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News Reports

Current Operations

• U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al Shabaab AFRICOM 21 May 2025 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes against al Shabaab on May 17, 2025.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Information Leader Describes Network as Critical Weapons System DoD News 21 May 2025 -- The Department of Defense Information Network is a central resource and critical weapons system for defending the homeland, deterring China and rebuilding the military, said Army Lt. Gen. Paul T. Stanton, director of the Defense Information Systems Agency and commander of the Joint Forces Headquarters-DODIN, during a hearing today before the Senate Armed Services Committee's cybersecurity subcommittee in Washington.
• Predictable Budgets, Readiness, Recapitalization Top Priorities for Reserve Components DoD News 21 May 2025 -- Modernizing equipment, improving readiness and securing predictable funding for the next fight remain top priorities for the reserve components of the U.S. military, senior leaders told lawmakers yesterday.
• SecAF highlights FY26 priorities, strategic challenges in SASC testimony US Air Force 21 May 2025 -- Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, alongside Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee to outline the Department of the Air Force's Fiscal Year 2026 budget priorities and the growing challenges facing the service, May 20. This hearing marked Meink's first appearance before the committee in his role as Secretary.
• U.S. 6th Fleet Staff embarks USS Mount Whitney in Atlantic Ocean US Navy 21 May 2025 -- U.S. 6th Fleet conducted a staff embark on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) from May 15-22, 2025.
• USS Charleston deploys to U.S. Northern Command Area of Responsibility US Navy 21 May 2025 -- The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) departed Naval Base San Diego to support U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) southern border operations, May 20.
• USS Forrest Sherman Visits Port of Algiers US Navy 21 May 2025 -- The USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) visited Algiers on a port visit this week.
• Nuclear Triad in Need of Modernization DoD News 21 May 2025 -- The Air Force Global Strike Team is responsible for the nation's strategic nuclear deterrence and conventional long-range strike missions, said Air Force Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Forces Strategic-Air, U.S. Strategic Command, who testified yesterday at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
• Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent USSTRATCOM 21 May 2025 -- A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle May 21 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
• U.S. - Qatari Forces Partner for Invincible Sentry CENTCOM 21 May 2025 -- For the third time in seven years, Qatar hosted U.S. forces to participate in a combined military exercise designed to improve interoperability and strengthen the enduring partnership between the two countries.
• Canada In Talks With US to Join Golden Dome Missile Defense System Sputnik 21 May 2025 -- Trump earlier said that his administration is launching the historic "Golden Dome" missile defense shield program, aimed at delivering the highest level of protection for US airspace.
• 13 Nations, 20,000 Personnel: NATO's Neptune Strike 25-1 Concludes with Success STRIKFORNATO 21 May 2025 -- The spring iteration of NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activity Neptune Strike 25-1 concluded with significant success. Throughout the month of April until 19th of May 2025, NATO successfully demonstrated its multi-domain capabilities reinforcing the freedom of movement across the Alliance's Southern and South-Eastern flank.
• NATO Secretary General meets with Dutch Prime Minister NATO 21 May 2025 -- On Wednesday (21 May 2025), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof to NATO Headquarters. The leaders held productive discussions on boosting defence spending, support for Ukraine and the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague.
• NATO Secretary General commends Czechia's commitment to a stronger, fairer and more lethal Alliance NATO 21 May 2025 -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Czech President Petr Pavel to NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (21 May 2025) to discuss preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague.
• Vice Minister K. Aleksa underlined strong military aid to Ukraine and stronger European defence capabilities Lithuania MND 21 May 2025 -- Vice Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa took part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) focussed on strengthening defence readiness of EU member states and ensuring military aid to Ukraine.
• Government ensures stable financing of the needs of the Defence Forces: Prime Minister Ukraine Government 21 May 2025 -- The state consistently and fully fulfils its obligations to its citizens. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a meeting of the Cabinet on 21 May.
