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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Yemen's military strikes American warships in the Red Sea again IRNA 02 Apr 2025 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces says it has launched a large-scale attack on American warships in the Red Sea, including the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, using cruise missiles and drones.
• US Military Orders Second Aircraft Carrier Group To Middle East RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- The US military has announced a second aircraft carrier group will deploy to the Middle East to respond to regional threats to stability as US forces continue to hit Iran-linked Huthi fighters in Yemen from its ships in the Red Sea.
• Yemeni forces attack US aircraft carrier with cruise missiles and drones Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- The Yemeni Armed Forces say they have carried out a new operation against the United States, targeting an American aircraft carrier in the Red Sea for the third time in the past 24 hours.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Innovation in APS Technology: Preparing for Future Warfare CENTCOM 02 Apr 2025 -- The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has provided essential lessons in logistics and supply chain management, including agility, flexibility, and real-time visibility. As the Army reduces its forward troop presence globally and the primary and secondary threats remain high, modernizing Army Prepositioned Stock (APS) is crucial to keep pace with Army 2040 and maintain deterrence relevance amidst increasing global projection requirements. Leveraging new technologies such as autonomous drones, augmented reality lenses, predictive fleet management technology, and smart warehousing will help meet the demands of a future operational environment characterized by increased complexity, uncertainty, and competition.
• Jules W. Hurst III, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Statement on Guidance on Hiring Freeze Exemptions for the Civilian Workforce DoD 02 Apr 2025 -- "During the hiring freeze directed by the Secretary, the Department of Defense will continue to hire the civilians that support the lethality of the Total Force. DoD will continue to recruit the great Americans who manufacture artillery shells, repair and refit our warships, maintain our fleets of military vehicles and equipment, teach the sons and daughters of Service members, and provide medical care to our warriors and their families. "
• U.S. Marines, Sailors with MRF-D 25.3 arrive to Northern Territory USMC News 02 Apr 2025 -- U.S. Marines and Sailors have arrived in the Northern Territory to kick off the 14th annual rotation of the Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
• Hellenic Air Force Hosts International Live-Fly Exercise INIOCHOS 2025 NATO Allied Air Command 02 Apr 2025 -- From March 31 to April 11, the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) will host the multinational live-fly Exercise INIOCHOS 2025 at Andravida Air Base, bringing together Allied and partner air forces to enhance interoperability and strengthen operational readiness.
• Polish jets deploy to Siauliai, Lithuania, to take on NATO's Air Policing mission NATO Allied Air Command 02 Apr 2025 -- Polish F-16 fighter jets have arrived in Šiauliai, Lithuania, as they take on NATO's Air Policing mission, from the French and Italian detachments, alongside the Romanian Air Force.
• Romanian F-16 to take on NATO's Air Policing mission in Lithuania NATO Allied Air Command 02 Apr 2025 -- On the 27 March, 2025, Four Romania F-16 fighter jets arrived in Šiauliai, Lithuania, as they prepare to take over NATO's Air Policing mission from the French and Italian detachments.
• NATO Foreign Ministers to discuss building a 'stronger, fairer, more lethal NATO' NATO 02 Apr 2025 -- NATO Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday (4 and 5 April) to continue planning for the forthcoming Summit in The Hague and discuss urgent security issues.
• A Month On, Ukraine Is Still Waiting For The Coalition Of The Willing RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- Exactly a month since British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the formation of a "coalition of the willing" to form a military mission to Ukraine, many questions remain.
• Ukraine's Partners To Discuss Foreign Troop Deployment, Zelenskyy Says RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- Western military leaders will discuss the possible deployment of troops to Ukraine who would monitor a potential cease-fire in the conflict with Russian and be part of the country's new security structure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.
• 2025 Han Kuang extended to 2 weeks of wargames, 10 day live-fire drills CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- Taiwan's largest-scale annual military drills, the Han Kuang exercises, will be lengthened this year to include two weeks of computerized tabletop wargames and 10 days of live-fire drills, the nation's armed forces announced on Wednesday.
