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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al Shabaab AFRICOM 14 May 2025 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on May 13, 2025.
• US-Houthi ceasefire 'a welcome opportunity' to advance peace efforts in Yemen UN News 14 May 2025 -- The ceasefire between the United States and Houthi rebels in Yemen provides an opportunity to revitalize the peace process in the Middle Eastern country, the UN Security Council heard on Wednesday.
• The UK remains committed to restoring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 14 May 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.
• Yemen's People 'Need Aid, but They also Need Peace', Says Under-Secretary-General, Urging Security Council Act to Ensure Respect for International Humanitarian Law UN Security Council 14 May 2025 -- Despite a temporary lull in fighting, UN officials warned the Security Council that Yemen remains gripped by escalating regional tensions, deepening economic collapse and a worsening humanitarian crisis that continues to devastate civilians — particularly women and children — and derail prospects for lasting peace.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Demonstrates Reusability of Hypersonic Test Vehicle DoD News 14 May 2025 -- The Defense Department conducted a second successful flight of a fully recoverable uncrewed hypersonic test vehicle in March 2025, with the first being in December 2024.
• Indo-Pacom Commander Highlights Army's Regional Contribution DoD News 14 May 2025 -- Yesterday, during the 2025 Land Forces Pacific Symposium and Exposition in Honolulu, the U.S. military's senior leader in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility discussed ways the Army contributes to the joint force's overall mission throughout the region.
• Special operations Airmen maneuver through TRADEWINDS25 US Air Force 14 May 2025 -- Mission Ready Airmen assigned to the 137th Special Operations Wing mission sustainment team, Oklahoma Air National Guard, strengthened critical self-sustaining skills and assessed their ability to operate in multiple expeditionary environments across the Caribbean during TRADEWINDS25, April 21-May 5.
• Rear Adm. Seif Takes the Helm of AUKUS Integration and Acquisition US Navy 14 May 2025 -- Rear Adm. Richard Seif assumed leadership of the AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Direct Reporting Program Management Office on April 21.
• Military Sealift Command Europe & Africa Reserve Unit Conducts Exercise Tuscan Trident 25 US Navy 14 May 2025 -- Twenty-two Sailors from the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command Europe & Africa (MSCEURAF) reserve unit gathered at Naval Station Rota, Spain to conduct exercise Tuscan Trident 25 (TT25) April 26 to May 7, 2025.
• Continuing Promise 2025 Set to Begin US Navy 14 May 2025 -- The U.S. Navy Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy this June-August to the U.S. Southern Command area of operations as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet's Continuing Promise 2025 mission. After several months of detailed planning, USNS Comfort is scheduled to visit Grenada, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic during the nearly three month-long mission.
• Readout of the Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan's Testimony Before House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense US Navy Press Release 14 May 2025
• Senior Military Leaders emphasize Positional Advantage, Interoperability, and Partnerships in Indo-Pacific Security Army News 14 May 2025 -- Distinguished military leaders gathered at the Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium to discuss the critical role of positional advantage, interoperability, and partnerships in maintaining security and deterring conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Ready, Partnered, Lethal: 31st MEU completes MEUEX USMC News 14 May 2025 -- The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted training to prepare the unit for future warfighting capabilities. Immersive, scenario-based evolutions focused on lethality, readiness, and interoperability for an upcoming deployment in the Indo-Pacific Region during a MEU Exercise (MEUEX) in Okinawa, from Apr. 28 to May 9, 2025.
• NATO Chiefs of Defence meet in Brussels NATO 14 May 2025 -- Brussels, 14 May 2025 - The 193rd NATO Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, today. Thirty two Allied Chiefs of Defence discussed NATO's vigilance & deterrence, continued support to Ukraine, and preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague in June. The final meeting of the day saw the Ukrainian Chief of Defence, General Sikyrsky, join the NATO-Ukraine Council virtually from Kyiv.
• China, Singapore launch live-action maritime drill in South China Sea Global Times 14 May 2025 -- China and Singapore launched a two-day live-action maritime drill in the South China Sea on Wednesday in a move a Chinese expert said is conducive to regional security and stability, given Singapore's location by the Strait of Malacca.
• Battle group builds confidence in combined force Australia DOD 14 May 2025 -- "Should we have to meet in the dark at a time not of our choosing, it won't be the first time we have operated together."
• Debut for regional emergency response group Australia DOD 14 May 2025 -- The Pacific Response Group, a newly established multinational support group, took part in the French-led Exercise Croix du Sud 2025, a major humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise held in New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna.
