Daily National Security News Briefing

Hot Documents

• The Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2023
• A/HRC/52/83: Report of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya HRC 3 Mar 2023
• Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Strategic Plan 2023 AFIMSC Mar 2023
• Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine, 1 August 2022 - 31 January 2023 UNOHCHR 24 Mar 2023
• Treatment of PoWs and Persons Hors de Combat in Armed Attack by Russia against Ukraine UNOHCHR 24 Mar 2023
• Ukraine: Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment WB / Ukraine / EC / UN 23 Mar 2023
• Biomanufacturing Strategy DOD 22 Mar 2023
• NATO Secretary General's Annual Report 2022 NATO 22 Mar 2023
• ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT on the Implementation of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence EEAS 20 Mar 2023
• Putin's Article for People's Daily Newspaper, Russia and China: A Future-Bound Partnership Kremlin 19 Mar 2023
• Forging Ahead to Open a New Chapter of China-Russia Friendship, Cooperation and Common Development PRC MofA 20 Mar 2023
• Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine UNHRC 15 Mar 2023
• A/HRC/52/69 - Report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria UNHRC Released 13 Mar 2023
• Joint Trilateral Statement by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China SPA 10 Mar 2023
• Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community - 2023 ODNI Released 08 Mar 2023
• The United Kingdom's Future Nuclear Deterrent: 2022 Update to Parliament UK MOD 08 Mar 2023
• Air Force Future Operating Concept Executive Summary USAF Released 07 Mar 2023
• SIGAR 23-16-IP: Why the Afghan Security Forces Collapsed 28 Feb 2023
• China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis Global Times 24 Feb 2023
• FINAL REPORT - Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the US Capitol January 6th Select Committee 22 Dec 2022
• 2022 National Defense Strategy DoD 27 Oct 2022 -- Including the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review and the 2022 Missile Defense Review
• Defeating the Battalion Tactical Group by CPT Nic Fiore ARMOR Spring 2017
• The Russian Way of War - Force Structure, Tactics, and Modernization of the Russian Ground Forces by Dr. Lester W. Grau Charles K. Bartles FMSO Jul 2017

Russo-Ukraine War

Ukraine Conflict News

31 March 2023

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of the 4th U.S. - Uruguay Bilateral Working Group DoD 31 Mar 2023
• Navy to Commission Future Littoral Combat USS Ship Santa Barbara US Navy 31 Mar 2023 -- The Navy will commission the future USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) as the newest Independence- variant littoral combat ship (LCS) during a 10:00 a.m. PST ceremony on Saturday, April 1, in Port Hueneme, Calif., near its namesake city.
• NIWC Pacific and its Partners are Building a Quantum Navy US Navy 31 Mar 2023 -- Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific's mission touches cyber, sea, space — and, since 2000, the subatomic realm.
• Special Online Briefing with U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Julianne Smith US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2023
• Deputy Secretary General discusses NATO's innovation agenda and response to global security challenges on visit to London NATO 31 Mar 2023 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană discussed NATO's response to global security challenges at the London Business School's Wheeler Institute for Business and Development today (31 March 2023).
• Statement by the Secretary General on Finland's membership in NATO NATO 31 Mar 2023
• Turkish parliament clears last hurdle in Finland's NATO membership Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- Turkey's parliament on Thursday approved a bill that allows Finland to join the NATO military alliance, clearing the last major hurdle for Helsinki to join the US-led alliance as the year-long war in Ukraine rages on.
• General Staff of Russian Armed Forces Says Not Planning Second Wave of Mobilization Sputnik 31 Mar 2023 -- There are no plans to hold a second wave of mobilization by the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces spokesman for the Main Organizational and Mobilization Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Tsimlyansky said on Friday.
• Lukashenka Defends Placement Of Russian Tactical Nuclear Weapons In Belarus RFE/RL 31 Mar 2023 -- The authoritarian ruler of Belarus, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has defended a Russian plan to place tactical nuclear weapons -- including intercontinental ballistic missiles if necessary -- on Belarusian territory, saying the country is coming under increased threats from the West.
• Lukashenko Says May Agree With Putin to Deploy Strategic Nuclear Arms in Belarus If Needed Sputnik 31 Mar 2023 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday that he could reach an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons in Belarus, if deemed necessary for the protection of the country.
• Top UN official urgently calls for de-escalating nuclear tensions over Belarus UN News 31 Mar 2023 -- Urgent efforts must be made to de-escalate the situation following Russia's announcement last weekend that it plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, the UN disarmament chief warned the Security Council on Friday.
• How Chinese Private Security Companies in Africa Differ From Russia's VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- The killing of nine Chinese gold mine workers in conflict-ridden Central African Republic this month highlighted the risks some Belt and Road development projects face in volatile areas.
• Taiwan set to start receiving Javelin missiles in 2023 CNA 31 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan is expected to take delivery of 400 missiles for Javelin man-portable anti-tank systems purchased from the United States between the second half of this year and 2024, a military source said Friday.
• Taiwan speeds up preparation for potential conflict with China Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan's military is bolstering its preparation for a possible future war with China by planning an unprecedented military drill at a civilian airport this coming July, the official Central News Agency (CNA) reported.
• Defence fuel support systems modernised to increase operational reach and endurance Australia DOD 31 Mar 2023 -- Australian defence industry will modernise critical fuel support systems to enable the rapid and independent deployment of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
• Defence Minister Anita Anand announces the extension of Operation PRESENCE Canada 31 Mar 2023 -- Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, announced that the Government of Canada has extended Operation PRESENCE (Op PRESENCE) until March 31, 2026.
• Iranian Navy 86th flotilla docks at Port of Cape Town in South Africa Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- The Iranian Navy's 86th flotilla of warships has docked at the Port of Cape Town in South Africa in line with the Islamic Republic's efforts to expand its naval presence in international waters.
• UK deepens Indo-Pacific defence ties as Baroness Goldie visits Malaysia and Vietnam UK MOD 31 Mar 2023 -- The visits aimed to strengthen defence ties and celebrate our historical defence and security cooperation.
• Norway: third Dialogue on Security and Defence with the EU European External Action Service (EEAS) 31 Mar 2023 -- On Thursday, The European Union and Norway held their third Structured Dialogue on Security and Defence in Oslo. The annual dialogue was launched on 25 March 2021.
• Large investments in the Armed Forces Government of Norway 31 Mar 2023 -- Today, the government presented Proposition 94 S Investments in the Armed Forces and other matters to the Storting.
• Chairpersons' Summary of Bucharest Nine Ministerial Meeting, Łódź, 30-31 March 2023 Republic of Poland 31 Mar 2023 -- The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Bucharest Nine countries: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and the Slovak Republic, convened on 30-31 March in Łódź, Poland, to assess the implications of Russia's aggression against Ukraine for the European and regional security.
• VP Harris Ends Africa Tour With Personal Stop in Zambia VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- Vice President Kamala Harris landed Friday in Zambia, the final stop on her weeklong tour of the continent.
• Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Hichilema of Zambia Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 31 Mar 2023
• Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Hichilema of Zambia in Joint Press Conference The White House 31 Mar 2023
• Readout of Vice President Kamala Harris's Meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia The White House 31 Mar 2023
• Remarks by President Biden Before Marine One Departure The White House 31 Mar 2023
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route Jackson, MS The White House 31 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 31, 2023
• Three Men Indicted for Multimillion-Dollar Accounting Fraud Scheme at U.S. Navy Shipbuilder US Dept. of Justice 31 Mar 2023 -- A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging three Alabama men with orchestrating an accounting fraud scheme at Austal USA LLC, a Mobile-based shipbuilder that constructs vessels for the U.S. Navy, including the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). Austal USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Austal Limited, an Australian company that is traded over-the-counter in the United States via American Depositary Receipts, as well as on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Other Conflicts


