Source: United States Air Force
In this week’s look Around the Air Force, the Air Force Safety Center announces Phase II of the Chief of Staff’s Integrating Risk and Readiness campaign, Project Magellan earns international recognition by winning the 2025 Founder’s Award, and AETC aims to train 1,500 pilots per year.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Susan M. Shaw, Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Oregon State University
The Southern Baptist Convention has lost 3.6 million members over the past two decades and faces an ongoing sexual abuse crisis. At its June 2025 annual meeting, however, neither of those issues took up as much time as controversial social issues, including the denomination’s stance on same-sex marriage.
The group called for the overturning of Obergefell v. Hodges – the Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage – and the creation of laws that “affirm marriage between one man and one woman.”
Messengers – Southern Baptists’ word for delegates from local churches – also asked for laws that would “reflect the moral order revealed in Scripture and nature.”
They also decried declining fertility rates, commercial surrogacy, Planned Parenthood, “willful childlessness,” the normalization of “transgender ideology,” and gender-affirming medical care.
This detailed list targeting women’s and LGBTQ+ rights was justified by an appeal to a God-ordained created order, as defined by Southern Baptists’ interpretation of the Bible.
In this created order, sex and gender are synonymous and are irrevocably defined by biology. The heterosexual nuclear family is the foundational institution of this order, with the father dominant over his wife and children – and children are a necessity if husbands and wives are to be faithful to God’s design for the family.
The resolution, On Restoring Moral Clarity through God’s Design for Gender, Marriage, and the Family, passed easily in a denomination that was taken over from more moderate Southern Baptists by fundamentalists in the early 1990s, largely in response to women’s progress in society and in the denomination.
Southern Baptists were always conservative on issues of gender and sexuality. As I was entering a Southern Baptist seminary in the early 1980s, the denomination seemed poised to embrace social progress. I watched the takeover firsthand as a student and then as a professor of women and gender studies who studies Southern Baptists. This new resolution is the latest in a long history of Southern Baptist opposition to the progress of women and LGBTQ+ people.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, many Southern Baptists began to embrace the women’s movement. Women started to attend Southern Baptist seminaries in record numbers, many claiming a call to serve as pastors. While Southern Baptist acceptance of LGBTQ+ people lagged far behind its nascent embrace of women’s rights, progress did seem possible.
Then in 1979, a group of Southern Baptist fundamentalists organized to wrest control of the denomination from the moderates who had led it for decades.
Any hope for progress on changes regarding LGBTQ+ rights in the denomination quickly died. Across the next two decades, advances made by women, such as being ordained and serving as senior pastors, eroded and disappeared.
The SBC had passed anti-gay resolutions in the 1970s defining homosexuality as “deviant” and a “sin.” But under the new fundamentalist rule, the SBC became even more vehemently anti-gay and anti-trans.
In 1988, the SBC called homosexuality a “perversion of divine standards,” “a violation of nature and natural affections,” “not a normal lifestyle,” and “an abomination in the eyes of God.”
In 1991, they decried government funding for the National Lesbian and Gay Health Conference as a violation of “the proper role and responsibility of government” because of its encouragement of “sexual immorality.”
Predictably, across the years, the convention spoke out against every effort to advance LGBTQ+ rights. This included supporting the Boy Scouts’ ban of gay scouts, opposing military service by LGBTQ+ people, boycotting Disney for its support of LGBTQ+ people, calling on businesses to deny LGBTQ+ people domestic partner benefits and employment nondiscrimination to protect LGBTQ+ people, and supporting the Defense of Marriage Act that limited marriage to a woman and a man.
The gender and sexuality topic, however, that has received the most attention from the convention has been marriage equality. Since 1980, the SBC has passed 22 resolutions that touch on same-sex marriage.
The SBC passed its first resolution against same-sex marriage in 1996 after the Hawaii Supreme Court indicated the possibility it could rule in favor of same-sex marriage. The court never decided the issue because Hawaii’s Legislature passed a bill defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
In 1998, the convention amended its faith statement, the Baptist Faith and Message, to define marriage as “the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment.”
The denomination passed its next resolution in 2003 in response to the Vermont General Assembly’s establishment of civil unions. The resolution opposed any efforts to validate same-sex marriages or partnerships, whether legislative, judicial or religious.
In 2004, after the Massachusetts Supreme Court allowed same-sex marriages in that state, the convention called for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman. It reiterated this call in 2006.
When the California Supreme Court struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, the SBC passed another resolution in 2008 warning of the dire consequences of allowing lesbians and gay men to marry, as people from other states would marry in California and return home to challenge their states’ marriage bans.
In 2011, the convention offered its support for the Defense of Marriage Act, followed in 2012 by a denunciation of the use of civil rights language to argue for marriage equality.
The resolution argues that homosexuality “does not qualify as a class meriting special protections, like race and gender.”
When Obergefell was before the Supreme Court, the SBC called on the court to deny marriage equality. After Obergefell was decided in favor of same-sex marriage, the convention asked for Congress to pass the First Amendment Defense Act, which would have prohibited the federal government from discriminating against people based on their opposition to same-sex marriage. That same resolution also offers its support to state attorneys general challenging transgender rights.
This was not the first time the SBC had spoken about transgender issues. As early as 2007, the denomination expressed its opposition to allowing transgender people to constitute a protected class in hate crimes legislation.
In 2014, the convention stated its belief that gender is fixed and binary and subsequently that trans people should not be allowed gender-affirming care and that government officials should not validate transgender identity.
In 2016, the denomination opposed access for transgender people to bathrooms matching their gender identities. In 2021, the convention invoked women’s rights – in a denomination famous for its resistance to women’s equality – as a reason to undermine trans rights.
In its resolution opposing the proposed Equality Act, which would have added sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classifications, the SBC argued, “The Equality Act would undermine decades of hard-fought civil rights protections for women and girls by threatening competition in sports and disregarding the privacy concerns women rightly have about sharing sleeping quarters and intimate facilities with members of the opposite sex.”
This most recent resolution from June 2025 returns to the themes of fixed and binary gender, a divinely sanctioned hierarchical ordering of gender, and marriage as an institution limited to one woman and one man. While claiming these beliefs are “universal truths,” the resolution argues that Obergefell is a “legal fiction” because it denies the biological reality of male and female.
Going further, this resolution claims that U.S. law on gender and sexuality should be based on the Bible. The duty of lawmakers, it states, is to “pass laws that reflect the truth of creation and natural law – about marriage, sex, human life, and family – and to oppose any law that denies or undermines what God has made plain through nature and Scripture.”
By taking no action on sexual abuse while focusing its efforts on issues of gender and sexuality, the convention affirmed its decades-long conservative trajectory. It also underlined its willingness to encourage lawmakers to impose these standards on the rest of the nation.
Susan M. Shaw does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Southern Baptists’ call for the US Supreme Court to overturn its same-sex marriage decision is part of a long history of opposing women’s and LGBTQ+ people’s rights – https://theconversation.com/southern-baptists-call-for-the-us-supreme-court-to-overturn-its-same-sex-marriage-decision-is-part-of-a-long-history-of-opposing-womens-and-lgbtq-peoples-rights-258883
Source: United States Navy
CARIBBEAN SEA – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67), supporting maritime southern border operations, conducted a hold-and-transfer of 245 kilograms of contraband recovered by the Royal Canadian Navy Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel HMCS William Hall (AOPV 433) in the Caribbean Sea June 9. The Reliance-class U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Vigorous (WMEC 627) accepted the contraband from the Cole’s embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) June 11 during a rendezvous at sea in the Caribbean.
