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Defense Policy / Programs

• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Statement on Golden Dome for America DoD 20 May 2025 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) welcomes President Trump's announcement regarding the Golden Dome for America, a next-generation missile defense shield. This bold initiative, formalized in Executive Order (EO) 14186 on January 27, 2025, represents a historic investment in American security and fulfills our duty to protect the homeland first and foremost.
• Secretary Hegseth Statement Directing DOD Review of U.S. Military Withdrawal From Afghanistan DoD 20 May 2025 -- "Three and a half years ago the Biden Administration's disastrous and embarrassing withdrawal from Afghanistan led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and 170 civilians in a suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport's Abbey Gate."
• Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesperson and Senior Advisor, Sean Parnell, on Immediate Modifications to the Personal Property Program DoD 20 May 2025 -- One of our greatest responsibilities is to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, Civilians, and their families who have volunteered to serve their country.
• Air, Space Force Leaders Stress Modernization, Readiness DoD News 20 May 2025 -- Senior leaders from the Department of the Air Force testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee during a posture hearing in Washington today.
• Service Leaders Discuss Transformation DoD News 20 May 2025 -- Military leaders discussed transformation the services face amongst the growth of national security threats yesterday during a Council on Foreign Relations panel in Manhattan, New York.
• US Air Force B-52s arrive at Morón for Bomber Task Force Europe deployment US Air Force 20 May 2025 -- U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft arrived at Morón Air Base, Spain, May 20, as part of the latest Bomber Task Force Europe deployment.
• U.S. and Malaysia Deepen Defense and Commercial Partnerships at LIMA 25 US Navy 20 May 2025 -- U.S. service members and military units arrived on the Malaysian island of Langkawi to participate in the biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA 25) from May 20-24.
• Keel Laid for Future USS Quentin Walsh US Navy Press Release 20 May 2025 -- The keel for the future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on May 20, at Bath Iron Works (BIW).
• Readout of Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby Meeting with the Commander of the Colombian Navy Adm. Juan Ricardo Rozo Obregón US Navy Press Release 20 May 2025
• Army Guard Soldiers train for Kosovo deployment Army News 20 May 2025 -- More than 500 Army National Guard Soldiers under Task Force Tiger are conducting a culminating training event at Fort Cavazos in preparation for an upcoming deployment to support a NATO-led peacekeeping mission supporting Kosovo Force Regional Command-East.
• New Hampshire Army National Guard Hosts 2025 Cyber Yankee Training Exercise Army News 20 May 2025 -- The New Hampshire National Guard hosted more than 300 participants from the military, government, private industry, and state partnership countries for a two-week cyber defense exercise May 5-16 at the Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke.
• 773rd's Inactivation Ceremony Army News 20 May 2025 -- The 773rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD CST) furled its guidon for the last time during an inactivation ceremony hosted by the 7th Mission Support Command (MSC) at Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, May 9, 2025.
• Norway proposes Bodø as location for new NATO air operations centre Government of Norway 20 May 2025 -- 'The Norwegian Government has decided to put forward Bodø as the location for the new NATO combined air operations centre,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
• Secretary General calls for stronger NATO-EU cooperation to strengthen deterrence and defence NATO 20 May 2025 -- On Tuesday (20 May 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attended the Foreign Affairs Council with EU Defence Ministers. He highlighted the importance of closer NATO-EU relations, in light of the threats from Russia, China's military build-up, and terrorism.
• From Tallinn To The Hague: The Run-Up To The NATO Summit RFE/RL 20 May 2025
• Russian Conscripts Can't Be Sent Into Battle. This One Was. And He's Not Happy About It. RFE/RL 20 May 2025 -- In December 2023, along with tens of thousands of other 18-year-old men, Aleksandr, from the Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, was called up for mandatory military service in the Russian armed forces.
• Ukraine and the Czech Republic deepen economic and defence cooperation - joint statement by Prime Ministers Ukraine Government 20 May 2025 -- Ukraine and the Czech Republic will strengthen their partnership and enhance cooperation in economic, defence, and humanitarian spheres. This was outlined in a joint statement by the Prime Ministers of both countries, Denys Shmyhal and Petr Fiala, adopted following their meeting on 20 May.
