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Defense Policy / Programs

• Rapid Force-Wide Review of Military Standards DoD 12 Mar 2025 -- Today Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered a department-wide review of existing standards set by U.S. military branches pertaining to physical fitness, body composition, and grooming, which includes but is not limited to beards.
• Senior leaders to Senate: Air Force, Space Force are ready, capable, but challenges remain US Air Force 12 Mar 2025 -- Senior uniformed officers from the Air Force and Space Force told a Senate subcommittee March 12 that each service is focused on readiness but that budget shortfalls and determined adversaries are continuing sources for concern.
• America ARG: One Team, One Fight US Navy 12 Mar 2025 -- The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed their first patrol of 2025, March 6.
• Military-Crewed SpaceX Flight Set to Bring Back Astronauts DoD News 12 Mar 2025 -- The SpaceX Crew-10 mission, which includes two active-duty U.S. military officers, is scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, today on a quest to bring back a pair of NASA astronauts who have been on the International Space Station since June 2024.
• NATO reaffirms its commitment to Western Balkans stability, as Secretary General Rutte wraps up visits to Sarajevo and Pristina NATO 12 Mar 2025 -- On 10 and 11 March 2025, NATO's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, visited Sarajevo and Pristina. In Sarajevo, he met high-level officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Chair and members of the Presidency, the Chair of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defence, and the Acting Minister of Security, as well as with the Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Commander of the EUFOR mission. The Secretary General also engaged with students at the University of Sarajevo.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General welcomes President of the International Committee of the Red Cross to the North Atlantic Council NATO 12 Mar 2025 -- On Wednesday (12 March 2025), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska welcomed Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to the North Atlantic Council. Ms. Shekerinska emphasised Allies' respect for the ICRC's mandate and highlighted the importance of NATO-ICRC cooperation on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and humanitarian affairs.
• Global arms transfers report shows US allies are main bearers of Washington's strategic costs: experts Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- The US was by far the largest exporter of major arms from 2020 to 2024 with a share of 43 percent of global arms exports, a significant increase compared to the 35 percent share it held in the period of 2015-2019, according to a report unveiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Monday, which noted that although European countries have called for stronger "defense autonomy," they remain deeply tied to US weapons.
• Visit to a command post of the Kursk group of forces President of Russia 12 Mar 2025 -- Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting at a command post of the Kursk group of forces. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief was briefed by Chief of the General Staff of Russia's Armed Forces - First Deputy Defence Minister Valery Gerasimov.
• US Military Aid Starts Flowing Across Poland-Ukraine Border RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- US military aid to Ukraine has now started moving across the border from Poland, following an agreement between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, according to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.
• Trump Warns Russia Of Sanctions As Moscow Considers Cease-Fire Deal RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has urged Russia to agree to a 30-day cease-fire, warning he would slap additional sanctions on the country if it refused the US proposal, as Moscow made more gains on the battlefield.
• US resumes aid to Ukraine as Kyiv endorses 30-day truce People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- The Donald Trump administration lifted its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, after Kyiv endorsed a 30-day cease-fire in the conflict with Russia, pending Moscow's agreement, officials from the United States and Ukraine said on Tuesday following 9-hour talks in Saudi Arabia.
• China, Iran, Russia complete joint maritime drill, 'boosting capabilities in non-traditional security field' Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- China, Iran and Russia on Tuesday wrapped up a maritime drill after practicing night live-fire shooting and rescue operation of simulated hijacked commercial ships near Iran. A Chinese expert said the exercise has boosted the three countries' naval capabilities in dealing with non-traditional security threats.
• China extends warship service life with advanced anti-corrosion technologies Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- A Chinese naval researcher recently revealed that her work on anti-corrosion technologies is contributing to extending warships' service life. An analyst said on Wednesday that corrosion protection is a key aspect that directly affects the generation of combat capabilities.
• Ministry of National Defense Press Release Regarding Incident Involving Civilian Posing as Think Tank Member ROC MND 12 Mar 2025
• Raising Taiwan's defense spending to 10% of GDP 'impossible': Premier CNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) told lawmakers on Wednesday that Taiwan's government "does not have the capacity" to spend 10 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) annually on national defense.
• Indigenous jet trainer delivery delay due to sourced parts: MND CNA 12 Mar 2025 -- The delay in the delivery of a batch of domestically made trainer jets to the Air Force is due to problems with "external procurement components and systems," Taiwan's military said in a report sent to lawmakers for review on Wednesday.
• Taiwan to hold first 'immediate response' drill next week: Source CNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Taiwan's armed forces will hold an unprecedented "immediate response" military drill (立即備戰操演) involving all military branches next week in response to China's gray zone warfare, a military source told CNA on Tuesday.