Ukraine Conflict News


• 31 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Mar 2023
• The Azadi Briefing: Fears Of A Famine Mount In Afghanistan RFE/RL 31 Mar 2023
• United States Files Forfeiture Action Against Over One Million Rounds of Ammunition Enroute from Iran to Yemen DHS 31 Mar 2023 -- The Justice Department today announced the filing of a forfeiture complaint against over one million rounds of ammunition, thousands of proximity fuses for rocket-propelled grenades, and thousands of pounds of propellant for rocket-propelled grenades that the U.S. Navy seized in transit from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to militant groups in Yemen.
• United States Files Forfeiture Action Against Over One Million Rounds of Ammunition Enroute from Iran to Yemen US Dept. of Justice 31 Mar 2023 -- The Justice Department today announced the filing of a forfeiture complaint against over one million rounds of ammunition, thousands of proximity fuses for rocket-propelled grenades, and thousands of pounds of propellant for rocket-propelled grenades that the U.S. Navy seized in transit from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to militant groups in Yemen.
• U.S. Welcomes Norway's Repatriation of Nationals from Northeast Syria US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2023 -- This week, Norway repatriated two women and three children from displaced persons camps in northeast Syria. We are grateful to Norway and our local partners working to resolve the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in al-Hol and Roj camps through this repatriation.
• 'Bring them home': UN experts call for repatriating detained Syria children UN News 31 Mar 2023 -- Independent UN-appointed human rights experts on Friday called for the urgent repatriation of children from northeast Syria, as they enter their fifth year of detention.
• IRGC says military advisor martyred in Israeli aggression on Damascus, vows retaliation Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that one of its military advisors in Syria was killed during an Israeli airstrike on Damascus, vowing retaliation.
• Syria confronts 'Israeli aggression' over Damascus: Report Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- Syria's air defenses reportedly confronted another round of "Israeli aggression" targeting the Arab country's capital of Damascus.
• Israel launches missile attack on sites in Syria's Damascus: report People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- Israel launched a missile attack on sites in the Syrian capital Damascus after midnight Friday, the Syrian national TV reported.
• Once-bustling town of Thantlang reduced to rubble by Myanmar's junta Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2023 -- Western Myanmar's once bustling town of Thantlang, with a sign above its gateway proclaiming that its inhabitants are "Not rich, but happy," now lies in ruin after an onslaught of military raids, arson attacks, and airstrikes.
• DR Congo Trapped in Cycles of Brutality and Misery VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- Human rights experts warn that ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has trapped the country in continuing cycles of brutality and misery, which will not end until the fighting ends.
• Mozambican Government Asks for Help Fighting Terrorism VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- For the first time, Mozambique's Defense Minister Cristovao Chume has asked foreign military personnel stationed in the country to share their knowledge with Mozambique's security forces to help end violent extremism.