• China expresses grave concern over US 'Golden Dome' missile defense system: FM spokesperson Global Times 21 May 2025 -- When asked to comment on report that the US released details of the "Golden Dome" missile defense system on Tuesday, which reportedly will be done in three years, consisting "next-generation" technologies across land, sea and space, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that the so-called "Golden Dome" missile defense system is a global, multi-level, multi-domain missile defense system. It openly seeks a significant expansion of outer space-based combat capabilities, including the development and deployment of orbital interception systems. It carries clear offensive implications, violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space as enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty, and will heighten the risks of space militarization and an arms race, undermining international security and arms control frameworks, Mao said.
• China slams U.S. missile shield plan, warns of space arms race IRNA 21 May 2025 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for endangering the "global strategic balance and stability" through his administration's advancement of the "Golden Dome" missile defense shield program, calling on the United States to abandon the initiative.
• China's J-10 fighter jet reshaping landscape of global defense industry: expert Global Times 21 May 2025 -- At the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) in Malaysia, global aviation powers are showcasing their top-tier equipment. The J-10CE fighter jet, the export variant of the J-10C, took the center stage at the Chinese booth, shortly following its remarkable debut in real combat, captivating international visitors and military analysts who were eager to observe the aircraft.
• Civil-military partners plan Pacific disaster response Australia DOD 21 May 2025 -- The Australian Civil Military Centre (ACMC) played a key role in Exercise Croix du Sud, a biennial multinational exercise led by French Armed Forces in New Caledonia to prepare for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Pacific.
• Iran and Belarus stress expanding military ties IRNA 21 May 2025 -- Army Commander Brigadier General Abdolrahim Mousavi and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus Vladimir Nikolaevich Kupriyanyuk underline developing military cooperation.
• US Wants London to Increase Defense Spending to 3% of GDP by 2029 Sputnik 21 May 2025 -- The United States wants the United Kingdom to increase its defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029, thus becoming an example for other European countries, The Times newspaper reported.
• Poland - GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs DSCA 21 May 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $180 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the first reading of the bill for withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention: flexibility in planning military defence contributes to Estonia's security Estonia MFA 21 May 2025 -- The bill on the withdrawal from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction or the Ottawa Convention passed the first reading in the Riigikogu today.
• Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on May 12-18, 2025 Lithuania MND 21 May 2025
• A look at the Defence news 12 - 18 May Netherlands Ministry of Defence 21 May 2025
• Navy: BRP Miguel Malvar 'good investment' for PH security, future Philippine News Agency 21 May 2025 -- The commissioning and inclusion of the brand new guided-missile frigate, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), to the Philippine Navy's (PN) fleet will enhance the country's capability to protect its maritime territories, a ranking naval official said Wednesday.
• PH, US naval, air units hold 6th joint maritime drill Philippine News Agency 21 May 2025 -- Naval and air units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US Indo-Pacific Command joined the sixth bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the waters of Palawan and Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio Before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the FY26 Department of State Budget Request US Dept. of State 21 May 2025
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the FY26 Department of State Budget Request US Dept. of State 21 May 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For May 21, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News
• 21 May 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 May 2025

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

• Israel's claim of allowing aid into Gaza a cover for 'starvation and genocide' Press TV 21 May 2025 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the Israeli regime continues using starvation as a weapon in its genocidal war against the defenseless civilians across the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Israeli settlers block aid trucks to Gaza amid growing famine fears Press TV 21 May 2025 -- A group of Israeli settlers gathered at the Karem Abu Salem border crossing to block aid trucks from entering the Gaza Strip, amid mounting international concern over the deepening humanitarian crisis and the threat of famine in the besieged enclave.
• Scores killed in new Israeli strikes as starving Gazans wait for aid Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Gaza health officials say Israeli airstrikes overnight through Wednesday killed at least 52 people, among them multiple women and a newborn baby.
• Gaza bleeds: 94 lives lost in a single day of Israeli genocidal bloodletting Press TV 21 May 2025 -- The Gaza Strip has witnessed the deaths of 94 people on the back of interminable Israeli airstrikes throughout the space of no more than a single day.