Source: United States Navy
SKRUNDA, Latvia – As part of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2025, U.S. Navy Seabees, U.S. Marines from 8th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB), and Latvian Army engineers are constructing a fortified trench network designed for survivability in a drone-contested battlespace. The project serves both as a realistic rehearsal and a proof of concept for how modern combat engineers support maneuverability, concealment, and endurance in multi-domain operations.
Source: NATO
The Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone travelled to Greece to meet the country’s top military leadership. While in Athens, he also paid respects at the Monument of the Unknown Solider.
The official visit began with Admiral Cavo Dragone participating in a solemn wreath laying ceremony at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, dedicated to Greek soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
During his meeting with the Chief of Defence, General Dimitrios Choupis, and his staff, CMC praised Greece for its steadfast contribution with professional and committed armed forces to the Alliance’s approach to deterrence and defence. The discussion then focused on the road to the NATO Summit in The Hague, and in particular about the call to Allies to invest more in defence. “NATO must be ready to face any potential threat, coming from any domain,” said Admiral Cavo Dragone. “We are ready now, but we must continue to be ready in the future. For this, Allies have agreed on ambitious capability targets last week. And this requires an urgent step up in defence budgets, by each of the Allies.” In this regard, CMC commended Greece for “continually meeting the threshold of defence spending, and even investing well above the 2% mark.”
Additionally, in reference to the contribution that Greece provides for a stronger Alliance, General Choupis discussed with Admiral Cavo Dragone the national defence plan called ‘Agenda 2030’. The recent launch of the ‘Achilles Shield’ project was also highlighted, as an initiative to bolster the nation’s air and missile defence systems, which are part of the capabilities NATO has placed major emphasis on.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani reintroduced a bipartisan bill to increase housing stipends for student veterans attending classes online.
“As our service members transition to civilian life and pursue educational opportunities, they deserve to have access to all the benefits their service earned, regardless of whether the classes are in-person or virtual,” said Ciscomani. “As education and pathways to career success continue to evolve and online classes become more prevalent, I am proud lead this bipartisan effort to eliminate the disparity between online and in-person classes to ensure our veterans have flexibility as they pursue further education.”
Ciscomani is joined by Reps. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ).
“As veterans transition back to civilian life, they deserve to fully access the benefits they have earned,” said Van Orden. “This bill ensures that student veterans can pursue their education on their own timeline without the added stress of wondering how they will afford rent.”
“Arizona’s student veterans have earned the right to pursue their education without having to worry about how they’re going pay for their home,” said Stanton. “Our bipartisan bill delivers the fairness and financial security these veterans deserve by ensuring those taking online classes receive the same housing support as their in-person peers. We’re honoring our promise to those who served and making sure every veteran can use their hard-earned VA education benefits.”
This legislation is supported by Military-Veterans Advocacy Inc, AM Vets, Students Veterans of America (SVA), the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Commander J.B. Well, Executive Director of Military-Veterans Advocacy Inc.: “Since the Second World War, Congress has provided our veterans with educational benefits including a housing stipend to allow them to attend school free from worry about where they will live. Technology has allowed the development of online education. These students deserve the same benefits as though who attend classes in-person. Making it easier for veterans to attend class not only rewards them for their service but acts as an investment in our national future.”
Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs at SVA: “SVA strongly supports the introduction of H.R. 3753, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act. This legislation would ensure that student veterans attending classes solely online receive the national average monthly housing allowance during the semester of their enrollment. Online MHA parity supports student veterans as they pursue higher education where they are at. Many student veterans choose online education out of necessity rather than preference, as they are often balancing other responsibilities such as childcare, caregiving, or familial obligations. SVA thanks Representative Ciscomani, Representative Stanton, and Representative Van Orden for their dedication and efforts to support student veterans nationwide. By establishing parity for online MHA, we continue to encourage student veterans to pursue their education and have access to the same educational opportunity as their counterparts.”
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The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has sounded the alarm that the 2018 Revitalized (Peace) Agreement is at serious risk of collapse and called for urgent, coordinated regional intervention to salvage the faltering peace process.
The Commission stressed that escalating military offensives, political crackdowns, and foreign military presence are not only accelerating the breakdown of the Agreement but also fueling deep fear, instability and widespread trauma among the people of South Sudan.
“South Sudan’s peace agreement is in crisis,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission. “The renewed violence is pushing the Revitalized Peace Agreement to the brink of irrelevance, threatening a total collapse. Such a breakdown risks fragmenting the country even further.”
“Regional partners – especially the African Union and IGAD – must urgently increase their leverage and pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to de-escalate tensions, return to meaningful dialogue, and fully implement the peace agreement,” Sooka said. “It remains the only credible pathway to stability, peace, and democratic transition.”
Earlier this week, the Commission held consultative dialogues with a range of stakeholders, including civil society representatives, to assess the deepening crisis and explore measures to avert a return to civil war. Participants expressed widespread fear and anxiety among communities, who are increasingly traumatized by persistent violence, arbitrary arrests, and the erosion of civic space.
Since March 2025, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have launched sustained military operations, including airstrikes on civilian-populated areas, causing significant casualties and mass displacement. A state of emergency has been declared in several regions where operations continue.
Reports of Ugandan forces supporting the SSPDF, alongside the government’s move to recruit thousands of additional soldiers – seemingly outside the security sector reform commitments in the Revitalized Agreement and pointing towards protracted conflict – have further heightened public fear and concern over looming widespread violations.
“South Sudanese are living with extreme trauma. They are enduring targeted military attacks that have upended lives and instilled widespread fear. The ongoing recruitment drive by the SSPDF directly contradicts the Revitalized Agreement, which calls for the training and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. The country’s leaders – signatories of the Agreement – must abandon partisan agendas and act in the interest of the people,” said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández. “The world cannot remain as bystander while civilians are bombed, and opposition voices are silenced. The time for passive diplomacy is over – these senseless attacks must stop.”
Political tensions in South Sudan have sharply escalated with the arbitrary detention of key opposition figures, including the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, alongside expanded military operations by the SSPDF, including in populated civilian areas, and against armed opposition forces and groups.
Escalating armed violence has deepened South Sudan’s humanitarian and human rights crises. Civilians in Upper Nile State have been particularly affected, as the region – already grappling with emergency-level food insecurity – has become a key transit corridor for refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Fears are growing that if this conflict trajectory is not averted, South Sudan’s conflict will entwine with the crisis of Sudan, with even more dire consequences.
“Salvaging South Sudan’s peace agreement should be of utmost priority in an already turbulent region, as the agreement enables political adversaries to partner towards a transformative transition in this country,” said Commissioner Barney Afako. “Torpedoing the transition is an act of profound folly and recklessness, that is already reigniting violence, deepening insecurity, and imposing further grave violations on long suffering citizens, and undermining regional peace architectures.”
“Regional partners and peace guarantors must not indulge these damaging machinations; rather, they should resolve to urgently restore a credible transition that will deliver citizens’ aspirations for durable peace and justice,” Afako said.
The Commission reiterated its call for regional and international actors to intensify diplomatic pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to ensure immediate de-escalation and full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
Commissioner Yasmin Sooka also noted that “any unilateral attempts to derail the transition and undermine regional peace architectures have grave implications for peace and security in the Horn of Africa, and that failure to act could plunge the country into another devastating cycle of conflict.”
The Commission continues to monitor developments closely and is documenting human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict, including those potentially amounting to war crimes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scottish Secretary and Minister for Business co-chair business forum
For the first time in more than two years, the Scottish Business Growth Group was convened in Edinburgh today, bringing the UK and Scottish governments together with business leaders to discuss how they can deliver economic growth.
The forum, jointly chaired by the Scottish Secretary Ian Murray and the Scottish Government’s Minister for Business Richard Lochhead, brings together officials from both of Scotland’s governments alongside business representatives and the Scottish Trades Union Congress. With economic growth the UK Government’s number one priority, Murray used a speech in March at the University of Edinburgh to announce that this group would be reconvened, with a fresh focus on collaboration across governments and sectors.