• North Korea could have 50 long-range missiles by 2035: US intel Radio Free Asia 14 May 2025 -- North Korea currently has up to 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles and could expand its arsenal to 50 ICBMs within a decade, according to U.S. intelligence.
• DFA Statement on DPRK's Ballistic Missile Launches on 08 May 2025 Philippines DFA 14 May 2025 -- The Philippines expresses serious concern and strongly denounces the recent ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Such provocative actions undermine economic progress, peace, and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region.
• Defense Minister, UAE President Meet in Abu Dhabi SPA 14 May 2025 -- Following directives from the Kingdom's leadership, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz met Wednesday with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Shati in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi.
• Türkiye - AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Missiles DSCA 14 May 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Türkiye of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $79.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Türkiye - AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles DSCA 14 May 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Türkiye of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $225 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• EDA Innovation Days break silos, as military and innovators seek rapid change European Defence Agency 14 May 2025 -- Senior European officials, defence experts, and industry representatives gathered in Kraków on 14 May for the European Defence Innovation Days.
• Ukraine makes pitch for closer EU defence innovation at EDA event European Defence Agency 14 May 2025 -- Ukraine continues to prioritise rapid innovation on the battlefield and is ready to share further knowledge with the European Union, Deputy Defence Minister Valerii Churkin told attendees at the European Defence Innovation Days event in Poland on 14 May 2025.
• Pevkur in Washington D.C.: Allies must commit to 5% for national defence at NATO Hague Summit Estonia MoD 14 May 2025 -- During his two-day visit to Washington, Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met with National Intelligence Coordinator Tulsi Gabbard, members of the U.S. Congress and Senate, think tank representatives, and media outlets to discuss the global security situation and present Estonia's positions ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.
• Draft proposal on raising maximum age of reservists sent out for comments Finnish MoD 14 May 2025 -- The Finnish Ministry of Defence will circulate for comments a draft government proposal on raising the maximum age of reservists to 65 years.
• A look at the Defence news 5 - 11 May Netherlands Ministry of Defence 14 May 2025
• NZDF joins large South Pacific disaster exercise as new response group starts work Royal New Zealand Navy 14 May 2025 -- The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has joined 18 other nations for a large French-led multinational training exercise scenario of a hypothetical cyclone striking the islands of Wallis & Futuna.
• 'Balikatan' boosts PH Army units 'joint, combined' ops Philippine News Agency 14 May 2025 -- Philippine Army (PA) units that participated in this year's "Balikatan" exercises enhanced their joint and combined operations capabilities with the assistance and support of their US counterparts.
• 'Politically unacceptable, morally repugnant': UN chief calls for global ban on 'killer robots' UN News 14 May 2025 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has once again called for a global ban on lethal autonomous weapon systems - machines capable of taking human lives without human oversight - describing them as "politically unacceptable" and "morally repugnant."
• US President Leaves Saudi Arabia, Seen Off by HRH the Crown Prince SPA 14 May 2025 -- President Donald J. Trump of the United States left Riyadh today following a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Trump inks major defense deal with Saudi Arabia, announces plan to lift sanctions on Syria People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday secured a 600-billion-U.S. dollar investment commitment from Saudi Arabia in Riyadh and vowed to lift sanctions on Syria.

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 14, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 14 May 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 May 2025
• "We believe in the United Nations" Germany - Federal Government 14 May 2025 -- The United Nations is of great importance to Germany. Chancellor Merz emphasised this position during the visit by UN Secretary-General Guterres. The conversation also focused on efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
• In Berlin, broad backing for UN peacekeeping as global threats mount UN News 14 May 2025 -- More than 130 countries and international partners threw their weight behind UN peacekeeping at a high-level ministerial summit in Berlin on Wednesday, pledging military, tech and political support.
• Peacekeeping Ministerial: New Commitments to Strengthen Peacekeeping Operations Germany - Federal Ministry of Defence 14 May 2025 -- The United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 Berlin concluded today. More than 130 Member States and international partners - over a thousand participants in total - came together to reaffirm their support for UNUnited Nations peacekeeping and to announce concrete pledges aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations in the face of evolving global challenges.
• Ambassador-at-Large Andrejs Pildegovičs participates in the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Germany Latvia MFA 14 May 2025 -- From 13 to 14 May 2025 in Berlin, Germany, the Ambassador-at-Large for Global and Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andrejs Pildegovičs, took part in the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial.
• Gatchalian: PH role in UN peacekeeping highlights global commitment Philippine News Agency 14 May 2025 -- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Wednesday the Philippines' participation in the 2025 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial reflects the country's commitment to promoting global stability and taking a more assertive stance in international cooperation.