News Reports

• Russian National "Illegal" Charged with Acting as Agent of a Russian Intelligence Service in the United States DoJ -US Attorney - DC 31 Mar 2023 -- Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov ("Cherkasov"), 37, a national of the Russian Federation who operated as an "Illegal" agent for a Russian Intelligence Service ("RIS") under the Brazilian alias of Victor Muller Ferreira, was charged today for acting as an agent of a foreign power, visa fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, and other charges stemming from his illegal activities in the United States. Cherkasov started acting as an Illegal agent in 2012 in Brazil using the Ferreira name, and he moved to the United States in 2018 after obtaining admission to a graduate school program at a University 1, a university located in the District of Columbia.
• Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on U.S. Cybersecurity Support to Costa Rica The White House 31 Mar 2023
• New generation of trainers ready to assist OSCE participating States in identifying potential foreign terrorist fighters at the borders OSCE 31 Mar 2023 -- The identification of potential foreign terrorist fighters at the borders was the focus of a two-week train-the-trainer course and curriculum development workshop for border security officers, organized by the OSCE Secretariat's Transnational Threats Department.
• Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea Traders Say Marburg Travel Restrictions Suffocate Trade VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- Hundreds of merchants gathered Friday in Kye Ossi, a Cameroonian town on the border with Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, to protest travel restrictions imposed since an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus. They say the restrictions are suffocating trade and violate a Central African regional agreement on the free movement of people and goods.
• The Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2023
• Press release on the publication of the Concept of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 31 Mar 2023
• Executive Order approving Russia's Foreign Policy Concept President of Russia 31 Mar 2023 -- Vladimir Putin signed Executive Order On Approving the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation.
• Putin approves new foreign policy to confront West's 'hybrid war' Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a new foreign policy in a bid to confront the Western "hybrid war" against Russia.
• Russia's New Foreign Policy Concept Marks Global South Renaissance & End of West-Centered Order Sputnik 31 Mar 2023 -- On March 31, the Kremlin issued an updated foreign policy doctrine which revises Russia's international role and sets a priority of facilitating the establishment of a multipolar and equitable system of international relations that would guarantee security and equal opportunities for the development for all states.
• Why Russia's New Foreign Policy Concept is Fully Consistent With Global Political Reality Sputnik 31 Mar 2023 -- Moscow's foreign policy recalibration has been caused by realistic adjustment to the world that's in front of Russia and the Washington establishment's leading role in instigating anti-Russia policies across the world, Professor Joe Siracusa, US political expert and Dean of Global Futures, Curtin University, told Sputnik.
• Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council President of Russia 31 Mar 2023 -- The President held, via videoconference, a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council to discuss the updated version of the Russian Federation Foreign Policy Concept and other current issues.
• Russia Set to Take Helm of UN Security Council, to Critics' Dismay VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- On Saturday, in what some critics say sounds more like an April Fools' joke than reality, Russia will take over the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council for the month, and no one can prevent it.
• Russia's Presidency in UN Security Council Will Be Eventful, Kremlin Says Sputnik 31 Mar 2023 -- Russia's presidency in the UN Security Council will be eventful, and Moscow will exercise all its rights, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
• Indonesia, Russia Sign Extradition Agreement VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- Indonesia and Russia signed an extradition agreement Friday to strengthen cooperation against transnational crimes. It is the first extradition agreement Indonesia has reached with a European country.
• No other country has raised the prospect of nuclear use, no one is threatening Russia's sovereignty: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 31 Mar 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on President Putin's announcement of basing nuclear weapons in Belarus
• The Week In Russia: Tough Talk, Tactical Weapons, And An Unprecedented Arrest RFE/RL 31 Mar 2023 -- President Vladimir Putin threatens to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. An American journalist is arrested on spy charges, a post-Soviet first. A father is separated from his daughter and sentenced to prison after the child is reported for drawings lamenting Russia's war against Ukraine.
• 'Let Him Go,' Biden Says as Russia Orders American Journalist Held Until May VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- President Joe Biden on Friday urged Russia to release American journalist Evan Gershkovich from custody.
• 'Sending A Signal': Russian Spy Accusation Against U.S. Journalist Further Escalates Soaring Tensions RFE/RL 31 Mar 2023 -- A Moscow court on March 30 authorized the detention of U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal for two months on suspicion of espionage. The Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed he had been seeking information about Russia's military-industrial complex at the behest of the U.S. government -- accusations The Wall Street Journal and the United States firmly rejected.
• Former Putin Speechwriter Gallyamov Accused Of Discrediting Russian Armed Forces RFE/RL 31 Mar 2023 -- A self-exiled former speechwriter of Vladimir Putin, Abbas Gallyamov, whose name appeared in the Russian Interior Ministry's online registry of wanted persons last week, is suspected of discrediting Russia's armed forces, a charge Russian authorities have been using to stifle any criticism of Moscow's war in Ukraine.
• Xi stresses advancing study, implementation of Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Thursday stressed further advancing the study and implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 31, 2023 PRC MofA 31 Mar 2023
• Chinese Foreign Ministry Says Chip Supply Chain Disruption Will Hurt Everyone Sputnik 31 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that undermining the stability of global chip production and supply chains, the result of cooperative market rules and enterprise choices, would hurt the development of every country.
• Hong Kong police ask for billions to fund digital network linked to bodycams Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2023 -- Plans by the police in Hong Kong to massively upgrade the city's digital surveillance networks using 5G networked bodycams could result in a facial recognition system similar to China's Skynet, according to opposition politicians, sparking fears that the city will soon be subject to totalitarian monitoring.
• Hong Kong's Declining Rule of Law US Dept. of State 31 Mar 2023 -- The People's Republic of China (PRC) continues to erode Hong Kong's judicial independence and the rule of law.