During the meeting, the Scottish Secretary provided updates on recent and upcoming announcements from the UK Government and outlined their significance for businesses in Scotland. This includes the Spending Review, the Strategic Defence Review and economic opportunities for the Scottish supply chain, the recent trade deals agreed with the EU, US and India – and the modern Industrial Strategy which will be announced shortly.
Recognising there are already a range of areas in which the UK and Scottish governments work constructively with business, the Scottish Secretary called for collaboration in new areas which could yield significant economic benefits, such as defence.
Murray has also been working with business groups as part of his Brand Scotland programme and last week announced that the Scotland Office will fund the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to launch a new international trade initiative. This collaboration will be supported by a grant of £100,000, to promote Scottish goods and services and bring foreign direct investment into Scotland.
Following the meeting, Mr Murray said:
“Scotland has two governments and most Scots rightly expect their politicians to work in partnership wherever possible, especially on something as important as economic growth. Political differences aside, I have always sought to engage constructively with Scottish Government ministers and I was delighted to co-chair this important forum today with Richard Lochhead.
“The business and trade union groups which joined our discussion challenged us to go further and faster in helping businesses and workers feel the benefits of economic growth. I am determined to meet that challenge and want the Scottish Government to work with me in areas where we have not previously collaborated.
“With the UK Government committing to significant increases in defence spending, there are huge opportunities for Scottish workers and defence firms, but only if both governments fully commit to giving our young people the skills they need and backing our world class defence industry.
“On nuclear power, the announcement this week of UK Government investment for Sizewell in England is a reminder of the huge potential of nuclear power. Thousands of skilled jobs and billions of pounds of investment could come to Scotland, but only if both governments work in partnership with industry to unlock those opportunities.
“Boosting Scottish exports and selling the best of Scotland overseas is a key lever in delivering economic growth at home. Our Brand Scotland programme, boosted by £2.25 million in the Spending Review, will do just that. I am delighted to be working with the Scottish Government and businesses of all sizes to deliver trade missions and sell our goods and services to the world.”
Source: NATO
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm on Friday (13 June 2025) to discuss preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague.
Mr Rutte noted that Sweden – NATO’s newest member – is “already making major contributions across the Alliance” since joining in March 2024, including through contributions to Forward Land Forces in Latvia, and leading NATO’s newly established Forward Land Forces in Finland.
“Your Gripen fighter jets help patrol the skies over Poland, and your ships contribute to our enhanced military presence in the Baltic Sea through Baltic Sentry,” he said. The Secretary General also highlighted how Sweden’s expertise in the High North strengthens NATO’s regional posture and reinforces the Alliance’s ability to support Baltic Allies.
In 2024, Sweden invested 2.66% of GDP on defence, with plans to go further. “This is a clear demonstration of Sweden’s commitment to collective defence,” said the Secretary General. Mr Rutte also underlined Sweden’s leadership in strengthening NATO’s defence industrial base. “You have a world-class defence sector,” he said. He welcomed Sweden’s role in defence industrial production, research, and resilience.
Secretary General Rutte also commended Sweden for its staunch support of Ukraine. “Since 2022, you have provided over 7 billion euros in military assistance – including 1.25 billion in the first four months of this year alone. In terms of GDP, this places Sweden among the top contributors to Ukraine.” He also welcomed Sweden’s investment in Ukraine’s defence industry, saying: “You are truly leading by example.”
Turning to the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, the Secretary General highlighted the need for increased investment and stronger defence industrial capacity. “I expect leaders to make bold decisions to further strengthen our deterrence and defence – including agreeing a new defence investment plan that would bring our defence investment to 5% of GDP.”
In Stockholm, Secretary General Rutte also took part in a panel discussion at the annual Bilderberg meeting, alongside the President of the European Investment Bank Nadia Calviño and US Army General Chris Donahue. The discussion was moderated by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski.
Source: Thales Group
Headline: Aviation sector sees 600% year-on-year increase in cyberattacks
Behind any physical turbulence in the skies, a silent cyber war is being waged on the aviation sector. Ahead of the Paris Air Show (16 to 22 June 2025), Thales’s latest report on cyberthreats in the aviation sector warns of a spectacular rise in cyberattacks, which have increased by 600% in the space of a year. From airlines and airports to navigation systems and suppliers, every link in the chain is vulnerable to attack. The report also includes an analysis of the growing convergence between geopolitical confrontations and cyberthreats in a sector that has become strategically important for state sovereignty, global economic stability and the safe movement of people and goods.
Based on market intelligence data and incident analysis, the Thales report reveals how the stakeholders in the aerospace sector have become prime targets for cyberattacks, which are motivated by a range of factors including financial gain, ideological agendas and state-sponsored influence operations. Between January 2024 and April 2025, 27 attacks were recorded, involving 22 different ransomware groups.
Strategic, interconnected and exposed
While the number of attacks is rising, the report also highlights a qualitative shift in the types of threats the aviation sector faces. As well as compromising flight operations, cyberattacks now also have strategic objectives such as industrial cyberespionage, access to sensitive technologies such as avionics and communication systems, disruption of supply chains and capture of high-value data such as diplomatic travel itineraries and confidential freight shipments.
These increasingly sophisticated attacks are targeting airlines as well as aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers. Notable examples include the denial-of-service attack by a pro-Russian hacktivist group on an airline and the ransomware that paralysed maintenance and supply systems at several strategic air transport hubs. These incidents reveal structural vulnerabilities in a highly interconnected sector, where a single flaw can trigger cascading effects across the entire chain of critical operations.
This high level of risk is a result of the specific characteristics of the aerospace sector: significant operational complexity with a reliance on critical software and interdependent stakeholders, the intrinsic value of the personal, biometric or strategic data involved, and the immediate consequences of any disruption, such as massive delays, airspace closures and logistical failures.
“The aviation industry has become a digital battlefield with significant economic and geopolitical interests at stake. The sharp increase in the number of attacks calls for a holistic approach to aviation cybersecurity, further moves to incorporate AI as an ally and closer collaboration between industry and the public sector.” Ivan Fontarensky, CTO, Cyber Detection and Response, Thales.
The global aviation cybersecurity market is expected to reach $5.32 billion in 2025, with average annual growth estimated at 8.7% by 2029, driven in particular by the increasing digitalisation of the sector and the intensified threat landscape.
The full report is available here.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Recent trial saw a single operator controlling three uncrewed vehicles, which detected and classified threats.
Uncrewed air vehicle in successful trial
Soldiers are set to be better protected, and Army surveillance operations enhanced, following a successful trial in which a single operator controlled three uncrewed air and land vehicles.
The trials, conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), proved that robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) can be integrated into and controlled from crewed command vehicles, in a UK first.
Drawing on lessons from Ukraine’s battlefields, this innovative use of RAS will play a vital role in strengthening the Army’s reconnaissance capabilities while reducing risk to personnel, allowing them to operate further from the frontline.
The live trial took place on Salisbury Plain with a drone operated in tandem with two uncrewed ground vehicles, commanded by a single operator in a crewed vehicle. The autonomous systems were equipped with cameras and automatic target recognition software to detect and classify threats, which were relayed to the mission operator.
Following recommendations set out in the Strategic Defence Review, this government is doubling investment in autonomous technology – investing an extra £2 billion this Parliament, following the Prime Minister’s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027. This will see autonomous systems, including drones, improve accuracy and lethality for our Armed Forces, boost UK export potential and drive jobs and growth across the country.