• China puts advanced detection, command and control systems on display at radar expo Global Times 20 May 2025 -- In recent regional conflicts, the battle for dominance in the electromagnetic domain, represented by radar technology, has become a decisive factor in determining the outcome on the battlefield. Against this backdrop, the Global Times visited the 11th World Radio Detection and Ranging Expo (World Radar Expo), which is being held from Saturday to Monday in Hefei, East China's Anhui Province, to learn about China's world-leading radar technologies.
• 8TH MEETING OF THE INDIA - US JOINT WORKING GROUP ON AIRCRAFT CARRIER TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION India PIB 20 May 2025 -- The 8th meeting of the India-US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC), constituted under the auspices of the India - US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), was organised in India from 13 to 16 May 2025
• New EU-UK Agreements Have Common Thread: Russia RFE/RL 20 May 2025 -- The first EU-UK summit since Brexit over five years ago moved Britain closer to the EU, but without crossing any well-known Brexit red lines such as rejoining the EU's customs union or single market.
• EU Member States reaffirm EDA's central role in coordinating capability development European Defence Agency 20 May 2025 -- At the EDA Steering Board held in Brussels today, EU Ministers of Defence endorsed the European Defence Agency's synthesis of projects, actions and proposals for short-term joint acquisitions of defence equipment, in line with the initial list of priority areas set out in the European Council (EUCO) conclusions of 6 March 2025 and the White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030.
• Common Security and Defence Policy: EU Rapid Deployment Capacity becomes operational European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 May 2025 -- The EU's Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC) is now operational. This marks a significant step in the EU's ability to act quickly and decisively whenever a crisis erupts.
• Investments in security guarantee deterrence Poland - Ministry of National Defence 20 May 2025 -- The more we invest in our security, the more we spend on equipping our Armed Forces, the more we will deter those that wish us harm.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - AW-119Kx Helicopters DSCA 20 May 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bosnia and Herzegovina of AW-119Kx helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $100 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• PCG, USCG boost joint maritime capabilities in Palawan exercise Philippine News Agency 20 May 2025 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) have strengthened their joint maritime operational capabilities during a capacity-building exercise in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Tuesday.
• Germany, Italy working on PH submarine offer - envoy Philippine News Agency 20 May 2025 -- Germany on Tuesday touted its leadership in the defense technology industry in its pitch to sell the cutting-edge U212 NFS submarines to the Philippine Navy.
• PH Navy working to achieve 'holistic defense posture' Philippine News Agency 20 May 2025 -- The Philippine Navy has been hard at work to attain a "holistic defense posture" for the country and its vast maritime territories, its chief said Tuesday.
• 2 modern ships commissioned as PH Navy marks 127th anniversary Philippine News Agency 20 May 2025 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) formally commissioned into service two modern vessels on its 127th founding anniversary with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leading the rites on Tuesday.
• PH, Australia troops kick off 'Kasangga' drills in CDO Philippine News Agency 20 May 2025 -- The month-long Exercise "Kasangga" 2025-1 between Filipino and Australian military forces officially kicked off on Monday.
• Kiribati Accedes to the Biological Weapons Convention US Dept. of State 20 May 2025 -- The United States congratulates Kiribati, which deposited its instrument of accession to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) with the United States on May 20, 2025.
• Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yilmaz US Dept. of State 20 May 2025
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio Before the Senate Committee on Appropriations on the FY26 Department of State Budget Request US Dept. of State 20 May 2025
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on the FY26 Department of State Budget Request US Dept. of State 20 May 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 20, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 20 May 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 May 2025

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

• Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister 20 May 2025
• Israel feigning negotiations in Doha while escalating Gaza war: Hamas Press TV 20 May 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says an Israeli delegation in the Qatari capital has no authority to engage in real negotiations or seal a ceasefire agreement.
• Israeli forces storm homes near Tulkarm as raids, abductions rage on in West Bank Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Israeli forces have conducted several raids in the occupied West Bank, storming multiple Palestinian homes while making arrests.