• Israeli forces open fire on diplomatic delegation visiting Jenin refugee camp Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Israeli forces stationed at Jenin refugee camp have fired live ammunition at a diplomatic delegation as it was entering the camp to view the living conditions of the refugees.
• Israeli forces open fire at European and Arab diplomats in West Bank IRNA 21 May 2025 -- Israeli forces on Wednesday opened fire at a delegation of European and Arab diplomats during a visit to Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.
• Israel kills two civilians in south Lebanon in violation of ceasefire Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Lebanon's Health Ministry says despite the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Hezbollah resistance group, Israel has attacked the southern part of the Arab country and killed two people.
• Federal Armed Forces to continue their deployment in Lebanon Germany - Federal Government 21 May 2025 -- The Federal Armed Forces will continue to participate in the peace-keeping mission United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The Federal Cabinet has decided to extend the mandate until the end of June 2026. The German Bundestag still needs to approve the resolution.
• Gaza: Aid trucks still waiting for Israeli green light inside enclave UN News 21 May 2025 -- UN aid workers said on Wednesday that they are still waiting for permission from Israel to distribute five trucks worth of lifesaving relief that was allowed into Gaza at the start of the week, after an 11-week blockade.
• UN alarmed after warning shots fired at foreign diplomats in the West Bank UN News 21 May 2025 -- The UN has called for an investigation following reports that Israeli forces opened fire on a diplomatic delegation near the Jenin camp in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday.
• UN experts call on Security Council to protect women and girls in Gaza and restore peace OHCHR 21 May 2025 -- The UN Security Council must urgently address Israel's unprecedented assault on civilians in Gaza and reaffirm its commitments to the Women, Peace and Security agenda, a group of independent human rights experts* said today.
• Gaza: UN Child Rights Committee condemns mass starvation of children amid aid blockades OHCHR 21 May 2025 -- The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned the continued obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza, urging the international community to pressure Israel to allow immediate and sustained access for essential food and medical supplies.
• Israel kills one woman every hour in Gaza: UN agency Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Israeli forces have killed over 28,000 women and girls in Gaza since October 2023, according to UN Women.
• The Federal Foreign Office on the shots fired at diplomats in Jenin Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 May 2025
• Norway condemns the attacks by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Government of Norway 21 May 2025
• Federal Council allocates CHF 20 million to occupied Palestinian territory and to UNRWA in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria Federal Council - Swiss Government 21 May 2025 -- At its meeting on 21 May 2025, the Federal Council decided to grant CHF 9 million to four humanitarian organisations to support Palestinians affected by the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory. A further CHF 10 million will be allocated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for its programme in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. CHF 1 million will also be earmarked to implement the Colonna report's recommendations for reinforcing UNRWA's impartiality.
• Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Gunfire on Diplomatic Delegation Visiting Jenin SPA 21 May 2025 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strongest condemnation and denunciation of the gunfire incident carried out by Israeli occupation forces targeting a diplomatic delegation that included ambassadors and representatives of Arab and foreign countries during their visit to Jenin Camp in the occupied West Bank.
• Kingdom Participates in 5th Meeting of Global Alliance for Implementation of Two-State Solution in Rabat SPA 21 May 2025 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated yesterday in the fifth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, jointly chaired by the Kingdom of Morocco and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The alliance was originally launched by Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Norway, and the European Union during a high-level meeting chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in New York in September 2024.
• Spanish Government condemns Israeli army's actions in the West Bank during a visit by European and Spanish diplomats and journalists Spain MFA 21 May 2025
• No: 111, 21 May 2025, Regarding the Attack by Israeli Soldiers Targeting Diplomats Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2025
• UK stands ready to send more aid to Gaza as Minister pledges further support UK FCDO 21 May 2025 -- Minister for Development announces new UK support for Gaza on first visit in her role to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
• Israel Targets Hospitals and Begins Displacement of Northern Gaza -----Attacks target Al-Aqsa and Al-Ibrahimi Mosques, and 82 Settler Attacks in the West Bank Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 21 May 2025 -- The Gaza Strip has entered a new chapter of brutal Israeli aggression, marked by the occupation forces beginning to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip by targeting hospitals and destroying its remaining buildings.
