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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Hegseth Says Campaign Against Houthis Will be 'Unrelenting' Until Hostilities Cease DoD News 17 Mar 2025 -- During a media interview yesterday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military will continue to tactically engage Iranian-backed Houthis until they stop acting aggressively against U.S. ships in the region.
• US Strikes On Yemen's Houthis A Message To Iran RFE/RL 17 Mar 2025 -- The United States has launched extensive air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to curb their threat to shipping while also signaling a warning to Iran.
• Yemen informs the U.N. and other international bodies about a ban on Israeli ships IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Yemen's Foreign Minister Jamal Ahmed Ali Amer has written to the United Nations and several regional and international organizations about the country's decision to ban Israeli ships transiting strategic waterways.
• Yemeni forces pound U.S. carrier for second time in 24 hours IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Yemen says it has targeted the U.S. aircraft carrier, USS Harry S. Truman, in the northern Red Sea for the second time in 24 hours, in response to deadly American airstrikes that targeted several Yemeni provinces.
• Ansarullah leader: Yemen will use more options if U.S. aggression continues IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Leader of Yemen's Ansarullah movement Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has warned the United States that there are more options which the country will use should Washington continue its attacks on Yemen, after the Arab country targeted an American aircraft carrier in the Red Sea.
• Trump says he ordered "decisive and powerful military action" against Houthis in Yemen People's Daily 17 Mar 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on social media Saturday that he has ordered the U.S. Military to launch "decisive and powerful military action" against the Houthi militia in Yemen.
• Explainer: Facts about latest U.S. attacks on Yemen's Houthis People's Daily 17 Mar 2025 -- U.S. forces launched a large-scale air and sea operation against Houthi forces in Yemen on Saturday night and Sunday morning, targeting radar systems, air defenses and missile installations.
• Yemen warns US: Even one million raids won't break nation's resolve; aggressors ultimate losers Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- Yemen's Ansarullah popular resistance movement has reasserted the country's unyielding determination to resist and confront foreign aggression aimed at forcing the Arab country to stop its pro-Palestinian operations.
• Yemeni military again targets US aircraft carrier while thwarting enemy attack: Spox Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces succeeded in thwarting a hostile enemy attack against the Arab country while targeting a US aircraft carrier for the second time in 48 hours.
• Federal Government of Somalia engages al Shabaab with support from U.S. Forces AFRICOM 17 Mar 2025 -- At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on March 15, 2025.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DAF announces Restoring America's Fighting Force Task Force validation plan US Air Force 17 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Air Force announced its validation plan in response to the Restoring America's Fighting Force Task Force established following the release of the Secretary of Defense guidance memo, "Restoring America's Fighting Force" on Jan. 29, 2025. The Task Force requires military departments to validate the execution of all Presidentially directed executive orders related to Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Critical Race Theory, and gender ideology with an emphasis on five elements:
• NSA Bahrain, NAVCENT Hold First-of-its-Kind Exercise Vigilant Resolve US Navy 17 Mar 2025 -- In collaboration with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain conducted Vigilant Resolve, a multi-layered emergency response exercise, March 11-12.
• Seabees prove their versatility by constructing, innovating, supporting JTF-SG Army News 17 Mar 2025 -- Operating with precision, efficiency, and self-sufficiency, the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 embodies a spirit of tirelessly building, repairing, and sustaining the infrastructure that keeps Joint Task Force Southern Guard (JTF-SG) running.
• Civil Affairs strengthens partnerships in Zambia Army News 17 Mar 2025 -- U.S. Army Civil Affairs Soldiers with the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Zambian Defence Force (ZDF) partnered for joint civil affairs operations (CAOs) and United Nations civil-military cooperation (UN-CIMIC) training at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre from Nov. 25 to Nov. 29, 2024.
• Serbian delegation visits NATO AIRCOM NATO Allied Air Command 17 Mar 2025 -- A Serbian delegation visited NATO Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) from 11 to 13 March, reinforcing cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding between NATO and Serbia. The visit, organised by NATO's Military Liaison Office in Belgrade and AIRCOM, aimed to foster dialogue and increase awareness of NATO's role among the Serbian public.
• Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin meets with Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan Russia MoD 17 Mar 2025 -- Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin, the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, met with Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan.