Thales designed and developed the trial for Dstl, supported by a number of specialist technology suppliers. Dstl’s work supports thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK supply chain, including 7,000 staff employed by Thales directly, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.
Following the success of the trial, Dstl will apply the concept to further missions, including deploying swarming drones in an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role.
As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, we plan to use drones, data and digital warfare to ensure our Armed Forces stronger and safer, whilst boosting jobs and innovation across the UK.
This trial is an example of our Government’s new partnership with industry; delivering the cutting-edge technology to our front line troops and making defence an engine for growth, as part of our Plan for Change.
The trial demonstrated the extension of the UK’s Generic Vehicle Architecture standard – which has also been adopted by NATO – to autonomous systems. Through integration into an internationally recognised system, the trial could lead to enhanced interoperability between allies, with the ability to deploy autonomous systems, sensors or software between vehicles at reduced risk and cost.
Dstl identifies and harnesses the emerging technologies that will deliver mission success through science and technology advantage for UK forces.
These technologies support highly skilled jobs and create opportunities for growth throughout our specialist industry suppliers.
Source: US State of California 2
What you need to know: Standing up for American citizens and the nation’s foundational ban on martial law in peacetime, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today secured an emergency restraining order blocking President Trump’s takeover of the state guard and militarization of Los Angeles.
SAN FRANCISCO – Following President Trump’s doubling down on the militarization of the Los Angeles area through the takeover of 4,000 California National Guard soldiers and the unlawful deployment of the U.S. Marines, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today succeeded in securing a court order blocking President Trump’s illegal takeover of the California National Guard (CalGuard) and militarization of Los Angeles.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Today’s decision granted Governor Newsom’s emergency request to revert control of Cal Guard personnel back to the governor after being unlawfully and unconstitutionally seized by President Trump and the Department of Defense.
The request was filed as part of the Governor’s lawsuit against President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense (DOD), charging violations of the U.S. Constitution and the President’s Title 10 authority, not only because the takeover occurred without the consent or input of the Governor, as federal law requires, but also because it was unwarranted.
The lawsuit was filed as President Trump declared the federalization of 2,000 Cal Guard servicemembers after community members began protesting violent and widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Los Angeles region, which began on June 6.
On June 7, one day after the protests began, President Trump issued a memorandum purporting to authorize the DOD to call up 2,000 National Guard personnel into federal service for a period of 60 days, and declaring a “form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States” and directing the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with state governors and the National Guard to commandeer state militias.
The action puts the sovereignty of every state in the country in danger, as his order was not specific to California and suggests that the President believes he can assume control of any state militia.
The U.S. Constitution and the Title 10 authority the President invoked in the memo require that the Governor consent to federalization of the National Guard, which Governor Newsom was not given the opportunity to do prior to their deployment and which he confirmed he had not given shortly after thereafter. The President’s unlawful order infringes on Governor Newsom’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard and violates the state’s sovereign right to control and have available its National Guard in the absence of a lawful invocation of federal power.
Additionally, DOD has expanded Cal Guard’s duties, ordering them to assist ICE agents in civilian law enforcement activities — including arresting and detaining immigrants and others who may be suspected or accused of interfering with ICE — a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution and the rights of American citizens.
On Saturday, there were 250+ protesters in the area pre-National Guard deployment. On Sunday, the number of protesters grew to 3,000+ post-deployment by the federal government. Their federalization is inviting and incentivizing demonstrations.
After President Trump’s impulsive memo and actions to send the military to the Los Angeles region, the state continued to work with local partners to surge 800+ additional state and local law enforcement officers into Los Angeles to clean up President Trump’s mess. Local and state law enforcement has had to intervene to protect public safety. The National Guard is currently standing sentry outside federal buildings, with local and state law enforcement doing all of the work.
The President’s actions have not only caused widespread panic and chaos, but have unnecessarily created an additional diversion of resources as the state tries to calm a community terrorized by this reckless federal action.
In 2020, Trump said he wouldn’t federalize National Guard members without the approval of the state’s Governor first. His own Department of Homeland Security leader said just last year that federalizing the National Guard would be a direct attack on state rights. The federal administration is adding more National Guard soldiers and Marines to an already charged situation when they are unneeded. There are 1,600 soldiers waiting for commands at armories in the area.
Source: European Parliament
As part of the wider Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia has vital geostrategic importance for the EU and is currently facing relevant geostrategic challenges. The Indo-Pacific is undergoing rapid change, and as home to more than 50% of the world’s population, it is becoming a key geostrategic region. Two thirds of the world’s container trade passes through the Indo-Pacific and its sea lanes are important routes for trade and energy supplies. The EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was adopted in September 2021 to increase the EU’s engagement and build partnerships to address global challenges. The EU is adapting its current instruments to achieve strategic autonomy. Its Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, formally approved by the Council in March 2022, promotes an open and rules-based regional security architecture, including secure maritime routes, capacity-building and an enhanced naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.The EU’s strategy priority areas in Southeast Asia are sustainable and inclusive prosperity, the green transition, ocean governance, digital governance, connectivity through the Global Gateway, security, defence and human security. The EU is forging closer ties with Southeast Asian countries and is promoting regional integration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which represents, as a whole, the EU’s third-largest trading partner outside Europe (after China and the US). The region has geostrategic concerns, such as the South China Sea dispute and the Taiwan issue, as well as environmental concerns, especially in the Mekong sub-region. The EU is a strong economic player in Southeast Asia and a major development aid donor, working to foster connectivity, digitalisation, institution-building, democracy, good governance and human rights.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has appointed The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom as Chair of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, has appointed The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom as Chair of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry.
Last year, the Secretary of State announced the government’s intention to establish an independent inquiry into the circumstances of Mr Finucane’s death. The human rights lawyer was brutally murdered in his North Belfast home by the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, in February 1989.
The Inquiry will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.
Mr Benn has also confirmed the appointment of both the Rt Hon the Baroness Nuala O’Loan, and Francesca Del Mese, as Assessors to the Inquiry. Both will provide advice to the Chair on their relevant expertise in regards to the Inquiry, while also giving further assurance about the Inquiry’s independence.
Sir Gary is the current President of the Welsh Tribunals. He is a solicitor and a retired Court of Appeal Judge, who undertook the statutory inquiry into corruption and governance in the British Virgin Islands.
Confirming the announcement via a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament, Mr Benn said:
The murder of Mr Finucane was a barbarous and heinous crime and one which continues to highlight the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
I commend and support the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved one and I am confident that this Inquiry will provide answers to the family who have suffered so terribly.
I am delighted that Sir Gary Hickinbottom has accepted this important role as Chair of the Patrick Finucane Inquiry and that Baroness O’Loan and Francesca Del Mese have accepted the important roles of assessors to the Inquiry. I am confident that, together, their valuable knowledge, experience and professionalism will be of great benefit to the work of the Inquiry.
Sir Gary said:
I am privileged to take on responsibility for leading this public inquiry into the important issues raised by the circumstances surrounding the murder of Patrick Finucane, something I will do not only in accordance with my statutory duties but as fairly, openly and transparently as I can.
At the heart of this case lies a family who lost their husband and father in horrific circumstances, and I look forward to meeting the Finucane family in Belfast as soon as possible.
Baroness O’Loan said:
I look forward to taking up this role, having been appointed by the Secretary of State. The Finucane family has always been concerned that the full story of what happened should be told, and this independent inquiry will provide the opportunity to do so. There remain unanswered questions, and the public interest requires that we seek as best we can to get the answers to those questions.
Ms Del Mese said:
I am honoured to be appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as an Assessor for the long-awaited independent inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane, a human rights lawyer who was brutally killed in his own home in front of his family. I will do my utmost to assist the inquiry in seeking transparency and pursuing much-needed answers, both for the Finucane family, and in the hope it will lead to a more secure future for the communities of Northern Ireland.
