Report for Wednesday, March 13, 2024

THE TOP STORIES

On the table: U.S. asks Hamas to swap women, elderly, hurt hostages for longer ceasefire

Ukraine knocks out Russian refinery in major attack as Russia says it thwarts incursion and kills 234 fighters

Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVES

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — What Will the U.S. do if Israel Crosses “Red Line” in Gaza?

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — U.S. Threat Assessment: Two Wars and Axis of Enemies Top 2024 Risks

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVE OPINION — The Houthi Regime is an Integrated Propaganda Machine

THE ISRAEL AND HAMAS WAR

On the table: U.S. asks Hamas to swap women, elderly, hurt hostages for longer ceasefire. The White House Tuesday urged Hamas militants in Gaza to release women, elderly and wounded hostages, in exchange for a temporary pause in fighting with Israel, as a step to a long ceasefire.  "A ceasefire is on the table today, for six weeks to be built on into something more enduring if Hamas would simply release women, wounded and elderly," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.  Israel has accepted a six-week ceasefire, in principle.  As well, Israel appears ready to release Palestinian prisoners at a 10-to-one ratio to number of hostages, up from the November exchange, during which about 100 hostages were freed in exchange for about 240 Palestinians.  But numbers aren’t the problem.   Hamas is still holding out for a permanent ceasefire, plus a total withdrawal of the Israeli military  from Gaza.  That’s a non-starter, because Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted on the complete dismantling of Hamas, which can’t happen without a lot more combat or Hamas’ complete capitulation.  "We're determined to try to generate a ceasefire where at least six weeks with the hostages coming out and then try to build on that into something more enduring, but I can't make any predictions about where this will lie," Sullivan said.   Reuters  

Qatari and Egyptian mediators claim progress toward Gaza ceasefire. The Times of Israel, quoting a “senior Arab diplomat,” reported Tuesday that negotiations for a deal in Gaza are making progress. The reason:  “significant pressure placed by Doha on Hamas.” Qatari officials told Hamas that its leaders, now living in Qatar, would be kicked out of the country if they held to their inflexible hard line.   Al Arabiya, meanwhile, reported Tuesday that Hamas had agreed to a “modified version” of the latest U.S. proposal. However, the news outlet reported, Hamas denied the story. Times of Israel  Al Arabiya   

Anonymous “senior Israeli official” slams Biden in messages to Washington press corps.  The U.S. intelligence community’s new global threat assessment, released Monday, cast doubt on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ability to stay in office.  Predictably it drew a howl of protest from Israel.  In a video-linked address Tuesday to AIPAC, the leading pro-Israel lobby group  in Washington, Netanyahu said he won’t cave to external pressure  not to send ground forces into Rafah.  "There are people who will make you believe that there is the prime minister of Israel and the people of Israel,” Netanyahu said, evidently referring to the White House. “The truth is that the people of Israel support my policy," Netanyahu said.  Around the same time, Washington reporters who cover the Middle East received an irate message attributed to an unnamed “senior Israeli official.”  Axios shared some highlights:  "Those who elect the Prime Minister of Israel are the citizens of Israel and no one else. Israel is not a vassal state of the U.S. but an independent and democratic country whose citizens are the ones who elect the government,” the official said.  "We expect our friends to act to overthrow the terror regime of Hamas and not the elected government in Israel."  Channel 12, Israel’s largest commercial television news outlet, reported Tuesday that the anonymous official was “the most senior Israeli political source you can imagine,” hinting that the author was Netanyahu himself.  Channel 12 said that the U.S. intelligence report had left the prime minister “fuming,” so he “decided to embark upon strong, public and dramatic confrontations with the president of the United States.”   Axios Times of Israel 

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — What Will the U.S. do if Israel Crosses “Red Line” in Gaza?  President Joe Biden has warned Israel against crossing a “red line” in Gaza, which would likely be an Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, the remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and where over a million Palestinian civilians are sheltering. But clarity is missing on what exactly the red lines are and what, if any, punishment might come if Israel ignores them.  The Cipher Brief 

Aid ship leaves Cyprus for Gaza.  An aid ship left the Cypriot port of Larnaca for Gaza on Tuesday morning in a pilot program for a new maritime aid corridor for the enclave.  The ship, loaded with almost 200 tons of food supplies, is expected to arrive in Gaza after a two-day journey.  The mission is mostly funded by the UAE and is being organized by U.S.-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK).  Spanish charity Open Arms owns and operates the ship.  WCK says it is building a landing jetty in Gaza to offload the food onto trucks that will deliver it to northern Gaza.  WCK has another 500 tons of aid in Cyprus ready to be delivered on other boats.  Associated Press Al Jazeera Bloomberg World Central Kitchen 

U.S., allies look to private sector to feed Gaza faster. The U.S. may urge partners and allies to fund a privately-run operation to ship humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea, Reuters reported Tuesday.  A commercial shipping venture could land massive amounts of aid in weeks, so the rationale goes, instead of the 60 days the Pentagon wants to carry out the U.S. military’s ambitious but complicated plan for a floating pier system.  Reuters reported that Washington is considering asking allies to fund the private sea lift through an international foundation that could take donations from foreign governments and private groups.  Reuters 

World Food Programme develops new land route to get aid to northern Gaza.  A World Food Programme convoy arrived in north Gaza early Tuesday via a new land route, an Israeli military road that runs alongside the Gaza border fence.  “WFP delivered enough food for 25,000 people to Gaza City early Tuesday in the first successful convoy to the north since 20 February,” the U.N. agency said in a tweet. “With people in northern #Gaza on the brink of famine, we need deliveries every day + we need entry points directly into the north.”  WFP spokesperson Shaza Moghraby said the delivery "proves that moving food by road is possible."  "We are hoping to scale up, we need access to be regular and consistent especially with people in northern Gaza on the brink of famine," she said.  Reuters Reuters UN News WFP X   

Gaza aid airdrops aren’t enough.  The U.S. and its European and Arab allies have ramped up humanitarian airdrops in Gaza this month in an effort to get more aid to Palestinians.  While the airdrops offer some relief, they involve considerable logistical challenges and face criticism for ineffectiveness.  Accurate airdrops require careful planning, including satellite imagery and proper parachute mechanics, as well as coordination with Israeli airspace control.  An incident where a faulty airdrop killed some Gazans on the ground has added to criticisms.  Airdrops also have a limited impact, delivering far less aid than trucks via traditional land routes.  Wall Street Journal 