• There Is Good News Regarding Long-Range Drones: Our 3,000-Kilometer-Range Drone Has Successfully Passed Testing - Address by the President President of Ukraine 17 Mar 2025
• War in Ukraine - The arms and military equipment Germany is sending to Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 17 Mar 2025 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• New footage of alleged Chinese 6th-gen fighter emerges, appears to show smooth progress: expert Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- An alleged Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet that first appeared in December last year apparently has conducted another flight test recently, according to videos and images on social media on Monday. A Chinese military affairs expert said the footage, if authentic, showed that the flight tests of the new aircraft are progressing smoothly.
• Related military activities taken by China necessary, justified, says Chinese FM on inquiry of military exercises around Taiwan Straits Monday Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- In response to a question that it is learned Chinese military conducted military exercises around the Taiwan Straits on Monday, which some believed are related to the recent changes in the US State Department's wording on its Taiwan policy and the provocative actions of "Taiwan independence" forces, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the related military activities taken by China are necessary, lawful, and justified measures to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. They serve as a firm response to the deliberate indulgence and support of "Taiwan independence" activities by external forces, and a stern warning to the separatist actions of the "Taiwan independence" forces.
• Inquiry into the 'weaponisation' of the military justice system Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), Mr James Gaynor CSC, has commenced an independent inquiry into allegations and perceptions that the military justice system has been, or has the potential to be, 'weaponised', such that it may cause harm.
• United States Marines return to the Top End for 2025 Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- Australia is proud to welcome the 14th rotation of the United States Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D), to the Northern Territory today.
• First trainees and apprentices commence pathways programs to grow South Australia's skilled defence industry workforce Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- Two new pathways programs established by the Albanese Government in partnership with the Malinauskas Government have commenced as part of a critical step towards delivering the nation's future defence industry workforce.
• Albanese Government purchases more guided missiles as part of future made in Australia Australia DOD 17 Mar 2025 -- Australia will manufacture missiles at home from 2025, thanks to another step forward by the Albanese Government, with Australia and the United States signing two memoranda of understanding.
• 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks held in New Delhi India PIB 17 Mar 2025 -- The ninth edition of India-Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on March 17, 2025
• TCG KEMALREİS Participates in Exercise DYNAMIC MANTA-25 Within SNMG2 Flagship Duty Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 17 Mar 2025
• Turkish Air Force Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft Conducts Mission Flight Over Romania Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 17 Mar 2025
• Live-Fire Training Activity Within SNMCMG2 Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 17 Mar 2025
• Training Activities Within SNMCMG2 Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defence 17 Mar 2025
• Four military exercises of the National Armed Forces and allied armed forces to be held in Latvia Latvia MOD 17 Mar 2025 -- On Tuesday, March 11, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the participation of units of the National Armed Forces in four joint military exercises with units of allied armed forces in the territory of the Republic of Latvia.
• Speech by President von der Leyen on European defence at the Royal Danish Military Academy European Commission 17 Mar 2025
• UK and EU to ramp up pressure on Russia and boost defence initiatives UK FCDO 17 Mar 2025 -- The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas will meet the Foreign and Defence Secretaries in London to discuss coordinating cooperation on Ukraine.
• Enhancing Ammunition Safety: OSCE Fosters Regional Co-operation in Central Asia OSCE 17 Mar 2025 -- On 12 March 2025, a regional seminar on methods for testing ammunition propellants, aimed at enhancing ammunition safety and strengthening regional co-operation, took place in Bishkek. Organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in partnership with the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic and with support from the Ministry of Defence of Austria, the event brought together officers from the Ministries of Defence of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Joint UN meeting tackles small arms control to foster sustainable development UN News 17 Mar 2025 -- On Monday, during a meeting of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, UN officials and disarmament experts emphasized the urgent need to tackle the widespread issue of small arms and light weapons. They warned that the stakes are higher than ever in a world increasingly plagued by conflict and crisis.
• Chinese media, Hun Sen celebrate White House order to close US-funded news outlets Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2025 -- Representatives of closed Asian societies without free press on Monday welcomed the U.S. administration's decision to halt broadcasts by Voice of America and freeze funding to Radio Free Asia, while democracy activists and dissidents expressed disbelief and dismay.
• EU To Look Into RFE/RL Funding As Europe Slams Cuts RFE/RL 17 Mar 2025 -- The European Union is looking into the possible support of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after the US government moved to cut the broadcaster's funding, sparking concern over the silencing of pro-democracy media.
• Nigeria Endorses the Proliferation Security Initiative US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2025 -- The Federal Republic of Nigeria has conveyed to the United States of America its endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) following sustained engagement between the two states.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Guy Benson of Fox News Radio US Dept. of State 17 Mar 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 17, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 17 March 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Mar 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israeli drone attack kills 3 Palestinians IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Three Palestinian citizens have been killed in the Gaza Strip in an Israeli drone attack, news outlets reported.