• One killed as Israeli drone hits motorcycle in southern Lebanon in violation of ceasefire Press TV 20 May 2025 -- In the latest blatant violation of a shaky ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, the Israeli military has conducted an aerial attack in the Arab country's South Governorate, killing at least one person.
• UN life-saving aid allowed to trickle into Gaza as needs mount UN News 20 May 2025 -- Aid is trickling into Gaza after nearly three months of blockade, but it remains far from enough to meet the soaring humanitarian needs, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
• UNRWA Department of Health Annual Report 2024 UNRWA 20 May 2025 -- UNRWA has released its 2024 Health Report, highlighting the immense toll on Palestine Refugees and the extraordinary dedication of UNRWA health staff working under some of the most dangerous and difficult conditions in the Agency's history.
• Nearly 100,000 Palestinians displaced in Gaza over past four days, says UN agency Press TV 20 May 2025 -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says more than 97,000 Palestinians have been displaced in the Gaza Strip over the past four days, warning that displacement is a "constant" in the territory, as the Israeli military expands its ground invasion of the besieged coastal sliver.
• UN warns 14,000 Gaza babies could die in 48 hours if siege continues Press TV 20 May 2025 -- UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher has warned that as many as 14,000 babies could lose their lives in Gaza within 48 hours if the siege of the war-torn territory continues.
• 'Assault on children': UN experts condemn renewed attacks on UNRWA schools in Gaza and East Jerusalem OHCHR 20 May 2025 -- Attacks on schools are an assault on children, UN experts said today, condemning the latest attacks on UNRWA schools in Gaza and the storming and forcible closure of UN schools in Jerusalem by Israeli occupation forces.
• Only thing entering Gaza right now is bombs: UNRWA Press TV 20 May 2025 -- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, says Gaza is probably facing its worst humanitarian crisis since October 2023.
• U.N. warns 14,000 babies at risk of imminent death in Gaza without aid IRNA 20 May 2025 -- The United Nations has warned that up to 14,000 infants in Gaza could die within the next 48 hours unless immediate humanitarian assistance is delivered to them.
• Araqchi and Hamas delegation discuss new Israeli crimes IRNA 20 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Basem Naim, former Health Minister in the Gaza Strip, and Osama Hamdan, a member of Hamas's politburo, to review the latest developments in Palestine, particularly the new wave of Israeli crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• 'Unacceptable and intolerable': International pressure mounting on Israel over Gaza Press TV 20 May 2025 -- International pressure is mounting on Israel over its persisting genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip as the United Kingdom, the European Union, and China warn the occupying entity over "unacceptable" situation in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.
• Western countries slam Israeli crimes in Gaza IRNA 20 May 2025 -- The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada, in a joint statement, slammed the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government toward Gaza and urged an immediate end to military attacks and the blockade.
• UK sanctions hit West Bank violence network UK FCDO 20 May 2025 -- UK sanctions individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, as Foreign Secretary pauses free trade agreement negotiations with Israel.
• Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025 UK FCDO 20 May 2025 -- Oral statement to Parliament
• UK suspends free trade talks with Israel, summons regime's ambassador Press TV 20 May 2025 -- The UK has suspended free trade negotiations with Israel, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was horrified by Israel's escalation of the war in Gaza.
• Britain halts trade talks with Israel amid escalating Gaza offensive IRNA 20 May 2025 -- Britain on Tuesday put a halt to free trade negotiations with Israel after Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock over the escalating military assault and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• EU to reassess relations with Israel amid ongoing genocide, aid crisis in Gaza Press TV 20 May 2025 -- The European Union has taken a first formal step towards reassessing its political and economic relationship with the Israeli regime amid Tel Aviv's ongoing war of genocide on the Gaza Strip and its near-total restriction of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory.