Another hostage taken by Hamas declared dead.  The Israeli government announced that Sgt. Itay Chen, 19, from Netanya, who served in the 7th Armored Brigade’s 75th Battalion, was killed Oct. 7.  “His body was taken from the Gaza border, following a battle with terrorists during the Hamas onslaught,” the Times of Israel reported Tuesday. Times of Israel   

Turkey’s Erdogan urges more pressure on Israel to increase aid for Gaza.  Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday called for increased international pressure on Israel to deliver more humanitarian aid to Gaza.  He said Ankara will increase its support for the Palestinians  during Ramadan. "No matter what the Israeli leadership does, it cannot hide the reality that it is a murdering, cruel, criminal, lying, and fascist (government)," Erdogan said.  Israel claims that it is not responsible for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and cites two aid crossings in southern Gaza that are open.  Reuters   

Israeli jets return to Bekaa, targeting Hezbollah sites.  Israeli warplanes struck the Bekaa Valley for a second day on Tuesday, in response to Hezbollah rocket launches towards northern Israel earlier in the day.   The strikes hit a Hezbollah facility and killed two Hezbollah members, the group said in a statement late Tuesday. The Israeli military said fighter jets "struck two Hezbollah military command centers" in the Baalbek area.   Reuters  Bloomberg  

CIPHER BRIEF EXCLUSIVE OPINION — The Houthi Regime is an Integrated Propaganda Machine.  Ari Heistein, former chief of staff and research fellow at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), reviews the network of media figures powering the propaganda machine of Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis.  The Cipher Brief

Teen killed in Jerusalem by Israeli forces, Palestinian officials say.  Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces shot and killed a 13-year-old Palestinian boy from a refugee camp outside Jerusalem yesterday.  While not confirming the death, the Israeli police said violent riots broke out in the camp for a second consecutive night and that a police officer fired a single shot toward a suspect who endangered Israeli forces by shooting fireworks in their direction. The statement added that the suspect was arrested and transferred for medical treatment. The Palestinian Red Crescent said it treated five people wounded by Israeli fire. The Red Crescent also said that in a separate incident in the town of Al-Jib west of Jerusalem, at least two Palestinians were killed and three others wounded by Israeli forces at a checkpoint late yesterday.  Reuters

THE UKRAINE UPDATE

Ukraine continues drone strikes on Russian oil facilities.  Ukrainian drone attacks hit Russian oil facilities for the second day in a row on Wednesday.  Both Russia and Ukraine have employed drones in their ongoing conflict, with Ukraine targeting Russian refineries and energy facilities in recent months.  The latest attacks hit refineries in the Rostov and Ryazan regions, officials said.  The Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Rostov was forced to halt operations to assess damage.  The attack also caused a fire at Rosneft’s refinery in Ryazan, Russia’s seventh largest and a major supplier of motor fuel around the Moscow area.  Officials later said the blaze was extinguished.  The attacks came after drone attacks on Russian energy facilities a day before, including on Lukoil’s NORSI refinery.  The attacks over the last two days have damaged facilities accounting for over 10% of Russia’s oil-processing capacity.  The attacks on Russian oil facilities pose challenges for President Vladimir Putin amid tensions with the West over Ukraine, particularly given the sensitivity of domestic gasoline prices ahead of the upcoming presidential election.  Reuters Barron’s Bloomberg Kyiv Independent

Russia says it killed 234 fighters while thwarting an incursion from Ukraine. Russia reported thwarting an incursion from Ukraine, saying it killed 234 fighters amid heightened tensions before its March 15-17 presidential election. Ukrainian long-range drones attacked deep within Russia, hitting two oil facilities and targeting other locations in eight regions. Showcasing new capabilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last year that Ukraine had developed weapons, apparently drones, capable of striking targets 700 kilometers away. Tuesday’s offensive included a notable armed push by Russian volunteers fighting for Ukraine, aiming to undermine Vladimir Putin's narrative of an unaffected Russia. Moscow claimed repelling multiple cross-border assaults, while Ukraine highlighted these actions as autonomous efforts by Russian citizens against Putin's regime. Reuters Associated Press Kyiv Independent
Russian missile strike on apartments in Kryvyi Rih kills 3, wounds 38. A Russian missile attack on residential buildings in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killed three persons and injured at least 38 individuals, including 10 children. The assault damaged a five-story and a nine-story apartment block. At least six victims were critically wounded. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on his hometown, a central Ukrainian city of 630,000 people and frequent target of Russia. "Every day, our cities and villages suffer similar strikes. Every day, Ukraine loses people to Russian evil," he wrote. "There can be no pause, not for a day, a week, let alone a month, in support for simply defending lives, for saving people from terror." Reuters Bloomberg

Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war. President Vladimir Putin said Russia is technically prepared for nuclear war, emphasizing that a U.S. troop deployment to Ukraine would be seen as a significant escalation. Speaking before the upcoming March 15-17 Russian presidential election, Putin remarked that there is no immediate need for nuclear weapons in Ukraine but affirmed Russia's readiness for such a scenario. This declaration comes amid the third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, sinking Russia’s relations with the US to the lowest point since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The Kremlin leader signaled hope that restraint will win out. In the U.S., “there are enough specialists in the field of Russian-American relations and in the field of strategic restraint," Reuters quoted Putin as saying. "Therefore, I don't think that here everything is rushing to it (nuclear confrontation), but we are ready for this." Putin repeated a willingness to negotiate with Ukraine if Kyiv accepted Moscow’s terms, including recognition of four Ukrainian regions and Crimea as part of Russia. Putin also said that Russia would require security guarantees before entering into any agreement. In an interview with RIA Novosti published on Wednesday, Putin said “we are primarily interested in the security of Russia”. Ukraine has refused to make territorial concessions to reward Moscow’s aggression.  Reuters Reuters Bloomberg Associated Press  

Minister: Ukraine to mass-produce robots to 'minimize human involvement on battlefield.' Ukraine is set to mass-produce versatile mobile robots for mining, demining, drone operation, evacuating wounded  and ammunition transport, aiming to minimize human battlefield exposure and casualties. The Kyiv Independent reported on Tuesday that these unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are seen as a strategic counter to Russia's larger manpower and part of an effort to overcome ammunition shortages. "The robots have successfully proven themselves on the training ground, in a few months they will be on the battlefield," the news outlet quoted Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as saying. Kyiv Independent 