As required by the Inquiries Act 2005, the Secretary of State will undertake a consultation exercise with the Chair on the proposed Terms of Reference for the Inquiry. These will be agreed and published in due course.
ENDS
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LOS ANGELES, June 13 (Xinhua) — A federal judge on Thursday issued a temporary order ordering U.S. President Donald Trump to return control of the state’s National Guard to California authorities.
Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles was unlawful because it violated the Tenth Amendment and exceeded the president’s statutory powers, according to the order, which will go into effect Friday at 12 p.m.
US District Judge Charles Breyer said Trump overstepped his authority when he ordered about 4,000 National Guard troops to be deployed to Los Angeles, where immigration protests have erupted.
California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged the measure in court. California later filed an emergency motion asking a judge to bar the National Guard from assisting immigration enforcement raids.
Breyer’s injunction was “a sharp rebuke of President Trump’s efforts to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to the streets of an American city, which has led to nearly a week of political standoffs and protests across the country,” the New York Times writes.
During an hour-long hearing in San Francisco, a Justice Department official said courts do not have the authority to review the president’s decisions regarding the National Guard and Marines, which Trump sent to Los Angeles despite objections from state and local officials.
C. Breyer expressed doubt that D. Trump fulfilled the conditions of the law determining when National Guard units, which are usually commanded by the state governor, can be federalized.
The judge stayed the order until Friday afternoon to allow an appeal, but he set a June 20 hearing on whether to make the restrictions permanent. The Trump administration has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. –0–
Source: China State Council Information Office
Xi urges hard work to build strong China as CPC marks 120th birth anniversary of veteran leader Chen Yun
Xinhua | June 13, 2025
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for learning from veteran leader Chen Yun and carrying forward his legacy with an enterprising spirit and hard work to build China into a strong country.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a meeting held in the Great Hall of the People to mark the 120th anniversary of Chen’s birth.
Chen, born in 1905, joined the Party in 1925. He was recognized as a great proletarian revolutionary and statesman, and as one of the founding figures of the country’s socialist economy. He was a key member of both the Party’s first generation of central collective leadership with Mao Zedong at the core and the second generation of central collective leadership with Deng Xiaoping at the core, according to Xi.
Source: South Africa News Agency
Friday, June 13, 2025
The first group of South African troops who were deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) are expected to arrive in Bloemfontein on Friday.
According to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, accompanied by the members of the Military Command Council.
The soldiers will arrive at Air Force Base Bloemspruit.
The withdrawal of the soldiers was announced by the Minister in May following a “high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC”.
Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.
The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.
These soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
The Minister will address members of the media after she has received and welcomed the troops. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: NATO
On Monday 9 June [2025], NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte travelled to the United Kingdom for a bilateral meeting with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague later this month. During his trip, Mr Rutte also joined British Minister of Defence, John Healey, on a tour of the historic steel production site at Sheffield Forgemasters and delivered a keynote speech at Chatham House.
The Secretary General’s visit came one week after the unveiling of the United Kingdom’s Strategic Defence Review, marking a shift toward warfighting readiness and a ‘NATO first’ defence policy spurred by innovation.
The factory in Sheffield is a key catalyst for British plans to make their defence industry a driver for growth. There, the Secretary General met members of staff, including apprentices, whose specialist skills are contributing to the manufacture of nuclear-grade steel components for Royal Navy submarines.
Later, in London, Mr Rutte met Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street to discuss increasing defence investment and production as well as continued support for Ukraine. Speaking at Chatham House shortly afterwards, Mr Rutte thanked the UK for “more than seven decades of continuous commitment to NATO” and outlined his priorities for the upcoming NATO Summit.
“This Summit will transform our Alliance,” Mr Rutte stated. “We will build a better NATO, one that is stronger, fairer and more lethal. So that we can continue to keep our people safe and our adversaries at bay.”
He continued with a call to action. “The fact is, we need a quantum leap in our collective defence. The fact is, we must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defence plans in full. The fact is, danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends.”
The Secretary General stressed that major new investment was needed Alliance-wide and urged a 400% increase in air and missile defence alongside the doubling of NATO’s enabling capabilities including logistics, supply, transportation, and medical support. “We all benefit from the protection our transatlantic Alliance provides and it is vital that every member of NATO pulls their weight” he added.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Details
2025-06-05
President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala
At noon on June 5, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process, and therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, must join hands in brotherhood and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. President Lai also expressed hope that both countries will work together and continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Once again, I would like to offer a warm welcome to President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. President Arévalo’s previous visit to Taiwan was 31 years ago. Back then, Taiwan did not have direct presidential elections, and the nation was continuing to make progress toward democratization. Today, 31 years later, Taiwan has conducted direct presidential elections eight times, with three transfers of power between political parties. On this visit, I am sure that President Arévalo will gain a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s free and democratic atmosphere. Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process. A little over 200 years ago, the people of Guatemala took a stand against colonial oppression, seeking national dignity and the freedom of its people. Eighty-one years ago, President Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, became Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, establishing an important foundation for subsequent democratic development. Our two peoples have democracy in their blood. Both know the value of freedom and democracy and are willing to take a stand for those values. Therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, our two countries must join hands in brotherhood to respond to threats and challenges, and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. I hope that both countries will work together to continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. I hope that on this visit, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development, President Arévalo can also reacquaint himself with the democratic vitality and cultural diversity of Taiwan by sampling various gourmet delicacies and once again experiencing the beauty of our scenery and warmth of our people. Guatemala is a very beautiful country. In the future, I hope to have a chance to personally experience that beauty, explore Mayan civilization, and savor local Guatemalan coffee. In closing, I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. May President Arévalo enjoy the best of health, and may the diplomatic friendship between our two countries endure. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, stating that at different times and by different means, the people of Taiwan and Guatemala have relentlessly sought to defend freedom and democracy. We share the same expectations, he said, and are walking the right path amid today’s complex international circumstances. President Arévalo stated that Taiwan and Guatemala are true democratic nations, where the government’s goal is to serve all the people. He noted that this is far from easy under current circumstances, as many authoritarian regimes use their long-term hold on power to safeguard the interests of select groups and neglect the wellbeing of the population as a whole. President Arévalo said that last week Guatemala commemorated the 40th anniversary of its constitution, which was enacted in 1985 and is Guatemala’s ultimate guide, setting the foundation for democracy and clearly outlining the path ahead. He said that over the past 40 years, Guatemala has continued to follow the democratic blueprint established by the constitution and end the civil war so that the nation could make the transition to real democracy. Although more than a few ambitious people have attempted to destroy that process from within, he noted, the people of Guatemala have never given up the pursuit of democracy as an ideal. President Arévalo stated that our two sides’ coming together here is due to such shared values as freedom and democracy as well as the idea of serving all the people. He underlined that the governments of both countries will continue to work hard and provide mutual support to smooth out each other’s path of democracy, freedom, and justice. President Arévalo emphasized that the government of Guatemala will always be Taiwan’s ally, and that he firmly believes Taiwan is Guatemala’s most reliable partner on the path of democracy and economic prosperity and development. The president said he hopes this visit will be the first step towards setting a new course for the governments and peoples of both countries. Also in attendance at the banquet were Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of the Economy Gabriela García, and Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.
Details
2025-06-05
President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors
On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.
Details
2025-06-03
President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet
At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows: The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands. In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture. President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise. President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Details
2025-06-03
President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Details
2025-06-03
President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors
President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip. A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples. For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.
Details
2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
More than a century after his death, the previously unmarked grave of Company Serjeant Major (CSM) Harry Lowe (born in Derby) has finally been identified and marked.