• Morocco's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the al-Quds Committee, combines political and diplomatic action with field initiatives to benefit the Palestinian people, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, MFA Nasser Bourita, said in Rabat on Tuesday. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2025
• Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita affirmed on Tuesday in Rabat that the Kingdom of Morocco, in light of its historical responsibility and its chairmanship of the Al-Quds Committee, considers the two-state solution as the cornerstone for ensuring the security and stability of the region. Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2025
• The Fifth Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution kicked off in Rabat on Tuesday, under the theme "Sustaining Momentum for the Peace Process: Lessons Learned, Success Stories and Steps Forward". Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2025
• Spanish PM calls for Israel ban at intl. competitions, Eurovision over Gaza genocide Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for Israel to be excluded from international cultural events such as the Eurovision Song Contest over the regime's genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• Pakistan Strongly Condemns Continued Israeli Aggression in Gaza Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2025 -- Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued Israeli aggression in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, as well as deliberate targeting of hospitals and other critical infrastructure, along with mass evacuation orders.
• Yemen declares naval blockade of Haifa Port to support Palestine IRNA 20 May 2025 -- Yemen announces blockade on Haifa Port in response to ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip and in support of the Palestinian people.

Operation SINDOOR / Operation Bunyanun Marsoos

• Statement by the Spokesperson in Response to Media Queries Regarding the Remarks Made by a Senior Indian Army Officer Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2025 -- Responding to the media queries regarding the remarks made by a senior Indian Army officer that Pakistan attempted to target the Golden Temple through drones and missiles on the intervening night of 7 and 8 May 2025, the Spokesperson said:

Other Conflicts

• Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on Maritime Security UN Secretary-General 20 May 2025
• 90 days to economic collapse: UN and experts sound alarm over security at sea UN News 20 May 2025 -- The UN Secretary-General on Tuesday urged world powers to uphold international maritime law and overcome geopolitical rivalries, warning that growing threats are endangering global trade, marine ecosystems and international peace.
• 'Without Maritime Security, There Can Be No Global Security', Secretary-General Tells Security Council Open Debate UN Security Council 20 May 2025 -- The head of the United Nations told the Security Council today that the "basic condition" for preserving maritime security is that all States respect international law, following which speakers in a day-long debate urged cooperation to address common challenges in this domain.
• As Maritime Security Threats Grow More Complex, 'Enhanced Coordination, Stronger Maritime Governance Essential', Secretary-General Tells Security Council UN Security Council 20 May 2025 -- Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres' remarks to the Security Council high-level open debate on maritime security, in New York today:
• Global action is needed to tackle the growing threats that face our seas, people and shared prosperity: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 May 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on maritime security.
• China Coast Guard supervises Philippine resupply mission to illegally grounded warship PRC MND 20 May 2025 -- China Coast Guard said it had allowed and supervised a Philippine resupply mission to the illegally grounded warship at China's Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea on May 16.
• With China's permission, Philippines delivers daily necessities to its war ship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao Global Times 20 May 2025 -- With permission from Chinese side, the Philippines dispatched one civilian vessel on Friday to deliver daily necessities to its war ship that had illegally run aground on Ren'ai Jiao. The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) questioned, verified the Philippine vessel and supervised the entire process, said the China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun, according to the CCG Wechat account on Tuesday.
• Afghanistan's returnees at a crossroads between collapse and recovery UN News 20 May 2025 -- Afghanistan stands at a critical juncture, where the large-scale return of refugees could either plunge the country deeper into crisis or contribute to a path of renewal and stability.
• UNHCR: Mass returns push Afghanistan to brink as aid dwindles UNHCR 20 May 2025 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners are responding to the mass return of Afghans, even as funding is drastically reduced.
• EU announces €80 million humanitarian aid package for Yemen European Commission 20 May 2025 -- The Commission has announced €80 million in EU humanitarian funding for 2025 to support people in need in Yemen.
• Yemen: Council approves conclusions calling for a renewed momentum in the peace efforts EC/CEU 20 May 2025 -- Today, the Council approved conclusions on Yemen expressing the EU's grave concern over the deterioration of the security, economic and humanitarian situation in the country.
• 116 Aid organizations call for immediate action to pull Yemen back from the brink of catastrophe UNOCHA 20 May 2025 -- After more than a decade of severe crisis and conflict, people in Yemen are facing what may be their toughest year so far. Conflict, economic collapse and climate shocks continue to drive humanitarian needs. Aid is drying up due to severe funding cuts. Airstrikes have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and damaged critical infrastructure.