• Tejas LCA AF MK1 test-fires Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully conducted test-launch of homegrown ASTRA, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from LCA AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft
• DELIVERY OF YARD 133 (LSAM 23) India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- Induction ceremony of ninth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 23 (Yard 133) was held on 12 Mar 25 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
• ICGS Saksham makes port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles for a three-day visit India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Saksham made a port call at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on March 12, 2025 for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and fostering regional partnerships
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Rs 2,906 crore contract signed with BEL for Low-level Transportable Radar (Ashwini) for IAF India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- As part of the Government's efforts to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities of the country, Ministry of Defence has inked a capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad for the procurement of Low-level Transportable Radar, LLTR (Ashwini) at a cost of Rs 2,906 crore
• Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh underscores need for rapid capability enhancements to counter emerging security challenges India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal AP Singh underscored the need for rapid capability enhancements to counter emerging security challenges in the evolving geo-strategic landscape
• Minister of Defense Meets with Turkish Counterpart SPA 11 Mar 2025 -- Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz has received Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Continued security assistance affirms US commitment to our region's security Estonia MFA 12 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the decision of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme affirmed that the United States was committed to the security of our region and to strengthening the Alliance.
• Prime Ministers of Finland and Spain: European countries need to increase their defence spending Finnish Government 12 Mar 2025 -- Boosting assistance to Ukraine and strengthening European defence were key topics on the agenda when Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met for discussions in Helsinki on Wednesday 12 March.
• Joint statement by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Nordic-Baltic countries Latvia MFA 12 Mar 2025
• Poland and Turkey Strengthen Cooperation for Peace and Security Poland - Chancellery of the Prime Minister 12 Mar 2025 -- Poland is launching a diplomatic offensive to strengthen security and stability in the region. On the 26th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO, Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Ankara for a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
• Talks in Paris on European security, Ukraine and developing the defence industry Poland - Ministry of National Defence 12 Mar 2025 -- On Wednesday, 12 March, the deputy prime minister - minister of national defence took part in Paris in a meeting of the Group of 5 defence ministers - together with the ministersfrom France, Germany, Italy and Great Britain, and invited guests: the defence minister of Ukraine and NATO and EU representatives.
• Poland and Turkey Strengthen Cooperation for Peace and Security Poland - Chancellery of the Prime Minister 12 Mar 2025 -- Poland is launching a diplomatic offensive to strengthen security and stability in the region. On the 26th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO, Prime Minister Donald Tusk traveled to Ankara for a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
• Talks in Paris on European security, Ukraine and developing the defence industry Poland - Ministry of National Defence 12 Mar 2025 -- On Wednesday, 12 March, the deputy prime minister - minister of national defence took part in Paris in a meeting of the Group of 5 defence ministers - together with the ministersfrom France, Germany, Italy and Great Britain, and invited guests: the defence minister of Ukraine and NATO and EU representatives.
• Minister announces defence policy formulation and actions Government of Iceland 12 Mar 2025 -- Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, presented a proposal to the government yesterday for the formulation of a policy for Iceland's security and defence.
• Budrys: a weak response is an encouragement to the aggressor Lithuania MFA 12 Mar 2025 -- On 12 March, Lithuania's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys, while on a visit to the United Kingdom, participated in a discussion "Getting our act together in Europe: a path to a stronger security and defence", which was organised by the think tank 'The Council on Geostrategy', where he discussed Europe's security situation with UK officials, academics, representatives of business and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
• The President: Winning freedom is not enough—it must be constantly nurtured, upheld and defended President of the Republic of Lithuania 12 Mar 2025 -- On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda congratulated the people of the country on the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Lithuania's independence at the flag-raising ceremony of the three Baltic States at Independence Square.
• EDA project for smart land camouflage concludes first phase European Defence Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- A nearly two-year research effort developed by the European Defence Agency has made progress in developing smart camouflage technologies aimed at enhancing the stealth and survivability of military vehicles and equipment.
• Good night moon: RNZAF NH90 crews and police train near Lower Hutt New Zealand Defence Force 12 Mar 2025 -- Flying by the light of a full moon above a regional park, two Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 crews have trained with New Zealand Police to ensure the two organisations are trained and prepared to respond to a range of situations.
• A look at the Defence news 3 - 9 March Netherlands Ministry of Defence 12 Mar 2025
• ECOWAS regional bloc activates counterterror force VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- Security analysts are praising ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, for activating its regional standby force but remain doubtful about its effectiveness following the recent withdrawal of three member states.
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister Nurtleu US Dept. of State 12 Mar 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 12, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 12 March 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Mar 2025
• Guterres prioritises UN reform to ensure taxpayers' money reaches those in need UN News 12 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations is prioritising reform to ensure it remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive to the people it serves, Secretary-General António Guterres announced Wednesday, as part of a continued push to modernize the Organization.
• Humanitarian system at breaking point as funding cuts force life-or-death choices UN News 12 Mar 2025 -- The UN's top relief official warned on Wednesday that the global humanitarian system has reached breaking point, with funding cuts forcing life-or-death decisions over which aid programmes to sustain and which to shut down.

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israeli minister: Expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza 'realistic' move Press TV 12 Mar 2025 -- An Israeli minister of right-wing Likud party has called the forced relocation of Palestinians from the besieged Gaza Strip a "realistic" move after US President Donald Trump brazenly proposed the relocation of Gazans to some neighboring countries.