Ukraine says Russia has lost over 426,800 troops in the war.  Ukraine’s General Staff reports that Russia has lost 426,870 troops since the start of its invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, including 980 casualties over the past day.  The General Staff also says that Russia has lost 6,752 tanks, 12, 921 armored fighting vehicles, 10,554 artillery systems and 347 airplanes.  Kyiv Independent 

U.S. to send $300 million in new weapons to Ukraine. The White House announced Tuesday that it will send a new stopgap weapons package worth $300 million to Ukraine, the first since funding ran out  in December. The package is funded by savings from contracts that came in under bid. “When Russian troops advance and its guns fire, Ukraine does not have enough ammunition to fire back; that’s costing terrain,” US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in announcing the aid. “It’s costing lives and it’s costing us, the United States and the NATO alliance, strategically.” Officials said the aid will help Ukraine against Russian attacks for only a few weeks and will include air defense interceptors, artillery rounds and armor systems. According to Politico, a number of additional Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) are part of the package, citing two US officials with knowledge of the discussions. The U.S. will send Kyiv additional Anti-Personnel/Anti-Materiel, or APAM, missiles, which are an older version of the long-range ATACMS, according to one of the officials. The missiles travel 100 miles and carry warheads containing hundreds of cluster bomblets. The announcement comes as the Pentagon lacks $10 billion to replenish weapons it has already sent to Ukraine. The Department of Defense said that it urgently needs the U.S. House of Representatives to approve a $60 billion supplemental aid package to Ukraine, which House Speaker Mike Johnson has thus far refused to put to a vote. ABC News Bloomberg Politico New York Times Reuters Associated Press 

French lawmakers back Ukraine security accord. French lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a 10-year security pact with Ukraine, marking a significant move by President Emmanuel Macron to bolster Kyiv amid Russia’s invasion. The agreement entails arms deliveries, military training and up to $3.2 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2024. Despite Macron's tougher stance on Russia, including not dismissing the possibility of a Western troop presence in Ukraine, the decision sparked a divisive debate, highlighting France's internal political tensions. The pact was passed with 372 votes for, 99 against and 101 abstentions, amid criticisms of polarizing the political landscape and changing Macron's party's perceived stance toward war.  Reuters

‘China is watching’: U.S. spy chiefs plead for Ukraine aid. U.S. intelligence leaders urged the House of Representatives to approve $60 billion more in military aid for Ukraine, emphasizing its significance for US security and deterring Chinese aggression. CIA Director William Burns highlighted the impact on American interests in the Indo-Pacific, stressing that failing to support Ukraine could embolden China and shake allies' trust in U.S. reliability. "I can already see the Ukrainian military rationing ammunition, you can already see them becoming more vulnerable to Russian attacks from the air, from drones, from missiles, from aircraft," he told the committee. The intelligence leaders spoke to the House of Representatives' intelligence committee's annual hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. security. Reuters 

EU close on deal for €5 billion military aid package for Ukraine.  The European Union is close to approving an additional $5.46 billion in military aid for Ukraine, aimed at bolstering its defense against Russia’s invasion, according to a Financial Times report on Tuesday, citing officials familiar with the discussions. Reuters 

EU pushes to use €3 Billion of Russian assets for Ukraine. European Union leaders will soon debate a contentious plan to utilize profits from frozen Russian central bank assets, with discussions potentially facing opposition from some member states wary of using the funds to arm Ukraine's military. While the EU eyes an annual gain of around €3 billion from these assets, the proposal includes allocating the revenues to the EU budget for Ukraine's benefit, sparking concerns over legality, Russian retaliation and financial stability. The plan aims to support Ukraine without depleting the frozen assets, amid broader agreement on keeping these funds from Moscow until it aids in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Western nations have frozen $284 billion in Russian securities and cash, more than two-thirds of it in the EU. Most of the Russian central bank assets are held in Euroclear, a Brussels-based clearinghouse that invests the money. The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, is expected to put forward a blueprint as early as March 15 on the issue, according to Bloomberg. The  plan will be discussed at a summit in Brussels March 21-22. Bloomberg 

Ukraine plans reforms to unlock €50 Billion of EU aid.  Ukraine is finalizing a reform plan to access a significant portion of a recent €50 billion European Union aid package, aimed at addressing its dire financial and military needs. The initial phase involves a €4.5 billion payment this month, contingent on Ukraine implementing key reforms in public finance, anti-corruption and business development. The EU's support, designed to bridge Ukraine's financing gaps through 2027, also includes €1.9 billion in unconditional pre-financing These funds are critical for Ukraine as it struggles to fund its war effort and maintain government operations, with further disbursements linked to achieving specific reform milestones aligned with EU membership requirements. Bloomberg 

Biden praises Poland for its Ukraine aid, including support for Czech ammunition initiative President Joe Biden on Tuesday praised Poland for its substantial defense spending and assistance to Ukraine, while urging the U.S. Congress to approve additional funds to support Kyiv against Russia's invasion. Poland's defense spending, nearly 4% of its gross domestic product, was highlighted as a significant contribution. Warsaw is supporting a Czech-led initiative to ultimately provide 800,00 artillery rounds for Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Tuesday. Kyiv is estimated to need at least 200,000 rounds a month to keep up the fight against Russia’s invading forces, whose average daily shell use can be anywhere from three to five times what Ukrainian forces can fire, according to Bloomberg.  Bloomberg 

Russia summons Swiss ambassador over parliament's motions to funnel frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Swiss Ambassador Krystyna Marty Lang to protest the Swiss parliament’s decision last week to approve three measures that would clear the way for sending Russian assets frozen in Switzerland to Ukraine for reconstruction. The Russian Foreign Ministry said on its official Telegram channel that if the Swiss plan is implemented, retaliation will follow. The Swiss government estimated that it had frozen $8.8 billion in Russian state assets in December as part of its sanctions regime against Russia. Kyiv Independent 

Ukraine breaks up pro-Kremlin ‘informational sabotage’ network.  The Security Service of Ukraine announced the disruption of a significant pro-Russian "informational sabotage" network linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service. It was allegedly coordinated by a cleric from the Moscow-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The operation revealed 15 members, with four detained, accused of spreading divisive disinformation and inciting religious hatred amid the ongoing invasion. This action underscores Kyiv's efforts to counteract Russia's intensified informational warfare aimed at destabilizing Ukrainian society during the conflict. The Ukrainian parliament has previously moved to ban the church's activities, citing its loyalty to Moscow, despite the church's claims of independence from the Russian Orthodox Church. "It is one of the largest FSB (Russian Federal Security Service) networks that has been operating in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion," Ukraine’s Security Service said on its Telegram channel. Reuters 