• $3 million awarded to Defence research projects Australia DOD 02 Apr 2025 -- Seven ground-breaking research projects delivering advanced technologies for Defence have received a significant funding boost through the Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP).
• Navy and Army unite during critical firing Australia DOD 02 Apr 2025 -- Off the coast of Queensland, it was anything but quiet on the bridge of HMAS Sydney.
• North Korea's strategic drones 'not as advanced as US aircraft': think tank Radio Free Asia 02 Apr 2025 -- North Korean unmanned aerial vehicles that seem to be copies of advanced U.S. drones "merely mimic" the appearance of the originals and lack their capabilities, a U.S. think tank said.
• Ukraine: Switzerland amends Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran Swiss Government 02 Apr 2025 -- On 2 April the Federal Council decided to amend the Ordinance on Measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The measures will enter into force on 3 April.
• "New partnership" between defence and private sector set to boost UK defence sector UK MOD 02 Apr 2025 -- Major venture capitalists from across Europe can help unlock billions of pounds of private investment into UK technology and defence firms, as part of a "new partnership" between defence and private investors, the Defence Secretary has said today.
• RAF to protect European skies on NATO'S eastern flank UK MOD 02 Apr 2025 -- UK jets will protect the skies of NATO's eastern flank once again, working for the first time with Sweden to protect Polish airspace.
• Seventh India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue (April 02, 2025) India MEA 02 Apr 2025 -- The 7th India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue was held on 02 April 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
• INDO - U.S JOINT HADR AMPHIBIOUS EXERCISE- TIGER TRIUMPH OPENING CEREMONY JOINT STATEMENT India PIB 02 Apr 2025 -- The opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the bilateral joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious exercise between India and the U
• LAUNCHING OF FIFTH 25T BOLLARD PULL TUG OJAS (YARD 339) India PIB 02 Apr 2025 -- Launching of fifth 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug Ojas was held on 31 Mar 25 at M/s TRSL, Kolkata in presence of Cmde Sanjay Kumar, President SSB, Kolkata as the Chief Guest
• Aatmanirbharta in Defence: Project Sanction Order signed for Design & Development of 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine worth Rs 270 crore India PIB 02 Apr 2025 -- Project Sanction Order under Make-I category for the Design and Development of 6MW Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine has been inked between Indian Navy and Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited
• Turkey moves to establish control over Syria's T4 air base despite Israeli strikes: Report Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- Turkey has reportedly initiated efforts to take control of Tiyas Air Base, also known as the T-4 Air Base, in Syria's central province of Homs, and is preparing to deploy air defense systems to the site.
• Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on Finland considering withdrawal from the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Government of Norway 02 Apr 2025
• Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov: First F-16 delivery to strengthen Bulgaria-US strategic partnership Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria 02 Apr 2025 -- Today we were supplied with the last word of modernity - the first of the combat aviation vehicles after 35 years over which Bulgaria did not add a new fighter to its Air Force. This was stated by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov at the ceremony for the landing of the first F-16 Block 70 jet at Graf Ignatievo Airbase.
• Another two F-16 combat aircraft touch down at Kuchyňa Air Base Ministry of Defence of The Slovak Republic 02 Apr 2025 -- Another two Lockheed Martin-built F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft touched down on the runway at Kuchyňa Air Base in the midday hours on Wednesday 2 April 2025. Their arrival brings the Slovak Air Force's fleet of F-16 fighter jets to five (5) of the fourteen (14) new aircraft on order from the United States.
• The 45th German Brigade kicks off in full headquarters capability in Nemenčinė Lithuania MND 02 Apr 2025 -- On April 1 the German 45th Brigade reached full headquarters capacity and starts it activity in Lithuania: brigade strength has increased and all functional areas have been covered after reorganization of the initial brigade command element.