• U.S. threats complicate Gaza ceasefire efforts, warns Hamas IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- The spokesman for Hamas has reacted harshly to the words of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff after the Palestinian resistance movement rejected his new Gaza ceasefire proposal.
• Latest Israeli attacks kill 14 Palestinians in central Gaza Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- The Israeli regime presses ahead with its blatant violations of the Gaza ceasefire, as the regime's forces kill and injure more civilians across the besieged territory.
• Israeli settlers, forces attack Palestinians in new West Bank raids Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- Israeli settlers and the regime forces have attacked Palestinians and their homes in new raids across the occupied West Bank.
• Israel commits more crimes in southern Lebanon IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Israel has launched another drone attack on a car in the village of Yahmar al-Shaqif, north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
• One killed in Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- One person has been killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire being in place between the two sides.
• Lebanese national killed in Israeli drone strike in south despite ceasefire Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- In the latest violation of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, an Israeli drone has carried out an attack in the Arab nation's southern province of Nabatieh, killing a person and wounding three others.
• Briefing by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini to the European Parliamentary Committees on Foreign Affairs and Development, 17 March 2025 UNRWA 17 Mar 2025
• One million children in Gaza 'struggling to survive', UNICEF warns Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- The United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, has warned that "one million" Palestinian children in Gaza are "struggling to survive" amid Israel's blockade of aid shipments and power supply to the besieged strip.
• Gaza children face dire health crisis, in dire need of vital necessities: UNICEF Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- UNICEF's West Asia and North Africa regional director says nearly one million children in Gaza are in critical need of life-saving health services and supplies.
• Justice Department Announces Launch of Joint Task Force October 7 US Dept. of Justice 17 Mar 2025 -- The Justice Department today announced the leadership team and membership of Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7), an initiative that will seek justice for the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.
• Deporting international students involved in pro-Palestinian protests will escalate trauma and polarisation on US campuses: UN experts OHCHR 17 Mar 2025 -- A group of independent human rights experts* have urged the United States Department of Homeland Security and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to cease repression and retaliation, including in the form of arbitrary detention of U.S. lawful permanent residents, and removal of international students who have participated in university protests in solidarity with Palestine.
• Joint Statement by High Representative Kallas and Commissioners Šuica and Lahbib on the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza European Commission 17 Mar 2025
• EU condemns Israel, says political use of humanitarian aid is unacceptable IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has condemned the political use of humanitarian aid in Gaza by the Israeli regime and calls for immediate facilitation of the delivery of aid to the people of the region.

Other Conflicts

• Child killed as Syria's HTS militants shell civilians in eastern Lebanon Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- A child has been killed and four other civilians injured as militants aligned with Syria's ruling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regime launched a volley of rockets at a residential neighborhood in Lebanon's eastern province of Baalbek-Hermel.
• Security Council Extends Mandate of United Nations Mission in Afghanistan, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2777 (2025) UN Security Council 17 Mar 2025 -- The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 March 2026, also welcoming its ongoing efforts in the implementation of its mandated tasks and priorities.
• Afghanistan: Security Council renews UN mission as WHO warns of health catastrophe UN News 17 Mar 2025 -- The Security Council on Monday extended the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for another year, as UN agencies reported sharp declines in resources for lifesaving aid.
• Turkish airstrike kills nine, including five children, in Syria's Hasakah: War monitor Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says at least nine civilians, including five children, have lost their lives when Turkish warplanes carried out an attack on an area in Syria's northeastern province of Hasakah.
• Over 1,500 academics, scholars have fled Syria under HTS rule Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- A new report says hundreds of university professors and academics have fled Syria amid the growing wave of abductions and killings targeting various individuals in the Arab nation under the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rule.
• Syria: Relative of Assad regime's disappeared speaks of anguish in search for truth and justice UN News 17 Mar 2025 -- A relative of two Syrians tortured and murdered by the Assad regime has spoken of the anguish caused by their enforced disappearance during the country's civil war.
• Funding shortages risk undermining a 'watershed moment' for Syria UN News 17 Mar 2025 -- Fourteen years of war have left Syria's people in desperate need - but international support is dwindling, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Monday, calling for urgent investment in the country's recovery.