• Sweden provides SEK 300 million in humanitarian support to Gaza Government Offices of Sweden 12 Mar 2025 -- In light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Government has approved a new support package of SEK 300 million to address the acute needs of the civilian population.
• Israeli crimes against Al-Aqsa Mosque increased, access to the Ibrahimi Mosque restricted, a mosque burned, and 75 martyrs Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 12 Mar 2025 -- 23 Israeli violations against 12 mosques in the West Bank with the onset of Ramadan
• Yemen bans Israeli-related ships passing through the regional waters IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Yemeni armed forces have announced a ban on all Israeli-affiliated ships in the Red Sea, the Arab Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

Other Conflicts

• Indonesia to ratify South China Sea deal with Vietnam in April Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- Indonesia is expected to ratify an agreement with Vietnam on the demarcation of their exclusive economic zones next month, settling a decade-long dispute in overlapping waters, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto said.
• EU invites Syria's HTS regime to Brussels after slaughter of Alawites Press TV 12 Mar 2025 -- The European Commission has invited Syria's Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration to an official conference in Brussels after the slaughter of hundreds of Alawites in the country's west.
• What Data Tells Us About The Violence In Syria RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- While the eruption of violence in western Syria has raised questions about the transitional government's ability to control its affiliated factions, it has also brought Russian and Iranian involvement in Syrian affairs into sharp focus.
• Statement from Minister Joly and Minister Hussen on the situation in Syria Canada 12 Mar 2025
• Backgrounder: Canada announces measures and support for the people of Syria Canada 12 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development announced measures in support of Canada's concrete commitment to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people and to support a transition to an inclusive and peaceful future where all Syrians can live with dignity and security.
• Strikes on Military Targets in Southern Syria Israel Defense Forces 12 Mar 2025
• Minister: Israeli troops to stay in Syrian territory indefinitely Press TV 12 Mar 2025 -- The Israeli minister of military affairs says the regime's troops, who seized a "buffer zone" inside the strategic occupied Golan Heights after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, will stay there indefinitely.
• Rescued passengers give harrowing account of Pakistan train attack VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- Speaking to a private news channel, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations, said that all hostages were rescued.
• Pakistani forces rescue 155 train passengers taken hostage by militants IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Pakistani forces have rescued 155 passengers who were taken hostage after militants took over a train in southwest Pakistan, while the militants still hold others.
• Security sources: 155 hostages freed, 27 militants killed in Pakistan train siege Press TV 12 Mar 2025 -- Pakistani security forces say they have freed 155 hostages and killed 27 militants, as operations to rescue passengers of a train siege in the country's southwestern Balochistan province continue for the second consecutive day.
• Fate Of More Than 100 Pakistani Train Hostages Unknown Amid Contradictory Claims RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- Pakistani military sources claim to have "neutralized" the militants responsible for hijacking a passenger train in southwestern Pakistan with more than 400 people on board but doubts persists amid the lack of independent verification and counterclaims by the fighters.
• Myanmar's junta targets displaced people returning to embattled Rakhine state Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- In just over a year of fighting, Myanmar's ethnic Arakan Army has captured 14 of Rakhine state's 17 townships, defeating the military in battle after battle in a stunning advance.
• Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Eide on the escalating tensions in South Sudan Government of Norway 12 Mar 2025
• Pakistan Denounces the Ban on Two Kashmiri Organizations Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Mar 2025 -- Pakistan denounces the Indian authorities' decision to declare the 'Awami Action Committee' and 'Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen' as 'Unlawful Association' for a period of five years. The 'Awami Action Committee' is led by a prominent political and religious leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The 'Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen' was also founded by another notable political and religious leader, Maulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari, who headed it till his demise in 2022.
• Bosnian Prosecutor's Office Issues Arrest Warrant For Nationalist Leader Dodik RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- Bosnia-Herzegovina's Prosecutor's Office has issued arrest warrants for Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and other leaders of the country's Serb entity, Republika Srpska, for ignoring a court summons and "threatening the constitutional order," a move the nationalist politician dismissed as politically motivated.
• Somali forces kill 50 militants in airstrikes after ending hotel siege VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- Security forces in Somalia say they killed all six attackers who laid siege to a hotel in the central town of Beledweyne and later killed at least 50 al-Shabab militants in airstrikes.
• Armenia/Azerbaijan: Speech by Commissioner for Housing and Energy, Dan Jørgensen, on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the EP plenary European External Action Service (EEAS) 12 Mar 2025 -- President, Honourable Members,

News Reports

• Analysis: The First Shot's Been Fired In A Transatlantic Trade War RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- The first shot has been fired in a transatlantic trade war that opens up yet another front between the European Union and the United States after their increasingly diverging views on Russia's war in Ukraine and the security architecture of the Continent.
• US steel and aluminum tariffs draw criticism, retaliation, showing 'growing' opposition to Washington Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- The US' additional tariffs on all US steel and aluminum imports went into force on Wednesday, drawing harsh criticism and even swift retaliation from some of its major trading partners, including China, the EU and Canada, according to official statements and media reports.