• CPC to launch Party-wide study drive People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- The Communist Party of China has decided to launch a thematic campaign for the entire Party to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, highlighting the need to advance the Party's self-reform and maintain its advanced nature and purity.
• CPC to launch Party-wide education campaign on Xi Jinping thought People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has decided to launch a Party-wide thematic education campaign starting from April to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
• China, Brazil to trade in local currencies People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- The Chinese renminbi is speeding up in expanding its global use, a trend that will help build a more resilient international monetary system, one that is less dependent on the US dollar and more conducive to trade growth, experts said on Thursday.
• China launches four satellites, establishing first wheel-pattern formation in space Global Times 31 Mar 2023 -- China successfully launched four interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) satellites developed by Chinese private satellite developer GalaxySpace using the CZ-2D rocket at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in North China's Shanxi Province on Thursday, forming the first wheel-pattern satellite formation in the world, GalaxySpace told the Global Times on Thursday.
• A tale of two Taiwanese presidents Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2023 -- It's probably no coincidence that former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou landed in Shanghai just a day before his successor, Tsai Ing-wen, took off for a two-night visit to New York on Tuesday.
• Ma reaffirms '1992 consensus' in talks with China's top Taiwan official CNA 31 Mar 2023 -- Former Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Thursday reaffirmed the importance of the "1992 consensus" at a meeting with Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Song Tao (宋濤) in China.
• Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs official meets Ma Ying-jeou People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, on Thursday met with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province.
• U.S. official dismisses China gripes over Tsai's 'routine' stopovers CNA 31 Mar 2023 -- China has no grounds for overreacting to "routine" U.S. sojourns taken by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) either side of an official visit to Central America, a senior official with the Department of State said Thursday.
• Chinese FM issues warning over Tsai's stopover in US for third consecutive day, as secessionist awarded by conservative think tank Global Times 31 Mar 2023 -- China on Friday expressed strong opposition to Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen's "transit trip" through the US, which violates the one-China principle, and urged the US to keep its word and take concrete actions to uphold the political foundation of China-US relations.
• China: 'No force can stand in the way' of reunification with Taiwan Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- Beijing has reiterated its sovereignty over Taiwan, saying no individual or force can hold China back from achieving the goal of national reunification.
• China stages combat patrols over Taiwan Strait amid Tsai's US visit: Report Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- A number of Chinese aircraft have reportedly conducted combat readiness patrols over the Taiwan Strait in what is seen as a response to Chinese Taipei President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States.
• Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs official meets Ma Ying-jeou People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, on Thursday met with Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province.
• Xi sends warm greetings as Ma visits Wuhan People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- Song Tao, a senior Taiwan affairs official of the Chinese mainland, conveyed warm greetings from Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, while meeting on Thursday with Ma Ying-jeou in Wuhan, Hubei province.
• China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between U.S., Taiwan region: spokesperson People's Daily 31 Mar 2023 -- China strongly protests and condemns the U.S. arrangement for the so-called "transit" of Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen through the United States, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, adding that China will resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• North Korean hacker group poses as journalists and experts to steal intel Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2023 -- A criminal cyber spy group believed to be backed by the North Korean government poses as journalists, academics and experts to trick its victims into giving out information that can be used for espionage.
• North Korean bootleggers targeted in raids, home searches Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2023 -- North Korean authorities are searching homes and arresting people who are secretly making moonshine, accusing them of misusing corn while the country continues to struggle with food shortages, sources told Radio Free Asia.
• Iran rules out change in hijab dress code despite foreign 'plots' Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- Iran's Interior Ministry says the country will not withdraw from the Islamic rule of hijab, pointing to enemies' "failed plots" to use hijab to separate the nation from the government.
• Belarus president announces foreign policy pivot to East amid US row with Russia, Iran Press TV 31 Mar 2023 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says his country's foreign policy aims to make a pivot to the East amid the United States' attempts to counter Russia, China, and Iran.
• Kazakh Tycoon Related To Former President's Family Handed Eight-Year Prison Term RFE/RL 31 Mar 2023 -- Kazakh tycoon Qairat Boranbaev, whose daughter is the widow of the grandson of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev, has been sentenced to eight years in prison on corruption charges.
• Kazakhstan 2023 parliamentary elections: UK statement to the OSCE UK FCDO 31 Mar 2023 -- Deputy Ambassador Brown welcomes ODIHR's report and Kazakhstan's engagement, as the country continues its programme of reforms.
• Türkiye, Syria quake response continues, food security threat rising UN News 31 Mar 2023 -- Almost two months after deadly earthquakes struck Türkiye and northern Syria, a large-scale humanitarian operation is underway for which funding is still desperately needed, the UN Humanitarian Affairs coordination office (OCHA) said on Friday.
• Cambodia faces July election without international observers Radio Free Asia 31 Mar 2023 -- The United States, European Union, France and Japan say they have no plans to send electoral observers or to provide assistance to Cambodia's election committee for July's general election.
• For Years, He's Been Controversial At Home. Now Bulgaria's Top Prosecutor Is Attracting Attention Abroad. RFE/RL 31 Mar 2023 -- Bulgarian Prosecutor-General Ivan Geshev captured national headlines on March 16 when he announced tantalizing details worthy of a crime thriller about an alleged mafia plot to oust several police chiefs and one very powerful official.
• Malawi Sets Final Deadline for Refugee Return to Lone Authorized Camp VOA 31 Mar 2023 -- Malawi's government has told refugees and asylum-seekers to relocate to the country's lone refugee camp by April 15 or face forced eviction from their homes.