• A look at the Defence news 23 - 30 March Netherlands Ministry of Defence 02 Apr 2025
• US clears proposed sale of F-16 fighter jets to Philippines Radio Free Asia 02 Apr 2025 -- The United States has approved a multibillion-dollar deal to sell 20 fighter jets to the Philippines, officials announced just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made his first official visit to Manila.
• 'Who is turning Asia into a powder keg?' Chinese FM warns against US-Philippines cooperation after F-16 sale Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- "Who is fueling the fire? Who is provoking military confrontation? Who is turning Asia into a powder keg? I believe regional countries can see this clearly," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun raised these questions in response to a media inquiry about US' latest approval of F-16 fighter jet sales to the Philippines.
• AFP willing to engage more with Canadian counterparts Philippine News Agency 02 Apr 2025 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday expressed its willingness to engage more with its Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) counterparts following the visit of its chief to the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
• Deterrence not limited to weapon systems - PH Navy official Philippine News Agency 02 Apr 2025 -- A ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official on Wednesday said that deterrence consists not only of weapon systems, but also includes the will of the people and many other factors.
• Report: Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait ban US warplanes for strikes Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states have imposed a ban on US warplanes using their air fields or skies for strikes which have seen a significant rise targeting Yemen in recent weeks, a report says.
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Al Zayani US Dept. of State 02 Apr 2025
• At Brussels Foreign Ministers Summit, All Eyes Will Be On Marco Rubio RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- On April 3-4, NATO foreign ministers will gather in Brussels for their regular spring meeting.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For April 2, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 2 April 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Apr 2025
• Amid Record High Killing of Humanitarian Workers, Speakers Implore Security Council to Ensure Accountability for Attacks on Personnel in Conflict Zones UN Security Council 02 Apr 2025 -- What is the Council going to do to ensure accountability for the killing of aid workers and to prevent more such deaths, a senior United Nations humanitarian official asked the 15-member body today, as she detailed the unprecedented attacks that such workers face in conflict zones around the world.
• 'Attacks on aid workers must end,' Security Council told UN News 02 Apr 2025 -- Two senior UN officials appealed in the Security Council on Wednesday for an end to attacks against humanitarians and personnel working for the global organization.

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood | Operation Northern Arrows

• How Hungary Will Defy An ICC Arrest Warrant When Netanyahu Visits RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Hungary, it is virtually certain he will not be detained despite an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
• ICC strongly censures Hungary for ignoring Netanyahu arrest warrant Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) has condemned Hungary for refusing to comply with its arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will visit the central European country on Thursday.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement Israel - Prime Minister 02 Apr 2025
• The Incident on March 23rd, in Which Terrorists Abusing Medical Vehicles Were Eliminated By IDF Troops Israel Defense Forces 02 Apr 2025
• The Chief of the General Staff in Gaza: "The only thing that can halt our further advance is the release of our hostages!" Israel Defense Forces 02 Apr 2025
• Summary of the Month of Ramadan in the Central Command Israel Defense Forces 02 Apr 2025
• IDF Operation in the Tel al-Sultan Area Israel Defense Forces 02 Apr 2025
• Israel expands ground offensive in Gaza to seize 'extensive territory' IRNA 02 Apr 2025 -- Israel has announced a significant expansion of its ground assault in Gaza, aiming to seize large areas of Palestinian territory and incorporate them into the already occupied zones within the besieged enclave.
• Nine children among dozens killed in Israeli strike on UN building in Gaza Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- At least 22 civilians, including nine children, were killed when an UNRWA clinic sheltering displaced people was struck by an Israeli airstrike in the Jabalia camp north of the besieged Palestinian territory.
• Israel expands war on Gaza Strip to seize 'extensive territory' Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- Israel has expanded its ground aggression in the besieged Gaza Strip, seeking to seize a large portion of the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.
• Hamas decries incursion by hawkish Israeli minister into al-Aqsa Mosque compound Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has strongly condemned Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's incursion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it a "dangerous escalation" and a war crime.
• UN condemns killing of 1,000 people in Gaza since ceasefire collapse UN News 02 Apr 2025 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern on Wednesday over the human toll resulting from the intensified hostilities in Gaza.