Wreaths and floral tributes for CSM Lowe (Crown Copyright)
The family of World War 1 soldier, Company Serjeant Major (CSM) Harry Lowe, gathered yesterday in Belgium for his rededication ceremony. CSM Harry Lowe of the 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. His grave has now been formally recognised following extensive research and yesterday, his grave was rededicated accordingly.
Lt Fintan Yeatman of 1st Bn The Rifles presents the flag to CSM Lowe’s descendants (Crown Copyright)
The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, and held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Tyne Cot Cemetery, yesterday morning (11 June 25).
CSM Lowe’s family with the military party after the service (Crown Copyright)
MOD War Detective, Nicola Nash, said:
I am grateful to the researchers who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of the grave of CSM Lowe. It was wonderful to see the descendants of CSM Lowe attend the service in the place of his parents and siblings, who were devastated when Harry was lost. We will remember them.
Harry lost his life during the Battle of Passchendaele, in action around Glencorse Wood. A comrade later noted that he bravely ‘fell with his face to the enemy’. His body was not recovered and following the war he was listed on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.
In January 1921 the remains of an unknown British Company Serjeant Major were recovered close to Glencorse Wood. Artefacts with the remains meant that they were able to identify them as a Company Serjeant Major of the Durham Light Infantry, but further identification proved impossible, and the remains were reburied at Tyne Cot Cemetery, near Ypres. Recently, research has revealed the un-named Company Serjeant Major to be Company Serjeant Major Harry Lowe and now his grave has been identified and marked.
The headstone was replaced by CWGC and will be cared for in perpetuity. Katie Palmer, Records Officer at the CWGC said:
It was an honour to help ensure Company Serjeant Major Harry Lowe’s final resting place is marked. The details of his military service are now engraved on his new headstone, to make sure his sacrifice is not forgotten nearly a century after his death.
*[MOD: Ministry of Defence *[JCCC]: Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre *[CWGC]: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
More than a century after his death, the previously unmarked grave of Captain Ernest Cecil Blencowe has finally been identified and marked.
Padre John Storey leads the service for Captain Blencowe (Crown Copyright)
The rededication service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Bedford House Cemetery, yesterday afternoon (11 June 25).
The Standards are lowered as the Last Post sounds (Crown Copyright)
JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said:
I am grateful to the researchers who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of the grave of Captain Blencowe. In rededicating his grave we have reunited his mortal remains with his names, in the presence of his family, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Ernest joined the Army at the outbreak of war. He was attached to 6th Bn the Dorsetshire Regiment and arrived in France in July 1915. He was engaged in various actions on the Western Front, including holding lines around the south of the Ypres Salient. In early 1916, the regiment arrived on The Bluff, an area of raised ground near the Ypres-Comines canal – which was fought over extensively throughout the war due to the strategic advantage it offered whoever controlled it.
Ernest died in February 1916 trying to get control of The Bluff back into the hands of the British. He was mentioned in dispatches for his actions during this period. His body was not recovered and following the war he was listed on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.
In June 1921 the remains of an unknown British officer were recovered. The remains bore buttons and badges identifying them as an officer of the Dorsetshire Regiment, but further identification proved impossible, and the remains were reburied at Bedford House Cemetery, near Ypres. Recently, research has revealed the un-named officer to be Captain Ernest Blencowe and now his grave has been rededicated accordingly.
Two of Ernest’s great-grandchildren were present for the service, along with Callum Murray, a young history enthusiast, who is the owner of Capt Blencowe’s service medals.
[Image: The_service_for_Capt_Blencowe.jpg]
The headstone was replaced by CWGC and will be cared for in perpetuity. Sean Phillips, Commemorations Support Coordinator at the CWGC said:
It has been a tremendous privilege to have been involved in marking Captain Blencowe’s grave with a new headstone bearing the details of his military service. For evermore, visitors to Bedford House Cemetery will be able to pay their respects to Captain Blencowe at his final place of rest.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India on Friday expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and called for restraint from both sides. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement urging diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
“We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel,” the MEA said.
The ministry added, “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.”
India urged both nations to avoid further escalation and instead engage through established diplomatic channels.
“India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the statement read.
The MEA also confirmed that Indian missions in both Iran and Israel are in touch with the Indian communities there.
“All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe, and follow local security advisories,” the statement added.
The Indian government’s statement comes amid reports that Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran on Friday. According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a state of emergency following the military action.
“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Gallant was quoted as saying.
He added that he had signed a special order declaring a state of emergency across the country.
“You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,” he said.
Air raid sirens were sounded across Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet. According to Tzvika Tessler of the IDF Home Front Command, the sirens were intended to alert the public to an unprecedented threat level, although no attack had occurred at the time.
“In the coming few hours, Israel could experience a significant attack from the east,” Tessler said, warning that the assault could involve “heavy missiles” capable of reaching targets across the country. “We will issue far-reaching warnings,” he added.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed it had launched an aerial campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to the Times of Israel, dozens of military and nuclear-related targets across Iran are being struck as part of the operation, codenamed “Nation of Lions.”
The IDF claimed that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to build multiple nuclear bombs within days, which it described as an “imminent threat” requiring immediate action.
-ANI
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Israel launched widescale strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders in what officials described as the start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon. The attacks represent a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two adversaries and have thrown the Middle East into chaos.
The Israel Defense Forces said the operation, titled ‘Rising Lion’, involved strikes against dozens of military targets, including the country’s nuclear program. Israeli military officials indicated that more than 200 fighter jets participated in the operation, which targeted locations across Iran in the early hours of Friday morning.
The attacks killed Major General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israeli forces also claimed to have eliminated other senior Iranian military commanders, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s military leadership structure. As head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, Salami was one of Iran’s most powerful military figures, overseeing the country’s most potent military arm and reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The strikes targeted Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, though the International Atomic Energy Agency reported no increase in radiation levels at the site following the attacks. The agency confirmed that the Bushehr nuclear power plant was not targeted during the operation.
Iran’s armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that Israel and the United States would pay a ‘heavy price’ for the strikes. Iranian state media reported that residential areas in Tehran were hit and that civilians, including children, were among the casualties.
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency across the country, warning citizens to expect missile and drone retaliation. Sirens sounded across Israel in the hours before dawn as the country braced for potential Iranian counter-attacks. The strikes come at a particularly sensitive time, as the Trump administration has been pursuing diplomatic negotiations with Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly characterized Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat to Israel’s survival. The White House has reportedly sought to distance itself from the Israeli operation, with Trump administration officials stating that the United States provided no military support for the strikes.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Israel launched widescale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders and that this was start of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.
Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, while Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes.
Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, was killed and state media reported the unit’s headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children had been killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, it said.
“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.
“Moments ago Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody” hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive “a bitter fate for itself”.
An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets including the facility at Natanz in central Iran. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.
The United States said it had no part in the operation, which raises the risk of a fresh escalation in tensions in the Middle East, a major oil producing region.
Alongside extensive air strikes, Israel’s Mossad spy agency led a series of covert sabotage operations inside Iran, Axios reported, citing a senior Israeli official. These operations were aimed at damaging Iran’s strategic missile sites and its air defence capabilities.
Iranian state media reported that at least two nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in Israeli strikes in Tehran.
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.
“Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and “prepared across all borders”.
“We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other. This is a critical operation to prevent an existential threat, by an enemy who is intent on destroying us,” he said.
Israeli Minister Gideon Saar was holding “marathon of calls” with counterparts around the world regarding Israel’s attack on Iran, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
U.S. “NOT INVOLVED”
U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and that the United States was hoping to get back to the negotiating table, in an interview with Fox News after the start of the Israeli air strikes on Iran.
“We will see,” Fox News reporter Jennifer Griffin quoted Trump as saying in a post on X.