30 March 2023

Current Operations

• US Forces Suffer Traumatic Brain Injuries in Deadly Iran-Backed Attacks in Syria VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- The four attacks on U.S. forces in Syria by Iranian-backed militants last week, including one attack that killed a U.S. contractor, resulted in at least six traumatic brain injuries in service members, Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder told reporters on Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds an On-Camera Press Briefing DoD 30 Mar 2023
• 1st Multi-Domain Task Force Deploys the Army's First Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon System Army News 30 Mar 2023 -- Army Secretary Christine Wormuth predicted "fiscal year 23 will be the year of long-range precision fires." at Breaking Defense in 2021.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr DoD 30 Mar 2023
• Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Welcomes Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar to the Pentagon DoD 30 Mar 2023
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III DoD 30 Mar 2023 --"Last night, we lost nine servicemembers in an accident during a routine training mission in Kentucky."
• U.S.-Romanian Defense Leaders Discuss Strategic Partnership DoD News 30 Mar 2023 -- The U.S.-Romania strategic partnership has never been stronger or more relevant, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said as he met with Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar at the Pentagon today.
• F-35s arrive at Kadena AB to maintain advanced fighter presence US Air Force 30 Mar 2023 -- F-35A Lightning IIs from the 355th Fighter Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived at Kadena Air Base, March 28, to ensure continuous fighter presence through the phased return of Kadena AB's fleet of F-15C/D Eagles to the United States.
• Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Commander, U.S. European Command embarks USS George H.W. Bush US Navy 30 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and commander, U.S. European Command visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) at sea, March 24, 2023.
• US Air Force Intends to End Lockheed Hypersonic Weapon Program - Senior Official Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- The US Air Force intends to end its hypersonic weapon program done in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Air Force Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Andrew Hunter said in prepared remarks to the House Armed Services Committee.
• DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office Launches Hack the Pentagon Website DoD 30 Mar 2023 -- The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) Directorate for Digital Services (DDS) has launched a website (www.hackthepentagon.mil) to accompany their long-running program: Hack the Pentagon (HtP).
• NATO Deputy Secretary General opens DIANA's European Regional Office, welcomes Managing Director NATO 30 Mar 2023 -- On Thursday (30 March 2023), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană and UK Minister for Defence Procurement Alex Chalk opened the first regional office of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) at the Imperial College London Innovation Hub.
• First NATO defence innovation HQ opens in London UK MOD 30 Mar 2023 -- The first Regional Office of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) was opened in London today.
• Turkish Parliament Ratifies Finland's NATO Membership Protocol - Deputy Speaker Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- The Grand National Assembly of Turkiye ratified the protocol on Finland's membership in NATO, Deputy Speaker Haydar Akar said. Thus, all NATO members have ratified Finland's accession to the alliance and only a few formal procedures remain.
• European Defence Fund: €1.2 billion to boost EU defence capabilities and innovation European Commission 30 Mar 2023 -- Today, the Commission adopted the third annual Work Programme under the European Defence Fund (EDF), allocating €1.2 billion to defence collaborative research and development projects.
• Russia to Keep Notifying US of ICBM, SLBM Launches Under 1988 Agreement Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- Russia will keep notifying the United States of launches of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) under the 1988 treaty, Russian Deputy Foreign Ministry Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday.
• 'Field Wife': Officers Make Life Hell For Women In Russia's Military, A Female Medic Says RFE/RL 30 Mar 2023 -- "Sometimes it seems like someone is walking outside the window," said Margarita, a Russian military medic who has been on medical leave in Belgorod for the past two months receiving psychiatric treatment following her service in Russia's war in Ukraine. "Sometimes objects seem to move. Or it as if someone is sitting on me. I have constant nightmares and panic attacks."
• DOD Official Says Training for Ukrainians Is Ongoing DoD News 30 Mar 2023 -- Since the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago, the U.S. has provided more than $32.5 billion of security assistance in the form of military hardware and ammunition. Allies and partners have also provided military hardware.
• Pentagon Says US Conducted Four Successful Cyber Security Operations in Ukraine Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- US military has conducted four cybersecurity Hunt Forward operations in Ukraine in recent years, including one mission just before the beginning of the conflict in 2022, US Cyber Command (CYBERCOM) chief Gen. Paul Nakasone said during the hearing at the US House Armed Services Committee.
• War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine Germany - Federal Government 30 Mar 2023 -- Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
• China says ready to boost military cooperation with Russia Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- China says it is ready to boost cooperation with the Russian military in order to jointly uphold international justice, peace and security.
• China says joint drills with Russia, Iran deepened trilateral cooperation, friendship Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- China has hailed the recent joint naval drills with Russia and Iran in the Sea of Oman, saying the exercises boosted the ability of their navies to conduct diversified maritime missions.
• China's 3 Military Ships Move Toward Area of Joint US-Japan-South Korea Drills: Tokyo Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- Two Chinese missile destroyers and one tanker moved through the Tsushima Strait to the Sea of Japan where joint naval drills will be held by Japan, the United States and South Korea, the Japanese Joint Staff said on Thursday.
• China will never pursue modernization through war: premier People's Daily 30 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Thursday that China will never seek modernization through war, colonization or plunder. It is committed to achieving modernization for more than 1.4 billion people through peace and development, and this will create strong driving force for economic growth in Asia and the world at large.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army India PIB 30 Mar 2023 -- Providing a further boost to 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence, Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, signed contracts for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army at an overall cost of over Rs 9,100 crore.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) & BrahMos Missiles worth Rs 1,700 crore India PIB 30 Mar 2023 -- Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, inked a contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) {NGMMCB (LR)} and BrahMos Missiles at an approximate cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy (Indian) Category.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD signs Rs 19,600 crore contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels & six Next Generation Missile Vessels for Indian Navy India PIB 30 Mar 2023 -- In a huge boost to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence, Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, signed contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next Generation Missile Vessels at an overall cost of approx. Rs 19,600 crore.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD signs contract with BEL for 13 Lynx-U2 Fire Control Systems for Indian Navy worth Rs 1,700 crore India PIB 30 Mar 2023 -- Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore for procurement of 13 Lynx-U2 Fire Control Systems for Indian Navy at a total cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy {Indian - IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category.
• Secure borders, holistic development & transformed global image: India rising as one of the strongest countries under PM Modi's leadership, says Raksha Mantri at 'Rising India Conclave' in New Delhi India PIB 30 Mar 2023 -- From secure borders & self-reliance to a strong economy & transformed global image, India is rising as one of the strongest countries under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
• Defence Minister Baroness Goldie reaffirms UK commitment to Malaysia UK MOD 30 Mar 2023 -- UK Defence Minister Baroness Goldie has celebrated the UK and Malaysia's historical defence relationship and close ties during visit to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
• The President: We must be ready to defend democracy President of the Republic of Lithuania 30 Mar 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Vietnamese Vice Minister Ngoc US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken Summit for Democracy Closing Remarks US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Dereck Hogan on the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Belgium US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a Session On "Advancing Democracy and Internet Freedom in a Digital Age" Summit for Democracy US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken on Advancing Technology for Democracy US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• US to Launch Youth Democracy Network VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced Thursday during a summit on strengthening democracy the creation of a global Youth Democracy Network to train the next generation of leaders and activists.
• Blinken Urges Democracies to Use Technology to Help Citizens VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged democracies around the world to work together to ensure technology is used to promote democratic values and fight efforts by authoritarian regimes to use it to repress, control and divide citizens.
• Export Controls and Human Rights Initiative Code of Conduct Released at the Summit for Democracy US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023 -- The United States continues to put human rights at the center of our foreign policy. The Export Controls and Human Rights Initiative - launched at the first Summit for Democracy as part of the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal - is a multilateral effort intended to counter state and non-state actors' misuse of goods and technology that violate human rights.
• Secretary Blinken's Call with Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Cohen US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• US Vice President Harris Meets Africa's Only Female President VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday pledged continuing cooperation with Tanzania as she met with the country's president, the only female head of state in Africa, in the middle of her first official visit to the continent.
• Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania in Joint Press Statements The White House 30 Mar 2023
• Deputy Secretary Sherman's Meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre The White House 30 Mar 2023
• Digital Briefing with Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• Department Press Briefing - March 30, 2023 US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 30, 2023