• UNRWA Commissioner-General, Gaza: Even ruins have become a target UNRWA 02 Apr 2025
• Gaza aid blockade closes bakeries as evacuation orders, hostilities continue: UN People's Daily 02 Apr 2025 -- The aid blockade has forced the shuttering of 25 bakeries in Gaza as food supplies shrivel, Israel's evacuation orders increase and bombardments continue, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• UN rights council demands Israel 'prevent genocide' in Gaza Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- The UN Human Rights Council has passed a resolution condemning Israel's renewed onslaught on Gaza.
• Iran condemns Israel's continued aggression against Lebanon Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- Iran has strongly condemned Israel's continued aggression against Lebanon, including Tuesday's deadly airstrike, which killed many civilians, including a Hezbollah official and his son.
• Spanish Government condemns attack on Palestinian Red Cross aid workers in Gaza Spain MFA 02 Apr 2025
• Statement by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza Government of Norway 02 Apr 2025
• Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli National Security Minister's Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israeli Occupation Forces' Targeting of UNRWA Clinic SPA 02 Apr 2025 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation in the strongest terms possible of the Israeli Minister of National Security's storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the occupation police and the expulsion of worshippers from the mosque. The Kingdom reiterates its denunciation of the continued blatant Israeli transgressions against the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
• No: 73, 2 April 2025, Regarding the Escalating Aggression of the Israeli Government Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Apr 2025

Other Conflicts

• Sanctioning Iran-Backed Houthi Network Procuring Weapons and Commodities from Russia US Dept. of State 02 Apr 2025 -- "Today, the United States is sanctioning financial facilitators, procurement operatives, and companies operating as part of a global illicit finance network supporting the Houthis."
• Treasury Sanctions Houthi Network Procuring Weapons and Commodities from Russia US Treasury 02 Apr 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action against a network of Houthi financial facilitators and procurement operatives working in coordination with Sa'id al-Jamal, a senior Houthi financial official backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). This network has procured tens of millions of dollars' worth of commodities from Russia, including weapons and sensitive goods, as well as stolen Ukrainian grain, for onward shipment to Houthi-controlled Yemen. Additionally, OFAC has identified eight digital asset wallets used by the Houthis to transfer funds associated with their activities.
• Myanmar's junta announces 3-week ceasefire to facilitate quake relief efforts Radio Free Asia 02 Apr 2025 -- Myanmar's military government on Wednesday announced a three-week ceasefire across the war-torn country to help facilitate recovery efforts in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people.
• Sudan: Sexual violence used as weapon of terror against women and girls UN News 02 Apr 2025 -- Amid alarming reports of sexual violence being used as a weapon of terror across Sudan, UN reproductive health agency, UNFPA, is warning that over 12 million women and girls - and increasingly men and boys - are estimated to be at risk.
• UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan UK FCDO 02 Apr 2025 -- UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by the UK's Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

News Reports

• Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits The White House 02 Apr 2025
• Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports The White House 02 Apr 2025
• EU chief vows strong retaliation if U.S. tariffs escalate People's Daily 02 Apr 2025 -- The European Union (EU) has a strong plan in place to retaliate against U.S. tariffs and will not hesitate to act if necessary, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday.
• Trump announces 32% tariff on imports from Taiwan CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced sweeping "reciprocal tariffs" on U.S. trading partners, including a 32 percent tax on goods from Taiwan that is set to take effect on April 9.
• What We Know — And Don't Know — About Trump's Massive Tariff Plan RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- US President Donald Trump is set to announce a number of massive tariffs on April 2 as part of his ambitious economic agenda to rewire the United States' trading relationships with its allies and adversaries alike, while shaking up the global economy in the process.
• Moving against global tide, Israel eliminates all tariffs on US goods Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- Israel has eliminated all its remaining tariffs on imports from the United States despite a global trend that has seen many countries reciprocating US President Donald Trump's policy of imposing tariffs on their exports to the US.