• European Union hits back at Trump's tariffs as trade war escalates IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- The European Union has retaliated against U.S. President Donald Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs, unveiling a two-stage tit-for-tat measure that would cover billions of dollars' worth of products.
• Statement on United States tariffs Prime Minister of Australia 12 Mar 2025 -- "The United States decision to impose tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium as part of a global decision is concerning. It has been foreshadowed that no country regardless of its relationship with the United States has been granted an exemption. Such a decision by the Trump Administration is entirely unjustified."
• Press conference - Sydney Prime Minister of Australia 12 Mar 2025
• U.S. tariffs "entirely unjustified:" Australian PM People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- Australia will not impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States, despite its failure to secure an exemption from Trump administration's import taxes on Australian steel and aluminium, said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described the tariffs as "entirely unjustified."
• Statement by Minister Ng on United States imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum Canada 12 Mar 2025
• Trump imposes additional 25 pct tariffs on steel, aluminum from Canada Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he will impose an additional 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum from Canada, raising the total tariff to 50 percent, in response to tariffs on electricity exports from the Canadian province of Ontario.
• US enacts tariffs on all steel, aluminum imports VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- The United States enacted new 25% tariffs Wednesday on all steel and aluminum imports, ending previous exemptions that had been in place for a number of U.S. allies.
• U.S. reverses extra 25 pct tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- The United States on Tuesday reversed its plan to impose extra 25 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, after the Canadian province of Ontario dropped tariffs on electricity exports to three U.S. states.
• Treasury Sanctions Swedish Gang and Leader Serving Iranian Regime US Treasury 12 Mar 2025 -- Today, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned the Foxtrot Network, a transnational criminal organization (TCO) primarily based in Sweden that has trafficked illicit drugs and that carried out attacks on Israelis and Jews in Europe, along with its fugitive leader Rawa Majid. In January 2024, the Foxtrot Network orchestrated an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, on behalf of the Government of Iran.
• Sanctioning the Foxtrot Network US Dept. of State 12 Mar 2025 -- Today, the United States is sanctioning the Foxtrot Network, a transnational criminal organization, and its fugitive leader, Rawa Majid. The Foxtrot Network is a notorious criminal gang based in Sweden and a prominent drug trafficking organization in the region.
• Afghanistan: Opium prices approach historic peaks, crime syndicates benefit UN News 12 Mar 2025 -- Prices for opium in Afghanistan have increased tenfold since the de facto authorities imposed a drug ban in 2022 following their takeover in Kabul, latest UN data shows.
• Security Council ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee Amends Twelve Entries on Its Sanctions List UN Security Council 12 Mar 2025 -- On 11 March 2025, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da'esh), Al‑Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities enacted the amendments specified with strikethrough and/or underline in the entries below on its ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo
• US clears out remaining migrants from Guantanamo Bay VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- The United States has cleared out the last migrants being held at its naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, sending them back to the U.S. mainland as they await deportation.
• IS in Sahel expands terror threat beyond strongholds VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- On Feb. 24, the Moroccan counterterror agency broke up a terrorist cell calling itself "the Lions of the Caliphate in the Maghreb Al Aqsa." Authorities said the group was making remote-controlled bombs to carry out attacks in the North African country.
• Statement of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ICC 12 Mar 2025 -- The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) welcomes the arrest and transfer of the suspect Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte, former President of the Philippines, on 11 March 2025 by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines. Mr Duterte has been arrested in the context of the Office's ongoing investigation into the Situation in the Republic of the Philippines.
• Situation in the Philippines: Rodrigo Roa Duterte in ICC custody ICC 12 Mar 2025 -- Today, 12 March 2025, Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte ("Mr Duterte"), born on 28 March 1945, was surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC or "the Court"). He was arrested by the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines ("the Philippines") in accordance with an arrest warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I ("the Chamber") for charges of murder as a crime against humanity.
• Duterte's fate draws global attention after being forced onto plane to The Hague Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly to arrive in the Netherlands amid charges related to his crackdown on drugs, the Philippine media Inquirer reported. Duterte will be taken to the International Criminal Court's (ICC) detention unit after landing, where he will be readied for an initial appearance before the court's judges, according to media.
• Philippines: Türk says arrest of former President Duterte is important step toward accountability OHCHR 12 Mar 2025 -- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today welcomed the announcement by the International Criminal Court that it had taken into custody former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who is charged with a series of murders amounting to crimes against humanity during campaigns against illegal drugs between 2011 and 2019.
• PH on solid footing under PBBM amid Duterte arrest - lawmakers Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- Lawmakers on Wednesday said the Philippines remains on solid footing under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s leadership, dismissing concerns that the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant could cause instability.
• ICC case about justice, not Duterte persecution - House leaders Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- A leader of the House of Representatives said Wednesday the case before the International Criminal Court (ICC) is about seeking justice for victims of the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during former president Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs and not about persecuting him.
• DOJ: Ex-PRRD arrest adheres to local, int'l legal procedures Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday assured the public that the arrest of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte went by the book and strictly adhered to domestic and international legal procedures.