• Minister Sajovic at the United Nations Defense Ministers' Meeting on Maintaining International Peace Republic of Slovenia 14 May 2025 -- The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Sajovic, attended a two-day ministerial meeting of the United Nations (UN) member states on peacekeeping in Berlin on May 13 and 14. The meeting discussed the future of UN peacekeeping operations.
• UN chief highlights role of UN peace operations People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday highlighted the role of UN peace operations and called for more support from member states.
• China supports UN's core role in global security governance: defense minister Global Times 14 May 2025 -- China's Minister of National Defense Dong Jun on Tuesday highlighted the importance of the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, reaffirming China's support for the UN's central role and its core position in global security governance.

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

• Prime Minister's Office Statement Israel - Prime Minister 14 May 2025 -- "Macron has once again chosen to stand with a murderous Islamist terrorist organization and echo its despicable propaganda, accusing Israel of blood libels."
• Netanyahu says Israel to enter Gaza with full force in coming days People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military will enter Gaza "with full force" in the coming days to press forward with efforts to defeat Hamas, according to a statement released by his office on Tuesday.
• Israel admits most victims of genocidal campaign in Gaza civilians Press TV 14 May 2025 -- The Israeli military has admitted that most of the victims of its war against the Gaza Strip were unarmed civilians.
• Israel attacks Gaza's European Hospital Press TV 14 May 2025 -- Gaza's Civil Defense Agency has reported that the Israeli regime has been attacking the European Hospital and its vicinity near Khan Younis since Tuesday.
• Israel massacres scores in strikes on Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza Press TV 14 May 2025 -- At least 60 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip after the regime's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the military would enter the war-battered territory "with full force".
• Israeli cabinet votes to formalize annexation of West Bank's Area C Press TV 14 May 2025 -- The Israeli cabinet has decided to assume complete authority over land registration in Area C of the West Bank, which contains approximately 60 percent of the occupied region and accommodates the majority of illegal Israeli settlements.
• One killed as Israeli drone targets vehicle in southern Lebanon Press TV 14 May 2025 -- The Israeli military has carried out an attack in Lebanon's southern province of Nabatieh, killing at least one person, in the latest blatant violation of a shaky ceasefire agreement.
• UN aid office denounces attacks on Gaza hospital UN News 14 May 2025 -- The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, underlined the need to protect civilians and healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip in a renewed appeal on Wednesday.
• Israel-U.S. aid alternative is 'cynical sideshow' to make starvation a bargaining chip: U.N. official IRNA 14 May 2025 -- Tom Fletcher, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (OCHA), said on Tuesday that an aid alternative proposed by Israel and backed by the United States is a "cynical sideshow" to turn starvation in the Gaza Strip into a "bargaining chip" and a "fig leaf for further violence and displacement."
• China urges Israel to immediately cease military attacks on Gaza: Chinese envoy Global Times 14 May 2025 -- "We call on the international community to pool all efforts and take urgent actions to bring an end to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza," said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Briefing on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, on Tuesday, according to the Permanent Mission of China to the UN.
• China urges int'l action to end Gaza crisis People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- China on Tuesday called on the international community to take urgent actions to end the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza.
• Macron censures Netanyahu's Gaza policy, considers EU sanctions Press TV 14 May 2025 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly denounced Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza policy as "unacceptable" and "shameful."
• Gaza: Minister for the Middle East statement, 14 May 2025 UK FCDO 14 May 2025 -- Oral statement to Parliament
• Yemen launches third 'hypersonic' strike on Tel Aviv airport in 24 hours Press TV 14 May 2025 -- Yemeni Armed Forces have carried out a fresh missile attack against the Israeli regime, setting off sirens in the northern part of the Israeli-occupied territories.
• Yemen hits Ben Gurion Airport in Israel with ballistic missile IRNA 14 May 2025 -- A ballistic missile fired by the Yemeni Ansarullah Movement has hit the Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport on Tuesday.

Operation SINDOOR / Operation Bunyanun Marsoos

• Operation SINDOOR: India's Strategic Clarity and Calculated Force India PIB 14 May 2025
• Operation SINDOOR: The Rise of Aatmanirbhar Innovation in National Security India PIB 14 May 2025
• Global Solidarity with India: A United Front Against Cross-Border Terrorism India PIB 14 May 2025 -- The tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 innocent civilians mostly Hindu tourists sparked nationwide outrage and prompted a strong response from India
• The Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Minister for Planning and Development, Information Minister, visited Pasrur forward areas, Sialkot, today to commend the exceptional bravery and professionalism of the troops during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, part of The Marqa-e-Haq. ISPR Pakistan 14 May 2025
• Indian Armed Forces blatant and cowardly aggression which was launched on the night of 6-7 May 2025, targeted innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. ISPR Pakistan 14 May 2025

Other Conflicts

• Statement by Global Affairs Canada on decision of International Civil Aviation Organization Council to hold Russia responsible for downing of Flight MH17 Canada 14 May 2025
• China Coast Guard patrols territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao PRC MND 14 May 2025 -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) 1306 fleet patrolled the territorial waters of China's Diaoyu Dao on May 14. This is a rights-protection patrol activity carried out in accordance with the law, the CCG said in a statement.