• US orders social media screening for student visa applicants to bar those critical of Israel Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed diplomats overseas to monitor the social media activity of student visa applicants to deny entry to those critical of the United States and Israel, according to a report.
• Counter-Terrorism: EU and Australia hold dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Apr 2025 -- On 2 April, the European Union and Australia held their Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels. The Dialogue reaffirmed the close counter-terrorism partnership between the EU and Australia.
• Meeting with Head of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov President of Russia 02 Apr 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Head of Buryatia Alexei Tsydenov. The discussion focused on the socioeconomic development of the region and assistance to participants in the special military operation and their families.
• Kremlin Says Putin's Key Investment Adviser May Visit Washington This Week RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin adviser and head of a major state-backed investment fund, was expected to visit Washington this week for talks with US officials on Ukraine and bilateral relations, the Kremlin said.
• Press Release on Russian-Uzbek Consultations on Biological Security Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Apr 2025
• Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Apr 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Apr 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks at talks with Deputy Prime Minister - Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, Moscow, April 2, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 02 Apr 2025
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on April 2, 2025 PRC MofA 02 Apr 2025
• FM lauds role of Beijing and Moscow in promoting multipolarity People's Daily 02 Apr 2025 -- If the United States persists in pressuring and blackmailing China over tariffs, "the Chinese side surely will be resolute in its countermeasures", Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.
• New Hong Kong Police Commissioner vows to prioritize national security Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- China's State Council announced on Wednesday that it has decided to appoint Chow Yat-ming as the commissioner of police of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, replacing Siu Chak-yee, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
• China rejects so-called U.S. "Hong Kong Policy Act Report" People's Daily 02 Apr 2025 -- A Chinese government spokesperson on Tuesday strongly opposed and sternly condemned the so-called U.S. "Hong Kong Policy Act Report," and the so-called sanctions on relevant officials of the Chinese central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government.
• Embassy's security advisory issued due to travel safety conditions in the Philippines: FM Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- "The relevant security advisory by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines was issued in light of the current travel safety conditions," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Wednesday, in response to an AFP inquiry regarding the embassy's security advisory.
• China builds world's largest and most comprehensive social credit system: PBC official Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- China's credit reporting industry began with credit-related data and, after nearly 30 years of development, it has established the world's largest and most comprehensive public credit information system, Ren Yongmei, an official with the People's Bank of China, said at a press conference on Wednesday.
• PLA Eastern Theater Command wraps up joint drills around Taiwan island Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has completed all designated tasks of the joint exercises carried out from Tuesday to Wednesday, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said in a statement on Wednesday.
• China Tests Taiwan And Raises Tensions With Latest Live-Fire Military Exercises RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- With jets, warships, and a bombardment of propaganda, China simulated attacks and maritime blockades around Taiwan, in what Beijing called a warning after the island's president labeled China "a foreign hostile force."
• PLA conducts live-fire exercise in East China Sea on 2nd day of drill CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- Taiwan's military on Wednesday said it observed China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducting live-fire exercises in the East China Sea on the second day of PLA military drills which began on Tuesday.
• U.S., EU voice opposition to Taiwan Strait status quo change amid PLA drills CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- The United States and European Union have both reiterated their opposition to a unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait after China's military launched a new round of joint military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday.
• Statement on China's military exercises, 2 April 2025 UK FCDO 02 Apr 2025 -- The FCDO has issued a statement in response to the latest Chinese military exercises around Taiwan.
• China's drills around Taiwan aimed at testing U.S. response: Scholars CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- The stated aim of China's military drills around Taiwan is to deter "Taiwan independence" forces, but their real purpose may be to test the United States' response and strategic bottom line ahead of a potential Xi-Trump summit, scholars told CNA.
• 95 PLA aircraft, vessels detected near Taiwan during drill Tuesday CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- Ninety-five aircraft and vessels operated by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) were detected around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
• PLA military drills in Taiwan Strait enter 2nd day CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- The Chinese military's joint exercises near Taiwan entered their second day Wednesday as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command said it was conducting a "Strait Thunder-2025A" drill in parts of the Taiwan Strait.