• Duterte could face up to 30 years or life imprisonment if convicted Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- Former President Rodrigo Duterte could face a prison sentence of up to 30 years or even life imprisonment if convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with his war on drugs, Malacañang said Wednesday.
• Palace: No info yet on possible warrants vs. Duterte co-accused Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- Malacañang has yet to receive any information from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) regarding potential arrest warrants for former president Rodrigo Duterte's co-accused in the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into his controversial war on drugs.
• Military spox says AFP always professional, non-partisan Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday maintained that it remains professional and non-partisan even as it remains focused on its core mission of safeguarding national security and maintaining stability.
• PH courts still working, drug war victims can still file cases -Palace Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- Philippine courts are "still working" and victims of the drug war launched by former president Rodrigo Duterte can still file cases against him despite his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Malacañang said Wednesday.
• Duterte drug war 'unacceptable policy,' says Palace Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- Malacañang on Wednesday condemned the controversial drug war policy implemented by former president Rodrigo Duterte, emphasizing that it was an "unacceptable" approach for any government.
• Palace: Gov't ready to provide assistance to ex-PRRD Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- The Philippine government is ready to provide necessary assistance to former president Rodrigo Duterte who is facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to his deadly drug war, Malacañang said Wednesday.
• Ex-PRRD's arrest not 'state kidnapping' - Palace Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- Malacañang on Wednesday denied that the arrest of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte was "state kidnapping," saying he was not forced to surrender to Philippine authorities.
• Escudero lauds peaceful execution of ICC warrant vs. Duterte Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday commended law enforcement, legal representatives, and supporters for the orderly and incident-free serving of the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
• PNP units on heightened alert following Duterte's arrest Philippine News Agency 12 Mar 2025 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all its units under heightened security alert status in anticipation of protest actions following former president Rodrigo Duterte's arrest.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the Business Council meeting, Moscow, March 12, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Mar 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview to the US bloggers Mario Nawfal, Larry C.Johnson and Andrew Napolitano, Moscow, March 12, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12 Mar 2025
• Statement: Foreign Office summons Russian Ambassador - 12 March 2025 UK FCDO 12 Mar 2025 -- The Foreign Office protests Russia's campaign of harassment against British diplomats.
• Court rejects Russian oligarch's challenge to US efforts to confiscate yacht VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- A federal court in New York has rejected a Russian businessman's challenge to the U.S. government's efforts to confiscate a luxury superyacht that allegedly belongs to sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov.
• EU Sanctions Deadlock? Hungary And Slovakia Pressure Brussels Over Russia Blacklist RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- At the end of January 2025, Hungary threatened to veto a six-month-extension of all the European Union's economic sanctions imposed on Russia since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 12, 2025 PRC MofA 12 Mar 2025
• China to take resolute countermeasures if pressure is exerted relentlessly against China, FM on China-US trade issues Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry (FM) spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that China-US trade is reciprocal, and cooperation can achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. If pressure is exerted relentlessly against China, China will definitely take resolute countermeasures.
• China to take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights, FM on US 25% tariff on steel and aluminum Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- Responding to media inquiries about whether China will take actions or retaliate against the US' imposition of a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated on a regular press conference on Wednesday that China has always believed that protectionism leads nowhere, and there is no winner in a trade war or a tariff war. It is a universal consensus of the international community.
• China's foreign ministry responds to Walmart's summons by Chinese regulators Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- It is reported that China's Ministry of Commerce and other departments summoned Walmart on Tuesday for reportedly requiring some of its Chinese suppliers to slash prices significantly in an attempt to shift the burden of the US tariffs on China to Chinese suppliers and consumers.
• Chinese authorities summon Walmart over reported supplier price cut demands: report Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and other departments summoned Walmart on Tuesday for reportedly requiring some of its Chinese suppliers to slash prices significantly in an attempt to shift the burden of the US tariffs on China to Chinese suppliers and consumers, Yuyuantantian, a media outlet affiliated with China Media Group, reported on Wednesday.
• Advocates for jailed publisher Lai turn to Trump administration VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- The son of imprisoned pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai this week brought the campaign to secure his father's release to the Trump administration in Washington.
• China's top legislature concludes annual session People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, concluded its third session Tuesday.
• Policies hint at new phase of opening-up People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- China's recently announced policies and development direction, including those from the two sessions, signal a new phase of high-standard opening-up marked by "mutual empowerment", according to both domestic and multinational companies.
• China boosting development of AI for use in trade war with US VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- Encouraged by the enthusiastic reception to its DeepSeek artificial intelligence platform in January, China's leaders are going all out to encourage AI companies to harness the power of this technology to compete with the United States and other countries in business and military spheres.
• Another group of 18 Qianfan Constellation satellites launched in Hainan, South China Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- China's Long March-8 carrier rocket, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), successfully lifted off from the Launch Pad 1 at the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, which was also developed by CALT, on Wednesday. The rocket carried 18 satellites, successfully deploying the fifth batch of Qianfan Constellation satellites into their designated orbit. The mission is a complete success and marks the maiden launch from the Launch Pad 1, Global Times learned from CALT.