Turkey’s Erdogan warns NATO against escalating Ukraine war.  Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate the war in Ukraine or extend it to NATO territories. He pledged to host Vladimir Putin after the Russian presidential election on March 15-17, balancing support for Ukraine's sovereignty with maintaining relations with Russia. Erdogan highlighted Turkey's efforts to revive the Black Sea grain deal to allow Ukrainian grain exports and warned against exacerbating regional conflicts. Despite providing Ukraine with support, Turkey opposes sanctions against Russia and advocates for peace talks, including hosting a potential Ukraine-Russia summit. Reuters 

Russian military transport plane crashes on takeoff.  Russia’s defense ministry said a Russian Il-76 military transport plane crashed on Tuesday while taking off from a base in the western Ivanovo region.  The ministry said an engine fire likely caused the crash.  It added that eight crew and seven passengers were aboard the aircraft.  Russian online news services said there were no survivors.  Associated Press Reuters

ANALYSIS — Electronic warfare reshaping Ukraine’s battlefields.  Electronic countermeasures that jam signals that control the flights of Ukraine’s drones are one of the Russian military’s most formidable weapons.  Russia has more jamming equipment capable of overpowering Ukrainian signals by broadcasting on the same frequencies at higher power according to new analysis by the New York Times.  New York Times 

CIPHER BRIEF EXPERT OPINION — Russia May Have Targeted Ukrainian Civilians. And That’s a Crime.  Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Adm. James Stavridis (Ret.), a Cipher Brief Expert, writes on civilian casualties in the Ukraine war, focusing on warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the arrest of two Russian flag officers accused of indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.  Stavridis emphasizes that the officers’ actions go beyond the norms of warfare and calls for them to be held accountable.  He also emphasizes how the case serves as a warning to Ukrainian, Israeli, and U.S. commanders that they must protect civilians and minimize collateral damage amid warfare.  More widely, Stavridis encourages principled militaries worldwide to review procedures, ethics, and adherence to international law to better protect civilians in conflict zones.  He also touches on concerns about artificial intelligence in warfare, emphasizing the need for human operators and commanders.  Bloomberg

UNICEF grant to provide Ukraine $18 million in education funding. Ukrainian Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi announced yesterday that Ukraine will receive $18 million from Education Can’t Wait, a UNICEF-supported fund, to provide educational support to children affected by the war. The aid will be used to assist 150,000 children, train teachers, expand digital learning initiatives and provide alternative education opportunities. According to the Ukrainian Education Ministry, more than 3,500 educational institutions have been damaged and more than 340 destroyed since the start of the war. Germany and Japan were the leading contributors to the funding, providing a combined $13.9 million. Kyiv Independent 

The Americas

Terrorist threat in U.S. has reached ‘whole other level,’ FBI’s Wray warns. FBI Director Christopher Wray warns that terrorist threats to the U.S. have escalated following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war. Addressing the House Intelligence Committee, Wray highlighted an increase in calls for violence against the U.S. “You’ve seen a veritable rogue’s gallery of foreign terrorist organizations calling for terrorist attacks against us in a way that we haven’t seen in a long, long time,” the FBI head told the House Intelligence Committee in an annual presentation on the biggest worldwide threats facing the US. Wray, speaking alongside other top US intelligence officials, said the FBI is also concerned about the risk of violent attacks by lone actors inspired by calls for violence from the Middle East. The intelligence community predicts the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza will have a long-term effect on global terrorism. Wray emphasized the need for heightened vigilance without panic.  Bloomberg 

SUBSCRIBER+EXCLUSIVE REPORTING — U.S. Threat Assessment: Two Wars and Axis of Enemies Top 2024 Risks.  The top U.S. intelligence agencies delivered a sobering threat assessment this week, focused on spillover dangers posed by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and the growing influence of an axis of countries looking to reduce American power.  The Cipher Brief

Poland's Tusk says US Republicans may cost 'thousands of lives' over Ukraine vote. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a stark warning to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson over the ongoing delay in a vote for $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Tusk emphasized that thousands of lives and ‘’the fate of millions of people’’ hinge on Johnson’s actions, underscoring the critical nature of US support for Ukraine and its broader implications for European security and stability. The warning came to reporters on Tuesday in Washington after Tusk and Polish Polish President Andrzej Duda met with President Joe Biden and top administration officials. Biden and the Polish leaders urged Johnson to move ahead with a vote on the aid package that passed the Senate, but that the House Republican leader has held up. Former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican party's 2024 presidential nomination, opposes aid to Kyiv.  White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters ahead of the talks that the United States will offer to sell 96 Apache attack helicopters to Poland and will approve a $2 billion direct foreign aid loan for Warsaw. The Polish leaders also came to press their campaign to get NATO’s 32 members to spend at least 3% of their annual national economic output on defense, something only the US, Poland and Greece do today.  Reuters 

Polish rivals unite in DC to press for Ukraine aid.  In a remarkable display of unity, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk joined forces in Washington to advocate for increased military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the critical need for U.S. support. Despite their political differences at home, both leaders are united in their commitment to Ukraine's defense against Russia, highlighting the issue's  importance over domestic politics. Their efforts aim to rally bipartisan support in Congress, with President Joe Biden echoing the urgency of the situation. "We must act before it literally is too late because, as Poland remembers, Russia won't stop at Ukraine. Putin will keep going, putting Europe and the United States and the entire free world at risk, in my view," Biden said at the outset of the East Room meeting with the Polish leaders. Said Tusk: “There cannot be a free Europe without a free and independent Ukraine.” Politico 

Taiwan’s vice president-elect visit to U.S. angers China.  Taiwan's vice president-elect, Hsiao Bi-khim, is visiting the U.S. this week, which has drawn  “firm opposition” from China.  Beijing’s strong objection to any official US-Taiwan interaction underscores the delicate balance of international relations in the Asia-Pacific region. Hsiao's trip, described as a personal visit on private matters, nevertheless carries significant geopolitical weight due to her deep connections in Washington and background as Taipei's de facto ambassador.  Reuters 