• Secretary-General's video message to the Ninth Annual Brussels Conference "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition" UN Secretary-General 17 Mar 2025
• Syrian crisis: Switzerland pledges CHF 60 million to support future of Syria and countries in region Federal Council - Swiss Government 17 Mar 2025 -- The direction of future developments in Syria remains uncertain since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024. In view of the scale of needs there, Switzerland reaffirms its support. At the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, held by the EU on 17 March 2025, the director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Patricia Danzi, announced a contribution of CHF 60 million.
• Joint press release by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development on the ninth Brussels conference on Syria Germany Federal Foreign Office 17 Mar 2025 -- Ninth Brussels conference on Syria: Germany pledges support for an inclusive and peaceful transition process in Syria
• Norway funds shipment of grain from Ukrainian to Syria Government of Norway 17 Mar 2025 -- 'Russia's war on Ukraine has exacerbated global challenges related to food security. Through our support for the 'Grain from Ukraine' initiative, Norway helps ensure that food grain reaches those who need it most while also supporting Ukraine's economy', said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.
• Norway contributes NOK 400 million to Syria Government of Norway 17 Mar 2025 -- Norway will contribute at least NOK 400 million (approximately € 35 million) to Syria this year. The funds will finance humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of infrastructure, including water supply, electricity, and healthcare.
• UK pledges up to £160 million to support Syria's recovery and stability in post-Assad era UK FCDO 17 Mar 2025 -- The UK government has pledged up to £160 million in aid to help stabilise Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.
• The EU mobilises international support for Syria's transition and the region raising €5.8 billion European Commission 17 Mar 2025 -- On 17 March, during the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference on "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition" hosted by the European Union, the donor community pledged a total amount of €5.8 billion.
• Myanmar children, monks among dozens killed in heavy airstrikes Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2025 -- Myanmar's military killed 40 civilians, including Buddhist monks and children, in airstrikes in northern Myanmar as it tries to pound its enemies into submission, insurgents told Radio Free Asia on Monday.
• Junta troops forcibly recruit more than 70 young men in Myanmar town Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2025 -- Authorities in Myanmar forcibly recruited more than 70 young men from a single town in the south-central Ayeyarwady region, residents said Monday, as the junta launched a new round of training for the country's draftees.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: EU lists further nine individuals and one entity EC/CEU 17 Mar 2025 -- Today, the Council imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC and exploiting the armed conflict through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources.
• Statement of the International Contact Group (ICG) on the situation in eastern DRC Germany Federal Foreign Office 17 Mar 2025
• Statement by the Spokesperson Regarding the Remarks Made by the Indian Prime Minister During a Podcast Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Mar 2025 -- Responding to media queries regarding the remarks made by the Indian Prime Minister during a podcast with Lex Fridman, the Spokesperson said:

News Reports

• US deports hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador despite court order to stop Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump has transferred a large number of immigrants to El Salvador, even as a federal judge issued an order that bars the deportation.
• 'Vlad The Impaler' Group At Heart Of Romania's Russian Spy Case RFE/RL 17 Mar 2025 -- A lawyer from a shadowy group named after Vlad the Impaler met with the deputy Russian military attache at a Bucharest restaurant to plot the overthrow of the Romanian state, according to prosecution documents seen by RFE/RL's Romanian service.
• ISIL(Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda: the Council adds one entity to its autonomous list of sanctions EC/CEU 17 Mar 2025 -- The Council decided today to add Al Azaim Media Foundation to the EU autonomous list of persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL(Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda, and therefore subject to EU restrictive measures.
• The spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza calls for stepped up action, FAO says FAO 17 Mar 2025 -- Averting losses of hundreds of millions of poultry crucial to mitigate impacts on food security, nutrition and affordability of poultry products
• FAO warns of 'unprecedented' avian flu spread, in call for global action UN News 17 Mar 2025 -- The rapid spread of the highly infectious avian flu virus H5N1 has reached an "unprecedented" scale, wiping out hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and increasingly spilling over into mammals, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Monday.
• Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region, New Delhi (March 17, 2025) India MEA 17 Mar 2025 -- India, under its presidency of the Quad, is hosting the "Quad Workshop on Pandemic Preparedness for the Indo-Pacific Region" from March 17-19, 2025.
• COVID-19 epidemiological update – 17 March 2025 WHO
• Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon made statements for the press President of Russia 17 Mar 2025 -- Following Russian-Tajikistani talks, Vladimir Putin and Emomali Rahmon made statements for the press.