• New Movement by China Concerning Unilateral Development of Natural Resources in the East China Sea Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 14 May 2025 -- "We have recently confirmed that China has initiated an installation of a new structure on the west side of the geographical equidistance line between Japan and China in the East China Sea."
• Funding cuts in Afghanistan mean 'lives lost and lives less lived' UN News 14 May 2025 -- In a remote village clinic in the Bamyan Province in Afghanistan last week, a group of teenage girls were given potentially life-saving reproductive health advice, excited by the small kit of menstrual supplies they had been given.
• OIC Secretary-General Welcomes US President's Announcement Lifting Sanctions on Syria Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 14 May 2025
• Statement on lifting sanctions on Syria Government of Norway 14 May 2025
• Joint Statement by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Crisis, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, on the Announcement by the United States to Lift Sanctions on Syria UNOCHA 14 May 2025 -- We welcome the recent announcement by President Donald J. Trump regarding the lifting of sanctions imposed by the United States on the Syrian Arab Republic. This decision, upon implementation has the potential to alleviate the protracted suffering of millions of Syrians and to unlock tangible progress in the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the advancement of early recovery efforts.
• Trump Pledges Syria Sanctions Relief In First US Meeting With Al-Sharaa After Years Of Isolation RFE/RL 14 May 2025 -- For more than a decade, Syria stood as one of the world's most isolated nations, battered by civil war, economic collapse, and the unyielding grip of international sanctions.
• 'Now it's their time to shine': Trump to lift all sanctions on Syria, meet with Jolani Press TV 14 May 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has announced that he would lift the entirety of Washington's sanctions against Syria after the new administration in the Arab country reportedly proposed making "peace" with the Israeli regime, the US's closest regional ally.
• U.S. president meets Syria's interim leader in Riyadh IRNA 14 May 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has met with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, known by his nom de guerre al-Julani.
• President Erdoğan holds online meeting with leaders of the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Syria Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 14 May 2025 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an online meeting with President Donald Trump of the U.S., Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and President Ahmad Al-Sharaa of the Syrian Arab Republic.
• Libya: Statement by the Spokesman European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 May 2025 -- The European Union expresses its strong support for the recent announcement of a truce and the subsequent de-escalation of tensions in Tripoli. However, we are deeply concerned by the reports of civilian casualties and significant destruction of civilian infrastructure that have occurred, and we express sympathy to all casualties and their families. The EU strongly calls for accountability of those responsible.
• Prisoners Escape From Detention Facility in Tripoli's Eastern Suburb - Authorities Sputnik 14 May 2025 -- Dozens of prisoners have broken out of a detention facility in Tajoura, an eastern suburb of the Libyan capital of Tripoli, the provincial judicial authorities said.
• Clashes Renew in Several Areas of Tripoli - Reports Sputnik 14 May 2025 -- Clashes are again taking place in several areas of the Libyan capital of Tripoli as the second night of unrest begins, Libyan newspaper Al Wasat reported on Wednesday.
• No: 104, 14 May 2025, Regarding the Recent Developments in Libya Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 May 2025
• With the separatist organization's decision to dissolve itself, we have entered a new phase in our efforts for a terror-free Türkiye" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 14 May 2025 -- Addressing AK Party's parliamentary group meeting, President Erdoğan said: "With the separatist organization's announcement of its decision to dissolve itself and lay down arms, we have entered a new phase in our efforts for a terror-free Türkiye. This is the phase when we will now strengthen our unity, solidarity and brotherhood as well as our march towards a shared future."
• We are fully committed to establishing peace in the Naxal-affected areas: PM India PIB 14 May 2025 -- The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has stated that the success of the security forces shows that our campaign towards rooting out Naxalism is moving in the right direction
• India slams China's renaming of places in its territory as 'vain and preposterous' Radio Free Asia 14 May 2025 -- India on Wednesday rejected China's renaming of 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh as a "vain and preposterous" move, saying its northeastern border state, which Beijing claims is part of Zangnan or southern Tibet, remains an "integral and inalienable" part of the country.