• Syria: Council statement on the lifting of EU economic sanctions EC/CEU 20 May 2025 -- The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, engaging in the search for a political solution and leading financial assistance. The EU also adopted sanctions against Assad's criminal regime.
• Joint Statement on the U.S.-Türkiye Syria Working Group US Dept. of State 20 May 2025 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States and the Republic of Türkiye.
• Sri Lankan president pledges to prevent repeat of civil war tragedies People's Daily 20 May 2025 -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the tragic events of the past are never repeated in Sri Lanka, the President's Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.
• PKK rejects 'exile' of its members from Turkey after agreeing to disband Press TV 20 May 2025 -- A spokesman for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group has objected to the exile of its members from Turkey as a result of any future peace deal with Ankara, saying that "real peace requires integration, not exile."
• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Sudan UN Secretary-General 20 May 2025
• KSrelief-funded nutrition support reaches more than 6,000 vulnerable women and children in South Sudan WFP 20 May 2025 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reached more than 6,000 vulnerable mothers and children in flood-affected Bentiu, Unity State, with lifesaving nutrition assistance, thanks to generous funding from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief).
• Chinese peacekeepers to South Sudan start rehabilitating main supply route from Tonj to Romich PRC MND 20 May 2025 -- On May 17, local time, the 15th Chinese Peacekeeping Horizontal Engineering Company to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) launched the rehabilitation of a main supply route from Tonj to Romich.

News Reports

• Germany, PH bat for intel sharing arrangement Philippine News Agency 20 May 2025 -- Germany and the Philippines on Tuesday highlighted the need for a mechanism that would facilitate exchange of classified information between their two militaries.
• Israel claims two men arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Israeli authorities say they have arrested two men suspected of surveilling minister of military affairs, Israel Katz, on behalf of Iran.
• Nations adopt historic pledge to guard against future pandemics UN News 20 May 2025 -- After three years of negotiations sparked by the COVID-19 crisis, countries have adopted the world's first-ever international agreement to better prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. The new accord marks a major step towards ensuring stronger global cooperation to protect lives and avoid the devastating consequences of future outbreaks.
• World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement to make the world more equitable and safer from future pandemics WHO 20 May 2025 -- Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) today formally adopted by consensus the world's first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the 78th World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and driven by the goal of making the world safer from - and more equitable in response to - future pandemics.
• UK adopts historic Pandemic Agreement UK FCDO 20 May 2025 -- Better protections for British public and NHS thanks to deal adopted at the World Health Assembly in Geneva.
• World Health Assembly adopts new Pandemic Agreement Finnish Government 20 May 2025 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is holding its 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 19-27 May. The Finnish delegation to the Assembly is led by Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen. The Assembly adopted the new WHO Pandemic Agreement on 20 May.
• Organized crime groups increasingly embedded in gold supply chain UN News 20 May 2025 -- The global drive for renewable energy technologies has sharply increased demand for so-called critical minerals, heightening the risk of crime, corruption, and instability across supply chains as organised crime groups infiltrate the mining industry.
• Chinese Vice Premier meets WHO head, calling on safeguarding scientific integrity and seriousness of COVID19 origin-tracing research Global Times 20 May 2025 -- During his meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) on Monday, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China remains committed to advancing the Healthy China initiative and firmly supports the WHO's leadership and coordinating role in global health governance, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
• No significant change observed in clinical severity of the COVID-19: China CDC researcher Global Times 20 May 2025 -- A researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) said on Tuesday that recent COVID-19 outbreaks in some countries and regions have shown a slight upward trend, but there has been no significant change in the clinical severity of the disease.
• Increasing cyber defence: Switzerland takes part in the PESCO project "Cyber Ranges Federations" Federal Council - Swiss Government 20 May 2025 -- Switzerland will take part in the European PESCO project "Cyber Ranges Federations". The EU Council approved participation today. The goal of the project is to network national cyber training infrastructures with each other to enable realistic, ambitious and efficient training in the area of cyber defence.