• Russian-Tajikistani talks President of Russia 17 Mar 2025 -- Talks were held in the Kremlin between Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who is on an official visit to Russia.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 17, 2025 PRC MofA 17 Mar 2025
China, Thailand combat cross-border crime under intl law; US has no right to interfere: FM Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- In response to a question concerning US Secretary of State Rubio's announcement of visa restrictions and other sanctions against Thai officials for their role in deporting at least 40 Uygurs to China, as well as a statement made by the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry that emphasized Thailand has always adhered to humanitarian principles in its repatriation of Chinese nationals and the Thailand-US relationship should be built on the foundation of mutual respect, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the cooperation between China and Thailand in combating smuggling and other cross-border illegal activities is in accordance with the laws of both countries, as well as international laws and practices, and that the US has no right to interfere.
• China unveils plan on special initiatives to boost consumption People's Daily 17 Mar 2025 -- China on Sunday made public a plan on special initiatives to increase consumption, as the world's second-largest economy moves to make domestic demand the main engine and anchor of economic growth.
• Senior Chinese official, former U.S. treasury secretary exchange views on China-U.S. economic, trade relations People's Daily 17 Mar 2025 -- Senior Chinese official He Lifeng on Sunday met with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in Beijing, and the two sides exchanged views on both China-U.S. economic and trade relations and the global economy.
• Uyghur activists in France re-file transnational repression case in Paris court Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2025 -- Two Uyghur activists in France have re-filed a complaint to a Paris court alleging that China engaged in transnational repression against them, the France-based European Uyghur Institute said.
• Mainland discloses four members of cyber force linked to Taiwan secessionist authorities; disclosure serves as a stern warning: expert Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Monday revealed four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" (ICEFCOM) of Taiwan island linked to Taiwan secessionists authorities, operating cyber activities against the Chinese mainland.
• Ministry of State Security discloses members of 'internet army' in 'Taiwan independence' forces Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) released a statement on Monday, revealing details about four members of the "Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command" linked to "Taiwan independence" forces and warning that the internet is not beyond the reach of the law. They must recognize the situation, abandon the fantasy of "Taiwan independence," refuse to become cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence," and cease their cybercriminal activities that undermine national unity, the MSS said.
• FM refutes Japan's claim of the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement does not have legal binding force Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- When asked to comment on a recent claim by the Japanese government that the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement does not have legal binding force and doesn't impose restrictions on local Japanese legislators' visits to and activities in Taiwan, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Monday that in 1978, China and Japan signed the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, in which both sides confirmed that the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement serves as the foundation for the peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries.
• Chinese FM warns DPP's attempt to rename overseas offices, urges certain countries to recognize malicious intentions behind Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- Commenting on a reporter's inquiry concerning that Taiwan regional authorities attempt to set up new overseas offices in certain countries or rename existing offices named after Taipei to Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the one-China principle is a universally recognized norm of international relations and a prevailing consensus of the international community, serving as the political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with other countries. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future.
• Symposium on Anti-Secession Law draws high attention from Taiwan People's Daily 17 Mar 2025 -- A symposium held in Beijing on Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of China's Anti-Secession Law has drawn significant attention from Taiwan.
• Taiwan must leverage tech capabilities to deepen cooperation: Lai CNA 17 Mar 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized the importance of leveraging Taiwan's strengths in semiconductor manufacturing and technology to enhance its economic and political cooperation with the international community at the Yushan Forum, which opened on Monday.
• St. Kitts and Nevis foreign minister visits Taiwan CNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Denzil Douglas, foreign minister of one of Taiwan's diplomatic allies Saint Kitts and Nevis, is visiting Taiwan for the third time in that capacity and will meet with top-level government officials during his five-day stay, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Monday.
• Prosecution of Taiwan-based publisher used for CCP propaganda: MAC CNA 17 Mar 2025 -- The case of a Taiwan-based publisher who was put on trial in the People's Republic of China (PRC) on "separatism" charges last month is being used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for propaganda purposes, according to Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).
• Taiwan refutes China 'cyberattack' allegation CNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Taiwan's Information, Communications, and Electronic Force Command (ICEFCOM) on Monday rejected an allegation by China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) that it launched cyberattacks targeting China's Internet infrastructure to push a "Taiwan independence" agenda.