• The Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza, welcomes the joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 21 May 2025 -- The Ministerial Committee assigned by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit on Gaza, welcomes the joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the demands to end the war on Gaza and immediately allow the access of humanitarian aid to the Strip.

Operation SINDOOR / Operation Bunyanun Marsoos

• China welcomes, supports Pakistan, India handling differences through dialogue: FM Global Times 21 May 2025 -- China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India in properly handling their differences through dialogue, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and seek fundamental solutions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Tuesday.

Other Conflicts

• Chinese envoy criticizes US of hyping S.China Sea issue at Security Council debate Global Times 21 May 2025 -- China is committed to working with the countries concerned to appropriately address sea-related differences through dialogue and consultation on the basis of respect for historical facts and international law. The so-called award in the South China Sea arbitration is illegal and invalid, and China does not accept or recognize it, Charge d'affaires Ambassador Geng Shuang said at the UN Security Council open debate on maritime security on Tuesday.
• Urgent action needed to 'pull Yemen back from the brink of catastrophe' UN News 21 May 2025 -- Noor, a 16-month-old toddler, is from the Lahj governorate in the southwest corner of Yemen. A UN-partner volunteer diagnosed her with severe malnutrition - and her story became headline news when the UN relief chief recounted it to the Security Council during an impassioned briefing last week.
• EU announces €80 million humanitarian aid package for Yemen European Commission 21 May 2025 -- The Commission has announced €80 million in EU humanitarian funding for 2025 to support people in need in Yemen.
• Iran dismisses allegations that it violated U.N. arms embargo on Yemen IRNA 21 May 2025 -- Amir-Saeid Iravani, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, says that the claim regarding the Islamic Republic's violation of the U.N. arms embargo on Yemen is entirely baseless.
• Iran rejects 'unfounded' claim of violating UN arms ban on Yemen Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations has rejected allegations of violating the UN arms embargo on Yemen as "entirely unfounded," reaffirming Tehran's noninvolvement in any action breaching Security Council resolutions.
• Following a tragic incident on 19 May 2025 in the general area of Mir Ali, North Waziristan District, which regrettably resulted in civilian casualties, unfounded and misleading allegations have been circulated by certain quarters, falsely implicating Pakistan's security forces. ISPR Pakistan 21 May 2025 -- Following a tragic incident on 19 May 2025 in the general area of Mir Ali, North Waziristan District, which regrettably resulted in civilian casualties, unfounded and misleading allegations have been circulated by certain quarters, falsely implicating Pakistan's security forces.
• Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Minister of Defence, Minister of Interior, Minister of Information and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited QuettaMay 21, 2025 Pakistan - Prime Miinister's Office 21 May 2025 -- In a reprehensible and cowardly act of terrorism, a school bus carrying innocent children was targeted today in Khuzdar, Balochistan by state sponsored proxies (Fitna Al Hindustan) of India which the world has largely come to know as epicentre of instability in the region.
• In yet another cowardly and ghastly attack planned and orchestrated by terrorist state of India and executed by its proxies in Balochistan, innocent school going children bus was targeted today in Khuzdar. ISPR Pakistan 21 May 2025 -- In yet another cowardly and ghastly attack planned and orchestrated by terrorist state of India and executed by its proxies in Balochistan, innocent school going children bus was targeted today in Khuzdar.
• Explosion Near School Bus in Balochistan Kills 5, Including 3 Children RFE/RL 21 May 2025 -- At least five people, including three children, were killed and 35 others injured when an explosion occurred near a school bus in Balochistan Province, a vast mineral-rich province in southwestern Pakistan that has been the scene of a simmering separatist insurgency for nearly a quarter-century.