• Sudan: Experts denounce systematic attacks on women and girls OHCHR 14 May 2025 -- A group of independent human rights experts* today strongly condemned the widespread and systematic violations committed against women and girls in Sudan, including conflict-related sexual violence, abductions, and killings, many of which have been attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• QA-8, 14 May 2025, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Öncü Keçeli, in Response to a Question Regarding the Appointment of a "Special Envoy for Cyprus" by the European Commission Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 May 2025

News Reports

• Top US national intel officials sacked in ongoing purge Press TV 14 May 2025 -- US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has dismissed two top officials at the National Intelligence Council (NIC) as part of a move to tackle what the agency describes as the "weaponization" of intelligence.
• Michigan Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Attack Military Base on Behalf of ISIS US Dept. of Justice 14 May 2025 -- A Melvindale man - and former member of the Michigan Army National Guard - was arrested today after he attempted to carry out a plan to conduct a mass-shooting at a U.S. military base in Warren, Michigan, on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization.
• US deep sea mining plan would likely violate international law Radio Free Asia 14 May 2025 -- The Trump administration plan to allow mining of deep sea metals in the Pacific Ocean would unequivocally violate international law, experts said, making any attempt to sell the minerals - used in batteries, weapons and smartphones - open to challenge by other nations.
• Chinese FM says trial of Japanese national on espionage charges follows legal procedures Global Times 14 May 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry on that on Tuesday, a court in Shanghai sentenced a Japanese man to 12 years in prison for espionage and the Japanese government has requested that China ensure "transparency in judicial procedures," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China is a country governed by the rule of law. "The judicial authorities handled the case strictly in accordance with legal procedures and ensured the protection of all the lawful rights of the individual involved during the process."
• Russia's Ties With China, Iran Mean Conflicts Won't Remain Local, US Military Leaders Say RFE/RL 14 May 2025 -- US military leaders are increasingly concerned that the United States faces the prospect of global flashpoints turning into prolonged, multifront confrontations stoked by its main adversaries - Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
• Russian-Malaysian talks President of Russia 14 May 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, who is in Russia on an official visit.
• Press statements following talks with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim President of Russia 14 May 2025 -- Vladimir Putin and Anwar Ibrahim made statements for the press following the Russian-Malaysian consultations.
• The European Union ramps up sanctions against Russia Estonia MFA 14 May 2025 -- Today 14 May, the European Union reached an agreement on a new package of sanctions to ramp up and strengthen measures against Russia.
• Ukraine: Federal Council implements 16th EU sanctions package against Russia Federal Council - Swiss Government 14 May 2025 -- The Federal Council decided on 14 May 2025 that Switzerland will adopt the measures in the European Union's 16th package of sanctions against Russia, with effect from 15 May 2025. 48 individuals, 35 entities and 74 vessels were already added to the Swiss sanctions list against Russia on 4 March. The Federal Council is also extending Swiss sanctions against Belarus.
• Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the politically motivated sentencing of independent election expert Grigory Melkonyants European External Action Service (EEAS) 14 May 2025 -- Grigory Melkonyants, a prominent Russian election expert and co-chair of the independent elections monitoring group Golos, was sentenced in a politically motivated case to 5 years of imprisonment today. The fabricated charges under so-called "undesirable organisations" legislation were due to his firm stance and work for democracy, pluralism and fundamental freedoms.
• Russian Court Sentences Prominent Election Watchdog To 5 Years In Prison RFE/RL 14 May 2025 -- A Moscow court has sentenced prominent Russian election monitor Grigory Melkonyants to five years in prison after finding him guilty of working for an "undesirable organization."
• Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva President of Russia 14 May 2025 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva while the Brazilian special flight made a technical stop in Moscow on its way from China.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on May 14, 2025 PRC MofA 14 May 2025
• China temporarily suspends export controls of dual-use items for 28 US entities following trade talks: MOFCOM Global Times 14 May 2025 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Wednesday that it has temporarily suspended export controls of dual-use items for 28 US entities starting Wednesday, following the joint statement issued after the China-US economic and trade talks in Geneva.
• China's countermeasures against two rounds of US' unreasonable 'fentanyl-related tariffs' still remain in effect: Chinese FM Global Times 14 May 2025 -- When asked to comment on reports that after the China-US high-level economic and trade meeting in Geneva, China will reduce the tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10% within the initial 90 days, while the US will reduce the tariffs on Chinese goods to 30%, including the additional 20% tariffs imposed on China under the pretext of fentanyl, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a press briefing on Wednesday that the economic and trade talks between China and the US in Geneva reached a number of positive consensuses, agreeing to significantly reduce the bilateral tariff levels.
