation of Uyghurs to China VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- For Sweden-based independent Uyghur researcher Nyrola Elima, Feb. 27, 2025, stands as a day of deep sorrow.
• EXPLAINED: Thailand's repatriation of 40 Uyghur refugees to China Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- Thailand's decision to deport 40 Uyghurs back to China after languishing in a Bangkok detention center for over a decade raises concerns about their fate -- and questions about what they were doing there in the first place.
• UN Human Rights Chief deeply troubled by Thailand's deportation of Uyghurs to China OHCHR 27 Feb 2025 -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said the deportation on Thursday of 40 ethnic Uyghurs -- who have been held in Thailand for over 11 years -- to China is a clear violation of international human rights laws and standards.
• Thailand: Statement by the Spokesperson on the deportation of Uyghurs to China European External Action Service (EEAS) 27 Feb 2025 -- The European Union deeply regrets the deportation by Thailand of the group of 40 Uyghurs to China in a breach of the principle of non-refoulement and Thailand's obligations under national and international law as a member of the Human Rights Council.
• Report: China has half a million Uyghurs in prison or detention Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- China still has more than half a million Uyghurs in prisons or detention centers and has expanded its repression of the ethnic group, a new report says, despite Beijing's assurances that the northwestern region of Xinjiang has returned to normalcy.
• Loved one missing in China? New guide is here to help Radio Free Asia 27 Feb 2025 -- So many foreign nationals have gone "missing" in China in recent years, later found to be detained by the authorities, that a rights group has issued a handbook for loved ones dealing with similar situations.
• Foreign Secretary statement on Thailand's deportation of 40 Uyghur Muslims to China UK FCDO 27 Feb 2025 -- The Foreign Secretary made a statement following Thailand's decision to deport 40 Uyghur Muslims to China.
• UNHCR condemns forced returns from Thailand UNHCR 27 Feb 2025 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, deeply regrets the deportation of some 40 Uyghurs after more than 10 years in Thailand's detention centres.
• Outcry builds as Thailand deports Uyghurs to China after 10 years in detention VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- The United Nations led criticism Thursday of Thailand's government over its deportation to China of 40 Uyghurs held for more than a decade in detention in Bangkok. The deportation came despite warnings that the Uyghurs face persecution and the risk of torture if handed over to Chinese authorities.
• China has always been a 'stabilizing force' in the global economy: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday reaffirmed China's role as a stabilizing force in the global economy, while addressing a media query about China's role amid rising economic uncertainties in the world.
• As tariffs expand, focus also on workarounds for Chinese goods VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- As U.S. President Donald Trump moves forward with an expanding net of tariffs, including an additional 10% for Chinese imports starting next week, industry insiders and experts say closing existing loopholes and workarounds that companies use to avoid trade taxes is also key.
• Statement from Minister Joly following Thailand's forced return of Uyghur refugees to China Canada 27 Feb 2025
• Federal Foreign Office on the deportation of a number of Uyghurs from Thailand to China Germany Federal Foreign Office 27 Feb 2025
• US still opposes 'forced, coercive' changes to Taiwan's status, Rubio says VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday reaffirmed Washington's opposition to attempts to alter Taiwan's status through force or coercion.
• Trump declines to commit to Taiwan's defense if China invades CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday again refused to make clear his stance on protecting Taiwan from a takeover by China during his presidency.
• Taiwan's listing as participant in Exercise Cobra Gold an error: Organizers CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- The organizers of the multi-national Joint Exercise Cobra Gold said Wednesday that Taiwan's recent listing as a participant in the regional exercises being staged in Thailand was an error that has since been corrected.
• Captain of ship that allegedly cut Taiwan-Penghu cable remanded in custody CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- Tainan prosecutors obtained a court order Thursday for the Chinese captain of a vessel to be remanded in custody, pending an investigation into the severing of an undersea telecommunications cable between Taiwan proper and the offshore Penghu County.