• Chinese FM warns Manila not to 'play with fire' on Taiwan question after military chief hypes PLA drills Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry on remarks made by a Philippine military official that the Philippines would inevitably be drawn into any conflict near Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged certain individuals in the Philippines not to play with fire on the Taiwan question, stressing that how to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter for the Chinese people.
• FM slams external meddling in PLA drills around Taiwan, stresses they are 'a stern warning to separatists' Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- In response to the accusations from some countries, including the US, Japan and the EU over the Chinese People's Liberation Army's joint exercises around the Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that such claims made by a handful of countries and organizations disregard facts, distort right and wrong, and interfere in China's internal affairs. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition.
• PLA wraps up joint drills around Taiwan in deterrence to separatists Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced on Wednesday that it completed all designated tasks of the joint exercises carried out from Tuesday to Wednesday, with the exercises testing the troops' integrated joint operations capabilities.
• PLA's drills in Taiwan Straits show key trends in deterrence, flexibility and diverse operations: expert Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command organized the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday. In recent years, the PLA exercises in the Taiwan Straits have demonstrated three key trends -expanding the scope of deterrence, increasing flexibility in the scale and schedule of drills, and diversifying the forms of operations, according to an expert on military affairs.
• PLA drills expose weaknesses in Taiwan authorities' governance model, hit 'Taiwan independence' forces' sore point: expert Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- Following joint military exercises around Taiwan island a day earlier, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Wednesday continued its operations, organizing the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits.
• PLA aircraft carrier helps in the role of cutting off 'three lines' of 'Taiwan independence' forces in drills: expert Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- The Shandong aircraft carrier task group of the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) exercises helped play the role of cutting off "three lines" of "Taiwan independence" forces, namely their energy import life line, their external military aid support line, and their own escape line, an expert told the Global Times, after the PLA Eastern Theater Command announced the carrier group's exercises to simulate strike on ground and maritime targets in areas to the east of Taiwan island on Wednesday.
• PLA launches 'Strait Thunder-2025A' drills, showing tighter siege on 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces: expert Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- Following the organization of its army, navy, air, and rocket forces to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan island on Tuesday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organized the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday.
• The Ministry of National Defense released a press statement explaining the "ongoing military exercises around the waters of Taiwan conducted by the P.R.C. Eastern Theater Command." ROC MND 02 Apr 2025
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 02 Apr 2025
• Former legislative speaker aide suspected of selling info to China CNA 02 Apr 2025 -- An ex-aide to former Legislative Speaker You Si-kun (游錫堃) is under investigation by prosecutors who accuse him of selling confidential information to Chinese spies.
• PLA conducts live-fire drills in E.China Sea with precision strikes on simulated key ports, energy facilities Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- The ground force of the theater command conducted long-range live-fire drills in waters of the East China Sea according to training plans of the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercise on Wednesday, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, announced on Wednesday.
• PLA launches 'Strait Thunder-2025A' drills, showing tighter siege on 'Taiwan independence' secessionist forces: expert Global Times 02 Apr 2025 -- Following the organization of its army, navy, air, and rocket forces to conduct joint exercises around Taiwan island on Tuesday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) organized the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercises in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday.
• Press Statement of Vice General Director of General Armaments Bureau of Ministry of National Defence of DPRK KCNA 02 Apr 2025 -- The vice general director of the General Armaments Bureau of the Ministry of National Defence of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued the following press statement on April 1 under the title "The new 'co-produced weapon' of the U.S.-Japan military alliance signals the further unstable security environment of the region":
• Trump administration is considering Iran's offer of indirect talks: Report IRNA 02 Apr 2025 -- The White House is considering a proposal from Iran for indirect talks while simultaneously increasing U.S. military forces in the Middle East to prepare for potential military action, American news website Axios reports.