Trump would convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said. He had said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen” but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.
The U.S. military is planning for the full range of contingencies in the Middle East, including the possibility that it might have to help evacuate American civilians, a U.S. official told Reuters.
Iran’s armed forces spokesperson said Israel and its chief ally the United States would pay a “heavy price” for the attack, accusing Washington of providing support for the operation.
While the U.S. tried to distance itself from Israel’s military operation, an Israeli official told public broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington on Iran.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was not involved in the strikes and Tel Aviv had acted unilaterally for self-defence.
“We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” he added.
The State Department issued an advisory saying that all U.S. government employees in Israel and their family members should “shelter in place until further notice”.
The attacks triggered sharp falls in stock prices in Asian trade on Friday, led by a selloff in U.S. futures, while oil prices jumped as investors scurried to safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned any military escalation in the Middle East, said deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq.
“The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford,” Haq said.
NUCLEAR TALKS
U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and their Omani mediators.
A U.S. official said those talks were still scheduled to proceed despite the Israeli attack.
The Israeli military said on Friday that it was forced to act based on new intelligence information showing that Iran was “approaching the point of no return” in the development of a nuclear weapon.
“In recent months, this program has accelerated significantly, bringing the regime significantly closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon,” it said in a statement, without disclosing the purported evidence.
A source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there had been no recent change in the U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei had not authorised the restarting of the nuclear weapons programme that was shuttered in 2003.
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
NASA indefinitely delayed a four-person crew’s mission to the International Space Station on Thursday over an escalating probe into air leaks aboard the orbiting laboratory’s Russian segment.
The U.S. space agency said it was working with Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, to “understand a new pressure signature” detected by cosmonauts in the Zvezda Service Module, a more than 2-decade-old core compartment that for months has sprung small leaks.
“Cosmonauts aboard the space station recently performed inspections of the pressurized module’s interior surfaces, sealed some additional areas of interest, and measured the current leak rate,” NASA said in a statement. “Following this effort, the segment now is holding pressure.”
The agency did not immediately respond to questions on what the leak rate was.
Small cracks on the ISS in recent years, particularly on the aging Russian segment, have contributed to the international partnership’s decision to retire the ISS by 2030.
Leaks of air from the cracks have been minor and posed no immediate safety threats to the station‘s astronauts but are increasingly worrisome signs of aging that NASA and Roscosmos have been investigating, while having crew members patch the leaks with tape, glue and other solutions.
Scheduled to be aboard the Axiom Mission 4 is Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot and one of four astronauts-in-training picked by the Indian Space Research Organization to fly on India’s own debut crewed mission, the Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027.
Shukla, 39, will be the first astronaut to go to the ISS from India’s astronaut corps.
-Reuters
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 13 (Xinhua) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran and declared a state of emergency throughout the country.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that some Iranian military and nuclear facilities were hit.
As reported by the Iranian state television channel IRIB, powerful explosions were heard in the capital Tehran on Friday morning. Their source has not yet been established.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says US not involved in Israeli attack. –0–
Source: New Zealand Government
His Excellency Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, convened the 12th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on 13th June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Ministers welcomed meeting in person, underscoring the importance of regular consultations between themselves, Leaders and other Cabinet colleagues to strengthen the relationship in ways that deliver real benefits and advance shared values.
The Ministers celebrated the cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand under the Comprehensive Partnership agreed by Leaders in 2018, and the achievements under the 2025-2029 Plan of Action.
The Ministers committed to intensify cooperation across the seven pillars of the Comprehensive Partnership to strengthen bilateral ties and achieve the ambitious goals set out in the 2025-2029 Plan of Action.
Reviewing the implementation of the first year of the Plan of Action 2025-2029, and way forward
“Friends for Good” Ties
The Ministers acknowledged intensive recent engagement between the two countries, including Minister Peters’ attendance at President Prabowo’s inauguration in October 2024, and meetings between our Prime Minister and President, and Foreign Ministers at APEC in November 2024, as well as increased engagements by senior officials.
Both Ministers agreed to further increase two-way dialogue and acknowledged the importance of face-to-face engagement, and regular hosting of key relationship architecture meetings, in maintaining our “Friends for Good” ties.
The Ministers agreed to encourage relevant stakeholders to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation, including through bilateral defence talks and the annual Senior Officials Meeting on Trade and Investment Framework.
Both Ministers also noted the significant potential for promoting Parliamentary and civil society exchanges to further strengthen bilateral and people-to-people ties.
Enhancing Trade and Economic Partnerships to Advance Growth of Both Economies
The Ministers highlighted the importance of enhancing mutual prosperity and strengthening trade and economic connections. Ministers recalled the goal in the Plan of Action to grow two-way trade to NZ$6 billion by the end of 2029. They highlighted the need for New Zealand and Indonesia to increase mutual cooperation in the face of global economic uncertainty.
Both Ministers highlighted the importance of resolving non-tariff trade barriers to ensure trade continuity and growth. Ministers welcomed agreement of the Cooperation Arrangement on Halal Standards. The Arrangement will facilitate the convenience, security, safety and certainty of halal food traded between our countries. Ministers noted the intent for New Zealand and Indonesia to work together to further support the Indonesian national program of food resilience and the Nutritious Meal programme.
The Ministers noted the positive trend of New Zealand’s investment in Indonesia, and agreed to continue efforts to encourage investment flows.
Ministers welcomed the year-round direct flights between Auckland and Bali and committed to continue to work towards unlocking the full potential of enhanced air connectivity to facilitate increased people-to-people, business and trade flows.
Both Ministers reconfirmed the importance of a rules-based, free and open trade environment, with the World Trade Organisation at its core, as critical for the regional and global economy. The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which entered into force in April 2025, and ongoing cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The Ministers acknowledged the process of Indonesia’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as an important step to foster economic integration, accelerate economic reform, and support mutual prosperity.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to preventing illegal money laundering and other illegal financing activities to enhance financial integrity and transparency and to further promote economic growth and development.
Renewable Energy and Environment Cooperation
The Ministers highlighted the importance of renewable energy, including geothermal cooperation, which has been a significant part of the relationship since the 1970s and welcomed the renewed Partnership Arrangement in renewable energy and energy conservation signed in September 2024.
Ministers announced a further NZ$15 million investment in Phase 2 of the New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES 2.0) programme to continue to improve access to reliable, renewable electricity for remote and small islands while building local industry service capacity.
The Ministers acknowledged strong collaboration between the Indonesia and New Zealand geothermal industries, including under the Pūngao Ngawha (Panas Bumi) Indonesia-New Zealand Partnership Programme (PINZ), that provides access to New Zealand’s world-renowned technical and training capabilities, with the aim of assisting Indonesia to further accelerate the development of its geothermal energy sector and broader energy transition.
The Ministers emphasised their shared commitment to adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change under the Paris Agreement and expressed willingness to expand climate related and environmental cooperation through comprehensive climate change dialogue that includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Education, Tourism, Science, Technology and Innovation, and People-to-People Cooperation
Ministers welcomed the significant increase in the annual allocation of tertiary scholarships under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme (MNZSP), from 45 to 70, for Indonesia for this year and the next two years, reflecting their mutual dedication to deepening people-to-people connections, strengthening capacity in renewable energy and public governance, and developing disadvantaged regions.
The Ministers welcomed the Arrangement on Education Cooperation to refresh areas of cooperation, including increased education and higher education policy dialogues to enhance education system development and resilience.
The Ministers underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections, particularly in education and tourism, as a bedrock of strong bilateral ties. Both Ministers welcomed the exchange of cultural missions and promotions to serve this purpose.
Ministers welcomed further exchanges of officials’ level visits to New Zealand focused on good governance, public sector performance and integrity and other sectors to advance bilateral relations.