Other Conflicts


Ukraine Conflict News


• 30 March 2023 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 30 Mar 2023
• Women in peacekeeping: UN Fund calls for new ideas and investment UN News 30 Mar 2023 -- The UN's Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) launched a fresh call for funding proposals on Thursday, aimed at improving opportunities for uniformed women to serve in peacekeeping operations, and better serve vulnerable communities worldwide.
• CoC negotiation window narrowing amid external disturbance in S. China Sea Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- The window for negotiation on a Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea has been narrowing amid the increasingly complicated and intense situation on the sea, delegates said at a sub-forum of the Boao Forum for Asia on Thursday, calling on regional countries to enhance solidarity and stay alert to external forces.
• Taliban Under Fire for Alleged Afghan Civil Society Crackdown VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- Human rights defenders have alleged that Taliban authorities in Afghanistan are increasingly targeting civil society activists and media workers critical of their curbs on women's access to education and most areas of public life.
• Arrest Of Prominent Afghan Education Campaigner A 'Sign Of Authoritarianism' Under The Taliban RFE/RL 30 Mar 2023 -- For over a decade, Matiullah Wesa traveled across Afghanistan with a mobile school and library, trying to improve access to education for children in remote areas.
• Pakistani Taliban Kills Four Police Officers In Bomb Attack RFE/RL 30 Mar 2023 -- Four Pakistani policemen, including a senior officer, were killed and several were wounded in a roadside bomb attack as they were rushing to rescue colleagues besieged by militants in a police station in northwestern Pakistan late on March 29, authorities said.
• Pakistani Taliban Kill 4 Police Officers, Injure 6 VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- Authorities in northwestern Pakistan said Thursday that a predawn militant assault on a police outpost and subsequent roadside bomb blast had killed four police officers and wounded six others.
• Israel launches new missile strikes on Syria's capital, injuring two soldiers Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- Israel has carried out fresh missile attacks on the Syrian capital Damascus, as the occupying regime continues its acts of aggression against the Arab country.
• Syria reasserts its right to restore its sovereignty over Israeli-occupied Golan Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- Syria has reasserted its "inalienable right" to restore its sovereignty to the Israeli-occupied Syrian territory of the Golan Heights, denouncing the US's support for the regime that has emboldened it to prolong the occupation.
• Junta jets bomb village in western Myanmar, killing 10 Radio Free Asia 30 Mar 2023 -- Two Myanmar military jets bombed a village in western Myanmar on Thursday where there was no fighting, killing at least 10 people and injuring 20 others, according to ethnic rebels and residents.
• UN Security Council demands end of advances by M23 rebels in DR Congo People's Daily 30 Mar 2023 -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a presidential statement, demanding the end of any further advances, and withdrawal from all occupied areas by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• Uganda Dispatches Troops for Peacekeeping Mission to DRC Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- In August of 2022, the East African Community decided to establish regional forces comprised of troops of member nations to stabilize the eastern DR Congo and ensure security as the situation in the region escalated, with more than 120 militant groups operating there.
• Instability and Democratic Backsliding in Somaliland US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023 -- The United States is increasingly concerned by the continuing violence in Lascanood and joins other international partners and neighbors in calling for de-escalation, adherence to the agreed ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and resumption of constructive dialogue towards peaceful resolution.
• Development is the best form of conflict prevention across Africa: UK Statement at the Security Council UK FCDO 30 Mar 2023 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council debate on Peace and Security in Africa
• Greater protection needed for Palestinians amid rising violence, annexation threat UN News 30 Mar 2023 -- The international community must take firm and principled action to protect the human rights and dignity of Palestinians, amid mounting violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the threat of even further annexation, an independent UN-appointed rights expert said on Thursday.
• WFP to reduce food rations by half for refugees as funding decreases in Burundi WFP 30 Mar 2023 -- More than 56,000 Congolese refugees will soon receive only half the food rations they need, due to a dwindling of funding for food needs in five camps in Burundi. The refugees, most of them fleeing conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), require food assistance to nourish their families.