• China launches 18 satellites from Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- A group of 18 low Earth orbit satellites was launched aboard the Long March-8 Y6 carrier rocket from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China's Hainan Province in the early hours of Wednesday.
• Taiwan Affairs Office responds to inquiry on more specific measures to punish die-hard 'Taiwan independence' separatists Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- In response to an inquiry on an NPC deputy's advice that measures to punish die-hard "Taiwan independence" separatists could be further detailed and implemented through legislative work at the NPC Standing Committee level or through regulatory rules at the State Council level,Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the lawful punishment of die-hard "Taiwan independence" separatists for splitting the country and inciting division is a rightful act meant to defend national sovereignty, reunification of the motherland and territorial integrity.
• Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson on insights Sun Yat-sen left for current cross-Straits relations Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- March 12, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of renowned Chinese revolutionary and statesman Sun Yat-sen. In his final political testament to the Chinese people, he left the words: "Peace, struggle, and save China." In response to a media inquiry on what insights these words offer for the current cross-Straits relations and China's development, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that Sun was a great national hero, great patriot, and great forerunner of China's democratic revolution. Throughout his life, he pursued national unity and the revitalization of China, earning the admiration of all Chinese people.
• It is natural for Taiwan celebrities to express recognition of 'Taiwan, Province of China': spokesperson Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- Recently, many celebrities from Taiwan island have reposted "Taiwan, Province of China" on Weibo while Taiwan's so-called "mainland affairs council" has labeled this as a "united front tool" from the mainland and claimed that they will examine the actions, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory. Taiwan has never been a country. It is entirely natural for a wide range of Taiwan people, including entertainers, to express their recognition of the country and their opposition to "Taiwan independence" separatism. This is a reflection of national righteousness.
• Taiwan Affairs Office responds to absence of 'peaceful reunification' in 2024 and 2025 government work reports Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- As media reports have noted, the 2024 and 2025 government work reports on Taiwan-related content emphasize "China will firmly advance the cause of reunification" but do not mention "peaceful reunification." When asked whether this indicates a change in the mainland's position, the spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office Chen Binhua responded on Wednesday that China is willing to make the utmost effort and show the greatest sincerity to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification in resolving the Taiwan question. "If 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces provoke, coerce, or challenge the bottom line and cross red lines, we will be forced to take decisive measures," he said.
• Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson refutes DPP authorities' hype over mainland defense budget Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry about the Chinese mainland's defense budget increasing by 7.2 percent this year, while Taiwan's "mainland affairs council" claimed it hoped the mainland would exercise "rational restraint" and refrain from "military provocations," Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the DPP authorities continuously hype up the so-called military threat from the mainland while currying favor with external forces that exploit Taiwan. It is self-evident who is truly undermining cross-Straits peace and fueling tensions in the Taiwan Straits.
• Desire for closer cross-Straits ties cannot be suppressed, mainland spokesperson responds to DPP's ban on academic exchanges Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- When asked by the media about the Lai Ching-te administration's ban on exchanges with several mainland universities on the list of prohibited exchanges and cooperation, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that the Lai Ching-te administration has ignored the mainstream public opinion on the island of Taiwan that has been calling for peace, development, exchange and cooperation since May 2024.
• Self-contradictory and self-defeating tactics on relating Taiwan question to Ukraine exposes DPP's anxiety: mainland spokesperson Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry about the US and Ukrainian leaders' multiple debates during their meetings has fueled distrust toward the US in Taiwan island, while Taiwan's regional authorities propagated differences between Taiwan and Ukraine in an attempt to dismiss skepticism, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the DPP authorities had previously aggressively pushed the narrative of "Today Ukraine, tomorrow Taiwan," attempting to incite anti-mainland sentiment and seek external backing. Now, they are hastily trying to draw a distinction. This self-contradictory and self-defeating behavior only exposes their anxiety and lack of confidence.
• Taiwan Affairs Office slams US for claiming to 'support Taiwan' while taking actions that harm the island Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- In response to a US official's remarks that "everything the US does in Taiwan is to make Taiwan stronger, safer, and more prosperous" and can build a "supply chain in areas such as drones and robotics," Chen Binhua, a spokesperson of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, slammed the US for talk about "supporting Taiwan," but their actions only "harm and destroy the island."
• Taiwan Affairs Office responds to island's anti-dumping probes on mainland's steel, beer, and potential countermeasures Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- When asked by the media about the Chinese mainland's response to Taiwan's announcement on Tuesday to initiate anti-dumping investigations into mainland steel products and beer, and whether further trade countermeasures, including the potential cancellation of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), would be taken by the mainland, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stated on Wednesday, "We have taken note of the relevant situation. The Taiwan island should treat mainland enterprises fairly and properly handle the related issues."