The Ministers encouraged closer cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand in supporting research collaboration as highlighted in the Arrangement on Education Cooperation.
Development Cooperation
Both Ministers welcomed the past year’s implementation progress under the Statement of Partnership (SoP) 2025-2029 signed in July 2024 and reviewed in May 2025. The SoP has strengthened and elevated both the development relationship and mutual commitment to focus on development cooperation and other strategic issues and is strongly aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities in two areas: climate and economic resilience; and inclusive human development.
Defence, Security, Cyber and Maritime Cooperation
Ministers acknowledged New Zealand and Indonesia’s long-standing defence relationship and committed to continuing to strengthen these ties, including through regular Defence Ministers’ meetings. They welcomed the upcoming visit to Jakarta by New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Te Kaha and the recent visit by the Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The Ministers announced new funding towards ongoing cooperation on security issues through continued support for the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC). The funding provided by New Zealand will enable the continued delivery of high-quality capacity building initiatives and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat transnational organised crime in the region.
The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the Bali Process and welcomed progress against the Adelaide Strategy for Cooperation, which sets out the priority areas of cooperation for the Bali Process Working Groups. This includes an upcoming Joint Tabletop Exercise co-hosted by New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia and Viet Nam, through the Working Group on Disruption of Criminal Networks Involved in People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons from 23 to 26 June 2025.
The Ministers agreed to continue to implement the refreshed cooperation arrangement on counter-terrorism, and identify opportunities for dialogue on preventing violent extremism.
Ministers highlighted the importance of active participation by our militaries in training activities, annual defence talks and joint exercises, including Exercise Super Garuda Shield.
Regional and Multilateral Agenda
The Ministers emphasised ASEAN’s central role in the dynamic regional architecture and their shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms and processes, particularly the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
The Ministers welcomed the ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Statement on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 2023 to maintain regional stability and to serve as a framework to strengthen bilateral relations to advance economic relations and maritime governance under international law.
The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (POA) (2021-2025) and its substantial progress achieved across the four themes outlined in the POA – Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet. They further welcomed activity throughout 2025 to commemorate 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and ASEAN, including preparations under way for a Commemorative Summit in Malaysia in October. Minister Sugiono confirmed Indonesia’s support for New Zealand’s proposal to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and noted the development of a new ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (2026-2030) to guide future cooperation.
Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security and stability in the South China Sea. Ministers underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade, and their unwavering support for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ministers emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. In this regard, Ministers recalled the 2016 ruling of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS. They underscored the importance of further progress towards an effective and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
Ministers expressed concern about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Ministers called on stakeholders and parties in Myanmar, in particular the armed forces and security forces concerned, to immediately cease violence, including the targeting of civilians, and to engage in inclusive dialogue. Ministers emphasised the importance of a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar, affirmed their strong support for ASEAN-led efforts in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and encouraged the international community to work together in a pragmatic and constructive way to support peace and stability in Myanmar.
The Ministers expressed concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated their calls for all parties to cease all hostilities; release all remaining hostages; facilitate the rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid; adhere to international humanitarian law; and protect aid workers to enable their lifesaving work. Ministers reaffirmed their support for the implementation of a two-state solution consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Ministers exchanged views on the war against Ukraine and reiterated support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. In that context, Ministers continued to reaffirm their respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, and reiterated their call for compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
The Ministers acknowledged the challenges to the multilateral system from shifting geopolitical dynamics, a tightly constrained financial environment and increasingly complex global risks. They reaffirmed their strong support for multilateralism and the international rules-based system, and acknowledged its important role in underpinning global stability, resilience and prosperity. The Ministers committed to collaborating on efforts to strengthen the multilateral system, increase inclusivity and transparency, and to safeguard and advance human rights, in order to support a system that is more responsive to today’s challenges.
Conclusion
Ministers reviewed the implementation of the Plan of Action for 2025-2029 and discussed their common interest in advancing bilateral cooperation and delivering tangible outcomes.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to utilise and advance the implementation of existing cooperation frameworks to deliver our shared interests.
Both Ministers were ready to explore more cooperation in the future to support both nations’ interests, as confirmation of their strong stance as Friends for Good.
Minister Peters expressed his sincere gratitude to Minister Sugiono and the Indonesian Government for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him during the visit, and looked forward to hosting Minister Sugiono at the 13th JMC in New Zealand in 2026.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Israel said it targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders on Friday at the start of what it warned would be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.
Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions including at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, while Israel declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory missile and drone strikes.
Iranian state television reported that Hossein Salami, the chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards corps, had been killed and the unit’s headquarters in Tehran had been hit. Several children had been killed in a strike on a residential area in the capital, it said.
“We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.
“Moments ago Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody” hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive “a bitter fate for itself”.
An Israeli military official said Israel was striking “dozens” of nuclear and military targets including the facility at Natanz in central Iran. The official said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days.
The United States said it had no part in the operation, which raises the risk of a fresh escalation in tensions in the Middle East, a major oil producing region.
Alongside extensive air strikes, Israel’s Mossad spy agency led a series of covert sabotage operations inside Iran, Axios reported, citing a senior Israeli official. These operations were aimed at damaging Iran’s strategic missile sites and its air defence capabilities.
Iranian state media reported that at least two nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were killed in Israeli strikes in Tehran.
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice, and Israel’s air defence units stood at high alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Iran.
“Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV (drone) attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate time frame,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and “prepared across all borders”.
“We are amidst a historic campaign unlike any other. This is a critical operation to prevent an existential threat, by an enemy who is intent on destroying us,” he said.
Israeli Minister Gideon Saar was holding “marathon of calls” with counterparts around the world regarding Israel’s attack on Iran, the foreign ministry said in a statement.
U.S. “NOT INVOLVED”
U.S. President Donald Trump would convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said.
Iran’s armed forces spokesperson said Israel and its chief ally the United States would pay a “heavy price” for the attack, accusing Washington of providing support for the operation.
An Israeli official told Israel public broadcaster Kan that Israel had coordinated with Washington on the strikes.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio however said the United States was not involved and Tel Aviv had acted unilaterally for self-defence.
“We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel,” he added.
The State Department issued an advisory saying that all U.S. government employees in Israel and their family members should “shelter in place until further notice”.
The attacks triggered sharp falls in stock prices in early Asian trade on Friday, led by a selloff in U.S. futures, while oil prices jumped as investors scurried to safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc.
NUCLEAR TALKS DEADLOCKED
U.S. and Iranian officials were scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment program in Oman on Sunday, according to officials from both countries and their Omani mediators. But the talks have appeared to be deadlocked.
Trump said on Thursday an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen” but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.
A source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there has been no recent change in the U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei has not authorised the restarting of the nuclear weapons program that was shuttered in 2003.
Even so, U.S. intelligence had indicated that Israel was preparing a strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The U.S. military was planning for the full range of contingencies in the Middle East, including the possibility that it might have to help evacuate American civilians, a U.S. official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
(Reuters)
Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs
Media Contact 202-321-9747
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement after Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear program.
“A year ago, Iran sent three Americans home under flag-draped caskets who were killed at Tower 22. Within the last three months, Iran attacked Navy warships. What Israel’s preemptive strike ensured tonight is that Iran’s next attack will not be with a nuclear weapon.”
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Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
CAMP CASEY, South Korea — U.S. Army bases in the Korean Theater of Operations hosted their annual Korean Augmentation To the U.S. Army (KATUSA) Friendship Week celebration, June 9-12. KATUSA Friendship Week recognizes and honors the enduring bonds of friendship and camaraderie U.S. and South Korean Soldiers have shared through their joint military service since 1950.