News Reports

• New York Grand Jury Votes to Indict Trump VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- Twice impeached though not convicted, Donald Trump has become the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges.
• Suspected North Korean Spies Impersonating VOA, Other Reporters Online VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- Experts on nuclear security policy and weapons proliferation were contacted by suspected North Korean hackers posing as Voice of America journalists, according to a threat intelligence group, which says this is part of a recent pattern of impersonating reporters from major news organizations.
• Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware The White House 30 Mar 2023
• Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Role in International Human Smuggling and Cocaine Distribution Scheme US Dept. of Justice 30 Mar 2023 -- A Honduran national pleaded guilty today to his role in a scheme to illegally bring Honduran nationals to, and to distribute cocaine in, the United States.
• Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Evan Gershkovich The White House 30 Mar 2023
• Russia's Arrest of a U.S. Citizen US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023 -- "We are deeply concerned over Russia's widely-reported detention of a U.S. citizen journalist."
• Russia Detains US Journalist on Spy Claim VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- U.S. officials on Thursday said they are "deeply concerned" by reports that Russia has detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.
• U.S. Condemns Russia's Arrest Of Wall Street Journal Reporter, Calls Espionage Charge 'Ridiculous' RFE/RL 30 Mar 2023 -- The United States has strongly condemned the detention of a U.S. journalist in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on espionage charges and demanded his immediate release.
• Russia's FSB arrests WSJ reporter on suspicion of spying Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- Russia's Federal Security Services (FSB) has arrested an American journalist working for the Wall Street Journal on suspicion of espionage.
• Moscow Says Washington's Calls to Leave Russia Seem to Be Addressed to US Spies Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has joked about the White House's recent calls for US citizens to immediately leave Russia, saying that they seem to be addressed only to those involved in espionage in favor of Washington.
• WSJ Denies Espionage Allegations Against Its Reporter Arrested in Russia, Seeks Release Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday denied espionage allegations against its Moscow bureau correspondent, Evan Gershkovich, arrested in Russia, and would seek the immediate release of the reporter.
• WSJ Moscow Bureau Correspondent Gershkovich Detained in Yekaterinburg Over Espionage, FSB Says Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- Evan Gershkovich, a correspondent with the Wall Street Journal Moscow bureau accredited to the Russian Foreign Ministry, have been detained in Yekaterinburg on a suspicion of espionage, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Thursday.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 30, 2023 PRC MofA 30 Mar 2023
• Blue Book on international situation, China's diplomacy released Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- Focusing on building a community with a shared future for mankind, China's diplomacy in 2022 made new contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development by standing strong in times of change and forging ahead despite headwinds, said the China Institute of International Studies in a blue book on the international situation and China's diplomacy released in Beijing on Thursday.
• China remains an anchor for an uncertain world: Premier Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday morning delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia's (BFA) annual meeting in South China's Hainan Province, saying that the certainty China offers has been and will remain an anchor for global peace and development amid the uncertainties across the world.
• China refutes groundless US accusations of debt problem of developing countries: FM Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- China does not accept the groundless accusations of the US saying that China's lending to developing countries is causing them to run into debt problems, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
• Speech by President von der Leyen on EU-China relations to the Mercator Institute for China Studies and the European Policy Centre European Commission 30 Mar 2023
• China's Response to Ukraine Crisis to Determine Its Relations With EU, von der Leyen Says Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- China's reaction to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine will be a "determining factor" for relations between the European Union and Beijing, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during her speech on EU-China relations at the Mercator Institute for China Studies.
• China welcomes Honduras president's visit at early date, expected to 'open new bilateral chapter' Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that China welcomes Honduras President Xiomara Castro to visit China at an early date, and stands ready to step up high-level exchanges and advance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, a few days after the two countries established diplomatic relations.
• All foreigners in China must abide by Chinese laws, says Chinese ambassador over detention of Japanese national on suspicion of espionage Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Ambassador in Japan Wu Jianghao said on Wednesday that China is a country under the rule of law, and all foreign nationals in China must abide by Chinese laws, noting Japan should strengthen education and inform its citizens, in response to the recent detention of a Japanese national on suspicion of spying.
• Borders blur between Hong Kong and China at 'Greater Bay Area' recruitment fair Radio Free Asia 30 Mar 2023 -- Hong Kong is recruiting graduates from mainland China in an apparent bid to replace talent lost in the brain drain sparked by the imposition of a harsh security law in 2020.
• UN calls for release of ailing Hong Kong rights lawyer Albert Ho Radio Free Asia 30 Mar 2023 -- The United Nations has called on Hong Kong authorities to release veteran rights activist and lawyer Albert Ho, who was returned to custody to await trial for "subversion" under a national security law after his bail was revoked earlier this month.
• UK's Labour Party to recognize Uyghur genocide if it wins elections Radio Free Asia 30 Mar 2023 -- The United Kingdom's opposition Labour Party will aim to declare the Chinese government's treatment of the Uyghurs a genocide if it wins the next general election.
• China, Brazil Strike Blow Against Dollar Through Bilateral Trade Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- China and Brazil are moving to a new level of bilateral trade. China has made a strong move to increase its economic influence in Latin America. Brazil's example could stimulate the displacement of the dollar from the Southern Common Market's (MERCOSUR) trade with China.
• Brazil, China Sign Agreement to Trade in Yuan Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- China and Brazil have concluded an agreement on the bilateral trade in the Chinese yuan and are planning to expand the cooperation in food and mineral extractions sectors, the Chinese vice minister of commerce, Guo Tingting, said on Thursday.