• Chinese, US tariff adjustments take effect; Ports, exporters witness rapid trade rebound Global Times 14 May 2025 -- Following China-US high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva over the weekend that achieved substantial progress by significantly reducing bilateral tariff levels, the two countries have moved to make the relevant tariff adjustments on Wednesday. China-US trade flows, once hampered by steep tariffs, are starting normalizing, according to ports and exporters.
• Xi Jinping Meets with Chilean President Gabriel Boric PRC MofA 14 May 2025 -- On the morning of May 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who is in China for the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
• Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Secretary of Mexico Juan Ramón de la Fuente PRC MofA 14 May 2025 -- On May 14, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Secretary of Mexico Juan Ramón de la Fuente in Beijing.
• Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Minister of Bolivia Celinda Sosa Lunda PRC MofA 14 May 2025 -- On May 14, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Minister of Bolivia Celinda Sosa Lunda in Beijing.
• Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Minister of Honduras Eduardo Enrique Reina García PRC MofA 14 May 2025 -- On May 14, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Minister of Honduras Eduardo Enrique Reina García in Beijing.
• Xi Jinping Meets with President of Colombia Gustavo Petro PRC MofA 14 May 2025 -- On the morning of May 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, who is in China for the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
• China, Colombia sign cooperation plan on BRI People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- China and Colombia should take the latter's formal accession to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an opportunity to upgrade bilateral cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.
• Planning Together for Development and Revitalization, Building Together a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future PRC MofA 14 May 2025 -- The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum will be held on May 13 in Beijing. It will be an important meeting on the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum.
• China to adjust tariffs on imported U.S. products on Wednesday People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- China will adjust tariffs on imported U.S. products from 12:01 p.m. Wednesday, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced on Tuesday.
• Xi holds talks with Brazilian president People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Tuesday.
• China to ramp up strategic minerals control from the source, strengthen full-chain oversight to curb illegal outflow of key minerals Global Times 14 May 2025 -- China has vowed to ramp up control of its strategic minerals at the source and strengthen oversight across the entire supply chain to prevent the illegal outflow of strategic minerals, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Wednesday.
• MOFA plays down allies' attendance at Beijing forum CNA 14 May 2025 -- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has played down the attendance of two of Taiwan's formal diplomatic allies at an international forum in Beijing, which sparked fears of a possible rupture in relations.
• Taiwan Affairs Office responds to diplomats from Haiti, Saint Lucia participating China-CELAC Forum Global Times 14 May 2025 -- Diplomats from Haiti and Saint Lucia, two so-called "diplomatic allies" of Taiwan island participated the fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, which triggered heated discussion in Taiwan.
• Mainland spokesperson slams Lai over 'selective amnesia' and whitewash on Japanese colonial atrocities in Taiwan Global Times 14 May 2025 -- Lai Ching-te, regional leader of the island of Taiwan, disregarded historical facts and completely ignored the suffering endured by the Taiwan people, instead, he fervently glossed over and beautified Japan's colonial rule, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stated on Wednesday after Lai recently remarked that the relationship between Taiwan region and Japan is not merely that of friends, but rather like that of family—a remark that drew criticism in the island of Taiwan for his selective amnesia regarding the painful history of atrocities committed against the Taiwan people during the Japanese colonial period.
• Mainland official slams DPP's Lai for distorting World War II history Global Times 14 May 2025 -- A spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday slammed Taiwan's regional leader Lai Ching-te for distorting World War II history in his recent remarks and attempting to equate the just history of anti-fascism and anti-aggression in World War II with the evil deeds of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in seeking to split the country.
• 'Taiwan independence' is a dead end, outsiders unreliable: Mainland spokesperson Global Times 14 May 2025 -- When asked to comment on a recent survey released by Taiwan's Academia Sinica, which found that 100 days into US President Donald Trump's term, 46.7 percent of people in Taiwan island felt pessimistic about the future of the relations with the US, 60 percent were concerned that the US might harm Taiwan's interests by reaching a deal with Chinese mainland, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that more and more people in Taiwan were realizing that "Taiwan independence" was a dead end, that outsiders were unreliable, and that the US always prioritized "America First."
• Mainland spokesperson responds to Trump's 'unification' remarks, urges intl community to support just cause against 'Taiwan independence' Global Times 14 May 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry on US President Donald Trump's remarks related to "unification" when commenting on the ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China, which have drawn high attention in the Taiwan island, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that "we have taken note of the relevant reports."