• PESCO: Switzerland will be invited to participate in the 'Cyber Ranges Federations' project EC/CEU 20 May 2025 -- The Council adopted today a decision confirming that the participation of Switzerland in the PESCO project 'Cyber Ranges Federations' meets the general conditions set out in Decision (CFSP) 2020/1639 of November 2020, and will bring substantial added value and mutual benefit to the project, given its work developing the Swiss Cyber Training Range and Cyber-Defence Campus.
• Cyber: EU and Republic of Korea hold 7th Cyber Dialogue in Seoul European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 May 2025 -- On 20 May, the European Union and the Republic of Korea held their seventh Cyber Dialogue in Seoul.
• EU, UK Target 'Warmonger' Putin And Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' With New Sanctions RFE/RL 20 May 2025 -- The European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed a new batch of sanctions targeting dozens of ships considered to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" that help Moscow avoid restrictions placed on it over the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago.
• EU adopts 17th sanctions package against Russia European Commission 20 May 2025 -- The European Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of the 17th Russia sanctions package. New EU sanctions increase the cost for Russia to continue its war, adding pressure on its already strained and fragile economy. This is a clear signal of the EU's continued and unwavering support for Ukraine.
• Russian hybrid threats: EU lists further 21 individuals and 6 entities and introduces sectoral measures in response to destabilising activities against the EU, its member states and international partners EC/CEU 20 May 2025 -- The Council today decided to impose additional restrictive measures against 21 individuals and 6 entities responsible for Russia's destabilising actions abroad.
• Human rights violations in Russia: EU lists further 28 individuals EC/CEU 20 May 2025 -- The Council today imposed restrictive measures on 28 individuals responsiblefor serious violations of human rights, the repression of democratic opposition, and activities seriously undermining the rule of law in Russia.
• Baiba Braže: the 17th package of EU sanctions increases twofold the number of the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet ships, further undermining Russia's crumbling economy Latvia MFA 20 May 2025 -- On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the EU Foreign Affairs Council officially agreed the 17th package of sanctions on Russia thereby considerably increasing economic pressure on the aggressor state, including through the following
• Does The EU Still Have The Sanctions Cards Needed To Hurt Russia? RFE/RL 20 May 2025 -- With the ink still drying on the European Union's freshly printed 17th sanctions package on Russia, work is already underway on a next step that European leaders say will be "massive."
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at a reception on the occasion of Orthodox Easter, May 20, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2025
• PM Tusk: Poland Must Seal Entire Border with Russia and Belarus Poland - Chancellery of the Prime Minister 20 May 2025 -- "A key priority for my government was the immediate sealing of the border so that the practice of anyone being able to enter Poland at will would never happen again," said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 20, 2025 PRC MofA 20 May 2025
• China a stable, long-term partner that regional countries can trust: Foreign Ministry official Global Times 20 May 2025 -- As a supporter of free trade, a defender of the interests of developing countries, and a leader in regional cooperation, China is a stable, long-term partner that regional countries can trust and rely on, a Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday.
• Chinese FM meets with Pakistani deputy PM in Beijing Global Times 20 May 2025 -- As an ironclad friend, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, support Pakistan in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, support Pakistan in resolutely combating terrorism, and support Pakistan in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, said in meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday in Beijing.
• Wang Yi Meets with Chair of the National Economic Council of Indonesia Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan PRC MofA 20 May 2025 -- On May 20, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Chair of the National Economic Council of Indonesia Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan in Beijing.
• China cuts LPR to spur bank lending and boost borrowing Global Times 20 May 2025 -- China's one-year loan prime rate (LPR), a market-based benchmark lending rate, was lowered to 3.0 percent on Tuesday, down by 10 basis points, in the central bank's first cut of the rate this year.
• China's relay satellite operating smoothly, ready to support global lunar missions Global Times 20 May 2025 -- Queqiao-2, China's relay satellite for its lunar landing missions, is set to support future moon exploration endeavors by other countries, according to the country's Deep Space Exploration Lab.
• Guangzhou tech firm hit by overseas cyberattack with distinct signs of cyber warfare: public security authorities Global Times 20 May 2025 -- The Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau's Tianhe District Branch on Tuesday released a police report stating that a tech company in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, was targeted by overseas hackers in a cyberattack, prompting the police to initiate an investigation. The police revealed that the attack has a clear political background and shows distinct signs of cyber warfare. The Global Times will continue to follow the progress of the investigation on the case.