• U.S. report raises concern over Evergreen sourcing ships from China CNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Foreign buyers are currently the primary source driving shipbuilding production in China, with Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine Corp. being one of them especially concerning, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
• The Ministry of National Defense released a press statement explaining "The PRC carries out joint combat readiness alert patrols." ROC MND 17 Mar 2025
• The Ministry of National Defense released a press statement explaining "The PRC carries out joint combat readiness alert patrols." ROC MND 17 Mar 2025
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 17 Mar 2025
• Press Statement of Spokesperson for DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 17 Mar 2025 -- A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued the following press statement titled "G7, the U.S.-led nuclear criminal group, should thoroughly abandon its anachronistic ambition for nuclear hegemony" on Sunday:
• Iran says it will respond to Trump's letter after fully reviewing it IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says Iran will give its response to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump once the Islamic Republic completes undertaking a review of the letter.
• Iran vows 'decisive, definite' response to any aggression against its integrity, security Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- Tehran will give a "decisive and definite" response to any act of aggression, says the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, amid US threats against the Islamic Republic over its support for Yemen.
• Iran committed to regional diplomacy; neighbors our 'top priority': FM Araghchi Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed Iran's commitment to regional diplomacy, emphasizing that neighboring countries remain a top priority for the Islamic Republic.
• Iran says committed to cooperating with IAEA based on safeguards obligations Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says Tehran "remains committed" to cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Deputy foreign minister says his talks with IAEA chief were constructive IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says his talks with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi in Vienna on Monday (March 17, 2025) were constructive.
• Iran's flare gas recovery at 4 bcm per year: Minister Press TV 17 Mar 2025 -- Iran is capturing some 4 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year of natural gas that is traditionally flared from its oilfields, according to the country's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad.
• Raksha Mantri meets US Director of National Intelligence in New Delhi India PIB 17 Mar 2025 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a productive meeting with the Director of National Intelligence of the United States Ms Tulsi Gabbard in New Delhi on March 17, 2025
• Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Official visit of Prime Minister of New Zealand to India (March 17, 2025) India MEA 17 Mar 2025
• Indian PM Modi's recent positive remarks on China-India relations appreciated: Chinese FM spokesperson Global Times 17 Mar 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks on India-China ties in a podcast interview, in which he emphasized dialogue over discord, and also noted that differences two neighboring countries are also natural, but our focus is to ensure that these differences don't turn into disputes. That's what we actively work toward, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that Prime Minister Modi's recent positive remarks on China-India relations are appreciated.
• Prime Minister Carney meets with President of France Emmanuel Macron Prime Minister of Canada 17 Mar 2025
• Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer Prime Minister of Canada 17 Mar 2025
• Stability and security in turbulent times: Ukraine, Syria and the transatlantic relationship on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council Germany Federal Foreign Office 17 Mar 2025 -- The EU Foreign Ministers are meeting in Brussels today to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as transatlantic relations. This will be immediately followed by the ninth Brussels conference on Syria, which is set to generate crucial momentum for rebuilding the country.
• Netanyahu aims to remove internal security chief as tensions escalate in Israel IRNA 17 Mar 2025 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pursued the dismissal of the head of the internal security service in Israel as a power struggle reaches a boiling point.
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 Mar 2025 -- Check against delivery!
• Foreign Affairs Council: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas ahead of the meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 17 Mar 2025 -- Check against delivery!
• Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski takes part in Foreign Affairs Council meeting Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Mar 2025 -- Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and in Syria, Iran, and EU-US relations were the main points of a Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on Monday. The session was chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
• Participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Emil Hurezeanu in the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU Member States Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 17 Mar 2025 -- The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emil Hurezeanu, attended today, March 17, 2025, the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU Member States (Foreign Affairs Council/FAC), which took place in Brussels.
• What's Fueling Protests In Georgia, Hungary, Romania, And Serbia? RFE/RL 17 Mar 2025 -- Large crowds have been taking to the streets in Tbilisi, Budapest, Bucharest, and Belgrade for months in succession.
• Georgian Ex-President Saakashvili's Sentence Extended To 12.5 Years RFE/RL 17 Mar 2025 -- A court in Tbilisi has found jailed former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili guilty of illegally crossing the country's border, sentencing him to an additional four years and six months in prison.
• Pacific nation of Kiribati explores deep sea mining deal with China Radio Free Asia 17 Mar 2025 -- The company at the vanguard of plans to mine deep sea metals used in electric vehicle batteries has surrendered a third of its Pacific Ocean exploration area after a breakdown in cooperation with the island nation of Kiribati, paving the way for China to add to its regional foothold in the contentious industry.
• World News in Brief: US strikes on Yemen, Gaza aid update, debt burden weighs on developing world UN News 17 Mar 2025 -- The UN on Monday expressed concern over the continued threat posed to shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi attacks from their bases in Yemen as well as recent airstrikes by the United States which have left over 50 reportedly dead.