• Root cause for complexity across Taiwan Straits lies in DPP's refusal to acknowledge 1992 Consensus and colluding with external forces: mainland spokesperson Global Times 14 May 2025 -- Commenting on an article by US scholars urging the Trump administration to "rein in Taiwan" and make clear to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities that Washington opposes any moves toward independence, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday that root cause for the current complex and severe situation across the Taiwan Straits is DPP's refusal to acknowledge the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, while colluding with external forces to pursue separatist provocations.
• Mainland spokesperson responds to DPP authorities' Patriot missiles procurement, forming of combat units to defend 'Greater Taipei area' Global Times 14 May 2025 -- In response to growing public concern in Taiwan that Lai Ching-te is preparing to desert the island in face of a potential conflict — following media reports that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have rushed to procure Patriot missiles, mobilized marine units to defend the "Greater Taipei area," and conducted multiple drills purportedly in response to "People's Liberation Army (PLA) attacks on Taiwan" — Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stated at a regular press conference on Wednesday that no amount of weapons purchases or military exercises can alter the dead-end path of "Taiwan independence" or reverse the historical trend toward national reunification.
• DPP authorities' attempt to build 'non-red' supply chain serves its decoupling agenda, exposing its subservience to the US: spokesperson Global Times 14 May 2025 -- Slamming Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Lai Ching-te's recent claim that he advocated for the establishment a of a "non-red supply chain" for global semiconductors that excludes the Chinese mainland, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday that the attempt aims to decouple from the Chinese mainland and sever cross-Straits economic ties.
• Mainland spokesperson slams Lai Ching-te's labeling of mainland as 'external hostile force' Global Times 14 May 2025 -- The Chinese mainland strongly condemned the recent remarks by Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te, who referred to the mainland as a "hostile external force" under the island's so-called anti-infiltration act during a media interview.
• Chinese mainland slams Lai Ching-te as "saboteur of cross-Strait peace" People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- The Chinese mainland on Wednesday said that Lai Ching-te's actions since taking office as Taiwan's leader have fully proven that he is a "saboteur of peace" and a "crisis maker" across the Taiwan Strait.
• Mainland spokesperson slams Taiwan for erasing 'Han Chinese' label, calls de-sinicization move 'absurd and laughable' Global Times 14 May 2025 -- A mainland spokesperson has sharply criticized on Wednesday the recent move by the Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to remove the term of people of the Han ethnic group from a population description on its official demographic data, replacing it with "other."
• Mainland slams DPP's "de-Sinicization" attempts in altering demographic terms People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned attempts by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to push "de-Sinicization" and sever the historical and cultural ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
• Taiwan's DPP faces widespread criticism for rebranding local ethnic Han people People's Daily 14 May 2025 -- Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have drawn intense criticism after reclassifying people of the Han ethnic group as the island's "other" population in its official demographic data.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 14 May 2025
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Combined Tactical Drill of Different Arms Conducted under Training Course of Conference of Training Officers of KPA KCNA 14 May 2025 -- The combined tactical drill of special operations sub-units for passing the standard of all-purpose battalion took place as demonstration drill under the training course of the conference of training officers of the Korean People's Army and training match and joint fire strike demonstration were held between tankmen's sub-units on May 13.
• Iran and European troika to hold talks in Turkey on Friday: Foreign Ministry spokesperson IRNA 14 May 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has announced a meeting between senior diplomats from Iran and three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, this week.
• Iran to hold meeting with European parties to JCPOA on Friday: Foreign Ministry spokesman Press TV 14 May 2025 -- According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Tehran and the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal will hold the fourth round of talks on the revival of the pact on May 16.
• Imposing Sanctions on China- and Iran-based Entities and Individuals that Support Iran's Ballistic Missile Program US Dept. of State 14 May 2025 -- Today, the United States is sanctioning entities and individuals primarily based in China and Hong Kong for their support to Iran's ballistic missile program.
• Treasury Targets Iran's Efforts to Domestically Manufacture Key Ballistic Missile Components US Treasury 14 May 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating six individuals and 12 entities for their involvement in efforts to help the Iranian regime domestically source the manufacturing of critical materials needed for Tehran's ballistic missile program. Those sanctioned support the various Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sub-organizations that oversee the effort to help Iran domestically develop carbon fiber materials needed to manufacture intercontinental ballistic missiles.
• Iran will only accept a fair agreement in nuclear talks with the U.S., lawmakers say IRNA 14 May 2025 -- Iranian lawmakers have stressed that the country will not settle for anything less than a fair deal regarding its peaceful nuclear program and the removal of unjust U.S. sanctions.
• Araqchi slams Trump's anti-Iran rhetoric as 'sheer deception' IRNA 14 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has sharply censured U.S. President Donald Trump's latest anti-Iran rhetoric, saying Trump was distorting regional realities and whitewashing Israeli aggression in Gaza.