• Taiwan Affairs Office slams DPP for 'selling out' Taiwan amid concerns of TSMC becoming USMC in island Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- In response to a recent joint announcement by US President Donald Trump and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) CEO C.C. Wei that TSMC will invest at least another $100 billion in the US, sparking concerns on the island that TSMC is turning into "USMC," while DPP authorities claimed that the move benefits the industry and dismissed such concerns as unnecessary, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said at a press conference on Wednesday that the DPP's rhetoric is no other than swallowing insults while the lies unravel. The so-called move being "beneficial to the industry" actually means beneficial to the US industry.
• Chinese mainland warns of decisive action if "Taiwan independence" forces cross red line People's Daily 12 Mar 2025 -- If the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces provoke, exert pressure, or dare to cross the red line, resolute actions will be taken in response, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 12 Mar 2025
• MND confirms media report on espionage case involving retired major CNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Wednesday a local media report detailing the alleged leaking of classified documents to Chinese intelligence personnel by a retired Air Force major, characterizing the incident as a case of Chinese infiltration.
• Self-contradictory and self-defeating tactics on relating Taiwan question to Ukraine exposes DPP's anxiety: mainland spokesperson Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry about the US and Ukrainian leaders' multiple debates during their meetings has fueled distrust toward the US in Taiwan island, while Taiwan's regional authorities propagated differences between Taiwan and Ukraine in an attempt to dismiss skepticism, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the DPP authorities had previously aggressively pushed the narrative of "Today Ukraine, tomorrow Taiwan," attempting to incite anti-mainland sentiment and seek external backing. Now, they are hastily trying to draw a distinction. This self-contradictory and self-defeating behavior only exposes their anxiety and lack of confidence.
• Construction begins on first road bridge between North Korea and Russia Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- Construction has begun on a road bridge that would connect North Korea and Russia over the Tumen River that separates the countries, South Korean satellite imagery revealed.
• Evil Presage of Dangerous U.S.-ROK Joint Military Exercises: KCNA Commentary KCNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Shortly ago, there occurred an accident showing why the U.S.-led bilateral and multilateral joint military drills, staged frantically in the Korean peninsula, are so dangerous and why they deserve the denunciation by the world people.
• China to hold Beijing meeting between China, Russia, Iran on Iranian nuclear issue Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- China will hold the Beijing meeting between China, Russia and Iran on the Iranian nuclear issue on March 14, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Wednesday.
• Tripartite meeting of Iran, China, Russia to focus on nuclear issues IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says the upcoming meeting between Iran, China, and Russia will mainly address the issues related to nuclear energy and sanctions removal.
• Leader: U.S. president's invitation for talks with Iran aims to deceive the world public opinion IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the United States' claim that it is ready to negotiate with Iran is aimed at deceiving the world public opinion.
• Trump's call for talks with Iran 'deception': Ayatollah Khamenei Press TV 12 Mar 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says a call by US President Donald Trump for negotiations with Iran is nothing but an attempt to "deceive the world public opinion" and portray the Islamic Republic as the party not willing to give diplomacy another chance.
• Iran FM says 'received letter by Trump from Emirati envoy' Press TV 12 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said a letter from US President Donald Trump had been delivered to him via an envoy from the United Arab Emirates.
• UAE Delegate Delivers Letter From Trump To Khamenei, Iran Says RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- Iran said a delegation led by a senior Emirati figure has delivered a letter from US President Donald Trump to the Islamic republic's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Araqchi: Iran to receive Trump's letter through an Arab country IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says a letter written by U.S. President Donald Trump will be handed over to Iran through an Arab state.
• Combined Maritime Security Belt Exercise shows the authority of Iran's Navy: Araghchi IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- In a message to the Navy Commander on the occasion of the Seventh Combined Exercise of the Maritime Security Belt 2025, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that this exercise demonstrates the valor of the Iranian Navy in the international arenas.
• US: Iran ignoring international concerns about its nuclear program VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- The United States warned Wednesday that it will continue to exert "maximum pressure" on Iran in order to prevent it from achieving a nuclear weapon, as Tehran rejected its offer for new nuclear talks amid growing concerns about its stockpile of enriched uranium.
• Russia wants the revival of JCPOA, calls the U.S. demand for new Iran deal 'impossible' IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reiterated Moscow's support for the revival of the landmark deal originally signed by Iran and six other world powers back in 2015.
• Regional states capable of ensuring their own security: Iran Navy commander IRNA 12 Mar 2025 -- In an interview with Qatar's Al Jazeera TV network, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the Navy Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said on Wednesday that enemies must reassess their stance toward the West Asia region, emphasizingthat the regional states can guarantee their own security.
• Iran warns it is about to target Americans engaged in 'terror, sabotage' with sanctions, legal measures Press TV 12 Mar 2025 -- A senior Iranian diplomat has announced plans by the country to impose sanctions and pursue legal actions against American individuals involved in terrorist activities, cyber sabotage, human rights violations, and other actions detrimental to Iranians and the Islamic Republic's national security.
• 'I was there to try to kill the journalist,' gunman tells New York court VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- A self-described member of a Russian organized crime group told a court on Tuesday that he tried to kill the Iranian American journalist and VOA host Masih Alinejad in New York in 2022.