• Chinese police probe cyber attack targeting sci-tech company by overseas hackers People's Daily 20 May 2025 -- The backend system of the self-service equipment of a science and technology company based in Guangzhou, capital city of south China's Guangdong Province, was subjected to a cyberattack with malicious code uploaded, said a local police report released Tuesday.
• China urges U.S. to cease discriminatory measures People's Daily 20 May 2025 -- China's commerce ministry on Monday condemned the United States for abusing export control measures targeting Chinese chip products, urging the country to immediately correct its wrongdoings and cease discriminatory measures against China.
• China's central bank reduces LPR, major lenders cut deposit rates, moves deemed to spur bank borrowing Global Times 20 May 2025 -- China's one-year loan prime rate (LPR), a market-based benchmark lending rate, was lowered to 3.0 percent on Tuesday, down by 10 basis points, in the central bank's first cut of the rate this year.
• South Africa downgrades Taiwan status, signaling more China influence, say experts Radio Free Asia 20 May 2025 -- In a sign of China's expanding international influence, South Africa has downgraded the status of Taiwan's liaison office in the country, further diminishing the democratic island's diplomatic footprint, experts say.
• Lai thanks Palau for support amid Taiwan's WHA exclusion CNA 20 May 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday thanked Palau for its continued support of Taiwan's international participation, as Taipei was once again excluded from the World Health Assembly (WHA) currently taking place in Switzerland.
• President Lai calls for opposition talks as political discord grows CNA 20 May 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday proposed holding talks with opposition party leaders amid protracted tensions and disputes between his administration and the opposition-led Legislature.
• Full text of President Lai's address on 1st anniversary of taking office CNA 20 May 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday delivered an address marking the first anniversary of his presidency.
• President Lai highlights sense of threat in 1st foreign TV interview CNA 20 May 2025 -- In his first foreign television interview since taking office one year ago, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) highlighted the sense of threat that China was posing to the world.
• Taiwan left out of WHA for 9th straight year after ally proposal fails CNA 20 May 2025 -- A proposal by Taiwan's diplomatic allies to invite Taiwan to this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) was rejected as expected on Monday, ensuring Taipei's absence from the annual world health meeting for a ninth consecutive year.
• Lai calls Beijing 'aggressor' threatening peace CNA 20 May 2025 -- President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday called out China for threatening peace across the Taiwan Strait, despite reiterating his openness to engaging in dialogue with Beijing.
• Mainland comments on Taiwan leader's speeches involving cross-Straits relations as duplicity doomed to failure Global Times 20 May 2025 -- In response to a question concerning that Taiwan region's leader delivered a speech today marking the first anniversary of assuming office and gave interviews to media after the speech, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stated that "Taiwan independence" activities are utterly incompatible with peace in the Straits, and that confrontation runs counter to dialogue and communication.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 20 May 2025
• Mainland spokesperson says WHA rejection of Taiwan-related proposal reflects international consensus People's Daily 20 May 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday said a recent decision by the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) once again proved that the one-China principle is a universal consensus of the international community.
• Mainland slams DPP for disrupting cultural exchanges across Taiwan Strait People's Daily 20 May 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday slammed the recent move of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to target certain performing artists from Taiwan who support closer cross-Strait relations.
• WHA again rejects Taiwan province proposal People's Daily 20 May 2025 -- The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, on Monday decided not to include in its agenda a proposal on the participation of China's Taiwan province in the annual assembly as an observer.
• The UK continues to call on North Korea to end grave human rights violations: UK statement at the UN General Assembly UK FCDO 20 May 2025 -- Statement by Archie Young, UK Ambassador to the UN General Assembly, at the UN General Assembly meeting on Human Rights Abuses and Violations in North Korea.
• 'Silence is complicity,' warns activist who fled DPR Korea UN News 20 May 2025 -- When human rights activist Eunju Kim was 11, her mother and older sister left, telling her they were going in search of food. For six days and six nights, Ms. Kim counted from one to 100 over and over again, desperate for their return.