• Four children dead in 'horrific' attack on school bus in Baluchistan: UNICEF UN News 21 May 2025 -- An "horrific" attack on a school bus in Pakistan's Baluchistan Province on Wednesday which left six dead - including four children - has been condemned by the UN children's agency.
• Prime Minister hails the efforts of forces to eliminate the menace of Maoism India PIB 21 May 2025 -- The Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the efforts of forces, reaffirming Government's commitment to eliminate the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah says, in a landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism, security forces have neutralized 27 dreaded Maoists in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh India PIB 21 May 2025 -- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said today that in a landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism, the security forces have neutralized 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI-Maoist, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh
• Over 30 armed rebels killed in central India People's Daily 21 May 2025 -- Indian security personnel killed more than 30 armed Naxals rebels in the central state of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, the state's Home Minister Vijay Sharma said.
• UN expert urges international community not to leave Somalia behind OHCHR 21 May 2025 -- Somalia faces extraordinary challenges in the fight against Al-Shabaab and Daesh armed groups, a UN expert said today, expressing solidarity with the people and the Government in the face of persistent terrorist threats.
• Federal Armed Forces to continue their participation in the Kosovo peace mission Germany - Federal Government 21 May 2025 -- Germany will continue to contribute military personnel to the international Kosovo Force (KFOR) security presence in Kosovo. The Federal Cabinet has decided to extend the mandate. The Bundestag still has to ratify the resolution.
• Haiti: Displaced children face sexual violence risk UN News 21 May 2025 -- Armed violence and insecurity in Haiti have exposed already vulnerable children to sexual violence and exploitation, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Wednesday.

News Reports

• U.S. FBI closes unit policing compliance with surveillance rules: report People's Daily 21 May 2025 -- U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has closed an internal watchdog office established in 2020 to uncover and reduce the risk of misuses of national security surveillance, reported The New York Times on Tuesday.
• NSA and Others Publish Advisory Warning of Russian State-sponsored Cyber Campaign Targeting Western Logistics and Technology Entities NSA Central Security Service 21 May 2025 -- The National Security Agency (NSA) is joining several United States and foreign entities to release the Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA), "Russian GRU Targeting Western Logistics Entities and Technology Companies," to call attention to a Russia state-sponsored cyber campaign targeting Western government organizations and commercial logistics entities, transportation services, and technology companies, including those involved in providing assistance to Ukraine.
• Ukrainian Former Yanukovych Adviser Andriy Portnov Reportedly Shot Dead In Spain RFE/RL 21 May 2025 -- Andriy Portnov, an adviser to former pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, was reportedly shot dead on May 21 just outside of Madrid after dropping off his children at school.
• What's Known About Ex-Adviser to Yanukovych Shot Dead in Spain? Sputnik 21 May 2025 -- The body of Andriy Portnov, ex-adviser to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, has been removed from the crime scene. The area remains cordoned off, with police still on-site, Sputnik correspondent reported.
• NBI has closed a criminal investigation into suspected unauthorised intelligence activities Police of Finland 21 May 2025 -- The National Bureau of Investigation has closed a criminal investigation into suspected unauthorised intelligence activities in Southeastern Finland in 2022.
• Sweden signs Memorandum of Understanding on the protection of critical undersea infrastructure Government Offices of Sweden 21 May 2025 -- On May 16, Sweden signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the protection of critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
• U.S. administration reportedly starts deporting migrants to South Sudan People's Daily 21 May 2025 -- The U.S. administration has reportedly started deporting Myanmar and Vietnamese migrants to South Sudan, despite a court order prohibiting such removals to third countries, media reported, citing court documents filed by the migrants' attorneys.
• Justice Department Seizes Domains Behind Major Information-Stealing Malware Operation US Dept. of Justice 21 May 2025 -- Coordinated Microsoft Actions and Court-Authorized Domain Seizures Disrupt LummaC2 Malware Infrastructure Used to Target Millions Worldwide
• Sanctioning High Ranking Members of Cártel del Noreste US Dept. of State 21 May 2025 -- Today, the United States is sanctioning Miguel Ángel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo González Sauceda, two high-ranking members of the Mexico-based Cártel del Noreste (CDN), formerly known as Los Zetas.