• Transcript of Special Briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's State Visit to Mauritius (March 12, 2025) India MEA 12 Mar 2025
• India, Mauritius upgrade strategic ties with eye on China VOA 12 Mar 2025 -- India and Mauritius have upgraded their ties, say leaders of both countries — a move analysts say is aimed at increasing New Delhi's influence in the Indian Ocean as it seeks to counter China's expanding footprint in the region.
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN THE SPACE SECTOR India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- The union cabinet in its meeting held on 21
• PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SUPPORT FOR NESAC PROJECTS India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- The Union Home Minister and President of NESAC Society, Chief Ministers of NE States and other members suggested many new initiatives for the enhancement of space applications in the NE region;
  1. While acknowledging that more than 10 departments in each NE State are actively utilizing space applications, it was suggested that at least 25 departments from each of the state shall be identified for utilization of space applications in consultation with respective Chief Secretaries
  2. PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ISRO'S COLLABORATION WITH OTHER SPACE AGENCIES India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- Currently, space cooperative documents have been signed with 61 countries and five multilateral bodies
  3. PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FOREIGN AND INDIGENOUS SATELLITES LAUNCHED BY INDIA India PIB 12 Mar 2025 -- During the last ten years starting from January 2015 to December 2024, a total of 393 foreign satellites and 3 Indian customer satellites have been launched on commercial basis on-board ISRO's PSLV, LVM3 and SSLV Launch Vehicles
  4. Chinese envoy discusses election with Myanmar junta chief Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- A Chinese envoy has met Myanmar's junta chief to discuss help for an election that the military aims to hold by January, days after the Myanmar leader secured a promise of support for the vote from its other main foreign backer, Russia.
  5. China willing to strengthen counterterrorism co-op with Pakistan: Chinese FM responds to Pakistan train hijack Global Times 12 Mar 2025 -- When asked by the media about Tuesday's train hijacking incident in Pakistan by a separatist militant group, which involved 450 passengers, and the successful rescue of 104 passengers by Pakistani security forces, who killed at least 16 terrorists in the process, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, "We have noted the relevant reports and strongly condemn this terrorist attack."
  6. Foreign Minister Baerbock prior to her departure for the G7 meeting in Charlevoix, Canada Germany Federal Foreign Office 12 Mar 2025
  7. "Only through Türkiye's full membership can the EU prevent its loss of strength" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 12 Mar 2025 -- Speaking during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland, President Erdoğan said: "We often share our desire with our counterparts to advance our cooperation with the European Union on the basis of mutual interest and respect. Current debates have once again proven how crucial this cooperation is. If the European Union seeks to prevent, and even reverse, its loss of strength and altitude, it can only achieve this through the full membership of Türkiye."
  8. "Türkiye is becoming a main hub of peace diplomacy" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 12 Mar 2025 -- Addressing AK Party's parliamentary group meeting, President Erdoğan said: "As Türkiye, we are carrying not only the banner of benevolence, but also the climate of peace and security across the world, especially to oppressed regions. We are turning Türkiye into a main hub of peace diplomacy, elevating it beyond being a source of stability in its region."
  9. Argentina: UN expert concerned by appointment of Supreme Court judges by presidential decree OHCHR 12 Mar 2025 -- An independent human rights expert today expressed concern over Argentinian President Javier Milei's temporary appointment of two Supreme Court justices by presidential decree, bypassing the Senate approval process.
  10. 2 Cambodian generals set for trial in France for alleged role in 1997 attack Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- Two Cambodian generals accused of planning a deadly grenade attack on a demonstration in 1997 are scheduled to go on trial in Paris next week -- the first time a judicial body has sought to determine accountability for the notorious incident.
  11. Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the plenary session of the EU-South Africa Summit European Commission 12 Mar 2025
  12. Statement by President von der Leyen with President Costa and South African President Ramaphosa European Commission 12 Mar 2025
  13. EU - South Africa Summit Declaration European Commission 12 Mar 2025 -- Mrs Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Mr António Costa, President of the European Council, met with Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, in Cape Town today for the 8th Summit between the European Union (EU) and South Africa. The
  14. Pacific governments warned of 'threat' from Cambodia's Prince Group Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- The governments of Taiwan and Palau have both been warned that offers of investment from the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Group represent threats to each nation's security and sovereignty.
  15. Vietnam upgrades Singapore ties as it seeks to boost regional trade Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2025 -- Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to upgrade their relationship to the highest level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as Hanoi seeks to grow trade with ASEAN members, while facing criticism and risking tariffs because of its large trade surplus with the U.S.
  16. Jailed Former Georgian President Saakashvili Gets Additional 9 Years In Prison RFE/RL 12 Mar 2025 -- Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has been sentenced to an additional nine years in prison for the large-scale embezzlement of public funds, a charge he calls politically motivated.
  17. World News in Brief: Gaza aid 'unravelling', funding cuts in Ukraine, concern over Syria aid access, Duterte in ICC custody UN News 12 Mar 2025 -- Following 11 days of an Israeli aid blockade in Gaza, "crucial progress" made during the first six weeks of the ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants "continues to unravel", said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Wednesday.