• China sends 60 warplanes, vessels near Taiwan CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- China sent 45 warplanes and 15 vessels to the vicinity of Taiwan proper in the 24-hour period starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted its fifth "joint combat readiness patrol" of the month, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Thursday.
• China adopts 'peace and war' approach with drills, new measures: MAC CNA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday that the Chinese authorities are likely adopting a "dual approach of peace and war" by setting up a zone near Taiwan for "live-fire exercises" while Fujian Province rolled out 17 new measures to benefit Taiwanese during a two-day annual work conference on Taiwan affairs.
• China's Ministry of National Defense warns DPP authorities: We will come and get you, sooner or later Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) sent out a stern warning on Thursday to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in the island of Taiwan saying that "we will come and get you, sooner or later."
• Chinese Defense Ministry warns Taiwan DPP authorities: 'will come and get you, sooner or later' Global Times 27 Feb 2025 -- The Chinese Defense Ministry on Thursday warned Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan: "We will come and get you, sooner or later."
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 27 Feb 2025
• Meeting with member of the Politburo and Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea Ri Hi-yong President of Russia 27 Feb 2025
• Pezeshkian: Iran will hold talks but won't give in to 'bullies' IRNA 27 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran will hold negotiations, but will not give in to "bullies", while reiterating that the Islamic Republic seeks peace and tranquility in the West Asia region.
• Pezeshkian: Iran open to negotiations but won't capitulate to bullies Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated Iran's openness to negotiations, but emphasized that the Islamic Republic will not give in to the pressure of bullying powers and won't engage in any negotiations under duress.
• Iranian intelligence forces bust Takfiri terror network, seize weapon cache Press TV 27 Feb 2025 -- In a major counterterrorism operation, Iranian intelligence forces have dismantled a Takfiri terrorist network and seized a large cache of weapons and explosives in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
• Iranian Exiles Sue Ex-Shah's 'Chief Torturer' In U.S. Court RFE/RL 27 Feb 2025 -- Two years after reemerging from decades in hiding, Parviz Sabeti is facing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed by three former Iranian dissidents who accuse the ex-top security official under the shah of years of torture and abuse.
• Speech by President von der Leyen: 'The Consequential Partnership: Reimagining and realigning EU and India ties for today's world' European Commission 27 Feb 2025
• Pakistan's opposition alliance demands elections, political prisoners' release VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- An alliance of opposition parties in Pakistan called for new national elections Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government of suppressing political rivals, curtailing dissent and violating human rights.
• Global splinters evident at G20 finance ministers meeting VOA 27 Feb 2025 -- The Group of 20 major economies has been instrumental in coordinating the response to crises like the COVID pandemic. But top officials from the U.S. and several other member states skipped the G20 finance ministers' meeting in South Africa this week, raising questions about the group's continued relevance in a splintered global environment.
• Kyrgyzstan: UN rights experts dismayed by new restrictions on freedom of religion or belief OHCHR 27 Feb 2025 -- A group of UN human rights experts* today expressed concern at the entry into force of new laws restricting freedom of religion or belief in Kyrgyzstan.
• Uzbekistan's parliamentary elections 2024: ODIHR election observation mission final report OSCE 27 Feb 2025 -- Uzbekistan's 2024 parliamentary elections were technically well prepared, but the political environment limited genuine voter choice.
• Palace hits VP Sara for sowing division, hatred Philippine News Agency 27 Feb 2025 -- Malacañang on Thursday took a swipe at Vice President Sara Duterte for supposedly encouraging Filipinos to show anger toward the government, describing the remarks as divisive and an attempt to sow discord.
• Lebanon's Formation of a Government US Dept. of State 27 Feb 2025 -- "The United States congratulates the people of Lebanon on the successful February 26 vote of confidence for the government."
• UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement at the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea UK FCDO 27 Feb 2025 -- UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea. Delivered by a UK spokesperson.