• Exclusive | Spokesperson: Experience necessitates extraordinary caution when negotiating with U.S. IRNA 14 May 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that historical precedent necessitates extraordinary caution for Iran to negotiate with the U.S.
• Baqaei: Halting Iran's nuclear program is not an issue in negotiations IRNA 14 May 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has stressed that halting Iran's nuclear program is not being discussed in the negotiations.
• Trump says he hopes diplomacy with Iran will bring deal Press TV 14 May 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism that diplomatic efforts on Iran's nuclear activities would bear fruit, reiterating that he wants to "make a deal with Iran."
• FM Araghchi: Trump's remarks on Iran in Riyadh 'deceptive' Press TV 14 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed US President Donald Trump's remarks about Iran's progress as "deceptive", citing Washington's sanctions which have hit the country for more than four decades.
• Iran: No need to continue talks if US seeks zero enrichment Press TV 14 May 2025 -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has underlined as a "red line" the Islamic Republic's right to enrich uranium, saying the finalization of an agreement with the United States on the country's peaceful nuclear program is contingent upon observing such principles.
• Shahid Bahonar Port: Strategic overview and operational capabilities IRNA 14 May 2025 -- Shahid Bahonar Port is located in Hormozgan province, within Bandar Abbas county, on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. The port lies 1,333 kilometers from Tehran and is positioned just 8 kilometers west of the city of Bandar Abbas.
• Iran orders halt to cement, steel manufacturing as power demand soars Press TV 14 May 2025 -- Iranian media report shows cement and steel factories across the country have been ordered to halt their production for the next two weeks to control demand for electricity.
• Iran finally approves controversial convention needed to join FATF Press TV 14 May 2025 -- Iran has finally endorsed a controversial UN convention that is required for a country to be removed from a blacklist issued by the global financial crime watchdog FATF.
• Leader: Iran duty-bound to stand against oppressive regimes Press TV 14 May 2025 -- Iran must stand against child-killing regimes and their backers and stop oppression, and it will continue to do so despite this stance leading to enmity towards the Islamic Republic, according to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.
• Trump, Gulf Leaders Laud Saudi Arabia's Pivotal Regional, Global Role at GCC-USA Summit SPA 14 May 2025 -- During today's GCC-USA Summit in Riyadh, US President Donald J. Trump and the leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states expressed gratitude and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
• HRH the Crown Prince, US President Co-Chair GCC-USA Summit in Riyadh SPA 14 May 2025 -- At the invitation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and President Donald J. Trump of the United States, the GCC-USA Summit took place in Riyadh today.
• Telephonic Conversation between the Prime Minister and United Nations Secretary General Pakistan - Prime Miinister's Office 14 May 2025
• Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan calls on the Prime Minister Pakistan - Prime Miinister's Office 14 May 2025
• Telephonic conversation between the Prime Minister and the President of the UAE Pakistan - Prime Miinister's Office 14 May 2025
• "Responsibility for Germany" Germany - Federal Government 14 May 2025 -- Strengthening Europe, expanding Germany's defence capabilities, boosting economic growth and ensuring an orderly migration policy were the focal points of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first government statement in the German Bundestag.
• Remarks by President Antonio Costa after his meeting in Pristina with President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu EC/CEU 14 May 2025
• Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference with President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović EC/CEU 14 May 2025
• Venezuela Fact-Finding Mission urges end to State use of isolation against detained opponents and warns about lack of effective judicial protection OHCHR 14 May 2025 -- Venezuela's Government must immediately cease holding its opponents or those perceived as such in conditions of isolation and incommunicado detention, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela said today. The Mission expressed deep concern over a practice it said often amounts to enforced disappearances, and the widespread lack of effective judicial protection.
• Orban's Party Proposes New Legislation Critics Liken To Russia's Foreign Agent Law RFE/RL 14 May 2025 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's nationalist Fidesz party has introduced legislation in parliament that would blacklist organizations receiving foreign funding if they are deemed a "threat" to national sovereignty in what critics say is another move to crack down on dissent with elections looming.
• Deputy Minister Robert Kupiecki participates in Council of Europes ministerial session Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14 May 2025 -- MFA Undersecretary of State Robert Kupiecki headed the Polish delegation to the annual session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, taking place in Luxembourg on 13-14 May 2025.
• World News in Brief: Sudan refugees, aid for Syrian returnees, MERS alert in Saudi Arabia, Venezuela urged to end secret detentions UN News 14 May 2025 -- More than 40,000 Sudanese have fled to eastern Chad in the past month to escape intensifying violence in Darfur.