• Reward of Up to $2 Million for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Uruguayan Narcotics Trafficker and Money Launderer US Dept. of State 21 May 2025 -- Today, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is announcing a reward offer under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) of up to $2 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction, in any country, of Uruguayan narcotics trafficker and money launderer Sebastian Marset.
• Treasury Sanctions High-Ranking Members of Foreign Terrorist Organization Cartel del Noreste US Treasury 21 May 2025 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned two high-ranking members of the Mexico-based Cartel del Noreste (CDN), formerly known as Los Zetas. CDN, one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico and a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), exerts significant influence over the border region, especially near the Laredo/Nuevo Laredo point of entry.
• Interview: Official from China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration responds to media questions on WHO Pandemic Agreement Global Times 21 May 2025 -- The 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, announced the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement on Tuesday.
• China urges U.S. to stop politicizing COVID-19 origins tracing People's Daily 21 May 2025 -- A spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva on Tuesday urged the United States to end its politicization of COVID-19 origins tracing and stop exerting pressure on international organizations.
• Russian Nuclear Shield at Full Readiness, No One Dares Attack - Rosatom Chief Sputnik 21 May 2025 -- Rosatom accounts for about 90% of the world's export nuclear power plant construction abroad.
• Rubio on US, Russia: Absence of Dialogue Between Biggest Nuclear Powers 'Irresponsible' Sputnik 21 May 2025 -- The absence of dialogue between the two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia, would be "irresponsible," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.
• Russia, US Need to Resume Contacts on Strategic Stability - Kremlin Sputnik 21 May 2025 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the foreign policy issues, including the stategic dialogue with the US and the Ukrainian crisis, including the ongoing prisoner exchange talks.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview for Zvezda Channel documentary marking Sergey Shoigu's 70th birthday, Moscow, May 21, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Yerevan, May 21, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2025
• Russia Invites US to International Security Forum in Moscow - Security Council Sputnik 21 May 2025 -- Russia has sent invitations to the US and a number of unfriendly states to the 13th international forum on security issues, which will be held in Moscow at the end of May, Deputy Secretary of Russia's Security Council Alexander Venediktov told Sputnik.
• MFA statement on devastation of Polish monument at War Cemetery in Miednoje Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2025 -- It has been with concern that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received information from the Polish Embassy in Moscow about the devastation of a Polish monument at the War Cemetery in Miednoje.
• In Italian Court, Another Verdict Looms In Saga Of Artyom Uss's Great Escape RFE/RL 21 May 2025 -- After Artyom Uss, a Russian businessman and son of a powerful Kremlin-connected governor, escaped from Italian house arrest two years ago, investigators spent months honing in on a motley Balkan crime gang that smuggled him home to Russia.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on May 21, 2025 PRC MofA 21 May 2025
• China slams US' chip ban attempt, warns legal liability Global Times 21 May 2025 -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Wednesday called the US attempt to globally ban advanced Chinese computing chips a typical move of "unilateral bullying and protectionism" that seriously undermines the global semiconductor industrial and supply chains, warning that any organization or individual implementing or assisting with these US measures will face legal consequences.
• China firmly opposes EU, UK's unilateral sanctions against Chinese firms: FM spokesperson Global Times 21 May 2025 -- When asked to comment on the EU and the UK's announcement on Tuesday of a new round of sanctions against Russia - targeting its energy, military, and financial sectors and also including Chinese and UAE companies on the sanctions list, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council. She expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the EU's unjust sanctions against Chinese companies.
• Wang Yi on the Outcomes of the Trilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of China, Afghanistan and Pakistan PRC MofA 21 May 2025 -- On May 21, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired an informal trilateral meeting of foreign ministers of China, Afghanistan and Pakistan in Beijing.