Xenophobia or security precaution? Georgia lawmakers divided over limiting foreign land ownership.  A measure that would ban some Chinese citizens from owning farmland in the U.S. state of Georgia is making its way through the state legislature, but critics say it promotes xenophobia and could face legal challenges.  Supporters say the ban is necessary to protect the food supply from a country hostile to U.S. interests. Several states have enacted similar measures. A Georgia congressional committee has approved a bill restricting the sale of agricultural land near military installations to any agent of China or several other countries. The state senate approved a similar bill last month. The senate bill would ban foreign nationals from Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia who are not legal residents from owning farmland or any land that is within 25 miles of a military installation unless they have spent at least 10 months of the previous year living in Georgia.  Associated Press

U.S. sanctions affiliates of Iran-backed group in Bahrain.  The U.S. sanctioned four individuals accused of aiding the Bahrain-based, U.S.-designated terrorist group al-Ashtar Brigades.  The Treasury Department said those sanctioned are based in Iran and are suspected of facilitating lethal aid and conducting money transfers for the group, as well as planning terrorist operations in Bahrain.  The sanctions were imposed in coordination with Bahrain’s government.  Reuters Treasury.gov Iran International 

Biden budget request cuts submarine purchase, drawing pushback from Democrats. President Biden's proposal to cut a $3 billion Virginia-class submarine purchase has sparked bipartisan concern in Congress. The reduction to the purchase of just one attack submarine per year, against the backdrop of an $850 billion Pentagon budget, contradicts the US Navy's expansion goals and Biden's own initiatives, such as the AUKUS pact with Australia and the United Kingdom. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut and Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, argue this move undermines efforts to strengthen undersea fleet capabilities essential for countering global threats. The decision has prompted calls for increased defense manufacturing and investment to ensure the US and its allies can maintain a competitive edge in naval power. Funding a second sub will be no easy task for Congress, with each boat costing roughly $3 billion. Budget growth is limited by the debt limit deal. The $850 billion budget submission doesn’t keep up with inflation, Politico notes, which forced Pentagon brass to make cuts, including reducing pricey F-35 fighter purchases, delaying procurement of a new aircraft carrier and reducing active-duty troop levels. Pentagon Comptroller Mike McCord told reporters Monday the Virginia-class boats arriving this year are 30 months late, and there is a backlog of roughly 12. “Virginia class was not a budget decision,” Politico quoted McCord as saying. Politico 

Kenya pauses police deployment after Haitian leader agrees to resign. Kenya will delay its deployment of 1,000 police officers to lead an international security mission in Haiti. The pause comes after Prime Minister Ariel Henry said over the weekend that he would step down once a transitional government is put in place. Reuters quoted Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, the principal secretary at the Kenyan foreign ministry, as saying the deployment is “contingent on the ground situation, and the critical ground situation is that there has to be an authority that can be the basis for a police deployment that enjoys constitutional authority in Haiti." The U.S., which has pledged the lion's share of the mission's funding, said it was confident the deployment would go ahead once Haiti's new interim leaders were named. Armed gangs opposed to Henry’s rule have stepped up violence in March, with gunmen burning police stations, closing the two international airports and raiding the country’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates. The Associated Press reported that scores have been killed, and more than 15,000 are homeless after fleeing neighborhoods raided by gangs. But after Henry’s decision to step down, Reuters reported calm in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Tuesday, with the streets quiet and no attacks on government offices or police stations reported. The main CPS cargo port had reopened, local news outlet Le Nouvelliste reported. The capital's main airport has not resumed operations, but armed men who had taken control of it were no longer present, the news agency reported. Meanwhile, experts warned not to ignore the political demands of Haiti’s estimated 200 gangs. “Even if you have a different kind of government, the reality is that you need to talk to the gangs,” the AP quoted Robert Fatton, a Haitian politics expert at the University of Virginia. “If they have that supremacy, and there is no countervailing force, it’s no longer a question if you want them at the table. They may just take the table.” One gang leader, quoted by the AP, said on Monday: “Haitian people will choose who will govern them.” Reuters Associated Press Reuters Associated Press 

Venezuela, Iran rush to mend relations. Venezuela is hastening efforts to mend its critical oil alliance with Iran as impending U.S. sanctions threaten to further isolate its energy sector. The relationship with Tehran, vital for Venezuela's oil exports and domestic fuel supplies, has been strained by unmet swap agreements, risking vital support amid increased American pressure. Both nations, facing significant U.S. sanctions, view their partnership as essential to circumvent economic isolation and sustain their economies. Venezuela is also striving to renegotiate dozens of unfinished projects from agriculture to car manufacturing before Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits Caracas in the coming months, Reuters reports. Washington last year temporarily relaxed sanctions on Venezuela's oil exports in exchange for a Caracas’ promise to allow a competitive presidential election, something that has not happened.  Reuters 

Asia and Oceania

Philippines skeptical on China’s proposals to resolve South China Sea disputes. The Philippines has expressed concerns that China's maritime proposals, including the management of disputes in the South China Sea, contradict its national interests and violate international law. Despite China's claims of sovereignty based on the "10 dash line" and initiatives aimed at cooperation, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Beijing’s expansive claims to most of the South China Sea were "not recognized by any country, any international body, certainly not by the Philippines.” His comments came during a joint briefing with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz while on a working visit to Germany. Recent tensions, including an incident involving the use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard against a Philippine vessel, underscore the strained relations between Manila and Beijing over contested waters, emphasizing the complexities of regional maritime sovereignty disputes.  Reuters 

Japan’s push for summit with North Korea ‘very important,’ IAEA chief says. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog head, Rafael Grossi, supports Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's proposal for summit talks with North Korea, even if Pyongyang's nuclear buildup isn't initially discussed. Kishida aims for a leaders' summit without preconditions, the first in 20 years, a move that North Korea's ruling party indicated openness to. The International Atomic Energy Agency, expelled from North Korea in 2009, emphasized the importance of engagement despite concerns over North Korea's nuclear advancements. Grossi's visit to Japan includes discussions with Kishida and overseeing the Fukushima plant's treated wastewater release, criticized by locals and leading to a seafood ban by China and Russia over safety fears.  Reuters 

As trade with China booms, some Russian companies are flourishing. Since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions that led Western firms to exit the Russian market, Nikita Minenkov's logistics company, Eurasia Logistics Group, based near the Russia-China border, has seen a surge in business, with turnover doubling for two consecutive years. This trend underscores the strengthening economic ties between Moscow and Beijing, as China increases its purchases of Russian oil and supplies Russia with goods, particularly automobiles and machinery. Trade between Russia and China has skyrocketed by 64% over the past two years, reaching $240 billion. China's burgeoning presence in the Russian market, particularly in the automotive sector, has surged from less than 10% to over 50%, with Chinese brands dominating sales. Despite concerns about dependency and risks associated with increased Sino-Russian trade, both governments are aiming to further expand economic ties. Russia's railway infrastructure is set to undergo significant upgrades to facilitate increased trade with China and other Asian nations.  Reuters