• North Korea deploys handheld signal detectors to crack down on cross-border calls Radio Free Asia 20 May 2025 -- North Korean authorities have distributed high-performance handheld radio signal detectors to border security agents as part of an intensified campaign to block residents from making unauthorized phone calls to South Korea, local sources told RFA.
• DPRK Premier Inspects Various Sectors in North and South Hamgyong Provinces KCNA 20 May 2025 -- Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, inspected various sectors in North and South Hamgyong provinces of the DPRK.
• Iran's right to enrichment is non-negotiable, says foreign minister IRNA 20 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says Iran will not negotiate over its right to enrich uranium, adding that the United States has raised "unreasonable and illogical" demands during the course of indirect negotiations with Tehran.
• Iran's uranium enrichment not open for negotiation: FM Araghchi Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Iran will not negotiate over its uranium enrichment program in indirect talks with the United States, and will not forego this right under any conditions, said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
• Khamenei Says White House Making 'Big Mistake' In Demanding Nuclear Enrichment Ban RFE/RL 20 May 2025 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cast doubt over ongoing negotiations with the United States on Iran's nuclear program, saying Washington is making a "big mistake" in demanding a full ban on uranium enrichment inside the Middle Eastern country.
• Iran will not wait for permission for uranium enrichment: Leader IRNA 20 May 2025 -- Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, urged U.S. officials to refrain from making unfounded claims, emphasizing that Iran does not seek permission from anyone to enrich uranium.
• Iran waits for 'no one's permission' for enrichment; US must stop talking nonsense: Leader Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called it "utterly wrong" for the United States to insist on Iran's completely stopping its peaceful uranium enrichment activities.
• Pezeshkian: Further expansion of Iran-Turkmenistan ties to benefit both nations Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Islamic Republic is eager to expand ties with Turkmenistan in various fields.
• Iran deputy FM says proposal for next round of indirect US talks 'received, under review' Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs says the Islamic Republic has received a proposal for the fifth round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States, which the country is currently studying.
• FM: Iran reestablishing ties with Bahrain and Egypt Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the process of reestablishing relations with Bahrain and Egypt has begun.
• Iran allows manufacturers to import electricity Press TV 20 May 2025 -- The Iranian Energy Ministry has allowed large manufacturers in the country to start importing electricity amid restrictions imposed on their power supplies.
• More Saudi airlines set to fly to Iran after first flight lands on Tehran's tarmac amid détente Press TV 20 May 2025 -- A Saudi aviation official has confirmed that additional Saudi airlines will soon begin flights to Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport after the first Saudi flight landed in the Iranian capital amid diplomatic rapprochement between the two countries.
• Araqchi meets with President Barzani of Iraqi Kurdistan region IRNA 20 May 2025 -- President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani, visiting Iran to take part in the Tehran Dialogues Forum 2025, meets with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Tehran.
• President: Iran ready to share nuclear, technological expertise with Iraq Press TV 20 May 2025 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has met with Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein in Tehran. The two discussed bilateral cooperation and regional ties.
• Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 20 May 2025
• Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 20 May 2025
• Japan-Germany Summit Telephone Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 20 May 2025 -- On May 20, commencing at 16:10 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone meeting with H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Prime Minister speaks with President of Egypt Pakistan - Prime Miinister's Office 20 May 2025 -- Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with H.E. Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, this evening.
• Wang Yi Holds Talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar PRC MofA 20 May 2025 -- On May 20, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing.
• Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister's Meeting with the Minister of International Department of the Communist Party of China Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 May 2025 -- Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met today with the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Liu Jianchao.
• Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his visit to Air Headquarters, Islamabad. ISPR Pakistan 20 May 2025 -- Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, during his visit to Air Headquarters, Islamabad.
• Foreign Affairs Council: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas after the meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 May 2025 -- Check against delivery!
• Foreign Affairs Council: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas upon arrival European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 May 2025
• For a strong Europe in the world - the EU Foreign Affairs Council focuses on Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa Germany Federal Foreign Office 20 May 2025 -- The Foreign Ministers of the EU will be convening today and tomorrow in Brussels to discuss key foreign policy challenges: the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the tense situation in the Middle East and how the partnership with Africa can be further developed.