• Trump seriously considering Iran's offer of indirect nuclear talks: Report Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump is seriously considering Iran's proposal for indirect nuclear talks, while at the same time significantly boosting its occupation forces in the West Asian region for possible anti-Tehran operations, according to American media.
• Araghchi says Iran ready for indirect talks, warns US threats will 'complicate situation' Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Tehran's readiness to take part in indirect negotiations with the United States over its peaceful nuclear program, warning that US threats are "complicating" the current situation.
• Iran criticizes the E.U.'s failure to respond to Trump's threat of military action IRNA 02 Apr 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has criticized the European Union for its failure to respond to provocative rhetoric from U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump's recent threat to bomb Iran, which he described as a serious threat to international peace and security.
• Iran presses the IAEA on Trump's 'bombing' threat, reaffirms no nukes pursuit IRNA 02 Apr 2025 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must adopt a clear position regarding threats against Iran's civilian nuclear facilities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tuesday, days after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to "bomb" Iran.
• Iran vows to hold Israel accountable for last year's attack on its Syria embassy IRNA 02 Apr 2025 -- Iran has reaffirmed its determination to utilize all available capacities to bring Israel to justice over its terrorist acts, including last year's attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus.
• US House Panel Backs Tougher Iran Measures, But Divisions Persist RFE/RL 02 Apr 2025 -- US lawmakers and experts at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing underscored a rare bipartisan consensus -- preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as a top priority.
• From FinCEN: Treasury Convenes Financial Institutions, Law Enforcement, in Washington, D.C. in Support of the U.S. Maximum Pressure Campaign Against Iran US Treasury 02 Apr 2025 -- Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent led a public-private partnership event with 16 systemically important global financial institutions and federal law enforcement agencies, focused on denying Iran access to the global financial system. This event was the first in FinCEN's "Iran Maximum Pressure and Counter Terrorism" (or IMPACT) Exchange series. The event focused on Iran's sprawling global oil and "shadow banking" networks.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Remarks at FinCEN Iran Maximum Pressure and Counter Terrorism (IMPACT) Exchange Series US Treasury 02 Apr 2025
• Key well launched at Phase 11 of Iran's South Pars gas field Press TV 02 Apr 2025 -- Iran has brought on line a key well in South Pars to increase production from the field in the Persian Gulf.
• Myanmar quake: UN calls for urgent protection for vulnerable women and girls UN News 02 Apr 2025 -- Friday's devastating earthquakes in Myanmar not only caused mass casualties and widespread destruction, they also deepened long-standing gender inequalities - leaving millions of women and girls at heightened risk, UN aid agencies warned on Wednesday.
• EU launches Humanitarian Air Bridge after Myanmar earthquake and provides further assistance European Commission 02 Apr 2025 -- Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and the broader region last Friday, the EU is channelling further assistance to strengthen relief efforts.
• Georgia: Joint Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos on latest developments European External Action Service (EEAS) 02 Apr 2025 -- The new legislation, including Foreign Agents Registration Act and Law on Broadcasting, adopted by the parliament, without due public consultations, give additional tools to the Georgian authorities to supress dissent and tighten the policy of repression. These laws risk stigmatising the work of civic activists, threatening the survival of civil society and independent media, rolling back human rights protections, unduly restricting fundamental freedoms, and eroding democratic decision-making.
• Georgia's foreign agents legislation raises concerns over negative impact on civil society, OSCE human rights office says OSCE 02 Apr 2025 -- Georgia's new law 'On the Foreign Agents Registration Act', requiring all individuals or organisations considered to act in the interest of a foreign entity to register as foreign agents, due for example to foreign funding, and imposing sanctions for lack of compliance, adds to concerns over other legislation adopted recently and the law's negative impact on civil society, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today.
• Vietnam courts European leaders amid concerns over US tariffs Radio Free Asia 02 Apr 2025 -- Fearing retaliatory U.S. tariffs, Vietnam is turning to Europe, hosting a succession of senior figures over the next two months.