India-made fighter jet Tejas crashes for first time.   A Tejas light combat jet of the Indian Air Force crashed on Tuesday in the western state of Rajasthan.  The pilot ejected safely.  It is the first time the Indian-made fighter jet crashed since it was inducted nearly eight years ago.  The crash comes as India seeks to bolster local defense manufacturing to lessen its significant imports of defense equipment.  Reuters 

Europe

Romania’s President Iohannis running for NATO leadership.  Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday announced his candidacy to be NATO’s next secretary-general, challenging the expected frontrunner, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is supported by several key member states.  Iohannis emphasized the need for NATO to reassess its mission and highlighted the importance of balanced representation to address all member states' concerns effectively, arguing that Eastern Europe needs better representation in NATO leadership roles. Diplomats say that Rutte is the primary candidate, but informal discussions also mentioned Iohannis. Romania hosts a U.S. ballistic missile defense system and a permanent NATO battle group.  Romania has also increased defense spending to 2.5%  in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it shares a 400-mile border with.  Reuters Associated Press

Poland's capital Warsaw earmarks $30 million for bomb shelters and other security.  Warsaw, Poland's capital, is set to allocate 117 million zlotys ($30 million) over the next two to three years for bomb shelters and security measures as the war in neighboring Ukraine enters its third year, according to Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Despite Poland's NATO membership ensuring safety from potential Russian attacks, preparations for possible strikes have been prompted by the ongoing conflict. A report by Poland's Supreme Audit Office highlighted deficiencies in bomb shelter provision across the country, with less than 4% of the population having access to shelter. Trzaskowski outlined plans to utilize underground car parks and metro stations, totaling around 7 million square meters of space in Warsaw, for shelter purposes. Additionally, efforts will focus on preparing hospitals for threats and educating the public on emergency response procedures.  Reuters

Denmark plans $6 bln boost in military spending amid defense shortcomings.  Denmark plans to increase its defense budget by 40.5 billion Danish crowns ($5.9 billion) over the next five years to address major defense shortcomings and meet NATO targets amid challenges to the international order, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced. The move follows pressure from Washington to raise military spending to NATO's 2% of GDP target, with Denmark currently at 1.4%. While Denmark has provided significant military aid to Ukraine, including F-16 fighter jets, it aims to bolster its own forces, including land-based air defense systems and a heavy infantry brigade by 2028, to meet NATO obligations more swiftly. Reuters

E.U. considers action against Iran over possible missile transfers to Russia.  European Union leaders plan to implement new, significant measures against Iran in response to reports of Tehran’s alleged transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. A draft of the summit conclusions calls for an immediate halt to third-party material support for Russia's war against Ukraine. The document highlights concerns over Iran's deepening military cooperation with Russia, both under U.S. sanctions, and mentions Iran's provision of surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to Russia. The EU aims to coordinate swift responses, including further sanctions against Iran, Belarus and North Korea. Reuters Bloomberg 

Hungary summons U.S. envoy over Biden’s ‘dictatorship’ comment. After President Joe Biden criticized Viktor Orbán for wanting a "dictatorship" in Hungary, the American ambassador in Budapest was summoned for a rebuke. Biden, during a campaign event last week, remarked: "Orbán doesn’t think democracy works and is looking for dictatorship." This comment came in the wake of Orbán's meeting in Florida with Donald Trump, where the two men heaped praise on each other. Orban emerged from the meeting with admiration for what he said was Trump’s position to not give “a single penny” to Ukraine in its defense against Russia if reelected as president in November. Trump called Orban “a great leader, fantastic leader.”Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, responding to Biden, said: "Budapest is not obliged to tolerate lies, even from the president of the United States." US Ambassador David Pressman was called for an "urgent" meeting, with the U.S. Embassy stating: "Ambassador Pressman always welcomes the opportunity to discuss the state of Hungary’s democracy with an ally.” Bloomberg Politico  

Thousands protest in Slovakia against government’s policy toward Russia. In Bratislava, Slovakia, an estimated 5,000 people protested Tuesday against the government's policy on Russia, criticizing Prime Minister Robert Fico's administration for its coziness to Moscow and its opposition of military aid to Ukraine. The trigger was a meeting on March 2  between Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and Russian Sergei Lavrov. Protesters, waving Slovak, Ukrainian, European Union and NATO flags, expressed dismay at the government's foreign policy, emphasizing Slovakia's Western alignment. Fico defends his stance as balanced, opposing military aid to Ukraine except for commercial purposes, arguing that it only prolongs Russia’s war. Ukraine's Western allies have dismissed that argument, saying halting aid would simply lead to Ukraine's defeat rather than negotiations. This public dissatisfaction highlights a significant divide in Slovak society regarding its foreign policy and alliance priorities. Reuters 

Navalny aide Volkov attacked in Lithuania.  Leonid Volkov, the former chief of staff of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was assaulted with a hammer and tear gas outside of his house in the Lithuania capital of Vilnius on Tuesday.  Lithuanian police said they are investigating the attack, which they called politically motivated.  Volkov blamed the attack on President Vladimir Putin, saying it was “an obvious typical gangster greeting” from the Russian leader.  Volkov has lived in self-imposed exile in Lithuania.  He was a top political advisor to Navalny and helped run his campaigns, and also served as chairman of the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which investigated alleged corruption by high-ranking Russian elite.  Reuters Kyiv Independent Associated Press Washington Post Bloomberg

Switzerland to try Assad’s uncle for crimes against humanity. Switzerland’s Attorney General’s Office said yesterday that it would try an uncle of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for war crimes and crimes against humanity dating back to his time as a military commander in 1982. The office said it has charged Rifaat al-Assad, 86, with ordering killings, torture, and illegal detentions in February 1982 when he was in charge of forces in Hama.  Assad became known as the “Butcher of Hama” as his troops were accused of killing thousands of people in crushing an Islamist uprising. The Swiss indictment says between 3,000 and 60,000 people, mostly civilians, were killed. Assad has denied responsibility for the deaths. Police established that Assad was present in Switzerland when the investigation began more than 10 years ago. According to the Swiss Criminal Procedure Code, a trial in absentia is possible under certain conditions.  A statement from Assad’s lawyers on Tuesday said that their client denied responsibility for the killings.  Reuters 