• China-Pakistan cooperation across various fields very close, not directed at any third party: Chinese FM Global Times 21 May 2025 -- In response to a media inquiry on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar's remarks on the future direction of the close Pakistan-China relationship and reports that China and Pakistan discussed security cooperation in the context of the recent India-Pakistan tensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said "China has released information on the meeting. You may refer to that. I don't have more specific information to offer, but what I can tell you is that China and Pakistan are traditionally friendly neighbors, and bilateral cooperation across various fields is very close. As for the current situation you're concerned about, I can assure you that China-Pakistan cooperation is not directed at any third party."
• Hong Kong journalists face tax audits in latest pressure on independent media Radio Free Asia 21 May 2025 -- Hong Kong authorities have targeted independent news outlets and journalists with error-filled tax audits casting a shadow over press freedom in the city state, a journalists' association said Wednesday.
• Unpaid Chinese workers protest over unpaid wages as economic woes persist Radio Free Asia 21 May 2025 -- Protests by Chinese construction workers, teachers, and factory employees demanding unpaid wages have erupted across China in recent days amid rising public anger over the impacts of tightening local government finances, according to affected workers and videos posted on social media.
• China launches commercial Lijian-1 Y7 carrier rocket Global Times 21 May 2025 -- China on Wednesday launched the Lijian-1 Y7 carrier rocket with six satellites onboard.
• China calls US attempt to ban Chinese chips 'unilateral bullying,' warns legal liability for enforcing measures Global Times 21 May 2025 -- Regarding the US guidance warning companies against using advanced Chinese chips, including Huawei's Ascend AI chips, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated on Wednesday that the US' action is a typical example of unilateral bullying and protectionism, which seriously undermines the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain and deprives other countries of their right to develop advanced technologies such as AI and high-performance computing.
• Political cohesion on national security necessary: Security Chief Radio Taiwan International 21 May 2025 -- Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) on Wednesday warned that China's military expansion in the region is intensifying.
• DPP expels 5 members over alleged Chinese espionage CNA 21 May 2025 -- The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has expelled five members accused of spying for China, a move that aims to "uphold party discipline and safeguard national security," the party's Central Evaluation Committee chairman said Wednesday.
• INTERVIEW/U.S., Taiwan drone cooperation boosts security, industry: AIT director CNA 21 May 2025 -- The United States and Taiwan cooperate in three key areas to develop drone technology, not only to enhance deterrence across the Taiwan Strait but also to grow the industry, American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) Director Raymond Greene, said Tuesday.
• FM reaffirms ties with allies, enhanced dealings with non-allies CNA 21 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Wednesday that Taiwan's relations with all of its 12 diplomatic allies remain stable despite the fact that two of them sent representative to a forum in Beijing last week.
• INTERVIEW/AIT director optimistic about Taiwan-U.S. tariff talks CNA 21 May 2025 -- Raymond Greene, the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taiwan, has expressed optimism about trade negotiations between Taipei and Washington that were prompted by Trump's announcement of sweeping import duties on America's trading partners.
• Breaking with precedent, no mention of Taiwan by U.S. at WHA CNA 21 May 2025 -- United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. did not mention Taiwan in his pre-recorded speech Tuesday at the World Health Assembly (WHA), ending support for Taiwan's participation at the WHA by the U.S. representative since 2017.
• China must see invading Taiwan as not worth the cost: Marco Rubio CNA 21 May 2025 -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Tuesday (U.S. time) that deterring a conflict initiated by China over Taiwan requires making the cost "more than what it's worth" for Beijing.
• Chinese exercises around Taiwan invasion 'rehearsals': U.S. commander CNA 21 May 2025 -- The head of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, has warned that on-and-off Chinese military exercises around Taiwan are not drills but "rehearsals" for a potential invasion and that China is on "a dangerous course."