• China to Limit Access to Largest Academic Database VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the largest academic database in China, has notified several universities and research institutes in the U.S., Taiwan and Hong Kong that their access will be limited starting April 1.
• China stays committed to reform and opening up: premier People's Daily 30 Mar 2023 -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday said that China will adhere to reform and opening up and innovation-driven development, no matter how the world will change.
• China calls for strengthening intl cooperation on behalf of nearly 80 countries at UN meeting Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- Speaking on behalf of nearly 80 countries, Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva delivered a joint statement on the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday, and called for strengthening international cooperation, revitalizing the spirit of the Declaration and promoting quality development.
• Tsai talks in US - behind closed doors Radio Free Asia 30 Mar 2023 -- Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has wasted little time since touching down in New York on Wednesday, delivering one speech shortly after her arrival with a second set for Thursday night.
• Taiwan's President to Engage With Lawmakers During 'Transit' Through US, State Dept. Says Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen will have an opportunity to engage with various members of US Congress during her "transit" through the United States, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink.
• President Tsai Ing-wen arrives in New York City CNA 30 Mar 2023 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) arrived in New York City Wednesday afternoon (local time) for a stopover en route to Central American diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize.
• Taiwan invited to U.S.-led Summit for Democracy again CNA 30 Mar 2023 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on late Wednesday said Taiwan has once again been invited by the U.S. government to attend the President Joe Biden-initiated Summit for Democracy on Thursday and Friday.
• China strongly condemns US for arranging Tsai's transit Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- China strongly protested and condemned the US on Thursday for having arranged a transit through the US for the regional leader of the Taiwan island in total disregard of China's solemn representations and repeated warnings, as Tsai Ing-wen has arrived in New York and was scheduled to attend a think tank event and meet US officials.
• Mainland's Taiwan affairs official meets visiting Ma Ying-jeou, highlighting 1992 Consensus as two sides of Straits are one family Global Times 30 Mar 2023 -- The two sides of the Taiwan Straits are one family, said a senior mainland Taiwan affairs official during a meeting with the former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party Ma Ying-jeou, as the two stressed the importance of adhering to the 1992 Consensus on Thursday.
• China censures Taiwan leader's 'stopover' in US Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- China has denounced the Taiwan leader's "stopover" in the United States and urged Washington not to cross the "first red line" of Chinese Taipei's question.
• Taiwan's president begins transit visit to US, amid China's warning Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has arrived in New York on a sensitive transit trip to the United States, as China has threatened to "resolutely fight back" if she meets House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan March 30, 2023 ROC MND 30 Mar 2023
• U.S. Blacklists Slovak For Allegedly Facilitating Arms Deals Between North Korea, Russia RFE/RL 30 Mar 2023 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on a Slovakian man who allegedly worked as a broker for Russia in its efforts to purchase arms and munitions from North Korea to support its war on Ukraine.
• Designation of Facilitator Pursuing DPRK Arms Deal US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023 -- Today, the United States is designating Ashot Mkrtychev for arms-related activities involving the DPRK and Russia. This is the first designation in the DPRK sanctions program in response to Russia's attempt to secure weapons from the DPRK.
• Treasury Sanctions Facilitator for Attempted Arms Deals Between North Korea and Russia US Treasury 30 Mar 2023 -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned one individual for attempting to facilitate arms deals between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Sanctions and export controls imposed by a coalition of over 30 countries have constrained Russia's ability to replace lost military equipment and supplies with modern technology. At the same time, the United States and its partners are continuing to provide Ukraine with advanced weapons to defend itself against Russia's brutal war of choice.
• North Korea launches anti-divorce campaign, targeting women Radio Free Asia 30 Mar 2023 -- North Korea is trying to stop couples from getting divorced by launching an education campaign targeting married women, but residents say the initiative blames women unfairly, sources in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Judgment in Certain Iranian Assets Case US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023 -- Today the International Court of Justice issued a judgment in the Certain Iranian Assets case rejecting the vast majority of Iran's case under the now-terminated Treaty of Amity. This is a major victory for the United States and victims of Iran's State-sponsored terrorism.
• UN Court Rejects Iranian Bid To Unfreeze Funds But Faults U.S. For Seizing Other Assets RFE/RL 30 Mar 2023 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has rejected Iran's bid to unblock nearly $2 billion in assets belonging to its central bank that were frozen by the United States over alleged terrorist attacks
• Hague-based ICJ says US violated intl. law by freezing Iran's assets, orders compensation Press TV 30 Mar 2023 -- Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague have ruled that the United States had violated international law by allowing American courts to confiscate nearly two billion dollars in assets from Iranian companies, and ordered Washington to pay compensation, the amount of which will be determined later.
• International Court of Justice Declares Freezing of Part of Iran's Assets by US Illegal Sputnik 30 Mar 2023 -- The UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the freezing of a part of Iran's assets by the United States is illegal and a compensation is required to be paid, Vice-President of the Court Kirill Gevorgian said on Thursday.
• The Dissolution of Political Parties in Burma US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2023
• Canada condemns dissolution of political parties by Myanmar regime Canada 30 Mar 2023
• Guatemala: Türk alarmed by reprisals against anti-corruption officials UN News 30 Mar 2023 -- Retaliation continues against officials who spearheaded the fight against corruption in Guatemala, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said on Thursday.
• Nigeria's Secret Police Say It Is Monitoring Possible Threat to Democratic Rule VOA 30 Mar 2023 -- Supporters of Nigeria's ruling party are calling on the Department of State Services, often referred to as Nigeria's secret police, to name the politicians the agency says are plotting to set up an interim government to prevent the handover of power to president-elect Bola Tinubu.