South Korean held in Russia for spying did humanitarian, mission work, says aid group.  The head of a South Korean Christian aid group denies espionage charges against missionary Baek Kwang-soon, arrested in Russia, asserting that he was engaged solely in humanitarian and missionary work, aiding migrant laborers and the needy. Tensions between Russia and South Korea have escalated due to Moscow's ties with North Korea. Baek's organization denies involvement in helping North Korean workers defect and plans to petition for Baek's release, emphasizing that his arrest may intimidate missionaries aiding North Koreans. South Korea is engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure his return, with concerns rising over the safety of citizens in Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.  Reuters

Hungary hosts Rosatom head on 25th anniversary of NATO accession.  Hungary hosted Alexey Likhachev, the head of Russia’s state nuclear energy company Rosatom, on Tuesday, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Budapest’s NATO accession.  Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto shared a photo of him and Likhachev which he captioned by saying an expansion of Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant being carried out by Rosatom is progressing.  Paks Nuclear Power Plant is Hungary’s first and only nuclear power plant.  Likhachev is subject to sanctions by several Western countries.  He has a significant role in Russia’s military-industrial complex and oversees Rosatom’s involvement in Ukrainian nuclear facilities occupied by Russian forces.  Kyiv Independent

Russian nuclear-powered Losharik submarine to be tested in summer.  Russia’s AS-31 deep-diving nuclear powered submarine, known as Losharik, will begin testing in June or July after it completes repairs, according to Russia’s TASS state news agency.  The Losharik was launched in 2003 and has been in repairs since 2019 when a fire on board killed 13 sailors.  Russia’s defense ministry said the submarine’s “nuclear elements” were isolated from the fire, and TASS reported earlier that its titanium hull was not damaged, meaning its diving capacity was not impacted.  Reuters

Armenia threatens to leave Russian-led CSTO.  Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declared that Armenia will exit the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) if its concerns regarding collective security are not addressed. The threat follows discontent over the failure of Russian “peacekeepers” in Nagorno-Karabakh to prevent the region from being seized by Azerbaijan.  Pashinyan accused the CSTO of not fulfilling its obligations to aid Armenia when it experienced aggression.  Armenia has been drifting from Russia, accusing it of being an unreliable partner. The country has been moving closer to the West, considering applying for E.U. membership and bolstering ties with countries like France, the U.S., and India.  Kyiv Independent 

Middle East

Talks to end US-led coalition in Iraq may take until after US election, Iraqi official says. The U.S. and Iraq are discussing the future of the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq, initiated in 2014 to combat the Islamic State. However, a final decision may be delayed until after the U.S. presidential election in November. The talks, amid regional tensions and internal Iraqi divisions over the U.S. presence, aim to prevent Iraq from becoming a battleground for foreign powers. While hardline Shi'ite groups demand U.S. withdrawal, moderate factions and Sunni and Kurdish parties fear a power vacuum. The U.S. is reevaluating the coalition's role post-Islamic State's defeat but does not necessarily foresee a complete withdrawal of military advisers. The U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003, toppling President Saddam Hussein, before exiting the country in 2011.  The U.S. returned in 2014 at the head of an international coalition to fight Islamic State.  There are currently around 2,500 American troops in Iraq along with 900 in Syria on an advise and assist mission.  Reuters 

Africa

Pirates seize cargo ship off Somalia.  Armed people seized a Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier off the coast of Somalia on Tuesday.  Maritime security firm Ambrey said the ship, the Abdullah, was seized 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu and was headed from Mozambique to the UAE.  The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said 22 armed people boarded the vessel.  The ship was reportedly headed towards the Somali coast.  UKMTO added that the crew were unharmed, though Ambrey said there are conflicting reports about the whereabouts of the crew.  Maritime sources say pirates in the area may be taking advantage of the shift in focus to attacks by Houthis against shipping in the Red Sea.  Associated Press Bloomberg Financial Times Reuters 

Sudan military regains control of TV and radio headquarters.  Sudan’s military said it regained control of the headquarters of Sudan’s Radio and Television from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Tuesday.  The RSF seized the headquarters in the city of Omdurman in April at the outbreak of the civil war.  The RSF did not immediately comment on the military’s claim.  Associated Press Reuters

THE CYBER AND TECH RUNDOWN

Intelligence leaders cite TikTok threat to elections, user data in House hearing.  Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, told a house intelligence committee hearing on Tuesday that she does not rule out China’s use of the TikTok social media platform to influence 2024 U.S. elections.  Responding to a question on TikTok from committee ranking member Raja Krishnamoorthi, Haines said "we cannot rule out that the CCP would use it." FBI Director Christopher Wray, who also addressed the house committee hearing, repeated that TikTok poses a national security threat, saying that the platform potentially gives the Chinese government access to users’ data and could "compromise their devices."

The intelligence community’s 2024 Annual Threat Assessment noted that TikTok accounts run by a Chinese government propaganda unit targeted Republican and Democratic party candidates during the 2022 midterm elections.   A TikTok spokesperson told Politico that the company has protected the platform for more than 150 elections worldwide “and is continuing to work with electoral commissions, experts and fact-checkers to safeguard our community during this historic election year.”

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill on Wednesday that would require TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance to divest the platform within six months or face a ban in the U.S.  President Joe Biden said last week that he would sign the bill, though the fate of the measure remains uncertain in the U.S. Senate  TikTok has said it will exhaust all legal challenges to any divestiture order.  Reuters Reuters Politico Bloomberg Associated Press  

Threat assessment spotlights pace of technology change as challenge to governments.  The sheer pace of technological development poses a growing threat to the U.S. and other governments confronted with the challenge of adapting and responding to rapid innovation.  The intelligence community’s annual threat assessment, which was released on Monday, drew attention to the economic impacts and unintended consequences for “winners and losers” in global technology competition.  Threats range from deep fakes and misinformation to the creation of computer viruses and new chemical weapons, all powered by artificial intelligence.  FBI Director Christopher Wray reported on law enforcement efforts to safeguard the U.S. AI industry against hacks and data theft, especially from Chinese-sponsored threat actors.  The threat assessment also highlighted concerns about the spread and use of commercial spyware proliferation, “which governments are increasingly using to target dissidents and journalists.”  CyberScoop