• China accused of pressuring Solomon Islands minister to quit IPAC CNA 21 May 2025 -- A civil anti-corruption group in the Solomon Islands has suggested China influenced local media to exert political pressure leading to the withdrawal of a government minister from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a coalition critical of China and supportive of Taiwan.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 21 May 2025
• Mainland criticizes Lai's "hypocritical gesture" People's Daily 21 May 2025 -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday called Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's proposal of cross-Strait dialogue "on equal terms" a hypocritical gesture attempting to revive dialogue based on his new "two states" theory.
• North Korean escapees speak at UN General Assembly, drawing anger from Pyongyang Radio Free Asia 21 May 2025 -- One North Korean woman described how her father died of starvation. Another said her friends were publicly executed for watching and sharing South Korean television dramas. North Korea's ambassador appeared unmoved. When he got up to speak, he described it as a political scheme and labeled the women as "human scum."
• Fifth round of Iran-US talks to be held on May 23: Oman Press TV 21 May 2025 -- The fifth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will take place on May 23, according to Oman's foreign minister.
• Fifth round of Iran-U.S. indirect talks will be held on Friday: Baqaei IRNA 21 May 2025 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has announced that the fifth round of indirect Iran-U.S. talks will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025.
• New Findings on Iran Pursuant to the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act US Dept. of State 21 May 2025 -- Today, the Department of State made two new determinations with sanctions implications pursuant to Section 1245 of the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (IFCA).
• U.S. Findings on Iran Pursuant to the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) of 2012 US Dept. of State 21 May 2025 -- Fact Sheet
• Iran is walling up eastern borders to improve security: Top general IRNA 21 May 2025 -- Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says that Iran is actively walling up its eastern borders to enhance security.
• Europe must bear consequences of forcing return of UN sanctions against Iran: FM Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has cautioned the US's European allies in a 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran against invoking the so-called "snapback mechanism" to re-impose the United Nations sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
• Iran Parliament approves strategic partnership agreement with Russia Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Iran's Parliament has approved a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia by consensus, signaling a significant step towards deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.
• Iran will never relinquish its nuclear rights, Parliament declares Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Iranian lawmakers have reiterated that the Islamic Republic will not relinquish its nuclear rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), particularly its right to uranium enrichment, rejecting US demands made during indirect talks.
• Iran considering whether to attend next round of talks with U.S.: Araqchi IRNA 21 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says Iran is considering whether to participate in the next round of indirect talks with the United States, warning that excessive demands by Washington will jeopardize the diplomatic process.
• FM Araghchi: Iran weighing whether to attend next talks with US Press TV 21 May 2025 -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is considering whether to participate in the next round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the US.
• Pakistani official declared persona non grata India MEA 21 May 2025 -- The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India.
• Trilateral Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 May 2025 -- Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, held a trilateral meeting today in Beijing.
• Remarks of Foreign Minister Wadephul at the 3rd European Union - African Union Ministerial Meeting in Brussels Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 May 2025
• Doorstop interview - Canberra Prime Minister of Australia 21 May 2025
• Tough Action Against Cuban Judges and Prosecutor for Arbitrary Detention, a Gross Violation of Human Rights US Dept. of State 21 May 2025 -- The State Department is designating four Cuban regime officials for a gross violation of human rights, namely the arbitrary detention of Luis Robles Elizástigui
• Moldova: Council extends the mandate of the EU civilian mission for two years EC/CEU 21 May 2025 -- The Council adopted a decision extending the European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM) for a further two years, until 31 May 2027, with a budget allocation of over €19.8million for the period.
• European Economic Area: Press release on strengthening the EEA Foreign and Security Policy Cooperation European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 May 2025 -- Today, 21 May, together with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, the EU signed a Joint Statement on strengthening European Economic Area (EEA) Foreign and Security Policy Cooperation. It is an expression of the strong ties and shared interests and values in an ever-changing geopolitical context. The EU and the EEA EFTA States are strengthening their relationship, notably on foreign and security cooperation.
• European Union - African Union: press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas at the Ministerial meeting European External Action Service (EEAS) 21 May 2025