Wide range of Federal cybersecurity needs addressed in proposed budget.  Apart from the Department of Defense, Federal civilian agencies are designated in the new Biden administration budget for $13 billion in cybersecurity funding.  These include investments in digital defenses for the Justice, Homeland Security (DHS), and Health and Human Services (HHS) departments.  The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is part of DHS, is earmarked for additional overall funding of $3 billion for programs to defend Federal systems from hackers and to improve response capabilities to cyberattacks.  CISA also would receive funding for internal cybersecurity and analytical projects.  The FBI’s cyber investigative program would receive $25 million to expand cyber response and counterintelligence programs.  In light of persistent cyberattacks against the nation’s healthcare sector, the budget allocates $800 million to cover initial costs of implementing basic cybersecurity practices in hospital and medical facilities.  HHS would receive $141 million to reinforce its own security defenses.  CyberScoop

Google implements restricted Gemini chatbot responses on elections worldwide.  Google has announced that its Gemini chatbot will be prevented from responding to questions about an upcoming election in the country where it is taking place.  The restriction will be applied to all elections taking place across the globe.  The restrictions have been implemented already for the U.S. market and will be introduced in India and other major countries with scheduled elections this year.  Google is concerned that the Gemini service might be weaponized by threat actors and that responses might prove inaccurate or misleading.  The chatbot responds to election-related questions with a preset message, “I’m still learning how to answer this question.”  A Google blog post explained the elections policy, stating “Out of an abundance of caution on such an important topic, we have begun to roll out restrictions on the types of election-related queries for which Gemini will return responses,” adding that the company is “continuously working to improve our protections.”  TechCrunch Reuters

Commerce Secretary reiterates U.S. tech export control strategy during Philippines visit.  Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told a news conference in Manila on Monday that the U.S. is constantly examining the need to expand export controls on advanced technology that could aid Chinese military development. Regarding further limits on advanced chips and semiconductor equipment, Raimondo said “we look at this every single day.  Technology is changing faster than ever, which means we have to wake up every day and ask ourselves, ‘are we doing enough?’”  In carrying out her responsibility to safeguard the people and security of the U.S., Raimondo remarked, she is determined to ensure that China cannot access sophisticated AI and semiconductor technology that the U.S. possesses “and use it to enable the Chinese military.”  Addressing a business forum in Manila, Raimondo pointed to the overall need to diversify chip supplies, noting that “U.S. companies have realized that our chip supply chain is way too concentrated in just a few countries in the world.”  Associated Press Bloomberg

Chinese S&T sector calls for relief from ‘red tape’ to propel economic advances.  In the wake of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s call for ‘new productive forces’ to emerge to drive the country’s economic development, representatives of China’s S&T sectors have called for an end to bureaucratic red tape and obsessive competition for funding.  Yuan Yaxiang, vice chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology, said that “unreasonable formats and bureaucratic requirements are all too common, with some forms and application procedures neglecting the needs of scientific researchers.”  Yuan and other government advisers have called for renewed efforts to support scientists and promote young researchers so that their fresh ideas can be translated into reality.   Science and Technology Minister Yin Hejun said there is a renewed emphasis on relieving “young tech talent from tedious tasks such as procurement, reimbursement and paperwork, ensuring they have sufficient time for research.”  A budget issued last week by China’s National Development and Reform Commission indicated that the government will direct more funding to the S&T sector to enable broad economic advances.  South China Morning Post

U.S. issues roadmap for government, commercial spectrum allocation.  With the goal of expanding opportunities for wireless and other technology uses, the Biden administration has issued a timeline for the study of government-owned spectrum.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a component of the Commerce Department, announced that it is establishing detailed timelines for studying spectrum bands that include the potential for commercial use by “repacking, compression and relocation of airborne radars and other federal systems in the Lower 3 GHz."  Commenting on public and private sector spectrum requirements, NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said "what we needed is a step-by-step plan for how we are going to implement that mission."  The NTIA plan seeks to balance spectrum access for Federal missions with the private sector’s need for expanded spectrum availability, “which is required to maintain and improve our global competitiveness and sustain economic growth.”  Demand for spectrum use is driven by growing technological applications, including drones, self-driving vehicles, moon missions and precision agriculture.  Plans call for the Lower 3 GHz study to be completed by October 2026 along with a study on the 7/8 GHz spectrum band.  Reuters

E.U. parliament passes AI guardrails.  The European Union has enacted the most comprehensive regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) with the passage of the AI Act by the bloc's parliament. This legislation sets a precedent for AI governance in the Western world, addressing concerns about bias, privacy, and other risks associated with the technology's rapid advancement. While hailed as a global standard for trustworthy AI by EU officials, the law has faced criticism from companies fearing overregulation and watchdogs claiming it doesn't go far enough. Despite these concerns, the E.U. aims to assert its technological sovereignty and leadership in AI regulation, recognizing the challenges ahead in implementing and enforcing these rules effectively.  Bloomberg

U.S. spearheads first UN resolution on artificial intelligence.  The U.S. is leading efforts to introduce the first U.N. resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure its safety, security, and worldwide access. Aimed at closing the digital divide, the draft resolution emphasizes AI's potential benefits, from disease detection to workforce training, recognizes the urgent need for global consensus on AI governance, and stresses the need to prioritize respect of human rights with AI use.  The resolution will lack legal binding but aims to encourage regulatory frameworks to prevent AI misuse.  The measure is co-sponsored by numerous countries, representing a historic step towards consensus on fostering trustworthy AI globally.  Associated Press

Japan's Space One Kairos rocket explodes on inaugural flight. Space One's Kairos rocket, aiming to make Japan the first to launch a satellite, exploded seconds after liftoff, marking a setback for the nation's space ambitions amid growing global demand for commercial satellites and heightened national security concerns. While no injuries were reported, the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. The failed launch underscores Japan's efforts to bolster its space industry, with Space One planning to offer "space courier services" despite setbacks, while state-funded Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has made strides with its new flagship rocket, the H3. Japan's aerospace industry aims to rival technological and military competitors like China and Russia, with the government pledging comprehensive support for space startups crucial for national security. Reuters The Japan Times The Guardian Associated Press 

Report Info

The data cutoff for this product was 7:00 a.m. E.T.

Brad Christian, Ethan Masucol, Bruce Wilmot, Elaine Shannon, Allison Brown, Ken Hughes, Brian Bonner, Katharine Campbell, and Tiffany Krueger contributed to this report.

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